I so vote for horse-only transporation!
Bet the folks in Waynesboro VA would agree with me. :)
Keep Walkin' | Ladies in Waynesboro Can't Drive Up Main Street Unless Husband Walks in Front
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Horsemanship Proven to Fend off CLS
The physical activity and emotional balance that are achieved by regular riding and horse training have far-reaching benefits. The on-going opportunities for learning continually stimulate the minds of riders and trainers as well.
Naturally, the condition labeled as "CLS" (crazy/lazy syndrome) is generally avoided by horsemen (and horse women).
Be sure to learn more about this condition by reading this very informative and enlightening EZine article!
Naturally, the condition labeled as "CLS" (crazy/lazy syndrome) is generally avoided by horsemen (and horse women).
Be sure to learn more about this condition by reading this very informative and enlightening EZine article!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Eating Dirt | What to Do After You've Been Thrown Off
Everyone's going to end up in the dirt at some point if they ride regularly.
What you do immediately afterward helps to define the relationship with your horse and could have a considerable impact on your future progress.
First of all, are you okay? Nothing broken? No extreme loss of blood or concussion?
Is your horse alright?
Providing there is no significant physical injury to horse or rider, ignore the bruising (for now) and move on.
Do NOT hit the horse and do not act out of anger. You may well be highly annoyed, but do your best to suck it up and be as calm and in control as possible.
If your horse was acting out of annoyance, ignoring your respectful requests and threw you off in the act of bucking or 'get me out of here now' bolting, you may consider bitting her up for a brief period of time (approx 15 - 20 min on each side should suffice). Then put either a more gentle bit into her mouth or change to a hackamore and get on and ride, for a short time, again. Replicate the action that was going on when you came off (loping, trotting, jumping, whatever it was) so she understands that evasive behavior doesn't meant she gets to quit.
If the horse dumped you in the act of shying away from something frightening, get on and just circle him, getting him to bend and give to the rein pressure. Make sure he is listening to you and following your direction. (The same action can be taken with a horse that rears to unload his passenger).
Whatever the circumstance, it's very very important that you climb back into the saddle ASAP. This not only reinforces to the horse that getting rid of a rider will not get her out of work and activity, but it helps with your own ridng confidence as well.
If possible, it's recommended that you also ride and work calmly with the horse the next day. Expect positive results and a great experience.
What you do immediately afterward helps to define the relationship with your horse and could have a considerable impact on your future progress.
First of all, are you okay? Nothing broken? No extreme loss of blood or concussion?
Is your horse alright?
Providing there is no significant physical injury to horse or rider, ignore the bruising (for now) and move on.
Do NOT hit the horse and do not act out of anger. You may well be highly annoyed, but do your best to suck it up and be as calm and in control as possible.
If your horse was acting out of annoyance, ignoring your respectful requests and threw you off in the act of bucking or 'get me out of here now' bolting, you may consider bitting her up for a brief period of time (approx 15 - 20 min on each side should suffice). Then put either a more gentle bit into her mouth or change to a hackamore and get on and ride, for a short time, again. Replicate the action that was going on when you came off (loping, trotting, jumping, whatever it was) so she understands that evasive behavior doesn't meant she gets to quit.
If the horse dumped you in the act of shying away from something frightening, get on and just circle him, getting him to bend and give to the rein pressure. Make sure he is listening to you and following your direction. (The same action can be taken with a horse that rears to unload his passenger).
Whatever the circumstance, it's very very important that you climb back into the saddle ASAP. This not only reinforces to the horse that getting rid of a rider will not get her out of work and activity, but it helps with your own ridng confidence as well.
If possible, it's recommended that you also ride and work calmly with the horse the next day. Expect positive results and a great experience.
Ask, Don't Tell | Make Respectful Requests of Your Horse
Some horses are more sensitive than others, but our requests with all equines should be made in a polite and respectful manner. Most horses do not appreciate being "told" what to do.
Of course, if you ask the horse (gently cue him) and he entirely ignores you, you will generally want to reinforce that request with a firmer signal.
However; keep in mind that if your requests are causing pain (either with the bit or spurs), your horse is very likely to get fed up. Once the horse decides that he's had enough, you'll definitely know. You may well be enlightened after your horse launches you onto the ground; most are exceptional communicators.
Make sure you communicate your directions to the horse in a manner that's as gentle as possible, as firm as necesary and always clear and easy to understand.
Of course, if you ask the horse (gently cue him) and he entirely ignores you, you will generally want to reinforce that request with a firmer signal.
However; keep in mind that if your requests are causing pain (either with the bit or spurs), your horse is very likely to get fed up. Once the horse decides that he's had enough, you'll definitely know. You may well be enlightened after your horse launches you onto the ground; most are exceptional communicators.
Make sure you communicate your directions to the horse in a manner that's as gentle as possible, as firm as necesary and always clear and easy to understand.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Are You Enjoying Your Horse World Social Circle?
While we all ride first and foremost for the love of riding, and our enjoyment of horses, the social element is also a significant part of the experience.
Each discipline varies in its own unique culture and taking those differences into consideration could make a world of difference in your overall enjoyment in the equine world.
Take a look at this article from Examiner.com and the Salt Lake Equestrian examiner for a quick glimpse at some of the varying horse societies. While this article is written from a mountain states perspective, there are very likely similarities that exist across the country.
Each discipline varies in its own unique culture and taking those differences into consideration could make a world of difference in your overall enjoyment in the equine world.
Take a look at this article from Examiner.com and the Salt Lake Equestrian examiner for a quick glimpse at some of the varying horse societies. While this article is written from a mountain states perspective, there are very likely similarities that exist across the country.
Pay Attention to Saddle Fit
When it comes time to saddle your horses, you want to make sure your tack fits them properly!
Your horse often shares signs of discomfort if being forced to wear a saddle that does not fit well. Naturally we all heed obvious signs of trouble (saddle sores, white hair developing over the withers) but even less urgent fit problems will make our horses uncomfortable and impede both movement and ability to balance correctly.
Don't ignore the signs; dancing around nervously as soon as you place the saddle on her back, whipping her head toward you, flinching, or kicking at her mid-section may indicate that your saddle isn't as comfortable as it should be.
Be sure to check out this helpful EZine article for more detailed advice regarding your saddle fit!
Your horse often shares signs of discomfort if being forced to wear a saddle that does not fit well. Naturally we all heed obvious signs of trouble (saddle sores, white hair developing over the withers) but even less urgent fit problems will make our horses uncomfortable and impede both movement and ability to balance correctly.
Don't ignore the signs; dancing around nervously as soon as you place the saddle on her back, whipping her head toward you, flinching, or kicking at her mid-section may indicate that your saddle isn't as comfortable as it should be.
Be sure to check out this helpful EZine article for more detailed advice regarding your saddle fit!
Can TV Help Us Get Fit for Riding?
Sure, if we pay attention to helpful channels like RFD-TV and the new Veria network. Check it out! www.dishq.com/dishq-blog
What Breed are You?
I just took the 'What Breed Of Horse Are You ??' quiz on Facebook and the result is Welsh pony.
I like this!! : )
You are a strong pony, who is always up for something new, you will fight against anything in your way. You have a bright personality and fall in love easily. Also you are a great companion and stick to friends like glue.
Check it out:What Breed Of Horse Are You ??
Question 1:If a person started attacking someone defenceless would you....
Question 2:Would you attempt a jump of 1.20m on your horse..?
Question 3:Are you.......
Question 4:How do you ride ?
Question 5:Which of these describes you ?
· Take this Quiz
I like this!! : )
You are a strong pony, who is always up for something new, you will fight against anything in your way. You have a bright personality and fall in love easily. Also you are a great companion and stick to friends like glue.
Check it out:What Breed Of Horse Are You ??
Question 1:If a person started attacking someone defenceless would you....
Question 2:Would you attempt a jump of 1.20m on your horse..?
Question 3:Are you.......
Question 4:How do you ride ?
Question 5:Which of these describes you ?
· Take this Quiz
Lick This! | Stamp Collecting Never Sounded Better
I had an uncle who loved to collect horse stamps and any stamps that had any old west images. Thought I'd pass along this info just in case we have any horseback riding music lovers out there too! ; ) Lick This! | Stamp Collecting Never Sounded Better
Help Relief Efforts in Haiti
Not directly horse related, I know, but very relevant nonetheless. A devastating 7.0 earthquake hit Haiti late yesterday afternoon (4:53pm to be exact). This was the biggest recorded earthquake ever; it toppled hospitals, homes, businesses and took its toll on countless lives. (The extent of injuries or death toll is not known at this time). For a list of relief organizations that are collecting donations to assist, please go to www.todayintexas.com. Thank you and God bless!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Adding the Longe Line
When you have your horse moving forward, stopping and changing direction in the round pen, go ahead and introduce the longe line. Attach the line (at least 20' long) to the web halter.
A rope halter is not recommended. And a stiff rope halter that applies pressure in more than one area is espeically discouraged. Why? All that pressure is painful and confusing to your horse.
Remember that your training, especially at first, needs to be as firm as necessary but as gentle as possible and -first and foremost - simple.
Don't create unnecessary distractions or introduce painful implements that will impede your progress and disrupt your success.
A rope halter is not recommended. And a stiff rope halter that applies pressure in more than one area is espeically discouraged. Why? All that pressure is painful and confusing to your horse.
Remember that your training, especially at first, needs to be as firm as necessary but as gentle as possible and -first and foremost - simple.
Don't create unnecessary distractions or introduce painful implements that will impede your progress and disrupt your success.
Beginning Round Pen Work
When starting a young, green horse in the round pen your only goals are to teach the horse to move forward (drive from the hind quarters/ back inside hip), stop (step in front and calmly, clearly say "Whoa") and turn to go the other way.
At this point you do not care if the horse turns into the circle or out when she does reverse direction.
You don't point to redirect her. You don't 'stab at the ground' to get her to stop or use a lot of verbal directives (surprise: horses don't speak english) or flail about with any forms of frantic and unnecessary motion.
Your goal is to be calm and in control and communicate in a clear, simple and direct physical manner that the horse will understand.
At this point you do not care if the horse turns into the circle or out when she does reverse direction.
You don't point to redirect her. You don't 'stab at the ground' to get her to stop or use a lot of verbal directives (surprise: horses don't speak english) or flail about with any forms of frantic and unnecessary motion.
Your goal is to be calm and in control and communicate in a clear, simple and direct physical manner that the horse will understand.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Keep it Simple
Starting the new year with a new green horse? Keep your directions simple and easy to understand. Start with ground work in the round pen. All you need is a halter, lead line and longe whip. A whip of approximately 6 - 8 feet is ideal.
Enter the round pen (preferred size here is 60' diameter). Remove the lead line. Direct your energy to the horse's hind quarters and have her move out. No response? Tap with the whip once on her hind quarters. Tap more firmly if she does not respond. Once she moves out relax your body language but keep your focus on her hind quarters.
That's all you need to do for your first session in the round pen. Tell her she's a good girl and end the session on a positive note.
Enter the round pen (preferred size here is 60' diameter). Remove the lead line. Direct your energy to the horse's hind quarters and have her move out. No response? Tap with the whip once on her hind quarters. Tap more firmly if she does not respond. Once she moves out relax your body language but keep your focus on her hind quarters.
That's all you need to do for your first session in the round pen. Tell her she's a good girl and end the session on a positive note.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
