Owner: Imporving Communication Between Horse and Rider URL:http://professionalhorse.blogspot.com Join Date: Sat, 12 Aug 2006 16:30:54 -0500 Rating:1 Site Description: Horse training tips and tricks. Riding, ground work, horse health and care. Updated weekly. 13 years professional experience, a lifetime of horse experience by being born into the horse business. Site statistics:Click here
Vocabulary Words For July and August 1970-01-01 00:59:59 In order to aid with the upcoming lessons I have provided some vocabulary words to supplement my teaching.Gait- a four, three or two beat stride of a horse. Walking is a four beat stride, jogging and trotting are a two beat diagonal stride, loping and cantering are a three beat stride.Half-Halt- other names include check or "picking the horse up" a call for attention. You catch the horse with your hands as you move him forward with his legs encourageing your horse to round his back, shift his weight onto his haunches and lighten his shoulder.Transition- to go up or down in gate. From a whoa to a walk, a walk to a jog, etc.Cue- a signal you give your horseCadence- a balanced rhytmic flowRhythm- the pattern or flow of a horses gateBack- a two beat diagonal gate in reverseCollection- Horse with hind quarters engaged, back round, stomach held tight, shoulders light, head dropped, neck level with withers, and flexed at the poll.Closed Leg- leg next to your horseOpen Leg- leg away f Read more:August
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The Half-Halt 1970-01-01 00:59:59 This week we will be working on the Half-Halt. Half-Halt- Other names include "check" or "picking the horse up". The half-halt is a call for attention. You catch the horse with your hands as move him forward with your seat and legs encourageing the horse to round his back, rock his weight back onto his haunches and lighten his shoulder.When is this useful?Anytime you want to get your horse collected or gain his attention. It is especially useful prior to changing gates, doing pivots, or any type of athletic manuever.Object:To generate your horses energy upward so he can become more round and balanced with a lightened forehand.Posture:Sit tall and straight with shoulders slightly back, a soft bend in your elbows with an expanded diaphragm. Breathe!Relax your seat, and legs. Sit deep and don't pinch with your legs but do keep your calves closed on the horse. Drive the horse forward with your seat to engage his hindquarters. Your calves should touch and relase to encoura
The Back Up 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Goal: For the horse to back up on a loose rein, with hindquarters engaged, flexed at the poll, and his/her mouth closed.Use your legs to back your horse. It's not hands only. The only way to get your horse to back correctly is to use your hands while you use your legs, then eventually you will only need to use your legs.The Exercise:Every WHOA is linked to a back up. This way, your horse will start to think "back" every time he stops. He will rock his weight onto his haunches and lighten up his forehand.Consistency is key! Do it every time.How To:Whoa you horse, lean slightly forward, and tap your legs left and right under his belly to encourage your horse to back up. In the beginning you will need to have contact with your horses mouth so that you can initiate the back up with your hands. Initiate being the key word. You should feel your horse underneath you. You don't want to be dragging or pulling him backwards. He should be sucking in his belly and rounding his bac
The Trot 1970-01-01 00:59:59 It doesn't matter which discipline you ride. As Martha Stewart would say, the trot "It's a good thing".Every horse needs a good trot to straighten himself out, learn balance and to strengthen his hindquarters and back.Goal: The horse drives from behind (hindquarters) elongating his body while rounding his back while he sucks in his gut as he drives into the bit with his head down.Posture: Sit tall and straight with your shoulders back, a soft bend in your elbows with an expanded diaphragm (breathe!). Keep your ear, hip, and heel in alignment. If you are using spurs, think of reaching them under your horses belly so he can lift as he reaches.Horse:In order for you horse to reach and extend his trot he will need his back hoof to land in his front hoof print.Allow your horses entire body to elongate as he reaches into the bit. (A direct result of your driving him there with your legs.)Hands:Support the horse with your hands, receiving his energy and helping him to drive into the bi
Stay Hydrated it's Getting Hot Outside 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Summer is almost here, and I don't know about your neck of the woods but Pennsylvania is getting HOT!In the hot weather you and your horse need to stay hydrated. For me, the moment I feel any nausea or a headache coming on, I go for my Gatorade. I drink mostly water, but sometimes the best thing for my dehydration is Gatorade. Once you feel thirsty, you are already technically dehydrated, so do yourself a favor and drink lots of water.I always check my horses hydration level in the heat as well. The best way is to perform a pinch test. What you do is on the side of your horses neck you pull his skin toward you with your thumb and finger. If it snaps back quickly into place, he is OK. If it forms a tent, or slowly goes back into place he is dehydrated.Your horse should always have access to fresh clean drinking water. I like to scrub out my buckets before each feeding with a brush. I like the kind that are for doing dishes. Nothing special, but they do the trick. Don't leav Read more:Outside
Balanced Rider = Balanced Horse 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I have a wonderful longe line exercise that I like to use on my riders and it works like nobody's business.What you will need:An experienced horse personLonge LineHalterBridle with 7' Leather Reinsand of course your horse saddled up, quiet and ready to workEnlist the help of a friend who knows how to longe a horse. Not someone who doesn't or this exercise will become dangerous.Tack up your horse and put the halter back on top of your bridle. Tie your reins in a loose knot around your saddle horn. Be sure there is much slack in your reins because you don't want to bump your horses mouth. If they reins are swinging around and slapping your horse, then there is too much slack.This balancing exercise is for you to balance your legs, seat, and hands without interfering with your horse.Your friend will be literally longeing your horse as you ride him. He or she will attach the longe line to your horses halter. NEVER to his bit.You should be concentrating on your position and not to Read more:Balanced
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Your Horse Has A Siff Neck? Try Some Hugs! 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Why does it matter if my horse has a stiff neck?If a horse has a stiff neck, he won't be able to drop his head, round his back, balance, or move collected.Not only that, but he will have a sour attitude if his neck is stiff. Think about how you feel when you have a stiff neck. Now think about having a stiff neck and carrying a rider.Why would my horse have a stiff neck?This could be from a number of reasons. Normal every day activities, spending too much time in the stall, a hectic training schedule, cold weather, or too much playtime in the pasture.I ride my horses so straight all the time, I have to warm them up with bending and suppling exercises.When trying to supple your horses neck, the stiffness will usually transfer to your shoulders. To combat that, I try and use a simple stretching exercise for the horse, before I ride.Upon entering the arena, and before you mount your horse, you can do some hugs. What are hugs? Hugs are a way to relax your horse and stretch out his n Read more:Horse
A Dropped Noseband Is A Gift From God 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Does your horse chomp at the bit? Does he get his tongue over the bit? Does he chomp the bit excessively when you are asking him to drop his head? Does he clamp down on his bit to try and pull the reins out of your hands while you are riding?If your answer is yes to any of those questions, a dropped noseband is your solution. You won't need to use it all the time, just when your horse is exhibiting the above symptoms.After your horse learns he can't get away with that behavior, you can store the noseband in the tackroom. Then, a time will come that you will need to use it again. It's always a good idea to have one on hand.By using a noseband, you can keep the horses mouth shut and allow him to concentrate on the task at hand. When using the noseband, it should be snug. Don't put a death grip on it to close it, but make sure the horse cannot open his mouth. If he is still can open his mouth, tighten it up a notch. Watch your horses expression as you tighten it to be sure h Read more:Dropped
New Rider Apparel 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I know I covered a few things in some previous posts, but I have some new students starting my program and I would like to break it down simply all in one place.Every sport has a certain attire to be able to perform at the best of your ability. Horseback riding is no different.Your clothes should be non restrictive. You should be able to move freely, yet your instructor should be able to see your body. Nothing too big or billowy. I can't see a students posture if they are wearing clothes that are too loose.You are serious about horseback riding, and you want to be comfortable. What do you wear?A boot with a heel, a helmet (for riders under 18 or anyone concerned about safety), and a comfortable pair of riding jeans. A t-shirt is fine, but for your lessons, try one that is a bit more form fitting. In the winter, I like to wear a turtle neck, sweatshirt, and a jacket. Thin or leather gloves, and long underwear. Wearing a hat is really a must, because if you can keep your head w Read more:Apparel
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Ground Tying 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Always in training horses and riders my emphasis is on:1. Safety2. Fun3. LearningIf you are not safe, you won't have fun, and if it's not fun you or your horse will not want to learn.Today I want to talk about Ground Tying
. The name is a bit misleading, you don't actually tie your horse to the ground, or anything else.What is Ground Tying?Ground Tying is when you have your horse trained to stand, while his handler is not holding him, and having the lead rope attached to his halter and the end of the lead rope is lying on the ground, not tied to anything.When would I use Ground Tying?-If you horse got loose, you can give him the command and he will stop and stand. -If you decide to allow someone else to ride your horse and they got into some trouble, you would still be in control from the ground.-If you were taking a horse out from the pasture, and there were other horses trying to rush the gate, simply by saying whoa, you would initiate the command to have the horse stop
Vocabulary Words For The Beginner Rider 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Stall- the place where your horse is kept inside the barnHalter- A restraint used on the horses head and face to which you attach your crossties, lead rope, and longe line.Lead Rope- The rope you use to lead your horse. It may be nylon, cotton, or leather. There are some with a chain at the and and then a snap to attach to your horses halter, or some with just a snap and no chain. Cross Ties- Ties used to restrain your horse while grooming and tacking. One cross tie is attached to either side of the lower rings of your horses halter.Tack, Tacking, or Tacking up- Tack refers to the equipment used to ride your horse, while Tacking means to put on your horses saddle, and tacking up is the same as tacking your horse. Whoa- The word used to stop a horse. Say it with authority in a deep voice. Not "hoe" but "whoa". You hoe your garden you whoa your horse.Groom- A professional who brushes, braids, bands, and generally takes care of the horse to be clean and healthy.Also, groom mean Read more:Beginner
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General Hoof Care 1970-01-01 00:59:59 You may have heard the saying "No Hoof, No Horse". It being the end of summer (boo hoo). I'd like to add a post on some general hoof care.I'm not a farrier, so the statements here are merely my personal experience and opinion. They are in no way intended to treat or diagnose any hoof problems.The farrier is a very important person in your horses life. Not all farriers are created equal. A good rule of thumb for shoeing or trimming, is every six weeks in the warmer weather and every eight weeks in the cooler weather.Hooves tend to grow faster in warmer weather.My Mentor, Jim Fritz, happens to be not only one of the most talented horsemen of all time, but the best farriers I've ever witnessed. I'm not saying that because he's my mentor, I'm saying it because it's true.One of the tricks Jim showed me is to check out the other farriers work by using a tape measure. You measure from the coronet band to the toe. The front hooves should be longer than the back hooves, I'm not g Read more:General
Horse Tv Channel 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Before I get back to the Introduction To Longe Line Training Series. I would like to put a link on here for a cool new channel available on Cable and Satellite, it is called Horse
TV. If your cable or satellite company does not carry it, you can even subscribe on line.Training, documentaries, Competition Coverage, rodeo, and Horse Flicks. It sounds interesting. You can check it out at horsetv.com.Thanks Annie for the tip!Enjoy,Deanna Read more:Channel
Saddle Pad Review 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Having a high quality saddle pad will really aid in your horses back staying healthy and comfortable. I would like to recommend my favorite saddle pads.I use the Professional's Choice. These pads I use for everyday use, training, my students use for 4H shows or Local Level Shows, and trail rides.This is a nice wool Pad I would recommend for showing . It's larger and a nicer design. This pad is definitely worth the money. They last for years, and clean up real well. I shampoo and curry mine. Not only do they not slip, but they resist any pressure points on the horses back. This pad is a lighter version, and the top is canvas not wool which makes it unlike the others. I like this pad for the summer. The same concept, just lighter and cooler. Measuring 30" X 32" it may be a close fit for some of the saddles with the larger skirts.The last pad is a nice all purpose pad. The same concept for the English Rider.Combine a good fitting saddle with any one of these saddle pads, and Read more:Saddle
A Quick Exercise...Basic Poles 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I know I know, I'm supposed to be continuing on the Longe Line Training, but I hate writing long posts so before I get to the next step, I wanted to add a quick and fun exercise.Get yourself a pole. You know the kind from Home Depot or Lowes. A nice pvc pole, about four inches thick. Actually get like five or six of them, you will want to use them to mix things up a bit in the arena.I like to have my students practice walking, jogging, trotting, and loping over them. Keep the horse consistent with his speed and keep his head down! Especially when crossing the pole. Also, make sure you cross at the center of the pole, not off to the side. This will help with your steering, and setting up your horse for manuevers.One last thing to add to the exercise, stop the horse with the pole between his front and back legs. Stop when your leg is just in front of the pole, and make him stand there and settle for a few moments.If he walks forward and won't stop, back him over the pole and tr Read more:Basic
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Introduction To Longe Line Training Part 2 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I apologise for the length of this post, but it was a necessity to get all of the points across.Body Position:So you have chosen your direction, for today I choose to start out to the left. My horse is facing left, I have the loop of the longe line in my right hand along with my whip, and I am holding the longe line in my left hand.Whip Position:Always place the whip behind your horses back hooves, and the hand that holds the longe line is closest to your horses face. You, Your Horse, and His Behavior:Your should should be square to your horses body, paying attention to your horse and not on the cell phone or anything! Your horse will need to be looking where he is going, to keep him doing that he will need your full attention. Neither of you should be looking out the window or door, or out of the arena, the horse not calling to the other horses in the barn or out in the pasture. If he does any of those things, reprimand him by guiding his face to look in the direction he is going Read more:Introduction
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Longe Line Trouble Shooting 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I wanted to get back to the longe line training series, focusing on some common problems.If you have been following this series, great. If not you can catch up by reading Introduction To Longe
Line Training and Introduction To Longe Line Trainging Part 2.Problem Number One:While longeing your horse, he reverses direction without your permission.The first thing I do, is tighten the pressure of the chain on his nose and say "Whoa!". I will then walk up to the horse, and put him in his original position. I will do this over and over until I achieve my desired effect.Now, the original position, would be with him on the circle, not with his front legs too far to the inside of the circle, or his hind legs too far to the outside of the circle. Make your job easier and position him for success. Draw your circle that you will be longeing and make sure the line is between his two front hooves and between his two back hooves. The arc of the circle will split him down the middle.If your hor Read more:Trouble
Introduction To Longe Line Training 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Before I ever attempt to get on a horse, broke or not, I want to evaluate him on the longe line.What this tells me is:Is this horse hot? Does he have too much energy? Will he be able to think straight and concentrate?How does he move without a rider on his back? What is his natural way of going?Does he understand the basic commands like Whoa, Walk, Jog, Trot, and Lope? How broke is he?You can ask a horse to lope on the longe line and he may fall. That horse is not balanced enough to carry a rider at the lope. Sure, I can get on him and try and lope him by balancing myself. That will definitely help him, but why put myself through all that trouble? Why not let him learn how to lope without a rider?Enter, longe line training. Over the next few posts, I am going to be breaking down the longe line process. I would like to break this down to whoa, walk, jog, trot, and lope. On the longe line and free longeing.Before you longe your horse, make sure you can lead him first. See Ho Read more:Introduction
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Two Mares Needing A Home 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I recently received this e-mail from a reader:"I own two horses in northern California, both of whom I can no longer ride nor provide them with the attention they need due to my being located long-term here in Hawaii. Both are mares; one is a 15 yr old Polish Arab, the other a 14 yr old Mustang I rescued. I am looking for a farm/ranch in Northern California where I may be able to donate them so that they can both live out their lives peacefully. Would you know of a facility or organization that may be able to accommodate them?"I wanted to post the message on the blog to see if anyone knew of a way to accommodate. Perhaps you know of a facility that takes horses as a donation, or you are interested providing a home for them yourself.If you or someone you know would like to provide a home for one or both mares feel free to contact him at: ilikaicondo@yahoo.comThanks,Deanna Read more:Needing
Posting The Trot 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Last month, we learned about the trot. Why, when, and how to trot our horse, but now lets learn how to ride it.Three ways it can be done:1. Posting
2. Leaning Back3. Leaning ForwardToday we are going to talk about posting. Personally, I feel all three ways are very important, but you should learn to post first.Part of what posting is, it is the cue used to tell your horse to trot. I sit when I jog, so when I want my horse to trot, I start to post and he follows my lead and extends his stride.When you post, you should "sit, squeeze, up". Meaning, first you are sitting on your horses back, then you squeeze your calves (with your heels DOWN), as you do this you roll forward on your thighs and you butt moves up and forward off of your saddle. Just an inch or two, don't stand up in your stirrups locking out your knees.To be sure you are on the correct diagonal, you should be "up" when your horses inside front leg is back. So if you are circling to the right, when your horses right
In The Zone 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I was recently asked, "What can a rider do to overcome fear?" My first response was, "groundwork". Definitely this is true, groundwork helps riders to get more comfortable with the horse.But, after some more thought, I realized, if you are afraid then you are not "In The Zone".What I mean by being in the zone, is you are paying attention to the task at hand and NOTHING else. You are on your horse, giving him your full attention and not thinking about what you are going to be making for dinner, or that argument you had with your mother or whatever.Now, you also need to keep your horse in the zone. He doesn't look out the window of the indoor arena, or down to the other side of the fence to see a deer, or that truck that is pulling into the driveway.When you and the horse are working, both of you must pay FULL attention to what you are doing from the moment you bring that horse out of his stall. This takes training and discipline for both horse and rider. When you catch your thoug
Deworming Program 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Deworming your horse is a very important part of caring for your horse. If left unchecked parasites can do irreversable damage to your horse.I deworm every other month. I keep them on a rotation cycle because it is more effective at killing a wide range of parasites. Rotating dewormer will reduce the resistance of parasites to the worm medication.My schedule is as follows:In January I use a Fenbendazole such as Fenbendazole is used for "general parasite control as well as all stages of encysted small strongyles".In March I use an Ivermectin such as Ivermectin is used for "general parasite control as well as bots".In May I use a Pyrantel Pamoate such as Pyrantel Pamoate is used for "general parasite control".In July I use a Fenbendazole again In September I will use an Ivermectin again In November I will use a Pyrantel Pamoate again Be sure all of the horses at the barn are on the same deworming program. It's the most effective way to control parasites.I'd like to include a few p Read more:Program
It's Time For The Quarter Horse Congress! 1970-01-01 00:59:59 It's September already and the summer has just flown by. Besides the regular training and teaching schedule, there are a few extra things that I like to do in September.Don't forget to deworm with your Ivermectin! The Quarter HorseCongress
, located in Columbus, Ohio at the Ohio Expo Center is starting at the end of this month. It's truly the greatest show on earth. This year marks the 40th Anniversary. The Ohio Expo Center is located on 360 acres at 717 E. 17th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, 43211, along interstate 71, just north of downtown Columbus. Everybody who is anybody in the Quarter Horse Industry will be there.The Congress from September 30 - October 22. But, be sure and check the schedule so that you can see which events are the most important to you.I like to go to stock up on my boots, riding jeans, and any other fun stuff you can think of. All of the vendors are there. There are so many of them. I especially like the Schneiders Saddlery Area. It's huge! They car
Deworming Reminder 1970-01-01 00:59:59 It's November, and time to deworm with Strongid (Pyrantel Pamoate)! Read more:Reminder
Balance Exercise For Rider 1970-01-01 00:59:59 This month I will be focusing on balance for riders. Balance
d rider = balanced horse. A helpful balancing exercise is, riding without stirrups. Just kick your feet out of your stirrups and don't hang on to your horses mouth.While you are walking or jogging around on the horse without your stirrups, make sure you have your calves next to your horses sides, and keep your heels down. Just because you don't have your feet in the stirrups, doesn't mean you just relax and let your feet dangle. Sit up straight, shoulders back, heels down, calves in contact with your horses sides. Keep your arms out in front of you with slack in the reins. Don't forget to breathe!First start at the walk, and then when that is comfortable, work with your feet out of the stirrups at the jog, trot, and lope. By taking your feet out of the stirrups, you will train yourself to sit properly. You will improve your balance, and move with your horse.Happy riding! Read more:Exercise
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More Balance Exercises For The Rider 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I'm really concentrating on the riders this month as opposed to the horse. I feel like if a rider is really balanced, then the horse can do his job.This exercise is recommended for a broke horse. Before trying out this exercise, please read The Anatomy of A Turn October 2005.What you will need:Saddle, Bridle with leather reins, and four cones. I use cones, but you can improvise. Maybe some old cowboy boots can stand in as cones. Saddle and bridle your horse like always. What you will need is leather reins. I would not recommend this exercise without leather reins.Down the middle of the arena, set up four cones in a straight line about six feet apart. The cones that are six feet apart, you will use to serpentine. You will weave in and out of the cones right and left.The four cones are in the center my arena. I walk my horse through the cones starting to the left of the first cone riding toward the right of the arena. I will cross through the MIDDLE (very important to cross i Read more:Balance
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Deworming Reminder For January 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Just a quick reminder. January
is the time to deworm with a Fenbendazole dewormer. *You may click on the image above to order the dewormer directly from State Line Tack. Read more:Reminder
Whoa 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Balance is important when you halt a horse. By staying in balance, your horse will stop when you ask him, and equally important, he will stop correctly.I created a checklist for my students to check their position when they halt or as I like to call it, Whoa! the horse.I printed and laminated this list and hung it in the arena, so my students and I could check off the list whether I am with them or not.How I train my horses to halt. Say whoa!, release my legs, push down slightly in my stirrups, and ever so slightly shift my weight back. This way my horse sits on his haunches and stops. As opposed to dropping his shoulders when he stops. I also pull back on the reins (if needed) then immediately release. If he does not stop, I pull then release continuing to say "Whoa" each time. I never continually pull on his face without a release or the horse will ignore me. As always, my horse needs to keep his head down! See See-Saw That Head Down! October 2005.The goal is to stop your h
Showmanship Pivot Secrets Revealed 2007-03-02 20:05:00 I had a question from a reader today, regarding the pivot. I thought, I can't believe I didn't write a post on this sooner! I actually feel slightly sheepish giving away my secrets. This is the manuever that makes or breaks your pattern, so here goes.What I want to accomplish with my horse:A pivot where my horse is straight from head to tail, pivoting to the right, with the majority of my horses weight on the right hind hoof. My horse will move away from my body, and into the pivot effortlessly and be happy to perform this manuever for me.What you will need for this lesson:A basic knowledge of showmanship see Some Basic Ground Work, August 2005A halter and a lead rope with a chain. Some training cones or something that can be substituted as cones such as some old boots that can stand in as cones.First, I set up my famous box. I set out four cones in a square. I often change the size of the box, but keep it large enough for your horse to have a mental break between pivots. I Read more:Pivot
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