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Comment by Deborah Hopkins on October 18, 2010 at 10:59am

err...make that FOREhand!!

Comment by Deborah Hopkins on October 18, 2010 at 10:57am

I just started riding an Appaloosa trail horse. He's a real teddy bear, partly blind but really calm. Apparently in his past he was a really well trained Western pleasure horse, but I've ridden English all my life so I haven't been able to figure out how to cue him correctly. For example, if I ask for a side pass or a turn on the horsehand...he thinks I want to trot! I've also just figured out I've been riding him on too short of a (direct) rein. I thought he had a lazy walk but I was inadvertantly holding him back. Can anybody share some western pleasure basics? I'm going to set up a lesson with a trainer, but could use some clues on cues in the meantime! Thanks ...

Comment by Eileen on January 22, 2010 at 10:47am

Well i went for short ride yesterday in a State park not far from here. i picked up my neighbor and we borrowed a couple of horses from friends of mine and went out for a short while. my neighbor does not get to ride very often, so we only stayed out for 1 1/2 maybe, i did not want her all crippled and stove up from the ride. lol But it was a good day for both horses and riders. no mishaps, never saw another rider once we got away from the stable. The trails are still filled with water the furter out you get. now with the rain coming in today, it is not likely that they will dry up soon..they have been like that since summer, a very strange year, usually they are dried up with not much water anywhere. i will have to go out again...lol nodoubt...

Comment by Eileen on January 12, 2010 at 10:31am

Yes W. Acres does have a nice set up, and the people are so nice, always ready to accomodate.
Ontario needs more of these private horse campgrounds as a lot of the govt parks do not cater to any horse activities unless harrassed. They do have a nice place above Mattawa, that is crown land, I rode there once the first year it was opened, but have not been back, just not enough time when the riding is pleasureable with out flies, bugs, hunters, etc etc...small window there and I am always somewhere else. Algonquin park is another riding area that I have not been to since early 90's when it was first opening up. I have got to get out more.
There is another private camp just opened up lately that I have not yet visited, it is north of Parry Sd. I am going to try and get there too, but again small window where the bugs don't drive you made or a hunter can shoot you out of the saddle. But if we horsemen stick together and show our support to the ones that are trying to get a camp started, that is one small step.

Comment by Steve Wawryk on January 12, 2010 at 8:54am

Eileen
Good eye; you are right those pictures are from whinny acres. It is a really nice setup for horse camping.

Comment by Eileen on January 12, 2010 at 8:40am

Oh I forgot to mention here...I see that someone has been to Whinney Acres, Steve, what great pictures you have. I recognized many of the backgrounds.

Comment by Eileen on January 12, 2010 at 8:39am

Greetings all, it is good to have a group for the south western Ontario riders. I don't show, never have, have had a horse since I was a pup and ride the trails. Since retireing in 93 I have and still am trying to cover the trails of North America. Is there any better way to see the world than when it is framed inbetween a horses ears. What a life.

Comment by Lisa Robinson on January 9, 2010 at 10:52am

Doubt I'd be able to vault. I'm just thrilled to be able to mount Kota from the ground! But I'd love to go watch a demonstration if you can find one in southern ontario. And, of course, should you pursue this form of riding, I'd come to cheer you on.

Comment by Heather Little on January 8, 2010 at 12:58am

I am dying to go and try vaulting.. I have contacted a place for info, if it's reasonable for an intro and not to far away is anyone interested in coming along?!