TRAVEL TIPS 'N TRICKS:



Plan ahead! (Preparation is less stressful and you’ll be happy you did)

Cool eye packs and neck pillows is a must when traveling. They provide relief and relaxation especially when you return from a dusty horse park.

Consider the climate (always pack a small telescopic umbrella)

Remember Important documents and necessities (this should be done at least 2 months prior)

Reserve anything important in advance (don’t assume anything)…

In 1733 F.R. de la Guérinière lamented that to bring out the beauty of our horse we need “an air of ease and freedom… a controlled yet supple posture...depth of seat” but riders weren’t working to achieve it.



And today? Despite knowledge of biomechanics and physiology elegance and control on a moving horse eludes many of us, Some riders don’t take the time to work on themselves. Others strengthen and stretch, yet they still struggle. Many think they just ride that way,…

Always have in your mind that horses are unpredictable animals, not machines. Our familiarity can lead to taking liberties and accidents occurring.



How many of these practices are on your own safety list?



1. Always wear clothes and boots that are designed for riding.



2. ALWAYS wear a riding helmet that fits you correctly and complies with current standards.



3. If you are young, your horse is misbehaving, you are out of practice or you…

Gosh, it has been a very difficult past few years with my children but finally have them all straightened out and happy so now it is mommy's turn! Have a few personally goals - started to lose weight last year and then hit a platue so back at it again as this year is MY YEAR! With no truck it gives me the time I need to prepare for showing in 2010. We had two unexpected foals last year at the same time, we lost our grand old broodmare Different Season - one of the few remaing CH Kourageous…

Questions (and Answers) About Horse Worms with Dr. Dan

Equine Wellness "Fecal Test Article" with Dr. Dan





What process does a fecal test typically follow?



Personally we do a fecal floatation test which concentrates…

Okay if this wasn't right on the nail or what for February (and we are only on day 8, so far).



Aries - March 21 - April 19



Your expertise will be needed this month more so than ever. It appears that you are suddenly being seen as the great trainer you are with your gentle and effective methods being brought to the forefront and put on display. Just enjoy the compliments. Taking some time for yourself and your horse will be uppermost in your mind, it will be beneficial…

Cinch Magazine will be pursuing the 'Great Bitless Experiment' in the summer of '09 to determine, once and for all, the effectiveness of riding bitless versus bitted. Our study will include: well-broken horses, green horses, a nervous pony and starting a horse under saddle with the bitless bridle. We will be using a variety of different riders: adults, children, begginer to advanced. If the bitless experience works out for schooling, we will also try it in the competition ring!



We…

Back in the fall of 2005, I attempted to set up a formal organization called Pony Breeders of Ontario, similar to the organizations of Virginia Pony Breeders Association, Maryland PBA, Florida PBA and Minnesota PBA. I held an information/working session the end of October and we have a small number of very enthusiastic people attend and a lot of work was done in ironing out what the group wanted and how the organization should work.



I and the interim Board of Directors spent many…

This past week I got to do a two day clinic with Christine Traurig. It was extremely helpful and it really brought some of me and Chance's issue's into light. I would like to share some of the great tips I got.



February 4 - First Day

On the first day we worked a lot on Chance's frame and the quickness of his hindquarters. He needed to have quicker, higher steps and not just run through my hands. Once we got the right engagement he was able to come into my hands from…

Well, it's not a done deal yet, but it's really looking like I will be adopting a Standardbred very soon. I was all set to do it last month and then got laid off my job so that sort of put a hold on the proceedings. Still, I have ridden this little fellow a couple of times now and am really pleased with him so I expect I will find a way. I feel confident that I will be back working again soon and can finally get this gelding home and start getting to know him.



Greener Pastures in…

Aquarius January 20- February 18



Happy Birthday! I know this will be an especially good year for you. Big changes are coming to you, especially in your career.

There is still something missing in the way you are training your horse, but all of these changes will correct the way you

connect with him.Somehow you are not happy with just continuing on your path, and will be looking around for different methods

which will bring satisfaction to you.If you are involved and…

Hi Guys,



Can you feel when your horse's hind legs are on the ground? This is an important skill to develop because you want to time your leg aids so that you give them when your horse's hind leg is on the ground...specifically just as it's getting ready to push off. That's the only time you can influence a hind leg.



I feel where the hind feet are by feeling my horse's hips. When a particular hind foot is on the ground, my horse's hip is higher. It feels like my…

Next week's quote, "As distance shows a horse's strength, so time reveals a person's heart" is a Chinese proverb with a special Valentine's Day message. Love is a long term commitment. What has time revealed about your relationships with those you love? As Valentine's Day approaches, use the to do list to plan something special for your love!





To download…

Hello - and welcome to my first Barnmice blog.



Wherever I travel, I am asked questions about training the show jumper. It is very encouraging that so many riders are interested in furthering their education, and it is my hope that this series of training blogs will help everyone do just that.



Each week, I shall discuss a different aspect of training, referencing some of the most important points from my training books, but before I start specifically into training,…

What a horrible winter! I'm sick of shovelling snow and really cold temperatures. After working outside all day, it's hard to get up the desire to go work ponies. Once again they aren't getting backed (as of yet) - I'd rather go thud than snap if I get bucked off. Maybe that's the age talking but when I need all bones intact in order to make money to pay bills, I have to err on the safe side.



Just got my passport back - it took less than 2 weeks! The flight, hotel, shuttle, etc…