Joining or touching. In horse training, when the outcome quickly follows the behaviour. It’s key that a horse associates “this” with “that”. So the speed and skill of the rider to identify the choice moment to reward a horse for his response is key. A horse learns to link a behaviour to an outcome. For instance, when asking for a rein back, he gets no relief…

And what can I write about this week?  For my lesson on Wednesday it was HOT and muggy.  Then it cooled down on Friday, when I could not ride, it didn't even get up to 70 F, nice, cool and breezy.  Now the heat is coming back in, this morning when I rode it was not too bad but the weathermen are predicting brutal heat by Wednesday.  It was nice to have a break in the heat. 

 …

http://www.eurodressage.com/equestri...11-cdio-aachen

The two images that caught my eye were, first... Rath and Totilas and second... Peters and Ravel.

Take a close look at them......Rath is hard on the snaffle and the curb, while Peters rein contact is less.

However, their heads are nearly in the same place......

Rein connections…

I'm sure a lot of folks who self board their animals have had this happen once or twice.. 'Oh look, the feed bill came, how much is it this month?'... -insert jaw drop, eye pop, and then possibly a thwack after hitting the ceiling + string of expletives- Mine got to 700 dollars for TWO HORSES a few months ago FOR ONE MONTH. 'WTF!'

My first…

Silica is the most common mineral on earth. It is known for its hardness and is therefore commonly used in the production of glass products and it is a common additive in food production for use as a flow agent and to absorb water.

Silica is a very important micro mineral for both humans and animals. It contributes to the health of many parts of the body including tendons, cartilage, blood vessels, bones, skin, teeth, nails, the heart and lungs. Silica also aids the body in…

In 1985, HorseGuard created the original electric fencing tape that transformed the concept of horse fencing. The award-winning traditional tape was designed with the horse’s safety in mind by Serge Lecacheur, an experienced European breeder. Since the original product launch, continuous research and improvements have led to the development of revolutionary, high-quality fencing system solutions that are safe, easy to use and built to last.…

I always said I was really happy to have had only girls, because I would never make a good “boy daddy”. When I grew up in Germany, I was trained in what is generally perceived to be ‘sissy stuff’ here in North America – ballroom dancing, ice dancing, and riding. I would have been lost having to take my male children to early morning hockey tournaments, baseball games, or football camp. (not to mention that I truly enjoy watching sports where every single competitor does something…

Haven't we all been frustrated in our search for the perfect breech? 

I remember when I tried on at least 4 different styles and went home empty handed..I am vertically challenged a shortie to be exact;a 5' tall and very petite dressage rider.  Many of my friends have the opposite issue being of normal height and a more curvy build...we all curse at pants too tight, too low, saggy butt, etc.

NOT ANYMORE LADIES!  Since working for USG, I have been incredibly happy to…

How to Feed a Vegetarian

By Patti Bartsch, M.A., Ph.D.

Naturally Unbridled 

Vegetarianism is becoming more and more popular as people recognize the health benefits of a plant-based diet.  However, after years of a…

July 9 & 10 2011

We had a very good weekend together. I rode Cooper both days.

On Saturday we were both so relaxed. Rode indoors practicing what I had learned during our lesson on Tuesday. 

We were working on the outside supporting rein doing figure 8's at a trot. Yay!! Yes back to trotting again but need to really work on that steering. I also have to work on my leg position, it's hard to try work, but will get there someday.

We also worked on whoa and back…

July 2/11

Finally got back in the saddle. I rode around at a walk only for about 15 minutes and got off. I was tense but things went well, just me being worried. Another boarder got on Cooper after and gave him a little workout. They did great together, an experienced rider makes him look so good.

July 5/11

We have finally started taking training lessons together with Gail Haynes at Five Star Ranch where I board. At first I was very nervous and tense and almost…

Friday May 13 2011 Had my first fall off of Cooper today, rider error. It was pouring rain as we rode in the indoor arena. A black cat ran by, I don't know if there was another noise, it all happened so fast.

I was trying to do shoulder over at 9 o'clock position and pulled too hard at the same time that he spooked. He went one way, I went the other way off his right side. I held onto the reins too, green rider thing, and almost pulled him right down on top of me by doing so.

I…

Going to another Lyons Symposium, this time with John on April 15-17 2011. I saw Josh last year at Five Star Ranch.

I have also signed up for a Lyons certified instructor riders clinic with Cooper on April 22-24 2011, I just hope my rotator injury is better by then!!

I moved Cooper April 1 2011 to the barn where I will be taking the riders clinic, now I will be right there to get help with him.

I rode Cooper April 7 after over 3 1/2 months of not riding him because of an…

I finally got the reins fixed on my Spirit bridle so I could use them without getting distracted.  Since Debbie is off showing at the NC State Fair this week I did not get a lesson, I could not even go out on Wednesday to ride since everybody was leaving early, right when I ride.  So Friday I cheerfully got out to the stable, my son was with me so he could do most of the work!  I got to trim Mia's hooves and for once she was not too kicky with her hind…

Is it just me -or is a big part of the work-a-day horse world seized up in a flop sweat about money? Stress and worry seem to hang in the air. Horse sales are down. Hay production is…

I have just watch the documentary on Buck Brannaman and will be writing a full review shortly.   In the meantime, I came across an article that included these these five tips that are well worth considering for every rider.

1. Don’t intimidate.  You may temporarily intimidate a horse into good performance, but intimidation ultimately leads to fear, which is paralyzing.

2. Loosen the reins.

3.…

Although I have broached this subject superficially in a past blog, I would like to address the last two key points in more detail, as they are important in determining the proper saddle fit especially for women – which is 85% of Schleese’s market – and makes us the only female saddle specialist in the world!

Watch this month's informative video. One of…

Nothing like the horses...

So, we clipped, full body clip, mind you, the big old girl.  She's 16.2hh of half clyde, so this was rather a large job.  She's 24, and we have blood work being done for Cushings.  She looks 5 years younger and shiny as the baby.  She was a bit resistant on Friday, so I had the brain fart to change her bit.  She's had the same bit for the last decade, so it might be time.  Specifically, as horses age, their incisors tend to slant more forward, which…

Since I finally found a tack repair guy willing to make the reins of my Spirit bridle shorter I could not use my Spirit bridle this week.  Deprived of my new tack I sat looking at all my other bitless options and I remembered the sort of dead feeling contact with them.  I decided to see if I was right with my hypothesis that the feel of the Spirit bridle was so much like that of a bit that I would have no problems switching back to a bit.  So I sat…