Hi Guys,



First, let me define rhythm and tempo. I want to do this because lots of dressage riders use those terms interchangeably and they don't mean the same thing.



Rhythm - Regularity of the rhythm refers to the even spacing between each step in a stride of walk, trot or canter. Regular rhythm is a priority for all work--whether or not you're riding a pure dressage horse. Movements and exercises should never be done at the expense of rhythm. Rhythm should always stay…

Week of August 16th Through August 22nd

August 16th - The Palio horse race is held annually on August 16th and July 2nd in Siena, Italy. Before the race the horses are blessed and there is a parade through the

center. The horses line up behind a rope and the race begins, with the horses

circling through the city three times. The whole race lasts for about a minute

and a half, and…

First of all my apologies – my staff tells me I messed up the order of the tips, which is why, although last month we did #7 (Saddle Straightness) this month we’re back to #6 (Saddle Length). I guess it doesn’t really matter in what order you check your saddle, since all of the points are important when ensuring correct saddle fit. Saddle length is an issue I have been noticing more and more in the past few years, as breeding seems to have really concentrated on making somewhat more…

Captain Federico Caprilli of the Italian Cavalry, the originator of the modern jumping seat, left very few writings, just around 22 pages, that introduce us to the thinking of this revolutionary equestrian thinker. It is very easy to read these articles quickly and to sit back and go--oh yes, I know all that, but I find that deeper study has wonderful rewards. All the quotes in…

Hi Julie,

I came across a book recently that talked about the comfort snaffle. I was surprised to learn that snaffles are not exactly what they are supposed to be and some bits that I thought were snaffles (like the Tom Thumb) are not snaffles, nor are they mild. I have noticed at times some of our horses pulling on the reins and opening their mouths. From what I read it was saying that…

So, last night Maggie and I had a lesson. We were outfitted with the running martingale, which is working well, although it got adjusted a bit tighter. Beauty of the running, it only engages when you need it and it doesn't help you actually ride your horse or get it round. It also takes away Maggie's favourite game of throwing her head in the air and doing whatever the hell she really wants to do... always a bonus.

So, we warmed up and then out comes the longe whip. Now we're…

Champion Suprême d'Eté

Deutsches Reitpony (RHLD), 1m45, palomino

Père/father: FS Champion de Luxe

Mère/mother: Power Lady (x Power Boy)…

Loretta has been sold to a really nice family in Orangeville. She will be bred to Carbadino for 2011 foal. Brando is going to the same family-Courtney is going to be working with Brando preparing him for the show ring.

Very excited for both.

The Running Horse

A Bi-monthly Newsletter from Horse Play

Issue August-September 2010

Horse Play

EIN: 05-0506340

Website: www.hptrc.org

Email: horseplayri@msn.com

Message from Aidan – the Alpha Mare

Whew! Has it been hot, humid and buggy or what! Good weather for napping or just grazing – whichever. Haven’t been on the trail in…

This Week in Horse History - August 9th Through August 15th

August 11th, 1962 - Rebecca Tyler Lockhart, founder of the American Paint Stock Horse Association, recorded the pedigree of the first American Paint Horse. Rebecca acted as secretary for the association, published a newsletter and was responsible for the correspondence of the Association. The first horse registered was the tobiano…

This week Debbie was gone to some big show, so I had to ride by myself Wednesday. Waking up vaguely nauseous I got to the barn, groomed and tacked Mia, and with my husband's help got to the arena. Remembering my thoughts about last week's ride, we started off at a gentle walk, with SOFT contact, following every move of Mia's head. Mia rewarded me with a good walk, moving right on out with minimal use of my legs. Then two flocks of ducks started sparing in the…

Aug. 8 th 2010

FYI

Humane Society International has a petition requesting support for the ending of horse slaughter houses in Canada.