Henk writes:

It's impossible to overstate the importance of a well-trained human to the happiness of a horse's life. As with anything, you can cut corners and start with an untrained human -- or even try to reform a spoiled one -- but unless you're an expert, it's a risky thing to do.

Cry if you want, but you'll learn to sit that…

Has it been one of those weeks? Everything that could go wrong–did? We all know how it feels when gravity gets  heavy-handed and you begin to feel thick and bound by life. It happens.

Maybe you should go to the barn and let yourself be carried a while.

If you have a partnership with a horse then you know that some days you carry them and some days they carry you.

You carry them…

This is my first attempt at a blog post so hope this is not too silly! It is 90 something degress outside, full sun so cannot ride until later thus I decided to blog.  My topic: happy mouth bits since I have found a tack item that I really like.  I started using the happy mouth loose ring snaffle on my OTTB.  He was right off the track.  I started with my double jointed D-ring snaffle. He did not seem to like it, seemed confused ( he is a horse that wants to please, like most TBs) but I knew…

Well, it's summer and, well, Maggie was a bit over due (a week, mind) for the farrier.  I've never seen (heard!) her forge like that.  So, rather than tap tap tap tap tap our way even around the berry field, someone got a few days off. 

Which leads us to Maggie the long of frame.  Lesson last night, and, much to the chagrin of Miss Magnolia, it's time to shorten her up.  Oh sure, she'll go fairly forward in a longer frame.  The comment was sure, she's on the bit and nice, but…

We had our 2nd training lesson on Thursday July 14 with Karen this week as Gail was away.

We were learning to slow the trot down to a jog, or trying anyway. Also trying to lower Cooper's head down more in a frame, is that what it is called? We did do good several times, even slowing down very nicely to a jog without coming to a walk.

There were more horses in this weeks lesson and Cooper was excited to see them all LOL. No pictures or video, forgot the camera on Thursday and…

On Sunday, July 17th, 2011 arguably one of the greatest eras in

international show jumping was brought to an end with the retirement of the incomparable Shutterfly. Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum decided to retire her 18 year old super-gelding after he won the 1.55 meter Warsteiner Prize at the CHIO Aachen World Equestrian Festival while he was on top,…

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…