No matter what kind of horse or in what discipline you compete-Quarter Horse, gaited horse, jumping, roping, grade horse or otherwise, we can all take a lesson in grooming while viewing the Olympic horses. These horses simply sparkle in the lights of the equestrian venue in Hong Kong. There is not a spec of dirt showing, not a hair out of place. Their tack has nothing flapping or mismatched. The pads are in place under the saddles, upon which sit riders in white pants (there's a challenge to keep clean!) and shiny black boots. They are similarly groomed as the horses.
Presenting a horse to the world is a bit different than at a "Saturday night" show, but the lessons are the same. Clean and healthy horses, tack that fits, and horse and rider dressed in the style for that arena.
I have judged many a club show where the horses, though of not the highest quality, were presented at their best. It doesn't take big bucks to clean and oil the saddle you have, fit the bridle to the horse, wipe off your boots, and bathe the horse. Your horse reflects your desire and intentions to win in his presentation, and you will garner points and respect from a judge.
I do live in the real world. I know the bigger the show, the more your presentation will matter, and good tack does matter. There isn't a single place in America, whether its the board room, lunch room or school room, where the "right" clothes don't matter-that's just a fact.The show ring is no different. The higher up the ladder you go, the more that's the case. It does take money to win at the top, and tack is a part of the expense. At the more local levels, you can do well with your tack as it is, as long as its clean and well fitted to you and your horse. A new clean pad is not a big expense, and it can make all the difference.
Having your horse healthy and well fed not only enhances his look, but makes him more able to perform at his gaits with style and endurance. As a judge, horses have come in the ring for my consideration that should have had the entry fee spent on their hooves-which were so long and split, it was painful to watch them go. I can't imagine how the rider thought the horse would perform well with those hooves, when, in any discipline, its all about how the horse travels.
Maybe your event doesn't have points-its judged on time. If you dress yourself and your horse like you came to win, you stand a better chance of doing so. You show your competitors you have confidence in your abilities. It gives you a boost to have on a nice starched shirt, jeans without holes, and clean tack and horse.
I believe it doesn't matter how big the event, its still a competion, and its about winning. Presentaion matters and like I used to tell my clients, "Show up like you expect to have your picture made."
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Dressage Perfection
Last night I got a chance to catch some of the Olympic dressage. Wow! I think that has to be just about the most beautiful thing you can do with a horse. I don’t do that myself yet because Copper and I are working on bending and getting our gaits correct. Anne, our Marketing Media Manager here and my riding instructor each week, said that no matter what discipline you ride you should be able to do a basic dressage pattern so I aim to get there.
According to Don Vizi, executive director of the National Walking Horse Association, there is a dramatic increase of interest among dressage for gaited horses. Realizing this, the National Walking Horse Association and the United States Dressage Federation have collaborated to provide exhibitors correct information and to train judges for modified tests since gaited horses don’t trot. This is so great because within NWHA or TWBHEA, Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association, sanctioned shows in the Versatility portion riders do a dressage pattern. This is a way to provide expertise to the discipline and to promote it.
Gaited horses won’t be able to compete in the USEF or USDF sanctioned events because they don’t trot and, therefore, can’t exhibit the trotting requirement of regular dressage like you see in the Olympics. Dressage is beneficial to any discipline you ride for the communication, bending, and overall collection. Plus, it is amazing to watch! Here are some links for more information. I'm not up to speed on the official rules between NWHA and TWHBEA.
http://www.nwha.com/dressage.html
http://www.nwha.com/news08Feb06.html
http://www.twhbea.com/News/08WVSRelease.htm
According to Don Vizi, executive director of the National Walking Horse Association, there is a dramatic increase of interest among dressage for gaited horses. Realizing this, the National Walking Horse Association and the United States Dressage Federation have collaborated to provide exhibitors correct information and to train judges for modified tests since gaited horses don’t trot. This is so great because within NWHA or TWBHEA, Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association, sanctioned shows in the Versatility portion riders do a dressage pattern. This is a way to provide expertise to the discipline and to promote it.
Gaited horses won’t be able to compete in the USEF or USDF sanctioned events because they don’t trot and, therefore, can’t exhibit the trotting requirement of regular dressage like you see in the Olympics. Dressage is beneficial to any discipline you ride for the communication, bending, and overall collection. Plus, it is amazing to watch! Here are some links for more information. I'm not up to speed on the official rules between NWHA and TWHBEA.
http://www.nwha.com/dressage.html
http://www.nwha.com/news08Feb06.html
http://www.twhbea.com/News/08WVSRelease.htm
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Abuse to Win
I have been keeping up with the soring issue within the Tennessee Walking Horse industry and have no idea how people are capable of purposefully inflicting pain on a horse for personal gain. This issue is important to me because I own a 6-year-old Tennessee Walker and cannot imagine him having a life of abuse for a ribbon and money.
For those of you who might not be familiar with soring, this is what it is: The practice of inflicting pain on a horse’s forelegs to induce a higher-action gait. There are several kinds of chemical substances that are used to accomplish this like diesel fuel, mustard oil, kerosene, salicylic acid and others. The purpose of doing this is to achieve the “Big Lick” gait used in the show ring which is an exaggeration of the gaits the horse performs naturally. Personally, I see no beauty in this. It is artificial and unnatural, and I do not agree with the several inches of pads used to shoe the horse with because this is another avenue used for abuse. The flat-shod TWH on the other hand is pure beauty, elegance, and grace. Why would someone manipulate something that is the foundation of the breed to produce a fake series of movements?
I am disturbed by the fact that some people will do anything to win – even compromise the existence of a creature that supports their cruel habit. If the desired goal can’t be achieved through hard work and practice, it seems logical to get out of the profession. Not everyone is meant to be a horse trainer. When a “trainer” or owner is willing to hurt the horse to win in the show ring, what else do these horses have to endure?
Soring has been illegal since 1970 with the Horse Protection Act but until offenders are severely punished it will still be widespread. Welfare and industry officials issue numerous citations every year and are using more sophisticated methods of detecting soring and improper shoeing. In 2006, the USDA became a lot more involved to crack down on such offenders and there are other equine organizations banning together to help stop this unethical practice.
This is a huge issue that will need the cooperation of the owners, breeders, trainers and judges and will not be corrected overnight. These horses have been bred to move with these thick pads to produce the exaggerated gaits that win in the show ring. Millions of dollars have been invested in these horses and will require the cooperation of the key players in the industry to become eradicated.
Beyond this, in other breeds of horses there are practices of abuse to win. These offenders are on the same level of the people who sore the TWH which deserves punishment and in my opinion, banishment from all competition FOREVER. There are several organizations that believe soring is inexcusable. I belong to the National Walking Horse Association. http://www.nwha.com – National Walking Horse Association
For those of you who might not be familiar with soring, this is what it is: The practice of inflicting pain on a horse’s forelegs to induce a higher-action gait. There are several kinds of chemical substances that are used to accomplish this like diesel fuel, mustard oil, kerosene, salicylic acid and others. The purpose of doing this is to achieve the “Big Lick” gait used in the show ring which is an exaggeration of the gaits the horse performs naturally. Personally, I see no beauty in this. It is artificial and unnatural, and I do not agree with the several inches of pads used to shoe the horse with because this is another avenue used for abuse. The flat-shod TWH on the other hand is pure beauty, elegance, and grace. Why would someone manipulate something that is the foundation of the breed to produce a fake series of movements?
I am disturbed by the fact that some people will do anything to win – even compromise the existence of a creature that supports their cruel habit. If the desired goal can’t be achieved through hard work and practice, it seems logical to get out of the profession. Not everyone is meant to be a horse trainer. When a “trainer” or owner is willing to hurt the horse to win in the show ring, what else do these horses have to endure?
Soring has been illegal since 1970 with the Horse Protection Act but until offenders are severely punished it will still be widespread. Welfare and industry officials issue numerous citations every year and are using more sophisticated methods of detecting soring and improper shoeing. In 2006, the USDA became a lot more involved to crack down on such offenders and there are other equine organizations banning together to help stop this unethical practice.
This is a huge issue that will need the cooperation of the owners, breeders, trainers and judges and will not be corrected overnight. These horses have been bred to move with these thick pads to produce the exaggerated gaits that win in the show ring. Millions of dollars have been invested in these horses and will require the cooperation of the key players in the industry to become eradicated.
Beyond this, in other breeds of horses there are practices of abuse to win. These offenders are on the same level of the people who sore the TWH which deserves punishment and in my opinion, banishment from all competition FOREVER. There are several organizations that believe soring is inexcusable. I belong to the National Walking Horse Association. http://www.nwha.com – National Walking Horse Association
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Saddle's Done with a Side of Hurricane
So my Flex2 saddle is finally done! The saddle was finished Thursday and my birthday was Friday so it was perfect timing. Despite my sheer excitement and the fact that I was unable to focus for the rest of the afternoon, I was only able to squeeze in a short ride. My little one is teething so sometimes he doesn't go down for the night right away and it's already getting dark sooner. When I got Copper all tacked up, I stood back and looked at what a gorgeous boy I have with the beautifully crafted saddle and headstall. Now I need a new saddle pad...and a new girth...and new bell boots.
When I climbed up in the saddle, it was awesome! I know I have a perfect fit for Copper, which was the whole point of me getting a new saddle, and now I do for me as well. It already feels broken in and I love the close contact. Now if I can get to ride for more than 5 minutes this week I'll be doing good! I'm not too hopeful with the hurricane rolling in.
With Hurricane Dolly getting ready to come ashore, I have made some preparations for Copper. Normally he is out in the pasture all the time even if we get a shower because that's where he is the happiest. I have learned he gets upset if he is in a stall for very long, but I know even he will like some shelter from the wind and rain if it comes our way. He has a stall that's about 15' x 15' and open on one side so he shouldn't feel too claustrophobic. I put him in there last night for about an hour so he could get used to it and after he tested the gate, he decided it wasn't so bad and went about munching his hay. For the morning feeding, he didn't want to leave! So, I'm content that he likes it. Looks like we are in for just rain which I am looking forward to - we desperately need it.
Does anybody out there have some helpful hints to get your horse ready for the storm?
When I climbed up in the saddle, it was awesome! I know I have a perfect fit for Copper, which was the whole point of me getting a new saddle, and now I do for me as well. It already feels broken in and I love the close contact. Now if I can get to ride for more than 5 minutes this week I'll be doing good! I'm not too hopeful with the hurricane rolling in.
With Hurricane Dolly getting ready to come ashore, I have made some preparations for Copper. Normally he is out in the pasture all the time even if we get a shower because that's where he is the happiest. I have learned he gets upset if he is in a stall for very long, but I know even he will like some shelter from the wind and rain if it comes our way. He has a stall that's about 15' x 15' and open on one side so he shouldn't feel too claustrophobic. I put him in there last night for about an hour so he could get used to it and after he tested the gate, he decided it wasn't so bad and went about munching his hay. For the morning feeding, he didn't want to leave! So, I'm content that he likes it. Looks like we are in for just rain which I am looking forward to - we desperately need it.
Does anybody out there have some helpful hints to get your horse ready for the storm?
Friday, July 11, 2008
Mules and Saddles-A Whole Different Fit
Used to be that fitting saddles on mules was all about addressing their straight backs. Because mules are increasing in value, especially those used for trail riding, the quality of the mare being bred has dramatically improved. In years past, is was not the highest quality mare, or the best donkey jack, that was used to produce mules. These days, many good Quarter Horse, Tennessee Walking Horse, and draft mares are used. Together with the improvement in jacks, mules have better conformation, way of going, and attitude. For saddle makers, there is increasing demand to fit these better mules.
Though most modern mules continue to have very straight backs, especially when compared to horses, the substance and widths of their bodies has increased. Good horse saddles with standard trees will have a curved bars to accommodate the typical curve of the horse back. This style of tree will ride high center on a mule, and will rock. A mule tree needs to be much flatter in the bar, and the saddle design needs to allow for a raised backbone conformation-usually seen in very straight backs.
Because of the better mares being crossed, wider trees are also in demand. The Quarter Horse and draft type crosses will usually require a wide tree.
Circle Y has found that our Flex2 saddles will address the fit of the mule very successfully. Because of the nature of the flexible bars of the Flex2 saddle which conforms to the curve of the animal's back when girthed down, it will fit the mule's straight back. The skirts are channel fit, so that the middle if the saddle is open, giving room for the raised spine. Most Flex2 styles are available in regular and wide width trees.
More mules are being seen with a curve to the back and in these cases, horse saddles can be used. The Flex2 saddles will conform to the horse types just as well. The Flex2 can be a useful fit for owners with both mules and horses of all types. to see the selection of Circle Y Flex2 saddles, please visit www.circley.com .
Though most modern mules continue to have very straight backs, especially when compared to horses, the substance and widths of their bodies has increased. Good horse saddles with standard trees will have a curved bars to accommodate the typical curve of the horse back. This style of tree will ride high center on a mule, and will rock. A mule tree needs to be much flatter in the bar, and the saddle design needs to allow for a raised backbone conformation-usually seen in very straight backs.
Because of the better mares being crossed, wider trees are also in demand. The Quarter Horse and draft type crosses will usually require a wide tree.
Circle Y has found that our Flex2 saddles will address the fit of the mule very successfully. Because of the nature of the flexible bars of the Flex2 saddle which conforms to the curve of the animal's back when girthed down, it will fit the mule's straight back. The skirts are channel fit, so that the middle if the saddle is open, giving room for the raised spine. Most Flex2 styles are available in regular and wide width trees.
More mules are being seen with a curve to the back and in these cases, horse saddles can be used. The Flex2 saddles will conform to the horse types just as well. The Flex2 can be a useful fit for owners with both mules and horses of all types. to see the selection of Circle Y Flex2 saddles, please visit www.circley.com .
Monty
Last week for the July 4th holiday I went north see my sister and her family. I finally got to see my brother-in-law's Paint gelding, Monty. He's 15 years old, about 15ish hands and is stout. He had been used in a feed lot and for cow work most of his life but surprisingly is not nearly as seasoned as you would think. And, all that work and no play had taught him to be hard to catch with a general sour attitude towards being ridden. My BIL has been working the Pat Parelli horsemanship method with him and I have so say Monty is respectful and tries to figure out what is being asked of him.
I think one of the keys to any successful horsemanship method is patience. My BIL has taken Monty back to basics working on groundwork, desensitizing, and is trying to create a new attitude towards being saddled and ridden. He is making huge strides in trust and respect on the ground which will translate under saddle. I noticed Monty's general personality is kinda jumpy and nervous. That may be just the way he is wired, but as long as Monty continues to look to his leader for guidance my BIL will soon have a willing partner that is a pleasure to be around.
Dara
I think one of the keys to any successful horsemanship method is patience. My BIL has taken Monty back to basics working on groundwork, desensitizing, and is trying to create a new attitude towards being saddled and ridden. He is making huge strides in trust and respect on the ground which will translate under saddle. I noticed Monty's general personality is kinda jumpy and nervous. That may be just the way he is wired, but as long as Monty continues to look to his leader for guidance my BIL will soon have a willing partner that is a pleasure to be around.
Dara
Friday, June 27, 2008
First Things First
Copper and I are a little out of place down here in south Texas in the land of Quarter horses. I hauled him into town last night for our first lesson with Anne, and we were working around barrel racers and a girl practicing Western Pleasure. The way I need to ride Copper is different than riding a Quarter horse, especially now since he is still relatively untrained in the proper ways of a Walking Horse. I feel encouraged by the information that Anne has and can’t wait to practice what I learned last night this weekend.
Anne has an easy going, but all-business style of teaching. I like how she takes the time to explain things and gives me little demonstrations on what I need to do with my legs and hands. She gave gentle reminders when I was doing something wrong and that was exactly what I needed. We worked on circles for bending, the flat walk, his head set, and the final lesson was parking out. Overall Copper caught on quickly and my legs were Jell-O by the time we were finished. :)
Copper has also been doing a lot better about getting in the trailer. Most of the time he hops right in, but he will still do the put his front legs in and stand there thing. Then I back him out, walk him around and then he will hop up in there. Stinker.
I am really excited that my Flex2 Trail has been put into work. It should be done in a few weeks and I can hardly wait! This is the first brand new saddle I have ever had. I have changed up some things on it like the conchos and tooling pattern. I also ordered the coordinating headstall so I will be completely outfitted in matching gear. It’s been awhile since I had a completely matching rig.
I am getting ready for vacation next week. The saddle and tack departments shut down for a week at July 4th and at Christmas. We run a skeleton crew in Customer Service and Shipping, but the rest of the office can take off if they choose. I’m out for the week and headed north to see some family.
Happy July 4th!
Dara
Anne has an easy going, but all-business style of teaching. I like how she takes the time to explain things and gives me little demonstrations on what I need to do with my legs and hands. She gave gentle reminders when I was doing something wrong and that was exactly what I needed. We worked on circles for bending, the flat walk, his head set, and the final lesson was parking out. Overall Copper caught on quickly and my legs were Jell-O by the time we were finished. :)
Copper has also been doing a lot better about getting in the trailer. Most of the time he hops right in, but he will still do the put his front legs in and stand there thing. Then I back him out, walk him around and then he will hop up in there. Stinker.
I am really excited that my Flex2 Trail has been put into work. It should be done in a few weeks and I can hardly wait! This is the first brand new saddle I have ever had. I have changed up some things on it like the conchos and tooling pattern. I also ordered the coordinating headstall so I will be completely outfitted in matching gear. It’s been awhile since I had a completely matching rig.
I am getting ready for vacation next week. The saddle and tack departments shut down for a week at July 4th and at Christmas. We run a skeleton crew in Customer Service and Shipping, but the rest of the office can take off if they choose. I’m out for the week and headed north to see some family.
Happy July 4th!
Dara
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