Horses and Mechanics

     Horses & mechanics?  Yes, they do mix.  Many amateurs don't consider how their choice of equipment works and what it is designed to do.  This is particulary true of bits. Remember that bits are divided into two categories:  snaffles and curbs.  A good way of thinking about it is: direct leverage vs indirect leverage.
     One must consider how and why each bit is made and how it's designed to work.  Each design has its own purpose and some designs, of course, are better than others.  Also remember that a horse's mouth changes as he or she becomes accustomed to carrying a snaffle or a curb, and they become educated and understand the bit (i.e. "giving to the bridle"). Importantly, their mouths also change as their teeth continue to grow.  Be sure to include good dental care for your horse in your routine - this will insure they can carry the bit without discomfort.  Other factors that have to be taken into account when considering bits are:  thickness of tongue, depth of palate and thickness of lips.  A rule of thumb is that horses with thinner lips tend to be softer mouthed.. but back to mechanics....
     No one piece of tack does everything.  An owner must consider what he or she is trying to accomplish, what needs "fixing", or perhaps just fine tuning.  Choose the bit and equipment that was designed for the work you are asking your horse to do and the stage of training it's at. Other things to consider is that some pieces of tack work well together and others do not.  Horses certainly do have preferences and will show you, if you "listen".  Remember to move on as your horse progresses but that it's also ok to temporarily go backwards if need be.  I personally like to change my horses up occasionally as it keeps them fresh - for instance: I don't over-school them in their show bit.   
        One last word: read everything you can find about bits.  Books and catalogues (which have lots of info) and articles in magazines - you will be a better horseman for it.  If you have any questions about bits or equipment or any subject I've written about, please feel free to email me!  Talk to you next week.  JD

The Next Generation

     I firmly believe in passing on knowledge to the next generation.  In the past I have taught some fine young people who have long since grown up.  Now I watch them become wonderful parents.  They are passing on the lessons of responsibility, hard work, respect, discipline and love of animals.  All the while, instilling confidence in their children.  In short, skills than will help them throughout their lives. It is now my priviledge to work with this new generation.  Teaching them these lessons through horsemanship.
     Horsemanshp is one of the oldest skills and traditions in the world.  It encompasses so much more than just riding.  The "art" of horsemanship has been developed over many centuries and continues to evolve today.  I love this tradition and the dedication it takes to truly understand and respect the work, knowledge and thought that has gone into making horsemanship what it is now.  We who are horsemen need always to be cognizant of who and what has preceded us.  We must now pass this knowledge onward.
     It is my fervent desire to teach this wonderful thing called horsemanship!   See you next week.  JD    

Partnerships

     I love horses, I always have and always will.  I believe the best relationship you can have with a horse is a partnership.  A partnership is formed from the teamwork it takes to get the job done and do it well.  Remember, horses are working animals, not pasture decorations.  I know in my heart that horses take pride in doing a job well, whatever that job may be so I encourage you to take that time to find what your horse is suitable for and enjoys doing. 

     Do not expect more of you horse than your horse is capable of doing.  Be fair in judging your horse's abilities, it will make a better relationship for both of you.  A happy horse is a horse that is capable and enjoys his job. 

     Talk to you next week.  JD

My Father

Sunday was my father's birthday.  Why am I writing about this?  Well, because my father was an old time horseman.  So continuing with my thoughts from last week, I would like to honor my father for basic things he taught me about horses and some of the things I think about often:
     1) Be smarter than your horse.
     2) Try to see the world through your horse's eyes and think the way he would in any situation that  
     might arise.
     3) Give your horses your undivided attention when working with them.
     4) Be patient.
     5) Remember they are herd animals which means they have strong fear/flight instinct and need a leader.
     6) The leader must have earned respect.  Life depends on it in the wild.  There is respect first, then trust.
     7) Watch how horses relate to one another in a field or pasture.  The bigger the area, the more horses, 
     the better window into their world it is for you to observe.
     8) Don't lose your temper - then you accomplish nothing.
     9) Punish accordingly.  A misdemeanor deserves a small reprimand, a felony demands a more severe
     response.  Do it immediately then move on.
     10) Do not hold a grudge against your horse.  Horses live in the moment and so should you when
     you're working with them.
See you next week!  JD

Basic Steps

     The best training regimen is developed around simple and easy steps for the horse to learn and absorb.  When I am teaching students and I cannot understand what my student is trying to get the horse to do, I assume the horse doesn't have a clue either and that they're making it impossible for the horse to respond correctly.  Every rider is a trainer, period.  A horse is trained every time it is ridden, for better or for worse.
     I like my training steps to start with basic of things, forward motion, moving away from your leg, following the rein, and whoa - sound simple?  Yes, but without solid basics things are never right. Even with the best trained horses, sometimes you need to go back and refresh those earlier lessons.  If you do these easy steps first and reinforce them in every ride, you should never have to "pull" on your horse (which only makes him brace against you and accomplishes nothing).
     You, as your horse's trainer, can easily interfere with what you are trying to get your horse to do.  Frequently I see people making easy things difficult.  Remember, training is part technique, part mechanics, part understanding conformation, part feel - all together it becomes the art of horsemanship.  See you next week!  JD

Wisdom

     It's only been a couple of weeks since I finished the move to Eagle Mountain Ranch and how pleasant those weeks have been.  Among other things, I have really enjoyed talking to Mo and Dianne Morris.  They are wonderful horsemen and we enjoy exchanging stories.

     It has been my priviledge over the yeras to know some of the wonderful older horsemen.  These men and women are treasures to the community and should be sought out for their advice and wisdom.  It makes me sad when I observe that younger horsepeople seem to forget or neglect to seek their knowledge.  One generation lays the foundation for the next generation.

     Yes, the industry changes and is in constant flux, as it should be, or else it wouldn't improve.  Horses are now bred and perform their respective disciplines better than ever before but collectively, we must not forget how we've gotten here.  We need an enlarged vision, and we need to be cognizant that mistakes inevitably are made which will need correcting.  By not forgetting the wisdom of the recent past we can prevent unneccessary pitfalls.

     If you are lucky enough, as I have been, to learn from these old masters, take the time.  You will not regret it and your experience with your horse will be richer for it.  See you next week.  JD

Schooling Shows

     Fall is a good time to consider attending a schooling show.  These shows are wonderful opportunities to practice and they're good places to get green or novice horses and novice people started.  Sometimes we take young horses and get them a stall just to let them hang out; letting them adjust to the show atmosphere without any pressure.  This is really helpful for them and I personally like to pair inexperienced horses with 'buddies' that have seen a bit of the world.
     Schooling shows help new riders learn to "read" traffic in the show ring and get comfortable in a show setting.  These shows are also good for riders and horses that have show ring expertise and savy but need to work on some problems - problems such as listening to the announcer, anticipating the line up, jigging at the walk, not standing quietly in line etc.
     It is my firm belief that these shows are not about winning.  That comes later.  Schooling shows in the Fall and Winter are to help you and your horse get ready for bigger things to come next Spring. Use these opportunities well and it will pay off!  JD