Just Standing Around.

     A helpful hint and a really simple but excellent thing to do with your horse is to just sit on him, relax and enjoy wherever you may be at the time!
     Horses need to be able to relax with their riders and just chill out.  It gives their minds a nice break.  It also is good for a horse to be put to work, take a break, then be put to work again when he may think it's time to back to his stall.  Standing around can prevent the anticipation of the end of the work session.  This really helps horses that will be taken to shows.
     I like to see horses that know how to relax with their rider and take a break.  These horses tend to show well as they can take little snippets of rest and be refreshed when put back to work.  I also never, ever, run my horses out of air.  Their reward for working hard is to catch their breath, usually at a walk, then with a standing break.  This also helps prevent lameness and gives the rider time to assess the work that has just been performed.
     One last benefit is that I find horses and riders learn to enjoy each other more when given these opportunities to "just stand around".  See you next week!  JD

A Balanced Ride

     We talk a lot about the need to ride a balanced horse, and justifiably so.  But often we neglect to talk about the need for the rider to be centered on the horse.  A centered rider is balanced and thus helps a horse become balanced also.  Together they become synchronized.
     It's very easy to make a horse's job more difficult that it needs to be.  I'm always seeing riders leaning this way and that and the disturbing thing is that they mistakenly believe they're helping their horse by doing so.  The horse must then not only balance themselves but must try to stay in balance with their ungainly rider.
     Leaning in turns, pulling downward on the reins, leaning back in a stop or back-up and leaning into a spin are just some of the examples I see of interfering with a horse's balance and making his job more difficult.  It also makes it impossible to teach him to be correct in those manuevers.  Other obvious faults are leaning forward when loping, not sitting down in the saddle, having more weight in one stirrup than the other, and my favorite pet peeve is riders leaning over the side to check their lead or diagonal. Remember, your body will always follow your head so stay centered!  If you must check leads, learn to do it looking down between your horse's ears or even better, make a real effort to "feel" your leads rather than look for it.  And relax, a stiff rider can never truly "feel" their horse nor can they follow a horse's action and a stiff rider will never be in complete balance or unity with their horse. 
     Sometime, watch a really good hunter rider take their horse around a course.  You'll see a centered rider who is allowing their horse to perform to the best of the horse's ability.  I love to watch my friend Angie Wilson ride Rosies First Gold ++/ ("Tilly") around a hunter course because they are a balanced rider and horse combo.  You can also watch any "working western" class with good horse and rider combos and you will see centered riding.  See you next week!  JD

Play Time

     I've noticed some people, pros and amateurs alike, seem to be reluctant to allow their horses play time.  If you notice, many times when horses are turned out by themselves, they do not play.  There are many reasons for this but often they are just in need of a playmate.
     Joanne's National Trail Champion, gelding SS Ekspresev +// or "Ex", just loves to buck.  I mean really hog it, head between his legs and just letting go for all he's worth!  We absolutely always let him get it out before a ride.  Even if he's just been turned out, we lunge him in as big a space as we can and even chase him to encourage him to buck (his favorite "play").  When he's done, he's ready and willing to work.  The old timers I grew up with called this "gyping", as opposed to "lunging".  In other words, playing instead of working - horses aren't stupid and I believe they understand the difference.  I never expect a horse to work who hasn't had a chance to play first.  This includes ground work as well as riding and it makes for a much more trainable horse.  I've seen horses that are "broncy" under saddle for no other reason than they need to get their playfulness, which manifests itself into bucking, out of their system. 
     I hear lots about horse behavior but never hear about their playful nature discussed.  What a shame!  These are the best all-around athletes in our world.  Many of them really enjoy showing their abilities off.  When in the herd, healthy, relaxed horses do play just for the pure joy of it.
     Give a playful horse a chance - let 'em play!  Remember that often he just needs a little encouragement from you.  I think you'll enjoy his antics and once he's through, he'll be ready to concentrate on his work, giving you a better ride.  See you next week, JD   

One Step at a Time

     While having dinner with friends the other night, I was asked a question about a horse that is frightened when it is being mounted but then rides just fine.  Since this is a newly acquired horse there are some "unknowables" about its past experiences.  What struck me the most though was my friend's rush to solve the problem.  This causes the horse to feel rushed which is never a good thing.
     When problems occur, my philosophy is that it's always best to go back to the simplest, most basic points.  Perhaps this horse was never properly "sacked out" or maybe the horse has been accidentally kicked with the rider's toe when being mounted.  It's hard to know without watching the horse but whatever the cause is, going back to basics is always part of my basic maneuver.  In this case, if that means just standing in one stirrup for several days (meaning stepping into it and out of it repeatedly) then so be it.  Take your time and don't go onto the next step until the horse is completely comfortable with the first step.  One step at a time will save you untold problems in the future.
     Horses can overcome their fear of most things if the issue is properly approached and desensetizing never ends - it's a life-long proceess.  Here's an example:  I was handling one of our best broke horses ("X-man") the other day when he became frightened of the neck warmer I was removing.  The cause?  I did it outside the barn which is not his normal routine and not where he's used to having it removed.  So, I talked gently to him and patted him soothingly.  I put the warmer on and took it off again until he was comfortable with the action.  Next thing you know, the neck warmer was off and he was confident and happy about the removal.  My point?  Think about what's really bothering your horse.  If you look, you'll probably find it - always try to see the world the way your horse does.  You'll be amazed at how much it helps you understand what's happening - and remember:  One step at a time.  See you next week!  JD

Ballroom Dancing

      I've been at Devonwood in Oregon for the past several days with our Hunter mare Rosie's First Gold (aka "Tilly", now 2012 Region 4 Champion Working Hunter 3'3"-3'6" and Champion Hunter Hack) so this blog is a little shorter than usual since I just got back in the door and have to change my own "tack" in a hurry to get back on the road with the Trail horses in time for this week's Region 5 Championship!          

     Watching Angela Wilson ride Tilly though makes me think of watching a wonderful dancing team.  Ballroom dancing is not my forte but I like watching it and I always equate riding with dancing.  Horses are our partners (yes, I know - I'm always harping on this!).  When this partnership is achieved it is amazing, wonderful and even joyful to experience.  And, it's great to watch a good team work (or dance) together.
     I tell my students it's like dancing a waltz.  You lead and they follow.  It's very much like listening to music and following the rythym, you don't need to count beats, just feel the "music".  Sometimes I have my students close their eyes, release the reins and ride.  It's lovely to see them relax and learn to trust and feel on another level (and obviously we don't do this on "hyper" or green horses and only in an enclosed area with supervision).
     Good horse and rider teams can make difficult things seem effortless.  A subtle communication between horse and rider.  To me, this brings horsemanship to a level of art.  The art of horsemanship should be every horseman's goal!  See you next week, JD.

Those Pesky Walk-Overs

     Proper walk-overs in Trail can be a difficul manuever but well worth the effort they take to master.  Before you start though, you have to make sure the horse is comfortable walking over poles, secondly you have to be able to work with a loose rein and third, your horse must be ready to give to the bridle. Good walk-overs must be in stride.  This means you also have to teach your horse proper striding (1.5 to 2 feet between poles).  Remember that each individual foot must step between the poles - you can't skip over a pole.  While doing this, make sure the horse doesn't rush, especially after the walk-over.

     Teach your horse to drop down his head and follow the rein as it lowers (this is why the horse must give to the bridle).  Good Trail horses should drop their heads and look at the ground like a hound following a scent.  They should do this without poles or grain or treats, just on cue.  My cue (which is standard) is to ask for the bridle, lean forward (exaggeratedly) while bringing my hand forward and dropping the rein down.   Later, combine all the pieces of a walk-over you've taught your horse.  I absolutely teach each part separately and then combine them when the horse is fully confident with each part.
    
The finished Trail horse should be able to do raised walkovers and complex turns in and overwalkovers all while his head is down and he is seeking the poles.  He should stay in stride even if there is a empty space or long stretch between poles.  He should be able to do all this and execute turns on the forehand within the poles as well.

     A finished Trail horse should also exhibit style and expression no matter whether its his first class of the day or his last.  Walk-overs are beautiful when done properly.  Watch a good Trail horse at your next show and see if you don't agree!  See you next week, JD.

Ring-sour Horses

     Are ring-sour horses re-trainable?  This question often arises and is difficult to address because there are often so many contributing factors involved.  To accomplish this goal of retraining, you must establish why the horse is ring-sour.  The list of causes could go on and on, but here are some common causes.
     Was the horse consistently sore when shown?  Does the show saddle fit properly?  Was the horse allowed to aniticipate the announcer and anticipate reversing and lining up?  Each of these can cause a variety of misbehaviors.  Was he always allowed back to his stall immediately after leaving the class?  Is the horse used to and accepting of his show bit?  Is the class and the work the right fit for this horse?  If the horse is anxious about showing, does he have ulcers?  Many show horses do.  Are you riding the horse the same at the show as you do at home?  Have you kept his routine as close to his barn routine as possible?  Are you - his rider - nervous?  And, if you show a mare, are there hormonal issues at work?  In short, there are many things that can contribute to a horse becoming sour in the show arena.
     I don't believe all horses are "fixable" nor do I believe all horses make good show horses.  That being said though, yes some horses and perhaps many horses can be turned around and even learn to like showing.  But I most emphatically do not believe that the answer lies in taking the horse home and "just" turning him out to pasture (which is good for any horse - I always turn my horses out before and after a show).  Simply turning the horse out for a period of time though won't cure the underlying problem(s) alone.
     You must tackle each of the issues above one-by-one to find the cause or causes.  Usually there is more than one problem but I like to start with the physical issues first.  Is the horse sore?  Maybe he has been just worked too hard at the show, maybe put in too many classes (a typical error of amateurs).  Sometimes horses start misbehaving because they are sore and tired.  Take the horse to a schooling show and work with any bad show ring habits.  This will also give you a baseline for evaluation.  Be sure that whoever is riding is calm and quite and assertive.  And remember most horses need to be exercised before they are worked at a show.
     There are some things that "wind" horses up and some that calm horses.  For instance, some horses don't do well being loped in a crowded warm-up arena.  Some will not relax if you work them in small, tight circles.  There are some suppling exercises that when done carefully, can really help a horse relax in his back and neck.  Develop a warm-up routine that helps your individual horse.  Just because something works well for one horse, does not mean it is right for your horse.  Treating all horses as individuals is one of the most vital keys to success. 
     I work closely with my veterinarians.  Any issues I have are thoroughly discussed with them.  Soreness, excessive nerves, mares coming into season at shows, suspected ulcer conditions should all be discussed with your veterinarian.  There are many vets who specialize in performance horses and they should be consulted.  It is my firm believe that a successful show program is due in part to good veterinarian care and good farrier care.
     One last word: horses don't become ring-sour overnight.  This behavior develops over time and usually is a combination of several factors.  Everything is interconnected so try to find the underlying problem and then work your way through the other issues.  Be patient and be methodical and often you can have great results.  See you next week!  JD