Monday, December 26, 2011

New Students

     A while back a nice young woman asked me to teach her to ride in Trail classes and of course I happily said yes.  I really get excited about bringing new people into this part of showing horses.
     She has made much progress which delights all of us in the barn (as there is always a lot of camaraderie among people riding Trail horses!).   But, she and her horse still have much work to do before they are ready for their first show.  As she and I were discussing this, I was struck by her joyful anticipation of the work yet to be accomplished.
     My student started this goal thinking it would be much easier and quicker to learn than it actually is.  But, now confronted with the work still to be done, she is truly excited to be working towards a goal that will give her more satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.  She is not daunted by the road ahead, instead she joyfully welcomes it.  What great life lessons can be learned in pursuit of great horsemanship!   I wish everyone had the opportunity to have this experience.  I think they would all be better for it. 
     Happy New Year - see you next week! JD

Sunday, December 18, 2011

What keeps me inspired?

     What keeps me inspired?  The simple answer is the lifelong desire to be the best horseperson I could be.  I have always sought to understand the processes of training and all of the ancillary parts that make it happen.  I am still fascinated by the simple act of consistent repetition and a horse's ability to associate that with the desired response, along with the memory it takes to achieve a "trained" horse.
     I don't believe any horse is ever finished in their training.  There is always more fine tuning to do and more stylistic change to achieve.  I think this is especially true for the working horses.  Trail horses for example can always learn to do more difficult obstacles and in the process, they can become more confident.  As you gradually change and increase the levels of difficulty, a horse that has the ability and talent will be kept interested in his job.  You see this in cutting horses, reining horses and other working horses.  All of my horses have gotten better and better in their work over time (except in cases of unforeseen injury or illness). 
     I love to see a horse be proud of themselves - show off their talents - what a joy it is to watch!  Talk to you next week.  JD

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Back from vacation!

     I've just returned from vacation, time well spent to rejuvenate, reenergize and take some time to just "be".  We all need to relax and it's amazing how much clearer everything becomes.
     I believe the same is true for horses.  We always treat our own horses the way we would like to be treated.  What do I mean by that?  Try to think and react like a horse, it really helps.  Don't anthropomorphize, just empathize.  Just like us, they need some time off from training and a sometimes tough show schedule.  Even a few days can allow them the mental rest they need to be eager to resume their jobs.  We always rest our horses a day or two before a long haul and of course they always get time off even after a short show that is near home.  The horses deserve this time off and will always perform better for it. 
     See you next week!  JD

Sunday, November 20, 2011

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

Sunday, November 13, 2011

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    

Sunday, November 6, 2011

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

Sunday, October 30, 2011

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

Saturday, October 22, 2011

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

Sunday, October 16, 2011

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

Sunday, October 9, 2011

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
    

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Moving Day

     October has arrived and we have finished our move to Eagle Mountain Ranch in Arlington.  It is so nice to be so welcomed and warmly received.  Thank you to Kim, Alberto and all their family and staff for everything they have done.  I look forward to working out of their lovely facility.  You must see the view!  It makes me joyful to see the mountains, they're so beautiful, they make one serene and peaceful.
     Being peaceful in your heart is a great place to be when you're working with your horse.  The quieter and calmer you are, the more your horse will be also.  It sounds old and trite but it's also so true.  I always say that it's not your horse's responsibility to take care of you, but it it's your responsibilty to take care of him.  Working with your horse in a steady, calm and focused manner is part of that responsibility.
     And by the way, the picture in last week's blog is Joanne Salisbury and VP Midnitestranger+// ("Wes") carrying the U.S. Flag in the opening ceremonies at Canadian Nationals this year.  It was quite a privilege to be given that honor!  God bless America.
   

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Showring Pitfalls

     This week I'll talk about some of the pitfalls people make when going to a horseshow.  Too many people "psyche themselves out" by worrying about who's at the show, who's watching, what horses are in their class, how much someone's saddle cost etc.  Instead, riders should stay focused on their horse and themselves.  Don't ride for the win or to "beat" a certain competitor, instead, ride to the best of your and your horse's ability and the winning will take care of itself in time.  Ultimately, the goal is to be the best horseperson you can be.
     Remember, train and prepare your horses at home, not at a show.  When showing, keep your routine as much like home as possible but ride the horse you have.  If something needs to changing or improvement, work it out at home where things are familiar, this gives your horse confidence and helps him relax when he's showing.  A relaxed and confident horse will give his best in the show ring.  Talk to you next week! JD
    

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Fall is approaching....

     Fall is fast approaching and many of us are done showing.  It makes me ponder what it takes to have a happy and successful show season.  There are multiple components and I will be discussing many of them over the next few weeks. 
     First, to me, it's setting the right goals for you and your horse.  This begins with setting both long term and short term goals.  I have always been a firm believer in setting goals.  Having a dream is nice but dreaming will never get you where you want to go - only setting and achieving realistic goals will.
    And your goals should be attainable, that is, don't run before you can walk.  Be sure your horse has the ability and mind-set to do what you are interested in.  It is of utmost importance that you find what your horse "likes" to do, even if it means a slight change in your show plans.  A horse that likes and is interested in his work can overcome many physical limitations.  Then, you must make sure his job is enjoyable, don't overdo, work towards success in steps he can understand and also be realistic about what level of showing you and your horse are ready for and capable of accoplishing.  Remember, not everyone can be a National Champion but everyone can have a great show season! 
     Talk to you next week.  JD

Friday, September 9, 2011

What a show season!

I want to congratulate and thank all of my riders for such a successful season!  Even though the HV-1 scare limited our shows to only a few everyone did well.  Kudos to:  Jessica Keefe & "Rosco", Gina Heinricks & "Montego", Colleen Maguire & "Katie" and Joanne Salisbury & "Wes" and "Exe".

These fine riders made my job an easy one and I enjoyed every moment.  It was so rewarding to watch them show and win!

I also want to thank Angie Wilson again for training and showing "Tilly".  Tilly was bred by me and is now owned by Joanne Salisbury.  To see Tilly enjoy her work is wonderful! 

I would like to add that all of these horses love to go to shows and all enjoy being shown.  Their ears are up and they are confident in their respective jobs.  Well done team!  JD

Monday, September 5, 2011

SS Ekspresev +// at Canadian Nationals w/ Joanne Salisbury

This year Joanne Salisbury showed her two trail horses very successfully - winning Ameteur Trail at both Region 5 and Canadian Nationals.  It was with much satisfaction that I watched Joanne and her beloved VP Midnitestranger +// ("Wes") be so competitive after he was seriously hurt in 2009.  And it was so much fun to see her come together with her "new" horse SS Ekspresev +// ("Ex") at Region 5 and Cdn Nationals.  It has been my pleasure to train both of these talented and lovely horses for her. 

I also want to say what a pleasure it was to watch LaRae Fletcher-Powell ride "Poison" at both Region 5 and Cdn Natls- he's a great Trail horse.  Joanne and Ex were Reserve Champion with LaRae and Poison as Champion in Open Trail at both shows.  Joanne and Ex won both Amateur classes with Wes going Top 5 in both at Regionals and Top 10 (3rd in both) in both at Nationals.  Wes also had the high score in the open semi-final in Canada and ended up being beaten only be Poison and his own stablemate Ex!  What a great comeback for Joanne and Wes and great new beginnining for Joanne and Ex - see you again next year at Nationals!  JD

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Rosies First Gold "Tilly" wins at 2011 Canadian Nationals

As the breeder of Rosies First Gold (or Tilly as we affectionately call her around the barns), I want to thank Angela Spiropolis-Wilson for her superb job of training and showing Tilly over fences.  Tilly is a fine mare, and is the daughter of an ApHC mare that I started, showed and truly loved.  Tilly is now owned by Joanne Salisbury who showed her successfully in-hand as a Sport Horse.  I started Tilly in-hand and under saddle then sent her on to Angie to complete her training.  Congratulations to Angie on a job well done.  What a fantastic first Canadian Nationals for Tilly!  Look for Angie and Tilly in 2012 at Regions 4 and 5 as well as Canadian Nationals and maybe even Sport Horse Nationals.  - JD


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Sunday, August 14, 2011

Welcome!

You've reached the blog of professional horse trainer, Jackie Davenport. Over the next few months, and hopefully years, this will be the place you can find my words of wisdom, humor, and insight.
For more information, please visit my website, JackieDavenport.com 

Thank you!