My Dad always taught me to take care of the animals first, before anything else. This probably came from his farming and ranching background in a time when people really depended on their animals, but I think his thoughts also came from his general fondness for animals.
Unfortunately though, we as a country have generally left our agricultural heritage behind us and in doing so, many people have lost any interdependence with horses. What I mean is this, we do not need our horses for plowing, hauling, transportation etc. They're now "just" for our recreation - which I'm personally very grateful for - but here's the conundrum.....
Horses depend on us for everything even though they only have indirect and subtle effects on our lives these days. What I hear frequently is how much horses contribute to our emotional well being. Now, I'm the first to admit that horses have contributed greatly and positively to my own emotional well being, but somehow, the horses still come out a distant second to many of our own needs.
You can observe this conflict in the way we breed horses, in many training practices and in the way we care for horses. So often, their needs are not truly our number one concern. Examples include barns that are built to be warm and toasty for people but are really breeding grounds for germs that can attack a horse's fragile respiratory system. You see it in mares that are bred at our convenience but foal so early that the resulting filly or colt will often struggle with health issues, lameness issues or have their ability to interact well with humans or even other horses severely stunted. I've seen some barns that were beautiful by human standards but didn't have anything near adequate in the way of turnout or exercise facilities. And, one of my personal pet peeves, you see it in people who rush to ride or show on their busy schedule but without a thought to the down-time the horse might need before he's really ready to show or ride again. And I could go on and on.... but you get the picture.
So, to wrap it up - and my apologies to John F. Kennedy: "Ask not what your horse can do for you, but what you can do for your horse!" Look around to figure out ways you can improve - truly improve - your horse's life. Talk to you next week! JD
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Riding Older Horses
Training and conditioning older, geriatric horses is very different than working with younger horses and especially middle-aged horses. Those guys, in the midst of their working lives are by far the easiest.
One thing I truly believe in is that working older horses in a manner that is approprite to their overall soundness is the best option for them, it simply keeps them younger, longer. Now, it is very important to work with your vet too when you're working with an older horse (and any horse, really) because most older horses have some issues going on, but veterinary medicine has advanced so far, it's just amazing what we can do for older horses to keep them in great shape well into their older ages.
As you plan your work, you'll have to make some decisions on what is right for not only the horse but what you endeavor to do with him as well as what you can do within your budget. Here are some tips for working with the older horse:
1) Older horses lose condition quicker with age and it takes longer, much longer, to return them to a good working condition so a solid and sustainable conditioning program is a must. Work up to condition slowly, don't rush, but once you've started the program keep it up!
2) Older horses - just like people (darn it!) - need more work to stay in condition than their younger counterparts. A well conditioned middle-aged horse will usually keep his condition on three or so days a week riding if turned out for some additional exercise. I find that the older horse needs four or more days a week of moderate work in addition to their daily turn-out.
3) To achieve and maintain that certain level of condition, I like to work the older horses two days back-to-back then every other day for a few days, then two days back-to-back again (this can work well if you have a busy schedule yourself. Work your horse every other day during the week, then both days on the weekend).
4) Remember that the older horse needs his rest but may come out a bit stiff or stocked-up after that day off. Don't let that deter you, just warm the older horse up slowly - I like to do lots (lots!) of walking and suppling before I start to work them. I also like to give them a breather after doing any loping and walk them again for five minutes or so between harder work.
5) I like to do "carrot stretches" (look it up) with my older horses before and after they work. I've worked this into Wes's daily routine and it really loosens up his neck and back before a ride - and he loves the added carrots!
6) When I'm working the older horse, I encourage them to get their neck down while we're taking our walking breaks. This helps them stretch out and can also help keep their back stronger.
7) I personally really like keeping my older horses on Adequan. Most get a monthy dose and sometimes more if they're doing a long haul or a hard show. I only give bute if they've done some exceptionally strenuous work or at my vet's instruction.
8) Regular shoeing is of the utmost importance as well. These older horses just need all the help we can give them so work with both your farrier and vet to make sure you keep them at their best from bottom to top.
9) Some of my older horses also get accupuncture as well as chiropractic care to ensure they're as flexible and comfortable as possible.
I hope these thoughts help because these older horses are real treasures and there's no reason you shouldn't enjoy yours well into the golden years! Talk to you next week, JD.
One thing I truly believe in is that working older horses in a manner that is approprite to their overall soundness is the best option for them, it simply keeps them younger, longer. Now, it is very important to work with your vet too when you're working with an older horse (and any horse, really) because most older horses have some issues going on, but veterinary medicine has advanced so far, it's just amazing what we can do for older horses to keep them in great shape well into their older ages.
As you plan your work, you'll have to make some decisions on what is right for not only the horse but what you endeavor to do with him as well as what you can do within your budget. Here are some tips for working with the older horse:
1) Older horses lose condition quicker with age and it takes longer, much longer, to return them to a good working condition so a solid and sustainable conditioning program is a must. Work up to condition slowly, don't rush, but once you've started the program keep it up!
2) Older horses - just like people (darn it!) - need more work to stay in condition than their younger counterparts. A well conditioned middle-aged horse will usually keep his condition on three or so days a week riding if turned out for some additional exercise. I find that the older horse needs four or more days a week of moderate work in addition to their daily turn-out.
3) To achieve and maintain that certain level of condition, I like to work the older horses two days back-to-back then every other day for a few days, then two days back-to-back again (this can work well if you have a busy schedule yourself. Work your horse every other day during the week, then both days on the weekend).
4) Remember that the older horse needs his rest but may come out a bit stiff or stocked-up after that day off. Don't let that deter you, just warm the older horse up slowly - I like to do lots (lots!) of walking and suppling before I start to work them. I also like to give them a breather after doing any loping and walk them again for five minutes or so between harder work.
5) I like to do "carrot stretches" (look it up) with my older horses before and after they work. I've worked this into Wes's daily routine and it really loosens up his neck and back before a ride - and he loves the added carrots!
6) When I'm working the older horse, I encourage them to get their neck down while we're taking our walking breaks. This helps them stretch out and can also help keep their back stronger.
7) I personally really like keeping my older horses on Adequan. Most get a monthy dose and sometimes more if they're doing a long haul or a hard show. I only give bute if they've done some exceptionally strenuous work or at my vet's instruction.
8) Regular shoeing is of the utmost importance as well. These older horses just need all the help we can give them so work with both your farrier and vet to make sure you keep them at their best from bottom to top.
9) Some of my older horses also get accupuncture as well as chiropractic care to ensure they're as flexible and comfortable as possible.
I hope these thoughts help because these older horses are real treasures and there's no reason you shouldn't enjoy yours well into the golden years! Talk to you next week, JD.
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
A Guide
According to the Oxford American Dictionary of Current English, the definition of a guide is: "A person who leads or shows the way, or directs the movements of a person or group".
All of the people I work with have various degrees of accomplishment in the horse world. Some more, some less, some have a long list and some a list that's still growing. But, all of "my" people have a very good grasp of horsemanship. They cannot be hoodwinked with bad ideas or just plain gobbeldy-gook. It's why I enjoy them all so much. I try to make them all into better horsemen and they make me a better horseman and teacher. God bless each of my "students"!
So often with my more accomplished riders, I see my role as a guide rather than a teacher. My role is to set examples and show them ways towards their goals and lead them down paths that have been successful for me. My job as guide is also to help them avoid pitfalls that I have either fallen into myself or have seen trip up others. I try to help my riders avoid the errant paths that I see some others so willfully go down....
At this point in my career, I'm not into controlling other people's actions or decisions. That makes everything so difficult and often causes clients much frustration. Instead, I try to give my riders enough information and background so that they can make up their own minds and make their own decisions. I give them the best advice I possibly can and I don't ever want to discourage anyone, but I do want all of my people to be realistic. Realistic evaluations and realistic goals prevent everyone from being disappointed or frustrated. Sometimes though, I find that my job as their guide is to nudge them back onto a successful path when they have made an unrealistic decision or, say - want too much, too fast, from their horse.
So, I continue to guide, and I hope lead by example as well as by advice. I want everyone to be successful but even more importantly, I want everyone to be the best they can be. That's my personal goal! Talk to you next week, JD.
All of the people I work with have various degrees of accomplishment in the horse world. Some more, some less, some have a long list and some a list that's still growing. But, all of "my" people have a very good grasp of horsemanship. They cannot be hoodwinked with bad ideas or just plain gobbeldy-gook. It's why I enjoy them all so much. I try to make them all into better horsemen and they make me a better horseman and teacher. God bless each of my "students"!
So often with my more accomplished riders, I see my role as a guide rather than a teacher. My role is to set examples and show them ways towards their goals and lead them down paths that have been successful for me. My job as guide is also to help them avoid pitfalls that I have either fallen into myself or have seen trip up others. I try to help my riders avoid the errant paths that I see some others so willfully go down....
At this point in my career, I'm not into controlling other people's actions or decisions. That makes everything so difficult and often causes clients much frustration. Instead, I try to give my riders enough information and background so that they can make up their own minds and make their own decisions. I give them the best advice I possibly can and I don't ever want to discourage anyone, but I do want all of my people to be realistic. Realistic evaluations and realistic goals prevent everyone from being disappointed or frustrated. Sometimes though, I find that my job as their guide is to nudge them back onto a successful path when they have made an unrealistic decision or, say - want too much, too fast, from their horse.
So, I continue to guide, and I hope lead by example as well as by advice. I want everyone to be successful but even more importantly, I want everyone to be the best they can be. That's my personal goal! Talk to you next week, JD.
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Friendship and Horses
I have a friend who has loads of ability, plus works hard, is willing to learn and really likes horses. In short, this person is just about everything you could ask for in a successful trainer.
Slowly, we became friends just riding together, warming up horses and talking mostly about our work. We discuss training techniques, management issues, equine personalities and so on. In the process, a friendship developed, a friendship based on mutual respect. And just as older trainers helped me, I've been passing along some of my knowledge and experience to my friend.
Over time, I've been able to give this person some input on things that I've learned and I've watched this trainer come to have a much better understanding of the whole process, watched their skills improve and their techniques change when needed. I've enjoyed watching them achieve a whole new, much higher, level of training.
This is more important to me than money or winning. This is passing the baton on to a new generation, a generation that will ultimately improve the whole art of horsemanship just as every past generation has done. And what a priviledge this has been - friendship and horses make everything worthwhile! Talk to you next week. JD
Slowly, we became friends just riding together, warming up horses and talking mostly about our work. We discuss training techniques, management issues, equine personalities and so on. In the process, a friendship developed, a friendship based on mutual respect. And just as older trainers helped me, I've been passing along some of my knowledge and experience to my friend.
Over time, I've been able to give this person some input on things that I've learned and I've watched this trainer come to have a much better understanding of the whole process, watched their skills improve and their techniques change when needed. I've enjoyed watching them achieve a whole new, much higher, level of training.
This is more important to me than money or winning. This is passing the baton on to a new generation, a generation that will ultimately improve the whole art of horsemanship just as every past generation has done. And what a priviledge this has been - friendship and horses make everything worthwhile! Talk to you next week. JD
Sunday, August 10, 2014
More on Left and Right.....
A horse with a very hollow side - for instance on the right - will often lope a little faster that direction because the horse overbends and is not in balance. Often they will drop their shoulder which, in turn, will cause their left hip (in this example) to go to the outside.
On the opposite side, the horse often travels in a less cadenced manner and will often have trouble reaching up deep with his inside hind leg causing his body to appear stiff and straight. Most horses look their best with a slight arc to the inside (very slight, I tell my riders they should only barely see the in-side of their horse's eye) so this stiffness, caused by the hollow side, makes the lope less pleasing to ride and to look at. Every horse is different and some do need to be a bit straighter than others so good judgement is also part of this exercise.
Now, when the horse becomes properly supple and balanced, the quality of the lope will definitely improve and so will his speed. The horse will round up, lift his back and slow down. But remember that they cannot do this if they're too stiff or too "hollow" because then they cannot balance.
So.... I teach that balance is not only back to front but also (and this is so important!) from side to side. If for instance, a horse is leaning on your leg or your rein, he is not balanced. Some work that can help you with your horse's balance include a series of spiralled circles (first large, then with your outer leg, pushing the horse into a small circle, than back out again into a large circle - careful to keep the spirals circles - no ovals or stop signs!). Also, leg-yields and counter canters and reverse arcs can help to lift the shoulder and build balance. I always work both sides but I like to start with the stiff side, then the good side, then back to the stiff side again.
As I said a few weeks ago though, none of these exercises are "one hit wonders" - you have to stick with a program to see results. Think about which warm-up exercises will help your horse the most and work them in every time you ride. I hope this quick tip helps with your next ride! Talk to you next week. JD
On the opposite side, the horse often travels in a less cadenced manner and will often have trouble reaching up deep with his inside hind leg causing his body to appear stiff and straight. Most horses look their best with a slight arc to the inside (very slight, I tell my riders they should only barely see the in-side of their horse's eye) so this stiffness, caused by the hollow side, makes the lope less pleasing to ride and to look at. Every horse is different and some do need to be a bit straighter than others so good judgement is also part of this exercise.
Now, when the horse becomes properly supple and balanced, the quality of the lope will definitely improve and so will his speed. The horse will round up, lift his back and slow down. But remember that they cannot do this if they're too stiff or too "hollow" because then they cannot balance.
So.... I teach that balance is not only back to front but also (and this is so important!) from side to side. If for instance, a horse is leaning on your leg or your rein, he is not balanced. Some work that can help you with your horse's balance include a series of spiralled circles (first large, then with your outer leg, pushing the horse into a small circle, than back out again into a large circle - careful to keep the spirals circles - no ovals or stop signs!). Also, leg-yields and counter canters and reverse arcs can help to lift the shoulder and build balance. I always work both sides but I like to start with the stiff side, then the good side, then back to the stiff side again.
As I said a few weeks ago though, none of these exercises are "one hit wonders" - you have to stick with a program to see results. Think about which warm-up exercises will help your horse the most and work them in every time you ride. I hope this quick tip helps with your next ride! Talk to you next week. JD
Monday, August 4, 2014
Cookie's First (Real) Trail Show!
We recently took Joanne's mare Cookie (CHF I Double Dare Ya) to her first real show as part of our show team. Cookie has alot of experience going to shows but not performing as a Trail horse. In Trail, she's still quite the novice.
So, the goal was to get to know her in a yet another different setting. I don't think you ever know a horse thoroughly until you show them. Our other goal was to continue to school her on different Trail obstacles, different bridges and gates etc. Though she truly did need schooling - or, as I think of it, ongoing exposure to different things - she did really well with the new challenges and we were very pleased with her progress.
Earlier this year the Open and Amateur Trail courses would have been very difficult for her and I very much believe in NOT over-challenging a Trail horse too soon in their career (I expect all my horses to have very long careers!). I believe in building confidence, not sucking it right out of them. So, earlier this year we took her to another show but only put her in one class - a non-rated walk/trot class with Joanne (a "ten and way-over" walk trot class!) - where she did very well for her level of training. She was able to warm up on all the obstacles and even school on some lope poles in the warm-up arena. In the main arena though, she did only walk-trot and while even some of the trot obstacles were a push for her, she was able to maintain her confidence and wasn't overchallenged.
Between that early show and now, I've worked to build Cookie's abilities, teach her how to lengthen and shorten, bend in the ribcage and pay attention over obstacles. As she showed ability and confidence with one lope pole, I added another, then three and I'll keep adding various other challenges as time goes on, but always with an eye to maintaining her confidence and form.
So, Cookie continues to learn and become a confidence Trail horse. She still has a ways to go and I will continue to look for maiden and novice classes for her if I can find them just as I have all the other horses I have started in this demanding discipline. But our patient building blocks are paying off.
Does she still have some issues? Yes, but as she gains confidence and learns how to negotiate a course and, importantly, learns to trust her rider, everything will fall into place like pieces of a puzzle! Talk to you next week. JD
So, the goal was to get to know her in a yet another different setting. I don't think you ever know a horse thoroughly until you show them. Our other goal was to continue to school her on different Trail obstacles, different bridges and gates etc. Though she truly did need schooling - or, as I think of it, ongoing exposure to different things - she did really well with the new challenges and we were very pleased with her progress.
Earlier this year the Open and Amateur Trail courses would have been very difficult for her and I very much believe in NOT over-challenging a Trail horse too soon in their career (I expect all my horses to have very long careers!). I believe in building confidence, not sucking it right out of them. So, earlier this year we took her to another show but only put her in one class - a non-rated walk/trot class with Joanne (a "ten and way-over" walk trot class!) - where she did very well for her level of training. She was able to warm up on all the obstacles and even school on some lope poles in the warm-up arena. In the main arena though, she did only walk-trot and while even some of the trot obstacles were a push for her, she was able to maintain her confidence and wasn't overchallenged.
Between that early show and now, I've worked to build Cookie's abilities, teach her how to lengthen and shorten, bend in the ribcage and pay attention over obstacles. As she showed ability and confidence with one lope pole, I added another, then three and I'll keep adding various other challenges as time goes on, but always with an eye to maintaining her confidence and form.
So, Cookie continues to learn and become a confidence Trail horse. She still has a ways to go and I will continue to look for maiden and novice classes for her if I can find them just as I have all the other horses I have started in this demanding discipline. But our patient building blocks are paying off.
Does she still have some issues? Yes, but as she gains confidence and learns how to negotiate a course and, importantly, learns to trust her rider, everything will fall into place like pieces of a puzzle! Talk to you next week. JD
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Staying the Course
(Aaaah - I'm back after a nice break for some shows and personal travel and I have a lot on my mind to tell you about! A break does everyone - and every horse - good now and then!)
So often, I see people going to this and that clinic, taking a few lessons here and a few there, trying out yet another new trainer or buying the current fad in bits or training equipment. Trying every latest thing to "fix" their horse when maybe what needs fixing is the rider or the program.
Every rider must learn the principles of basic training and they also must work on their own seat and hands, their timing and their rhythm. Everyone needs to evaluate their technique and understand what works and what doesn't and what's appropriate for their horse and discipline. (I know - I tend to harp on this!)
Along with their riding skills, they need to decide a good course of action, say - a specific program. And, once you choose a program you must give it a chance to help. Trying something for a day or week or even a month and expecting miracles just doesn't work. Horses are not trained overnight. I can give you the best advice in the world and know in my heart that my advice will help your situation but if you don't work at it, day after day, not even great advice will help. I do expect to see progress but that doesn't mean a problem is instantly fixed - they take time. So this is what I mean when I say "stay the course".
Also, be sure you consider how and why some methods were developed. Some things just won't work with some horses - period. There are so many variables: conformation, trainability and breeding are at the top of the list I consider when I make a plan. Some horses work well with some methods and other horses of the same breed will absolutely fail.
So, before you try another new method or technique, consider all the factors. Then, if you are satisfied that you've found the right method or right trainer etc., give the program a fair chance to work. Expect progress yes, but in small doses, one step at a time, and even with a set back now and then but, if you stay the course often you'll end up on top of the pyramid! Hope this helps, talk to you next week. JD
So often, I see people going to this and that clinic, taking a few lessons here and a few there, trying out yet another new trainer or buying the current fad in bits or training equipment. Trying every latest thing to "fix" their horse when maybe what needs fixing is the rider or the program.
Every rider must learn the principles of basic training and they also must work on their own seat and hands, their timing and their rhythm. Everyone needs to evaluate their technique and understand what works and what doesn't and what's appropriate for their horse and discipline. (I know - I tend to harp on this!)
Along with their riding skills, they need to decide a good course of action, say - a specific program. And, once you choose a program you must give it a chance to help. Trying something for a day or week or even a month and expecting miracles just doesn't work. Horses are not trained overnight. I can give you the best advice in the world and know in my heart that my advice will help your situation but if you don't work at it, day after day, not even great advice will help. I do expect to see progress but that doesn't mean a problem is instantly fixed - they take time. So this is what I mean when I say "stay the course".
Also, be sure you consider how and why some methods were developed. Some things just won't work with some horses - period. There are so many variables: conformation, trainability and breeding are at the top of the list I consider when I make a plan. Some horses work well with some methods and other horses of the same breed will absolutely fail.
So, before you try another new method or technique, consider all the factors. Then, if you are satisfied that you've found the right method or right trainer etc., give the program a fair chance to work. Expect progress yes, but in small doses, one step at a time, and even with a set back now and then but, if you stay the course often you'll end up on top of the pyramid! Hope this helps, talk to you next week. JD
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)