Cari Swanson

Preparing your Horse for Winter

As the seasons change, you need to start thinking about preparing your horse for the colder days ahead. The temperature is dropping into the 50’s and lower at night, so those horses that are remaining in steady work will need to be blanketed to prevent them from growing furry coats. It is very important to find all of your winter blankets so that they can be cleaned and repaired, ready for use.

The shoes will also need to be changed as we move into the colder, icy, snowy days of winter. Snow pads are a great idea to prevent the “high heel” effect of snow balls accumulating in the bottom of the hoof. Also, some sort of traction should be added to the bottom of the shoes to prevent slipping on the ice.

Finally, check your feed schedule as the grass diminishes and your horse shifts to eating primarily hay. Stay current with your horses worming schedule and moniter his water consumption. It is very important to be aware of the change of seasons and how it affects your horse. Remember, horses are much happier in cold weather than hot, and they adjust easier to the cold days.

From the Judges Box

Recently I judged a dressage schooling show which was the last of a series from the summer season at the Stockade Polo and Saddle Club near Saratoga, NY. My scribe explained to me that many of the 60 rides I judged had been attending each monthly show, improving with each outing.

It was exciting to see the variety of breeds and sizes of the competing horses. There were small 14.1 hand Morgan’s and Quarter Horses to an 18.1 hand Shire cross to Dutch Warmbloods and Paints. And of course there were numerous Thoroughbred’s from the track desended from legends such as Seattle Slew and Secretariat. Some of the most consistent harmonious rides were on a trail horse and a former roping horse, both of whom transitioned well into their new career of dressage horses.

Several older school horses performed as pro’s, carrying their timid riders around an accurate, albeit, sluggish rides. The horses were clearly enjoying their job, relaxed and calm with floppy ears and soft eyes as they were put through the paces.

Of course there were the reluctant participants who misbehaved, dodging out of the arena every time they passed A, or refusing to step into canter, chosing to bolt or buck as an alternative. However, the riders persevered and finished with the horses completing their tests in spite of the arguments.

The high score of the day was won by an elegant black Anglo Trakener gelding, Azay Avignon, who was recently plucked off the film set of Ruffian where he played her double for the soon to be released Hollywood production of “Ruffian”. His test was beautiful. Azay was remarkably poised and correct in his rhythm and balance, showing a pleasant harmonious ride that judges enjoy watching. He clearly is enjoying his new career in the world of dressage.

Ride a Schoolmaster

Learning to ride correctly is challenging and can be frustrating at times. The best teacher of all is the well trained schoolmaster who will perform only when you sit correctly. Very few riders have a sophisticated balanced seat, however, it is quite possible to obtain if you are lucky enough to train on a seasoned pro who will teach you how to sit correctly.

It takes years of training to become a top level dressage horse. Therefore you are looking at schoolmasters in their late teens and early 20’s. Do not be put off by age, if managed properly and cross trained, they remain sound well into their 20’s.

Several lessons on a Schoolmaster can teach you the timing and feel of the aids that may otherwise take you years to understand. These horses have an incredible sense of balance which can train your mind and body what to look for when riding your horse.

If you ever have the opportunity to ride one of these equine encyclopedia’s, jump at the chance! Although I have trained with some of the top trainers in the world, I believe the most valuable lessons that have taught me are on the well trained schoolmasters who insist on perfection.

Walking the Cross Country Course

Riders should always walk your course several times before your actual competition. The day before competition is when you will first walk the course and plan your ride. Remember, preperation is the key to a successful event. Try to walk the first round with your trainer so that you can discuss all approaches and options. Sometimes if this is not possible, follow behind another professional and listen to their tips taking into consideration your horses strengths and weaknesses. Find some time to walk the course at least 2 more times on your own to mentally prepare for your ride. If possible, watch several riders on course to see how the horses are handling the obstacles. The more you prepare and focus on your ride, the more successful you will be.

Always consider the footing, the terrain and the light on the fences. Remember, the day of the competition will be much more electric with spectators walking around the course, banners on jumps, and the loudspeaker bellowing while you are galloping around the course.

When the approach to an obstacle is at the bottom of a hill, keep your eyes up while riding down the hill with a balanced canter which will naturally be collected as a result of the terrain. Many riders slow down too much or look down creating problems at the obstacle. When galloping up a hill to approach a fence, maintain your rhythm with your horse in front of your leg. The danger here is to slow down too much and stall before the jump.

Consider the footing, mentally note where the ground is hard, muddy or rocky. Walking the course several times will give you an excellent mental picture of your ride. Also take note of the jump if it is hidden in a treeline creating a darker fence. Some horses are sensitive to jumping from light to dark and may back off the jump as a result. Prepare your approach by over riding just in case your horse wants to duck out.

Most importantly, do not take any fence for granted. It is often the most simple obstacle that creates a problem. Approach every obstacle with confidence and determination to succeed. There is nothing more exciting than galloping around a cross country course clean within the time allotted. Go out and have fun!