Posted December 5th, 2007 — Filed under Clinics, Training
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Riding is an inherently dangerous sport, thus if you spend enough hours in the saddle you know it is inevitable that you will hit the ground at some point. The important thing is to fall without getting hurt, or at least minimize the chances of injury by learning to tuck and roll. Never put your hand out to break the fall or you will end up breaking your arm. More importantly, spend hours learning the basics of balance, riding in rhythm with relaxation. With the correct education you will learn to identify dangerous situations and alter the course of action prior to disaster.
Here is an extraordinary video of a horse who back flips to dislodge his rider, in this case I would recommend not attempting to ride this horse until he learns to keep all 4 feet on the ground.
Posted November 24th, 2007 — Filed under Clinics, Windrock Farm
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A new western is being filmed in Sante Fe at the Ford Ranch several miles outside of Sante Fe. Rex Peterson is the head horse wrangler for this film starring Viggo Mortenson, Ed Harris and Jeremy Irons. This set was also used by 3:10 to Yuma and has been transformed by a hefty Art Direction budget to create the fictional town of Appaloosa. Rex is heading to Austin Texas for a week of filming and then back to Sante Fe for the final days before wrapping the picture.
In order to develop an independent seat, the rider must feel comfortable in the saddle and on the horse. All of my kids learn to perform “around the world” where they pivot in the saddle sitting on one side, backwards, the other side and finally front again. At first this is difficult and scary for them, but after learning how to remain balanced in the middle of the horse, the riders enjoy this excercise. Some even take it a step further by sitting behind the saddle as seen here. I would recommend a person stand at the head of the horse for the first effort as you never know if your horse will want to buck you off his rump. Obviously this pair could perform stunts as neither seems too concerned about this unusual way of riding.
TETANUS TOXOID When a wound such as a deep puncture is contaminated, toxins from the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium tetani, which thrives in the equine environment, cause lockjaw and general muscle spasms, usually resulting in death. Vaccinate yearly.
Give a booster vaccination at the time of penetrating injury or surgery if most recent dose was more than six months earlier. Broodmares should receive a vaccination four to six weeks before foaling.
EE/WEE/VEE Eastern Western Venezuelan Equine Encephalomyelitis, aka Sleeping Sickness, is a vector-borne viral disease causing inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Vaccinate yearly, in spring (before insect season). Where Encephalomyelitis is common and/or where there are two annual mosquito “blooms,” give a booster EEE/WEE/VEE vaccination every six months about a month before the onset of the mosquito season.
RABIES Invasion of the central nervous system by a virus that is fatal if untreated; it also transmits to other animals–including humans. Recommended yearly, especially in areas where rabid wildlife is reported or areas considered to be endemic.
WEST NILE VIRAL ENCEPHALMYELITIS A mosquito-born encephalitis that can be deadly to horses and has been reported in all but a few states. Vaccination recommended very six months.
Two West Nile Virus vaccines are now available; consult your veterinarian about the best choice for your horse. If you’re vaccinating your horse against WNV for the first time, he’ll require a booster after the initial injection.
INFLUENZA Acute, contagious, viral respiratory-tract inflammation; occurs in isolated cases or in epidemics. Your veterinarian can recommend which form of the vaccine is suitable for your horse. Intranasal Vaccine every six months; add booster two to four weeks before anticipated exposure, such as a show or a long haul.
Intranasal vaccine gives a good immune response when properly applied but can be tricky to administer. If your horse is fussy about substances sprayed up his nostrils, consider using the injectable form. Injectable Vaccine every six months; add a booster two to four weeks before anticipated exposure.
RHINOPNEUMONITIS Caused by a herpes virus, a contagious infection of the respiratory tract; often induces abortion in pregnant mares. Optional – every six months.
Rhinopneumonitis and Influenza vaccines are sometimes administered in a single combined dose. If your mare is bred, consult your veterinarian about a Rhino vaccination schedule to safeguard her pregnancy.
remember: always contact your veterinarian regarding the vaccines appropriate for your horse!
Is your horse trying to tell you something? Is he girthy when you cinch up the saddle? Does he cringe when you approach with the saddle? Has he started bucking or changed his behaviour when ridden? If so, there is a good chance your saddle is the culprit.
Several common signs of a poor fit —
the saddle rocks when placed on his back without a rider
The cantle bounces up and down when riding
There is no space between the wither and saddle
The underside of the saddle is bumpy with knots in the flocking
The horse is bucking when ridden
So how do to find the perfect fit?
Take your time! Saddle shopping should not be rushed. The saddle is a critical piece of equipment that allows for communication between rider and horse.
Find a reputable saddle fitter to check the saddle fit. Follow up with an annual check up.
Take a tracing of your horses back to create a gage to use when looking at prospective saddles. Here you can see Patty Barnett, a skilled saddle fitter measuring the back of this horse to create a tracing for the owner to take to saddle shops.
Many times the saddle needs to be re-flocked and fit to each individual. Here Patty is pounding the flocking to fit the saddle to the horses back. For more information as to how to find the correct fit for your horse, contact Patty at saddledr@aol.com. Also check out her web site at www.eastcrowsaddlery.com.
Posted August 27th, 2007 — Filed under Clinics, Training
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On a recent trip to Sun Valley I met the famous Brentina and her rider Debbie McDonald at their beautiful stable in Hailey Idaho. The mountains are a gorgeous backdrop to the outside arena. The weather was perfect for riding and it was a treat to see this world class training facility. The proud owner Parry, was a gracious host who says that of the top 40 or so international-quality dressage horses in the world, he’s “got three of ’em in his barn in Idaho,” referring to Brentina, Donatello, and rising 5-year-old star, Felix. Parry refers to Felix almost as a freak; he is so elastic and athletic. His hind-foot overreach at the walk is almost a full foot, and his overall 5-year-old class score in LA was a whopping 9.5. They think he may be the best one yet.
Posted July 18th, 2007 — Filed under Clinics, Shows, Training
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Rider position is crucial to maximizing your horses performance. The fundamental goal of the rider is to be relaxed and effective with the aids. Without the relaxation you will not be able to ask your horse to do anything productive and problems may arise from the tension.
The shoulders and arms hold the most tension for the rider. Some simple excercises are to constantly relax the shoulders and arm muscles, offering your hands toward the bit and discover how your horse reacts. Most likely, he will soften his neck muscles, round his back and be more comfortable.
Most importantly, breathe. When you hold your breath, you created tension in your body and thus in the horses. Remember, your horse is a reflexion of your energy. So relax, breathe, enjoy the ride.
Last week the Sisters from a local retreat on Wethersfield came to meet RJ aka “Hidalgo” perform his many tricks. It was amazing how many of the Sisters have seen the film and were aware of this horse. RJ was a star as usual, being a perfect gentleman for the crowd.
Tony Mason and Cari Swanson have created a unique training series of dvd’s for students who want to continue their education in the saddle. Each session allows the viewer to watch the progress of horse and rider improve the quality of the gaits through a series of excercises that are easy to practice at home.
You will witness mistakes and how they are corrected so that you can learn how to work through problems at home with your horse. Subscriptions for one lesson a month are available on the web site www.cariswanson.com or you can sample a training session individually if you prefer.
We encourage you to send in your questions and training problems which will be addressed in future sessions.
