Posted on March 19, 2008
Muscle tone refers to the degree of tension in the muscles, even at rest. Each animal has a unique basic muscle tone, which may range from low to high. Very supple horses usually have low muscle tone–thei movement is thus free and loose-whereas horses with high muscle tone usually have short, choppy movement. Muscle tone is increased through excercise, tension and anxiety.
Biomechanics-the mechanical principles by which a living body functions
The importance of stretching
The objects of muscle stretching are to improve performance by maintaining or regaining optimum mobility and suppleness, and to reduce injury by reducing the tension on joints, tendons, muscles and ligaments.
Competition horses are athletes and as such, they need to have their maximum potential developed. When training horses for athletic or gymnastic performance it is essential to keep them free from injury. Maintaining suppleness in a competition horse is an important element in preventing strain injuries. Doing passive, as well as active, stretch exercises will maintain suppleness in the horse. The muscular problems experienced by horses in competition have similarities to those experienced by their human counterparts. These problems are caused by the strain and exertion required in pushing the athlete to ever greater levels of achievement.
Take the time to stretch your horse after a work out and learn his range of motion and normal stiffness. Awareness will help you prevent injuries in the future while creating a stronger bond between you and your horse.
Posted on March 19, 2008
The Horse will examine the powerful and continuing relationship between the horse and humans. The exhibition will explore the origins of the horse family, extending back over more than 50 million years; examine early interactions between horses and humans that led to horse domestication; and see how horses have, over time, changed warfare, trade, transportation, agriculture, sports, and many other facets of human life. The Horse showcases spectacular fossils and cultural objects from around the world—including many from the Museum’s extraordinary collections. This exhibition will include videos, computer interactives, hands-on activities, and touchable casts.
Horse saddle
Sakha Republic of Russia (part of Siberia)
© AMNH / Denis Finnin
“The American Museum of Natural History has long focused its research and outreach efforts on the interactions between humans and the natural world, between science and society,” said Museum President Ellen V. Futter. “In keeping with that tradition, The Horse will celebrate this magnificent animal while presenting one of the most fascinating stories in the history of life on Earth—the close and complex relationship between horses and humans. The exhibition will show how the two species have influenced each other through the ages and explore the integral role the horse has played in the history of humanity and civilization.”
Celestial horse; bronze figurine
China, Han dynasty (206 B.C.E.-220 C.E.)
© AMNH / Denis Finnin
The Horse will showcase spectacular fossils and cultural objects from around the world-including many from the Museum’s extraordinary collections. Highlights include a diorama of horse evolution, the horse in art from the Paleolithic to the present, horse gear and armor from 15th-century Germany, and a horse-drawn fire engine from the 19th century. The exhibition also examines exciting new archaeological discoveries concerning the domestication of the horse and the role of horses in sport from early forms of fox hunting to modern polo, the Triple Crown, and the Olympics.
The Byerley Turk; hand-colored lithograph
Numerous interactive stations throughout the exhibition will invite visitors to measure their strength in horsepower; examine different gaits of a horse by looking through a zoetrope—a device that turns still images into moving ones—based on photos by famous 19th century photographer Eadweard Muybridge; and to learn about the latest developments in the study of horse biology and the role of the horse in modern society. Throughout the exhibition, visitors are introduced to unusual objects and asked to identify them, including such items as a Roman horse shoe, a stirrup, a bit ornament, and a whip used in buzkashi—a sport on horseback played in Central Asia.
Posted on March 15, 2008
RJ Masterbug’s breeding is Versatile… His sire VR MASTER BUG – RESERVE WORLD CHAMPION, Superior Halter Horse, Congress Champion, APHA Champion, World & Reserve World Champion Sire, Honor Roll Halter & Honor Roll Performance Sire.
VR Master Bug has his R.O.M. In Western Pleasure, and also has Reining Points
His sire side includes MR ROBIN BOY Superior in Halter, H.U.S, Barrrel Racing, Heading, Healing, Reining, Steer Stopping, Western Pleasure and R.O.M in Calf Roping, PAINTED ROBIN JR, Superior Halter R O M Western Pleasure.
Sky Bug Bingo ROM’s in Hunter Under Saddle, Barrel Racing, Cutting, Racing, Reining, Western Pleasure, & Superior in Halter, MR RED BAR R O M ‘s in Hunter Under Saddle, Reining, Trail, & Superior’s in Halter, and Western Pleasure.
RJ Masterbug’s Dam Pretty Side Up Has SUPERIOR HALTER WITH 162 Halter points
11 TIMES GRAND CHAMPIOM
13 TIMES RESERVE CHAMPION
TWO TIMES TEXAS STATE CHAMPION HALTER MARE
SHE IS A CONGRESS CHAMPION PRODUCER .
DAMS SIRE Sonny Side Up is a Superior Halter horse with points in HUNTER AND PLEASURE.
contact cari@cariswanson.com for booking information
Posted on March 13, 2008
Tonys’ Tips – From Tony Mason.
There is no Dressage without Geometry. Start with the Straight line. The first part of Balance is in the steady going forward without undue effort. Over riding is the first problem and ninety percent of the difficulties are created by “over work means lost balance”. The scales of the riders Seat must be firm in their sitting and judgement as in the Scales of Justice. Two evenly tuned, rounded antennae Suddeness will often kill the Balance of the Straight Line as much as will, a misguided and over confidant Hand. The Balance and the Straight Line are as brother and sister , as close friends or the happiest of Lovers.
contact cari@cariswanson.com for dates and times
Posted on February 17, 2008
Stunning imported Irish Sport Horse, grandson of King of Diamonds, elastic supple movement, excels in dressage and jumping, super eventing prospect, talent to go advanced, a wonderful personality, easy to work with, you want him in your family
Cosmo was the star of the clinic last weekend demonstrating his super temperament and athletic ability. His eye catching movement was noticed by all. Contact cari@cariswanson to schedule an appointment to try him.
Posted on February 6, 2008
Did you know that horses have around 56 vertebrae which form a supporting framework for the neck, back and tail? There are 7 cervical (neck), 18 thoracic (withers and saddle region), 6 lumbar (loin region), 5 sacral (croup region) and about 20 caudal (tail region) vertebrae. The degree of movement varies greatly in different regions.
Consider the degree of range of motion in flexion and extension of the following joints;
90 degrees the atlantaoccipital joint which is between the skull and the first cervical vertebrae
15-35 degrees in the remaining cervical vertabrae
10 degrees in the first interthoracic joint, just in front of the withers
1 degee in joint at withers
3-4 degrees in joints under the saddle
30 degrees of motion in lumbosacral joint, between the last lumbar vertebra and the fused sacral vertebrae
This image demonstrates RJ/Hidalgo rounding his back, activating his abdominal muscles as he extends his back extends. Studies prove that the movements between the vertabrae are created by the forces of locomotion and are controlled by the horse’s back muscles. Thus, the back muscles do not cause the spine to round and hollow, the forces of locomotion do. The back muscles control the amount of rounding and flexing.
These findings are fascinating, allowing us to better understand our horses ability to move while training. You can find more information from Hilary Clayton at her web site www.cvm.msu.edu/dressage
Posted on February 4, 2008
Over a dozen horses and riders turned out for an informative clinic at Oakendale on a beautiful February day. The focus was on how to effectively communicate with your horse. This photo is an example of how the riders learned to bend the neck of their horses while mounted. Essentially a carrot stretch from the saddle, this is a wonderful way to demonstrate to the rider that the horse can bend and flex his neck.
Some of the problems we solved included control the haunches, keeping a respectable distance from the horse, placing the head down, maintaining the attention of the horse, and learning to read the horse’s body language. Every horse improved after learning the new excercises. In fact the horses were much calmer and attentive to their owner after the work.
Posted on February 1, 2008
Although RJ is very particular about his footing, he romped around in the snow to show off his favorite trick, standing on his hind legs. He always lights up when a camera is around, always aware of where the camera is located.
Posted on February 1, 2008
RJ playing up for the camera, racing around in the snow showing us all his tricks, this image was captured by Kaitlyn Schultz.
Posted on January 20, 2008
The cold weather does not bother RJ, he loves running around in the fresh snow.
However, these cold temperatures can be hard on horses, so take care to make sure they have plenty of fresh water at all times to prevent dehydration. Horses tolerate cold better than heat, however be sure they are warm under blankets if their natural coats have not grown in to keep them warm.