Posted on August 21, 2007
With time and patience you can teach your horse to accept anything around his head, neck and body, thus preventing any spooking out on the trails or in the arena. There are several simple excercises that will help you develop trust and confidence with your horse.
Safety is the most important thing to always consider when introducing something new to your horse. Stand at his shoulder, use your right hand to place on his neck and your left to hold and control the rope. Place a short piece of rope around your horses poll, through his mouth like a bit and feed the end through a loop at the other end of the rope. (See photos for clarity). Take care not to allow the rope to drape to the floor or you may step on the end of the rope resulting in punishing your horse at the wrong moment and setting you back in your work.
First start with the rope excercise to lower your horses head, put your hand on your horses neck and gently ask him to lower his head, if he resists simply put pressure on the rope by pulling downward, the second he drops his head release the pressure and repeat until all you have to do is rest your hand on his neck just below his ears.
Gradually put more pressure on him by using a plastic bag or a piece of plastic wrap to rub on his neck and body, never release the pressure if he is tense and moving away from you.
Working on the ground will improve your work in the saddle tremendously. This is a highly effective excercise with any horse at any time in his training.
Posted on August 7, 2007
Posted on July 30, 2007
This beautiful Arabian gelding is 7 years old, 15 hands, with a relaxed walk, floating trot, rocking horse canter. He loves to jump and is easy to handle with excellent ground manners. He has been professionally trained in a program where he works in basic dressage, rides cross country and jumps small courses. This is an intelligent, talented, athletic horse with a wonderful personality who is looking for a new partner.
Posted on July 30, 2007
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Last weekend was one of the premiere events in the area at Fitches Corner. Laura Fazio gallops through the water in the Training Level division to finish her cross country round within the allowed time. The weather held for over 200 competitors and many more spectators who came out to cheer their favorite riders on. It was an exciting weekend and should not be missed next year.
Posted on July 25, 2007
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This beautiful Arabian gelding is 7 years old, 15 hands, with a relaxed walk, floating trot, rocking horse canter. He loves to jump and is easy to handle with excellent ground manners. He has been professionally trained in a program where he works in basic dressage, rides cross country and jumps small courses. This is a talented, athletic horse with a wonderful personality.
Posted on July 19, 2007
Are you looking for a new horse to ride on the trails and enjoy without any worries? This horse is perfect on the trails, bomb proof to cars, dogs, bikes and other obstacles you may encounter riding cross country. Azay is a 16 hand, 10 year old black TB cross who worked on the film “Ruffian” as her double in several scenes with the trainer, Sam Sheppard. He is used to being around a lot of activity and hanging out on the set. He takes care of his rider and he has a wonderful personality. Charming and a gentleman always. The perfect family horse.
Posted on July 18, 2007
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.
Posted on July 13, 2007
Summer is not the same without Wyatt coming for a visit from LA. Travelling across the country from California to New York to visit his cousins Dash and Blitzen. We had a fun week of dogs, baseball, antiquing, corn, riding the famous stallion, RJ, learning to drive the golf cart, collecting eggs from the chickens and eating fresh produce from the farmers market.
Posted on July 10, 2007
Summer is a wonderful time to get out of the ring and ride on the trails. Riding your horse or pony through corn fields is an excellent way to create a bomb proof horse. The corn is growing so fast that in a few weeks it will be impossible to see the Pony and Mini in the corn. Riding cross country gives the rider confidence outside of the ring and improves balance.
Posted on June 25, 2007
