KnP Training- Adventures with horses

Equine Definitions- Owner Edition

2012-03-08T09:40:00.000-06:00

A Bit - What you have left in your pocket after you've been to your favorite tack shop.
Bog Spavin - The feeling of panic when riding through a muddy area. Also used to refer to horses who throw a fit at having to go through water puddles.
Colic - Gastrointestinal result of eating at horse fair food stands.
Contracted foot - The involuntary/ instant reflex of curling one's toes up - right before a horse steps on your foot.
Dog House - What you are in when you spend too much money on grooming supplies and pretty halters.
Drench - Term used to describe the condition an owner is in after he administers electrolytes to his horse.
Easy Rider - Rides good in a trailer; not to be confused with "ride-able."
Easy to Catch - In a 10x10 stall.
Easy to Load - Only takes 3 hours, 4 men, a 50 lb. bag of oats, and a tractor with loader.
Endurance ride - The end result when your horse spooks and runs away with you in the bush.
Equitation - The ability to keep a smile on your face and proper posture while your horse tries to pigroot, shy and buck his way around the ring.
Feed - Expensive substance utilized in the manufacture of large quantities of manure.
Fences - Decorative perimeter structures built to give a horse something to chew on, scratch against, jump over, and generally destroy. .
Flies - The excuse of choice a horse uses so he can kick you, buck you off or knock you over and not be punished.
Founder - The discovery of your loose mare-some miles from your farm, usually in a flower bed or hayfield. Used like-"Hey, honey, I found'er." You could also say that founder is a condition that happens to most people after Christmas dinner.
Gallop- The customary gait a horse chooses when returning home.
Gates - Wooden or metal structures built to amuse horses.
Grooming - The fine art of brushing the dirt from one's horse and applying it to your own body.
Hay - A green itchy material that collects between layers of clothing, especially in unmentionable places.
Heaves - The act of unloading a truck full of hay.
Hives - What you get when you receive the vet bill for your 6 horses, 3 dogs, 4 cats, and 1 donkey.
Hobbles - Describes the walking gait of a horse owner after his/her foot has been stepped on by his/her horse.
Hock - Financial condition of all horse owners.
Hoof Pick - Useful, curbed metal tool utilized to remove hardened dog doo from the treads of your shoes.
Horse Auction - What you think of having after your horse bucks you.
Jumping - The characteristic movement that an equine makes when given a vaccine or has his hooves trimmed.
Lameness - The condition of most riders after the first few rides each year; can be a chronic condition in old or weak riders.
Light Cribber - We can't afford to build anymore fencing or box stalls for this buzz saw on four legs.
Lunging - A training method a horse uses on its owner with the purpose of making the owner spin in circles-rendering the owner dizzy and light-headed so that they get sick and pass out, so the horse can go back to eating.
Manure spreader - Horse dealers.
Mosquitoes - Radar equipped blood sucking insects that typically reach the size of small birds.
Nicely Started - Lunges, but not enough health insurance to even think about riding him.
Pinto - A colorful (usually green) coat pattern found on a freshly washed and sparkling clean gray horse that was left unattended in his paddock for ten minutes.
Pony - The true size of the stallion that you bred your mare to via AI - that was advertised as 15 hands tall.
Proud Flesh - The external reproductive organs flaunted by a stallion when a horse of any gender is present. Often displayed at rides.
Race - What your heart does when you see the vet bill.
Rasp - An abrasive, long, flat metal tool used to remove excess skin from the knuckles.
Reins - Break-away device used to tie horses with.
Sacking out - A condition caused by Sleeping Sickness (see below). The state of deep sleep a mare owner will be in at the time a mare actually goes into labor and foals.
Saddle - An expensive leather contraption manufactured to give the rider a false sense of security. Comes in many styles, all feature built-in ejector seats.
Saddle Sore - The way the rider's bottom feels the morning after the weekend at a ride.
Sleeping Sickness - A disease peculiar to mare owners while waiting for their mares to foal. Caused by nights of lost sleep, symptoms include irritability, red baggy eyes and a zombie-like waking state. Can last several weeks.
Splint - An apparatus that can be applied to various body parts of a rider due to the parting of the ways of a horse and his passenger.
Stall - What your truck does on the way to a ride, fifty kilometers from the closest town.
Tack Room - A room where every item necessary to work with or train your horse has been put, in a place which it cannot be found in less than 30 minutes.
Three Gaited Horse - A horse that. 1) trips, 2) stumbles, 3) falls.
Twisted Gut - The feeling deep inside that most riders get before a ride starts.
Vet Catalog - An illustrated brochure provided to horse owners that features a wide array of products that are currently out of stock or have been dropped from a company's inventory.
Well Mannered - Hasn't stepped on, bitten, or kicked anyone for a week.
Withers - The reason you'll seldom see a man riding bareback.
Yearling - The age at which all horses completely forget the things you taught them previously.
Young stock - A general term used for all equines old enough to bite, kick or run you over, but not yet old enough to dump you on the ground.

Successful Horses Pt. 2

2012-02-20T10:31:00.001-06:00

What do all successful horses have in common?

I have spent a lot of time trying to find one universal quality that every single successful horse possesses and I keep coming back to one thing.

Every single successful horse no matter their breed, discipline, lifestyle, age or opportunity tries.

What do you think?

Successful Horses

2012-02-15T08:54:00.000-06:00

Successful horses

What traits and accomplishments make a horse successful?

Is a 3 year old horse that wins at the futurities more successful, dare I say more special, than a all around youth horse?

Should we count success with ribbons or simple progress?

How do you define success?

Would you say your horse is successful?

and

What do all successful horses have in common? (Tune in tomorrow to find out)

"Is it you that always..."

2012-02-02T11:19:00.001-06:00

Is it you that always, is it you that decides?

Are you the passenger or the driver?

When you want to turn left and your horse resists do you decide to turn right, or do you keep turning to the left until your horse has done it right?

Ride for perfection instead of good enough.

That's Incentive

2012-01-27T07:42:00.001-06:00

There is a great song by Death Cab for Cutie titled "That's Incentive" that always comes to mind when I'm training. While the song does have a fantastic line that will be used in next weeks posting the title itself is a basic training principle.

Horses need incentive.

What is incentive?

Simply put it is anything you do to get a desired response from your horse.

Or if you want a proper definition incentive is something that incites or tends to incite to action or greater effort, as a reward offered for increased productivity.

That being said our horses must have a reason to do what we ask. Whether it be trotting to make you stop bumping your legs on their side, or standing still when you want to catch them because they know you will make them work if they don't.

Horses need consequences.

Because you might get a ticket you do not speed. Because your horse knows there are consequences when he bucks he chooses to keep his feet on the ground.

If you do not have consequences you lose incentive, without incentive you lose control, and without control you have nothing.

That's Incentive.

Stay tuned for next week's topic-

"Is it you that always, is it you that decides?"

Slow Feeding- Hay Net Comparison Chart

2012-01-19T10:16:00.000-06:00

With rising hay prices and the uncertain rainfall most horse owners are looking for ways to cut costs all while providing the best forage possible. One way to cut costs is by using a slow feeding hay net. While searching the web this week I found Paddock Paradise's awesome hay net comparison chart. This wonderful chart covers all the mainstream commercial nets along with simple homemade options.

http://paddockparadise.wetpaint.com/page/Hay+Net+Comparison+Chart

They even have pictures and videos of homemade slow feeders here.

http://paddockparadise.wetpaint.com/page/slow+feeders

As a result I ordered a UV coated well rated hockey net to cover my next round bale. I'm hoping that with the net I will be able to once again offer free choice hay while doubling my bale's lifespan. I will document my new net information and will share my results soon.

Easy Trails- Coolest Riding Gadget Ever

2012-01-19T09:17:00.000-06:00

I found the coolest riding tool last week. The easy trails phone app tracks your time, speed, elevation, distance, and when trail riding it can be used to backtrack back to camp. Because of this nifty app I now know how long I rode, how much time I spent moving, the route I took, and my average speed. I now know that I loped 1.5 miles and traveled a total of 6 yesterday. How cool is that.

http://easytrailsgps.com/
It cost $3.99 on a iTunes.

Equine Definitions

2012-01-13T07:43:00.001-06:00

Today I've decided to compile a list of unofficial horse definitions. It's funny what can pop into your head at 5am.

Trailer Trasher- A horse who trashes the walls, floor, and possibly even ceiling of the trailer with muck and urine.

Egging/Egged- When you are riding and your horse warps your circle an a certain direction, usually towards the barn, gate, or other horses. Use: Your horse is egging your circle every time you pass the gate.

Green- A inexperienced horse or rider.

Green Squared- A inexperienced horse and rider working together.

Stall Trasher- Same as Trailer Trailer but in a stall.

Barn Sour- Any horse who throws a fit about being ridden out away from the barn.

Buddy Sour- Any horse who throws a fit when separated from their horsey friends.

Fear Rider- Any person overcoming their fear of riding.

Turkey- A term of endearment. To be substituted for a name when you are super pissed at your horse. Especially useful when children and people you should not curse around are present.

Pumpkin- A term of endearment. To be substituted for a horse's name when you do not know their name, or you are a pleased with their progress or behavior.

Expressive- A nice way to say your horse is a bitch.

Opinionated- Another nice way to your horse is a pain in the back side.

Discussion- What happens when a horse acts out in a such a negative/dangerous way that requires correction. As in, "Today Red and I had a discussion about rearing."

Riding- The art of keeping a horse between you and the ground. (not mine but still funny)

Added Definitions

Dressage-The art of riding.

Communication- What happens when a rider listens to their horse.

Team- The bond that results from hours and hours of communication.

Can't- The frame of mind that prevents horses or riders from achieving success.

Training- What happens from the moment you step foot in the barn until moment you leave.

All of a sudden- What happens when you are not paying attention.

Guest Definitions

Cassandra Was Right

"Special" - a truly and genuinely stupid horse. As in, "We need to give Ringo a little more time to figure out how to get through an open gate. Remember, he's special."

"Lateral quantum displacement" - when a startled horse shifts position at least ten feet sideways in less than a nanosecond, leaving the rider suspended in midair.

"Bombproof" - an adjective used to describe a horse that cannot be startled or surprised by anything - until the day that a lost party balloon a quarter mile away causes it to perform a 400-foot-record lateral quantum displacement.

Please feel free to add new ones by commenting and I will add them to the list.

Joe Cool- The Perfect Horseman?

2012-01-10T09:51:00.000-06:00

Joe Cool

Always cool, calm, and collected, with an air of 'don't give a s***' in every situation.

Horses respond that kind of attitude.

They like strong, fair, take charge kind of people, just like Joe Cool.

It makes them feel safe knowing that the people in charge know what they are doing,

(or are good at acting like they know what they are doing.)

So try it.

Be Joe Cool.

You might be surprised at the results.

A few of my favorite things

2012-01-06T09:32:00.000-06:00

Every once in a while we come across a neat new product or trick which makes horsekeeping just a little easier, or better. Today I am going to share a few of my favorites.

Dura-Tech slow feeder hay bags is the next generation of net hay bag instead of the traditional wide enough to catch a hoof and drop all the hay design the Dura-Tech slow feeder holds a good amount of hay, and has smaller holes which keeps waste to a minimum, and it really does slow down a horse making you hay last twice as long. It is the only hay bag I use and they hold up great, I found it after learning that my new gelding would rip open the cloth hay bags. I needed something strong and safe and and this hay bag fits the bill.
I love them so much that I have 4 bags with only 2 horses. It is great for stalled horses, overnight trips, and those laid up with an injury. Once you try one you will never go back.

http://www.sstack.com/barn-supplies-hay-bags/Dura-Tech-Slow-Feed-Hay-Bag/

We all have had to deal with thrush, and the nasty smelly products used to treat it. We now have a solution. No Thrush is amazing; no smell, no liquid, no coat stains. It is easy to apply, and it actually works. This is the only thrush product that I use these days, and it sure is nice to not spend your day all smelly and green.

http://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=e0acf82c-4998-4aa3-8284-e2b965a97a0f&gas=no%20thrush

I prefer my horses barefoot as much as possible. When I do want to trail ride in rough terrain I use the Simple Hoof Boots, I have boots for both horses and they easy to use, they don't rub, and are extremely durable. I have used them to help transition a horse from shoes out in the pasture without any problems.

http://www.cavallo-inc.com/us/Simple-Hoof-Boots

Next we have the Professional's Choice boot covers. I own some myself and they do a great job out on the trail, even against that awful sticky spear grass. Now when out on the trail my horses are protected and my expensive sport boots are too.

http://store.profchoice.com/SMB-Boot-Covers-p/smc.htm

Horse owners are dedicated people. We get up and go out to feed rain or shine, and we are notorious for not taking care of ourselves. These boots make life when it is muddy 1,000 times easier, especially if you have extreme mud problems. You are worth it! I have had my pair for 2 years, and they turned my rainy feeding nightmare around by allowing me to walk through the worst mud without getting stuck and falling.

http://www.bogsfootwear.com/shop/style/52551.html

These pants are a staple for my winter feeding. While they are made for hunting they work equally well for cold weather horse chores. I just slip them over my pjs in the morning and go feed. They are warm, windproof, and waterproof. If the weather is really bad I will even ride in them. Once you get a pair you will wonder how you ever lived without them.

http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_10051_133703_-1?color=Realtree+Ap&Ntt=womens+pant&Ntk=All

New Year Guide to Fun Stuff and Discounts Edition

2012-01-05T10:37:00.002-06:00

I resolve to ride this year. I've already logged 8 hours horse back for the year, and I only have two more until I reach 500 hours since I started tracking my saddle time 8-20-10. I hope to log another 500 this year. What are your riding plans for the new year?

Fun things for 2012

AQHA is now offering a trail challenge. I hope to make it to one this year. Anyone on a Quarter horse would have the chance to earn Trail Challenge Merits to be put on the horse's permanent AQHA record.

http://www.aqha.com/en/News/News-Articles/12212011-Trail-Challenge.aspx

Another great trail riding opportunity can be found with the American Competitive Trail Horse Association. I have been a member of this organization for the last 2 years and I have to say that it is a ton of fun, and something riders of all ages and levels can enjoy. I'm actually going to my first ride of the year next Saturday, and I can't wait. http://www.actha.us/home

The Extreme Cowboy Race looks like a ton of fun, I have yet to try it but I intend to try it one of these days soon. http://extremecowboyassociation.com/

Savings for the New Year

On a savings note for 2012, there is a wonderful company about to debut coupons and discounts on the horse products from big national brands and companies, but also savings and coupons from local veterinarians, farriers, trainers, instructors, and more. I recommend signing up for specials offers now, and sharing the news with local businesses where you would like to see coupons and discounts.

http://www.horsecouponbook.com/

Talking about coupons. If you sign up with Purina rewards you get quarterly coupons on horse feed. They also send out coupons for chicken feed, so if you have other animals besides horses sign them up too. Be sure to sign up your husband or kids as well because they will send out coupons to 2 people per household.

http://www.purinamills.com/rewards/

Farnam also has some great coupon offers on a regular basis on all the products you use the most. http://www.farnamhorse.com/coupons.php

Fast Friday- Hairy Legs

2011-12-30T10:32:00.001-06:00

Winter Weather Tip:

Don't forget to check your horse's legs in the winter. The long winter hair can hide cuts, splints, or other wounds. I recommend checking them daily at feeding time. I run my hand from the knee and hock down on both sides of each leg. Remember that your horse depends on you for his health and well being.

Thought of the day:

A good rider can hear his horse speak to him, a great rider can hear his horse whisper, but a bad rider won't hear his horse even if it screams at him.

What your horse wishes you knew about horses

2011-12-28T14:46:00.002-06:00

I apologize for not keeping up over the holidays. You know how it is, but I am back and committed to writing once again.

Wouldn’t be great if you could sitdown with the special horse in your life and tell each other yourdeepest darkest secrets? To be able to confront your horse aboutyour relationship and get real answers on how your horse views youand your relationship. Unfortunately we can’t hear it straightfrom the horse’s mouth so here is the next best thing.

Everyone has a place

As horse owners we often want to be equals with our horse and have atrue partnership. Unfortunately the horse world is much like themilitary, and every horse has their rank/position in the herd. Youcan rank number 1, number 2, or number 27 depending on the herd sizebut no one shares a position. When you enter a horse’s life youare also given a position in the herd, and depending on how youapproach the horse you can out rank them or rank below them, but inthe horse’s mind there are no equals.

Do it, do it now.

Our horses live in a cause and effectworld and do not understand the concept of asking, begging, orpleading. Horse 1 says, “I want your grain, so move.” Horse 2either moves or Horse 1 kicks them. If Horse 1 slowly walked up toHorse 2 and asked “Pretty please, I’m still hungry can I havesome of yours?” Horse 2 would just laugh and keep eating. Dohorses appreciate kindness? Absolutely, but in their world “please”just does not exist. In order to be taken seriously in the horseworld you have to say it then make it happen.

It is not that I’m trying to hurtyou, I’m just over you.

When we do not make it a priority to rankabove our horse in the herd we subject ourselves to herd law. Horsesdo not touch or mess with the horses out ranking them but anyoneranking under them is fair game. Pair that with their say it andthen make it happen lifestyle and things can get dangerous. Yourhorse was not maliciously sizing you up with the intent of kickingyou this morning as you were trying to pick his hind feet. He toldyou with his ears to not mess with him because he out ranks you inthe herd, and you did not listen so he kicked you. The horse in hismind did not do anything wrong.

It is all about me.
The majority ofour horse related behavior problems are due to our horses not feelingconfident in our ability to lead them and be over them in the herd.Horses are all about their personal safety and they are happy as longas the horses or persons over them in the herd continue to fulfilltheir need for safety and leadership. Horses do not care if they anumber 1 or number 28 as long as they feel confident and secure intheir leader. When Horse 1 is no longer able to fulfill the needs ofthe herd another horse will take over. When your horse does not feelthat you are leader material he will work until until he gets overyou. It is not that they do not like you or the former herd boss, butan insecure/ineffective leader puts everyone at risk in the horse’smind.

Why I train

2011-12-20T10:48:00.000-06:00

I train-

To help horses, especially the misunderstood ones
For the challenge
For the breakthroughs no matter how small in both horses and humans.
For the smiles of accomplishment and joy from a horse owner.
For the thrill of helping a fearful horse to relax, understand, and listen.
For the on top of the world feeling you get after a really great ride, especially after a few bad ones.
Because of how much you love and care about your horses.
For the joy of outlasting in a very stubborn horse with persistence and timing.
For the proud parent feeling you get when horses and people you know do great things.
The adrenalin rush you get on the first few rides.
Because no matter how much you accomplish there is still more to explore and do.
Because every horse I meet makes me a better person.

Too much of a good thing

2011-12-20T10:15:00.000-06:00

Who doesn't love horses,and of course the more the better as we say. But is there such thingas too much of a good thing?

I've been a one horseperson most of my life. Owning multiple horses was never really beenan option growing up due to pasture space and money. And until lastyear when I bought my gelding I had never actually given any thoughton owning more than one horse. And I probably would have never givenit any thought except that over the summer my little herd veryunexpectedly grew to three as a result of the gift of a horse I hadtrained due to the previous owner no longer being able to afford him. That is when my perspective changed.

Owning more than onehorse can be great. Growing up we each had a horse and at any giventime we had 3-6 belonging to the family out in the pasture. An extrahorse or two can be a lifesaver when you have an accident pronehorse, it can offer kids, friends, and even spouses a chance to shareyour passion. Another horse can give you options in ridingdifferent sports, and also provide much needed companionship to yourmain ride. But over the summer I quickly learned that extra horsesoften cost more than just money.

I'm a very equal personwhen it comes to my horses, meaning that if you do it for one youhave to do it for everyone. If I only have plans for working withone, I always make sure I budget enough time so the other at leastgets some cookies and a good grooming. For nearly a year I had beenhappily doing double duty for my mare and gelding much to myenjoyment. Then number 3 joined my herd, and everything that wasdoubled now became tripled. For the first week things went prettysmoothly, but keeping everyone equal quickly went from being a joy toa down right chore. As the weeks went on I found myself in aperpetual assembly line of horsey chores always in a hurry. Due tothe unplanned costs of #3 and the current economy I unhappily learnedthat I could not afford to care for everyone as I normally would, ordo the riding events and activities I enjoy. I was forced to cut outany new activities, postpone my mare's yearly float for the firsttime because I couldn't afford it, and the surprise after hours visitfor #3. My busy schedule forced me to squeeze 3 horses into a timeslot made perfectly for two, and I soon found that something orsomeone was always left out. Due to training my mare for competitionand training #3 so he would be ready for a new home my poor geldingwas much to my and his dismay was pushed to the back burner.Thankfully there was a happy ending for everyone 3 months after #3arrived when I was able to find him a wonderful home with awesomepeople. The next morning with #3 in his dream home we were all atsuch peace, I was able to relax again, and I swear I saw my geldingsmiling.

I am sure that at somepoint in time I will have more than two but that will only be when Ihave kids needing horses. This experience taught me that my personalequine number of true enjoyment is 2 and no more. Though I was morethan happy to help my good friend in placing #3 it was a great lessonin how 2's company, and 3's a crowd, and how more doesn't always meanmore of the good stuff.

Keeping it Green

2011-12-16T10:28:00.000-06:00

Fast Friday- On Fridays I am going to offer a quick thought, tip, quote, etc.

As riders we must never stop learning. To often we sink into a comfortable routine of mediocrity. We forget to push ourselves and our horses. we forget to grow.

So...

Keep riding, learning and growing.

Quote of the Day:

There is no secret so close as that between a rider and his horse. ~Robert Smith Surtees

WHOA Thief!

2011-12-15T07:04:00.000-06:00

Warning:Horse Owner Awareness

Horsetheft happens, and all of our horses and horse related possessionsare at risk. Thankfully there are steps we can take to help preventit.

Permanently identify your horses you can do this by freeze branding, hot branding, micro-chipping, and tattooing them. I personally recommend branding as it is very visible from a distance.
Register your brand(s) with the county that your horses live in.
Put signs up on property, stall doors when boarding or at horse events that tell people that your horses and equipment have permanent identification...
When at horse events - leave a light on, feed horse at the back of the stall, inform barn neighbors to be aware of possible theft and people who will be moving your horses, put sign on door that horse and tack have permanent identification. Do not give complete information on the breeding of the horse on the stall door. This may attract thieves to pick your horse because of the breeding.
Record identification information with county, state, and national registries.
Photograph your horse in two seasons. Keep photographs current.
Photograph your horse dirty and clean.
Photograph any identifying markings a horse has close up this includes brands, tattoos, scars, and other unique markings.
Make a file with all important horse information inside including photos, brand registration receipts, and registration papers.
Padlock gates and keep fencing in good shape.
Do not put halters and lead ropes by stall doors when you do not have a sign posted.
Keep halters off of pasture horses.
Keep barns away from road if possible.
Install security lighting around the barn.
Put no trespassing signs on pasture fences.
Put security signs on pasture fences.
Keep a barking dog or other animal that makes noise, like a peacock, donkey, geese, or guinea hen.
Change routines often.
Pay attention to service people on property and anything or anyone that looks different and not right or normal.
Start a neighborhood watch.
Keep trailer out of view if possible.
Lock up tack.
Buy a hitch lock and door/gate locks for you trailers (bike locks work great if you have a stock trailer or any trailer with a slide gate on the back) and always lock up your trailer and tack when you are in a public situation, such as shows, clinics, trail rides etc.
Put identification info on tack - the best ID is your driver’s license number preceded by the state code. Do not use the drivers license number if it s a social security number. You can also put a microchip into your saddle but this will not be recognized like your drivers license. Or mark your saddle up out of sight and have a photograph of the mark.
Record all serial numbers/ model numbers of your tack and trailers with a photograph.
Have photos of your trailers and big/expensive tack items like saddles.

Pleasevisit www.netposse.comfor lots more information on theft prevention and what to do if horsetheft happens to you.

Estate Planning

2011-12-14T09:39:00.000-06:00

If something happens to you what will happen to your horses?

I never woke up that morning thinking that I would nearly die by 7pm. It had been a regular day at college, I was not feeling great, but I never feel great so I did not think much of it. After my classes I hop in my truck and drive the 10 miles to see my mare Pie. I visit with her for about an hour before heading back home to my apartment. I start the drive back without issue, but mid way through I get very light headed and nauseous. I pull over and vomited what looked and tasted like blood. I only remember bits and pieces of how I made it back to my apartment. I regained consciousness long enough to call my then boyfriend now husband, to tell him something was very wrong before I was sucked back into the darkness. We rushed to hospital where I spent 3 days in the ICU for bleeding ulcers. I later learned that I was lucky that I stayed conscious long enough to call my boyfriend, as I was so out of it that I never thought to call 911. I was 21 years old at the time.

Every horse owner should seriously consider what would happen to their horses if they were to suddenly past away.

Horse Estate Planning

1. Include your horses in your will no matter your age.

2. If you are lucky enough to have other family members who are experienced in horses, talk with them about your feelings and plans for your horses and horse related property.

3. If you are not lucky enough to have other horse wise people in your family ask one of your horse friends to help your family with the horse related decisions.

4. Create a horse binder which carries all veterinary and registration information on all your horses. If your horses are not papered provide their ages, breeds, and other relevant information. (can also be done for cats and dogs)

5. This day in age very few people have the money, time, and or property to keep one horse let alone 4 or 5 so you may also want to include money for care, well written sale ads, boarding information, and a list of professionals in your area who you would trust to help your family place your horses.

6. Think about your horse related property and put it in your will. Who gets the truck and trailer, your saddles, etc. If you do not have friends or family who could use your horse related property consider making a donation to a local 4-h group or rescue.

While no one ever wants to think about the end, taking time to do so can greatly help your family and friends make the right decisions in regards to your horses. The same can be done for your dogs, cats, and other animals in your life.

Greatest Teachers

2011-12-13T16:31:00.000-06:00

The greatest teachers in my life have always been horses.

This is Setta Lu

She taught me to love, trust, and try.

She taught me how to listen to and communicate with horses.

She made me become a horseman and a trainer.

She was the first horse I ever trained.

She was always willing to check my attitude when I needed it the most.

She had a slow soft trot to die for, and was the only reason I managed to survive High School.

We trail rode, showed, worked cattle, rode at the beach, and did everything else in between.

She was severely visually impaired and later blind 7 of the 8 years we were together.

She passed away at the age of 15.

How have horses influenced your life?

Consistency is Key

2011-12-12T16:00:00.001-06:00

All you really need isConsistency

I never call a horse finished. To meyou finish reading a book, or you finish the work week. I considerall horses to be works in progress, just like a nice lawn they haveto constantly be maintained. Consistency is key in having a happyequine relationship. Horses see everything as absolute. So if youallow your horse to eat grass while on the halter, every time theysee some grass they will be trying to eat it even when you don't wantthem too. Sometimes does not exist in the horse world, it is the sameas always.

For example let's say that yourGrandmother always keeps a full cookie jar, so every time you visither you're going to go get a cookie. Now one day you go to visit andwhen you check the cookie jar you find crumbs instead of cookies. You have grown to expect cookies so even though they are none todaythe next time you go to visit you are going to check the cookie jar,and will probably check several more times afterwords until you areabsolutely certain that there will be no more cookies.

Horses work they same way. The besttrained horse in the world will turn rotten if allowed too, and theworst horse can become a joy to handle. For example if you areriding and you ask your horse to trot and then he breaks down to awalk and you allow him to walk for 15 steps before telling him totrot then the horse learned that they can stop trotting and walk for14 steps before being corrected and he will probably try and do itagain.

Horses learn through cause and effect. The horse touches the electric fence, the fence shocks him and thehorse learns that touching the fence hurts. A colt gets too full ofhimself and bites the old mare, and old mare bites or kicks him, sothe colt learns that you should not bite old mares.

A nippy colt can easily be fixed bylightly bopping him on the nose every time he tries to bite. Consistency in the horse world means every time without exception byall people who have contact with the horse no matter the situation. Don't worry if they keep testing you, as the more they have beenallowed to do something like biting they longer they will continue totry to do it.

A foal spends the majority of it'slife a horse so when dealing with young horses it is important toenforce the same rules that adult horses live by. Most young horseswill try to bite, kick, rear, be pushy when leading, etc but all ofthese behaviors can be quickly put to bed by correcting it the momentthat the horse acts out. If the first time a colt tries to bite aperson he is met with a light bop on the nose, he will very quicklylearn that you don't bite people. Training is consistently makingthe right behavior easy and the wrong behavior hard.

The sky is the limit as to what youteach your horse, you just have to remember that consistency is key.

All of a Sudden

2011-12-07T08:50:00.001-06:00

It seems like 99% of all horse accidentstories begin with the wondrous phrase “all of a sudden.”

We hear it everyday. The ride wasgoing perfect until “all of a sudden” the horse; kicked, bucked,reared, bit, etc.

One of my favorite examples of thisphenomenon was on a quiet trail ride where I meet a grandmother andher granddaughter both on well broke horses. I was riding behindboth them when mid way through the ride I see the granddaughter'sgelding slowly start riding up the rear of the grandmother's mare. The mare from the moment it started was obviously pissed.

I warn them to back off, but theyignore my comments. So the mares starts pinning her ears, andwringing her tail.

I warn them again that they need to payattention and get off the mare's rear, I guess they didn't hear me orthe mare. So Mare adds chomping the bit, and begins glancing backwith road rage to the already pinned ears and wringing tail.

I tell them to back off, that the mareis on her way to blowing a gasket, and of course they didn't listen. So Mare adds pissed off jig to the pinned ears, wringing tail, etc.

This goes on for about 15minutes........

when “ALL OF A SUDDEN” the marekicked!

Suddenly the marewas bad, she was wrong, by the words of the grandmother, “aterrible horse.” She just couldn't believe that that mare would dosuch a thing.

It never crossed their minds that thewhole incident was their fault. Even after I explained the situationplay by play.

You mean I can't just sit back andenjoy the scenery while riding like when I'm a passenger in a car?That I actually have to pay attention to what my horse and the horsesaround me are doing when riding. What did you think was happeningwhen your mare pinned her ears and started acting up? Do you do thesame thing with your car? That check engine light comes on for areason you know.

After the ride as I walk past theirtrailer to hear the Grandmother exclaim over the phone, “Then allof a sudden (insert name) kicked!”

If you happen to experience “all ofa sudden” stories regularly in your horse life, chances are you theone are causing the problems or ignoring them, especially if you are riding a well seasoned horse. Riding is just like driving you can neverfall asleep at the wheel. I've had plenty of interesting moments ongreen horses, but as a rider I expect green horses to freak overanything and everything.

In my riding life I have onlyexperienced one true “all of a sudden” moment. It happened whenI was a kid riding in the woods with my Mom. My horse was quiet andon a loose rein, when “All OF A SUDDEN” a tree fell about 30yards away, and my horse took off like a bolt of lightning. Iregained control about 50 yards later, and circled until my horse wasready to continue once again on a loose rein.

Maybe it should be changed it to, “Suddenly I wasn't paying attention when.....”

How to Blanket Safely- Part 2

2011-11-28T09:17:00.001-06:00

After you can comfortably approach andtouch your horse all over with the blanket you can now start theprocess of blanketing.

Only after my horse is completelycomfortable with the blanket do I actually attach it to their bodies. A scared horse can spook and get away from even the most experiencedhorsemen, and I do not want my horses to injure themselves trying toget away from a scary half attached blanket that is chasing them. IfI am not certain a horse can handle the blanket and blanketingprocess they stay in the barn and or do not get blanketed plain andsimple.

Different blanket style requiredifferent techniques.

Open Front- Your standard horseblanket has buckles/closures in the front and straps for across thebelly. Before I approach my horse with the blanket I am sure that Ihave it in reasonable order. I generally carry over my on my rightarm half folded like the back of your horse with the front of theblanket towards my hand. This allows me gently place the blanketover the back. After it is placed I then attach my blanket in thefront first.

Closed Front- These blanketsrequire you to place it over your horse's head like a t-shirt to getit on. Personally I am not a fan of Closed Front Blankets because Ifind them very cumbersome with tall horses especially when you areshort, and are they are hard place on head-shy/ear-shy horses. Notbecause I do not believe in teaching horses to handle/allow yourhands in those areas, but because they do not allow you to releasefor good behavior when your horse allows you to handle those areas,which is not helpful in the retraining process. But if you do happento own one you need to put it on your horse like you do your ownt-shirts. You don't drag it all over your face and hair, you scrunchit up with the neck hole open and gently place it over your head. Ican pretty much guarantee your horse will be better for blanketing ifyou use the t-shirt approach.

Belly Straps/Bands- Blanketscan have up to 3 straps. If there is one strap you should attach itstraight across. For two straps you cross them under your horse'sbelly, and if there are three straps you will cross the outer two anduse the middle strap straight across to the other side. If myblanket has a belly band I attach it accordingly. Allow for a hand'swidth on all straps, they should not droop and hang far below theirbelly.

Leg Straps- If your blanket hasleg straps they can be attached front to back on the same leg orcrossed in the center to the other side. All legs straps should bewell adjusted and not too loose.

How to blanket safely

2011-11-20T15:19:00.001-06:00

In response to Dimes Golden Delightcomment last week I am going to share how to blanket and unblanketyour horses safely.

Things to consider before you blanket

Blanketing should not be stressful. Inorder for me to even consider blanketing my horse I must first beable to catch them easily where ever they will be wearing theblanket. If I can not catch them I can not safely help them if theybecome tangled, or injured.

If you can not comfortably touchunderneath your horse's stomach and and handle their legs you shouldnot try to blanket your horse. You first need to teach your horse tohandle a rope and your hands before getting into your horses personalspace in the process of blanketing. I choose to desensitize myhorse to things on their body by using a soft cotton lead rope that Igently throw over their top line (the back and hindquarter) first,then amongst their legs looking for and rewarding the 5 signs ofrelaxation. The five signs of relaxation are; stopping the motion,blinking their eyes/ not flinching, lowering their head, relaxing afoot, and breathing/ chewing their lips. In desensitization youreward your horse by stopping your behavior when your horse stops orfurther relaxes. So when you first expose your horse to the rope/hand/ object/blanket you are watching for and immediately rewardingyour horse by stopping your behavior when they show acceptance bydoing one of the 5 signs of relaxation. If your horse chooses tomove when you first touch or show them your rope/ hand/object/blanket do not pursue them. Just follow them maintaining thesame distance and movement until your horse decides to stop or relaxfurther. These steps done properly can be used to desensitize your horse to just about anything....................

Stay tuned for part two later thisweek.

Blankets and Blanketing Explained

2011-11-17T17:08:00.001-06:00

Blankets and Blanketing Explained

In honor of the great winter weather we have been having and the current blanket

sales going on I have decided to write about blankets and blanketing today.

Question 1: Do I need to blanket my horse? Answer: Unless your horse is body

clipped he should be able to do fine without a blanket. Some breeds are less tolerant

to cold such as the Arabian and Thoroughbreds. Some horses don’t put on a thick

winter coat and might need a little help. Mares as with woman have more body fat

and are generally more tolerant to the cold than geldings and stallions. Young and

older horses are at greater risk and may require blanketing. Every horse is unique.

Question 2: Do you blanket your horses, if so when? Answer: Yes I do blanket

my horses’, they each have two blankets (turnout sheet and midweight turnout).

When it is dry I blanket when it will be in the 30s or lower for an extended period

of time. When it is wet and above 50 degrees I do not blanket. When it is wet and

it below 50s I blanket according to the horses’ needs. My gelding Charlie always

needs his blanket before my mare Pie. When it is raining and 40s or below I always

blanket.

Question 3: Can I blanket my horses wet? Answer: Yes, if the blanket is breathable

and waterproof (can only be breathable if you horse will stalled or otherwise removed

from the rain). DO NOT blanket your horse in wet weather if your blanket is not

waterproof, think about the last time you got soaked to the bone and was not able

to change clothes, your horse can’t take off the blanket without your help.

Note: over time your waterproof coating can wear away so it is important that

you check blankets regularly, and wash them using a product made for horse blankets

to further preserve the waterproofing.

Question 4: Can I just leave my blanket on throughout the winter? Answer: No, especially

in a climate like Texas where it can be 80s one day and 20s the next. Most horses already

put on a fair amount of winter coat, and do not need a blanket 24/7. You also need

to check your blankets for fit, waterproofing, and the horse’s skin for any problems on

a regular basis. Covering any part of the body for an extended time can result in skin

issues, and sunlight/air is a great preventative for most minor skin problems. If you have ever

worn a cast before, you can probably remember how it felt the day you got it removed and

how your skin looked in comparison.

Question 5: What is the difference between a turnout and a stable blanket? Answer: A turnout

blanket is generally waterproof, more durable, and made to be worn in the elements. A stable

blanket is not waterproof or as durable as a turnout.

Question 6: What is 240D, 600D, 1200D? Answer: D= Denier or how durable a blanket will be (this also depends on the horse who will be wearing it and the other horses around).

420D- Light Durability- recommended for spring/fall when grass is available and horse does not test blanket.

600D- Standard Durability- Recommended for horses easy on blankets. Occasional or monitored turnout.

1200D Polyester or Ripstop Nylon- Superior Durability- Recommended to withstand the demands of turnout.

1680D Ballistic Nylon/1800D Polyester- Exceptional Durability- Recommended for horses that are hard on blankets or turned out with other horses who may bite or pull a blanket.

Question 7: What weight blanket do I need? Answer: It depends on your horse’s coat, cold tolerance, and your average winter temperatures. Living in Texas my horses both have a midweight blanket and a waterproof sheet, in extreme weather I can use the sheet to layer with for more protection.

Warmth of Blanket	Short Coat/Clipped	Medium/Full Coat
Extra Heavyweight	Subzero - 15F
Heavyweight	15F – 30F	Subzero – 15F
Midweight	30F – 50F	15F – 30F
Sheet	50F +	30F +

Question 8: What if I only want to buy one blanket? Answer: Buy a waterproof turnout blanket/sheet based on average temperatures in your area. Turnout blankets can always be worn in the barn but stable blankets should never be worn in the pasture. Buy 1200D or higher.

Question 9: How do I measure for a blanket? Answer: Most of the time you measure from the center of the chest to the center of the tail. Not all blankets are measured the same so do your research on the brand that you are looking to buy as with clothes; one brand’s 6 is another brand’s 8. Your blanket should fit your horse properly and not be too big or too small both of which are uncomfortable. A blanket that is too big or very ill fitting can be dangerous as the horse may get tangled up.

Now is a great time to buy blankets if you are in the market for one. My favorite places to find blankets are:

www.horse.com

www.sstack.com

www.smithbrothers.com

www.valleyvet.com

Rain and the power of good role models

2011-11-17T13:52:00.000-06:00

A good role model can go a long way in educating the inexperienced horse. We had some fun out in the park after our arena work, and came across a park employee carrying sticks on his golf cart. Rain was in front with Pie ponying Charlie behind. Rain sees moving cart/rustling leaves and sucks back and bumps into Pie, Pie and Charlie never move but watch it pass, Rain still pressed against Pie also watches it pass and doesn't spook further. Cart passes and we continue like it never happened. Pie and Charlie kept Rain from spooking further because they did not validate her fear. Had they also reacted, Rain would have spooked further because they would have validated her fear/reaction by spooking with her. Good experiences the first time round make the training process much easier. Chances are that Rain will stand still or react even less the next time she sees a golf cart because of her experiences today.

Horses like to follow, and they generally follow the reactions of their peers/riders. For example- When out on the trail and your horse gets tense our first instinct is to also get tense/ready for a problem. Because you also got tense your horse gets even more tense, because he thought you thought being scared was a good idea. When riding I always try and lead with my emotions. If I feel my horse get tense, I stay loose and take a deep breathe, while I do have a plan of action if my horse does choose to spook, I expect them to follow my lead and stay calm.

Lesson of the day- Do not ever validate your horses fears, and when out for the first time try and have a good role model horse around to help your inexperienced horses make the right decisions.

From the beginning

2011-11-17T13:31:00.000-06:00

In the world the horses are represented by two separate yet equally important groups: the horse owners, and the horse trainers who help them. These are their stories.

I am not one for long introductions, I'd much rather just jump in, but it's hard to tell a story without a little background.

I am one of the lucky few who have always had the privilege of a life surrounded by horses. I literally grew up on the back on a horse, and all my favorite memories involve horses. I started training and teaching while in college and recently started dabbling in writing. I'm the proud parent of two registered Quarter horses. Charlie is a ten year old dun ranch gelding, and Pie is my 8 year old red dun once in a lifetime horse who I've owned since a weanling. I live in Texas and am lucky enough to live with my horses. Welcome to my world. - Pie