I encourage everyone to get involved in a service organization. Pony Club, 4-H, Horsemasters, all these are examples of horse-related clubs designed to improve horsemanship and horse management skills.
I am a former Pony Clubber and am happy to support local Pony Clubs and Horsemasters groups. We don't have a local 4-H but I would support that too if it were around.
Giving youngsters the opportunities to grow as horse lovers is priceless. Get out there and be involved!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
Summer Schooling Shows
I encourage everyone to get out to the local schooling shows. These shows are low-stress, and usually low-cost, ways to practice grooming, showmanship, sportsmanship; and they are a great way to meet like-minded enthusiasts.
Before you go spending hundreds on classes at your recognized shows, practice showing at the schooling shows. This is how you will learn that your horse doesn't like braids, and will rub them out at every opportunity! Much better to buy the Sleazy neck wrap BEFORE you shell out for the professional braid job.
Also, this is how you will discover that your docile little Dobbin turns into Diablo the Horse in the show-ring. I have seen quiet schoolmasters turn into fire-breathing dragons in the show ring. The horse who NEVER refuses will suddenly turn into the Artful Dodger...and so on...
Making these discoveries at $5-$10 per class is much better than making them at $50 plus association memberships and fees. Figure out your horses show issues cheaply, and then work on them BEFORE you visit the big name recognized shows.
Your horse, your blood pressure, and your pocketbook will all benefit.
Before you go spending hundreds on classes at your recognized shows, practice showing at the schooling shows. This is how you will learn that your horse doesn't like braids, and will rub them out at every opportunity! Much better to buy the Sleazy neck wrap BEFORE you shell out for the professional braid job.
Also, this is how you will discover that your docile little Dobbin turns into Diablo the Horse in the show-ring. I have seen quiet schoolmasters turn into fire-breathing dragons in the show ring. The horse who NEVER refuses will suddenly turn into the Artful Dodger...and so on...
Making these discoveries at $5-$10 per class is much better than making them at $50 plus association memberships and fees. Figure out your horses show issues cheaply, and then work on them BEFORE you visit the big name recognized shows.
Your horse, your blood pressure, and your pocketbook will all benefit.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Trail Ride = Fun Times
It's always fun to get out of the arena and onto the trail. Especially with an old campaigner like my gelding. He never twitches an ear, dogs, kids, bikes, whatever, he just struts along.
Just enough fizz to keep you interested, but never dangerous. I love my trail buddy.
Just enough fizz to keep you interested, but never dangerous. I love my trail buddy.
Sorry for the long gap - it was a crazy winter!
We struggled with injury, weather, and barn drama this winter!
Not only did I not lose the weight I wanted, my horse lost over 100 pounds because he didn't like the new barn. I had to stop riding (obviously, since he was dropping weight) and I had to deal with barn drama!
I am glad all that is behind us now. We love our new barn and he has put back on all the weight he lost.
Onward!
Not only did I not lose the weight I wanted, my horse lost over 100 pounds because he didn't like the new barn. I had to stop riding (obviously, since he was dropping weight) and I had to deal with barn drama!
I am glad all that is behind us now. We love our new barn and he has put back on all the weight he lost.
Onward!
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