Cutting Horse Training

Different Types of English Saddles
Once you have been riding for a while, you might find that you want to buy a saddle of your own. Taking a trip to the local tack shop is a great beginning, but it can be overwhelming to discover the wide range of English saddles available on the market. How do you know which style is best for your needs?
The following list describes the most common styles of English saddles available on the market. While you might find that one type is better for your needs than another, remember that comfort is highly important, and should not be compromised. Also consider that a saddle must also fit the horse you ride, and should be tried before making your final decision. Most tack stores will allow a buyer to try a saddle and return it if the saddle is not suitable. Just be prepared to pay for the saddle in advance in case of damage.
All-Purpose Saddle
Just like its name, an all-purpose saddle is designed to suit most English disciplines. Built with a mid-height pommel and cantle, all purpose saddles are fairly secure to ride in. Good-sized knee rolls with suede leather sections offer good grip and help the rider maintain a correct position. All-purpose saddles are great for beginning riders and riders who are not ready to specialize. More advanced riders may become frustrated with the padding, which can interfere with more advanced movements and rider positions.
Close Contact
A favorite of many hunter/jumper riders, close contact saddles do not have the padding that all-purpose saddles have. There is no knee roll, and the pommel and cantle are generally not as high. Beginners may feel lost and off balance in a close contact saddle as there is little to support their position. More advanced riders like the feel of the saddles, as they can feel the horse beneath them more easily.
Jumping Saddle
Designed for jumpers, this saddle has a flap that is cut forward, so that there is better support for the leg while using a shorter stirrup length. This can be quite important as riders challenge the large fences found in the advanced jumper ring. There is a fair bit of padding on the saddle, but it is positioned differently than on an all-purpose saddle. It is difficult to use a jumping saddle for extensive flat work, and most jumper riders have a second saddle for use during training on the flat.
Dressage Saddle
This is the style of saddle designed primarily for dressage riders. With long, straight flaps, the saddle support the longer stirrup length that dressage riders prefer. The cantle is generally fairly high, offering a lot of security to the rider. One interesting design difference in dressage saddles is the way the girth attaches. The long billets allow dressage girths to be very short in length, fastening below the flap, rather than beneath the rider’s leg. Likewise, the stirrup leathers are often designed to avoid large buckles. Dressage saddles are useless for jumping, but are necessary for more advanced levels of dressage. If a rider has no intention of jumping, the dressage saddle can be very comfortable, and helps a rider maintain position for dressage.
While there are many other styles of saddle available that can be used for English riding, these are the most common. Take your time and choose a saddle that not only fits your discipline, but also is comfortable and fits your horse. A saddle is an expensive investment, but if well chosen, can last you a lifetime.

Tags: Horse, Horse Saddles, Horse Trailers, Horses, Saddles, Trailers
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Horses nourish the soul of humans. A quote often attributed to Winston Churchill allures to this: “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.” Riders of any discipline know this. Especially trail riding is often credited with mind refreshing and relaxing qualities. Add to that the experience of the sights, sounds, and smells of an unfamiliar or exotic landscape and you have the perfect setting for an invaluable experience that can transcend all aspects of life.Lynn Webb counts herself lucky that she had plenty of such riding experiences. Her pleasant personality, a background as a barn manager for a private dressage barn, and her degree in graphic arts led her to work in the horseback riding vacation industry for over 10 years. Her profession came with the perk of going on ‘test’ rides in locations such as Costa Rica, Mexico, Ireland, England, Scotland, Italy, France, Spain and Greece! First hand she felt the exhilaration of galloping across a beach in Costa Rica and the peace of mind a truly trustworthy equine partner offers you in the breathtaking but foreign countryside of Scotland.Beyond the opportunity of going on equestrian trips what Webb loved most about her job was the personal contact with horsepeople. Through email and phone conversations she learned not just about customer’s riding preferences and vacation styles but also about their families, including the family members with four hooves. Many customers kept up a friendly acquaintance with Webb after returning from their vacation. As Webb says, “once you start talking about horses you are family.” Like her clients, Webb is a horse person in private life as well. Nearly fifteen years ago her Thoroughbred/Quarter horse gelding Cherokee River developed equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM). This was when little was known about this neurological disease and its treatment. She purchased Fulton, a rather grumpy Thoroughbred/Oldenburg gelding a year after she had to put River down due to his severe symptoms. Fulton didn’t like either dressage or trail riding, which were the activities Webb and River enjoyed together. He only seemed to like jumping, which Webb however doesn’t count to her fortitudes. Webb invested in training herself and her equine partner and they formed a long lasting partnership. Now, at 30 years old Fulton is still going steady. He and Webb jump up to 2ft obstacles on trails and do hunter paces together. Webb’s private and professional life always has been determined by the rhythm of hoof beats. And she loves it that way. A couple of years ago Webb cut back her work schedule to just assist with the content and design of the promotional material of the company she worked for. But she realized how much she missed the personal contact with clients and the horseback riding trips. It wasn’t long when she was approached by some of the facilities she had visited on her trips with the request to represent them. Webb jumped on the opportunity and established her own equestrian travel agency Hoofbeats International, Inc. Webb proudly represents nine different equestrian facilities in as many countries. She is able to offer over two dozen different riding trips through Hoofbeats International, Inc. Whether it is a once in a lifetime dream trip or an annual group vacation, Webb is happy that she can offer to make people’s dreams come true. She thinks “that everyone who loves horses should experience the excitement and fun of taking a riding vacation!”

Tags: Dressage, Equestrian, Horse, Horseback, Riding, Trail, Travel, Trip, Vacation
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First opened in May 1905, Belmont Park provides American Thoroughbred horse racing with one of its most spectacular venues. With the largest dirt course in Thoroughbred racing – a whopping mile-and-a-half main dirt track – Belmont Park features, among other things, the Jockey Club Gold Cup, Metropolitan Handicap, and most importantly the Belmont Stakes, the final race in America’s Triple Crown. Most of the great racehorses of the twentieth century have competed there, including Secretariat, whose statue graces the park paddock (and whose 31-length victory in the 1973 Belmont Stakes may well be the greatest feat in the history of horse racing).
It all begins with the Belmont Stakes. Named, most likely, for August Belmont, Sr. – himself a notable man, not only the American representative of the famous Rothschild banking family but also the son-in-law of Commodore Matthew Perry, the Navy official who in 1854 brokered the opening of Japan to the West – the great stakes race, financed in part by Belmont, first ran in 1867. In the early years not Belmont Park (which wasn’t built until 1905) but Jerome Park Racetrack, in the Bronx, hosted this popular race, the popularity of which helped to ensure the building of the eponymous Long Island venue, which was the largest of its kind at that time. (Ironically, its Nassau County location places it only a few miles from the site of the 1665 meet that was the first horse race ever held in North America.)
The victory in that first Park race went to Tanya, a filly. From that year on the Park has continued to provide the platform for one unlikely, unheralded, or hard-fought victory after another: Peter Pan in 1907, the never-defeated Colin in 1908, Man O’War in 1920, Citation in 1948. Because of its unusually long distance – one at which most three-year-olds have never raced – and its placement as the final leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes set the scene for some of horse racing’s greatest triumphs and defeats: consider filly Ruffian’s near-victory in a 1975 “battle-of-the-sexes” match race over Foolish Pleasure, which ended tragically when several bones in the former horse’s leg snapped (the euthanized horse is now buried in the infield).
Or think of the epic homestretch battle between Affirmed and Alydar in 1978, which ultimately led to Affirmed’s Triple Crown win. This last and longest of the Triple Crown races serves up surprises with perhaps a bit more reliability than the Kentucky Derby or Preakness Stakes – witness Rags to Riches’ stunning 2007 victory, the first by a filly in over a century.
Though it’s often been subject to reconstruction during the storied 105 years of its existence, Belmont Park retains a few vestiges of the original (now called Old) Belmont Park. The iron railings that border the horses’ walking ring are relics of the park’s original grandstand (they were salvaged during demolition), as are the four stone pillars displayed on Hempstead Turnpike (which date to the opening of the South Carolina Jockey Club in 1792).
The original clubhouse and Turf and Field Club venues were destroyed during the 1950s, as was the Widener Course, a seven-furlong straightaway cutting diagonally through the training and main tracks which had been introduced during Joseph E. Widener’s long tenure as the track’s manager.
Aside from its place in the history of racing, Belmont Park has its place in American pop culture as well. It’s inspired its own drink (the Belmont Breeze), has been featured in movies and television (”The Odd Couple,” Woody Allen’s Mighty Aphrodite, “Everybody Loves Raymond”), and its own premier stakes race has been televised yearly since 1960.
A little-known fact about Belmont: during the racing ban of 1910-12, the park made aviation history when the Wright Brothers chose it as the final venue of the international aerial tournament of 1902-10.

Tags: Horse Racing Game, Horse Racing Handicapping, Horse Racing Tip, Thoroughbred, Thoroughbred Horse Racing
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Common Symptoms of impending birth:

For a mare, all of the below signs are admittedly variable and only serve as a guide. Anyone who has dealt with horses will tell you that usually things don’t go as planned. Perhaps the mares haven’t read all the information available!

Two to Three Weeks Prior to Delivery:

One to Two Weeks Prior to Delivery:

Day of to One Week Prior to Delivery:

Delivering Our Foal:

What we have been told to expect and what really happened with Holli, was not the same. During her initial stage, our mare did often become uneasy, and restless. She paced the pasture and corral, would lie down, get up, nibble at her grain, surprisingly became standoffish, and she began to steer clear of us.

We were told that mild colic signs were common to watch for and it may or may not be accompanied by tail swishing. Holli’s tail moving exposing her vulva, sweating and/or frequent small amounts of urination. We had planned on cleaning the perineal area and wrapping her tail but as you’ll see further along, Holli did not do exactly what we had been instructed to look for.

Previously during Holli’s routine physical examination and vaccination, we observed that she would start to isolate herself from the other horses when she was in the pasture. Her isolation, we were told, could be another one of the many signs of a mare’s impending delivery. When she was checked, Holli’s vulva had slightly lengthened, her abdomen was beginning to drop slightly, and she began to show a noticeable decrease in her normal activities. She had not yet developed a relaxation of her tail head; we were looking for this area to feel like the consistency of jello.

After some discussion with other horse owners, we decided to begin watching her progress. With each morning and evening feeding, either Sharon or I would check Holli’s udder; there was only a mild enlargement, no waxing of the nipples, and when squeezed no evidence of streaming of milk. In retrospect, maybe a more experienced horse-owner may have seen that some of her outward signs were not strong enough for a novice (as us) to see but they were there and evident.

June 22nd was a warm, bright-sunny, clear blue-sky day and it was around mid-afternoon when I decided to leave the confines of my lazy chair and see to my girl. I arose from my comfort, grabbed my hat and gloves then ventured outside to the back deck. I stood for a little while and wondered what could I do and what would happen if Holli actually needed my help? Could I step up to the plate and make a difference and save her foal? I had always been told, as with my dogs and cats, to just let nature take control and if it is meant to be, it will be.

I went down the back steps, one by one, and started to walk across the backyard. As I came closer to the pasture, I paused and watched her actions, wondering to myself, when will you have your baby. I guess Sharon’s emotions and mine of watching a live birth of our first foal was on our minds or at least in our everyday thoughts. As I neared the gate, I paused momentarily to watch her walk then slowly prance around, nothing seemed out of the ordinary; she appeared to be just a horse playing in the pasture.

As I stepped through the gate, Holli stopped, turned her head towards me and stood there alone, watching my every step. Suddenly and being far from the other horses in the pasture, Holli’s head lowered to the ground, her front left hoof slammed down disturbing the grass and sand beneath. As I casually approached, I spoke softly called out her name “Holli, come here baby” after which she would normally turn and walk or sometimes even run directly to me. This time, however, she just deliberately turned her head away and began to step out walking along the fence line of the pasture. Holli maintained her distance from me of approximately twenty or so yards. This was a most unusual reaction from her and very much unlike what Holli would normally do when she and I were together. Holli was a very loving horse and always wanted a lot of physical attention. I decided at this point that I would do something different and what we’ve done with Jessi, in order to trick her into letting us get closer to her. I slowly raised and extended out my hand as though I had a horse treat that they had become accustomed to having when we did this hand gesture. She did not approach me but I continued to walk towards her and after fifteen minutes was able to reach her and I placed my hand on her halter. I gently began to rub her mane, stroked her back, then carefully moved my hand to the underside of her belly. She stood still and did not resist but turned head in my direction keeping a watchful eye on what I was doing. I worked my hand back to her udder; bent enough to look at her underside and saw there was no waxing over, filling of her milk sack or dripping of milk. From this exam, I slowly moved my hand up from her belly and across to her tail head. At this time, I gently lifted her tail and noted nothing different from the dozens of times we had done this exercise. I kept my hand rubbing her tail head for awhile and talked with her then left her still standing by the fence. What I did happen to notice is, that even with my walking away, she still had her head turned watching my every move and probably waiting to see what I was going to do next. I left the pasture through the same gate I entered, stopped and turned to see what Holli was doing. She still was standing in the same location I had left her, and sure enough, she was still watching me. I turned away from her and walked back to the house for another cup of coffee. I entered the house; got my copy then returned to comfort of my chair where I would jot down notes I had stored in my head on my visual and physical observations.

The early evening of June 22nd was a quiet warm night without the abundance of visible stars or the glow of the moon in the night’s sky. At this particular time, a slight overcast of clouds filled the skies, which would periodically allow the opening of a window to let the full moon rays to illuminate the pasture providing us a beautiful silhouette of our horses as they peacefully grazed. Sharon and I were both sitting on the back deck having yet another coffee and watching our horses at play, that is except for Holli, who was still standing off alone, keeping to herself. We both looked at one another and began our discussion on the pregnancy and when would she deliver? Would tonight be the night, was on both our minds. I told Sharon of the experience I had with Holli earlier that afternoon. Sharon said that maybe this is the beginning. We both looked at each other, shrugged our shoulders, nodded to each other then turned back to watch our horses. I’m sure that deep down inside, we were both hoping, anxious, and looking forward to the birth of our first foal, the first for our mini-horse ranch.

It was now nearing 10:30 PM and we both had sat long enough, watching, and waiting for any signs that the time was near. I was the first to stand, Sharon said that she’d thought it best if we move Holli into the foaling pen for the night, she’d feel more comfortable and at ease. I know now we had both anticipated facing another restless and sleepless night. Sharon went back into the house to make sure that all of the essentials were gathered for our foal birthing kit, turned on our local evening news and weather to find out what our area outlook was going to be for the remaindered of the night. I had already left the back deck and was headed for the hay barn for a bale of coastal hay. I planned on using this to lay down in the stall as bedding and use to fill the hay feeders.

There are kits available on the market that is equipped with the necessary times for foaling. What we did was talk with our vet to get the basic items that we would need for our foaling experience. All the items for your foaling kit listed below can be put into a clean, secure plastic container and left in your foaling barn or house. The bucket we used had a snap lid and handle making a nice foaling kit and easy to carry.

Items

Purpose

Flashlight & Batteries

Foals usually enter the world at night, so a flashlight will provide the necessary light.

Plastic Bag

To put placenta in and take to vet.

String

To tie off umbilical cord if it doesn’t break.

Scissors

To cut string, sac around foal, or tie off cord.

Iodine 7%

Pour iodine on the tip of the foal’s umbilical cord. This will help prevent infection.

Mild soap & warm water

To wash mare’s vulva and udders prior to foaling, if time permits.

Dry towels.

To pull out the foal, clean the foal, or mare.

Shoulder length gloves

To keep hands clean

Ace Wrap

To wrap mare’s tail prior to foaling.

Notepad & pencils

To record time, how foaling goes.

Halter & lead ropes

To move, tie or restrain mare, if necessary.

Clean bucket

To rinse hands, foal, mare.

Watch

To keep track of time.

Paper towels

To clean your mare, foal, and yourself.

Cordless or Cell phone

To call your vet in case of a problem.

It had only been a few minutes since Sharon and I sat on the back deck and planned moving Holli to the corral. It was nearing 10:40 PM and I had just placed several flakes of hay in the feeders and was now filling the watering trough. I had not yet placed remainder of the hay in the stall, this was to be my next chore, or as I thought it was too be. As I pulled the water hose from the trough, I just happened to turn and glance over to the pasture and caught a moonlit outline of Holli, standing just feet from the gate. She was pacing in a small tight circle, turning 360 degrees over and over, then she would stop, paw at the sand, then when cleared enough, and she dropped heavily to the ground, falling onto her right side.

I immediately dropped the watering hose and ran over to the gate. I guess my emotionally state and anticipation must have kicked into high gear as I was breathing a lot harder and could feel my blood pumping throughout my body. I’m sure that a lot of my inner feelings were that this was the time. I stood there at the gate almost paralyzed with my left hand tightly grasping at the latch, eagerly ready to enter, but instead paused, almost frozen, waiting to see whether this was the beginning of a new adventure. There, only ten feet away, Holli stayed lying on the ground for another two or three minutes before she stood and gained her composure.

I now had reservation on whether to enter or not, was this a false alarm, was I over-reacting, what should I do next. Well, Holli made the decision for me. She stood there, turned her head in my direction and just looked at me. I felt inside that she knew something was happening, but not sure what and was looking at me as if to say, I’m hurting, something is happening, help me. Several moments passed and she began to walk in another tight circle, pawed the same sand, and again dropped heavily to the ground. This time, I was standing so close I did notice her walk was more wavering, she seemed less sure of her footing, and the dropping to the ground was more powerful than before. I didn’t know what I could do; my mind drew a blank on what should I do next, what was I told to do, could I do everything right.

Again, it seemed like an eternity but one minute, when I snapped out of it and realized that this was the time we had been waiting so patiently for, our foal was on its way into our world. I remembered the vet and in my readings of many articles that this was a common action of a mare just before she would give birth. I released the latch from my grasp, turned to the house and immediately ran to let Sharon know the time was near, really near. I burst into the rear door, looked at the kitchen clock; 10:44 PM remember that. Sharon was sitting on the couch waiting for the 11:00 PM news and weather. I ran past asking where the delivery bucket was, “In the closet”, she replied. I said back in an excited tone, “Holli’s down and its time”. She jumped up, I grabbed the birthing bucket and we both bolted out the back door. I’m not sure whether or not either one of us touched any of the steps from the back deck, but I know she was right on my heels as we streaked across the back yard, heading for the pasture.

As we approached the gate, Holli was still down in the same place and position I had left her just minutes before. As we opened the gate and entered the field Holli began to rise. We both stopped dead in our tracks just feet from her and waited to see what she would do next. As for us, let’s just say that foaling time proved to be exciting, yet at the same time, very stressful. We both were extremely anxious for our new foal to come into our world. Well, as before, Holli circled, pawed and dropped like deadweight to the ground. I walked slowly behind Holli and continued to talk softly, as not to disturb or alarm her, then slowly reached down, lightly took hold of her tail and lifted it over her rump. After the release of a little fluid, her contractions became more powerful, and I noticed the vulva was opening and closing with each contraction.

She was fully dilated and Sharon and I both watched as the contractions occurred in rhythmic waves. They came and they went. Sharon looked at me and said, “Too late to move her now”, meaning she would not be brought into the foaling pen I was readying for her delivery. Remember this was our first foal and both Sharon and I were not sure of what Holli would do if we tried to get her up and move her. Would it cause complications? Would something be wrong with the foal? What if she couldn’t deliver the foal? When do I remove the sac or will Holli do that? Do we have everything I need in the bucket? Everything and many questions were being brought to light in both our minds and I know that we did a lot of shouting and probably ran around like children on a Christmas morning in anticipation of a specific wanted gift.

I told Sharon to stay there and watch her and I ran back to the house to get my cell phone and a flashlight in case we needed to call the vet or someone else for assistance and to use the light in case we needed to do so. Remarkably, in just my short absence, the contractions continued and it soon became apparent that this continued pressure was forcing the foal’s placenta through the cervix where it finally broke. Sharon told me as I returned that approximately 2 to 4 gallons of fluid spilled out of the Holli. This meant that the “breaking water” stage was over. I came back to Holli’s side and Sharon was still so filled with excitement of what had just happened and she witnessed. I guess looking back I was kind of jealous that Sharon had seen the beginning of a new addition to the ranch and I missed out for a cell phone. I recalled reading that after the water breaks, a semi-clear, white sac containing the foal will appear, ideally with the foal’s feet and nose first.

Holli was lying on her right side with her left leg drawn up towards her front legs. At this time, I moved over and knelt behind Holli, I reached down and again moved her tail away from her vulva and towards her rump. As active labor contractions continued, we observed the sac and feet of the foal become visible from the vulva. Then the sac and foal would retract back into the Holli and this continued for several minutes. With several stronger contractions the sac pushed further out exposing more of the foal’s legs with the foal’s nose tucked between the legs at the knee level. Then all of the sudden, it seemed as though something was wrong, the foal was not being delivered, had delivery been stalled, the foal was not coming out anymore. I made the decision to reach inside the vulva to check for any obstruction or turning of the rear legs. What I found was that the foal was hung up at its hip area. I slowly and gently stretched my fingertips to around the back of the foal’s hips and during one of Holli’s contractions applied slight pressure. The abdominal muscles and contractions worked together to deliver the foal within a couple of minutes. The whole delivery process began at around 10:44 PM and was completed by 11:08 PM.

I admit I was nervous that this had taken so long, but the foal was still inside the sac. I gently picked up the sac with foal, cradled it in my arms, and then placed it on my lap. I noticed the sac had not broken but could see the foal’s mouth inside opening and closing. I drew a complete blank of what to do next so I asked Sharon, “Should I break the sac?” Then I remembered what our vet had told us. When the foal is born make sure that the foal’s nostrils are clear so it can breathe. If needed, you can dry the foal with a towel, but Holli will most likely clean her foals. Treat foal’s umbilical stump with iodine for the first several days to prevent infection. Recalling these facts and before waiting for her answer, I placed my hands close to where I could see the foal’s mouth, I pinched the birth sac with my fingers and pulled my hands apart exposing the foal’s mouth and nostrils. Once the sac was drawn away from the foal’s mouth and nose I leaned forward and was ready for mouth to mouth, if needed. Then it happened the foal took its first breath. We just both stared and listened to our new foal taking in its first, second, third breath; it was going to be all right. I have to say that this was one of the most unbelievable experiences both of us has ever experienced and I’m sure we will both remember and cherish this moment. I was still holding the sac and slowly and gentle slid it down off the foal’s neck and over it’s front feet.

Holli remained lying down after delivery for about five to ten minutes. This allowed her to rest after such a big exertion but more important, allows transfer of placental blood to the foal before breaking the umbilical cord. To break the umbilical cord, Holli will stand which stretches the cord until it breaks free from the foal. At that time, we need to apply iodine to both the umbilical cord and the bottom of each it’s hoofs.

I did a visual exam of the vulva region of Holli post-foaling and checked to ensure that there where no lacerations or injuries caused by the delivery.

We watched the pushing out of the placenta and membranes that was accompanied by occasional cramping and these contractions lasted only minutes. We had been told that some mares may continue this for a few hours even after the membranes are on the ground, fortunately Holli and us did not have to experience this. The pushing out of the placenta and mucus membranes was the last stage of delivery. I gathered my twine and carefully began tying the membranes to the tail so the mare would not step on them when she began to stand. We were told that if the placental membranes are not expelled within two to three hours after foaling, veterinary assistance is needed for removal and/or medication. This is critically important and could affect the mare’s future breeding and fertility.

NOTE

I conducted another vaginal exam after the placenta and membranes were completely out and hanging by the twine I had attached to Holli’s tail moments earlier. At close inspection, I was confident that it had not torn and no pieces were left inside. I untied the twine and picked up the membrane and placed everything into a five-gallon bucket. This I would take to the veterinarian for inspection the following day. The vet will ensure that everything is intact and that nothing was left inside the mare.

On later reflection, I now realize that there are many similarities to horse or human birth. I had been trained for humans birthing through the fire department, American Red Cross and military but used the same skills, even though Holli is still a horse.

In retrospect, I have theorized that perhaps a lot of nervousness that Jessi was displaying in the pasture over the last couple of days and Holli’s restlessness in the foaling pen was because Holli had always been kept in the pasture. This would account for her foaling in the large field as opposed to being moved to the foaling pen. As for Jessi our other mare, she may have sensed the upcoming event and wanted to be close by.

This whole book has been dedicated to our horses and donkeys and our first foaling experience. We had preconceived ideas about how everything would happen and from what others had told us. Nothing went according to our plans or was ideal for the situation. Although the outcome of this event of our horse ranch’s growth and our personal experiences was not what we had expected – the foal was healthy and a very sweet colt, later named Chief Squanto.

Tags: Foaling, Horse Birthing
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Having the right equipment in sports is important not only for winning, but to remain safe. You wouldn’t play football without a helmet and proper padding or box without gloves and mouth guards. Barrel racing is no different. Having the proper equipment keeps you and your horse safe and performing to the best of your abilities.
Your barrel saddle is the most important piece of equipment. Without a proper fitting saddle, you and your horse can become sore. Make sure you use a saddle that fits your horse’s back and your seat correctly.
The next piece of equipment that can make or break a barrel run is the bit. Having the correct bit means your horse responds to your slightest move of the reins, the bit fits good and doesn’t pinch his mouth and allows him to make a great run. Most barrel racers keep an assortment of different types of bits in their barn. One bit is not going to be the best for every horse and some horses need different bits for different situations. Some barrel racers use one bit for training, one for exercising, one for competition and another for pleasure riding. This all depends on the horse and what kind of bit he responds to. Most barrel racers will go through many bits before finding the perfect bit for their horse.
Boots are a must-have accessory when running barrels. Your horse’s legs take a lot of stress running and turning hard. The right kind of boots can absorb some of that stress, reducing the wear on his legs. Front boots can also keep your horse from cutting himself with his rear legs when turning. Many barrel horses receive injuries to tendons and ligaments on their front legs from clipping themselves with the back hooves. Some do this while running, but most do it in the turns around the barrels. Rear boots protect the fetlocks from hitting the ground while setting and turning the barrel. Bell boots are not necessary for every horse, but are a good precaution. They protect the bulb of the front hooves from being stepped on or torn by the rear hooves.
Barrel racing reins are offered by many manufacturers and are available in many colors, but are all basically the same. They are short, round reins. Most have knots along each side for you to reach down and grab. These are the most popular barrel racing reins. Leather round reins can be used, but are more slippery than the knotted reins. Split reins aren’t used in barrel racing because one could get loose during a run and become very dangerous to a running horse.
Tie downs are used in barrel racing although some say it hinders the horse’s performance by not allowing him to use his natural balance. Others say their horses turn better with a loose tie down because they can use it to balance. This is strictly up to you and your horse. Some horses can’t be ridden without a tie down because they throw their heads around and don’t watch where they are going. Try running the pattern with and without a tie down to see how it affects your horse.
Whips are another piece of equipment used by many barrel racers. From bats and crops to an over and under, almost every barrel racer has used a whip at some point. An over and under, a rope that is attached to the saddle horn, is the most popular type of whip for barrel racers. It can be laid over the thigh when making a run, always within reach between barrels and on the run home. The best way to determine if your horse reacts positively to a whip is to video you making a run with and without using the whip. You may not notice while riding, but from a video you can see many horses actually slow down when they are whipped.
Equipment for barrel racers is available in many different styles, colors and material. Make your choice based on what works for you and your horse before buying the latest fad.
Looking for more great barrel racing articles? Just wheel on over to our equine network and you will enjoy our great article and forum resources.

Tags: Barrel Racers, Barrel Racing Equipment, Barrel Saddles, Horses For Sale
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So, you have decided to try showing in the hunter ring. If this is your first show you probably have a lot of questions about how a show is run. It is my hope that this guide will ease your worries and allow you to have a pleasant experience.
The first thing you need to do is find a show that is suited to your level of riding and the quality of your horse. Not all horse shows are the same. Unless you are riding with a good coach who will guide you through the process and have a horse who is experienced in the ring, your best bet is to start at a schooling show.
Schooling shows are usually run by riding schools in your general area. They may be closed to students from the riding school only, but many accept outside horses and riders. Call the barn before the show to find out what their policy is. They may have a small ship-in fee for outside horses, but most welcome any new participants. There are also shows at the schooling level that are held by local riding clubs. These are generally open to horses and riders from any barn but may require that you are a club member.
Hunter shows generally can be entered the day of the show. Some shows will have pre-entries, which can cut your costs somewhat. Others only allow entries the morning of the show. When looking at the list of classes available take into consideration the level of your horse and your own riding level. You should generally enter classes that are at or slightly below your current training level. For example, if you are jumping 3′ at home, you might want to try a 2′6″ or 2′9″ division rather than pushing your horse to the maximum you have been training at. This makes the show less stressful and will maximize the chance of having a positive first experience.
There are often classes in a range of levels available. Many shows will allow cross-entering from one level to another, but will limit how big the range of ability is. For example, you might be able to enter a 2′6″ division and a 2′9″ division, but would not be allowed to enter the 3′ division. This is to make it fair for all the riders involved and prevent high-level riders from sweeping the ribbons in the low level classes.
Many shows have actual divisions of classes that include 2-3 over fences classes and 1-2 flat classes. Lower level divisions are likely to have more flat classes, while higher level divisions will have more over fences classes. Each over fences class will usually have a different course to learn, but some beginning divisions or green divisions will offer a schooling class that is the same as a later class, or not vary the courses very much to keep things simple for the riders.
When selecting the classes you want to enter keep in mind that the show day can get very long and it isn’t fair to put your horse into more classes that he can handle. Many horses can’t manage more than 4-5 classes in a day. Others who are very fit can manage more. If you do enter a lot of classes make sure that there are some breaks in between so you are not on your horse all day long.
After entering your classes take some time to study the courses. Usually there will be papers with the courses written on them placed somewhere near the arena. You should be able to study the course while looking at the actual ring and fences so that you will be familiar with what the course looks like. It is very important to memorize these courses and refresh yourself before going into the ring as going off course will get you disqualified. Sometimes it is easiest to memorize your course just before the class so that you don’t get the different patterns mixed up in your head.
When your division begins you may be presented with an order of go. This tells you which horses are expected to enter the ring in what order. Other schooling shows just accept horses into the ring when the riders are ready. If at all possible watch a couple of horses and riders around the course before your turn so that you see how the course rides and where potential trouble may lie.
The flat classes are generally held either at the beginning or the end of a division. In a flat class all the horses are brought into the ring at once. They are asked to walk and trot on the rail in each direction. The canter may be asked for as a group, but if the class is large or the level is low the judge will often split the class into two groups, each one having a turn on the rail to show off their canter. After the class is finished the judge will ask you to line up in a row facing one direction. You might be asked to back your horse, but usually the judge merely looks over each horse and rider a final time before handing in the judging card.
Remember that showing your horse should be able gaining better experience and improving your riding skills. While ribbons are nice they should not be your top priority. Most shows pin to 6th place but some will offer ribbons to 8th or even 10th place. There is rarely prize money at the schooling level.
Hopefully you now have a better idea of what to expect when attending your first hunter show. If possible bring a knowledgeable friend or coach to help walk you through the process and give you an extra set of hands. Remember, showing should be fun, so don’t get too worked up about it. If you relax and take your time your first showing experience can be a great one.

Tags: Hack, Horse, Hunter, Sale
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Dressage saddles are supportive structures for riders that are used in horse riding and are specially made for Dressage. Dressage is a horse riding discipline in which the horse is trained to perform a series of accurate controlled movements. In this discipline, the horse is trained to reply to minimal signal from its rider. There are two activities in which dressage saddles are required, Dressage training and Dressage event.A Dressage saddle is an equestrian saddle that is designed with a long and straight saddle flap, which mirrors the leg of the dressage rider. Its long flap features a slight bend in the knee. It also has a deep seat and a knee block that is usually pronounced. Dressage saddles are generally placed over a square, white saddle pad.Dressage saddles are British saddles, which are used for British riding and in all the Olympic equestrian disciplines. British saddles differ from other saddle styles in its flatter appearance, the absence of horn, and the self-padding design of the panels.There are other sorts of British saddles apart from Dressage saddles, for example the jumping saddles or jump seat saddles. British saddles usually differ from among themselves in the length and angle of the flaps, the depth of the seat and height of the cantle. These differences perform a part in the use for which a selected saddle is structured. Dressing saddles and jumping saddles are both British saddles but they have different constructions.A Dressage saddle is used in dressage discipline in which the rider sits more upright. So the Dressage saddle was designed with a longer stirrup as well as longer and straighter down saddle flaps. On the other hand, a jumping saddle is used for a discipline that involves jumping, where the rider desires shorter stirrups for additional support. This is why the jumping saddle is designed with a forward-cut flap.A Dressage saddle has higher cantle and pommel to give the rider with a deeper seat. While on the jumping saddle, the cantle as well as the pommel is low so that they do not interfere with the rider’s jumping position.Padding in Dressage saddle is mostly smaller than in jumping saddle to permit the rider to move freely to give help to the pony. Inversely , padding in the seat and knee rolls of a jumping saddle will assist the rider.On a Dressage saddle, the seat is much deeper than that of the jumping saddle to permit the rider to comfortably sit up in a cool position. Also, the seat is nearer to the pony’s withers to help to keep the rider’s center of balance in the correct place. While on the jumping saddle, the seat is comparatively flat to give the rider more liberty of movement particularly when jumping. Its seat is also positioned further back so the rider isn’t pushed before the saddle when jumping a fence.In selecting a Dressage saddle, it is critical you and your pony completely. To grasp what saddle will fit your horse, measure your horse from its hoof to its withers and then from its withers to its croup. Try to sit on many Dressage saddles to find one that is most cushty for you.If you ride more than one horse, you do not have to buy for each one. Choose a saddle that may fit both you and your horses. Try gel pads that will conform to your horses’ shapes to help you find your saddle. Your saddle should fit in such a manner that there’s sufficient room between the gullet and the pony’s withers. It should also be spaced over the backbone evenly.If you are on a tight budget, there are Dressage tack shops that sell used Dressage saddles. You may find used British saddles in some British tack shops. Visit as many saddle shops as possible to become familiar with the brands, styles and prices.About the Author:Author Lisa Blackstone is an equestrian and has been in the horse business for a while. She also maintains internet sites about horses and horsemanship. For further info on saddles visit Barbie Horse Games and Horse Riding Games.

Tags: Barbie Horse Adventures, Barbie Horse Games, Horse C, Horse Jumping Games, Online Horse Riding Games
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I grew up in the Australian bush with working dogs. They were chained to kennels and were let off for a gallop each day. Dad had them trained to herd the sheep – but I don’t ever remember seeing how he trained them. I do know that I was amazed at what they could do.

With a specific whistle and hand gesture, they would gallop way off to bring in the sheep, or stop dead in their tracks and lie down. They could keep the sheep moving into yards at shearing time or drenching. They always seemed to be noisy barkers – but they did what they were told – and seemed to really enjoy it.

The once I saw one of the dogs reprimanded (‘taught a lesson’ my Dad said) – I was so upset – because it involved my horse. Dad was going fencing and was leading the horse from the barn, past the dog kennels, when Winkie suddenly jumped out, barking like crazy. My horse reared in fright and the rein caught Dad’s finger and snapped it back, breaking it.

To make sure Winkie never did that again, Dad measured out my horse’s tail and tied a rope to Winkie and the other end to the mare’s tail. Winkie went running in to snap and bark at her heels making her kick out, backwards towards him. He was expecting it and turned to run – only to find he couldn’t get away. The mare couldn’t quite reach him – but she was close. The tug on her tail made her frightened and she kicked again and again. Winkie was desperately trying to keep the rope taught and stay away from her heels.

Eventually Dad cut the rope and Winkie raced back into his kennel. I was crying and petting my horse. Dad was in pain from his finger and still had to try to do the fencing, even with a splint on his finger (which Mum rigged up). And Winkie never barked at a horse again!

Well, Dad possibly would not believe in some of the training methods used today. But he also broke in horses and I am sure would not believe in the horse whisperer (Monty Roberts) either, and the way he trains a horse. But he is amazing – I have actually seen what Monty can do and I was spellbound!

Attitudes change and we are always finding better ways to do things. But the worst possible thing, I believe, is when you do not train your pets at all. And I can’t say you should train your pets like you do your children – because some parents do not train their children either….consequently the popularity of the Nanny TV series!

Tags: Aggressive Dogs, Dog Agression, Dog Training, Dogs, Family Pets, pets
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Here are some facts about the cutting edge of equine dentistry. You may think horse dentistry is a new fad, but there is nothing new under the sun. When our livelihoods depended on equines, horse dentistry was a lively profession for practitioners in every county. Well-known in Europe in the fourteenth century, the observation of horse’s teeth goes back at least two thousand years. For the past couple of centuries, Europeans have had a particularly strong interest in horse’s teeth. The tools which were being made by the end of the nineteenth century would still not be out of place in a modern horse dentist’s set of tools although diamond technology has brought advances in cutting, burring and grinding tools, which uncannily grind tooth enamel while leaving softer tissues such as the inside of cheeks unscathed on contact. There are currently about 25 horse dentistry tool manufacturers in the U.S.

So, what does an equine dentist do, and which horses could benefit from their practices? An equine dentist basically equilibrates a horse’s teeth in a number of ways. Horses in the natural state do not usually require dentistry, the same as they do not require a furrier. Free-roaming horses eat a lot of hard plants with a high woody content, as well as grasses with silicates. These are abrasive substances, which wear down the incisors as the horse tears at the grass stalks. Hay-fed horses do not need to use their incisors in the same way, with the result that these do not get worn down and eventually get so long that the horse cannot close its mouth sufficiently to use the molars to grind its food.

All horses could benefit from the services of an equine dentist, although only a small proportion receives them. Even if your vet checks your horses teeth every half year, the chances are very high that there are points on the outside of the upper premolars and molars which are causing either constant discomfort or digging ulcerations in the cheeks. A thorough oral examination requires the use of a full-mouth speculum and a mild sedative or relaxant.

The most discerning owners tend to call in a specialized dentist as standard procedure, because it can improve a horse’s performance dramatically and prolong active life for up to a decade. Better food uptake means better performance so in order to improve the horse’s digestion regular dental work is a must. Surprisingly, a significant proportion of horses suffer from tooth maladies which can affect the way they take the bit. A tendency to resist turning in a particular direction is, for example, a strong indication that the horse has some kind of problem on that side of its mouth. The horse will surely act up especially if turning is uncomfortable. It may be simply a question of getting the bit to sit more comfortably to cause an immediate change in the behavior of the horse.

Many horses have persistent problems which cause uneven eating, distortions of facial muscle development and a build-up of pressure, which in turn can lead to constant headaches. Usually during the first session of dental treatment even under mild sedation, the effects can be dramatic and the horse experiences relief from this. Have you ever seen a horse smile?

Friction can arise between dental practitioners and standard vets, who have very different approaches to dental problems. Typically, a vet is called in to file down teeth when they become long, but tends to do so in a very uniform manner, which does not take into account the natural variations in the horse’s own way of grinding, or the angles of the teeth necessary for comfortable eating. Incorrect filing can radically change the angle of impact and effectively prevent the horse from eating.

There is unfortunately no accredited certification program for equine dentistry through veterinary organizations. Ironically, only veterinary practitioners are legally empowered to practice equine dentistry, although many are not capable of the most basic form of it. Vets sometimes act in conjunction with a highly specialized and trained lay-dentist. The equine dentists themselves are a rare breed. Because of the problems they are up against in terms of training programs and chances to practice freely, they tend to be fierce animal lovers with a high commitment to their chosen profession and an almost evangelical passion to spread the word. There is a worldwide network of practitioners, who are in constant consultation for problem-solving and sharing new techniques and findings. A visit from and equine dentist can be as rewarding an experience for the owner as it is for the horse.

Tags: Dentist, Equine Dentistry, Horse Art, Horse Dentistry, Horses, Oil Painting Horse Portraits, Pet, Pet Portrait Artist
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The University of Findlay is located in Findlay, Ohio and is a four year, non-profit university. There are many different degree options available for students with in the Equestrian Studies Program and include:
· Associate of Arts in Western riding/training emphasis
· Associate of Arts in English riding/training emphasis
· Bachelor of Science in Western riding/training emphasis
· Bachelor of Science in English riding/training emphasis
· Bachelor of Science in Equine Business Management
The universities Equestrian Studies Program is designed to provide students with all of the vital skills that they will need to have a long and successful career in the equine industry by providing them with knowledge and experiences that is unmatched by any other university. The program has a twelve member faculty that is comprised of professional trainers, judges, exhibitors, and breeders who all are actively involved in their specific discipline and have a realistic perspective of the equine industry. For the past 30 years, students have been able to excel because the university offers:
· Riding instruction five days a week
· Professional equine staff
· Two outstanding equine facilities
· Modern horse training techniques
· Over 400 horses
· One-on-one academic advising
· Internship opportunities
The universities Western Equestrian Studies program will teach students the proper techniques in showmanship, horsemanship, and western pleasure during their first year of training. The program will then progress on to breaking colts, cutting, reining, and finishing pleasure horses for the show ring. There are also other areas of the western discipline that will be covered like western riding, and trail. Students will also be taught a number of different customer relation skills and how to produce a horse that is easily ridden by their owners. Besides the intense riding portion of the program, students will also go in depth into nutrition, reproduction, business management, judging, and preventative medicine. There are also special courses available that will cover sales, marketing, promotion, business skills, therapeutic riding, and exercise physiology.
The English Equestrian Studies program focuses on the fundamental theories of English riding and training and will progress though hunters, jumpers, and dressage. Students will then train an unbroken horse to a level that is determined by their instructors. Students can also take several upper level classes where they will learn more advanced riding and training procedures on both the flat and over fences. Special areas that are covered include sales, marketing, promotion, and business skills.
The Equine Business Management Program combines different equine science courses with management topics and traditional business management topics and is designed for students who choose to purse a career in the equine industry other than the area of training. Students will learn about laws that affect the equine industry and many other practical aspects that include livestock management, reproductive management, disease prevention, and selecting, operating and maintain farm equipment. All Equestrian Studies students are highly encouraged to carry a second major or minor to enhance their career options in the equine industry.
All Equestrian majors are eligible for a variety of different academic scholarships that are awarded annually. There are also internships that are available to provide students additional hands on experiences within the equine industry. There are internships available for academic credit or students can choose internships that are taken for zero credit. Internships are available to students in Western equitation, English equitation, or business management.
There are also a number of different student organizations available and include the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association, Intercollegiate Dressage Association, Horse Club, UF Horsemen American Collegiate Horse Show Association, and University of Findlay Vaulters. All of these different clubs are
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Tags: Education, Horse Schools, Horse Science, Horse Universiteis
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