tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61949100329587731892024-03-12T18:31:56.925-07:00Good HorsemanshipIceRyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04780467070717652868noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194910032958773189.post-33887779567880601702009-10-21T05:16:00.000-07:002009-10-21T05:21:18.219-07:00Parelli Level 3 Horse Having Fun<br><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/St78Bx1qBfI/AAAAAAAADUw/uVQydoldEno/s1600-h/picture475.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 319px; height: 236px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/St78Bx1qBfI/AAAAAAAADUw/uVQydoldEno/s320/picture475.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395026511124891122" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The owners learn "horsemanship" by going through the levels of PNH (Parelli Natural Horsemanship) and build good relationships and two-way communication with their horses.</span><br /><br /><center><object width="400" height="327"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/eamZyefGXt8&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/eamZyefGXt8&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="327"></embed></object></center><br>IceRyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04780467070717652868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194910032958773189.post-85722514248376577832009-07-15T12:11:00.000-07:002009-07-15T12:14:03.154-07:00Level 3 Parelli At Liberty Audition<br><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/Sl4qF4MAwgI/AAAAAAAADOU/JXoDJZOoMWc/s1600-h/picture381.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 263px; height: 207px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/Sl4qF4MAwgI/AAAAAAAADOU/JXoDJZOoMWc/s320/picture381.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358766887087948290" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">This horse is an off-the-track Thoroughbred, doing a fine job with the Level 3 Parelli Natural Horsemanship At Liberty audition.</span><br /><br /><center><object width="400" height="327"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ENp0nW_pcHU&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ENp0nW_pcHU&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="327"></embed></object></center><br>IceRyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04780467070717652868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194910032958773189.post-83831524011406965962009-07-09T06:53:00.000-07:002009-07-09T07:02:14.221-07:00Understanding Leg Aids<br><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/SlX4Lz3w9cI/AAAAAAAADMw/rOMgUgE6jGs/s1600-h/barebackbridlelessneckropeicelandichorseiceryder.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 302px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/SlX4Lz3w9cI/AAAAAAAADMw/rOMgUgE6jGs/s320/barebackbridlelessneckropeicelandichorseiceryder.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356460213613426114" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br /><br />By Faith Meredith<br />Director of Riding, Meredith Manor International Equestrian Centre<br /><br />Riders communicate with their horses using horse-logical pressures we call aids. The 'natural' aids include the hands (reins), seat (weight), and legs. Riders use a 'circle of aids' to create a corridor of pressures that asks a horse to perform a specific combination of gait, rhythm, pace, direction, and other nuances.<br /><br />Even though riders do not use one natural aid in total isolation from the others, discussing leg aids separately can help riders understand their options for applying leg aids and how those options influence the horse. The rider's right leg pressure influences the horse's right hind leg while the rider's left leg pressure influences the horse's left hind leg. The basic leg influences are:<br /><br />[]Leg on—driving<br />[]Leg on—keeping, or<br />[]Leg off.<br /><br />Driving leg pressure asks the horse for movement, for energy. Keeping leg pressure asks the horse to hold or maintain a shape or direction or gait. When a leg is off the horse, there is no pressure from the leg on that side.<br /><br />These basic influences are further refined when leg is applied:<br /><br />[]Unilaterally—one leg driving, one leg keeping<br />[]Bilaterally—both legs driving, or<br />[]Variably—the leg pressure varies from stride to stride.<br /><br />The ability to vary a pressure is one of the primary differences between an aid and a cue. Whether the leg is used as a driving aid or a keeping aid, the degree of its pressure can vary. When we teach beginning riders, we use little pictographs as tools to explain which combination of aids riders use for a given movement. The reality is that these visual recipes provide only limited information because they cannot illustrate variability.<br /><br />Our green horses receive extensive groundwork until they develop a full understanding of corridors of pressure and how to respond to them. When we start them under saddle, the first ride occurs in a small arena that limits the horse's ability to move too far too fast. The rider leaves the reins alone and waits to see what the horse offers. Depending on the horse's personality, it may amble away from the mounting block, offer a trot, or even strike off on a canter. <br /><br />As soon as the horse moves, the rider softly applies the correct leg and seat aids for whatever the horse offers. Gradually, the horse makes a connection between the feel of a specific corridor of pressures and a particular gait. And gradually, the trainer introduces rein aids for a full circle of aids.<br /><br />As the horse's understanding of aids increases, variable leg pressures allow a sophisticated conversation between horse and rider. For example, a dressage rider can ask the horse for a working trot, medium trot, collected trot, or extended trot. In order to communicate which trot she wants, the rider has to do more than just drive with both legs. Did the rider use the appropriate degree of pressure? Did the rider use the right degree of driving or keeping from each leg? The horse's response is the rider's primary feedback. <br /><br />The degree of pressure that the rider uses will depend on the horse's training level, personality, and physical sensitivity. The rider's end goal should be to communicate with the lightest aids possible, invisible to those watching.<br /><br />The rider can vary both driving and keeping pressures depending on what she wants the horse to do at a specific moment. For example, if a horse starts to 'chase' around the arena, quickening his steps rather than lengthening them, the rider can keep the driving leg pressure on just a little longer to slow the horse's rhythm rather than driving in the rhythm the horse is moving.<br /><br />Whenever a rider creates a corridor of aids, it is important to leave an opening for the horse to release the energy she creates with her driving leg aids. For example, in the leg yield left the rider increases the pressure of the left leg asking the horse to move away from that pressure. <br /><br />The rider's right (outside) leg is back and keeping, suggesting an opening to the right to the horse. The horse picks up the left hind and moves it both over and forward instead of just forward. The outside rein (right rein) inhibits the forward motion slightly and redirects it forward and sideways, while also maintaining straightness in the horse's body.<br /><br />Some riders are confused about whether they should apply leg pressure at the girth, behind the girth, or way behind the girth. Ideally, the rider would like her driving leg just behind the girth, but the conformation of some horses and the leg length of some riders make this difficult. <br /><br />The most important thing is that the inside of the rider's lower leg should be able to make contact with the horse's side. The rider should think of stretching her leg down and around the horse's side. There should be no gripping or tension. The rider has to have her seat and upper body in the correct position in order to control the position of her lower leg.<br /><br />The rider's basic position is more important than exactly where her leg falls on her horse. Ideally, a plumb line dropped from the rider's ear will pass through her hip and ankle. The critical thing is that she needs to maintain the correct position of her thighs and hips so that she can give leg aids with the inside of her calf, not the back of the calf. <br /><br />The thigh should lie flat on the saddle. In order to use leg aids correctly the rider must not grip with the thigh muscles or the knee. Gripping with the thigh muscles or the knees locks the hip joint. The hip joint is the rider's shock absorber. If the rider locks her hip joints, she cannot follow the horse's motion and, therefore, cannot apply leg aids effectively. <br /><br />The upper body or torso must remain stable in order for the lower leg to stay stable. If the rider has to move around to apply the leg aids that movement interrupts her balance and her aids will not be clear to the horse.<br /><br />Leg aids are just one of the natural aids we use to communicate with our horses. The 'circles of aids' we create with them are much like the sentences we construct from individual words to communicate with friends. As the rider develops an independent seat and the horse gains an understanding of the many variations possible in aid pressures, they can work together to write poetry in motion.<br /><br /><br />© 2008 Meredith Manor International Equestrian Centre. <br />http://www.meredithmanor.com</span><br /><br><br>IceRyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04780467070717652868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194910032958773189.post-86487047779487744462009-06-25T09:57:00.000-07:002009-06-25T10:01:17.875-07:00Twisted Truths, Horse Dressage<br><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/SkOske8lYaI/AAAAAAAAC-E/n8K6NrY7SPE/s1600-h/philippekarltwistedtruths.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/SkOske8lYaI/AAAAAAAAC-E/n8K6NrY7SPE/s320/philippekarltwistedtruths.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351310525028721058" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">More and more, people are speaking out on the problems in modern dressage:<br /><br /><a href="http://iceryder.blogspot.com/2008/10/gerd-heuschmann.html">Gerd Heuschmann's book and DVD</a><br /><br />and now Philippe Karl's book:</span><br /><br /><center><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=icehorserescue&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=3861279533&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe></center><br>IceRyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04780467070717652868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194910032958773189.post-90401098206986566082009-06-11T20:25:00.000-07:002009-06-11T20:31:25.822-07:00Petitions Regarding Abusive Horse Equipment, Riding, and Training<br><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/SjHL9lMTiiI/AAAAAAAAC2E/nzpDG-226Ow/s1600-h/icelandichorsesavemehelpme.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/SjHL9lMTiiI/AAAAAAAAC2E/nzpDG-226Ow/s320/icelandichorsesavemehelpme.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346278491481672226" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The following are two separate petitions calling for changes in the showing rules:<br /><br />Philippe Karl is sending a letter to the German FN please read the letter and sign if you agree. It is the only way things will change for these top horses who are made to jump through hoops by their owners:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.philippe-karl.com/703">http://www.philippe-karl.com/703</a></span><br /><br /><hr><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Two Finger Rule:<br /><br />Join us and help petition the F.E.I. that all dressage competitions should only be shown with the horse wearing a cavesson with two finger width between the horse's face and the cavesson, both in the show ring and in the warm up ring. This rule has been a standard for generations of horsemen and accepted as being the best for the horse. This rule/standard was so accepted around the world by every teacher and rider - that it was never even written down. Now we see training practices that include crank nosebands and rollkur. Training practices that are physically, emotionally and mentally detrimental to the horse. A return to this simple rule, that will be easy to teach and enforce, can make a huge difference for horses not only for those in the show ring but for all of the horses, whose riders and teachers use those horses in competition as their standard of correct training. Please sign today and share this with all equestrians that you know, and together perhaps we can make a difference.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/SavingTheHorses/?e">http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/SavingTheHorses/?e</a><br /><br />Please feel free to forward this link.</span><br /><br>IceRyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04780467070717652868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194910032958773189.post-52507764161923972622009-05-10T17:27:00.000-07:002009-05-10T17:37:09.220-07:00Pre-Cues in Horse Training<br><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/SgdyACqLZGI/AAAAAAAACxE/0H33R_ZFJlA/s1600-h/picture269.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 308px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/SgdyACqLZGI/AAAAAAAACxE/0H33R_ZFJlA/s320/picture269.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334357628682986594" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Benefits of Pre-Cues<br /><br />JoshLyons explains that pre-cues give two important benefits: 1) the horse becomes lighter and 2) the horse becomes less aggravated. Josh said that horses become aggravated when asked to perform the same movement repeatedly with a strong cue. This repetition, without change, causes the horse's aggravation.<br /><br />Training with pre-cues allows you to add that element of change into the exercise. As the horse works to determine the sequence of pre-cues, he learns that he can respond with fewer direct cues. This focuses the horse's attention on the learning sequence and reduces his frustration level.<br /><br />Using pre-cues will also make you a better rider. Because you become more conscious of your actions, you will become more consistent and more precise in using your body. These changes will improve your ability to communicate with your horse.<br /><br /><br />By Gordon Adair<br />http://www.adairmag.com/gordonadair/<br /><br />Can a horse be trained to respond to soft cues, when a rider is currently using spurs and a heavy bit to cue his horse? Certainly. Horses can be taught anything if the owner is willing. To encourage your horse to become lighter and more responsive, allow your horse to have the choice of picking a softer cue pressure. The softer cue pressure you are offering to your horse is called a pre-cue. Once your horse chooses the precue over the normal cue pressure, the pre-cue becomes the normal cue pressure and another precue should be offered. This cycle will continue forever.<br /><br />Horses will also send pre-cues to warn riders about what they are planning to do. A rider who is not aware of the pre-cues will often say, "Suddenly my horse just started bucking." Horses do not just start bucking--they send pre-cues that they are going to start bucking. A horse dropping his head can be a pre-cue to bucking. A horse moving his weight from the hindquarters to the forehand can be a pre-cue to him dropping his head to prepare to buck. When riders take notice of these pre-cues which horses offer, they can correct an action long before it becomes a problem.<br /><br />OFFER A PRE-CUE BEFORE CUEING YOUR HORSE FOR EFFORTLESS RIDING<br /><br />To succeed in any training goal, rules must be set and followed. The main rule all horses must obey is that they must move away from pressure. The rule riders must obey is that when a horse moves away from pressure, pressure must be released. When these two rules are applied correctly, your horse will willingly begin to avoid pressure. The rule that horses should avoid pressure is the more advanced form of the rule that horses move away from pressure. Horses learn to avoid pressure by looking for a pre-cue to a rider's main cue. A pre-cue is generally a movement a rider makes while preparing for a cue. When a horse tried to avoid your cue by responding to a pre-cue, you should not correct him. Instead, reward him by stopping your cue pressure. One of a rider's many goals is to achieve lighter and more responsive cues, so horse and rider can move in harmony. Imagine cueing your horse by just turning and looking in the direction you want to go, as in, "Look ma, no reins or legs!" This soft cue can be encouraged by always beginning with a pre-cue before the cue you normally use. For example, when turning your horse to the right, begin by turning your body and increase the cue pressure until your horse obeys.<br /><br />Soon, your horse will choose a precue somewhere along the increasing pressure. The point where your horse responds will become the new cue pressure for your procedure. This system will continue to the point where you will only need to look and move your body in the direction you want. When your horse is trying to avoid pressure, your cue movement will be undetectable to others. It will be undetectable because you and your horse are moving = simultaneously through the procedure.<br /><br />WHY WOULD A HORSE WANT TO AVOID PRESSURE?<br /><br />When a horse is trying to avoid pressure, he is doing it because the pressure of the cue bothers him. So, the horse begins to look for a sign to avoid the pressure entirely. When correcting a horse for avoiding pressure, you are telling him to accept pressure, or to ignore pressure altogether. This breaks the most important rule of communication, that horses should move away or avoid pressure. A rider who breaks these rules is a poor leader. Horses lose respect and trust in riders when they contradict themselves. For communication to work, each rule and procedure must have a definition. This way when both horse and rider learn the rules and procedures, they will have guidelines to follow. By having guidelines, a rider does not have to explain every detail; the guidelines will fill in the blanks. In this case, the guideline is that horses must avoid pressure and work together with their riders.<br /><br />ENCOURAGING YOUR HORSE TO LOOK FOR PRE-CUES WHEN THEY DO NOT<br /><br />Wouldn't it be great if your horse would respond to pre-cues? Why is this so hard to achieve when it is such a natural response for your horse? Again, poor communication is to blame. Many riders will punish their horses for trying to anticipate their movements. These riders may think their horse is being difficult, that he should not respond until the cue is given. What the riders are really doing is punishing their horses for looking for a pre-cue to avoid the pressure of the cue.<br /><br />For example, if it normally takes five pounds of bit pressure to stop your horse, then one day your horse responds to a pre-cue at two pounds of pressure by stopping five feet short of your target, repeat the procedure with two pounds of bit pressure. The simples solution when your horse is responding to a pre-cue is, make the pre-cue the new cue. This cycle may continue to a level of response you could never have imagined.<br /><br />Here are two examples to help you decide the difference between a horse avoiding cue pressure and a horse making a decision on his own: If you have already decided to turn or stop your horse, and he beats your cue, he is trying to avoid pressure by responding to pre-cues. On the other hand, when your horse decides to turn or stop when you had not planned on doing so, your horse is anticipating or making his own decisions. At any point your horse purposely or mistakenly responds to a pre-cue, reward him by releasing the cue pressure. Soon you will find your horse making a game out of trying to find a softer pre-cue. Your horse taking the challenge of looking for pre-cues in a playful manner is a good sign, because your horse should enjoy working with yuo and training should be fun. It is much easier teaching horses when they enjoy working as opposed to the "or else" method.<br /><br />MAKE SURE YOUR PRE-CUES ARE NOT CAUSING PROBLEMS<br /><br />Riders may cause their own problems because they do not give pre-cues. An example is a rider who mounts his horse and quickly and sharply kicks his horse forward. The horse, trying to avoid the kick, begins moving forward before the rider is in the saddle. The rider sees this action as a bad habit instead of seeing the horse trying to avoid being hurt while doing as he is told. To avoid this, use a softer cue, and vary the length of time you stand still and when you apply your cue. Simply be aware what movements or signs may be pre-cueing your horse. Remember, horses are trained to obey humans, so be careful what you are saying. When you are learning to communicate to your horse, you may unknowingly miscommunicate.<br /><br />HORSES SEND PRE-CUES BEFORE ANY ACTION<br /><br />Horses always offer pre-cues before an action. This is why I say, "Northing just happens; it has been growing unnoticed for a long time." A good rider can trace a horse's pre-cue path all the way back to a tense mouth or stiff ears. Tracing the pre-cues back is important, because a rider does not have to wait until the horse is bucking to correct him.<br /><br />Horses can be corrected for preparing or just thinking about bucking. When a rider waits for the bucking, the correction will need to equal or exceed the violence of a buck. Correcting a horse for thinking about bucking may only amount to a simple hand movement cue, to relax. A simple hand movement is much safer than correcting during a buck.<br /><br />Every horse will have a different pre-cue to their actions. There are many standard pre-cues horses will follow due to their physical build and instinctive responses. Still, there are too many pre-cues and too many actions to list in this article. The better you understand how a horse thinks and responds, the better you can identify pre-cues before the actions.<br /><br />Naturally it is always better to avoid a problem from happening than correcting it later. An action from a horse can also turn into a pre-cue when it is not corrected. By not correcting or noticing a horse's action, the rider is saying it is o.k. to act in this manner. So, the horse continues with the same action at a higher level each time until the rider notices. In other words, until it becomes a "problem". For example, you may begin by having trouble catching your horse. Then you start losing control while leading him to the tack room. Both problems have lack of respect at the common cause. Here the pre-cues for lack of respect are at different levels. The lack of respect started in the stall and grew to being displayed while being led. Unless it is corrected, it is only a matter of time before the problem is displayed during riding.<br /><br />LAST WORDS<br /><br />Horses will talk to us if we pay attention and listen to what they are saying. At first, your knowledge of horse language may just be saying "yes" or "no". The more you learn about horses, the better you can communicate with your horse. Pre-cues are just one of many different ways to tell your horse what to do. By using pre-cues before all your cues, you will inform your horse what you are preparing to do. Most importantly, you will be offering your horse the choice between responding to normal cue pressure or to a softer cue. When you keep your horse's interests in mind, you will gain his respect and trust. Without respect and trust, you will never become your horse's leader or friend. By achieving soft, responsive cues and by reading your horse's pre-cues to his actions, you can head off and correct your horse's actions without anyone even noticing.</span><br>IceRyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04780467070717652868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194910032958773189.post-47897139662695324922009-05-09T07:52:00.000-07:002009-05-09T08:47:54.313-07:00Horse Quotes<br><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/SgWZVfEKnzI/AAAAAAAACwU/KrGByqp2z9Y/s1600-h/DSCF8038eye.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 291px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/SgWZVfEKnzI/AAAAAAAACwU/KrGByqp2z9Y/s320/DSCF8038eye.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333837928085495602" /></a><br /><br />That you may retain your self-respect, it is better to displease the people by doing what you know is right, than to temporarily please them by doing what you know is wrong. ~~ William J. H. Boetcker<br /><br />Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity. ~~ Martin Luther King Jr.<br /><br />If we see cruelty or wrong that we have the power to stop, and do nothing, we make ourselves share in the guilt. "Black Beauty" ~~Anna Sewell<br /><br />All that is necessary for ignorance to prevail is for educated people to say nothing. ~~ Judy Ryder<br><br><br>IceRyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04780467070717652868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194910032958773189.post-81078716197690647212009-04-18T12:09:00.000-07:002009-04-18T12:11:59.600-07:00Honza Natural Horsemanship<br><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/SeoltqJoI1I/AAAAAAAACsc/evvKxMT9_Vk/s1600-h/picture175.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 281px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/SeoltqJoI1I/AAAAAAAACsc/evvKxMT9_Vk/s320/picture175.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326110975658042194" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Honza Bláha and his horse Gaston, natural horsemanship.</span><br /><br /><center><object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/oHQczRbBHxI&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/oHQczRbBHxI&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object></center><br>IceRyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04780467070717652868noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194910032958773189.post-35538965332723201772009-04-12T08:32:00.000-07:002009-04-12T08:44:18.514-07:00Parelli Level 3 Gaited Horse<br><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/SeIKQZ_wufI/AAAAAAAACro/8Svp3Li114Y/s1600-h/picture172.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 255px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/SeIKQZ_wufI/AAAAAAAACro/8Svp3Li114Y/s320/picture172.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323828986477853170" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">This is a Level Three Parelli Natural Horsemanship audition with a gaited Spotted Saddle Horse.</span><br /><br /><center><object width="400" height="327"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mp5lVCSyJQg&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mp5lVCSyJQg&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="327"></embed></object></center><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">View another gaited horse PNH video:<br /><br /><center><a href="http://gaited-horse.blogspot.com/2009/04/level-3-parelli-with-gaited-paso-horse.html">Level 3 with Paso Fino</a><br /><br /><a href="http://iceryder.net/7games.html">Parelli 7 Games</a></center></span><br>IceRyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04780467070717652868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194910032958773189.post-22247760751972228882009-04-05T20:15:00.000-07:002009-04-12T08:32:25.078-07:00Good Horsemanship Use of the Platform<br><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/Sdl0Ca1TF6I/AAAAAAAACnI/IZPpeHHZdgc/s1600-h/DSCF7960ponyplatform.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 272px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/Sdl0Ca1TF6I/AAAAAAAACnI/IZPpeHHZdgc/s320/DSCF7960ponyplatform.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321412019626383266" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The platform is a very good tool to use in training horses. If you understand "getting to the horse's feet", and "being able to put your horse's feet anywhere you want them", it starts here, with the platform / pedestal.</span><br /><br /><center><object width="400" height="327"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3cpW6GTA3ow&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3cpW6GTA3ow&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="327"></embed></object></center><br>IceRyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04780467070717652868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194910032958773189.post-48532664398325784912009-03-01T07:30:00.000-08:002009-03-01T07:33:07.015-08:00Rainy Day Exercises<br><span style="font-weight: bold;">When the weather is bad, you can still play with your horse and do positive training exercises:<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" ><a href="http://americashorsedaily.com/images/pdfs/barnexercise.pdf">Barn Exercises</a></span></div><br /><br><br>IceRyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04780467070717652868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194910032958773189.post-54664130720159788942009-02-18T13:15:00.000-08:002009-02-18T13:19:27.382-08:00Pets Are Good for Us!<br><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/SZx7HpUqwxI/AAAAAAAACY8/8Dta0qyyU4s/s1600-h/icelandichorsesinrain.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 270px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/SZx7HpUqwxI/AAAAAAAACY8/8Dta0qyyU4s/s320/icelandichorsesinrain.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304249832417444626" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Pets can make us smile!</span><br /><br /><center><object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ycmneu6BDWA&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ycmneu6BDWA&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object></center><br>IceRyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04780467070717652868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194910032958773189.post-32850175642660619812009-01-17T11:13:00.000-08:002009-01-17T11:39:04.410-08:00Brent Graef Training Videos<br><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/SXIzgj44HqI/AAAAAAAACPk/vWcBqR0Slic/s1600-h/brent_banner.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 159px; height: 171px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/SXIzgj44HqI/AAAAAAAACPk/vWcBqR0Slic/s320/brent_banner.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292349146596384418" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Brent Graef (http://brentgraef.com) has some good training videos: </span> <br /><br /><center><object width="400" height="327"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0mGB4D1Kolo&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0mGB4D1Kolo&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="327"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="400" height="327"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hhxfS_My0NY&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hhxfS_My0NY&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="327"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="400" height="327"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZSViUIX3keI&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZSViUIX3keI&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="364"></embed></object></center>IceRyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04780467070717652868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194910032958773189.post-22676073958069975592009-01-09T15:02:00.000-08:002009-01-09T15:06:15.311-08:00Jane Savoie Interview<br><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/SWfXq2tOVFI/AAAAAAAACNI/0VXs7Vqzskc/s1600-h/jane_savoie.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 223px; height: 264px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/SWfXq2tOVFI/AAAAAAAACNI/0VXs7Vqzskc/s320/jane_savoie.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289433418609611858" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Listen to an interview with Jane Savoie on WowFactorRadio:<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.equestriantheater.com/wow/wowjanesavoie122408.htm">Jane Savoie and Kris Garrett</a></center><br /></span>IceRyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04780467070717652868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194910032958773189.post-92141494683461764862009-01-07T10:42:00.000-08:002009-01-07T10:45:46.909-08:00Bitless Riding<br><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/SWT3uid30hI/AAAAAAAACMY/UnrOwd5yPE8/s1600-h/DSCF6583cookie.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 311px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/SWT3uid30hI/AAAAAAAACMY/UnrOwd5yPE8/s320/DSCF6583cookie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288624241337946642" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Listen to Claudia Chavis' radio interview about bitless riding:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.markiac.addr.com/PET_LIFE_RADIO/Horsing_player18.htm">Click Here to Listen to Bitless Riding Interview</a></span><br /></div><br /><br /><br><br>IceRyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04780467070717652868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194910032958773189.post-54311156809930473792009-01-01T11:25:00.000-08:002009-01-01T11:36:38.950-08:00Find The Lameness<br><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/SV0ZAQzC6zI/AAAAAAAACKk/6HgpL1fDtkA/s1600-h/picture845.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 303px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/SV0ZAQzC6zI/AAAAAAAACKk/6HgpL1fDtkA/s320/picture845.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286409029902592818" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Jean Luc Cornille studies the movement of horses. He is a previous contributor to the Dressage & CT magazine.<br /><br />About the video:<br /><br />The horse is three years old turning four. He has been backed four, maybe five times at the date of this video recording. Therefore, it is not a training issue. At three years old, the horse is so lame that he is not capable of trotting with a rider on his back.<br /><br />Can you figure out which limb is hurt. In the next newsletter we will show you where the lameness started, why it shows the way it does and how it was possible to restore soundness.<br /><br />The lameness was not identified until the backing process commenced. It became apparent with the horses adaptation to the riders weight. It should be borne in mind that the weight of the rider will increase two- or three-fold during locomotion and also that more energy is required by a mounted horse. This energy must be obtained by increasing the stance phase as to recover more energy during the swing. (Jose Morales)<br /><br />After a large amount of money spent in photographing, scanning, and injecting every joint of the suspect limb, it was decided that it was a behavior issue since nothing wrong appeared on the medical examination.<br /><br />As it is the case in 90% of the case studies, it was not a behavior issue but rather the expression of pain. Once we addressed the source of the problem, the horse became sound and perfectly willing to move forward. The reeducation lasted three months.<br /><br />At the end of the session under saddle, the horse is somewhat better during a few steps. It was the result of a riding adjustment. This detail may help you to figure out where the lameness originates.<br /><br />Tell us which leg is the source of the problem. E-mail your thoughts at: helyn@scienceofmotion.com<br /><br />This case is extreme but it illustrates a process which, to a lesser degree, limits many horses ability to perform at their fullest potential.<br /><br />Almost all horses enter life with a morphological flaw, back muscle imbalance, limb kinematics abnormality, or other imperfection that the horses brain learns to protect or compensate for, but does not have the intellectual capacity to analyze and therefore to correct. If a horse is exploited in the show ring without addressing the imperfection, sooner more than later, lameness will be the likely outcome. The gait abnormality created by a specific lesion is the gait abnormality that will cause the lesion. (James R. Rooney) <br /><br />Contact helyn@scienceofmotion.com <br />http://www.scienceofmotion.com </span><br /><br /><center><object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/X7jNRyZTsbs&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/X7jNRyZTsbs&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object></center><br><br>IceRyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04780467070717652868noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194910032958773189.post-68865208581797409542008-12-23T07:31:00.000-08:002008-12-23T07:33:32.849-08:00Sky Angel Cowboy<br><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/SVEEhJqVHII/AAAAAAAACIc/RyAqmTpS33k/s1600-h/picture830.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/SVEEhJqVHII/AAAAAAAACIc/RyAqmTpS33k/s320/picture830.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283008805457960066" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Logan, 13 year old, called the Sky Angel Cowboy. </span> <br /><br /><center><object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/C0r_FbARIn8&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/C0r_FbARIn8&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object></center><br><Br>IceRyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04780467070717652868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194910032958773189.post-39223626421167074352008-12-10T08:05:00.000-08:002008-12-10T08:15:01.051-08:00Understanding Rein Aids<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/ST_q5VA_D3I/AAAAAAAACDI/T1WGHICg6X0/s1600-h/IMG_7090reinaids.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/ST_q5VA_D3I/AAAAAAAACDI/T1WGHICg6X0/s320/IMG_7090reinaids.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278195558916231026" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">UNDERSTANDING REIN AIDS<br /><br />By Faith Meredith<br />Director of Riding, Meredith Manor International Equestrian Centre<br /><br />WAVERLY, WV--Beginning riders often 'mythunderstand' rein aids. They initially view them very simplistically in the same purely functional way they view the steering wheel and brakes on their cars. And, to be fair, that is all many new riders can manage in the very beginning. However, as they move up the riding tree and finally gain the holy grail of an independent seat, they learn how to apply rein aids properly as far more than simple indicators of direction and speed. When they can use their seat and leg aids to shape the horse in the direction of travel, to indicate the gait, to set the rhythm, and to regulate the horse's speed and impulsion, they can use their rein aids to manage the subtle coordination of all of these performance parts. Until they have that degree of control over their own bodies, they can work on the 'parts' of applying rein aids correctly until the two come together.<br /><br />For starters, the rider's hands must be in the correct position. Hands should be close together on either side of the horse's withers. As the rider looks down, the thumbs should be the highest point and the pinkies should be closer together than the thumbs. When the hands are in this position, there will be a straight line from the knuckles through the wrists to the elbows. The line of the wrist should neither break toward nor away from the rider's body nor down or up relative to the forearm. The hands should slightly in front of the saddle. Their height above the horse's withers will vary depending on the horse's conformation and frame but the line from the bit to the elbow should never break. The elbows should rest relaxed at the rider's sides. Keeping elbow joints relaxed allows elastic rein contact.<br /><br />Secondly, a steady grip on the reins is essential for steady bit contact. For that reason, I require all my riders wear gloves, especially in hot weather when hands can get sweaty. While the decision to wear or not wear gloves may be an individual one, riders must achieve 'grip' without 'gripping.' If they tense their hand or forearm muscles in order to keep the reins from slipping through their fingers, they cannot achieve the soft, elastic contact that is the ultimate goal. Riders can experiment, if necessary, with reins of different widths or different materials to find a set that allows them to grip the reins comfortably without the kind of gripping that tires muscles and interferes with an elastic feel of the bit.<br /><br />Finally, when horse and rider are in motion, riders must hold their hands steady. This means the hands move neither up nor down, nor side to side, relative to the horse's withers. The steadier the rider's hands, the steadier the horse will move. If a rider's hands wander around chasing contact with the bit as the horse moves its head, the horse will never learn to seek that steady, elastic contact that allows clear communication between horse and rider. Again, the hands should be slightly in front of the saddle and raised above the withers at a height that maintains a straight, unbroken line from the bit to the elbow.<br /><br />Riders cannot achieve truly steady hands until they first achieve an independent seat. That means they are relaxed, balanced over the horse's center of gravity, and can follow the horse's motion at every gait. As they work on that independent seat, however, beginning riders can make a habit of checking their hand position from time to time, especially when making up and down transitions, until they are sure they can 'feel' when it is correct. They should glance down with their eyes rather than tipping their head down which changes their body position and balance. Arena mirrors are useful here. And, as always, feedback about hand position and steadiness from an instructor or friend on the ground is invaluable.<br /><br />With the correct hand position and an independent seat, riders can modify their steady, elastic connection with the bit in four ways: keeping, taking, resisting or giving. A keeping rein aid is a steady connection that allows whatever the horse is doing to continue. The degree of connection (sometimes referred to as 'weight in the reins' or 'pounds of pressure') is highly variable depending on the horse's conformation and the horse's frame. In a stretching frame the horse stretches the neck forward and down to the rider's hand. In a working frame the horse stretches the neck forward and out to the rider's hand and in a collected frame the horse stretches the neck forward and up to the rider's hand.<br /><br />The amount of 'weight' in the rider's hands when keeping contact not only varies from horse to horse due to conformation but also varies from frame to frame. The 'weight' feels heaviest in a stretching frame, becomes lighter in a working frame and becomes even lighter yet in a collected frame as the horse now 'carries' himself (self carriage). The lighter feel of contact in a collected frame occurs because the horse's impulsion is more 'up' than 'forward.'<br /><br />The rider must learn to accept the contact from the horse as he moves into the hand. Riders sometimes 'give' the rein as soon as they feel the horse coming to their hand. If they do this consistently, the horse will never be able to step to the contact. I tell my students to feel for the horse stepping to their hand. Then they must be sure to keep a steady hand that 'accepts' the contact and closes the circle of aids. If riders give away the connection at the same time they are asking the horse carry more weight on his hindquarters and come under himself, the effect is like squeezing a toothpaste tube with the top open. All of the horse's added energy runs out the front and the horse never achieves the rounded frame the rider wants.<br /><br />A taking rein aid interrupts what the horse is doing. Ideally, riders move only a little finger (or both little fingers) closer to their body. If this is not enough to influence the horse, however, then the 'take' occurs by moving the elbow back. The wrist should never change when taking with a rein. Breaking at the wrist is a common mistake.<br /><br />The degree of pressure on a taking rein will be relative to the response of the horse. The rider will always try to use the least amount of pressure but if the horse does not respond then the pressure will increase. A resisting rein aid follows a taking rein aid and simply means that the rider does not immediately follow the taking rein aid with a giving rein aid.<br /><br />A giving rein aid removes the resistance applied by a taking rein aid. The little finger that moved back in a taking aid now moves away from the rider's body and back into a keeping aid position (or the elbow moves forward again). The amount of giving will be in direct relation to the amount of taking. The taking and giving usually last just a stride until the horse moves forward and back to the keeping rein.<br /><br />Using steady, elastic rein contact to communicate with the horse is far removed from the concept of reins as a steering mechanism. But it takes many, many rides to develop the necessary feel and timing to apply rein aids properly. Pay attention to the successful tries until they become more and more habitual and just keep riding.<br /><br />_____________________________________________________<br />© 2008 Meredith Manor International Equestrian Centre. Faith Meredith has successfully trained and competed through FEI levels of dressage during her more than 30 years as a horse professional. She currently coaches riders in dressage, reining, and eventing in her capacity as the Director of Meredith Manor International Equestrian Centre (147 Saddle Lane, Waverly, WV 26184; 800-679-2603; www.meredithmanor.com), an ACCET accredited equestrian educational institution.</span>IceRyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04780467070717652868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194910032958773189.post-68850141291942680622008-12-07T18:13:00.001-08:002008-12-07T18:17:20.510-08:00Freestyle Bridleless<br><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/STyDSsWg2YI/AAAAAAAACAs/89heihdHZYM/s1600-h/picture731.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 281px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/STyDSsWg2YI/AAAAAAAACAs/89heihdHZYM/s320/picture731.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277237220537850242" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Nice Arabian Horse freestyle.</span><br /><br /><center><object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/aCbsfaNx_to&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/aCbsfaNx_to&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object></center><br /><br><br>IceRyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04780467070717652868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194910032958773189.post-65292629464007857472008-11-28T14:45:00.000-08:002008-11-28T14:50:22.321-08:00Horse Handling and Riding Through Feel<br><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/STB0yIojoHI/AAAAAAAAB38/dSclfB0Se5s/s1600-h/Leslie.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 158px; height: 173px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/STB0yIojoHI/AAAAAAAAB38/dSclfB0Se5s/s320/Leslie.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273843568310722674" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Horse Handling and Riding Through Feel<br /><br />This is the first of fourteen articles by Leslie Desmond for EQUESTMAGAZINE.<br /><br />We admire the horse for his power and grace, for his beauty, strength and mystical qualities. It seems that nearly all who are involved with the horse are drawn in by these noble and magnificent attributes. Through the ages, people have wanted to merge with the horse and merge with the horse they have . . . in work and war, in literature, in sport and in art. <br /><br />During the evolution of post –war “modern horsemanship” people developed an impressive range of seemingly opposite notions about the term “horsemanship” and the best use of horses for entertainment, sport and recreation. Confusion between the human and equine species nowadays is well established and, when one considers the diverse range of expectations that horses have about their handlers, owners and trainers because of the inconsistent things they all do to him and with him, it is little wonder that people look for help in all directions. For a couple of decades I did, too.<br /><br />Because the hope for a quick fix leads to the search for one, this quickly spreading phenomenon often leads to a new equipment choice which, in some cases, actually works. Rarely, however, does the new bit, draw rein, martingale, whip, noseband or headstall configuration produce a lasting solution to the problems that new horse owners encounter. In this business everyone should expect to negotiate with the road as its bumps and turns are revealed . <br /><br />To preserve the spirit and the grace of his natural movement when you get around the horse, or touch him, you must first learn to feel of the horse. If we are good students, then the horse is apt to help us develop better feel when we ride him by responding to our slightest effort to “read” him correctly, and to “feel” or sense his responses accurately.<br /><br />For this reason, I have two goals for myself when schooling young horses.<br /><br />1.) Establish a relationship with the horse’s mind.<br /><br />2.) Gain control over the root of the neck, both laterally (left and right) and longitudinally (up and down). <br /><br />This is my second main goal because it directly affects the maneuverability of the poll, neck, withers and shoulders, ribs and hips. Control over the root or base of the neck has an immediate, decisive effect on the flexation / relaxation of the jaws. In turn, this determines the capacity of the diaphragm to expand and contract. This important because access to the jaw and diaphragm affects the oxygen content in the horse’s blood and brain; and, it also influences the horse’s ability to use the hindquarters and it components -- the lumbar, sacrum and hip regions -- efficiently.<br /><br />Taken together, these pieces are essential to build into a foundation if the handler-rider wants to experience control of the whole horse without a struggle. An observant handler or trainer working through feel will, ultimately, eliminate the need for force, fear and coercion to achieve compliance with his/her requests. A person can quickly learn to appreciate and emulate the way horses use feel among themselves. A particularly observant person may infuse the time they spend around horses with a new meaning learned from hours spent watching them interact. Some people become exceptionally good at this.<br /><br />Why is this so important? Because, if the bottom half of you is going to set atop the upper half of the horse, it better be all right with that horse. A horse can put most riders on the ground in the blink of an eye if he wants you there.<br /><br />After a few years working alongside Bill Dorrance during the creation of our book, True Horsemanship Through Feel, I was at last able to take a small portion of knowledge about “feel” on board in my horse training career. To my surprise, I discovered that this fantastic way to relate to horses added an entirely new meaning and depth to many of my connections with people. As a result, I now enjoy an even greater interest in the journey.<br /><br />In the December issue I will expand on this month’s training tip about the importance of establishing freedom in the neck and shoulders of the horse. Whether you keep a horse for a pet and trail rides, or train and compete professionally, a free head, neck, withers and shoulders are essential parts of a safe, comfortable ride that feels natural!<br />_________________________________<br /><br />6 Easy Steps to Freeing the Shoulders on Your Saddle Horse<br />By Leslie Desmond<br /><br />Training Tip 1 of 14 for November 2008<br /><br />EQUEST MAGAZINE<br /><br />1. Getting control of the neck, withers and shoulders.<br /><br />In the attempt to control the position of the head, remember that the head is connected to the neck and shoulders! Practice lowering the base of the neck for bridling, grooming, leading and backing.<br /><br />2. Free up the Poll, Right and Left<br /><br />After the neck can be raised and lowered with the offer of a slack line toward the horse’s head, take the poll left and right toward each shoulder -- just as if he were going to nip at a fly in the cinch / girth area. I stand with my hip at the cinch area, just behind the elbow.<br /><br />3. Observe and reward all tries with space and release. <br /><br />I like to see a horse without concerns or confusion. I prefer that he wait patiently for me, so I move slowly and plan things out before I act. When he moves about and nudges me out of the way, he is not ready for new information. I avoid the mouth and nose, and pass his head in a way that doesn’t disturb him.<br /><br />4. Take up all the feet, one at a time. <br /><br />The shoulders and hips should not weigh anything, but swing freely when the hoof is offered. Patient and clear presentations leads to patient and clear horses.<br /><br />5. BACKING Straight: <br /><br />Lift up the horse’s neck from the halter knot or a spot directly under the bottom jaw behind the lower lip and chin. This frees up (elevates) the withers and shoulders before he steps back. Follow the feet back as they lift off the ground in diagonal pairs -- do not keep them stuck down by pushing him back.<br /><br />6. BACKING in an Arc: <br /><br />When you have a straight, slow and accurate backup, begin to arc. Step the forehand away from you, as the reaching foreleg comes off the ground. A few steps in each direction will do it at the beginning.<br /><br />In the December online issue if EquestMagazine, this process will be explained more fully.</span><br /><br><br>IceRyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04780467070717652868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194910032958773189.post-3079628303798573852008-11-26T19:41:00.000-08:002008-11-26T19:53:40.589-08:00Action of the Curb Bit<br><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/SS4YIR1UBdI/AAAAAAAAB1o/ckxbTAmzEKA/s1600-h/IMG_7114curbdescription2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 223px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/SS4YIR1UBdI/AAAAAAAAB1o/ckxbTAmzEKA/s320/IMG_7114curbdescription2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273178744202462674" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/SS4YITWwtqI/AAAAAAAAB1g/cddXYaljwHo/s1600-h/IMG_7115curbdescription2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 272px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/SS4YITWwtqI/AAAAAAAAB1g/cddXYaljwHo/s320/IMG_7115curbdescription2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273178744611190434" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">There are many bits for horses; this video will show, in general, the action of the curb bit. No animals were hurt during the filming of this video, neither was the sofa cushion, the book, nor the vacuum hoses. <br /><br />And, hey, I could be wrong! :-)</span><br /><br /><center><object width="425" height="349"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mzeqWwSjkDk&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mzeqWwSjkDk&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="349"></embed></object></center><br /><br><br>IceRyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04780467070717652868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194910032958773189.post-37433573532856227692008-11-23T17:19:00.000-08:002008-11-23T17:22:01.470-08:00Two Socks, Mustang<br><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/SSoBUZ-XB6I/AAAAAAAAB1I/aHqGW6VgIyI/s1600-h/picture672.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 311px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/SSoBUZ-XB6I/AAAAAAAAB1I/aHqGW6VgIyI/s320/picture672.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272027763872040866" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">An article about Laurie and Two Socks is here: http://www.bestfriends.org/twosocks/</span><br /><br /><center><object width="400" height="300"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2094054&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2094054&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="300"></embed></object></center><br><br>IceRyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04780467070717652868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194910032958773189.post-7248391031996243472008-11-22T15:40:00.000-08:002008-11-22T15:43:56.796-08:00Haflingers as Therapy Horses<br><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/SSiYcoAFoKI/AAAAAAAAB0g/lmRmAE3HELc/s1600-h/picture666.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 303px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/SSiYcoAFoKI/AAAAAAAAB0g/lmRmAE3HELc/s320/picture666.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271630981378711714" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Haflinger Horses being used as therapy horses at Pretty Pony Pastures.</span><br /><br /><center><object width="425" height="349"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/89vNpkKl824&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/89vNpkKl824&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="349"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="425" height="349"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MxpzoV8drMY&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MxpzoV8drMY&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="349"></embed></object></center><br><br>IceRyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04780467070717652868noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194910032958773189.post-77688902259988764652008-11-16T10:13:00.001-08:002008-11-16T10:15:38.089-08:00Craig Johnson Bridleless Riding<br><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/SSBjLnypHRI/AAAAAAAABvA/ljkAL0BGD2g/s1600-h/picture605.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 281px; height: 278px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/SSBjLnypHRI/AAAAAAAABvA/ljkAL0BGD2g/s320/picture605.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269320615334583570" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The horse can be stopped without pulling on his mouth.</span><br /><br /><center><object width="425" height="349"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Hw5UXz9TQUk&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Hw5UXz9TQUk&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="349"></embed></object></center><br><br>IceRyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04780467070717652868noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6194910032958773189.post-56245251932677138852008-11-14T12:45:00.001-08:002008-11-14T12:48:52.988-08:00Parelli Patterns 2<br><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/SR3jaOKP5CI/AAAAAAAABuQ/Qg3b2DRE1D8/s1600-h/picture592.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 194px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dpplQfL6MGc/SR3jaOKP5CI/AAAAAAAABuQ/Qg3b2DRE1D8/s320/picture592.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268617178710533154" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Here's a couple of good videos where you are able to follow the progress of horse and owner in the Parelli Patterns exercise, Figure 8.</span><br /><br /><center><object width="425" height="349"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kQ2fUz_EvX0&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/kQ2fUz_EvX0&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="349"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="425" height="349"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XRQvRa2lzG0&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XRQvRa2lzG0&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="349"></embed></object></center><br /><br><br>IceRyderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04780467070717652868noreply@blogger.com0