Monday, May 08, 2006
Back in the Saddle
Hello, Horse Lovers!
Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of being back in the saddle after nearly 2 months absence. I attended several marketing conferences in mid-March. Then, in late March, I suffered with a leg infection that took me out of commission til then as fas as riding goes.
Boy, was I sore the next morning! Just goes to show you that it is so very easy to get out of shape. I hope that you horse people are getting in shape for your riding season. Gently stretching your groin and pelvic area will prepare you for the shape of the horse. Yoga is a wonderful activity for all riders of any skill level but follow instructions carefully. Overstretching is verrrrry painful.
Build up your aerobic condition with walking. The posting trot is quite tiring. Eat a balance diet with no sugar just before a lesson. It enhances your capacity to focus and retain information. Most of all, just do something to get you started on a fitness path. Then, book a lesson and RIDE!!
A hot bath and a comfy sofa were just what was needed for me last Saturday. I am ready to go again Tuesday!
Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of being back in the saddle after nearly 2 months absence. I attended several marketing conferences in mid-March. Then, in late March, I suffered with a leg infection that took me out of commission til then as fas as riding goes.
Boy, was I sore the next morning! Just goes to show you that it is so very easy to get out of shape. I hope that you horse people are getting in shape for your riding season. Gently stretching your groin and pelvic area will prepare you for the shape of the horse. Yoga is a wonderful activity for all riders of any skill level but follow instructions carefully. Overstretching is verrrrry painful.
Build up your aerobic condition with walking. The posting trot is quite tiring. Eat a balance diet with no sugar just before a lesson. It enhances your capacity to focus and retain information. Most of all, just do something to get you started on a fitness path. Then, book a lesson and RIDE!!
A hot bath and a comfy sofa were just what was needed for me last Saturday. I am ready to go again Tuesday!
Vermont Therapeutic Riding Program Begins its 17th Season
Equestrian Challenges, located at Mazza Horse Services in Bridport, Vermont, is a therapeutic horseback riding program whose riders are children and adults, ages 2 ½ years –70 years. Approximately 30 ride each year. The program has two sessions- one begins in May and the other in early September.
The program is seventeen years old and serves people from Addison, Rutland and Chittenden counties. These are west-central Vermont counties. Equestrian Challenges provides services ranging from recreational riding for people unable to ride in conventional programs, to advanced hippo therapy with services of a physical therapist. The activities of Equestrian Challenges are adapted so that people with physical, mental or psychological challenges can participate in equine sports.
The horse is a strong motivator. Its natural movement challenges a rider’s balance, posture, mobility and strength. Many participants become independent riders. All riders gain self-confidence, improve motor and communication skills, and increase coordination. Any riding experience through Equestrian Challenges is worthwhile and fun!
We encourage new people to participate in the program and offer many scholarships for those who need them. Volunteers are needed as well. Volunteers serve as horse handlers (leading the horse) and safety assistants (sidewalkers).
If you or someone you know would benefit from this program or if you would like to become a volunteer, contact Krista Massimo (EC Board Treasurer) 802-877-3397, Deb Mazza, (barn owner/instructor), 802-349-7073 or Dave Rosen (EC Board Chair), 802-453-5655.
Equestrian Challenges is a non-profit organization and will gratefully accept any financial support as well. Checks may be made out and sent to: Equestrian Challenges, PO Box 385, Middlebury, VT 05753.
I wanted to let everyone know about this powerful program that I have had the privilege of teaching since May of 1999. Please don't hesitate to call or email me with any questions or comments you might have about this. Also, feel free to post a blog comment if you have any thoughts or experience with therapeutic riding.
deb@myhorsetreasures.com
The program is seventeen years old and serves people from Addison, Rutland and Chittenden counties. These are west-central Vermont counties. Equestrian Challenges provides services ranging from recreational riding for people unable to ride in conventional programs, to advanced hippo therapy with services of a physical therapist. The activities of Equestrian Challenges are adapted so that people with physical, mental or psychological challenges can participate in equine sports.
The horse is a strong motivator. Its natural movement challenges a rider’s balance, posture, mobility and strength. Many participants become independent riders. All riders gain self-confidence, improve motor and communication skills, and increase coordination. Any riding experience through Equestrian Challenges is worthwhile and fun!
We encourage new people to participate in the program and offer many scholarships for those who need them. Volunteers are needed as well. Volunteers serve as horse handlers (leading the horse) and safety assistants (sidewalkers).
If you or someone you know would benefit from this program or if you would like to become a volunteer, contact Krista Massimo (EC Board Treasurer) 802-877-3397, Deb Mazza, (barn owner/instructor), 802-349-7073 or Dave Rosen (EC Board Chair), 802-453-5655.
Equestrian Challenges is a non-profit organization and will gratefully accept any financial support as well. Checks may be made out and sent to: Equestrian Challenges, PO Box 385, Middlebury, VT 05753.
I wanted to let everyone know about this powerful program that I have had the privilege of teaching since May of 1999. Please don't hesitate to call or email me with any questions or comments you might have about this. Also, feel free to post a blog comment if you have any thoughts or experience with therapeutic riding.
deb@myhorsetreasures.com
Saturday, April 22, 2006
What to Do When it Rains, and You don't have an Indoor Arena!
Hello, Deb again!
It is a rainy afternoon here in Bridport, and instead of whining, I have brought my babies into the barn and am now working on the indoor stuff.
I will be writing listings for my ebay sale items, creating articles for my newsletter, and paying bills. I will be clearing out my inbox and organizing files. Sometimes rainy days are great; otherwise I would never do all these necessary but rather ordinary, tasks.
By the way, I sell non-horse items on ebay as well as a collection of horse items 30 years in the making. Blues jeans, exercise equipment, Record Albums of all sorts of genres, funky gel pens are only a few of my items. If you are looking for high-quality horse items, gently used, just visit www.ebay.myhorsetreasures.com or look for specific items in the Equine section.
Right now, I am actually heading out to buy some barn pants for one of my helpers and for myself. Aren't used clothing stores fabulous?
Hope you are having a fun spring, indoors or out! Do you have your helmet ready for riding?
Happy Horse Trails>>>>
Deb
It is a rainy afternoon here in Bridport, and instead of whining, I have brought my babies into the barn and am now working on the indoor stuff.
I will be writing listings for my ebay sale items, creating articles for my newsletter, and paying bills. I will be clearing out my inbox and organizing files. Sometimes rainy days are great; otherwise I would never do all these necessary but rather ordinary, tasks.
By the way, I sell non-horse items on ebay as well as a collection of horse items 30 years in the making. Blues jeans, exercise equipment, Record Albums of all sorts of genres, funky gel pens are only a few of my items. If you are looking for high-quality horse items, gently used, just visit www.ebay.myhorsetreasures.com or look for specific items in the Equine section.
Right now, I am actually heading out to buy some barn pants for one of my helpers and for myself. Aren't used clothing stores fabulous?
Hope you are having a fun spring, indoors or out! Do you have your helmet ready for riding?
Happy Horse Trails>>>>
Deb
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Five Dressage Steps to Create a Top-Notch Western Horse
Hello, Horse Lovers!
I have always loved anything to do with riding Western. While at Meredith Manor School of Horsemanship, my favorite memories involve the weeks I spent riding the cutting and reining horses. I, however, never loved the lethargic style of western pleasure that became so popular over the years. Energy, impulsion, and an enthusiastic attitude are the trademarks of a truly Happy Horse.
Discover the secrets of Olympic Dressage Riders and Turn Your plodding Western horse into a responsive, enthusiastic Happy Horse!
It’s not possible, you say! Cowboys just don’t do “Dressage”! Imagine a “Real Cowboy” all decked out in a 3-piece suit and top hat!
After 30 years of training, I Know that it is NOT the clothes that make the difference in a horse, it is the step-by-step process that will ultimately create a willing equine partner. It should be the foundation of every type of Western horse- reining, cutting, pleasure, trail.
The accepted definition of dressage is: schooling a horse to move freely forward in a relaxed manner, with rhythm, accepting the bit, and obeying the aids of its rider. This, to me, is also the picture of an ideal Western horse.
To begin your training program, put him in an average diameter stainless steel snaffle that fits well and doesn’t pinch his cheeks. One preferred bit is the full-cheek egg-butt type that won’t pull through the horse’s mouth and/or pinch his cheeks. You can transfer your horse to an accepted Western bit when he has mastered the bend and impulsion exercises.
The use of artificial training aids is not necessary with this type of training. Nosebands, tie-downs, martingales, draw reins are forbidden in most Western events, so it is best to stay away from them. If your horse seems to need these head-control devices, he may be telling you that he is in pain somewhere or your training techniques need a bit of refinement.
The First Step calls for you to Plan each session around reaching a particular objective. Here are some recommended goals to build into your “Western Pleasure dressage” program.
1. My horse will maintain an energetic trot for 5 minutes
2. My horse will develop equal bend in both directions
3. My horse has the stamina to work 45-60
4. My horse moves forward with light leg contact
5. My horse maintains a consistent pace at the walk-jog-lope
6. My horse maintains a slow Western pace at the jog and the lope
7. My horse neckreins willingly using only leg and weight aids.
These are arranged in order of priority. I want my horse to learn about moving forward freely before I teach him to move slowly. That strategy creates a more responsive horse. Teach your horse to neck rein ONLY after he has mastered the other 6 steps. Too many people pull on the reins to steer. Well-trained Western horses only need a weight shift or light leg aids to turn. Therefore, your horse must learn about leg aids Before the neck reining work begins.
The Second Step is all about conditioning, especially for those of us in Cold Climates. A careful interval-training program uses short bursts of trotting with segments of walk. If you can manage 3-5 rides per week of about 45 minutes in length, you could easily expect to see improved stamina in a few short weeks.
The Third Step in creating a ‘dressage western horse’ is Moving your horse into a more forward version of the trot, rather than the lazy shuffle of the jog. Carry a 4’ dressage whip and only tap the horse’s flank if he breaks into a walk. Do this consistently and soon your horse will only slow down when YOU ask him to. If you spend a lot of time squeezing with your legs to speed the horse up, that only results in him learning to ignore your legs entirely. The whip improves your horse’s respect for your aids. Your horse should work at least as hard as you do!
The Fourth Step is improving your horse’s flexibility. Set up a flat work area and place cones, or other objects to define your ring boundaries. Use patterns to bend your horse from one side to another while working at a trot, rather than a jog. Set up a 40’-50’ circle with your cones and practice trotting a perfect circle. The circle is actually one of the most challenging patterns to master. Encouraging your horse to look where he is going will create softer gaits and a flexible jaw. Being accurate with bend helps the high-headed horse relax his neck muscles, which allows his head to drop.
The Fifth Step uses numerous transitions, changes of directions, and patterns to improve your Western horse’s attention span. Be specific about the location of your requests and your horse will become more specific about his responses.
As you can see, the use of dressage strategies easily creates the relaxed, cadenced horse you want to see in any Western pleasure activity. Remember that in order to go slow, your horse must learn to go fast First!!
So, Strap on your helmet and mount up. There is No Time like Now to start creating your Western Dressage Horse!
I have always loved anything to do with riding Western. While at Meredith Manor School of Horsemanship, my favorite memories involve the weeks I spent riding the cutting and reining horses. I, however, never loved the lethargic style of western pleasure that became so popular over the years. Energy, impulsion, and an enthusiastic attitude are the trademarks of a truly Happy Horse.
Discover the secrets of Olympic Dressage Riders and Turn Your plodding Western horse into a responsive, enthusiastic Happy Horse!
It’s not possible, you say! Cowboys just don’t do “Dressage”! Imagine a “Real Cowboy” all decked out in a 3-piece suit and top hat!
After 30 years of training, I Know that it is NOT the clothes that make the difference in a horse, it is the step-by-step process that will ultimately create a willing equine partner. It should be the foundation of every type of Western horse- reining, cutting, pleasure, trail.
The accepted definition of dressage is: schooling a horse to move freely forward in a relaxed manner, with rhythm, accepting the bit, and obeying the aids of its rider. This, to me, is also the picture of an ideal Western horse.
To begin your training program, put him in an average diameter stainless steel snaffle that fits well and doesn’t pinch his cheeks. One preferred bit is the full-cheek egg-butt type that won’t pull through the horse’s mouth and/or pinch his cheeks. You can transfer your horse to an accepted Western bit when he has mastered the bend and impulsion exercises.
The use of artificial training aids is not necessary with this type of training. Nosebands, tie-downs, martingales, draw reins are forbidden in most Western events, so it is best to stay away from them. If your horse seems to need these head-control devices, he may be telling you that he is in pain somewhere or your training techniques need a bit of refinement.
The First Step calls for you to Plan each session around reaching a particular objective. Here are some recommended goals to build into your “Western Pleasure dressage” program.
1. My horse will maintain an energetic trot for 5 minutes
2. My horse will develop equal bend in both directions
3. My horse has the stamina to work 45-60
4. My horse moves forward with light leg contact
5. My horse maintains a consistent pace at the walk-jog-lope
6. My horse maintains a slow Western pace at the jog and the lope
7. My horse neckreins willingly using only leg and weight aids.
These are arranged in order of priority. I want my horse to learn about moving forward freely before I teach him to move slowly. That strategy creates a more responsive horse. Teach your horse to neck rein ONLY after he has mastered the other 6 steps. Too many people pull on the reins to steer. Well-trained Western horses only need a weight shift or light leg aids to turn. Therefore, your horse must learn about leg aids Before the neck reining work begins.
The Second Step is all about conditioning, especially for those of us in Cold Climates. A careful interval-training program uses short bursts of trotting with segments of walk. If you can manage 3-5 rides per week of about 45 minutes in length, you could easily expect to see improved stamina in a few short weeks.
The Third Step in creating a ‘dressage western horse’ is Moving your horse into a more forward version of the trot, rather than the lazy shuffle of the jog. Carry a 4’ dressage whip and only tap the horse’s flank if he breaks into a walk. Do this consistently and soon your horse will only slow down when YOU ask him to. If you spend a lot of time squeezing with your legs to speed the horse up, that only results in him learning to ignore your legs entirely. The whip improves your horse’s respect for your aids. Your horse should work at least as hard as you do!
The Fourth Step is improving your horse’s flexibility. Set up a flat work area and place cones, or other objects to define your ring boundaries. Use patterns to bend your horse from one side to another while working at a trot, rather than a jog. Set up a 40’-50’ circle with your cones and practice trotting a perfect circle. The circle is actually one of the most challenging patterns to master. Encouraging your horse to look where he is going will create softer gaits and a flexible jaw. Being accurate with bend helps the high-headed horse relax his neck muscles, which allows his head to drop.
The Fifth Step uses numerous transitions, changes of directions, and patterns to improve your Western horse’s attention span. Be specific about the location of your requests and your horse will become more specific about his responses.
As you can see, the use of dressage strategies easily creates the relaxed, cadenced horse you want to see in any Western pleasure activity. Remember that in order to go slow, your horse must learn to go fast First!!
So, Strap on your helmet and mount up. There is No Time like Now to start creating your Western Dressage Horse!
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Hi, this is Deb and I just wanted to welcome you to my new horse adventure.
I have decided to offer my 30 years of horse experienc to you, a fellow horse lover. I hope that you will find many valuable nuggets of information and valuable support when it feels like you just don't get how to fix the problem.
Always remember that many people face those same feelings Here is the forum for you to share and then receive the answers you are looking for.
Please feel free to post comments at any time. If you are having a specific problem with your horse, be as concise as possible when describing it so that I or others may help you out more accurately.
As always, keeping your comments appropriate will give you the privilege of continuing your membership here.
Deb
I have decided to offer my 30 years of horse experienc to you, a fellow horse lover. I hope that you will find many valuable nuggets of information and valuable support when it feels like you just don't get how to fix the problem.
Always remember that many people face those same feelings Here is the forum for you to share and then receive the answers you are looking for.
Please feel free to post comments at any time. If you are having a specific problem with your horse, be as concise as possible when describing it so that I or others may help you out more accurately.
As always, keeping your comments appropriate will give you the privilege of continuing your membership here.
Deb
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Welcome
Welcome to the My Horse Treasures Blog!
