The horses got their spring vaccines today, all except Strangles, which will be done on Tuesday. They were pretty good other than Percy who seemed sure he was getting the Strangles vaccine too and kept making a funny face.
I wanted to share this link for light weekend reading; the information on bits and bitting are the main ones I think are very useful, but there is a lot of good stuff there.
Also a reminder that board is due! Sunday is the 1rst and then right away it is Easter. If anyone wants to lesson during the day on Easter Monday just let me know....for those of you lucky enough to have it off anyway.
Karen
Friday, March 30, 2012
Monday, March 26, 2012
this week in lessons
Hopefully the weather doesn't get as bad as last Thursday and you guys are actually able to make it out to ride safely. Most of that dump of snow seems to be gone, so of course we need more...it wouldn't be spring without MUD!
This week in jumping lessons we are going to work on adjusting strides between jumps and lead changes (flying or simple depending on your horse and level of experience).
For flat work we are going to work on developing a better leg position with stretching exercises, and using our legs more effectively to shape the horse and set up for picking up the correct canter, or doing things like shoulder In/fore. Sometimes when the horses are being lazy riders exaggerate their outside leg back to the point they end up tipping forward which negates the entire thing. Instead you need to be confident in your aids, and correct the horse by either going back to an easier exercise (such as turn on the forehand) or using a crop to remind the horse to listen to the leg behind the girth.
It is important the leg hangs from the hips and that the thighs are resting evenly along the saddle; if your toes get turned out too much, the knee is turned out, and the thigh will no longer lay flat and will be pinchy.
If the knee gets pinchy, then you will be blocking the horse's shoulder and they may get "lazy" as you are giving them mixed signals. Pinching with the knee is also an ineffective way to stay on as your knee will start creeping higher and higher and higher!
You want the entire leg stretched long and down....thing of your feet as being the anchor that keeps you stable!
You also want your leg to be independent of your seat; you should be able to reach forward and back without your leg moving; your upper body movement needs to be intercepted and absorbed by your core!
Karen
This week in jumping lessons we are going to work on adjusting strides between jumps and lead changes (flying or simple depending on your horse and level of experience).
For flat work we are going to work on developing a better leg position with stretching exercises, and using our legs more effectively to shape the horse and set up for picking up the correct canter, or doing things like shoulder In/fore. Sometimes when the horses are being lazy riders exaggerate their outside leg back to the point they end up tipping forward which negates the entire thing. Instead you need to be confident in your aids, and correct the horse by either going back to an easier exercise (such as turn on the forehand) or using a crop to remind the horse to listen to the leg behind the girth.
It is important the leg hangs from the hips and that the thighs are resting evenly along the saddle; if your toes get turned out too much, the knee is turned out, and the thigh will no longer lay flat and will be pinchy.
If the knee gets pinchy, then you will be blocking the horse's shoulder and they may get "lazy" as you are giving them mixed signals. Pinching with the knee is also an ineffective way to stay on as your knee will start creeping higher and higher and higher!
You want the entire leg stretched long and down....thing of your feet as being the anchor that keeps you stable!
You also want your leg to be independent of your seat; you should be able to reach forward and back without your leg moving; your upper body movement needs to be intercepted and absorbed by your core!
Karen
Scoped the Unicorn today!
I took Unicorn horse in to be scoped to see if she had ulcers. She did not. It was a very cool procedure to watch thought!
She was sedated (but still standing) and then a tube passed through her nose, down her throat, and into her stomach. The tube ends with a camera, and can also squirt air (to inflate the stomach a little) or water (to wash the food parts from the stomach wall).
I was surprised at how smooth the stomach wall was. Most of it is just a smooth balloon of light pink, with the very bottom being a darker pink (where the acid sits all the time). I had to not feed the horse for 18 hours so that the stomach was empty enough to see the bottom section, and we could see there were no ulcers and no wormies or bots in there.
Having to not feed her for 18 hours was the toughest part of the entire thing; Rob was kind enough to play with her in the arena while I did night feed, and then I had to ignore her pitiful whinnies while I did morning feed. I must say it is very easy to load a horse that thinks she is starving; handful of pellets in a bucket and in she went!
Karen
She was sedated (but still standing) and then a tube passed through her nose, down her throat, and into her stomach. The tube ends with a camera, and can also squirt air (to inflate the stomach a little) or water (to wash the food parts from the stomach wall).
I was surprised at how smooth the stomach wall was. Most of it is just a smooth balloon of light pink, with the very bottom being a darker pink (where the acid sits all the time). I had to not feed the horse for 18 hours so that the stomach was empty enough to see the bottom section, and we could see there were no ulcers and no wormies or bots in there.
Having to not feed her for 18 hours was the toughest part of the entire thing; Rob was kind enough to play with her in the arena while I did night feed, and then I had to ignore her pitiful whinnies while I did morning feed. I must say it is very easy to load a horse that thinks she is starving; handful of pellets in a bucket and in she went!
Karen
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
this is pretty awesome
Makes me think of something Lindsay would dream up...well...if Java grew springs in her feet that is. This is one horse with oodles of suspension.
The tempe changes for almost an entire figure-8 were pretty fricking amazing.
Karen
Makes me think of something Lindsay would dream up...well...if Java grew springs in her feet that is. This is one horse with oodles of suspension.
The tempe changes for almost an entire figure-8 were pretty fricking amazing.
Karen
Monday, March 19, 2012
RIP Jetta
We didn't have Jetta long, but she made a big impression and played a big role in my life. She woke me up in the morning by jumping on the bed and staring at Rob and I. She tried to help discourage the horses from pawing, and helped with the cat fitness program. She wanted to help encourage the horses in the arena too. She kept a close eye on me in the kitchen, and hogged the loveseat when watching TV. And at the end of the night she would time it so she could take my side of the bed before I could.She also had the role of making me go for walks no matter how much my legs bugged me.
And she brought the puppy back out in Ginger. Well...perhaps more brought out the vicious dog in Ginger, but still, Ginger definitely found a more active side with Jetta around.For Jetta's last day with us, I think she had a good time starting with a car ride which involved getting some bacon, and followed by much ball playing with Rob and I. Jetta wasn't so good at catching the ball..way too eager, but she didn't seem to mind as Ginger beat her to it 9 times out of 10. She just liked the thrill of running.
Rob took these great shots of the two dogs the weekend of the last Shelley clinic. I think they capture Jetta perfectly.
Thank you for the time we had Jetta.
Jetta is missing :(
Jetta wandered off into the darkness last night while I was feeding hay and has yet to return. Rob and I looked well into the night, but no luck seeing a black dog on a black night, in a black forest. I was up every couple hours hoping she found her way home, but she did not, and Rob searched the roads again this morning and could not find her.
I am hoping she spotted her first deer and had just gone too far to find her way back, but I kept dreaming her neck and ear was all chewed up, so I am worried about her thinking she should wrestle with a coyote.
She was wearing her bright organge collar which has a tag with my number on it, but perhaps people are afraid to approach a big dog?
If anyone hears of a leggy black dog seen loose in our area please let me know...I miss her and am really worried about what would keep her from her warm bed and breakfast.
I am hoping she spotted her first deer and had just gone too far to find her way back, but I kept dreaming her neck and ear was all chewed up, so I am worried about her thinking she should wrestle with a coyote.
She was wearing her bright organge collar which has a tag with my number on it, but perhaps people are afraid to approach a big dog?
If anyone hears of a leggy black dog seen loose in our area please let me know...I miss her and am really worried about what would keep her from her warm bed and breakfast.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Vaccinations
I have the vet (Kim) coming out March 30 to do vaccinations and anything else that is needed. I would like to have a list for the clinic by the 15th if possible so they know how much time to book and how many vaccines we need.
Required: Eastern and Western Encephalomyelitis, as well as Tetanus are required to be vaccinated for annually for all Hillside boarded horses.
Strongly recommended: Equine Influenza and Equine Herpes Virus (Rhino). This vaccine will help keep your horse from getting AS sick with the flu goes around, and will help protect your horse from getting the fatal neurological version of EHV that was a big issue last year (and still is present).
Recommended for Show horses: Strangles. This is one the vet HAS to give, and it goes up their nose. They do not like this. Strangles has been present at a few barns in the area and is persistent. It results in a VERY sick horse, and can be deadly, in particular if the horse has a compromised immune system. It is not recommended if the horse has had Strangles in the last 4 years, so if you are unsure of your horse's history, it is not recommended. If the horse has not been vaccinated for Strangles previously, they will need a booster a few weeks later. They can sometimes get a slightly snotty nose and cough from this vaccine.
Optional: West Nile Virus: If your horse has previously been vaccinated for WNV, then I recommend continuing with the vaccine. WNV does kill or leave mental deficits (although not sure how you would tell with some of our horses....), although it hasn't had a high incident rate in Alberta.
If you wish to purchase your own vaccines from either the vet or another source, that is acceptable, but you must let me know when you are vaccinating so I can watch for signs of an adverse reaction. I do recommend having the vet do it, as with some vaccines if the horse reacts after a vet has given the vaccination, they will cover follow up vet costs.
If you want anything else done at this time, please let me know as well.
If anyone is available to help out on March 30 with catching the horses, that would be great too!
Karen
Required: Eastern and Western Encephalomyelitis, as well as Tetanus are required to be vaccinated for annually for all Hillside boarded horses.
Strongly recommended: Equine Influenza and Equine Herpes Virus (Rhino). This vaccine will help keep your horse from getting AS sick with the flu goes around, and will help protect your horse from getting the fatal neurological version of EHV that was a big issue last year (and still is present).
Recommended for Show horses: Strangles. This is one the vet HAS to give, and it goes up their nose. They do not like this. Strangles has been present at a few barns in the area and is persistent. It results in a VERY sick horse, and can be deadly, in particular if the horse has a compromised immune system. It is not recommended if the horse has had Strangles in the last 4 years, so if you are unsure of your horse's history, it is not recommended. If the horse has not been vaccinated for Strangles previously, they will need a booster a few weeks later. They can sometimes get a slightly snotty nose and cough from this vaccine.
Optional: West Nile Virus: If your horse has previously been vaccinated for WNV, then I recommend continuing with the vaccine. WNV does kill or leave mental deficits (although not sure how you would tell with some of our horses....), although it hasn't had a high incident rate in Alberta.
If you wish to purchase your own vaccines from either the vet or another source, that is acceptable, but you must let me know when you are vaccinating so I can watch for signs of an adverse reaction. I do recommend having the vet do it, as with some vaccines if the horse reacts after a vet has given the vaccination, they will cover follow up vet costs.
If you want anything else done at this time, please let me know as well.
If anyone is available to help out on March 30 with catching the horses, that would be great too!
Karen
May 12 and 13th
I have Shelley booked to come out for a spring dressage clinic on May 12th and 13th. Sign up poster in the barn, or email me for more information.
I am also working on our show schedule for this season. We are thinking of trying the Maple Leaf Meadows show series this year; they have dressage on Saturdays, and hunter/jumpers on Sundays, so something for everyone. I have also heard it is a very nice facility. The one downside is that the show is NOT ran with Equine Canada, so they can't use the Equine Canada dressage tests, and instead use CADORA tests, so something new to memorize.
I also need to make plans if we are going to run Ride for Red again this year. This year I will need to be more organized and have some help to organize, build/repaint jumps and approach sponsors before the show, as well as help out at the show, so keep that in mind if you are interested!
Karen
I am also working on our show schedule for this season. We are thinking of trying the Maple Leaf Meadows show series this year; they have dressage on Saturdays, and hunter/jumpers on Sundays, so something for everyone. I have also heard it is a very nice facility. The one downside is that the show is NOT ran with Equine Canada, so they can't use the Equine Canada dressage tests, and instead use CADORA tests, so something new to memorize.
I also need to make plans if we are going to run Ride for Red again this year. This year I will need to be more organized and have some help to organize, build/repaint jumps and approach sponsors before the show, as well as help out at the show, so keep that in mind if you are interested!
Karen
Monday, March 12, 2012
This week in lessons
This week in lessons we are going to be working on being a little quicker to get things done, so that means transitions in rapid succession like we have done in the past (transitions at each letter), but we are also going to throw in lateral work, turns and other exercises to get you guys really riding and keeping the horses focused as they once again are dealing with icy and muddy paddocks.
The jump course we do this week is also going to involve transitions and quick thinking.
To help you be able to ride your horse more effectively so it doesn't take so long to reorganize and get the horse's attention, we are going to be working on maintaining a more consistent contact with the horse. This means shorter reins, and more effective and active legs.
It is important to remember that effective can mean different things on different horses. For a horse that likes to tune out its rider and get rushy you may have to be more active, whereas on a sensitive horse, it is more effective to be passive.
Passive doesn't mean zero contact though, passive means being in neutral. So not a loose rein, but rather a rein/arm/hand that follows. For leg, it means a leg that lies softly on the horse's sides.
Having light/passive contact is comforting for the horse, kind of like resting your hand on someone's leg if they are nervous (someone you know...resting your hand on a complete stranger's leg is likely to make them MORE nervous). For the horse it helps because they know where your legs and hands are, and aren't worrying about getting jabbed or yanked. Think about it, if your rest your hand on your thigh and maintain that connection, you can increase or decrease the pressure, but you can't really do anything abrupt or harsh. In order to do anything harsh like slap yourself, you have to take your hand/contact OFF. This is the same with riding; being able to follow the horse with your hands and maintaining a pleasant connection is softer than the loose rein and occasional jab, same with leg.
Karen
The jump course we do this week is also going to involve transitions and quick thinking.
To help you be able to ride your horse more effectively so it doesn't take so long to reorganize and get the horse's attention, we are going to be working on maintaining a more consistent contact with the horse. This means shorter reins, and more effective and active legs.
It is important to remember that effective can mean different things on different horses. For a horse that likes to tune out its rider and get rushy you may have to be more active, whereas on a sensitive horse, it is more effective to be passive.
Passive doesn't mean zero contact though, passive means being in neutral. So not a loose rein, but rather a rein/arm/hand that follows. For leg, it means a leg that lies softly on the horse's sides.
Having light/passive contact is comforting for the horse, kind of like resting your hand on someone's leg if they are nervous (someone you know...resting your hand on a complete stranger's leg is likely to make them MORE nervous). For the horse it helps because they know where your legs and hands are, and aren't worrying about getting jabbed or yanked. Think about it, if your rest your hand on your thigh and maintain that connection, you can increase or decrease the pressure, but you can't really do anything abrupt or harsh. In order to do anything harsh like slap yourself, you have to take your hand/contact OFF. This is the same with riding; being able to follow the horse with your hands and maintaining a pleasant connection is softer than the loose rein and occasional jab, same with leg.
Karen
Monday, March 5, 2012
This week in lessons
This week in lessons:
- We are going to be focusing on hands; keeping the thumb on top, straight line elbow/wrist/bit, and keeping the reins short and riding into contact. I am going to research some good self check exercises for these as I need help with it too, but it is so hard to catch yourself letting your hand get flat for example.
Shorter reins means we are also going to have to work on riding with more leg so that the horses compress from back to front, rather than just getting pulled onto the forehand.
- In jumping, we are going to be riding some in and outs (one strides) as part of a course rather than as a grid as we did the last couple weeks.
We are also going to have a small end jump set up. End jumps help encourage riders to really balance their horse back and get them deep into the corner so that they can prepare and set up for the end jump. This may also help some horses get their lead changes...something I want to start working on as well.
Karen
- We are going to be focusing on hands; keeping the thumb on top, straight line elbow/wrist/bit, and keeping the reins short and riding into contact. I am going to research some good self check exercises for these as I need help with it too, but it is so hard to catch yourself letting your hand get flat for example.
Shorter reins means we are also going to have to work on riding with more leg so that the horses compress from back to front, rather than just getting pulled onto the forehand.
- In jumping, we are going to be riding some in and outs (one strides) as part of a course rather than as a grid as we did the last couple weeks.
We are also going to have a small end jump set up. End jumps help encourage riders to really balance their horse back and get them deep into the corner so that they can prepare and set up for the end jump. This may also help some horses get their lead changes...something I want to start working on as well.
Karen
Coregel and the clinic
Rob very kindly came out and took pictures of Coregel and I on both days of the clinic. He also less kindly took some hat hair pictures of Laureen, but I am opting to not post those...Apparently our good camera can take ok pictures in the indoor!
Coregel has come a long ways from the clinic in January were we didn't even dare try cantering!
Shelley has so much depth of experience having worked and trained in Europe that she has so much better of an idea of how and when to start pushing a young horse.
I had been working Coregel more or less like a little hunter, with the long and flat neck that comes natural to her, and just working on simple things like leg yield and big 20 meter circles. Shelley upped the demands on me and Coregel and we worked on:- 15 meter circles at the sitting trot. (we did a fair bit of sitting trot...something i had not done much with her...she was very confused to feel my bum in the saddle at first, and I definitely need to work on my core, as she is nowhere as smooth as Lily or Jezz!
- Riding with a much shorter rein so that she has to come up and round a little more.
- Canter trot transitions, only letting her canter a few strides at a time...this was hard as I tend to let her canter forward to get her balance, so having to come back to trot so soon really made us work on being balanced right at the start of the canter.
- A little lengthened trot...although this got her a tad too excited!
- Some stretch trot....keeping contact with a low and wide hand.
- Trot walk trot, and trot halt trot transitions, trying to keep her round and balanced in the transition.
- Some shoulder in.
I also have to really work on:
- Not letting my left hand get flat
- Keeping my upper body back...I tend to revert to hunter mode!
- Strengthening my core so I can sit her inconsistent baby trot.
- Keeping my reins sort, but still keeping the contact soft.
Planning to have Shelley back at the beginning of May, so keep that in mind!
Karen
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Bonding over matching blankets...
Cute pictures from yesterday; two obnoxious geldings playing tug of war with a ball over the fence. Jetta was not impressed she could not join in!
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