Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2015 i Horse & Rider

When It’s Time to Hire a Trainer Few things beat your own training accomplishments, but nothing beats good help when you need it. In “Mileage Plan” (page 36), Bob Avila recommends tapping in to the greater experience of others. Go online this monthfor his advice on “How (and Why) to Find a Trainer.” Anti-Spook Method Trainer Ty Brazeal tackles chronic spooking in this month’s Problem Solvers (page 74). Visit the Web site for video of his technique. Heavenly Action All-around gelding Heavenly Mac is this month’s We’d Love to Own horse (page 21). Head over to the Web site to see him in action. Old But Precious You value your senior horse and want him to last. Find “Senior Horse Care Tips” online, and see page 52 for more. Stable…

We asked our Facebook fans if they prefer a gaited horse or a more stock-type mount. Here’s a sampling of what they had to say. To join in the fun, be sure to “like” us at Facebook.com/HorseandRider. LeeAnne Deardorff Goen I own a stock horse; however, I rode a Tennessee Walker on the trails a few years ago, and it and was so great. Now I know why gaited breeds are gaining popularity with Baby Boomers. Kinder on the joints for sure. Gina Killingsworth Gaited. I have ridden Paints, Quarter Horses, Arabs—but nearing 50 years old, I love my Tennessee Walking Horse. Barbara Black I’ve always ridden stock horses on the trail but would love to try a gaited horse. Darrell Rabun I ride bothgaited and Quarter Horses. I find…

It’s a common problem in Western pleasure horses: So much emphasis has been placed on the horse’s head carriage that he loses correctness in his body. And now, with the class’ focus on whole-body correctness, a too-low head and heavy forehand don’t equate to success. This step-by-step tutorial will take your horse from dumped over on his front end with his head too low, to selfcarriage with an acceptable headset. Work on this drill with two hands and in the mildest Western bit you have that still elicits a response from your horse. A more severe bit could communicate “punishment” to your horse and make him hide from the bridle and travel behind the vertical. That’s counterproductive to your goal; so instead use a mild bit and soft , quiet…

Recent work has demonstrated that your horse’s back dimensions change after a mere 30 minutes of exercise, most likely due to shifts that result in fluid accumulating in the tissues of his back, and enlargement (called “hypertrophy”) of muscle fibers. It’s interesting that these changes are more pronounced in sound horses than in those with underlying lameness issues, and in horses ridden by more skillful riders. Just another challenge to consider when it comes time for saddle fitting—best to fit after your sound horse is well warmed up by a competent rider!…

Most of our readers are experienced horse people, but just in case this is your first time purchasing a horse or you’re coming back to the industry after an extended hiatus, here are a few nuggets of advice as you go on your horse-shopping journey. • Don’t get wrapped up in the excitement of the adventure. Realize that you’ll probably take a close look at a few—if not 10 or more—horses before you find a suitable option. Keep your emotions in check.• Interview trainers and barn managers to find your spot. Ask about their training schedules, competing, philosophies, and care practices. See if their sense of humor and personality are compatible with your own before you choose a barn or trainer.• Don’t even bother looking at a young horse. If…

• Don’t neglect arena work. Your horse must be willing to yield his body and mind to you with 100-percent trust. Forehand turns, hindquarter turns, leg yields, backups, and stops will all be required on the trail, so school your horse in each well in advance of your ride.• Practice with saddlebags. I’ve seen people put saddlebags on their horses for the first time at the beginning of a ride—then watched as the rodeo began. Prepare ahead of time by longeing your horse with empty saddlebags, then gradually add weight equally to bothsides up to the total of what you’ll be bringing on the trip (lunch, water/sportsdrink bottles, incidentals, etc.). Make sure you know how to keep the saddlebags balanced and securely tied.• Trash-proof your horse. Unfortunately, you will come…

SPURS. Not only do they help my amazing horse “listen” to quieter cues, but the feel and sound of them are so comforting to me that I can’t go riding with out them. Emily Steffen, Florida SPORTS MEDICINE BOOTS. They give my horse so much support and are fashionable, too, coming in so many different patterns. Definitely for hard work like gaming, reining, jumping, etc. Erin Stans, Wisconsin MOUNTING BLOCK. I have multiple sclerosis and this underappreciated piece of equipment, with my trainer’s assist, enables me to mount any horse under 17 hands tall. I literally can’t do with out my treasured mounting block. Dianne Kean, Tennessee SAFETY HELMET. It fits well and is so comfortable I forget I have it on. In at least two instances, it’s saved me…

A LITTLE MORE THAN A YEAR AGO, MY BOYS CAME into their first horse. (See “A Pot of Gold,” From the Editor, July 2014, H&R.) They’d been around our family horses all of their lives, but they’d never had one they could really ride and feel was their own. They’ve taken to Old Paint quite well, each in their own way. With their horse-filled summer under way, I’m being reminded that their having a horse is a mutually beneficial situation. Here’s why. Mom’s Perks of the Kids’ Horse 1. They’re into what I’m into. For one of the first times in my life as a mom, my kids share an interest with me! Up to now, it’s been sports, camping, fishing— which are all great things that they’ve learned from…

Q Two months ago, I moved my 10-year-old Quarter Horse mare from a small barn (where she’s lived for the past eight years with the same caretakers) to another, much larger and busier full-service boarding stable in a nearby town. Because of my schedule, I’m able to see her only a couple times a week, so I pay for all the extras, including grooming and exercise sessions. Even with the same level of care, however, she doesn’t act like herself. She seems unhappy and skittish— almost unrecognizable to me when I see her. Is she having trouble adjusting, and what more can I do to help? BETHHOLCOMB, Georgia A Moving to a new home is stressful for horses. With out warning they’re taken from their home, family, and friends, and…

Horse Welfare Rules Among new animal-welfare rules from the American Quarter Horse Association are those that strengthen penalties as well as publish the names and offenses of violators. Rules affecting show horses specifically include the barring of lip chains in halter classes, new penalties for some drug violations, and strengthened sanctions against tail alterations that restrict movement. The lip-chain ruling, which takes effect in January 2016, has sparked an online petition to rescind it. AQHA’s president, Dr. Glenn Blodgett, has called the use of lip chains, especially by novices, “simply not humane.” As reported here in January, new rules from the FBI will categorize animal cruelty as a top-tier offense, giving anti-abuse laws in all states more clout. For the latest on AQHA’s anti-abuse efforts, including listings of violators, go…

PERCEPTION PROBLEMS. Every relationship has them, even the one you share with your horse. It’s not always easy to understand and get along with one another—especially when you each have different expectations, and even more so when your relationship partner is of another species. It is easy to end up frustrated and disillusioned when the relationship isn’t working. Maybe it’s that you’ve hit a training plateau. Or that your horse has gotten bored and lost his “try.” Or that you’re sick and tired of being met with pinned ears every time you ask for something. You may even be wondering whether it’s worththe effort to stay with this equine partner and his flaws. It’s hard to know which feels worse—blaming your horse, or blaming yourself. When this happens to your…

Let’s face it: Horse shopping is exciting. We do it to move up to a more advanced mount, to find one for a new discipline, to get our kids or grandkids the perfect horse—even just for fun when we’re not really in the market. There’s a rush that only riders get when looking at forsale horses, whether online or in person. But that excitement comes at a price. It can cloud our vision, make us blind to issues we don’t want to acknowledge, and (the worst) cause us to make rash decisions based on the emotions we feel when shopping for a new horse. Here, four professional trainers outline scenarios they’ve personally experienced with clients (we’ve changed their names) whom they saved from making what could’ve been poor horse-buying choices—and…

LONGER LEASH Model: ProClip UltraEdge Super. Maker: Andis. Why buy: The two-speed clipper has detachable blades; a cool-running design that eliminates heat and hair clogging; and a 14-foot, heavy-duty cord. Cool feature: The special-edition blaze-orange clipper has a locking switch to keep from accidental shut-offs. More info: (800) 558-9441; equineandlivestock.andis.com. Price: $299.88 UNTETHERED Model: Bravura Lithium. Maker: Wahl. Why buy: The cordless clipper has a lithium-ion battery with a 90-minute runtime; the adjustable blades have five different settings. Cool feature: Choose a durable, lightweight pair in one of three available colors: purple, pink, or gunmetal. More info: (800) 767-9245; mywahlanimal.com. Price: $155 QUIET AS A MOUSE Model: A6 heavy-duty clipper. Maker: Oster. Why buy: A zinc-alloy construction makes the three-speed clipper light; the high-efficiency motor keeps it cool. Cool feature:…

LETTER OF THE MONTH Life Imitates Art Reader Karen Luckett of California submitted this photo of her mare Dakota wearing a sun visor to accompany her You Said It contribution (see page 80). Interestingly, that was before she saw last month’s You Said It illustration, which featured a horse wearing a visor. E-mail your letters to HorseandRider@aimmedia.com. Or, send them to Horse&Rider, 2520 55thSt., #210, Boulder, CO 80301. To be considered for publication, your submission must include your full name and your state. Published letters are subject to editing for brevity, clarity, and accuracy. Baby Steps Bandwagon I’m a first-time horse owner. I’ve had my horse for 10 years now, and I am, of course, constantly learning and trying to improve myself and my horse. I love your magazine. I’ve…

A Bit of Shine A decorative and functional correction bit, the CowPuncher 108 features silver engraving and a gold-cross accent piece. The silver-mounted, fixed shank, tapered port provides tongue relief and aids in lateral flexion and correction, while the 6-inch curved shanks enable less-severe bar and poll pressure. More info: $125; (800) 792-7620; cowpuncherbitandspur.com. Back-to-School Jeans Bling Just when you thought fancy denim was only for big girls, Grace in LA launched a little-girls’ line. The lightwash denim embellished with floral embroidery around the pockets and along the back yolk will have your little one back-to-school-ready with a bit of flair. More info: $59; (844) 283-8423; cavenders.com. Bolder Jewels Get noticed with a large, standalone jewelry piece like the ¾-inchwide, hand-stamped, sterling-silver ring from Silo Silver. The bezel-set turquoise stone…

Carol Camp Camp studied animal science at Middle Tennessee State University and is the founder of the Pleasure Tennessee Walking Horse Association of Tennessee. She trains horses and coaches amateur riders at her facility, Canaan Farm, in Franklin, Tennessee. Camp holds judge’s cards with the National Walking Horse Association, the United Mountain Horse Association, Rocky Mountain Horse Association, and Walking Horse Owners’ Association. She’s judged the United Mountain Horse World Championships, the NWHA National Championship Show, and the Rocky Mountain Horse International Championship. Walking Horses are difficult to judge in photographs because movement is just as important as conformation; a horse should be smoothand gaited in addition to having quality structure. A Walking Horse should also have good bone. A medium-boned horse will have sturdy feet and legs that’ll keep…

‘The history of mankind is carried on the back of a horse…’ Author unknown Throughout history, the horse’s back has carried soldiers into battlefields, monarchs through their kingdoms, and messengers across the land. These days, your horse’s back carries you down the trail, around the show pen, and over obstacles. If your horse’s back is weak or sore, chances are the ride won’t be a pleasant one for him. He’ll probably pin his ears and swish his tail when he’s working. If it really hurts, he may simply plant his feet and refuse to move at all. In fact, back pain is probably one of the most common causes of bad behavior and training challenges with a horse. And if your horse isn’t happy, no one’s happy! I’m going to…

One commonality in all of these scenarios is that the best purchases required using the rider’s and/or the trainer’s network in a variety of ways. To help you make the best purchasing decision, be sure that you develop strong, reputable, reliable relationships with the following people in your horse community. Trainer: Your professional trainer has an extensive network, comprised of many of each of the industry types on this list. Veterinarian: If the horse is local, perhaps your vet is familiar with the horse or the seller or knows someone who’s connected. Farrier: Similar to your veterinarian, your farrier might be acquainted with someone associated with the for-sale horse. Fellow Competitors: Riders you compete against might be from different regions and have insight on non-local horses. Barnmates: If you don’t…

You and your horse require hours of riding to get physically fit for a multi-day trail ride, especially if that trip will be in higher elevations than where you normally ride. Even though my horses are ridden five days a week for lessons and regular trail rides—with some competitions thrown in as well—I start my extra endurance conditioning six weeks ahead of my departure for a weeklong ride. I build up my riding time gradually. To best target your preparation, contact the trail-ride coordinator for details of the trip you’ll be taking: Terrain? Obstacles? Elevations? Likely temperatures? Also ask the trail coordinator for the necessities you’ll need to bring. These may include a knife (or multi-tool such as a Leatherman), hoof pick, vet wrap, and other first-aid items, as well…

An even, flawless clip starts with quality blades. Keep your clipper in tip-top shape with these best-practice maintenance tips to ensure that you get the best look for your work and the most miles for your buck. De-gunk, brush dirt. The motor will run hot and overheat easily if the blades are dirty or gunky. This’ll slow your grooming and can potentially damage the machine. Brush out excess hair and grime from blades after each use. Prep for storage. Before you store, sterilize blades in rubbing alcohol to remove any remaining dust or dirt. Apply oil to the motor (via designated holes on the body) and along the base of the blades. Wipe excess oil to eliminate gunk accumulation and reduce future skin irritation to your horse. Keep blades sharp.…