The Eye Of The Rider

What makes one rider better than the other? How do you measure talent in a rider? These are very good questions that I get asked quite often. I believe a rider can be taught many, many things, such as position, style, horsemanship, and strategy, but the one thing that is nearly impossible to teach is the rider's eye for a distance. You either have it or you do not. Michael Jordan had "it," in a different sport, yes, but, he had it. Alex Rodriguez has "it" in baseball, Beezie Madden has "it" in riding.

So what is it in our sport of show-jumping? I believe it is the rider's eye for a spot or distance. The ability to judge a take off place from a top a horse from quite a ways a way is very difficult, and very few riders get this naturally. A rider with talent, will naturally "see" distances, and are able to judge what they need to do to adjust to those distances. A rider without an eye will struggle to gain this perspective, and often miss their distances.

All riders can improve, but it is far easier to teach the child who has a natural eye than one that does not. Strength of position can be drilled with constant repetitive practice. Ring savvy comes from ring experience, or just showing a great deal, the will to win can even be instilled, but the innate talent of riding comes from that ability to judge distance. Yes, you can rehearse and practice and find that you do have an eye, many young riders do not show promise at first, but all of a sudden reach a riding epiphany and can finally see. It is like the blind man who tells his doctor, "hey, I think I am seeing some light when I wake up in the morning." Just because you do not seem to have it at first does not mean you will never get it, but if you are going to be a talented rider, either by hard work, or good luck, the ability to judge a distance is already a part of your D.N.A. Michael Jordan was not a good basketball player at first, in fact he was cut from his high school team his freshman year. Yet Jordan had that secret ingredient, the talent, the eye, and when you combine talent with practice, you get greatness.

There are thousands of good riders out there, many with talent. The great ones are the ones that have that ability, and work to bring it out. I have also seen riders with little natural talent succeed through tremendous hard work and brain power. Take what you are given and develop it into riding success, if you do not think you have a good "eye," work at it, practice, you might be delighted to suddenly realize that you can see a distance. Just because you "keep missing," does not mean that won't stop, and just because teaching someone to see is very difficult, does not mean that it is impossible.

I do believe that talent lies within the ability to see a distance. I also believe that with hard work you can bring out what great amounts of talent you are blessed with, or develop what little talent you might have. Either way, once you are out in the show ring, you are judged on your ability to see, and the good riders do not miss much.

By Alan Korotkin

Alan Korotkin has over twenty years of experience in the horse business, his clients have won over 150 year end south Florida riding titles, and he himself has placed in over 150 grand prix competitions. He can be contacted at http://www.castlewoodfarmsales.com

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Horse Show Beginners

The first few horse shows for a beginner can be a very intimidating experience. If possible before your first horse show just hang out and watch a veteran. If you know anyone who is experienced ask to tag along at his or her next show. It will be apparent pretty quickly who is still in the beginner category and who has the process mastered. Pitch in and assist if you can. That is the best way for a beginner to get a feel for everything that is involved.

Watch and learn. You will see a multitude of different styles. They will range from beginners who are not organized at all to veteran horse show participants who are extremely organized. Most people fall somewhere in the middle. You will notice the more organized groups will also be much less stressed. As a beginner you should try to make your first show casual and non-threatening. Try to enlist the assistance of an experienced friend.

If you are showing with a child draft a family member to help. Just someone to get the kids dressed and ready for you will be a huge stress reliever. Plan for your first show to be at a small local/open show if possible. Do not attempt to enter every event under the sun. Beginners tend to make that mistake. Pick a few classes that you know you excel at.

Know the rules for your breed or type of show you are attending. Are their age limits or requirements? Do you have to show proof of ownership? Do you have to have a veterinary certificate of health or proof of vaccinations? There is nothing worse than getting to the show grounds with your horse, your kids and all of your equipment, only to be turned away because you don't have all of the required paper work.

Trust me, telling them "I'm just a beginner" does not help. Most horse shows will print a show bill that will list the events and requirements prior to the show. Obtain a copy in advance. If you have any questions at all call them. The promoter should be able to answer all of your questions or at least be able to direct you to someone who can.

Your breed association is also a great place for beginners to obtain general information. Decide which classes you are interested in. This is especially important if you have more than one person riding and sharing the same horse or tack. Try to avoid back-to-back classes where a tack or rider change is involved. Unfortunately this is sometimes unavoidable.

If you have a tack change let the ringmaster or gate person know. Be prepared have everything ready at the gate so you can just switch out tack and rider without delay. Horse shows can be as simple or as complicated as you want to make them. My suggestion for beginners and experienced alike; keep it simple. You will have a lot more fun.

For more helpful information for the beginner and more experienced horse show participant go to http://www.horseshowprep.com.

By Kathy Mcclelland

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How To Find The Right Horse Breed for You

Horses have been one of the most popular domesticated animals for hundreds of years. In the past, before the automobile and the airplane, horses were on of the most commonly used ways of transportation. However today we see horses primarily used for hobby riding and racing while one very few use them as actual transportation.

Horses were not just owned by a geographically small group of people but by people from all over the world. Horses have not been used for the same kind of labor all around the world and that, together with the different climates, resulted into many different types of breeds. There is however only three main categories in which all horses can be grouped: Pony, Light and Heavy classes. If you don’t know anything at all about horse breeds then this will be a good place to start.

Besides these three main categories you will find that horses can be grouped into a much larger amount of sub categories. To name a few examples you will find sub groups such as Warmbloods, Gaited horses and Draft horses. But in order not to confuse you if you are new at this will stick to just the three main categories I mentioned earlier.

When I now go into the three different types of horses I hope to give you a better idea of what kind of horse will suit your situation and you will know what type will be good for children to ride, what will be an all family horse for riding, what you need if you want a racing horse and last but not least what type of horse will assist you the best if you need a working horse.

The Pony Category

A pony is a very popular horse and one of the best know and also one of the smallest is the Shetland pony. Because of its minimal size this is a great horse for children. Shetland ponies are normally peaceful and calm animals and because of that they are great with children. Unfortunately it can become feisty occasionally and it is recommended that children are always supervised by adults.

If you have teenagers or fast growing younger children you might want to go for the Connemara pony instead. The pony is a bit larger than the Shetland and this together with the Welsh pony (somewhat larger than the Shetland pony) will be perfect for young children.

The Light Horse Category

If you don’t know that much about horses you might make the mistake of believing that a miniature horse and a pony is the same thing but they’re not. The Miniature horse doesn’t share the same characteristics as the pony but I won’t go into all the specific details here. You will often find miniature horses around children and disabled humans.

The most commonly known horse is an Arabian and it actually falls into the category of light horses. The characteristics of the Arabian horse are that it is sweet, graceful and very loving but it is also extremely fast and very attractive. There really isn’t anything negative to say about the Arabian because what more could you want from a horse? Because of its speed and endurance it is often used for racing.

The Heavy Category

In the heavy category there are only two types of horses. One is called the battle horse and the other is called a draft horse. Battle horses were normally used in warlike situations and were trained to be a part of battle.

The draft horse on the other hand was trained to work on farms pulling wagons and carts. You can call them the typical work horse.

You might have heard about the Clydesdale horse and it is probably one of the most popular draft horses there is. Not only will you find it very attractive but it has also been bread to work hard, while maintaining its friendly nature and therefore it’s also a good horse for riding.

Other popular draft horses are the Belgian, the Shire and the Suffolk Punch horses.

To mention one of the horses used for war the Lipizzaner is probably the one that were used most often. But the horse breeds that I have mentioned above is just a very few of the many different types and breeds there are.

I hope to have given you some inspiration as to what category horse you are looking for but I would also encourage you to meet with any horse you are thinking of purchasing. Interaction will the horse is what really counts and you and your family needs to visit the potential new horse before you can make a good decision.

By Hank Westwood

If you want to know more about horses and horse breeds you can come visit us at HorseTrailerUniverse.com where you will find everything from different types of horse breeds to information about buying a used horse trailer. You will also find information about horse nutrition and health.

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The Importance of Formal Horse Riding Lessons

Horse riding is an incredible joyful experience. Learning to ride gives you a sense of mystical pleasure as you are able to communicate and become one with the horse.

Lessons are not just for professionals or competitive riders, even the occasional rider can enjoy the benefits of a lesson. Riding lessons enable a person to develop their skill in communicating to the horse with aids.

Lessons can help you to correct any bad habits you have picked up over the years. Formal horse riding lessons give you the advantage of having some one who is trained in horsemanship, watch you and guide you.

Many times a rider can feel that their horse is not moving correctly, but may not be sure how to change it. An instructor has all the tips and expertise to get you and your horse moving in the correct direction.

When you start to ride it can be the beginning of a lifelong love. A single accident can change the entire experience and put a complete stop to your desire to ride. I remember when we had a horse and my neighbor came over to ride with me. My father an in-experienced horse person put both of us up together, bareback.

Well in no time at all we both fell off and my neighbor refused to ever get back on a horse. If you have any doubts, concerns, fears or apprehension when you are first starting to ride, you will be able to work through these and overcome them in a controlled environment of a formal riding lesson.

Now I am not saying that you will never fall off when you are taking a riding lesson. I think that I fell off more in lessons than any other time in my riding adventures. However the horses that are used in riding lessons are accustomed to beginner riders.

When you are first starting to ride you can tend to bounce like a ball on and off of the saddle, so falling off is quiet natural. If you get on a horse for the first time in an open field and lose your balance, a horse can respond in various ways.

The horse is a good judge of character; the horse will know who is really in charge. He may very well take a hold of the reins, get a swing in his step and encourage you to bounce off. You land on the ground and the horse is charging across the field.

When you fall off whilst having a riding lesson, there are usually staff to pick you back up onto your feet and others to track down your horse. Not much time is wasted and you are once again learning the essentials skills to deepen your seat and relax.

Another reason to take formal riding lessons is so that you do not teach your horse bad habits. A horse that is not taught correctly is harder to sell than a horse that knows and responds well to horse riders aids.

Horses back riding lessons are hard work, they can be tough, but man they are rewarding when you get it right. If you cannot afford to have a lesson on a regular basis like once or twice a week, that's okay. I do strongly recommend treating yourself to a riding lesson at least a couple times a year, if you get hooked, don't blame me.

By Benjamin Wise

Horses Explained.

Get information on buying, owning and caring for your horse, learn about horseback riding lessons. Learn about Horse riding safety.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Benjamin_Wise

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Questions To Ask When Buying A Horse

More questions!! This time to ask the owner over the phone. Things to find out are:

* Whether this horse is suitable for a beginner. Most people will be honest here, not wanting to endanger someone.

* The horse's age, height and build. Does it match your criteria?

* Color and markings, if these are important to you.

* What sort of temperament he/she has. Quiet, calm, bombproof, gentle.

* If she is a mare, what to expect with any mood swings, if any.

* The suitability for your chosen horse activity. This is an opinion only, and should be taken with a grain of salt unless there is a solid reason for that opinion. For example, if you wanted a horse for jumping and the owner advised you this horse always refuses...

* Any vices or bad habits. Charging, biting, kicking, bolting, bucking, rearing. Any of these and you can thank the owner for their time and end the call.

* Easy to catch and shoe and trailer and worm? A horse that won't do these is a pain in the behind and you should consider carefully if you want to put up with these bad habits.

* Any fears ie dogs, bicycles, cars. These aren't ideal either.

* Any health issues. So you can research if an issue would be a problem for you.

* Any soundness issues or physical limitations. A vet check will show these up, but why visit a horse that is known to be very lame?

* What the horse has been trained and used for, now and with previous owners. Has the horse had experience in what you want to do? You'll have a lot more fun on a horse that can teach you rather than the other way around.

* How long the horse has been in work (ridden regularly) and has it been in work recently. Some horses aren't trained until later in life. Sometimes horses are trained and worked and then put in a paddock and left for years.

* Any quirks of personality to be aware of. Just so you know.

* Why it is being sold. You may not get an honest answer, but it's worth asking anyway.

By Phil Tragear

http://www.HorseTrainingSuccess.com
All the questions you've asked, answered.

About the Author

Phil is author of the comprehensive book 'Horse Training Success', full of answers to the most asked horse training questions. Stop by http://www.horsetrainingsuccess.com for a huge selection of information regarding common problems, training of horses, equine psychology, how to get the best behavior and so much more!

Please feel free to use this article on condition that you maintain a live link to the http://www.horsetrainingsuccess.com website, acknowledge that the content is ©Phil Tragear 2006, and keep this paragraph included!

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Basic Rules for Horse Feeding

You have probably heard the saying that “you are what you eat” and the fact is that this doesn’t just apply to humans. The saying applies to all beings and that means horses as well. If you want to keep your horse in its best possible health and shape you must know what you can and can not feed it, when the right time for feed is and what the right amount of food would be. There are some rules to follow to make sure you meet the horse’s nutritional needs and they are simple. But even so they will need to be followed consistently to have the optimal effect.

First Rule:

Find out how much your horse weigh because this must be reflected in the amount of food it will need for a optimal nutritional balance. But do try to make your horse stand on your bathroom weight because it won’t work. An easy way to measure the weight of a horse is to measure the hearth girth with a horse tape. An alternative option will be to take it to a weight for live animals. Some of the larger farms have them for their cattle.

Second Rule:

Hay is a very important ingredient for your horse but you will know how much you will need to feed it. The best possible mix will consist of a high percentage of bulk and a low percentage of grain. An often used measurement is to feed your horse with 1.5 pounds of hay per 100 pounds of the horse’s body weight. Depending on how many times a day you feed your horse you will have to divide the grain into equal portions. It is extremely important that you do not give your horse to much grain. Make sure to weigh the horse flakes as they can vary much in weight.

Third Rule:

Next step is to determine your horse’s need for grain and for the most part young and growing horses will need it in their diets. Horses that work heavily will also need grain to keep up the ability to work hard. When feeding grain you need to weigh it because every type of grain weighs differently. Corn as an example is much lighter than bran and if you in doubt then ask your veterinarian.

Fourth Rule:

Overfeeding your horse will need to more pain than pleasure for both of you and even though it is said that the way to a horses heart is through food the results of overeating can be founder and colic. Remember to have any additional food locked away because as horse that starts eating grain will not stop until is has finished or becomes sick.

Fifth Rule:

On the other hand underfeeding a horse can be just a much dangerous as overfeeding because it will leave your horse vulnerable to illnesses. A horse that lacks energy and has a weak immune system might be suffering from lack of food so pay attention.

Sixth Rule:

Fresh water is just as important to a horse as it is to humans. Without good clean water in fair amounts it is hard for anyone to maintain a good health. Colic is one of the many things that can be caused by the lack of water. If you live in an area of the world where winters are very cold you need to remember to give your horse easy access to sufficient water.

If you follow these six basic rules you will be able to have a healthy and powerful horse for many years to come.

By Hank Westwood

If you want to know more about feeding your horse you must come visit us at HorseTrailerUniverse where you will find everything from horse trailer insurance over used horse trailers to horse nutrition.

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Horse Riding Apparel What To Look Out For

Horse Riding Apparel

Any type of horse riding usually begins with the rider buying riding clothes. Even a person simply going for a pleasure ride will benefit from the correct riding apparel. Horse riding apparel protects you and is designed specifically for being on a horse. Comfort and protection come in several styles and designs.

Depending on your style of riding whether western or English, your wardrobe will look slightly different, but consist of the same basics.

Riding Pants - Breeches, Jods and Jeans:

Jodhpurs (English Riding) could be described as kind of riding pants. The legs on these pants extend all the way to the ankles. At the end of the pants there is a cuff. This cuff fits over the top of a low riding boot. Modern breeches (English Riding) are skin-tight; they have either zippers or Velcro fastenings where they end at the calves.

Riding Boots:

Typical English riding boots are long to prevent the saddle leathers from chaffing the leg of the rider. The heel of the boot protects the rider's foot from sliding out of the stirrup and the toe should be sturdy to protect the rider's foot when on the ground. The sole of the boot is smooth enough so that in the event of a fall, the rider's foot will not be caught on the stirrup.

Western riders wear cowboy boots. The heel of the boot varies depending on the style of boot, such as the "roper" style heel that is similar to that of English boots.

Riding Shirt:

Riding Shirts can come from your existing wardrobe unless you are riding in competitions where a more formal type of show shirt is called for.

Helmet:
A riding helmet is an essential part of riding; it is specifically designed to protect your head. Do not overlook the use of a helmet.

Riding Chaps:

There are two basic types of chaps - full or half length. Chaps in the case of full length is used to protect the complete leg whilst working; they also help to keep the legs warm and dry. Half chaps are worn with Jodhpur boots. Jodhpur boots are short and the chap covers the leg from the ankle, overlapping the boot slightly, up to the knee. Half chaps provide protection to the leg from chaffing and help the jodhpurs stay in place whilst riding.

There is no harm in checking out what is in fashion and what is not. You do not want the focus placed on you in a show ring instead of the horse. Many local tack shops stock new and used riding apparel for you to try out. What ever your budget your ride will be far more comfortable in the correct horse riding apparel.

By Benjamin Wise

Horses.

Get information on buying, owning and caring for your horse, learn about Horse Riding Apparel. Learn about your horses anatomy.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Benjamin_Wise

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Sad, But True Horse Boo Boos

Many of the following mistakes made with horses were ones I made over the last 40 years, but luckily for me, some of them were tales I've heard from other people. Hopefully, readers can learn and avoid some of these problems themselves if they haven't already made the same mistakes!

Not paying attention to a horse's body language can be painful. Standing behind an alpha mare brushing her tail was no problem until another horse walked into her space. She gave warning to the other horse by laying her ears back and shaking her head, but the warning was ignored by the groomer as well as the other horse, and the next action was a kick. Unfortunately, it didn't land on the transgressor but on the groomer's leg and taught her to pay attention to what was going on in the immediate area and to pay attention to her horse.

Not giving a new horse time to settle in and get used to new people and new facilities can start a new relationship off poorly. A young horse was hauled about 600 miles to a new owner who took it off the trailer, saddled it, and proceeded to try to go for a ride. The next several months were spent trying to sell the horse that bucked the rider off. It pays to be considerate of a new horse and let it get adjusted.

Horses need to learn to move away from pressure instead of leaning into it which they tend to do naturally. If you slip up and let the horse into your space uninvited, a foot underneath a hoof may occur and it sure helps to have a horse that will move away from a touch on its side instead of leaning even harder on your foot!

A scared horse is not going to go willingly up to or by something it's afraid of. Forcing the issue can lead to a spin and bolt, squirting by the object as fast as possible, or even lead to rearing and other evasion tactics. Spending time letting the horse face the object and doing advance and retreat, moving its feet and letting it gradually drift near the object but not forcing it to get closer will get better results.

A horse that is touchy about its feet and legs can really get upset if it gets tangled up in vines, ropes, or a fence. Many serious injuries to legs could be avoided if the horse had been gently and slowly desensitized to a rope touching and retreating around its legs. Leg injuries take a long time to heal and require a lot of intensive doctoring which means time and money.

Cinches loosen after being tightened initially. Getting on a horse without checking the cinch can land one in a pile on the ground, or if they loosen after getting on, can cause a wreck while riding. Saddles under a horse's belly are not something most horses have been desensitized to, and that can lead to a real rodeo kind of action.

Horses that don't readily give to pressure can step on leadlines and jerk their heads up so hard that snaps and hardware might break. Or they might get a leg over the leadline and take off. Holding on to a horse's lead at that point is fruitless. They can drag you and you have no leverage to turn them. You might as well let go at that point. Teach the horse to give to pressure laterally, and down.

Another problem with horses that don't know how to give to pressure is that they may learn to set back when tied and fight the lead until they break loose or hurt themselves. Teaching them to give to pressure is crucial and also it helps to "tie" them so that if they do have another pulling back moment, they line will feed out gradually instead of breaking or injuring the horse. This works well on a panel fence with a long line looped around a couple of the panel rails. Loop it enough times that it doesn't come loose too fast but few enough times that it won't be completely stationery. A twelve foot or longer line will probably be enough to give the horse the space it feels it needs without it coming completely untied.

Girths can break. They often do so at the most inopportune time, such as when your horse is running away with you after being scared by something. Perhaps it is the extra energy they put into the effort to escape that causes the failure of the tack, but it pays to check your equipment and repair or replace any that is worn. It also pays to have taught your horse that the word WHOA means "Stop, Now!"

Once you've had some of these things happen to you, it becomes obvious that you should have done something different and you will take steps to see that they don't happen again. If you haven't experienced any of these problems yet, you've either had great mentors to teach you or you haven't had a horse for more than a few days and can learn from others' mistakes.

By Bonnie Martin

Bonnie and her husband own Gemara Farm Foxtrotters located in Barnesville, Georgia. They currently have nine fox trotters of their own and practice natural horsemanship with them, and Bonnie coaches others. There are usually some fox trotters available for sale. http://www.gemara.homestead.com

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Grooming Your Horse

Are you ready for a work out? Grooming your horse is not a task to be taken lightly. The benefits from a proper grooming can make a significant difference in your life as well as your horses. Take the time to groom and you will be rewarded.

Grooming your horse can be and should be a pleasurable activity. Even if you are a groom and are in charge of seven horses, I bet there is at least one in seven you enjoy grooming. When I think back it is usually the ones I did not enjoy grooming that come to mind first.

Perhaps at the time had I known more, I would have had a completely different experience. Firstly where I grew up no one had heard of cross tying a horse. There I was at the mercy of a mouth on one end, hooves and a swishing tail on the other.

The job took far longer to do, especially with using avoidance tactics, having to have eyes in the back of my head to watch the ears and creeping muzzle. Those were the days before I was introduced to tying a horse up.

Cross Ties allow you to attach a lead to each side of the halter therefore restricting the movement of the head and keeping your horse in one place. This is truly a very good investment, if you do not have cross ties, get them installed today!

Your have both hands free to work and the task is done so much quicker. You have less cursing time too. Find me a groom that has not yet cursed a horse...

Grooming is a great way to bond with a horse! Every horse has just the right spot where his lip sags and his eyes glaze over and well you know, he just loves being scratched. It could be between the ears, in the mane, under the chin; you groom him and find that spot and you have a friend for life.

There is a basic grooming routine to follow and learning this will make the job easier. Grooming your horse has you up close to inspect him for any injuries that could have occurred in the stable or field and it prevents injuries too.

Grooming your horse before tacking him up, even a quick gloss over with a brush will prevent injuries. Dirt can rub up against the saddle pad, cause chaffing and result in a saddle sore. You may not get the saddle back on your horse until that is healed.

It is important to go over all parts of the horse when grooming. Start at the head and end at the tail, yes you include his hooves. Especially his hooves pick up each one and inspect them for any stones that could be lodged and cause a bruised sole. No use kicking yourself after the fact and having a lame horse on your hands.

A good way to get to know your horse is to groom your horse. It feels good, he will look good and you will have a happy, healthier horse.

By Benjamin Wise

Horses.

Get information on buying, owning and caring for your horse, learn about Horse Grooming Tips. Learn about your horses anatomy.

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The Importance of Formal Horse Riding Lessons

Horse riding is an incredible joyful experience. Learning to ride gives you a sense of mystical pleasure as you are able to communicate and become one with the horse.

Lessons are not just for professionals or competitive riders, even the occasional rider can enjoy the benefits of a lesson. Riding lessons enable a person to develop their skill in communicating to the horse with aids.

Lessons can help you to correct any bad habits you have picked up over the years. Formal horse riding lessons give you the advantage of having some one who is trained in horsemanship, watch you and guide you.

Many times a rider can feel that their horse is not moving correctly, but may not be sure how to change it. An instructor has all the tips and expertise to get you and your horse moving in the correct direction.

When you start to ride it can be the beginning of a lifelong love. A single accident can change the entire experience and put a complete stop to your desire to ride. I remember when we had a horse and my neighbor came over to ride with me. My father an in-experienced horse person put both of us up together, bareback.

Well in no time at all we both fell off and my neighbor refused to ever get back on a horse. If you have any doubts, concerns, fears or apprehension when you are first starting to ride, you will be able to work through these and overcome them in a controlled environment of a formal riding lesson.

Now I am not saying that you will never fall off when you are taking a riding lesson. I think that I fell off more in lessons than any other time in my riding adventures. However the horses that are used in riding lessons are accustomed to beginner riders.

When you are first starting to ride you can tend to bounce like a ball on and off of the saddle, so falling off is quiet natural. If you get on a horse for the first time in an open field and lose your balance, a horse can respond in various ways.

The horse is a good judge of character; the horse will know who is really in charge. He may very well take a hold of the reins, get a swing in his step and encourage you to bounce off. You land on the ground and the horse is charging across the field.

When you fall off whilst having a riding lesson, there are usually staff to pick you back up onto your feet and others to track down your horse. Not much time is wasted and you are once again learning the essentials skills to deepen your seat and relax.

Another reason to take formal riding lessons is so that you do not teach your horse bad habits. A horse that is not taught correctly is harder to sell than a horse that knows and responds well to horse riders aids.

Horses back riding lessons are hard work, they can be tough, but man they are rewarding when you get it right. If you cannot afford to have a lesson on a regular basis like once or twice a week, that's okay. I do strongly recommend treating yourself to a riding lesson at least a couple times a year, if you get hooked, don't blame me.

By Benjamin Wise

Horses Explained.

Get information on buying, owning and caring for your horse, learn about horseback riding lessons. Learn about Horse riding safety.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Benjamin_Wise

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Horse Health - Horse Anatomy - Bones and Muscles

If you own a horse, it is very important that you understand several basic parts of the horse's anatomy to be sure you are caring for your horse in the best way possible. You can do this through studying on your own or you can talk to your vet to learn the basics.

First of all, you should know that laying down is very hard on your horse. If a horse lays down for any amount of time they are risking damage to their internal organs. A horse's body is not meant to lay down for long periods of time, which is why you need to know that if your horse is laying down, there is something wrong with him. If you see your horse laying down, you have to be sure to call your vet immediately, because it is an emergency.

Your horse's legs are the most important part of his body. Not only do they carry all of his weight, and support him while he is sleeping or while he is awake, they are very thin and are easy to damage. If a horse gets a broken leg, there is going to be a lot of problems because he won't be able to lie down to mend it, which means that the healing process can be quite painful. What this means for you is that you have to be sure to always, always take care of your horse's legs and feet. This is very important as a horse owner.

Another thing that you have to be sure to take care of is his skin and his coat. These are things that you have to focus on because they keep out a lot of problems and keep your horse happy and healthy. You should be grooming your horse each day, and especially should be grooming him after each time you ride him.

It is also important to note that a horse has a very advanced heart and lung system that can allow them to keep running or walking for long periods of time. This does not mean that your horse never needs to rest; it simply means that you can exercise your horse more than you are going to be able to exercise yourself!

Keep all of these things in mind if you own a horse. You always want to be sure that you are doing the best that you can do to care for all aspects of your horse.

By Lynn Stanley

Lynn Stanley was born in 1956 in Sandusky Ohio. He is a fun loving person who wishes nothing but the best for everyone.

For more articles on horse health as well as the latest in equestrian news please visit my blog at: http://horsehealthandyou.blogspot.com/

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Don't Do This At a Horse Auction

Some of the best places to buy a great horse are horse auctions. But keep in mind that you'll need to use your better judgment and common sense. Buying a horse is a major investment and you should be just as careful as if you were buying a car. So when you go, there are some things you really need to avoid.

Don't

- Don't buy a horse based on impulse or a 'feeling'. There are some horses that are given drugs in order to make them appear calm and healthy. While this is very rare, you still want to double check. Ask to try out the horse before you buy it. If it's a good horse dealer, he or she won't mind.

- Get a young pony for your kids. A lot of people seem to do this at horse auctions. While it's a nice idea, the truth is that no beginner should purchase an inexperienced horse, and especially if the horse will be around children. You want a horse that will be calm and relaxed. An older horse is a great choice.

- Choose a horse by its color! You'd be amazed by how many people seem to do this. No matter how much you love a certain color, you need to check the horse's overall temperament, health, and demeanor before you commit. Those are the most important considerations.

- Get a horse if you aren't ready to take proper care of it. Keeping a horse is a huge expense. The horse will have to be taken care of every single day or you will be neglecting the horse. The horse will still need you to buy food for it, regardless if you lose your job or would rather but something new and exciting.

Now that we've gotten those tips out of the way, horse auctions are an excellent place to buy horses.

By Jessica T

Visit Horse Auctions Online for unbelievable horse auctions advice, tips and resources for your next Horse Auction.

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Horse Health - Parasites - Unfriendly Friends of your Horse

When you have a horse, you probably know that he is naturally strong, and usually won't have any complaints for you. Horses can be very loyal can be great animals to keep as long as you do it right. As long as he has a safe and warm place to live in the cold months, a shelter from the heat in the hot months and you provide him with food and water that is clean and safe, he'll be able to be your companion for many years.

When you own animals, your main responsibility is to make sure that they are healthy and that their lives are full of joy and happiness - not sorrow and pain. One of the things that will allow you to do this with any animal is to make sure that you are providing them with a safe and comfortable place that is clean and free of germs. With your horse, there is no exception to this rule. It is usually hard for horses to get sick if they are properly taken care of, but if you find yourself or your horse with a dirty stall or a living quarters that is not up to par, you might find that parasites abound, and when it comes to your horse, parasites are not good at all.

The most common parasites are going to happen when your horse is living in a place that is dirty or not cleaned regularly. These parasites are going to live in the feces of your horse, if your horse steps in them, he will be able to bring them right back into his body. A horse's stall that is dirty and not taken care of is a breeding ground for parasites, and they will have a chance to attack your horse. If your horse gets parasites, you'll need to talk to your vet about the best way to help your horse before they get really sick

Remember, if you aren't providing your horse with a clean living space, you are going to find that your horse might have a problem with parasites. This is something that can be very real, and very dangerous for your horse. You want to be sure that you aren't giving your horse any chances to get parasites, which is why it is so important to keep your horse's living quarters clean and free of debris.

By Lynn Stanley

Lynn Stanley was born in 1956 in Sandusky Ohio. He is a fun loving person who wishes nothing but the best for everyone. For more articles on horse health as well as the latest in equestrian news please visit my blog at: http://horsehealthandyou.blogspot.com/

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Horse Trailer Capacity - What you Should Know!

Horse Capacity Trailers are all about the capability of the horse trailers, which are able to tow heavy loading. These types of trailers are usually an essential part of horse trailers and therefore, it is often suggested to consider twice before purchasing any types of horse trailers. These trailers often vary from one to other and there are large number of different carrying capacity of the trailers are available in the market. The type is an important essential and it depends upon the towing horse capacity trailers.

Ability of the Horse Trailers:

Horse Capacity Trailers is manufactured in such a manner to withhold burden in case of extreme loads in the trailers. Most of the time, it is unsafe to endeavor to tow a heavier weight. Therefore, it is advised to take a suggestion of the horse trailers owners about the recognized horse capacity trailers, before purchasing and fitting a hauling hitch in to the horse trailers. There are various suggestion provided by many in respect of the horse capacity trailers. The various suggestions are as follows:

1. Before attaching, make sure of that you are using an exact class of horse capacity trailers, which provide the required capacity of your desire.

2. It is advised to consider Class 1 hitches, which can tow around 2000 lbs and on the other hand, Class 5 hitches will have a capacity of howling above 10,000lbs.

Hence, it is necessary to look upon the horse capacity trailers classes which would give the desired capacity of the horse trailers. Usually, these trailers are depended upon the ball hitches, which are common kind fitted easily on the vehicle. The ball that is attached to the hole of the trailers is able to tow a variety of loads in the vehicle. Horse capacity trailers are considered, when there is a requirement of heavy loads such as agricultural and industrialized equipment. In case of a horse capacity trailers, gooseneck hitches and the fifth wheel hitches, play an important role in offering a high level of capacity during towing. Generally, gooseneck hitches use some kind of ball, mounted on the central position of the truckbeds to increase the capacity of the horse trailers and thus, they can tow large loads. In case of fifth wheel hitches, a steel plate is mounted on the truck beds for hauling loads and it has varying load capacities, depending upon the vehicle.

Suggestion:

Horse Capacity Trailers is an utmost part of the horse trailers, because in case of towing a large capacity in the trailers, a usual and common trailer will not assist. In order to avoid such situation, it is essential to decide on the approved horse capacity trailers available in the market. Therefore, it is suggested to buy always a recognized horse capacity trailers for your vehicle with a suitable loading capacity of your wish. There are many other horse capacity trailers available in the market, which can be installed easily in 30 minutes in to the vehicle and can be used for many years.

By Dave Demink

Want more information on horse trailer capacity? Then visit our web site!

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Save $1,000's - A Buyer's Guide To New And Used Horse Trailers

The main thing which needs to be considered prior to the purchase of new and used horse trailers are the horses. This is because the nature of horses is that they are claustrophobic. This means that, if the trailers have more ventilation, light and room, the horse would get less stressed. This also means that the horses in the new and used horse trailers would travel in a comfortable state. In addition, trailers would also be able to sustain more loads easily, thereby providing minimum injuries to the horse. Not only this, the trailers would make the horses comfortable in cases of dehydration, colic and shipping fever.

Regardless of the size of the used horse trailers, one of the important parameter is the horse size. This is mainly because the horses need to have enough space for the motion of its legs. This would help the horse to maintain a steady balance. Those trailers which have full center dividers or are narrow in nature, would cause the horse to scramble. This is mainly for the fact that the horse would not be able to easily spread his legs.

More information:

Both the new and used horse trailers need to be devoid of any form of protrusions or sharp edges anywhere near to the trailer, whether outside or inside. In addition, the floor boards of trailers need to be vertical and not horizontal. Not only this, the underneath support for the trailer need to be good. Apart from that, the horse trailer mats in both the used horse trailers need not be of a slippery nature.

New and Used Horse Trailers – Miscellaneous:

Customers need to take certain things in mind, prior to the purchase of used horse trailers. The built and the body of the horse trailer need to be examined first. Secondly, the cost of would give an idea of which used horse trailer needs to be purchased. Although, the horse hauling capacity is almost the same, the built may differ. In addition, the overall life of a trailers may also vary.

Numerous manufacturers and dealers are available in the market, in case a customer wants to purchase a new or a used horse trailers. Thanks to the advent of internet, the information is available on the numerous websites, which would help provide details about the new and used horse trailers brands.

By Dave Demink

Want more information on new and used horse trailers? Then visit our web site!

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Misconceptions About Horses

For those of us who grew up years ago without but desperately wanting a horse, a lot of fantasy and dreams colored our idea of what having a horse would be like. Many of us grew up on the standard fiction fare of books like The Black Stallion, television shows like My Friend Flicka or Mr. Ed, and the once-popular weekly westerns like Roy Rogers. In those scenarios, the horses were always very well behaved, kind, attached to their humans, and ever so willing to comply with every request as well as sometimes even protect their human. They would come running when called, and were more interested in their human than grass.

Those fictional horses certainly didn’t step on their humans’ toes, bite, bump, or kick them. They didn’t move off before their humans could get mounted, didn’t buck or run away, and you never saw or read about them grabbing a bite to eat as they moved down the trail. It seemed like they could run all day and never even get sweaty, much less tired.

Needless to say, the dream was certainly fiction! Many new horse owners have their bubble burst when they finally do get a horse because they think all horses will be like the fiction version. That is probably why a lot of new horse owners don’t do their research and they may end up with a horse that is not at all suited to their needs and abilities.

Misconceptions about horses can turn the dream into a nightmare or at the very least wake the new owner up with a start. Many people misunderstand the nature of horses. Horses are not overgrown puppies and should not be treated like dogs are. They are not children and do not have human thought patterns or the same emotions. Horses are simply horses, a unique and fascinating species in their own right. They deserve and need to be understood for what they are instead of fantasized. They are wonderful creatures as they are, and we shouldn’t try to make believe that they are something different.

I heard of a man recently whose family purchased a bred mare because they wanted to have a baby horse for their daughter to “grow up” with. When the colt was born, the man liked to go out and play with it. He would pick up the colt’s front feet and put them on his shoulders, and they would “dance”. Picture that same scene when the colt grew to be a yearling of around 700 pounds. All the sudden, it wasn’t nearly so much fun for the man when he got knocked down and had a gash in his head from a hoof. Suddenly the horses were no fun any more and were sold for whatever they could get for them. All because the owner though of the colt as a big dog and treated it that way.

Oftentimes people act as if horses think the same way people do. That’s a big mistake. Horses are prey animals—in nature prey animals are hunted for food by predators, and their survival may very well depend on running away or fighting. People are predators. Predators are the hunters. It makes no difference that we have taken the horse out of its natural environment and put it in ours where there aren’t that many predators that will actually hunt and hurt the horse. In their minds, they still know they are prey animals and vulnerable to predators. We have to understand that and prove to them that we are friendly predators who can be trusted to keep them safe. They aren’t going to understand that with words, so we have to demonstrate it with our confidence and actions.

Prey animals and predators do not see the world the same way and do not think the same way. For example, an upturned tree may look like a horse-eating monster to a horse or at least a perch from which a mountain lion might leap, whereas the rider sees it as a harmless upturned tree to which the horse should not react. Often the human gets frustrated with a horse that is afraid because the human knows that the scary object isn’t anything to worry about and doesn’t understand the horse’s perspective on the matter. Or they might get the matter worked out with the horse finally accepting the scary upturned tree going in one direction, and then on the return trip, the same thing happens again. The rider may think it’s ridiculous for this to happen since they worked the issue out going the other way. What isn’t taken into consideration is that the horse sees things differently than people do. Passing something on the left is not the same view as passing it on the right. Horses have to learn something from both the left eye and also from the right eye. The knowledge does not automatically transfer just because the object is the same.

The best way we can overcome our misconceptions is to study horse psychology through lessons (particularly Natural Horsemanship), reading, clinics, dvds, and observation of horses together in a field. There is a wealth of information out there, it’s just a matter of wading through it and sorting it out. Just be careful not to ascribe human or dog explanations to what you see horses do. Think about things from the horse’s perspective.

By Bonnie Martin

Bonnie and Gregg Martin own Gemara Farm Foxtrotters located in Barnesville, Georgia. They currently have nine fox trotters of their own and practice natural horsemanship with them.

www.gemara.homestead.com

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Understanding Horse Breeds

A horse is a horse of course, so what is a breed?

There are more than 150 different breeds of horses in the world. Horses were originally a source of food and hunted by man. Since man has been domesticating horses he has bred for selective traits. That is man has bred for developing physical characteristics needed to perform a certain type of work.

Breeds began to take form by demand. When man needed horses to move heavy loads, horses were bred for strength. When man needed transportation he bred for speed and endurance. Horses are used in several ways overtime and different breeds continue to be developed. We can classify each breed into three main categories, namely: light, heavy and pony.

The Arabian horse is light and refined; it is the oldest and purest of all horse breeds. The Arabian developed as a fast horse with endurance, able to long distances in dry climates. Heavy draft horses, such as the Belgian Horse developed from the need to pull plows and help with other farm work. Ponies have developed from most, if not all breeds, being needed to transport children as well as to work in mine shafts. Ponies have also been beneficial for work where the forage was insufficient to support larger draft animals.

Other jobs horses have been bred to perform include carrying heavily-armored knights, herding other animals, pulling carriages, racing and packing supplies. Man has taken the job and the horse and bred for selective traits to produce a capable animal.

Much of how the horse developed can be learned from his history. As early man became more mobile horses began to be used as pack animals and later became a harness animal to replace oxen. Today horses are used mainly for sport or pleasure.

You may often hear of a breed and live never to see one in person. Some horse breeds are very rare and other horse breeds are in other parts of the world. It is not always easy to tell a breed of a horse at first glance. Most horse and ponies are cross bred, that is they descend from different breeds. Knowing different horse breeds and their specific traits certainly helps out when you want to buy a horse! There is always the possibility of a scam in any market and the horse industry is no different. Read about the horse breed before you make your purchase.

If you are looking to buy a quiet horse for calm, no fuss long trail rides then you sure do not want to buy a thoroughbred that just ended his race career. You might be more suited to a Quarter Horse, but they are not available in every country.

Look at your local classified ads, visit a riding stable and find out what type of breeds are available and then read about that horse breed! You do not need to get suckered into buying a horse that is bred for pulling carriages. Knowing at least something about the breed would prepare you. It will save you time and money and if you still want to buy the horse, you will sure know that you are in for a bumpy ride!

By Benjamin Wise

Horse Guide.

Get information on buying, owning and caring for your horse, learn about Horse Breeds. Learn about your horses anatomy.

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Buying Guide to Saddles

For the most comfortable ride on a horse you need the right saddle to sit on. The saddle goes over the horses back and distributes your weight. Having it fitted properly on your horse is essential for both horse and riders sake.

There are a number of different saddles you can buy that are designed for specific purposes. Generally there are the English Riding and Western saddles. The objective when determining what to buy is to decide what you want it for, An example of your choices include pleasure riding, jumping or dressage. That way you already narrow your choice down to your purpose.

Before buying your saddle make sure that you are able to return it if it does not fit your horse. The best way to ensure it fits properly is to have it fitted by a saddle maker or saddle fitter. However there are some rules of thumb techniques you can use if there is no one available to help you.

You can measure the width of your horses back and the width of the inside/underneath of the saddle. Make sure that between the pummel of the saddle and the top of the horses shoulder (wither) you can place three fingers. So it is not just as simple as getting measurements, the real test is putting the saddle on the horse.

When it is properly fitted it will allow the horse to move freely with no strain or restriction. Minor fitting problems can be helped with the use of a pad or blanket. This type of padding will not correct or compensate for a poor-fitting saddle so take your time and get it right.

It is important that it fits and is comfortable for both horse and rider. A saddle that fits improperly can put pressure on incorrect points on the horse, resulting in pain for the horse.

Saddle sores can result and as a consequence your horse will strongly object to having it put on. There is also a risk to the rider as some horses have been known to buck off the rider due to pain caused by an improperly fitted saddle.

All saddles need to be kept clean and dry. Store it under cover, away from weather and dust. Regular use over time will give way to wear and tear, you should recheck your saddle for a proper fit every couple of years.

You can also have some padding added, not to mention the fact that your horse will develop and change over the years therefore minor adjustments should be made. With proper care and handling your saddle will last a long time.

By Benjamin Wise

Horses.

Get information on buying, owning and caring for your horse, learn about Buying Horse Saddles. Learn about your horses anatomy.

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Horse Training Starts The Day You Get Your Horse

If you have an excitement to study all you can about horse training, then you will want to know about a horse training website that covers all aspects of horsemanship. If you are so busy you plainly only have a few minutes a day to spend with your horse, then here are some training tips you can use to keep your horse ready to go when you have just minutes and not hours.

You must create an atmosphere where the horse can discover on its own, aside from the horse training that you give it. Taking the time to lay definite fundamentals will also mean that you will be training a horse that is willing to please you, that is far easier to train down the track.

Teaching good behaviour right from the start will result in a horse that is a delight to own and ride, while keeping you as protected as feasible. Whether you realize it or not, you are training the horse by just riding it. So you must do this often to give your horse grounding and get it used to being ridden. This will result in you being far safer also.

Almost every incorrect action of a horse is caused by fear, anticipation or negligence. Once your horse has learned to come to you at the command of "Here" or similar basic commands and shows no alarm of the whip while it's lightly waved over his head, and will follow you all about, then you have laid an excellent basis for further instruction.

Sooner or later you will be able to train the horse to stay calm and relaxed as you run at him from any approach and the horse will stay calm and relaxed because they have thought about the circumstances and realised that they are not going to die.

If you know you will ultimately have more time to ride then you can keep your horse going well by doing some quick and easy to follow horse training exercises. There are many horse training tips you can utilise and w suggest a slowly but surely approach to get your horse comfortable with you being the boss and controlling any situations you are in.

By Calvin Joness

Learn more about Horse Training and horse related information and see various Horse Pictures by visiting our site

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Horse Racing Terminology

If you are interested in horse racing, you will want to learn the terminology. We will have a vocabulary list of terminology as it is related to the different aspects of horse racing.

Terminology related to the horse:

Colt: A male horse under 5 years of age.
Dam: The mother of the horse.
Filly: A female horse up to and including the age of 4.
Foal: Newly born thoroughbred, or until weaned. Can be a male horse or a female horse.
Gelding: Castrated male horse.
Maiden: A horse who has not won a race. Also used to describe a non-winning rider.
Sire: The father of the horse.
Stallion: An entire male horse.
Stud: Male horse used in breeding. Also is a breeding farm.
Yearling: Thoroughbred between the first New Year's Day after being foaled and the following January 1.

Terminology related to the track:

Paddock: A structure or area where the horses are saddled and viewed before post time.
Post: The starting point of the race or a position in the starting gate.
Post Parade: Horses going from the paddock to the starting gate passing the stands.
Post Position: The location of the stall in the starting gate from which a horse will start the race.
Totalisator: Machine used to sell and record betting tickets and shows odds.
Also figures and displays payoff figures on a totalisator board.
Track Record: The fastest time at various distances recorded at a particular track.

Terminology related to the jockey:

Jockey: The rider on the horse.
Silks: Jacket and cap worn by the jockey which designates the owner of the horse.
Set Down: To describe when a jockey has been suspended.
Post: The starting point of the race or a position in the starting gate.
Stick: A jockey's whip.

Terminology related to the race:

Also Ran: A horse that finishes out of the money.
Dead Heat: Two or more horses finishing in an exact tie at the wire.
Entry: Two or more horses owned by the same stable or in some cases trained by the same trainer and thus running as a single betting unit. A bet on one is a bet for both.
Field: The horses in a race.
Flat Race: Race on level ground as opposed to a hurdles race or steeplechase racing.
Furlong: One eighth of a mile; 220 Yards; 660 feet.

Terminology related to betting/wagering:

Daily Double: Type of wagering calling for the selection of winners of two consecutive races, usually the first and second races.
Trifecta: A wager picking the first three finishers in exact order.
Claiming Race: The horses may be purchased by a qualified, licensed person for the claiming price listed in that race.
Stakes Race: A race usually a feature race, for which an owner must pay a fee to run a horse.

Terminology related to horse racing occupations.

Ferrier: Blacksmith.
Valet: Person who attends riders and keeps their wardrobe and equipment in order.

Terminology related to horse diseases.

Blood Worms: Parasites that get into the blood stream.
Laminitis: Inflammation under horny wall of foot.

Horse racing terminology uses vocabulary not generally used in everyday conversations. If you are interested in horse racing, then you will need to study horse racing terminology. The above is just a small sampling of horse racing terminology. If you are interested in a more extensive list of horse racing terminology, I would refer you to "The American Racing Manual". This book is considered by many as the official encyclopedia of thoroughbred racing and is by DRF Press.

By Pasquale Vannucci

www.horsesvillage.com

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Horse Care - Getting The Right First Aid Kit - Understanding Worming

When you own and keep a horse the possibility of injuries ranges from a small scratch on the skin to lameness. Having a well stocked first aid kit in your yard enables you to treat injuries immediately which can prevent a small wound from becoming infected and resulting into a festering wound requiring veterinarian treatment.

Your first aid kit needs to be kept in a location that is easily accessed. All supplies should be well labeled and it is important to ensure that none of the items have expired. Your local veterinarian can be a wonderful source of information as to what products and items your first aid kit should contain.

Your veterinarian will also be able to supply you with products that are not sold over the counter, but that are essential for horse care. Some wounds and illness are best treated solely by your veterinarian; this is often dictated by law, by the severity and technical knowledge. Other times your veterinarian may initially treat your horse and have show you the follow up care that is needed for you to carry out yourself.

Mild superficial wounds are easily treated at home as long as you keep the wound clean and treated on a regular basis. If you have any doubt, always consult a veterinarian or a professional horse caretaker who can effectively advise you as to the next course of action.

Horse's health is maintained by having at least one veterinarian exam once a year. This can be coordinated with routine vaccinations your horse has, to prevent illness such as equine influenza.

Dental work in horses is often overlooked and it should not be since his mouth is centre of communication. The bit is placed in the mouth and works in a way to signal to the horse our intentions. When the horse has discomfort in his mouth due to his teeth, this often shows up in what we identify as misbehavior.

We could be riding our horse and wondering with some frustration as to why he is tossing up his head on a regular basis. The most common cause is in the mouth, a small tooth erupts called a wolf tooth and when the bit comes into contact with it, it causes pain. A qualified horse dentist or your veterinarian will examine the mouth for signs of the wolf tooth and extract it.

More simply your horse's health is affected by how he eats his food, if his teeth are interfering with how he ingests the food, he could lose weight and lack energy. A rasping once a year of the teeth will keep this in check.

Lastly but not least your horse needs to be wormed on a regular basis to ensure his health. There is no way to eliminate worms from the equine world, but there are several wormers on the market that can be administered to reduce the worm population and keep them out of your horse.

A good horse owner will have a basic first aid kit and be able to treat his horse, or call for professional help in his time of need.

By Benjamin Wise

Horse Guide.

Get information on buying, owning and caring for your horse, learn about Horse First Aid Kit and Worming. Learn about Horse riding safety.

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The Secret to Stopping a Horse from Backing Up, Bucking or Rearing

Have you ever been in a situation when riding your horse where his misbehaviour had you feeling vulnerable and out of control? Most riders will experience this situation more than once in their riding careers. How do you regain control without having the horse buck, rear or run backwards? There is a simple solution ... The bend is your friend. A horse in a true bend cannot buck or rear and can be quickly and easily stopped from backing up.

Creating True Bend

To create a true bend, apply pressure from your inside leg just behind the girth and ask the horse to yield his ribs. At the same time, open your inside rein to "open the door" into the turn. Keep his nose lined up with the centre of his chest so that you don't create over flexion in his neck by pulling his head in towards your leg. You want to create a nice bend through his spine from nose to tail with no kinks in his spine. Pulling his head to the inside will cause his outside shoulder to pull out of the bend making it more difficult for you to control the outside of his body .

Create a block to his outside shoulder by keeping your own outside shoulder back and maintaining contact on the outside rein. If your outside shoulder or arm slide forwards, you will be giving away the outside rein which will allow the horse to over flex himself and push through his outside shoulder. You may also need to use your outside upper leg as a block to your horse's outside shoulder.

As you get your horse bending & turning, ask him to go forward into the circle and gradually spiral in to a smaller & smaller circle. (Maintain contact on both the outside & inside reins without over flexing the neck & pulling the head in.) As the circle gets smaller, it becomes more difficult for the horse to go fast & he will slow himself down. Done correctly, both you & your horse remain balanced and in alignment which helps to decrease the stress both you are feeling.

Stopping Backing Up

If your horse is backing up, you can also use bend to your advantage to deal with this evasion. Again, keep an open inside rein, inside leg asking for the bend, outside shoulder back to maintain contact on the outside rein and outside upper leg blocking the outside shoulder. Rotate your core into the turn. Bring your inside leg back towards the hind quarter and push the hind end out of the bend. This action disengages the hind quarters. As soon as your horse stops backing up, ask him to walk forward into the bend. Maintain contact on the reins without pulling back. He must feel no block to going forward or he may start backing up again.

Remember that simple does not mean easy. To be in control when riding, your horse needs to have respect for your boundaries, blocks & pushes. You need to be supple and balanced in your seat and clear in your aids. To develop your own skills, practice on a well schooled, well behaved horse under the guidance of a professional trainer. As your skills progress, you will be able to apply them to a younger, less schooled or more challenging horse. Practice the exercises described above regularly so that they become second nature and you will have the ability to apply them effectively and proactively when your horse is getting out of control. Practice does not make perfect - Perfect Practice Makes Perfect.

By Anne Gage

Anne Gage is a Double Certified riding coach & horse trainer. She teaches adult riders to be confidently work with their horses, improve their riding skills and bring the joy back into their riding experience. Her training and coaching methods are based on building mutual trust & respect between horse and human. Anne coaches and trains clients out of High Point Farm near Orangeville, Ontario, Canada and also travels to other locations giving one & two day clinics. For more information, visit her website http://highpointfarm.homestead.com

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All The Necessary Vaccinations

There are a variety of diseases that plague the horse world. The wide majority of the ones that we have to be concerned with have a vaccination that, while it may not completely prevent them, it will definitely reduce the effect of the disease on your horse. It is imperative that horses are vaccinated on a regular basis, even if they are not going to be leaving the pasture. You never know what might float through the air from a sick horse in a passing trailer.

Influenza and Rhinopneumonitis

These are two harsh respiratory diseases that are similar to that of the human flu, symptoms and all. Depending on how often you travel with your horse, your vet may recommend that you have your horse vaccinated every 3 months or at least every 6 months if they aren't exposed to many other horses.

Tetanus

Tetanus is a bacterial disease that is contracted through open wounds. Anytime your horse seriously punctures or lacerates itself, you need to be certain your horse is up to date on his tetanus boosters. This bacterial disease can wreak havoc on your horse's nervous system and cause brain damage. The prognosis is not usually good for a horse that contracts tetanus so you want to do your best to prevent it. Symptoms are extreme sensitivity to touch and spasms in the neck and jaw muscles. Veterinarians recommend that horses be vaccinated at least once a year.

Equine Encephalomyelitis

There are three encephalomyelitis illnesses in the equine world. Most owners know them as WEE, EEE and VEE. These stand for Western, Eastern and Venezuelan Encephalomyelitis. Horses become infected with these diseases through mosquito bites. The disease attacks the nervous system and causes severe brain damage. Many horses do not survive or are rendered useless after being infected with the disease. It is recommended that horses in the southern part of the US be vaccinated with all three at least once a year. Horses in the northern states are not usually vaccinated for VEE. This would, however, depend on how much you travel with your horses and where.

West Nile Virus

In the past decade or so West Nile was added to the list of must have vaccinations. This disease spread like wild fire and killed many horses, birds and humans. This is another disease that is carried by mosquitoes and attacks the nervous system, similar to that of Equine Encephalomyelitis. Veterinarians recommend that horses be vaccinated at least once a year.

By Ron Petracek

Ron Petracek - Raised in Southern Idaho, Ron's love for Trucks,Horses and the outdoors all fell hand in hand. Ron loves to ride his horses and work on his diesel trucks in California where he now resides with his wife and two children. His love has founded two online business. To view the equine classified network just click here --> http://www.horsechitchat.com

The other is for diesel and automotive related fuel enhancement additives which can be viewed by just clicking here --> http://www.fuelboost.com

Stop on by and say hello. We also leave the door open for friends.

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