Improving Communication Between Horse and RiderImproving Communication Between Horse and RiderDeanna Castro's Professional Horse Blog. Training and Tips For You and Your Horse. 
Articles
A Flame Faced Pony
2008-11-04 11:30:00 I was at the horse sale, and they had 200 ponies come through. I don't know if I was allowed to take pictures or not, so I snapped only one with my phone. I really like the black pony with the white face. His markings looked like flames on his face. Whether that meant he was a demon or he was born to be a tiny barrel racer, I don't know but he sure was cute. There were also about 15 pony foals. Fredi already said that when Cristino gets older he's getting two of them. I read about a five year old boy who's father is a horse trainer and the kid has his own pony training business. This kid trains them and then runs them through a sale. There are a lot of people that want to buy the kid's ponies and they come from far and wide to buy them because he does such a great job training. How cute is that?They say ponies are much harder to train than horses. Is that because they are untrained, or are they really mostly pigs? Most of my experience with ponies was when ... More About: Pony , Flame
Posting The Trot Demonstration
2008-11-03 11:30:00 When I am working a horse, my usual riding routine mostly starts out the same. I mount, walk for a few minutes and then begin a brisk warm up with a working trot. In this video clip I am demonstrating the posting the trot. I digress... I'm brand new at this video thing, for some odd reason it looked a lot better before I uploaded it to iMovie, now it's pretty grainy. I can tell a rider one hundred times how to do something or I can show them once and get the same results. When I was on the other side and taking riding lessons I used to watch my instructor demonstrate, and then as I would ride I would visualize her and emulate.As your instructor this is what I would ask you to watch for during this demonstration:Rise and sit softly. I am not rising too high out of the saddle and then slamming down on the horse's back.Hands taking hold of the horse's mouth while remaining still and soft. I find the position that best helps my horse balance and collect, then I s... More About: Demonstration
Stable Scoop Episode 12 - Economy
2008-11-03 04:24:00 The economy is in a sad state these days. What I have been doing personally to try and combat the recession is to spend more money on investing in advertising my horse business and my new blog which is soon to be revealed!. What has been saving me through these tough times is "not putting all my eggs in one basket". With finances as well as riding, I have to try and get creative and if what I am doing doesn't work, I just try something else. I feel that the only way to make money is to spend money, but spending money wisely on something that will give me a return on my investment. That's my two cents on the subject...Enjoy this weeks episode!DeannaThis episode of the Stable Scoop Radio Show is brought to you by the Horse Radio Network._________________________________ ________How are these economic downturns affecting horse business owners and what can they do to get through? Four guests that know a whole lot about horse businesses help us evaluate the options and what bu... More About: Economy , Episode
This Week In Horse Blogs
2008-10-31 10:30:00 Ignorance is not bliss! Tasteful Tips For Transporting Your Horse - Regarding HorsesHow Much Grass Equals A Flake Of Hay? - Behind The BitRead This First...Holy. Crap. Fired Up Friday Strikes Again - Oh HorseFeathers & Related Twisted "Tails"...then Read THISThen...Project Shake-Up - Fugly Horse Of The Day More About: Blogs , Week
A $10 Horse
2008-10-30 10:30:00 I went to the horse auction on Monday, and I was talking to one of the regulars and she told me that last week a horse sold for $10. Ten dollars! Can you believe that? I asked her what kind of horse could you get for that price, I was thinking it must have had three legs or something. She said it was a nice sound horse. That actually makes me feel really sad that such a magnificent animal can have such a low value. I hope with the low price horses are selling for that people who buy them can afford to take care of them. Just because a horse is cheap to buy, doesn't mean they are cheap to feed that's for sure. My Father warned me a while ago that the price of horses would drop once they were not allowed to go for slaughter anymore. He would never sell a horse for slaughter, but he's a very matter of fact kind of guy and tells it like it is.I have been going to horse auctions with him since I was a kid, and I have always had a hard time with some of the horse's ... More About: Horse
Clip Of The Week - Pard's Western Wear Boot Seminar
2008-10-29 10:30:00 For all you Western Boot Lovers out there. More About: Clip , Seminar , Week , Wear
Refining Your Leg Aids - Part Three, Leg Pressure
2008-10-27 10:30:00 This is the last Monday in October, so in the final installment of "Refining Your Leg Aids " we will discuss the amount of leg pressure to use to cue your horse.It is very important that we teach our horses to be light and responsive, yet I see many riders with stiff and rigid legs. The fix just takes some thought, understanding and practice.Try this:Open your left hand all the way open and don't be shy.Take your right index finger and touch the palm of your left hand. Don't press your finger into the palm of your hand, just use the weight of your finger to touch it.That is how much leg pressure I use to cue a broke horse to turn. There are times I will need more leg pressure for things, such as collecting the horse while trotting, teaching him something new, etc. but in general when asking the horse to turn or change a gait I will use just a touch of my leg to communicate with the horse.Touch your palm again a few times, yes it really is that light. If a horse can feel a fly... More About: Part
Stable Scoop Episode 11 - Cloning
2008-10-26 10:30:00 This episode of the Stable Scoop Radio Show is brought to you by the Horse Radio Network.Stable Scoop Radio Show Episode 11 - The Cloning Episode with ViagenStable Scoop takes on cloning this week with two of the most knowledgeable guests on the subject. We are joined by Blake Russell, VP of Business Development for ViaGen, "the" cloning company in the United States. He joins us for an enlightening talk on how cloning is done, why it is is done and addresses the many negative feelings people have toward it. Then we finish out the discussion with Jos Mottershead of Equine-Reproduction.com. Jos is one of the leading authorities in the country on advanced breeding of horses. How does he feel about cloning? This is an episode you do not want to miss.Stable Scoop Episode 11 - Show Notes and Links: Blake Russell, VP of Business Development for ViaGen. ViaGen is the sole cloning company for horses in the United States and can be found at ViaGen.com. Jos Mottershead is one of the most...
Sales and Specials
2008-10-25 11:30:00 I have never been one to pay full price for an item. The Internet has really helped me find bargains especially during this recession. Christmas is right around the corner...Here are some deals I found interesting this week:Kodiak blankets 40%off plus free shipping - Horseloverz.comBimectin 1.87 Ivermectin Paste $2.25 - Big Dee's Tack & Vet SuppliesEnter Promo Code WC213Q at checkout Specials valid web only through 09/28/08 50% off all Horse License Plates - Wild West Living Promo Code LC50 Expires 12/15/08 More About: Sales
This Week In Horse Blogs
2008-10-24 11:30:00 Bumper Stickers, Photo's, and Injuries Oh My!My other car is a horse: the new car in my life! - Behind The BitPicture Perfect - Food For Founder“Bowed” Tendons and “Pulled” Suspensories - Ask The Vet BlogLondon- The Last Day 10/23/08 - Shiloh Horse Rescue and SanctuarySkywatch Friday At The Gate - The 7MSN Ranch More About: Blogs , Week
Stranger Things Have Happened
2008-10-23 11:30:00 Just not to me or at the barn.We have a paint mare at the barn named Dusty Pebbles. A few months ago, I got a new student who brought her horse to the barn. He's a paint too. I kept saying that he acted like Dusty with the way he liked to do patterns. I was telling my student that I think he must have reining blood and that I would like to see his papers.Well, the other night, the gelding's previous owners came to the barn to see him and when they got to Dusty's stall they said "Dusty?!!! Is that Dusty Pebbles?"" My student said, "Yes" and then his previous owner said, "She's his mother!". I knew she had a baby, I just didn't know he was that baby. She has reining in her blood lines so now it all makes sense.It wasn't like the two horses came from down the street, it was something like 100 miles away. Dusty moved to the barn about four and a half years ago, and her "son" this past summer. I got on the phone and called everyone I knew, I conferenced Dusty's own... More About: Things
Just A Couple of Fun Congress Pictures...
2008-10-21 12:26:00 Smiles that melt my heart.Pugsly had his own little basket to ride in while cruising around in the golf cart.The smallest saddle I've ever seen...Cristino looks ready to ride. He just needs some boots.Haley eating fake grapes in a horse trailer.My dream truck. A girl can dream right? More About: Congress , Pictures , Couple
Refining Your Leg Aids - Part Two, Balance and Feel
2008-10-20 11:30:00 Last week we started with October’s Theme Refining Your Leg Aids – Part One, Timing. This week I would like to build upon that with an exercise to help you develop balance in your seat and feel in your calf.The best way to feel proper leg position is to ride without stirrups. Stirrups can get in the way sometimes and impede your leg position. At first riding without stirrups may be uncomfortable. If it is uncomfortable, you are not completely balanced in your seat. When you have perfect balance you should enjoy riding more without stirrups than with them.Not to worry, with practice you will eventually be completely comfortable and dropping your stirrups regularly.What is the best way to get comfortable riding without stirrups?Practice until it IS comfortable.Start riding without stirrups at the halt, progress to the walk, jog, trot (post without stirrups too), the lope and or canter. If you are not comfortable walking a horse without your feet in the stirrups, then don... More About: Balance , Feel
It's Good To Be The Queen
2008-10-19 11:30:00 The Quarter Horse Congress Queen that is...The Quarter Horse Congress was AWESOME as always. I feel like a fish in water there. There are beautiful horses, trucks, trailers, clothes, dogs, and shopping galore. I totally didn't want to leave, a week just wasn't enough. We got to go to all of the demonstrations that we had planned, and I feel so energized. For those of you who are not familiar with the Congress, it is the world's largest single breed horse show held each year for three weeks in Columbus, Ohio. The Quarter Horse Congress is all glitz and glam with nothing being more glamorous than being awarded the title of Congress Queen.How it works:Each association can choose one queen candidate. Judging selections are based on the following criteria:a. 40% Oral Interview. Judged by outstanding people in the field on candidate's poise, appearance and personality.b. 40% Written Test. Knowledge of horses and the breed. All questions taken from the 2008 AQHA Official H... More About: Good , The Queen
Stable Scoop Episode 10 - Eventing with Gina Miles
2008-10-18 11:30:00 If you are at all interested in the sport of Three Day Eventing you don’t want to miss episode 10 of The Stable Scoop Radio Show. Hosts Glenn the Geek and Helena B. start with an early morning chat with Olympic Silver Medalist Gina Miles . They explore life since her silver medal at the Olympics, McKinlaigh's time off and what's next. The second half the show is devoted to the considerable safety changes in Eventing this year. Joanie Morris of the United States Equestrian Federation reviews the changes and talks about what is next. Gina Miles life has been a whirlwind since her silver medal in individual Eventing at the 2008 Olympics in Hong Kong. Gina speaks on the show about what it has been like for her since the games with the constant parties and appearances. She also talks about her life with McKinlaugh, the Irish Sport Horse that she describes as “a once in a lifetime horse”.After the interview with Gina the discussion on the show turns to the USEF’s moves this... More About: Episode
This Week In Horse Blogs
2008-10-17 15:28:00 Some fun and or informative stuff!Chelsi's Rant On Beating Up Punk Kid - Adventures of A Horse Crazed Mind*Warning! The above blog post contains some foul language.More on the Photo Shoot 16oct08 - The Eqqus InkEntrecard: horse bloggers out there, interested? - Behind The BitSkywatch Friday - Somewhere over the fogbow - The 7MSN RanchHalt Behavior: What's Your Preference? - Nuzzling MuzzlesUsing Hoof-It and Equithane for a Multiday Endurance Ride, Plus Rocky’s Red Easyboots After 250 Miles - Karen’s Musings & Endurance Ride Stuff More About: Blogs , Week
Refining Your Leg Aids - Part One Timing Corrections
2008-10-13 11:30:00 In my riding program, I like to focus on one main theme each month and build upon that skill or exercise. The theme for October is developing a better leg. Here on the blog each week I will focus on one component to help you develop a better, stronger, quicker, refined, and more coordinated leg aids.This week the focus is on timing. The last time I spoke about timing in the Trinity of Horseback Riding Series - Part Three Timing . There are different types of timing when riding, but today I would like to talk about the timing of your legs.The quicker you make a correction on a horse, the better. If you make a correction instantly and consistently each time a horse makes a mistake he will quickly understand what you want from him. If you are slow on your correction, the horse will become confused and not understand what you are asking.Here's an example: The horse steps to the right and you wanted him to step to the left. He turns his head and looks at something out... More About: Corrections , Aids
A Letter From The Editor
2008-10-12 11:30:00 For those of you regular readers, you know I recently had a baby. It's been challenging to say the least. I spent most of my pregnancy in bed, and my body is taking quite some time getting back into shape. Each time I try and get starting riding, I have been getting injured. Breast feeding doesn't allow me to diet, and it really saps my energy but I always do watch what I eat.Four months and I still have 40 pounds to lose. One nice thing, Cristino looks at me like I am the most beautiful woman in the world. That helps a lot. I thought that as soon as the baby was born life would be back to normal. Silly naive me...It's more than just being over weight, it's disheartening to have a limit. I am so used to being so strong and invincible, an injury never stopped me before. Now if I am injured it effects the rest of the family. My strength is coming back slowly but surely and I am spending more time in the saddle each week. I have some ways to "work around" the weig... More About: Letter , Editor
Stable Scoop Radio Show
2008-10-11 11:30:00 I am currently away from my computer at The Quarter Horse Congress, so to check out this weeks episode of The Stable Scoop Radio Show Click HERE!
This Week In Horse Blogs
2008-10-10 11:30:00 Equine Blog Potpourri!Sundays In The Life Of A Freelance Riding Instructor - (Freelance) Riding Instructors DiaryBest. Forum. Post. Ever. - Fugly Horse Of The DayThe Big Topic: Horse Life in a Time of Change - Julie Thorson's Horse TalkOver Supplementing Horses - Ask The VetProfile On: Joann Dawson, Equine Author - EquusShould Round Penning Be Banned? - CowboyHorseTraining.com More About: Blogs , Week
Please Don't Blame The Horse
2008-10-09 11:30:00 Something that weighs heavy on my mind is when riders fail to see the opportunity to learn that their horse is giving them. I don't like to see a rider frustrated with a horse that will not perform well because of rider error. I like to think of myself as the horse's advocate. Of course horses make mistakes, but they really only make mistakes because they are mirroring their rider...If you can't get your horse to turn, lope, balance or whatever try and find a new way to communicate with the horse what you want. Be a problem solver and find a way to remedy the situation.There are times when horses are misbehaving, but then again if they are misbehaving it is because of their own ignorance and lack of training. Why is the horse's training lacking? Because a human has not trained him thoroughly.Horse s cannot speak with words so we must listen to their actions. Be the leader, but a good leader always listens to the needs of others. I'm not saying let the horse grab a b... More About: Blame
What To Pack For A Trail Ride
2008-05-29 21:05:00 The weather is beautiful, and if you aren’t out already it’s time to relax and do some trail riding.Trail riding is such a nice break for horse and rider from a rigorous training schedule.I like to pack a cantle bag with a few small items before I go on a trail ride. The trail rides I take are usually one to three hours long, and this is what I pack:Mobile PhoneKnifeRoping Rein (Just in case a rein breaks!)Lip BalmWaterVet WrapChicago ScrewsA Mini flashlight when I do a later trail rideAnd what I don’t but should pack – A whistle for the times I ride alone.Here is a picture of my knife and my flashlight. The flashlight I just clip on the rings of my saddle. It is there if I need it. The knife has a clip I so I clip it onto the top on the inside of my boot.What do you like to pack for a trail ride?Deanna More About: Ride , Pack
Product Review - FURminator deShedding Equine Tool
2008-05-27 15:14:00 We got to try out a new product this weekend called the FURminator deShedding Equine Tool Fredi, Myself & Perry all flipped for it.When I got my FURminator in the mail it was like Christmas so I ripped open the package. I couldn’t get to the barn right away so I had to test it out on the Pug. I don’t know if the rest of you are like me, but when I get something new especially for a horse I have to have it out of the package and play with it immediately. I brushed the dog and all of that dead under coat started coming out in the blade. He sat quietly and allowed me to brush him. When I use a regular brush he usually squirms around and looks at me with those big sad eyes. He is kind of fragile so it was nice that I could be gentle and the grooming tool still worked.I had one horse left in the barn that had not yet shed out and I was saving the test for her, but by the time I had gotten to the barn her owner had come and groomed her for hours so I couldn’t do the true ... More About: Product Review , Review , Product
Spring Shots
2008-05-24 22:12:00 This year we were a bit late in getting the horses their spring shots. Fredi has been doing double duty the past few months and couldn't take out the time any sooner to get it done. Everything went pretty smooth. As usual, I like to sit with Dr. Hachten and ask a few questions. He's been our vet since I was a little girl, and he is such a wealth of knowledge.I told him Perry is on a regular deworming program, but she is still rubbing her tail. Doc says that those are external parasites, nothing a little head & shoulders anti-dandruff shampoo won't fix. What a great tip! I thought I would pass that along.After Doc left, Fredi rode Orion who is an eight year old green broke horse that we somewhat recently acquired. The horse has been sitting for awhile, and it's time to get some training on him. O started out by trying to rear, and calling to the other horses. By the time Fredi was finished the horse was calm, quiet, and they were working on some nice looking spins.... More About: Spring , Shots
Bareback Mounting With a Spotter
2008-05-21 17:06:00 Here is yet another Bareback Mounting Video. I know I am doing a lot of this, but mounting the horse is the beginning of all riding right? I wanted to show how to give a spot to a rider to mount the horse. This is Cassie mounting Perry, I know she's young, talented, and in great shape but in the beginning she struggled to learn to mount bareback like anyone else.Fredi spots Cassie under her arms, and does not lift her. Cassie does all the work. Fredi is just there for a little support. Especially if she came back down and could trip on the mounting block. If you look at the height of the horse and the height of the rider, you can see even with the mounting block it is a bit of a challenge for a young rider.Fredi spots riders of all sizes, abilities,and ages this way. If you spot the rider in the correct way it takes minimal effort regardless of rider size. With a taller heavier rider I would suggest first trying the mount without a mounting block. Even if the rider doesn...
Reader Question: Showmanship Crossovers
2008-05-19 20:56:00 Showmanship Question : When judge is inspecting 4 horses away do other exhibitors move according to where judge is even if the judge is not inspecting you?Specifically, if I am exhibitor A and judge is inspecting exhibitor C, 2 horses down, if judge is on far side (to me) of Horse C at the quarters, does exhibitor A move to off side of his horse stay on the side?Thank you,ChristineReader Question Part Three!Hi Christine,This is such a great question for showmanship. I took some time before answering it because it’s so difficult to explain without some pictures. At the moment, a photo isn’t an option for me, so I had been looking for one on the Internet that I could use for the explanation. Well, I didn’t find one. So I will answer the question without it and hopefully the explanation alone helps.First I’d like to say, always show for four horses down even if you are not the one being judged. The best way to know you are on the correct side of the judge is that you can e... More About: Crossovers , Showmanship
Everybody Gets To Ride But Meeeeeee :(
2008-05-15 17:43:00 Time is ticking, and I am on the last leg of my pregnancy. I cannot wait until I can get back to riding! Now I'm going to whine and say, "Everyone gets to ride but me! Even the dog gets to sit on the horse's back.I guess you can tell we really do need to have a baby so we can stop treating the Pug like one. Pugsly has a pretty decent wardrobe, winter, fall, spring, and summer clothes and accessories. Yeah, sad I know.I think Perry's face says it all in this picture. She usually loves to get her picture taken, but with Pugsly on her back she looks humiliated, she wouldn't even look at the camera. Pulgsly's eyes are saying, "help me" and Fredi is beaming like a proud Daddy. Obviously, we need this real baby.My doctor says I should go into labor in the next week, cross your fingers for me because the sooner I go, the sooner I will be back in the saddle. Not to mention, it would be nice to see my feet again.To everyone else I say, have fun riding for me!Deanna More About: Ride
Bareback Mount For The Rest Of Us - Jump & Cast
2008-05-12 18:03:00 I will be getting back to part three of my reader question series this week, but first I would like to add a second Fredi Bareback Video Clip.I refer to this style of mounting as "Beginner" but it's not beginner rider, but beginner bareback rider. It is the way I mount bareback, it is much easier than the Native American Style mount. Until you can mount that way this is our alternative! To clarify what Fredi is doing in the Video:Place your left hand on the reins and horse's mane. Grab some of that neck fat too, it helps and makes it easier on the horse.Place your right hand with fingers spread apart on the lowest part of the horse's back.Jump straight up and a little forward pushing with your fingers to lift. (Practice this jump a few times before you attempt to get on the horse's back if necessary.) Aim high, to the top you your legs so your thighs are resting on the horse, not your stomach. You will notice when most people mount bareback they aim too low and then strugg... More About: Cast , Rest , Mount
Bareback Blooper
2008-05-10 22:07:00 I wanted to get to the barn to do a couple of video clips of Fredi riding bareback before the baby comes and I don't have time or free hands to shoot a video.Unfortunately, the horse was having a bad day today so Fredi had to keep doing this bareback mount over and over. This was about take 15 or 20 in a row, and he was starting to get tired. I thought it was cute so I would keep it and post it anyway. Sorry about my hideous laughter, but he almost wiped out as he pulled the horse forward and it cracked me up, so you may want to turn off the volume!In this clip Fredi is demonstrating how to mount a horse Native American Style. The key is to grab the mane and swing using momentum to get onto the horse. The only piece of equipment Fredi is really using is a roper rein and a halter. He is working toward bareback and bridleless and has already eliminated the bit and bridle. He didn't opt for a hackamore, because he is trying to go as natural as possible.Have a laugh at our expense ;)D... More About: Blooper
Upward Transitions - Leg Aids
More articles from this author:2008-05-08 19:17:00 This is part two to the reader question...For upward transitions does the rider use both legs together or left leg, right leg with motion of horse? Are the leg aids different for each gait or the same?For an upward transition to the walk, jog, and trot, I will use both legs together. Two legs together will tell the horse to move forward and remain collected. The two legs together will encourage the horse to drop his head and round his back. Using one leg at a time will probably result in the horse being flat instead of round. Some horses are more prone to collection than others, that is why I say "probably". With a lope or a canter, I will use my outside leg mainly. I will move my outside leg slightly back when I ask for the lope or the canter. I will also use my inside leg as a brace to keep the horse from moving to the inside. I will just keep my inside leg next to the horse so that he knows I am not just asking him to move his hip to the inside when he strikes off at the l... More About: Transitions , Aids 1, 2, 3, 4 |
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