Improving Communication Between Horse and Rider

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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....
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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
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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...
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Upward Transitions - Leg Aids
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

Downward Tranisitions - Rein Aids
2008-05-06 19:34:00
Recently I had a reader question from Christine on "Downward Transitions for Rein Aids ". I really like answering reader questions. Many times I just do things, I know what I am doing but they are actions not put to words. Hi Deanna,Question. When performing a downward transition what are the specific rein aids? 1. Both reins together: squeezing reins simultaneously with slight resistance or2. Gentle pull - pull back with both reins or3. Pull back left rein then right rein or squeeze right rein then squeeze left rein. Please clarify. Seat and legs are used; it's the rein aids I need assistance on.Hi Christine,Thanks for the great questions. I will break them down over the next few posts to give each one the attention they deserve. With the reader questions I can really think about what I do step-by-step and put it into writing so keep those questions coming!Transition- to go up or down in gate. From a halt to a walk, a walk to a jog, a canter to a halt, etc.When performing a ...

Blocker Tie Ring
2008-05-02 19:38:00
It's not often that I find a "new" piece of horse equipment that I find so extraordinary but I was recently alerted to The Blocker Tie Ring . It's fantastic for training a horse that pulls back when tied.Usually when I sack out a horse, I only ground tie him but with the Blocker Tie Ring you can safely tie the horse while you sack him out and teach him to stand comfortably tied at the same time. You don't have to worry about any more broken ties, halters, lead ropes, or worst of all a broken neck.You can use the tie rings with a single tie, cross ties, or trailer ties. I think I need at least ten of them.Check it out HERE.Deanna

Stacy Westfall On The Ellen DeGeneres Show
2008-04-30 22:26:00
Here is a wonderful clip of Stacy Westfall and her horse Roxy on the Ellen DeGeneres Show from back in March. I have to admit, I have been a bit obsessed with riding bareback lately. I guess it comes from Fredi, whom has been doing all the riding and training since I have been unable ride. I live vicariously through him. I call him my "show pony". I am always showing him off, because I can't do anything myself these days. "Fredi, show my Dad how you stand up and walk on the horse's back..." They shake their heads and laugh with me. Or is it at me? I love this video, it will bring a smile to your face and a tear to your eye. Well, it did mine and I'd like to think it's not just the pregnancy hormones ;)Enjoy!Deanna
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Western Pleasure Critique – The Walk
2008-04-28 19:55:00
This is Tori and her cute gelding Iza Hot Shot. This picture was taken at the NY State Fair in 2007, where she was showing him in Western Pleasure . You may remember this pair from the Showmanship Pivot Critique .In a Western Pleasure Class, the horse is judged as opposed to the rider. Tori’s gelding is perfectly turned out, and I do like her choice in color for her clothing, it complements her horse well.Even though this is not an equitation class where the rider is being judged, good equitation is always necessary to help the horse stay happy. A good Western Pleasure horse is a happy horse.Notice the horse’s expression, he is slightly irritated. It appears Tori is asking him to move closer to the rail, and he would have preferred to stay where he was. What would help him to be more willing would be if Tori would turn out her stirrups. I’m sure she holds the proper position with her legs normally, but her show saddle appears to be a bit stiff, and it does not allow for...
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Riding Instructor - SCAM
2008-04-23 20:08:00
I would just like to pass this around. I assure you it is 100% true. This is not one of those stupid forwards, I Deanna Castro am writing this warning myself. There is a scam going on to con riding instructors out of money. I am sure this can be used in other areas of the horse industry as well, so please read carefully.The riding school or instructor is contacted by a foreign "wealthy business man" who's son or daughter is staying in the country, while the parents are out of the country. The father would like the son to become a horse trainer, and wants to train three (or whatever number he chooses) days per week. The father sets up lessons for six months, a year, whatever of lessons and wants to "pay in advance".A check is then sent to the instructor for thousands of dollars more than the agreed upon amount. Guess what happens next? The father asks for the refund of the over paid money. The check is a cashier check so it's as good as cash right? Wrong. It's a fake, an...
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Jigging & Rearing - Part Three, Riding The Horse Forward
2008-04-21 18:34:00
In conclusion to our Three Part Series - Jigging & Rearing that was inspired by a reader question, I would like to add the last installment, Jigging & Rearing - Part Three Riding The Horse Forward .Once you have completed the Physical Evaluation and done your Ground Training, you will be ready to get back on the horse and ride.Riding The Horse Forward:If you have not seen progress with the groundwork, don’t take the matter into your own hands, enlist the help of a professional trainer.Assuming your horse’s behavior is now modified, you now have the horse willing to work and not threatening to rear, you will be ready to stay on her back and work through the problem. Refusing to move forward.By longeing, the horse should be in better shape and more willing to trot and canter while you are riding.I would first begin this training in the arena before taking her back out on the trail again. When I am training any horse, I like to walk a lap or two in the arena, and then trot ...

Jigging & Rearing - Part Two, Ground Training
2008-04-19 14:34:00
Continuing on from the last post Jigging & Rearing - Part One, Physical Evaluation I would like to continue on answering the reader question. When I ride her she is calm and nice. BUT if I go faster than a walk to begin with she will go all funny and do (what I would explain it as) a humpy canter sideways and I cant make her stop! She will do it all the way out and home again...I’ve been very calm to her and tried calming her down but if she stops all she does is rear up. If I click her to move forward, I end up giving up getting off and walking her home.I really love my horse and riding, but for some reason she has changed and I just don't no what to do about it :(After the Physical Evaluation has been completed and we have assessed that there are no problems in this area we realize it is a gap in the horse's training. The next step I would take is to do some ground training to try and fix the problem.Ground Training Take the time to put some really good training on the gro...

Jigging & Rearing - Part One, Physical Evaluation
2008-04-17 18:18:00
I had a reader question about a horse jigging and rearing wile out on the trail. The weather is beautiful and this question could not have had better timing.My answer to the question is not going to be short, so I will be breaking it down into three parts over the next few posts. I think this is a problem that many riders face at different levels in the arena and especially out on the trail. I am going to give this question the attention that it deserves by dividing it into three parts Physical Evaluation , Ground Training, and Riding the Horse Forward.Hi, my name is Sarah and I have a problem with my horse.When I ride her she is calm and nice. BUT if I go faster than a walk to begin with she will go all funny and do (what I would explain it as) a humpy canter sideways and I cant make her stop! She will do it all the way out and home again...I’ve been very calm to her and tried calming her down but if she stops all she does is rear up. If I click her to move forward, I end up ...
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Jumping Critique - By Bex
2008-04-14 15:59:00
Hello readers,I am thrilled to announce that one of my favorite bloggers Bex who is a Show Jumper From New Zeland, and Blog Author of I Will Jump Sweet Jumps has agreed to a guest post and will be doing the following critique of Gabrielle and her gelding Jesse in a Hunter Hack class at BRVHA (brvha.com). Enjoy!Hey all, I would like to start out by thanking Deanna for asking me to do this guest blog and to say I hope I can offer some good advice.GabrielleThere are several things that I see in this picture that I really like, but there are also several faults that tend to be inter-related. The first thing that jumps out at me is that for jumping her stirrups are very long. As the horse jumps you want to be able to clear your butt out of the saddle, and the easiest way to do this is by having your stirrups relatively short. I ride one hole shorter for showjumping and another hole shorter again for cross country. However, it needs to be noted that I ride my flatwork in a very short stir...
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Riding Is A Partnership
2008-04-09 18:24:00
I would like to add some of my thoughts as they relate to my last post, Bareback & Bridleless - Stacy Westfall.I am really big on achieving complete control over every part of a horse’s body. A broke horse will give me control over his body from his ears to his tail. I want to be able to control every step my horse takes.But, riding is a partnership. So while I am able to control every step that does not mean I have to control every step.I think that is very clearly demonstrated in the video of Stacy during her freestyle reining run. She worked the pattern with her horse, and he obviously wanted to do what she asked without any resistance.Just because we are able to control every part of the horse’s body, does not mean we do not give up some of that control to the horse. Once the horse learns his job, get out of his way and let him do it. This is not to say when he makes a mistake we are not there to immediately correct it, but we should be able to sit back and give sub...
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Bareback & Bridleless - Stacy Westfall
2008-04-08 18:36:00
Fredi Castro, my husband and fellow horse trainer specializes in Native American Horsemanship. Therefore he does most of his training bareback. So whenever we see another trainer riding bareback especially a major horse show, we find it pretty exciting.Stacy Westfall has been everywhere lately, including this month’s cover of Horse & Rider Magazine. Check out Stacy Westfall’s Freestyle Reining AQHA Congress 2006 Championship Run, bareback and bridleless. It’s truly amazing. After watching the video I have a new goal for Fredi, and fortunately he has agreed. After watching this video, I bet you ditch your saddle for a few rides and get excited about bareback again.Enjoy!Deanna

Showmanship Pivot Critique
2008-04-05 18:32:00
I couldn’t resist taking a break from the English Equitation Series, to post a Showmanship Critique . Showmanship is my specialty, once I received this picture; I had to write a post. Please feel free to ask questions if something is not clear.This is Tori and her gelding Iza Hot Shot performing a 180 degree turn, in Western Showmanship at a Black River Valley Horse Association Show.The pivot is the most difficult maneuver in a Grooming and Showmanship Class. The exhibitor who performs the best pivot, often times wins the class.Grooming:Tori has her horse beautifully groomed, he is spotless actually. Those of us with Paints know how difficult that can be! What I would suggest is that she outfits her horse in some Sleezy Sleepwear the night before to allow the mane to lie more flat the next day. A Sleezy Hood works better than a regular hood, or even a mane tamer. From what I see, she probably had the bands perfect the night before, and by the next morning, they were not ly...

English Equitation - The Trot
2008-04-03 20:39:00
Here is Gabrielle posting and trotting her gelding Jesse. The following information can be applied training at home as well as an equitation class. I always teach my Western horses and riders to post and trot. Learning to extend the horse makes for a well-rounded horse and rider.Rider: Equitation Gabrielle is a very pretty rider. Her ear, hip, and heel are in perfect alignment. She has a nice soft bend in her elbow. Those qualities are excellent.The same as the back up, I would ask that she elevate her chin slightly, and look ahead instead of down at the horse. I am not sure if she is glancing down to watch the horse, or probably to check her diagonal. At home, it’s fine to glance down with your eyes, but while showing I like to see riders are able to feel the position on the horse rather than have to look and check the position. To be on the correct diagonal at this point in Jesse’s stride, I would like to see Gabrielle completely sitting in the saddle. I also believe he...
More About: English

English Equitation - The Back Up
2008-03-31 23:10:00
Here is Gabrielle backing her gelding Jesse at the end of their class. The following information can be applied to any class that you may be asked to back the horse, not just an equitation class.Rider: Equitation First I’d like to say Gabrielle’s position looks great. Her ear, hip, and heel are in perfect alignment. She has a nice soft bend in her elbow. I would also like to note how calm and relaxed she looks.I would ask that she elevate her chin slightly, and look ahead instead of down at the horse. At home, it’s fine to glance down with your eyes, but while showing I like to see riders are able to feel the position on the horse rather than have to look and check the position. I would also say to shift her shoulders slightly back. By bringing her shoulders back (approximately one inch) that will help her lift Jesse up off of his forehand. When she brings her shoulders back slightly her hands will be a bit farther apart and be more effective. I like to see a riders ha...
More About: English , Back , Back-up

English Equitation
2008-03-28 20:15:00
Reader Question:I've seen so many different people's equitation, and I've been told to sit in so many different positions that I don't know what the correct way to ride English looks like. What do I have to feel and look for when I'm riding English?GabrielleMy Answer:Hi Gabrielle,Thanks for the question. Here are some suggestions on English Equitation I hope I can help clear a few things up for you.Equitation – Refers to the position of the rider. In an equitation class, the rider is judged as opposed to the horse. One caveat, if the horse is collected it will always make the rider look better.PostureThe proper way to sit is with your ear, hip, and heel in a straight line. I take a longe whip and hold it up next to my students vertically to allow them to see their own line and make adjustments accordingly. I make a straight line with the whip, and the student should adjust that the ear, hip, and heel is in alignment.Your chin should be straight ahead, not up in the air o...

Careers With Horses
2008-03-27 03:09:00
In an effort to make “Improving Communication Between Horse and Rider” more interactive I have added a job board to the blog.There are so many careers out there with horses. Who would like to work inside without horses when they don’t have to? Even cleaning stalls somehow feels therapeutic.There are jobs such as Horse Trainers, Wranglers, Grooms, and everything in between. Check out the job board if you are in the market for a job in the horse industry or would like to advertise a job you have available.Some of the jobs do sometimes include lodging, if needed you could pick up and completely change your life. That is especially exciting for someone who isn't rooted someplace with responsibility!Even if you are not interested in changing careers, it’s still fun to look. I will be adding new jobs weekly.There is a permanent link on the sidebar of the blog, or you can check out The Job Board by clicking HERE.
More About: Careers , Horses

Quarter Horse Tube
2008-03-24 19:40:00
So we have all heard of YouTube , but have you heard of Quarter Horse Tube? While it is still in the soft launch phase I'm pretty excited about it. The Internet has really changed how the horse industry can do business.Quarter Horse Tube is a Global Quarter Horse Broadcast.Quarter Horse Tube is all Quarter Horse Videos of horses for sale, all different events, and fun stuff including pictures. This is a free service and I think it's spectacular. I hope the other breeds follow suit because it is so convenient for everyone involved in the horse industry.There are also educational clips posted by members, so this in no way is limited to owners of only Quarter Horses.Check it out at quarterhorsetube.comDeanna

Riding Patterns & Maneuvering Obstacles
2008-03-21 19:11:00
When riding a horse, you will have either “Power Steering” or “Manual Steering”. What is the difference?Power Steering – The horse is collected and extremely easy to steer, when I ask the horse to turn he will turn when and where I have asked him.Manual Steering – The horse is difficult to steer, and he will not respond quickly when I ask him to turn.A broke horse will have power steering and an unbroke horse will only have manual steering.Some riders may appear to be in control when riding a horse…But, it’s not until there is a pattern to ride or there are obstacles to maneuver that you realize just how much control they do not have.Many times I see riders who want to turn right, but the horse decides to turn left, and the rider decides at the last minute that they would like to turn left anyway. There is no commitment by the rider. This is quite normal for beginning and intermediate riders so we need to step things up a level and teach the rider to commit while r...
More About: Patterns , Riding

First Aid Kit For Horses
2008-03-19 18:21:00
You know what they say about horses:"They can find a needle in a haystack and then get injured by it."It’s a great idea to have a First Aid Kit ready. By having a First Aid Kit ready, if your horse gets into trouble, you don’t have to go rummaging around for some basic supplies. I am not a vet, but I always liked speaking with my vet and figuring out some basic treatments I can do myself at home. My vet had always been aware that I would often rescue horses and to try and keep the costs down. He would help me figure out what I could do on my own without the extra cost of him making a trip to the farm.It would be a good idea to check with your vet about a First Aid Kit for your needs at your horse’s next vet appointment. Have him or her look over your inventory and make suggestions as necessary.I keep my first aid kit stocked with:VetWrap – used to wrap any injuries, but it has many uses!A cotton roll – for cleaning and protectingGauzeBoric Acid – To be used as eyewas...
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Parts of The Western Saddle - Interactive
2008-03-17 16:52:00
I always notice there are many great examples of the Parts of The English Saddle , but not as many examples of Parts of the Western Saddle. This weekend my Dear Husband took me to the barn to take... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
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"The Power Of The one Rein Stop"
2008-03-15 01:38:00
Right now I am unable to ride being seven months pregnant, so I am living vicariously through other riders. I found a video on YouTube by an Aussie guy named John who demonstrates the one rein... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
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