Selecting a Riding Instructor

September 1st, 2011

PALM PARTNERSHIP
TRAINING™

Building a
Partnership with your Horse

Selecting a Riding
Instructor

By Lynn Palm

To improve in any sport, you need
the help of an Instructor/Coach. A riding instructor is a key player in the success
with your horse. Most of the time, “an eye on the ground” is your
best tool for improving your riding skills and gaining knowledge.

 

As with horse training, the profession of riding
instruction does not require a license or official degree. There are many
riding instructors out there with a wide range of teaching abilities,
knowledge, and experience. It is up to you, the rider, to evaluate the person
you are considering to serve as your instructor.

 

Although you need a good working relationship with
your horse trainer, the interaction between you and the trainer is not as
important as it is with a riding instructor. This means that you need to do an
honest evaluation of your personality and how it mixes with the instructor’s
personality. This is important if learning is to take place. Just as a good
classroom teacher will keep you motivated, a riding instructor with good
teaching skills and a personality that works with yours will motivate you to
learn. The opposite is also true!

 

Teaching is the Key

One place to start with your search for a riding
instructor is to seek out a person who has credentials from a professionally
acknowledged riding instructor certification program. The United States
Dressage Federation is one organization that has instructor certification
programs based on a professionally accepted curriculum that develops both riding and teaching
skills. Professional horsemen’s associations or breed associations also can
help you find certified riding instructors practicing near you. Be sure to ask
the person you are considering for your instructor if he/she has completed any
type of instructor certification program. Often instructors who have achieved
these credentials have them proudly displayed on their office wall.

 

In the United States, show ring success
has been the traditional way of gauging a person’s credentials as a horseman.
While show ring wins do not indicate a person’s ability to teach, they can
provide another way to evaluate an instructor’s abilities and professionalism.
So, do consider a potential instructor’s riding experience. Ask the instructor
to provide you with a list of his/her riding achievements. Evaluate the quality
and type of their accomplishments. Have they demonstrated proficiency in your
area of interest? Is their level of achievement sufficient to indicate a high
degree of skill?

 

Often, news about a “good” riding instructor comes
by “word of mouth.” References from riding students can give you helpful
feedback about the instructor’s professionalism, teaching skills, and ability
to build a bond with students that promotes learning. Ask to view the potential
instructor teaching a lesson, and observe the instructor’s students. Their
riding skills, knowledge, and respect for their equine partners reflect the
quality of riding skills and teaching philosophies that the instructor has
transmitted to them.

 

Remember, an instructor can also destroy
a rider with the incorrect information and by teaching the use of forceful
techniques. Use your common sense at all times when selecting and working with
an instructor.

 

Before selecting your instructor,
first observe several lessons given by that person. Then try a lesson yourself
either on your own horse or a school horse. Whether in the barn, leading the
horse, mounting, or in the arena, your overall impression should be that the
instructor’s first concern is for the safety of the horse and rider.

 

Before starting a class, the
instructor should double check the fitting of the tack for each horse and
rider. Girths, stirrups, and other tack should be properly adjusted. The
instructor should inspect all riders to make sure they are wearing properly
fitting, approved safety helmets and appropriate boots. If the lesson is given
at the instructor’s facility, look for evidence of his/her concern for safety,
upkeep of tack, and appreciation for his/her horse’s health and well being in
the general management of the operation.

 

Once the lesson is underway,
observe the instructor’s teaching style and techniques. Good instructors make
learning interesting. They are able to modify a lesson to accommodate
differences in the riders’ age, skill level, and understanding. The
presentation style should relate to the rider audience. Parents who are
observing lessons for children should take an active part in evaluating an
instructor and not assume that all teaching is quality instruction.

 

Teaching Should Build Skills

The lesson should challenge the
rider through simple, gradual steps that encourage building the skills needed
to achieve the lesson’s objectives. Ask yourself if the instructor’s
communication skills are clear and concise. Are the lesson’s objectives clearly
stated by the instructor at the beginning of the lesson and summarized at the
end? Is the instructor easy to hear and understand? Does his/her voice tone
punctuate the lesson’s important points and reinforce its objectives?

 

Teaching is a two-way process
between instructor and rider. Instructors should help students answer the
question “why” for every skill that they learn. Because riding is a sport and
lessons typically cannot be immediately perfected, it is important that the
student understands the principles behind each new skill. I believe that when a
student understands why a skill is done, then, he/she will have a greater
incentive to practice and perfect it. A good instructor takes the time
necessary to answer a rider’s questions and get feedback that allows him/her to
evaluate the rider’s understanding.

 

A rider must realize that
instructors are not miracle workers. Learning to ride is like life! Some days
everything goes great, and other days bring harder challenges that take more
time and effort to master. Above all, learning to ride should be fun and bring
you into greater partnership with your horse.

 

When you find a great riding instructor, he/she will
become a very important person in your life. A great instructor has the ability
to make you and your horse very happy as you progress in your riding and/or the
training of your horse. The relationship between rider and instructor is a
partnership, and the instructor reaps rewards from helping riders to grow and
improve.

 

Instructional videos and DVDs are
good tools in addition to your lessons with your personal instructor. I have
several series that are excellent instructional aids. In my Hunt Seat Equitation series, I teach
and critique riders for the show ring. I teach and coach riders in my Exercises for Equestrians series as
well. The Palm Partnership Training
Course and the Palm Partnership
Training Agility Course are also excellent.

 

To learn more about Palm Partnership
Training™ resources, visit www.lynnpalm.com
or call 1-800-503-2824.

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HORSE HEALTH PRODUCTS INTRODUCES FOUR NEW PRODUCTS

September 1st, 2011

AND A NEW
LOOK FOR THE PRODUCT LINE

 

PHOENIX – August 3, 2011 – Horse Health Products has been the brand pragmatic
performance horse people have relied upon for more than 35 years.  This
year the company introduces a new unifying look to the product line to help
busy horse owners locate them on the shelf.

Four new products are being added to the Horse
Health Products line making it a more comprehensive line of quality products
for serious horse care at an affordable price for owners and trainers of
multiple horses.

Ambush™
Insecticide & Repellent is a water-based, ready-to-use formula that
is economical and effective for use on horses as well as dogs.  It kills
and repels stable flies, horse flies, face flies, deer flies, house flies, horn
flies, mosquitoes, gnats, ticks, fleas, chiggers and lice.  This non-oily
insecticide repellent contains pyrethrins, piperonyl butoxide technical and
permethrin.  Ambush™ Insecticide & Repellent is available in a
one-quart bottle with sprayer.

EquiFusion™
2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner is a biodegradable, phosphate-free,
shampoo and conditioner that cleans and moisturizes hair in one-step!  The
high-sudsing formula penetrates the hair to remove dirt and debris, while deep
conditioner and coconut oil ingredients restore moisture to the hair for a
soft, silky feel and add shine to the coat.  Properly pH-balanced to
return the horse’s skin pH to its normal, healthy level; biodegradable and
phosphate-free formula is gentle enough for everyday use and won’t harm the
environment or marine life.  This efficient product rinses off easily and
thoroughly, leaving no residue and won’t cause excessive build-up.
EquiFusion™ 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner offers exceptional value in an
economical gallon size bottle.

Reach™
Joint Supplement supports healthy joints with a combination of the most
popular joint care ingredients on the market.  It contains 5000 mg of
Glucosamine along with MSM and Chondroitin, and an antioxidant to help remove
damaging free radicals and maintain cartilage, connective tissue and joint
mobility.  Reach™ Joint Supplement is available in a 2.815-pound container
which provides a 45-day supply at the one-ounce maintenance serving size.

Shur
Hoof™ Hoof Supplement is specially formulated to help strengthen weak,
cracked and dry hoofs.  It contains 20 mg of biotin per ounce and the
essential amino acids methionine and lysine so vital for growth and
tissue.  These alfalfa pellets mix easily with all types of feed.
Sure Hoof™ Hoof Supplement is available in a 2.815-pound container which
provides a 45-day supply at the one-ounce maintenance serving size.

Visit www.farnamhorse.com for more information about these four new products and the
many other Quality Products for Serious Horse
Care™ including: Red Cell® vitamin-mineral supplement for fueling championship
horses, Horse Health Equine
Ivermectin Paste 1.87%, Electro Dex® electrolytes, America’s original equine
electrolyte, Shur Hoof™ Dressing and IceTight® 24-Hour Poultice.

 

Farnam Companies, Inc.

Over the past 65 years, Farnam Companies, Inc., has grown to
become one of the most widely recognized names in the animal health products
industry and has become one of the largest marketers of equine products in the
country. No one knows horses better than Farnam. That’s why no one offers a
more complete selection of horse care products. Farnam® Horse
Products serve both the pleasure horse and the performance horse markets with
products for fly control, deworming, hoof and leg care, grooming, wound
treatment, leather care, plus nutritional supplements. For information about
Farnam® Horse Products in the U.S. call toll
free at (800) 234-2269 or visit www.farnamhorse.com.

 

Farnam – Your Partner in Horse Care™

 

 

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What’s the Difference in Lunging and Lead Line Circling?

September 1st, 2011

Ask Julie
Goodnight:

Question:
Dear Julie, I purchased your DVD, Lead Line Leadership and I have been
searching your library and need some basic clarification. What is the
difference in lead line circling (from Lead Line Leadership) and lunging?
What/when is an appropriate use of each and can you please include what is the
proper equipment for each?

Answer: Good question! This is a subject I
talk about at every groundwork clinic that I do, but I have not written much on
the subject. So thanks for asking!

There
are actually three kinds of circling work that you might do from the ground
with horses—each for different purposes and with different technique and
equipment. There’s round pen work, done with the horse at liberty in a confined
area, for the purpose of establishing herd hierarchy between you and your horse
and getting the horse to “hook on” to you. Then there’s circling work done on a
training lead (12-15’ lead line) as is covered in the video you mentioned, for
the purposes of refining your relationship and developing a line of
communication with the horse. And also, there is lunge line work, done on a 25’
or longer light line, primarily for the purpose of exercising or conditioning
the horse or for training purposes such as bitting, teaching voice commands or
working on transitions; or for performance ends, such as vaulting or lunge line
obedience competitions.

For round pen work, the equipment needed includes a small area of confinement with
a high, sturdy and safe fence to discourage the horse from trying to jump out
and to protect his legs if he gets them tangled up in the fence. The purpose of
the confinement is to simply level the playing field between you and your
horse, so you aren’t chasing him over 40 acres; it doesn’t really have to be
round, it’s just easier if it is (otherwise he constantly gets hung up in the
corners as you are driving him around). A 60’ pen is ideal for groundwork and
allows just enough room to ride the horse at a walk and trot as well. A smaller
pen of 50’ makes the circling work easier for you but harder on the horse and
it may get a little crowded if the horse cops an attitude (and it’s too small
to ride in effectively).

For round pen work, the horse should be at liberty (no halter, lead or bridle) and
the handler should have a flag or stick or lariat in hand in order to direct
the horse and defend himself if the horse should become aggressive or charge.
Ideally the horse should wear protective leg boots, like splint boots or sports
medicine boots, to protect the legs in hard turns and accidental collision with
the fence. It’s also not a bad idea to wear a helmet when doing ground work
with horses since it is not only possible, but likely that the horse will kick
out, strike or become defensive.

As demonstrated in detail in my groundwork video called Round Pen Reasoning, the round pen process involves herding the
horse, controlling his space and thereby establishing authority over the horse.
It is accomplished in five stages: driving the horse away, controlling his
direction with outside turns, controlling his speed, changing directions with
inside turns and allowing the horse to hook-on to you as his herd leader. Lead
line work is also done in part on the circle, driving your horse away from you
in a fashion similar to lunging—but for different reasons. With lead line
circling, your goal is to refine the relationship with the horse that was begun
in the round pen; to not only assert greater authority over the horse, but to
establish a line of communication where the horse is focused on you and looking
for each and every directive you issue. For lead line circling, you’ll also
drive the horse in a circle, control his speed and do lots of changes of
direction using subtle gestures. It has nothing to do with exercising or tiring
the horse; it has to do entirely with relationship building and
communicating—once you get the response you want from the horse, your job is
done, regardless how much time it took or how many circles you made.

The ideal equipment for lead line circling is a rope halter and 12-15’ training
lead. My halters and leads are specially designed for this type of work, with
the halters made of a high-tensile and slightly stiff rope of moderate diameter
(the narrower the rope, the harsher the pressure) that does not stretch. My
training leads are made with a heavy yacht rope that is pliable and comfortable
in your hands and heavy enough to give good feel between you and your horse. I
prefer not to have a metal buckle attachment to the halter since it may bruise
the horse’s chin if the rope is jerked hard.

The handler should also have a flag or stick to direct the horse and prevent him
from coming close enough to kick or strike you. The same protective equipment
for you and your horse as outlined for round pen work is well advised. My
video, Lead Line Leadership, explains the different exercises you can do on the
lead line, including circling work.

Lunging is more simplistic and has more to do with the number or circles your horse
makes and the distance he travels. You’ll probably want to use a halter that
maximizes the horse’s comfort, like a padded nylon-web or leather halter or a lunging
cavesson, with or without a bit in his mouth (depending on your purpose for lunging).
A lunge line is usually lightweight and 25-30’ long to allow the horse to make
the largest circle possible, thereby covering more distance and reducing the
stress on his joints. A lunge whip is generally used by the lunger to help cue
and motivate the horse; it is extra long and has a long lash. Although a horse
that is properly trained to lunge will respond to visual and audible cues from
the lunger, there is not as much dialogue or relationship building between
horse and lunger as there is with round pen and lead line work.

With my extensive travel schedule, I don’t get as much ride time on my horse as I’d
like and therefore he gets longed each day, simply for the exercise—so he stays
in reasonable shape for me to ride when I am home. He is well-mannered and
obedient and does not need the ground work for relationship purposes; even if
he has not been ridden in a very long time, I would not feel the need to lunge
him to “get the kinks out,” as many people do. I am not a big believer in lunging
for that purpose, because I think it could be an indication that more ground
work is needed to bring the horse into a more obedient and compliant frame of
mind. Although having excess energy could be a reason for a horse to feel
exuberant or energetic, it is not an excuse for disobedience.

There
are numerous articles in my training library that relate to the different
ground work techniques and specific issues that arise.

Thanks
for your astute question—it is always wise to think about why you are doing
certain things. The more you understand, the greater the chances for success.

 

Good
luck!

Julie

If you liked this article, Julie suggests the following products to help you
continue the work with your horse (http://shopping.juliegoodnight.com
or call 800-225-8827 for ordering help):
The From the Ground Groundwork DVD Series:

http://shopping.juliegoodnight.com/DVDs_c5.htm

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September 1st, 2011

Family Pet
Becomes Darling of Maryland
Racing

 

 

Of the many sagas of the
American Turf, the story of Chase Me is one of the most cherished.

Chase Me was a gelding. He was
bred by John Bosley, Jr. His breeding was Purchase, dam Mayanel by Lucullite.
Foaled in 1929, veterinarians said he would never race because of defective
knees. Mrs. Elizabeth Bosley decided to keep the horse as a saddle horse for
her children.  Chase me had a beautiful
head, a large white marking on his forehead with a small brown patch in the
middle.

 

Sara Bosley, the sixteen year
old daughter, recognized Chase Me’s development in size and beauty, and decided
to bring him to Maryland
horse shows. He soon was winning blue ribbons and trophies.

It didn’t take long for him to
be considered one of the best show horses in the country.

 

The Bosley’s also had a
thoroughbred named Lord Johnson who was in need of a pacesetter as he prepped
for an upcoming stakes race. Chase Me was chosen as a stand-in. He not only set
the pace but wouldn’t give up the lead as Lord Johnson tried in vain to catch
him. As Chase Me was still only four years old, Mrs. Bosley decided on a new
career for him. Chase Me was now being trained for his first race at Havre de
Grace Racetrack.

 

It was all very strange to him
as it would be for many horses facing their first start in a race. Not at all
like performing before the small crowds he had grown accustomed to, this now
was very exciting stuff. The gate opened and Chase Me shot to the front and
maintained a clear lead winning by an amazing fifteen lengths. He would go on
to win five more races against some very good horses and finish the year, 1933,
unbeaten. His last race that year was the Bryan and O’Hara Memorial Stakes. In
this race he defeated the winner of the 1931 Preakness, that being Mate, a
horse that had many battles with a true champion and a horse that was voted
‘horse of the year’, Equipoise.

 

He was sent to the Bosley farm
for the winter. The spring of 1934 found him winning a prep race before being
entered for the biggest stakes race of the spring for older horses, the
Metropolitan Handicap at Belmont  Park. Here, he would be facing the very best in the country,
Equipoise, Mr. Khayyam and Ladysman. Held
back during the early furlongs, he began to lengthen his stride as they entered
the final turn. He was closing in on the leaders when he either crossed legs or
clipped one of the leaders and went down. Able to stand on only three legs and
in great pain, they immediately put him out of his agony knowing full well that
he could not be saved. Equipoise finished first but was disqualified for
fouling through the stretch. Mr. Khayyam was declared the winner.

Mrs. Bosley returned to her Fox Hill farm with the sad ordeal of telling her children that their pet was returning
home, only to be buried behind their house.

 

The complete finish of the 1934 Metropolitan Handicap.

Year winner
sire            dam         age dist second         third          time comment

 

1934 MR KHAYYAM

 


OMAR
KHAYYAM

 ALICE
FOSTER		 5-g 1 MILE SUN ARCHER LADYSMAN 1:37 EQUIPOISE
DQ FROM 1ST. Chase Me DNF

Acknowledgements: Mr. Horace Wade, Tales of the Turf and by
Mr. John Hervey, Racing in America
1922 – 1936.

 

 

 

 

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THE SEARCH IS ON FOR THE 2012 SUPERMASK II SUPERMODEL

July 16th, 2011

Farnam Brings Back This Popular
Contest

PHOENIX – June 15, 2011 – The search is
on!  Farnam is looking for the most gorgeous horse to star in their 2012
SuperMask® II horse fly mask ad campaign.  The entry process is open until
July 5, 2011.  Farnam is again searching the entire country, all 50 states
plus the District of Columbia,
to find the 2012 SuperMask II SuperModel.  This special horse will need to
strut their stuff for the cameras because the Grand Prize winning horse will
star in Farnam’s national SuperMask® II fly mask advertising campaign
throughout the 2012 Fly Season.
SuperMask II SuperModel contest entry forms and complete contest rules are
available online at www.farnamhorse.com/supermask.
Entries may also be made on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/farnamhorse.
Contestants must submit a photograph of one horse along with an essay of 50
words or less about why their horse should be the SuperMask II SuperModel for
2012.  Entries must be received by July 5, 2011.
Twelve semi-finalists will be chosen from the pool of eligible entries and
posted on the www.farnamhorse.com/supermask
website and Facebook at www.Facebook.com/farnamhorse
on July 21, 2011.  The public will be asked to vote online for their
favorite horse from July 21 through August 18, 2011.
In addition to being the star of the photo shoot, the Grand Prize winner will
also receive a Farnam® horse product prize package worth $1,000.  The
eleven runners-up will receive Farnam® horse product prize packages worth $250.
In last year’s inaugural SuperMask II SuperModel Contest, Zahn RA walked away
from a field of more than 600 eligible contestants with the Grand Prize – a
starring role in the SuperMask® II Horse
Fly Mask with Shimmer Weave™ Mesh Color Collection 2011 advertising campaign
and a Farnam® horse products prize package worth $1,000.  Your horse could
be next.
The SuperMask® line of horse fly masks has been the brand of choice by horse
owners for 25 years because it is Built to Fit, Built to Last, Built to Stay
On!® – even when horses are turned out together.
SuperMask® II Horse Fly Mask with
Shimmer Weave™ Mesh is an official fly control product of the American Quarter Horse Association and United States Equestrian
Federation.

Farnam
Companies, Inc.

Over
the past 65 years, Farnam Companies, Inc., has grown to become one of the most
widely recognized names in the animal health products industry and has become
one of the largest marketers of equine products in the country. No one knows
horses better than Farnam. That’s why no one offers a more complete selection
of horse care products. Farnam Horse
Products serve both the pleasure horse and the performance horse markets with
products for fly control, deworming, hoof and leg care, grooming, wound
treatment, leather care, plus nutritional supplements. For information about
Farnam® Horse Products in the U.S. call toll
free at (800) 234-2269 or visit www.farnamhorse.com.

Farnam – Your Partner in
Horse Care™

SuperMask,
Shimmer Weave, Built to Fit, Built to Last, Built to Stay On!, Farnam and Your Partner in Horse Care are trademarks of Farnam Companies, Inc.

 

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THE GOLD STANDARD IN FLY CONTROL FOR HORSES

July 16th, 2011

Bronco® Gold Equine Fly Spray

PHOENIX – June 7, 2011 – Looking for a product that provides protection against flies while
leaving your horse’s coat conditioned and shiny?  Bronco® Gold Equine Fly
Spray delivers just that; the fly protection horse owners demand, with the
exceptional value you’d expect from the Bronco® name, plus a coat conditioner
that imparts a high sheen to the hair when brushed out.  This combination
makes it ideal for the summer show season.

Just one to two ounces
of Bronco® Gold fly spray per horse per day kills and repels stable, horn,
house, face, horse, and deer flies plus mosquitoes and gnats and also acts as a
grooming aid.

Bronco® Gold fly spray
may be applied either with a soft cloth on the horse or as a fine mist spray on
the horse or in the barn.

  • Effective fly control
    can be achieved by incorporating a few simple management tips:

    Dispose of fly
    breeding material including manure and used bedding

  • If waste
    disposal is not possible, treat manure with an effective larvicide
  • Keep paddocks
    and corrals clean and dry
  • Scrub water
    buckets and troughs weekly
  • Remove standing
    water which may serve as a mosquito breeding ground
  • Read all labels
    before use, heed warnings and apply according to label directions
  • Do not mix
    different fly repellents together

Bronco® Gold fly spray
is available in two convenient sizes – 32-ounce with trigger sprayer and one
gallon refill.

Bronco®
Gold fly spray is an official fly control product of the American Quarter Horse
Association (AQHA), United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and Horse Shows
In The Sun (HITS).

 

 

 

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Road to the Horse 2012 Goes Global with International Teams

July 16th, 2011

The entire equine industry has been abuzz since the 2011
Road to the Horse Legends event which matched the United
States’ three largest superstar clinicians against one another in a horsemanship
duel of epic proportions. The twenty million dollar question everyone has been asking since is
“How are you going to top this?” Event Owner/Producer Tootie Bland’s answer? Go global, find the
world’s best clinicians, place them in an innovative international team format
and let them go toe to toe for the World Championship of Colt Starting at the
2012 Road to the Horse March 9-11, 2012 in Murfreesboro, TN.

“Going global means new horsemen, new styles of horsemanship
and an exciting challenge to see who’s the best in the world.  Road to the
Horse will host the first ever
International Match in Colt Starting. We have invited Australia and Canada
to see if they can match the talent in the United States. National Pride is on
the line and we will find out in Murfreesboro
who rules the world.  This is going to more horsemanship in one arena than
ever before. I can’t wait for this one!” says Bland.

Traditionally, three to four clinicians have been matched up
for this prestigious competition which gives competitors just a few short hours
over two days to train an untouched young horse to accept a rider in front of a
standing-room-only live audience and the attentive eyes of the worldwide equine
press corp. While training has been limited to two days in the past, the 2012
event will feature round pen sessions on all three days.

“We’re doubling down! Never before have six clinicians
shared the arena floor and never before have we paired competitors up in a team
format. Road to the Horse is known
for its twists and turns and we’ll definitely have some challenges the
competitors will have to face. The excitement of this event is destined to be Tennessee’s equivalent
of the Kentucky Derby,” says Bland.

Tickets to Road to the Horse
2012 will go on sale July 4, 2011. Members of the Road to the Horse Nation, the event’s exclusive fan club, will
have access to advanced ticket sales beginning June 21, 2011.

For an annual fee of only $39.95, Nation members receive
privileges such as advance ticket purchase opportunities, a special prime
seating section, merchandise and apparel discounts, early admission to the
event and an interactive Road to the Horse
Nation website. To become a member, visit www.roadtothehorsenation.com.

For more information on Road to the Horse
2012, visit www.roadtothehorse.com or call
325-736-5000.

Road to the Horse

Road to the Horse,
the World Championship of Colt-Starting is unlike any other event in the equine
or entertainment industry. The three-day event will match six of the world’s
best horse trainers and clinicians of today against one another as they train
unbroken colts to ride in just a few short hours in front of a packed live
audience and television cameras. By combining education, edge-of-your-seat
suspense, entertainment and the love of the horse, Road to the Horse has been responsible for solidifying the
position of today’s horsemanship heroes and launching the careers of tomorrow’s
hottest new stars. In the process, the event itself has become a catalyst for
the advancement of natural horsemanship. Hosted by Rick Lamb, of RFD-TV’s The Horse Show with Rick Lamb, spectators are guaranteed
not only to have a good time, but also to walk away with training knowledge
that will improve their relationship with horses. The event is supported by
title sponsor Western Horseman and
in association with AQHA.

For more information on the 2012 Road to the Horse visit www.roadtothehorse.com or call
325-736-5000.

 

 

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IVERCARE® DEWORMER LAUNCHES A NEW IVERCARE.COM

July 16th, 2011

WITH A NEW CONSUMER LOYALTY PROGRAM
Get Free IverCare® Dewormer and Other Merchandise

PHOENIX – June 2,
2011 – IverCare® (ivermectin) Paste 1.87% dewormer introduces a Consumer
Loyalty Program designed to enhance the horse deworming experience; and a new
website, www.ivercare.com,
designed to enhance the horse owners deworming knowledge.
Start saving the UPC codes from every box of IverCare® dewormer you buy and
redeem four of them for a free dose of IverCare® dewormer.  Additional
featured Rewards are available on line at www.ivercare.com.
Rewards change on a regular basis, so if you see something you like, get it
while you can.  Return to the www.ivercare.com
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shipping or handling or any extra charge.  Mail-in certificates for free
IverCare® dewormer are also available from participating retailers.
While you are on the IverCare® dewormer website check out the Parasite
Information tab for facts about parasite lifecycles and parasite
protection.  On the same tab you will find a link to details about
specific parasite species including:  worm lifecycles, how each worm gets
into your horse and dangers if a worm infestation is left untreated, as well as
types of products that may be used to successfully rid your horse of worms.
The site also contains coupons for special offers.
The broad-spectrum parasite protection of IverCare® (ivermectin) Paste 1.87% is
the only ivermectin that treats horses up to 1500 pounds, so bigger horses are
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IverCare® dewormer provides effective treatment and control of Large and Small
Strongyles, Pinworms, Ascarids, Hairworms, Large-mouth Stomach Worms, Bots,
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Farnam is proud to be the Official Dewormer Supplier of the American Quarter
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Farnam
Companies, Inc.

Over the past 65 years, Farnam Companies, Inc.,
has grown to become one of the most widely recognized names in the animal
health products industry and has become one of the largest marketers of equine
products in the country. No one knows horses better than Farnam. That’s why no
one offers a more complete selection of horse care products. Farnam Horse
Products serve both the pleasure horse and the performance horse markets with
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call toll free at (800) 234-2269 or visit www.farnamhorse.com.

Farnam – Your Partner in Horse Care™

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Posted in July 2011 | No Comments »

Is My Saddle Causing My Horse’s Issues?

May 7th, 2011

Julie Goodnight Horsemanship Training
Goodnight Training Stables, Inc.
PO Box 397
Poncha Springs, CO 81242
press@juliegoodnight.com

 Ask Julie Goodnight:  

Question: Dear Julie,

Six months ago I bought a seven-year-old Quarter Horse gelding and he has turned out to be an awesome trail riding horse and a promising versatility ranch horse prospect. He is dark brown and very cute but over the past couple months he has developed spots of white hairs just below his withers on both sides—but worse on the left. At first there were just a few white hairs, but now the dots are about an inch around and almost solid white on the left. 

When I purchased Sonny, I had a vet exam done and he passed with flying colors. The vet said he had good conformation with a short strong back. It seems like this could be a saddle fit issue but I am not sure what to do now. 

Thanks for your time, Polly 

 

Answer: Dear Polly,

You’ve definitely got a saddle fit issue and most likely it is from “bridging,” which means there is pressure from the tree in the front of the bars and the back but not in the middle. This means there is an excessive amount of pressure at the front of the tree, at the point where you are seeing the white hairs. 

These white hairs represent scarring and in time the scars may become permanent. These marks are often worse on the left because when you mount the saddle shifts and a lot of riders fail to balance the saddle after they mount, continuing the whole ride with un-even pressure from the tree on the horse’s back. 

Given the relatively short amount of time the spots have been present on your horse, if you get your horse better fitted in a saddle, they’ll probably turn back to brown and you may see a reduction right away in the number of white hairs. For horses that are ridden in ill-fitted saddles for years, these marks become permanent scars, often mistaken by the novice horse-person for white markings. 

Since your horse is appendix registered, it means he has some (or a lot) of Thoroughbred in him so he is probably fairly narrow and high withered, compared to a foundation-type QH, which may cause the saddle to sit down more in front. If the withers are set well back (which often comes with a short-backed, athletic horse), that would contribute to the bridging. Short-backed horses, both broad and narrow, can be really challenging when it comes to saddle fit. Other horses that may have bridging problems are older horses whose back has begun sagging and sway-backed horses of any age. 

One of the easiest ways to check saddle fit is to look at the sweat marks from your saddle and pad right after a long hard ride, when your horse is fully sweated up (not just damp). If there are any dry spots under the bars of the saddle tree, which you will likely see right over the white spots, that is where there has been excessive pressure and the sweat glands have been shut down. This could be a sign of bridging or too narrow a tree or even too wide a tree that is pitching forward.

The job of the saddle tree is to distribute the weight of the rider evenly over as broad an area as possible, to protect the horse’s back. If the saddle is bridging, there could also be excessive pressure on the horse’s loins which would contribute to back soreness as well. 

Actually, bridging is a big problem with my personal horse, Dually (a purebred QH but very athletically built with withers set far back), and one reason I switched to the Flex2 saddle tree made by Circle Y and worked with them to create a saddle line that has the horse and rider in mind. Because the bars of the tree flex slightly with the weight of the rider (the flex tree is only advisable for riders under 230#– and not for all western disciplines), it increases the contact in the middle of the tree and actually causes the front of the tree to flare out a little giving the horse a little more room at the shoulders. Unless you are roping, cutting or a heavier rider, the Flex2 tree may be a good option for your horse. 

Another thing that has really helped my horse’s bridging problem is using a saddle with multiple rigging options. Several of the saddles in my custom designed line of saddles have rigging options (rigging refers to the D-ring that the latigos and billets are attached to). For a more thorough explanation of saddle rigging, check out this video. But the short story is that a “full-rigged” saddle has the D-ring for the cinch hanging directly below the pommel; a 7/8 rigged saddle has the D-ring a little farther back and the ¾ rigged further back yet. The farther back the rigging, the more the contact comes toward the middle of the bars of the tree. In a Flex2 tree, this really helps the bridging problem. Here are some videos helping to understand saddle rigging: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmgykJDIX1s and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEXKcjRzcBY 

The saddle that fits my horse the best is the Monarch Arena Performance/Trail saddle http://www.shop.juliegoodnight.com/images/Monarcharenaperformance2.jpg I designed this saddle to give optimal performance in the arena, but be comfortable enough for both horse and rider out on the trail and my horse and I absolutely love it. 

When I am doing a lot of cutting, roping or cow work, I switch to my ranch versatility saddle, the Rocky Mountain High Performance saddle http://www.shop.juliegoodnight.com/images/rockymountainsaddle1.jpg , which has a rigid high-tech tree. The other saddles in my line of 5 custom designed saddles by Circle Y are all Flex2 trees and are designed specifically for reining, trail or gaited horses. For a look at my full line of saddles, check out my website. 

It is possible to pad out a saddle with a minor fit issue. In the case of bridging I’d use a special pad made for that—thin in front and back and more padded in the middle of the horse’s back (sometimes called a ‘bridge pad’ or a ‘shim pad’). But be very careful about trying to pad-out a mis-fitting saddle. In many instances, adding more padding could make the saddle fit issue worse (imagine wearing shoes that didn’t fit and were putting pressure on your foot – then adding an extra thick pair of socks). In the instance of too much pressure at the front of the tree, if you padded up the front of the saddle, it would likely put too much stress on the horse’s loins, which is also a big problem. 

The best-case-scenario would be for you to have a professional saddle fitter take a look at your horse and saddle in action. I’ve been around horses my whole life and dealt with literally thousands of horses but I learn something new every time I work with a professional fitter. Unfortunately they are few and far between (and easier to find them qualified to fit English saddles than western). Many trainers and some vets are good with saddle fit too, so you may want to get a professional opinion—since diagnosing a saddle fit problem via the internet is not a sure bet! Here’s a clip of a show that we did on saddle fit, that might help, too. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1qceJLjhOM

Good luck and enjoy the ride! 

–Julie Goodnight Trainer and Clinician

_________________________________

If you liked this article, Julie suggests the following products to help you continue the work with your horse (http://shop.juliegoodnight.com or call 800-225-8827 for ordering help): 

The Goodnight’s Principles of Riding 5-Part DVD Series

SIDEBAR

Horse Master Air Schedule

 SPECIAL NEWS! Watch Horse Master with Julie Goodnight at its new time on RFD-TV! Mondays at 12:30 and 10:30 p.m. EST, Fridays at 6:30 a.m. EST and Saturdays at 10:30 p.m. PST!

Week of May 2 HM410 Julie Goodnight: “Troubled Waters.” On Horse Master: Teaching a trail rider to walk confidently through water. (2011) 

Week of May 9 HM411 Julie Goodnight: “Cowboy Up.” On Horse Master: Teaching a teen to plan his horse’s workouts, build confidence. (2011) 

Week of May 16 HM412 Julie Goodnight: “Break on Through.” On Horse Master: Re-training a horse that learned to run away on the longe and lead lines. (2011) Taped at Horseshoe Park Equestrian Centre in Queen Creek, AZ. 

Week of May 23 HM413 Julie Goodnight: “Blowing in the Wind.” On Horse Master: Teaching a trail horse to ride right past scary objects. (2011) Taped at Horseshoe Park Equestrian Centre in Queen Creek, AZ. 

Week of May 30 HM414 Julie Goodnight: “Baby Come Back.” On Horse Master: Teaching a rider precise cues for backing. (2011) Taped at Horseshoe Park Equestrian Centre in Queen Creek, AZ. 

Week of June 6 HM415 Julie Goodnight: “Walk this Way.” On Horse Master: Teaching a rider to extend the walk and speed up on the trail.. (2011) Taped at Horseshoe Park Equestrian Centre in Queen Creek, AZ. 

Week of June 13 HM416 Julie Goodnight: “Round and Round.” On Horse Master: Teaching a young horse to respond to body cues in the round pen. (2011) Taped at Horseshoe Park Equestrian Centre in Queen Creek, AZ. 

Week of June 20 HM 417 Julie Goodnight: “Follow the Leader.” On Horse Master: Teaching the horse to follow & focus on you in the roundpen. (2011) Taped at Horseshoe Park Equestrian Centre in Queen Creek, AZ. 

Find more free articles to read and refer to in Julie’s Training Library: http://juliegoodnight.com/q&a.php and watch Horse Master on RFD-TV every Monday at 12:30 and 10:30p EST —Direct TV channel 345, Dish Network channel 231 and on many cable outlets. Then visit http://www.horsemaster.tv and http://www.juliegoodnight.com/clinics for the clinic schedule, articles related to each episode, the gear used in each show, and for training DVDs and publications. Plus, see clips from each show at: http://www.horsemaster.juliegoodnight.com and check out specials and even more clips on Goodnight’s Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/horsemaster.tv. Sign up for his free monthly newsletter at: http://juliegoodnight.com/emailsignup.php. Goodnight is proud to recommend Myler Bits, Nutramax Laboratories, Circle Y Saddles, Redmond Equine, and Spalding Fly Predators. Goodnight is the spokesperson for the Certified Horsemanship Association

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Posted in May 2011 | No Comments »

“How to Safely Handle & Hold a Foal”

May 7th, 2011

Palm Partnership Training™
Building a Partnership with your Horse
by Lynn Palm

 With foaling season in full swing, I think it’s important to talk about how to safely handle and hold a young foal. I love working with foals because it is so important for the foal’s future. As I’ve mentioned before, a great deal of my knowledge about horses I learned from a very special lady, Carol Harris. Ms. Harris owned one of the most famous Quarter Horses, Rugged Lark, and I had the privilege to train and ride this magnificent stallion for over 16 years. 

Ms. Harris has something special when it comes to breeding horses (dogs too) and handling young horses. She is a master at the latter, and I have great memories of working with her and having her critique my work with her babies. I was not the resident trainer for Ms. Harris; but, if I had time during the day, I would be there to see and work with the babies. I also always asked to be awakened when a foaling was about to begin, and I still love to be a part of a foal’s welcome to the world. 

This lesson is just as important as the touch lessons that led to acceptance and trust in your foal. A foal needs to accept being held so that you can pick up his feet to clean them, to give him shots, to treat him for an injury or illness, to teach him to accept clipping, and even to advance some touch training that you might be having trouble getting him to accept. You need to be able to take control of the foal by holding him in a manner that fosters the least amount of stress and/or fear. 

Specifics of Holding a Foal

A rule of thumb for working with horses of any age when you need to improve control is to start in a small place so that the horse cannot get very far away from you. A stall or small paddock is a good place to start your lessons on holding with your foal. During your lessons, always remember that the most important thing is to avoid causing the foal to feel pain. If he feels any pain then he will become fearful and you will have to win back is trust. 

I start by first simply touching the foal on the wither or back and moving with the foal without losing the touch. If the foal is still with the mare, you may have to have someone hold the mare. If the foal can move, he will accept the touch without fear. When the foal stops or slows down his movement, put one arm around his chest. Continue to move with the foal with one arm touching the chest and one on top of or behind the hip. Your arm around the chest may make the baby try to back up or try to jump away out of your arms. Stay moving with him, and do not lose the touch! 

Next, slowly move the arm that is behind the foal’s hip so that you can gently get the top of his tail with your hand around the tail bone. Gently raise the tail over the foal’s back and hold on even if the foal fusses. You have to do this movement smoothly and quickly. If the foal continues to fuss or resists strongly, use pressure with your hand and press the tail toward the head. 

The foal’s tail does not have many muscles in it, and you can position the tail as above without causing pain. It will feel to the foal much like a foot that has “gone to sleep” feels to us when we move on it—pins and needles. When you put pressure on the tail, it will “twitch” and cause the foal to concentrate on his tail and not whatever it is you are doing to him—shots, picking his feet, etc. 

When you are finished with the lesson, do not lose the touch. Massage the tail bone for at least one minute. This will sooth the tingling feeling in the tail, and the foal will love your massage. This in turn will make the foal accepting of your touch and holding the next time you do either. You should continue to massage the tail bone every time you restrain the foal even after the he has learned to accept being held in order to encourage future acceptance. 

The holding lessons should be done six to seven days per week just as the touch lessons were, and it is important to never lose the touch. The more time you spend with your foal (or horse), the stronger the bond and trust between you will be. Remember you are building a partnership, and remember to have fun too!    

I cannot emphasize enough that you are building a partnership between yourself (or later on another person) and the foal. The lessons the foal learns will last a lifetime, so they need to be positive. Be patient and gentle and work often with the foal, and these lessons should go smoothly. 

            For helpful training materials, course information and more, please visit www.lynnpalm.com or call 800-503-2824.

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Posted in May 2011 | No Comments »

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