About to Fail...

OK, I know it's been awhile so let me catch you all up on what's been happening before I get to the posting :D So I've been training and showing and giving lessons like it's going out of style. (Which is a very good thing in this economy.) Just staying busy busy, but always looking to be busier :D

Ok so here we go. Today on Failblog!!!!

Me personally? I love the fail blog, I think some of the posts are funny as hell, however, here is why I find this one less funny and actually disturbing...

This is a handsome, athletic horse, who I can only assume, is probably worth a pretty penny or two, so why oh why is there ZERO leg protection on this horse?? Even if the horse isn't worth a dime why for the sake of the horse are it's legs not properly wrapped? A Cross country horse without proper protection? Wow. Now I'm not saying that wraps or boots will protect from a broken leg or something more severe, but why not be safe than sorry? Properly fitted Boots can and do add support to joints, tendons and muscles and also can protect against scrapes, scratches or serious gaping, puncture wounds from jumping over natural fences that could produce slivers or splinters. ESPECIALLY when you your horse clips it and grinds it's legs all across the wood...

Anyway, I promise not to be a stranger anymore! So comment on the post, or tell me what you've been up to for these fine winter months!!!!

Sooo Riddle Me This...

So My brother is a professional book publisher and distributor (he owns his own company). He wants me to write a book on training and basically do a series. So one book on Stallions, one book on breaking, etc. etc. So I'd like to hear feedback on what type of books you would like to see out there. I know a majority of books on horses are pretty darn generic and they don't teach a lot, but the basics. So I'm taking ideas!!!! Let's hear 'em!!!!!!!!!!!

Miley, you're killing me. And Blue Jeans...

One of the things that has always pushed my buttons is when I see in a TV show or movie people Horse back riding. Not that it's a bad thing, unless it's BAD RIDING!!! So I'm watching a good friend of mine's kid and she loves Hannah Montana. Well of course, what pre pubescent teen girl doesn't??? So the episode of Miley almost losing her horse Blue Jeans. So the episode starts out with her riding Blue Jeans and she's trotting and SLAMMING on his back. Ummm OUCH!! Then Blue Jeans gets hurt bla bla bla and when we go back to Blue Jeans he's still in his BRIDLE!!!! Laying down in his bridle and reins. Ummmm I do believe that is one of the 10 horsey commandments. NEVER LEAVE THE BRIDLE ON YOUR HORSE. WTF??? I've seen snippets of other episodes too and she always leaves the halter and lead rope on her horse, then walks away.

Now why would I possibly have an issue with this?? It's a stupid show... Because it's a STUPID SHOW that girls watch and will probably think that is a GREAT way for people to A. Ride their horse by flopping on it's back. and B. To leave the bridle and reins on their horse at ALL times. When it's sick, when it has a snack bite, and especially when you are a retarded Disney brat or you follow the example of a retarded Disney brat.

This is NOT in any way a good example for anyone, it's disgusting and really pisses me off. If you can NOT set a good, realistic example with ANY type of animal on TV or movies, then do NOT DO IT!! Or get a god damn professional out there. Ugh Grrrrrrrrrrrr....

Anyway I HIGHLY encourage you to watch this vid. It's part of the show that shows Blue Jeans laying down and a montage of AWESOME riding skills...

HAHA Training is Fun Derp!!!

Hey HEY~~ Wowzer it has been a busy few months EEP!! Showing like a mad woman, moved to a fancy pants new barn, getting ready for POA Regionals... YEAHHHHHHH!!! So On Craigslist, OF COURSE, there was a girl who posted and ad for training and this was her picture (Although I think that's actual a Dude in that pic). I'm sorry but this makes me laugh and want to scream at the same exact time... Um... First of all what exactly does this picture prove? Well, by looking at it, it tells me that your horse really isn't that impressed and that I should change the name of my blog, from I Hate Your Horse, to Your Horse Hates YOU!!!! Hmmmmm That may be a sweet idea for a new blog... Anywho... here is another picture from her ad. Cute horse... Cute little girl... OH WAIT A MINUTE!! She's not wearing a helmet, or even SHOES!! Awesome!!

OK, now look. I have many pictures of me standing on horses backs and doing silly things as well. BELIEVE me. But, that isn't something that I would use as an advertising picture, and it's typically at the owner's request. Why is that? Well, because some people want to know just how far you can push their horse.

Beside the point... *sigh* She's only charging $35 an hour, which is a middle of the road price out here in Seattle, but people like this really take away from up and coming TALENTED trainers who are trying to make a name for themselves. From what I've seen She has ZERO talent. and less common sense. So here's the scenario... Someone calls her and she comes out to "train" their horse and OOOP! Big shocker, she's a complete TOOL!! And screws up the horse or as will most likely happen accomplish JACK SHIT! So Client is unhappy and possibly soured by young, up and coming trainers and then another trainer comes in and says "Oh I can fix that that, but it'll be 70 billion dollars,. Will that be cash or CASH???" ICKE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Moral of the Story is PLEASE, I'm all for young, talented people who want to train to follow their dreams, but for crying out loud, apprentice with a trainer for awhile, or be an Asst. Trainer to a credited Trainer. I was an apprentice for a long time and for many different trainers. I earned my stripes and put in my time so to speak. I did the grunt work, rode the rank horses, busted my hinney everyday from morning to night and I loved every minute of it! It makes me a much better trainer and gives me TONS of references!! Just because you've been around horses for X many years does NOT make you a CREDIBLE TRAINER!!!

Anywho, I found humor and headdesking in it all at the same time and figured you'd appreciate it too. So what's been happening for you guys this summer???? Let's hear it Oh and I have the comments on moderation approval, which I hate, but have no choice cause Doucher's can't seem to keep their lame porn off my blog. All of your comments will be approved so don't worry about that... Happy Horsing to ALL!!

OK OK

Nevermind changing the comments was shit, it's back to normal now. Comment away!!!!!!!!!!

Little Side Note

So I had to change the comment posting, only to people who follow the blog. *sigh* Too much GARBAGE gets posted into the comments by people who have no name and leave ........................... that as their comment. I know it's a link that goes to something, but it's garbage, could be a virus and I want to protect my readers. Sorry for the pain in the ass, hopefully I'll be able to change it back soon. For a good example look at my last post and go to the comments...

Pale Horsemans Question...

OK, so basically her horse will not respect her space while lunging. OK, go get a DRESSAGE WHIP and keep Nell on a 6 foot lead rope. Short is good for this exercise. So, begin lunging her as if things were normal and have your dressage whip on hand. To start with turn it around so you're holding about 6 inches down from the tail. It'll be too flimsy if you don't hold it like this. Now, begin to lunge and ask for the whoa. If she does not stop immediately one hard snap on the lead rope. If she still does not stop smack her in the chest with the whip and ask her to back up a pace or two. Begin again. Now, if she faces you, poke her in the chest with the whip, if this doesn't work than turn the whip and wave it in front of you at belly button level, smacking her in the chest. When she takes a step back, good girl. Do it again and ask for 2 steps back and make sure she STAYS back from you until you invite her back into your personal space.

OK, back to lunging Make sure you have a SOLID halt from a walk, then move on to the trot. Go from the trot to walk and if she doesn't slow down, then try wiggling the lead rope. Step a little in front of her shoulder and increase the wiggle if she still won't slow. She still doesn't slow don't show her your whip. Still nothing? Make her HALT and back her up. Ask again. Repeat with the canter as well. If she stops at the gate or stops at her sweet spot. MAKE HER WORK!!!!!!!! Back her up, lunge her on a tight circle, make her hate the spot.

If, when lunging or walking her around she bumps into you keep your whip handy, turn and face her and swing your whip on front of you and make her back up. If she hits you with her shoulder smack her or poke her in the shoulder with the handle of the whip and make her move that shoulder.

Rinse aaaaand Repeat. Seriously. Repetition is key. Go slow, don't get frustrated, be patient. Let me know how it goes. You know I always have more up my sleeve ;)

OK, Let's Do Some Answers!!!!

Rachel~First off if, He's only been under saddle one month he may still be getting used to the bit in general. Also, make sure the bit is not to thick in his mouth. You can try tightening up the bridle a notch or two, or begin to experiment with other types of snaffles. I like snaffles with copper rollers in them it gives the horse something to do without chewing per se'. He may just need time to adjust to the bit also :)

Tangerine~ Rope Halter!!!!!! Use a rope halter on her and a nice strong lead rope Take her to a round pen and hold on to her with your equipment, saddle, pad etc, in the middle of the pen. While holding her, slowly begin to re-desensitize her to the equipment. Get as close as you can and when she stands still walk away and get closer than walk away until you can get the results you want.

If that doesn't work then snub her up close to something very sturdy and safe. Somewhere she can not hurt herself. and Slowly begin to re-desensitize her. The closer her nose is tied to the post, the less likely she can hurt herself, because she can't get the ooomph behind her to hurt herself. It's very frustrating when you know your horse is used to these things and suddenly refuses. The idea is to NOT get mad or react to the mare. Make it seem like it's no big deal. Not stressful just a simple saddle pad getting put on. If that doesn't work take her to the round pen and try to get the saddle pad on her, if she still refuses, make her work and hard, let her know that standing and getting a saddle pad put on is easier than working.

Ashleigh~ Oh that's a tough one but no worries. I have a gelding who is similar to that. Many options for you though. he Might need 24/7 turnout with just a shelter or at least don't lock him in his stall anymore, or try putting toys in his stall, lick-its or a jolly ball. He may need more work, it is possible. Also try tying him in his stall and keep him tied until he relaxes, you know leg cocked, licking lips, lowered head. This will teach him that standing can be relaxing also. Give him lots of praise when he stands quiet, but also don't be surprised if he paws, whinnies and isn't to crazy about it first. It can be time consuming also, he may need to be tied for a half hour to an hour. Maybe longer. The minute he gets quiet and relaxes though, he gets praise and reward! When he's quiet go ahead and let him loose again. Or try locking him OUT of his stall for a few days. Sounds like your guy may just be very bored.

Check his grain too and hay, make sure he's not getting anything too "hot."

Rebecca~ Do a lot of desensitizing work on the ground and in the saddle. If you use a grain bag to sack her out on the ground then once your in the saddle sack her out again. Do small little things, like walking by a pole with a plastic bag on it, walk her over poles, make any obstacles you can and work with at home. The truth is, is more miles and more desensitizing will go a long way. Also remain confident in the saddle, she'll read it and also be more confident. Baby steps will go along way too, lots of praise and always set her up to build confidence no matter how small the task you're asking. Lots of riding miles will go the farthest, she needs experience. Lots of trails rides will help to, go out with a more confident, seasoned horse and that will help a lot!!

Grocery Girl~ You're on the right track. But instead of his stall, take him to an arena or round pen or even the field where he gets turned out and work with him there. Swing the lead rope all around him touch him if you can, Desensitize the heck out of him with the lead rope. ALSO!!! Have a halter on him and use a second spare halter to practice de sensitizing him with that. On and off, touch him with it. If you have a halter and lead rope on him already while working with a second set of halter and lead rope, it's much easier on you. Bring treats out with you and give lots of praise when he relaxes. The reason you need to get out of the stall, is because he knows he has to be caught in his stall, he has no where to go. But, if not fixed soon, his anxiety could become dangerous especially in closed quarters. lots of on and offs, and swinging it around and touching him with it. And lots of patience.

KL~ Ooooh my mare HATES CLIPPERS LOL!!! You are absolutely on the right track though. Love your round pen!!! Ahhhh for a ticklish horse, like my mare is I simply twitch her. I grab a little bit of her nose, just enough and hold onto it. It's a distraction more than anything. Gets her mind off the clippers. Once you clip her and she stays still for say a minute, then slowly begin to loosen your twitch, or grip, if she won't stand still tighten up again, Do this and she'll soon learn to stay still. Unfortunately it's hard when they're ticklish, just like it is for us. She can't be punished, or trained to not be ticklish, BUT we can definitely teach her to hold still for a few minutes while we clip. :) Stay consistent and you'll see results in NO time!!!!

OK, OK, It's Been Awhile. Q & A TIME!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, I'm busy as ever with clients and training and love it to death! I also added a new addition to my family, a 110lb Akita. LOVE HIM!!!!!!!!!!!! My dream dog! Nothing like a 110 lb kid to keep you on your toes lol. He's been with me for a little over a month now, got him from a fantastic shelter from down in Portland, OR. OK, I'm rambling like a giddy, new mother, So let's kick start this!!!

Let's do some Q & A... Post your questions and I'll get 'em answered!!!!!!!!

Pride and Prejudice

So I was at a show this last weekend with a student and her horse, both of which I've trained. Her horse, let me mention, is a purebred Arabian. This was the last of a series competitions and this horse and her owner were on POINT. No complaints everything is looking sharp. So far she and her horse are ranked 3rd overall in the series. So she begins her classes and the first few look good and she's placed decent, but then. THEN suddenly she starts to dip in the rankings.

Nothings changed, nothing is different, except that suddenly a couple of Paints and QH's and Appy's come in to the classes. No biggie right? WRONG-O. Now a couple of these horses were well deserving of their high places, but others were not. So why wasn't the Arab placing anymore? My student, obviously confused keeps asking what's going on and once I learn who the judge was it hits me. I've shown under this judge quite a few times with my Arabian and let me tell you. He will NOT hardly even LOOK toward an Arab... It was like we suddenly didn't exist. He'd glance over for a split second and that was it.

So my student asked me to take her horse in couple of classes so that she could sit back and watch. And sure enough the judge wouldn't look at us. I went into a bareback class and when the announcer called for 5 steps back, I was literally right behind the judge and he didn't even turn around. This was in a class of only like 5 or 6 horses! So for my next class I did many, many circles around the judge and put my self slightly to the inside of the rail staying near this one very nice Appy. Forcing the judge to have to look at me. To no avail... We did not place well. Even the spectators were commenting on why this mare wasn't placing when she had cleaned up so nicely at the other shows??? EVERYONE was baffled, so at the end of my last class, I dismounted and asked the judge for some advice on this mare. And his response was the biggest cop out response I've ever heard. He said "Keep her more steady..." Steady??? This mare is Steady Eddy!!!!! *Sigh* I'd rather he just told me that Stock horses rule and Arabs drool, because we all know that's what he was thinking...

In the end it was still another good experience for the mare and her owner. Although her owner was miffed, they still came out as 2nd overall in the show series, even with this slight little hitch... It was a great learning experience for them being greenies of how the system sometimes works. Plus they got to keep their Pride, despite the Prejudice...

Backies

OK, I know it's been awhile and I apologize, But I'm back! I had surgery on my jaw and was slightly out of it lol. New post coming out tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You Should Know Better

So another Blog FHOTD, did a posting about a trainer whose student showed in the green horse class with an obviously NOT green horse and of course... Won the class, pissing off a lot of people!! Which brings me to another little point... And that is people, not just trainers, but a lot of people in general who show at local shooling shows, little piddly ones, where pasture pony's can be brought in to have fun and completely clean up and feel good about themselves...

You know EXACTLY who I'm talking about too, not the people who are getting their green horse albeit a very nicely trained, one used to showing, or the people who just like to be decked out and look nice and have a nice horse, but the people who have OBVIOUSLY perfectly trained, been to world's, so on and so forth, god's gifts to the horse word horses. They come and clean up and act oh so proud of themselves. I've seen countless BNT's do this ALL the time!! And yes, they do show in the green horse classes and yes they do cheat the system like a son of a bitch... And yes it does look really really tacky.

Bringing an experienced show horse to a schooling is fine, please don't get me wrong, if the horse is A. Getting ready for the show circuit or B. is owned by someone who is just getting into horses.
But, having a huge sense of accomplishment when your "A" system or circuit horse beats little kids on their old bomb proof horses. No I don't think so....

I used to compete against this one girl who had an very nice paint and she would clean up all of the schooling shows, but never show beyond that, because she knew then there would be REAL competition... She knew she could kick the crap out of us who were on green, nervous, just learning horses and was afraid to go beyond that because she would lose. It never did and never has stopped any of us who were there for experience from having a good time and being proud of our young ins, but it does get REALLY frustrating and all fr the sake of a ribbon...

Being proud of yourself for placing high in a class is great, but not when you know you are a million strides above everyone else, that's just a MAJOR Fatty Fail... Any showing pet peeves from you guys??? Let's hear them!!!!

Scram with your Scams

So a poster (Barb) pointed out I should do a little piece on scammers and boarding. Phew there is a LAUNDRY list of scams out there people try to pull. OK, let's start here...

Boarding. Craigslist is FULL of scammers, be wary of ANYONE who sends you a request to board from out of state and weird things, like, "I'll put the money in your account and if you could transfer it to so and so's account to pay for shipping, bla bla bla...so on so forth." NO Do not do this EVER!!! Meet the people or have them send a responsible Representative! Also if possible get cash only. Make boarders sign CONTRACTS that state that you as the barn owner/manager have the right to sell the animal if the owner defaults on board for X amount of time. With the economy the way it is, I wouldn't be surprised if people would pay a months board and then never come back for their horse. Get reference too and call THEM, so if the owner does ditch out you have someone to call. If the horse is registered, get a copy of the papers, that way again if the owner bails you can contact prev. owners/breeder and see if they want the horse back...

Now as far as you looking for a boarding facility, ALWAYS check it out in person at least a couple times! Make an appt the first time you come, but the second time you visit, just show up, that way you can really see the facility for what it is. Never compromise your horses safety and health for cheap board... Never except excuses on why there is no hay on the property or why water buckets are empty, or FILTHY!!!! You can even ask to speak with current boarders and maybe previous boarders about the place to see what they think. Local feed stores and tack shops may also have insight on specific barns and their reputations. Also if you contact a boarding facility and they want you to send money via the Internet, do not do it. Go to the farm and put the deposit down and what not.

Just remember, if it seems to good to be true, or you just get an ill feeling, GO WITH IT!!!!! CL is CRAWLING with people who think their oh so uber smart and will try to scam the pants off of you. There are plenty of people who own horses, LOCALLY, that need boarding that the last thing you need to do is deal with a scammer who is out of state or even worse out of the country.

For Paigeley

Here was a question she left me on the last post...

trainer x i have a question about lunging
we have a roundpen at my barn so i usually lunge in there without a lunge line. my horse continually cuts the circle and stops. when she stops if i get close she tries to kick my head. I've had a couple of close calls with that one. when she does stop i go to her side then use the lunge whip to get her moving again. When she cuts the circle nothing I've tried can get her back on the circle until she gets to the other side of the roundpen, she always cuts at the same spot in the roundpen. I've tried running towards her, whipping her over, getting really close to her on that side, none of it has worked. help please???

OK, some of you may not like the answer I'm about to give. If you don't that's fine get your damn head kicked off. Anywho moving on.

So, Paigeley, this is what you need. A halter preferably a rope halter but anything can work, a lead rope, a crop (short whip) and your lunge whip. She needs and MUST learn to respect your space.

So lesson 1. Get her the HELL out of your space!!!! Inside the round pen with her in her halter and lead rope and you holding your crop take a step towards her. If she does not move out of your space poke her with the butt end of your crop. Still no move??? Poke harder. Still no move??? Give her a nice smack. When she moves, praise and do it again. Do this from all areas. Step into her by her shoulders, from her front facing head on and the hind quarters. She MUST yield to you when you move at her.

Lesson 2. This is the one that can be tougher. Still in her halter and lead rope begin to lunge her, while your holding the lead rope and your lunge whip. When and if she stops attempt to use the lunge whip to encourage her to move on. If she won't and she begins to charge or kick at you, You have every right to kick her ASS. OK, here is an example. Your lunging to the right and she stops and turns into you, you are holding the lead rope with your right hand and the lunge whip in your left. Start hitting the ground on the left side (your left cause she's facing you, her right) if she doesn't move hit the ground harder, if that doesn't get her moving then start hitting her in the rump and side to get her to move away from it and moving on in her circle again. IF and this is a huge if, she dares to charge or kick out at you, smack her in the sides and rump with your lunge whip until she moves on again in her circle. If she charges you swing that whip in front of you at her chest as hard as you can. If it hits her OH WELL. Charging, rearing, kicking, biting, etc. Is grounds for you to kick some serious ass!!!! Once she backs off of you, begin again calmly. Get her moving into the lunging circle, if she stops, encourage her to move with the whip and repeat the process. The reason, by the way, that you are keeping her in a halter, is because it is easier for you to control her head and hopefully teach her to round pen properly.

OK, now because there is not really only one way to things let's say this doesn't work. So she's lunging and she stops and turns into you, yank on your halter and back her up fast and hard and at least a quarter to half the round pen in length. If she doesn't want to move forward then we'll make her move backwards, either way she's going to learn to that she is going to move come hell or highwater. After you've backed her up ask her to move on again if she stops, repeat. The idea is to make the wrong thing 100 times more difficult than the right thing. Horses hate backing up, going forward is much easier, but sometimes your horse needs to make that connection in it's own head.

OK, always start at the walk and when she lunges correctly at the walk then ask for the trot and etc. both ways. Once she is doing well on the lead rope, use a lunge line and then nothing, just the normal round pen. IF she goes back to her old ways, use the lead rope again. She HAS to know you mean business and kicking is a huge NO NO!! I hope some of this helps. Let me know how it goes and if you need anything else. If this doesn't work, I've got more tricks up my sleeve. LOL

Chase Me

So I started giving lessons to this young girl and typically what I like to do first is watch my student work their horse as they do every day. So I can see where they're at and where their horse is at. A mini evaluation so to speak.

So she begins to lunge her horse and I notice that she is chasing him around the lunge line, to the point where she is RUNNING literally all over the arena. I ask her what she's doing and she says that she went to a Big name Trainer Clinic and he said that when lunging you need to move as fast as your horse. Ummmmm no.

That's a big, huge, fatty no no. You should NOT have to work harder than your horse when lunging it. The horse should be respectful and NOT tug on your hands when lunging and should be just fine lunging in a set circle. Lunging is one of those things that should still be work for the horse, but not as much for you. Lunging is not to let your horse run bat shit crazy in circles. It should be controlled and productive. If your horse gives out a buck or two, no biggie, but then bring them back down to earth and back to work. Running after your horse is not doing a darn thing, except wearing you out and your horse isn't learning anything either, ESPECIALLY to respect you.

She was surprised when I took out one of the younger training horses I'm working with and had him lunging on a nice quiet circle, listening to all my commands appropriately. She couldn't believe you could lunge a horse that way. *Headdesk* which brings me to another little side point.

Use common sense. Would you chase your darn horse around while lunging, completely exhausting yourself and leaving your horse, ignoring you and probably laughing at you? No. So use your gut instincts or feel free to explore other successful trainer's techniques. Or if you like running around a deep sandy arena, well then have fun....

So What Can I Have??

Here is a posting I saw on CL. It's supposed to be a "fancy" stable in West Seattle... All I can say is WTF, but here it goes anyway.

"Rare opening in lovely West Seattle stable. 10X12 stall with 10X20 foot "patio" behind. Daily turnout in mud free paddocks with grass paddocks in season. 70X160 covered arena with 70 wall of mirrors and lighting. Board fences. Two wash areas, both with hot and cold water. Dressage instruction and clinics available. Three feedings daily. Vitamins and wormers supplied. Small friendly stable with maximum of 10 horses. Pretty gardens with vegetables and flowers. We limit horse size to 16 hands and do not take thoroughbreds. Reply to ad for further details."

Soooooooo it's a dressage barn, but the maximum horse size is 16hh?? What kind of dressage horse do you suppose you'll find under that??? And no TB's? REALLY?!?!?! Again another popular dressage standard. So I guess you can have a pony, or a Quarter horse (not that that is a problem, but come on!) as your next dressage prospect, but apparently that's it. No Warmbloods or Tb crosses, nothing with long floaty legs, heaven forbid it be too tall???? And can you define exactly what a "Patio" means for my horse? Oh perhaps the patio is just a little bit of turnout, buuuuut then why couldn't they just say that instead... Hmmm I'm at a loss. Oh well at least they have "Pretty gardens with vegetables and flowers." But that's about it. *headdesk*

Let My Face Go

At an evaluation tonight of a new student and her semi green horse I watched them ride around and around and I saw the same thing time and time again. Her horse would drop his head and she would yank his head up. I finally had to stop her and ask her why she was doing this? She answered that her horse would occasionally buck going into the canter. Well, OK, that seemed like a decent answer except that she was just trotting. So as she kept going I started to tell her to release her horse's head when he dropped it. She was hesitant at first, but I assured her he was just trying to stretch down.

After a few times I noticed her horse started to relax and really stretch neck down. Every time she tried to jerk his head back up I told her she was sending him backwards in his training. Now granted she is a little gun shy due to the fact her horse has bucked with her, but he was legitimately just truly just trying to stretch his neck and back, which would eventually help us encourage his head set.

So how can a rider, any rider, tell the difference in if their horse is just stretching or prepping for a buck?? A buck will begin with pinned ears, and a humpy, tense back. You may feel him tense in the bridle a little bit as well. He may kick out as a warning and start tossing his head. A buck is also more common during transitions, especially into the canter or lope.

When a horse is stretching, this will typically occur at the walk or a long trot, he will just gradually drop his nose down and may even bring his head up or down a couple times. Always allow your horse the option to stretch if you can. You'll feel that his back and neck will be quite relaxed and he should have a soft and supple jaw and mouth. He may even stretch or extend his gaits a little too. Once he is done stretching or you need him to bring his head back up, make it a soft gradual lift with your hands and reins so he doesn't feel you are jerking his head back up. That will only cause a hard mouthed horse and horse who doesn't or won't drop his head anymore...

Welcome Welcome!!

Welcome to 2010! Whew I have been one busy person so far. I just moved to a new house and finally had Comcast come out and give me my Internet!! WOOHOO!!! So we are up and running for some new blogs now!!! How was all your holidays and your New Years starting out???