Horse Facts and Equestrian Sports » Equestrianism

Does Your Saddle Really Fit You And Your Horse?

Tane Moores — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 09:42:48 +0000

Most professional trainers and riders will agree that without buying a custom made saddle for every horse you ride, the correct pad is your only salvation. Knowing that saddles are made for the average back we are faced with the frustrating task of accommodating it to the horse. The perfect saddle fit will reduce stress by putting uniform pressure on the horse’s back. The spine and withers, of course, should bear no weight at all. As simple as it may sound, it’s not. Horses come in different shapes and sizes just as people. The Pro-Tech closed cell perforated inserts in the Cush-N-Air pad act as shims, redistributing the weight over a large area, thereby reducing the pressure per square inch.

Cush-N-Air: The greatest possible PROTECTION from soring & abrasion.
Completely WASHABLE – Rinse off with hose.
LIGHTWEIGHT
Firm cushion SHAPES NATURALLY.
This pad keeps a COOLER BACK using less energy in perspiration – will increase endurance.
Contoured to fit the horse’s back for a more comfortable fit, keeping a CLOSE CONTACT.
The Cush-N-Air Pad is a TOTAL PADDING SYSTEM, designed to be used without an over or under pad.

Find out more about the Cush-N-Air Pad

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Does Your Saddle Really Fit You And Your Horse?

Horse Training Success

Tane Moores — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 12:09:58 +0000

I came across an excellent ebook the other day which was drawn to my attention by a fellow rider when discussing training methods to help deal with some of the behavior problems you can encounter with your horse. When you first buy your horse you have to spend some time getting to know each other and it is during this time that you may discover problems that have not been addressed by the previous owner.

Horse Training Success is full of very practical information on how to train your horse into good behavior patterns presented in a step by step fashion that is easy to find your way around. The book is based around real problems presented by real riders of real horses rather than just a theoretical, airy fairy approach which does nothing for you or your horse. Problems such as biting, bolting, kicking and bucking which can cause nasty injuries are dealt with in a no nonsense fashion which will help both you and the horse to get rid of those unpleasant habits. There are a number of practical approaches to the things that make your horse skittish and jumpy like cars, blowing rubbish and other animals, not to mention getting him into a trailer without a fuss. Feeding time can often cause issues, especially if you have a strong willed horse that likes to take control and I was impressed with some of the solutions presented in the book.

The manual doesn’t only deal with horse behavior problems but also with basic training and riding techniques in plain English with no jargon or waffle – invaluable! Phil Tragear has put together an enormous amount of information and shared the benefit of years of experience both in basic horse training as well as problem management. Horse Training Success is one of the best all round manuals I have come across in a very long time.

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Horse Training Success

Equestrian Sports – Competition

Tane Moores — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 13:04:31 +0000

As a species human beings enjoy competition in all its forms whether it be a simple kick around in the park or taking part in a major event, either as part of a team or as an individual. Equestrian Sports fulfil this desire to compete ion every level, either as part of a team or as individual. You can represent yourself, your club or at the very highest level, your Country.

Riding demonstrate the harmony between Rider and Horse in a way that nothing else does. Men and women can both take part on level playing field which is rare in any sporting event. The speed and dexterity with which they and their mounts flash around the course can be quite astounding to a novice. This is the result of many months of training and developing the relationship between the pairing. Before this can be developed you first have to choose the horse you want to ride.

The size of the horse has to be one of the first criteria – what good is it to have a horse that can run like the wind and jump a mile if your feet dangle on the floor or you are too heavy for him. Next comes temperament, you need a horse that you can work with, they have personalities just like people and sometimes personalities clash. If you find that you rub each other up the wrong way it will show in the competition and you will always be fighting to control your mount. That can be disastrous in Dressage for example, where you need to work as one. The precise movements are almost a ballet and any disharmony would be like the orchestra playing out of tune.

In any Equestrian Sport the condition of the horse plays a major part, he needs to be healthy and happy, well fed, watered and groomed so that he is comfortable and ready for the excitement of the competition – after all you want to win a Rosette don’t you?

There are many competitions in the world of Equestrian Sports but there are some that stand head and shoulders above the rest – the Burleigh Horse Trials in the UK where the best three day eventers compete. The National Horse Show in America covers many fields of equestrian endeavour and is held in Palm Beach under the auspices of the National Show Horse Association of America who focus the competitions on good horsemanship.

One of the most popular events in the calendar is the Horse of the Year Show at Olympia, London, which is held in December each year. A huge party atmosphere prevails throughout the show which specializes in Show Jumping but with lots of other competitions thrown in as well. I have many happy memories of competing there, it was like the beginning of Christmas. The ultimate competition is of course, the Olympic Games where Equestrian Sports are one of the oldest categories.

Any competitive rider will love taking part in their chosen branch of Equestrian Sport and so will their horse providing an exciting show for spectators, the buzz is tremendous and if you win….

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Equestrian Sports – Competition

Riding With Care

Tane Moores — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 14:58:09 +0000

My absolute favourite thing about owning a horse is being able to ride him. There is no better feeling than leaving the yard on a sunny morning to go out for a hack across the countryside. Most well loved and well cared for horses enjoy the experience as much as the rider. If you have done your work right in training your horse he will understand your every movement, and in time a good partnership develops with each one of you understanding the others moods and feelings, and your horse will respond to your slightest touch. This relationship is an important part of keeping both you and your horse well and enjoying your rides.

Make sure you always use good tack, and that it is properly maintained. You need a Saddle that fits well and a Bridle and Bit that are comfortable for the horse and communicate your wishes to him well. You should never have to drag on your horse’s mouth to direct him – imagine how it would feel if someone did that to you! Never ask more of your horse than he can give, we can sometimes get a bit carried away! If your horse is young (or old) it is easy to expect too much of them. Make sure you only expect him to do those things which he is capable of and that you have worked on together. The temptation to take chances is easy to give in to, and it is not fair on either you or your horse and places you both at risk – for no good reason. In time you can work with your horse so that he is capable of almost everything you want – don’t take the chance and injure one or both of you.

Horses are renowned for not stepping on fallen humans but when travelling at speed they sometimes miss potholes and dangerous ground – it is your responsibility as the rider not to take your horse anywhere he could be hurt. The chances are that you would be too. There are times when you do have to cross bad ground so make sure you do it at a sensible speed and keep your eyes open for hidden dangers.

A few sensible precautions such as these make for a good, fun ride for you and your horse.

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Riding With Care

Equestrian or Rider?

Tane Moores — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 21:05:12 +0000

Horse and Man have co-existed since time immemorial. Without the relationship between horse and man our world would have a very different shape. We are no longer as dependent upon horses as we once were, they still play an important part in our lives – who among us has not played games based round riding a horse and racing like the wind towards the horizon. Horses are far more used for relaxation and sport, and the pleasure of their company though there are many still working in farms, ranches and there is still a military use, albeit mainly ceremonial.

The term ‘Equestrian’ has it’s roots in Roman times and comes from the world ‘Equus’ – Horse. The nobility of Rome provided the Cavalry and it is from there the term developed. The Equestrians of Rome were regarded as an elite class as horses were expensive and considerable wealth was required to maintain them.. The Knights were both a political and military force because of the influence their money and skills gave them. They were well compensated for their efforts by the government who needed to keep on good terms with a volatile group.

Horses were also used in more peaceful pursuits and as Rome expanded and drew in Cavalry from it’s allies the Knights lost their influence in politics but became more powerful in the financial world as they were allowed to engage in business unlike the Senators whose role was purely political.

The importance of the horse continued throughout history until relatively recent times. They have always been a valuable asset and as such were prized and well cared for. The ability to ride well and care for horses has always been the mark ofa social elite though that is changing today as Equestrian Sports are within the reach of many more people.

So what is the difference between and Equestrian and a Rider? Equestrianism is much more than just riding – it is a harmony between Horse and Rider where they work together as a team. Whilst we mainly think of Equestrian Sport as those things we see in the Olympics – Dressage, Show jumping and Cross Country Riding, it also covers Driving and other sports such as Polo.

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Equestrian or Rider?

Welcome to the Easy Equestrian

Tane Moores — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 20:22:40 +0000

This is a site for all things Equestrian. If you are interested in horses, riding, equestrian sports – in fact anything remotely equine this is the place for you. I have been riding since I was a small child, I fell off my first horse more years ago than I care to remember and I would like to share my love for horses and riding with you. I believe a happy and healthy horse is the privilege of every rider so I will be sharing all the knowledge that I have gained with you – and maybe a few tales of my adventures along the way. I hope you will enjoy it and share your tales with me.

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Welcome to the Easy Equestrian