After the Uxbridge parade we had a large group ride out to Tim Hortons as our final destination. What a shock for the Tim Hortons parking area - the drive thru became a ride thru :) !!
The horses were so well behaved and we all had a lot of fun!
Its a fun treat to take your horse into town - and the horses enjoy their treats too... especially Vinnie who really likes the Honey Dip timbits!
We enjoyed this year's parades! We joined the Ajax, Whitby, and Pickering parades with our partner Lonestar - always check for Lonestar in the parades, they hand out coupons for great deals!
We also joined the Uxbridge parade with the Uxbridge Horseman's Association.
We had a bunch of 'first timers' to the parades this year. Cindy, Andrea, Marcie, James, Erin, Hannah, and Micheala all rode in their first parade this year!
Also Dancer, Riddler, Flower, Shawna, Mountain Man, Phin, and Vinnie were the horses that all had their first parade this year too!
We are happy to report that all the parades were a great success. The horses looked fantastic, the horses and riders and had fun, and what a fun day for the crowd.
We look forward to the parades next year!
In the picture above you can see Micheala on Shawna, Erin on Phin, and Hannah on Riddler (in the backgroun is Andrea on Thetis, and a little bit of Lindsey on Vinnie).
The fundraising event at the Pickering Lonestar ended up in the SNAP Pickering paper - check out the cute pictures at http://www.snappickering.com/?option=com_sngevents&id[]=339752&utm_source=email&utm_medium=snapd
Once again LFEquestrian rides for Lonestar Texas Grill & Bar for the Christmas Parades!
Both the Ajax and Pickering parades were last Saturday and what a gorgeous day it was for the parades.
The Pickering parade was in the morning with a lot of floats and sunny weather. The Ajax parade was in the evening - a parade of lights! We dressed up the horses with some battery powered lights. It was our first 'lights' parade and it was a lot of fun.
The Ajax crowd was full of energy and it was a surprisingly warm night and the horses were really great. Flower, Shawna, Mountain Man, and Thetis rode in the Ajax parade with Cindy, Marcie, James, and I. For the Pickering parade it was the same group except Cindy rode Dancer in the morning.
It was a super fun day and we look forward to the Uxbridge parade coming up Saturday November 26th, and then the Whitby parade December 2nd.
Come join us at the parades and look for Lonestar at the Whitby parade to receive a discount for Lonestar!
Christmas is coming :)
Who says you need a car for drive thru?
We went for a stroll in the trails of Uxbridge, and part of the route included a pit stop at Tim Hortons for a little pick me up.
It was a beautiful sunny day today and a great day for trail riding - Vinnie and Thetis hit the trails and were fantastic. We love trail riding because it is great for the horses both mentally and physically.
It was a fun ride and then we finished it up with a fun experience at Tim Hortons. The public got a really chuckle out of it and were taking lots of pictures - with gas prices the way they are... maybe you will see more people using horses for the drive thru!!
Saturday October 22nd LFEquestrian brought Flower and Shawna to the Pickering Lonestar Texas Grill & Bar on Kingston Rd.
The ponies arrived and were saddled up for pony rides. Flower and Shawna gave any willing children and even some adults pony rides around the parking lot! We blocked up a safe area for the pony rides, and people enjoyed their horsey experience in the city.
The pony rides were to raise funds for the Horse Rescue Series. People who made a donation (of any amount) were given a pony ride and a coupon to Lonestar Texas Grill & Bar for a free kids meal.
The pony rides raised $167 for the Horse Rescue Series which will be used to help retrain a rescued horse for a second chance at life!
Learn more about the Horse Rescue Series at www.LFEquestrian.com
Most of you know I live a double life - Public Health Nurse by day, and Horse Whisperer by evening and weekend.
I've gotten a lot of media attention with my horse whispering evening and weekend attention, but just recently I was captured by Durham Radio News for my work in Public Health.
Take a look at this little article from Durham Radio News, as I remind everyone to 'Move Yourself to Better Health' even during the winter :)
http://www.durhamradionews.com/archives/36540
Some friendly tips to add:
- Find ways to build more activity into your day: we usually fight for the closest parking spot, take the elevator when we can, and get off at the closest bus stop. Challenge yourself to add more activity to your day by parking further away, taking the stairs, or getting off the bus a stop early so you can walk the rest of the way.
- Schedule activity into your day: Plan a 10 minute walk at break, lunch, or after work. When you set a goal or schedule time to be active you are more likely to do it!
Being active is so important for our health.
Did you know that being active can improve your mood, fitness, attention, memory, and lower your risk of many chronic diseases?
Dr. Ratey calls physical activity 'Miracle Grow for the Brain' - because being active helps your brain stay really healthy and it can even lower your risk of dementia and Alzheimers!!
Being active makes sense for both your body and your mind - get moving today!
To round out the Oct 22 free wellness education & potluck day at Chestnut Hill Stables we had a very special cake designed by Sarah's Cutie's cakes, http://www.sarahscutiecakes.com/Site/Welcome.html
The cake is a 3D horse lying down, 100% edible except one toothpick in one of the horse's ears. The tail and mane are made of fondant icing, and the body of the horse is vanilla cake. The horse used up 4 batches of vanilla cake.
There was plenty to go around! We only used up 'the hind quarters' of the horse, and still have the belly, head and front legs still left - good thing it is my birthday this week so there is a reason to celebrate & many people to eat cake with!
Sarah truly is an artist when decorating her cakes. She has made many more cakes for me including birthdays, baby showers, bachelor and bachelorette parties. Every time I am amazed at what she creates - this time she really blew me away... I just wonder what will she create next??
Check out her website http://www.sarahscutiecakes.com/Site/Welcome.html
Our last wellness expert to teach us on Oct 22 at our free wellness education & potluck day at Chestnut Hill Stables was Laura Lorentson, a Registered Equine Massage Therapist. http://www.lfequestrian.com/LaurTech.php
Laura taught us some stretches for our horses and explained that these were important for the horse's muscles. She showed us stretches for all four legs of the horse, and some stretches for the neck and back of the horse.
She used Thetis for the demonstration and Thetis really loved the stretches that used a carrot! There were 2 different stretches that Laura used a carrot to help encourage Thetis to really reach with her neck and get a better stretch. Thetis loves carrots so it worked really well.
Laura then gave us a chance to practice the stretches ourselves with Thetis - it was really fun and informative... and I think Thetis enjoyed it too!
Thank you Laura! http://www.lfequestrian.com/LaurTech.php
After Dr. Elena Silverman, we learned from Laruen Gallant, a barefoot hoofcare specialist. This was during our Oct 22 Free wellness education day & potluck.
We learned many helpful tips from Lauren - http://gobarenhc.webs.com/aboutus.htm
She taught us about how the horse's diet and environment really play a big role in the horse's hooves. She gave us some suggestions to help our horses achieve a healthy weight by using a slower feeder - or even a hockey net to help make the horses eat the hay more slowly & continuously throughout the day which is healthier for them.
When horses eat continuously throughout the day it is easier for the bacteria in the horses gut to digest the food. This is better for both the 'hard keepers' (skinny horses) and the easy keepers (fat horses).
She also taught us about choosing foods for our horses that are low in sugar/starch, and she recommended we walk our horses on hard ground regularly to help develop strong hooves.
She taught us about the importance of the horse being trimmed so they land heel first, and she assessed Phin. Using Phin she showed us some important bits of information about the hoof, and then gave him a trim.
It was all very interesting & informative!
Thank you Lauren! Learn more about her: http://gobarenhc.webs.com/aboutus.htm
On Oct 22nd we started the Free education & potluck day at Chestnut Hill Stables with Dr. Elena Silverman. http://vntpetcare.com/Chiropractic_Services.html
She taught us about Equine Chiropractic care, and about the anatomy of our horse. We learned how to feel for 'subluxations' - places in our horses spine that are not quite right. We learned about why and how chiropractic care and help.
From personal experience I know chiropractic care really helps me. I tend to need adjustments in my neck, and I really find that chiro adjustments take my headaches away.
Dr. Elena Silverman started with Riddler and did a full assessment on him, and allowed us to feel the subluxations she found. Then she did some adjustments and we could feel the improvement. It was really impressive to see results so quickly.
She then did another partial assessment on Phin and pointed out some other findings.
Dr. Elena Silverman will be coming back next Thursday to do another set of adjustments with Riddler and a first set of adjustments with Phin.
Thank you Dr. Elena Silverman for teaching us about this very interesting and important area of equine health!
Learn more about her services at http://vntpetcare.com/Chiropractic_Services.html
Right now I am doing a Young Horse Clinic with Don Hallarday (Parelli Professional). It is just amazing!
I brought Prince, a Gypsy Vanner gelding that I have been working with. Prince and I have come a long way since we started, but I wanted to come to this clinic to get more ideas for building confidence and progressing with him under saddle.
Prince and I ride walk/trot, but the canter always seemed to be a bit of an issue - and by that I mean some serious rodeo bucks if I'm not careful. Don Halladay has started many horses, is natural horsemanship, and he was bucking bronco rider in his former days which means he has a ton of experience to make him perfect for the job to help.
Prince has done 2 days of the 3 day clinic so far, and I am very happy with what we are learning and progressing. Both Don and I have been riding Prince and Prince had some bucks in the beginning at the canter, but with patience, understanding, and persistence Don is helping both Prince and I to progress.
I was really happy with Prince going walk, trot, and canter today under saddle on 3 different rides! He also stood on the pedestal, walked over the bridge, and jumped down the stairs! There is so much to do at the Horseman's Word Ranch.
Tomorrow I am taking Vinnie to play with in between some of Prince's rest breaks - I know it will be a fun & educational day!
Thanksgiving weekend wasn't just an ordinary Thanksgiving weekend for me this year. This year I took my girl, Thetis, with me to New York with James & Nifty for some serious trail riding in Allegany County among the mountains.
The weather was incredible, the trails were amazing, the colours of the trees were breath taking, and the horses were super! We had a fabulous time with many hours in the saddle. The horses enjoyed themselves exploring the forest and going over some natural obstacles.
It was nice to get the horses doing some 'hard core' hill work - really giving them a good work out. Hills are a great way to build balance, fitness, and coordination. The horses certainly got their share!
More pictures are posted on facebook - find me at www.facebook.com/lfequestrian !
The last weekend in September was a big one for LFEquestrian. We went to the Pickering Horse Show and moved the herd!
On Sunday, September 25th LFEquestrian moved out of the Feasby Rd location, and moved into Chestnut Hill Stables (12510 Durham Rd 1, Uxbridge). The horses went for a good run to explore their paddock! LFEquestrian moved to have access to an indoor arena.
Chestnut Hill Stables not only offers an indoor arena, but they also have a heated viewing room and washroom! LFEquestrian is excited to be at Chestnut Hill Stables.
To celebrate, LFEquestrian is hosting a free education and social event at Chestnut Hill Stables on Saturday October 22nd from 10am - 3pm... learn more at the website www.LFEquestrian.com Join Us!
Sunday, Sept 25th we headed out to the show ring at Pickering Horse Centre. This time was a bit different. We were having a bunch of 'firsts'.
Micheala with Shawna, Erin with Phin, and Noa with Riddler. This would be Micheala, Shawna, Erin, and Riddler's first show, and only Phin's second show. Everyone was entered in the cross rail division.
We arrived in the early morning with lots of time to settle. I was so proud of all the riders and horses! Everyone settled in great - and everyone behaved themselves. All the riders remembered their courses and all the horses went over all the jumps.
For a first show it went just lovely - great weather, great company, and the horses were relaxed.
Congratulations!!
A Fundraiser for the Horse Rescue Series supported by LFEquestrian and Lone Star
PICKERING, ON, October 15th, 2011 – LFEquestrian and Lone Star Texas Grill Restaurant are teaming up to support the Horse Rescue Series. On Saturday October 15th from 3pm – 6pm, families can go to the Pickering Lone Star location, 705 Kingston Rd, for pony rides and discounts to the restaurant to support this great program.
The Horse Rescue Series is a program that gives horses a second chance at life. There are many unwanted and neglected horses. These horses are often sold at auction and sometimes end up at the meat merchant. In 2007, Statistics Canada reported nearly $70 million in horsemeat was shipped out of Canada.
The Horse Rescue Series takes rescuing horses one step further than other rescue organizations. Horses in the program get natural horsemanship training by LFEquestrian. Many horses that are rescued are not trained and can be unsafe around people or for riding – giving the rescued horses training makes them much safer and easier to handle.
LFEquestrian uses natural horsemanship – a kind and safe way of training horses. The horse learns to see the trainer as a safe leader. This is different from some other training programs that use whips and bullying to force a horse to do what the trainer wants.
After 4-12 weeks of training by LFEquestrian, the rescued horse is ready for adoption by a new owner. Many rescued horses in the series are used as riding horses – some of the horses even do competitions with their new owners!
The training is provided free from LFEquestrian, but the program relies on donations to cover the costs of caring and feeding the horses during training.
On Saturday, October 15th from 3pm-6pm there will be a fundraiser event for the Horse Rescue Series at the Pickering Lone Star Texas Grill Restaurant at 705 Kingston Rd in Pickering. This is a great time to bring the family out. LFEquestrian will be doing pony rides for donations to the program. Lone Star will be offering coupons for $5 off, or a free appetizer, or a free kid’s meal at the restaurant with a donation to the Horse Rescue Series.
The pony rides will be outside – if the weather is bad on Saturday, October 15th the ponies will come Sunday, October 16th from 3pm-6pm.
For more information please contact LFEquestrian at 416-571-5914 or visit http://www.lfequestrian.com/PickeringPonies.php
Where: Chestnut Hill Stables (12510 Durham Rd 1, Uxbridge Ontario)
When: October 22, 2011 from 10am - 3pm
Cost: FREE
What: An education and welcome day - includes a potluck!
LFEquestrian is excited to be a part of Chestnut Hill Stables over the cooler months, and to celebrate we are offering a free education and welcome event!
Starting sharp at 10am there will be demonstrations and teaching from local horse professionals!
Learn from Dr. Elaina about equine chiropractic care, Barefoot hoof specialist Lauren Gallant on hoof care, and equine massage therapist Laura Lorentson on stretches for your horse! Lindsey will also be doing a short demo with her mare,Thetis, and will be available to answer natural horsemanship questions.
The education will be from 10am to approximately 1pm. Afterwards please join us for a potluck social from 1pm - 3pm in the Chestnut Hill Stables heated lounge!
Cake, tea, coffe, plates & cups will be provided by LFEquestrian - please feel free to bring what you like!
Please join us for this event! http://www.lfequestrian.com/EducationSocial.php
We've started our first year hosting a natural horsemanship summer camp! We are off to a great start - and have pictures to share at http://www.lfequestrian.com/Photos.php?view=thumbnailList&category=10
Campers learn about horses, horseback riding, practice skills of working and playing with horses, and campers get a chance to play at 'liberty' with horses. This camp goes beyond the typical horse camp and helps campers to have a better understanding of horses and how to interact with them.
This camp focuses on learning how to keep horses happy and motivated - riders do not use crops, spurs, or whips to force horses to perform, but instead campers learn how to play with each horse and create a partnership of understanding, trust, and respect.
Some other neat camp features - painting a picture frame with a picture of their favourite horse, having a cd of pictures ready to take home at the end of the week, and a printed photo of the camper with their favourite horse too!
It has certainly been a lot of fun and we still have one more week of camp to go in August! Learn more at http://www.lfequestrian.com/SummerCamp.php
On Thursday July 28th, I had a unique opportunity. I received an unusual request to come tame a mustang. Cimarron is a beautiful chestnut mustang from Nevada. She was born wild and ended up being captured. She was shipped up to Canada with a couple other mustangs that were all adopted in Ontario.
Cimarron had been in Ontario for a few years but noone had tamed her. She was simply a wild pet. She had been abandoned by her original adopter, and now she is being cared for by another woman, Judi. Judi had no intention of training Cimmarron and was quite happy to have her as a pet in the field.
Judi had spent some time in the field with Cimarron and sometimes can feed her carrots by hand, but usually Cimarron would quickly take the carrot and scurry away. Things changed this spring when Cimarron's hooves started to grow a lot more than usual.
A horse's hoof grows much like a human's nail. It grows, and when it gets really long then it will chip and break off or we can cut and file it down ourselves. Cimarron's hooves typically would chip off when they got too long, but this spring the didn't. They grew out of control and now her hooves are about two or three times the length they should be, and they have curled and become misshapen to the point where Cimarron can barely walk.
Judi realized she had to do something but Cimarron wouldn't even let a human touch her - so reaching down and filing a hoof was definitely out of the question. The vet and farrier had suggested trapping the horse in a chute, tranquilizing the horse, and then working on her feet. This seemed rather tramatizing to Judi so she contacted LFEquestrian natural horsemanship services.
I was up for the challenge - I told Judi I would probably need a morning to bond enough with the horse to put a halter on her, which would be the first step. We set the date and time, and Thursday morning I showed up ready to meet Cimmaron.
When I arrived, Cimarron was standing in the run in shed. Judi had closed off the run in shed which is a large space of about 40 x50ft. It was important to have enough space that Cimarron wouldn't feel trapped when I worked with her, but not so big that she could run completely away from me. It was also nice that it was covered since it was raining outside!
Cimarron appeared to be in good health with a shiny coat and a good weight to her. Other than her overgrown and crippled hooves, she seemed like a healthy, happy horse. I started to work my magic and played join up with her.
Natural Horsemanship Summer Camp, 2011!
Brand new for 2011 is a new kind of horse camp. This horse camp will teach natural horsemanship principles and kids will spend their days surrounded by horses learning way more than just riding and parts of tack. Kids will learn how to be a partner with horses, how to play with horses on the ground, how to read horse's communication signals so they can learn to 'talk' to horses, along with horsey crafts and games too!
Currently LFEquestrian is taking registration for camp with availability for the following weeks:
Monday July 18 to Friday July 22
Monday August 15 to Friday 19
Monday August 27 to Friday September 2
Our facility is located at 318 Feasby Rd in Uxbridge Ontario.
Camp will run Monday through Friday from 9am - 4pm with early drop off and late pick off options available. Kids can bring their own lunch or purchase daily healthy lunches!
Discounts available if 2 or more kids from the same family sign up!
For Ages 7 - 14.
Youth over 14 years old with horse or children experience are encouraged to apply as volunteers.
Learn more at http://www.lfequestrian.com/SummerCamp.php or contact us at lindseyforkun@gmail.com or call 416-571-5914!
We are very proud and excited to be opening a new facility, but we need your help! Take a look http://www.lfequestrian.com/Facility.php
One of my clients has two kittens up for adoption. They were just born and are orange tabbies. Please email Mark if you know of anyone how might want one - itech.bull@gmail.com They are located in Oshawa.
Fenix finally got his new jumping saddle! I know longer have to try riding him in my western saddle. The gorgeous warmblood towering at 17H did look a little silly in the western gear. He now has a new adjustable Mondego jumping saddle.
It was important that he get an adjustable saddle. He is still only 3 years old, so his back will change as he continues to grow and develop. It would be a shame to get him a brand new saddle and only months later find out it no longer fits because he has grown or filled out. It will be important that we continue to monitor his back shape and the saddle fit - that way we can change the saddle before it becomes uncomfortable for him.
Fenix has been doing great and started jumping with a rider - he has been free jumping 3ft occasionally but now he will start jumping low fences with a rider. Fenix is still quite young, so we do need to be careful we don't over jump him because we could damage his legs if we jump him to much.
I am excited to progress with Fenix's training over jumps!
I Got a New Trailer - Did you know.... ??
Friday was a very exciting day for me - I drove to Smith Falls to pick up my new Portax trailer from Maple Lane Equestrian. I left in the early morning and arrived around noon to hitch up the new trailer. One thing that surprised me though was how much I would learn.
When going over the trailer care and use I learned some new things... did you know....?
- you should NOT use WD40 on the hinges/etc of the trailer because the WD40 turns sticky and the dust will stick to it. Instead use a Silicone spray.
- There is a type of grease that you can put on your electrical plug on your car that you plug your trailer into. This will help protect against the salt and other harmful elements that may affect the electrical plug.
- You can put grease on your hitch ball which will help for a quieter and easier ride.
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Also I thought I new all of the speacial features about my trailer, but I was happy to learn there were more special features.... did you know...?
- Bockmann trailers have a built in lock for the hitch so you can either lock your hitch to your car, or you can lock the hitch so no one else can hitch to your trailer... not also the trailer door and the saddle chest both lock too
- The trailer wheels function independantly which means the ride is much smoother for the horse and you can even drive on 3 wheels to safety if the 4th wheel happens to go flat
- You can remove the centre dividers in the trailer to create a stock trailer
- The saddle racks swivel and extend for easier use
- The hitch rotates which helps to give a smoother ride to the horse
- There is a hand brake for the trailer
- There is a special cord you attach from the trailer to the car's hitch, so if the car/trailer detach from each other the cord will get pulled and activate the trailer's brakes so the trailer can stop on its own
I was thoroughly impressed.... all of these features along with the ones I already knew about. I am most excited that this trailer is perfect my little Ford Escape which just holds a V6 engine. I didn't want to buy a big gas gozzling monster just to tow because I do a ton of driving... so I am super happy to have something my Escape can tow.
The drive home wasn't quite so smooth. I headed out around 1pm only to realize I had no signals or emergency flashers. Then my cars electical system seemed to be on the fritz. I pulled over at a Canadian Tire in Kingston - thank goodness they had time to look at my car!
It turns out that the place that installed my wiring didn't do it properly, so the fuse shorted in my car and hence no signals or emergency flashers. Three hours later and I am on my way again from Kingston to get home. The trailer drove quite nicely - well enough that I forgot it was there some of the time!
I arrived home not until about 8pmish - my trailer got to spend the night in our visitors parking lot at our condo. A long day of driving to go get the trailer, but well worth it.
I am super excited to have my new trailer and all of the experiences I will be able to do this summer with it like clinics, trail rides, shows, and play days!
If you are curious about Maple Lane Trailers, you can check them out here: http://www.maplelaneequestriantrailers.com/ They are definitely my favourite 2 horse trailer.
www.LFEquestrian.com
Very sadly this morning a devastating fire claimed a house a Beaverton. This house was a client's soon to be new home. It went up in flames just hours before the dealing closing time and this would have been their new home. My heart goes out to this family who had been looking forward to this new home and a chance to bring their horses with them.
You can see the news story here: http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20110301/110301_beaverton_fire/20110301/?hub=CP24Home
The fire was so large that even though the blaze ocurred in the early morning, I was able to smell the fire in Leaksdale while working with horses there in the afternoon.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown.
Such events remind us that life can throw us curveballs - and this is when we need our friends, family, and neighbours to give a helping hand.
My thoughts and prayers go out to this family and all of those facing hardship and tragedy.
This is a quality Santa Cruz Close Contact Saddle.
It is a chocolate brown colour with padded knee roll. It is a medium gullet with a 16.5" seat. It is in really good condition and is an excellent saddle for jumping. The saddle comes with a set of stirrup leathers and stirrup irons.
Located in Uxbridge/Whitby, open to offers. Email lindseyforkun@gmail.com for more information and pictures.
Artex is a fantastic Gypsy Vanner - so enjoyable, willing, and very smart. He has been a pleasure to train and work with. Artex was started as a stallion by Lindsey in December of 2010. He is doing very well and is being enjoyed by his owner as he teaches her walk, trot, going over poles, etc.
Artex had a new beginning last week as he was gelded - he is a sweetheart and coping quite well. The vet recommended extra exercise to help drainage and keep healthy progressing. We exercised him outside so the dirt in the arena wouldn't get into his wound.
I took some pictures of Artex enjoying the fresh air and new powder snow - enjoy the pictures here: http://www.lfequestrian.com/Photos.php?view=thumbnailList&category=9
One of my clients is considering building an indoor arena on their property... they want something safe and economical. There seems to be many to choose from, but overall there are two main types - coverall types and solid steel type buildings. What do you reccomend, who do you reccomend?
I've explored many types:
www.wecover.net/
www.megadomebuildings.com/
www.cover-all.ca/
www.norseman.ca/
www.britespanbuildings.com
and more!
There are so many to choose from, and all of them seem have nice designs - any suggestions? Let me know, you can contact me through this link!- http://www.lfequestrian.com/Contact.php
Shockingly two race horses died at the race track - the situation is being investigated. It is suspected that the horses were electrocuted due to a bad combination of the horses wearing metal shoes, having wet ground, and an electric current running through the ground.
A terrible tragedy. I have heard of something similar happening in an arena that had a wet spot - horses with shoes were killed from the electric current.
I suppose to take this as a cautionary tale- ensure all electrical wiring is safe, and maybe consider if your horse really needs shoes.
From LFEquestrian - www.LFEquestrian.com
New inflattable vest that claim to be the best in safety - Take a look and let me know what you think!
http://www.point-two.co.uk/
New pictures of Balius are now posted - take a look at http://www.lfequestrian.com/HorsePictures.php?view=thumbnailList&category=4&q=&ImageGalleryPage=3
He is turning from chestnut to a super dark grey!
Can't Wait for a Saddle Fit!
Fenix is a 3yr old warmblood gelding that has been in training since July. He has been going beautifully walk/trot/canter and over jumps. He then started to get a bit tight through the transitions, raising his head a bit, and when jumping under saddle he seemed a bit stiff and awkward - like he didn't want to stretch out and use his back.
Then when taking a closer look at the saddle we notice that he had grown and his back shape had changed. The saddle had become a little tippy (not sitting evenly on his back). Continuing to work a horse with an ill fitting saddle can be very harmful for a horse and cause big issues.
I've called up the saddle fitter but it is going to be two weeks before we get the fitting done. There are some exercises we can continue though to keep him fit and in training. We have been jumping him online, practicing transitions online, and even teaching sideways from the ground.
We've also been riding Fenix western because the western saddle fits him better - you can take a look here: http://www.lfequestrian.com/Photos.php?view=thumbnailList&category=8
If you notice your horse raising their head, tossing their head, or being reluctant to stretch out their neck/back then it could be due to an ill fitting saddle. Remember that horse's back's change as they age and their fitness level changes - always ensure a proper saddle fit.
I just hope his saddle is easy to fit to his back!
Prince is a gorgeous 4 yr old Gypsy Vanner that I have been working with since December, 2010. Before Prince came to me, someone else tried to start Prince under saddle.... she was able to sit on Prince but never able to advance to walk... instead just to a bucking spree and eventually it resulted in a broken hip for her. Needless to say she was scared of the horse, gave up, and sold him to my current clients.
I spent a lot of time doing ground work - building Prince's trust with desensitizing, but also developing communication. I taught him sideways from the ground, w/t/c on circles, going over jumps, backwards figure 8's, etc all from the ground. We did this all with the saddle on - that way he got very comfortable with the feel of the saddle and the stirrups dangling at his side. Being able to communicate with each other on the ground meant that Prince became to trust me as a leader - not an easy task, but over the last couple months we developed a huge amount of trust together.
When I first sat in the saddle on Prince, he felt like a tense bomb ready to go off. He was so incredibly nervous - I couldn't imagine asking him to walk forward when he wasn't even comfortable with me sitting there. It was easy to feel how the previous 'trainer' would have ran into such problems - Prince was very tense, and asking a very tense horse to go forward usually means you get a lot more energy and movement then you might want!
Because he was so tense, I practiced a lot of getting up and down from the saddle, and just sitting in the saddle waiting for him to take a deep breath and relax. It took some time, but he is much more relaxed and I can easily mount up from both sides and take Prince around the ring at the walk. He also is very good at steering, halting, and backing up.
For his first trot, I had an assistant lead me. This is because Prince is a very nervous horse, but he finds a lot of comfort and reassurance when someone is on the ground. To start with my assistant had a lead rope attached to Prince's rope halter, and he ran with me at the trot. We did just a few steps of trot to start with, and then we worked up to longer stretches of the ring. I practice both sitting trot and posting trot, and it was a pleasant surprise that Prince stayed quite relaxed and calm.
Next came the assistant letting me off the lead rope - and I have to admit I was a smidge nervous... I took a few deep breaths and tried to relax. Horses can sense when you are nervous which will make the horse nervous, so it is so important to stay relaxed and confident. Our first trots offline were trotting toward my assistant. We did just a few steps and worked up to long sides of the arena. Prince was quite relaxed and being extremely great!
One big key to my success is that I always allow Prince to stop or slow down if he wants to - this is because I am so happy if Prince decides to stop or slow down if he gets nervous, instead of take off bucking. I want Prince to know he will never get in trouble for feeling nervous and wanting to stop. I simply gently correct him and ask him to keep moving, but if he feels tense I will allow him a few moments to relax first.
Yesterday was my third time trotting on Prince, but the first time trotting on him without having an assistant on the ground for comfort. Prince was incredibly relaxed! I just did a couple trots and then to reward him I dismounted and took him for a walk. I am so happy with the progress he is making - although it can be frustrating that progress is much slower with a horse that has 'trust issues', it is so rewarding to see those issues be overcome!
