Cita Normark on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Cita Normark on Flickr - Photo Sharing!: "Cita Normark
















View Rock and Racehorses' map
Taken in a place with no name (See more photos here)
CITA Normark is a lovely Knabstrupper mare. She is a Danish import and was Danish Vilhelmsborg grading champion in 2005.

'Believed to have originated from the prehistoric spotted horses of Spain, the Knabstrupper is one of the oldest breed registries in Europe. Established in 1812, the Knabstrupper started with a single chestnut blanketed mare purchased by a Danish butcher named Flaeb from a Spanish cavalry officer. The mare, who became known as FLAEBEHOPPEN (which literally means 'Flaeb’s mare'), was purchased by Major Villars Lunn who owned an estate called “Knabstrupgaard” in Holbaek, Nordsealand, Denmark. Flaeb’s mare was bred to a Fredricksborg stallion and produced a wildly colored stallion son who was named Flaebehingsten. Between the two of them, Flaebehoppen and Flaebehingsten were bred to a large variety of good quality horses, producing loudly colored offspring and grand offspring and establishing the Knabstrupper horses as some of the most sought after in Europe at that time.

By the 1870’s the breed’s continuation was severely threatened as the limited numbe"

CITA Normark - A Horse of a Different Color on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

CITA Normark - A Horse of a Different Color on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Clinic with Wendy Murdoch

Wendy Murdoch clinic Westmoreland Fairgrounds, PA
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Pennsylvania Natural Horsemanship Association in conjunction with Westmoreland Horsemen’s Association is proud to present:

Wendy Murdoch!!

May 15 – 18, 2008

Westmoreland Fairgrounds

This will be an intensive 4-day clinic given by Wendy. If you have not seen or ridden under her, you are really in for a treat! Wendy has so much to offer. She is world-renowned, having trained under some of the finest names in the world. I have had the opportunity to ride under her briefly twice and cannot even put into words what I have learned from her. Please take the time to look at her website as her qualifications and what she offers as it is too extensive to print here! http://murdochmethod.com

If you are interested in attending, we only are able to take 16 horses/riders, so, please respond quickly.
Auditing is also an option if youc so choose. Please download the registration form and send along with your check quickly if you are interested.Share Feature on Main

Discovering Wendy Murdoch

If you like to watch educational video and do not have a lot of time, check out this link



Video Minutes
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The video format of Wendy's popular Murdoch Minutes. Simple solutions to common riding challenges.
Video Minutes - Better Hand Position Wendy Murdoch
Video Minutes - Your Ankle Alignment Wendy Murdoch
Video Minutes - Finding Good Thigh Contact Wendy Murdoch
Video Minutes - Stop Pulling on Your Horse Wendy Murdoch
Video Minutes - Help For Unsteady Hands Wendy Murdoch
Video Minutes- Your Wrist Connection Wendy Murdoch
Video Minutes - Level Your Seat Wendy Murdoch
Video Minutes - Elbows Sticking Out Wendy Murdoch
Video Minutes - Elbows By Side Wendy Murdoch

* Articles ( 21 items )
Read articles from Wendy Murdoch and from other respected authors such as Dr. Joyce Harman and Dr. Hilary Clayton.
* Murdoch Minutes ( 18 items )
Improve your riding in a Murdoch Minute. Simple solutions to common riding challenges.
* Recommended Reading ( 1 items )
Wendy know's you're busy and don't have time to read or watch every new release. Save time and money and benefit from Wendy's experience by selecting from her book and DVD recommendations.

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Horse Whispers Network

Sorry I have been away for awhile! I have been putting my energies into a new social networking site called Horse Whispers. It is a by-invitation only site like Facebook or My Space. So far there are 34 members from Washington State, Pennsylvania and Florida. The way it works is that friends invite friends. The site has blogs, a forum, questions and answers, videos, how-to information and the social aspect. It has been on-line for two weeks. The traffic was heavy until a few days ago when it slacked off. I am not sure what happened. I suppose without so many people on it, it only takes two weeks to see everything, and unless something changes daily, the novelty wears off. I am willing to give administrative privileges to another who wants to take the reins and make the site hop--if sites can hop.

Any suggestions from experienced social network users? e-mail to cadencecenter@hotmail.com or comment here. If you want to join the network, send an e-mail as well. Since I am new at this tech stuff, I can use all the advice I can get.

RFD-TV Announces New Show with Mary Midkiff Equestrian World Announced Equine Tips with Mary Midkiff

Equine Tips on RFD-TV - Hosted by Mary Midkiff
read complete news release

Watch it on:
Direct TV - Channel 379
Dish Network - 9409
Mediacom Cable
NCTC Cable

Upcoming Equine Tips by Mary Midkiff will include:

Connect with your horse on both sides when leading: Establish leading a horse from both sides for balance and safety. We often learn to lean and mount and saddle horses from one side because of convenience. This is not helpful to the horse and can cause lameness issues over time. Learn to lead your and work around your horse from both sides in everything you do.

Massage the withers to bring down blood pressure: Massage and rub the horses withers whether you are on the ground or mounted as a calming influence. When your horse gets nervous while you are mounted or on the ground with him use wither massage to lower the blood pressure.

Keeping the horse's back and neck relaxed when tied: Make sure your horse's head and neck are relaxed and lowered when tied. I see many horses in cross-ties and hooked up to trailers with their heads and necks held tight and high. This only causes a hollow back, unnecessary tension, poor neck and back muscle development and is counter to relaxation. I prefer not to use cross-ties, I've seen too many horrific accidents with them, however, if you must make sure the lines are long enough to allow the horse to hang his head at least on a level plane with his back. I do prefer to tie with a short but loose rope in a safety knot with the horse's head level or low.

Keep chestnuts or night eye's tidy: Keep chestnuts neat and trimmed for looks and health reasons. What horse chestnuts are, where they are on all four legs and the variety in them per breed. Each horse has chestnut characteristics which will make them easy or difficult to peel. Use baby oil, lanolin or a moisturizer to soften the chestnut and peel off.

Mouth Massage Techniques: Use mouth massage on your horse before you bridle them. Horses typically hold a great deal of tension and stress in their mouths and jaws which can lead to headaches, biting, head tilting, anger and frustration in training. First have a master dentist give your horse a complete dental exam. Ideally after the dental exam you would have your horse chiropractor come in and give the horse a good going over to make sure his body is in alignment. I have seen so many mouth and jaw issues cause neck and back problems. Once the horse is comfortable begin working in and around the mouth. Start with the nostrils, corners of the mouth, gums, soft palette and tongue. Place your hand in the bars of the horse's mouth where there are no teeth. Be careful with geldings that still have their wolf teeth as these can be very sharp.

Bubble Gum Shoulder Exercise: Use the Bubble Gum shoulder exercise to bring your shoulders into alignment. Demonstration.

Notice Placement of stirrup bars: Placement of stirrup bars can be helpful to women's position and balance.

When saddling, always make a space for the horse's spine: Always lift padding up to the saddle to allow air and space for the horse's spine.

Blanket fitting: Tip for the day is to allow plenty of room for movement under your sheets and blankets.

Types of blankets and sheets: Tip for the day is to select and change sheets and blankets with conditions.

Stretching Exercises on the Ball: Use the ball to stretch at home everyday and you will notice a significant change in your riding. Your horse will appreciate your commitment to the stretches.

When there's a problem always look to the inside of the horse first: Always look to the internal systems of the horse first when there is a problem. Some typical problems and issues and how to approach it differently than with training techniques and gimmicks. Whether it's a young horse and everything is new, a trained horse that develops problems, a made horse that begins misbehaving or a horse that stops performing, always look to the nervous system for answers.

How should a healthy horse look? My tip for the day is learning to recognize a healthy horse. Take a few steps back and observe a horse standing either held or tied. Answer these questions: Does the horse have a peaceful expression in his/her eye? Is the horse breathing slowly and without nostril extension? Is there any visible tension in the body or appearance of this horse? Does the horse look like one whole package or is he/she broken up into many parts? From the side, does the horse have muscle definition without bulges? Is the horse's back lifted to its full potential? Does his coat shine and is it soft and supple? Are his feet round and trimmed in proportion with his body? Is his manure soft but formed? Are his ribs visible? Does he have hollow spots?

Safety stirrups: Consider riding with safety stirrups.

Check for body alignment in the saddle: Use a checklist on your own back for alignment in the saddle.

Women need to maintain an open knee position for best results: Keep your knees off the saddle and open for best flexibility and movement in the saddle.

About "Horses on RFD-TV" - A daily two-hour program block offering a wide-variety of training and event coverage to serve the entire equine industry. The nation's premiere trainers are featured weekly including Pat & Linda Parelli, Clinton Anderson, Linda Tellington-Jones, John Lyons, Dennis Reis, and Lynn Palm, among others. Dressage, Western, Rodeo and features from all major breed associations and shows satisfy the demands of the horse owner, and horse lover. Baxter Black contributes cowboy poetry & humor. Campfire Cafe cooks on the trail, under an open fire. Horses on RFD-TV broadcasts weeknights at 4pm (eastern) and again at 10pm, with weekend repeats.

Watch it on:
Direct TV - Channel 379
Dish Network - 9409
Mediacom Cable
NCTC Cable
HORSE ENTHUSIAST
FEEDBACK REQUEST


About RFD Communications, Inc. Based in Dallas, Texas, RFD-TV is the nation's first 24-hour television network dedicated to serving rural America and agriculture. Programming is produced and uplinked via Ku-Band satellite G-11 from studios and facilities leased from Primedia Productions, in Carrollton, Texas. Distribution includes DISH Network, DIRECTV, Mediacom, and NCTC cable systems.

Previous Tips:
Saddle Padding
Neutral Pelvic Position in the Saddle
Neutral Pelvic Position While in Motion
Stretching Hip Flexors
Stretching before Mounting
Stretching before Mounting 2
How to Mount Safely
Using Protective Headgear
Fitting Protective Headgear
Calming the Anxious Horse
Mouth-Related and Dental Issues
Take a Holistic Approach
Protecting the Legs in Work
Cleaning the Horse's Head
English Saddle Fitting
Western Saddle Fitting
How to Promote a Horse's Healthy Back
Rider Shoulder Alignment Exercise
Loosening Hips using a Chair
Loosening Hips Lying on the Floor
Finding Neutral Pelvis
Maintaining Pelvis Position Mounted
HOME | TOP

female equestrian fitness training and riding tips

Women and Horses--New Fitness Paradigms

Mary D. Midkiff, a rider and horse business professional, believes this female perspective is bringing with it a revolution in the way horses are understood, equipped and ridden. In FITNESS, PERFORMANCE AND THE FEMALE EQUESTRIAN (Howell Book House/Macmillan USA/Oct 1996), Midkiff takes us through the changing dynamics of women on horseback to arrive at a new approach to riding effectiveness. Combining insight into the relationship between women and their horses with practical advice on exercise, equipment and nutrition, she provides a blueprint for better performance with less stress, greater comfort and maximum enjoyment.

Midkiff, who is president of Equestrian Resources (EQR), a Boulder Colorado-based marketing firm, says female equestrians now represent over 80% of today's horse enthusiasts and participants. But, she adds, since the techniques, equipment and teaching methods used with horses have not moved in step with the growing involvement and influence of adult and young women, "it's time to catch up."



* Biomechanical and anatomical considerations for women;
* Stretching and strengthening exercises to enhance performance;
* Steps to balanced riding;
* Saddle balancing, fitting tips, and equipment designed for the female rider;
* Riding and its relationship to aging, pregnancy and lifestyles;
* Nutrition and dietary considerations in daily and competitive riding.

A Rider's Success Starts with the Hip Joint
by Mary D. Midkiff

Maverick Press Article - December 2000

The Barbie doll era must have started many of us thinking that our bodies bend from the waist and that our lower section and upper section are separated by the waist area. After all the belt is cinched at the waist and provides a natural visual division. We can seemingly "bend" from the waist area when we slump our torso or we can falsely achieve an erect position from the waist upward. In the military, ballet and gymnastics, to name the most obvious, people are taught to lift the rib cage, pull the shoulders back and chin up to stand at attention or salute the judge. Sound familiar from one of your riding lessons?

Since all of my research over the past 10 years is based on the needs of the female athlete; since I am a female rider and since 80% of the riders and participants in horse sports today are female; I will be speaking mainly to the female issues. However, biomechanics of the body should be familiar to all riders.

In my clinics and presentations, I ask participants what they do when they hear the command of "sit up" or "bring your shoulders back" in their lessons. The instructor may be asking for improved posture and alignment but without body awareness and biomechanical understanding, the rider will usually go into a statuesque or military position by lifting the ribs, pushing out the chest, and rolling the shoulders backward. This automatically puts women at a disadvantage in her balance, effectiveness and comfort. Men, too, will experience imbalance and tension throughout the body with this stiff position. Compression of the spine is the result of this misunderstanding.

To "sit tall and straight" without compression in the spine and tension in the neck requires bending from the hip joint first which then leads to effective movement above and below and ultimately an even flow of oxygen throughout the many systems of the body.

All movement in the saddle begins and ends with a flexible hip joint, which is the joint just under the femoral artery connecting the femur (thigh bone) to the pelvic structure. We have flexibility and movement in the waist but it moves because of the chain of vertebrae and not because it is a joint. If the spine is straight and aligned over a neutral positioned pelvis, the hip joint can remain in full range of motion to access the leg below. Subsequently, all of the hinges toes, ankle, knee, hip to spine, neck and shoulders, wrists and fingers can align and flow together with the horse's motion.

To check your spine alignment, place your hand just under your belt and press on the lower back. Bend forward and you will feel the bones of the spine protrude, now bend backwards and feel the spine disappear. Somewhere between those two extremes of flexibility there is a middle where you feel the tips of the vertebrae and the muscles in the back soften. Check your spine in and out of the saddle and become familiar with your own alignment.

To learn to sit tall without compression and stiffness try this exercise. Sit in a chair or in the saddle and collapse from your waist by rolling your chin down to your chest and continue rolling forward until your head is almost in your lap. Now slowly bring your self back up, with your chin still against your chest, without lifting your rib cage. Go slowly and focus on raising up and becoming tall, as if you had a string connected from the ceiling to the top of your head like a puppet, without bringing the ribs up and rolling the shoulders back. Do this exercise in front of a mirror looking sideways to check your upper body alignment. This may take some practice and you may need to take a deep breath in and blow it out to make sure you are not holding your breath in your mid-section.

Once you are all the way up, slowly bring your chin up to a level position and check your alignment in the mirror. Do this exercise and check your lower back every time you get in the saddle and you will begin to adopt this "straightness" without having to review yourself in the mirror.

Understanding that your power and balance begin with movement in the hip joint is crucial to an effective and long, safe and comfortable life in the saddle. The horse will feel you as light and in balance leading to heightened performance and freedom of movement.

Return to Articles Index

Mary D. Midkiff's new book, She Flies Without Wings: How Horses Touch A Woman's Soul (Random House, Delacorte Press) is now on sale at Amazon.com

female equestrian fitness training and riding tips

Heel-first Landings are important

This video is created by the Mission Farrier School. My shoer in WA, Mike Rumpza is an instructor there. This video is worth getting a copy. Note heel-first landings....

Is Barefoot Better?-from Equisearch.com

A growing contingent of hoof-care experts says yes. Here's what the natural-foot movement could mean for your horse.
By Jennifer Forsberg Meyer


The barefoot option. You've heard of it, but you know it's not for your horse, because (pick one or more):
it's a fad.
he has bad feet.
you ride on rugged ground.
you show.
You agree that going barefoot is healthy for a hoof, and that pulling a horse's shoes at least once a year to reestablish natural hoof growth is a good thing. But eventually those shoes must go back on, right? Permanent barefootedness is appropriate only for certain horses who already have tough, resilient hooves.
Right?
Four months ago, I'd have agreed with you on all of the above. But now I'm not so sure. By researching this article, I've learned amazing things about how a horse's hoof is designed to function. As a result, I'm beginning to understand why a growing number of natural hoof-care experts say barefoot is not just for horses with already-excellent hooves.
In fact, judging by the evidence, the opposite may be true. Going barefoot (as the result of a correct trim and combined with compatible living conditions) may be the way to make bad hooves better, and even excellent. It may also create hooves capable of supporting a horse--with rider--over most types of terrain. And (this is the most intriguing part) it may enhance a horse's overall health, comfort, and longevity.
What I learned, in fact, prompted me to consider the barefoot lifestyle for my own horses, who live and are sometimes ridden on hard, rocky ground.

In this article, I'll explain what I found so compelling. I'll tell how the barefoot movement began, share the thinking of some of its most prominent advocates, and detail what's necessary to make the barefoot option work. I'll also discuss an alternative approach that applies natural-foot principles to a nontraditional shoe.
In short, I'll give you the tools you need to decide if new-age foot care is something you want to pursue for your own horse.


As Nature Intended
The foundation for a natural approach to hoof care was laid 20 years ago primarily by the work of two farriers. Jaime Jackson and Gene Ovnicek independently conducted field research among feral mustangs in the mid-1980s. Each hoped to see what the hooves and habits of horses in the wild might tell us about foot care for the domestic horse.
Both were astonished at the hardiness and resilience of the feet they saw. Without metal shoes to restrict elasticity and contact with the ground, the mustangs' feet remained tough and healthy even traveling at speed over the roughest ground. Lameness was rare, and usually accident-related rather than caused by disease of the hoof itself.
The mustangs' feet were heavily callused across the toe. Ovnicek's research showed that, contrary to popular belief, the hoof wall is not the primary weight-bearing surface. Rather, the load is shared among the sole, bars, frog, and wall.

"Intuitively, it always seemed to make sense that the hoof wall is the weight-bearer,"says Ovnicek today."And that belief kept us stuck in old modes of shoeing."
In the 20 years since the first feral-horse research, interest in natural methods of increasing the hoof health of domestic horses has blossomed around the world. Jackson has gone on to write several books related to the topic. He also helped create the American Association of Natural Hoof Care Practitioners, which promotes research and trains/certifies professionals.
Ovnicek, who still supports the ideal of "barefoot where possible,"has gone on to develop an innovative shoe that takes the natural functioning of the equine foot into account. He also lectures and provides clinics around the world on what he calls the "natural balance" of the equine foot.
Veterinarians, research centers, and universities are increasingly taking notice of the natural hoof 's powers to prevent and in many cases cure diseases like laminitis and navicular. Moreover, word of mouth among horse owners is building demand for more information on natural hoof care and access to practitioners.
Just before I began work on this article, I heard an enthusiastic endorsement of the barefoot trim from my neighbor, who's pleased with the results she's getting with her laminitic gelding. That caused me to wonder: Just how does it all work?


The Underlying Science
Robert Bowker, VMD, PhD is a leading researcher in the natural function of the equine foot. A neurobiologist who teaches anatomy at Michigan State University, he became interested in foot function about 10 or 12 years ago, when students asked him about the correct placement of nerve blocks. The anatomy texts he check were incorrect, so he began examining the equine foor himself.
His research extended from the nerves of the foot to the blood vessels, cartilage, and bones, and more recently to the hooves and their laminae in health and disease.He supplemented his lab work with observations of free-roaming feral horses.
click to read the rest of the article with pictures.....











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Cadence

- is the legs interchange in particular/certain time intervals.
Well-balanced horse will have relatively slow cadence and his gaits will be crisp and springy. For the slow cadence is important the longest possible time carrying period of the hind leg. A strong pushing-off, long advancement and prolonged carrying time of the hind leg causes free/relaxed/light, roomy and cadenced transition of the diagonal front leg. A horse that interchanges/alternates his legs quickly travels in a fast cadence and tires quicker.

Mounted Games, Run and Ride

Mounted Games Mounts

The local Pony Club is going to begin training to participate in Mounted Games. This sport is not for the faint-of-heart. It is also not for horses. Much of the sport is spent climbing on and off, bending down to scoop objects off the arena floor, and running heck-bent for leather.

The video in the previous posting give s small taste of the sport.

I am writing this posting to appeal to everyone out there who may have a pony or shorter horse that has not really taken to the safe and sane world of round and round the ring, or will not dressage...These are the ponies we are seeking for the mounted games.

If your pony thinks too much or has a mind of its own, if it can go from zero to ninety in an eyeblink, and if they steer well, the Pony Club needs your animal.

If you have such a wonderful mount, send a video or pics to me at cadencecenter@hotmail.com, or respond here in a comment and embed the video.

Watch the video above and below this posting. This is fun stuff. Too bad adults can't compete, eh?

Mounted Games

What good are horses?

How many times have you heard that line? These days we have the automobile and the tractor, so the horse has been relegated to the position of "hobby" (or "obsession").

I have been thinking lately about all the families I have worked with over the years and I have heard that question from the husbands, mostly. I had lots of answers for them. The usual answers were:

*your daughter is so much more responsible
*horses are good exercise
*your wife gets so relaxed before she comes home
*the teens could be out doing all kinds of other things, at least you know where they are all the time
and so on...

Some of the benefits I did not tell to the spouses, because there is an unspoken covenant between riding teacher and women riders, 'horse Moms', and the like...what happens at the barn, stays at the barn...

What I mean is, I would not answer to certain spouses that the barn is the ultimate escape from being a wife, mother, cook, teacher. All those roles are great. I actually loved being a spouse, and a Mom. But the time I spent, pitchfork in hand, smelling the grassy breath of the horses in my charge, I believe, was just for ME.

I am preaching to the proverbial choir to you readers, I am sure. What is it about the brushing, the interaction, or the picking of manure that calms us, gives us new purpose, or, conversely, exhilarates and requires nothing of us?

Maybe that is the point. We take care of our horses because they ask nothing. Everything we give we give because we want to. There are no demands from our steeds beyond an impatient stamping of a foot and an indignant whicker at feeding time or a warm set of lips exploring a coat pocket for carrots or peppermint--they are demands we can handle, demands that are uncomplicated. And, there is the feeling of accomplishment as we ride a good figure or fluff out a tail without pulling any hairs, or look down the barn aisle and see all the horses munching in clean stalls.

And, maybe there is yet more to it for some. Have you ever looked into the eye of the horse and communicated something and felt something in return, but you just cannot describe it nor even want to? Maybe it is that primal, nonverbal connection that existed before language, when creatures took the time to "read" the mind of another. Perhaps it is the agreement as predators that we make with our prey that we will not hunt them or hurt them. It is a feeling of peace.

This entry cannot even touch the surface of the many things that horses are good for..on the inside. I guess it is better to let the rest remain a mystery to most, as each one of us who has had the experience with our four-footed partner has had a different interpretation. To try to capture in language why we ride or brush or just BE around horses has been attempted many times. There are plenty of good books if you like to read.

I will just end by asking you to call to memory the best wordless moment you have had
with the horse and feel again the strength, the peace, the joy, or the sorrow. The horse is good for a lot of things, things we can carry into our other roles in daily life. And when we are asked the question, "What good are they?", we can chuckle inside and say, "Well mucking is good exercise..."

Art or sport? It takes my breath away....

Art

Lessons about Dressage

WALKING HORSES, BIOMECHANICS, THE STEPPING PACE

THE SPIRIT OF DRESSAGE by Lee Ziegler, copyright Jan. 1997

Excerpt: WHAT IS THE TRUE SPIRIT OF DRESSAGE?

Contrary to popular belief, dressage is not about riding tests and doing abstruse movements on huge horses in fancy clothes. Dressage started as a very practical, scientific, methodical training regimen to produce sound, supple, responsive horses for use in war, then later in spectacles called carrousels. Eventually, it evolved into an art, which our modern society was unable to grasp and replaced with sport, so we now pursue test-oriented training and have largely forgotten the origins of the discipline, or the art that it can be. (The art still survives in small enclaves in Portugal, France and Vienna, but the artists are not out riding tests.) Fortunately, we aren't training horses for war anymore, but the same methods that produced practical, useful horses for the battlefield can produce useful horses for everyday trail and show riding, whether the horses involved trot like the sport horses or not.

So, while we are not going to be riding dressage tests designed for trotters on our gaited horses, that does not mean that we don't want supple, sound, responsive horses. Most of the exercises developed for basic dressage work nicely for us, as long as we do them only in the ordinary and flat walk, not the running walk. (The running walk presents balance and flexibility problems in tight circles and lateral movements.) Circles work for us because they develop balance and strength in the back. Serpentines work for us because they develop flexibility. Spirals work for us, because of the balance and strength they develop. Shoulders-in work for us, again developing balance, strength in the hind quarters, and looseness in the shoulders, a very desirable trait in a Walker. Haunches-in work for us, developing flexibility through the body. Only after we have built up our horses through these basics, working on strengthening the back, haunches and shoulders do we really get the kind of stride lengthening we want, flowing out of a strong back. Dressage really works for Walkers, but apply the spirit, not the letter of modern "sport" Dressage. Use the exercises it includes to help your horse carry his body and your weight better, without sagging his back or making his vertebrae impinge, and he will stay sound. Use school figures and progressive training to condition your horse and he will be more supple, able to negotiate rough ground on a trail, or make the corners in an arena at speed without "hopping". Apply the aids and do the progressively more difficult figures of basic dressage and your horse will be more responsive, listening to you and doing what you ask. Dressage isn't about tests, it's about intelligent, biomechanically sound training for use. And it definitely is for Walking Horses.
http://www.walkinonranch.com/media/6_2007_MNFS_Rev_7-07.wmv

Gaited Dressage

National Walking Horse Approved Dressage Tests

Paso Finos make Gaited Dressage history

Copyright (C) 2006 - AmericanPasoFinos.com

It is no wonder the Paso Fino horse excels at this event. Dressage (French for “training”) refers to training a horse to be thoroughly supple, balanced, and responsive. This discipline consists of the rider using both natural and artificial aids to guide the horse through different movements ranging from simple school figures (circles and serpentines) to difficult lateral movements (half pass, canter pirouettes, etc.). When competing in this discipline, progress at different levels is based on both the rider's and horse's experience. Preliminary is the lowest level of competition, where the horse must know how to do simple figures at walk, trot and canter. The highest level in the competition scene is Grand Prix Special, where the horse must do very difficult movements with what may appear little or no effort by the rider. It can take over 8 years for a professional to train a horse to Grand Prix level.

Depending on the level of competition, the horse and rider are judged by one judge or a panel of judges on three simple criteria: suppleness, balance and responsiveness. Without mastering these skills, it is almost impossible to obtain a score of 8-10 on your movement. The essence of dressage is harmony between horse and rider. The horse and rider must form ‘one'. Without harmony, dressage is simply another equestrian discipline, however when there is harmony, dressage is in and of itself an art form.

There are two sizes of arenas used: small and standard. The small arena is 20 m by 40 m, and is used for the lower levels of dressage and three-day eventing dressage. The standard arena is 20 m by 60 m, and is used for upper-level tests in both dressage and eventing. Dressage arenas have a lettering system around the outside in the following order (clockwise) A-K-E-H-C-M-B-F (small arena) and A-K-V-E-S-H-C-M-R-B-P-F (standard arena). It is currently unknown who began the lettering system or why the arrangement was chosen. At the start of the test, the horse enters at A. There is always a judge sitting at C (although for upper-level competition, there are up to five judges at different places around the arena). There are also invisible letters along the centerline, D-X-G (small arena) and D-L-X-I-G (standard arena), X always being in the center of the dressage arena. The dressage arena also has a centerline (from A to C, going through X in the middle), as well as two quarter-lines (halfway between the centerline and long sides of each arena).

In the traditional dressage tests for non-gaited horses, levels are progressive, building on the training of the horse. The training scale and the qualities needed by the horse are emphasized as it works its way up the different levels. A horse at the lowest level of dressage would not be judged on its collection (a more advanced concept), but more emphasis would be placed in judging that the basics are solid: the horse has impulsion, is moving forward, starting to come up through its back, and is accepting the rider's aids. More advanced tests will ask that the horse be supple, asking for maneuvers such as shoulder-in, haunches-in, and half-pass. The horse will also be asked to lengthen the walk, trot, and canter, preparing it for the move advanced movements of extended trot (which requires more impulsion than lengthened trot). The tests are designed to build upon each other. If shortcuts are take at the lower levels (for example, the horse is being forced into a frame with its head pulled into the vertical position, rather than correctly ridden up through its back into the bridle), the errors in training will become readily apparent in the upper levels.

Until recently, Paso Finos who competed in dressage were required to trot and canter. The main differences in traditional dressage and gaited dressage for the Paso Finos are that they are asked to execute a corto and largo in place of trot and canter. Recently, South Carolina hosted its first gaited Dressage classes with Paso Finos judged in Paso Fino gaits at Jasmine Farms Easter Show held on April 1, 2006. There were only two gaited classes, but the Paso Finos dominated both of them. There were a total of 11 entries in the 2 classes, Preliminary A and B. Ten of the entries were Paso Finos and one was a Kentucky Mountain Horse. Stella Manberg-Wise was the first to enter the arena that drizzly morning. She rode Angelica Del Reino, who is the VERY last Favorito Que Tal foal to be born and carries 7/8 Colombian-1/8 Cuban in breeding. She and Angelica rode to victory in this class and Michele Klawitter placed second on a Colombian Paso Fino mare also owned by Stella, Rita de Trebol. The B preliminary test was won by Mike Prevatt on a pure Puerto Rican gelding.

Stella Manberg-Wise is a respected breeder and trainer. She has judged not only PFHA shows, but also non-PFHA pointed shows including some in Puerto Rico. She felt the best part about showing dressage for her, was that competitors got their class sheet back with not only the score, but the judges' comments on each different section of the test. The cards held positive comments as well as what could have been improved upon. At the bottom of each card, overall comments by the judge were made. Each entrant received the score card. The judge at this particular event was very willing to talk to those who asked how to improve for next time.

Gaited dressage for Paso Fino enthusiasts is no longer on the horizon, but is becoming more of a reality every day. Strides are made with each dressage event that is held which includes classes for gaited horses and their riders. Jasmine Farms plans to hold 3 more events which feature gaited classes this show season. This year there will be both a high point award and year-end circuit award presented. The South Carolina Dressage and Combined Training Association will also be presenting a state-wide high point gaited award. The show held by Jasmine Farms was the first time South Carolina has recognized gaited dressage. Not only are the extra classes very popular with the exhibitors, but the Paso Finos themselves have been very popular among the spectators.

7th Annual Evergreen Gaited Horse Classic - July 19-20, 2008

http://www.nwgaitedhorse.com/eghc.htm


The Northwest Gaited Horse Club puts on an annual all breed gaited horse show in July called the Evergreen Gaited Horse Classic (EGHC). This is a fun, easy going, educational weekend whether you choose to participate or just watch!
Puyallup Fair & Event Center, Puyallup WA

Classes for: Icelandics, Mountain Horses, Peruvians, Paso Finos, Gaited Morgans, and Tennessee Walkers along with a variety of open classes that all gaited breeds can participate in. If you are new to showing we also have schooling classes for novice riders and/or horses to learn first hand from the judge on how to improve with your horse. There is something fun here for everyone! Only flat shod or barefoot horses accepted.

Gaited Horse Breed Demonstrations!
Don't miss our popular Saturday evening breed demonstrations to watch each gaited breed perform a 5 minute demo showcasing their talent and versatility. Please email us if you are interested in riding your gaited horse in a breed demo!

Show Forms

* Show premium
* Class list
* Entry form
* Sponsorship form
* Vendor application
* Show flyer
* Show results (2007)
* Show results (2006)
* Spectator admission is free!
* Visit our sponsors!

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A Unique Horse Show
Come join the fun! Our show gives riders and spectators the opportunity to learn about gaited horses by integrating schooling classes right into the show schedule. Novices take part in the show alongside the more experienced entries, but they are given lots of help and encouragement along the way. At the end of each schooling class the riders get immediate feedback from the judge. Riders and spectators learn what the judge was looking for and why the class was placed as it was. As the show progresses, spectators can clearly see improvements as riders applied the suggestions they receive from the judge.

Great Awards/Prizes! Photographer and Videographer Services!
Exhibitors receive awards for first place, championships, and Best of Show. Volunteers also receive free t-shirts and gift cards! We have an exciting addition to our show this year. Along with our show photographer, Jay Goss, we have “Fossil Productions” taking video’s of each class! Just think, you can have a DVD of you and your horse to watch again and again for years to come. Be sure to visit Fossil Productions vendor booth to make arrangements for individual recordings in a class as it is first come first serve.

Cookie Lee Jewelry displayGreat Vendors!

Second Life

So you want to be a riding teacher?

Thirty-five years ago a mother told a horse-crazy 17 year old that she had a choice--Attend "horse college" or go on to get an education for a "REAL JOB". She humored me...we visited Meredith Manor, and a few other schools that featured riding teacher certification.

Long story short, I chose Penn State for pre-veterinary and tried out for the Equestrian team as a compromise. I wanted a real job.

I have not regretted the choice for one moment, because I have a great career as a teacher, I have a sizable retirement account, health insurance, raised a child, owned a home and have a great trailer-pullin truck.

Teaching riding has been my second life. Starting in 1979 I hung out a shingle after receiving training from NARHA through the Centre County 4-H. I was a leader back then, and every 4-H in PA created a "Riding for the Handicaped" program. I was part of developing the Bellefonte program that I believe is still going today at Nancy Meier's farm.

We were sent to Hershey Medical Center several times to receive training about anatomy, physical disabilities, and how to teach every type of rider. I learned so much about how the human body is moved by the horse, and that served me well in my second life career as a horsemanship teacher.

Could I make a living at it? I tried it for 5 years...sorta

I leased a 40 acre facility with an indoor arena in the Pacific Northwest. My revenue stream was pretty good. With boarding, training, lessons and clinics, I ran about 5 thousand through the barn each month. The tradeoff was leaving my REAL JOB at 2:30, heading to the barn, (I did not live there) teaching lessons until 8 PM,feeding, riding training horses until 11 PM, rushing home to greet my child, eating (sometimes), grading papers, and falling into bed. At 4 AM I jumped back into the truck, drove 10 miles to the barn, fed the horses, did chores, headed home, showered, and made it to work on time(most days unless the elk knocked down the fence or the water was frozen or I had a sick horse) to teach school and do it all over again.

I never really shook the notion that my Mother planted in my head that horses were a hobby, or at most, an avocation. I had been afraid to quit my day job.

Now I am in grad school, and seriously contemplating doing horses full time. As soon as I work how how to put money away for another 20 years for retirement and carry my own health insurance...I have the time to plan and think...

After 9 months teaching riding locally again, the client load is increasing by the day. And it is WINTER!!! If I only had an indoor arena.

I am relating all this because many young people want to become riding teachers....

An earlier posting, "Old Wine in New Bottles" discussed life as a riding teacher without certification, yet possessing a lifetime of horse experience and 3o years riding/training and teaching riding. Would you rather take lessons from a newly certified 25 year old or from a career teacher with so much experience in many areas or horsemanship?

I guess it is the same thing as having the PhD and people taking you seriously as a teacher educator, vs. presenting a 30 year career teaching many subjects, teaching youth and teachers, and having no one value that experience. Book lernin' vs. field experience? Big dilemma.

So, what I am saying is, if you have any aspirations to become an equine business operator, there are so many things to consider...

Maybe this article by Faith Meredith will help you to evaluate your qualifications and aspirations. She discusses what to look for in a riding teacher. This article presents very valid points. The "Certificate" does not reveal the answers to all the questions you should ask yourself before choosing a riding teacher. But that is a whole other discussion.