For many, many years I have been utterly confused about the difference between jodhpurs and breeches, but I have finally solved the riddle. I would always look at pictures of jodhpurs and compare them to pictures of breeches, but the closest I got was that breeches are shorter and puff out on the thighs. Seeing as I was ten, I was 99% wrong but it is finally time for me to clarify this to myself and the world.
Jodhpurs are the more common and cheaper option to wear when riding. They go down to your ankles and have either knee patches or a full seat. They have 10cm hems and they can either be pull on or have a button and fly. Jodhpurs can be worn with short/jodhpur boots without needing chaps, therefore they can be used in the showing ring.
Breeches go down to your mid-calf. They end with either velcro at the bottom, or 5cm of lycra. Breeches have either knee patches or a full seat, like jodhpurs. They can also either be pull on or have a fly and button. They both look exactly the same when the rider has short boots and chaps or long boots however.
Breeches are a better option for riders to wear in the summertime as the shorter length helps to keep the rider's legs cooler. Jodhpurs can also be worn in summer but they keep the rider's legs warmer in colder weather as they go down to the ankle.
Breeches are a short version of jodhpurs and are more suited for summer as they allow more ventilation on the rider's legs while jodhpurs are good for winter and summer because they are ankle length. Jodhpurs are a cheaper option and are fine to wear with short boots, short boots and chaps and long boots. Breeches however, only work with short boots and chaps or long boots.
Until next time
-KaimanawaKim
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Mummy, I want another pony!
There comes a time in every equestrian's life where they decide they want to buy a horse. This may be decided after leasing a horse or after having riding lessons or just being horse crazy for a few years, but that does in no way stop it from being a massive decision. Buying a horse leaves you with a long, permanent commitment. The only way out is to sell up, but we all know how long this can take! There are many things to consider when looking to buy a horse, including what you will use your horse for, how much you are prepared to pay and how committed you are.
All horses are only good for certain things. You can get a showjumper that is no good at dressage, a ex-racehorse that can't canter or a pacer that can't trot. The is so much variation in a horse's abilities and their strengths and weaknesses that you truly have to know what you want to do with your new horse before you even start looking. If you want a showjumper, you have to look for a showjumper and when you trial it, you have to jump it and do a course of jumps to test the horse's abilities.
Another extremely important thing to consider when looking to buy a horse is your budget. If you have $5,000 to spend, you spend $5,000. If you have $1,000, you spend $1,000. Some owners will be willing to consider a payment plan, but you have to make the call when you trial the horse if it is really worth the amount it is advertised for, and be critical as humans tend to talk things up, buy them and then regret it.
Commitment is a big factor when it comes to buying and caring for a horse. You have to ask yourself 'Do I have the money to look after this horse?', 'Do I have enough time each day to go look after this horse?', Am I going to lose interest in the next few years?'. All of these questions are so important, because if you own a horse but get over-committed or lose interest or have to sell it for another reason, it could take months to sell and it is not hard to get burdened with an unwanted horse.
Buying a horse is a big decision that should in no way be a spur of the moment thing. You have to consider if you are committed enough and have the time to care for this horse. You have to consider what you want to use this horse for and look specifically for a horse that excels in that area and you have to consider you budget. The absolute worst thing to happen would be for someone to get burdened with an unwanted horse because they weren't critical enough with themselves and the horse when looking to buy one.
Until next time
-KaimanawaKim
All horses are only good for certain things. You can get a showjumper that is no good at dressage, a ex-racehorse that can't canter or a pacer that can't trot. The is so much variation in a horse's abilities and their strengths and weaknesses that you truly have to know what you want to do with your new horse before you even start looking. If you want a showjumper, you have to look for a showjumper and when you trial it, you have to jump it and do a course of jumps to test the horse's abilities.
Another extremely important thing to consider when looking to buy a horse is your budget. If you have $5,000 to spend, you spend $5,000. If you have $1,000, you spend $1,000. Some owners will be willing to consider a payment plan, but you have to make the call when you trial the horse if it is really worth the amount it is advertised for, and be critical as humans tend to talk things up, buy them and then regret it.
Commitment is a big factor when it comes to buying and caring for a horse. You have to ask yourself 'Do I have the money to look after this horse?', 'Do I have enough time each day to go look after this horse?', Am I going to lose interest in the next few years?'. All of these questions are so important, because if you own a horse but get over-committed or lose interest or have to sell it for another reason, it could take months to sell and it is not hard to get burdened with an unwanted horse.
Buying a horse is a big decision that should in no way be a spur of the moment thing. You have to consider if you are committed enough and have the time to care for this horse. You have to consider what you want to use this horse for and look specifically for a horse that excels in that area and you have to consider you budget. The absolute worst thing to happen would be for someone to get burdened with an unwanted horse because they weren't critical enough with themselves and the horse when looking to buy one.
Until next time
-KaimanawaKim
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Mummy, I want a pony!
Every horse crazy person will ask their parents for a pony at least once. There is a sadly large amount of parents that say no, but to the people whose parents say yes, I congratulate you. Once gaining your parents' approval, the next step is to decide whether to lease or buy. Now I know absolutely nothing about either leasing or buying so today, we're focusing solely on leasing horses. What it is, benefits and drawbacks and things to be considered financially.
Leasing a horse is basically renting it. You write up a contract with the owner that will determine whether you or the owner is responsible for organising and paying for the vet, farrier, tack, feed, grazing and any other costs. The contract will also state if it is a free lease or if you are to pay the owner a certain amount every week, fortnight or month.
Having a lease horse can be a good option if you are young, your family may not be able to afford it or it just simply might not work. It means that you aren't burdened with an unwanted horse if something happens, it simply goes back to the owner. One drawback of leasing is that the owner may decide they want to sell the horse and you may not be able to buy it because of various possible reasons. Another drawback is that you can be limited to what you do with the horse and where you take it. The owner might state in the contract that the horse must stay at the current grazing, or cannot be jumped, or cannot go to outings. A lease is a good way to trial if having a horse will work for you and your family though.
Financially, leasing a horse can be a very good, safe option for someone but it can come at a cost. Some owners make the terms of the lease that you only ride the horse and don't have to worry about it's upkeep, but this means you are paying to ride a horse which doesn't benefit you except getting some extra riding time. Another thing to consider is that is you have to pay for the horse's needs and also have to pay a regular amount to the owner for the lease, this can make it much more expensive than it could be in some situations.
Leasing a horse is a great option to riders who have tricky financial situations or are just not sure if they have the time or commitment for a horse, but as with everything, there are some drawbacks. The owner always has the last say with the horse and may put annoying restrictions in place as part of the leasing contract. If you want a horse, but don't know if you can afford it or don't want to end up in a situation where they are burdened with an unwanted horse, the a lease agreement on a horse would be perfect.
Until next time,
-KaimanawaKim
Leasing a horse is basically renting it. You write up a contract with the owner that will determine whether you or the owner is responsible for organising and paying for the vet, farrier, tack, feed, grazing and any other costs. The contract will also state if it is a free lease or if you are to pay the owner a certain amount every week, fortnight or month.
Having a lease horse can be a good option if you are young, your family may not be able to afford it or it just simply might not work. It means that you aren't burdened with an unwanted horse if something happens, it simply goes back to the owner. One drawback of leasing is that the owner may decide they want to sell the horse and you may not be able to buy it because of various possible reasons. Another drawback is that you can be limited to what you do with the horse and where you take it. The owner might state in the contract that the horse must stay at the current grazing, or cannot be jumped, or cannot go to outings. A lease is a good way to trial if having a horse will work for you and your family though.
Financially, leasing a horse can be a very good, safe option for someone but it can come at a cost. Some owners make the terms of the lease that you only ride the horse and don't have to worry about it's upkeep, but this means you are paying to ride a horse which doesn't benefit you except getting some extra riding time. Another thing to consider is that is you have to pay for the horse's needs and also have to pay a regular amount to the owner for the lease, this can make it much more expensive than it could be in some situations.
Leasing a horse is a great option to riders who have tricky financial situations or are just not sure if they have the time or commitment for a horse, but as with everything, there are some drawbacks. The owner always has the last say with the horse and may put annoying restrictions in place as part of the leasing contract. If you want a horse, but don't know if you can afford it or don't want to end up in a situation where they are burdened with an unwanted horse, the a lease agreement on a horse would be perfect.
Until next time,
-KaimanawaKim
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Polo Wraps
Most of my posts are usually interesting and exciting, but this week it is about polo wraps. Simple, boring polo wraps, but my aim of today is to introduce each and every one of you to the magic of polo wraps. What they are, how they work, and why are they better or worse than jumping boots. I'm hoping this will be pretty informative, but never fear, I won't forget to include my personal opinion.
Polo wraps are long, thin strips of polarfleece with velcro at one end. When you buy them, they come rolled up and in a fancy bag. When you use them, they become tangled and frustrating, but what are they for? There is a big debate about whether polo wraps provide sufficient support to the horses' leg or not. The main reason people don't think they provide enough support is because the fabric they are made from is thin, flimsy and stretchy. One thing most people do agree polo wraps are good for though is protecting the legs from arena sand, dust, nicks or cuts and the fetlock hitting the ground while galloping. Oh, and we can't forget the fashion statements!
(These are two sets of polo wraps that I made for the business I mentioned in a previous post.)
Polo wraps work like bandages. They are wrapped around the horse's leg and the velcroed closed. There are many different ways to put them on, and everyone has their own preference but one thing absolutely everyone will hopefully agree on it that there should not be any lumps, bumps or creases in the polo wraps as they will put pressure points on the horse's leg and could potentially ruin the tendons and ligaments.
Time to compare polo wraps to jumping boots. If a horse has a cut on their leg, jumping boots could potentially rub the cut and make it worse whereas polo wraps will keep it protected and cushioned. Jumping boots don't provide protection to the bottom of the fetlocks if they hit the ground while the horse is galloping, but polo wraps possibly don't provide adequate protection for some people's needs. Another useful thing about polo wraps is they will mold to any horse's leg, despite any swelling or scars on their legs unlike jumping boots, which just wouldn't fit. There are pros and cons to both jumping boots and polo wraps, but at the end of the day, people just need to choose the product that meets their requirements.
My personal opinion on polo wraps is that they are very funky and can make some very awesome fashion statements, but they are time consuming to put on and they are definitely not for beginners! I think if you ever wanted to try them out, then definitely buy a cheap pair or borrow a pair but keep in mind, there are some risks to using them so boots may be the way to go.
Polo wraps are polarfleece bandages that protect and theoretically support your horse's leg. They come in cool colours and patterns, but they are to be used with caution, and certainly not for beginners. Polo wraps can just as easily damage your horse's leg as they can protect them, but don't let this deter you! Jumping boots may sometimes be more suitable than polo wraps so it just depends on your personal preference and what you are planning on doing with your horse. Good luck and happy riding!
Until next time,
-KaimanawaKim
Polo wraps are long, thin strips of polarfleece with velcro at one end. When you buy them, they come rolled up and in a fancy bag. When you use them, they become tangled and frustrating, but what are they for? There is a big debate about whether polo wraps provide sufficient support to the horses' leg or not. The main reason people don't think they provide enough support is because the fabric they are made from is thin, flimsy and stretchy. One thing most people do agree polo wraps are good for though is protecting the legs from arena sand, dust, nicks or cuts and the fetlock hitting the ground while galloping. Oh, and we can't forget the fashion statements!
Polo wraps work like bandages. They are wrapped around the horse's leg and the velcroed closed. There are many different ways to put them on, and everyone has their own preference but one thing absolutely everyone will hopefully agree on it that there should not be any lumps, bumps or creases in the polo wraps as they will put pressure points on the horse's leg and could potentially ruin the tendons and ligaments.
Time to compare polo wraps to jumping boots. If a horse has a cut on their leg, jumping boots could potentially rub the cut and make it worse whereas polo wraps will keep it protected and cushioned. Jumping boots don't provide protection to the bottom of the fetlocks if they hit the ground while the horse is galloping, but polo wraps possibly don't provide adequate protection for some people's needs. Another useful thing about polo wraps is they will mold to any horse's leg, despite any swelling or scars on their legs unlike jumping boots, which just wouldn't fit. There are pros and cons to both jumping boots and polo wraps, but at the end of the day, people just need to choose the product that meets their requirements.
My personal opinion on polo wraps is that they are very funky and can make some very awesome fashion statements, but they are time consuming to put on and they are definitely not for beginners! I think if you ever wanted to try them out, then definitely buy a cheap pair or borrow a pair but keep in mind, there are some risks to using them so boots may be the way to go.
Polo wraps are polarfleece bandages that protect and theoretically support your horse's leg. They come in cool colours and patterns, but they are to be used with caution, and certainly not for beginners. Polo wraps can just as easily damage your horse's leg as they can protect them, but don't let this deter you! Jumping boots may sometimes be more suitable than polo wraps so it just depends on your personal preference and what you are planning on doing with your horse. Good luck and happy riding!
Until next time,
-KaimanawaKim
Thursday, March 27, 2014
My Riding Pet Peeves
I promised all my Instagram followers yesterday that I would make a Youtube video for them, but my camera wouldn't film a video longer than one minute long, so I have decided I shall convert the video into a blog post.
The Youtube video I was going to make was all about my riding pet peeves, so all the things that people do when they ride which simply annoy me! Well, first off I hate when people rise to the trot when it is unintentional. So if they are walking or cantering and the horse breaks into a trot, they start rising but that is basically just telling the horse that it is okay to break gaits, when it shouldn't not be allowed or tolerated. If a horse breaks gaits, then you get it back into the desired gait within the next 3 strides! That is basically my life motto, that everything has 3 strides to happen.
Another pet peeve I have is when riders smack their horse with a whip or their hand unnecessarily. I was watching a lesson a while ago and this girl was on a dapple grey horse called Alfie. I had ridden him the previous day, so I knew what he is like to ride and he is a bit behind the leg, but I only used my whip once. This girl was riding along and Alfie would be going the same pace, never changing and the would reach behind her and smack him. She was a bit of a beginner rider and I understand that, but that doesn't mean you need to smack a horse for going the right speed.
Another one of my pet peeves is something that is very common with beginners and I have seen with some more experienced riders as well, but it is when riders lift their hands quite high while riding. I was taking a lesson last week and there were three boys, two of them on faster horses and one on a slow horse and none of them even knew how to rise to the trot. All three boys were just trotting around the arena, doing as they pleased and I saw two sets of hands go in the air, so I said "Keep your hands down." Nothing happened. It took three tries and then me snapping at them before they listened but kept their hands down during the rest of the lesson, but this is one of the things that annoys me the most!
I think this is probably long enough now, so I won't delve into any more detail about any more pet peeves. I hope you enjoy reading this post and feel free to comment below if you have any pet peeves you feel like sharing!
Until next time
-KaimanawaKim
The Youtube video I was going to make was all about my riding pet peeves, so all the things that people do when they ride which simply annoy me! Well, first off I hate when people rise to the trot when it is unintentional. So if they are walking or cantering and the horse breaks into a trot, they start rising but that is basically just telling the horse that it is okay to break gaits, when it shouldn't not be allowed or tolerated. If a horse breaks gaits, then you get it back into the desired gait within the next 3 strides! That is basically my life motto, that everything has 3 strides to happen.
Another pet peeve I have is when riders smack their horse with a whip or their hand unnecessarily. I was watching a lesson a while ago and this girl was on a dapple grey horse called Alfie. I had ridden him the previous day, so I knew what he is like to ride and he is a bit behind the leg, but I only used my whip once. This girl was riding along and Alfie would be going the same pace, never changing and the would reach behind her and smack him. She was a bit of a beginner rider and I understand that, but that doesn't mean you need to smack a horse for going the right speed.
Another one of my pet peeves is something that is very common with beginners and I have seen with some more experienced riders as well, but it is when riders lift their hands quite high while riding. I was taking a lesson last week and there were three boys, two of them on faster horses and one on a slow horse and none of them even knew how to rise to the trot. All three boys were just trotting around the arena, doing as they pleased and I saw two sets of hands go in the air, so I said "Keep your hands down." Nothing happened. It took three tries and then me snapping at them before they listened but kept their hands down during the rest of the lesson, but this is one of the things that annoys me the most!
I think this is probably long enough now, so I won't delve into any more detail about any more pet peeves. I hope you enjoy reading this post and feel free to comment below if you have any pet peeves you feel like sharing!
Until next time
-KaimanawaKim
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Business affairs
There are so many tack shops scattered around the world now, but some of them are more outrageously priced than most. It is possible to pay up to $400 for a simple saddle blanket. Everything is defined by the brand: the price, the quality, the popularity. Everything.
My friend and I recently decided on our way to a showjumping competition, that it would be an interesting challenge to start a business where we make and sell items for horses. This possibility led to us getting so excited that we decided we may as well try, even if we don't succeed.
There are multiple businesses on Instagram that make and sell the same stuff out business will, which is driving is to put in 110% and make sure we are a success. I would be so proud of myself if our business became popular and got enough recognition for me to be able to call myself a 15 year old business woman.
My friend and I now have a goal to successfully start and run a business that sells homemade items for horse riders and their horses. Our main goal isn't the usual to be a successful business, but to allow horse riders to purchase good quality, reasonably priced products and to beat the big brands at their own game!
Thursday, March 6, 2014
What is the difference between Piaffe and Passage?
I was wondering recently the difference between a piaffe and passage. I have always known these terms and I knew they were both dressage movement to do with trotting but I never knew the difference. After years of curiosity, I finally got around to googling it, as any normal person would do, and I got these results: A piaffe is where the horse trots on the spot, whereas a passage is a trot that very slowly travels forward. Now, I read this on about three different website, therefore it is 100% correct in my eyes, but as a rider, how do we ask the horse for each movement?
Now, the aids for passage are 'Start in the walk, trot or piaffe, apply subtle leg aids and brace the back, lightly restrain the forward movement of the horse with the hands, ride a few steps of passage, finish by riding the horse forward in the trot. This is the horse's reward for offering good passage steps.' according to http://www.dressage-academy.com/schooling-tips/passage.php. But if I were to put this into more simple terms that a larger range of people could understand, I think I would interpret this to say: Start with a forward walk or slow sitting trot, put your legs on and sit deep in the saddle while half halting until it feels like the horse is floating. Once you have performed a few strides, reward the horses by letting it do a free forward trot.' Many of the websites I looked at to get the aids said to only attempt it for the first time on a horse that is trained to do so, I decided it might be wise to include a disclaimer as well then.
So apparently the aids for piaffe include putting your shoulders back and applying either leg one at a time in time with the horse's rhythym. That is a concise version and I think my version of that would be to put your shoulders back, allow your hips to absorb the movement, put your right leg on when the horses left leg lifts and your left leg with the horses right leg.
I have been interested in the difference between piaffe and passage for a long time now. This post is not to be used as a guide of how to train and perform these dressage movements, it is just a short post that will hopefully help you differentiate between the two movements. I apologise if any of this information is incorrect, I am not an expert. I was just fulfilling my curiosity!
Until next time,
-KaimanawaKim
Now, the aids for passage are 'Start in the walk, trot or piaffe, apply subtle leg aids and brace the back, lightly restrain the forward movement of the horse with the hands, ride a few steps of passage, finish by riding the horse forward in the trot. This is the horse's reward for offering good passage steps.' according to http://www.dressage-academy.com/schooling-tips/passage.php. But if I were to put this into more simple terms that a larger range of people could understand, I think I would interpret this to say: Start with a forward walk or slow sitting trot, put your legs on and sit deep in the saddle while half halting until it feels like the horse is floating. Once you have performed a few strides, reward the horses by letting it do a free forward trot.' Many of the websites I looked at to get the aids said to only attempt it for the first time on a horse that is trained to do so, I decided it might be wise to include a disclaimer as well then.
So apparently the aids for piaffe include putting your shoulders back and applying either leg one at a time in time with the horse's rhythym. That is a concise version and I think my version of that would be to put your shoulders back, allow your hips to absorb the movement, put your right leg on when the horses left leg lifts and your left leg with the horses right leg.
I have been interested in the difference between piaffe and passage for a long time now. This post is not to be used as a guide of how to train and perform these dressage movements, it is just a short post that will hopefully help you differentiate between the two movements. I apologise if any of this information is incorrect, I am not an expert. I was just fulfilling my curiosity!
Until next time,
-KaimanawaKim
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Competitive Longings
On the 21st of February 2014, my blog officially reached 100 pageviews so thank you for looking at and reading my posts!
I enjoyed a new experience recently, going to a showjumping event with my friends with the intention of being a groom. It was a really fun day, despite the embarrassing photos that were taken! I think it was a great experience and I found myself longing to be out there competing, even though I have told people I have no real interest in it. I have now decided that it is time for me to ask my instructor if there is any chance of me being able to compete.
I have done one showjumping competition a year ago, representing my school as part of it's non-existent equestrian team. In the year since that competition, I have improved in leaps and bounds with my riding, both with gaining confidence over larger jumps and becoming a more assertive rider with horses that try to push me around.
I was never quite confident enough about my riding abilities to be willing to go and compete and have my riding on display, but I finally feel like it is time to see if I can make that step and gain some experience on the competition circuit.
I'm nervous to ask my instructor because I know it would be quite a big commitment to her as well as me seeing as I would use one of her horses, but I think it is definitely worth asking about because the worst she can say is no, right?
Until next time
-KaimanawaKim
I enjoyed a new experience recently, going to a showjumping event with my friends with the intention of being a groom. It was a really fun day, despite the embarrassing photos that were taken! I think it was a great experience and I found myself longing to be out there competing, even though I have told people I have no real interest in it. I have now decided that it is time for me to ask my instructor if there is any chance of me being able to compete.
I have done one showjumping competition a year ago, representing my school as part of it's non-existent equestrian team. In the year since that competition, I have improved in leaps and bounds with my riding, both with gaining confidence over larger jumps and becoming a more assertive rider with horses that try to push me around.
I was never quite confident enough about my riding abilities to be willing to go and compete and have my riding on display, but I finally feel like it is time to see if I can make that step and gain some experience on the competition circuit.
I'm nervous to ask my instructor because I know it would be quite a big commitment to her as well as me seeing as I would use one of her horses, but I think it is definitely worth asking about because the worst she can say is no, right?
Until next time
-KaimanawaKim
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Gadgets or Safety Measures?
'A horse only needs a snaffle bridle and saddle.' It is a common thing to hear now, that a horse should only need a simple snaffle bit and a saddle, no breastplate, no martingale, no 'gadgets'. Are these items really gadgets? Are people taking this theory too far?
A breastplate is leather straps that are used to stop the saddle from slipping back along the horse when jumping or trekking or even if the saddle just has a tendency to slip back. A martingale can either attach to a breastplate or replace a breastplate and is used to either help keep control when the horse throws his head up or to stop the reins from going over the horse's head. People also claim that any bit except a simple loose ring or eggbutt snaffle is harsh and an unnecessary gadget.
I personally think that accusing these devices as being unnecessary gadgets is harsh and uncalled for because sometimes, having these gadgets can be the difference between a safe horse and a dead rider. If the horse mucks around and puts his rider in danger because he lifts his head and evades the bit or simply ignores it, it can be extremely dangerous and using a martingale so the horse can't lift his head to evade the bit or changing the bit to something a bit stronger just to keep the horse's attention is completely reasonable.
I feel disappointed when I see a top rider using strong and complicated gag bits on their horses because they sometimes use the same style of bit on every horse whether they need it or not and it seems that competing has become more about who has the most bling, instead of who truly rides well. It is highly unlikely for a team of 5-6 horses to all require a strong bit, but I read in a magazine last month that for a certain top showjumper, the style this season seems to be large and flashy gag bits and no nosebands. I find this just appalling because which bit a horse is ridden in should have absolutely nothing to do with looks.
There is a popular theory at the moment that a horse only needs a simple snaffle bridle and saddle and I agree to this theory to an extent. I believe a horse only needs the bare minimum of what it takes to control him, but I do not consider martingales and breastplates etc as gadget, but more as safety measures. I am also extremely disappointed whenever I see top rider that is supposed to be a role model using a harsh bit just for looks. Sometimes I can't help but wonder what happened?
Until next time
-KaimanawaKim
A breastplate is leather straps that are used to stop the saddle from slipping back along the horse when jumping or trekking or even if the saddle just has a tendency to slip back. A martingale can either attach to a breastplate or replace a breastplate and is used to either help keep control when the horse throws his head up or to stop the reins from going over the horse's head. People also claim that any bit except a simple loose ring or eggbutt snaffle is harsh and an unnecessary gadget.
I personally think that accusing these devices as being unnecessary gadgets is harsh and uncalled for because sometimes, having these gadgets can be the difference between a safe horse and a dead rider. If the horse mucks around and puts his rider in danger because he lifts his head and evades the bit or simply ignores it, it can be extremely dangerous and using a martingale so the horse can't lift his head to evade the bit or changing the bit to something a bit stronger just to keep the horse's attention is completely reasonable.
I feel disappointed when I see a top rider using strong and complicated gag bits on their horses because they sometimes use the same style of bit on every horse whether they need it or not and it seems that competing has become more about who has the most bling, instead of who truly rides well. It is highly unlikely for a team of 5-6 horses to all require a strong bit, but I read in a magazine last month that for a certain top showjumper, the style this season seems to be large and flashy gag bits and no nosebands. I find this just appalling because which bit a horse is ridden in should have absolutely nothing to do with looks.
There is a popular theory at the moment that a horse only needs a simple snaffle bridle and saddle and I agree to this theory to an extent. I believe a horse only needs the bare minimum of what it takes to control him, but I do not consider martingales and breastplates etc as gadget, but more as safety measures. I am also extremely disappointed whenever I see top rider that is supposed to be a role model using a harsh bit just for looks. Sometimes I can't help but wonder what happened?
Until next time
-KaimanawaKim
Thursday, February 13, 2014
The Tennessee Walking Horse
If you type 'Tennessee Walking Horse' into Google and look at the results, the first result is a Wikipedia article. If you read this article, you will find out about the Tennessee Walking Horse being a gaited horse, and one sentence that caught my eye was 'The two basic categories of Tennessee Walking Horse show competition are called 'flat shod' and 'performance', differentiated by desired leg action. Flat shod horses, wearing regular horseshoes, exhibit less exaggerated movement, while performance horses wear built-up pads along (stacks) with other weighted action devices, creating the so-called "Big Lick" style.' The performance category that is mentioned is referring to a method of training used with Tennessee Walking Horses called soring.
Soring consists of putting platforms under the horse's feet that add extra pressure to the soles of the hoof and become painful after a while. It also involves putting chemicals such as kerosene, mustard oil or diesel fuel onto the horse's pasterns and wrapping it in plastic wrap for the night to allow it to 'cook' and then ride the horse with heavy chains on the tender parts of their legs where the chemicals were applied.
This is a training method used to achieve an exaggerated movement for showing. The trainers don't care about their horses, as long as they win prizes they are happy. It is sickening to watch the videos on YouTube of Tennessee Walking Horses that are performing the Big Lick. If you watch carefully, you will notice that absolutely none of these horses have their ears pricked, and none of these horses look happy.
Tennessee Walking Horse trainers use chemicals, chains and platform horse shoes called stacks to achieve an exaggerated gait called the Big Lick so they can win prizes in the show ring. This training method, referred to as soring, is extremely inhumane and painful for the horses. They are so unhappy that if you watch videos of Tennessee Walking Horses performing the Big Lick, you will never see one with their ears pricked!
Until next time
-KaimanawaKim
For more information, try visiting these websites:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soring
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennessee_Walking_Horse
http://www.horsefund.org/horse-soring-faq.php
https://www.avma.org/kb/resources/reference/animalwelfare/pages/soring-horses.aspx
Soring consists of putting platforms under the horse's feet that add extra pressure to the soles of the hoof and become painful after a while. It also involves putting chemicals such as kerosene, mustard oil or diesel fuel onto the horse's pasterns and wrapping it in plastic wrap for the night to allow it to 'cook' and then ride the horse with heavy chains on the tender parts of their legs where the chemicals were applied.
This is a training method used to achieve an exaggerated movement for showing. The trainers don't care about their horses, as long as they win prizes they are happy. It is sickening to watch the videos on YouTube of Tennessee Walking Horses that are performing the Big Lick. If you watch carefully, you will notice that absolutely none of these horses have their ears pricked, and none of these horses look happy.
Tennessee Walking Horse trainers use chemicals, chains and platform horse shoes called stacks to achieve an exaggerated gait called the Big Lick so they can win prizes in the show ring. This training method, referred to as soring, is extremely inhumane and painful for the horses. They are so unhappy that if you watch videos of Tennessee Walking Horses performing the Big Lick, you will never see one with their ears pricked!
Until next time
-KaimanawaKim
For more information, try visiting these websites:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soring
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennessee_Walking_Horse
http://www.horsefund.org/horse-soring-faq.php
https://www.avma.org/kb/resources/reference/animalwelfare/pages/soring-horses.aspx
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