20/20 Horsemanship: January 2012

Monday, January 23, 2012

Proper Helmet Fit from www.ponyclub.org

HOW TO DETERMINE A
PROPER HELMET FIT

❑ Only an approved helmet with the SEI
seal verifying that it meets the current
ASTM Standard is allowable; no others
measure up to this standard

❑ Purchase your helmet only from a
reputable tack store whose owner knows
how to advise and determine proper fit.

❑ The helmet must fit snugly and squarely
on your head. Excessive movement
forward or backward or side to side
indicates an improper fit.

❑ The harness is not to be used too snugly
to correct the improper fit of the helmet
itself.

❑ Hair, because it is slippery, should not be
used to make an improper fit seem better.

❑ Any significant accident in which the
head is hit resulting in a headache
demands re-testing of the helmet by the
manufacturer and/or purchase of a new
helmet.

❑ Helmets don’t last forever, it is
recommended that a new helmet be
purchased if the helmet is older than 5-6
years of age.

❑ ALWAYS wear your helmet when
mounted or longeing.

Loretta
the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Tansey in 2007

Lorettathe natural horsemanclear communication/visible results

Monday, January 16, 2012

Tansey aka Audi in 2008

Loretta

the natural horseman

clear communication/visible results

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Positive thinking and visualization

This is an excerpt from a Robert Dover clinic in FL:

"Starting at the walk, Dover asked participants to encourage their mounts to stretch down, and then on the opposite side of the circle, to "collect like an accordion."

Positive visualization proved key: At the trot Dover instructed each rider to envision a passage for the collected phase of the trot circle, while channeling a pirouette-ready rhythm in the canter, then extend for the second half of the circle while "being unafraid—think Totilas!

Be certain of what it is that you're asking for, clear with your aids, and envision the expected result in your mind. See the movie of your most grand vision of yourself—if you envision less than that, that's all you'll get," he explained. "Don't just see the actual word 'extend' but see the VISION in your mind. Be daring! Don't be afraid of the edge. That's where greatness lives."

Thank you Mr. Dover for teaching young riders the importance of the power of their mind.

Loretta
the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results