The great days continue

Today was a very special day.  Sarah and I loaded Scottie onto the trailer. It went so much better than I expected.  Guess I didn't realize how food motivated he really is! lol

Big things are in store for Scottie and I couldn't be happier or more excited!







Loretta
 the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

Great Days at Turner Farm

It has been an incredible week here!

On Tuesday, Sarah and I planned on taking Lily and Simba to Frying Pan for jumper schooling. I've been having some issues loading Lily into the trailer.  She is not afraid. She is 13 and well seasoned. However, she is also a pony. And a mare. And has appy in her.  In order to save time I wanted to load Lily and go get Simba, but she's been really hard to load without another horse in the trailer. We've been working on it a bit, but not much. So Tuesday morning, I got her on all by myself.  Lead rope, crop and treats in hand and she was awesome. So we headed to Simba's.

Simba, being the superstar that he is actually SELF loaded!  I've watched him go from backing up and needing a chain on his nose to this.  Lily, maybe you could learn a thing or to from him.

We got to Frying Pan and there was utter chaos due to set up of a carnival. We bagged that idea an decided to go to Turner Farm.

When we arrived at Turner, Sarah was taking our tack out of the trailer and noticed Lily's bridle was not there. Yes, in my excitement of getting her on the trailer, I left her bridle at home.  I thought, well, I'll just walk around with her in the halter and her lead for reins and help Sarah with some jumps, maybe do some trotting if she's good.  She was so good we cantered. And then, we even jumped, several times, even a little coop.  I was quite proud of her. And, it was a blast.

Simba had a big day with the jumps. He conquered those scary flower boxes and even jumped the coop too.





Loretta
 the natural horseman
 clear communication/visible results

Helmet Fitting

Choosing the Right Helmet

A properly fitted helmet is essential to riding safely. It is important to think about the type of riding you’ll be doing – is the helmet suitable for the discipline you pursue? Also, think about where you’ll be buying your helmet – is the retailer trained in fitting helmets helmets? And last, do you know what a well-fitted helmet feels like?

Safety

The emphasis on safety and protection from impact in a fall, as well as the helmet’s ability to stay in place, should be your number one priority. Check with your trainer, riding establishment or your sport’s governing body for their helmet safety requirements. It is paramount to your safety to have the correct helmet fit.

Fit & Comfort

Each model of riding helmet fits differently, even within helmet brands, so it’s important to try on several helmets at the tack store or saddlery with the help of a trained helmet fitter. Look specifically for an approved retailer with a Helmet Fitting Certificate. They will have extensive knowledge of the different ranges available, be able to help you choose the right model, correctly fit the helmet to your head and make any necessary adjustments. The new helmet should be a snug fit, as it will form to the shape of your head as you wear it. A new helmet should never rock backwards, forwards or sideways. A helmet that moves on the head significantly reduces the level of protection it is designed to offer.

Style

The helmet fitter will know which type of helmet is suitable for the type of riding you enjoy. Helmets are available in many different styles, materials such as velvet, suede and leather are just a few of the most popular. Such variety allows each rider to choose a helmet that reflects their own personal style.

Helmet Life

Your riding helmet is designed to protect your head and help reduce the chance of injury. Bear in mind that helmets should be retired following a severe blow – essential if the rider loses consciousness or has a severe headache. Even after just being dropped onto a hard, unforgiving surface, your helmet may be damaged, even though it may not be immediately apparent visually.

Realistically, riding helmets should be replaced after about five years, which is the expected lifespan of a helmet. If however, you suspect that yours may have been damaged during this time, then it should be replaced by a new one, as a subsequent impact may not give you the adequate protection you need.

Helmet Fit

Your trained helmet fitter will start by measuring your head to establish the correct size and follow with a determination of which models may suit your head shape. After trying on different types of helmets, a proper match should be confirmed by putting the chosen helmet on again and adjusted as necessary.

When being fitted, take care not to choose a helmet that’s too large, because firmness can be mistaken for tightness.

The fit of the helmet’s harness is also important. Some checks to ensure your harness is secure:

• Check the length of the chin strap. When correctly adjusted, it should sit just under the chin and gently touch the bottom of the ear lobe – the strap should not be around the throat.
• As far as tightness is concerned, you should be able to put a finger between the strap and your chin and while it should be reasonably tight, it should also allow you to talk comfortably.
• The rubber band on the chin strap should lie close to the buckle, as it helps keep the webbing or leather strap secure and stops it from slipping through the buckle.
• The harness laces at the back of the helmet should be secured tightly to ensure your helmet hugs your head. Always adjust the chin strap first, then the back laces. They must be taut enough to support the chin strap, but not enough to force it around the throat.

Helmet Care

To provide the best protection when you’re riding, a helmet is designed to be weaker than your head, so never do things to your helmet that you wouldn’t think of doing to your head. A helmet’s interior is made of a high-grade expanded polystyrene, full of microscopic bubbles. The layers of bubbles burst upon an impact and, as they burst, they protect your head and reduce the risk of injury. 

Important point to remember:

• Helmets are sensitive to extreme heat (70°C+/158°F+), riding helmets should always be stored in an ambient temperature and out of direct sunlight. The tiny polystyrene bubbles inside the helmet will melt past these temperatures, so if you leave your helmet in a car on a hot day, the helmet could end up being damaged.
• Your helmet should never be dry-cleaned, exposed to solvents or put in the dishwasher. Always clean your helmet with specialist products specifically made for either the interior or exterior of the helmet.

Loretta
 the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

Why these random letters??

I finally decided to 'research' the question of "Why these letters" in the arena.

This is what I found out.  But first you should know that there are two standards.  One being a small arena, with the letters you see in my arena. The second are the letters in the large arena.  This quote refers to the large arena:

The standard dressage arena letters are A-K-V-E-S-H-C-M-R-B-P-F. 

(There is speculation as to why these letters were chosen. Most commonly it is believed because the German cavalry had a 20 x 60 meter area in between the barracks which had the letters posted above the doors)

taken from the dressage wikipedia page.









Loretta
 the natural horseman
 clear communication/visible results

Fall like, windy day!

When I went out to feed breakfast I discovered it was a cool, windy morning. More like fall than a kick off to summer weekend.  The ponies all agreed!  Sass master Piero was in the house with a head toss to rival Lily's!  He even told Spirit to move (across the fence) and bit her butt!







Loretta
 the natural horseman
 clear communication/visible results

Saddle fitting

http://www.equisearch.com/tack_apparel/english-tack_apparel/saddle_fit_points_032510/3/

Loretta
the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

http://www.equisearch.com/horses_care/buyers-guide-protective-horse-boots/

Some students were asking about the different types of boots. Here's a short description.





http://www.equisearch.com/horses_care/buyers-guide-protective-horse-boots/

Loretta

the natural horseman

clear communication/visible results

Equine Chronicle » Estrus Problems in Mares

I recently learned about this...the hard way.  I have not had a horse in heavy work-ever. Now that I'm doing endurance and jumpers with Confetti I do.  This past week we were preparing for the last jumper show. A coupe days of great practice , she went into heat, and then it went downhill FAST.  I did not know their performance was effected this way.  Interesting article.

Some of you had experienced Fetti going backwards....this explains it.  And wen she stops at a fence, unless obviously rider error, this explains that too.

Oh well, better now than later.





Equine Chronicle » Estrus Problems in Mares:

'via Blog this'

Loretta
the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

Jumper Show results

Whew! Great day at the jumper show and no rain!  Thanks to Cadie for helping hold ponies while we walked courses!

Alyssa and Astro won a 1st pace in a class of about 14 jr and adult riders.  Congratulations to both of them.

Loretta and Confetti won 2 4th places and one 5th in the adult division.

Loretta and Confetti still lead the division with the highest points. Come on out to the last show in the series, April 14 and see if they win a high point yr end award. Then, go back to Loretta's to celebrate.










Loretta
 the natural horseman
 clear communication/visible results

Trail Safety

Trail Riding 101 and Trail Riding Etiquette

Following basic trail etiquette can help ensure the safety of you, your horse, others who ride with you and folks you meet on the trail. Following basic trail etiquette is important to keep trails open to horses. Many trails are closed to horses because of riders who abused the trail riding privilege. Remember that you are always an ambassador of horseback riding.  If non-riders meet a courteous and polite horse person on the trail, their impression of all of horse folks will hopefully remain positive.

1. When encountering hikers and bikers
   • Ideally hikers and bikers will yield to a rider.
   • When encountering hikers or bikers, talk to them and get them to talk to you. Hikers with backpacks and bikers with helmets do not look human. Explain this to them and ask them to speak so that your horse will understand that this “thing” is actually just a person.
   • Ask them to stand off on the downhill side of the trail. Once again, horses are prey animals and often attacked from above, so keep the scary looking thing down low. It can also be easier to control a horse going uphill if he spooks.
   • Stay relaxed yourself and keep talking to the hiker and your horse if he is nervous.
   • Find out if there are more in their party and tell them how many in your party.
   • Thank them for their cooperation and be kind and courteous. We are all out there to enjoy ourselves.
2. When encountering other horses
   •  In theory, single riders will yield to pack strings. But be prepared for this not to be the case.  In generally yield to anyone coming up or down the trail if you can because you know your animals and your riding ability.
   • Ideally, downhill riders will yield to uphill riders.
   • Do not try to squeeze by other horses, you are asking for all kinds of trouble. Instead, give yourself plenty of room to go around. You don’t know their animals or their riding ability. So take the safer route and yield.
   • If the trail is narrow with no way to move off to let another pass, decide who should turn around to travel back to a safe place to pass. Always turn your horse to the down hill side. He can see his front feet and won’t step off the trail. He cannot see his back feet or where he is putting them as well, so you want to keep those on the trail. Unless you know the oncoming horse and rider and their abilities, it is safest to assume that the horse and rider are both inexperienced and be prepared that anything could happen as you or they go by.
3. You want to maintain a distance of about one horse length between horses while trail riding. This leaves you time and space to react safely in the event of an accident in front of you.
4. When you encounter obstacles on the trail, such as bridges, water crossings, narrow passes, poor footing areas, etc. walk the horses across one at a time. Allow more than the usual single horse length between each horse over longer bridges.
5. Watch the footing, especially on uphill and downhill grades. Gravel on rocks is like ice. Wet bridges and wet asphalt can also be very slippery. If you encounter problems, warn any riders behind you.
6. When leading and/or riding with anyone behind you
   • Always start rides at a Walk
   • Ask before changing gates, trotting, loping, canter, etc.  This really should be discussed before the trail ride begins.  You may have riders in the pack string with various levels of expertise, including beginners who are not used to changing gates.
   • Warn of holes, bad footing and other dangers
   • Warn when you are stopping
   • Warn if a branch might snap back in someone’s face
7. For your safety and the safety of others around you, pay attention to your horse and keep your horse under control. Keep a peripheral eye on the rest of the horses and the environment around you. Being prepared for anything to happen can often prevent a bad wreck. Think like a horse, especially if you are the leader of the group. If you look at objects on the trail like a prey animal (is it unfamiliar or potentially dangerous), you can help prepare yourself for anything. Once again preparation and awareness can be the difference between a controlled flight and a bad wreck.
8. Nasty horses in the back. If your horse is unruly, you should bring up the rear where his poor behavior will not be witnessed by the other horses and cause them to get upset as well. And, if you are lucky, your horse may learn a thing or two from watching calmer horses in front of him all day.
9. Tie a red ribbon in the tail of a horse that kicks. If you are following a horse with a red ribbon, obviously it would be safer to maintain a little more distance between you, but also you might be extra watchful for signs of forewarning: pinned ears, swishing tail, hind leg at the ready, etc. Remember that your horse could move to avoid the kick and put you in its path instead. A broken leg or knee from a kick 10 steep miles from the trailer is no fun.
10. Mares in season and stallions can present special problems on the trail. They require an extra level of attention on the part of the rider and the others in the group. If you are riding one, be extra vigilant of the horse's behavior. If you are not, but they are part of your group, keep an extra eye out on these animals. Ideally the rider on either of these animals would be an experienced horse person. Warn oncoming riders if necessary. And then also consider that any horse you may pass on the trail could be a mare in season or a stallion and that the rider may not be experienced.
11. Keep track of other riders behind you Take turns leading, (share the dust).
12. When you reach a watering area, take turns and don’t crowd. Wait for everyone to finish before moving off. And remember your Leave No Trace ethics: do not destroy the water front by trying to water all the horses at the same time. Use only the obvious area where animals come down to drink.
13. Stop if there is a wreck. This should be obvious. Your help may be needed. But also, once again, horses are herd animals and do not like to be left alone, especially in an unfamiliar area. If you ride off, while someone is trying to mount back up, their horse could panic and take off to catch up with the group.
14. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics:
    • Don’t cut switchbacks.
    • Do not to walk through soft, wet ground. Horses’ hooves are sharp and destroy vegetation.
    • Pick up all your trash, including cigarette butts, and pack it out.
    • Pick up other people’s trash to keep places as pristine as possible and set a good example.
    • Be respectful of property owner's wishes.  Stay on the marked trail. 
15. Personal Safety
    • Always carry ID on your person and on your horse in case you become separated.
    • Tell someone where you are going in case you don’t come home, even when riding with a group.
    • Carry basic survival gear on your horse and at least the bare minimum on your person:
      • cell phone
      • matches
      • food
      • water

Other Resources for Trail Riding info:

• Recommending Reading: "Trail Riding - Train, Prepare, Pack Up & Hit the Trail" by Rhonda Massingham Hart

The Seven Principles of  "Leave No Trace" Behind: Plan Ahead and Prepare Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces Dispose of Waste Properly Leave What You Find Minimize Campfire Impacts Respect Wildlife Be Considerate of Other Visitors For more information and details on "Leave No Trace" visit the Leave No Trace website at  www.lnt.org

Thank you to the Nokesville Horse Society who posted this on their website.

www.nhsinc.tripod.com










Loretta the natural horseman clear communication/visible results

Equestrian Science Principles

TRAINING PRINCIPLES from equestrian science

13-Jan-2013Effective riders follow principles based on learning theory when training horses.

The 8 training principles are now available in PDF that allows large format print for indoor or outdoor display. Click here

• Release the pressure immediately when the horse responds. 
  Soften the pressure of the signal (such as rein and leg pressures) the instant the horse responds appropriately.
• Use signals that the horse can differentiate. 
• Signals must be clearly distinguishable from each other (i.e., use one signal to go with faster steps and another signal to go longer in the stride)
• Train and initiate responses one at a time (shaping). 
• Train each response component of complex movements separately. 
• Separate opposing signals (such as the reins and the rider’s legs) by not using them at exactly the same moment.
• Train habitual responses using consistency and repetition. 
• The horse will automatically respond in the desired way if the behaviour is precisely targeted  (i.e., train all movements and transitions to occur with consistent characteristics, including timing and duration).
• Train only one response per signal. 
• Reinforce only one response for each separate signal, although signals for the same response can be associated with each other.
• Avoid fear during training. 
• During all horse/human interactions, make sure that characteristics of the environment, including the humans, do not become associated with fear in the horse.
• Train persistence of responses. 
• Reward the horse for maintaining a behaviour by NOT applying pressure until the next signal is given (at which point pressure is again applied).
• Check for relaxation. 
• Strive for relaxation when training each response and vary only for the relevant level of activity. Techniques and equipment must not be used to mask distress or undesirable behaviour.

1. 
   

Loretta
 the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

"How did you stay on??"

My 12 yr old student who had just ridden Stryker commented after he bucked.  "Miss Loretta how did you stay on while he did that?"   I told her that the method of riding I teach teaches a safe, secure, seat. By learning to keep your leg under you AT ALL TIMES many falls can be omitted. Not all, but many.  My upper body did go forward when he bucked. But my legs stayed under me. Had they swung back I would've been over his head or shoulder in a heartbeat.

The other thing is reaction time. As soon as I felt what was happening I pushed myself back upright so more weight could be in the seat.  It takes a lot of years to be able to do that, and unfortunately some falls along the way. Sometimes we learn the hard way, by our mistakes. I have been thrown off by a buck or two in my time. 

For the record, Stryker was not trying to ditch me. He was very happy to be cantering. Everyone was commenting on how happy and excited he looked before he bucked. I think he was thrilled to be doing something.  Since the herd changes at the barn, he's been living in the paddock with the ponies, not in the field.  So he does not have nearly as much space to roam in.








Loretta
 the natural horseman
 clear communication/visible results

Schooling ponies, well horses I guess

Interesting day here today. Started with schooling Blue after a student had a morning lesson on him. He was quite ready, I think he could've cantered forever.  Ended with me schooling Stryker after a student's lesson. This one was a bit more interesting. Trotted around great, still off left but I think that is a forever thing. Much like Playboy he picked up a canter as soon as I thought about asking (this psychic pony connection is coooool), we went around about once, to the right. Lauren was commenting on how good we looked, his tail was up, his head was tucked in, and then, blam. He bucked. Wow he has a pretty mean buck to him. I stayed on, it was uneventful. I corrected him and off we went again on the right lead, a do over if you will.  Then we went to the left. Lovely, slow, rolling canter. Was wonderful and felt great both directions. Guess he can stay another month....







Loretta
 the natural horseman
 clear communication/visible results

The Freedom of Liberty training

from Carolyn Resnick's blog:
www.carolynresnickblog.com

The Key to Training a Horse at Liberty:

The key to training a horse at Liberty, from my observations and experiences with wild horses, is that all horses are born with two instincts. One is a tendency to move away from things that approach them and the other is to follow things that are leaving them.  They do this without thinking and they keep this behavior throughout their lives, if we do not take it out of them from the training we do.  Many traditional training methods remove these responses.  Most people feel safer if they remove these responses because they feel a horse will shy on the trail or might be herd bound if they do not.

In removing these instincts a horse looses a sense of himself and it’s harder to train from being dummied down. What happens when these instincts are removed is that the gas pedal is also removed. I believe the most important thing you can have in a horse is a good gas pedal. This idea was shared with me from my mentors, about the importance of refining the gas pedal on a horse. If I had a good gas pedal, I discovered that not only would a horse go where I wanted him to go but a lot of benefits came along with it was well; the bond, connection, bravery, dependability, loyalty and trust. If approached in the right way I got the “ Full Monty” of what I was wanting to achieve, which was a horse that’s training came naturally and easily for him.

Honey has a gas pedal!

To get this gas pedal I am looking for, it is important that I develop the horse’s herding instincts and tendency to follow and leave to a dependable response. What I found is that because I am the one that developed his instincts to be consistent, the horse is over all more dependable and prefers my company over his horse friends.

This consistency helps you to dance with horses at Liberty in a new way. In a spontaneous interaction, you can then direct a horse easily. It is my wish that everyone could feel this connection. It would grow the empathy around the world. When I dance with a horse, the horse and I want to dance to the other ones wishes. It will open your eyes to the universal connection to all things. It is like a courtship from the way your body goes back or forth, left or right, and the way his body responds to you and how you choose to lead him.  You are just locked in together in a spiritual embrace from your dancing bond of friendship. You do not know what you are going to ask the horse to do until you see an opportunity to send him this way or that way. It is profoundly uplifting to experience this way of connection at Liberty. You and the horse are engaged in a creative expression.

You start out like a jazz band looking for your groove. Then you find it and it is magical, then the connection dances you.

It is so easy; all you need to do is get your horse moving on his own power and then shape where he goes. When you see he wanted to be shaped and he can go where you direct him next, direct him there. You then send and draw in a courtship manner.

I learned how to dance with horses because I loved how I could court a horse from the ground.  It came very natural to me and it will for you too.

When you are dancing with a horse, in those moments you can also train him at the same time. When I start a horse this way, most horses will fall into the game quickly and easily because it is his nature to connect and be directed from his herding instincts and his play drive.  Most all horses can be courted to dance with us.

END

I have begun this journey with Cookie.  Stay tuned for the first article describing her training.

I encourage all of my readers to follow Carolyn's teachings, watch her videos and read her book. If you are a student, or work with me in any way, this will help you immensely.

Loretta

the natural horseman

Introducing......

Announcement 3!


The owner of Ballyclare recently rescued an adorable, buckskin paint mare, from the Camelot auction.  She was broke to ride this past summer, shortly after she arrived at Ballyclare.  Since they mostly work with horses, not ponies, the sweet little mare really didn't have a job. I had happened to comment over the summer how cute I thought she was....and now, she is here!  Thank you Kerry for letting me bring her home!

We are searching for a name for her and would like input. If you suggest a name we pick there is a surprise for you! Some names we are considering:

Cocoa
Snickers
Mouse
Biscuit
Cricket
Chiquita (Quita)
Echo
Hershey


(Her coloring makes me think of candy bars.....)

Seneca
River
Tequilla
Yogi
Zepplin









Loretta
 the natural horseman
clear communication/visible results

Gemstone and Astro

Announcement 2


After a lot of thought I have decided to put Astro up for sale or lease.  He is a unique pony in many ways.  He does not want to be in a lesson program. He wants one kid to call his own.  He is an advanced ride, especially since he now knows his job so well, and is difficult at best for others to ride him at that level.  For those who do not know, Astro has become a 'jumper pony'. Jumpers is a sport in which one jumps a course of about 12 jumps, with tight turns, and high speed. The goal is to 'clear' all jumps (not knocking anything down), and have the fastest time.  At his last show, Astro completed one of the courses in 45 seconds.  The closest time to that was 48, and then in the 50s. He would be thrilled to have a kid ride him 5 days a week and go to A and AA shows every weekend.  Astro will be residing at Ballyclare II until he is sold. If he is leased he will remain there during the lease period.

Gemstone has accompanied Astro to Potomac.  She is happy to be the official teacher of the babies. Gem is a wonderful mother and leader, and here she will be able to do that to the best of her abilities. Lead mare and mom to all of them!  Currently, other than Astro there are two other ponies on the farm.  Gem and Astro are very happy roaming the large acreage. They dropped and rolled within minutes of being turned out.  (Horses that are not content will not roll.)  There is a large pond where I am certain they will be splashing in come spring, all of my horses LOVE the water.

*update: everyone that has met Gem thinks she is beautiful and looks fantastic. They cannot believe she is 26!  Liz took her for a short bareback ride around the farm today. Gem is apparently in horsey heaven!



Loretta
 the natural horseman
 clear communication/visible results

Announcement number 1

Announcing some changes around the barn!

Announcement  1


Liz is working part time at her friend Kerry's barn, Ballyclare II, in Potomac, on Saturdays.  She is teaching here on Sundays and is Captain of the 20/20 Horsemanship Show Team.

Please speak to me or Liz if you wish to be on the Show Team.  We will be having clinics, special Show Team group lessons and more. Stay tuned for more info!


Sarah Frizzell is working at 20/20 on Saturdays and will be here some weekdays.  She is an extremely qualified teacher with a love for children and always an eye on safety.  She is a preschool teacher and a Sunday school teacher.  She owns a 4 yr old rescued PMU foal named Simba whom she boards in Great Falls.



















Loretta
 the natural horseman
 clear communication/visible results