Full care board includes

• Stall with turn in/out daily
• Clean shavings provided
• Quality grain and hay
• 2 water buckets filled daily or more if needed
• salt lick if owner desires-at manager's expense
• hay net in stall
• round bales in paddocks during winter
• supplements fed if provided by owner
• blanketing as needed
• catching/holding for farrier and vet

Use of barn amenities:

1. Hot/cold water wash stall-IN BARN-with mats and heat lamp
2. Heated tack room
3. Washer/dryer
4. Sink with hot/cold water
5. Fans in stall during summer
6. Trails from property
7. LOADS of Montgomery County parks with trails within a short hauling distance
8. Professional trainers on site daily-Horses are their full time profession.
9. Center of 3 day eventing Area II for the eventers out there!
10. Large outdoor arena with lights
11. PAVED drive all the way to the barn
12. Barn parking lot and driveway are usually plowed in winter for easy access
13. The Surrey, the local tack shop is a short drive away.  Tell them you are with us and receive a 10% discount!

Loretta the natural horseman clear communication/visible results

Booking System

I am so excited with the progress we are making with the new Bookeo system! As of right now, you can register and pay the deposit for ANY week of camp from the home page of the main website:
http://www.2020horsemanship.com

Here are some things current customers can and should do with the system:

• When you click on the calendar tab and you see the main booking page, look at the top left and you will see it says, exisiting customer? then in the right corner is says sign in here. You are then prompted for your email which is your username and your password. 
•  You are then brought to a page that says Hi Name! You will see different categories: Your bookings, prepaid packages, your profile, prepaid credits, new bookings and sign out. To review lessons you would go to your bookings. To cancel a lesson you would also go there. Just find the date, click on it and chose delete. If you have multiple lessons scheduled on the same day and time it will ask if you want just that one deleted or all of them. 
•  Prepaid packages allows you to purchase the 4,8 and 12 sets of lessons. Prices reflected are as of April 1. It does cost more to run payments through paypal and credit cards, in addition to the expense of the system.  We will be talking to each of you about this personally.
•  Please read through each package because beginning April 1 I will be enforcing the policy of so many prepaid lessons must be taken in a certain amount of time.  This helps ensure your progress. A student cannot possibly learn when they purchase 12 lessons and 52 weeks have gone by and they are not used yet. 
• There are TONS of NEW perks for prepaying 4, 8 or 12 lessons! I will list just a couple here: Each earns a certain number of 90 minute lessons. 
•  Each earns 'credits' which - like a punchcard - can be accumulated and used for different things, such as a free lesson, 20/20 shirt, cap or jacket. 

Please make sure you receive my emails, follow the blog and you tube channel.  If you allow it, please have your children go through some of the you tube videos.  I will be creating how tos in the future so stayed tuned in!

Maximize YOUR lesson

MAXIMIZING THE RIDING LESSON:
Help your students get to most out of your lessons
by Jan Dawson

To the Student 
Assuming you have chosen your instructor wisely, interviewed various instructors, checked references with former students and with current students, even taken a trial lesson or two; now it is time to consider how to get the most benefit from your riding lessons.
It is important that you be a physically comfortable as possible. Clothing should be appropriate to the discipline, Western or English and should include an ASTM/SEI approved helmet, hard soled boots or lace-up shoes with at least a half inch heel, riding pants or jeans, if the latter, snug ones with some stretch are best, gloves, and a riding shirt that tucks in. Outer clothing should not flap or be so long as to catch on the back of the saddle. Clothing made specifically for riding will either be waist-length or have slits to allow for the saddle. Above all, IT MUST BE COMFORTABLE because if it isn't you will be miserable and will sit and move To accommodate your clothing..
You should be in a positive frame of mind and be prepared to learn. There is no reason to feel embarrassed because of perceived inadequacies. After all, if you knew all the information already, you would not be taking the lessons. You should be ready to start from the beginning without being offended because only then can the instructor know exactly where you are and what your individual strengths and weaknesses are. Experience with horses does not necessarily mean you have mastered all the skills that your chosen instructor deems necessary. While you need to be alert and prepared to learn you should still be relaxed. You are doing this because you enjoy it and have made the decision to learn more and improve your skills.
Most students take lessons once a week. More lessons will probably allow you to progress more quickly especially if you are using a "school horse." However, more lessons per week are more expensive. A once a week schedule requires that you only miss your lesson when absolutely necessary. Missing lessons is a principal cause of problems for many adult riders. Everyone is busy and there are many demands on time what with work and parenting responsibilities. Be sure to schedule your lessons at your most convenient time and if you foresee problems check on the instructor's make-up policy. When the student is a young person, it is up to the parent to prevent over scheduling.
Riding is an athletic discipline and is such is more easily learned by the young. If you are not a child you will find it helpful to do some stretching before each lesson. Stretches that emphasize the legs, inner and outer thighs, front of thighs, buttocks and back. Be sure to check with your doctor before beginning any new exercise regime. Your instructor should begin each lesson with some appropriate stretches but you will still benefit by doing some on your own before you mount up.
When in class, be attentive and if you do not understand something ask that it be explained further. Children spend many hours a day in school and are accustomed to being taught. Adults have often forgotten how to be students. They have also forgotten how to make a mistake since they usually arrange things so they stay out of areas of doubt. Be prepared to flub-up and don't worry about it. It is all part of the process.
Riding is a discipline so remember that while your instructor is explaining something she or he is not intending to give you an opportunity to sit sloppily out of position and let your mind wander. Get your money's worth by listening. Parents should pay attention to the younger student's attitude in a lesson because if the student is not attentive, not only is the youngster not safe but the parent is buying an expensive pony ride. Sometimes it is better to put off riding lessons until the child has matured sufficiently to remain attentive throughout the lesson.
During the lesson whether it is private, semi-private, or a group lesson; whether you are experienced or not, and even if the student is a child, it is important that the student attempts to do what the instructor asks. Maybe it is not the way you have always done it. or maybe the instruction doesn't seem to make sense; if you understand the instruction and you see no safety reason not to, follow the instruction. The instructor needs your cooperation to get you where she or he is trying to go with the lesson. Kids are used to following instructions all day, adults, well, not so much.
After the lesson, as soon as possible, maybe in the car before you leave the stable, make notes. Did the review of the previous lesson go well? Were there any weaknesses? What was the subject of this day's lesson? What skills were involved; what sub-skills? Were you able to master them? What problem did you have? What do you need to think about for next time? If you ride your own horse what do you need to practice? You might even consider keeping a journal. If possible, clarify any questions you discover while making your notes with your instructor before leaving the barn. If the student is a child, this is a good activity for a parent after each lesson. Remember, be interested and supportive, and proud, not an interrogator.
Many adults are quick to be disappointed if progress is not perceived to come quickly. We live in an environment where overachieving is rewarded. We are taught that the harder we work, the better we do. If we just push harder we'll see more progress. This is not necessarily so with riding. Our bodies don't cooperate and the horse has not read the book. Usually the more you push the worse it gets. This can also be true for kids but remember, they take instruction all day long for nine months out of the year. A lesson is seldom as stressful as for child as for the adult professional who wants progress, lots of it, and now.







Loretta
 the natural horseman
 clear communication/visible results

Where are you looking when you ride?

Think about it just for a moment.  Are you looking up?  Ahead? Through your corners or down the trail?  Your horse's neck?

I often ask a student, "What are you looking at?" It surprises me when they are not able to answer. Or perhaps they realize they were looking at mane and just don't want to say.

A couple things are going on here, and none of them are in your favor.

To start with, the horse can actually FEEL where you are looking, or more accurately where your head is pointed.  So if you really tilt your head to check on that diagonal or lead, well, your horse knows it, he feels the weight shift of your head.  Ever try to stay balanced carrying something heavy that was not balanced?  It's hard.

Next we have the fact that since our body parts are all connected, when your head moves, your shoulders move, and then your hip slightly moves and then, TA DA....your seat bones!  This is why English riders like close contact saddles and pants that allow freedom of movement.

Try this:  Sit on the edge of a wooden chair. (it doesn't work if the surface is not hard).  Put your legs in a position as close to riding as you can, so make sure what you are sitting on isn't too low or too high.  If your legs are too far in front of you, you will not get the same effect.  Make sure you can feel your seat bones under you.  Wiggle around until you find them. On a wooden chair it might feel really hard to thin or small kids.  But then at least we know they found them!  Now sit up making sure your back is straight, still feeling your seat bones. Slowly turn your head to the left, and gently allow your left shoulder to move back with it.  You should be able to feel your seat bone shift slightly.  It is not a big movement but a very subtle one.  Turn your head the other direction and do the same thing.  Try this again, with your eyes closed.  Many times our sense of feel will increase when we take away visual distractions.

Staying in the chair in this position, try really arching your back and see what happens. Did your seat bones disappear?  Because now your crotch is where your seat bones should be and those seat bone have shot out behind you.  Go back to the original position and this time try sitting back more on your bum.  Did they disappear again?  Yep.  Now they are in front of where they should be.  

Now you know not only why the location of your head (and eyes) is important but how to fix your position so you are sitting correctly.

Happy Trails,

Team 20/20
www.2020horsemanship.com

new boarding website!
www.2020horsemanship.org

Here’s How (And Why) You Should Ride With Bent Elbows | Horse Listening

Here’s How (And Why) You Should Ride With Bent Elbows | Horse Listening



 Loretta



the natural horseman



clear communication/visible results

Woodstock Equestrian Park

I found out this park is about 12 miles from my barn!  It's like Turner, except it has 16 miles of trails. XC even has a water jump!

Woodstock Equestrian Park is located in the heart of the scenic Agricultural Reserve, just north of the historic town of Beallsville. The park features 872 acres of rolling farmland and forest, 16 miles of equestrian and hiking trails, three horse-friendly bridges, and two parking lots and entrances marked by monuments on each side of Route 28. 

The east side (entrance identifies “William Rickman Equestrian Center”) includes a 230x350 outdoor riding ring and a six acre beginner-novice cross country course including bank jumps and a water jump. Historic buildings pepper the grounds of Woodstock Equestrian Park. Seneca Stone Barn, which was stabilized by the Department in 2009, is remotely located on the west side of Route 28 near Wasche Road. The historic structures that make up Brewer Farm, located on the east side of Route 28, have been renovated and secured for equipment storage. 

The Woodstock arena, cross country course, and trails are open to the public from dawn to dusk every day. Unless otherwise permitted for exclusive feel free to use any or all of the features of the park. 

Loretta 
the natural horseman 
clear communication/visible results

Flexibility with our horsemanship

Today Sarah and I had planned on taking Simba and Lily to school over jumps at Frying Pan.  We attempted to beat the storm.  Upon arrival the winds came in, a bit earlier than expected.  The ponies were a little unsure of all of the strange sounds inside of the indoor. At one point the bluestone warm up ring was blowing onto the metal side of the indoor-that was quite the sound!  Lily was only a tiny bit unsure with one or two baby sized shys. Simba was a little more concerned, however.  After walking them around  bit we did get on and allowed them plenty of time to walk and try to be calm.

During our warm up, Sarah and I agreed that although we had planned on doing a lot of jumping, we would canter, and maybe take a jump or two depending on how they did.

They were fantastic and we both ended up jumping several jumps.  However, we did not do what we expected to do.  We decided that it would be a better experience for the ponies if we had a few really nice jumps while they were calm, and end on a good note.

This is a perfect example of why we need to be flexible with the plans we make for ourselves and our horses.  Sure, we wanted to do more jumping-it's fun!  But with the weather conditions the way they were, it was NOT appropriate.  Plastic trash bags inside of cans were blowing, the doors were rattling, as were the gates. Stuff was hitting the side of the indoor.  Lily told me she thought there were white pony eating monsters trying to get in when she heard the big doors rattle.  That did, however, make Simba happy. :)



Loretta
 the natural horseman
 clear communication/visible results

Summer Camp 2014

Summer camp registration forms are now available ONLINE on our website!
www.2020horsemanship.com

There are 3 weeks available for adult campers only.




Loretta
 the natural horseman
 clear communication/visible results

A student of mine is writing a blog through her school.  I am not able to comment there directly, so I've copied her post here, so I can comment .

Blog:

Skip to Page Content

MY DREAM: BECOMING A VETERINARIAN

Posted: January 9, 2014

One dream that I have had all my life is to become a veterinarian. I have a feeling that I would be one of the people in this world who loves their job, and would not mind doing extra work if one of the vets is sick and needs someone to come in for them.

There are a couple reasons why being a vet is something that I really want to do: my love for animals, my interest in medicine, and my love for helping a living being. Even if I can make only a small difference, that would still matter. For example, if my friend’s cat was lost, I would try to help her find it, and hopefully we would.

I believe that veterinarians help not only animals but also humans. They keep our pets healthy and safe for us and by vaccinate them against all kinds of diseases that we could catch.

I had a guinea pig that lived for eight years (a very, very long time for a guinea pig) before she died from tumors in her belly. She had been too old to have surgery, so we could not do anything to help her. When I am a vet, there still may not be a cure for those kinds of tumors, but I am sure that there will be a way for guinea pigs like mine to have a chance to live longer.

My dream is to become a veterinarian. I know that I will work hard to fulfill that dream, and hope that everybody who has a dream will work hard to fulfill it, too.

From Loretta:
This student has been with me for several years.  She is one of the most caring and sensitive girls I have ever known. She is also determined and WILL become a vet one day.

Being a vet is a very rewarding career.  Helping animals and their humans is an amazing thing.  From pre purchase exams, dental cleanings, routine shots to lameness exams. It is all so very important, especially for out large equine friends. 

One way my vet has made a huge difference for me has been her compassion and empathy.  I will NEVER forget the painful moments when a beloved horse has to be laid to rest.  When the vet has to deliver such dreadful news it is hard, for everyone.  My vet would look at me with tears in her eyes, and I would just know.  Somehow the pain was lessened just a bit knowing it was that hard for her too.  Several of my students hope to be vets after college.  I will do everything I can to help them obtain their goals.

Loretta

Loretta
 the natural horseman
 clear communication/visible results

Snafflez' HorseMaker: Cross Country Colours for horse and rider

Snafflez' HorseMaker: Cross Country Colours for horse and rider:





Have fun on a snow day designing your favorite colors with your horse for a perfect eventing (or show jumping) outfit!

'via Blog this'

Loretta



the natural horseman



clear communication/visible results

Good Pony award goes to....ASTRO!

Bringing in the horses tonight, the gate was being crowded by Blue and Fetti while I was attempting to take out Scottie and Astro.  I opened the gate, turned around, and then-well I'm not really sure what happened except that Astro ended up on the outside of the gate before I was ready.  I made the quick decision to hang on to Scottie's lead which meant Astro was free.  Scottie said, no, I can't come out, Astro is free and you need to catch him. I said, no, Scottie, it's ok, let's go and Astro will be fine.  I glanced up and Astro was walking along toward the barn, dragging along his lead rope. When he stepped on it he stopped and waited.  Scottie and I proceeded, Astro was about 15 ft in front of us, so I called to him and said, go on Stro, go in the barn and find your stall.  He hesitated for a moment but when he realized Scottie and I were coming behind him he meandered into the barn and yes, right into his stall.

Astro gets good pony of the year award!






Loretta
 the natural horseman
 clear communication/visible results

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