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



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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:

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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