Another New Boarder

I'd like to welcome Paula Guastello to the barn. Her horses Stanley and Ruby arrived a week ago, and are enjoying being able to go in and out of their stall at will. Thanks for choosing to board at Clearwater, and here's to many happy hours of riding!

Pressure and Release

Horse Illustrated has a good article on Western training myths in the February issue. Sandy Collier, a reined cowhorse trainer, makes a really good point about how horses learn that I'd like to share. Myth No. 1 - "Horses that are strong in the mouth need a stronger bit," and Myth No. 5 - "Pulling on your horse makes him hard-mouthed" are really interconnected, and bring up a point that I notice with a lot of riders. If your horse is running through the bit, and not respecting your hands, oftentimes it is because you aren't releasing the pressure quickly enough. Horses learn from the release, not the pressure itself. If you aren't giving the "reward" for stopping by releasing the pressure on the bit, the horse doesn't have any incentive to listen to the signal given by the rider pulling on the bit. This becomes a vicious cycle when the rider starts using a stronger bit because the horse isn't responding, but doesn't work on improving their release. The horse will respond better at first, because the bit applies more pressure, but when the release doesn't come quickly enough to reinforce that that was the correct thing to do, the horse starts ignoring the stronger bit as well. So the rider switches to an even stronger bit. One of the most interesting things about starting colts, and training horses in general, is how quickly they pick up on things when your release of pressure comes correctly and consistently. They are looking and searching for that release, and it is incredibly effective in letting them know that they have done what you asked. When the release isn't there, oftentimes the horse becomes frustrated, or unresponsive. So for your horse's sake, think about how you are riding, and make sure to reward them with a prompt release of pressure when they do as you ask. One of the best things you can do for your horse is to always be learning, and trying to improve your riding and communication skills. Every time you ride, you are training your horse, for better or for worse.

Horse Holding 101

When you find a farrier that you like, you want to keep them as happy as possible. Working on a horse's feet can be back-breaking and potentially dangerous, but as a owner or handler there are some things you can do to make it easier. The latest issue of "America's Horse," a publication for AQHA members, has a great article on holding your horse for the farrier. It contains a list of do's and don'ts for horse holders, which I've summerized below. However, if you can, read the entire article, as it more fully explains each do and don't.

• DO: Relax
• DO: Stand on the same side as the farrier, except when the front leg is on the hoof stand
• DO: Square the horse up
• DO: Tilt the horse's head slightly toward the farrier
• DO: Keep the horse's attention - and pay attention yourself!
• DO: Keep a good hand on the lead
• DO: Use walls to your advantage
• DO: Keep the horse's head up
• DON'T: Allow nuzzling
• DON'T: Discliple without warning
• DON'T: Feed the horse
• DON'T: Use restraints you're unfamiliar with
• DON'T: Overload the horse's senses

Many of these tips also apply to holding a horse for a veterinarian. 

New Boarders

Welcome to Rachael Hull and Eleanor Harowicz! They both moved their horses in on Friday, and increased the number of horses in the barn by four. Thanks for deciding to board at Clearwater Training Stables!