How to keep a running braid tight an in place?
in
I want to do a running braid on the horse I'm showing as it looks nice and shows off his neck... however, when we're loping or he shakes his head, the whole braid becomes loose. What are some tips to a good running braid and keeping it in place?
Answer:
Start the braid out really tight, or else it messes the whole braid up and it looks much neater. Dampen the mane before braiding it and use egg white as often as needed, the egg whites are safe, leave the mane shiny and work like gel. Just have a container of it and scoop or dip your hand in as you braid.
If you use detangler it could make it slippery and hard to braid and fly away-ish, I'd just wash it and then not use any detangler on it. I'd also look tutorials and how to on YouTube, they have tons of good how to videos and they will give you some really good tips.
How to teach a horse flying lead changes?
in
I have a 10 year old Thoroughbred mare that I just got about a month ago. We have been jumping a lot better since I got her, but her lead changes are still off. She usually gets the front and not the back, but then switches back to a counter-canter instead of switching her back lead. How do I teach her how to do a full lead change without cross-cantering? She needs to learn it asap!
Answer:
This is a sign of lack of balance, or a bit of a back/hip problem.
I would get the chiropractor out to rule out physical causes and then work on the flat giving very clear aids as to which leg you want to canter on. Exaggerate the leg position, especially the new outside leg and look to the direction you want to go - sometimes the shift in the rider's weight when they are looking in a certain direction will help.
When you do do jumping training you could do some low gymnastic fences down the centre line and have two fences down either side of the school. Go over the gymnastic set and look to the next fence at the side, or at least in that direction.
Hill walking will also help strengthen the hindquarter muscles and develop them over the back. This causes the horse to have to use his or her back end properly to propel her up the hill, and get underneath him or herself coming down and will improve her balance. Muscle does not grow over night, but it is well worth it.
How to fit a lot of hair in a horse show helmet?
in
I cannot get all my hair into my helmet without it "perching" (being to high) on my head. Does anyone have any tips to stuff all my hair in my show helmet without cutting it.
Thanks!
Answer:
I see the girls around my area tie it in a pony tail and pull it through the part above the rear strap at the back.
How to train pony to go straight from Walk to Canter?
in
We do a lot of bareback riding and it would be really helpful to learn how to train her to go straight into canter? Also tips on getting a good canter in bareback would be appreciated!
Answer:
What a lot of people don't understand is that a walk/canter transition is just like a walk/trot transition. There doesn't need to be the intermediate step of trot before going into the canter. Just as in a stand/canter transition, you don't need to walk or trot.
Start by just staying in a circle in half the arena. Circles will help to "lead" your horse in her direction so it will help her in the beginning.
Work on getting decent hip control (enough so you can walk and move her hip in and out with your legs. You do this by just putting your outside leg back for his in, and inside leg back for hip out, and applying pressure with that leg and holding steady with the reins to keep the front end going straight.) Once you have this hip control, go on your circle at the walk. Ask for your hip in for a few walking stride, bring your horse up so she know's something is coming, and then squeeze with both legs and kiss, gently releasing with the reins just slightly. At first she will need this slight release in the reins to pump her head forward. Once she can do it, don't release on the reins. And once she has done this over and over again, you won't even need the reins. At the beginning, your horse may want to trot into the canter, but as soon as she takes a trot step, give her a swift kick to push her into the canter. You want to push her when she makes this mistake, rather than break her down, because in the beginning breaking her down will discourage her and give her the wrong idea. After she gets good at doing this and does it like a pro, then if she messes up you can break her down and start again.
It's about teaching your horse a new manoeuvre. It's not changing or improving her current transitions, but just teaching her something new. She has learned the walk/trot, the trot/canter, and now you are teaching her the walk/canter. And maybe one day, the stand/canter.
Just make sure you are properly communicating what you want from your horse. Be clear and concise, and if your horse does something wrong, correct her and move on
Hope this helps!
How to convinve my parents to let me do horse back riding lessons?
in
They said I could in summer,but I really want them now,their 35$ a lesson,lessons are an hour.
Answer:
Pay for them yourself.
When my sister wanted to ride, she walked over to the horse breeder nearby, offered her services as barn cleaner and got free riding lessons. She did that all summer as her part time job. No pay, but got good at riding.
How to make professional looking horse jump standards?
in
I want to make some, but I want them to look professional. How can I make them?
Videos or how-to's with pictures would be great.
Answer:
Try this. Please be safe making these.
http://www.horsechannel.com/horse-exclusives/building-jump-standards.aspx
How to get scratches off an english saddle?
in
Okay so I've got a really nice jumpers saddle, but it's a little beat up and has some scratches and marks on it. I don't want to get a new one, but this show season I want to be more serious/competitive so I wanted to give my saddle a face lift. It's real leather. Any ideas?
Answer:
It depends how deep they are and where they are. A good clean and oil will stop them looking quite as noticeable, but keep putting on more oil until it wont absorb any more. A good bit of saddle soap should also help.
A new product i got recently called renapur is good, although it was originally bought for my dubarry's to make them look good again! It gives saddles a lovely shine and takes away little scratches :)
Dying the leather of the saddle might work, but the deep scratches will still be there... I tried it with one that my pony rolled in (luckily she didn't break the tree, and the saddler said it was fine to ride in still) and the scratches didn't come out.
If it is showjumping type things you are doing i totally recommend le mieux sheepskin seat savers, they keep your bum warm, give you a comfy seat and cover any scratches on the top of your saddle.
http://www.derbyhouse.co.uk/Brand/Shop+by+Brand/Brands+F+to+L/Lemieux/LeMieux+Lambskin+Seat+Saver_450-0006.htm
If you are looking to be more competitive for the long term then maybe you should think about investing in tack that you only ride in for competitions. I have a showing bridle and tack for each of the horses and it is in better condition than the stuff that gets worn every day - i do try to keep all my tack good, but its difficult!
Good luck with your competitions, hope it goes well for you!
How to prevent a sun bleached horse in the summer months?
in
My horse is supposed to be black and white, but he is turning brown. How can I keep him black without sacrificing the coolness and comfort of my horse?
Answer:
Only turn your horse out with a fly sheet with uv protection. Without one, your horse's color will fade.
Also, don't shower your horse and turn him out. If you do shower him, put him inside until he dries, then put on a sheet and turn him out.
There are also sprays, like the other poster mentioned. I have heard good things about the sunflower spray.
The best way is to keep your horse inside as much as you can and only turn them out dry and covered up.
Hope this helps!
How to make your horse look its best without giving it a bath?
in
I need to make my pony look perfect for someone who is coming to look at her. What makes a horse stand out to you? What should I focus on? The lady and her daughter aren't coming for a few weeks, so I have a long time. Thanks in advance!
Answer:
DONT PLAIT HER that will make you look so desperate.
Mane and tail have to be nice as that can make the horse look scruffy if not well brushed and combed.
Use a mitt or cloth to polish of
If she has any bad manners work on those before they come.
A horse that stands out to me has to be well groomed in all places (tail, mane, bottoms of legs even hooves if you can) because then it shows you that you can brush everywhere on the horse. if you leave a massive patch of mud they would think that the horse wont let you brush it there or something.
Also give them a brush during and ask if they want to have a go while you tie her up- this shows that ytou trust the horse and you have nothing to hide about how honest you are about your horse.
How to tell my girlfriend she needs to quit riding?
in
My girlfriend and I have been together a couple months. Recently, a girl I used to go to school with got killed because she fell off her horse. I've decided that I love my girlfirend too much to let an animal be the death of her. She's been riding for about 5 years and owns 2 horses, but they could be easily sold. What's the best way to tell her she needs to quit riding?
Answer:
I understand your concern but that is her decision. You could tell her why you want her to consider giving it up but ultimately it is up to her
