Equestrian Clinics

Vaccinations Suggested by the AAEP

Sun, 06/13/2010 - 10:18 | AAEP

The American Association of Equine Practitioners has provided a handy chart of vaccinations for adult horses and foals.

Adult Horses:

http://www.aaep.org/images/files/Adultvaccinationtablerevised108.pdf

Foals:

http://www.aaep.org/images/files/FoalVaccinationchart409.pdf

Riding the Shoulder-In

Fri, 05/28/2010 - 17:47 | Jane Savoie

Shoulder-in is the father of the advanced lateral dressage movements. It does many wonderful things for your horse. Here are just some of them:

1. Shoulder-in is a suppling exercise because it stretches and loosens the muscles and ligaments of the inside shoulder and forearm. During shoulder-in, your horse passes his inside foreleg in front of his outside foreleg. This motion increases his ability to move his forearm gymnastically in other movements.

9 Tips to Help You Sit the Trot

Fri, 05/28/2010 - 17:44 | Jane Savoie

One of the most frequently asked questions I get is, "Can you help me sit the trot better?"

So here are some quick tips to help you with this all too common challenge.

1. First and foremost, your horse needs to be on the bit. If his back is hollow, stiff, or tight, you'll find it impossible to sit comfortably. (And, in turn, you'll make your horse uncomfortable too!)

To put him on the bit, review the "connecting half halt". If you missed it, there's an article on it in the August archives of my blog at wordpress.

Rider's Fitness Program: Close Grip Bench Press

Thu, 05/27/2010 - 19:26

Equipment:

Bench
Weight Bar or Dumbbells
Small Blocks (optional)

How Do I Do This?

1. Lie on your back on a bench and position your feet comfortably on the floor. Your thighs should be parallel to the floor, or slightly above parallel. If your thighs angle toward the floor, place small blocks under your feet to achieve the correct position.

2. With your arms by your side, grab the bar so your wrists are positioned directly above your elbows.

Connection to Collection: the Art of Horse Listening

Thu, 05/27/2010 - 18:37 | Jenny Rolfe

Have you ever heard somebody say, ‘Although we only just met, I felt a real connection,we seemed to just ‘click, straightaway!’ Human nature is always looking for a common bond with family, friends and colleagues to enhance mutual understanding which will nurture empathy and friendship. So how can we use our intelligence and inner wisdom, to connect with the language of the horse?

The Positive Side of Long, Deep and Round as a Supplemental Training Method

Mon, 04/12/2010 - 17:44 | Pat Degen

I adhere to the Classical principles of the training scale. However, there are times when alternate training techniques can be helpful when applied within the boundaries of " What is best for the horse".
One of these methods is working long, deep and round. When used properly and appropriately, this method can help a horse work over his back better, and achieve the flexion that a supple horse easily gives. When used correctly, there is no visible force on the riders part or signs of discomfort, tension or any other mental or physical stress on behalf of the horse.

Therapeutic Options

Thu, 04/01/2010 - 16:58 | Ed Boldt and DVM

During the recent summer Olympics, some of the world’s finest equine athletes competed in various equestrian events. These were some of the elite performance horses attended to by team veterinarians. Many of these veterinarians utilized veterinary acupuncture and chiropractic in their treatment regimens for these outstanding athletes.

Seeking Submission: From the Mind of the Horse

Tue, 03/16/2010 - 11:34 | Jenny Rolfe

Submission is a natural and instinctive response for the horse, from the moment he is born. If you observe a herd of horses, you will see the young foals cautiously approach an older herd member demonstrating a submissive stance in their body language. These observations can show us that submission is a code of behavior, totally acceptable within the structure of the herd. Colts at play will be trying to assert their dominance in preparation for their role in the future, when they could become the head stallion with their own herd of mares and young.

Breathe Life Into Training

Tue, 03/16/2010 - 09:00 | Jenny Rolfe

THE HORSE IS OUR MIRROR

Half Halt - How to Put Your Horse on the Bit

Wed, 01/27/2010 - 13:38 | Jane Savoie

No matter where I travel, the most frequently asked questions I get are, "How do I put my horse on the bit...and how do I keep him there consistently?" This concept baffles many riders. My hope here is to simplify the process for you with the following information.

First, you need to know that there is a SPECIFIC AID to put your horse on the bit just like there is a specific aid to ask for canter or for a leg yield. That aid is a half halt. (Don't groan...I can hear you!)

Now for some information on the half halt:

Primary links

Articles