Keeping Your Horse From Refusing
The most frustrating thing for me as a young rider was training my new Arabian mare. She was my first horse and I loved her dearly, however I could not for the life of me get her to jump over a jump. At first everything was going great, and then she figured out how to refuse. From this point on I made it a task for me to figure out how to get her to jump confidently over a fence. After months of trying countless things, I figured out three different ways to build your horses confidence again.
Step One:
Start from the basics. I know this is frustrating to here, but sometime you must go back and teach your horse the very basics. This could mean re-teaching him/her to walk over trot poles, or even one pole! If your horse is refusing, there is something that is obviously going on that your horse is not happy with. In order to find this out, you must go back and build his/her confidence, even if that means walking in circles over a single trot pole.
Step Two:
Next, after your horse figures out that he/she is not going to die from walking or trotting over a trot pole it is time to move on to lunging over a small fence. For those of you who do not have small x-jumps, this is where it might be hard for you. Before you even think about jumping your horse again, you must see him/her approach the jump and examine when he/she starts to back off over the fence. This is key in knowing when/where to apply more leg to make sure the horse jumps over the fence.
Step Three:
After your horse has started to confidently jump over small jumps, it is time to move to attempting it yourself. You can either try over trot poles will a small kavoledi at the end of three or four trot poles by yourself or by having someone else lead you with a lunge line. It is important to relive the experience that the horse was most comfortable with in the actual attempt. If this means going back to being lunged by your instructor then so be it.
How to Start a Wholesale Distribution Business from Scratch
Have you ever thought of starting a wholesale distribution business? Maybe you’re ready for a new challenge or have realized the profits that you can make when you deal with larger quantities of product. In any case, you need to know what to do in order to be successful.
The first thing that you want to do is choose the products that you will be selling to retailers. You may want to choose products that you already know something about in order to use that expertise to choose quality products that you can then sell and make profit from. Make sure that you are testing the products prior to purchasing larger quantities. You want to be sure that you are always selling a superior product.
These products will need to be stored somewhere, so choosing a warehouse is the next step in your wholesale business. You need to choose an area that is both secure and easy to manage. You might want to consider renting a space or using your own facilities if they are large enough. Determine how much the cost of the warehouse will be in terms of square footage and make sure that you are comparing multiple warehouses to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
You might also want to consider setting up your warehouse in one of the southwestern states in the U.S. as this will allow you to be accessible more easily from Mexico or South America – where manufacturing is expected to skyrocket in the next few years. This will not only be more efficient, but it can also cut down your distribution costs.
To start off right, you will want to create a system that will allow you to monitor the progress of your products from the manufacturer all the way to the customers. This can be called an order flow system. To build an effective strategy in these areas, you will want to coordinate product movement within the warehouse as well as the movements into the warehouse. This can be achieved through the use of computer systems that monitor package label numbers.
You will also want to establish a working system of moving the products from the trucks into your warehouse – without damaging anything along the way. Try to envision how the shipments will come in to determine where you will need to set up inventory lists for double checking the incoming products as well as areas for products to be packed and sent to customers.
And since money is truly everything in business, you will want to establish yourself as a competitive wholesaler by offering something that your competitors do not: easy payment terms for buyers. By allowing your customers the ability to extend their payments or have higher credit limits, you will show how your services might be the better choice for their needs.
If you’re able, you might want to consider looking at other wholesaler businesses to see if there are any tips that you might want to consider along the way. Talk with the owners to see if you can meet with them to ask about setting up and maintaining your business. If you find another wholesaler that distributes different products than you do, you may be able to help each other successful as well.
Equipment For Safe Horseback Riding
To enjoy a great horseback ride, you need a fit and healthy horse along with various equipment to communicate with your horse. When shopping for equine accessories, consider good quality equipment that will last long and ensure a safe horseback ride.
Riding a horse is more than just a sport. Horseback riding gives immense pleasure. You need a long list of equipment in order to enjoy a great ride. This equipment is used for providing comfort to the horse as well as the rider. One of the most important equine accessory is a bridle that consists of many parts like crown piece, cheek pieces, bit, reins, cavesson or nose band. A bridle should not be loose or rough. Make sure it is free of cracks and rotted stitching as it may lead to falling apart when in use. Whips and crops are important as well, with an array like dressage whip, lunge whip, fleck whips, colored crop and rainbow crop.
You can purchase lungeing equipment that is important for equine training. Cavessons, lines and whips are quite essential for getting the best lungeing performance from your horse. A cotton web lunge line is great for the perfect beginning of making your horse walk or trot in a large circle. A longeing cavesson includes a padded nose band, a throat latch and metal rings that are used to attach the longe line. A jowl strap and a brow band are sometimes used as additional straps for better stability. If you are using a jowl strap, make sure that it doesn’t allow the cavesson from slipping into the eyes of the horse. Unlike the bridle, it does not put pressure on the mouth of the horse and provides more control than a halter.
Saddles are used to make the seating comfortable for the rider. It evenly distributes the weight of the rider and helps him maintain balance on the back of the horse. Saddle pads work as a cushion and ease the pressure on the horse that is caused by the rider’s weight. These pads are also placed under the saddle and absorb the sweat from the horse’s back. Make sure you don’t use excessive padding as it may lead to the slipping of saddle. You can also purchase saddle bags that are specifically designed to carry various items like water, food and first aid kit. These bags are well balanced across the back of the saddle.
Stirrups offer the rider greater stability and control of leg position. A halter consists of a headstall and a nose band that allow the horse to be tied or led for a better control. Stirrups are attached to the saddle with the help of thin leather straps. You can choose the stirrup from a wide variety based upon your requirements. These straps have holes that can be adjusted according to the length. Stirrups should have a proper fit that allows the feet to slip in and out quite easily. Some stirrups come with rubber pads that are helpful in improving the traction. If you have rubber soled shoes, try avoiding the rubber pad stirrups as they might stick.
If you have serious experience in horseback riding, you can use various spurs to reinforce cues given to the horse in case it doesn’t respond well. For wearing spurs, you must have enough experience and good control over your lower legs. Lack of experience may cause you to hurt the sides of your horse with the spurs. Spurs are mainly of two kinds including short blunt and western style with a large rowel. Short blunts are worn by hunt riders and dressage whereas large rowel are preferred by cowboys. Whichever style you choose, make sure that the spurs are always pointing downwards and have the longer side on the outer part of the boots.
If you want to learn more about equipment and accessories for your horse, you can search the Internet and find a number of companies that offer personal advice from experts to aid your decision for purchasing horse riding equipment which ensure a safe riding.
Why You Should Float Your Horse’s Teeth
Like humans, horses get two sets of teeth – baby teeth and permanent teeth. After a horse’s permanent teeth grow in (usually by the age of five), there will be 36-44 teeth. Just like humans, horses’ teeth demand attention and care. Ignoring your horse’s dental needs can cause problems while you ride and can affect your horse’s digestive system. Horses need to have their teeth floated. So why do they need their teeth floated and what does this even mean?
Instead of chewing their food, horses grind from side to side. Grinding hay and grass breaks the food down into a pulp. The hay and grass can then be digested better and more nutrients can be absorbed. However, the grinding motion wears the teeth down unevenly. Horses’ lower teeth will become sharp on the inside next to the tongue and on the upper teeth next to the cheek. The sharp points can cut the horse’s cheek and tongue causing discomfort. The bridle can create even more pain so your horse my toss her head or refuse to take the bridle. Uneven teeth will also prevent proper digestion and as a result, your horse may begin to lose weight. Dental problems can even cause colic. Some of the signs that your horse needs its teeth floated include:
• Dropping food from mouth
• Loss of weight
• Blood in mouth
• Excessive salivation and difficulty chewing
• Tosses head while riding
• Sores along the tongue or cheeks
To solve the problem of uneven and sharp teeth, your vet will float your horse’s teeth. Floating means that the vet will file down the horse’s teeth removing the sharp points. Since horses do not have nerves in their teeth, it is a painless procedure that only takes twenty minutes. Horses’ teeth continue to grow until they are 25-30 years old. Because of this, it may be necessary to float your horse’s teeth more than once. For horses that have slower-growing teeth, floating will be needed only every few years. Other horses, though, could require floating every couple of months. It is important that your horse receives a dental checkup at least once a year.
Another thing to watch for is an equestrian wolf tooth. This kind of tooth only affects some horses. It is a small premolar along the upper jaw before the molars. Since the bit presses against it and causes pain, the equestrian wolf tooth needs to be removed by a veterinarian. Neglecting to do this can cause problems while you ride.
Staying on top of your horse’s dental needs will help keep your horse happy and healthy. It will make your rides more pleasant because your horse will not be in pain from the bridle. Keeping your horse’s teeth healthy will also keep your horse healthy. Your horse will be able to digest food properly and absorb needed nutrients.
Preparing Your Horse For Show Season – Tack, Grooming and More
Getting ready for a successful show season requires months of intensive training and a big investment of time, effort, and dedication. It also means having the proper equipment, a well-groomed animal, and a plan of action. As the rules change between show circuits, it is imperative that the current riding equipment and apparel rules, grooming rules, and skills being judged are known. There is no sense wasting time or money by attending a show only to be summarily eliminated for using the wrong tack or wearing the wrong colored show jacket.
Each style of riding has its own requirements. Problems can easily be prevented by creating a checklist of items to be brought to each show. Be sure to use the list during preparations. Arriving early also provides much needed time to get used to the facilities and to warm up properly. In case something turns up missing, or breaks, an early arrival can provide the time needed to go and replace it before the event begins.
Use The Right Horse Riding Equipment
Using the proper horse riding equipment for each discipline is the first step in being prepared for a successful show season. This is especially true for dressage and eventing riders. The horse riding equipment must be clean and well fitting. Generally, it looks best when it is all of the same color. The overall appearance must be trim, elegant, and understated. While bright colors will certainly attract the judge’s attention, it may not be the best kind of attention. At the same time, riders can certainly select horse riding equipment and apparel that best suits the color of their mount.
Horse riding equipment must be clean and well oiled, but a jumping class should never be attempted right after oiling the saddle. Once the tack is cleaned, keep it covered. A blanket or a clean article of horse clothing works just fine to keep the dust and dirt off. To get an added boost this show season, take the time to see what the judges are looking for. Observe other classes and take notes. If a particular judge appears to prefer dark leather and dark riding attire, take advantage of that information the next time they judge the class you are competing in by dressing appropriately.
Grooming For Success
Oiling the horse riding equipment is only half the battle. The mount must look well groomed and properly cared for as well. A good bath with lanolin soap removes all the dirt and mud while creating a moisturizing effect. If their skin tends to dry out, there are many quality products on the market that will condition and treat the problem. A dull coat can be improved quickly with a spray conditioner just before entering the ring.
After bathing the horse, comb, pull, and braid the mane and tail, depending upon the style of riding and the circuit requirements. Hooves should be cleaned, oiled, and polished to look their best. After ensuring that the horse is properly groomed, be sure to maintain their polished appearance with horse clothing that keeps dust and dirt off. Many riders use various tricks to keep their grooming efforts protected, but the best bet is simply to use high quality horse clothing and keep a towel handy.
Warm Up And Unwind
The worst thing you can do to both yourself and your mount is to ride into the show ring cold. A good warm-up will loosen muscles, making them able to function optimally, and will provide both of you time to get in sync with each other. Arriving at the show early will give you plenty of time to warm up and get used to everything. Keeping a couple of treats in your pocket is another way to help your mount relax and enjoy attending shows. Staying hydrated will help both of you look and feel your best.
Prior to a show, prepare for dealing with strange environments by making a point of getting out and away from customary surroundings. Breaking away from their normal comfort zone will help both of you to be relaxed and at your best in the show ring.
Shopping for the correct tack and keeping it well oiled, keeping your grooming efforts safe under protective horse clothing, and staying relaxed in new environments will all create an advantage this show season. Looking and performing optimally is far easier when one is properly prepared for a winning season.
Western Show Clothes – What’s Hot For 2010, The Basics
Western show season begins early in January and actually can run for most of the year so now’s a great time to look at that wardrobe of yours to see what needs to be upgraded or replaced for the coming season. Does last years outfit still fit? Is it still in fashion? If you can answer yes to both of these questions then maybe your good for another year. If not then read on, we might be able to help you figure out what to wear to help catch the eye of that judge. This article will mainly focus on western pleasure show clothing for youth up through intermediate level adults and not on the high-end custom made clothes. We’ll start at the top of the head and cover pretty much everything all the way down to your cowboy boots. Oh and one other thing, we’ll only be covering western show attire for girls and women in this article, sorry guys.
Before we get into the specifics of your outfit lets discuss for a moment what look you are trying to accomplish. First off your show clothing needs to be comfortable because if you’re not comfortable in the saddle your horse will detect that and so will the judges. Pick out clothing that fits well and is comfortable and that you are comfortable wearing. Also realize that spending more on a show outfit does not necessarily equate to a Blue Ribbon. Sure a well-coordinated eye catching show outfit helps but it can’t take the place of hours and hours in the arena practicing both on and off of your horse.
Did you know that more than 75% of western show riders still choose black as their base color? It’s true. The reason for this is because black offers versatility and ease in coordinating and matching. It’s pretty easy to find a western pleasure or rail blouse with some black in it, match it with a pair of black show pants and chaps, a black cowboy hat and black cowboy boots and you’re good to go. The fact of the matter is that it is easy to coordinate and it looks sharp in the arena. I have no problems with basic black and if that’s what you’re comfortable in then continue to wear it. Black never goes out of style. If however you’re looking to change things up just a bit you might consider wearing a contrasting color for your hat. You can also go with different colors for your show pants and chaps although it takes a little more effort to coordinate browns, blues, greens, and natural tones but it is still very doable.
All in all remember the most important item to take aware from this introduction is the importance of being comfortable in the saddle. Make sure everything both you and your horse are wearing fits properly. Don’t try and make do with last year’s boots if they are too snug. The same goes for last years show shirt, show pants, hat and so forth. Comfort in the saddle equates to a more confident rider and a more confident rider equates to more blue ribbons.
In our next article we’ll talk more about some of the specifics surrounding your western show apparel and what to look for in fashions for 2010. We’ll also cover some affordable brands like show clothes from Hobby Horse, Western Styles Collection, 1849 Authentic Ranchwear, and The Performance Collection.
Western Saddle: The Evolution From War Saddle to Stock Saddle
The western saddle has an interesting history and development. While it is now considered a uniquely American style, its origins can actually be traced back to the Moorish horsemen and warriors of the Dark Ages. When the Moors invaded Spain in the 700′s, they brought with them their unique style of riding and tack. Their saddles were designed for battle, with high cantles and forks for protection and security, and longer stirrups to accommodate riding with armor. This was the saddle of the knights and the crusades.
The Spaniards adapted this saddle into what became known as the Spanish War Saddle. This was the saddle they brought with them to the New World. As their goals in this new country transitioned from military conquest to colonial expansion, this military saddle evolved into a stock saddle, known as the Spanish Stock Saddle. The stock saddle was designed as a tool for the working cowboy and followed the expansion into the American West.
The evolution of the stock saddle was greatly influenced by geography and culture. Distinct styles developed reflecting differences in climate, terrain, culture, and stock working styles. The harsh climate and punishing brush and mesquite of the southwest resulted in saddles built to protect the rider – big, bulky, plain. The mild climate and lush land of California provided the vaqueros with much more leisure time. Their saddles were not only smaller than the Texans, but evolved into highly decorative pieces.
From the 1700′s through the 1950′s, the western stock saddle continued to evolve, with new features to support cattle work and improved construction methods to extend strength, durability, and comfort.
Today, the needs of the working cowboy are no longer the only focus of western saddle design. Saddles are now designed for a wide variety of uses and riders – trail/pleasure, endurance, rodeo contestant, team roper, barrel racer, reiner, cutter, and, of course, working cowboy. Western saddles are now manufactured, imported, and exported all over the world. But regardless of their style or origins, all of these saddles share ancestry and derive from the western stock saddle.
A Guide to Essential Horse Riding Clothes
Horse riding clothes needs to be practical, comfortable but yet flexible enough to let your body move with the horse. Everyday riding gear looks much different from show riding gear. Check for used riding clothes at car boot sales and tack shops. If your stable has a community poster board, post a notice for gently used horse riding clothes.
For every day riding, the bare minimum is a hardhat, footwear with a definite heel, and form-fitting jeans, jodhpurs and thick socks to minimize chafing. A T-shirt or riding blouse will do for warm days. For cold days, invest in the best riding jacket, thermals and gloves you can afford.
Jodhpurs
Jodhpurs or breeches should fit like a second skin. Gone are the days when jodhpurs billowed out along the thighs. They need to be tight in order to be both aerodynamic and not snag on branches, tack or tops of boots. In North America, jeans are acceptable for everyday riding wear, but their heavy seams may cause chafing along the legs and genitals.
Horse Riding Boots
Paddock boots – which resemble thick shoes, riding boots or even well-fitting Wellingtons with a heel all work for every day horse riding. Show boots that reach nearly to the knee are difficult to walk in but may be required for whatever show class you enter. The heel is essential because without it your foot may slip through the stirrup. If you fall and the horse spooks but your foot is caught, you will be dragged. Wear two pairs of socks while breaking in any boots in order to prevent blisters.
Hard Hat
Never ride without a hard hat specifically made for horse riding. Do not use a bike helmet because it will not be strong enough to withstand a fall from a horse. If buying a used hat, check for dents. Never buy a dented hat as its ability to protect the head has been seriously compromised. Chin straps are essential for any hat that wiggles, even in the slightest.
Gloves
Thin leather or fake leather gloves are worn by some riders year round in order to prevent the reins from slipping due to sweat or to prevent chafing. If you plan to compete in such classes as dressage, then wearing gloves is a requirement. But for every day riding, gloves are usually worn only in cold weather. Invest in gloves warm enough yet thin enough so that you can pick a house key up while wearing them. Thick gloves greatly interfere with your ability to control the reins.
Cold Weather Riding
Winter riding presents many challenges – even if riding is confined to an indoor arena. Thermal underwear for the top is advised. Thin thermals for the bottom are very expensive. Some riders cannot fit into their jodhpurs if wearing thermals. While riding, the top gets colder faster than the legs and bottom. Many riders prefer riding vests to riding jackets as vests do not impede any arm movement. Anoraks work well to pull over riding clothes on rainy days. Scarves can be useful to pull up over the nose on especially frigid days, but you must tuck both ends into your shirt or jacket so they do not blow about and spook your mount.