A lovely horse is always an experience.... It is an emotional experience of the kind that is spoiled by words. ~Beryl Markham
Today, I'm going to digress from products and trailers to tell a rather amazing story that made me smile, and cry a little. One of the new horses at the barn is a horse named Star. She is a 13 year old pintabian mare, and she is white. It wasn't until after she nickered at me, and I walked up to pet her, that I realized that she and I were old friends. Sometimes, real life really is better than fiction.
Back when I was a teenager, we could not afford for me to own a horse, so I wound up riding the "problem horses" at each stable I was at. Looking back now, I appreciate more than ever, this quote:
"I must not forget to thank the difficult horses, who made my life miserable, but who were better teachers than the well-behaved school horses who raised no problems." ALOIS PODHAISKY
Early on, I came to enjoy the difficult horses. No one wanted to mess with them, so, for a while, they were treated as my own. If I was patient, and worked hard, I made more progress than the other students and knew I was learning far more. And more than anything, the horse themself rewarded me for my kindness and patience, and gave back. Sure, it hurt to lose them, but I thickened my skin and decided that I would at least do my best to give them a better life with proper training. So, after we moved to North Carolina, I found a new barn and, of course, eventually found a new project horse. Her name was Star.
If I remember this all correctly, the owners at the time were going through a phase. They had daughters, who wanted to ride, but instead of buying steady and gentle horses which the children could learn on, they bought bargain horses. Cougar, an unbroken two year old appaloosa gelding, and Star, a 4 year old green-broke and mishandled pintabian mare. Not ideal for young children. But the horses were cheap, and they were "pretty." They were not necessarily bad people, but they did not do right by anyone in the situation. The instructor of the barn offered for me to work with the mare, as she was taking the money to board and "train" the mare, but not doing anything with her. Not a very nice lady, looking back. But, for me, a project was a project and sure thing, I could work with that filly!
The previous owner had sort-of broken her, but was very rough and as a result, Star was very nervous and very headshy. She was also very green. Her main quirk, though, was that when she would become anxious under saddle, she would begin half-rearing, and become very wound up. Therefore, she was labeled "HORSE THAT REARS." In addition, she bucked at the canter- so she also was labeled "HORSE THAT BUCKS" I really hate those expressions, it stereotypes too many good horses. Rearing is hard work, and a horse doesn't do it unless it hurts or is frightened. Ditto for bucking.
Of the many horses I had worked with, she was very gentle and had a wonderful kind eye. In her own way, she was beautiful. I worked with her for a year, and with patience, kindness, and a firm hand, she blossomed into a real gem, and the perfect little miss. She was friendly, tried hard, and was tremendously giving. She would crawl into your pocket to be with you. She stopped being headshy, and stopped becoming wound up and rearing. Turned out the bucking was from being young and having zero balance. For a while, we had to stop using the arena because she couldn't make the turns. I can still remember clearly riding her around the outside of the arena to teach her to canter and turn. She learned to balance, and her rocking chair canter became the envy of everyone at the barn. She got to be darn near perfect, and had the wonderful personality to back it up.
About this time, the owners got tired of having horses. They had stopped paying board and owed a good deal. Their other horse, the baby, became skin and bones, because they refused to pay for feed and the pastures were gone from winter. I started him under saddle, but he was too thin to ride much and too malnourished to care. I spent a little time getting him used to things so that he might survive being run through a sale. It would have been an upgrade from his current life.
Since the owners were now looking to unload the horses, I wanted to buy Star myself, but I never bothered to ask my parents much because I discussed her price with the owners. They told me that I could buy her, certainly, for $3500, which was beyond ridiculous. They cited that she was registered, a PINTABIAN, and they needed to pay off previous board. Plus, they had been paying extra to have her trained (no, they had not been paying). And she was. By me. At the time, I was heartbroken. For all intents and purposes, she had been mine for a year. I had pampered and bathed and treated and brushed and braided and ridden her beautiful little self for a year, and was already imagining her as mine. Then that all came to a stop. The instructor, to get back at the owners for non-payment (yes, to train the mare) forced me to stop working with her altogether. I was crushed. I bought myself an "affordable" horse, my first, so that this whole thing could never happen to me again. Unfortunately, that little horse and I rather clashed and she was eventually sold to one of the barn's students. We never did really hit it off, the two of us.
Then, suddenly, there was a big uprising at the barn. The drunken instructor was fired, and Star and Cougar were confiscated as barn property for non-payment. Angie, the very kind lady who was employed to the barn work, overnight became manager of a barn and 28 horses, many of whom were underfed from the instructor's neglect. I can still very clearly remember that miserable day, the instructor carted off in an ambulance, 40 degrees and icy cold rain pouring dawn. Hungry ponies, muddy pastures and very little feed. A really, really bad day.
Soon after that, I went off to college and eventually parted ways with my little mare. Star became Angie's horse, for months of backpay for her hard work. I was very happy, as Angie is about the only person on the planet kind enough to deserve such a wonderful little horse. Eventually, I bought another horse, and trained and sold him. Then, I happened upon my love, Dakota.
Walking by the two newer barn horses today, the white pintabian stuck her head over the rail and nickered at me. Unable to resist a hello, I walked over to pet her. About the time I reached over to rub her forehead, I recognized the translucent gray markings underneath the white. I knew those markings. I had lovingly washed, curried, and brushed them many, many days. And the very faint star on her forehead, I knew that, too. The stripe of white running down her right flank. The mane I have braided dozens of times. This was the very same Star, just a little older, more balanced, and lighter in color. She recognized me first, and it sadly took me a little longer to catch up.
Now, she is starting a new adventure, with wonderful new owners who will lovingly brush those same markings and enjoy her smooth-as-silk canter and gentle, ever-questing velvet nose. She is at our barn with beautiful 70-80 acre pastures. She has new horse friends and creeks to play and splash in. New children to teach patience and kindness to. It was so very hard at the time to understand, but we were fated to have a moment in time together, then to continue on our own separate journeys. I have my best horse-friend, Dakota, and she has a wonderful new family to love and care for her. I guess, in the end, everything does perhaps happen for a reason. Debbie Watts, I'm so glad things worked out the way that they did and you have a wonderful, beautiful new gem of a horse!!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
Trailer Layout
I went down to SC with Kat and her grand-daughter Taylor, we had a fun trip to go talk with Risa from Balanced Ride Trailers. Risa could not have been nicer, she took us out to check out the two Hawk trailers on the lot (there aren't any Balanced Rides in stock right now.) and did so in the rain, no less! She talked with us for a while about designs (this is the most AFFORDABLE, and most CUSTOM trailer I could ever imagine having,) and to keep the cost down and the trailer smaller, I have decided to only have a tack "closet" up front, instead of the dressing room. The cost is about $1000 difference, and I wanted the "Max" version, the one with more upgrades and a lot more windows for ventilation in the NC heat (plus more ties, running boards, and 11' total length.) The dressing room has never been something I have to have, I just need a place to put my tack. Of course, she hopped right on that idea to help me out. Doing this, I keep the length of the trailer at 14', give or take a little. Nice and short and simple!!
I asked Risa about having a trailer large enough to accomodate a draft horse, if one follows me home from an auction someday ;) Fortunately, because it is rear-facing, the ceiling does not need to be any higher because the horse no longer needs to raise their head to balance. Yay! So, the body length became 6" longer in the horse area, and we went to the full 80" for width, so it should accomodate everything from ponies to drafts, and have plenty of room for everyone. Yay! Good to know we won't outgrow it someday, no matter what I own. That gives a roomy 11' length for the horses and 38" width. If I have anything wider than that, it's time for a diet!
She is also still working on a head divider that will have to fold and rotate somehow to pull into position - I have no fears though, a nicer or less-pushy person I will likely never meet again. Seriously, BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER! You know, the kind that makes you feel all is right in the world??
All in, for everything in the "Max" version, she quoted me $12,700, which I think is beyond reasonable for such a well made custom trailer. And, she is excited about trying the platform like I am! Maybe Dakota will get to model in a demo pic? We must start losing some pounds... ;)
Here's the floorplan, which I created in a moment of boredom...
I asked Risa about having a trailer large enough to accomodate a draft horse, if one follows me home from an auction someday ;) Fortunately, because it is rear-facing, the ceiling does not need to be any higher because the horse no longer needs to raise their head to balance. Yay! So, the body length became 6" longer in the horse area, and we went to the full 80" for width, so it should accomodate everything from ponies to drafts, and have plenty of room for everyone. Yay! Good to know we won't outgrow it someday, no matter what I own. That gives a roomy 11' length for the horses and 38" width. If I have anything wider than that, it's time for a diet!
She is also still working on a head divider that will have to fold and rotate somehow to pull into position - I have no fears though, a nicer or less-pushy person I will likely never meet again. Seriously, BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER! You know, the kind that makes you feel all is right in the world??
All in, for everything in the "Max" version, she quoted me $12,700, which I think is beyond reasonable for such a well made custom trailer. And, she is excited about trying the platform like I am! Maybe Dakota will get to model in a demo pic? We must start losing some pounds... ;)
Here's the floorplan, which I created in a moment of boredom...
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Trailer Shopping! Oh my! Straights and slants and reversed...OH MY!! The 2 Horse Reverse Straight Load with Platform
So, I am currently in the unique position where I can afford to buy a horse trailer, and can afford to get one I really want, and more importantly, that will last for 20-30 years to come. Thank heavens Chris is kind enough to patiently listen to me prattle on about this article says this or I found out that this kind of trailer does that, because it has been going on for weeks...
Anyway, I've done a TON of research, and I want to do the best by my horse, as I can tell that he is good, but trailering is stressful for him. Tom and Kat Butler have been so kind and have given Dakota and I rides to some of the most wonderful places! Thank you Thank you!!! :)
This has convinced me that I will be wanting to trailer everywhere once I have one! So, it's got to be good. I found the trailer company I like best, which is Hawk, as they seem to be well priced and look almost new even over time, as well as being strong and designed for safety. But, mine is going to be very different!! :) One of only 2 in the US at this time!! Now, you know you are curious...
The whole thing that got me thinking about this is that one time, when Dakota was riding in Tom and Kat's 2 horse slant load, in the last stall, he was tied forward facing...and during the ride, somehow managed to untie himself and arrived backwards!! (To this day I have no idea how he accomplished this, it is pretty tight in that stall!) How odd!! And instead of being all cracked out coming out, he was calm. And then I began reading...and most long-distance hauling folks will tell you that most horses, when hauled loose, will turn around and ride backwards. And Dakota is always extra sweaty after trailering, even on a cool day. Why?? Hmm...more research...
Have you ever heard of a horse falling or scrambling in a trailer? It is not that uncommon, and can cause life threatening injuries. A horse tied tight, who then falls, can easily break a neck. Scrambling can cause the horse to injure hooves and legs, like this horse from a farrier's blog, who is doing much better now, but nearly cause life-ending damage to her feet in transit;
WARNING, do not look at the article if you are squeamish - this horse is doing better now but initially, I cannot imagine the poor lady's horror of the initial scene from the trailer, which is at the bottom of the blog: http://hoofrecovery.blogspot.com/2009_04_01_archive.html
And the horse did this was during normal travelling!!
Have you ever wondered why your horse doesn't want to get on a trailer? I used to be at an English show barn, and every show day, it would take someone's horse 2 hours to load. And it was not always the same horse. So why fight it so much? I mean, horses generally try to do what we ask...But ask your horse to climb into a dark, threatening cave, headfirst, and then experience this -
Well, this one short little video helped explain some of it: just click to start the vid-
http://www.balancedridetrailers.com/
Did you see how hard it was for the horse to keep its balance? No wonder he looks stressed! Research revealed a study done on racehorses which showed that during trailering, a horse's heart rate is raised considerably, almost as if he is doing light-medium work (thus, one concludes, this is scary.stressful). Horses facing backward, though, have close to the same heart rate as they do at home, in the barn. Why? Well, 65% of the horse's weight is balanced in the chest/neck area of his body, and to compensate, he has to lean WAY back to protect himself from falling forward every time the trailer stops (unlike us, he has no idea when stopping will occur, and must stay braced). Many people allow a horse to ride loose in a stock trailer and find his own position, but this is not good if you a.) have two horses to trailer, or b) gives no support if the horse does slip, and will change the weight distribution in the trailer enough to cause driving problems. Europeans have some trailers where the horses face backwards, and I have not found a review yet where there were significant problems! So, are you wondering yet? Hawk makes Balanced Ride trailers, but they are a.) expensive, b.) heavy, c.) very long (over 20 ft), for what I am looking for right now. Are there any other options? YES!! I will also add, a horse should not be turned backward in a trailer which is not built for it - the axles are positioned in a different place and the suspension is different!!
So, Risa from Balanced Ride is super nice, and after asking if she had any smaller options, she pointed me in this direction - for a reasonable price, she can customize her trailers like ones that have been made in New Zealand.
I will tell a story...so, thirty or so years ago, there was this gentleman, who was an engineer and was currently working as a long-distance horse hauler. One day, in his trailer, the mare riding forward-facing inside sat back and broke the rump bar in the trailer. She then paniced and went wild, so much so that it threw the balance of the truck and trailer so badly that eventually, it caused both to overturn. By the time the vehicles stopped, they had barely missed going into a lake. After the accident, the gentleman came away thinking about everything that had happened. After watching the horse balance himself at rest naturally, he decided to create his own design of trailer. And thus, the Kiwi Safety Trailer was born.
http://www.hcbc.ca/_customelements/uploadedResources/ID237Cregier.pdf
http://www.equibalance.co.nz/upload/document_files/HorsePony1975.pdf
You must go look at the pics! The design was very unusual, but of the 20 original trailers, 14 still exist and none of these owners report injuries to either horse or handler. And after you get over the initial "what the heck???" reaction, it makes a great deal of sense to me. Not only is a horse better able to balance and relax while riding, but he is also easier to load because he can clearly SEE a route of escape and is reassured. The design still exists under a different name. Here is an example of how the horse is loaded with a platform on a modern 2 horse trailer. Or you can scroll to the bottom...
http://www.equibalance.co.nz/page_equi-balance-horse-trailers-brochure-page-2_240
So, I'm getting a 2 horse straight rear-facing trailer with a ramp/platform and a dressing room. The cost is significantly less than the large, regular Balanced Ride Trailers ($12,900 for the light model - I only include that so others looking for something similar know where to go and the cost! Balanced Ride!!), and I can manage hauling it on my own, and the safety, to me, is worth it. The only other one in the US right now that I'm aware of is this one, from a professional hauler who had one custom made.
http://www.animaltransportation.com/equine.htm
There is a reverse slant option on several high-end and very expensive trailers, but this is the first one made that the average American might be able to afford!!! I should be ordering in about 3 weeks, and it should take 5 weeks to complete at the factory. Maybe it will be a new trend to help people trailer more safely!! :) I sure hope this works ;) Good thing Dakota and Chris put up with my foolish-ness!! I CAN'T WAIT!!!
Anyway, I've done a TON of research, and I want to do the best by my horse, as I can tell that he is good, but trailering is stressful for him. Tom and Kat Butler have been so kind and have given Dakota and I rides to some of the most wonderful places! Thank you Thank you!!! :)
This has convinced me that I will be wanting to trailer everywhere once I have one! So, it's got to be good. I found the trailer company I like best, which is Hawk, as they seem to be well priced and look almost new even over time, as well as being strong and designed for safety. But, mine is going to be very different!! :) One of only 2 in the US at this time!! Now, you know you are curious...
The whole thing that got me thinking about this is that one time, when Dakota was riding in Tom and Kat's 2 horse slant load, in the last stall, he was tied forward facing...and during the ride, somehow managed to untie himself and arrived backwards!! (To this day I have no idea how he accomplished this, it is pretty tight in that stall!) How odd!! And instead of being all cracked out coming out, he was calm. And then I began reading...and most long-distance hauling folks will tell you that most horses, when hauled loose, will turn around and ride backwards. And Dakota is always extra sweaty after trailering, even on a cool day. Why?? Hmm...more research...
Have you ever heard of a horse falling or scrambling in a trailer? It is not that uncommon, and can cause life threatening injuries. A horse tied tight, who then falls, can easily break a neck. Scrambling can cause the horse to injure hooves and legs, like this horse from a farrier's blog, who is doing much better now, but nearly cause life-ending damage to her feet in transit;
WARNING, do not look at the article if you are squeamish - this horse is doing better now but initially, I cannot imagine the poor lady's horror of the initial scene from the trailer, which is at the bottom of the blog: http://hoofrecovery.blogspot.com/2009_04_01_archive.html
And the horse did this was during normal travelling!!
Have you ever wondered why your horse doesn't want to get on a trailer? I used to be at an English show barn, and every show day, it would take someone's horse 2 hours to load. And it was not always the same horse. So why fight it so much? I mean, horses generally try to do what we ask...But ask your horse to climb into a dark, threatening cave, headfirst, and then experience this -
Well, this one short little video helped explain some of it: just click to start the vid-
http://www.balancedridetrailers.com/
Did you see how hard it was for the horse to keep its balance? No wonder he looks stressed! Research revealed a study done on racehorses which showed that during trailering, a horse's heart rate is raised considerably, almost as if he is doing light-medium work (thus, one concludes, this is scary.stressful). Horses facing backward, though, have close to the same heart rate as they do at home, in the barn. Why? Well, 65% of the horse's weight is balanced in the chest/neck area of his body, and to compensate, he has to lean WAY back to protect himself from falling forward every time the trailer stops (unlike us, he has no idea when stopping will occur, and must stay braced). Many people allow a horse to ride loose in a stock trailer and find his own position, but this is not good if you a.) have two horses to trailer, or b) gives no support if the horse does slip, and will change the weight distribution in the trailer enough to cause driving problems. Europeans have some trailers where the horses face backwards, and I have not found a review yet where there were significant problems! So, are you wondering yet? Hawk makes Balanced Ride trailers, but they are a.) expensive, b.) heavy, c.) very long (over 20 ft), for what I am looking for right now. Are there any other options? YES!! I will also add, a horse should not be turned backward in a trailer which is not built for it - the axles are positioned in a different place and the suspension is different!!
So, Risa from Balanced Ride is super nice, and after asking if she had any smaller options, she pointed me in this direction - for a reasonable price, she can customize her trailers like ones that have been made in New Zealand.
I will tell a story...so, thirty or so years ago, there was this gentleman, who was an engineer and was currently working as a long-distance horse hauler. One day, in his trailer, the mare riding forward-facing inside sat back and broke the rump bar in the trailer. She then paniced and went wild, so much so that it threw the balance of the truck and trailer so badly that eventually, it caused both to overturn. By the time the vehicles stopped, they had barely missed going into a lake. After the accident, the gentleman came away thinking about everything that had happened. After watching the horse balance himself at rest naturally, he decided to create his own design of trailer. And thus, the Kiwi Safety Trailer was born.
http://www.hcbc.ca/_customelements/uploadedResources/ID237Cregier.pdf
http://www.equibalance.co.nz/upload/document_files/HorsePony1975.pdf
You must go look at the pics! The design was very unusual, but of the 20 original trailers, 14 still exist and none of these owners report injuries to either horse or handler. And after you get over the initial "what the heck???" reaction, it makes a great deal of sense to me. Not only is a horse better able to balance and relax while riding, but he is also easier to load because he can clearly SEE a route of escape and is reassured. The design still exists under a different name. Here is an example of how the horse is loaded with a platform on a modern 2 horse trailer. Or you can scroll to the bottom...
http://www.equibalance.co.nz/page_equi-balance-horse-trailers-brochure-page-2_240
So, I'm getting a 2 horse straight rear-facing trailer with a ramp/platform and a dressing room. The cost is significantly less than the large, regular Balanced Ride Trailers ($12,900 for the light model - I only include that so others looking for something similar know where to go and the cost! Balanced Ride!!), and I can manage hauling it on my own, and the safety, to me, is worth it. The only other one in the US right now that I'm aware of is this one, from a professional hauler who had one custom made.
http://www.animaltransportation.com/equine.htm
There is a reverse slant option on several high-end and very expensive trailers, but this is the first one made that the average American might be able to afford!!! I should be ordering in about 3 weeks, and it should take 5 weeks to complete at the factory. Maybe it will be a new trend to help people trailer more safely!! :) I sure hope this works ;) Good thing Dakota and Chris put up with my foolish-ness!! I CAN'T WAIT!!!
These pics are from the Equibalance Website, I dearly hope they don't mind if I use their pics and their amazing trailer idea! I wish they made trailers here in the U.S.!!
Barefoot treeless saddle
The other big break for Dakota and I was finally finding a saddle that worked for both of us. The bitless bridle solved 70% of our problems. Our Barefoot solved another 25%. We went through 6 saddles within the last 2 years before we went treeless, and finally arrived at "just right." Because Dakota has a very short back with a good deal of curve, he never correctly fit the "standard" tree. It would fit him width-wise, but not front to back, and was forever leaving dry spots. I knew he was ouchy because a.) the better a saddle fit, the calmer/quieter he was, and b.) above saddles would cause him to "sink" under the fingers-along-the-spine test around the hip area, like he was trying to cope and causing his hips to become sore. Saddle fitting really is an art, and I had a hard time believing that a hard, fixed tree was the best thing for a moving, fluid back. I mean, you wouldn't run in wooden shoes, would you?? Ouch! If you are roping cows, yes, anything less would be unstable. But I don't rope cows...and Dakota was happier and quieter when I rode him bareback than under even the best fitting treed saddle with uber nice and expensive pad.
The argument for standard saddle trees is that they are the only way to properly distribute the rider's weight over a wider area, and thus keep pressure from becoming too great in one spot, which causes soreness and muscle atrophy. But, modern materials are quite advanced, and a well-made treeless saddle and proper pad can distribute pressure just as well. Seriously, check the pressure tests online. Dakota's sweat pattern under saddle now is almost perfect, and he never fails the finger at the spine test. Ever. Even after really hard rides. And think about how much more comfortable it must be for the horse?? No saddle sores for us, thank you!!
So, after looking into treeless and reading the reviews, I talked with Brita Rizzi, the US distributor for Barefoot Saddles and one of the nicest people on the planet. Seriously, call her! She is Awesome!! I digress...after consulting several times with her, I decided to buy the Tahoe, like a treeless version of an English all-purpose saddle. I won't lie, the price tag hurt. All in, with leathers/irons/girth/and pad, the cost was about $1300. I had never spent half that on a saddle, but the reviews were good, and it would allow me to use the saddle on any horse for many years to come. So, I took a deep breath, sucked it up, and bought one.
First ride was- OMG OMG OMG this is the most comfortable thing my tush has ever encountered AND I'm sitting on my horse!! OMG! Trotting kinda sucked, as it was squishy and weird to grip onto. But, Dakota was calmer and quieter than ever and stopped on a dime, letting me know he appreciated it. It was wonderful to "feel" my horse underneath me, as I had only been able to do bareback before.
The girthing system took some getting used to, and for the first 5-7 rides I did have some slipping, probably due to the fact that is wasn't broken in and settled yet. Now, I have no problems with it (I can ground mount on the trail, and have many times without issue) and it is super soft and comfy for both of us, as well as being about as secure as an english saddle can get! I did add a grab strap for those hairy moments, and am forcing myself to get used to grabbing it - it saved my bacon during a spook the other day! :) It's easy for me to forget how sore I would get from a standard treed saddle after a couple of hours. I can hop off now after 3 hours and my tush, legs, and back feel like I did when I started, not sore at all!!! Yeah, it's really that amazing!!! Plus, Dakota is still fresh too. It's fun to go up and down embankments and such, I can feel him balancing and able to use his whole back and body without effort.
I have spent enough money on Dakota that many people will probably say that I am spoiling him and babying him, and that I shouldn't and he would "get used to it". However, these items have been a godsend for the both of us, and have changed his personality from stubborn and difficult to hard-working, soft, compliant, and tremendously giving. I have been off-property to several places and gotten compliments on what a well-behaved, easy-going, good horse I have. It was not always this way!! So, if your horse is trying to tell you something is bothering him, please listen!! This may be by racing, bucking, being stubborn to turn, advoiding the saddle, or pinning ears during cinching. If your horse if getting cranky about something, it is probably because it hurts!! Find out the problem - He will repay you tenfold for your kindness and thought. The whole idea is for you to accomplish things as a happy team. :)
P.S. This is one place to be careful of bargain shopping! A treeless saddle should have research about proper spinal clearance and weight distribution, as well as a good (and yes, expensive) saddle pad underneath, so beware the ebay cheapies as they can cause serious problems!
Go to Barefoot Saddles to check them out! They have both English and Western Saddles
http://www.barefootsaddles.net/
And a close competitor:
http://www.blackforestsaddles.com/
And one more popular treeless option, for the western crowd...
http://www.sportssaddle.com/
Dr. Cook's Bridle, Part 2 - the Arrival...
So, I thought and thought. And I went to Dr. Cook's website - and I read and read. And those words kept echoing through my head. I did have a good horse! I knew I did!! Finally, I got bold and tried riding him in his halter...and, what do you know, he didn't kill me! In fact, he did a little better. Stopping was still less than perfect, but it was improvement for the first time in 2.5 years! Yay! So, after trying a few different kinds of halters, I took the plunge and ordered myself a Dr. Cook's black beta bridle. It was sent out very quickly in the mail, and I waited impatiently. I was trying NOT to imagine a miracle, but, it kinda happened anyway. And then...it arrived!! It was enclosed in thick plastic and wrapped in green tissue paper like a present, and knew immediately it was high-quality. The beta material was butter-soft and yet felt strong and durable, and the fastenings were tough. I played with it at home, then raced to the barn the next day to try it out.
Before I placed it on Dakota's head, I looked him squarely in the eye and promised him that if he was indeed a good boy in this new bridle, I would never make him wear a bit again. Then, I slid it on and fiddled a little, and went to the arena. After a 5 minute "lesson" on steering and stopping, I hopped on and away we went! First ride, he was calmer, but I won't lie, we spent the first 20 minutes cantering. I really didn't have...brakes. Like, at all. But he wasn't really "running away" with me, so I let him go. Initially, the pressure from the bridle would cause a grand bit of head-tossing and irritated snorting and general discontent, like he was waiting for it to get worse. I learned very quickly that one needed an even lighter touch with this than the bit for compliance. So, many tight circles later, he figured out that it wasn't going to get worse, and that the light even pressure meant "slow down" or "stop." And the stopping was quieter and calmer than ever. Oh boy!!
Please note- the bit does not stop your horse. It took me a month to convince myself and trust the bridle. Your horse's training is what stops your horse. His compliance is what stops him. A stronger bit is like a band-aid over an infected wound. It will probably stop your horse most of the time, but when you really need it, that bit is scaring your horse and he is going to run through it. A really good horse trainer often teaches first bitless, and uses a snaffle bit for "finishing." This is a wonderful concept, if you still want to use a bit, and it can work on ANY horse.
So, three rides later and I couldn't believe the miraculous change. My mustang was quiet, soft, his head lowered, he quit running away and he actually had a slow-medium-fast speed within each gait!!! He spooked less, quieted faster, began to think about collection, and just generally became the wonderful horse I KNEW was in there somewhere. He was FUN to ride, and responded with super-light aids. And, he tried much harder. It was like the bit previously was "white noise" and now he could really concentrate on his work. Over a year later, and we have done trails away and even a parade bitless, and he has kept his cool under some crazy conditions (including walking past 20 backfiring tractors at the parade...not my idea of a good time). He will never wear a bit again, nor will any other horse I ride. The bitless bridle gives me just as much "finesse" and a happy, calm boy. Oh, and the beta material is awesome, just hose it and it looks brand new. The bridle is $85, will last you forever (mine has been stepped on several times, and came out without a scratch) and comes with a 14 day satisfaction guarantee. You have NOTHING to lose, but a whole lot to gain if you try it :) So take the plunge! You really do have a better horse than you think!!
Go to : http://www.bitlessbridle.com/ for more information!!
Before I placed it on Dakota's head, I looked him squarely in the eye and promised him that if he was indeed a good boy in this new bridle, I would never make him wear a bit again. Then, I slid it on and fiddled a little, and went to the arena. After a 5 minute "lesson" on steering and stopping, I hopped on and away we went! First ride, he was calmer, but I won't lie, we spent the first 20 minutes cantering. I really didn't have...brakes. Like, at all. But he wasn't really "running away" with me, so I let him go. Initially, the pressure from the bridle would cause a grand bit of head-tossing and irritated snorting and general discontent, like he was waiting for it to get worse. I learned very quickly that one needed an even lighter touch with this than the bit for compliance. So, many tight circles later, he figured out that it wasn't going to get worse, and that the light even pressure meant "slow down" or "stop." And the stopping was quieter and calmer than ever. Oh boy!!
Please note- the bit does not stop your horse. It took me a month to convince myself and trust the bridle. Your horse's training is what stops your horse. His compliance is what stops him. A stronger bit is like a band-aid over an infected wound. It will probably stop your horse most of the time, but when you really need it, that bit is scaring your horse and he is going to run through it. A really good horse trainer often teaches first bitless, and uses a snaffle bit for "finishing." This is a wonderful concept, if you still want to use a bit, and it can work on ANY horse.
So, three rides later and I couldn't believe the miraculous change. My mustang was quiet, soft, his head lowered, he quit running away and he actually had a slow-medium-fast speed within each gait!!! He spooked less, quieted faster, began to think about collection, and just generally became the wonderful horse I KNEW was in there somewhere. He was FUN to ride, and responded with super-light aids. And, he tried much harder. It was like the bit previously was "white noise" and now he could really concentrate on his work. Over a year later, and we have done trails away and even a parade bitless, and he has kept his cool under some crazy conditions (including walking past 20 backfiring tractors at the parade...not my idea of a good time). He will never wear a bit again, nor will any other horse I ride. The bitless bridle gives me just as much "finesse" and a happy, calm boy. Oh, and the beta material is awesome, just hose it and it looks brand new. The bridle is $85, will last you forever (mine has been stepped on several times, and came out without a scratch) and comes with a 14 day satisfaction guarantee. You have NOTHING to lose, but a whole lot to gain if you try it :) So take the plunge! You really do have a better horse than you think!!
Go to : http://www.bitlessbridle.com/ for more information!!
Don't we look good, before the parade!!
Kat on Vral, Me on Dakota, and Dave on Sonny
Dr. Cook's Bitless Bridle - In the beginning...
I will start my products with my very best product review, so far. This, for Dakota and I, was the single item which completely changed our relationship. Please read, then consider giving it a shot!
To give some background, I had owned Dakota for about 2.5 years and had arrived at the point where we were going to have to make some changes, or I was considering finding him another home or just not riding him altogether. I love my horse's personality to death. He is the closest to an equine soul-mate I had ever found. But, you see, Dakota rides rather like I would imagine a Ferrari. He is super-duper ultra touch sensitive, and just touching his sides invokes quick movement. To look at him, you don't necessarily know this, as we know each other and are fairly comfortable. But believe me, hop on and he notices every featherlight touch and rein aid. So, after 2.5 years, I was becoming frustrated and, to be honest, a little scared of my horse. He was soft, gentle, and quiet on the ground, but the minute I stepped into the saddle, it was like sitting on a ticking bomb. You know that feeling, right? The one where the horse is PROBABLY not going to run off today but gee it sure feels like he could? And let's not even talk about windy days...So, after climbing aboard, all tense muscles are engaged, and we would go to the arena and engage in the bone jarring fast-walk. After a few contained laps of fast-walk, occasional jigging, and ewe-necked bracing, I would usually decide he was warmed up enough and give him his head, where-by we would go straight to the similarly bone-jarring haulin'-ass canter for 20 minutes. Each time, I hoped he would "get the edge off," and then calm down, but it didn't really work. Stopping required a runway, even in a snaffle bit and featherlight hands, and he would throw his head further in the air and brace for it. Doesn't that sound like fun to you??? At the time, I felt terrible for the fact that I didn't WANT to ride my horse - now, I can't blame myself! A ticking bomb is not so much fun to ride!! And each gait, no matter WHAT I did, had one speed - fast and totally uncomfortable! I know, you are thinking "sign me up for that!"
So, I began rotating through different bits, still fairly mild, but all with the same basic result. Now, I'm an english-trained rider and it went against everything I had ever learned to ride without a bit. I mean, seriously, that's like the most BASIC of skills, right? Only casual girls rode in halters, you know, a really good old horse could do that around the barn, but for everyday riding? And, if I didn't have a bit, how DID I stop my horse? Especially a fast one??
Like most people, I was taught to handle large, strong horses with strong bits, but soft hands. I knew this wasn't going to work on Dakota, though. Anything stronger and he would start seriously looking into ways to leave me eating dirt. And, believe me, he is a mustang and thus clever and creative. Not always a good combination...So, I began trolling the internet for answers. I figured I couldn't be the first person with a similar problem, so maybe someone had the answer? I stumbled onto Dr. Cook's site, and I liked the fact that it was soft, complex like a "real" bridle, and did not contain anything designed to intentionally cause a horse pain for control. And, the tag line go me thinking - "You Have a Better Horse Than You Think." Did I? I felt like I did! I felt like I had a horse who wanted to be good, but something was getting in the way...hard to explain, I know, but Dakota really is a super willing horse. So I chewed on that idea for a while...
So, I began rotating through different bits, still fairly mild, but all with the same basic result. Now, I'm an english-trained rider and it went against everything I had ever learned to ride without a bit. I mean, seriously, that's like the most BASIC of skills, right? Only casual girls rode in halters, you know, a really good old horse could do that around the barn, but for everyday riding? And, if I didn't have a bit, how DID I stop my horse? Especially a fast one??
Like most people, I was taught to handle large, strong horses with strong bits, but soft hands. I knew this wasn't going to work on Dakota, though. Anything stronger and he would start seriously looking into ways to leave me eating dirt. And, believe me, he is a mustang and thus clever and creative. Not always a good combination...So, I began trolling the internet for answers. I figured I couldn't be the first person with a similar problem, so maybe someone had the answer? I stumbled onto Dr. Cook's site, and I liked the fact that it was soft, complex like a "real" bridle, and did not contain anything designed to intentionally cause a horse pain for control. And, the tag line go me thinking - "You Have a Better Horse Than You Think." Did I? I felt like I did! I felt like I had a horse who wanted to be good, but something was getting in the way...hard to explain, I know, but Dakota really is a super willing horse. So I chewed on that idea for a while...
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Yay! Time to start my own blog about my horse adventures!!
After putting in some serious time, money, and research into various kinds of horse-y products and ideas, I figured it was past time to begin posting about my experiences for those who may be wondering about similar things. Mainly, this is for the horse trailer I am having constructed, since there is only one other like it in the U.S., that I am aware of, and it is EXCITING!! However, I digress, more on that to come later...
To start, for now, I am a 26 year old online college student with a 17 year old 14.2 hand bay BLM mustang whom I love very much. I used to do the hunter-jumper thing, back in the day, but now I'm just having fun and enjoying trail riding with my boy. Only, it's ridiculously hot right now, so one can only enjoy it so much... anyway...I've had him for 3-4 years now, and we have come tremendously far from the mildly explosive basket case he used to be. There are some things that have helped us on our journey a great deal. I will mainly be posting about these things, so that they might help someone else with similar issues!! :) So, here goes!!!
(Dakota and I at a local fun show having a good time)
To start, for now, I am a 26 year old online college student with a 17 year old 14.2 hand bay BLM mustang whom I love very much. I used to do the hunter-jumper thing, back in the day, but now I'm just having fun and enjoying trail riding with my boy. Only, it's ridiculously hot right now, so one can only enjoy it so much... anyway...I've had him for 3-4 years now, and we have come tremendously far from the mildly explosive basket case he used to be. There are some things that have helped us on our journey a great deal. I will mainly be posting about these things, so that they might help someone else with similar issues!! :) So, here goes!!!
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