This is something I've been thinking about for quite a while. See what you think of it. Here goes...
With the push now to keep people from breeding their studs and mare and so many horses going to the slaughterhouse (not in the US) or even plain putting their horses down by needle or taking them to the Big Cat place (locally in southern OR), doesn't it make sense that one of these days there will/could be too small a horse population?? Like a lot less?
Could that really happen? Would prices surge skyward due to the lack of horses? Would it go back to only the upper class could have horses? Would the quality of horses be better than now since, hopefully, most of the crummy ones would have passed on to the pasture in the sky? Would people learn anything and only breed the better ones (my answer: probably not)?
Just something I've been wondering about. Will sit back and watch.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Gadgets
I'm feeling better and a bit snarky so I figure I'm ready to impart my info. Read on!
When I use the term 'gadgets' and 'horse' in the same conversation, then I'm talking about running/standing martingales http://www.horses-and-horse-information.com/articles/0702tied.shtml (or tiedowns), headachers (a 'tie-down' that instead of going over the nose, goes over the ears at the poll, usually home-made), chambeaus (I can't find a picture) or what-have-you. Basically, I'm against all of them.
I feel that if you're going to ride, you might as well learn to RIDE so you don't need crutches to control your horse. You ride different horses and learn to adapt to that horse so you don't need the crutch. If you only ride one horse for years on end, why do you need a tie-down for that long? Shouldn't you be able to evolve out of using gadgets?
About the only gadget that I really like is the German Martingale. http://www.horsetrainingvideos.com/tack/martingale-photo.htm There are both english and western versions of the german martingale. The western usually has split reins but I have seen them for barrel racers with a short roping rein. The english ones seem to me to be a longer round rein. But even then, eventually, you have to move on and hopefully have improved your horsemanship so you don't need it.
Most of the time, people will say that a horse gets up a head of steam and wants to go so they need some extra oomph in controlling them. That may be so but maybe you should drop back a notch or two on your training (or make sure he doesn't have a physical problem) but even that can be a good excuse to use more than you need and get him under control when he's ready to go.
I just like the idea of less is more.
When I use the term 'gadgets' and 'horse' in the same conversation, then I'm talking about running/standing martingales http://www.horses-and-horse-information.com/articles/0702tied.shtml (or tiedowns), headachers (a 'tie-down' that instead of going over the nose, goes over the ears at the poll, usually home-made), chambeaus (I can't find a picture) or what-have-you. Basically, I'm against all of them.
I feel that if you're going to ride, you might as well learn to RIDE so you don't need crutches to control your horse. You ride different horses and learn to adapt to that horse so you don't need the crutch. If you only ride one horse for years on end, why do you need a tie-down for that long? Shouldn't you be able to evolve out of using gadgets?
About the only gadget that I really like is the German Martingale. http://www.horsetrainingvideos.com/tack/martingale-photo.htm There are both english and western versions of the german martingale. The western usually has split reins but I have seen them for barrel racers with a short roping rein. The english ones seem to me to be a longer round rein. But even then, eventually, you have to move on and hopefully have improved your horsemanship so you don't need it.
Most of the time, people will say that a horse gets up a head of steam and wants to go so they need some extra oomph in controlling them. That may be so but maybe you should drop back a notch or two on your training (or make sure he doesn't have a physical problem) but even that can be a good excuse to use more than you need and get him under control when he's ready to go.
I just like the idea of less is more.
Will Be Back...
I have the muther of all sinus infections so will be back soonest, maybe even later today or tomorrow morning. Just can't think straight at this moment. Thanks for reading and check back! :-)
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Oh, Just See If You Can Follow This!!
I saw this on the COTH board... Dunno exactly what it says. 'Tis a bit 'dry'. Enjoy if you can...
http://www.feiworldcup.org/Dressage/...0809_Final.pdf
Wow...
http://www.feiworldcup.org/Dressage/...0809_Final.pdf
Wow...
Horse Training is Not Rocket Science
I keep re-writing on this subject and can't make it come out right. I'm having trouble putting into words my frustration at horsepeople who are trying to make training hard. Sheesh...
Seems to me, training should be relatively simple, for you and the horse. Of course, you have to put a lot of time and effort into your horse but in today's day and age, is doing it the hard way the 'in' way??
Instead of getting out there and polishing your saddle seat, you learn tricks and buy gadgets and 'training tools' for big money to make your horse perform?? (About gadgets, I'll have a post about that later...)
I confess, I'm flummoxed about today's trainers. Yep, in the show ring, you have to be knife sharp and up to the minute but for the rest of us, why is it such a big deal? Does it have to do with long term goals??
Does it make someone feel like they really accomplished something if they make it harder than it really is? Maybe people's hearts and souls aren't really into loving horses but the harder training makes them feel like they are doing something good?? Like, if they work harder, they 'must' love horses, eh? Is that it??
Kind of like a 'shoer told me years ago...when he trims a horse, he has to sweat and cuss a little bit, even if it's the easiest horse in the world to trim, because then the owner feels like they got something 'more' for their money. He was 'working' for his money instead of wham! the horse is done and he's in the pickup heading to the house.
Maybe I'm just in a mood... Bah!!
Seems to me, training should be relatively simple, for you and the horse. Of course, you have to put a lot of time and effort into your horse but in today's day and age, is doing it the hard way the 'in' way??
Instead of getting out there and polishing your saddle seat, you learn tricks and buy gadgets and 'training tools' for big money to make your horse perform?? (About gadgets, I'll have a post about that later...)
I confess, I'm flummoxed about today's trainers. Yep, in the show ring, you have to be knife sharp and up to the minute but for the rest of us, why is it such a big deal? Does it have to do with long term goals??
Does it make someone feel like they really accomplished something if they make it harder than it really is? Maybe people's hearts and souls aren't really into loving horses but the harder training makes them feel like they are doing something good?? Like, if they work harder, they 'must' love horses, eh? Is that it??
Kind of like a 'shoer told me years ago...when he trims a horse, he has to sweat and cuss a little bit, even if it's the easiest horse in the world to trim, because then the owner feels like they got something 'more' for their money. He was 'working' for his money instead of wham! the horse is done and he's in the pickup heading to the house.
Maybe I'm just in a mood... Bah!!
Unasked for Advice On (Name Any Horse Subject)
Okay, I'm seriously getting a little fed up with unasked for advice or remarks.
As you well know (well, my older readers will know this), I'm from the old horsemanship school and like it just fine. So, 'back in the day', when a friend brought a new horse home, you went to look at it but you kept your mouth shut about the new horse's confo or color or training. Only if the owner asked what you thought, did you mention what you thought. Even at that, you held back from all you thought. It wasn't your horse and it was better to mention whatever good points the horse had and let it go.
Welp...nowadays, if you buy a horse and invite someone to take a peek, it seems they will tell you everything wrong with the horse's confo and all the other stuff I mentioned above. Tell me, did anyone ASK for your comment?? So, why is it mentioned then? But that seems the norm nowadays.
I've been around enough that even if I see a horse that a committee put together, I do know there are some horses who can overcome bad confo (an example) and do a decent job, even beating better horses in the showring. I know, I've done it. I've had almost great halter horses under my saddle and they couldn't get out of their own way.
Of course, you want a correct as possible confo horse for your discipline but you have to look beyond that sometimes and can see a good horse in a less than perfect shell. If you ask someone to comment, then be prepared but it annoys me no end to hear someone rip a horse with unasked-for comments.
Been annoyed about this for quite some time... :-)
As you well know (well, my older readers will know this), I'm from the old horsemanship school and like it just fine. So, 'back in the day', when a friend brought a new horse home, you went to look at it but you kept your mouth shut about the new horse's confo or color or training. Only if the owner asked what you thought, did you mention what you thought. Even at that, you held back from all you thought. It wasn't your horse and it was better to mention whatever good points the horse had and let it go.
Welp...nowadays, if you buy a horse and invite someone to take a peek, it seems they will tell you everything wrong with the horse's confo and all the other stuff I mentioned above. Tell me, did anyone ASK for your comment?? So, why is it mentioned then? But that seems the norm nowadays.
I've been around enough that even if I see a horse that a committee put together, I do know there are some horses who can overcome bad confo (an example) and do a decent job, even beating better horses in the showring. I know, I've done it. I've had almost great halter horses under my saddle and they couldn't get out of their own way.
Of course, you want a correct as possible confo horse for your discipline but you have to look beyond that sometimes and can see a good horse in a less than perfect shell. If you ask someone to comment, then be prepared but it annoys me no end to hear someone rip a horse with unasked-for comments.
Been annoyed about this for quite some time... :-)
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Possible New Origin for the Name 'Appaloosa'
This is from the Answers.com website. I've never heard of this before and it's very interesting.
********************************************************************
from ChoctawThis word originated in United States
This one is a fish story. True, appaloosa is best known as a favorite kind of horse--sturdy, quick, and quick-witted--developed by the Nez Percé Indians living near the Palouse River in what is now Idaho. The river, therefore, has been suspected as the source of the name. Yet the first mention of "Opelousa" horses is from an 1849 book on Texas, and there is a source of the name closer to Texas in neighboring Louisiana, the Indian tribe known as Opelousa. Neither of these tribes speaks Choctaw.
Let us rein in speculation about the horse, however, and go fishing for a moment. The earliest record of something like appaloosa noted in the Dictionary of American Regional English is for 1845, and it is for a fish in Alabama: "Right round that was whar I'd ketch the monstrousest, most oudaciousest Appaloosas cat, the week before, that ever come outen the Tallapoosy." This "Appaloosas cat" is a spotted catfish otherwise known as a flathead catfish, Mississippi bullhead, morgan cat, pied cat, and yellow cat, among other names. A century after the first mention, a 1948 newspaper in Oklahoma mentioned "tackle-busting river cats, or Appaluchians."
The fish name appaloosa very likely comes from Choctaw apolusa, meaning "to be daubed" or "spotted." It is tempting to take the Choctaw word as the source for the horse name too, perhaps reinforced by the name of the Louisiana tribe, since the appaloosa horse is also spotted in the back. But Idahoans and Nez Percé might disagree, because the latter are unquestionably the source of the horse, and they were a long way from Louisiana.
Choctaw is the language spoken by Indians who lived in present-day Mississippi and Louisiana when the first Europeans arrived. It is a member of the Muskogean language family. Most Choctaw now live in Oklahoma; there are said to be about 10,000 speakers of Choctaw in a total population of 25,000. One other English word from Choctaw, transmitted to us by the French in Louisiana, is bayou (1763).
*******************************************************************
Who woulda thought, huh? I'm going to further investigate this. My curiousity won't sit still for this!
********************************************************************
from ChoctawThis word originated in United States
This one is a fish story. True, appaloosa is best known as a favorite kind of horse--sturdy, quick, and quick-witted--developed by the Nez Percé Indians living near the Palouse River in what is now Idaho. The river, therefore, has been suspected as the source of the name. Yet the first mention of "Opelousa" horses is from an 1849 book on Texas, and there is a source of the name closer to Texas in neighboring Louisiana, the Indian tribe known as Opelousa. Neither of these tribes speaks Choctaw.
Let us rein in speculation about the horse, however, and go fishing for a moment. The earliest record of something like appaloosa noted in the Dictionary of American Regional English is for 1845, and it is for a fish in Alabama: "Right round that was whar I'd ketch the monstrousest, most oudaciousest Appaloosas cat, the week before, that ever come outen the Tallapoosy." This "Appaloosas cat" is a spotted catfish otherwise known as a flathead catfish, Mississippi bullhead, morgan cat, pied cat, and yellow cat, among other names. A century after the first mention, a 1948 newspaper in Oklahoma mentioned "tackle-busting river cats, or Appaluchians."
The fish name appaloosa very likely comes from Choctaw apolusa, meaning "to be daubed" or "spotted." It is tempting to take the Choctaw word as the source for the horse name too, perhaps reinforced by the name of the Louisiana tribe, since the appaloosa horse is also spotted in the back. But Idahoans and Nez Percé might disagree, because the latter are unquestionably the source of the horse, and they were a long way from Louisiana.
Choctaw is the language spoken by Indians who lived in present-day Mississippi and Louisiana when the first Europeans arrived. It is a member of the Muskogean language family. Most Choctaw now live in Oklahoma; there are said to be about 10,000 speakers of Choctaw in a total population of 25,000. One other English word from Choctaw, transmitted to us by the French in Louisiana, is bayou (1763).
*******************************************************************
Who woulda thought, huh? I'm going to further investigate this. My curiousity won't sit still for this!
The Big Cat Place
I got an email from another faithful reader about how the big cat place south of town works. The reader asked to remain anonymous (no problem there and secret is safe with me!!) but the workings out there was 'splained...from the email:
*The big cat place(Great Cats World Park) is just south of Cave Junction on 199. It is completely free to take a horse there, you just have to talk to the owners and set up a time. We had a horse that was 30+yrs old, and we just couldn't keep the weight on him. They put him in an box where there was grass in the bottom, gave him a little grain, shot him in the head and all was done. The last thing he knew was eating grain. Then the butcher does his job, and the horse is back in the food chain. *
I haven't looked, but I thinking you could look in the phone book for the number. I'm a little wigged about cutting up a horse for a big cat but this is much better than letting them languish due to problems that have no other solution. I have to toughen up when it comes to horses. I don't have a problem with killing bovines then feeding to the big cats but something about a horse...well, I'm a wuss... Still, this is an option for people AND horses in a bad jam. Eek...
*The big cat place(Great Cats World Park) is just south of Cave Junction on 199. It is completely free to take a horse there, you just have to talk to the owners and set up a time. We had a horse that was 30+yrs old, and we just couldn't keep the weight on him. They put him in an box where there was grass in the bottom, gave him a little grain, shot him in the head and all was done. The last thing he knew was eating grain. Then the butcher does his job, and the horse is back in the food chain. *
I haven't looked, but I thinking you could look in the phone book for the number. I'm a little wigged about cutting up a horse for a big cat but this is much better than letting them languish due to problems that have no other solution. I have to toughen up when it comes to horses. I don't have a problem with killing bovines then feeding to the big cats but something about a horse...well, I'm a wuss... Still, this is an option for people AND horses in a bad jam. Eek...
Well, I Feel Silly...
On March 11, I wrote about some 'good buys'. Just clock me a good one. I posted about a bay tobiano mare who looked like a good deal to me. Welp, a faithful reader emailed me that the same mare was posted again http://medford.craigslist.org/grd/1088102528.html but this time she's listed as having an old injury and only suitable for lite riding.
*headslap to me* This is why you need a cynical eye when looking at any horse. I looked at the ad and saw a nice looking mare who had apparently been there, done that. But whatever this old injury is, really knocks her. At least the seller finally fessed up in the ad and that's good but I think it should have been disclosed the first time around. Maybe the seller didn't think of it but since it was listed the second time, it must be big enough to be mentioned the first time. Follow that??
So, from now on, I'm duly chastised in that I'll put in a disclaimer on any ad I post. I'll post what I think looks good from the ad(s) but since I'm not a mind reader, it's still up to the buyer to suss out all problems. My bad. :-)
*headslap to me* This is why you need a cynical eye when looking at any horse. I looked at the ad and saw a nice looking mare who had apparently been there, done that. But whatever this old injury is, really knocks her. At least the seller finally fessed up in the ad and that's good but I think it should have been disclosed the first time around. Maybe the seller didn't think of it but since it was listed the second time, it must be big enough to be mentioned the first time. Follow that??
So, from now on, I'm duly chastised in that I'll put in a disclaimer on any ad I post. I'll post what I think looks good from the ad(s) but since I'm not a mind reader, it's still up to the buyer to suss out all problems. My bad. :-)
My Views on Becoming a 'Trainer'
I've noticed lately several posts on CL about an apparently (sp? That word never looks right, no matter how I change up the letters...*sigh*) young lady who is training for the public and catching all sorts of hell for it.
'Back in the day' (before the earth's crust cooled) it was sort of accepted that if you rode, were a member of 4-H and lived/breathed horses, you could 'train'. I got out there and rode anyone's horse that would let me get on. I read everything I could find. I hung out at any horse barn that I could finagle my way into. I showed at any show that my mom would let me go, hung out at the family ranch and pestered the cowhands to death, jumped any fence I could find...you get the picture. Horses were my life (and still are, I'm just a helluva lot older and body parts ain't what they used to be...).
Little by little, people asked me to ride for them and somehow I always had a talent for taking a mediocre horse and beating a much better horse in the arena. I still don't know how I do/did it, it just happened. But my point is, I got on and rode and learned, went to clinics/lessons and studied horses.
If nothing else on this planet, I know horses and am still learning everyday. Learned something new this morning while perusing the 'net too. Something I've been wondering about just finally 'clicked' and I can't wait to try it out on my bratty mare.
The thing is, I got out there and DID it...didn't just theorize or pretend, DID it. I think I have a fairly well rounded education of horses even though I don't ride a certain way (think saddleseat, which I don't 'get' but kind of understand...sorta). But I'm still learning and know I'm small potatoes because horses are so awesome and there is way more to learn.
This young lady who's been advertising on CL, she's offering some 'riding' for a very reasonable price. It used to be, you get what you pay for but in this economy, that's not true anymore. If you're worried about getting on your horse after a winter of sitting, there is someone who is willing to fork your horse so you can get on without making yourself look silly (been there, done that, have the T-shirt).
But, I've noticed that nowadays things are so freakin' specialized, that no one can see the forest for the trees. If you can't get on and ride so technically, then you must not be a trainer. I mean, it's all over, not just around here. It's almost like you're looked down on.
There is room for everyone. No one needs to try to hog all the training dollars. I've seen this before, numerous times. Listen, folks, there are plenty of niches for everyone. Because someone is young (I'll get into the insurance and taxes in a sec) isn't much of a reason to run her outta town. Go watch her, get a feel for her horse abilities and go from there.
I've seen people who woke up one day and had that innate natural way with horses that they could practically look at a horse and the horse would fall down trying for them. Then there are the 'experienced' trainers who shouldn't be allowed near a horse. Check http://community.equineoutreach.com/2009/01/example-of-horse-abused-in-training/ for a big name trainer who, last I heard, is getting booted out of the AQHA for this type of stuff. Disclaimer: I haven't kept up with this story and there is his side too, just haven't heard it all yet but it was a big story for a while.
As for the insurance and taxes...welp, things are plain different nowadays. I usually required my OWNERS to carry their own insurance on their horses. If I had a horse I couldn't handle, back they went to the owner. I knew my limitations, still do. But if the horse got hurt (very seldom, knock on wood because I have been careful all my life), the owner understood sh*t happens and they paid the vet bill or I did the vet work myself. None of this umbrella insurance and everyone not trusting in their trainer.
Glad to say, I always paid my taxes even if 'everyone else' didn't. Never mess with the IRS is my motto.
Given that there is a serious lack of young people coming up in the horse ranks, I would think that owners would give a young trainer a chance to go farther instead of tearing them into filet strips for daring to enter the hallowed world of training. Sure they have lots to learn but their prices will be down low or free but you might see an emerging superstar in the future.
As an aside...as for working under an established name for 3-5 years before striking out on their own, I have worked for 'big names' (look in the AQHA Journal) who bought their way into horses and don't know that much but can sure talk a good line. Gorgeous horses and fab training barns, oh yeah but I wouldn't trust them with a dead dog...but that's from the backstretch, you don't see it in public. Also, just gotta add this in too, when my daughter was an up and comer, I talked to a lady who rode/owned one of the biggest dressage horse (not Hilda Gurney but one of her contemporaries. I'm not naming her because I can't back up my claim and I'm pretty sure she wouldn't remember me from two phone calls but this did happen) and asked her about the British Horse Society tests (which were the rage for a while for 'licensed instructors/trainers) and she said it was all a crock. But that wasn't her public face or statement.
Gotta do your due diligence and think outside the box. Sorry this is long winded but this has been bothering me for quite a while. Ride safe, everyone!!
'Back in the day' (before the earth's crust cooled) it was sort of accepted that if you rode, were a member of 4-H and lived/breathed horses, you could 'train'. I got out there and rode anyone's horse that would let me get on. I read everything I could find. I hung out at any horse barn that I could finagle my way into. I showed at any show that my mom would let me go, hung out at the family ranch and pestered the cowhands to death, jumped any fence I could find...you get the picture. Horses were my life (and still are, I'm just a helluva lot older and body parts ain't what they used to be...).
Little by little, people asked me to ride for them and somehow I always had a talent for taking a mediocre horse and beating a much better horse in the arena. I still don't know how I do/did it, it just happened. But my point is, I got on and rode and learned, went to clinics/lessons and studied horses.
If nothing else on this planet, I know horses and am still learning everyday. Learned something new this morning while perusing the 'net too. Something I've been wondering about just finally 'clicked' and I can't wait to try it out on my bratty mare.
The thing is, I got out there and DID it...didn't just theorize or pretend, DID it. I think I have a fairly well rounded education of horses even though I don't ride a certain way (think saddleseat, which I don't 'get' but kind of understand...sorta). But I'm still learning and know I'm small potatoes because horses are so awesome and there is way more to learn.
This young lady who's been advertising on CL, she's offering some 'riding' for a very reasonable price. It used to be, you get what you pay for but in this economy, that's not true anymore. If you're worried about getting on your horse after a winter of sitting, there is someone who is willing to fork your horse so you can get on without making yourself look silly (been there, done that, have the T-shirt).
But, I've noticed that nowadays things are so freakin' specialized, that no one can see the forest for the trees. If you can't get on and ride so technically, then you must not be a trainer. I mean, it's all over, not just around here. It's almost like you're looked down on.
There is room for everyone. No one needs to try to hog all the training dollars. I've seen this before, numerous times. Listen, folks, there are plenty of niches for everyone. Because someone is young (I'll get into the insurance and taxes in a sec) isn't much of a reason to run her outta town. Go watch her, get a feel for her horse abilities and go from there.
I've seen people who woke up one day and had that innate natural way with horses that they could practically look at a horse and the horse would fall down trying for them. Then there are the 'experienced' trainers who shouldn't be allowed near a horse. Check http://community.equineoutreach.com/2009/01/example-of-horse-abused-in-training/ for a big name trainer who, last I heard, is getting booted out of the AQHA for this type of stuff. Disclaimer: I haven't kept up with this story and there is his side too, just haven't heard it all yet but it was a big story for a while.
As for the insurance and taxes...welp, things are plain different nowadays. I usually required my OWNERS to carry their own insurance on their horses. If I had a horse I couldn't handle, back they went to the owner. I knew my limitations, still do. But if the horse got hurt (very seldom, knock on wood because I have been careful all my life), the owner understood sh*t happens and they paid the vet bill or I did the vet work myself. None of this umbrella insurance and everyone not trusting in their trainer.
Glad to say, I always paid my taxes even if 'everyone else' didn't. Never mess with the IRS is my motto.
Given that there is a serious lack of young people coming up in the horse ranks, I would think that owners would give a young trainer a chance to go farther instead of tearing them into filet strips for daring to enter the hallowed world of training. Sure they have lots to learn but their prices will be down low or free but you might see an emerging superstar in the future.
As an aside...as for working under an established name for 3-5 years before striking out on their own, I have worked for 'big names' (look in the AQHA Journal) who bought their way into horses and don't know that much but can sure talk a good line. Gorgeous horses and fab training barns, oh yeah but I wouldn't trust them with a dead dog...but that's from the backstretch, you don't see it in public. Also, just gotta add this in too, when my daughter was an up and comer, I talked to a lady who rode/owned one of the biggest dressage horse (not Hilda Gurney but one of her contemporaries. I'm not naming her because I can't back up my claim and I'm pretty sure she wouldn't remember me from two phone calls but this did happen) and asked her about the British Horse Society tests (which were the rage for a while for 'licensed instructors/trainers) and she said it was all a crock. But that wasn't her public face or statement.
Gotta do your due diligence and think outside the box. Sorry this is long winded but this has been bothering me for quite a while. Ride safe, everyone!!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Yippee!! I Haz Da Net!!
It's about freakin' time! I have an excellent signal now so hopefully I can blog to my heart's content. I'll have at least one new post up about trainers by tomorrow. I have plenty to say about THAT!! :-)
Thanks for hanging in with me!!
Thanks for hanging in with me!!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
I'm So Sorry...
I have plenty to say about horses but I'm changing my internet thingy and it will be about Friday, this week, before I get things settled. Hopefully, once I get this new service, I won't have to worry so much about the snow and rain and icky-poo weather.
So, please keep coming back to read my older posts, I really appreciate your readership! ;-)
So, please keep coming back to read my older posts, I really appreciate your readership! ;-)
Monday, March 23, 2009
Still Having Trouble With Signal...
So a short post again today...sorry... The snow or rain or the great gods in the sky are not helping with this!!
One quick thing...I've noticed a decided lack of horses on CL in the past few days. Does this mean that most horses have found a 'home' (either another real home or have been put down or are keeping) and maybe the horse market has bottomed out?? Is is still sliding downhill or leveled out and the only way to go is up??
I'm hoping 'up' it is!!
I'll try to post more starting tomorrow...I have plenty to say, of course. :-)
One quick thing...I've noticed a decided lack of horses on CL in the past few days. Does this mean that most horses have found a 'home' (either another real home or have been put down or are keeping) and maybe the horse market has bottomed out?? Is is still sliding downhill or leveled out and the only way to go is up??
I'm hoping 'up' it is!!
I'll try to post more starting tomorrow...I have plenty to say, of course. :-)
Friday, March 20, 2009
Appaloosa Blindness
I only have a little while today to get anything said but have been wanting to post about this for quite some time.
Appaloosas are my favoritest breed. I love them dearly. I've never had a bad App, ever. Once you get past all the bullsh*t, you will have the most willing, trusting partner you could ever want in a horse. They will give you their all.
If you can handle an Appy and have a happy horse, then you are a horseman. If you blame the App for your shortcomings, you just don't need to be around them. They are the best, bar none.
But one thing has come up recently that has me greatly disturbed. That is Appaloosa blindness. Here are two sites that you can read up on... http://www.blindappaloosas.org/index.html and http://www.appaloosaproject.info/index.php?&MMN_position=6:6 . There are more sites but these are the ones that I've bookmarked to really stay in touch.
This problem is a GREAT reason to KNOW your bloodlines. Pick your breed of choice and then study and learn all the good points AND the bad ones! If you must stand a stud or breed your mare (bad idea in today's market anyway) then you can avoid the lines that perpetuate the problems.
I have friends whose Appys are going blind at young ages (like 6 years old) and it's just flat horrible in my book. Fortunately, these horses have homes for life, knock on wood, but it's heartbreaking to realize this is happening.
The App Club doesn't seem to want to address this problem, they have enough problems as it is with declining registrations and such, but the poor horses shouldn't be foaled knowingly, seems to me.
If you are looking for a fab partner in life, I have NO problem recommending an App but do your due diligence on the bloodlines and have a vet check if you're not sure.
Appaloosas are my favoritest breed. I love them dearly. I've never had a bad App, ever. Once you get past all the bullsh*t, you will have the most willing, trusting partner you could ever want in a horse. They will give you their all.
If you can handle an Appy and have a happy horse, then you are a horseman. If you blame the App for your shortcomings, you just don't need to be around them. They are the best, bar none.
But one thing has come up recently that has me greatly disturbed. That is Appaloosa blindness. Here are two sites that you can read up on... http://www.blindappaloosas.org/index.html and http://www.appaloosaproject.info/index.php?&MMN_position=6:6 . There are more sites but these are the ones that I've bookmarked to really stay in touch.
This problem is a GREAT reason to KNOW your bloodlines. Pick your breed of choice and then study and learn all the good points AND the bad ones! If you must stand a stud or breed your mare (bad idea in today's market anyway) then you can avoid the lines that perpetuate the problems.
I have friends whose Appys are going blind at young ages (like 6 years old) and it's just flat horrible in my book. Fortunately, these horses have homes for life, knock on wood, but it's heartbreaking to realize this is happening.
The App Club doesn't seem to want to address this problem, they have enough problems as it is with declining registrations and such, but the poor horses shouldn't be foaled knowingly, seems to me.
If you are looking for a fab partner in life, I have NO problem recommending an App but do your due diligence on the bloodlines and have a vet check if you're not sure.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Braided Tails in the Pasture??
For some reason lately, I am seeing braided horse tails while the horse is loose in the pasture. I understand that a show horse cooped up in stall can have a braided tail, I don't understand out in the pasture though.
I'm talking about down below the end of the vertabrae where the tail hair hangs freely, not the english show horse braids and pinwheel. You're supposed to take those out every night anyway...
I can understand while riding in the arena but not in brushy territory, braiding the tail to keep it nice. But don't people understand that horses will screw things up and catch their braided tail on the least little thing and can either rip all or part of their tail out. Not to mention the kerfuffle of the horse getting excited about his tail being caught and not letting go.
Even if they only rip a bit out, it still will probably ruin the tail. If he catches enough of it, the tail hair might not let go. Horse tail hair is pretty strong, I mean it's used for violin bows after all (I think it's the Icelandic Horses who get to 'donate' to that project). It can be braided for ropes and even jewelry!
So, think about that strength when braiding a pasture horse's tail! Yikes!!
I'm talking about down below the end of the vertabrae where the tail hair hangs freely, not the english show horse braids and pinwheel. You're supposed to take those out every night anyway...
I can understand while riding in the arena but not in brushy territory, braiding the tail to keep it nice. But don't people understand that horses will screw things up and catch their braided tail on the least little thing and can either rip all or part of their tail out. Not to mention the kerfuffle of the horse getting excited about his tail being caught and not letting go.
Even if they only rip a bit out, it still will probably ruin the tail. If he catches enough of it, the tail hair might not let go. Horse tail hair is pretty strong, I mean it's used for violin bows after all (I think it's the Icelandic Horses who get to 'donate' to that project). It can be braided for ropes and even jewelry!
So, think about that strength when braiding a pasture horse's tail! Yikes!!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Have Plenty to Say But....
Life if doing its thing again and I have to take care of things, dammit...but I'll be back in a day or so. Gots lots'ta yak about too! Take care, all!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Sensible Training...Finally....
This past weekend, I watched a little of RFD TV and something really stood out, something I hadn't seen before. I don't watch RFD that much anymore (I mean, really...Big Joe Polka??) and turned to it just to see what the latest line-up was.
Seems to me, the TV trainers were really doing some real training and not any sort of 'tricks' to get the horse going. Good solid training. Of course, they want you to go to their clinics and spend money but for once, it seemed to me, they were wanting you to make a good horse without breaking the bank or becoming a circus horse trainer.
Once I saw Clinton Anderson say something about a rope halter. He said you can use any halter you want. He thought his was best because there were more knots in the nose but you can use any basic tied halter. That impressed me. I had the feeling that he wanted the average rider to do better with their horse rather than harp on spending uber bucks for his 'special' halter.
I don't have a problem with a trainer wanting to make money. I'm a capitalist myself but there should be a self imposed limit on trying to take the customer for all they have to get a similar result as if they didn't buy. As if, unless you go with some trainer all the way, you can't train. I didn't see that this weekend.
Of course, if you want the finer points, you should go to a trainer or to clinics. Then get out there and polish that saddle seat!!
Seems to me, the TV trainers were really doing some real training and not any sort of 'tricks' to get the horse going. Good solid training. Of course, they want you to go to their clinics and spend money but for once, it seemed to me, they were wanting you to make a good horse without breaking the bank or becoming a circus horse trainer.
Once I saw Clinton Anderson say something about a rope halter. He said you can use any halter you want. He thought his was best because there were more knots in the nose but you can use any basic tied halter. That impressed me. I had the feeling that he wanted the average rider to do better with their horse rather than harp on spending uber bucks for his 'special' halter.
I don't have a problem with a trainer wanting to make money. I'm a capitalist myself but there should be a self imposed limit on trying to take the customer for all they have to get a similar result as if they didn't buy. As if, unless you go with some trainer all the way, you can't train. I didn't see that this weekend.
Of course, if you want the finer points, you should go to a trainer or to clinics. Then get out there and polish that saddle seat!!
Monday, March 16, 2009
"Help Stop The Fuglies" - Oh, Yeah....
This was sent to me and I 'think' it's the real deal. It's a good idea who time is really NOW.
Check out http://stalliontogeldingsupport.org/ .
Good grief, I've seen some fugly horses in my day but the ones that are posted on this site kind of take the cake on fugly, don't they?? What in the hell were the owners thinking?? Bet'cha I know...money and the sense that 'no one is gonna tell them what to do!
But fugly is fugly and I think this is a GREAT idea!
Check out http://stalliontogeldingsupport.org/ .
Good grief, I've seen some fugly horses in my day but the ones that are posted on this site kind of take the cake on fugly, don't they?? What in the hell were the owners thinking?? Bet'cha I know...money and the sense that 'no one is gonna tell them what to do!
But fugly is fugly and I think this is a GREAT idea!
When You Buy A Horse
I noticed over the weekend that someone, apparently, bought a stolen horse and the real owner was trying to track him down.
When you buy a horse, please ask to see the registration papers and whose name the horse is in. If you have to, call the registry to verify.
Always get a bill of sale that says how much you paid, that the horse is paid in full, description of the horse (tattoos, scars, color, breed, gender, anything like that). I used to put 'As is, where is' on my bills of sale. I did that because I've had horses that hauled fine for me but would act up in the new owner's trailer (like the new owner/rig driver took a corner too fast and the horse scrambled, oh yes, have had this scenario happen to me) and hurt themselves and then the new owner wants to bring them back. Ummmm, no. Once he's off the seller's property, you're on your own!
When you go to look at a horse, if you aren't knowledgeable, then take a trusted horseman along with you. I'm not talking about someone who read a book and talks a good line, I mean a real horseman. As the buyer, you're supposed to KNOW what to ask and look for. The seller is there to sell a horse, not babysit you. That's how so many people get taken on a horse. They think the seller is supposed to fit the horse to the buyer when that's not the case.
Now it's good that a buyer discloses whether a horse is a kid's horse and not try to pass off Widowmaker as a kid's horse. That would probably end up a legal problem. I'm talking about the run of the mill horse sale.
Ask specifically whether the horse kicks, bites, bucks, crowhops, cribs, whatever. Do this with a cynical eye and thought. Now we are talking horses and a horse that doesn't do something with one person may do it with someone else. So you need to be enough of a horseman, or have one with you, who can 'see' the horse for what it is.
Also, you need to know if the horse has been drugged. Check the juglar (sp? nothing looks right when I spell that, sorry) for little pricks or bumps. Check his eyes and gums.
Some states have a lemon law for horses. I'm not sure about Oregon though, will have to check that for yourself. If you can get a set time limit to take the horse home and try him, do so. However, the horse is on your watch there and if he gets hurt or dies, it's your dime. I never liked to let a horse off my place till he was paid for because you never know who is riding or what will happen to the horse once he's out of your sight. So, my basic thing was, you buy him, he's yours from then on.
When you buy a horse, please ask to see the registration papers and whose name the horse is in. If you have to, call the registry to verify.
Always get a bill of sale that says how much you paid, that the horse is paid in full, description of the horse (tattoos, scars, color, breed, gender, anything like that). I used to put 'As is, where is' on my bills of sale. I did that because I've had horses that hauled fine for me but would act up in the new owner's trailer (like the new owner/rig driver took a corner too fast and the horse scrambled, oh yes, have had this scenario happen to me) and hurt themselves and then the new owner wants to bring them back. Ummmm, no. Once he's off the seller's property, you're on your own!
When you go to look at a horse, if you aren't knowledgeable, then take a trusted horseman along with you. I'm not talking about someone who read a book and talks a good line, I mean a real horseman. As the buyer, you're supposed to KNOW what to ask and look for. The seller is there to sell a horse, not babysit you. That's how so many people get taken on a horse. They think the seller is supposed to fit the horse to the buyer when that's not the case.
Now it's good that a buyer discloses whether a horse is a kid's horse and not try to pass off Widowmaker as a kid's horse. That would probably end up a legal problem. I'm talking about the run of the mill horse sale.
Ask specifically whether the horse kicks, bites, bucks, crowhops, cribs, whatever. Do this with a cynical eye and thought. Now we are talking horses and a horse that doesn't do something with one person may do it with someone else. So you need to be enough of a horseman, or have one with you, who can 'see' the horse for what it is.
Also, you need to know if the horse has been drugged. Check the juglar (sp? nothing looks right when I spell that, sorry) for little pricks or bumps. Check his eyes and gums.
Some states have a lemon law for horses. I'm not sure about Oregon though, will have to check that for yourself. If you can get a set time limit to take the horse home and try him, do so. However, the horse is on your watch there and if he gets hurt or dies, it's your dime. I never liked to let a horse off my place till he was paid for because you never know who is riding or what will happen to the horse once he's out of your sight. So, my basic thing was, you buy him, he's yours from then on.
Went to the Team Penning...
I watched a bit on Saturday and I have to say, I was totally impressed with the horses and most of the riders.
Almost every horse was of high quality and very responsive. There was one or two who, to me, didn't really have it in their heart to move THAT fast but they were trying to please their riders anyway. These horses would have been happy to be rail horses...or having a really off day...but still they were very nice. I'd be proud to say they were mine!
Another thing that struck me, quite a few horses were in ring snaffles and were paying attention, not running through their heads either. I saw a Kimberwicke and a very short shanked curb but these horses weren't throwing their heads to get out of work, they were just flat doing the job. A couple of horses had gadgets (running martigales and one tie-down) but otherwise, everyone had a good headset and were together and collected, not strung out.
Along with the horses paying attention to their bridles, the riders were really riding, not passengering a bit. One guy, to me, was pretty heavy in the hands and relied a bit too much on spurs (riding in his hands only, not so much his seat and legs) but still, overall, he wasn't flopping around at least. No one seemed to be a sack of potatoes! This is GOOD!
I'm not really a team penning fan but I dropped by because I was bored while my spouse was at another venue. I wasn't sure at first what was going on but as long as it has a horse attched somehow, I'm sooooo there.
It was really a good time to watch...other than the freakin' rain and pollen thing...grrrrr!!
Almost every horse was of high quality and very responsive. There was one or two who, to me, didn't really have it in their heart to move THAT fast but they were trying to please their riders anyway. These horses would have been happy to be rail horses...or having a really off day...but still they were very nice. I'd be proud to say they were mine!
Another thing that struck me, quite a few horses were in ring snaffles and were paying attention, not running through their heads either. I saw a Kimberwicke and a very short shanked curb but these horses weren't throwing their heads to get out of work, they were just flat doing the job. A couple of horses had gadgets (running martigales and one tie-down) but otherwise, everyone had a good headset and were together and collected, not strung out.
Along with the horses paying attention to their bridles, the riders were really riding, not passengering a bit. One guy, to me, was pretty heavy in the hands and relied a bit too much on spurs (riding in his hands only, not so much his seat and legs) but still, overall, he wasn't flopping around at least. No one seemed to be a sack of potatoes! This is GOOD!
I'm not really a team penning fan but I dropped by because I was bored while my spouse was at another venue. I wasn't sure at first what was going on but as long as it has a horse attched somehow, I'm sooooo there.
It was really a good time to watch...other than the freakin' rain and pollen thing...grrrrr!!
Will It EVER Quit Raining??
I know this is way off topic, but this rain is about to do me in. Saturday I thought I was gonna die because I was sooooo stuffed up! Then the heavy rains came out where I live and, I'm guessing here, kind of tamped down the mold and pollen and then I could breathe!
Criminy, I don't remember having this much trouble ever. I'm ready for the nice weather to come and stay put.
Jeez...
Criminy, I don't remember having this much trouble ever. I'm ready for the nice weather to come and stay put.
Jeez...
Friday, March 13, 2009
Making Mistakes With Horses
Welcome to 'The Club' about sums it up!
I saw in the comment section from a nice lady who said she had made over 12K mistakes and is learning, I have to say, you're doing it right then... *snorfle*
The horse biz is trial and error then trying to learn the right thing only to find out that that particular horse won't tolerate what you just learned and so you have to re-think your training. That's the horse biz.
Anyone who tells you they know it ALL, doesn't know a damn thing. There is a saying, "The more you're around horses, the less you know'. That is the truth. Horses are so much knowledge and it's a lifetime thing. You can NOT pick up a book or go to A clinic and KNOW horses. You have to sit out at the barn and watch and learn to 'be' with your horse.
You WILL fall off. If you don't EVER fall off, you haven't ridden enough then. There is yet another saying, 'When you fall off 12 times, you're a rider, when you fall off 24 times, you're a horseman'. The number of times will vary, depends on who's saying it, I guess, but the basic truth is there.
If you only ride one or two horses your entire riding career (or life) then you're a passenger, not a rider. You have to get on many, many horses to call yourself a horseman/woman.
If you hear someone who only touts how great they are with horses and never 'fesses up to making a mistake, I'd say avoid them. They aren't real. Now, I'm old school and we used to talk about our mistakes with other riders and learned. Nowadays, it's a lot more cutthroat and people don't want to admit they have holes in their training/teaching. To me, that's silly.
You can't buy your way into being a horseman. I know plenty of people who've tried, including National Champ owners...who have no clue about training, they bought their way in. I've seen trainers/instructors who insulate their clients so they keep their money and as a result, don't want their clients to make mistakes, because that will reflect on them.
I don't get this and probably never will but my message, I think, is still true. If you want to be a horseman/woman, you have to get in there and make mistakes and then learn from them.
I saw in the comment section from a nice lady who said she had made over 12K mistakes and is learning, I have to say, you're doing it right then... *snorfle*
The horse biz is trial and error then trying to learn the right thing only to find out that that particular horse won't tolerate what you just learned and so you have to re-think your training. That's the horse biz.
Anyone who tells you they know it ALL, doesn't know a damn thing. There is a saying, "The more you're around horses, the less you know'. That is the truth. Horses are so much knowledge and it's a lifetime thing. You can NOT pick up a book or go to A clinic and KNOW horses. You have to sit out at the barn and watch and learn to 'be' with your horse.
You WILL fall off. If you don't EVER fall off, you haven't ridden enough then. There is yet another saying, 'When you fall off 12 times, you're a rider, when you fall off 24 times, you're a horseman'. The number of times will vary, depends on who's saying it, I guess, but the basic truth is there.
If you only ride one or two horses your entire riding career (or life) then you're a passenger, not a rider. You have to get on many, many horses to call yourself a horseman/woman.
If you hear someone who only touts how great they are with horses and never 'fesses up to making a mistake, I'd say avoid them. They aren't real. Now, I'm old school and we used to talk about our mistakes with other riders and learned. Nowadays, it's a lot more cutthroat and people don't want to admit they have holes in their training/teaching. To me, that's silly.
You can't buy your way into being a horseman. I know plenty of people who've tried, including National Champ owners...who have no clue about training, they bought their way in. I've seen trainers/instructors who insulate their clients so they keep their money and as a result, don't want their clients to make mistakes, because that will reflect on them.
I don't get this and probably never will but my message, I think, is still true. If you want to be a horseman/woman, you have to get in there and make mistakes and then learn from them.
I'm Torn on This One...
http://medford.craigslist.org/grd/1071969090.html
If you can possibly help these horses, please do so.
On one hand, my heart goes out to the horses and the owner but on the other hand, I'm angry.
What in the hell that NOW it's a hardship?? No one saw this coming?? I realize that you can't go in and just take horses away (or can you legally?) on the spur of the moment but this was a long time in the making.
A note to all who are thinking of getting in the horse breeding biz. Have a business plan in place and stick to it. Don't overbreed. If your colts aren't selling, don't breed for a new batch the next year. If you breed, make sure you register ALL the colts. If they can't be registered, they shouldn't have been born. Breed for quality. Know what a good horse is built like for your breed of choice and breed for that, not willy-nilly.
I'm not going to rag on the whomever posted this. That would be counter-productive and not help a bit. I am going to say that when someone lets their breeding program get out of control, like this one did, you can pretty well bet the kill buyer is somewhere pretty close by. There isn't anywhere else for the horses to go!! Think of it this way, unregistered, not trained and a boatload of them in today's market. What do you think the result will be?? Not when you can buy a nicely built, registered, trained horse for $500-$1000! Just check CL for some great buys!
So, I'll say it again, if you can take one of these poor horses, please do so but it's not that hopeful in my book. I'm truly sad about these horses. It is what it is.
If you can possibly help these horses, please do so.
On one hand, my heart goes out to the horses and the owner but on the other hand, I'm angry.
What in the hell that NOW it's a hardship?? No one saw this coming?? I realize that you can't go in and just take horses away (or can you legally?) on the spur of the moment but this was a long time in the making.
A note to all who are thinking of getting in the horse breeding biz. Have a business plan in place and stick to it. Don't overbreed. If your colts aren't selling, don't breed for a new batch the next year. If you breed, make sure you register ALL the colts. If they can't be registered, they shouldn't have been born. Breed for quality. Know what a good horse is built like for your breed of choice and breed for that, not willy-nilly.
I'm not going to rag on the whomever posted this. That would be counter-productive and not help a bit. I am going to say that when someone lets their breeding program get out of control, like this one did, you can pretty well bet the kill buyer is somewhere pretty close by. There isn't anywhere else for the horses to go!! Think of it this way, unregistered, not trained and a boatload of them in today's market. What do you think the result will be?? Not when you can buy a nicely built, registered, trained horse for $500-$1000! Just check CL for some great buys!
So, I'll say it again, if you can take one of these poor horses, please do so but it's not that hopeful in my book. I'm truly sad about these horses. It is what it is.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
A Clarification About '30 Days'....
A friend (who has sussed me out and figured out who I am! Honestly, I did not tell her or any or my friends. I'll explain more of that later) sent me an email about the 30 day rides.
Okie dokie, here's my explanation. In my world, we go by 30 days training but that's not 30 rides. I don't think it's good for a greenie to be ridden every single day, maybe 3-4 times a week but you have to fit the training to the horse, IMHO. If the colt is worn down (like hiding his head in the corner of his stall, trying to disappear), back off, if he's picking it up and dealing with stresses of training, maybe fit another 1-2 rides in for the week. Read your horse and then follow through.
From a billing viewpoint, I always went in 30 day cycles. I've tried charging by the ride and it's too much work and can be difficult to keep track of how many times you've forked the horse. Then the owner wants an accounting of when you rode and (I've actually had this happen) if they watch you from afar (oh, yes, he sure did!), will argue that you didn't ride as many times as you said. So I now (if I still did train professionally) would only go in approximate 30 day cycles.
30 days can mean 30 saddlings but not necessarily (sp?) a calendar month, follow that?? After you've done quite a few colts, you get a feel of where the colt is even though the days don't match up. So 30 saddles can mean 45 days or so. So when someone asks you how many days the colt has you can say '30 days' even though you've had him longer than that. 30 saddles could actually mean YEARS if you didn't saddle your colt for long stretches.
At about the 14 saddle mark, a light bulb should go off in your colt head what you're trying to do. That's when he'll start to 'get it'. After 30 saddles, you get the hay-wagon-turning effect. 60 saddles, you start to get some good turns and understanding a bit about leg pressure. 90-120 saddles, you've hopefully got a decent neck rein and working off leg pressure and the horse is still sane.
Maybe a better way for me to say this in the future is saddlings and not 'days'. I never really thought about it that much as it was sort of just understood. One of those non-verbal things.
I'm thinking after reading some of the training posts, that maybe they mean you actually get 30 saddles in 30 days?? Or even just fooled with the colt on non-saddle days?? You'd have to talk to them and read their contract then ask questions.
Okie dokie, here's my explanation. In my world, we go by 30 days training but that's not 30 rides. I don't think it's good for a greenie to be ridden every single day, maybe 3-4 times a week but you have to fit the training to the horse, IMHO. If the colt is worn down (like hiding his head in the corner of his stall, trying to disappear), back off, if he's picking it up and dealing with stresses of training, maybe fit another 1-2 rides in for the week. Read your horse and then follow through.
From a billing viewpoint, I always went in 30 day cycles. I've tried charging by the ride and it's too much work and can be difficult to keep track of how many times you've forked the horse. Then the owner wants an accounting of when you rode and (I've actually had this happen) if they watch you from afar (oh, yes, he sure did!), will argue that you didn't ride as many times as you said. So I now (if I still did train professionally) would only go in approximate 30 day cycles.
30 days can mean 30 saddlings but not necessarily (sp?) a calendar month, follow that?? After you've done quite a few colts, you get a feel of where the colt is even though the days don't match up. So 30 saddles can mean 45 days or so. So when someone asks you how many days the colt has you can say '30 days' even though you've had him longer than that. 30 saddles could actually mean YEARS if you didn't saddle your colt for long stretches.
At about the 14 saddle mark, a light bulb should go off in your colt head what you're trying to do. That's when he'll start to 'get it'. After 30 saddles, you get the hay-wagon-turning effect. 60 saddles, you start to get some good turns and understanding a bit about leg pressure. 90-120 saddles, you've hopefully got a decent neck rein and working off leg pressure and the horse is still sane.
Maybe a better way for me to say this in the future is saddlings and not 'days'. I never really thought about it that much as it was sort of just understood. One of those non-verbal things.
I'm thinking after reading some of the training posts, that maybe they mean you actually get 30 saddles in 30 days?? Or even just fooled with the colt on non-saddle days?? You'd have to talk to them and read their contract then ask questions.
Looking for Some Good Buys??
http://medford.craigslist.org/grd/1069963721.html
Unless there is something wrong with her that isn't listed, this mare looks to be a whopper deal!! Just a do anything type mare. Will stand all day...that's worth something!
http://medford.craigslist.org/grd/1069636134.html
This guy looks like a deal and half too! I'm not sure about the pic where his near front leg is kind of cocked (it could be that he was just moving it and nothing is wrong) but other than that, he looks like a doing kind of horse. From what I see in the pic, he looks to be my kind of horse.
http://medford.craigslist.org/grd/1069431326.html
This is a good example. When you sell a horse, go the extra mile to make sure your potential customers can contact you. Go overboard on ways to contact you as no one is going to intuit how to do so. The psychic faire left town last week!
http://medford.craigslist.org/grd/1069346107.html
This guy looks good altho he looks a bit weak in the loin but, hey, he's 18 years old too! He'll be suitable for riding, that's for sure! But a very good price! A nice plus, good color to boot.
I know people are slashing prices for whatever reason but that's just the way it is. If you can, now is the time to find that good saddle horse.
Unless there is something wrong with her that isn't listed, this mare looks to be a whopper deal!! Just a do anything type mare. Will stand all day...that's worth something!
http://medford.craigslist.org/grd/1069636134.html
This guy looks like a deal and half too! I'm not sure about the pic where his near front leg is kind of cocked (it could be that he was just moving it and nothing is wrong) but other than that, he looks like a doing kind of horse. From what I see in the pic, he looks to be my kind of horse.
http://medford.craigslist.org/grd/1069431326.html
This is a good example. When you sell a horse, go the extra mile to make sure your potential customers can contact you. Go overboard on ways to contact you as no one is going to intuit how to do so. The psychic faire left town last week!
http://medford.craigslist.org/grd/1069346107.html
This guy looks good altho he looks a bit weak in the loin but, hey, he's 18 years old too! He'll be suitable for riding, that's for sure! But a very good price! A nice plus, good color to boot.
I know people are slashing prices for whatever reason but that's just the way it is. If you can, now is the time to find that good saddle horse.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Today's Training
I had this big, long post worked out last night and just not happy with it but I wanted to post something about training in a timely manner. Right at the end of last week, there were some posts about inexpensive training and what it takes to be a trainer.
In my never to be humble view, I have seen folks who don't know a whole lot about horses somehow or other get a lot out of their horses. Also, I've seen a lot of dumb clucks too hang out a shingle after they went to big name NH trainers clinic. Check http://www.horsecity.com/ and you'll see what I mean. Practically the blind leading the blind...
In my world, it takes at least 60-90 days to get a colt going nicely before you move on to more specialized training. 30 days will get you walk and trot and maybe a few lopes and a hay wagon turning system. 60 days will get you w/t/l and a decent stop. 90-120 days and you can make that horse start to shine. Now this is if you have a decent minded horse in the first place. Some colts are just dolts and just don't 'get it' for a while. Others will hop on to your training like a hen on a june bug. You fit your training to the horse but I do like to have a plan in place and follow it somewhat to see where I am and what I'm doing.
I don't hold with this getting on in 30 minutes and before you're done, you have that colt turning and stopping and all sorts of stuff. I prefer slower training and really making sure he understands it. I don't see the point.
In this economy though, people will find something new and push a horse to do something. I don't even understand the 'Rode to the Horse' competition. As if everyone could just do that. Maybe it's for ratings. Hopefully, it's for getting people more interested in horses and they'll want to buy more. I'm not sure.
Don't get me wrong, I've tried some if not most of the faster methods but the overall, long term just isn't as good, IMHO. I will look at new things all the time and even try them but have always gone back to tried and true. Classical/traditional training is here to stay and it's the best way to make a horse.
Check out Podjasky (The Complete Training of Horse and Rider(Alois Podjasky)) and The Art of Horsemanship (Xenophon) and anything by Sally Swift.
In my never to be humble view, I have seen folks who don't know a whole lot about horses somehow or other get a lot out of their horses. Also, I've seen a lot of dumb clucks too hang out a shingle after they went to big name NH trainers clinic. Check http://www.horsecity.com/ and you'll see what I mean. Practically the blind leading the blind...
In my world, it takes at least 60-90 days to get a colt going nicely before you move on to more specialized training. 30 days will get you walk and trot and maybe a few lopes and a hay wagon turning system. 60 days will get you w/t/l and a decent stop. 90-120 days and you can make that horse start to shine. Now this is if you have a decent minded horse in the first place. Some colts are just dolts and just don't 'get it' for a while. Others will hop on to your training like a hen on a june bug. You fit your training to the horse but I do like to have a plan in place and follow it somewhat to see where I am and what I'm doing.
I don't hold with this getting on in 30 minutes and before you're done, you have that colt turning and stopping and all sorts of stuff. I prefer slower training and really making sure he understands it. I don't see the point.
In this economy though, people will find something new and push a horse to do something. I don't even understand the 'Rode to the Horse' competition. As if everyone could just do that. Maybe it's for ratings. Hopefully, it's for getting people more interested in horses and they'll want to buy more. I'm not sure.
Don't get me wrong, I've tried some if not most of the faster methods but the overall, long term just isn't as good, IMHO. I will look at new things all the time and even try them but have always gone back to tried and true. Classical/traditional training is here to stay and it's the best way to make a horse.
Check out Podjasky (The Complete Training of Horse and Rider(Alois Podjasky)) and The Art of Horsemanship (Xenophon) and anything by Sally Swift.
Disability, But Rideable??
http://medford.craigslist.org/grd/1068032219.html
What the hell does that mean?? I can just IMAGINE... Why not state what the poor horse's problem is. So you want someone else to take the problem child off your hands. Sheesh.
I can't find the other posts about horses with problems that people want to get rid of. I guess it's good that at least they are disclosing the impediment but I don't get why try to palm them off on others. In this market, I would see about putting them down, I think. That is a tough call and easier for me to post about it since it's not my horse but really, is it you just don't want to take responsibility or don't want to pay the vet/knacker fees?? The rescues and rehab places are full to bursting and so why not crank open the wallet (use a crowbar and a winch if it helps) and put the horse down.
What the hell does that mean?? I can just IMAGINE... Why not state what the poor horse's problem is. So you want someone else to take the problem child off your hands. Sheesh.
I can't find the other posts about horses with problems that people want to get rid of. I guess it's good that at least they are disclosing the impediment but I don't get why try to palm them off on others. In this market, I would see about putting them down, I think. That is a tough call and easier for me to post about it since it's not my horse but really, is it you just don't want to take responsibility or don't want to pay the vet/knacker fees?? The rescues and rehab places are full to bursting and so why not crank open the wallet (use a crowbar and a winch if it helps) and put the horse down.
Grullo...How To Pronounce....
Grullo is one of those words that start out in another language (Spanish) and end up with another way of sounding.
Grullo (or Grulla) is the mouse colored horses that you see with the dark manes and tails.
http://www.enloequarterhorses.com/inform1.php
The above site has LOTS of info about them. I keep hearing people here in the PNW calling them Grew-lohs. In Spanish, the double "l" is pronounced as our "y", so correctly, it's Grew-yah. The 'o' at the end is masculine, the 'a' is feminine although now most people use the 'a' ending.
Grullo (or Grulla) is the mouse colored horses that you see with the dark manes and tails.
http://www.enloequarterhorses.com/inform1.php
The above site has LOTS of info about them. I keep hearing people here in the PNW calling them Grew-lohs. In Spanish, the double "l" is pronounced as our "y", so correctly, it's Grew-yah. The 'o' at the end is masculine, the 'a' is feminine although now most people use the 'a' ending.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Good Angles/Lengths of Conformation
http://medford.craigslist.org/grd/1066857406.html
Alright, look at the lower right hand corner pic of the Arabian (or Arab cross). See the angle of the shoulder?? Look at the hip and see that angle. On a horse, the angle of the shoulder should match the angle of the hip. They should be about the same length too. The angle of the front pasterns should be the same angle too although that is not in style right now (dumb move if you ask me...just begging for navicular...).
The head should naturally be at the same angle of the shoulder and hip. The head should be about the length of the underside of the neck, from throatlatch to where it ties in in the chest.
If you were to measure, the length from the back of the withers to the poll should be the same length as from back of the withers to the dock of the tail. If you drop a plumb line down the point of buttock, the line should run down the back of the hind leg. As an aside, too many horses nowadays are being bred that have the straight hind leg ('post legged' in horse lingo) and I'm against it also (is that a surprise??). A lot of race horses are bred this way as the breeder feels the horse can run faster. I don't know if this is true but from a performance POV, it's a dumb move.
The head should be about the same length as the forearm of the horse. On this horse, the forearm looks a little too short as the knees are a bit high. In a perfect world though, the head/forearm length should be the same.
When you get the bigger angles on a horse, you're going to have more floatiness, especially trotting. That's too much for me. I've heard where you want a 45 degree angle but I prefer about 50 degrees for my saddle horses. I don't really do halter other than to make sure my horses will hold up but I like a good looking equine.
As for the length of the back, there are two different schools on this. Some people will say a long-short-long, meaning a long shoulder, short back and long hip. Others (like me) will say a same-same-same meaning the same length of shoulder, back and hip. Like I said, I don't do halter but want equilibrium when looking at a horse plus performance. So I like the back to be the same length as the shoulder and hip as I feel I get a better ride. Also, I've never really had problems with the scoche longer back that 'everyone else' warns about. But that's just me.
Of course, this will come up time and time again as I go on looking at ads. What else is new?? :-)
Alright, look at the lower right hand corner pic of the Arabian (or Arab cross). See the angle of the shoulder?? Look at the hip and see that angle. On a horse, the angle of the shoulder should match the angle of the hip. They should be about the same length too. The angle of the front pasterns should be the same angle too although that is not in style right now (dumb move if you ask me...just begging for navicular...).
The head should naturally be at the same angle of the shoulder and hip. The head should be about the length of the underside of the neck, from throatlatch to where it ties in in the chest.
If you were to measure, the length from the back of the withers to the poll should be the same length as from back of the withers to the dock of the tail. If you drop a plumb line down the point of buttock, the line should run down the back of the hind leg. As an aside, too many horses nowadays are being bred that have the straight hind leg ('post legged' in horse lingo) and I'm against it also (is that a surprise??). A lot of race horses are bred this way as the breeder feels the horse can run faster. I don't know if this is true but from a performance POV, it's a dumb move.
The head should be about the same length as the forearm of the horse. On this horse, the forearm looks a little too short as the knees are a bit high. In a perfect world though, the head/forearm length should be the same.
When you get the bigger angles on a horse, you're going to have more floatiness, especially trotting. That's too much for me. I've heard where you want a 45 degree angle but I prefer about 50 degrees for my saddle horses. I don't really do halter other than to make sure my horses will hold up but I like a good looking equine.
As for the length of the back, there are two different schools on this. Some people will say a long-short-long, meaning a long shoulder, short back and long hip. Others (like me) will say a same-same-same meaning the same length of shoulder, back and hip. Like I said, I don't do halter but want equilibrium when looking at a horse plus performance. So I like the back to be the same length as the shoulder and hip as I feel I get a better ride. Also, I've never really had problems with the scoche longer back that 'everyone else' warns about. But that's just me.
Of course, this will come up time and time again as I go on looking at ads. What else is new?? :-)
Ad Gripe of the Day
I can't find it now so maybe it's been deleted but there was an ad up this morning (or was it last night??) about a free horse in CA. I don't remember where but maybe Redding????
Anywho, this horse had apparently won quite a bit for his owners even as late as last summer. I think the horse was about 20 years old or so. There was a pic of someone roping on him, a sorrel horse, looked like.
Anyway, they were 'giving' him away. What a cheap shot... This horse won for you and carried you to wins and all of a sudden, he's 'free' and only 20 years old?? Hello?? I'm betting dollars to doughnuts that the horse went lame and they didn't want to deal with him, even if they caused it by overfeeding or using him too hard or whatever. The ad was very short with not much info which I thought was kind of a tip-off. Trying to put the owner's problems and ultimately the horse's problems, off on someone else.
Just gripes me big time to see this. If the horse went lame, then do the right thing and either work to fix him, take him to the vet or put him down so he doesn't suffer any more. Geez, this isn't that hard...
My disclaimer again (I'll probably post this statement A LOT)...I may be wrong but looking at the ad, I just had a bad feeling.
Anywho, this horse had apparently won quite a bit for his owners even as late as last summer. I think the horse was about 20 years old or so. There was a pic of someone roping on him, a sorrel horse, looked like.
Anyway, they were 'giving' him away. What a cheap shot... This horse won for you and carried you to wins and all of a sudden, he's 'free' and only 20 years old?? Hello?? I'm betting dollars to doughnuts that the horse went lame and they didn't want to deal with him, even if they caused it by overfeeding or using him too hard or whatever. The ad was very short with not much info which I thought was kind of a tip-off. Trying to put the owner's problems and ultimately the horse's problems, off on someone else.
Just gripes me big time to see this. If the horse went lame, then do the right thing and either work to fix him, take him to the vet or put him down so he doesn't suffer any more. Geez, this isn't that hard...
My disclaimer again (I'll probably post this statement A LOT)...I may be wrong but looking at the ad, I just had a bad feeling.
Do NOT Haul Horses with Open Windows
This is a personal rant! Do not EVER haul your horse in a slant load with the windows open so the horse can hang their head out while the trailer/rig is moving.
I used to travel a lot and would see horse's heads hanging out of the windows while traveling down the Interstate. Even some big names will haul like this...I've seen them up close and personal. Do you know what would happen if the lead rope somehow came loose or slipped out of the window and became entangled around a tire or wheel?? Something would have to give and it won't be the rope, it'll be your horse. Put yourself in your horse's place if a rope did get caught and the panic you'd feel being pulled through the window and practically cutting off your neck! I hope you get the picture. Gives me the heeby-jeebies to think of it but you gotta think!
Another thing I've seen...okay, the lead is securely tied but the horse can still stick his head out. Do you know that an opposing big rig can clock the horse on the head (on a two lane road) with his outside mirror and practically decapitate your horse?? Yes, it can happen and I've heard of numerous events. Of course, the horse has to really stick his head out but, yep, your horse can do it, especially if he's a bigger breed, like a TB or similar. They can stretch their necks a mile.
An offshoot of this is when you're turning a corner and horse has his head is out, I actually heard from a vet tech friend of mine about a guy who was turning (horse's head is out, looking around) a corner around a building and crunched the horse's head between the building and the trailer. Smacked the horse up pretty good, didn't kill him but sure hurt him badly. I'm assuming the guy felt really bad, I hope so! Not to mention the big vet bill. My friend said she couldn't reprimand him but I told her to let me at him and I'd set him straight! She politely declined for some strange reason...
So, if you feel it's too hot to shut the windows, at least use the bars or the mesh to keep his noggin inside. The downside to the mesh is if you have a colt with a pain-in-the-neck personality (we've all had one at one time or another, haven't we??), he can worm his little noggin around (or tear) the mesh to get his head out while you're moving. I've seen that too. So, I think the bars are better, but that's just me.
If you do see something like this, I've heard that you can contact the State Troopers and make a report and they'll make the driver at least close the bars. I don't know if this is true but if it's a public danger, I'd think they'd help at least. If you confront someone about this, be prepared, they aren't going to appreciate your 'help' but at least you can do the right thing yourself. Setting a good example at least.
There isn't any reason in the world to haul with a horse's head hanging out while you're moving. None at all.
I used to travel a lot and would see horse's heads hanging out of the windows while traveling down the Interstate. Even some big names will haul like this...I've seen them up close and personal. Do you know what would happen if the lead rope somehow came loose or slipped out of the window and became entangled around a tire or wheel?? Something would have to give and it won't be the rope, it'll be your horse. Put yourself in your horse's place if a rope did get caught and the panic you'd feel being pulled through the window and practically cutting off your neck! I hope you get the picture. Gives me the heeby-jeebies to think of it but you gotta think!
Another thing I've seen...okay, the lead is securely tied but the horse can still stick his head out. Do you know that an opposing big rig can clock the horse on the head (on a two lane road) with his outside mirror and practically decapitate your horse?? Yes, it can happen and I've heard of numerous events. Of course, the horse has to really stick his head out but, yep, your horse can do it, especially if he's a bigger breed, like a TB or similar. They can stretch their necks a mile.
An offshoot of this is when you're turning a corner and horse has his head is out, I actually heard from a vet tech friend of mine about a guy who was turning (horse's head is out, looking around) a corner around a building and crunched the horse's head between the building and the trailer. Smacked the horse up pretty good, didn't kill him but sure hurt him badly. I'm assuming the guy felt really bad, I hope so! Not to mention the big vet bill. My friend said she couldn't reprimand him but I told her to let me at him and I'd set him straight! She politely declined for some strange reason...
So, if you feel it's too hot to shut the windows, at least use the bars or the mesh to keep his noggin inside. The downside to the mesh is if you have a colt with a pain-in-the-neck personality (we've all had one at one time or another, haven't we??), he can worm his little noggin around (or tear) the mesh to get his head out while you're moving. I've seen that too. So, I think the bars are better, but that's just me.
If you do see something like this, I've heard that you can contact the State Troopers and make a report and they'll make the driver at least close the bars. I don't know if this is true but if it's a public danger, I'd think they'd help at least. If you confront someone about this, be prepared, they aren't going to appreciate your 'help' but at least you can do the right thing yourself. Setting a good example at least.
There isn't any reason in the world to haul with a horse's head hanging out while you're moving. None at all.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Good Conformation Information
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equine_conformation
I was looking for the standard drawing of a conformation horse and came upon this. I skimmed through it quickly and liked what I saw. Maybe this can help or show people what to aim for if they just MUST breed their horses. Pick your breed of choice, learn what to breed for (if you just must) and give your horse a chance in life. ETA: Whoops, almost forgot to add...the above site also can show you a lot about what to look for when you're in the market to buy too. That plus plain ol' experience will really help you. As time goes on, I'll have plenty to say about buying a horse too.
A disclaimer though...I have ridden horses that looked like a committee put them together and they never went lame and rode well. This can happen but by and large, a well conformed horse will hold up and do what you want without the undue stresses (example: Dressage) and probably last longer than a badly conformed horse. More on this later though.
I was looking for the standard drawing of a conformation horse and came upon this. I skimmed through it quickly and liked what I saw. Maybe this can help or show people what to aim for if they just MUST breed their horses. Pick your breed of choice, learn what to breed for (if you just must) and give your horse a chance in life. ETA: Whoops, almost forgot to add...the above site also can show you a lot about what to look for when you're in the market to buy too. That plus plain ol' experience will really help you. As time goes on, I'll have plenty to say about buying a horse too.
A disclaimer though...I have ridden horses that looked like a committee put them together and they never went lame and rode well. This can happen but by and large, a well conformed horse will hold up and do what you want without the undue stresses (example: Dressage) and probably last longer than a badly conformed horse. More on this later though.
My Gripe of the Day
I've gotten some emails with suggestions and folks have mentioned that I should take a CL post and tell it like I see it. So, I thought I'd take a post, disect (sp?) it and then post what I would do to 'fix' the horse or post. Remember, these are all my opinions and not set in stone, although I wished they were... For entertainment value only.
http://medford.craigslist.org/grd/1062341054.html
Okay, this whole post gripes me. Can you really see anything about this horse?? Why on earth is this guy being even used as a stud?? No papers. He's a grade horse until you are actually holding the papers that are in your name in your hand. The pics are almost the same except one is a little lighter. This is the best that could be posted?? I don't think so. Just makes you want to go out and buy him, eh??
Actually, this guy looks kind of cute. I'm not sure because of the BAD pics but he looks kind of cute. Buy him and swing by the vet so he can meet the emasculators and you'll be good to go. With some brushing and good feed, I'm betting that bay coat could be beautiful. Clean up that mane and tail...may have a wowser on your hands. I can just imagine what his hoofies look like but I have an idea.
http://medford.craigslist.org/grd/1062341054.html
Okay, this whole post gripes me. Can you really see anything about this horse?? Why on earth is this guy being even used as a stud?? No papers. He's a grade horse until you are actually holding the papers that are in your name in your hand. The pics are almost the same except one is a little lighter. This is the best that could be posted?? I don't think so. Just makes you want to go out and buy him, eh??
Actually, this guy looks kind of cute. I'm not sure because of the BAD pics but he looks kind of cute. Buy him and swing by the vet so he can meet the emasculators and you'll be good to go. With some brushing and good feed, I'm betting that bay coat could be beautiful. Clean up that mane and tail...may have a wowser on your hands. I can just imagine what his hoofies look like but I have an idea.
My View on Horse Slaughter
Okay, the short and sweet of it is I am in favor of slaughter in the US. I saw the posts about slaughter (Anita Getaclue, pretty funny...). In my wordy and unwieldy post about the glut of horses, I explained why I'm in favor.
In our touchy-feely society today, horse slaughter is 'out' but we seriously need it to help bring the glut down. Overbreeding must stop but we live in free society and there aren't any laws that I'm aware of to stop someone from breeding their horses. So we have consequences of too many horses and not enough homes.
I still can't find the article about the slaughter houses possibly opening on the res's but if I find it, I'll post.
In our touchy-feely society today, horse slaughter is 'out' but we seriously need it to help bring the glut down. Overbreeding must stop but we live in free society and there aren't any laws that I'm aware of to stop someone from breeding their horses. So we have consequences of too many horses and not enough homes.
I still can't find the article about the slaughter houses possibly opening on the res's but if I find it, I'll post.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
I Have Been Debating...
about where this blog is going. I have lots of topics on which to sound off but the last few, to me, have been all over the map. Gots'ta get some organization going! I like things together and relevant (unless I feel something totally off topic would be interesting, like the funny bumper sticker) and can get so proper that I make Miss Manners and Emily Post look like lackadaisical hillbillies.
*stepping back and taking a big sigh*
Okay, all better now. Since I have so much going on in my life, I haven't really had the time to post what I consider a proper post. Kind of lost focus and track. It's really bothering me as I want to impart what I consider important info but make it fun without bogging everyone down. I want to keep my readers and attract more. I'm learning as I go with this and am sort of surprised by the randomness of my posts. Something that makes me feel better is finding out that other bloggers feel this way now and again too...
Then, again, maybe I'm taking this too seriously... :-)
*stepping back and taking a big sigh*
Okay, all better now. Since I have so much going on in my life, I haven't really had the time to post what I consider a proper post. Kind of lost focus and track. It's really bothering me as I want to impart what I consider important info but make it fun without bogging everyone down. I want to keep my readers and attract more. I'm learning as I go with this and am sort of surprised by the randomness of my posts. Something that makes me feel better is finding out that other bloggers feel this way now and again too...
Then, again, maybe I'm taking this too seriously... :-)
All Around Horses and Riders
Gone are the days when a horse could hit the show pen and do just about every class and place well. The exceptions might be a good performance horse couldn’t halter but he could sure be used in Showmanship, which was judged on the contestant.
Today’s horses are so freakin’ specialized that they are almost robots. I’m against this big time.
One time I almost ruined a great WP (Western Pleasure) horse because I still had the mindset that he could chase a few bovines at the local cow sale to freshen his mind. Turned out, he enjoyed chasing the moo-cows so much more than WP that it took a bit to get his mind back to low and slow. The owner, my client, almost had a heart attack too! But up till that point, I had always ridden just about every horse in any class and if not won it, at least placed well or in the ribbons.
That was the beginning for me to start with the specialized horses. Dull. Dull. Dull.
I think the Ranch Horse Shows should make a big comeback. I know that some breeds are trying this out. I’m all for it. Seems to me, this would show your breed off to the world as having something a bit extra special!
An offshoot of this is the all around rider. Y’know, the one who could show a horse at halter in the morning, saddle the same horse and go into WP, Horsemanship, WR, Reining, Trail, what-have-you that afternoon or however many days it took.
I have tried and/or shown in just about every western class/event you can think of. Yep, I rope too! (I can head with the best of them but never go the timing of heeling down, much to my horse’s consternation…). I’ve tried english but prefer the flat. I don’t like to get off the ground when it comes to Hunters or Jumpers. Tried saddleseat…oh, hell no. Just don’t get that one. Rode in two work races and that was enough for me! Driven a couple of teams and while it was nice, just not an interest of mine but still good to know. I will stick with western till the end of time, thank you. Western is my cuppa tea but if the fat hit the fan, I could ride a flat horse in fairly decent form!
Seems to me, maybe, just maybe if we went back to the all around type horse, we might be able to attract more riders (and their money) into the horse business. We might be able to get kids first interested in plain ol’ riding, then pique their interest in showing or rodeo or ranch work…all with the same horse. They don’t have to go out and buy a different horse for every little thing. Not so daunting. Maybe that’s what is going on anyway but kids/newbies get slotted into the specialized trainers barn and they don’t know what else is out there. So maybe they get bored or soured or don’t know to look (or don’t have the curiosity…) to find out.
On some of my horse boards, I’ve seen where a jumper girl will ‘discover’ cutting and turn her interest there. She never ‘knew’ it was sooooo fun! Or the western reiner ‘discovers’ Dressage in the traditional form. All because they thought outside the box and found new talents, usually by accident too.
If these riders and horses were given a chance to experiment and look around and take a chance on showing the whole works, then there might be a revitalized interest in horses. From there, the logical conclusion might be they go up the food chain, with their money and interest, and enjoy more.
I don’t have it all worked out and know that diversifying will probably hurt some trainer’s livelihoods but seems like it would be worth looking to the past to reclaim our foundation then build from there. A broad base instead of an inverted house of cards. It would be tough, that’s for sure but I think it’d be worth it in the long run.
Today’s horses are so freakin’ specialized that they are almost robots. I’m against this big time.
One time I almost ruined a great WP (Western Pleasure) horse because I still had the mindset that he could chase a few bovines at the local cow sale to freshen his mind. Turned out, he enjoyed chasing the moo-cows so much more than WP that it took a bit to get his mind back to low and slow. The owner, my client, almost had a heart attack too! But up till that point, I had always ridden just about every horse in any class and if not won it, at least placed well or in the ribbons.
That was the beginning for me to start with the specialized horses. Dull. Dull. Dull.
I think the Ranch Horse Shows should make a big comeback. I know that some breeds are trying this out. I’m all for it. Seems to me, this would show your breed off to the world as having something a bit extra special!
An offshoot of this is the all around rider. Y’know, the one who could show a horse at halter in the morning, saddle the same horse and go into WP, Horsemanship, WR, Reining, Trail, what-have-you that afternoon or however many days it took.
I have tried and/or shown in just about every western class/event you can think of. Yep, I rope too! (I can head with the best of them but never go the timing of heeling down, much to my horse’s consternation…). I’ve tried english but prefer the flat. I don’t like to get off the ground when it comes to Hunters or Jumpers. Tried saddleseat…oh, hell no. Just don’t get that one. Rode in two work races and that was enough for me! Driven a couple of teams and while it was nice, just not an interest of mine but still good to know. I will stick with western till the end of time, thank you. Western is my cuppa tea but if the fat hit the fan, I could ride a flat horse in fairly decent form!
Seems to me, maybe, just maybe if we went back to the all around type horse, we might be able to attract more riders (and their money) into the horse business. We might be able to get kids first interested in plain ol’ riding, then pique their interest in showing or rodeo or ranch work…all with the same horse. They don’t have to go out and buy a different horse for every little thing. Not so daunting. Maybe that’s what is going on anyway but kids/newbies get slotted into the specialized trainers barn and they don’t know what else is out there. So maybe they get bored or soured or don’t know to look (or don’t have the curiosity…) to find out.
On some of my horse boards, I’ve seen where a jumper girl will ‘discover’ cutting and turn her interest there. She never ‘knew’ it was sooooo fun! Or the western reiner ‘discovers’ Dressage in the traditional form. All because they thought outside the box and found new talents, usually by accident too.
If these riders and horses were given a chance to experiment and look around and take a chance on showing the whole works, then there might be a revitalized interest in horses. From there, the logical conclusion might be they go up the food chain, with their money and interest, and enjoy more.
I don’t have it all worked out and know that diversifying will probably hurt some trainer’s livelihoods but seems like it would be worth looking to the past to reclaim our foundation then build from there. A broad base instead of an inverted house of cards. It would be tough, that’s for sure but I think it’d be worth it in the long run.
What IS a Warmblood??
I see these kinds of ads a lot. I can't find the article I read several years ago that said there has to be at least 5 generations of recognized Warmblood Sporthorses to be considered a true Warmblood, not a warmblood. I thought it was the Elk Run Farm site but it's not. Might be gone by now but it was the best article I've ever read about this subject.
http://www.elkrunfarm.com/warmblood.html
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/what-is-a-warmblood-566432.html
If you only cross a hot blood (TB, Arabian) with a cold blood (Draft), you only have a Crossbred or a Xbred. There is quite a lot of misunderstanding on this. Someone has to dig for info for this. Hope maybe this helps to clarify!
http://www.elkrunfarm.com/warmblood.html
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/what-is-a-warmblood-566432.html
If you only cross a hot blood (TB, Arabian) with a cold blood (Draft), you only have a Crossbred or a Xbred. There is quite a lot of misunderstanding on this. Someone has to dig for info for this. Hope maybe this helps to clarify!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Local Horse Shows...Almost forgot!
Almost forgot to post this!!!
Please support the local horse shows by showing up to either view from the grandstands or to compete. I didn't get a chance this past weekend to swing by Aranaway Farms for their shindig but I think I read (on CL or on the Grange bulletin board...?) where they are having another 'do' in March. You could probably call them and get directions and info. Even going for a little while gives some support. From the owners clear down to the kids.
If there are other events going on, I haven't heard or read of them but if you hear of anything horsey, please try to stop by!
Please support the local horse shows by showing up to either view from the grandstands or to compete. I didn't get a chance this past weekend to swing by Aranaway Farms for their shindig but I think I read (on CL or on the Grange bulletin board...?) where they are having another 'do' in March. You could probably call them and get directions and info. Even going for a little while gives some support. From the owners clear down to the kids.
If there are other events going on, I haven't heard or read of them but if you hear of anything horsey, please try to stop by!
Fewer Posts Probably This Week...
It's kind of looking like I'm going to be uber busy this week. I'll try to post as I can but life won't stop for me. Boo-hoo!! With the economy, we are paring down/cleaning out our lives and, actually, it's kind of nice to see the back of the storage building again. Getting everything in one place instead of here, there and beyond.
Please keep reading and telling your friends about my blog. I enjoy writing it and hope it's enjoyable to read (notwithstanding the 'kill pens' post...).
Please keep reading and telling your friends about my blog. I enjoy writing it and hope it's enjoyable to read (notwithstanding the 'kill pens' post...).
Abandoned or Free Horses...The Real Post!
**************************************************************
Again, I wrote this last Friday and let it sit for the weekend. It is waaaayyyyy long but this is my take on it. The Clift Notes version just won’t work here. So, sit back, relax and know you’re going to have a good (hopefully) read!
**************************************************************
I was asked about my opinion on the abandonment(ed) and/or free horse issues. As you can probably tell, I have an opinion on just about ANYthing that has to do with horses...or life in general. Probably the only thing on which I don’t have an opinion is something like Linear Physics or Namibia‘s politics. I’m out of my league on these so will leave them to bigger brains than mine.
It seems to me that I’m seeing a lot more free horse ads on the net than in the past. I think most people, being kind hearted when it comes to any animal, like to think that they have the animals best interest at heart. Or they are really, really fooling themselves and don’t want to face the cold, hard facts. So when times get tough, they think that if they offer the horse for free on some board or advert, some OTHER kind hearted person will come along and take over the horse and all will be well.
Welp, let me tell you about these free horses…
1. You never know who the other person is that shows up in your driveway with a horse trailer. In the free horse cases, it can sure be a front for a kill buyer. They may even have a kid in tow or a pregnant wife in the front seat of the pickup (or might BE the pregnant wife!). They will give you a sob story about how their kids’ horse bit the big one and the kid is so upset but they don’t have much money to buy another (??) but they have pasture or something and can still feed/care for a horse. There are so many variations on this line that I could type all day and still not hit them all.
2. Even if the ‘new’ owners have only had the horse for an hour at their barn (waiting for the next livestock auction to come up), if you or I walked up and asked them how long they’d owned the horse, they’d probably tell you they’d had that horse since he was a colt, had his mama and daddy and boy, how they were sure good horses and…the hip boots wouldn’t save you at this point.
A story…I once saw a free weanling colt in the paper, his dam had dried up or died, can’t remember which. I called, was trying to beat anyone else to the colt. The lady said she’d just given him to a nice guy with kids (see above) who wanted to show the wonders of life. So, that night I went to the local horse sale and an orphaned weanling colt came through the ring. A bell went off in my head. The seller said they’d had the colt he was foaled, his dam had died and it was too much for them to deal with…the kids were upset…yada, yada, yada… The colt went for about $50, I think. I called the lady the next day and asked her to describe her giveaway colt. She described the colt I saw to a ‘T’. Needless to say, she was distraught to find out he went to the sale and the guy got money for him.
I see where people say that the horse must have an approved home…oh, puh-leeze!! Once the horse is off your property, how are you going to enforce that?? Once the horse is their property, it’s their horse and they are free to do with it as they want. One way that I know to keep people in line is to draw up a contract and state that if the horse has to go from the new home, the old owner (or whomever) has first dibs or first turn-down. Get the sucker notarized (that means showing ID and everything). However, if the new owners move to another state or part of the state, how are you going to enforce it from afar?? It sounds really good, even to my cynical ear, but you have to be realistic. Think way ahead on this. http://horsecontracts.com/
Even with free leases, it’s hard to keep up with the horse. I have friends who are still looking for their free lease horses that disappeared almost immediately after the lessor took over the horse. I mean years of looking! It’s kind of heart wrenching when you hear these stories. They think they are doing the best thing and still lose the horse. In the back of their mind, I’m almost sure they know what happened to their horse but just can’t quit looking and hoping.
As for abandoned horses…who in their right mind will just kick a horse out on the road to fend for themselves??? But yet, it happens. I have seen it on some Indian reservations and I’m guessing it’s a cultural thing there. During the off season, the horses are just turned loose on the highway and left to their own devices. A lot of horse/car wrecks happen this way. I don’t hear so much of turning out on the road from other venues but maybe I don’t hear the right stuff.
Abandoning a horse at a barn is just…well, can’t think of the right word. You know things are going to get bad financially or whatever, so don’t you think you would make plans to place the horse or do something with him?? A barn has to go to court (last I heard) and take over ownership, then feed him and take care of any medical/shoeing/etc. needs, then try to sell him for whatever they can get to cover his expenses. From what I’ve heard, some places will go after the owner but if he’s in a bad spot already, what good will that do??
Some of my friends and I have discussed what we would do with our horses ‘just in case’. Now this will probably upset some folks but this is said in a cold, hard light and nothing spared. Took a little to wrap my mind around because I want to be prepared.
If you just can’t take care of your horse, there are some vets that will put your horse down. The problem with that is that most vets won’t put a sound, healthy horse down, no matter your situation. If he’s old (how ‘old’ is ‘old??) or unsound (permanently or temp?) or terminally sick, then you might get the vet to do it. If he’s not?? Some of my friends have said they’ve learned how to shoot a horse so he drops immediately. I know how to do it also. The last resort that I’ve heard about is the big cat place somewhere south of town. Now that just totally wigged me out! At first I thought that they tossed the live horse in there with the cats and it was safari-time but then someone set me right and said they take the horse to a place where he can’t see or smell the cats, shoot him and then take the carcass to the cats.
I’m not sure how much it costs to euth a horse but you will also have a knackers fee. If you shoot him yourself, you pay for the bullet and the knackers fee. If you go the big cat place, it’s free as far as I know.
I know this is long as long can be but I really wanted to frame my thoughts correctly and relay what I’m thinking, rather than just gloss it over. This is something to really think about and most of all, BE PREPARED for the worst!
Again, I wrote this last Friday and let it sit for the weekend. It is waaaayyyyy long but this is my take on it. The Clift Notes version just won’t work here. So, sit back, relax and know you’re going to have a good (hopefully) read!
**************************************************************
I was asked about my opinion on the abandonment(ed) and/or free horse issues. As you can probably tell, I have an opinion on just about ANYthing that has to do with horses...or life in general. Probably the only thing on which I don’t have an opinion is something like Linear Physics or Namibia‘s politics. I’m out of my league on these so will leave them to bigger brains than mine.
It seems to me that I’m seeing a lot more free horse ads on the net than in the past. I think most people, being kind hearted when it comes to any animal, like to think that they have the animals best interest at heart. Or they are really, really fooling themselves and don’t want to face the cold, hard facts. So when times get tough, they think that if they offer the horse for free on some board or advert, some OTHER kind hearted person will come along and take over the horse and all will be well.
Welp, let me tell you about these free horses…
1. You never know who the other person is that shows up in your driveway with a horse trailer. In the free horse cases, it can sure be a front for a kill buyer. They may even have a kid in tow or a pregnant wife in the front seat of the pickup (or might BE the pregnant wife!). They will give you a sob story about how their kids’ horse bit the big one and the kid is so upset but they don’t have much money to buy another (??) but they have pasture or something and can still feed/care for a horse. There are so many variations on this line that I could type all day and still not hit them all.
2. Even if the ‘new’ owners have only had the horse for an hour at their barn (waiting for the next livestock auction to come up), if you or I walked up and asked them how long they’d owned the horse, they’d probably tell you they’d had that horse since he was a colt, had his mama and daddy and boy, how they were sure good horses and…the hip boots wouldn’t save you at this point.
A story…I once saw a free weanling colt in the paper, his dam had dried up or died, can’t remember which. I called, was trying to beat anyone else to the colt. The lady said she’d just given him to a nice guy with kids (see above) who wanted to show the wonders of life. So, that night I went to the local horse sale and an orphaned weanling colt came through the ring. A bell went off in my head. The seller said they’d had the colt he was foaled, his dam had died and it was too much for them to deal with…the kids were upset…yada, yada, yada… The colt went for about $50, I think. I called the lady the next day and asked her to describe her giveaway colt. She described the colt I saw to a ‘T’. Needless to say, she was distraught to find out he went to the sale and the guy got money for him.
I see where people say that the horse must have an approved home…oh, puh-leeze!! Once the horse is off your property, how are you going to enforce that?? Once the horse is their property, it’s their horse and they are free to do with it as they want. One way that I know to keep people in line is to draw up a contract and state that if the horse has to go from the new home, the old owner (or whomever) has first dibs or first turn-down. Get the sucker notarized (that means showing ID and everything). However, if the new owners move to another state or part of the state, how are you going to enforce it from afar?? It sounds really good, even to my cynical ear, but you have to be realistic. Think way ahead on this. http://horsecontracts.com/
Even with free leases, it’s hard to keep up with the horse. I have friends who are still looking for their free lease horses that disappeared almost immediately after the lessor took over the horse. I mean years of looking! It’s kind of heart wrenching when you hear these stories. They think they are doing the best thing and still lose the horse. In the back of their mind, I’m almost sure they know what happened to their horse but just can’t quit looking and hoping.
As for abandoned horses…who in their right mind will just kick a horse out on the road to fend for themselves??? But yet, it happens. I have seen it on some Indian reservations and I’m guessing it’s a cultural thing there. During the off season, the horses are just turned loose on the highway and left to their own devices. A lot of horse/car wrecks happen this way. I don’t hear so much of turning out on the road from other venues but maybe I don’t hear the right stuff.
Abandoning a horse at a barn is just…well, can’t think of the right word. You know things are going to get bad financially or whatever, so don’t you think you would make plans to place the horse or do something with him?? A barn has to go to court (last I heard) and take over ownership, then feed him and take care of any medical/shoeing/etc. needs, then try to sell him for whatever they can get to cover his expenses. From what I’ve heard, some places will go after the owner but if he’s in a bad spot already, what good will that do??
Some of my friends and I have discussed what we would do with our horses ‘just in case’. Now this will probably upset some folks but this is said in a cold, hard light and nothing spared. Took a little to wrap my mind around because I want to be prepared.
If you just can’t take care of your horse, there are some vets that will put your horse down. The problem with that is that most vets won’t put a sound, healthy horse down, no matter your situation. If he’s old (how ‘old’ is ‘old??) or unsound (permanently or temp?) or terminally sick, then you might get the vet to do it. If he’s not?? Some of my friends have said they’ve learned how to shoot a horse so he drops immediately. I know how to do it also. The last resort that I’ve heard about is the big cat place somewhere south of town. Now that just totally wigged me out! At first I thought that they tossed the live horse in there with the cats and it was safari-time but then someone set me right and said they take the horse to a place where he can’t see or smell the cats, shoot him and then take the carcass to the cats.
I’m not sure how much it costs to euth a horse but you will also have a knackers fee. If you shoot him yourself, you pay for the bullet and the knackers fee. If you go the big cat place, it’s free as far as I know.
I know this is long as long can be but I really wanted to frame my thoughts correctly and relay what I’m thinking, rather than just gloss it over. This is something to really think about and most of all, BE PREPARED for the worst!
The Glut of Horses
*************************************
An explanation: I wrote this last Friday and redid it several times. It’s still not like I want. I tried a Clift Notes version and it didn’t look right. So this post is a bit wordy and unwieldy. So, I had my choice…the Clift Notes version or wordy/unwieldy. I went with wordy/unwieldy.
*************************************
I didn’t think of this till after I had finished the post about free/abandoned horses, so here goes.
First off, I think/know that AI is almost ruinous to most breeds that allow it that I can think of. Ok, so you can afford a stud fee to Mr. Latestgreateststud. Through the miraculous use of AI, bunches of his good get hit the ground. That’s great, you say?? Welp, you have a fab colt by a fab stud but, then again, so does the guy down the highway. Pretty soon, you have a bunch of great colts by a great stud and then the great becomes the ‘norm’.
Just say you’re into cutting. You go to a show and compete against the other get. Even though they are all great horses, you’re in the middle of the pack because they are all great horses. Okay, there’s the first problem.
Next, you have stud owners who know a good thing when they see it and need to make money from their studs. It does cost lots of money to stand a stud, advertise him, keep the place up to attract the quality mares, horse shows of some sort, pay the vet, etc. So they will collect the stud and then sell up to 25 ‘breedings’ from that one collection. I’m not up on AI anymore but that’s how I remember it. So, you might have $5,000 a whack (no pun intended) times 25 ‘breedings’ from one collection. I’ve known of studs being collected twice a day during breeding season! That’s a lot of money!
Then you have Joe Blow who has his backyard stud that hasn’t ever done a plugged thing but the neighbors think a newborn colt is ‘so cute’! Or better yet, he's a pretty color/pattern. So Joe breeds his stud to anything that is receptive, equine-wise. Add to this, Joe’s wife has her own stud. Then the neighbors get their studs and on it goes. An offshoot of this is the sub-standard fencing that won’t hold Mr. Stud. You know, the one who has a propensity to go midnite visiting other people’s mares?? Yep, that’s the one.
So, after years and decades of this building, you have lots of horses and horse prices falling. We Americans have a big time aversion to eating horse meat. I sure do although I think I ate some in Mexico once… Anyway, the kill plants were going big time and it was kind of ‘eating’ up the excess horses. Then some horse people started feeling antsy about the kill plants and had them shut down. So, then horses are sent over the border for slaughter.
That sure didn’t help the excess horse population, now did it? I have to say I’m for the slaughter of horses in the US. As long as it’s humane and quick, clean death, then I’m for it. I’ve been in the kill chambers of one kill plant (I accidentally walked through the wrong door after paying for some orphan foals whose dams were killed that morning) and after the initial shock, I realized that it was clean and there were/wasn’t any scared-ness of the horses waiting in line.
WARNING: Extremely graphic!! http://www.hsus.org/pets/pets_related_news_and_events/grisly_end_for_horses.html
Just contrast that with the Humane Society undercover vid taken in a Mexican kill plant where the horses were scared witless and then STABBED to death, I’ll take the American ones, thank you. I have never been able to get to the end of the vid. I had to watch with my hands over my eyes and peeking through my fingers, so bad it was.
The latest that I hear is that some plants may open on some Indian res’s, can’t think which ones. I’m thinking up in the Dakotas…??? I just read an article not too long ago but not sure of which res. The res’s are sovreign nations unto themselves and so they can open them. I’m all for it as long as the horses are dispatched quickly and aren’t left too long in the pens. I would want to make sure the horses are well fed before the final deed. Since it is a res, I’m not sure how the inspectors would handle this so will have to watch and keep my ears open. (I couldn't find a video or article to link to. I heard about it through one of my horse boards.)
It’s going to take a while for the glut to disappear. Overbreeding will have to stop on its own and the kill plants may take up quite a bit of the rest. Add in natural or accidental deaths/illnesses and hopefully in a few years, the horse business will start to come back. Already I’m kind of seeing prices come up in parts of the country.
As a quick note…it seems to me that the $30,000 horse is holding its value, as long as it’s trained for something big money…so, there’s a clue right there! Breed for the best always!
An explanation: I wrote this last Friday and redid it several times. It’s still not like I want. I tried a Clift Notes version and it didn’t look right. So this post is a bit wordy and unwieldy. So, I had my choice…the Clift Notes version or wordy/unwieldy. I went with wordy/unwieldy.
*************************************
I didn’t think of this till after I had finished the post about free/abandoned horses, so here goes.
First off, I think/know that AI is almost ruinous to most breeds that allow it that I can think of. Ok, so you can afford a stud fee to Mr. Latestgreateststud. Through the miraculous use of AI, bunches of his good get hit the ground. That’s great, you say?? Welp, you have a fab colt by a fab stud but, then again, so does the guy down the highway. Pretty soon, you have a bunch of great colts by a great stud and then the great becomes the ‘norm’.
Just say you’re into cutting. You go to a show and compete against the other get. Even though they are all great horses, you’re in the middle of the pack because they are all great horses. Okay, there’s the first problem.
Next, you have stud owners who know a good thing when they see it and need to make money from their studs. It does cost lots of money to stand a stud, advertise him, keep the place up to attract the quality mares, horse shows of some sort, pay the vet, etc. So they will collect the stud and then sell up to 25 ‘breedings’ from that one collection. I’m not up on AI anymore but that’s how I remember it. So, you might have $5,000 a whack (no pun intended) times 25 ‘breedings’ from one collection. I’ve known of studs being collected twice a day during breeding season! That’s a lot of money!
Then you have Joe Blow who has his backyard stud that hasn’t ever done a plugged thing but the neighbors think a newborn colt is ‘so cute’! Or better yet, he's a pretty color/pattern. So Joe breeds his stud to anything that is receptive, equine-wise. Add to this, Joe’s wife has her own stud. Then the neighbors get their studs and on it goes. An offshoot of this is the sub-standard fencing that won’t hold Mr. Stud. You know, the one who has a propensity to go midnite visiting other people’s mares?? Yep, that’s the one.
So, after years and decades of this building, you have lots of horses and horse prices falling. We Americans have a big time aversion to eating horse meat. I sure do although I think I ate some in Mexico once… Anyway, the kill plants were going big time and it was kind of ‘eating’ up the excess horses. Then some horse people started feeling antsy about the kill plants and had them shut down. So, then horses are sent over the border for slaughter.
That sure didn’t help the excess horse population, now did it? I have to say I’m for the slaughter of horses in the US. As long as it’s humane and quick, clean death, then I’m for it. I’ve been in the kill chambers of one kill plant (I accidentally walked through the wrong door after paying for some orphan foals whose dams were killed that morning) and after the initial shock, I realized that it was clean and there were/wasn’t any scared-ness of the horses waiting in line.
WARNING: Extremely graphic!! http://www.hsus.org/pets/pets_related_news_and_events/grisly_end_for_horses.html
Just contrast that with the Humane Society undercover vid taken in a Mexican kill plant where the horses were scared witless and then STABBED to death, I’ll take the American ones, thank you. I have never been able to get to the end of the vid. I had to watch with my hands over my eyes and peeking through my fingers, so bad it was.
The latest that I hear is that some plants may open on some Indian res’s, can’t think which ones. I’m thinking up in the Dakotas…??? I just read an article not too long ago but not sure of which res. The res’s are sovreign nations unto themselves and so they can open them. I’m all for it as long as the horses are dispatched quickly and aren’t left too long in the pens. I would want to make sure the horses are well fed before the final deed. Since it is a res, I’m not sure how the inspectors would handle this so will have to watch and keep my ears open. (I couldn't find a video or article to link to. I heard about it through one of my horse boards.)
It’s going to take a while for the glut to disappear. Overbreeding will have to stop on its own and the kill plants may take up quite a bit of the rest. Add in natural or accidental deaths/illnesses and hopefully in a few years, the horse business will start to come back. Already I’m kind of seeing prices come up in parts of the country.
As a quick note…it seems to me that the $30,000 horse is holding its value, as long as it’s trained for something big money…so, there’s a clue right there! Breed for the best always!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
