The 6 Keys To Building A Life Long Partnership With Your Horse
Today I would like to talk with you about the equipment you will need and a little about these tools.
Have you ever found your self in a situation where your not able to get your horse to do what it is you're asking of him or able to correct a problem your having with your horse? If you have then you may have found your self in the unfortunate situation of having to use severe aids (torture devices). Maybe a bigger more severe bit to get him to do what you want or correct a problem your having. Believe me when I say, this is not the answer.
In the last article we talked about using creativeness and imagination, a great tool, use it to help solve problems you are having with your horse instead of using equipment that is severe and punishes your horse. Always use equipment that helps you communicate with your horse rather than punishes (tortures) him.
How would you like to be able to communicate with yourhorse, nothing attached to him, independent of halters, ropes, lead ropes, bits, spurs, sticks or other aids. Is it possible? The answer is YES. To accomplish this You will need to understand the categories of tools and how to use them.
Tools are aids and there are two kinds: natural and artificial. Artificial aids are such things as; lead ropes, halters, ropes, hackamores, bits, spurs and others. Natural aids are simple, they are you, arms, legs, hands, seat and voice.
What are the different categories of tools? They are not in any particular order.
a. Spurs? They are extensions of your legs.
b. Sticks? These are extensions of your arms.
c. Halters, ropes, hackamores, and mecates? These are used for basic communication.
d. Bits? used for riding refinement.
The bit and spur are used while on your horses back and are used to teach, reinforce, control and refine the 6 yields (forward, backward, left, right, up and down). The spur is used as an extension of your leg. The stick, lead rope and halter are also used to teach, reinforce, control and refine the six yields and can be used on the ground or from the horses back. The stick is used as an extension of your arms.
Using these categories you can play with your horse to develop and build a great foundation between you and your horse.
Tools I use and suggest you use are:
a. rope hackamore? Why? They are the most gentle followed by leather and rawhide and no metal parts.
b. 6' horseman's string? Use to teach the horse to yield to pressure, can also be use as a Rein - attach it to the hackamore.
c. 5" horseman's stick? Has a leather keeper at the end. Used for teaching the horse to yield to pressure and can be used for flagging, touching tapping. You can also attach the 6" horseman's string and use it as an extension of your arms (do not use as a whip).
d. mecate reins? Mecate reins are usually 22 feet long with 10 feet of continuous loop rein. The remaining 12 feet is used as a lead rope. The Mecate rein can be use with a hackamore or snaffle bit. You can loop the Mecate rein through your belt loop or around your saddle horn.
e. snaffle bit? Used for teaching, controlling, reinforcing, and refining lateral flexion. The snaffle I prefer has 3 inch rings a 5 inch wide mouthpiece made of sweet iron and a few copper inlays. This creates just enough taste and saliva and prevents dry mouth which can become an irritant and distract the horse. The bit then looses it's effectiveness as a communication tool.
f. bareback pad? This optional. They have a handle on the pad to help you balance your self when learning to ride bareback. If you opt for a bareback pad make sure you find one that is made of leather with felt pad liners, and have latigos and regular mohair cinches.
g. saddle? Used for riding your horse. Having owned a saddle shop with my brother who is one of the best saddle maker in the country I can tell you the most important thing in choosing a saddle whether it be western, English etc. is the tree. Make sure the bars fit your horses back and the seat is comfortable and fits you. For more information visit with your local saddle maker to find out how to fit your horse and you.
h. saddle pad? Used under the saddle on the horses back. Choose a saddle pad that is made of natural materials (something like wool) make sure it offers enough protection for your horses back. Not to thin. If you are doing a lot of hard riding in a western saddle you will want to use a good saddle pad and a folded Navajo blanket. Light riding usually requires only one good pad.
i. spurs? Extensions of your legs. DO NOT jab your horse with your spurs or use as a torture device. Spurs are meant to be used to teach, control, reinforce and refine lateral movement and up and down movement. GENTLY apply pressure to get the response you are looking for. I prefer a medium shank spur with a rowel that rolls freely. Make sure the rowel is large and wide with a lot of blunt points
I hope this gives you some insight on types of tools and how to use them.
Have fun with your horse(s)
Mike
This article brings to a conclusion the 6 Keys for developing a life long partnership with your horse. I hope found it helpful?
I will continue posting great horse information on my website perfect horse gifts and in The Roundup Newsletter. Be sure to check it out. Subscribe Now! perfect horse gifts
This article is brought to you by perfect horse gifts If you like this article and would like to learn more or would like to send it to a friend, please feel free to do so.
Copyright ? 2005 Mike Gorzalka All Rights Reserved Worldwide
*You have permission to publish this article*
electronically, in print, in your ebook or on your web site, free of charge, as long as the content of this article is not changed in any way and the author bylines are included.
If you choose to publish this article, I would appreciate a Quick e-mail letting me know where it will be published. perfect horse gifts
*DISCLAIMER*: The information contained in this article is of my personal opinions and beliefs and should not be taken as anything more.
cleaning help near Arlington Heights ...Puppies and dogs, as mentioned, are social creatures. When they... Read More
Dogs are creatures of habit; and once they develop a... Read More
This is a very controversial topic which has a lot... Read More
It's important to understand your dog's sleeping habits and how... Read More
Nutrition and Your Dog's Behavior Proper nutrition is the fundamental... Read More
An essential to your dog's health is his/her regular annual... Read More
As I listen on my long drive to my grandpa's... Read More
What Is ParvoParvo is a serious viral disease that can... Read More
Losing a family pet can be a traumatic experience, especially... Read More
Mention the word "video" and different people would come up... Read More
Dog obedience training starts even before you get your puppy... Read More
Which parrot is right for me? This is a question... Read More
If you've ever watched as a cat "flipped" over fresh... Read More
Obesity is one of the most important health concerns facing... Read More
For the first 8,000 years of their relationship with humans,... Read More
Most people who have horses would like to develop a... Read More
The American Humane Society estimated that last year alone; fifteen... Read More
Just like humans, dogs are subject to diseases and illnesses.... Read More
For thousands of years, dogs have been "man's best friend."... Read More
Moving is about as stressful a time as any in... Read More
Before you decide to give your dog canine arthritis medicine... Read More
As you likely know already, horses have at least 10... Read More
Over the last 15 years, I have raised nine orphaned... Read More
Is your home safe for your Furr Kids? It might... Read More
For realistic tips for humans who are moving with cats,... Read More
recurring maid service Bannockburn ...The answer is "no" if you are the type who... Read More
Yesterday we talked a little about the 6 Keys for... Read More
Your local grocery store is chock full of food and... Read More
You've picked out the perfect puppy. You spent hours on... Read More
Looking for some quick Rottweiler dog facts? Here's a quick... Read More
In the purebred West Highland Terrier puppy market, there are... Read More
The act of offering Christmas gifts is always enhanced if... Read More
Is there anything more cute and cuddly than tiny little... Read More
Wondering how to begin crate training your puppy or dog,... Read More
It was November and I had spent 3 months searching... Read More
Bark CollarsMany pet owners become lost as to what to... Read More
Puppies can be so exasperating! They know what we want,... Read More
Dog owners, who recognize the early signs and symptoms of... Read More
One of the cutest looking dogs around is the Lhasa... Read More
Animal lovers come in all shapes and sizes. Undoubtedly if... Read More
If you are thinking of adding a feline to your... Read More
There are thousands of local and online Pet Stores but... Read More
Boarding, Breeding, Training & Showing Stables:1. You need to fill... Read More
Over the past 30 years we have learned so much... Read More
Why paint your cat? After all cats are beautiful creatures... Read More
Here's a simple way... to help your horse learn twice... Read More
"Hamsters?!" I hear you say. "Who cares about some fury... Read More
Dogs come in many assorted breeds, shapes, and sizes. They... Read More
Author of Keep Fleas OffStill using all the chemicals you... Read More
Have you ever held any Westie puppies? These tiny creatures... Read More
Pet |