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.
Rolling Meadows Cadillac Escalade rental .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareAre you considering buying a dog for your child or... Read More
General Info.Brine shrimps, or artemia, are a zooplankton used mainly... Read More
Should you seriously consider buying a dog health insurance policy?... Read More
For the first 8,000 years of their relationship with humans,... Read More
As a pet owner, no doubt you want to give... Read More
For a cat, scratching is a natural, necessary act. Besides... Read More
You can look at westhighland terriers and know if it... Read More
In the animal kingdom there is a pecking order. Richard... Read More
Dog DoorsWhen we think of dog doors, we think of... Read More
Every year, hundreds of thousands of cats and kittens are... Read More
If your dog could talk, these are some of most... Read More
What if you want a Boxer, but cannot stomach the... Read More
Believe it or not boutiques for dogs are everywhere. Nowadays,... Read More
An easier and more pleasant journey with your chosen Boxer... Read More
Can Your Dog Stomach This?There's an old adage that says... Read More
Having a dog is a little like having a baby.... Read More
Pets are family members and should be treated as such.... Read More
One of the greatest thrills for a little boy or... Read More
Do you have some adult discus fish and want to... Read More
Part2: Does your puppy want to be crate trained?Yes! in... Read More
All positive commands should be spoken sharply and distinctly during... Read More
Sure, you may be a master of human First Aid.... Read More
Attempting to train your dog to walk on a leash... Read More
Many people ask the question: "Should we get a purebreed... Read More
Losing a family pet can be a traumatic experience, especially... Read More
Des Moines rental limo ..DogtraWhen looking for a dog training collar or containment system,... Read More
Did you know that dog toys are actually good for... Read More
One of the most difficult hurdles that any new puppy... Read More
Picture this. You're late for work one day. You look... Read More
Even with the best care, cats can become ill. Sometimes... Read More
Well first of all I was always a cat owner,... Read More
Nervous cats hide from people, they do not readily present... Read More
Dogs come in many assorted breeds, shapes, and sizes. They... Read More
Many people don't realize that their dogs, just like human... Read More
When Lucky was starting to show signs of aging, we... Read More
Bringing home a new puppy, ushers in a wave of... Read More
As a parent, you want to be able to give... Read More
Bark CollarsMany pet owners become lost as to what to... Read More
Opening your heart to a Pomeranian can be fun, but... Read More
Should you seriously consider buying a dog health insurance policy?... Read More
Everybody loves puppies. Who can resist those cute little faces... Read More
As much as you may love your cute, new puppy,... Read More
According to recent statistics, an astounding 65% of all U.S.... Read More
So, you've got yourself a pregnant cat.Was it a stray... Read More
As overwhelming as picking out a pet bird can be,... Read More
As you likely know already, horses have at least 10... Read More
Dogs are descendent of wolves. To study the psychology of... Read More
Location of your aquariumSo, you bought your very first fish... Read More
Would you like to save money and have a healthier... Read More
Do I Need A Quarantine Tank?Ah, yes, the often dismissed... Read More
Pet |