Alright, so just about every horse person has an idol or two that they admire. An idol that not only rides with such gusto, but also has an unsurpassed communication with horses. As best said, “Horses messages are soft but clear, as if spoken in a whisper.” My top two favorite horse idols have not only put natural horsemanship training on a whole other level, but have forever made their mark in the horse world. They are Stacy Westfall and Charmayne James.
Stacy Westfall: What makes Stacy Westfall so great is not only was she the first and only woman to have ever won the national colt starting competition, but she also was the first to win a national title bareback and bridleless. For those who don’t know, bareback is with no saddle and bridleless is with no reins or bit to steer the horse, only leg pressure. Her method of training not only better opens up the communication between human and horse, but she also shows us how to feel the magic of being with horses. How horses not only light up your life, but also take you on this magical journey that you will never want to leave. What’s interesting about her is that when she was developing her method in her teen and college years, she did not use any influence from other top name trainers. In fact someone asked her at a competition once if she used the Parelli (another famous trainer.) method of training to train her horse. Her honest answer was “Parelli? Who’s that?” However the ride that she would be forever known for is one that is very dear to her heart. The ride for her dad. Posted on youtube.com by
BlueRoanMustang94, shows not only where good communation and practice can take you, but also heart. As best said by the announcer, “Thanks for teaching me to keep trying new things.”
Charmayne James: If there is one person that can truly prove that the underdogs are just as good, it is Charmayne James. Charmayne and her horse Gills Bay Boy, AKA Scamper, took the rodeo world by storm in the late 70’s to late 90’s. The most amazing part about this dynamic duo is when they first started Charmayne was only fourteen and she found then “wild” Scamper in a feedlot being prepared for slaughter. She didn’t care how much people told her how wild he was. She just knew that he was great. Scamper was the first horse that Charmayne broke herself. They entered their first barrel racing jackpot (name for lower grade competitions in the rodeo world.) in the late 70’s. This was just the start of their winning streak that would take them to win their first Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association world title. Her earnings throughout her career totaled over one million dollars, making her the first and only million dollar cowgirl. With all theses winnings, she is now one of the most sought after barrel racing trainers in the world. However, with every great idol, there is one thing that will always make them great. Charmayne’s was when Scamper lost his head stall and bit during a race. Posted on youtube.com by giogonsa, this video shows just how amazing this run was.
All in all, we all have idols that we view as great. Some as big as Charmayne and Stacy and others as small as a parent. The one thing that I think unifies all idols is that they teach us to reach for our dreams and to never quit trying. I can only hope that I become just as great as my idols someday.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Horses and kids: How young is too young?
Today’s blog topic will be kind of a double hitter of sorts. It will be on my views of training horses ages 2-4, under saddle and when I think is the right time to start teaching kids to ride. They are more alike than you think!
To start, I think that people should start under saddle training when the horse is either four or older. This can apply for all disciplines of riding. I did some pretty extensive research on this topic and some of the results even surprised me. One of the reasons is that they may still be growing. The growth plates in their legs have not fully grown and matured enough to support a full grown person. Basically the weight of the person would kind of make the bones at the knee grind and wear against each other. One thing that I would advise about this is periodically get your horses legs/knees checked to see how developed they are. Always keep in mind that all horses develop at different speeds. For some they may not be completely physically ready by age four. Take Arabian horses for instance, they don’t fully mature until they are about six years of age. Also to add to the physical aspect, starting this early can lead a horse well on his or her way to a fairly uncomfortable disorder called sway-back, which is the equine form of lordosis. For those who don’t know, lordosis is where the middle part of the thoracic region of the spine begins to curve inward. This can be quite painful and there can be many complications for horses with this disorder. Things like saddle fit and more. Not only is there physical growing, but also mental. Colts and fillies undergo a lot of stress in those few short years and it may be too much for them to undergo that much mental pressure. It would be too much for their brain to handle. It would be like handing a three year old a drivers license and the keys to your car. Sounds wrong right?
Another important decision when it comes to horses is what age is ok for young kids to start learning to ride. Not too long ago my cousin that I have babysat since she was a baby and is now three years of age comes to me and says, “Lauren, when can I learn to ride just like you?” I tell her, “well you can come with me when I work with Daisy.” “No, I want to learn to ride like you and the big girls, all by myself!” she retorts in her spunky three year old attitude. This really got me thinking about when it would be ok to teach her. I have seen many a time when kids just aren’t ready to ride animals that are quadruple their size when I would help with the kids riding camps around the barn. I mean, who could blame them for being scared considering that most of them cannot even see over the kitchen counter, much less be expected to control a large animal. I think it is ok to let a three year old just tag along to see a horse that you ride, however I would suggest having an extra hand there as well as an extra set of eyes. Like with Daisy, I have let my cousin just sit on her because I know that my cousin is calm when on horses and Daisy would not react. I think it is a good chance for them to not only learn about horses, but also help them overcome any fear and to teach them that yelling, running, etc is not ok around horses. Again using my cousin as an example, she has been sitting on some of my horses since she was one. While she was on we would address any fear that she expressed, like if she would get nervous and start crying I would let her down, calm her, and then help her realize that she is ok when she is up there. She would want to get back on, but it had to be her choice. I did not make her do anything she did not want to. I believe that you should never force kids into any activity that they do not want to do.
Although I would have to say at least five years of age is ok to start teaching kids to really ride. I have found that five year olds have a better understanding of safety and size, even though you still have to keep a close eye on them. You also may need to be aware that if you get them riding too early, they may quickly change their mind. However, don’t just use age as a way of knowing that they are ready. Really question if this is something that they would really stick with because horses, even as a hobby are expensive. I have worked with five year olds that would say that they love horses and as soon as they got on, they would become very afraid. That is when you have to be very tactful in helping them overcome their fear. One thing that I could not stress any more is safety, so don’t cut any corners with children. A few years back around my home town a young girl was killed when she was trying to get her horse from the pasture and another horse kicked her in the head. Remember that children that age are the prime height to get badly hurt by horses that are unaware of the size of the person. Just imagine if you were that girl’s grandparents. Not only do they have to live with the loss of their grandchild, but also the fact that it was completely preventable. A lot of accidents that have ever happened with horses are very much preventable. Explain the importance of little things like always wearing a helmet or having an adult there when they ride.
So basically when it comes right down to it, growth and maturity are the main factors. Make sure that it is ok for you to start under saddle training for your horse and before you start teaching your kids that you know really well to ride, make sure that they are really ready for the adventure of horses.
To start, I think that people should start under saddle training when the horse is either four or older. This can apply for all disciplines of riding. I did some pretty extensive research on this topic and some of the results even surprised me. One of the reasons is that they may still be growing. The growth plates in their legs have not fully grown and matured enough to support a full grown person. Basically the weight of the person would kind of make the bones at the knee grind and wear against each other. One thing that I would advise about this is periodically get your horses legs/knees checked to see how developed they are. Always keep in mind that all horses develop at different speeds. For some they may not be completely physically ready by age four. Take Arabian horses for instance, they don’t fully mature until they are about six years of age. Also to add to the physical aspect, starting this early can lead a horse well on his or her way to a fairly uncomfortable disorder called sway-back, which is the equine form of lordosis. For those who don’t know, lordosis is where the middle part of the thoracic region of the spine begins to curve inward. This can be quite painful and there can be many complications for horses with this disorder. Things like saddle fit and more. Not only is there physical growing, but also mental. Colts and fillies undergo a lot of stress in those few short years and it may be too much for them to undergo that much mental pressure. It would be too much for their brain to handle. It would be like handing a three year old a drivers license and the keys to your car. Sounds wrong right?
Another important decision when it comes to horses is what age is ok for young kids to start learning to ride. Not too long ago my cousin that I have babysat since she was a baby and is now three years of age comes to me and says, “Lauren, when can I learn to ride just like you?” I tell her, “well you can come with me when I work with Daisy.” “No, I want to learn to ride like you and the big girls, all by myself!” she retorts in her spunky three year old attitude. This really got me thinking about when it would be ok to teach her. I have seen many a time when kids just aren’t ready to ride animals that are quadruple their size when I would help with the kids riding camps around the barn. I mean, who could blame them for being scared considering that most of them cannot even see over the kitchen counter, much less be expected to control a large animal. I think it is ok to let a three year old just tag along to see a horse that you ride, however I would suggest having an extra hand there as well as an extra set of eyes. Like with Daisy, I have let my cousin just sit on her because I know that my cousin is calm when on horses and Daisy would not react. I think it is a good chance for them to not only learn about horses, but also help them overcome any fear and to teach them that yelling, running, etc is not ok around horses. Again using my cousin as an example, she has been sitting on some of my horses since she was one. While she was on we would address any fear that she expressed, like if she would get nervous and start crying I would let her down, calm her, and then help her realize that she is ok when she is up there. She would want to get back on, but it had to be her choice. I did not make her do anything she did not want to. I believe that you should never force kids into any activity that they do not want to do.
Although I would have to say at least five years of age is ok to start teaching kids to really ride. I have found that five year olds have a better understanding of safety and size, even though you still have to keep a close eye on them. You also may need to be aware that if you get them riding too early, they may quickly change their mind. However, don’t just use age as a way of knowing that they are ready. Really question if this is something that they would really stick with because horses, even as a hobby are expensive. I have worked with five year olds that would say that they love horses and as soon as they got on, they would become very afraid. That is when you have to be very tactful in helping them overcome their fear. One thing that I could not stress any more is safety, so don’t cut any corners with children. A few years back around my home town a young girl was killed when she was trying to get her horse from the pasture and another horse kicked her in the head. Remember that children that age are the prime height to get badly hurt by horses that are unaware of the size of the person. Just imagine if you were that girl’s grandparents. Not only do they have to live with the loss of their grandchild, but also the fact that it was completely preventable. A lot of accidents that have ever happened with horses are very much preventable. Explain the importance of little things like always wearing a helmet or having an adult there when they ride.
So basically when it comes right down to it, growth and maturity are the main factors. Make sure that it is ok for you to start under saddle training for your horse and before you start teaching your kids that you know really well to ride, make sure that they are really ready for the adventure of horses.
Why we ride western!
Western: barrel racing, pole bending, western pleasure, reining and steer roping. English: dressage, hunter jumper, eventing and endurance. These styles of riding are really quite different. Since the beginning of time people have argued about which is better. Being a western rider myself I think you know where I put my vote. It seems like every time I look at western vs. English, people that obviously ride English always seem to say something like western is lazy, there is no skill involved and it’s taking the easy way out. Now I am not saying that one is better than the other, but I think that if the English riders could understand why we ride western, they would take their words back. So here are a few things about western riders and why we ride what we ride.
The competitions. Being an avid rodeo fan myself, there is nothing like watching the header and heeler rope a steer or watching the winning barrel racing time. If there is one thing that really gets your blood flowing and thrill that you crave for, its rodeo. However there is more to western riding than rodeo, like western pleasure. Western pleasure is like the dog show for the horse world. Basically western pleasure is about having good confirmation, a good slow stride and showcasing the horse breed. If you like both looks and speed plus gut busting sliding stops and wicked fast spins, which might I add are REALLY fun to do, then reining is for you. Reining basically is things that most ranchers would do with their cattle out in the open plains, just with a little more flair. One type of competition that is rather new to western riding is Cowboy/girl mounted shooting. Not only do you have to steer a horse running full speed, but also handle and shoot a loaded rifle at balloon targets. Sounds absolutely thrilling. Those just name a few of the many exciting competitions of the western world.
The comfort. Unlike the English world, western people like to ride comfortably. People that ride English feel that they need to bounce up and down at a trot and that they need to get all prettied up to go see their horse. Western riders prefer comfort rather than style. Take myself for instance, when I ride I am in my boots, jeans, tee shirt and ball cap. I would rather focus more on my horse than what I look like.
Anyone at any age can do it. When it comes to riding western, age is not the biggest factor. You could be 102 years old and as long as you are in good health, you can ride. With English however most people have to stop riding because of the strain it puts on their body. Plus for someone who is learning to ride it is best to start in western because there is a bit more security. Then down the road they can choose to switch if they so wish.
To conclude I think that both riding styles are good and that they both are unique in their own way. If riders can take both disciplines as good, then we can better communicate with each other. Also to make my blog a little more interesting, I have posted a video by brookelovesrocky on Youtube that really explains best why I love western. So enjoy and keep looking for more posts by me! See ya!
The competitions. Being an avid rodeo fan myself, there is nothing like watching the header and heeler rope a steer or watching the winning barrel racing time. If there is one thing that really gets your blood flowing and thrill that you crave for, its rodeo. However there is more to western riding than rodeo, like western pleasure. Western pleasure is like the dog show for the horse world. Basically western pleasure is about having good confirmation, a good slow stride and showcasing the horse breed. If you like both looks and speed plus gut busting sliding stops and wicked fast spins, which might I add are REALLY fun to do, then reining is for you. Reining basically is things that most ranchers would do with their cattle out in the open plains, just with a little more flair. One type of competition that is rather new to western riding is Cowboy/girl mounted shooting. Not only do you have to steer a horse running full speed, but also handle and shoot a loaded rifle at balloon targets. Sounds absolutely thrilling. Those just name a few of the many exciting competitions of the western world.
The comfort. Unlike the English world, western people like to ride comfortably. People that ride English feel that they need to bounce up and down at a trot and that they need to get all prettied up to go see their horse. Western riders prefer comfort rather than style. Take myself for instance, when I ride I am in my boots, jeans, tee shirt and ball cap. I would rather focus more on my horse than what I look like.
Anyone at any age can do it. When it comes to riding western, age is not the biggest factor. You could be 102 years old and as long as you are in good health, you can ride. With English however most people have to stop riding because of the strain it puts on their body. Plus for someone who is learning to ride it is best to start in western because there is a bit more security. Then down the road they can choose to switch if they so wish.
To conclude I think that both riding styles are good and that they both are unique in their own way. If riders can take both disciplines as good, then we can better communicate with each other. Also to make my blog a little more interesting, I have posted a video by brookelovesrocky on Youtube that really explains best why I love western. So enjoy and keep looking for more posts by me! See ya!