Horse Hints May/June 1997

Question - May 19th 1997. Answered by Kellie Towers from "Rivercroft Stables"

My vet has recommended stall rest for my gelding who I have been conditioning for eventing. Should I decrease his grain ration while he is on stall rest?

Yes , you should decrease his grain to almost nothing. Give him carrots or a bran mash instead and plenty of hay. When he is able to work again gradually build up his ration again as he is able to do more work.

Question - May 31,1997. Answer by Lori Munro from Nuthatch Appaloosa Horses

I would be interested in purchasing an appaloosa horse and would like to show? Are there lots of shows for appaloosas in Ontario and what kind of classes can I compete in? Am I stuck in the western division or are there english classes as well?"

There are many different avenues you can travel when showing your Appaloosa in Ontario. There are a number of "open" shows throughout the province and five different Appaloosa Horse Clubs in Ontario and their shows can be found in just about any given area.

The class list for any Appaloosa Horse show is as wide and varied as the horses themselves. Like most breeds, halter classes are broken down into sexes with Grand and Reserve Champions. Most Colorful and the recent addition of Suitablilty for Dressage and Yearling Longe Line are rapidly gaining in popularity. A multitude of varied performance classes truly show off the versatility of the Appaloosa Horse. Not only are there the old standards such as English and Western Pleasure, competitors can enter Hunter Hack, Open Jumper, Driving, Reining, Working Cow Horse, Heading and Heeling and the favorite games classes. There are always classes that will appeal to everyone. And this is only a partial list! Factor in the Non-Pro, Amateur and Youth Classes and you have one great turnout!

The Appaloosa Horse has come a long way from the mount of the Nez Perce Indians. Their delightful coat patterns are always a treat to the eye and add a special "spot" of color in the show ring and on the trail.

Question - June 8, 1997. Answered by Mary Mattos of At Wits End Farm

My horse either yanks on the reins after I halt, or leans on them and rushes forward. Should I change bits or what?

Keep your shoulders soft, dropped, relaxed AND your reins short enough that your hands are about an inch above the horse's neck just ahead of the withers. This "magic" rein length, combined with a closed, firm fist and a very relaxed, supple, elastic arm, prevents resistance.

1. Close your legs on the saddle with your seat muscles, then upper thighs,then knees, and keep them firmly closed. Make sure your feet don't push ahead of your knees, & avoid putting ANY pressure on your stirrup treads (if you press on the stirrups you are water-skiing and leaning on the horse's mouth). Keep your lower legs on the horse softly like a wet cloth, don't squeeze or stiffen them.

2. Sit taller & imagine your hips lifting and moving towards your elbows

3. Keep your elbows ahead of your hips. As your hips come to your elbows, use only your fists, and not muscles in your arms or shoulders, close your hand ever so briefly, & give the horse a tiny squeeze in the mouth. Relax your fist. Most horses halt a split-second after you relax. If you don't they'll pull, yank or fuss attempting to communicate the nonverbal message, "cut me some slack."

Rehearse mentally, then try it. I assume you're using a simple loose-ring snaffle.

Question for June 15th 1997 answered by Michele of "Top of the Hill Stables"

My daughter wants to buy a horse from the racetrack , but she is a novice rider. What should we do?

I would be very hesitant to buy an "off the track" horse for a novice rider as they can take alot of time and patience to school. I suggest that you consult with a professional in your area and see if you can purchase or lease a more suitably schooled horse for your daughter. Once she becomes a more experienced rider you can then look into purchasing a green horse that she will have the necessary skills to school.

Question for June 22 answered by Judy Bishop, formerly of "Homecrest Stables"

I have a registered arab mare that I have had for several years. I show her at hunter schooling shows in the area and we did quite well. Last year we moved up to the Trillium Circuit . Although we had some good rounds in the hunter ring we did not get placed very well. We usually had to add a stride in the lines. Do you think I need a different horse as the horses that placed were generally the thoroughbreds and thoroughbred types?

I think that you need to consider what you want to get out of showing and out of your horse. You might find that your arab would get better placings if you showed in an all arab show. That way you would be competing against other arabs. You could also consider a discipline such as endurance riding in which arabs excel.

If you wish to move up to the Trillium Circuit you may want to consider buying a horse that has a longer stride and can do the distances required in the hunter ring. The thoroughbred horses are very popular in the show ring and if you want to be a serious competitor you need a horse that is going to catch the judges attention by moving and jumping well and being able to have a long enough stride to make the distances.

Question for June 29th Answered by Jane Casselman of  Touch 'N' Go Farms 

There is no Trillium circuit or A circuit in Northern Ontario. What are riders in this area to do when they are not able to trailer the long distances? Is it likely that this region would ever open up again? With limited finances, is there any way to make it to the higher levels of equestrian competion?

There is an existing Trillium zone in Northern Ontario although it has been listed as "inactive " for the past several years. If someone wishes to meet with me and discuss opening up the zone again they are welcome to do so.

With limited finances it may be more difficult to reach the higher levels of equestrian competion but with persistence and hard work anything is possible.