To who ever commented on my previous blog (which is now gone). I posted that while being upset over comments on the other much debated blog and yes I was still pointing fingers at western.
I try not to be judgmental. I know Western has a place in this World, I don't want to see it gone. I am trying to be a better rounded person by learning all there is to learn about everything horse related, I have always been trying to learn everything. To say I'm uneducated in the horse world would be a big misunderstanding, to say I am uneducated in the Western world however would be correct, I still have a lot to learn.
I do see a lot of Western training ideas which I would call short cuts, that I don't agree with, and I see them being used often. However, that being said, I see the same sort of training ideas used in dressage as well.
As a coach I do not want my students learning from me everything there is to know about horses. To me that is just wrong because there is so much more. and...
Because everyone in the horse business thinks they are right.
I ..like every other coach in the world, think I am right..but let me assure you I will always continue to learn. I work to teach my students that to progress in horses you need to always always keep learning.
Any who I'm off for tonight.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Cross Posting From Fugly Yet Again
Here is what a twisted piano snaffle looks like.
Yes they do still sell these.
Here is a link to Fugly Horse Of the Day. Please check it out if you haven't already. She talks about breeding, training, and anything else that bugs her about our industry. It's good reading. Whether or not you agree with her isn't my problem. She has a comments section too.
http://www.fuglyblog.com/
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Dear Blog Readers
I understand a few of you are upset about my blog related to western riders training styles and I just want to clear a few things up. Where I live about 80% of the riders are western, so sure I'm going to get a few nasty words thrown at me for speaking out of line. That's alright with me, they are my opinions, and everyone is entitled to theirs. I actually encourage friendly debate here and I'd love to hear of the benefits of working a horse at the age of 2. For now I'll just go on with my post topic.
Modern dressage riders are just as cruel, I admit it (oh no here we go again). As I mainly do dressage I'll say, there are many times I've done things wrong and taken short cuts, but at least I have recognized this and I am trying to do better. I am here learning new things and changing habits of myself, and the people around me. I've seen a million training methods, I have. I've been to different stables and I've been taught under many different trainers and coaches.
You can take what you want from anywhere but the most important thing is to keep learning.
Here is a brief time line for the horses training this CAN be applied to all disciplines of riding, sadly it isn't always. This is English based, perhaps we can come up with a western version, and a racing version as well.
Age 1: Ground work, halter, tying, bathing, trailering etc.
Age 2: Lunging, saddle breaking, the easy first step stages of riding
Age 3: More intense work under saddle
Age 4 (and up): Jumping can be introduced, higher levels of collection, and higher level dressage movements.
It also depends on your horse, if you have a warmblood or draft cross jumping them at 4 could ruin them, I've seen horses at the age of 7 grow another full hand. An arabian on the other hand may be completely fine for jumping full courses at the age of 4.
I've added the training scale as well. This is how you would train a Classical Dressage horse (Classical dressage is about allowing the horse to develop and teaching, where as a lot of modern dressage is forcing a horse into a way of going, I prefer the classical method). This is the basics. Obviously with any pyramid if you don't have a good solid base you aren't going to have a big pyramid.
Two excellent examples of this pyramid working and this pyramid not working are my standardbreds. Peanut age 8, Eddy age 10.
I got Peanut first and of course rushed the training as I was 14.
I skipped Rhythm altogether, we worked on bending. First bending left and then bending right. When he mastered that we worked at bending down (going "round" or into a frame), when he didn't quite get it I used side reins on a circle (this method used properly CAN teach a horse however if the horse is not in condition enough to maintain a good circle it would be silly to put side reins on them and expect them to learn to carry themselves correctly). Impulsion I never focused on, he had that..I mean he was off the track. Straightness was fine too, he had learned already on the track to go straight.. :)
Eddy however got started at the very basics, after about 6 months of me just playing around with him (getting him used to the saddle and hacking around the race track).I took him to college and I had a good dressage teacher actually drill this pyramid into me (thank you thank you thank you!). Eddy basically followed the steps, and if something wasn't right we went back to the base. Rhythm.
So how did they turn out? Lets see.. Peanut is a speedy pony who although is safe and fun, he just cannot balance himself. He can bend and he can flex but he cannot pick up a regular canter and carry it around the corner without speeding up or losing the gait. At a walk and trot he looks like a decent dressage horse, but that's all he got.
Eddy on the other hand competes in dressage and is moving up in his levels, he received a reserve champion during his first year of showing and will be competing again this year at a more advanced level. Eddy can also balance himself throughout simple changes and over low jumps.
These are two standardbreds, with very close lines, only two years apart. They were trained by the same trainer, but the difference is trainer kept on learning. Peanut is capable of most of what Eddy is doing, he can learn to balance correctly, it will just take a bit longer because I skipped the steps at the beginning.
Modern dressage riders are just as cruel, I admit it (oh no here we go again). As I mainly do dressage I'll say, there are many times I've done things wrong and taken short cuts, but at least I have recognized this and I am trying to do better. I am here learning new things and changing habits of myself, and the people around me. I've seen a million training methods, I have. I've been to different stables and I've been taught under many different trainers and coaches.
You can take what you want from anywhere but the most important thing is to keep learning.
Here is a brief time line for the horses training this CAN be applied to all disciplines of riding, sadly it isn't always. This is English based, perhaps we can come up with a western version, and a racing version as well.
Age 1: Ground work, halter, tying, bathing, trailering etc.
Age 2: Lunging, saddle breaking, the easy first step stages of riding
Age 3: More intense work under saddle
Age 4 (and up): Jumping can be introduced, higher levels of collection, and higher level dressage movements.
It also depends on your horse, if you have a warmblood or draft cross jumping them at 4 could ruin them, I've seen horses at the age of 7 grow another full hand. An arabian on the other hand may be completely fine for jumping full courses at the age of 4.
I've added the training scale as well. This is how you would train a Classical Dressage horse (Classical dressage is about allowing the horse to develop and teaching, where as a lot of modern dressage is forcing a horse into a way of going, I prefer the classical method). This is the basics. Obviously with any pyramid if you don't have a good solid base you aren't going to have a big pyramid.
Two excellent examples of this pyramid working and this pyramid not working are my standardbreds. Peanut age 8, Eddy age 10.
I got Peanut first and of course rushed the training as I was 14.
I skipped Rhythm altogether, we worked on bending. First bending left and then bending right. When he mastered that we worked at bending down (going "round" or into a frame), when he didn't quite get it I used side reins on a circle (this method used properly CAN teach a horse however if the horse is not in condition enough to maintain a good circle it would be silly to put side reins on them and expect them to learn to carry themselves correctly). Impulsion I never focused on, he had that..I mean he was off the track. Straightness was fine too, he had learned already on the track to go straight.. :)
Eddy however got started at the very basics, after about 6 months of me just playing around with him (getting him used to the saddle and hacking around the race track).I took him to college and I had a good dressage teacher actually drill this pyramid into me (thank you thank you thank you!). Eddy basically followed the steps, and if something wasn't right we went back to the base. Rhythm.
So how did they turn out? Lets see.. Peanut is a speedy pony who although is safe and fun, he just cannot balance himself. He can bend and he can flex but he cannot pick up a regular canter and carry it around the corner without speeding up or losing the gait. At a walk and trot he looks like a decent dressage horse, but that's all he got.
Eddy on the other hand competes in dressage and is moving up in his levels, he received a reserve champion during his first year of showing and will be competing again this year at a more advanced level. Eddy can also balance himself throughout simple changes and over low jumps.
These are two standardbreds, with very close lines, only two years apart. They were trained by the same trainer, but the difference is trainer kept on learning. Peanut is capable of most of what Eddy is doing, he can learn to balance correctly, it will just take a bit longer because I skipped the steps at the beginning.
Confessions of a Horse Trainer (mostly beginner tack)
This is not my rant but it's excellent and I am cross posting it because it is just that good. I got it off of Fugly Horse Of The Day (which you all know I'm a fan of) and she got it off of someone else! It is harsh but it's 100% right. Especially number 9! :)
Confessions of a Horse Trainer (Mostly Beginner Clients)
1. I hate all of your tack. I swear every time I go to a new job I find the exact same crappy tack, tack that I wouldn’t put on my horses even with a gun to my head. It is the tack that your “friends” gave you because surprise they realized that it sucked so they gave it to you. The saddles you have are dry rotted and synthetic (I don’t care what you paid for them, a saddle that is $300 or lower new is crap), they nose dive on the withers and swim all over the back, so you have to cut the horse in half to get them to sort of stay on and then you have to balance the saddle on the horse while trying to ride, because it slides all over the place. A good western saddle new is $800 up, and tolerable one will be $500- $800. You can find some nice name brands for cheaper if you pay attention, love Craigslist. If it doesn’t have a maker on it, if the fenders curl up, if your horse acts up when you put the saddle on, if it looks and feels cheap, it is cheap. Please for the sake of yourself and your horse please get a well made saddle. Besides, well made quality tack holds its value. I have a saddle that is 13 years old and one that is 20 years old that look and feel great and they are appraised at $1800 and $1200. You can’t sell that $300 saddle you bought yesterday for $25. I know good tack is expensive so just start a tack fund and put away what you can each week and it helps to sign up to get every tack catalog known to man you can sometimes find some great deals on anything horse related (and don’t get too wrapped up in colors or the fancy stuff, my gelding has a awesome turnout blanket that was priced over 60% off, it is purple but who cares, it is a great blanket). Also have equipment for all the horses you own. If you have 5 horses you should own 6 halters and lead ropes (one as a spare for accidents). I love it when there are 6 horses an only one halter and lead. When something breaks or you get another horse you have to buy more. Come on people.
2. Please stop buying horses from your “riding instructor” without an outside opinion. I know of several horses bought from “riding instructors” who are barely green broke (at least for trail riding and or riding outside the lesson pen), some are flat out crippled and green broke, and some are not even born yet and are being sold to 9 year old children (Yes, I was contacted about training the unborn foal their riding instructor sold to their 9 year old daughter, I did not get the instructor’s name for fear of going postal). You ride once or twice a week and want to trail ride, please find a horse that fits your riding expectations. I know many horses who would be great (and were great when purchased because they were being ridden daily) if you would ride them more then once a month. It also drives me nuts when I find out that people have been taking riding lessons for years, who is teaching you because after 3 years you know about as much about horses and riding as my dog.
3. Stop taking free/cheap young and unbroke horses when a new to horses. Horses are a TON of work and cost an arm and a leg as well. You are new to horses and you do not need 5 free unbroke horses ages 2, 3, 7, 8, and 12. You need one horse that has been around the block a few times to learn on. There is no way you are going to be able to learn for yourself and get all 5 of these horses to be solid citizens any time this next century without sending them off for months and months of training. I only have two horses, and yes I know what you are thinking OMG she must not love horses to only have two when she could have twenty. But I know the energy, time, and cost involved in owning horses and between training all these people and their horses I do not have a ton of time to work with my own. Quantity does not make up for quality.
4. Start doing your homework. When I leave our weekly lesson I always give you homework to do to continue to build upon what we worked on that day. If you do not do your homework we can not progress forward at any rate. This really annoys me and makes me not like you (especially if I really didn’t like you to begin with, personality thing). Because I really like see/produce results and it is hard to get them when working once a week or every two weeks. I understand that life happens but when you have yet to do any homework after 8 months of working together, I will work with you until the moment I can afford to drop you, then I will and I will not look back (the economy is tough right now and work is work). Please don’t try and lie to me either, I’m like Santa, I know when you have been working with your horse and I know when you have not.
5. Weather happens, hair appointments do not. Horses may be an extra to you but to me they are my livelihood. Weather happens, lately we have all been rained out 3 weeks straight, I knew when becoming a trainer that the weather would affect my ability to work. But when you schedule an appointment with me and we are not rained out you need to keep that appointment (I’m a pretty reasonable person and just like your employer I understand that life happens i.e. funerals, illness). When you take that time slot I can not give to anyone else and when you cancel two hours before your lesson (with no explanation, so I assume it is a stupid a hair appointment) I don’t have the time to fill your spot which leads to no money for me. Just like you I need money to survive, I have feed bills, rent, insurance, gas bills because I travel to you, and all the normal living expenses you have. You wouldn’t do that to the plumber, please do not to me. If you do it more than twice I will drop you and give your slot to someone more reliable.
6. When I say that you need to purchase something tack wise, I’m not kidding. I know tack is expensive and I really try to work with the crappy stuff that you give me to work with but sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and buy something that you need to continue progressing with your horse. I don’t tell you need something unless you really need it and will need it long term. I loan stuff on a regular basis but you are not my only client and at any given point in time I have 1-5 people at the same place in training as you are. When you keep something longer than a week (or two) I can’t loan it to other people and when your horse needs it long term I can’t help those that need it short term. I’m very aware of the cost of tack and offer when possible several cost options for getting what you need. But there are some things you can’t skimp on like bits, the worse bit you’ll ever put in your horses mouth is a cheap one. Please also note that I get nothing back from the products I recommend, I recommend these products because I use them myself, they are truly great, and I have yet to find something better. If your kid kids need knee pads for volley ball you get them, your horse should not be any different. Please go spend $6 on you own crappy dressage whip and give mine back.
7. Seriously when I talk about the condition of your horse or the need for vet care I’m not blowing smoke. You hired me to help you with your horses and I am going to tell you when something isn’t right. I’ve spent a lot of time learning about nutrition, hoof care, and veterinary care. I also know how expensive vet care can be; I grew up with a vet tech and have a pretty good eye on when you need to see a vet and when you don’t. I understand that your horse was a rescue but after 6 months there shouldn’t be any ribs. When I say you need a Farrier you really need one, horses do not like wearing elf shoes. When I tell you to offer mineral supplementation it’s because you are being stubborn about dropping the oats or you’ re not able to feed enough concentrate to your easy keeper for them to get the full effect of the feed. I’m truly on your side and the side of your wallet, but seriously just do what your horse needs.
8. Your way wasn’t working, that is why you called me, so just shut up and listen. I love it when I get a new client who regardless to what I say or accomplish with their horse still thinks that they know what they are doing or their way is better. You don’t. That is why you called me in the first place. Please just listen and follow what I tell you, this stuff works. I understand that for some of you I am young enough to be your daughter but I know what I am doing and if you would just sit down and shut up we can actually get things done and you and your horse can finally stand to be around each other.
9. When you love your horse and truly try your best I will work harder for you. I can tell who truly loves and wants what is best for their horse. They are the people who do their homework, who do everything in their power to get and do what the horse needs, regardless to the cost or their financial situation. I love these people. I know who has money and who doesn’t and it always amazes me that the people with money are usually the least likely to do what the horse needs in regards to training, tack, and care (can you say short cut). When you truly love your horse I will help you how ever I can; I’ll give you a break on lesson costs, help with finding quality tack at good prices, haul you around, go over on lessons without charging, be there in emergencies, and more. I love you and enjoy you when you love your horse.
Thanks for allowing the rant. It’s a hard job trying to guide people onto the right path of horse ownership but someone has to do it.
Confessions of a Horse Trainer (Mostly Beginner Clients)
1. I hate all of your tack. I swear every time I go to a new job I find the exact same crappy tack, tack that I wouldn’t put on my horses even with a gun to my head. It is the tack that your “friends” gave you because surprise they realized that it sucked so they gave it to you. The saddles you have are dry rotted and synthetic (I don’t care what you paid for them, a saddle that is $300 or lower new is crap), they nose dive on the withers and swim all over the back, so you have to cut the horse in half to get them to sort of stay on and then you have to balance the saddle on the horse while trying to ride, because it slides all over the place. A good western saddle new is $800 up, and tolerable one will be $500- $800. You can find some nice name brands for cheaper if you pay attention, love Craigslist. If it doesn’t have a maker on it, if the fenders curl up, if your horse acts up when you put the saddle on, if it looks and feels cheap, it is cheap. Please for the sake of yourself and your horse please get a well made saddle. Besides, well made quality tack holds its value. I have a saddle that is 13 years old and one that is 20 years old that look and feel great and they are appraised at $1800 and $1200. You can’t sell that $300 saddle you bought yesterday for $25. I know good tack is expensive so just start a tack fund and put away what you can each week and it helps to sign up to get every tack catalog known to man you can sometimes find some great deals on anything horse related (and don’t get too wrapped up in colors or the fancy stuff, my gelding has a awesome turnout blanket that was priced over 60% off, it is purple but who cares, it is a great blanket). Also have equipment for all the horses you own. If you have 5 horses you should own 6 halters and lead ropes (one as a spare for accidents). I love it when there are 6 horses an only one halter and lead. When something breaks or you get another horse you have to buy more. Come on people.
2. Please stop buying horses from your “riding instructor” without an outside opinion. I know of several horses bought from “riding instructors” who are barely green broke (at least for trail riding and or riding outside the lesson pen), some are flat out crippled and green broke, and some are not even born yet and are being sold to 9 year old children (Yes, I was contacted about training the unborn foal their riding instructor sold to their 9 year old daughter, I did not get the instructor’s name for fear of going postal). You ride once or twice a week and want to trail ride, please find a horse that fits your riding expectations. I know many horses who would be great (and were great when purchased because they were being ridden daily) if you would ride them more then once a month. It also drives me nuts when I find out that people have been taking riding lessons for years, who is teaching you because after 3 years you know about as much about horses and riding as my dog.
3. Stop taking free/cheap young and unbroke horses when a new to horses. Horses are a TON of work and cost an arm and a leg as well. You are new to horses and you do not need 5 free unbroke horses ages 2, 3, 7, 8, and 12. You need one horse that has been around the block a few times to learn on. There is no way you are going to be able to learn for yourself and get all 5 of these horses to be solid citizens any time this next century without sending them off for months and months of training. I only have two horses, and yes I know what you are thinking OMG she must not love horses to only have two when she could have twenty. But I know the energy, time, and cost involved in owning horses and between training all these people and their horses I do not have a ton of time to work with my own. Quantity does not make up for quality.
4. Start doing your homework. When I leave our weekly lesson I always give you homework to do to continue to build upon what we worked on that day. If you do not do your homework we can not progress forward at any rate. This really annoys me and makes me not like you (especially if I really didn’t like you to begin with, personality thing). Because I really like see/produce results and it is hard to get them when working once a week or every two weeks. I understand that life happens but when you have yet to do any homework after 8 months of working together, I will work with you until the moment I can afford to drop you, then I will and I will not look back (the economy is tough right now and work is work). Please don’t try and lie to me either, I’m like Santa, I know when you have been working with your horse and I know when you have not.
5. Weather happens, hair appointments do not. Horses may be an extra to you but to me they are my livelihood. Weather happens, lately we have all been rained out 3 weeks straight, I knew when becoming a trainer that the weather would affect my ability to work. But when you schedule an appointment with me and we are not rained out you need to keep that appointment (I’m a pretty reasonable person and just like your employer I understand that life happens i.e. funerals, illness). When you take that time slot I can not give to anyone else and when you cancel two hours before your lesson (with no explanation, so I assume it is a stupid a hair appointment) I don’t have the time to fill your spot which leads to no money for me. Just like you I need money to survive, I have feed bills, rent, insurance, gas bills because I travel to you, and all the normal living expenses you have. You wouldn’t do that to the plumber, please do not to me. If you do it more than twice I will drop you and give your slot to someone more reliable.
6. When I say that you need to purchase something tack wise, I’m not kidding. I know tack is expensive and I really try to work with the crappy stuff that you give me to work with but sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and buy something that you need to continue progressing with your horse. I don’t tell you need something unless you really need it and will need it long term. I loan stuff on a regular basis but you are not my only client and at any given point in time I have 1-5 people at the same place in training as you are. When you keep something longer than a week (or two) I can’t loan it to other people and when your horse needs it long term I can’t help those that need it short term. I’m very aware of the cost of tack and offer when possible several cost options for getting what you need. But there are some things you can’t skimp on like bits, the worse bit you’ll ever put in your horses mouth is a cheap one. Please also note that I get nothing back from the products I recommend, I recommend these products because I use them myself, they are truly great, and I have yet to find something better. If your kid kids need knee pads for volley ball you get them, your horse should not be any different. Please go spend $6 on you own crappy dressage whip and give mine back.
7. Seriously when I talk about the condition of your horse or the need for vet care I’m not blowing smoke. You hired me to help you with your horses and I am going to tell you when something isn’t right. I’ve spent a lot of time learning about nutrition, hoof care, and veterinary care. I also know how expensive vet care can be; I grew up with a vet tech and have a pretty good eye on when you need to see a vet and when you don’t. I understand that your horse was a rescue but after 6 months there shouldn’t be any ribs. When I say you need a Farrier you really need one, horses do not like wearing elf shoes. When I tell you to offer mineral supplementation it’s because you are being stubborn about dropping the oats or you’ re not able to feed enough concentrate to your easy keeper for them to get the full effect of the feed. I’m truly on your side and the side of your wallet, but seriously just do what your horse needs.
8. Your way wasn’t working, that is why you called me, so just shut up and listen. I love it when I get a new client who regardless to what I say or accomplish with their horse still thinks that they know what they are doing or their way is better. You don’t. That is why you called me in the first place. Please just listen and follow what I tell you, this stuff works. I understand that for some of you I am young enough to be your daughter but I know what I am doing and if you would just sit down and shut up we can actually get things done and you and your horse can finally stand to be around each other.
9. When you love your horse and truly try your best I will work harder for you. I can tell who truly loves and wants what is best for their horse. They are the people who do their homework, who do everything in their power to get and do what the horse needs, regardless to the cost or their financial situation. I love these people. I know who has money and who doesn’t and it always amazes me that the people with money are usually the least likely to do what the horse needs in regards to training, tack, and care (can you say short cut). When you truly love your horse I will help you how ever I can; I’ll give you a break on lesson costs, help with finding quality tack at good prices, haul you around, go over on lessons without charging, be there in emergencies, and more. I love you and enjoy you when you love your horse.
Thanks for allowing the rant. It’s a hard job trying to guide people onto the right path of horse ownership but someone has to do it.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Things to look forward to!
Now that Christmas is over... :)
We can look forward to SPRING again! Well I am anyway.
1. Shows! This year we have our own truck and trailer and we are going places!
2. The canam, it's in march I'm going anyone from the stable is welcome to come with!
3. Running Clinics (hopefully 3 in the spring!)
4. Getting the Pony Possey up and running again
Right now I am happy as it is snowing so the snow is hiding our hideous ground and soon enough there will be enough snow to ride again. Yesterday I rode Akasha who is very sure footed and at a trot her hind legs both slipped, she didn't go down but it was just the mud and ice factor that makes it too dangerous to do very much but walk.
What I am working on now. I'm writing a self-biography, it is going to be great, full of my little adventures, it's funny I remember a lot as I'm writing, things I have completely forgotten about. It will be for sale in the bookstores in no time ;)
My dad is working on getting my computer back up and running so I will be able to update the website rather than just blog about it. (definitely looking forward to this).
And... well I think that's it for now!
We can look forward to SPRING again! Well I am anyway.
1. Shows! This year we have our own truck and trailer and we are going places!
2. The canam, it's in march I'm going anyone from the stable is welcome to come with!
3. Running Clinics (hopefully 3 in the spring!)
4. Getting the Pony Possey up and running again
Right now I am happy as it is snowing so the snow is hiding our hideous ground and soon enough there will be enough snow to ride again. Yesterday I rode Akasha who is very sure footed and at a trot her hind legs both slipped, she didn't go down but it was just the mud and ice factor that makes it too dangerous to do very much but walk.
What I am working on now. I'm writing a self-biography, it is going to be great, full of my little adventures, it's funny I remember a lot as I'm writing, things I have completely forgotten about. It will be for sale in the bookstores in no time ;)
My dad is working on getting my computer back up and running so I will be able to update the website rather than just blog about it. (definitely looking forward to this).
And... well I think that's it for now!
Friday, November 20, 2009
Quality Of Horses For Sale
So this post is very much going to resemble and Fugly Horse Of The Day (for those who don't read that blog go have a look it's great )
Over the past 2 months I have been watching the online horse ads in our area through Kijiji and Equestrian Connection and a few other horse sites. The amount of crappy horses priced too high just kills me!
I can get a 2 year old quarter horse that is trained to the T, in other words the owners worked their poor little filly or colts butts off before they had even developed a butt to be worked off! These horses DO NOT LAST, sure if your looking for a show horse for the next two years and then want to breed for the next 15 this horse may be perfect for you. **(edited out due to over use of bad wording)**. Honestly do we make children run marathons? Do we force little children to learn high tec dancing maneuvers, to practice it again and again until it is perfect? We don't! That's because they aren't ready! Not physically ready! We don't want the children to limp around when they hit their early teens. Why don't we apply the same ideas to the horses we raise?
You think I'm picking on the western world, and guess what I am. (Edited in, I am not forgetting about all the other disciplines who over work young horses as well, for now yes lets just talk about western). The racing world is no better but they get enough attention. A horse can naturally run in a straight line with a teenie rider on their back without a lot of damage. There are plenty of horses that come off the track and can still move and be ridden for years to come. Running is a natural thing, spinning, doing sliding stops, flying lead changes, extreme collection, is that natural? I don't think so.
Alright back to what I was supposed to be blogging about. The quality of horses, these young horses that are "trained to the max" are priced high and no doubt they'll get their asking price. In my opinion they shouldn't they should get what a horse that age is worth which is around 1000, maybe. The same is happening for other breeds though, plenty of ladies selling their horse to go to college, or to have more money when they get married. These horses are crap. I'm sorry but seriously almost every one of them has a huge conformational fault, no show history, and is not suitable for the type of riding they are advertising it for. A horse that is naturally on his forehand, severely under weight, and has seen a few jumps is not a jumper. Perhaps when it learns to carry its self it'll make it to the low level jumping. This particular horse is advertised for $4000. He is nothing special, there are many green broke skinny thoroughbreds who go for a few hundred dollars to meat each week, and these ones may actually have decent conformation!
There is my blog for the week, I think in pony club this week we are going to look at all the horses online and figure why you would and why you would not buy the animal. Hopefully I can inspire a generation of horse people who will breed and train for quality and not just for substance.
There we go.
Over the past 2 months I have been watching the online horse ads in our area through Kijiji and Equestrian Connection and a few other horse sites. The amount of crappy horses priced too high just kills me!
I can get a 2 year old quarter horse that is trained to the T, in other words the owners worked their poor little filly or colts butts off before they had even developed a butt to be worked off! These horses DO NOT LAST, sure if your looking for a show horse for the next two years and then want to breed for the next 15 this horse may be perfect for you. **(edited out due to over use of bad wording)**. Honestly do we make children run marathons? Do we force little children to learn high tec dancing maneuvers, to practice it again and again until it is perfect? We don't! That's because they aren't ready! Not physically ready! We don't want the children to limp around when they hit their early teens. Why don't we apply the same ideas to the horses we raise?
You think I'm picking on the western world, and guess what I am. (Edited in, I am not forgetting about all the other disciplines who over work young horses as well, for now yes lets just talk about western). The racing world is no better but they get enough attention. A horse can naturally run in a straight line with a teenie rider on their back without a lot of damage. There are plenty of horses that come off the track and can still move and be ridden for years to come. Running is a natural thing, spinning, doing sliding stops, flying lead changes, extreme collection, is that natural? I don't think so.
Alright back to what I was supposed to be blogging about. The quality of horses, these young horses that are "trained to the max" are priced high and no doubt they'll get their asking price. In my opinion they shouldn't they should get what a horse that age is worth which is around 1000, maybe. The same is happening for other breeds though, plenty of ladies selling their horse to go to college, or to have more money when they get married. These horses are crap. I'm sorry but seriously almost every one of them has a huge conformational fault, no show history, and is not suitable for the type of riding they are advertising it for. A horse that is naturally on his forehand, severely under weight, and has seen a few jumps is not a jumper. Perhaps when it learns to carry its self it'll make it to the low level jumping. This particular horse is advertised for $4000. He is nothing special, there are many green broke skinny thoroughbreds who go for a few hundred dollars to meat each week, and these ones may actually have decent conformation!
There is my blog for the week, I think in pony club this week we are going to look at all the horses online and figure why you would and why you would not buy the animal. Hopefully I can inspire a generation of horse people who will breed and train for quality and not just for substance.
There we go.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
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