HorseSense 4U

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Mane Event

We are really looking forward to being at the Mane Event in Red Deer, April 27 -29. It is a great time of learning from others, seeing what's new, watching clinicians and meeting other horse enthusiast. We will be in booth 1916, showcasing HorseSense HorseManShip. And sharing the booth with Naturally Gaited Acres, in booth 1915. They are a breeding operation for the Mountain Horse Breeds. We look forward to visiting with you about your dreams for your horses, what you can expect from riding with HS, or book some training time for your horse.

You can also register for the clinics we have upcoming, From Gaited Horse Clinics to Connected Riding to TTOUCH and Heart and Soul workshops. We can give you information and get you registered.

Stop by and stay awhile. We'd love to meet you.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Winter with HorseSense

As I, Karen, sit at my computer and look out the window, I realize what a beautiful winter we have had. Yes, a week of cold, but for Alberta, that's not bad.
I work on filling in our riding lessons and training times, and find its beginning to get difficult to find enough spots for everyone. And that is a VERY GOOD thing. Thanks to all of you who participate in HorseSense HorseManShip.
It is such a blessing to us to share our love of horses with all of you. from the youngest to the oldest we enjoy knowing you and being a part of your lives.
There is a connection between people and horses that is truly amazing. Horses can teach us so much, if we are willing to learn. Patience, consistency, perseverance, gentleness and most of all they can reach into our hearts to show us who "WE" are. My little mare often reflects what I am feeling, when I am tense or uncertain she can certainly take advantage of me! When I get impatient or frustrated she reflects that too. Not always in a good ways either. When I am emotional, she often will look with those big brown eyes as if to say "I'M here - share with me" . There truly is something good in being and sharing our lives with a horse.
Thanks for being a part of HorseSense.

Friday, January 27, 2012

Lead a Horse the Correct Way

Lead A Horse the Correct way

Equipment needed: Halter, lead rope, gloves (optional) Proper ground manners are an absolutely necessary part of training your horse. Taking time to teach good manners will lead to a lifetime of enjoyment and safety. Leading is considered a staple for training and owning a horse. It should be one of the first things you and your horse learn. Beyond teaching manners, you learn control and handling of your horse. It also develops connection and communication. Being able to lead the horse the proper way can keep each of you safe. So without any further ado, listed below are some horse training tips on how to lead your horse the correct way.

Here’s a safe way to lead a horse: - Have the horse haltered; use a rope halter or a leather/web halter and standing quietly. Ensure the halter fits properly. This is usually accomplished in the round pet, teaching the horse to be with you. Have a soft cotton lead rope snapped to the ring of the halter. The type of rope is easier on your hands.
- Standing on the left side of the equine, hold the rope about 6 to 8 inches down from the halter using your right hand.
- The left hand must hold the rest of the rope. Fold the rope as you hold it in your hand, ensuring it is NOT wrapped around your hand. If the rope is wrapped around your hand you are setting yourself up for injury to your hand and arm.
- Stand at your horse’s left shoulder and face forward. As you step forward, with your right foot, apply light pressure with your right hand. If you have taught your horse word cues, in the round pen, such as walk, speak to them. If you haven’t taught word commands, you can do it now, or later. Don’t give a strong physical tug on the rope. We don’t want to force the horse to walk, but to encourage and “invite” him to be with you. Using gentle tugs will help your horse respect you and you to respect your horse. NEVER hit or tug on the head as this can cause some head shyness.
- In the beginning the horse may not understand your cue. A small crop may be utilized to give your horse some added incentive to move. NEVER ever strike the animal with force that will frighten it. Tap the horse gently on top of the croup, with your right hand, keeping the rope held in your left.Turn towards the horse slightly, so you can reach the croup. Keep tapping UNTIL the horse takes a step, and then STOP tapping. Even the smallest of steps deserves the reward of you stopping the tapping. At this point you can give a small “kiss” or “cluck” sound, and also add the verbal cue “Walk”.
- When the horse starts to walk, let him walk forward or he may even circle around you. That’s OK. Stay with him. Keep your eyes focused forward and your feet moving. If he stops before you want him to, tap him again and repeat moving forward with your right hand and foot. EXPECT the horse to move and communicate by “thinking forward” This is communicating with your horse.
- Your horse may walk out very quickly. Go with him and as you progress you will be able to teach him speed control, by giving a mild tug backwards on the rope.
- As you are walking you will need to begin to teach the horse to stop or “whoa”. This word is to be used ONLY when you want the horse to stop and not merely to slow down. You can use “easy or slow” or another word to signify “slow down. Remember: Hold the rope 6’ – 8” from the halter and never hold onto the halter itself. Let the horse’s head be free to move. He is a BIG animal and can outweigh and out strengthen you.
Respect is what is needed between you. Give good re-enforcement and praise verbally when he is doing what you want. He will love some gentle rubs on the neck and head.
- To turn the horse, well, that’s another lesson. It’s pretty easy to get the horse to turn to the left around you. It is more difficult for you to turn into the horse, turning him to the right. Again, apply slight pressure on the rope in the direction you want to go.
- Always position yourself at the side of the horse’s head, back toward his shoulder. Keep yourself safe by not walking in front and letting your horse walk behind you.

Tips:
- A horse cannot be allowed to crowd into you. A finger “jab” or using the end of the crop to jab into shoulder by your right hand will encourage him to move over. Keep the pressure on the shoulder until he moves over, and immediately stop jabbing. Always give the reward by removing the pressure. And then PRAISE.
- Good ground manners in leading will become second nature to you and your horse. Using consistent methods and language will teach the horse. Keep your emotions in check, stay calm, patient and persistent in your teaching. Every time you are with your horse you are teaching him something. Make sure it is what you want him to learn. For training help visit HorseSense HorseManShip at www.horsesensedk.com.