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About: The World Equestrian Games

9/5/2018

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About: My IEA Backpack

8/24/2018

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   The IEA season is just around the corner and I'm getting my backpack all ready to hit the road! As a coach I want to be prepared for anything that might come our way, so below you will see everything I have in my current ring bag. I feel like I'm pretty set, but there is always that feeling of something is missing. Hope not!

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About: IHSA

6/22/2018

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   Have you ever thought about riding in college? Did you even know you could continue your riding career while continuing your education?! Today we are highlighting just one of the many ways you can ride in college.

   IHSA stands for Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association and is a college riding organization that offers competition in hunt seat equitation, western horsemanship and reining. There are over 400 schools in the U.S. and Canada that have participating teams! With so many schools offering IHSA teams the way each team is formatted can look different school to school.

   Some colleges and universities offer their IHSA teams as more of a club sport where a handful of riders get together and ride at a local barn and then compete at the shows, while other teams are made of hundreds of riders with the schools having their own barn and horses and some even cover the expenses of showing and offer scholarships. As you are looking around for your perfect fit for a school, if you are interested in riding on one of these teams be sure to reach out to the coach ahead of time to see if their team seems like the right fit for you!
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How does IHSA work?

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   Well, basically you show up to the horse show and draw a horse's name out of a hat and then get on and show that horse. The hosting team provides all of the horses so owning your own is not necessary to be on the team. A typical day at an IHSA show would look like this: You and your team arrive at a crazy early hour to watch the warm up of the horses. You have no clue who you might be riding so you watch them all to try and see if you can pick up any clues on what they might be like. Then there are meetings and things for the coaches and captains, so unless you are one of those, you do a lot of waiting. Then you find out who you are riding. Sometimes you actually get to draw your horse's name out of a hat but most of the time the steward will do the draw to save time. 

​   Then you wait for your division (there is a lot of waiting). The levels range from 3' Open to Walk/Trot. What level you end up riding in is determined by your coaches at the beginning of the year and they take in to consideration your previous riding experience. Each coaching staff will have their own strategies on how to place riders but generally you want to be in a much lower level for IHSA than you would do on your own horse, or the horse you consistently ride.

   The reason for this is because riding a horse you don't know either over fences or through a reining pattern can be very difficult! And this horse you randomly are assigned, yeah, you don't get to warm it up at all! You literally get on, adjust your stirrups and then are led into the ring to go show. You don't even get to walk the horse independently, someone is always there handling the horse. All of this is to make sure there is a level playing field and that no one is getting to know their mount better than the next person. Each class is judged on the rider exclusively to help level the playing field and account for some horses being harder draws than others. 

   Throughout the season riders compete in local shows hosted by different teams and earn points in each class to "point out" to the next division and to qualify for post season competition. After the regular season there is the Regional show and the top riders in each class from Regionals qualify for Zones. Below is a list of each zone and the states within that Zone. Then the leading riders and teams from each Zone participate in the National Finals that is held in different areas each year.

Zone 1

MA, RI, ME, NH, VT, CT

Zone 5

TN, KY, AR, GA, AL, MS, SC, LA, TX, FL

Zone 2

NY, ON, WV, PA

Zone 6

OH, PA, MI, KY, ON

Zone 3

PA, NJ, CT, NY, MD

Zone 7

IN, IL, TX, OK, MN, IA, ND, ON, WI, KS, MO

Zone 4

DC, VA, MD, NC

Zone 8

CA, AZ, MT, UT, WA, OR, BC, KS, CO, WY, NE
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What are the benefits to riding on an IHSA team?

   There are a few major benefits to riding on an IHSA team.
​1) It is probably the most feasible way to horse show ever! Let's face it, riding and showing is EXPENSIVE but doing so through IHSA is an amazing opportunity. At the most you can only ride in two classes per show and every show costs the same dollar amount to enter, so for the shows themselves they never add up to being more than you expected! Now each school can be different on the other costs of showing so be sure to ask about travel, coaching, equipment, meals and practices. For the most part, however, riding on an IHSA team is the easiest way to continue riding and showing throughout college.

2) Riding is typically a very individual sport so being in a team atmosphere is usually missing in regular horse show environments. So cheering on your teammates and traveling together can be a totally new experience for some. But, it is so worth it and the people you meet on your IHSA team often become friends for life!
As an English-only rider I used IHSA as means to branch out and try something new by joining the western team. It was a valuable experience that taught me more than that reining is just dressage with more bling. I was able to grow in my riding while developing immediate friendships in a new town. 
​- Kimberly Barber
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Did you ride on an IHSA team when you went to college? Tell us all about it in the comments below!
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5 Ways to Relax with Your Horse

5/18/2018

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   With summer just around the corner and the warmer weather starting to give a taste of what's to come here are five ways you can spend time with your horse relaxing. Summer is the time to horse show every weekend but, just like we need a day off, sometimes our horses need a break from training and the routine.

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Go for a Trail Ride

Wether you go for a walk around your barn or trailer out to the trails, this can be a great way to get together with friends and enjoy some beautiful scenery. 

Go for a Swim

Some horses will think this is more fun than others but combining sun, sand, water and horses make for a wonderful mini vacation.
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Go for a Bareback Graze

Maybe after you ride or if you are just feeling like enjoying the sound of your horse eating grass, going for a bareback graze can be just what the doctor ordered.

Give Your Horse a Bath

Sometimes giving your horse a bath and getting them to look their best without the pressures of a show can be a great way to look after your horse. And going out to let them graze while they dry can be so peaceful.
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Practice Your Ground Work Skills

There is so much to learn about horses. Doing some groundwork or going to a clinic to learn something outside of your regular discipline can really help you learn more about what your horse needs from you.

This post was sponsored by Nikwax Waterproofing.
​Be sure to use their products to keep your equipment adventure ready!
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About: Bone Anatomy of a Horse's Front Leg

4/25/2018

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   In this next part of our anatomy series we will focus on the bones of the front limb. The image below is not accurately to scale but it does show the general areas in which these bones live.
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A - Suprascapular Cartilage

B - Scapula: The "shoulder blade"; Transmits forces and motion of the front limb; Attachment of muscles and connective tissue that support cranial portion of the body; Flat in shape

C - Humerus: Attachment of major muscles that move upper and lower limb; "Point of Shoulder"

D - Ulna: Fused to the Radius to prevent supination (the outward rotation of the limb); "Point of Elbow"

E - Radius: optimizes cranial (closer to the head or top) and caudal (closer to the feet or bottom) muscles

F - Accessory Carpal: always lateral (or on the outside); the retinaculum attached as shown below to restrict other structures (tendons) to stay in place
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G - Carpus: 7 bones comparable to a human wrist; provide shock absorption and flexion

H - Metacarpal III (Cannon Bone): comparable to the long bones in a human hand

I - Metacarpal IV (Splint Bone): 2 splint bones on each leg; creates a channel for the tendons to settle within; provides support to the cannon bone

J - Proximal Sesamoid: embeded in the suspensory ligament; prevent overextension of the fetlock joint

K - Proximal Phalanx (Long Pastern Bone): comparable to the first bone in a human finger

L - Intermediate Phalanx (Short Pastern Bone): similar to the middle medium sized bone in a human finger

M - Distal Sesamoid (Navicular Bone): helps to stabilize the lower joints and the hoof; many ligaments in this area

N - Distal Phalanx (Coffin Bone): similar to the last small bone in a human finger where the fingernail grows
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About: Basic Equine Anatomy

1/26/2018

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   Sometimes horse anatomy lines up with other animals and some parts have unique names. Below is an image pointing out some of the most common horse specific parts. In the future we will dive deeper into some of these areas! For now, here are the parts that are talked about on possibly a daily basis.
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Poll - right behind the ears. Where the bridle and halter sit.
Mane - the long hair on the top of a horse's neck
Withers - the pointy top of the shoulder
Back - where the saddle goes
Loins - the horse's weak lower back. Don't put the saddle here!
Croup - basically the top of their bum
Dock of the Tail - the muscle and bone of the tail
Point of Hip - the pointy part that sticks out of their hip (I know, great explanation lol)
Stifle - a joint about where the leg meets the body
Hock - the pointy joint in the middle of a horse's back legs
Fetlock - the ankle of all four legs
Hoof - the horse's foot. The hoof is made up of the same material as our fingernails
Coronet - the part right about a horse's hoof
Gaskin - the muscly part between the hock and stifle
Flank - the sensitive part of the horse that meets the belly to the back legs
Elbow - the joint on the front legs that meet the leg to the body
Knee - the middle joint of the front legs
Pastern - the part between the hoof and the ankle
Cannon - the part between the ankle and knee
Shoulder - yup, that's their big ol' shoulder
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About: Types of Restraints

1/8/2018

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   Daily we handle our horses. Grooming them, riding them and loving on them. Sometimes, we need to do something with our horses that they aren't particularly fond of, like clipping, delivering medication, or leading them on a windy day. When those situations occur using a restraint technique can ensure both yours and your horse's safety. Below are an overview of the most common restraints. These restraints can very in severity and are to be used with caution and understanding. Being too firm with your horse can cause them to fear you and the situation, which no one wants. If you are wanting to practice any of these techniques look to your instructor or barn manager for assistance. 

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Chain Over the Nose

   This is a common way to restrain a horse. You can use this technique when handling the horse for the vet or when leading your horse around when they are feeling fresh. Yanking on the lead rope when you have a chain can be very severe and hurt your horse's delicate nose bone, so be careful.

Lip Chain

   A lip chain can be a difficult restraint for your horse to accept, it is an unique place for your horse to feel an object. The pressure of the chain affects both the gums and the underside of the upper lip. This pressure should be gradual and steady, DO NOT yank on the lead rope! Otherwise you can cause the horse severe pain and bleeding. 
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Lip Twitch

   There are three different kinds of lip twitches. The chain one you see to the left, a rope twitch and a homemade bailing twine twitch. The chain is the safest to use because the chain links will only twist so tightly together. With a rope or twine it is easy to twist too tightly and cause your horse to lose circulation if left on for too long. 

Skin Twitch

   A skin twitch is a simple distraction technique to get your horse's attention on something else besides what you are trying to accomplish. Depending on your hand strength this is a safe restraint that is difficult to overdo.
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Ear Twitch

   Some horses can be sensitive with their ears so using an ear twitch requires you to be aware of your horse's feelings. The last thing you would want to do is create ear issues with a horse that didn't have them before. This technique is commonly used when clipping their ears and bridle path since you need to work in that area.

Picking Up a Leg

   This is the easiest and least intrusive restraint. If you are needing to work on a certain leg and they won't stand still, having someone simply pick up the opposite leg can allow you to finish your task.
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Chemical

   There are many many different chemical drugs that can be used in a wide variety of situations. Determining what is the best to use in a particular situation is best left to your experienced barn manager or trainer. Administering a drug incorrectly can cause extreme repercussions that can be detrimental to your horse's health.
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About: Basic Riding Equipment

12/4/2017

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   When you first start riding, the overwhelming amount information that comes at you can be intense. It can seem like you need lockers full of stuff that you might never use. Well, if you are just getting started with horseback riding lessons below is a list of equipment that will really help your skills progress.

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Helmet

By far the most important piece of riding equipment! Keeping your brain safe is essential, broken bones can heal but you only get one head. Riding helmets are rated specifically for horseback riding, bike helmets are not made for falls from an animal. Check out this post about different helmet brands to find the right one for you. 

Paddock Boots

A pair of paddock books are the next most important piece of riding equipment. Paddock boots serve two purposes, first they keep your toes protected in case you get stepped on, which is bound to happen. And second the heel keeps your foot from sliding through the stirrup causing a rider to become stuck to the saddle in the event of a fall. 
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Half Chaps

Half chaps go over your paddock boots and pants to keep your legs protected from rubs from the stirrup leathers. They also give additional grip to the rider to help their legs stay in the correct position. That extra grip will keep a rider feeling more secure in the saddle.

Gloves

A good pair of riding gloves can be super helpful for new riders because they offer additional grip and protection from rubs and blisters. Not every rider feels gloves are necessary but in the cold months they become quite valuable. Riding gloves are made specifically with seams in areas that won't hurt a riders hands. Other gloves can be slippery and uncomfortable. 
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About: Different Helmet Brands

9/28/2017

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   There are many different brands of helmet out there of all different designs, fit, price points and features. Sometimes you are buying brand recognition, but many times the higher priced helmets have more to offer in terms of safety and comfort. Below the 9 most recognizable helmet brands are examined.

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Troxel

$25.00-$60.00
Troxel helmets are probably the best known introductory helmet. They come in many different colors and styles giving new riders a chance to express themselves with their riding gear. Most of these helmets have a spin dial at the base of the skull to help adjust the size and fit to grow with the rider. Sometimes these helmets can be a bit large and bulky and typically seen in everyday riding and not usually used for showing.

Ovation

$50.00-$100.00
Ovation gives you another low priced introductory helmet with a sleeker look. Young students still look polished going from practice to showing in this helmet. Many of these helmets also allow for adjustment with a similar rotating dial at the base of the skull. 
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Tipperary

$50.00-$130.00
The Tipperary helmets offer similar introductory prices, but this brand is more common in the eventing or endurance field. The shape of the helmet doesn't have that sleek round look desired for the hunter/jumper or dressage rings. The many vents in this helmet offers a lot of ventilation to keep you from over heating which lends itself well to the endurance and eventing disciplines. 

IRH

$25.00-$250.00
IRH helmets start to climb higher in price tag. This brand frequently has looks based off other higher priced brands. So if you want the look of one of the helmets below, chances are you can find an IRH with a similar look.
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One K

$180.00-$360.00
The One K is gaining popularity as a great first show helmet because it has a classic sleek look similar to the Samshield without the high price tag. These helmets come in many different colors and finishes. Some even have crystals embedded in the plastic offering some pizzaz to the show ring. These are sized based on a S, M, or L shell with liners inserted to get the correct fit.

Charles Owen

$80.00-$440.00
A classic, the Charles Owen is popular among professionals and the first helmet on this list that is well accepted as fashionable. However, even with it's popularity the Charles Owen helmets are still very reasonably priced. There are many different colors and finishes to these helmets. Some offer more vents than the one pictured to allow for more air flow. These helmets are also known for being a great fit for those with an oval head shape, though they just recently came out with a rounder style. These are sized based in inches.
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Kask

$500.00-$700.00
The Kask helmet is a relatively new helmet to the market and is more popular with European jumper riders. The wide brim option is slowly gaining ground here in the US but has yet to gain the fame as the Charles Owen, Samshield and GPA brands. The large vents in this helmet offer great ventilation and there are a ton of ways to customize this helmet allowing the price tag to get very high. These are sized in centimeters based of the circumference measurement of your head.

Samshield

$440.00-$800.00
The Samshield. Currently this is THE helmet people want and it is easily seen at every show around the US. Many top hunter, jumper and equitation riders sport this helmet. It is almost the uniform in the equitation ring these days. Many different colors and styles are available and you can customize this helmet beyond your wildest dreams, allowing it to get to be the most expensive helmet with those options. These are sized based on a base shell size of S, M, L and liners are added to get to your desired fit.
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GPA

$380.00-$700.00
When comparing the most popular styles of all helmets the GPA is the most expensive. However, if you are going to customize a helmet it falls in the middle of the pack. Most GPA helmets come in a few standard colors and customization is not offered. The speed-air as pictured was the helmet of choice just a few years ago. The large vents allow tons of air in and are great for warm weather riding. These are sized based on circumference of your head in inches. 

What is your favorite helmet brand? Let us know in the comments below or share you picture on Instagram using the hashtag #TheBarnRat!
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About: Draw Reins

9/12/2017

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    There are mixed feelings about draw reins. Many think they are abusive and others think that when used correctly are an effective training tool. I can see both sides to this coin, just like many things in the wrong hands almost anything can be used poorly. The negative and positive about draw reins is that they are easily adjusted. To make them tighter you just shorten the draw rein in your hand. This is convenient over tools that you would have to dismount to adjust. When used correctly draw reins are a helpful tool to get a horse to use their back and accept contact with the bridle. Below are the steps to use draw reins, a correct working example and an incorrect example.

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Draw reins attach to the girth, slide through the bit and buckle back like reins. 

   The reins slide through the bit going from inside to outside.
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   Many draw reins have the girth slide directly through them. This does not allow for easy removal if you plan to only use them for part of your ride. If you have a ring on your girth you can get draw reins with clips that can easily be taken on and off.

This horse is being correctly ridden in draw reins. The front of the horse's face is flat, or it could go with the nose farther out in front. When a horse gets to the desired position, the draw reins should relax their pressure so the horse gets a reward and knows this is where it should stay.
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This is the incorrect way to use draw reins. The reins are so tight the horse's nose is being drawn to its chest. This does not encourage balanced movement from the horse and is considered abusive. This is why many don't like draw reins, because they are adjustable you can tighten them too much.
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