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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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How To: Hold a Crop Correctly

5/1/2017

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   Holding a crop is something many riders off all levels do. Sometimes horses need encouragement to go forward, a crop can be used to reinforce something you are telling your horse with your leg, or it can be used to discourage bad behavior. The crop can be held in either your inside or outside hand, it depends on what you are trying to accomplish. When your crop is not in use it should be kept resting across your thigh. This keeps the crop from waving around on accident, prevents unwanted slaps on the shoulder, and keeps the rider from breaking their wrists. The crop with rest through the middle of the hand with the thumb on top securing the crop in place. 
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About: Equitation Finals

9/20/2016

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   If you are under the age of 18 and enjoy jumping, then you have probably heard of the big eq classes at the fancy 'A' rated horse shows and maybe even watched with awe as these kids soared over the giant obstacles. I know that was me! For many it is the end-all be-all goal to accomplish with your riding career. And for many it truly can be the extent of their riding career. After turning 18 (and depending on the show competition calendar that is kind of complicated) you can no longer compete in the Junior divisions and then there are things like college and real life that need your attention. 

   Below you can read about each of the different Equitation finals. They are each unique, focusing on different aspects of riding. If you have any questions about these different classes please feel free to contact me! 

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USEF Talent Search Finals - West

​September 22 – 24, 2016
San Juan Capistrano, California
   The Talent Search finals are unique for starters because they are open to young riders, which is considered riders under the age of 21. This final is held over multiple days with a Flat day, a Gymnastic day and Show Jumping course day. The combination of scores from the three events and the test, determines the winner.

   This is the only final to have a West Coast final and an East Coast final.

USEF Talent Search Finals - East

October 7 – 9, 2016
Gladstone, New Jersey
   The jumps for the show jumping course can be set up to 1.20m aprox. 3'11". And while the course is timed, it is judged and placed based on the rider's ability to navigate the course with style and ease. The course is also to include an open water jump between 10 and 12 feet wide.

   These finals are meant to be a funnel for young riders looking to compete in international jumping competitions.
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Pessoa/US Hunter Seat Medal Final

October 16, 2016
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
   This final is open to Junior riders, under 18, and is also three phases, however set up differently. The first round is where everyone who has qualified for the finals will compete. Then the second round is only for a certain number of the top riders. Usually something like the top 25. Then the judges will pick a select few, usually around four, to participate in the test. The test is a shortened equitation course that determines the winner.

WIHS Equitation Finals

October 28-29, 2016
Washington D.C.
   Hosted over two days, 40 Junior riders are invited to participate. 30 from the East Coast and 10 from the West Coast. First riders will compete over a hunter style course at 3'6" while being judged on their equitation. Then the next day, in reverse of their standings (the winner of the hunter phase to go last), the riders will compete over a jumper style course at 3'6". Again being judged on equitation. Then that evening the top riders will be called back for a work off to determine the winner.
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Maclay Finals

November 1-6, 2016
Lexington, Kentucky
   This is the fourth jewel in the equitation medal finals crown that is also only open to Junior riders. Based on the number of riders to participate at the regional qualifiers, a certain percentage determines how many riders from each region will be invited to the finals. The first round of the finals is held over a 3'6" equitation course. A minimum of 12 riders are then called back to participate in a flat portion. Then the top riders can be called back for a test that produces a winner.

2015 WIHS Winner Maddy Darst

   If you are interested in watching what it takes to win one of these finals on the right is the winning round from the 2015 Washington International Horse Show Equitation Finals of Maddy Darst.

   The round is so effortless and smooth. The total epitome of the equitation finals.

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USEF Network

   Usually, every year the USEF Network will broadcast the equitation finals live. The schedule is not currently up to date saying they will show these events but, historically I have been able to view them here. A great free way to watch many of the top competitions across the U.S. in many different disciplines. 
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About: Learning Your Course

8/16/2016

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   Learning your course is a totally different thing at a show compared to when you are at home practicing. At home there is no pressure or nerves. You are not worried about what your competition is doing, what your horse is looking at or the scary jump in the far corner you are already spooking at. Many times the course your trainer is trying to teach you goes in one ear and out the other. So, here are a few tips and tricks on learning your course!

   1) Assign an identifying factor to each jump. Pick the color of the flowers, the poles or the standards to help you remember which jump you are looking for out on course. Many times jumps will have similar colors so be sure to find something unique about each.

   2) Repeat the course over and over in your head and aloud. After you feel comfortable that you know your course continue to go over it in your head. As you go over it you may find you get hung up on remembering one specific part. Even if you feel like you have your course down no problem be sure to repeat your course aloud to your trainer multiple times. They are responsible for knowing where you are going and making sure you don't accidentally learn the wrong pattern.

   3) Watch the other riders. As the riders ahead of you are doing their round say in your head where they should be headed next and how you plan on riding the corners and turns. Not always are the riders ahead of you doing the course perfect so acknowledge their mistakes and visualize yourself doing what you want to happen. Ride your lines straight, stay deep in your corners, look early, get the right stride numbers and keeping your pace. The more you ride the course in your head the way you want it to happen the easier it will be to make it happen in real life because it will be like you have already ridden the course.

   Any other helpful tips you have when learning your course? Be sure to share in the comments!
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About: Rules of Passing

7/18/2016

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   A few weeks ago we talked about Inside vs. Outside and what that meant when passing another horse. And that is a super important thing to remember, but there is one rule that is more important. Left shoulder to left shoulder! As you can see in the picture above the girls are passing each other with their left shoulders closest to each other. It's the same as when you are driving a car, you always pass the same way. 
   
   This rule is widely understood as THE correct way to pass another horse. However, if you plan on doing something different that is where calling inside or outside comes into play. By riding this way you avoid confusion and potential collision! I have been in the schooling ring and even at home during lessons and watched people not look where they are going and not call where they plan on being and end up running into another horse. I have heard stories of horses full blown running into each other at the canter because no one paid attention!

   Please, practice safety and communicate where you are going. Everyone will appreciate it!
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The 2016 Rio Olympic Team

6/30/2016

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   The Olympics! They are just a couple months away and yesterday the final riders were announced for the U.S. Olympic team riding in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Watching the Olympics, summer or winter, is a special event. The top athletes in their sport representing their country. I swell with pride and well up with tears just thinking about it. I love watching!

   I remember vividly watching the 2000 Sydney Olympics and stumbling across the show jumping playing in prime time (that almost NEVER happens). I was almost 9 and I pointed at the screen and declared "That is what I want to do!" I started riding lessons the following spring and haven't looked back. One day I will cross off doing the Grand Prixs. Until then, I will keep watching and cheering.
Let's meet the horse and rider combos that will be making the journey all the way to Brazil.

Show Jumping

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Lucy Davis & Baron

   (Los Angeles, California) This will be Lucy Davis' first Olympics and she will be riding Barron a 2004 Belgium Warmblood gelding. Barron is named after Davis' grandfather who was a jockey's agent. Davis is 23 years old and was the youngest rider at 20 to win a Global Champions Tour Grand Prix which she did in Lausanne. Davis also graduated last summer from Stanford University with an Engineering degree.

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Kent Farrington & Voyeur

   (Wellington, Florida) Another first Olympics for Kent Farrington and his mount Voyeur a 2002 KWPN gelding. Farrington grew up in Chicago and won many equitation finals towards the end of his junior years. He then turned professional and earned over $1 million in prize money his first three years. This amazing accomplishment earned him the Maxine Beard Award in 2001, which recognizes young talent with the potential to represent the U.S. 

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Beezie Madden & Cortes 'C'

   (Cazenovia, New York) Beezie Madden is the Queen of Show Jumping. She is the first woman to pass the $1 million mark in prize money and this will be her fourth consecutive Olympics. This trip she will be riding Cortes 'C' a 2002 Belgium Warmblood gelding. Madden has been representing the U.S. at the highest level for almost three decades and she has won the Equestrian of the Year honor four times in 2006 & 2007 and again in 2013 & 2014. She is the first person to receive back to back honors.

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McLain Ward & Azur

   (Brewster, New York) McLain Ward will also be making his fourth consecutive Olympic appearance this time aboard Azur a 2006 Belgium Warmblood mare. In 1990 Ward was the youngest rider to win the USET Medal Finals and Talent Derby at the age of 14. Then, as a professional he became the youngest rider to break the $1 million mark at age 24. Early in 2012 Ward suffered from a shattered knee cap and had to spend three months out of the saddle. His first event back was a Grand Prix win and then later that summer he went to the London Olympics.

Dressage

Allison Brock & Rosevelt

   (Loxahatchee, Florida) This will be Allison Brock's first Olympics and she will ride Rosevelt a 2002 Hanoverian stallion. Brock grew up in Hawaii and age 17 came to the mainland to train and work for Olympian Sue Blinks. Fritz and Claudine Kundrun, the owners of Rosevelt, saw elite potential in Brock and hired her to be their head trainer and decided to sponsor and develop her into the competitor she is today.
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Laura Graves & Verdades

   (Geneva, Florida) Another first Olympic appearance for Laura Graves and her horse Verdades a 2002 KWPN gelding. Three years ago Graves left her job as a hairstylist to develop her "unruly" horse Verdades. Under the guidance of many top trainers Graves has risen to the top level and since 2014 has made a huge splash in many international competitions. 
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Kasey Perry-Glass & Dublet

   (Orangevale, California) Also experiencing her first Olympics, Kasey Perry-Glass will be riding Dublet, a 2003 Danish Warmblood gelding. Perry-Glass began her riding career doing eventing, and it wasn't until high school she truly fell in love with the sport of dressage. She then graduated from California State University Sacramento with a degree in business entrepreneurship. Over the past three years Perry-Glass has won a few major competitions shooting her to the top of the sport.
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Steffen Peters & Legolas 92

   (San Diego, California) Bringing experience to the dressage team, Steffen Peters will be competing in his fourth Olympics aboard Legolas 92, a 2002 Westphalian gelding. Born and raised in Germany, Peters moved to San Diego in 1984 and became a U.S. citizen in 1992. Peters has an incredible show record including in 2008, riding a different horse Ravel, the pair won every single event they entered. 
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Eventing

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Philip Dutton & Fernhill Cubalawn

   (West Grove, Pennsylvania) Originally from Australia and representing AUS three times, winning consecutive team gold medals in the Olympics, this will be Phillip Dutton's third Olympics representing the U.S. after becoming a citizen in 2006. This year he is aboard Fernhill Cubalawn a 2003 Holsteiner gelding. Dutton has won the Leading Rider of the Year Title 13 times and held the title for ten consecutive years from 2000-10.

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Lauren Kieffer & Veronica

   (Ocala, Florida) This will be Lauren Kieffer's first Olympics and she will be aboard Veronica a 2002 Dutch Warmblood mare. Kieffer has spent many years training under eventing legends David and Karen O'Connor. When the O'Connors retired Kieffer got the opportunity to take over the ride of Veronica. In 2013 the pair found their groove and started making waves at the highest competitions. The pair was the highest ranked U.S. competitor at the 2014 Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event.

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Boyd Martin & Blackfoot Mystery

   (Cochranville, Pennsylvania) Another Australian born rider Boyd Martin was on the long list for the Olympics for three different years. After moving to the U.S. in 2006 Martin worked for Phillip Dutton before striking out on his own. After dealing with a tragic barn fire in 2010 and personal loss, Martin is back at the top of his game and will be competing in his second Olympics, this year with Blackfoot Mystery a 2004 Thoroughbred gelding.

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Clark Montgomery & Loughan Glen

   (Tetbury, England) Clark Montgomery will be making his Olympic debut aboard Loughan Glen a 2003 Irish Sport Horse gelding. After growing up in Texas, Montgomery moved to the East Coast to train with David and Karen O'Connor and Captain Mark Phillips. With many top finishes in the U.S. and abroad Montgomery decided to relocate his family and business in 2012 to the Cotswolds region of England.
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How To: Change Your Diagonal

6/23/2016

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   So we've learned how to know the correct diagonal, but know what do you do if you are on the wrong one to change it? There are two different ways to change your diagonal that are explained further below.
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Sit Two Bounces

   This is the most common and popular way to change your diagonal. By sitting two bounces you are better able to help keep your horse's balance and you don't lose contact with your horse. However, you shouldn't slam your seat into your horse's back! That can really hurt your horse.
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Post Two Bounces

   Holding the up position of the post for two bounces will also change your diagonal. This way can be gentler on your horse's back but, it is also very common to lose your balance more easily this way. It is also harder to maintain a steady connection with your horse this way because your seat is no longer there to help balance.
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How To: Know Your Diagonals

6/20/2016

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   POSTING TROT! Your trainer will shout, if you've never ridden before you might know what one of those two words mean, trot, or go faster. So now you are bouncing around as your horse trots around the ring. Then your trainer says posting is where you stand up and down out of the saddle while you trot. Ok, easy enough. Then she throws a kink in everything, she tells you that you are on the wrong diagonal. 

   How can I be on the wrong diagonal, I thought I was going straight? What in the world is she talking about? Have they lost their mind? 

   The main reason there is a correct and incorrect diagonal is because it helps maintain your horse's balance at the trot. So what is the correct diagonal? You want to sit when the front leg on the outside comes back. The video on the left shows when the left shoulder is coming back and the video on the right shows the rider sitting when the left leg, the outside leg, wrapped in yellow comes back.
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Check back in later this week to see how to change your diagonal if you are on the incorrect one!
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About: Canter Leads

6/16/2016

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   A couple weeks ago we learned about the different gaits a horse can do. This week I want to explain the canter a little bit further. Based on which direction you are traveling around the ring that determines what lead you need to be on. Being on the correct lead allows your horse to move comfortably and balanced. I can't tell you how many times I've seen someone land off a jump and not realize they were on the wrong lead and go speeding through the corner almost falling down because their horse was not on the correct canter lead. 

​   The canter is the most comfortable gait for a horse to jump. The momentum and impulsion (the controlled energy) of this gait allow the horse to be able to power up and over a jump. A horse can jump from the trot and even the walk, it is just more difficult. Stay tuned for a post about counter cantering. That is when you canter on the wrong lead, on purpose.
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The Left Lead

   The left lead is when the left front extends out the farthest at the canter. So, the three beat rhythm of the left lead is Right Hind (in yellow) followed by the diagonal pair of Left Hind and Right Front (in teal) and finishing with the Left Front (in pink).
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The Right Lead

   The right lead is when the right front extends out the farthest at the canter. So, the three beat rhythm of the left lead is Left Hind (in teal) followed by the diagonal pair of Right Hind and Left Front (in yellow) and finishing with the Right Front (in pink).
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Inside vs. Outside

6/9/2016

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   Have you ever been riding around in a crowded ring and heard someone shout "On your inside!" If you've never heard this before you might startle and look frantically around for what that could possibly mean. All the while you are ridding around and start to drift towards the middle of the ring. Then you hear from behind you "Watch out!! On your inside!!!" The words inside and outside are very helpful terms you need to know if you are ever in the ring with another person. Which, I'm pretty sure you will be. 

   Inside. Meaning the side of the rider closer to the middle of the ring. So, if you were going to pass the horse pictured above the inside would on the left side of your screen. Outside. Meaning the side closest to the wall, rail or perimeter of the ring. Again, to reference the picture above, you would be passing the horse on the right side of your screen.

​   Communicating where you plan on riding is of the utmost importance! Riding 1,200 lb animals could equal a huge disaster if there were to be a collision. So please, always look where you are going and PLEASE communicate that to the other riders in the ring. Also, when passing, make sure you give the other horse plenty of room. Many horses have large personal space bubbles and can either get angry about another horse coming so close or may become afraid and dangerous for their rider, you and your horse.
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