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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: 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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2017 Christmas Wish List

12/11/2017

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   Christmas is right around the corner and if you are wondering what to get the horse lover in your life consider a few items from my personal Christmas wish list below. There are many other things to get your rider friend other than anything with a horse on it. 

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Mae & Lort Ring Backpack
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ManeJane Spur Straps
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TKEQ Shop T-Shirt
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George Morris Book Set
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Shop Hunt Club Derby Belt
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Custom Fluff Monkey
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Back on Track Leggings
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How To: Clip the Ears & Whiskers

10/13/2016

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   Clipping the ears and whiskers are the simplest forms of clipping that can really make your horse look sharp and show ready. Also, have clipped ears helps a horse be more accepting of earplugs because the hair isn't irritating. There are many different types of clippers that you could use for this. I recommend a pair of clippers meant for horses! These clippers have removable blades that allow for fresh new blades that offer a smoother shave and also allow the blades to be sharpened. A good starter set of clippers are the Andis or an advanced set that I love are the Wahl clippers.

Ears

   Clipping ears can be done one of two ways. You can either trim just the edges and hair that sticks outside of the ear, or you can remove everything from the inside of the ear as well. Normally, for horse shows you would clip out all of the hair. This just looks the sharpest, as you can see in the image below. To do this you want to use a #30 blade. This length is WAY too short to use anywhere else on your horse!
   Trimming the ears can be disliked by many horses. It is important that you move slowly, gently and take your time. However, you also need to stay determined and wait your horse out if they object. Once they realize you aren't going to hurt them most horses give in and let you clip their ears without argument. Sometimes a horse can have had a bad experience that you are unaware of that will make clipping their ears a real struggle. This is definitely where patience and fairness come in to play. Never get frustrated with your horse and act out emotionally. This will only make them afraid and tell them that clipping is a bad thing. In the video watch how gently I handle my horse's ears. And like with anything for horses, the more you do it the more they get better at accepting what you are doing. 
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Whiskers

   Clipping whiskers is probably the easiest thing to clip and the most accepted area by horses. Make sure you are using the same #30 blades you used to trim up the ears. Again, this length of blade should only ever be used on the ears and whiskers! It is way too short for the whole body.
   When clipping the nose, make sure to clip under the bottom lip and the insides of the nostrils. There also can be some long stray hairs that go pretty high up the nose. Getting all of these little hairs helps your horse look their best. Even though most horses are well behaved for getting their whiskers trimmed I will always use my non clipping hand to hold on to their halter to help steady any sudden movements.
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How To: Use Earplugs

9/28/2016

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   I use earplugs every time I ride Lilly (the beautiful grey mare that I use for most of these demonstrations.) The reason is because she is a little sensitive to noises, especially unexpected ones. So, to cut down on her likelihood of spooking I use earplugs to help drowned out those sounds.

   Many times horses are comfortable in their home environment so everyday use isn't necessary, but trailering away to a new facility could put them more on edge. Almost every horse showing at an A rated horse show is going to be using earplugs.
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   If you are wanting to try out earplugs you can purchase them at many tack stores, they are black so they fade away into the shadows of a horse's ears to be discrete or you can find them online. If you aren't successful in finding earplugs in person and don't want to wait on shipping you can go to a pet store and find cat toys that are the exact same, just brightly colored (this can be helpful so you don't forget to take them out). They either look like little squishy golf balls, or I've seen them look like soccer balls too. I promise these work equally as well, you just wouldn't want to horse show in them.

   To put in earplugs, stand off to the side of your horse. If your horse has never worn earplugs before use on hand to gently grab the ear and the other to place the plug. Horses new to earplugs will lift their head away from you as you try to shove something in their ear, keep holding on to the ear and keep the other hand next to the ear. Once they realize you aren't going to hurt them they will let you put in the earplug. This may take some time, don't give up. Giving up tells your horse that behavior wins and the next time you try they will behave worse in order for you to stop.

   When your horse accepts you putting in the ear plug make sure you push it in as far as it will go. Don't worry you will not ever get the earplug in sooo far that you can't get it out. You might hear or feel a little pop, that means you've got it in the right place. The reason you need to put the ear plug so far into the horse's ear is because as soon as your finished they will most likely shake their head in order to get comfortable with this new feeling. And when they do that, if your earplug isn't in far enough it will come flying out and go bouncing down the aisle. Repeat for the other ear and voila, you're all set!

​   If you have any questions please feel free to contact me or leave a comment!
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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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How To: Trim a Mane

9/16/2016

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   So, last week we learned how to pull a mane. And while I will always say to do this first and get as far as you can. Sometimes cutting the mane is just the way things need to go. There are a few instances where cutting the mane is the better option. The first, if you are trimming the mane of a jumper. Jumper manes are typically longer and they want a more straight across look to them. Another reason to pick up the scissors is if your horse already has a really thin mane and pulling out any hair would leave them bald. No one likes that look so cutting the mane is the obvious choice. The third reason would be if your horse is totally throwing a giant temper tantrum about you pulling their mane and restraining them is no longer an option. Depending on how important them behaving for mane pulling is, you could give them a sedative to help calm them down. Using a sedative though requires professional help and you should always ask your trainer to administer the drug at the correct dosage. 
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   So, for any of the reasons listed above you've decided to cut your horse's mane. Never, I repeat NEVER cut your horse's mane with the scissors parallel to the mane. Cutting like this will result in a very choppy and uneven mane that when you try and fix it will just end up getting shorter and shorter. Also, for safety if your horse were to suddenly move you could end up stabbing them.
   The correct way to hold the scissors would perpendicular to the mane. You want to cut up into the mane instead of across it. This way, as you can see in the clip on the side, if the horse is to shake their head or move you can safely bring your hand away from the horse. 

   Cutting up into the mane also creates a more natural look to the end result. And because you aren't cutting straight across it also thins the mane a tiny bit letting the mane lay on the horse's neck in a more relaxed way.
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   To the left you can see an example of a jumper mane that has been cut. If you are trimming a hunter mane you will still want the length to be the same as discussed in the pulling post. 

   If you have any questions please feel free to reach out and contact me or leave a comment!
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How To: Clip the Bridle Path

9/13/2016

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   What is a bridle path? Well, it's exactly what it sounds like, a path for the bridle. Clipping this area just helps keep your horse looking sharp and allows your bridle to fit neatly on your horse. 

   To determine where your bridle path should be, start directly behind your horse's ears. Don't be fooled by where your horse's halter sits and think that's where your bridle path should be. It's called a bridle path because you are supposed to measure where the bridle would be. 
   So, start behind the ears and then use two fingers to estimate how long your bridle path should be. You really only want it be big enough for the headstall of the bridle. 

   Unless you are way taller than the horse you will be clipping grab a stool. Clipping the bridle path is not something that your horse should be resistant to but just in case, you don't want to be in the middle of a clipping pass to have your horse lift their head up on you. Goodbye forelock!
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   If your horse's old bridle path is waaaaayyy too long, like 5 fingers instead of 2, that has started to grow out, don't just reclip everything because that's what was done before. Endure the mohawk for a little while and let that hair grow out.

   As always if you have any questions feel free to contact me or leave a comment!
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How To: Pull a Mane

9/6/2016

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   One of the ways to keep your horse looking fancy and taken care of, at least for us hunter/jumper people, is to have a well kept mane. Allowing a mane to grow too long really makes your horse look messy. There are two ways to maintain a mane, this post will go over how to pull the mane and in a later post I will outline how to trim a mane with scissors.

   It is best to learn how to pull a mane first because this is the most traditional way and the expected way if someone where to ever ask you to take care of a mane. Pulling a mane is in fact pulling the mane hair out of the mane. Now that sounds like the most traumatic thing to do to your horse. However! Horses don't have nerve endings in their mane area, so pulling out the hair causes them no pain.

Step #1: Measure

   Depending on what you plan on doing with your horse and the need for making their mane shorter, there are two different lengths that are normal. The width of your four fingers is about the length you want the mane if you plan on going to a horse show where your horse will be braided. Shorter hair makes braiding easier. If you are just trying to keep your horse looking tidy I will include my thumb in the measurement. This gives the mane a little bit more weight and length so it doesn't mohawk and continues to lay flat on the horse's neck.
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Step #2: Back Comb

   First make sure you are using a metal pulling comb, a plastic one will end up breaking and a comb with a razor will be cutting the mane at the same time and is not desired.

   Start by grabbing a section of hair at it's longest point and then use your metal pulling comb to push the shorter hair away from where you are holding. By backcombing the mane you are keeping the majority of the hair and only pulling out the longest pieces. This helps to thin the mane while making it shorter.

Step #3: Wrap Around

   Once you have backcombed the section of hair you are holding, you then take what is left in your hand and wrap it around your pulling comb. By wrapping the hair around the comb you give yourself the needed leverage to pull the hair out of the horse's mane.
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Step #4: Pull

   Once you've wrapped the hair around the comb all that is left for you to do is pull the hair out. Make sure you do small-ish sections at a time to avoid pulling really hard on the horse's neck with a big chunk of hair. Again, horse's don't have nerve endings in their mane so they don't feel pain when you pull the hair out, but be fair and don't try and pull out too large of a section.
   Many horses, if they don't regularly get their manes pulled, will react to you doing this step. They are reacting to the pressure that pulls their neck to one side (you can see a small amount of movement in the video on the side) and not pain. If you are pulling a horse's mane for the first time go slow! Take breaks as the horse needs them and break it up into multiple days. As long as you stay calm and patient you will train a horse that calmly stands for getting their mane pulled without any fuss.

The Final Product

   Keep repeating these steps until you have done the whole mane, from poll to wither. Make sure you take steps back often to make sure you are staying even and straight. If it is your first time pulling a mane, stay on the safe side and leave the mane a little long. You can always make it shorter, it takes a while for the mane to grow back and cover up mistakes.
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   Also, start at the poll. So start right behind the horse's ears. The reason for doing this is because many horses don't really like you messing around either with their ears of just being up by their head like that. So, if you start there first they will appreciate it getting over with quickly. If you wait to do up by their ears until the end, after you have already spent time pulling the rest of their mane your horse will most likely have lost their patience with the process and be less willing to stand still for you.

   When you are finished you should have a nice straight, thin mane that helps make your horse look super polished.
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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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