Farm Disaster Preparedness

Seven steps to preparing yourself and your horses for emergencies

by Alayne Blickle, Horses for Clean Water

In the Pacific Northwest, many types of natural disasters are possible, including wildfire, arctic blizzards, major earthquakes, volcanic activity and flooding. Recent winter blizzards with record snowfall followed by warm weather with record rainfall produced massive flooding and accompanying landslides within our region. Many of us were impacted, and in some cases overwhelmed, by this weather. On-farm disaster preparedness can go a long way to help minimize disastrous results for you and your horses. 

During an emergency, the time you have to evacuate your horses will be limited. Having an effective emergency plan will help you move your horses to safety more quickly. If you are unprepared or wait until the last minute to evacuate, emergency management officials may tell you to leave your horses behind. Once you leave your property, you have no way of knowing how long you will be kept out of the area. To avoid this situation, emergency officials recommend the following steps to help you become better organized in the event of a disaster... (click here to read the full article in our digital edition)

Tying a Hackamore

Train yourself to create your own hackamore

by Patrick Hooks

This go-'round, I would like to share with you how to tie a hackamore. For the most part, the bosal is a very good tool that has been left to gather dust in the tack room, chest or trunk, usually because the instructions to tie the mecate line onto the bosal aren't in the Webster’s. Or, if a fellow makes the mistake of untying the line while trying to adjust it to a different horse, well, he can always say, "That was all Granddaddy had to use and he didn't know about all these new bits and gimmicks we have today." That way he won't have to admit he can't re-tie it. 

Let me take a shot at sharing the way I was taught to tie a mecate line onto a bosal, making what is called a true hackamore, known in Spanish as jaquima. The horseman who taught me was around 90 years old at the time he passed this knot along. I'm betting he knew his stuff...

(click here to read the full article with step-by-step photos in our digital edition)

March Spotlight on the News

Horizon Structures Offers Horse Rescue Donation with Every Sale

Horizon Structures is beginning an innovative new program, called “Horizon Cares About Horses,” that will donate $25 from the sale of every horse barn or run-in shed to a horse rescue organization of the customer’s choice. 

“We wanted to do something for horses and the people that have supported us all these years, and this is really a win-win situation for everyone involved,” says the company’s owner, Dave Zook.

 

Once an order is paid in full, $25 will be added to the tally of that customer’s chosen rescue. In December 2009, Horizon Structures will mail out checks to all groups that have accumulated monies throughout the year. If rescue groups wish to promote this program as a fundraiser, Horizon will gladly provide free brochures or other sales support. In return for all this, Horizon Structures merely requests a link on the rescue group’s website.

For more information, please contact Jill Siragusa at 888-447-4337 or info@horizonstructures.com. Learn more about Horizon Structures' products at www.horizonstructures.com.

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Equine Nutrition’s TriFecta 3 in 1

Product review by Karen Pickering

I recently started supplementing with Equine Nutrition's TriFecta 3 in 1, and have already found it so palatable that my mare, April, will eat it by itself. The packaging is very convenient with a resealable closure for freshness and an included measuring scoop.

The most noticeable benefit I've seen so far is the disappearance of the rings in April's hoof. Even over the short period I've been using the product, the rings are disappearing with each trim (two since I started supplementing). The little extra “bloom” in her eye and winter coat is definitely noticeable. 

The science behind the product is solid. Developer Del Johnson was a pioneer in bringing organic selenium to the marketplace. Equine Nutrition introduced TriFecta in 2005 to combine nutraceuticals for hoof and joint health with probiotics and a vitamin-mineral supplement for the first time in one product. 

Equine Nutrition’s products are pharmaceutical grade, which means they are the highest quality available to our equine partners. This is truly a product that addresses the needs of our horses in the Northwest. 

Find out more information at www.horseguard.com or call toll free 1 (800) 553-4246. See ad on page 8 of the print magazine or digital edition.

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Sweet PDZ Horse Stall Refresher Joins Forces with Manna Pro Products

Sweet PDZ Horse Stall Refresher is very excited to announce a sales and marketing partnership with Manna Pro Products. This partnership will make Sweet PDZ available at additional retailers across the U.S. and wherever Manna Pro products are sold. 

Proper ammonia absorption is critical for maintaining the respiratory health of stalled horses. Over 25% of all vet calls are for respiratory ailments; Sweet PDZ helps to prevent ammonia-related respiratory problems. Sweet PDZ effectively neutralizes and removes ammonia odor and absorbs moisture, safeguards respiratory health by eliminating dangerous ammonia fumes, and outperforms hydrated lime three to one.

For additional information please visit www.sweetpdz.com.

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Keep track of Important Details With a "Horses Make a Difference" Journal

The perfect size to take with you when you're on the go, the “Horses Make a Difference” journal is your gift with the purchase of two doses of IverCare® (ivermectin) Paste or StrongyleCare® (pyrantel pamoate) Paste from participating retailers, while supplies last. 

“For more than 20 years, Farnam Dewormers has been committed to providing dependable deworming products to horse owners across the country,” says Heather Hoff, sr. vice president of Farnam Horse Products.

 

For more information about Farnam Dewormers, the "Horses Make a Difference" offer, or other horse products, call toll free (800) 234-2269 (U.S. only) or visit www.farnamhorse.com. 

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A Natural Foundation: The Complete 10 DVD Set

Review by Karyn "K.C." Cowdrey

Jonathan Field’s A Natural Foundation is a complete ground and riding how-to guide. From the beginning, Field’s DVD series takes you step by step through how to become an effective leader and strong communicator with your horse.

Throughout the series, Field shows as well as clearly explains on not only how to achieve a desired result--like your horse moving off of pressure--but why it is important and why you don’t want to try to skip steps.

The groundwork series flows cleanly and logically into the riding series. Throughout both, Field does a great job of covering the most effective ways to communicate with the horse, reminding us that consistency and having fun are keys to success.

This set is a good value for the amount of information covered. Basically, it is a clinic in a box for those who can’t attend in person. Learn more at www.jonathanfield.net.

Join the Cow Horse Fun

The Northwest Reined Cow Horse Association is beginner-friendly

by Allison Trimble

The Northwest Reined Cow Horse Association is an affiliate of the National Reined Cow Horse Association and offers cow horse, reining and cutting events at shows throughout the Northwest. The growth in the cow horse sport over the past five years has been staggering, and this association has a competitive level that rivals any in the nation. In their quest to encourage new participants, for the first time this year, the NWRCHA is offering classes that are open to all levels of competition.

The reined cow horse sport is rooted in history. Divisions are modeled after the vaquero tradition of training horses for work. The horses are athletic and talented and the riders are experienced. NWRCHA shows offer classes that are NRCHA-approved, such as hackamore, bridle, two rein, and non pro limited (boxing) classes, along with special events such as futurities, derbies, and bridle spectaculars. Typically, horses are shown in futurities and derbies in a snaffle bit. Then, as four- and five-year-olds, they are shown in the hackamore for one year. Usually, 6-year-olds are shown in the two rein, and then spend the rest of their careers showing in the bridle (one-handed in a spade bit and romels). This is an awesome method for training and showing your horse, but can sometimes be limiting and overwhelming for new people who are looking to get involved. Most beginners start with the non pro limited class, in which the competitor performs a reining pattern and then “boxes” a cow only, meaning they work the cow in the end of the pen but do not take it down the fence. 

There are a few hurdles for new people coming into this sport. Unless you ride with a trainer, knowing the rules, regulations and standards can be challenging and expensive to learn. Classes can also be expensive, and there is the issue of purchasing proper gear such as romels, a cow horse bit, and chaps. Many beginners have horses that are slightly older; riders may have some experience reining or working a cow, but would not be able to show their horses one-handed. 

Sometimes the restrictions on classes and the level of competition at these shows can give the impression that the cow horse world is unfriendly or does not welcome new people. This is simply untrue. 

For the past year, the NWRCHA has been trying to find an answer to this problem, and I am happy to announce that the following classes will be put into effect at the NWRCHA show in Lynden on March 13, 14 and 15:

   1. Beginning Reining Class: open to those who have won less than $100 in reining or cow horse competition. There are no restrictions on bits, breeds, or age of the horse. 

   2. Beginning Boxing Class: open to those who have won less than $100 in cow horse competition. There are no restrictions on bits, breeds, or age of horse, and chaps are not required. 

Both classes have relatively low entry fees, and riders are only required to be a member of the NWRCHA. Even more exciting is that there will be a buckle awarded in each class at every show--one in the reining class and one in the cow horse class. Buckles go to the competitor with the highest cumulative score of the two days combined. The two buckles at the March show are sponsored by your very own Karen Pickering and the Northwest Horse Source Magazine. 

So come on out and join the fun! There is no longer an excuse not to participate. If you feel like you don’t know anyone at the shows, well, you know me--so hunt me down and I’ll introduce you around to everyone. I am happy to answer any questions about the show or getting involved in the great sport of cow horse. You can reach me directly at coastalequine@aol.com. 

More information is available at www.nwrcha.com. 

Combining Exercises

Gymnastic Exercises for Horse and Rider, Part 3

by Alice Trindle

If you have been following this series on gymnastic exercises and have been applying them with your partner, the horse, then you should be feeling an improved balance, softer shoulders, and hips that move more freely. 

All of the previous exercises in this series help to strengthen and supple the horse. They also assist with understanding subtle communications through the use of your aids. Through combining your balance aids (focus, shoulders, arms, elbows, tummy and hips influencing your seat) with the pressure aids (leg, calf and inner thigh) and politely making suggestions with your hands through a feel on the reins, you will be to execute these exercises with minimal effort. (See review section below for links to past articles on balance and pressure aids.)

Now, let’s combine these maneuvers to develop a flow between postures that creates rhythm, enhances our timing and use of the aids, and prepares both horse and rider for such jobs as flying lead changes, canter pirouettes, and correct spins. 

Balanced Circle to Shoulder-in to Half-pass

What: Riding the long side of the arena or from the center line, pick up a 10-meter circle, move into a few steps of shoulder-in, then into a half-pass on the diagonal with shoulders leading.

Why: The intent of this exercise is to engage and strengthen the inside hind legs, hips, and hocks; flex the ribcage; soften the jowl; and prepare for correct positioning and balance of half-pass postures. It will also help the horse and rider understand precise use of aids and develop the ability to subtly change and flow between postures. This is not an exercise limited to those pursuing classical dressage! This combination is wonderful preparation for balanced lead changes, correct turn-on-the-haunch, and, in short, communication to all four corners of the horse. 

When:  I use this combination after I have established a balanced circle, a flow for the shoulder-in, and a beginning understanding of the half-pass. These elements need to be in place first or you will risk attempting this combination with poor rhythm, shoulders casting, hips leading, and an overall lack of balance. This combination of postures and movements requires both horse and rider to become more vigilant of their aids, geometry, balance and timing.

How: As in previous gymnastic exercises, it is important that you visualize the geometry prior to starting. I highly recommend riding this combination on your two-leg horse first to feel the balance and rhythm at the walk and trot. It will also assist you with your focus. 

1. As you ride out of the corner, pick up a straight, balanced 10-meter circle, where the inside pair of feet track up on the circle and  the outside pair track up on the outside of the "railroad track" (a parallel track along the circle). 

2. Just prior to departing the circle, keep a slight inside bend (to the right in this illustration). Bring your balance slightly to the left, relax your left leg and caress slightly with your right calf.

3. Accomplish a few steps of shoulder-in. This will position the shoulders to lead in the half-pass rather than starting from a haunches-in posture, which would cause the hips to lead and the shoulders to drag behind in the half-pass--not good!

4. Visualize your half-pass on the diagonal. Shift your balance to the right (or the inside of the bend). Place your left leg back to secure the haunches, put a little feel in the right rein and leave a slight feel in your right calf to invite the horse to step into it, keeping the bend to the right. I feel for the change in flow of energy from the right hind leg to left rein in the shoulder-in, to the exchange from left hind to right foreleg and/or rein in the half-pass.

Cautions: Once again, this is an exercise that is easy to try too hard to accomplish. That just ends up creating bracing in both yourself and the horse. Relax, visualize, see the geometry, and ride for the balance and feel. The biggest note I can reiterate is that a proper, balanced half-pass starts from the outside hind and flows to the inside fore, keeping the shoulders positioned ahead of the hips. 

Since we practiced the haunches-in posture out of the circle in last month’s exercises, your horse may want to depart the circle with his hips to the inside of the track. Don’t let him! Start your half-pass with the shoulders-in, then change your aids to request the half-pass. Your forward/sideways movement will remain balanced, rhythmic, and ready for you to ask for another maneuver. 

See www.tnthorsemanship.com/articles for further combination exercises.

It's time to combine exercises to supple, flex, and prepare you and your horse for a magnificent dance! Make it a dance in which both partners have positive attitudes with bodies ready for anything life throws at them.

References

Gymnastic Exercises for Horses by Eleanor Russell

The Gymnasium of the Horse by Gustav Steinbrecht

For Review

Find past articles and exercises in this series online:

On Alice's website (July – Sept. 2007 Beyond the Basics are articles on balance aids)

Here at NWHS

Discover the Power of Chiropractic, Part 1 of 3

A new series exploring the mechanics and benefits of equine chiropractic care

by Brooke Johnson, DVM

What is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic is a holistic health care system widely used in human medicine and quickly growing within the veterinary field. The word “chiropractic” is a combination of the Greek words for “hand” (cheiros) and “done by” (praktikos), meaning “done by hand.” The science and philosophy of chiropractic focuses on the relationship between spinal biomechanics and the nervous system. Restoring spinal motion will optimize nervous system function. Since the nervous system is critical for all body functions, a restriction to spinal movement will adversely affect coordination of movement and overall health.

Chiropractic is not intended to replace traditional veterinary care, but offers a complimentary therapy that is used to successfully treat many health and performance problems.

 

Focus on the Spine

The equine spine is a complex structure made of bone, ligament, cartilage, nerve and muscle. It has two very different, but very important, functions. The first is to protect the spinal cord that runs within the spine. The spinal cord and the many nerves emerging from it are necessary to keep the information highway of the body communicating openly between the brain and every part of the animal’s body. The second function of the spine is to facilitate movement. Individual vertebral joints have little mobility, but when acting as a whole the back and neck are quite flexible. Horses are phenomenal athletes, and the spine is the centerpiece of the biomechanical mechanism that takes propulsive forces generated in the hindquarters and translates the energy into forward movement. Knowing both of these functions, it is easy to see why a healthy spine allows a horse to be flexible, healthy and happy. Conversely, a spine that does not move properly will cause a horse to be stiff, sick, and not performing to its potential.

Vertebral Subluxation Complexes

Vertebral subluxation complex (VSC) is the term used by animal chiropractors to label a joint of the spine that exhibits a restricted range of movement. Simply put, the joint is “stuck.” Flexibility at that area of the spine is decreased and the body compensates by over-flexing a different part of the spine. Compensation uses extra energy and requires engagement of different muscles that are asked to do a job they are not intended to do. VSCs identified during a chiropractic exam are corrected by an adjustment. An adjustment is a quick, short, controlled thrust along a joint plane. These corrections are very specific, high speed, low amplitude motions that cause a stuck joint to become unstuck. The list of reasons VSCs develop is quite long and will be covered in an upcoming article.

What to Expect

Veterinarians or chiropractors who have taken extensive animal chiropractic post-graduate training are eligible to be members of the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association (IVCA) or American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA). Using a doctor certified by one of these organizations will ensure your animal is getting the very best treatment. 

A chiropractic exam begins by discussing the animal’s medical history and any current conditions the owner hopes to address through chiropractic. The doctor will begin to examine the animal and make a determination whether examination by the primary care veterinarian is necessary prior to chiropractic therapy. If the doctor feels it is appropriate to proceed with chiropractic care, then the entire musculoskeletal system will be palpated for soreness, muscle spasm, pain, swelling and muscle atrophy. The animal will be observed in motion to identify gait abnormalities. Then, the spine will be motion-palpated to identify VSCs. Each VSC identified will be treated by a chiropractic adjustment. Although particular attention will be given to the spine, other joints within the legs, jaw, or skull may also be adjusted. Lastly, aftercare instructions regarding exercise and follow-up appointments will be given. 

Will Your Horse Enjoy a Chiropractic Exam? 

Yes! Chiropractic exams and treatments should be very positive and enjoyable for both you and your animal. 

Upcoming articles in this series will explore chiropractic further. Topics to be covered include how to determine which horses will benefit from chiropractic care, what causes restriction of spinal movement, and the science of how an adjustment affects the nervous system.

The Mediterranean Miniature Donkey

The term "miniature donkey" is sometimes used to refer to donkeys of any breed that happen to be small, but a true member of the Mediterranean Miniature Donkey breed traces its ancestry to Sicily and Sardinia, and before that, the North African coast. Miniature donkeys average 32"-34" in height, with a 36" maximum for the breed standard and a recommended 30" minimum for health reasons. They come in many colors, ranging from grey dun to sorrel to white or spotted, many with the characteristic cross on the back and shoulders that is seen in larger donkeys.

Mediterranean Miniature Donkeys should always be kept with a companion animal, preferably another mini. Their herd instincts are strong, and loneliness can lead to undesirable behaviors such as excessive braying, temperament issues, and health issues. Like full-sized donkeys, mature minis can be trained to carry packs or pull small carts, with allowances made for their size. Unlike their larger cousins, however, they do not make good herd protectors because their small size is not ideal for fending off predators. 

If you want to share in the wonder of equine ownership but don't have the space for horses, or if you want a lovable, intelligent, friendly companion for yourself, your kids, and your other animals, then the loving, adorable Miniature  Mediterranean Donkey may be just the animal for you.

References: National Miniature Donkey Association and the American Donkey and Mule Society. Photos provided by JF Ranch, www.jfranch.net.

What to do About Worms

Resistance to dewormers is increasing. How does a horse owner cope?

by R. Paul Schwab, DVM

If you haven’t heard already, I’ll break the bad news: we are already starting to see resistance to our current dewormers for horses. The worse news is that there are no new dewormers due to come out anytime soon. What does this mean? We need to utilize other methods of parasite control besides just giving dewormers every eight weeks. 

Dewormer resistance is not a new problem, especially on the East Coast. There has been resistance to most dewormers in goats and sheep for several years, but more recently it has become an issue in the horse population. We are just starting to see some of this resistance here in the Northwest now.

Without going into too much detail, resistance has probably developed over the years from our various rotational deworming strategies. Slow rotation, or using one product at regular intervals, without monitoring by checking fecal egg counts may allow resistant worm populations to dominate the pasture without being killed. Fast rotation schedules, or rotation of different products at regular intervals, may be selecting for resistance in all the classes used in the rotation if not monitored with fecal egg counts. 

What Can We Do? 

First of all, remember how horses actually pick up worms: the worm eggs and larvae live in the horses’ manure or the grass and ground just around the manure pile. If the horse grazes on pasture contaminated with these parasites (we are talking thousands of eggs in one manure pile), they will eat the eggs or larvae. These eggs or larvae then go through several stages of development within the horse and turn into adult worms that lay more eggs in the manure to contaminate your pasture. Removal of this manure is one strategy to reduce pasture contamination. 

What about harrowing? Remember, the worms stay within the manure pat. If you spread it around, you are actually spreading the larvae and eggs around the whole pasture instead of containing them in the manure pile. If you are not removing manure, you are better off leaving the “islands” of manure pats because usually—though not always—horses will avoid eating around the manure. Harrowing will help only if the ambient temperature is above 85˚, sunny, and the pasture can have no animals on it for at least four weeks (two months or more would be better).

Other practices that may help with reducing pasture burden include grazing on fields used recently for hay and rotating pastures with other livestock species (cattle, sheep, etc.).

Multiple-Horse Areas

We have always treated herds as a whole. If you deworm one, you assume they all have the same exposure and deworm everyone at the same time. We may need to rethink our strategies and identify individual animals that have more susceptibility to parasites. Geriatric and young horses, in general, are more prone to parasite infestation, but there also adult horses that may shed more worms and have less immunity to fight off parasite burdens. Using fecal sample monitoring, we can try to identify these animals and utilize that information to determine how often to deworm individual animals that shed more eggs into the environment.

Monitoring Egg Counts

Another way to utilize fecal egg counts is to monitor the effectiveness of individual deworming medications on the parasites on your farm. This is done by having a fecal test done the day that you deworm your horse. A follow-up fecal sample should then be taken ten to fourteen days after deworming. The formula for reduction is as follows:

[(Pre-Treatment Eggs/gram feces – Post-treatment Eggs/gram) / Pre-Tx EPG X 100]

Numbers above 90% indicate that the product is efficacious, and numbers below 80% indicate resistance. Numbers between 80-90% are questionable. This formula is a good tool but was developed with other species, not horses, so it should not be a gold standard. Further research may adjust this formula in the future, but for now it is very helpful to give you a general idea.

This is a very hot topic right now and much is still to be learned. As equine veterinarians and horse owners, we are in for a challenge over the next few years to get our arms around this issue. We have all trained ourselves to follow a schedule that until now has been the most consistent way to keep horses healthy and free of parasites. My advice is to sit down with your veterinarian to discuss a plan for parasite control for your individual farm situation. Utilize your veterinarian’s lab to assess your horses’ parasite load. You may actually find that your horses need to be dewormed far less often than you thought. 

Starting & Running Your Own Small Farm Business

by Sarah Beth Aubrey

Running a small farm goes beyond growing, raising and crafting artisan products. Locally grown produce and specialty farm items also have to be marketed and sold to wholesalers, retailers and consumers. To help farmers position themselves well in the market, Sarah Aubrey offers a business-savvy reference that covers everything from financial plans and advertising budgets to web design and food service wholesalers.

Although Aubrey's book focuses on the business of raising and selling of produce, dairy and beef products, there is much information for any agriculture-based business. The sample prices offered may be inaccurate due to many recent changes in the economy, but the advice given for determining pricing and figuring costs and expenses is solid. Overall, the book is an excellent reference for any independent agricultural business, and offers useful resources to further your knowledge as your business grows.

Paperback, 176pp
Color photographs and illustrations throughout
ISBN: 978-1-58017-697-2
www.storey.com

Eliminate Leg Yielding Resistance

Use quality contact for leg yields without resistance

by Jane Savoie

People often tell me that their horses leg yield very well as far as going sideways is concerned, but they tend to toss their heads and show resistance to the reins. In desperation, some riders even use a tie-down to put pressure on the nose to discourage their horses from yanking at the reins.

If your horse finds it fairly easy to cross his legs and move sideways with his body, yet he's tossing his head during leg yields, it sounds like he's objecting to your contact with his mouth. Any effort to steady his head with methods such as tying it down or using draw reins is simply treating the symptom rather than the cause.

Leg Yield vs. Rein Yield

The first thing that occurs to me is that you might be "rein-yielding" rather than leg yielding. Often when riders begin to teach their horses to leg yield, they try to move them sideways by pulling them over with the reins. As a result, their horses feel restricted and unhappy.

Your reins actually do very little during a leg yield. It's not their job to help your horse go sideways. When leg-yielding to the right, for example, turn your left wrist as if unlocking a door to ask your horse flex at the poll to the left. While flexing with your left wrist, keep your right rein steady and supporting like a side rein to prevent your horse from bending his neck too much to the left.

Your legs ask your horse to move over. In the above example, your left leg moves slightly behind the girth to ask your horse to go sideways while your right leg stays on the girth to ensure that he goes forward as well.

Keep your weight balanced over the center of your horse. It's easy to get "left behind" and lean to the left. This happens partly because the horse is moving to the right and partly because some riders push too hard with the left leg. If your leg says, "Move over" but your weight says, "I'm going to make it difficult for you to do so," you'll probably resort to using your reins for leverage. To counteract this tendency to lean, pretend you’re going to dismount. That is, if you’re leg yielding to the right, step down into the right iron and pretend you’re going to dismount off the right side of your horse.

Quality of Contact

Now let's look at the quality of your contact. Here are the ingredients that contribute to an inviting and sympathetic contact:

First, maintain a straight line from the bit to your hand to your elbow. Keep your thumb the highest point of your hand. Make sure one hand is the mirror image of the other so you offer an even contact on both sides of the bit.

Next, establish a firm connection with your horse's mouth. "Lightness" becomes a goal only after you begin to collect your horse and ask for self-carriage. At this stage of your horse's training, a light contact means that there isn't a solid connection from his hind legs to your hands.

The contact should also be consistent. The reins shouldn't alternately go slack and then tight. Your horse might not mind when the reins get loopy, but you'll be jerking him in the mouth each time he hits your hands again.

Next, strive for an elastic contact by using your elbows to allow for movement--either your movement or your horse's. In the walk and canter, your horse moves his head and neck forward and back, so an elastic contact requires that your arms follow this movement by moving forward and back as well. The motion is like rowing a boat.

In the rising trot, your horse's head and neck are steady, but you go up and down. You need to allow for this motion by opening your elbows as you rise. Think of pushing your hands down as you rise (rather than forward as in the walk and canter) and bending them again as you sit. The motion is like a hinge on a door opening and closing.

Check your Contact

Run over this list while you're still on a straight line, and then strive to maintain all of these qualities during the leg yield. Challenge yourself gradually and systematically by starting with a small leg yield. For example, turn down a line that is only one meter away from the long side of your arena. Before you start moving sideways, run through your "contact check list." Then keep the contact exactly the same as you move toward the track. When you can do this easily, progressively increase the distance away from the track.

Ask someone to watch your hands during the leg yields. If you don't have a ground person, peek at your hands. Of course, ideally you should have your eyes up, but if you work alone, you might have to look at your hands for a while to get feedback. Once you can see what you're doing and can feel how to make a correction, you'll have more "educated" hands and can look up again.

For more information on leg yielding, check out Train with Jane Volumes 1 and 2 and Cross-Train Your Horse at janesavoie.com or visit www.dressagementor.com.

This article originally appeared at ezinearticles.com. Reprinted with author's permission.

Healthy Barn, Healthy Horse

All Purpose Structures understands horses' needs

We all like to see healthy animals on a farm. Some farms, however, are at a much higher risk for sick animals. The solution to having healthy horses may be easier and simpler that you think. The answer lies in whether or not your animals have a proper home.

Dr. Craig A. Smith (DVM), a veterinarian in Washington state, explains the vital importance of having a home to shelter animals.  “The climate of the Pacific Northwest requires that all animals have access to a solid structure to get out of wind, rain, and away from soggy ground. Many of the disease conditions veterinarians are called to consult upon have their basis in either no shelter at all or a building that simply does not prevent exposure to the weather.”

Click here to read the full story in PDF format.