All Work and Some Play

Winter time is usually a tough time for me to get in the saddle and hit the trails.  The weather where Trovao is kept is usually pretty rough.  Deep snow and open fields make it cold and unpleasant.  Lucky for us,  Christina has obtained permission from the lady who owns her farm for us to come over and use the arena.  Let me tell you what an experience it is.  We don't ride in the arena, we play!  It's a great way for the boys to stretch their legs and be silly, but still learn.  Not sure if I have mentioned this before, but Trovao is scared of everything.  Chairs, tarps, bouncing balls, you name it.  At times, I think he is scared of his own shadow.  Garbage bins, that are out every Thursday, that he has seen a thousand times, they are going to kill him.  So, we use the time in the arena, to attempt to desensitize him.   All this started last winter. 

We usually start off "play time" by chasing them around the arena to stretch, but then rein it in to free lunging them.  I love watching how Trovao behaves.   He becomes so attentive.  I wonder if it has a lot to do with when I first began to train him.  On the lunge line, I would give him 5 minutes to each side to buck, be silly, and gallop around, then it was business.  It seemed to be a method that worked for us.  Until now I've never had an arena to free lunge in, so it's been amazing to see how well he actually responds.   He has his cheeky moments, but he is learning.  

We do a lot of different things when we play.  For example, after we have got them warmed up and paying attention, we bring out the trotting poles and have them go over them down the long wall.   In the beginning, Trovao would do everything he could to avoid going over them.  Christina would say "over" and over Rusty goes, but not Trovao.  We would think that would just follow Rusty over, but at the last second, he would skip around them.  Eventually he started to go over them.  The nice thing is that they are the same poles used to set up jumps, so I think this has helped him associate them with jumps in the field.  Two weeks ago, Johanna and Apollo joined us in the arena and she set up some up as an actual jump on the opposite wall.   So the boys had to go over the trotting poles, then over the jump.  

Other times when we have worked in the arena, we have brought out tarps and different sized balls, and barrels.  Trovao doesn't like tarps, so one day we decided that it would be a good idea to play with one.  We started with it on the ground.  It took a bit of coaxing, but I actually got Trovao to walk on it. I was leading him of course, and treats were a definite reward.  Soon, I had him walking on it beside me without me holding him.  He would follow me on it.  I was pretty happy about this.  After accomplishing this, I decided that I would try to put the tarp on him.  He wasn't overly amused about it, but he trusted me.  I began by holding him and rubbing the tarp all over his body.  I would toss it up and have it make noise, as that's what scare him.   He didn't like it much, but again, trusted me.  By the end of the exercise, I had the tarp up and over his head.  While this was amazing, I'm still sure that if we come across one on the road, it will try to kill him.  

Other things that I have done with Trovao involve lunging whips.  In the beginning, I began with only one whip.  I would do the same thing I did with the tarp and run it up and down his body, flicking it over his back.  Quick movements would startle him a bit, but he accepted it.  I then began to swing the whip around at his sides, and eventually helicopter around his head.  The biggest challenge has been to not hold on to him while I do this.  Every time we play in the arena, I make sure to work on this.   Last week, when I went up to play, I tried two whips.  I couldn't believe it.  He stood right in front of me and let me swing both whips around his body and over his head!  This amazed me because I've only done this a few times with him.  My boy never ceases to amaze me.  

The next thing I want to work on him with is to kick a soccer ball.  He already expresses some interest in the ball.  While he hasn't figured out how to play with it, he does like to go and sniff it.  I have taken to kicking the ball to his front hooves and making him walk forward saying "Kick it".  He has done it a couple times.  Shocking enough I got the idea to kick the ball up and over the boys for fun.  While Apollo wasn't impressed with my idea, Rusty and Trovao weren't bothered by it.  That made me happy that it didn't spook him.  I have been able to kick balls under his feet, bounce them off his back, and play catch with Christina over his back.  Who knows, maybe I will be able to make a soccer star out my boy yet.  

I have been lucky to get some arena time with my boy lately.  While it doesn't compare to time in the saddle, it's still a great bonding experience.  I definitely recommend that every horse person take some time to just play with their friends. 

Well, until next time my friends.  Thanks for reading.

Ashley and Trovao

Trovao decided to be a paint after a nice roll in the arena.  

Up and Over

Well what can I say, work is such an inconvenience when it comes to me wanting to get back in the saddle.  But I'm sure Trovao doesn't mind not having to carry me around for a few hours on some trails.  OK, I'm sure he does miss it, and me, a bit.  I definitely do.

In my last post, I introduced everyone to our friends, Christina and Rusty.  I began to tell you about how they have been such an amazing influence on us.  Our first time out, Trovao and I were in a rough spot with each other.  Years of nothing but boring flat work resulted in fights and both of us souring. Getting ut on the trails and away from the arena was the best thing that could have ever happened.  We have finally reconnected.  When Trovao met Rusty, I couldn't believe how well they got along.  Trovao trusted Rusty and he would do anything with him.  Rusty and Christina have seen us through a lot of firsts.  I didn't think that we would see these firsts, but we have and it's a great feeling.  I think the first story I want to tell you about is our first time jumping.

Now, Trovao and I have jumped before, but it was not graceful, nor was it actually over a jump.  When he was about 5, we jumped a ditch because a truck was coming up the road.  OK, so maybe I shouldn't count that one.  I've always wanted to try jumping. All I've ever known in the equestrian wold was Dressage, so the thought was kind of scary, but also intriguing. The ride started out like any other ride Christina and I had been on.  She met me at the top of the driveway and we headed out to the neighbour's bush.  Our neighbour has a team of Clydesdale horses that he drives through the forest at the back of their property, so they have a really nice trail that we incorporate into our outings.  Near one of the entrances, Christina had set up 3 jumps, as she used the trail frequently.  When we approached them, she asked if we would want to try going over them, or we could go around them, but she would be taking Rusty.  I thought about it for a second and decided why not, lets do it.  So after a few pointers about seat position, we were off.  Rusty broke into a canter and Trovao followed suit, only he wasn't calm, he was anxious.  Approaching the jumps, I kept thinking "don't spook, don't refuse, and don't dump me!" But Trovao was amazing!  One, two, three and we were over them all.  I was so proud!  He did not miss a beat, and I'm sure he cleared them much higher than he needed to.  It was at that moment that I felt a huge change in my horse.  He had discovered something new and he loved it!  He walked with such an attitude after that, so proud of himself for doing it.  Christina took us over another log jump that was higher than the first ones, and again he just soared!  What a rush!  The ride ended up on riding on the trails behind Christina's barn, where she had a few more jumps set up.  Well you guessed it, we went over those too with no problems (following Rusty of course).  The only problem I have now, is that I have created a monster.  Now when I ride the trails, and Trovao sees the jumps, he becomes like a kid in a candy store.   You can just feel the excitement coursing through him.

After a few rides on these trails and going over these jumps, Christina suggested that we go to her friend's property, where they have a jumping course set up.  Why not!  Let's see what Trovao can do!  Well for anyone who knows my boy, these ones were scary.  If it doesn't look like a natural log, well it's just going to eat him.  The trotting poles on the ground may jump up and bite.  But, after a bit of circling around, and convincing, he gained the confidence to go over.   Before I knew it, we were jumping over plastic rain barrels, tires, and coloured jumps!  Today I don't even need to follow Rusty!  Trovao has found something that he really loves!  And because he loves it, so do I.  Secretly, Trovao is not the only jumping monster that was created.

On that note, I'm going to end this one for now.   I'll be back soon to recount another story for you all.  Thanks for reading.

Ashley and Trovao

Back in the Saddle

Hey Neighbours,

It's been a long time since I have been back to my blog, but I thought I would make a return.  While this used to be a blog for school, I am going to use it as my own personal blog now.  Use it as a space to write about my adventures with my own horse, Trovao. 

First I should tell you a little about my boy.  Trovao is my very beautiful 15 yr old Lusitano/Andalusian.  I have had him from the day he was born and he is my pride and joy.  I had the pleasure of training him right from the get go.  So I guess you can say, he is all my fault.

I've loved horses ever since I was a little girl.  One of my favourite movies as a little girl was Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken.  It's based on the true story of Sonora Webster and Dr. Carver's Diving horses.  A fantastic watch for all horse lovers out there.  In the movie, she trains a grey horse that she calls Lightning.  This movie always made me want my own "Lightning".  Well, when I was 15, I was blessed with becoming the proud surrogate mother of a beautiful colt.  He was born during the year that, in order to register him, his name had to begin with a "T".  (I used to ride on a Portuguese farm, that bred and trained Lusitanos and Andalusians.)  My friend owned his mother and she had compiled a bunch of Portuguese names and told me the meanings.  Trovao was the one that stuck out the most to me, and surprise! It means Thunder and Lightning! Well I can tell you that he lives up to this name.  He does not know the meaning of stop, slow down, WOAH! Out on the trails, my friends and I love to let the horses go for a good boot.  Many have said that all they can hear from behind is the thundering of his hooves, and then they see a flash as I go whipping past.  Or, I just leave them in the dust, as he opens up a new gear. 

For the longest time, I was a dressage rider.  I studied Classical Dressage, which is a beautiful discipline.  It taught me a lot of the fundamentals needed to train Trovao.  I would feel great after our rides in the arena, but as the years went on, each ride became less and less enjoyable.  We would fight all the time.  I had begun to lose the bond I had built with my horse, and that was sad.  One day, I finally got the nerve to take him off the property on a trail ride.  This was not a great experience on our own.... Cows.... they are the devil.  On this ride, I met some fellow riders who told me to get in touch with a lady who rides on the neighbouring farm.  She often trail rides and was always looking for a trail mate.  Well that was the best thing that could have ever happened to us.  While I still make Trovao perform flat work on the trails to keep him in line, my love for riding has been rekindled, and our bond is stronger than ever. 

So what I plan to do, is recount the past couple of years and the progress we have made, as well as my stories going forward of our rides.  I hope you will enjoy reading about them as much as I enjoyed experiencing them. 

Until next time,

Ashley and Trovao

Equine Therapy... A Great Way To Help With Special Needs

This blog was inspired by a friend of mine.  Her child has special needs and she has involved him in Equine Therapy.  This inspired me to write about it.  Many people do not realize that there is this option for therapy when their child is diagnosed with a disability.  A wonderful option for taking the stress out of going to therapy.

Developed in Europe in the 1950's, therapeutic riding was used as a tool for improving the lives of those with physical disabilities.  Today, it is used for children and adults with a variety of disorders. They range anywhere from autism, to speech problems, to substance abuse. Equine Therapy is fantastic for stretching, strengthening, and toning different muscles.  The natural movement of the horse mimics the way the pelvis moves when we walk, therefore training the body to move in the correct way.  It helps to develop the proper muscles that coordinate and assist the way we stand and walk.  

For a child with a speech problem, being around the horses works wonders.  The child is encouraged to talk to the horse in order to give commands and tell it what to do.  As the child begins to use the proper words, they gain confidence.  This leads to further development, not only in their speech, but in their social skills, the child is learning to interact.  

Equine Therapy does not just involve riding.  The children are taught to groom the horses as well.  This helps to teach them how to care for a living thing and strengthens their problem solving abilities.  One of the best benefits that Equine Therapy has to offer is the simple fact that horses do not judge. Horses do not care what you look like, how you speak, or what is wrong with you.  They like you for you and will take care of you, if you take care of them.  This helps children with behavioural and emotional issues.  They find that they can learn to trust, express feelings, and just to talk.  Working within the barn helps children learn how to develop and stick to a schedule, and also how to handle the situation if the schedule has to be rearranged.  

Horses are an amazing self esteem boost, especially when a child, that struggles to control his or her own mind and body, realizes that they are able to control something that is around 1,000+ pounds and has a mind of it's own.  

Horses have wonderful healing powers.  Just ask anyone who owns a horse, or rides.  It is truly remarkable what an hour or two with a horse can do.  

Sources:

http://www.equine-therapy-programs.com

Winter Care Tips

Hey NEIGHbours, it's that time of the year again, winter time.  You know what that means.  It's time to bust out those big blankets, water trough heaters, and it's going to be cold!  Here are some tips on how you can make sure your horses are prepared for the season.

Tip #1

Make sure that your horse has plenty of hay to eat in the paddock.  The bulk of their diet should be hay as by digesting it, the hay produces heat and helps to keep the horse warm.  A normal horse will consume roughly around 20 pounds of hay per day in warmer weather.  During the winter, that same horse may need 25 to 30 pounds a day.  

Tip #2

Ensure that your horse has an ample water supply.  Make routine checks to the paddock to make sure that the water trough is free of ice.  If you have electricity out near the paddocks, you could put in a bucket heater to help keep the water warm.  If the water is kept slightly warm during the winter, water consumption typically increases.  Add salt to your horse's feed, or provide them with a mineral salt lick to help increase water consumption. 

Tip #3

Show your horse some love in the winter and don't ask him to accept a freezing cold bit.  Keep the bridle in a heated area until it is not cold to the touch before putting it on your horse.  Hold the bit in your hand, under your arm, or inside your warm jacket to heat it up.  

Tip #4

Keep your horses feet free of snow.  A neat trick is to smear petroleum jelly on the bottom.  Make sure that you keep up with regular trimmings.  Clipped hooves will help provide a better grip on slippery ground, and are less likely to chip.  

Tip #5

When cooling down your horse after a ride, make sure he his ears are cold.  Cold ears mean a cold horse.  Make sure he is dry before putting him away.  Towel him over, roughing up the hair.  You can also use a hair dryer, if he is not afraid of them.  (Not a luxury for me, my horse would have heart failure.) Once dry, curry and brush him to separate the hairs and keep him warm.   

Tip #6

Ensure that you provide your horse with some form of shelter.  Trees help to provide a natural wind barrier, but the best protection comes from a run-in.  Make sure it is adequate enough to provide shelter for all the horses in the paddock.  When choosing a turnout blanket, make sure it is appropriate for the weather conditions.  Ensure that it fits properly and all straps are secure and safe.  

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog.  Be sure to check out my other blogs at http://fromthehorsesstall.blogspot.ca, and follow me on my respective social media sites.

Sources:

http://www.thehorse.com/articles/30899/winter-horse-care-tips-for-owners

http://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Your-Horse-In-the-Winter

http://horses.about.com/od/seasonalcare/qt/winterhorsecare.htm

Percherons... The Gentle Giants

Recently I have developed a love for the gentle giants of the equine world, draft horses, particularly Percherons.  I thought I would do a write up on these beautiful draft horses.

Percherons originated in the Huisane river valley in northern France, part of the former Perche province. La Perche is one of the oldest horse breeding regions in the world and is where the Percheron name developed.  In the 8th century, Arabian and other oriental horses were mated with heavy native horses and cob stock, producing the first Percheron horses.  In the Middle Ages, the Comte de Perche introduced Spanish blood into the breed, followed by the importing of Andalusian stallions by Comte de Rotrou.  Arabs and English Thoroughbreds were mixed into the bloodlines in the 18th century.  The gray colour in the Percherons can be traced all the way back to 1820, to two imported, gray Arababian stallions.  All the Percherons around today, can trace their lineage directly back to 1823 to a horse named Jean Le Blanc.

Percherons were originally bred for use as war horses, and artillery horses.  They have also served as carriage horses, pulling stage coaches.  Later the breed began to be used as a working horse, hauling heavy goods on the farms.  Breeders became more interested in using the breed as a work horse, rather than a carriage horse.  In the middle of the 19th century, heavy mares were brought in to mix with the breed in order to focus on breeding the heavier Percheron people are accustomed to today.  The first Percherons in North America were imported to the United States in 1839.  Canada imported their first Percheron from the United States. All Percherons in Canada and the United States remain genetically pure, as all horses can follow their ancestry back to the originating stock from La Perche.

The Percherons found in North America today, stand, on average, between 16.2 and 17.3 hands.  The range can vary from 15 to 19 hands, and they weigh in, on average, 1900 to 2600 pounds.  Typically they are black or gray in colour, but have been known to be roan, bay, or chestnut.  White markings have been known to appear on heads and legs, but the registries consider excessive white undesirable.  The Percheron head has a straight profile, broad forehead, large eyes, and small ears.  The chest is deep and wide, and croup is long and level.  Feet and legs are heavy muscled.

Percherons are known for their intelligence, ease of handling, equable temperament, and willingness to work.  These horses are an elegant heavy horse, and are active, showy and easy movers.  Although they adapt to different climates well, they are not as hardy in extreme winter conditions as other draft types.  Today the breed is still used as a working horse on small farms.  When they are not working on the farm, they are used for hayrides, sleigh rides, and parades.  Many people show the breed in hitching lasses.  Some even use them under saddle for both English and Western riding.

On that note, I definitely think my next horse is going to be a Percheron.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.  Please remember to subscribe to receive an email informing you of my next post.

Don't forget to check out my other blogs posts http://fromthehorsesstall.blogspot.ca, and follow me on my respective social media sites.

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Percheron
http://www.percheron.ca/history.htm

Endurance Riding... Perhaps My New Discipline?

Recently I have considered switching riding disciplines.  All I have ever known since I was seven years old, has been the world of Classical Riding, Dressage.  While I have enjoyed all that I have learned from it, sometimes you need a change of scenery.  I was introduced to the world of Competitive Trail Riding by a friend of mine.  It is something that she is looking into as well.  When we were at the Royal Winter Fair this weekend, we had the pleasure of speaking with a representative from the Ontario Competitive Trail Riding Association.  After speaking with him about what this discipline is all about, it prompted me to come home and learn some more about it.

Endurance riding was introduced by Wendell T. Robie.  The idea was to have a sport that involved rapport with one's horse; companionship on a trail; and the opportunity to share the incomparable scenery of the territory. The very first endurance ride was named the 100 Mile Telvis Cup, and due to it's success, 3 endurance organizations were soon created.  Endurance riding soon became a sport practiced by equestrian riders all over the world.

In 1968, Nancy Beacon, Di Regandaz, and Di Lindblad formed the Ontario Competitive Trail Riding Association (OCTRA).  OCTRA was formed after three founding rides.  The first was in 1967 when Di Linblad's Rockwood Trail Riders put on a competitive ride.  Following this ride, Nancy Beacon hosted a 30 mile competitive ride in Flesherton from Best's Stable.  The final founding ride was held by The Riding Canucks.  This was a 50 mile Endurance Ride that was open to everyone.  It began at Old Markham Fairgrounds in Markham Ontario, and ended in the Rouge Valley.  Only one horse failed to complete the ride.

Since its founding in 1968, OCTRA has grown to over 300 members in Ontario and Easter Quebec, and offers over a dozen competitions.  To find out more about how to join.  Visit OCTRA's website at http://www.octra.on.ca.

Thank you for reading my blog.  Please check out my other blogs at http://fromthehorsesstall.blogspot.ca

Sources:
http://www.octra.on.ca/Zikula/index.php?module=Pages&func=display&pageid=109