Setting Realistic Goals

Setting Realistic Goals

The New Year is just around the corner, and it may be time to set some goals for our horses and ourselves. Realistic goals are sometimes difficult to set because goals may intertwine with dreams of grandeur. Dreams are a nice distraction but they are impractical, goals are practical but at times unrealistic. How can we make our objectives a reality? It is as uncomplicated as setting reasonable goals for horses and us. The first step would be to define what your true ambition is concerning your riding and your horse. Ask yourself, why do you ride, what do you want from your riding? What do you hope to achieve in the coming year? What are your physical abilities and your horses? Do you want to compete, trail ride, hunter pace, and work on fitness or better communication skills with your horses? How much money do you have to contribute to your sport, how much time is allotted for your commitment to riding? Evaluating your reasons for riding may help to define what goals you should set and more important the realistic potential regarding you and your horse’s abilities. In order to succeed and attain your goals you must formulate a plan and follow through.

Future Goals

Future goals are what you desire to achieve farther down the road. These objectives should be realistic and reachable with your commitment and dedication. Obviously, an ambition of winning the gold at the Olympics would be unrealistic and a waste of time. However, don’t make the mistake of limiting yourself to less challenging goals, as long as you and your horse are physically able; set goals within your reach, aiming neither to high nor to low. List in a notebook all your long-term goals. Be honest with yourself about your actual wants and even more straightforward about your abilities. By being honest with yourself, successfully reaching your goals is possible. On the other hand, being over-confident about your abilities will almost certainly court failure and frustration. Remember, the best part about setting your own goals is that you can always revise them if your viewpoint changes or you become involved in a different aspect of the sport. Nothing is written in stone, just a paper notebook.

Midway Goals

The middle part of the goal structure would be transitional goals, which are the milestones, you achieve on the way to your future goals. As an example, if your future goal is to ride in a hunter pace or go trail riding, and you have never ridden outside the arena, walk your horse around the outside of the ring after your lessons. As you become more comfortable without the security of the arena, widen your circle each time. Eventually, you will be walking the entire property, and soon will be confident enough to go on a quiet trail ride with friends. If your ambition is to show at Training Level, practice at home until you are proficient enough to compete. The same holds true for any aspect dealing with horses and riding, the more time you devote to your purpose, the more rewards you will reap. The majority of benefits connected to riding are reachable through commitment, focus, and perseverance, along with your mental and physical abilities. Set yourself up to succeed by taking one-step at a time. This is the safe and sane way to make things happen for you. Be sure to give yourself and your horse all the time you need to accomplish what you want to achieve as your future goals. Working at a slow speed naturally takes longer but the dividends will pay off in the end. Enjoy the time spent with your horse and try not to push either one of you too hard. You are a team and it is important to earn your horses trust and respect. Nothing worth having ever comes easily, without commitment on your part; you will by no means be able to make your goals a reality. As with any sport, riding takes devotion, if you give it all you have you will get back all it has to give.

Beginning Goals

Beginning goals are the foundation or building blocks that we need to work on daily or as often as possible. Every time you put your foot into a stirrup, you are laying the groundwork for achieving one more thing that will move you forward to your middle and future goals. Focus is a crucial element in attaining the confidence and experience needed to accomplish your ambitions for the future. You must leave your stress outside the ring and focus on the job at hand. If you are not able to do this, it will take longer to get where you want to be. When riding, concentration on the job at hand is the only thing that matters, thinking about what happened at work, the grocery list or anything else is unproductive and dangerous. You are riding a huge animal with a mind of its own and the horse deserves your full attention if you expect his/hers in return. If you cannot respect the horse or the instructor while riding then you are wasting everyone’s time including your own.

The winter weather may be uncooperative making riding, at times, impossible. Winter might also be the time you want to hibernate indoors; nevertheless, you can make this work too. Take this time to get fit and flexible. Read books and watch videos you find interesting and instructional. Discuss with your instructor the goals you have set and devise a plan for achieving your future objectives together. Visit the barn as often as possible, groom and interact with the horses, clean tack, organize your tack trunk, etc. Anytime spent in the company of horses is good quality time. Numerous things can be learned on the ground, not everything needs to be done in a saddle.

Remember working towards your goals and recording your progress is a good way to measure the achievements you have made. Make a chart to record your progress or write it all down in your notebook and check on your notes each month to see where you were and where you are now. You may be surprised to learn how far you have come!

Until next time

Quote for Today

In training there is always the tendency to proceed too rapidly, go slowly with careful, cautious steps. Make frequent demands; be content with little; be lavish in rewards.
- General Faverot de Kerbrech

Confidence Issues

Confidence Issues

Confidence issues. Everyone has them. But how do we beat them back and stop them from destroying self-assurance in our horses and ourselves? This is a very complex problem and sometimes difficult to find solutions to cure. There are so many diverse fears we face as riders because each of us has a different reason for feeling inadequate at times. I am not a psychologist and don’t have all the answers. Nevertheless, I feel if you have a sense of humor about most things and a healthy dose of common sense most dilemmas fall by the wayside. However, if your fears are incapacitating you, I would suggest you seek out a sports psychologist to help. There are two informative books on the market that I have read and would recommend “Heads Up” and “The Riders Edge” by Dr. Janet Sasson Edgette, who is a noted sports psychologist and contributes to Practical Horseman magazine.

Fear of Falling

The number one fear that most of us face is the fear of falling off our horse and, in particular, being injured. As older adults, this is not something we want to consider as a possibility, and yet it may be inevitable. The anxiety about falling may not be as simple as fear of falling itself, but in the consequences of such a fall. Thoughts in your subconscious might be; if you fall and are injured, will you be financially able to afford the expenses or the time to heal or, because you are older and less fit, how much more serious might your injury be? We know we will not bounce back as quickly as we once did. On the other hand, if you are fearful and anxious when you ride, you will communicate to your horse that something is wrong and your fears may become an unfortunate reality. You cannot ride with emotional stiffness, your objective is to be as calm and relaxed as possible and enjoy your time riding. If you find yourself experiencing feelings of fear when you ride, it is well worth the time and effort to deal with this issue as you continue, and to make sure your trainer understands and is willing to help you overcome this issue.

Show Nerves

Each one of us gets nervous at shows, but if you actually sit back and look at the complete picture objectively, I am sure you will find reasons to be less uptight. Here you are, spending over a hundred dollars or more, to do what? Enter a ring and be judged by someone who may or may not be qualified to judge you. Not all judges are created equal; after many years at shows, I’m convinced the majority got their judging permits from a gumball machine. In addition, let’s not forget there are more than enough politics to go around. Are you fearful of going off course and looking foolish? Don’t be, you’re not the first to flub a round or be dubbed ‘the off course queen.’ Not everyone wins all the time. When it comes down to brass tacks, do you really need the 50-cent ribbon to prove you’re a good rider? All these things mean little at the end of the day. Showing should be used as a yardstick to see how far you have come in your training. As long as you and your horse do the best you can at this particular moment, and gain knowledge of what you need to work on at home, that should be rewarding enough.

It’s All In Your Head

I realize just because someone tells you not to be nervous, does not mean you will not be nervous. Nervousness is involuntary, and cannot be turned off with a switch. Fear is a reality and should not be pushed aside. It matters to you and should matter to your instructor. Discuss your fears or concerns with your instructor and set up a program of small steps to follow – for example, practice exercises first at a slower speed, gait or even rehearse them on the ground before mounting, etc... This may help alleviate some worries. Never let anyone put you in situations that make you feel uncomfortable or over-faced. If you‘re fearful of jumping higher fences, go back to a lower jump until your self-assurance returns. Doing one thing repeatedly until you feel comfortable ought to give you some amount of confidence in your capabilities. In addition, as you become fitter and more at ease on a horse you will gain self-confidence in your abilities to control different riding situations that may arise. Finding the confidence to believe in yourself may take some time but it is achievable with patience, practice and the right trainer.

Fear of the Unknown

As beginning adult riders, we fear the unknown; it is equivalent to being the new kid in school. Conducting ourselves safely around horses may be an issue that sets the alarms off. Since we do not know what to expect from the horses or what is expected of us, we are fearful of the situation. The only way to overcome this particular fear is by having a competent teacher give us instructions on how to behave in the presence of horses. Observe how people interact with their horses and you will get a sense of what is acceptable or not with horses. Once we know what to expect from the horse, mentally and physically we become more comfortable and competent around them. As with most things in life, experience teaches us how illogical our fear usually was in the first place. However, there is always room for more wisdom and knowledge. Any additional time you can spend around horses and barns will be beneficial.

Not Good Enough

Another anxiety inducer may be the mental aspect of being the oldest kid on the block. Are we afraid others might make fun of us for not being… what? As good as them, as young, as fit, as confident, as beautiful, as knowledgeable…?
Should we be embarrassed because we are older and think we are not competitive anymore? Do we fear looking dim-witted for not getting it the first time? On the other hand, perhaps we will fall off and humiliate ourselves? Well my answer to all these fears is twofold; number one – who says the younger people are good riders, fit, beautiful, knowledgeable and have never fallen off, etc…? Number two – Who Cares? That’s right, who cares about any of this? We are now mature adults who have decided to ride; it is our time, and we are doing this for ourselves after spending years of doing for others. If anyone thinks you look foolish, that’s their problem, not yours. I was told once, “there’s no fool like an old fool”, I just smiled and walked away, knowing they will never understand how extraordinary it is to be loved by a horse. A personal favorite, from my previous trainer “you will never be as good a rider as so and so, because you are too old and started too late.” Ouch, that hurt! But I got over it. There is no end to the thoughtlessness or rudeness of some people, but that is not only in the equestrian community, it is universal. So, if this particular fear is holding you hostage, I say who cares to anyone who thinks they are better than you are? In the grand scheme of things, and at this stage of the game, is it really as important to you now as it might have been twenty or thirty years ago? It shouldn’t be. As long as we are reasonably safe, healthy, building confidence and our horses trust us, learning how to improve our riding skills and having fun is all that matters, right?

Until next time

Quotes for Today

Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
- Confucious

When you're young and you fall off a horse, you may break something. When you're my age and you fall off, you splatter.
- Roy Rogers

Dusty 'Alpha Mare Extraordinaire'

Dusty

'Alpha Mare Extraordinaire '

For my fiftieth birthday, my husband bought me a palomino quarter horse mare. Moon’s Stardust, aka ‘Dusty’, she was a 15.1 hand, five year old. “Yes”, I was told she is a “little green”. Okay, how green could she be I thought, at five she must know the basics.

Dusty’s energy and the fact that she went forward with little prodding when I rode her pre-purchase seemed a good thing. Her steering was a slight matter of concern, she wove around the ring like a drunken sailor tossing her head and chewing the bit constantly. All these things could be worked on over time and corrected, right?

Her ad should have read:

Nicely Started ~ lunges, but we don't have enough insurance to ride her yet.

Well Mannered ~ hasn't stepped on, bitten, or kicked anyone for a week.

Professionally Trained ~ hasn't stepped, bitten, or kicked anyone for a month.

It never occurred to me that at my age, perhaps I should not get a green horse. After riding for ten years, I had the foolish notion I could handle her basic training. To say I was in for a rude awakening with Dusty would be an understatement.

The first night in her new stall elicited pure displeasure on her part. She kicked the walls and pinned her ears at anyone who came near. I tried to groom her, and dodged threatening kicks. She harbored a real attitude and tolerated no one.

We put her in the paddock with our boys the next day; we were allotted one paddock at our boarding facility. Well she sashayed in as if she owned the place, sized up the situation and calmly walked over to Erik, all 17.2 hands of him, and proceeded to double barrel kick him in the side then walked away cool as a cucumber. Her next mission; on to the boy’s run-in shed where she determined it was a good idea to back up to their hay and let loose with all the manure she could muster up. She was acting like a bona fide witch.

During her first week, we worked on saddling, haltering, blanketing, grooming, etc. There was no end to the rudeness she displayed; she would run ahead while being led, or swing a well-aimed haunch, it seemed her ears were always pinned. I had never seen a horse with such a miserable personality.

Our policy with a new member of the herd is they are generally given as much time as they need to be acquainted with everything prior to being put in work. At her slow pace, I didn’t know how much longer she would need to acquire respectable manners. I kept trying to win her over by continuing to guide her with compassion and consideration.

Finally, she was doing well enough on the lunge, so riding was the obvious next step. Well, more good news, Dusty had major issues with the mounting block. A great deal of patience was required throughout the entire mounting process. The ‘Princess’, permitted no one to get aboard without a major disagreement, she would step backward, forward or sideways making it almost impossible to swing a leg over safely. Depending on her mood, if you mounted successfully, you might be treated to a session of spinning, running backwards or crabbing sideways,. Dusty had quite a repertoire of inventive antics to get out of work.

One episode in particular comes to mind. My foot was in the stirrup and as I was just about to swing my leg over, she trotted away with me hanging off the side, being annoyed at this inconvenience she reared. I came off still holding the reins. Looking down her nose at me with arrogance, she purposely stomped on my foot. As if to say, “so there, what do you think of that”? Instead of being angry, I thought it was fairly amusing and true to her character. A lot of patience was definitely required to deal with this horse. Dusty was a self-important haughty mare, with an appalling attitude.

The following excerpt found online seemed to highlight Dusty’s philosophy on life:

Great legs and a nice rear will get you anywhere in life. Big, brown eyes help too.

When you want your way, stomp hard on the nearest foot.

In times of crises, take a poop.

Act dumb when faced with a task you don't want to do.

A swift kick in the butt will get anyone's attention.

Love those who love you back, especially if they have something good to eat.

After months of this behavior, and many deliberations she was returned to her former owner. Although, the decision was difficult for me, as I have never been one to throw in the towel, it was the best option for all concerned.

We left the boarding facility to establish our own boarding, training and sales stable. Unexpectedly we got a call from Dusty’s owner, would we be interested in taking her back and selling her for him. She had been in the field, for the last two years, unridden this whole time. When he threw a saddle on her, she threw him. To make a long story shorter, we agreed to her return for selling purposes only.

Don’t get attached to her, I was told, she was leaving soon enough. That was four years ago, and this mare is going nowhere. The horse that now occupies a stall at our barn is not Dusty. Aliens have obviously abducted the former Dusty and a new and improved Dusty now resides in her stall.

I have not ridden her since her return. As an alternative to selling her, I gave her training over to my daughter, who is a professional trainer. Dusty is now going beautifully with good manners and is ready for me to attempt to ride her again.

She still has a bit of an attitude though, if someone or something is irritating her delicate sensibilities, she will simply slam her stall door shut, with an unadulterated teenage temper tantrum. At the snap of a breaking carrot, her door will whip open and she will put on her most charming expression, until she gets the carrot. As for giving her a show name for the future, we have concluded that she needs only one name, like Cher. There can only be one Dusty, and she thinks so too.

The moral of this tale, if you are an older rider, perhaps a green horse is not for you. You should consider a more experienced equine partner to share your riding ambitions and goals for the future.

Until next time

Quote for Today

Gypsy gold does not chink and glitter. It gleams in the sun and neighs in the dark.
- Saying of the Gladdagh Gypsies of Galway

Old People's Riding Club

Old Peoples Riding Club

" for the learning experience, the fun, the camaraderie; not the ribbon, or the glory, but for the memories ..."

While I was doing some research online, I came across a wonderful riding club that seems it might be just the ticket for some of our age group. The Old Peoples Riding Club, is a riding organization for the over 21 equestrian and for all disciplines. Riders into their 70’s and 80’s are members and I am sure if we were lucky enough to meet them, they would have a wealth of information for all of us. This club has many chapters throughout the United States. If there is not one in your area that is conveniently located, you can even start your own chapter.

Therefore, if you are already at ease with your riding abilities, and not interested in competing at shows this club might be a fun option. Regardless of whether your discipline is English or Western or perhaps you are a non-rider, such as a supportive spouse or someone who just loves to be around horses, they welcome everyone. I would suggest you check out their web site: www.oldpeoplesridingclub.org , and see if this sort of alternative is right for you. It is a very informative web site and easy to join.

For those of you that are already members, leave a comment and let us all know what you think of this club and how you are enjoying it.

Until next time

Quote for Today

The freedom of riding horseback has a place all its own; the companionship of a horse means you'll never be alone.
- Herman Geithoom

Riding and Fitness

Riding and Fitness

Rider fitness is something that should concern all of us who ride. We make sure our horses are fit, but what about our level of fitness. Once you make the commitment to ride you must make the commitment to achieve a certain level of fitness in order to be a good rider.
As we are heading into the cold miserable winter months, there may be less riding and more down time. It does not take long to pack on a few extra pound as we hibernate. Everyone knows we should eat healthy and maintain a close to normal weight. While it would not be appropriate for me to tell you what to eat or how much, if you have trouble in this area a good nutritionist can be helpful. Some of you may enjoy a group atmosphere like Weight Watchers or prefer to address this on your own if you think you need to. If you are still the perfect weight, congratulations you are one of the lucky ones.
Riding a horse is good exercise but unless you ride quite a lot every day, riding alone as exercise simply will not keep you physically fit. A little extra effort will be needed in the work out department. The experts suggest aerobics to help build your endurance, resistance training with weights for strength, and stretching for flexibility and mobility. Joining a gym or hiring a personal trainer would be a great way to get started on a fitness program if money or time is not a concern.
Choose an aerobic exercise which appeals to you and one that you will actually do such as walking, swimming, bicycling,jogging etc. Personally, I like to walk for thirty minutes a day at a moderate speed on the treadmill or outside, this is the easiest and least expensive exercise to do, a good pair of sneakers and you're off. Always warm up and cool down, before and after your preferred exercise. Additional things you might want to try if yo have arthritic joints would be the elliptical machine, or the dreaded NordicTrack ski machine, which I absolutely despise. When this machine is not collecting dust, it actually makes a good clothes rack for your workout attire. Except for the fact that it really works I would never recommend it.
Stretching for flexibility is great for the stiffness and decreased mobility that comes with age. I have personally tried the Equi-Stretch videos below and would recommend them:

Equi-Stretch--Strengthening and Stretching Techniques for the Rider ~ Dan Weltner
Equi-Stretch--Strengthening and Stretching Techniques Level Two ~ Dan Weltner

Equi-Stretch--The Seated Workout ~ Dan Weltner

Product Description
Equi-Stretch is a home workout video series designed primarily for, but not exclusively for equestrians, these videos offer a great 40-minute low-impact workout. Equi-Stretch consists of exercises designed to enhance muscular efficiency. These exercises help both riders and non-riders learn to improve their strength and flexibility, as well as overall body awareness, by developing a greater range of motion, building stronger abdominals, and learning isolation. Learn more at equistretch.com

YOGA & RIDING

The following two videos are a good introduction to yoga and easy to do. Relaxation and balance are an integral part of riding that all equestrians should strive to achieve. Linda Benedik has also written ' Yoga for Equestrians' books if you prefer the book version.

Yoga & Riding: Balance and Symmetry Techiniques for Equestrians


Product Description

Riders are introduced to the author's yoga methods and learn how to achieve a balanced and symmetrical position on the horse.

Yoga & Riding Volume 2: Breathing and Relaxation Techniques for Equestrians

Product Description

In this video, riders build from the yoga lessons they learned in Volume 1, with the focus on learning to relax in mind and body.

Pilates for the Dressage Rider
by Janice Dulak

Product Description

In this beautiful new book, dressage rider and Level 2 Pilate's Instructor Janice Dulak has compiled a program of Pilate's exercises specifically designed to help the dressage rider enhance her ability for success in dressage. While they use different terms, both Pilate's and dressage share an emphasis on the torso, or the "Powerhouse" in Pilate's-speak, and achieving core strength, good posture and muscle flexibility. The goals of Pilate's program are often identical to what riders try to achieve in the saddle in the sport of dressage.

I cannot vouch for this book as I have not read it yet, but it looks interesting and I am sure it is excellent for getting in shape. Even if you are not a dressage rider, I am sure that this book will benefit any rider no matter what your riding discipline. Pilates is probably the best exercise system you can do as a rider, so having one geared to riders has to be helpful to us. Having tried the Winsor Pilates videos, I can attest to the fact that there is nothing easy about Pilates. To be fair though, I never really gave it a chance and will have to bite the bullet and try again. Balance ball exercises are another option to compliment Pilates, however, keep in mind that staying on top of the ball during the exercises is so much more beneficial than sliding off and landing unceremoniously on the floor with a thud, which can be quite amusing to onlookers. From now on, I will do the exercises without an audience.

The fitter you are reduces your chance of injury if your horse takes a misstep or spooks, you will be more able to handle the situation and stay in the saddle. Be sure to start slowly and work your way up to the level of fitness you desire. One last helpful hint, before you put a foot in the stirrup, take the time to warm up and stretch your muscles.

Whichever exercises you decide are right for you, check with your doctor first to see if you can start an exercise program at this time.

While we are speaking of fitness, let's not leave our horses out, stretching is beneficial for them as well. There is a great book on horse stretches and the proper techniques to use.

' The Path to Perfect Suppleness' by Karin Blignault

If you are interested in trying out any of these books or videos they are available through:
www.amazon.com


Until next time


Quote for Today

Wild oats aren't meant for sowing - but they make a nice trail snack

P.S. I have added a You Tube video of this amazing horse and rider combination. I just love this team. Wouldn't it be nice to be as fit as these two are!

Choosing Riding Apparel

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Choosing Riding Apparel

What you will need to get you started; a riding helmet, boots, riding breeches, and gloves.

HELMETS

Riding is a great sport, but there is inherent risk involved. Whether you are a beginner or advanced rider, eventually everyone will have a mishap. Obviously, this is not a cheerful thought, but a true statement nevertheless.

A riding helmet is the single most important item you will purchase and wear. All of us who ride or work with horses needs to invest in an ASTM/SEI Certified helmet. The American Medical Equestrian Institute says “Head injuries account for approximately 60 % of deaths resulting from equestrian accidents. Properly fitted ASTM/SEI certified helmets can prevent death and reduce the severity of head injuries sustained while riding, possibly by 70 to 80%.” The United States Equestrian Association and the USA Equestrian also require it. The United States Pony Clubs' Safety Committee recommends that helmets be worn whenever working around horses, as well as when riding or driving a horse; grooming, leading, longeing, bandaging, loading, etc.

Keep in mind, any helmet, which has been in a hard fall, should be returned to the manufacturer or be destroyed and replaced. There may be cracks to the shell or other unseen damage that would make the helmet unsafe for further wear.

Certified helmets are available in many different styles. It is important to buy a new helmet, never take chances with protection for your head. Visit a full service tack shop, which stocks more than one manufacturer's products. Have the store personnel help you choose and fit a helmet properly. When a helmet fits correctly, it sits about an inch above the eyebrows, level on the head. The harness must fasten securely and have contact with the jaw or chin and should be snug and comfortable. To check actual fit, place one hand on top of the helmet and rock it backward and forward, and side to side. The scalp should move with the helmet.

To wear your helmet correctly, do not just slap it on your head and go. Take the time to put your hunt cap on properly. Pull your hair back and pin it up so it all fits under your helmet, the hair on either side of your face should come to about middle ear, also a hair net is used to keep stray hairs from escaping. If you are unsure how this will look, ask the tack shop personnel to show you. Nothing looks worse than a rider does with untamed hair shooting out in all directions from under her hunt cap. Your goal is to look neat and professional.

RIDING BREECHES

Riding breeches are a matter of personal preference. Depending on the season, purchase lightweight tropical or fleece lined breeches. Riding jeans are also and option, personally I don’t care for them. The few pairs I have owned look and feel nice enough, it just seems they are always too long, so if you are not tall you will have to roll them under or hem them. Plus size breeches can be found in catalogs and online, your tack shop can help you with this as well. Some online catalogs might give you a better selection of breeches than are available at the tack shops, which are usually inadequate in their range of sizes and styles because of limited space. Personally, the two catalogs I find useful are www.doversaddlery.com and www.statelinetack.com .

The recent trend lately has been in low rise or hip-hugger type breeches. I do not know about you but the last time I wore hip-huggers was in the ‘60’s and ‘70’s. My personal rule of thumb: if you wore it in your teens, you most likely should not wear it now. The same goes for the short midriff baring tops worn with these breeches. This look is less than professional.

Many European countries still require their instructors to wear, boots, breeches and helmets to give a lesson. This instills a degree of class and professionalism to the riding facility and sets the tone for instructors as role models for their students. Therefore, even though this is not the norm in America, trainers should also take note on the example they set for their students.

BOOTS

Tall riding boots are not necessary at this stage of the game, unless you absolutely must have them. If money is not an issue get custom boots from Dehner or Vogel made for you. Some uncomfortable times to break them in will be in your future.

The boot I would recommend for beginners is a paddock boot. These come in so many styles you would have to decide what you like best for looks and comfort. I prefer the www.Blundstone.com paddock boots; they feel great and look great during and after riding. The other boot company I like is www.ariat.com, they are also comfortable and come with a matching half-chap system, and so worn together the look is similar to a tall boot. Check out these sites or find them in the catalogs.

If you decide to go with paddock boots, you will need half chaps sometimes called gaiters to go along with them. Styles and types include; leather and suede, back or side zippers, elastic gussets etc., once you decide which is best for you, there should be no problem finding them. I’ve found the Ariat half chaps are one of the few made in a larger calf size.

Of course, you could go with full chaps; they always look nice if they are custom made. Off the rack chaps clearly do not fit as well as the custom ones, although you may want to look into this option and have them altered to fit.

One last word on boots, I do not recommend purchasing the rubber boots. They are uncomfortable to say the least, when you sink into your heels; they seem to cut a painful crease right across your ankle. In addition, they appear to conduct the cold. Rubber boots are the least expensive, however avoid this type of boot if possible.

JACKETS

You should not need a show jacket yet. When you do, the color, style, fit, the season and the comfort will be your choice to make. For your lessons depending on the time of year, you can wear any shirt that is not too big or too long. A billowy pirate type sleeve and down to the knees length is absolutely out of the question. Your clothing should not be too big or too small. A polo shirt always looks neat, a turtleneck and sweater or sweatshirt, etc. A winter riding jacket or coat can be purchased from any of the catalogs. In the winter months, I prefer to wear a turtleneck with a warm sweater, and a vest. This gives me freedom of movement of my arms. Always dress in layers, start out with what you need to keep warm, and as your lesson progresses if you get too warm you can start de-layering.

GLOVES

Gloves are a necessity. You will eventually own show gloves, for right now, they are not important. Depending on the season and the style of glove you prefer, there are many styles to choose from, they need not be expensive just serviceable and comfortable. Keep in mind you will eventually have many unmatched pairs; they just seem to disappear, like the socks in your dryer, so get the inexpensive ones to start. Use them all the time to protect your hands when grooming, lungeing, and riding. Again, personal preference is the key to selecting your riding gloves.

UNDERGARMENTS

Okay this is for the ladies only. Purchase a good supportive bra. A sports bra is one option; these can be found in the above catalogs. I have never liked the sport bra; I find them uncomfortable, and just do not like the flattened pancake look. The reason we all need good support should be apparent. Nothing looks as dreadful as a Bouncing Betty doing a sitting trot on an energetic horse. In addition, it could be quite dangerous at this stage of the game; given the right circumstances, you could literally put an eye out.

As for your underwear, well I do like to be helpful when I can, but you are on your own with this. I am not getting involved with your under wear. Sorry.

Until next time.

Quote for Today

"A pair of boots and chaps do not make you a rider"

“Anonymous”

Selecting the Right Trainer

SELECTING THE RIGHT TRAINER

Finding the right trainer may seem like an intimidating task. This is the most important decision you will make concerning your riding. Beginning lessons are of the utmost importance. Simply put, without the proper basic training, your riding may be sufficient to get you going, but you will always struggle with certain aspects of riding. So how do you find the ideal trainer for you? The only way is to do the groundwork.

Visit barns in your area and ask to watch different trainers give a lesson... Talk to the trainers you feel comfortable with. Ask them their philosophy of riding and training students. This will give you a clue what to expect from them. If they seem anxious to put you in their lesson program and get you to shows, this is not the viewpoint you are looking for at this stage. Another thing to think about when you choose a trainer: You should be up front with the trainer and let them know that you are visiting different barns and taking lessons elsewhere, to see where you fit in best. This way they will not be offended if you decide not to train with them. Any trainer will take a student on, but are reluctant to let them go. Of course, egos and pocketbooks are always involved. Remember, the horse community is very small and you are bound to see the same groups of people occasionally, at shows or clinics etc., so always use tact when you decide to leave one trainer for another.

The Basics

Trainers should be willing to teach the basics and should be concerned with your safety and the horses’. At times, I feel the trainer’s ego may get in the way of their compassion and common sense. Regrettably, it is also about decisions based on making money, sometimes at the cost of their horses and clients. A good trainer will take the time to answer all of your questions. You need someone who allows you to take as much time as you require learning the basics. Teaching you how to groom, tack up, and lead a horse properly is a good foundation. When time comes to ride, take it slow, do mounting lessons, and walk on the lunge, this will give you a feel for the horse’s movement, your own balance and the proper position. It is also a chance to be acclimated to the new atmosphere. This may all sound too easy, but there are important safety issues to learn here. When you are able to accomplish these things safely at the walk, only then is it permissible to go on to the trot and eventually the canter. The key is not to let anyone rush you into uncomfortable situations sooner than you feel ready. Any trainer who does not want to take the time to teach the basics, more than likely is not the one for you.

Of course, you will also want to see the types of lesson horses available for beginner lessons. Obviously, you want an older experienced school horse that has, ‘been there, done that’. In one of my earliest lessons, I was put on a thoroughbred straight off the racetrack; my trainer assured me it was safe. Not knowing any better, I did it. Suffice it to say, it was quite a ride, but it was not a positive experience. A situation like that does not do much for your confidence. I fell off in another lesson on the same horse, as I was “teaching” him to jump cross rails: he stopped; I went straight over his head and landed on my back. The up side was that one of us made it to the other side of the jump. That was my first fall ever… lots of fun. This was a case of being pushed along to fast for my abilities.

Patience and Respect

Also, in your lessons if you find that your trainer is belittling you or losing their patience, it is not out of the question to stop and inform them that you don‘t appreciate being at the receiving end of a tirade. Never lose your temper. There are tactful ways to handle this situation. I have seen many trainers abuse their students to the point of a student being in tears or so nervous they just continue making mistakes. Trainer abuse is always unacceptable. If a trainer cannot act in a professional manner, they should not be schooling you. Many people are actually fearful of speaking up and so they just go on taking the mistreatment directed at them or their horse. I am here to tell you there is absolutely no reason you have to put up with this kind of behavior. Remember, you are a client who is actually paying good money for these lessons. When was the last time you went into a shop for a service and paid money to be abused? You would not take it there, so why would you take it from someone giving you a riding lesson? I would suggest talking to the trainer in a calm manner, in private, and explaining to him/her that they are making you feel less confident, and more nervous. You should both be able to come to an agreement about your training preferences. If you don‘t get the response you want, then you know what to do.

Qualifications

Ask what qualifications the trainer has, you will come across many trainers who have at sometime in their career won a few blue ribbons or maybe a prestigious award, which more than likely means something only to them. It is usually not relevant and some will even boost themselves a little by giving the illusion that they are at the top of their game. The longer ago their accomplishment was the more they remember what a great rider they are. A trainer may have been or still is a good rider, but not all are good instructors. Next, we have the young crowd who has decided this is the life for them. They get to hang around the barn all day, give up-down lessons to pony kids and beginners, and ride absentee boarder’s horses and feel like they are relevant in the horse world - when they probably should not be giving lessons to a dog. Anybody can don the trainers cap and give lessons to whomever they wish. There is such a disregard for safety here; it is astonishing accidents that are more devastating do not happen more frequently. Most troubling is parents with young children who put their child in danger without knowing it. Assuming a trainer is just that, someone qualified to teach, the child is handed over to incompetence. Parents need to do a little homework as well. Here is an example why it is so important to make inquiries:

I once boarded at a barn, where the owner hired his niece as a trainer; mind you, the girl could not even do a proper sitting trot or post on the correct diagonal, and would actually canter her horses through the aisles of the barn. Not too dangerous…. I could go on with stories like this, I won’t, except for one thing I still can not believe seeing; this “trainer” once changed horses by putting one foot in the stirrup of the horse she was going to ride while her other foot was in the stirrup of the horse she was dismounting. If one of these horses decided to move, she would have been a wishbone. Her qualifications for being a trainer, besides being related to someone who owned a stable, were that she watched riding videos. Duh…?

Organizations like the American Riding Instructors Association (ARIA) have courses that test trainers to a point and offer levels of qualification. ARIA is not the best qualification system and this organization still needs to be improved, but it is all we have at present. At least their trainers have some of the basics they need to teach and these qualifications represent a minimum standard of proficiency.

The Bottom Line

It is a time-consuming process of trial and error until you hit upon someone you feel safe and confident with. Beware, though, there are many frauds out there, so take your time before you settle on one trainer or another. Finding the perfect trainer is comparable to finding the ‘Missing Link’ it is an impossible task, for there are no perfect trainers or perfect horses.

I would love to hear from you about your experiences with trainers, good or bad, and hear how you dealt with a problem or how you found the ideal trainer for you

Until next time.

Quote for Today

"As he knotted the reins and took his stand, the horse's soul came into his hand, and up from the mouth that held the steel came an innermost word, half thought, half feel."

-- John Masefield