Look Ma - No Saddle!!

Good morning!  I have been getting up at 5 am to ride while it is still cool, now that the weather has firmly settled into the summer heat.  This is a serene, quiet time, and while that is a nice way to ease into the day, sometimes I need to shake things up. 

So, this morning I decided to ride one of my training horses bareback.  I strongly advocate getting people to ride bareback as much as possible when they are learning to ride, and also after they become experienced, as a 'tune-up.'  Riding bareback is fantastic for balance, gaining an independent seat, getting the horse to listen to aids, and works wonders on a rider's confidence and trust.  The owner of the horse I rode this morning has been working on her bareback technique off and on for the past two years, and while she has made great strides, I know she had not yet ridden this particular horse without a saddle.  I thought I would give him a test ride for her, and begin getting him used to the idea.

Not every horse is a good bareback horse.  Some are uncomfortable just to sit on, with high withers or a prominent backbone.  I use a suede and wool felt bareback pad to add some padding, and to keep my clothes from getting filthy.  [I do not advise people to use pads with stirrups; first, if your goal is to ride bareback, what is the point of having stirrups?  Second, bareback pads are lighter weight, more slippery and have less structure to them than a saddle, so if you aren't balanced perfectly in the stirrups, they have a tendency to slide off to one side - obviously dangerous.  You are better off without the stirrups.]  Some horses are too spooky to be reliable for a beginner to ride bareback, so until you feel confident, use your older, quieter horse or borrow a friend's that you trust.

The getting on part is usually the hardest!  Even though I have been riding bareback my whole life, I have never been able to swing on from the ground, so I have adapted my strategy, and am able to use any little step or rise that I can find to give me a lift.  The easiest thing to use is a mounting block or the fence, but it is very helpful to have someone hold your horse the first few times you do it, as most likely, you will be shimmying around, and scootching yourself in to place, and your horse may feel more reassured having someone at his head.  Of course, this is a great time to practice having your horse stand still while mounting, something every horse should be able to do in a variety of situations.  Above all, take your time and be patient.  It isn't a race, and if you get upset or frustrated, your horse will be more hesitant to comply next time.

I suggest riding in a round pen, or small arena the first few times you try bareback.  Limiting the space available keeps your horse's pace slower, and the confinement will also keep them calm.  If you don't have a round pen, or just feel the need to have some more control, have a friend put a lunge line on your horse's bridle and use it as a safety line.  They need not do anything but be there to help if you get in trouble.  I often use a safety line when teaching children to ride bareback.  And don't forget to put on a helmet.

If you have never ridden bareback before, have your goal for the first ride to just walk and do some stops and turns.  Even simple maneuvers can feel much different without a saddle.  Your horse may seem more sensitive to your legs, since he can feel so much more of them, so make sure to keep your legs still and close to the horse's sides.  Try to relax and breathe and just enjoy the feeling of closeness with your horse.  As you progress, work up to the jog, posting trot (yes you can!) and the lope.  As you get better at bareback, your riding with a saddle will improve as well; you will be more balanced and less reliant on your tack to stay in the middle of your horse.  If you are an experienced rider, and just haven't done it in a while, you will find that riding bareback sharpens your senses and gives you a closer bond with your horses - and is such a nice alternative to a hot saddle in the summer.  For horses that spend a lot of time in training, drilling on the same old maneuvers, bareback is a nice way to freshen them up and give them a bit of a break in routine.

It is my experience that most horses LOVE to be ridden bareback, and Atley was no exception this morning.  He was a little flinchy the first few minutes, but then turned into a marshmallow - so relaxed and compliant.  I have been doing a lot of lateral work with him, and found that, without a saddle and saddle pad, he was very responsive to the engagement of my hip and leg, and positively zipped across the arena!  So much fun!  I think he enjoyed himself as much as I did, and while it was laid back, we still got some good work done.  Be bold - give it a try! And let me know how it goes for you! 

Vive La Difference!!

Have you ever been in a conversation with another horse person, possibly someone you just met, and inevitably, they ask you what kind of horses you have, and when you reply, they instantly get a look in their eye that tells you that they have catagorized you?  That they seem to think they know all about you based simply on the breed of the horses in your barn?  I have been musing about this phenomenon this morning, and would like to share my thoughts.

My first horse was a Half Arabian, and my second horse was a purebred Arabian.  We started out showing 4-H and at local open shows, where stock breeds were king.  I was undaunted though, and had enough pride in my horse that I bravely showed against Quarter Horses, Paints and Appaloosas in the western classes, knowing that typically, the judges chosen by the local horse show association were stock breed judges.  Sometimes we did very well, perhaps because my Arab was an excellent western horse (most of the time!) and occasionally, because we got a judge with an open mind, and an appreciation for a good horse regardless of breed.  And unlike some of the stock horses I competed against, my horse was able to do everything - halter/showmanship, english, and western, and even the occasional trail or games class.  (Yes, I still am proud of that fact!  :)

Throughout that period, I felt like the 'in' crowd were the kids who rode stock breeds.  There was frequently comments made by uncouth people who would say things like,"you do pretty well, for someone who rides one of them A-rabs."  It is amazing to me now how many adults were willing to insult my horse, based on breed, while I was really just a young, impressionable kid.  I loved my horse, and loved the heritage of the breed, so to me, the words stung.  We kept our horses, at the time, at a multi-breed stable, so I got to ride lots of different kinds of animals - which was both exciting and educational.  I sincerely loved all breeds - all horses, really - I just happen to love Arabians the most.  It wasn't until I started showing on the Arab circuit that I realized that Arab people didn't care much for Quarter Horse people either.

Having grown up in the horse industry, it is very apparent that we haven't gotten over our breed prejudices.  Here in the US, the Quarter Horse is the largest breed, so therefore, Quarter Horse people think they rule the roost.  Most other breeds are looked down upon from that lofty perch, and even if they don't express it openly, people who come from other breeds are not always allowed in the 'cool' QH club.  Some Arabian people think that the purity of their breed sets them apart from the rest of the horse world, and that they are inherently superior.  I have seen Thoroughbreds labeled as speed freaks and crazy, when they are reacting to a stimulus in the same way that any other horse would.  I have seen Saddlebreds labeled as too hot to be pleasure/trail horses, even when they are perfect for just that, especially when you just let them be horses.  I have heard people say terrible things about Appys, despite having met some that are the most dignified and intelligent animals on earth.

The truth is that within every breed, there are exceptional individuals and there are poor individuals.  There are horses that get great training, and become excellent representatives for their breed, and others that don't get a good start (or finish) and end up making very poor impressions as they wreak havoc around the stables they inhabit.  Within every breed, there are smart horses, friendly horses, pretty horses, affectionate horses, dull horses, common-looking horses, anti-social horses, and aggressive horses.  I say that if you really are a horseman, you love them, and try to learn from them all.  And if you want to raise the profile of your own breed within the horse industry, try reaching out to someone who rides a different breed or seat.  Be friendly and open minded, remembering that by learning about other types of riding, you aren't being unfaithful to that which you already pledge your support.  You may, in fact, inspire someone to come and give your breed a try, and make a friend in the process!

You may have read my blog header - "Show me your horse and I will tell you who you are."  By this, I do not mean, "Show me your horse, and I will tell you everything that I think is wrong with it."  Rather, I wish to know and understand what you value, how you view the world, where your priorities lie, and how you approach life.  Enjoy diversity - it is the joie de vivre!!

I Love Old Horses!

Today is my gelding Jake's 33rd birthday!  I have owned him since he was four, so that gives us 29 years of history together, taking care of each other.  It is always a wonderful thing when a horse reaches 30; so many encounter life-ending problems in their 20's and when I hear of one that gets beyond 30, I know that there is a dedicated owner, and some good genes, behind it. 

My Jake does have some good genes;  he is one of the most well-made horses I ever seen.  He is purebred Arabian (half pure Polish, half Crabbet), has a nice short back, straight legs with excellent bone, perfect angles to his hocks, fetlocks, hip and shoulder, big, tough feet, and has always been a fluid mover and easy keeper.  He is also smart and savvy, and has kept himself from any catastrophic injuries.  I think he also has a joyful life - he has attitude and spunk, which keeps him moving - so good for the joints.

My husband and I are dedicated to giving Jake (and all of our old horses) the best retirement that a horse could want.  He is fed 3 lbs of Senior feed morning and night, with the addition of flax seed meal and a vitamin/mineral supplement in the morning, and a pound of alfalfa pellets in the evening.  All of his feed is soaked in water in order help him chew and prevent choking.  He is given plenty of turnout; he goes out to pasture during the day and comes into a generously bedded stall at night, to encourage him to lay down and take a load off his legs.  We  make sure that he is well-protected from flies, to keep him from stomping and stressing too much.  Probably most importantly, Jake is never without his buddy Jazz, another older gelding.  They have been pasture mates since they were young horses, and keep each other happy and calm.  The two of them go out in a paddock by themselves, so that they do not have to compete with younger horses, or get accidentally roughed up.  And we keep a close eye on how he is eating, moving and behaving.  Things can go downhill quickly with an elderly horse, so it is important to evaluate them daily.

It is a lot of work to keep old horses healthy, but it is sooooooo worth it!  While many see horses over 20 as more of a burden than a blessing, I see them as quietly beautiful, and endlessly wise.  Jake tolerates my kids squirming around on his back, grabbing on his legs, and giving him kisses on his nose.  Jake and Jazz have comforted many a foal when it came time to wean them from their mothers.  Jake knows all my secrets, from the time I was a preteen, through high school, college, marriage and kids - and he hasn't given anything away yet!  I feel so comforted by his presence - he has been a constant in my life, when it is clear that life can be tumultuous.  I made a promise to him when we first met that I would always take care of him and give him the best life I could.  I am proud that I have done that; proud of the kind of person I have become in doing that for him.  I am certain that it has made me and shaped me, as much as he has given of himself to me and my family.  I think that is the definition of true friendship. 

What a gift having an old horse is!!

Just for fun...this song reminds me of summer! :)

Not For Sale

I am blessed with owning a fantastic mare, Miss Bam Bam Command, whom I claimed as my own while she was just a foal on her momma's side, and whom I have owned officially for 19 years.  She is a beautiful palomino, put together very nicely, has outstanding, desirable bloodlines, a sweet, gentle attitude, and back in her early days, was very talented under saddle.  And she is the mother of one of the leading money earners in the NRHA, which makes her other babies a hot commodity.  I have had many, many offers over the years to buy her, but I won't. Ever.  And here is the story why...

Every horsey kid (and some horsey adults) has an Ultimate Fantasy Horse, a vision of what their perfect horsey soulmate would look like.  Mine came to me when I was a little girl, when my grandma gave me a beautiful palomino horse statue, like a Breyer.  The golden shading, the pure white mane...I was hooked!   I grew up showing Arabians and Half Arabians though, so since there are few palominos in that breed, I didn't get a chance to own one until Bam Bam.  I happened to be boarding my Arab gelding at the barn where Bam Bam and her dam lived while I attended college, and I first saw her when she was about a week old.  Now, at that time, I had already owned a bunch of horses, had won 3 National titles, and had been giving lessons and starting to train a few, so it wasn't like I was a newbie.  But I swear to you, the moment I saw her, I was instantly transformed into a little horse-crazy kid.  It was the closest thing I have ever felt to love at first sight.  The moment I laid eyes on her, I KNEW she was my horse.

I purchased her some months later, and when the time came, she received her under saddle training from John Slack.  At the time, John was at the top of his game, and he did an excellent job with her; getting the best he could from all her maneuvers, but maintaining her soundness and sanity at the same time.  I treasure a video I have of him riding her - both showed such talent!  Bam Bam was never shown though; at the time I was a college student at Arizona State, and just didn't have the time or money to go show.  So instead, she came home, and I started riding her myself.  Bam Bam and I rode all over the mountains of Arizona, with friends and by ourselves, and she was a handy, reliable, and cool-headed mount.  Truly, a Cadillac to take down the trail.  Later, I began using her for lessons, and again, the mare showed me how great she is - patient, safe, and careful with every beginner to sit on her.  I never regreted not showing her - she is still sound and happy at age 20!

At one point, I had to nurse Bam Bam through strangles.  I remember that she had a fever of 104, and I spent hours running cold water over her from head to toe, wiping her poor nose, and comforting her.  The mare would lay her head in my arms, and just exhale.  We were so bonded to each other.

A few years later, I heard that a friend had bought into a newly formed Boomernic syndicate, so I contacted him and struck a lease deal. The resulting foal was Commanders Nic, who went on to win $275,000, at a time when that kind of money was much harder to add up.  It wasn't long thereafter that I received a call from a prominent trainers wife, who wanted to buy her from me.  I am sure she thought I would be impressed with who she was, but I didn't hesitate to say, "Sorry, she isn't for sale, and won't ever be."  I didn't even ask what they were offering.  It just didn't matter.   This person was immediately irritated with me, and proceeded to ask if I would sell a filly of Bam Bam's that I had (and still have), to which I also said no.  That filly was my replacement for Bammie and wasn't bred for public consumption.  Well, this really pissed her off.  She began to belittle me, and eventually said that I would always be a back yard breeder if I was that attached to my horses.  Can you imagine??  I am sure her pride was hurt that she wasn't able to bulldoze little ol' me into giving her what she wanted, but she obviously didn't know what kind of horse owner she was dealing with.  My heart and soul are not for sale, for any price, and neither is my best horse.  I have always known that the pain of absence of that horse from my life could never be soothed with money.

Thankfully, other people have fallen in love with Bam Bam too, and I have done well in selling embryos from her.  She has been bred to the best stallions in the business, has produced some outstanding horses; some are money earners, and some are preparing to see the show pen.  But honestly, it doesn't matter to me if she had never had any foals at all.  She is a wonderful horse, in every way, and I know how lucky I am to own her.  I know that if I had sold her, she would have been used up by some big breeder for the money of selling her babies, and who knows what might have happened to her once she stopped producing.  As things are, she will be loved and cared for her whole life by someone who truly loves her.  So if that makes me a back yard breeder, so be it.  I have the MOST amazing mare, right in my back yard. 

Have a wonderful Thursday, and give your favorite horse a big hug today!!

Getting Up On A Soapbox

Last week, I was lucky enough to attend the NRHA Awards Banquet and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies.  The setting was the beautiful National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, and it was great to see everyone all dressed up to honor the importance of the night's events.  The awards given were fantastic; leather jackets, bronzes, and even embroidered hide pillows!  The dinner that was served to us was delicious, and everyone in our group thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie, and the pomp and circumstance that the evening brought.

I especially enjoyed some of the Hall of Fame Induction speeches.  Carol Rose and Tim McQuay speaking about Shining Spark was both hilarious and poignant.  The speech about Collena Chic Olena was bittersweet, and endeared her owner to me, as she seemed like someone I would know - down to earth, and someone who truly loves her animals.  Bob Kiser's speech was pure class; he embodies the dedication and commitment to both the sport of reining and his family, that we all should emulate.

And then came Boomernic's induction ceremony.   Instead of focusing on the stallion himself, it became clear that Boomernic's owner was using this opportunity to lecture the audience on what he sees as social infractions within the reining community.  He ranted that everyone needs to support Craig Schmersal, despite being caught on video using questionable means to school a horse at the FEI World Championships.  He lectured that the reining community needed to embrace his trainer Brett Stone, even though, "everyone knows that he has had drug and alcohol problems, but he is trying to make a come back."  He pounded the podium with his fists, and demanded respect, and the audience sat in stunned silence.  While all the other Hall of Fame inductees received multiple standing ovations, when Boomernic's was over, the applause was subdued and no one left their seat. 

Getting inducted into the Hall of Fame is a BIG DEAL.  Something that should be accepted with a huge amount of humility and respect.  It is not the time or place to hold an audience of your peers hostage, and try to force your opinion on them, and thus bend their future behavior, because of your momentary position of power behind the podium.  Having a microphone in front of you does not make you any more important, or your words any more palatable.  It only makes your opinion LOUDER, and allows more people to see you as you really are.  Everyone I have spoken to was appalled that Mr. Miola would use the honor and the opportunity of having a horse inducted into the Hall of Fame to push an agenda, and certainly, an agenda that many of us do not share.  People will not forget this type of hot-headedness very quickly.

Perhaps Mr. Miola has some things he needs to get off of his chest.  I have a few suggestions; first, he should confine his venting to those around him that can just listen.  Maybe even find a trustworthy therapist to do this job.  Second, he needs to consider that his peers in the reining industry are capable of making their own decisions and his spouting off is just a great big turn-off.  And third,  he should understand that there are consequences to this type of behavior, and most likely, his stallion's books will reflect how his 'speech' was received by the reining community.  In the polls of public opinion, we will vote with our checkbooks.

While I have not seen that NRHA has released a video of the Hall of Fame speeches, I have hopes that they will.  It is, after all, part of the public record of the National Reining Horse Association.   But, given that Mr. Miola's stable, Silver Spurs Performance Horses, is a corporate sponsor, perhaps they will feel the need to cover up this rant to protect their own image.  We'll see....

Never a Dull Moment!

Happy Independence Day!!  Over the weekend I attended the NRHA Derby in Oklahoma City, OK, as a spectator, but with a sense of voyeurism, as I knew that I would blog about it.  I wanted to see with a journalistic objectivity, and try to convey what it was like to be there.  I was able to attend the NRHA Awards and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies, watch the warm up pen, walk through the stalls, and had a front row seat for the Finals.  You will see me writing about these experiences a lot in the coming weeks, because it is endlessly inspiring to see a sport operating at that level.  Good and bad, stunningly beautiful and plain ugly, I got to see a lot, and I will be sharing what I saw with you.

One thing is for sure, as I unpack, unwind, and try to get back into 'normal' life, I will miss the great people that I met over the weekend.  It was wonderful to talk, laugh and joke about silly horses' antics, mourn the loss of a good one we had, swap stories and histories, and makes some toasts.  I am sure I have made some friends for life! 

As they say, it is nice to get away, but it is nice to come home.  So I am going to keep this short, and go spend time with my family.  Enjoy your day - enjoy your freedom!