Well, I thought I would share some things I have learned concerning horses. I know that I am no professional in this field, but as an Equine Massage Therapist, a horse owner for over four years, and having worked in several stables, I've picked up on a few things that I think you might find helpful.
Know your horse. This is a hands-on and hands-off knowledge of what is normal for your horse. Know how he acts when he's healthy so that when there is something wrong you will be more likely to notice right away. Also, be familiar with what he feels like--his coat, legs, neck, etc. I've had clients ask me how they will know if their horse is sore from riding and I always tell them the same thing. Touch your horse. Get your hands on him and feel for any heat or swelling, those are the obvious signs that something isn't right. Go ahead and use a bit of pressure running your fingers over his major muscle groups, feel for any knots of tight muscle (you know, like those sore spots you get in your shoulders after throwing around hay bales) take note of any flinching or more subtle signs like his ears flicking back or his tail twitching. If he seems really sore consider giving him a day or two off and have an equine massage therapist come out (or use the internet and learn some basic massage techniques & stretches yourself) to give him some relief :)
Anger destroys everything. "Just don't get angry," is one thing to say and a completely different thing to actually do. Every horse person has experienced that hot summer day when nothing is going right and patience has run out a long time ago--you get mad at your horse, mad at yourself, and mad at anything else you can blame. Being angry with your horse is a very dangerous thing because if you act out in anger, just once, you can undo weeks, months, and even years of work. The best advice I can give you is to just walk away. Put the horse in his pasture or in his stall and take a break. Go punch a pillow. Cool down. Wait a few hours or until the next day when you aren't upset and try again. Another thing I like to do in those moments when you feel yourself beginning to get frustrated is to pause and get control of your mood. Just rest your head against your horse's neck and take a few deep breaths--calm yourself down. The best thing you can do for your horse is learn how to be quiet around him, both inside and out. When you are quiet you are in control of yourself and when you are in control of yourself, you will find your horse more willing to let you be the leader.
If you never try, you'll never know. Don't be afraid to try new things. Put yourself and your horse in different situations. Go ahead and ride your horse backwards, use an English saddle instead of a Western one, take the harder trail, ride without any tack and see what happens, you know that tarp?--see if your horse will stomp on it or have him wear it like a cloak, teach your horse a trick or take him swimming. Try new things, be a little daring, your horse may just surprise you! Be smart and don't push him too far, use good horsemanship, but don't be afraid to be a little crazy. Believe me, it's more fun if you are!
Other tips:
1. Keep your horse soft by switching up his bit. Use the most simple bit you can get--I use a basic loose-ring snaffle for my light riding. When you want a higher level of performance, use a slightly stronger bit. If you aren't familiar with the bit your horse is using (or bits in general), you need to do some research! Don't put it off, get some books, use the internet and learn the facts--you may just save your horse from unneeded pain and yourself from unneeded frustration.
2. Make sure your horse's bridle fits right. The bit should be resting just against the corners of your horse's lips. It shouldn't be so tight that it creates wrinkles on the side of his mouth. Check this by putting his bridle on him then grabbing a hold of either side of the bit and pulling it forward (gently) in his mouth--if you get a gap of a half inch or more between the bit and his lips it's too loose, if you aren't getting a gap at all, it's way too tight. If you use a curb chain, make sure it fits right by pulling the reins back as if telling your horse to halt, the chain should get snug against his chin only when the reins are pulled tight. Let the reins hang--there should be a two or more finger gap between the chain and the horse's chin. If the curb chain is too tight you will confuse your horse. If it's too loose it won't be any use at all. And again, if you don't know what it's for you shouldn't be using it. Do your research.
3. Your arm length is usually the same length your stirrups should be.
4. Don't neglect groundwork but don't overuse groundwork either. Lunging your horse in fifty circles either direction is useless except to bore him and tire him out. Only ask him to go in sets of three or four circles in either direction (one set for each gait), you will keep his attention better and won't kill his brain cells by running him in circles for ages. Instead of only lunging him, use your time to teach him to back up, yield his hindquarters, and yield his forehand. Teach him to halt with a verbal command and a hand signal. You'll discover your horse will respect your space much better if you do these things.
5. Ride bareback and walk, trot, and canter. This will teach you balance and will keep you warmer in the winter :)
6. Apple Cider Vinegar. Add it to his water, dilute it with water and wash him with it, use it to clean his bits & water troughs. It won't hurt him, promotes healthy skin and a soft coat, is cheep, and it works. I promise.
7. Sometimes less is more. Ten to fifteen minutes of riding or groundwork can teach your horse just as much as a 50 to 60 minute ride. And you'll keep his attention the entire time. Try it.
8. Never stop learning. Take riding lessons, volunteer at a horse rescue, read books, research for facts. Whatever you do, don't stop learning.
9. Be fit and healthy. Yes, you! A fit and healthy person has a better sense of balance and has the strength to correctly ride a horse. Your horse will thank you for it!
10. Consistency is key. Use the same cue each time you ask him for something. One cue with each command and don't change them.
© Copyright Charity K, 2013
