Summer solstice. The longest day of the year. June 20th. However you put it, this a very important day in the life of your horse. Or at least your horse's winter coat. Winter coat you say? Whatever are you talking about? It's just the beginning of summer! The days are getting hotter. Horse don't need a winter coat now. It's nice to have them all in a short, sleek … [Read more...] about Happy Summer Solstice!
horse grooming
It’s Show Time!
It's finally here! The day of the show. What do you do? Will you place? What if your horse freaks out? What if you (gulp) fall off? What if your horse rolled during the night and is filthy? What if, what if, what if... You can "what if" all day long and it won't get you any closer to the show pen or a ribbon. Always focus on what you can do, not what … [Read more...] about It’s Show Time!
Countdown To A Horse Show
Every year I have students that are heading into the show ring. Some are old hands while others are taking on the show pen for the first time. At our barn, we don't have grooms. All my students are expected to take care of their own horses. This is something I teach each student when they start taking lessons with me. I believe students who groom and otherwise care … [Read more...] about Countdown To A Horse Show
To Groom Or Not To Groom…
The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." – Winston Churchill A few years ago I was conducting a CHA Riding Instructor Certification Clinic. During these clinics, the 2 staff members watch and evaluate four lessons taught by each of the participants. Three lessons are mounted, but one lesson is an un-mounted … [Read more...] about To Groom Or Not To Groom…
Shiny As A New Penny!
Shiny As A New Penny! Should I Body Shave my Horse? This question was posed to me just the other day by a student. She owns a very fuzzy pony that she wants to get ready for the shows. Shows that are going to be starting in just a few short months. I understand why she would ask this question. Her pony, Tony, is the typical Thelwell pony. Short, stocky, and really hairy. … [Read more...] about Shiny As A New Penny!