March 10th, 2010
I know…It’s kind of a pain to have to wear a helmet, right? I know it is for me. I like to feel the wind in my hair when I’m loping across the field – I really do!
However, I also know that an accident can happen in an instant – no warnings. I definitely know this from experience. I’ve had my share of falls and injuries that’s for sure: a broken wrist, a concussion, bumps and bruises, to name a few. I was wearing a helmet at these times, and I was very thankful that I did – especially when I had the concussion!
What about horse shows? I would definitely recommend a helmet while at horse shows. Why? There are so many new sights and sounds that your horse will be exposed to. He may react calmly, or he may not. You just never know what will happen. Adrenaline can be high while at a show, and you never know what the horse near you may do that could trigger your horse to react negatively.
Do I always wear a helmet at horse shows? Well, honestly, I used to have a horse that spooked at various things and could be high strung at shows. With him, I always wore a helmet.
Now I have a horse that is very calm and rarely spooks. I have more confidence with her. I don’t always wear a helmet with her. I’m not saying that I shouldn’t wear a helmet, but I really feel safe with her. Now, anything can happen, and someday I may wish that I had worn a helmet…
So, what should you do? I have to recommend that you always wear a helmet. It really is safer. Someday, you may be glad you did! 
Happy Riding!
Debi
www.TrainingYourHorses.com
Tags: helmet, helmet while riding a horse, helmet while riding horse, horse, horse buying, horse riding helmet, horse training, horse training dvd's, horse training videos, horses, the horse, training horses
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March 5th, 2010
A rope halter is a training tool that many horse owners use because they feel that they can communicate with their horse more clearly than with another type of halter. In a rope halter, there are knots at key points that put pressure on the horse’s face when the horse is resisting. I believe that this is a great training tool.
When not training my horse I use a nylon or leather halter as it is a lot more comfortable for her. Also, I never turn my horse out to pasture with a halter on, unless it is a breakaway halter. This is a halter that will “break away” if she gets it caught on something. If your horse is wearing a nylon or leather halter and he gets it caught on a branch (or something else), he could panic and hurt himself severely. With a breakaway halter, the piece that breaks is easily replaced and will cost much less than replacing the whole halter.
So, I would use a rope halter while training my horse, but not at other times (such as while she is standing tied or being trailered). I would use a nylon or a leather halter at other times. Also, I believe that only a breakaway halter should be used if the horse is turned out to pasture.
Happy Riding!
Debi
www.TrainingYourHorses.com
Tags: breakaway halter, halter, horse, horse training, horses, leather halter, nylon halter, rope halter, the horse, training horses
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March 3rd, 2010
Have you heard of a mud knot? A mud knot is a “knot” that you put in your horse’s tail to keep it from dragging in the mud and/or manure and getting mucky and tangled. Some people use this when their horse is out in the pasture, but others say that this is not a good idea.
Horses have been known to get their “knots” caught in a branch (or other object) and inadvertently pulling most of the hair out of their tails – Ouch! Not good.
Something else that people use to keep a horse’s tail up and out of the mud is a tail bag. Some people like these better and think that these are safer than mud knots, while others don’t like tail bags either.
There is also a tail wrap that helps to protects hairs at the top of your horse’s tailbone from rubbing and breaking off. This is especially helpful while your horse is riding in a trailer.
As you can see, there are many different ways to protect your horse’s tail, some more recommended than others. I suggest that you educate yourself and talk to your vet and/or trainer to decide what is best for your horse.
Happy Riding!
Debi
www.TrainingYourHorses.com
Tags: horse, horse mud knots, horse tail bags, horse tail wraps, horse training, horses, mud knot, mud knots, mud knots for horses, tail bag, tail bags for horses, tail wrap, tail wraps for horses, the horse
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February 26th, 2010
Selling a horse is a big decision. It’s hard to let go of a trusted friend that you have learned to love. However, if you’ve decided that it’s time to sell your horse, for whatever reason, there are a few things you should know and some materials that you will need.
I suggest the “Selling Your Horse 101″ ebook. It’s practical, affordable, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Happy Riding!
Debi
www.TrainingYourHorses.com
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February 23rd, 2010
To stall or not to stall…Yes, that’s another one of those questions with the answer of: “It depends…”.
Here are a few pros and cons:
The pros of stalling:
1. Your horse is waiting for you each day – You don’t have to go find him or coax him to you.
2. Your horse is out of the elements.
3. Your horse stays cleaner.
4. You have more control of your horse’s diet.
The cons of stalling;
1. Your horse can become bored and start cribbing and/or weaving.
2. Your horse is not interacting with other horses.
3. Regular stall cleaning is necessary.
4. If you’re paying for your horse’s board, stalling is more expensive (but includes stall cleaning and bedding).
The Pros of not stalling:
1. Your horse can experience many sights and sounds not inside the barn, which helps to reduce his spookiness.
2. Your horse gets more exercise.
3. No mucking and cleaning stalls.
4. If you are paying for boarding, it is less expensive than having your horse stalled.
Cons of not stalling:
1. It may be difficult to catch your horse when you want him.
2. Your horse has more opportunity to hurt himself – stepping in a hole, getting scratches from a tree branch.
3. Your horse’s winter blanket has more opportunity to get damaged.
4. Your horse may get bite marks and/or other injuries while establishing his place in the herd.
5. Your horse may lose a shoe more easily.
So, as you can see, it depends on your preferences and circumstances as to whether or not stalling is best for your horse.
Don’t forget your free report on “Ten Common Mistakes Made When Purchasing a Horse”!
Happy Riding!
Debi
www.TrainingYourHorses.com
Tags: blanket, catch your horse, clean horse, cribbing, horse, horse blanket, horse stall, horse stalls, horse training, horses, shoe, shoes, should I stall my horse, stall your horse, stalling, the horse, winter blanket
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February 19th, 2010
Cribbing is when a horse swallows air. One way he may do this is by holding an immovable item, like a board or stall door, with his upper teeth. He then pulls while arching his neck and making a grunting sound. This can result in damage to his teeth and stall.
Some people refer to wood chewing as “cribbing”. People aren’t really sure why horses do either of these, but many suggest that it may be due to boredom. Horses that are not stalled have not been known to crib.
Once a horse starts cribbing, it is really hard to break him of this habit. One way is to remove the objects that he likes to crib on from his stall. Another way is to raise his bucket and other items higher so that he can’t arch his neck and crib on these. Others suggest using an “anti-cribbing” (bad-tasting) mixture on his cribbing objects. There is a cribbing strap on the market that seems to help. Also, letting your horse out to pasture and giving him more exercise may prevent cribbing.
Hopefully, your horse doesn’t have a cribbing problem. If he does, it’s best to try to stop this habit as soon as possible.
Happy Riding!
Debi
www.TrainingYourHorses.com
Tags: buying a horse, common mistakes made when purchasing a horse, cribbing, horse, horse buying, horse training, horses, the horse, training a horse, training horses, wood chewing
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February 17th, 2010
If you want to take your horse anywhere – a horse show, a parade, a new stable, etc. – you will probably be asked to show a recent negative Coggins test. What is it? It’s a test named after the man who developed it (Dr. Leroy Coggins) to determine if your horse has a disease called “Equine Infectious Anemia” (EIA) or “swamp fever”.
It is caused by a retrovirus and is transmitted by bloodsucking insects like the horsefly. Once infected, horses are infected for life. Currently, there is a low rate of incidence in the United States, but many states require proof of a negative Coggins before interstate travel.
Feel free to ask questions or comment – Debi@TrainingYourHorses.com
Free report on “Ten Common Mistakes Made When Purchasing a Horse”!
Happy Riding!
Debi
www.TrainingYourHorses.com
Tags: buying a horse, coggins, coggins test, horse, horse buying, horse training, horses, negative coggins, negative coggins test, the horse, training horses
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February 17th, 2010
Basically, a horse has internal parasites. Dewormers rid the horse of these parasites and help to keep him healthy.
Because different dewormers attack different parasites, the type of dewormer should be changed each each time to make sure all parasites are taken care of. This is done on a rotating schedule.
Most people say that a horse should be given a dewormer every 6 to 8 weeks. But you should check with your vet to be sure of your horse’s needs.
Happy Riding!
Debi
www.TrainingYourHorses.com
Tags: buying a horse, dewormer, horse, horse buying, horse dewormer, horse training, horses, the horse, training horses
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February 15th, 2010
“Quarter Horse” is kind of a funny name for a breed of horse, isn’t it? Where did that name come from, and what does it mean?
Well, the Quarter Horse got his name for being the fastest horse in races of a quarter of a mile or less. He has been known to run as fast as 55 miles per hour.
The modern Quarter Horse has a small, short, refined head with a straight profile, and a strong, well-muscled body, featuring a broad chest and powerful, rounded hindquarters. He is usually between 14 and 16 hands.
There are 2 main body types: the stock type and the halter type. The stock type is shorter and more compact, but still agile. The halter type is taller and smoother muscled, resembling the Thoroughbred.
The quarter horse can be used in all disciplines, but is best known for his work in reining, cutting, barrel racing and roping. It is the most popular breed in the United States, and the American Quarter Horse Association is the largest breed registry in the world!
Don’t forget your free report on “Ten Common Mistakes Made When Purchasing a Horse”!
Happy Riding!
Debi
www.TrainingYourHorses.com
Tags: american quarter horse association, breed, buying a horse, horse, horse buying, horse training, horses, quarter horse, the horse, training a horse
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February 12th, 2010
This is another one of those questions where the answer is: “It depends”. (Don’t you just love those? )
First of all, God made the horse’s natural coat to grow and shed with the seasons. If this winter is colder than last winter, the horse’s coat will grow thicker than it did last year. In the springtime, his coat will begin to shed because he doesn’t need the heavy protection.
That being said, I like to put a winter blanket on my mare when the temperature is exceptionally low (in the teens or lower). This isn’t really necessary, but it makes me feel better. Since my horse is kept outside, if the weather is rainy and suddenly turns frigid, I like to have a blanket on her. Your horse will have more trouble keeping warm if he’s wet to begin with. Remember, a steady supply of hay also helps your horse keep warm in the winter months.
Also, many horse owners who enter their horses in horse shows put blankets on their horses to keep their winter hair growth to a minimum. They like the sleeker look better.
So…Does my horse need a winter blanket? I’d say that if the temperature is in the teens or drops below 32 degrees right after a rain, then I’d put one on her… Feel free to comment or ask questions!
For those of you you haven’t gotten your free report on Ten Common Mistakes Made When Purchasing a Horse, just click on the link!
Happy Riding!
Debi
www.TrainingYourHorses.com
Tags: blanket, horse, horse blanket, horse training, horses, the horse, training your horses, winter blanket, winter coat
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