tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52343441957832533452024-03-13T10:18:01.541-07:00All About StandardbredsAnastasia Burke Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01436973862753306402noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5234344195783253345.post-87939637748555855262013-04-30T14:25:00.000-07:002013-04-30T14:25:37.475-07:00Best Daily Horse Photos from Sonoma Coastal EquesTraining<div aria-dolphinuid="10a3:2:d8e">
My friend (and former trainer--"former" because I moved so far away), Nathalie Guion, head honcho at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/SCEquestrainingCenter?fref=ts" target="_blank">Sonoma Coastal EquesTraining Center</a> has the most enchanting Faceebook page. If you love horses, love seeing kids with horses, love adults with horses, love dogs with horses, love big horses, love baby horses...well, you get the idea. Just "like" the page and you'll see fabulous photos every day about the goings on SCEC.</div>
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Also for information on Nathalie's trainning program (my thumbs cannot go up enough--just the best!), and the fantastic, kid-blue-ribbon friendly Connemar/Morgans she and Drew are breeding, <a href="http://www.scequestraining.com/" target="_blank">check out their website by clicking here.</a></div>
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Here's a sample...</div>
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Anastasia Burke Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01436973862753306402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5234344195783253345.post-72280652169892053322013-04-30T14:08:00.001-07:002013-04-30T14:08:29.962-07:00HORSE RADIO NETWORK!<div aria-dolphinuid="379:e:509">
Jut want to give a little shout-out to my friends, Glenn and Helena, over at <a aria-dolphinuid="37b:e:56f" href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/horsesinthemorning" target="_blank">Horse Radio Network.</a> If you haven't discovered this goldmine of equine info and entertainment, get on it! Horse Radio Network has shows for every discipline--jumping, three-day, dressage, reining, English, Western, and more. And if you're looking for the latest news in horse care, check out Horses in the Morning.</div>
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<a aria-dolphinuid="383:e:511" href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/horsesinthemorning" target="_blank">Click here to check out Horse Radio Network</a> and all their shows at their Facebook page!</div>
Anastasia Burke Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01436973862753306402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5234344195783253345.post-59705822378585335592013-04-26T14:53:00.000-07:002013-04-26T14:53:40.850-07:00The most important things you need for great riding<div aria-dolphinuid="94e:2:509">
Whether you're riding a Standardbred, a Thoroughbred, or one of my friend, <a href="http://www.scequestraining.com/" target="_blank">Nathalie's fabulous Morgan/Commemara crosses</a>, we all have "one of those days." It's that day when things just don't seem to go right.</div>
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I had mine today.</div>
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It was a gorgeous Northern California day, so already I was in a good mood as I walked down to the barn. Ruby, the chestnut Standardbred I'm working with these days, met me at the gate with a friendly nicker.</div>
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From there on, it was kind of downhill.</div>
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First, she wouldn't walk through the gate to exit our property. So instead of spending our riding time on the beautiful trails along the American River, it looked like Ruby and I were going to discus who was in charge. </div>
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Fortunately, we came to a meeting of the minds fairly fast and were on our way. Except that when we arrived at the trail head, she decided she didn't want to go over the step-over. After 15 minutes of ground work, with not much progress, I asked for assistance from a rider who'd just returned from her own ride (with a well-mannered horse who knew that the step-over was not going to eat him). This kind woman stood behind me, waved my whip a little, and Ruby went right over. Yay.</div>
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My goal today was to establish a nice, light, rhythmic--and slow--trot with Ruby. And by slow, I mean what is described as a "medium" trot in dressage terms. As opposed to 95 MPH, which is what Ruby thinks it's all about.</div>
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The method to esstablishing a nice, light, rhythmic medium trot with an off-the-track Standardbred is simple: every time your horse starts to turn on the gas, use a one-rein stop to bring him back to a walk or halt. Repeat. Often. Your horse will eventually get the idea that every time he starts to go-go-go, he's going to get shut down. And he'll give up and give you waht you want.</div>
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This is the method. But the KEY to the method is that the rider must have infinite patience and be possessed of immense tranquility. </div>
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What went wrong for Ruby and me today was that I understood the METHOD. I was lacking the second part--the patience and tranquility. </div>
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I often say that riding is an amazing tool for developing focus and learning to be completely in the moment. But I realized today that, as focused as I was, I was also adding tension and frustration to the mix.</div>
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And when I say frustration, I really mean it. I felt my frustration morphing into anger. I had to put the brakes on before I messed everything up for my horse.</div>
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How to Re-Establish a Happy Heart and Calm Attitude</h2>
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Being mindful about your attitude, thoughts, and reactions is important at all times, but I believe it's especially so when riding, because your mood can so easily affect your horse.</div>
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1) Stop and ask yourself what is really going on? Where are your thoughts focused?</h4>
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I realized that in a far-off, teeny, tiny corner of my mind, I was harboring anxiety about some basic life issues--coordinating plans for my son's graduation from college next week (summa cum laude! So proud!), conern for my husband, who just lost his lifelong best friend, worry about how much money I spent at the tack shop yesterday, concern about how the horses will behave tomorrow when a friend with small kids comes to visit tomorrow...</div>
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The list goes on and these things are not show-stoppers, they are just Life. But I realized as I was riding that the cumulative effects of Life were impacting my ability to have paitnece with my horsre.</div>
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Once I was able to acknowlegdge how worried I was about these other issues, I could see that I was bringing them into my riding. I could also see the circle game that was starting:</div>
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ANXIETY = ANXIOUS RIDING SKILLS = ANXIOUS HORSE = HORSE NOT PERFORMING WELL = RIDER GETTING FRUSTRATED = HORSE REACTING TO RIDER FRUSTRATION = NO ONE IS HAPPY AND NO WORK IS ACHIEVED</h3>
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2) Breathe.</h4>
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Taking a moment to focus on your breath is an outstanding way to re-center yourself in moments when you're about to lose your cool. Take five very deep breaths and be mindful of where you feel your breath in your body (in your nose, the back of your throat, your belly?), Stay with your breath as you inhale and again when you exhale. </div>
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An alternative--or complement--to breathing is to create a picture in your mind of something beautiful, something peaceful that will help you reclaim your center. Something along the lines of this photo...</div>
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3) Acknowledge but don't react.</h4>
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As I was fighting with Ruby to slow down her trot, I found myself thinking this thought: "She's the worst horse ever!"</div>
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A stupid thought that was composed of pure frustration. The thing that's most important to know about your thoughts is this: you can have a thought without reacting to it. In fact, in most cases, not reacting is an excellent plan. </div>
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In my case, I acknowledged my frustrations and I also reminded myself that, previous to today, I've had excellent sessions with Ruby.</div>
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And that if we didn't achieve a fabulous trot today, we could try again tomorrow. The world would not end.</div>
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4) Make a mid-course correction with your goals.</h4>
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One of the most important components of good goal setting is the ability to understand when it's time to establish new goals. During my ride with Ruby, I recognized that the goals I'd set for today simply weren't achievable. My horse was not in the right frame of mind and neither was I. It was more important to me that Ruby and I have a good working relationship and that she looked forward to our rides than it was to get a great trot today.</div>
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So I backed off, brought Ruby back to a walk, and gave her a long rein. She walked home a happy horse. And I was calm, pleased that I'd seen my part in what was going wrong.</div>
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The good news? The trot will still be there tomorrow.</div>
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Anastasia Burke Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01436973862753306402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5234344195783253345.post-76389773043755965902013-03-28T11:27:00.000-07:002013-03-28T11:27:08.409-07:00Ruby proves to be a jewel of a Standardbred<div aria-dolphinuid="6c7:4d:c5b">
I last wrote about Ruby, a 9-year-old Standardbred mare who has come to learn how to be a saddle horse. Ruby was brilliant on the track, winning over 50% of her races, making her a statistical superstar. Then she went off to be a brood mare for a few years.</div>
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And now? Well....if she could talk, I think she'd be a little like Dororthy in the "Wizard of Oz," when she says, "Toto, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore."</div>
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The first day we put a saddle on her, Ruby didn't seem to think too much of it. Best Husband in the World got right on. Although Ruby at first seemed not to know how to walk with someone atop, she figured it out quickly. That first day we stayed in the round pen.</div>
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The second day, I rode Ruby while my young friend, Megan, rode my horse, Scarlett. Since we were going to take a mile walk down the road, I thought Ruby could use Scarlett as a lead horse and confidence builder.</div>
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I guess I should have asked Ruby's opionion on that, because she instantly took the lead, boldly walking out and leaving Megan and Scarlett to continuially have to trot to keep up. </div>
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On Ruby's third day under saddle, I took her alone to Cronan Ranch, 2500 acres of paradise just a 10 minute ride from the barn. Ruby loved it. And again, I experienced her amazing, ground-gobbling walk. This horse has the most comfortable and speedy walk I've ever known!</div>
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The only thing Ruby wasn't too excited about was the American River. The sound of the water rushing by--and then seeing it--scared her a little. What I loved is that she didn't turn and bolt the way my thoroughbreds did. She just stared and blew startled snorts out of her wide nostrils.</div>
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I was actually able to get her next to the water. To get her <em aria-dolphinuid="128c:22:c62">in</em> the water, we're going to have to call on water girl Scarlett for guidance.</div>
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Ruby learning to trot in side reins</div>
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Ruby at the big, scary American River</div>
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Anastasia Burke Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01436973862753306402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5234344195783253345.post-65007199999251661092013-03-18T14:03:00.000-07:002013-03-18T14:03:15.695-07:00Meet Ruby Red Dress<div aria-dolphinuid="b2a:2c:47e">
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I have to say...last year did not go so well, mostly due to my having a horse fall over on me and breaking my ankle in several thousand painful places.</div>
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As I near the one-year anniversary of my injury, I'm still not 100%. Moral of that story? Be careful.</div>
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The other thing I've learned over the last year is that our brains are very connected to our health. Simply put, if I wake up thinking I'm in pain and will these tendons ever heal and oh, I hurt...the result is that I get exactly what I think about. I start out in pain and I spend the day that way.</div>
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However, if I wake up and spend 10 minutes (or 30) focusing on health and well-being...that's what I get. I truly feel like a completely different, vibrant human being. I feel in charge of my pain, instead of the other way around.</div>
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If you are coping with any kind of pain in your life--be it physical or emotional--pause for a moment to imagine yourself as you'd like to be. In my case, I envision myself standing atop an enormous boulder, strong and completely free of pain, with my arms raised in triumph. </div>
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I feel the emotions of that vision, and let strength and wellness flow into me. When I am tapped into the emotional feeling of energy and power, I repeat this thought:</div>
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"I am healthy, feeling energized and pain free."</div>
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I say it over and over in my mind, continuing to pull positive energy from the vision of wellness I've created for myself.</div>
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And as a new Standardbred comes into our life, I am also saying, "My body can easily support me as I mount up and ride."</div>
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I needed this mantra the other day as Best Husband in the World and I spent our first day with Ruby Red Dress, a 9-year-old chestnut mare who has never before been ridden.</div>
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Ruby was a winning harness racer until a minor soft tissue injury derailed her stellar career. For the last four years, she's been doing a fabulous job raising babies.</div>
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And because her owners want her to have a full and interesting life, they sent her to me so that she could learn to be a riding horse.</div>
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I'm already in love with Ruby and tomorrow I'll tell you why. But first, here are a couple teasers...some "before" and "after" shots as Ruby, who's lived in a pasture for the last four years, spent Day I in the beauty salon.</div>
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Ruby After<a aria-dolphinuid="4c1:9:12b8" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GVNpbv4yw5s/UUeA2NcobMI/AAAAAAAAB_U/vEVQVRYvfPk/s1600/ruby+after.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aria-dolphinuid="43e:8:12b9" border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GVNpbv4yw5s/UUeA2NcobMI/AAAAAAAAB_U/vEVQVRYvfPk/s320/ruby+after.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Anastasia Burke Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01436973862753306402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5234344195783253345.post-62442030808129158732013-02-14T14:11:00.000-08:002013-02-14T14:11:01.193-08:00Back in the saddle<div aria-dolphinuid="1267:9:f28">
So I last posted in May of 2012. I had big plans to track the progress of Without Fail, aka Sweetie. Just to quickly remind you...</div>
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Sweetie was having some problems with focus at the track, so her owner decided she could benefit with a few months of learning to be a saddle horse. At the end of the summer, she'd go back to the track to see if round penning and riding had improved her attitude toward racing.</div>
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I took lots of photos. I had lots of blog posts planned.</div>
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And then a horse (not Sweetie, nor one of my own) fell on me while doing a simple canter in an arena. The horse just slipped. Onto its left side. Onto my right ankle. Which broke. Severely. Throw in some torn ligaments.</div>
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I then spent all of summer 2012 having several surgeries and sitting on the couch. I was in a lot of pain and had a lot of frustration, the kind that makes you not so eager to write.</div>
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I got back to working with the horsres, cast and crutches along for extra fun, around the first part of October.</div>
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So what ever happened to Sweetie?</div>
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I'll tell you...</div>
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...tomorrow.</div>
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In the meantime, enjoy this photo that Sweetie's owner took of what racing is really like at Cal Expo.</div>
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<tr aria-dolphinuid="128d:9:1006"><td aria-dolphinuid="12b2:9:1007" class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandy leads Bear by nearly a length at Cal Expo!</td></tr>
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Anastasia Burke Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01436973862753306402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5234344195783253345.post-72353728950553570212012-05-24T10:51:00.000-07:002012-05-24T10:51:45.865-07:00Day I with OTT StandardbredAs I mentioned yesterday, we are very excited to have a new Standardbred project here at the farm. For the next few months, you'll be hearing all about Without Fail (barn name, "Sweetie"), who we hope will live up to both her monikers. As she learns new lessons as a saddle horse, it is our hope that she will mature mentally--and also learn some valuable training lessons that will allow her to live up to her full potential as a racing trotter.<br />
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So let me tell you about Day One with Sweetie. I have to admit to some pre-conveived notions about the type of horse she would be. Owner Stephen Chambers explained a few of Sweetie's issues: "She's fast. Very fast. And smart. When you introduce something new to her, she takes it on like a champ the first day. Then, on the second day, she can have a take-no-prisoners attitude."<br />
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Stephen added, "It's sort of like she's thinking, 'Oh, no you don't. And if you do, I'm going down and you--and everyone else within 30 feet--is going with me.' "<br />
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Um. Okay.<br />
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My shoer said, "Now why in the hell do you want to be involved with <em>that</em>?" <br />
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Part of me kind of had to agree with her. I have a fair amount of back, knee, and hip problems that testify to the many years I've devoted to re-schooling and competing off-the-track thoroughbreds. I thought maybe I'd gained some of the wisdom that perportedly comes with age. The kind that says, "Do you really need to do this kind of thing? Can't you just be happy on a nice, well-trained, possibly older horse?"<br />
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Alas, I fear not. I like a challenge. Challenges keep life interesting. Or so I keep telling myself.<br />
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So Best Husband in the World and I agreed to work with Sweetie.<br />
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Funny thing is that I'd worked myself into a mental image of Sweetie that involved a lot of dust, bucking, hooves flying...you get the picture. So when she got off the trailer, I was pleasingly surprised by her demeanor. This pretty little bay had her fine head in the air and was whinnying and blowing. But she was basically calm.<br />
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We gave her the guided tour. She got to meet her new roommates, Skye and Scarlett...<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em>Skye (left) meets Sweetie</em></span></div>
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She got to explore her new housing situation...</div>
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And then it was time for work...</div>
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Many people (myself included) like to let an off-the-track horse relax for few days before starting any kind of training. Best Husband in the World thinks it's fun to skip the down time and get right to work. <br />
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We put Sweetie in the round pen. She immediately displayed a ground-covering stride with a lot of action both in front and behind. She couldn't figure out how to trot on the right rein. She couldn't figure out how to stop whinnying. She worked hard to perfect the art of trotting while eating the stubs of grass on the other side of the fence. She preferred to change directions butt-out rather than the safer (for the trainer) head-in method. In other words, she knew nothing.<br />
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After a few minutes of work at liberty, Sweetie had her first lesson at flexing.<br />
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Flexing is probably my favorite exercise, in both the rope halter and the bridle, on the ground as well as in the saddle. The art of turing your horse's head to its belly with the lead line or rein--and quickly releaing all pressure when the horse "gives"--is a masterful way to teach your horse to release to you. For a defiant horse especially, it is a brilliant training tool. (I have written several times of the art of flexing, so check my archives for detailed information.)<br />
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Many horses spend of lot of time spinning when first introduced to flexing. Sweetie was no exception. It was a great little workout for me. And at last, she stopped moving her feet, touched her belly with her nose, and received the reward of release. We did this many more times until she understood that if she quickly touched her belly, the lead line went slack, and she got rubbed all over. <br />
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Then we got to start all over on the other side.<br />
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After a lot of flexing, it was time for the next big step: putting on the saddle. You know all those old Western movies, where the horse stands quietly when saddled--and then launches into the air in an all-out assault on saddlery? <br />
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That did not happen here. In fact, with any of our Standardbred, saddling has always been an calm, no-fuss kind of event. Sweetie was no exception. She was somewhat nervous, but basically respectful. She kept her four dainty feet on the ground where we like them. BHITW sent her out to the rail and, with the exception of one big buck, she acted like she'd done it all before.<br />
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This, of course, meant is was time for the next big step--mounting up.</div>
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BHITW has a little bit of this cowboy thing going on. So he's always been the one to put his foot in the stirrup first with any horse new to riding. The macho part of me was thinking, "No, wait. I want to do it myself." The achy parts of me said, "Ya know, we're good for now. Let him do it if."</div>
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No need to worry. After a little more groundwork, a lot of saddle slapping and jumping up and down against Sweetie, BHITW swung his leg up and over. Sweetie...was great!</div>
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We finished her first day of work with a short trail ride around the property. Sweetie once again left me thinking, "These Standardbreds are amazing!"</div>
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</div>Anastasia Burke Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01436973862753306402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5234344195783253345.post-79651866790782610142012-05-23T13:08:00.000-07:002012-05-24T09:47:21.926-07:00Training the Off the Track Horse (to go back on the track)<dolphintext>I am super excited to announce to all the loyal ALL ABOUT STANDARDBREDS followers--all two of you--that we have a new project. And therefore, a whole new set of events and issues to blog about. Hurrah!</dolphintext><br />
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The new project is trotter <strong><em>Without Fail,</em></strong> known around the barn as "Sweetie." Sweetie is an extremely pretty four-year-old mare that apprarently can trot around the harness racing track like crazy. </:dolphintext><br />
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Unfortunately, the operative word in that sentence is not "trot," but rather "crazy." There is a bit of thoroughbred running through the veins of all Standardbreds. In Sweetie's case, that thoroughbred component might be rearing up over the gentler, more common sensical aspects that make Standardbreds such amazing horses.</:dolphintext><br />
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<dolphintext>Four-year-old Standbred Trotter Without Fail (barn name Sweetie)</dolphintext></div>
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<dolphintext>In an effort to help Sweetie's, ahem, sweeter nature to come out, owner Stephen Chambers came up with an intriguing idea: why not give Sweetie a different job to do for a while, so that she can mature, but continue in her training?</dolphintext><br />
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Why not teach her to be a riding horse? And then, after a few month of that, bring her back to track to see how she does?</:dolphintext><br />
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Which is how Sweetie came to us. <br />
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Over the next several months, I'll be chronicling Sweetie's training and progress as a dressage, Western, and trail horse. I'm really excited to see how life under saddle might translate to more success at the track.</:dolphintext><br />
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So stay tuned for more on Without Fail, our little sweetheart of a trotter.</:dolphintext></div>Anastasia Burke Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01436973862753306402noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5234344195783253345.post-52210801637515533552011-12-19T13:19:00.000-08:002011-12-19T14:43:08.740-08:00"STABLE SCOOP" RADIO SHOW NAMES SHAKE n FORK BEST GIFT OF 2011For the horse person who has everything, I have the ultimate gift recommendation. The Shake N Fork, a light-weight, durable, motorized pitch fork that saves you money on bedding AND gets you out of the stall faster. And if you're through with cleaning faster, that means you're in the saddle sooner!<br /><br />I absolutely love this crazy invention and now, it turns out I'm not alone. Glenn the Geek from the popular radio show <a href="http://stablescoop.horseradionetwork.com/2011/12/02/stable-scoop-episode-172-the-wonder-woman-shake/">"The Stable Scoop"</a> recently named the Shake N Fork his top gift for horse husbands for 2011!<br /><br />When Best Husband in the World and I first bought our Shake N Fork at the annual Horse Expo in Sacramento, everywhere we walked that day, people laughed. I'm talking little giggles hidden behind a hand, chuckles, guffaws, and outright belly laughs. It actually started to be kind of fun.<br /><br />Well, it turns out b we got the last laugh. Meticulous barn keeper Best Husband has seen his share of of broken rake handles and snapped pitch fork tines in his day. And he says, without a doubt, the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.shakenfork.com">Shake N Fork</a> is the best pitchfork he's ever owned. It has cut cleaning time in half, and helped take wear and tear off his back.<br /><br />Even better, this pitch fork easily earned us back its purchase price of $200 because it so thoroughly and quickly sifts clean bedding from soiled. That means the good bedding stays in the stall where it belongs. Which means I'm not constantly putting in new bedding. Which saves us money.<br /><br />In addition, the tines of the fork are long-lasting and--get ready--they are GUARANTEED NOT TO BREAK (Okay, if you've had the fork for three years and you clean thirty stalls a day, that fork is going to be worn down. So we're not talking a guarantee that last you into your Golden Years.).<br /><br />Considering how many cheap pitch forks we go used to through each year, the Shake N Fork has been a revelation.<br /><br />Check out of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBuDwOkRfQs&noredirect=1">YouTube video of the amazing Shake N Fork!</a><br /><br />Who will love this fork:<br />--people who have arthritis, back injuries, shoulder injuries, or other physical constraints that make manual manure sifting painful<br />--people who use small sawdust bits and/or pine pellets for bedding<br />--people who appreciate a lot of value for their hard-earned buck (this thing will last forever!)<br />--people with a lot of stalls to clean (nationally recognized trainers with large barns swear by the Shake N Fork!)<br />--people who would rather spend their time riding instead of cleaning!<br /><br />People who won't like it include:<br />--users of straw bedding<br />--those who view stall cleaning as a zen experience and a chance to bond with their horse<br />--people who view stall cleaning as part of their workout routine<br />--people who think $200 is just too much for a pitchfork, regardless of its durability, time-saving qualities, or the fact that you will use less bedding<br />--people who are grumpy to begin with and who talk with great longing about "the good old days."<br /><br />Okay, I'll admit it: when I tell people about the cost, they do, admittedly, choke a bit.<br /><br />Then they use it. And fall in love. And I tell them how cost effective it is, how long it will last, how much cleaner their stalls will be, how much more time they will have for riding. And like me, they fall in love.<br /><br />For more info on the Shake N Fork, its incredibly durable, non-motorized little sister, and other innovative products from Equi-Tee, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.shakenfork.com">click here</a>.Anastasia Burke Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01436973862753306402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5234344195783253345.post-14870524393241286012010-12-04T10:44:00.000-08:002010-12-04T11:31:28.577-08:00Radio for the Horse Lover<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/TPqUUSyqyrI/AAAAAAAAB9c/xOlkA3kiVT8/s1600/callnumberHITM.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 277px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 70px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546908967422839474" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/TPqUUSyqyrI/AAAAAAAAB9c/xOlkA3kiVT8/s400/callnumberHITM.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>If you are trolling around the Internet, looking for entertaining ways to expand your equestrian horizons, make sure you check out the new--and free!!!!--radio show <a href="http://www.horsesinthemorning.com/player.htm">HORSES IN THE MORNING.</a> </div><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>HORSES IN THE MORNING comes to you Monday - Friday, from 9 to 10:30 AM EST. Hosted by "America's Horse Husband," Glenn Hebert, along with his two lively co-hots, Helena and Jamie, the podcast comes to you courtesy of the great folks behind HORSE RADIO NETWORK.</div><div></div><br /><div>At HORSES IN THE MORNING, there's a little bit of something for every horse lover, regardless of your discipline. Recent episodes have showcased Fairland Ferguson, one of the stars of "Cavalia," along with recommendations on the best Christmas gifts for the equestrian.</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 380px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 280px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546909933004735954" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/TPqVMf3VRdI/AAAAAAAAB9k/kHyj6rX1UN0/s400/cavalia.jpg" /><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">(PHOTO ABOVE: FAIRLAND FERGUSON OF THE INTERNATIONALLY-ACCLAIMED EQUESTRIAN EXTRAVAGANZA, "CAVALIA" IS FEATURED ON "HORSES IN THE MORNING.")<br /></span></em></strong><br /><div>Other recent episodes have provided lively discussions on equine art (both painting and photography), training techniques, safety, and the eternal quest on how to properly train your horse husband. </div><br /><div>The show's 2011 schedule is sure to be pumped full of more great equine info, delivered with lively debate and good humor.<br /></div><br />You can even become a part of the HORSES IN THE MORNING crew by calling in with your questions or comments. The call- in number, also featured prominently on the <a href="http://www.horsesinthemorning.com/player.htm">HORSES IN THE MORNING player window</a>, is 347-637-3238.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />You can even listen to HORSES IN THE MORNING on your way to work, to the barn, or even while you're putting some elbow grease into your horse's winter coat by downloading them to your iPod or MP3 player. The link to do so is also conveniently located on their site.<br /><br />Don't miss out on HORSES IN THE MORNING, your five-day-a-week link to what's new and exciting in your favorite world, that of the horse!Anastasia Burke Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01436973862753306402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5234344195783253345.post-8864712602975560832010-11-17T17:18:00.000-08:002010-11-17T18:39:47.618-08:00Alternative therapies for the horse's aching back<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/TOSQyTPw96I/AAAAAAAAB9M/9tFRvYSpA3M/s1600/aprilsDVDproductspagejune01.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 169px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 302px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540712635406808994" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/TOSQyTPw96I/AAAAAAAAB9M/9tFRvYSpA3M/s400/aprilsDVDproductspagejune01.jpg" /></a><br /><div>People use non-traditional alternatives to Western medicine all the time: there's massage, chiropractic work, acupressure, acupuncture, and, for the really adventurous, even magnets. As a devotee of acupuncture, who has used this ancient Eastern art to ease back pain as well as severe tendonitis in my knees, I know the benefits of thinking out side the box.</div><br /><div></div><div>So when our new horse, Scarlett, started showing signs that her "cinchiness" was turning into full-blown attitude, along the lines of I'm-going-to-eat-you-if-you-put-that-saddle-on-my-back, I knew I was dealing with something more than a horse that didn't like the girth tightened.</div><br /><div></div><div>But when I started thinking about alternative equine measures to help her, I had no idea in which direction I should head. Should I go for chiropractic? Or would massage be better? What was the general opinion about the effectiveness of equine acupuncture? And how do you know which practitioners truly produce results? </div><br /><div></div><div>Add to all those questions the fact that, with kids in college, I didn't want to fork over an endless stream of cash to make my horse better.</div><div></div><br /><div>So I did the smart thing: 1) I went to Bay Area Equestrian Network, the fabulous horse resource for Northern California, where I live. There I researched names under alternative therapies. 2) I called my vet to see if they had ever heard of someone I found right in my own backyard.</div><div></div><br /><div>"Yes," said my vet. "April Battles is the real deal."</div><br /><div></div><div>So, by God's good graces, I had found April Battles, an equine body worker who combines the best of all worlds--a little chiropractic theory, a little acupressure theory, a little qi (pronounced "chi") theory, a little massage theory, and a lot of intuivtive spirit. </div><br /><div></div><div>Best of all, during my initial phone conversation with April, she didn't tell me it was going to cost an armload of money to make Scarlett feel better.</div><div></div><br /><div>"I charge $80 for an hour," explained April, who has helped horses across the nation and in Canada. "And when I leave, you're going to know how to do what I do so you can continue the work and continue helping your horse heal."</div><div></div><br /><div>Say what? She wasn't going to tell me that she was the <strong><em>only </em></strong>one who could work on Scarlett? It wasn't going to cost me my first-born's college tuition?</div><br /><div></div><div>In the time between our phone call and our actual appointment, April asked me to go to her YouTube channel, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Holistic+Horse+Works&aq=f">Holistic Horse Works.</a> There, she has a video showing her evaluating a horse. This allowed me to see how she works.</div><div></div><br /><div>Even better, she has posted there--FOR FREE--a short video demonstrating moves you can do with your horse to improve mobility, flexibility, balance, and overall comfort.</div><br /><div></div><div>This "Yoga for Horses" video is just a few minutes long. And it has truly changed Scarlett's outlook on life.</div><div></div><br /><div>It has now been exactly one week since April Battles first brought her equine body work methods to my little mare. In one week, the changes in Scarlett have been numerous and, wuite frankly, amazing.</div><div></div><br /><div>--<strong>Before April's visit,</strong> Scarlett could never stand with all four feet square (an indication, April says, that the horse is out of alignment and probably is in pain, or at least discomfort).</div><br /><div></div><div><strong>Now</strong> Scarlett stands square almost all the time, on her on and when I'm on her.</div><div></div><br /><div>--<strong>Before,</strong> saddling meant a glaring contest in which Scarlett stared at me with ears laid flat, waiting for an opportunity to bite me. Her tail would switch back and forth, and the back leg would threaten to kick out. It was truly scary and made me seriously consider selling her for any price. Fifty cents anyone?</div><div></div><br /><div><strong>Now,</strong> I put the saddle on and it is 180 degrees from what I was dealing with before. No tail switching, no threat of biting, no threat of getting kicked. As far as cinching her up, she doesn't even notice. I will admit that she is still a little touchy about taking the saddle off, but this just tells me I have more work to do. but the progress is amazing.</div><div></div><br /><div>--<strong>Before April</strong> (and this is the most telling sign that something physical was up with the little mare), Scarlett could not take the left lead. For anything. </div><br /><div></div><div><strong>Now,</strong> left lead is taken easily and cheerfully so! An added bonus is that her overall canter feels much smoother and more balanced.</div><br /><div></div><div>--<strong>Before April</strong>, Scarlett's coat was dull and very thick, a fact I attributed to winter. Yesterday, I was astounded to notice that Scarlett's coat has a gleam to it, so much so that she looked like she was basking in the warmth of June, rather than the chilly winds of November. Obviously, what is happening with her in terms of the muculoskeletal aspects is affecting not just her insides, but also her outsides. It's just so evident.</div><br /><div></div><div>I am now using daily yoga on all four of our horses. I am a firm convert. What I love most is that April (unlike the chiropractor who recently worked on me) did <em>not</em> tell me I had to have her back right away. She didn't tell me I had to have Scarlett seen four times in four days. Quite the opposite, she left me feeling like I could do all this for my horse on my own. </div><br /><div></div><div>If you want to give a great Christmas gift to the horse person in your life (or the horse) I am recommending everyone buy April's one-hour DVD, "Your Horses are Talking--Are You Listening?"</div><br /><div></div><div></div><br /><div>This DVD shows you how to work on your horse yourself, using simple exercises and Myofascial releases. <a href="http://www.holistichorseworks.com/products.html">Click here to order the DVD now.</a></div><br /><div></div><div>I am here to tell you, it works!</div><br /><div>It's what will be in the stockings of all our Standardbreds this Christmas. And Quarter Horses. And Arabs. And Half-Arabs. And Thoroughbreds. And...</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Anastasia Burke Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01436973862753306402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5234344195783253345.post-45191015775227938972010-11-10T15:31:00.000-08:002010-11-10T16:03:43.820-08:00Yoga for your horse<div align="justify"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/TNsxznQMYfI/AAAAAAAAB9E/004mvLaaQX8/s1600/Standing%2Bunder%2BEnglish%2Btack.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538074929562149362" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/TNsxznQMYfI/AAAAAAAAB9E/004mvLaaQX8/s400/Standing%2Bunder%2BEnglish%2Btack.jpg" /></a><strong> 14-year-old Little Scarlett, who is a perfect candidate for alternative spinal therapies such as equine yoga, massage, acupuncture, acupressure, or chiropractic care.</strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">We recently acquired a darling little 14-year-old mare with four, flashy white socks--and a bad attitude. Every time I even walk toward this horse with a saddle, her ears go back. Putting the saddle on, getting OFF her back, and then taking the saddle off are all exercises in risk.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">After eliminating the possibility of poor saddle fit, I began probing deeper. In the interest of doing the best by my four-legged friends, I have finally decided to take the same approach I take with my own body. And that means alternative therpy options.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">The good news <span style="color:#ffff00;">for</span> me <span style="color:#ffff00;">is</span> that I found a nationally known holistic horse therapist right in my own back yard. I will let you all know how that appointment goes (it's tomorrow!). But until that time, here is a great YouTube video, created by equine therapist April Battles.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">This comes to you FREE courtesy of the YouTube Channel of </span><a href="http://www.holistichorseworks.com/"><span style="font-size:130%;">Holistic Horse Works,</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> located in Greenwood, CA.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">If you have been considering equine chiropractic, equine acupuncture or acupressure, equine massage, or some other form of equine alternative therapy--or if you simply want your horse to be as comfortable as possible--please take the time to c</span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/HolisticHorseWorks#p/a/f/0/PKEL-aHCDsE"><span style="font-size:130%;">lick here </span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">and catch this great little video, giving you a sage addition to your pre-riding program.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Also, check out more about holistic horse practitioner, April Battles, at her website, </span><a href="http://www.holistichorseworks.com/"><span style="font-size:130%;">Holistic Horse Works.</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> There you will find a lot more information about alternative equine therapies, as well as the latest info on how to keep your horse's spine healthy--and your horse happy.</span> </div>Anastasia Burke Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01436973862753306402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5234344195783253345.post-80715205273319189922010-07-21T12:08:00.000-07:002010-07-21T13:31:47.531-07:00My Standardbred leans on my hands: using the one-rein stop to softenI love my readers! They ask really great questions, usually ones that every other Standardbred owner can relate to.<br /><br />This week's letter comes from Shari in Spokane:<br /><br />"I've seen your posts about flexing, and that has really helped my 8-year-old Standardbred gelding soften up a lot. However, when he starts trotting, he can really pull on my hands. It feels like he's leaning on my hands when I ask him to slow down or go from the trot to the walk. I don't want to put a stronger bit on him. I want him to listen to me in the snaffle. Can you give me any suggestions?"<br /><br />Thanks, Shari, for the question. And the smartest thing you said is that you don't want to put a stronger bit on him. You are right. It will solve your problem to some extent. But at the bottom of it all is the fact that your horse is not soft to the bit. A stronger bit will not lighten him up. It will only strong-arm him into slowing down. We want to use a different strategy.<br /><br />You also said, "it feels like he's leaning on my hands." He is--and you will never win. At least not if you are trying to stop him using both reins. Now, for the more advanced horse, there is something called the half-halt, which I've used in both dressage and in the hunter ring to lighten a horse, as well as help him collect and balance himself. This is a two-handed move, but it is exectued with the speed of a lightening strike. Not with the power, however. More on that in another post...<br /><br />Shari rides Western and also has a green horse. She needs to focus on basics.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Why two reins create problems</span></strong> When a rider asks a horse to slow or transition down by pulling on both reins at the same time, the horse can often feel trapped, and old instincts will kick in. Your horse's neck and head were originally designed to be able to resist the weight of moutain lion or other predator. When you pull back with both reins, his natural reaction is to say, "Oh no, you don't." And he will stick his nose out, lean on you, and do whatever else he can to resist you.<br /><br />It's a battle you will never win, simply by virture of the fact that his conformation makes him so very much stronger than you.<br /><br />A quick fix is the one-rein stop. But first you should work on getting your horse to be light on the ground. To learn about flexing on the ground, please <a href="http://allaboutstandardbreds.blogspot.com/2009/12/how-do-i-get-my-horse-to-slow-down.html">click here</a>.<br /><br />Once you have learned to flex your horse from the ground, you are ready to move on to flexing in the saddle. Using a plain snaffle that fits correctly, here is the basic idea: while your horse is standing still and you are mounted up, shorten the right rein and bring it to your right pocket (make sure the left rein is loose so your horse can easily turn his head to the right).<br /><br />When your horse softens to the point where <strong><em>his nose is on your boot,</em></strong> release the rein and reward him by stroking his neck and offering verbal praise. Of course, his greatest reward is that you have let go of the rein. The pressure comes off (and the reward comes out) when he does what you asked.<br /><br />Now do the same thing on the left. Shorten the left rein, draw you hand to your pcket. When your horse's nose is on your boot, release the rein.<br /><br />When you are first teaching this, stay with one rein at a time, putting in three or four nose-to-boot efforts on the right before switching to the other rein. As you progress, you can ask your horse to flex from side to side, one nose-to-boot effort at a time.<br /><br />I do this exercise over and over and over and over. And I do it every time I get on, no matter how schooled the horse is. It warms up the neck muscles, helps your horse maintain suppleness, AND it keeps him light to your hand.<br /><br /><strong>HELPFUL HINT:</strong> If, when you start this exercise, you horse tries to get out of the work by turning in a small circle, just hold onto the rein until he stops moving his feet. He will, eventually, stop moving his feet. I promise.) As soon as he puts his nose to your boot while standing quietly, release the rein.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">The One-Rein Stop</span></strong><br />The one-rein stop is actually very easy to do and is similar to what you did in the flexing exercise. Let's imagine you ask your horse to trot or canter. Although you are looking for a nice, controled rhythm, your horse has decided what you really mean is, "Go as fast as you can."<br /><br />The instant that you feel him starting to speed up and lean on your hands, immeidately shut him down by pulling back on the outside rein. If you are on the trail, use either rein, but NEVER both together. By pulling only on one rein, he has nothng to fight against. He will not want to continue moving forward and will quickly learn to stop and submit to your hand.<br /><br />If you have a horse with a long-standing habit of running away with you or pulling against your reins, this may take a week or more of very consistent work, at least 30 minutes a day. But what will happen is that your horse will quickly learn: "Every time I start to go really fast, she stops me. Every time I stick my nose out and try to lean on the reins, she uses that one rein and stops me. And since she's doing it with one rein, I might end up with my nose looking at my tail. Boy, it's hard to run off when I'm in that position. So maybe I'll just stop. It seems easier to just go slow."<br /><br />When you first start practicing this, you might find that your horse turns in the direction of the one rein you hve used to stop him. Don't get too upset about this, even if it means you end up facing the opposite direction. Keep your leg on the girth, on the same side as the rein you are using, to encourage your horse to move forward. But straightness can come later. If he turns, just quietly turn him back in the direction you want to go. After you've gotten your horse to lighten up, you can work on straightness. Stop first, straightness later.<br /><br />My husband had a wonderful Quarter Horse mare he used for search and rescue. When she came to us, Lady's mouth was so locked up, riding her was like dealing with a ton of rocks. She could pull against her rider like nobody's business. You could never, ever take your hands off the reins or she was off like a rocket ship. The one-rein stop changed this mare's life (and ours, because our arms didn't ache anymore!). I hope it will help you, too.<br /><br />Be patient, make lightness you only mission for the next couple weeks, and see if this helps.Anastasia Burke Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01436973862753306402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5234344195783253345.post-43125248406691644542010-07-03T12:16:00.000-07:002010-07-03T12:43:45.181-07:00Catching your horse in the act of "doing it right"<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/TC-NKQpXHWI/AAAAAAAAB8g/EFjSGkBa0jg/s1600/Harley+030.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489761678194580834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/TC-NKQpXHWI/AAAAAAAAB8g/EFjSGkBa0jg/s400/Harley+030.jpg" border="0" /></a> This darling, exhausted little fellow is Harley, the newest addition to my family of (now) two Golden Retrievers, four horses, three kids (all off at college), and Best Husband in the World.<br /><br />Harley started his training the day he came to live with us, at eight weeks of age. He is now 13 weeks and knows how to come, sit, take food without leaping into the air in spins worthy of Superman, and to walk politely on a leash. "Stay" may take a little longer.<br /><br />Much of my training program revolves around catching Harley in the act of doing a behavior on his own that I would like him to do on my command.<br /><br />For example, as we morphed from "sit" to "down," I looked for times when Harley had decided, on his own, that it was time rest his, uh, er, "dogs," also known as legs.<br /><br />If I saw Harley in the down position, I began to lavish crazy praise on him, saying, "down, good down," over and over while rubbing enthusiastically on his chest.<br /><br />This has proven extremely effective in terms of chewing. If I see him chewing something that's a no-no, like, say, our dining room table, I promptly put an approved chew toy in his mouth. The minute he takes the toy, I praise him. If he's just hanging out, playing with one of his toys, I also praise him.<br /><br />By catching Harley in the act, he has learned much faster and I have had absolutely no frustration.<br /><br />As you are training your Standardbred to transition from harness racer to saddle horse, catching her in the act of behaviors you want her to learn is a very good way to help your four-legged friend learn faster.<br /><br />I got an opportunity to put this into action yesterday. My wonderful mare, Cordealia, has been on stall rest for several months now. She has, at last, been given the green light to return to work. Yesterday, the first day I put her back into the round pen at liberty, all she wanted to do was canter.<br /><br />And pace. Grrrr.<br /><br />Cordealia (aka "Cori") has been off the track for almost four years now. She has had extensive saddle training and, before stall rest came along, was working very well in some upper level dressage moves. She rides both English and Western. She is light and responsive. She does not pace.<br /><br />Yet, there she was, full of vinegar. And pacing. Did I already say "Grrrr?"<br /><br />My reaction was to prohibit her from pacing by forcing her into the canter every time she paced. However, I couldn't just let her canter forever, because it was her first day out. I didn't need to re-injure herself. But neither did I want her to think that the pace was a good thing.<br /><br />My plan of attack, then, was to ignore the pace. Every time she paced, I stood very quietly. I did not give her any reason to go faster. In fact, I kind of acted like I was trying to be invisible.<br /><br />As I knew it would, there came a moment, about four minutes into a pacing episode, when she broke into a trot. At that moment, I applied the "Harley Rules." I lavished her with praise, singing out to her, "Trot, yes, good trot, good trot." Over and over and over.<br /><br />This method of "catching her in the act" will help Cordealia get back into trotting mode very quickly.<br /><br />If you are trying to teach your pacer to become a trotter, think about catching your horse in the act and then rewarding that behavior lavishly. The "Harley Rule" applies for anything you are trying to teach your horse. Catch her in the act, then reward, making sure to identify the behavior specifically with "good trot" or "canter, good canter."<br /><br /><br /><div></div>Anastasia Burke Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01436973862753306402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5234344195783253345.post-41370451609314424962010-04-12T13:58:00.000-07:002010-04-12T14:15:07.337-07:00FREE, SOUND, WELL-STARTED STANDARDBRED MARE--FREE TO RIGHT HOME<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/S8OL5pYDiLI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/jGFzYbWuPGs/s1600/Craig+at+cabin.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459360995778726066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/S8OL5pYDiLI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/jGFzYbWuPGs/s400/Craig+at+cabin.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/S8OK20EVlWI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/T-gwUTfZMHc/s1600/Allyssa+on+Sammi.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459359847597577570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/S8OK20EVlWI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/T-gwUTfZMHc/s400/Allyssa+on+Sammi.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>The economy stinks, especially for horses. Case in point: A beautiful<br /><div>Standardbred mare I started about a year ago and sold to a nice family has come back onto the market, due to the father losing his job. </div><div> </div><div>Given the state of the horse market, this mare will go FREE to the right home.</div><br /><br /><div></div><div>Sammi is 7-years old, sound, bay with white on all four socks. She is very pretty and refined and has a very soft mouth. She neck reins, responds to voice commands, and has a ton of trail miles on her. She was started by the author of this blog and has been ridden by a 13-year-old girl for the last several months.</div><div> </div><div>Her teeth were done the first week of April, 2010 and she is up to date of all worming and vaccines. Althought she has been ridden primarily under Western tack, she has been started in dressage. </div><div> </div><div>Would make a very nice trail trial or pleasure horse. Needs finishing, although very nicely started. </div><div> </div><div>For the entire history on this lovely mare, please contact Anastasia at <a href="mailto:burke-miller@mindspring.com">burke-miller@mindspring.com</a>. Or call 530/889-9599.</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>She is located currently in Santa Ynez in Southern California, but could be brought to the Bay Area. </div></div></div>Anastasia Burke Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01436973862753306402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5234344195783253345.post-17846798472322864612010-04-12T13:18:00.000-07:002010-04-12T13:58:06.726-07:00Where to Start: where to begin with your new Standardbred, Part II<div>Okay, way back in March, I said I was going to post Part II of the burning question: Where to start with your new Standardbred.</div><br /><div></div><div>My apologies to those of you who were waiting for a post a lot sooner than the one you are getting today. But, at last, here I am.</div><div></div><br /><div>To recap Part I, my advice on where to start with your new Standardbred is two-fold: </div><br /><div>#1) Get educated. Ground work is a fundamental part of traning your Standardbred (or any horse). If you don't know how to properly work a horse in a round pen or on a longe line, educate yourself on the ins and outs by either working with a reputable trainer, by watching DVDs (I had several recommendations in my last post), or by doing both!</div><br /><div></div><div>#2) Get yourself in shape. I'm a stickler on this one, folks. If you want your horse to work hard for you and give you his all, you should at least be willing to do the same by being healthy, fit, and weight appropriate. 'Nuff said there.</div><br /><div></div><div>As for today, I'd like to talk about the basics of working in the round pen or on the longe line. Specicially, we're going to deal with correctly position ing your body relavtive to the horse.</div><br /><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></em></strong></div><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;">A Common Mistake</span></em></strong> A few months ago, I got a call from Alyssa, who said that every time they worked on the longe line, the mare stopped and just would not go consistently in a circle.</div><br /><div></div><div>I hear this a lot. And, as they say in the airlines, it's totally pilot error. In other words, it's not the horse's fault, but rather a problem created by the human on the ground. </div><div></div><br /><div>The reason Alyssa's mare was stopping and refusing to go around in a circle was due to the fact that Alyssa was standing <em><strong>in front of the drive line</strong></em>. By poisiton her body in front of the horse's drive line, she was telling the mare to stop and turn in.</div><br /><div></div><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;">Drive line defined</span></em></strong> Simply put, the drive line is an imaginary line that extends from the horse to you and allows you to "push" your horse forward in a circle. </div><div> </div><div>Imagine yourself in the round pen. Now imagine an upside-down triangle, with the tip touching you in t<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/S8OD2oVqQ2I/AAAAAAAAB8A/yQ1y1XHPtI8/s1600/round+pen.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459352147867616098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 309px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/S8OD2oVqQ2I/AAAAAAAAB8A/yQ1y1XHPtI8/s400/round+pen.jpg" border="0" /></a>he center of the ring. If you think back to your days in geometry class, you'll remember there are a variety of triangles. The one you seek for the purposes of longe line or round pen work is a right triange. In other words, one corner of the triange is at 90 degrees.</div><div> </div><div> If you look at the diagram to the left, that little circle in the center is YOU. See how the drive line extends toward the horse's shoulder, yet you are positioned more toward the haunches? </div><div> </div><div>This position allows you to "drive" the horse forward. Thus the magical phrase, <em>the drive line.</em></div><div><em></em> </div><div><em></em> </div><div>When you step in front of your horse's shoulders, you are telling her to change her speed and possibly even her direction. A bit of coaching over the phone helped me determine that Alyssa was standing too far forward, at an angle closer to her mare's shoulder than to her haaunches. That is why Alyssa's horse kept stopping short. The way Alyssa positioned her body told her mare to do exactly that--stop. </div><div> </div><div>This is a critical key to successful longing or round pen work. It is also one of the most common mistales. among people new to longing or round pen work.</div><div> </div><div>Working on the ground will help give your new Standardbred discipline, and also encourage the trust between you. As explained at length in previous posts, this is where you Standardbred will develop confidence, learn to react to your vocal commands, and learn to use his body in a new way. It is the first step in his new life as a riding horse and wonderful companion, so it's critical that you make sure you are doing it right.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div>Anastasia Burke Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01436973862753306402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5234344195783253345.post-32824053100597777932010-03-04T12:07:00.000-08:002010-03-04T14:46:50.181-08:00My new Standardbred: Where should I start? PART ONE<div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/S5ATWHhYHiI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/aXnLCYO5y-8/s1600-h/Sammi+in+the+river.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444873220188020258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/S5ATWHhYHiI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/aXnLCYO5y-8/s400/Sammi+in+the+river.JPG" border="0" /></a><strong><em> Standardbred mare, Sammi, just a few weeks after leaving the track, crosses the American River in the Sierra Foothills. Her bravery is directly related to the confidence she gained from working at liberty in the round pen.</em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em></em></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><em></em></strong></div><div align="center"></div><p>THIS IS THE FIRST IN A THREE-PART SERIES ON STARTING OUT ON THE RIGHT FOOT WITH YOUR STANDARDBRED. PART II WILL BE POSTED NEXT WEEK ON MARCH 12, 2010.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;">I recently received a really nice email</span></em></strong> from Stacey Parkes, who lives in the UK. Her fiance and his family own and race Standardbreds (they own the record holding trotter Stas Hazelaar, and also race pacers). Lucky Stacey has just been given one of the Standardbreds, a mare, who has been retired from the track and is ready for a new life as a saddle horse.<br /><br />Stacey had a lot of questions for me on a variety of issues, including:<br />~ how to deal with separation anxiety from other horses<br />~ how to get a horse into a canter<br />~how to get a horse to go <em><strong>over</strong></em> a fence as opposed to <strong><em>through</em></strong> it<br />~how to get a nervous horse to trust you<br />~ how to slow down the trot...and more.<br /><br />I had to laugh. The list was endless, all the questions were good, and I was thrilled to hear someone admit she needs help. Asking for guidance (instead of thinking you know it all) is a great sign of wisdom, to say nothing of grace. After re-training many Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds off the track--and competing them to very high levels--I know one thing: <strong><em>I still don't know it all!</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br />Because she had a pretty long list of questions, I asked Stacey to narrow it down. She wrote me back:<br /><br /><br /><strong>Hi!</strong><br /><strong>First I just want to start by saying thanks for providing a great website with easy to follow training info for standie owners etc etc..... I've looked at quite a few websites and some training techniques arent clearly stated and are somewhat confusing - but browsing through some of your posts, I was impressed by articles which clearly showed some of the 'terminology,' along with great phtos. I found your advice easier to follow than what I've found elsewhere.</strong><br /><br />(Thanks so much, Stacey! That's my goal--promote the breed through education!)<br /><br />Stacey continues:<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>I have researched immensely on re-training a stb to be a riding mount. So as you can imagine at the moment , it's a million and 1 things swimming around in my brain. I just wanted to know what is the very very first initial thing I need to start off with, in regards to tack to put on them - ground work, trot etc etc? As I have never trained a stb before so it's a learning curve for me. I shall be checking your website frequently for further tips and advice - its great!!</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />Okay, so Stacey has a great question: what are the first steps you should take with your new, off-the-track Standardbred?<br /><br />I want to get down to the bare bones on this question, so I really gave it some thought. The first thing that popped into my head was "round pen work to develop your horse's trust, help him grow his confidence, and learn to balance himself while bonding with you." As you can tell from my many posts, I am a huge proponent of round pen work, in which the horse is at liberty.<br /><br />But Stacey's question made me think...<em><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">what is really the first thing a new Standardbred owner should do? </span></strong></em><br /><em><strong></strong></em><br />And the answer for me is "Educate yourself."<br /><br />What I mean by this is read, watch DVDs, take lessons, go to clinics, do whatever you can to <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">make sure you are giving your horse clear messages</span></strong>, whether on the ground or in the saddle. A majority of the problems I see between Standardbreds and their owners is that the rider has no experience in gentling a horse and developing trust in the natural horsemanship tradition--or they have developed bad habits, both on the ground and in the saddle.<br /><br /><strong><em>So where to start:</em></strong> I always like to start my Standardbreds in the round pen. If you don't have a round pen, then a longe line is the next best thing. I have posted many training articles on working with your horse in the round. However, where you place your body is a subtle and critical key to success.<br /><br /><strong>If you don't know if you are "doing it right," your horse will let you know. You will find him turning into you when you don't want him to, not responding to your voice commands, no staying in a consistent direction, not putting his eyes on you--all signs that you are sending mixed messages and that you are using body language that is confusing your horse.</strong><br /><br />If your horse has clearly shown you that you are confusing him, take a private lesson or a clinic with a reputable pro. If you don't have enough money for some lessons, then watch DVDs. There are many equine outlets these days that rent good training DVDs. <strong>Here in the US, Stateline Tack has started renting DVDs.</strong> I'm sure there are similar businesses in your area. Renting is a great low-cost way to get yourself some good, solid training.<br /><br />I have two favorite clinicians for round pen work, regardless of whether you are going to ride English or Western. They are <strong>Clinton Anderson</strong> and <strong>Stacy Westfall.</strong><br /><br />Further to education, all of us, regardless of how long you have ridden, can use a tune-up in the saddle. It is amazing how little things can creep up on you. The simple act of sliding your leg slightly forward can cause HUGE problems for your horse. I see this <strong><em>so much</em></strong> when people come to me saying their horse is hanging on their hands.<br /><br />Let me say it this way: if your horse is having a problem, it is my experiene that there is a better than 90% chance it is the fault of the rider. So take a lesson or two to make sure your position is not the reason your horse is struggling.<br /><br />If you cannot afford a lesson, it's back to the DVDs. Again, I will recommend Clinton Anderson and Stacy Westfall. They have many DVDs that can help you with your position.<br /><br />For English riders, you will be in excellent hands with <strong>Jane Savoie's excellent series "The Happy Horse."</strong> It is expensive (upwards of $600) but Jane's lessons, astride her splendid Friesian, Moshi, are easy to understand, present riding foundations in a simple way, and heck, it's from an Olympic level rider with a superior reputation. I did not like the price, but have to confess I use these DVDs all the time, for myself, as well as for students who need reinforcement after a lesson.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;">Don't forget RFD TV!</span></em></strong> Last, if you have cable (online if you live outside of the USA) check out the great shows on RFD TV. Clinton Anderson, the very excellent Julie Goodnight, Chris Cox, and more. There are numerous clinicians here with invaluable advice...all included in your cable package. Check with your television provider to find out what station RFD TV is on--these people aren't just horse friendly. They're horse crazy--just like me. </p><p><strong><em>My Touchy Subjectj-The Fat Horseback Rider </em></strong> Last, I'd like to suggest to readers that being ready to train your horse is not just a matter of getting your brain in gear. Your body plays an enormous part in your relationship--and your success--with your horse. If you know you need to get into better shape, then make a committment to start today. If you're in denial, then just think about how you would feel if you were on all fours and a person that weighed a lot put all her weight onto your spine. You wouldn't be happy. Neither does your horse enjoy carrying someone who weighs more than she should.</p><p>Every time I bring this up, I get a slew of emails from outraged readers who say they ride just fine weighing too much. And their horse doesn't mind either. Really? He told you that?</p><p>I speak on this subject from experience. Due to an illness and medication, I weighed 205 pounds about 11 years ago. By writing down every morsel of food I ate and every bit of exercise I expended, I lost 79 of those pounds. I have been able to keep it by a simple equation: burn more calories out of my body than I take in. Adn track it.</p><p> I can tell you that I am a far better rider at 129 than I was at 205. And that my wonderful horses, who give me so much, are much happier and have less stress on their spines.</p><p>Okay, off my soapbox I go. <strong>If you are interested in losing some weight and would like to get motivated, check out SparkPeople.com. This is the site I use to keep on track with my eating and exercise. It's FREE!</strong></p><p>This great website has nutrition trackers, exercise trackers, and great forums and message borads that support you in your quest to be healthy. Don't know how to put together an exercise program? They can help. And again, it's all FREE!</p><p>So get out there, train your brain and your body, and riding success with your new Standardbred is one step closer!<br /><br /><strong><em>Next week: Part II on where to start with your new Standardbred. Check back on March 12!</em></strong> </p>Anastasia Burke Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01436973862753306402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5234344195783253345.post-13651723511645107032010-01-05T11:31:00.000-08:002010-01-05T12:23:35.375-08:00Girls and Horses: Best photos ever<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/S0OaKfNCyVI/AAAAAAAAB10/uD_ccqEMXac/s1600-h/Emma+riding.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423347881249786194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/S0OaKfNCyVI/AAAAAAAAB10/uD_ccqEMXac/s400/Emma+riding.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><strong><em>What is it?</em></strong></div><div><strong><em>What is it with girls and horses?</em></strong></div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div>So sings country girl/horse lover <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/girls-horses/id206140859">Templeton Thompson in her hit song.</a></div><br /><div></div><div>Those of us who love horses (not just Standardbreds, but horse of all shapes, sizes, colors and breeds)...we "get it."</div><div><br /> </div><div>But a few months ago, I got the question again, this time from the dad of two horse crazy girls who ride with me.</div><br /><div></div><div>"I just don't, I don't know..." The dad paused, scratched his head. "I just don't get it. I mean, what's it doing for them?"</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423345680752949970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/S0OYKZttutI/AAAAAAAAB1s/bEJlOAt_j4k/s400/Emma+grinning.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div><div>Ooo...don't get me started!</div><div> </div><div>I said, "They are learning responsibility, compassion, perseverance, courage, and discipline. They are learning to overcome fears, to think of something other than themselves. They are learning how to use their bodies in an athletic manner. They are developing core strength, balance, and centeredness that is both physical and mental."</div><br /><div></div><div>But these photos of 10-year-old Emma say it all. Emma is learning how to ride on board Max,. Max is older sister Olivia's horse. Oliva is now focusing on training her new, young Standardbred/Friesian cross. Which means Max is now helping Emma learn to ride.</div><div> </div><div>Max. who is in his early 20's, was born in Washington State under the name Paragon. This big, buttery chestnut thoroughbred followed his short, unremarkable racing career with very remarkable forays into show jumping, three-day eventing, fox hunting and drssage. He and former owner Evie Holt took first place at Pony Club Nationals in Freestyle Dressage when Max was 16 years of age..</div><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423344722320257586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/S0OXSnRjcjI/AAAAAAAAB1k/rXwd9EBT9VI/s400/Emma+kissing.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>And now, he lives a quiet life with a loving family, who appreciates how this gentle giant takes care of "his girls. " He helped give Olivia the skills she is now using to train her new horse; now Emma is following the same path.</div><div> </div><div>So, along with all my usual reasons for the girl-horses combination--and what we learn from them--here comes Emma to remind me of the ultimate reason we love horses and love riding them.</div><div> </div><div>It's the joy! It's all about the joy!</div><div> </div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423344146132144370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/S0OWxEzmkPI/AAAAAAAAB1c/8W5keysS0Hw/s400/Emma+laughing.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div><div>I'm keeping this photo on my desk, where I can see it all the time. There is simply no way I can be in bad mood when I look at it!</div><div> </div><div>Thanks, Emma, for lifting my heart!</div></div></div></div>Anastasia Burke Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01436973862753306402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5234344195783253345.post-83977795855370167232010-01-04T14:01:00.000-08:002010-01-04T14:47:03.399-08:00My horse is too fast and doesn't accept the bit! Help!In my last post, I talked about an email I had received from a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Standardbred</span> owner in Slovenia. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Valerija</span> wrote that her <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">STB</span> mare was pulling hard on her hands, not accepting the bit, and going too fast.<br /><br />This is one of those situations where you must treat your horses like a totally green, untrained animal. In other words, you start over.<br /><br />One of the first steps I take in working with any horse, regardless of its level of training, is flexing. I do this with a rope halter and then in the bridle. I do it with all my horses, every single time I ride. If there are days when I am too busy to ride, I will spend at least 20 minute sin the round pen doing ground work. This flexing exercise is a cornerstone of that work. (To read about how to flex your horse in the halter, <a href="http://allaboutstandardbreds.blogspot.com/2009/12/how-do-i-get-my-horse-to-slow-down.html">click here to return to last week's post.</a>)<br /><br /><strong>Flexing your horse teaches her to be sensitive to the bit. It teaches her that when she releases to the pressure, the pressure will come off. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Valerija's</span> horse, Suzi, has learned to pull against the bit. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Valerija's</span> job, therefore, is to re-train Suzi--starting with flexing.</strong><br /><br />Let's assume that you have spent a week or so working with your horse on <a href="http://allaboutstandardbreds.blogspot.com/2009/12/how-do-i-get-my-horse-to-slow-down.html">last week's flexing exercicse</a> and now, she is very responsive to flexing in the halter. Now it's time for you to flex while your horse is in the bridle.<br /><br />It is important that you have a gentle bit in your horse's mouth for this exercise. You will want to use a plain snaffle that is correctly fitted to your horse's mouth.<br /><br /><br /><strong>STEP ONE:</strong> As you did when flexing with the rope halter, you want to stand at your horse's side, slightly behind the withers. Start by taking hold of your closest rein and pulling it, gently but firmly toward your horse's back. If your horse starts pulling on you, you can gain leverage by firmly placing your hand on her back, behind the withers. If you horse tries to avoid the work by turning her haunches, just stick with her. Do not drop the rein. Just stay with it. She will eventually <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">stop</span> and then look for some other way to get away from the pressure. You will show her how to do that in the subsequent steps.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423009532200954194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 260px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/S0Jmb-xlKVI/AAAAAAAAB08/gpckWXILnlk/s400/Flex+in+bridle+I.jpg" border="0" /><br /><strong><em>HERE, I AM PREPARING TO TAKE A FIRM, BUT GENTLE HOLD WITH CORI'S RIGHT REIN. NOTICE THAT MY LEFT REIN IS DANGLING LOOSE, SO THAT CORI CAN FLEX WITHOUT ANY PULLING ON THE OTHER REIN.</em></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong>STEP TWO:</strong> Take a little more hold of your rein so that your horse must turn her head toward you.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/S0JmQkuELVI/AAAAAAAAB00/gQZNnTfKpYE/s1600-h/Flex+in+bridle+II.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423009336228326738" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 351px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/S0JmQkuELVI/AAAAAAAAB00/gQZNnTfKpYE/s400/Flex+in+bridle+II.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div align="left"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/S0JmHWhwnJI/AAAAAAAAB0s/tCj1iciOUG4/s1600-h/Flex+in+bridle+III.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423009177799793810" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 231px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/S0JmHWhwnJI/AAAAAAAAB0s/tCj1iciOUG4/s400/Flex+in+bridle+III.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div>STEP THREE: KEEP A STEADY HOLD, BUT DO NOT PULL, AS YOUR HORSE REACHES HER NOSE TOWARD HER BELLY.</div><div> </div><div>Here, Cori is just about to touch her nose to her belly. The minute she does this, I will drop the rein completely to reward her. I will also stroke her face and neck to let her know that she did the right thing.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/S0Jl5rj9kZI/AAAAAAAAB0k/bCIJ_CI5Ceo/s1600-h/Flex+in+bridle+IV.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423008942928007570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 269px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/S0Jl5rj9kZI/AAAAAAAAB0k/bCIJ_CI5Ceo/s400/Flex+in+bridle+IV.jpg" border="0" /></a> STEP FOUR: The Release! Notice here that my rein is soft. I am just now preparing to completely release the rein as Cori's reward for softening.</div><div> </div><div>With young horses, or horses new to this exercise, I will perform the flex five or six times on both sides of the horse. I will usually then <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">move</span> on to another exercise to change the pace, after which I will again return to flexing. I can almost say that you can never do too much flexing.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>The next step is to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">perform</span> this same exercise in the saddle. While you are mounted, and before you do anything else, ask your horse to flex. To do this you will take a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">firm</span> but gentle hold of one rein. The other rein should be very loose to allow your horse to fully flex. If you are, for example, working with the right rein, you want to bring that rein to your right pants pocket or hip. The instant your horse yields to you, release the rein. and reward your horse with your voice as well as your hand.</div><div> </div><div>I like to do this once on the right rein, then the left, then the right, then the left.<br /><br />Flexing teaches your horse to soften to the bit. Done correctly, flexing also teaches the horse that when he gives to you, you will give to him, in turn.</div><div> </div><div><strong><em>Next: teach your horse "whoa," "slow," and "go."</em></strong></div><div></div></div>Anastasia Burke Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01436973862753306402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5234344195783253345.post-21033911981343279902009-12-30T11:38:00.000-08:002009-12-30T14:06:05.319-08:00How do I get my horse to slow down?<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/SzvJm1_djhI/AAAAAAAABzA/qY2VU1y8VfQ/s1600-h/Galloping+Horse+Cartoon0001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421148245635993106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 230px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/SzvJm1_djhI/AAAAAAAABzA/qY2VU1y8VfQ/s400/Galloping+Horse+Cartoon0001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>Whether you have a Standardbred, an Arabian, a Thoroughbred, or a Quarter Horse, some things are universal to all breeds. In particular, I'm talking about cue to slow your horse down.</div><div><br /><div></div><div>This email recently came all the way from Slovenia (!!!!), where Standardbred owner Valerija Toplišek is re-training a 6-year-old Standardbred mare off the track. Valerija writes:</div><br /><div></div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#666666;">I m from Slovenia. I bought a 6 year-old-Standardbred mare 5 months ago. Before I bought her, she was on track. When I ride her, she always pulls. She won t accept the bit at all. And a new problem is that, in the trott, she always goes faster and I must pull reins. Then, she starts kicking with her back legs. I think she is angry that I am trying to slow her.<br /></div><br />Please help!</span></em></strong></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/SzuzjimiRuI/AAAAAAAABy4/XuLWDWRDH3M/s1600-h/Valerija.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421123999635752674" style="WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/SzuzjimiRuI/AAAAAAAABy4/XuLWDWRDH3M/s400/Valerija.JPG" border="0" /></a><strong><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Valerija Toplišek and her 6-year-old mare, Suzi</span><br /></em></strong></div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#666666;"></span></em></strong></div><div><br /></div><div>I say it a lot here in these posts, but I shall say it again: your horse must learn your language. Harness racing horses coming off the track, in particular, must learn a new way of dealing with the bit. Most of the time, their owners/drivers/trainers don't care if the horses pull. They just want them to go fast, and not break into the canter.</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Therefore, it is critical that you treat your Standardbred a bit like a human baby. Children must learn how to speak your language. So must your horse.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>One of the best ways to do this is to longe your horse, or work her at liberty (without halter or longe line). As she goes into each of her gates, you reinforce what she is doing by saying, "Trot, good trot. Trot." Do this at every gait, including the halt, walk, and canter. Continually reinforce with verbal cues, such as "walk, good walk." Or "canter, good canter."</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>Check your position:</em></strong></span> Valerija did not indicate her level of riding experience. But I might also recommend that she get a few lessons under her belt to make sure she is sitting correctly and using her body and aids correctly. </div><div></div><div>If you are telling your horse with your reins to slow--but sitting in such a way that your horse is hearing "go, go, go," you are going to end up in a mess of confusion. </div><div></div><div>Even the best riders occasionally consult a reputable trainer to get some feedback, because it is easy to fall into bad habits. Some of the most common mistakes include sitting too far back in the saddle, riding with flat hands, or having your legs to far forward.</div><br /><br />Working on the longe or at liberty and making sure you are riding correctly can be augmented by a third--and critical--exercise...the flex. <div><br /></div><div></div><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></em></strong></div><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Why flex your horse?</span></em></strong></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Flexing your horse is a top-notch way to sensitize your horse to the bit. We all want a horse that is light and responsive. In Valerija's case, her mare has learned to lean on the bit, to resist, and to pull. </div><div> </div><div>Horses hate pressure. They will look for ways to find relief from pressure. Valerija's mare has obviously learned to live with the pressure of a hard hand and a stiff rein. Our job is to teach her that if she releases, all the pressure will come off.</div><div> </div><div>In flexing exercises, you will first start with a rope halter and then proceed to flexing with the bit. I will discuss flexing in the bit next week.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><strong><em>Objective:</em></strong> To invite your horse to touch her nose to her stomach, right where the girth would go. Once she does this, you immediately release. Thus, your horse learns that when you ask her for something, she will be rewarded immediately with a release of pressure.</div><div></div><div><strong><em></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em>Step One:</em></strong></div><div></div><div>Let's start on the horse's right side. Stand at your horse's side, slightly behind the withers. With your right hand, take hold of your lead line, leaving approximately a foot between your hand and the place where the lead line attaches to the halter.</div><div> </div><div></div><div>Pull the lead line so that it is taut, and place your right hand firmly on your horse's spine, just behind the withers. (In my photo, Best Husband in the World is standing a bit too close to the shoulder--you want to make sure your right hand is behind the withers. Your left hand will be further back on the horse's spine.)</div><div> </div><div>You might feel your horse pulling hard against you. Ignore it, and simply plant your right and left hands firmly on her spine. Do not pull. Instead, maintain a tight, steady hold. Do not give up.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/Szux2BCfaJI/AAAAAAAAByw/ZpoQuUtoH78/s1600-h/Flexing+I.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421122118020458642" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/Szux2BCfaJI/AAAAAAAAByw/ZpoQuUtoH78/s400/Flexing+I.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />At first, you horse may try to get away from this exercise by turning its haunches away and spinning in a circle. It is important that you do not fuss about this: simple follow all your horse's movements. Do not be worried about getting kicked: when your horse's head is turned toward you, he is a bit off balance and will be reluctant to kick from this angle. Mostly, he will be just trying to figure out what it is you want. (Caution: if your horse is a kicker, do get help with this exercise from an expert who can work with you and your horse in person.)</div><div><br /></div><div><strong><em>Step Two:</em></strong></div><div>Here you can see that Skye is starting to release to Craig. When you are first working with your horse, this might be a good place to release to her. The "release" is exactly what it sounds like: you want to completely release the tension you have created by pulling on the lead line.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/SzuxiJeyklI/AAAAAAAAByo/jXUNO3uOYBI/s1600-h/Flexing+II.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421121776689254994" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/SzuxiJeyklI/AAAAAAAAByo/jXUNO3uOYBI/s400/Flexing+II.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Once you have released, stroke your horse's neck and face, and then quickly pick up your line and do the exercise again. As your horse begins to get the idea, you can hold the line longer. Keep working on it until your horse touches her nose to her belly.'</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421121367567598514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/SzuxKVYlg7I/AAAAAAAAByg/Fqspk1CCnRw/s400/Xmas+057.jpg" border="0" /><br /></div><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">The key: the <em>instant</em> that your horse touches her nose to her belly, you must release.</span></strong></div><div></div><div>She will quickly learn that when she gives to you softly, she will be rewarded. This knowledge will eventually translate to working in the bit.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Do this exercise six or seven times on one side, then go to the horse's other side and do the same. Then repeat on both sides.</div><div></div><div>As top clinician Clinton Anderson is fond of saying, your horse has two sides. This means that she also has two sides to her brain. It is imperative that you work both sides of the brain, and both sides of the horse equally.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Next week: flexing your horse in the bit, on the ground and in the saddle</div><br /><div><br /><em><span style="color:#666666;"></span></em></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/SzuxiJeyklI/AAAAAAAAByo/jXUNO3uOYBI/s1600-h/Flexing+II.jpg"></a></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><strong><em><span style="color:#666666;"></span></em></strong> </div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div><strong><em><span style="color:#666666;"></span></em></strong></div>Anastasia Burke Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01436973862753306402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5234344195783253345.post-17138770708815554522009-12-14T16:37:00.000-08:002009-12-14T17:08:49.105-08:00Follow up to the trot question<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/Sybc_s2MqpI/AAAAAAAAByA/t7Sd1D77YpU/s1600-h/Olivia+and+Riley.JPG"></a><br /><div>I was very pleased today to get a follow-up email from Christine. You may recall that Christine and her mare, Jessie, were the featured guests in my last blog, writing us all the way from Canada.</div><br /><div></div><div>Christine originally wrote me because her little mare, a former pacer, would be delighted to keep pacing under saddle. Really fast. </div><div></div><div>Christine has other ideas and fancies the idea of a nice trot, with the legs moving diagonally, as opposed to laterally, the way a pacer moves.. You can read that post on the ins-and-outs of teaching your <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Standardbred</span> pacer how to trot by <a href="http://allaboutstandardbreds.blogspot.com/2009/12/teaching-your-standardbred-to-trot-and.html">clicking here.</a></div><br /><p>And the good news is...<em><strong>my advice worked! </strong></em>I just love it when that happens!</p><p><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Here's</span> a bit of what Christine said:</p><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#000099;">Hi Anastasia,</span></p><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#000099;">Here's the update I promised. I started by walking with her on a line and just saying (like you said) walk, walk, and I'd give her a carrot after a few turns. I tried to use praise as a reward but it wasn't enough of a motivator for her. So after a few days of that I was able to take the line off after a few turns around the ring with it on. So she was just walking quietly beside me. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#000099;">I tried several times on the ground to get her into the trot but wasn't successful. So not one to give up, I tried it in the saddle. I started at a few turns at a walk then said "little faster" and gave just a slight pressure with my legs. She went into "racing" mode so I did what you suggested and rather then pull back on both reins (which just made her fight the bit or stop) I pulled back on just one. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#000099;">She went into what I think you called an amble. So now I had a work for a slow gait that she understood and was able to work with that command on the ground. We would start at a walk, I'd say "little faster" she would go into the amble. While after a few weeks of this she realized that work meant not a race but an amble. That she wouldn't be punished for not going fast. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#000099;">So the last few days, both on a line and under saddle, she has learned to work at a calm pace. Yesterday under saddle after several turns at an amble she deiced the trot would be more comfortable, seeing as no one was pushing her to go faster<strong> she just slid into it naturally.</strong> </span></p><p><strong><em><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#000099;">Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!!!!</span></em></strong></p><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#000099;">Today I went and worked her at liberty and I couldn't believe it (yes I had a tear in my eye) I picked up the whip, said walk, off she went a few turns at a walk , I said a"little faster" expecting her to go into an amble and she did it!! She went right into a lovely trot and kept it up for about 4-5 turns around the ring, all are her own.<br /><br />Thanks again for you help.<br /><br />Christine and Jessie (because I know she would thank you if she could)</span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">Christine has really <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">demonstrated</span> one of the key components in training your <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Standardbred</span> to transition from pace to trot. And that component is patience. Patience, combined with consistent work in small <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">chunks</span>, and a whole lot of praise can really help your horse make progress.</span></p><p>Good work, Christine! We are looking <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">forward</span> to seeing a photo of you and Jessie at the trot!</p><p></p>Anastasia Burke Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01436973862753306402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5234344195783253345.post-47905390138062418052009-12-06T12:25:00.000-08:002009-12-06T14:03:10.858-08:00Teaching your Standardbred to Trot (and not pace)<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/Sxwn5OeaE9I/AAAAAAAABx0/-3J_Fo2Bd30/s1600-h/Chistine+and+Jessie+at+the+Pace.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412244716284154834" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/Sxwn5OeaE9I/AAAAAAAABx0/-3J_Fo2Bd30/s400/Chistine+and+Jessie+at+the+Pace.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Christine, from Quebec, astride her darling Standbred mare, Jessie. Notice Jessie is perfomring a text book "pace," with her two left legs moving in tandem.</span></em></strong><br /><br />One of the reasons I love doing this blog is that it has connected me with Standbred lovers from all over the world. I have readers who send me questions from places as far flung as Australia and as close as just down the road from our farm in beautiful Pilot Hill.<br /><br />A few days ago, I received a traomomg question from <em><strong>All About Standardbreds</strong></em> reader Christine, who hails from Quebec, Canada. She is working with her 13-year-old former pacer, Jessie. Jessie had a brief racing career, and then became a brood mare for several years. Now, she comes to Crhistine green broke to saddle riding, despite her somewhat older age. Christine plans to use Jessie mostly for trail riding in English tack.<br /><br /><p>Christine's concerns? "Jessie is fantastic in the harness, but she falls apart under saddle. She has a fantastic pace when it is slow, but when she speeds up, it is impossible to sit. How can I train her to trot?"</p>"You mean like a normal horse?" sneer my friends who have yet to come to the Standbred side, the side of right, the side of common sense with pure athleticism. But I digress.<br /><br />Christine's concerns about teaching her horse to trot have merit. But it's important to remember that the trot is, fundamentally, a natural gait to all horses. Including pacers.<br /><br /><br /><br />Pacers are taught two things while training at the track: The first is to never, ever canter. The second is to never trot. So although the trot is natural, it has been trained out of race horses who pace. It can also be trained back in, which is what Christine now must do.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><em>Difference between the pace and the trot </em></span>As discussed in a previous post, one of the most common questions I get is "What is the different between a pacer and a trotter?"<br /><br /><br /><br />In its simplest terms, a trotter moves its legs in a diagonal fashion. For example, when the horse's right front is extended forward, its left hind will move forward in tandem.<br /><br /> By contrast, a pacer moves laterally. This mean when her left front leg is extended forward, her left hind is also moving forward.<br /><br /><br /><br />Ridden at a normal, non-racing speed, a Standardbred's pace can be smooth as glass, much like the feeling riders get astride gaited horses like Tennessee Walkers. However, if you are working with a retired race horse who still has n't gotten the word that its' time to slow down, you can find yourself nearly unseated by a full-out pace.<br /><br /><br /><br />In recent years, pacers have also been discouraged from performing their gaited amble because some experts consider it unsafe. On a narrow track trail, a horse traveling in a lateral trot can become unbalanced. Accrding to the nay-sayers, this puts the rider at risk for the horse falling over. I have personally never seen this--and never had anything but sure-footed performance from my pacer/trail horse. Having said that, I can understand the logic behind the argument that pacers are not safe trail horses. As I always say, "It is good to have a healthy fear and to respect that riding is inherently dangerous. Make the safest choises you can at all times."<br /><br />Given that Christine has already expressed concern about her mare tripping, it is my advice that she start to train Jessie to do it the old fashioned way--just trot.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">How to start</span></em></strong> In my recent posts about teaching your Standardbred to canter, I discussed at length the idea of teaching your horse your language. Getting your horse to understand the connection between your word, "trot," and his gait is critical.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><em>The Steps in Brief</em></strong><br /><br />1) Hopefully, you have a round pen. If not, working on the longe line is also fine. I was recently asked "Why do you always promote the round pen so much?" Simple: The round pen offers a place where the horse can travel in a consistent direction at liberty. The round pen works better than a ring with corners. I also like working the horse at liberty without a halter, so he leans to make decisions on his own. It builds confidence in a young horse--or an older one who is still green broke.<br /><br />At any rate, let your horse run lose to play and get his jollies out. After he gets all his friskiness out, he will be more inclined to settle down into his work. For Christine, who is working on a longe line, I suggested that she first let her mare run loose to kick and play. After she is done with that, Christine can then put the halter and longe line on, clearly signaling to Jessie that "It's time to work now."<br /><br />2) Tools: you will want to have a longe line, flag, or other took that you use to drive you horse forward and away from you. I prefer halters and longe lines that are rope. This light-weight creations make the horse feel less confined. Also, a proper rope halter is constructed so that pressure points on the poll and nose help the horse to learn more quickly.<br /><br />3) Saying the word, "trot," ask your horse to trot by getting behind her drive line and putting pressure on her with the whip or flag. The minute she starts to pace, bring her back to the walk. Say the word, "Walk" as you bring her down. If you are working at liberty, you can help her transition down by position your body slightly in front of her shoulder, saying, "walk."<br /><br /><br />If you are working with a longe line, you will want to give a gentle tug on the longe, along with the command to "walk." If she won't walk, step in front of her shoulder while tugging the line slightly. She will start to get the connection.<br /><br />4) Try again. Ask for the trot, use your vocal commands and combine them with pressure behind her drive line. If your mare trots, even a couple steps, praise her lavishly and add the words, "Trot, trot, good trot, good trot."<br /><br />5) Stick with it. In teaching a Standardbred to trot, the most important key to success will be your patience. You are teaching her to do something she was taught to never, ever do. Now you are giving her permission. It can be confusing.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Always start with your ground work. Your mare already feels uncertain and unbalanced. Allowing her to learn the trot at liberty wil make your work much easier when you get into the saddle.<br /><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">A word about goals </span></em></strong>Keep your goals realistic as you work with your horse. Don't expect her to get it within the first few sessions. My beautiful mare, Cordealia, is now doing fantastic second level dressage work. She also loves to trot on the trails for hours. But when I first got her, she was a natural pacer. It took several months to train her pace out of her. Even now, she will slip into it every once in a while when breaking from the center. But mst of the time, you would never know of her former days as a winning pacer. She is proof that you can train a pacer to trot--brilliantly so!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Keep us posted on your progress with Jessie, Christine!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />In my next post, I will address teaching the trot while in the saddle.Anastasia Burke Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01436973862753306402noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5234344195783253345.post-68696153899878321952009-10-31T12:23:00.000-07:002009-10-31T12:56:40.273-07:00Teaching your Standardbred to Canter, Part IIIn my last post, I discussed the importance of establishing a strong foundation of basics for your <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Standbred</span> before attempting the canter.<br /><br />Your foundation is composed of consistent round pen or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">longe</span> line work, including <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">flexion</span>, getting your horse's feet to move, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">de</span>-sensitizing him to scary objects, and teaching him verbal commands in conjunction with the walk, trot, canter, and halt.<br /><br />At this point, your horse is familiar with what you want when you say the word "canter," at least from the ground. Now you are ready to put it to work while you are in the saddle.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">The easiest method</span></strong> The easiest way I have found to teach a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Standardbred</span> (or any horse, for that matter) how to canter is to put them up a hill. When a horse travels up a hill with a fairly good angle to it, he naturally will want to canter. It is easier for him. So I like to work with that, by hitting the trail.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>(If you don't have a hill close by, and only have an arena to work with, I'll address that in a moment.)</strong></span><br /><br />I do a lot of walking with my younger horses on the trail, because it teaches them that trail riding is a relaxing thing, not just an opportunity to run wild.<br /><br />So start with a nice, quiet walk on a loose rein to put your horse in a happy, relaxed frame of mind. Add in the trot when you feel he is quiet.<br /><br />At the hill, you want to put your horse into the trot first and then drive him forward with your voice ("canter, Sparky, canter"), seat, and legs into the canter. It is important to keep a light rein so that he feels he has the freedom to go forward.<br /><br />As your horse breaks into the canter, I like to constantly reinforce his stride with the words, "Canter. Canter. Good canter. canter" This helps him remember the work you have done in the round pen or on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">longe</span> line. He will connect the two and have an "ah ha" moment.<br /><br />Your horse will most likely gallop before he canters. Try not to pull him back too much when you first start working at the canter. You don't want him to be completely out of control, of course. But do your best to let him go at his own pace. This is really new to him, and he needs to figure it out.<br /><br />And he will definitely figure it out. As he does (give it at least three to four weeks of consistent work). Soon, you will feel that he doesn't have to "fall" into his canter the way he did when you first started asking him for this gait.<br /><br />At this point, you can start asking for a little more collection. To slow him down, sit deeply, tighten your stomach muscles and lift your sternum. At the same time, gently bring him back with one rein and say, "Slow." Pulling back with both reins can make a horse feel blocked and they often will respond by setting their jaws against your hands. Even if he breaks into a trot, reward him lavishly with your voice and hand...because it shows that he tried.<br /><br />As you work with your horse, you will see progress. This is an exercise in patience for the trainer. Just know that you are asking him to do something he was trained NOT to do, at all costs, while on the track. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Reward</span> even his smallest efforts.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>In the arena</strong></span> If you do not have a hill, but only an arena, teaching your horse to canter is only <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">slightly</span> different than the steps cited above.<br /><br />In the beginning, you are only looking for the canter: it doesn't have to be pretty, or even on the right lead. It just has to be a canter. Refinement can come later.<br /><br />I usually start by putting my horse into a trot once or twice around the arena until he is relaxed. Then coming out of corner and down the long side, put your legs into him, loosen the rein so he has his head and ask him to canter with your voice. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">You</span> might feel you have to "run" him into the canter. That's okay.<br /><br />If you horse just gets faster without cantering, bring him back to the walk. Ask again for a quiet trot and then again, say "canter" and use your seat and legs to see if you can pop him into it.<br /><br />CAUTION: Do not try this in a small arena. You will need a lot of room for this method to work effectively and safely.<br /><br />After your horse has successfully been able to canter (or even gallop) down the long side, you should feel he is starting to connect the word "canter" with an actual canter. At this point, you can start asking him to canter as you come into your corners: this will encourage him to learn how to pick up a correct lead.<br /><br />Reward even the slightest effort and you will soon be cantering along effortlessly.Anastasia Burke Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01436973862753306402noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5234344195783253345.post-11373124864261667542009-10-14T10:48:00.000-07:002009-10-14T11:39:34.093-07:00Teach your Standardbred How to Canter<div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/StYPsQuQAsI/AAAAAAAABxs/XdqGX0RlvSg/s1600-h/Running+Huya+II.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392514856900362946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 242px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 184px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/StYPsQuQAsI/AAAAAAAABxs/XdqGX0RlvSg/s400/Running+Huya+II.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong> (This is the first of a two-part article on teaching your horse how to canter. </strong></div><div align="center"><strong>Part I: Teaching your Standardbred your language.)</strong></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div>When I traded in my last Thoroughbred for my first Standardbred, I proudly turned her out in the arena to watch her go. Go she did. At the pace. Trying to get her to canter--but seeing only that lateral trot unique to pacers, I thought, "Hmm. I have my work cut out for me."<br /><br />As you can see from the photo above, Cordealia did indeed learn to canter. And not just in the field. She can now turn in a beautiful, balanced, and collected canter in the dressage ring, as well as a spirited gallop on the trail.<br /><br />One of the most damning myths about the Standardbred is that you cannot teach one to canter. While completely false, it does take a bit of extra work. A look at the protocols of the track can help you understand why the canter might at first make your Standardbred give the equine equivalent of "No way, man!"<br /><br />When in "the bike (the insider's word for the light-weight, two-wheeled sulky used in harness racing)," the horse wears a check rein that keeps the head high and also helps to keep him in a trot or in a pace. Horses are also fitted with hobbles, light-weight rubber tubing that hang loosely around the animal's legs and helps keep him in the pace.<br /><br />Further, cantering, known as "breaking," is just about the worst thing a pacing horse or trotter can do. When a horse breaks, his driver must quickly bring him back into the pace. If it happens during a race, it inevitably results in loss of momentum, loss of the all-important position, and loss of the race overall. Breaking into the canter is discouraged at all costs.<br /><br />When you bring your Standardbred to his new, off-the-track home with you, it's a little like if you were to visit a fore gin country where you did not speak the language. Some things would be familiar. But until you learned the language, you would struggle.<br /><br />Your horse is in a bit of the same position. You must teach him your language.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong><em>Where to start </em></strong></span><span style="font-size:100%;">As the old saying goes, before you can walk, you must crawl. In the language of your Standardbred, we might saying, before you can canter, you must trot and walk and respond to my verbal commands.</span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">My first step in training any of our off-the-track STBs how to canter is to start with the basics, just as if this were a young horse being started. I want to see my Standardbred walking and trotting both directions, and also halting. </span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">My favortie place to teach this is in the round pen. If you do not have a round pen, then the longe line is also acceptable. My only objection to the longe is that the horse is not truly "at liberty," where he learns to use his body and to balance himself, without any interference from you. </span><br /><br />You may find that your horse has trouble going to the right. This was particularly true for our beautiful mare, Sammi. So accustomed to traveling to the left, as on the track, Sammi was very confused about working to the right. It took a solid three weeks before she was quietly traveling in both directions. Sammi was, however, unusual in this regard. All our other Standardbreds have learned this easily.<br /><br /><strong><em>The Importance of Voice Commands</em></strong> When your horse is trotting, reinforce this by using the words, "Trot. Good trot." Reward him lavishly when he does well. If he breaks into the pace, bring him back to the walk, reinforcing this with the words, "Walk. Good walk."<br /><br />You will hear me constantly talking to a horse I'm working in the round pen, my voice soft, sing-songy, and inviting. the reason that this is important is because, when you teach them the language on the ground, they will understand you better in the saddle. When you first mount up and ask for a trot with your seat and legs, your vocal reinforcement--"trot"--will help your horse understand what it is you are asking for.<br /><br />When teaching your Standardbred your language, keep your voice light and easy, warm and reassuring. I try always to approach my work with the horses as if I'm going into a church or meditation hall: I want to be quiet, relaxed, kind, and ready to praise even the slightest effort.<br /><br />It is also important not to push too hard, whether you're working with a Standardbred or any other breed. I usually do not start asking for the canter in the round pen for at least three weeks. Sometimes, I start to ask sooner, but it depends completely on the temperament and pf the individual horse and the progress he is making.<br /><br />When your horse can travel calmly in both directions and is responding to your vocal commands, he is ready for the canter.<br /><br /><strong><em>Next week, Part II: Teaching the canter on the ground and in the saddle</em></strong>Anastasia Burke Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01436973862753306402noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5234344195783253345.post-33592548691538225442009-09-01T10:54:00.000-07:002009-09-01T11:41:25.602-07:00Best Horse Book to Read Right Now<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/Sp1lWHuz7SI/AAAAAAAABxc/U0afzzgCDDE/s1600-h/book-cover-US-border_324x484.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376564960857156898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/Sp1lWHuz7SI/AAAAAAAABxc/U0afzzgCDDE/s400/book-cover-US-border_324x484.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>It's not a book about Standardbreds, but it is about horses. </div><div></div><br /><div>It's also about humans. And human nature. And healing. And I have been telling everyone about <em><strong>The Horse Boy,</strong></em> Rupert Isaacson's amazing story about the quest he and his wife set off on, in order to heal their young son of autism.</div><br /><div></div><div>In one terrifying--and glorious--moment, Rupert discovers that his four-year-old son becomes momentarily "healed" in the presence of horses. Even more remarkable, a neighbor's horse, known to be vicious in the pasture, spontaneously shows Rowan the licking and chewing that shows submission as the child lies dangerously near her hooves. </div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>It is a moment that spawns a crazy idea: To travel to Mongolia, where horses originated and where shamans might just have to key that will free young Rowan from his autistic prison.</div><br /><div></div><div>Mongolia is a land of vast, impressive--and empty--landscapes. Where the shamans are, only horses can go. The family's trek, the filming of which was turned into a documentary that claimed awards at numerous film festivals, including Sundance, is treacherous, exhausting, sublime, often ridiculous, frequently funny, and ultimately inspiring.</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/Sp1lnA8XXTI/AAAAAAAABxk/mZtWCvUICrM/s1600-h/Rowan.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376565251092733234" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 283px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBYw9VWcQrE/Sp1lnA8XXTI/AAAAAAAABxk/mZtWCvUICrM/s400/Rowan.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div>The book is, of course, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Horse-Boy-Fathers-Quest-Heal/dp/0316008230/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251829817&sr=8-1">available in hard cover,</a> but I listened to <a href="http://www.audible.com/adbl/site/products/ProductDetail.jsp?productID=BK_HACH_000234&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes">the audio version</a>. It is narrated by Rupert himself. He reads the story beautifully and his impressions of Rowan's whimsical sense of humor, as well as his devastating tantrums, are enthralling. A lifelong horse trainer, Rupert writes beautifully of his love of horses, and his intense desire to share this with his son. That horses might prove the key to Rowan's healing is a miracle Rupert desperately prays for.</div><br /><div></div><div>This is a book about faith, the power of love to heal, courage, perseverance, and what powerful healers horses can be to the most damaged of hearts.</div><br /><div></div><div>Also, your purchase of <strong><em>The Horse Boy</em></strong> goes toward a good cause: Proceeds from the book partially go toward supporting a therapeutic riding center specifically for autistic children and adults in Texas.</div><br /><div></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">To learn more about the book, <em><strong>The Horse Boy</strong>, </em>the movie, and "The Horse Boy Foundation," </span><a href="http://www.horseboymovie.com/Book.php"><span style="font-size:130%;">click her.e</span></a></div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">To see a trailer for the movie and the book, </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X816PJlI8kE"><span style="font-size:130%;">click here.</span><br /></a><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div>Anastasia Burke Millerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01436973862753306402noreply@blogger.com0