HORSE MANAGEMENT NEWSLETTER AND MORE!!!
*******************************************************************
Topics in this issue:
1) Feature: The life of a trainer
2) Questions and answers: conditioning, bitless, and bits!
3) Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs: The handbook of riding essentials
4) Fun and educational websites: dressage4kids
5) Featured rule: Inquiries and protests
6) Horsey Humor: What farriers (don't) love to hear!
7) Free item exchange

*******************************************************************
Feature: The life of a trainer
*******************************************************************
The following was a questionnaire I got from one of my students. I thought
it might have value for some other aspiring trainers out there.

Hi Stormy! I have a small favor to ask of you. Yesterday at my riding lesson
(which I had a blast at!) I forgot to ask you if I could interview you. My
class is doing what is called a Career I-Search paper. We have to pick a
career and do some research on that particular career. One of the things we
need to do is interview a person related or in that career. Well, I am sure
you have already guessed what I choseŠ yep it is a horse trainer! Would you
be willing to answer a few questions I have? Thank you so much!

Katherine Schuessler, D3, Northern Mines Pony Club

1. What do you like and dislike about your job?

Iıll answer it as both a horse trainer and instructor. The most important
thing I like is being able to help horses relax and enjoy their jobs and to
help riders achieve their goals. There is a big satisfaction I get when I
am able to figure out ways to make horses more comfortable and trusting in
their riders and can show the riders how to more effectively connect with
their horses. I also like being able to set my own schedule and take time
off when I need it rather than just when itıs ³vacation time². My main
dislike is that the work involved with having horses at home is constant. I
donıt mind feeding, cleaning, and keeping the barn stocked with hay but the
fact that I have to do it every day whether I feel like it or not is
sometimes a drag. Also, it is a little difficult to travel as much as Iıd
like because I have to make sure everything here is taken care of, but Iıve
been lucky enough to find a good situation where my partner will take care
of a lot of the duties while Iım gone.

2. What is a typical day as a horse trainer like?

There are many different ways that I have worked out being a trainer, itıs
very different for other trainers so Iıll just share from my perspective. I
keep my business rather small on purpose so that when opportunities to
travel or try new things come up, I can be free enough to do that. A
typical day for me starts at around sun-up when I feed the horses breakfast,
then I feed myself. After the horses have eaten I will work one or two
before lunch, then feed lunch, work another horse or two, or travel to teach
lessons depending on the day. Dinner is fed at about sundown. Often on
weekends, especially during the summer, I will travel to other parts of the
state or country to judge rallies or teach clinics. During my down time I
like to answer peopleıs horse-related questions and put them all together in
a Horse Management Newsletter that goes out around the country every month.

3. What got you interested in your career?

My career was never something that I imagined I would be doing as a full
time job. I started out just taking care of my own horse as a 10 year old
horse crazy girl. When I was 13 I got a yearling that I trained and showed
in dressage and jumping. People saw how good I was with her and soon they
began asking me to take care of their horses while they were on vacation, or
to ride their horses on a regular basis. By the time I was 16 and could
drive, I would ride up to 6 horses a day at different locations and I was
also giving $5.00 lessons to local people. I went to college because I
wanted to be a vet but after less than a year I realized that I didnıt want
that sort of pressure in my life. While I was in college I was lucky enough
to bring my horse and soon more people started asking me to ride their
horses and take care of them so I just continued what I had already been
doing. When I was about 18 and a ³B² level Pony Clubber, someone asked me
to be an assistant horse management judge at a Tetrathalon rally in
Petaluma. I had no idea what I was supposed to be doing, but I guess I did
a good job because people continued asking me to judge. Eventually, when I
was old enough, I was encouraged to become a Chief Horse Management Judge so
I turned in all the paperwork and became an official judge.

4. How long have you been in your career?

I think Iıve officially been getting paid for what Iım doing since I was 13
or so...probably 20 years.

5. Do you want to be a trainer until you retire?

I think Iıll probably always be doing a little training but as I get older I
see myself focusing more on teaching people rather than riding a lot of
horses myself. I also want to focus on projects like educational videos,
documentaries and books so I can teach more people while doing less work.

6. If you could do it all over again, would you still be a trainer?

Absolutely.


7. What things do you want to accomplish in your future as a trainer?

Iıd like to produce more educational and inspirational videos and books
about horses.

8. What colleges would be good for me to go to, to be successful in this
job?

There are some colleges that have equine study programs, most of them are on
the East Coast. Mount Holyoke is one that I know a few people have gone to
and progressed well in their equine careers. Most importantly in the horse
world though, itıs how talented you are with horses and what people you have
connections with. If you were a great working student for a well known
trainer, that will end up getting you much further in the training world
than college will. A lot of people go to college so they will have
something to fall back on in case they decide that later on they donıt want
to work with horses as a full time job. There are some very talented riders
who have ³regular jobs² that pay much better than a trainerıs job does and
then they have enough money to support, train, and compete horses on a part
time basis. It is sometimes nice to have a job where youıre away from the
dust and flies and sitting in an air conditioned room.

9. How difficult is it to find a job in this field?

If you are reasonably talented with horses and willing to work hard it is
very easy to find jobs training horses. If you are working for another
trainer or a demanding owner or barn manager you might find that you have to
go through a few different barns before you find a situation that you enjoy.
I lived at two other barns before buying my own place which I enjoy much
more than working at other peopleıs places.

10. Do you have any advice for me?

Youıre on the right track with getting regular lessons and making sure you
have the right horses and ponies to ride. While youıre still living with
your parents and theyıre paying the bills, try to get as much showing and
lesson experience as you can (as long as you enjoy it). Offer your services
of feeding, cleaning, grooming, riding, tack cleaning, or anything else you
can think of and then responsibly follow through with your commitments.
Donıt charge a lot at first but if you see that people are starting to
depend on you more and more you will naturally be able to raise your rates.
If you try this for a while and find that you arenıt getting much repeat
business, try to honestly evaluate what you might be able to do better and
always go the extra mile to give your customers more than they expect.

One creative example is to learn from an upper level pony clubber how to
clean tack and groom horses really well and then at a big show, you could go
around to the different barns and offer your services as a tack cleaner or
groom for the day. If you get really good and fast at braiding you could
add that service too. Business will probably be a little slow while youıre
still young but if you get used to asking for business now, by the time
youıre a teenager you will probably find that you are in high demand.

Best of luck to you!
Stormy

*******************************************************************
Questions and answers
*******************************************************************

Hi Stormy-

I had a question about the written conditioning schedule on the C-2 rating
sheet. I was a little confused about what we had to do and I was wondering
if you could give me some pointers on how to do that. I wanted to know if it
was a week by week schedule or if it was just an in general thing. I also
wanted to know what they wanted for the stable management part. If you would
please help me out with this that would be good.

Vanessa Canfield, C1, Liberty Oaks PC

Hi Vanessa,

The purpose of the C2 level written conditioning schedule is so the
examiners can see that you are able to make educated decisions about
conditioning a horse for a certain use. The example you write out could be
theoretical (a made-up horse and activity) or you can use a practical one,
such as conditioning your horse for the C2 rating. In either case, you
should include the following:

1. The horseıs specifics: age, breed, height, starting diet, any special
medical needs, is she an easy or hard keeper, etc...

2. The horseıs starting condition. For example, has he been turned out for
the winter? Is he just coming back from six months rest from a bowed
tendon? Is she already being worked 1 hour 3 times per week?

3. The length of the conditioning schedule (in this case it should be
between 6 and 8 weeks)

4. The event or level of fitness that you are conditioning for. For
example, a novice level event; the C2 test; a training level dressage show;
a 50 mile endurance ride, the ability to trot for 10 minutes without being
winded, etc....

5. The ³meat² of your plan will consist of the actual 6-8 week schedule.
This can either be in a calendar format (little boxes for each day) or just
written out day by day on several sheets of paper. You need to list what
you are planning to do with the horse each day, including days off, trail
rides, lessons, and shows. Examiners will also want to see any dietary
changes that you plan to make during the conditioning period. Most common
changes include increasing grain rations to maintain the horseıs energy
level during increased work. Be sure to get very specific about your plan
including heights to jump, specific dressage exercises you will work on,
length of your rides etc.... Of course this is all theoretical and will be
subject to the actual circumstances as they occur.

An example for conditioning a 9 year old 14 hand pony who has been turned
out for the winter, had competed at Novice eventing last year and you want
to get him ready for a Novice event in 8 weeks:

Sample day from week one:
trail/conditioning ride 20 minutes total, including 5 minutes trot, no
dietary changes

Sample day from week 4:
Practice 2ı courses, work on lengthening and shortening stride 50 minutes,
increase LMF by 1 pound

Sample day from week 8:
Dressage schooling, work on the Novice level test, 1 hour total ride time,
no dietary changes

For the stable management part of the C2 test, the bulk of it will just be
talking about efficient and economic ways to care for your horse both when
stabled and ³at grass², as well as how to safely prepare for a strenuous
workout and properly care for your horse afterwards. In these sections
theyıre looking for common sense and logic. For example, make sure the
horse has safe fencing in pasture (no cattle wire or barbed wire, broken
boards, etc.).

Iım going to include a C2 study guide below that was originally in the
January 2004 issue of my newsletter.

The questions are ones that give a good indication of the
depth of knowledge needed at the C2. Only certain sections are
covered. The guide is not meant to be comprehensive, it is only
intended to get you studying on the right track. Many of the answers can be
found in the Pony Club manuals. Additional resources include veterinarians,
trainers, farriers, and graduate Pony Clubbers. Memorizing this knowledge
from books is a start but the examiners will also want to hear of practical
experiences and applications of this knowledge. This guide should be used
along with the standards.

**Most importantly, I hope there are never any answer keys made for
these questions. It isn't necessarily these questions or answers that are
the most important part. The studying and questioning that you have to do
to find the answers will be the biggest value.**

Good luck!

Is it more important to bathe a horse regularly if he is kept in a stall, or
out at pasture? Why?
Would you rather have your horse in a wet and mucky, or hard and dry
pasture? Why?
Can you demonstrate how to feel a horse's pulse when you're nervous?
Do you know how to read a mercury thermometer?
What does it mean if your horse is "roughed out"? How would you feed this
horse?
When should you not feed a sick horse?
What steps would you take to treat a minor cut on a horse's leg? What
products might you use?
What do you think is the safest fencing for horses and why?
What do you think is the most dangerous fencing for horses and why?
How does your horse get all the minerals she needs?
Name and describe 5 toxic plants and where you might find them.
Would you want a horse with a long back? Why or why not?
Would you rather have a horse with long or short cannon bones? Why?
Point to exactly where curb is on a live horse.
Point to exactly where sidebone is on a live horse.
Where exactly are the two places a horse can get spavins?
What is the difference between the two types of spavins?
How many splint bones does a horse have?
What is different between loading and unloading a horse in a straight load
versus a slant?
Do you know the name of every vaccination your horse gets and how often?
How can you prevent internal parasites besides deworming?
Which internal parasites might your horse get? Name at least five!
Can a horse get tetanus from another horse?
Which jaw of the horse is wider, upper or lower? How does this affect the
need for floating?
What things would you make sure a D is wearing in order to be safe to ride?
What things would you check on a D's horse before letting him ride?
Have you practiced longeing on a regular basis while observing Pony Club
safety rules?
How would you know if your shoer is doing a bad job?
Why would you use bell boots on a horse?
Why might you use a crupper?
Why might you use different tack for dressage and jumping?
How often do you deworm your horse? What brands do you use?
If you're thinking of turning your horse out in a new pasture, what things
would you check first?
How much shelter should a pastured horse have?
How much should a pastured horse be blanketed?
What is the average respiration for a resting horse?
Now, go back and answer all of these questions from memory!

For more great questions, see the ponyclub.org website in the forms section,
click on C study guide.
http://www.ponyclub.org/forms.php

Study well,
Stormy

***************************************

Hi Stormy

Do you know if it would be allowable to ride in a Bitless Bridle for Games
competition? We found the types of bits, cavessons, hackamores but I
was unsure if the Bitless Bridle would be allowed.

Thanks
Lori Moreno, Deer Creek Pony Club mom

Hi Lori,

Yes, it is allowed for everything except dressage and the dressage phase of
eventing.

Keep it simple,
Stormy


********************************************

Hi Stormy,

I just brought home a horse to do my B on and the jumping tack they use on
him is concerning me. They are using a bubble bit with 2 reins and a flash
noseband. Now I know in the Show Jumping Rules I can not use a flash
noseband on him as long as I use something with two reins. But in the
Eventing Rulebook I can use a flash noseband. I am confused as to which
rulebook I should follow for my rating. Up until now I figured mostly the
ratings were under the Eventing rulebook but I really haven't needed to
check something like this until now. So looking at it I guess the real
question is; are Traditional ratings held under the Eventing rulebook or the
rulebook for the phase of the rating? Will I be asked to remove the flash
at my rating?

Thanks, Christina Brennan, C3 English Hills PC

Hi Christina,

Ratings are run as per the Eventing rulebook so you should be ok with the
bubble bit and flash. The rule as it's stated in the Show Jumping rulebook
is that you cannot use a flash with anything other than a plain snaffle bit.
Definitely explain that itıs a borrowed horse to the examiners too.

Keep your hands light!
Stormy

*******************************************************************
Recommended books, videos, and CD-ROMs!
*******************************************************************

The Handbook of Riding Essentials by Francois Lemaire de Ruffieu

Here are some reviews from the Amazon.com website:

Reviewer: "The Handbook of Riding Essentials" is a wonderful resource for
all riders of all disciplines. Written and diagramed in a clear and concise
format, the author covers the correct use of the hands, seat and legs and
then progresses to each individual movement. The diagrams are very clear and
depict the use of the natural aids for each movement. All aspects of each
movement are clearly covered and very helpful. For example, in the chapter
entitled: "The Natural Aids for the Haunches-In" he expertly covers; Goals
of the Exercise; Rider's Aids; Why Does the Rider Use the Natural Aids; How
Does the Rider Initiate Haunches-In; How Does the Rider Teach Haunches-In;
Mistakes to Avoid and Helpful suggestions. As a rider this book has helped
me to better understand, teach my horse and execute each movement. This is a
reference book for all levels of all riders and should be in every riders'
library.

Reviewer: This book is written so the beginner can understand it. Has
beautiful illustrations on seat,leg, and hand positions. It also tells you
what your horse should be doing after you apply the aids. Very helpful book.

Reviewer: OK, out of everything that you may have looked at, buy this book!
You will definitely not regret it. This book breaks riding down into
beginning, intermediate, and advanced; all in different bulleted sections on
the same page. That way you can read any level description and actually see
where it's going. I especially like the hand-drawn pictures on every page
which are clear and concise. Not only does he tell you what to do, but the
pictures show you how to do it: exact positions of hands and legs are drawn
on every page! The entire book is presented in a logical manner and is very
easy to follow. The author knows exactly what he's talking about and is sure
to help you too!

*******************************************************************
Fun and educational websites
*******************************************************************

Well known dressage rider, Lendon Gray has a neat site for young dressage
riders. The mission statement is: To encourage riders under 21 to become
true horsemen with correct position, competitive skills, and knowledge of
all aspects of riding and horse care; to offer scholarships to enable
competitors to further their education; to have fun and develop good
sportsmanship throughout. Hmmm, sounds like another organization I know.

www.dressage4kids.com

********************************************************************
Featured rule: Inquiries and protests
********************************************************************

2002 Horse Management Handbook page 54 section C, 2-4:

Inquiries concerning Horse Management are to be directed to the Chief Horse
Management Judge. In the event there is a disagreement with the decisions
of the CHMJ, a protest may be made to the Technical Delegate, with
subsequent appeals to the Ground Jury and then the Appeal Committee, whose
decision is final. One half hour is allowed for inquiries/protests to be
initiated.

In team competitions, only the Team Captain may make an inquiry or protest.
The rider involved may accompany the Captain. In individual competitions,
only the competitor involved may make an inquiry or protest.

Inquiries or protests may only be made concerning penalties imposed upon the
team or competitor making the inquiry or protest. Inquiries or protests
against another team or competitor will under no circumstances be allowed.

********************************************************************
Horsey humor: Things farriers (don't) love to hear!
********************************************************************

İ Tom Stovall, CJF

"Your shoe fell off..."

"He doesn't bite, he only nibbles..."

"He never kicked anyone else, you must have done something wrong..."

"You won't have any trouble catching them..."

"It's the bank's fault, run it back through..."

"Raise his heels..."

"Make his foot smaller..."

"Equus (or any other magazine) says..."

"Everyone in the barn says..."

"It's only been four weeks..." (after eight weeks)

"Why can't these be reset?..." (because you can read through the toe)

"He never did that before..."

"I haven't had time to pick up his feet..."

"I haven't had time to clean out his feet..."

"Can I feed him a carrot while you're shoeing him?..."

"He doesn't bite hard, he's only playing..."

"I forgot my checkbook..." (always, after the horse is shod)

This and more funny farrier stories at:
http://www.horseshoes.com/humor/frhmr.htm

********************************************************************
Free item exchange
********************************************************************

**FREE**FREE**FREE**

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Submit your free horse-related items or services here. If you or your club
has items they are willing to pass along to a new family, this is a great
place to list them. Listings can come from any part of the country, or even
overseas!

Free items may include but are not limited to:

riding clothes
rally equipment
horse-related games and toys
tack and training equipment
blankets, wraps, halters
books or magazines
horse-related artwork
and of course...horses and ponies!

The recipient may be expected to handle any shipping costs.

Please provide a phone and/or email contact with each listing. Items will
be listed in the next HM Newsletter and will not be renewed unless an
additional email is sent asking for the listing to be continued.

So...clean out your tackroom and make room for more stuff!

To submit your items, simply reply to this email or write to:
stormy@... .

********************************************************************
Call for submissions
********************************************************************

Help make this newsletter the best it can be. Do you have any issues you'd
like to see addressed here? How about ideas for recommended products, books,
or videos? Want to submit your own article, or a question for the questions
and answers section? Send them to: stormy@... and I'll keep a log
of topics and articles for upcoming issues.