HORSE MANAGEMENT NEWSLETTER AND MORE!!!
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Topics in this issue:
1) Feature: Watching a lesson
2) Recommended products and services: Tallyho Equestrian
3) Rally and ratings tips: Wikipedia entry about horse conformation
4) Questions and answers: headshaking, bit pulling, polos, bitless, and
flowcharts
5) Odds and Ends: Documentary interview, Cushings, Rolex pony, fans at
champs, foreign exchange, thehorse.com, Shawna Karrasch interview
7) Featured rule: Bandaging
8) Horsey Humor: Animal diaries
9) Free item exchange

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Feature: Watching a lesson
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by Stormy May

Watching a lesson can be a valuable time to learn new techniques to try with
your own horse, make sure your child feels your support, or to learn how to
help your friend or child who is taking the lesson after they get back home.

It's also a perfect time to observe your own habits or tendencies. Here are
a few questions to ask yourself during and after a lesson.

During a lesson do you frequently second-guess the instructor?

I had a great learning experience while auditing a clinic given by a Western
trainer whom I really respect. His student was riding English and wanted to
do some jumping. As the rider started over the first jump I had at least 10
exercises that I thought they should be working on instead of what they were
doing. My mind very quickly went into critical judgment mode and it was all
I could do to stay quiet and let them work together. In the end, as the
lesson unfolded, I realized that what they were able to achieve was
something totally different than what I would have done but it was perfect
for the situation, and I learned some new ideas for teaching a jumping
lesson.

Often the instructor will seem to ignore obvious riding flaws. Usually it
isn't that they don't notice them, it's because there is something more
important that they need to address first. For example, I might have a
student who is on the wrong diagonal but her hands are raising up and
pulling on the bit. I'm going to address the hands first before I even
mention the diagonal. A rider does best when focusing on only one or two
things at a time.

During a lesson do you offer comments to the rider?

Most people who offer comments during a lesson rarely realize they are doing
it. It usually is something that slips out such as, "you're on the wrong
diagonal" or "kick him!" Coaching from the sidelines is extremely
disruptive to the rapport between the student and instructor. If you find
yourself unable to refrain from slipping those words in, consider giving
yourself another task during the lesson such as cleaning out the trailer or
organizing the tack room. You might need to enlist the help of another
auditor to tell you if you're overstepping your bounds as an observer.

During a lesson do you make negative comments about the instructor to other
auditors?

If there really is a serious problem with the instructor, the best thing is
to simply stop watching and/or remove your child from the lesson.
Discussing something the instructor did with other auditors may help you see
the issue from a different perspective but remember to keep an attitude of
inquiry, not of condemnation. If it is a serious problem, you can probably
find a different instructor.

After a lesson do you remind your child/friend of what the instructor said?

There is nothing inherently wrong with helping the rider remember what the
instructor said but before you do so, ask yourself these questions:

Did the rider ask you to remind him?
Would it be more helpful if the rider remembered (or forgot) on her own?

I've often witnessed parents incessantly reminding their children of what
the instructor said between lessons. Part of this might be because the
parent realizes that their child is much more likely to respect and listen
to their instructor's comments than to their own. Parents, you probably do
have some valuable advice you can give your kids while riding but if it's
unsolicited it probably won't be taken well. There's an old adage that says
a horse only has so many jumps in him, so it's wise not to jump
unnecessarily. I think a variation on that is that kids will only take so
many comments from parents. It's wise to use those sparingly.

Probably a parent's best plan of action is to ask the child if he would like
help remembering what he worked on during a lesson. If the answer is "no",
it's a good idea to respect that unless it's a dangerous situation for the
horse or child.

Would the rider like you to take notes?

Clear, concise notes are invaluable to keep the rider progressing between
lessons. Notes are most valuable for riders who are teens or adults. Ask
your friend or child you're watching if they would like you to take notes.
After the lesson you may want to compare the notes with what the rider
remembered. Notes are most valuable when they are written so that the rider
will understand them. I suggest keeping a page of notes in your grooming
box so you can go over them before each ride.

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Recommended products and services: Tallyho Equestrian Outfitters
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by Janet Sally

I found a boot (and saddlemaker) called Tallyho Equestrian Outfitters
(gotallyho.com). Thomas Wrath makes custom boots in different styles. I
just wanted to say that I used him, and his boots are very nice quality.
The quality and softness of the leather is really nice and the zippered
boots have a brass zipper. He also makes saddles, but I have not seen any
of them. He will give you tons of time over the phone, and measures 15
places on the foot and leg. The boots are excellent quality leather, He
lives in San Jose, California area and is at Rolex this week. He is a
dressage rider and horse enthusiast as well as having this family business
for 3 generations.

When I measured my daughter for the boots, I ended up measuring wrong but he
worked with me and we were able to resolve it.

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Rally and rating tips: Fantastic Wikipedia entry on equine conformation
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Wikipedia has a fantastic section on horse conformation with many entries
that go beyond even my own knowledge. There are also lots of great pictures
to help you understand.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horse_conformation

If you don't know what Wikipedia is, it's a free online encyclopedia that
has entries that can be created and edited by anyone. The person (people)
who did this conformation section obviously put a lot of time into it and
everything is currently correct as far as I can tell. Just keep in mind
that any person can come along and change the information so always double
check things before relying on them as fact. If you notice entries in
Wikipedia that are not true, you can report them and see about getting it
changed.

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Questions and answers
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Hi Stormy,

I have a bitting question.

My new mare Dana has her canine teeth coming in right now. She has become
really bad about flipping her head when we do dressage (I've even tried the
bitless for 2 weeks straight and she still wouldn't stop). Since I have an
event coming up next weekend, do you have any suggestions on what type of
bit I should use?? (I am currently using a loose ring french link).

Thank you so much,
Allyson Moreno, C3, Liberty Oaks Pony Club

Hi Allyson,

If I recall correctly, Dana is over 5 years old. Canine teeth are rare in
mares but if they have them, they are usually in by age 5. What you might
be seeing is that they were filed down in her last floating and they seem to
be growing larger again. With a properly adjusted bit, it shouldnıt touch
the canine teeth, you may need to put it up a hole or two if it does seem to
be interfering with them. I suspect that the head flipping isnıt due to the
canine teeth but it may be due to some other cause that probably wonıt be
affected much by which bit you use. Iım going to send you to do some
research about headshaking syndrome in horses.

http://www.headshaking.com/syndrome.htm
http://www.wholehorse.com/articles/headShake.htm
http://www.horseadvice.com/horse/messages/7/9580.html

Let me know what you think after you read these articles.

Hi Stormy,

I read the articles (thank you) but I do not think that she has a head
shaking syndrome. She tends the flip her head when I ask for down
transitions, more connection, or more engagement from behind. But as long
as I have a looser contact (still have a feel of the bit) she goes just
fine.

So do you think I should just keep her in the same bit and just try to work
through it??

Thank you,
Allyson Moreno, C3, Liberty Oaks Pony Club

Hi Allyson,

The only other bit that might work a little better is a mullen mouth snaffle
(no joint). I think you should be able to work through it with the French
link though. The key is to not use the bit while asking for down
transitions, collection, or engagement! (No problem right?) If you think
of the bit as an emergency brake (to be used only when everything goes
wrong) rather than an aid for these it will get you headed in the right
direction. Iıd suggest as a beginning to have your trainer give you a longe
lesson without reins where you can practice getting Dana more tuned in to
your seat and weight shifts rather than relying on the reins for cues. Itıs
not going to be a quick fix, but in the end, it will be the key that allows
you to pass your B and A ratings (and your horse to stop flipping her head).
Any time she flips her head (as long as youıre sure itıs not head shaking
syndrome) use it as a reminder that you just did something with your reins
and the bit that you should have been doing with your seat and legs.

Stay soft,
Stormy

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Hi Stormy,

I have just bought a lovely mare she has been mistreated by abandonment yet
is still loving and caring. Under saddle she is almost oblivious to the bit.
She almost fixes her jaw. She is very stiff and not fit. She does not pull
but on a half halt or halt she will lean on the bit. I have light hands and
donıt want to have to use over exaggerated movements. She is in a Mullen
mouth snaffle. I was tempted to allow her to have a jointed snaffle due to
the movement of the bit but I do not like the nut cracker action. Maybe a
rubber jointed snaffle. Your advice would be much appreciated. She is 15.3
thoroughbred, 9 years old and has been used to being galloped and jumped and
chopped around by a teenager. I would like to aid our communication so we
may do dressage or 3 day eventing with no trauma to her. We are going to be
flat schooling for a long while yet to build our respect and get to know
each other.

Proud new owner, name withheld

Hi Proud,

Thanks for asking, thatıs a great question. First of all, I appreciate that
you understand how working on the flat and building respect until you get to
know each other is going to be very important. Youıll want to take a look
inside the mareıs mouth before you begin to see if you notice any bruises,
scars, or sharp teeth. Better yet, have your vet take a look. If that
checks out then it will just be a matter of re-sensitizing her to the bit,
or a bitless method of control such as the bitless bridle. The mullen mouth
snaffle is your best bet if you want to keep a bit in her for exactly the
reason you describe, it doesnıt have the nutcracker action that a jointed
bit has and it doesnıt have the leverage that a curb bit has.

As long as injuries arenıt an issue and the bit isnıt pinching in the mouth,
the main reason a trained horse will not seem to respond to the bit is
because they have been unintentionally taught by a rider that they get a
release when they pull on the bit, as opposed to how we would like them to
respond by giving to pressure on the bit. Itıs our responsibility to teach
them that we get soft when they get soft, not that we get soft when they
resist.

With your bit (or bitless bridle) youıll want to work on teaching her that
she gets a reward (a softening of your hands) when she gives to pressure.
This is done the same way as if she had never worn a bit in the first place,
by gentle work from the ground, flexing her head left, right, and in with
enough pressure that she responds, and a quick release of pressure the
moment she moves in the desired direction. Iıve taught this to countless
horses and riders and Iıve found that the most difficult part when teaching
the rider is to get them to feel how much pressure they need in the first
place and then how to feel the correct moment to release. Most people who
havenıt learned how to do this yet either will not hold long or strongly
enough at first and/or then they wonıt release quickly enough. Itıs
something that a person who starts horses can help you with in just one
lesson, that lesson will be much more valuable than thinking you can
understand what Iım saying from just reading this.

By taking the time to go back to the basics of giving to the bit in an area
where she feels safe and relaxed, you will find that she becomes much more
willing and cooperative in the long run.

Proud new owner replies:

Hi Stormy sorry to be a pain but I havenıt told anyone that the mare I have
bought is acting scary. I am being brave but I need to calm her before we
both get scared. I was going to get someone in to do Parelli with us, I
donıt want them to see how unnerved I am by her change of behavior. Sorry
to confess this to you. I darnt tell anyone incase they insist I sell her.
I know she is a star and lovely but she is so naughty from the ground.

Proud new owner, name withheld

Hi Proud,

I can imagine how difficult it must be to maintain your privacy when it
involves a horse. Any really good instructor will need you to tell them how
scared you are so they can help you with that. If you try to act brave they
wonıt be able to help you with what you need the most. Personally, I love
it when someone admits to how scared they are because then we can start to
work together as a team. Humans have good reason to be scared of horses,
they are huge and quick. We need to respect them for this. The nice thing
is that if we can learn to work with the horse, it can really build our
self-esteem and leadership qualities. When youıre interviewing for a
trainer make sure you tell them up front that you aren't interested in
selling her her and that youıre willing to do whatever it takes to learn to
be a good leader for her.

In the meantime, spend as much time as possible just being around her. Try
reading a book in her paddock, or if you donıt feel safe there, sit and read
outside of her enclosure. Talk to her, tell her what youıre concerned about
and ask if sheıll help you overcome it. Start building the relationship
here. The other thing that will help is to try and view her ³naughty²
behavior not as naughty, but that sheıs learned how to do certain things
because they worked. For example, a horse might drag her owner at the end
of a lead rope because she found they could get grass that way. A horse
might pin her ears and kick and stomp at feeding time because she found that
she got fed more quickly and with less bother that way. Horses donıt
innately do ³naughty² things, they do things that work. Our job is to be
very aware of what they are teaching US, so that we only reward them when
they do things that we consider acceptable.

Enjoy your new mare,
Stormy

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Hi Stormy,

We are looking forward to having you at our Poway rally again this year.

I have a question: I would like to offer rally dress in polo shirt attire
all day. Many clubs have new kids and I don't want attire to be an obstacle
in their attending- also we usually go to polos after first ride.

In Horse Management Rules, it looks like the C-1 and over ride in formal or
informal dress for first ride and the D's may ride in polos. The Show
Jumping rules seem to state a first ride dress code. I'm referencing Show
Jumping page 25 article 67 and Horse Management page 6.

Our HMO stated she was fine with only polos but wanted your opinion.

Thanks, Donna Smyth, Southern California region

Hi Donna,

Dıs can always wear polo shirts in any rally situation. The first ride
dress code applies only to Cıs and above. Since this will be a qualifying
rally we should stick to the first ride formal/informal attire rule so we
make sure that the teams who go to Kentucky know how to be turned out
properly. It won't be any cooler there!

See you soon,
Stormy

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Hi Stormy,

I have been asked by a D2 in the Southwest region to find out about the use
of the bitless bridle in Pony Club. I know there are a couple of things
they are not allowed in but I can't remember which. I know you wrote a
piece on their use on a newsletter but rules seem to change quite a lot and
PC seems to aligned itself with USEF for most disciplines now so I wasn't
sure if the rule had changed since that post.

Thanks for your help.
Clair Thunes (on behalf of Annie Turcotte D2 Diamondback PC)

Hi Clair,

The only things in PC that they arenıt allowed for is a dressage rally and
the dressage phase of eventing. Technically they wouldnıt be allowed for
the dressage part of C and above ratings but if thereıs a special
circumstance the examiner may allow it.

Bitless bridles are great for D's or any rider who hasn't developed an
independent seat and hands. They allow control of the horse's head without
the pain of unsteady hands hitting the bit.

Stay cool there in Arizona,
Stormy

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Hi Stormy,

I am a little concerned that I havenıt seen a couple of kids who want to
rate soon ride recently. Do you think I should have their regular
instructors fill out a flowchart? Being a new DC, I am having difficulty
saying no to some of these pushy parents. I also would really like to get
a regular instructor installed for Pony Club. There is a split club right
now over two trainers. The animals are easy, it is the people that make it
difficult!

New DC, name withheld

Dear New DC,

Flow charts are a tool that are there for you (as the DC) to choose whether
you use them or not and if so, who gets to sign off, how far ahead of the
rating do they need to be signed off, etc.... If you canıt regularly watch
the members ride, or arenıt knowledgeable about the different requirements,
flowcharts are a handy way to make the families more responsible for making
sure their child is ready to rate.

Some clubs allow sign offs only by ³approved² people (usually instructors
familiar with PC), some clubs never allow sign offs with the personıs
regular instructor, others encourage it. Some clubs allow their upper rated
members to check off the knowledge portions for younger members, others
forbid it. The bottom line is that flow charts allow you as the DC to be
assured that the member has at least gone over the material a little and
that the person who signed off thinks they should pass that section or at
least be allowed to try. You need to decide who you feel comfortable
trusting in this situation without making the process overly difficult for
the families involved. You might bring this up at a parent meeting and
explain that the more knowledgeable about PC and ratings that the sign off
person is, the more likely their child will have gotten a good prep and be
ready to rate.

We're all learning,
Stormy

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Odds and Ends
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Many of you know that I'm working on a documentary about the future of
horse-human relationships called "The Path of the Horse". You can watch a
TV interview I did about this project here:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6495296810761342388

Make sure you have an internet connection faster than dial-up! The video is
26 minutes long. Feel free to forward the link along to friends, internet
groups, or anybody you think might be interested in the documentary. I'm
leaving the country next month for a short visit to Alexander Nevzorov in
Russia and Klaus Ferdinand Hempfling in Belgium, wish me luck!

Stay tuned to my website for the latest information: www.stormymay.com .

Many thanks,
Stormy

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CUSHINGS DISEASE: Many people do not know that the drug Pergolide (Permax)
is being withdrawn from the market due to some heart valve problems that
have turned up with some people who were taking the medication. Since most
of this drug is ordered through compounding pharmacies, it turns out the
drug manufacturers actually did not know about the equine market for the
drug. In an effort to keep this life-saving drug available for Cushings
horses, a petition has been started to demonstrate to the manufacturer the
need and demand for Pergolide. If you have, or have ever had, a horse with
Cushings, you know of the need. Here is a link to the information from the
FDA website :

http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01596.html
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/savepergolide/

This information came from the Horsin' Around calendar

Horsin’ Around! Calendar is posted on the web at:
http://www.horseNpony.com/horsinaround
http://results.bayequest.info/events.php#club

Thanks Marilynn!

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from Clair Thunes (formerly Clair Spackman), Southwest Region

I just had to share this piece of amazing news. Maybe everyone knows
already but I haven't seen much made of the fact that at this years Rolex
Kentucky 3-day Karen O'Conner is riding a 14.1hh pony.

http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070426/SPORTS080
1/704260511/1002/SPORTS

The last time someone rode a pony at Rolex was in 1978 so this little guy
must be something special.

For those who didn't get to go in person and who want to watch more than the
networks will show you can watch the whole thing online thanks to NBC. The
cost is $7.99 and you can download the entire 4 days and watch literally
every ride. Check it out here http://www.rk3de.org/index.php and click on
the large NBC link.

Enjoy, and go pony go!

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Thu Apr 12, 2007

From Wayne Quarles, USPC Activities Director

Please share these with your members coming to Festival
Championships or Education this year.

NEW KENTUCKY HORSE PARK REGULATIONS

1. ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
In compliance with the State of Kentucky Fire Code, the Kentucky
Horse Park will no longer allow any of the following in stalls, barns or
tents:
a) any 2 prong plug appliances (fans, etc.)
b) any 2 prong plug extension cords
c) light duty cords for indoor use
d) any 3-way adaptors unless specifically for outdoor use
e) any adaptors without 3 prong connections

Any equipment not in compliance is subject to confiscation.

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Hello to all! My name is Susan Straub. I work with an organization that is
called Cultural Homestay International. The reason that I am writing this to
you is that we need your help... Currently I have 2 international students
that need homes for the 2007/2008 school year. These 2 deserving young
students are asking to be placed in California with horse families.

There is one boy from Germany and one girl from Germany. Both have a resume
for their horse experience.... English style riding, use to riding in
halls, countryside, trails, both are use to riding dressage and jumps, use
to caring for there own horse, willing to train or help train a horse,
clean out horse stall, care for a horse/horses too. The girl has ridden for
12yrs. and had her own horse for 8 yrs. The boy has 4 very intense yrs of
riding experience. This is a WONDERFUL opportunity for a family!!! We bring
in 900 students per school year... the students have their own health
insurance, monthly spending money, attend the high school of the host
families district, are able to go on trips with CHI, a monthly report is
done with the host family and student, and most but not least build life
time relationships with families....I am asking that if anyone is interested
to please contact me ... WE NEED YOU! Please take a moment to consider if
your family could host a student... we have a 23 page application that these
students have filled out that I would like to present to you and your
family.... for more information please phone me at 530-913-2394 or 477-0346
Susan Straub/ Cultural Homestay International. We also have a web site to
few a little info about us... www.chinet.org <http://www.chinet.org>
Thank you in advance for any help that you can give these two students!

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

The Horse.com (www.thehorse.com) is a website that has thousands of great
articles about horse care and training. Formerly a person had to pay to
read most of the articles but now, they are all free! You still do have to
sign up as a registered user but it is free and you will have access to over
9,000 articles. What a deal!

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The Talking Equine Network did a great internet podcast of an interview with
Shawna Karrasch. Shawna was a marine mammal trainer at Marine World in
California before she realized the values of using positive reinforcement to
train horses. You can hear the interview at:

www.talkingequine.com scroll down to episode #14

Shawna's website is:

www.on-target-training.com

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Featured rule: Bandaging
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2007 Horse Management Handbook page 18 section 10g: Bandaging

Competitors, Unrated through C2, must have a HMJ check any bandages to
determine if they are properly applied.

Regardless of rating level, safety is paramount. Improper bandaging may be
harmful and a competitor may be asked to redo any bandage considered
improperly or poorly applied (refer to The USPC Guide to Bandaging Your
Horse).

Additionally:
-Bandages may be applied by the following individuals:
- Competitor
- Owner of the mount, or
- An individual designated by the owner.
-HM staff may not apply bandages.
-Bandages may not be left on for more than 12 hours at a time.
-Competitors may go to Turn Back with bandages applied.

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Horsey humor: Animal diaries
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The Dog's Diary

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Dinner! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

The Cat's Diary

Day 983 of my captivity.

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.
They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are
fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the
rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to
keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape.

In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.
Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I
had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly
demonstrates my capabilities.

However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good
little hunter" I am.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was
placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However,
I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my
confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this
means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my
tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try
this again tomorrow, but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and
snitches.

The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released, and
seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird must be an informant. I observe him communicate with the
guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors
have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is
safe. For now.....


The Horse's Diary

Now- Munching hay, munching hay, munching hay
Now- Sipping water
Now- Here comes the human with the halter
Now- Here comes the saddle, pinching my back, now the bridle squeezing my
jaw.
Now- Human off balance, pulling and kicking, saying something about how I
should already know this, slapping, says I should know better...patience,
remember patience, one foot in front of the other.
Now- Human confused, more kicking and pulling. Stay steady, maybe the human
will understand, just keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Now- Human dragging me back to the corral, stop for a bite of grass, more
pulling and slapping. One day the human will get it.
Now- Munching hay, munching hay, munching hay
Now- Sipping water

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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 tack room and make room for more stuff!

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

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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.