Knowing your horse

Unlike people, animals can't tell you with words what wrong with them, but they can tell you with the actions they take. A few months ago I was at a barrel race with my horse Jamaica; she was the only horse I brought and she wasn't very happy about that and she was acting really weird. Usually if food is put in front of her she won't hesitate to take it but this weekend she turned her head at most of her food, and on top of that she wouldn't drink any water at all. A few weeks later we took her to get her teeth floated and found out she broke a tooth around the same time as the barrel race and that would explain why she wouldnt touch anything we gave her. We are glad we found out when we did or she could have gotten an infection. Knowing your horse is so important; daily activites they take part in such as eating or even when your riding and they aren't acting like normal its important to know that so you know when they are hurting and if you need to take them to the vet. Something my family goes off of is if your horse is starting to have a bad habit they have never had before chances are something is wrong.Enjoy your horses=)

Competition day!

This is a continue to the horse competition post I made previous. The day before the competition is over with and now you are arriving to the actual day which is just as much work maybe even more than the day before; here are some steps to keep in mind when you are at your competition.
Step 1: When you arrive to your competition keep calm and don't get nervous, your horse can sense that and will be the same way as you are
Step 2: tie your horse up and enter up in all the events you are doing, asking questions if you dont know what a pattern is saying or what times they are or any other questions you need to ask before its to late, and make sure they are the events you are comfortable with.
Step 3:Clean your horse again, brush them off, comb mane and tail and any other items you need to clean before you go into competition
Step 4: Practice! Practice! Practice! know your patterns you are given, if your in an obstacle/trail course go check it out and see what you have to be doing and if they give you time go into the arenas they have and work on everything and memorize what you need.
Step 5: When it comes to competition and when they call your name take a deep breathe, walk in calm and relaxed; do your best and keep going even if your horse wont; and have fun!
Enjoy your horses=)!

Day before competition

Last summer I competed in my first Western Pleasure horse competition, it was a really fun competition and I learned alot from it. Although it was really fun it took me along time to prepare for it, so here are some of the steps I took before and during competition that could be helpful.
Step 1- Make sure that your horse is ready for a competition you are entering; that they can walk trot and lope in a calm manner( no bucking)
Step 2- Make sure that your horse is well groomed the day before competition; bathe your horse with shampoo and conditioner, comb out mane and tail, trim bridle pathe and any other places needed.
Step 3- Make sure your tack is clean and proper, cinches washed out, all leather cleaned and you have all the needed tack for the competition organized and clean.
Step 4- Make sure that you have all what you need for your attire; clean, ironed long sleeve western shirt, ironed western jeans, belt and clean black boots with a black cowboy hat.
All these steps should be taken the day before competition, having all the things you need together can make the competition day less stressful and easier to get through
(to be continued in the next blog)

Horses are very interesting creatures, many times I find myself thinking I know exactly how my horse will react in a good relaxed manner in a situatiion, when really he/she freaks out and tries to run off. When this happens, knowing what to do to fix what they are afraid of is key to be safe with your horse. One day I was riding my 16 year old very well trained and calm horse in a parade, over the years she has been to more parades and at the front of them than I can count; she was standing as she always does and out of the corner of her vision she say a banner and jumped a few feet to the side. Everyone who knows my trusty old horse was so suprised at her doing this. For the next few days I worked with all my horses with a white banner. After a few times with my horse that spooked she was fine with it again. My other horse Zoey on the other hand not so much. I started out by standing a few feet away and holding it up, when she finally relaxed a little, I brought it up to her face and she jumped back, I just kept it close to her untill she calmed again, horses will realize at some point it isnt going to eat them you just have to be patient and not overdo the situation. When she smelled it i walked around her holding it over her and petting her with the banner and then she was totally fine with it. Patience is a vertue with horses, Don't push them when they don't like something, gradually introduce it to them, put it up somewhere they are comfortable being, or give them a treat when they fully relax! Enjoy your horses (=

Hello! My name is Caitie and I have been around and riding horses since I was about 2 weeks old. Starting off in the lap of relatives up into the last few years of competititve barrel racing. I currently have 5 horses of my own and spend more time in the barn than anywhere else! With the last two years of Rodeo Queening in my name and 4 belt buckles, I have learned alot about horses and love to share what I know about horses. From tips of training and even thoughts about debatable topics. I hope all you riders from advanced down to beginner can find something useful in my blog! =)