Stable Days

TIPS ON RIDING A GREEN HORSE

Hi Horse Pals ~

Horse Pal Elizabeth is riding a very green horse while her horse is recovering from surgery and asked for some tips on riding a green horse.  I thought it would be fun to give some tips here and anyone else can add a comment with their ideas, too!  Good luck, Elizabeth and have fun!

My biggest advice when riding a new horse, especially a green one, is to be very alert and careful. Until you get to know a horse, you don't know what quirks they may have so the key is to be cautious and very present in your riding and interaction with the horse. Also, it is important to be patient with a green horse and know that the more you ride him, the more responsive he will become. I believe that animals feel our energy so it is also very important that you ride confidently, especially with a new or green horse. Confident riding shows a horse that they can trust you and that is very important.

I have had horses who are spooky at the tie so when you groom a green horse, it is important to move really slowly and cautiously. You don't know what their experience has been in grooming in the past, so proceed slowly letting the horse know they can trust you. As you know, quick movements can startle a horse, especially a green one.  

When riding a green horse or any new horse, you have to ride super alert and attentive. I've had horses that don't want to walk into the arena and also ones who want to dart out and you never know what you're going to get with a horse you've never ridden. It's really important to keep your seat because you never know what might spook a horse; sometimes it's the littlest noise or shadow. 

It's definitely tricky at first, but the more you ride a new horse, the more you get to know him and I've found that every ride gets better. Each ride is an opportunity for you to teach a green horse good habits so it is a great way to improve your riding, too.

And don't forget to have fun! Enjoy your horse; enjoy grooming and caring for him, enjoy riding him and enjoy being with him!

Your Horse Pal,

@raya

P.S. We look forward to hearing your tips on riding a green horse! Leave us a comment!

DANDY JUMPS HER FIRST TRIPLE BOUNCE

HI Horse Pals ~

Dandy and I have been having some fabulous jumping days.  I am having so much fun with her and I love her more every time I ride her!

 

This week we worked on a triple bounce sequence where the first 2 jumps had no strides in between.  It helped her rhythm and was a fun line to add to our jumping courses.

As always, we are enjoying our summer rides with all of our friends at the barn.  It has been over 100 degrees at the barn!  It is quite intense, especially on the days when Avery and I ride more than one horse. 

We would love to hear about your horse adventures!  Write and tell us all about them.

Your Horse Pals,

@raya and Avery

P.S.  We're still waiting for your ideas for a contest!  Let us know what you think ....

FIVE FUN FACTS OF MY FAVORITE HORSE BREEDS ~ SHETLAND PONY

Hi Horse Pals ~

Cayce recently requested we highlight Shetland ponies, so here it is, for you Cayce!!  Enjoy!

SHETLAND

Fact #1:  The Shetland is native to the Shetland Islands off Scotland and although its roots are unknown, it is an ancient breed and has been around a long time!!  Think 8000 B.C.!  Wow!

 

Fact #2:  Shetlands are possibly the strongest breed in relation to their size and can survive extremely harsh conditions.

Fact #3:  Sheltands are measured in inches or centimeters rather than in hands and they can be up to 42 inches.  

Fact #4:  In winter, the Shetland pony grows a double coat as protection against the climate of its native home.  The coast has "guard hairs" which shed rain and make for an extremely waterproof winter coat.

Fact #5:  Shetlands excel at scurry driving a type of speed driving competition where contestants are timed as they drive around an obstacle course, often leaning at very sharp angles as they go around corners.

We hope you enjoyed learning more about a pony that is a very popular children's riding horse.  If you own a Shetland, send us photos of you riding. We'd love to share them with our Horse Pals.

Happy trails,

@raya and Avery