September 27, 2011

The Ranchette Veley Equestrian Center Horse Show

September 24, 2011 was the date for our first fall Ranchette Veley Equestrian Center Horse Show. Thank you to everyone who participated and volunteered. We had a great day and every competitor left with a handful of ribbons! Special thanks to Judge Frank Callagee for his encouragement and words of wisdom. Thanks, too, to Lori Carter of German Equestrian Manufacturers for our gift bags, Scribe and Scorer Pat Allen, Ring Steward Tom Tischler and Photographer Todd Tischler. Each and every rider deserves a huge round of applause for their efforts and hard work. Get ready for a Spring and Fall show in 2012!!






Congratulations to the riders and horses who won these classes:



Cierra Tischler and Worth the Wait - Intro Tests A and B



Jeffri Ann Olson and Streakin' Harley Bars - Intro Test C



Shaylee Snow and Perfectly Bear - Training Tests 1 and 2



Emily Olson and Streakin' Harley Bars - Trot Poles



Amber Foster and Worth the Wait - Crossrails and Trail Option B



Rick Crockett and Allstar's Game - Jumping 2'0" to 2'6"



Shannon Crockett and Lady Jane - Jumping 2'3"



Suzi Richards and Lady Jane - Trail Option A



Kara Carter and Lady Jane - Walk-Trot and Walk-Trot-Canter Division A



Shannon Crockett and Mijn Genezer - Walk-Trot Division B



Emily Olson and P.J. - Walk-Trot-Canter Division B




Keep up the good work everyone!! I'm proud of you!!



April 18, 2011

Protect Your Horse's Eyes and Face w/Fly Masks

Fly masks can be a very important tool to not only shield your horse's eyes from irritating flies, they can also provide year-round protection from: debris, blindness and skin cancer. On a windy day, a fly mask can prevent dust and debris from collecting in your horse's eyes. Not only do they help keep the eyes clean, but a dark or black fly mask can help a blue-eyed horse (who spends significant time in direct sunlight) avoid blindness. The benefits don't stop there. The face of a pink-skinned white-haired horse could be spared from skin cancer with a fly mask that covers the face and nose. Lastly, fly masks (that cover the ears) can also help horses who are ear-shy to gain confidence having their ears handled. Fly masks can cost anywhere from $10 to $30 and are available in any tack store or tack catalog. This small investment can go a long way in making your horse happy, ridable and comfortable.

October 29, 2010

Horsemanship Tip of the Month November/December

Blanketing Your Horse in Colder Weather

Let's face it - blanketing can become an unwelcome and time-consuming chore, especially if you are blanketing more than one each day. If our horses did not derive significant benefits from blanketing, we more-than-likely would not bother. Some of these benefits are: a smoother easier-to-groom coat, warmer muscles and joints less prone to aches and pains as well as easier weight maintenance, to name a few. One of the best ways to start the blanketing process is with a thin nylon sheet, beginning at night on November 1st. If temperatures do not vary greatly day into night, the sheet can continue to stay on until you ride. If the days are warmer, remove the sheet during the day and re-sheet at night. This gives your horse a buffer against impending cold while still allowing them to "toughen up." Once December 1st rolls around, add a light-weight blanket over the top of the sheet at night. Together, you have the equivalent of (at least) a medium weight blanket to guard against the cold. Then remove the top blanket during the day and allow the horse to wear the sheet only. In the case of severe weather, leave both on. These layers provide not only the protection your horse needs, but they allow you to remove or add more layers as temperatures fluate, being more fair to your horse's natural heating system. This also saves time and can help avoid the blanket-off blanket-on ritual we could face (leaving your horse to stand "naked" until the new blanket goes on!) At my own boarding stable and all the others I've been priveledged to be part of, I've never met a horse yet that minded a little extra warmth in colder weather.

August 17, 2010

Dental Work Improves Performance

When we look for answers for a horse's less-than-ideal performance, we often think about their sensitivity to our aids, their ability to focus, their conformation, the bit and other things. Too often what is overlooked are their teeth. A horse's jaw must be able to move or "slide" laterally and longitudinally in order to smoothly transition, go correctly forward or turn under saddle. They also need a properly functioning jaw in order to eat their food and keep weight on. Unlike our teeth, the teeth of a horse grow their entire lives and can produce sharp hooks and ramped or wavy dentition. This makes accepting the bit much more difficult than it needs to be.
Therefore, a qualified Equine Dentist can do wonders for your horse's mouth. Although more expensive than a dental float from your vet, a dentist can provide more intense and perhaps thorough work for 100% comfort. Otherwise, your horse may not respond in a manner conducive to your desired discipline. Don't hesitate when it comes to your horse's health. Have a thorough dental work-up performed at least once a year.

July 6, 2010

My Top Ten Favorite Horse Stories

Read my recently-published book sharing my life and experiences as a trainer and horse owner. Available on Amazon.com. Every horse person who had read this book has thoroughly enjoyed it and found it inspirational. Consider indulging yourself!