Archive for the ‘Recreation and Sports’ Category

On the weekend of March 9, 10, and 11, 2007 somewhere in the neighborhood of 40,000 to 50,000 people are expected to congregate just a few miles north of my Tallahassee, Florida home for a weekend popping with pageantry and dramatic excitement.

The setting is the fabled grounds of Tallahassee’s Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park located off of Tallahassee’s beautiful canopied Meridian Road and Millers Landing Road.

The event is the Tenth Annual Red Hills Horse Trials, an event inspired by excellence with roots dating all the way back to ancient Greece.

Amidst a spring setting of wild azaleas and magnolias, the deep red hill terrain of this part of the world will be the host once again to 200 of the world’s most accomplished equestrians who come from around the world to compete in dressage, cross-country jumping and stadium jumping.

The cross-country part of the event is hosted by Colin Phipps on adjoining land at his cross-country course that he had designed by Capt. Mark Phillips, CHEF D’Equipe and Technical Advisor for the U.S. Equestrian Team and a former member of the British Olympic Team. With a design in place, the cousin of Colin Phipps, Hugh Lochore of Scotland built the cross-country course.

While this event smacks of money, privilege and a glimpse into a rich and famous horsy set type equestrian lifestyle, this event also represents so much more.

When you look at the bottom line, Red Hills Horse Trials is more than simply a horse enthusiast’s weekend spectacle. Besides being marvelous entertainment for spectators and the opportunity to demonstrate excellent horsemanship for the participants, there is something even greater, something that perhaps can be too easily overlooked.

This event is about returning something to the world. “To whom much is given, much is expected…” the famous scripture says and Red Hills Horse Trials does exactly that.

To date Red Hills Horse Trials has donated over $325,000.00 to its charitable beneficiaries that include Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park and Tall Timbers Research Station & Land Conservancy.

This event benefits charitable causes that seek to make the world a better place. For that reason, I would highly recommend joining in on the unforgettable pageantry and dramatic excitement of the annual Red Hills Horse Trials.

For a schedule of events and more information visit the Red Hills Horse Trials website.

Kathi Dameron is a free-lance writer who enjoys promoting worthwhile causes. She lives in Tallahassee, Florida and owns Kathi Dameron and Associates. [http://www.campaignblitz.us]

Author: Kathi Dameron
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Pressure cooker

On the weekend of March 9, 10, and 11, 2007 somewhere in the neighborhood of 40,000 to 50,000 people are expected to congregate just a few miles north of my Tallahassee, Florida home for a weekend popping with pageantry and dramatic excitement.

The setting is the fabled grounds of Tallahassee’s Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park located off of Tallahassee’s beautiful canopied Meridian Road and Millers Landing Road.

The event is the Tenth Annual Red Hills Horse Trials, an event inspired by excellence with roots dating all the way back to ancient Greece.

Amidst a spring setting of wild azaleas and magnolias, the deep red hill terrain of this part of the world will be the host once again to 200 of the world’s most accomplished equestrians who come from around the world to compete in dressage, cross-country jumping and stadium jumping.

The cross-country part of the event is hosted by Colin Phipps on adjoining land at his cross-country course that he had designed by Capt. Mark Phillips, CHEF D’Equipe and Technical Advisor for the U.S. Equestrian Team and a former member of the British Olympic Team. With a design in place, the cousin of Colin Phipps, Hugh Lochore of Scotland built the cross-country course.

While this event smacks of money, privilege and a glimpse into a rich and famous horsy set type equestrian lifestyle, this event also represents so much more.

When you look at the bottom line, Red Hills Horse Trials is more than simply a horse enthusiast’s weekend spectacle. Besides being marvelous entertainment for spectators and the opportunity to demonstrate excellent horsemanship for the participants, there is something even greater, something that perhaps can be too easily overlooked.

This event is about returning something to the world. “To whom much is given, much is expected…” the famous scripture says and Red Hills Horse Trials does exactly that.

To date Red Hills Horse Trials has donated over $325,000.00 to its charitable beneficiaries that include Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park and Tall Timbers Research Station & Land Conservancy.

This event benefits charitable causes that seek to make the world a better place. For that reason, I would highly recommend joining in on the unforgettable pageantry and dramatic excitement of the annual Red Hills Horse Trials.

For a schedule of events and more information visit the Red Hills Horse Trials website.

Kathi Dameron is a free-lance writer who enjoys promoting worthwhile causes. She lives in Tallahassee, Florida and owns Kathi Dameron and Associates. [http://www.campaignblitz.us]

Author: Kathi Dameron
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Make PCB Assembly

You may find it interesting that stock ties were originally worn in case of injury to the horse or rider. Today it is worn by an English rider competing in dressage, eventing, fox hunting or show jumping. Traditionally white, it is worn with a stock pin, and comes in many fabrics and styles.

Six Simple Steps to Tie a Stock Tie

Step 1: Place the tie around the neck and secure it through the tab on the tie or to the shirt with the front button.

Step 2: Take the right end of the tie and pass it over and under the left and tighten, leave the left end hanging down, right end up.

Step 3: Make a loop from the right end and pass the left end through, tighten to smooth knot

Step 4: Puff the tie ends and cross them over creating an X.

Step 5: To secure, place a stock pin at the center of the X.

Step 6: Pin the tie ends to your shirt making sure the pins are hidden by your jacket.

Stock ties can be found pre-tied as well! There are many fabrics to chose from such as satin, pique, cotton, cotton twill, and cotton poplin. Stock ties can also be found in fabrics with “dri-lex” and “coolmax” technologies. If you would like a formal look without wearing a show shirt, try a bib stock tie. This option will keep you cool on those hot summer show days. There are also different styles to be aware of depending on the discipline you will be riding.

English Habit ( http://www.englishhabit.com/english-dressage-stock-ties.aspx )

Author: Melody Tuttle
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Tissot virtual reality

In terms of horse riding, you won’t find a more widely used saddle than the English saddle. Its primary purpose is to make both you and the horse comfortable (which it does through lots of padding) as well as allow the horse to move as freely as possible for whatever task is asked of the horse, whether it be jumping or dressage.

There are several variants of English Saddle:

The All Purpose English Saddle – this saddle is perfect for jumping, hacking and showing, as well as any other purpose.

The Jumping Saddle is meant for fox hunting, cross-country and show jumping. You’ll find the flap design to be far different from the all-purpose saddle, as its unique design is meant to allow shorter stirrups, helping you to get the horse jumping effectively and without complications. Your knees will have great support thanks to the knee rolls on the flap.

The Dressage Saddle has a straighter flap than the all-purpose saddle, as well as a deeper, forward facing seat, so that the rider’s legs can be straighter and have a more upright body position as well. You’ll have more contact with the horse due to the slight lack of padding in the saddle, so the horse will be more controllable. This saddle sports longer girth straps, enabling the rider to attach the saddle closer to the elbow of the horse.

The Endurance Saddle: this saddle is perfect for endurance competitions, making horse and rider comfort a top priority. The seat and everything else has a lot of padding, and the rider’s weight is distributed through the large skirt. If you plan on being on the saddle for a long time, you can attack equipment with the many D rings.

The Showing Saddle: Showing competitions are where this saddle variant excels, it needs to be smaller, so that more of the horse’s conformation is visible, allowing the judges to see as much of it as possible. There are no knee rolls and not much padding, leaving the rider with little support.

The Western Saddle: This variant has been around for a long time, as it was meant to be a more utilitarian model, enabling cowboys to work with the horses in the old days of the frontier. It’s similar in form to the English saddle, with the addition of a horn-like knob on the saddle’s front, which was meant to secure a rope typically used on a cow. You can find Western saddles with all kinds of decorations and embellishments on it, as it’s the showiest saddle out there. Compared to the English saddle, the Western saddle has a bigger tree, and you need a saddle blanket to make up for the lack of padding on the skirt, allowing the horse to be comfortable; a cinch is used to secure the saddle to the horse, as opposed to the girth that’s used on most other saddles. If the rider falls, the stirrups won’t go with them, since they are attached directly to the saddle.

There are several Western Saddle variants:

When you are barrel racing in a rodeo, you often get the specialized Barrel Racing Saddle, which allows you to make those sharp turns. The rider is secured strongly to the animal through the high cantle and pommel and flatter seat, as well as its light weight.

The Roping Saddle: Gives you a thicker rope horn on its heavier, stronger frame.

The Endurance Saddle: the tree on this light saddle is bigger, so the rider’s weight is distributed more evenly; this way, the rider can go longer on the horse.

The Show Saddle: this saddle is meant for decoration and aesthetics almost exclusively, with deep seats and silver embellishments.

The Treeless Saddle: A fiberglass pommel and cantle provides the base for this saddle, as opposed to the rigid tree found on most models. If your horse’s back is very wide, and you need a bigger saddle to accommodate that, get this particular saddle variant.

Joy Gregory is a web designer and artist with an MSc in IT. She has a daughter with an obsession for horses and cross country events and has spent many hours in cold wet fields watching daughter and horse competing.

Visit us at Saddles and Bridles and Saddle Bridles UK for more tips on choosing and using horse tack.

Author: Joy Gregory
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Okay, I admit I am a dressage rider, and am a little OCD, but this is part of my routine when I’m getting ready for a horse show, dressage show or an equestrian demonstration. I use the quiet time while polishing my boots to go over my test and think about my plan… and, boy, do my boots shine!

1. Start with a clean and DRY boot. (Use a salt remover type product, or water, NEVER EVER a SOAP product. SOAP or oiled products will leave a residue and no matter how hard you try, they will never shine!)
2. Only use the old-fashioned boot polish made by KIWI. Use the type that says “PARADE GLOSS”. It has silicone in it shines like crazy and helps shed water.
3. Get some sheet cotton. ONLY COTTON… and wad up a palm size amount in your hand and get it slightly damp with water. Only a few drops of water should come out of your cotton when you start applying the polish.
4. Make sure you polish is warm, or has been sitting in the sun. If it’s raining, or no sun, use a bic lighter to heat the polish for a few seconds.
5. Rub some polish on the damp cotton and rub into your boot. Circles are best for the first few layers. Do NOT apply polish to the inside of the boot!
6. Reapply polish when the cotton looks grey or bluish. Don’t over apply… you are going to put 6 layers on so don’t put it on all at once!
7. Let the boot DRY. Put the boot in the sun in on a heat great, or use a blow dryer. You must not buff the layer until the polish is dry.
8. Buff boot with long, straight, and fast strokes with a soft COTTON cloth or buff brush. Buffing also heats the polish, that’s why you need to do it with elbow grease!
9. Repeat these steps 6 more times, and you will have boots that you can see your smile in … and they won’t be patent leather… just look like it!

For more tips on practical and useful stuff sign up for my news letter!

Ruth Hogan Poulsen

http://www.Ruthhoganpoulsen.com

Ruth@Ruthhoganpoulsen.com

Author: Ruth Hogan Poulsen
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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STATELY TRIALS

Most sporting events it is hard to see the action because it is too far away or the crowds are too great and there is always someone standing in your way. For two days back at the end of April though I stood in the shadow of a stunning stately home, that sits proudly atop a hill, in glorious spring sunshine and watched world champions battle it out just a couple of yards away from where I sat on a grassy bank. The venue was Somerley House near Ringwood in the heart of England’s New Forest and the event was an international horse trial.

Many readers own horses or live in rural areas where tractors and horses are everyday obstacles but few, we bet, have been to a horse trial. There is the elegance of the dressage where beautifully turned out riders almost ‘dance’ their even more elegant mounts around an oblong arena. There is the nail-biting excitement of the show jumping where just the slightest clip of hoof on fence can bring the competing pair a four-point penalty. Then last, but definitely not least, there is the cross country where the hooves pound around a countryside course and have to jump solid obstacles as well as make it over, the popular spot for spectators, the water jump.

This was my first day at an Eventing, ah; event and I have to say that I was surprised by the bonhomie on offer. I expected a little bit of elitism or snobbery but there was none of that. It was a warm and friendly atmosphere and if I was in any doubt as to what was happening I asked one of the judges out on the course and they were always more than welcoming with chat and information. The husband and wife pair managing the water jump were mines of information and also had many a tale to tell of the friendliness of the competitors, including Zara Phillips, the Queen’s granddaughter and a World Champion, who they said always went out of her way to stop and say hello.

I was surprised by the lack of crowds, but as it was a midweek event I put it down to that. There were tented shops, as you would expect at any such event, most selling horsey goods but a few selling clothing, many at reasonable prices as well, and plenty of colourful wellies.

Few spectators watched the dressage unfold and after watching three horses the novelty wore off for me as well although that said the control and work between horse and rider was magnificent to watch; and, even if you do not like horses that much you cannot help but look and admire such beautiful and powerful beasts.

Over the Tannoy system came names that have been shouted out of TV screens and made sporting news headlines such Pippa Funnell, Mark Todd and William Fox-Pitt, among others, and it almost brought a feeling of recognition even though I could not picture the faces.

Then over to the show jumping just in time to watch Zara, note how I am now on first name terms, on Toytown, her favourite horse. Many is the time I have watched showjumping on TV but it is nothing compared to watching, at close quarters, the cohesion of rider and horse as they leap over the high and wide fences, with hooves digging into the soft turf. It was also the perfect spot for a cold beer and a freshly made sandwich – picnic and sport hand in hand.

After lunch it was time to walk the cross country course and I was amazed at how close to the action the small crowd of onlookers were allowed. Loud whistles are blown by volunteers out on the course as the galloping horses come into view and everyone stands still, just off the racing line, as they pound past. Nostrils flared, breath forced from them, ears pricked and heads forward, the horses were loving every minute of their ride while the jockeys on their backs had grim determination set hard in their faces.

I sat alongside the water jump. A whistle blew in the distance and a horse and rider lifted over a solid log that was thicker than a car and higher than Kylie Minogue before it galloped down a slight incline toward the brush fence that hid the water from horse and rider. Some flew the fence with great elegance, landing in the shallow pool before rising again over the tall white barrel that then barred their way. Others seemed to almost rise over the brush before ‘plopping’ down into the pond, becoming almost stationary for a second or two while again other, more nervous horses, refused to take the jump altogether.

One should not be wicked here but it cannot be helped, sadly nobody fell into the water. I am not alone in this thought or why else would it be the biggest crowd pleaser on the course?

To say it was a great day out would be an understatement. Exciting action just a few feet from where I sat, world champions and international greats riding with expertise and that little something extra that seems to make them champions. In a way it was like having the privilege of watching Lewis Hamilton from the pit lane; I for one cannot wait for the next event to drop into a nearby stately home.

My thanks to the organisers of Somerley Park Horse Trials, Adele Schardt and Suzie Cotterill for their hospitality.

LONGLEAT HORSE TRIALS 19th – 21st JUNE
WILTON HORSE TRIALS 1st – 2nd AUGUST
FINAL to be held at HIGHCLERE CASTLE HORSE TRIALS 30th – 31st AUGUST

http://www.britisheventing.com

David Rose-Massom

Author: David Rose-Massom
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Every year, thousands of Thoroughbred racehorses find themselves homeless and without purpose due to events in the Thoroughbred racing industry. Some horses are not fast enough, some owners cannot pay the bills. The fate of many of these horses is uncertain at best. The fortunate ones find themselves in second careers in different horse sports. Thoroughbred racehorses make excellent partners for a variety of equestrian activities. It is important for event organizers to promote these TBs so that people will be encouraged to use them.

Thoroughbred racing is exciting and beautiful to watch. The horses are magnificent and the competition is thrilling. Thoroughbreds have been selectively and carefully bred for 400 years to perform. These qualities also make them wonderful competition mounts in a variety of horse sports such as eventing, dressage, hunters, jumpers, barrel racing, and endurance. Most people, when shopping for a new horse, don’t think to look at the numerous adoption agencies and other avenues that supply the industry with off track Thoroughbreds. These horses are numerous, plentiful, and affordable. Even better, they have experience with being handled, loading on trailers, the veterinarian, the farrier, noisy crowds, and other various activities. Their young lives have exposed them to many different things. With the exception of eventing or competitive endurance, there are few sports that can begin to duplicate the physical stress a Thoroughbred has already endured.

Part of promoting Thoroughbreds as quality competitors is to recognize them as such. There are many off track Thoroughbreds in active competition, but people aren’t aware of this unless it is promoted. And excellent way to bring focus to this is by offering special classes and awards to off track Thoroughbreds through organizations or shows.

Most show circuits have local or regional shows that they organize. This is an excellent opportunity to offer year end awards for the highest ranked Off Track Thoroughbred in a class series or division. Unlike Quarter Horses, Arabians, Appaloosas, and other breeds, Thoroughbreds do not have specific breed shows in which they can compete against their peers. Offering a year end high point award, such as “the Highest Dressage Average for an Off-Track Thoroughbred” encourages their owners to compete in more shows to achieve this reward.

Local shows can offer classes for Thoroughbreds-only. An example would be a hunter show that offers a “Thoroughbred Hunter Hack Class”. Additional classes could be offered, and a Grand Champion and Reserve Champion Thoroughbred could be named at the show’s conclusion. High point awards are a great way to increase participation at a show.

Offering performance certificates is another positive way to promote Thoroughbreds for sport. Year end certificates are based on performance, not points. Examples include “Novice Level – 4 Clean Cross Country Rounds”, “First Level – 4 Scores 60% or higher”, or “Schooling Hunter – 15 Clean Rounds”.

Organizations and shows should ask for proof of Jockey Club Registry and a copy of the race record. These records are available from the Jockey Club Information System and are inexpensive if not free. Proof positive of whether or not a Thoroughbred has raced can be found in whether or not a lip tattoo is present. Racing Thoroughbreds are tattooed under their top lip with a code that indicates the year in which they were born (represented by a letter) followed by a number (several digits).

Promoting Off-Track Thoroughbreds for competitive sports is beneficial to both the horses and the performance industry. Shows and organizations that promote them should see increased participation levels and new levels of healthy competition from these already proven competitors.

Shannon McGlon operates a small training farm, Inishmore Downs, and enjoys working with off-track Thoroughbreds. She is currently training her own OTTB for dressage. A member of the Montgomery Dressage and Combined Training Association, she is sponsoring a year end award for OTTBs through her company, http://PikeRoadPillowCo.com, which specializes in fine pillows, gifts, and accessories for equestrians.

Author: Shannon McGlon
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Show season brings with it the excitement of getting our horses ready to compete.

Unfortunately for many of us, riding well in public is an elusive undertaking. At home, our equine buddy goes brilliantly, but at a show we become tense. The horse either acts up or loses suppleness and our performance is a far cry from what we could achieve. Instead of fun, the competition becomes a frustrating disappointment.

Show Anxiety

Nerves used to make me impossible to endure even a week before the event: I snapped at everyone! On show day, when I entered the ring I’d panic and tell myself “there’s no point, I’ll make a mess of it, let’s get this over with.” With the predictable result that I knocked down show-jumps, got multiple refusals cross-country or couldn’t get canter strike-offs in my dressage tests. I had no faith in myself — which was ridiculous, because physically my horse and I had prepared properly and should have done well.

Sound familiar?

Addressing the Mental Side

Until I sorted out the mental part of the sports equation, I would never compete to the best of my ability.

Desperate, I visited a hypnotist. He taught me the following simple, but effective, method of over-coming my self-destructive behavior. Once I used his techniques, my show performance improved hugely and as a result, so did my confidence. I started winning.

De-stress for Success

Sit yourself down in a comfortable, quiet place where you will not be disturbed for at least twenty minutes.

Close your eyes, and — very slowly — begin to count backwards from 10. After the word ‘ten’ breathe in deeply then exhale for as long as you can, concentrating on each breath. Then say ‘nine’ and breathe in and out deeply again. Keep your eyes closed throughout and relax your whole body — head, neck, shoulders, back, legs, ankles, toes …

You’ll find yourself sliding into that no-man’s land between wakefulness and sleep and once you complete the countdown, you’ll focus inwardly.

Record Your Perfect Movie

In this state of total relaxation imagine your show day. Go through every action in minute detail. Begin with waking up, getting dressed, preparing your horse for the trip, loading and transporting him. Visualize everything going smoothly — your horse is relaxed, he loads first time, there’s no traffic and your radio is playing calming music (I find classical tunes ideal). Upon arrival you find a great parking spot.

In your mind’s eye, you’re now saddling your horse, then mounting him and on your way to the warm-up arena. Are you getting nervous? Take another deep breath. Imagine you both looking fabulous out there: your horse performs brilliantly. Allow yourself to see the impressed looks on other riders’ faces as you glide past them. Yes, that’s you they’re staring at!

An Oscar-Worthy Production

Now you’re ‘on deck,’ calmly patting your horse as you look forward to wowing the judges and spectators.

Picture a grand entrance, after which you and your horse excel in each movement as you perform your dressage test, jumping round, or whatever applies to your particular discipline. It’s important to see and feel every part of your performance happening exactly as you want it to.

And here you are now, leaving the ring after a stunning show. You pat your horse enthusiastically, a big smile on your face.

You will ‘wake up’ more confident now.

Rewind and Play Again

Repeat this process many times before the show.

If you’re really anxious, enter a class below the level you ride at home until you get comfortable at shows. Combining that with this exercise will give you the best chance of succeeding.

Soon just visualizing your terrific performance, rather than the whole day, will be sufficient to reinforce the positive images in your brain and ensure a great competition experience.

Hilary Walker is English, living in Maryland with her three horses, four dogs, schizophrenic cat, perfectly normal American husband and teenage son. She loves teaching people to ride, taking them to shows and watching them win ribbons. She also enjoys training her young horse and is winning ribbons with him at First Level dressage. Her other love is writing, and she is about to release a humorous non-fiction book describing the times when things haven’t gone quite so smoothly in her horse life. Like every self-respecting horse-woman, she loathes and abhors housework.

Author: Hilary Walker
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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