Posts Tagged ‘barrel racing’

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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If you are considering buying a new horse, there are several issues of concern to you. Smart buyers and riders know what they want before speaking to horse sellers.

It is important to know everything you can about the new horse. Learn its history, blood lines, habits, preferences, skills and overall attitude. It is also important to find out about its inherent traits. All horses have their own unique traits. Know which ones are most desirable to you.

Traits to Consider

Some horses are better at certain tasks than others. When buying a new horse, pre-determine what skills you want the horse to possess. Some to consider are:

* English riding

* Showing and jumping

* Racing

* Western riding

* Trail riding

* Roping

* Team roping

* Barrel racing

* Endurance

Questions to Ask Before Buying a Horse

How much do you expect to pay? Look only at horses within your price range. What gender, color, age and size are you looking for? Weed out horses that don’t fit within your requirements. Does the horse load and unload from trailers well? Will it tolerate shoeing and hoof trimming? Score your prospective horses on a scale of one to five for these items. The higher scorers will help you determine which horses are of the most interest to you.

When buying a new horse it is important to be sure it has been thoroughly evaluated. An initial inspection of the horse must be performed by someone capable and experienced. If you don’t know what to look for, bring someone you trust who does. Here are the areas you need to check:

* Eyes. Make sure the horse can see out of both eyes. Do a flinch test by waving your hand quickly in front of each eye. Check for any differences.

* Ears. Check for excess ear wax or over-sensitivity when the ears are touched.

* Mouth. Check for any lesions or sores. Be sure the teeth are normal and aligned. Watch the horse chew to check for normal biting ability.

* Head, neck and chest. Check for symmetry and balance of muscles. Be sure the horse moves its head, neck and chest freely and without difficulty.

* Feet. Inspect all four feet for swelling and sensitivity to touch. Flex and extend all joints to look for pain, resistance or head lifting that indicates pain or discomfort.

* Rear end. Check for good tone, signs of discharge and signs of diarrhea.

* Lameness. It is imperative that you are able to observe the horse trotting in circles in both directions and in a straight line. Watch closely for irregular bobbing of the head, sloppy movements or skipping that may indicate pain in any of the legs.

If the horse has passed your initial evaluation, it is time to take it for a ride. Observe its stamina, nerves and whether or not it is alert and well behaved.

If you have any doubts, either walk away or arrange an agreement based on the findings during the veterinary examinations. This is common practice and a legitimate horse seller will agree to some reasonable terms.

Be sure the three required exams are performed by a veterinarian of your choosing or one that has a neutral opinion. The required exams are:

* Health certificate, which is usually for crossing state lines.

* Insurance exam, to satisfy mortality and other questions related to insuring the horse.

* Pre-purchase veterinary exam, detailing the medical status of the horse at the time of purchase.

When buying a horse, you want to find one that is healthy and has a good attitude. The horse’s experience and dependability levels must closely match, or be above, that of the primary rider. A willing and intelligent horse can be trained to bring you years of pleasure and skilled work habits. Choose your horse wisely.

Rachel Harding has been riding horses since she was five. Sign up for our free newsletter and get all the information you need at Horse And Rider Info

Author: Rachel Harding
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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I have been barrel racing for a while and my horse never seems to be ready for the barrel season next year and I really want to win to show everyone what I can do.

We all have those visions in our heads of the perfect horse. Maybe it’s a 16-hand palomino mare with a snip and two socks and a beautiful, wavy blond mane and tail. Maybe it’s a well-muscled solid black gelding with just the smallest of stars . . .

So why don’t we ever end up with it? Well, probably for good reason. Is it possible to find the perfect horse for you? You can certainly get darn close. But will he look like the vision you’ve carried in your head since childhood? Doubtful. If you want to find the right horse for you, you are going to have to do a lot more than go on looks alone.

Finding the right horse is hard. There are lots of horses out there for sale, and it’s not always easy to determine that a horse will fit your needs in the limited amount of time you spend considering him. However, if you follow a few simple rules you can make sure that the horse you end up buying is the right horse for you.

o Deal only with reputable sellers. Ask friends, family, and fellow riders for recommendations of good sellers to deal with. An honest, reliable seller will make a considerable difference in your horse buying experience.

o Determine your discipline. No matter how much you love the leggy Thoroughbred you saw last week, if your discipline of choice is barrel racing he might not be the best choice. Know what type of conformation and attitude suits the discipline you enjoy, and look only at like horses.

o Know your strengths and weaknesses. Your horse should make up for your deficiencies, and you should make up for his. For example, if you are a beginner rider, you are going to need an expert horse to show you the ropes. But if you are an expert rider, you might enjoy working with a green horse. Don’t forget to consider personality as well. If you are a timid rider, for example, you will do much better with a confident horse.

o Enlist the help of a knowledgeable friend. Sometimes you get so caught up one aspect of a horse–say his bloodlines–that you can’t see past it. A knowledgeable horse person–a friend, instructor, or trainer–will notice things that you don’t. It never hurts to have a few pair of eyes look a potential horse over.

o Ask lots of questions. Make a list of questions about behavior, performance, and health, and bring them with you when you visit the barn. If the owner declines to answer a question, consider it a red flag!

o Handle the horse yourself. Ask if you can groom the horse, handle him in crossties, load him on a trailer, or anything else you see yourself doing with the horse on a regular basis. Never buy a horse without knowing that you are comfortable handling him.

o Ask to see the horse ridden. Have the owner or trainer ride the horse before you do. That way you will be able to better gauge his performance level and potential.

o Take the horse for a test ride. You’ll want to do this at least once, preferably two or three times, to determine whether you like the way the horse goes. If you are an inexperienced rider having your trainer or riding instructor ride the horse will also give you a good sense of what your horse is capable of.

o Have the horse vet checked. If you love the horse and want to buy him, make sure that your contract stipulates that the horse must pass a vet check in order for the sale to be final.

o Ask the seller about a trial period. Some sellers, particularly those who are concerned that their horses go to the right buyers, allow a horse to be returned within a specific number of days if things don’t work out.

Good luck finding the perfect horse! And check out the great resources below for more information on equine information.

Hope that Helps..

Ron Petracek – Raised in southern Idaho, Ron loves horses and the outdoors. If you would like to join in and learn from the vast resources at our equine forum please visit http://www.horsechitchat.com Looking to buy sell or trade something equine realted? Just visit our huge network and get 12 sites for Free! Click here => http://www.Click4equine.com

Author: Ron Petracek
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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The American Quarter Horse is the first breed of horse native to the United States. The breed evolved when the bloodlines of horses brought to the New World were mixed. Foundation American Quarter Horse stock originated from Arab, Turk and Barb breeds. Selected Stallions and Mares were crossed with horses brought to Colonial America from England and Ireland in the 1600′s. This combination resulted in a compact, heavily muscled horse that evolved to fill the colonists passion for short distance racing.

The amazing power behind a quarter horse enabled this great animal to run short distances over a straightaway faster than any other horse with the fastest being named Celebrated American Running Horse. The names for this breed has changed many times over the years until 1940 when a registry was formed to preserve the breed which officially became the American Quarter Horse Association.

In the year 1674 in Enrico County, Virginia the first American Quarter Horse Race was held. They were one-on-one match races down village streets, county lanes and level pastures. Many disagreements and fights were generated from heavy betting of large purse races by 1690.

The American Quarter Horse, due to their calm disposition and quick response time, the horse became known for its “cow sense”, being able to outmaneuver cattle. During the 1800′s as many pioneer folk moved westward, so did the American Quarter Horse. An abundant amount of cattle ranches stretched across the plains. Making this breed well suited for the cattle ranchers.

In today’s world, the American Quarter Horse still remains a great sprinter known for their heavy muscling, but they have exceeded way past the cattle horse. These amazing horses compete in almost every discipline available, from rodeo events, such as barrel racing and calf roping to English disciplines such as dressage and show jumping. The make a nice little children’s hunter as well, with the ability to jump a wide range of heights. They are one of the most versatile breeds in the world.

Many pleasure riders still look to the American Quarter horse for recreational riding, as they make a nice pleasure horse as well.

Breeders, since the creation of the breed over fifty years ago, have diligently been trying to perfect the bloodlines to produce a high quality versatile animal.. Strict guidelines have been set by the American Quarter Horse Association regarding registration of the American Quarter Horses. Some of these guidelines include:

1. Limited white markings on the face and below the knee

2. Only thirteen accepted colors recognized by the AQHA. These are sorrel (reddish brown), bay, black, brown, buckskin, chestnut, dun, red dun, gray, grullo, palomino, red roan and blue roan. The official gray color is what most people call white, but there are no “white” American Quarter Horses.

3. A quarter horse foal must be the product of a numbered American Quarter Horse dam and a numbered American Quarter Horse sire. There is an appendiz registry for foals with one numbered American Quarter Horse parent and one Throughbred parent registered with The Jockey Club.

Some other notable characteristics of the American Quarter Horse is their speed, versatility, gentle nature, heavy muscling and keen cow sense.

If you own an American Quarter Horse, no matter what discipline you choose to ride, your horse will excel. This breed is one of the most enjoyable horse breeds around today and one of the most popular.

Nanette Hughston is a freelance writer from the southern United States Region. She has a bachelors degree in finance. She rides dressage with Grand Prix Level Trainer, Tracy Masterson at Highlife Farms, Orlando, FL. For more information and articles please see her website at http://www.dressageamerica.com and http://www.informbyweb.com and to visit her training site, please visit http://www.highlifefarms.com for dressage and hunter/ jumper information. Permission for reprint is granted with full bio remaining intact.

Author: Nanette Hughston
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Many a novice rider has argued the superiority of their chosen horseback discipline. While there are equestrians that prefer the excitement of the hunter-jumper courses, others are addicted to the thrill of barrel racing. Cowboys may opt for cutting while ladies across the planet can be found singing the praises of dressage.

Despite the discrepancies in attire, you may be surprised to learn that there are distinct similarities in the basic premises that comprise the foundation of most, if not all, equestrian disciplines.

Listen to the directives and basic philosophies espoused by DVM Gerd Heuschman, the dressage master Walter Zettl, reining’s Joe Ruiz and renowned western horseman Craig Cameron and you will find that all these accomplished trainers focus first on respect for the horse.

The riders whom they instruct learn that relaxation, rhythm and understanding of the equine – in body, mind, spirit and nature – are paramount.

True horsemen (and women) know that horses do not have a time table. They learn according to their own abilities, on their own schedule, with the gentle and patient assistance of a calm, confident and clearly communicative handler.

Whether you choose to put on jeans or tight fitting breeches, whether your saddle is western or English, your most successful riding education begins with elementary lessons that impart a lasting appreciation for the horse’s movement, strength, speed and power.

Over time you learn to sit on your horse with steady confidence, using your body and legs rather than your hands for balance. You come to understand the importance of giving clear, simple directives to your mount. Patience for your equine partner, and for yourself, develop exponentially.

Riding regularly with any seasoned expert, in any discipline, will eventually provide you with a strong and reliable basis for your ongoing equestrian career. No matter which arena you decide to compete in, or even if your horsemanship goals lead to long trails rather than a show ring, you will enjoy enduring benefits when you make a point of training with a masterful horseman.

Classic techniques and traditional philosophies will be effective in any and all equestrian sports. You can’t go wrong when you learn with the masters who abide by proven, age-old expertise.

Equestrian S. L. Robertson has published hundreds of articles on various horsemanship topics. Her writing can be enjoyed on both Ezine as well as the http://Examiner.com site, for which she is the Salt Lake equestrian examiner. She has also written for the AQHA magazine and is the proud owner of a beautiful QH mare and one wonderful APHA gelding.

Author: S. L. Robertson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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I hav been riding since i was a little girl. I hav always loved riding horses and im going to get one next summer, but i want 2 kno wat a good breed is for barrel racing, trails, and everything else. I can a horse with a temper from 0 to 6. I need a horse that can be a good western horse, english horse, and bareback horse. I could use some breed suggestions.

Before you be present at the excellent expense of purchasing a horse, you require to evaluate how best a rider you are, & only how much do you actually understand about horses & horse care.  Make no mistake, you require to really be honest with yourself whether this is a huge commitment. Consult yourself what size & age of horse will work best for you whether well.

Okay you have just fallen in like with a flashy looking equine and today what?  What do you seek to reach and is THIS the horse for you? Are you bound for be hunting, driving, barrel racing, trail riding or jumping?  Are you intended for ride at all?  You can get horses just to drive.

What about this horse’s temper?  Quiet, feisty, pushy, amenable, or grumpy?  If you aren’t comfortable by horses, do not find a pushy horse, as you will obtain it ruling you and not the other path around.  When you’re planning to only trail ride, don’t buy an eventing horse.

Wheter you don’t have horse experience then do not buy a young horse & try to train it.  Two newbies who don’t understand much do not make a good mixture.  Wait until you have more experience or pay the price for your mistakes – such as injuries to you and your horse because you didn’t understand what you were doing.

Choose an experienced friend with you to check out horses.  Better they aid you assess the horse thus you do not wind up over horsed (purchasing a horse that’s path too much for you to handle).  Your experienced friend could also ride the horse for you to assess if it would work for you.  When the existing owner is riding the horse, & they insist you don’t need to try the horse – run, do not walk whether far away as you can, & remain appearance. Checkout more other useful information about dog weight, pregnant dogs and small puppies