Posts Tagged ‘dressage ring’

The Dutch Warmblood has made quite a name for himself over the past 15 years, and there are many very good reasons for this. Firstly, it is important to note that there are two very distinct types of Dutch Warmblood bred there today, one for dressage and one for show jumping, while the North American Dutch Warmblood Registry has line breeding ideas of its own for the hunting ring. One thing that remains true to form, however, is that there is a temperament and build of this breed for nearly every advanced equine sporting circuit in action today. The only realm that he has not been pushed toward so far is eventing, but we aren’t counting him out of the running just yet.

Over the past six years alone, the Dutch Warmblood has steadily gained favor in the dressage ring, and as of last year stood second in overall registry ratings only to the Hanoverian. The traits being pulled out of Dutch dressage horses are in high demand, and the breeders are taking note and paying attention. There will be a great amount of comparison and contrasting between the two breeds during the FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky, as all eyes will be anxious to see if the Dutch can sneak out ahead of the pack this year. Suiting, though, considering that the Hanoverian was one of the finer breeds used to restore smoothness and refinement to the mechanized Dutch Warmblood after the first and second world wars were through with him.

The dressage temperament of the Dutch Warmblood is one of definitive patience, intelligence, and urgency to please. This was one of the original traits which made this breed so successful as a fine carriage horse during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. When coupled with the strong and elegant lines of a well conformed horse, these traits are difficult to match in the dressage ring.

The jumper class of Dutch Warmblood is strained more toward energy and stamina. It was early on in the breeding of the Dutch Warmblood that jumping emerged as an innate talent, and the refinement of this trait includes allowing a bit more tenacity in the temperament. Determination and a greatly courageous head are needed for the jumping circuit, and this breed gives his all under every circumstance. Lines are crossed with more certainty and intentionality each year, as the gentle disposition of this horse on the whole is one of his most desirable traits, and as such is being heavily protected against warming by hotter temperaments.

For more information about the world equestrian games and to find the best world equestrian games housing visit http://weg2010housing.net.

Author: Abbey Dale
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
How Electric Pressure Cookers Work

Dressage is the be all and end all of every single event that a competition horse will ever learn to compete in. Considered as the backbone and sole training and guidance technique for the proper suppleness, intelligence, conditioning, and mental awareness of the horse, a dressage routine can rarely be perfected, for this is in the eye of the beholder. The elements and teachings of this art form are evident in everything that makes horse and rider a fluid unit, however, and the competitions based around this discipline are bewilderingly awesome. There are two stages of the dressage discipline played out during the FEI World Equestrian Games, the first being a Grand Prix style exhibit which is stringently patterned and 5 minutes in length per horse and rider team.

During this phase of the competition, one horse and rider team is allowed in the enclosed performance arena at a time. Beginning in the middle of the arena, directly facing the judges, the team will begin a series of precise and technically superior movements which have been predetermined for the event and cannot be altered or changed in any way. The fluid communication between horse and rider should seem motionless, effortless, and seamless during all points of the exercise.

Flying lead changes, pirouettes, and passage are all to be performed flawlessly with seemingly no direction from the rider. To the audience, the horse seems to be dancing about beautifully with no help or guidance at all. In actuality, the rider is expertly controlling the horse through weight shifting, knee pressure, and slight heel directions. At no time should the riders heel come into contact with the horse during this or any dressage exercise. Once the Grand Prix event has been completed and judged, the leaders are entered into the freestyle dressage ring for the ultimate dancing show.

Set to music and choreographed by the rider and or trainer, the freestyle leg of the dressage competition is explosive and amazing, set to the music of choice and performed as a combination of maneuvers which consist of both required movements and motions, and the artistic interpretations of the horse and rider team. A rider who really knows the strengths and most beautiful elements of their talented mount can turn this event into a magical and spellbinding routine. This is compulsory training at its most artistic and expressive level, and is extremely difficult to master.

For more information about the world equestrian games and to find the best world equestrian games housing visit http://weg2010housing.net.

Author: Abbey Dale
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Credit card currency-exchange fees

As a three day eventor, the first day, or dressage, is the most important day. This gets you either a secure place in the standings for a ribbon at the end of the weekend, or a spot at the end where your hoping that someone has a horse that can’t jump. I bought a horse that was a superstar at dressage, but I myself was not the most knowledgeable in the art of dressage. I did my research and found out how I could get higher scores on my dressage test, and these are the three steps I found to help me the most.

Step One:

Know your test! This seems extremely simple, but you would be surprised to find out that 1/5 people that enter a dressage ring forget their tests! Make sure you know your test back and forth, and can march in there with the confidence that you can ride this test, and ride it well. The judge can tell confidence by your posture, and the posture of even your horse.

Step Two:

Practice, practice, practice. I know this is cliche to say, but the more you do your test the more you will improve. Not only will you remember it, but your horse will know your test as well. Horses are very smart and will remember where they are suppose to go if the test has been practiced enough. It also gives you a chance to make sure you give yourself the confidence you need.

Step Three:

Having my mother there to watch me practice my test was such a help! If you do not have your trainer available at all times it really helps to find someone who can point out your posture and your position while riding your test. If you don’t have someone to watch you, set up a video camera, or go to an arena with a mirror. This makes all the difference.

If you are interested in Panasonic Electric Shavers and Remington Hair Clippers. Make sure and check out Carolina’s new websites.

Author: Carolina White
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Awe Inspiring Pictures

Having a horse is fun, but a major responsibility, so be thorough on your research of barns to board it at. It pays to choose a place that is close to where you live, has facilities that are well maintained and most importantly, gives its horses proper care and nutrition. Each barn has its own atmosphere, is it one you can live with? If you want to participate in horse shows, it may be a good idea to choose a barn that frequents the kinds of shows you want to be in. If you live in a cold climate, make sure the barn has a large indoor arena for winter riding.

Do you ride English or Western? If English is your thing, then make sure your barn has jumps available, and/or a dressage ring. I ride English, and my barn had a top show trainer in it, so if I needed to prepare for a show, he was there to critique my riding during lessons. I liked boarding my horse at a place with a competent, experienced trainer, one that took the time to explain the exercises and gave me quality instruction. Since I spent most of my money at this sport, I wanted to make sure I was doing everything right.

If you ride Western, make sure there are trails to ride on nearby your barn. And again, find a barn that has a trainer suited to your style of riding in order to get the proper instruction. Once you find a barn you like, whatever style you ride, spend time taking lessons there before buying a horse, just to get a feel of the place. If you haven’t found a horse yet, trainers can assist you in looking. Ask around, and tell them how much you are looking to spend on your first horse. Another great way to find a horse is during the summer, many young horse owners are getting ready to go off to college and need to sell their animal fast. This is a good bargaining time, if the seller is motivated, you may talk the price down on his horse. Have them throw in the tack (saddle, bridle, etc) too, as part of the bargain. When I sold my horse to go to college, I gladly gave the buyers (a well maintained show barn) all my tack since I knew he was going to be in good hands. It pays to ask about the tack, to save on money, since having a horse is very expensive any way you look at it.

Make sure the horse is healthy before committing to buying it. This is incredibly important. Make sure to have a vet look it over, and tell you what condition he is in. Are his legs sound? Has he ever been lame? Has he had all his shots, and is he disease-free? Also, make sure there are no growths on his ears. A friend of mine bought an expensive show horse, only to find out he had skin cancer on one of his ears. One of his ears had to be partially removed, it was really sad. Make sure the animal is completely sound and has a personality you can live with.

One way to try out horse ownership is to lease a horse from its owner. Most barns have horses that are up for lease, you can even get a half or quarter lease sometimes. Then, you help with the bills of the horse, but are not fully responsible for it. You work out with the owner, and anyone who may be sharing the lease with you, what days you will ride. That is a great solution if you have limited time, because owning a horse, even when boarded at a show stable, is still very time consuming. You must groom, saddle, ride, unsaddle, wash then clean its feet every time you ride. And, I used to let my horse out into the paddocks and wait for him to have fun kicking up his heels every day, instead of paying extra to have the trainer do it for me. I spent at least four hours every afternoon at my stable since he was my full responsibility, I owned him so his well-being was totally up to me alone. The barn workers fed the horses, mucked stalls and kept the grounds up. I kept the horse clean, healthy and happy, as well as my tack spotlessly maintained.

Keep in mind, horses have other bills that must be paid, such as vet bills (worming, shots, etc) and farrier (horseshoes, hoof trimming, etc). These must be done on a regular schedule and not ignored. Taking good care of your horse’s feet is of major importance so never skimp on cleaning or trimming them. Also, buy shampoo and other grooming products online to save money. If you don’t have a locker in your barn, get a caddy to hold your grooming supplies, and keep it in the back of your car. Leaving it out in the open at the barn invites trouble, in the form of others “borrowing” things and forgetting to put them back, so it’s best to have a locking trunk or keep the caddy in the back of your car.

If you plan to show your horse, ask your barn how much they charge to use their horse trailer. Most barns will haul the horse for you, for the asking, as long as they have enough trailer space for all the horses going to the show. Showing is addictive. Start at a small, local show and see how you like it. Then, if you do well and enjoy yourself, work your way up to bigger shows. Going to a horse show is a enjoyable family event. Many people bring picnics to watch the show as their children ride. If you win a prize, it’s a bonus, but do it for the sheer pleasure of it all. If you show, make sure to wear the appropriate clothing and boots. Advance preparation of both the rider and horse is the key to a successful day of horse showing.

Once you and your horse are settled in and know each other, you will make a good team and build on your experiences together. Bring him treats, talk to him and give kind approval so he learns to trust you. My horse used to whinny whenever he saw me walking towards him. We were buddies and I used to make him carrot cake every New Year’s Day (he was a Thoroughbred and all registered Thoroughbreds share the birthday of January first, whether they were born on that day or not). He plowed through that cake in minutes flat and looked for more. We were a great team and I’ll never forget him. These little things make the relationship you have with your horse all the more special. Owning a horse is a special privelege so enjoy each and every day with him. Grow together, learn new things, and both your lives will be enriched and happy. I highly recommend it.

Author: Carolyn McFann
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Digital TV, HDTV, Satellite TV