Posts Tagged ‘Endurance’

Understanding the saddle?

The structure that you put on an animal’s back to support the rider or other types of load is called a saddle. When one speaks of saddles, it is commonly associated with horses. But any kind of animal that could be ridden on its back has its own corresponding type of saddle. Horse saddles are a crucial piece of equipment for anyone serious about horse training.

There are two main types of saddles – the English saddle and Western saddle. These are the two types of saddle primarily used in the equestrian world, although there are many types of horse saddles used worldwide. In other nations, saddles of different designs exist. Saddles differ greatly among various ethnic groups and nationalities. It can be fun to learn about how each one is utilized.

Ordinarily, choosing what saddle to use should depend on the kind of riding you intend to do with your horse. Even narrowing it down to English or Western riding, saddles can still be broken up in many categories such as for dressage and show, endurance, pleasure or general purpose. Some common horse saddle terms you should familiarize yourself with are pommel, cantle, horn and cinch.

The English Horse Saddle

In Olympic equestrian events, the English saddle is the main type of saddle used. As the name suggests, this is the favored type among the majority of English riders. However, the English saddle can still be categorized into several more specific styles depending on the kind of event that is involved. Whether it is for show jumping, hunter jumper, eventing, dressage, horse racing, saddle seat, or polo, an appropriate type of saddle is consequently used.

The Western Horse Saddle

The Stock saddle or Western saddle is the most commonly used variety in the United States. This is the type of saddle you will see used by cowboys on cattle ranches. Today, it is used in a variety of western riding activities. Distinctively, western saddles don’t have as much padding underneath and must be used with saddle blankets or pads so that they can be comfortable for the horse. They do provide much more support for the rider.

Western saddles have stirrups that are sturdier and can utilize numerous cinches depending on what they are being used for. The horn present on the front is one major factor that distinguishes this type of saddle from its English counterpart. The horn is originally used to tie a lariat when roping cattle.

Finding the Right Size

The tree of the saddle, is the frame on which the saddle is constructed. It is usually made of wood or sometimes fiberglass and then covered with leather. The frame is made to fit both the rider and the horse.

Finding the saddle that fits may require more work than you may think. An ill-fitting saddle can cause injuries to both the horse and rider. Bruising and sores may result on your horse’s back muscles if you do not choose a saddle that fits properly. It is important to have a trial period before actually buying your saddle. Think of it as a piece of sports equipment for a human, it varies greatly from each individual horse. Be sure to always keep your tack clean and well oiled to prevent breakage or unnecessary discomfort to your horse.

Tips for an English Saddle

-Without a pad, put the saddle on the horse and tighten the girth
-Have a person sit in the saddle. Their feet should be in the stirrups
-Slide your fingers underneath the pommel. Make sure that you can comfortably get three fingers in between the arch below the pommel and the horse’s withers.
-The saddle should not get in the way of the horse’s shoulder movement by having someone lift the horse’s foreleg and pull it to the front. While doing this, your fingers should be between the top of the horse’s shoulder blade and the pommel. This must be done on both sides.
-Standing behind the horse and looking under the saddle, some light should be seen when the horse’s head is down.
-Make sure the saddle isn’t too long. It shouldn’t reach back onto the horse’s loins

Tips for a Western Saddle

-At least an inch thick of pad should be underneath the saddle
-The stock saddle should be placed on the horse’s back and the cinch tightened so a set of fingers can be placed comfortably between the girth and the animal.
-With someone on the saddle, make sure you can fit three fingers between the arch of the pommel and the horse’s withers
-Make sure that the width of the saddle tree is fitting for the horse. Put three fingers with a flat hand sideways between the saddle and the top of the horse’s withers. If the fit is loose, the tree is too narrow, if it is too tight and you have to squeeze in your fingers, then the tree is too wide

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Author: Annabelle Cabella
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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In my article “Supple Posture, a Depth of Seat: Discovering Skeletal Balance, Core Efficiency, and Supple Control” I wrote in general about the elements that allow riders to move with the motion of their horse. In this article I’ll explain what I mean by skeletal balance, or the ability of a rider to balance through the skeleton and adapt to the motion of the horse in a biomechanically correct position from seat bones to head . At the end you’ll find a movement lesson that will help riders identify the motion of their pelvis and how that relates to the whole spinal movement.

Skeletal balance means that a person uses the skeleton and only a minimal of muscle exertion to remain upright and move. It is the posture most of us have as children: easy, light, and adaptable to the environment. It is the posture we have before we begin to slouch, before injury or illness has affected the way we stand and move, and before society has imposed “correct” or fashionable posture on us. It is a natural, dynamic organization of the skeleton that allows the force from the ground to go through the bones and joints without shearing forces or undue impact on the joints of our hips or spine. It cannot be externally imposed on us or created through core strength or by tucking in our tummies with shoulders back. We can however, learn to recognize when we are balanced through our skeleton.

Skeletal balance is essential to ride in comfort and it is especially important for riders of horses that perform in dressage, reining, endurance, working cow horse, jumping and other high demand sports. When we are organized well through our skeleton, our joints are free to open and flex, our muscles are used only minimally for the task of balance. Our bodies are available for adapting and adjusting to all the various movements our horses send our way. Our spine is long and our back and abdominal muscles are not tense or shortened, our breath is easy because our ribs can expand in all directions, and our head is balanced softly on our neck. We respond easily to our horse’s motion, no matter what the gait. And we can communicate to our horse with soft aids.

It is important to realize that with skeletal balance our spine is long, elastic and stable, not ‘stabilized’ or held. Forces flow through our bodies, without being stopped at any particular joint and causing us pain or the need to protect our low back or neck. When we use our muscles to support an upright but unbalanced posture, we have to hold ourselves up with areas of tension. We do this when we habitually lean back and stand on our heels, slouch our shoulders, or stand with one hip cocked. If we sit more on one side of our pelvis or with our head jutted forward we will also use muscles to hold ourselves in this unbalanced position.

While sitting on a horse, riders typically create tension by leaning back, slouching, leaning forward, or sitting off to one side. None of these postures allow the energy from the horse to flow through the rider and horse or rider or both will suffer. The rider who leans back will pound on the horse’s back, unyielding. The rider who arches the low back will likely experience pain and discomfort and possibly injury. The rider who sits more heavily on one seat bone will constantly be trying to center the saddle and cause the horse to develop stronger muscles on one side to support the unbalanced rider.

The balanced rider is fluent, not stiff or guarding, and the forces coming from the horse’s back flow up through the rider. The horse can easily maintain a symmetrical balance. The rider’s muscles are ready to act to follow or influence the horse’s gaits and give the aids.

How do you find skeletal balance? By rediscovering the natural balance you had as a child, and re-educating your neural pathways to give up poor habits and adopt rider and horse-friendly habits of dynamic skeletal balance. Try the simple exploration below which will help you begin to discover the balance essential for sitting in unity with your horse.

Balance Through Your Spine
Spend about 20 minutes on this exploration. Do each movement slowly and from 8 to 12 or more times, paying attention to what you sense in different areas of your body. It is not important to make big movements, rather do this lesson in the spirit of learning about your own ability to move and sense yourself.

Sit on a firm, flat bench, your back not leaning against anything, thighs parallel to the ground or knees slightly lower, feet and knees hip width apart and feet flat on the ground.

1. Gently, make a small motion to round your back and come back to neutral. Repeat this about 10 times, bringing your attention to different parts of yourself each time.

Pause in a comfortable position, either leaning back or lying on the floor.

2. Again, sit with feet flat on the floor. Slowly round your back again and this time look down each time you bring the top of your pelvis back. Do this small movement 8 or more times. Then make the same rounding motion while looking up. Each time you look up think of bringing a different part of your face toward the ceiling.

Pause

3. Slowly and gently arch your back about 10 times. Feel the sensations on your seat bones, the bottom of your feet, in your chest.

Pause

4. Slowly arch your back again several times. Try looking up each time you arch. Do that about 6 times, slowly. Now look down each time your arch. A few more times arch your back but this time try looking up again. Has it gotten easier?

Pause, leaning back or lying on a flat surface.

5. Gently begin to alternately arch and round your back allowing your head to look down as you round and look up while you arch. Make this movement easy and light, there is no need to go to the furthest extent of your capacity. Arch and round several times, finding out how the movement has altered or if your perception has changed.

Pause

6. Again, begin to arch and then round. Now change the movement of your head so you look up when you round your back and look down when you arch your back. Do that several times.

7. Continue arching and rounding but again look down when you round and up when you arch. Has this movement become clearer or easier? Do you have more range of motion? Sit in the middle of arching and rounding. Can you sit here more easily than when you started?

Pause, leaning back or lying on a flat surface.

8. Once again sit with feet and knees hip width apart and feet flat on the floor. Begin again to arch and round. Make the movement light and easy. Now look straight ahead has you do this.

Pause again and then sit in neutral, finding out how it is to sit. Do you have a clearer sense of your spine?
Stand and discover if you stand differently. Walk around. Find out if you have a different sense of your spine and your balance.

Are you ready to follow the motion of your horse without tension, easily influencing his movement by giving light aids and getting a quick response? Are you tired of your instructor telling you to sit up, put your heels down, keep your hands or legs still? Have you bounced more than enough times, not able to sit the trot after years of riding?

You are not your habits and at any age your can become fluent in your movement and more effective in your riding. I have developed a unique program to teach riders an organic, natural way to improve their riding. With a combination of movement education, strengthening and balancing, and awareness building lessons you too can achieve the ride of your dreams!

My article “Seat Bones 101 – Moving in Unity With Your Horse For Greater Security & Control” has a walking seat bones exploration that will further help you identify your skeletal balance.
Michele Morseth, MA
Sit The Trot! Body Awareness and Movement Education for Equestrians and Everybody
Teaching clinics and workshops for all levels of equestrians through the nation.
Sisters, OR
http://www.SitTheTrot.com

Author: Michele Morseth
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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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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The Arabian horse is an animal which has lived on the Arabian Peninsula for well over 2000 years. These horses were properly bred to demonstrate many traits which were attractive, such as strength, beauty, and endurance. Many experts on horses have concluded that Arabian horses are among the oldest breeds in the world.

The Bedouins were a nomadic people who are given credit for first taming the Arabian horse. The Bedouins made every effort to protect the purity of these horses, and many could trace back the lineage of the horses they owned. During this time, it was critical to have a horse which was strong, fast, and courageous. It also had to be capable of surviving in the desert environment. The Bedouin tribes were constantly at war with other tribes in the region, and it was necessary to have a horse which could lead them into battle.

The Bedouins soon gained a reputation for breeding some of the most beautiful horses ever seen. Many people would trade horses with them, and they would get together and share the lineages of the horses which were traded. There are a number of different variations of Arabian horses, which are known as strains. These horses have a common ancestor and look. Some of these are Hadban, Kuhaylan, and Dahman.

The Arabian horse of one of the most well known breeds in the world. Their heads are shaped like wedges, and they have large eyes and a small muzzle. Arabian horses which have a concave shaped nose are highly prized. The neck of an Arabian horse should be arched, and their legs should be muscular and lean. Their coat should be shiny, and can be likened to silk. Despite this, Arabian horses are often not seen at the highest levels of show jumping competitions, because it does not have a good bascule compared to other breeds.

Most Arabian horses have a coat which is grey or brown, and some horses also have black coats. Arabian horses with black coats were rare, because in the desert they would absorb heat, and this would be dangerous. Because the Arabian horse is so genetically pure, it is commonly used in enhancing the characteristics of other breeds of horses. Arabian horses have a good temperament, and this also makes them attractive to breeders.

Arabian horses have been used in professional horse competitions for a long time, and Arabian horse games are being held every year in which the horses and their owners can compete with each other.

Michael Colucci is an experienced horse competitor and writes articles for HorseGathering.com and HorsePasture.net

Author: Michael Colucci
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Often referred to as an “equestrian triathlon” eventing involves a horse and rider combination competing over three phases : dressage, cross country and showjumping. Originally designed as a military test for a charger, eventing now attracts interest from all ages, experiences and walks of life. The aim of eventing is to complete all three phases with the lowest penalty points.

Dressage : The dressage phase is the first test of the competition. Dressage consists of a set sequence of movements within an arena. The test is judged on rhythm, accuracy, balance and the obedience of the horse to it’s rider. It is often a challenge to entice a horse that is fit enough to gallop cross country to perform a precise and calm test – exactly what is required to be listed at the top of your competitors!

Cross Country : Eventing as a sport is most known for it’s cross country phase. Certainly the most popular with competitors and spectators alike, cross country is the ultimate test of endurance, boldness and trust. Horse and rider must gallop over a mapped course of obstacles (often between 20 and 30), arriving across the finish line within a specific time. These obstacles are immovable and solid, often replicating obstacles one would find in nature (logs, ditches, streams) as well as other man made obstacles (jumping cars is not uncommon in the upper levels!). Undoubtedly the most dangerous element in the sport, it can not be emphasised enough the importance of understanding and trust between horse and rider.

Showjumping : Showjumping is the final stage in the competition, the objective being to jump a set course clear and under time. Unlike cross country, showjumping fences are not solid, and are constructed from rails that a horse can knock down as they jump the fence. Often tired, weary and sore from a long gallop cross country, it is often the fittest horse, and not the flashiest or best jumping horse that will finish on top.

When competing in a large event, these elements are conducted over three days. Horses are required to pass a brief vet analysis or trot up which assesses a horse’s soundness and ultimately their ability to compete. Horses presented to vets are traditionally braided and beautifully presented, while the rider is dressed in formal attire. There are 2 trot ups over the course of a three day event – the first before the dressage and the second after cross country.

Eventing is ever increasing in popularity, in Australia and New Zealand as well as worldwide. Many top international riders have chosen to purchase a New Zealand or Australian Thoroughbred. They are arguably the best mount in the business!

To find out more information about eventing horses, go to http://www.nzhorses.com

Author: Ross A Smith
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Horses are very useful and trainable animals. They can me used for a limitless variety of tasks such as farming, sports, recreation, and even warfare. Their tremendous strength and endurance are very valuable attributes. Not only are they gifted with tremendous physical qualities but they are also intelligent and very receptive to human commands. Beginner horse training can be fun for both you and your equine companion. There are many different types of horse training techniques, so make sure you are knowledgeable about whatever you choose to apply.

Horses can even be trained in specialized tasks and they thrive in any work they are assigned to do. They can do police work, and they can also be graceful animals for royalty and equestrian activities. They can also be used on farms and in the wilderness. Horses are incredibly versatile animals. They are functional as well as exquisite. Not to mention the fact that they love to please.

However, training a horse can be a real challenge especially for beginners and new horse owners. First and foremost, to be able to train a horse well, the individual must understand how the horse thinks and always — I mean always — consider the animal’s instincts! As animals, instincts always reign above any training or conditioning. Having said that, a horse can be trained quickly and easily when you understand their innate behavior and work with the animal to achieve the desired success. Here are a few tips to help your beginner horse training to move along more smoothly.

1. Horses are fearful creatures

By instinct of preservation, horses are naturally fearful creatures. Because they are a prey animal, they may exhibit reservation with other animals and people in new situations. If the horse doesn’t know you, it will judge you based on your actions, before finally deciding that you are not someone with bad intentions. It bases its decisions on your body language and believe it or not, your thoughts, and will respond accordingly based on what it perceives. The horse will either flee, embrace your friendship or study you further.

2. Gradual training is essential

One must understand that it takes a while for horses to warm up. Training often needs to be a gradual process. You must learn how to tame the horse correctly and effectively. Like dogs, horses must see its trainer as its leader — gender is rarely an issue. It should be noted that some horses are natural leaders, therefore, dominant. If you own one with such characteristic, training can be a bit tougher. Make sure you are asserting dominance at all times. Tough love can be the best thing for both of you till you structure the pecking order of the “herd”.

3. Horses are herd animals

Horses are herd animals and they naturally function in this manner. They will always want someone to lead them. Remember to speak their language in your training. This will speed up the process immensely. Do your own due diligence on the language of equus and natural horsemanship.

4. Riding the horse is not the first step

Before actually riding the horse, you must do some ground work and training. There is no shortcut especially for beginners. Longing and bending is a must at first. Teach commands while longing before putting your rear on the saddle. A horse must be body-aware and desensitized. If you want to get bucked off, skip your groundwork.

5. Proper manners on lead

Lead training is absolutely necessary. A horse MUST display manners with humans on the ground. Teach the horse to walk beside on a lead while giving it basic commands like to turn or stop. Some horses will test your dominance during lead training. It is vital to let the animal know who’s boss.

6. Warm-up the horse before riding

Even with a horse that is already trained, it is still advisable to warm-up your horse physically and mentally before riding it. Do a bit of longing or some exercises in groundword, so the animal will know what to expect.

7. Cooling the animal off

Training sessions must end with a cool down period. Just as with a primed athlete, the animal must be give a chance to settle his muscles. Let the animal relax and wind down. A tired and frustrated horse is very difficult to train. As a rule of the thumb, make every training session a pleasant experience for the horse, always ending on a good note and before the animal has a chance to loose interest. The animal will be happy to learn and do some training again when it knows that the experience is worthwhile. Remember…. Positive reinforcement is a crucial key to success.

**Attention Readers**

If you thought this article was helpful, wait ’till we send you our FREE Horse Training DVD It’s got many videos on beginner horse riding, horse training tips, techniques, and more of EasyHorseTraining.com’s acclaimed training methods.

Author: Annabelle Cabella
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Horses are one of the true rare gifts given us; these wonderful animals pour their hearts out for us, many of which have given their lives for us as well. The countless hours spent on their backs, hundreds of hours being put to work for a variety of services, and the pure visual pleasure we experience just as viewers as we study their magnificence all bring rich reward to the human experience.

Three day events, steeple chase, dressage, endurance, racing, cutting, jumping and more all testing the limits and boundaries of performance. The willing horses guided by the human element straining and pouring themselves into what is being asked of them. Truly a marvel to behold.

With this type of use comes the importance of the utmost of care, strict feed guidelines, training regimens, rest and recovery periods, and not last and certainly not least the care of the horses feet, the latter in all reality probably at the top list of most important elements in proper horse care.

The proper care of horses’ feet cannot be underestimated or undermined. If you were to go the the hospital for any kind of medical treatment would you not want the utmost of care and attention to detail taken? Would you request or surrender yourself to a surgeon whose training has been about speed rather than quality. Without hesitation the answer to the last question would be a resounding “No.” Would anyone submit themselves to some kind of personal care where speed of execution took precedence over proper procedure? Of course not.

The Farrier industry on the other hand seems to have no problem still putting on “Speed Shoeing Contests”. The farrier industry upon further examination is still lagging behind on proper shoeing insights. The industry still operates out of “Old School Thought”. The many industry standard textbooks on shoeing practices are flawed. What Farrier schools are teaching is still not up to speed. Yet at nearly every major horseshoeing convention or AFA events there are still being held “Speed Shoeing Contests”. It just seems to boggle the imagination when thinking about this fact.

Why would anyone want to see how fast they could get a shoe on a horse’s foot? Isn’t the idea really to get the shoeing done correctly? Would you want someone giving you a haircut doing it as fast as they possibly could? It just defies logic. Yet speed shoeing contests persist. The industry needs improving and updating.

From out of the industry and schools are the Farriers that take care of the horses. Armed with incomplete and flawed information the Farriers are simply dangerous to the animals. This is a fact that needs investigating. The horses we all love so dearly are the ones being put at risk by these improper practices. How many horses have been ruined as a result? The question becomes what can be done about this. The truth is there is something available that can bring the whole industry up to speed. It’s information, understanding and comprehension to new methods. And these methods are available.

If you wish to be on the cutting edge find out for yourself and enlighten yourself to what these methods are you can do so by visiting the web page below in the author bio. This method has been in practice with a 100% track record over the past 16 years. Not one single lame horse. You can find yourself becoming a part of the movement to Care4Horses.

Reprint rights allowed providing nothing be changed.

Author bio: John Silveira a farrier in the Bay Area California. Information for the enlightenment of anyone interested in learning the truth about shoeing can be found at : http://www.Care4Horses.com

Author: John Silveira
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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