More on the Horse's Nature and Caring for the Horse

Chapters 12-18

http://lorienstable.com

General Comments

Maintain calm when interacting with horses, always

Horses read body language, even simple tension.

Move slowly, gradually (not suddenly)

Keep your head

Maintain soft or commanding tone of voice, never weak

Don't believe (or pass on) rumors

until you check them out

(quest, west nile vaccine)

Training Articles

http://www.naturalhorsesupply.com/training.shtml

Resisitance, Using more & More Severe Tools

“Harsh bits only make our horses tougher.” --John Nunn

“Sour is spelled S-O-R-E.” --Tom Ivers (The Fit Racehorse I/II)

Training Methods

1)Ask2)Show

3)Reward

becomes1) Ask

2) Reward

as horse recognizes pattern

Groundwork

lunging,long lining,

driving

cavesson, surcingle

Harsh, Forceful Tools

vice breaker (shock collar)war bridle (gum line)

chifney bitdraw reins

tiedown

Any method is harsh when it is designed to force a horse, rather than asking him to

move himself.

Desensitizing

It's important to expose a horse to new concepts before expecting him to be able to cope with new

situations, AND perform at the same time.

Example: A horse on his first trail ride may be too distracted by other horses, new sights, water, new

vegetation, etc to simply walk along.

Clearly you can't expose a horse to every situation he might encounter.

You can, however, expose him to things he is likely to encounter, and in the meantime, teach him to look to you for reassurance when he is

startled.

Desensitizing

Performing in crowds & noise

ear covers w/cotton wads for sound blocking

Trailering

Teach the horse to load before trying to trailer somewhere.

ALWAYS untie BEFORE opening the door...

TrailersScreens

Butt Chains/BarsWater Tanks

Secure doors etc with snap or lockReflectives—on trailer & triangle

uprights“trailer aid,” chocks

rubber mats—store outside of trailer to prevent rot

shavings (more appealing) wall pads for cushioning

trailer lock

Good to have on hand—extra halter & lead, shovel or pitchfork,

cell phone, map, directions,

all vehicle/trailer registrations and insurance information, (motor plan

info),

and don't forget the proof of negative Coggins (always), a health certificate

(if crossing state lines).

Before hitting the road, every time

check connection, lights & brakes

check air in tirescheck flooring

check vehicle fluids, tire pressure

Maintenance

Trailers need regular maintenance just like cars:

brakes, axles, bearings, lights, hitch, emergency chains

flooring, exterior, spare tire

When not in use, remove floor mats so moisture doesn't get trapped and rot/rust out your flooring.

Nifty Items

Cashel ankle safe Spare keepers (rubber)

Feel of a Normal HorseA normal horse has no hard muscle areasa normal horse has no sunken muscle

areasknots/spasms are hard masses of tissue

inside a musclescars are hard masses of tissue inside a

musclehorses may pull or tear a muscle

horses may pull or tear a tendon or

ligament

Stretches & Belly Lifts

http://lorienstable.com/services/massage/stretches.pdf

Riding Commentsstay balanced over self, balanced over

horseweight and seat aids, leg aids

squeeze knees to slow horse/restrict shoulders

put weight on inside seatbonepress leg to push horse away: inside leg like a post, outside leg curls body around

the posthorses can feel shifts in weight, can tell

where you're looking, can feel where your body is pointing

don't lose your outside rein contact

Riding Comments

Sitting a: spookbuckrear

Riding Comments

Dealing with rearers

Boots, Leg Support

support bootsprotective boots

wrapsbell boots

Building internal leg strength

Exercise – building stamina and strength

Long Slow Distance

Interval Training

Heart Rate / Temperature

heatexercise

can be good indicators of a horse's stamina and condition

Conditions / Concerns

tying up, seleniumbleeders, Lasix

“marble” maresulcers

Clipping & Blanketing

desensitizationshowing

performingexcessive sweating

must blanket if clipped

Blanketing

Liability773.04 Posting and notification.--

(1) Every equine activity sponsor and equine professional shall:

(a) Post and maintain one or more signs which contain the warning notice specified in subsection (2). These signs shall be placed in a clearly visible location near to where the equine activity begins. The warning notice specified in subsection (2) shall appear on the sign in black letters, with each letter to be a minimum of 1 inch in height, with sufficient color contrast to be clearly distinguishable.

(b) Give the participant a written document which the participant shall sign with the warning notice specified in subsection (2) clearly printed on it. Said written document may be used in lieu of posting the warning on the site of the equine activity sponsor's or equine professional's facility, and shall be given to any participant in an equine event not on the location of the equine activity sponsor's or equine professional's facility.

(2) The signs and document described in subsection (1) shall contain the following warning notice:

WARNING Under Florida law, an equine activity sponsor or equine professional is not liable for an injury to, or the death of, a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks

of equine activities.

Legal Issue Thoughts

people can and do sue when they don't have a legitimate case

contracts should describe what each party is hoping to get out of the agreement e.g. “I

want to buy a horse that is suitable for a beginner” so there is recourse in the event

of dishonesty or misunderstanding

contracts should give a way out if the deal goes sour

Employees and Legal Responsibility

...It's complicated.

Strict Liability

You are responsible for damage done by your possessions:

car hitting loose horsedog biting random persongoat eating neighbor's car

etc

More Information is Out There

On my site:http://lorienstable.com/articles/

List of links:http://lorienstable.com/webrings/links/

And so much more!