Tag Archives: Rider Fitness

Horse Riding Tips

Ways of Going – 8 Top Tips for the Riding Horse in the Show Ring

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Insider talk on top judges tips for what she wants to see in a riding horse and the way it goes, how it looks and most importantly (especially for the judge) how it rides.

  1. When watching the ‘go round’ judges look for a horse which is walking with a long and easy stride, covering the ground well, swinging its shoulder freely and tracking up well. They want to see a longer rein walk, not a horse pulled in with its head scrunched up to its chest. The horse should be swinging its head slightly in time to the walk and have its head in front of the perpendicular, ears pricked and a happy, calm look.
  2. At the trot they look again for a long swinging stride, the tail carried easily and swinging from side to side – the sign of a relaxed, swinging, working back – and a comfortable easy head carriage, with the bit held quietly in a wet mouth, no open mouths or grinding teeth – a particular hate. The head should be straight and in line with the direction, not tilted or crooked. They look especially for a steady rhythm or cadence, showing that the horse is working from behind and is carrying itself – not having its nose pulled in by the reins and kicked along all the time.
  3. At canter it’s much the same. Judges look for a smooth slowish, steady canter which gives the impression the rider is totally at ease and the pair could swing along all day in superb comfort.
  4. When gallop is shown ideally the horse only needs to show some definite lengthening of the stride and lowering along the long side of the ring, sliding into an easy gallop and out without fuss. Sadly this is not often seen; quite often they rush about with fast short strides. Galloping is not about racing or jumping off the corner as in a gymkhana, but showing lowering and lengthening – (this used to be called ventre-a-terre) in just half a dozen strides and a calm return to slower paces.
  5. Riding horses are not usually required to do shows but they can be and when this is done Judges prefer to see a simple, short show well done, rather than complicated manoeuvres which fail miserably. However, a Riding Horse should be able to rein back easily and happily, change leg at canter in a straight line and slide on to extend and back without fighting.
  6. The purpose of a Riding Horse is to take one riding for pleasure and therefore it is expected to carry a rider with very light and easy aids and to be soft and gentle on the hand. Judges do not want a horse that is jumping out of its skin, but alternatively they really don’t want something that needs pushing round the ring – imaging having to ride twenty all needing shovelling along, exhausting!!
  7. Many consider that the most important thing is the quality of its movement, a young green horse can give an infinitely better ride than an old well schooled, beautifully mannered but stiff and stilted moving horse, if its paces are on another plane, if it moves across the ring on a well oiled easy stride, long and flowing and soft off the ground. A horse must be supple and easy round its corners, bending whichever way it’s going. Very often horses are marked down because they lie heavily on one rein and are stiff on one side. This is usually the fault of poor training and results in a most unsatisfactory ride.
  8. No-one likes riding horses that spook and jump about so they must be relaxed and able to cope with the (sometimes ridiculous) distractions that surround the rings at today’s horse shows. When judges come to sit on the horse they need to feel their legs taken up by its sides, and to have a good length of rein in front of them, not just neck, but shoulder as well, and to feel, literally that they are in the middle of a comfortable well fitting “seat”.

If you are looking for a horse to do well as a riding horse in the show ring take a look at the Horse Scout Horses for Sale pages.  There are some fabulous prospect there.

Horse Advice

Looking at loosening up muscles, joints and your horses mind.

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Looking at loosening up muscles, joints and your horses mind.

When you have mounted your horse allow him to walk off on a soft low rein with a loose contact and encourage him to stretch forward and long in his neck. This stretches the ‘nuchal ligament’ which runs from his pole to his withers and in turn pulls on the ligaments which run along the top of the vertebrae and gives him time to get used to your weight.  When you feel he has developed a loose and flexible walk and is listening to you then move into trot keeping the contact soft and low and start in rising trot on large figures of eight in a slow steady trot. This will help him relax and adjust his stance to easily take your weight. Also by riding your horse in this way also it allows for more swing through his back, which is a positive movement to promote.

It’s important to start and finish your ridden session with your horse in a long and low contact to let him use his nuchal and supraspinous ligaments to support his back, particularly as he’s warming up or when he’s tired.

Once your horse is loosened up and moving freely in the large movements you can start to increase his temperature and circulation by asking him to move into canter this will increase his cardio and breathing rates and oxygenate the muscles ready to start working. It also exercises the core muscles which have to extend and contract more in the canter than they do in the trot.

Once you feel he is breathing well and has warmed up then allow him to have a breather and walk for a while. During this walking period you can concentrate on flexibility. Just like people horses will loose flexibility over time unless they are given routine exercises which help them use their joints to the full.

Lateral work for a horse encourages a full range of movement in upper joints, rather like us lifting our arms above our heads to stretch. Depending on what level your horse is training at you can use small circles of lateral work such as leg-yield, shoulder-in and travers. Start any lateral exercises in walk at first as it requires the greatest amount of joint movement because there’s no moment of suspension.

Walking is the horses most flexible pace for his spine.  In walk he is able to more easily rotate and flex and this helps bring his hind legs in to step up and under him. All of these exercises will help to promote and maintain your horse’s skeletal health. Flexing him to the left and right will help the muscles on either side of his spine and poll to flex, and any lateral and circle work will strengthen and stretch these muscle chains further.

Work with an experienced trainer to get the best from your horse.  Horse Scout has a list of professional trainers and coaches one of whom is bound to be in your area

Professional Rider

Professional Profile – Malcolm Aitken – Medstead, Hampshire

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Malcolm Aitken runs a small competition yard in Medstead where he trains a small group of Show Jumping horses from first shows to Foxhunter level. Malcolm is looking for owners who are keen to support a very consistent professional reach the next level. Malcolm currently has a very exciting string of horses and is looking forward to attracting new horses and owners for the 2015 season and beyond.

His owners and clients who have placed horses with him for training I was stunned to win a red rosette in the very first class that Ludo and I entered. I must thank you again for producing such a mannerly and well schooled horse, he is a joy to have on the yard and to take out and I have the added bonus of receiving a constant stream of complimentary remarks. Margaret Dufall

Malcom also teaches and his clients have nothing but positive things to say about him and his approach “How wonderful it is to have finally found a trainer who talks sense! You always explain everything in a conscientious and encouraging manner. We are also very grateful for all your support in helping us. It’s nice to know my daughter is in safe hands. J.J.Piquet and I have had a lot of trainers in the past, and within just a few weeks I have learnt more and gained more confidence than with months of training elsewhere. You have been consistently patient, friendly and fun and you treat my horses with respect and kindness. Jessica Hobbs

Having been introduced to horses by his late mother and ridden competitively as a teenager, Malcolm rekindled his love affair with horses shortly after Graduating in Sports Science 1999. Show Jumping soon progressed from being a weekend hobby into becoming the reason for going to work.  The provision of sponsorship from Vantis Plc in 2005/06 was a key assistance in his successes during his time balancing competing and office work. In late 2006, Malcolm decided that horses were the career for him and office life was phased out. After a brief period of sharing a yard in Windsor, Berkshire Malcolm decided to go it alone in late 2007 and the rest as they say is history.

MA Sport Horses offer a range of livery options. Sale, Competition Livery, Full Livery, Part Livery, Recuperation Livery, Breeding and Rearing, Holiday Livery, Breaking, Jump Training, Lessons, Show Jumping Clinics & Clipping.

Martin is a skilled professional rider Breaking & Producing youngstock, he has a range of horses for sale and Showjumping and Rehabilitation are his area of specialism.

Northfield Stables is fully insured as a Dealing, Breaking and Livery Yard. Riding/trial facilities are available on site, being an excellent 50m x 30m Charles Britton Equisand & Clopf fibre surface which provides an excellent all year round surface which is guarunteed not to flood.

MA Sports Horses also has a 4 horse Monarch Horsewalker with roof to help keep both it’s own and clients horses in top condition.

Horse Advice

Outstanding Horses- what to look for

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The horse, an athlete to be admired!

The most exciting and exacting time when involved in following racehorses, is seeing them in the paddock pre-race. It is also, I believe, essential if you are really interested in what makes a good or exceptional competitor – for that is what they are.

The two disciplines are flat racing and National Hunt. For both I am looking for presence, attitude, movement, conformation and something that occasionally is almost impossible to describe – an innate feeling that the thoroughbred generates in me, one of awe, she/he is saying I am the best, the business, so forget the rest!

Let’s take the horse that is bred to flat race first.  It needs to have strength, this is not to be confused with bone; there are many (particularly fillies) that are light, but have all the bits in all the right places.  Reasonably compact, with a good intelligent head and a bright open interested eye.  The neck needs to be well set on and the shoulder sloping to give freedom of movement.  The back needs not to be long, the quarters powerful the hocks well placed underneath.  When young they are “leggy” that’s fine as long as all is in proportion and not ever behind the knee or too upright in the pastern.  Watch how they walk, tracking up by a good 12” gets a plus and the walk should be very active.  A horse that walks well will usually gallop well. Now look from the front; is he/she standing over “good ground”.  Let’s say the width of a small terrier dog, or do the legs come out of the same hole?  If we are looking for a short to middle distance horse we need the first, if we are looking for stamina for longer distance the second is no problem.  However for the flat racer we are talking about let’s stick with a good space between chest and legs.

The race bred thoroughbred is not renowned for good feet.  No foot, no horse?  Well, not necessarily so – as long as all four look the same, nothing odd or boxy, given the task they are bred for it is not a major consideration and these days the trainers and farriers are well able to compensate for most of the common problems.

What have we left to look at as a snapshot – the action generally.  Is the horse grass cutting, pointing the toe, or can we see more movement from the knee?  In the paddock at walk, there is not so much information for us, so we need to watch he/she canter down to the post, much is learnt about how the horse will act on the ground by their action here.  And also how naturally balanced they are.

A little anecdote:

Newbury races 1976.  I was paddock side watching the 3 year old colts coming in for the Greenham Stakes, a very important trial for the 2000 Guineas.

No horse would be anything but impressive at this level. All were being led round, in the peak of condition, a visual feast of power and beauty.  And then – Wollow came in.  He was quite extraordinary; not particularly robust, tall and still quite leggy but oh my, what presence.  His head held high, a stunning head; totally imperious and somehow looking down on, and apart from, every other colt in the ring.  He moved like a ballerina, elegant and light.  I couldn’t take my eyes off him.  The big burly colts suddenly became uninteresting, he was covered in stardust and he knew it.  Luckily so did I!

He won by 7 lengths.

Horse Jobs

Grooms – Vacancies and Advice, we have it all

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If you are thinking of becoming a groom or looking for a new placement there are several professional trainers and riding establishments who have open positions at the moment check out Justine Armstrong Small in Essex who is a professional show rider who has won at all major county shows including royal international and horse of the Year Show over the past 20 yrs. Her passion is particularly focused on showing working hunters.  So expect jumping and a high standard of turnout to be on her list of priorities.

Another high profile trainer is Event rider Lucienne Elms who is based at in the south ‘Blackwater Equestrain Centre’, which is potentially one of the most prestigious equestrian centres in the South West. Lucienne offers professional training up to CCI***, and is aiming for Bramham  again in 2015. Luciene has trained and worked with numerous world ranked riders including world number 1 2009, and UK number 1 2014 Oliver Townend.  She produces horses for sale, training & competition.  So this would be a great opportunity to be part of the Event world in a fantastic location.

Are you looking for work as a groom or are you currently working with horses? Just like joining any regulatory body like say, British Eventing or the British Show Jumping Association, if you are a professional groom, i.e. paid to work with horses, then belonging to The British Grooms Association will keep you informed of rulings and regulations that your employer should be implementing and also offers confidential help line and access to free legal advice.

British Grooms Association – Membership benefits

BGA membership means you benefit by being part of a national association that represents grooms and provides you with a wide and growing range of member benefits that can help support you in your professional and personal life as well as helping you to save money.

BGA Support you throughout your career, whether you are just starting out in the industry or an experienced professional groom; whether you are an employee or working freelance. Becoming a member means you are only a click away from accessing support, advice and guidance on all groom related matters.

The BGA membership is accessible to all who are part of the British grooming profession and even those beyond. If you’re not a member already don’t miss out, join today!

 

 

 

Horse Jobs

Job Vacancies – Apprentice Grooms or working Pupils Berkshire

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Farley Hall Equestrian Centre in near Swallowfield  in Berkshire. They are looking for dedicated apprentice grooms (through Merrist Wood College) or working pupils looking to sit BHS qualifications. There will be a small amount of riding and the chance to work with some exceptional competition horses and take part with managing training clinics with top coaches.

Apprentices and working pupils are actively encouraged to help the trainers during clinics and to assist with the running of the British Eventing Horse Trials held on the estate.

These positions are live-in.

Farley Hall Equestrian Centre is situated on the Farley Estate, located in the picturesque village of Swallowfield. The yard was first opened in February 2010. The Livery Yard is home to an array of horses and ponies, from happy hackers to advanced competition horses. All of our four-legged friends have their needs individually catered for.

The BHS have recently awarded the Equestrian Centre with a ‘Highly Commended’ status, quoting “I congratulate you on the High Standards of Stable Management and Horse Care throughout your centre, which I’m confident, will be a credit to the BHS Approval Scheme”.

The Farley Team are passionate about horses and all aspects of their daily care, working to the highest standards and striving to improve and expand their knowledge. We have recently been awarded by “Investors in People”. The Farley Estate is home to many other Enterprises. It is able to offer the Equestrian Centre over 1750 acres of Private Estate Hacking which also connects with a large bridleway network, to include the highly sought after Bramshill Forest.

If you are looking for work elsewhere check through our listings on Horse Scout  and you will see a button on the top right hand corner of the Professional Trainers  or Yards  advertisement that says Staff Required.

 

Horse Jobs

Job available – Full time groom or Part time groom Ringwood Hampshire

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Little Pointers Farm are looking for Staff.

Do you live near Ringwood or are you looking for a job in the New Forest?

Full time groom or Part time groom

They are currently looking for either a full time groom/general help or a part time groom with flexibility to do 1/2 days or whole days to fit in with other staff. The right applicant must have worked on a professional yard and must work and turn out to the highest standard. On site single accommodation available. Ideally a lightweight competent rider, happy to hack young horses but a non riding position considered. Preferably no pets. Must be 100% reliable, cheerful, hard working, responsible and motivated. Excellent pay and conditions. References will be required and checked

This is a private showing yard for the owners horses only. Stabling for 4, a grooming box with solarium, rug room with drier and racking, tack room and feed room. All paddocks are post and rail and horses are turned out individually. The yard is run to a professional standard. Excellent direct hacking on the New Forest, no road work but a fairly busy track. Owners horses are show horses (cobs) or retired show horses but still in work. Planning for a menage is pending appeal decision. Non HGV horsebox on site. Owner lives on site.

Facilities

Excellent off-road hacking, Individual turn out, Onsite communal tea & coffee facility and Solarium

If you are looking for work elsewhere check through our listings on Horse Scout  and you will see a button on the top right hand corner of the Professional Trainers  or Yards  advertisement that says Staff Required.

 

 

Professional Rider

Trade Secrets that a professional work rider or groom already knows

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Here are some top tips that every work rider and professional groom knows.  If you are looking for a work rider to help you out or a groom to join your yard you can be confident that they know these things!  If you look after your own horse then wow your horse friends with a sparkly horse using these top tips.

 

  1. If you have a gray horse or one with a lot of chrome, keep some spray-on equine stain remover—created to deal with manure and grass stains—at the ready.
  1. As you groom, inspect your horse for injuries, skin irritations or areas of sensitivity. Run your bare hands down his legs to check for heat or swelling.
  1. Keep up with routine grooming chores, such as mane pulling, trimming fetlocks, et cetera. That way you’re not overwhelmed with last minute clean-up before a show.
  1. If your horse objects to having his mane pulled, try doing a little each day after exercise, while his pores are open.
  1. Check your horse’s stall or paddock fencing for protruding objects: Wounds lead to blemishes and worse.
  1. Let sweat and mud dry before attempting to brush it out. Or, hose your horse off while it is still wet.
  1. When plaiting or training a mane over to one side, use a mane mousse to help get wayward hairs under control.
  1. Color enhancing shampoos accentuate your horse’s natural tones and bring out the highlights of his coat. Washing blue in a black or grey tail make give it a wow factor.  (Always check a small patch of skin first)
  1. Using oil specifically designed for your horse’s face, rather than baby oil, will collect less dust at the show. Check contents on bottle.

10.  Let your horse roll—dirt isn’t permanent.

 

Horse Advice

Ten Top Tips for every horse owner, groom and Mum! 

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Are you about to set out looking for your perfect Mother Daughter horse combo?  Horse Scout has some lovely all-rounders listed on its Horses For Sale page.

Here are some top tips for any Mother Daughter horse cleaning regime….how you share them out? Well that’s up to you but do…have a sparkling relationship with your horse!

  1. An equine squeegee, rather than a hard sweat scraper, makes removing water from equine legs and hips easier and kinder.
  2. For extra shine on special occasions, spritz your horse’s coat with a sheen product.
  3. Regular use of coat polish sprays right after bathing has the added bonus of deterring dust—it slides right off.
  4. Horses with pink skin need extra sun protection—use sunscreen on susceptible pink noses!
  5. To help protect against skin infections, regularly disinfect grooming brushes and combs.
  6. Keep brushes clean as you go: After every few strokes with your body brush, clean the bristles on a metal or rubber curry held in your other hand.
  7. Brush from front to back, top to bottom, for the most efficient effort.
  8. Curry first in a circular motion to loosen dirt and hair; then use your stiff dandy brush to remove it. A flick of the wrist at the end of your long flat brush stroke helps lift the dust off.
  9. Multi-task: use a brush in each hand!
  10. Show-ring veterans have long known that grooming wipes are ever so handy.

 

Eventing

Fundraising with a difference – Rides for UK based horse charities

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Charities which support horses and particularly those which support the welfare of UK horses and ponies will always need donations and funds raised by us horsey folks. A great way to meet likeminded groups of people would be to arrange meetings or events through your local equestrian centres and Horse Scout has a number of Yards listed and there is sure to be one in your area.

Here are a couple of kickstarter ideas if you want to saddle up and go get those money buckets filled.

Since the launch of the first British Horse Society fundraising riding challenge in 2000, hundreds of riders have taken part in an adventure overseas. The ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ riding challenge opened the door for our intrepid challengers to travel the world in aid of British Horse Society welfare. The challenges now operate in Bulgaria, Iceland, Mongolia, Inner Mongolia, India, Jordan, Peru, Spain and Lesotho. There is a trip to inspire everyone, each offering a unique experience no matter where you ride.

These challenges really do put the fun in fundraising but as well as enjoying a life-changing trip, all of the riders raise money that is vital in continuing our welfare work. Without the aid of our dedicated challengers our nationwide network of welfare officers would not be able to help anywhere near as many horses as they do. The British Horse Society has over 200 equine specialist welfare officers, more than any other charity, and together they improve the lives of countless horses, ponies and donkeys in every corner of the UK.

Some orgainisations like the World Horse Welfare Group who are the UK’s largest horse rescue and rehoming charity, use funds to provide a dedicated network of Field Officers who work hard to investigate reports of horses in distress, advising owners or bringing horses to their centres for urgent care and rehabilitation. They also campaign to improve policy and practice across the equine world, shaping the laws that protect horses and promoting better standards of care and in 2015 World Horse Welfare are planning to hold four rides.

So if you want to show your support for UK horse charities and fundraisers – saddle up! We guarantee you won’t regret it.

Perhaps you have your own pet charity already and need some advice on where you can legally ride in your area? A good place to start would be the Affiliated Bridleways Group