Horse & Rider

What Do You Remember From Those '70s Shows?

Juli Thorson — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:31:04 GMT

Were you part of the horse-show scene of the 1970s? That decade of buckstitched tack, disco-inspired Western wear, the "taco" hat, and no such thing as bling? When the morning's grand champion halter horse could readily be the afternoon's all-around performance horse? When trail classes featured livestock and wild animals? When it wasn't unusual to see a horse trailer hitched to a V8 passenger car?

We'd love to hear your memories! (H&R's editor, Juli Thorson, claims to still have her HOT PINK taco hat!)

--The H&R editors

Odd Behavior

Anonymous — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:06:58 GMT

I have this mare I started riding she is about 8 years old and had some training when she was younger but sat for a couple years do to a family issue the last owner had. When I ride her she has a lot of energy but typically listens well. After a couple of weeks of riding she started this thing where when I'm getting off her she turns her head toward my foot and nickers or squells at me like a mare in heat would to a stallion. I normally just move her head and shes fine. The other day I was riding and I stopped to talk to someone and she kept turning toward my stirrup and doing this again I would just turn her head straight and she would stop but then one of the times I pulled her head over and she just came unglued started to buck and have a fit. I just kicked her forward and made her work since she wouldn't stand nicely. I've never had a horse react this way and was wondering if any one had or if anyone has an idea what to do about it?

Holiday Memories

Juli Thorson — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:49:32 GMT

We had a great time coming up with our own holiday horse memories for the December '09 issue of Horse & Rider, and we'd love to hear about some of yours.

Ever get a pony for Christmas? Or something equally wonderful under the tree? Ever catch Santa out in the barn?

Time to reminisce....

--The H&R Editors

Tell Us About It: Horse Life Around Denver

Juli Thorson — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:45:09 GMT

Denver and its area horse scene are featured in the December '09 issue of Horse & Rider.

If this is where you and yours call home, share a few things about it with the rest of us. Best aspects? Most surprising? Must-sees or must-do's?

--The H&R Editors

To the H&R staff

happytrailsalabama — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 02:50:10 GMT

I have subscribed to H&R for the past couple of years, & I have to admit, I'm more than a little offended & bored by the content these days. Maybe I did not take the time to research what the target audience is before subscribing, but I'm thinking I'm not included, whatever it may be. Most of the tips and articles are so common-sense it is absolutely offensive.... I really do not think that most people need a magazine to tell them to save money during bad times by traveling to shows that are closer to home. Please! How stupid are we??? And a seriously in-depth article on how to pin on a number for a show. Not to mention the frugal fix-ups article. We are horse people, not brainless idiots!! Enough already! Dig deeper for some better material please! Thanks to the economy we now actually have time to read the magazine (we are not traveling to out-of-town shows, thanks to sage advice from H&R) & it's not worth reading!

Gallop Poll: Your Mane Thing

Juli Thorson — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 20:55:22 GMT

Those tresses atop your horse’s neck can be fashioned into more than one style and subsequent grooming routine. We want to know: Which mane look is your main fave?

1.LONG AND LUSH. I condition manes lavishly and keep them in protective braids except for special occasions, like shows.

2.SHORT, FOR BANDING/BRAIDING. I like manes shortened to 3 or 4 inches, suitable for banding or braiding.

3.SHAVED OFF (ROACHED). I use clippers right at the mane bed to move all mane hair except a withers tuft and forelock.

4.NATURAL, WITH TRIMS. I let manes grow as they will, with occasional trims of dry or uneven ends.

5.WILD THING. I don’t bother with mane care.

As always, we love to get your glimpses into your life with horses!

--The H&R Editors

fly protection

steelinkman — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:24:40 GMT

Has anyone heard of or used Jakes Flypants?

Re-training ex polo pony

idahoscorp56 — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:32:52 GMT

I was wondering if any tips on re training polo pony. Over last year have taken her from "wild" around her head and pull back major issues (flipped over on back couple times) to trailering her and riding her in limited fashion in pasture area.

I am having two problems, and a solution I was given. Would like input to know if I am heading right way.

Using full check snaffle bit, Aussie saddle. When I try to rein her, she brings her head up and when I am trying to keep her from running back to barn during ride and slow down or turn, she fights it so hard we have had a "rodeo" for a few seconds each time. What I have been told are two things; first to change to a mechanical hackamore to pull her head down by the mechanical motion with pulling on nose instead of mouth, second to put "rings" on her breaststrap and pull the reins down through there to encourage her to lower head when I rein her for turning or stopping.

Any other suggestions are appreciated. And yes, I have been told a "novice" like me shouldn't be working with a horse like this, but I have been getting some good help from trainer here in Idaho.

Thank you

Puzzling Spookiness (Whole Horse Q & A)

elm7904 — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:29:36 GMT

I also had this problem with my horse. He suddenly seemed terrified of things that he had been exposed to millions of times (like saddle pads). He tore up cross ties, crashed through his pasture fence. He was not mean or aggressive, it was like his flight response became hypersensitive. He then started to show some neuro symptoms that mimicked EPM. However, the frustrating part was that all of the symptoms were transient. On Monday he was a sick horse, then on Tuesday fine, Wednesday weird, sick horse again. After several vets, and tests (EPM was ruled out) we found out that his liver was out of whack and his white count was low. No one had an explanation for this except possible poisioning. The horses that share his pasture were not affected. He was started on immune boosting and anti-inflammatory supplements. When he received his fall shots all of his lab work came back normal, and I have my horse back again.

So, I definetly agree with Dr. Berger when she says rule out a medical reason. Changes in behavior are not always behavioral porblems.

GALLOP POLL: Your Main Mentor

Juli Thorson — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:48:02 GMT

The H&R editors would like to know: Who or what gets the credit as your primary horse-world mentor? Choose the answer that best reflects your main source of advice, encouragement, and inspiration.

1.FAMILY MEMBER. My main mentor is a relative------parent, sibling, or other.

2. UNPAID FRIEND. I’m blessed with a pal who gladly shares what he or she has learned.

3. PAID PRO COACH OR TRAINER. Mentoring is part of what I pay for when I take lessons or ride in clinics.

4. EMPLOYER. I work for a pro, and get my mentoring as part of the package.

5. MODERN MEDIA. My main source of mentoring comes from books, magazines, video formats, and/or online groups.

Thanks for sharing your experience!

--The H&R editors

GALLOP POLL: DO PAPERS MATTER?

Juli Thorson — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:08:25 GMT

With registration numbers trending downward in most equine breeds, we’re curious about how you view registered vs. unregistered horses. Which of the following answers best reflects your opinion on whether horses need to have registration papers or not?

1. PAPERS MATTER--A LOT. I wouldn’t own anything BUT a registered horse, with a documented pedigree and breed/show/race eligibility.

2. I’M INDIFFERENT. It’s the individual animal that matters to me, not its registration status. As the saying goes, you don’t ride

the papers!

3. IT DEPENDS. When I have a breed-specific use for ahorse, it has to be registered accordingly. Otherwise, a grade horse will do just as well as a registered one.

Let us know your thoughts!

--The H&R Editors

Western Pleasure Inconsistencies

nikkita0612 — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:31:03 GMT

Hi, I ride hunters and dressage but my husband enjoys western riding and we get Horse and Rider every month. I've gone to several saddle club shows, quarter horse shows and board at a mostly western pleasure barn and am thoroughly confused.

I read that the horse's head should be level with their whithers and going in a forward motion with true two and three beat gaits. At shows, the horse who's head is clear down and are barely moving are the ones that win, what gives? In 4H judging classes and competitions the contestants who judge the horses according to going forward with true gaits and a nice level headset don't win and get chastized because "the horse had his head too high and was going too fast." I don't understand; the magazines, and top trainers say one thing but everyone else is judging, placing and teaching the opposite. At the barn I see the owner's daughter "training" horses by using corkscrew twisted wire bits that have a diameter smaller than a pencil and a headstall that has the same itty bitty wire over the horses poll. She uses these in conjunction with draw reins, jerking on the horses' mouth and makes them go with their heads much too far down according to the top training articles in the western magazines. I go to shows and see horses "troping" (trotting on one end and loping on the other), their trots are more slow than most horse's walks and the horses look absolutely miserable with their heads being so low, almost to their fetlocks. When these horses move they honestly look unsound and very unbalanced. Who is correct? If the magazines and top trainers are then what's being done to make the new standard an actual standard? Did the entire state of Iowa and the rest of the midwest not get the memo about changing things?

Grooming Tools & Products: What Are Your Favorites?

Juli Thorson — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:31:15 GMT

The October '09 issue of Horse & Rider includes a feature called "25 Favorite Grooming Aids." We polled staff members, readers, and members of Team H&R to come up with the 25 items. And learned about some great items in the process!

Now it's your turn to add to the picture. We'd like to know:

What's the name of the product you love to use for grooming; what's the approximate cost; and why do you love it?

Thanks, from the H&R Editors

Getting a young horse used to the bit?

Nicole — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:54:24 GMT

I am wanting to start bitting my horse and lounging him with a bit in his mouth (loungeline not attatched to the bridel or free lounged). He bits great, even for a young horse. He responds to "head down" and puts his head down for taking it out and in. Only thing is is that he mouths the bit a lot whille he is wearing it and I don't want to work him and pull on his mouth until he gets comfortable with it. What is the best way to get him comfortable to wearing it to where he is not opening and closing his mouth all of the time. I am going to have to show him with a bit this year for english and I want him to be comforatable and confident. I have head that some people make them wear just the head stall and the bit all day, while they are eating and doing other things, but I have heard that if they eat with a bit in, they could choke and it messes up your bit. I am going to see if I can find some more information online, but comments and tips would be helpful. I have had his teeth looked at and they are fine until spring and he will get them floated.

How to pack your horse to go off to the trainers

overyonderfarms — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:17:34 GMT

There really needs to be an article on how to pack your horse to go off to the trainers. There needs to be opinions from different trainers on what they would want from owners. Do they need to send the horse with their own tack, boots, saddle pads, blankets etc. How do they want to tackle supplements, send bulk with the horse, buy by the bucket and charge owner, or go thru SmartPak. etc etc etc

Gallop Poll: Your View on Blue-Eyed Horses

Juli Thorson — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:37:42 GMT

GALLOPPOLL: YOUR VIEW ON BLUE

Frank Sinatra had ’em, and some horses do, too. We’re talking about blue eyes. Some folks love a blue-eyed horse, others have different ways of (pardon the pun) looking at one. We want to know what you think. Choose the answer that comes closest to your opinion. This poll also appears in the October '09 issue of Horse & Rider. We'll print the results in a future issue.

--The H&R Editors

Which reply matches yours the closest?

1.RHAPSODY IN BLUE. I LOVE blue eyes on horses. That eye color really makes a horse stand out.

2. BLUES: CAN USE. Eye color makes no difference to me as long as the horse itself fits my needs.

3. GOT THEBLUE BLUES. I had a bad experience with a blue-eyed horse that now makes me avoid them.

4. TWO BLUES ONLY. I like horses with two blue eyes, but not ones with one blue eye and one brown.

5. BLUE? NO CAN DO. Sorry, but a blue-eyed horse just turns me off.

Help With Your Riding Confidence: What Are Your Issues?

Juli Thorson — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 18:52:37 GMT

Do you have fears about riding? A confidence issue that keeps you from saddling up as often as you'd like? A craving for advice that would help put fear behind you?

This is exactly the subject matter covered by Horse & Rider in "Julie Goodnight's Confidence Boosters," and we're looking for your real-life questions for her to tackle.

Post your dilemma/concern here, and we'll see that Julie receives it. Who knows--your problem may be the next one she helps ALL readers with in a future issue!

--The H&R Editors

Bit warmers

Brittany — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 01:56:58 GMT

Does any one have a pattern for a bit warmer? & what to fill inside of it thats microwavable & horse safe?

There are ones you can order off line that arent that expensive but making one would be so much more fun!

Contribute to this upcoming article: Grandparents with Horses

julithorson — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 20:02:24 GMT

Are you a horse owner who's also a grandparent? I'm working on a future H&R article that'll examine the effects of grandparenthood on the horse world, and have a few questions you could help me with. (FYI, the number of people becoming grandparents is seriously on the rise--by 2010, one in three Americands will be a grandparent, so it's bound to include a lot of horse people.)

1. What horse involvement, if any, are you able to provide for your grandchild/grandchildren?

2. Are the parents supportive, resistant, or neutral about your wanting to get the grandchild/grandchildren involved with horses?

3. What kinds of horse-interest purchases, if any, have you made on behalf of your grandchild/grandchildren? For instance: Have your purchased toys, books, clothing, child-sized tack,or other items that reflect a horse-related subject or interest?

If you choose to answer any of my questions, I'll need to know your name, and your city and state in order to incorporate any of your comments into the article.

I've been interested in this subject for several years, but didn't become a grandparent myself until just recently.

--Juli Thorson
H&R lifestyle editor

Weanling Progress Check--How's Yours Doing?

Juli Thorson — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 22:51:13 GMT

Are you raising a foal or weanling this year? If so, how's his progress coming along? Have you started any training yet--halter breaking, teaching to tie, picking up feet, and so forth? We'd love to know how it's going for you and your baby!

Be sure to check out August's issue of Horse & Rider, with its cover story on pre-school lessons for weanlings. In this article, Team H&R's Robin Gollehon offers a 10-point checklist of lessons that every young horse needs to learn, sooner or later. She also gives key tips that she applies to the young horses she and her husband, Roger, raise at their farm in Kentucky.

At H&R itself, we have one staff member--Editor/Associate Publisher Juli Thorson--who will be working with a weanling soon. She purchased an Appaloosa foal at 10 days old and will be bringing him home from his breeders as soon as he's weaned and ready to leave for a new home. "Smitty" has already made some appearances on Juli's blog (Juli Thorson's Horse Talk), and she'll keep you posted on him once she has him home.

Meanwhile--let's hear about YOUR horse kid!

--The H&R Editors

Equine College/Univerity Courses

Rockchic87 — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 15:58:04 GMT

Hi,

I am a 21 year old female currently living in the UK and I am looking to get some qualifications to work professionally in the equestrian world, but would like to come to the USA to do so (this would be in the Ohio area). I have equivilant to Highschool education an I am unaware where to start.

I am aware that equestrian studies courses are available but i cannot seem to find the right leads to help me on my way - Could anyone help??

Woodward Stakes this saturday

therightstuff — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 15:57:28 GMT

Rachel Alexanrda is attempting to be the first female to win the $750,000 Woodward Stakes this Saturday! Do you guys think she will win?? I hope she does that would be an amazing accomplishment. I'm definitely going to have to watch this, good thing they will be playing it live on tv. Hers the info for anyone interested: http://blogs.msg.com/gameon/2009/09/01/mitch-at-large-rachel-alexandra-ready-for-woodward-stakes/

of falls and fears

daveharper — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 19:16:49 GMT

I fell or should I say I got bucked off my horse last november, had broken ribs, small pnuemo thorax (blood in my lungs) broke my tailbone and my left wrist. Spent 4 days in the hospital on really good drugs for pain, was off work 3 months, got rid of the horse who threw me. I have a wonderful horse now that I love she is great, but I am still afraid of being thrown off, I take an anitaniexty drug so my horse will not feel my fear, had confidence classes anyone know how to get past this fear? I do still ride and am always glad I do, but I really hate being afraid of the initial fear. This is what happened with my first wreck, got on he bucked me off, we couldn't figure out why he did this. Any help will be appreciated.

Deb

Why Do you Choose H&R?

myhorsesandy — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:22:26 GMT

My favorite magazine is Horse and Rider, along with many of yours. What is your reason for liking H&R? I like to read it because it is full of little stories, and advice that could come to use any time of the day. Some things I wouldn't have been able to get done with out horse and rider. I also like the beautiful pictures of all the different types of horses, and the way it is so organized.

Tell us your favorite thing about H&R and why you choose it first when it comes to horses!

How Is The Economy Effecting Your Horse Life??

DixieChicka — Sun, 24 May 2009 17:36:26 GMT

My family and I currently own a thoroughbred training center here in the Southern states of the U.S.

However,since the downfall of the economy,our nation has gone into a recession,which I'm sure most of you are aware of.I was just curious as to see how this is affecting your horse life.

We are having some trouble hiring workers and keeping them because they want a little more than minimum wage for the hard labor we go through every morning.Unfortunatley,we cannot pay them much more for the plain and simple fact we have horses needs to tend to and bills to pay.Also,the horse racing industry is in a bit of trouble to.Money is really tight these days.

How are you all handling the situation?