Horsetuner.com | Sharing information about the care, training and riding of horses.

Horse Cheats Death and Becomes Horse of the Year!

2012-05-10T19:37:00.000-05:00

This is an incredible story. Watch this with a box of tissues! Click here for video.

Mustering the Courage to Ride Again

2012-01-22T13:24:00.002-06:00

Dear Horsetuner--

"Hi, I had a bad accident June 29th 2010. I was riding ( my first horse I had owned in over 15 years) and decided to canter him for the first time. I cantered around the ring once and he was fine I yelled for my kids to watch and cued him to canter again and he spooked ( I guess) don't really remember too much. and I fell off and he stepped right on my left ankle. He shattered my ankle and spent the next 7 months in a cast, after having surgery and having a lot of hardware put into my ankle to hold it together. I still loved my horse but my kids were afraid of him because they saw the accident so I bought a new horse who is very gentle my 5 y/o rides her. When I got on her she gets spooky and have fallen off 2x because of her spooks that are usually on my weak ankle side...On top of gaining 50+ lbs being stuck in a recliner for 7 months I am not in the best shape and any horse terrifies me. I desperately want to ride again but I have no confidence what so ever....I would love to have any input you can give me..."

Thanks, Karen

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Leave a comment for Karen by clicking the comment link below.

Meet Molly | One Resilient Pony!

2012-01-15T22:45:00.001-06:00

This was sent to me in one of those forwarded emails....so I can't state clearly its origin, but I thought I would share. (If someone knows, by all means let me know...)

It is truly a reminder and a testament to how resilient and brave animals can be! Truly amazing...

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She's a gray speckled pony who was abandoned by her owners when Hurricane Katrina hit southern Louisiana. She spent weeks on her own before finally being rescued and taken to a farm where abandoned animals were stockpiled. While there, she was attacked by a dog and almost died. Her gnawed right front leg became infected, and her vet went to LSU for help, but LSU was overwhelmed, and this pony was a welfare case. You know how that goes...

But after surgeon Rustin Moore met Molly, he changed his mind. He saw how the pony was careful to lie down on different sides so she didn't seem to get sores, and how she allowed people to handle her. She protected her injured leg. She constantly shifted her weight and didn't overload her good leg. She was a smart pony with a serious survival ethic.

Moore agreed to remove her leg below the knee, and a temporary artificial limb was built. Molly walked out of the clinic and her story really begins there.

'This was the right horse and the right owner,' Moore insists. Molly happened to be a one-in-a-million patient. She's tough as nails, but sweet, and she was willing to cope with pain. She made it obvious she understood that she was in trouble. The other important factor, according to Moore, is having a truly committed and compliant owner who is dedicated to providing the daily care required over the lifetime of the horse.

Molly's story turns into a parable for life in Post-Katrina Louisiana...The little pony gained weight, and her mane finally felt a comb. A human prosthesis designer built her a leg. The prosthetic has given Molly a whole new life, Allison Barca DVM, Molly's regular vet, reports.

And she asks for it. She will put her little limb out, and come to you and let you know that she wants you to put it on. Sometimes she wants you to take it off too. And sometimes, Molly gets away from Barca. 'It can be pretty bad when you can't catch a three-legged horse,' she laughs.

Most important of all, Molly has a job now. Kay, the rescue farm owner, started taking Molly to shelters, hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers. Anywhere she thought that people needed hope. Wherever Molly went, she showed people her pluck. She inspired people, and she had a good time doing it.

'It's obvious to me that Molly had a bigger role to play in life, Moore said. She survived the hurricane, she survived a horrible injury, and now she is giving hope to others.' Barca concluded, 'She's not back to normal, but she's going to be better. To me, she could be a symbol for New Orleans itself.'

This is Molly's most recent prosthesis. The bottom photo shows the ground surface that she stands on, which has a smiley face embossed in it. Wherever Molly goes, she leaves a smiley hoof print behind.

Girl + Horse Battle Grizzy & Win!!

2011-10-12T21:11:00.001-05:00

Proof!

2011-07-29T18:53:00.001-05:00

Proof that motherhood doesn't have to slow your horsey activities down!!...Hope Kali doesn't mind I'm sharing this...I think this is pretty amazing!! :)

Why Do Girls Love Horses, Unicorns And Dolphins?

2011-02-14T19:25:00.005-06:00

by The Kitchen Sisters

NPR PODCAST & ARTICLE:

"Why Do Girls Love Horses, Unicorns & Dolphins?"

..."By identifying with these dynamic, strong animals, Orenstein says, girls are expressing their own power...."

Sent to Horsetuner by of Diane Davis.

“Of Women and Horses” By: Larissa Cleveland

2011-01-29T21:07:00.007-06:00

“If you have it, it is for life, it is a disease for which there is no cure…I shall keep my horses as long as I can hobble about with a bucket and a wheelbarrow. And when I can’t hobble, I shall role my wheelchair out to the field where my horses graze, so that I may watch them.”

-Monica Dickens, author and great-granddaughter of Charles Dickens

The equestrian sport world is one of the few athletic competitions in which men and women compete side by side. It is a sport in which a man’s superior strength serves no advantage, and although physically taxing, a woman’s guidance, motherly instinct and intuition can serve as a gift more powerful than muscle alone. This body of work is inspired by my observations of horse and rider, and also by my own experiences as an equestrian for over fifteen years. It is my goal to illustrate the relationship between a woman and her horse through photography, resulting in a visual examination of the dedication and unspoken bond that exists between them. Larissa Cleveland

Click the images to enlarge.

Patches: The Coolest Horse!

2010-12-30T13:08:00.001-06:00

12 DAYS OF HORSEY DEALS!

2010-12-18T15:07:00.018-06:00

12 DAYS of HORSEY DEALS!

We tested and price compared...a present to you from Horsetuner.com & PonyPros.net!

#12!!--Ok @Rachelle you asked for it, and we delivered...On the 12th and final day of 12 Days of Horsey Deals, my barn cat gave to meeeee....12 Santa Hats for all my horses and ponies!! $9.99 http://tinyurl.com/24on53a Antler version: $14.99 http://tinyurl.com/25qtqon

#11--WHO DOESN'T LOVE A GREAT MULTI-TASKER?? On the 11th day of Christmas my barn cat gave to meeee.....11 SEAT BELT COVERS! WHAT?!?!...Oh yes, these super cheap, Velcro seat belt covers from Walmart make awesome nose band covers for Western or English Bridles or Halters! GREAT, last minute stocking stuffer!...and since they are so cheap, you won't feel bad if you have to cut them to fit!

#10--On the tenth day of Christmas my barn cat gave to me.... 10...Kensington All Around Thermal Saddle Bags!...made of ballistic insulated nylon! These saddle bags can be attached to Western, English or Aussie cantles! http://tinyurl.com/3a22w82 $55.95 We love these saddle bags because they are easily wiped down and LIGHT unlike heavy, leather saddle bags. The parachute clasps are secure...and who says saddle bags have to be dreary colors like black and brown?? Ride in style!!....Need a check list of what to include?? Take a look at this article from May! http://tinyurl.com/37k5rfe

#9--For once, not only TREAT your horse, treat yourself...with LUXURY! This is a UNIVERSAL saddle seat saver. Yes, it's a tad of a splurge, and yes, there are cheaper versions.....but we really liked this pad because 1) it's universal so if you have English/Western/Aussie riders in your family or even if you ride in multiple saddles you can still use this pad. 2) The pad is washable sheepskin 3) adjustable with elastic fasteners 4) its a wider pad that covers more of the saddles' seat (and your seat ;) ) and 5) it isn't bulky and doesn't deflate over time. :) http://tinyurl.com/33tcho3 $105 Comes in In black, brown or natural.

#8--BECAUSE WE AREN'T ALL A SIZE 2--For the second to the last spot, we are awarding "Equestrian Collections" with the "Most Realistic Riding Pants Award" for the widest selection of PLUS SIZE styles on the web! We love that there is a wide array of colors, styles and sizes to fit a plethora of riders, young and old. http://tinyurl.com/26gyxgz **Use promo code 'HELLO' to get $5 off!**

#7--On the SEVENTH day of Christmas my barn kitty gave to meeee.....7 Plastic Hoof Picks!!....Soooo why did we pick these picks??...Well, if you're like us at horsetuner, you are always misplacing your picks...but when the pick is only $1.50!! you can afford to buy a few and pepper them through out your barn and tack r...oom....so you never skip this very important step in horse care again! Also, since this pick is very lightweight it's perfect for little, young hands! GREAT stocking stuffer! http://www.tackwholesale.com/hoof-pick-with-brush-closeup2-771.html

#6--What do you get for the equestrian in your life that already has all their equipment?? A SADDLE CADDY! Not only is this caddy HEAVY DUTY and has two ways of positioning it, IT COMES IN PINK! (or black) This caddy is perfect for SHOWING or SCHOOLING, for youths or adult equestrians, for English or Western saddles! $60. http://tinyurl.com/29tgynb

#5--On the FIFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS MY BARN CAT GAVE TO ME...Super warm, waterproof, sturdy blanket for 1/3 the average cost! $67 Dura-Tech® VIKING II Turnouts:
http://www.sstack.com/euro-turnouts/dura-tech-viking-ii-turnouts/ ...And it has warmth levels! Warmth Levels: Heavyweight (400 gm insulation), Midweight (200 gm insulation), Sheet (no insulation).

#4--On the FOURTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS MY BARN CAT GAVE TO ME...Fooouurr $46.90 ($36.90 with our coupon code!!) Ovation™ Deluxe Schooler Helmets!....Looks like a GPA or International but waaaay less expensive! (Pending SEI certification). Try coupon code "TENOFF" with DoverSaddlery.com to get $10 off your purchase! http://tinyurl.com/2e6t9ey -- If you're a stickler for SEI cert., check out this one. http://tinyurl.com/29cd8wv We love this helmet for its ventalation--Perfect for hot summer months!

#4 ACCESSORY -- Ok, I'm the FIRST to admit this visor is pretty silly looking, and it makes you look a little like Laura from Little House on the Prairie....BUT in 95 degree heat, you will do ANYTHING to stay cool and keep the sun out of your eyes...especially if you need to cool down your favorite furry friends! Check out this link to buy one for $36 bucks (one of the cheapest links I found)....Scroll down the page to see some other very nice looking hats that offer 380 degree protection. http://tinyurl.com/2bq4z68 :)

#3--On the THIRD DAY OF CHRISTMAS MY BARN CAT GAVE TO ME....THREEEEE $69 Riding Sport Winter Bootcut Breeches!....Almost as warm as snowpants with 1/4 the bulk! And we especially love how they look over paddock boots! http://tinyurl.com/2857j4u This one even COMES WITH A COUPON TIP from @KaliKiger! = Try coupon code "TENOFF" with DoverSaddlery.com to get $10 off your purchase!

#2--On the SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS MY BARN CAT GAVE TO ME....TWOOOO Synthetic Children's Lead Line Saddle SET w/ Pad!...Kali recommends this set, again, not only for its crazy awesome price but because its "Great to have a saddle around parents can borrow and you don't have to worry about oiling." Kali practices natural horsemanship and generally strays away from saddles with trees, so this saddle is a great alternative to a traditional "tree-ed" saddle! Super comfy on long trail rides!...and if anyone knows a great children's saddle, it's the folks from PonyPros. http://tinyurl.com/278zfh8

We also love these....Horsey Christmas Lights! http://tinyurl.com/36vhywh

#1--On the FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS MY BARN CAT GAVE TO ME....OOOONE $60 Closed Front Winter Blanket w/ Belly Band! (originally $160!!) http://tinyurl.com/2cmctwu @KaliKiger chose this particular blanket, not only for its price, but for its ability to keep bellies clean and dry (especially on her light colored ponies!)...which we all know is crucial for optimum winter health. We also like this blanket because it adjusts well to different size barrels....which may fluctuate some, especially in the winter months! ;)

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DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!!!

2010-12-13T16:03:00.002-06:00

YIKES!!!--On this week's episode of "16 and Pregnant" on MTV we meet Kayla, a southern belle who loves being near the stables. In this sneak peek below, she cautiously takes her NEWBORN baby, Rylan, for a ride. It starts off shaky, but thankfully she decides to hand Rylan off to his father before continuing on the bumpy excursion...

Great night for trail riding!

2010-12-13T15:43:00.004-06:00

Great night for trail riding!!--Don't miss the best meteor shower of 2010 TONIGHT
http://huff.to/fKaO40

Stargazers are in for a treat tonight as the annual Geminid meteor shower is set to peak in the early hours of December 14, 2010. According to The AP, astronomers predict that it will be the best meteor shower of the year, with over 100 blazing meteors streaking through the sky each hour.

While the entire shower should be somewhat visible between December 12 and December 16, the best time to watch is between midnight tonight and sunset tomorrow morning, with ideal visibility in the Northern Hemisphere.

The meteors will appear to fall from the Gemini constellation, thus the reason for its name, so face northeast to witness the spectacle.

According to National Geographic, Geminid is the only annual meteor shower though to come from an asteroid-like object, known as 3200 Phaethon, a three-mile-wide space rock discovered by a NASA satellite in 1983.

WATCH THESE HOT STUDS!!.....And the guys aren't bad too ;)

2010-12-09T10:38:00.001-06:00

Equestrian superstar Nacho Figueras talks polo, fame and his love of horses!--Be sure to watch until the middle when they explain the 123s of polo.

10 DAYS OF HORSEY HOLIDAY DEALS

2010-12-07T12:22:00.002-06:00

We are kicking off our 10 DAYS OF HORSEY HOLIDAY DEALS with the help of Kali Kiger from PonyPros!

Exclusively on our Facebook Page. Come "like" us and join the conversation!

VIDEOS OF THE WEEK

2010-11-17T12:13:00.001-06:00

Choosing a Horse Based on the Weather?? by Soso Whaley

2010-11-05T11:20:00.022-05:00

When looking for a new horse, what is your main criteria for choosing one horse over another? Looks? Training? Breed? Age? When you choose a horse do you ever think about what type of horse would do best in the weather conditions prevalent in your area? Or does the ability of the horse to withstand extreme weather conditions appear way down on your list of needs in an equine companion?

Granted there are lots of reasons for choosing a horse but the ability of the horse to deal with the weather conditions found where you live is too often overlooked. I remember when I decided to purchase my first equine I chose a Mule, not only because they are extremely intelligent, but because they are capable of withstanding extreme temperature ranges such as is found in New Hampshire where I live. For me this was a top of the list item because I had a nice shed and paddock area for my Mule but it was rough and I was worried that if I acquired an equine more suited for warmer climates that they would be negatively impacted by our cold weather extremes. I wanted an animal I did not have to worry about blanketing in the dead of winter or keeping cool on the most tropical New England day and I was lucky to have found that in my Mule.

When I decided to acquire a horse I chose a Mustang, which just like the Mule, was very adaptable to changing weather conditions and extremes and I was not disappointed in her ability to withstand some of the worst New England had to throw at her. Of course I am well aware of what might have happened if I had chosen poorly, and I only hope that you might consider moving the adaptability of the horse to your weather to at least the top 5 criteria when choosing an animal.

Most horses can adapt well to colder weather as long as they have shelter from the wind, rain and snow. Believe it or not a south-facing three-sided shelter with straw bedding is sufficient for most horses to get through the roughest winter. Of course when temps drop you need to feed extra hay as a little extra fat helps to fend off the cold. Make sure to use your hands as well as your eyes to track winter weight so your horse does not get thin under a winter coat.

Ideally, you should be able to allow your horse to grow a normal winter coat but this is difficult if it is stabled inside all winter. To be honest horses are much healthier and happier when they are allowed to move in and out of their shelter freely and their coat will develop accordingly to the weather based on the amount of daylight and temperature range. However, if your horse is stabled and spends most of the time in the barn then you will need to blanket it but you will also need to make sure to adjust your care regimen to make sure the horse is brushed out on a regular basis and that they are not standing around in wet blankets. The very act of removing the horses’ ability to develop a normal coat during the winter increases the chance that your horse will experience health problems so it will be up to you to be vigilant.

When you have extreme temperature ranges such as here in New England you definitely want to choose a breed that is hearty and able to withstand sudden changes of hot and cold weather. But what if you live in a more temperate area? Well then you will not have to worry about extremes of cold and heat and can have a bit more flexibility when choosing a horse. What if you live in a more tropical or desert environment? Certain horses were bred in particular areas of the world in an effort to create the “perfect” breed for man’s needs, able to work and live in some of the most extreme climates around the world as well as more temperate places.

For instance, hot blooded horses like Thoroughbreds and Arabians can do very well in extremely cold climates as long as you allow them to develop proper winter coats; however, even these winter warriors cannot withstand the coldest temperatures if you insist on keeping them clipped or do not allow their winter coats to grow properly due to stabling them for long periods of time. These two also have the ability to withstand extremely high temperatures as well which is one of the reasons these two breeds are so popular with people in a lot of different areas of the world.

Cold blooded horses such as Clydesdales and Gypsy Cobs can take extreme cold temperatures with a woolly coat but you might find them more difficult to maintain in an extremely hot/tropical environment. By the way some ponies are also cold blooded and very good at taking extreme weather changes. Surprisingly most horses will adapt much better to extreme cold than extreme heat but you do need to maintain them properly for the conditions, hay and water being just as important as shelter and a windbreak.

As for warm blooded horses, these sport animals are neither cold nor hot blooded and not always crosses between the two. It is more about "type" rather than breeding. Generally large animals that are more refined these horses can also survive some large temperature swings but might not do as well in some of the most "extreme" weather around the world. So the good news is that most horses can stand extreme temperature changes and weather but the bad news is that it is up to the owner to be vigilant about making sure their horse is properly prepared to face the cold days of winter or the hot, steamy days of summer.

You might take time to look at what type(s) of horse was bred in your part of the world in order to help you make a better decision about the type of horse to bring into your life. Granted you might have certain goals such as hunter/jumper, dressage, barrel racing, reigning but you should also consider how a horse might be affected by the weather in your hometown and whether you can provide them with the best conditions possible to help them survive weather extremes as well as those beautiful days that are so perfect for riding.

by Soso Whaley --an animal-trainer & enthusiast from Kensington, New Hampshire (seen above)

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Horses in Costume!! Happy Halloweeeeen!

2010-10-31T17:31:00.004-05:00

Zoey, Katelynn & Emma Share Their Perspective on Ponies and Riding :: Bend, Oregon

2010-10-06T16:30:00.031-05:00

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Three young students from Bend, Oregon's PonyPros share their thoughts on ponies and riding. All three girls are students of Kali & Les Kiger's. Some of you might remember Kali Kiger (formerly Kali Vanagas) who shared an amazing podcast about Trailering Your Horse back in June. I'm sure we all can relate to the excitement surrounding our first experiences with horses, ponies, training and riding...but these girls are accomplishing things some of us have taken years to perfect (if at all)!

(Click the images to enlarge)

Zoey, 9

My name is Zoey and I am nine years old. My pony, Wallie, is four years old. We have been working together for one year. When I got him, Wallie had never been ridden. Now we can canter, jump, and trail ride, and I can stand on his back. Wallie is 11'2h. He is a small Section B Welsh pony.

When I arrive at the barn, I halter my pony, walk to the barn, and groom him. Sometimes I put a saddle or bareback pad on him, sometimes not. Then, we walk to the arena. I have two warm up routines: PonyPros' Travel Together, Particular Pressure, and Laterals, or the Parelli 7 games for days when Wallie needs a longer warm up. After warming up, I hop on Wallie and walk or trot around the arena.

After I ride for about thirty minutes or an hour, I get off and give him love. Sometimes we stop part way through to give his back a rest and play with the beanbag or ball. Sometimes I untack in the arena, hang the bareback pad or saddle on the fence (if I am riding with tack, that is), and play at liberty for awhile. Then, I give Wallie his supplement and we walk back to Wallie's pasture. I remove his halter and hang it on the gate. He returns to his pen to play with his pony friends. I clean up the arena and head home.

Working with horses is really cool and I know that I am very lucky to be doing what I do. What I like about working with horses is that you can learn from your mistakes and from your horse. Also, Wallie teaches me to be patient when he is learning a new trick. When I am working with Wallie, I am thinking a lot about how he feels, whether we are on the ground or not. Other times, when we are riding, I am thinking about where I want to go.

When I see Wallie, I feel happy. Wallie is funny and he makes me laugh. I feel understood when I am with Wallie. For example, with when I am sad, he slows down and is more cooperative.

I would like to thank Kali and Les, my teachers, because they have taught me natural horsemanship and clicker training, and how to work with my pony.

Katelynn, 13

My name is Katelynn and I am 13 years old. I started with PonyPros when I was 11. I have been playing with an amazing 10-year-old Arabian/Paint cross pony named Quick Draw McGraw. He is named after a popular old cartoon because he looks similar to the hero of the show, Quick Draw!

I want to spend all of my free time with the great ponies at PonyPros because it is always great to just play and be with them. While I’m with my pony, I am thinking how lucky I am to be part of this great organization because they paired me up with my absolute perfect pony! Quick Draw is goofy yet loveable, always trying to impress you but knows his manners, and always tries to please.

PonyPros is a great organization that really wants to help kids just like me. It is great for kids who have wanted their own pony to play with ever since they can remember, but never had the time or space for one. Without PonyPros, I wouldn’t have the opportunity to learn natural horsemanship or play with a pony. I come out 3-5 days a week, and on weekends, spend about three hours a day. I am a pony addict! Not only did PonyPros allow me to be with ponies, but also to meet new friends! Most of the kids in the PonyPros program are around my age and enjoy the same things I do…PONIES!

PonyPros doesn’t just help kids it also helps ponies. Over half of the ponies, including my pony, Quick Draw, are rescues! Most unique of all, PonyPros doesn’t use bits and we do most of our riding bareback! What we typically learn at PonyPros is how to play with the ponies on the ground using natural horsemanship and clicker training. I am grateful to be part of this great organization!

Emma, 13

My name is Emma and I am 13 years old. I have been riding with Kali and Les for about 8 months. Before I became a PonyPro, I had ridden a couple times on the pony rides at fair and was lead on a horse when I was young. The first time I ever rode by myself was on my friend’s horse, but that was nothing like what I do now. What I rode like then was with a harsh bit and just in a side pasture on my friend’s farm, but now I ride without a bit in an actual arena and I enjoy it so much!

At PonyPros, I started with a pony named Thistle. She is a Section A Welsh pony, 11 years old, buckskin and 12’1h tall. When Thistle first came to the ranch, I saw her and knew I wanted to work with her. My trainer, Kali, told me she was nothing like I ever worked with before. She said that she had heard that Thistle was very difficult to manage and had never had any training, but that didn’t stop me!

I remember the first day I worked with Thistle. She hated be touched, so I rubbed her all over and eventually, she let me lay on her back and slide off her rump. Then I remember actually sitting on her back - it was so fat! She was a pasture pony before she came to the PonyPros. When I finally asked her to walk off, she wouldn’t move unless the two other ponies that were getting ridden for the first time also were with her. We came up with nick names for them - we called them “the smore” because one was a liver Chestnut so he was chocolate, and one was white, so he was the marshmallow. Then thistle was the gram cracker because she is buckskin!

After I worked with Thistle for a while, I started to work with one of Kali’s ponies that she owns. His name is Sam. Sam is a 13h Section B Welsh gelding. He is bay with 4 socks and a stripe. With Sam, I work on my focus, because on Thistle, I wasn’t that focused. Thistle would just go when you wanted her to, but with Sam you have to be very focused for him to cooperate with you. When I am with Sam, I feel really happy, but when I am on Sam, I feel like I am in a fantasy. I am a princess and he is my trusty steed. Sam makes me feel happy and he helps me learn so much when I am riding him. Each time I ride him, I learn something new about him or about me and riding. He is so funny - he knows how to do a bunch of tricks, and he is a silly pony - he likes to show off for people. He loves to perform and show everyone what he can do. I like playing with him. If I didn’t have horses in my life I don’t know what I would do. I think my life would fall apart! So I am glad to have Kali and Les in my life. Without them I wouldn’t have horses in my life...Well, I probably would, but it wouldn’t be as fun as it is now!

Commemorating a Friend

2010-09-25T13:10:00.011-05:00

These photographs were taken a few weeks ago by a friend of mine in Colorado named Justin VanAlstyne. Sadly, Justin was hired to commemorate the last few days of "Demon" who was in a lot of pain and needed to be put down. He was beautifully paid tribute to in these wonderful photographs. To see more of Justin's photo work check out:
www.etsy.com/shop/jmvdigital.

Click to Enlarge Images

The funny photography work of Julian Wolkenstein

2010-09-24T22:47:00.007-05:00

Click to enlarge images

My Life As A Mounted Games Rider!

2010-09-03T11:43:00.021-05:00

By Kyley DiLuigi

PaintingPony.com

I was 14 when I was first introduced to mounted games in 1998. I was fairly new to the United States Pony Club organization, having joined with my Arabian/Welsh cross pony, Oopsie Daisy. Oopsie and I loved Dressage – rare for a 14 year old – while most kids my age were into jumping and eventing. Oopsie hated to jump, and I preferred the intricate movements and the complexities that Dressage provided.

Sadly, I was beginning to outgrow my beloved 13.3 hand pony, and it wouldn’t be long before I couldn’t jack the stirrups up any higher to accommodate my long legs. Fearing the day that I would have to give up competing (or worse sell) my equine partner, a fellow pony clubber suggested I try Mounted Games. I didn’t really know what it was, but she told me that riders competed on ponies, and it didn’t matter how big you looked on them.

I went to watch the Eastern PA regional Mounted Games Rally, and instantly I was hooked. I watched as riders of all ages vaulted onto ponies at a gallop, weaved through bending poles, and popped balloons. But what I noticed the most was their ponies’ skills and connection to their riders. The ponies halted squarely from a gallop so their riders could put a flag in a cone, they spun on their haunches around barrels, and they even did flying lead changes! It was like Dressage at warp speed and more fun!

I signed up for the next mounted games practice with my club, and spent the next few weeks trying to teach myself how to vault onto my pony – surprisingly with success. From that very first practice, weaving through bending poles with Oopsie, as he switched leads every stride, I knew this was "my sport."

To best explain the sport, it involves a team of riders (typically 4 with 1 alternate) who participate in relay type races on horseback. The team who finishes the race first gets the highest points. At the end of a competition, the team with the highest points wins.

To begin a race riders stand at a starting line, waiting for a flag to drop. The first rider will complete a specific task (each race is different and has a different set of rules), they then cross the change over line allowing the next rider on their team to go. When the last rider on the team (signified by a white helmet cover or band) crosses the finish line the team’s placing is set. A team can, however, be eliminated for various things during the course of a race, such as not properly completing the race, breaking equipment, interfering with another team’s play, hitting a pony. Elimination results in 0 points for the race, and for less serious offenses disqualification results in 1 point.

Mounted Games is one of the very few equestrian sports that require a team. In general horseback riding is a fairly solitude sport. You may Event or do Dressage with a team, but you are scored individually and your points are added to your overall team score. Mounted Games is different in that you have to rely on your teammates, one of you fails (or messes up) and you all fail.

I believe Mounted Games is one of the most physically and emotionally demanding sports for both horse and rider. Ponies need to be fairly bombproof, with the ability to control their emotions in a race setting. How many racehorses do you see coming to a complete halt in the middle of a race? The best games ponies are versatile, and have a special connection with their riders. I spend years training my ponies, with Dressage as a basis to all of it, before I introduce them to competition. My current mount, Chesapeake Boomerang, competes in a bitless bridle, and has what I believe to be one of the best halts out on the playing field.

The best thing about Mounted Games is that it's for everyone! There are divisions for adults, novice, intermediate, and advanced riders, and there is probably a group of players in your area! And this year, for the first time ever, Mounted Games will be showcased during the World Equestrian Games in KY. Riders from England, Canada, New Zealand, Wales, Germany, Australia, and the US will compete. More information can be found at www.wegames.us

Find Mounted Games Players in Your Area:

Mounted Games Across America :: www.mountedgames.org
The United States Pony Club :: www.games.ponyclub.org
United States Mounted Games Association :: www.usmga.us
International Mounted Games Association :: www.mounted-games.org
(Find links to your countries specific Mounted Games site here)
Iron Horse Farm in Eastern PA :: www.ironhorsefarmpa.com

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Grand Prix Dressage without a Bridle!

2010-08-28T16:31:00.001-05:00

Horse Trivia! :: The Highest Jumper

2010-08-23T11:19:00.006-05:00

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Huaso (1933 - August 24, 1961) was the horse that, ridden by Chilean Captain Alberto Larraguibel, set the high-jump world record on February 5, 1949, by jumping 2.47 meters (8 ft. 2 in.), in Viña del Mar, Chile, one of the longest-running unbroken sport records in history (61 years as of 2010.)

Color: Chestnut
Markings: Star, forehead
Height: 16.1 hh (165 cm)
Sex: Stallion
Breed: Thoroughbred
Breeding: By Henry Lee; out of Trémula
Riders: Gaspar Lueje & Alberto Larraguibel

Share this story with all your horsey friends: Molly The Three Legged Pony

2010-08-16T10:30:00.000-05:00

Kerstin BREIN "HORSE SHOW"

2010-08-14T10:47:00.000-05:00

MOBILE UPLOAD: Argentinian Gaucho, Buenos Aires, Argentina

2010-08-10T11:23:00.005-05:00

An Argentinian gaucho grabs a ring with the tip of a feather on horseback. Buenos Aires, Argentina
(Click image to enlarge.)