LA Equestrian

Three Yoga Poses for Equestrians

2012-09-19T17:20:00.001-07:00

by Melissa Krumholt

The popularity of yoga has spurred the growth of yoga geared toward specific sports activities, such as tennis and running. Horseback riding is no exception. Whether you ride to compete or simply for pleasure, your balance and comfort in the saddle can be improved by practicing a few yoga postures and simple breathing techniques

Focus on Good Posture

Good posture is essential while horseback riding, and the regular practice of yoga promotes good posture. In the saddle, the back should be straight but not stiff, and there should be a natural curvature in the lower spine. Downward Facing Dog is central to many styles of yoga because it elongates the spine, which encourages good posture. To begin, come to your hands and knees on a yoga mat. Bring your hands forward about 3 to 4 inches, tuck your toes under and press your hips toward the ceiling, bringing the body into a V-shape. As you press your hands firmly into the mat and work on moving your heels toward the floor (they may not reach in the beginning), you should feel your back muscles and hamstrings stretch and lengthen. Hold the pose for 5 to 10 deep breaths and then return to hands and knees. Repeat this exercise at least five times to increase suppleness in the spine.

Loosen the Hips

Riding horses puts a lot of strain on the hip flexors from the action of straddling a saddle and balancing there for long periods. Regular stretching of the hip flexors will make riding more comfortable, and it will also allow a deeper, thus safer, seat. Equestrians can practice Bound Angle Pose to open and stretch the hips. To move into this posture, sit on your mat and bring the soles of your feet together allowing your bent knees to gently fall out to the sides. Do not force the stretch, but rather, let gravity take over as your knees move toward the floor. If you want a deeper stretch you can slowly fold your upper body forward over the soles of your feet. Be sure to stop when you feel sensation in your hips. Hold this pose for 30 seconds to 2 minutes, remembering to focus on your breath.

Stretch the Shoulders

There are many yoga postures for stretching the shoulders, but one that is particularly beneficial to equestrians is the pose called Wide-Legged Forward Bend with hands clasped behind the back, also known as Prasarita Padottanasana C. This posture will not only provide an excellent stretch for the shoulders, it will also stretch the hamstrings, which tend to get short and tight from riding. Begin by standing sideways on your mat with your legs extended into a wide stance, making sure that your feet are parallel to each other. From here, clasp your hands behind your back and take a deep inhale. Exhale as you fold forward bringing your head toward the floor. If it is accessible, you can extend your hands further over your head for a more intense stretch in the shoulders. Hold this posture for 5 to 10 breaths.

Focus on Your Breath

Breath is vital to the practice of yoga. Focusing on the breath while practicing yoga helps to center and calm the mind – qualities that are also important when riding a horse. Simply remind yourself to return to your breath when your mind begins to wander. With practice, focusing on your breath will become second nature on the mat and on your horse.

Natural Horsemanship with Carole Gallegos - Part 2

2010-04-06T20:54:00.001-07:00

Continuing from Part 1 of the natural horsemanship series, Carole Gallegos demonstrates the Porcupine Game. This is the second of the Seven Games developed by Pat Parelli.

Watching Carole work with her bay colored Arabian, Durango, it is clear that the two have a solid connection. Durango's eyes are fixed on Carole, as if to say, “Ok. Now what?” He is genuinely eager to please. This is the desired result from doing this groundwork – to form a bond and create a space of mutual respect so that the horse wants to do what you ask.

The Porcupine Game, or the “finger game,” teaches the horse to give to pressure. Gallegos uses her index finger and thumb to press on Durango’s face. She starts by applying light pressure, gradually increasing that pressure until he takes a step back. As soon as he gives to the pressure by taking a step back, she releases the pressure and rewards him with a gentle pat on his neck.

When the pressure is applied to his poll he willingly drops his head into a relaxed position, with his muzzle nearly touching the ground. Again, Carole quickly releases the pressure on his poll as soon as Durango gives to the pressure by dropping his head.

It is important to apply pressure very lightly in the beginning, as that might be enough for some horses, and then increase pressure in increments until you get the desired result. The second the horse does what you ask, immediately release the pressure and follow with a friendly pat to let him know that he has performed well.

For a more in depth, hands on lesson in this groundwork, you can contact Carole Gallegos on (818) 434-1782 or email her at cowgirlcarole@gmail.com.

The next installment of Natural Horsemanship with Carole Gallegos will be Parelli’s third game called the Driving Game.

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Natural Horsemanship with Carole Gallegos - Part 1

2010-04-03T13:28:00.000-07:00

Carole Gallegos of Glendale loves to practice and teach the natural horsemanship methods she has learned by watching Pat Parelli and Clinton Anderson. She demonstrated Parelli’s Seven Games this week with one of her horses, Durango.

These games are designed to build trust between you and your horse, and most importantly to get his attention on you while you’re on the ground, so that he will give you his attention when you're in the saddle.

The first game is called the Friendly Game. Gallegos demonstrated by touching her horse with her hands all over his body to find his “friendly” spots and to find the spots, if any, where he does not like to be touched.

“Clinton Anderson will call these spots ‘Oh No!’ spots,” says Gallegos. “That is the place you want to touch because if your horse is head shy he is always going to be head shy if you don’t work on touching his head.”

She recommends using rhythmic motion and consistent pressure, avoiding “sneaky” or predator-like movements. If you move too slowly towards your horse he might perceive that as predatory behavior and you’ll freak him out.

Most importantly, take your time. If you have a horse with an area in which he is particularly shy, don’t expect to fix the problem overnight. Consistency and patience are important here.

For a more in depth and hands on lesson in this groundwork, you can contact Carole Gallegos on (818) 434-1782 or email her at cowgirlcarole@gmail.com.

The next installment of Natural Horsemanship with Carole Gallegos will be Parelli’s second game called the Porcupine Game.

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Easter Service at Easter Field

2010-03-30T19:48:00.000-07:00

Maybe you have heard of Easter Field, but do you know the story of its name? The wide open space known as Easter Field is just over the foot bridge that crosses a narrow vein of the LA River, adjacent to the LA Equestrian Center.

On any given day you might find riders moving through their paces, hand walking, or lunging their steeds at Easter Field. At other times, it might be chockablock with horse trailers used to haul equine competitors to events held at the LA Equestrian Center. It is a common use space known simply as Easter Field.

Corral 38, the Griffith Park chapter of Equestrian Trails, Inc., has been organizing and sponsoring an Easter service at Easter Field since 1988, but it was Carmen Dirigo of Corral 17 that founded the event back in the 1960s. At that time, there was a traditional Easter sunrise service, a bonnet contest for the horses, and an Easter egg hunt for the children. And so, "Easter Field" was born.

Corral 38 is keeping the tradition alive by offering a non-denominational service at Easter Field this Sunday, April 4, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. There will be an Easter egg hunt for children under 12, and an Easter bonnet contest for the horses. That's right - you can put a bonnet on your horse. He will hate you for it, but hey, it's only one day a year - make him earn those carrots and apples!

There will also be plenty of fun and games on horseback for all ages. All riders, carriages and even those on foot are welcomed and encouraged to join in the fun. This is not your average Easter celebration, so forget the Easter frock and wear something comfortable.

The bonnet contest will include funniest bonnet, most original bonnet, prettiest bonnet, among other categories. The horseback games will include favorites like egg and spoon, the ring toss, musical cones, water glass, and more.

Prizes will be awarded. Coffee and doughnuts will be served. Come join the fun!

By car, Easter Field is located at the end of Western Avenue, one block south of Riverside Drive. Click here for a map.

Wild Horses Just North of Los Angeles

2010-03-30T16:06:00.000-07:00

It might seem unbelievable, but there are wild horses just a scenic drive north of LA. Return to Freedom American Wild Horse Sanctuary in Lompoc, California offers unique tours and educational experiences, as well as the opportunity to be a part of the movement to save the American Wild Horse.

This is a wonderful opportunity to view wild horses in their natural environment, learn about the plight of the American Wild Horse, and the work Return to Freedom is doing to help save the dwindling number of horses in the wild due to government round-ups and slaughter.

A life-long dream was realized in 1997 when Neda DeMayo founded Return to Freedom to create a refuge for displaced wild horses. Today it is home to roughly 200 horses and burros. The horses live in herds, or family bands, roaming free on wide open spaces just as they would in the wild. DeMayo's sanctuary places top priority on the relocation of entire family bands, respecting the tight familial bond within wild herds.

Sadly, round-ups and slaughter of wild horses has become a gruesome and heart-breaking reality in recent years. According to Return to Freedom's website, "A continued and aggressive wild horse removal policy has resulted in more wild horses now living in captivity than that which remain in the wild." To learn more about these government round-ups and what you can do to help, visit the website of the American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign.

Bristol MacDonald of Burbank has been a steadfast supporter of Return to Freedom and its cause for many years. Through artistic photography she has been able to capture the beauty, elegance and spirit of her equine subjects, and strives to inspire the public to extend the respect and protection these animals deserve.

“It is my greatest desire that my art touch the human spirit and encourage Americans to speak out on behalf of wild horses across the nation. We need to be their voice.”

She donates a portion of all sales of her work to help support the sanctuary and its goals to save the American Wild Horse.

"I work with Return to Freedom because I love what they represent - a safe haven for these majestic animals, allowing them to live in a natural habitat with their family bands, preserving rare genetic blood lines, as well as promoting conservation and education," says MacDonald.

To schedule a visit to the sanctuary simply email or call (805) 737-9246. They offer a number of educational tours and events. You can find more information about their calendar of events and suggested donations, as they are a non-profit organization, on their website.

Return to Freedom is a rare gem dedicated to protecting American Wild Horses, but they need support to continue their good work for these beautiful animals. Your visit and donation is a contribution you can really feel good about. This little break from the city is good for the soul.

Buy or Lease?

2010-02-19T16:06:00.000-08:00

Many horse lovers opt to lease a horse rather than own. Once the cost of owning a horse in LA is considered and the time commitment required, busy Angelinos might find that a half-leased horse is a better choice.

The terms and price of a lease will vary, but in general the lessee pays the owner a set amount each month in exchange for use of their horse on certain days and times. For example, a horse owner makes his horse available to another rider 3-4 days a week in exchange for a portion of the cost of maintaining the horse each month.

The monthly rate of a half-lease will vary depending on the cost of the monthly board and the cost of maintaining the horse's hooves - shoeing or barefoot trimming. The lessee is typically not expected to cover medical expenses or supplements, but this is not always the case.

Rates for a half-lease generally fall somewhere between $200 - $400 per month for 3-4 days per week. It is usually understood that the horse is being shared with only one other person - the owner or another half-lessee. It would be unfair to pay for an overworked horse.

Occasionally, it is possible to find a lease for one or two days a week. When you consider that renting a horse is $25 per hour and rental horses are sent out on the trail as many times per day as business dictates, leasing is pretty attractive.

Finding a lease is the tricky part. A good place to start is at local feed stores like Damoor's and Stephen's. The sales clerks are very knowledgeable about the area and might be able to offer a lead or two. Check for ads on store bulletin boards or post a want ad detailing what you are looking for.

Another good place to look is on the public bulletin board at the end of Mariposa Street near the entrance to the foot bridge that crosses the LA River. Craigslist.org is another good resource.

If riding on a regular basis sounds good to you, but committing to ownership seems intimidating, taking on a half-lease is an excellent place to start. You will need to do a little foot work to find a horse, but it will be worth it to have a privately owned and well maintained horse to ride.

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Hunter/Jumper Show this weekend at the LAEC

2010-02-18T12:59:00.000-08:00

This Friday, February 19th through Sunday, February 21, Langer Equestrian Group is presenting the Gold Coast 1 hunter/jumper show at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center.

Come watch talented equestrians and their equine athletes compete for prizes. Jumpers start in the Equidome on Friday at 8:00 a.m., followed by pony jumpers after 2:00. Hunters will be in the large outdoor oval ring and the east ring at 8:30 a.m.

Saturday's schedule includes more jumpers in the Equidome, and equitation on the flat in the large oval ring. The weather report says we are expecting rain on Saturday, so the Equidome might be a good place to spend the morning and/or afternoon.

The Equestrian Center also has a gift shop and tack store that are great for meandering in between events. Glenroy's gift shop also serves coffee.

Click here for the complete detailed schedule for the weekend. You can also call Langer Equestrian Group directly on (818) 567-7317.

Can you afford a horse in LA?

2010-02-01T19:37:00.000-08:00

Horse ownership can be demanding of your wallet and your time, but the rewards are tremendous. What is the real cost of owning a horse in a city like Los Angeles? It might not be as expensive as you think.

First of all, your horse will need a place to live. Unless you live in house that is zoned for horses, like the Burbank Equestrian Rancho, you're going to need to pick a stable where you will board your horse.

You can find stalls starting around $400 per month. That includes hay and mucking. You will need to pay for any extras like turning your horse out in the stables' arena, assuming they have one, and any other supplements you decide to provide.

Secondly, there will be vet bills. If you are lucky, it will only be a twice a year call for vaccinations that will run from about $75-$100, and once a year dental care around $200. You can always lower the cost of the vet by sharing the "call charge," that is the charge of just getting the vet to show up, with other horse owners at your barn.

Should your horse fall ill, vet bills can quickly add up. Making sure your horse is vaccinated on a regular schedule, taking care of his teeth, and maintaining a consistent diet will help keep him healthy.

Your horse will also need hoof care. If you choose to use shoes, find a reputable farrier and have your horse shod every 6 to 8 weeks. If you decide to go barefoot (check with your vet) there are several good barefoot trimmers in the area. Expect to spend at least $100 for a full set of shoes, and $50 for a barefoot trim.

Lastly, you're going to need tack. You can shop locally at LA Saddlery, drive to Broken Horn Saddlery in Baldwin Park, or do your shopping online at Dover Saddlery. You might even try eBay if you know what you're after. For average, every day use tack, complete with saddle and bridle, you can expect to spend $500 to $1,000.

You have to look cool on the trail, so you'll probably want to buy some riding apparel. Including boots and a helmet, you can get a complete outfit for around $300. The tack shops recommended above are a good place to start.

The rough estimate of owning a horse in LA is about $6,000 per year. If this sounds like more than you can chew, consider a half-lease on a horse. Many owners offer leases on their horses to offset costs. You can enjoy the benefits of having a privately owned, well maintained horse to ride without the long-term commitment at less than half of the cost of ownership.

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Yoga For Equestrians: Hips & Hamstrings

2010-01-27T14:52:00.000-08:00

There are two areas in the body of equestrians that are bound to get short and tight from hours in the saddle. The hamstrings, which are the large muscle group in the back of the leg, and the hip flexors tend to tighten up from riding. It might seem harmless, but over time it can lead to pain in the lower back and have negative effects on your posture and balance in the saddle.

Seated forward bends stretch the hamstrings, but they can actually do harm if performed too hastily. If your hamstrings are really short and tight, a safer choice is a reclined posture. Start by lying on your back with a yoga strap, or any belt or strap that you have on hand, extend one leg straight on the floor, then loop the strap around the foot of the other leg and extend it straight towards the ceiling with your foot flexed. This posture is called supta padagusthasana, and it is an excellent way to legthen the hamstrings without putting undue strain on the lower back. Take 10 slow, deliberate breaths on both sides.

For a gentle stretch in the hip flexors, find your way to sitting, bend your knees and bring the soles of the feet together in baddha konasana. With your spine extended, let gravity take your knees gently towards the floor. Take 10 more breaths in this posture.

Doing a few simple yoga postures at home before riding is an easy way to find more suppleness in the saddle. If you want to learn more about yoga and take a group class, Yoga at the Village in Glendale has a wide range of classes for all levels. Many teachers will take requests from students. If you tell her you are interested in working on a certain area of the body, she might be able tailor the class to suit your needs.

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Save a horse from slaughter

2010-01-23T10:11:00.000-08:00

Recent legislation rendered it illegal to slaughter horses for human consumption in the United States. Unfortunately, there are still many horses being crammed into trailers and shipped across the border to Mexico or Canada to be killed for human consumption overseas. Many of these are healthy, well trained horses, each with their own unlucky tale of how they ended up on a feedlot awaiting an inhumane demise.

Thankfully, there are people out there working tirelessly to save as many as they can. Equine Angel, a non-profit organization run by Shirley Puga, rescues horses directly from feedlots, mostly in Nevada, where the horses are fattened up before long, grueling transport to Canada or Mexico. Horses are carefully hand picked according to their adoptability. Puga then pays the slaughter price for the horse.

Once a horse has been rescued from the feedlot, Valley View Ranch Equine Rescue takes the reigns (so to speak) to place the horse in foster care, or, ideally, in a permanent home. Valley View Ranch is located in King City near Monterey, California, and is run by Marlene Dodge. Both organizations work closely with each other to rescue horses, raise the funds to care for them, and eventually place them in loving homes.

Since the downturn in the economy last year, many people were forced to let their horses go, unable to afford the upkeep. This accounts for a good portion of these horses left for the lions.

Equine Destiny, a documentary film in progress, is also working to raise awareness of this terrible threat, among others, to American horses. According to statistics on their website, 92% of the horses going to slaughter are in sound condition - many of them well trained for riding.

If you have ever considered horse ownership, adopting a horse that has been saved from slaughter could be a really rewarding endeavor. While it is important to remember that owning a horse is a commitment, both financially and timewise, you might find that horse ownership in LA is within your reach. If you have a passion for horses, there is nothing quite like having a horse of your own to love.

Not ready to commit to a horse? Make a tax deductible donation to one of the organizations above and make a big difference in the lives of horses.

Valentine's Day with Corral 38

2010-01-12T10:24:00.000-08:00

Looking for something special for your sweetheart on Valentine's Day? Well, if your sweetheart has four hooves, mark your calendar for Griffith Park Equestrians Corral 38's Used Tack and Show Clothing Sale and Fundraiser. Not only can you get some great new/used stuff, but you can get rid of some of your old tack and apparel.

Corral 38 is the local chapter of Equestrian Trails, Inc. ("ETI"). They promote trail rides, horse shows, and various activities, including the annual Christmas caroling on horseback in our community. Tracy M. Smith is the local coordinator for ETI, and can be contacted by email if you want more information on ETI events.

The upcoming tack and apparel sale is on Sunday, February 14, 2010, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. in Bette Davis Park, located next to Easter Field. Bring your old tack, riding apparel, barn accessories, and all other equine related items to put in the sale. 15% of the profits go to Corral 38, but the rest is yours to keep. Chances are you will spend your new found cash on some great new stuff for you and your horse.

To submit your items for sale, attach a tag to each item to include your name and the price of the item, which should be priced on the dollar. Be sure to deliver the items by 9:00 on the morning of the sale. Donated items are also welcome. Corral 38 personnel will track your sales and provide you with your profits after the sale.

This is the perfect time of year to clean out your tack room and closet. Why not make a little extra cash on all of your outdated goods? As the old saying goes, "One man's trash is another man's treasure." Come unload your "trash" and find a treasure.

Horse Trainer or Abuser?

2010-01-11T13:15:00.000-08:00

Horse training has come a long way since medieval times, but some of the so-called "trainers" lurking in our community are still using barbaric methods from the dark ages. While it is true that it is necessary to be assertive and establish oneself has the horse's leader, strong arm tactics and cruel methods are a red flag that your trainer is an abuser.

Good training takes time and patience. Muscling a horse into submission through fear, pain, and harsh equipment is not training. Just recently a local "trainer" was unhappy with the way his client's horse was behaving on the trail. Rather than working compassionately with the animal in the moment, he chose to tie the horse's head down via a harsh bit and reigns tethered to the horn of the saddle where he instructed the owner to leave the animal to suffer in its stall for an hour. Is this training?

This is clearly abusive behavior, and anyone witnessing this kind of behavior should speak up, if not to the alleged trainer, then to the owner. The method described above is beyond bad horsemanship - it is downright sadistic. This kind of treatment is only good for creating a fearful horse with a sore neck. What has he learned? That his handler causes him pain and should not be trusted.

The attention span of a horse is very short. Just like dogs, they must be corrected in the moment. Any later and they have no idea why you are reprimanding or praising them. When teaching any animal you must act in the moment.

It is not advisable to attack the abuser (verbally or otherwise), but rather firmly and calmly point out that his method is cruel, unnecessary, and unlikely to produce the desired result. Caution must be used when approaching these individuals because at their core they are bullies, and confronting them could easily turn volatile. It is important to keep in mind that the goal is to help the horse, not provoke or humiliate the abuser. It might be a good idea to call an organization like the ASPCA or Peta for advice and support.

There are many good trainers out there that teach horses with patience and compassion. This is the only way to create a well mannered horse that is happy to perform. Sadly there are impostors out there posing as trainers that are nothing more than abusers. Horses need us to be their voice and protect them from such bullies. Please don't turn a blind eye to the abuse. Get involved.

Yoga for equestrians: Focus on the breath

2010-01-08T10:58:00.000-08:00

There is a style and level of yoga for just about anyone who is interested in receiving the vast benefits of this ancient practice. For equestrians, yoga is an amazing tool both physically and mentally. If more comfort and calm in the saddle sounds good to you, read on.

It is no secret among equestrians that horses can sense how we are feeling and often mirror our emotions, particularly fear. The calm energy attained through the physical of practice yoga (asana) combined with yogic breathing techniques (pranayama) will transfer from you to your horse.

While it is best to work with an experienced teacher to learn correct alignment, you can study the basic standing postures at home, compliments of yogajournal.com. Another good place to start is with an instructional DVD for beginners.

Yoga can be defined as the union of movement and breath (prana or life force). It is very common in our everyday life to forget about our breath, even though it is the single most important thing we do, all day, everyday. When subjected to stress we often default to short, shallow breathing, resulting in tense, oxygen deprived muscles and a fatigued mind.

During the physical practice of yoga we learn to focus on our breath, not only while on the mat, but out in the real world where it helps us cope with daily stress - equine related or otherwise.

Consider this scenario: Your horse spooks which startles you, so you stop breathing momentarily until you begin to take in quick, shallow, stress-filled breaths. Your horse picks up on the subtleties of your breath and now believes that there really is something to spook about, so his energy becomes a reflection of yours. The next time you are faced with a similar situation, take a moment to notice your breath.

If you are not ready to take the plunge into a yoga class or practicing with a good DVD at home, consider the simple act of practicing slow, deliberate breathing several times a day. This practice alone will improve your breathing and train your mind to be aware, present, and calm.