Mary Dixon Horse Riding Blog

#89 Changing Horses

2013-03-31T17:05:00.000-04:00

Changing Horses

Often enough, a lot of us end up with the "horse we had to have and fell in love with" or "one that we had such a strong connection to" or one that is absolutely stunning.

We then find out that we are not a fit at all - he's too jumpy and spooky, not good on the trails, terrible in the arena, doesn't pay attention, too fast, too slow, no finished maneuvers, runs away from us, hates being saddled, and on and on.

We may be a beginner who now just has way "too much horse" or an experienced rider, even trainer, who just doesn't feel like the taking the time it takes to get the darling where we want him - we just want to be able to sit and go pretty much with only a few minor tuneups.

It's important to take action and do something about the situation. It will be the best thing you can do for yourself and a real gift to your horse. It's nothing to feel bad about - though it is not an easy thing do do because of the affection you have developed.

But it needs to be done - for both of you.

Adventure Horse Riding in NYS Smilla13@gmail.com (Mary Dixon) www.RideNYS.com

#88 Emotions

2013-02-18T17:34:00.007-05:00

There is a saying that I've come across from time to time - yet I almost ALWAYS think about it each time I ride - and especially if I am a tad cranky or my darling is jacking with me.

The quote is: "There are only two emotions that belong in the saddle; one is a sense of HUMOR and the other is PATIENCE."

Don't take things too seriously and see if you can find the capability to literally laugh out loud when things go awry - which they generally do. That means if your buddy is moving around or running away from you or turning left instead of right or not going forward, etc. - well, the situation does need to be corrected but before you get all pissy just laugh - he is messing with your noggin and you can still have a good time with his highness. When you sit back and think about it - their behaviors are mostly darn funny so stop being so serious and take the time to see the actions from a different viewpoint -

Adventure Horse Riding in NYS Smilla13@gmail.com (Mary Dixon) www.RideNYS.com

# 87 To Move or To Stay Put - A Big Decision.

2013-01-23T13:55:00.003-05:00

To Look or To Move - An Important Decision.

Most clinicians and trainers feel very strongly that when your horse gets nervous or scared, it is important to keep his feet moving - doing circles, changing directios, backing up, or whatever. And since your horse's brains are more or less in his feet and you have his feet moving in the direction you are asking for, then his brain is expected to get more rational instead of reactive. This is the reasoning. In other words, he will calm down and you won't get in a rodeo and all will be fine. (When you get your horse to move, he has to THINK and NOT REACT - which is important to your safety.)

Others, though in fewer number - believe that you should allow your darling to look directly at the fearful or uproarious thing for a few seconds - in other words, if your horse just stops, you allow him to stay stopped so he can check out the monsters. The premise here is that he will figure out, on his own, that there is nothing to be scared off, trust you as his leader, and then he'll settle down on his own, and the two of you can move on.

These actions - to move or stay put - when your buddy is confronted with a scary or dangerous situation BOTH WORK - but it is YOU that really needs to know your horse well enough to so as to be able to anticipate his thought process - should you get him to move or allow him to stay .

This decision, from you, is a real big deal for your darling and for you - since he has to know he is going to live and not die. If the thinks he is going to die, and you misread the action you should be taking to get his brains back on, you may very well end up in one heck of a rodeo with your 1000 pound little darling.

Adventure Horse Riding in NYS Smilla13@gmail.com (Mary Dixon) www.RideNYS.com

#86 A Few Reminders

2013-01-11T14:05:00.001-05:00

Below are just a few reminders for you when you are with your little darling.

When you face your horse straight on - meaning your eyes, shoulders, chest, knees and feet are pointing toward him - that that is generally regarded by him as pressure and makes him uncomfortable. If you stand just a bit off to the side then that will be more settling for him and he will appreciate it.

Eyes are HUGE PRESSURE - recall what it is like when you know someone is intentionally watching you and your every move - you get nervous and alert - and so does your horse - do him a big favor, simply keep your eyes downcast.

Have manners and courtesty to your little darling just as you expect him to have manners and courtesty when he is around you.

You are on HIS time - he is not on your time.

Don't just burst into his stall - ask him permission first.

Adventure Horse Riding in NYS Smilla13@gmail.com (Mary Dixon) www.RideNYS.com

#85 The Magical 10 Hours

2012-12-10T17:21:00.000-05:00

When you buy or lease or whatever a "new" horse - one that you are not familiar with - it takes approx. 10 HOURS (not 10 trips) for him and you to come to terms with each other and understand and respect each other.

For whatever reason, it seems to be the MAGIC NUMBER - 10 HOURS.

The little darling. is not used to your methods and you are not used to the methods that your NEW darling was trained with. So, it is going to be pretty darn confusing for the both of you - therefore, very frustrating to both.

So, you CANNOT allow yourself to be frustrated - patience and consistency are the BIG keys here. In 10 hours, the both of you will probably get to finally know and understand each other.

He/she needs time to learn how and what you are asking. He really doesn't have a clue and will probably act up in frustration and crappy behavior because he just plain doesn't understand. You need to just LET IT GO, and not get mad, and go about what it is that you are trying to accomplish, for example, whoa, stand, don't move when I mount, don't jig home, etc.

Neither one of you understand the other - it is as if you communicating in totally different languages or dialects.

Plus, don't forget he/she is also in a completely new and sttrange environment - away from his comfort zone and his buddies.

Be kind, be patient, be consistent, and put in the time. You can do 10 hours !

Adventure Horse Riding in NYS Smilla13@gmail.com (Mary Dixon) www.RideNYS.com

#84 The One Word

2012-12-01T19:49:00.001-05:00

I am always learning something new from horse folks. Some things seem so obvious once I hear about them but in the interim I am just dumb and clueless.

I was at a barn a couple of weeks ago - talking to this fine lady named Janet - we were just shooting the breeze about the little darlings and bragging on them.

During the conversation Janet mentioned that she ALWAYS uses the SAME word or sound when there is unwanted behavior. Most of us say--- cut it out, knock it off, hey, excuse me, slow it down,stop it, stop, etc.

She had learned many years ago from her Dad that a ONE same word or sound for unwanted horse behavior works like a charm since it is is easy for the horse to always get it - and understand and then do something about about his behavior, as in quitting it. . He just has to know ONLY ONE word OR sound, not all of our phrases and tones. .

So I have been trying it out for a few days - naturally I forgot all about it a few weeks ago - duh - and these last 2 days I am not very consistent simply because I'm so used to saying those phrases above. So I have to work at this til it becomes habit.. To me, it makes marvelous sense.

Adventure Horse Riding in NYS Smilla13@gmail.com (Mary Dixon) www.RideNYS.com

#83 Terror, Circles & Loop Reins

2012-11-12T17:55:00.001-05:00

I am so glad that I learned how to circle and use loop reins while I am going around like a big dog. Geez ! I am training my 4 year old mule -- Chester Gibbs - a little doll baby.

Have done tons of ground work - mules are so smart and catch on so fast that it is almost scary. So, anyway, he is my big buddy - comes when he is called and follows me around everywhere. We are stuck to each other like glue.

He has been testing me in a big way the past 2 days and a few times last week. That is just what equines do - but each time I have stepped up to the plate and the behavior resolved itself.

He is still very young and immature and, like a kid, gets cranky and wants to do just what he wants.

Well, yesterday I got the cojones to ride him - about two 10 minute rides - he was quite good - oops, forgot to mention that the first ride he spun me around like a top but then we did get everything sorted out. So, basically 2 nice rides -- cool !

Today rode the little bugger for about 10 minute and he was freaking amazing - turns at the lightest touch, stops on a dime, etc. A couple hours later I wanted to ride him again - can you say NIGHTMARE !!!!! It's been a long time since I have had that kind of fear - and I am not happy that it has re-visited me again.

Todays second ride - right at the git-go - started immediately with a buck - I grabbed and spun him around on the left side and round and round we went and then he stopped - and I got off because I was scared s--tless.

But I know that that is a very bad thing to do because he wins, meaning that I have permanently lost. So, get up there time the second time - same thing a buck and circling - got off again. Not good.

So, get up there 3rd time and we are at it again - I tried to turn him to the right - forget that - he is so strong that I would need a come-along to turn him - so quick as a fly, we went back to the left and then he stopped and I got off again.

I know I have to get this job done right and I am very afraid but I had better do it.

Alas, got on him the 4th time - Chester was good as gold for a spell but then he had the crazies again. . I had serious white knuckles going on but figured I HAVE to ride this mess out, and while I am still on him I NEED to get him to calm down - well, it worked for a few seconds really nice but then we started the crazies again - same ride still - FORCED, FORCED, FORCED myself not to get off but to keep riding it out - which I did - he became calm again - I am still scared to death - but we rode calmly doing the "walk-stop" exercise about 9 times and then I got off on a good note. And breathed !

I am not real happy about this obviously and I have a feeling that this is going to take at least half a dozen more rides until we get this sorted out - meaning I have to control that darn fear again - each time - whew !!!

Such is the lovely world of equines !!!

Adventure Horse Riding in NYS Smilla13@gmail.com (Mary Dixon) www.RideNYS.com

#82 Fixing Problems

2012-11-03T17:20:00.000-04:00

If you are having problems with your little darling, ie - he moves or wants to run off when you are saddling him, then DO NOT spend any more time on that particular troubled area. What you are seeing and not liking is most likely not the problem, it is a very strong indicator of a weakness in his foundation.

Instead go back to the basics of groundwork. There is a hole in his training that needs to be remedied - and what each problem is generally telling you is that there are missing steps in his foundation.

And, I am sure, some folks think I am overly cautious but there is no way I would get on a horse that won't stand quietly when being saddled. For him, that is one of his "hot" spots and he is telling you he does not want you up there. So, listen up and fix it. Go back to the groundwork.

Adventure Horse Riding in NYS Smilla13@gmail.com (Mary Dixon) www.RideNYS.com

#81 Manners on the Trail

2012-10-09T22:00:00.002-04:00

When riding with others there is a HUGE RULE that you really need to follow: and that is: BE CAREFUL WHO YOU RIDE WITH. Don't ride with idiots. Remember, what one horse does, the rest are very apt to do the same thing.

Here are some general trail riding tips - they seem quite obvious but, alas, they are often not followed.

1. Don't tailgate.

2. Keep group together - some horses get panicky when the herd starts to separate.

3. Not all riders have good skills in handling their horse - be aware of this.

4. Don't just take off - let others know first *

Simply taking off is really rude and dangerous - it makes other horses nervous and some riders aren't good at controlling their horse - it makes for an accident waiting to happen.

5. Not all horses are well desensitized - not used to soda cans popping, zippers and velcro, camera clicks/flashes, jackets & raincoats going on or off, ringing or vibrating cell phones, etc - they can get really spooked.

6. If crossing a road, keep your group together and make sure everyone gets across before going on.

7. Don't pass other horses - many horses may also take off.

8. If at the creek, wait for the other horses to drink also - if you leave the creek, the other horses will follow instead of drinking.

9. Texting and phone calling - really really really rude plus your attention is distracted from your horse.

10. Know that bicyclists can scare the daylights out of a horse.

11. Clucking and kissing to your horse may be a green light to GO for other horses.

12, If there are two ways home - know that your horse might get scared of seeing other horses on a trail or some horses leaving or arriving on a different trail.

Adventure Horse Riding in NYS Smilla13@gmail.com (Mary Dixon) www.RideNYS.com

#80 Head or Butt "

2012-09-08T18:36:00.000-04:00

I had learned, somewhere along the line, that when cinching your darling that it is best to have your butt facing the horse's head so that you can keep an eye on what the back legs are doing - this is for safety.

However, a few years ago I thought that maybe it would be better to have your head facing the same direction as the horse's head with your butt facing his back legs - thinking that maybe, if something bad was to happen, it would be better to get kicked in the butt than in the head.

Head facing back legs

Butt facing back legs

Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated -

Adventure Horse Riding in NYS Smilla13@gmail.com (Mary Dixon) www.RideNYS.com

#79 Get the GUN !!!

2012-08-24T17:49:00.000-04:00

Just go and get the gun ! I can't believe I did this but, alas, I did. I am embarrassed and ashamed and pretty disgusted with myself.

Of all the "whatevers" in the horse world, what I most detest are those horse folks that are "know-it-all's" and critical of those that don't do as they do. I cannot stand it. I find it offensive, arrogant, and obnoxious.

And, I did it. I didn't realize it when I was opening my big mouth but it did come back to my memory as I was riding home from the horse event in my car.

I had met this nice woman, and we were watching some horse person do something or other, and I had the audacity to tell my new acquaintance that I would never, ever do that particular thing that the horse person was doing. I cannot believe I did it.

I CANNOT stand people that do that and it seems to be the way of most horse folks - and, Oh Lord, now I am in the same awful group.

Get the gun and just shoot me !!!

Adventure Horse Riding in NYS Smilla13@gmail.com (Mary Dixon) www.RideNYS.com

#78 Giving Up

2012-08-15T17:06:00.000-04:00

Horses are so used to humans giving up - and we do most of the time - which is often why it seems to take forever & forever to get your horse to do something. They are positive they will outlast you. And, you know what, almost all of the time they do outlast you because we are impatient, in a hurry, frustrated and aggravated, and goal-oriented.

Folks think their horses are stupid, slow learners, obstinate, stubborn or just plain mean !

When we give up often, then our horse takes longer and longer to do something. Why ? He knows he will outlast you, that you will give in, and he therefore considers you a "dunce" - you are no leader and therefore you can't protect him. This is not a good feeling for little darlings.

Most folks get very impatient and expect whatever to be done within 5 minutes - that seems to be our limit. And, it is true, when working with your darling, that 5 minutes feels like 5 days sometimes.

It takes as long as it takes to get the job done. It is senseless to wear a watch when working with horses - you are now on THEIR time - not yours - this is important to remember !

When your horse figures out that you don't give up or give in - pretty soon he does things and learns things faster - simply because he now knows you will outlast him - and he might as well just get this done and won ..

Lots and lots and lots and lots of time, time, time, and time, lots of patience, patience, patience and patience - this is truly what it takes from you.

- Your rewards will be HUGE.

Adventure Horse Riding in NYS Smilla13@gmail.com (Mary Dixon) www.RideNYS.com

#77 Do As I Say - Not As I Do

2012-07-21T19:54:00.000-04:00

The title of this blog says it all. I am always saying how important it is to know your horse and his little idiosyncrasies - be aware of them, respect them, and mold your behavior to them.

So, I love riding this one particular horse and I absolutely KNOW he has issues - I have done all I know to help to lessen them but in a pinch they do show themselves again - and I am most always aware of this - as in 99 per cent of the time. However, alas, there is that 1% of the time that I become complacent and unaware and not really tuned in to him. Because he has improved so incredibly much I started taking too much for granted.

And, voila, here comes the crash ! Not one, mind you, but two !!! Two weeks in a row - now, how dumb am I ? Obviously, pretty dumb. The first one occurred because I was just having too good a time ramming around and forgot that sometimes when I want to go left, he wants to go right - which is exactly what happened - at a relatively fast speed. So, I flew right off him, smack on my back, and in front of guests no less! Talk about embarrassing! The crash happened simply because I FORGOT that he does this about 40% of the time and I just wasn't paying enough attention. Duh !

So, you would think that after a good crash like that I would smarten up - but no, I sure didn't. Like I say, I know his issues, he has improved greatly, but those issues are just buried into him so deep and they do peep out every once in a while - which is why I need to ALWAYS pay attention and not take the improvements for granted.

So here we go again - at a nice easy walk, we come upon my husband and two guests and their horses; I was aware that this might spook him a little and I was ready for it, which it did, but then he immediately settled right down - and so did I - BIG MISTAKE - he then decided to get scared and he whipped around so quicly that I flew off him - again - he didn't bolt - he just turned so fast and I, being too darn relaxed in the saddle and paying attention to my husband and not my horse, just went off him. So, that was crash #2.

So, why did I crash ? Because I simply didn't practice what I preach. Almost all accidents are the rider's fault - not the horses.

Hopefully, you will learn and remember what is here in this blog. I sure hope I do !!!

Adventure Horse Riding in NYS Smilla13@gmail.com (Mary Dixon) www.RideNYS.com

#76 Meandering Little Darlings

2012-07-10T20:09:00.000-04:00

I have been having major brain fog for a good part of the early summer - as in no brains - to write anything intelligent - I'll just sound really stupid ! So, in lieu of that, I uploaded this video of our wonderful darlings - and think you'll enjoy seeing that which gives us so much happiness in our lives.

They are just great for your soul, aren't they?

Adventure Horse Riding in NYS Smilla13@gmail.com (Mary Dixon) www.RideNYS.com

#75 Cantering

2012-07-06T13:17:00.000-04:00

This is no blog talk, so to speak, but it is a nice video of fun cantering. The video was filmed on a GoPro camera by one of our guests, John Merryman. He is riding Tiffany.

Adventure Horse Riding in NYS Smilla13@gmail.com (Mary Dixon) www.RideNYS.com

#74 Patterns & Routines & Little Darlings

2012-06-23T16:40:00.020-04:00

The little darlings love, love, love patterns. You can see it in the pasture where they all follow the same little foot trail they have made going to and fro, they love eating at the same time, going into the barn in pretty much same order, following fence lines, using the same trails, etc.

So, use it to your advantage.

We don't feed our guys at the same time so they don't get stressed out - meaning if we feed them at 3 in the afternoon, and tomorrow, it is at 7 they simply adjust to it instead of fretting - honestly, the kids can tell time. We used to send them into different stalls so they could adjust to change more easily - we don't do it anymore because we got lazy with 10 of the so now they each have their own stall - which, of course, they just love. The point is, you can do it either way.

Usually say usually, never say never and don't always say always BUT most like to use the same trails - over and over and over again - we don't do that - we make new trails and constantly go in a different direction than they anticipate - to keep the kids on their toes, to make life more interesting and challenging for them, and to get the to be more adaptable.

Horses are a bit like husbands - they aren't always too keen on change - and would rather just do the same thing over and over - so it helps to mix things up a bit to keep their heads going and their minds developing.

When doing the same thing is a BIG asset is when you are trying to teach the something new and/or training them or doing tricks, etc. - it helps their learning curve more quckly if your body stays in the same position, and your hands and your other movements - they learn the fastest this way so you have set you and your darling up for success.

So, figure out when to change things up and when to keep things in a routine - listen to them and figure out what is best for them in the confidence game.

Adventure Horse Riding in NYS Smilla13@gmail.com (Mary Dixon) www.RideNYS.com

#73 More Time

2012-06-17T11:34:00.000-04:00

#73 MORE TIME !!!

If you want that darling of yours to learn something in a specified amount of time - forget it - you have a goal and that horse can read you like a book.

I've had write-in's about the time blog -so here is a run-down for you - and you will see it depends on each horse, his owner, and/or the behavior you are asking for.

We measure everything by hours - not by days, or rides, etc.

GINGER - to stand still for her bridle 90 hours, to stand still for her saddling 106 hours - she is now perfect - it just took her quite a bit longer to "get it".

JOSE - to walk, not jig, back to barn - 125 hours and huge patience - he is perfect now, to sidepass 5 hours, to be the perfect horse that he is now- 250 hours (most difficult horse ever but just superb now), spanish march 10 hours

DUSTY to learn crossing his legs - half an hour, to look to the left and to the right - 3 hours, to park out 20 minutes, to walk from the barn to the house - 1 year !!!, to be able to RUN around a curve in the trail - 2 years, to jump 1/2 hour, to go out alone 10 minutes. spanish march 2 hours

MISSY - not to bolt 30 hours, to stay behind calmly 10 hours, to go out alone 15 minutes, to stay in control in her gaits 10 hours, to go into the side door of the horse trailer 15 min, to come toward me sideways 30 minutes

HENRY - to walk, not jump, thru mud 20 hours, to walk and not run downhill - 2 hours, to go out alone 1/2 hour, to stand still for mounting 1 hour, to ground tie 1/2 hour, to stay behind the herd and not go crazy - 10 minutes to send to the left and right 9 hours

DAKOTA - to not run downhill - 4 to 5 hours, to not eat grass on the trail and have a temper tantrum when asked to quit 30 hours !!! To run in the lead - still working on it - several years now !, to not take shortcuts for home 3 hours, to send to the left and to the right 2 hours

TIFFANY - lead mare - to not attack other horses on the trail - always ongoing but she is pretty good now - 30 hours

BLESSED JOY - pretty much perfect at the git-go in everything -really easy and laid back.

Jose, Blessed Joy, Dusty, Pozo

These are just a very few examples - the purpose of this is to simply show how the time varies with each horse. It does not mean the darling is slow or stupid or smart and quick -

it is just what he is and how you are able to communicate.

So, PATIENCE is the key here - you just are not going to rush anything until your horse is confident enough and just plain ready.

Take the time it takes, and it will take less time...

Adventure Horse Riding in NYS Smilla13@gmail.com (Mary Dixon) www.RideNYS.com

#72 The Real Meaning of Time & Darlings

2012-06-03T14:58:00.002-04:00

#72 The Real Meaning of Time & Little Darlings

Time if of the essence - ahh !   BUT it is SLOW time !!!

and it "takes the time it takes and it will take less time". This is a pillar of truth that I live by.

My personal darlings would be considered hard-headed, stupid, untrainable & dangerous by most folks.

The end result is that too often these type horses get sold, re-sold, and sold again until they end up for meat at the auction. Their's is a terrible lot in life.

And, I do understand how dangerous and/or frustrating these darlings can be. I have 3 of them.

BUT - if you are able to invest the time, consistency and patience - these guys become just incredible partners.

I have bunches of examples - but here is one of my most recent - little Pissy Missy - all 12.2 hands of her - strongest horse I have ever owned.

She goes absolutely crazy when she is behind a string of horses, or when they trot and I want her to walk, or I want her simply to stay behind. And, I mean nutso- and she would whinny like crazy and jump up and down, etc.

I had approx 9 hours (at various intervals) working with her on this and she was just as bad the next time, if not worse. It does get discouraging.

BUT, this week I was able to spend 3 days in a row with her - near 10 hours - while with other riders - and she finally, finally got it !!! She just needed the TIME & the CONSISTENCY. She is now almost perfect.

The other horses I have trained basically get it within about 1 to 3 hours - but not all do. It is like your kid and math - some get it quickly, others are just slower at getting it.

She will now be a fantastic and trustworthy lead horse.

FYI - what I did was EVERY single time she whinnied or got antsy, I simply turned her around in the other direction from the other horses and marched her little behind about 25 to 50 feet away.

Then I turned her around again, and gave her the chance to do what was right - which, of course, she did not. So we turned around again - and again - and again - and again - then she would start to understand and get it but after a few yards she just could not emotionally get control of herself and she'd get crazy again

. So, I did this for 3 hours straight one day, and again for the next few days - never, ever getting impatient or letting her get away with it. SHE got it !!!!!!!!

This kind of stuff really works and she is very happy now and so am I.

When I say TIME, I am not kidding - it took me over one entire year of getting Dusty to walk up the driveway to the house - now, he does it all the time like a pro. It just took TIME !!!

Below are pix of 2 of my former outlaws - I love them dearly.

Missy

Dusty

Adventure Horse Riding in NYS Smilla13@gmail.com (Mary Dixon) www.RideNYS.com

#71 Is it You or Your Little Darling ?

2012-05-19T13:43:00.000-04:00

#71 Is It You or Your Little Darling ?

I hear, fairly often, that someone feels very strongly that their horse needs to learn his/her manners. And, they become quite aggravated with their darling, if not downright pissy.

             A reasonable response is, instead of thinking that your horse needs to mind his manners why not simply tell yourself that YOU need to take the time to better understand your horse ?

             He is pushy because you have taught him that he can mow you down, he is generally disobedient because he either hasn't figured out the right answer from you or you allow him occasionally to be disobedient so it becomes a habit with him.

               He runs away from you basically because he either does not want to be with you or it has become a "game" with him.

                He paws in his stall when it is feeding time because you still feed him when he paws so it is his reward and that is what you have taught him.

                He moves when you go to climb up on him because you still get up there while he is moving.

                 He/she has the crummy manners because you haven't taken the time to learn about his needs and requirements as a horse herd animal and because you are inconsistent.

                So be more aware and understanding of your prey partner - find out what it is that she/he really needs and then do it - once you do that, your darling will be marvelous!!!

Adventure Horse Riding in NYS            Smilla13@gmail.com  (Mary Dixon)     www.RideNYS.com

#70 Leading by the Legs

2012-05-13T17:22:00.003-04:00

#70 Leading by the Legs

There just isn't any law that states that you can only lead your darling by his head. Why not lead him with his front leg (legs), back leg (legs), tail, ears, mane ???

It is simply done using pressure and release - as soon as he moves, let go of what you are holding onto - for example, his legs or ear. Then start again. He'll get the hang of it.

Below is a short video of me teaching the horse of one of our guests how to lead with his front legs.

You may ask WHY do I want to do that ?

Well, there are 2 reasons:

1. Because you can - the more that you can do with your horse, the better and more "broke" your horse is.

2.) You just never know ! Dusty moved into a really, really tight space where he would never have been able to turn around to get out of there - so I simply led him backwards by his tail. Easy peasy...

So, why not give it a try ?

Adventure Horse Riding in NYS Smilla13@gmail.com (Mary Dixon) www.RideNYS.com

#69 Time

2012-05-03T17:34:00.000-04:00

#69 Time

Folks have incredibly busy schedules and often don't/can't find the time to ride. That's ok. What is important is the time you spend with your little darling. It makes all the difference in the world.

It doesn't matter if it is only 10 minutes. It is 10 minutes very well spend for your darling and for you. If you can get him - (big) - halter him (big) - walk him (big) - this is HUGE in his head.

This is when you reinforce your leadership and your partnership with him. And you do that simply by having him face you if he is in the stall, or get him to come to you, or he stands still when you go to get him; you get him to lower his head to put the halter on, then you lead him next to you - all very quietly. No rushing.

You may only be able to walk him for 1 minute - but that 1 minute is very important to your horse. He remembers that he can trust you and feel secure with you and even like you. You don't need snacks.

You've always heard it's the little things that matter. Well, it's these little things that make a world of difference for the relationship between you and your horse.


Dusty focused on Mary

Adventure Horse Riding in NYS Smilla13@gmail.com (Mary Dixon) www.RideNYS.com

#68 Small Stuff to Big CHANGE

2012-04-25T16:30:00.001-04:00

#68 Small Stuff to Big Changes

The other day I worked with a woman and her horse who had characteristics of somewhat being high-strong, nervous, pushy, dominating, disrespectful and just a tad scary (the horse, not the lady !).

1.) I reminded her that "he who moves his feet first, loses" when it comes to the dominance and respect game. This is so easy to forget and so incredibly important to remember. It is the lead horse (should be you) who stands his ground, and the other darlings move away- this is on ground or under saddle (horse decides to go left when you want to go right and you allow it - not good; horse moves into your space and you move over - not cool).

Your little darlings figures, in his horse mind, that he cannot depend on you for safety since you can't even stand your ground - translated, you are not a good, strong, confident leader.


Walk Stop Corinne & Dakota


Walk/stop exercise Henry & Dennis

      2.)   A simple "walk-stop" exercise - one of the greatest exercises in the whole world, I think. Walk alongside your horse 3 steps, then a complete stop, Then start again. Over and over again. They begin to listen to you and focus on you and be in tune with you. They become very calm when they do this. This is great for calming down, and also for slowing down your horse and/or speeding him up - it works great both ways. Great under saddle too!

    3.)   If your darling pushes or crosses over in front of you when you are leading or walking with her, just stop and YOU push him AWAY from you - in other words, you move his feet.

Pretty much that is all we did and the result and change were quite amazing to see - so simple but we just don't think about it.
Your darlings love nothing better than to know 'THE RULES' and learn easily and quickly that as long as I try and listen to my horse partner I don't have to be nervous or pushy or domineering and I can trust - WHY? - because she quietly and politely taught me the rules and I now know the rules. So I always, always get the right answer.

These simple little steps create huge changes. Give them a try.

Adventure Horse Riding in NYS            Smilla13@gmail.com  (Mary Dixon)     www.RideNYS.com

2012-04-20T20:41:00.000-04:00

#67 The Church-goers !

This is a video of two horses and the church steps. It is about gaining confidence and having trust in the rider. The method is approach and retreat.

The value of the video is not just showing approach/retreat and confidence and trust, but the importance of FUN and RELAXATION in trying to get your little darling to do something. Turn the volume up a bit and listen to us laughing and our comments - this is what horse riding is about - good times for you and for the darlings.

It is not about the church steps, it is not about crossing a creek, it is not about going across a bridge, it is not about getting into the trailer - it is about the PARTNERSHIP you have between you and your horse - if he gets up the steps today - great - if not, that is just fine too - he will get there eventually. It is about fun, trust, confidence, and joy.

Adventure Horse Riding in NYS Smilla13@gmail.com (Mary Dixon) www.RideNYS.com

#66 Mounting

2012-04-13T11:38:00.000-04:00

#66 Mounting

It is somewhat important that your little darling stands still when you go to climb up on her/him. If they are moving around, they are talking to you and telling you that they are not paying attention or they just are not ready for you to get up there. So LISTEN.

There are TONS of ways to get them to stand still - the video shows just a few. I slap (flop) the stirrups a lot while they are moving and then stop slapping the stirrups as soon as they stop moving, then go to get on, if they start moving, I start slapping the stirrups, when they stop, I stop and then try to get on. This usually will only take a few minutes but consistency is the key here. Just don't get on when they are moving.

The 'slapping" or "flopping" of the stirrups - it is simply aggravating them and they stand still because they end up disliking the aggravation.

And, once your body is up there, have them stand still, NOT immediately walk off. If they go to walk off without your permission, do a whoa, or a backup, Wait, Keep doing this until they stand still and YOU ask them to move out.

Adventure Horse Riding in NYS Smilla13@gmail.com (Mary Dixon) www.RideNYS.com

#65 Trick or Treat

2012-04-06T19:23:00.000-04:00

#65 Trick or Treat

Tricks are just a great way with communicating with your little darling. What tricks do for the both of you is to teach each of you how to understand and talk with your horse and figure out what speed the two of you can go to learn something new.

What is so fascinating is that once you start doing dinky little tricks you'll notice how much faster he learns as you continue your trick training and how much more you improve in your skills in teaching and making things clear.. He will begin to catch on really quick - and that is simply because with each trick you and he have learned to understand each other more and more and more.

But a huge hint here - if you haven't done tricks before - you need to be in a good mood and have lots of patience - and I mean patience - because in the beginning the little darling is going to be absolutely clueless and you are going to get frustrated - which you do not want.

So, you need to reward the "smallest try" as in "shaping" - an earlier blog and finish on a good note. He doesn't have to learn the whole trick in one session. For example, a simple trick is to get him just to move each of his front feet forward. So you need to get one foot forward first. If that is all you have time for that day, and you are getting cranky, then leave it at that and start again another day. Even if he just lifts that foot which you are asking him to move, that is fine.

As you do more and more of this stuff, he will really catch on - it is not about learning tricks, it is about the partnership that is going to develop from doing this. It is really cool.

Adventure Horse Riding in NYS Smilla13@gmail.com (Mary Dixon) www.RideNYS.com