Ask, Tell, Demand!

When I am riding we use a system called Ask Tell Demand (which you may be familiar with). It is where you give the horse a chance to learn from its mistakes, and for you to have a fair way to "discipline" the horse.

Here is an example:

When you want the horse to move faster (from walk to trot)

Ask: Give him a light squeeze with you legs

Tell: Give him a kick, and use your voice

Demand: Use an artificial aid (crop, spurs), and your voice


Use demand as the last resort, and if you have to use it, use it lightly first. This is increasing your pressure on the horse to get him to move the way you want.

Try it out!

Chuck Wagon racing! Yay? or Nay?

Chuck wagon racing is an equestrian rodeo event where harnessed horses pull a wagon (and driver) around a barrel and down the track, just like in TB racing whoever crosses the line first wins!



This event is very popularly associated with the Calgary Stampede, and the huge hoards of people it attracts. However it also gets a lot of attention from animal activists. Why? Watch the video below for an idea!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oxTuGMY3hA

Skip to 0:37 to see the crash right away!
3 horses dead, the horse you see fall to the side died from a burst Aorta (burst heart basically)
This created a domino effect. It is so sad to see these horse die. And the worst part it happens almost every year, at tons of events!
So comment on what you think about chuckwagon races, and if they should be allowed or banned!  


Sorry about the white highlighting it will not delete! Comment if you know how to get rid of it!

Working at my stables!

I had fun working at my stables all last week (Monday the 9th - Friday the 13th)

There are camps that go on all summer called the RVC (river valley camps). These camps include games, and most importantly horse lessons the whole week of camp. There were 4 groups of kids ranging from 8-12, and every group rode for 45 mins to an hour every day. That means that the volunteers (what I was doing) had to bring in and take out the horses (to and from paddocks), groom, tack and untack, feed, and lead the horses. The kids were assigned a horse every day, and slowly were taught to ride. I led the following horses: (maybe some others that I have forgotten)

-Scarlet
-Breezy
-Babe
-Murphy
-Cocoa
-Blu

On Friday I wasn't supposed to work, but I decided to go anyway (as I love horse that much). In the first class I was leading Breezy (for a 2nd time), and we had a great lesson! Just before the next lesson was supposed to start, the instructor Lisa came up to me, and asked me to ride Scarlet. She wasn't listening to the kids' leg and wouldn't stay on the rail. She kept drifting. I was soo excited to be able to get on her! She was being such a sweetie, but it was also clear that she was way too full of energy. I took her through the walk, trot, obstacle course lesson. This was to teach her that she was supposed to listen during these types of classes. After the 2nd lesson all of the leaders got to get on the horse they were leading, and trot and canter them around. Since Scarlet wasn't allowed to canter I cantered Breezy, and he decided to be totally crazy. Then we got pizza for lunch!


Over all this experience was great! I hope I might have some extra days to drop in and help out. Even though we got really hot (it reached 42 degrees Celsius) I would do it again in a heartbeat!


Thanks for reading,

Ashley

Leather horse!!!

I know the title sounds weird but I found this leather horse from India in this little thrift store thing near a place I was eating supper tonight, and I found this beautiful leather horse with bridle and saddle!

Monty Roberts "The man who listens to horses"

Who is Monty Roberts?

Monty Roberts is a man who has worked with horses, for almost all of his life. He recognizes body language, and is famous for his "Join up" technique. He has fostered 47 children and 3 of his own. He has gentled over 15,000 horses, and has joined up with a horse in front of the Queen. When he was young he witnessed many "sacking in's" performed by his dad. After studying the mustangs he started join up. He married a woman named Pat, and they have come as far as possible with horses in today's world


What is "Join up"?

This information will be provided in the post after this one




Where can I learn more about Monty Roberts?


Here is the link to his website: http://www.montyroberts.com/ab_about_monty/ju_about/
You can also Google: Monty Roberts horse whisperer

Monty Roberts is also the author of the following books:

The Man Who Listens To Horses**
The Little American Mustang

Horse Sense For People

From My Hands To Yours**

I’m Shy Boy

The Horses In My Life

Ask Monty

**These books also come as a Spanish edition

There is also a wide selection of DVD's by Monty Roberts that can be purchased here: 

http://www.montyroberts.com/montys-store/dvds/

Live courses and events:

Join Monty Roberts in the flesh at one of his Live courses, and see for yourself what he can really do!

http://www.montyroberts.com/ab_about_monty_calendar/see-monty/

Above is his schedule

Helmet cams!

I love seeing how big time riders jump/ ride courses and stuff. I found a way to do that! The helmet cams!!! Here is a sample link of John Anderson and Terrific in the Nexen Derby

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rtgyKQTvwk&feature=related

Comment and tell me how you like it! You can even hear the poles drop, when the horse hits one!

To find more of these videos on youtube search up:

• Helmet cams horses
• GoPro helmet cams and horses (which are mostly better quality)

Hope you enjoy!