Monday, January 25, 2010

buckskin colored horses

This is a picture of a buckskin colored horse. This is usually a dusty color with black markings such as black socks or stockings, a black muzzle, and a black mane and tail. Buckskin is usually the color that an American Quarter Horse would be, (look in the post, rodeos, to learn more about the American Quarter Horse.) Anyway, buckskin is usually a dusty color, or a bright beautiful chestnut orange color. There can be a star or maybe a thin stripe on the face, and maybe a few socks on the lower parts of the legs.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

horses don't like to be left alone

Horses are by nature one of the friendliest animals. They don't like being left alone by themselves. Usually other horses, cows, sheep, or even goats will make good company. Horses enjoy it when you visit them. They love people, or any other small animals. They sometimes don't trust you at first, but I think they like it when you're with them, even though they don't look like they are happy with you.

hair and great things

I'm turning into a real girly girl. I used to not like to wear dresses, or skirts, or different types of shirts and pants. Well, I have changed. I'm starting to get to where I love dressing up, (wear all those things.) My mom found a really cool site about how to fix hair in a lot of different ways. We tried it. My hair is spectacular! It looks like a princess's hair would look like. Oh, the happiness. I cleaned off the counter, wiped it down, swept, cleared the table off, wiped it down, swept again, cleaned the playroom, I feel pretty good now. Oh, and I cleaned the living room too. Now, me and my mom are going out together, (mainly going to get lunch, and dessert, and to run with my mom's sister Julie.) Well, I've gotta to now! Thanks for reading this post! Izzy :0)

Sunday, January 17, 2010

The Pony of the Americas

The pictures above are Ponies of the America. This is a very rare, new breed, crossed with the Shetland pony and the appaloosa, to make a very fast, and gentle breed. These ponies make great cow ponies, and are often used in rodeos and other events. They make great children's ponies. They are usually always white with black or brown spots. They have long sturdy legs, a short neck. A curved back. A small but very pretty little face and head. The ears are small and pricked.

Shetland ponies

The picture above is a Shetland pony. These ponies are some of the sturdiest. Here's some information about them: where they come from: The Shetland Islands lie in the stormy seas north of Scotland. What the ponies are good at: Shetland ponies are great at jumping, they also make great kids mounts, they can be used in racing, and can also be used in dressage. Did you know? Shetland ponies were used to work in Coal mines on the Shetland islands, they would carry heavy loads of coal out of the mines where people dig. They were also used by farmers in the early days to plow, and do hard work. The breed has been around a long time, more than many other breeds.

The falabella pony

The picture above is a falabella pony. These tiny ponies are the smallest in the world. They can stand only four hands high! (a hand is four inches.) They only come up to an adult's knee. The babies are really really tiny. The ponies can be any color, with short, sturdy little legs. They have a tiny head, with pretty little brown eyes. They cannot be ridden, even by small children.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Backing the horse

After the horse has become accustomed to the feel of the saddle tack, the next phase in its training is backing. As in all phases, the horse should be introduced gradually to having a rider on its back. Two people are required for this stage of training, the trainer and the rider. With both people talking quietly to the horse to keep him calm, the trainer holds the horse's head while the rider touches the saddle; she then is given a leg up and rests her body over the saddle. Giving the horse time to get accustomed to the weight, the rider then puts her leg over the horse to sit in the saddle. (Notice that the rider's feet are not in the stirrups; this comes later.) Once backing has been completed, the horse's training continues by gradually transferring the center of command from the trainer on the lunge rein to the rider. This is also a good time for the rider to improve her seat and her use of the riding aids.

Types of jumps; homemade jumps

here we see a variety of homemade jumps, from the post-and rail jump to one made of hay bales. Notice the rider's position as the horse takes off for the jump: her or his body is bent forward from the hips, back straight; her head is up, looking in a forward direction and her hands are forward and ready to move down the side of the horse's neck as the horse moves over the jump. Her knees are rested on the saddle and her weight is in her heels. This is the correct forward jumping position.

Learning to jump

After a rider has learned the fundamentals of forms and control, she or he can begin learning to jump. Such lessons are very useful in teaching balance and developing the rider's confidence. This illustration shows several of the stages involved when teaching the horse and the rider to jump. For example, a horse untrained in jumping should gradually become accustomed to the task, first being led over poles placed intervals on the ground. This procedure is repeated at a trot, and then with the rider mounted. Another jumping exercise uses cavalletti, squared-off poles supported at each end by an x-shaped support Cavalletti can be stacked to from a fence, or placed singly at various intervals on the ground or in other combinations Schooling both rider and horse over cavalletti develops balance and rhythm.

The rodeo

The rodeo (from the Spanish word for a cattle ring) originated in the American West as informal contests of skill held after the big cattle drives. Later formal rodeos were organized with prize money, and today these events attract large numbers of contestants and spectators; there are also professional rodeo organizations such as the Rodeo Cowboys' Association and the Girls' Rodeo Association. There are five traditional rodeo events: bronco riding, saddle bronco riding, bull riding, steer wrestling and calf roping. In this event, a calf is released into the ring from a chute and the cowboy gallops after to lasso it. Part of the Western horse's basic training to come to a sliding halt when the calf is roped and to back away, keeping the lariat, which is secured to the horn, taut. The cowboy then dismounts, turns the calf over on its side and ties three of its legs together. The rider who accomplishes this in least amount of time wins the event.

Transporting your horse

Transporting, or vanning your horse should pose no problems as long as the driver is experienced and your horse is well-protected. The usual mode of transportation is the horsebox, the interior of which is padded. In addition, the horse should wear blanket, knee caps, hock boots, poll guard and travel and tail bandages. Many horses allow themselves to be led into the box quite easily, though some horses are more nervous and must be loaded with help. For long journeys, a hay net hung within easy reach can keep horses from becoming restless.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

horse trailers

the picture above is a horse trailer. If you have a horse, you'll need to have one of these. Horse trailers are important. If you have a horse, you'll need to have a horse trailer too. If you have to bring your horse to the vet, or on a vacation or trip, or to a show, a horse trailer is the job for taking horses places. Horse trailers come in two main sizes: a big horse trailer; for fitting a couple horses in, and a small trailer; for fitting only one or two horses in. Many horse trailers have windows, for horses to be able to see outside. Horses don't like trailers, because they feel squished in a small space. Horses don't like being in a small space, they feel uncomfortable. Many horse trailers have buckets with water and food. If you are traveling in the fall or winter, you can put a woolen day rug on your horse, because those rugs are good for traveling. Horse trailers usually have hay or straw on the floor, and sometimes they have bedding.

Friday, January 1, 2010

The double bridle

The picture above is a double bridle. Double bridles have two reins on each side. They aren't usually seen on horses. They should only be used by experienced riders.

trail rides

Trail rides are fun, it might be scary if the trail is steep, but you always get used to it. If you're riding a gentle horse, you'll probably be pretty safe. Horses are usually very careful when the trail is steep, they walk slowly, and step over rocks or sticks. Don't forget, riding is a partner ship, if you trust your horse, the horse will usually trust you. You have to rely on your horse to be safe.