Equestrian

Information, advice, motivation

 and events that will keep you

 active in and out of the

saddle.



Information

Training Secrets from a Mounted Police Officer

1. If going out for that trail ride, saddle your horse before loading him into the 
trailer. Riding with English tack is easier, since you can run up your stirrups; and no, my saddle never incurred any damage. 

2. Yes, your horse may be bomb-proof, but that doesn't mean he still won't startle at the little things. ie: a garden sprinkler, a painted line in the road, a loose miniature horse running in his direction...so don't ride out on the buckle.

3. Horses can climb stairs, and it's quite fun for the both of you once they get the hang of it. It's the descending part that's difficult, just give them their head, sit back in your saddle, and support them when it's time to come down.



At the Il. Capitol Building

4. Sure, you can have the kids come and pet your horse, tell them to stand on the side of his neck, so they are in the "all clear" zone. This also helps to make sure Dusty doesn't come back with cotton candy and potato chip crumbs stuck to his muzzle from his "grazing".

5. Always give your Mount a pat on the neck, some good rubs and PRAISE when he does something positive. I can't tell you how many times I don't see that. They try hard for you, make sure they know it! This builds their confidence in your partnership.

6. There can be 2 Mounted Police Trainers in a barn, but 12 different opinions on how something is "done".

7. If a motorist is honking at you and telling you that your horse's tail is sticking out of the "back door" of your bumper pull... Make sure you double check...because he is actually telling you is your trailer ramp is down. (Don't ask what happened next!)

8. Trust what your Mount is telling you. If he is adamant about not stepping through something that looks "iffy" to him-he's not being disobedient, he's saving your butt.

9. Pushing through unruly, noisy crowds is one of the toughest things to ask of a horse. It takes plenty of real life experience, and most importantly, TRUST to override his flight instinct and listen to you.

10. There is no piece of specialized equipment that will give you the same results as patience and understanding.

To be Continued!...

Advice

~If you want a stable friendship, get a horse! ~ Author Unknown

~Inquiring...are there any Horseless Husbands out there also? signed, The Horseless Housewife.

Motivation

~Once you learn how to really ride, you would be surprised how much you remember subconsciously. Last Summer, I was on a friend's horse who had been a pasture pet for 18 months. Well, he had it with working, took the bit, and proceeded to take off with me to catch up with his pasture mate down the trail. After a few galloping strides, I realized he wasn't coming back to me. So, I had two thoughts: the first was "flying dismount". The second was glancing down at the uneven ground and thinking,"umm...NO!" Then it just kicked in, the emergency stop. My right reined hand grabbed some mane, and when I started to pull on the left rein, that's when I realized what I was doing! I had taught this procedure so many times with new riders, but never had to use it with my own horses.
Your instincts will never fail you, and neither will your training!

~Some day those stars will align again, and you will find yourself connected. ~KMM

Events

Some of these events I will be attending, and will report on the blog...

Click here: Festival of the Horse and Drum, August 2013, Illinois

Click here: North American Police Equestrian Championships, October 11-13, 2013, Richmond, VA

Click here: 29th Annual Mounted Police Colloquium, October 21-25, 2013, Lexington, KY

Click here: Mounted Police Civilian Sensory Training Clinic (Novice), October 26, 2013, Lexington, KY