|
|
 |
Horse INKlings
Volume 1 Issue 1
Wednesday December 20, 2000
Welcome to the first issue of
Horse INKlings. Its aim is to provide interesting, entertaining and useful information about
the horses with whom we share our lives. Please let me know what you think.
========================
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
========================
"Half the failures in life arise from pulling in one's horse as he is leaping."
-- Julius & Augustus Hare
===================
FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH
===================
Here in the wintery part of the world, people differ on what constitutes adequate shelter and whether snow can replace
drinking water.
Well fed horses with full winter coats can withstand very cold temperatures. What gets them is wet and wind. Trees
or a windbreak fence won't keep them dry, nor will a blanket that isn't waterproof or that doesn't fit properly.
A three-sided shed works well as long as it's open on a long side and wide enough for the number of horses who need protection.
Horses at the bottom of the pecking order won't go in -- with good reason -- if there's any danger of being cornered by more dominant
herd mates.
If you board your horse outside and continue to ride through the winter, be sure he is completely cool and dry before putting on his
blanket and putting him back out. A wool liner and a breathable outer blanket can help prevent chills.
As for snow -- horses can survive on snow, but so could we. Warm drinking water from a heated waterer or offered in buckets makes for
a healthier, more comfortable horse.
=============
GROANER TIME
=============
Q) Why did the foal cough?
A) Because he was a little horse!
============
HORSE TRIVIA
============
In either extreme heat or extreme cold, a horse's pilo-erector muscles raise the hairs on end. This creates air pockets next
to the skin thus increasing the insulation of the coat.
SOURCE: The Illustrated Veterinary Encyclopedia for Horsemen
(TIP: An inadequate blanket can actually be colder than no
blanket at all because it keeps the hair flat.)
==========================
THIS MONTH'S FEATURED BOOK
==========================
Sally Swift's Centered Riding was published in 1985 and has helped countless riders and horses ever since. This is a book I
recommend to all my students and to which I return myself over and over again. (There are also videos available but I don't find them
nearly as effective as the book.)
This isn't a book that will teach you how to ride if you've never been on a horse. Rather, it's a book for riders who already have an idea
what they're supposed to do but want to ride more freely and effectively in harmony with their horses.
Starting with the four basics of the correct use of the eyes, correct breathing, centering and building blocks or balance, Sally Swift
takes riders through a series of exercises and images to achieve the coveted deep, following seat at all gaits.
Her knowledge of human and horse anatomy and how they intersect, combined with eastern ideas of energy and body control,
help riders approach their horses from a fresh perspective. The half halt becomes clear, bending makes more sense and impulsion is
demystified.
Sally Swift's approach helps riders become part of their horses' movement rather working to stay on top of it. I can't recommend
this book enough whether you're a relatively new rider or someone who has spent years learning through traditional techniques.
For more information on this book, click
here. To buy a copy
for yourself or as a gift, click on one of the links below and add it to your shopping basket.
amazon.ca
amazon.com
amazon.co.uk
|
|
|
