Western & Horse News http://gpcgilbert.com/western Just another WordPress weblog Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:18:01 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 Your Useful Guide When Choosing Horse Tack Supplies http://gpcgilbert.com/western/pets/your-useful-guide-when-choosing-horse-tack-supplies_110.htm http://gpcgilbert.com/western/pets/your-useful-guide-when-choosing-horse-tack-supplies_110.htm#comments Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:18:01 +0000 admin http://gpcgilbert.com/western/pets/your-useful-guide-when-choosing-horse-tack-supplies_110.htm MIKE SELVON asked:


Taking care of a horse is not as easy as one may think. Your horse’s health, shelter, food and horse tack supplies are all very important things to consider, with regard to the care of these giant animals. Tack supplies include bridles, crops, brushes, horse shoes, saddles, and a whole lot more, and because there are so many types and brands of tack supplies available today, choosing the right ones can get confusing. Here is a guide on how to choose the right supplies for your pet.

Bridles are one of the most essential horse tack items that you, as a rider, should have. These are used to communicate with your pet. Normally, the most common is the dressage bridle that can fit over the head of the horse and onto his mouth. The reins go back to the rider who uses them to command and control the animal. Horse bridles vary in quality and price, and by standard these bridles should be made of high-quality leather.

Avoid buying poor quality leather as they will crack easily and wear over time, which is not ideal, especially during harsh weather. Check the reins and the cheek-pieces and make sure they are reinforced. The buckles should also be made from stainless steel to avoid rusting. When buying horse bridles, the best advice is to visit a reputable manufacturer that will provide you with some sort of warranty on the product, so you can return them should they not function effectively.

It is generally accepted that horse tack supplies are quite expensive, and saddles are no exception. There are three types of saddles, namely the Western saddles, the English saddles and the side-saddles. When you are looking at these tack supplies, make sure to choose one that is made of pure leather, regardless of what type the saddle is.

Suede and synthetic leather are also good options because they are very lightweight and easy to maintain. When you shop for a saddle, it may be best to have a professional pet-care expert with you to help you with your investment.

Another essential in the genre of horse tack supplies are its boots, which will protect the legs of your pet. In choosing the right horse boots, make sure to go for those that are sturdy, well-constructed and comfortable. When chosen properly, these boots can last up to several years.

If you own such an animal, and horsemanship is important to you, then it is paramount to provide them with their basic needs. The right horse saddles, boots, or bridles are but some of the most important things you need for your horse.



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]]> http://gpcgilbert.com/western/pets/your-useful-guide-when-choosing-horse-tack-supplies_110.htm/feed 0 Tell me all you know about the welsh pony? http://gpcgilbert.com/western/horses/tell-me-all-you-know-about-the-welsh-pony_1422.htm http://gpcgilbert.com/western/horses/tell-me-all-you-know-about-the-welsh-pony_1422.htm#comments Tue, 09 Mar 2010 06:45:13 +0000 admin http://gpcgilbert.com/western/horses/tell-me-all-you-know-about-the-welsh-pony_1422.htm Lindsaayy asked:


I heard that you can make a lot of money off of really well bred and talented welsh ponies. personally i don’t care about the money, i just want to raise ponies, but i can’t help but think that when selling, the little boost would be nice. so tell me….
What are their average personalities like?
How tall do they usually get?
What can they do (jumping, dressage, and even western events like barrell racing or pole bending)?
Are they really all that valuable or is it just a rumor?

Personally I would rather breed shetlands. I really like the breed and little kids as well so they would be good for lessons and my kids and stuff like that.

I’m not planning on starting a business for many years (i’m only 14) but i want to start planning now so that as soon is i have a chance to start something i can. thanks yall!

]]> http://gpcgilbert.com/western/horses/tell-me-all-you-know-about-the-welsh-pony_1422.htm/feed 0 What do you think is the ideal size horse/pony for me? http://gpcgilbert.com/western/horses/what-do-you-think-is-the-ideal-size-horsepony-for-me_1216.htm http://gpcgilbert.com/western/horses/what-do-you-think-is-the-ideal-size-horsepony-for-me_1216.htm#comments Tue, 09 Mar 2010 04:43:11 +0000 admin http://gpcgilbert.com/western/horses/what-do-you-think-is-the-ideal-size-horsepony-for-me_1216.htm 3iLuVtheBEACH3 asked:


i’m 5′4, 103 pounds. it’s just a random question… i ride all sizes but am just wondering what height/build of horse or pony you guys think would be my ideal :]
thanks for all the answers!!
btw i ride hunter/jumper

]]> http://gpcgilbert.com/western/horses/what-do-you-think-is-the-ideal-size-horsepony-for-me_1216.htm/feed 0 How much weight can an average horse/pony carry? http://gpcgilbert.com/western/other-pets/how-much-weight-can-an-average-horsepony-carry_976.htm http://gpcgilbert.com/western/other-pets/how-much-weight-can-an-average-horsepony-carry_976.htm#comments Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:00:43 +0000 admin http://gpcgilbert.com/western/other-pets/how-much-weight-can-an-average-horsepony-carry_976.htm karengle asked:


I was just wondering this, because i work at a horse camp that owns horses and ponies. Sometimes, a taller or larger camper wants to ride a pony, and i am unsure how safe it would be for both of them, especially if the pony is older. thanks, sorry if i sound really stupid :p

]]> http://gpcgilbert.com/western/other-pets/how-much-weight-can-an-average-horsepony-carry_976.htm/feed 1 Horse Riding – The Dynamics of a Turn http://gpcgilbert.com/western/pets/horse-riding-the-dynamics-of-a-turn_193.htm http://gpcgilbert.com/western/pets/horse-riding-the-dynamics-of-a-turn_193.htm#comments Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:30:24 +0000 admin http://gpcgilbert.com/western/pets/horse-riding-the-dynamics-of-a-turn_193.htm Lydia K Kelly asked:


When starting out in riding, most riders learn that to turn a horse you need to pull on the inside rein. Initially, this is effective, but it does not work well as horses and riders advance in their skills.

While pulling on the inside rein will turn a horse’s head, and thus turn the horse, it does not offer the horse the chance to balance properly through the turn. By pulling on the mouth, the rider forces the horse to turn his head by tightening his inside muscles, stiffening his movement and restricting him.

Most school horses know no better, and would not turn if a different aid were given. This is fine for beginners, as there are so many other aspects of horsemanship to learn. In the long run, though, a rider should learn how to properly manage a horse on the bit and to turn him without restricting his movement.

To understand how to properly turn a horse, you need to understand what it means to ride a horse “on the bit”. A well trained horse will work with a constant contact with the rider’s hand. He will seek this contact in order to maintain a regular communication with the rider.

A rider is in constant communication with the horse through the reins. A little squeeze here or a slight release there are all the signals needed to ask the horse to change what he is doing. Additionally, the rider maintains contact with her legs. This way it only takes a small signal to tell the horse to bend, to turn, or to change gait.

To understand why a regular contact is required, try holding a rein between two people. Start off with a “loose rein” where there is a slight loop in the rein. How much movement/effort does it take for the other person to feel your signal? Now pick up the “contact” so that there is a gentle tension between you. Now, how much movement/effort does it take for the other person to feel your signal? As you will see, it takes far less effort to give an aid if there is a steady contact.

To turn, you need a combination of leg and rein. To begin with, you will need to use your inside leg to ask the horse to bend his body through the turn. Think of the inside leg as a post around which your horse must bend.

If you maintain your rein contact, your horse will continue on a straight line with a bend in his body. This is part of how you ask for a leg yield or a shoulder in. The body remains forward-facing, while there is a bend through the horse.

To get your horse to turn, you need to give him the room to turn into. If you pull your inside rein, and maintain your outside rein as it is, you ask for an increased bend in your horse, restricting his movement, and asking him to move sideways. However, if you slightly release your outside rein, your horse will reach for the contact, stretching his neck and shoulder, and follow the contact into the turn. Your inside leg gives him the bend, while the outside rein allows him the freedom to move forward into the turn.

A horse that is ridden properly through the turn will stretch forward, not slowing or shortening his stride. His turn will be smooth and effortless, and the aid will be so subtle that an observer will not even see that it has been applied.



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]]> http://gpcgilbert.com/western/pets/horse-riding-the-dynamics-of-a-turn_193.htm/feed 0 Where is it possible to do a Horse Riding Expedition as part of the Duke of Edinburgh award? http://gpcgilbert.com/western/community-service/where-is-it-possible-to-do-a-horse-riding-expedition-as-part-of-the-duke-of-edinburgh-award_1272.htm http://gpcgilbert.com/western/community-service/where-is-it-possible-to-do-a-horse-riding-expedition-as-part-of-the-duke-of-edinburgh-award_1272.htm#comments Mon, 08 Mar 2010 01:12:13 +0000 admin http://gpcgilbert.com/western/community-service/where-is-it-possible-to-do-a-horse-riding-expedition-as-part-of-the-duke-of-edinburgh-award_1272.htm :) asked:


I am soon to start my Duke of Edinburgh Award, and my friend I would like to go Pony Trekking for our expedition section. Does anyone know anywhere (e.g. stables location) that will allow us to do this? Please attach website address of stables if possible. Thank you :)

]]> http://gpcgilbert.com/western/community-service/where-is-it-possible-to-do-a-horse-riding-expedition-as-part-of-the-duke-of-edinburgh-award_1272.htm/feed 1 Kinsky Horses http://gpcgilbert.com/western/pets/kinsky-horses_148.htm http://gpcgilbert.com/western/pets/kinsky-horses_148.htm#comments Sun, 07 Mar 2010 20:27:48 +0000 admin http://gpcgilbert.com/western/pets/kinsky-horses_148.htm Janine Carter asked:


The Kinsky horse legend originated in Bohemia over one-thousand years ago. A hunting party led by a princess was attacked by wolves. One man stood his ground against the wolves and drove them off killing three of of the villians. For the young mans courage, the King knighted the Kinsky man and gave him a coat of arms featuring the three wolves’ teeth as a reminder of his brave act. This Kinsky came to raise and name the famous Kinsky line of horses.

There have been many stories of the brave Kinsky horses throughout the years, characterized by their stamina and character and they are considered to be one of the worlds rarest and outstanding horses. Europeans know the Kinsky better than in America because of its European roots.

Over time, the Kinsky family name and power grew as did the reputation of the Kinsky horses. They were used for many things, from cavalry to carriage horses. Count Kinsky traveled all over the country to find the best thoroughbreds possible to strengthen the bloodlines. Over time they began to be known as the Gold Kinsky horses because of the extraordinary gold metallic shine to their coats, although not all Kinsky’s are gold. They can be of all shades of gold and brown and there is the very rare black Kinsky, but all have the same glossy sheen to their coats.

The Kinsky horses won the Pardubice Grand National seven times in the 20th century. The most remembered races were in 1937 when the race was won by the gold Kinsky mare Norma. Countess Lata Brandisova was the rider and the first and only woman rider to ever win the European race. The breed won countless famous races all over Europe that are written in the history books of Europe where it is well loved.

The USSR confiscated all Kinsky Estates at the beginning of the war and banned foxhunting. Fortunately, thanks to the efforts of some of the family the Kinsky horse’s standards did not suffer during this time. Now known as the Czech Republic, the Kinsky horse is regarded as a treasure to their country.

There are less than one-thousand registered Kinsky horses today, making it one of the most rare breeds in all the world. There is a growing renewed interested in this breed since the fall of the iron curtain and now a stud farm has been opened in the UK to breed this rare horse for the first time ever. Hopefully, this will increase the number of Kinsky’s to the wide range and plentiful number they once were.

The Kinsky horse has an extremely long and grand history that has stood the test of time. They are balanced, good-natured and have the stamina necessary for many different activities such as Dressage, Western riding, Fox Hunting and polo. From birth, they are very friendly to humans and can bond easily to their owners. In short, they look up to their human owners and are easily trained.



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]]> http://gpcgilbert.com/western/pets/kinsky-horses_148.htm/feed 0 my pony is lame again? http://gpcgilbert.com/western/horses/my-pony-is-lame-again_1394.htm http://gpcgilbert.com/western/horses/my-pony-is-lame-again_1394.htm#comments Sun, 07 Mar 2010 16:30:32 +0000 admin http://gpcgilbert.com/western/horses/my-pony-is-lame-again_1394.htm countmystrides asked:


my pony was lame for over three months. the vet came out and injected his back left hock. he said he had a bone chip and some arthritis in this area. he was sound for about three weeks. i was walk trotting him for about 20 -40 minutes three times a week. i did a LITTLE bit of canter work to ensure i didn’t push it the third week. i just went out the end of the third week to ride and take care of him and he was lame. it was drizzling a little bit, and we thought that maybe it was his little bit of arthritis. it kills me to see him hurting. i’ve had him for almost three years. we’ve shown TONS and ridden intensely all along. he’s only 8 years old, a quarter horse x mustang. he’s 14hh does the hunters. i’m not looking to hear bute him telling me i ride him to hard. i take care of my pony and i’m looking to hear, if anyone else’s horse has the same problems? does anyone know about the : malalignment of the spine, arthritis. i’m desperate.
he’s been professionally massaged, he’s had x-rays on his legs his neck. he’s been injected in his back left hock (about three weeks ago), lightly riding, pasture 24/7, checked for ringbone DOESN’T have it.
i just want to let you know .. i don’t know his past experiences. saying he shouldn’t have a bone chip… doesn’t help. it IS offensive. i mean i take care of my pony. as a matter of fact i saved him from an auction. this pony has been abused, he’s fallen through barbed wire, he was a cart horse, he has frostbite. he’s had a hard life. but he’s got a BIG heart, he’s the cutest thing, and he means the world to me. so inferring that i don’t take care of my pony and assuming that it’s because i ride him too hard… IS offensive on your part. thanks anyways.

]]> http://gpcgilbert.com/western/horses/my-pony-is-lame-again_1394.htm/feed 2 How To Pick A Horse Trailer http://gpcgilbert.com/western/pets/how-to-pick-a-horse-trailer_250.htm http://gpcgilbert.com/western/pets/how-to-pick-a-horse-trailer_250.htm#comments Sun, 07 Mar 2010 08:46:07 +0000 admin http://gpcgilbert.com/western/pets/how-to-pick-a-horse-trailer_250.htm Phil Wiskell asked:


Buying a trailer the first time can be overwhelming if you don’t know anything about rigs. It’s best to take a friend with you who hauls their own horses. Even then, you’ll still have to provide information on your horse and truck to make sure you get the right trailer.

Where to Find a Trailer

Most people would rather not pay full price for a trailer if they don’t have to. Look in the classifieds of your local newspaper; go to your local tack store. Both will have ads for trailers; the tack shop might have a photograph of the trailer which is always helpful. You can also ask the staff if they know the person selling the trailer, about the type of trailer, etc. You can also post an ad at the tack shop for a trailer which might quicken the process. It will take a while to find the right one, so be patient.

Used trailers can be found on websites, but you’re always taking a chance if you buy off the web. It’s better to buy the trailer off a lot — new or used — because you can check out the overall condition of the trailer; see if there are rust spots or other damage the seller hasn’t fully disclosed. Make sure you get a warranty if one is available.

The necessary details

You’ll need to know the length, width, height and weight of your horse to make sure you get the right size rig. They come in a few standard heights: 7 feet, 7 feet 4 inches, and 7 feet 6 inches. Most 15 to 16 hand horses will easily fit in a 7 foot tall rig, but the added height is an advantage if plan to get another horse in the future or want to haul someone else’s horse. If your horse is over 16 hands, you’d want to get the 7 foot 6 inch rig.

You need to know the weight capacity of your hitch and the towing capacity of your truck. And finally, you’ll also need the gross trailer weight, which is determined by adding the weight of the trailer and the weight of the cargo you’ll carry inside it. Don’t forget to include all the other horse gear — saddle, show clothes, tack, water buckets, hay, and anything else you’ll be carrying. Make sure you don’t exceed the towing capacity of your vehicle or the weight capacity of your hitch. All trucks have labels and paperwork saying what their towing capacity is. Make sure you have this information when looking for trailers.

Slant Load or Straight Load Trailer

Most slant loads come with a dressing room which is great for horse shows or trail rides. Make sure to measure slant loads and well as straight loads since the dressing room may take up space for your horse and may then be too short and narrow.

Some manufacturers think slant loads are less stressful for a horse because they can lean on the dividers to rest if needed. You can also turn your horse around in a slant load and don’t need to worry about backing them out if it’s an issue for your horse.

The Material Choice

The majority of rigs are made of either steel or aluminum. Steel is stronger, heavier and will hold up in an accident or crash. A steel trailer will cost less, but you may need to spend more on upkeep later if the trailer rusts. Since the steel trailer is heavier, it will affect the towing capacity of your vehicle, so keep the weight difference in mind. An aluminum trailer weighs less then a steel trailer and will be more expensive. However, an aluminum trailer will hold its value better and want to trade up for a new or larger model. Aluminum trailers tend to dent easier, which could be a problem if your horse is restless when being moved and tends to kick.

Before you start looking for a rig, do some research. Go to a horse expo, check out a truck dealership. Consider sharing your rig with a friend who also goes to horse shows. He/she can help with the gas costs and you’ll have someone to go to shows when other people at your barn may be busy. Be safe, stay within your budget and have fun wherever you go!



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]]> http://gpcgilbert.com/western/pets/how-to-pick-a-horse-trailer_250.htm/feed 0 what do you think to this pony? http://gpcgilbert.com/western/horses/what-do-you-think-to-this-pony_1110.htm http://gpcgilbert.com/western/horses/what-do-you-think-to-this-pony_1110.htm#comments Sun, 07 Mar 2010 02:03:19 +0000 admin http://gpcgilbert.com/western/horses/what-do-you-think-to-this-pony_1110.htm looby loo asked:


http://www.sledmerehorses.co.uk/firefly.asp

I have posted similar questions about the same type of thing but it is a new pony

I am looking for a 14-14.3h 1st pony . I am 13 and have been riding school ponies my whole life

do you think we would go together well – i would obviously try before i buy

your opinion would be appreciated

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