Many people consider the ban on slaughter to be a step forward in the way we treat and care for our horses in the Untied States. But let’s face the hard facts, because of this ban rescue facilities are filled to their capacity. Low end auctions are seeing more horses, horses that where once prized school horses or family pets. Many horses end up at these auctions because they became unsound with regular work or where un-rideable. Either because of poor conformation or temperament. And in this slowly recovering economy more people are struggling with what to do with older, injured or un-rideable horses. There have been numerous articles published with a variety of ideas and suggestions to help with this problem. One way I like to think about is if you a 20 acre field, only a certain number of horses can fit in the field. With out over grazing, and to be able to get the care and attention they deserve. Now imagine twenty more horses standing out side of the field, waiting to get in.
How do we minimize the numbers in the future? By educating people about breeding, just because you have a mare does not mean that see should have a foal. What we need is an even more selective breeding program, a program that every breed could adopt and produce top athletes for their chosen discipline.
While breeding in North America has improved dramatically over the last thirty years, giving us the ability to compete our young stock against Europe’s horses and be successful. There is still room for improvement in our horses as a whole.
Breeders of any breed need to be very selective over what horses are used for breeding and strive for quality over quantity. Only the best Mares should be put to the best stallions, stallions that match up with there individual needs for improvement. Only then are we breeding foals that have the best chance for a long, useful and healthy life.
When selecting a mare she should be sound and have good conformation. She should show purity of movement at all three gaits. The walk should show a clear rhythm and a good overstep. While showing elasticity and a good range of motion in front. At the trot the mare should show a good range of motion from the shoulder, she should appear supple and clear with a good bending of the hocks from the weight bearing hind leg. The Canter should have a good reach in front while coming well from behind, and demonstrate a twelve foot stride. The rhythm should be clear and look strong through the back. Ride-ability should also come into consideration; in fact it should be at the top of any breeders list, no matter the breed. I strongly believe that all breeding horses should be riding animals.
I would like to see all mares, regardless of breed, inspected by at least there breed societies in hand and more importantly under saddle. If she isn’t good quality in all these areas she should not be used for breeding.
Mares that do not match these criteria should be spade in my opinion. Many mares’ temperaments and readability improve greatly after such a procedure.
It also prevents any unwanted breeding, and will reduce the number of unwanted horses in the future.
At many vet clinics this can be done as a standing procedure. We have been using this method with our dogs and cats for years to help control the population.
When selecting a stallion we should be even stricter, adding x-rays, blood and semen analysis.
If all breeders where to follow these guidelines, the situation would greatly improve, it wont completely fix it, but will be a big step in the right direction.
Something for American breeders to keep in mind is the broad variety of bloodlines and type found in North America. The quality of horses that can be found here is just as good as that found in Europe. Please consider using stallions that are standing here for your next breeding.
Sincerely,
Petra and John
Monday, February 7, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Living Outside The Box!!!
Standardized tests are useful, but they only scratch the surface on what is possible and only give one view of a given situation. In life we are given many standardized tests and these test are used to measure our abilities against others in a given situation. This method is a useful beginning, but not an end. I do not think it should be abandoned, but put in perspective. Life is anything but standard. No matter how well you plan it will give you something that could not be foreseen or anticipated and your ability to adapt, change, and face these challenges is important. If we are to get the most out of ourselves, and those we work with. We must be creative and teach problem solving skills to foster independence and confidence.
We are all born with certain strengths and weakness's. So I am going to let you in on one of mine. When I was born I had very poor vision and my parents had no idea what I would be able to see or do. My mother either ate , drank, or breathed in something that stooped the development of the back of my eyes. I won't bore you with all the medical details but there is no known cure or surgery they thought would improve my sight. Well over the years my vision has gotten some what better. Either my brain learned to use the information it had better or something similar. My eyes are not like most peoples, but I manage just fine. In fact it has made me a far better rider and instructor than I would have ever been otherwise. It forced me to focus on feeling more, on knowing not only flat work better regardless of the discipline but each horse better. I learned to be able to quickly evaluate situations and how to build trust and confidence in my horses. I learned that what some people see as impossible is totally possible if you have faith, and work hard, and realize there is more than one way to do almost anything. Do we all have limits yes and no.There are certain things each of us can not do in a traditional manner, but we can find a way to do more than we ever thought and be a part of things in amazing ways, if we keep an open mind.
I have ridden some of the worlds best horses for some of the worlds best riders. I have jumped 2 meters, done one tempi's, piaffe , passage and pirouettes. More importantly I have trained horses how to enjoy the bit, to stretch, to engage their mussels in a healthy way , and to jump with confidence. I have thought students who have ridden at a variety of levels in Dressage, Hunter/Jumper, and Eventing. I believe the most important things in riding are confidence, understanding of what you and your horse are trying to achieve( which includes all of horsemanship from proper care to the finer points of competition). It should be entertaining and enjoyable! Which is why we do it in this day and age, otherwise we would play golf, tennis , or whatever you like.
I was able to do this for three simple reasons I was willing to try, my parents allowed me to try and supported my efforts to the best of their abilities and I had some amazing teachers who were willing to think outside the box and believe in me and themselves.
I am not special, and I have made mistakes along the way, but hopefully I have helped others see that the impossible is possible sometimes.Over time I will share more of my story. Ups and downs in hopes to inspire you and keep you from making some of my mistakes.I hope this helps you in some small way.
Sincerely, John
We are all born with certain strengths and weakness's. So I am going to let you in on one of mine. When I was born I had very poor vision and my parents had no idea what I would be able to see or do. My mother either ate , drank, or breathed in something that stooped the development of the back of my eyes. I won't bore you with all the medical details but there is no known cure or surgery they thought would improve my sight. Well over the years my vision has gotten some what better. Either my brain learned to use the information it had better or something similar. My eyes are not like most peoples, but I manage just fine. In fact it has made me a far better rider and instructor than I would have ever been otherwise. It forced me to focus on feeling more, on knowing not only flat work better regardless of the discipline but each horse better. I learned to be able to quickly evaluate situations and how to build trust and confidence in my horses. I learned that what some people see as impossible is totally possible if you have faith, and work hard, and realize there is more than one way to do almost anything. Do we all have limits yes and no.There are certain things each of us can not do in a traditional manner, but we can find a way to do more than we ever thought and be a part of things in amazing ways, if we keep an open mind.
I have ridden some of the worlds best horses for some of the worlds best riders. I have jumped 2 meters, done one tempi's, piaffe , passage and pirouettes. More importantly I have trained horses how to enjoy the bit, to stretch, to engage their mussels in a healthy way , and to jump with confidence. I have thought students who have ridden at a variety of levels in Dressage, Hunter/Jumper, and Eventing. I believe the most important things in riding are confidence, understanding of what you and your horse are trying to achieve( which includes all of horsemanship from proper care to the finer points of competition). It should be entertaining and enjoyable! Which is why we do it in this day and age, otherwise we would play golf, tennis , or whatever you like.
I was able to do this for three simple reasons I was willing to try, my parents allowed me to try and supported my efforts to the best of their abilities and I had some amazing teachers who were willing to think outside the box and believe in me and themselves.
I am not special, and I have made mistakes along the way, but hopefully I have helped others see that the impossible is possible sometimes.Over time I will share more of my story. Ups and downs in hopes to inspire you and keep you from making some of my mistakes.I hope this helps you in some small way.
Sincerely, John
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Dont let the Stress become your life
It may seem that there’s nothing you can do about your stress level. The bills aren’t going to stop coming, there will never be more hours in the day for all your errands, and your career or family responsibilities will always be demanding. But you have a lot more control than you might think. In fact, the simple realization that you’re in control of your life is what stress management means.
Managing stress is all about taking charge: taking charge of your thoughts, your emotions, your schedule, your environment, and the way you deal with problems. The ultimate goal is a balanced life, with time for work, relationships, relaxation, and fun – plus the resilience to hold up under pressure and meet challenges head on.
I find the key to 'de-stressing' your life is finding a healthy balance of between responsibility and the things you take pleasure in. For John and I that can be some thing as simple as reading to our daughter Emma Grace, or taking the time go for a long walk with our Great Dane Leo.
One of the most important things for me is to always to look at the bigger picture, and take the time to understand where I want to end up in the next ten years. If I spent my time stressing about bills and managing my time well I would never live my life.
So when things get hard and you find your self still thinking about the stress in your life before bed time. Take half a hour, and slow down! Go read a good book, watch a happy movie with your family, or go cuddle with your pets! Allow yourself to feel Good!!!
Sincerly,
Petra
Managing stress is all about taking charge: taking charge of your thoughts, your emotions, your schedule, your environment, and the way you deal with problems. The ultimate goal is a balanced life, with time for work, relationships, relaxation, and fun – plus the resilience to hold up under pressure and meet challenges head on.
I find the key to 'de-stressing' your life is finding a healthy balance of between responsibility and the things you take pleasure in. For John and I that can be some thing as simple as reading to our daughter Emma Grace, or taking the time go for a long walk with our Great Dane Leo.
One of the most important things for me is to always to look at the bigger picture, and take the time to understand where I want to end up in the next ten years. If I spent my time stressing about bills and managing my time well I would never live my life.
So when things get hard and you find your self still thinking about the stress in your life before bed time. Take half a hour, and slow down! Go read a good book, watch a happy movie with your family, or go cuddle with your pets! Allow yourself to feel Good!!!
Sincerly,
Petra
Friday, February 4, 2011
Rejuvenation!!!
Every one needs some time to rest and prepare for the busy times of year when we and our horses need to be our best. Done well this can be a magical time of discovery, enrichment and wonderful connections! I am going to divide this since many of our readers are not equestrians.(people first-horse stuff second)
In today's hectic society all of us have times of the year were we are under greater pressure to perform at our highest level, no matter what roles we play work-spouse-parent-friend-philanthropic ex. To be prepared for this we need to also have some "me time" were we take care of ourselves. Use this time is a positive way, such has making a simple yearly plan to improve your self. A vacation is usually part of this time. It should be some were you find you can be rejuvenated. I like to use this time to reconnect with people, let my body have an easier time physically, and think about were I am headed for the next year.
When it comes to spending time with people try and pick the ones you always wish you had more time with! Who make you happy and you make happy. For me that would be my Wife and kids.
Physically I cut back to walking and yoga or stretching. It is important to stay eating healthy , but one day a week for 3 weeks I let myself eat almost what ever I want(in moderation).
To make a plan I try and get a focus by listing all the things that are important to me. Then I rank them as best I can and combine or eliminate them until I feel I am down to a reasonable number.For most of us this is between 3-7. Consider what you want to accomplish in each area and make a manageable plan to work on each one a little each day. It could be taking 5 minutes to really listen to someone close to you to improve your relationship, sticking to a work out program, or being more responsible with your finances the possibilities are endless. I find you know yourself better, so go with what feel right. It is important to try and find the positive in everything and focus on solutions or finding them instead of problems. Remember if you are more positive, healthier, and happier you will have more to offer everyone!.
* The Equestrian part !
Your equine partner needs down time too, proper condition and a plan to peak at just the right moment. This is harder these days especially in the hunter jumper world and any discipline were they are always chasing points, which encourages pushing our equine partners too the max!( I would like to see that change, but that is its own topic)
I believe you should be able to find a minimum of one/three weeks were your horse does not get ridden at all. Some horses can live out in a big pasture with buddies and a run in shed, but others need to be kept in and have either limited individual turn out and or lots of hand walking and grazing if possible. This gives your horse time to heal and renew itself both physically and mentally.
This should be fallowed well formed "legging up" or conditioning period. That starts off with forward walking only; outside on good footing hacking up and down mild hills if possible-even in an indoor arena if not. I do not recommend lounging any horse that has had a year under saddle at this point before you get on, instead hand walk it as long as it tales to get it relaxed. After 3 days of walking I would add short periods of rising trot,each day increasing the duration a few minutes. Again only straight lines and no circles smaller than 20 meters for now. The second week I might add short periods of cater, only a minute at first then adding a minute a day as long as things are going well until you are working on both reins for 5-7 minutes. The fourth week I might add one day of ring work, say a light gymnastic exercise for a jumping horse or a day schooling a few movements on a dressage horse. Each week there after I would add a day of ring work until I was up to that horses normal amount. I like to work four or five days in the ring, then one or two days hacking out. Then at least one day off if not two. If you create your own system like this I believe you will have less injuries and a better partnership with your horse.
* I use this time to work on 3 very import things too.
*1, I focus on teaching my horses to seek the bit in a soft-reaching and a relaxed chewing way. So I am sure they can be ridden in any frame I choose and their mussels are working to there best advantage, relaxed and engaged. Haven't you ever seen some one( for me this was Captain Mark Phillips Teaching our 3 day team at Morven Park years ago) get on someone elses horse and in a few minutes it back looks more relaxed, its tail is down and softly swaying in the rythem, its neck is an inch longer and it looks like the horse loves the bit. His mouth is all foamy while it gently chews it!
* 2, I try and make sure we have clear light but connected lines of communication. like a Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers or a couple who can dance as if they are one, perfect rhythm, graceful athletes moving in harmony!!
*3, Lastly it is bonding time! Using lots of positive reinforcement. This is usually softening (not dropping the connection or giving lots of treats) at the right moment, praising with my voice, stopping the work and giving the horse a pat and a little time on a loose reign., spending extra time grooming and just getting to know the horse.
I am a qualified horse professional so I can give this advise, but I do believe every one needs some impute and should get help. Why else would we have Olympic coaches? So I hope I have helped you in some small way!
Sincerely, John
In today's hectic society all of us have times of the year were we are under greater pressure to perform at our highest level, no matter what roles we play work-spouse-parent-friend-philanthropic ex. To be prepared for this we need to also have some "me time" were we take care of ourselves. Use this time is a positive way, such has making a simple yearly plan to improve your self. A vacation is usually part of this time. It should be some were you find you can be rejuvenated. I like to use this time to reconnect with people, let my body have an easier time physically, and think about were I am headed for the next year.
When it comes to spending time with people try and pick the ones you always wish you had more time with! Who make you happy and you make happy. For me that would be my Wife and kids.
Physically I cut back to walking and yoga or stretching. It is important to stay eating healthy , but one day a week for 3 weeks I let myself eat almost what ever I want(in moderation).
To make a plan I try and get a focus by listing all the things that are important to me. Then I rank them as best I can and combine or eliminate them until I feel I am down to a reasonable number.For most of us this is between 3-7. Consider what you want to accomplish in each area and make a manageable plan to work on each one a little each day. It could be taking 5 minutes to really listen to someone close to you to improve your relationship, sticking to a work out program, or being more responsible with your finances the possibilities are endless. I find you know yourself better, so go with what feel right. It is important to try and find the positive in everything and focus on solutions or finding them instead of problems. Remember if you are more positive, healthier, and happier you will have more to offer everyone!.
* The Equestrian part !
Your equine partner needs down time too, proper condition and a plan to peak at just the right moment. This is harder these days especially in the hunter jumper world and any discipline were they are always chasing points, which encourages pushing our equine partners too the max!( I would like to see that change, but that is its own topic)
I believe you should be able to find a minimum of one/three weeks were your horse does not get ridden at all. Some horses can live out in a big pasture with buddies and a run in shed, but others need to be kept in and have either limited individual turn out and or lots of hand walking and grazing if possible. This gives your horse time to heal and renew itself both physically and mentally.
This should be fallowed well formed "legging up" or conditioning period. That starts off with forward walking only; outside on good footing hacking up and down mild hills if possible-even in an indoor arena if not. I do not recommend lounging any horse that has had a year under saddle at this point before you get on, instead hand walk it as long as it tales to get it relaxed. After 3 days of walking I would add short periods of rising trot,each day increasing the duration a few minutes. Again only straight lines and no circles smaller than 20 meters for now. The second week I might add short periods of cater, only a minute at first then adding a minute a day as long as things are going well until you are working on both reins for 5-7 minutes. The fourth week I might add one day of ring work, say a light gymnastic exercise for a jumping horse or a day schooling a few movements on a dressage horse. Each week there after I would add a day of ring work until I was up to that horses normal amount. I like to work four or five days in the ring, then one or two days hacking out. Then at least one day off if not two. If you create your own system like this I believe you will have less injuries and a better partnership with your horse.
* I use this time to work on 3 very import things too.
*1, I focus on teaching my horses to seek the bit in a soft-reaching and a relaxed chewing way. So I am sure they can be ridden in any frame I choose and their mussels are working to there best advantage, relaxed and engaged. Haven't you ever seen some one( for me this was Captain Mark Phillips Teaching our 3 day team at Morven Park years ago) get on someone elses horse and in a few minutes it back looks more relaxed, its tail is down and softly swaying in the rythem, its neck is an inch longer and it looks like the horse loves the bit. His mouth is all foamy while it gently chews it!
* 2, I try and make sure we have clear light but connected lines of communication. like a Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers or a couple who can dance as if they are one, perfect rhythm, graceful athletes moving in harmony!!
*3, Lastly it is bonding time! Using lots of positive reinforcement. This is usually softening (not dropping the connection or giving lots of treats) at the right moment, praising with my voice, stopping the work and giving the horse a pat and a little time on a loose reign., spending extra time grooming and just getting to know the horse.
I am a qualified horse professional so I can give this advise, but I do believe every one needs some impute and should get help. Why else would we have Olympic coaches? So I hope I have helped you in some small way!
Sincerely, John
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Being Inerchangable when ever possible!!!
Petra and I do our best to be a support team as we go through life. I think it really helps us that we are willing to be as interchangeable as possible.This is not possible for most couples at work. Even we aren't when we work outside the Equestrian world, but at home it is very possible for almost everyone!
We all have our strengths, talents, and things we enjoy. That should not change , but it really helps that both of us are not only willing to clean the bathroom, do the laundry, cook dinner, change Emma Grace, respond to e-mails , and whatever else we need to do.Both people have to really want to have this kind of relationship, and it is not for everyone, but I think it really works for us. The better we get at it the closer we become. In fact I would say it is the most important thing for us after the love we have for each other and the kids, and our ability to communicate in a honest and positive manner.
It can give you a great feeling to surprise your mate by doing a chore that neither of you enjoy,out of the blue! By getting something taken care of when you know it might be what they usually do ,but their day is full and so you take care of it. Is there any better feeling when someone shows you there love buy making you a special meal or snack, planning something fun for the family or letting you get that extra hour of sleep when you desperately need it? I don't think so!!!
The better we get at it our lives are richer , our love for each other grows deeper and stronger. So think about it and if it sounds good to you talk about it in a positive way with that special that person in your life and give it a try. You can't be too critical if they burn the soup the first time or shrink your sweeter by accident or miss a spot when cleaning.
When talking about things try and use the sandwich method, positive- constructive comment-positive. It might go something like this." Wow you cleaned the BATHROOM!!! that's great!Next time it might be easier for you if you... I am so lucky to have some one in my life who loves me so much they would share this responsibility with me". So don't be afraid to give it a try. Many times we use mirror imaging more that we realize and we see someone do... so we do... So set the good example for everyone in your life. You will be pleased with the results.
I have no specific training in this area. I just want to help others by sharing what the things that work for us.. If you are having real trouble in any given area of life it is always wise to seek counsel from someone who has training ,education, life experience and has had success in that area which qualifies them to be a helpful trust worthy professional.
Sincerly,
John
We all have our strengths, talents, and things we enjoy. That should not change , but it really helps that both of us are not only willing to clean the bathroom, do the laundry, cook dinner, change Emma Grace, respond to e-mails , and whatever else we need to do.Both people have to really want to have this kind of relationship, and it is not for everyone, but I think it really works for us. The better we get at it the closer we become. In fact I would say it is the most important thing for us after the love we have for each other and the kids, and our ability to communicate in a honest and positive manner.
It can give you a great feeling to surprise your mate by doing a chore that neither of you enjoy,out of the blue! By getting something taken care of when you know it might be what they usually do ,but their day is full and so you take care of it. Is there any better feeling when someone shows you there love buy making you a special meal or snack, planning something fun for the family or letting you get that extra hour of sleep when you desperately need it? I don't think so!!!
The better we get at it our lives are richer , our love for each other grows deeper and stronger. So think about it and if it sounds good to you talk about it in a positive way with that special that person in your life and give it a try. You can't be too critical if they burn the soup the first time or shrink your sweeter by accident or miss a spot when cleaning.
When talking about things try and use the sandwich method, positive- constructive comment-positive. It might go something like this." Wow you cleaned the BATHROOM!!! that's great!Next time it might be easier for you if you... I am so lucky to have some one in my life who loves me so much they would share this responsibility with me". So don't be afraid to give it a try. Many times we use mirror imaging more that we realize and we see someone do... so we do... So set the good example for everyone in your life. You will be pleased with the results.
I have no specific training in this area. I just want to help others by sharing what the things that work for us.. If you are having real trouble in any given area of life it is always wise to seek counsel from someone who has training ,education, life experience and has had success in that area which qualifies them to be a helpful trust worthy professional.
Sincerly,
John
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Going Green in the Country
 |
| Before |
 |
| After |
But that is not all ways the chase. I grew up in rural Maine, where hunting was a big sport. I used to spend hours in the woods with my dad hunting partridge and white tail deer. In my younger years I never put much thought into the environment and the foot print we left behind. I did have a great love of nature and the deep woods of Maine. When my father and I did go hunting and we did get a deer, we made sure to use every part of the deer (Malamutes love the legs!). I also spent hours out of old logging trails with my horse, you could go out for five hours and see nothing but trees and breath taking views.
When I came back from collage I went out hiking on this old trail that I had played on with friends. It was a long trail, nothing more then a foot path really; it was about five miles and led up to a large hill that over looked the picturesque town and lake. After I got about two miles, I almost fell over in shock. Every thing had been clear cut; there was no trail, no trees, nothing. It was hard to find my may, but by the time I got to the edge of hill it was even worse. There was a logging trail, a road really leading all the way around the base of the hill, and no trees. Even the bamboo forests my friends and played in was gone! It brought me to tears.
Now the logging business is, or was an important industry in Maine. My own dad worked in a paper mill, and I have nothing against it. Maine has more wilderness then most areas, and for many years logging was well managed. The sight of this was shocking for me, and made me wonder what I could do leave less of a foot print.
Years later, after John and I married we both changed a lot of our habits. We started to buy more local foods, including meet and produce. This helps to financially feed the local economy in the area you live in and promotes healthier farming methods (for us and the animals). Or when local foods are not available to us me buy organic foods. We also buy green cleaning products (much safer when Emma Grace decides to lick the table!). Instead of paper towels, we use rags. Which is nothing then worn towels or old sweat shirts we cut up.
I still enjoying the same things I did as a child.. I have spent many wonderful days behind a pack of hounds in full cry, enjoying the open country! And I hope to one day take hunting deer back up. We should try to lead a responsible life style, but it’s OK to find a balance between going “green” and living a good country life style
Sincerely,
Petra
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
How I try and aproach each day!
I have faced and still face numerous challenges in life. What helps me more than anything, and I hope will help you too. Are three simple things, be grateful, focus on solutions, and find inspiration!
Reminding ourselves of the things we have to be grateful for accomplishes many things. It puts your focus on what’s really important to you. It gives you things to feel good about. You realize that no matter what you haven't lost everything. So take the time every morning, every night, and in moments of stress to take time to remind yourself of at-least three things you have to be grateful for!
Each day I try and take time to think about the challenges I face and focus on the solutions to them in a manageable and imaginative way. In an era of instant gratification when we are unable to get quick results its easy to get down, but that doesn't help you or the situation. You have to give yourself time and realize that you can even learn from setbacks. The key is to be realistic, but that doesn't mean your dream is out of reach or impossible! Trust me I may not have made all my dreams come true, but I have done things lots of people thought were impossible for me, and usually when I have failed it has been because of a lack of faith, discipline, patience or education and maybe even good judgment or an inability to raise the necessary support NOT because it was impossible or I lacked the talent. All of which I have and am doing my best to learn from. I hope to save others from making some of these mistakes. So give yourself a chance and ask a lot of questions to those who can help you. Focus on what you can do. You can only control your actions and behaviors not anyone else' s. Keep putting one foot in front of the other and smile. Search with enthusiastically for the knowledge you need to face your challenges.
Inspiration is a very important part of the equation. If you don't have it, you are going to have a tough road. If you make it as important to yourself as food, you WILL find it! This is a very unique thing some of us find it in music, religion, art or family. It doesn't really matter were you find it as long as it is in a healthy and legal way. For me it can be hearing one of my children laugh or making my wife smile!
Life is a challenge for all for us, but it is also a blessing. I am not a psychologist and have no special training in this area, but I wanted to make this one post in hopes that it might help someone. I hope you have a great day!!!
Sincerely, John
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