Quietex

Horse Training tips? Hello there, so my mom's friend has a 2 year old gelding, he's a black qh named donovan aka donnie, he is trained for barrels, so she doesn't have the time to work with him, so she offered me a free lease on him, i accepted, now, i will be training him, i have experience with horses, i've trained horses for h/j but i'll be training him in barrels, we are having my friend who has trained a few barrel horses and lives on a farm that breeds barrel horses come and help us about once or twice a week. Does anybody have any tips for somebody who isn't exactly that experinced training horses or western on tips for training him? Thanks. :] And please no mean comments, i am getting help, from somebody who knows what their doing, and i've had experince with horses before, but i dont' ride western all that often and i've never done barrels, so anyt tips would be great. nono, we aren't going to start running him until he gets a bit older, right now we are basically just working on ground work, and getting him used to the barrels and that type of thing, only thing we are going to do course wise is walking hima round the barrels.

Does anyone know of a web site that could help me train a horse for free ( no buying packages and stuff)? I just got another horse, her name is Lacy. At her old home, she was riden 14 years ago, never again after. She's greenbroke, and i wanted her for my mom to ride. But she needs some more experience. I need a helpfull website that could give me tips and lessons on training her again. Just the basic stuff too, nothing too fancy, just walking and turning, troting and loping is all i need for now, once i get those acomplished i'll find something for her but until that point what do I do?

Does anyone have any tips on breaking in a horse? So my instructor is also our horse trainer and asks for help when training the horses. As long as you help her she'll give you free lessons so its cool. There is a horse that is about 3 years old and has had no arena training at all. She doesn't even know how to lunge. The great thing about helping my instructor is you also learn a lot about training. Does anyone have some tips for me? No tip is dumb!

Need help on training horses to free load? I would like to be able to train my ponies/ horses so i can point at the trailer and they will walk right in and out of it all by themselves... But i need some advice and tips on how to do it i would like to be able to do it with out food

Free horse? Too good to be true or a dream come true? A few days ago my best friend and I were randomly searching the web for horses for sale. We happened to find one locally that was for free! I had never heard of any good horses for free. Especially trained ones. Well that article that has exited my best friend and greatly worried myself , only includes minimal information. it says: 3 horses. free to good home. call for more info at ***-***-**** (real number in place of * ) . but yeah....that's ALL it says. It sounds suspicious to me but my friend is so pumped up over hearing about 3 free horses that she already wants to get them ( after seeing them of course). i know the dangers of these kinda guys who do this after drugging their crazy horse and giving them away to a home that isn't the least bit ready for a horse like this. does anyone know how to tell a drugged horse from a regular one? any tips on the first impression? HELP! so is this too good to be true or a dream come true?

I Need Some Training Tips.? I am about to get a 6 year old Appendix Mare in the fall. She was professionally trained when she was four, until people were comfortable enough with her. Then, they stopped. She hasn't been dealt with since then. So, two years later, i want her. She will be free, and it more tb, than qh. Since shes been trained, i know she will eventually be a good horse, but until then I will need to smooth down her rough edges when i get her. I do not have any experts or people who have trained horses before near me, and i cannot contact any. I believe i can do it, since i did it a little with my pony, But I could still use some tips. And don't say i shouldn't get her, or anything like that. I have my mind made up. Its not trust issues im bothered by, I am very good at gaining trust. Its the fact that, If i get on her without training her a bit first, she could kill me.

5 year old horse needs to remember her training- what can I do? I've met a wonderful 5 year old horse who hasn't been ridden in a couple months. Her owner says she used to be perfectly well trained and used with children but has since gained a sense of independence. I rode her yesterday to see if she would remember her training. She wasn't the most difficult horse I've ridden. I've ridden for quite some and have dealt with horses who have reared and bucked on me (no it's not because I can't ride or do stupid things on horses- I'm interested in horse training- I have improved the behavior of a few horses 2 or which were over 15 years old) I began learning from a friend who trained horses but had to stop after a few weeks. I've always been great with horses, I'm never afraid, I'm always calm and patient, I always try to be understanding and perceptive, I've never been hurt on them, and I figure that's gotta happen eventually. Anyway, she's so sweet when you're not trying to tell her what to do and if I can help her remember her training I'm sure I can help find her a great new home with very loving people (her owners need to downsize their herd a bit). If she were just easier to ride I'm sure there would be people scrambling to adopt such an amazing creature. But for now, she tosses her head, tries her hardest to run me into trees, fences, and the hay post. I can control her well enough to keep her from doing these things and she will stop and stand. When she gets bored she will do one of two things: she does this sly, clever little quick side step toward the fence or just stops. When she does this stop it's in a very stubborn manner. She will not respond to vocal commands, leg squeezing, shoulder taps with reins or a crop, or kicks. She was trained to respond to all of these and I tried all in that order. Of course I can get her to move after a minute, but she does love to see how long she can stay like that. Her stubborness and her spirit is actually a big part of why she is my favorite of all the horses staying at the ranch, but she can't be sold while she's this stubborn. Just want to know if anyone has any good, gentle techniques in getting a horse to remember her training. When I began learning about horse training, it was with a very young horse being trained to ride for the first time. I want to make sure I do this right. With other horses I've experienced I at least understood them well enough to work with them but I can't seem to quite understand her. Sometimes it seems that she needs to be broken which I would want to leave to someone more experienced, but other times it seems that she's just frustrated with me because she can't get me to understand what she wants. I can only get so much from books and youtube clips. Does anyone have some tips and tricks they have found work in this situation? Are there any books or dvds that you would really suggest? any that are really fantastic? I'm trying not to use treats too often. If anyone wants to speak more extensively with me on the matter then please feel free to email me. Otherwise, any helpful answers would be appreciated. I don't think her situation is serious enough to where I absolutely have to bring in someone with much more experience. In fact her case seems to be a great one for a beginner in training. If you disagree then please tell me so! I may give my friend a call anyway and have him come out and see her for himself. The beginning of this journey has proved to be difficult but it's not over! I'm certainly not ready or willing to give up on her so if you can help then I would love that! Thanks! she was used for a little while as a hypotherapy horse so she must have behaved very well at one point. thank you all for your great answers so far! and i'm sure the owners haven't pawned her off on me. I chose to help and her owners are fantastic people! They have put a great deal of love into all of their horses and if this horse was just going to be a pasture horse then she'd be considered an extremely sweet horse. she's just not great to ride....yet!

Free lunging/training advice? I'm on a working student program at my barn, and my trainer gave me and two other girls basically our own horses for the rest of summer to ride and train (because they are difficult and no one else except for her can ride them) in exchange for chores. I'm riding a lovely 10 yr old palomino QH mare who used to be an endurance horse. She was recently retrained for regular riding. She still has issues with pace control (she is VERY forward, and likes to race off). Right now our main goals with her are to get her to collect and maintain a regular, balanced, slower, controlled pace at a walk, trot and canter as well as through transitions. I have been riding her almost everyday for the past two weeks and yesterday and today I was able to get her to slow her trot and canter a lot, which is a big improvement compared to the first few rides. Are there any tips and excersizes besides regular collection/transitions to help with speed regulation? BTW I ride her Western, although I have had 5 years of English (mostly Dressage) training (I recently switched though). I was also planning on free lunging her w/out tack tomorrow before I ride. I have never free lunged before, are there I any things I should do/not do or look out for?

Im ready to buy a horse.? im just a beginner at the moment. but, its only my second time riding, and i feel very comfortable with trotting and loping/cantering, etc. my trainer is independent, and she doesnt train people for profit, just for the heck of getting to help people, so she trains me for free. she said i look like a person who would own dozens and dozens of horses and still be able to give each and every one of them individual love. i feel like im ready to buy my first horse. i can tell you, that where i live, most of them come free. but, how much would it cost a year for me to own a horse without the actual fee of the horse? any tips for when i first get him? i will be boarding him at my trainers house, where my training horse is kept. i started from the ground up. i know how to tack him up myself. i know how to groom him myself. i know how to lunge him myself. i know how to check for health problems myself. i know what and how much to feed him myself. i know everything i need to know, myself. the only thing i need now is more time learning how to not jump up and down when he trots and lopes. there are A LOT of VERY nice and extremely gentle, calm, and broke for riding horses here for free. ok, im not paying board, my trainer is letting me keep him there for free. shes paying for feed and the farrier, and im paying for vaccinations, deworming, etc. and i do assist her, every day actually. thats what i do to recieve these free lessons, is barn work, bathing the horses, grooming them, tacking them up, lunging them, riding them till the break a sweat, etc. you guys are assuming based on what said. you think i havent been around horses my whole life? i never rode them because i've only ever been around companion horses. jeez, people. and foxhunter, fuck you. just because i've only ridden twice does not mean "diddley squat". i learn fast, im not retarded. obviously if you knew how to READ, you would notice how i said i know how to trot and lope. READ the question, idiot.

Clinton Anderson videos...? Okay so I do not want to go buy a video if I don't have to on Clinton Anderson horse training tips. I'm trying to just get a little bit of information on problem horses, such as lunging, so I was wandering if anyone knew any good sites or links that lead to a free video of clinton anderson training a horse in the lunging catagory. Thank you to whoever helps!!!!

When is the correct or an appropriate age to start free jumping a horse? I have a three year old, palomino, quarter horse filly and was wondering when it is a safe time to start free jumping them. Yes, I do know that every horse is different and they all mature at different ages. I have been riding her regularly since last November and she is quite trained for being only three. She'll collect and move out at all three gaits and change leads over poles. She shows promise for being a hunter someday with her fluid gaits, hunter type body, and her overall neatness when it comes to obstacles. I obviously want her to learn balance and rythm over jumps without a rider to begin with and then incorporate that later. I will have her vet checked before I do anything more than raised ground poles but I just want to know the approximate time when I should start thinking about scheduling an appointment with the vet. Also I would like to ensure you that I will always use leg protection on her and never push her too hard or too fast. Thank you and if you have any tips or personal experience with teaching your horse to free jump please do share. :)

Getting new horse, any last minute check list? I went out yesterday and went to a Quarter Horse farm. I went to look at yearlings and found a gorgeous palomino with a few white spots. She was with a lot of horses. I am getting a coggins test. She isn't too friendly, but is so sweet. She seems like a great future horse. I am purchasing her Saturday. I was wondering about a check list so I make sure I get everything. I have: Buckets, Water, Grooming Tools, Clean Stall, Mineral block holder, Special mineral block for horses, feed, hay, Yearling Halter, Lead rope. Please feel free to give websites and such. Thanks! P.S.- I have two other horses. Well not mine, but in this household. I am getting training tips from my family. We have broke all our horses. Someone mentioned quartine. She is in her own disinfected stall away from our horses on the other end of the farm. They have a huge pasture and there own shelter. ========= Since someone is so "overly interested" in her lovely personality... She is with other horses. Not with people. She does walk up to people. Never haltered, never lead. Trailered before. She is semi-friendly. Especially for food. -haha- She has a GREAT disposition. Doc Bar.. anyways she is not papered. Which is fine. I don't believe in papers. That doesn't make up a horse. Ok, lovely ladies concerning my time and expirence. Shush please. I obiviously have time, or I wouldn't get a non-broke horse. This horse will take A LOT of time, but one day, with be something great. I do have expirence thank you very much. I work at stables and think I will work less for my new horse. I HATE it when people question my caring for a horse. It's rude.

How do i get my horse to get the distance to a jump almost everytime? I started my horse over fences on a line. He seemed to get the distance free jumped so i brought the height up to about 3ft 9in. Then i got on and jumped only 2'6 but he wasn't getting the distance very well... tried to help him out by either holding him back to get an extra stride, or i really pushed to let him know to go, but i wat him to get it auto. any training tips? I started my horse over fences on a loung line and free jumped up to 4ft. He got the distance well there, but once i got on and did just half that height, he took half strides, flying leaps, ect. He seems to do better with my eye as his eyes...by that i mean he doesn't know distanes very well but i do...so why did he get the distance free jumping?

Do you think I should buy an ex race horse? I am kind of short of money but I have all the experience needed and the money needed to keep a horse at the barn and the tack of course. So I am kind of short of money to buy a horse and so my uncle helped me find an ex race horse that they give for free. We found hundreds of 4-5 year old ex race horses that are sound and fit and are given for free because nowadays people don't have the money or the time of keeping so many horses for races. So I ride for 5 years, since I was 10 and I need to know if I should get an ex race horse and if it is possible to re-train the horse for both dressage and showjumping. Does it mean that an ex race horse will never get his head into collection or that he would rush or even be scared of jumps simply because he had never seen them before? I am confused and time is running cause I need to get a horse before school opens. I have all the Patience of the world to re train the horse if there is chance of it happening. Please help me! What do you think?? Do you have any tips? What is your story with re-training an ex racer? Thanks lots...

I'd like to start jumping... tips? Many people have told me that my horse is a beautiful jumper, and others have told me that he would be a great dressage because he has a great extended trot and really 'big' gaits. I would love to start it, but I know NOTHING about Hunters, or how to start training my horse to jump. My horse is 16.1 hands, and has been free jumped about 3'6", but only ridden over cavalettis because I ride mainly Western, I currently show him in Western Pleasure. What do I need to know to start training him. I will take lessons, of course, but I would like to start the very basics on my own. Any tips, suggestions, advice, exercises, anything... would be appriciated! Also, what is the "point" of hunters? Thanks in advance! Well I most likely wouldn't be showing for a while, it's just something I'd like to try. And I would love to event, but my horse will NEVER be a cross country horse. He is too spooky and unreliable walking in the outdoor arena at our barn, let along galloping over big extravagent "scary" jumps at a strange place. Thanks everyone. I have an all-purpose english saddle. I also show in English Pleasure (haven't yet on my horse though) and ride my aunt's dressage horse a lot. So I have english experience and the right tack. "Just because your horse is good at jumping doesn't mean you should..." -- I know that. =] But that's why I want to try it, because all my 'english friends' say he'd be good at it. If it doesn't work out, we'll stop. I'll still ride western throughout the training process, and continue to work on some dressage stuff. I don't ride 7 days a week, let alone jump, and I wouldn't "waste" all my days at the barn (about 3 a week) on something I don't know if we are going to stick to yet. So thanks for all your answers! I'll keep everything in mind. And I'm sure I'll be posting more questions later on, and I'll keep everyone posted...

Searching for a job working with horses-tips on writing my résumé? So what I really want to find is a place that boards trains, ect, and has lessons that will hire me... I want this to be a place that I can work at, and take lessons from at least once a week. I don't care if it's just cleaning stalls... a job is a job, and it's something to start with. I would like to write a résumé, but I'm unsure of where I should start, and everything to include... Just the whole job business makes me very nervous...And I'm so unsure about everything, because I'm too critical of myself, and a pessimist so I see everything going wrong... But I know how important a job is, especially since way too many things ride on 'When I get a job' I want to get into dressage *when I get a job* I want to talk to a doctor about getting on adhd meds to see if they would help *when I get a job* Too many things cannot happen until I get a job. What all should I make sure I remember to add? Is mentioning my ADHD important? How about the fact that I also want to take lessons? So far, all I can think of is... Years of experience with horses. The fact that I own my own horses. Point out that I'm very passionate about horses? I can lift heavy things. I have no problem moving bags of feed, and bales of hay. I'm twenty years old. And now, everything else is kind of flying out of my head... (Again, with the ADHD...I've been horribly distracted these past few days, and I've been finding it pretty hard to concentrate on things...) Also, online, I can find some places that look potentially great, like they're what I want...but they don't have any employment information on their website. Should I email them and just ask if they have any openings? If I do, should I just ask, or should I also include my résumé, or send that in a second email after they respond? Should I also post a Job Wanted ad on Craigslist, with like a mini résumé? What should I make sure I mention for that? Or do you know a better *free* place I could post an ad on, to find a job? Oh, and these people deserve a Best of Craigslist for this post, so go and give them a vote, and enjoy their cleverness. :O http://lexington.craigslist.org/grd/1653571001.html

Can you make money off this? I've been trying to apprentice with a lot of horse trainers by putting an add on craigslist. I've gotten a few responses, but mostly people are calling me off the hooks trying to get me to come out and put miles on their horses being that I'm experienced, are good with a firm hand and consistancy, and they don't have time to do it. They try to make it so that they'll give me training tips if I do it for free, but that's not what I want. What if I was advertising putting miles on a horse? would this sell do you think for reasonable prices? Has anyone ever done this or seen it done (i'd like to know pay?)? Thanks! wow you don't have to be rude, I'm just asking, becuase they CANNOT find anyone to do it or that they want to do it without paying for a full horse trainer. Also why would I drive a half hour to put miles on someone's horse for free when I have my own 2 horses to work with? I was just asking, back off.

How To Train Your Horse For A Race? I Have 2 X Racehorses. One Is 16hh And Other is 15.3hh Me and My friend are doing a 4 mile race, for charity that is a race done every year. the 16hh is 5years old, but wasnt good enough or fast enough to race same with my 15hh. Any tips on how to get them fit. Me and my friend also need to be fit, so anything will be good. Thanks Oh they are rode everyweekend, and 3 times aweek but when not rode they are turned out, they get feed's (speedi-beet sometimes ,firebeet, Chaff, happy hoove, and oil.) Any New Feed let me know? Also... They are really good, at been free lunged, and lunged. Thanks x

Questions about Transporting a Horse? I am moving my mare 6 hours to our new home, and I have have thus far never moved a horse more than an hour drive, so I have some questions. I am going to wrap her legs, and have a blanket on her (as advised by my vet) because it is ridiculously cold, and she is still rather hairless from a long, furious fight with rain rot. I am providing her with shavings, and will offer her water and love every time we stop for gas, and maybe in between is she is acting nervous. The trailer is a two horse trailer, and will be pulled behind our moving truck. My questions are: 1. How long is it okay to leave polo wraps on? I have never had to leave them on longer than a training session before. 2. Should I avoid giving her feed that morning? What about that evening? 3. How often should I offer her water? 4. Should I tie her in the trailer or just let her have her head? 5. Should I leave a bale of Timothy/Alfalfa hay in her reach, or just give her a flake here and there? Any other tips that you think I should know about as well would be greatly appreciated! I am only wanting what is best for my mare, and for her to have the most comfortable, stress-free, and safe ride as is possible. Thanks!

What should I name my horse? Well i am getting a paint mare ( for FREE awesome i know) and i want a really cute name for her! I have thought about Sun Flower. Im not really sure. She is young and has a very brightness to her. She is smallish. But she is young. Shes not trained. I would also like some tips on how to train her.

Help with my two colts,please? Hi, my name is Jenna. I turned 14 in June & although I'm still young,horses & ranching have been in my family for 6 generations & I've lived with horses all of my life. Anyway,I'm getting 2 new cols next month to train myself. They are 6 1/2 months now. I'm getting them in 2 weeks! I was just going to get one colt,but the owner called us & said,will you take his brother,the crippled colt,too? I'll give him for free. So of course we said yes! Both colts have 5 world champions in their bloodlines,with Doc O' Lena also in them,so they should be very good horses if I train them right. My expert horseman of a dad is helping me,of course. My dad said I'm almost an expert with them. My dad went into pro rodeo before I was born & team roped with the big dogs. Once I was born he quit & at a very young age started putting me in training to rope & ride. He's going back into team roping,now at 51. He worked on the oil rigs and when someone made a mistake,it left him with 72 stitches in his left hand only. He's had surgery & physical therapy & can now hold a rope. Anyway,back to my question. They want me to train these colts my self,them just watching from the side lines. Can someone give me some tips? I don't want to embarrass myself in front of my family of horse experts. Dad said I couldn't if I tried,but can you guys give me your strategy & tips on training two colts? can some more people give me advice so I'll have a wide range of strategies? thank you! :) thanks,snl. & for that person who sent me a message asking about my dad,yes,he was going to world champs. & then i was born & he backed out to spend time with me that night I was born.

Just for fun...Best equine money saving tip(s)? Everyone is trying to save money (who wouldn't?), and for many of us horses are part of the "monthly bills", just like our car payments and mortgages. So, I thought it would both fun and beneficial to ask what others in the equine community are doing to save money with their horses? I use old shower curtains as covers for my show tack. Just staple gun the old curtain to the wall over your saddle rack(s), then pull over the saddles, tuck around tack and viola! My friends at the barn and I have also had a very successful "tack swap meet". We gathered together all of the equipment we no longer used, cleaned it up, and pooled our resources! It saved us all a bunch of money, organized our tack room(s), was fun, and we even got to swap training tips, so it was educational too! Plus it's green to re-use! I also own my own grooming company and have found that there are some great ways to save grooming dollars. Corn starch is inexpensive and is great for keeping white markings white after a bath, before a show. Just sprinkle on, and brush off with a dandy brush before you go in the ring. Use a bounce sheet to reduce static cling (my experience is that it must be bounce...the other brands I tried didn't work). Gently glide the sheet in the direction of hair growth along static prone parts like manes, tails and legs. This also helps to smooth down the hair follicle and give a bit of shine. I also do this to me, my dogs, and my horses when we go camping because it seems to help deter the biting black flies. Keep in mind that this not a replacement for fly spray/repellents as they also deter other pests/parasites. Men's tube socks are awesome tail bags in the summer. The cotton helps to absorb the sweat from the coat and avoid stains, they are totally washable, and inexpensive. Need bands to give your horse's mane a neat look? Get them from Sally's beauty supply. They have a myriad of color choices (including the standard horse colors they have at tack shops), come in bulk if needed, are made to not tangle in the hair, and are a fraction of the price. Many human grooming products are safe for animals (but not all), so you may just have everything you need to give your horse a bath and tame his mane/tail in your bathroom cabinet. Most shampoos are the same as ours since shampoo is just detergent, H2O and emollients, so yours may work just fine. Steer clear of anything heavy in waxes (like pantene, fructise, or sunsilk) as they will build up on the coat and can cause skin irritation and even saddle slip. Excessive/inexpensive fragrances are also not recommended as they can cause irritation. If it says "hypoallergenic" or "fragrance free" it's probably ok. You can also condition their coat with your conditioner too, but the same rules apply as the shampoos. You can make a great de-tangler by taking an inexpensive spray bottle, and diluting conditioner with lots of H2O. When banding or plaiting manes and tails often have flyways. A little pomade or wax you use every day can smooth and protect the delicate hairs, add some sheen, and give a great polished look. Remember that when ever you use human products on horses that they often have more sensitive skin than you, and their sense of smell is stronger than yours. When in doubt call your vet and ask if the product is appropriate. They will usually give you the yay or nay over the phone. Hey Rob...why answer questions just to get points? I am truly interested in this question, and thought I has some advise to add to others. Knowledge makes the world go round.

I need to know how to train my dog!? I was wondering if there was anyway to teach a dog to bark when they need to be let out of their crate in the middle of the night? 1. I don't believe in letting my dog have free rein of the house at night while everyone is sleeping. A lot of people do the same thing AND I've seen countless dog trainers on the TV suggesting the same thing. So PLEASE don't argue this point and tell me I'm the cruelist person in the world because I will disbute it till I'm blue in the face. I believe in discipline, and experts, and it's not my problem if I don't agree with YOUR methods. 2. I can't just install a doggy door. I live with my mom and she's harder to convince to do stuff like that than getting a horse to drink water. It's completely out of the question. With that said, my dog gets free rein of the house all day while I'm home, and will usually give me some sign he needs to be let out, like hovering by the door or putting his paws on me and staring into my face, but in the middle of the night, while everyone is sleeping, and my dog has to use the bathroom (I do let him out before I go to bed and make sure he hasn't drank a ton of water right before), he has a tendancy to pee or poop in his crate and I wake up to the smell of it in the middle of the night. It would be nice if I my dog actually barked or whined really loud to wake me up so I could let him out and not have to deal with a mess which takes even longer cause I have to clean it up and sometimes give a bath, not something anyone would look forward to in the middle of the night. No matter how good he is during the day, he just doesn't know how to let me know correctly during the night that he needs to go out, and I really wouldn't mind getting up if he really needed it because I know he's crated and can't just do it on his own. Help would be VERY much appreciated! I don't know what else to do! It's not like I can catch him in the act, cause I'm sleeping. Anyone have any training tips? I'm afraid you're thinking of someone else Aimie. This is the first time I've ever used yahoo answers before because I usually just google my answers, but I couldn't find anything. And obviously I'm "ignorant" or I wouldn't be here asking. This is my first dog and I'm still learning. It'd be nice to solve this problem, so unless you have some actual feedback that will help, please don't accuse me of something someone else did or said that offended you to the core that has nothing to do with my question. Thank you ^_^. Yeah, he's an adult, but not a full adult yet. He just turned 2. He's also a smaller dog, so smaller bladder. And it's not regular as in like...every day or every other day, it's just whenever he gets some loose bowels, or his food just has that effect on him like he's just drank a ton of water or something. I will definitely try the food thing, and I suppose setting an alarm for the middle of the night would be better than being woken up by a mess. Thank you MamaB! The help is much appreciated :) Hmm...a bell. I always thought that was just for the door, but I like that idea. I'm going to start working with him on a bell. Thank you Nell and Eshire ^_^ Any ideas as to how long it takes them to pick it up? A week? 2? 3? I want to make sure I'm dedicating enough time before deciding whether or not it's working or not. I appreciate the apology, Aimie. I did do some research, but I didn't find anything on crate training besides getting them used to a crate, and my dog has already been there and done that. As far as putting him outside at night, I live in the country and we get a lot of wild and dangerous animals for a small dog. I've had several ducks get killed and even my large horses have had attacks, so I don't feel safe enough putting him outside, especially all by himself. I think I'm going to go with the bell idea, and if that doesn't work, just set my alarm for the middle of the night to let him out. Again, it's my preference to keep him crated at night so he can't get into stuff while I'm un-able to keep an eye on him. He actually almost died because he chewed and swallowed something too large for his intestines once while out at night unattended. Chances of him surviving a second time, is slim and I don't want to lose him. It keeps him safe and out of trouble and that's more important to me. Thank you everyone for the awesome answers! I'm going to try the bell idea and see where I get :) Thanks again!

any tips on what to say? (pony issues)? Well my pony is 15. She's the best/sweetest pony there basically is. The only downside of her is that she has many health problems (ie is allergic to the barn - seriously, has a history of lameness, authritis and much much more that i can not remember off the top of my head) Anyways, i worry about her health alot because I don't want her to get hurt. I try to only jump her 1-2 days a week for she is old and has health problems. I jump no higher than 2'6" and not that long so yeah. The problem is that since she's the best pony, people fight over her. I have to tell them that they can't ride her and then they get mad. Right now I have 3 people fighting over her. They all ask to ride her. I told one girl who's coming home from college that she can ride her for i trust her more than the other girls and she's a better rider (she's trained 3 ponies amazingly). I don't mind her riding, i'm just afraid that she'll jump my pony too much. I am going to tell her the next time I talk to her to only jump her twice a week MAX. i don't mind her getting ground work for she needs it because if she stands still in her stall all day she gets stiff/lame easily. But the problem is that today my friend (she helps me take care of my pony) told me that one of the other girls asked if i was going away (she wanted to use my pony to ride her). she didn't even ask ME which i'm kind of mad at her for that. but anyways my friend told her that she has someone else riding her. The other problem is that my friend has this issue where she likes to have people at the barn. She brings those two girls with her and then lets them ride my pony. Sometimes she doesn't really think about how i care about my pony and just thinks that oh.. there's a free pony for my friend to ride. I just have issues sticking up for my pony. I've stuck of for my pony to two of the people, but they keep coming back and asking me. I also am bad at confronting people which is why i'm kind of afraid to tell my best friend (yes i know you're supose to tell them everything) but she's kind of going through a hard time right now and i don't want to like upset her as in she'd get extremely mad at me for telling her what to do with my horse. So do you have any tips on how to stay calm and tell my best friend and the other people that I don't want them riding my pony too much (or not at all)? Thanks for your help. I'm bad at confronting people - usually when I do I start a whole big mess... and then when I don't it's still a mess. urgh I never win. ps sorry for the long message. I can't really switch stables. that is because my pony LOVES it there. I mean she has NEVER been happy in her life and i'm afraid if she moves stables, she'll be miserable, hate her turn out and hate horses again. and it's not really my decision to switch barns. it's more my moms because she pays for my horse. i've talked to her about it but there's really no other good barns in the area beacuse the horse people here are rude- this is the nicest barn i've been to. and it's not like i'm worried that my horse is going to get hurt. i'm just having issues telling them not to jump her more... and i know she's a true friend. she just sometimes does some careless things. i mean she's been there for me when I had the WORST time of my life. and i was loosing friends right and left and she was there for me when people were threatening to kill me.. stupid school issues. but she also does know that I have issues telling her stuff because i always mess up what i say (with directions and stuff)

What is the best way to start My Horse at Jumping? Hello thanks for Reading, I own a 8 year old Paint Horse and ride Western. I want to start my horse jumping, just to be clear I don't exactly want to "ride" jumping as I haven't ridden English in 2 years. She was trained English as a 3 or 4 year old so she may have done a bit of jumping but I'm not sure. She has been ridden western the last 4 years. I would like to do some free lunging / Lunging over small 2ft. or under jumps as I feel all horses should be well rounded and versatile. She is a fairly stocky horse but has a nice even stride and can pick up her feet well when she wants to so I think she may be decent at low level jumping. She knows how to walk and trot over a series of poles and I was wondering what the next step would be? I thought maybe putting a rail between something like 2 Straw bales and gradually make them closer together to get her used to them beside her when she was stepping over, would this be wrong in any way? Then I could possibly put the rail on top of the straw bale to let her have a little "pop" over the fence, than maybe put straw bales side by side and see if she could jump over them? Could anyone suggest any techniques that might help me with this? Like sometimes when she is on the lunge she will veer sharply towards me if she doesn't feel like going over the poles is there any way I could keep her on course better? Any tips for starting her would be much appreciated. Who knows if she shows any talent I might have to trade my western gear in for English. Thanks, Emem *Note* A couple people have suggested using a lunge whip. I do already do this. Of course I don't beat her with it I just use it for impulsion by tapping it on the ground or flicking the line at her. I also use it to keep her out but the problem is she veers in so quickly I don't have time to react. It tends to be when she is walking towards a ground pole and she is feeling lazy or anytime I try to get her to canter. Usually it is also when she is nearly at the end of the line because when she veers in I have to coil the line quickly. I'm not exactly very coordinated at keeping the line coiled when she is working in a really large circle. It's probably me more than her...

Selling my horse... :( (Yes, I have asked this before. New Pics)? OK, I have asked this before, but now it is a definate that he is going to be sold and I have new pictures. His registered name is Duplikate. He is a 6 yr old Paint gelding by Strawfly Special and out of Stockyards Kate. He has bloodlines that trace back to Man O' War. He was bred and born at the Double Bar S Ranch. He is a sweetheart most of the time, but I don't have enough experience to train him. He has been trained for racing and hunter jumping (and maybe even western). He has a great potential to be a Western pleasure, English pleasure, or cow/ranch horse. He was given to me as a gift for my 14 birthday in 2008. I do not ride him. I DO NOT HAVE THE PAPERS. He is spooky, but that is because he's young. He has good health history as far as I know. His only vice (if it'd be counted as a vice) is pallet popping. He will bit sometimes, but that is only if you aren't paying attention to him. I don't know how much show experience he has had. I have never really rode him, but I say only advanced riders should ride him. He stands for the farrier. He seems like he wants to learn, I just don't have that kind of experience to train him under saddle. He will follow you around the pasture like a big puppy dog! Pedigree: http://www.allbreedpedigree.com/duplikate New Pictures (he's fat here and the pictures are ok): http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2713/4272918317_6f047ae3ff_m.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2704/4273657014_5e111bae47_m.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2786/4272902659_ac3381d5cc_m.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2796/4272901257_aa61bf08d9_m.jpg Feel free to look through the rest of the pictures. I know most of you are not professionals, but please answer this for me. How much do you think he'd be worth? Oh and any tips? I really wish I didn't have to sell him, but it's better for both of us.

Getting horse to do Western jog.....???? I have an Appy mare, 15.1 hands, and 7 years old. I'm trying to get her to do a nice western jog and it's turning out to be a lot harder than I thought. She will go into a headset nicely but I do use a training fork with her sometimes. She's real heavy on her front end...is that good or bad for riding western? She also is very forward moving and throws her knee forward when trotting...almost like an extended trot in Dressage. I know that she can do a slow jog because she'll do it for me when we free lunge. I just CANNOT get her to do it while I'm on her. What are some tips and equipment that I can use to help her do the jog??

Tips for riding buisness? I've been giving riding lessons for a while now. The last few yrs i've only done it over the summer when I go home from school. This year I'm staying up at school because I got a job at a tack store and I don't want to lose it. I made a website and put flyer's up but I haven't gotten a lot of feed back from people. I'm sure part of this is because: A- the economy sucks right now. B- the horse market in this area is not what it is back home. C- i'm not well known in this area and I'm a traveling trainer aka free lance trainer. On my website there are some things that do need fixing. The pics ain't very good. (most of my training pics are at home and my mom can't use a computer to send them to me). I need to find time to go home and get them. My reference page isn't done because a few people have not emailed there's in to me yet and I don't want to post only 1 or 2... search: cove crest show stables (I tried to post a link but answers wouldn't let me) also I'm not changing the name even though it gives the impression of a facility. Any suggestion?

Hi, Just bought a 7 yr old Paso. Weaves in stall. any tips on stopping this habit. He has always been out!? He has run free in herd most of his life . no handeling. under training and weaves if he is confined in stall or unable to run with other horses. Help!!! He has a small padock that he comes in and out . But if I take another horse out of the barn . he goes nuts and stands and weaves real fast. back and forth. He will also run out in his paddock and stand and weave into the fence corners or put his nose to the ground and weave that way.

Fixing a bucking problem with a bit of a twist? I've got a new horse who use to get out of everything by bucking. A lot. He just does it sometimes when he decides he's done with whatever you're doing. Sometimes he'll behave for an hour. Sometimes you're lucky if he last 5 minutes before trying to throw you. And he bucks hard and nasty. He's a 16 hh Dutch WB with 2nd level dressage training who has shown a TON of potential as an Eq./Medal horse. Or possible jumper. Which I've essentially gotten for free because of this problem. Here's the twist though, I can't ride him threw it and make him work after because he has a breathing problem. If he works really hard he can't catch his breath and all sorts of problems start up. So I can't just let him buck and kick his butt with work. Cause he bucks really hard then can only work a little bit more before he's got to stop because of his breathing problem. So he thinks he gets to walk around when he bucks, which, he can. How can I fix this? Thanks for any tips. This horse was checked out nose to tail by his previous owner so I know its just a behavioral problem. And he is good when he feels like it. Like when you're jumping. But try to get him to just do flat work or working at my eq on the flat. He will buck up a storm. Any tips? He has meds for his breathing. Its under control, we just have to monitor his breathing during work. And the breathing problem isn't triggering the bucking, he's bucking and the working him hard after is triggering the breathing problem. He just has to be walked around the ring a couple times every so often (10-15 minutes) to let him catch his breath, but I can't just let him walk after bucking. He is first and foremost pig headed. About everything. Sometimes asking him to walk on is a trigger. Sometimes is backing up. Sometimes its harder stuff like practicing flying changes and more advanced dressage work. Its very clearly I just don't wanna on his part.

some questions about english saddles and western horses...? question number one. - my guy friend has a spare synthetic english saddle that his family doesn't use any more and he said they would give it to me for free. i've looked at it, it's in pretty decent condition and it does fit my horse. it's a general purpose, and it has knee rolls that can be changed to make it into a jumping saddle if you need to. i've always wanted an english saddle. i think they look much cleaner and sophisticated than western saddles. they are also generally lighter and since i'm not exactly the tallest strongest girl, it would be easier for me to tack my horse up with that english saddle than my... western saddle. yes, my horse is trained in western. and i don't know much english riding. so here's my question. would it be ok to ride him in an english saddle with western cues? obviously, my horse won't care what saddle he's ridden in, it doesn't really matter to horses. i just want to make sure that it would be ok. i would make a gradual change to the english saddle. i'm not just going to strap it on and set off on him. i'd get him used to it over time, of course. so if you could give me any tips, pointers, and how-to's on this subject, i'd greatly appreciate it. question two. -i was wondering, if in the event everything works out with my horse and the english saddle, could i train him (and myself) to jump? i do have someone to help me out and give me pointers on my jumping. but again, i was just wondering if it would be ok. i knew people do train western horses to jump, because you never know what you come across on the trail. but since it would be in an english saddle it doesn't really matter does it? any tips, pointers, and how-to's would be appreciated. thanks!

People who do Jumping with your horses?? Can you look here? I have a 6 yr old 16 hd. registered thoroughbred gelding. I would like to start him on jumping. He has the talent. I have free jumped him and when he jumps, he is very tidy with his feet. Snaps them up. He had been started as a hunter jumper but not by me. So I was thinkin that I would just train him as if he had not had any jumping experience. I have had 2 yrs of riding a trained jumping horse. So I know that part of it. I am just curious... what would you suggest that I should start doing with him. What drills should I start doing to prep him for jumping and how should I start him off with jumping? He already knows how to canter collected, knows flying lead changes kinda :), stops, etc. He is great on the flat work. So I think he is ready to handle the jumps so... ANY help would be greatly appreciated!!! Also if you have more tips for me could you email them to me?? My email is on my profile page. THANK YOU SO MUCH!! FYI-I have had training experience! I have trained barrel racing horses and western pleasure horses. I just have never done an ENGLISH training. I don't want to miss up. I want to do everything right the first time.

How do I look for a boarding center? I'm looking into leasing a gelding(for free) and I would pay for all boarding, training and farrier expenses and half of the vet bills(nice, eh?). horse would be "mine" and would come with a fitted close contact saddle and tack and blankies. I would provide love and grooming equipment :). The place he is now is just too far to drive every day, or even every other. I would be out once a week and some weekends(my gramma lives nearby) but not much more as I work weekends and have church, etc. so I'm looking for a place closer to home. What are some questions to ask and things to look for? My big thing is there has to be good care and safe facilities. No chicken wire fencing!(seriously, I've seen this) Also, if he has the close contact saddle, can I use this for dressage? ANY other tips are much appreciated!

Correct feel of a dressage trot- lengthening/extension? I know I have asked this question before a year or two ago, but I want to see if there are any better insights. An instructor is not possible for at least a couple months, and the indoor doesn't have a mirror. All other dressage enthusiasts at my barn are only at intro/training. Can you explain what you should feel on a horse that is starting to lengthen/extend? I am talking about a horse that doesn't naturally extend. She has good collection, but we are having trouble with the extension at the trot. At the walk and canter, we are fine. I can feel her shoulders free up, and she is moving with a bit more power from behind more than a normal trot, but I think I need to get her to sit back on her haunches more. I imagine that I should see her head and shoulders get more elevated than at a normal working trot- but it doesn't seem like they do. She does speed up when I ask her to lengthen, but I remember reading somewhere that it is ok for when they are learning, as long as it is still controlled and they are light, which she is. I have tried it from an extremely collected trot (for a 1st level horse), from a shoulder in, and from a leg yield. From the collected trot she starts out straighter, so I am guessing that is my best bet to go with. The rest of the first level test is pretty solid for her. Can anyone tell me what a rookie lengthening/extension is supposed to feel like? Any tips? Should she be keeping her head up in a working trot position or stretching it more? She stretches out her neck and back and thus lowers her poll a bit more, though her shoulders don't drop. Is that ok or should I make her hold her more upright headset?

High School Soccer Tryouts? Okay, I'm 13 and I've never played on a soccer team before. I've done martial arts since I was 4, boxing since I was 5, horse back since I was 6, and hockey since I was 7. I started riding motocross when I was 8 and I ran track and played basket ball since I was 9. I still do all of these sports. Oh, and I played on a volley ball team for the last 2 years. So as you can see, I'm athletically fit. I have stamina and coordination. I know all the rules and regulations about soccer, but like I said I've managed to do everything but soccer. Mostly. I have played for fun with my friends, but then again we don't really get all that competitive! I can do basic dribbling, I have fast reflexes, I'm light on my feet and I'm aggressive when I play. I can kick the ball far, but I don't exactly know where I'm kicking it to. For example, I want to kick it straight, it goes left. How can I fix that? The same thing goes for passing. Any tips??? I know the different type of kicks and such, but how can i learn to control the ball better? And how can I aim the ball??? Oh, and how do i kick the ball properly??? And lastly, I have about 8-12 months to get all this down before we have preseason tryouts. What are my chances? Thanks! Feel free to add any additional info! - I already do weight training (saw it in another persons answer) - I am a girl.

Picking out a saddle? Alright- so with my first free lease I am required to buy a saddle to use with the horse. I know some VERY important things are fit and quality, but seeing as this is my first time buying a saddle I may need some hints. This is sort of a couple questions in one... sorry! First, I have mainly been riding English for the past year, with some western in between. Before that, I mainly rode western for several years, with some English in between. So my first question is, should I go English or western with my first saddle? I love how relaxed western is, and really want to do some games, but I also love English and Dressage (I do neither professionally). The horse I am leasing has been mainly trained western, and has KILLER western gaits, but he can do English also. I may in the long run buy both, but for now I have to choose western or English. I am leaning towards western, but I would like to know your guys opinions. Now my second question would be tips for buying saddles. I am going to avoid online, since I can't see it or know how well it will fit my horse. Now, since I'm leaning towards western, we'll assume I'm buying a western Saddle. Any tips? Is there a list of brands to avoid and good brands? What are some things in the actual saddle I should avoid and look for? Keep in mind I am on a budget, roughly 500$, and not much over, so I may not be able to afford some of the fancier brands such as Circle Y (though I do love those saddles..) I am probably going to be purchasing a used saddle from my local tack shop. I know that's a lot of questions, but I appreciate the help! I don't want to wind up spending my money on some cheap saddle that doesn't fit right and falls apart right away. Thanks so much! -Katie Wow- that's a long question. Really sorry about that! If you're too busy to read that novel, my basic question is what are some things to look for when buying a saddle? Thanks!

Trailering my new mare for the first time...couple questions? So I'm going and picking up my new mare saturday but she has never been hauled anywhere before. They've been working with her on getting into the trailer and they said she does great, she just hasn't ever been moved from place to place in one. Is there anything i can do to make her trip more comfortable? She is a really spooky mare and i don't want her to thrash around in the trailer. Its a 2 horse bumber pull..not a slant load. I want her trip to be as comfortable as possible especially since she's coming out of a bad situation. Since it's her first time, should i tie her up or just let her free in the divider? Any other trailering tips would be greatly appreciated. Very nervous mom here, just moving my 2 well trained boys makes me nervous and now im moving a 3 year old! Thanks in advance!

A question for someone who has ever owned a German Shepherd? My dog of 8 years died last week, and so I'm trying to figure out what type of dog to adopt from the shelter. The breed that seems to fit my needs the most is a German Shepherd, but they have some bad publicity. I just want to make sure I know what I'm getting myself into. The dog would be outdoors all of the time- with access to shelter and my dad's machine shed office with air conditioning/heating when it's too hot or cold. We have 40 acres that he would have free roam of, and I would take him to town with me 3 times a week or so to go for a long run in the park. We have a multitude of other pets (horses, cats, etc.) but no other dogs. As I had with my other dog- he would be shown in obediance trials and agility trials, so he would have to get along with other dogs. (I can arrange socialization if needed..) Also, my little sister had down-syndrome- a form of mental retardation, so I want a dog that will be good with her and other children as well. Lastly- we want a dog capable of protection. We've had burglaries in the area before.. So basically, what I'd like is conformation that this is the right breed to look for. And maybe some tips on how to care for it, and how to train it properly so I don't end up unable to control my dog. Thanks!

Groundwork, feet picking and pay? Hello vast world of YA! If you may remember, I just moved to an area where I am surrounded by horses. None of them are mine (I am a horseless rider) so in a gallant effort to introduce myself to the neighbors without having to go door to door (we are miles apart!) I made some fliers that roughly said I was new to the area and have alot of down time and would like to offer a hand to anyone that needed one. Alas, I got this call from a woman, whose son had received the flier. She needs help with her 4 year old that dislikes the farrier, and needs work on her groundwork. For the first week I thought I would get the mare used to me touching her everywhere, and work with walking on a lead, and then move to free lunging. Does that sound like an ideal timeline? Also, what are some tips for working with her to pick up her feet? She also has 2 mares, and a gelding that need work too - one mare has been green broke, but hasn't been rode for a while, the other is a trail veteran, and the gelding was just dumped off there. I'm not sure if she wants me working with these guys too, or not. I am going for general meet and greet in a few hours. Though, my offer was to just offer a helping hand without the intent of being paid - she did ask how much I would charge. So quick, what would be a decent amount? The woman I train for now suggested that I ask 6.50$ for an hours worth of work with the young one. Does that seem reasonable.

Free lunging/training advice? I'm on a working student program at my barn, and my trainer gave me and two other girls basically our own horses for the rest of summer to ride and train (because they are difficult and no one else except for her can ride them) in exchange for chores. I'm riding a lovely 10 yr old palomino QH mare who used to be an endurance horse. She was recently retrained for regular riding. She still has issues with pace control (she is VERY forward, and likes to race off). Right now our main goals with her are to get her to collect and maintain a regular, balanced, slower, controlled pace at a walk, trot and canter as well as through transitions. I have been riding her almost everyday for the past two weeks and yesterday and today I was able to get her to slow her trot and canter a lot, which is a big improvement compared to the first few rides. Are there any tips and excersizes besides regular collection/transitions to help with speed regulation? BTW I ride her Western, although I have had 5 years of English (most