A little to the left...

THAT'S THE SPOT!

 Vegas sure does love a good scratch! A perfect way to bond with your horse is to give him a good grooming. Too many people only groom before and briefly after they ride. Horses are social creatures. If you watch your horse out in the pasture (I highly recommend it!) you will notice that horses naturally groom each other. It is an easy way to be build that forever bond. Grooming is not just for getting that muddy horse clean. Horses develop bonds with that nice lady who finds just the right spot. Vegas often grunts in the spring as his belly gets scratched and helps get that loose itchy hair out. While you groom, try to find the spots your horse really likes. You can tell if he leans into the brush, grunts or just has the happy look! He or she will thank you in many ways.

Spring is around the corner and that furry mammal in the pasture is sure gonna like a few scratches. But first we have to have all the equipment.  

Here is a list of supplies:

1) A grooming caddy, I love my caddy! It makes it easy to find stuff and those little hoof picks can not just walk away when they have a designated place to be... yet somehow it still doesn't always seem to work?! ORGANIZATION IS KEY! (I'm quite the organizing freak, I love the storage areas in stores-heehee)

 (Credit: Google Images)

2) Plastic Curry Comb - I tend to use this brush to get mud or really dirty spots out. It is also a great brush to give a good scratch with. I also tend to use it to clean out my brushes while brushing.

(Credit: Google Images)

3) Rubber Curry Comb- I love my rubber curry and so does Vegas. This brush is in a circular shape, so while you're grooming you move it in a circular motion. This curry will bring up all the hidden dirt in your horse's coat.

(Credit: Google Images)

4) Dandy Brush- this brush is used to flick off all the dirt you brought up using the rubber curry. You will always brush with this brush going in the direction of the horse's hair growth. This brush will be stiff when you touch it. While I groom I often will use the plastic curry to help rid the dust and hair from within the bristles.

(Credit: Google Images)

5) Body Brush- This brush is used to finish off your horse and to polish them off. This brush is soft and is the only brush that is used over the entire body. It is the only brush that touches the horse's face and legs. The face and legs of the horse are the most sensitive on the body so need to be treated as such.

(Credit: Google Images)

6) Hoof pick - the hoof pick is used to clean the horse's hooves. It is important to clean the hooves before AND after a ride. It is important to regularly clean out the hooves even if you are not planning on riding. By cleaning the hooves you prevent funguses from growing. It is especially important to keep the hooves clean when  it is muddy out - i.e. Spring!

(Credit: Google Images)

 I love the hoof picks with the brushes! It makes it a lot easier to keep the hooves clean.

There are many other gadgets out there that can make grooming more fun for you and your horse. These are the basics that everyone should have in their grooming kit. Pick fun colours and products you will love to use. I have a hot pink grooming caddy (Vegas has a hunter green one, poor horse is sometimes embarrassed by my wacky ways) or get a colour theme going for your horse. Vegas is a hunter green guy all the way.

Getting Started!

                                                                   (Credit: Google Images)

 
If you are not in the horse world but want to be- how do you do so? I have witnessed coaching staff at many barns that do not show students how to do things like catching their horse or even tacking up. The student simply shows up, jumps on the horse and takes off. Most little girls and boys (not to mention the "oldies" too) want to spend as much time with horses as they possibly can. I know I spent numerous hours around many schooling barns before I had my own horses.

I believe it is important to find a riding school that will teach you to be an all-around horse person instead of only being capable of hopping on a horse and steering. A horse is not a vehicle! What would you do if a horse got injured on a ride and you had not had any experience even leading your horse around?

To find a reputable place search local listings. A lot of information can be found on the internet. Find out the lesson program. Will you be able to learn to tack up and catch your horse or will you simply ride? Tour the facilities and ask for information about who will be instructing the lessons and their qualifications.  Sit in on a lesson to see how the person works. Observation is key.

Overall, make sure you get a well-rounded full horsey education. Education is never a waste.

Check back to see how to Get Started in catching, grooming and simply being around your equine partner!

Calling All Horse Chicks!

Hello fellow horse chicks (and guys)!

Join me as I share my experiences, observations and adventures. I will be discussing tips, horse training techniques, business sense in the horse world and the fun that can be had while working with horses, among other things.  I have many things to share with you to make your horse experiences that much better, whether you are just starting out or have been in the horse world for a while. The one thing I know to be true is that you never stop learning and can learn from many unexpected places. I have learned to look at things from many perspectives thanks to my years of teaching wonderful students from all walks of life. I cannot forget all the horses that have taught me so much. Each one has a unique personality and lesson to teach to their humans.

Here are some horses I have had the pleasure to work with.

This is me with my horse Pretty Vegas. He was just starting to learn to jump. He is a powerful horse! You'll be hearing a lot about Vegas on this blog!

This is Kit Star Polo. My first horse! She taught me so much about horses and helped me develop my horsemanship. I miss her everyday. June 21, 1981 to February 1, 2010.

This is Nadilla. I spent a week on her back up in the Chilcotin Mountains. She was very sturdy and taught me to let go of the reins and let her do the work. I owe her for keeping me safe!

This is Dart. Dart is one in a million and worth his weight in gold. He was a trusty school horse. I once had a student that tried every week to put her saddle on and every time I came to check it was always on backwards. Poor Dart. He would always calmly stand and wait for someone to come help out. He even took a blind child on a trail ride. Horses like Dart touch many hearts.



I look forward to this journey with you. Please feel free to leave comments. I look forward to hearing from you.


Jessica