Equine friend breeds with additional gaits that often occur natuarally include the Tennessee Walking Equine which naturally performs a running walk, the American Saddlebred which can easily be coached to exhibit a slow gait and the rack, the Paso Fino equine friend with the paso corto and paso largo, and Icelandic horses which are known for the tölt. Horses are adapted to grazing, so their teeth continue to grow throughout life. It should also have some form of regular exercise whether it is being ridden, lunged or turned out in a spacious field. Horses or ponies should be shod (hoof maintenance) every 4-6 weeks, depending on the equine and the weather. Horses are mammals and as such are all warm-blooded creatures, as opposed to reptiles, which are cold-blooded.
Horse wispering is similar to the different styles that are used to sharpen the wits Equines to accomplish some directions. There are various types of Instruction techniques that can be used to train Horses and some specific types of Horse teaching patterns to make a Equine sharp in different areas, like transport, sporting racing or other therapeutic works, for example, carrying physically disabled people.
Presently most Horses are adapted in entertainment and sporting activity. Besides, there are some Equine Breaking-in modules in the fields like crowd control, film work etc. But, the basic goal of Horse Preparing is to make a Horse aficionado enough to perform some essential works as required.
Various Breaking-in tricks are practiced by a young Horse at a young stage of 1-2 years of age. Liberty work, Desensitization, longeing, driving in ground, biting are in demand amongst them. All of these tips are aimed at all round development of a Equine. All these Exercise maneuvers should be introduced even Ahead of time a Equine friend is ready to be ridden.
After conclusion of above Training phases, horse riding maneuvers comes in to picture. The horseback riding professional tips are repeatedly termed as backing, mounting etc. A young Equine is not at all afraid of human and riding session is not a problematic matter. So at that junction of Basic training period a Horse is taught to respond to some essential commands to go ahead, stop, turn back etc. A Horse is also taught to sprout up or constrict speed responding to a particular command. Once a Equine is well aware of all necessary preliminary professional tips, advance Practice can be scheduled for specialization in a specific field.
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Tuesday, October 5, 2010
So You Want to Buy a Horse?
Buying a horse is a big commitment in both time and money. The emotional energy spent is a large factor as well. With so many horses for sale, how do you choose?
If you buy a horse before you lay the correct groundwork, you run the risk of coming home with one that isn't suitable for you. At the worst, he could be dangerous and at best, you could easily spend a thousand dollars or more to get professional trainer to correct the problems.
Make a plan before you look at horses for sale and do these 10 basic steps first.
1. Take riding lessons for at least six months.
Horse riding lessons will teach you the basics of control and the foundation for correct horsemanship. In addition to learning to ride a horse, you'll also learn how to safely groom and handle one. You'll establish a relationship with a professional horse person in your area who knows you and who you can turn to for help if you need it.
2. Decide on the type of riding you want to do.
There are many types of horse riding styles. The most basic are Western or English. Then you can break down those two styles into many subcategories. You don't have to make one choice exclusive of all others. Many people enjoy riding both styles and compete in both.
Decide if you want a horse to trail ride and just enjoy having him or if you want to be competitive and show.
3. Horse's personality
The type of personality you want for your horse depends a lot on the type of riding you want to do and also your personality. Some riders want a horse with a big engine and a lot of fire. Others like a horse to be quiet and laid back.
It's usually easier to get the laid back one to rev his engine than to get a hot horse to relax.
4. Decide on what breed of horse you most want.
Once you've decided on the type of riding you're interested in and the type of personality you want your horse to have, the breed choice will become easier. Some breeds are associated with certain types of riding. For instance, a Thoroughbred or Warmblood breed are usually thought of for the Hunter/Jumper circuit or dressage. In the past, the Quarter Horse, Appaloosas and Paints were thought of for Western riding. Today, these breeds can successfully compete at all levels with the more traditional hunter type horse.
If you want a very smooth ride, look at the gaited breeds such as Missouri Foxtrotters, Tennessee Walkers or Paso Finos.
5. Decide on how big a horse you need.
If you're looking for a horse for a child, buy a pony that your child can groom and handle now. A too big horse is intimidating for a young child to deal with.
If you're looking for one for yourself, consider the type of riding you want to do. Western styles of riding do not require a large horse and most of the stock type horses can carry a large adult even if the horse is 15 hands or smaller.
If you want to show in hunter/jumper classes, a 16+ hand horse is necessary to be competitive. However, if your plans are to learn to jump and go to small local shows, you'll save money by buying a smaller horse.
6. Decide on the gender of the horse.
A gelding or a mare should be your only consideration. A stallion is difficult to handle and can be downright dangerous even if you are a very experienced rider. He isn't suitable unless you're in the breeding business.
Geldings make great riding horses and companions. Preferably he was gelded before his second birthday so that he never learned stallion behavior.
Mares sometimes get a bad rap for being difficult every time she comes into heat. Perhaps some are, but there are many wonderful mares with very stable personalities.
7. Decide where you will keep your horse.
If you plan to board, check out several boarding stables. Your first choice is probably the barn where you've been taking riding lessons. Look at some others to have for back-up choices and as a general comparison.
If you plan to keep your horse on your own property, be sure to have safe fencing, a solid barn and know your time schedule will allow you to feed your horse at least twice a day - every day - rain or shine. Find out any local and state liability laws for a horse property before you bring your new horse home.
8. Figure how much you can afford for the initial price of a horse.
The original purchase price of a horse is a large upfront expense. Obviously, the more you can afford to spend on a horse, the more choices you'll have to look at when shopping. If you have this money saved up in advance, you'll have better leverage with a seller. If you have to buy your horse on payments, you'll limit your bargaining power and choices because many sellers won't want to take payments.
9. Figure out your monthly expenses.
Monthly expenses include board, lessons and supplements if you keep your horse at a boarding stable. If you keep your horse at home, you'll be buying feed, hay and stall bedding instead of a board bill.
There are reoccurring expenses that don't come every month but still need to be added up for a year's cost and averaged as a monthly expense. These include farrier visits, worming, vaccinations and vet care such as floating teeth and a yearly Coggins test.
10. Tack and Supplies
Purchase the basic supplies before you get your horse so that you'll be all set when you bring him home. Brushes, shampoo, liniment, leg wraps, buckets and a first aid kit are a good start on supplies to have ready.
An all purpose headstall and a few bits, saddle pads, a saddle, halter and a long lead rope with a stout snap are your basic tack supplies.
If you follow these 10 steps before you begin horse shopping, you'll have a clear idea of the horse that will be the best choice for you when you do begin your search.
Visit the original article here
If you buy a horse before you lay the correct groundwork, you run the risk of coming home with one that isn't suitable for you. At the worst, he could be dangerous and at best, you could easily spend a thousand dollars or more to get professional trainer to correct the problems.
Make a plan before you look at horses for sale and do these 10 basic steps first.
1. Take riding lessons for at least six months.
Horse riding lessons will teach you the basics of control and the foundation for correct horsemanship. In addition to learning to ride a horse, you'll also learn how to safely groom and handle one. You'll establish a relationship with a professional horse person in your area who knows you and who you can turn to for help if you need it.
2. Decide on the type of riding you want to do.
There are many types of horse riding styles. The most basic are Western or English. Then you can break down those two styles into many subcategories. You don't have to make one choice exclusive of all others. Many people enjoy riding both styles and compete in both.
Decide if you want a horse to trail ride and just enjoy having him or if you want to be competitive and show.
3. Horse's personality
The type of personality you want for your horse depends a lot on the type of riding you want to do and also your personality. Some riders want a horse with a big engine and a lot of fire. Others like a horse to be quiet and laid back.
It's usually easier to get the laid back one to rev his engine than to get a hot horse to relax.
4. Decide on what breed of horse you most want.
Once you've decided on the type of riding you're interested in and the type of personality you want your horse to have, the breed choice will become easier. Some breeds are associated with certain types of riding. For instance, a Thoroughbred or Warmblood breed are usually thought of for the Hunter/Jumper circuit or dressage. In the past, the Quarter Horse, Appaloosas and Paints were thought of for Western riding. Today, these breeds can successfully compete at all levels with the more traditional hunter type horse.
If you want a very smooth ride, look at the gaited breeds such as Missouri Foxtrotters, Tennessee Walkers or Paso Finos.
5. Decide on how big a horse you need.
If you're looking for a horse for a child, buy a pony that your child can groom and handle now. A too big horse is intimidating for a young child to deal with.
If you're looking for one for yourself, consider the type of riding you want to do. Western styles of riding do not require a large horse and most of the stock type horses can carry a large adult even if the horse is 15 hands or smaller.
If you want to show in hunter/jumper classes, a 16+ hand horse is necessary to be competitive. However, if your plans are to learn to jump and go to small local shows, you'll save money by buying a smaller horse.
6. Decide on the gender of the horse.
A gelding or a mare should be your only consideration. A stallion is difficult to handle and can be downright dangerous even if you are a very experienced rider. He isn't suitable unless you're in the breeding business.
Geldings make great riding horses and companions. Preferably he was gelded before his second birthday so that he never learned stallion behavior.
Mares sometimes get a bad rap for being difficult every time she comes into heat. Perhaps some are, but there are many wonderful mares with very stable personalities.
7. Decide where you will keep your horse.
If you plan to board, check out several boarding stables. Your first choice is probably the barn where you've been taking riding lessons. Look at some others to have for back-up choices and as a general comparison.
If you plan to keep your horse on your own property, be sure to have safe fencing, a solid barn and know your time schedule will allow you to feed your horse at least twice a day - every day - rain or shine. Find out any local and state liability laws for a horse property before you bring your new horse home.
8. Figure how much you can afford for the initial price of a horse.
The original purchase price of a horse is a large upfront expense. Obviously, the more you can afford to spend on a horse, the more choices you'll have to look at when shopping. If you have this money saved up in advance, you'll have better leverage with a seller. If you have to buy your horse on payments, you'll limit your bargaining power and choices because many sellers won't want to take payments.
9. Figure out your monthly expenses.
Monthly expenses include board, lessons and supplements if you keep your horse at a boarding stable. If you keep your horse at home, you'll be buying feed, hay and stall bedding instead of a board bill.
There are reoccurring expenses that don't come every month but still need to be added up for a year's cost and averaged as a monthly expense. These include farrier visits, worming, vaccinations and vet care such as floating teeth and a yearly Coggins test.
10. Tack and Supplies
Purchase the basic supplies before you get your horse so that you'll be all set when you bring him home. Brushes, shampoo, liniment, leg wraps, buckets and a first aid kit are a good start on supplies to have ready.
An all purpose headstall and a few bits, saddle pads, a saddle, halter and a long lead rope with a stout snap are your basic tack supplies.
If you follow these 10 steps before you begin horse shopping, you'll have a clear idea of the horse that will be the best choice for you when you do begin your search.
Visit the original article here
Monday, October 4, 2010
The Gaits of the Paso Fino
The Paso Fino can perform the same gaits as any other horse. It can do a flat walk, collected walk, canter, and gallup. But, a Paso Fino can do so much more! The Paso gait is essentially a broken pace gait which is lateral, not diagonal. The sequence of the footfall is hind hoof, same fore hoof, opposite hind hoof, same front hoof. The hind hoof touches the ground a fraction of a second before the front hoof. When performed on a hard surface, a definite 1,2,3,4 (ta-ca-ta-ca) can be heard. Propulsion is primarily from the hind legs yet the motion is absorbed through the back and loins. The croup remains relatively still. These aspects eliminate the jarring effects of a true pace, getting rid of the up and down movement. The Paso Fino can perform this natural gait at three speeds with varying levels of collection. It is not unusual to see newborn foals gaiting shortly after birth. This gait, though, gains more definition as the horse matures and can be refined through training. However, no special shoeing or artificial aids are necessary to make the Paso Fino gait.
The gait has three speeds: Classic Fino, Paso Corto, and Paso Largo. The horses perform the gait in three styles: the Classic Fino, Performance and the Pleasure styles. The Classic Fino gait is the most exciting to watch or to experience as a rider. The horse’s footfall is very rapid with an even rhythm. The forward movement is very slow, slower than a person would normally walk. The horse is completely collected, with an upright carriage and neck breaking at the poll at an almost vertical position.
View the original article here
The gait has three speeds: Classic Fino, Paso Corto, and Paso Largo. The horses perform the gait in three styles: the Classic Fino, Performance and the Pleasure styles. The Classic Fino gait is the most exciting to watch or to experience as a rider. The horse’s footfall is very rapid with an even rhythm. The forward movement is very slow, slower than a person would normally walk. The horse is completely collected, with an upright carriage and neck breaking at the poll at an almost vertical position.
View the original article here
Sunday, October 3, 2010
History of the Paso Fino Horse
A beautiful horse of proud Spanish heritage. The ancestors of today's Paso Fino were transported in 1943 to the New World on Christopher Columbus' second voyage to the New World. He brought with him a mixture of Barbs (a hardy breed from North Africa), Spanish Jennets (a gaited horse now distinct) and beautiful Andalusians from the Spanish provinces of Andalusia and Cordela and settled them at Santa Domingo (now the Dominican Republic).
Bred for their stamina, smooth gait and beauty, their offspring became the foundation stock for remount stations of the Conquistadors. Over time, because of of its smooth "no-bounce" ride, the breed became known as the "Los Caballos de Paso Fino" which means "the horse with the fine step". This name was later shortened to Paso Fino...simply meaning "fine step". The Paso Fino continued to flourish being found primarily in Puerto Rico, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Aruba and Venezuela.
Awareness of the Paso Fino, as we know it today, didn’t spread outside Latin America until after WWII when American servicemen came into contact with the stunning Paso Fino horse while stationed in Puerto Rico. In the mid-1940's, the importation of the Puerto Rican Paso Fino into America began. It wasn't until two decades later that the Columbian Paso Fino was imported.
Ever since that time, contention has existed between some purists as to which country produced the "truest" Paso Fino because of the slight differences between the two strains. However, a mix of strains, sometimes called the American Paso Fino even though there is no registry for such, also exists and is a reflection of our nation as a "melting pot". The mix, or the American Paso Fino if you'd rather, is often a wonderful blend of the best Puerto Rican and Columbian bloodlines.
View the original article here
Bred for their stamina, smooth gait and beauty, their offspring became the foundation stock for remount stations of the Conquistadors. Over time, because of of its smooth "no-bounce" ride, the breed became known as the "Los Caballos de Paso Fino" which means "the horse with the fine step". This name was later shortened to Paso Fino...simply meaning "fine step". The Paso Fino continued to flourish being found primarily in Puerto Rico, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Aruba and Venezuela.
Awareness of the Paso Fino, as we know it today, didn’t spread outside Latin America until after WWII when American servicemen came into contact with the stunning Paso Fino horse while stationed in Puerto Rico. In the mid-1940's, the importation of the Puerto Rican Paso Fino into America began. It wasn't until two decades later that the Columbian Paso Fino was imported.
Ever since that time, contention has existed between some purists as to which country produced the "truest" Paso Fino because of the slight differences between the two strains. However, a mix of strains, sometimes called the American Paso Fino even though there is no registry for such, also exists and is a reflection of our nation as a "melting pot". The mix, or the American Paso Fino if you'd rather, is often a wonderful blend of the best Puerto Rican and Columbian bloodlines.
View the original article here
Tips on Bits
BIT INVASION and EVASION - The problems that are created by an ill-fitting bit or problems with the teeth can set the stage for a myriad of problems and unhappiness for both the rider and the horse. Try these few tips if any of this applies to you. First of all, don't rule out your rider skills as a culprit, because this lays the true foundation for bit evasion.
We invariably and unnoticeably ride with our hands in tandem with our body, or the hands move with the movement of the horse. The horse in some cases will learn to lean into or on the rider's hands to lessen this or to stabilize himself and lessen the jarring and movement from the hands and trying to balance himself while carrying our big behinds. There's a lot going on up there from the horse's perspective, and all he's trying to do is maintain balance while moving forward with this huge "cat" on his back, pulling and yanking him every which-a-way.
Riding "on our hands" instead of independently from them (as opposed to riding with our seat) is done unconsciously, and awareness of this is something that has to be concentrated on and effortly and repititiously practiced. The horse will be moving with his balance on his front when he rests against the hands of the rider. Anything going on in the front, in his mouth, due to what the rider is doing, will cause the horse to not balance his weight between his front and rear legs, i.e., drive from the rear.
You have to practice at keeping your hands steady, and not move with the movements of the horse. Once the horse can relax enough because the rider is relaxed through relaxation and steadiness of his hands (as well as seat), the more he can be freed up to drive from his rear, and automatically "reach" into the bit, which is what you want. They will generally find their comfortable niche.
View the original article here
We invariably and unnoticeably ride with our hands in tandem with our body, or the hands move with the movement of the horse. The horse in some cases will learn to lean into or on the rider's hands to lessen this or to stabilize himself and lessen the jarring and movement from the hands and trying to balance himself while carrying our big behinds. There's a lot going on up there from the horse's perspective, and all he's trying to do is maintain balance while moving forward with this huge "cat" on his back, pulling and yanking him every which-a-way.
Riding "on our hands" instead of independently from them (as opposed to riding with our seat) is done unconsciously, and awareness of this is something that has to be concentrated on and effortly and repititiously practiced. The horse will be moving with his balance on his front when he rests against the hands of the rider. Anything going on in the front, in his mouth, due to what the rider is doing, will cause the horse to not balance his weight between his front and rear legs, i.e., drive from the rear.
You have to practice at keeping your hands steady, and not move with the movements of the horse. Once the horse can relax enough because the rider is relaxed through relaxation and steadiness of his hands (as well as seat), the more he can be freed up to drive from his rear, and automatically "reach" into the bit, which is what you want. They will generally find their comfortable niche.
View the original article here
Paso Fino Horse Blog
This blog is dedicated to Paso Fino horses.
I am a software developer by trade and a Paso Fino horse owner by choice. I have been riding Paso Finos for almost a year. Who would have ever thought that I would ever ride a horse!
My wife and I have one goal - Buy a farm and take care of Paso Finos.
If you have a Paso Fino horse farm or have a Paso Fino website, then please submit your link and we will be glad to add it below.
The picture of the Paso Fino above is Espartaco de Casta (Don Juan de Casta X Jacaranda de Casta). 'Sparky' is a High Point Performance Stallion. His father is out of Juan Juan and his mother is a Capuchino daughter.
I am a software developer by trade and a Paso Fino horse owner by choice. I have been riding Paso Finos for almost a year. Who would have ever thought that I would ever ride a horse!
My wife and I have one goal - Buy a farm and take care of Paso Finos.
If you have a Paso Fino horse farm or have a Paso Fino website, then please submit your link and we will be glad to add it below.
The picture of the Paso Fino above is Espartaco de Casta (Don Juan de Casta X Jacaranda de Casta). 'Sparky' is a High Point Performance Stallion. His father is out of Juan Juan and his mother is a Capuchino daughter.
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