Video: Do’s & Don’ts of Trail Riding

Video: Dos & Don’ts of Trail Riding – Image To Repin / Share
Photo – Wikipedia – lic. under CC BY-SA 3.0

Trail riding is definitely a fun and amazing experience, not just for the rider but to the horse as well. The long years of working together, which has developed trust and relationship, makes trail riding even more exciting for both parties. However to maximize your trail riding experience, there is a list of important do’s and don’ts which need to be considered. Failure to abide by these important rules may sometimes lead to tragic accidents.

Before you start the adventure, make sure to wear the proper riding gear. At the minimum, you should have a sturdy boots with a heel, jeans, and a helmet. ^[1]

One of the basic considerations before engaging in trail riding is the health of the horse. Instead of choosing an unconditioned horse, one should always use a healthy, lean and fit one which can cope with the long hours of walking and trekking.

Second, maintain a good distance from other horses behind and ahead. This prevent your horse from stepping on the lead horse, and getting kicked by other horses. Also, avoid speeding up and passing by other horses at a gallop. This could cause panic to other horses which may lead to some serious accidents.

When at rest, make sure to place your horse under shade, never let them rest under the scorching heat of the sun. Also, place them in areas with relatively safe distance from other horses to prevent from kicking, thereby avoiding injuries.

Research shows that riders should refrain from feeding their horse right after a long ride. Blood is required in digestion. Thus, after a ride, the horse must be given enough time to replenish its blood, because too great demands from its system may cause the horse to suffer from colic. While at the trail, do not feed your horse more than its usual consumption in the stable. Instead, feed him less to reduce his chance of suffering from colic. When the horse returns to the camp, feed him a small amount of hay, and give him time to rest. Resume normal feeding at night. ^[2]

These are just a few of the basic tips you should consider when you go on trail riding with your horse. Get the best out of your trail riding adventure without compromising the health and safety of your horse. Watch the video below to get more tips on do’s and don’ts when trekking with your horse.

References:
[1] http://www.lovehorsebackriding.com/horse-riding-for-beginners.html
[2] http://oetra.com/forms/Trail_Dos&Donts.pdf

Tutorial: How To Give Your Horse A Massage

Tutorial: How To Give Your Horse A Massage – Image To Repin / Share
Image – © Roland Gruenewald – Fotolia.com

Massage therapy has been found useful in optimizing the health of horses, especially those bred for racing. Research shows that massage may be beneficial in rehabilitating injured horses, in preventing future injuries, as well as in diagnosing certain conditions in horses.

Horses are athletic and active by nature. Thus, they deserve to have an adequate amount of bodywork in order to maintain their longevity and vitality. With the help of expert equine massage therapists, the horse’s muscles are maintained which enable them to perform their functions at the optimum level. These therapists help in allowing muscles to be free from knots and tension, thereby enabling horses to return to their relaxed state. ^[1]

Research further shows that massage helps in regulating circulation. It plays a crucial role in the elimination of metabolic wastes from the body, as well as in enhancing the flow of oxygen back into the muscles. Through massage, the release of endorphin hormones is improved which results to lowered pain response. ^[2] By improving the circulation, the cells of the body are able to export toxins, producer energy and regenerate new cells.

Normally, a horse massage is applied in order to increase the tone and pliability of the muscles. Also, it can be beneficial in healing existing tissues which are often caused by overstretching, poor footing, overuse, illness, injury, poor conformation, and over training. ^[3] It significantly affects muscle performance by breaking down contracted muscles, and knots which are incapable of performing their functions efficiently.

Research reveals that a horse’s body is comprised of about 700 skeletal muscles, which takes around 60% of the equine’s body mass. This means that forcing a horse, which suffers from contracted muscles, to work, might just cause additional damage to horses, and deliver poor output. ^[4]

Other typical benefits of equine massage may include improved dilation of the blood vessels and return of blood to the heart, as well as enhanced muscle tone. It also prevents adhesion, as well as lessens swelling and stiffness.

Massage is further known for its sedating and stimulating effects to the nervous system of the body. It enables the horse to obtain a state of self-healing, mental clarity, and relaxation which can help in reaching their full potential at work. According to studies, horses with limited focus which are under mental stress, are less likely to perform their functions at their full potentials.

Want to discover tips on how you can massage your horse? Get free yet valuable insights here http://www.equisearch.com/horses_care/health/alternative_therapies/relieve-your-horses-back-tightness-with-massage/

References:
[1] http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/health/ch-massage.shtml
[2] http://www.equisearch.com/article/horse-massage-get-hands-on-12519
[3] http://www.healingwithenergy.com/massage_for_horses.html
[4] http://www.equine-massage-school.com/the-five-secret-benefits-of-equine-massage/

How To Tell If Your Saddle Hurts Your Horse

How To Tell If Your Saddle Hurts Your Horse
Photo – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjeD1GnL3nI

Concerned with the negative behavior of your horse such as bucking or throwing its head? Maybe an adjustment in equipment is what you need. Maybe its high time to check the horse’s saddle fit.

A saddle fit is supposed to make both the rider and the horse happy. This equipment is critically important in ensuring the performance, health, happiness, and comfort of horses. Every horse owner must be knowledgeable about saddle fit as it can negatively affect the overall health and performance of horses when neglected.

An improper saddle fit usually makes horses suffer which will eventually led to the occurrence of various signs and symptoms. ^[1] An improper saddle fit in horses is often compared to humans walking for long hours wearing shoes that are too small.

Research shows that horses can really be tolerant of everything which their owners do to them. But there will always be a point where they begin showing signs of pain and discomfort.

To prevent your horse from getting hurt, the saddle must be placed in a way that the weight of the equipment is evenly distributed across the equine’s back. If the saddle does not fit or is not placed properly, you will see patches of white hairs on the back of the horse later on. These patches served as the pressure points and are evidence of frequent rubbing.

Other obvious signs of improperly fit saddles may include calluses, scars, and sores which can really be painful and sensitive to horses. Touching the affected areas may elicit undesirable behaviors from horses which may include biting, bucking, bolting and kicking.

Research has shown that an improperly fit saddle may trigger problems on the ligaments and muscles of horses. Curious about the other signs and symptoms that come with improper saddle fit? Watch this very informative video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjeD1GnL3nI) to learn wealth of facts and tips on how to tell if your saddle is hurting your horse.

References:
[1] http://voices.yahoo.com/the-importance-proper-saddle-fit-4122589.html?cat=53
[2] http://www.equineperformanceservices.com.au/page3.htm