Sep. 17, 2009
Where to find The Basics
Posted in EquipmentForHorseAndRider
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Q: where can find a riding helmet and boots? A: If there is any co-op near you, that's the best place. If not, look for a farm or feed store near you. They will have helmets and boots and many other useful things. That is where you will find the cheapest. www.bootbarn.com has nice boots! www.doversaddlery.com has helmets, as does www.statelinetack.com . I have found that http://www.shopping.com/-cheap+cowgirl+boots has cheap cowgirl boots! Also, check www.ebay.com! If you STILL can't find anything, it's hopeless. =) ~Mandy |
Sep. 15, 2009
4-H Tips
Posted in Shows
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MissLadyBug asked me for some 4-H tips because she is just starting it. I love 4-H and I did the whole works - shows, camps, meetings - for two years. It's super fun! You learn a ton! I enjoyed going and getting instruction from professional riders plus having all the barrels and jumps already set up for you and being with other horse crazy people! Horse camp is awesome - if you can afford it, by all means, go for at least one year. After two years, it's basically the same thing over and over and over again. Horse shows are ... fun to learn at and show at but sometimes expensive and stressful and time consuming. If you don't like being on the run and under pressure for a lot of things, I suggest not doing shows. Our 4-H group says you have to do at least one show to complete the Horse project. I don't know how your 4-H would work, but I simply politely asked the leader if I had to do the shows because it was too time consuming, but I still wanted to come to the meetings (where you go to the arena and bring your horse or borrow a horse to ride with everyone else. In my 4-H group, this is only once a week.) My leader said I didn't have to, but I wouldn't get the badge that says "You've completed the Horse project!" To me, big deal! My life does not circulate around badges that say "You've completed the Horse project!" So now I don't go to horse shows, because I'm trying to finish up high school and assist siblings and do other hobbies plus my horses! But I still go to meetings when I want to, and all that I'm missing out on is a badge. =) So, If you love shows and camps and lots of ribbons and lots of time spent in 4-H, go for it. I'm definately not against 4-H. I just grew weary of it because I had a stubborn horse...it's a long story. Anyways, I recommend you join 4-H. You will (guaranteed) learn a lot and have fun! Thanks, Mandy |
Sep. 15, 2009
Breaking in English Boots
Posted in EquipmentForHorseAndRider
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I received another question from Felicia. Q: I've got a pair of beautiful tall field boots that are horrific to jump in (2 stiff). What the easiest and fastest way to break them in out of the saddle? (I hate bothering my mounts when I'm riding them with those boots on!) Just wearing them around the house or outside? A: There are many different opinions to breaking in boots. Some people say to vacuum the whole house with them on because vacuuming requires all the bending that riding does. Others say to stretch them by putting the ball of your foot on a stair and press your heels down. Some people say (I wouldn't do this) that they showered in their boots and it solved their problem. Others say to wear them around the house with thick socks. One person used silicon on their boots and then washed their horse, so their boots would get wet/rinse. Another person said they tape their ankles when they wear them around the house for a few hours a day. Whatever you do, let me know what works! I've always put up with blisters on my heels and ankles by just wearing them until they fit! =) I think the tape on the ankles sounds like it would work, or the stretching on the stair or by vacuuming. =) Good luck! Thanks, Mandy |
Sep. 15, 2009
Keeping Your Balance
Posted in Riding
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I received a question from Felicia. Q: I take riding lessons, and do mostly jumping. Lately I've been having problems with tipping to my right, since that's my strong side. I've been wearing 5 lbs weights on my left ankle and sometimes on my wrist, and it has helped. But I was wondering, is there a "proper" exercise for this or what? A: I personally have never had to deal with this problem. If by "tipping" you mean losing your balance, then I suggest you read this article... Achieving the Right Balance Thank you for your question! I hope this helps! Let me know if that is not what you meant by "tipping". Thanks, Mandy |