The Novice Horseman Blog

I recently went to a fund raising schooling show for a local therapeutic riding center.  We got to the show just as the riding center kids were starting their part of the show.  Some of the kids had side walkers and some rode by themselves.   I thought all the kids did an amazing job riding their horses.  After their last class, the regular schooling show continued.

To give each horse and rider the best opportunity to show their best, there should be a certain amount of courtesy shown by the spectators.  During this show, I was astonished at the lack of spectator etiquette.  So, I thought I would put together a list of things that a spectator should follow while viewing a horse show.

• If the spectator walkway is right next to the show ring, wait until the class is finished to take your seat or leave.  Also, be courteous of your actions when seated next to the ring.  I witnessed a woman opening her umbrella for shade when a horse was coming down the rail near her.  This startled the horse and it took several frightened steps sideways before the rider regained control.  The  rider lost points in that class.  If this had been a group class, it could have caused a major wreck.

• While some types of classes are okay with cheering their favorite during their run, refrain from clapping or cheering until the class or the individual run is over.  With that said, please keep in mind that some of these classes run the individual riders one after another so there may not be time to cheer before the next rider starts their run.

• Don’t boo the placement of a class.  While the outcome may not be what you think is correct, a horse show is purely the opinion of the people who are judging it.  Besides, the other riders in the class don’t deserve this type of bad behavior from the crowd.

• These horses have been brushed, bathed, clipped, sprayed and spruced up for hours.  Some owners are very particular about the way their horse looks before they enter the show ring.  Before you decide to pet a horse, ask the owner or rider first.

• Turn your cell phone ringers down or put them on a silent or vibrating setting.  If you need to talk on your cell phone, keep your voice down.  People around you  came to see the horse show, not listen to your conversation.

• Kids can startle a horse just by being doing what kids do naturally.  Don’t let them run around unattended and get into mischief.

• Kids also have a short attention span, especially if they decide the outing is boring.  So bring something to keep them entertained and possibly their favorite snack.  If they start to get unruly, take them away from the show ring.  A change in activity can do wonders.

• Throw your trash away.  Don’t leave half empty cups or partially eaten snacks on the seat next to you or on the floor.  They just end up being kicked over and make a big mess.

• If you bring your dog, keep them on the leash.  You have to keep in mind that a lot of horses do not like dogs and will charge them.  So a loose dog around horses is dangerous not only to the horse but to the riders and anyone around them.

• If your dog continually barks or yaps, it is best to leave it at home.  This is very annoying to the other spectators and could make the younger horses nervous.

This is just a short list for spectator etiquette.  There are probably other things you can do to be courteous while at a horse show.  Some of the riders are nervous enough.  Any distraction from the spectators could be enough to make a rider lose his concentration.

Every horse and rider deserves the chance to do their best with the least amount of distractions as possible.  That’s only fair.

It’s amazing how just a few weeks can impact the weather.  At the first of February, northern Oklahoma had it’s second ever blizzard warning.  Where I live, there was a record 25″ of snow.  Just a few miles north, there was a record setting 50″ and that area also set the record for the coldest temperature of -23°F.  There was snow for over 2 weeks, which is also out of the normal for Oklahoma.

Now, the temperature was close to 80°F today and the daffodils in my yard have been in bloom for about 2 weeks.  We had our first actual thunderstorm  just a few days ago.  Spring is officially around the corner!  So, it may be a good time for some spring chores.  Here are some chores that you may want to do.

At the barn:

• Clean and condition your leather tack.  Make sure the leather is dry before applying a leather conditioner.
• Inspect the leather for any cracks, cuts or splits.  Replace any leather that is damaged.
• Go through your grooming kit.  Replace any tools that are broken.  This would probably also be a good time to wash your brushes.
• Clean your clippers.  You can do this yourself or take them to a professional.  You can also have the blades sharpened at the same time.
• Wash your winter blankets, if you are not going to need them anymore.  Store them in a dry place.  Most blankets come in a zippered plastic bag.  I have kept these to  store my blankets for the summer.  This makes for good dust free storage.
• A warm dry spring day would be perfect to strip your stall completely (if you have one).  Let them air out for a few hours before you put bedding back in them.  If you have full board, this is probably done periodically through the year.
• Give your trailer a good cleaning.  Do a thorough inspection and make note of any damage to floors/walls/ceiling/tackroom, worn tires, damaged lighting/wiring, etc.  Make a plan and time frame to get damage fixed.

For the vet:

• Get vaccinations, if you haven’t already done so.  Check with your vet as to which basic vaccinations are recommended for your area.  Your vet may also have suggestions for additional vaccinations based on the age of your horse and also whether or not you show or trail ride.
• Don’t forget to get the Coggins test.  A negative Coggins is required if you plan to show, trail ride or take your horse to a riding clinic.  Most events want a Coggins that was done within a year, but a few require one that has been done within 6 months of the event.
• Spring is also when I have my horses’ teeth checked and, if necessary, floated.
• My gelding will have his sheath cleaned, if needed.

There is a multitude of chores that you can do in the spring.  This is just a small sample.  Plan a work day and make a list of what you want to accomplish that day.  If you don’t finish your list, add it to the next planned work day.  Don’t try to do everything all in one day . . . . your body won’t like it.

I’ve had my fair share of falls and most of which I’ve been able to bounce back  quickly.  It seems, though, the older I get, the more apprehensive I’ve become about getting back in the saddle.  As you’ve read, I had a pretty significant fall at the first of January.  It took almost 3 weeks for me to heal enough to walk with no pain.

Oklahoma had a record snow in February which stayed on the ground for about 3 weeks.  That is very unusual for our weather.  So a few weekends ago, the weather finally cooperated enough to allow time to ride again.

I got Dollar from the pasture, groomed him and tacked him up.  I adjusted his cinch again just before we reached the mounting block.  I can’t mount from the ground anymore because of bad knees.

With one foot in the stirrup, I was getting ready to swing over.  Then  . . . WHAM . . . a back spasm.  I had to stand on the mounting block for a bit to let the spasm subside.  I don’t know if that was caused by the accident or if anxiety played a part.  I think both.  I told my trainer I thought this might be a short lesson.

After about 5 minutes, I mounted Dollar and off we went at walk.  I had a lesson in finesse riding that day.  I did lots of straight lines, counting steps for precise turns,  leg yielding, serpentines, etc.  Gait transitions were to be clean and immediate.

Amazingly, I made it thought the entire lesson.  Dismounting was not as easy as it usually is.  I had to swing my leg over and hold on to the saddle so I could make an easy drop to the ground.  I will admit I was a little stiff, but not as much as I thought I would be.

Riding after a fall for anyone can be daunting.  When to get back on a horse will depend on how well you have healed.  Be smart about your injury.  When you are ready, try a short ride at first to access how well you have healed.  Also a good short ride will help you regain your confidence.  If you hurt too much afterward, give yourself more time to heal both physically and mentally.

Also, don’t try not to do extensive training of your horse or a demanding lesson for you.  You may find that your body just won’t cooperate.  Instead, go back to the basics.  It never hurts to refresh on the simple things.  Concentrate on giving good cues so that your horse knows what is being asked.  As stated above, have short rides at first but make them count.  As always, stop on a good note for both you and your horse.