April 15, 2007 by Capuce.

The 2007 Events page has a good start. Check it out at the above link for Rochester, NY and surrounding area Open Horse shows, Hunter Paces, Trail Trials and more! Most of them are LOW stress events.

Trail Trials - It’s a trail ride with judged obstacles. Get judged for things you normally find yourself doing on a trail. Crossing a creek, walking over a bridge, backing out of a dead end and more!

Hunter Paces - Get from Point A to Point B in the best time. Jumps are usually optional and trails range in difficulty and length. I love these!

Open Shows - Attica has great monthly open horse shows. Low key and friendly atmosphere make these enjoyable and not a chore. Also, don’t forget about your county fair. I had a blast at the Caledonia Fair doing games, Trail and more. What fun and low stress. Jeans, a polo shirt, boots and a helmet was I used.

Let me know if you have a local or regional event you’d like posted.

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April 1, 2007 by Capuce.

If you’re like me you’ve probably let the winter cold hold you inside, going out just long enough to feed, muck, and break ice on water buckets. All the while your horse just lazes around filling himself with hay 24/7.

Great, now it’s spring, the weather is nice and both you and your horse are plump and out of shape. What to do? Here are some tips to keep both you and your horse sound while legging up for long summer trail rides.

- Stretch your horse before and after riding

- Warm up and cool off. Never put your horse out if he’s steaming. Walk walk walk

- Gradually build up distance and speed over time. If you haven’t done much all winter start with a walking trail ride one day. Ring work the next day and another trail ride on day 3. After a couple of weeks of this move up to longer trail rides and incorporate trotting in them and eventually cantering.

- Call your friendly Farrier and get them sporting the latest in footware.

- Boots, protect your horses legs with spint or sport boots if they’ve been idle. Consult your vet if you’ve never used boots before.

- Play desensitizing games: walk over a tarp, pick up an unbrella, put on a raincoat, etc.  If you have a nervous horse do these tasks in hand before mounting and use the buddy system.

- Best of all have FUN!

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April 1, 2007 by Capuce.

YES! Warm weather and I’m itching to be back on the trails. Yesterday was the first day I got my horse out of the field and I didn’t have to fight the mud to do it. His hair is sheading out by the handful and I clipped his long goat hair under his chin. Sadly I’m not good with clippers and butchered him.

While I’m on the hunt for a new horse I’m boarding in the heart of the Genesee Valley Hunt country. There’s nothing but trails outside the barn door. I took off on the old RR bed going north and was surprised on how dry the trails are. Of course they weren’t dry enough to save my tack. A few puddle splashings and treks through clay mud got both myself and my tack covered. Time for me to switch to my synthetic saddle for easy cleaning.

If the weather holds up my next trek will be to the Leighigh Valley Trail system. I’ll be sure to bring a camera and show you the trail! If you want to join me check out the Trail Buddy page for my contact info.

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