July 2012

BASIC HORSEMANSHIP AND TRAINING CLINICS

Horses are herd animals. In their world the leader is in charge and everyone else follows. That is a horse rule. The leader of the herd decides where, when, and how fast we go. At our Level 1 and Level 2 clinics riders learn the horse rules. Riders learn to communicate with their horses emphasizing on this leadership role through various simple exercises on the ground and in the saddle. An example would be leading the horse fast and slow staying in time or standing in proper position so the horse knows to stand still.

The key to good communication is to speak the same language. Often riders do not realize what they are actually saying to their horses. An example would be backing up to avoid being bumped into by the horse. Seems pretty simple and harmless to a human but in horse language you are saying "you are in charge/you control this space" because the horse rule is the leader controls the space. Every time your horse advances in your direction causing you to go back, he should actually be backing 3 steps away from you. This will reestablish in horse language that you are the leader but YOU MUST BE CONSISTANT!!!!

Our Level 3 clinic is for riders that have already graduated or mastered the leadership role and wish to fine tune their riding and training skills. Every clinic is a little different because we cater to the needs of the horses and riders. We do a lot more riding at all 3 gaits at Level 3. Auditors often come away learning more by watching how the horses react. All our clinics are limited to 6 riders to ensure individual attention and are open to any discipline. The rider fee is $100 and auditor is $25. For more information and an application go to clinic application.

If you want to improve your relationship with your horse you have to learn the horse rules and speak to him in his language. Come to one or all of our clinics and let us show you how to the leader your horse wants, so that you and your horse can be happy, safe and most of all, have a good time.

Level 1 Clinic - Saturday Sept. 15, 2012 9am-3pm
Level 2 Clinic - Saturday Sept. 29, 2012 9am-3pm
Level 3 Clinic - Saturday Oct. 13, 2012 9am-3pm

What Happens at a Saddle Fit Evaluation?

When we do an evaluation we measure horse's girth, shoulder width and angle, arc, evenness and soreness of the back. We evaluate conformation & movement, condition of saddle, saddle fit to rider and saddle fit to horse. The riding portion of the evaluation is done without a saddle pad if possible, so that the horse's reactions are not masked by a "bandaid." During the riding portion of the evaluation we are looking to see how the horse carries his saddle, the rider position, how the horse moves, the horse's behavior and soundness.

Sizing or demo saddles are also used as part of the evaluation to help us determine possible issues with the old saddle or if the client is interested in purchasing a new saddle. Based on the information we gather during the evaluation, I will give you my recommendations. We can evaluate any type of saddle. I strongly encourage having a saddle evaluated before purchase and I can give you several specs to consider while shopping.

All of the saddles I have in stock including trail, endurance, dressage, western and hunt seat are adjustable saddles allowing me to ensure proper fit as horses change due to seasons, training, age and development. If the saddle is not adjustable and it does not fit, usually all you can do is get a new horse.
Western saddles basically have 4 standard sizes 15, 16 & 17, 4 different seat styles, regular and wide trees, several fender styles, colors and tooling options. From there, we customize on site to fit your horse. If you change horses then we can usually adjust the saddle to fit another horse. These saddles can be seen at www.TWSaddlery.com

The English saddles I carry are all made by Schleese Saddlery in Canada and Germany. Several sizes and seat styles most specifically designed for the female rider are available. These saddles are also adjustable through a patented Adaptable Tree design. 25 years in the business, Schleese Saddle quality is second to none. These saddle can be seen at www.Schleese.com

Past newsletters can be seen at http://bucknhorsehollow.com/enewsletters.cfm and thanks for forwarding this newsletter to your horsey friends!
Private and group lessons are still being offered at Buck N Horse Hollow (inside on hot days).
FMI contact me at tpeiper@aol.com

The finest compliment paid me is that of a referral. Thank you so much for the referrals; helping me to help horses with their people, for reading our e-newsletter and for all the responses. Call, text or email me and if I don't respond, please try again. I don't think cell phones and computers are always dependable. I always try to respond within 2 days.

TTYS (Talk To You Soon) & God Bless
Terry Peiper

Specializing in "Helping Horses With Their People" for 30 years
ARIA (American Riding Instructors Association) Certified Instructor
ISRB (International Society of Rider Biomechanics) Coach
Richard Shrake Resistance Free Accredited Trainer/Instructor

owner of FIT RIGHT SADDLE SOLUTIONS
Saddlefit 4 Life Certified Saddle Ergonomist
Authorized Schleese Saddlery, Specialized Saddles & TW Saddlery Representative

BUCK N HORSE HOLLOW
6 Buck Dr. Carlisle PA 17015
office 717-240-0723
cell 717-609-2822
email tpeiper@aol.com
www.bucknhorsehollow.com