Create The Gait Farms

08/06/2024

After losing my boys, and taking a break from showing for the last 4 years, I have done a 180 in my horsemanship.

As the Olympics bring light to the questionable things we allow in this community I figured it would be a great time to talk about some things I wish I knew better about when I was younger.

Had I known better, I would have never put Romeo in a kimberwick. The damage I caused with this bit alone took a YEAR of fixing.

Due to me abusing this equipment (I do not think any horse needs this in their mouth, mind you) I caused my horse to stop at fences. I thought that I had enough “control” to put his feet where I wanted them. Completely lacking knowledge of correct riding.

Romeo only did what he thought I was asking him to, stop before the fence while I cropped him to go on. As you can imagine this got us into some trouble.

Fortunately I realized what I was doing, and decided to go completely bitless, and turn him out for two weeks. I wanted my horse to have a break from me as I figured out how I was going to approach fixing a problem I know I caused.

I’m so thankful Romeo was such a forgiving horse. He taught me so much even in his passing. There’s so much I would change now if I had the chance. However I am glad that I was able to recognize my own mistakes 10 years ago.

Ever since 2018, there have been a grand total of three horses who have left my property/ ownership who have not successfully and safely been ridden in a neck rope. Out of 20+ horses I’d say that was good.

When we know better, we do better.

I still have such a long way to go and soooo much to learn on this new journey of horsemanship as I step back into it after a much needed break.

Below are some photos of my boy in the kimberwick and bridless.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences on your own horsemanship journey.

This post was heavily inspired by Milestone Equestrian

03/12/2020

Pirate’s Plunder (Treasure Beach x Bubblesandbangles)

having his first cross country school ever at beginner novice / novice legal.

02/23/2020

Painting new jump
Poles! Never a dull day around here

09/25/2019

05/31/2019

Our biggest condolences go out to her family and connections. bluegrass Bandit was one of my absolute favorite horses. What a sad year. May we celebrate this lovely lady. When I was a kid I used to take her model out to the barn and make her touch noses weigh Romeo and Co. in heaven today Romeo gets to meet her for real. 💔

02/10/2019

We always are so mindful of our horses body and the work that need be done on it. After all they are the ultimate athlete!

Dorsal view (www.horsesinsideout.com)

01/21/2019

I always emphasize, especially with my gaited horses ( this allows them to unlock and trot for you) that long and low is the first big step in allowing the horse to strengthen the back and core. I do not believe in draw reins, side reins or any other artificial help in the early stages. This is so important in any horse!!!!

01/20/2019

When we train horses, the dictum of 'calm, forward and straight' should be the mantra at all times.
Should a contraction (resistance) occur, which they inevitably do, we must not just continue to keep doing as we have done. We must do 'something' in order to interrupt the pattern of behaviour. This is as simple as just stopping/halting the horse. (Or slowing down the pace for an advanced horse).
This will not only 'decompose the force and the movement' physically, but has a huge psychological flow on effect as well.
It is true that if we allow a behavior to continue, we are supporting this behavior for the future. Everything we allow to occur is remembered by the horse.

Most often the resistances stem back to the rider, generally due to a lack of basic knowledge. If for example, we continue to force the horse to do a movement he is not prepared for, then we lose calm, then we lose the necessary softness, or giving of the horse. He will instead, create tension in his body (and his mind) which will be detrimental to the movement requested. A horse will not learn if he is agitated. He will only try and protect himself. He will also not be light.

This is what Alexis L'hotte called ; 'unnecessary contractions'. Contractions which not only take 'away' from the movement, but also inhibit the horse's ability to perform the movement properly, and in a state of health and well-being.
"Perfect lightness... finds its formula when the rider puts into play those forces and how the horse makes use of those very forces useful to the movement envisaged. All other manifestations of strength will produce a resistance which, as a consequence, will alter lightness.”
L'hotte
Further;
“Never ride a horse forward with a contraction. It teaches resistance. Re-establish instead, lightness of the mouth at the halt or walk, and then, only then, ride forward. New horse, new rider. “
Capt. E Beudant