Riding Attire

western attire

Riding your horse is only part of showing your horse. Without the correct attire, depending on the discipline, points could be deducted from your score or you could possibly be disqualified from the competition.

The most important to understand is that all disciplines and shows have their own rules for riding attire so make sure you check the rules for the show you want to enter. Western contest attire normally calls for a long sleeve western shirt, western boots, jeans, cowboy hat, and chaps or chinks. Some events allow women to dress in western period dresses. Most English disciplines require riding pants, english boots,riding jacket, and a riding helmet. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons14,466 people were treated with head injuries in 2009. That is why most disciplines will allow or require their participants to ride with a helmet.

Knowing the proper riding attire give you a leg up on the competition and helps make you more confident in the show ring. For more information on riding attire watch the following video:

 

Youth Horse Clubs

There are several youth equine clubs that will help teach a novice rider how to ride better;while having fun with their horse and friends. Some counties have their own local saddle clubs where all ages can compete and have fun.

One of the most well-known clubs is 4-H. The 4-H horse program can be enjoyed by youth ages nine to eighteen. The youth can experience competing, practicing and trail riding with their friends and horses. According to the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development, when compared to other youth, young people involved in 4-H

• Have higher educational achievement and motivation for future education
• Are more civically active and make more civic contributions to their communities

Future Farmers of America(FFA) has many different events that youth enthusiasts can enjoy including horse judging and the petting zoo. The FFA Supervised Agricultural Experience(SAE) can be entered as a horse contest.

Many horse clubs have youth groups and or classes. So just because you are a young or novice rider do not be afraid to compete and try new things with your horse.

 

Feed and Nutrition

Wendy and fancy eating forage

Equine require forage and minerals to perform at their very best. The amount of exercise and the build and breed of your equine depend on the amount they need.

      The most important nutrient is a good clean source of water. It is very important that horses have as much water as they want because  water helps to keep the horse cool and it helps to remove unwanted materials such as dust, from the horse’s intestines. Forage is the second most important source of nutrients a horse needs. The forage(grass and hay) should be free of mold because mold can start fires in your barn and if fed to a horse can be fatal to the horse. Good hay should be dry, free of dust and mold, and have a green leafy texture. According to the University of Kentucky’s agriculture department’s website,”Always provide salt to the horse free-choice. Salt is most commonly given by providing a trace mineralized salt block free choice. In addition to the block, include a trace mineralized premix in the ration at 1/2% of the concentrate mix. Salt is composed of sodium and chloride which are important in maintaining electrolyte and acid base balance.”http://www.uky.edu/Ag/AnimalSciences/pubs/asc114.pdf Horses also require a good dewormer program to keep them healthy. Dewormer can be given to the horse by pouring the dewormer powder on their feed or by giving the dewormer by the syringe into their mouth. The amount that is given to the horse is based on the horse’s weight so make sure to follow directions on the package of the dewormer.

Nutrition is very important to keep your equine safe and performing at their best.For more information on hay and nutrients watch the following video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToMEcnechT4

 

Proper Tack

Every equine discipline requires different tack for the horse and rider to compete at the highest level possible. Tack is anything that is used on or for the horse. This includes horse shoes, saddles, bridles, blankets, fly masks, etc. Some horse owners do not understand the importance of the right tack for their equine.

Roping saddle, saddle pad, western bridle

Their are different saddles special built for the different riding styles. According to an equine website: “The saddle tree, the frame on which the saddle is constructed, is usually made of wood or sometimes fiberglass, then covered with leather. This frame is made to fit the both rider and the horse.” http://www.horses-and-horse-information.com/articles/horse-saddles.shtml. Their is a an english saddle for dressage and other english riding events. A barrel saddle for barrel racing and women;s rodeo speed events. The roping saddle for roping and dragging calves. All saddles can be used for trail riding, however, the most important thing when deciding what saddle to buy for your horse is if the saddle fits the horse’s back properly.

Different riding styles require different bits for different horses and disciplines. Most horse trainers start training horses in a snaffle bit because it is softer and more forgiving to the horse. After the snaffle bit the horse may need to change bits, depending on the horse and the event the horse is entered in.

Watch the following video for more information on saddle fit: