Citizen Horse -
THROUGH A UNITED FRONT WE WILL PUT THE HORSE BACK IN RIDING
Citizen Horse is an alternative online sport horse magazine dedicated to providing uncensored information to the horse community. The equestrian community is large, and Citizen Horse is committed to opening the minds of this community to real and honest horsemanship. The uptight hunter, jumper, dressage, and eventing community will never know what hit them with the no fluff, no nonsense writing of Citizen Horse.
Citizen Horse is an alternative online sport horse magazine dedicated to providing uncensored information to the horse community. The equestrian community is large, and Citizen Horse is committed to opening the minds of this community to real and honest horsemanship. The uptight hunter, jumper, dressage, and eventing community will never know what hit them with the no fluff, no nonsense writing of Citizen Horse.
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HOW MUCH WILL YOU PAY? PART FOUR
QUESTION: How come it's easier to sell a $90k horse than a $1200 horse?ANSWER:Money, trainer's influence, and the power of persuasion
Lets face it, the industry is what it is because of the people who are involved. Horses are much like cars. People want the Ferrari, but can't afford it, and there are just too few Ferraris out there. That, and those people really can't handle a REAL Ferrari. But these buyers have mechanics (trainers) who can help find them a used Porsche, Mercedes, or maybe a Jaguar. Problem is, all the buying trust is put into the mechanic. They buyer really doesn't know what they are doing; if something goes wrong, they can't fix it, and looking under the hood just brings confusion. So when the mechanic says "that's the perfect car for you," they fall for it.....
To finish reading this article visit Citizen Horse
How Much Will You Pay? Part Three
When it comes to buying and selling horses, it would be nice if not everyone had to watch their backs and pocketbooks. The reality is anyone can come across a bad deal even when they have their wits about them, frankly, because sometimes, buyers are hunted.All that sharing can get you in trouble.
Every piece of personal information spoken about at the barn can make its way back to the trainer. The model of your car, your neighborhood, your spouse's job, your last vacation, your kid's college (or if you're a kid, your college), and all sorts of other materialistic details meet up to put a dollar sign on your forehead.
The catalyst of many (and depending on the barn, all) horse sales, trainers may often, suddenly (*poof*) find horses for sale. You may not have known you were even in the market.
But even if you were looking, how much is a particular horse worth? It's the most common question from both buyers and sellers, and a sensical one to ask. The answer, though unfortunate, is all horse pricing is relative, and usually not in the buyer's (or horse's) favor....
To finish reading this article visit Citizen Horse
How Much Will You Pay? Part Two
Sale Barns
In the mid '80s, one of my first jobs was at a very well known hunter/jumper barn. This was a show barn; big jumpers, fancy hunters, all going to the Indoors for winter. Remember when Madison Square Garden was bigger than Florida? Well, it was then.
They, of course, dabbled in horse sales. I was a groom, I also hacked sale horses, and I occasionally showed sale horses for interested parties. Though I was still young, I was an experienced rider already, and an experience horse handler. But the secrets of horse trainers were still foreign to me - above my head. I knew of nothing else than transparency......
To read this entire article visit Citizen Horse
How Much Will You Pay? Part One
The story of predators and prey at work in the practice of buying and selling horses.
The thought of buying a new horse is overwhelming, exhausting, and downright scary. Luckily, I am not in the market for a new horse.But even in this economy, people are buying and selling horses. Believe it or not, the high end of the sport horse market is still seeing inconceivable prices.
This all hit me, a few days ago, when I received an anonymous phone call from someone just looking for "advice". I was told they were referred to me by a friend of a friend, and the caller set up her predicament in the most innocent way imaginable.
"Do you have time, to just talk for a bit, about the horse world?"
"Sure."
"I have a question, well a few questions. I'm just%u2026perplexed."
"Okay%u2026"
Understand, I didn't know who this person was and had no idea what she might have wanted to know.
And I guess this isn't the first time this has happened, either. There's an evil force at work in the world that propels otherwise inconspicuous souls - strangers even - to dump their tragedies (perceived or otherwise) in MY lap. Groceries store cashiers. Co-workers. Fellow horse boarders. Friends of course.
And then this lady....
To finish reading this article visit Citizen Horse
Show Jumping: Bringing Elite to Everyday
Equestrian Sports Going Mainstream?Apparently, I'm a little behind the times when it comes to TV. I don't watch television, primarily because it is mind numbing, but also because I have better things to do with my time than stare at a light box. The computer lightbox, at least, requires some interaction on my part, besides just sitting and shoving food in my face.
Too bad though, had I been a television watcher, I would have known about Animal Planet's Sporthorse Cup that aired in March of 2008. It's okay though; there is a Animal Planet Sporthorse Cup II airing in January 2009 - phew.....
To finish reading this article visit Citizen Horse
Equestrians and Fashion
The Fashionable Horseback RiderRecently, I have run into more and more people that put a higher importance on their equestrian fashion than their riding ability or horse sense. I don't think this is a new phonomenon; in fact it is something that has driven and even standardized the industry in so many ways.
Of course, I'm speaking primarily of the English equestrian. The western world has a whole different fashion "problem". But the true conformaty of the hunter, jumper, and dressage world is utterly mind numbing. It isn't just in the show ring either.
The barns are riddled with drones. All wearing similar colored breeches, coats, sweaters, hats, helmets, and of course.....black tall boots....
To read this entire article visit Citizen Horse
Clipping the Horse
Fashion or Function?Okay, okay for all those natural horse people, yes I clip my horse's whiskers. Believe it or not, they still are able to keep their balance, avoid hitting their head (even in the dark!), and still have not lost their eyes to dragonflies (no, not making that up - actually heard this once).
I am the first to admit I am a little lax in the horse grooming/polishing department. As you know, cleaning tack is one of my least favorite activities within the horse universe. Though I enjoy the act of grooming my horse, keeping up their appearance has never been a big priority (probably another reason I'm not a huge fan of the hunter ring). I mean, really; horses can still jump very well when they have a little five-o-clock shadow.
Bu, then I was looking at one of my horses' who was a little past the five-o-clock shadow mark. With two inch long muzzle whiskers, he looked dumpy, un-athletic, unkempt, plain, and ugly! I realized the muzzle whiskers really made a horse look like crap. I never realized that before because I have, for the most part, been in barns where the majority of horses were kept clipped pretty regularly (at least they probably didn't get past my description of a five-o-clock shadow - 1/2" of whisker length or so).....
To read this entire article visit Citizen Horse
Lunging a Horse - Common Sense Needed!
Horse Lunging & Fighting Stupidity!Lunging is a skill every horse should know how to do, and do controlled. Controlled lunging is an absolute must if other riders are around. A MUST. And, depending the reasons for lunging, it might be best, for the fresh horse, to be lunged alone, with NO other riders in the ring.
Though the act of lunging a horse is fairly simple, it is much more than putting a lung line on a horse's halter and having it run around you. However pedestrian and possibly boring the act (for both horse and equestrian), lunging, just like all horse activities, actually takes some common sense.
Anyone see where this is going?
The barn I ride at has three arenas. One outdoor arena with a full jump course, fully fenced with a gate, one indoor arena that sometimes has a jump set up or trot poles set up, also fully enclosed, and one dressage ring, fenced, with no gate. Out back, a 20+ acre cross country course with a pretty large open field including hills and several other open areas. There are jumps spread throughout with some cool water elements......
To read this entire article visit Citizen Horse
Married With Horses
Horse barns, boarding facilities, training facilities, and horse shows are filled with women. Sure, in the Western horse world, and even outside of the United States, a large percentage of men make up the equestrian population, but in the US at Hunter, Jumper, Dressage, Eventing, and "pleasure" barns - women rule the roost.The gender dichotomy split among American horse owners and riders is a whole different article, but what about those males peripherally involved in horses; the husbands, boyfriends, partners, or significant others?
On average, most of those guys could give a crap about horses. No interest at all.
Why is that?
Usually, most non-horse people don't understand the huge financial and time commitment that comes with horseback riding. When a serious relationship begins, horses and riding comes up casually. Then there is th staple response from the non-horsey person, "Oh, yeah, I've ridden horses before". Sure, Bub, what on a guided trail ride? Please! In the beginning, the interest shown by the (then) potential significant other is a genuine but confused of the importance horses play in the woman's life......
To finish reading this article visit Citizen Horse
Horse Colic
Something Every Horse Owner Should Know More AboutColic is one of the many horse wonders and is something every horse owner should think about even if their horse has never had a colic episode. Colic can happen and does happen when least expected.
Colic is definitely on the top of the list for health risks to horses, and being prepared to care for a horse that is colicing is essential. There are a multitude of preventative measures to take in order to reduce the risk of colic. Though more times than not, there are underlying reasons for colic, but in times "mystery" colic may occur while horses are away from their owner (boarding/training).....
To finish reading this article visit Citizen Horse
Horse Tripping - Really?
Why is This NOT Illegal?I know we've (I've) been dealing a lot here lately with horse cruelty/welfare issues, and so I hope you don't think I (citizen.K) is turning soft. PETA and I are not friends.
But, having just recently learned about a ridiculous "cultural" ritual called horse tripping I was astonished to see this practice isn't just automatically outlawed under animal cruelty statutes.
Horse Tripping Is.....
The practice of Charros (or Mexican cowboy's) by wherein they lasso the legs of a galloping horse so they trip, fall, and often times sustain a fatal injury.
Ummmm......again, why is horse tripping not automatically illegal due to laws already protecting animals from abuse and inhumane treatment?
Weak Answer
Apparently, the question with banning this practice, in some states, is that there are politics involved. Apparently most politicians in states where horse tripping is coomon are afraid of alienating ethnic VOTERS by passing a law they feel would signify a singling out a specific group.
Grrrrrr......
To read this entire article visit Citizen Horse
Aceytl-D Glucosamine - Generic Adequan?
Miracle Horse Arthritis cure for Only $7 a Dose!Just kidding.
Although, that is how Aceytl-D Glucosamine was originally presented to me. "It's generic Adequan, works just as good, exactly the same formula, but generic!"
Not exactly.
Aceytl-D Glucosamine is NOT a generic Adequan nor is it exactly the same formula. It is a completely different compound and it cannot be compaired to Adequan or Legend.
Aceytl-D Glucosumine (100mg/ml) is an injectable form of Glucosamine. It is an IM (intra-muscular) injection, that is generally prescribed the same as both Adequan or Legend:
1-5ml injection every 4 days 7 times then once a month thereafter.
While I did research BEFORE I decided to give this particular product a try, in my research I found that, well, there isn't much research or data out there on Acetyl-D Glucosamine. There was ONE study done, and funded by Luitpold (the manufacturer of Adequan) that showed Acetyl-D Glucosamine was NOT as effective as Adequan. Depending on where you read the information from the study determines if you find out if Acetyl-D Glucosamine was effective at all. Some say there was no improvement in the horses of the study, others claim the study only went on to show if the results were comparable, which they were not.....
To read this entire article visit Citizen Horse
Ring Etiquette
Solitude. Sometimes, the only way to ride.Whatever it is that brings someone into a horseback riding arena, Ring Etiquette is THE most important lesson to learn in horseback riding. Yet, so many people fail to learn the basics of riding with other people or let alone actually use COMMON SENSE!
At most big horse shows, smaller 50' x 100' schooling rings thrive with up to 30 other horses and riders. But at home barn, I can be in the 100' x 200' arena with ONE other rider and not be able to continue in a forward movement more than 20 feet without getting cut off, almost run over, or having the other horse right on my ass! How does that happen? Stupidity? Arrogance? Attachment? I'm not all that sure!
I for one have had it with sharing the ring with people that don't know how to ride nicely with others. I even had big jumping plans today but scratched because a certain Ms. McFattty Dressagiepants showed up just as I pulled my horse from his paddock. This lady is a RING HOG. She looks down at her horse the entire time she rides. She cuts off my canter on the rail just to go into a walk. And she rides DRESSAGE. In the JUMPER RING. While the barn's DRESSAGE RING sits empty.
There is no excuse for it.....
To read this entire article and submit your experience with a crowded arena visit Citizen Horse
Kill All The Wild Horses
Mustang Rights?Headlines from July 20th regarded the euthanasia of Mustangs controlled by the Bureau of Land Management. I have to admit, being one who sees overpopulation of all species as a problem (including humans), the euthanasia of wild horses and burros didn't come as a surprise nor did I scoff at the idea.
When a rebuttal was printed in the New York Times claiming that cattle grazing was the problem resulting in the destruction of the western landscape, my first thought was, "Here is another save all the animals campaign." I don't want to see animals suffer, nor do I want to see animals euthanized, killed, or slaughtered for human convenience, but we can't save them all and quiet honestly, it's our fault that so many animals end up in this predicament.
Here's part of the wild horse story you don't see.....
To read this entire article visit Citizen Horse
Congrats Smartpak!
Congratulations Smartpak: for Selling 100 Million+ Unnecessary Horse Supplements!I couldn't help it. Last week it was reported SmartPak flew past the 150 millionth supplement mark. As I've said before, genius! SmartPak has led horse owners to a revolution of supplement feeding, convenience, and often times, throwing money into the shavings!
While there are definitely supplements that horses might need (especially regional nutrients), for the most part, supplements give horse owners a sense of purpose and accomplishment; peace of mind even their horse is receiving the best possible feed ingredients to enhance their coat, joint mobility, hooves, immune system, muscles, tendons, ligaments,
respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, energy, and weight. SmartPak even sells horse supplements to control flies, control moody mares, calm spastic horses, and alleviate wood chewing!
I mean come on! There is a supplement for everyone's needs. Not necessarily for every horse's needs, but the horses don't have credit cards......
To read this entire article visit Citizen Horse
Thoroughbred Social Security - A Joke?
TB SS? BS??I'm not going to get into politics of human social security; politics bore me. But, I think, most Americans can agree that the Social Security System is a mess and it has been since before the first check was sent out in 1937.
Yet, this was the description of a proposed plan for the long term care of Thoroughbred race horses; a "Social Security" program for horses. TB SS was initially proposed a number of years ago to The Jockey Club by the Thoroughbred Charities of America though then scoffed at because of strong resistance to owners along with an inability to distribute funds.
The new TB SS proposal, again by the Thoroughbred Charities of America, suggests adding a $50 "fee" when registering foals that would go towards providing care for the life of that horse. Registering a Thoroughbred with The Jockey Club now costs $200, and the average U.S. Thoroughbred makes 6.3 starts in their career. This means that $50 has to stretch a long way after those measly 6 or so races.....
To read this entire article and submit your opinion of Thoroughbred Social Security visit Citizen Horse
Remember Premarin, PMU Foals, and the Rescues?
PMU rescue - So 2000, man!So, here is yet another example of where the activist, the rescuer, the anti-slaughter people, and all the desperate pleas to help all the horses falls apart. Maybe I'm just that far out of the loop or I missed some big HUGE, enthusiastic news story that swept the horse world away.....
.....buuuuuuuuuuuut, I couldn't find that story. I can't seem to find any information regarding Premarin mares, PMU foals, or anything other rescue news pertaining to the horse urine industry newer than 2004.
What happened?
Did a more interesting, ground breaking, newsworthy, or noteworthy cause come along? Slaughter didn't end in the US until 2007, so maybe all the people working on the Premarin issue put their time and energy into that.
But aren't many, if not most, Premarin farms in Canada? Wouldn't that mean foals and some mares are still GOING TO SLAUGHTER? Maybe horse slaughter protesting is only important in the US? I mean, I guess that's Canada's problem, and we all know Canadian horses aren't as important as American horses......
To finish reading this story and submit your opinion of the state of the Premarin industry visit Citizen Horse
2008 Hong Kong Olympics.....err Beijing Olympics?
Equestrian Olympic Events
The Equestrian Events at the 2008 OlympicsOkay, so I felt pretty dumb for constantly being corrected about where the Olympics were being held. It has been in my mind the 2008 Olympics were being held in Hong Kong. Much to my surprise, they are in fact officially being held in Beijing.
I received a link to the new controversy surrounding the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, coined "Olympic Haze". On June 23rd, 2008, ESPN published a story about the Olympic Haze of Beijing and the horrible air quality of the city. Interestingly, I found that although the games are being held August 8th, suddenly a little over a month BEFORE the Olympics there is concern about the air quality and its effects on the athletes.....
To finish reading this article visit Citizen Horse
NOW that Congress is Inolved Thoroughbred Industry Claims Interest....
NOW that Congress is Involved Thoroughbred Industry Claims Interest in Declining Equine Soundness Seven Years After Major ReportToday, the Thoroughbred industry reaches new heights of ridiculousness after patting itself on the back for performing an "investigative report" examining "possible" declines in the breed's soundness over the last 30 - 40 years. Releasing a report titled "Losing the Iron Horse", TB industry trade magazine Blood Horse claims to be on the forefront of detecting racehorse breeding practice problems by referencing historical Jockey Club records.....
To finish reading this article visit Citizen Horse
Evaporation Explained
Horses, Heat, Water and the Mystery of Evaporation...Explained.Recently, a woman with many, MANY years of horse experience told me I shouldn't turn my horse outside after a bath because "water is an insulator and will keep them hot."
I never thought I would question my own logic when it came to the cooling effects of evaporation, but the ridiculousness of the statement convinced me I was suffering from hearing dyslexia.
Me: I'm sorry, what was that?
Woman: I can't believe you do that.....you know water is an insulator.
For the better part of two decades, this woman has been considered a horse "professional"....
To finish reading this article visit Citizen Horse
Standardbred - The Other Ex-Racehorse
The Standardbred - UnharnessedWhen thinking of re-training an ex-racehorse, you think of a Thoroughbred. Thoroughbreds have been taken off the track and turned into Hunters, Jumpers, Eventers, Dressage horses, pleasure horses, gaming horses, and just about every discipline you can think of. Thoroughbreds have excelled at all these disciplines at one point or another, but, as we know, the Thoroughbred breed isn't what it used to be.
So, why not consider a Standardbred?
"They don't know how to canter, just trot or pace."
Yeah. That may be true, but in all fairness, what does an off the track Thoroughbred really know (other than gallop)? A Standardbred IS still a horse, and all horses know how to walk trot AND canter. They have just been trained to trot and pace. Therefore, they need re-training to learn how to carry themselves and a rider through all the gaits. Not all that much different than a Thoroughbred, just a different approach....
To finish reading this article and submit your experience with the Standardbred as a Sport Horse visit citizen Horse
Green Horses - The Best Teachers
RIDE GREEN TO GET BETTERNo matter how long you have been riding or how many horses you have ridden, a green horse always has something new to teach you. While working with green horses you will inevitably run into some circumstance you have not dealt with before. But, most importantly, never underestimate the influence you have on a green horse's education, even if you are only riding them one time. This goes for your education as well; what you can learn from one ride on a green horse is more than you can learn from riding a push button horse everyday for a year.....
To finish reading this article and submit your experience with green horses visit Citizen Horse
Australian Eventing Safety Study Q & A
Australia is Ahead of the Game in Eventing SafetyThough some other "real" horse publications may have already published details from last month's release of Australia's Eventing Safety study, ONLY Citizen Horse has the real dirt on the who's, why's, and how's behind the research.
Ms Denzil O'Brien, former CEO of the Equestrian Federation of Australia (EFA) and now with the Research Centre for Injury Studies at Flinders University, joined us last week for a Q & A session about the details of the report...
To finish reading this article visit Citizen Horse
Product Review
Bizzy BallI hate when horses get vices from being stall bound and bored. Now, a horse that gets worked 5-7 days a week and doesn't get turned out should be fine without any extras. Though, depending on the horse, it wouldn't hurt to throw in a ball, pacifier, or some other form of entertainment in the stall.
Recently, I ran into a situation when I had a horse laid up for 6 months. 4 months of stall rest, no hand walking, nothing, just 24/7 stall bound. This horse was dealing with his situation pretty well considering he was used to getting worked often and going outside for a few hours a day. He was bored though; this was obvious while feeding, grooming, or cleaning his stall. He was all over you. His nickname: Chester the Molester....
To finish reading this product review please visit Citizen Horse
What Does Your Horse Say About You?
Horse's personalities often mirror their owners!Always testing authority. Severe ADD at times. Talented but not always focused. Enjoys being in control. Doesn't always play well with others. Kind. Respectful.
That is the description of one of my horses of 11 years, and his personality almost mirrors mine.
I can say that goes for every horse that has been mine. Not horses I've owned per' se, but horses that were mine; we had a lot in common. Were these horses a reflection of me? Did I create their similar personalities, or simply did I find a good match working with a like personality?
It's funny, but true, you can tell a lot about a person by getting to know their horse.
Think about it.
A horse pins his ears until eye contact is made, then the ears go forward. The owner happens to be a behind-the-back talker, but always has nothing but kind words to your face....
To finish reading this article visit Citizen Horse
Horse Boarding Differs Across the Country
Hunter/Jumper horse care pressures and priorities take various shapes across America. I have lived in many states around the country and have always found the horse boarding, training, and showing communities so very different. Here are my observations:Upper Midwest Horse World
Texas
The Rocky Mountains
Pacific Northwest
New England
To read this entire article visit Citizen Horse
Sport Horse Breeding Chapter 4: Breed Shows
Breed Shows Have it Backwards!Among many problems inside American Sport Horse Breeding programs, breed shows are absolutely not helping those problems, and in many cases, breed shows are harming the breeds involved.
Winning yearling breed show attributes are often mutually exclusive from lifetime quality care and training practices. Too many people equate a breed show winning yearling as a potential winning sport horse. Additionally, young horses "promoted" at breed shows are generally not being raised with their future in mind.
A valid reason to enter a young horse into a breed show could be to acquaint them with the sights and sounds of a horse show. Seeing a new place and being away from friends is especially important for raising an even tempered horse. For the young horse, the earlier new, "scary" things and environments happen, the better. An in-hand class at a horse breed show could go a long way toward creating this positive, "scary" environment.
But at sport horse breed shows, witnessing in-hand classes of young horses is difficult. On parade are a bunch of immature horses who will grow up with health and temperament problems based purely on their preparation for the show. It's this short-sided nature of the young horse's care and training that reflects poorly on the reasons most breeders enter the breed shows....
To finish reading this article and submit your opinion of breed shows visit Citizen Horse
Buying A Horse
Never Buy A Horse For ColorBuying a horse is a huge commitment. Understanding that you are ultimately responsible for an animal's well being for the rest of his/her life is a big deal. Sure, you can sell them when you have grown out of the horse's ability, decided their temperament doesn't work for you, or quit riding. But really, selling a horse is easier than it sounds. You should never count on the ability to sell the equine you buy. At any given turn, you may be "stuck" with them forever. Are you ready for that?
Realistically, the horse you choose to purchase could succumb to a major injury resulting in a pasture sound horse. This can happen, and it does happen. The horse you purchase could end up with a multitude of different health issues out of your control that could make selling a difficult option. "Well, then I'll give 'em away". Good luck, do you know how many free horses are available at any given minute in this Country? No matter how sweet your unsound horse is, there is a good chance that YOU are stuck with that unsound horse....
To finish reading this article and submit your experience with buying a horse visit Citizen Horse
The Natural Barefoot Horse Movement
The Ever Torturous HorseshoeBelieve it or not, they are calling it a movement. Barefoot, natural trimming franchises are the new hot trend in horse care. It is a beautiful scam that has been developed specifically to target the inexperienced horseman or horsewoman. The fad has swept the horse world off its shoes and into new barefoot ground where lots and lots of horses are gimping around wishing the pain would stop.
How this movement came to be is a mystery, but Dr. Hiltrud Strasser, a German veterinarian, has been credited as the first to develop this new, radical, strong woman craze on "natural" holistic hoof care. Dr. Strasser has been described as "a rebel". A woman who isn't afraid to stand up to conformity. A woman who created a system, of hoof care conformity, to break conformity. A woman with a method, no, a state of mind, that asks all horse owners to think alike on the care of their horse's feet.
Of course, those in the barefoot movement believe if you aren't following this new, trendy, horse care method, you must be abusing your horse (for more on that concept, if you haven't already, stop by the pro-clicker training comments). People who are completely brainwashed by a method or system see only black or white. Of course, if you aren't clicker training, you MUST be training your horse by brutally beating them. Again, if you aren't using natural barefoot trimming, you MUST be torturing your horse with horseshoes. Oh the humanity.....
To finish reading this article and submit your opinion on the Natural Barefoot Horse Movement visit Citizen Horse
The Morgan - A Sport Horse?
The Morgan Horse - A Little Horse That Can!When you think of a sport horse, the Morgan isn't the breed that first pops into your head. Morgan horses don't receive any ridicule like the Arabian, and the Morgan is often dismissed as an unworthy mount for any sport horse discipline. Morgan haters are few, Morgan lovers are fewer, and most equestrians scratch their head in even reference to the Morgan.
Here's the best Morgan horse description I can give:
* short
* stout
* uphill
* powerhouse build
* mostly unflappable
* great character
I am not an expert in this breed, but after meeting only a few Morgans, I can pick a Morgan out of a herd of horses, so long as I'm told there's a Morgan to be found. Morgan horses are similar to Arabians in that they really have a type. Just how Arabians look like Arabians, Morgans look like Morgans.
Since so much American sport horse breeding has become haphazard, I appreciate the Morgan horse's definition. It's just, well they're aren't many around (only about 130,000 around the world)....
To finish reading this article and submit your experience with Morgan sport horses visit Citizen Horse
Horse Vices - Cribbing
Cribbing - A Nasty HabitI find cribbing horses extremely saddening. I have owned two cribbers, including my first pony Rikki. Luckily for me, neither horse cribbed while wearing a traditional metal hinged cribbing strap; they didn't make fancy, miracle cribbing collars yet!
Interestingly, there seemed to be an abundance of cribbing horses when I was younger. I guess much of that had to do with limited to no turnout for stabled horses. Now, boarding and training facilities offer more turnout options, and I think more importantly, young horses have much more opportunity for turnout, thus eliminated the cribbing behavior from starting.
Cribbing is not the same as wood chewing. Many people, still, call their horse a "cribber" when they are actually wood chewers, or as I like to call them, "beavers". Cribbing is when a horse grasps an object between his incisor teeth and inhales air into the esophagus while emitting an audible grunting noise. I have actually seen horses try to crib air; that is more amply called windsucking.....
To finish reading this article and submit your experience with horses cribbing visit Citizen Horse
The Thoroughbred - Heart Isn't Enough Anymore
Thoroughbreds Then and NowThough the Thoroughbred horse has been a strong force in the sport horse industry for decades, their presence in the Hunter/Jumper ring has given way to the stylish Warmbloods over the past 10 years or so. Outside of Hunter/Jumpers, Thoroughbred horses are also seen less and less in Eventing and lower level Dressage as well (Thoroughbreds never had much of a stronghold on upper level Dressage).
The Thoroughbred horse has changed dramatically in the past 30 years. At one time, most off-the-track Thoroughbreds were guaranteed to make excellent performance horses, as long as their racing career wasn't ended due to a major injury. Today, Thoroughbreds aren't bred to withstand the long term effects of racing, let alone Jumping, Eventing, or Dressage. Modern Thoroughbreds are merely built to (hopefully) win a few races and then are considered disposable.....
To finish reading this article and submit your experience with the Thoroughbred visit Citizen Horse
Combined Driving
Combined Driving - Mysteriously AwesomeOf all the sport horse disciplines, Combined Driving seems to get the least amount of attention. Though the feats performed in carriage behind the horses are nothing short of remarkable, Combined Driving is a very important equestrian sport that is undeserved and virtually ignored by "mainstream" horse media.
It probably doesn't help that Combined Driving barns are nearly impossible to find, and locating Combined Driving events nearby (anywhere) is almost fruitless. Personally, I've only ever met one combined driver; an old farrier who picked up the sport after he retired from Eventing. As I kid, I did though, sure, driving horses is cool, but better than riding? No way!
As an adult, I have witnessed only one Combined Driving practice and was duly impressed by the skill and team aspect that isn't seen in any other equestrian sport.....
To finish reading this article and submit your experience or interest in Combined Driving visit Citizen Horse
Equine Veterinarians
New Vets Vs. Old School VetsIn the past, I've always used seasoned horse veterinarians, not necessarily by choice, but just simply because that's how it worked out. I found long practicing horse vets an eclectic bunch; some gruff, cantankerous, or hollow, and others cool, calm, and simply amazing under fire.
Then one day I got hooked up with a new vet. My regular vet couldn't make it, so someone fresh out of school became my horse's savior. I was nervous.
And boy, was I wowed. This vet, from day one, was simply the best vet I've worked with. She was phenomenal. Boarded in internal equine medicine (a rarity), she was truly gifted with solving horse health problems.
That was in 1997.
Two years ago, I found myself in a new predicament. I moved. I needed a new vet. I had a couple weak experiences with local, been around forever vets, and after that, I decided to give some new blood a try.....
To finish reading this article and submit your experience with horse vets visit Citizen Horse
Eventing - Cross Country
Cross Country - Respect!If there is one thing I watch in complete awe, it's the Cross Country section of upper level Eventing. That is some "ballsy" stuff. I can canter up to a 5' oxer and feel okay, but put up a 3' solid fence and I get a little squeamish!
When I was young, I took my pony fox hunting and we jumped solid rock walls, downed trees, and other solid obstacles. Also when I was young, there were trails near the barn that had similar obstacles. Tenacious as I was, 3%u20326%u2033 solid rock walls didn't faze me, even though Rikki would slam on the brakes and toss me over without a mount.....
To finish reading this article and submit your opinion on Cross Country visit Citizen HorseEventing - Whats going on?
Eventing - 3 Disciplines Done InadequatelyEventing has slowly been getting a bad rap these days. With the 12 rider deaths in the past year and a half with six horses dying in the sport just this year; no wonder 3 Day Eventing has been under scrutiny. Because of Eight Belles' recent death at the Kentucky Derby, Congress is holding a hearing in June to examine breakdowns, medication use, and breeding practices in Thoroughbreds. I'm actually surprised there isn't more investigation in the Eventing sport.
Not to compare Eventing with horse racing; racing has so many flaws with the most apparent being the poor, unsound, and over breeding of Thoroughbreds. The two industries just do not compare; but in so many ways, there are some similar questions about safety concerning horses that overlap in each sport.
Eventing poses a huge question of safety to the horses. There is no doubt that the fences are often too much for a galloping horse with no fear to conquer. Possibly, making some safety adjustments to certain obstacles could curtail the need to make the cross country phase "easier" with smaller or less obstacles....
To finish reading this article and submit your opinion on Eventing Riders visit Citizen Horse
Horse Psychics
Horse PsychicsAnimal relationships can be tough. Veterinary care, handling environment, and training options can impact a horse's life dramatically. Eventually, ever horse rider reaches a point where equine progress slows or retards. It's a rider's fault, per se', just that one doesn't know what to do.
But when confusion sets in about "what's next" for you and your equine partner, and the typical horse health and training relationships are just leading to more questions, is it really time to turn to an animal communicator....
To finish reading this article and submit your experiences with horse psychics visit Citizen Horse
Horse Farriers and Blacksmiths
Farriers and Blacksmiths: Find a Great One and Keep 'Em!....No matter how many years of experience you have with horse owning, riding, training, and often times even equine medicine, your ability to evaluate your horses hoof balance, shoeing, and overall hoof health is minimal. Unless there are obvious hoof cracks, chips, thrush, or excessive shoe loss, you are not going to be able to tell if your horse is shod correctly, has healthy horn, or even has the correct hoof shape. This is where your farrier comes into play. But how do you know you have a good farrier....
Visit Citizen Horse to read this entire article and submit your experiences with finding a great farrier!
Sport Horse Breeding: Registries, Papers, Inspections
Article #3
Registration, Papers, and Inspections - Does it Matter?In the mid to late 1990's American Sport Horse Breeding boomed, and North American Warmblood Registries exploded in popularity. Years of fashionable European horse importing coupled with declining Thoroughbred soundness turned the "Warmblood" into the new American Dream horse. Suddenly, one didn't need to import a German Warmblood; that same caliber horse could be bred at home, in The States. Or could it?
By the late 90's sport horse boom period, I was heavily involved in with Warmblood breeding, research, and bloodlines. For several years, I sat on a breeding committee inside an American Warmblood registry keeping up to date on other registries, their rules, their studbooks, their mare books, and their inspections. As part of the committee's task, we made recommendations on rules and rule changes pertaining to the "integrity of the breed."
To finish reading this article and submit your opinion on Sport Horse Breeding visit Citizen Horse
Cleaning Horse Tack Sucks!
Cleaning Tack.....BORING!...I think because cleaning tack was shoved down my throat as a child, I just cannot seem to bring myself to do it. My tack has to be filthy, I mean 6+ months of sweat and grime before I consider cleaning it. But once it's that dirty, it takes forever to clean, so I leave it for another 6 months....
To read this entire article on cleaning tack visit CITIZEN HORSE
Little Girls Love Horses
Horses Keep Little Girls Out of Trouble!....Horses are very empowering. Riding horses teaches girls to be natural leaders in societies where many stimulus shout the opposite. Horses require a "take charge" attitude from the rider. Horses need riders to stand up, take control, and be outspoken. Horses require character and confidence, and for a little girl, horses are the anti-timid medicine they crave.
Additionally, horses allow girls unique competitive experiences. Horse and rider are a TEAM. This team bond between horse and rider is one that is special, thoughtful, fulfilling, and in more ways that it isn't, SAFE. And though horse and rider are a team, the rider is in charge. The rider, in her ability to pilot, communicate, and command is responsible for the team's performance. With just proper training, horse riding is a very skilled activity little girls can do ALL BY THEMSELVES. Horse riding takes confidence, and it builds confidence....
To read this entire article and submit your opinion or experiences with kids and horses visit Citizen Horse
Say NO to Horse Trainers
Say NO to Dysfunctional Relationships!
I don't know if it's because the majority of horse people are women, or if it's just the environment, but I cannot believe the amount of dysfunctional relationships I have seen between trainers and their "students".
Don't get me wrong, I've been there myself. I remember as a child having an incredibly dysfunctional relationship with my trainer. Downright abusive. But, I was a kid and didn't necessarily have options. I just wanted to ride, and the abuse was worth it.....
To finish reading this article and submit your experiences with horse trainers visit Citizen Horse
Choosing a Horse Boarding Facility
Horse Boarding Facilities: How to Choose the Right Barn for YOU!To start with, deciding to move barns is a difficult choice, if it isn't for geographical reasons. Giving notice can be a difficult road to go down. We all know that no matter what kind of relationship you have with the barn manager, trainer, and/or barn owner, notice can be a stressful event. Not only can it be stressful to deal with any personal problems it may impose, but there are plenty of barns who don't take kindly to notification of you moving your horse out. Giving your 30 day notice can be tricky, stressful, and full of consequences.....
Visit Citizen Horse to read this entire article and give your opinion on finding a boarding barn!
Finding the Right Barn for Your HORSE!
Though it's YOUR money and YOUR hobby, your horse is the one who has to live at the barn. No matter what, you must have goals for you and your horse. Keeping your horse at a barn that isn't right for him/her isn't going to help you achieve your riding goals.A horse's surrounding atmosphere has SO much impact on their overall health and wellbeing. Maybe you are moving barns because you aren't happy with how your horse is going, how his/her training is coming along, or maybe, you just need a change. Sometimes staying with the same trainer, at the same barn, for too long, can create monotony and boredom for you AND your horse. Everyone grows as a rider, and your horse grows as an equine athlete too.....
To finish reading this article and submit your experiences with boarding visit Citizen Horse
Are Horse Shows Right For YOU?
Too many times I have been at a horse show and witnessed the unhappy horse shower. Sometimes it's the obvious outbursts like "Why do I do this?" or "I hate showing" or "This is a waste of money!" that tip me off to the unhappy horse competitor. There are then the more subliminal signs of horse show unhappiness; crying, nervousness, withdrawal from the others in the barn, over quietness, scratching classes, anger, timidness, and general amplified horse-person craziness....Visit Citizen Horse to read this entire article and give your opinion on horse shows!
Barn Rules - The 30 Day Notice
So, you have decided to leave the barn and move your horse(s). Maybe this is your first time doing so, or you could be a barn hopping veteran. For some reason, giving a 30 day notice can be one of the most complicated parts of owning and boarding a horse.I'm not sure exactly what causes barn owners, trainers, and/or barn managers to take the 30 day notice so personally, but it happens.....
To read this entire article and submit your 30 day notice experience visit CITIZEN HORSE
The Arabian Horse Breed - Why the Hate?
Plain and simple, the sport horse world holds an unacceptable intolerance of Arabian horses. Hunter, Jumper, Dressage, and Event riders are so%u2026dare I say%u2026racist when it comes to this breed. Although Arab horses may not be the "model" for any of these disciplines, it doesn't mean that Arabians can't hack it, can't be competitive, or only signify rider inadequateness....To finish reading this article and submit your opinion on Arabians in the Sporthorse world visit Citizen Horse
Natural Horsemanship Hype
....If you are afraid of your horse, find someone to help you understand horses. Don't fall for the trendy gimmicks that will only help you play games with your horse. Learn about horses; learn about how they communicate with each other. This is practically free. Watch a heard of horses outside for a few days. You will learn who the boss is and who is the low man on the totem pole. From observation and analysis of herd behavior, you can develop a relationship with your horse and be the "boss" without buying an orange stick....To read this entire article visit CITIZEN HORSE
Citizen Horse
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byMinimizing Horse Slaughter Starts at the Source
...The horse industry needs a plan, a good plan, to help lower unwanted horse numbers. Stopping horse slaughter is only going to be beneficial once we stop having too many horses. In order to stop horse slaughter, the Humane Society of the United States should do one of two things:1.) Provide the shelters and means necessary to retrain or humanely euthanize unwanted, unadaptable horses
2.) Take giant steps forward to limit the breeding of all horses, not just racing Thoroughbreds....
To read this entire article visit CITIZEN HORSE
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Horse Turnout - Opinion 2008
Horse Turn Out...When I started riding (a long time ago), horses didn't go outside%u2026..EVER. Your horse lived in a stall 24/7 and in the barn they stayed; warm, dry, safe, and ready to ride. It was normal. I never questioned it. I was a little kid, and it seemed to make sense to me. I rode my pony 6 days a week, and when I rode my pony, I mean I RODE my pony for hours. You literally had to pull me off my pony. This posed a problem when he was "wild" and in such good shape you couldn't wear him out with 10 straight hours of lunging if you wanted to. He was one fit pony. But, he didn't see daylight unless I was riding outside; along with every other horse in the barn....
To read this entire article visit Citizen Horse
Put the Horse Back in Riding
Horse is MY Hero!
Sporthorse Breeding - Part One
The Mare
..."I love my mare". That, along with many other statements, does not qualify your mare to reproduce. I realize breeding seems tempting with the availability of quality stallions, but just because you have a mare doesn't mean that you should breed her. Most mares are not that nice, and most nice mares need to be bred carefully....To read this entire article visit CITIZEN HORSE
Sport Horse Breeding - Part Two
The Stallion
There are certainly more than a handful of quality stallions waiting for your phone call, but truth be told, most stallions are average, below average, or downright unworthy of passing on genes of any kind.Some stallions are outstanding athletes; dressage and jumpers that stand out from all the rest. I am not going to name names, but most outstanding stallions, are imported. Sure, there are a few nice "homebred" stallions as well, but by and large, worthy stallion semen is only found in Europe (sorry)....
To read this entire article and share your opinion visit CITIZEN HORSE
Dressage Queens
Now, there are a lot of snobs out there. The hunter/jumper world is full of these snobs; people who wear a horse more than ride a horse; it's the image, the status, the gobs of money everyone knows you have (or at least spend) on one of your bigger accessories, the horse.......Continue Reading This Article at Citizen Horse
The Hypochondriac Horse Owner
You know you have seen them. You have dealt with them. And you have always pitied the poor horse owned by them.The vet is out at the barn again, for the same grey mare that always looks healthy and happy, but is ailing from some serious condition. You wonder why the vet doesn't just tell the person to get a second opinion. Yet, you realize you have actually seen more than one vet looking at the horse....
Continue Reading This Article at CITIZEN HORSE
Don't Sink To Horse Clicker Training Level
Horse Training
A video of a horse running in the ocean "following" a person; so loyal, so majestic. Isn't that what everyone wants from their horse, a true companion, a relationship, a bond?Of course you want a relationship with your horse, you want your horse to respect you, trust you, and enjoy your company (both riding and on the ground). Are there "win-win" ways to create this "special" relationship with your equine through "totally positive" messages?
Well, there is a new wave of "natural" horsemanship that wants you to believe just that....
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School Horses
A SHOUT OUT!
SCHOOL HORSES - THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE LAMESchool horses are worth their weight in gold. They are the foundation of most every rider's beginnings. They come in all shapes and sizes, temperaments, and soundness levels....
To read this entire "shout out" and give a shout out to the school horse you learned to ride on visit CITIZEN HORSE
Citizen Horse Manifesto #4
Respect ALL Equines!
Hunters, not a sport
Hunter/Jumper
.....Anymore, hunters are a political, status driven competition with barely any merit. If winning proof is subjective, judged sports cannot truly be sports? What, because judges are "approved" said judgment carries weight? NO! Its still subjective.....Read this entire article by visiting Citizen Horse
The Evolution of Horse Supplements
Horse Nutrition
Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs, & Nutraceuticals....Not only are there a million different reasons to give a horse supplement, within those different reasons, there are a million different choices. The amount of horse supplements and horse vitamins products available is amazing. What a lucrative market to be in....
Read this entire article by visiting Citizen Horse
Barn Hours Suck!
Barn Rules
If I am paying money to board my horse, I do not want to be told I cannot come out and ride at certain times or days.To finish reading this article visit Citizen Horse
Horse Nose Chains - Get Over It, Sometimes Your Horse Acts Like A S*!t
Ground Manners
I know that many people think that putting a chain over a horse's nose is cruel. Well, you know what's even crueler.....To finish reading this article visit Citizen Horse
DOGS AT THE BARN
Dogs and barns seem to go hand in hand. Of course, there are your stereotypical Corgi's and Jack Russell Terrier barn dogs; those don't seem to bother me too much. Corgi's and Jack Russell's sorta' fit the barn atmosphere - they're chill and out of the way, for the most part.....To read this entire article and give your opinion on dogs at the barn visit CITIZEN HORSE
by Citizen_Horse
Citizen horse is an online magazine dedicated to providing uncensored information to the horse community. The equestrian community is large and openin... (more)
