Bits for sale
4 inch Korsteel Smooth Snaffle – $9
4 1/2 inch Tom Thumb – used once – $19

4 3/4 inch Snaffle with Rollers – $15

4 3/4 inch Twisted Bradoon Snaffle – $19

4 3/4 inch Copper Dog Bone/Twisted Wire Bradoon Snaffle – $19
4 3/4 inch Korsteel Full Cheek Snaffle Double Twisted Wire – $19

5 inch Full Cheek Snaffle – Double Twisted Wire – $15
5 inch Eggbutt Snaffle – $12
5 inch Eggbutt Snaffle – $12
Flat Link Curb Chain – $5

Email designermorgans@gmail.com for photos and more information.

The count down has started for the annual Light Hands Horsemanship Event held May 20-23 at Art Perry’s beautiful Interpid Farms in Santa Ynez, CA. This is a one of a kind event unique in presentation and concept.  If you want to learn more this is the event for you.  It is all there from entertainment to education and a whole lot more ! Join horsemen,  Dr. Robert Miller, Jack Brainard, Rick Lamb, Jon Ensign, Lester Buckley,  Eitan Beth-Halachmy and 2009 Road to the Horse champion Richard Winters for a memorable and exciting weekend. Visit www.lighthandshorsemanship.com and blog.lighthandshorsemanship.com for more information and latest updates.

Hello,

I am looking to purchase a set of Romel Reins for showing. I see there are different weights of ounces ranging from 20 ounces to 39.9 ounces. What is the most common and appropriate ounce Romel Reins for showing? Should the same ounce Romel Rein be used in training also? I am seeing many of the training romel reins in the 36-39.0 ounce range. 

Thanks!

Barb

We all know that the hunter pleasure divison has seen a huge boom in entries and has become very popular among exhibitors and spectators.  Today we see a lot of saddle seat horses switch disciplines and go into the hunter pleasure division.  A lot of them do so very successfully.

I was wondering what trainers out there look for in a horse when they’re considering changing a horse to a hunter. What are conformation/movement/training,etc aspects that tell you that the horse is a good candidate for hunter pleasure.  When you see english/classic pleasure horses out there, what are some signs that tell you that the horse would be better suited as a hunter or would just make a killer hunter pleasure mount. 

Also, when you do decide to convert a saddleseat horse to a hunter; what are some of the aspects of training that have to go into that? What needs to be done in order for the horse to successfully transition?

I’m just very interested in this subject.  I ride in the hunter pleasure division and absolutely love it.  And I always find myself thinking, “I wonder how that horse would look as a hunter…”

What is everyone’s take on asking judges about your performance? As a Jr. Ex. showing pleasure and equitation, I like to ask the judges what he/she liked/didnt like/ and what i could improve on my performance. Do you think this is appropriate? Some judges have been happy to answer my questions and even look through their cards, while some just scowl and give me an answer like “more consistant”.

Also, I only ask after i am done showing. ;]

I’ve got a boarder who has a very difficult mouth.  When wearing her full bridle, she braces hard against the bit if the curb chain is loose, but when it’s tightened, she becomes too sensitive to the point that any contact with the reins and she pops her head.  It would be one thing if she held her head in frame and became light, but she carries her head much too high (she’s a hunter) but any attempts to bring her down and she pops her head or breaks to the canter. 

I’ve been trying to find a happy medium with the curb chain with no success, as well as trying out some different bits, also with no luck.  I wanted to know if anyone has ever encountered a similar problem and if so, how was it dealt with.  She can be an outstanding individual when she does it right.  Any suggestions would be appreciated, especially if someone has a favorite bit that maybe I could look into! 

Also, the mare has no medical problems and her teeth are floated regularly so there’s no problem there.

Until the last couple of years I’ve always worked/trained my own horses. 

We had two horses recently that I could not handle so they went to the trainer.  The trainer, who I do respect, incorporates ground work into the weekly routine with bitting and long lining. 

In the past, I have mostly just ridden my horses to prepare them for showing.  We now have two different horses that are completely trained and I am working them at home with occassional lessons at the trainers.  Neither of them has any major issues just need some muscling up, got a late start this year.  During the lessons it has been suggested that I could bit them or long line them.  I haven’t had a chance to ask yet, but what would be the reason to do ground work over riding unless there was an issue?  I imagine for the trainer with 20 horses to work it is a time and energy issue, faster to do ground work than ride.  What do you guys think?

Thanks,

Jennifer

This is too  address when clients leave your barn and encourage others to leave also. This especially applies when they do not discuss their issues with you before hand.   What would you do if they come to pick up their horse with no warning and leave a bill.  Especially if they come to pick up their horses before you usually arrive for lessons and again have not discussed their being a problem.   These are people who are winning at shows and doing really well.  I don’t get it. I have had clients leave with a notice and a discussion and they are still friends and have come back as clients.  Those who leave otherwise seam to feel quilty and talk you down to everyone who will listen and then try to encourage others to leave.  How would you handle this without hard feelings  on either side.

I think a good discussion of this issue is needed as a continuation of a discussion earlier this year.

FENCE QUESTIONS!!1 =)

I have been looking for some horse fencing, the vinyl type, and was wondering if anyone has bought any good or bad horse fence from certain companies. Or if anyone has any ideas where to get it. I have heard that certain vinyl fence will crack or shatter if a horse gets into it after a couple years because it breaks down from being in the weather…

I was also wondering what kind of fencing people prefer or have had good/bad experiences with.

I do not like the wire fencing, but I was thinking wood fence maybe, since it is not as expensive and I would therefore be able to fence more. I like the look of the vinyl fence, but I also like the look of the black fence like everyone has in Kentucky.

That is all. Thank you! ~Jess

Hello,

I was wondering if there were any riders or trainers out there who could tell me if lateral work is used when training and schooling saddleseat horses? If not, what is the reasoning?

Thank you!