Horses: Performance Horses

23. June 2008 admin

Performance horses are similar to performance athletes. They compete, which means they have special nutritional needs. The one thing to be careful of is making sure your horse can easily digest what is given to him. Horses have small stomachs and do not have the ability to vomit.

Performance Horses Require More Protein
Your performance horse needs enough protein to repair and build body tissue. Protein needs change at different stages of a horses life. Pregnant and growing horses need extra protein for tissue building. A horse over 18, may also need extra protein, because the ability to digest often reduces with age.

The best way to get the right amount of protein is to use a feed made for your horses stage of life. He will also get the other nutrients he needs. Most adult horses are not protein-deficient. Oats and grains usually contain 10 to 12 percent protein. Pasture grass normally has 10 percent or higher. Horses that are less active do better with less grain in their diet.

Some people will add corn oil to their horses grain. This is said to give the horse extra energy as well as a shiny coat. The only time you want to avoid this, is when your animal is overweight. Just like humans, too much fat in the horses diet is not good for his health.

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Horses: Performance Quarter Horses

22. June 2008 admin

If you own performance Quarter Horses, chances are youre showing in Western style classes. Western riding evolved on cattle ranches in the American West. Western horse shows became popular in the early 20th century.

Western Riding Has an Array of Events
Western riding as a sport includes a remarkable variety of events. Each event makes a different demand on horse and rider. The most popular ones include; Western pleasure, Western riding, trail, pole bending and barrel racing. In a trail class, an obstacle course is set up, and the horse needs to go through it without knocking anything down. It is meant to simulate trail riding.

People who ride Western are trail riders or show riders. The most popular Western horses are Quarter horses, Appaloosas and Paints. Western riders hold the reins in one hand and rest the other on their thigh. A Western saddle and saddle pad are also needed.

Western show gear is fun. It includes a cowboy hat, a Western style shirt and pants. Color is up to the individual. The most important item is the always cool cowboy boots. In some Western classes the old fashioned suede chaps are worn. As a young girl I showed my horse in Western classes. I learned how to catch the judges eye, and I dressed in all white, including a white cowboy hat. It cant hurt to try.

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Horses: PHBA

21. June 2008 admin

PHBA stands for The Palomino Horse Breeders of America. This organization started in California in the 1930s. The men and women who started the group had a passion for the Palomino. It is a non-profit organization for the purpose of registering and improving the breeding of Palomino horses. Palomino refers to the horses color. They have a blond coat with a silver or white mane and tail.

PHBA is a Family Oriented Program
Palomino Horses Magazine and the PHBA Rule Book are official publications of the organization. Palomino Horses Magazine contains horse show schedules, monthly standings, and stories about Palominos and their owners. PHBA is a family oriented organization. It promotes family unity through its youth programs. Young people 18 and under belong to the Palomino Horse Breeders of America Youth Association.

Other breeds have their own associations. There is the American Quarter Horse Association, The American Paint Horse Association, The United States Pony Club and many more. These clubs are developed to recognize and celebrate their favorite breeds. They are also a great way for young people to get involved and learn more about their horses.

If you are looking for information on any of these organizations, it can easily be found online. Most sites will list mission statements as well as membership information. You will also find contact information and how to join.

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Horses: Pleasure Horses

20. June 2008 admin

Pleasure horses are those that are ridden for fun as opposed to competition. Pleasure horses come in all sizes, shapes and breeds. Performance horses usually becomes pleasure horses once they reach a certain age. Most horses over time will mellow.

Have a Magical Riding Experience
Horse back riding in general is a pleasant experience. There are many ways to make the experience magical. Trail riding at night, with friends is amazing. It is so peaceful and calming. Another incredible riding experience is riding right after it snows or even while it is snowing. Of course it is important to take the proper precautions before trying any of these rides for the first time.

Pleasure riding is a great way to unwind after a stressful day. There is nothing better than clearing your head while winding through a trail in the woods on your horse. Another way to relax with your horse is by brushing and cleaning him.

If you do not own your own horse, but are interested in riding, you can visit your local stable. Some stables will lease a horse for a month at a time. Some owners dont have enough time to ride as often as they would like. These owners often look for people who want to exercise their horses for them. You get to practice riding, and the owner gets their horse exercised.

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Horses: Quarter Geldings

19. June 2008 admin

Quarter geldings are male Quarter Horses that have been castrated. When handling your gelding it is important to be sensitive. A horse has an amazing memory. He will remember being treated badly. To successfully work with horses, we must be able to communicate with body language, touch and our voices.

Horses Remember Good Experiences
If you are trying something new with your horse wait until there are no distractions. For example: giving your horse a bath. If the experience is a good one, hell be fine when you have to do it again. If you have to punish your horse for bad behavior, make sure he knows why he is being punished. When he knows what is expected, hell be more cooperative. Dont forget to encourage and praise him when the job was well done.

It is important to be at ease while handling a horse. A horse will sense if you are afraid. This will overshadow your actions and the horse will try to take advantage of you. If you are calm and in control, you will be able to control a horse. You will gain a horses trust and respect when you gain mental control.

A horse can tell a lot by the tone of your voice. When your voice is calm, it is soothing to the horse. He will know you are unhappy with him, if your voice sounds it.

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