Kim is hosting this month’s Carnival of the Horse over at Enlightened Horsemanship Through Touch and I’m looking forward to seeing all the great posts that have been submitted.  Welcome to any readers arriving via EHTT!  The Carnival is reprinting the post I wrote a couple of months ago, titled “Why Horses?”  With the Thanksgiving holiday just gone and the season of giving fast approaching, I am feeling sentimental about my lovely girl and thought it fitting that this post get another go round.  Head over to Kim’s and check out the Carnival – every month I am impressed by the great quality of the posts that are sent in!  Hope you enjoy…

Image courtesy of KateMonkey

Image courtesy of Kissimmee - The Heart of Florida

I haven’t been doing very well at keeping up with my ever increasing list of podcasts and only recently caught an old episode of the Stable Scoop podcast from the Horse Radio Network.  (I’m sorry, any show with the lyrics “sit on down and laugh ’til you poop” in the theme song is well worth listening to, in my opinion!)  If you haven’t yet caught any of the podcasts on the Network, you should check them out.  They have several shows that are informative and entertaining. 

The episode I heard recently featured Darley Newman, the host, creator, and producer of Equitrekking.  Equitrekking is a TV series that explores world travel destinations with a focus on horses.  This Emmy winning show has featured destinations throughout the United States and Europe, and even as remote and exotic as Jordan and Belize.  Each episode features a destination that Darley explores on horseback.  She samples the culture, the food, and the ambiance of each locale, often with the aid of a horse breed native to the country.  For example, in Iceland, Darley treks through lava fields aboard the Icelandic horse and educates viewers about the history of the breed and the culture of the country. 

So why is Darley Newman my new idol?  Because she has combined my two absolute favorite topics, travel and horses, into one fascinating and educational experience to share with others.  Why do I not have this creativity and forethought, I wonder?  I can imagine nothing better than to travel the world enjoying horses of all breeds.  I wonder if she needs an assistant?  Apparently, I’m not the only one who thinks Darley just might be the coolest chick to walk the 21st century so far.  She has been featured in several publications, including the Washington Post and The Denver Post.  As if an incredibly successful TV show isn’t enough, she has also authored a coffee table book on her travels, writes columns for horse magazines and an e-newsletter, and maintains a personal blog and company website detailing her travel experiences.

I’ve just decided: when I grow up, I want to be Darley Newman.

Once again, it’s time for Thankful Thursday! I hope this post inspires you to consider the things in your life that you are grateful for. If you have a blog, consider posting about it there and link back here. If you don’t have a blog, please feel welcome to comment here on what you are grateful for in your own life. If you don’t feel comfortable sharing, then just take a few moments to reflect on all that you have. If you’d like to tag other bloggers that participate, feel free to do that.

Today, you lucky readers get a double shot of Thankful Thursday!  I have been remiss in my posting duties recently and I let last Thursday go by without mention.  Since this is a special week, I can justify a double feature, right?  Here goes…

Last week’s Thankful Thursday should have been about my dear friend Emma and her girl Abby.  Way back in the early days of this website, I talked about Abby’s experience with founder.  Poor old girl’s had a rough year, between a serious shoulder injury and the founder, and has been laid up more often than not.  It took longer than expected for Abby’s recovery this time around, and between family obligations and Abby’s bad luck, Emma’s been out of the saddle a lot lately.  Aside from the obvious reasons why this is sad, I selfishly miss our time together, trail riding and chatting for hours.  Imagine my joy when last week Emma told me she’s begun riding Abby again!  The countdown is on to our next trail ride/girl time!  Even more exciting is that Abby was thrilled to be working again and was even more responsive and well behaved than she normally is.  I am so happy for Emma and Abby (and for me) that they are finally nearing the end of the path toward recovery.

On a more personal note, I am very grateful this Thanksgiving week to be so fortunate in my life.  I am more than lucky to be surrounded by my beloved animals, loving family members, and fantastic friends (both new and old).  I am enjoying this point in my life more than I could have imagined.  I am also so thankful to all the readers who have jumped onboard here and made my transition into the adventure of writing so enjoyable.  I feel that my world is ever expanding as a result of the connections I have made through FromTheHorsesBack and I am greatly enjoying the ride!  As we stand on the cusp of a new year, I am looking ahead with excitement for all the things to come.  Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Thankful Thursday to everyone!  I hope you all have a great day.   

Happy Thursday to all and please visit these other sites that frequently participate in Thankful Thursday:

Akal Ranch, Enlightened Horsemanship Through Touch, and Tired Dog Ranch.

I posted a few weeks ago on the topic of the Patrik Kittel video that has ignited controversy about hyperflexion, rollkur, and questionable training techniques.  I have to admit, I was a bit surprised by the response I received to this post and felt that an update was in order as there have been some recent developments.  Although Billie has continued to do a stellar job of covering the controversy on Camera-Obscura, there are a few things I want to address here.

First off, I received many informative and helpful comments on the post and want to thank all the readers who offered insight or opinion.  Of particular interest, Billie provided some evidence that Kittel has a history of abusive training practices at shows and on more than one occasion has been found using inappropriately fitted tack on horses bearing sores or even bleeding from the mouth.  Camera Obscura has all the up-to-date information, or if you want to go directly to the article look here.  Kim, at EHTT, put a link to a great informational site on her blog as well.  Check out Dressage Disgrace for a number of excellent articles on the topic of rollkur, including a scientific report on how the position affects a horse’s breathing.

This issue does not seem to be losing much steam and the FEI released a statement on the topic on November 17th.  Unfortunately, it does not appear as though any aggressive action will be taken to put a stop to this practice.  While the FEI claims concern for horse welfare, no concrete action to stop these training methods is being proposed.  Responsibility for preventing rollkur has been placed upon ring stewards at shows who, by numerous accounts, are often ignored or verbally abused by riders.  November 23rd brought a statement from the USDF disparaging the use of hyperflexion; once again, no firm stand was taken and no suggestion was provided for ensuring a stop to the practice.  So far, a lot of very politically correct double talk and no satisfactory action.  As a community, equestrians need to keep the pressure on these organizations to step up and enact change.  One great idea Billie offers is to stop supporting sponsors of those riders that use rollkur:  check the link for her suggestions on companies to avoid.

It is critical to inform these companies, and any others you choose not to support, WHY you no longer support them.  Someone is going to have to start taking financial hits to get people to take notice.  Most importantly, don’t get frustrated or give up.  Remember the Butterfly Effect:  the flapping wings of the tiniest butterfly can create a ripple effect with far reaching consequences.  Be that butterfly.

Image courtesy of Matt Rudge

Once again, it’s time for Thankful Thursday! I hope this post inspires you to consider the things in your life that you are grateful for. If you have a blog, consider posting about it there and link back here. If you don’t have a blog, please feel welcome to comment here on what you are grateful for in your own life. If you don’t feel comfortable sharing, then just take a few moments to reflect on all that you have. If you’d like to tag other bloggers that participate, feel free to do that.

This past Sunday I headed to the barn after a relaxing morning.  It was one of those technicolor days where life had an extra brilliant glow and the breeze hinted at fall, although the sun beat down on us relentlessly.  I saddled Tiny and we headed into the arena for a workout.  The farm was all ours for the morning.  Silence echoed around us and the only other activities were the chickens pecking around the barn and Grady keeping watch from his post in the grass.  I started off our workout with some bending and a slow warm up, just enjoying spending time with my girl.  After we warmed up, I asked Tiny to canter and something magical happened.  She cantered off as always, but I had the most overwhelming sense of wanting to run.  I could feel her muscles taut and strong beneath me, just the slightest hint of spring in her step.  I leaned forward the tiniest bit, urging her on with my seat.  She instantly responded and surged off into a gallop around the arena, her neck stretched long and low, nostrils flared.  We rode like this around and around the arena and for just an instant I was a child again, racing up the hills surrounding our old Pennsylvania farm without a care in the world.  Another lap and I was invincible and powerful, hair whipping around me and tears streaming from my eyes while I laughed joyfully.  We ran until Tiny was lathered and I was exhausted and panting.  I haven’t had so much fun on my little mare in a long, long time.   

Happy Thursday to all and please visit these other sites that frequently participate in Thankful Thursday:

Akal Ranch, Enlightened Horsemanship Through Touch, and Tired Dog Ranch.

I have been debating about whether to post on this topic or not, as Billie has done such a fantastic job of covering the issue on her site Camera-Obscura.  In the end, I decided to mention it as I know I have some readers that don’t generally follow blogs and so may have missed the story.  I really believe that more people need to become aware of the issue and the resulting flurry of activity, and hopefully join the legions of people that are calling for change.  Please visit Billie’s site for all the details and for the excellent coverage that she continues to provide on the subject.

I’m no expert in dressage and I’m not going to pretend to have a complete understanding of the topic, but here is my attempt at a brief overview for those (like me) who are relatively new to the idea of rollkur.  I would like to invite those who are more educated to jump in and correct/add to my explanation.

Basically, rollkur is a highly controversial training technique that is increasingly common in dressage style riding.  It is also called hyperflexion, and consists of the horse being ridden for extended periods of time “behind the bit” – often to the point where the nose/mouth is held to the chest as the horse is driven forward.  Proponents of the technique claim that it stretches the horse’s back muscles.  Opponents say it’s horse abuse.  From what I’ve read, I certainly tend toward the latter sentiment, but I’m no expert and encourage you to educate yourself and formulate your own opinions.  If you Google “Rollkur” you’ll get no shortage of information and images to study.  Either way, riders who utilize the technique are apparently winning at high levels in dressage competition, which makes it difficult to enact change.

What I do know is this:  the current frenzy on this topic originated after Epona TV aired a video of Patrik Kittel riding a horse during a warm up period for a show and utilizing this technique.  The video goes on for what feels like forever, and shows the horse’s blue tongue lolling out of his mouth, as he rides around and around in this restricted position.  You can watch other riders casually going by, no one giving this guy a second look despite the obvious distress his horse is exhibiting.  Due to the public outrage following the release of this video, a firestorm of petitions has made its way through the system and people are calling for change.  Although I am not a dressage rider, I feel that this is important because it makes a statement about winning at any cost.  I think that many of us who compete at a high level in any discipline have witnessed questionable training practices that result in winners.  We all know how hard it is to compete against an ideal that is not natural and is not naturally created.  This is our chance to take that first step towards encouraging healthy, fair competition that does not result in or encourage animal abuse.  Even if you are not a “horse person” I ask you to check out Billie’s site and educate yourself.  She has tons of information and multiple ways to get involved, including online petitions, Facebook groups, and contact information for organizations that can enact change.

Yesterday we talked about yoga being a great way for equestrians to build strength and flexibility. Well, what if you’re looking for ways to improve your cardiovascular fitness while strengthening the same muscles you use for riding? Inline skating just might be the answer. I was introduced to the sport of inline speed skating several years ago. At the time, my horses were not a part of my daily life and I needed a workout that would allow me to enjoy the gorgeous Florida weather. As a child, I was an ice skater and thought inlines might be a natural transition. Four years later, I can attest to the incredible health benefits resulting from speed skating, especially to equestrian athletes.

World Champion speed skater Jorge Botero demonstrates proper form. Image courtesy of Luke Sawh.

To obtain maximum benefits available from skating, you must use proper form and technique. Often I see “rec” (recreational) skaters on the trail, just bopping along while listening to their Ipods. While this is a great way to spend an afternoon, skating has so much more to offer. Proper form to obtain maximum speeds involves remaining in the skater’s position, essentially a squat while bent forward at the waist. This position allows a more aerodynamic shape and more efficient use of muscle power. Even if you aren’t looking for speed, using this form will build incredibly strong leg, back, butt, and stomach muscles.  The proper stroke is a long, smooth push out to the side, which tones and strengthens the inner and outer thigh muscles.  Maintaining balance while rolling improves core fitness and abdominal strength.  And the cardiovascular benefits are amazing!  Inline skating is a fantastic all around workout and is a great way to improve endurance for a rider.  The only drawback as a cross training tool is that skating is sensitive to the same conditions as riding – poor weather, early sunset, extreme heat or cold.  However, this workout makes a great complement to a riding program on off days or if your horse is laid up for any reason.  I was shocked at how well my body bounced back to riding after I’d been off my horses for a long time.  I would recommend trying it if you’re looking for a new workout. 

Image courtesy of Ed Kohler - The Deets (www.thedeets.com)

What other workouts do you use to maintain fitness?  Do you have a favorite workout that benefits you in the saddle too?  I’d love to hear your feedback!

Physical fitness and good health are important to everyone, but when you are an equestrian athlete seeking to maximize your competitive potential, fitness becomes even more important.  In general, dealing with horses requires some level of strength and flexibility.  Carrying hay bales and water buckets builds upper body strength, while riding increases range of motion and flexibility.  So how can you work to increase your fitness level even more and really work those muscles you need to be a top notch rider?

Image courtesy of lululemon athletica, Flickr

The topic I’ll discuss today is yoga.  Yoga is fantastic for improving your riding skills in so many ways.  I often find that when I ride a lot, I develop an imbalance in my body.  Riding really strengthens those back muscles.  This is great, except the stomach muscles are left relatively unchallenged.  If, like me, you aren’t carrying around a six pack you can develop problems with your back.  The highly worked (and therefore, tighter) muscles in your back combined with the lesser used muscles in your abdominals can create a tension in your spinal alignment that may cause a twist or misalignment in the spine.  By maintaining flexibility and gently stretching your back muscles, while also building core strength in your abdominals, you will restore balance to your midsection. 

Yoga also builds a great deal of strength when practiced regularly, particularly in the upper body and core.  Many riders are also imbalanced between their upper and lower bodies, especially those of us that aren’t regularly cleaning stalls and doing barn chores to build up arm strength.  Face it, if you’re developing bulging biceps from riding, your horse probably isn’t all that fun to ride!!

Yoga is a great way to regain or maintain flexibility as well as strength.  Even if you’re not an innately flexible person or have lost it due to injury, you can regain a lot more than you think you can.  After practicing for awhile, you’ll find yourself throwing that leg up to mount without any difficulty.  Even better, if you suffer from back pain, you will likely experience relief from that pain after a few months of yoga.  Many people hold tension in their necks and backs and this is a great way to release that and really stretch your body.   I have a bad back from years of falls and other injuries and my chiropractor never saw me when I practiced regularly.  I believe that keeping my back loose and limber prevented those tight muscles from shifting my spine back to that misaligned place it knows so well!

Image courtesy of Mike Murrow Photography

Finally, yoga is effective because it encourages you to be peaceful, mindful, and self aware.  These are qualities you MUST have in order to be a successful rider.  Even if you just practice a few hours per week, it will give you time to really focus and relax and that will do wonders for all aspects of your life.  I have never met anyone, equestrian or not, that has practiced yoga and didn’t have a positive experience.  With so many styles to choose from, you can work at your own pace and level of fitness.  Regardless of which you choose, you will experience a change for the better. 

As always, before you embark on a fitness program please consult a professional.  And please remember not to push yourself until it hurts.  This exercise program should be relaxing and enjoyable, not painful.  If you take your time, you’ll be touching your toes before you know it! 

If you have experience with yoga and have anything to add, please comment here.  I would love to hear your stories about changes you’ve noticed in your own body or other ways yoga has helped you.

Check back on Monday for Cross Training for Equestrians Part 2.

In the most literal sense.  Well, they are if you have thousands of dollars in cash lying around and a need to wear your horse.  Check out this article on The Horse.com.  I’ve heard of a lot of unique ways of memorializing animals, but this one takes the cake.  Apparently, with just a few grams of cremation ash or horse hair you can have your very own diamond created in a variety of colors.  These diamonds aren’t just limited to horses – dogs, cats, or even humans can be used in the process.  In fact, UK- based Pheonix Diamonds has even created a diamond from an umbilical cord! 

The process is the same as that occurring in nature, using carbon from the remains, which is one of the primary components in organic life forms.  The carbon is exposed to high heat and high pressure and a diamond is grown.  Of course, the process is more involved that that and if you’d like more information or to order a Memorial Diamond visit Phoenix Diamonds.  Brittany Bevis at EC 360 also has an informative article on the specifics of these creations.

Once again, it’s time for Thankful Thursday! I hope this post inspires you to consider the things in your life that you are grateful for. If you have a blog, consider posting about it there and link back here. If you don’t have a blog, please feel welcome to comment here on what you are grateful for in your own life. If you don’t feel comfortable sharing, then just take a few moments to reflect on all that you have. If you’d like to tag other bloggers that participate, feel free to do that.

This week, I am incredibly grateful that I am still employed.  I have witnessed more than a few people recently lose their jobs and I am appreciative that I am still bringing in an income.  Bringing this point home even further, I have had two major financial challenges in the past two weeks and it’s scary to realize that if I were unemployed right now, my life would currently be taking a sharp left turn into a very unhappy place. 

On a more positive note, I am very thankful that my sister Melanie has had the opportunity to get back one of her old horses that was sold many years ago.  I know how much this mare meant to her and how hard it was to part with her way back then.  In the same vein, thanks are owed to the Schembri family and Char-o-Lot Ranch for making it possible for “Strawmaid” to return home.  Stay tuned for more on this story next week. 

Happy Thursday to all and please visit these other sites that frequently participate in Thankful Thursday:

Akal Ranch, Enlightened Horsemanship Through Touch, and Tired Dog Ranch.