Archive for the ‘Horses’ Category
Horse Camp – Know the 8 Most Important Considerations
The most important factor that you must consider when looking for a horse camp for your child is to ensure his or her safety. Therefore, it is vital that you find the best horse camp even if it takes you days of searching.
A horse camp is a place that provides campers an introduction to how to ride and handle horses and offers horse riding skill development. Horse camps teach beginners the basic knowledge of horsemanship and riding instructions. For existing riders, they teach ways to improve the skills. Horse camps not only teach horse riding skills but also other important factors of horse ownership and care.
Most horse camps teach the following.
Your child will learn the proper grooming techniques along with learning how to pick up all four hooves and clean them safely.
Your child will learn the tack horse wears and how to properly put and adjust the tack on the horse.
Your child will be taught of how to clean and take care of their tack as well as how to properly store the equipment to protect it.
Your child will be taught of the parts of the horse, the parts of the saddle and parts of the bridle.
Your child will learn about veterinary care, farrier care and proper feed and water.
1. Before looking for a horse camp, you must determine what style of riding your child is interested in. There are several riding styles but the two most popular are the Western style and English style, each having several types. Horse camps offer classes for both the beginner and intermediate to advanced riders. Make sure that your child is in the right class so he or she doesnt get intimidated or scared.
2. Look for horse camps in your area first. It is much better if you can find a good camp where you do not have to travel for hours. Ask your neighbors, friends and relatives if they know a good horse camp. You can also use the internet to find horse camps in your area.
3. If you find a horse camp, know if it is well run, clean and safe. Check the tack room and the bathroom. These will tell you the characteristics of the people who run the place.
4. Make sure that the horses used in the lessons are very well behaved. Also, push button mounts and other equipments are suitable for children and novice riders.
5. Know if the camp offers a counselor. Ask the manager about the rotation of adults to children at the camp each day
6. Usually, aside from horse riding lessons, horse camps include other activities in their program. Some include educational activities, while others add entertaining activities to keep their campers enthusiastic. You should ask about these activities.
7. Ask about the other details as well, like the hours of operation. Does your child have to bring lunch or not? Know if the camp personnel are capable of handling accidents. Ask how near is the closest hospital or medical center.
8. Know if the horse camp requires riders to wear a certified helmet, long pants and riding boots. These are the basic safety gears and if they do not require it, then they are not concerned about the safety of their students.
These are the guidelines to follow so you can find the right place for your child to enjoy horse riding.
Tags: equestrian, equestrianism, Hobbies, horse, horse camp, horse camping, horse riding, horse riding camp, horseback riding, Horses, recreation, sports
The Horo Versus the Arrow
An interesting form of an armor used by ancient warlords in old Japan to protect them from the arrows of enemy archers is the Horo. Usually made of a lightweight cloth like silk, it is worn at the back much like a cloak, and is worn by messengers of noble leaders with strategically designed light and colorful patterns to make it stand out in the battlefield. That way the messengers are easily visible when they arrive.
In English, Horo means arrow catcher or arrow entangler. A lot of scholars are suspicious of the Horo’s capability of stopping a speeding arrow in its tracks and it’s reputation as a life saver. Because the cloak is made of sheer cloth, it is hard to imagine it being able to halt a speeding dart. Furthermore, the large colorful print makes the wearer a very easy target on the field.
A few weeks back, I was watching a show on the History Channel. It was a show about past warfare tactics and weapons. This episode talked mainly about the Horo. Like the doubtful lot, the researchers were also in doubt about the cloak’s ability. They modeled a cape according to studies made, and printed a large colorful logo on it. The researchers tied it to a dummy and stood it against a blowing fan to simulate a messenger atop a horse.
The following clips were quite surprising. What was thought of as an easy target was the exact opposite. The large colorful design danced in the air as the fan blew against it making it quite confusing and very difficult to judge where behind the cape the rider really was. It was a dizzying vision and I imagine it would be a really difficult target to hit.
The next experiment was proving the cloak’s ability to stop an arrow in flight. When they tried to shoot some arrows at the dummy, amazingly the projectiles were not able to touch the dummy. As it hits the cape, it looses speed and falls off or gets entangled in the Horo.
With the results they have gathered, the researchers wondered if warriors did really feel confident to entrust their life on a piece of cloth. They wanted to test it themselves and feel what it would be like to be pursued by enemy archers. They simulated a war scenario, with one of the researchers wearing the Horo and several professional archers pursuing him shooting real arrows. All of them were on horseback and the arrows were dulled to protect the horse. Amazingly the cape wearer came out of it unscathed.
When the wearer was interviewed, he related that he could actually hear the arrows hit the cape but he could just feel them loose their power and drop to the ground. After all the experiences they had they concluded that the Horo’s reputation was real and they would trust it with their life if they were actual Japanese warriors.
Although the Horos capabilities have been proven, still it is only just a piece of history these days. Arrows and bows are no longer weapons of war. They are no longer seen as a threat to lives so the Horo has lost its significance. Although archery has long been dismissed as a tool of warfare, archery is far from dead.
In modern times, archery has become a sport with a huge following. Archery is a sport of skill and discipline and is among the favorite recreations of many people. People after all has a hunter in them and would always love to hit a target.
Tags: Archery, armor, arrow, bow, horo, Horses, hunting, japan, leisure, recreation, skill, sport, warfare, weapon
The Thrill Of Horseracing
It is difficult to beat the type of excitement that Horse Racing brings; this sport is loved by old and young world over. We have adored racing horses from the first time we domesticated them. Search out the nearest track to you if you want to join in the excitement, you won’t be disappointed whether this is an outing with friends and family or a hope to acquire some extra spending cash.
The excitement of the crowd when the horses are brought out is just one reason it is fun to be at the track, other reasons are the drink, the food, and the anticipation of waiting for a race to start. Even the children love going to the races, the jockeys all decked out in their colorful silks look magical on the horses. There are other reasons that adults adore the races, whether they are by themselves or with a good size group, they have fun. To bet on the right horse is practically an art.
The event of a race also has music and other entertainment along with the horses and the anticipation of the start of the race. We learned how great the bond could be between man and horse in the harrowing story of Seabiscuit that was a movie starring Tobey Maguire, this story to many who did not know it. You definitely applauded Seabiscuit in his triumphs and felt grief when he got injured. It is amazing to view the jockey connecting, guiding and controlling his horse to being victorious the horse also seems to realize what they have done on the way to a winner’s circle.
There is a hush that comes over the crowd while the horses are put into the gate, they are full of anticipation at there pick being released, applauding their horse around the track. The crowd feels every stride, as the group approaches the finish line, as they are holding their winning ticket in their hand as their horse arrives first.
Unlike inanimate objects to be on like Poker or the Slot Machines, a horse is a living, breathing, and beautiful animal. The favorite horse can be beaten by on that was not even though to place to everyone’s amazement. You are ale to feel a connection with horse racing through its history and the nature of the sport.
Horse Racing is often times the top choice for family fun due to fact of the ease of falling in love with the sport. For centuries we have had the satisfaction of watching not only the power of the horses but also the jockey’s handling skills along the race itself. You will definitely be in for a great time whether you attend the track near our house or the grand happening of the Kentucky Derby. There is no sound quite like the thundering of hooves to the finish line in any other sport.
This horse racing betting article is brought to you, courtesy of BetAmerica.com
Tags: Entertainment, Gambling, horse racing, horseracing, Horses, kentucky derby, recreation, sports
The Excitement Of Watching Horseracing
When it comes to excitement Horse Racing is hard to beat; it is a sport loved world wide by young and old. Sincea the domestication of horses we have loved racing them. If you are looking to be apart of the excitement a track is more than likely near you, whether you want to make some extra money by betting or you are just looking for a fun night out with family and friends you will not be disappointed.
The excitement of the crowd when the horses are brought out is just one reason it is fun to be at the track, other reasons are the drink, the food, and the anticipation of waiting for a race to start. Even the children love going to the races, the jockeys all decked out in their colorful silks look magical on the horses. There are other reasons that adults adore the races, whether they are by themselves or with a good size group, they have fun. To bet on the right horse is practically an art.
There aren’t just the horses to look forward to; it is an event full of music, entertainment, fun, and most of all excitement of the upcoming race. Remember when Seabiscuit came out starring Tobey Maguire, the harrowing story touching millions who may have never known the great bond that can exist between horse and man. How you cheered for Seabiscuit in his glory and felt sorrow when he broke. It is something of beauty to see the jockey’s connect, control and guide their horse to victory, even the horse seems jubilant when he is being led to the winners circle.
The crowd is silent as the horses are being brought to the gate, anticipating their picks’ release, cheering them on around every turn. The sheer power in every stride, as the mob comes towards the finish line, holding the winning ticket in your hand as your horse comes in first.
Unlike inanimate objects to be on like Poker or the Slot Machines, a horse is a living, breathing, and beautiful animal. The favorite horse can be beaten by on that was not even though to place to everyone’s amazement. You are ale to feel a connection with horse racing through its history and the nature of the sport.
If there were to be a better choice of sporting event, fun for the entire family, something easy to fall in love with, it is Horse Racing. For hundreds of years we have enjoyed the power of the animals, the artistry of their jockeys, and the excitement of the main event. Whether you are going to a local track, or getting tickets for the super bowl of Racing the Kentucky Derby, you are sure to have a grand ol’ time, for never has there been a sport with more excitement than the sound of hooves connecting to the ground.
This horse racing betting article is brought to you, courtesy of BetAmerica.com
Tags: Entertainment, Gambling, horse racing, horseracing, Horses, kentucky derby, recreation, sports
Teach Your Horse or Pony to Stay Calm on the Roads
When riding horses, it can be quite difficult to judge how the horse or pony will react to the traffic on the road. Unless you are fairly experienced with that particular horse and are aware of all his reactions, there are a few little ways you can adopt to get him used to traffic when riding out.
Distracting your horse or pony and moving his attention and concentration away from the oncoming vehicles and onto you will help reduce the likelihood of him bolting in the middle of the road or dancing about in an uneasy manner.
Horses and ponies can spook themselves and dance around in the road or worse, bolt, simply by tripping up from lack of concentration. You need to be aware of where your horses focus is because if he is fixated more on his surroundings, he will more than likely ignore your commands and startle himself.
One way to distract your horse or pony from concentrating on oncoming vehicles and his surroundings is to tweak the reigns and squeeze with your legs to move him into a fast walk. Do this every now and then to reassure him that you are still there and bring his attention back to your commands. Also, gently tapping your horses muzzle with the end of the crop will help stop him turning his head to watch other horses and ponies in nearby fields.
It is amazing how fast horses and ponies learn if they are taught right. Horses are sensitive to your emotions and so it is vital that you do not get angry, frustrated or scared when teaching. When communicating with your horse when riding him on the roads, it is important to talk to him in a calm but firm pitch, which will demonstrate authority and make him listen to you rather than watching the vehicles.
A good way to also keep his attention is to select specific spots where you want him to step during the ride and insist on him stepping precisely where you want him. Riding with precision will help do this and help him concentrate more on you and not on his surroundings making it less likely for him to spook and bolt.
If you are at the first hurdle of walking your horse or pony on the road rather than riding them out, it is crucial that you use a bridle rather than a head collar. This will help you gain more control over him just in case he happens to spook at a vehicle.
Whenever you view any horses for sale, you must insist that you see him walked and ridden in traffic by the current owner numerous times prior to buying. You will be able to see the horses reaction and behaviour when around vehicles and on the road in general. It will also give you the opportunity to see if he requires further training, which you may or may not be able to provide. Matching the horse to your experience is key.
Tags: horse, horse and ponies, horse riding, Horses, pet, pets_and_animals, ponies, pony, riding horse
