Archive for April, 2009

Top 5 Horse Riding Holiday Destinations

Posted on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 by Geraldine in Travel
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richardmark asked:


5. Horse Riding Holiday Cheshire, UK

What with the so called “Credit Crunch” and our nation’s economic instability, people feel as if they have to look after all the money that they have, and even the notion of going on a luxury holiday may seem ridiculous, but have no fear, there is the perfect remedy to this irritating problem. Some of the world’s finest riding opportunities can be found right here at home in the UK, so whether you’re an experienced rider or you just think that it looks like fun, there is always a fantastic holiday available, at a very reasonable price. Cheshire is home to beautiful woodlands and scenic riding trails that run through some of the most picturesque scenery that the UK has to offer, and if that’s not enough,  Equestrian Escapes even offers a “Horses and Chocolate” package, in which you can ride to your hearts content and then indulge in heavenly home made truffles!

4. Trail ride and training in Spain

Epona Equestrian Centre, located just 20 minute from Seville airport, is based within the walls of a stunning 16th century Hacienda. Here you will find over 65 horses and ponies, a vast array of stables and horse arenas, as well as an outdoor swimming pool, comfortable bed rooms with all the modern facilities and an enormous scenic garden. The fantastic thing about this holiday is that it contains a huge variety of activities to take part in, such as hacking through wonderful olive groves and eucalyptus trees, watching fantastic riding demonstrations at The Royal Riding School in Jerez, as well as benefiting from the professional lessons that are available from the Epona staff. The difference between Epona and many other holiday resorts that offer horse riding is that Epona is designed for genuine equestrian enthusiast, not just tourists who fancy a bit of riding in the sun.

3. Ride Lusitano Horses in Portugal

If your idea of a perfect holiday is to sit back, relax and just enjoy the sun, then this holiday probably isn’t for you, but if you get your kicks from partaking in wonderful riding opportunities, in an area of extreme natural beauty, surrounded by likeminded people then you’ve found your perfect holiday! The equestrian centre is home to Nuno Baptista, a national horse riding judge, member of the Portugal national dressage team and head instructor at the centre, who will be available to give you pointers on your riding, and for the more adventurous of you, he can even teach you how to drive a traditional Portuguese horse carriage. If fast paced thrills aren’t your idea of a good time, then various scenic hacks through the beautiful Portuguese cork and olive trees that surround the equestrian centre are available. All of the horses here are pure bred Lusitanos, which means that they are bred and trained to the highest standard for your riding pleasure. The equestrian centre is also home to many fantastic facilities, including an indoor arena and an Olympic sized outdoor arena, so if you take your horse riding as seriously as you take your relaxing, then this is the perfect holiday for you!

 

2. Horse Riding on the beach in Spain

Needless to say, riding a beautiful horse across a sunlit Spanish beach, sitting in a hugely comfortable traditional Spanish saddle is an experience that is very hard to top. Galloping across a beautiful, deserted Tarifa beach, with the salty air flowing through my horses’ mane is definitely an experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Tarifa is a lovely little town, which is made wonderfully accessible by being located close to Malaga, Jerez and Gibraltar, and it is home to some of the finest riding and dining that Spain has to offer. The fact that large areas of Tarifa are designated as National Park means that the scenery and wildlife are largely unspoiled, as if they have been saved there especially for your pleasure. Tarifa is also home to some of the most unique riding experiences available in Spain, such as a fantastic ride across sand dunes and through cork forests to reach the hidden town of Paloma Baja, an area almost completely unknown to tourists. If that hasn’t convinced you enough, then you will be pleased to learn that there are many other activities available in this wonderful area of Andalucia, such as windsurfing lessons, kite surfing lessons, whale watching and even a day trip to Africa!

1. Horses and Italian Castles

What could be better than fabulous riding opportunities, good food, fine wine and the fantastic surroundings of a 16 century castle? In my opinion there isn’t an equestrian holiday available that sounds more appealing than equestrian-escapes “Italian castle hideaway break”. As you may have already guessed, your lodgings for the duration of your stay are not a bog standard hotel in the middle of a busy town; you will be staying at a breathtaking Italian castle, located in a wonderful area of the Italian countryside an hour and a half from Rome. The riding trails that are chosen are both hugely scenic and historic, and they take you through beautiful old farming areas, alongside amazing volcanic lakes and through stunning towns, such as the fortified village of Orano. If staying in a castle doesn’t quench your thirst for historical masterpieces, then you can also take up the opportunity of exploring the remains of an ancient Etruscan village in the nearby vicinity. Despite this busy schedule, you will still have plenty of time to relax by the pool, and indulge in the local delicacies, such as fine cheeses and wines, which in my opinion makes this holiday the perfect equestrian getaway for any rider, young or old!



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The Basics of Horse Riding Tack

Posted on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 by Geraldine in Sports And Fitness
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Susanne Malloy asked:


When you purchase a horse you may not be aware of all the additional expenses you will have before you actually get to take the horse out for a spin. Before making the plunge, be sure to price out the various types of tack and make a decision which style of riding you want to do and what type of tack is best. If you are on a budget or don’t want to buy new tack right off the bat, a good option is to go to horse shows or even farm sales and buy used tack that has been well cared for and maintained. Another option is to buy locally from a tack or feed store, this option usually allows you to return tack that doesn’t fit, but be sure to check the stores policy. If you know what you want, what size you need and all the particulars, buying online can be a good option as well. Returning items from online purchases can sometimes be costly as well as a hassle, so always read the return policy carefully before buying.

The most basic pieces of equipment you will need, especially to bring your new horse or yearling home is a halter and a lead rope. If you are buying a full grown horse you can select the halter you are going to use for many years, but if you are buying a young horse you will need to buy a foal or yearling halter and then buy bigger ones as the horse matures. Nylon halters and even leather halters aren’t expensive as long as you don’t get the ornate show halters.

Since you will want to ride your horse, you will need a saddle, saddle blanket or pad, bridle, bit and at least one set of reins, possibly two depending on the type of riding you wish to do. There are two different and broad categories of tack, English and western. English tack and western tack have similarities but are distinctively unique in appearance. English tack is smaller, with saddles that are minimal without a horn, high fork, deep seat or wide fenders on the stirrup leathers. Western saddles are the heavy saddles with a definite horn, deep seat and high, rigid cantle at the back. The fenders on the stirrups and the skirts on the saddle may be ornately carved or may have gold or silver accents. Within both English and western tack styles there are several variations, so it is important if you are interested in a particular event or competition that you find out what specific tack is required.

Bridles, bits and reins are all needed to control the horse, with differences again between English and western styles. English bridles tend to have more straps, including a noseband and a browband, while western bridles may or may not have these features. Bits for both English and western riding are typically snaffle bits, although the western style has an additional bar on the outside of the horse’s mouth, known as a curb. These bits are sometimes referred to as a snaffle curb, which is different than a curb bit.

An optional piece of tack that you may wish to purchase if your horse is going to be kept outdoors or in an unheated area is a blanket. Turnout blankets are for use outdoors and have a water resistant exterior and a warm, padded interior. They strap close to the horse’s body. Stable blankets are for use indoors and are less fitted to the horse and generally slightly lighter weight. Flysheets and covers can also be used in the summer.



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What to Look For at a Horse Riding School

Posted on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 by Geraldine in Pets
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Lydia K Kelly asked:


Learning horse riding is always a very enjoyable experience, however, you should understand that not all horse riding schools are the same. Just like in any other business there are some goods that you should look for and the bads you should avoid. When looking at a riding school to take lessons, it is important to look carefully at the facility before committing. Keep in mind the following things as you assess a riding school.

1. The Overall Condition of the Facility

While most riding schools will not be top-notch facilities, it is important that the stables be kept in good condition. The barn should be clean and the stalls mucked on a daily basis. The outdoor arena should have decent footing and should be well fenced. If there is an indoor area it should be free of dangerous implements that a rider could get thrown into, and be in good condition. A viewing area should be available for parents or visitors. The paddocks should be well fenced with no barbed wire, and in good repair. There should be enough parking to manage the riding lesson crowds.

2. The Condition of the Horses

School horses may not be the fanciest animals out there, but they are hardy souls who should be well cared for by the facility for which they work. The horses should all be in good flesh with healthy coats and happy expressions. Ideally they should have lots of turn-out when not being used in lessons, and should not be worked more than 2 lessons a day. While some school horses may have less than pleasant personalities, most should be friendly and happy to meet you.

3. The Condition of the Tack

It is essential that the tack and equipment for the horses is in good condition. The saddles and bridles should be fitted to each individual horse, and all of the straps should be in good repair. If the barn provides brushes, they should show signs of being cleaned regularly and should be easy to access for all riders. Some barns require that the riders clean tack after each lesson. If this is the case there should be adequate space to clean the tack, and soap and sponges for the purpose.

4. Quality Horse Instructors

Not all riding instructors are the same. Take the time to watch a lesson or two to see what the riding instructors are like. While certification is nice, some excellent instructors are not certified, while some terrible instructors are. What is more important than certification is that you and the instructor get along, and that you learn well from their teaching style.

5. Clear Rules and Guidelines

A quality horse riding school has clear rules and guidelines for the use of the horses and equipment. These rules should be posted around the facility and should be given to you when you inquire. Make sure that the rules are things that you can work with, and that they are adequate to keep you safe.



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Horse Riding Apparel What to Look Out for

Posted on Saturday, April 18, 2009 by Geraldine in Pets
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Benjamin Wise asked:


Horse Riding Apparel

Any type of horse riding usually begins with the rider buying riding clothes. Even a person simply going for a pleasure ride will benefit from the correct riding apparel. Horse riding apparel protects you and is designed specifically for being on a horse. Comfort and protection come in several styles and designs.

Depending on your style of riding whether western or English, your wardrobe will look slightly different, but consist of the same basics.

Riding Pants – Breeches, Jods and Jeans:

Jodhpurs (English Riding) could be described as kind of riding pants. The legs on these pants extend all the way to the ankles. At the end of the pants there is a cuff. This cuff fits over the top of a low riding boot. Modern breeches (English Riding) are skin-tight; they have either zippers or Velcro fastenings where they end at the calves.

Riding Boots:

Typical English riding boots are long to prevent the saddle leathers from chaffing the leg of the rider. The heel of the boot protects the rider’s foot from sliding out of the stirrup and the toe should be sturdy to protect the rider’s foot when on the ground. The sole of the boot is smooth enough so that in the event of a fall, the rider’s foot will not be caught on the stirrup.

Western riders wear cowboy boots. The heel of the boot varies depending on the style of boot, such as the “roper” style heel that is similar to that of English boots.

Riding Shirt:

Riding Shirts can come from your existing wardrobe unless you are riding in competitions where a more formal type of show shirt is called for.

Helmet:

A riding helmet is an essential part of riding; it is specifically designed to protect your head. Do not overlook the use of a helmet.

Riding Chaps:

There are two basic types of chaps – full or half length. Chaps in the case of full length is used to protect the complete leg whilst working; they also help to keep the legs warm and dry. Half chaps are worn with Jodhpur boots. Jodhpur boots are short and the chap covers the leg from the ankle, overlapping the boot slightly, up to the knee. Half chaps provide protection to the leg from chaffing and help the jodhpurs stay in place whilst riding.

There is no harm in checking out what is in fashion and what is not. You do not want the focus placed on you in a show ring instead of the horse. Many local tack shops stock new and used riding apparel for you to try out. What ever your budget your ride will be far more comfortable in the correct horse riding apparel.



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Horse Riding Fitness

Posted on Friday, April 17, 2009 by Geraldine in Sports And Fitness
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Jackie Johnson asked:


Riders are always searching for that edge to make them better. They try new instructors or new techniques with their horse, new gear, but many never stop to think about how they can improve their own body with a targeted horse riding fitness program you will train your muscles in a way that is specific for a rider. In taking such a course, any rider, beginner or experienced, will see improvements. You see, a rider is a unique athlete and needs to have particularly strong core muscles and most important flexible lower back joints. The understanding of the function of the riding muscles provides a rider with knowledge to improve. Once the rider is familiar with these muscles they need a simple specific routine to follow.

There is a great program, Applied Posture Riding, which is specific for riders. It is a very unique program designed for riders only. It has been created by a lady with a Masters degree in Physiotherapy, she is a Pilates instructor and has achieved great success as a rider. His simple Pilates based course will guide you through a complete set of exercises, teaching you HOW TO train your riding muscles. The exercises begin on the floor teaching you how to find, test and train your deep core abdominal muscles.

This horse riding fitness routine will strengthen your core muscles and all the riding muscles by teaching you to ride on a big physio ball. It will help you recognize any problems you have with your body and then how to correct them. You will gain control of your posture, and increase your body awareness.

By following her program you will gain good core stability, the foundation of a good rider. Her horse riding fitness routine will progress through many simple steps finally teaching you HOW TO apply your new found body control in the saddle. You will notice your riding posture will change dramatically. Your riding will become pleasant and effective, you will move with your horse and not bounce or stiffen against him. The riding lessons; she has created one each for walking, trotting, the canter and jumping will complete the program. You will have that AAH Haa experience. That deep independent seat will happen. You will improve on every level all it takes is a little guided practice.

This program will save you attending Pilates classes or buying gym membership, back pain will be managed, just think of the time and money that you will be saving. She has put it all in one place for your convenience. This course will reinforce any riding lesson you have done. Riding instructors worldwide are recommending Pilates for horse riders. Riding instructors unfortunately don’t understand how to apply it though. This is why she created this incredible horse riding fitness program. She uses this program herself everyday for good stability and flexibility. This program applies exercises specific for riders and will give you great results, unlike any other program. For more information visit http://www.applied-posture-riding.com.



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