Horse riding into the future

So, L has been having riding lessons for just over a year and a half and she's a very happy young rider. Her riding boots are thoroughly worn in, she has two pairs of well-used jodhpurs, and her riding hat has been put to good use when protecting her in a couple of falls.

As a family we are learning to have horses and equine pursuits in our lives and we often accompany L up to the fields so that she can look after "the boys". L now rides Jake quite often and the owner is extremely surprised and pleased with Jake's, and L's, progress.

L is determined that horses will continue to feature in her life and as she makes plans for a future career, the strongest contender, at the moment, is for her to join the police force. She hopes that she could combine this with her love of horses and go into the mounted police division.
As a non-horsey mummy, I find this somewhat daunting, but she is strong-willed, a natural leader, and her love of horses certainly seems to be something she will not grow out of easily. So, perhaps this could be the perfect vocation for her.

We will continue to watch her riding lessons with great joy and, sometimes, a sense of trepidation as the exercises get trickier and the jumps get higher. And if you are considering taking your child to have riding lessons, I say, do it. It's fun, gets them out into the fresh air, they have to work hard and listen, and they learn respect for animals and each other.
Happy riding lessons everyone.

To body protect or not to body protect

As I have already mentioned, apart from L, we are not a very animal-centric family. I had a budgie once as a child, but finding it stone dead and stiff on its perch one day rather put me off any further attempts at pet ownership.

I love most sports though, and for a while was a great follower of horse racing. For several seasons on the trot (sorry) my young son G and I would watch the national hunt racing season with great interest. From our armchair vantage points we began to know the horses, the trainers, the form, we could even spot the colours of the silks and we had a pet horse (not literally) which we followed avidly as he competed all over the country. The Last Fling tragically fell and died in the 2002 Grand National, where he had been leading for a long time in the race.

L was four when this happened. She didn't really know much about it, but she grew up loving horses (not necessarily horse sport) even though the rest of us were football, rugby, and athletics mad. She was a brave girl in a house full of non-equine-based sports fans.

When it finally came time for L to start having riding lessons, I was determined that she would be safe. Although I know you can rent riding hats from most stables, we wanted L to have properly fitted kit which was her own and would make her feel safe. By going to Dogwood London I was able to ensure her riding hat and riding boots were fitted correctly and of the highest quality. I was a happy mummy as L went for her first riding lesson in her brand new boots and hat.

It was apparent very quickly that she would progress at a fast pace and that she loved riding. Then out of the blue a colleague asked me what sort of body protector she was wearing. I hadn't really thought about it as she was only a beginner and they are expensive pieces of kit, but, having written about horse riding accidents on many occasions, and having listened to a number of horsey people say they felt all novice riders should wear one, I was sold on the idea pretty quickly. Yet, looking around at the riders having lessons, it was about a forty-sixty split on young riders with body protectors and those without. The last thing I wanted was for L to feel self-conscious, as if she was being forced to ride with stabilisers on her bike when all the other kids are firmly on two wheels, but as she was starting to canter in her lessons I felt sure a fall could be imminent.

So, we got one properly fitted at Dogwood, and L wore it to her next lesson. She seemed happy to wear it. It was a good lesson, but as she was asked to complete a particular movement her horse decided he was not going to comply and L had her first fall (only a little one – the horse stopped, but she carried on going) and I was mightily relieved that we had invested in the extra piece of safety equipment as she landed flat on her back, but was left with no serious damage or pain etc.
Okay, I'm not an expert and I know there are many people who don't wear body protectors because they feel they are ineffectual in a serious accident, but L said she felt more confident in hers and it made a difference to her posture as well. She has never been riding without it and, for me, this is a good thing.

So, we are body protector converts…but you still won't get me on a horse!

Canter leads lead the way

It's finally June, the wind is no longer howling and the indoor school is almost a pleasure to be in.

There were six horses and riders in L's last lesson – L was on Sultan, who looked a wee bit sleepy.

The instructor announced that the riders were going to practise their canter leads – I had no idea what that meant, but I was soon going to find out.

Apparently, being on the correct canter lead means making sure the horse is striding out on its appropriate leading leg when going into canter. The entire ride got their first canters all on the correct canter lead. Hurrah!

But they were just riding large so it was fairly easy – when a rider needs to make the horse change direction, such as going over a jump on a show jumping course, this can become problematic.
At the next exercise, the riders had to canter their ponies over a diagonal pole in the middle of the school, turn into the corner going into trot, then come off the corner on the correct canter lead.
L had trouble waking Sultan up on her first run, but having got him going, she carried out the exercise the best of the bunch, despite, so the instructor said, the need to give her horse "baggy reins".
Next the riders had to go over a series of poles set in the middle of the school. I was completely confused by it all, but the riders all checked their horse tack and seemed to know where they were going. Initially there was some confusion about the series, but the two lead-out riders eventually got their bearings and off they went, changing their canter leads as they went into the corners.
It looked like fun and was great to watch. The riders seemed exhilarated too.

By the time L took her turn, Sultan had more or less given up, having stood for a while on this warm afternoon. It took several sharp taps of her whip to get him going, and he didn't like it, so L got a sharp buck for her trouble. She very nearly lost all contact with her saddle and almost ended up flying right off. Yet she held on for dear life, got her riding boots back into place and kept cool under her riding hat. When she eventually got Sultan going she managed the exercise very well – a couple of wrong canter leads, but she got him back on the right lead with great efficiency.

At the end of the lesson everyone was exhausted, including the frazzled non-horsey mummy on the sideline, but there were lots of hugs and big pats for all the ponies and a very happy drive home for L and me.
Photo © J Venn

Badminton Horseless Trails - a parkour challenge

We can all admit to being a bit tired sometimes, but when your horse needs to get out and about, you pull on your riding boots, don the riding hat, and give it the exercise and fresh air it needs to stay healthy and happy nonetheless.

Sometimes it's difficult to get yourself out of bed, but it's impressive how quickly you feel more awake when on a horse! I would go as far as to say that it is definitely on par with a strong coffee!
However, would you ever feel energetic enough to undertake the jumps your horse can perform so gracefully, without your steed?

One 22-year-old from Merseyside has been videoed jumping, flipping, and rolling his way through 28 fences of the Badminton Horse Trials Cross Country Course.
Challenged to attempt the course parkour-style by his girlfriend – herself a horse rider – he did complete the 6km course, but not within the usual allocated time limit given to those with equine help.

On horse-back, competitors cannot take longer than 11 minutes and 13 seconds to finish all the jumps. Without a horse it took the springy, gravity-defying 22-year-old almost four hours.
Still, we are very impressed...although perhaps he should have had a riding hat or some other form of protective gear on just in case?

Mmmm, I smell wet riding boots

So, it was a beautiful day in May for a riding lesson. Actually, it was cold, the wind was blowing, the heavens had just opened and – even though we were in the inside school – it was dark, dull, and cold. Still, L was on her horse and looked happy.

The Saturday class contained seven ponies and riders; the warm up had gone well and L had cantered a good 20 metre circle into a large circle. It went well and she looked pleased.
The riders then practised accurate flat riding over off-centre poles. They were doing the exercise in rising trot and the point of the manoeuvre was to correctly steer their pony over the middle part of each pole. L and her pony Seamus did it very well. In fact, the instructor praised L for not being distracted by her pony's grunts and general noisiness.

Next, the exercise increased in difficulty. The riders had to trot their mounts over the first pole at the far side of the school, then take the pony out to the centre of the school where they had to go over a second pole, trotting a circle back around to take the centre pole again. Then they had to steer the horses back to the last pole which was further over, toward the edge of the school at the far end.
The instructor said it was quite a difficult manoeuvre and yet almost all the riders completed it without too many hitches. Of course, one of the other girls in the class, B, on Jasmine, had a hard time as the springy little bay just wanted to run and run, and then return to the back of the ride. B managed to complete the exercise by taking her pony in the opposite direction to the rest of the horses, but it's a good job her horse tack was secure as it looked like Jasmine just wanted to shake everything free, including her rider.

The last exercise involved trotting over a pole in the middle of the school, then cantering directly away and coming around again to canter over the pole for a second time, followed by cantering large around the school. It required, apparently, enormous levels of focus and control. Seamus trotted up amiably enough, but then couldn't make up his mind whether he wanted to trot or canter away after the first pole. Eventually, L gathered herself together and made him perform a good last canter.
All in all, the lesson went well. No one fell off, most of the diagonals were correct, and the exercises made the girls focus hard on where they were asking their ponies to go.
Sadly, by the end it was still cold and dull, and as we removed the horse tack, saddles, and bridles and returned them to the tack room at the end of the lesson, the heavens had opened.

Mmm, wet riding boots always smell so lovely in the car on the way home, don't they?

Thoughts on riding lessons from a non-horsey mummy

My daughter has been learning to ride for about 16 months now. At 14, we almost felt she had missed the horse-boat, as it were, but it turns out that the teen years, with increased strength and self-awareness, can be the ideal time to take up equine pursuits.

L has always loved horses, and for years and years begged us to let her have one, ride one, muck it out…etc. She would have done anything really, but although we are a sporty family, horses (animals in general, really) were not our thing. Then, we met a lady who lives nearby and has a field, with, crucially, two horses which live in it. She asked if L would like to help look after "her boys" – L jumped at the chance.

At 13, L was beginning to think that she would never have a life which included animals, let alone her beloved horses. She had spent too much time in her room while the rest of the family watched football, rugby and even golf on the TV, and spent many days at home with her step-dad while mum (me) and son went around the country to athletic competitions. No, there was never a time for horse riding.

Then, when No 1 son went off to University shortly after L's 14th birthday and, as she had shown a strong commitment to the boys, we decided it was time for her to learn to ride.
Having kitted her out with a riding hat and riding boots – joddy boots, the man in the shop told me – off we went to the stables for our first lesson. It was a dark December evening and wasn't destined to be the dream start we had desired.

Many horse riders could be too heavy for their steeds

A recent news story caught my attention this week. It reported on the results of a study which suggested that equestrianism could be facing an obesity crisis.
I realise I might have to clarify that statement. I don't mean that participants have been purchasing horse rugs in XL sizes, but rather these people could be getting too big for their riding boots – in a manner of speaking.
It has been stated that when mounting a horse, an individual should weigh less than 10% of the animal's mass. To put that into perspective, if a steed is about 500kg, the rider should be approximately 50kg.
However, the results of the study – published in the Journal of Veterinary Behaviour – suggested that many individuals could be too heavy for their mounts. In fact, it appears that only 5% of riders could be within the above limit.
Moreover, approximately 32% could be so heavy that they may place the health of their horses at risk. As a result, their steeds might suffer from various problems, such as back pains, arthritis in parts of their legs, and could even become bad tempered.
Now, I realise this is quite a sensitive subject, but perhaps riders should consider investigating how much they weigh before jumping in the saddle. As a spokesperson from the Association of British Riding Schools put it when speaking to the Daily Telegraph: "What's more important – saving someone's blushes, or saving the horse's back?"
Photo © Just chaos via Flickr under Creative Commons Licence

Harsh weather conditions disrupt events

Last year was undoubtedly a great year for equestrianism – especially considering the Olympics inspired many individuals to pull on a pair of riding boots and learn how to ride. Although 2012 was always going to be a hard act to follow, this year has so far been quite disappointing.

Allegedly, the weather has led to many cancellations across the UK. Either faced with floods or snow, some events, such as show jumping and dressage, have been called off.

Although many individuals may have been expecting disruption during the winter months, the British Horseracing Authority states that 21 fixtures have been called off so far. To put that into perspective, the same number were cancelled during the whole of 2011.

While 2013 may be turning into a bad year for horse racing, fans of equestrian clothing could be delighted with an introductory deal from Dogwood London. We currently have a temporary offer on Kingsland products – with 25% off the marked price.

These quality clothes should keep purchasers warm and comfortable whilst staying stylish. Why not check them out today? You could grab yourself a bargain.

Photo © Paolo Camera via Flickr under Creative Commons Licence

Do you think horses are 100% better than people?

Let's say, hypothetically speaking, you wake up one day to find yourself stranded on a desert island. Given the choice, would you prefer the companionship of another human being or your horse?
Fortunately, this situation is very unlikely to occur, but I sometimes find myself thinking I would be better off surrounded by animals than people. Previous research has shown that talking to other creatures can help us deal with stress, anxiety, and other negative feelings. If it happens to be a controversial conversation topic, pets can be better than humans as they don't judge or complain, and will always stay loyal.

Consequently, it's no wonder that some people prefer to put on equestrian clothing and take their horses out for a stroll rather than spend time with other individuals. Singer Leona Lewis could be one of the people who much prefer the company of horses.

Speaking in an interview with The Guardian newspaper, the artist spoke about her fondness for horses, confirming that she believed they were 100% better than people.

Although Leona did not feel the need to confide in her steed, she talks to her animal about a variety of different subjects and feels quite comfortable in its company.

Granted, from the moment I put on my riding boots and jumped in the saddle I felt a certain kinship with my horse. However, even though I respect the singer's work, I have to disagree with this "100%" figure.

Although horses are certainly better at running long distances and jumping over fences than people, a steed cannot make dinner, go shopping, or hold a really stimulating conversation. As a result, I believe horses are closer to 80...possibly 90 percent better than humans.
Photo © astaristarry via Flickr under Creative Commons Licence

Jumping out of your riding boots

It's an exciting time for young riders when lessons step up to the point where an instructor thinks their pupil is ready to start jumping. However, before boys and girls gear their riding boots up for puissance-height fences, they have to start on something a little smaller.

My daughter has had six months of lessons, one a week, half an hour each time, and so far her riding hat and body protector have not yet had to perform their given tasks as she (voice goes to a whisper) hasn't fallen off yet.

But, we are gearing up for the more dangerous side of horse riding – going over the poles.
My daughter and I watched with our hearts in our mouths recently as the Olympic Show Jumping team won the most wonderful gold medal in London, and whereas I had always previously looked on as if international grand prix show jumping was the easiest thing in the world, I now appreciate much more the skill needed to go over those huge great fences.

Having watched my daughter persist with mastering her changes of rein and getting those damn diagonals right, her battle to get her stubborn riding school mount to canter a 20m circle caused me to wince with exasperation as I willed her on. And now, as her instructor gets her to trot over a pole, we both realise what is coming.

She is excited beyond belief. I am frightened out of my wits.

Still, she has her correctly fitted body protector, riding hat and riding boots to protect her and a mummy watching on with fingers crossed – what more does she need.

image © lost in fog via Flickr, under Creative Commons Licence

Horse Racing drama soon to hit our tv screens!

A new equestrian drama described as ‘seedy, magical and outdoorsy’ is about to hit our screens in 2012 after the release of the teaser trailer. Staring big names such as Dustin Hoffman, the drama focuses on the interconnection between gamblers, horses, and big money.

The horse racing drama which has aptly been named ‘Luck’ swaps the day to day rider in casual equestrian clothing for big money and men in suits; a dark thriller made up of all the elements which make a great film.

The 45 second long trailer features footage from the drama that revolves around characters all tied to the sport of racing. Hoffman plays main character, gambler Ace Bernestein following a life of racing, gambling, and fun.

Luck is casting a darker light on the sport compared to Hollywood films such as 2010’s Secretariat and the much loved Seabiscuit.

Let’s hope its good enough to merit us all pulling off our riding boots and taking a seat on the sofa for the new drama!

Edward Gal shimmers in golden riding boots

Dressage riders are known for there perfect image in and out of the saddle, but dressage rider Edward Gal has pushed the boundaries of the dressage etiquette being kitted out by his new sponsor in golden riding boots.

So are they the new ‘must have’ or slightly too daring for most? There has been a split decision on the Horse and Hound Facebook page with humorous comments such as "The Only Way is Essex called. They want their boots back."

Another person commented with a more light hearted approach to the boots saying: "Go ahead. If we are not having fun, why are we doing it?"

What's next to be made in gold I wonder?  Golden bridles, saddles...perhaps even riding hats!

The Queen to hang up her riding boots

It's been said the Queen is to hang up her riding boots after reports of her chronic knee condition being too painful for her to continue to horse ride.  Despite needing a knee operation the Queens sense of duty is going strong and she has refused to cut back on her royal duties to give her the recommended 4 months to recuperate after the needed operation. In 2003, the Queen received keyhole surgery twice to remove cartilage from her knees and is now said to be suffering from Sciatica.  At 84 years of age she may be feeling the wear and tear of Royal life.

The condition means that the Queens famous early morning rides from within the Windsor grounds are perhaps coming to end.  A royal source said: ‘The Queen had a knee operation but has suffered ever since and the condition has got a lot worse. She is in so much pain that she has had to give up her beloved riding.’  It is understood that a lift will now be installed at a price of £1 million into the Queens home in Sandringham. 

It feels a sad day for such an iconic figure within the equine world to have to hang up her riding boots and equestrian clothing; we wish her all the best should these rumours about her health be true.

White Turf - Horses on Ice...Literally!

Who’s heard of White Turf?

Well till this morning I was as oblivious to White Turf as I am about, urmm, quantum physics, but after chatting to one of our customers who’s attending it this year I thought I’d do some further research and bring it to you in this here Blog.

White Turf is an annual equestrian event that’s held in St. Moritz, Switzerland on the first 3 Sundays in February.  Unlike most such events that are either performed on grass or a sand/composite surface, all competition in St Moritz takes place on snow and ice!  Madness.  Suffice to say if you’re going to take equestrian sport to a whole new playing level (literally) why not go one more and have your very own equi discipline to race on it.  Which of course they have, in the form of Skijoring.

It was way back in 1906 that the sport of Skijoring was established in the Engadine valley in Switzerland.  The premise is as simple as it is scary, in its most basic definition it’s a thoroughbred horse race where the riders instead of being in the saddle are instead long reining them with a pair of skis instead of riding boots.  So imagine a flat race, on snow, with the riders being towed along at speeds of up to 50kph behind their horse and you get the picture.  Like waterskiing only the powerboat is a horse and the surface is snow and not water.  As you can imagine they have their fair share of mishaps, perhaps most notably in 1965 where not a single skier crossed the finishing line!

To find out more about the White Turf, including the other equestrian races and events that happen there, log on to their website at www.whiteturf.ch