Simplify Your Riding by Wendy Murdoch
Riding and, therefore, communicating with your horse, should be simple. Too often, however, communication is complicated with too many gadgets, too many shifts of body position, and the befuddled use of too many conflicting aids. Whereas complication clouds communication simplification allows communication, and communication between horse and rider is essential.
Most problems riders have with their horses come from miscommunication. Those riders who are honest enough to admit this will do well to read and follow the precepts set out in Wendy Murdoch’s Simplify Your Riding. This book is a compilation of articles, which Murdoch wrote between 1994 and 2001, that are organized here in four parts; “Alignment”, “Position”, “Timing”, and “Lengthening.” Readers will indeed find “step-by-step techniques to improve your riding skills” in this book
Murdoch, who is a student of Centered Riding author Sally Swift, draws on knowledge of the horse’s anatomy and psyche, the rider’s anatomy and thought processes, the laws of physics, and the principles of psychology to demonstrate a cogent system of getting in tune with your horse. The benefits of following this system include much more security in the saddle and a deeper understanding of how your body, thoughts, movements, and use of the aids affect every step your horse takes.
In the “Introduction” Murdoch tackles the subject of how one learns. This sets the stage for reading and learning from her clear explanations, the wonderful illustrations, and the photographs that clearly portray the fine points Murdoch discusses.
The one jarring note in this otherwise excellent and useful book is the fact that it contains some photos of riders without protective headgear. The author and publisher have put a note of caution in very fine print in the book’s introduction, but I wish someone had taken more care to find more illustrative photos that showed riders wearing proper protective headgear.
Simplify Your Riding was published by Carriage House Publishing (ISBN: 0-9670047-4-8). It retails for $24.95. For more information call 603-755-4596.
The Complete Guide to Buying, Maintaining, and Servicing a Horse Trailer by Keva Kittrell Scheve
The Complete Guide to Buying, Maintaining, and Servicing a Horse Trailer by Keva Kittrell Scheve with Thomas G. Scheve is all that the title promises and much more. You definitely need this book if you ever anticipate buying a horse trailer or if you already own one, but more importantly, you need to read this book if you own a horse who will ever be trailered anywhere by anyone.
As helpful, informative, useful, and necessary every chapter of this beautifully-written and well-edited book is, the two chapters that every horse owner should read are Chapter 1, “Trailering From the Horse’s Point of View,” and Chapter 15, “Driving Tips and Horse Safety.” Not only do Chapters 1 and 15 stress what is good for the horse, but they also stress safety.
Neva Scheve brings her experience from three decades of horse ownership, her participation in dressage competition and carriage driving, and her background in horse trailer design to this book. Scheve covers every aspect of trailer ownership and use through clear explanations and supporting photographs and illustrations. There are also interesting real-life anecdotes, some sad and some hilarious, sprinkled throughout the book to serve as cautionary tales.
As the Scheves point out, the perfect trailer does not yet exist. But if you learn the lessons presented in this book and choose your next trailer based on the authors’ criteria of 1) the needs of the horse, 2) the needs of the buyer, and 3) the tow vehicle, then you will come as close as humanly, and equinely, possible to owning and maintaining the most perfect trailer for you and your equine friends.
The Complete Guide to Buying, Maintaining, and Servicing a Horse Trailer was published by Howell Book House, New York (ISBN : 0-87605-686-9). The listed retail price is $24.95. For more info write to Tom and Neva Scheve at P.O. Box 1987, Southern Pines, NC 28388, or call toll free 877-575-1771. Also, visit www.equispirit.com or write to equispirit@earthlink.net.
Equestrian Pilates Instruction: The Guide to Pilates Success & The Equestrian Owner’s Manual By Elizabeth Hanson
Elizabeth Hanson is an Equestrian Pilates instructor in Virginia. She offers private instruction as well as clinics for multiple students. Elizabeth does not teach her students how to ride but instead helps them gain a better understanding of their deep postural muscles and how improving these muscles is vital for riding. The exercises are done off the horse, but once the rider understands how the muscles work he/she will be better equipped to focus on their effective use while riding. The rider will be able to move in tandem and grace with the horse and both the rider and horse will experience a more pleasurable ride. The communication between horse and rider will be better, thus creating a happier and more responsive horse.
Horse Talk interviewed Donna Citrin, one of Elizabeth’s students. She had chronic back and neck discomfort that made riding difficult. Like most horse enthusiasts,
Donna was desperate to find a way to continue riding. She does not compete but instead rides for pleasure about 4 days each week. Donna has been taking private lessons for two months and has already achieved positive results. She does Pilates exercises every day and takes a lesson with Elizabeth once every week. Elizabeth introduces new exercises each session and incorporates them with those in which she has previously instructed Donna.
Donna says, “Elizabeth’s instructional style is easy and relaxed. Seeing her demonstrate the exercises helps me understand what my body is supposed to be doing and feeling. I have noticed a big difference in my riding. The core of my body can hold itself upright without pinching my lower back enabling me to have better balance. The horse is happier because he is much lighter and it is easier for him to do his job.” When asked if she feels that her Pilates lessons are a good value she responded, “Yes, considering how much Equestrian Pilates has helped me in such a short period of time.”
Private lessons with Elizabeth cost $95 for a 55 minute session or $900 for 10 sessions or you may also attend one of her half-day clinics for multiple students for $199 per person. If you are unable to take advantage of these options, Elizabeth has two downloadable home study e-books that you can purchase online at www.Equestrian-Pilates.com. The Guide to Pilates Success sells for $34.95 and The Equestrian Owner’s Manual for $15.95. Your back will thank you for it.
The Horse’s Pain-Free Back and Saddle-Fit Book, By Dr. Joyce Harmon
Most of us forget that our saddle needs to fit both us and our horse. If you are like many riders, saddle fitting to you means using the correct size saddle pad, maybe adding a riser or gel pad, and using the correct size tree. Dr. Joyce Harman’s recent book, The Horse’s Pain-Free Back and Saddle-Fit Book, answers all your questions regarding saddle fitting and corrects all those “fix it with a pad” suggestions that we have all heard over the years.
Dr. Harman’s 218 page book retails for $29.95. It is divided into fourteen chapters, including Chapter 1 – Why Saddle Fit Matters, Chapter 4 – Saddle Evaluation: prepurchase exam for both new and used saddles, Chapter 8 – Fitting Saddles to Horses: slab-sided to high withered and large shoulders to uneven hips, and Chapter 11 – Saddles for Various Sports: dressage, polo, hunting, etc. There is even a chapter about caring for your horse’s back through stretching, massage, proper nutrition, and shoeing. Dr. Harman’s book includes many easy to follow diagrams and color photos by Susan E. Harris. Dr. Harman also provides a checklist at the end of each chapter to reinforce the most important points of the section.
I found the book very easy to follow. While it is a technical guide, the book does not read like stereo instructions. The book does focus on English disciplines, but many of the theories do apply to western horses and their tack.
Not everyone can afford a saddle fitter to come visit every time their horse gains or loses some weight. Dr. Harman’s book allows you to make more educated decisions about your tack and to ultimately make your horse more comfortable under saddle. This information is important to know because a properly fitted saddle can completely change a horse’s attitude and movement. Asking your riding instructor, trainer, vet, or saddle fitter to check the fit of your tack is always helpful, but reading The Horse’s Pain-Free Back and Saddle-Fit Book will put you ahead of the game.
Joyce Harmon, DVM, MRCVS, graduated from the Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 1984 and became both a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist and Chiropractor in the early 1990s. She has also completed advanced homeopathic and herbal training and is currently working towards a Masters degree in Chinese medicine. Dr. Harman owns and operates Harmony Equine Clinic in Washington, VA. Her interest in saddle fitting led her to become the first vet to acquire a computerized saddle fitting machine. This technology provides a color image of the saddle pressure and contact points.
For more information call 1-866-200-9312 or 540-675-2285 or visit www.MurdochMethod.com.
The Chosen Road DVD Series by KC LaPierre
The Chosen Road is a four-part instructional DVD series issued by KC La Pierre, the founder of the International Institute of Equine Podiatry. These videos combine over twenty years of knowledge and experience with La Pierre’s study of the equine foot and the development of his theory of Applied Equine Podiatry for the Barefoot Horse. The Series thoroughly explains the complicated, often technical, and always controversial subject of hoof care. Instead of trying to manage the hoof from the outside with shoes, Barefoot Equine Podiatry (BEP) addresses foot care by observing and implementing theory and method dictated by nature and common sense.
The first DVD, Theory of Applied Equine Podiatry, tells the history of why and how La Pierre developed his theories and his trimming method. It explains that the foundation of the BEP philosophy is that the horse has its own innate ability to heal itself as long as the proper environment exists. Improper hoof conformation and hoof capsule irregularities interfere with this ability. Years of enduring the shock impact that occurs when the hoof hits the ground (this impact is magnified by a metal shoe) may cause tissue damage, damage that leads to muscle imbalance and bone changes such as laminitis and navicular.
The second DVD displays exactly what the title alludes to: The Equine Hoof Exposed: A Dissection. Armed with cadaver hooves in different stages of dissection, La Pierre explains the foot’s inner workings and functions. Viewers of a queasy nature may find this disc difficult to watch at first, but those who really want to understand the workings of the equine foot will find it fascinating. La Pierre relates what he sees on the outside of the hoof to the health on the inside.
I recommend the third DVD in the series, Horse Handling for the Hoof Care Provider, for anyone who owns or cares for a horse. La Pierre explains his step-by-step method for safely working around and getting under a horse to work with its feet. He explains to the viewer how to establish a new line of communication that will ensure success. This DVD also contains valuable information on trimming your horse’s feet.
The last DVD, Performance Hoof Care: High Performance Trimming (HPT) Method, shows and explains to the viewer every step involved in HPT. La Pierre demonstrates the proper way to section off the bottom surface of the hoof with a marker before trimming, to use as a visual aid in addressing each section of the hoof in a sequential manner. He continues on in great detail through each step of the trim, from finding the live sole to establishing heel purchase and the toe plane. This DVD is a must if you plan on applying the HPT method.
The complete Chosen Road DVD series can be purchased from The International Institute of Equine Podiatry’s web site—www.equinepodiatry.net—for $129 plus shipping. Expect to wait 4-6 weeks for delivery.
Shadows of Seven by Katie Heuermann
Shadows of Seven, by 14-year-old first-time novelist Katie Heuermann, is a great read for any horse enthusiast. This amazing story is told from the viewpoint of a middle-aged man reliving his childhood. We learn that when the narrator was a 10- or 12-year-old, his family was forced to sell their mansion as well as their horses due to the father’s terminal illness and inability to work. Any person who has had to part with a beloved pet will relate to the feelings of immense loss that this young boy experiences. Even readers who have not had to part with a pet will be able to relate to the bond this boy has with his horses.
The following is a sample passage from the novel: “I had everything I ever wanted. I was spoiled, a brat, sucking in all my worldly possessions, taking them for granted, then chewing them up and spitting them out. I had what I wanted, seven of what I wanted, and you’d think that’d be good enough for any kid. Besides, I’d always have them right? But not any more. Now they’re gone. Why did I deserve this? Why did it have to be me? Why? Why?”
This powerful story was written with the expertise of an experienced, mature writer. Without being told, one would never know that this is young Heuermann’s first novel.
Shadows of Seven makes me hope that Heuermann will write other books. Heuermann, whose book proves that anyone who tries hard enough can succeed at a young age, serves as a role model to other young writers.
Available in Paperback: 151 pages, List Price $17.95 Publisher: Inkwell Productions (January 4, 2005).
Bombproof Your Horse by Rick Pelicano
Go out and get this book! It will please any horse owner who undoubtably has had to deal with a horse spooking or shying. Very concise step-by-step instructions. Easy to understand and follow. Published by Trafalgar Square.- Retails for $24.95
Lucky Braids by Ruthann Smith - Better Braiding Video and Essential Braiding Tools
Ruthann Smith, who has over 25 years of braiding experience and has braided for top riders of nearly every discipline, reveals her tricks of the trade in her Better Braiding Video. This video is about 90 minutes long and takes the viewer through nearly every step of the braiding process, from preparing the mane to be braided to tying them up. The video also includes instruction about French-braiding your horse’s forelock for a finished, professional look, and even some safety tips for handling your horse while braiding to prevent injuries to yourself and your equine. Ruthann’s method is broken down into simple, comprehensive steps that will teach the most novice of braiders to succeed in the task as well as give more experienced braiders a few pointers for a more stylish and effortless product. However, I was disappointed that there was no instruction about braiding tails in the video; while it is not something as important for the show ring as braiding your horse’s mane, I still feel that such information is valuable and should have been included.
Ruthann’s Essential Braiding Tools include a rug hook and a pair of sharp scissors on each end of a unique sort of lanyard that Ruthann instructs you to simply put around your neck for easy access, but because it is only one piece of material, it is able to deal with the give and take of a horse’s movement in a safer way. While the lanyard is very unique, the tools are basic, and if you already own these items it isn’t necessary to Ruthann’s braiding method and video that you purchase this set-it is only meant to once again attempt to make the braiding process easier.
In addition to the Essential Braiding Tools kit, Ruthann also offers a Lucky Braids braiding yarn, which is designed to be very strong to ensure tight braids, but also to stretch to “embed itself into the grain of the braid for sturdy braids with small knots.” This Lucky Braids yarn is also meant to match nearly every horse’s mane, coming in light grey, charcoal, flaxen, black, and chestnut colors.
For more information about Ruthann’s products or for information on Ruthann’s Top Turnout Clinics go to the Lucky Braids website: www.luckybraids.com.
Training the Modern Jumper by Elmar Pollman-Schweckhorst
This book by Elmar Pollman-Schweckhorst discusses all aspects of the sport of show-jumping that a winning rider needs to know from the history of training jumpers to what is most successful in the show ring today. By combining both his experience as an international show-jumper with his critical analysis of what makes the best riders and horses such strong competitors, Pollman-Schweckhorst has written a book that every advanced jumper rider will want to own.
After discussing the history of jumpers, the author follows with guidelines on assessing jumpers and presents the reader with diagrams of the aspects of conformation that best indicate a strong jumper, as well as photographs of great jumpers and an analysis of their conformation strengths and weaknesses. Pollman-Schweckhorst also stresses that additional factors such as personality, disposition, and temperament play a key role in successful showing.
The chapter titled “Jump Training” focuses on form faults and their effect on a horse's competitiveness in the jumper ring. In this chapter, the author once again utilizes excellent photographs and delivers a thorough analysis of the styles of previous jumpers that have been able to win international competitions. Pollman-Schweckhorst also discusses the different elements and skills needed to ride a clean, fast, and winning course.
This book does not only focus on conformation and jumping but also dedicates a chapter to “Dressage for Jumpers,” which includes exercises to help build the rhythm, suppleness, contact, impulsion, straightness, and collection every show-jumper needs. In addition, the book also contains information about bits and bridles, solving obedience problems, course and fence design, and even a chapter dedicated to the preventative health care every jumper needs to meet the demands of such a stressful sport.
Overall, Training the Modern Jumper is an informative book that combines valuable training techniques with the insight and personal experiences of a world-renowned show-jumper, all of which are accentuated by 98 brilliant color photographs and diagrams. Although the book is most suitable for an advanced rider because the author mentions exercises such as half pirouettes, lateral bending, and voltes while providing little to no explanation of how to perform these techniques, this book is certainly an excellent addition to any competitive show jumper's library.
Training the Modern Jumper is available in hardcover from Trafalgar Square Publishing for $29.95 at www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com.