SADDLING I BRIDLING/PROPER DRESS I PARTS & COLOURS/MARKINGS
RIDING I GENERAL HORSEMANSHIP

Rules of Proper Horsemanship

• Never smoke in or near a barn. It is a dangerous fire hazard.
•  Always approach a horse from the left, let the horse know you are there by talking softly to him, and putting your hand on him.
•  Never walk or stand behind a horse without giving warning. You could get kicked. Never, ever run up behind a horse.
•  Always make your horse, walk to and from the barn, so they do not anticipate and race home, or balk and refuse to leave the barn.
•  Make sure that your saddle pads and saddle are on properly and that there is no debris, such as wood chips, on the saddle pads that could cause irritation.
•  Always check your girth to make sure it is tight enough before you get on and again once you have mounted.
•  When leading or holding a horse, always hold the reins close to the bit on the left side, as well as by the buckle. Never let the reins touch the ground.
•  Always mount and dismount from the horse’s left side. Do not allow him to move until you are properly mounted.
•  Never scream, raise your voice, or yell around horses. You will upset them.
•  When riding with another horse that is traveling in the other direction always pass left to left.
•  If a horse rears, loosen the reins and lean forward. If you lean back or pull on the reins the horse could flip over on top of you.
•  If your horse bucks, pull his head up and keep him moving forward. If the horse can get his head between his legs, he can get a lot of power in his buck and you may end up on the ground!
•  If you are riding with a group of riders and one comes unmounted always stop your horse until the situation is under control.
•  Always walk your horse out for at least 10 minutes when you are finished riding.
•  Always pick your horses feet after you ride, and groom him thoroughly.
• Never allow a hot horse to drink water. It could lead to colic or another intestinal discomfort.
• Always stay at least 2 horse lengths away from the horse in front of you.

Grooming
By grooming your horse, not only are you cleaning his coat, but you are also lessening the chance of skin diseases and parasites, as well as improving the condition and fitness of his muscles. Grooming also helps the skin to produce natural oils, and function properly.

Wild horses groom themselves by rolling and taking dust baths. Stabled horses should be groomed a minimum of once a day. If they are ridden or worked, they should be groomed before and after.

When grooming horses at the Ranch, focus on the areas that will lie under the saddle and cinch – this is critical for the long term health of our horses. All other areas are secondary, and can even be left altogether as long as you focus on the critical areas.

The Currycomb. Start by using your currycomb. (Hold it in your "natural hand") The currycomb is used by making small circular strokes, all over the horse’s body. Generally it is best to start at the horse’s neck and work you way down and back over the withers and chest, the legs, barrel, underside of the belly, croup, rump, etc. After doing one side of the body, switch and curry the other side. It is important not to curry the face.

Soft and Hard Dandy Brushes. After currying the horse, take a hard brush and brush vigorously all over the horse. It is important to always brush your horse in the direction that the hair grows. The hard brush will remove most of the loosened hair, dander and dirt that the currycomb produced. Next use the soft brush, to remove finer hair and any remaining debris. Use the soft brush in the same manner you used the hard brush. Brush in the same direction that the hair grows with this brush too. Both the soft and hard brushes are most effective when you use a short stroke with a "flick" of your wrist at the end of each stroke. You may then use the soft brush to gently clean the horse’s face.

Picking the Horse's Feet. Begin by standing next to your horse, facing towards his tail. Take the hand which is not holding the hoof pick, and run it down your horse’s leg, squeezing it (gently) as you get near the hoof. Your horse will lift his leg up. Support his hoof with one hand (it is easiest to hold it up by his toe.), and pick out the debris with the horse pick. When picking, it works best to start by the heel and move towards the toe. Make sure to clean the hoof well. Also, at this time check to make sure that your horse’s frog does not have a foul smell, and make sure it is not soft and squishy. These are signs of thrush. Make sure as you move from one foot to the next that none of his shoes are loose.

 

The Ranch Trail Etiquette
(this will be hammered into your heads, but remember, when in doubt, err on the side of caution)

•  Always stay on groomed trails
  
•  Never run through an open field
  
•  Walk for the first and last kilometers of your trail ride
  
•  Always yield to other riders
  
•  Never lope on rutted or slick trails
  
•  Do not allow your horse to eat while on it’s back
  
•  When Guiding Others:
•  Give lots of instruction
  
•  Always guide for your most novice rider
  
•  Be aware of, and correct gaps
  
•  Never be afraid to stop the ride to correct over zealousness
  
•  Do not allow riders to pass or ride side by side

905-469-2989       info@ridetheranch.com