Horsesetcthoughts: 2015

Tuesday 10 March 2015

20 meter circles and circles

tangent points on the wall (fluer de lis) are where the arrows are on the diagram.

• 20m circles are good for young horses because they are bent laterally and develop correct muscles… as long as you change the rein frequently to give the horse a break.

20meter circles are also good for a horse that is not relaxed and rushes.. goes too fast

• walk, trot, canter, counter canter 20 metre circles

• 10 meters is half of 20 metre circle
• don't ride you horse smaller so that you do not teach your horse to evade by swinging the hindquarters out or bending the neck too far in
• turn your shoulders back more to do a 10 m circle

Does a happy horse make a difference or matter?

Is it important for your horse to be happy? Think about it. Put yourself in the horse's place. Is being happy important for you? What happens if you are not happy?

It is well documented that unhappy people get sick: physcally and mentally. Not right away, but over time. Then comes the big crash or something changes.

Do you want a happy horse? What difference does it make? How will having a happy horse affect you?

In my opinion, it does matter if the horse is happy or not. An unhappy horse has anxiety which may be shown in behaviours: such as cribbing, weaving, lip flapping, head tossing, and the list goes on. The unhappy horse may be too thin because he is unable to eat (ulsers) or can't get to the food because he is the bottom of the pecking order because the person feeding does not ensure the hay is spread out far enough apart and that there are at least twice as many piles as horses. The boss horses will always have enough food. The Lower order horses will be the ones that are too thin, or die of staravtion. Check it out. Check out a report on horses found dead, almost dead when authoriteis go onto the property.

Other lower order horses won't be able to eat and digest their food because they are running from or keeping an eye out for the horse that likes to attack them. How can a horse be happy when it is constantly running away? Would this happen in the wild? Unlikely. The horse (one of them) would move on. Life is easier if there are friends around and no bullies.

What does an unhappy horse do to show its state of mind? The same as an unhappy person: avoids eye contact, prefers to be left alone, doesn't approach you (being trained to come to you is not the same), doesn't follow you (not trained to follow you), runs away, hides behind other horses, when tied: looks at the wall and not what is going on around, does what you want and expresses no enthusiasm, does't look around. In other words: acts like a machine. Does what he is told to do and that is it.Spooking, bucking, balky, running/racing, are more behaviours of an unhappy horse. Does not repsond to scratching or grooming or is irritated when groomed.

The happy horse is wonderful to have. The horse sees you and apporaches when you have a halter in your hand, ears are pricked, makes eye contact, head is in a neutral position, stands with friends, goes off by herself, is not upset when left alone, shows interest in the world around her when tied, standing or even working. The happy horse follows you around the arena on or off the lead (shows trust in the human), accepts praise, responds to scratching and grooming by tilting head, lifting upper lip, etc. The horse may show exuberance (bucking but not swinging hindfeet in your direction and not enough to unseat you). The horse will do what is leery of (because the horse trusts you) and settle when excited.

To make a happy horse involves more than feeding and giving treats. It is a matter of asking enough but not too much. When working with your horse being predictable, consistent in what you ask and when you work. Your horse is not turned out wet and sweaty to bear the elements. The human looks at the bigger picture and does not dwell on little things. Reward is frequent and consistent and for a reason (being cute is not a valid reason).

In work baby steps are asked for. Progress is gradual.

Good behaviour is expected and rewarded. Bad behaviour is a reason to look for the reason why. Steps are taken to rectify the behaviour(s)…gradually.

The happy horse lives with friends. She has enough food, water and salt and minerals. She lives where she is comfortable/happy.

Having a happy horse is more difficult than having a robot horse, but more gratifying in the end.

Monday 16 February 2015

Scale of Training of the Horse notes

BLUE GATE FARM

Collection

Degree of collection according to training level of horse

Neck and topline arches with the degree of collection

More manouverable, lighter feeling on the riens

Hindquarters lower (Carries weight on hindquarters)

Steps are shorter but higher because of impulsion, upward mobility

Impulsion

The desire to go forwards

Develops power and strength. Moves slowly with power

Movement appears effortless

Power of the horse.

Back muscles ripple, hindquarters lower

Riding overbent prevents the horse from having impulsion

Moves forward willingly In front of the leg

Straightness

Hindlegs follow the front legs

Equal on both sides Ears level Rider sits straight

Must be straight to collect. Evenly developed on both sides

Contact

Acceptance of the bit.

Slight chewing of the bit, with (some) foam

Horse should be able to stretch down, keeping nose in front of vertical on long rein.

Reins, legs, set are part of contact.

Supports the horse. Gives confidence

“On the bit”

Rhythm

Regular paces Horse must be loose to have rhythm.

Tempo is speed of the rhythm is

4 beat walk 2 beat trot 3 beat canter

Suppleness

Loose, relaxed and through Trusts rider

Horse works through his back (Durchlassigkeit)

Swinging tail indicates relaxed mentally and physically

Longitdudinal Lateral

Scale of Training of the Horse

Quality of work changes with the training of the horse.

Determined by the horse as every horse is different.

Signs a Horse is working correctly

Two top muscles on the neck are seen to flex.

Crest flops as turns, changes the rein.

Muscles join withers without a dip and are wider at withers than at the poll.

Muscle under the neck is small, and loose.

Poll is relaxed. Ears moving, not pricked or kept back.

Nose is in front of vertical (how much depends on the strength of the horse).

Quietly mouthing the bit, with some foam

Neck is long and low with an upward arch

Belly muscles toned and lifting the back up. Loins lifted.

Hindquarters are round. Big thighs.

Tail swinging gently.

Hind legs move forward, underneath the horse. Legs evenly muscled.

Works up hill

Unbalanced horse will thunder and kick up dust.

All horses should have these qualities.

A right handed rider will be stronger on the right side of their body. Their horse’s hindquarters will move away from their right leg.

Look to where you are going the same as the horse is looking: Do not turn your head.

Rider leaning to the inside will cause the horse to turn his head out on turns (bending lines)

Sacral lumbar joint is the point of croup

Saturday 14 February 2015

Rain Scald found!

I found some rain scald on Norman's back yesterday. I guess with all the rain we have been having. Lily was ok. I must check all the other horses. Thankfully, we have a beautiful sunny day today so the horses will be able to dry out. I have never come across rain scald here, but then we don't normally have so much rain. It has been terrible. The horses are not going into the trees for shelter (or the loafing shed..but then it does face east and they prefer south facing loafing sheds).

I rubbed Norman's lumps and they came off. He really enjoyed the rub (otherwise I would have left them alone). He was ok for his lesson (actually he was wonderful in his lesson). He taught his student to let go…release the reins after asking for a halt, down transition. He HATES having the rein pressure on for too long.

I decided that Norman deserved a new blanket. I hope he likes the colour. (black and burgundy from Champion blankets in Richmond, BC)

Conrad Schumacher Clinic for April 2015

"If I can make the rider better, I can make the horse better."
Conrad Schumacher

2015 Conrad Schumacher Clinic Series Dates

April 4th to April 9th. 2015
Cost of auditing is $35/day, including lunch, $60/2 days, and $70 for all 3 days

CONTACT DETAILS

Email: Merryl Vines

Phone: (206) 619-0145

This is in Seattle area. A nice farm with very nice people.

Thursday 12 February 2015

Riding in Alignment

Riding in alignment

It really shouldn't be that difficult but if your saddle doesn't put you in the correct position it is an uphill battle. If your body is crooked then you haven't a hope of sitting and riding straight. Not all crookedness problems are the horse's.

Look at your self in a mirror. With clothes on works. Check the waist, shoulders, hands where they end, knees, ears. If you have anything that is off the horizontal you are affecting the horse.

Bowen Therapy, Alexander Technique, Physiotherapist can all help with your imbalances and stiffness.

Pilates yoga is also good for strength building and suppleness. Just don't cheat..try too hard to get further because that is when you get out of alignment.

You really do have to ride with a straight line from ear, shoulders, hips, heels. It matters to the horse.

A riding instructor that focuses on the position of the rider will also improve the horse. Watch George Morris, or read his writings. He focuses on the rider. Conrad Schumacher, focuses on the rider. These two men are very well known for the success of their students. Do you think rider position is important?

It is the signals the rider gives that affect the horse. It isn't a chicken and egg question.

If you are straight, physically, on the ground. Then you can look at your saddle. People come in many different body styles. The saddle you use should be comfortable and put you in the correct position. It should also be comfortable for the horse.

Signs of saddle discomfort for the horse
head up, back dropped: all the time, in certain paces or activities, during transitions
head tossing, tail swishing, pinned ears, won't let you mount (it isn't a training issue it is the horse talking to you), sensitive back (grooming or saddling up), doesn't like the girth being done up, laying down when you mount

Signs of saddle discomfort for the rider
pushing back to the canter
leaning forward
unable to sit the trot or canter (also stiffness in rider's hips)
wiggling
panty line pain
bladder infections
sore back (rider's)
tire easily

Signs that the saddle doesn't fit the rider
feet in front of knees (chair seat)
feet swing back too far
feeling enclosed (too small, no room to move)
too much room

Classical riding focuss on the rider, with the welfare of the horse being important.

More reading
Jochen Schleese's website, "Suffering in Silence" (book)
Susanne von Dietz's books, articles, columns
Eckart Meyners' books
Dr. Gerd Heuschmann's books

Eckart Meyners new book arrived yesterday

I got time to read and look at the pictures of Eckart Meyner's latest translated book..Rider + Horse = 1. I had emailed Eckart Meyner's about a book I was looking for to see if it had been translated..no. I think this book will do and the other book Book and Mind definately..I hope will have the information I am looking for (riding exercises for students on the lunge).

The good news is that Eckart Meyners says that the student should ride with their leg relaxed, when riding without stirrups. That is the way I rode (without stirrups) and so much easier than holding the leg position. (He says that it tenses the rider therefore the leg should just hang…which makes sense when one stops and thinks about it).

I must figure out how to post photographs. No pictures is so….

thought for the day: training with fear

file://localhost/Users/barbarakinsey/Desktop/10959597_10153095639598921_3269149877666735101_n.jpg

Tuesday 3 February 2015

Dressage Symposium with Gerd Heuschmann and Ellen Bonje, 2015

Interesting to see two points of view in one lesson. The riders were great. At one point I thought they were riding with big errors so we could see the changes.
Gerd comes from a classical…the horse is every thing back ground and Ellen comes from let s compete.

I think that if your horse is correct in the basics then the things the horse will do well will be even better. I would rather have a horse that is correct in the basics. Competiton has never been my forte so not surprise there. I find it gets in the way of my schoolin programme. I don't need a compettion to motivate me to ride.

So many horses had tension issues. Some riders definately were worried about letting their horse go forward (in case the horse really got going?). Maybe the rider should step back onto a horse that doesn't scare her so she can learn and feel what a truly loose, free horse can do. It is wonderful and a great feeling.

Gerd solution to overbent and tense was to loosen the reins and let the horse go. (the doors were closed so where would the horses go? I think I have used that a few times!) One rider let her horse go. What a difference. So much easier than riding the horse and half an hour later getting the horse loose. ..but hten the time was up so.. whereas a little long trot and gallop got the horse free and loose in 5 minutes and then there was the rest of the time to school. Think about it.

Friday 23 January 2015

Vibrissae on Horses

vibrissae or Whiskers on a horse (and other mammels)

This week in the Equine Behaviour couse we are studying perception. So I looked up vibrissae or more commonly known: whiskers: the long hairs on a horse on the muzzle, above the eyes. They are feelers. Don't cut them off. Horses need them to be able to "see" what is at the end of their nose, and near their eyes.

I hope I don't see anyone cutting off their horse's whiskers any more, now.

Thursday 22 January 2015

risk taking

some more things form Horse and Hound

An industrial-sized hip flask can be the only explanation for the riders who sign up to an array of equestrian activities that ‘verging on bonkers’ would aptly describe. Watching from the sidelines may well provide a sufficient kick…

1. Dianas of the Chase, Ingarsby Old Hall, Leics

Until February 2013, side saddle steeplechases were dead — one hadn’t been run since 1927. But jewellery designer Philippa Holland and Captain Fred Hopkinson from the Household Cavalry decided that needed to change. Step forward the Dianas of the Chase race.
Get your fix: 29 November 2015 (TBC)

2. Dromin Athlacca Community Ride, Co. Limerick, Ireland

Don’t be fooled by the comforting word “community” in the name — checking the small print on your insurance policy might be the best use of your time. Despite efforts to make the race more rider-friendly — “we’re keen to get everyone safely across the country” one of the organisers tells us — there is no escaping the robust ditches, banks and walls on the 15-mile course covering famous Limerick country.
Get your fix: October 2015 (TBC)

3. Mongol Derby, Mongolia

Anything that claims to be the “longest and toughest horse race in the world” is unlikely to show your body a good time. “This is no guided tour, or pony trek,” declare the organisers. “There is no marked course, no packed lunches, no shower block, no stabling. That’s the whole point. It’s just you, your team of horses and a thousand kilometres of Mongolianwilderness. And possibly a GPS.”
Get your fix: 2-16 August 2015

4. Velka Pardubicka, Pardubice, Czech Republic

George Williamson was the last jockey to win both the Grand National and the Czech Republic’s answer to our iconic race, the Velka Pardubicka. And that was in1899 — which gives an indication of what we’re dealing with here. The gruelling four-and-a-quarter-mile race features the terrifying Taxis Ditch — a towering hedge with a ditch on landing, which allegedly dwarfs Becher’s Brook.
Get your fix: 11 October 2015

5. Skijoring, St Moritz, Switzerland

It would be hard to make up a stranger equestrian discipline than skijoring — horses towing “jockeys” behind them on skis for 2,700m across 60cm thick ice, with speeds reaching up to 50 kilometres per hour. The start of the race is where things can get particularly precarious — tangled reins and horses setting off in different directions is not unheard of. In 1965, not a single skier succeeded in crossing the finishing line. Efforts have since been made to make the sport safer — coloured skis are now compulsory so that horses can see them in the snow and competitors undergo stringent testing in the run-up to the event. Nonetheless, strength, athleticism, balance, toughness — and an element of luck — are crucial to succeed.
Get your fix: 8, 15 and 22 February 2015

6. The Golden Button Challenge, Longdon Marsh, Glos

If hurling yourself over 28 natural obstacles across three miles of Ledbury Hunt country, styled on an original steeplechase, is your idea of a good day out — you’re in luck. After taking a break from the calendar, the race is back in action. The Golden Buttons up for grabs include those for the first veteran, first non-thoroughbred and for the first military person.
Get your fix: 14 February 2015

Don’t miss the adrenaline special in this week’s Horse & Hound magazine (29 January 2015), where we find out how to manage your adrenaline and take a look at the facts and figures that show just how fast and furious horse sport is

from Horse and Hound: 44 Horsey things to do before you die

Most people have a ‘bucket list’ of things they would like to experience, so here is Horse & Hound’s list of 44 great horsey things we think all riders should try at some point. How many of these fun horsey ambitions can you claim to have done?

1. Watch the Grand National in person

How: If you’ve never ventured up to Aintree, this is a must. This season, the great race is on Saturday 11 April (2015), to find out more (tel: 0844 579 3001) or visit www.aintree.co.ukTickets start at £23.

2. Swim with your horse in the sea

How: The British Horse Society has produced a PDF guide, to suitable beaches around the country, or find out which beaches H&H readers’ recommend.

*H&H recommends wearing a riding hat when riding your horse on the beach or in the sea*

3. Fall off in a water jump

How: Tackle them often enough and it will happen in the end, we promise. Just try to ensure that a photographer is there to capture it to make it worthwhile.

4. Ride out for a racehorse trainer

How: Wangle an introduction and convince them that, perched atop half-a-ton of galloping horse, you’ll be able to restrain its power. Or, if you’re already confident, apply for a work rider vacancy in the equestrian jobs section of Horse & Hound and get paid for the pleasure. National hunt trainers do not require you to be a featherweight.

5. Ride side-saddle

How: Learning to ride side-saddle is a completely different riding experience. If you want to give it a go, the Side Saddle Association can help.

6. Go on a horseback safari

How: An African safari is the rider’s equivalent of swimming with dolphins. The Okavango Delta in Botswana is a wilderness paradise of lagoons, islands and forests with the best game viewing in Southern Africa. Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia and South Africa also offer great riding experiences.

Check out these websites for some more information:

Ride World Wide — tel: 01837 82544
In The Saddle — tel: 01299 272997
African Horseback — tel: 00 267 686 1523
Wild and Exotic — tel: 01439 748401
Zara’s Planet — tel: 08444 870 300

7. Go cross-country schooling with an elite event rider

How: Book in for a class! Numerous cross-country courses around the UK host clinics with top riders throughout the spring, summer and autumn. And with plenty of all-weather cross-country courses to choose from, including these two facilities, even the winter can’t stop you! Keep an eye on the What’s On column and regular adverts in Horse & Hound for dates and venues.

8. Fence judge for the day

How: If you phone up any event organiser chances are, they’ll take your hand off. Event organisers’ details and dates are available on the British Eventing website.

10. Have a go at the Golden Button Challenge

How: If you’re an equestrian adrenaline junkie then look no further than the three mile race over Ledbury hunt country held in February. Anyone can enter — there’s just 28 obstacles between you and the finish line. Visit the Golden Button website for more details.

11. “Join up” with your horse

How: Kelly Marks does some great demonstrations that aren’t that pricey. The courses are listed on Intelligent Horsemanship’s comprehensive website or call, 01488 71300, for details. Tickets for demonstrations start at just £25.

12. Have a driving lesson, without the car

How: The British Driving Society has a list of contacts for all qualified instructors in all areas of the UK, including those catering for the disabled. Prices vary according to area and instructor, but just visit the BDS website or call 01379 384612 for more details.

13. Ride flying changes

How: If you’re desperate to experience flying changes then book in for a lesson at one of these centres:

Talland Equestrian Centre, Gloucestershire, has advanced horses (up to grand prix standard). Schoolmaster lessons start from £60, depending on the instructor — call 01285 740155 to book in.
Contessa Riding Centre has six advanced horses for experienced riders only. A private lesson will cost around £68 — call 01920 821792 to book a lesson. Riders must be experienced, as advanced dressage is highly skilled. Before riding the schoolmasters, pupils will need to be assessed to ensure that they are capable.
Oldencraig Equestrian Centre has a selection of grand prix dressage schoolmasters on which the more experienced rider can have a private lesson on. Prices start from £85. Call 01342 833317 to book a lesson.

14. Try reining

How: Fancy embracing your inner cow boy/girl? Then why not give reining a go — a member of the H&H did! From spins to sliding stops reining could offer you a completely new equestrian experience. For more information visit the British Reining website.

15. Have riding boots made to measure

How: Although they don’t come cheap, nothing feels as good as slipping on a pair of made to measure riding boots.

Try one of these makers:

Horace Batten, Northants — tel: 01604 770287.
Davies Riding Boots, South Wales — tel: 01495 313045.

16. Go hunting in Ireland

How: There are plenty of ways to fulfil your dream of hunting in Ireland, like booking in for a holiday.

Louis Murphy, manager of the Dunraven Arms Hotel in Co Limerick, organiseshunting package holidays. There’s a choice of nine legendary Irish packs such as the Tipperary and the Galway Blazers to join for a day out. Visit the website or emailreservations@dunravenhotel.com for more details on packages available.
Flower Hill House in Co Galway organises accommodation, hunting and horse-hire with the East Galway and other packs. Cost: cap: around €100; horse-hire: around €130.Visit the website

17. Ride in a three-day event

How: It doesn’t have to be the Olympics! Longleat is hoping to host another of its unaffiliated three-day events in 2015. At its inaugural event in 2013 there were three classes — 80cm, 90cm and 100cm and it was held in the Autumn. Visit the website for more information or visit their Facebook page for updates.

To qualify for the lowest-level affiliated three-day event (BE100), horses and riders need to have qualified — you can find out more about qualification on the British Eventing website. Combinations can then compete at one of two competitions holding three-day BE100 events in 2015, Great Witchingham in July or Aldon in October.

18. Ride your horse from coast to coast

How: Highlands Unbridled’s coast-to-coast trail ride allows you to enjoy some of the unspoilt beaches round the North Highland coast as well as the spectacular moorland and lochside scenery in between. For a 7 day trip, with 6 nights accommodation, it’ll cost you around £1290. Go to the website for more details or call 01408 622789.

19. Go riding at sunrise in Hyde Park

How: The Household Cavalry has a small pool of civilian riders who help exercise their horses, but a serving soldier needs to nominate you to be added to the waiting list. Otherwise, contact Hyde Park Stables for a lesson — call 020 7723 2813. Prices start at £79 per hour and rides start at 7.30am. Autumn is the nicest time to book, when the leaves are turning.

20. Lead a winner into the paddock

How: If you can’t afford Tattersalls sales, you could join a syndicate. The British Horseracing Authority can give you a steer — visit their website or call 020 7152 0000 for more information.

The cheapest entry point is the Elite Racing Club, become a shareholder, go to the races and visit the yard all for £185 per year. Take a look at their website or call 01380 811699.

21. Learn to play polo

How: Book in for a lesson at one of these clubs by looking at their website, or calling:

Ascot Park Polo Club — tel: 01276 858545.
Tidworth Polo Club — tel: 01980 846705
Brett Polo Ltd — tel: 01344 885911.

22. Spend a day at the Calgary Stampede

How: “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth“, as it is modestly billed, brings out the cowboy in everyone. Top-level rodeo riding, barrel racing and more. It takes place in Calgary each July and tickets can be bought online or call, 001 800 661 1767, for more details.

23. See a horse sold for more than a million

How: For astronomical prices, head to Newmarket or Kentucky. In the US, the Keeneland July and September sales are the biggest and in England you could be lucky enough to witness such sales as the filly who sold for a record price of 4.5m guineas in 2014.

For more information, look here:

Tattersalls, Newmarket — or call 01638 665931.
Keeneland, Kentucky, USA — or call 001 859 254 3412.

24. Give vaulting a go

How: If you’ve got a pair of leggings and some pumps to wear, you can try your hand at vaulting. You don’t need your own horse and you can receive a two hour lesson for £15. For more information visit the British Equestrian Vaulting website.

25. Ride at Badminton

How: An advanced eventer with four-star potential is going to cost you an arm and a leg, and then you’ve got to be able to ride it. However, the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Grassroots Championships brings together winners from BE90 and BE100 regional qualifiers from around the country to contest for the Championship. Take a look through these regional finals for information on qualifying events.

Failing that, or if you fancy the thrill of the chase, take a day out with the Beaufort hunt. You never know where the trail might lead you…

26. Jump a 5ft fence

How: Take your pick and pump up some pluck: a Chase-me-Charlie pole, a hedge out hunting or an Irish wall, there are so many options.

27. Hear the Cheltenham Festival roar

How: When the first race of the Cheltenham Festival begins, the crowd’s roar is enough to make your blood sizzle. This year the festival starts with Champion Hurdle Day on 10 March 2015. Head to the website to order tickets or call 0844 579 3003 — prices start at £22.

28. Ride in a charity race

How: A number of charities hold special races on allocated days. The Amateur Jockeys Association holds these races annually at racecourses across the UK, including Cheltenham, Newbury and Newmarket. If you are interested in taking part in a charity race being organised by the AJA, please contact Sarah Oliver on 01886 884488 or e-mail sph.oliver@btinternet.com

29. Get your photo in Horse & Hound

How: Either beat one of our Olympians, or send a hilarious photo to the picture editor. Only seriously funny or really impressive photos will be considered.

30. Ride a heavy horse

How: Cumbrian Heavy Horses offer a range of daily rides and riding holidays on their magnificent Clydesdale, Shire and Ardennes heavy horses. Rides start at £65 for 90min, with a full-day ride including an exhilerating gallop along the beach costing £180. Go to the websitefor more details or call 01229 777764.

31. Watch the action on the frozen lake at St Moritz

How: With temperatures of -25°, 1,800m above sea level, this is the perfect setting for elite polo teams to fight out the World Cup on snow. The next World Cup will be on 29 January – 1 February 2015 and six British players will be making up some of the four teams. Visit the website or call 0041 43 343 98 54 for more information.

If you can’t make it to St Moritz, take a look at H&H’s guide to watching snow polo this winter.

32. Herd cattle across the plains of Montana

How: This one’s not cheap, but definitely an unmissable experience — browse these websites for some more information:

Ranch America — or call 020 3588 6032.
1880s Ranch — or email Sherri Jamison on sherrijamison@aol.com to find out more.
Equitours — or call 001 800545 0019.
Ride World Wide — or call 01837 82544.
In The Saddle — or call 01299 272997.
Zara’s Planet — or call 08444 870 300.

33. Ride a bucking bronco

How: Either head to the Wild West for the real thing, or hire one for a party from one of these websites:

Bucking Bronco — or call 01371 811381.
Wacky Rodeo Bulls — or call 01908 766 370.
Rodeo Bulls — or call 01283 792 974

34. See a foal being born

How: Offer to do the last week of nightly vigil for a friend’s in-foal mare. Or, if you’re extremely lucky on a National Stud tour, you might see a live birth during the foaling season, but you will probably have to satisfy your curiosity with a video.

National Stud — or call 0844 748 9200.
Irish National Stud — or call 00 353 4552 1617.

35. Watch the Spanish Riding School

How: Under glittering chandeliers, the famous white Lippizzaner stallions perform the purest form of dressage in Vienna. As well as the evening performances, don’t miss their morning training sessions. Take a look at the Spanish Riding School website or call 00 431 533 9031.

36. Go to a team chase

Team Chasing - Class 4"KBIS"Intermediate Team Chase 13 11 2011

How: The season typically runs from the end of September to the beginning of November, then from the end of February to the beginning of April, so don’t forget your waterproofs and wellies. Fancy having a go at team chasing? Have a read of H&H’s guide on how to get started. For more information visit www.teamchasing.co.uk.

37. Jump bareback

How: If you want to have a go, the answer is to start small, build up and practise, practise, practise. Just remember, canter is more comfortable than trot! If you feel insecure riding with no saddle, start on the lunge so you can concentrate on your position rather than what the horse is doing. Take a look at Laura Collett giving it a go.

38. Follow on foot

Chilmark&Clifton Beagles for H&H - 25/2/2012

How: Don’t just follow hunts in the car, go out with your local beagle or basset pack and enjoy a cracking day’s sport — and often a delicious tea. Make sure you ring the hunt secretary to ask permission to come out, discover what time hounds are meeting and how much the cap is. For more information: Association of Masters of Harriers and Beagles, visitwww.amhb.org.uk, Masters of Basset Hounds Association, tel: 01432 860546, Masters of Minkhounds Association, tel: 01635 44754.

39. Jump a single barrel

How: Set yourself a test of accuracy with your trainer and see whether you can keep your horse straight enough to jump a single upturned barrel.

40. Learn to ride short

How: Jack up your stirrups a few holes while riding at home and see
how you find it. It is good for balance and core strength and may even improve muscle tone if you practise often enough.

41. Ride an Icelandic in tölt

How: The small and compact Icelandic horses are famous for their fifth gait, the tölt. Book yourself up on a trip to Iceland to put it to the test — and if you time it right you could see the Northern Lights. Travel companies including www.inthesaddle.com,www.unicorntrails.com and www.zarasplanet.co.uk run trips.

42. Have a go at horseball

How: Do you back yourself to be able to cling on for a fast-paced game of horseball? A number of riding schools offer lessons and clinics, and the British Horseball Assocation has a list of registered trainers who are available to come out to groups of riders who want to learn the sport. A member of the H&H team even gave horseball a go recently – you can watch the video here. Visit www.britishhorseball.co.uk to find out where you can play and how to get started.

43. Go riding across Mongolia

How: There aren’t many other places in the world where you can ride for days without seeing a road or fence. Head to Mongolia to experience wilderness at its best. A number of travel companies run trips including www.inthesaddle.com, www.unicorntrails.com,www.zarasplanet.co.uk and www.farandride.com

44. Watch world record holders in action

How: Keep an eye on where dressage supremos Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro are due to compete, then do everything you can to go and watch them. A chance for you to witness dressage at its current world best, and they’re British!

How many of the challenges on our list have you done and what would you add to it? Let us know via facebook comments below…