For those Seasoned Riders out there who are interested in the sport of Cutting or who are already participating in the sport the National Cutting Horse Association is pleased to announce the NCHA Senior Tour for 2015. Riders 60 and over are eligible to compete in those classes. All NCHA approved weekend shows ( grass roots shows excluded) will e eligible to include Senior classes in all 10 regular classes. 

The NCHA is looking forward to the Senior Tour. They want to make it a fun and exciting way to recognize and award their senior competitors. They also hope that the Senior Tour will increase participation and entries in the classes. 

For more information on this great event go to their website http://www.nchacutting.com/. Let's show them what Seasoned Riders can do. 

New Member Of The LAPD

Valor is the new – and extremely cute – face of policing in Los Angeles County.

The Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station, part of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, has announced that the miniature therapy horse, along with trainer and handler Victoria Nodiff-Netanel, are in the process of becoming the station’s newest volunteers.

Valor and Nodiff-Netanel are part of a nonprofit organization called Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses.

The group is dedicated to visiting and assisting a range of people, from children suffering from extended illnesses to survivors of natural disasters and terrorism.

The organization works with 35,000 adults and children each year inside hospitals, hospice programs, law enforcement community outreach programs, Ronald McDonald Houses, and with families who have experienced traumatic events.

Valor lives in Malibu, California, with four other therapy horses that, together, make up Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses West.

Valor is specially trained as a law enforcement therapy horse and was named in honor of fallen Police Officer Kenneth Tietjen, who died during the September 11 terrorist attacks.

As part of their duties, Valor and Nodiff-Netanel will comfort those in need during traumatic events.

Valor will also be an integral part of a local reading program and the station’s community outreach events.

Valor will serve as a “face” of law enforcement and will do so while upholding the sheriff’s department’s motto of “A Tradition of Service”.

Partnering with Valor and the Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horse Organization gives the department the opportunity to reach children at a young age.

Valor will be part of a commitment by the department to continue to work together and build a productive and healthy relationship with its community.

You Have It's For Life

 “ If you have it, it is for life. It is a disease for which there is no cure. You will go on riding even after they have to haul you onto a comfortable wise old cob, with feet like inverted  buckets and back like a fireside chair,” - Monica Dickens author, great-granddaughter of Charles Dickens and horsewoman.

That’s one of my favorite horse quotes, among others  from Monica Dickens. I’m sorry to say I didn’t really care for her great grandfather’s work,  but I have always enjoyed hers. She is often still quoted by her fellow horse enthusiasts today,  nearly 20 years after her death. I honestly think I like that quote more now than I did when I was younger and read it for the first time, for obvious reasons.

Every time I read that quote it makes me think about a number of years ago when my sister was in her mid  30’s and was speaking with someone about the fact that she owned and rode horses. The woman commented to my sister “Oh, well you’ll give that up when you’re forty.” When my sister asked her “Why is that?” she replied “You’ll be too old to ride at forty”. My sister, being a horsewoman,  quickly informed she didn’t see that happening. On my sister’s 40th birthday she mounted her 5 year old year Arabian mare for the first time, so she celebrated turning 40 by being the first person to get on the mare and taking the maiden ride. My sister is now past 50 (not saying that’s old) and still riding and isn’t planning to hang up her riding boots any time soon.

What is it about non-horse people that they think there is age cut off for riding? Okay,
jockeys retire from racing, but the sport of horse racing is different. With age comes wisdom which makes us wiser and better riders than when we were younger. I know that today  I’m far more knowledgeable than I was at 18 and, in some respects, a better rider as well. I think at a certain age we begin to seek out  more knowledge and want to improve our riding skills and be better horse owners in general. I believe that experience makes a better rider.  A friend, and fellow horsewoman, once said to me “ age is just a number I don’t think about it,” she was 72 years old at the time.  Today, at the age of 75, she is still riding and competing with her beloved mare. She also told me she thought the horses kept her and her husband young. I agree with that statement wholeheartedly.

Over 50% of horse owners today are past 45 years of age and we are still going strong. We   compete and ride in Endurance Rides, Reining, Hunter/Jumper, Dressage, Drill Teams,   Combined Driving, 3-Day Eventing, Ranch Horse Competition and, of course, Trail Riding.
We aren’t planning to retire or give up our horses - which are our passion in life. So when someone says to you will give up horseback riding when you’re past 40 or, worse yet, that you should give it because you are too old read Monica Dickens quote to them - then gallop
off on your horse.

Proper Horsemanship At Any Age

By Cheryl Childs 

When I learned to ride  30 years ago I was taught how to sit correctly on the horse when riding so that I was seated correctly  and so that I was balanced in the saddle. This may be “Old School”, but it’s still valid today and more riders need to learn this method. It's also valid no matter if 7 years old or 70 years old. 
  Riders need to sit up straight and tall in the saddle. Sit centrally in your saddle looking ahead into the direction you are moving. Heels pushed downward with the ball of your foot in the stirrup/iron. Your toes should be pointing forward and higher than your heel with the inner leg wrapped around the horse.
   Your hands should be held level above the wither of the horse while your wrists should be straight with the thumb uppermost. The upper arm relaxed with the elbows held into the side. 
   There should be an imaginary line that runs from the rider’s ear, through the shoulder, through the hip, and through to the heel.  A second imaginary line runs from the bit in the horses mouth, through the rein, through the wrist, through the upper arm, and through to the elbow.
  Here is breakdown of the rider’s postion:
   • Eyes - need to be looking ahead into the direction that you are moving.
 • Head - needs to be mobile and able to turn into the direction you are moving.
  • Shoulders  - care must be taken not to round the shoulders, but to keep them relaxed and mobile. This way, when the shoulders are closed, for example, when riding a half halt, the instruction will be understood by the horse.
  • Elbows - should be relaxed to allow the horses movement to flow through. The elbow should also hang loosely at the side of the rider’s upper body.
   • Wrists - need to be straight and not curved inwards or outwards, with the thumb uppermost and on top of the rein.
   • Fingers - need to be closed around the rein in order for a contact to be held, but mobile enough to allow the rider to squeeze and play with the rein to aid in turning and softening of the rein.
   • Back - needs to be held tall, straight and relaxed to allow all of the horse’s movement to flow through the rider without jarring.
   • Hips - need to be mobile and non restrictive to allow the horses movement to freely flow through the rider’s body.
   • Seat Bones - the rider’s weight is channeled equally through both of the seat bones. When riding lateral exercises slightly more weight can be placed into the inside seat bone.
   • Waist - needs to be able to turn through, in order to follow the horse’s movement, care must be taken not to tip in and collapse through the waist when riding a turn or lateral work.
   • Thighs - the inner thighs need to be held in close contact with the horse, as this gives a secure upper leg.
   • Knees - need to be flexible and have the inner aspect in close contact with the horse.
   • Calfs - need to have the inner aspect wrapped around the horse, and it is from the calf downwards that the lower leg nudges the horse forwards.
  • Ankles - should be mobile and facing forwards.
  • Heels - the rider’s weight needs to be pushed downwards into the heels, this helps the lower leg to wrap around the horse.
   • Toes - should be pointing up and positioned to face forwards.
    • Ball Of The Foot - the ball of each foot should be positioned onto the stirrup iron, to help to keep the foot in the correct position.
     I see so many riders today,  riders of all ages and levels, who don’t follow this method. It’s important to have a balanced proper seat for your safety in the saddle. Many people today have their stirrups/irons too short or too long - not at the proper length - and their foot positioned too far into the stirrups/irons. I see riders who aren’t sitting centrally in the saddle but are off to the left or the right. It’s important for your safety that you keep the balls of your feet in the stirrups, your heels down and sit in the center of the saddle so if the horse does spook or stumble you won’t be unseated as easily.

 It may be “ old school”, but it’s the proper and safe way to ride.

About the Author- Cheryl  Childs is certified in equine safety, equine psychology and equine behavior. She began her career as a riding instructor in 1989.   In 1994 she began show coaching - specializing in Adult Amateur riders. In 2007 Cheryl developed the concept of the Woman and Horses Mind, Spirit & Body clinics. These clinics were confidence building clinics for woman who needed to get their confidence back after a bad experience with their horse that was keeping them from enjoying their horse.  She is a qualified instructor in both Western and English disciplines as well as in Show Coaching. She is a member of Equine Assisted Learning Association, Western Dressage Association of America, North American Western Dressage and American Riding Instructors Association. 

Cheryl teaches balanced horsemanship or what she likes to call "back to basics horsemanship" where the rider learns to how to be balanced in the saddle and how to use their legs and seat to make them a better rider. Cheryl's favorite phases are "heel downs" and "use your legs" when she is instructing.  Cheryl has a special gift for being able to watch a horse and rider then explain to the rider what they need to do to improve their riding skills or solve a problem.  www.cherylchildshorseanship.com

by Cheryl Childs
 
 There seems to be  lot of discussion today about youth riders and how the  horse industry on the whole seems to be loosing youth riders. It seems everyone is worry that there is no future generation of Seasoned Riders.Many speak about the decline and fall of horse shows, because there is no next generation of riders out there. Others speak about how young people don’t have any interest in horses.Some say all young people are interested in is their I-Phones and I-Pads. Perhaps we have seen a slight downturn in young people who are interested in horses, but believe me there are still plenty of young people out there who couldn’t be more enthusiastic about horses, riding and showing.
 There are still kids out there who are growing up around horses. Whether it’s Mom and Dad who have those horses or Grandma and Grandpa the horse gene is still being passed on. There are also kids out there whose folks have no interest in horses, but they have convinced Mom and Dad that spending every weekend showing and trail riding is a good idea. No, I don’t believe that the young people today have no interest in horses.
  Standing in center ring at several horse shows a year I  see those  kids with their horses. Perhaps there aren’t as many as when all of us were younger, but they are out there riding their horses - with those silly grins on their face all that horse enthusiasts get.
   The ten and under lead line class are usually well attended. They come in grinning ear to ear patting that pony’s or horse’s neck as the are lead around by an adult (or sometimes an older sibling). They are more than happy to talk to you about their horse/pony and tell you all about them. Those smiling little faces peaking out  from underneath a riding helmet at you  are the future of the horse industry and they are out there.
   For all of you who say “ teenagers have no interest in horses anymore,” I say you are wrong. I know several teenagers who arrive early on a Saturday morning with their parents and horse in tow ready to spend the day doing what they love - riding their horse. I see them hugging their horses as they wait to come into a class. I hear the conversations they have about their horses and how proud they are of their horses. I see their face light up and watch them throw their arms around their horse when you hand them that Blue Ribbon.  I see them work harder at each show and see how pleased they are when they do better. I see them laughing as they put costumes on their horses and themselves for the costume class. Guess what -I don’t see them looking at their I-Phones too often unless it’s to show someone photos of their horses. Oh, they do get their phones out to take photos or check the time.
  I have seen kids of all ages in the show ring showing their horses in performance classes and in-hand classes. I have seen them driving horses as well. I have seen two and three generations showing together.
 I see photographs posted on social media of Grandmas and their Grandkids out riding on the trail. I have seen photos of three generations of horsemen/women trail riding and camping together and loving it. If you talk to a 50 plus rider there is a good chance they will tell you their Grandkids love being around horses and riding with them.
  I myself have a 9 year old great niece who comes to visit two or three times a year and the first place she wants to go is the barn. When her Grandma  tells her “You have to take those dirty clothes off before we go to out”  Beth looks at her says “ No I  don’t - I’m a horsewoman,” and she means it. She will groom the horse and help tack them up. She wants to ride all the horses and would rather ride than go to an amusement park. She has that silly grin when she is riding. She wants to learn to everything she can about riding and horses. She talks about when she will be able to have her own horse.
  So in conclusion I have no doubt that the torch will be carried on for generations to come. I think there is a future generation of Seasoned Riders.

Old West Horse and Rider Challenge

  In the Spring of 2015 a new and exciting event is coming  - the Old West Horse and Rider Challenge.
  The Old West Horse & Rider Challenge is a four phase competition where teams consisting of three horses and riders compete in an Old West competition.
  According to the producers of the the events they want those participating, as well as those attending the event,  to feel as though they are spending time in the Old West or  their favorite TV Western.
 While the actual horse competition is similar to other events what sets it apart is it’s held in an arena with a Old West motif.  Those competing are encouraged to wear costumes while competing. Along with the competition there will be vendors as well. Those producing the event compare it to the popular Renaissance Festivals except it will be set in the Old West. They want people to feel as though they have spent the day in 1800’s. They are certain this will appeal to the Baby Boomer generation that grew up watching shows like Bonanza, The Virginian and High Chaparral whether are entering the competition or just want to spend a the day experiencing the Old West.
  For those who bring their horses it is a great way  to step back into the Old West for a day of competition, fun and camaraderie with their horses.
  Look for updates about the event here and be sure to visit their website.http://oldwesthorseandrid.wix.com/oldwesthorseandrid and like them on Facebook (Old West Horse & Rider Challenge).

A Seasoned Rider Dream Comes True

by Cheryl Childs   

  

For Terri Crawford Arabian horses have always been a part of her life. She has owned them ridden them and shown them for many years. Terri has an  affinity for the Arabian horse, but one day, while attending an Arabian show, she found out she had that same affinity for Half-Arabians when she saw a lovely Palomino Half Arabian mare being led down the barn aisle. It was in that instant that she fell in love with that mare. Terri had been looking for another horse for  the show ring and the Palomino mare was just what she was  looking for. 

   Hollywood Fyness SF, Cover Girl as she is known around the barn, was bred by Singing Hearts Farm out of Rogersville, MO. It was their trainer, Troy Murrell, who was leading Cover Girl down the barn aisle when Terri spotted  the mare. Terri joked, “I said  look what Troy has!” She knew right then and there Cover Girl was the horse she had been looking for. With the help of  both Troy and Sharon Davis (owner of Singing Hearts Farm) Terri was able to purchase Cover Girl. “Troy told me they could make it happen and they did” says Terri.

   The lovely Palomino mare had been started under saddle when Terri purchased her and she was ready to start her career in the show ring. Cover Girl has the bloodlines of Champions on both her Sire (AQHA) and Dam(Arabian) side, so it only seemed logical she was destined for greatness in the arena. 

  Being a Palomino Cover Girl attracts attention, but she is more than a pretty color  she has the disposition and talent needed to be successful in the show ring today. 

   Terri has had a dream for many years that a horse of hers would qualify for the Arabian Nationals and take a Top Ten. Cover Girl has made that dream a reality. Cover Girl qualified for the Arabian Nationals and took four top tens this year. Terri will tell you it takes a  team effort to get a horse to that level and she appreciates everyone who helped get her mare to Nationals. “Troy and everyone did such a great job” she explains. 

   Her dream now is to come home with a National Champion. Maybe Cover Girl will be that horse.