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Escarpment Magazine Fall 2012
escarpment
EQUINE
In the horse world,
fall fairs and championship finals signal the end of the season. With
winter looming we all need some goals to get us off the couch and out to the arena on those cold nights! Al-
though there’s no shortage of year round American equine events to choose from, here in Canada, during the
winter months the show season comes to a halt for most people. A benefit is the opportunity it gives us to assess
our goals and make whatever changes are necessary. Step back and ask yourself what it is that you enjoyed
most and least about the past riding season. What are your future goals? How can you best meet those goals,
taking into consideration budget and time commitments? For some riders this will mean starting with a new
horse. For the rest, it’s a good time to change the program or direction with the horse they have. This can include
a number of things. Here are some ideas to inspire you over the winter…
Let’s get physical...
Sometimes a horse just hasn’t “been right” over the season. On again,
off again soundness issues need to be addressed once and for all. Experimenting with shoeing or other medical
procedures may not be practical or affordable while competing because they might involve a lay-off. Some
matters, once treatment begins, get worse before they get better. A thorough veterinary diagnostic “work up”,
dietary supplements, alternative therapies, or even surgery, may be beneficial at this time.
Back to school...
The off season is a good time to address a training issue that has been put on
the back burner. Is there a show ring habit that started to form, or a skill that began to lose precision? The first
step is to get to the root of the behaviour. My job description involves being a horse detective – looking for clues
as to why a horse is showing resistance, tension, or lacking the sparkle they once had.
An honest assessment may reveal that trying to find the solution using the same schooling methods or trying an-
other training aid from the tack store isn’t solving the problem. It’s time to address these things from a new angle,
experiment with different techniques or rebuild the foundation altogether. Again, things often get worse before
they get better - it may not be practical to “open up a can of worms” in the middle of show season. Riders not
wanting to part with their horses during the summer months, might use the off season as a time to send them for
professional training. A reputable trainer can find the weak spot, then systematically reschool the “phonics” to
eliminate areas of confusion. Maybe your horse needs a new job. Many professionals spend the winter intro-
ducing a new skill such as flying changes, work over fences, or reining manoeuvres – spins, stops etc.. Some
try a new discipline altogether – eventing, western events or dressage. Are there ground issues such as clipping,
tying up, trailer loading, standing at the mounting block or riding in a crowded environment, which, if addressed,
would make next season more enjoyable?
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After the Season
making the most of your winter riding
By L INDSAY GRICE