I have just read a lovely book about using horses for rehabilitation during or after a serious illness or depressing situation. The author Michael Hay writes about this natural but different approach in a way that provokes much thought into the way we use our horses and making sure our perspectives are in the right mind.His approach looks at the healing ways of horses, the way they naturally reduce stress and compares the basic needs of the horse to our basic needs. Michael has kindly allowed me to give you a free copy of his book ‘Healers with Four Legs and a Tail’ which can be downloaded here Enjoy the read, Glenys :) … [Read more...]
Healers with Four Legs and a Tail
Where is the best place to be positioned when teaching horse riding?
As you start to become more aware of teaching styles of horse riding instructors, you will probably be looking at the positioning of the horse riding instructor. Some are teaching standing up, sitting down, on a horse, inside the circle, outside the circle, in the arena, outside the arena and many other positions. Many of my trainee equestrian coaches ask the question “Where is the best place to be positioned when teaching horse riding” Before this question is answered, I like to explore the benefits and drawbacks of some different teaching positions with them. Teaching horse riding on a circle Standing in the center of a circle when someone is teaching is great for explaining details, giving immediate feedback and for giving confidence to the nervous rider. However as soon as you … [Read more...]
The First Rule For Any Horse Business, Including Non-Profits
The First Rule For Any Horse Business, Including Non-Profits People who start non-profit charities or causes within the horse industry often have hearts of gold. They are supporting a cause that they are passionate about for animals that have touched their heart. However, if you are thinking about starting a non-profit to support a great cause within the horse industry, remember Non-profits in the horse industry need to run at a profit as well! Without the ability to run at a profit, your cause will not be able to increase awareness and build in size and influence. As with any equine business venture, do your homework first and make sure you can run at a profit! To Your Success, Glenys :) … [Read more...]
Horses And Their Imagination
What was that? Aasifa pricked up her pretty little Arab shaped ears. Talisman pricked up his long thoroughbred ears and snorted. Zamizin pricked his ears, snorted and held his tail up. It was important that he held his tail up high so everyone could see that it has been broken in a floating accident. He had survived so he really must be the bravest horse in the herd. Trendy trotted up to the front of the group, not because he thought that he was the bravest but because he wanted to make sure that if it was terribly scary then he wanted to be the fastest to get away. Just in case whatever it was had a particular hunger for fat leopard appaloosas. “It must be a bunyip” said Aasifa who had told everyone about the mythical Australian creatures where she used to live. “There are … [Read more...]
When You Choose, Always Think Of The Long Term Outcome
As a business consultant to the equine industry, people ask me “What if I train my staff to gain a qualification and they leave?” My answer is “What happens if you don’t train them and they stay?” When you make choices, continually think of the long-term outcome. You owe it to your clients to deliver to them the best possible outcome for them and their horse and part of that is to continually train and monitor your staff to serve your customers needs at a higher level. Not only will you gain a great reputation from your customers for delivering the best possible outcome, but you will also gain a reputation within the industry for meeting the needs of your staff. This second reputation will mean that you can attract potential employees who are looking for a career within the … [Read more...]
Looks Like The Joke Is On Us!
When you mix with people who are from outside the horse industry, do you feel like they are talking another language? You know that you are highly motivated and serious about horses, but now you can have a bit of a laugh about yourself and pick up on the views of ‘outsiders’. If you are looking for a top quality horse read, check out this hilarious new book from Funny Horse Cartoons and download your free copy now! Funny Horse Cartoons Download Your FREE Copy Now! Pick Up Your FREE Copy Of Funny Horse Cartoons Exposes the Truth! Name*: Email*: Country*:AfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAndorraAngolaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamas, … [Read more...]
Strategies for Settling Competition Nerves
In a highly competitive environment, it is easy to become very critical of others “How could THAT horse win, didn’t the judges see that all the changes to the left were late behind” “She couldn’t sit to the trot to save herself” “Who owns that umbrella? It is scaring my horse!” Instead, we would remain in a far happier state of mind if we were more appreciative of other horse/ rider combinations “I liked the way he rode when he corrected that resistance/ evasion” “Every time I have seen that combination they have continued to improve” “Wow it is raining, what a great opportunity to expose my horse to wet conditions” If you tend to get tense and nervous at competitions, try using these strategies Remember that people have different reasons for riding at the … [Read more...]
Three Rewards for Your Horse
Have you ever noticed how when people ride their horses and reward them all the time, the horses go well for them? There are other riders who are always angry at their horses and give them a hard time. Keep a diary of everything that went well on your ride today, just the best three things and what you did to reward your horse. It could have been a softening of the reins allowing them to have a stretch and a break, a walk break or to finish the work session. When you focus on what went well and the rewards you give your horse on a regular basis, you look forward to your riding and training so much more. … [Read more...]
Your Equine Priorities
If one of your high priorities is to ride your horse, gain an equine qualification or make more profit in your horse business and you haven’t done anything about it in the last twenty-four hours then you may need to re-organize your actions! Research has consistently shown that ‘Overnight Successes’ have been taking continuous action steps towards their goal (of becoming a success) over the preceding months or years. So if you have a horse business that should be more profitable, have been thinking of studying towards your horse career or need to ride your horse more regularly, then make sure you take a step towards that goal every single day! Remember to live your dreams, Glenys :) … [Read more...]
Equine Meditation
Do you enjoy early morning rides with your friends? Then on the day you wake up and realize that your alarm clock didn’t go off and you are now running quite late for your ride? Did you go into a panic, trying to get everything done as fast as you can? Throwing things around, speaking fast or yelling only to forget where you put your boots or keys and then arrive late and blame it on your alarm clock? How does your horse react when you are like this? Do they get upset refusing to co-operate and generally behaving out of character? Or do you focus on working efficiently? Do you ask yourself what absolutely has to be done to be ready on time? Do you plan each move ahead so you know where everything is minutes before you need them? Do you focus on your breathing so your … [Read more...]
How Addictions To Horses Are Created
Horse Addiction I finally worked out why I was addicted to horses! According to Tony Robbins, humans have six basic needs and if they find an activity that satisfies at least four of those needs there is a very strong chance they will become addicted to that activity and find it difficult or impossible to stop. Certainty Uncertainty Significance Connection Growth Contribution I know with me, horses satisfy every one of those needs! No wonder so many other people are also addicted to them! If I have never met a horse before, I can be certain they have characteristics and behaviors that are unique to the horse. At the same time, every horse and every situation is different. Even on a well-trained horse there is always a degree of uncertainty in the way they are going … [Read more...]
Understanding Horses
Have you ever had your foot stood on by a horse? Horses’ brains have been wired to remember the negative/ survival memories. These survival memories have evolved the need to remember danger, potential danger and to act as a herd when another horse is acting suspiciously. They don’t always have the same thought patterns as humans, so if we plan to ride them, train them, teach them and teach with them it is in our best interests to understand them as much as possible. The next time a horse shies, bucks, kicks out or even if one stands on your foot, then try to understand from their point of view what made them do it. Real horse people don’t blame horses; they only continue to deepen their understanding about them. … [Read more...]
Teaching Trot Diagonals
When your student doesn’t understand something (such as trot diagonals), most coaches automatically go back and re-explain in more simplified terms.Part of re-explaining in simplified terms is to break down a complicated skill into steps. As students develop a greater understanding of riding at each level, they are more likely to progress on to the next level without the constant need for revision and to go back and ‘fill in the gaps’. The explanation ‘Just sit each time the shoulder moves back/forward/up/down does not give a student sufficient understanding of trot diagonals. Unless an instructor has a system of how to teach trot diagonals, it can be confusing for their students and anyone watching the lesson. While I may not teach every step every time, these are the steps I … [Read more...]
Equine Goal Setting
When Goals Change At the beginning of each year, we often set goals for the coming year. The number of times each week we are going to ride, how we are going to save up for a new saddle or focus on our competition schedule for the year. We often talk about SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-lined), and also about the steps towards achieving your goals (define what you want, know what you have, plan how you are going to get there and take action at least every day towards achieving your goals). Then it rains, going out with friends becomes a higher priority than the new saddle and the nominations closebefore you put in your entries. Goals were never meant to be set in stone! They should be flexible, reflect your values, your dreams and your … [Read more...]
Centrelink Horse Course
Centrelink Assistance for EA Trainees Many EA (Equestrian Australia) Trainees are not aware that they are able to access Centrelink Assistance while they are training for horse qualifications or in the equine industry. While Equestrian Australia is not able to provide this assistance to trainees directly, EA Coach Educator Glenys Cox offers aligned Centrelink approved courses so you can receive a horse related educational qualification at the same time as your EA qualifications. With prices around $5.a day, these courses are ideal for those on a budget. The courses are all delivered online, so your study time is flexible and can be completed around your other commitments. For more information, please phone Glenys Cox on (07) 3102 5498 or email Glenys @ OnlineHorseCollege.com... … [Read more...]
Horses, Ponies and Pecking Orders
I was at a friends place and they were having problems keeping their pony confined. As we were talking the pony trotted up the full of high expectations, just like it was his birthday and he was about to receive his presents. With a big smile on his face he turned away from us, trotted up to the fence and in mid-trot he put his head down to the place he escaped from the day before to push his way through. WHACK!!! He connected with the new electric fence! He dropped to hs knees, snorted, picked himself up and spun away, indignantly kicking out towards the fence. Then he looked at the spot he came from for a long minute as though he was searching for a trick that just wouldn't reveal itself! Finally he tossed his head as if to say “I will show you” and trotted off down … [Read more...]
Hendra Virus Vaccine
Attention: Horse Owners! Hendra Virus Vaccination Now Available! Australian horse owners received the news on 1st November 2012 that the vaccination Equivac® HeV vaccine was now available. The deadly Hendra virus has claimed the lives of 81 horses. While there is no known cure for Hendra virus, the Equivac® HeV vaccine will assist in breaking the transmission cycle of this potentially lethal virus. Media release Vaccine arrives to boost the fight against deadly Hendra virus Thursday, 01 November 2012 Download this media release as a PDF Brisbane, Australia – 01 November 2012: From today, Australian horse owners and the equine industry will receive an important boost in their fight against the deadly Hendra virus with the … [Read more...]