Monday, May 24, 2010

Arena sizes and barrel racing?

okay, i've never gotten the idea of like say 1D arenas and 4D arenas. what are the sizes? what is the biggest and what is the smallest arena? what are the sizes in between them?
Answers:
There isn't a difference between 1D and 4D arenas. That actually doesn't even make sense. 1D and 4D have the do with the race itself. It's the division any specific time would fall into- 1D starts with the fastest time. (Say a 17.15 wins the race) To get the 4D you add 2 seconds to that fast time (19.15) If a time falls after this then your in the 4D. There is also a 2D (1/2 second added to winning time- 17.65) and a 3D (1 second added to winning time- 18.15). The rules change if you are running is a 5D race... but i won't get into that to keep from confusing you.
Now onto arenas. An arena can be ANY!!!!! size... But for any arena bigger than 130 ft. wide by 200 ft. long (approx. standard) the "WPRA Standard pattern" is:
60 feet from the score line (starting line) to the 1st and 2nd barrels
90 feet between the first and second barrels
105 feet from the 1st or 2nd barrels to the 3rd barrel (at the apex of the triangle).
In a smaller arena you can shorten each distance between barrels by five or ten foot increments.
A low 17. run is a good time for this pattern. World record time for a standard pattern was run by Tanya Steinhoff on Hot Shot in Guthrie OK. @ the Lazy E Arena in October 2002. She ran a blazing 16.644 (I know I was there!!)
maybe 150 by 200..thats how big the arena is where i go to barrel race.

Arena shape?

Alright, so ive got 20 arena panels, not including the fence. What is the easiest shape to with in? Like a squarish shape with rounded corners? A circle? an oval?
Answers:
the squarish shape with rounded corners gives you the most options. You need a longish stretch where the horse is going straight to work on gaits, sidepass, what have you.
try and oval but with stright aways to give you more room to lope
either way is ok, but remember you need room for any extensive training you might want to do, I believe if it was me, a circle would be more appropriate,but it really is up to you,and how much training you are planning have you had an arena before or seen one, take a look at some before making a decision, the size varies, and the room also. good luck!
I use a oval. I like that shape the best.
I prefer the square with rounded corners.
how long are the pannels?
What about a shape like this? It's like the ring I grew up riding on...
_____
/.....%26#92;
|.....|
|.....|
|.....|
%26#92; ______/
(ignore the dots, I had to use them as spaces!)
:)

Are you riding with Barbaro?

I am, are you?
Purchase a "Riding With Barbaro" wristband to help support money and find a cure for laminitis,
'Finally, a chance to give something back...'
http://www.ridingwithbarbaro.c...
-purchase a Barbaro bracelete for only $2.00 with shipping and handleing.

~~Thank You~~
-mel (yes it's me (melissa) my avatar is screwed up so if it's different then it normally is then its Y!A.)
Answers:
Thanks! Im going to buy one, I never even knew those existed! Keep spreading the word :]
I think it's a worthy cause and what people should remember next time they take a cheap shot at racing, is that it was a racehorse that raised the public's awareness of a disease that affects all horses and their owners and it is due to a racehorse that so much money is being raised for research.
Also I'm very aware that research has ben ongoing for years but only since Barbaro has the general public become more aware and actually dug in their pockets to aid funding.
that's sooooooooooooooo cool! i love horses and i loved barbaro. i cant believe they had to put him down. but can u please put the website again?? it didn't come out so you could click on it. i will definitely check it out
laminitis research has been ongoing for many years.
Yes, they have been out for quite a while now. I am considering getting a shipment and selling them, then donating the money to the Barbaro Fund.
Another way to donate is to get a Barbaro Breyer Model. $10 of the purchase priceis going to the Barbaro Fund.
When ever i see Barbaro or watch movies i have tears running down my cheeks... my trainer rescues race horses and most have had laminitis its very sad i had to help with one and most do not make it...i think im going to buy some for my friends and i that also ride and love horses like Barbaro! EVERYONE MAKE SURE YOU LET HIS SPIRIT LIVE ON! I made a little thing for him take a look i love it and please do not steel it thankz http://s159.photobucket.com/albums/t156/...

Are you familiar with the blood lines of "Cowboys Gold" and what do u think of this stallion?

u can c his pedigree at www.cowboysgold.com
Answers:
Most of the horses in his pedigree are not really some of the bigger names that you see in the Paint Horse Journals as Leading Sires and Dams. BUT, with this horse, the proof is him, not his papers. He has shown, and he has offspring who have shown (and not just one either), that are currently competing, and currently doing quite well. He looks like he is producing versatile horses that are showing in HUS and Working Cowhorse. This is my kind of horse. One that is easy on the eye, had proven himself, and has babies that are doing the same thing in multiple events. These are not BYB breeders. Good Luck!
Sorry , I'm not fammilliar with him. I'll take a look at his pedigree though..

Are you aware of the National Animal ID System and how it will affect you?

http://libertyark.net/
http://xstatic99645.tripod.com/naisinfoc...
http://www.nonais.org/
Answers:
Yes, I know about it. It's the NWO plans again. They plan on chipping every animal in the U.S. More regulations and more control.
It's just Big Brother a work again
NO what is it, is it to do with horses or what??
i don't think that ID's should be mandatory, but all of my horses have been microchipped, tattooed or freeze branded.
I think that the monetary/sentimental value of the animal plays a large part. Would I ID a horse valued at less that at least 20k?
--Probably not...
I think that the government has better ways to spend money and time on than this.
The idea is rather silly. It doesn't appear to be thought through...
Well, they backed off on making it mandatory so it won't affect us - yet.
However, it gets harder to avoid these types of regulations as the world becomes smaller and problems of infection (especially of food supply animals) occur and animals need to be traced back to their point of origin.
In everything we do, we need to find a balance between protecting ourselves and our animals from problems with transporting (and possibly infecting new groups of animals) and the desire to not be watched and regulated at every turn.
Hopefully NAIS will never become mandatory because it would be a nightmare !
I don't see how it affects my life
I'm not informed enough on this subject at this time, I will now research every aspect. But! I do believe the intention is a good one.
Think for a minute of all the abused and neglected animals, both livestock and companion animals.
I also believe this system has a potential of terrible abuse by the the powers that be.
I will become more informed and voice my opinion at that time.
I also want to state, I own an Icelandic horse, she was imported to the United State in 2001, she is "chipped" and she can never return to Iceland, because they will not import any animals into the country. So in essence, she has been identified and verified where in the world she is.

Are thier any exersizes to build up muscel on the top of my horses rump?


Answers:
Im going to put it short and simple and if you need anymore help you know where to reach me:
Yes-- Lunging helps a lot or riding in ten meter circles. Do all sorts of excersizes like serpentines, figure eights and set up some cavalettis. You can also go trail riding on hilly areas if you have any around-- trotting is especially good for building up muscles-- if you and your horse like to swim together thats always good too!
lunging
Working with cavaletties can help. If you want a more fun, and laid back excersize - work on going up and down hills while out trail riding (especially the up parts) at a trot.
Hope it helps!
Lots of trotting!! Canter to trot to Canter transitions are good too. Rule of thumb...trotting builds muscle and cantering builds wind. Have fun trotting!
I have worked with hores for a long time, and there was this horse who hurt himself by bucking in an unsafe trailor. In order to strengthen his "rump" and back muscles, they lunged him in circles at a totting pace, and then had him abruptly switch directions. In between sessions of exersise, they had the vet chech him out, and his muscles improved after a short while. You should also try massage therpy. I hope that I could help you, and remember, it may take time.
: )
THE BEST IS TO FIND A HILLY AREA WHERE YOU CAN RIDE OR LEAD YOUR HORSE UP AND DOWN FOR ABOUT A !/2 HR. A DAY. DON'T OVERDO IT AND IF HE/SHE GETS OVERHEATED MAKE SURE YOU WALK THE HORSE TO COOL IT DOWN AND IF POSSIBLE HOSE IT DOWN AND USE AN ASTRINGENT SUCH AS ABSORBENT JR. RUB THE LEGS WITH IT SO SHE /HE DOESN'T GET SPLINTS.
trotting and going up hills is not as effective as getting them to really move under themselves... using thier back end at the walk , trot, canter... most riders ride very forward and in return thier horses move with the front end rather then the hind.. which hinders the development of muscle in the hind end. here is my suggestion... I don;t know if you ride western or english but this will work for both...

trotting in round pen will not help unless the horse is in proper frame and asked to work with its hind end... it is like a human excersizing... you might run a mile and get nothing out of it except cardio and muscle strength. but you won;t build muscles unless you run with weights or up hills.(a few trails won't help either it needs to be consistant up hill trot for 20 or so minutes)
Try asking for a lot of serpentines,circles and figure eights at the trot.
this will engage the horse by surprising him on what to do next. He will have to use his hind end because he won;t be able to keep turning all those directions with his front. it will not be comfortable for him.
Next if he can work on cavalettis and trotting poles... this will make him pick up his legs and really work his upper body.
Here is on of the most important... if your horse keeps his head up or high in the air this is one of the biggest reasons he has no muscle tone in the back end... when the head is high the back is hollowed out... meaning he is using no muscles to really move. (he is faking it and being lazy) try it.. get on all fours and stick your head in the air, now put your head down and feel how your back becomes rounder.. this is the ways to build up muscle.
Proper frame and good riding... but keep up on the excersizes
Hill work is an excellent way to build up the muscle in your horse's rump.
You can try it walking, trotting and when your horse gets used to it, you can try cantering.
Go up and down the hills, and vary the gradient.
Jumping is also a good way to build up muscle, as your horse needs to push with his back legs in order to clear the jump.
Make sure you vary this activity too, using different types of jumps, different heights and in different places.
If you can keep doing these sorts of exercises then you will definately notice a positive difference in your horse's fitness level and muscle build!
Good luck!
To add: backing is great rear end exercise. It's hard for a horse. Backing uphill even harder and more building.
Backing helps but not too much. Trotting really helps. I work my halter horses at a trot and so do alot of other halter horse trainers and just look at the big mucles they have.
Jumping does. It makes your horses but REALLY muscular. Going up and down hills is good too.
Backing up hill, just as one of the others answered. Trotting in the sand! Sand is great for for building muscles %26 endurance. Good luck!!
I don't know if you have ever seen the reining horses, but those animals are very well muscled! They do a lot of quick stops and rollbacks! I have used rollbacks and seen great results using rollbacks. It causes the horse to use its haunches for every move, as you stop quickly, and without moving forward, turn a 180 and run back in the direction you just came from. Not only is it a good exercise, it also helps keep the horses attention focused on the rider, especially if you stop at different times and spots in the ring/arena/pen/or whereever you ride...that way the training never gets old! :0)
Hope this helps!
Okay, you're getting some bad advice here. I'm guessing your horse is weak behind, which is why you need to start from the begining. If you are trying to increase muscle tone and your horse is already balanced, then you can go to more advanced exercises right away. Don't:
1. Ride in small (anything less then 20m or 66') circles. This puts too much stress on joints and ligaments unless your horse is really balanced.
2. Canter or gallop alot. When a horse has a weak back and heandquarters, this can also cause injuries like pulled or torn muscles and ligaments.
3. Jump extensively. If your horse already jumps, just don't increase it much more. If your horse isn't conditioned, it pounds on joints too much. Jumping should never be used to condition or strengthen muscles, because you would have to do too much in order to get a benefit from it. You should really only jump once or twice a week.
4. Longe alot. Some longeing is great, especially if they longe in a long, low frame with a soft round back,while reaching up underneath them to use the back and quarter muscles. However, if longeing excites your horse and they run around with their head in the air and ignore you, it will do nothing good, just strengthen the wrong muscles. Also, remember to time yourself when longeing so you always work both sides of the horse equally, and longeing is harder then regular work, so 10 minutes of longeing is equal to 20 minutes riding.
5. Attempt fast starts, stops, and turns until your horse has some strength and balance. Just galloping and pulling up hard is VERY dangerous if you have not perfected the moves with an experienced trainer at slower gates first.
Ok, try a couple of these exercises:
1. Hills, uphill over downhill. Walk or trot slowly, so the horse really has to reach underneath themselves with the hind end. Try to keep them balanced, so they work more instead of rushing.
2. Work on a long, low contact, allowing them to stretch over the topline, so they can relax and use the back muscles. Sit up tall and back so you keep him balanced on his handquarters. Work mostly in a smooth, foreward trot.
3. Longe in side reins to encourage the downward stretch. Only at a trot, and only if you have been taught how by a professional.
4. Lateral work. Start on the ground, just making sure you can move them away with pressure from your hand. Then try at a halt, then walking, and move up to at the trot. Not only will this help with back muscles, but also with all over flexability, submission and balance.
Just don't try anything that is too much for you or your horse. If you are working on muscle and condition, injuries from overwork and sore tired muscles are common. Be safe and build up gradually to more intense excercises.
As many answerers said, trotting and hill work combined are the best ways to strengthen your horse's hindquarters and top line. However, the work will only be effective if you take care to ride your horse correctly. Horses with weak hind ends tend to have more-developed forehands. This is because they aren't engaging their hocks or using their hindquarters the way they should. This stems from bad riding.
Hands down one of the most common faults I see is the rider muscling the horse's head down without bothering to apply leg and ask the horse to engage his hindend. This creates a false frame that weakens the horse's back and makes him hollow through his body. His head is tucked, but he's on the forehand and off-balance. You need to forget about the reins. A light contact is fine and half-halting to keep him from increasing his pace is also alright. But beyond that, don't try to seesaw his face to the ground. Instead, drive him forward with your leg and seat. Leg yield him on a circle to engage his hocks and make him step underneath himself.
If you don't have access to hills, work him on a thirty meter circle tracking both directions. Leg yield him constantly and work him at the sitting trot, but keep the sessions short as the exercise is both exhausting and tedious. The best thing you can do is take him on long hacks over hills and through the countryside. This will not only strengthen his muscles, it will improve his temperament and make him more willing in his ringwork.
Transitions...many many transitions, w/t, t/c, c/t, w/c, anything you can think of. Make sure the transitions are proper, initiated from behind. I can't believe no one else has said transitions. Done properly, they will build muscle faster than any of the above methods with less wear and tear on the horse. Hills are also great conditioners...I like to trot up, walk down, repeat. Trot poles and cavaletti can also help.

Are they pretty?

These are a few of my nana's horses, they are my favorites, i just wanted to know what you thought of them. 1) U-G-L-Y you ain't got no alibi~to~ 10) Why aren't they in a show?! I doubt any one of them rate a 10 tho. personal thoughts on conformation would be great too!
Left is Lady, right is her daughter echo
http://www.bowlers-stockport.co.uk/eques...
black jack
http://strangercreek.com/whisper%2052006...
chief
http://www.allstallionsdirectory.com/gen...
Cinnammon
http://www.aponyforyourthoughts.com/mojo...
Answers:
Lady gets a six
Echo gets a 7 cause shes a baby. Plus I had an Appy named Echo. Accept I spelled it Ecko. The name means Deer in Navajo Language
Black Jack gets a 9. I love Black Horses.
Chief get a 9 cause I love Paints too! What am I saying, I love all horses!
Cinnamon gets a 9 also. What a cutie, and cool markings too!
Yyyyyes they are pretty!!
i love all horses, they are magnificent creatures and treated with the right respect are extremely loyal. anyone who says a horse is not worthy of going to show no matter how bad it may look are ignorant, they are beautiful creatures and are not respected enough.
Yes, these are pretty. What is more important is their personalities.
They're all so beautifully marked! I don't really do shows, though--I don't have any conformation ideas, sorry. But they are pretty, and that last one Cinnamon has such a sweet look on his face :)
those are some beautiful horses, awesome looking. who cares if they are in shows or not. you are lucky to have them.
They are all very pretty! I think that Chief and Black Jack are the prettiest and they rate a 9 or 10. Cinnamon is an 8 -- he's really pretty but I think that C and BJ are prettier.
I can't see Lady that well but she looks nice so she gets an 8 as well. Echo is so cute! I love foals! Echo gets a 9 too because she's so cute.
They are all very pretty! I especially like black jack because i like black horses.
They are beautiful and look like great horses. All horses are beautiful regardless of the registry confirmation standards. Depends what type of showing you are talking about. I had one horse who would have never placed in confirmation but under saddle no one could beat him. I give them all 8.
lady-5
echo-7
black jack-7
cheif-9 (my favorite =] )
cinnammon-5
they are all very pretty horses. =]
omg those horses are really pretty i wish my horse looked as good as those
I give them all 10!!!! there beautiful!
Lady and Echo are soooooo cute! I would rate them seven to eight.
I want black jack! Hes so beautiful! nine to ten!=)
Chief is not one of my favorites, he good looking but not great, five to six
Cinnammon - what a unique color, lol, five to six
BEAUTIFUL HORSES
All of those horses are beautiful!! Seriously they are all stunning!!