Section Key Points Understanding the Basics of Lunging Guiding a horse/pony in a circle using a lunge line, whip, and voice commands. Essential for teaching commands, improving responsiveness, and enhancing fitness. Preparation is Key Ensure pony is ready physically and mentally, check for health issues, basic skills like lead rope comfort, standing still, basic gaits, and halting on command. Safety First Wear protective gear, use proper equipment, a safe environment, and stay alert to ponys behavior and surroundings. Common Lunging Mistakes Use gloves for safety, avoid halters, secure reins, always carry a lunge whip, keep the lunge line organized. Positioning and Body Language Maintain a 'triangle' position, insist on respecting personal space using body language and lunge whip. Handling Young and Playful Ponies Start slowly, allow energy release, use assistance for guidance. Effective Communication Use consistent voice commands and clear body language. Gradual Introduction and Transitions Introduce aids and techniques slowly, change directions often, avoid long sessions on one side, and frequently change gaits. Cool Down and Monitoring Include warm-up and cool-down periods, monitor for signs of fatigue, stress, or discomfort. Identifying Correct Lunging Look for rhythmic movement, even circles, relaxed posture, engaged hindquarters, and soft responses. How to Address Lunging Issues in Young Ponies: A Practical Guide Lunging is a vital training technique for young ponies, offering numerous benefits such as improved balance, enhanced communication, and controlled exercise. However, it can be challenging, especially for inexperienced handlers. Heres a comprehensive guide to help you address common lunging issues in young ponies, ensuring a safe and effective training experience. Understanding the Basics of Lunging Before diving into the specifics of addressing issues, its crucial to understand the fundamentals of lunging. Lunging involves guiding a horse or pony to move in a circle around you using a lunge line, whip, and clear voice commands. This technique is essential for teaching young ponies basic commands, improving their responsiveness, and enhancing their physical fitness. Preparation is Key Ensure the Pony is Ready Before starting a lunging session, ensure your pony is physically and mentally prepared. Check for any underlying physical issues that might cause behavioral problems. A visit from the veterinarian or equine dentist may be necessary to rule out any health concerns. Basic Skills and Equipment Your pony should be comfortable with a lead rope and able to stand still without moving, even when you back away or move towards it. The pony should also know the three basic gaits (walk, trot, and canter) and how to halt on command. Safety First Safety is paramount when lunging a young pony. Here are some essential safety tips: Wear Protective Gear: Always wear a helmet, gloves, and sturdy footwear to protect yourself from potential injuries. Use Proper Equipment: Use a lunge line, a lunge whip, and a cavesson or bridle. Avoid using a halter, as it can break or cause discomfort if the pony becomes excited. Safe Environment: Lunge in a flat, open area free of obstacles to prevent trips or falls. Stay Alert: Be aware of your ponys behavior and surroundings to anticipate and respond to any sudden movements. Common Lunging Mistakes and Solutions Mistake #1: Skimping on Safety Equipment Always wear gloves to prevent rope burn and consider wearing a helmet for added protection. Mistake #2: Using a Halter Use a cavesson instead of a halter to avoid accidental bit pulling or halter breakage. Mistake #3: Allowing Floppy Reins Secure your reins to prevent them from becoming loose and causing accidents. If using a bridle, twist the reins under the ponys neck and secure them with the throat latch. Mistake #4: Forgetting the Lunge Whip Use a long whip with a long lash to keep your pony on the circle without needing to chase it. Never put the whip on the ground, as you may need it to maintain control. Mistake #5: Being Sloppy with the Lunge Line Keep the lunge line organized in equal loops and never wrapped around your hand. Ensure the line does not touch the ground to avoid entanglement. Positioning and Body Language Maintain a Triangle Position Stand in the middle of the circle, looking towards your pony, with the lunge line and whip forming the two sides of the triangle. This position helps you drive the pony forward with your body language and prevents it from getting in front or behind the movement. Respect Personal Space Insist that your pony respects your space. Use your body language and the lunge whip to assert your dominance without causing fear. Do not back away from the pony; instead, use the whip towards its shoulder to maintain control. Handling Young and Playful Ponies Young ponies can be particularly energetic and playful. Here are some tips for handling them: Start Slowly: Begin by introducing the rope and lunge line gradually. Ensure the pony is focused on you before asking it to do anything. Release Energy: If the pony is overly energetic, let it run in a pasture for a while to release some energy before the lunging session. Use Assistance: For young ponies, consider having someone stand by their outside shoulder to guide them and keep them on the circle in walk. Effective Communication Clear and consistent communication is crucial during lunging. Here are some tips: Consistent Voice Commands: Use consistent voice commands and tone to avoid confusing the pony. For example, use a low tone starting with a command and ending with a higher-pitched tone. Clear Body Language: Maintain a clear and assertive body language to guide the pony effectively. Gradual Introduction and Transitions Gradual Introduction Introduce new lunging aids and techniques slowly to prevent overwhelming the pony. Transitions Change direction often and use tack adjustments as opportunities to switch it up. Never go longer than five to six minutes on one side, and change gaits frequently to engage the ponys mind. Cool Down and Monitoring Warm-Up and Cool-Down Begin and end each lunging session with a few minutes of walking to properly warm up and cool down the ponys muscles. Monitor Condition Watch for signs of fatigue, stress, or discomfort and adjust the session accordingly. Identifying Correct Lunging To know if your pony is working correctly on the lunge, look for these signs: Rhythmic Movement: The pony moves in a steady, rhythmic gait without speeding up or slowing down unexpectedly. Even Circles: The pony stays on a consistent circle without drifting in or out. Relaxed Posture: The pony holds its head low and relaxed, not tense or high. Engaged Hindquarters: The pony uses its back legs actively, pushing off the ground with power. Soft Responses: The pony responds promptly and smoothly to your voice commands and aids. Conclusion Lunging young ponies requires patience, consistency, and a clear understanding of the techniques involved. By avoiding common mistakes, ensuring safety, and maintaining effective communication, you can create a positive and productive lunging experience for both you and your pony. Remember to always prioritize your safety and the ponys well-being, and seek professional help if you encounter any difficulties. For all your horse riding needs, visit our enhanced collections of Jodhpurs, Riding Boots, Gloves, and Socks. Don't forget to check out our range of Horse Treats and Gifts and essential Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements for optimal care and performance.

We hope youll join Foxfire Eventing and the community at large for a show of support for Liz Halliday as she continues to make progress in her recovery from a traumatic brain injury sustained in a fall at AECs on August 29. The idea came from Foxfire Eventing in Goochland, VA, who will be taking a #LapForLiz after every ride starting on September 12, until she has recovered.Heres the update from Lizs team, which was posted last night (September 10):For todays update, we wanted to extend the invitation to you all from Foxfire Eventing Nonprofit Kids. This week, on Thursday, September 12th, they are starting their 7 pm team lesson with a Lap in honor of Liz, a #LapforLiz. They wrote, Our team will canter around the arena while we send our horsepower energy to Liz for rapid and complete recovery.We would love to show Liz everyones #LapforLiz to give her the much-needed horsepower energy! Tag Liz on social media and use the hashtags #LapforLiz and #KeepFightingLiz .With love and thanks, Lizs Family and FriendsUpdate 9/10/24 at 9:15pm :Foxfire Eventing, shared on their Facebook,Foxfire Eventing announced an initiative for ALL of our horse friends around the world this week: Lap for Liz! We will take a lap in honor of Liz Halliday during every ride from now until she has recovered (or maybe well keep it going)!During our lap, we will harness all of the horsepower energy from our equine partners to super-boost our prayers, hopes, and best wishes for her rapid and complete recovery!Join us for the first official #lapforliz around 7 pm Eastern on Thursday, September 12! Post your Laps for Liz and tag her! Lets surround her with hoofbeats and horsepower!Additional updates will be posted on Lizs website here.[Previous Updates on Liz Halliday]

My daughter and I have mainly tested this Shake & Graze Chaff Net on our four-year-old Connemara Loki, who is slightly overweight. It has also been used by Misty (above), a veteran Irish sports horse that is also overweight.Loki is only just really starting his ridden career due to being so young and he is very food orientated. Misty is pretty much retired now at the age of 24.How it worksThe Shake & Graze Chaff Net is designed to hold chaff, so that it takes a horse or pony longer to eat compared to having chaff in a bucket. A particularly good idea for a good doer!According to the manufacturer, it is the only slow-release net specifically designed for feeding chaff.The net has a filter system that slowly dispenses chaff when the net is nuzzled, agitated or gently shaken by a horse, who can then graze the chaff from the floor.It is marketed as being ideal for a range of equines, including those who are metabolically challenged, on restricted turnout or box rest, or need to manage their weight.Two integral layers in the net are interchangeable. One filter is best for horses who are learning to use the net, or who can eat more, because a greater amount of chaff is released.Using both filters together releases less chaff.PerformanceI have had the Shake & Graze Chaff Net to test for about six weeks now and have mostly used it inside stables, but it is suitable for use outside too.It is very durable and strong, unlike other nets Ive used in the past which are easily broken or frayed.The Shake & Graze Chaff Net is quite thick and heavy. This means it holds the chaff inside well, until the horse nudges it and it is released slowly.Loki started very well with the net. He quickly understood that if he nudged it then he would get the chaff to trickle out onto the floor. Then he quickly hoovered it all up!However, he seemed to get bored quickly of trying and started looking elsewhere for food.Misty on the other hand was more patient. He kept on until the net was empty, but unlike other nets he couldnt rip it or damage it in anyway as it was so strong and durable.He also didnt get angry with it like he has with other haynets, as he realised he couldnt rip it open.Value for moneyLoki quickly figured out how the Shake & Graze Chaff Net worksI would definitely say the Shake & Graze Chaff Net is value for money as it is so strong I think it will probably last forever!Other nets I have bought have broken in a week or two, whereas this one still looks like new after daily use.So although its slightly more expensive than others it will last longer so its definitely worth the extra money.SuitabilityIt was interesting using the Shake & Graze Chaff Net on different horses and seeing their reactions to it. They show that it is more effective for some horses than others.Having said that, it does do the job it is intended for. Slowing down the rate of eating so that forage lasts longer and keeping a good doer entertained at the same time.Loki lost interest quickly, whereas Misty, who is 20 years older, had the patience to keep picking away at it until it was empty.I think Loki hasnt got the same attention span, but that is just his age and character.RecommendationsOverall, I would definitely recommend the Shake & Graze Chaff Net. Both my horses understood how to use it and it did keep them busy.It is also very strong and so will last a long time, making it good value for money.Important informationRRP 59.99Purchase hereFurther readingSimple checks to make if your horse is not losing weightIs it best to feed hay or haylage to a good doer?Horse diet: why they shouldnt go longer than 4 hours without foodThe post A Shake & Graze Chaff Net proved strong and durable for my equine weight watchers! appeared first on Your Horse.

A poor outcome for a horse with EPM demonstrates the complexity of this neurologic disease. The post Case Study: Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis appeared first on The Horse.

For the last six years, my relationship with NOLLE FLOYDhas grown quietly and steadily. In 2017, my first blog article went live, another one ran in 2018, then in 2019, a few more were published. Soon, I found myself hosting a Q&A for NF members on Zoomwith technical difficulties, unfortunately, but it was still fun. Then, I was recording two Masterclasses with NF in Florida, then two more in Oregon in late 2020. I started to feel comfortable with this new gig, and much less nervous about being in front of the camera.The vibe at that Oregon shoot was like summer camp. I left the farm and all the paperwork behind in Florida and flew solo to the Pacific Northwest. Every day before and after filming I would go for a run in a local state park, followed by a quick plunge into the nearby river. Lunch each day was shared with the production crew. One evening we all hiked together, then drank bourbon at the local distillery.All this time I kept asking myself am I really getting paid to do this?I began to watch the NF courses and listen to podcast episodes from the other instructors: Anne Kursinski, Dr. Jenny Susser, and Ian Millar. Chelsea Canedy, a friend of mine, did a great job with her contributions. And in my opinion, Caroline Culbertsons Equestrian Voices was one of the best equestrian podcasts ever recorded.In 2024 at Copperline, my farm just north of Ocala in Citra, Florida, we recorded one more Masterclass called How to Play With Your Horse. Having been involved with NF for a handful of years already, I could see that it was growing and a monumental shift was about to take place. Thats when NOLLE FLOYD+ (also affectionately known as NF+) was born.NOLLE FLOYD+ is a digital platform and streaming service which provides educational and entertainment content for riders across all disciplines. Members enjoy a variety of media forms including audio and video lessons on horse care, training, rider psychology, fitness and horse behavior, wellness and more. NF+ content is designed to expand the riders overall learning opportunities, improve the riders experience and provide a close knit online community, assist in the acquisition and development of horsemanship tools, and, most importantly, improve the riders relationship with their horse - maybe even themselves in the process.What do I love about NF+? With so many instructors, each with different specialties and different points of view, being a member of NF+ is akin to joining a cool horse University where the instructors are Olympians and industry leaders across all disciplines, and your peers are like the best barn family youve ever had. With the launch of NF+, theyre also introducing a variety of entertainment horse content too, such as behind the scenes footage, "Inside My Stable", "A Day in the Life", and so much more. Beyond all of the learning opportunities available, there are also hours of entertaining horse content to be streamed on the platform. The community element has also moved off of the Facebook group to inside of the platform. It is now a vibrant space for members to share thoughts, questions, answers, participate in online and in-person events, and provide support to one another. One extremelyuniqueaspect about the private community is that members get direct access to NF+ instructors, with live Q&As Office Hours, and channels where they can have their most pressing questions answered by a pro.NF+ is forward thinking. NF+ is constantly asking Whats nextwhat else can we do for our members?And, yes, Nolle Floydthe person, not the businessis going to be spending more time in the limelight with the launch of NF+. Nolle is about to launch her own podcast Dear Horse World on the NF+ platform, and by the looks of the first guests and episodes slated, I predict it will be wildly popular.What attracted me to NOLLE FLOYD initially was the incredible quality of what they produce and provide for the equestrian community. NF+ recruits the best of the best, not just the instructors, but the videographers, producers, sound technicians, and editors. What has kept me working with NF+ so closely is their creativity, their ability to chart a new course, have a difficult conversation, and be on the cutting edge of the horse world.I recently signed a contract with NF+ to create new content for at least the next two years. We are busy working on book clubs, Zoom office hours, documentaries, podcasts, courses, live clinics, and much more. I really want to see you there. I want to hear your opinions, listen to your questions, see what youre doing, watch your videos, provide feedback and support and discuss the future of horsemanship around the world.So, what are you waiting for? Join me on NF+ and help us democratize learning in the horse world. They also offer a free, 7 day trial!

The second qualifier for the 2024 Foal Championship took place in Kernans EC, Co Armagh on Tuesday 10th September. There were 28 entries in total; 14 fillies and 14 colts. Of these 28 entries, 10 took part in the Pony sections of Pony Eventing (6) and Pony Showjumping (4), and 18 took part in the horse sections, Horse Eventing (9) and Horse Eventing (9). Full results can be read below. On judging duty for the day was Jack Doyle and Nicola Ennis. The Foal Championship aims to identify, evaluate, and reward breeders who have bred a foal that has the potential to be competitive at the highest level in the disciplines of Show Jumping or Eventing. This fantastic initiative is funded under National Breeding Services, by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and delivered by Horse Sport Ireland. The Foal Championship is open to all studbooks and the []

The horse lives in Cass County. The post Missouri Quarter Horse Tests Positive for Strangles appeared first on The Horse.

Ocala, FL Circuit stall reservations are now open for World Equestrian Center Ocalas (WEC) 2025 Winter Spectacular Show Series, taking place from January 1 to March 23, 2025. A World Champion Hunter Rider (WCHR) week will take place on January 28-February 2, 2025 and a second WCHR week will be added to the Series at a later date, pending approval. Circuit stalls/paddocks will[...]Read MoreThe post Circuit Stall Reservations Now Open and Schedule Update for World Equestrian Center Ocala 2025 Winter Spectacular Show Series appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

Dr. Jorge Coln explains what expenses horse owners can expect and why they are continuously increasing. The post Why Are Horse-Related Expenses on the Rise? appeared first on The Horse.