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Handling Horses for the First Time and Every Time After

My last post suggests that we observe horses, especially in pasture, for as long as we can stand. This is a suggestion because not many people have this opportunity. In fact, it is something that is usually done after meeting a horse.

When meeting a horse for the first time, please be sure that an experienced horseman or horsewoman accompany you throughout the whole process up to and including the first ride. The equestrian will guide you, as it’s essential to follow safety guidelines to ensure a positive experience. Our next step is approaching and handling any horse. Here’s how we do this safely:

When approaching a horse, be it the first or the 100th time, always speak to the horse to alert it to your presence before walking near. This helps avoid provoking its startle reflex. Approach from the side to avoid the horse’s “blind” spots – remember, these are directly in front of and behind our new friend. Gently touch the horse first on the neck or shoulder with a firm but gentle stroking motion. Horses love to be touched! Scratch behind the ears, under the chin, and on the chest to discover a spot that this horse enjoys.

It is extremely important to use the utmost care when entering a pasture or paddock with several horses. Even well-trained horses can inadvertently jostle, step on you, or kick. They are not mean by nature; they are in fact quite peaceful animals, but this is the way they speak to each other. Try to avoid being between two horses, especially a mare and foal. Avoid taking grain or other food into a group of horses, as it can lead to crowding and potential danger. Treats are sometimes needed to catch certain horses, so try to lure horses from the other side of the fence. Often, training is required to teach a horse to stand for haltering. However, horses are curious by nature, so often by just standing there, looking away from the herd, will work to get them to you. If inexperienced, have a seasoned horseperson retrieve the horse.

Once haltered, always use a lead rope attached to the horse’s halter rather than grasping the halter itself. Use a cotton lead. This provides options if the horse startles. To avoid getting caught and dragged, don’t coil the end of the lead rope around your hand; instead, fold it back and forth and grasp the middle of the folds. Never wrap a lead rope or any other line attached to a horse around any part of your body. Use only cotton leads, as nylon or other materials will burn if the horse pulls, and any knot cannot be easily undone. Unless extremely experienced and totally familiar with your horse and others, avoid allowing the horse you’re leading to touch noses with an unfamiliar horse, as this can lead to sudden biting or striking.

The safest way to tie a horse for grooming and saddling is to use crossties. These are two ropes on either side of a wall or other solid object that reach the halter from both sides. They should be equipped with quick-release straps. However, not all facilities have cross ties, so abide by safety measures when tying with one lead. The tie knot should be at least as high as the horse’s eye, and the distance from the knot to the halter should be no more than the length of your arm. Tie only to a safe, solid object using a quick-release knot or breakaway string. A quick release knot is easy – form a loop in the rope then fold the lead back on itself directly below the loop on the end of the lead. Push that “U” shape back through the original loop toward the buckle and halter; tighten. To release, simply pull on the end on the lead. Keep your fingers out of the loops as you tie the knot, and tie only with a halter and lead, never with bridle reins.

Once the horse is tied, move slowly and calmly. Horses are experts at picking up on your vibe and stresses, and will mirror back. I meditate for five to 10 minutes before approaching my horse, but at the very least, forget your troubles or timeline, at least while interacting with the horse – he deserves your full attention! Do this, and your horse will take your pain – I guarantee it!

Your main safety goal after this is to avoid being in range of the horse’s mouth or kicking/striking range. Perhaps counter-intuitively, this means staying close to the horse’s body. Stand near the shoulder or next to the hindquarters when grooming the horse’s head or brushing/braiding its tail to avoid strikes, kicks, or bites. To walk behind a horse, either brush against it (where a kick would have no real force) or stay far enough away to be out of kicking range. Avoid ducking under the tie rope, as it could cause the horse to pull back. Be mindful of the horse’s feet while working around it, as horses can be careless about where they step. When releasing a horse’s foot after cleaning it, ensure your own foot isn’t in the hoof’s spot as it returns to the ground. Beware of fly season, as a horse will raise its hoof to kick at the fly. Just be aware and keep position yourself out of the way. I have been clocked by being careless. NEVER punish a horse for doing an involuntary horse action.

We have talked about quick release, pulling back, the burning of trying to hold on to a nylon rope. When a horse is pulling against restraints in its full flight mode, release if you can, but get out of the way when you cannot. He will wear himself out, and/or break free. He is not likely to leave the premises of his home. If he does, better injury to him than you or anyone else. Tragedies can happen, but farm safety is far beyond your responsibilities right ow, as you need to learn the basics before you have horse on land beyond your control. I speak of farm safety generally and can blog about what to look for, or you will learn, as we go along.

One final step may be required – getting a horse back into his pasture or stall. This should not be an isse for a stall, but pasture can be tricky for the inexperienced. It’s best to have no other horses around so you can bring the steed in without interference. Keep the gate shut, remove the halter, and turn away to leave. This is a clear signal that work is completed, and he should turn and wander off. Some horses want a treat, but resist until you are more comfortable to horse dynamics. If you must give him a treat, give it when you are done, but before you bring him to pasture.

Good job, and we will discuss treats protocol as time goes on. It is very rewarding and bonding to feed treats, but trainers and experts have differing opinions, both with good arguments. Always be conservative, patient, and always ask for help. ALWAYS work around helpful people and ASK for help. One bad experience can halt your journey toward one of the valuable and venerable hobbies known to man!

Each of these steps should be repeated many times before attempting to saddle and ride. We will get to that in my third blog.

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Partnering with a Land Use Consultant for Effective Land Development

Land development involves many details, such as environmental considerations, local ordinances, and zoning regulations. This is why it’s helpful to engage a land use consultant or planner to navigate those complex requirements. Their understanding of environmental regulations, municipal codes, and zoning laws can make project planning and execution successful.

A land use consultant conducts detailed site assessments to evaluate the feasibility of your project. They identify potential challenges, such as environmental concerns or zoning restrictions, early in the process, allowing for informed decision-making. Consultants also handle interactions with local communities and stakeholders, addressing concerns and fostering positive relationships through well-planned outreach strategies.

Whether it’s a residential subdivision, a commercial development, or an industrial complex, working with a land use consultant is a strategic decision that can significantly impact the success of your land use development project. Their expertise, experience, and ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes can streamline the process, minimize risks, and help achieve goals efficiently.

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Beginner Tips for Starting Horseback Riding

Horseback riding can be an enjoyable activity for beginners when approached correctly. If you're new to the sport, start by searching for "trail riding stables" or "hack stables," which cater to novice riders.

A "hack" is a trained horse that follows a leader in a single-file line. For beginners, this setup provides a safe and guided introduction to horseback riding while learning basic horsemanship skills. Hack riding is gentle on the horse and offers a safe environment for new riders to build confidence. Once you’re comfortable with basic riding, you can progress to a lesson barn, where you’ll develop advanced riding skills and learn activities like dressage or barrel racing.

Proper attire is helpful for a comfortable and safe experience. Wear pants to avoid chafing and closed-toe shoes for added protection. Choose a fitted shirt that won’t snag on anything, and always use a helmet, which most stables provide.

Understanding horse behavior is key for a smooth ride. Pay attention to their ears: forward ears indicate focus, sideways ears suggest relaxation or attentiveness to nearby sounds, and pinned-back ears signal anger or agitation. Approach horses from the front whenever possible to avoid startling them. If approaching from behind, use your voice to alert them of your presence.

When saddling a horse, maintain a straight posture and try to stay calm. Nervous energy can transfer to the horse, making it feel uneasy. Stay relaxed and composed to create a positive riding experience.

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Essential Equipment for Safe and Comfortable Horseback Riding

Horseback riding demands proper training and equipment to ensure safety and a good connection between rider and horse. Both the horse and rider need specific gear to perform effectively.

A helmet is a basic requirement to protect the rider’s head from potential falls or impacts. Choosing a certified, well-fitted helmet is critical for safety.

The saddle is crucial for comfort and safety. It helps distribute the rider’s weight evenly across the horse's back. Saddle types vary based on their intended use, so selecting one suited to your riding style is important.

Reins, bridles, halters, and headbands allow riders to communicate effectively with the horse. Many riders now use martingales or tying reins to keep the horse’s head in a specific position, often for dressage or classical training. Protecting the horse’s legs is equally important. Bandages usually support tendons, joints, and ligaments during activity.

Riders also need appropriate footwear. Specialized riding boots fit securely in stirrups and protect the feet. These boots typically feature a small heel and inner lining to enhance comfort and safety during rides.

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Spiritual Retreats with a Monastic Twist

In the past, spiritual and meditative retreats took place in monasteries or ashrams. Today, those looking to reconnect with themselves or nature can detox at retreats, providing guests with a similar experience, including Eremito in Italy’s Umbria.

Visitors can sleep in a monastic cell. The experience also provides them with time for self-reflection. It has no man-made light, and they cannot use cell phones or watch television. Plus, Eremito serves wine with their meals.

Quebec City’s Le Monastere des Augustines, built in the 17th century, allows guests to stay in restored cloisters and eat breakfast silently. The retreat is both a hotel and museum where visitors can learn more about the history of the monastic order.

Another retreat in Australia that relies on monastics to facilitate mindfulness in guests is the Blue Cliff. Attendees should shut their phones off. The experience includes 14 hours of silence during the day, followed by small group discussions led by monastic facilitators. Monastics teach attendees various interventions for remaining mindful and in the present.

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Types of Horseshoes

Metal plates in U-shapes characterize most horseshoes. Professionals nail or glue them to the hooves of horses. Horseshoes protect and fortify the hooves of horses, ensuring that they do not wear down. Horse owners can pick from several horseshoes, including keg and glue-on.

Many horse owners opt for keg horseshoes. They have a center groove through which professionals and caretakers can insert the nails, and they offer durability and support to the horses.

Glue-on shoes do not require nails and hammering. They cater to horses that experience painful feet or sensitive hives. Although they have plastic materials, glue-on shoes offer durability. Professionals attach them to the hooves using an equine-safe adhesive.

Lastly, concave horseshoes are another popular type. Some describe them as all-rounder horseshoes because they offer hoof support, prevent slips, and ensure better grips. Horse owners often use them on horses that compete in horse racing events and sports.

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Therapeutic Benefits of Horseback Riding

Some individuals participate in horseback riding for its therapeutic benefits. It blends cognitive stimulation, emotional connection, and physical engagement. Moreover, it provides riders with physical benefits in a positive and safe learning environment.

During a riding session, the horse and rider function as a team. Riders develop communication skills, build trust, and achieve a sense of accomplishment. The bond fosters respect and confidence, allowing riders to grow their motivation.

The physical benefits of horse riding include sensory integration, improved circulation and respiration, improved motor skills and faster reflexes, and better balance, strength, and range of motion. The rider's psychological sense of well-being, self-confidence, capacity to manage risk, and emotional control (self-discipline) also improve.

Socially, horseback riding can enhance a rider’s interactions with others. Some riders build friendships with other riders and the horses. The interactions can become mutually beneficial and improve group social skills.

Lastly, therapeutic riding can improve reading, math, and science skills. Riders also develop stronger attention spans, focus, and listening abilities. Other educational benefits include improved eye-hand coordination, visual and spatial perception and differentiation, maturing sequencing, patterning, and motor skills.

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Why Some Cats Sleep Often

Many cat owners notice that their pets sleep for extended periods. While people average seven hours a day, adult cats can sleep 12 to 16 hours daily. Several reasons contribute to their sleeping patterns, such as their exploring and hunting habits in the wild, which consume a lot of energy.

Sleeping for extended periods helps cats obtain the abundant rest they need to remain alert and focused. While domesticated cats do not need to hunt for food, they retain instincts and habits from their ancestral past.

Kittens can sleep up to 20 hours a day, with brief bursts of energy between meals. As they move toward adolescence, sleeping becomes erratic, and intense periods of activity and play become common. In adulthood, cats settle into set patterns, such as waking just before their owner and staying up for a couple of hours of interaction before sleeping again. With age, cats inch up to the 20-hour-a-day sleeping level again.

While cats can sleep deeply, they often nap lightly, retaining a latent sense of alertness. They may keep their eyes slightly open as they nap, with the ears rotating and twitching as the cat registers sounds. Owners who notice that their cats sleep extensively during the day can attribute it to the cat's nocturnal activities from dusk to dawn as they deeply slumber.

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Safely Getting to Know the Horse

Introduction The Language of the Horse

Winston Churchill has a well-known and extremely accurate quote about horses, “There is something about the outside of the horse that is good for the inside of the man.” The relationship between man and horse is an unbreakable bond, once formed. It can be formed at any age; while life-long equestrians undoubtedly have a leg up on beginners in terms of overall experience, beginners can exercise the caution that the life-long riders may have lost.

More to the point, anyone can enjoy being around horses! Horses are beautiful, majestic, strong creatures that are also surprisingly delicate. Normal, everyday activities required for the care of horses present untold hazards to both horse and man. Thus, we will focus on safety as we look at getting to know the horse, and the many facets of horsemanship.

Today’s horse is a domesticated animal, but the horse evolved from a wild, untamed creature. Horse cannot be fully considered companion animals, like the dog or cat. (Please note that they are amazing companions in the barn or on the trail, so my last statement is not entirely true for everybody.) Horses continue to live outside, and do not think and react like humans, as a house pet might. Thus, horses are still very in tune with the fact that they are the prey, not the predator. Being a prey animal, the horse has developed keen smell, sight, and hearing.

How Horses Smell, See, and Hear

Horses are thought to have about 300 million olfactory receptors, while we humans have five or six million. Further, horses have a vomeronasal organ, which we do not, to detect pheromones and other volatile odors. Animals are widely believed to sense human emotions through smell, but they need habituation to determine the meaning of the various smells. So, while horses may be able to smell one’s fear, for instance, the person’s actions would need to reinforce the fear for the horse to associate that smell with that person’s fear. In fact, horses greet each other, and us, with a patient sniff. Just extending your hand for a horse to sniff is like a firm handshake, and mutual fear can subside. Horses certainly can recognize their handlers, and other people and animals. A bonus: Horses are extremely proficient at removing negative emotion, largely because one needs to be present at all times to be safe.

As humans, we view the world with binocular vision. The horse, on the other hand, has the ability to view objects with both binocular and monocular vision. With monocular vision, the horse can use one eye independently to view an object within its field of vision, or it can turn its head, neck and perhaps body to a position where the horse can use binocular vision, and can switch instantaneously. But the horse’s vision is also limited. A horse cannot see directly below its nose, nor can it see the top of its tail. The whiskers found on the horse’s muzzle serve to guide the horse in seeking objects due to the lack of vision in this area, supplementing the sense of smell and taste. Another interesting fact about horses’ sight is that their brain may only register from one side at a time, when in monocular vision. This means that a horse does not recognize from its right eye something that it has seen before with its left eye.

Horses have great hearing, thought to be heard much father than the human ear. The function and placement of the horse’s ears are very important in the audio gathering process. The horse’s ears are usually long, cylindrical, and rounded appendages for collecting sounds. The tips are slightly pointed, and placed on the head at an angle to maximize the collection of sound, while preventing the entry of water/rain and foreign matter. The ears have the ability to be rotated from front to rear, a nearly 180o degrees. Generally, the horse’s ears point to indicate the directional focus of its visual attention. Although only a limited amount of research has been conducted on the hearing ability of horses, we do know they recognize sounds, and can respond to those sounds through repetitive training. Based on observations, horses seem to ‘program normal’ sounds into their memory after repeated exposures, recognizing there is no threat associated with these sounds. However, a sudden unexpected sound, such as a blast from a shotgun, will frighten/threaten most horses not accustomed to the sound. Yet, with training and exposure, many horses adapt to accepting the sound without fear.

Horses Expressing Themselves

To survive, the horse has developed distinct and innate natural defensive behavior, which ultimately become those associated with the inherent risks of horses. Unusual and loud sounds coupled with visual threats definitely can be cause for a natural instinctive response. The combined audio and visual threats that occur in the non-daylight hours significantly elevates these responses.

In terms of fight or flight, the horse’s primary innate defense mechanism is using its speed and power to distance itself from the threat, whether real or perceived. A frightened horse will seek relief by instantly departing, rapidly moving away from the area/situation, a significant distance from the threat. Speed can reach 35 mph, horse makes aggressive maneuvers to rapidly evacuate the immediate area. Since the horse does not always behave in a logical manner (to us), this escape can easily include running over objects, running through fences, not obeying commands of handle.

Spooking is a form of the flight mechanism. If a horse suddenly sees or detects an object or audible sound that is perceived as a threat, the horse may suddenly shy or jump away from that threat. Spooking is an unexpected, sudden, rapid movement that involves evasive action, quick turns and sudden stops as they assess the situation. This is a form of flight where the horses can jump any direction, and turn completely around, within nanoseconds. It is generally through the flight mechanisms that humans in close proximity to the horses may be hit, knocked down, thrown off, or run over.

Shying is considered only a brief, temporary, momentary reaction to a threat, where the horse rapidly regains its normal composure. It is possible to classify shying as a preliminary form of evasion, where the horse may observe and respond to a threat, but immediately recovers and continues to follow the commands of the rider. For example, a horse identifies something that is foreign in its field of vision, it stops, “freezes,” looks, pauses and continues to go forward at the urging of the rider. Or, a horse “shies,” side steps, or stops and backs away from a threat but remains in physical and mental control by the rider.

In a retaliatory moment, a horse may strike out with a forelimb. This behavior Can be defensive posturing, and other times it is an aggressive maneuver used in self-defense. This trait is commonly found in a horse-to-horse situation, very rarely in a situation involving a human. Rearing is a combative action where the horse stands on both of its hindlegs, while simultaneously lifting the forelegs off the ground. The horse can become nearly vertical to the ground. This behavioral posture is taken in an aggressive move toward an opponent or a demonstration of authority or power. Some horses will rear in response to objection to being requested by a human to perform a specific task, such as standing tied or being guided in a direction the horse does not wish to travel. Horses will rear when restrained by the rider/driver with a heavy hand on the reins, while placing extreme pressure on the mouth. The horse rears to evade the pressure on the mouth.

The horse has the ability to kick backward with one or both hind legs simultaneously. When people commonly refer to being kicked by a horse, one or both hind legs have struck them. A maneuver called cow kicking is another form of defensive action whereby the horse lifts one of its hind legs, bringing it forward in a powerful motion with a lateral movement to its rear in an effort to defend their flank. Although these maneuvers are commonly found in horse-to-horse combat, a kicking horse can strike a person in range of the action. Horse handlers need to take care to prevent from being kicked by a horse attempting to kick at another horse, with no intention of causing harm to the human.

Bucking is a form of kicking but generally referred to when the horse is mounted or hitched to a vehicle and being driven. Usually, the horse lowers its head from a normal posture, shifting weight from the hindquarters to the forequarters, and then kicks out to the rear with one or both the hindlegs. In this posture, the horse balances itself on both the forelegs. It is possible for a horse to buck with such impulsion, force, from the hindquarters to lift the entire animal off the ground, including the forelegs. Bucking is usually induced by actions of the rider and/or tack and equipment being used on the horse.

Crow-hopping is a gentle form of bucking, many times a precursor to full posture bucking if not corrected by the rider. Horses will bite in response to an aggressor if challenged, and will bare their teeth with mouth open, ears laid back in a defensive posture without making contact. The power of the horse’s jaws is significant and can inflict significant damage, especially to humans.

When necessary, horses have the athletic ability to jump elevated obstacles and ditches, yet to ask a horse to perform this maneuver usually requires training. A classic example of this instinct can be observed in the avoidance of water obstacles by jumping. A horse approaches the water with no method to measure its depth, the horse hesitates while observing the obstacle, and then the horse jumps unexpectedly over a ditch or creek. Instinct has taken over the decision-making process.

Biting is a potentially dangerous action that can be both aggressive and non-aggressive – it is not at all unusual for horse to bite each other to establish hierarchy, to share mutual grooming, or to play. A horse might also bite its handler in search of treats, or as a response to something uncomfortable.

Horses have a limited range of vocalizations, and it is quite easy to pick up on what they mean for any given horse in any given situation. The neigh is the high-pitched yell of a horse that says hello or I’m lonely. A snicker is a sweet, low-pitched greeting that usually means: where are the treats? A snort typically suggests a horse’s acknowledgement of danger. A snort, followed by a turn and run can get the whole herd running without indicators from the other horses (i.e., they just start running). Licking and chewing sound to pick up on; licking and chewing signifies that the danger has passed to the horse’s satisfaction, and that the brain has reset.

When we understand that a horse is not coming from a place vindictiveness, but merely responding to perceived threat, we can use the horse’s natural defenses to communicate. For instance, a great way to get a horse to move forward is to make a gesture toward its flank, as this is the area where prey might attack. Observation of your subject and the herd is not only fascinating, it is educational. The longer we observe horses, the better communicators they become! Meant as a joke, but also so true. The conversation deepens, enriches over time. Horses are great mirrors, but they are also wise healers.

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A Look at Eventing Equestrian Results in Recent Olympic Games

Equestrian contests, first at the 1900 Olympics in Paris, have been included in almost every subsequent Summer Olympics, including the 2024 Paris Games. There are team and individual contests in eventing, dressage, and jumping. Eventing, a three-component discipline that includes dressage, cross country, and jumping, was the first equestrian competition held in Paris.

German Michael Jung made Olympic history by becoming the first three-time individual gold medal winner. With his horse Chipmunk, Jung secured the gold medal with a first-place finish in the jumping portion of eventing, recording a low penalty score of 21.80. Christopher Burton (Australia) and Laura Collett (Great Britain) won the silver and bronze medals, respectively. Jung also won gold in individual eventing in 2016 and 2012. In addition, he was part of the German team that won gold in team eventing in 2012 and silver in 2016.

Great Britain won gold in team eventing with a three-event score of 91.3 penalty points, more than 12 points clear of second-place France. Japan won its first team eventing medal, securing bronze with 115.8 penalty points. Laura Collett, who won bronze in individual eventing, was part of the gold-medal winning squad, along with Tom McEwen and Ros Canter. Great Britain won gold in team eventing in Tokyo 2020 and has now won a record five gold medals in the competition.

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Study Tracks Recent Trends in Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Although they fall outside the scope of standard Western medicine, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices and eastern relaxation techniques have been helpful to many people in the United States. Published in July 2024, the study “Prevalence and 20-year Trends in Meditation, Yoga, Guided Imagery and Progressive Relaxation Use Among US Adults from 2002 to 2022” tracked America’s relationship to CAM wellness methods over the course of two decades.

Briefly encapsulated, the study found that the general practices of meditation, yoga, guided imagery, and progressive relaxation grew considerably in the US from 2002 to 2022. In 2022, roughly 20 percent of American adults reported meditating, and roughly 17 percent of American adults reported yoga practice. Although used by just 6 percent of American adults in 2022, both guided imagery (concentrating on mental images that are highly sensory and relaxing) and progressive relaxation (strategically tensing and relaxing a series of muscle groups) have also increased in popularity over the 20-year time frame.

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