Horseback Riding In Florida

There are a number of places throughout Florida where you can go on trail rides and horseback riding camping trips. In addition to the stables and ranches, you can obtain a permit to visit one of the beautiful State Parks that offer accommodations for both riders and their horses. Following are a few places that might be of interest to you.

Windmill Ranch in North Florida is a 30-acre ranch that is family-owned and offers horseback riding trail rides starting at only $30 per person. The great thing about this ranch is that you can take a guided or unguided ride, whenever you like. They also offer a summer horseback riding camp for kids ages 8-17, and all campers are offered private daily riding lessons, unlimited horse back riding, swimming and field trips. Additionally, they have regular, adult campsites and cabins available and you can even bring your family pet! Windmill Ranch's web address is www.robinsfurryfriends.com.

Whether you want to go on a one-day ride or a complete equestrian camping trip, Crystal River and Citrus County have beautiful public lands available to their horseback riding residents and guests. The Withlacoothie State Forest in Tillis Hills has a horse stable that accommodates 20 horses and offers one and two-day riding trips. They also provide 37 camping sites and 47 miles of trail for you to ride. Since these are public lands, you'll have to obtain a permit first so call 352-394-2280 for more information. If you're interested in utilizing one of the stables, you can contact the Florida Department of Forestry at 352-796-5650.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District has horseback riding trails on both the Flying Eagle and Pott's Preserve. Flying Eagle has nine miles of horse trails and Pott's Preserve has 12 miles of marked trails that even allows horse-drawn buggies with a permit. There is no charge overnight camping, but you will need a permit. To find out more about horseback riding on Pott's Preserve, call 1-800-423-1476.

If you're looking for an old-style, western cowboy experience, the town of Davie in south Florida might be a place you'd like to visit. Davie has become a very popular spot because of its old-west image, including an authentic-style, wooden Town Hall. They also have a rodeo arena and several western-themed saloons. Davie has set aside trails for horseback riding along its major thoroughfares so for information on taking a leisurely and informative horseback ride through Davie, Florida, go to www.floridasavvy.com.

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Colorado Horseback Riding

There are many beautiful horseback riding ranches and resorts in Colorado. Whether you're an experienced rider or just starting out, you'll be sure to find one that is accommodating to your level of skill and interest. Following are a couple of places you might want to check out.
The North Fork Ranch was established in 1985 and is located along the serene North Fork of the South Platte River. Very close to Shawnee, it is about an hour's drive from Denver and one and one-half hours from the Denver International Airport. They are a 520 acre ranch that sits at an elevation of 8100 feet and is connected to the Pike National Forest, Lost Creek Wilderness and Mt. Evans Wilderness.

North Fork Ranch offers a wide variety of activities including all inclusive vacation packages. There is something for everyone with horseback riding, trail rides, hiking and other activities such as fishing and rafting. Additionally, the activities extend well into the evening with hayrides, campfire sing-a-longs and square dancing. They also offer several children's activities that include pony rides, a petting zoo and a kid's rodeo!

You choose from several different horseback rides led by one of their experienced wranglers through the stunning mountains and valleys of North Fork. Riding options including a Lunch on the Trail Ride, a Champagne Brunch Ride and an Overnight Pack Trip.  They even start with an orientation and instruction for their inexperienced guests who haven't done much horseback riding.

The ranch prides itself on providing a safe and fun atmosphere and welcomes families with children of all ages including infants. They also offer lower seasonal weekly package rates during May 27 - June 24, and August 19 - September 2. Visit their website at www.northforkranch.com for additional information. You can also contact them by calling their toll free number at 800-843-7895 or email at info@northforkranch.com.

Academy Riding Stables in Colorado Springs offers one, two and three hour rides along the scenic trails of the historical Garden of the Gods. The stables are open year-round and provide guided leisure trail rides for riders of every level of experience. They are very customer-oriented and even have professional cowboys that will match you with a horse that best suits your abilities. Children under 8 are welcome to ride and the stable provides pony rides for the younger ones - they even get to choose their own pony!

Academy Riding Stables recommends that you make reservations and you can get to their website at www.academyridingstables.com. They also have a toll free number you can call which is 888-700-0410 and you can email them at arsriding@adelphia.net.

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Horseback Riding Lessons

If you've invested in a horse of your own, want to take riding lessons so that you can visit the stables and go riding with some previous experience or even if you're planning a horseback riding vacation, horseback riding lessons are a definitely a good idea, especially for the beginner or novice rider. But even if you're experienced in certain areas, you might want to go further still and advance your skills by training for competition riding or racing.

There are several different kinds of horseback riding lessons you can take, depending on where your interests in the sport lie. There are clinics devoted to every age group and include training for ranchers, competition riding, lessons for the recreational rider and even classes on learning how to deal with problem horses. You can take one-on-one or group lessons or special classes taught by internationally renowned horseback riders.

The length of the lessons will vary and but most are normally for around one hour or so. Usually, when you arrive for your lesson, you will be given an initial assessment of your skills. Then the you and your instructor can evaluate what goals you want to reach and set up the type of lessons you'll need based on that information.

Here are a few different categories of horseback riding lessons available, based on levels of experience, to help you determine which area you fall under.

Beginner: A person who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot (set the pace) and does not canter (cantering is slower than a galloping pace, but faster than trotting).

Novice: A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting the horse without assistance, can apply basic aids, is comfortable and in control at a walking pace and who can ride for a moderate length trot and short canters.

Intermediate: A rider who has a firm seat (balanced and comfortable in the saddle), is confident and in control at all paces including posting trots, two-point canters and gallops, but does not ride regularly.

Strong Intermediate: An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable being in the saddle for at least six hours a day.

Advanced: A rider who encompasses all of the above skills in addition to an independent seat, soft hands (light but commanding control of the reigns) and who is capable of handling a spirited horse in open country.

There are numerous horse stables across the United States and internationally that offer lessons at various levels. Browse around online to find one in your area, and be sure that you choose an instructor who you feel comfortable with so you can get the most out of your learning experience.

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Horseback Riding In Maui

It's common knowledge that Maui, Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places on earth. But in addition to the fantastic tropical atmosphere, fabulous food and wonderful culture, there are also great options for horseback riding.

Ironwood Ranch is located atop the western Maui Mountains, high above the busy resort area. They claim to have the best string of horses available in the entire region and specialize in smaller group rides. There are also private rides available upon request and you can even have a horseback riding party on their grounds if you like. They offer a wide variety of horseback riding options and can accommodate families and individual riders of any experience level. The ranchers will specially select a horse for you that matches your riding style and ability and even offer smaller, gentle horses for children. Choose from several different tours and ride through the pineapple fields and Ironwood Forest while enjoying spectacular views of Maui and its neighboring islands. Visit Ironwood Ranch's website at www.ironwoodranch.com.

Haleakala on Horseback offers two exciting, 'House of the Sun' guided horseback trail rides into the largest, dormant volcano on Earth - the Haleakala. They provide experienced guides that narrate the trip, giving you all sorts of information on the fascinating history and geology of Haleakala in addition to the rare plants and animals found there. Take the eight-mile Haleakala Crater Ka Moa O Pele Junction Ride and descend down the soft slope of the Sliding Sands Trail, 2500 feet to the crater floor! It's about four hours of incredible scenery and there is no prior horseback riding experience necessary. Plus, you'll be given a wonderful lunch when you reach the bottom. Go to www.mauihorsebackriding.com for more information.

Mendes Ranch is an actual working cattle ranch situated in the heart of West Maui. Ride the range into the base of flourishing, green valleys where you'll take in breathtaking views of the flowing waterfalls of the West Maui Mountains. Afterward, ride along the waves of the beautiful shorelines. They have a two-hour morning ride which starts at 8:30 am and an afternoon ride beginning at 12:30 in the afternoon. At the end of each ride, you'll be offered a generous, Azeka-style feast for an additional fee. The ranch is closed on Sundays and the minimum age for riders is 7 years old. Their web address is www.mendesranch.com.

Lahaina Stables is nuzzled in the slopes of the West Maui Mountains. They offer several riding options including a two-hour morning ride, three and a half lunch ride and a remarkable, two-hour sunset ride which they highly recommend, especially for experienced riders. They welcome families with a minimum age requirement of 8-years-old. Get more information at www.mauihorse.com.

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Horseback Riding Boots

The types of boots you choose to wear when horseback riding can play a big part in the level of enjoyment you'll get during your ride. Boots come in a wide variety of styles and are designed in several different categories. One thing for sure is to always choose a boot with a smaller heal, lower arch and no deep treads so that you can avoid getting your feet stuck in the stirrups. Here's some background on the types of boots that are available.

All Terrain Riding Sneakers / Barn Boots

If you like to stop and hike a little during your day out riding horses, these are a good option to consider. This type of shoe is a cross between comfortable sneakers, paddock boots and hiking shoes. Barn boots, as they're also called, are lightweight, breathable and very durable and will give you stability along with comfort. Most are made with waterproof materials for both men and women, and are also ergonomically designed with special soles for improved cushioning and air circulation.

Paddock Boots

Paddock boots are easier to deal with than the taller style of riding boots and they're also much safer than riding in your favorite pair of old sneakers although just as comfortable. They are available in zip-up, lace-up and pull on styles and also provide you stability while you're on the ground as well as in the stirrups.

Tall Riding Boots

Riding boots that are taller at either knee or a little over in length can not only protect your legs, but also come in dressier styles because they are common attire worn by sporting and competition horse riders such as jockeys, equestrians and polo players. They are usually designed with appearance, comfort and performance in mind and are available in an extensive variety.

Field Boots

When the weather isn't so nice outside, throwing on a pair of field boots can alleviate the work of having to clean and/or condition your regular riding boots. They are designed to be very durable in addition to comfortable and are a very popular choice for riding or taking care of your horse during nastier weather conditions.

Western or 'Cowboy' Boots

The great thing about cowboy boots is that they are genderless and ageless, worn by men, women and children. This type of boot has been around for centuries and although they come in an enormous variety of styles and designs, are still made with the same basic working concepts in mind. The lower heel, smooth sole, height of the boot to protect your legs and convenient finger loops make them easy to pull on are still today, the most popular choice of boot for western-style horse riders.


Article Written By J. Foley

Tips for responsible horseback riding in nature

By CHUCK MYERS; McClatchy-Tribune

Published: 04/14/1012:10 pm | Updated: 04/14/1012:11 pm

Some people like to roam the wilderness aboard all-terrain vehicles. Others tackle challenging hills and slopes on mountain bikes.

But as one special group of outdoors enthusiasts will tell you, nothing beats navigating trails on horseback.
As with hiking or camping, Horseback riding on a nature trail involves some key dos and don'ts, which are designed to keep riders and foot traffic safe, and protect the integrity of the natural realm.
The nonprofit organization Tread Lightly! offers the following guidelines for responsible horseback riding:
- At trailheads or staging areas, park vehicles and secure horse in a manner that provides a safe distance between the horses and passing traffic.
- Riders should match their skill level to the temperament and ability of their horse. Less experienced horses and riders should ride behind more "trail-wise" horses and riders.
- Travel responsibly and stay on designated roads, trails and other areas open to horse use.
- Ride single file to reduce trail damage.
- Don't cut switchbacks (a turn on a trail).
- Spread out in open country where there are no trails, rather than following in each other's footsteps. This riding method will disperse impact and avoid creating a new trail.
- Comply with all signs and respect barriers.
- If you are "ponying" a horse (leading one horse from the back of another), go slow and never take a loose horse on the trail.
- Buddy up with two or three riders to reduce vulnerability if you have an accident.
SOURCE: Tread Lightly!

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Head over hoofs about vaulting

16 Jan 10 @ 11:47am by Stacy Thomas

NICOLE Stapleton and Nicole Collett travelled to Germany last year for horse vaulting and now have their eyes set on the United States.
The two are spending one weekend a month training in Canberra with an elite squad in preparation for the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky in October, with practice increasing in the lead-up to competition. Germany is at the top of the horse vaulting world. It is the country the rest of the world looks up to.
The aim of the elite squad is to cull its members down from 18 to 10 and attempt to qualify for this year’s games.
This will be the first time Australia has sent a team for vaulting because it’s the first time the country has had the calibre of riders to go up against the rest of the world.
There are less than 15 vaulting clubs in Australia, with Oakville-based Stapleton and Collett major hopes for the games.
“Vaulting is my passion,” Stapleton said. “At first it was a bit of fun combining horseriding and gymnastics.
“Now I have a dream to go overseas to train and compete.”
The duo is training with Sydney Vaulting Group and Hawkesbury Vaulting Club.
The next big event is the state championships in April at Horseworld Maraylya.
Vaulting is a competitive discipline where gymnastic and dance elements are combined and performed to music on a cantering horse.
* HORSE mad? Combine horse riding with the grace of dancing, strength of gymnastics and love of music.
Vaulting is gymnastics on horseback and participants don’t have to own a horse to learn the fine art.
Children as young as six begin by learning basic gymnastic skills on the mat and barrel.
Then they put their skills to the test on a slow horse.
As their skill and confidence improves, the horse progresses to a canter.
Hawkesbury Vaulting Club will be holding a twilight open session where visitors can see a variety of demonstrations, including one by a 2010 World Equestrian Games hopeful.
There will also be opportunities for visitors to try some basic skills on the barrels, as well as face painting, barbecue and stalls. Details: 0407949826 or 45765208.
It will be held on Saturday, January 30, from 3pm to 6pm at Kinlew Equestrian Centre, 477 Sackville Rd, Ebenezer.

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Equitrekking’s PBS TV Series Launches Equitrekking Travel Featuring Exceptional Equestrian Vacations

Equitrekking, the Emmy Award-Winning Public TV series that is broadcast to tens of millions of viewers on PBS and international networks, announces the launch of Equitrekking Travel [www.EquitrekkingTravel.com]. This new enterprise will allow individuals and groups to enjoy in person the horse riding vacations they could previously only see on the popular Equitrekking television series. The riding vacations will take place at featured locations and many will be led by the same guides who have appeared on Equitrekking's programs.

The Equitrekking series is the first televised travel series to explore the world on horseback. Host Darley Newman travels off the beaten path, riding horses with local people to get an in-depth look at an area's natural surroundings, culture and history. Viewers, after watching these riding vacations in televised form during the last four seasons, have repeatedly asked how and where they might have the same equestrian experience. Thus, Darley decided to launch Equitrekking Travel as a forum through which viewers and their friends can also enjoy Darley's favorite equestrian trips, vacations that include horse riding with local guides as well as other activities featured on Equitrekking.

As Darley has often said, "when you explore a place on horseback, you ride with local people who can show you the best of their area. This is my favorite way to travel. I learn tons of things that aren't found in any guidebook."

Now viewers of Equitrekking who have dreamed of riding horses in locations where Equitrekking has gone will be able to actually experience what they have seen on the show. Darley has handpicked the sites that have been selected so far for Equitrekking Travel, because they offer accessible vacations that accommodate travelers with varying budgets and riding skills, including beginners and their non-riding companions. Horseback riding is an exciting, eco-friendly way to see the world and traveling with a local guide makes these journeys very special.

Riders may participate in unique adventures like riding with the Bedouin in the desert in Jordan, cattle round-ups at a working ranch in New Mexico, cross country training in Ireland, a pack trip in the Canadian Rockies or Alaska, natural horsemanship at the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina, trail riding America’s National Parks in Utah and more. These new travel offerings include visiting magical Petra, exclusive access to Jordan’s Royal Stables, sightseeing in bustling Istanbul, fly-fishing in Wyoming, golf at Mount Juliet and castle tours in Ireland and Wales.

“I, like many Americans, own a small business, have family obligations and work a lot, so I know how important it is to have a good vacation when you have limited time,” said Darley. “I really worked to include riding vacations that encompass diverse, full travel experiences and allow those who wish it, some respite from the trappings of modern life. Some trips include city stops in Montevideo or Amman, so if you travel all the way to Uruguay or Jordan, you can ride at an estancia with working gauchos or in the desert with the Bedouin, as well as visit the major sights. On some of my chosen wilderness and ranch adventures, you can leave your cell phone behind -- because it won’t work anyway -- and so really get away from it all for a few days or a week.”


The original, first-hand travel blogs, photographs and video from the best of the 35 Equitrekking episodes on EquitrekkingTravel.com, along with in-depth trip itineraries allow travelers to learn about where they are going before they get there. In the coming weeks, the EquitrekkingTravel.com site will be enhanced with a Trip Finder that will make searches for vacations based on dates, riding skill level and location even easier. 


Trips featured on EquitrekkingTravel.com can be booked by Equitrekking Travel’s preferred provider of travel services, Julie Snyder. Julie is an award winning "Virtuoso Travel Agent" as well as an experienced, enthusiastic equestrian. Julie can arrange all aspects of the vacation, including airfare, rental car, additional vacation days in cities and activities for companions who do not ride.

Continually updated, the Equitrekking Travel Deals page features Last Minute Deals on equestrian vacations, Special Events that include access to high profile equestrian competitions at Spruce Meadows and the annual Calgary Stampede. EquitrekkingTravel.com Deal’s also feature Special Departures to train with an Olympic Dressage Rider in Spain or ride America’s National Parks in Utah. The Best Picks section of the website further categorizes trips to help visitors narrow their search. The Equitrekking monthly newsletter features these special deals, along with travel articles and vacation updates. Darley’s Blog on EquitrekkingTravel.com highlights helpful tips on how to pack and prepare for an equestrian vacation, based on Darley’s expertise in riding the world.

For more information, visit EquitrekkingTravel.com.

SpiritHorse gives outdoor therapy to those with disabilities

By LES COCKRELL / Denton Record-Chronicle
lcockrell@dentonrc.com At first glance, the tree-shaded facility might look no different from any of the small ranches or horseback riding stables that dot the Denton County landscape.
Horses graze in a fenced pasture, and riders on horseback wind their way down a nearby trail. In a small corral, an instructor offers support to a young student who seems delighted to be in the saddle.
It appears idyllic, but a closer look reveals that serious work is under way. This is SpiritHorse, which provides private equine-assisted therapeutic riding lessons. Clients include people with disabilities, at-risk youth, battered women, young people who have completed drug rehabilitation and abused children.
"We don't provide recreation, we provide health care," said Charles I. Fletcher, founder and chief executive officer of the Corinth center.
Fletcher combined a passion for horses and a love for children when he started SpiritHorse seven years ago after retiring from Rockwell International. Now 71, he estimated that he works about 100 hours a week at the center.
SpiritHorse serves about 425 clients, and 90 percent of them are children. Lessons are offered for free. The center receives no government funding, and financial support comes from donations and grants, Fletcher said.
"This is a ministry, and these kids deserve it," Fletcher said.
Staff members meet with client families to discuss therapy goals and directives from physicians before beginning a program.
Hourlong sessions include horse management duties such as leading, grooming and saddling, based on students' abilities.
"It's a learning experience," said Stephanie Wilhelm, a horse care specialist and instructor at SpiritHorse.
"Children saddle and unsaddle their horses," Fletcher said. "It builds trust, self-esteem and motor skills. No matter what their disability, they participate.
The center operates under two guiding principles, Fletcher said: "Love the children" and "Make all decisions in favor of the child, not the center."
Parents take part in the sessions, he said, a feature that separates SpiritHorse from some riding centers.
"We require parents to participate," Fletcher said. "They are the experts on the child."
Having parents get involved also helps transfer the learning process to the home, he said.
The center has a staff of seven full-time and 10 part-time instructors and relies on assistance from more than 500 parent-volunteers and about 50 community volunteers.
A seven-member board of directors sets policy and raises funds, Fletcher said. Five members of a medical advisory board work closely with the center's staff.
SpiritHorse serves clients in Denton, Collin, Cooke, Dallas, Grayson, Kaufman, Rockwall, Tarrant, Wichita and Wise counties and typically receives about five new applications a week. The organization has "graduated" 365 riders in the last seven years, Fletcher said.
In addition to its operation in Corinth, SpiritHorse now has licensed centers throughout the world – from Georgia, Iowa and Virginia to Scotland, Hungary and Uruguay.
For more information, visit www.spirithorsetherapy .com or call 940-497-2946.

Little-known club team has big aspirations

by Molly Young

Vanguard Staff Writer

October 12, 2009 —

Three years ago, two students created a club sport that regularly competes with about ten schools in Michigan and one in Canada. Do you know which sport this is?
Here’s another hint: the 20-person team holds regular practices to learn to control animals weighing ten times as much as them.
Give up? It’s the equestrian team.
About four times throughout the fall semester, the equestrian team travels around Michigan to compete with schools such Western, Michigan, Michigan State, Oakland and Grand Valley (who they beat last year).
There are two different categories for competitions. These categories are called stock seat and hunt seat.
If a person rides a stock seat, they do Western style horseback riding. In this style, riders are expected to show a well-controlled position while doing a walk, trot and a canter. In this seat, the rider must have excellent form and position.
“It might look like [the rider] is just sitting there, but they’re giving the horse subtle cues,” communications major Courtney Trares said.
“It’s really difficult, because if you shift your weight even an inch forward or an inch back, the horse responds to it,” nursing freshman Kara Daniels said.
“During competitions, you have to be able to adjust to different horses, while at the same time, keeping your technique,” Trares said.
On the other hand, if they ride hunt seat, they do English jumper style horseback riding. Often called the forward seat, English riders dress in the attire typically found at horse shows. Likewise, the horse is clean-cut and well presented. During competitions, Hunt seat riders are judged on not only form, but also how well they complete a pre-determined course of jumps and turns.
“The hardest part is knowing how to handle your horse when you come up to a jump, and your horse just stops,” occupational therapy senior and hunt seat rider Anna Sandelich said.
“Sometimes they’re stubborn and refuse to do what you tell them to. It’s hard figuring out how to persuade them to do something they just don’t want to do,” accounting senior Jessica Kovl said. Last year, Kovl’s individual score from competition qualified her for nationals.
As of now, the team agrees that as a whole, they are “middle of the pack” when it comes to competing, because some new members on the team have little or no experience.
According to Sandelich, riders have never even seen the horse they will ride for competition, and don’t even know which one it will be until they draw a horse’s name from a bucket.
“You can practice all you want, and look really great with your horse, but that doesn’t mean anything when you get to competition. You have to adjust to different horses, and get inside the mind of a thousand pound animal and learn to control it,” Sandelich said.

A horse lover’s heaven

published: October 10, 2009 09:25 pm        

A horse lover’s heaven

Kentucky is the place for equine enthusiasts
BY MARY WICOFF
The majesty, beauty and speed of horses have captured people’s imaginations and hearts for centuries. Books, movies and songs have raised some to almost mythical status.

For horse lovers — and there are many in the Danville area — one of the best places to learn more about the magnificent creatures is the Lexington, Ky., area. Farms, museums, racetracks and parks help horse fanciers indulge in their passions — whether you’re a child wishing for a pony or an adult who’s owned horses for years.

One popular place is the 1,224-acre Kentucky Horse Park, located just outside Georgetown, Ky., near Lexington. During its main summer season, the park is home to some 115 horses representing about 50 breeds.

Anne Morris of Danville has been to the park three times.

“If you like horses, this is the place to go. Anything you want, it’s there,” she said.

The first couple of visits to the park were quick trips. But, the third time, she visited the farm in 2004 as part of a tour, and was able to spend more time there.

She especially enjoyed the International Museum of the Horse, the blacksmith’s shop and the Parade of Breeds, during which the audience learns about different breeds.

The park also is the burial place for the great Man O’ War, the most famous thoroughbred racehorse of the 20th century. Buried with him are some of his offspring, including Triple Crown winner War Admiral, who was upset by Seabiscuit in their famous match race in 1938.

Morris also enjoyed a short movie about how America was shaped by the horse. In addition, the Hall of Champions is a place where visitors can meet retired racehorses, many of whom have made a name for themselves.

The park also offers horseback riding, but Morris passed on that because she has a horse of her own stabled near Danville — a Tennessee walking horse named Blackjack.

Candace McMaster of Champaign and her husband, Steve, took a short a trip to Kentucky several years ago “just to see this amazing place,” she said.

McMaster also is a sponsor/volunteer with Crosswinds Equine Rescue in rural Sidell. Crosswinds rescues at risk-horses, brings them back to good health and condition, and places them in good quality homes.

At the Horse Park, McMaster enjoyed the museum with the history of many famous horses, such as Secretariat, and the exhibits.

They also saw at least two live performances — one of past Derby winners and the Parade of Breeds.

“It was very exciting to see actual champions like Cigar,” she said.

“For anyone who loves horses this is a wonderful experience ... and you can walk around at a leisurely pace, decide what shows you want to see, wander through the museum, visit live horses in the stables.

“If you love horses, it is so much fun and very family friendly.”

Meeting the horses was the best part of the park, she said, as well as learning about the history and different breeds of horses.

OLD FRIENDS

Kentucky has many other horse tours and activities.

McMaster said she visited Claiborne Farm and met the great Secretariat, adding, “I will never forget him — he was like an ancient horse god you read about in mythology.”

Another interesting site is the 92-acre Old Friends, a retirement farm for racehorses. More than 40 thoroughbreds are enjoying their golden years at the site, just outside Georgetown, Ky.

The farm has several famous names, including Black Tie Affair, the 1991 Horse of the Year, and Awar, who earned millions during his career.

Another favorite is Popcorn Deelites, who was cast as one of the six horses to play Seabiscuit in the 2003 film starring Tobey Maguire and Jeff Bridges. In the film, Popcorn can be seen breaking from the gate, as it turned out that was his on-screen specialty.

Another celebrity at the farm is Ogygian, the last son of Damascus, a horse of the year and the 16th ranking greatest thoroughbred of the 20th century.

During the free tour, visitors may feed carrots to the horses and pet them, while learning more about their illustrious careers.

ON THE WEB

— http://www.kyhorsepark.com is the site for the Kentucky Horse Park. According to mapquest.com, the park is about a five-hour drive from Danville.

—http://www.oldfriendsequine.org is the site for Old Friends near Georgetown, Ky., a retirement farm for racehorses.

— In Vermilion County, you can learn more about Crosswinds Equine Rescue by visiting its Web site, http://www.cwer.org or calling (217) 649-7915. The site is located at 8182 E. 200 North Road, Sidell.

Horse riding holidays in Russia

To spend your vacation in the open air on the horseback is an amazing adventure, which can be dangerous or pleasant; it depends on you. It is more comfortable than hike, because you don’t need to walk all the time, carrying your things on your back. Riding a horse is healthily, and horsed trip is a good possibility to gain some skills in riding. Moreover, the regions, where this tourist service is provided, are famous with their beautiful nature and various landscapes.

Where? The most popular regions for equine tourism are Altai, Ural and Northern Caucasus. Traveling through these mountainous regions, the tourists can see different types of the wild nature, from the subtropics to the alpine meadows; enjoy the sights of the valleys and mountains, cross the rivers. The Caucasus Mountains are relatively young and high ones, their tops are covered with snow, the mountains systems of Altai and Urals are very old, have bizarre forms and make an impression another type.

Who can participate? The organizers usually write on their websites, that they provide tours different level, and the some routes are suitable for every healthy person. Anyway, you must decide if you are healthy enough. The people, who has not any riding skills, are usually instructed on the first day of the tour, how to ride. The horses walk all the time, so it is not very difficult. All the animals are usually calm and quiet enough to avoid excesses.

How long? The trips take from 6 days to 2 weeks, depending on the route and level of the participants. Everything depends on your skills and time you dispose. Some people would be fed up with the wild nature in 5 days others would need minimum two weeks, instead of all the delights of the camp life.

Meals and accommodation As for the delights of the camp life, the cost of the tour includes three meals daily. The products are transported with the group, and the meals are cooked by the participants and their guide on the camp fire. It bonds the people, isn’t it? Accommodation during the tour is camping, except the first and the last night, when the group spends the night at the tourist centre. The baths or Russian sauna is provided in the tourist centre as well. It doesn’t mean that there is no possibility to have a wash during the trip. The rivers and lakes on the route substitute the shower in the summer time.

Equipment The equipment for the equine tourism includes your private things, personal hygiene products and special clothes. You should have in view, that the weather changes, and also you should take two sets of the warm things if it rains and riding boots. Tents, all-weather raincoats, sleeping bags and things like that can be hired in the tourist centre.

Yulia Buzykina

Sources:
www.sibaltay.ru
www.horse-ride.ru
www.russiadiscovery.ru

Horse lovers by hundreds turn out in Thousand Oaks to help groups

By Mike Harris

Sunday, September 13, 2009 

 Hundreds of people celebrated the equestrian lifestyle Saturday at the fifth annual Day of the Horse gala in Thousand Oaks to benefit two local nonprofit organizations.
The free event at Conejo Creek Equestrian Park featured riding demonstrations, equestrian-related vendors, a children’s scavenger hunt, a silent auction, pizza and refreshments for sale, and more.
Hosted by ETI Corral 37, the celebration benefited Ride On Therapeutic Horsemanship, which teaches horseback riding to people with physical and mental disabilities, and California Coastal Horse Rescue, which provides food, shelter, rehabilitation, medical care and adoption services for horses that have been abused, abandoned or neglected.
Proceeds from the auction and the food sales went toward buying hay for the two organizations.
“Today has been incredible,” said event chairwoman Barbara Kloster. “We’ve had more people than we’ve ever had before. The pizza is selling. The silent auction is going great. So many people have donated different things. And these equestrians have put on the most phenomenal show for free.”
Pointing to the packed grandstand where spectators watched the riding demonstrations, Kloster said, “These people haven’t moved. They’re just so rapt with what they’re seeing.”
About 1 p.m., there were a few hundred people in attendance, but Kloster said the overall attendance at that point was closer to a thousand, noting that people had been coming and going throughout the day.
Watching eight women equestrians in traditional Mexican dresses and sombreros ride in formation for the crowd as traditional Mexican music played over loudspeakers, Eric Meyer of Thousand Oaks said he has attended all five Day of the Horse celebrations.
Attending the event with his daughter Annalise, 12, Meyer said he appreciated seeing “all the different riding styles. This is the first I’ve see the Mexican styles.”
Joy Woodruff of Westlake Village attended with her two young daughters, Kendra and Amanda.
“We’re all big horse lovers, especially my little one, Amanda, who is here to watch everybody and hopefully someday be just like them,” Woodruff said. “We all ride a little, but we’re not lucky enough to have a horse.”
Lynne Mann, a member of ETI Corral 37, walked with her two miniature horses.
“They’re here to demonstrate that miniature horses are horses, too,” Mann said. “They’re called American miniature horses and they’re actually horses, not ponies.”

Special needs day gives youth chance to bond

By Argen Duncan: PNT Senior Writer

Halley Manley said her reserved daughter with Asperger’s syndrome, attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactive disorder became outgoing and made physical and emotional improvements, all thanks to horseback riding.

“She has self-confidence now and is willing to try anything,” Manley said of her daughter, 9-year-old Emma Purcell.
Manley and Purcell took part in Wednesday’s Roosevelt County Fair Special Needs Day, which included rope tricks by County Commissioner Bill Cathey, a Special Olympics horseback riding exhibition and a pet show for people with disabilities. This year is the second the fair has held a Special Needs Day and an indoor exhibits competition among disabled people.
“More people with disabilities should come out so they can intermingle with people in the community,” said Pat Dodson, who      leads the organization of the events.
Dodson said the riding exhibition aimed to show how disabled people can ride and compete in Special Olympics.
“It gives them something to do, and it gives them a sense of accomplishment because they’re able to compete,” she said.
Dodson’s 18-year-old son, Garrett, has a rare genetic disease that affects his motor skills, and he has gained strength and balance from his years of horseback riding, including participation in Special Olympics
“It’s fun,” Garrett said.
Cindy Vaugan, 48, has been part of Special Olympics since she was 8 and competes in a variety of equestrian events. She said she loves every part of it and has learned that horses are bigger and stronger than she is.
Emma, who competes in Special Olympics and takes lessons locally at Abrazos Adventures, also enjoys horseback riding.
“Everyone should learn how to do it,” she said.
Abrazos Adventures owner Wendy Toombs said she’s found little difference between normal and disabled children.
Toombs believes many problems in children come from unmanaged energy and technology allowing them to bypass learning to use their bodies. Once they learn to control their energy, she said, it helps with their disabilities.
“They learn how to focus; they learn how to apply themselves to something,” Toombs said.

Horses that Heal soldiers

June 23, 2009 10:00 pm, EDT
Every Sunday, Tuesday and Friday, of every week, a C-17 lands at Andrews Air Force Base bringing wounded soldiers back to US soil.

Some will go directly to Walter Reed Medical Center and others will go to the Veteran's Administration for care. Eventually, some of the injured will be assigned to Ft. George G. Meade's Warrior Transition Unit, an outfit of approximately 145 soldiers, half of whom have been injured in either Iraq or Afghanistan.

Most of the soldiers at Ft. Meade have the signature injury of the current wars, traumatic brain injury. Others have serious physical injuries and almost all suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.

At a riding arena in Crownsville, Maryland, in a program called Horses for Heroes, about 50 of those injured soldiers from Ft. Meade will saddle up. It’s like a reverse form of “horse whispering”. The horse’s movements “speak” to and soothe the rider.

Maryland Therapeutic Riding (MTR) is providing horseback riding as a means of therapy for our injured heroes; one horse, one soldier, one leader. MTR is dedicated to doing their part with the growing need for therapeutic programs for the returning injured, and they do it for free.

Founded in 1996, MTR, not far from Annapolis, has a new 15,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art riding arena that allows daily riding sessions, rain or shine. The center is open from 7am to 7pm, seven days a week.

Ft. Meade began sending wounded soldiers to MTR earlier this year following a visit from Col. Kenneth O. McCreedy (Ret.) in 2008. He recognized immediately the impact it could have for war veterans.

"People who were basically non-functioning…as soon as you put them on a horse, their posture improved, they could respond to directions, they could talk...They were different people", said Ret. Col. McCreedy, who now holds a seat on the organization’s board of directors.

The riding center is an impressive operation with horses getting groomed three times a day and going through training sessions three times a week to maintain flexibility and strength.

Not all riders at MTR are rehabbing soldiers. The facility began by providing therapy-riding for adults and children with special needs such as autism and cerebral palsy.

Like all non-profits, it struggles with funding. On average, not counting labor, it costs about $10,000 a year for the care, feeding and training of every horse in the program.

For additional information on Horses for Heroes, please check their website: www.HorsesThatHeal.org or call David Parry at 410-923-1187.



Examiner’s note: MTR itself has a special need: at least two more horses, preferably large breed such as a quarter horse-draft cross, because some of the military personnel entering the program are big men.


Author: Susy Raybon
Susy Raybon is an Examiner from Columbia.

Disabled Find Freedom on Horseback

By Susan Logue
Clifton, Virginia
16 June 2009

Laura Gregg, 13, can't talk or see. She spends most of her life in a wheelchair, but once a week she leaves the chair to sit atop a horse. With one volunteer leading the horse and one on either side to make sure she doesn't fall, she slowly moves around the riding ring.
"It is Laura's opportunity, one day a week, to feel what it is to walk again," says her mother. Karen Gregg has been bringing her daughter here since she was six years old and says she notices a change in Laura after a session. "Her muscles are usually either extremely tight or extremely loose. A child with cerebral palsy, as Laura is, can't control this." Greg says that riding the horse helps relax Laura's muscles that are tight and strengthens muscles that need to be strengthened.

Laura is one of 85 students with special needs who participate once a week in the Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program, which has been offering these classes since 1980.

Riders with different challenges say they benefit

"We have some people who have physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy," says Executive Director Breeana Bornhorst. "We have some people who have cognitive or intellectual disabilities, for example, autism, learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, Down Syndrome, any number of different challenges."

Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program is one of more than 700 such programs in the U.S. It has been offering these classes since 1980.

Samuel Selnick, 16, has Down Syndrome. "Like most people with Down Syndrome, he tends to have low muscle tone, says his mother, Barbara. "Riding benefits him, because you work on your core muscles." Selnick says Samuel's posture has definitely improved over the four years she has been bringing him here.

There are more than 700 therapeutic riding programs in the United States alone. Bornhorst says there is a need for more research to quantify the benefits of therapeutic riding that she sees every day. Parents and students are already convinced that these sessions make a difference.

Jennifer Hendrick says horses make the best physical therapists
Jennifer Hendrick, 19, suffered four massive strokes that left her paralyzed on one side. Before taking sessions here, she went through more traditional physical therapy. "I was stable enough to get around on my own, but this has doubled the strengthening, doubled the work and doubled the fun."

And it's that sense of fun - not just the physical improvement - that keeps Hendrick and the others returning to the riding ring week after week to work with their four legged therapists.

Helmets mandatory for young horse riders

Reported by: Katie Brace
Email: kbrace@wptv.com
Contributor: WPTV staff
Last Update: 5:41 pm

LOXAHATCHEE, FL – For the Hornstein family watching a group of horseback riders with helmets brings some comfort. A new law, named in their daughter’s memory, will soon require helmets for kids riding horses.

Their daughter, Nicole, did not have one on when she was thrown from a horse and killed.

Gary Hornstein, Nicole’s father, says,”There's no margin for error. Nicole did not have a second chance. It happened once and it was horrific."

Motivated by their pain, the Hornsteins made it their mission to mandate helmets for kids.

"It had to be done no questions asked,” says Gary Hornstein.

When Nicole died three years ago, she was riding a friend’s horse down the road. The horse stumbled and Nicole hit the pavement. She was just twelve year old.

For the past two years, her family has been relentless in their pursuit of preventing a similar tragedy.

Gary Hornstein says, "She went through things no man woman or child should go for and all for a helmet."

Monday their efforts were realized. Governor Charlie Crist came to Loxahatchee to sign a new law in Nicole’s name.

Governor Charlie Crist says, "I give all the credit to the family."

“Nicole’s Law” requires children under the age of sixteen to wear a helmet while horseback riding on a public road. The law goes into effect October first. If a child is not wearing a helmet, the person responsible faces a 500 dollar fine.

Monique Hornstein, Nicole’s mother, says, "We're just grateful, grateful. We love her every day."

Equestrian Careers: How to Find the Right Path for You

There are just people who have fallen in love with horses. They may be both young and old, man or woman. It is not a new scenario to see a kid who asks for a pony as a birthday gift. For them, it feels like heaven just to spend some time with their beloved animals. There are even instances when they can't spend a day without having to visit their pet's stable. No wonder, many individuals have turned out to be equestrians.

If you live your day breathing horses, sleeping with them, eating with them, going for adventures with them, then perhaps you happen to realize that you can start off a career with it. Equestrian careers are common not only in the United States but in many other countries as well. You can always land yourself in a useful career in the horse industry and get on with a better way of spending your daily routines.

In the past years, surveys have showed that there are nearly seven million horses in the United States alone and the more it gives rewarding opportunities for the horse lovers. The American Horse Council further points out that it supports an estimated 1.4 million full time jobs for the equestrians. The horse industry features a wide spectrum of equestrian careers ranging from the hands-on tasks of large animal veterinarian up to those that include becoming a supplement and feeds distributor. Other equestrian careers are research, breeding, showing, education, health, recreation, product manufacturing, and a lot other service industries. Sure enough, you would find something that would be perfectly appropriate for you.

So, how can you possibly gauge the rightful opportunity that is most apt for you as an equestrian? Before you practically send out your resumes to the horse industry related offices, you first need to seek out the opportunity or career that would suit you best. You need time to attend to this. As much as you want to be employed as a veterinarian or technician, no one in his right state of mind would surely hire you if you can't show the documents that would serve as your credentials. Hence, take time to research on the various equestrian careers, then find out the requirements for those and then work on how you would be able to earn the credentials. Trainings and certificates are most likely needed.

Here are some of the questions that you would have to ask yourself.

What do you really want for a career involving horses? What are you most fond of doing? Are you much in contact with these animals? Or would you rather go for a job that includes working in some supporting field? Here are the pros and cons for them.

The supporting field role can make you earn more because the job is more stable, requires you to report in the regular hours, and of course, you have the benefits to be enjoyed. Meanwhile, a hands-on equestrian career can provide you with more flexible and greater chances of getting in full contact with your favored animals.

What degree of education can you boast of? You would need trainings and the right education in order to get admitted into the horse industry careers. If you prefer to be a barn manager, a horse trainer, a riding instructor, or perhaps a public relations expert, a vet, or a writer, then seek out the required trainings or degrees for them.

It is important that you know your goals especially when you are eyeing for an equestrian career. If you keep in focus, then you'll be successful in the end.

Article Written By J. Foley

Whitworth prof studies horseback riding as therapy

By SARA LEAMING

The Spokesman-Review
SPOKANE, Wash. —

With his arms outstretched, 6-year-old Tyson Thompson concentrated Sunday on keeping his posture straight and his leg muscles strong as he balanced on the horse moving beneath him.

The boy looked miniature perched on the back of the 1,400-pound horse named April. Maintaining steadiness proved even more difficult without a saddle, especially for Thompson, who has cerebral palsy.

"It makes him very aware of his body positions," said Ellie Giffin, Thompson's mother. Riding 18-year-old April, a breed of draft horse known as Shire and related to Clydesdales, is also the only physical therapy Thompson does in which his symptoms don't regress, Giffin said.

Known as hippotherapy stemming from the Greek word "hippos" for horse the treatment uses the multidimensional movements of a horse to treat patients who suffer from muscle or movement dysfunction. It's said to improve balance, posture, mobility and function.

"They can't re-create this in a clinic," Giffin said.

Giffin and her family also are fortunate to be related to Mike and Teri Sardinia. The Sardinias own the Clayton farm and the horse used in Thompson's therapy. The boy has been working with the horses since he was 3 years old.

Mike Sardinia is a biology professor at Whitworth University. Two years ago, two of his former students did their research project for his animal physiology course on the effects of hippotherapy; Thompson served as their test subject. This year, undergraduate biology majors David Ellis and Aly Shaffer, both 22, took the research a step further to determine how long Thompson's muscles benefited from each session.

The students measured the electromyograms in the boy's muscles before, and then each day after each therapy session for a week. The electromyogram is a graphic representation of the electrical activity that occurs when muscles contract.

For most people, those muscles are in sync when they are contracting in the limbs. But for people with cerebral palsy, the electromyograms are out of sync for the same muscles, causing patients to be off-balance.

"The idea of being on a horse is that it moves in a very synchronized way; he has to use his muscles in sync with the horse," Ellis said.

Ellis and Shaffer recently presented their research at the Spokane Intercollegiate Research Conference. Their research determined that Thompson had better muscle coordination and balance for at least two days following his sessions with horses.

Mike Sardinia said he hopes the research will be helpful in establishing more local hippotherapy options. When Giffin went looking for help, there were only two similar programs in the Spokane area, and each had a long waiting list.

In addition, Sardinia said there is much anecdotal evidence to support the benefits of hippotherapy but very little solid research to prove it works.

"We want to spread this around to anybody that is doing this kind of work," he said.

Already the need is growing.

On Saturday, a newly formed group in Spokane called Free Rein held an event to raise money for similar therapy.

Founded last summer, Free Rein allows 22 children and adults with physical, mental and emotional disabilities to ride and connect with horses. The nonprofit wants the program to grow and eventually serve 100 riders a year.

But the therapy is costly, and often patients are living on limited incomes and have higher living expenses because of a disability.

The Sardinias said they have only worked with Thompson so far but in the future would consider taking on more riders.

Giffin said that without the therapy, her son's progress would have been slower. He no longer wears leg braces.

"The biggest thing is that he has developed strength in his torso," Giffin said. "He couldn't sit before without help."

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Information from: The Spokesman-Review, http://www.spokesmanreview.com

Guelph man horseback riding across Canada for charity

April 04, 2009
GuelphMercury.com/News Services
Web edition

Kimball Foord of Guelph is horseback riding across Canada to raise awareness and money for children.

Foord, a 50-year-old father of five, expects to leave Guelph on Saturday, April 11 on his Ride for Dreams and complete his journey on Sept. 9 in Vancouver in support of the Sunshine Foundation of Canada, a charity which supports children with severe physical disabilities and life-threatening illnesses.

It will be the second such attempt by Foord, who in 2006 covered 1,700 kilometres from Guelph to the Ontario-Manitoba border. Foord will take only what he and his two horses can carry. He will camp out and rely on the kindness of strangers to provide water and hay during his journey.

A Dance for Dreams fund-raiser will be held in support of Sunshine and also help serve as a kickoff to Foord's cross-country ride. The Dance for Dreams is scheduled for Saturday, April 11 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Fergus Community Centre. Tickets are $10 per person or two for $15. They will be available at the door or by calling 519-265-8111.