Congratulations & Thanks!
Before getting to our weekly topic I’d like to thank everyone who lent a hand at the work party on Sunday. We got an great start on Jack-proofing our fences, replaced several posts, built and installed two gates, and hauled those logs out to the back field to start building new cross country jumps. Considering that many of our volunteers had spent the morning and early afternoon doing riding and horsemanship tests, your extra effort at the end of the day was extra appreciated!
Speaking of the tests, we had six people doing fourteen assessments, from Horsemanship 1 to Riding 4. I’m happy to report that everyone did a great job. Some of the requirements are not easy, and I was very impressed with the hard work and focus shown by all. Congratulations to Monica, Tyrel, Kat, James, Crystal and Brittany, who are all at least one step closer to their next spurs!
Take it off, take it all off ...
After your ride, the work’s not done. All that tack has to come off and your horse needs to be groomed again.
8. Untack & clean bit
Once more we'll join Ali & Noah, for a great video
Although quite complete for the untacking procedure, I prefer a more thorough grooming than this after a ride; and I always start with the feet, which lets you check the legs right away for injuries.
Once you’ve put your horse away, rinse the bit and rub it clean with your towel or stable cloth. This prevents food and slobber from collecting in the corners of the bit. As well as being unsightly, ‘bit crud’ also hardens and creates rough spots which can hurt the horse’s mouth.
When putting tack away, hang the bridle by the crownpiece, with the reins looped up so as not to trail on the floor (in level 2 and up we teach ‘putting up’ the bridle). The saddle should go on its stand with the stirrups run up and the saddle cover on. The girth lies over that, and the saddle pad goes on top of everything, damp side up to air dry. Clean hair out of your brushes and put your grooming kit in order before putting it away.
Next week: Basic feeding
Jennifer Landels heads up Academie Duello's Cavaliere Program. She has been swordfighting since 2008, and riding since before she could walk. She started the program as an excuse to combine those passions. Read more from Jennifer Landels.