Conference noted::equitation

    
    
    
    
                    1)please tell me the following:
                            a)the types of riding;
    
    >>>> Basic ones.. Are English or Western 
    
    There are many different ones in each category
    
    English (saddle seat- This is usally a horse called A Saddle bred)
    English (Cross country This is is jumping jumps in open fields)
    English ( has alot - I can't name them all)
    
    Western (I Know this one better)
    
    Western - Pleasure  This is a horse you can trail ride with go into 
                        pleasure class.
    
    Western - Jim Kana  This barrel racing The horse should be built for
                        speed.
    
    Western - ?         This is a horse that calf roping and Rodeo stuff
    
                            b)saddle(s) that can be used for each;
    
    English  There is many saddles that can be used Hunt seat, Saddle Seat,
    	     etc... (am sure an english person will add more)
    
    Western - Only one seat.. A Western Saddle
    
                            c)rating of each for a beginner.
    
    Beginner should start off Western - You'll feel secure in the saddle 
    and as you improve you might want to change to english.  Most good
    western horses go great english.
    
    I started off with a western saddle went to english then back to
    western.
    
                    2)i just want to ride for pleasure, not for show or
                      competition-
                            a)what type of riding is best for me;
    
    Trail riding - There are many assocations that sponser trail rides some
    judged and some just for kicks., both are fun and you meet alot of
    people who will be glad to tell you what you need to know.
    
    Have fun before you get serious with any sport.
            
    
                    b)where do i go and the cost.
    
    Before buying a horse rent a couple at local ranches for hour and see if 
    this is what you really want to do.  
    
    Horses are expensive.  My horse lives on my property and she cost an 
    average of 70.00 a month to keep up.  They are alot of responsiblity.
    
    Where to go... 
    
    Find some one that is willing to help you find the right horse.
    
    Any one of us in the notes file will be glad to go out and look at 
    some .. and we generally know of people who have them for sale.
    
    Horses can cost as little 500 to 20,000.
    
    Average good grade horse (one that is a mutt in dog language)
    will run around 750.00 to 1000.00  
    
    Depending on age and manners (if they chew, kick etc.) and training
    do they know how to turn do they know how to stop.?
                    
    				3)clothes,,,
    
    I ride in my jeans and a pair of chaps. For western or english.
    and a pair boots with heals
    
                            most notes refer to show/competition type
                    of clothing.
                            1)what would be best for me as just a rider;
    
    Depends on what you want to ride.. Do you want to do it for
    fun?  The clothes vary from sport to sport.
    
                            2)where can i go for it and cost.
    
    The want add is the best place for most horse items.  You can
    go to auctions (horse ones) in your area, and get some deals.
    
                    4)other recommendations,tips,offers,help that i can get
                       i'll accept gratefully:')
    
    
    The best bet is to get a buddy that will help you look and know what
    is deal and what is junk.
    
    What area do you live in.?
    
    Always get a vet to check your horse no matter what you buy never
    trust any one person judgement.  
    
    My husband is a brand new rider and we found a lovely little mare 
    this week that I know he can grow and trust, he is going to ride 
    western because we plan on doing a lot of trail ridding.
    
    
    Hope this helps if you want to know more just give me buzz.

    Please take your time and do a lot of considering before buying your
    own horse. They are a great deal of responsibility and need constant
    attention. They are living creatures and cannot be parked in a garage
    to be used when it is convienent for their owners. Take lessons from
    a reputable stable before even considering owning. Go to the library
    and read some of the many books on horse ownership, they will describe
    all the different riding styles, and breeds of horses. Be sure of what
    you will be asking of your horse before selecting one, and have your
    instructor help you choose one that is right for you. The cost of
    ownership varies greatly, I know of people who pay 500+ in monthy
    board, I spend about 100 a month on my mare kept at home. But consider
    that keeping one at home is more work than boarding. Continue to read
    this notesfile, there are a lot of knowledgable people noting in here
    who can offer a wide variety of advise. Horses are wonderful animals,
    and a very rewarding hobby, but one that requires enormous commitment.
    Good luck, hopefully you will enjoy horses as much as myself and
    my friends do!
     

    I agree with the last, and add another tip:  take lessons first and
    then, if you really like it, do an "on-farm" lease with a horse for at
    least a year to see if you still really like it.  You can frequently
    arrange to partially or fully lease a school horse through the larger
    riding schools.
    
    There is a tremendous amount to know about horse care, and if you try
    learning by trial and error, it's your horse that pays the price.  By
    doing an on-farm school horse lease, you can learn horse care from
    professionals.  Plus, you can lease a horse that you already know and
    know that you get along with.  Plus, if you decide (when its 0 degrees
    out and your nursing your horse through something that requires, say,
    soaking a foot 3 times/day) that maybe you don't love it as much as you
    thought you did, you can simply choose not to renew the lease.
    
    Mary

    		Lessons sound good, where in lowell area(i'm talking around
    30-45 min) can i go to get good to great lessons, along with names,
    the cost and a name of a good/great instructor.
    		chaps... are they the leather wrap-arounds? and does one
    size fit all? does anyone know anyone who has a pair for a good price
    and can let me know(i'l give my measurments if nessissary over phone).
    		what type of glove is a long lasting type and what do i
    avoid?
    		what books are available and what are some of the titles i
    need to look for especially. also can someone send me a listing
    of events for the next year, i'm booked that week-end i believe and
    would like to go to some of these events (possibly with some
    knowledgable person[s]).
    	thanx for the thoughts on buying a horse right now... i'm sure i'm
    not ready yet(unless he/she can climb stairs...)but i will remember the
    advise for the future.
    		what are some of the common mistakes that i should avoid as
    a beginner?also what should i pay close attention to when taking
    lessons?
    			thanx,Don
    		

    Don-
    
    When taking lessons, do not be afraid to ask for an explaination
    of anything you don't understand.  For instance, I was teaching
    someone to ride this weekend, and told her to touch the horse with
    the inside leg to signal him to jog. (Western)  She asked what I
    meant by the "inside" leg, and after a demo, she had no problem.
    
    Good luck!
    
    Lynne  (p.s. chaps come in sizes and different styles for West.
    & English riders)

    Don,
    
    
    If you're in the Lowell area, I'd suggest a trip to State Line
    Tack Shop in Plaistow, NH.  You can check out the chaps there,
    and gloves, and pick up a copy of "The Horseman's Yankee Pedlar"
    which is a New England monthly newspaper/magazine containing
    all sorts of advertisements for instructors, barns, etc.  It
    covers all breeds and disciplines of riding and should give
    you a good start on what's available in New England.  The people
    at the shop may be able to give you names of local stables,
    also.
    
    On gloves, I'd suggest winter gloves (leather with thinsulate or
    other lining) for winter, summer gloves (thinner leather, no
    lining, or cotton/webbed backing and leather palms).  All gloves should 
    be doubly reinforced 
    at the thumb, forefinger, and small/ring finger, which are
    places which get a lot of wear from the reins.  That's why
    you should buy riding gloves (so they're made for riding!).  A lot
    of people don't wear gloves in the summer, just a matter of
    preference.
    
    Chaps are leather wrap-arounds.  Some have fringe, some not.
    Many riders get "custom chaps" to ensure optimum fit.  I bought
    mine off the rack, and after a couple of years had them adjusted
    so now they are quite fitting!  They do come in sizes, like s/m/l
    I think.
    
    Do you know what type of lessons you're looking for?  If it's
    hunt-seat, I'll try to look on the map when I get home, and
    see if I know anyone in your area.
    
    Regards,
    
    Jennie

    Don,
    
    Sorry, forgot a couple of your questions.  On the books,
    it probably depends on what discipline you're interested in,
    unless you're just referring to horse care.
    
    On events, check out topic 1130 - shows, etc. for 1991 are
    listed there.
    
    Jennie

    Jennie,
    	   in .0 i mentioned that i would like to ride for pleasure and
    enjoyment... this led to a suggestion of western for a beginner since
    it was pleasure. what do you think? i don't want to pit noters against
    eachother i'm just curious. would english be easier or more of a
    challenge to me as a beginner?
    		also can you give me directions to state line?
    
    	Now for a q that sounds rather silly, i've heard that when you
    first start to ride it can be quite painful; is this true? if so what
    are some ways to relieve the soreness or difficulty?
    		

    Western point of view:  Western for pleasure of course! :-)
    
    However, you can go on from western very easily to dressage...
    (English, in my humble opinion, is a little more difficult
    because it is a very different style of riding).  Dressage,
    however, (and this speech came from the dressage stable I 
    boarded at..) is very closely related to western.  You sit
    basically the same, (longer stirrups, seat style-I noticed this
    was true when I watched those at my barn work out) and use a lot
    of leg signals, etc.
    Riding English (which to me, translates to "Hunter style") is
    a lot of fun......except the posting! But it is more difficult. :-) 
                                                                
    You will get sore....and there really isn't much you can do,
    because you use different muscles riding then, say, you use
    walking or jogging.  However, I do suggest jogging,(for leg
    strengthening) sit-ups,(back), bicycling, swimming, (good muscle
    toner-uppers) light weights to strengthen your arms, aerobics for 
    your breathing....any of these should help lessen the soreness. 
                                                 
    Lynne
    

    English hunt seat point of view:  English for all-around versatility!
                              :-)
    
    Actually, it may be easier to go with Western at first.  With
    English hunt seat, there will be a lot of emphasis on the
    correctness of your position, heels down, elbows in, legs
    close against side of horse, eyes up, shoulders back, etc. etc.
    Of course, some of these things are important no matter how
    you're riding, and since I've never taken Western lessons, I
    don't know what they emphasize.
    
    A main difference between English and Western, as noted before,
    is that English riders "post" to the trot.  Which is raising
    yourself from the saddle in motion with the horse's "outside" (closest
    to the rail) shoulder/leg moving forward, and easing back down
    to the saddle when the leg comes back.  Now, once you've learned
    (and if you have a good sense of balance it's not really that hard),
    you'll find it comfortable.   I've also noticed, since I just
    was out to Idaho and got a chance to mix with real cowboys on
    a HUGE cattle ranch, that many people who ride western also post,
    especially if the trot is fast, because it's just not that
    comfortable/easy sitting to the trot.  
    
    Another difference is the method of guiding the horse through
    the reins.  English riders primarily (esp. beginners) use a direct
    rein - pulling back on left rein to encourage a left turn, e.g.
    Western riders primarily use an indirect rein, called "neck reining,"
    or laying the left rein against the horse's neck, to encourage
    a right turn. (I hope I've said that right, Westerners.)  Since
    a direct rein can often only be effective with a fair amount of
    consistent contact with the horse's mouth, and it's sometimes
    tough enough for a beginner just to stay in the saddle without
    worrying about exactly where their hands are all the time, 
    neck reining is probably easier on the rider and the horse.
    
    Finally, leg aids are used in all forms of riding, and I wouldn't
    say that dressage or western riders use them any more than an
    English rider with a good education.
    
    But, my heart is with English - once you've learned, you can
    ride any horse, versus if you learn Western, you can still have
    trouble riding English.  And, for pleasure riding, there's 
    nothing like being able to hop over logs/fences while you're out
    on the trail!
    
    Directions to State Line (taken from a note in the Tack Shops section):
    495 to Rt. 125 North/Plaistow NH.  
    At 3rd set of lights, 125 forks to the right, but you stay straight
    onto Rt. 121.
    State Line about 1/2 mile on the left, a red barn-type building.
    
    On the pain aspect, I would say that you will experience pain
    primarily in your thighs/legs, because (esp. in a Western saddle!)
    that's a broad back you'll be straddling for an hour, and it
    really stretches those muscles that usually don't get a workout.
    The best relief is riding again as soon as possible - to restretch
    them.  This is true, not a joke.  
    
    Let us know how it goes.
    
    Jennie

    re: A reply a couple back, take lessons and then lease, is the only sane
    way to go.

    In the note on Icelandic horses, "horses that could only do 3 gaits
    became dinner".  I had read the same thing about European Warmbloods
    as there is a market for horse meat in Europe.  In the U.S., un-
    suitable horses are sold to the next novice.

    It is awfully easy to get attached to a horse and be taken.  
    
    Someone in my barn had a horse unsuitable for Dressage but looked
    like he'd be a great jumper.  She had to get a jumper show barn to
    sell him as they had the contacts to get a good price.  She paid the
    barn a commision, and the trainer/instructor of the buyer received 
    a finders fee from the buyer AND a comission from her, "if you don't 
    pay me, Il'l tell my student the horse is not suitable."

    I would not buy a horse on your own until you can compare two and
    see and understand conformation differences, etc.  ( I can't).        
    I'd have to have help from an instructor I trusted.

    After a year of trail rides you may want something more challenging
    like Dressage or CT.  Youl'l have a better idea about what you really
    want from riding.
    
    Have fun.

    I stopped in at state line sat(3/30) and was impressed!! for my first
    visit there i was overwhelmed! seeing much of what was discussed here
    and what little i knew it was a great trip!! i did see the helpfull
    staff in action, but due to the volume of bussiness that was going on
    (they were busy), i didn't ask any q's just covered all 3 floors.
    my wife keeps saying how expensive state line is.... it looked ok
    to me but she doesn't have anything to compare the store to.
    as for what i need to start out in gear, i want to latch on to
    -riding boots,chaps/denims w/leather, and a pair of gloves.
    now should i toss in a helmet also,and if so what is a good brand
    at a acceptable price? also is there a knowledgeable person in the area
    that would like to go with me to state line for advisement perposes
    (help me pick out good stuff at a decient price and so on)?
     

    A helmet is a must, if you care at all about what's on the inside of
    your head.  I used to hate wearing one -- too hot, too heavy, etc --
    until once a horse I was gelloping stumbled, sent me over his head and
    smacked my helmet with his hoof while catching his balance.  My helmet
    was split.  My head was not.  Now I wear a helmet *always*.
    
    
    -ellie

    RE: .12
    
    Don,  you are about to learn one of the first rules of horses - 
    that is that the spouse never understands where all the money
    goes.
    
    On helmets, I would recommend having one also.  There are standards
    now which helmets are supposed to comply with to be considered
    more than just "decorative headwear."  You'll see a sticker
    indicating "decorative headwear" inside the helmet if it doesn't
    meet the standards - or at least on the box, somewhere nearby.
    The stores/mfrs don't want to be sued.
    
    I can also send you some pages from a catalog offering lightweight
    helmets, or cooler helmets, if you're interested.  Send me mail
    at GIAMEM::LEMIRE.
    
    I would be willing to go again with you to State Line, but it
    might take me a little while to coordinate, since I'm an hour
    away.
    
    Jennie

    My first ride was an experience to remember! It was alot of fun but 
    more than that; it taught me about myself. That even with a horse that
    could do all that i'd read about for a month (the book told me to feel
    lucky if the horse did even some of the things it listed), i still need
    lessons and patience with myself. the chance to see and experience the
    pre-post-riding times with setup and clean up have given me the 
    window into some of the care that is needed for horses. for this i am
    grateful. i definitely enjoyed the western for pleasure i felt at home
    riding. English seemed to me that it is good for discipline and habits
    i know that later i will probably persue it just for the discipline it
    offers. 
    	My wife agreed to lessons and i'm going to order the "catalog" from
    peddlar(sp) on the different stables in my area. Now that i'm "hooked"
    i would like to know from anyone out there what thier first ride was
    like for them and what they remember about it the most. 
    	also i guess i fit into the novice class? this is what i should 
    look for in a stable for lessons??(instructor to teach at my level,
    also how many lessons per week, etc??) 

    
    
    	haha! I remember my first ride. I was 12, and they put me on
    	a big morgan in an english saddle...then they made him move!!
    	AAHHH DON'T MAKE HIM MOVE!!! That was so long ago now...
    
    	In what area are you looking to take lessons?
    
    	Sherry
    

    GEOGRAPHY, OR STYLE?
    	lowell area and probably english for the discipline riding(my
    heart belongs to western, but i need the discipline). i'm good in the
    saddle in western, english is different and requires more concentration
    for me. But.. i could be wrong,i had a fantastic horse like i said and
    that got me hooked. 

    Don-
    
    Try both again......and maybe again before you decide on which
    route to go.  And you are right, he IS a fantastic horse! :-)
    
    Lynne