The Horsemanship Helper

In this week's episode on The Horsemanship Helper, we discussed how to horse show with young horses. This is the 3rd and last part of our young horse mini-series. 

Key Takeaways

• Start out in the lowest level such as the green horse division
• Be a strong and confident leader for them 
• Learn their strengths and weaknesses
• Play around to find what disciplines they will excel best at
• Its okay to take some time and to school something in order for your horse to find the right answer 

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In today's episode, we talked about how to set a young horse up for success, what that means, and what it entails!

Key Takeways

• Success for young horses includes softness, responsiveness, and  maneuverability 
• Groundwork and desensitizing play a big role in creating a successful horse
• Young horses need a consistent and confident leader 
• Getting your young horse out and exposed is important especially if you have the opportunity to work alongside clinicians  

Don't forget to follow the socials! If you missed it, go check out the first part in the young horse series. It is episode 8, Young Horses: What Age to Start?

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This weeks episode we dive into a small little series which is on young horses! So the first topic is what age to start. We go over some tips on how to start horses as well as what age is most appropriate to start them at.

Key Takeways

• Horses can be started around 2-4 years of age
• Everyone has a different opinion when it comes to starting
• Young horses should have lots of preparation before starting
• Veterinarians should be consulted to make sure your horse is ready to be started under saddle

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This week, we talked about groundwork! We discussed what it is, why we do it, and how to teach it. Groundwork is so important and an essential step for creating a good partnership with your horse. 

Key Takeaways

• Anyone can do groundwork
• Groundwork is the key to creating a well-rounded and good horse
• Groundwork consists of lungeing, yielding hips and shoulders, desensitizing, and basic handling 
• Benefits to groundwork for your horse include better manners, building confidence, building muscle, creating a mutual respect, and preparing your horse under saddle by having them respond to vocal cues and body language

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This weeks episode we talked about the Interscholastic Equestrian Association also known as IEA. We went over how to get involved, what it has to offer, and some tips to keep in mind during the show season. I rode for both disciplines 2 years of Western and 1 year of Hunt Seat.

Key Takeaways

• Grades 4-12 can join a middle school or high school team or 21 and over can be in the adult pilot program 
• You do not need your own horse or tack 
• They have Hunt seat (On the flat and over fences), Dressage, and Western (Horsemanship, Reining, and Ranch) teams all over the US
• You can compete in the same format in college which is called ISHA (Intercollegiate Horse Show Association) 

Don't forget to follow the socials and if you want to check out how to get involved vist: rideiea.org

DISCLAIMER: I am not sponsored or affiliated with IEA, I shared my own experiences with riding for their organization and want to help other riders find oppertunites on how to show and ride for a less cost or if they are unable to have their own horse. 

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This week's topic was pattern work! We discussed what it means, how to practice it, and why we do it! 

Key Takeaways

• Anyone can practice pattern work 
• It is very beneficial for both us and our horses
• You can do in-hand patterns or ridden ones
• There are so many different patterns to practice depending on level, discipline, and target areas 

Be sure to tune in for next week we will be talking about IEA: Tips and Opportunities!

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Today we talked about the difference between open, breed, and rated shows. We also went over how to know if showing is for you and some opportunities to show without your own horse!

Key Takeaways 

• ​There are many different levels to show in 
• ​There are a wide variety of ways to show 
• ​You do not need to own your own horse to show 
• ​How to make showing more affordable 
• ​There are ways to be involved with showing without actively competing 

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In this episode, we went over Showmanship. We covered what it is, how we teach it, why we do it, and the expectations of it. Showmanship is so great for teaching horses manners and building a bond from the ground up. Any horse and any rider can learn it and practice at home!

Key Takeaways

• Anyone can try showmanship at home
• You don't need to have a fancy horse or outfit in order to show in showmanship 
• It will help improve ground manners and responsiveness for your horse
• You can do showmanship if your english or western 

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In this week's episode, we talked about Leasing VS Buying! We cover some pros and cons to both, and we compared the cost for both. Whether you currently ride lesson horses and are considering taking the next step, or aren't sure what option would be best for you, tune in to find out! The horse world offers so many different opportunities and if horse ownership is something you have been considering there are a few key things to keep in mind.

Major Takeaways

• Leasing means you are not 100% responsible for the horse
• Leasing can be more cost-effective 
• There are multiple ways to buy a horse
• Look out for red flags when trying horses
• Do your research on both options and what is available to you
• If you are unsure in the buying process bring someone who is confident and will help find the best match for you!

Tune in for next week's topics which is: Showmanship 101: A Beginner's Guide

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In today's episode, we talk about Western VS English and if you can do both. I dive deep into if you can ride both and what some of the benefits are of riding Western and English. Some topics we mention include; proper tack fit, good horsemanship skills, different breeds, and competitive vs just for fun! Whether you're a competitive rider or just a recreational rider and have wanted to try both disciplines here is your chance!

Key Takeaways

• You can ride Western and English no matter what breed of horse!
• Everyone is at different places in their horse journey and that's okay!
• Correct saddle fit is very important 
• Switch up what you do with your riding, and try new things!

Tune in for next week's topics which is: Leasing VS Buying!

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