Klippity Klop - Horse Care and Training

29/01/2023

It doesn't matter how big or small your ponio is ALWAYS use a block to mount

See what happens to the saddle and the horses back when we mount from the ground.

28/01/2023

Your hairdresser washes your hair before they cut it

Every groom's worst nightmare 🤯 ...

We always promote bathing or thoroughly cleaning your horse the day before a clip to ensure the coat is clean and grease-free, however, we don't just say this so your horse looks shiny and even afterward!✨ Clipping through a dirty coat can have many repercussions, both for the horse and the clipper‼️

Clipping a dirty coat can...
✂️ Blunt your blades trying to cut through the dirt and grime
✂️ Cause heat on the blades and in the clipper due to excessive pressure
✂️ Pull at the horse's hair creating an uncomfortable, negative experience
✂️ Leave lines and an uneven finish to the coat

Many professional grooms now charge more or refuse to clip a dirty coat because of the damage to their equipment (and rightly so!)

Special thanks to East Devon Equine Services for the images! 🙌

23/01/2023

This is so true
We never stop learning where horses are concerted

credits to the original poster and original photograph

31/12/2022

Thanks to the op! These are wise words and need to be headed If you want to compete - great! If you don't - great! Your horse just needs to be looked after and cared for They don't want ribbons They want food!!
So don't beat yourself up

When I hear someone say, "My horse deserves a better rider" it breaks my heart a little bit.

Because you know what?

Recreational riders are the BEST thing that has happened to horses worldwide.

DON'T feel bad for not competing, or working your horse everyday, or that so-and-so is riding at a higher level than you are.

DON'T feel guilty if you don't want to show.
Or jump higher.
Or jump at all.
Or canter.
Or even ride!

What matters TO YOUR HORSE is that their physical needs are met and their mental and emotional well-being is cared for.

And caring is what most amateur owners can do better than ANYONE else.

Most horses don't NEED or WANT to be ridden at a professional or competitive level. With few exceptions, most horses left to their own devices just want to hang out in the field with their friends eating.

It's great to want to improve your communication and riding skills.

And If your goal is to do more athletic and difficult things, then yes, you owe it to your horse to learn to be a good dance partner and pilot for him

AT THAT LEVEL, BUT...
.. No one sets that level but you. And you CAN be good for your horse at ANY level.

No shame, backyard horse owners!

You shall inherit the earth.

By: Kendra DeKay

29/12/2022

Too good not to share
We get so caught up in nitty gritty we can forget the simple basics
Without your basics you have nothing!

16/12/2022

Dressage rider and trainer Emma Woolley explains why spending time working on the walk is so important.

16/12/2022

Hopefully everyone has survived the chilly snap unscathed 😊
Its been too hard to ride and too cold to even think about tacking up 🙈
Of course I've missed saddle time but its more important to keep everyone safe

02/12/2022

Always worth remembering

“Most horses pass from one human to another - some horsemen and women are patient and forgiving, others are rigorous and demanding, others are cruel, others are ignorant.

Horses have to learn how to, at the minimum, walk, trot, canter, gallop, go on trails and maybe jump, to be treated by the vet, all with sense and good manners.

Talented Thoroughbreds must learn how to win races, and if they can't do that, they must learn how to negotiate courses and jump over strange obstacles without touching them, or do complicated dance like movements or control cattle or accommodate severely handicapped children and adults in therapy work.

Many horses learn all of these things in the course of a single lifetime. Besides this, they learn to understand and fit into the successive social systems of other horses they meet along the way.

A horse's life is rather like twenty years in foster care, or in and out of prison, while at the same time changing schools over and over and discovering that not only do the other students already have their own social groups, but that what you learned at the old school hasn't much application at the new one.

We do not require as much of any other species, including humans.

That horses frequently excel, that they exceed the expectations of their owners and trainers in such circumstances, is as much a testament to their intelligence and adaptability as to their relationship skills or their natural generosity or their inborn nature.

That they sometimes manifest the same symptoms as abandoned orphans - distress, strange behaviors, anger, fear - is less surprising than that they usually don't.

No one expects a child, or even a dog to develop its intellectual capacities living in a box 23 hours a day and then doing controlled exercises the remaining one.

Mammal minds develop through social interaction and stimulation.

A horse that seems "stupid", "slow", "stubborn", etc. might just have not gotten the chance to learn!

Take care of your horses and treasure them.”

~ Jane Smiley

25/11/2022

So you every think about what "zone" you are in with your riding?
Let's be honest we like the comfort zone, nothing wrong with that BUT if you want to get better, build on your partnership, bring up your scores/clears etc, you must leave the comfort zone
Go on! You know you want to 😃😃

23/11/2022

Emotional riding
What on earth do I mean?!
Yesterday I was bright red in the face ANGRY
I did not leave that emotion at the door and took it to the saddle
So when Bex did her usual "aaaggghhhh the bush moved" scoot I took it personally 🤦‍♀️
Luckily I quickly reminded myself I was riding off my emotions Came down to walk, chilled for a second and then carried on but this time I rode proactive and positive and funnily enough she went a zillion times better
We are naturally emotional creatures so please don't go and beat yourself up over it
Instead leave that emotion out of the saddle Better still leave it outside of the horsey area altogether
You ride cos you enjoy it so don't turn something nice into something unpleasant
Today I kept the only two emotions I need in the saddle.......

21/11/2022

Couldn't help giggle

Sometimes-if we are really honest with ourselves-some of it is our own fault…..😂😂😂😂

15/11/2022

Crookedness in Horses

Horses, like us, can be one sided. A recent study by an MSc student showed that one sidedness can be measured in foals only a few days old, depending on difficulty of parturition and time to standing. If left uncorrected, this one sidedness can produce a reduction in flexibility later on when the horse begins ridden work. We can feel one sidedness in our horses when we are schooling, and our horses are able to perform exercises with greater ease and flexibility on one rein compared to the other. In many cases, regular consistent schooling will improve this one sidedness. However, when the one sidedness is a result of skeletal imbalance, then corrective schooling is not usually enough to improve the ‘bad rein’. In these cases, there are often additional problems such as the horse is throwing the rider to one side, preferring one trot diagonal or canter lead, and the saddle is slipping persistently to one side (see picture above right).

So what is skeletal imbalance? When your horse is stood square, all the vertebrae of the neck and back should be positioned so they create a straight line from top to tail. The points of hip of the pelvis should be of equal height from the ground and equal distance from the shoulders on each side. This produces a balanced skeletal system capable of equal movement to the left or right, and able to develop the correct muscle tone to perform the work demanded by the rider.

Imbalance of the skeletal system is seen when, despite being stood square, the spine does not run along a straight line. In mild cases, this can only be identified by a qualified practitioner but in more severe cases it can sometimes be obvious to the owner, particularly when the horse has been treated in the past and the owner is aware of what to look for. The points of hip are positioned at unequal height to the ground on each side and may be uneven distance from each shoulder.

Treatment by a qualified McTimoney Animal Practitioner uses gentle adjustments to bring the skeletal system back into balance, allowing your horse to move more freely again so corrective schooling can now improve any one sidedness. Previous issues with a particular trot diagonal or canter lead should resolve after treatment. Saddle fit may need to be checked after treatment, particularly in more severe cases, as the effect of improving spinal balance can result in significant changes in muscle tone and highlight areas of asymmetry which must be accommodated until your horse has had the chance to develop correct muscle tone where areas of weakness existed. And finally, you shouldn’t feel you are being ‘thrown to one side’ any more. However, it is worth noting that research studying the relationship between horse and rider pelvic asymmetry found that there was a correlation between horse and rider pelvic imbalance so if your horse has had an ongoing issue for some time, it is reasonable to assume you may also have a pelvic imbalance that you are not aware of, which requires treatment too.

Nikki Routledge
McTimoney Animal Therapist

08/11/2022

Building blocks! Without your basics you have nothing

07/11/2022

My favourite feed!!

𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄? Alfalfa is naturally very low in starch. Like other plants, alfalfa makes sugar when photosynthesising, but if it makes more sugar than it needs, it stores any surplus as starch in its roots - the part that horses don't eat!

This is in contrast to grass which stores sugar as water soluble carbohydrates such as fructan in stems and leaves!

Read our latest blog to learn about more benefits of alfalfa in relation to horse's digestive health: https://www.dengie.com/news-articles/feed-advice/the-benefits-of-alfalfa-based-horse-feed/

03/11/2022

For all you stressage divas
I have this app and its great 👍 ☺

🆓𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗿𝘆…
The TestPro app offers a unique way to access and learn all of your dressage tests.
ℹ️If you’ve not got around to downloading the app yet then you can try before you buy with 300 free credits.
ℹ️There are different apps available to download, depending on which tests you need access to.

ℹ️Choose from:
✅TestPro BE for British Eventing Official
✅TestPro BD for British Dressage
✅TestPro USDF for United States Dressage Federation Official Page
✅TestPro USEA for United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA)
✅TestPro IE for Dressage Ireland

✅Plus FEI Eventing, FEI Dressage and FEI Para tests.

ℹ️Find out more here: https://dressagetestpro.com/

03/11/2022

So true

31/10/2022

So its time to mention what us equestrians cannot wait for every single year 😉😉

Thats right NO STIRRUP NOVEMBER!
I'm sure there was a huge groan out there but the only reason you feel that way is you have probably been doing it wrong forever 🙈

There is NO need to spend an hour in pain, gripping on like a possessed limpet in the hope your position and balance will improve

If you practice doing something the wrong way You won't get it the right way

So here is what you are going to do
Spend 5 mins a session (you can gently increase if you want) without stirrups
Start just in walk - yes in walk, the most undervalued pace
Let your legs hang
Let you body sit in that saddle
Let your butt move with your horse
Relax and absorb - a strict no limpet zone
Do that 5 mins in your session tomorrow and let me know how you get on

Let's also put up a vote .........
Who wants some exercises to do to help your seat and position??

31/10/2022

Happy Halloween 🎃

A Halloween poem.

The horses were fed and out went the lights,
But there was something unusual about this very night.
The horses felt nervous-some started to weave-
For they had heard round the yard it was All Hallows’ Eve.

They slipped out of their stables and joined up in a huddle,
Talk of phantoms and demons had them all in a muddle!
The lead horse stepped forward and started to speak-
But he was interrupted by a blood-curdling shriek.

The horses shot forward and rushed into the field,
Looked for their leader, but over he’d keeled!
For right there in the paddock, in the old coffin ditch,
Was a spooky and scary and most evil witch!

Beside her was Grim Reaper, plus vampire with fangs,
And a ghost, and a demon-what a horrible gang.
They all stared at each other, these horses and Warlocks-
Horses eyes closed, hiding behind their forelocks.

“I have come for your souls!” The Reaper yelled out,
“Who is first?” He said, “Come forward and shout!”
The witch interrupted-“Erm....Reaper? Look here!
It’s seems it is us who should be living in fear!”

She held up the yard book, Reaper started to read-
“It says here the grey one has choked on his feed?
And the bay did a tendon at a three star in France,
Plus his dressage is sh*t-if he could just learn to dance.”

The witch lowered her wand and looked rather troubled.
The Reaper continued, as a black cauldron bubbled-
“The chestnut hates corners, and water and rails!
We must abort mission-it seems we have failed!”

“You see,” said the Reaper, “we intended to scare,
But you horses are worse-your owners haven’t a prayer!
With vets bills and problems, and half of you lame,
Who in their right mind would get into this game?!”

He gathered his specters and vampires and ghouls,
But he turned with a last word for these equine fools-
“Eventing is scary, that much we all know-
But try to stay sound and just give it a go?”

“And a word from the wise,” said the witch with a cackle,
“If you lot were mine, you’d all wear a grackle.
Pick up your legs, commit and be brave,
Or Reaper will come and take you to your graves....”

With that, they departed, this group most gory-
The horses stood frozen-who’d believe this story??
Slowly they made their return to their stables,
And next season they vowed to turn round the tables.

They did dressage and jumping and sailed round for clears,
Their riders kicked on now without any fears.
The horses, they never spoke of that All Hallows’ Eve,
But come turn of midnight, you better believe.......

Written by Christa Dillon

27/10/2022

Very much worth a read! Many won't read such posts but if I'm reposting then chances are you will miss some pearls of wisdom 😊

Some of the best advice I’ve ever received came from a friend several years ago. I was in a tough work situation and I was going back and forth about what to do. She said you really only have two options “work harder or quit”. When you’re not where you want to be you can simply “work harder or quit”. I have thought of this often training horses. Especially with some of the more challenging horses. But really with every horse.

Horses reflect the time you put in to them, period. The harder we work towards solving their problems, making them comfortable, becoming better ourselves, they reflect that. Horses get better in proportion to the energy you give them. With every horse I’ve worked with, solutions to their problems have presented themselves if I was seeking out the answers. Sometimes that was a year or more of exploring different paths. Every horse needs a slightly different approach but the one thing they all need is time and energy.

Are you seeking ways to improve your horse every day? Are you devoting the appropriate time/energy relative to your goals? Is your horse physically capable of what you want, could you help him be more comfortable? Are you giving him the time he needs to get fit, to overcome previous baggage, to physically change? Is your equipment fitting well? Are you physically fit enough to meet your goals? Are your expectations in line with their current abilities? Are you observing and listening to what your horse is saying? If you are not yet at your goals with your horse, it may be time to “work harder”.

27/10/2022

Odd weather this week So warm for the time of year

22/10/2022

Charlotte Dujardin Masterclass today at Aintree

21/10/2022

Most people know I'm not into a tight girth at all Seen too many over tighten girths
Your own balance is of great importance too

PSA... Over the past couple weeks of horseshows, I’ve spent a lot of time ringside. It is CRAZY how tight people are girthing up just before they go into the ring. An over-tightened girth may pinch and bruise the muscles - in particular the pectorals, trapezius, serratus ventralis muscles and latissimus dorsi (see red areas in diagram bleow). This muscle group (also known as part of the thoracic sling) is crucial for movement. Besides soft tissue, an over tightened girth may also cause bruising of the ribs, the intercostal muscles between the ribs, And increase the overall pressure of the saddle on the back muscles. Check your girth underneath their chest, NOT on the side. You will be surprised the difference one hole can make, and quite literally give your horse some breathing room.

📸ESMA.

17/10/2022

When science says Choccie is good 😉

Chocolate makes YOU HAPPY, and it’s not just because it tastes soooo good. There are a few components within chocolate, that are responsible for giving us that feeling of satisfaction.

🍫 Tryptophan is an amino acid that helps the brain to make serotonin, a neurotransmitter that makes us feel good.

🍫 Chocolate contains Phenylethlalanine and Theobromine, two chemicals that cause endorphins to surge, making us feel happy.

🍫 So go on have some chocolate this week – in moderation of course. 😁

🐴 To find out more about the BGA and to join a community of grooms, just like you, visit us; britishgrooms.org.uk

12/10/2022

Thank Crewe Saddlery for sharing this

If by "training" you use electronic shock, prong and choke collars paired with positive punishment FYI that is not training it is abuse.

11/10/2022

03/10/2022

A day out at Dressage yesterday
Great to see so many being able to get back between the boards and getting good results
The dressage locally is being supported so well its great to witness its return to popularity

01/10/2022

A few tips to make clipping easier🐴🐴

1/ Bath the day before - in order to get the best possible finish the coat needs to be clean to the skin Rugging after will then keep the coat clean and dry
Speak to me if you really can't bath and I can offer an alternative option

2/ Indoor area for clipping does make life much easier Yes they can be done in a field but if a cold wind suddenly hits a naked bit there can be a reaction 🙈

3/ DRY horses are a must This includes sweating too My blades will start the pluck the hair which becomes uncomfortable and may lead to an unhappy horse
If a horse has cushings then please tell me beforehand Their sweating is more difficult to control but I am experienced in clipping for cushings

4/ Be honest! I don't mind a horse who is a first timer but I need to know this, if your horse kicked last time I need to know this Clipping is dangerous and as my job is working with horses I need to know what precautions to take so as I don't get injured and loose my income I hope you can appreciate that 😊

Cheers guys Have a great weekend 😀

29/09/2022

Taking advantage of the weather I will be clipping a few of mine tomorrow
While they are in - clean and dry! I can get the fluff gone
I've got one with cushings so temperature regulation isn't easy
Another gets a seriously dense winter coat Having experimented over the years a Full clip early helps contain it
Then there is Bex who will actually never forgive me if I don't clip her 🤣🤣

27/09/2022

The business cards are here Wohoo!!

23/09/2022

Great saddles available locally Handmade bridles that are STUNNING!!
They reflock too

20/09/2022

20/09/2022

20/09/2022

Clipping season is upon us 🙈
Battery and mains clipper options available
Fully insured
Over 25 years in the industry
Clipped everything from youngsters to cushings horses Shires to shetlands!
Prices from £20
Modern clipping practices
Booking is essential and deposit secures
Pop me a message for more info and your requirements

03/08/2022