Layers of Safety

When I first started Bridle Ranch, I had the benefit of having already worked at two different therapy barns.  I had seen firsthand some of the methods that can be used in order to keep various sensitive populations safe.  I had also had the benefit of many falls and several broken bones.  All of this combined to teach me both what can be done, and why it should be done, to help people stay safe while riding.

The obvious safety measures are wearing helmets and appropriate clothing.  Truthfully, though those are important, they are our last line of defense.  

Today, I want to discuss some of the other, no less important, layers of safety that are built-in to Bridle Ranch.

Happy Horses

Previously, we posted about Keeping Horses Happy.  It seems like a fluffy, sentimental thing to keep one’s horses happy.  After all, horses are rugged!  They helped to tame the west!  But here’s the thing:  A sour, grumpy horse is going to start acting out.  They will sometimes bite, kick, toss their head, crow-hop, buck, rear, bolt, or just refuse to listen to cues.  Any of those circumstances make for an unpleasant ride, and many of them are dangerous.  So, it makes sense to keep our horses happy, which helps them to be less likely to act out because of frustration or pain.

Calm Horses

Bridle Ranch horses, up to this point, have not been fast horses.  They don’t prance and jump, they aren’t looking for the finish line.  That’s because we try to acquire horses that really want to take a nap.  From a beginner rider standpoint, it is much better to have a horse that doesn’t want to go than to have one that runs or jumps away.  

Confident Horses

Horses are prey animals.  They are very aware that they are prey animals.  They know on a very deep level that when something goes wrong- or even different- in their lives,  they are likely to die.  What does this mean for Bridle Ranch?  It means we keep things predictable for them.  During lesson times, the horses are very familiar with their environment, the tack, the people, and even the exercises we do.  Outside of lesson times, though, we exercise their emotions.  We take them on walks to unfamiliar places.  We introduce new toys.  We try new games.  In this way, the horses are familiar with the feelings that come with new experiences.  They know better how to deal with the unfamiliar, and are less likely to bolt when something unexpected happens during a lesson.

Coming to the Middle

Much of the instruction done at Bridle Ranch happens in the center of the arena.  There are several reasons for this.  Of course, it just makes sense for everybody who is working on the rail to come in to the middle; that’s where the instructor is.  But, we have an ulterior motive.  As the instructor is speaking, the horses are usually getting a break.  They get to relax.  Nobody is asking them to do anything.  They begin to think of the center of the arena as a place of safety, which is always a horse’s first concern.  Hence, when a student loses control of the horse, our horses know to come into the middle.  They come in, they stop, and they breathe.  It’s a built-in safety mechanism that is continually reinforced.  

Instructors as a Safety Net

From the very first day out here, our students are learning to be in control of their own horses.  However, every instructor also knows that they are in charge of the arena during their lesson.  They are taught early how to speak effectively with the horses on the ground, and they can always reinforce the cues a student is giving.  The fewer cues an instructor has to give, the further a student has progressed.  And, when a horse is having an “off” day, the instructors are there to help the ride go well.  This also helps to reinforce the horses’ training, which allows us all to improve.

Happy Atmosphere

It is well known that horses pick up on the emotions around them.  At Bridle Ranch, we do our best to create a happy atmosphere, which helps the horses to stay calm and happy.  We also do our best to build confidence in our riders.  Because of horses’ natural social structure, they like to know who is in charge.  When a rider is confident, they can give clear clues to the horses.  When the horses know who to listen to, they become confident and happy in the situation.  Everyone has a good experience (usually) and Bridle Ranch quickly becomes one of the happiest places in a person’s life!

Smile and Ride, dear Centaurs!  And stay safe!

-CR

Keeping Horses Happy

 Hello Centaurs!  

Today we are talking about how to keep lesson horses happy.

Often, a lesson horse’s life looks like this:

Walk.  Stop.  Walk.  Stop.  Get pulled on.  Walk in circles.  Stop.  Get kicked in the ribs.  Walk.  Get pulled on some more.  Lather, rinse, repeat.  

All. Day. Long.

Most of us can agree, that routine sounds… unpleasant.

Fortunately, there are some things we can do to help them to be happier!  At Bridle Ranch, we employ the following methods:

1.  Horses are not ridden in lessons more than 4 hours/day.  

1. “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”  Same for horses.  They get dull, cranky, tired, and annoyed.  (I get that; I do, too!)

2. 
   All riders at Bridle Ranch start at Safety Level.  

1. This is our first level, where we teach the basics of riding.   By having every rider, regardless of experience, start here, we are ensuring that everybody uses the same cues to talk to our horses.  This helps to eliminate confusion and frustration for the horses.  They know, when the rein is pulled on, it means to move their head.

3. We ride in halters.

1. We have bitless bridles and bitted bridles, but those aren’t used until the higher levels.  This way, our beginner riders are pulling on the horses’ faces, instead of inside their sensitive mouths.  We save the more refined tools for the more refined riders.

4. We have lots of routine!

1. Horses do better when they have a job to do.  Our horses know the instructors, most of the students, their riding space, and a lot of the lessons.  We feed them at roughly the same times each day.  They know what to expect and gain confidence in their routines.

   

5. We play games.

1. Horses like to play.  Some of them enjoy competition.  We play simple games like Red Light, Green Light, which are easy to understand but it breaks up their routines and gives them interest throughout their days.

6. Natural Horsemanship Principles are shared by all riders and instructors.

1. There are a few principles we pull from Natural Horsemanship, which helps the horses to understand exactly what is required from them, and to know they will be treated well.  We don’t pat them, except as a gentle reinforcement when they decide to be stubborn.  We use repetitive movements both to desensitize and to reinforce.  We allow for a lot of curiosity and questions from the horses to help maintain their dignity.  

7. We give them cookies (horse treats)!

1. Seriously.  Unexpected treats will sweeten just about anybody up for their work, and horses are no exception.

8. 
   We take care of their physical and social health.  

1. Our horses don’t have worms, rarely get cut more than a scratch, and get to hang out with each other in a fairly large space when they are not working.  We also make sure their tack sits on them comfortably and is in good repair.

9. We give them lots of love.

1. Horses pick up on our emotions.  Usually we associate that with fear, but it’s so much more.  All those who work and play at Bridle Ranch love horses, and the horses know it.  They get petted, scratched, rubbed, told secrets, given hugs, and share in jokes.  I think, on some level, our horses know they are helping people, and are happy to give what they can.

   

It is so easy for lesson horses to get bored, frustrated, cranky, or sour.  Knowing that, I love it every time I see our horses relaxed, happy, focused, or interested.  And, the looks on their faces when they know treats are coming is absolutely priceless!

Smile and Stay Happy!

-CR

Get to Know Stephany!

Q: What is your role/job title at Bridle Ranch?

A: I am the Barn Manager at Bridle Ranch. I help take care of and train the horses, I teach lessons and train new employees.

Q: What's your favorite treat?

A: I really like food so it's hard to narrow it down to a favorite anything, but anything chocolate will always be a top preference.

Q: What's your favorite color?

A: It depends on the day. Today I would say turquoise blue.

Q: What hobbies do you have?

A: I have a wide variety of interests. I love to read and watch movies. I absolutely love the arts, singing/music, dancing, acting, drawing, photography, ceramics, etc. I love physical activities, I'm a martial artist, I enjoy hiking and rock climbing, I love to swim, go on walks, and tumbling/acrobatics. I love other cultures and languages, and wish I could travel more. And I absolutely love animals! (the list could go on and on, but we'll stop there).

Q: Where are you from and what was your life like growing up?

A: I was born and raised in Provo, Utah. I am one of seven children so my life growing up was noisy, obnoxious, and very rough & tumble.

Q: Where are you in life now?

A: Right here.

Q: Any big plans in the future?

A: Always.

Q: What is your experience with horses, animals, and/or ranches?

A: The most experience I've had with horses has been right here at Bridle Ranch. I have loved animals all my life and my Mom has always said that I can connect with them and understand them on a deeper level. I graduated from college as a Veterinary Assistant and that training has been very helpful with my job. Honestly anytime I have an opportunity to interact (safely) with animals, I take it.

Q: Can you explain what you've gotten out of Bridle Ranch?

A: I'll do my best. This is one of those questions for me where I'm not sure if I have the right words for the answer. I tell this to my students all the time: if  you want horses to just be a hobby then you will need to be very rich. Horses are a lot of work and if you get involved in this kind of activity then it really becomes a way of life.

The training we do with our horses influences and becomes a part of you the more you get into it. It has been a huge help and support for me.

Trail Riding vs. Arena Riding

 Hello Centaurs!

At Bridle Ranch, we primarily ride in an arena.  There are several reasons for this, but today we are getting into the differences between trail riding and arena riding.

Let’s start with arena riding.  It’s a very good place to start.  :)

Actually, it is a very good place to start.  In fact, it’s where most horses are “started” or trained.  It makes sense in a very practical way.  If you have a horse that could take off in fear or defiance, keeping them in a small area is a good idea whether or not you are in the saddle at the beginning (or end) of a training session.  In fact, when doing something difficult with a horse, the recommendation is to start in a round pen.  It’s small enough to ensure you can keep the horse’s attention, but big enough that you can probably avoid getting run over in a bad situation.  

Beyond that, arenas are great places to work on higher level training skills.  They are predictable, flat (usually), and have a handy fence to help guide the horse.  It is a safe environment for both horses and riders.  It allows everybody to concentrate on practicing skills (or showing them off) without a lot of distractions.  

Sometimes we struggle with finding things to do in an arena.  Especially for those used to trail rides up in the mountains, or working cattle, it can seem ridiculous and confining to suddenly only ride in a small space on flat ground.  However, it does allow us to exercise our creativity, expand our riding skills, or build communication with our horses.

Trail riding is kind of a different beast.  Often, when people go on trail rides, it is a paid trip, with horses that are trained to stay on the trail, and riders are told to stick their horse’s nose on the tail of the horse in front.  There is walking, and talking, and seeing beautiful scenery, and not much else.  Other times, however, it’s Grandpa Joe who wants to take everybody up in the hills over yonder, and, “Don’t worry about Bess.  She’s got a bit of spunk, but you’ll be fine.”  Everything is great for the first half hour, and then Bess decides to start trotting or running your leg into every tree trunk she can find.  Maybe you end the ride on okay terms, or maybe everyone else starts trotting, which makes Bess think she needs to run and before you know it, you’re bouncing around on the back of this runaway horse and if you had time to think you’d be afraid for your very life (or progeny, if you’re a guy…).

Ideally, however, trail riding is amazing.  You and your horse have a good relationship, and practice being on a trail, and you do see some amazing views.  You can trot or canter through trees with confidence, you can gallop through meadows knowing that your horse will stop when you give the cue.  There are obstacles to navigate through, which adds to the fun of the ride.  Figuring out when to pick your way through a pile of logs, or instead approach at a trot and just jump it is part of the fun of a trail ride.  Sometimes there are streams to wade through and your horse decides to stop and splash for awhile.  One of my favorite things is going up a small, steep hill and feeling your horse lunge to make it up the bank.  You can take a picnic for a day trip, or bedrolls and make it an overnight extravaganza.  These types of trail rides make life worth living.

So, how do you know when to do which type of riding?  Is one better than the other?  

I firmly believe that both types of riding have their place in every horse’s life, and every rider’s.  Arena riding can help to make better trail rides, because your communication is better.  Trail riding expands a horse’s world, and helps them to be calmer and happier overall.  Arena riding tends to facilitate a sense of control and accomplishment.  Trail riding brings a sense of joy and wonder and adventure.  Do one to prepare for the other, and it doesn’t really matter in what order.  

Except at the very beginning.  That should probably be done in an arena, so your horse doesn’t run all over a mountain without you.

Smile and Ride!

-CR