Team AD Blog
-
Almosta Video Diaries...Road to the Showpen!
Thursday, January 26, 2012Nothing is more exciting than the hopeful expectations that come along with training a 2 year old. Our group of 2 year olds here at the Almosta Ranch is quite the crew! We have the macho stallion, the stubborn gelding, and two sweet but naughty little ladies. Jade Keller, who has worked here for many years, does most of the work with the young ones. We thought it would be fun to follow this group through monthly video diaries, chronicling their progress and journey. Jade will share their progress, honestly assess the challenges, and give helpful drills and training tips along the way. It is guaranteed to be a roller coaster ride as these four youngsters come into their own and reach their full potential. Is there a future star in this group? Meet the cast of characters!
Read More
-
From the Judges Stand-Q&A
Monday, January 23, 2012
Hope everyone had a great Holiday, and that your show season is off to a good start. I have had a few questions asked and I thought I would address them. Hope they help!
1.Showmanship- What does it mean from a Judge's point of view?
Showmanship has many different meanings, but I think basically they all mean the same-to most Judges showmanship begins when your name is called to show your horse. Be ready and don't wait to do all of your dry work in front of the Judges stand!! Have a well groomed horse, take note of…
Read More-
Superstitions-My Little Secret
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Yesterday was Friday the 13th, and we ran a fun contest on our Facebook page about superstitions. It got me thinking about some of my own strange rituals and habits at the horse shows…and I definitely have a few. Now before I divulge my dirty little secrets, I must preface by saying I’ve always been taught that you make your own luck. It really doesn’t matter what shirt you are wearing or how many times you brush your horse’s tail before you show, it is what it is. Obviously these lessons didn’t stick, as I have developed over the years a plethora of superstitious behaviors and habits that some may say border on obsessive compulsive. However, in my irrational mind, these rational acts are instrumental to my success and/or failure in the show pen. I hope you can sense the sarcasm in these words. I am completely aware that it’s crazy, but just let me go on… Read More
-
Steps to Spin
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Have you watched a finished reining horse spin with his front legs crossing then uncrossing with a fast step? To watch a horse do this correctly is a beautiful thing. Getting your horse to cross over properly is an important part of obtaining a flawless turnaround, and something many riders have difficulty with. There can be several reasons why your horse may not be crossing over properly. These can include:
-Rider pulling too much on the reins
-Rider not being balanced
-Rider not using legs properly
-Horse not moving his feet or turning his… Read More
-
Superstitions-My Little Secret