Archive for October, 2008

Silverwood Arabians FarmSilverwood Arabians is a full service facility offering training, breeding, boarding, riding lessons and sales. Even a summer camp.

You will find Silverwood Arabians nestled in Canada’s beautiful Saint John River Valley close alongside the Saint John River. Because they are within Fredericton’s city limits it enjoys an idylic setting, perfect for horses and people.

The Farm usually hosts somewhere between 35 and 50 horses.

Frank and Kim Taylor operate Silverwood Arabians and is a family farm. Their full-time staff includes; 2 trainers, 2 foaling technicians and a staff that is experienced and well-oriented in caring for the well being of the horses at the farm.

Silverwood Arabians is a full service facility and has two barns, along with an indoor arena, a wash stall, heated viewing area, two tack rooms, three turnout sheds and outdoor paddocks.

NOTE: The four designated foaling stalls offer 24 hour remote viewing by video camera and an AI breeding lab.

Here is a link to their Silverwood Arabians services page, so be sure to check out what Frank and Kim have to offer you.

frankandkim@silverwoodarabians.com
http://www.silverwoodarabians.com/

Frank and Kim Taylor

Silverwood Arabians
2575 Woodstock Rd.
Fredericton, NB
CANADA E3C 1R1
Phone: (506) 459-7284
Fax: (506) 458-2097
TOLL FREE:1 866 344-6600

Have you ever seen the fast horses galloping in the races? Well, these horses are called Standardbreds, and they are well known for their skill in harness racing, being the fastest trotting horse in the world. In many part of Europe (England not including) all harness races are conducted between trotters. Standardbreds have shorter legs than the American thoroughbred race horses and longer bodies. Often their hindquarters are several inches taller than their withers, which provides them with the power and thrust necesary to trot or pace at high speeds. Standardbreds are any color, usually chestnut .

Standardbreds are the horse of choice for the Amish, because they often find these inexpensive, sound horses at local auctions or right off the track. The horses handle the change from the busy racetrack environment to the farm roads of the country. Standardbreds can be found ridden for pleasure or show in many disciplines: jumping, dressage, equitation, trail, team penning, endurance, gymkhana events, saddleseat, and even sidesaddle. There are even growing associations for racing Standardbreds under saddle — trotting or pacing just as they do in harness. Standardbreds race since either a pacesetter or a trotting horse. Trotters, as the name implies, race at the traditional trot.

Standardbreds are known for their skill in harness racing, being the fastest trotting horse in the world. Usually these horses require good food and good protection during the winter and rain, breeders recommend using Rambo horse blankets or  Turnout horse Blankets to protect this unique animals. Standardbreds are any color, usually chestnut, black, or brown; they average 15 hands (60 in./160 cm) in height and weigh near 1,000 lb (450 kg). Standardbreds will trot in a few races in which they need to trot out very chop-chop while asseverating their instinctive pace. If the horses break gait and do not return immediately, they are disqualified from the race.

Standardbreds have a wide range of height, from 14.1 to 17 hands (57"-66"), and most often are bay or the darker variation of bay called "brown," although other colors such as chestnut and black are not uncommon. Gray and roan are also found. Standardbreds are a relatively new breed, dating back just over 200 years, but it is a true American breed. Standardbreds are bred for racing and command training earlier all-purpose Horseback riding. If trained correctly and consistently, they will adapt well to other tasks after retiring from racing.

Horseback Ride up Los Cerros: Estancia Dos Lunas
Image by longhorndave via Flickr

D & D Stables is located in Cap Pele, near the coast of New Brunswick’s eastern shores.

Horseback riding Lessons

Need Horseback riding lesson, not a problem, as they have multiple levels of training.

Concerned about understanding your instructor, well don’t be, because bilingual instructors are available so that you can understand all the Horseback riding terms.

Don’t bother bringing your babies to learn horseback riding, well unless your babies are 5 years of age or older. But 5 is a great age to start learning, I wish I had that opportunity when I was 5 years old. I remember seeing a picture of me on a pony when I was still in diapers and then after Mom was satisfied with that picture she never took me back so I never had the advantage of learning early.

You can find the cost of D & D Stables horseback riding lessons by following the link provided.

Another thing worth pointing out is that horse, tack and helmet are provided when you take riding lessons. You do need to supply your own boots and be sure they have heels so that your feet don’t slip and cause a fall.

Take a few minutes and check out D & D Stables.

Western Saddles – Used Is Good

Horseback riding lessons

If you are looking for good, highly quality Western saddles, then the best place to go would be the markets where there are horses for sale, as well as pre-owned horse tack supply items. You should be able to find some great used saddles and to choose the one that suits the horse and yourself the best. Pay very close attention to the fit of the saddle, as this is what matters when you ride; if it is too loose or too tight, leave it. Go for soft buffed, used leather that not only looks good but also is very comfortable.

When you are looking for proper pre-owned saddles, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind, such as the brand of the saddle, the model of the saddle, the fit to the horse and the present status of the saddle. The brand and the model of the saddle will tell you the actual quality of the saddle. Good brands saddles, no matter how old, are as good as gold. The fit and status of the saddle is important, as this will influence your ride; the horse will not listen to your body language if it does not accept the saddle. This is why it is very important that you find a saddle that not only matches perfectly with what you have in mind, but also is comfortable for your horse.

Do not buy any used Western saddles over the internet, no matter how beautiful and perfect they look. Buying anything that is even remotely connected with horse supply should never be bought unless it is checked, by putting it on the horse, and also inspected for quality. The horse is not an animal that can be trifled with. Many horses refuse to listen to their riders if they are unhappy with their saddles and other gear. Check out the Western horse tack shops as well. For information on what to look for, speak with a veteran horse-rider or educate yourself online.

You want value for your money when you buy Western saddles, so go for used or pre-owned ones. These saddles should only be bought after they have been inspected in person. If horsemanship is important to you, then you know that a lot depends upon how you ready the horse for the ride; therefore, the saddle is an extremely important factor, as it influences the way the horse reacts to the rider.

What Are Recommended Tack Supplies?

horsemanship

Taking care of horses is normally quite difficult because of the many considerations you have to think about. From the animals’ shelter, to food, to other important tack supplies, the list seems to go on and on. Although taking care of such animals might not seem that interesting for some people, ranchers feel there is something about owning horses that is very rewarding. That is why ranchers are willing to go out of their way just to provide everything that their horses need, in the way of horse tack supply products.

Horse clippers are primarily used for keeping different parts of a horse neatly trimmed or shaved, whether for vanity or showing purposes, or for health reasons. That is why it is important to think about the important aspects of choosing the right horse clippers before you finally decide to buy. There are hundreds of types and brands of these clippers available today; however, there are four things to take into consideration, which include the motor, the size, the power and the speed. Clippers with decibel ratings are also efficient since most horses are easily startled by loud and strange noises.

Tack trunks are also very important and useful tack supplies. Not only are they used to store your tacks but they are great for storing other accessories you use to care and groom your horse. Tack trunks normally come in different sizes and there are some that include grooming totes. These totes for your tack supply gear are perfect for you to take with you during your travels, either for a veterinarian visit or a show, because they are handy and convenient. Tack trunks have separate compartments suitable for storing grooming equipment, such as combs, brushes, hoof picks, sponges, sweat scrapers, and a lot more. Your horse’s wardrobe, including the leg wraps can also be squeezed into your tack trunk. When purchasing, choose the one with wheels, which will allow for easy maneuverability.

The lids of tack supply trunks also matter. These tack supplies should have well padded lids designed for sitting. There are also those that are made for standing on. Normally, these types of lids have a treaded rubber cover and are suitable for horse owners who need an extra height to groom or braid a horse’s mane. Remember that in any case, finding the right trunk can get confusing because of the many brands and types available. Be sure to choose the one that suits you best.

horse tack supply

As an owner of a riding horse, you know there is much more to it than fun. There is a lot of responsibility involved in owning such an animal, such as buying and fitting your horse with the best quality tack horse equipment, which are the accessories that make riding on the horse and controlling it possible. Horse tack equipment items, such as the saddle, the bridle, the bit, and so on, each have a purpose and each one is indispensable. Among the two types of horse tack, the Western and the English, the former is preferred mainly because it is simpler to use and maintain.

Buying and owning a horse is a great investment and responsibility. The quality of the equipment you use will determine the quality of your rides and the comfort of the horse during your rides. Therefore, there should be no compromise whatsoever when you buy horse tack equipment for your animal. If you are low on finances, then you could always buy everything you need from the pre-owned market. In fact, a good number of people choose this market to get equipment at a fraction of the cost of new, and the bonus is that it does not need to be broken in.

The saddle is one of the most important pieces of tack horse equipment. You need to pay extra attention to the saddle because it is critical for comfort, for both you and the horse. Any mismatch could result in acute discomfort or even death, if the horse reacts and throw you off. The bit is another important part of horse tack equipment. Horses generally do not like the bit, but it is vital to control the animal. Additionally, be careful to allow the horse sufficient time to become accustomed to the bit.

The tack horse equipment is what makes a ride perfect. You cannot afford to make any mistakes, nor neglect anything. You need to make sure that you understand how each piece of equipment is used and how it should fit. This will not only ensure your comfort but also your safety, as there could be some serious accidents, as a direct result of ill-fitting horse tack.

The planned mating of horses that is directed by humans has given rise to a number of special breeds of horses. Breeders, the persons who help facilitate healthy horse breeding, seek to bring about an enhancement in the physical performance abilities of the offspring or foal even more than improving their appearance. This matching of ‘form to function’ is a successful means of development of different healthy and (functionally) superior breeds.

People from all over the world have owned horses for various reasons. This is just the reason why various breeds of horses had been developed over the years to provide improved efficiency at particular tasks. Horses can now be classified into three main categories- pony, light and heavy. There can, however, be created further subcategories like draft horses, gaited horses and warmbloods.

It is by learning about these various breeds that an idea can be formed on the kind of horse best suited for a situation and a particular type of work. Some horses are best suited for children to ride on them while some are right for the whole family’s riding purpose. Again, some other horses may be appropriate for racing- the race horses while some others may prove to be helpful on the ranch.

There are a number of popular breeds of ponies the smallest among which is the Shetland pony which is given to children as their first horse to ride on. For older children the Connemara pony is recommended. This being larger than the Shetland is suitable for older children. The Welsh pony little larger than the Connemara is a good breed of horse for young adults and young teens to ride on.

Among the light horse breeds are the Miniature Horses. Though this may seem like a pony but it is not actually one. It does not have the characteristics of the pony. This horse serves as a companion for children and also acts as a guide for the disabled. The adored Arabian horses also come into the category of light horses. These are attractive, loving, graceful and speedy horses. The Arabian horse is perceived to be a perfect breed. Not only does it possess the required speed and endurance for racing but it also has got a kind and noble disposition.

The popular light breed horse Thoroughbred is a descendant of the Arabian horse. This being a fast horse is well suited for racing purposes. For ranching a Quarter Horse, an American breed, is most appropriate.  The Morgan Horse, a family friendly and hardworking horse is another smaller but useful horse.

Besides these there are also the heavy breeds or heavy horses which include the draft horses or the horses that were used in battle at a time. The Percheron is a small and powerful heavy horse which is easier to train while the attractive Clydesdale is the most famous of the draft horses which were bred to work on farms or pull carts and wagons.