Horses!
By: Kay Frydenborg
Basic Overlook on Horses
Horses are amazing creatures. They often live in the wild, but also live on farms and prairies as pets. They usually eat mainly hay, but a lot of times their owner will give them something more like, carrots, apples, potatoes, pears, bananas. But be careful with what you feed them because most human food is dangerous for horses.
Breaking Horses
Step 1: The most important thing to do is to gain the trust of your horse and show him/her that they can trust you too. If your horse doesn’t trust you and won’t trust you then it will be impossible to train it. Brush your horse and create a bond between you to.
Step 2: Before you attempt to mount the horse, you should gain its trust with ground breaking. Attach a long line to the horse's halter. Train the horse to follow your commands as it moves in a large circle around you. Introduce the horse to the words: "halt", "walk", “whoa”, and "back". Teach the horse to properly walk beside you while leading it with a lead rope. Make sure it learns to go the speed you want. Don’t let them guide you; make sure you make them know you are in charge, not them. The horse should learn to stop, go, and turn either way. Try not to let your horse boss you around as he/she will think they can do what they want.
Step 3: Introduce the riding equipment that you will use while breaking a horse (bridal, saddle, reins and halter). In the beginning, the animal may be afraid or sketchy with the unfamiliar sights and sounds of riding tack. The horse must become used to having a bit in its mouth. Begin by placing the bit in the horse's mouth for short periods of time and work up to longer periods. You can also buy a breaking bit. Lead the horse while it is wearing the bridle. A horse must also become familiar with the weight and sound of a saddle on its back. Place the saddle on the horse's back and then practice leading the horse.
Step 4: Prepare the horse for your mount. Until this point, the horse has most likely only seen you at eye level. Move the horse near a fence post crossing (it’s the best place to do it). Climb up on the post and stand at a height so that you are above the horse's head, so they can look at you and see what you are going to do so you don’t startle them too much.
Step 5: Mount the horse from the left side, while holding the reins in your hand. Gently squeeze the horse's sides with your legs and commanding it to walk. Encourage the horse and talk to him in a gentle voice.
Step 6: Ride the horse frequently, for longer periods of time and in new surroundings to help it become at ease with any rider.
**If this does not work, then repeat until the horse learns.**
Are Horses Dangerous?
By: Kali Condon
Definitions
halter- a rope or strap with a headstall for leading or restraining horses or cattle.
bridle- part of the tack or harness of a horse, consisting usually of a headstall, bit, and reins.
reins- a long, narrow strap attached at the end of the horse's bit, typically used in pairs to control a horse while riding or leading.
saddle- a leather seat fastened on the back of a horse or other animal for riding.
lead rope- A rope with a snap on one end, that attaches to the halter and used to lead and tie horses or ponies. Leads can be made of leather or synthetic materials and can be flat, woven, twisted or rolled.