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In this Issue:
- Personal Message
- Horse Spirit at Roycans Country Haven
- Rode Hard Put away Wet
- Is Bitless Riding Right for You
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Horse Quotes & Inspirations
The greatest gift I was ever given was the ability to ride.
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Notice our **NEW** look??!!
Scrolling Photos coming Soon!
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Savvy Tips for the Winter Months:
#1 Horses need lots of salt in Winter months to encourage water consumption. These Salt blocks and Mineral blocks can be messy, and hard to handle so we suggest putting them in one of those small rubber floor feeder tubs you may have around and set them out in an accessible place.
#2 To keep water troughs from freezing - use an electric floating deicer, this will heat the water and keep ice from forming!
*If you don't have access to and electric water heater, put a larger ball like a volleyball size in your horses water trough, the ball will help move the water around and deter ice formation - it also makes breaking the ice easier if it does form.
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Is bitless riding right for
you and your horse?
If you are anything like me you are always looking for the perfect piece of tack that will bring you and your horse closer to working in harmony. Over the years I have tried all sorts of bits and saddles some worked great others were real gimmicks. About 7 years back I gave a bitless bridle a try and had some real success with it.
Now some people might think bitless riding is something of a new fad, nothing could be farther from the truth. Horses were ridden without bits for well over 1000 years, before a bit was ever put in their mouth. The first bitless bridles were woven from grass and later leather taking on all sorts of designs.
These early designs or modifications of them can still be seen in some of today’s more popular styles of bitless bridles. The most popular ones are the bosal, hackamore, side pull, Indian bosal and the cross over design bridle. The mechanics of these bridles basically work off the same principle that is nose, cheek and poll pressure, in the case of the Indian bosal curb pressure.
One design that has been getting a lot of attention lately is the cross over design. This particular design works on nose, poll and some cheek pressure. The cross over design is made up of a noseband with cheek straps that run through rings on the noseband, cross underneath the horses jaw and attach to a strap that goes over the horse’s poll. When you pull on the right rein you are tipping the nose to the right applying poll pressure and putting pressure on the left cheek all at the same time.
The biggest benefit I have found from riding some horses in the cross over bitless bridle is a more relaxed horse. I find it useful for horses that have a hard time accepting a bit, suffer from mouthing problems or tend to snatch a bit from the riders hands. It can also help in teaching to neck rein and move away from pressure. New riders and school horses can also benefit from riding bitless ; I cringe sometimes when I see some of these school horses having students hanging off their mouths, it just isn’t necessary.
A quick Google search will reveal that there are a lot of manufacturer’s of bitless bridle these days, I am one of them. Now before you go thinking a bitless bridle is the answer to all your problems I must caution you. A lot of these manufacturers are making claims that all horses perform better in a bitless bridle. I am certainly not one of them and I do not agree with such claims. Humans have been riding horses for thousands of years for most of that time living a lot closer and relying on horses a lot more then we do now. I would think over the course of all these years that if one piece of equipment worked better then everything else we would have discovered that long ago. Every horse is different nor do they react the same to nose and poll pressure, their levels of training and trainability and rider experience all vary so to say every horse will work better is hard for me to believe. Besides if this was the case the only thing you would find at tack stores would be bitless bridles.
I have participated in a wide range of riding disciplines on a variety of horses at different levels of their training. I found in speed events or where other animals are involved like polo and team roping the bitless bridle doesn't always give you the precision needed to quickly and safely cue the horse. For 95% of the riders who will try bitless this is not an issue. If you have a well trained horse, do a lot of arena work, trail ride, are rough with your hands or have a horse with bitting issues from mouth problems a bitless bridle may be the answer. Before you go out and buy a bitless bridle expecting it to be the miracle cure I encourage you to try riding your horse in a halter in a controlled environment. A couple of rides will give you a fairly good idea how he will respond to the bitless bridle.
Let me conclude by saying there is no substitute for good riding. A bitless bridle in the hands of someone who is really pulling and yanking on a horse is going to cause more pain and have less control then someone who rides well and is quiet with a bit, however the bitless bridle will cause less pain then someone who is rough with their hands riding in a bit.
For me the bottom line is comfort and control: A comfortable horse is going to perform better then an uncomfortable horse but don’t sacrifice you and your horse’s safety for it.
You can check out my website for more info on Bitless and treeless riding at:
Happy trails,
Steve Wawryk
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Message from Shelley...
Well, Im not as computer Savvy as I am Horse Savvy! This is the second time I am writing this and the first time was perfect! Ohh Well!
I wanted to share some things to make this upcoming season a little easier. I have done some things for myself that really relieve stress and make this a more joyfull time for me! All the things I need to do, have to buy, have to arrange, calls and everything else, I write down - Not on a scrap piece of paper that I can misplace, but on a large notebook that I can find anywhere!
I really want to focus this time as being a special time, to appreciate the gifts I have been given in life, and treasure what I already have. Give thanx for those great people who surround me and use this time as an opportunity to invite more wonderfull people into my life.
This season we are going to spend a few days with my husbands family all together at the lake, skating, sledding, playing in the snow and having toasty fires with hot chocolate - I know this because Ive already started planning it! Im excited! I am also going to surprise everyone with a sleigh ride afternoon, my next door neighbour has a great team and tonnes of sleighs to choose from!
I hope in your plans, just as I am, to include the arrangements for our animals. We need to make their season just as 'smooth' stress really has a negative effect on them too.
Shelley Lupul
President
p.s. A very big thank you goes out to my new friend Netti Barr of Canadian Natural Horsemanship for having me attend her workshop on Equine Behavior at NAIT campus here in Edmonton - I learned a side of horses I never knew! Thank You Netti and Alberta Equestrian Federation.
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Spirit Horses at Roycan's
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Roycan's Country Haven
By Candice Kontzie - Owner
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There she was, a mom, hugging our big black Morgan stallion, allowing the tears to flow. She was saying her goodbyes knowing her time on earth was fading, but during that moment, in comfort, she released some of her pain. - "THATS why we do it."
People are always asking what we do at “Roycan’s Country Haven” and that has got to be the hardest thing to describe! How do you describe something that has to be felt and seen for you to totally understand it?
Our horses are all very intuitive. Not all horses have high levels of intuitiveness so finding them is really hard! By being intuitive they can feel people’s emotions and will then mirror those emotions or absorb them into themselves. They show some of these emotions through their body language. Clients release their various emotions into the horse whereby releasing some of their grief, sadness, stress…… Needless to say in most cases the individual feels better afterwards. One client said he’d left behind 200 lbs of garbage with the horse.
The key thing to understand about our Equine Assisted Personal Development Programs(EAPD) is that 50% involves the client and their needs and 50% is about the care of the horses. Everyone seems to understand the 50% of the client but where our program is unique is because we learned and trained to debrief our horses and make sure their state of mind and physical well being is a priority. Imagine having someone dump negative energy into you and then not be able to get rid of it. The same thing happens to the horses if you don’t release all of those emotions.
Our Handlers all have to go through a very intense 3 day workshop. Only about 50% of those who enroll come out as Handlers and this is because you have to understand who you are personally and then have healthy energy to understand and work with the horses. Just because you’ve worked around horses for years doesn’t mean you could become a handler at our facility. Sometimes it’s harder for horse people because you have to learn new ways of communicating with the horses. BUT if everything clicks then you are on an amazing journey!
Our clients range from 5 yrs to 80 yr old. Their personal concerns can cover: grief, sickness,physical and mental disabilities, stress, anxiety, sadness, trauma and just wanting to feel good about themselves and their own personal journey. We operate a full time EAPD program herewith around 20 people as staff. Our senior staff including EAPD Facilitator, 2 Co-Facilitators,Clinical Therapist, Physio-therapist, Barn Manager and many Handlers.
Safety is a priority #1 for us, hence all the training and policies which we have at our facility. Safety also includes not only the physical needs of the client but also the mental needs. That’s why we have a clinical therapist on staff along with individuals that can debrief clients and staff members.
Operating an EAPD Program does not mean working alone. You have to build your team and make sure the team has experience and knowledge both for the client and the horses.
As co-owner of Roycan’s Country Haven I am proud to say we have a GREAT TEAM and anunbelievable support team. Not only do our clients see personal results but so does our team.
A few years back someone asked us “Why we did the EAPD Program?” so I wrote the following: WHY WE DO IT!!
After finishing up an EAPD Retreat, totally exhausted and emotional done, the QUESTION arises “Why we do it?”
* a little girl crying with her shoulders shaking and trying not to have anyone see her, because she’s crying for her dad who has cancer and is going to die shortly. I reach out to her and cradle her in my arms and she leans into me.
*kids leaning into the horses and letting them take their pain.
*a 5 year old boy asking one of the other kids, “Who in your family has cancer?”. Henow knows he’s not alone.
*a little girl that asks if she can spend time with just me with the horses. Her reliefand gentle smile when I said yes.
*a mom anxious that her children were OK at the retreat. Then being able to say they were great and that they had opened up to us and we’d given lots of hugs. With her crying and my arms around her saying and hearing those words gave her relief.
*a boy looking across the supper table to his grandpa and surprised and happy that his grandpa was wearing his “Horse Spirit” necklace that he’d given him. I could feel the pride inthe child and the Grandpa said he never takes it off.THAT’s “Why we do it!”
* a grandson giving his grandma a “Horse Spirit” necklace not because she had cancer but because he wanted her to have one like his Grandpa. Watching the emotions between the two of them was overwhelming.
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*Ive been there with individuals going through the grief labyrinth walking side by side with the spirit horse and allowing the horse to reach out and comfort them on their journey.
*I’ve seen a child that never smiles and hasn’t experiences any joy, finally smile at the horse and reach out for that connection with the horse.
*I’ve met parents who have lost their child, reach out to the horse for comfort and finally be able to release some of the pain in order to slowly move on to another day.
* I there when the kids are saying goodbye and giving hugs and asking to return (the next day!!).
Are we tired? Yes. Do we feel overwhelmed? Yes.
Are we reaching out to others? Yes
Is it worth it? YES, YES, YES…
THAT’S “WHY WE DO IT!”
*a little boy proud that his dad has come to the windup. He has a smile that won’t end and he walks proudly. THAT’s “Why we do it!”
*kids arriving with no smiles and very uptight and yet before the weekend is overthey’re laughing and playing. THAT’S “Why we do it!”
*a little girl blowing air into our 16.2HH horse’s face so he will connect with her and remember her. THAT’S “Why we do it!” |
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Nutrition is Critical for Equines and Equestrians
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Ridden hard and put away wet
Equestrians Loose Sight of Self Care
“Ridden hard and put away wet!”
This age old expression brings to mind an image of a horse that worked rigorously and was not properly cared for. You can picture the animal galloping along, doing her job, breathing heavily and working up a lather; then not getting the care that she needs and deserves. You know, kind of like many Equestrians who work hard to take care of their horses, their families, their homes and their work and when it comes to caring for themselves… well, they’re “put away wet”.
Would you put this horse in a stall and walk away?
The reality is that this behavior is not only detrimental to your present and future health and well-being, but it is also affecting your quality life and of the work you produce. What would happen if you cared for your horses in this manner? They would certainly not look their best. Their performance would suffer. They wouldn’t feel good and they might start to pick up some bad habits to try to reduce their stress level. Cribbing and weaving come to mind – the horse’s version of wine and coffee. As an Equestrian, you know what it takes for a horse to perform to the best of her ability. She needs optimal feed, optimal rest, optimal work and optimal care. So do you.
The area where most Equestrians cut corners is in their nutrition. Fast food, snack food, and junk food comprise the average diet of many equine enthusiasts. Most of what they eat is beige, processed and lacks in everything but calories. Think of it like feeding your horses the brownest, coarsest hay you could find and topping it off with sugar cubes. It will fill them up and keep them alive (maybe) but they certainly could not perform to their potential. It’s just as easy to grab an apple, some baby carrots, and some nuts as it is to grab a bag of potato chips and some cookies. Raw, unsalted nuts are a tremendously healthy snack with a wide variety of nutrients and enough energy to keep you going. Transitioning from coffee and soft drinks to water will actually provide you with more energy by both hydrating and detoxifying your cells. Making good nutrition choices will help you to perform at the top of your game so that both you and your horses will be in peak form.
Beyond nutrition, rejuvenation is another area where Equestrians short-change themselves. Long hours, long days, long weeks and long seasons lead to short rest and recuperation for the equine enthusiast. Again, when you relate it to horses, it makes a lot of sense. When you ship horses a significant distance to a competition, do you ship them through the night and then compete the next day? No, you give them a day of rest and then at least a day of light work before they need to perform. Do you ask them to perform at their highest level every single day or do they have days where they are hand-walked or just work on fitness? You know that rest is important and not just for the horses. Your body rebuilds itself during deep sleep when hormones are produced to construct, repair and replace cells and tissues. If you’re not getting enough sleep, you’re not repairing and eventually something will break. Schedule downtime for yourself and be sure to have some fun. Rest and laughter are instrumental in maintaining optimal health.
Nutrition is Critical for Equines and Equestrians
Beyond nutrition, rejuvenation is another area where Equestrians short-change themselves. Long hours, long days, long weeks and long seasons lead to short rest and recuperation for the equine enthusiast. Again, when you relate it to horses, it makes a lot of sense. When you ship horses a significant distance to a competition, do you ship them through the night and then compete the next day? No, you give them a day of rest and then at least a day of light work before they need to perform. Do you ask them to perform at their highest level every single day or do they have days where they are hand-walked or just work on fitness? You know that rest is important and not just for the horses. Your body rebuilds itself during deep sleep when hormones are produced to construct, repair and replace cells and tissues. If you’re not getting enough sleep, you’re not repairing and eventually something will break. Schedule downtime for yourself and be sure to have some fun. Rest and laughter are instrumental in maintaining optimal health.
 Patti Bartsch, M.A., Ph.D.  is a Certified Holistic Life & Wellness Coach who specializes in equestrian women. She is the author of “100 Days, 100 Ways to a Happier, Healthier Life” and is an adjunct professor of human and animal natural health at Kingdom College of Natural Health. Patti utilizes her experience as a scientist, nutritionist and educator to help individuals and groups to achieve their optimal life and health using natural methods. For more information about Patti and to download a FREE CHAPTER from her upcoming book “7 Steps to a Naturally Unbridled Life”,
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