Spring Horse Tune-up: Getting back into the Saddle 101
The weather is finally giving signs that spring may just be here. The pasque flowers are up, the birds are singing and, yes our horses are shedding!!!
After the long winter off, most horses have an extra little spring in their step, and maybe a little extra attitude. Even "old reliable" may have extra energy and a renewed youthful spirit!
Here are 5 easy things to help ensure that your first rides this spring are enjoyable and made of great memories!
Check all your Tack before Summer
Especially high pressure areas on your saddle, girth, bridle and reins. These areas take the brunt of wear and tear and easily crack or break. Look for any rough or worn spots that may need repair. The last few cold, blustery days of March and April are always great days to spend cleaning and oiling the tack.
Here's a selection of tack and replacement parts you might need after a long winter.
Give yourself Plenty of Time to Catch your Horse
Nothing seems to ensure the lovely game of "catch me if you can" with your horse than when you have a situation that demands you catch them quickly... and nothing is more frustrating to deal with than a hard to catch horse. In the horse world, body language is everything.
Quick, fast movements signal danger and the flight response. So, slow down, take your time, make the situation positive-..an extra 10 minutes for a good scratching, maybe a treat or some oats will all help to make this part of the process less stressful!
Groom, Groom, Groom
This seems to be an endless process in the spring. Lots of hair, mud and leftover cockleburs torment both the horse and the rider. Shedding blades, rubber curry combs and even the soft body brushes help to get rid of the layers of hair and mud.
Mane and tail conditioners and even PAM cooking spray can help with the tangled mess that can be a combination of wind and burs. During the time spent grooming and preparing for the ride, be aware of new lumps and bumps.
Almost every grooming tool you and your horse need.
Always check the girth and saddle areas for anything that may be painful. Running your hand down your horse's back with light pressure can give you indications of any sore or sensitive spots.
The Devil is in the Detail... or is it their FEET?
Make your farrier appointment now! Healthy, well cared for feet are so important to your horse. Whether kept barefoot or shod, regular scheduled trims and maintenance should be a priority. This ensures a great, pain free ride for your horse!
And finally- "A Refresher Course"
As I get older, I realize just how much I prefer to stay up in the saddle and not hit the ground. Taking a little extra time to move a horse around in the round pen or ponying that youngster with an older, well mannered horse can be worth its weight in gold. It helps to get their minds on track thinking about going to work, and not what their buddies are doing out in the pasture or where their next meal is.
Things like wind and weather can directly affect your horse's attitude as well. Windy, cool days seem to signal that cranky streak more often than not in the spring. "High energy" feeds like alfalfa hay and sweet feeds can also contribute to their "high energy" attitude.
Cutting back on those things can definitely help to have a calmer horse. Grass hay and rolled oats are great substitutes for the non-working, pleasure or trail horse.
We've got horse feed and supplements online here.
Early planning can set up the rest of your spring and summer rides to be most enjoyable and filled with lots of great memories. These quick reminders can help to ensure you, and your horse, have a great time!
Written by Local Montana Trainer, Heather Gast-- A Minnesota native. I started riding at 12 years old and rode for fun through college and into my early twenties. At 26 I began to get involved with horseback field trails with pointing dogs. I rode my first Tennessee walker at a field trial. Two years later I bought a Fox Trotter and began working with my own horses. Currently I am a horse instructor at "The Ranches at Belt Creek" where I lead trail rides and private riding instruction for our guests and work with training horses on a daily basis.