It was spring in the old west. The cowboys rode the still snow-choked trails looking for cattle that survived the winter. As one cowboy's horse went around the narrow trail, it came upon a rattlesnake warming itself in the spring sunshine.
The horse reared and the cowboy drew his six-gun to shoot the snake. "Hold on there, partner," said the snake, "don't shoot - I'm an enchanted rattlesnake, and if you don't shoot me, I'll give you any three wishes you want."
The cowboy decided to take a chance. He knew he was safely out of the snake's striking range. He said, "Okay, first, I'd like to have a face like Clark Gable, then, I'd like a build like Arnold Schwarzenegger, and finally, I'd like sexual equipment like this here horse I'm riding."
The rattlesnake said, "All right, when you get back to the bunk house you'll have all three wishes." The cowboy turned his horse around and galloped at full speed all the way to the bunk house. He dismounted on the run and went straight inside to the mirror.
Staring back at him in the mirror was the face of Clark Gable. He ripped the shirt off his back and revealed bulging, rippling muscles, just like Arnold Schwarzenegger. Really excited now, he tore down his jeans, looked at his crotch and shouted, "Oh my God, I was riding the mare!"
Be careful what you wish for!
Have a great weekend. I know I am!
Danna
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Zen Horse
Training Tip of the Week
Why Start in the Round Pen?
By Clinton Anderson
Round penning is a great tool when it comes to training horses because you can get the horse to use the thinking side of his brain without over stressing him, making the learning process as easy as possible for both you and the horse. Below, I’ve highlighted several advantages of the round pen and why no matter what stage of training your horse is in, he can always benefit from round pen training.
Teaches your horse to catch you.Before you can train a horse, you have to be able to catch him. If you can’t catch him, you can’t teach him anything. I like my horses to be able to basically catch me. Meaning that they give me two eyes, yield their hindquarters and face me. Then I can put the halter on them and get on with the lesson. If you can’t catch your horse very well, how is the rest of the lesson going to go? Not good because the horse is always going to be trying to avoid you or running away from you showing you two heels.
You are not connected to the horse.Anytime you are connected to a horse through a halter and lead rope, you’re a lot closer to him. The closer you are to a horse, the more vulnerable of a position you are in. If a horse goes to kick at you, run over you, or do something disrespectful, the chances of you getting hurt are a lot higher since he’s close to you. I always recommend that people with dominant and disrespectful horses start out in the round pen for that reason. The round pen puts a little bit of distance between you and the horse. By working the horse off line, I can stay a little further back and still be able to establish the basic fundamentals.
Gets the horse’s feet moving.In order to get a horse’s respect, you have to move his feet forwards, backwards, left and right and always reward the slightest try. The more you can move your horse’s feet forwards, backwards, left and right, the more respect you’ll get. The more the horse moves your feet forwards, backwards, left and right, the pushier and more disrespectful he will become. A lot of horses that are pushy and heavy can’t actually canter with a halter and lead rope around you without dragging you off your feet. But in the round pen since the horse isn’t connected to a line, he can canter. The round pen fence will keep him on the circle, not you. When you free up a horse’s feet and get him to move forward, his mind frees up as well and his resistance disappears.
Happy Trails,
Danna
P.S.
I know I am. This week riding a week long pack trip into the Sierra's. Good friends, good horses, outstanding vistas and trails, doesn't get much better than this.
Why Start in the Round Pen?
By Clinton Anderson
Round penning is a great tool when it comes to training horses because you can get the horse to use the thinking side of his brain without over stressing him, making the learning process as easy as possible for both you and the horse. Below, I’ve highlighted several advantages of the round pen and why no matter what stage of training your horse is in, he can always benefit from round pen training.
Teaches your horse to catch you.Before you can train a horse, you have to be able to catch him. If you can’t catch him, you can’t teach him anything. I like my horses to be able to basically catch me. Meaning that they give me two eyes, yield their hindquarters and face me. Then I can put the halter on them and get on with the lesson. If you can’t catch your horse very well, how is the rest of the lesson going to go? Not good because the horse is always going to be trying to avoid you or running away from you showing you two heels.
You are not connected to the horse.Anytime you are connected to a horse through a halter and lead rope, you’re a lot closer to him. The closer you are to a horse, the more vulnerable of a position you are in. If a horse goes to kick at you, run over you, or do something disrespectful, the chances of you getting hurt are a lot higher since he’s close to you. I always recommend that people with dominant and disrespectful horses start out in the round pen for that reason. The round pen puts a little bit of distance between you and the horse. By working the horse off line, I can stay a little further back and still be able to establish the basic fundamentals.
Gets the horse’s feet moving.In order to get a horse’s respect, you have to move his feet forwards, backwards, left and right and always reward the slightest try. The more you can move your horse’s feet forwards, backwards, left and right, the more respect you’ll get. The more the horse moves your feet forwards, backwards, left and right, the pushier and more disrespectful he will become. A lot of horses that are pushy and heavy can’t actually canter with a halter and lead rope around you without dragging you off your feet. But in the round pen since the horse isn’t connected to a line, he can canter. The round pen fence will keep him on the circle, not you. When you free up a horse’s feet and get him to move forward, his mind frees up as well and his resistance disappears.
Happy Trails,
Danna
P.S.
I know I am. This week riding a week long pack trip into the Sierra's. Good friends, good horses, outstanding vistas and trails, doesn't get much better than this.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Damn Good Stuff
Boots, chaps and cowboy hats… nothin’ else matters.
Cowboy Proverb
Check out all the great deals on our website, we will custom make you a pair of the best chaps or chinks in our incredible saddle shop.
I love my chinks, made out of genuine elk skin, we also make them in buffalo, and pebble grain bull hide, go in and visit James, and Dan they will create you a heirloom in leather.
Happy Trails this week riding my Lucchese Boots, Burns hat and my custom chinks along the beautiful trail of the Sierra Nevada's.
Danna
Cowboy Proverb
Check out all the great deals on our website, we will custom make you a pair of the best chaps or chinks in our incredible saddle shop.
I love my chinks, made out of genuine elk skin, we also make them in buffalo, and pebble grain bull hide, go in and visit James, and Dan they will create you a heirloom in leather.
Happy Trails this week riding my Lucchese Boots, Burns hat and my custom chinks along the beautiful trail of the Sierra Nevada's.
Danna
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Tipsy Tuesday
I came upon this youtube after reading Neale Donald Walsh's book "Happier than God" I previewed it on my Sunday blog. I felt compelled to share this wonderful message about fear in hopes that it can help all of us recognize our emotions and discern if we are coming from fear or love.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aA4HwFHiYyA
Choose to look at fear as an adventure, I know I am, I faced my fears by riding backcountry, sleeping out on the ground with the other creatures, looking at those bright stars and realizing how small and vast I really am.
Happy Fearless Trails,
Danna
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aA4HwFHiYyA
Choose to look at fear as an adventure, I know I am, I faced my fears by riding backcountry, sleeping out on the ground with the other creatures, looking at those bright stars and realizing how small and vast I really am.
Happy Fearless Trails,
Danna
Monday, July 27, 2009
On The Road Again
Yes, I am on the road again this week, destination, Mammoth Lakes California where I will meet up with five of my dearest girlfriends to ride the Sierra Nevada's!
We love to go and ride a new mountain range every year, this ride has been in the works for nearly a year. My friend Celia lined it all up, she introduced me to a cowboy singer Dave Stamey a California cowboy that is one of the best song writers I have ever listened too.
We will pack in and be in the back country for a week. Great friends, breathtaking scenery, a good mount and of course I am taking my comfortable Burns Saddlery custom saddle. Campfires at night, sharing stories and listening to Dave Stamey sing around the campfire, pinch me I must be dreaming.
Experiencing life at the fullest, all senses ALIVE and ALERT, AMAZING, simply AMAZING!! I wish everyone the opportunity to go immerse yourself in something that you love with people that inspire you living that life you have imagined.
Dream Big, I Do!
Happy Sierra Trails,
Danna
We love to go and ride a new mountain range every year, this ride has been in the works for nearly a year. My friend Celia lined it all up, she introduced me to a cowboy singer Dave Stamey a California cowboy that is one of the best song writers I have ever listened too.
We will pack in and be in the back country for a week. Great friends, breathtaking scenery, a good mount and of course I am taking my comfortable Burns Saddlery custom saddle. Campfires at night, sharing stories and listening to Dave Stamey sing around the campfire, pinch me I must be dreaming.
Experiencing life at the fullest, all senses ALIVE and ALERT, AMAZING, simply AMAZING!! I wish everyone the opportunity to go immerse yourself in something that you love with people that inspire you living that life you have imagined.
Dream Big, I Do!
Happy Sierra Trails,
Danna
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Inspire Me
My latest read is "Happier than God" by Neale Donald Walsh. I have to admit this book has been sitting on my table for several months. I think it was the title that turned me off.
When I buy a book it in a way buys me, I try to feel what I am drawn to, or sometimes I buy a book because of a recommendation, I also have favorite authors that when they release a book, I anticipate it's launch because I enjoy their writing style, and love to read their thoughts.
If you read my blogs, or know me personally you know my favorite subject in reading is Self Development. My motto I picked up from Tony Robins is Constant And Never Ending Improvement, yes, I practice CANEI.
Through this search for excellence I have studied and researched some of the greatest minds ever to hit the planet. I am in awe at how powerful the mind is and I marvel and seek to learn how the great avatars guide their minds into greatness.
Neale Donald Walsh sends me a thought everyday, I have been amazed how helpful, and thought provocative they are, so when I saw his latest book, somewhat out of respect I purchased it.
This week was the beginning of a new era for me, I turned 50! I had some time to read late in the afternoon and I was lead to Neale's new book, for whatever reason it had set and waited just the right amount of time for me.
I study the Law of Attraction and consciously use it everyday, I did not know that this book contained useful information about the subject I had never read before. He makes some very good points about the subject.
Kara D. Lane said in her review.
Neale notes that what is missing from all the current talk about the Law of Attraction (due to the success of The Secret) is God.
He explains that some people have misinterpreted the Law to mean you should put all your faith in yourself - in other words, you don't need God.
All you've got to do is use the power of your thoughts to attract to you whatever you want.
In this book, he explains God's role in the process of personal creation.
He notes that the ability to create your reality is an expression of God.
He says the process really has 3 parts: the first has to do with God, the second has to do with you, and the third with you and God together.
He then expounds on how personal creation really works.
He also indicates that the law of attraction works most effectively and creates greater happiness when you focus first on helping others and then on yourself.
He notes this is true because when you focus on yourself, you limit the amount of energy you send out into the Universe, because there's only one of you. When you focus on others, you multiply the amount of energy you output by the number of others you focus on.
And, since we are all connected, you benefit as well as the people you help.
He concludes the book by providing 17 steps to being truly happy. A few examples are: - Eliminate any thought of separation from God - Decide that you are not your story - Bypass the drama - Drop all expectations
This is a very powerful book that I would recommend to anyone wishing to experience happiness within a spiritual context!
I have truly been inspired by this book and highly recommend it.
Namaste,
Danna
When I buy a book it in a way buys me, I try to feel what I am drawn to, or sometimes I buy a book because of a recommendation, I also have favorite authors that when they release a book, I anticipate it's launch because I enjoy their writing style, and love to read their thoughts.
If you read my blogs, or know me personally you know my favorite subject in reading is Self Development. My motto I picked up from Tony Robins is Constant And Never Ending Improvement, yes, I practice CANEI.
Through this search for excellence I have studied and researched some of the greatest minds ever to hit the planet. I am in awe at how powerful the mind is and I marvel and seek to learn how the great avatars guide their minds into greatness.
Neale Donald Walsh sends me a thought everyday, I have been amazed how helpful, and thought provocative they are, so when I saw his latest book, somewhat out of respect I purchased it.
This week was the beginning of a new era for me, I turned 50! I had some time to read late in the afternoon and I was lead to Neale's new book, for whatever reason it had set and waited just the right amount of time for me.
I study the Law of Attraction and consciously use it everyday, I did not know that this book contained useful information about the subject I had never read before. He makes some very good points about the subject.
Kara D. Lane said in her review.
Neale notes that what is missing from all the current talk about the Law of Attraction (due to the success of The Secret) is God.
He explains that some people have misinterpreted the Law to mean you should put all your faith in yourself - in other words, you don't need God.
All you've got to do is use the power of your thoughts to attract to you whatever you want.
In this book, he explains God's role in the process of personal creation.
He notes that the ability to create your reality is an expression of God.
He says the process really has 3 parts: the first has to do with God, the second has to do with you, and the third with you and God together.
He then expounds on how personal creation really works.
He also indicates that the law of attraction works most effectively and creates greater happiness when you focus first on helping others and then on yourself.
He notes this is true because when you focus on yourself, you limit the amount of energy you send out into the Universe, because there's only one of you. When you focus on others, you multiply the amount of energy you output by the number of others you focus on.
And, since we are all connected, you benefit as well as the people you help.
He concludes the book by providing 17 steps to being truly happy. A few examples are: - Eliminate any thought of separation from God - Decide that you are not your story - Bypass the drama - Drop all expectations
This is a very powerful book that I would recommend to anyone wishing to experience happiness within a spiritual context!
I have truly been inspired by this book and highly recommend it.
Namaste,
Danna
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Rave Review -
This is amazing!!!! I wish my two old bach uncles that were sheepherders were still alive to preview this.
Creative people on a creative planet.
Have a Wonderful Weekend,
Danna
Friday, July 24, 2009
Funny Friday
Learn to speak chinese:
1) That's not right ....................... Sum Ting Wong
2) Are you harboring a fugitive?............. Hu Yu Hai Ding
3) See me ASAP................................ Kum Hia Nao
4) Stupid Man ........................... Dum ***
5) Small Horse ......................... Tai Ni Po Ni
6) Did you go to the beach? ............ Wai Yu So Tan
7) I bumped into a coffee table ........ Ai Bang Mai Fa Kin Ni
8) I think you need a face lift ........... Chin Tu Fat
9) It's very dark in here ................. Wao So Dim
10) I thought you were on a diet ........... Wai Yu Mun Ching
11) This is a tow away zone ................ No Pah King
12) Our meeting is scheduled for next week ... Wai Yu Kum Nao
13) Staying out of sight ................ Lei Ying Lo
14) He's cleaning his automobile .......... Wa Shing Ka
15) Your body odor is offensive ........... Yu Stin Ki Pu
16) Great .................................. Fa Kin Su Pah
Naughty, naughty, Danna:-)
1) That's not right ....................... Sum Ting Wong
2) Are you harboring a fugitive?............. Hu Yu Hai Ding
3) See me ASAP................................ Kum Hia Nao
4) Stupid Man ........................... Dum ***
5) Small Horse ......................... Tai Ni Po Ni
6) Did you go to the beach? ............ Wai Yu So Tan
7) I bumped into a coffee table ........ Ai Bang Mai Fa Kin Ni
8) I think you need a face lift ........... Chin Tu Fat
9) It's very dark in here ................. Wao So Dim
10) I thought you were on a diet ........... Wai Yu Mun Ching
11) This is a tow away zone ................ No Pah King
12) Our meeting is scheduled for next week ... Wai Yu Kum Nao
13) Staying out of sight ................ Lei Ying Lo
14) He's cleaning his automobile .......... Wa Shing Ka
15) Your body odor is offensive ........... Yu Stin Ki Pu
16) Great .................................. Fa Kin Su Pah
Naughty, naughty, Danna:-)
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Zen Horse
Training Tip of the Week:
Long rides, wet saddle pads, and concentrated training:
The three elements to a great horse.
By Clinton Anderson
In order for a horse to be well-balanced, he must get an equal dose of all three elements.
It’s no good to have only one or two.
For example, race horses get lots of wet saddle pads, but no long rides or concentrated training. I’ve seen trail riding horses go on ten mile long rides but come back with not a drop of sweat on them because all they did was walk the whole time.
And I’ve seen plenty of show horses that had lots of wet saddle pads and concentrated training, but never stepped foot outside the arena for any long rides.
Long rides, wet saddle pads, and concentrated training:
The three elements to a great horse.
By Clinton Anderson
In order for a horse to be well-balanced, he must get an equal dose of all three elements.
It’s no good to have only one or two.
For example, race horses get lots of wet saddle pads, but no long rides or concentrated training. I’ve seen trail riding horses go on ten mile long rides but come back with not a drop of sweat on them because all they did was walk the whole time.
And I’ve seen plenty of show horses that had lots of wet saddle pads and concentrated training, but never stepped foot outside the arena for any long rides.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Inspire Me
Lyrics to "Happy Trails" by Dale Evans Rogers
Happy trails to you, until we meet again.
Happy trails to you, keep smilin' until then.
Who cares about the clouds when we're together?
Just sing a song and bring the sunny weather.
Happy trails to you, 'till we meet again.
Some trails are happy ones, Others are blue.
It's the way you ride the trail that counts, Here's a happy one for you.
Happy trails to you, until we meet again.
Happy trails to you, keep smilin' until then.
Who cares about the clouds when we're together?
Just sing a song and bring the sunny weather.
Happy trails to you, 'till we meet again.
I love Happy Trails, what a wonderful legacy Dale Evans and Roy Rogers gave us. Vintage cowboy and cowgirl that knew the Law of Attraction, yes we should all sing praises and look and see and feel, HAPPY TRAILS!
Thanks Dale and Roy, you Inspire Me!
Happy Trails,
Danna
P.S. Happy 51st Birthday to my childhood sweetheart of 35 years, the best father of 3 and grandfather of 5 on the planet, he really is. Happy Birthday Scott, your a kind and loving horseman, and family man.
Happy trails to you, until we meet again.
Happy trails to you, keep smilin' until then.
Who cares about the clouds when we're together?
Just sing a song and bring the sunny weather.
Happy trails to you, 'till we meet again.
Some trails are happy ones, Others are blue.
It's the way you ride the trail that counts, Here's a happy one for you.
Happy trails to you, until we meet again.
Happy trails to you, keep smilin' until then.
Who cares about the clouds when we're together?
Just sing a song and bring the sunny weather.
Happy trails to you, 'till we meet again.
I love Happy Trails, what a wonderful legacy Dale Evans and Roy Rogers gave us. Vintage cowboy and cowgirl that knew the Law of Attraction, yes we should all sing praises and look and see and feel, HAPPY TRAILS!
Thanks Dale and Roy, you Inspire Me!
Happy Trails,
Danna
P.S. Happy 51st Birthday to my childhood sweetheart of 35 years, the best father of 3 and grandfather of 5 on the planet, he really is. Happy Birthday Scott, your a kind and loving horseman, and family man.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Rave Reviews and Recipes
It's Official, Burns Cowboy Shop in Park City Utah made it in the September issue of Cowboy's and Indians. Check us out in the Western Storefront section, page 46 to be exact.
Another goal off the wish list.
How grateful I am for the recognition of this 133 year old family company I am so very proud of.
Rave Reviews for Cowboy's and Indians magazine for showcasing a store 133 years young!
Happy Weekend Trails,
Danna
Another goal off the wish list.
How grateful I am for the recognition of this 133 year old family company I am so very proud of.
Rave Reviews for Cowboy's and Indians magazine for showcasing a store 133 years young!
Happy Weekend Trails,
Danna
Friday, July 17, 2009
Funny Friday
Little Tony was 7 years old and was staying with his grandmother for a few days. He'd been playing outside with the other kids for a while when he came into the house and asked her : 'Grandma, what's that called when two people sleep in the same room and one is on top of the other?
'She was a little taken aback, but she decided to tell him the truth. 'It's called sex, darling.
'Little Tony said, 'Oh, OK,' and went back outside to play with the other kids. A few minutes later he came back in and said angrily, 'Grandma, it's not called sex!
It's called Bunk Beds.
And Jimmy's mom wants to talk to you.'
I guess Grandma's don't know everything!
Have a wonderful weekend,
Danna
'She was a little taken aback, but she decided to tell him the truth. 'It's called sex, darling.
'Little Tony said, 'Oh, OK,' and went back outside to play with the other kids. A few minutes later he came back in and said angrily, 'Grandma, it's not called sex!
It's called Bunk Beds.
And Jimmy's mom wants to talk to you.'
I guess Grandma's don't know everything!
Have a wonderful weekend,
Danna
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Damn Good Stuff
The Best of the West - find it all at Burns Saddlery.
This video interview of my son Braydan was filmed at our booth at the Reno Rodeo by horsetweet.com "The Twitter for Horse Lovers". It looks like another fun site for equine enthusiast's. Check it out and check us out at shows across the west, like NFR and many others year round.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Funny Friday
A Scotsman, American, and an Irishman are in a bar.
They are having a good time and all agree that the bar is a nice place.
Then the Scotsman says, "Aye, this is a nice bar, but where I come from, back in Glasgow, there's a better one.
At MacDougal's, you buy a drink, you buy another drink, and MacDougal himself will buy your third drink!"
The others agree that sounds like a good place.
Then the American says, "Yeah,that's a nice bar, but where I come from, there's a better one. Over in Brooklyn, there's this place, Vinny's. At Vinny's, you buy a drink, Vinny buys you a drink.
You buy another drink, Vinny buys you another drink."Everyone agrees that sounds like a great bar.
Then the Irishman says, "You think that's great?
Where I come from in Dublin, there's this place called Murphy's.
At Murphy's, they buy you your first drink, they buy you your second drink, they buy you your third drink, and then, they take you in the back and get you laid!""Wow!" say the other two. "That's fantastic! Did that actually happen to you?"
"No," replies the Irish guy, "but it happened to me sister!"
Certainly takes on a different meaning if your male or female:-)
Have a Fun Weekend,
Danna
They are having a good time and all agree that the bar is a nice place.
Then the Scotsman says, "Aye, this is a nice bar, but where I come from, back in Glasgow, there's a better one.
At MacDougal's, you buy a drink, you buy another drink, and MacDougal himself will buy your third drink!"
The others agree that sounds like a good place.
Then the American says, "Yeah,that's a nice bar, but where I come from, there's a better one. Over in Brooklyn, there's this place, Vinny's. At Vinny's, you buy a drink, Vinny buys you a drink.
You buy another drink, Vinny buys you another drink."Everyone agrees that sounds like a great bar.
Then the Irishman says, "You think that's great?
Where I come from in Dublin, there's this place called Murphy's.
At Murphy's, they buy you your first drink, they buy you your second drink, they buy you your third drink, and then, they take you in the back and get you laid!""Wow!" say the other two. "That's fantastic! Did that actually happen to you?"
"No," replies the Irish guy, "but it happened to me sister!"
Certainly takes on a different meaning if your male or female:-)
Have a Fun Weekend,
Danna
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Zen Horse
Training Tip of the Week:
By Clinton Anderson
Respect and the Hula-Hoop Space
Respect is broken up into two categories, a safety category and a learning category. When I refer to the safety category of respect I’m talking about the personal hula hoop space. The personal hula hoop space is a four foot circle that surrounds you and serves as your safety zone. Whenever I’m working with a horse, I always imagine that there’s a four foot circle drawn around me—almost like an invisible electric fence. Unless I invite the horse into my personal hula hoop space, he should keep a respectful safe distance from me.
Think about all the times people get hurt by horses. The horse bites them, kicks them, strikes them, runs over the top of them, etc. Each time a person gets hurt, the horse is always inside their personal hula hoop space. You can’t be injured if the horse is kept outside of that four foot circle. Think about this—a horse can’t bite you if he is four feet away from you. He can’t kick you if his hind leg doesn’t get any closer than four feet to you.
Keep in mind that a disrespectful horse isn’t the only type of horse that will hurt you, because a fearful horse will hurt you just as fast. Have you ever noticed that when you’re leading a nervous or frightened horse that when something scares him he tries to jump on top of you? He pushes into you and invades your personal hula hoop space. He tries to jump in your top pocket doesn’t he? He’s looking to you for safety, but unfortunately, you’re a lot more fragile and smaller than he is. And eventually, you will get hurt. A fearful horse will hurt you just as fast as a disrespectful one will. I don’t care if my horse has a heart attack and gets scared; I just want him to do it outside of my personal hula hoop space.
The first part of respect is to teach the horse that you are fragile and that he needs to be careful around you. When a horse kicks another horse in the belly what does that horse do? He grunts, walks away, and starts eating grass again like nothing ever happened. It doesn’t really bother him. But, if we get kicked in the ribs by a horse, we’re in the hospital for a week with seven broken ribs. It’s the same kick, but it means a lot more to us because we’re smaller creatures. We’re 140 to 200 pounds and horses are 1000 to 1200 pounds. They’re a lot bigger than us. The safety part of respect is to say, “Listen, take care of me. I’m pretty fragile, so you can’t be biting me and kicking me or playing rough around me.” When a thousand pound animal tries to play with us we come out on the wron! g end of the deal.
Happy Trails,
Big Barrel Race this weekend at the Blackhawk Arena, hope to see you there!
Danna
By Clinton Anderson
Respect and the Hula-Hoop Space
Respect is broken up into two categories, a safety category and a learning category. When I refer to the safety category of respect I’m talking about the personal hula hoop space. The personal hula hoop space is a four foot circle that surrounds you and serves as your safety zone. Whenever I’m working with a horse, I always imagine that there’s a four foot circle drawn around me—almost like an invisible electric fence. Unless I invite the horse into my personal hula hoop space, he should keep a respectful safe distance from me.
Think about all the times people get hurt by horses. The horse bites them, kicks them, strikes them, runs over the top of them, etc. Each time a person gets hurt, the horse is always inside their personal hula hoop space. You can’t be injured if the horse is kept outside of that four foot circle. Think about this—a horse can’t bite you if he is four feet away from you. He can’t kick you if his hind leg doesn’t get any closer than four feet to you.
Keep in mind that a disrespectful horse isn’t the only type of horse that will hurt you, because a fearful horse will hurt you just as fast. Have you ever noticed that when you’re leading a nervous or frightened horse that when something scares him he tries to jump on top of you? He pushes into you and invades your personal hula hoop space. He tries to jump in your top pocket doesn’t he? He’s looking to you for safety, but unfortunately, you’re a lot more fragile and smaller than he is. And eventually, you will get hurt. A fearful horse will hurt you just as fast as a disrespectful one will. I don’t care if my horse has a heart attack and gets scared; I just want him to do it outside of my personal hula hoop space.
The first part of respect is to teach the horse that you are fragile and that he needs to be careful around you. When a horse kicks another horse in the belly what does that horse do? He grunts, walks away, and starts eating grass again like nothing ever happened. It doesn’t really bother him. But, if we get kicked in the ribs by a horse, we’re in the hospital for a week with seven broken ribs. It’s the same kick, but it means a lot more to us because we’re smaller creatures. We’re 140 to 200 pounds and horses are 1000 to 1200 pounds. They’re a lot bigger than us. The safety part of respect is to say, “Listen, take care of me. I’m pretty fragile, so you can’t be biting me and kicking me or playing rough around me.” When a thousand pound animal tries to play with us we come out on the wron! g end of the deal.
Happy Trails,
Big Barrel Race this weekend at the Blackhawk Arena, hope to see you there!
Danna
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Tipsy Tuesday
"You are the way you are because that's the way you want to be. If you really wanted to be any different, you would be in the process of changing right now."— Fred Smith: The founder of Federal Express
I saw this quote and thought, this is so true. When we finally get so sick of the life story we keep writing over and over, then and only then will we re-write the story with different thoughts, dreams and desires. They say a habit is 30 million times stronger than a desire, so I decided to start daily habits of directing my mind to my desires. It takes 30 days to formulate a habit, so keep going. We can choose strenghting or weaking habits, my goal is to replace a weaking habit with a strengthening habit everyday. So instead of drinking coffee, my new habit is water or green tea. I replaced drinking sodas with a glass of red wine. Twice a day I take my vitamin supplements, I miss very rarely, I don't leave the house without making my bed, I never use to make it
I saw this quote and thought, this is so true. When we finally get so sick of the life story we keep writing over and over, then and only then will we re-write the story with different thoughts, dreams and desires. They say a habit is 30 million times stronger than a desire, so I decided to start daily habits of directing my mind to my desires. It takes 30 days to formulate a habit, so keep going. We can choose strenghting or weaking habits, my goal is to replace a weaking habit with a strengthening habit everyday. So instead of drinking coffee, my new habit is water or green tea. I replaced drinking sodas with a glass of red wine. Twice a day I take my vitamin supplements, I miss very rarely, I don't leave the house without making my bed, I never use to make it
Friday, July 3, 2009
Funny Friday
Bill Gates is hanging out with the chairman of General Motors. "If automotive technology had
kept pace with computer technology over the past few decades," boasts Gates, "you would now
be driving a V-32 instead of a V-8, and it would have a top speed of 10,000 miles per hour.
Or, you could have an economy car that weighs 30 pounds and gets a thousand miles to a gallon of gas. In either case, the sticker price of a new car would be less than $50.""Sure," says the GM chairman. "But would you really want to drive a car that crashes four times a day?"
Have a Wonderful Holiday Weekend!!!
Danna
kept pace with computer technology over the past few decades," boasts Gates, "you would now
be driving a V-32 instead of a V-8, and it would have a top speed of 10,000 miles per hour.
Or, you could have an economy car that weighs 30 pounds and gets a thousand miles to a gallon of gas. In either case, the sticker price of a new car would be less than $50.""Sure," says the GM chairman. "But would you really want to drive a car that crashes four times a day?"
Have a Wonderful Holiday Weekend!!!
Danna
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Zen Horse
Training Tip of the Week:
Correct Your Horse's Sorry Attitude at the Feed Bin with the Outback Exercise
By Clinton Anderson
Horses by nature are programmed to be dominant around food. If horses in the wild don't fight for their fair share of food, they'll die. It's the survival of the fittest; the strongest, most dominant animals survive and the weaker animals die. It's your job to get your horse respectful towards you and establish yourself as the leader whether food is involved or not. Every time you go to feed your horse and he pins his ears at you or gets pushy and disrespectful, and you dump the feed and run out of his space, you're encouraging his behavior.
One of the best exercises to do with a horse that develops bad behavior at feeding time is backing. Most of these horses will pin their ears and try to force you out of their space by running you off. Well, backing is the complete opposite of that, instead of the horse running forward toward you, he has to back away from you. It's best to work with your horse in a round pen where you'll have room to move his feet and stay in a safe position. I don't recommend correcting his behavior in a stall until you've gotten the situation under control in the round pen first because the small space makes it easy for you to get hurt.
Place a bucket of grain on the ground in the middle of the round pen. Then use the Outback Exercise to back the horse away from you and the bucket of grain.
Ideally, you should just have to wiggle the lead rope to back the horse away, but if he's really disrespectful, you'll have to wave the Handy Stick in front of his chest or even tap his chest to get him to back out of your space and away from the grain. Then draw the horse back up to you by combing the rope with your hands. Don't let the horse come up to you unless he has a pleasant expression on his face.
He shouldn't have his ears flattened against his head or be barring his teeth like he wants to kill you to get to the grain. If he comes up to you aggressively, immediately back him out of your space again. Of course, a horse that has been disrespectful for a long time isn't going to automatically change his attitude and smile and prick his ears at you when you back him away from the feed. However, if you keep working at it, his behavior will get better. In the beginning, you're just looking for small changes. By practicing backing your horse away from the feed and then bringing him back, over and over again, he will learn to focus on you and not focus on the feed.
Happy Trails,
Danna
Correct Your Horse's Sorry Attitude at the Feed Bin with the Outback Exercise
By Clinton Anderson
Horses by nature are programmed to be dominant around food. If horses in the wild don't fight for their fair share of food, they'll die. It's the survival of the fittest; the strongest, most dominant animals survive and the weaker animals die. It's your job to get your horse respectful towards you and establish yourself as the leader whether food is involved or not. Every time you go to feed your horse and he pins his ears at you or gets pushy and disrespectful, and you dump the feed and run out of his space, you're encouraging his behavior.
One of the best exercises to do with a horse that develops bad behavior at feeding time is backing. Most of these horses will pin their ears and try to force you out of their space by running you off. Well, backing is the complete opposite of that, instead of the horse running forward toward you, he has to back away from you. It's best to work with your horse in a round pen where you'll have room to move his feet and stay in a safe position. I don't recommend correcting his behavior in a stall until you've gotten the situation under control in the round pen first because the small space makes it easy for you to get hurt.
Place a bucket of grain on the ground in the middle of the round pen. Then use the Outback Exercise to back the horse away from you and the bucket of grain.
Ideally, you should just have to wiggle the lead rope to back the horse away, but if he's really disrespectful, you'll have to wave the Handy Stick in front of his chest or even tap his chest to get him to back out of your space and away from the grain. Then draw the horse back up to you by combing the rope with your hands. Don't let the horse come up to you unless he has a pleasant expression on his face.
He shouldn't have his ears flattened against his head or be barring his teeth like he wants to kill you to get to the grain. If he comes up to you aggressively, immediately back him out of your space again. Of course, a horse that has been disrespectful for a long time isn't going to automatically change his attitude and smile and prick his ears at you when you back him away from the feed. However, if you keep working at it, his behavior will get better. In the beginning, you're just looking for small changes. By practicing backing your horse away from the feed and then bringing him back, over and over again, he will learn to focus on you and not focus on the feed.
Happy Trails,
Danna
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