13/08/2020
Star Galaxy Stables, LLC
Comments
al Riders Don’t Hand-Off Horsemanship
©Alex Carlton
In the age of handing horses off to grooms and jumping in Range Rovers for coffee runs, it’s important to remember that this sport is called horseback riding—as in these animals are willingly carrying us around on their backs and doing what we ask of them. The horse should always be put first. One of the most important things about learning to be a rider (because our education is continuous) is learning to be a horseman/woman as well.
So many people showing at the top level of this sport don’t know the first thing about horse care or horsemanship—but that’s only part of the problem. A bigger issue is that many don’t care to learn. There is a huge difference between not knowing and not caring, and it is a very important one.
Because a sizable portion of young riders are used to having the help of highly skilled grooms, they don’t have to think twice about learning the basics of horsemanship. While many of us learned how to put a bridle on as soon as we could walk, and how to wrap standing wraps soon after, some were never taught anything at all. The horse was always tacked up and ready for them from the beginning. They came to the barn and found said horse at the mounting block, got on and had their lesson. Maybe they handed out some treats or patted him a couple of times before being handed back to the groom. Convenience is such a huge part of our day-to-day lives that it only makes sense for it to infiltrate this industry. As a result of this convenience, learning basic horsemanship skills has fallen by the wayside.
I’m sure that if they were taught, plenty of these riders would be very interested in learning more about their horses and all that goes into their daily care. The problem is teaching horsemanship is slowly becoming increasingly outdated and difficult to do. It might seem ridiculous that learning to ride and learning horsemanship are separate entities—but it’s reality. People pay extra to have their horses taken care of and tacked up for them, and for professionals in the business, any form of income is important. Everyone needs to make a living somehow, and doing so in the horse world can be a struggle. Trainers want to educate these riders, but their interests differ so greatly from those of their students that communication is difficult when it comes to topics like horse health and care.
As riders, it is critical to know every component of our horse’s daily routine so you we are able to detect when something is not quite right. You should know when they take a funny step or coughing more than normal. Being familiar with the signs of colic can save a horse’s life, so too does knowing the difference between clear and nasal discharge. Simply paying attention will greatly improve your ability to spot the subtle signs when your horse isn’t feeling well, even if you don’t exactly know what they mean. Obviously, most riders are not veterinarians and don’t know what every single symptom means, but having the sense to alert a professional when something isn’t normal is imperative. When grooms spend every minute of the day with the horses they care for, they are often the ones to catch these signs, and grooms should not be solely responsible for a horse’s health.
Without a doubt, grooms are some of the most vital players in the horse industry. They do so much hard work behind the scenes to make sure things go smoothly. They are up earlier than anyone else to get the ball rolling, and are usually the last ones out of the barn checking on the horses at night. Just because you have help does not make you any less of a horse person. Some of the most knowledgeable and hard-working people I know hire grooms simply to reduce their workload and save time during the day. These people are often the ones who appreciate and enjoy caring for their own horses the most. Even if they have the help of a groom, they still have the knowledge of how to do their own thing. This is how it should be. If you don’t make an effort to have a relationship with your horse, you’re missing out on the best part of equestrian sport, and also the most essential one.
©Alex Carlton
In the age of handing horses off to grooms and jumping in Range Rovers for coffee runs, it’s important to remember that this sport is called horseback riding—as in these animals are willingly carrying us around on their backs and doing what we ask of them. The horse should always be put first. One of the most important things about learning to be a rider (because our education is continuous) is learning to be a horseman/woman as well.
So many people showing at the top level of this sport don’t know the first thing about horse care or horsemanship—but that’s only part of the problem. A bigger issue is that many don’t care to learn. There is a huge difference between not knowing and not caring, and it is a very important one.
Because a sizable portion of young riders are used to having the help of highly skilled grooms, they don’t have to think twice about learning the basics of horsemanship. While many of us learned how to put a bridle on as soon as we could walk, and how to wrap standing wraps soon after, some were never taught anything at all. The horse was always tacked up and ready for them from the beginning. They came to the barn and found said horse at the mounting block, got on and had their lesson. Maybe they handed out some treats or patted him a couple of times before being handed back to the groom. Convenience is such a huge part of our day-to-day lives that it only makes sense for it to infiltrate this industry. As a result of this convenience, learning basic horsemanship skills has fallen by the wayside.
I’m sure that if they were taught, plenty of these riders would be very interested in learning more about their horses and all that goes into their daily care. The problem is teaching horsemanship is slowly becoming increasingly outdated and difficult to do. It might seem ridiculous that learning to ride and learning horsemanship are separate entities—but it’s reality. People pay extra to have their horses taken care of and tacked up for them, and for professionals in the business, any form of income is important. Everyone needs to make a living somehow, and doing so in the horse world can be a struggle. Trainers want to educate these riders, but their interests differ so greatly from those of their students that communication is difficult when it comes to topics like horse health and care.
As riders, it is critical to know every component of our horse’s daily routine so you we are able to detect when something is not quite right. You should know when they take a funny step or coughing more than normal. Being familiar with the signs of colic can save a horse’s life, so too does knowing the difference between clear and nasal discharge. Simply paying attention will greatly improve your ability to spot the subtle signs when your horse isn’t feeling well, even if you don’t exactly know what they mean. Obviously, most riders are not veterinarians and don’t know what every single symptom means, but having the sense to alert a professional when something isn’t normal is imperative. When grooms spend every minute of the day with the horses they care for, they are often the ones to catch these signs, and grooms should not be solely responsible for a horse’s health.
Without a doubt, grooms are some of the most vital players in the horse industry. They do so much hard work behind the scenes to make sure things go smoothly. They are up earlier than anyone else to get the ball rolling, and are usually the last ones out of the barn checking on the horses at night. Just because you have help does not make you any less of a horse person. Some of the most knowledgeable and hard-working people I know hire grooms simply to reduce their workload and save time during the day. These people are often the ones who appreciate and enjoy caring for their own horses the most. Even if they have the help of a groom, they still have the knowledge of how to do their own thing. This is how it should be. If you don’t make an effort to have a relationship with your horse, you’re missing out on the best part of equestrian sport, and also the most essential one.
WINTER RIDING LESSONS FOR ADULTS & SENIORS BEGIN JANUARY 2. THERE ARE ONLY 4 OPENINGS LEFT. WE RIDE INDOORS & RIDING KEEPS YOU NICE & WARM. SIGN UP NOW FOR THE WINTER SESSION SO YOU WILL BE READY TO RIDE IN THE BEAUTIFUL SPRINGTIME.
About this website
healthy-holistic-living.com
Studies Show That Women Who Own Horses Live 15 Years Longer Than Those Who Don't
healthy-holistic-living.com
Studies Show That Women Who Own Horses Live 15 Years Longer Than Those Who Don't
October starts our new group of 50 & Over/Senior riding lessons. Never too old to learn to ride a horse.
Scheduling now.
Scheduling now.
GO TO MEETUP ST LOUIS & CHECKOUT 50 & OVER/SENIOR RIDING CLUB. HORSE RIDING & GROUND WORK SESSIONS, WITH ADDITIONAL EDUCATIONAL, FUN ACTIVITIES ARE PART OF OUR FALL PLANS. JOIN ANYTIME !!
OCTOBER STARTS OUR REGULAR ADULT LESSONS. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE FALL WEATHER.
15 mins ·
Start of the 2019 Worlds Grand Championships
-1:46
5,826 Views
Richfield Video Productions
August 17 at 10:00 AM ·
Like
Comment
Share
Comments
Sharon Niles
Write a comment...
Start of the 2019 Worlds Grand Championships
-1:46
5,826 Views
Richfield Video Productions
August 17 at 10:00 AM ·
Like
Comment
Share
Comments
Sharon Niles
Write a comment...
Happy Halloween from the wicked beastie!
Cleo (Mambo Queen), the Barn Beauty.
Where Horses and Riders Become Stars! Star Galaxy Stables also serves as an experienced consultant on horse acquisitions for individual or business ownership.
Star Galaxy Stables offers the highest standard of Saddle Seat riding and driving instruction for youths and adults of any skill level, along with professional training for the beautiful American Saddlebred Horse. Conveniently located just outside of Chesterfield near Babler State Park, students ride experienced school horses in a bright, well-ventilated arena and have many opportunities to further their education in horsemanship in various horse shows in the Saint Louis area.
Operating as usual
13/08/2020
25/05/2020
The Queen, 90, heads out for a horse ride near Windsor Castle
The Queen, 90, heads out for a horse ride near Windsor Castle The Queen, 90, was joined by her Head Groom Terry Pendry for the walk through the beautiful fields along the Thames near Windsor Castle this morning.
12/05/2020
Come and let us show you why people are passionate about riding! No matter your age, size, or athletic ability, you can learn to ride. Message us today!
12/05/2020
Timeline photos
Great truths here!
What Matters? Lessons Matter.
What are we learning? We’re learning lessons of patience. We’re learning lessons in finance. We’re learning lessons of gratitude. We’re learning lessons of community and charitable spirit. Lessons to be learned. Lessons being taught, some of them the really hard way.
Our entire industry is based on lessons—lesson programs and lesson horses. You first met them at a little girl’s birthday party. Or, you first met them at a school carnival where your daughter first rode around on a lead line. Or, you first met them at a holiday parade where you could pet the nose of this majestic American Saddlebred. Everyone has a “where you first met them” story. Even the greatest trainer in our industry, the very best riders, took lessons first. Someone walked them through their “up-down” lessons. Someone consoled them when they inevitably fell off for the first time.
It is to all of these wonderful instructors and wonderful lesson horse teachers that this column is dedicated this week. During these difficult times, one of the keys is helping out these barns, instructors, lesson programs. And those fabulous lesson horses. So kind and so generous. They go by people’s names—Lance, Chuck, Sam. They go by animal names—Rabbit, Bunny, Gator. They go by silly names and funny names. They’re named for their quirks and their personalities. But all of them help some little girl or boy; or some grown woman or man learn and grow and experience success and more learning. Whether it’s in saddle seat, show jumping, dressage, hunter- jumper, western, parade, trail riding, or any of the innumerable things this majestic breed can do, they do it for you—to learn and to grow.
Let’s also give praise to those patient riding instructors. Without them, we have very few riders. They laugh and cry with their students. They push and they prod. They support and they teach. They explain and they explain again. They are the lifeblood of the equine industry.
In these days of uncertainty, we must be certain about this. We must protect our lesson barns and our lesson horses. To that end, take a look at this inspirational message from well-known trainer Melissa Moore available here.
And please consider sponsoring a lesson horse from a bona fide lesson program. Reach out to your barn today and make a contribution to go towards the care, feed or supplies needed to provide your favorite lesson horse the best care while barns are closed. A list of lesson programs seeking sponsorships available here. If you need the name of a good lesson barn to sponsor a lesson horse, reach out to the ASHA and we can help you to find one.
Invest in the future; everyone’s future.
What matters? Matters.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO SUPPORT ALL THE WONDERFUL UNEMPLOYED LESSON HORSES AT YOUR RIDING FACILITY DURING THIS SCARY TIME IN HISTORY. THEY NEED TO BE FED TOO! ANY HELP IS APPRECIATED !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🐴🐴🐴🐴🐴🐴🐴🐴🐴🐴🐴
08/11/2019
Boones Farm & Stables
OCTOBER IS THE START OF OUR FALL ADULT & SENIOR RIDING LESSONS & EDUCATIONAL HORSE ACTIVITIES.
SCHEDULE NOW !
07/12/2018
Pine Haven Stables & Riding Academy
06/12/2018
Horse Lovers
The best riders ever 😀
By
14/11/2018
Why It's Not Bad For Your Kid To Be Frustrated
saddleandbridle.com Tuesday, 23 May 2017 14:42 Written by jennifer w maclean Print Email Why It's Not Bad For Your Kid To Be Frustrated Frustration…we all feel it when things don’t go the way that we think they should, when we feel that our requests are not being met, when we fail to master a task. Frustration in a...
02/11/2018
Thanks everyone for a fun, social, and productive day at the barn!
03/11/2015
No Stirrup November: The Adult Amateur's Survival Guide
Guess what! It's November. Some barns participate in "No stirrup November"... Shall we?
http://www.horsecollaborative.com/no-stirrup-november-the-adult-amateurs-survival-guide/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=no-stirrup
www.horsecollaborative.com It is with much regret and consternation that I issue the following statement: I am an adult amateur rider, and I am participating in No Stirrup November. In doing so, I join a host of others who have selected November as the month in which they will undertake all sorts of silly, self-app
01/11/2015
Good Luck Jean & Bangkok!
SGS riders are getting ready for the Central States Fall Classic! Look out Sedalia here we come!
23/10/2015
Calorie Count: What Did You Really Burn at the Barn Today?
Looking to burn off those pumpkin spice lattes? Hit the barn!
To learn more about our lessons, visit:
http://stargalaxystables.webs.com/lessons-and-training
http://www.horsecollaborative.com/calorie-count-what-did-you-really-burn-at-the-barn-today/?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=horseaddict&utm_campaign=barn-today
www.horsecollaborative.com It's strange that the words that best capture the holiday season: joy, cheer, exuberance—should be so unlike the words that describe the post-holiday season: regret, shame, self-loathing. But that's just where most of us find ourselves in January, stowing the skinny jeans, skipping the top
Nice job today Elizabeth
23/09/2015
Good luck to the SGS team riding at the 2015 National Charity Horse Show!
Welcome Secret Silver to the barn! He's already made a close friend with Melissa.
03/09/2015
Star Galaxy Stables - Lessons and Training
stargalaxystables.webs.com Star Galaxy Stables - Lessons and Training - Star Galaxy Stables offers the highest standard of Saddle Seat riding and driving instruction for youths and adults of any skill level and professional training for the beautiful American Saddlebred Horse.
Star Galaxy Stables has an opening for a part-time groom. We are looking for motivated, hard-working person to work at the barn. Please send a message or contact Sharon Niles for details.
Welcome to the barn Melissa and Higgins (a/k/a Hawthorne Road)! I think City Girl is enjoying her pasture mate!
A huge thank you to everybody who came out to our Open House! We had a blast :D
Reminder for all our riders: Barn Work Days are this Saturday and Sunday, May 16th and 17th! Drop by anytime after 8am to help Star Galaxy Stables look its Spring Best :) We'll have jobs for all abilities including painting, cleaning gutters, minor landscaping, organizing and cleaning the tack room, and repairing fences, among many others. Bring your work gloves!
12/05/2015
Star Galaxy Stables - News & Events
Summer Riding Program dates are approaching fast! Visit the News and Events page of our website for details: http://stargalaxystables.webs.com/news-events
stargalaxystables.webs.com Star Galaxy Stables - News & Events - Star Galaxy Stables offers the highest standard of Saddle Seat riding and driving instruction for youths and adults of any skill level and professional training for the beautiful American Saddlebred Horse.
30/04/2015
Morning turnout 4/27/15
Az**el and City Girl being wild women today
21/04/2015
How Hay is Made for Horses
Ever wondered how hay gets from the field to your horse's mouth? Check out this very educational slideshow for the answer!
http://www.thehorse.com/photos/slideshows/33955/how-hay-is-made-for-horses
thehorse.com Have you ever wondered how hay gets from the field to your horse's feeder? Find out in our slideshow.
17/04/2015
20 Minuten
Is this horse alive??
Das entspannteste Pferd der Welt. http://www.20min.ch/community/viral/story/Nichts-bringt-dieses-Pferd-aus-der-Ruhe-27337188
14/04/2015
Star Galaxy Stables, LLC's cover photo
12/04/2015
Our final results after concluding the show last night. Congratulations to our riders!
The sun has set on the first day of Bridlespur, but it left three beautiful yellow ribbons for Jack, Classy, and Blackie! Stay tuned as our adventures continue tomorrow :)
Our Story
Star Galaxy Stables offers the highest standard of Saddle Seat riding and driving instruction for youths and adults of any skill level, along with professional training for the beautiful American Saddlebred Horse. Conveniently located just outside of Wildwood, students ride experienced school horses in a bright, well-ventilated arena and have many opportunities to further their education in horsemanship in various horse shows in the Saint Louis area. Star Galaxy Stables also serves as an experienced consultant on horse acquisitions for individual or business ownership.