February

Hoof Beats
Inside this Edition:
Upcoming Schedule Pg. 1
What is Western Dressage? Pg. 2-3
Paso Fino Breed Profile Pg 4
Fun Page Pg 5
Printable Calendar Pg 6
Answers to fun page Pg 7
February 2014
Upcoming Schedule:
February 24, 2014 Speaker on Polo/Polo activity
March 15/16, 2014 Youth Lock-In
o March 24, 2014 Youth Leader night / Education night
o April 28, 2014 Guest speaker –Horsey Habit /Tack Sale
o May 17/18, 2014 lock-in at Fairgrounds with horses!
o May 31, 2014 Spring Show 4-H only, Cedarburg Fairgounds
o June 7, 2014 Speed Clinic- Mary Sheffield/ Chris Vaughn
o June 13, 2014 Jumping Clinic- Lisa Behling
o June 14, 2014 Hunter/Jumper –Dressage show
o June 15, 2014 Speed Show
o June, 2014 clean up Bureau of land management-details to follow
o July 18, 2014 Twilight speed show
o July 19, 2014 Open Pleasure
o July 28, 2014 fair clean up and decorate stalls
o August 1st-3rd 2014 Ozaukee County Fair
o August 4, 2014 Fair clean up/meeting
o August 23, 2014 Multi-Discipline Clinic- Dan Gruenwald
Great news!! Three of our shows have been WHC Sanctioned and are up on the Wisconsin
State Horse Council website at:
http://wisconsinhorsecouncil.org/index.php?page=detail&post_id=4216
We have a new discipline in our shows this year and a breed new to our club!
Below is a little description of each to learn a bit more.
What is Western Dressage?
At its core, Western Dressage is no different from Classical Dressage. Many Western
horsemen agree that the goals and methods for training a Western horse are the same
as those used over centuries among Classical Dressage enthusiasts. The relatively new
discipline of Western Dressage bridges the alleged separation that has existed between
these two worlds, bringing together the strong history of horsemanship surrounding the
American West and the traditions of dressage dating back to ancient times that have
been carried on in institutions like the Spanish Riding School. Some say it combines the
superb riding of American Cowboys with the systematic training methods of venerable
European institutions.
For many, this marriage was only a matter of time. With its commitment to harmony,
lightness, good horse-human connection and communication, and athleticism, Western
riding is a natural blend for dressage. Western Dressage, officially branded in the United
States in 2010, uses the principles of Classical Dressage to improve the balance,
cadence, and carriage of a horse. Following a similar progressive training path to
traditional dressage, Western Dressage builds on an individual horse’s natural abilities
to carry himself and uses increasingly more difficult gymnastic exercises to improve
from there. Some of the on-going goals include: a horse that moves with his center of
gravity shifted towards the rear, greater elasticity in his muscles, responsiveness to the
aids, perfection of longitudinal and lateral balance, and the ability to work with ease
and grace through progressively difficult patterns and exercises.
A Western Dressage horse moving correctly on the bit should demonstrate that he
stretches into the rider’s contact. He should not be shown with a draped rein. Instead,
there should be LIGHT rein tone evident between horse and rider. It should appear that
the horse is seeking a feel of the rider’s hands. While doing this, it should appear that
his neck is arching and stretching forward from his body or that he “looks through” the
bridle. Riding strong visible rein cues, constantly bumping the bit, or causing a horse to
gape his mouth are considered serious faults. Special emphasis is given to a quiet
mouth with head carriage that reflects the degree of collection and an appropriate
balance for each individual horse. Head and neck carriage are the result of the Western
Dressage horse learning to carry the rest of his body in balance. Riders must not take
short-cuts to create a head set prior to the horse learning to use his body properly.
Riding either one or two-handed is permitted, as is using snaffle or curb. Riders choose
the best option for themselves and their mounts.
The gaits for Western Dressage parallel those of traditional dressage, allowing for the
fact that Western Dressage is suited for a different conformation and type of horse,
generally speaking. The discipline grew out of a sequential and fine-tuned method of
improving and showing off the movement and athletic feats of a stock horse and
remains best suited to those kinds of horses that might lack the suspension, extended
leg movement, or overall animation and size that would lead them to excel in traditional
dressage.
The Western Dressage horse should move with impulsion, a forward-thinking attitude,
engagement, and looseness. He should be highly maneuverable and his stride quickly
adjustable. While his stride length in walk, jog, and lope is not expected to be as
extravagant nor ground-covering as what is commonly seen in today’s modern dressage
arenas, his gaits should demonstrate a good swinging stride length respective to his
type. A clear difference is drawn between today’s Western Pleasure type of
competitions and the movement expected in Western Dressage. The latter expects a
more forward-moving horse. Emphasis is not placed on a high level of suspension in the
gaits, nor is a very slow-moving and dull gait rewarded.
For competitions, western attire and equipment is required. However, for everyday
schooling, riders are encouraged to ride in the equipment and gear of their choosing
that allows them to achieve their goals. Many modern stock type or all-purpose saddles
are suitable. A close contact saddle is generally best for enabling the rider to
communicate closely and clearly with subtle leg cues. Therefore, saddles with bulky
fenders or large rigging systems for the cinch will pose challenges for riders. For up to
date rules about equipment, visit the Western Dressage Association of America at
www.westerndressageassociation.org.
About the Paso Fino
The Paso Fino is a naturally gaited light horse breed dating back to horses
imported to the Caribbean from Spain. Pasos are prized for their smooth, natural,
four-beat, lateral ambling gait; they are used in many disciplines, but are especially
popular for trail riding. In the United States two main groups of horses are
popularly called "Paso Fino:" One, also known as the Pure Puerto Rican Paso Fino
(PPR), originated in Puerto Rico.[1]The other, often called the Colombian Paso
Fino or Colombian Criollo Horse (CCC), developed in Colombia. Though from
similar Spanish ancestors, the two groups developed independently of one another
in their home nations.
These two groups have been frequently crossbred in the United States and Europe.
In recent years, a trend has developed favoring preservation breeding to preserve
the undiluted bloodlines of each group.
The Paso Fino horse is the longest lived horse with typical life spans approaching
40 years. The breed is characterized by a lateral four-beat gait (described below).
Elegant with a brilliant style, the Paso Fino generally ranges in size from 13.2
hands to 15.2 hands. Its weight is from 700 to 1100 pounds. Full size may not be
attained until the fifth or sixth year. Colors run the spectrum with a variety of
markings from chestnut, bay, palomino, black, gray and roan to pinto. It is a
spirited yet gentle horse, smart and tractable. The Paso Fino has been bred for
physical balance, with no exaggerated muscling or size in any portion of the horse.
The ideal show horse is at once dramatic, regal, restrained, and generates an aura
of presence. Paso Finos make an exciting investment opportunity. If the purchase
is motivated by a desire for a personal pleasure horse, then there couldn't be a more
pleasurable equine experience.
The Paso Fino can be trained for a variety of uses. In competitive trail riding the
endurance of the well trained Paso Fino has earned the breed national honors. Its
compact size and quickness have carved it a place on ranches where it becomes a
hard working partner and employee. It is an exceptional driving horse, and
competes with spirit in "gymkhana." In bird dog work, the Paso Fino not only
demonstrates a fine temperament for field handling, but is of a size that makes
frequent mounting and dismounting easy. Because of its exceptionally smooth ride,
it is the premier and prudent choice for those with back and neck injuries and
arthritis, as well as for therapeutic riding programs for the handicapped.
Can you guess this horse’s name?
coop
If so come and see Skaidra Ortiz at the next
meeting and tell her the horse’s name and the rider and
get some candy.
February 2014
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
4
5
6
Horse Ed
6:30-8:30.
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Board
Meeting
7-8pm
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Horse Ed.
6:30-8:30
21
22
23
24
Horse
Meeting at
the Youth
Building 78pm
25
26
27
28
Horse Meeting is on polo and a fun
polo activity. Horse Ed. and Board
meetings are held at Saukville Town
Hall
Edited by: Annette Goeschko, Junior Editor Gabrielle Ortiz,
And, Junior, Junior Editor Skaidra Ortiz. We would love to have
contributing stories, tips, pictures, etc. from members! If you
have any questions or comments etc. please contact me at
[email protected].
Answers for Fun page:
1. Blanket (across)
1. Bridle (Down)
2. Saddle (across)
2. Stirrup (down)
3. Reins (down)
4. Girth (across)