About.com Horses

The Horse Problem

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 05:01:10 +0000

I am terrible at math, so if I get the answer to these sort of questions correct it is because I guessed right. Deb Russel, About Guide to Mathematics challenges us with The Horse Problem. In this particular mathematical problem a man sells a horse for a certain price, sells it, buys it back and sells it again. The question is: did he make money, break even, or lose money? I won't tell you the answer, just try it for yourself. However, I could argue that the final answer may be wrong. What the problem doesn't mention is that the horse, during the time the man owned it, need its hooves trimmed, its teeth floated, all of its shots, it got colic twice requiring veterinarian treatment, its saddle needed re-stuffing and no bit in the barn fit it. The second time the man sold it, his truck broke down, forcing him to pay a horse transport company to deliver the horse, since he had agreed to deliver it in the sales contract. Now, did the man make money, break even, or lose money?

Where to Find Online Horse Games

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 05:16:24 +0000

The hot weather is just starting here. I've been enjoying riding as much as I can, and had a particularly nice ride last Monday morning before the heat and bugs made things too uncomfortable. We saw deer, wild turkey, a horse eating squirrel and the trees were a choir loft for a multitude of birds. After a hard winter and long, cold spring it's hard to imagine staying indoors, and I've had a hard time buckling down to work. For many of you though, the novelty of hot weather has worn off while some folks on the forum are talking about continuing rain and cold.

Either way, when you're stuck indoors, an online horse sim game may be a perfect diversion to hold you over until better weather. I've put together a list of the most popular online horse games for you to explore. Whether you want to build your own online ranch, or spend a few minutes playing a speed game, there is lots to choose from. When my daughter was younger, her favorite horse sim game was Horseland. She also played Ludus Equinus, and like many gamers was disappointed when that particular site shut down. I've tried many of the Shockwave and Flash horse games--and if online gamers needed a helmet, I'd need a double thick one. I'm that bad.

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Take the Poll: What is the Most Common Rider Problem?

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 05:13:57 +0000

Bad habits? I have a few. Besides bad posture and a tendency to lean forward I tend to ride with my hands too flat. I have to remind myself 'thumbs up!'. Sometimes I chant: sit up, thumbs up, sit up thumbs up. Helps to keep the rhythm while doing a posting trot too. So what do you think is the most common problem riders have? I've listed 10 on the poll, but you might think of others. Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Poll:What is the Most Common Rider Problem?

Horse Word of the Week: Papers

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 05:18:03 +0000

Does your horse have its papers? Not a passport--although some horses have those too. Unfortunately the papers have been lost for my mare Trillium. I could probably track them down if I took the time. But it hasn't been high priority for me, although it would be nice to have them. We know the name on her papers would be FSB Trillium. With or without papers she's still worth zillions to me. (That price is firm. One zillion dollars or no sale. Sorry.) But papers do carry important information if you are showing or breeding. Here's an explanation of papers.

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Horse Trainer Profile - Linda Tellington Jones

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 05:58:03 +0000

Lynda Tellington Jones is the creator of Tteam and Ttouch.

Photo Pricegrabber

Her method is a complete holistic approach to horse training. Using specific touches and exercises designed to provoke certain responses or release reactions, Tteam attempts to make horses willing, thinking partners. Tellington Jones has had a long and varied career with horses. She was raised on horseback with her siblings and her sister is still very involved with the development of Tteam and Ttouch. Several years ago, I had the privilege of riding with another of her sisters on her Icelandic Horses. Tteam and Ttouch methods mesh nicely with other training methods, and can be very effective. Whether you are inclined to use more traditional or Natural Horsemanship methods, Tellington's methods are another handy tool to have in your horse handling tool box. These methods are also useful for dealing with almost any other creature furred or feathered.

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Learn About Equine Protazoal Myeloencephalitis at EPMhorse.org

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:16:52 +0000

It wasn't that long ago that EPM wasn't a concern in my area.

Photo 2007 Richard Dudley

The main host of the disease, the opposom, did not live here. Blame it on global warming, urbanization or containers and transport trucks accidentally bringing these marsupials north, but we now need to be as aware of this disease as our neighbors to the south. Four years ago, when I first saw an opossum cross a road in front of me I wasn't sure what I was looking at, but now farmers are finding them living in their haylofts, and I've seen several hit on roadsides. I've also heard of people raising orphaned litters of opposums, which as a horse owner, I have mixed feelings about. Whether or not I like them, apparently they've come to stay. If you share your countryside with opossums you need to be aware of the possibility of EPM, a potentially deadly neurological disease. EPMhorse.org is one site that contains up-to-date information about the cause, symptoms and treatment of Equine Protazoal Myeloencephalitis.

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Horse Word of the Week: Equitation

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 05:36:03 +0000

What is equitation? It probably means a lot of things to a lot of different people. Everyone's goals are different, and for some it may simply mean staying comfortable - both horse and rider. For others it may mean impressing the judge in the show ring or being able to make their horse perform at an optimum level in whatever discipline they choose - whether it be over jumps, long distance or in the dressage ring. And some riders may give it little thought at all. What is equitation? Here is the simple explanation.

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Horse Quiz of the Week: Saddle Fit Quiz

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 05:47:22 +0000

Saddle fitting can be difficult, but it's worth taking the time to make sure you've found the best fitting saddle for you and your horse.

Photo 2007 K. Blocksdorf

How much do you know about saddle fitting? Take the Saddle Fit Quiz quiz and test your knowledge. Did you know you can get horse quizzes delivered to your email inbox? Sign up now for the Test Your Horse Savvy quiz series.

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Horse Trainer Profile - Clinton Anderson

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 05:35:52 +0000

Clinton Anderson was born and raised in Australia and became a U.S. citizen in 1997.

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His mentors were some of the best on both continents. With the reputation to 'train the un-trainable' Anderson won the Road to the Horse Colt Starting Challenge. Clinton breaks down his special brand of horse training, known as 'Downunder Horsemanship', so that any owner can handle their horse safely. His books and DVDs reinforce the message of his training: �With the right tools and instruction YOU can turn your horse into the willing partner you've always wanted!� Read more about Anderson's background, accomplishments and methods.

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How to Bang Your Horse's Tail

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 14:21:14 +0000

At one time or another many of us (at least the female of us) have tried to trim our own bangs. Chances are without good instruction, we ended up with a jagged, uneven fringe. A banged horse tail is one that is cut off horizontally, so the tail hair ends just below the hocks. I like the look of a banged horse tail. But just like trimming your own bangs it's easy to make a mess of a banged tail too, if you're not careful. The easiest mistake to make is cutting off too much of the tail hair. I wish I could bang Trillium's tail, but it's far too skimpy and would end up too short. But if your horse's tail is long and you want it too look very polished, you may want to try banging it. How to Bang Your Horse's Tail describes how to put this finishing touch on your horse's tail.

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