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Centered and Balanced Riding, by Craig Cameron

"You want to be a centered and balanced rider; this will help your horse to stay on the trail," says Craig Cameron (shown). "Like everything else, horsemanship is an art form."

Cowboys are known for many things; practicality and common sense are at the top of the list. Thanks to a lifetime of ranching and rodeoing and conducting clinics for more than two decades, Craig Cameron is known by many as the "cowboy's clinician." He's also spent countless hours on the trail. His down-to-earth philosophy for smart riding is to make sure you can live to ride again tomorrow. He stresses safety in every aspect of horse handling, whether on the ground or in the saddle.  I caught up with Cameron just before he headed off into the Colorado wilderness for a week-long trail-riding clinic. He was kind enough to share his top trail-riding tips.

How important is horsemanship to trail riders? Why?
I think horsemanship is extremely important for good trail riding, because the better you can handle your horse, the better you'll be able to go down the trail and the safer you'll be. It's a matter of being able to control the whole horse - head, neck, shoulders, rib cage, and hindquarters - right down to the feet. Your ability to have a good handle on your horse and to practice good horsemanship skills will enable you to cross a bridge, creek, or other obstacles, and also to stay safe. The safer you are, the more enjoyable your ride will be.

You want to be a centered and balanced rider; this will help your horse to stay on the trail. Like everything else, horsemanship is an art form. The more you can practice and prepare, the better you're going to be. Many people who play a musical instrument take a lesson every week and practice an hour every day. It would be great if people would do that with their horses!

Q: What are your top on-trail safety tips?
A: Safety on the trail involves both big things and little things. For starters, your horse needs to be well-prepared for the trail. Don't go out on a green horse you haven't schooled for the trail yet. If you've done your homework, you'll both be ready.

Both horse and rider need to be fit. If you're going on a tough ride, your horse needs to be legged up and fit, and he probably needs shoes if the terrain is rocky. If you're staying out on the trail overnight, your horse should also be hobble trained and know how to stand quietly on a picket line.
Keep a safe, horse-length distance between horses. Never get right up behind another horse. Pay attention to other riders and horses around you. If the horse in front of you is wringing his tail or pinning his ears, don't just wait to get kicked. Move away! Pay attention to where you ride and where you tie on the trail.
Be able to mount and dismount from both sides. This can be important if you find yourself on a ledge or narrow trail. Also, your horse needs to lead well, in case you have to get off and help someone, or walk through a tricky spot.

Your horse needs to be "slicker trained," meaning you should be able to put your slicker on and off while on your horse. It's amazing how many people have never done this. They're off on a ride and it starts raining, so they go to put their slicker on and then the rodeo begins. Your horse should know how to cross water. This is important, because on any trail ride, you might have to cross a creek or some body of water.  Even if you're going on a long ride, always warm your horse up first. You want to get the "fresh" off him; you're not going to have a good ride if your horse is chargy.  Pay attention, and listen to the trail boss so you don't get lost. Use good common sense to protect yourself and your horse.  Don't let your pride get in the way. If you come up to a scary obstacle, there's nothing wrong with riding around it or getting off and leading your horse

 (For more information, visit www.craigcameron.com.)
 
Keeping Horses Cool

by: Heather Heiderich, DVM
June 1, 2009 — Article # 14263

Cooling Off Your HorseWe all long for warmer weather and the longer rides summer affords. But heat and humidity are major concerns for rider and horse since heat-related illness can be dangerous--even fatal. Horses have efficient natural thermoregulatory systems to cool themselves, but sometimes they are overwhelmed and cannot compensate for the heat. Hyperthermia or heatstroke results when your horse is unable to control his internal temperature and it starts to rise.

Signs of heatstroke are elevated respiratory rate--40-50 breaths per minute (normal: eight to 16)--that does not slow when at rest; a heart rate over 80 beats per minute (normal: 36-44 beats per minute) that does not slow down after a few minutes of rest; elevated rectal temperature over 103°F (normal: 99-100.5°F); lethargy; and/or profuse sweating or absence of sweating altogether. If left untreated, hyperthermia can cause death. It is neither the heat alone nor the humidity alone that is concerning, but the two factored together. Most researchers define high heat as over 86°F and high humidity as 80-85%.

Hyperthermia can occur when one of these three things are present: inadequate (fitness) conditioning, extreme hot and humid conditions, or a weakened thermoregulatory system.

If you want to ride, but you are concerned that it is too hot and humid for your horse, there are plenty of ways to keep your horse cool while riding.

Consider the time of day you ride The hottest time of the day is afternoon. Try getting up an hour early to ride. Or, if you are not an early riser, try riding in late evening. These times when the sun is not as high in the sky are cooler times to ride.

Ride in the shade If you have a covered or indoor arena with plenty of air circulation, ride there. If you do not have a covered space, try riding on trails or in and around the edges of fields that have tall trees for shade. This will lessen your horse's exposure to the direct heat of the sun.

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