Carl Hester video

http://horseandcountry.tv/episode/carl-hesters-fantastic-elastic-masterclass-crofton-manor-episode-1

Hello Self-Righteous Vigilante!

(This comes as a response to the recent report that Patrik Kittel was threatened over the Blue Tongue video.)

If you haven't noticed, we're trying to have a society here. So that means, contrary to your belief, that you can't go about enforcing your personal laws on other people. If you're going to be angry about the Blue Tongue, then please direct your angst towards the governing body of international dressage competition, the FEI. Leave Patrik Kittel alone. Leave his horses alone.

While you're at it, take some of that angst and apply it to yourself. Learn how to ride. (better) Dissect your faults and see them as others would see them. Chances are that there's someone out there who thinks your riding/horse husbandry suck and if they could they'd take your horses away from you too.

Fight the FEI, fight the rulings. Motivate the FEI to enforce the rules.

Then STFU and ride.

The TAP

Intriguing to say the least! Here is Australian jockey Paul Williamson, who lives and works in Japan.

http://www.hybrid-horseman.com/

His specialty: Rogues and young horse starts. His method: The TAP.

Even he doesn't know what the TAP is. Originally it was thought to be an endorphin release. Some speculate that it's a vasovagal response. No matter- in the hands of the experienced horseman I can see situations where being able to do a TAP would very much come in handy.

TAP FAQ
http://www.hybrid-horseman.com/tapfaq.html

You can check out his technique on his movie page:
http://www.hybrid-horseman.com/movies.html

A sense of humor that appeals greatly to this damn Yankee and great taste in music make these vids educational and entertaining.
Love the mention of "Pat"
http://www.hooftube.com/video/469/swing-up

Rollkur under fire!

The hot topic in competition dressage this week? (or any other week for that matter)

Rollkur. LDR. Hyperflexion.
Whatever you want to call it.

A bit of an oops moment caught on film recently...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hIXGiV4N4k

has led to quite a stir amongst the dressage riding crowd. Consider the FEI statement regarding rollkur "The FEI does not permit excessive or prolonged Hyperflexion in any equestrian sport, and has a strict stewarding program to protect the performance horse in all disciplines.”

Strict stewarding? REALLY?

The rider's response:
http://www.barnmice.com/profiles/blogs/patrik-kittel-interview

If you'd like to sign some online petitions targed towards the FEI regarding rollkur, please visit these sites.


http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/antiHF/index.html
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/ban-rollkur

Dressage resources online

www.dressageclinic.com
www.horsehero.com
www.dressage-academy.com
www.horsesforlife.com

Used saddle links.

http://www.trumbullmountain.com/
http://www.pelham-saddlery.com/
http://www.bcsaddlery.com/
http://www.straffordsaddleryshop.com/
http://www.saddlesource.com/
http://www.stcroixsaddlery.com/
http://www.usedsaddles.com/
http://www.middleburgtack.com/index.cfm?pagesID=1
http://www.hobsonschoicesaddlery.com/used.html
www.tacktrader.com
http://www.allthebestusedsaddles.com/
http://www.equestrianshop.com/
www.horseclicks.com


I will update with more links as I find them.

New England Medical and Surgical Center on WMUR

I love New Hampshire Chronicle- I think they do a great job showing off what goes on in their state.

http://www.wmur.com/video/21089028/index.html

42 year old pony

Isn't this pony a saint!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FP5NrrJGvs&feature=player_embedded

Of Rollkur and World Records

For the past several years it would have necessitated living under a rock to have missed the rollkur controversy here in the US. Team coach and prominent vet touring the country speaking out against the method, accusations flying, riders condemned. Lots of fun. About a year ago I noticed a horse rider combo flying up the ranks, their videos being posted in various forums with accompanying oohs and ahhs. Personally I thought the horse looked rollkur trained and waited for even more tongue wagging to ensue. Occasionally something negative and rollkur related would be posted, but I also noted that for the most part, even those with dramatic anti rollkur sentiments seemed to armchair judge the horse favorably.

I found a video of the horse in training:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZkAqyniCgE
Definitely there are moments within the video that I would consider being rollkur.

And now, a more recent video of the pair setting the world record.
http://horseandcountry.tv/episode/Edward-Gal-and-Moorlands-Totilas-Record-Breaking-WDM-Kur

The last official statement (that I know of) to come out of the FEI is "There are no known clinical side effects specifically arising from the use of hyperflexion, however there are serious concerns for a horse's well-being if the technique is not practiced correctly. The FEI condemns hyperflexion in any equestrian sport as an example of mental abuse. The FEI states that it does not support the practice."

And yet it seems that a rollkur trained horse is setting records while competing at FEI level events. Interesting. I've come to the conclusion that in regard to rollkur, I do not have an opinion.