The only breed native to Finland is the Finnhorse (also called Finnish Horse or Finnish Universal), which is known for it’s versatility.
A cross between warmblood animals and coldblood draft horses, these animals have been bred over the years to be a good agricultural compliment, a strong harness horse and a reliable mount.
Read more
One of my all time favorite artists, Bev Doolittle has a unique perspective on equine art. She has been making me smile since I was a kid. Her work is an interesting blend of Native American art, animal art and a dash of optical illusion.
For those of you who don’t know her, I thought I’d share a few of my favorites. (The piece at the top of the page is titled Sacred Ground).
Read more
It seems only fitting to publish something funny on Wednesday. Everyone can use a mid-week giggle.
Starting today when I have funny pictures, funny stories, odd news (unless it’s important), or anything else I think is humorous enough to share, share I will.
Read more
Above the bit
When a horse avoids accepting contact by pushing their muzzle forward and upward.
Activity
Liveliness and energy – generally referring to the hind legs.
Against the bit
When a horse avoids accepting contact by becoming unyielding in the neck, poll and/or jaw.
Airs / airs above the ground
Performed by horses specially trained in classical high school dressage, and includes pasade /levade and school jumps such as the courbette and capriole
Alignment
One of the three aspects of straightness, alignment is the lining up of the horses body from poll to tail.
Ask with the rein
A slight give and take on the rein to cue bend of flexion.
Balance
Distribution of weight of both horse and rider, the horse is to carry the bulk of both their own and the riders weight on the hindquarters not the forehand.
-Longitudinal balance – balance between fore and hind legs
-Lateral balance – balance between the left and right legs
Basics
The foundation of progressive dressage training and correctness is indicated by improvement.
The basics are:
1. Quality of paces and gaits
2. The physical and gymnastic abilities of the horse
3. The horses ride-ability and attitude
Beat
The patterned footfall of a gait when one or two hooves strike the ground almost simultaneously.
Behind the bit / behind the aids / behind the leg
When a horse avoids accepting contact by shrinking back from the bit and avoiding stepping forward into contact. Animal may or may not be behind the vertical.
Behind the vertical
When a horse avoids accepting contact by keeping their head tucked in a position behind a vertical line dropped down from their eye.
Bend
An arced position in which the horse creates an even curve with their body from poll to tail.
Blocked
Muscle contractions can create rigidity in horses which impairs function and elasticity.
Broken neckline
A neck position in which the topline does not form an even arc due to excessive flexion between either the 2nd and 3rd or 3rd and 4th cervical vertebrae.
Cadence
An accentuation of tempo and beat which arises from extreme springiness and elasticity.
Camped
When the hind legs are placed behind the horses body and not engaged underneath.
Carriage
The horses posture, best viewedi in a confirmation shot, or from one side of the horse.
Chewing the bit
When a horse mouths or plays with their bit, creating a steady stream of foamy saliva.
Clarity
Strong distinction between the footfalls of a gait.
Closed halt
A halted posture in which the horse is well balanced with it’s hind legs engaged under the body.
Collected / collection
A horse can be collected at the walk, trot and canter. It is a moving state in which a horses stride is gathered and powerful. Strides are shorter, and springier and front legs tend to reach higher with each step.
Confidence
The level of a horses confidence in themselves and their partnership with their rider.
Connection
The unrestricted flow of energy, trust and respect between horse and rider as partners.
Constrained
When a horse is forced into an action against its will.
Constricted
When a horse is forcefully constrained, restrained or contracted.
Contact
Tautness of the reins between the riders hands and the horses mouth.
Correctness
The straightness of limb action
*This is not the same as purity and is only dealt with by dressage judges if it directly affects the purity of a gait.
Breeding class judges do judge correctness.
Crookedness
1. An off-center line of travel or line of reference.
2. When the horses body from tail to poll is misaligned
3. A lack of directness in line of travel
Cross-canter
When a horse canters with one lead in front and the other lead behind.
Disobedience
When a horse does not do or willfully avoids doing what it is asked of it.
Dragging
When a horse drags their hind feet or their hind legs become inactive.
Elasticity
The natural ability to stretch and contract muscles smoothly giving an impression of springy movement.
Elevation
1. The free raising of the head and neck from lifted withers
2. The height which the forelegs are raised in passage and piaffe
Engagement
Increased flexion of the hind leg joints during the weight-bearing phase of a stride which lowers the croup relative to the forehand.
*It does not refer to the flexion of hock action (like that of gaited horses).
Evasion
A horses way of avoiding direct and workable contact with the bit.
Expression cadence / extended / extension
A horse can be extended at the walk, trot or canter, and it refers to a lengthening and stretching of the stride (and an increased suspended phase at the trot and canter).
What better to do over the long Thanksgiving weekend than to research horse breeds that start with the letter A? Nothing, and that’s exactly what I did.
The first letter of the alphabet is done, and I’m primed to finish more of them. It’s a serious task, but I WILL get it finished someday.
Read more
As many of you have seen, there have been some big changes at The Equinest. A more structured posting schedule has become a priority, and slowly but surely they are coming together.
Monday is now Horse Job Day, and will feature information about horse jobs, careers in the horse industry, advice, education and anything else I can think of that relates to jobs in the equestrian field.
If you want to make your passion the job of your dreams, be sure to subscribe (via email or RSS) to stay updated. If you are already on the great job search, be sure to keep a close eye on our horse jobs section too.
This man is a skilled artist, the animal comes to life almost instantly. One minute it is a blob of red-hot glass and the next it is a cute little rearing horse.
Read more
If you liked these, there are more. Be sure to check out Part 1 and Part 3.
I’m always on the search for horses who look like celebrities. If you swear your horse looks just like Brad Pitt (or anyone else famous) send me a note, I’d love to use them in the next horses that look like celebrities post.
The horse is part of a working society in Guatemala, used for agricultural farming, transportation and pleasure riding and tourism. The people share a strong history of horsemanship and utilitarian love of the equine animal.
The horse is also used to celebrate fiestas which feature drunken horse races. Riders navigate a track as they continue to take drinks of alcohol, the goal is to remain on your animal (and upright).
Read more
A little fun for Thanksgiving. This guy isn’t exactly your traditional Old Spice type…but you’ll like him anyway.
Read more
Wishing everyone a great long weekend Thanksgiving from The Equinest.
Once your tank is full you can start revving your engines for black friday.
Cheers
_edited.JPG){kind=link}