CLUB ACTIVITIES

 

“UNMOUNTED MONDAY” a great success

 

In spite of the fact it was freezing cold, our first “UNMOUNTED MONDAY” on May 11th 2009 was an enormous success due in no small part to the three vets from Lingfield Equine Vets who attended to give advice on first aid and the basic necessities required for a First Aid Kit. Each vet took a small group of members and with tolerant, and often forgiving, assistance from Tatsfield Court Stables’ equine community, they were able to freely demonstrate and discuss the most common problems and ailments and their remedies.  When so often our contact with a vet is at a time when we are concerned about the health of our animals, everyone much appreciated the chance to chat with the Lingfield Equine Vets at this  friendly and relaxed social gathering.

 

With the next two “UNMOUNTED MONDAYs” being held on Tuesdays, perhaps we should temporarily rename them ”Tatsfield Tuesdays”, both being held at 7.30pm at Tatsfield Court Stables, Nr. Tatsfield, Kent TN16 2JU. The first is on June 23rd when Roy Cole will be giving a long-reining demo, using one of the yard horses that hasn’t done it before, to show us where to start and what can be achieved.  At the second on July 14th, Suzanne Sargent, a McTimoney Practitioner, will demonstrate on one of the horses the difference between skeletal and soft tissue manipulation and how it can benefit the horse and correct various ills.  Other horses on the yard will then permit the audience to ‘feel’ their frame and muscles, etc.  [Theresa’s horse Casper has already put his name down for this as he feels that, having suffered the indignity of a dozen people shoving a thermometer up his bum at the vet talk, he is entitled to a nice session!]

 

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Limpsfield Riding Club

“Tatsfield Tuesday” 

 

Over 30 LRC members and friends dropped into Tatsfield Court Stables for the second in our “unmounted” sessions on 23rd June 2009

 

This month Roy Cole treated us to a long reining demonstration using my horse Bailey as his pupil. Although many people think of long reining as being a tool only for breaking in youngsters, Roy was quick to dispel this myth and advise it was a useful for any horse  or pony and excellent for rehabilitation and building muscle.

 

The demo started with Roy explaining the basic equipment needed, other than the long reins nothing that we don’t all use everyday, bridle and saddle and how to prepare the tack and secure stirrups etc. Bailey was introduced slowly to the reins and did some easy walking in the school just working on responding to Roy and moving forward.

 

Roy’s first rule is that the horse must be happy to work forward and ready to progress before he moves to the next stage and he tests this by asking the horse to “back up” in the reins and respond to his voice. After this Roy moved on to work on a circle in trot and canter with frequent changes of direction to keep the horse working through and supple. Unlike lunging the long reins keep the horse straight as the reins control the quarters and help with achieving an even balance and of course without the rider above the horse can work freely and forward.

 

The demo ended with spectators given a chance to try long reining Bailey for themselves and a question and answer session for Roy. Roy has said he will come back in the autumn and do another demo showing how long reining can help with more advanced work including teaching horses the changes  - so watch this space!

 

A special thanks to Jac and Jill for the lovely cakes, my Mum for supplying tea to everyone and washing up afterwards, and Bailey for being so willing.

 

The next “unmounted” event is on Tuesday 14th July at 7.30 when Suzanne Sergant will be showing us simple massage techniques for our horses and I look forward to seeing you all then.   Alex