Ask Cari

 

Elegant Selle Francais Mare by Tout Feu d’Hex, 14 years old, 16 hands

forward thinking, elastic, supple mover, well schooled

contact cari@cariswanson for more information and to schedule an appt to try her

Cora is an elegant 8 year old TB/Hann cross, supple elastic gaits, forward moving, sound and sane, bold and brave to the jumps, INCREDIBLE jumper,

Cora has a ten canter,  she has done many hunter/jumper shows,

Cora has schooled cross country with no problems or issues, hacks out in groups or alone, will win dressage every time. a super athlete who is sane and has a wonderful personality.

Very reasonably priced  to a good home.

Ten lucky kids can sign up for the Kids Clinic at Windrock Farm this summer,

bring your pony or horse or lease one of ours to learn how your horse thinks, how to ride in balance with confidence,

ride on trails, compete in monthly competitions at the farm for ribbons and prizes.

contact cari@cariswanson.com to sign up

 

Muscle tone refers to the degree of tension in the muscles, even at rest. Each animal has a unique basic muscle tone, which may range from low to high. Very supple horses usually have low muscle tone–thei movement is thus free and loose-whereas horses with high muscle tone usually have short, choppy movement. Muscle tone is increased through excercise, tension and anxiety.

Biomechanics-the mechanical principles by which a living body functions

The importance of stretching

The objects of muscle stretching are to improve performance by maintaining or regaining optimum mobility and suppleness, and to reduce injury by reducing the tension on joints, tendons, muscles and ligaments.

Competition horses are athletes and as such, they need to have their maximum potential developed. When training horses for athletic or gymnastic performance it is essential to keep them free from injury. Maintaining suppleness in a competition horse is an important element in preventing strain injuries. Doing passive, as well as active, stretch exercises will maintain suppleness in the horse. The muscular problems experienced by horses in competition have similarities to those experienced by their human counterparts. These problems are caused by the strain and exertion required in pushing the athlete to ever greater levels of achievement.

Take the time to stretch your horse after a work out and learn his range of motion and normal stiffness.  Awareness will help you prevent injuries in the future while creating a stronger bond between you and your horse.

The Horse will examine the powerful and continuing relationship between the horse and humans. The exhibition will explore the origins of the horse family, extending back over more than 50 million years; examine early interactions between horses and humans that led to horse domestication; and see how horses have, over time, changed warfare, trade, transportation, agriculture, sports, and many other facets of human life. The Horse showcases spectacular fossils and cultural objects from around the world—including many from the Museum’s extraordinary collections. This exhibition will include videos, computer interactives, hands-on activities, and touchable casts.

Horse saddle Sakha Republic of Russia (part of Siberia)

© AMNH / Denis Finnin

“The American Museum of Natural History has long focused its research and outreach efforts on the interactions between humans and the natural world, between science and society,” said Museum President Ellen V. Futter. “In keeping with that tradition, The Horse will celebrate this magnificent animal while presenting one of the most fascinating stories in the history of life on Earth—the close and complex relationship between horses and humans. The exhibition will show how the two species have influenced each other through the ages and explore the integral role the horse has played in the history of humanity and civilization.”

Celestial horse; bronze figurine China, Han dynasty (206 B.C.E.-220 C.E.)

© AMNH / Denis Finnin

The Horse will showcase spectacular fossils and cultural objects from around the world-including many from the Museum’s extraordinary collections. Highlights include a diorama of horse evolution, the horse in art from the Paleolithic to the present, horse gear and armor from 15th-century Germany, and a horse-drawn fire engine from the 19th century. The exhibition also examines exciting new archaeological discoveries concerning the domestication of the horse and the role of horses in sport from early forms of fox hunting to modern polo, the Triple Crown, and the Olympics.

The Byerley Turk; hand-colored lithograph

Numerous interactive stations throughout the exhibition will invite visitors to measure their strength in horsepower; examine different gaits of a horse by looking through a zoetrope—a device that turns still images into moving ones—based on photos by famous 19th century photographer Eadweard Muybridge; and to learn about the latest developments in the study of horse biology and the role of the horse in modern society. Throughout the exhibition, visitors are introduced to unusual objects and asked to identify them, including such items as a Roman horse shoe, a stirrup, a bit ornament, and a whip used in buzkashi—a sport on horseback played in Central Asia.

RJ Masterbug’s breeding is Versatile… His sire VR MASTER BUG – RESERVE WORLD CHAMPION, Superior Halter Horse, Congress Champion, APHA Champion, World & Reserve World Champion Sire, Honor Roll Halter & Honor Roll Performance Sire.

VR Master Bug has his R.O.M. In Western Pleasure, and also has Reining Points His sire side includes MR ROBIN BOY Superior in Halter, H.U.S, Barrrel Racing, Heading, Healing, Reining, Steer Stopping, Western Pleasure and R.O.M in Calf Roping, PAINTED ROBIN JR, Superior Halter R O M Western Pleasure. Sky Bug Bingo ROM’s in Hunter Under Saddle, Barrel Racing, Cutting, Racing, Reining, Western Pleasure, & Superior in Halter, MR RED BAR R O M ’s in Hunter Under Saddle, Reining, Trail, & Superior’s in Halter, and Western Pleasure.

RJ Masterbug’s Dam Pretty Side Up Has SUPERIOR HALTER WITH 162 Halter points

11 TIMES GRAND CHAMPIOM

13 TIMES RESERVE CHAMPION

TWO TIMES TEXAS STATE CHAMPION HALTER MARE

SHE IS A CONGRESS CHAMPION PRODUCER .

DAMS SIRE Sonny Side Up is a Superior Halter horse with points in HUNTER AND PLEASURE.

contact cari@cariswanson.com for booking information

Tonys’ Tips – From Tony Mason.

There is no Dressage without Geometry.  Start with the Straight line.  The first part of Balance is in the steady going forward without undue effort.   Over riding is the first problem and ninety percent of the difficulties are created by  “over work means lost balance”.  The scales of the riders Seat must be firm in their sitting and judgement as in the Scales of Justice.  Two evenly tuned, rounded antennae  Suddeness will often kill the Balance of the Straight Line as much as will, a misguided and  over confidant Hand.  The Balance and the Straight  Line are as brother and sister , as close friends or the happiest of Lovers.

contact cari@cariswanson.com for dates and times

Rex returns to Windrock Farm in the Spring to teach a clinic on how to control your horse better. You will also see him work with one of his best trick horses, RJ, the star from the Disney classic film “Hidalgo”.

sign up early for a space in the Clinic, as it always fills up quickly. $575 for 3 day clinic, 3 hour sessions per day.

Auditors are welcome at $30/half day