My Blog

Good Bye Bucky

06/23/2012 14:10:00

Carousel is saddened to report that Bucky is no longer with us. Therefore, we will retire his blog. Bucky will be missed by each and every person who took lessons, volunteered, worked at the barn, taught lessons and visited the park. He was the perfect lesson horse. He taught countless children to learn to walk, trot and canter. His life was one worth a million as he gave to each and every rider who got the privilege of riding him.

Horse Games

05/24/2012 10:07:00

Five Sports Horses Participate In

Good Morning! Bucky here! Have you ever wondered if horses play any sports? Check out this research I found!

1. Polo
A team sport played on horseback, the objective of polo is to score goals against an opposing team. A score is made by swatting a small white plastic or wood ball with a long-handled mallet, into the opposing teams' goal. The sport is played at speed on a grass field up to three hundred yards in length. Each team consists of four players and their four mounts; however arena polo only requires three members and is a slightly more athletic and gymnastic version with more maneuvering and shorter plays. Horses are changes between periods, or chukkers, due to intensity and speed. The rules are specifically designed to protect both horse and rider during play, including a rule which states that no player can be left handed. Price William, the Duke of Cambridge, recently won a charity game of Polo while on his honeymoon with Cate, Duchess of Cambridge.

2. Harness Racing
Harness racing is a race in which the horse runs at a specific gait while usually pulling a two-wheeled cart called a sulky. They run at either trotting or pacing; pacing constitutes 80-90% of the harness races conducted in North America. Race start most commonly from behind a motorized starting gate, where the horses line up and are lead forward to the starting line. The sulky, the two-wheeled cart used, is equipped with bicycle wheels and the driver carries a light whip used for signaling the horse. Whip usage is strictly controlled and some venues, such as races in Norway, forbid their use.

3. Rodeo
A working still turned competition, rodeo has become a competitive sport based on the working practices of cattle herding. The competitions are based on the skills necessary to do ranch work. These competitions are designed to test the skills and speed of the cowpokes that participate. A rodeo generally includes tie-down roping, team roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, bareback bronc riding, bull riding, and barrel racing, and are divided into either rough stock or timed events.

4. Tent Pegging
Tent pegging is an ancient calvary sport that refers to a mounted game with ground targets which involves using weapons on horseback. It is also one of the equestrian skill at arms games. A mounted horseman will ride at a gallop, during a game of tent pegging, and use a sword or lance to pierce, pick up and carry a small ground target or series of ground targets. Ring jousting, in which a rider passes the point of his weapon through a ring, lemon sticking, where a rider tries to stab or slice a lemon, quintain tilting and mounted archery are all various forms of tent pegging that may be seen at a competition.

5. Show Jumping
Also known as stadium jumping, opening jumping and jumpers, show jumping is part of the English riding equestrian family which also includes dressage, hunting, equitation, and eventing. Jumpers are held over a course of obstacles that includes verticals, spreads, double and triple combinations, with many turns and changes in direction. The goal is to jump over a set course within the time given without knocking anything down or suffering a refusal.

Have a buckytastic day!

Love and Carrots,

Bucky, The King of Carousel

Whatcha Talking About Bucky?

05/23/2012 09:41:00

Common Horseriding Terms

Want to be more equestrian-savvy? Here are some common horseback riding terms and their meanings. You will sound super fluent if you learn these terms!

Above the bit: An action of the horse in which they raise their head over the level that their hands can reach reducing the amount of control the rider has over the horse.

Action: Movement of the horse's legs

Aids: Aids are signals and cues used to communicate with the horse. There are natural cues such as voice, legs, hands and weight and artificial cues which include whips and spurs.

Airs Above the Ground: A set of movements performed by highly trained horses that involve either the front legs or all four legs being off the ground. They include moves such as the levade and the capriole.

Amble: A slow, laterally pacing gait

Back: A step taken backwards

Barrel Racing: A timed Western riding event where the horse and rider move in a clover leaf pattern around a set of three barrels.

Bascule: The arc made by a horse as it jumps a fence.

Blistering: The application of a caustic or blistering agent to help treat a number of conditions. It is believed to help promote internal healing.

Bosal: A Western style of bitless bridle with a braided noseband.

Breaking or Breaking In: The early training of a young horse during which they are taught all the skills they will need for their future.

Broken In/ Broke to Ride/ Greenbroke: A horse that has been trained to accept tack and rider and is beginning their initial riding training.

Buck: A movement of the horse in which the horse leaps into the air with the head lowered and the back arched.

Canter: A three-beated gait in which one hind leg strikes first, followed by the opposite diagonal pair of legs, and finally the opposite fore leg. Also known as a Lope.

Capriole: A movement in which the horse leaps off the ground with all four legs and kicks with the hind legs mid-leap; an Air Above the Ground.

Cavelletti: Low wooden jumps that are adjustable and used in training a horse and rider.

Chip/ Chip In: A short, additional stride in front of a fence.

Chukker: A period in a polo game that lasts seven and one half minutes.

Class: A specific grouping of horses and riders that perform according to specific rules at a show.

Collected: A controlled gait

Cooling Out: The process of cooling down a horse after they have been worked, including walking, brushing, small drinks of water and sponging off.

Combined Training or Eventing: A competition held over one to three days that includes the disciplines of dressage, cross country and show jumping.

Crow Hopping: A hop or leap into the air with all four feet off the ground at the same time.

Cues: Another name for aids

Dishing: An action in which the foot of the foreleg is moved outward in a circular movement with each stride.

Disunited: A canter in which the horse's legs fall out of sequence.

Diagonals: Diagonals are the movements of the horses legs at a trot; left foreleg and right hindleg is a left diagonal. A right diagonal is the opposite.

Dressage: The training of a horse so they are completely obedient and responsive while being supple and agile in performance, as well as a competitive sport in which the horse's natural movement and level of training are judged against an ideal.

Driving: Where a horse or group of horses pull a vehicle such as a cart or wagon.

Engagement: Where the hindlegs are brought well under the body.

Equitation: The art of horse riding

Extension: The opposite of collection; where the frame and stride are lengthened.

Flat Race: A race without jumps

Forging: A faulty gait in which a hind foot strikes the bottom of the foot in front on the same side.

Gait: The pace at which a horse is moving; walk, trot, canter or gallop.

Gallop: Four-beated horse gait in which each foot touches the ground separately.

Green: A horse in the early stages of learning.

Ground line: A pole placed in front of a fence to help a horse and rider judge the take off point.

Habit: Traditional riding attire

Half Halt: A way for the rider to grab the horses attention and signal a change in direction or gait.

Halter-broke: Used to describe a horse that has become accustomed to the beginning basics of halter wearing.

Halt: A horse at standstill

Horsemanship: Equitation or riding

In front of the bit: A horse that pulls or hangs heavily on the riders hand

In hand: A horse that is controlled from the ground rather than being ridden.

Leg Up: When an assistant helps the rider mount the horse by giving a boost as the rider springs off the ground.

Manege: A school or training area for horses.

Nearfore: The left front leg

Nearside: The horses' left hand side

Off fore: The right front leg

Offside: The horses' right hand side

On the bit: When a horse carries his head in a near vertical position and is calmly accepting the rider and the reins.

Outline: The shape the horse is working on

Outside Track: The path that goes around the edge of a school

Pacing: A type of gait in which the legs are moved in pairs.

Resistance: Reluctance or refusal from the horse to perform an action.

Rhythm: The cadence of footfalls and should be maintained at all times

Tilting: A head tip to an angle on one side making one ear higher than the other.

Transition: A change of gait.

Trot: A two time gait in which the legs are moved in diagonal pairs

Upper Body: The horse's core, including the shoulders, back, head and neck.

Warm Up: A series of exercises intended to loosen up the horse and ensure it is freely moving.

Have a fantastic day my human friends!

Love and Carrots,

Bucky, The King of Carousel

Announcements

05/22/2012 08:22:00

Good Morning!

So much happening here at Carousel!

As you all know, we had our first Doggy Day event on May 12th and it was a success! Please check out the events page on the website for photos of the event. We also added photos of our Couch Potato Winners. There are some super cute pooches!

This past weekend, May 19th, we had our student horse show. All of our students had a great time! I personally scored a few blue ribbons myself!

Some items of interest.....Carousel Park is now doing boarding. If you need a wonderful home for your horse, please contact them. Maybe they can live in my field with me!

Also, Hayrides are BACK beginning in June! Contact the office for more information on how you can schedule yours.

Don't forget about pony rides on the weekends and spread the word to family and friends about our awesome pony parties!

Spring II lessons began this week, so I am back to work! Please stop by and visit us!

Kisses and Carrots,

Bucky, The King of Carousel

Spring 2012 Student Horse Show This Saturday!

05/16/2012 10:00:00

Spring 2012 Student Horse Show!

Good morning humans!!! Even though I miss my riders since we are on break, it is nice to have some time to relax. I am very excited about the student horse show this Saturday. Are you coming?

The event begins at 8:30 am. There will be different levels of riders competing in different categories. You will definitely get to see me in action!

It will be a great time for the whole family! We look forward to seeing you.

Hugs, Kisses, and Carrots,

Bucky, The King of Carousel

P.S. Be sure to check out the photo gallery for Doggy Day on the Events Tab of the website!

Bedding for Horses

05/15/2012 09:29:00

Bedding Pros and Cons

Another rainy day.......I'd like to be in a stall today instead of this rain.....

Do you know about bedding in stalls? Here's some information I found.

Straw

Straw is very commonly used as stall bedding and tends to be preferred for mares and young foals. You must be careful, however, as some horses will happily eat straw bedding and this can cause a problem if you are trying to keep your horse on a diet. Different straws may be more absorbent, but they may also be tastier. If you choose to use straw, be sure that it is dust and mold free- especially as your horse may eat it. It is heavy to clean and difficult to separate the dirty bedding from clean. An average stall should easily be covered by two bales of straw, however, you may want to add extra if you have a mare that will be foaling or in case of cold weather.

Shavings and Sawdust

Another popular bedding is shavings, these can be purchased by truckload or by bag at a feed store. You must purchase a shaving fork if you go with shavings in order to pick out manure without removing too much bedding. It is better to go with softwood shavings and avoid black walnut. Research what shavings are good for horses and always ask what the wood is if you buy from a lumber mill or local woodworker to avoid picking up something that will cause an adverse reaction. Sawdust is also used, but horses with respiratory problems should not use this bedding as it tends to be dusty. A good four inches of bedding is ideal for a stall.

Wood Pellets

These are compact and dehydrated wood shavings that will need a little water to help them expand into soft and useable bedding. They are easy to clean and are less wasteful than some other forms of bedding. They are also, however, more expensive than wood shavings; you will have to balance the cost of wood shavings against the savings from using wood pellets and wasting less during cleaning.

Paper

If you're worried about your horse eating its bedding, paper may be ideal for you. Used paper can provide a soft bed but is heavy when soiled and can cause skin allergies in sensitive horses. It should be tried out before a solid commitment is made to using it.

Stall Mats

All horse owners should consider purchasing stall mats. Though the upfront cost is a bit heavy, over time you will save money as the mats require less bedding on top of them and can offer comfort and help keep animals warmer in the winter as they won't be resting on shavings that are sitting on cold, icy concrete. They are also easy to clean.

Hay

Though many may be tempted to use old hay for bedding, it is not recommended as horses will eat any hay that is available. Old hay can be very dusty and moldy which will lead to a variety of lung problems. It also begins to ferment quickly when soiled and must be cleaned out as quickly as possible. It is difficult, like straw, to clean and should be avoided unless there is no other option.

Have an awesome day!

Bucky, The King of Carousel

PONY UP!!

05/14/2012 14:51:00

The Top Five Pony Breeds

A pony is a small horse that is generally considered friendly and intelligent, and sometimes stubborn and devious. They are incredibly strong for their size and a mature pony can sometimes pull the same amount of weight as a draft horse. In general they must measure less than 14.2 hands- not all horses that meet this are considered ponies however. Here is a list of the top five pony breeds!

1. Shetland

Height: 7-10.2 Hands
Bred in the harsh conditions of the Shetland Isles, the Shetland pony is a hardy and strong breed that comes in almost every color imaginable except leopard spotted. They can be skewbald, piebald, chestnut, palomino, cremello and dappled just to name a few. They can be as small as seven hands or as tall as ten, but no taller than 10.2 hands and usually weigh about 450 pounds. They tend to be rebellious, mostly because they are spoiled by their owners for being "cute". If they are well trained, this breed can be a wonderful mount for children as they are generally gentle, good-natured, and intelligent. They have a long life-span and can live more than 30 years. Their origins date back to the times before the invasion of the Isles by the Norsemen. These sailors brought ponies of their own and created what we now see. In 1847 they endured years of servitude in coal mines. They were very loved by the miners as they are so sweet natured. Queen Victoria owned several pairs for the pulling of their smaller carriages.

2. Welsh

Height: 12.2-14.2 Maximum
The Welsh pony is actually a collection of four inter-related types types of pony from Wales. All of them are sure-footed and very hardy and can be any color except for spotted patterns. They can vary in heigh between 12.2 maximum for the Welsh Mountain Pony and 14. 2 for the Riding Type and Welsh Cob. They weigh between 500 and 750 pounds and are intelligent, brave and spirited yet calm. The breed as a whole is believed to have existed since prehistoric times, with the introduction of the cob blood in the Middle Ages to make them stronger and hardier.

3. Connemara

Height: 13-15 Hands
A native of Ireland, this pony was built to do double duty as both a household helper and farmyard worker. They have an excellent temperament and a unique sense of being. Connemara are friendly, if hesitant at first and very expressive. They have no problem calling to you the moment they see you, scaring off the other horses just to get your attention, and making sure you know it when they're unhappy with you for making them do something they didn't want to do. They have an exceptional memory, rarely forget and rarely forgive. The love to eat and will happily go through your whole garden, orchard, and bed of roses for dessert. Few people stick to just one.

4. Pony of the America's or POA

Height: 11.2-13.2 Hands
Created in 1954 and the result of an accidental breeding of an Arabian/Appaloosa with a Shetland pony, Les Boomhower had the brilliant idea to cultivate and create this amazing breed. The standard set is very exacting and calls for a pony that must be within 44 and 52 inches in height, shown predominantly by children, and only by adults when in a halter or pulling a cart. The breed is meant to be gentle in nature. They are meant to be well mannered and follow orders and have a presence that results from animation, self-assurance, alertness and personality. They have a life expectancy of 25-30 years.

5. Fell Pony

Height: 14 Hands
An all around family pony, this breed is believed to have been around since the Romans in the regions between England and Scotland. They were used as pack-ponies until the 18th century as they are fast and steady walkers. In the 19th century they were moved to trotting races and sports events as well as light farm work and transportation. The brown color of the pony is traditionally the most common color, but in the later years the black has become more common. They have a very sweet nature and are extremely hardy. Interestingly, Queen Elizabeth II a knowledgeable owner and patron and her husband enjoys competing with them.

Enjoy your day my human friends. Hope to see you soon!

Bucky, The King of Carousel

What's Happening at Carousel Park!

05/13/2012 16:36:00

Hello Hello all of my two legged-friends! What a busy weekend for me.

Yesterday, Carousel Park had their first ever Doggy Day event and it was excellent! So many people came by to pet me and say hello to me. I have my own special stall now where people can come and visit me! We had quite the turnout! A couple of dogs even barked hello to me!

A few things going on this week. We have a Bring-a-Friend to ride event on Thursday, May 17, 2012 and we also have our Student Horse Show on May 19, 2012.

Thank you to all of you that came to our Doggy Day Event! We couldn't be happier! I hope you come to visit me for the other events this week!

Bucky, The King of Carousel

Hey, That's Not a Horse!

05/10/2012 09:06:00

Hey! That's Not a Horse!

Donkey

The donkey, Equus Africanus Asinus, is a domesticated burro, essentially. It is the descendant of the African Wild Ass. A male donkey is called a jack and a female a jenny, male foals are called colts and females filly's. They were first domesticated around 3000 BC and are known for being stubborn, though this is perhaps attributed to their naturally cautious behaviors and unwillingness to simply take off without being certain of where they are going. They range in height from just under three feet to barely over five and weigh betwen 180 and 1060 pounds, with a lifespan between 30 and 50 years. They are a bit hardier than horses and require less food due to the difference in size.

Mule

A mule is a cross between a donkey and a horse. Because they are different species, all F1 (first generation) male mules are sterile and most of the females. They can range in size, much like their parents, but tend to be larger than donkeys with the weight of a mule falling between 820 and 1000 pounds. They are sought after because they have the size of a small horse but the strength and endurance of a full sized one. This gives you the same level of work with less cost in food and other upkeep. The mule looks like its donkey father with the gangliness of an awkward teen due to their horse mother. They come in a variety of colors and even an appaloosa style coat.

Burro

A wild donkey, this equine was first introduced to the America's by the Spaniards who prized the animals as pack animals. They can be found all throughout the deserts of the United States as long as they are within ten miles of water. Standing at about five feet, they very in color from black to brown to grey and are surefooted beasts of burden. Interestingly, they can tolerate as much as 30% of their body weight in water being lost and can replenish it with only five minutes of drinking. Females give birth to one colt a year and as they have no natural predator, these colts often live to maturity and have a life span of about 25 years in the wild.

Zebra

Who doesn't know this striped equine from Africa? The Zebra is probably one of the most easily recognized animals out there with its coat of stripes. The stripes are unique to the individual and no set of zebra will have the same set of stripes. Generally social, they live in small groups called harems to large groups called herds. Unlike horses, donkeys and mules, the zebra has never been fully domesticated. They live in a variety of habitats including grasslands, savannas, woodlands, mountains and hills. Their coats, however, have made them highly prized and two of the three types of zebra are currently endangered.

Have an awesome day my human friends!

Love and Carrots,

Bucky, The King of Carousel

Comments/Suggestions?

05/09/2012 08:50:00

HAY HAY HAY!

Good morning! What a gloomy day today. I'll have plenty of time to relax with my thoughts today and wanted to see what my readers think of my blog and what they would like to see going forward.

Please comment and let me know what you think of the website and blog and what you would like to see added or blogged about.

I certainly welcome your suggestions (and your spare carrots).

Love and Carrots,

Bucky, The King of Carousel