The FreeRepublic Saddle Club thread

[HairOfTheDog]

Free Republic has a lot of horse people that have found each other on other threads…. And since we all like to talk horses, how about a thread where it is not off-topic, but is THE topic?

A few of us thought it would be interesting and informative to have a chat thread where we can share ideas, ask for input from other horsemen, and talk about our riding and horse-keeping. We have a lot of different kinds of riders and horses, and a lot to share. We may not ~always~ have a lot of activity, but when we do, it will be fun. I will put a link to this thread on my profile page, so if you have something to say and can't find the thread in latest posts… look for it there and wake the thread up!

I will also develop a ping list for horse threads that are of interest. As FreeRepublic is a political site, our politics and other issues will probably blend in…. There are many issues for horsemen that touch politics… land use, animal rights/abuse cases that make the news…. Legislation that might affect horse owners.

I am hoping this thread will be a fun place to come and share stories, pictures, questions and chit-chat, unguided and unmoderated and that we come together here as friends. There are lots of ways of doing things and we all have our quirks, tricks and specialties that are neat to learn about.

[HairOfTheDog]

Here's Bay's highline where I groom him at home. It's the best way to tie camping where there are no 'ties'. It's far better than tying them to a tree, which is frowned upon in many camping areas and in wilderness sites because it is kills vegetation around trees and harms the three to have the horse standing and pawing right at the root system of the tree for long periods and/or cribbing.

A highline allows the horse to walk and circle 360 degrees without getting wound up, the tie line can be made long enough for them to stretch to reach the ground and yet always stay tight as they pull down. They aren't likely to step over it. And the system has natural give to it without being likely to break. It's very elastic, and with an antsy horse, they may trot a circle, but they don't get panicked at the restraint like some will against a hard fast tie.

It's probably hard to see the actual ropes, but there is a high rope strung between the trees, with a loop tied in the center that a lead line or tie can be attached to. If you have a long line camping, a few horses can be put on the same highline, spaced apart enough that they can't tangle or interfere with each other.

[HairOfTheDog]

Good horses don't have problems.... that's for sure, and problem horses shouldn't write the rules.

I was reluctant the first time a guy said he trailered his loose, I thought it sounded cowboyish like he was hauling cattle. But in my experience, it works nicely, especially on a long trip. Bay hates being in the front of her stock trailer because the front is the only place with no windows and poor ventilation, as well as two tie loops that look just at the right height to really gouge an eye. He was a lot happier turned around backwards, even tied. I sometimes tie him on the opposite side as her two mare's heads, so he can't fuss with them.

I don't see a downside to riding backwards, I think if you have to slam on the brakes, better for the horse's butt to be pushed into the front wall than his face. ;~D

[PayNoAttentionManBehindCurtain]

Oh well. They're such big unpredictable animals there's no guarantee of anything being 100% safe with them in a trailer. I'd say in reality, it's 6 of one and 1/2 dozen of another:) Pick your poison, and do alot of praying.

Becky

[CindyDawg]

Waiting for the husband, grrr. Boss in town:'(.

I like the idea of a high line. It gives them some freedom. Is it a special rope you buy or just make it yourself?

[estrogen]

My horse the Rocky is what I fell from but it was my fault.
I kept a crop in my hand after moving him over and failed to drop it and it spooked him. Since them I've had no mishaps thank God.

[HairOfTheDog]

I made mine, but you can buy them... with wide 'tree-saver' straps to go around the tree, a stout line, and they make a nifty non-slip clip to tie to instead of just tying a loop in the rope.

(click the pic)

[CindyDawg]

Well I tried to play photographer on mine and goosed him getting on and then did who knows what with the reins trying to get him stopped. I don't know any statistics but I would bet a high number of unplanned dismounts, rider generated:')

Hair, I don't think I want to do this on the trails but I've been practicing neck reining. I know it sounds weird but when I have the reins in one hand I feel like my balance better and I feel more secure. It frees my right hand to hold the edge of the saddle if I need to. Okie responds to both.

[CindyDawg]

If I made one though is it just stretch nylon? It looks like what the stable owner uses to close the riding areas. When Okie snagged it, it stretched as he stepped back.

[HairOfTheDog]

No reason you can't switch back and forth on trail! If he neck-reins well why not? Only time not to would be when you ~need~ more precision or need him to bend... But I hold the reins with one hand whenever I am taking pictures, grabbing a drink of water reaching down to pat him or whatever! It's kindof like driving... You can drive with one hand and tune the radio, if needed, you'll bring your other hand to the wheel!

[HairOfTheDog]

All lines like that will stretch some... You want ~some~ stretch but not ~too~ much. You want to be able to tighten the highline really taught. Some use mountain climber rope, which is strong and really light. Mine is nylon rope... I have to tighten it once in awhile because it's up 360 days a year, and wet/sun and use make it loosen up.

[Inge_CAV]

"Hey There! Glad to see you back on FR. Horse thread here.... tell us what's new with you! And show us some pictures if you've bought any new planters lately!"

Hi Hair, long time since I talked to you. You were still single but spoken for back then. A Saddle Club thread? Lurker Beth is green with envy already.

[HairOfTheDog]

~waves to lurker Beth~

She could sign up, unless that would threaten her whole personna!

I think you covered most of the highpoints of my news there...

~waiting to hear whats new with you!~

[PayNoAttentionManBehindCurtain]

Hello, welcome to the thread.

I have a good morning ping list to this thread. Keeps it updated on your my comments page. Would you like to be added to it?

Becky

[Inge_CAV]

I sent your link to her so I am sure she is waving back. Maybe she will join up now, she and her hubby have finally moved to their farm and enjoying it.

Not much new with me except most of the cattle were sold this summer. A couple more planters have joined my collection and you are right, they do not run. LOL!

[Inge_CAV]

Hello and Thanks! Sure, add me to the ping list.

[PayNoAttentionManBehindCurtain]

Do you have horses, or just planters:)

Becky

[Inge_CAV]

I still have three draft horses and a few wagons. The gaited horses have been sold as I was not riding very often. Hated to see them go but they have good homes and the new owners are happy with them.

[HairOfTheDog]

A couple more planters have joined my collection and you are right, they do not run.

~shakes head~

Do you still have a few pics of your draft horses and wagons online you can post for us?

Sorry to hear you gave up on your riding horse! You quit!

[Inge_CAV]

Now that is a "Planter" that is dear to my heart.

I don't have any pics of them to post right now but I will be making some soon and I hope they will be hitched up to the wagon.

Looks like I have hung up my spurs. : (

[Inge_CAV]

I skimmed through some of the horse trailer discussion and have a tip to pass along. Be very carefull when climbing a steep hill while pulling a trailer. If the animals inside move to the rear of the trailer, the rear end of your car or truck will rise in the air and your brakes will not stop you from rolling back down the hill. Be leery of that as it has happened to me and others.