What we did for Charity before Race Nights

Giving to charities is a noble and honourable thing to do. Mother always said that if we are blessed, we should share our blessings with those who are less fortunate. Despite the fact that we were dirt poor and living in the worst part of London in the 60s, mother gave to charities. Some of the charities that she gave to had more money and more food than we did, but it did not matter to my mother because she always felt blessed. She did everything that she could for others. It is too bad that we did not have Race Nights back then.

In poverty-stricken London, there were four ways that the poor could help the poor.

? Donations to specific causes through the church

? Donations of food, clothes, and money to local help groups such as food banks and neighbourhood welcome committees (In our area, if you were moving in it was automatically assumed you were evicted from another neighbourhood and had no place else to go)

? Neighbours taking food to neighbours

? The fourth and final way that you could help needy causes, which were usually families, was to throw them a party. Parties were usually done at their home and everyone that you knew came with food, mostly canned, and pre-baked food, clothes, and furniture.

Let the Church Do the Work

Those who donated through the church were those families that had extra and attended their church on a regular basis. They made sure that the money was beyond their usual tithe of 10% of their net earnings.

Find a Food Pantry

Helping the local charity groups was a very popular way to help a large number of people with numerous single donations. You never knew who you were helping and very often, it turned out to be you at the end of the month, when the well began to run dry.

You Give What You Can

My mother always enjoyed going through her cabinets to see what we could give to those families that we knew. It served the double purpose of giving my mother an excuse to visit with someone she had not seen in a while without it being due to someone dying. Most of the time, it was an elderly couple who were living on a meagre pension.

Let’s Par-Tay

To the last man, everyone we knew loved to throw parties for families that moved into the neighbourhood. The women would get together and dream up things to do to help loosen the purse strings of the husbands, who always banded together in a separate room to drink, tell stories and keep an eye on their wallets. My parents always had the same argument after one of these parties.

No Race Nights Back In the Day

Dad could not understand why he had to give money when we already brought food, furniture, and clothes. Still, the most complicated part of the whole affair was coming up with things to do at the party. If they had Race Nights back then, as they do now, it would not have been a problem because everyone loves to bet on dog and horse races. The DVD would have been a thrilling way to get the attention of the money carrying men, especially since there is a legitimate chance to walk away with more money than you actually had when you came in plus pay for your donation.

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Holly Albert has 34 articles online

Holly Albert is a writer, who specializes in writing on race night, charity race nightand many more. If you are searching for race night dvd in UK please visit us at racenights.co.uk.

The Advantage Of Horse Training With Friends

Forming a group is a good way of improving your horse riding talents. When you do your learning and practicing in the companionship of others who share your enthusiasm for pony riding, you are greatly accelerating the prospects of a very successful outcome to your efforts. You must practice together, attend clinics and workshops together and debate techniques together. Obviously, your group should ideally include your trainer.

As one part of a group, you are given occasions to watch other riders learn and implement, and you can learn a load more simply by watching, assessing and absorbing. It is usually simpler to be objective with others than with yourself. You can see your trainer and his trainee horses and riders at work, and that will help you remove any doubts or confusion you’ll have about any particular aspect of your trainer’s instructions. Naturally, if you are uncertain about something, it’s possible to ask!

Human beings use written, spoken and cultural mediums, amongst others, to communicate and learn . As far as horses are concerned, communication consists largly of body language as their most significant medium. Since you’re the one with the capacity to think laterally, it is up to you to reach out to your pony with language it’ll understand and pay heed to. It is up to you to get your pony to execute its moves superbly.

Have you any idea of the way Spanish riders work with their ‘Lizzipaner’ horses?

Whether you live bang downtown in a giant city or out in the country miles from your nearest neighbour, you can always keep in touch using the modern miracles of communication: the telephone, fax, and most of all, the email and other computer-based communication systems. You can receive and send text, graphic, video and audio files, If you live in a convenient distance with other members of your group, you can have regular joint riding classes, regular meetings and interactive sessions where you can regularly compare notes and improve yourselves.

There is strength in unity, and the load of learning becomes very easy to bear when shared.

Horses are Heather Tomspassion and she enjoys sharing her extensive knowledge through her 100s of articles with other horse lovers http://horsehorses.net/

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Hal Johnson has 1 articles online

Hal Johnson has been writing articles for nearly 4 years. Come visit his latest website Mens Promise Rings which helps people find information on Unusual Engagement Rings and deals on all other types of engagement rings.

My Circle Y Walnut Grove Saddle Review

The Circle Y Walnut Grove Saddle is a saddle that’s not only high premium, but utilizes advanced technology that matches its distinguished style. It incorporates Circle Y’s Flex2 technology while having the look of a Wade saddle.

This particular horse saddle is perfect for long rides. For the horse rider who is looking for comfort in a saddle and at the same time likes ornate saddles, this is the pick for you. Because the Circle Y Walnut Grove is made with superior technology and is well crafted, you’ll never have to buy another saddle.

Features

The special Flex2 technology on the Circle Y Walnut Grove Saddle includes a tree that is precision crafted and conforms to the saddle. The tree includes high and low density bars, a new technological development, that adds structured flexibility so that the saddle fits closely and comfortably.

In order to increase and ensure rider comfort, this saddle was made with a special layer of impact foam to absorb shock. Circle Y developed Ergobalance Stirrups, which prevent and reduce strain on the knees and ankles of the rider.

Both of these features are extremely important for riders who are just learning and for those who enjoy longer trail rides.

In addition to the more technical features, the Circle Y Walnut Grove Saddle has beautiful floral tooling on the leather as well as Bucking Cowboy conchos. This saddle is a craftsmen’s work of art.

Quality

Like all Circle Y saddles, you can be confident because you are backed by the company’s quality guarantee. Not only are the saddles made with the finest materials, but Circle Y goes even further to make sure that the saddles stand up to the elements.

For example, the special Flex2 tree is coated with DURAhide, a maximum strength laminate and sealant that repels water and makes it easy to brush off any dirt.

Summary and Recommendation

When you’re on your horse, you want to feel confident and look good. The Circle Y Walnut Grove saddle can help you maintain beautiful form while on your horse, by reducing strain and fatigue in the rider’s joints.

The neo-shock skirt also absorbs a great deal of shock and when coupled with the foam in the seat, it makes for an extremely comfortable ride, no matter how long it is. You can truly consider this saddle an investment because of the quality craftsmanship.

It is made to last and decorated as such. Of course, you pay a premium for the floral tooling and other decorations, but when you realize that this saddle will likely last a lifetime, it puts its price in perspective.

That’s not to say that this saddle is overpriced or more costly than competitor’s saddles. In fact, it is just the opposite. The Circle Y Walnut Grove saddle is a premium saddle that you will get at a lower price than many of the competitor’s offerings.

Everyone I know that owns this saddle loves it, and the quality of work ensures that they will continue to love it for a long time to come.

Circle Y Roughout Training Saddle For Proper Form

The Circle Y Roughout Training saddle is one of the best training saddles on the market. The Circle Y Roughout training saddle is made of the same materials of the rest of the Circle Y line and has a similar feel. This guarantees that you’ll get a dry run practice if you’re someone who performs with a Circle Y saddle.

It’s a smart idea to have a training saddle to use for practice so that you don’t have to use your show saddle as show saddles are expensive. You don’t have to worry about getting this saddle dirty.

Benefits of the Circle Y Roughout Training Saddle

The Circle Y Roughout training saddle’s seat and riggings as well as the tree are identical to Circle Y’s show saddles. This allows you to get in some practice time on what is essentially the saddle you’re used to without having to wear it out!

You can keep your show saddle in pristine condition while utilizing your roughout training saddle and pushing it to the limit. This saddle is also effective as a learning tool.

If you want your child or even the unexperienced adult to learn the right way without having to worrying about protecting a show saddle, than this is the choice for you. It is far less expensive than a show saddle, but has the same design and features so that a learner is ready when its time to upgrade.

Features

With the Circle Y Roughout training Saddle, you get all of the features of the Circle Y show saddles. This includes leather that is pre-twisted before the stirrups are made so that ankle strain is reduced for the rider.

This feature also allows for proper leg extension which is extremely important for learners.  If you learn on a saddle that doesn’t allow for perfect positioning, you may develop a bad habit. Bad habits learned while training on a horse are hard to break.

Additionally, the saddle features a close contact skirt which is designed with precision so that the horse remains comfortable.  It also allows the rider to maintain close control and a solid relationship with the horse.

Of course, the saddle does not come with any of the corner plates or other elaborate leatherwork seen in expensive show saddles.  But it’s the perfect pick for practice.

Conclusion

The Circle Y Roughout Training saddle is perfect for the beginner in training who doesn’t want to mess up their show saddle. It cuts the cost of riding without sacrificing any of the necessary features that provide comfort for the rider.  It also allows them to practice proper form.

You can be assured that the Circle Y Roughout training saddle is a great pick for another reason. Namely, with any Circle Y saddle you get a quality guarantee which is backed up by experienced craftsmen as well as years of developing and improving saddle design.

Circle Y is known for top quality saddles that allow for the ultimate performance on the stage. Practice for perfection by getting your hands on one of these trainers and having the assurances of an amazing brand every time you ride.

Henri De Rivel Dressage Saddle – Because Communication With Your Horse Is Important

The Henri de Rivel Dressage Saddle is manufactured by the Henry de Rivel Company which is a European manufacturer with a long history of excellence. I’ve never gone back to using any of my other saddles since purchasing a Henri De Rivel.

There is a major distinction between these saddles and other saddles on multiple levels. You can tell that the rich and long history of this European company has informed the creation of an amazing saddle that you and your horse will absolutely love.

Simply, the saddles are made by craftsman who love riding themselves. There is also a certain precision that is absolutely beautiful and extremely hard to find especially for such reasonable prices and especially compared to other high end saddles. I was so thrilled with my final choice after having tried many saddles.

Benefits and Features of the Henri de Rivel Dressage Saddle

The Henri de Rivel Dressage Saddle is made from hand-selected spring tree wood and the best quality French leather. The wood is extremely sturdy and has survived years of riding quite well.

The wood is laminated in order to provide extra durability.  The leather has also worn perfectly – there are no tears or other signs of abnormal wear from negligent craftsmanship. The knee blocks are a perfect fit and provide for a great amount of control.

What I love About My Saddle

I’m positive that the HDR Dressage saddle has made the difference for me when it comes to bonding with my horse. My horse and I have grown closer since trying this new saddle. I notice that my horse responds to my commands better.

I believe she’s more responsive because of the saddle’s design. It seems to be a comfortable fit for my horse in that it is form fitting. The design of the saddle allows my horse and I to move as one unit, thus reducing the incident of chaffing or rubbing on the horse’s back.

There really aren’t any drawbacks to owning a Henri De Rivel Dressage saddle. I’ve had no problems with my saddle neither in form nor function. I simply can’t think of anything that I would change. It’s the perfect saddle for me!

Quality

As I previously mentioned, you can tell that they spare no expense when picking materials to use in the construction of these saddles. I’ve had my saddle for several years now and it has held up quite well. Even through tough weather, the saddle has maintained its form.

Many saddles on the market are mass produced in large factories, when you get your Henri de Rivel Dressage Saddle you can tell that they are made by hand with great care and by experienced craftsmen.

They don’t have that plastic, mass produced feel that many other saddles do. In terms of quality, there are few that compare to this saddle for the price.

Summary

In conclusion, I will continue to purchase saddles from Henri de Rivel for myself and loved ones, especially the Henri de Rivel Dressage Saddle. The quality of work and material is exceptional and the design is clearly well thought through. This allows my horse and I to communicate well and enjoy a comfortable ride.

My English Riding Saddles Review

If riding competitively is your goal, an English riding saddle is the best saddle to use. To ensure you buy the right English saddle, it’s important to read an English riding saddles review.

It’s also important to know the common features and benefits of English riding saddles as well.

Features of English Riding Saddles

Mentioning the specific features and benefits of the saddle is important in an English riding saddles review. Some features of an English saddle may be more important than other features of the saddle to the rider.

English riding saddles reviews will always note that the primary feature of this type of saddle is that it’s light .

Many competitive riders start with the all purpose English saddle. These saddles have
deeper seats, for more security, and are ideal for beginners. These saddles often include
knee blocks and adjustable or medium to long flaps.

One of the greatest features of these saddles is the versatility concerning the use of the saddle. Other types of English saddles that have different features include close contact saddles, which are ideal for jumping, the hunter-jumper saddle, and dressage saddles.

Benefits of English Riding Saddles

One of the main benefits of English riding saddles is the design of the saddle. This type
of saddle is designed for ease of movement for the horse, and this is the most commonly
used type of saddle used in competitive riding, including Olympic competitive riding.

The English riding saddles review of benefits will cover how the rider and the horse both
benefit from the saddle in question.

Typical benefits include the ability for the horse to move more freely, the comfort of the rider, the security of the rider, and how the saddle benefits the horse and rider in different styles of competitive riding.

Another benefit of English riding saddles is that there are different types available,
making it easier to get a good fit for the horse and the rider, regardless of what type of
riding will be done.

For those who are unsure of the type of riding event in which they’d like to participate, reading an all purpose English riding saddle review will help.

When reading an English riding saddles review, make sure that the features and benefits
relate to the type of riding that you plan to do, such as competitive jumping, racing,
showing, or other types of competitive horse riding that you may do.

Also note that you may need different saddles for different events, while some saddles will work for multiple
types of events. The English riding saddles review should give you enough information to
determine whether the saddle can be used for the type of events that you are interested in.

My Bates Isabell Dressage Saddle Review

The Bates Isabell Dressage Saddle is a sleek, feature-packed masterpiece of saddle work. A lot of horse riders, myself included, believe it immitates that feeling of riding bareback. It allows the rider to maintain intimacy with the horse while maximizing the horse’s full potential. It also enables maximum control.

Sometimes being too close to the horse can cause discomfort, but this saddle implores innovative technologies which make the saddle comfortable while still maintaining closeness with the horse. The Bates Isabell saddle is the ideal saddle for those seeking to build repoire with their horse!

Features and Benefits

Making the rider’s ride enjoyable was the goal when Bates loaded this saddle with its amazing features. This includes the CAIR air system which allows your weight to be evenly distributed on the horse.

Many horse saddles have pressure points which make riding challenging , but with the Bates Isabell Dressage Saddle you get the amazing air distribution system that takes the strain off of known pressure points.

The Bates Isabell saddle also includes a feature, the newly released gullet system, which enables the rider to easily mainpulate the saddle’s fit. It is a given that horses will change shape as they are trained and developed, this feature allows them to stay comfortable. Whats even better is that it is simple for the rider to adjust, it takes just a few minutes.

The leather on the Bates Isabell Dressage Saddle is hand picked from the finest European leathers. It is tanned through a patented process that adds extra protection against sweat and weather without making the leather stiff.

Out of the box, the leather feels supple and like it has already been broken in. The leather and the tree are guaranteed to last the lifetime of the saddle by the manufacturer, which is said to be around 10 years.

The saddle also includes a number of ergonomic innovations that increase a rider’s comfort and reduce the strain on the riders joints. For example, the stirrup bar allows for a proper dressage position while also giving the rider the possibility to achieve close contact and increased communication with the horse.

Additionally, the recessed stirrup channel ensures that there is no interference like there is with many saddles, which increases the rider’s level of comfort. The seat, designed with performance in mind is deep so that the rider sinks into the saddle rather than sitting on top of it.

Some Small Drawbacks

The one drawback of the Bates Isabell Dressage Saddle may be the result of its greatest achievement, namely, it’s ability to simulate the feeling of being extremely close to the horse. While this is an amazing feature, it tends to wear the rider out on long rides. However, this is mediated by the saddles amazing ergonomic features that increase it’s comfort level.

Summary and Recomendation

The Bates Isabell Dressage Saddle is named for and used by the famous Dressage Rider, Isabell Werth. This speaks to the saddles excellent design and performance. To have a great name stand behind as saddle as well as a lifetime warranty, speaks volumes about how proud this company is of this sadle.

As you probably noted above, the saddle has an amazing list of features that ranks it among the most innovative in the saddle manufacturing industry. If you demand the best performance from your saddles, you should definitely take a closer look at this one.

My Bates Innova Dressage Saddle Review

The Bates Innova Dressage Saddle is the most adaptable saddle of its kind according to many horse riding enthusiasts. The Bates Innovate Dressage saddle utilizes innovate saddle technology which enables the saddle to mesh with the particular rider – specifically when riding.

Fluidity is a key selling point for the Bates Innova Dressage saddle because it enables the rider to become enmeshed with the horse while galloping. Rest assured, you won’t feel like your perched on top of your horse like a statue with the Bates Innova.

Instead, you’re able to mold to the saddle and move in sync with the horse. This allows for high performance riding, comfort and the ability for the rider to communicate with the horse.

Features and Benefits

As mentioned above, the single largest benefit of the Bates Innova Dressage saddle is its the amenability. This is achieved through three main features. The first is the Counterbloc knee rolls which are specially designed with proper leg extension and motion in mind. These three features enable the rider to perfect their posture while riding.

The second amazing feature is one that is included in many premium saddles. This is the CAIR air distribution system. The CAIR system is a panel of air that facilitates the even distribution of weight. With this technology you can say goodbye to pressure points and potentially even your sore back after a long day of riding.

The third most essential feature is the deep and heavily padded seat of the Bates Innova Dressage saddle. This is not any ordinary deep seat, rather it is crafted to fit perfectly and work in conjunction with the other two main moving parts in the saddle. It allows the rider to sit deeply and remain firmly rooted while offering the necessary padding.

Drawbacks

The Bates Innova Dressage saddle is a great piece of work, however, with the many moving parts some customers have complained that the life expectancy of the saddle is somewhat decreased.

However, when you consider this with the benefits of the saddle’s mechanics it seems to be a worthy compromise. You get comfort and a fluid riding experience in exchange for a slightly reduced life expectancy. At the price this is an unacceptable trade off for some, but if you want the best than this saddle is for you.

Summary and Recommendation

Getting a new saddle can often be quite the ordeal. Breaking the saddle in, getting used to the way the knee rolls feel and are positioned – this can all take time. However, the Bates Innova Dressage saddle is built to work with the horse from the moment that it gets out the box.

If you think about it, it seems intuitive and many people agree after they ride this saddle that all saddle craftsmen can take a lesson from it. Of course, as mentioned, there are certain drawbacks to the saddle being so flexible.

After years of riding, tears become more likely and the need for repairs increases. However, for those who live in the moment and want to experience a great ride every time – this is the saddle to get, hands down.

Some Horse Groundwork Training

The fundamentals of groundwork are an indispensable component of equine training.

The 2 most imperative issues in horsemanship are the understanding basic equine nature and conscientiously performing strong foundational groundwork. The previous opens channels of communication between human and pony and the second consolidates that relationship. You can’t do a good job with your pony unless you are bonding strongly with it. Groundwork assists you in mastering the subtleties of advanced horsemanship because it gives you essential insights into the personality and character of your horse.

It is critical that both you and your horse enter the pen in a positive mind-set. This helps achieve total concentration on teaching and learning, and it helps achieve total coordination. Neither of you is going to be concentrating much on matters at hand if you’re grouchy. You need to make your groundwork sessions the type of fun that expedites comprehensive teaching and effective learning.

The round pen

Don’t think of your round pen as just another piece of real estate. It’s not a venue to get your pony going around in circles. It is an arena where much is to be accomplished. You use this arena to put your pony through the paces while at the exact same time strengthening your bond with him and yet establishing your dominance in the relationship. This arena helps you and your pony to appreciate and respect each other, and to realize top mutual communication and coordination. It is where you introduce your horse to new thoughts and actions and make him adopt them.

A critical part of groundwork is moving your horse’s feet. The most important teaching tool you can employ is patience, You will find frequently that your horse doesn’t get it the 1st time, no matter how accomplished you are at conveying what you need. You have your way by dint of sheer repetition and tolerance. Keep your cues clear and unmistakable; horses are attuned to body language and pressure application. Ideally, repetition will permit you and your pony to master things to the extent that the desired actions and reactions become automatic.

Groundwork

– Your horse must be comfortable with the fit of his tack and be kept in a happy mood; these issues are absolutely mandatory if he is to take in his coaching well.

– Use less oral and more physical cues, but if you find that your pony likes to hear you prattling on about things in general, give him some conversation without letting it interfere with the training.

– Be consistent in your actions. You have got to make the horse totally sensitive and responsive to your physical cues.

– Pressure is your principal instrument, learn to use it effectively. Don’t forget that horses try to escape pressure.

– Ensure both diagonals are exercised equally by working clockwise and counter-clockwise.

– It is just as important to learn how to spontaneously stop your pony as it is to have him advance on command.

– In a rather subtle way, all endeavours in the pen are a clash of will, and so it is vital that you establish your domination straight away. Your pony will attempt to get the better of you by testing ways of escaping the pressure you are exerting. Be gentle but firm. And don’t forget to reward your pony for everything he does right, more positive reward than negative.

As time rolls by, your pony will awake to the incontrovertible fact that he is far better off bending to your will. When he comes to that realisation, he will be able to also accept that you know what will be best for him.

Be very sensitive to your horse’s body language. Don’t ignore the messages he’s making an attempt to convey to you.

Horses are Heather Tomspassion and she enjoys sharing her extensive knowledge through her 100s of articles with other horse lovers read more