Eric Ancker – The Tie Rail

On BuzzFeedBlue

The Legend of Zelda was cool…when I was 10 years old. Well the kids over at Nintendo have come a long way from the game I grew up with and the latest in the Zelda series,The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is awesome. The guys from BuzzFeedBlue came up to learn how to ride horses like the main character Link. It was a fun day and they did great.

Planning and Pressure

Years and years of riding horses have taught me that you really only need two things to, as a rider, get your horse to do stuff: (1) a plan and (2) escalation of pressure.

Approaching and Moving Around a Horse Tied to a Rail

Navigating horses safely is humongously important, mostly because the consequences of not being safe can be catastrophic. There are two risky areas in particular: (1) when you are approaching a horse and (2) when you are walking behind a horse.

Bits

This is a really hard question, mostly because there are so many possibilities and never one easy answer.
Let’s break it down: If it works, it’s usually a good idea.

How to Pony a Horse

[x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_text][/x_text][/x_column][/x_row][/x_section][x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0 0 0 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px… Continue reading How to Pony a Horse

Your Seat

[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” separator_top_type=”none” separator_top_height=”50px” separator_top_inset=”0px” separator_top_angle_point=”50″ separator_bottom_type=”none” separator_bottom_height=”50px” separator_bottom_inset=”0px” separator_bottom_angle_point=”50″ _bp_base=”3_4″ _label=”Section 1″ style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” _bp_base=”3_4″ _label=”Copy of Copy of Row 1″ style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ _bp_base=”3_4″ _label=”1/1″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text _bp_base=”3_4″ class=”cs-ta-justify”]When people refer to “your seat” they’re talking about how your butt stays or doesn’t… Continue reading Your Seat

Using Your Voice

When working with horses, you have four basic aids: legs, weight, hands, and voice. Of these aids, voice is often overlooked or forgotten—maybe because people are embarrassed or think it sounds silly, or maybe because people just plain forget most of the time. Truth is, a lot people spend much of their time around horses without ever making a sound. And if… Continue reading Using Your Voice

Being Malleable

2 Knots

There are 2 knots… that I think are a must to know if you have or work with horses. But the first thing I want to stress is the importance of watching your fingers. Fingers get caught in knots, when they do you lose them. Don’t put your fingers in any loop – ever. Hold the… Continue reading 2 Knots

Saddling a Horse: Western Saddle

No matter what kind of saddle you’re using, remember to go through your saddling checklist: Pads eat horses (or at least horses think they do). So don’t just swing it all over the place. Keep it close to your body and place it carefully on your horse’s back. Be gentle. Don’t just throw, plop, or slap… Continue reading Saddling a Horse: Western Saddle

Taking Care of Your Tack: How to Clean and Store a Saddle Pad

So you’ve just ridden your horse. There was fun, laughter, and lots of sweat. Now you’re unsaddled and putting away your tack—the tack you’re (probably) going to put back on your horse the next time you ride. Presumably you like your horse. You paid a lot of money for him, and you enjoy riding him… Continue reading Taking Care of Your Tack: How to Clean and Store a Saddle Pad

Introducing Your Horse to Stuff: Umbrellas

Along the lines of Letting Things Take as Much Time as They Need to Take are the essentials of desensitizing your horse to crazy scary things—basically anything your horse hasn’t seen or experienced before. Let’s use umbrellas as a starting point for jumping into the wonderful wild world of introducing your horse to the unfamiliar and helping him see them… Continue reading Introducing Your Horse to Stuff: Umbrellas

The Truth about Horses and Water

How much water should a horse drink? Depending on who you talk to, horses should drink anywhere from 5–12 gallons of water per day. And, since a horse’s stomach can only hold 2–3 gallons of water or food at any given moment, that amount is spread out over the course of the day. So, taking an average of… Continue reading The Truth about Horses and Water

Simple Horse Bridling

Bridling a horse can be pretty painless, but there are a few things you should always keep in mind: Prepare and figure out your bridle before you approach your horse. It’s like homework. Get it done before you go to hand it in. Never bridle a horse while he’s tied to something. If something unexpected… Continue reading Simple Horse Bridling

Mounting and Dismounting, or How to Get On and Off a Horse

I see it all the time, people mounting in a way that makes their hose scared or uncomfortable and puts them (the rider) in danger. When getting on or off a horse, there are a bazillion options of where to put and organize your body parts. But keep these rules in mind when deciding how to do… Continue reading Mounting and Dismounting, or How to Get On and Off a Horse

Basic Grooming

So many tools…hoof picks, dandy brushes, body brushes, curry combs, shedding blades and vacuums. What’s a girl to do? Here is a basic guide on how to get a horse ready to ride. We’re not talking competition grooming, we’re not even talking nice-restaurant clean, but we are talking clean enough and thorough enough for everyday… Continue reading Basic Grooming

How to Swing Up on a Horse – With a Saddle

DON’T DO THIS. But if you want to, this is how you can. But… DON’T DO IT. Below is a brief how-to. Stop laughing and press play.

Letting Things Take as Much Time as They Need to Take

Patience is key. When you work with horses, you have to remember that to do it right, it takes time. Slow down. Watch and listen. Remember that weeks, months, and years should be your time frame, not seconds, minutes, or even days. Take Buster here. He doesn’t like bridling. Don’t know why. Maybe someone… Continue reading Letting Things Take as Much Time as They Need to Take

Hoof Picks

So many options, what’s a girl to do? Well I have my favorites. Below are the top 2 and the bottom 2. Please take my word on the bottom 2 and don’t waste your money trying to prove me wrong, ok? I’m not. These stink. So get one of the top 2. And seriously just get the top pick of picks, it’s the best option and cheap too.

Getting Your Horse’s Head Down

[x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_image type=”none” src=”https://thetierail.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Getting-Your-Horses-Head-Down-Kennedy1.png” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/x_column][/x_row][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px… Continue reading Getting Your Horse’s Head Down

Circles, Let Us Count the Ways

Here’s the deal. If you work with horses, circles are your friend. Use them. Abuse them. Incorporate them into every activity you can. If something isn’t working, circle. And when you get dizzy, keep on goin’. What is a circle? A circle is round-ish. Depending on what you’re doing, you may be in the center of… Continue reading Circles, Let Us Count the Ways

Horses and People and the Rule of Three

[x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0 0px 0 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_text]Here’s the deal—for a horse to listen to you, you must mean what you “say.” If you don’t mean what you say,… Continue reading Horses and People and the Rule of Three

LAPD Mounted Unit in Venice, CA

[x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 45px 0px 45px 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_text]I can’t think of a cooler thing than to wear a uniform on a horse. A kid’s dream job. Or maybe even… Continue reading LAPD Mounted Unit in Venice, CA

Entropy and the Inevitable Decline into Disorder

[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_image type=”none” src=”https://thetierail.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/entropy-e1435215512609.jpg” alt=”” link=”false” href=”#” title=”” target=”” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover” info_content=””][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” style=”margin: 0px;padding: 0px 0px 0;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto 45px;padding: 0px 5%;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1/1″ class=”cs-ta-center” style=”padding: 0px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h1″ looks_like=”h1″ accent=”false” class=”man”]Entropy[/x_custom_headline][x_gap… Continue reading Entropy and the Inevitable Decline into Disorder

Pushing, Driving and Following

[x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 45px 0px 45px 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_text class=”left-text “] Ground work is the foundation for everything. I can’t stress enough just how important ground work is to the… Continue reading Pushing, Driving and Following

#ponyinginbellcanyon

[x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0 0 0 0; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_text class=”center-text “] #ponyinginbellcanyon #horsemanship #bellcanyon [/x_text][/x_column][/x_row][/x_section][x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0 0 0 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin:… Continue reading #ponyinginbellcanyon

#canteringinhollywood

[x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_text class=”center-text “] #canteringinhollywood #horsemanship #hollywood #sunsetranchhollywood [/x_text][/x_column][/x_row][/x_section][x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=””… Continue reading #canteringinhollywood

The Importance of Not Taking It Personally

The Rule:When you’re working with horses, you’re not allowed to take anything personally. Why? There are a lot of reasons. First and foremost: horses are horses. They are not people, so when they do things, they do them for horse reasons, not people reasons. We, as humans, have all kinds of reasons why we do what… Continue reading The Importance of Not Taking It Personally

You Can’t Do This Enough

[vc_row no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”none”][vc_column width=”1/1″][x_video_embed type=”16:9″][/x_video_embed][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row no_margin=”true” padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px” border=”all”][vc_column width=”1/4″][gap size=”1.313em”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″ fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px”][text_output] Hoof Reading: This (all about Hoof Picks) This (all about Picking Hooves) This (all about Hooves) and This (all about Hooves vs Hoofs) [/text_output][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][gap size=”1.313em”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

All About Hooves

Let me tell ya, picking a horse’s hooves is one incredibly important thing to do. And you can’t do it enough. Those feet are your only connection with the ground when you’re on your horse’s back so take good care of ’em. Doesn’t mater if your horse has shoes or is barefoot one of… Continue reading All About Hooves

My Approach

My Approach is the hardest definition I’ve had to produce yet. The short and sweet is that My Approach is Natural Horsemanship with an emphasis on the school of “I’m open to new ideas.” I wish I could say I believe in whatever works, but when I take a hard look into myself, I have a few beliefs that outweigh this… Continue reading My Approach

The Four Natural Gaits (Plus a Few)

Horses (and a few other animals) have four legs and feet to deal with. Luckily millions of years of evolution have given them four different patterns of ways to move their legs that work pretty well. We call them: walk, trot, canter and gallop.

Anthropomorphizing Horses

Prerequisite: Understanding Anthropomorphizing Anthropomorphism Horses are horses. People are people. Horses aren’t people and people aren’t horses. This doesn’t mean that a person can’t have a nice, understanding relationship with a horse. What it does mean however, is that people (due to their size in relation to the horse) need to be careful and a bit… Continue reading Anthropomorphizing Horses

Picking a Hoof

Just Bought a Horse?

So you just bought a horse. Now what? If this is your first horse you probably have nothing but a horse and maybe a halter. Well here’s a list of the essentials. Go to the store and spend more money. If you bought a horse you probably have more than you know what to do… Continue reading Just Bought a Horse?

Relax and Breathe, Dang It.

Relaxing is one the most important things you can do when working with and around horses. When I say relaxing, I mean for both you and your horse. In order to start relaxing the first thing you want to do is… BREATHE. The first thing we all do when we are uncomfortable is stop breathing.… Continue reading Relax and Breathe, Dang It.

How Horses See

[x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0 0px 20 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h3″ accent=”true” class=”center-text “]How do horses see?[/x_custom_headline][/x_column][/x_row][/x_section][x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0 0px 0 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false”… Continue reading How Horses See

Haltering and Tying a Horse

Prerequisite steps needed… Step 1: Read my post 2 Knots. Then come back. It’s important to have a knot down so well that you don’t have to think about it. Then come back and move on to step 2. Step 2: Learn to tie a rope halter correctly right now. The halter will be much safer… Continue reading Haltering and Tying a Horse

Hand Feeding a Horse

“But it’s so fun” said every girl in the history of all time. – Denise OK, first things first. Don’t hand feed your horse. But, if you are OK with the possible implications of it…go for it. As long as you are aware of the following information, make your own decisions. But, don’t hand feed… Continue reading Hand Feeding a Horse

If your horse wants to move… And you don’t.

Lets say you’re standing there having a good ‘ol time just standing still, talking to a friend. Out of nowhere your feet start to move. They just start walking around. Walking to no place in particular, at least none that was discussed and agreed upon. Would you be happy about this? What would you say… Continue reading If your horse wants to move… And you don’t.

Trail Riding

Trail riding can give you some of the most wonderful experiences you’ll ever have on a horse. On a great ride, you can experience some of the greatest things about working with and riding horses: interaction with nature, the power of the horse, a great controlled and totally connected trot or canter, good conversation or just… Continue reading Trail Riding

Feeding

Good lord this is a hard one. Once again remember the incomparably smart words of my better half: “I’m a firm believer in whatever works….” –CA Here’s the basic breakdown: How much food? ~2% of the horse’s body weight per day in total feed. What kind? This is where it really gets sticky. But basically for a… Continue reading Feeding

Sitting a Trot

First of all, let me just say that this is the hardest part of riding horses. Sitting a trot is usually where most people get off balance or fall off for the first time. It ends up going the same way just about every time. The rider asks the horse to trot by squeezing with… Continue reading Sitting a Trot

Los Angeles Therapeutic Riding

The Children’s Ranch They do it right. Nicest people with the nicest place. The Children’s Ranch Foundation *** Ride On Can’t say enough about this place. If you’re looking for Therapeutic Riding or are looking for a place to get your certification hours in, this is one of the best places around. Ride On Therapeutic… Continue reading Los Angeles Therapeutic Riding

Helmet, Rope, Boot

[cs_content][cs_element_section _id=”1″ ][cs_element_layout_row _id=”2″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”3″ ][cs_element_headline _id=”4″ ][cs_content_seo]Helmet\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][cs_element_layout_row _id=”5″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”6″ ][cs_element_text _id=”7″ ][cs_content_seo]Troxel Sport It’s really hard to know where to start when looking for your first helmet. There are a lot of companies that sell ’em so if your looking for an inexpensive, good looking and safe helmet . . . The… Continue reading Helmet, Rope, Boot

Online Resources

PARELLI’S ONLINE RESOURCE http://www.parelli.com/articlestips.html This is a great place to look through some of the best training articles on the net. When you find a place like this, it’s hard not to spend the whole afternoon reading. HORSETRADER.COM http://www.horsetrader.com/ Looking to buy a horse? Thinking about it? Look here first. Start searching, see what’s out… Continue reading Online Resources

Reading materials

CHA COMPOSITE HORSEMANSHIP MANUAL The Certified Horsemanship Association has one of the most comprehensive and well organized manuals out there. It’s really too bad that more people don’t know about this. It’s organized into four sections that will take you from novice through advanced riding. I’ve found this to be my go-to manual for 20… Continue reading Reading materials

Western Saddles

[cs_content][cs_element_section _id=”1″ ][cs_element_layout_row _id=”2″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”3″ ][cs_element_image _id=”4″ ][cs_element_text _id=”5″ ][cs_content_seo]2 Things… When looking at western saddles, people can get overwhelmed with options. Trail, endurance, roper, show, reining, cutting, shooting, barrel racing, ranch, training. 7/8, 3/4, full. Semi-Quarter Horse, Full Quarter Horse… 1) Does it fit the horse? Most important. Too many people buy a… Continue reading Western Saddles