New Website

We wanted to let folks know that we have launched an upgrade to our website www.teamadinternational.com which has enhanced social media capability

In a few days we will take this blog offline.  Please visit our new website.  We will resume our contests, etc.

Train Your Horse Without Cattle

 

As the availability of cattle declines some are finding innovative ways stay in business.  It is great exercise for the kids and they consume a lot less hay than cows.  With the high demand for daycare it is easy to build up a sizeable herd.  Kids and horses are a natural fit. 

October Contest Winner

This months contest winner is Speedy!  Please reply to support@teamadinternational.com to claim your prize.  This months prize is a set of double stitched reins from AD Tack.

Congratulations Speedy!  We'll be posting another contest here in the next couple of days so check back.

October 2010 Test Your Knowledge Contest

Test Your Knowledge Contest October, 2010

The horse in this video needs to become more collected.  What advice would you give this rider to increase his horse's collection and self carriage?

This month we are giving away a set of Shutz Bros. Double Ply, Stitched Reins.

Test Your Knowledge Winner for August

Congratulations to Rod Miller! Rod will receive a German Martingale from AD Tack for his winning response!

Al’s Response:
I would suggest that this rider goes back to the basics.  Teach the horse the word “whoa” from both the walk and the trot before moving to the lope.  The horse should give properly to the bit and stay round and collected while galloping to the stop.  This allows you to be in a good position, timing the stop on the down stride of the front feet. Then, make sure the horse is on a straight line before asking for the stop.   When you do ask for the stop, use this order of commands:
Sit down, melting into the saddle, or “quit riding”, as I like to say.  Which is simply lowering your center of gravity, being still, releasing your legs with your heels down. 
Say the word “whoa”.
Pick up the reins and pull only as much as needed.  The pull should be an offset pull lifting your hand and stopping off the other or alternating hands in the pull, rocking the bit across the horses mouth.  Remember, it is a pull, never a jerk. 
I like to train my horses to be lighter and more responsive in the mouth and to my leg cues by going forward, sitting down, and saying whoa and then backing or turning around in circles, teaching the horse to respond properly.  Always think soft and supple, slow, and when in doubt focus on repetition of the basics. 

Rod can claim his prize by visiting www.teamadinternational.com and responding to the email address on the contact page.

August Test Your Knowledge Contest

What helpful advice would you give this rider to help his horse stop better?  Post your answer below.  This month we are giving away a German Martingale from http://aldunningsadtack.com