Using cow work for confidence?

Being a cross-discipline rider I get the best of many experiences and try to pull ideas from more than one 'style'. Some of my favorites are:

• Precision of movement with dressage
• Fun and confidence working with cows
• Muscle development and relaxation with competitive trail

I saw a recent episode of Les Vogts training series that was just too cool. A Grand Prix jumper's stallion had been declining in competition and it was clear this guy was losing interest and confidence. Having heard about Les Vogts unique training approach the owner decided to take his horse for some hands on cow work.

Over several sessions we could see a huge increase in engagement and confidence with this horse. It was thrilling to watch such a transformation.

I have such respect for Les, his candor and his approach. Check out his website or television show for great educational footage. I love that he puts his ideas out there for people to become more educated. Sure he ties into his products and services, but he also puts a wealth of 'free' information out there.

I have a great Vet... so now I need a new Farrier

Having a horse is in many ways like having children. They are dependant on you in many ways. You need to dedicate a great deal of time and resources to keep them healthy, sound and happy. Riding and caring for your horse on a daily basis along with proper preventative care are a must.

Equestrians are very particular about who and how their horses are handled. Once we find a good veterinarian and farrier we will stick with them through appointment no-shows, price hikes, you name it.

For me a good veterinarian has a good well rounded background and many years of experience. Characteristics I look for are: Good listening skills, open clear communication a general sense of concern for the animals well being. Most vets charge the same and after a couple of bad experiences, wheres the value in risking working with someone with less experience.

I really like farriers who operate alone or in a partnership and take their time with my horses. I really avoid anyone with 'apprentices', which is just a nice name for hiring a cheap long term laborer to do the actual work. A good farrier returns phone calls promptly (unless on vacation), doesn't jack up prices without warning, doesn't re-set old shoes with out telling you and may offer a slight discount for the times that you agree to a reset. Most importantly- a good farrier doesn't allow anyone else to handle or shoe my horse without notifying me first.

So where am I now? I have a great vet and a great farrier. Unfortunately the farrier is retiring in March so I'm searching for a good replacement. I'm not sure how long the process will take, but fortunately I can ask around and search on bay area equestrian network.

Equestrians in the bay area- a dying breed?

If you have been riding in the bay area for any length of time its easy to notice that resources are rapidly disappearing. Public boarding facilities going out of business to make way for apartments or changing ownership and becoming private facilities. Bay meadows racetrack is long gone. That favorite faithful vet or farrier is getting ready to retire. Favorite riding partners are moving to the central valley or out of state where its easier to get larger properties. Rising gas prices also resulting in increased board, shavings and feed prices.

What are us faithful equestrians to do? Most of us are limiting travel, cutting back on shavings and watching our expenses. In my case I have to keep dreaming about that 80% telecommute job and buying my own ranch somewhere. In the central valley or out of state? San Jose will eventually become more urban with more apartments and less agriculture areas. Its natural evolution for a community which is based on technology not people. Only time will tell.