Brindabella Farms

A "Bit" of Information, Part II

2011-02-13T10:48:00.000-08:00

Hello there!

This has been quite the winter for cold and snow, but as I write this, the white hills outside the office are slowly melting and the sun shines brightly through the window, promising warmer days ahead. Soon the ground will dry up and we can all get back to our beloved riding and training!

In the last installment of our newsletter, we discussed bit mechanics and the basic types of bit. In this second of a two-part series, we bring you a discussion of some commonly used bits, how they work, and how they are best employed. View the informative article in our Archives.

We wish all of you a happy and prosperous 2011, and hope to see some of you in the coming year!

Your friends,

Chardy Shealy and Shanna Nelson

Featured horse:
BBF CHILYPSO SEAFIRE

“Chilypso” is all personality. His pedigree, conformation and carriage all qualify him as tough competition. His flashy fewspot leopard coloration will get him attention in and out of the show ring. Chilypso is well started under saddle, and he is going nicely at a walk, trot, and canter. His fun and willing attitude makes him a joy to work with. Much of his training has been in Western tack, and he shows considerable aptitude for use as a gymkhana horse. Chilypso's intelligence and liveliness would also make him a great trick horse! View his video here. For more information, please email Shanna.

A "Bit" of Information, Part I

2010-12-18T11:02:00.000-08:00

Hello and Happy Holidays! It's that time of year again when, for most of the country, the weather turns cold and snowy. Curling up in front of a fire (with the horses happily munching hay in the warm barn) is far more appealing than saddling up in the bitter wind. For the lucky or brave ones who don't find the winter's chill so daunting, enjoy your time grooming, riding, and training in this winter wonderland! For the rest of us, don't despair, for there are still plenty of horse-related learning activities that can take place within the comforts of a warm house. We should never pass up a good opportunity to further our equine knowledge.

In the last installment of the newsletter, we brought you a brief synopsis of five training "gadgets and gizmos," touching only briefly on the use of different types of bits in the training process. Today, in the first of a two-part series, we give you an overview of bits and bitting. The choice of a bit can be daunting, with so many options available and so much misinformation on the subject. In this article, we lay out the basics: materials, types of mouthpiece, and the most common kinds of bit (snaffle, curb, and more). Hopefully this information will guide you on your quest to find the perfect choice for you and your horse.

(If you like the tack set shown on the horse on the right, it is for sale!)

The 2011 Success-Centered Riding/Training Workshop schedule is now available!

If you would like a brochure with SCRT information or a Horses for Sale flyer, please email Chardy with your contact information. Only one workshop is currently scheduled for 2011, but other dates are available for Private Tutorials, personally catered to your specific needs. Individual or group programs can be designed--please contact us if you have any questions! More information can be found on our website or in our brochure.

SCRT™ I Intensive Workshop "The Classic"

July 11 - 22, 2011Tuition $1,150.00 USD

Becoming the Competent Rider

5 students maximum

2 weeks of intense work include daily riding with a Success-Centered™ emphasis (keeping your riding interest in mind), relevant lectures and experiential activities required to build a foundation of theory and experience. A variety of equestrian philosophies and concepts are presented including classic riding and training techniques, Centered Riding®, The Balanced Seat, and TTEAM®. The work of a number of noted trainers and instructors from a variety of disciplines is also cited and considered. This workshop is open to students and instructors wanting to update information, deal with adult rider issues, and increase competence and confidence. Besides honing riding skills, participants cover topics such as training, equine management and physical conditioning of the rider and horse in this comprehensive SCRT™ program. The students get to enjoy an "off-the-farm" experience too during a half-day field trip on driving. One afternoon our farrier discusses and demonstrates hoof care techniques. Students have the chance to ask questions and learn responsible hoof-care management. Included in the cost of tuition are a textbook, Resource Notebook, a workbook, the use of horses and tack and a personal video of the rider for home use. The rider/student's day begins by 8:00 am and ends around 4:30 pm with a 30-45 minute lunch break (student provides their own lunches/snacks). Among the SCRT™ programs, "The Classic" is respected worldwide.

A non-refundable deposit of $500.00 USD (applied towards tuition) is required with registration.

PROGRAM FOCUS OPTIONS: Most SCRT™ Intensive participants enroll in the Track A program option, listed above, receiving a "Certificate of Completion" at the program's conclusion. A Track B program option is also available for participants in which they are required to complete assignments throughout the workshop. Near the workshop's conclusion, Track B participants must also complete a practical exam and a written exam; a take-home exam is due for completion in about four weeks after the end of SCRT™ I. Exams are graded and the grades appear on the back of the certificate. "Track B" is especially helpful to those participants looking to receive academic credit from their schools, or those wanting or needing a graded SCRT™ certificate to meet various accreditation requirements.

Gadgets and Gizmos

2010-10-17T10:51:00.000-07:00

Hello to all of our friends on this warm October day.

Autumn is finally upon us, and it's a nice relief from the oppressive heat of summer. The trees are turning brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red, and Halloween and Thanksgiving are just around the corner. The weather these days is very agreeable for riding and training. With that in mind, in this sixth edition of the Brindabella Farms newsletter, we overview five of the more commonly used (and abused) tack and training gadgets. From tie-downs to martingales, whips and spurs, and a wide variety of bits, many different tools exist on the market, all geared toward improving the ease, speed, and effectiveness of training. While all of these different gizmos have a place, not everyone understands their intended usage or proper adjustment. Our new Archives article hopes to dispel some common myths and misinformation.

(above: geldings Sugar and Prince Kai snooze in the sunlight)

Are you in the Springfield, MO area?

If so, you should check out the English Instructor Showcase on Saturday, November 6, at Shadowbrook Stables in Fair Grove. FREE clinics are offered from 9:00am until 4:00pm from some of the area's most respected English riding instructors. Barbara Joyce will present "Using Dressage Techniques in Hunter Jumper Schooling" at nine, and Chardy Shealy has a session titled "Help! My Horse is 'Out-Fitting' Me!" at two. Other excellent clinicians are presenting throughout the day. Call the stables at 417-759-2998 for more information.

Featured horse:
BBF MARIMBA LIBRA

"Rimba" is a seven-year-old gelding out of Mariah Kai and by BBF Magic Libra. He has lovely conformation and a delightful personality. Rimba is well broke to ride in the arena and around the farm. He does have an old injury on his right front tendon that periodically causes a hitch in his gait, but when he is exercised consistently, this disappears. He does not seem at all bothered or in pain from his leg issue. Rimba is a very consistent and forgiving horse, and with more riding, could even show suitability in the dressage pen. His video can be seen here, and he is priced at $1500. Please contact us for more information if you are interested in Rimba.

Conformation Education

2010-08-06T13:20:00.000-07:00

Once again, hello from the Equestrian Education Center at Brindabella Farms!

In this newsletter, we'd like to address a commonly misunderstood issue: that of equine conformation. Many people do not realize simply how important a horse's skeletal and muscle structure are to its intended use and long-term soundness. While beauty is only skin deep, athetic potential (and suitability for a desired discipline) extend deeper beneath the surface.

Equine anatomy and form-to-function mechanics are highly complex subjects, but anyone with an interest in learning and the right instruction and experience can learn to identify some of the most important facets of conformation. This is the first step toward developing an "eye" for horses, and is truly a skill that can be learned, practiced, and enjoyed. So, in the new Archives article "Conformation Education," we outline the basics to give you a headstart to understanding equine body structure.

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It's not too late to sign up for the final SCRT workshop of the year, or schedule your own private clinic!
The fall "Essentials" E-SCRT workshop will be held November 1-6. Tuition is $750. Visit our website or contact Chardy to request a brochure with more details.

<>BBF LIBRA LIGHT JOY
"Libra Light" is a handsome fewspot ApHC gelding with outstanding potential. View his ad (complete with more photos and an under saddle video) here.

Homemade Insect Repellant for Horses

2010-06-10T11:19:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again! Summer is here, and with it come all of the annoying bugs and pests. Flies buzz around the stables and alight on horses' eyelids and big ticks attach to legs and tails to suck our critters' blood. These bugs can ruin a ride in a hurry, causing a horse to stamp its feet from itchiness or even buck when a big horse fly bites its rump. There are a number of ways to attempt to control these unwanted visitors, such as by purchasing natural predators of flies through biological supply companies or covering our horses in mesh fly masks and sheets. These efforts, while far from perfect, do seem to curb the worst of the onslaught of insects. Here at Brindabella Farms, we have developed our own homemade bug repellant that seems to do a pretty good job at keeping flies and ticks at bay. You can find the recipe and application instructions in the Archives article.

The article on BBF Fly Wipe is excerpted from Chardy's book Practical Horse Management, which is available for purchase in the BBF store. This volume is backed by decades of experience of breeding, training, teaching, and managing an equine operation. Its special emphasis is the Appaloosa, but its wisdom applies to all breeds of horse. Its 266 pages contain 76 topics covering numerous facets of the equine industry. And, perhaps most helpful of all, it contains 12 template forms including contracts, policies, and permits that can be easily be personalized and used!

In other news, Brindabella Farms is now on YouTube! You can view our channel here. We hope to eventually add not only videos of all of our sale horses, but perhaps tutorials and general farm information as well.

* Don't miss out on our upcoming clinics this year! *

The 2010 Success-Centered Riding/Training Workshop schedule:
*SCRT I “The Classic” July 12-23
Tuition $1150/rider (5 riders maximum)
*Fall E-SCRT “The Essentials” November 1-6
Tuition: $750/rider (5 riders maximum)
*other programs available to be scheduled individually; contact us for details

The Pursuit of Instant Gratification

2010-03-25T13:40:00.000-07:00

Hello again from your friends at Brindabella Farms! We hope that this rainy Spring weather finds you glad to be rid of the ice of Winter and ready to greet the fresh blooms of the new season. Still, we must always keep in mind that every season has its place in nature and the order of things. All too often we get in a rush--we get tired of waiting, say, for the rainy season to end and warm summer days to begin. We want nice weather NOW; the good without the bad. This is true in all aspects of life--even when it comes to horsemanship. Rushing through things doesn't allow us to enjoy life as it happens to us, and we find ourselves constantly living in the elusive (and often fictional) future.

Sometimes we need to step back, evaluate our goals and our progress, and proceed from there. If we aren't having fun, perhaps it's time to change our priorities. After all, the journey is the most important part. In a new archives article, Shanna Nelson and Chardy Shealy explain how to have a healthier mindset when it comes to riding, a sport that should be about relaxing in the great outdoors with a happy equine partner....but all too often revolves only around the mindless and relentless pursuit of hollow competition.

Featured Horse: BBF LIBRETTA LIGHT

BBF Libretta Light is an impressive mare. Her sire is a registered Appaloosa from respected lines and her dam is an Appaloosa/Percheron cross. Bretta is registered as an Appaloosa Sport Horse, and she got the best of both worlds--the loud leopard coloration combined with the sturdy structure and steadfast disposition. She is five years old and stands about 15.2+ hands. Bretta was started under saddle last summer and she is coming along extremely well. She is a fast learner and picks up new concepts quickly. She walks, trots, canters on the correct lead, stops, backs, and turns--all responsively. She is not very spooky and has never thrown a bucking fit or offered to rear. Bretta is energetic, but she listens to her rider for cues. The more she is ridden, the better she will be. She would make a good "working" type horse with her thick build and clean legs. Her coloration will get you noticed out on the trail or in a drill team. She would also make a good driving prospect and might be suitable for dressage given her pedigree. Bretta has been introduced to some trail and pasture riding, and has done quite well. She still has a long way to go, but she is one of the fastest learners I have ever had the pleasure of riding--very easy to train. She has never done anything dangerous and shows no signs of doing so in the future. While she is still green, she is responsive and gentle enough that most anyone could ride her now, as-is. Bretta will make someone an excellent riding partner. Her price is $2000. Please email Shanna with any questions.

Riding Bridleless

2010-02-06T12:32:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered why we use a bit when we ride? Are bits really necessary for all horses? Do you ever wish that you could ride freely, without the use of a restrictive bridle? Have you been inspired by the amazing bridleless performance of champion reining trainer Stacy Westfall?

In a new Archives article, Shanna Nelson and Chardy Shealy explain how the traditional metal bit may not be appropriate for all horses in all situations. There are plenty of alternatives out there, and you and your horse may both benefit from the use of a bitless bridle or even a neckrope. This is an excellent opportunity to improve your horsemanship, enhance the bond you share with your mount, and better your horse's training. All it takes is consistency, patience, and a willing partnership between horse and human.

The key to transitioning a horse to bridleless riding is to start with something she is comfortable with. Take her regular bridle and add neck rope to the picture. Hold both reins and rope and steer her as you normally would (this works best with a horse who has been trained to neck rein already, but any horse can learn to associate the correct cues with enough time, patience, and consistency). Eventually, after several sessions, you will be able to tie up your reins and direct her only with the neck rope. The reins should be carefully secured so that they do not come loose to pose a safety hazard, but so that they are still available for “emergency brakes.” Once this level of communication has been accomplished and you feel confident of your horse’s trustworthiness, the bridle can be removed completely, with only a neck rope and leg/seat cues remaining to direct the horse. This style of riding may not be safe for long trail rides in unfamiliar territory, but for arena riding and periodic excursions around the pasture, it can give your horse a break from the bridle and a mental exercise—and it will certainly make you feel like a capable rider!

Read the full text article here.

Featured Products: The Hadden Hackamore and the NURider Bridle

The Hadden Hackamore is a new twist on an old concept. This bitless bridle offers the stability of a noseband and curb with none of the severity. It has more finesse than a sidepull and is more traditional in its feel than other bitless options. A wide flat leather noseband distributes the pressure widely while a similarly-structured curb strap provides direction and stopping power. There is plenty of control, yet the Hadden Hackamore is extremely gentle. It is excellent for starting young horses under saddle or for giving seasoned mounts a break from the bit.

The NURider Bridle was designed for beginning riders with unsteady hands. Their inexperience sometimes leads to unintentional pulling on the reins, which causes discomfort and confusion for the horse. The very short shanks and broad noseband of this mechanical hackamore prevent small involuntary movements on the part of the rider from interfering with the horse's face and movement, resulting in a more enjoyable ride for both man and beast.

Visit our website to purchase these products.

Cold Weather Conditioning

2010-02-06T11:51:00.000-08:00

(originally published 12-26-09)

Hello there! We’re excited to introduce the inaugural issue of the new Brindabella Farms Success-Centered e-newsletter. Here we will highlight horse management tips, equine education, interesting anecdotes, upcoming SCRT events, and horses and products for sale.

Winter is upon us here at the farm, and with the cold weather and snow come the customary preparations: making sure the horses have plenty of quality forage to keep warm, breaking ice on the stock tanks, monitoring old horses for signs of chill. However, sometimes it seems as though we are too worried for nothing, as the animals seem to enjoy this frigid atmosphere, frolicking in the icy pastures and playing like colts.

How much riding are you able to do this blustery season? Is the cold weather keeping you bundled up inside next to a roaring fire, or are you willing to brave the elements, grab a warm jacket, pick the snowballs out of your horse's feet, and saddle up for a winter romp? If you're like many riders, you may have some difficulty keeping in shape during these winter months.

The trick to staying in shape is starting off with anything that gets you moving: jumping around the living room to jazzy music. bouncing on a physioball in front of the television, running up and down stairs... really ANYTHING that gets you moving. The funny thing is that once you start moving, you feel a lot more like keeping going. It is the "gittin' started" that is tough. Some people find mornings the best time to move; others prefer later in the day. The time doesn't really matter. The moving is what counts. To stay fit and safe for riding, design your own routine. Use the "Seven Elements of Physical Conditioning" and get moving!

If you are able to muster up the motivation and master the protocol of the Seven Elements (Muscle Tone, Flexibility, Balance, Coordination, Posture, Breathing, and Neurologic Integration), you will find that your entire fitness and health will improve dramatically. This routine is useful not only for horseback riding but for all activities, as well as day-to-day movement and comfort! The “Seven Elements” lighten up the drudgery of physical conditioning by encouraging adults to be creative with their workouts, and put variety in their planning. Make them work for you too!

We hope you are able to use these fitness guidelines to your benefit and enjoyment over this season. From your friends here at Brindabella Farms, Happy New Year!

--Chardy Shealy and Shanna Nelson

The 2010 Success-Centered Riding/Training Workshop schedule is now available!
If you would like a brochure with SCRT information or a Horses for Sale flyer, please email Chardy with your contact information. This year's dates include:

Spring E-SCRT “The Essentials” May 17-22
Tuition: $750/rider (5 riders maximum)
SCRT I “The Classic” July 12-23
Tuition $1150/rider (5 riders maximum)
Fall E-SCRT “The Essentials” November 1-6
Tuition: $750/rider (5 riders maximum)

*other programs available to be scheduled individually; contact us for details

Featured horse:
BF SUNLIGHT SURPRISE

“Sunlight” is a three-year-old black varnish filly with excellent conformation and good bloodlines (sire is BBF Libra Light Joy by BBF Magic Libra; dam is BBF Sunsea Aranda by BBF Sea Fire). She has a great, willing attitude and loves to please. She has been well started under saddle and goes nicely at the walk, trot, and canter, with a great stop and back. Sunlight has been started on lateral flexion and trail riding. While she is still green, she has never shown any signs of dangerous behavior like bucking, rearing, or bolting. This is a very sensible, sweet-natured girl who is looking for her own human to bond with. Don’t pass her up—Sunlight could excel at a number of disciplines! For more information, please email Shanna.

Hello from your friends at Brindabella Farms!

2010-01-19T11:44:00.000-08:00

We here at BBF would like to welcome you to our new blog. We hope that this site will be helpful with keeping in touch with our friends, clients, and prospective customers.