Dancing with Horses

In our journey to find balance, rhythm and elegance in the horse, we must start first by riding with rhythm. We have to understand the horses’ foot falls, the saddle movements associated with those foot falls, and we have to learn to ride in the flow with the horse's natural movements.

The rhythm of each gait is unique and we need to move and handle the horse in rhythm with that gait. 

There are a lot of exercises we can do to develop our riding skill and to learn to move our hips and legs in rhythm with the horse. To develop a good horse, we must first become excellent riders.  

By being a better rider, asking in rhythm with the horse,

we can rely on the horse to demonstrate its innate ability and show the elegance and rhythm of the horse at play.

Until next time:

 "Sing like no one's listening, love like you have never been hurt, dance like no body's watching, live like its heaven on earth and ride like its your last time in the irons"

Ms Charlene

Horse Riding Camp starts in 12 weeks

It hardly seems possible that camp will start in 12 weeks. Is it too soon to start a countdown? Winter will not give up its hold on us - still snowing, blowing and cold. Soon the geese will return to build their nests, the pond ice will disappear and suddenly goslings will appear swimming alongside their parents. 

While we wait for Spring to arrive; we are very busy with our camp preparations  Applications are arriving daily- we have a camper coming from Istanbul, Turkey (very excited to learn about horses in Turkey).  Staff members are receiving their training manuals- Mr Barney has agreed to be our chef (yummy) and several new counselors have been selected. Spring cleaning is under way in the stables- we have redone the tack room (very cute and tidy) And our new ponies are in training for camp- Tess, Holly, & Dolly. 

Pony Training at its best

A New Year at Rosebud Stables

The last several months has brought changes to Rosebud. We lost a very special horse "Shadow" and added several new horses. While they won't be able to take the place of our dear Shadow in our hearts and minds; they do bring their own special talents and life experiences.

Each time we re-home a horse, we have the opportunity to change its perceptions of humans. The horse is by nature a gentle and forgiving animal. However; if they have had bad experiences in the past when interacting with people, horses can sometimes be less than willing to work and play with us.

With time and with careful small adjustments, our new horses are beginning to enjoy their new home. We have taken our time to retrain and condition each horse to its new job. Some hadn't had much riding work in the past or have been busy as broodmares. Each horse needed to be fully assessed and an individualized training program developed. As their bodies slowly became better conditioned; their minds trained to accept humans as their friends; our new horses have become happy, willing, relaxed, and confident partners. 

A lovely horse is always an experience….. It is an emotional experience of the kind that is spoiled by words. To me, horses and freedom are synonymous .

Rosebud Equestrian Adventures provides more than a "stepping stone" into the equestrian world it sometimes becomes the first step of a journey away from your home and family life. 

Many of our Campers are experiencing their first time away from home. This new found freedom can provoke many emotions for our campers. And many times it is just as emotional for their parents to watch their child  take this first step on this journey.

To help you along on this journey we offer a family oriented "kid friendly horse" camp. Our dorm rooms will offer you private baths and comfy bunks. Our cooks will spoil you with home cooked meals complete with Mr Barney's famous bar-b-ques. And our wonderful horses will take you on a fun, safe equestrian adventure.

The adventure includes a glimpse into "Horses Thru History" our very own special equestrian program.  Our campers  explore life on horseback from the time of the Greeks thru the Middle Ages and  ending learning how to shoot as a Mounted Cowboy or Cowgirl!!

"Sing like no one's listening, love like you have never been hurt, dance like no body's watching, live like its heaven on earth and ride like its your last time in the irons"

Spring Training

Things are decidedly looking "Spring Like" this first week of March. The howling winds will bring 50 degree days and sunshine later this week.
The horses' winter coats are shedding out; some more than others. Trace of Valor (Trace) looks down right patchy with all the hair we have combed out with our furminator.

Leah & Julia Working on Trace

The School horses have just completed 8 weeks of jumping. They are "Legged Up" and ready to move on to their suppleness training. Shoulder-In on circles and Spiraling in and out on a circle are a few of the many dressage exercises that can supple our horse's muscles while developing a strong back. Transitions, transitions and more transitions continue to improve our gaits and collectability.
Our riders are experiencing legging up exercises as well. Riding without stirrups can find all sort of seat faults as well as develop a strong core. Off the horse, Rosebud Riders are following a fitness training plan. Their goal is to develop strong thighs, backs and shoulders. Muscle cells store energy. Stamina requires sustained energy over time. So if you do not have adequate muscle for your body size and weight you will fatigue quickly when riding.   Till the next time:

 "Sing like no one's listening, love like you have never been hurt, dance like no body's watching, live like its heaven on earth and ride like its your last time in the irons"

Spring Training

Things are decidedly looking "Spring Like" this first week of March. The howling winds will bring 50 degree days and sunshine.
The horses' winter coats are shedding out; some more than others. Trace of Valor (trace) looks down right patchy with all the hair we have combed out with our furminator.
The School horses have just completed 8 weeks of jumping. They are "Legged Up" and ready to move on to their suppleness training.
Our riders are experiencing legging up exercises as well. Riding without stirrups can find all sort of seat faults as well as develop a strong core.

Its February but my thoughts are drifting to Summer and our Riding Camps

Mr Barney shoveling snow off the arena roof                                    
Life at Rosebud during a typical Western New York winter means a lot of snow to plow and shovel. Mr Barney is our "Main Man" that means he maintains all our roads, buildings, lawns and repairs everything that our horses break or "eat". But, this winter has been very mild. So, we are getting a head start on our Summer Camp Preparations. I have given Mr Barney his honey please do this list for Riding Camp.

At the top of our list are some new jumps and wings. Bright colors with some decorative false wings would be great. I suggested a castle design to fit in with our "Horses through History" camp program. Our water hazard could be our moat. I"m sure that our horses will find this very entertaining.

And we can't forget our jousting rings. This year's design will make the Knight's challenge much more difficult.

Just thinking about all we are need to do to prepare for this year's riding camp has me reminiscing about the great times we had last year. This year promises to be an awesome camp with new campers arriving and the gathering of old friends . 

Til the next time

"Sing like no one's listening, love like you have never been hurt, dance like no body's watching, live like its heaven on earth and ride like its your last time in the irons"
by anonymous writer

Ms Charlene
www.rosebudstables.com