|
Heads Up!
February 2011
 |
|
the Word from the Herd
FUNDAMENTALS
When reading the following list of The Four Fundamentals of a Good Working Position, don't envision them in terms of you. Think of them in terms of me, the horse you ride.
1. unity of horse & rider in motion
2. non-abuse of horse by rider's weight & hands
3. security of the rider in the saddle
4. position that allows the rider's aids to control the horse quickly, efficiently & softly
See how those skills directly benefit me? Thanks for working so hard to achieve them!
|
|
Getting to Know Us
this month...
CHARLIE
 | Charlie says, "Always remember to run your bridle keepers up."
|
Breed: Charlie is an off-the-track Thoroughbred, meaning that at one point in his life he was a racehorse. All horses who race in the US are required to have a tattoo inside their upper lip. However, Charlie doesn't like people looking at his tattoo so please don't try. Age: 28, although you would never guess it to look at him. Favorite Things: galloping around the pasture (his breeding no doubt contributes) and jumping. Also, his favorite riders are quiet and balanced and understand that he is protective of his mouth. Least Favorite Things: any loud noises including (but not limited to) rain on the roof of the covered ring. Why We Love Him: He is steady & kind (handsome, too.)
|
|
Wildlife Watch
 | Hooded Merganser
|
These beautiful little ducks are easily seen on the farm this time of year. Look for them on the pond when you're crossing the dam.
|
|
Quote of the Month
Thomas McGuane:
"The greatest error in training horses lies in not showing up for work often enough and trying to accomplish too much when you do."
|
|
Dear Friends of MacNair's,
The date established for the spring Riding School Show is May 1. If you had fun in December and want to do it again, reserve May Day on your calendar. Hopefully, it won't snow.
Registration information and dates are now available for Camp Cheval. We hope you can find a spot on your summer calendar for your child to spend a week with horses.
If a non-riding friend has expressed interest in taking up your sport, please tell them about Saddle Up on the third Sat of every month. It's meant for first-timers.
4-H is planning a very busy Feb - check the calendar and 4-H News below.
Riders in Year-Round classes who want more saddle time, think Track-Out Camp; it's an opportunity to ride three days in a row.
Julie is starting a series of Lunging Clinics. Having an instructor lunge you is a great way to concentrate on and improve your position.
Raleigh Winter II is a 5-day "A" show at the Hunt Center, Feb 17 - 21. A sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board at Country Acres.
Cloverbuds this month will learn about conformation and horse's teeth - it turns out you really can look a gift horse in the mouth.
Please, Groundhog, don't see your shadow. Winter has been long enough.
Nancy
|
|
2011 Show Calendar
It's show time!
 Our meetings about the upcoming show season were very productive. Everyone got a chance to think about their riding goals and the best way to meet them. In addition to the shows we usually go to and those here in Raleigh, we will also compete in Greensboro, Southern Pines and Culpeper. Sounds like fun! Thank you Bryan, for getting the ball rolling. MCA Calendar |
A Couple Reminders...
for February
 Lunging Clinics: Julie has set up some dates for those of you who are serious about improving your position on a horse. A lunge lesson allows you to focus on the rider (you) instead of on directing your horse. Clinic dates: 2/5 & 26, 3/5, 4/23, 5/14. Call the office to register: 919-851-1118 or email: office@macnairscountryacres.com
It's cold out: If walking through your garage, you trip over unused horse (or pony) blankets, we know some school horses and ponies who would be grateful for the donation and would put them to good use. Still accepting old towels too!  Bluebirds & their real estate agents are out looking for a place to raise a family. They won't build on an old nest so make sure you clean your bluebird houses by Valentine's Day.
Mice: They are cute when they are named Mickey and are on TV - not so cute when they get into your tack trunk or locker. Moisten a cotton ball with peppermint oil and smear it wherever you think they could be getting in. The mice don't like it and, as a bonus, your tack will smell minty-fresh. Also, not that these things could be related,
 | | yum |
but...please do not store food of any kind in the barn. Chocolate: Good for people (seriously!) but poison to dogs. Hide the heart-shaped box for your sweetie somewhere your resourceful dog can't find it. Remember, guys - the way to a true chocoholic's heart is through dark chocolate (it's the extra anti-oxidants, honest.)
|
4-H News 
February
We'd like to thank everyone who participated in and helped out with the Show Team Try-outs held at the end of January. What a beautiful day we had! Events for thi  s month include a Clinic 2/12, Horse Bowl 2/12, a Clinic on 2/19, Fun day and Lease Ride 2/21 and Achievement Night 2/26.
Although the Show Team gets a lot of attention, 4-H is mostly about the horses themselves. 4-H is the US equivalent of the UK's Pony Club - a chance for those interested in horses to learn about them, get some hands-on experience and find out what the term " horsemanship" really means. If you think you might want a horse of your own someday, 4-H shows you that there is more involved than just riding. 4-H is also a unique opportunity to form friendships, help others and give back to the community through service projects. Aged 9 to 18? Check out 4-H. |
Riding Levels
 At MacNair's Riding School, the levels assigned to riders are shorthand so that we know (approximately) the capabilities that rider currently possesses. That being said, as with all things horse-related, there are gray areas. A rider may be proficient in many but not all of the next level's requirements. The following are extremely basic descriptions of the minimum skills expected at beginning Community and Pony School levels.
Elementary 1 A: learn basic aids & position at the walk, learn to trot (one at a time), establish posting rhythm B: begin trotting safely as a group, posting motion established C: canter one at a time in 2-pt position & steer while cantering, begin to isolate aids D: can hold 2-pt position through transitions, trot cross-rails
Pony School 1 A: learn basic aids & position at the walk, learn to trot (one at a time), establish posting rhythm B: begin to trot safely as a group, mostly posting rhythmically C: trot as a group, posting motion established
D: execute simple turns while trotting We also expect riders to gain horsemanship skills and general knowledge along the way. E1 or PS1 riders should know how to lead a horse correctly or the difference between a bay and a chestnut. Next month - Elementary 2 and Pony School 2.
|
|
|
|
|
WANTED:
 1.) used horse blankets, turn-outs and towels (as mentioned above)
2.) an instructor for beginner-level riders. We are now accepting applications from riding instructors who love horses and people, and enjoy sharing their skills and knowledge. Must have teaching experience and patience (a sense of humor helps, too.)
3.) barn manager at the Riding School. May be combined with instructor - see above, and add "extensive knowledge of horses and how to best care for them as well as outstanding organizational skills."
Please email resumes and references to:
office@macnairscountryacres.com
or call the office: 919-851-1181 |
|
We love hearing from you. If you have a suggestion, an idea, or know something we should know, please contact us. If you have some news or a picture that should be in the newsletter, don't hesitate to get in touch.
Sincerely,
the Staff at MacNair's Country Acres
|
|
|
