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Grammmmmmmmy's Barn Rules
1. Do not go in with a group of horses while they are eating.
When the horses are eating it is one of the most dangerous times to be with them.
Even the best horses are unpredictable when they are eating. They tend to compete for the food
by kicking, pushing, chasing, and biting.
2. Let the horse know you "are there" when working with him/her
on the ground, by ALWAYS keeping a hand on his/her body.
Horses have blind spots where they cannot see you with their eyes.
3. Before and After each ride, your horse must be brushed and have it's
hooves picked clean.
BEFORE THE RIDE:
The saddle area, including the belly area where
the cinch wraps must be brushed. Carefully remove dirt and burrs
so that nothing is there to rub your horse sore during your ride.
Also, inspect your saddle carefully for debris caught anywhere, especially in the fleecey underside of the saddle
that touches the horse's back and the cinch that touches the belly.
AFTER THE RIDE:
And after some cooldown rounds ridden around the horsebarn, remove the saddle and bridle.
Put the halter and lead back on your horse and tie your horse without offering a drink.
Slake the sweat off your horse and then proceed to brush your horse down thoroughly.
Wipe off your horse's face with a damp towel or sponge and also towel down your horse's legs
if muddy and dirty. Pick each hoof, inspecting for injury as you go. Lead your horse to water and
offer a cool drink. Retie your horse and offer a rewarding scoop of sweet feed from a feeding pan.
Throughout this process do not forget to reward your horse with kind words and stroking.
Finally, turn your horse out.
4. Always check your cinch before you start a ride.
When saddling your horse for a ride you must make sure to pull the cinch nice and tight.
Then take the time to walk your horse around and retighten the cinch. Almost always, your
horse will release air and you will find the cinch is looser after the walk.
Test the snugness one more time by placing some weight in the stirrup. If the saddle slides,
WALK, TIGHTEN, AND TEST.
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