Contact Ali

Heeeeey em i was wondering what is the best thing to wear for a show? should you put you things on before you leave? do you have to wear a black helmet for showing ? Thanks for trying to answer my question before:D Hope you can answer these three x write back x

Courtney–

Great question! Totally depends on the show. In fact, this was such a great question I made a blog and video for it! Check it out, and let me know if it answers your questions. There will be a better video when I’m back in the States and can show everyone proper how to go to a show ;)

In short, you don’t necessarily need a black helmet, but if it’s a dressage show everyone will likely be wearing one. A velvet cover you can just pull over your helmet works great. I wouldn’t get dressed in your show stuff until you’re ready to warm up. It’ll just get uncomfortable and dirty!

Let me know what you think about the post, and thanks again for stopping by!

-Ali

Hey! I’ve learned since I first started watching your videos that you do Eventing. I’m currently about to recieve lessons in Stadium Jumping, and I was wondering if you could tell me how to aproach the jump, your posture when you are going over the jump, and any equipment special for Stadium Jumping I would need (bits, saddles, etc?)

Alese–

Wow, lots of great questions! Haha, it would take me hours to explain all those things in person ;) I’ll get to work on some blogs about the subject!! My first advice is listen to your trainer. Other than that, remember you go where you look. So keep your eyes up and over the jump you’re approaching. If you look down at a jump, your horse will think it’s something to worry about, and come to a stop…sending you right where you were looking! So eyes up ;) As for posture, it’s simple in theory–shoulders back, heels down, folding at the hips…it takes some practice. Keep checking back and I’ll see what I can get posted for you over the next week.

Thanks again for checking out my site!

Hi, i love your videos, they’re so informative and you don’t sound like your mocking anyone for not knowing what to do. Ok, so, I’ve been riding since I was 4 and I am now 13 and I really want a horse, i help out at my local stables at weekends so i know how to groom, tack, untack, feed etc. but do you think I should wait till I’m 16 like you did so I can learn more? Cause there is always stuff to learn. My mum wants me to wait incase I change my mind when I have a horse but I don’t think I will. What do you think? Wait till I’m 16 and more responsible? Thank you so much. Oh yeh, Im from the UK. xxx

Amy–

Thanks so much for your kind words! Everyone has to start at the beginning, and I sure remember how complicated it was to learn the little I know now ;)

As to your question, you’re right–there will always be more to learn! If you want until you know everything, you’ll never get a horse. It’s most important that you know how to care for a horse–and a barn, that’s important too! It sounds like you’ve got that under control. At the end of the day, since your mom will almost certainly have to help you out in caring for your horse (or at least driving you to the barn) you’ll have to go with what she says. However, I know lots of 13 year-olds whose families have bought them horses. There is no golden age for having a horse, it’s just whether you can handle it! So, you can show your mom that you’re responsible enough right now for a horse. For example, you could make a plan for how you would ride and care for a horse if you had him, and “keep” that schedule for a month (when it’s time to “feed your horse” always make sure you’re free and tell your mom that if you had a horse, you’d be feeding him right now!). Keep up the work at the barn, and I’m sure you’ll convince your mom in no time for a horse ;)

Good luck!
Ali

Hi Ali
Me and my brother Jacob are saving up for a horse and horse lessons.It would be great if you gave us some tips and what we need for first time riding. We are mad about Horses and have nearly watch all your vidoes.Me,Sarah I’m planing on being a vet seeing as I have 11 Cats one I raised when she was only 2-3 weeks old with a baby born bottle. We did have a Horse but it was our Mum’s he was very wild (He threw off a jockey once).
We have a few questions we would love you to answer.

Can we feed them anything apart from hay.

We do live on a farm (but we are not farmers we don’t keep any animals weird I know ) but the path down to the stable is all muckie there are some stones pressed down into the muck will that be dangerous to the horse ?.

Which is better for bedding rubber mats or wood shavings ?
We are thinking on getting a cob piebald is there a bettter horse for people our age ( I’m 11 and Jacob is 9)

We also have a bit of tack English but if it does not fit our new horse how much would we get it for and how much for a new one be ?

How much would all the tack be (brush and combs inc) ?

Thank you x

Sarah And Jacob

Hi Sarah and Jacob!! Thanks so much for writing in. You ask some GREAT questions, and I’ll do my best to answer them all.

1. You can definitely feed horses other things than hay. I’ve got a blog post and video about feeding horses (http://helpmydaughterloveshorses.com/2010/06/how-to-feed-a-horse/). Check it out and let me know if you have more questions! You’ll want to feed your horse lots of hay, but you can also give him some grain if he needs it (for example if he is a little on the skinny side). You can feed him carrots and apples and pears and other similar fruit for little treats–don’t feed him too many though. My horse, Noah, really likes peppermints, sugar cubes and Nature’s Valley Oats and Honey granola bars. But just like you get a tummy ache if you eat too much candy, your horse can get sick if you feed him too many treat.

2. As for the stones in the path, it depends on the size of the rocks, how easy it would be for the horse to go around them, and whether your horse will have shoes. Noah doesn’t mind walking on small rocks so long as he has shoes–if he’s going barefoot, he tiptoes over them! If there are lots and lots and lots of rocks and they are bigger than your parents’ fists, you might want to think about putting some gravel down to cover them. Horse can roll their ankles if they step weird on big rocks. The gravel would help with the mud. If there are only a few rocks, just make sure you lead your horse around them, and he should be fine.

3. Horse owners love to argue about bedding!!! Shavings are a LOT of work and money (you have to clean them out every day and refill them) and they get everywhere, but they are very cushy and horses love them. Rubber mats are a good, easy, cheap way to protect your horse and his joints from hard ground, but they won’t soak up pee if your horse likes to go in his stall. So one isn’t really better than another, it depends on how much you want to pay and how much work you want to do. Another option is to get rice pellets–you spray them with a little water and they expand. They last a little longer than shavings and aren’t quite as messy. Also, if you really want to do shavings I’d suggest putting rubber mats down underneath anyway!

4. It’s hard to recommend a type of horse, because it depends so much on the horse itself! For example, a lot of people would say thoroughbreds aren’t good beginner horses because they are wild (as your mom found out!) but I’ve known some AMAZING thoroughbreds that I trust with absolute first-time riders. So really, what you’re looking for is not a particular breed but a horse who is calm, friendly, comfortable, easy to train, well-behaved and trust-worthy. Does that make sense?

5. It’s VERY important to have tack that fits your horse. Imagine wearing shoes or pants that were too tight–it would hurt! You can find used tack for much less expensive than new tack. A used bridle usually will cost between 25 and 100 dollars, while used saddles can be anywhere from a couple hundred to several thousand, depending on the brand and type of saddle you’re getting. Make sure someone who KNOWS how to fit a saddle comes out and measures your horse, so you get the right saddle. As for how much you could sell your tack for, it depends on what kind of tack you have! Ask around at your local tack shops and see what similar bridles and saddles are selling for. You can also look online and see what other people are selling theirs for.

6. Again, check out a used tack store and see if you can buy some second-hand brushes. Otherwise, you’re looking at easily fifty dollars or more for a new grooming kit (hard brush, soft brush, hoof pick, mane comb, tack box, etc). Horses are expensive ;)

Hopefully, that answers your questions! Please don’t hesitate to email me or post another question on my site!

Cheers,
Ali

Hi Ali,

I have ridden at riding schools since I was a child, but don’t really know very much about tacking up, feeding and general care or even how to communicate with horses as much as I’d like to, so naturally your website is helping me to learn all about these important things, so thank you very much for all the hard work you’ve done with filming etc, you have a very happy, bright, positive approach which I enjoy watching.

There is no need to reply as you are no doubt a busy lady, but perhaps take a look at my website sometime?

Kind regards,

Carolyn

I’ve been riding for a while now, and (at my lessons) I change horses every week.
Sometimes, a certain horse that I get will try to bite me when im putting the halter on.
I have to ask the teacher to do it and the horse dosen’t want to bite her!
Can you make a video of how to put a halter on a horse so that it dosen’t bite you please!

Thank you!

Lauren ;)

A horse that bites can be very dangerous. There isn’t a way to put a halter on a horse that 100% will keep him from biting you, so you need to be very careful. I’m not a fan of horses who bite, because they tend not to give any warning that they are about to do anything. There’s nothing wrong with the teacher putting the halter on if you can’t trust the horse.

One thing you can do is start defending your space. The horse probably knows he’d get in trouble if he bit the teacher. So anytime the horse turns his head toward you, push it away. He needs to learn he can’t invade your space.

I’ll post my video on how to halter a horse, but still you’ll have to keep an eye on that horse! Don’t get bitten!!
-Ali

Carolyn–

So glad you’re enjoying the videos. And thank you for your very kind words!! Happy riding!
-Ali

HEY Ali
I LOVE your videos and I think Noah is soo cute. Im going to horse camp soon im sooo excited
sometimes when my back is turned to a horse and i cant see the horse and it randomly moves and bump into me i get the biggest scare I not its not normal because i see my other friends when there horses bump into them unexpectedly they dont get scared this is a hard question but how can i not be so jumpy. I know that every time i jumo my school horse (Alice) gets a scare to I hope you can help
xxx-Salem

Salem–
It’s totally normal to be a little nervous around horses! Even if your friends aren’t a little jumpy, I know plenty of people who are or have been. Horses are really big, and rather unpredictable! So don’t worry about it. I’m betting that as you spend more time around horses, you’ll get more used to the weird things they do. And by the way, it’s a bad habit for a horse to have to push you in the back. Next time a horse does that to you, turn back around and ask the horse to back up (either by using the lead rope if he’s in a halter, or by pushing gently on his nose or chest). The horse needs to respect your “bubble” of personal space!

So keep at it, and have fun ;)
-Ali

Hi Ali
Everytime im eating a snack next to my school horse Alice like an apple or her fav pear she always yanks it out of me how can I stop this bad habbit?
:)

hey Ali
My ridding teacher tells me to grab some mane while i mount but i get scared it might hurt my horse . If I pulled my horses mane with all my strength to mount would it hurt him?

Hi,
i rescued my horse & she is fully better now. shes is 18. could you give me some tips on how to keep her happy and healthy please?
thank you :) x

Good question, Kasey! No, you can pull pretty darn hard on a horse’s mane and it won’t hurt him or her at all. I don’t know why, but horses’ manes aren’t at all like our hair. They just don’t feel it when you pull! So it’s totally okay–in fact, it’s a good idea!–to hold onto your horse’s mane when you mount. Pulling on the mane is WAY better than falling off or pulling on your horse’s bit by mistake. But it’s very sweet of you to worry about your horse’s happiness ;) Keep up the good work!
-Ale

Emma– what a wonderful thing, to rescue a horse! Way to go. Your question sounds like I need a new blog post :) A bit too much to put in a comment! I’ll try to whip up a top ten tips to get us started on how to keep horses healthy and happy. Stay tuned ;)
-Ali

Thank You so much :) x x @Ali:

Ali,

I am new to horseback riding it starting with me mounted on a horse(Shangri-La) while a guide (now friend) took us around a certain area of Seychelles island.

Nonetheless i got back to Dubai and the love for horseback riding began. I am currently taking lessons for it and I was looking for some help in my new found love for horses and in turn bumped into your webpage.

There is just so much information here its overwhelming! Cheers for all the info. you have posted here.

Angad

Ali- Hi! You seem really nice. haah. Anyway, I really like your stall / barn area for your horse Noah. Can you show me some pictures or upload a video of your barn / the usual stall where you take your videos? Thanks a lot.
**loveshorses

Ali- Hi, can you post a video of your barn or stall?

Hi Ali, i’m haveing some troble finding a plece or website to buy laced heal boots, a Troxil helmet with a rip off visor, and half chaps like the ones you have, the one’s from the horse riding gear video. I have been looking for months and cant find any thing!
P.S. Please Help. -Alexa

I’ve got a “welcome to my barn” vid in the works–I’ll try to get it posted before we all turn grey… ;)

Have you visited your local tack shop? Oftentimes, even if they don’t have what you are looking for, they can direct you to other stores that do, or even to catalogs for ordering from companies. Also, you can check out websites like horse.com, which have a MASSIVE array of supplies. It’s a bit of a gamble to order things like boots and helmets without getting to try them on, but if you know what you’re looking for it’s usually got all the things you need. For example, if you type in “field boots” into horse.com, you get eight versions. Hopefully that will get you started!
-Ali

Thank you so much. horse.com has a ton of stuff there for me to order. oh befor i forget i want to ask you a question. How do you measure your calf size and foot size for a pair of riding boots?
-Alexa

Hi, my horse has been off work for all the winter she has been turned out then stabled at night we feed her hay in stable then, flaked barley, horse mix & peet pulp 1 scoops of each. 1 meal a day she has been getting very excited, she is in a feild with 3 stallions they are very small not even 11h and she is 16h, could it be that she is around staillions? she is being moved to a differnt feild by herself soon i am getting lessons with her and what her to be calm down. i tryed lunging her and she bucks it is deffo not like her to do that she is very sweet hearted. how can i get her to calm down so i can ride her? i dont have the all equipment for lunging only a lunging rope and a normal head coller, please help. thank you

Kasey-
Hi Kasey im Destiny, if u grab the mane it will not hurt the horse at all, you can pull out as much as u want and it wont hurt them, if u dont believe me, and if u dont use a mounting block, it would be best to use one if u are scared u are gonna hurt the horse, but for the most part, it WILL NOT hurt the horse, i hope this was helpful information th :D

Hi Ali, u know i ride a horse named Tigger, well, when i try to put te bridle on him he either shakes his head or pulls it away when im holding his head, do u have any advice???

Hi Ali, my name is Destiny. I live in Danville,Va and go to Twin Springs Elementary School. Of course i love horses. I go to a stable called Leg Up Stables, you can check out their website at http://www.legupstable.com. I have a very fun and intresting instructor, her name is Nina. I ride a horse named Tigger, hes my FAVORITE horse out of all the other horses there. I know me and Tigger have a connection, I love him to death and i wont let ANYTHING happen to him. Unfortunitly, Tigger is not my horse, but i am going to consider leasing him for 6 months. Nina said when she gets a replacment, she will put him up for sale. And yes, i am DEFENITLY going to buy him if my mom will let me. I’m only 11 years old, I walk, trot, and canter. I have only been riding for maybe 5 or 6 months, but im already crazy about horses :). Nina has tought me basics on how to ride a horse since I came there. I am very good with horses and I hope i can ride them the rest of my life, you give good information which is wat I need for riding. Thank you. And Tigger will always be in my heart, i <3 him <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3. Even though he doesnt listen sometimes. He's still my Baby Boy. Tigger has been there for me since i started riding him, and i will always be there for him. I'm going to start showing sometime this year and i will join the pony club they are opening up in Danville. Please write back, i feel like i need to talk to you, I dont know why, but please write back.
Sincerely,
Destiny Clay

Destiny–

Thank you so much for your comments! Tigger sounds like a wonderful horse. I’m sure you will have some wonderful experiences with him, whether or not you can buy him in the end. Keep up the good work, and don’t forget to always have fun ;)
-Ali

It can be hard to bridle a horse who misbehaves, especially if he is a lot taller than you! It can help if you have a friend or teacher who can stand on the other side of Tigger’s head and help keep him from being able to turn away from you. You also need to make sure that you aren’t doing anything that may be making it uncomfortable for him to have his bridle put on or taken off (like if you accidentally bang his teeth with the bit or get his ear stuck under the brow band). You can also try bribing him to behave by giving him a little sugar cube when he does finally let you put his bridle on. Don’t be afraid to let someone help you teach him to hold still. Hope that helps!
-Ali

Destiny–

Great answer! Thanks for helping out ;)
-Ali

It sounds a little like she may be getting a little overfed, if she’s been off work all winter and is getting that much beet pulp and grain. I know Noah used to get incredibly full of himself when we fed him too much grain and he didn’t get his turnout. If she doesn’t normally buck, it’s also worth having a vet or even a horse chiropractor check her out to make sure nothing hurts–bucking can be as much an expression of pain as energy or disobedience. The stallions could also be contributing, but I don’t know much about that–I try to stick to geldings whenever possible!!
-Ali

I actually don’t remember how to do this! I think the foot size is just like measuring for shoes (and I know my boot size is pretty much the same as my shoe size), and that you measure your calf at the widest point. Guess I’ve got to go look this up!
-Ali

what would i need for first time english riding lessons??

Noah is the cutest horse ever!!
I have watched all of your videos!!

thx for the information!! it really helped alot. And noah is soooooo cute!! And i go and help out at the stables every once in a while. i remember a couple days ago i had to groom 3 horses/pony. Tigger, Gin-Gin, and Blue. I had to pick hooves, pull manes, brush with curry, hard brush, and soft brush, helped Nina lunge her horse buster, picked out stalls, and got cobwebs. then it started raining! so i had to take Tigger to his stall in the rain, and get his sister Peeky out of the pasture and get her to her stall, and she kept moving so i had to chase her in the mud! Then i had to take Blue to his stall in the rain, THEN i had to give each of them hay and grain. What a long day!!

And Tigger is a gelding. :D

Could you mabey do a clip on how to disinfect/wash your grooming brushes?

For a first lesson, the most important things are: 1) a good, well-fitting helmet; 2) sturdy close-toed boots with a proper heel; and 3) pants without seams that are going to rub on the inside of your leg (like breeches or jodhpurs). You can always borrow from a similarly-sized friend if you’re just getting started ;)
-Ali

That is a great suggestion! I will definitely have to get on that.
-Ali

Hey Ali

I’m thirteen and I’ve been wanting to take lessons for a while now, and I might have a chance to start taking them this summer. I go to a camp, but its western, and I want to start taking english lessons. So I was wondering if you had any advice for me. Also Noah is a beautiful horse. I hope everything is going well for you two.

-Mirisa

do you think that you should use bots (for the horse) everytime you ride and whats healthier for the horse to be barefoot or with a shoe on

do you think that you should use bots (for the horse) everytime you ride and whats healthier for the horse to be barefoot or with a shoe on?

Hi Ali
i have loved watching your blogs i have learnt a lot, i have a question for you, i ride this really lovely horse called Storm and i was wondering if you could help me, Storm loves to jump and so do but when the person in front has to jump i struggle to hold him back and when going forward to jump i feel he is rushing just a bit to much for my liking do you know how to prevent this from happening
thanks very much
Flo xx

Sorry i asked the same question twice i didn’t mean to but my computer was going weird :D

Dear Ali I have been riding for almost 5 years and I really want a horse I get good grades and we can afford it I have done almost anything to get one I did a power point cost chart small book but whenever I try to talk about it or even horses she gets annoyed she says where are we spost to keep it our living room? The place I take lessons at has cheap boarding and I would pay for half of everything. But she wont budge (she is not a horse person but she wouldnt even have to drive me to the stable) I am soon trying to get my riding trainer to talk to her any on how to convince her?

The basics of riding both Western and English are pretty similar, so if you just want time on a horse it’s not a bad thing to go ride Western! But if want you want is to ride English, then definitely keep looking around for ways to do that.

Good luck!
-Ali

I’m so glad you are enjoying the blogs. I need to get a little better about posting new ones in a timely manner…Anyway, Noah used to do the same thing!! In fact, I don’t think we took a jump under gallop speed for our first three years. I would do a LOT of work on shortening and lengthening, lots of transitions (including canter to walk and trot to halt), and lots of cavaletti poles without him rushing. If you can get him to do all that calmly, he’ll be a champ over a jump. When you are jumping, if he starts to rush at a jump either halt him immediately or circle him around the jump, just by it, etc until he can go almost right up to it without getting excited. If he gets excited when another horse is going, give him something constructive to do, like small circles or leg yields or transitions. Keep him thinking about what you want him to focus on, not what he wants to.
-Ali

As frustrating as it may be, all the convincing in the world won’t work if your mom doesn’t want to listen to you. I’d actually try getting her point of view, and seeing if you can figure out why she doesn’t want to help you ride. Listen very carefully and don’t argue with her–make sure she feels heard and understood. Maybe even repeat back to her the concerns in your own words so she knows you understand where she is coming from. Then you can ask her if she has any suggestions for a good compromise. I know people can get very defensive if you just try to point out how they are wrong, so maybe this way she can feel like it’s her idea instead of yours, and she’ll be more likely to go along with it! Good luck, and I really hope you and she can reach a good agreement!
-Ali

thanks ali also what is a half halt i find dressage so confusing i prefer jumping but my instructor says it is important

Ali,
I own and ride a five year old off the track thoroughbred mare named Dozen Roses(Rosie). I have cantered on her briefly about three times, but have found it hard to find the correct motion. Rosie may only be five, but she is very laid back when it comes to cantering. I am terrified of cantering. I am unsure if it is the speed or motion or what.
I fell off my instructer/mom’s 18 year old 16.3 thoroughbred/hanoverian cross in the fall of 2009 and sprained my back. It took me weeks to recover, and I’m still sore occasionally. I had asked him to canter, and he completely went wild with the prospect of real speed.
My family has 6 horses, (me and twin-2 mom-2 dad-2) but no real arena. So we ride in one of two paddocks that are combined. one is fairly small, the other larger, with a peice cut out for our pony.

Help!
-Sam

@flo: a half halt is when you bring the horse nearly to a stop, but let him walk when he is about to stop. I find that this works in a trot with some horses, too

– Sam

@Sam: ok thanks i will try it our in my appoloasa gelding he is beautiful but very strong

@Ali: Thanks so much for the info I am trying what you said when she comes home. hopefully it will work… Noah is adorable btw!! your an amazing rider even after all these years of riding I still learn a thing or 2 about horses from your videos!
-Zoe

@Flo: your welcome!

@Sam: i hope you over come your fear of cantering, it really is the best thing that you could do on your horse, i ride a mare called Roxy and she had a very difficult canter to get the motion, and after a few falls i got used to it and now i find i have a much better seat

i don’t know if this helps but you helped me so i hope it does

@flo: Thanks flo! I will try very hard. Rosie can be a ‘little’ lazy. The barn joke is: “Hey Sam, you know that your horse(i bought her) walks slower home than she does away from the barn” It’s True, but only because Rosie likes the trails!!
I use a whip sometimes, but it reminds her of the track, and her previous owners ride western and used spurs. BUT I must say that when you ride one of their horses, you don’t get a high-strung 3yo(year old). You get Spy, an ancient barrel/roping/trick riding/etc Quarter Horse that is blind in one eye. Or one of their other dead-broke horses that you can sometimes hear snoring!(not really, but almost, rosie snores if you leave her tied too long!!LOL)

Thanks!
Sam

yeh i know what you mean there is a horse called james who bucks when u evan touch him with the whip so he girl who rides him barks at him to wake him up and gets her legs right back off the girth and squeezes firmly and she finds that works

Flo

@Sam: that comment was for you sam but i sent it to the normal main email by accident

Tell Noah I said hi Ali! By the way you video’s are really helpful! What part of england do you live in? I live in Cornwall! =) Have a great night

Sophie

Hiya Ali, Im getting a horse in august well my Aunt is but im helping her look after it I hope! Anyway I need a few tips on all the equipment I need. I was wondering if you could do a video showing everything you need apart from food.

Thank you Ali x

Sophie

Hello Ali
I have my horse finals on Sunday and I’m freaking out. i had to study because they are important tests and I last rode a horse when i was about 6. Well im 12 now so that was six years ago. Also I wasn’t educated that much. I didn’t know how to use a hoof pick. I barely know the parts of a horse. Ugh it is difficult but thanks to your amasing videos i am a littke more confident about my horse knowledge. In fact i think i’m going to rewatch those videos. Hey i was wondering do you have a video about mucking out the stables? Thanks again Ali! :D
-Amber :)

@Flo: you should tape a dog barking, and play it when he gets lazy!!

Whinnies,
Rosie and Sam!

I do have a vid about mucking a stable… I’ll have to find it and post it! Wish me luck digging through my files…

So glad the site is helping you! Keep up the good work–you’ll be surprised how much comes back to you ;)
-Ali

I’m in Cambridge (studying there now). But in Oct, I’ll be back in the States until January! It’s gonna be weird to be back in America, I think…
-Ali

Thanks for the help Ali :D

Hi Ali

Well there is this horse at my stables, his name is blackjack and he is a really nervious horse because he had been beaten before he came to the stables, anyway i have a little soft spot for him and I think he really trusts me aswell but before I go into his stall to groom him I kinda get a bit scared because he had been beaten before and I dont know if he would kick me or bite me and I think he pick’s up on me being scared and I dont know what to do I was hoping that you could help me. It would really help, thanks

Paige

P.S: i havent riden him yet

@Sam: yeh that is a good idea

Dear Ali,
I’ve been riding English for about 2 1/2 years and I’ve learned all the basics except for jumping and galloping, but I’ve been having a bunch of trouble with riding without stirrups. Every time I do it, I fall off. However, last Sunday (June 26, 2011) I rode without stirrups and trotted *if you could call it that…* for the first time without falling off. My trainer was kind of upset because my horse kept on stopping and I was too scared to really kick her. I’m always losing my balance whenever I do this, and my trainer said that it was because my calfs keep on slipping behind the girth. If you could make a video/tutorial or write to me about how to ride without stirrups, I would be really greatful. I’ve looked on Youtube for ‘how to’ videos on this subject, but I came up empty handed. Thank you so, so, SO much in advanced.
Sincerely,
Lucy :)

P.S.,
Noah is soo cute! And sorry for being so formal. xD

Hi Ali,
Have started riding the last few months and am absolutely loving it! Your blogs have helped me tremendously and owe you a huge thankyou! I was wondering, though, if you had a blog on washing/bathing a horse (I’m new to the whole riding, caring thing and am not sure of names at this point! :D). I saw the blog on grooming but am not quite sure how to bathe a horse. If your could help me I would greatly appreciate it!
Thanks again,
Emma

Hi Ali,
Was wondering if there was another way to view your blogs other than on the website cause i’m having trouble watching it. I’ve seen all the ones on itunes but have noticed that i can’t get all of them on itunes. I haven’t yet seen the “How to catch and lead a Horse” and some others. If your could help me that would be great!
Thanks :D,
Emma

Hey Ali!! Do u remember me?? i ride Tigger. Well now im riding a horse named Sadie, shes an 11yr old Mahogony Bay Throughbred Mare. Shes a sweetie, but very cinchy with the girth, she tries to bite everytime, do u have any suggestions??? And ive been jumping her(: highest is 2’3 i know its not high, but im still working on the major pinching with the knees, i would love tips if u have it, i Also fixed lots of problems today because of sitting her canter:) she has lots of suspension, and im beautiful over jumps with her(: if u have any jumping tips PLEASE tell me, i would love to improve it(:
Thanks so much!!
Destiny(:

hay ali i ride this pony at my riding school but i am a beginer and Dice (the pony i ride) is so wield so she makes me real supid looking and i am going into hight school and i am riding whith p1 that know more than me !!!!! so all the other kids in my class is jumping and wining przes and iam not no sitting trot

ali my frend rides dice aswel but she thinks she s to big for her I told her to tell ann (the stabel oner ) but she seid dosent whant to but she is un comfitibel rideng her what should i do???????????????????????????????????????? HELLP !!!!!!

Hi Ali :)

I’m 12 and love riding :D This website has really helped me and i have learnt loads about horses. Thank you very much!!

P.S:
Noah is beautiful! :)

Thanks,
Ellie

hli ali i would like to know how to tack up a troubled pony like not one that is as well traind as Nowah

Dear Ali,
Recently I have been learning to jump and I found your Jumping videos very helpful.
On my first Jumping lesson I had it with the instructor I had always had and she said to arch your back and then for my next lesson they had a mix up in the office so they scheduled me to ride with a different Instructor by accident and she said keep your back straight so what position is right?
please answer
-Zoe

The “arch” vs ‘no arch” is a difference between those who were trained classically vs those who trained as hunter-jumpers. I’ve trained both ways, but I feel that the classical approach is much better–it may be that my hunter trainer was bad, but her justification for arching your back was that it looked better! The straight back is a much stronger and more balanced position and won’t do damage to your body. The only “good” thing I could say about being told to arch your back is that it could be an overcorrection for a chronically rounded back (also no good). But I still feel (as do most riders!) that the straight back is how to ride.
-Ali

Unfortunately, no video or blog on bathing yet. But I’m compiling a list for vids to make in October when I go home and see Noah again, so I’ll definitely add that to my list! Just a few pointers to carry you over til then:
1. Only bathe your horse with shampoo and soap every once in a while (at most once a week and even that’s a bit much). They need the oils in their skin. It’s fine to rinse your horse off with water, and in fact you should always do that if he’s gotten really sweaty.
2. If he’s worked up a good lather, make sure you pay particular attention to the area between his hind legs where his “thighs” rub. If you leave sweat here, your horse can give himself sores from the friction.
3. Start with a hose on his feet, then work slowly up his legs and finally to his back and belly. Most horses will spook and try to pull away if you just spray them straight off on their bodies! And avoid spraying his face, unless you know he doesn’t mind it (most horses do).
4. On this count, it’s usually better to have an experienced person hold your horse’s lead rope the first time you bathe him, since you don’t know how he’ll respond, and you don’t want him freaking out in cross ties or tied to a hitching post.
5. It’s a good idea to use a sweat scraper to get the excess water off, and then walk your horse in the sun until he’s dry. Horses inevitably roll first thing after you bathe them, and if they’re dry first it will reduce the chance of them just turning straight into a mud ball.

Hope that gets you started!
-Ali

Well, you never want to handle a horse that you can’t trust. So if your pony is causing lots of dangerous problems, it’s probably best to let someone else tack up the pony for you. Horses can have all different kinds of issues about being tacked up from just being sensitive about the girth to rearing and pulling away from a bridle, and you have to address each one of those problems individually.
-Ali

That is a great idea for a video! I certainly will do a video on equipment. In brief answer to your question now:
In terms of what you need, check out this video: http://helpmydaughterloveshorses.com/2010/06/horse-riding-gear/
In terms of what your horse needs:
- a good grooming kit (reviewed in this video http://helpmydaughterloveshorses.com/2010/06/horse-grooming-part-2/)
- equine first aid kit (listed in this blog http://helpmydaughterloveshorses.com/2011/06/one-for-the-barn-two-for-the-show-three-to-get-ready/)
- a saddle and bridle that fit the horse (you may have to get this after you have the horse, so you can fit them)
- saddle pad or blanket
- a halter and lead rope
- water and feed buckets
- fly spray and fly mask
- blankets if it gets cold

Hopefully that will get you started until I can make you a proper video ;)
-Ali

Lucy–
Riding without stirrups is hard!! I’ve definitely fallen off trying to ride without stirrups. It takes a lot of practice, but is very good for you to learn. I’ll add a ‘no-stirrups’ riding video to my to-do list! Unfortunately, I have to say that it won’t be until October that it will be up, because that’s the earliest I’ll see Noah!
-Ali

Destiny–

So glad to hear how great you’re doing riding! Congrats on the jumping–and 2’3″ is very respectable, don’t talk down your achievement. As for being cinchy, try tightening her girth only one hole at a time, with lots of time in between. So do one hole, then brush her mane, do another hole, then pick her hooves, then one more hole, and put your helmet on, etc. Unfortunately, with school horses you’ve got other people messing with your training, so it may not make as big a difference in her behavior as you’d like, but it will help. And of course, make absolutely sure she doesn’t actually bite you! Keep a close eye on her ears and where’s she’s swinging her head.

The only tips I have up right now on jumping are these: http://helpmydaughterloveshorses.com/2010/08/top-ten-jumping-tips/
But I don’t really address pinching with your knees. My best suggestion for that is to focus on relaxing and letting your weight drop into your heels (I know we talked about that earlier–still applies here!).

-Ali

First, you shouldn’t have to ride a horse that is uncontrollable. If you don’t feel safe on Dice, don’t ride her! Riding a horse that misbehaves, especially as a beginner, will just set you up to have bad experiences, or even to get hurt. Secondly, everyone starts as a beginner, no matter where they are now or where they’re going to be. So as hard as it may be, don’t worry about the other people in your class! They may be “better” because they’ve ridden for longer, had more lessons, and so on. Keep practicing, and you will get better. It just takes time–and finding a good pony to practice on!
-Ali

Again, if you don’t feel comfortable around Dice, or if your friend doesn’t feel comfortable, you need to talk to an adult you trust and feel you can talk to about fixing the situation. If you can’t talk to the stable owner, talk to your parents, or the trainer. Don’t do anything with a horse that you don’t feel comfortable about!! Look out for yourself.
-Ali

thanks ali
my friend tolld ann [the stabbel oner] and she rides a pony calld sunny he is realy sweet and dice hurt hur leg in the feeld soi think she hurt it when she was runnig becus she has slon down a bit but i have one more thing to ask i cant get eny pony to take a bit what do i do

the pony is not hurting me or trinng to but hes just not standing so i can put the saddel on and he lift his head up so i cant reach it help

P.S NOWA IS SO WELL TRIAND YOU ARE REALY GOOD WITH HIM B) B)

to ali i am very comfused about how to muck out a stall cauld yo put a video up thankyou
pleas wright back

Ali – just a note to say thanks for the great video’s I have learned a ton of information already. The video’s are top notch and well presented. Keep up the good work your helping a lot of people! BTW I’m watching these so I can help my 6 yo son get started in riding (no daughters unfortunately). Cheers

Thanks sooo much, My instructor Keeps switching me!!! Now im Riding a Pony named Drizzle Hes a 16yr old Apaloosa cross warmblood, Hes VERY sweet, and an excellent eventer is 15.0hh and im sure can jump up to 4′ If you would like to see me jumping him here is the link http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/video/video.php?v=228862203825674 I think it will work if u click on it if it doesnt mannnn. But Thanks again for your help and my next lesson im jumping with no hands!!!!!! And Noah is VERY cute!!! <3

That link does not work i will put it on youtube soon(: Thanks

When are you going to put new videos on??

yesterday i had my first real riding lesson and i used your tips on how to do things properly i am writng this because my dad is afraid of horses. what can i do to help?

Hey Ali, i have a question. What do you do if a horse tries to bite you when you get them from their stall? The one i rde does that and i reallyy need help. Please answer soon!
-Destiny:)

Hey Ali, My name is Brayla. i Ride at Leg Up Stables With Destiny. I Ride A Horse Named Tigger. And Last Tuesday i Jumped 18inches with no hands. it was very fun. and this tuesday i have to Jump Grids. ( Bounces ) Do you have any tips, If You Do Reply back Soon!!!
Thanks!
-Brayla:)

Hey Ali,
My Name is Brayla, i ride Tigger. and i also ride at Leg Up With Destiny. This Tuesday me and Destiny are having a Lessons. But i’m riding a Pony Named Blue. And He’s Kinda Fast. and i have to do bounces on him. I’m Kinda Scared. Do you having any tips on Bounces??
Thanks Ali,
- Brayla:) Write back soon

hi ali i would like to know how do you do a flying change and what is it

hi Ali, i love your videos and have learned quite a fair bit from them thanx.
I just have 1 question though, I am about to start riding but is it too late though because i am 13 and am I too old to start?

Elesh :)

@comfused beginer: Hi there comfused beginer. a Flying Lead change is when a horse Changes his or her leads Really fast. hope that helps a little :)

I was just wondering …… why do you have to canter over bigger jumps

hi Ali hoe r u i got a question how do you load a horse into a tralier please make a video of it when you see noah again thanks so much

Summer

Really interesting blog, keep up the good work!

hi ali you and nowah is so cool and you`r vids realy help me i have only been riding for a copel of months and i am juming so what i am trieing to say is thank you!!!! B) i could never hav don it without you`r help

That’s a great question! I’ll put it on my list of videos to make ;)
-Ali

It’s never too late to start! I know adults (in their 50s!!!) who are just now learning to ride. So go for it :)
-Ali

Bounces (as in two jumps in a row without any strides in between) are tricky! If you are nervous, you should definitely talk to your trainer about it. But, if you’re ready, they are a great learning tool. One of the most important things to remember when riding through a bounce is to make sure you stay back and balanced in the saddle. If you get ahead of your horse, you’ll make it really hard for him to jump the second jump (and encourage him to just refuse it). You obviously don’t have time (and you don’t want to) to sit down in the saddle between the jumps, but you should still try to bring your upper body back a little and drop a little toward the saddle as soon as he lands after the first jump. This helps your horse set up for the next take off. Hope that helps!
-Ali

Well done with the jumps! Check out my reply to your other comment regarding bounces ;)
-Ali

First, make sure he knows it’s okay to be afraid of horses ;) They’re big, unpredictable animals! Now, the next question is, does your dad want to do something about being afraid of horses? Because if he doesn’t, I’m afraid there’s nothing you can do. You’ll just have to work around it. But if he wants to get over his fear, you can help by introducing him to a nice, friendly, calm pony and showing him the safe ways to pet a horse, move around a horse and such things. Take it slow and give him time ;)
-Ali

Haha, sorry!! I’ve been in Ghana working, so I’m a little behind ;) I just uploaded a new video on lunging today, so enjoy! And I’ll try to be better about posting more regularly :D
-Ali

Haha fabulous! I’m very excited for your son–and I think boys should ride just as much as girls! (I don’t know why more don’t ;) ) Thanks again.
-Ali

Somewhere on my site I answered a similar question about help with putting a bit in… I’ll have to find it and make a blog out of it! Stay tuned ;)
-Ali

Your horse needs the momentum–you can see this for yourself if you try jumping from a stand-still and then try again with a running start. You can jump farther and higher with some speed!
-Ali

Hey Ali! How are you and Noah? Well im riding a pony named Blue now and hes the sweetest thing but can be a real brat, he pulls the reins out of my hands my trainer says to give him leg when he does that do u ahve any more tips on it? And i also did a 2’3 course on him! He was great! But im scared cause my trainer says im gonan canter some jumps next time and i was wondering if u have any tips on cantering jumps yeah its kinda liek trotting them and i highly dout about u haveing much tips about it but just in case, and by the way what do u do if a horse tries to bite u when u get it out of its stall? Please wright back
-Destiny:)

noah is so cute. i ride a horse named sarah and she is so gentle but when i put the bridle on she throws her head. is there a way to cure that?

Hey Ali, i was just wondering, how do you do up the bridle after u take it off the horse?

You can do two things. You can either just leave it as is and hang it up by the crown piece, with the reins resting on the crown piece, or you can do something called “figure 8ing” a bridle. If you hold the bridle by the crown piece, with the buckle of the reins on top of the crown piece, you can then take the nose band and close it outside and around the cheek pieces and reins. You don’t have to buckle it, you can just push the end through the keepers. Next, you take the throat latch and wrap it twice around the whole bridle, so it makes a figure 8, and then tuck the end of it into its keepers as well. It’s hard to explain in text–I’ll have to make a video of it ;)
-Ali

Dear Ali I love horses more then anything and I live in the city so there is not many places to ride the one place that i ride at now I love but is crazy expensive 100 per lesson and my mom cant spend that kind of money right now so i dont get to ride that often any tips on saving money?
-Zoe

Dear Ali Sorry if i like post every day but each morning i wake up with a new question I am looking into buying my first riding crop instead of using the ones my stable supplies if you dont have your own… How do you pick one out?
-Zoe

dear Ali
i have so any questions but a huge one for e is what style to ride? I’m going to start riding some time this fall but i don’t know what to ride? i think i found a place to ride, they do lots English riding. plzz respond, thank you so much!

Hiya I just had my first horse riding lesson!! It was so much fun. I went on Saturday gonna go again next week I wanna go now!! I was the person who was scared of walking around the back of a horse if you remember lol A few hours after horse lesson I got aches and pains in my top leg and back is this normall? I learnt how to trot all in an hour :)

@flagyl online: I agree

well, that of course depends a lot on what you want to do, and what’s available in your area. If you don’t really have any ideas of what you’d enjoy, I’d start by looking around at what kinds of riding happen around you. Then try a few out! The one to pick is the one you love ;)
-Ali

Hiya Ali!
Its me again. Thank you for the advice. I am now going horse riding at a place called rosevidney every Saturday, well i hope I could go every Saturday. The Pains in my leg has almost gone. Could you show us how to stir , trot ect…?
Hope you are okay!
-Sophie

Had my 2nd riding lesson! I now know the proper way to trot but I need more practice!

Hi Ali
I was just wondering how to persuade my parents to let me have a pony because I do riding lessons and before I have my lesson my friends and I groom and saddle the pony were going to ride and In winter we get to take off their rugs plus on holiday programs we do the whole process of taking care of the pony and I can ride quite well I can canter and even jump little logs and cross poles.
Hope you can help!
Elise

Hi Ali!
I saw your video on polo wraps and it really helped because i’ve never done it before, but i was wondering, do all horses have to have polo wraps? Also, in your grooming video, you said that you could use the curry comb from behind the ears and above the legs but can you use it on their hip? I thought it would be too harsh on their hip and the unprotected part of their spine. Thanks a heap! Your videos have really, really helped me!

heyy Ali how r u i got a question how do you load a horse in a trilar? i want to know but i don’t have a horse (yet but i am baggein a lot) thanks again

Wow, noah is beautiful and your Video’s helped alot even though I dont have a horse but hopefully i’m going to get one some where in nov, But anyways I don’t know what breed to get. And i would like to be a barrel racer, im a speed-demon so I need a horse that can go fast haha, and how old is noah?

Barrel racing seems like it would be so much fun! Noah is 13 now. Thanks for visiting my site!
-Ali

Well, you first have to understand what your parents’ objections are to you having a horse. Then you must find how you can answer those objections! Good luck ;)
-Ali

@Ali: Well I meant to ask you something in my first post, did you get horseback riding lessons before you got a horse? and should i get lessons before getting a horse? I am probably getting lessons, but if I dont I will probably still get a horse i’m just making sure its not dangerous. :)

hi ali my friend rebekah ib being realy mean becus she is jumping and i have just moved up to hight school and all the girels in my class ride and thay are wining cupes and geting in the paper one of them do acrobatic riding . thay all have ther owen ponies or lone them evin this boy (who i think is kind of cute ). and to make maters woers i am in the class wih a girel that lones dice and she is saying she owens hur and i don’t realy ride ( as you can sea i am not fiting in ) i am this cloes( l l) to make hur wish come troo and well ther will be no ponies to ride becus ann says shara ( the girel that is loneing dice is byeing hur) can you help me and tell me should i stop riding

Hi Ali!
I just wanted to say that I love your videos! Although I know how to do basicly everything you show in your videos, it’s just nice to have a refresher :) So here’s the thing, I have been riding and taking lessons for about 4yrs now! I’m absoulutly in LOVE with horses :) I have helped out at different stables (mucking, feeding, turn-out, bathing, grooming, tacking, etc.) I pretty much have everything I need for my own horse other then tack and blankets! I started part-boarding again about 2 weeks ago!! I love this new guy! The owner has five horses and doesnt have time for him. I know if we asked to buy him she would say yes, as he has been for sale before but never found the right home. I really want my parents to allow me to buy him! I would love to have him, as we seem perfect for eachother! He is sound, great heath condition, no vices! My mom says she doesnt know that much about horses but my dad and I do! Any suggestions on what I can do to convince her to buy him for me?

Thannks!
Emily

Hey Ali, I take lessons at a farm and When I try to feed my horse he will try to take the food out of the bucket before i even give it to him. Once he almost bit me. I try topush him away and well you know how it feels when a 1000 pound horse comes raming into you and won’t move. I waswondering what I could do to make him listen.

thanks,
Elia

I was wondering if you could put a videoe on youtube about how to jump and not fall off thanks

could you also do one on putting on a bridle. My arms are short and I ahve trouble with that

Your’e video on tieing a slip knot is the best that I have seen. However, I still cannot seem to master it (especially the last part where you pull the knot tight). If you ever have time I would appreciate you videoing another video on this topic – however please go much slower. I have reviewed this video for hours and just cannot grasp it. Please provide a step by step plan on your next version as well. Thank you so much for your effort.

I’m going to start riding horses again next year and go to pony club but im a little confused.
Do you have to have your own horse to go to pony club? Or will they let you use one of there own pony club horses?
Please Please reply! <3

That totally depends on the club! Mine had horses for people to ride, but some don’t. Just ask at the club, they’ll tell you! Have fun :D
-Ali

Aw, sorry! Maybe I can find a way to play it in slow motion :D I’ll see what I can do! I’ll also post pictures of it step by step.
-Ali

Hey Ali I wanted to know how to determine what size helmet I m. I take horse lessons at a fafarm and my teacher will lecture me about not knowin whstsize I m. Pleade respond begore sunday. Thanks a lot Elia
:]

Sorry for the spelling errors my computer is acting weird

@Ali:
Awww thank you! by the way iloveeeee your videos! <3

Hi Ali,
I am having some trouble finding a place to buy a horse or loan for a few months.
do you have any ideas where i could get some help?
Thanks alot.
Kind regards,
Anniiee Spencer

how high should you go when you post

Hi Ali,

I’m working on posting right now and I can’t seem to get it. Do you have a posting video??

Dear ali i love horses but im not sure how to look after them could you tell me how to and every time i to the stables they tell me i need to work on troting.

to ali thaer is this toal buliy at my school and she lones dice and i have resently moved up to hight school eny way she has bin telling evry one that i am lieing a bout me riding and she has toled evry one that dice is hur pony and i can’t tell the school becus it is about hores riding andi can’t tell ann becus it’s happening at school and my mum can’t do eny thing help me

p.s i might have sent a mesigge like this befor but its not on you’r page so i trust it did not send

pps help me B(

Hi Ali,
I fell off a pony called Angel yesterday because she reared up and twisted because she was being naughty do you have any ideas to help stay on if she does it next time I ride her because I ride all different ponies all the time.

Thank You soooooo much for your videos! I’m starting riding again, because I went when I was little, but it sort of ground to a halt :P. Your videos are SO helpful to me and they give me little hints and tips which have helped me to get back into the swing of riding! I do have a couple of questions for you :)! Firstly, the horse I ride is called Rudie and I REALLY love him, he is such a sweetheart and he really tries to do everything I ask, even if he can be a bit lazy sometimes! My only problem is that when I’m trotting on him, he is SOOO bouncy, about 10 times bouncier than any other horse I have ever ridden! This is fine for when I’m doing rising trot, but when I go into sitting trot before canter, I find it really hard to use the leg aids effectively to get into canter, and Rudie, being the cutie that he is, gets confused and keeps trotting or slows down, even though my riding instructor says it’s not because I’m pulling on the reins, and it’s ’cause I’m bouncing in the sitting trot. We were trotting without stirrups in the other lesson, and I found it fine, but as soon as I started to prepare for canter, Rudie was speeding up and so I tried to collect him but it just made him bouncier!! Please help.. :) One more question, would it be possible to make a “How to Canter Properly” video because sometimes, after Rudie’s bouncy trot, I find it hard to sit properly to his canter, which is LOVELY! I have read your canter blog and found it very helpful, but I find it easier to learn from a video when I can SEE what I should do to improve my riding. I don’t mind if you don’t have time, because I imagine you’re very busy, but just it you have a spare moment, it would be really helpful!!
Thanks so much and sorry for the long comment!
Grateful Rider

heyy Ali i was to a riding lesson yesterday and i started to canter cathie say my but should stay in the saddle but it won’t do you have any tips i could use if so plase post them thanks so much bye

Dear Ali,
Hi. I have been trying to keep in touch with you on my riding:) Somthing super big just happened about a month ago:) I Got a horse!!!!:D She is a 15.3 Morgan TB QH X Mare. Her name is McKenna:) But the place she came from tought her very bad habits. She sticks her head to the outside, and puts her barrel inside. How do I get her to stop doing that? She also doesnt lik eto stand still. Any info on that? My trainer and I have been working with her though. But when i dont have a lesson. I’m by myself. So if there is any info on my questions. Just wright back.
Thanks again,
Destiny:)

Hey Ali,
I really enjoy your podcasts and watch them every night over and over again. I’m not very good at remebering the info on videos so it really helps to be able to watch it over and over again.
At the moment i am 13 but am looking at doing Equine Science when i get to uni. My dad, however says that i must first see whether i can get a good job out of the course because there is no point going to uni if i can’t get a job from it. So I have been loking around for a job with suitable yearly income that also involves hands on work with horses. I have looked everywhere but can’t seem to find how much each career offers me. I was thinking that you might be able to help me seen as you in that kind of field.

I don’t want to sound like im sucking up to you but your podcasts have helped me so much since i started riding and i know that i wouldn’t be able to do the things i can do now without them.

Thanks a heap!
Emma

Hi Ali. I just wanted to say that I love watching your videos. I think they’re great. I love riding and I used to go. At my old riding school, the horses were usually in the lesson before or they were already tacked up, so I never had to tack up myself. i quit riding but then missed it, so I decided to start back. I started at a different riding shcool with my friend but i was scared. I didn’t know how to tack up a horse and my friend had told me they had to tack up their own horses. I watched your video on how to tack up a horse so much, that when I had to do it myself, I knew how!
Thanks so much,
Lauren.

Hi Ali,
I was just wondering what breed Noah is?
and, do you recommened short boots and half-chaps or long boots?
Which do you perfer?

hi Ali i am jumping now and I fell of and grased my arme (not the first timeand it did not hurt so I am ok)and charle a boy in my class (who i think is cute ) askt me what happend then shara startid to make fun of me . he suck up for my (sweet) but i don’t wont him getng into it and geting bulied but I like him suporting me what do i do

Lauren–

Noah is a Morgan. And I definitely prefer to do my daily riding in half chaps, because tall boots can be such a pain to get on and off!
-Ali

Unfortunately, “how to look after a horse” is a very big job and not something I could cover in one video ;) Hopefully I’ll keep building up my barn management videos and that will help answer your question.
-Ali

Not yet, but it’s on the list! Stay tuned ;)
-Ali

Elia–

Sorry for the delay–my computer didn’t tell me I had new comments! I don’t know if it’s still helpful, but the way you can know if a helmet fits is if you can wiggle the brim of it and have your skin move a little with it, rather than the helmet moving freely. It’s too big if it can move without moving your skin a little! And it’s too small if it hurts your head ;)
-Ali

It really depends on where you are located. I’d recommend checking out your local tack shack or feed store. Oftentimes the people there have a good sense of what horsey things go on in the area. Usually the internet can help too! Good luck ;)
-Ali

I’ve got one on the bridle–check out “how to tack up, part two.” Enjoy ;)
-Ali

Haha, don’t we all want to know how to do that! I’m working on a few jumping videos, so stay tuned ;)
-Ali

I totally understand your issue! You need to take some time to work on your horse respecting your space. Start without food and with a dressage whip. Holding the whip to his chest, step toward him and say “Back up.” If he doesn’t move, tap him lightly on the chest to encourage him to back up. Keep at it until he does–then as soon as he takes one step, stop and praise him. Repeat until even just the verbal command will get him to back up. (It may take several–or many–sessions. Be patient and consistent). Then have someone bring his food bucket and put it about ten feet behind you. Ask him to back up, away from his bucket. Again, repeat until he’s consistent and responsive. Move the bucket closer and closer until he will let you have the bucket at your feet and not run you over to get it! Good luck ;)
-Ali

Again, I have to say maybe start with a lease. Then you can show your mom that you really do know what you’re doing and that this horse is perfect for you. You can even set up a little “lease to own” situation. Listen to your mom’s concerns, and don’t try to convince her. Just understand her and then show her all the good things about this setup. if it really is good for you and her, she’ll come around ;)
-Ali

You should never stop doing what you truly want to do because of someone else. It sounds like these are not very nice people to hang out with. I know it can be hard if you really do want to fit in (especially in high school!!). But do you know what horses do if they don’t fit into a herd? They go find a new one ;) They look around and see if they can find horses that they get along with and who they like hanging out with. It feels a little, sometimes, like high school is a fence around your paddock that’s keeping you from finding a good herd, but I promise, it’s there right with you! You just have to have the courage to look. Always, always do what feels good and right to YOU, no matter what other people say. If you can practice that in high school, you’ll be set for the rest of your life! Good luck, and believe in yourself.
-Ali

I did indeed. I took eight years of lessons before I got my own horse. It makes sure a positive difference to have experience BEFORE your own horse. And definitely get lessons with your new horse too!
-Ali

@Destiny: OMG you got a horse now if only my parents got me a horse i love horses a LOT!!!!!!!!!!! you are soooooo lucky i bet you love Mckenna sooooooo muchi hope oyu get her out of her habits good luck :) :) :) :) :)

Hey Ali:) I was wondering. How do you get a horse to stop sticking its head to the outside. and moving its body inside. My horse does that. If any info. Please wright back:) Thanks:)

@summer peddle: Thanks so much!!!! And I hope you get one soon!:)

heyy ali how are you and noah i just finished watching your new video “How To Muck Out A Stall” i hopr you can get moer videos up soon and i still don’t have a horse :(:(:(:(:(:(:(:( well got to go hope i get a horse soon

@Destiny: heyy well guess what i judt got a horse like 5 seconds ago. i think your luck just got me luck. well got to go see my new horse bye (his name is charm)

when i was riding, i trotted up to a jump, the pony went for the jump and cleared it but i lost balance and fell off, do you think you could tell me how i could keep balance without holding onto the horse or saddle??? -please write back- Thankyou:)

It’s mostly about lots of practice!! You should spend lots of time riding around on the flat in two-point, and then over cavalettis and then tiny cross rails. You need lots of strength to stay balanced. And as you’re practicing, think about really dropping your weight into your heels and keeping your back flat and strong, even as you seat is forward in two-point. Don’t lean forward with your shoulders, either–that will really make it easy to fall. Remember, practice practice practice ;)
-Ali

thanks ali:D i’ll try it tomorrow;)

saw you new video whet is the next video you are doing i would like a video on how to load a horse in a trailer or how to biring a horse in to the paddock or pasture hope you get this soon thanks!!!!!!

- Summer

@summer: That is so awesome!!! What breed? How tall? What color? Lol:) How good of a mover is he?

@Destiny: he is a oldenburg and is is a dapple grey gelding and… he is 15.3hh he is a VERY good mover well got to go feed him and groom him yayyy:) i just still can’t belive i got i horse well bye

@summer peddle: Really cool!!! Good luck with him((:

Hey Ali! Iwas wondering. How do you get a horse to stop putting its head to the outside and shifting its body inward? My horse does that allll the time. Shes getting alottt better now but I still need com info. Thanks.

@Destiny: thanks heyy mabey you could send a pic of you horse to me an i can send a pic of my horse to you my e-mail is summerpeddle@live.com got to go feed charm bye

@Destiny: sorry i said a dapple grey i ment a bay horse i will send you some pics of him and the sirl on the chestnut is my friend taylor she owns ginger i like ginger and i think she likes me too got to go bring charm out of the pasture bye send me your e-mail if you want to see the pics bye

Ali,
There is a horse at my barn who kicks , bucks , and bites – but only in the pasture why does she do this? one instructor says that she doesn’t feel safe in the pasture? Why wouldnt she feel safe ?

@summer: Im so sorry. I would love to see him but I forgot my password to my email. But send the pics to this email cuz7@verizon.net Thanks(:

to ali
thanks so much ali it helped tons i did what you seid and i went to joined a new herd and shara is not a problem thanks By

P.S HAPPY XMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

P.P.S thank you so much

Hey Ali(:
I need help. My horse takes the jump big whenever she canters over it. Is that bad? Reply quickly(: Thanks

Hey Ali,
I’m so happy! The day before yesterday, my mum finally agreed for me to part loan/loan a horse! I was so surprised when she said yes because she is NOT an animal person! I am now searching to find my perfect pony/horse! Thanks for all your help!
Grateful Rider

Dear Ali,
I forgot to mention, I’m going to visit two ponies belonging to a friend of a friend, either this weekend or next. They’re called Rosie and Molly! Wish me luck!

Is she biting at other horses? Or at people? It could be she doesn’t get along with her pasturemates.
-Ali

i’m getting better and better every week i ride, all because of your advide! ali you are a really good teacher even though u aren’t there infront of me teaching (wish you were though)! and cracked the canter!

thank you so much ali!
love leonie;D<3<3<3<3

So glad to hear it!! Keep up the great work :D
-Ali

Hey Ali,
I just thought I’d comment to say thank you SO much for putting up ALL of your videos, they’ve really helped me progress down my equine path! My mum has agreed to me part loaning a horse so now, thanks to your advice, I should have lots of tips and techniques to look after and create a bond between me and my new equine pal ;)
Esme

hi my name is lucie goodwin. and how do u tack up a horse with a martinagle and drawing reins and boots? and i would like to meet you. where r u babsed as i have many questions to ask you as i live in ongar in england near chelmsford if yu know where that is. and how do u tie a haynet up? thank you let me no please?*

hi ali my dad seid that he is verry inpresed at how i have improved but he seid that if i get a pony or a hores it wouled praticlie rowen my chield hood so how cane i prove to him i can do it

p.s merry christmas

Esme–

I’m so glad to hear that! I can’t wait to hear about all of the adventures you have with your new equine friend ;)
-Ali

Wow, lots of questions! Firstly, I’m based in several places as I’m doing by graduate degree. As for tacking up with a martingale, you would put that around the horse’s neck before the bridle, so you can attach it into the girth. Drawing reins are a bit more complicated to explain…I’ll have to work on a video for those. Except that I’m not a huge fan of them, so maybe not ;) The key to tying up a hay net is to make sure that the net won’t hang below the horse’s chest level when it’s empty. It’s often helpful to run the top string through the bottom loop of the net to help keep it out of reach of the horse’s legs (so he doesn’t get tangled up).
-Ali

Hey Ali,
Your video’s are literally AMAZING! They’ve helped me progress so far in my riding, all because of your useful hints and tips which can be found in every one of your videos/blogs. I’ve watched every single one of your videos (so far!) and have read pretty much all of your blogs, and each one of them has been SO useful in teaching me a new aspect of horsemanship. Noah is the most gorgeous, fantastic horse! He is such a beautiful colour and so well behaved! You are SO lucky to have him and he really trusts you, that’s a really special bond to have with your horse!
Thanks so much for all of your help,
Happy Customer…….. :)

-heyyy ali
just one question. we had been riding for about just over 1 hour and a half.
As i was cantering into a jump or even just cantering round a field, he kept putting his head right down to the ground and the reins got really short, and i couldn’t pull him back to stop so i had no control which really frightened me!
why do you think he kept doing this, was it because he got fed up of the bit after a while or…..? i would really like to see if i can stop what he is doing because i don’t want to be doing anything wrong that might be bugging him!
Please write back;
-Leonie ;)

@Destiny: hey i sen dyou a few pic of me and charm i hope you like him you should send me some pics of your horse

Hey Ali!
After going to see a few horses, I have found one now called Tygar! He will be on part loan/lease, so I will get to see him two days of the week. Thanks again for all of your AMAZING videos, blog posts and helpful hints and tips! They are the best out there and you really know your stuff! They have helped me SO much to progress with my equestrianism and horse handling/riding! They are SO helpful and I cannot put into words how much they’ve helped me and how generally amazing they are! it’s very rare to find somebody who has the knowledge and kindness to put aside time to help others! Thanks again so much!
Your ever grateful avid-fan of Help! My daughter loves horses!
Esme

I have seen a lot of people using crops/whips incorrectly. Could you do a short video on proper crop use when you have time? :) thanks!

Hi thanks for all of the videos they are sooooo helpful! Can you do a video explaining how to take off a martingale and how to properly store it in a tack room. Thank you, keep making these awesome videos and blogs :)

Hey Ali! I’ve been keeping you updated on my riding. Well, I’ve had McKenna for a few months now and I rode her on New Years Eve!(: She was great! We went to a new place and did a 2’6″ course. And she loves oxers! Ahaha. She took a 2’6″ oxer like 3ft! Lol. She will eventually get to stop taking jumps so big. Just takes time! Oh, and we are going to have our first show together this month! It’s on January 28th. We will proabably do 3 or 4 18in hunter-jumper courses! Since It’s only my first show with her. I’ll keep it low. But I’ll do it at the canter. I’m so excited!(: She’s a really nice horse and I hope we will kick butt!!:D Check out my YouTube page and comemnt on my videos(: My channel name is: MegaHorsesaremylife
The place also had a small Hunter feild that was semi-XC but not really. But it was squishy out there cause it had rained. So maybe next time! But she did so good I’m so proud of her. I’m hoping to get all the way up (and get brave enough) to event her! I’m excited to see her future! Thanks again!

~Destiny

That’s a great idea! I’ll definitely add it to my list!
-Ali

Hi Ali! I’ve been riding for about 7 months now and I’ve always wanted to jump. Do you think it would be okay if I could start soon? I’ve walked, trotted and cantered over poles on the flat.

PS. Your so lucky to have Noah! Happy New Year!

~Jessie <3

Hey Ali,
In your video about yourself I heard you talking about the pony club, and I was wondering if you could give me more info about it. Do you have t ohave your own horse to join?

hi was wondering if i could i ask you about boots and martingales please? email me please? and i live in ongar near chelmsford i would love to meet you and ask you questions please? my mobile number is 07922015854 give me a text please? lucie
love all the horsey videos u do.

If you have a good position over the poles in all the gaits, then you certainly can try a little jump! Make you’ve got someone on hand to help you learn how to jump properly. There’s nothing like having to unlearn bad habits to put you behind ;p Happy new year!
-Ali

hello ali. i would love to meet you and see noah. as i live in ongar near chelmsford if you know where that is i would love to meet you and ask you some questions. when are you hoping to get more videos up? and if you want to contact me my number is 07922012854. if your ever near chelmsford way at all or near ongar then i would love to meet you.
thanks and happy new year to you too.:)
let me know please?.

Hey Ali, there’s this horse Sunny whose sometimes rears of getting to close to big rubber balls there kind of like yoga balls the instructor and I try to get her not scared because she’s in training to be a school horse we are really worried that she might rear, gallop off or anything to make the rider fall off what should we do??

hi ali i hope you had a good xmas but i have a problem for some strang reason most of the ponies at my school have whent mentill thay cant be riden or hafe to be led like when i was riding a another girl in my lesson the pony she was riding (peper)was trieing to throw hur over a fence then she got trampiled on th way down ( it was not hur day )then all the time oher ponies wher misbehaving and this has bin going on for 2 weeks do you have eny idea on how i could help in a sichoaton like this or better still get to the bottom of it plees help