The Lost Art of Equestrian Etiquette 

These days it seems like equestrian etiquette has long been forgotten about and some may argue that it  may no longer exist. Every month the Happy Horse Gazette will feature a new topic of concern relating to the loss of etiquette in the equine industry and how to bring it back. Many situations will be discussed and how to deal with them in an  appropriate manner. We hope you enjoy these helpful hints and share them with other horse people.

Proper Etiquette for Arena Work

• If the arena is in use, call 'Gate Free'. When the senior rider answers 'Yes' or 'Gate Free', enter quickly through a gate when the way is clear.
• When entering the arena, riders must lead horses into the center.
• Mount and dismount in the center of the arena.
• Riders must pass left shoulder to left shoulder.
• If you are riding at a walk, use the inside track.
• If there are more than two riders, halts, rein-back, lateral movements, etc, should be
  practiced on the inside track.
• Unless you are instructing, keep spoken commands to a minimum and speak quietly.
• If you are permitted to use the arena while a lesson is in progress, do not interfere in any way with the lesson.
• Riders of horses not under control must leave the arena at the request of other riders.
• When four of more riders are working in an arena be co-operative. Riders should work on the same lead (direction). The senior rider (in terms of experience not age) is usually responsible for changes in direction.
• When leaving the arena, dismount in the center and ask 'Gate Free' and wait until the way is clear to leave.

Equine Astrology
Pisces 20 February - 20 March

Pisces is the twelfth sign of the zodiac, and is a mutable water sign, which is ruled by the planet Neptune. The Pisces-sun horse is therefore extremely sensitive, impressionable, and a dreamer. This horse is unusually reactive to the atmosphere of its environment, and aggressive behavior or harsh words will have a shattering effect on its very gentle nature. It is therefore important to accommodate your Pisces-sun horse in a tranquil place, preferably near a large body of water, which will help to protect it from negative energy. For this horse's emotional well being, it needs to be given the opportunity to escape into its own dream world on a regular basis. The Pisces-sun horse will have a natural desire to belong to and be dependent upon you for security, and will also enjoy the companionship of kind-natured horses. If you give this horse a strong sense of itself by treating it with a lot of tenderness and love, it will work for you unselfishly and devotedly. To really get the best out of your Pisces-sun horse, you also need to find a way to engage its imagination. Pisceans particularly like soothing music, so you may find that your Pisces-sun horse enjoys working with you to music! As the sign of Pisces rules the feet, you should take particular care with this horse's hooves, heels and coronets; otherwise your horse may develop problems in this area. As the owner of a Pisces-sun horse, you should dedicate as much time as you can to do activities with your horse, which help it to believe in you, as this horse wants to idealize you in its mind and heart.  

Next month Equine Astrology will feature Aries!

Product Review Barn

Welcome to the Product Review Barn! Every month we will feature a product that will be accompanied by a consumer review. At the Happy Horse we all have our favorite products and we sure do like to talk about them! The P.R Barn is a place where we can showcase these items. Any item that is featured in the Barn will be offered online at a SALE PRICE! If you find a product that you  like e-mail emily at happyhorsetack.com for the online sale information. Life has never been so good!

Scoring System: 
Every rider's must have
An excellent equestrian product
Could come in handy
Takes up precious trunk space

Old Mac's
Retail price: $145.00
www.oldmacsusa.com

Old Mac's Multi Purpose Horse Boots™ are a genuine and natural alternative to metal shoes. Old Mac’s facilitate the natural shock absorbing, weight bearing function of the hoof. Old Mac's will eliminate brittle hoof walls and the stress and trauma caused to your horse through constant nailing. Old Mac's unique high-tech performance outsole, incorporates the unique Hoof Suspension™ System. The specially developed Thermo Plastic Urethane (TPU) compound will minimize and help speed up recovery from concussion-related injuries. If your horse suffers from any of the following - Arthritis, Pedal bone fractures, Jarred shins, Navicular disease, Ringbone, Knee fractures, Laminitis (founder), Bruised soles or Hoof walls and Scalping from overreaching - Old Mac's will benefit your horse.

Odds & Ends

Upcoming Activities * March 5th&6th and April 9th&10th Tom Ordway Riding Clinic Tom Ordway is a well-known USEF "R" TD and a graduate "A" from Glastonbury Pony Club in CT. Tom is an excellent rider, trainer, and clinician having ridden and studied with Karl Mikkola, George Morris, Rick Ekhart, Jan Conant and numerous others. Hosted by Blue Sky Farm, Winsor, CO Please call 970-686-2505 or e-mail Rbluesky@earthlink.net * March 20th and April 17th Northern Colorado Dressage Association Schooling Show Event will be held at Fort Collins Equestrian Center in Fort Collins, CO. Contact Jane Donnelly at 970-669-5775 for more information. * March 26th Rancho Vista Tack and Ranch Auction All proceeds go directly to Rancho Vista therapeutic riding program. This auction will be held at Rancho Vista Equine Therapy Center. Please call 970-221-5522 for directions and more information.

Horse Whisperer Nancy Dunlop Cawdrey

Horses do think. Not very deeply, perhaps, but enough to get you into a lot of trouble.
~Patricia Jacobson and Marcia Hayes, A Horse Around The House  

Consignment Saddle Showcase If you are interested in any of these consignment saddles please contact Jen at happyhorsetack.com

Amerigo DJ Jumping 17.5" seat/med-wide tree $2500.00 Here is your chance to purchase an Amerigo that is barely new! This jumping saddle is in fantastic shape and is waiting for the perfect home. Amerigo is a name that is know for its quality and handmade craftsmanship. For more information on the Amerigo Saddle company stop by the store or follow the link. Amerigo Crosby Freestyle Dressage 17.5" seat/med tree $680.00 This Crosby is the real deal! When Miller's went out of business they sold the Crosby name and now the quality is not the same. This dressage saddle is in excellent condition and is a minimalists fantasy. The plain flap and pencil knee roll supports the rider's leg without being  inhibiting. If you want a excellent, well-balanced saddle come and try this one.  Stubben Scandica 17.5"seat/med-wide tree/ebony $900.00 Here is an excellent Eventing saddle that is in good shape. This saddle has a few scratches along the cantle and seat, but is still in very usable condition. Stop by the Happy Horse today and check this saddle out on test ride.