Big Top Equestrian Centre
25210 Wildhorse Road V0H 1Z3 Summerland, BC, Canada

Lots and lots of people are horse shopping at this time. Here is a very simple ABC of what to expect a seller to show you in a video of a horse you are looking at from far away. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAf8KR-0AWI

How do you spell "excited" around our farm these days - it is a four letter word!!!! MULE!!!! *Serenade is an own daughter of *Sandman and out of our now 28 year old full Arabian mare, Mirage. *Serenade will have a baby mule, bred for ME, in May or maybe June.... I am told that sometimes mule babies go a bit longer than horse foals. In any case I am really looking forward to foaling season this year!

Well, look at that - an upwards "lift" works for just about everthing :)

Interesting perspective!

Oh my heart - this my little man, *Firesides Little Joey. I adore this Curly pony stallion and I tell people if he was a big horse I would shun all others! (horses lol). He is just wonderful.

Follow up to the leverage devices.

Rigs, running reins, draw reins, bitting devices, chambons, De Gogues, have one commonality. They all depend upon the mechanical power of leverage. The definiti...on of "leverage" in mechanical terms---"the action of a lever, a rigid bar that pivots about one point and that is used to move an object at a second point by a force applied at a third." There is no horse alive that is strong enough to resist the power of applied leverage if it is rigged in such a way as to create overwhelming force. As Archimedes said, "Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world." Every day, all over the world, wherever humans ride horses, there will be leverage devices, and EVERY SINGLE HUMAN who uses them will have an excuse and a righteous reason why "in this case" the use is justified. Horses heads and necks can be forced into all sorts of shapes, but watch horses run, climb, descend, jump, walk, trot, canter, gallop, and you'll see how their heads and necks are used for balance and stability. Those who have to rely (or choose to rely) on the forces of leverage to train, instead of using the longer and softer methods of persuading horses to yield to a give and take of pressure, will win plenty of ribbons, and that alone will help them justify, in their minds, the use of force---- Crank your own head into some fixed position and go run, jump and climb---See how it feels---

Hello everyone. We are happy to announce that here at the Big Top Equestrian Centre we have 4 winter boarding spots, available immediately. If you are looking to escape the winter blues with your horse, this would be the way to do it! With the excellent footing, the brightness of arena and the very good lighting system, you will find a place to change your game with your horse this winter.... Full board is $475.00. This will include a slow feeder bin and excellent quality, tested hay. If you prefer a feeder net, that can be provided as well, but you will need to load it up. You are also responsible for cleaning your paddock - all tools supplied. This year we are also offering self-board, it will be $300.00 per month. You supply the hay and make sure it is in front of your horse, either with the use of our feeder bins or your slow feeder net (you bring). You are responsible for cleaning your paddock - tools supplied. Please note, we do not have covered space to store your hay so you will need to bring it as you need it or put it on pallets under a tarp. All short term board paddocks have individual shelter, easy access to a source of water via a frost free hydrant. If you want to heat your water bucket, power is supplied for that too. If you prefer to bring your horse for a week, we can discuss that option as well. Drop-ins are still welcome @ $25.00 per person, per drop in, monthly rate for drop-ins would be $250.00. All above rates include GST. The above board options are available immediately, through to the end of April. If you wish longer term boarding than that, please inquire about availability. PLEASE NOTE: COVID-19 PROTOCOLS ARE IN PLACE. DO INQUIRE ABOUT THE PROTOCOLS BEFORE YOU COME TO OUR CENTRE.

To my friends, colleagues, valued boarders, lessors, lesson takers: As of now, we have implemented some new protocols for your time at our facility. At this time I want to remind everyone that we are not responsible for the pandemic, we do not like the rules and regulations any more than the next person, but we will follow the safety measures and hope to: a) keep the barn open and... b) keep us all healthy and well The mask wearing rule is not up for negotiation, at least not for now. It is not a debate, we will require them at all times. Stay safe everyone! Shelly and Warren The following is posted at the farm: BIG TOP EQUESTRIAN COVID - 19 NOTICE November 21, 2020 IF YOU ARE SICK - GO HOME. PLEASE DO NOT COME BACK UNTIL YOU ARE COMPLETELY WELL. IF YOUR HORSE NEEDS EXTRA CARE PLEASE ASK US TO HELP YOU. MASKS ARE REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES AT THE FARM. SANITIZE YOUR HANDS UPON ARRIVAL. WEAR GLOVES AT ALL TIMES. USE SPRAY BOTTLES OF SANTIZER AT ARENA DOOR TO SANITIZE THE ARENA DOOR INSIDE AND OUTSIDE WHEN YOU ENTER AND LEAVE. ALSO SPRAY THE ROPE/CLIP YOU TOUCH TO CLOSE THE FENCE INSIDE THE ARENA. SOCIAL DISTANCING - KEEP 2 METRES BETWEEN YOU AND ANYONE ELSE YOU COME INTO CONTACT WITH AT THE FARM. DO NOT SHARE BRUSHES, TACK, SADDLES OR ANY OTHER GEAR OR EQUIPMENT. PLEASE LIMIT YOUR TIME AT THE FARM TO HORSE TIME ONLY. I KNOW WE LIKE TO SOCIALIZE, BUT PLEASE TRY TO MINIMIZE THIS FOR NOW. IF YOU ARE RIDING OUT, YOU CAN BE OUT ON THE ROAD FOR AS LONG AS YOU WANT, THEN, KEEP YOUR ON FARM TIME LIMITED. PLEASE NO VISITORS AT THIS TIME - ONLY BOARDERS AND LEASORS. TEXT SHELLY TO SCHEDULE YOUR TIME AT THE FARM, 250 486-6773 REMEMBER WE DO NOT MAKE UP THE PROTOCOLS FOR A PANDEMIC. WE ARE DOING THE VERY BEST WE CAN TO KEEP YOU, US AND THE HORSES SAFE AND WELL.

Wow - thanks Manolo! Another great article!

We were really lucky to go out on a beautiful trail ride yesterday! Today the smoke in our area (and a LOT of other areas too!) is horrendous. Thanks for taking these photos Anastasia! Phone cameras with timers are a good thing :)

This is so incredibly important for riding! This article talks about the canter, but it can happen at any gait - even the walk - a horse will not go forward willingly. Yes, we can force them, but if we are also "holding" them, this won't work - or it won't work well or for long! How to get through to people though? hmmm

We can still do some stuff, but take it easy until the smoke passes.

We have many, many good solid horses here at our farm - the folks who ride them can attest to that! I love seeing my friends going out riding, 2 - 6 of them together or sometimes alone and know that they are going to be as safe as they can be on their "good" horses. I had to retire my "good" riding horse - she had an exposure to hoary alyssum which caused her to nearly die and is now chronically pasture sound only. I miss having my "go to" horse - but I will have another one - just takes time, patience, oh ya and more time lol.

Nice post. I have been saying this for years!

Sharing, copying, pasting - important read everyone! "So many people say their horses are jerks, misbehaving, being moody, stubborn... those are human traits, not Equine ones. Stop anthropomorphism and listen to your horse. S/he is speaking to you as h/she can: horse people will hear it and determine the cause of the behaviour. People with horses? They blame it on the horse."

Please think through these three images before you are tempted to resort to any sort of device that forces "obedience" through the inescapable power of leverage.... Take the middle one first---To be that flexible requires the various muscles to be gradually elongated by stretching to the point of SOME discomfort, holding it, and releasing it. Over time, through careful stretching, the range of motion is increased, but virtually everything that we read about stretching starts with this warning---NEVER FORCE A STRETCH. Now take the third image, the inverted horse. How tempting it would be to just slap on draw reins (first image) and just MAKE that "bad" horse put its head where we want it. How much faster than gradually tinkering away to induce compliance over weeks or even months. But what do they say? "Never force a stretch." So do we go along with exercise physiology and do it right, over time.or do we just say, "Forget doing it right---I want it NOW." Because that is precisely what we do when we resort to any sort of leverage. and no matter how we dress it up. make any excuse, it remains a fact that we are using force rather than skillful coaxing. You watch---There will be posts here saying why it's OK--- Here is another saying---"Only the most highly skilled riders know enough to use leverage devices, and the most highly skilled riders do not need leverage devices." But you watch----

I do not pretend to be anywhere near the experience level of Lee, but I have had a few horses come through here that match well with her descriptions and yep it can take years to get them where they need to go. I clearly remember times saying to Anastasia Ivanusic, "this" horse will probably "never" be "fill in the blank" and yet a few years later we look back and yep - the horse has become more than we could have hoped for - take the time it takes everyone! I also remember chatting with Will Clinging about a particularly difficult horse and he said that sometimes you have to throw away the calendar, never mind your watch! Words that really stuck with me! Thanks for the reminder Lee!

Good morning. *Sandman is a great-grandfather! Follow me here.... *Sandman sired *Snowman's Magic, *Snowman's Magic sired *Make Believe, *Make Believe sired this 2018 filly - we are calling her *Moon Lily. *Make Believe is homozygous for appy colour and also homozygous for the black gene. This filly will roan out for sure. She is super sweet and big thanks to Shaynna Poirier for helping get this filly to us.

"30 Days Does Not Make a Well Broke Horse (Neither will 90, if you were wondering). If we could only make this truth fully understood in the horse world, there ...would be so much time/money loss, anxiety, heartbreak and injury that could be avoided? When you take an un-started (or worse, poorly started) horse to a trainer, thirty days is not enough for the vast majority of horses if you are expecting a calm, quiet horse that is light to ride, yet not overreactive to stimulus. Also, since you sought out a trainer, you’re probably not one. What your horse and trainer can do after 30, 60 or 90 days is probably not what you and your horse can do together when you bring him/her home. A more realistic expectation of a 90 day horse is that they now have a solid foundation of the basics. What those basics actually are will vary with each horse, their temperament, and the amount (and quality) of handling they had previously received, but regardless, you will not have a finished horse. You do not USUALLY have a beginner safe horse, either. The expectation that you could is unfair to the horse and the industry, really. Additionally, he/she may not retain what he learns, unless you continue to work with the horse with a similar skill set and regularity. So if you aren’t continuing your own education, you’re possibly going to undo what the horse has actually learned. The moral? Be fair to your horse and your trainer. Give the horse what he needs to get a solid start. Good horses deserve good riders, so train yourself, so that you’re knowledgeable enough to work with your horse effectively. Understand a well rounded, well trained horse often takes years to develop, and they are worth the investment Good training isn’t quick. Good trainers aren’t cheap." Beautifully written by Tinia Creamer https://heartofphoenix.org//30-days-does-not-make-a-well-/ The horse pictured was developed very slowly over 3 years, he just turned 6. He had a lot of ground work. It seemed every time we started working under saddle that he would have another growth spurt. It was back to ground work. Now he is the sweetest, and most ammy/child friendly young horse. Will get to the other side of any jump from any distance. Such a nice guy. Cunning Twist SLK ridden by Carissa Larson

This is Chica Caliente (aka Callie) she is my 16hh, 2007 Standardbred mare who I have been using as a broodmare with my Curly stallions. She is retired now from breeding and doing very well under saddle - just going to start going out on the trails this week! Callie is strongly gaited - but she is working on a pretty decent canter on the lunge line - she is willing, kind and like most Standardbreds has a great work ethic. She will be offered for sale - let me know if you are looking for a fun, forward, pretty, big mare to go on adventures with!

A reader writes: I appreciate that you are wanting to make versatile horses but you need to know that horses who are ridden Western will never be able to acce...pt a correct English contact! They will either go behind the bit or become fussy. Until this issue can be addressed, these horses will never be able to excel in both worlds. It will be one, or the other, but not both. *** Well, this perked me up, to put it mildly. After making so many Western horses who go on to English disciplines in new hands, I’ve been watching. After decades of riding and driving western ranch horses in a variety of competitive realms, I can picture very clearly what this person is saying. The difference of course, is in our expectations. Too many of us have been putting it on our horse to make the necessary adaptations. I maintain stoutly that change and compromise are the rider’s bailiwick! Without splitting hairs and getting cranky with one another, the issue is this: how can we help Western-trained horses adapt to English or carriage driving ways? Many of us think that so long as a horse is carrying a specific saddle and bridle, he is happily going in that discipline. I think that this mindset points to a lack of understanding as to what different disciplines require and also, to a lack of respect toward the horses who are trying to work within these man-made parameters. We need to realize that well-trained Western horses, mine included, are carrying themselves through the premise of pressure and release. We riders tend to think that the amount of pressure we put upon a horse, more leg, more outside rein, is what gets results. In fact, with any horse, it is the timing of the release, or mere lightening, that holds the magic. In my lesson program, I teach a surprising number of horses and riders who are competing in dressage. When I first ask them to ‘give’ with their hands, to lighten up, even to simply reward their horses by riding ‘on the buckle’ (on a long, loose rein) they literally freeze. Somehow, there is this belief that to lessen the contact is to ‘throw it all away’. I’ll often ask these riders how much contact they want their horses to accept? It’s not unusual for them to answers in terms of pounds of pressure, as though they are riding through some sort of spring that must be stretched. The carriage driving world is very similar. The horses are literally driven up into their bridles from behind in order to be collected by the hands. The problem with this approach is that it is working with a ‘taking’ mindset. Often, these same riders and drivers have a hard time showing their horses with ‘lightness’ or in bringing them back to sit on their hocks. Their horses tend to lean on their hands like a fifth wheel. I agree that one cannot ride a Western-trained horse in this way and have him work happily or perform well. I might even suggest that no horse, not even a ridden or driven dressage horse, will work beautifully in this manner but that’s perhaps an argument for another day. Instead, what I urge riders of Western-started horses to do, is to ride with a forward-thinking hand. The key concept is to ride with most of our feeling in the soft elbow. The hand is merely holding the rein, refining what is being asked of the horse. The rider will creep up on each rein by moving the fingers, until the slack loop is gone from the rein. There will simply be a straight line between the bit and the hand (and elbow). The rider will work to maintain this visual look of contact but the actual feeling will always be a readiness to move with the horse. It takes very few minutes before a Western horse will trust this sort of hand enough to not go behind the vertical, but to move confidently towards the bit. The feeling, from the rider’s point of view, is of pushing towards the horse’s mouth, particularly on the inside rein but of not allowing the reins to show any loop or drop. We will imagine that our reins are broomsticks, whereby we push the horse into roundness. Turns are done more with a slight giving and taking of the outside rein, rather than a pull of the inside rein, particularly important when driving horses in harness. The urge to use the outside rein to bring the horse into roundness is done by slightly surrendering the inside rein, instead, while pulsing with the inside leg or the driving whip at the horse’s girth. The payoff for any rider who starts to ride in roundness with a surrendering hand, will be the relaxation of the horse and a marked improvement in his movement, both in the freedom of the shoulders and swing behind the saddle. Yes, this will be reflected in your scores. In closing, I agree that most Western horses will fight a heavy-handed contact, no matter the bit or type of cavesson we choose to ride them in. That said, I maintain that NO horse should have to work under such conditions and that if we ride with more generosity of spirit, we will be amply rewarded. Whether we compete predominantly Western or English horses, we are wanting much the same things... Relaxation. Poise. Athleticism. Grace. A one-ness of intent. Rather than expecting our horses to ‘accept contact’ with the bit, let usas ridersaccept responsibility for the quality of contact our horses are asked to receive.

Like mother like daughter :) For those of you who didn't know my beloved *Tess when she was a wee one.