Horse Sense
Star Expert:
Sydna Webb is a professor of kinesiology at Lone Star College–Tomball. She teaches Fitness for Life, Weight Training, Dance, including jazz, country and western, social and popular dance. She has been involved with horses all of her life; her family raised horses and she grew up riding. She shows AQHA Registered Quarter horses in Western Discipline competition.
What are your three favorite things about horses?
Only three? First of all I believe horses are such beautiful - noble beasts! Second I love to ride them, seriously, as when I am in the show ring, or just for pleasure. There is NOTHING to compare to the feel of such a powerful, beautiful, spirited, horse beneath your knees. Third - the smell. If you know/love horses - you understand. No other animal smells like a horse. I love to watch them interact – playing, running, grazing. By now, you can tell that I am totally horse-crazy!
Is there a particular horse that strikes you as the "perfect" Texas horse -- like a celebrity horse from the movies?
The star of Black Beauty would probably be my choice. I believe most people don't realize that he is an American Quarter Horse. His registered name is Doc's Keepin' Time. By the way, the American Quarter Horse Association originated in Texas and is the largest breed registry (most horses) in the world.
What are the most important things a greenhorn at a dude ranch needs to know about horses?
Dudes need to know a familiar saying among horse people: The more inexperienced the rider is, the more experienced the horse needs to be. Another saying to bear in mind: Green on green makes black and blue!
Can they really smell your fear?
I'm not sure if they smell fear - but they can certainly sense it. And since they are "flight" animals (which means that their main defense is to RUN), the more you act secure and calm the better or more confident the horse will behave. You see - horses are basically cowards 'cause they know they taste good.
Remember the scene in Giant where the Rock Hudson character puts his tiny little son on a horse and is embarrassed when the toddler starts crying? How should kids be introduced to horses?
Children should be taken slowly and very carefully, in a completely "safe" environment with an experienced adult having control of the horse. And the key is SLOWLY - only increasing speed as the rider increases in skill and confidence.
What is the cost of owning a horse?
If you're thinking about owning a horse, you certainly need to take into consideration the huge time and money commitment. A good place to start with a question about cost is on the Internet. You can look over a lot of information and match it to your situation, boarding the horse at a stable or keeping it on your own property. Horses have a few special requirements and needs that not everyone can provide. For example, regular hoof trimming and shoeing, worming, seasonal vaccinations, dental check-ups, antiseptic ointments, liniments, halter and lead rope, bridle or harness, grain, supplements, straw bedding – the list goes on and on and can run up to hundreds of dollars each month. Horse care is certainly not inexpensive - but to many of us, it's well worth it.
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