Been spending a lot of time at the barn with our horses lately. Taking a two week break over Christmas did not go over well with my mare, Savez. You see, horses like routine. And I broke ours by going on a trip. I’m told she was a wild woman while I was gone – lots of kicking, bucking and acting crazy. Now I’m back and she’s much more calm in her routine. She seems to like having a job.
Here we are practicing at sunset on Monday.
You may notice she’s wearing her fancy ear bonnet. I’m also riding in roller spurs which are round (not pointed) on the end and great for sensitive horses.
Savez is a young horse, so we’re working on teaching her how to trot in the proper frame. Young horses tend to poke out their nose and place their weight on their front legs when a rider is on their back, which in the long run puts a strain on their back and causes them to be less balanced. Traveling in a more “collected” frame causes her to use her haunches (her bootie) and takes more effort. It’s not easy for the horse to maintain this frame at first because they have to build up the muscles, but it’s better for them in the long run. As a rider, it’s tiring trying to keep them in that frame and takes stamina. Savez tries very hard and I’m proud of her effort. We have a long way to go; it will take us both six months to a year to master.
She knows there’s always a big juicy apple at the end of our ride. Definitely her favorite part. As soon as she sees the apple, she gives me a series of low, muffled neighs. I’ve been teaching her how to bow at treat time. She’ll practically bend over backwards for a bite of apple, as you can see. Her bend there is free will, I don’t use restraining ropes or halters. My hand is holding her leg steady so she doesn’t tumble over…sometimes she’ll go down so far she’ll lose her balance, ha ha.
After a few weeks of training, she now bows on command.
There’s something so wonderful about being with a horse. You can’t help but let go and just live in the moment. There is no pride, praise or material things. Just you, your horse and the sweet air of freedom.
I‘m Seleta, a city girl living the beach life with my husband, fabulous four offspring, happy horses and frisky fur babies. A former TV personality turned Designer, I love to share the sparkly side of life. Read more 
Want to follow the conversation? Subscribe to this post's comment feed.
Im very interested in riding. Been thinking about it for awhile. Really enjoy learning about horses through your blog.
Wow, how long did it take you to train her to bow? I can’t get either of my dogs to do anything, and I’ve had them for 3 1/2 years!
What a beauty. I love her bow. Gorgeous!
PS. I’m in desperate need of a new fashion blog article from you!!! ;-)
Hi Kristel,
It took about two weeks; it’s fairly easy just hold the treat and say the command. For a horse, you want to give a physical aid with a command, such as a tap on the shoulder. In our case I hold the treat under her chin then keep bringing it down and she follows the smell of the apple. The second she is as far down as she needs to be, I give her the treat! Horses learn very fast…my experience is they learn faster than dogs.
seleta
I am beyond impressed with this horse! How clever to do the bowing down trick. I thought that was just for circus horses (not that I’ve seen one, but I’ve seen it on TV). What a beauty she is.
Gorgeous.
That’s an adorable trick! I rode dressage very seriously for most of my life so collecting greener horses is something I’m VERY familiar with – serpentine, serpentine, serpentine, circle, circle, circle, half halt, half halt, haha! Even after riding other disciplines (we’re a polo house these days) collection is so interdisciplinary and I find my dressage background is so helpful for strengthening and such a joy to see their ability grow. So worth it once they’ve come along, keep up the good work! P.S. she looks kitted out in her fly bonnet!
Savez is a stunning horse. I love that she needs a routine, I do too. I’ve also been known to buck a bit ,JK ;)
This was a wonderful post. I love hearing about your horse; she is beautiful. I, too, loved the bowing trick! Isn’t it amazing the bond we share with our pets? In my case, two standard poodles, but they make me so happy! Keep sharing updates about your girl, love them!
Savez is beautiful! What kind of mare is she? BTW – the frame in your sunset pic is awesome, she’s carrying herself so well!!!
Bethany
http://www.powellbrower.com
Powell Brower Home
Hi Bethany,
Savez is a Canadian warmblood; her sire was a 17 hand thoroughbred and her dam was a Percheron/ QH mix. This combo makes for a horse with a good brain and wonderful endurance! Plus she’s sweet ; )
seleta
Your horse is a beauty. And I can remember the long road to getting a young horse collected. Mine was a Thoroughbred that thought her nose should be straight out :) (PS your footwear in the bowing photo made me cringe…you are a brave lady! lol)
When I was little I had an Arabian named Josie. Seeing you with Savez really makes me miss riding. She is beautiful and I love your posts.