The Horseshoe Point

Lore And Legends Of The Triple Crown

admin — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

It’s the pounding of the hooves down the track and the flashes of bright colors as jockeys cling to the backs of thoroughbred racehorses. The tension is mounting and there is a surge of excitement from the surrounding crowd. It’s the Triple Crown, at the heart of lore and legends for generations.

The Triple Crown is a racing contest for thoroughbreds that are in the 3 year class and complete three milestone races in the sport of horse racing. If one thoroughbred has victory at all three events, it is a rare event in deed. Very few prime race horses have been able to join this exclusive club of winners. In the United States, the Triple Crown refers to the Kentucky Derby, likened to the World Series of thoroughbred racing as the most recognizable, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes.

Taking victory in any of these races requires a horse with excellent conditioning, a jockey with skill and stragegy, and an owner who knows how to maximize the potential of his or her horse. The last time a US horse held the title of Triple Crown was in 1978 and the victor was Affirmed. Seatle Slew took all three races in 1977. Perhaps most memorable of all is the horse that is synonymous with racing, the great Secretariat. Secretariat, the focus of a major motion picture, came from humble beginnings and stormed the Triple Crown back in 1973. It was nearly thirty years previous that Citation won the Triple Crown in 1948. Looking back to its beginnings, Sir Barton amazed fans with his win in 1919 shortly after World War I.

The prospect of a Triple Crown victory inspires awe, bringing race fans back to the track. Owners and jockeys will strive to be next to win that title.

Making A Day Of The Kentucky Derby

admin — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The anticipation was almost unbearable as we left our hotel room all ready for Making A Day Of The Kentucky Derby.
We have always loved horses, but this is our first time to this prestigious event. Even our outfits screamed ‘holiday’. It took me months to pick out my hat, and the outfit that complimented both me, and my chapeau. My husband was dressed in what I would call business casual.
Nothing prepared me for what I saw as I entered the gates. The horses were more majestic than I could have imagined, and their jockeys were dressed in silky magnificence.Check out this link here.
We were anxious to find our seats, and once those were located, we set out to find the souvenirs for friends and family. We were delighted to find unique gifts for everyone on our list, and then we headed back to the bleachers.
Then it started. No words can convey what I felt when the first race began. The horses filled their gates with unfathomable energy and eagerness to run. Then the words ‘they’re off’ were heard over the P.A. system. It was like thunder, it pulsed, and the excitement took my breath away as it built and built until the winner of the race crosses the finish line.
Making A Day Of The Kentucky Derby was one of the most exciting times of my life.

Things Every Stable Owner Should Know

admin — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Owning a stable isn’t just about having a couple of stalls to shelter some animals. Considerations every stable owner should know are maintenance factors of existing infrastructure and upkeep of those who are part of a stable such as ostlers, grooms, farmhands and livestock.

The 19th century version of a stable with a completed interior with walls, feed racks, tack room and hayloft found in a barn require more stringent upkeep. Owners of enclosed stables need to be concerned about ventilation, cleanliness of floors involving bricks laid over cobblestone, liming, sanitation and fire safety hazards. Sometimes people who care for the animals also live alongside livestock in the stable which means another facet of animal husbandry involves supporting those people.

Stables can be as simple as a free standing stall close to a domicile in which case just making sure the shelter was sound and provided ample coverage from weather elements might be the greatest concern in addition to the feeding rack.

When someone decides to own a stable, they should first consider what type of stable they want to purchase or build then consider all the items of upkeep associated with the style and standard of the structure chosen.

Best States for Equestrians

pmirek — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Most people move first then think about riding but what if you’ve got the luxury to do the opposite? Been wondering what the best places for equestrians to live in this country? Here are our favorite places for horse lovers:
Arkansas: There are a lot of places in Arkansas that revolve around horses and there’s more space than many other places in the country. Beware though, Arkansas is pretty far removed so you’ll want to look into satellite star internet elkins or wherever you move!

Oregon: Oregon is a happy horse state and you’ll be hard pressed to find a bigger community of riders or stablers anywhere else in the US. There’s tons of rain and a lot of wide open spaces which make for great trotting spring through winter.

Maryland: It doesn’t get very hot here which is what makes MD a perfect state for horses and unairconditioned stables. You can ride along the shoreline or even take your mares for a spin in the upcountry – the views and the trails are pretty limitless here.

Tips For Safe, Fun Country Riding

admin — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Every person, whether you are a beginner or an expert, would love the scenic ride in the countryside. The fresh air, green leaves gently blowing in the warm breeze and the limitless beauty that goes on forever are just a few things to keep you breathless along your journey. Below is a simple list of rules to follow while on your trip.

- Make sure you are familiar with your horse but if you are not, ensure that is a well-mannered one.
- Do not attach the reins together.
- Know your area. This can be somewhere you are familiar or buy a map and make yourself known to your surroundings.
- Ride at safe speeds.
- If your horse needs watering, make sure it cools down first.
- When getting off your horse, ensure that you tie it off using the halter. Do not use the reins.
- Always carry a first-aid kit with a knife. A knife can be very handy for cutting if your horse becomes entangled.

The next few tips may be the most important.

- Always put your horse first. You have to make sure it is healthy enough to ride
- Always enjoy yourself

The Timeless Beauty Of Arabian Thoroughbreds

admin — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

An Arabian thoroughbred is a magnificent creature whose breed began in a desert area. This breed of horse is one of the top ten horse that are purchased in the world. The popularity of this horse is not its only positive trait. These hoses have arched necks and jibbahs which create a distinctive look for thiese horses.
Despite the Arabian thoroughbred’s short stature it is far from being a weak horse. These horses only grow to be between 57 and 61 inches tall but their strong bone density makes these horses ideal for riding. In fact, these horses are known for being able to carry almost any type of rider.
The temperament of these horses has been shown to be very well. Arabian thoroughbreds work well with humans who treat them properly. However, like any animal, mistreatment can lead to serious consequences. These horses are smart and learn quickly which makes them ideal for show and equestrian events.
This horse is a timeless beauty who comes in a variety of colors ranging from gray to black to chestnut brown. The black Arabian thoroughbreds are less common then the gray. However, no matter the color these horses are still an amazing horse to work with or to look at.

Who are the horse whisperers?

www.thehorseshoepoint.com — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 12:00:23 +0000

Since the 1998 movie, the phrase “horse whisperer,” or some variation thereof, has become ubiquitous in pop culture, from Cesar Milan’s Dog Whisperer to Jennifer Love Hewitt’s Ghost Whisperer. However, the training method itself is a serious issue that was quite innovative when it was first introduced. The earliest known practitioner was Daniel Sullivan, an Irish trainer working in England in the 17^th century. Sullivan was able to rehabilitate vicious and disturbed horses otherwise thought lost. The American horseman Willis J. Powell took Sullivan as his role-model in the early 19^th century, when he wrote Tachyhippodamia; or, The New Secret of Taming Horses. John Solomon Rarey studied with Powell and was the one to finally share the secrets with the world.Horse whispering today is very similar to these early techniques, which consist of creating a relationship with the horse, even “whispering” to it to soothe violent activity and behavior. It goes against the traditional idea of breaking a horse, which can lead to disasters such as when a famed horse-breaker’s animals were unable to perform because of their fear of cheering and applause. Jeffrey Rolo mentions this incident in his article “The Fatal Flaw Behind Horse Breaking,” and also suggests that such techniques are likely to create either easily scared and distrustful animals or the sorts of violent creatures that Sullivan had to rehabilitate.Many trainers today practice the philosophy of horse whispering. One of the best-known is Buck Brannaman, who was an adviser on the 1998 Robert Redford film The Horse Whisperer. Brannaman compares violent animals to victims of child abuse and believes that the more compassionate system of horse whispering is a better way to earn their trust and cooperation than any other technique. If you’re a horse lover as well, then you probably already agree.

Tips for training your horse with time and patience

pmirek — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 12:00:51 +0000

Training a horse isn’t a simple task, but it’s also not the dangerous, violent exercise it once was. That’s because the whipping and rodeo antics of the Wild West have largely given way to a more considerate and reciprocal form of training. Some call it horse whisperingothers call it natural horsemanship. Whatever you call it, it’s the philosophy that many trainers today are promoting. These tips from trainers at AlphaHorse.com and Frank Bell, Horse Whisperer exemplify these new techniques.Jeffrey Rolo from AlphaHorse says that light slaps or verbal growls are acceptable ways to deal with undisciplined horses, especially young ones who haven’t been trained. A physical slap will not really hurt a horse, but will send the message that you have expectations for him. A form of discipline which requires no harsh moves on your part, however, is to march the horse around a round pen. This eliminates the horse’s physical advantage and shows him that you are capable of getting what you want from him.Frank Bell offers ways to determine your horse’s mood before interacting with him. A horse that is holding his head up is uptight, while a relaxed horse will hang his head lower. By teaching your horse to drop his head when anxious, he will actually become more relaxed. Horses that feel safe and comfortable also often move their mouths. Bell writes that you can also aid a horse in relaxing by massaging their eyes, ears, or nose.Rolo also touches on the subject of removing your horse’s fear of water. Many times, this fear is simply found in new horses who haven’t experienced running water before. Older horses who display this reaction have usually been traumatized by a water-related accident. The best way to overcome this problem is by demonstrating the harmless properties of water, either by letting your horse watch another cross, or by taking your horse through small puddles and working up to larger bodies of water.

Non-equestrian delights at Horseshoe Point

pmirek — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 12:00:10 +0000

You don’t have to stay on a horse the entire time you’re at Thailand’s Horseshoe Point (even if you might want to do so). In fact, there are a variety of non-horse-related attractions that the whole family can enjoy. The property is now a live-in community, which had several new houses available for rent or purchase earlier in the summer. If you’re interested in experiencing a unique new life in Thailand, call for more information, or read on to see what features the property has to offer.Horseshoe Point offers a twist on the traditional swimming experience with its Island Pool, opened in February 2010. With a lap pool, children’s pool, steam and sauna rooms, Jacuzzi, and more, the pool offers the perfect way to beat the Thai heat. For the adults, there’s also a refreshing bar.Environmentally-conscious gardeners will love hanging out in the Point’s organic vegetable garden, perfect for spending a relaxing summer day. If you want to try something a little more competitive, of course, you have plenty of options.Golfing fanatics have their choice of any number of beautiful courses. The Siam Country Club is the nearest, with 45 holes spread across two coursesthe 18-hole Old course and the new 27-hole Plantation course. Schmidt & Curley Design, based in Arizona, designed both courses. As you could guess from its name, the Old Course is traditionally-themed, with a beautiful tree-line barrier and a classically-designed lobby and restaurant. The Plantation course is more modern, embracing Thailand’s wider countryside. It includes a hilltop clubhouse, the “Bird Wing,” from which visitors can take in the Pattaya Ocean.If golf’s not your sport, you may be interested in checking out the Thailand Polo Club or the property’s two new cricket clubs, Pattaya Cricket and Asian Star Cricket. There’s plenty to explore at Horseshoe Point, and with its new residential focus, plenty of time to do so.

Horseshoe Point Thailand

www.thehorseshoepoint.com — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 12:00:37 +0000

Horse-lovers are known for their unique sense of style. Just consider the outfits those jockeys wear. Horseshoe Point, the Thai resort, has style to spare, and even non-horse-lovers can see that. For those already acquainted with the finer four-legged species, however, the International Riding School at the resort is the main draw.That’s not to say that those who have never set foot on a horse can’t start now, though. The Horseshoe Point International Riding School is a Ministry-of-Education-registered training facility that covers all the basics of horse-handling and riding. In 50-minute sessions, either privately or as part of a group, you’ll study both on and off the horse and create a working relationship with your mount to suit you both. The head trainer at the site is Riding Master Khun Chaikiri Srifuengfung, a talented trainer who studied under Maestro Nuno Oliveira. He’s trained in Classical Riding, the refined form of exhibition riding that includes moves like steps, trot, canter, the piaffe, and more. Advanced riders (who pass an individual skills test) are eligible to learn these moves on purebred Lusitano stallions, historically used in war and bull-fighting.Horseshoe Point also holds numerous special events and programs. The Horseshoe Point Open, which was held May 28-30 this year, is a “Dressage & Show Jumping” competition. The “Able the Disabled” program is a therapeutic riding program for those suffering either physically or mentally. Horseback riding can help them improve skills like balance and coordination and also offers a chance for these individuals to achieve something they once thought impossible. Finally, the Pony Club is open to anyone between 5 and 21 years old, and teaches basic riding, horse care, and stable management skills.