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This page is dedicated to news, information, links, riding lessons and all things horses. Please take some time and look around.

Please always wear a Helmet when on horseback

A Helmet Can Save Your Life, visit Troxelhelmets.com to learn more about helmet saftey

Leigh-Ann's Riding Academy on FaceBook

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Extra help for a new rider

"What to wear

For English riding:

"Pants: Breeches (pronounced "britches") or Jodhpurs (often refurred to as "jods"): Riding pants designed to reduce the bulk under the riders legs. Breeches are traditionally worn with tall boots, and jodhpurs are worn with short boots (jodhpur boots or paddock shoes). Many lesson facilities have no rules that require these pants, and jeans are perfectly acceptable. Many people switch from wearing jeans to breeches, jodhpurs once they have decided to stick with riding. Some people wear jeans with chaps over them to give them a little more grip, but some barns frown on chaps, as they feel that chaps allow riders to fall into bad habits in the early stage of their riding career. There are now low-cost schooling breeches, jodhpurs, tights, etc. available for individuals on a budget. Many tack stores also feature consignment sections where gently worn garments can be purchased for a small sum, a boon for parents with rapidly growning children.

Helmets: Currently there is no state or national law requiring the use of riding helmets. Many barns have insurance coverage that requires all mounted riders wear "approved" safety helmets. Approved safety helmets will bear the ASTM/SEI insignia. It is best to avoid purchasing a used helmet, since the new helmets are designed to absorb the brunt of one serious impact, and then be replaced. Some helmet companies will replace helmets free of charge after a serious fall. Schooling helmets begin at about $35.

Shoes: Most barns require a hard soled shoe with a definable heel. Riding boots include tall boots, which can be leather or rubber, or short boots, such as paddock shoes or jodphur boots (both of which are very stylish, and you can continue to wear variations of "barn" or "muck" boots. There are riding sneakers available which have a heel, but some barns prohibit such foot gear, since sneakers do not offer much protection for the foot if a horse steps on it. Tack store consignment shops are always full of outgrown footwear for children. Before investing in expensive footwear, check with your barn to see what they may recommend, or if they have any "forbidden" footwear."

Desert Equestrain

is a local tack store that will have all the attire you will need for horseback riding.

How to Make the Most Out of Your Riding Experience

"Riding is a fun and enjoyable learning experience. In order for you to get the most out of it, there are a few things you can do as a student:

1. Always be on time. Keep in mind, being on time can mean being there 1/2 hour to an hour before your lesson begins in order to groom and tack your horse, if required.

2. Always consider the horse's welfare before and after the lesson. Does your mount need a little extra TLC before class? Does he need extra walking and water after the class?

3. As in any athletic sport, athletes need to wear and dress in certain ways, not only to make use of your body more efficiently, but also that your instructor. Your breeches or jeans should be clean and in good repair; your shirt should be tucked in (no half shirts); long hair (male or female) should be tied securely back under your helmet or hat.

4. Listen to the instructor, avoid chatting in your lesson.

5. Never dismount until the instructor says the lesson is over.

6. Always thank your instructor at the end of the lesson.

7. Try to avoid excessive cancelling and rescheduling of lessons. It disrupts the barn's routine and it interferes with your learning process.

8. If you have a major concern about how your lesson program is proceeding, or about your instructor, find a quiet time to calmly discuss the issue with either your instructor or the program director. Don't stew about it, or change barns without seeing if the problem can be resolved.

9. Help out around the barn as much as possible, sweep the aisleways, clean tack - and you will soon find yourself one of the most popular people in the barn, plus you will learn a lot.

10. Above all, maintain a cheerful, positive "can-do" attitude - and you will be surprised at all you accomplish!!! Things you never thought you could do!"

http://hubpages.com/hub/Horse-Riding-Clothing

Lessons for Parents

Don't wander in and out of the ring when your child is taking a lesson. It's distracting to the student, the teacher and the horse. It is certainly permissible for you to watch the lesson, even videotape it if you like, but don't enter the ring to "chat" with the instructor unless he or she invites you. If you bring other children to the barn with you, keep them under control. Do not let them run, yell, jump, bounce balls, rollerblade or the like, in or around the stable area. School horses can be frightened, and may take exception to the sight of a tiny screaming banshee. Refrain from bringing objects such as umbrellas to the riding lesson, for the same reason. If you don't want to get wet, watch from the car. Let the instructor do the teaching. Don't issue reminders to keep heels down or check diagonals. That is why you pay the instructor. When your child falls off the horse – and they will – don't panic. Most children will take their cue from the parent. If you are calm, usually the child will be calm. It is important after falling from a horse to remount immediately, if there is no injury. The instructor will evaluate the situation and request your presence in the ring if it's necessary. Otherwise, he or she will encourage the child to remount the horse, even if it's just to walk around a bit to begin rebuilding confidence. Even if you are a trained professional, do not race into the ring when you see someone fall. If there is an injury that requires treatment, the instructor will ask for assistance. Frequently, people trying to "help" only make the situation worse. Most falls are more injurious to the ego than the body and are better served by a little encouragement to try again. If your child is having a problem with her horse, please do not scream, clap your hands, or yell, "Stop that horse!" This will serve to excite the horse further and make matters worse. A competent instructor knows how to deal with recalcitrant mounts. It should go without saying, but deliver your child on time for lessons. Whether lessons are in a group or private situation, most stables run on a schedule, and if your lesson is 15 minutes late, so is everyone else's. There are times when life or traffic gets in the way and it can't be avoided, but it shouldn't be a regular occurrence. If you are not going to keep a lesson appointment, call. And give the instructor as much notice as possible. Learn To Be Patient Finally, learning to ride, like learning any sport, requires time, patience and practice. Your son or daughter won't be ready to jump the second time in the saddle. Everyone learns on a different curve. Some children require more practice and time than others. One of the most wonderful things about riding is that it is a partnership between human and horse, and what matters is that synergy, not whether your child canters before someone else's. The best way you to encourage a successful partnership is to provide a supportive and safe learning environment. Trust your child's instructor to do the rest.

Horseback Riding For Fitness

"Horseback riding is a great alternative to normal fitness routines. What to wear and how to saddle up, mounting techniques and toning up your body. Horse riding is a great alternative to normal fitness routines. Try spending an hour on a horse and you'll realize from your aches and pains the next day just how many muscles have been worked. Riding is an aerobic exercise that will strengthen your heart and lungs and help burn body fat, particularly when you are trotting or travelling at some speed. It's also great for relaxation because it teaches you to breathe properly, and spending an hour or two in the fresh air is very therapeutic. One of the great things about riding is that it gives your lower body a brilliant workout, toning up your bottom and legs and is one of the few activities that gives an intensive workout to the inner thighs. It's also good for strengthening the stomach and lower back muscles, as these are used to help support your posture in the saddle. Compliment your riding program with some stretching exercises to keep muscles sleek and streamlined, and always stretch out after your ride, paying particular attention to inner thighs, backs of legs and lower back. Riding is one of the best sports for improving posture, as learning to sit properly on a horse teaches you good alignment. To ride well you need to find a balanced position, sitting well down in the saddle. Viewed from the side, your ear, shoulder, hip and heel should all be in line. Thighs should be at 45 degrees to the ground, lower legs hanging comfortably, with toes directly underneath your knees and heels pressed down lower than your toes. Your knees should be in close contact with the saddle. Stomach muscles should be pulled in to keep your back straight; shoulders should be down. Hands should be approximately four inches apart so that you can draw two imaginary straight lines from your elbow through your hands and reins to the horse's mouth. For the sport to be safe, you need lessons. Riding is all about balance and confidence. The lessons start with mounting techniques, using a lunge, or leading rein, so that the instructor, not the complete beginner, controls the horse. After a few lessons you should feel that, if a stirrup broke, you could still balance and stay on. A complete beginner can learn how to walk, trot and control a horse sufficiently to enjoy riding after about 12 lessons. Learning to ride as an adult can initially be a daunting experience. For many adults it's quite a shock to find themselves sitting on something so high. Riding establishments vary considerably. Some offer good countryside riding, others have indoor facilities for lessons, teach stable management as well as riding, or are particularly good for children. Riding schools are sometimes willing to hire you a horse initially, but if you get really hooked, you will want to buy your own horse and then keep it in livery. What to wear when you go horse riding is a very crucial issue. The most important item is a good hard hat with an adjustable chinstrap. Jeans can be worn as long as they are loose-fitting, but it may be worthwhile getting a pair of jodhpurs as they are much more comfortable. Never wear shoes without heels, such as trainers, as your foot could slip through the stirrup. Jodhpur boots are ideal or you can buy full-length riding boots in leather or rubber. You will also need a pair of string gloves to stop the reins slipping through your hands if the weather is wet."

www.allsands.com/sports/horsebackriding_umw_gn.htm

What are the Differences Between English and Western Riding Styles?

Equipment: Western riding developed according to the needs of 'cowboys'. The Western saddle is made to distribute weight more evenly over the horse’s back so horse and rider can counterbalance the weight of a roped cow. The seat is comfortable for long hours over rough terrain. The horn anchors a lariat when roping cattle. English riding takes many of its traditions and equipment from European mounted military styles. Type of Horse: Western horses tend to be compact and traditionally capable of steady travel all day with small bursts of speed to chase stray cattle. English style horses tend to be taller. But some individuals have surprising talents and a stocky Quarter Horse may surprise you in the dressage ring, while a Thoroughbred might have unexpected ‘cow sense’. Chances are your horse and you can find some success—and certainly fun, at any discipline or riding style no matter his type or breeding. Gaits: Walk very similar for both English and Western. Trot/Jog: A jog is very smooth, relaxed, and slightly faster than a walk. The jog is useful for following herds of cattle. Riders sit a jog, and do not post. A trot is posted unless a sitting trot is required in the show ring. Canter/Lope: The Western lope is a slow relaxed canter. An canter can be very elevated, extended, or collected with many variations in speed depending on the specific discipline or style. Attire: The most distinctive element of Western riding is the hat. Traditional Western hats are giving way to the use of helmets. Western style helmets are available. A comfortable shirt, jeans and Western style boots complete the traditional look. Many Western riders opt to wear sporty looking helmets, even in the show ring. English riders wear a traditional style ‘hunt cap’. A fitted jacket, shirt, jodhpurs or breeches and jodhpur boots or tall boots complete the English rider’s habit. The Basics of What You’ll Need to Know: Western riders will learn how to hold the reins with one hand, and sit the trot. English riders will learn to hold a rein in each hand and post the trot. As you progress you will learn to cue and control your horse for different speeds within each gait, and other skills you’ll need to participate in various disciplines. If you plan to compete, you’ll need to learn to braid or band a mane, pull a tail, and other grooming details depending on what you are competing in. English and Western Disciplines: After learning the basics of either style there is a wide range of sports you can try. Here are just a few: Western Team penning Cutting Reining Speed Games Trail Classes Pleasure and Equitation Classes Roping Trail riding English Dressage English or English Country Pleasure Jumping Hunting Mounted Games Polo Hunter Pace www.horses.about.com/od/horsesportsexplained/p/engwestdiff.htm

Grooming horses

Grooming is an activity that is enjoyable for both you and your horse. It is also a good opportunity to check for injuries and irritations. Try to make grooming a daily habit. It is an absolute must before riding. Grit beneath the saddle will be uncomfortable for your horse and could cause sores. Start from the left or right of your horse. These instructions assume you will start on the left side, but as long as you cover the whole horse is does not matter. Have your grooming tools arranged in a safe convenient place. A wide bucket may be cheapest and easiest to put your brushes in, although there are lots of grooming boxes on the market that keep your tools organized and handy. read more here http://horses.about.com/od/basiccare/ss/grooming.htm

I'm Proud to be a small part of Horses for Heroes

Discounts available to horses 4 heroes members, www.horses4heroes.org

Horses4Heroes Inc. is a program for the famililes of military personnel (active duty and veterans), police and correction officers, fire fighters and EMTS, pediatric, critical care and hospice nurses, and special needs school teachers.www.horses4heroes.org

Pet Care ... All Living Things pet sitting service By Jennifer Dawson

Location:Las Vegas, NV Phone:(702) 445-2812 Mon - Sun:5:00 am - 10:00 pm By Jennifer Dawson, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Las-Vegas-NV/All-Living-Things-pet-sitting-service/150407818319856

Desert Equestrain

is a local tack store that will have all the attire you will need for horseback riding.

links

please copy and paste links thank you

Las Vegas Horse Shows

SNHJA

Las Vegas Dressage

southpoint events center

On Line Tack Stores

www.statelinetack.com

www.doversaddlery.com

stores.wcequestrian.com/StoreFront.bok

www.desertequestrianlv.com

www.smartpak.com

www.centnialsaddlery.com

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_riding

horses.about.com/od/horsesportsexplained/p/engwestdiff.htm

Fun Links for the kids

resources.kaboose.com/kidslinks/critters/hourses/Horses.html ultimatehorsesite.com/fun/free_horse_games.html

Safety Tips and Other Help for a New Rider

www.riders4helmets.com

www.ehow.com/i/#article_5118766

www.horses.suite101.com/article.cfm/5_safety_tips_for_horse_riding

www.horses.about.com/library/quizes/safety/blsafetyquiz.htm

www.ultimatehorsesite.com/articles/hughes_ridingsafety.html

www.horsemanshiphorsetrainingtips.com/articles/228/1/Basic-Horse-Safety-Rules

www.equisearch.com/horses_riding_training/training/beginning_rider/safety_rules_kids_052908

www.hubpages.com/hub/Equestrian-Riding-Clothing

Vets in Las Vegas

Equine Dental Care and Services Rochen Heers, DVM Ray Long, LVT/CVT 702 896 6080

www.desertpinesequine.com

www.thehorse.com

Horse Rserescue

www.shilohhorserescue.com

www.bestfriends.org

please copy and paste links thank you

Helpful Videos

Horseback Riding Lessons

by Leigh-Ann's Riding Academy

I offer Professional Private English Riding Lessons, Specializing in beginner riders, basic skills of Hunter Jumper, Equitation, and flat work. I give lessons at a small private riding facility in...

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