Pigeon Creek Farm

07/13/2023

09/10/2021

Amazing but true!

"Recent studies conducted by the Institute of HeartMath provide a clue to explain the bidirectional "healing" that happens when we are near horses. According to researchers, the heart has a larger electromagnetic field and higher level of intelligence than the brain: A magnetometer can measure the heart's energy field radiating up to 8 to 10 feet around the human body. While this is certainly significant it is perhaps more impressive that the electromagnetic field projected by the horse's heart is five times larger than the human one (imagine a sphere-shaped field that completely surrounds you). The horse's electromagnetic field is also stronger than ours and can actually directly influence our own heart rhythm!
Horses are also likely to have what science has identified as a "coherent" heart rhythm (heart rate pattern) which explains why we may "feel better" when we are around them. . . .studies have found that a coherent heart pattern or HRV is a robust measure of well-being and consistent with emotional states of calm and joy--that is, we exhibit such patterns when we feel positive emotions.
A coherent heart pattern is indicative of a system that can recover and adjust to stressful situations very efficiently. Often times, we only need to be in a horses presence to feel a sense of wellness and peace. In fact, research shows that people experience many physiological benefits while interacting with horses, including lowered blood pressure and heart rate, increased levels of beta-endorphins (neurotransmitters that serve as pain surppressors), decreased stress levels, reduced feelings of anger, hostility, tension and anxiety, improved social functioning; and increased feelings of empowerment, trust, patience and self-efficacy."

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05/15/2021

Great to watch. The horse and rider are so correct and accurate.

Ridden by Beezie Madden - a great day at Spruce Meadows! www.ironspringfarm.com

09/23/2020

Thanks to Major League Eventers

with FEI 5* judge Anne Gribbons

“Every corner is a quarter of a 10-meter circle. You are going to come in straight, bend for about two steps, straighten and then you’re done. And if you do this in every corner it will become second nature. It is something that is done in a few seconds, but it gives you a huge advantage: an extra step to prepare, a little more suppleness training, a moment to test your horse’s obedience, a chance to collect your thoughts before the next movement. As you move up the levels, your success will be determined by how well you use the space and time you are given in the test.”

Pc: Equestrian Life

09/05/2020

Makes sense!

BY JESS CLAWSON I’ve been riding since I was four years old, and almost all of that time has been in eventing programs. I missed the pony hunter world entirely. Though I love the jumpers I’ve ridden, I never really did much of the hunter thing beyond taking baby horses to hunter shows every once...

08/30/2020

Thank you to Lesley Stevenson.

🐴 An Exercise to Teach You to Wait For Your Horse to Jump

The single most common bad habit a jumping rider can have is that of jumping ahead of their horse! Sometimes it is so subtle that you are not even aware that you are moving while your horse is trying to lift his front end for take off. And even when it is subtle - it greatly affects the horse!

A horse begins his jumping effort by rocking back on his hind legs and pushing upward with his front legs to lift his forehand. If the rider on his back is tipping forward as he is trying to do this, it really makes his job harder! Some horses still jump remarkably well with this handicap, but many are negatively affected. A rider leaning forward as the horse is about to take off can cause the horse to be less able to rock back on his hind legs. Which means the horse is less balanced, and more on the forehand. This can cause him to be slow or untidy with his front legs, and will make him jump lower and flatter than he might otherwise. It also usually means that he lands in a canter stride that is unbalanced and on the forehand.

Click on the link below to read about one of many possible exercises to help to teach you not to jump before your horse does 👇👇👇

https://www.myvirtualeventingcoach.com/articles/an_exercise_to_teach_you_to_wait_for_your_horse_to_jump

07/08/2020

Great visual learning!

Love this illustration of correct half seat/2 point position!

06/02/2020

Thanks to Jessamy Rouson

Even in a crazy world, never abandon your principles.

03/02/2020

Interesting read!

"We found that, for horses, orange has poor visibility and contrast against most surroundings."