I know that this is Girls Horse Club, but it’s also a place where girls like yourself can get writing tips (along with riding tips) and learn about writing style (along with riding style). So, I thought that this blog would be appropriate. I know that a lot of girls think school is a little boring. I admit it, I don’t always like to learn. But, I still do my best to pay attention. Because you never know what you might learn that will help you — especially in your writing.

English class is probably the most important class for writers. It teaches the basic things that every writer should know. And with GHC’s high standards, I’m sure that all of us would love to improve our writing skills to keep up. I’m not saying that we don’t have talent. We do! If we didn’t, we wouldn’t be getting published, now would we?

Another place that is helpful for writing ideas is your stable! What better place to learn about horses than where many of them live, and people who love them hang out? Your instructor might be lecturing one of the other students about the importance of grooming and inspire you to write an article about it! For that matter, you might be out on the trail one day and your horse spooks! Your next submission might be a fictional account of what happened!

My favorite inspiration is music. I don’t necessarily listen to country, or music about horses, but the rhythm and rhyme of the lyrics gives me ideas for my poetry. Also, listening to music helps me get into the writing mood. I rarely try to write a blog without listening to my favorite tunes.

My point is, you can never be sure where your inspiration is going to come from. Always pay attention to the world around you! You never know, it could be the next bestseller!

More to read...

• Learning From Other Sports
• Learning to Ride, Learning to Fly
• Wanted: Inspiration

Horse girls have something that a lot of teens and women lack. We have confidence. After all, if we didn’t, we probably would never have gotten up on that horse. I mean, think about it. Horses are so big… it takes a lot of courage to get up there and go for it.

That’s one reason why being interested in horses is so great for a growing girl. It gives you confidence and teaches you to keep trying, two things that will be important throughout your life. Personally, I have been self confident since I was little, but on the days I’m feeling a little low on self-esteem, I remember all the accomplishments that I have made in my relatively short life. This is my personal list:

1. Became a JR. Blogger
2. Went to Washington D.C. as a student leader
3. Received reading awards in school
4. Horseback riding ribbons

Those are the ones that stand out to me. When I am feeling down, I think of those things and it helps me feel better. And seeing as we are a group of talented girls, I’m sure that you have your own list of accomplishments that you are proud of. Something to remember when you’re not feeling so hot — think of all the things in your life that you have done. Are any of your classmates aspiring writers? Maybe. But did they have the guts to put their work out there for others to read and critique? Probably not. Or maybe you’re a show rider. Would any of your friends be willing to get out there and ride in front of all those people? Everyone has something to be proud of. It is important to remember that.

Even though you will not always be the best at what you do, that doesn’t mean you’re not talented. There are things about you that no one else could ever achieve. So maybe you don’t get first place in the jumping class this year. That doesn’t mean you’re not good. It just means you have to keep trying. Knowing that you’re on this website proves to me that you will have the courage to keep trying and be proud of yourself!

More to read...

• This Wonder That Can Fly

The horse world is huge. And when I say huge I mean huge! There are millions of people out there who all love horses. And who’s to blame them? After all, we all feel the same way. That’s why we’re here! So, with all those millions of horse lovers, it’s easy to connect with people. And with those connections, you can get really far.

The reason I’m bringing this up is that recently I got an invite to pass out ribbons at a really big horse show in my area. I was so excited! And you know how I got that opportunity? Because the person running the show is friends with my instructor. That connection helped my get farther into the horse world.

Some easy way to make these connections are:

1. Make it known that you love horses. When talking to relatives who ask what you’ve been up to, talk about how you’ve been thinking about horses, reading about them, writing about them, collecting model ones or even riding them. Who knows? Maybe they have a friend who has an uncle who has a brother who needs someone to exercise their horse next weekend! If word gets out, you might have a chance to get more experience.
2. Get involved. If you’re one of those lucky girls who lives near a stable, spend some time there. Even if you already take lessons, keep digging. Take any camps they offer, or even ask if you can help out. Your instructor or the manager will notice the effort and someday might have a special offer for you! Even if that doesn’t happen, at least you’re getting some experience with horses.
3. GirlsHorseClub.com! By writing here, and participating in the conversation, you make connections with other horsey people. For example, the interactive views that LeadMare arranges. During those, we get to know horsey women you are very famous in the horse world. Those connections are good, because who knows!? Someday, you could be co-writing a book with Terri Farley or Toby Bishop! Anything is possible, and GirlsHorseClub.com makes those connections that much easier.

The main point is, don’t be shy about your love for horses. If you make it known, you’ll get more opportunites to spend time with them, or with people who love them!

More to read...

• First Impressions
• Learning From Different Places
• You Know You’re a Horse Lover When…

Horses
There’s just something about them
They have something special
That not many see

Horses
There’s so much to them
They have something incredible
That others want to be

Horses
So many girls love them
For so many reasons
And one of those girls
Is me

More to read...

• Riding for the Ribbons…NOT!
• Your Truth About Horse Slaughter
• Julia: An Inspiration to Us All

Ok, lets face it. For some of us, boys are starting to become part of our lives. Well, for some of us, they have been for a while…and others, they still aren’t interesting. Both ways are cool, but for the ones that find them fascinating, this blog is for you. The thing about boys is, if they don’t accept you for who you are, then they aren’t right. What I’m trying to say is that if a guy makes fun of you for loving horses, he’s probably not your knight in shining armor.

Some people (mostly guys) in my class say that horse riding is a sissy sport, or not a sport at all. My usual response is: “Ok, let’s see you get out there and post at a trot for even five minutes.” They just laugh, and walk away. None of them are the kind of guys I want to hang out with, as friends or anything else. Now, the guys at my stable are cool. They like horses, obviously, since they are at a stable. I enjoy being around them. And some of the guys in my class think it’s cool that I’m interested in something non-frilly and girly.

The most important thing to think about when you’re finding your prince, or knight, or even just a friend, is that if they can’t accept you for who you are, they aren’t worth it. This applie’s to horses, but it also applys to everything else in life. Don’t ever change who you are for a guy, or anyone else. Some people might be intimidated by the fact that you’re not afraid to get out there and work in the dust and dirt. But if it’s who you are, then it’s cool.

More to read...

• Learning From Other Sports
• PREVIEW: My Dream Stable
• What Happens to Childhood Dreams?

Horses have a better sense of sight and hearing than we do. When you’re on the trail it is important to watch the trail, and look out for danger. But it’s also important to pay attention to your horse, because they might notice danger long before you do.

Horses are prey animals. This makes them very alert to predators. Signs that they sense danger are usually: flicking ears and swishing tail irritatedly, skittishness, nickering, or kicking out at something. When your horse begins showing these signs, look around. Listen. If you don’t see anything, proceed carefully. It could be nothing. Your horse might just be skittish, or afraid of a plastic bag that was fluttering in the wind. Then again, there might really be something that you can’t see.

Your horse might see a snake. This could be dangerous. Walk away from it calmly, or back your horse. DO NOT LET THE HORSE PUT IT’S NOSE DOWN!! It might get bitten on the nose. Your horse might also see a large cat. Where I live, cougars are common. If you see one of these on the trail, your first priority is keeping your horse calm. Mountain lions are his natural predator, and he will most likely be scared. Talk in a loud voice (as long as this won’t spook your horse) clap your hands. Try to move off the trail so the cougar can walk away. If the trail is too narrow, back slowly away. These mountain lion tips also apply to wolves, bears and coyotes. (Note: coyotes will usually leave you alone, except during mating season, or when they have pups.)

The easiest way to stay safe on the trail is never to ride alone. Stay with an experienced rider, and even if you are one, solo riding is a bad idea. Riding at night, dusk or early morning/dawn are not great ideas either, because that is hunting time.

Basically, remember the tips for encountering a predator, don’t ride alone or at hunting times, and pay attention to the signs your horse gives you. Stay safe. I wouldn’t want any of my horse sisters getting hurt!

More to read...

• Review: Trail of Painted Ponies
• Stay in Shape
• Tips for 24/7 Riders

Growing up. It’s hard. Harder than adults remember or imagine. Friends help. Family does too, but none of these things help a growing girl quite as much as HORSES. Lately I’ve been going through a rough patch dealing with school, catty friends, and loads of homework, and I know the only thing that helps me feel better is a great ride, or some quality time with my favorite animals on earth. Any of you feel the same?

Do any of you know why horses always help? I think its something about the way they just put off a sense of gentle calm. Even the craziest horses are great listeners. In my opinion they are just as vital to growing up as veggies and milk (though my opinion could be slightly swayed by the fact that my mom is always forcing veggies down my throat). They truly seem to care, and because they don’t experience ‘human’ problems, they won’t be like “Oh I know! It’s so hard. It reminds me of the time….” or “Speaking of that, can you help me figure out how to…” and totally switch the conversation from you to them. They focus on you and only you. Unless, of course, you have treats hidden behind your back.

Every little girl deserves to have a best friend who listens that well. Big girls deserve it too. And that is one of the few things that keep horses in so many people’s lives. Very few of my school friends understand this magic, which makes me realize how lucky I am to have my GHC family. That’s one thing you girls and horses have in common — you’re there for always.

More to read...

• Horses: My One Safe Place
• What Do Horses Mean to You?
• Be Proud of Yourself

As I’m sure many an adult has told all of you, first impressions are not always correct. Now, where most wise people who state this fact are usually talking about people, it can be true for horses too.

It all started when my stable got a new horse. His name was Gabar (I think that’s how you spell it). When my lesson got to look at him, my instructor told us that we would be working with him a lot because we are the most ‘advanced’ lesson and he was a high strung Arab who wasn’t used to being a school horse. Nobody could ride him right away because he had a huge gash in his side that was just healing. It looked really ugly and like it would take a long time to heal. We all felt terrible for him.

Well, we finally began to ride. I was the second one in my lesson, and my first impression was: YUCK! He was too excitable, too unruly and riding him made me feel like I had been riding 3 days instead of three years. I really didn’t like him. I mean he was sweet on the ground, but riding him was a different story. Luckily a different girl in my lesson fell in love with him, and my instructor let her ride him most of the time.

Well, finally Jessica (my instructor) said that the other girl had ridden Gabar enough, and it was time that some of the rest of us tried it out. Guess who she picked? If you guessed me, you got it right. I was skeptical,but I decided to just hope for the best. I joined up with him while the other girls were saddling up (if you want to know what a Join Up is, read my blog Joining Up – An Amazing Experience!) to wear him out a little and get him to trust me.

When I got on, he was moving around a lot, and he refused to stop when I asked. But as the lesson wore on I began to enjoy myself and trust him a lot more, and it seemed like he felt the same way. When it came time for a lope (canter) I was slightly nervous because this is what had freaked me out before. But as we started he did well. Only at the end did he get really excited. But it all worked out.

The moral of the story is that first impressions of a horse (or a person for that matter) are not always correct. Give the horse another try if he seems a little crazy the first time around.

More to read...

• Changes, Changes
• First Impressions: When Horses Woke Me Up
• My First Riding Lesson

Recently, a new point of view about horse slaughter was brought to my attention. It did not change my opinion (I still believe ALL horse slaughter should end), but it did cause me to think.

A well respected woman at my stables is in belief that we should end a horse’s life if it is in pain, or is not going to sell at an auction. She says that if we do not do it right in the US, the horses will go across the border and be slaughtered in Mexico, or Canada. I agree with the part of her statement that we should HUMANELY (key word here) kill horses that are in pain and can not live a healthy life. The rest of it I am not so sure about. She is proposing that we kill horses that are destined for death anyway, even if they have a chance of life.

As I was mulling all of this over, I thought, I wonder what my horse sisters think? So I am inviting you all to join me, and either in the comments or in a blog of your own, to write your opinion on the truth about horse slaughter. Research your answer well.

Sincerely,
Rebecca Shyly
(Horsecrazzz)

RELATED BLOGS: The Truth About Horse Slaughter: Part 1, The Truth About Horse Slaughter: Part 2

More to read...

• The Truth About Slaughter: Part I
• The Truth About Slaughter: Part II
• Horse Slaughter

As horse girls, we are usually athletic. Although some people do not consider horseback riding a sport (let’s see them post without stirrups for even 5 steps!) we all know it is. So, because we are athletes, we can learn from other sports. Some examples:

Sayings: A lot of the sayings and quotes your coach teaches you in other sports apply to horseback riding. One that my dance teacher taught me, “You’re not a dancer until you fall down.” Well, in horseback riding everyone falls off at one point or another. So falling off just proves you’re trying.

Sportsmanship: This one, in my opinion, is the most important. Just as you should not get upset when you lose a basketball game, you should not be upset when you do not get first place at the horse show. This only makes you look like a sore loser, and how many of you say, “When I grow up I want to be a sore loser!”? Not many I’m guessing (and hoping!). So being a good sport is important.

Stretching: When you ride a horse it does work some of your muscles. So, if you know some good stretches from soccer or any other sport, try them out before you go to your lesson. You might feel more limber and flexible. We warm the horses up before we work them too hard, right? So don’t you deserve the same chance to work that body?

Support: Maybe you don’t think of this as important, but once in a while you might want to invite your parents, grandma, grandpa, aunties and uncles to come and watch you ride. Maybe even some of your non-horsey friends. This is just like inviting a friend to your softball game — it might help your family realize how special the activity is to you.

Believe: No matter what sport you play you have to believe in yourself. “I think I can, I think I can” might actually help you believe that you can!! Always trust yourself. If you don’t always worry about tripping and breaking your leg in field hockey, you shouldn’t worry about falling off your horse.

Things you learn don’t have to be limited to where you learn them. They can apply to this whole big crazy world!

More to read...

• Learning From Different Places
• Learning to Ride, Learning to Fly
• Prince Charming?