2025 Demonstrations in the Round Pen Arena

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            Bit & Bridle Fit 

             March 21,2025

         ROUND PEN ARENA

                  2:45 PM

Understanding your bits is just as crucial as ensuring that your bridle and bit fit your horse properly. A well-fitted bridle allows for optimal communication between rider and horse, promoting trust and responsiveness. When the bit sits correctly in the horse's mouth, it can effectively convey cues without causing discomfort or pain. An ill-fitting bridle can lead to issues like rubbing or pinching, affecting the horse's performance and overall well-being. By taking the time to assess the fit of both the bridle and bit, riders can enhance their horse's comfort and performance, creating a harmonious partnership that thrives both in training and competition.

             Wild to Wonderful

           Training a Wild Burrow

              March 21, 2025

           ROUND PEN ARENA

                   11:15 AM

 That cute face and those long, floppy ears were impossible to resist—but now you're starting to wonder just how "cute" this wild burro can really be! Don’t stress—Mike is here to help you get into the mind of your burro. He’ll teach you effective strategies to build trust,and  understand their unique quirks, and tricks to help your training plan work. With Mike’s tips and tricks, you’ll rediscover why you fell for that adorable wild burro in the first place!  

 Riding Through Your Horse's Eyes:

            Mastering Clear Cues 

                  March 22, 2025

                Round Pen Arena

                       2:45 pm

 "Steering, seat, and feet—explored from the horse's perspective! Discover what your horse feels and experiences as you communicate through cues.

Come watch this unique style of demo! 

 How clear are your signals? Whether you're a beginner struggling to get a response or an experienced rider looking to refine your skills, this is a must-see demo.

 Perfect for 4-H members, kids, and adults alike, this session will help you ensure your cues are clear, effective, and horse-friendly, strengthening the conversations we have with our equine partner." 

     Equine Sports Massage

              March 22. 2025

          ROUND PEN ARENA

                   9:45 AM

 My technique is a muscular skeletal bodywork that’s a combination of deep tissue massage, physical therapy, acupressure, trigger point release and stretches.  This combination helps the horse self adjust!  My technique is called Structural Integration for Horses - Deep tissue massage and rebalancing mixed together.This is a massage-type of therapy for horses that will rebalance the body left to right, front to back, inside and out. Changes will happen in natural balance, performance, flexibility and behavior.Structural Integration is a type of bodywork that focuses on the connective tissue, aka fascia, of the body.   Just like you and me, a horses body works as a whole, interconnected machine. It is designed to move. It requires alignment and balance to do that well. When you or your horse’s body is “off” it affects how we move, our moods, and our motivation. We ask a lot from our horses, but they also require us to give them the care they need keep working. Regular bodywork will help keep a horse sound and willing to work. Accidents can happen, especially in today’s highly competitive events; but a little preventive maintenance can do a world of good. 

 Hoof Health Beyond the Basics: 

Managing Orthopedic Issues in Horses 

               March 23, 2025

            ROUND PEN ARENA

                      3:00 PM

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 Dive into the intricate relationship between hoof health and orthopedic challenges in horses. 

This session will provide horse owners with practical tools and strategies to identify, prevent, and manage issues that can impact equine soundness and performance. 

             Starting Strong

   Putting The First Ride On Jenny

              March 23, 2025

           ROUND PEN ARENA

                   2:00 PM

 Are you ready to see how to put the very first ride on a lovable, friendly jenny donkey? She’s sweet, willing, and ready for her next big step—learning to carry a rider! Join Mike and his assistant as they create a calm and safe space to guide this jenny through her first riding experience. This isn’t just any training session; donkeys think and act differently than horses, and Mike will demonstrate the unique approach required to bring out their best. Don’t miss this chance to witness each careful step in starting a donkey under saddle!