For some, enjoying life is about spending time with family and friends. For some, a round of golf is the ideal way to unwind – whether they are able to get out once a month, once a weekend or simply whenever they are able to get out on the fairways and greens. For others however, really living is what takes place when they are able to spend time with their horses.

Those who have a passion for the equestrian will find that Brigadoon – an equestrian community near Aiken, South Carolina – gives them access to all of the best that life has to offer. Rather than simply being a community where neighbors get together with one another, Brigadoon is a community in which those who love horses and want to have the space to enjoy them can come together.

Much like those communities that feature properties that surround a golf course, the neighborhoods at Brigadoon surround the Brigadoon Common. The Common is, in effect, 40 acres of land that has been committed to the purpose of allowing those whose passion for all things equestrian to come together. Whether practicing dressage, preparing your horse for competition in show jumping or training your horse for speed on the Brigadoon dirt training track as well as a covered arena, there are few things that have not been planned for.

That, of course, also includes the fact that not everyone who lives at Brigadoon will be thinking about getting his or her horse into the performance ring. For those who simply want to be able to enjoy a long, leisurely ride as an escape, Brigadoon offers plenty of undeveloped green space that’s just waiting to be explored. Likewise, at Brigadoon, you’ll find that there are over eighteen miles of private trails for those who are members of this equestrian community.

Others who are looking to be more engaged with both their horses as well as their neighbors in the Brigadoon community will find that there is plenty of space set aside for games of polo as well as taking part in fox hunts and other competitions. After all, for some, it’s hard to get away from their competitive streak even when they are outside of the business community.

Relaxation means different things to different people. For some, it’s all about doing nothing; for others relaxation is all about finding a way to participate in and genuinely enjoy the activities within their community. Those who know that their greatest satisfaction often comes when they are able to be on horseback and spending time with others who share that passion will find that the Brigadoon community offers everything that they are looking for – and then some.

Brigadoon is not just about just horses, nor is it simply about the space that you need to enjoy the time you have with your horse and to take part in a variety of different activities. Instead, Brigadoon is a community designed especially for those who know that their lives would simply not be the same if it were missing an equestrian component.

Tim Stewart
http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/living-is-spending-time-with-horses-432290.html

Finding a good instructor is important. If you’ve never been on a horse before, you do not need to have an olympic level teacher. Sometimes this level instructor cannot relate to beginners because they are so advanced in their thinking. You need to be looking for an instructor who will teach a good basic foundation. You want an instructor who honestly enjoys people, horses and teaching.
You need an instructor who will teach basic knowledge about horses, how they think, what they are afraid of, and why they do what they do. How their senses of sight, smell and hearing work. They are large animals and very strong. They belong to the group of animals that gets eaten by the other group, so you need to know how to make the horse feel safe around you. You need to know how to touch them. You need to learn what you need to do, why you need to do it and how to achieve it. A good instructor will teach the student how to use our own intelligence to ride and care for the horse properly and safely You need to learn how to care for them, grooming, catching and leading, haltering and tying, saddleing and bridling, mounting and dismounting, sitting correctly in the saddle and communicating with the horse. These subjects should be taught before the student ever mounts and begins instruction on riding.
Some instructors constantly teach “head up, heels down, sit straight, turn your shoulders, toes forward etc”. Teaching poseing often results in a stiff rider. It is difficult to concentrate on both poseing and riding. Riders learn to ride by being taught exercises that enable them to FEEL. First you need to move WITH the horse. Then you direct the horse by interferring with his movenment. This is what they call “riding from your seat”.
A good instructor needs to be able to communicate clearly and logically and allows you to ask questions. Asking questions shows that the student has a real desire to learn. They must be honest with you, have happy students that are satisfied with how they have learned.
A credible instructor will allow you to sit and observe a lesson or two. Before you commit yourself to a series of lessons, take a couple of lessons to see if you like your instructor.
Get references from instructors and contact those students. Find out their complaints as well as compliments.
You need to do your homework before you just sign up for lessons with the first instructor you meet. Ask horse people, visit local stables, go to some horse shows, visit some tack shops, go on the internet and visit sites offering advice on the subject of horses.
Has the instructor completed any kind of training?
Is the instructor insured?
Is the facility neat, clean and the animals well cared for?
Is the tack well cared for, clean and safe?
Safety should be a good instructors main concern. Are all students wearing approved helmets, boots or shoes with a heel and smooth sole? Are they wearing well-fitted clothing?
Does the instructor speak clearly and loudly so students can hear?
Is the instructor giving you the full attention you paid for or is he/she distracted by phone calls, visitors, loose pets, or other frivilous matters that could be attended to after your lesson?
Riding is not cheap. Just like any other sport, you will have to invest in good equipment and riding apparrel. Your instructor should be able to guide you in the right direction for the type of riding you want to do.
After your first couple of lessons, you should feel good about learning more and your confidence should grow with each succeeding lesson. It often takes years to become an excellent rider so don’t feel discouraged if you are not an expert right away. There is so much to learn about horses so just relax and have fun!

Shari O’neal
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/finding-a-riding-instructor-by-shari-oneal-70064.html

I am constantly cleaning out my horses buckets and water tanks. I am wondering if there is anything that could help with keeping their water clean (green moss, algae grows) Thanks!

We keep goldfish in the tank. They eat the algae, and we do not have to feed them.They do not bother the horses, and they actually come up to the top when the horses come to drink. They eat the little bits of food that come off the horse's mouth after the horse eats.

If you love horses, it doesnâ??t get any better than this: sea, sun, and a steady mount, a vision of pleasure and relaxation. In fact, thereâ??s virtually no limit to the horse-drawn daydream you can bring to life in Costa Rica. Perhaps an afternoon ride alongside a clear mountain stream, the morning mists retreating to reveal a majestic vista of valley and volcano. Or how about a brisk beach ride in the cool of a coastal morning, greeted by the booming hoots of the howler monkeys and the splash of diving pelicans as you veer into the shade of a giant ceiba, the Mayan tree of life. Thereâ??s no doubt that if you are so inclined, much of your exploration of this beautiful country can best be done on horseback.

Horse lovers will find many Costa Ricans who share their persuasion, and no small wonder. Horses have played a central role in Costa Rican history and culture since the arrival of the first Spanish settlers in the 16th century. From coastal towns to cloud forest passes, you are sure to notice that horses continue to be a principal means of transportation for quite a few Costa Ricans. Even among those with more frenetic modern schedules, sentimental ties to the horse remain strong. Many urban and semi-urban Costa Ricans whose families have long left the farm nevertheless keep a steed in a stable to saddle-up in their spare time.

Costa Ricaâ??s frequent fairs and festivals typically feature several horse events, the most popular of which is undoubtedly the tope (literally, the â??bumpâ?), a rollicking horse parade in which horse lovers of all stripes, from country cowboys to city slickers, can don their fanciest duds and prance stirrup-to-stirrup through the streets. The comfort and ease with which rich and poor â??bumpâ? and mingle en masse reflects not only Costa Ricaâ??s relative social equality but also the ongoing cultural emphasis on honoring agricultural traditions. It is the same impulse to hold the land and those who work it close to their hearts, to remain humble regardless of station, which prompts even wealthy Costa Rican families to take their youngsters to pick coffee at least once a year.

Costa Ricansâ?? reverence for the horse is also reflected in national musical tastes, among which the ranchera is a perennial favorite. The traditional music of the mounted campesinos (country folk) from the deserts of northern Mexico to the Argentine pampas, ranchera music punctuates its stories of valor and betrayal with surging horns, enthusiastic vocal whoops, and exaggerated sobs. With songs such as â??My Shining Cinnamon Steedâ? and â??The Famous Black Stallion,â? ranchera music is more likely to be an ode to a favorite horse rather than a paean to romantic love. Costa Rica counts among its native-born one of the few women superstars of the genre, the gun-toting, cigar-smoking Chavela Vargas, a close friend of Frida Kahlo who, after decades of success throughout Latin America, finally made her 2003 Carnegie Hall debut at age 83. Anyone interested in understanding rancheraâ??s popular appeal should attend one of the several ranchera festivals Costa Rica hosts each year throughout the country, delightful showcases of stirring music, superb singing, and impressive horsemanship.

Some who are choosing Costa Rica as â??theâ? place to live are drawn precisely because of its horse-friendly ways. â??We have noticed an increase in inquiries from people looking for horse properties,â? says Pamela Wright, co-owner with her husband, Terry, of Beach Properties of Costa Rica. Just why that might be Tanya Herrington, owner of the Finca Más Tranquila (No Worries) horse farm outside Quepos, is quick to explain: â??You really bond with nature riding in the countryside here. Thereâ??s nothing like it!â? Tanya designed her wide-windowed home to sit atop the stables, allowing her to keep close watch on her horses and take best advantage of a great view.

Ray and Elizabeth Moss of Nosara say that Costa Ricansâ?? boundless enthusiasm for horses helped convince them to relocate here from the wine country of California, bringing their three horses with them (see â??Journeying With Horses to Nosaraâ? in current issue). â??Everywhere I ride, people just come on over to chat and check out the horses,â? says Elizabeth. â??They love themâ?¦itâ??s just a horse-crazy country.â?

Those who decide to buy their horses here will find a healthy and varied market, with prices beginning at only a few hundred dollars for horses that elsewhere would be worth much more. Indeed, it seems that the world is discovering what Costa Ricans have long known, that the countryâ??s native Iberoamerican breeds are strong, beautiful, and spirited. Demand is growing both domestically and internationally, and top prices can reach $35,000. Sign of the growing reputation of this breed is the fact that singer Vicente Fernández, the Mexican king of ranchera music, traveled to Costa Rica to bring home a Costa Rican Iberoamerican to his ranch in Mexico, a fitting tribute to a worthy horse.

Riding is easy to arrange, no matter where you are. It is safe to say there is not a town or hamlet throughout this horse-loving nation without opportunities for recreational riding. More formal equestrian clubs featuring horse-boarding, riding lessons, and training and competitions in dressage and jumping have long been in existence throughout the Central Valley, and are now to be found in Guanacaste and other areas as well.

For suggestions on horse-riding options and properties suitable for horses in your area of interest Contact http://www.intl-investorsgroup.com.

With sound advice from the Intl-Investors Group, youâ??ll be able to ride off into the sunsetâ??every day of the week!

Mike Fonseca
http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/equestrian-distractions-in-a-horsecrazy-country-140742.html

I have been feeding my 2 senior horses Nutrena Senior Feed, not the John Lyon signature brand. It is $14.49/bag at my local feed store and i go through 1 to 1 & 1/2 bags a week. It is getting pretty costly. Is there other brands that are just as good for senior horses that won't make them have digestive problems? It also must be able to get wetted down, because I have to make it into a bran mash as they have choke syndrome. The reason I have been using Nutrena Senior so long is because it has rice bran and beet pulp in it, and as far as I know, no other senior feed does that. If it helps in your research, i live in minnesota, so please don't give me a name of something that is only available in massachusetts or whatever state you live in! THanks!

I think if this feed is working for you then don't switch. Your horses are special needs because of their choke syndrome plus they are older.
An ounce of prevention is worth it's weight in gold.
I tried switching senior feeds on my older mares a couple of years ago for the same reasons. I went through 3 different brands and all the time my horses were losing weight and their beautiful coats. I am not saying that my feed was the best, but it worked for them. I wound up going back to it and suffering over the cost. After of course I paid my vet to come out to tell me the same thing.
I could have saved myself a lot frustration and a vet bill not too mention my horses took forever to put the weight on and wouldn't you know they lost the weight going into winter…I almost had to blanket them. Both of those mares are now deceased at ages 30 and 40 plus. Looking back those other senior feeds were no bargain and definitely not worth the aggravation.

Depending on breed, management and environment, the domestic horse today has a life expectancy of 25 to 30 years. It is uncommon, but a few horses live into their 40s, and, occasionally, beyond. The oldest verifiable record was “Old Billy,” a horse that lived in the 19th century to the age of 62. The size of horses varies by breed, but can also be influenced by nutrition. The general rule for cutoff in height between what is considered a horse and a pony at maturity is 14.2 hands(h or hh) (147 cm, 58 inches) as measured at the withers. An animal 14.2h or over is usually considered a horse and one less than 14.2h is a pony.

However, there are exceptions to the general rule. Some smaller horse breeds who typically produce individual horses both under and over 14.2h are considered “horses” regardless of height. Likewise, some pony breeds, such as the Pony of the Americas or the Welsh cob, share some features of horses and individual animals may occasionally mature at over 14.2h, but are still considered ponies. The difference between a horse and pony is not simply a height difference, but also a difference in phenotype or appearance. There are noticeable differences in conformation and temperament. Ponies often exhibit thicker manes, tails and overall coat. They also have proportionally shorter legs, wider barrels, heavy bone, thick necks, and short heads with broad foreheads.

Light horses such as Arabians, Morgans, Quarter Horses, Paints and Thoroughbreds usually range in height from 14.0 (142 cm) to 16.0 hands (163 cm) and can weigh from 386 kg (850 lbs) to about 680 kg (1500 lbs). Heavy or draft horses such as the Clydesdale, Belgian, Percheron, and Shire are usually at least 16.0 (163 cm) to 18.0 hands (183 cm) high and can weigh from about 682 kg (1500 lb) up to about 900 kg (2000 lb). Ponies are less than 14.2h, but can be much smaller, down to the Shetland pony at around 10 hands, and the Falabella which can be the size of a medium-sized dog. The miniature horse is as small as or smaller than either of the aforementioned ponies but are classified as very small horses rather than ponies despite their size. The largest horse in history was a Shire horse named Sampson, later renamed Mammoth, foaled in 1846 in Bedfordshire, England. He stood 21.2 hands high (i.e. 7 ft 2 in or 2.20 m ), and his peak weight was estimated at over 3,300 lb (approx 1.5 tonnes). The current record holder for the world’s smallest horse is Thumbelina, a fully mature miniature horse affected by dwarfism. She is 17 inches tall and weighs 60 pounds.

Horse breeding

Pregnancy lasts for approximately 335-340 days and usually results in one foal (male: colt, female: filly). Twins are rare. Colts are usually carried 2-7 days longer than fillies. Females 4 years and over are called mares and males are stallions. A castrated male is a gelding. Horses, particularly colts, may sometimes be physically capable of reproduction at approximately 18 months but in practice are rarely allowed to breed until a minimum age of 3 years, especially females. Horses four years old are considered mature, though the skeleton usually finishes developing at the age of six, and the precise time of completion of development also depends on the horse’s size (therefore a connection to breed exists), gender, and the quality of care provided by its owner.

Also, if the horse is larger, its bones are larger; therefore, not only do the bones take longer to actually form bone tissue (bones are made of cartilage in earlier stages of bone formation), but the epiphyseal plates (plates that fuse a bone into one piece by connecting the bone shaft to the bone ends) are also larger and take longer to convert from cartilage to bone as well. These plates convert after the other parts of the bones do but are crucial to development.

Depending on maturity, breed and the tasks expected, young horses are usually put under saddle and trained to be ridden between the ages of two and four. Although Thoroughbred and American Quarter Horse race horses are put on the track at as young as two years old in some countries (notably the United States), horses specifically bred for sports such as show jumping and dressage are generally not entered into top-level competition until a minimum age of four years old, because their bones and muscles are not solidly developed, nor is their advanced training complete.

Horses are adapted to grazing, so their teeth continue to grow throughout life. There are 12 teeth (six upper and six lower), the incisors, adapted to biting off the grass or other vegetation, at the front of the mouth, and 24 teeth, the premolar and molars, adapted for chewing, at the back of the mouth. Stallions and geldings have four additional teeth just behind the incisors, a type of canine teeth that are called “tushes.” Some horses, both male and female, will also develop one to four very small vestigial teeth in front of the molars, known as “wolf” teeth, which are generally removed because they can interfere with the bit. There is an empty interdental space between the incisors and the molars where the bit rests directly on the bars (gums) of the horse’s mouth when the horse is bridled.

The incisors show a distinct wear and growth pattern as the horse ages, as well as change in the angle at which the chewing surfaces meet, and while the diet and veterinary care of the horse can affect the rate of tooth wear, a very rough estimate of the age of a horse can be made by looking at its teeth.

Keith Londrie
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/here-are-some-interesting-facts-about-horses-136636.html

In Australia / Vic / Melbourne there has been a horse flu scare. But what I would really like to know is what does the flu do to a horse. I understand that the horse develops a temperature. Yes I know horses cant talk so they can't tell us how they are feeling, but what do the experts say about how it affects the infected horse.

Equine influenza is a major virus disease that causes flu like symptoms in horses and is from the group of viruses that causes flu in humans. This is a major viral disease present throughout Europe, North America and parts of Asia.

Most horses exposed to the virus will show signs within a period of 1-5 days.

Equine influenza appears similar to a range of other viral respiratory diseases. Viruses that are responsible for coughs and colds in Australia include Equine Herpesvirus, Equine Rhinovirus and Equine Adenovirus. Most of these viruses produce rather mild signs which include a discharge from the nose and coughing. Equine Influenza produces more severe symptoms with horses developing a fever and a dry hacking cough. Horses become ill and are reluctant to eat or drink for several days but usually recover in 2 to 3 weeks.

The virus can be spread easily from horse to horse as a result of droplets and also from nasal discharge and from things like infected brushes and rugs. The disease is very contagious and there is almost 100% infection rate in a population that has been previously unexposed to the virus.

Because it is a virus, there are no drugs that influence the outcome of the disease. However many horses develop secondary infections with bacteria which can lead to pneumonia and other problems. Good nursing care and if necessary, antibiotics to deal with bacterial illness associated with the disease are important parts of treatment. The most important part of dealing with this illness is effective vaccination. Reasonably effective vaccines are now available featuring the two most important types of this virus but horses need to be vaccinated 2-3 times per year to ensure their immune status.

The most likely way that this disease could be introduced into Australia is through an imported horse and horse owners should be aware of this potential if there are any horses introduced onto farms or into stables. The most likely signs will be the rapid spread of a severe respiratory flu like disease which is more severe than the usual virus problems

If you’re seeing a persistant behavior issue with your horse, and feel stuck, here’s something to try.

Send your animal a scene of the outcome you’re trying to achieve, instead of focusing on the wrong behavior that keeps being repeated.

In this example, I had received 2 requests this month from riders whose horses were having issues with canter departures. Animal communication is a heart-based emotional exchange of energy, thoughts, feelings, and images, sometimes in lightning-fast progression.

The art of animal communication is to be able to gently grasp these fleeting messages as they fly by, to acknowledge them, and to keep the conversation flowing.

Following communications with each animal, I was able to nail down the reason for the problem, and give recommendations as to how to work through the problem. Both times, I had also mentioned that the owner should send her horse a picture of how she wanted the departure to be attained, realizing that the horse would get this and more easily grasp what was being asked.

Once we know how your animal sees the state of affairs, you’ll know better how to individualize your routine or the way in which you are training, to be better in tune with what your animal needs in order to move forward.

We can all get into the trap of visualizing undesired results in a situation like this. We unconciously prepare ourselves to fear and expect the worst, and then look here! The worst happens. By utterly imagining the outcome you are trying to achieve, and then giving that distinct image to your animal, you’ll advance your instruction and both of you will be able to move on quicker.

This is a type of animal communication which maureen practices, and there is much information available about this process on her website, at http://www.animaltranslations.com.

Maureen Harmonay
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/animal-communication-can-help-136751.html

I have heard that chocolate is not good for horses, but I was never sure. Are there any other human foods you should watch out for when it comes to horses? Thanks in advance!

horses have a really sensitive digestive system and it's not a good idea to feed them any human food in general. peanuts and other nuts and acorns are BAD (peanut butter is ok but whole peanuts are not. acorns are poison). walnuts are also poison. onions are also BAD news (not that i know many horses that would eat onions). green apples are ok in small quantities. garlic is also bad for pets. fruit pits (like peachs, plums, and yes apple seeds) can cause cyanide poisoning in large amounts. potatoes are not good for horses, tomatoes, raisins and grapes, broccoli, avocado, mushrooms, and anything with caffeine are bad too

http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/protect_your_pet_from_common_household_dangers/foods_potentially_poisonous_to_pets.html

http://www.thehorse.com/viewarticle.aspx?ID=5270

Finding a good instructor is important. If you’ve never been on a horse before, you do not need to have an olympic level teacher. Sometimes this level instructor cannot relate to beginners because they are so advanced in their thinking. You need to be looking for an instructor who will teach a good basic foundation. You want an instructor who honestly enjoys people, horses and teaching.
You need an instructor who will teach basic knowledge about horses, how they think, what they are afraid of, and why they do what they do. How their senses of sight, smell and hearing work. They are large animals and very strong. They belong to the group of animals that gets eaten by the other group, so you need to know how to make the horse feel safe around you. You need to know how to touch them. You need to learn what you need to do, why you need to do it and how to achieve it. A good instructor will teach the student how to use our own intelligence to ride and care for the horse properly and safely You need to learn how to care for them, grooming, catching and leading, haltering and tying, saddleing and bridling, mounting and dismounting, sitting correctly in the saddle and communicating with the horse. These subjects should be taught before the student ever mounts and begins instruction on riding.
Some instructors constantly teach “head up, heels down, sit straight, turn your shoulders, toes forward etc”. Teaching posing often results in a stiff rider. It is difficult to concentrate on both posing and riding. Riders learn to ride by being taught exercises that enable them to FEEL. First you need to move WITH the horse. Then you direct the horse by interferring with his movenment. This is what they call “riding from your seat”.
A good instructor needs to be able to communicate clearly and logically and allows you to ask questions. Asking questions shows that the student has a real desire to learn. They must be honest with you, have happy students that are satisfied with how they have learned.
A credible instructor will allow you to sit and observe a lesson or two. Before you commit yourself to a series of lessons, take a couple of lessons to see if you like your instructor.
Get references from instructors and contact those students. Find out their complaints as well as compliments.
You need to do your homework before you just sign up for lessons with the first instructor you meet. Ask horse people, visit local stables, go to some horse shows, visit some tack shops, go on the internet and visit sites offering advice on the subject of horses.
Has the instructor completed any kind of training?
Is the instructor insured?
Is the facility neat, clean and the animals well cared for?
Is the tack well cared for, clean and safe?
Safety should be a good instructors main concern. Are all students wearing approved helmets, boots or shoes with a heel and smooth sole? Are they wearing well-fitted clothing?
Does the instructor speak clearly and loudly so students can hear?
Is the instructor giving you the full attention you paid for or is he/she distracted by phone calls, visitors, loose pets, or other frivilous matters that could be attended to after your lesson?
Riding is not cheap. Just like any other sport, you will have to invest in good equipment and riding apparel. Your instructor should be able to guide you in the right direction for the type of riding you want to do.
After your first couple of lessons, you should feel good about learning more and your confidence should grow with each succeeding lesson. It often takes years to become an excellent rider so don’t feel discouraged if you are not an expert right away. There is so much to learn about horses so just relax and have fun!

Shari O’neal
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/so-you-want-to-learn-to-ride-a-horse-by-shari-oneal-71435.html