Riding After a 30-Year Hiatus

[ski.junkie]

Hi Divas,

I grew up in Wisconsin on an Arabian horse farm. My family bred, raised and showed Arabians and we even had a national champion park horse, AOTR. I was a saddle seat equation rider and won two IAHA medals a few years apart. Due to my age, however, my family wouldn't let me compete at nationals.

Thirty years later... I'm thinking about starting to ride again. I still have my saddle seat saddle, but it seems not only has the bottom fallen out of the Arabian horse world, or at least it's not like it was in the 70's and eaerly 80's, but nobody rides saddle seat anymore. Is that true? Would I be totally old skool riding saddle seat?

Any advice for getting back in the saddle again? Should I take lessons? (I used to help teach so this would be something new for me!) If so, any advice for finding a good stable to get back into riding?

Thanks Divas!

 

[contesstant]

Where are you in SoCal? I've been showing Arabians for 30+ years and am still actively doing so! PLENTY of saddleseat horses and riders out there, although the best ones are really in the midwest. There's one decent saddle seat trainer left here in SoCal, and the shows in general are hurting no matter which division you show in. I currently show hunter pleasure, but saddleseat is my first love and what I did as a kid. :D

Do you want to get back into showing again? Just get on a horse? Let me know where you are and what you want to do. I've been kicked around by a few trainers here and in other states (we move thanks to the Air Force every few years.) Right now, my gelding is close to home with me doing all his care and training. We are preparing to show at the region 1 championship show in Del Mar in June. I'd be more than happy to help you get back into it! You might be horrified at some of the changes, or you might be delighted. Hard to say!

This is me and my gelding at last year's region 1 show. We did quite well! :D

 

[contesstant]

Oh, and what was the name of your farm in WI and your national champ park horse?

 

[ski.junkie]

Oh, your gelding is beautiful!!! I'm confused though; you're dressed in hunt clothing, his tail is braided like a hunter, he has a snaffle only, but you're riding a flat saddle with no knee rolls. Have I been out of the loop that long?! Is that hunter pleasure?

I'm in San Diego (Ramona, actually). I'd love to come see you show at Del Mar in June. I haven't been to a horse show in thirty years. :(

I'm glad to hear there are still saddle seat Arab riders out there. I too love saddle seat. Helen Crabtree was my guru when I was growing up. Below I'm thirteen winning my first medal for saddle seat equitation. Polly Knoll took the picture and it's in Madison, WI.

No, I don't want to show at this stage; just start riding again. I miss horses. You know... once they're in your blood they never go away.

Do you know anyone in San Diego or Ramona?

 

[ski.junkie]

Oh, and what was the name of your farm in WI and your national champ park horse?

I sent you a PM with the info.

 

[contesstant]

Oh, your gelding is beautiful!!! I'm confused though; you're dressed in hunt clothing, his tail is braided like a hunter, he has a snaffle only, but you're riding a flat saddle with no knee rolls. Have I been out of the loop that long?! Is that hunter pleasure?

I'm in San Diego (Ramona, actually). I'd love to come see you show at Del Mar in June. I haven't been to a horse show in thirty years. :(

I'm glad to hear there are still saddle seat Arab riders out there. I too love saddle seat. Helen Crabtree was my guru when I was growing up. Below I'm thirteen winning my first medal for saddle seat equitation. Polly Knoll took the picture and it's in Madison, WI.

No, I don't want to show at this stage; just start riding again. I miss horses. You know... once they're in your blood they never go away.

Do you know anyone in San Diego or Ramona?

That's a hunt saddle, you just can't tell by the angle. :p The flaps are not as forward as a true jumping saddle, though.

Thirty years--you might be horrified by what you see. Very few horses are shown without what many refer to as "clown shoes", meaning pads and toe weights--yes, even hunters, including mine, who got his "clown shoes" on today. Some of the shoes are so heavy they are held on with hose clamps (I abhorr this!)

Lots of club feet, too. :(

There are very few "all-around" horses anymore. They all specialize in one division. The former park horses would now more likely be english or even country english horses, which is a division that was created gosh, almost 20 years ago. You won't see too many super talented english horses here in SoCal. There are a lot more hunters out here.

I would LOVE to hear your thoughts after going to a show. Things have changed SO much, and a lot not for the better. I have a lot of beefs with the current state of things, but there are SOME good things, I think.

I know a few people down your way. Lots of training barns in Temecula. Trying to think of who I would recommend down there if you just want to take a lesson or two. One of the biggest breeders in the country, North Arabians, is in Ramona. They produce mostly halter horses, though.

There's a HUGE international show this weekend in Vegas. It's all halter, though. The halter and performance groups are very splintered now. My gelding is by a very famous stallion who has produced a gazillion halter horses who also happen to have the brains for performance. Too bad he also passes on club feet like mad!

If I think of any place near you to consider for lessons, I'll let you know! Is Temecula too far?

Oh, and Helen Crabtree was my guru, too! I became a saddle seat addict in about 1980. The saddles are a far bit more comfortable these days!

 

[KatyPerrey]

Wow! All this talk brings back many memories of my youth! Back in the day (70's & 80's) I showed Quarter Horses under Tommy Manion and my sister Nell showed Saddlebreds under Helen Crabtree.

It's been a long time since I was at a "real" show. I still have friends that I keep in touch with that are still in the business. Have fun!

 

[contesstant]

Wow! All this talk brings back many memories of my youth! Back in the day (70's & 80's) I showed Quarter Horses under Tommy Manion and my sister Nell showed Saddlebreds under Helen Crabtree.

It's been a long time since I was at a "real" show. I still have friends that I keep in touch with that are still in the business. Have fun!

Too funny! Some of us never grew up, that being me :p

Here is a link to video of a recent U.S. Nationals class, 1/2 arab english pleasure. These aren't park horses. Don't ask...how they aren't is beyond me.

Links to some other videos on there, including purebred english. I feel as though we have bastardized the breed with the 1/2 arabs. And don't get me wrong, I love them. But we now tend to compare our purebreds to the 1/2's and it's just NOT fair!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0_FdeXhNvY

 

[ski.junkie]

Here is a link to video of a recent U.S. Nationals class, 1/2 arab english pleasure. These aren't park horses. Don't ask...how they aren't is beyond me.

Unbelievable! They look like Saddlebreds! Our family started out with Saddlebreds, and it was crazy what was done to turn them into show horses, e.g., break and set their tales, weighted shoes, etc. I always found the natural look of Arabians so appealing. It seems that's not longer the case. I had a half-Arab park horse (who became national champion native costume after my family sold him) and I never used the forbidden training techniques to get more action out of him. I can see the entire Arab world has changed, and perhaps not for the best. :mad:

I never knew North Arabians was in my area. They're about 15 miles away from me, but still...

Contesstant: Do you have any tips for finding a good place to take lessons? Temecula is way too far for me, but there are plenty of stables in Ramona.

 

[contesstant]

Unbelievable! They look like Saddlebreds! Our family started out with Saddlebreds, and it was crazy what was done to turn them into show horses, e.g., break and set their tales, weighted shoes, etc. I always found the natural look of Arabians so appealing. It seems that's not longer the case. I had a half-Arab park horse (who became national champion native costume after my family sold him) and I never used the forbidden training techniques to get more action out of him. I can see the entire Arab world has changed, and perhaps not for the best. :mad:

I never knew North Arabians was in my area. They're about 15 miles away from me, but still...

Contesstant: Do you have any tips for finding a good place to take lessons? Temecula is way too far for me, but there are plenty of stables in Ramona.

Well, most of those 1/2 arabs ARE half saddlebred, or the latest (and the one who was national champion) is 1/2 Dutch Harness Horse, and I will say he is phenomenal. Watch one of the Purebred classes though, and it's not a ton different except the horses look like they're being pushed too hard. Everyone wants them to be like the 1/2 arabs and they just aren't! So sad.

I have a show acquaintance who lives in Ramona. Let me get in touch with her for ideas for you. It's so wonderful you want to start riding again! I will say that just like any other athletic endeavor, it causes a lot more pain than it used to!

 

[ski.junkie]

Well, most of those 1/2 arabs ARE half saddlebred, or the latest (and the one who was national champion) is 1/2 Dutch Harness Horse, and I will say he is phenomenal. Watch one of the Purebred classes though, and it's not a ton different except the horses look like they're being pushed too hard. Everyone wants them to be like the 1/2 arabs and they just aren't! So sad.

I have a show acquaintance who lives in Ramona. Let me get in touch with her for ideas for you. It's so wonderful you want to start riding again! I will say that just like any other athletic endeavor, it causes a lot more pain than it used to!

I understand most of those horses are half Sadllebreds, but still. That type of training used to be banned, forbidden, and unheard of. That being said... they sure are beautiful! I will check out the purebreds.

I remember hearing some time ago, late 90's perhaps, that one of the Boggs brothers, either Bobby or David, was busted for having plastic surgery done on his halter horses (I think it was halter, and I think he had neck implants done, or reduction, or something like that). I knew the Arab horse world had taken a turn for the worse when I heard that. I remember both of them from horse shows. I was stunned, actually.

Thanks for contacting your Ramona acquaintance. If something materializes, great! And if not, no worries. I'll look around too.

 

[contesstant]

I understand most of those horses are half Sadllebreds, but still. That type of training used to be banned, forbidden, and unheard of. That being said... they sure are beautiful! I will check out the purebreds.

I remember hearing some time ago, late 90's perhaps, that one of the Boggs brothers, either Bobby or David, was busted for having plastic surgery done on his halter horses (I think it was halter, and I think he had neck implants done, or reduction, or something like that). I knew the Arab horse world had taken a turn for the worse when I heard that. I remember both of them from horse shows. I was stunned, actually.

Thanks for contacting your Ramona acquaintance. If something materializes, great! And if not, no worries. I'll look around too.

A lot of the "old-timers" meaning folks who showed in the 70's and 80's hung things up a long time ago because of the way things have changed. I try to take the good with the bad. The splintering between halter and performance kind of began with the whole David Boggs incident. He claims it was "cribbing surgery" on that horse, who in spite of it all never failed to get thousands of breedings and went on to win a couple more national and Scottsdale championships! He was suspended for several years but is back and still almost unbeatable. It's disgusting and why I loathe halter!

I think some of the training methods are vastly improved and some are really bad. Everything is very extreme anymore. It is nearly impossible to be successful without having your horse in full-time training with a trainer (although I am trying to buck that tradition!) I do know of a few amateurs who are doing very well on their own, but not very many. It's made especially hard because so many of the judges are also trainers and there is definitely a good 'ol boys network.

My friend got back to me already and said she can't think of anyone in Ramona but she'll ask around. Since she's one of the few who is doing her own training and is a skeptic like me these days, not sure if she'll come up with anyone. There have to be some, though! I'll keep poking around for you also.

 

[ski.junkie]

Thanks contesstant! It's really great talking about the old horse world. It was such a part of my life for so long, and I miss it/them (the horses, not the Boggs!).

So, you know about the whole surgery incident. It certainly didn't surprise me when I heard about it as they both seemed somewhat unscrupulous. We used to laugh at how the Bogg's brothers showed in halter. They'd practicably do somersaults and flips in the ring when the judge walked by. It was truly ridiculous (yet funny to watch).

A funny Bobby Boggs story: one of my show girlfriends, whom I lost contact with many, many years ago, was deflowered (into womanhood, shall I say) by Bobby at one of the horse shows. I never understood why, or what she saw in him. But he was happy to oblige. Ick!

I'll try to make some calls this weekend and see if I can line something up regarding lessons. I'll keep you posted. Thanks for contacting your Ramona friend; that was very kind of you.

 

[contesstant]

Oh BLECH! Male trainers seem to think of themselves and also be treated by some young women as celebrities. I've heard some crazy stories myself! I have found the horse show world to be quite incestuous. It's horrible!

If you're ever in L.A. or Long Beach/Palos Verdes, let me know. You can meet my horse and we can chat and laugh! Regardless, come to region 1! I'll be so curious to see your reaction about the insanity that occurs. I really miss the days when I'd show in an english pleasure class as a youth and there were 15 horses in it. Not so anymore! Many of them are one horse classes now. It's really sad! Oh, Gardenmary from here is hoping to come also. She is a horse nut herself. :D We can plan a girls ski trip for next winter!

 

[perma-grin]

Hey sorry if I'm buttig in but I thought that a Half arab half saddlebred was a recognizied breed now? Isn't the Breed name "National Show Horse". I thought they were registered that way now. Saddleseat is alive and well here. At the stallion expo at MSU last month my friend Holly armstrong exhibited her new Pinto Saddlebred stud (Paddington's Mark of Distinction) saddle seat. He is gorgeous! I'm having a hard time uploading the picture.

 

[contesstant]

1/2 arab 1/2 saddlebred CAN be registered as National Show Horse, but they don't have to be. (And actually they can be as little as 1/4 Arabian blood, but those cannot be registered as 1/2 arabs, which must have at least one purebred Arabian parent.) Many of the 1/2 Arabian saddleseat classes at the Arab shows ARE filled with NSH registered horses, and most all NSH only classes are held in conjunction with Arabian shows.

Anyway, so yes, there is a national show horse breed, you are correct there!

 

[ski.junkie]

If you're ever in L.A. or Long Beach/Palos Verdes, let me know. You can meet my horse and we can chat and laugh! Regardless, come to region 1!

I will definitely come to region 1 on Del Mar. And I will let you know if I'm in your area. I used to get up there more frequently when I was racing bicycles, but I'm not this season so in your area less frequently. If you come to San Diego or Ramona, let me know too!

Hey sorry if I'm buttig in but I thought that a Half arab half saddlebred was a recognizied breed now? Isn't the Breed name "National Show Horse". I thought they were registered that way now. Saddleseat is alive and well here. At the stallion expo at MSU last month my friend Holly armstrong exhibited her new Pinto Saddlebred stud (Paddington's Mark of Distinction) saddle seat. He is gorgeous! I'm having a hard time uploading the picture.

You're not butting in perma-grin. Great question about National Show Horse, because it's something I didn't know; been away for too long. Glad to hear saddle seat is alive and well somewhere.

 

[perma-grin]

It is funny how much the Horses builds have changed in the last 30 years or so! In every discipline not just the Arab world. What is even more stunning is how freaking expensive the show clothes have become!!!!!! I hate to say it but Saddleseat outfits are outrageous! So are some of the western showmanship outfits!!! Although i do love rhinestones!!!!!! LOL! At least in dressage I can have a blingey browband! LOL! I love to wear western showbelts with my ski pants!!!! Especially on a sunny day!

 

[ski.junkie]

It is funny how much the Horses builds have changed in the last 30 years or so! In every discipline not just the Arab world. What is even more stunning is how freaking expensive the show clothes have become!!!!!! I hate to say it but Saddleseat outfits are outrageous! So are some of the western showmanship outfits!!! Although i do love rhinestones!!!!!! LOL! At least in dressage I can have a blingey browband! LOL! I love to wear western showbelts with my ski pants!!!! Especially on a sunny day!

I always remember anything related to showing being excessively expensive, so that doesn't surprise me. I love, love, LOVE the idea of wearing your western belt with ski pants!!!

 

[VickiK]

It's been so long since I've even been on a horse, but I still love them. Nice to read this thread.