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It is often a little challenging and sometimes very difficult to locate a breeder in your area, especially if you are considering a rare or more unusual breed of dog. There are also problems in locating breeders of even more common breeds, especially if you wish to obtain a puppy from a specific line or championship dog. These issues, as well as some of the considerations on choosing the right breeder, can make finding the right person for you a concern.
There are some very specific ways to locate a breeder, as well as some pitfalls to avoid in finding a breeder. It is important to keep in mind that just because someone says that he or she is a breeder, does not necessarily mean that they are ethical and place the dog's health and well being above the potential profit they may earn. [...]
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There are many different reasons why buying your puppy from a reputable breeder is critical to both puppy health and temperament, but there are even more reasons to avoid buying from either a pet store or backyard breeder. Before getting into the specific reasons, it is important to define what a backyard breeder is. A backyard breeder is not the same as a small kennel owner, or a devoted dog owner that has one or two purebred or mixed breed dogs that they cherish and love and take excellent care of. These conscientious private breeders are often as knowledgeable and caring of their dogs and the promotion of the breed as the larger breeders. They may or may not enter their dogs into shows or competitions, however, they do put the needs and health issues of their dogs and any potential puppies above the profit they may make from the sale of puppies. [...]
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Each type or breed of dog has been bred and developed to fill a particular niche for humans. This may be a very general job such as a companion dog's role, or it may be very practical such as a breed that has been developed as a gun or hunting dog, as a working dog or as a herding or flock guardian. Each breed, regardless of its size or abilities, has a special type of event or competition that they could, with work and practice, start to compete in. Some competitions will require that the dog be a registered purebred, while other events, typically the hunting and working trials, will be open to all dogs regardless of registry or lineage. Other events may be sponsored completely by one breed association and may be restricted to dogs that are registered through that group, club or association. [...]
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Have you ever wondered how a gaited horse, particularly a Tennessee Walking Horse, Paso Finos, Andalusians, Racking Horses, American Spotted Saddle Horses and Missouri Fox Trotters develop that beautiful, lively and high stepping movement? It is actually a gait that is taught over many months by hard working, horse friendly type trainers that use encouragement and natural means and lots of training and hard work to increase the height of the horses gait and give the dramatic movement. Soring is illegal and according to the USDA, "The application of any chemical or mechanical agent applied to the lower leg or hoof of any horse that causes pain, or, can be expected to cause pain, for the purpose of "enhancing" the horse's gait for show purposes is strictly prohibited under The Horse Protection Act, as amended (15 U.S.C. SS 1821 - 1831)." [...]
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We all know that people can develop ulcers from stress, but did you know that horses can as well? Diet, exercise and training as well as competition and lifestyle changes can all cause ulcers in horses. New research shows that as many as 40% of all competition horses, including race horses, dressage horses and jumpers are likely to have some form of ulcers due to a combination of factors.
Ulcers in horses, medically known as equine gastric ulcer syndrome, have been the center of many research programs in competitive horses. Many times the very changes that the owner makes to prepare the horse for show actually contribute to the development of the ulcer, which is a lesion or sore in the lining of the stomach caused by an over-production of digestive acid. In horses, stomach acid is continually produced, since a horse that is on pasture will normally graze about 18 hours a day. When owners bring competition horses in off of the pasture and feed them high quality feeds in regular rations, the horse may only be eating one or two hours a day, leaving much more time for the stomach acid to be in direct contact with the stomach lining when food is not present. [...]
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Of the many horse breeds found throughout the world, the Akhal-Teke comes out as one of the oldest and rarest, with less than four thousand left in existence altogether. Originating in Turkmenistan, the breed was vigilantly developed over many hundreds of years. One of the benefits of shaping the breed in such a harsh environment emerged in it tremendous constitution. The breed is well known not only for its endurance but its ability to easily cope in the harshest, most unforgiving conditions. Even though it can come in various colors, it is typically the golden shimmering color that observers tend to notice first.
Though well muscled, the Akhal-Teke is quite a long and slender breed with many slender features. Were it not for the lack of overly dense muscle, they would not be able to subsist off of less than nourishing food sources as well as they do. Looking at their long bodies, one would guess that they were built more for speed rather than stamina. However, their temperament as well as their physiological makeup makes them best for activities requiring staying power. [...]
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The Alter Real is the magnificent result of a cross between the Andalusian and Arabian breeds. As it is, the Andalusian and Arabian are already well known in the equine world for their proud gaits and a wonderful, innate gift for movement. All this and more unmistakably presents itself in the Alter Real. Bred in the mid eighteenth century to be carriage horses for the royalty of Portugal, the Alter Real also became used for such things as classical dressage. The breed is well known for its precise movement and flexion and is commonly grouped with other Baroque Horse breeds such as the Lipizzan and the Lusitano.
Many dressage enthusiasts will recognize the action of the Alter Real as a pleasant cross between its two heritages. Their head is naturally carried high and their gait is regal and smoothly consistent. They are known for being quite agile, a trait that comes from both their Arabian and Andalusian background. The Alter Real also has an innate ability for movement that has to do with a superior equilibrium. Thanks to this, they are a more confident breed and are willing and able to perform tricks and moves that other horses cannot. [...]
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The American Paint Horse is an all purpose breed that can dazzle spectators with its grace no matter what the venue. They can be seen performing in competitive events such as barrel racing or gently meandering down recreational trails. Thanks to the American Paint Horse Association, there are many events and competitions held throughout the year in the United States. Competitions can be held at national or regional levels and members of all ages and skill levels are openly invited to participate. These enjoyable events give the American Paint's enthusiasts plenty of opportunity to see their favorite breed full action.
Each year, APHA members flock to events that allow them to demonstrate their horse's talents in competitions for showcasing, jumping and even dressage. These events are open to all ages and skill levels. The biggest, all encompassing event for APHA members is the World Championship Paint Horse Show. American Paint owners from not only the United States but around the world turn up for this much loved event. There are nearly two thousand entries for enthusiasts to observe in everything from trick riding to roping. [...]
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Developed specifically for show in gaited horse competitions, the American Walking Pony has three distinctive gaits commonly referred to as the pleasure walk. Merry walk and the canter. As some enthusiasts are quick to point out, the American Walking Pony can actually perform up to seven gaits total. The four time beats of the Merry walk and pleasure walk are quite faster than an actual walk. Nonetheless, both are known to be very buoyant gaits that perfectly demonstrate the breed's natural proclivity as a show horse. While some training is required, their brilliant talent for show stepping is easy to see thanks to their Tennessee Walking Horse and Welsh Pony bloodlines.
The pleasure walk is a gait that comes natural to the American Walking Pony and training is more or less to help the horse find and maintain a self balanced carriage. While there is some practice of using appliances or mechanical aids to help a Walking Pony learn the correct gait, many trainers and handlers feel it is a practice that is wholly unnecessary. Many times, these measures only affect the horse's stepping but do not improve their gaiting ability. [...]
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Training the American Warmblood for show is anything but difficult. Refined and sophisticated, they are also known to have a natural ease to their movement regardless of the event or activity they are participating in. At the same time, showing any type of horse in an event will require much in the way of preparation. This not only means months of training and practice to land jumps and perfect moves; it also means preparing the horse's appearance and readying the animal for the scrutiny it will face in the ring. Many horses do quite well in training, but become agitated when faced with the noise and examinations of a pre-show vet examination. Luckily, the temperament of the American Warmblood tends to make this a non issue.
Whether it's competing in a single activity or in an event that is somewhat like an equine triathlon, the American Warmblood is often found competently participating. They are extremely versatile and seem to do quite well in a number of equine sports. To compete in a three day triathlon, or eventing, a horse must be in excellent shape and have excellent training. [...]
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It is said that the majority of medals and titles awarded in equestrian events these days are taken by the American Warmblood. In fact, this type of horse is of such excellent competing quality, they are the number one choice for Olympic equestrian sporting events. They not only have the best physical characteristics for eventing, dressage and jumping, they also have the perfect temperament. When competing in events as specialized as the Olympics, riders need a mount that has a solid focus and wholly professional disposition. The combination of a balanced, proportionate body, regal character and propensity for competition makes the American Warmblood the best choice for elite equestrian sporting events.
To be able to compete in Olympic equestrian events, a horse must be able to pass a battery of tests and meet a very strict criterion. Like their riders, it is only the best of the best that will be allowed to participate. To even be registered as an American Warmblood at all, a horse must first pass a very rigid inspection. [...]
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Traditionally the Australian Stock Horse was used as a military remount, as a working horse, as well as light agricultural use. As livestock ranching became more popular throughout Australia, the use of the Australian Stock Horse turned more to livestock and general riding work, with the horses having a natural ability to work with herding cattle and sheep. Their surefootedness, natural toughness, as well as their outstanding adaptation to the sometimes harsh environment of Australia made them an ideal all round horse.
Although not typical of a sports breed or competitive type of horse in that it was not bred exclusively for competition, the Australian Stock Horse has many of the same attributes. The temperament of the Australian Stock Horse makes it an ideal horse for any type of competition since they have a determination as well as a gentle and willing disposition. Breeding has selected for the best temperament as well as physical ability, which has helped prepare the Australian Stock Horse for any style of riding. [...]
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When it comes to competing in the equestrian arena, the Bavarian Warmblood is an excellent choice. This horse is a natural in competition and the breed has been a part of several teams which competed for the World Cup. In 2006, the Bavarian Warmblood ranked well in the final standings of international sport. In show jumping, it was ranked 13th. In dressage, it ranked 15th and in eventing it ranked 12th overall. There are several sports and events that the Bavarian Warmblood will do well in during competition.
[h]Show Jumping[/h] - This is sometimes referred to as jumpers or stadium jumping. A member of the English riding equestrian events family, show jumping is commonly seen at horse show throughout the world. It is even a part of the Olympics. In the United States, show jumping is governed by various organizations that sanction national horse shows, such as the United States Equestrian Federation. In international competitions, show jumping is governed by the rules of the FEI or Federation Equestre Internationale. [...]
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The Belgian Riding Pony is used for a variety of events in equestrian competition. This diversity allows young riders to experience the challenge and excitement of a competition on an able and athletic pony that is suited for the size of the smaller rider. The Belgian Riding Ponies that are used in competition can complete tests and be assigned a level in the competition that they can advance through with their young riders. Depending on the breeding and lineage of the pony, some of the Belgian Riding Ponies may even be gaited.
In competition, the measurement of the pony will matter in several circumstances and should not be over the maximum of 148 cm or 14.2 hands. Children, who are talented and are between the ages of 12 to 16 years, may compete on ponies which are 148 cm or below. There are special competitions both nationally and internationally, in which the ponies can compete. These special competitions include dressage, show jumping and eventing. [...]
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When you are entering your Belgian Riding Pony in a show, there are a few things that you will want to do to prepare before you enter the arena. Your pony will need you to do a few things for him so that he can put his best hoof forward.
The first thing that you will need to do is to give your pony a bath. You will need to get each and every part of him squeaky clean. For best results, you will want to give your pony a bath a few days prior to the show. This will allow plenty of time for the natural oils in his coat to return and make him shine and gleam. If you can't do this far enough in advance, then you can use a shine enhancing formula on the coat of your pony after he is dry. You will want to be careful when you use this around the saddle area. Too much product could cause the saddle to slip while you are performing in one of the jumping classes.
Next, you will need to clip the feathers on your pony's legs. These should be clipped closely. You will also need to clip the hairs that are long on your pony's face, muzzle, throat and ears. [...]
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