Practicing Good Horsemanship - Staying Connected - The Advantages of Not Tying a Horse For Saddling

Tying a horse for saddling is a commonly practiced convenience. With the horse tied, your hands are free. Your trips in and out of the tack room (or trailer) for gear are easier to make. And you spend less effort keeping track of the horse. There are occasions, however, when holding the lead rope--instead of tying it--offers advantages.

With the young horse - By "staying connected" through the lead rope, your major means of communicating with the horse is maintained. This can be especially important to a young horse still new to the saddling routine.

With the lead rope in your hand, the back and forth exchange of information between you and the horse can continue. In this way, you are better able to "support" the horse should he become concerned, troubled, or startled. You can easily direct his attention back to you or allow him to move his feet to defuse his angst, should he show the need. By providing this support, you help the horse become more confident, comfortable, and secure in your relationship.

With the fidgety horse - Having hold of the lead rope allows you to better address the habits of a fidgety horse. For example, you are able to work on having him remain "centered," head and neck aligned about wither height, feet still. If he moves a foot without being asked, through the lead rope you direct him to move that foot back to where it was. If he looks off, you use the lead rope to bring his head and neck back in align with his body. If he paws, you direct him to put weight on the pawing foot--which ever foot that may be at any given time.

Yes, a fidgety horse will keep you busy fixing at first. But through the lead rope, you are able to address his movements and provide structure. Think of the time spent as an investment in helping him learn to stand centered, content, and quiet later on when tied.

To test your skills - You can use holding the lead while saddling as an opportunity to test you and your horse's communication skills. As you go about getting equipment out of your tack room or trailer, the horse must keep track of you as well as wait on you. When you step inside, he must move forward to stay close. While you are gathering your gear, he must wait. When you emerge with your hands full, he must step back out of the way.

In other words, the horse needs to "feel" of you through the lead--and respond accordingly. Saddling is simply another opportunity for you to test and polish your communication skills as you strengthen your relationship.

Tips For Effective Boxing Training Workouts

Do you want to learn how to box? Boxing is not an easy sport to get into, unlike baseball or basketball because boxing is more of a physical sport. You can really get hurt inside the ring, even if it is just during practice. In fact, you will experience pain because it is the nature of the sport. That is why it is important for you to do the right boxing training workouts so you can be better prepared for it.

A boxing workout actually depends on the skill level, or even the age level, of the person who wants to learn the sport. If you are really serious about it, you should follow the standard three-minute rounds for 10 repetitions. That is on a daily workout basis. It actually depends on your level.

For instance, if you are just really starting out, then a minute of boxing round should your goal. Then you gradually move on to the two-minute up to the three-minute workouts. This way you are slowly but surely building up your skill, speed, and boxing skills. After all, you can only hurt yourself if you rush your boxing training and ignore the basics.

If you are in really good physical condition, your boxing training workouts should be divided into the following:

First three-minute boxing workout: Stretching and warming up through jogging. Do some shadow boxing as well.

Second, third and fourth three-minute boxing workouts: Actual boxing round, but focus more on building up your speed. Make sure that you get adequate rest after each round.

Fifth three-minute boxing workout: By this time you should be able to figure out which are your strongest punches and therefore you should start working on your weaker punches.

Sixth three-minute boxing workout: Work on increasing your punching speed by practicing on the light punching bag. Not only can you build up your speed, you can also train your eyes to watch your fast punches.

Seventh three-minute boxing workout: It is your choice. You can continue working on the light punching bag or move up to the heavy punching bag.

After all of these seven workouts, do some more warm ups like jogging or work on the skip rope so you can slowly lower your body heat. Then head on to the shower to refresh yourself.

However, keep in mind that not only the physical side of it that is most important in any boxing workout routine. What you put into your body is equally important. For example, you should not eat a very heavy meal a couple of hours before you step into the ring, either for workout or a full boxing match.

And you should not drink coffee or drinks that have too much caffeine as it can affect your energy level (which can go quickly high then low again after the caffeine had worn out) and concentration. If you want a perk, go with a tea instead.

These are just some of the tips and suggestions that you should keep in mind for your boxing training workouts. Just follow these and keep on practicing and you will soon become a skilled boxer.