HorseClicks shares a guide for beginners to bridle their horse and even more seasoned riders can benefit from checking to make sure that their process is accurate.

Some prep steps:

• Before you starts, always halter your horse first and secure the lead line close to ensure a smooth experience.
• Do the routine checks to make that your tack is in appropriate order. When everything is prepared, be standing on the left hand side of your horse.

Bridling your horse:

Fitting the bridle:

“Get your horse to drop its head by gently putting your closest hand between both ears – facing towards its nose – and pushing down towards the ground. This is a gentle guidance, there’s no need for force here.  Now you can grab the bridle and hold it so you can easily distinguish between the reins and the mouthpiece. Take the mouthpiece section and begin to move it towards the lips of your horse – your horse should respond by opening their mouth.  You should take this opportunity to slide the bit in between the horses lips. This shouldn’t be hard to do as most horses will find this movement comfortable. But if it’s proving slightly trickier, don’t rush it. The horse will respond in their own time so there’s no need to be aggressive.  As you complete this movement, you’ll find that you’ll be able to pull the headstall over its head using your other hand. That’s the basics complete, the bridle is practically on, besides the adaptations you need to make next.”

Making any adjustments:

“The first adjustments you should make will be regarding the main face straps on either side of your horse’s head. These should be secured quite tightly, until you start to see the skin loosen at the edge of your horse’s mouth. Although it should be fairly tight, you shouldn’t be pulling the straps hard or fast in any way – this is a gentle, gradual movement.  Now the chin strap can be tightened. This shouldn’t be as tight as the face straps, you need to be able to squeeze two fingers underneath your horse’s chin.  If you haven’t already taken the halter away, it’s appropriate to do so now.”

These steps are easy enough and will become quite routine but do follow each of the steps with detailed care, though simple, each step helps to ensure the safety of both you and your horse.

For more information on bridling and bridles:  A beginners guide to bridling a horse

Image Credit:  Future Stars Camps

This summer, we featured “Camper Moments” every Wednesday from our different camps.  Though, Future Stars Camps 2018 has come to a close, we will continue to share our campers’ and counselors’ experiences.  Please contact us with any requests to know more about Future Stars Camps at: purchase@fscamps.com

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Meet Aahana! She is 7 years old and is in her 3rd week of Horseback Riding camp and is loving it! She had never ridden a horse before this camp and now wants to keep coming back.  She has a twin brother who is in Multi-Sports camp, but this week she did her own thing.  Check out my conversation below with this cute and friendly girl.

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Megan:  Hi Aahana!

Aahana:  “Hi Megan”

Megan:  So, is this is your first year at horseback riding camp?

Aahana:  “Yeah, this is my first year at Future Stars.”

Megan:  And, how have you been liking camp?

Aahana:  “I really like it, I want to come back next year.”

Megan:  So, I have seen you talking to your brothers at lunch, how old are they?

Aahana:  “Well, I have a twin brother here, he is in Multi-Sports.  And I have an older brother who is in Baseball camp and he is 11.”

Megan:  Awesome!  Did your brother who was 11 come here for the first time this year?

Aahana:  “No this is is his 3rd year, he always does baseball.  But it is my and my twin brother’s first time.”

Megan:  So, what has been your favorite part about horseback riding camp?

Aahana:  “I like learning how to ride and trotting with Annie.”

Megan:  Who is Annie?

Aahana:  “The horse, I usually ride.  I have only ridden one other horse and her name is June.”

Megan:  Why do you like Annie?

Aahana:  “She is pretty.  She is white with black spots.  I think that she has a good trot.”

Megan:  So, do you think if you come back, you would just want to do horseback riding again, or try something else?

Aahana:  “Well, I am joining Multi-Sports with my brother next week, so maybe I’ll do that again if I like it.  But I really like horseback riding.”

Megan:  So, how is school, what do you like about your school year?

Aahana:  “Well, it is funny because I have the same teacher this year in 2nd grade as I had in kindergarten because she’s moving to the 2nd grade, and the same thing is happening to my brother (but we are in different classes).”

Megan:  That is funny! So, what do you like to do after school?

Aahana:  “Well, I like soccer, ballet, and gymnastics.  But, I also like to play basketball and baseball with my brothers.  I also like to play with my friends.  We play things like house and mermaids.”

Megan:  What do you think you want to be when your older?

Aahana:  “A chef or a swimmer.”

Megan:  Do you swim and cook?

Aahana:  “Yeah, I take swimming lessons and I did a cooking class for afterschool this year.”

Megan:  That’s so fun! What types of things did you make?

Aahana:  “We made pretzels, cookies, and all sorts of treats!  We made so many things.”

Megan:  What else do you like Aahana?

Aahana:  “Well, I like math, I’m pretty good at it.  My brother is good at it, too”

Megan:  That’s great! School’s important.  Do you think that you and your brother are competitive?  Do you ever try to do things better than each other?

Aahana:  “Well, kind of sometimes.  But at the same time not really because I am always doing it better :).”

Megan:  You’re funny.  Well, it was so great talking to you Aahana! I hope you have fun in Multi-Sports camp next week!

***

Image Credit:  Future Stars Camps

Have you ever participated in hunter paces?  Stemming back to fox hunting, hunter paces are semi-competitive and popular amongst both trail riders and competitive jumping riders.  An event usually includes a marked course that can be anywhere between 5- 10 miles that include terrain that would have been part of a fox hunt and includes jumps that have a go-around. Many hunter paces are divided into several divisions to include novice leisure riders and more competitive riders.

The event usually has teams of two or three horses and riders.  The goal for each team is to achieve the best time for the course that is set for their division.  The team that attains the closest time to the set goal is crowned winner at the end of the day.  It can be a competitive event for those that choose to join the more aggressive divisions but many participate to enjoy a ride in the cool weather and be with their barn buddies.

Some tips shared by Alissa Hof of SmartPak, a hunter pacer rider includes:

• prepare with your horse and take trail rides
• train with your horse to jump over bales of hay, logs and barrels
• remember to bring all your essentials like your helmet and water for your horse
• add some fun and wear team colors and even include your horse in the dress-up

Start looking around for hunter paces in your area.

For more information:  Fall in Love with Hunter Paces

Image Credit:  Future Stars Camps

The early fall can be a time for frustration and anxiety for rising juniors/seniors and their parents.  This time is fraught with tension as rumors abound that Division I scholarship opportunities have dried out  and only walk-on opportunities remain.  The message from JVA Blog is do not panic and make a rushed choice that may not be the ‘best fit’ for your athletic scholar.  Here are a few valid reasons why coaches may be laying low:

• there may be just one coach and assistant to get the year rolling
• practices and matches have begun
• coaches typically take the fall to evaluate their recruiting needs for next season

Following the coaches’ lead, you and your athletic scholar should take the time this fall to:

• create an inventory of the schools that you have connected with, their level, responses, contact names, etc., and contact more schools if you need to
• determine your academic requirements
• consider your realistic geographical preferences
• think about your flexibility in terms of the divisions that you would consider
• work and improve your skill set to make you more attractive to recruiters
•  update your NCSA Recruiting Profile
• make sure your videos are current

Take this time to revitalize your plan, so as to improve your winter recruiting outcome.

For more information:  The Patient Season

Image Credit:  Future Stars Camps

This summer, we featured “Camper Moments” every Wednesday from our different camps and locations.  Though, Future Stars Camps 2018 has come to a close, we will continue to share our campers’ and counselors’ experiences.  Please contact us with any requests to know more about Future Stars Camps at: purchase@fscamps.com

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Meet Addie! She is a sweet camper with awesome volleyball skills!  She is 15 and has been playing volleyball for about 7 years.  She seems to be enjoying her time at our 2 week volleyball program!  See what this talented young lady has to say about her Future Stars Camp experience.

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Meg:  Hello Addie! How are you today?

Addie:  “I am good!”

Meg:  So, how are you liking volleyball camp?

Addie:  “I like it a lot! I love volleyball so doing it all day is really fun.”

Meg:  Is it your first time here?

Addie:  “Yes, I am just attending volleyball camp, but definitely want to try to come next year, too.”

Meg:  So what grade are you going into?

Addie:  “I am going into my sophomore year.”

Meg:  Are you coming to camp because you are trying out for a team at school?

Addie: “Yeah, I am going to try out for my high school team.”

Meg:  Did you decide not to try out last year?

Addie:  “Well, I was actually living in Canada last year so I wasn’t able to!”

Meg:  Wow! Well, welcome to America! How long ago did you move here?

Addie: “About a week and a half ago.”

Meg:  Can you share anything you think is different here? Anything you like?

Addie:  “I really like the beach by my house! And, I think it’s different that people don’t take their shoes off when they walk into other peoples houses.”

Meg:  Were you on a team at your school in Canada?

Addie:  “Yes, I was!”

Meg:  Wow! Are you nervous about attending a new school?

Addie:  “Yeah a little!”

Meg:  Well, I am sure you will do great! (On a side note, Addie will be attending my old high school) So, do you think that volleyball camp has prepared you for tryouts?

Addie:  “Yeah! I am feeling more confident about trying out.”

Meg:  Do you do any other activities during the year?

Addie: “Not really, volleyball is my main sport.”

Meg:  Awesome, I am sure you will do amazing at tryouts.  It was so nice to meet you and good luck at your new school!

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Image Credit:  Deposit Photos

Starting something new is exciting and at the same time it can create some anxiety and fear within you.  Don’t fret, these are very common emotions that most people experience, even adults, when they embark on a new adventure.  Perhaps, this year you are considering playing volleyball.   Volley Country shares some very common questions that new volleyball players will ask:

Am I too young or too old to start playing?

Don’t worry about your age, volleyball is a sport that can be played with all age groups on a team.  Age groups within a recreational team can range from seniors to kids.  Don’t let your age concern you, concentrate on the enjoyment, improving your cardiovascular health, and building community.

Do I have the right build to play volleyball?

Don’t worry about your physique when you start.   Most everyone can learn to play the game and don’t forget that volleyball is a great aerobic and cardiovascular exercise, so your physical attributes will evolve as you continue to play.

What if I’m not good?

Don’t let your fears rule you?  Try it out and with time and practice, you will improve.

‘I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.’ -Michael Jordan

For details:  Four Questions New Volleyball Players Ask

Image Credit:  Future Stars Camps

See what FloSoftball has to share with some simple DIY fix-its for common annoyances that softball players face:

• How to dry out wet shoes – take out the sock liner and wash it, then stuff old newspaper into the shoes to dry it out
• How to get rid of the stink in shoes – with baking soda, essential oils, string and a coffee filter
• How to make gel ice packs  – with rubbing alcohol, dish detergent, a ziplock container, and color is optional
• How to take care of sunburns – freeze aloe vera gel in ice cube trays

For video details:  At-Home Softball Remedies For Ice Packs, Smelly Shoes, Callouses, And More

Image Credit:  Future Stars Camps

This summer, we featured “Camper Moments” every Wednesday from our different camps and locations.  Though, Future Stars Camps 2018 has come to a close, we will continue to share our campers’ and counselors’ experiences.  Please contact us with any requests to know more about Future Stars Camps at: purchase@fscamps.com

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Meet Mia!  I really enjoyed the time I spent with Mia and she is one of my many favorite campers.  Mia is just about the queen of Future Stars Camps at just 8 years old! She will be going into 3rd grade and it is already her 4th summer here.  I was her counselor when she was in Rising Stars and when she was just turning 5!  Check out my conversation with Mia.

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Megan:  Hi Mia!

Mia:  “Hi Megan”

Megan:  So, I am just going to ask you a few questions about your time at Future Stars Camps!  I know you have been coming here for a while now, right?

Mia:  “Yeah this is my fourth year.”

Megan:  So, what camps have you attended at Future Stars?

Mia:  “I have been in lacrosse, field hockey, multi-sports, softball, tennis, and S.T.E.A.M.  camps. I think that’s it, there could be another.”

Megan:  And what camp are you in this week?

Mia:  “Softball!”

Megan: Awesome! So how are you liking it?

Mia:  “I like it, I also really liked field hockey last week.”

Megan: So what has been your favorite part about this week?

Mia:  “I like playing games in the afternoon.  I also really liked the water slide this week.”

Megan:  What would you say is your favorite part of Future Stars in general?

Mia:  “I think gaga is really fun, and I’ve done that in most camps I’ve been to.”

Megan: So, what do you like to do outside of camp?

Mia:  “I like to play lacrosse during the school year.  I also like to make movies with my brother.”

Megan: Your brother Greyson goes to camp here, what camps does he like to do?

Mia:  “Yeah, he started coming to camp here a little bit before me.  He is in tennis now but he usually does lacrosse camp.  He also did S.T.E.A.M. with me.”

Megan: What is a fun fact about you Mia?

Mia:  “I don’t like the sand really.”

Megan: Really? I kind of feel the same! Well, as always it was great to talk to you Mia. Thank you for eating lunch with me and answering my questions.  I will see you around.

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Image Credit:  Deposit Photos

Pitching is not easy and to be good, as in any position in any sport, practice, conditioning, and mental toughness are paramount.  Here are 5 things that Softball is for Girls, shares that every pitcher should know:

1. Errors are not a reflection of your pitching – there are many variable that you do not have control of that contribute to errors.  Stay calm and continue to pitch your best.
2. Batters will hit – batters hitting is a given, don’t get pscyhed out.  Strikeouts are good but so are grounders and pop-ups.
3. You could have pitched incredibly well and your team could still lose – as a pitcher you are only responsible for earned runs.
4. Concentrate more on the location and timing of your pitches and not just the speed.
5. Expect that you can have days that you are completely off – don’t allow one game to define you.  Get back out there and refine your pitches.

For more information:  5 Things EVERY PITCHER Needs to KNOW | Softball is For Girls

Image Credit:  Future Stars Camps