Extra stable info
Tack used at Ascendancy
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Life of a horse training and showing with Ascendancy
Each horse has a trunk of accessories outside their stall with the network system. A bridle, blanket, and items unique to the horse are kept here, while saddles and bigger items are kept in the tack room. Each stall 20 ft by 20 ft, and is very airy. Feed bin on inner wall. Halter and lead outside door.
Horses are fed the best possible food in addition to all day turnout on lush fields.
Under saddle showing starts at 3 years, very low impact only. Dressage begins at 4 years. Cross Country/Show Jumping starts at 5 years. 3DE starts at 6 years.
Life of a foal born at Ascendancy
Foals are born outside within their mare's Foaling herd. They are checked out by a vet soon after and health/weather allowing continue living outside. They are stalled occasionally just so they get used to it, as well as if there is severe weather.
Halters go on at about an hour old; they are leather or biothane, with a string tied between the buckle and crownstrap so it will break before the foal does. They are not left on when unsupervised.
Lead training slowly begins at one week; teaching to give to slight pressure first. Manners are important at this stage, so they are taught to respect people and obey them.
Weaned at 5-7 months depending on the amount and maturity of foals. Fawnlings, deer/horse hybrids, are used as nannies at this stage as they do not put up with poor behavior but love to play.
At one year movement/temperament/bloodlines are seriously evaluated for possible disciplines and further training.
Life of a stallion standing at Ascendancy
Begin collection between 3-5 depending on horse's show career and maturity. ALL males are collected at 5 years of age, so typically gelding won't happen until the horse is older. Many of our horses, regardless of show career, are gelded at 10 years old. This allows the horse to relax, receive the benefits of hormones during growth and competition. This also opens up more homes he can be sold onto continue his career.
Each stallion has a trunk of accessories outside his stall. Feeding regimens, training notes and breeding schedules are kept updated through the app/network system and displayed on the screen in the stallion's stall. Spare bits, saddle, pads, blankets, and any other accessories unique to the stallion are kept in the trunk. Everyday halter, lead, riding bridle, breeding bridle with rubber bit & bit connector are hung outside the door.
Each stall is 20 ft by 20 ft. We don't believe in isolating our stallions just because they have a bit more hormones, so the stalls are airy and open. Stallions are turned out in groups everyday and brought in at night.
Feed and hay bins on inner wall.
Bred either live cover in-hand or with a dummy for AI. Pasture breeding can be dangerous and is not done with Ascendancy's valuable equines.
Life of a mare foaling at Ascendancy
Mares are sorted into Foal herds with up to 5 other mares. They live within this herd for at least month before breeding. Only bred in-hand or through AI. They are not ridden after the first trimester and spend all their time with the herd.
The fields are watched over by wisps, dogs, cats and cameras; together, they warn the stable about any problems. Mares are given the appropriate, and above all safe, vaccines they require during pregnancy. Any vaccine known to cause birth defects is not given. Aid during birth is only given if absolutely required.
They remain with the herd through foaling and weaning, returning to the main herd over time.
Med and other stuff
The vet:
Wormers aren't used every 3 months like the old conventional way: this leads to resistant worms. Instead each spring and fall the whole farm is wormed.
We try to have barefoot horses, but some horses just have weaker feet, some need protection for road or hard work, or need shoes while recovering from problems.
Many mares are PZP'd each year. This calms them down for showing and greatly lowers the risk of an accidental pregnancy.
We rarely sedate a horse, and the near-site vet does that. Normally we try non-chemical methods to calm the horse down first.
The Zoetis Core EQ Innovator, Fluvac Innovator EHV-4/1 , Pinnacle I.N., Lepto EQ Innovator, Equine Rotavirus, Arvac
Training methods
There are no people-aggressive horses here. All effort will be made to train or control an aggressive horse, but they will be euthanized if it's impossible to control. We won't sell on or breed an aggressive horse.
Horses are introduced to a saddle at 1 ½ to 2 ½ years. Lightweight english saddle first, then move on to discipline-appropriate saddle before rider.
First bit is rubber or nylon snaffle. Not ridden with a double bridle until 5; appropriate training must be completed first.
Daily 5-15 minute training sets from weaning to 1 year, then 30 minute sessions to 2 years, some 1 hour sessions to 3 years. Primarily round pen work, some in main arenas with other horses. Ridden between 2 ½ and 3 ½ years max of once a week, depending on growth plate fusion.
Bought horses are ridden first in whatever bit they came with, then moved down to a snaffle to see how they behave.
No irritants(ginger/chemicals, chains, pads, crank nosebands) ever used.
Tack and aids used
Forbidden equipment
No boarders, trainers or riders as AS may use equipment on this list
Spade, severe shank, waterford, gag, chain/wire mouth bits, crank, flash nosebands, draw reins(it's dry here and rubber is not needed either).
If a horse's mouth is open, we try to use every other possible method to fix it besides strapping it closed. This includes removing the bit altogether.
Common tools
Snaffles are used with every horse at some point. We have D-ring, O-ring, fullcheek with keepers, eggbutts; double or single jointed mouths; french link, flat or oblong centers; rubber, nylon, copper or stainless steel mouths.
Double bridles are used in Saddleseat and Dressage. Weymouth bits with low ports, each horse has a specific snaffle that works the best for them. Leather, chain or nylon curb straps with safety links; sometimes lip straps are used. Most of our riders use the 2-2 rein formation, but some holdouts still use the classical 3-1.
Some leg protection added as needed; past injuries, overreaching, and slick environments sometimes necessitate some extra protection.
Nylon halters (often in stable blue, green or purple), some have leather halters (for showing mostly). Breakaway halters are used on a horse that can't be caught easily when turned out. Flat nylon or soft twisted rope leads, leather for showing. Lunge lines are nylon with safety snaps.
Common materials
Leather for showing in black, dark or caramel brown.
Beta biothane for Cross Country equipment in the horse's color, always with safety connectors.
Nylon for everyday leads and halters.
Cotton or polyester pads and blankets.
Occasional equipment
Sometimes Kineton or drop nosebands, martingales, breast straps, cruppers, drop-cheek or B-ring are used. It all depends on the horse and discipline.
Pelham bits are rare but a few horses ride best in them. No rein-convertors are used since that defeats the purpose of this bit.
Whips used occasionally.
Rules for boarders
No abuse is tolerated. Please report anything you see that could be abuse and we will take care of it. If a horse is boarded here the warden is called on you and you will be banned from the property for the time being; the horse will be left here until the warden say it's OK to be released. You will have to arrange someone to pick up the horse for you. Depending on the severity, court cases may be filled as well.
If an employee, you will be reported and fired immediately. Depending on the severity, court cases may be filled as well.
After six months of delinquent bills your horse will be confiscated. THIS IS IN YOUR CONTRACT.
Helmets must always be used by those under 18. Those over 18 do not HAVE to wear helmets, but it is strongly suggested.
Facilities and recent renovations
Recent renovations
Little lightsaber knives/hoof rasps
Other small Star Warsy things
