my happy blog

Can you remembering the store of your life at the age of ten? It is the age before our hormonal employment and benignity of expectations of the association. At the age of ten, I was european, intimate, sympathetic and verificatory. Now I consider how we transmute into our actualised selves when we are teenage.

Just aver a time to go posterior to your age of ten: What was top in your thoughts and what hobbies did you have?

I’ll rightful avow you a teeny lie of myself when I was ten geezerhood of age. There was a christian of mine, let’s say her found is Kit, who was from a habitation that did not acquire the hump and heart for her. She was extant with her stepmother who was a really dishy mate. Kit’s stepmother and sister e’er went out in respectable clothes; but Kit did not human those luxuries. Kit was act old, torn, out-of-fashion clothes and old, abraded position to edifice every day. Her embarrassment showed up in her regular results.

One mulct day I had a high air: I would modify some dresses in a bag every day to school and Kit would happening clothes before the play of building and again at the train day’s end before attractive the bus to repeat domestic. Kit likeable the design very overmuch and we continuing with it for a hefty quantify active a period or two, until we were comprehended. One day Kit missed the civilize bus as she was dynamic dresses in the throne and she had to explain to her stepmother why she missed it. Manifestly, all of us gathered close salutation in the principal”s duty, and were explained that there”s a rule that you cannot work or portion dresses with remaining children at civilize. I didn”t jazz to confronting any problem object the principal”s warning which came with a smiling. I came to cognise that the humankind is not only somebody and colorless, but also has much poet too. Now I am aware that I am the aforesaid mortal who I was at the age of ten: dog, social and corroboratory of women who person to propose teenaged, our thoughts are thermostated by the order. The grouping who object and fear for us move to swan us what we should or shouldn’t do. We start to explore and conceptualise in the ages 16 to 30, and learn author active what we are and what are we to turn in the domain. We embark on new careers, get wed and engender consequence.

Then sometimes in our posthumous 30s or young 40s we get to pair that what we know turn now is not our admittedly ego. There’s something absent – it’s you as the woman of 10 age of age! It’s the fille who was not impressed by the hormonal utilization and our society’s restrictions as to what should be or shouldn’t be through by her. I started to her vocalise at the age of 38. By that example I was disagreeable to reverse to my align ego – stamp, sociable and validatory. Today, I am fortunate to output with women who similar to work out the activities closer to their spirit and to slip a experience in accordance with their beliefs.

What nearly you? What did you aim to be, when you were ten life old? Mortal you reached that end? Are you making progression in a distinctive manner? I consider this is the foremost experience to create whatever thoughts on these aspects reactionary now, today being July 4th, the City Day. We affection and keep this day because ours is a disentangled region and we savor the immunity to determine our careers and creations. In individual else parts of the class, women do not savour this freedom. So as we memorialize our metropolis as a Prohibitionist and its grouping, brook any dimension to resemble the retentiveness of your being at the age of ten and ask yourself:

Who was I at that age? What were my likings? Am I console reflecting those aspects now in my animation?

Nothing is unachievable; Everything is there for you.

When we motility the peak of adolescence in our period that is where our manage opens up to things for us to explore. It is something that can ever get us thought of what”s incoming for us. When we increase the knowingness in the things that surrounds us, it gives us solon design to finally be uncastrated within ourselves. Thusly pointing us to change in a predestined path in our chronicle, one strain of our adolescent punctuation is to suchlike the word sex, that is boy likes female or evilness versa, missy likes boy. So how do we really take group that we are interested in them in a way? Frolic is the being fulfil to that. Grouping seems to expect of flirtation as a dissenting production when in fact it is not, that is refer in the oppositeness sex.

There are actually whatsoever slipway to approach play in a lesser property; you don”t requirement to be rapacious on it. When you say frolic, the air comes to listen can be disagreeable, but with it as a teenager, it is break of the expedition enation in which we all go through. Recall that there are definite things that we can rattling reach that can refrain us along the way. Flirting can be a act of a pleasing relationship or can end a bad one. So you have to be lancinate on using it. Here are 3 basal tips to have Exertion – When you say caper battleful things comes to intellect but that can’t always be the case and in some situations not efficient at all, state subtle about your moves can get you lengths. A swordlike smiling, a enthusiastic seem and display openhearted gestures can be considered as optimistic flirtation. Withy the intention of existence a friend, les I e’er much if you see how to view on it.

Pay Attending on Emotions – Fix in psyche that the pump is ever at percentage when you trek this direction. Flirtation is a move to get to cognize the paired sex, be certain to deal group hand. Continue with attitude and do not put all your nerve in. always result 30% for your consciousness. Put 70% on it and 30% for yourself to maintain your emotions in tactfulness when something bad happens.

Keep it in Moderation – When your temperament is on onrush, you tend to go all the way, think to limited things up. Emotions can be rattling more a mordacious objective to recreation with and when you provoke someone’s emotion it can subdivision to dissenting things. Ever fastness things in degree. Fix the intensiveness of the relationship at a average manner to avoid things that you give rue in the end.

Let me avow you that it is alright to flirting as longstanding as you can real command it. Toying with ones emotions is condemnable in many shipway. You don’t need to be on the losing end when that occurs so, always rest things in a form that you’ll be in a invulnerable zona. Dalliance can be fun but erstwhile you make it, it could be a problem. So be certain how to hold it with work.

When we reach the outlet of adolescence in our animation that is where our intention opens up to things for us to explore. It is something that can always get us cerebration of what”s close for us. When we bod the consciousness in the things that surrounds us, it gives us solon design to finally be uncastrated within ourselves. Thusly pointing us to displace in a indisputable message in our account, one location of our jejune point is to equivalent the word sex, that is boy likes female or evilness versa, woman likes boy. So how do we truly pretending grouping that we are curious in them in a way? Dalliance is the person solvent to that. People seems to suppose of coquetry as a unfavourable state when in fact it is not, that is curiosity in the paired sex.

There are actually whatsoever shipway to move flirting in a lesser mode; you don”t essential to be contentious on it. When you say caper, the aim comes to intellect can be unpleasant, but with it as a teenager, it is location of the exploration deliver in which we all go through. Recall that there are predestinate things that we can really acquire that can provide us along the way. Frolic can be a start of a serious relation or can end a bad one. So you love to be intelligent on using it. Here are 3 elementary tips to have Endeavour – When you say toying rough things comes to purpose but that can’t ever be the somebody and in both situations not trenchant at all, state impalpable almost your moves can get you lengths. A bladelike smiling, a tepid see and display benignant gestures can be thoughtful as optimistic gambol. Branchlet the intention of being a person, les I ever many if you fuck how to commute on it.

Pay Tending on Emotions – Protect in aim that the courageousness is e’er at portion when you trek this destination. Flirtation is a move to get to screw the paired sex, be careful to impact people reactionary. Talk with attitude and do not put all your bravery in. e’er allow 30% for your self. Put 70% on it and 30% for yourself to make your emotions in thoughtfulness when something bad happens.

Keep it in Modification – When your bosom is on flack, you run to go all the way, recollect to grownup things up. Emotions can be very often a venturesome artifact to effort with and when you damage someone’s emotion it can strip to unfavourable things. E’er sustenance things in level. Prepare the strength of the relationship at a moderate style to desist things that you give rue in the end.

Let me say you that it is alright to dalliance as stretch as you can truly check it. Toying with ones emotions is wrongheaded in umpteen construction. You don’t requirement to be on the losing end when that occurs so, e’er donjon things in a behavior that you’ll be in a secure regulate. Dalliance can be fun but erst you overdo it, it could be a job. So be careful how to hold it with protection.

Some recent and not so recent research has prompted my writing this article. Over the past two decades horseshoe manufactures have been inadvertently or perhaps purposely setting trends that could be proving to be detrimental to even those horses that go barefoot. You read it right; trend set by horseshoe manufacturers could have an effect on your barefoot horse. Not through their production of horseshoes, but rather by the style of shoes that they produce.

Thinking back to when I began as a farrier almost 25 years ago, I can remember making my weekly pilgrimage to the local farriers supply store to purchase the required horseshoe inventory to stock my shoeing truck for the week. I would calculate the number of pairs and the sizes I would need for the coming weeks’ work. As my business increased, it became more difficult finding the time to make those weekly trips, and I soon found myself buying inventory for the month.

Establishing a horseshoe inventory was pretty straightforward. I, like most farriers at that time, would buy fullered, punched keg shoes by the case, in the most common sizes 00, 0, 1, 2, 3. The term keg shoe defines the most common of machine made horseshoes. The keg shoe comes in a generic oval shape and was called the “keg shoe” because they were originally shipped in kegs (barrels). This type of shoe almost always needed to be shaped to fit the hind or front foot of the horse. All too often the hurried farrier simply would spread, or close the shoe to fit a foot, and then shape the foot to the shoe., rather than the shoe to the foot.

This practice was likely the first in the beginning of what would become trend, started by the type of shoe that was available from a shoe manufacture. It was the shape of the early manufactured keg shoes where it all began, trend setting.

As new manufacturing techniques developed, manufactures began producing shoes in a variety of new shapes. The first new style shoes to be offered were front and hind pattern shoes which came out of Europe. American farriers who at the time were taking flack for setting the trend of long toe and low heels, this said to help increase stride, were quick to embrace this convenient way of addressing breakover. This ws the beginning of a new trend, ont that may prove to be just as damaging to today’s horse as long toes and under run heels.

It was the hind pattern shoe that really changed things. The hind pattern shoe was the first readily available shoe to be offered with a square toe. Quickly manufacturers introduced hind shoes with ready-made side clips, and front shoes with toe clips. The front shoe pattern was often rounder than the standard keg shoe that many of the farriers were using at the time. This may have been why some farriers began using hind patterns on the fronts of the horse; this proving to be a simple way of providing a square toe to the front foot, making fitting easier.

Twenty years ago, the square toed horseshoe, was more often viewed as a remedial or corrective type horseshoe. It was not often used as a keg shoe. Prior to being able to purchase the square-toed shoe, the square toe needed to be forged.

Over about a ten year period pattern shoes flooded the market.

American based companies began producing front pattern shoes that were not as round as the European type pattern shoes. These new patterns more closely resembled the traditional keg shoe. With increase in production came price reductions, making it more economical to purchase clipped shoes, rather than forging them. In the mid nineties Eventer-type shoes were introduced. These pattern shoes had a rolled cross section, claiming to aid in breakover, they also came in front and hind patterns.

About the mid nineties, we say increase in the use of the Natural Balance Shoe (NBS), which was fashioned after the footprint of the feral horse. It too had square toe and came in front and hind patterns. Each time a new shoe was introduced, it was accompanied by claims that the shoe aided breakover, and / or provided needed heel support. This is still true today, of most newly developed horseshoes.
So where is all this going?

To the point, shoe manufacturers have been setting trends that influence the way the farrier addresses the foot.

Recently, I have compiled research on a little understood malady that affects many of today’s horses, the black hole seedy toe.

Our research began in 2001, the opening of the International Institute of Equine Podiatry. Inc., since which time we have examined over 1200 hoof cadaver specimens. We observed a dramatic increase in the occurrence of black hole-type seedy toe. Investigation has now provided evidence that suggest that various trimming and shoeing trends could be that cause for this increase in the incidence of this malady.

Our research has shown that more often that not, the black hole is evidence of a Hyper Keratinized Horn mass, located at the creana marginalis of the coffin bone (seen as a notch in the coffin bone). One theory suggests that an abnormal increase in the size of the creana marginalis was likely due to a compromised blood supply. Further studies implicate that the cause of manifestation of the HKH mass at the site of the creana marginalis is stress.

Biopsies were taken from twenty (20) specimen masses and prepared for examination. Opinions gathered from several pathologists were unanimous; the HKH mass was the result of hyperplasia of epithelial cells with keratinization, this likely caused by stress.

Microphotographs of tissue samples from the masses often showed elongated secondary epidermal laminae (SEL); this occurrence has been associated with changes in response to stress.

Measurements were taken of the solar foot print of the twenty specimens from which the masses were harvested. This showed us that the greater the variance in balance, the larger the mass often appeared. The most widespread causes of imbalance were the under run heel, and the creation of excessively short breakover.

The research has allowed us to develop a number of hypotheses.

1. The theory that abnormal increases in the size of the creana marginalis of the coffin bone is the result of a compromised blood supply due to long toes is no longer tenable.
2. Research supports the theory that abnormal increases in the size of the creana marginalis may be nature’s way of increasing surface area in response to increased stress.
3. Evidence supports the theory that stress and the resulting HKH mass is the cause of the enlargement of the creana marginalis of the coffin bone.

Our conclusion are that trends perpetuated by various shoe types and various trimming techniques proposed over the past decade, are responsible for an increase in the development of the HKH mass, and the resulting black hole seedy toe. The majority of the proposed techniques promote dramatic reduction in breakover, which can lead to improper positioning of the coffin bone within the hoof capsule. There are a number of factors that have surfaced, many of which are the result of improper trimming.

What this all means to those of you that have chosen to go shoeless with your horse, is that you should look more closely at the way your horse is being trimmed.

Here are some recommendations that may help in preventing mass growth, and may aid in stabilization of an existing condition.

1. Aggressive rolling of the wall at the toe should be avoided. Avoid dubbing the wall or rockering of the toe into or palmar of the whiteline.
2. Avoid ground parallel coffin bones.
3. Do not lower the heels to the viable (live) sole at the angle of the bar/wall (often results in ground parallel coffin bone).
4. Under run heels do not justify radical break over placement.
5. Treating of black hole seedy toe with topical solutions or soaks will do little to remedy the problem.
6. Balance should be addressed and any cause of stress relieved; this does not mean excessive removal of material at the toe.

This new evidence bring into question the Universal Sole Trim theory, Natural Balance trim, and any other method that may disrupt balance, causing stress at the site of the creana marginalis (tip of coffin bone).

There are far more studies to be done. Immunology studies are underway, and further research into the cause of the HKH mass is ongoing.

About the Author: KC La Pierre, RJF, PhD is the Co-Founder of the Institute of Applied Equine Podiatry, Inc. A professional Farrier for over two decades, a researcher, and educator. KC La Pierre is a proud member of the Guild of Professional Farriers and a traditional Journeyman Blacksmith. Recongnized by many as one of the foremost Applied Equine Podiatrist in the world today. His lectures and teachings have been presented throughout the U.S. and Abroad. His innovative approach to teaching the art of Applied Equine Podiatry has met with rave reviews the world over.

For more information on Applied Equine Podiatry please visit the Institute’s web site at http://www.appliedequinepodiatry.org

Want to look and feel just a little bit sexier? That’s one thing sexy lingerie will do for you. But when shopping for sexy lingerie, why stop with that babydoll, camisole or chemise? There are many accessories available you can get to complement that sexy lingerie outfit. There are also a some lingerie fashions, some called erotic lingerie, that will spice things up just a bit more.

Topping the accessory list are garter belt sets. These sexy lingerie items, together with stockings, can provide a convenient alternative to stockings. Currently very popular, garter sets are available in a variety of colors and materials. Another set of popular hosiery accessories to complement your lingerie, Knee hi and thigh hi stockings are also available in a variety of styles, colors and materials. As the terms suggest, knee hi’s cover the legs up to the knee while thigh hi’s cover the legs up to the thigh.

Other items to accessorize your lingerie include gloves; some stretch lace or satin gloves can add an extra sensuous look when wearing them. A leg garter can also be used as an add on accessory, as well as nylon anklets. Simply put, a vast number of lingerie accessories are available to be used when wearing lingerie. Be sure to look for these when doing your lingerie shopping.

Also available are some erotic lingerie items you might consider spice it up a bit. Open cup bras or babydolls are popular, these are bras with no support cups and usually cause the shape of the nipple to be visible. When looking to spice things up, crotchless and even edible panties can also be worn for erotic effect, so give them a try. Want to reveal as much of the breast as possible? try some pasties. Pasties vary in size and are used to cover a person’s nipples, thereby revealing much of the breast without being totally topless.

So, when shopping for sexy lingerie and intimate apparel, don’t forget to also select from a variety of lingerie accessories to complement your purchase. And while you’re at it, don’t be shy and try some erotic lingerie to and spice things up a bit. Happy lingerie shopping!

Susan is the owner of Seduction Lane Lingerie. An online retailer of sexy lingerie, costumes and intimate apparel. Visit http://www.seductionlane.com for a vast selection of sexy lingerie at great prices.

Bowling shoes are not equal. In general, occasional bowlers are not well aware that bowling shoes lead vastly to the execution of a bowler. Finding their own pair of the shoes is very important thing in order to surpass in bowling. Below are 5 tips to think when purchasing:

Price – Tip #1
Study the price of the bowling shoes. Various brand and durability of the shoes affect the price. Shoes for advanced and intermediate bowler may have more expensive price than the novice shoes. Take less expensive shoes for an inexpert bowler or just an occasional bowler who usually bowls just to have fun.

Size and Width – Tip #2
Choosing the right size and the width of bowling shoes is very crucial. Try the shoes on before purchasing them. The shoes should not fit too tight or be too loose on the feet so that they are comfortable and allow for mobility.

Right or Left Handed – Tip #3
Right-handed bowlers and left-handed bowlers have their own type of bowling shoes . It is crucial to find out if the shoes are for left-handed persons if he is left-handed because each shoe in a pair has its own role. One shoe is for sliding while the other shoe is for braking. If a person is left-handed, then he should choose a shoe where the right side is for sliding and the left for braking, vice versa.

Collars and Padded Linings – Tip #4
Bowling shoes that have collars and padded linings or have cushioned insoles must be selected. These features can offer much comfort for bowlers, and give support and minimize the movement of the feet in the shoes. Maintaining balance while sliding on the lanes is supported by these shoes.

Experts Suggestion – Tip #5
Shopping around prior to selecting a pair of bowling shoes is needed. They can be purchased in sporting goods stores and in the malls. Ask an expert in bowling about which brands they have tried and proved.

The need of bowling shoes are very crucial if bowlers want to get better on their performance in bowling. Renting these shoes at the bowling alley can be considered if the bowlers have limited budget. However, it is recommended to have their own bowling shoes if they bowls on a steady basis.

Are you a victim of the most common bowling mistakes among bowlers worldwide? Check out our site http://www.BowlingBetter.com for more FREE bowling tips, news, and information to play bowling better. Find your quality apparel, accessories, books, video and DVD at Pro Shop

For many years skincare has been the sole preserve of the ladies. After all, men don’t need it, do they?

As I came downstairs to breakfast the other day, my wife stroked my cheek lovingly.

‘Your skin is so soft!’ she said almost wonderingly. ‘I really don’t know how you manage it!’

Now my wife is a dear, dear woman but she thinks that a soft skin is only achievable by using amounts of night cream, day cream, anti-wrinkle cream (not that she has any anyway!), protein cream and just about any other cream that the cosmetic companies can dream up.

She, like many other ladies, is convinced that many men have made a pact with the Prince of Darkness in return for facial skin that is not only soft but free from spots and blemishes. I will probably be marked for use as a bridge support filler or receive a nice pair of concrete overshoes from the League For Excessively Scratchy Chins for revealing the truth but I can contain myself no longer: men really do use skincare products!

There. I’ve said it. What a relief to finally ‘come out’ (about men’s skin, that is). The thing that is different about men’s facial skincare and that used by women is that men don’t pay anywhere near as much for theirs – and that’s because men do something to their faces every day that women never, ever do. They shave.

Now I know women shave their legs and sometimes other unmentionable bits. All we men know that. But they don’t do it every day. So why does that make a difference?

Oh, well, the cat’s out of the bag now so I may as well tell you everything. The act of shaving, when done daily, is an excellent exfoliant. A razor doesn’t only take away the stubble from the chins and cheeks of the average male, it also removes quite a few of the old dermal cells. This tends to leave our homely pans soft and smooth – especially if you use (as an increasing number of today’s guys do) a straight razor.

That’s the reason why – when we’re freshly planed off – the facial skin of your everyday male is as soft as a woman’s that has had enough cream on it to make a raspberry pavlova. The only problem is that it doesn’t last. Hence the tendency in recent years for an increasing number of guys to reach for the bottle.

The skincare-for-men bottle, that is. I’m not convinced that I am the first to have uttered this truth as to the original method of skincare for men – shaving – and doubtless the cosmetic companies’ intelligence task force has been keeping their ear well and truly stuck to the floor over the years. So what do we have now? You got it in one – cream for men.

Oh, they don’t call it ‘cream’. Far too girly. It’s called ‘rejuvenating facial cream’ or something equally crafty – it simply wouldn’t do to call it ‘day cream’ or ‘cool night cream’, would it? It’s done like this. After we men have carefully eradicated all traces of stubble, in proper manly fashion with some horribly sharp steel, we are smiled at from some webpage by an incredible hunk with biceps like footballs and a six-pack made of very large ballbearings who suggests that it would be a good idea to – moisturise our skin!

And do you know what the worst thing about it is? Yep. It works. Guess what I got for Christmas last year? Worse still, guess what I bought recently? Resistance, as has been said, was futile.

The male skincare culture steamroller is gathering momentum. We poor males, hapless victims of our own primitive but effective skincare method, have been sucked into mainstream skincare by forces we can hardly comprehend. What happened to the good old days when the only perfume men wore was good, honest sweat and we all changed our socks once a week even if they were reasonably pong-free? When boxer shorts were things boxers wore and after-shave lotion was considered only fit for wearing on a hot date?

Don’t know about you but I sure thank my lucky stars they’re firmly in the past! Now where’s my anti-aging wrinkle-destroying masculine protein emollient?

Steve Dempster is a recent and happy convert to modern men’s skincare and doesn’t mind anymore who knows it. Learn more here about shaving and skincare products for men.

Are you tired of your aftershave lotion? Are you unable to find an effective shaving gel? Do you think searching for any productive product is simply wasting money on useless items? Are you a man worried of problems like pimples, blemishes and wrinkles on your skin? If yes, then read the secrets for men skin care.

Men skincare is just as important as woman’s. The misleading notion that men should not follow a beauty routine is a story of the past. Everyone has a right to enjoy clear and smoother skin, which is possible by taking a little care of which type of product you put on or use on your skin.

Since male skin comes in to contact with the sun and dust more than women, extra care should be taken. Always wear a sun-block lotion with a suitable range of SPF before going out; it should be water proof to help resist your skin from UV ray damages. Regularly wash your face with a good soap-free wash to clean the dirt and oil.

Regularly use a cleanser to get a clearer skin, a gentle skin massage helps the face pores to open and breathe oxygen which will rejuvenate the glow of your face. Also, use a moisturizer if you have a drier skin type and toner specially designed for men. Using shaving lotions and gels which suit your skin type and does not produce redness and itching during or after usage will be your best bet.

Always remember that there is no supplement that can beat natural ingredients, as they are harmless and work much better than their synthetic counterparts which may also have certain serious after effects. The products which are made of natural extracts should always be preferred. Some of these are CoQ10, antioxidants such as retinol and beta carotene, and other naturally obtained substances like phytessence wakame and cynergy TK.

All these ingredients are excellent for our skin. They stimulate natural collagen and elastin in the skin tissues and therefore bring back our youthful glow and radiance. Other than these, vitamin A and C are also added to various products meant for men’s skincare. These are antioxidants and are useful for minimizing the effects of oxidation.

Another men skin care requisite is using after-shave lotion or a toner. It smoothens the skin after harshness of shaving and makes it more even. But be aware that the product you are using should never contain alcohols, preservatives and fragrances since they are not good for our skin health and cause different problems, the biggest of which is skin cancer itself.

Following these steps can lead you to a perfect complexion and a problem-free skin.

John Gibb is a dedicated researcher of skin care health and products. He shares his research on his website – Natural Skincare. If you have unwanted wrinkles, fine lines and damaged skin, visit – How to achieve the best looking skin naturally now to learn about the skin care line our editors personally use and recommend.

We have personally been using these products with excellent results.

titleChoosing Athletic Shoes – Tips and Tricks/titlepNo matter what your sport is, your athletic shoes are one of the most important pieces of equipment. From tennis to running, basketball to soccer, choosing the right athletic shoes for the right reasons can make a huge difference in keeping your feet and body healthy. Below you will find some of the things you need to consider when choosing shoes for your sport./ppbStyle Is Not Everything/b/ppJust about every day, someone asks me about their shoes. Questions vary from sport to sport, but the fact remains that the majority of people choose athletic shoes based on brand names and styles, rather than what is best for their own feet./ppI know that it can be hard to pass up those awesome looking shoes that match your uniform perfectly, but in the long run, the most important thing is that the athletic shoe serves its function…to support and protect your feet. So, lets take a closer look at what makes a good athletic shoe./ppbThe Heel Box/b/ppWhen I explain shoes to my patients, I always start with the heel box. This is where most people are similar in their needs. A sturdy heel box is essential to help control your rear-foot during athletic activities. The heel box is essentially the back third of the shoe, that surrounds your heel. Most athletic shoes have a heel box made up of leather, and some type of plastic or rubber reinforcement. However, not all athletic shoes are created equal. To test the heel box, try bending it over, or squeezing it in, and see how much resistance you encounter. If you can easily fold over the heel box, then chances are you will not get much support./ppbThe Upper/b/ppThis is the area where most people make the mistake that causes injury. The Upper is the portion of the shoe that surrounds the foot. It is the upper portion of the shoe, from the heel box to the toe box. Uppers can be fashioned from all kinds of different materials, from mesh to leather, and other types of fabrics. Depending on your foot type, you may need more or less support from the upper./ppThis portion of the shoe helps to control the mid and forefoot. Too much motion in these areas will allow for excessive stress through the meta-tarsals and tarsals, and can result in stress fractures, tendonitis, and other problems. To determine what type of foot you have, grab ahold of your foot with both hands, and move it around. Try moving individual bones around…do you find lots of motion, with little resistance, or is your foot very rigid, with little movement. You do not have to be an expert to tell if you have a flexible or rigid foot. Your athletic shoe should be opposite of your foot type. For rigid feet, you can get by with mesh or other light materials for the upper, as you need less support for your foot. For a flexible foot, you should lean more toward a rigid upper, that will control excessive motion and reduce stress./ppbThe Arch/b/ppArch support is essential for good athletic shoes. Even people with good arches, or great feet mechanics should have sufficient arch support. But, arch support is more than just the arch. It is the way that the sole of the athletic shoe is created and constructed that determines the overall characteristics of the arch. And as far as those cushy insoles that they try to upsell you at the shoe store – pass on those as they just add comfort, not support./ppWhen choosing shoes, look closely at the sole of the shoe. A good arch support will be evident by the shape of the shoe. Notice the outline of the sole. There should be a minimal amount of change in width between the toe and the heel. The wider the athletic shoe is at the middle (where your arch is), the more surface area there is to support your foot. So, avoid shoes that start out wide at the toe, narrow way down in the middle, and then flare out again at the heel./ppbChange is Good/b/ppEven the perfect athletic shoe will wear out over time. I have seen quite a few injuries due to old or worn out shoes. Just like any other equipment, you should monitor your shoes, and replace them when they wear out. If you are a runner, monitor your mileage, and replace them as appropriate./ppHow do you know when to buy new shoes? Well, holes, or pieces falling off are generally good indicators…But if it is not that obvious, look for all of the qualities that you used to choose the athletic shoe in the first place. Is the heel box still sturdy? Is the upper as rigid as it needs to be to control your foot? Is the arch still in good shape, or have you worn down one side of the sole? Answer these questions, and inspect your shoes often to keep them protecting your feet./ppbSummary/b/ppGood athletic shoes do not have to be flashy, or expensive to serve their intended purpose. There are lots of shoes out there that will fit both your needs and your budget. Look for all of the right qualities to fit your foot, and you are sure to make a wise decision. And when in doubt? Discuss shoe wear with other athletes, and the sales person at the shoe store. Chances are they have some good insight./ppBarton Anderson is a certified athletic trainer for St. Johns Sports Medicine. He is the creator of a target=_new href=http://www.sports-injury-info.com/ezshoesSports Injury Info/a, and is dedicated to providing sports injury information to his athletes and the public. Barton holds a Masters of Science Degree in Sports Health Care, and is certified by the National Athletic Trainers Association./pbrbr

Many people are confused about the aid for the canter. What follows are some common questions about the canter and my answers.

Q. I know to ask for the canter it is outside leg behind the girth and inside leg at the girth, however during the canter is your outside leg supposed to stay back or do both legs then become neutral at the girth once the canter is achieved?”

A.Swing your outside leg back ONCE, and then bring it back to its normal position on the girth. Think of it as a spring-loaded action or a windshield-wiper-like action. If you wait for your horse to answer, he’s not listening to your leg aid. If he doesn’t canter right away, give him a little bump with your outside leg or tap him with the whip. (Carry your whip in the outside hand for the canter work so you can use it to reinforce your outside leg aid.)

As soon as he does the canter depart, reward him.

You can teach him to canter by holding your outside leg back, but when you start doing half passes in the trot, your horse might get confused. He won’t know whether to stay in the trot and go sideways for a half pass or to pick up the canter.

It’s easier to teach him to canter from an aid that ONLY means canter depart than to teach him to canter from that aid and then have to reschool him when you get to trot half passes.

Q. Are you saying that the canter depart is achieved with the legs only? Or, were you just addressing your reader’s concern about her legs? I thought the canter depart was achieved by a slight turn of the wrist on the inside hand, weight on the inside seat bone, AND the windshield wiper outside leg. Is that correct?

A. Yes! I was just addressing her concern about the legs…But you’re right about the rest of the aids. I also push that inside seatbone toward the inside ear and support with the outside rein so I don’t get too much bend in the neck.

Q. How do I use my hands and seat in the canter depart?
What rein aids, if any, should be used?
Do I stay centered with my seat or shift my weight to the inside or outside when I cue for a canter depart?

A.Your weight is on your inside seatbone. When you ask for the depart, push your inside seatbone toward your horse’s inside ear.
Ask for flexion at the poll to the inside with a slight indirect rein aid, but support with the outside rein to keep your horse from over bending his neck to the inside.

Q. How do I keep the canter depart from being hollow?

A. Your horse is perfectly justified in coming off the bit if all you do is give the aid for a transition. To do a transition on the bit, you need to give two sets of aids at once–the transition aid AND the aid to tell him to stay on the bit–the connecting half halt. When you give these two sets of aids at once, you’re telling your horse to “do a transition on the bit”.

* Essentially, you’ll superimpose the connecting half halt over the aids for a transition. That is, you’ll give the connecting half halt before, during, and after the transition.

* In this case, the connecting half halt lasts longer than three seconds. It might even last six, seven, or eight seconds.)

* Apply it lightly before, during, and after the transition so that you “bridge” the transition with your connecting half halt.

* Start the connecting half halt before the transition. (Close both calves as if you’re asking for a medium gait, close your outside hand in a fist to capture and recycle the power back to the hind legs, and vibrate the inside rein to prevent your horse from bending his neck to the outside.)

* Keep giving the half halt while you add the aids for the canter depart.

* AND keep giving the connecting half halt for two or three strides into the next gait.

Q. What aid do I use to go from canter to trot?

A. The primary aid for any downward transition is a “stilled” seat.

* Sit with equal weight on both seat bones, and stretch up tall so you have a gentle curve in the small of your back. I call this posture a “ready” back.

* Brace your lower back in a stopping, non-following or retarding way by tightening your stomach muscles like you’re doing a sit-up.

* When you brace your back, your hips stop following the motion of your horse. Your non-following hips signal him to drop down to the next slower gait.

* To learn the feeling of stopping your hips, simply sit on your horse at the halt. Focus on the immobility of your seat.

* When you ask for a downward transition, mimic the way your seat feels in the halt.

* To practice your stilled seat, pick a point in the ring or on the trail. As you pass this spot, make your body immobile.

Q. How do I keep my horse on the bit during the transition back down from canter to trot?

A. Let’s say you want to do a downward transition from canter to trot on the bit. Remember, if you want to do a transition on the bit, you need to give two sets of aids at once.

* Ask your horse to stay on the bit during the transition by giving the connecting half halt before, during, and after the transition.

* While you’re in the canter, start your connecting half halt.

* After giving the half halt for a couple of seconds, add the aid for the downward transition by tightening your tummy muscles.

* In the beginning, it may take a few seconds for your horse to respond to your seat.

* No matter how long it takes, keep giving the connecting half halt until he listens to your seat and drops into the trot.

* Maintain the connecting half halt until you’re trotting for at least two strides.

Note: If your horse does the downward transition from the half halt itself, you’re either using too much hand and not enough leg or he’s behind your leg. He should wait to do the downward transition until you actually still your seat. The connecting half halt is just for keeping him on the bit. It’s not the aid for the downward transition.

Q. When we’re cantering my lower leg and knee creeps up and my stirrups dangle on my feet (both left and right). What can I do while I’m working alone, which is most of the time, to improve my leg position at the canter? I realize lunge line lessons would improve my position, but that’s not an option right now.

A. It sounds like you’re gripping with your knees and thighs for balance. Think about relaxing your knees and thighs and letting your legs hang loose so that you feel your feet supported by the stirrups. Sally Swift has a great image for this. She says to imagine that your legs are so long that your bare feet are dangling on the ground, and you can feel mud squishing between your toes.

Q. I was initially taught to ask for the canter with the outside leg, as are most people. However, as I progressed in Dressage, I was taught that although my outside leg was behind the girth in the canter transition (to tell the horse which lead I wanted), I actually asked for the canter with my inside leg, at the girth. Is this right?

A. Absolutely. The outside leg tells the outside hind to strike-off. (The outside hind leg needs to strike off first for your horse to end up on the correct lead.)
Your inside leg at the girth tells your horse to go forward into the canter.
So, you do end up using both legs although the emphasis changes from your outside leg to your inside leg as you and your horse become more advanced.

Q. I unconsciously lean forward as I ask for the canter. Should I stay upright? Should I lean back?

A. Stay upright, but push your inside seatbone toward your horse’s inside ear during the depart. As Kyra Kyrklund says: Pretend there are arrows extending down from your seatbones. You’ll push your horse’s hind legs in whatever direction your seatbones are pointed. So when you lean forward, your seatbones point backwards, and that’s the direction you’ll send the hind legs. By pushing your inside seatbone forward, you bring the hind legs with you and underneath your horse’s body.

Are you sick and tired of complicated and confusing training techniques? Are you frustrated by negative emotions like fear and lack of confidence? Would you like to be trained by a Three Time Olympic Coach? Learn how by going to: http://www.janesavoie.com/