New Website

[Jrchloe]

At the risk of getting "hate" mail again and being lectured that I have no right because I know nothing I have an idea for a new website. Since I have been hanging out on other forums and got the idea because I see a need I thought it would be cool to design like a newcomer/DIY Saddle Seat site. It would give information on Saddle Seat for the people who can't afford a full time trainer. It would have overview articles on training techniques (and how to find professional or knowledgable help with them), shoeing theories, info on showing (what to expect at a show), links that people not in the know to very useful sites (i.e. Ask The Trainer), trainer directories (hopefully all SS breed trainers), links to different SS breeds rules, etc. Since there are many very knowledgable people on this forum I was wondering what you thought. I am excited about this idea because it is a way for me to learn more as well and thats another reason for the site since I am alway wanting to learn more since I DON'T KNOW EVERYTHING (just wanted to make that clear ;)). So I was wondering where I should start with the training articles. I was thinking of starting with the training equipment. So what do you think?

[roadpony]

I don't see the point, because most of what you propose to post is already on this board. Yes there are a lot of extraneous discussions to wade through, but trot has a long history of being a useful portal for newcomers (yes, it's one word) to the Saddlebred world.

P.S. My comments have nothing to do with the individual making this proposal. I would feel the same way if "Joe Cool Trainer" made the same proposal.

[Kalin]

I think it's a great idea. Trot is a wonderful resource with LOTS of great info, but unless someone is involved in Saddlebreds, the likelihood of them finding that info on here is small.

I think the site would be greatly beneficial to people who are just getting their feet wet with the discipline or even just have an interest. If you incorporate information on different breeds and showing levels, I think it'll also be fun for people involved in the discipline to see how the "other guys" do it. Also great promotion for the breeds.

I'm betting there are knowledgeable people in all breeds who would be willing to help you get the most accurate info possible, provide pictures, etc. So I say go for it! :)

[VLayne]

Jrchloe, while I think one centralized "go to" site for info would be a noble endeavor, I have to say that the information is already out there, albeit scattered around. There is a lot of it here on trot, also on MS, the ASHA site, etc. It's all there - but a person has to search for it or have an idea of where to look. So I can see that one site that either provides the info, or provides links TO the info, might be a good idea, but it's probably not needed. After all, just typing "saddleseat" into google will get you to all the info you can find...

If you plan on going ahead with this idea, maybe you could ask some well respected trainers, exhibitors, tack shops, breeders, etc to provide you with the content instead of you writing it yourself. That would definitely give credibility to the information on the website.

I think that if Trina would/could bring back the section of the trot site that had info, articles, etc on it, that would do pretty much what you're envisioning.

[sdlbredfan]

I agree ("I think that if Trina would/could bring back the section of the trot site that had info, articles, etc on it, that would do pretty much what you're envisioning.") with this idea. A link that is really easy to find, that would go to the archives from the old message board, would be super! (If there is such a link already, I am sorry to say I have not found it.)

[D_BaldStockings]

I would recommend:
Ask each question under the existing forum topic -if unsure where to create your thread, put it in General and the Mods will move it :)
If there is info out there, you will get lots of referrals and hints from posters where to look.

While there are many trainers with websites and some with on-line advice, most people will recommend that newbies hook up with a face to face local trainer for hands on help, so getting to know you and your needs is the first priority.

Whether you are young or old, there is tremendously good advice on the Amateur Owner and Equitation/ youth areas of this forum with many links to good sites and discussions.

I would like to see a 'sticky' up top to the archived Saddlebredtalk. forum, that would be grand!
And I would like to see 'sticky' links to ASHA and Saddlebred Rescue, more might be seen as playing favorites?
And a 'sticky' on how to search this forum (if it works?)

No one on the forum knows everything and we are all learning, so a place for links to every good site would quickly become overfull and then sadly out of date. (which reminds me my computer needs housecleaning...)

Everyone here is very helpful, WELCOME!!

[roadpony]

I think it's a great idea. Trot is a wonderful resource with LOTS of great info, but unless someone is involved in Saddlebreds, the likelihood of them finding that info on here is small. Why is that? The new search function on this site works great. People ought to try it more often. ;) Would any new web site be any easier to find than trot, ASHA or other existing sites? When you Google "saddlebred," ASHA is at the top of the list and trot is 4th.

People new to ASBs come on here all the time, ask questions, are welcomed and get involved.

I have no financial interest in trot whatsoever. However, it concerns me that the more generic Saddlebred/Saddle Seat sites are created, someone has to pay for it, and that's advertisers. I'd hate to see the already limited pool of advertisers become even more stretched or diluted.

I do agree that a centralized "index" of existing web sites and resources is helpful and the ASHA already has a pretty good list that doesn't cost anything to be on. I don't see the Saddle Seat Eq site listed. ;) http://www.asha.net/Links?PHPSESSID=4230a516c0d5eec4f8669b1d5d7737e1


P.S. All you have to do to keep your access to the old trot site is bookmark it. http://saddlebredtalk.com/default.asp

[roadpony]

And a 'sticky' on how to search this forum (if it works?)The search function works great... try it. Don't know why a sticky would be necessary. :confused: All you have to do is click on the Search link at the top of the page. (I'm really NOT trying to be a smart a$$ :surrender: )

[Kalin]

Why is that? The new search function on this site works great. People ought to try it more often. ;) Would any new web site be any easier to find than trot, ASHA or other existing sites? When you Google "saddlebred," ASHA is at the top of the list and trot is 4th.

People new to ASBs come on here all the time, ask questions, are welcomed and get involved.


Exactly. The OP asked about making a DIY/newcomer saddleseat site. Not a Saddlebred-specific website. While a newcomer to, say, Morgans or Arabians might benefit greatly from information available on Trot, my point is that they might not come here to look in the first place.

[GraceMorgn]

Why is that? The new search function on this site works great. People ought to try it more often. ;) Would any new web site be any easier to find than trot, ASHA or other existing sites? When you Google "saddlebred," ASHA is at the top of the list and trot is 4th.

I think that the site is a great idea. Trot can be daunting to look through, even with the search engine. A newcomer doesn't even know what to search for. What they need is a site that is easy to read with thorough, accurate information on general Saddle Seat topics.

Trot is a discussion forum, not an introductory site. Once someone has their feet wet, coming to Trot is a great next step and will be very helpful. For a beginner though, there is too much to wade through and it is overwhelming.

Some info:
On Yahoo when searching for "saddleseat" "saddle seat" or "saddle seat riding" Trot.org is not on the first page of 10 sites.

On Google when searching for "saddleseat" "saddle seat" or "saddle seat riding" Trot.org is not on the first page of 10 sites. Claire's equitation site comes up number two in "saddle seat"

Someone looking for Saddle Seat information isn't going to find Trot.org easily.

Claire- I think you idea for a site is great. Your equitation site is an awesome resource that has helped many people and expanding would be wonderful. When you do the new site, I think a great way of going about is is to keep it very beginner level and introductory, then direct them to Trot for more in depth discussion. Don't try to create a site that is a one stop for Saddle Seat, as that is taking on too much. Things such as what Saddle Seat is, what the history is, what the equipment is, etc would be the way to go in my opinion.

*ASHLEY*

[smorrow923]

Trot can be daunting to look through, even with the search engine. A newcomer doesn't even know what to search for.


I think this is exactly why a new "catch all" SS website would be great! There are so many people out there who just don't know and don't understand. And they want to. Coming here, they may not know all the terms and therefore, they won't know what to search for. Plus, there is so much information here and lot of it is "perfecting" stuff. Stuff that you nit pick about after years of riding as opposed to basic stuff that most newbies would want.

I will caution with this site (if it happens) not to get too technical and not to get too into "how to do this yourself" with the more advanced stuff (ie gaiting a horse, IMO should be left to the pros and those with lots of experience. NOT a newbie!) So doing too many how-tos in the more advanced stuff could turn around to bite the poor horse in the butt when he gets mishandled.

[chelseab2005]

While I do think that an introductory site is a good idea, when you search "saddle seat" on Google, the first site is Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saddle_seat). This gives you a good description of the discipline for all breeds. At the bottom, there are also links to the USEF Rule Book, Saddle Seat World Cup, articles on Saddlebreds, and related topics on Wiki. It's not that the information isn't out there and fairly easy to find. I would suggest we find a way to get Trot linked to Wikipedia's related pages. That way someone looking up Saddlebreds, Saddle Seat, Equitation, Arabians, Morgans, etc could navigate here and be able to actually discuss what they have been reading. This way, they get the info, but they can also ask questions from those of us who are/have been involved with the discipline/breed.

[smorrow923]

While I do think that an introductory site is a good idea, when you search "saddle seat" on Google, the first site is Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saddle_seat).

Wikipedia should not be used, in my opinion,as a full resource for anything. Wkipedia is a peer run program where anyone can add things and change things as they see fit. For SS research, school research, medical research, etc.. wikipedia should not be used as a resource. Not trying to be mean but it's been drilled into my head so many times that sources and where they come from are insanely important. And wikipedia, is not regulated and is not a reputable source for anything except very basic, very general information. (Which is not to say that the information on there is wrong. I didn't even look at it but my point still stands). I'd rather have the info come from someone who has "been there done that" and is "in the know" than some random people typing things into the internet.

[chelseab2005]

Wikipedia should not be used as a full resource for anything. Wkipedia is a peer run program where anyone can add things and change things as they see fit. For SS research, school research, medical research, etc.. wikipedia should not be used as a resource. not trying to be mean but it's been drilled into my head so many times that sources and where they come from are insanely important. And wikipedia, is not regulated and is not a reputable source for anything except very basic, very general information. (Which is not to say that the information on there is wrong. I didn't even look at it but my point still stands).

Lately, Wikipedia has been locking some of the pages where people have been posting and reporting false information. They are trying to make sure all the info on the site is correct, but they may need to know when something is complete so that they can lock it.
Btw, all the Saddlebred photos on Wiki are from the Shelby County Fair grounds.

I'd rather have the info come from someone who has "been there done that" and is "in the know" than some random people typing things into the internet.

Hence, my statement of link to Trot so that they can talk to people "in the know"

[TrotAdmin]

Some info:
On Yahoo when searching for "saddleseat" "saddle seat" or "saddle seat riding" Trot.org is not on the first page of 10 sites.

On Google when searching for "saddleseat" "saddle seat" or "saddle seat riding" Trot.org is not on the first page of 10 sites. Claire's equitation site comes up number two in "saddle seat"




Trot.org was never meant to be a "saddle seat" specific site, it is a Saddlebred site. Saddle seat being just one of the many many many things you can do with a Saddlebred :)

That said, I do still have all the old articles built out here on Trot, but the key word here is old. I can relaunch that section of the site, but I would love love love to have some new material to put out there. I've thrown the request out there asking for new articles, show coverage, etc. but so far have not received anything. I have the ability to post all kinds of things here...regular articles, video interviews, pretty much whatever you can come up with, I just don't have the time to create all that content myself.

If there are any of you out there that have the time and the ability to write or get permission to republish other materials, I wlil set you up with access.

Gotta go - more boxes to unpack....sigh:blink:

[Jrchloe]

The new comers from other forums that gave me this idea didn't even know trot.org exsisted or that it was anything other than ASB talk. I was planning on linking to trot/m-s but in an organized fashion. I was also thinking about adding book and magazine article recommendations and listing dates of clinics and camps. The training section on the site would just be overviews and I was hoping that I could find either a professional with time on their hands (hard to find) or an experienced AOT to help with the basic overview articles (I have found it helpful for busy people to have something like a rough draft to start with and move from there to be easier for them). I wouldn't want to go too in depth because that would take forever haha, I was planning to keep it all basic (no how to gait your horse but maybe an explaination how its done for people wanting to know or a link). I would also include what training techniques from other disiplines that we use and the ones we don't and why since the site is mostly for people switching to ss. While I have found some interesting websites online searched on google for someone new to the disipline they would be impossible to find. This is just an idea I had and at the time I came up with it I would of had the time to post the site in a month but since my retired horse decided to give us an anatomy lesson last week that progress has be stalled to say that least. I now will be in the country with no internet for a while playing nurse.

[attafox]

jrchloe - suggest that you work with Trina to help develop the existing site that gets tons of traffic. The infrastructure is here and doesn't require re-inventing the wheel.

We see this with breed info all the time - the more organizations there are, the more fractured it gets.

[canter]

This is just an idea I had and at the time I came up with it I would of had the time to post the site in a month but since my retired horse decided to give us an anatomy lesson last week that progress has be stalled to say that least. I now will be in the country with no internet for a while playing nurse.

I am very sorry to learn of your retired horse's 'anatomy lesson' last week. My prayers go out to your horse and for the one 'that died on you' as well. I am glad to hear you are switching your priorities to your horse first. So sorry to hear that this has 'stalled your progress' while 'playing nurse'.

Personally, I agree with Roadpony and Attafox. Trina is offering you a wonderful opportunity that you might consider.

[RackOn11]

I think thats a wonderfuL idea because I know when I first got to trot I wasnt sure of everything people were saying because I was just starting out in saddle seat and didnt know all the terms and big words everyone was using, lol. :D But you should make the website for sure, alot of people would find it very useful.

[ASB_EQ_Gal]

I see both sides of this. Trot is a good place for newcomers but I will have to admit that it may not be the best. For example... Claire's equitation site. Her site is SO easy to use and has the best go to information. Most of the time when I have questions or doubts about information for my equitation I go there first. I will come here if I can't find it or want opinions but I only do because I am very active in the site. In my mind if I was new to ANYTHING, it doesn't matter what it was and say I googled it... I would go to the website that has the facts, history, information, articles...etc over what I saw was a forum. And the point that there are already a lot of other places with the same point is non sense. Think about it. When you are doing a research project on something do you seriously only use ONE site. I know I don't I may be studying the same exact thing that all the sites talk about but there will always be something different that you get out of each and every one.

I think it's a great idea. I love TROT and hope Claire uses it as a resource to newcomers in the long run at times, but seriously why is everyone being so single minded. I would love to see a newcomer website and if anyone is going to do it I would want it to be Claire especially since she already has a site organized in the same fashion that is a great success. It will be one more portal to get people really involved and not just into our breed but in the discipline of riding as well. I just don't understand why anyone here would turn down such a wonderful opportunity for our world of horses especially when everyone is so passionate about it.

I believe the easier way for a newcomer to get information would be through a website

Edited to Add: My opinions come from Claire making a website and not another forum. Just in case that is what someone may be thinking she is trying to do.

[D_BaldStockings]

I am wondering why this couldn't be a page or chapter on Claire's existing site if the need is there?
Perhaps a FAQ area and a glossary that would then provide links to more detail/other sites as desired?
I find that 'just a taste' never seems to be enough, but sometimes you need to provide the sample taste!!

When you look back on the volumes of books, websites and personal interviews that go into answering the question: Why do Saddleseat riders do _____? You realize what a huge undertaking distilling down to the direct (and incomplete) answer will always be LOL.

[Iwannahorse]

RackOn11I think thats a wonderfuL idea because I know when I first got to trot I wasnt sure of everything people were saying because I was just starting out in saddle seat and didnt know all the terms and big words everyone was using

With the above being mentioned...no newcomber going to any site is going to be familiar with the terminology i.e. diagonals, leads, curb, bridoon, (size of rein for each)martingales, or slow gait, trot or canter, various equipment, serpentines, or figure 8's for that matter. So, with that in mind perhaps wherever a "newcomer" site may be added whether it be "Trot.org" or a new site in general perhaps a GLOSSARY should be established both for the newbies and not so newbies so reference can be made as someone reads something.

I did go to Jrchole's equitation site from her link and one thing that I noticed that it did not appear to be that organized looking. The format could use some improvement..it looked very amateurish i.e. different fonts and sizes on the same pages..pictures not lining up with the information, etc. So, in order to assist a newbie and not to get them confused, the detail and how it is formatted needs to be considered and very orderly....it needs to be thought out very carefully and itemized...first you crawl and then we walk if you know what I mean!! Also, are you talking about new to horses or the discipline?

Just food for thought....

[Iwannahorse]

Another thing that I myself can find confusing sometimes is all the acronyms or abbreviations that are used in the posts...I know it may mean a few more strokes of the keypad but sometimes I just scratch my head thinking "what could this mean"!! Some are obvious but others...well..CTOORN..but hopefully you get the jist of what I am saying. Perhaps the most popular ones could be added to the glossary or listed somewhere!!

BTW-( By The Way)-CTOORN= "Can't think of one right now"!!:glare: :blink:

[D_BaldStockings]

as far as text-speak, I'm lost past BTW, IDK, and LOL!

As an old fuddy duddy I think sticking to full english words is preferable...

MHO!

[ASB_EQ_Gal]

I really like the glossary idea. If Claire does her site I think she should do that. But I also think that it would be a good idea for trot too...just to make it more newcomer friendly.

[attafox]

All it takes is a writer and then submit it to Trina. Seems I hear lots of talk, but not seeing any volunteering as of yet :euro:

[D_BaldStockings]

The lazy writer's link
http://www.equisearch.com/advice/glossary/

[Iwannahorse]

Ha Ha!! I didn't think we needed a glossary from the evolution of the horse!!
Your funnee!! :lol: :laugh:

D_Baldstockings......for you.."ROFLMAO"**


**Rolling On Floor Laughing My A$$ Off--you can add that to your glossary of "text-speak""!!

[ASB_EQ_Gal]

All it takes is a writer and then submit it to Trina. Seems I hear lots of talk, but not seeing any volunteering as of yet :euro:

I am actually currently in the process of working on some show coverage to give to Trina to start her idea back up of doing an article, etc section for trot.org site.

[Jrchloe]

While trot.org is a great resource its labeled as The Saddlebred Information Source so people who don't ride ASBs and not knowing that we talk about a lot of other topics not just the breed wouldn't really think about coming to this forum even if they did find it on google. I mean I know there are Arab and Morgan forums out there that have lots of great information but I don't ride these breeds so I don't know anything about them. The site would be for new comers to the disipline not to horses in general. While just getting home for a few days I have decided to continue with the website when I get back from all of the craziness. Then when its organized and how I want it if its worth Trina's time I will see if she wants to colaberate. Trust me I have searched everywhere and other than here theres not really any information on SS anywhere. If anyone has any good ideas for the site (the glossary of SS terms is a great one that hopefully I will get to) please share. If anyone would like to help with articles or knows of ones already written that would go with the theme that would also be great. I don't want to cause controversy so please don't think I am stirring the pot. I just see a need for people not in the know and also a learning experience for me and whoever else and thats what makes me want to do it. I hope you all will see it as a good and ever evolving project and hopefully help SS's reputation to other disipline riders. I also know that really I am not anyone important in this world so I know this is will not be a world changing venture but it will hopefully be a resource like the equitation site. This site will also be more information and maybe not as many pictures so I can use the space for information. If I want to add a picture I really just plan on just using what is nessicary and maybe linking to other pictures for more help.

Now for those of you who said the equitation site is not professional looking well I'm not a professional website developer nor is it a professional site. Its just an equitation enthusist's labor of love and hopefully it can be informative to visitors. I would love to make it better but I can only do what Tripod allows me to do and I have made it where everything's the same but then its hard to tell where one thing stops and the other begins so thats why there are different fonts and colors. I have also spent many wasted hours trying to line up pictures but that becomes a time when I want to throw the computer out the window, gotta love Tripod, haha. I would also love to maybe get a domain name and a real site but I just don't have the time. I am always trying to make the site easier to use so if anyone does have suggestions that I am able to do with Tripod please share.

[JLWmassage]

I can feel your pain about wanting to throw the computer out the window when it comes to building a web site. I just bought my domain name for $20 for the year from www.FreeWebs.com
and it took about five min. to do.

[D_BaldStockings]

JrChloe,
You may want to contact Renae at Hawksnest and the folks at Show Horse Alliance which is intended for all Saddleseat discipline breeds for some input and support?

Renae can be PM'd from her many posts in the Other breeds section of this forum.

[mlinky]

I can feel your pain about wanting to throw the computer out the window when it comes to building a web site. I just bought my domain name for $20 for the year from www.FreeWebs.com
and it took about five min. to do.

I recommend verio.com

Be careful. There are lots of places that offer free or low cost web registrations, then they don't keep you updated on renewals and grab the name. They know that the name is one that someone wants, so they can resell it.

[Jrchloe]

Thanks D_BaldStockings I didn't know there was such a thing but thats a good idea. Thank you all for your support and for those who have offered your time. Please keep the ideas for the site coming and I will let you know whats going on.:clap:

[ASB Equestrian]

I am very sorry to learn of your retired horse's 'anatomy lesson' last week. My prayers go out to your horse and for the one 'that died on you' as well. I am glad to hear you are switching your priorities to your horse first. So sorry to hear that this has 'stalled your progress' while 'playing nurse'.

Let's not get testy over this :flowers:

Personally, I think Claire is perfectly capable of constructing this sort of site she envisions. Her equitation site is superb with all sorts of explanations and how-tos, and I trust her to make a clean, neat, and workable site that conveys our darling Saddlebreds beautifully. Is there any possible way to make a site like this in conjunction with Trot, like what Trina's plan was? If I'm completely out of line, forgive my ignorance. I couldn't make a web site if my life depended on it :blush: