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11th January, 2008

THE MARKET HARBOROUGH

Hi HP,

Just wanting some clarification please on when/when not to use Running Martingale & Market Harborough?
Can you please explain the difference between the two for a novice J Are they used for training in particular riding styles i.e. dressage, jumping, eventing or western

Thanks
Cheers,
Nicole

Well Nicole, the reason why I popularized this piece of equipment gets back to the eternal problem where Novice Riders are taught by the English systems to be always taking up the reins, having a contact and basically, hanging off the mouth of their horses. One of the most caused areas of torment to our loved one's. These two articles are relevant:

HELP....I CAN'T LET THE REINS GO!!

THE MARKET HARBOROUGH

To summarize and hopefully keep it simple then:

• If I could break in a horse with a mouth that was 10/10 and the owner was a Novice, within 7 days, the Mouth would be reduced to a 6/10 via 'learned resistance.
   
• I only recommend this equipment for those who either have to hang onto the mouth of their horse full time but don't know how to do it proper with roundness and softness. That means most Pony Clubbers and basically anyone who does not know how to achieve a frame with a horse where the horse is on a soft and kind contact. Forget the technicalities of 'roundness' and all the Dressage terms, just in a frame and soft.
   
• It is not required at all for Pleasure Riders', Western Riders' or any English Rider who knows how to put a horse softly into a frame and keep them there if and when they must insist upon hanging off the mouth of a horse.

In other words, I have always been trying to protect the mouths of horses out there from torment and attempting to show a 'window of opportunity' to all of those who fit the contact category that they can actually achieve a frame and when the running rein disengages when the horse is 'there' the Rider can for the first time in their life have the experience of riding a horse in that form because they will be then on their own reins. Off the training wheels. The other benefit of course is that when the Novice Horse is in a frame, at least it may be building some semblance of a top line and diminishing the under muscle or upside down neck. All of which makes Riding easier rather than harder.

The Martingale does provide some 'magic bullet' to put a horse's head down. Even with one installed, a Novice cannot do it unless educated. So really this piece of equipment is largely irrelevant. When a Rider does not how to achieve some form of 'roundness' no equipment is necessary at all. Just knowledge. There is not a horse that Mrs. HP or I can not  put down inside say 5 minutes so it is not about degree of difficulty either, it is about teaching, Coaching and the effectiveness of it.

So my point is this. It is grossly unfair on a horse to be going around constantly like this:

and in the case of this horse for at least 12 months with a SA BHS Coach or

If we choose to need to be hanging off the head of a horse, then like this, 9 minutes later.

Thousands of Horses go around like in the first photo, endlessly, year in and year out. That's my point here, Horse Welfare. Here is another. 7 weeks taught by EFA Level 3 Coach. Ended like this. Couple of weeks later with the Kid,

So my point is, if you can't teach it give up and if you can't ride it let go!

GENERAL HORSEMANSHIP AND OBSERVATION

One of the greatest gifts you can be given in the Horse Industry is to be able to 'read em'. If you can read horses they tell you everything. Have a look at this piece of film. The message in this video is a correct one. Read the Horse to find the solutions. The Horse at the float is telling us that he has hit his head on the roof of a float at some point in the past. There is no doubts. 100% fact. Horses never lie. The message being passed on to the people by the Horse is not only that. It is saying "float too low" and "I am not sure I can fit in this one" based upon past experience of smacking the head. At 1.19, the Lass trying to mount by using the off side rein (highly dangerous) and perhaps the same horse that runs through the hands of the Rider later, shows the ruined mouth due to the subjects we have been discussing earlier. The Horse is saying, "I don't want you on my back, you swing off my mouth all day and make me uncomfortable and you will not go out and learn how to ride properly" The Handler in front of the Float is still in the front of the chest bar, a major mistake and therefore pulling on the head of the horse, thus promoting it to throw it's head up higher, virtually ensuring it hits the head on the roof. No doubt the probable reason for the accident in the first place. The Grey Horse shows the Rider with no leg on the horse, swinging off it's mouth, mouth deteriorated and no doubt because of the ridden style. The hands are appalling and why wouldn't the horse be objecting. In all cases, not the horses or Riders fault. It is the education systems.

 

 

LETTERS OF THE DAY

Happy new year to all.

Just would like to say after reading the comment on the blue fly veil, i was noticing my boy was unable to see me when i called him. He would actually run past. I then stuck my head inside to get a good idea of what i had been putting my horse through this summer,being a not so fan on having a fly veil on at all due to rubbing and stressing that some giant bee gets in and as you would know would not be a pretty sight to see when they panic. But due to the horrible number of them around i bit the bullet and brought one not even taking into consideration on colors!!! (mind you i brought a net for myself in BLACK to put over my cap when in the paddock, highly recommend them, even thou i felt like a bee keeper!!) Then that same night i read the comment on the blue fly veil. (feeling very stupid that i didnt act sooner to change)
So i went straight up to my local produce store and brought a black one, and low and behold he could see me when i called.
Thanks once again to your website.
Cheers!!

Aleena & Mr plod.
p.s Have you seen the so called horse floats horseland are selling?? Very scary.I was going to take some photos to send but one of the staff came out and tried to sell me one!!! :)

Hi my name is Andrea.

I’ve owned this horse for 2 years and 4 months now and he’s 14 years rising 15 years, t/b gelding. I have been told by my friends who have floated him long distances with another horse (the same one each time) he swings the float so that it swings side to side so bad that it can cross lanes!!! I haven’t experienced or witnessed it myself. I float him twice a month to pony club and adult riding club with him walking when we stop but nothing that dramatic. What he does is, he puts his weight on the tailgate and walks. I had tried tying him up short, long, not at all, with hay, without hay, with a feed bag & hay and without, but nothing changes! He has been in an Olympic with a ford ute towing and another type that’s higher off the ground and towed by a 4 runner that’s jacked up with 35 inch tyres. Those times he’s been with a bad floater and on the right side as he’s a heavier horse then the other. When I float him to events close by he’s on his own. What can I do to reduce the swaying, stop him from doing it, or will sway bars or other devises stabilize the float???
Andrea
PS I am now towing with a holden commodor wagon if that helps. I hope I gave you enough information to help out.
Thank you

Hi there Hp what do you think of this device for remouthing. Wat do you think the dangers involved would be and do you think it would be affective for remouthing my horse. Is this a sort of running rein? Will this encourage any bad behaviour?

This new design encourages equal pressure on both sides of the bit and encourages softness and submission in the horse without using any force. It is supplied with separate trigger hooks so that the device can also be used on a saddle while the horse is being ridden.


The Lungie Bungie in use

"It is ideal for use on young horses in their early schooling or on the older horses who need remouthing," says Clayton Fredericks, who worked on the idea with his wife, Lucinda.

The Lungie Bungie is designed primarily for use while lunging but it can also be used on a horse being ridden. "It allows lateral movement of the head and is particularly useful and successful when working on the canter," he says. "The horses find their balance much more quickly."

"This aid can also be used when the horse is being ridden or for very short times in the stable to encourage the horse to develop the muscles enabling it to find self carriage."




 

 

10th January, 2008

I worked with the lovely Boy out of my Feeding Podcast this morning as he is here to be ridden this time. He was a breeze and I will ride him in the morning. I don't expect any problems at all with him and he is a very nice Horse all around. Lovely Paces too. Matured up nice. Mrs. HP started riding them at 6am, wouldn't have been earlier but now we are getting strong Gulley Winds as well here and just too strong to get concentration from Horses.

RODEO

Hi again, John. Just to clarify, I certainly don't condone the mistreatment of animals, including the indiscriminate use of cattle prods (yes that is how they get the calves to break out of the chute at a dead run). I am also no fan of the macho cowboy attitude. I was commenting on the level of stupidity displayed by the people commenting on the horse goring video on YouTube and pointing out the rabid agenda of the narrator.

I'm not particulary a fan of rodeo although I wouldn't call bull riding and bronc riding cruel. I suspect the broncs have a better life than an unfortunate majority of well loved back yard horses whose owners simply don't understand what a horse really needs. The broncs live most of their life in a herd environment in huge pastures. Their dietary needs and veterinary needs are attended to. They don't swelter in heavy blankets or stand around in stuffy little wooden boxes. They only get ridden for 8 seconds at a time, and they don't have to put up with ill fitting tack or poorly balanced riders. It's probably not a bad gig.

I've always found calf roping distasteful. I hadn't seen steer roping before but it seems that although being roped around the horns (with a horn wrap for protection) is probably not as bad as being roped around the neck, as in calf roping, it sure is hard to watch them getting flipped and slammed to the ground like that. I wouldn't shed a tear if it went out of fashion.

As you so often say, lack of basic knowledge and understanding is rampant throughout the horse world. I totally agree that if these sporting events don't clean up their act, public pressure will continue to endanger their ability to carry on. And I have no doubt that some changes are long overdue. But I hate to see the mindless knee-jerk mob mentality of the suburbanite crowd.
cheers,

Monica
(Canada)

Interest Groups and Sports Management so often lose focus. Similar to the Australian and Indian Cricket Teams who are acting like a bunch of 'skirts' Little Children, the lot of them. The Australians are notorious for slagging other Players and yet complain and whip up a Storm when one of the Indians called Andrew Symonds a 'monkey'. Well big deal, in the past he would have turned around and called Sing "Tea Towel Head " and they all would have got on with it but no, they had to stir it up.

So it now gets like that with the 'Do Gooders' and the Rodeo people. Rather than each going about trying to be reasonable and playing the Ball rather than the Man, the Do Gooders go in for the Kill and lose sight of the facts, become Hell biased and inaccurate with their comments and the Rodeo Management go to sleep at the wheel and focus on "How dare they say that" instead of calling a Committee Meeting and making some positive changes before their Sport is annihilated. They really get me. Pull Calf Roping from Rodeo World Wide. It is cruel, blind Freddie can see it and even I can see it when I go to Rodeo. How on God's Earth can you think that ripping a Baby Calf with Bones that are still jelly, off it's feet from 40k an hour to minus 10k in an instant. Control the Jigger, put a code of conduct in place for all staff, vote on it and go to the Pub. It ain't that hard. If you think pulling the tricks of Calf Roping at 8am or all crowding around to cover the view when things go wrong are going to make a difference, I would disagree. Proactive, genuine steps towards the best welfare of the stock is the only thing that will retain your Sport. Politicians always buckle to the vocal minority.

Rodeo got a Hell of a pasting here on our Channel 7 during the week. I missed it but it has been caused by a Cowboy assaulting one of the Do Gooders, a female, caught on Camera. Get the message Boys, you can't fight them now with Power of technology on their side. Clean the game up quick or read my lips, you won't have one any more. Take a look at the far more powerful lobby than yours, the Fox Hunters in England. The Lords and Ladies couldn't win.

Horses that buck and end up at Rodeo, were almost all sent that way because of Humans. That should be remembered. They are not the enemy, to be smacked around the head or kicked in the guts like seen on TV here. They should be treated with respect. I happen to think the Rodeo Horse does lead a pretty cushy life and it presents a last chance before the Bullet as that was where they were headed anywhere. They wander around large acreage here and get used now and again for say 16 seconds  (2o rounds) and job done. I can also attest to the fact that Rodeo does often save the lives of horses. Many stop bucking because they get sick of it and go back into the Equestrian Community to live happy lives. I had one through here last year in fact.

Yes Monica, the general Public go off like fire crackers and largely dribble you know what but that just proves how emotive such footage is and that is the bottom line here that shouldn't be forgotten. Regards

EI

After meetings yesterday, the NSW DPI is aiming to change the whole state to green by the 14th March. Provided the science delivers the results we want, and so far we have tested over 1000 horses, with no surprises - that is no active virus detected - and provided there are no new cases, there is no reason for this not to happen. The powers that be have said that the number of cases levelled out just prior to the vaccine taking effect - I cannot quite get my head around that, but who am I to argue with scientists and vets.

We are on track to change the western red zones to amber later this week or early next, and thus approx 2 weeks after that to change nearly the whole state to green, apart from the purple zone itself and a small barrier around it. I think we await the Ministers' pleasure on announcing these things - I think he is in Italy at the moment.

There will be no division of the purple zone, no shrinking of it (that has never been an option) - just removal of it by 14 March if all goes well.

Please pass this news on to all and sundry - remember that it our aim, not set in stone, until the science justifies it. But it is news far better than expected, and will help people to remain vigilant until we are all in the clear.

I would expect for a few months that THS and event registration and some extra biosecurity measures will still happen, but this would be precautionary only.

Regarding future vaccination, again I would expect that we would as a precaution, keep vaccinating for perhaps 12 months (2 further shots and not everyone, but elite horses and I know Racing NSW wants to keep vaccinating), but at some stage, we would like to regain our EI free status, and this will mean that we will have to end any such vaccination.

We have only been able to get this far, and fix this with your co-operation - the DPI really recognises this. Just a few more weeks of pain and inconvenience to go.


ICE VESTS

I think they are a good idea and are becoming more popular but I hope people stop and think about the fact that just because they feel refreshed, doesn't mean the horse does and you wouldn't want to be riding on and on in the heat. Most unfair.

BLUE FLY VIELS

Hey, Kelly again. Well your married :( haha.
Ive been reading more today, since only finding out about you yesterday.
Enquiring about the blue fly veils.
Is it only that colour?
i can see that they're naturally born with no covers on them etc, so why the need.
A person i know leaves his mare covered all day from her ears to her eyes,nose neck and body, because he reckons the flys leave lumps on her body-its quite cruel looking, and i can see why she's quite grumpy most of the time.
But what's the solution for flies? If theyre causing bumps etc too, as he says..
From pain in the bum.
 

Horses hate them because they cannot see through them properly and they give a false perspective. They prefer Black and ark Green. By the way, leaving them on over night is unfair also and could be dangerous for the horse if something frightened it or a storm blew up. There was one on this place last night like that. Put a blue fly veil over your head during daylite and see how you like it!!!! Regards
 

LETTERS OF THE DAY

Hi HP.

I have been riding for many years and have always ridden and taught my horses to ride on a loose rein, walk to canter basically at the end of the buckle, nice calm and controlled, I have recently sold one of my horses (cant keep them all) and she asked me to ride him on the bit and to be honest I haven't the faintest idea how to. I only trail ride and hoon around for fun, chase the cows etc so have never needed to ride in frame nice round and soft etc. I went to 2 riding schools to learn and I felt like they were saying to pull/reef his head down which I would not do. Do you have any ideas for me?
Thanks in advance.

Yes I do. Ride exactly as you are if that is how you like it and only attempt to ride them 'on the Bit' if you know how to do that properly or being Coached. It is not that horses shouldn't be ridden in a frame, it is that there are no in betweens imho. You can either do it comfortable for the horse on your reins or on the bit correct and with softness. Anything in between is horse terrorization. Cheers

Hi thereMrand MrsHP.
How is this stinking weather treating ya.
I have had the pleasure of the swimming lessons with the kids at pt Rickaby it is so refreshing. Any how enough rubbing it in. I have decided in sticking to Mac who I have renamed Wacky. He is growing on me now. I have managed to calm him back down successfully. I have removed the high protine from the diet and feeding just ablib oaten and have found a wonderful product for fattening up with out the high energy content from a nice stb lady at Kadina. So helpful she is. She has invited me at nocharge to get help with handeling skills and riding skills as she just loves the STB. Thankfully she is closer by than Adelaide. Did I tell you I have cured the bad behaviour with Mac. He gave up on the tantrums when I introduced the personal alarm. He hates the squeeling of it. I say no and the if he persists I just press the button every time he does anything wrong and he stops. It has worked wonders. I don't have to smack whip or yell. It has stopped him from charging at the fence and chasing the cars as well as thoes bad habbits of demanding food. He is still hoever putting his ears back if I run out of carrots. I just pull his ears back up and tell him to stop sooking. He turns his head away from me. I have also found a trainer to help me take him to the beach to get him in the water for a swim. Still havn't ridden him as he is still under weight and I am not sure how sound he is. I will wait for you to assess him when he gets a bit fatter. He is shining like a pollished piece of something now (can't think of any thing that is black brown and shiny But he is shiny. It won't matter if he is not fit for riding. I will just leave him as a companion for the next horse. I have been in contact with Alsbury Lodge. They are very nice and helpful people. They will help to match me with the right horse for me.
I will send a pic of Wacky when I can borrow a camera again.
Thanks for your time. From Cindy

That's the way Cindy. Well done. Thinking outside the square I see lol. He should put weight on pretty quickly so enquire with yourself if he is not. Good luck at the Beach you lucky one :)
 

Hi John
You have written a number of times about the planet being stuffed due to climate change. Today on the radio I heard that it snowed in the Iranian desert.
MINUS 20 degrees. First time ever this has happened. And still we have people in power who think climate change is a figment of the imagiation in some.
But when governments believe the Economy is more important than Extinction, we are all in trouble.
Barbara

43.9 here at the moment, under their Tree that is :( I do think that the World is trying to make a difference. Let's hope so. It is just that Coal here and if I were PM, everyone would have a Gas car next week and the price would be put back down to 20c, the price they sell it to the Whale Killers :) I wonder what the Camels thought of that hahaha

Hi there!
I've just been to see my horse and I can sum up my letter to you from yesterday in a better way.

As I said my horse is very smart and he's now learned that we don't have to be trotting in hand or doing anything difficult or confusing for him to play the bite and rear game.

Today I walked him in the paddock, trotted him too, all ok, then we were walking along and he decided to just stretch out his neck and pretend to bite me, then immediately rear, I hadn't even reacted, physically or verbally, he just knows to rear right away and he can't get whacked.

- it truly is pretend becuase his teeth aren't even out and when he does connect it's with his lips, he's not trying to bite so much as have a power game and muck up. There's no typical 'biting, nasty horse' look to him either, it's more, 'if i sneak around this way, and time it juuuuuust right'....

This email probably paints the picture of a real rogue but he's a complete angel at all other times, I can do anything with him without even catching him, he doesn't move an inch. I can sit on the ground and muck around with his legs and he won't move or ever, ever be dangerous in any other way. Perfect to ride, has never reared when ridden.

If I got him a grazing muzzle then put that on him when we're walking around do you think he'd quit it because he knows he can't connect? I think he's so smart he'd get the picture the first time he tried, not try it again, then do it ten to the dozen when the muzzle's off!
Hope this helps, cheers!

I have met lot's of those and there is one on the property right now. They are normally highly intelligent horses and often have a touch of A.D.D. They love work and often respond well to more of it and more fatigue. Try that. However, due to the fantastic IQ. on that horse, you only have to devise a trigger for him to quit. Something like a small pin, something nasty to taste like chilli and so on. Let him learn that his imagination about the biting process is simply awry and that it can actually be a not so nice sensation. These days, you could even rig up a battery powered electric strip around your arm etc. He will be fixed in no time. I was going to suggest a war bridle but they already promote up so in the case of your horse, not a good iea. They do get as good as Mohammed Ali. My Stallion used to be that good. I don't think I ever connected with him when he was going through his Colt biting stage. No matter how I threw them hahahaha. He may even respond to the noise thing, the alarm. :) Regards

hi, I am d.c of a small country pony club. we would like to put in a riding arena into very limited grounds.at the moment we are at a standstill as we are next door to a swimming pool and council will not allow us to use sand as a surface. the area we are wishing to use is currently covered with ashfelt (IT WAS AN OLD TENNIS COURT.) shredded rubber has been mentioned as an alternative. would you have any ideas on how we should aproach this....thanks sharyn

I presume you are taking the asphalt off first Sharon as the likelihood of them going through the surface and slipping down would present a loss in the Courts re Negligence. Rubber is good to ride on but is the hottest surface one can find and for that reason, in this climate, I wouldn't entertain it. If you wanted to change, you wouldn't be able to get rid of it either. Wood Chips (hardwood) could get you the Council approval. Then later, after the approval, slowly add some sand into the woodchips but not to smother them. Just making real sure that it can never blow towards the Pool as one complaint and they may investigate. There are now purpose made surfaces which would come with all the Technical Date which Councils love to read and worship. Here is one such that I received this week in the email.

PROCOTEX BELGIUM
8, Rue Théodor Klüber • 7711 Dottignies Belgium • Tel. 32 56 48 38 88 • Fax 32 56 48 38 89
info@procotex.com • www.soiltex.com

There are other ones here as well. Check out Horse Deals Magazine. Regards

 

Dear John, well George does it again. We had some sad news about two weeks before Christmas George lost his riding companion his favourite grey butt to follow, unfortunately my friend lost her horse Monty to an impacted bowel. So we hadn't been riding until yesterday when she borrowed another friends horse to ride. Well, this other friend in a VERY nervous nellie, so it was with a little trepidation that we set off. Well, this horse Danny who is a welsh cob type is very strong and opinionated, (his owner is too soft and not assertive) we did have some trouble loading him on the float, but once there not a problem. So, we arrive at out destination and unload and saddle up....fine for my friend Danny is not a big horse but George is 16 hHIGH and so we walked along for a little till I found a ditch to mount from. For the first time we were on a road, dirt and it's not too busy. George behaved himself very well. At first he wanted to jig jog and although I have made some jokes about it being a perfect opportunity to practice a sitting trot - well today I decided not on. So I practiced half halt and release and circling and after about 20 times we walked - beautifully - and what a power walk that boy has.....was not interested in staying with the others we just powered off down the road...occasionally trying on and then RELAXING back to the walk. What a buzz! Not a problem with cars or tractors carting hay (We think the horses thought it was meals on wheels!), George didn't mind if the trucks or tractors or cars came from behind or towards him, he looked at them, but not in a tense way, just interested. And to cap it all off, and after a couple of minor mishaps trying to float Danny, we found the best way to do. When you lead Danny up to the float he would reef his neck around away from you and shoulder you over so you lost balance and let go of the rope or suffer rope burns. He never turns into a person as he seems to have perfected the shoulder. So with one person leading him into the float another person stands on the other side with a hunk of wood, or poly pipe or something, (both being mindful that it could go pearshaped and prepared to MOVE!), and he loads like a lamb. After a couple of practice goes, he is practically self loading. Next time it might be different and he is used to evading and winning but we are determined to assert ourselves and give him some ground manners. Anyway, I also took the opportunity to give George a tune up on loading and unloading and have sorted out his pet evasion, when you walk him up to load he will turn sideways, so I just walked part was down the ramp and flicked his rump with the end of the rope and he moved his butt over and I walked him up. Amazing! Unfortunately the best I seem to do with unloading is a controlled rocket backwards...but I am working on that. Again a long and involved letter to you but it was such a successful day I have learnt to back a float with no problems, the horses achieved some new habits and us riders had FUN. One day you will have to come for a ride with us.
Regards Lauren and George the Hero Walking horse...(and Danny the floatable LOL)

I would like that Lauren :) Proud to be in the presence of George the wonder Horse. :) You can never fix a rocketer by pulling on the rope until such time as the head has totally cleared the rear bearer of the roof. Normally fix them with the Jeffreys Method or advance and retreat. On a step, back a step, repeat many times. On 2 steps, back up. In out and so on. Improve the Halter lightness. Regards

hi john
the heat has been a bit long for my liking... changing from bigpong.lol
anyway news here on the homefront
mare with hemotoma or as you could say prepubic tendon rupture with foal at foot, doing well.. and on a concoction of herbs from country park... pic attached.
fillies, still growing
appy gelding, started under saddle, much better with the body work
Riverina still in the green zone, but no shows or any club outings as of yet, except meetings and lunches without the neddies, the dpi rules don't seem to apply to local pony clubbers!grr and a diplomatic letter was written to them about rules and regulations and general consideration towards others and applying to dpi regulations- damn it just let the racing mob dob you lot in!
I did have a sneak preview at the youtube vid on those kids, yep let the reigns go girls!, but don't forget your one reign stop..
I did notice the bay off hind is a bit jerky and I would look at such things as dental including someone look at the body of both horses- poll to dock. and don't forget the hooves. john is on the right road, just hope they listen to you.
Just to mention that I did look at a couple of ottb pony club horses and still their hooves are not done! 2 months later
Then I refuse to become an instructor at pony club!
enjoy the heat
cheers
nikki

Wow, look at that Tail.! I had a nice letter from the President of a Pony Club in Victoria today, asking to use my articles for the Kids. I thought that was positive. Good that Catherine is helping you. She knows her stuff I reckon :)


Dear John,

At last a horseman who has his say! Not everything will be agreed with, no doubt, but I take my hat off for highlighting so many issues. If only people would listen!

Best regards,

Peter

Peter Borgdorff - Equine Dentist
AUSTRALIAN EQUINE DENTAL PRACTICE
http://equinedentalpractice.com

Thanks Pete. Many do listen Pete. You wouldn't believe how many. I take my Hat off to them all. This site was written for Novices and that is why it has unintentionally become one spot ahead of Monty Roberts. Just goes to show you how well they listen. Regards

Hello John and Linda,

I am a 60 year old woman who is 4' 10" and shrinking fast :-) and stumbled upon your site last week whilst looking for some reasonable advice regarding a bridling problem that I was experiencing with my 4 year old quarter horse mare. Mini is quite an opinionated little thing and had decided that being bridled was not for her and had me at a loss of what to do next, but after following your advice this problem is all but cured.. So thank you for giving me a step by step approach that worked. I certainly can attest to the success of your methods.

Mini was started at a clinic, held over a two week period, by a fellow named Greg Cooke from Queensland. Mins was then two years old. Since that was left to her own devices and pretty much treated as a large pet dog by her previous owner who admitted she was frightened of her. I purchased her 2 months ago. She is a very friendly mare who always walks up from where ever she is to be with people, but has no respect for personal space and is happy to present her teeth with ears back when ever she is asked for something she doesn't want to do. Following your advice I am making progress. Today I tried the round yard exercise to stop her presenting her rear end to me and to my delight it didn't take much to get her to face up to me, but later on in the session, when I attempted to get her to walk around the yard (lunge to the right) by using my body position and showing her the way with my outstretched arm she tried to intimidate me by rushing in to me with teeth showing.

I have never made this point before Jan but I find it hard to agree with the system of putting our right arm out to tell a horse to go to the right as it is anti position if you think about it. I feel that this would confuse a horse and confuse can cause frustration. Frustration can cause, given the up bringing, the reaction you describe. However, I would have still had the whip in my hand but disengaged, ie. down behind me dragging on the ground, and I would have given her a swipe across the chest for that and nipped in the Bud. This move fits into one of the few crimes where training is temporarily put on hold otherwise you won't have a horse to train. I counter acted this by standing my ground and flinging up my arms then asking her to back up. Which she did. I got the feeling that she is afraid that she is going to be dealt a blow with the whip when I take the classic lunging position or maybe she just did not understand what I am asking for.

Incidentally, when carrying out my 'join up' only a little flick is needed, not a hit.  I decided to take her by the halter (rope) and lead her around gradually removing my hand down to her neck and then just walking beside her with the whip in my other hand pointed back towards her rear. This seemed to help. Would the next step be to gradually step back into the center of the yard and advance towards her if she exhibits the teeth thing again? Sorry this is so long winded but this young lady will be my last riding horse and I really want her to be as wonderful as my previous mare, also a quarter horse. Although Nance was a very easy going horse from day one with none of the attitude this one exhibits. I have only been partnered with 4 horses in my lifetime as I was a mature age starter (30). Nance was 4 when I got her and 26 when she passed away. I have managed to have a wonderful relationship with all my past horses but have never had to deal with one that exhibits this type of attitude. I would be bagging the horse down with the whip prior to and during work. Rub the horse all over in a pleasureable way, letting the horse know that it is a training tool, not just a disciplinary tool if required.

Under saddle Mins is still opinionated but nothing that I cannot handle... I'm quite confident when riding but must admit that age does rather alter how you view things and I am more cautious now than I was thirty years ago. Perhaps being vertically challenged diminishes my confidence on the ground. However, I feel I do a reasonable job of controlling my emotions so dont think I am giving any permissive signals. I view this as a respect issue and am determined to gain hers so will appreciate your insight whatever it may be.

Once again thank you both for being out there and so accessible. You must have saved thousands of horses from the knackers and thousands of riders from giving up.

By the way, I live in WA and see on your website that you have had a clinic here in the past. Will you be holding another in the future? If so I would love to sit on the fence and see your skills first hand.

Cheers, Jan

Yes we are back there to finish it when EI is well and truly gone Jan. Just take her slow and be very clear. Obviously don't be chasing her ass for the sake of it. Look to be allowing and inviting the horse to turn into you to turn the other way by withdrawing your body language and disengaging your whip totally. Regards

Hi John

I was just reading Louise's letter about her horse wanting her to spend more time with her. I would say it is definitely possible. My horse loves me to bits. He is at the stage where he sees me pull up outside the property and starts calling out saying hi. He likes it when I wave back LOL. The other horses seem to be very jealous of him. I always have a good chat to each of them on the way up (they have started talking back too - I might be a bit of a bad influence I think!). You can see their faces when I get him out, they seem to be very envious. All of the horses have their own individual 1/4 acre yards, but I just don't think that gives them anywhere near enough mental stimulation for the day, so I see my boy daily, presently just an easy ride for post EI recovery, but when back in proper work, riding 5 days, followed by grazing for 10 - 15 mins weekdays and much longer weekends, and the other non riding days we go out for a good graze. You can see the horses in their yards watching him. Makes me quite sad their owners don't do the same.

So, that's a long way to say, yes to Louise's question of could it be possible.

K

True K. The other point is this. If the Lady in Britain worked her horse more often and upped the work to where the horse was occasionally feeling fatigue, it would mellow the will to want to see you so quickly. The other thing that we forget is that there is a fair bit of food motivation within the mind of these horses as well. Equal food with work equals less excitement and a balance. Regards

Hey you! John, can you Re-Train a horse to tie-up without pulling back anymore? Is there a 'system' to test a horse you are looking at buying to see if it pulls back? I am thinking if he/she is slightly resistant while walking in the halter or just to any pressure put on the halter, this may be an indication . Don't worry....I am not looking....lol...you just see allot of adds "ties-up,halter broken" and you just wonder how may really are.
I knew Red didn't pull back when I went to have a ride on him before I bought him. He was tied up in the round yard and son went running to him and scared him. Red did about three piss weak bucks on the on spot and NEVER ONCE pulled back. Don had taught him well.

cheers
chelle
p.s yes J.D....Red label

All Western Horses tie up perfectly Chelle. It is in the culture. You can't go to the front Bar and be relaxed if you are tied to twine hahaha.You couldn't even take a nice blanket and a picnic basket with your Gal, to the Bushes either :)

Thanks for your quick reply.
Are you married? Lucky woman if so.
You even care for the environmet! As i read in your email about the printing.
Not sure where you're work is located, it is quite impressive. I'm in Sydney myself. It'd be cool to watch and learn in person. The two DVD's on your website including King, i think he's called? The 2nd section i cried little. I think that tune helped contribute to that. I had my own horse only a short while as she was sick when i got her. She'd follow me everywhere, and i still cry in my sleep at times.
Now im interested in spending some time with a lady's horse (long story) that is a bit green. Poor thing just sits in a paddock, front right hoof is quite cracked a fair way, they all need trimming, his teeth dont look great either, he's supposedly 8yrs of age. He truly has the sweetest nature. The owner is never there, and the paddock doesnt get locked. Its in Dural. Maybe i'll give him a new home (haha, i wish) but the owner wont sell as it was originally bought for a boy who cant even ride him and doens't even see the horse now. So why do they let the horse go to waste? Stubborness to let him go? I wish i have a place for him, there are paddocks 20mins from me, that hardly get used, but even they seem to be difficult to get hold of, noone uses them and noone wants to share them. I rode one to my nans house once, and put it in her back yard, long story again. What a letter hey? Sorry but wanted to share a few stories, and im sure you have tons. I'd love to see you in action one day, but for now i guess its just DVD's. I'll throw in a picture of the horse i mentioned.

Yes I am but thanks for the invite :) Nice Horse indeed. There are thousands of horses that fit that Bill and if you truly want to, you can save one. Not a Problem. You have the right ideas to cut costs I can tell. Nice talking to you. Regards

 

8th January, 2008

Sue Jacobsen
Bowen Therapist
Ph 08 9574 6947
Mob 0409 042 813

That Mongrel Company Bigpong removed your attachment and didn't tell you. They do it regularly to save bandwidth the stingy bastards!!!! Why people continue to deal with them has got me.  There latest is switching message bank onto our mobile phone when we put it in writing that we didn't want it. Then, when we asked them to remove it they didn't. They have been sending calls straight through to message Bank whilst we have been watching the phone. Then they are doing it to a Friend of ours. They altered their call delay so they could get to the phone first. The following day it was reset back and the calls straight to message bank again. Australia wide and millions later, people are just not awake up to the them. Now the Farmers are about to get it in the neck with their next G that doesn't work in many areas. Shut down their analogue phones and leave them out to dry. Now they are also lying to people that their landline is locked into their packages. Against the Law as it can't be. Bastards!!!!!!!!!!!!! excuse my French.

 

RODEO v INTEREST GROUPS

I like to think that I am straight down the line with life. Objective and open minded always. The other night I gave the cruelty of calf roping a run on my site as that is what it deserved. I was immediately sent this video and on this occasion, I have to disagree with the Producer and point out that we must be careful not to become 'rabid' when we take up causes. They end up consuming us and clouding our judgment, which is definitely the case with this video clip imho. I point out the following inaccuracies:

The Bull Fighter did not Plan to smack the pick up horse in the face with his hat, he attempted to hit the Bull in the face with the Hat in an attempt to save the Horse. There was no way that anyone could have saved that horse, he had to fend for himself or lives would have been lost. The damage had been done. Yes, the Pick up Rider was being a Hero and made a stupid mistake. Ego but in the Heat of the moment, it was every man for himself. All assembled did go to the Horse and had great concern for it!

It was not the job of the Rider to save the Horse, it was the job of the Clowns who are highly trained to do it and athletically practiced. They did their job. The fact that there was no announcement about the fate of the Horse means nothing. It would have been at the Vets and why upset the Crowd. The Bull was not heading for the exit gate, the Bull was heading for the Rodeo staff. The gate wasn't open.

A lot of presumptions but showing the absolute hate of Rodeo by the Gentleman with the great voice over. When one has causes, they need to stick to the facts rather than to go all out to destroy a Sport because of a Few. Yes there are idiots in Rodeo but just as Rodeo Management are responsible for opening up their Sport to the anti Rodeo lobbyists, so is Shark for getting too consumed, too much hate, too personal and too emotive. I think they all should go have a cold shower and perhaps a meeting with a Mediator, discussing calf roping and the like.

Now to look objectively at this one that I was also sent. Here, the Producer and Narrator is dead right and the Rodeo Judge should be sacked. Not only that but this sort of behavior is completely unnecessary. These horses are flank roped and that should be enough. As he said, there is Legislation banning the use of electric prods on horses so what in the Hell is the idiot in the blue shirt think he is doing? Not only that but if you take a look at each horse, it spins to look at where the shock is coming and almost smashing the Cowboy into the steel fencing. Therefore, the big fulla in the blue shirt is putting the young Boys lives at risk. Once again, stupidity by the owners of the Industry and that is exactly the behavior that will see the passionate opponents win in the end. Dumb, dumb, dumb!!!

 

Hi, John. Just watched the YouTube video of the horse being taken down by the bull. I also checked out some of the comments on YouTube and I am just spitting angry. What has the world come to when people think it's appropriate to berate a rider for getting himself clear of two very large animals in circumstances of such immediate danger? His ONLY reasonable course of action was to get himself out of there. Those people who accuse the rider of callously abandoning his horse and who stridently assert that he should have headed into the fray in a futile attemp to save it from the bull clearly have (a) no survival instincts, and (b) never had to deal with an aggressive bull. Heck, even without the bull stomping around and looking to smash something up, you are Stupid Stupid Stupid if you get too close to a thrashing horse in full fight/flight mode; people get killed doing that.

And I'd like to know just what sort of help they think he reasonably could have provided under the circumstances, anyway. The last thing that horse needed while trying to extricate himself was a human underfoot (with the possible exception of the rodeo clown who tried to divert the bull's attention and who presumably had the training and experience to minimize the risk).

I see that many folks are calling the rider a coward. Now that is just way out of line! How many of them could get near a real-life "on the prod" bull without pissing themselves, let alone have the guts to throw a rope on it? (I am not saying he made the best decision in hindsight, but folks, it ain't cowardice you're looking at.)

Maybe it's because people nowadays watch too many Disney movies with all the nice animals dancing and singing, maybe the suburban population has become too domesticated through lack of exposure to the realities of the world, but for whatever reason there is an alarming lack of Common Sense out there! And don't get me started on the voiceover commentary, which is over-the-top self-serving sanctimonious crap, filled with intentionally misleading emotional rhetoric, and thereby destroys any respect I might have had for any of the points ol' Sharkie was trying to make. I'm really dismayed to see so many people stampeding to join the rush to judgement without a logical assessment of the obvious facts.
Grrr!

Monica
(Canada)

Hi Monica. Of course I haven't got the time to read what people say but that shows the power of the Internet and the power of interest groups. That's fine but it also highlights the fact that Equestrian Sports Administrators need to be Hell careful in seeing that their Sports are kept to the highest standard of Animal Welfare. This they are not doing. It is not just Western of course. The English type Horse Sports Administrators do not go far enough to protect horses either and we see that exhibited almost every week in this Country. From the mass over rugging of horses to running horse events in 40 degree heat. They all fit the incompetent tag. The facts are that Rodeo is part of the culture of various Countries, the History of the Cowboy and everything connected is so important to the World and I bet, the real Cowboys, the born and bred Ranchers and their Families also probably cringe. If the Sport of Rodeo is so stupid to give Shark an own Goal, then they deserve what they get. To allow Cowboys to hit horses around the head in the chutes, for Judges to stand by and watch electric jiggers to be used willy nilly and to allow small calves to be ripped unconscious in such a sickening way means the Administrators of that Sport are incompetent and they guarantee the demise of it. They are letting the Sports down and seriously jeopardizing the future viability of thousands who partake. It is that serious. Regards

LETTERS OF THE DAY

hello i have a 8yr old paint gelding that has started to get a rattle in his throat when he breathes out, he only does it when he is working a bit harder on a hill, on the flat he is fine, i am going to get him scoped but was wondering if you had a insight on what it could be
Thanks for your time
Allan

The scope will give you the answer Allan but thickening of the air ways or similar. Good on you for getting the Vet on this. I have a classic bit of footage of another one here now. 3 year old $20,000 horse. Lets know.

Hi Mr HP

Thanks again for the time and effort you put into your website, it is much appreciated. I am always picking up snippets of information, it is fantastic!

I have a couple of questions if I may:

Firstly, can you tell me what you think of Clydie X TB as a breed (50% each)? I saw a lovely yearling on the weekend but noted your recent comments that Clydie X QH make good buckjumpers. I was hoping you could elaborate. Is that all Clydie X's? The horse would be used for bush riding and jumping. If we did buy it, was thinking of asking you to break it in down the track, but maybe you value your life more....! :-)

We must never be biased if possible Tracey and always treat horses and people on their merrits. Yes they can buck like Hell but as a general rule, any Breed can. I have seen a lot of great horses in that Breed and two of the best in our Holiday on Horseback string years ago. I'll never forget them. "Aunti Pat' and "Mum" We had to cross a river running across a Beach one night and we knew there was a deep wuicksand area made of rotting sea week. We told this big arrogant German with Leather clothes and big full beard, "Don't go there, follow us exactly. We had to lasso Mum and drag her out. Only her head was showing. The German almost walked on the seaweed but sure did shut him up hahahaha.

Secondly, I noted one day you suggested someone add potassium citrate to the water of her horse, to help 'clean him out'. I have an older gelding who can get a bit 'blocked up' in the water works, and I noted this after feeding him rich clover hay particularly. I thought I was doing him a big favour with this hay, but since then noted your comments that they don't really like clover, and it didn't seem to do him much good, that's for sure. He was unblocked by a vet at the time with a tube up his willy, but at the time I didn't realise it was the clover hay. Soon after I stopped feeding it and he improved, although I still suspect he might be slightly blocked as not a heap of quantity comes out when he does wee. Was wondering what measurement of potassium citrate you would add to what quantity of water - would hate to add too much! And wondering would it hurt the other gelding who drinks from the same waterer (who isn't blocked up)?

Would appreciate your thoughts.

Best regards
Tracey

Half a handful Tracey and it won't affect the other horse. Cheers

Hi John
 
you seem to have inherited our heat :)  it has been a fair bit below average up here for December, very nice change!!
 
When we are once again able to start riding out (post EI movement restrictions) I am thinking of riding to the nearby forrest - it is horse friendly.  We will need to ride up the roads.  My horse is actually quite good on the roads and with traffic.  Some of the edges aren't the widest.  It is an 80 zone part of the way (but not a busy road as such) and mostly a good verge.  Is it best to ride in the same direction as vehicles (so they come up behind you) or is it better to ride against the traffic so horse can see what is coming?  If worst comes to worst, we will just float there, but I thought it may be a nice stroll.

Ride with them coming from behind K as if in front, they can get confused and spin in front of a vehicle at the last minute rather than attempt to run from one coming from behind. Just let them stand as one passes if worried.
 
The letter from Michael re reversing reminded me of something I learned at my one and only pony club rally.  The guest instructor said for reverse think "head up, hands up and toes up" - works like a charm and is just so easy to remember :)
 
A question on Anna's problem with the horse pig rooting into canter (ignoring the mouthing issues).  I have ridden one of those and after ruling out pain, saddle etc, I schooled transitions.  I thought that by stopping as Anna has suggested, you are just giving the horse what it wants ie not to canter.  The horse I was riding was lazy and the huge pig root into canter meant the rider usually stopped cantering.  After one session of canter transitions (we were in an open paddock, but I just worked a rough rectangle) canter up long side, back to trot into corner, ask for canter out of corner, repeat, repeat, repeat, lo and behold the kicking stopped.  I think it may have been too much effort as horse still had to canter anyway LOL  Given it worked, I assume I attacked the problem the right way?  Or would ORS be a better idea? As I said, to me that is rewarding the horse?
 
Horse had attempted to buck in an earlier session when cantering was insisted upon, but I had learned my lesson on my own horse and stopped that toute suite.  The horse gave it a couple of tries but then gave up on that idea as again, I think it was way too much effort for no result.  Poor petal :)  As I said, pain etc had been investigated, so I think it was just a case of the "I don't want to do that, make me"s.
 
Anyway, I know you are busy
 
K

Yes, actually quite right imho K. This is one of the few occasions where you would push them through it but being ever vigilant that it wasn't going from Humpty to Jumpy :) Regards

I have an 11 year old mare who is one major wind sucker, she has been now for about 5 years, I have had her for three and a half years now. I personally think she picked it up from being bored with her previous owner who did not ride her much, unless it was learnt from another horse, as there were other wind suckers in the yard. Well we have tried everything, I have moved her to a new smaller yard 7 months ago with NO other wind suckers, have tried creosote, cribbox, she doesn’t care what it tastes like, have used collars so tight that she eventually forms very bad sores on her head and looses her mane. She has food 24/7 – REALLY! She goes out to green pastures during the day, comes in to loads of hay, lucern, then her meal at 5pm, she has hay all through the night. I am very blessed as she rarely has collic, but she is destroying everything, automatic water feeders, poles, doors, walls, her teeth. Her neck is extremely huge, she isn’t a thin horse and is very spoilt, so the reason as to why she still does it really baffles me.
The owner of the yard is very concerned about her and REALLY wants to find out what the reason for her doing it so much is…. So she organized for a young lady who communicates with horses to come and see my horse, I know you mentioned we cannot talk to horses, but this girl picked up that my horse was very depressed and has been for a while now, she windsucks because that is how she deals with her depression, she thinks my horse doesn’t know her purpose for being here, she seems to think my horse is depressed with me, because my horse longs to see me more and have fun with me.
My yard is quite far from home and I am an extremely busy person, but I love my horse so very much, we definitely do have a bond, I go up to see her only about 3 sometimes 2 times a week, I do have a lease exercising her though, I still compete her (show jump) once every three months or so. Do you believe this is possible? The “horse communicator” recommends I spend more quality time with her and just have a lot of fun with her… What are your thoughts on this? I am very willing to MAKE the time for my horse and play with her and bond, I am just desperate to find out as much as possible on what I can do to solve her problem.
Any advice or previous stories would be much appreciated. Thanks a mil!!

Kind regards,

LOUISE

Never rule anything out Louise. They do communicate with us and they do understand us, it is just that most Humans can't or don't listen. I would immediately shift that horse to real close by or buy a small property where she is in the back yard perhaps. Trial and error. Have you done her for Ulcers????? Go to my Saddlery for sale page and look at the new Product which I don't have yet. Regards

Hi John,

Just thought I'd send these pics of one of our Perchies to help illustrate your point that correct work does to help improve a horses neck even on our boofheads.
This also proves that it is not just for saddle horses even though I acknowledge that we perhaps can't school as a ridden horse as we have to simplify things for harness.
Both pics are of the same horse approx 12 months apart and standing still on a loose rein. The Horses work at a walk on a loose rein but are alway trotted on contact. We don't canter as we are not in the yeha movies!!! He He

Lara:o)

Beforeafter. Very obvious Lara. Thanks for those. Just goes to show you, doesn't it. Well done and thanks.

Hi Mr HP,

Just thought I’d let you know I have joined the SB revolution. I was recently given the opportunity of looking after an SB for some people who didn’t want to sell him but couldn’t keep him. I’ve got more than enough grass and am currently horseless so I said send him on over. Well it’s love at first sight for the pair of us. I don’t think I have ever felt such an instant connection with a horse. This boy comes from wherever he is in the paddock as soon as he hears the gate. He has the most beautiful feeding manners and stands to be groomed, ties up, manners to die for. He has been used as a PC mount for a 6 year old but I don’t think he has had a lot of ‘official’ riding time.

The only problem I have run into is that he seems to consider me a little bit too much of a mate. This is to the point where he was carrying on as though he had separation anxiety whenever I left the yard, running the fence etc. I went away for a couple of days and got a friend to check him and this seems to have cured it a bit. Also when doing the 7 games we run into the problem that he wants to be standing with his nose in my armpit at all times. It seems to be more of a reassurance thing than anything else as he also tries to do the mutual grooming! I have a lovely groomed rib cage and shoulder and my hair is quite the do to! When I send him from my space he seems to fall apart as though I have scolded him. I have slowed things right down and we are just doing the yo-yo game with lots of patting etc to let him know everything’s fine.

Yesterday I put him on the lunge for what I would believe is the first time. By the third time round he had it, and although hanging off the lead a bit, he went well. Today was a different story as he did little kick outs and had a couple of thoughts about running in at me (the whip sorted that out fairly quickly). He never got really aggressive with ears back etc but just had a good feel for what he might be able to do.

I know he definitely has a shitty lateral mouth and having purchased Mrs HP’s Standardbred DVD and I want to start using the running reins on him however I am without a roundyard and not in a position to have one built. I try and use a space which is bordered by the paddock fence and creek on two sides and by some fruit trees on the other but I feel a little limited in the scale of using the whip in circumstances when he thinks about running at me. I also am still not 100% as to weather he was wanting to run in out of malice or due to the fact that he wants constant reassurance as it wasn’t with pace. I also want to re-mouth him with your DVD but once again is this possible without the roundyard? I am only really lunging him so that we can start him in the running reins and get him moving towards cantering. He has been off the track about 3 years now but just used as a PC horse as I said. I have looked up his history on the racing sight but other than that there is little else I know about him. I have had little resistance from him under saddle as yet. I would like to do a little bit of endurance with him and have him as a safe and happy hack when he goes back to the PC kid.

Any thoughts you have on this would be great as I know you are not only experienced with these horses but you also like them – they have quite a bad name up here.

Thanks heaps, Tan.

Where are you Tan, the Moon???? :) Just go gentle and slow, bearing in mind their past but prepared to go up the scale as required, with judgment. Friendly is fine with a well mannered horse but faces in the round pen are not and half charge or cut corner certainly is not and at that brief moment, you may forget his past :) I can't help you regarding the Round Pen. I would scrounge any junk to rough one up if I were deprived and wanted to train my horse. You really should not have horses on a lunge rope with running reins. Confusion and possible danger as well. Horse confused, runs backwards, over..... Get Hubby to put in a few posts and some electric tape on the hexagonal :) Droppers are too dangerous. Go the slow and gentle on the yo, yo and make sure horse knows exactly that it is training and not discipline as you are right, they get the sadness on if they think you are being nasty. Regards

Hi HP,

hope you and the wife are well,and i thank you in advance for reading and answering my email.
i noticed that you have been on the subject of breaking in and turning out after breaking.( I prefer to just keep riding myself.
what is your thoughts on Arabs and the right age for breaking in?
I have a rising 3 year old filly who is very solid and healthy and begging for attention, but i keep getting told Arabs grow slower and should not be touched till they are about 4.
I think that if they are solid and healthy and seem to be wanting to learn it cant be cruel to break them in, can it?
i am 5'6 and weigh 64 kg, she is 14.1 hh and weighs approx 380 kg. and is 2 1/2 years old.purebred Arabian.
i know rising 3 is young, and i will attach a photo of her with me standing next to her so you can see the size etc.As you can see from the photo's, she is a short arse, but solid.
Do you think that different breeds grow at different rates and should be left longer than others?
if breaking in a young horse, what amount of work is best ? I don't do "yard work", i just go riding bush from scratch as i think the going round and round in a pen is crazy boring for horse and rider, and being only a pleasure rider does avoid all that collected english style stuff...lol. my horses are relaxed and don't jig jog or fuss, they all walk with no contact and both them and i enjoy our bush riding.
if now is too soon to break her in, then when do you think is best ?
Kindest regards
Linda

I don't agree with the turn out Linda. The owner should get a complete handle on them, however long it takes the owner to do so. Age is reletive to the individual horse and joints etc but the plod pleasure ride never really hurt any of them. It is the arena that one should stay away from with the younger ones. The other problem is teething. That age is a real problem with mouth changes, wolf teeth etc and it is therefore so important that you have them checked by a Pro, gag and torch prior. You may have to go to a rope Halter after Mouthing in some cases. I had one last year you may remember. Regards

Hello, I have a healthy; overweight 10yeard old Pally Arab Gelding who has suddenly decided to eat manure! He is not bored as he runs with 4 other healthy horses, paddocks are in good condition and I am not hand feeding him or any of the other horses due to their “a little too healthy condition”. After a good groom up today he decided to run over and try (excessive large mouthful) a fresh drop which then encouraged a young filly to try it also. Not bored, good condition, not stabled – hence I'm not sure why he has done this other than he is a bit of a “guts”, any of your thoughts would be appreciated! Only thing I can think of and find is he needs some regular work!

Kindest Regards

Juliann Jordan.
 

Probably boredom Juliann and so you should give him that work and take away some of that energy. Then observe him. You could get a Soil Test as well and may be  low in cobalt, copper etc. Dept of Primary Industries. Salt Lick, Mineral Block, don't leave manure in paddocks long, drag mesh around and smash up, paddock may be sterile?????? See how you go. Regards


 

 

 5th January, 2008

NATIONAL COACH

Well, Mrs. HP, like most of the other Girls no doubt, was stuffed after the 3 days of this Clinic in the Heat but was privileged to take part. She must have got her wires crossed however as she thought that she would be taught but it really was for the Judges and they would have got a lot out of it. Perhaps next time the Riders will be taught. These are duties that those on the State Squad must carry out for the Sport and fair enough. As I said, pity more of the Sport couldn't have seen it and learnt. Thanks to EFA National.

Article of the Week

The subject of Separation Anxiety in the Horse. The article is self explanatory but I will expand upon one subject here:

Pony Club, Tafe Colleges, Racing Industry and British Horse Society

One of the contributing or at least compounding factors regarding stressed horses is the manner in which they are handled. Go to any Western Show in the Land and find a stressed horse on the ground! I bet you can't find one. Go to any English Show in the Land and will find them and the difference is in the ground handling. Horses have an increased level of heart rate and stress when they are fighting with an owner. The mere fact of pulling or pushing against an owner, whether it be by the Body as they move the feet of the owner or via the head as they take the contact against the hand of the owner and then move it, increased their level of stress. Not only that of course but it increases the level of evasion, ignorance and attitude. So how can I find some proof of this?

Go find a Western Horse that 'jig jogs' uncontrollably and will not walk. You won't. In fact you can jog them on command, cool as you like and come back to a slow walk on no rein any time you like and with the minimum of fuss. All of the 'mental headed' and 'jig jogging' horses are found in the English World and are caused by people hanging off their mouths at the walk, just the same as the Race Horse Trainer hangs off their head whilst leading. Same result exactly. 'jig jogging' on the lead. A mental condition from learned evasions, caused by out dated and archaic systems that are still handed down from the ages via the institutions named above.

Show me a Western Horse at a Show that moves it's head or neck in line up???? You can't. Now go watch the Queens Cavalry and see them flinging their heads from knee to Riders face as their go through their torment, desperately trying to communicate to the Geese on top, that they are actually not running off and so pleeeeeeeeaaaase take the hand brake off. Go to any Hack Show and watch them do their little cunning 'walkies' in circles behind the line up in an effort to con the judge that the horse really won't stand and turns into an idiot if a point is made of it. Again, stressed horses that are in turmoil, caused by the systems. BHS to PC to Hacking. Same World.

So before anyone starts tackling their problem horses, go have a look in the mirror. If you are locked in the dark ages with your leather and webbing halters, your multi colored ropes and like to hold the horse in a vice like grip, don't bother reading any further as you won't have played your part.

RODEO CRUELTY

 Thanks Skipa. The sooner they ban that the better.

Thanks Skipa. Yes, this is exactly why the Sport of Rodeo will eventually be banned and fair enough if they carry on like this. I like Rodeo and and can see a place for it but the events should be posing the main danger to the Humans taking part, not the Animals. In this case, 100% of the Animals were injured, they had to be. Sickening sight indeed. Saddle Bronc, Bareback and Bull Ride, where the Human is put at most risk, I find mostly acceptable but it all could be better. This is where those in charge of Horse Sport Industries let their guard down badly and end up losing their Sport because of stupidity. To allow this cruelty to be in front of the Public eye is asking for the banning of Rodeo. The event should be removed immediately. The other area where the Bosses of Rodeo fall down is not coming down on individuals who step out of line, with an iron fist. Over use of electric prodders, smacking horses around the head in the shoots and so on. Fools in need of anger management, trying to prove how tough they are. Such a shame for the majority of great Horsemen born and Bred into the Sport but that Calf Roping is sick!!!

 

LETTERS OF THE DAY

Hi

Great article about upside-down necks and just what I was looking for. I hope you can help with my problem before it starts to develop.

I've a just 5yr old English thoroughbred (backed with expert help myself a year ago). Started schooling and working on the bit nicely. However, she had some time of for sarcoid treatment and now winter (UK) so not out and about as much as usual. Back in work 3 mths ago and hacking out, but she's quite fizzy and spooky and tends to not listen to me when in that mood (although can be nice and responsive when actually listening). I've noticed now that the underside muscle is starting to develop.

When she 'sets her neck' I try to drop the contact, but then I have little or no brakes when she's not listening - I've gone back to using a neck strap so I'm secure when she spooks without dragging her mouth, but wondering how I should progress. Hacking out (and schooling at times) she's a bit like a giraffe - head in the air looking for the next 'monster', so difficult to keep her 'long and low'. She was backed in a full cheek metal snaffle but I'm now riding in a happy mouth snaffle with side rubbers as I thought it might help to use a softer bit.

I've been considering lungeing with side reins or schooling with a market harborough (not sure if same name is aus) but wondered what sort of 'equipment' you mean in this para:
"In the Round yard on the lunge. If a horse has a habit of going around with it’s head in the air, the type that is working the under muscle, you should have some equipment on the horse to put it’s head where it can build a top line instead. " Lets take the highlited key phrases. When a horse sets it's neck, in fact you should not be dropping the contact but taking more until the horse softens otherwise you are rewarding for the  training of resistance. Then, you have little or no brakes when she is not listening: again, how dare she and you should be taking her on until she does soften and then rewarding to softness...but I would bet that you may do what most do in Britain when 'Hacking out" and that being walking along with an ever so slight contact on the mouth of the horse, just in case of :) Therein lies the reasons why I hear of so much of this from your Land and it is also the reason why your upside down neck is developing and may I say, your mouth deteriorating. Mind you, I will bet that the mouth of the horse would have been max 6/10 originally so don't see this as all your fault. The mouthing systems are only capable of 6/10 anyway. So, you should be riding out on a western rein, then read this: THE CAUSE & FIX OF THE 'JIG JOGGING' HORSE and this:  REVERSING YOUR HORSE and this: TRAINING A HORSE TO STAND and note the common theme.

This is a 'pleasure rein'

The centre horse is ridden perfectly and actually can relax and is actually not building an under muscle. The other two are typical of many.

When you trot or canter on the trail, collect up and ride complete Dressage. See how you go but your horse may need re-mouthing. Have a read at the top of this page today. Unless a horse can lower it's neck, it cannot relax, hence the ever so subtle Human frailty of the ever so subtle little and constant feel on the mouth of the horse, ensures the form of the neck to be up in competition and alert ready mode, exactly what one does not need on a so called 'Pleasure Ride" Maybe for the Rider but never for the Horse. Regards



Andrea (Britain)

ps - here's a pic of her and me when working :-)

Lovely Horse Andrea. Nice paces, shoulder, neck and going nicely too! Have a read of this: THE DANGERS & DAMAGE CAUSED BY SIDE REINS. I prefer running reins and so do many of the Dutch and German Trainers. Your overall problem lies in the foundation stones of your horse, the mouthing and dare I say it, your systems in England. My appols.

 Dear John

Do you remember Beau the horse in Costa Rica who was petrified of the bit?? I know you get hundreds everyday. I wanted to update and thank you.
Today i finally hit breakthrough point. I have watched your DVD's and have been getting great success of walking on my horse tours up front with loopy reins and no contact. I wanted to just let him know that not every time he had someone on his back would he feel pain. I have been doing that for about a month and have in the last two weeks started working with his mouth. Today finally, i rode down the road with a light, fantastic laterally mouth. He felt like i had a contact of 1%, if he leant on me i let him hit my wall of hands and he came light again. i only did it for about two minutes and then went back to loopy reins. I could have cried with gratitude. I still have a long long way to go with him as trot and canter are still a hairy ride, but we are getting there.
The thing that i have learnt most through all of this is that patience and consistency are the key to everything. I think all of us expect results too quick sometimes. I am just thrilled.
Thank you for helping me with the brilliant but troubled horse.

Hey and check out our website. www.horsetourscostarica.com
We can do a link if you like as we get tons of hits from Europe who need your help i am sure!!!

That's great to hear. Thanks for letting us know. It is important :) I must remember you so we can go on a ride if we are in the Region :)  Regards

hi, its Rebekah again

Just letting you know whats going on with spook. I have had the vet out to see him, he found no problems in his hind legs but did find some abnomalities in his lungs so he took a blood test, and the results come back tomorrow. he also gave me a oral medication to help the suspected infection, so hopefully it will help restore him the the horse he was. ive attached a picture of the big boy.

ps sorry its such a bad pic, was the only one i got!

Thanks Bec. Yes, he is not right. Needs another 100kg on him so something is up with him for sure. Have you done him for sand???? Cheers

Hi John

I should have asked this yesterday with my other enquiry. My apologies for taking up your time.

I believe that I certainly have a decent independent seat, don’t mind rearers (but should) don’t get unseated with shyers even though this is my biggest fear but second to this is the bucker. I have a lovely 7 year old mare that you have accessed but I have seen her buck my daughter off 5 times now. I mean all fours off the ground. None of this only 2 back legs business. She has never got away with any shenanigans’ with me but seeing your fabulous wife stick like glue to the saddle when horses buck, what is the most ideal way to handle it body wise apart from the lateral head. Is there a “thinking” of, well, lean back, pray and hope the ambulance is not too far away!!!!! What do you do if you miss the lateral head and bucking has started. What do you do when all or a sudden you are chucked forward and lose balance? I really want to deal with this without losing confidence and breaking something. She is wonderful on the streets, trucks, bikes, etc and a little dressage queen to boot. Yes, I am a cuddly wubblerly over 50’s who has ridden all her life but never really had to deal with a bucker. When you are a teenager bouncing off is all part and parcel of horse riding but over 50’s want to ride with wisdom being their weapon.

Thanks again John.

Warm Regards

Kim

Pray Kim :) No, first, get your lateral rein handling skills correct and up to the speed of light and second nature in your mind, just like a Golf Swing. My Podcast on the matter is not just for entertainment, the various points in it are very important for success. Never feel scared, no thoughts like that, focus, reading. When the horse goes up in the front you get forward and when it is on the way down, get back. Have a Monkey strap and grab it instinctively. Know which rein hand you are going to be using. If you grab the monkey strap with your right hand, you only want your left rein and the right rein can even be dropped completely. You don't need it. You just attempt to tear the lateral head off the horse to the left, regardless that it may have got to going. In my case, with horses we train, I can let them get bucking and then stop them for the exercise.  Cheers

Hey you! Yes I saw that my greeting was 'stolen' ...lol...but was it said with my admiration of you in the tone.....ummm "Michael" isn't it a Butch name for 'Michelle"....hehehehe.

On the serious side.... Arabs....Do You break them in at any old age, or doYou prefer to wait until they are 4-5 years of age, due to their slow growing? Also I am a little bit confused on what you do with a young horse after yu break them in. I have heard after breaking a 2-3 yr old, you should put them bush for 6-12mths to let them mature. But I am sure I have read where you say this can cause bucking. I don't understand why break them in at this age in the first place if you are going to just leave them. Why not wait until they are 4yrs and then just keep riding them as they are mature by then. Do I make sense....had a few scotches....teeheehee

cheers
chelle

Yes, still making sense and valid questions too so you couldn't have had many or a very seasoned drinker :) Most people can't wait to break their horses in. Fact one. They want to get started. So often get them broken in so that they can have a little feel now and again or they get them broken in because of behavior. To tune them up and to make life easier for themselves. Consequently, I don't get 4 year olds to break in. Doesn't happen :) Given that the majority of people who get a horse broken in are not trained in riding 'Green Horses' and are therefore most vulnerable during hand over and the first few weeks, why in Gods Earth would you ever turn them out and turn them feral for yourself. Is that a death wish????? Johnny Walker?

Hi john

I wrote to you early this week about minimizing scaring. Here is picture of my boys injury I was wondering
how I can minimize the scaring it is extra pink because of the
antiseptic solution I have been using The vet say to keep it bandage until it is atleast half the size.
Sorry if the image is big I haven't worked out how to compress them yet

cheers Kerrie

Bit difficult to see well Kerrie but it has a bit of proud flesh on it which needs to be stopped immediately so as to manicure the would to be flush with the shape of the fetlock. One application of bluestone (go read Vet tips) and it should be fine. I don't agree with bandages. I would be allowing it to scab now, just using your spray, then blowing the scab off with high pressure hose every two days and spray again. After a week, Potties Green Ointment. Regards

Heya John

You've just sent shivers down my spine! "spelling the young horse can be fatal"!!! arghhh!!

While I can understand where you're coming from, I actually had this in mind for my youngster - not because I'm worried about giving him a rest from the workload - but I put my horses out every summer as it's too hot to ride and the paddocks where they are agisted are not huge hence I leave them out for around 6 weeks each year in a nice big summer paddock.

But I did plan on mouthing my youngster and start do some ridden work before I turned him out early Feb and then pretty much start over when he comes back. He's pretty laid back and has a beaut temp. I dont intend to treat him like a broken in horse when i get him back from spell and will start over from scratch if necessary but I feel its a waste not to start on him as he has an active mind and I feel he needs to start doing more than ground work. I am disadvantaging myself by doing this and if so can you explain why?

Thanks kindly

Sue

Hi John
I have a 10yo QHxClydie and I am doing NH with him, but I find with my 1 rein riding I get a lot of resistance, when I try to flex him to either side.
By that I mean when I try to flex him to the right, as soon as go to pick up the rope to turn, he knows what I am going to do and turns his head slightly to the left and visa versa.
Also when I try to get more forward movement to go from trot to canted he will try to thow in a few pigroots,I do not think it from nastiness just stuborness,I do a i rein stop and start again.
any idea would be greatfull.
Enjoying you videos on you tube, I just wish they would download faster,takes 1 1/2 hrs to download 9 mins
Anne

You poor Broadband starved person :) How bad is that in 2008??? Your horse is not mouthed well enough and needs re-mouthing. You will not fix him in the Halter. Doesn't happen, in fact he is learning evasions. The piggy games are in fact naughtiness and you wouldn't get me on that horse in a fit without re-mouthing for one day, humpy may turn into bumpy. They make top Rodeo Horses that Breed. The stubbornness would be compounded due to the package not being in place and resistance being learnt via your current riding. Regards

4th January, 2008

 Unfairly Hot again and Mrs. HP got going early to the National Coaching thingo as she was on first thing this morning. Unfortunately, only 'High Performance' people are allowed to go so I missed out. The State Squad, Level 3 and 2 Coaches and A and B Judges only. No Family or strappers. I thought it must have been a DPI thing re EI and rang them to try and get permission as Mrs. HP doesn't like driving the big rig alone and through the Hills on Bush Fire Day or possible breakdown on the Freeway alone with a valuable Horse but it was not them at all. Turned out it was a decree by Mr. Brett Mace of EFA National. Unless SA adhered to the demands they would not have the Clinic with the National Coach. Shame about the educational opportunity gone missing for all Coaches and Judges below those Elite levels, Hell, even PC people would be there if I were running the show. Oh well, I guess he has his reasons and I am not. :) Anyhow, she is back there again tomorrow, for the last day. Great to see the National Coach here in this small State.

I have some horses starting to dribble in next week but will obviously have to start keeping Racehorse Trainers hours because of the heat here. I think we might move to Tasmania :)

One of them is this horse who has caused somewhat of a storm on Utube with huge numbers of hits. Caused me a few hits around the head too but more thanks from people who have since fixed their horses. I look forward to meeting him again as he is a Classic.

 

PONY CLUB

I often react to letters about Pony Club and don't really get the time to think deeply about it but after this weeks comments, I would like to put this.

I wonder what the cost to the Horse Industry overall economy? HORSEMANSHIP, the art of reading the future with safety in mind and for the control and successful riding, handling and upkeep of each individual's horse.

During my career, I have met thousands of people who have failed in the Horse Industry and dropped out of the bottom of it as a consequence. Often with the loss of thousands of dollars but it is the loss to the Industry that matters. I figure, that the Horse Industry does not grow. It is permanently stagnant and the reason for that is that for each person who enters into the Industry, another leaves and the vast majority of the causes for those people leaving is a lack of 'HORSEMANSHIP"

As you know, virtually no 'Horsemanship' is taught within the system and that is because the Curriculum doesn't take it into account and therefore doesn't allow it. The system fails. So regardless of whether you are Horseland, a farrier, a Vet or whatever, we all pay the price because the Industry does not grow. Imagine if the thousands who fall from the Industry were retained! Think of the growth and the strength that would come. Hell, perhaps Organizations could actually own their own Land instead of being at the mercy of Local Government and Delphin, neither of whom give a toss about it.

LETTERS OF THE DAY

Hi John,

Happy New Year! Hope everything is going well after the Christmas break. I'm in South East Queensland and the rain here has been wonderful! All the creeks, dams and water holes are looking great and the paddocks are full of feed. I thought I would just ask you a quick question. I have an OTTB (yeah I know what you are thinking LoL), that I have owned for about 3 years now and he has only ever been used for pleasure riding around the property, BUT I have just applied for a job out west in which I will be taking him to muster cattle etc....I have mucked around on him rounding up my cattle, but he has never done much hard work. Just wanting your t