Post Office Box 89, Surrey Downs, South Australia.
5126
Phone: +(61) 8 82515250
DIRECT DEPOSIT DETAILS
Account Name: J. O'leary
Bank: Bank West
Account: 0064862
BSB No: 305-122
Registered Vets, Chiro's, Pysios, EFA Coaches, horse
Dentists free when producing paid up, valid and
current Membership papers.
PERTH CLINIC (update)
Now two days at Sunninghill.
HORSES
BOOKED OUT
Fence sitters ok.
***************
PROFILE OF SOME OF THE HORSES FOR OUR PERTH CLINIC
1st June, 2008
My Birthday. Hope you don't mind but Mrs. HP
want's me for Dinner. :) More info tomorrow. Regards
29th May, 2008
MESSAGE TO THE AUSTRALIAN PUBLIC
The federal government is sending each and every one
of us a $600 rebate.
If we spend that money at K-Mart, the money will go
to China.
If we spend it on gasoline it will go to the Arabs,
if we purchase a computer it will go to Taiwan.
If we purchase fruit and vegetables it will go to
Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala,
If we purchase a good car it will go to Japan,
If we purchase useless crap it will go to Korea and
none of it will help the Australian economy.
The only way to keep that money here at home is to
spend it on prostitutes and beer,these are the only
products still produced in Australia.
Thank you for your help.
Regards
Kevin Rudd & Wayne Swan .
(Australian Prime Minister & Australian Treasurer)
Just
a short word tonight as I am bushed. Went for a
lovely ride in the Bush today with my Black Horse,
another client on her Green Horse and Josie
Chamberlain who was also riding a Breaker, 18 hands
high :) Lovely Sunny 19 degrees and the Horses all
performed like Troopers. It sure is a satisfying
thing to be able to do when you are riding around in
Nature on a Horse that 12 days ago was attempting to
bury you and now is your best Mate. Josie has made
the decision to become a full time Breaker and was
having me assess her work. I rode her one and she
rode my one for a while. Great fun :)
My
other bloke hasn't put a foot wrong, only day two
but he is so well handled he doesn't even know it is
the breaking in process :) He is a Riding Pony but a
bigger one, thank God as I don't like riding those
"Slippery little Suckers" :)
LETTERS OF THE
DAY
Hi Hp,
I have a foal coming up to 5 months and I am wanting
to wean him, he is a lovely welsh cob sec d, I don't
have any young horses to put him with, I only have a
couple that are ridden all the time, what I wanted
to ask you is there any other animals that are good
to use as a companion for weaning, like a donkey,
minni pony ect. I would love some advise on this.
Also just wanted to say how much your website, dvd's
and advise has help me and total changed the way I
see things, it all just makes so much sense.
Thanks again
Karen
Thanks Karen. The young one will mate up with any of
those things, providing you keep them yarded
together for a couple of days to bond. Even a Goat
can work or a sheep even :) The key to the act of
weaning, I mean right at the time of disappearance
of Mum is to have the young one already with a
friend of some description and in a secure yard
where it can't take on the fence or go through it.
These are 5 x 2 inch Jarrah with electric wires
along them. The weanling took them on, smashed right
through and then proceeded to kick the guts out of a
17 hand horse in the adjacent yard. Regards
************
I hope I don’t
rattle on to much but here goes. I got into horses
in 1980 bought a family, Mare in foal with foal at
foot and her 2 year old gelding.
Had lessons on riding school horses, dead to the leg
and dead to the mouth I broke and trained the
gelding out of books Tom Roberts lunging, side
reins, long reins, driven over saddle I always
found him a leaner on the bit, other then that a
good quiet horse 14 hh sold him as a ten year old.
Gypsy foal at foot in 1980 I had her trotting under
saddle until she went over in the front and skidded
on her face me jumping off before she fell. The
cause a dead front hoof from an abscess when she was
younger. Put her away for good. We lost her too
colic Dec 2006 at the age of 27 yrs.
Topy the foal from 1981 drop 14.2 is still going she
turned 27 on the 19 Nov 2007. I broke her in as a
seven year old the same method she was always heavy
she could move but I never had the lightness I
wanted ( I wander Why ???)
Sam And Harry present ex pacers riden both of them
Sam 16.2 lunged, long reined, side reins I found
that with side reins the leather ones with the
rubber ring he told me he wasn’t happy I ended up
extending them more to give him enough room to put
his head down sound familiar!!! Harry is A lot
quieter 15.2 didn’t like lunging absolutely detested
the side reins he would just pace and not trot he
thought he was back in the gig and that was what he
was trained to do, trying to please this silly women
on the end of a lunge line idiot!! Put the side
reins in the back cupboard where they won’t see the
light of day again!! It proves standardberds are not
dumb they told me low and give was the answer.
Anyhow my point is your method is the METHOD
everything follows on from the round yard to the
arena can’t wait to get round built and give our two
pacers a new life under saddle.
Regards Maree Mc Donald
Very interesting Maree. Thanks
for the yarn. They sure stay around your place :)
The Portable Round Pens are good. I just got one as
a second one so I can still get into my one :)
Regards
***************
john
thanks for your prompt response I couldn't open the
page link
will give it another go later today , it may be my
computer??
It is definitely sand ..vet
came last night we did mineral oil my vet is as
dubious as you about its effectiveness, and I
will up the psyllium,
I am also giving him homeopathic silica to aid the
expulsion, it will be difficult to assess just what
is working
I have kept up his hay and small feeds , chaff
,herbs, sugar beet and psyllium and try to feed off
the sand , it is difficult..
I also am using some bowen moves for encouraging gut
response
The pony is very sensitive to diet / grass changes
and obviously sand...
thanks
Judy
No
worries Judy. Hope it works out soon. The top Vet at
Morphetville Equine Centre said to me, "You may as
well drench with water" :) Regards
***********
Hi,
Just needing some advice. Although I have done this
kind of thing before, I will be needing a little
direction I have recently bought a lovely apaloosa
colt, now gelding, see pic attached. He is 5yo and
had never been handled, it has been some years since
handling this type of horse and could you give me
any other tips other than the article I have read on
handling ferral horse.
I did some rope work with him last week, in a yard
and was very careful not to push him. Had rope
around his neck several times and he walked up too
me, while my back was turned. We gelded him and I
was a little worried that he may not trust me any
more. We used vet to geld him and he was heavily
sedated, by putting up race. But thought this may
have been traumatic for him.
Any tips you could give me would be greatly
appreciated.
Regards
Sarah
They
are a fistful Sarah and you won't be near strong
enough to halter break the Horse using your own
strength. Just sneak a Halter onto the Horse in a
race way with a 12 foot old rope and let the Horse
drag it for a week. That will do half your job for
you but make sure it is Cattle Yards or similar when
you first drop the rope in case he gets a fright and
runs. Anything can happen with those Horses.
Meanwhile, start hand feeding the Horse if you can
with Oats or similar. Then start picking up the rope
and just asking for a step sideways and gradually
feel your way but use a small yard so the Horse
can't get away from you and run. I personally would
simply lasso the Horse quietly and then as it
trotted around the yard, throw a half hitch down the
rope which should land over the nose. Takes a lot of
practice but immediately you have a war bridle on
the Horse and you can gently but with some control,
ask for a stop and to be able to gently walk up and
stroke the shoulder of the Horse. Then you are away.
Some can be easy, others only for a Pro and then a
good one at that. The Breed is in your favor. If you
go the NH road and have weeks or months up your
sleeve, just gently progress with advance and
retreat and end up being able to desensitize the
Horse with your 12 foot lead rope and rope Halter of
course. Bit by bit and you will win the Horse. I
haven't got that luxury. Regards
**************
***************
28th May, 2008
Lovely weather if you don't want rain that is.
Sunshine, 18 degrees and the same for the next week.
Beautiful today and perfect the next. I actually
didn't mind as I had my carpark have a one metre
deep trench put through it today, for a new flood
light to light up the entire area for the new
stables. Gas of course. Big mess to clean up though
and then re-gravelling to make it look lovely again.
In
between that, I had a new Breaker arrive last night,
a lovely Riding Pony and he was a complete pleasure.
Cool as and the owners have done a wonderful job
with him. Makes life easy. Straight onto the
mouthing immediately as there is no point doing
anything else as the jobs been done.
Then
to training leg yielding to my black bloke and he
got the hang of that too. Tomorrow we are off to the
Forest for the big ride, me on him, one of my
Apprentices on another young Horse at the same level
and Mrs. HP on another Green one. Should be a lovely
outing and we shall have some fun that's for sure..
The Horses will grow up tomorrow let me tell you.
They will return ready made eventers :)
Mrs.
Hp has had another one come for some polish, she has
been clipping a few Horses here on the property but
won't be clipping outside Horses any more.
My
Black Horse is a funny Boy. He watches me like a
Hawk as I move around the property and tonight I had
to replace a metal grill division between he and the
next stable as a Mare was trying to kill him through
a hole that our Stallion had pried open. Anyhow, I
was doing a temp job and was twitching wire around
the grill from the other stable. He had his lips
through the mesh, grabbing the wire and helping me
:) He is a dag.
THE GREEN HORSE
What
have I been noticing of late? Yes, I know. We met a
person who was having shying problems with a 'Green
Horse', all of a sudden where it hadn't been doing
it with the Breaker. It was brought here today for
an assessment and the job had been quite good. Mrs.
HP rode the Horse as I was riding the Bobcat :) and
started off lunging him. He was snorting and ripping
around the Round Pen like a steam train, cutting
corners at his leisure and spooking at the entire
World which must have been just outside the fence.
Then, upon mounting, wanting not to put the head
down as requested as he craned the neck to look for
trouble. Turned on the fence a couple of times with
the rump to Mrs. HP as well.
Many
Owner's fail with 'Green Horses" which is why Pat
Parelli coined the phrase, "Green on Green don't go"
but it doesn't have to be. Anyhow, the Horse worked
the House down on the arena and after they finished,
Mrs. HP said this:
"
The young Horse was just looking for support"
and
therein lies the one basic problem the Amateur has
with the "Green Horse" They become too careful,
maybe a touch of nerves and they worry too much
about ruining the job. Meanwhile, the young Horse
which is used to being captured in a Box by the
Breaker, never being allowed to breath unless
permission is granted first, suddenly feels "cast
adrift" and it is simply that feeling of the lack of
Leadership that brings them unstuck and they start
looking for spooks. They have lost their support
which was their comfort. Incidentally, this is never
the fault of the Owner but the smart one's amongst
them seek to touch base with the Breaker or the
Coach, just to keep things on an even keel and thus
protecting the thousands of $$$$$ which make up the
breaking in fee and then the leap in value due to
going.
So
by the time these three young Horses that have only
been broken in a week, get home tomorrow afternoon,
there will be nothing they wouldn't do for you and
nowhere they wouldn't go. That's the secret to
"Green Horses"
*********************
LETTERS OF THE
DAY
HORSELAW
Hi,
After reading your horse problems site IM hoping you
may be able to offer some advice. Last December we
purchased a TB horse
from a so called friend. This was our first ever
purchase of a horse so we were very green and were
hoping that by knowing this
person we wouldn't be ripped off. This person sold
the horse to us for 1000 dollars stating that it was
bomb proof and suitable for
my daughter who had never ridden before. My daughter
had her first ride and also the person selling rode
the horse. He seemed perfect
in every way...didn't put a foot wrong. After
several weeks due to rising fuel costs it was
decided we would move the horse closer to us
at a local agist property. My daughter started
lessons and every now and then he would buck. We put
this down to my daughter being
a learner and the horse taking advantage of this.
Last week I was browsing aushorse and came across a
lady that was interested in info
about a horse they used to own. Contact was made and
it turns out it was our horse she wanted info on. To
cut a long story short...she
gave this horse away to the friend I bought it off
with strict instructions that it not be sold to a
teenager or learner because he bucks when
going into the canter. Below is the email.
It does sound like him. We
gave him away as he was too strong for my daughter.
On the advice of our instructor (Megan Jones) we
decided that he was not suitable for my daughter as
he has no manners and he bucked when going into a
canter and just couldn't trust him. I am annoyed
that the people sold him on as I specifically told
them that he was not to go to a teenager due to him
bucking. We don't know why he bucks as he has had
the chiro, the saddle fitted correctly and Megan had
him also to re-educate. When we first got him he was
very thin within 3 months he was starting to look
good.
I do hope that the teenager riding him is confident.
I don't know what they want to do with him, but if
they want to event, then I would suggest a teenager
does not ride him going xcountry.
If you could send some photos that would be good.
THANKS
Pam(mother)
I have not contacted the person i purchased this
horse from yet. I'm after advice as of what i can do
legally about this person. We now
have a horse that i dont want my daughter riding for
fear of her being injured and also feel i cant sell
because of his history. This person
lives in Gawler and i know she sells horses quite
often. If she's sold a horse to us as a friend i'd
hate to see what she would do to someone she
didnt know. Hoping you might be able to help.
thanks
Maddy
Have
Pam come over and identify the Horse. Check the
Papers, photos etc and markings. Have a Sat Dec Form
from Australia Post there. Get her to write out a
statement of the facts and take her to your local JP
for signing. Then write a letter to Seller and
demand your money back or Court. Send them a copy of
the Statement. After they tell you to 'Jump' which
most do these days, straight to Elizabeth Small
Claims Registry and send the $10 Summons demand.
Then the $110 one if they ignore it. Then get me to
assess the Horse and give you a statement. They are
then dead in the water. Regards
************
TASMANIA CASE
Hi John
In regards to the show horse that was sold for $700
and then for $4800. As I love to dig a little
deeper, I found that there were 2 horses for sale
and even though one was in dressage mode another was
in comfies, the lady looked very similar. A little
further digging and there is around 3 in horse deals
another horse (not horsedeals) for sale for
$8000.00. All the same numbers. There could be more.
Now I will leave you to work out if she is a dealer.
Cheers
Kim
Or
just avid Breeders :) I like the photos at
Halt :) Regards Kim
***************
Hi John,
I posted my Bronco Question on that forum that is
currently in overdrive over you and to a lesser
extent Linda. It's a shame people feel the need to
'bang on' about things they are not necessarily
experts on but hey, the publicity can't be all bad??
anyway back to the Bronco (in case your were
interested)
this was one of the answers
"I had a V8 Bronco for years and before that I had
an F150 4wd long wheel base ute. Now I have a Toyota
Landcruiser.
Thank God.
The short wheelbase of the Bronco was like towing
with a brick ... powerful, but the float developed
its own personality and dived off in any direction,
particularly if a big truck pulled alongside to
overtake ... scarey scarey scarey .... absolutely no
steering and never again would I consider a Bronco
for towing my horses."
Me thinks I'll steer clear of the bronco!!
Cheers
Vicki
Lol
Vicki. I must go back on there and talk about myself
some more hahahaha. Poor Spoggie :) Fancy being
called 'Shitters" hahahaha. He's a good bloke.
Anyhow, I can go along with that. Sounds like a good
piece of advice apart from the fact that they must
be really getting on in years now. Regards and you
keep them apart on that Forum or
I'll
have to build a Mud Pit for them :)
************** Hello my name is Melanie ,I have read your
advice on seperation anxiety. I have a thoroughbred
that is perfect in every way except when I try to
leave my other horse he backs up runs side ways and
carries on bad until we go back to him.I have ridden
horses all my life I am now 33 years old I have had
problem horses before but not one like this one. i
would just like to know if you can tell me what to
do with or am I wasting my time.thank you mel
That
is par for the course for many of them Mel. They are
made that way by the system. You have to be good
enough and strong enough to bully the Horse to leave
and go where you want, not it. If you can't do that
and if you are not prepared for the reaction you may
or may not get as retaliation, get rid of the Horse.
I find myself having to say it nightly. Don't buy
Race Horses!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Regards
*************
Hi John,
I am having problems with my horse Maverick.
Maverick will not stand still when I am trying to
open gates or speak to people, he just always wants
to get going. I am also having problems when he
canters, I cannot control him. When I try to pull
him up or try to keep him to a steady canter it is a
huge struggle to keep him under control. He will not
resond in turning left or right when cantering, I
will turn his head to the left or right and he will
just keep going straight. He holds his head up high
when I try to pull him up. I am using a flayva apple
flexible bit.
I am not sure what to do as I have been told it is
the bit and to use a dutch gag, but I have also been
told that if I use this bit he may rear up and chuck
me off? Another person has told me that they think
it could be his back.
I am totally confused and do not know which way to
go?
I look forward to your comments and suggestions.
Simon
P.S. It could also be that Maverick is much smarter
than me, he is a Arab/Quarter Horse.
Hi Simon. I am sorry for not
answering you earlier. Your email slipped down the
list and got lost. Lol to the smarts :) These things
are really never the problem with the 'Bit" and
certainly don't go to a Dutch Gag. Your Horse is
just not a trained Horse, you are young I think and
you both need education and ways to achieve harmony.
Your Horse probably needs the brake pads tuning up,
you may need help and advice as to how to keep them
like that. To fix your standing problem, go to my
youtube channel (horseproblems) and watch
"Making a Horse stand" I would suggest that you
learn how to teach your Horse to leg yield so you
can begin to fix your steering problems as it can be
achieved via your legs of course and as you get
smarter, the Horse will respect and like you more
and probably stop trying the tricks. Regards
***************
Hello there,
My husband and I have recently discovered you and
your site and are now your newest fans.
We have a problem and would like to hear your
opinion if you have time.
Late last year we purchased a beautiful welsh cob
gelding, to cut a long story short he has been
whipped quite severely at some stage of his life.
Everything about Salty is terrific, he is nice to
ride but occasionaly shies and fine on the ground
although he has a tendency to be aloof sometimes and
ignore you. Now we are interested in trying him with
the parelli seven games just to help with the
"bonding" and "respect" process between my husband
and the horse. Now to do this I think we are going
to have to work on his fear of the carrot stick
first (he is petrified of it and we only had it out
for not even 2 minutes once we worked out what was
wrong). We have a fair idea of how to do this,
please correct me if I'm wrong but I would think
slowly presenting him with it, rubbing him over etc.
I would like to know if this is the correct method
to approach this problem and any other suggestions
you may have would be wonderful as I would't want to
do any further damage. Also he is 16 yrs old.
Thanks for taking the time to read.
Cheers
Mandy
When
the 7 Games was first released, there was no carrot
stick. All was done using your hands or twirling the
end of the rope. Then Pat re-packaged himself and
the stick became necessary. I have not used one and
I teach most Horses the 7 Games however, yes, you
would want to be softly, softly with the Horse but
you also must have a level of assertiveness that
will not allow the Horse to escape you and not
accept it either. That would compound the problem so
a bit of 'tough love' needed. As I like to think I
am a "complete Horseman" and don't get stuck in any
system, I would be tying the Horse up to my safe
facility, thus stopping the evasion which feeds the
fear and having the Horse accept all sorts of things
like plastic bags on the end of poly pipe and Lord
knows what else. Not going at the Horse mind you,
just quietly but surely getting the items on the
Horse and then caressing and creeping from place to
place with advance and retreat and relief. See how
you go. Regards ( Read this)
***************
Hi John,
At one of the forums I watch they are having a huge
Parelli-bashing session (as usual) over the advice
given to a girl with a biting horse. The Q & A
concerned me also as it seemed crazy in the extreme.
I have found Parelli’s stuff useful but there is
still an element of “knowing what you are doing” to
get it right (like anything). The people who can’t
get it right (and probably can’t train a dog either)
end up being a bad example of “the method” etc etc.
It seems that Parelli is losing that core
commonsense and heading off into hyper-marketing
fairyland.
I thought you would be interested in the “advice”
given. Although you may not… you may prefer to focus
on dealing with the man-eating horse in Perth… ;)
QUESTION
I have an Appaloosa who is nine years old and I
bought him last November. Within a week or so he bit
me, and really meant it, on my side which left huge
bruising. I was shocked as I was undoing the chest
strap on his rug that came with him. I had noticed
in the first week that he would pin his ears back
and turn his head towards me. I was quite aware of
this and became cautious around him. When he bit me,
I did not react and had to go away and suffer in
pain for a while. I came back and did approach and
retreat but he still would pin his ears back. I
researched his previous owners and found out he had
bitten the previous owner twice around feed time or
when doing the girth up but other owners said they
had no problems with him. The other day I was with
an instructor and told her my main fear was his
biting and other than that he was great to ride and
do ground skills with. We did approach and retreat
with the saddle on and off and then he swung around
to bite me, I blocked him, tripped over my own feet
or his and fell to the ground. I was told there was
too much energy for him to cope with. I am now so
scared to do anything with him because of this
biting. I get my husband to hold him while I do up
the saddle. This is not the best way but for me it
is safe. Can you help me figure out what he is
feeling so I can deal with it so we can both get
through this safely and I can hopefully regain my
confidence? -Kim
ANSWER
Have you done a Horsenality Profile on your horse
yet? He sounds to me as if he is a LB Extrovert /
Introvert combo. These are most likely to become
aggressive because it is their nature to dominate.
You need to be accepted as his leader, which you
will do via the Seven Games, but you have to 'win'
them. In essence this means you have to win the
position of alpha where your horse accepts your
leadership. If you are not a confident person, but
your horse is overconfident, this is not an easy
task, however there are a couple of things on your
side.
If your horse turns out to be LB Introvert and
Extrovert, or just Introvert, treats work like a
charm. Some people think that this encourages the
behavior but it does the opposite. Think about
someone who is trying to win your favor... they
bring you chocolates and flowers and gifts! Pretty
soon it's hard not to like them!! The same thing
happens with this kind of horse, but note that
treats alone do not work. You have to also play the
Seven Games with him so you can actually get him to
do something... and then reward him. Don't just give
him treats for no reason.
Now, when it comes to the Seven Games, the most
important ones for this kind of horse are going to
be backing and driving the forehand away from you,
but they will also be the most challenging because
dominant horses do not allow this... they do it to
others! I would practice your technique and learn
how to be really soft and get really firm with
wiggling the rope and not moving your feet. Every
time you move your feet when trying to back him,
this horse sees it as weakness and his opportunity
to have the upper hoof again. Also, do it from
behind a fence or a barrier that he cannot cross.
This will keep you safe if he decides to push on
you, and it will do a lot for your confidence. Once
you can consistently back him up with light pressure
you'll feel safer to be on the same side as him.
Same thing with driving his front end away. You need
to get to where you can do this easily and
convincingly. Most people overdo HQ yields /
disengagement, and this will get you in trouble with
the LB horse because it brings the front end to you!
Biting is how LB horses dominate others, and that's
what he's doing to you. You just have to be better
than he is at those driving games because that is
the only way he will respect you! If your instructor
is Parelli Certified, please tell them to get in
touch with us and we can personally coach them to
coach you if necessary.
Oh, and on the saddling issue... give him a great
big carrot when he swings around to nip you! He'll
be so surprised that after several instances his
whole opinion of saddling will change and you'll
only have to do it now and then. You may even have
to play some driving games with him before saddling
to make sure he accepts your doing something to him.
Again, that's something dominant horses do to
others, they don't like things being done to them.
But once they are submissive to your leadership,
they are quite happy to comply. You just have to
maintain that position and not let it slip.
Without getting "paralysis of the Analysis" with the
profile of the Horse as I believe that every one
ever born should respect you, I can perhaps
understand why Linda could say that. Part of being
successful as a Trainer is to be able to read the
Client and the one asking the question. For
instance, I believe I can read most people on here
and I will pitch answers often that they can handle
for if I gave other advice, I would know they would
fail. Believe it or not, I can see how that could
work (although never needing to do it) but I never
rule anything out in this game. Of course one would
want to be assessing the effectiveness of it pretty
quick :) It may be for some owners, that could work
rather than knowing they are going to beat the Horse
to death with a damp tissue if you suggested
anything else :) Regards
****************
Hey
you! I got a camera going, as you can see Baz's
wound is filling out nicely, see where the bulb is,
that was just flapping. Vet was out again today,
looks like the infection has gone further so we are
trying a new drug.
Hi Chelle. Lookin good. I
would be happy with that. Now you need to watch the
proud flesh of course and it has reached a level
high enough already on the left hand end near the
hoof. No more! Well done. Regards
**************
Hi HP
first of all - great website - i read it often and
have gained much from it.
Now i have a question for you.
I have a 4 year old mare - Clydie - cross.
I have had her for 4 months - and all was going
great at the beginning but things have changed!
i found out about 1 month after buying her that i
was pregnant - now this has thrown a spanner into
the works as i had been bucked off her, and she
didn't feel that safe, i think i have mouthing
problems with her.
Anyway since finding out that i am pregnant i have
lost some confidence with her - so i decided to go
back to ground work and start from scratch.
I have been lunging her - which was improving but
the last couple of times when we get into a fast
trot or canter she puts in some serious bucking and
goofing about on the lunge.
My problem i feel is timing, i never seem to be able
to reprimand her at the right second. So i have just
been moving her onwards and not making a huge deal
about it other than using my voice.
i hope i am not making things worst, but i need to
know what i should be doing at the point that she
bucks and plays up. i have been able to sense when
she is about to buck - and i have made her return to
a walk pace - then when she seems calm picked it up
again - however sometimes the bucks are so explosive
that it is hard to judge.
It doesn't matter if i am at the start of the lunge
lesson or the end - there is not real pattern to her
bucking.
I hope you can help, i want to get through this
stage so that i can move on to more ground training.
PS
Any hints on ground work would be appreciated as i
have about 4 months left before i will probably ride
again.
Many thanks
Tanya
That
would depend upon whether the Horse is locked up
(stabled or yarded) as they need to let off steam
and I ignore it completely. 22 hours locked up for
so many of them. However, I detect that this is not
the case here, well I mean the bucking is not only
happening due to being locked up if she is. Attitude
is the key word here and go to the top of the page
this evening. You have a couple of options. If you
had my mouthing dvd, you could set the Horse up for
the bestest training opportunities possible whilst
re-mouthing her and cementing an attitude and belief
for when you do ride her that it is pointless trying
you on as you will stop her bucking OR the moment
she does it, go straight and assertively to my
Podcast on "I love your ass but it is your face I
want." Turn her on the fence a dozen times as I can
guarantee she will give you her ass. 10 seconds
after you catch her turning towards you the first
time, she is yours. All over red rover. That was
easy, wasn't it??? Regards
*****************
Hi John
I have read many of your stories on the horse
problems website and am really impressed. I have
used your floating advice when I had a temporary
hiccup with one of our horses. It worked like magic.
I have found your advice to be sound and no frills.
I am interested to know your colic remedy just in
case I ever need it. Hopefully I wont need it, but
forewarned is forearmed.
I think it is good how you refer to many horse
owners as amateurs. I have had horses my whole life
and yet I am fully aware of my amateur status. Many
horse owners I see consider themselves to be
horsemen/horsewomen when they are really amateurs
too. This is one factor contributing to the surplus
of ruined horses. They buy green horses and “train”
them. I say leave training to the professionals
unless you know what you are doing.
One point I would make is that I have an ex
racehorse who was professionally retrained. We have
had him 2 years now and he is a delight. It has been
one of my greatest joys seeing my daughter do
dressage and start showjumping him. I agree that
many ex racehorses have health issues and I have him
checked regularly. He is her third horse and I
wouldn’t sell him for anything. I recon even your
wife would like him!
Cheers
Liz
Lol
Liz. Thanks for that letter to end the night. Very
poignant. Glad you have a good Horse. Thanks
*************
27th May, 2008
HORSE PURCHASE
I received this
letter last night.
Hi John,
I’d like to draw your attention to something that I
am concerned about.
A good friend sold a horse which I had taken on and
had ridden numerous times. This pony was prone to
bucking to get out of situations he didn’t like. He
was very green and I suspect he was broken in on an
arena and never had to face the challenge of getting
out and about. I had a chiropractor to him and
changed his saddle, which lessened the bucking,
except when he came to a water crossing for example
where he would try to put it over me and convince me
that he didn’t need to go through water!! With some
‘persuasion’ I eventually had him going nice and
softly out on trail rides. He is also a windsucker
but wore a miracle collar which seemed to prevent
him from really taking hold of timber etc. He was
then put up for sale – this was the ad we used;
Jeremy is a beautiful mover, has a friendly and
sensitive nature, is good to shoe, float, catch,
worm and responds well to pressure. Jeremy has an
active mind and loves to work and would suit a
confident rider. He has been lightly shown in Led
classes as a 2 year old, placing second at the
Sydney Royal. Jeremy has also entered the Arabian
Liberty Event in Burnie where he performed
confidently and showed everyone his paces!
Jeremy has done a small amount of trail riding but
has not done a lot of work. He is slowly becoming
more confident out and about but needs an assertive,
relaxed partner to help him progress. He is a mild
wind-sucker but this is controlled by a collar.
Jeremy is for sale due to owner having a young
family and not enough time. Offers around $1000
would be considered.
He was then purchased by a lady on the east coast of
Tasmania for $700 who had him for SIX weeks in
total. In order to meet the deadline for Horse Deals
for the May edition, she had to place the ad for
Jeremy after owning him for just one week. I would
not have thought that was sufficient time to
re-school him but I am no expert. This was the
advertisement that was placed:
Moving on from Pony? Getting
Back into Riding?
Height - 14 hh Age - 7 yo Price - $4,800 -
Performance Ponies
The sky is the limit with this stunning 14hh rising
8yo Welsh x Arab gelding. He is a real little
character to have around. He is truly a genuine
little guy who is easy to ride, handle, float etc.
Has been shown as a youngster and now has just won
his first outing under saddle (pulled out of the
paddock after a long spell). He has such a comfy
trot with a lovely soft snaffle mouth and natural
head carriage. If you want to cruise on the trail he
is it. If you want a Pony Club/ Dressage/Show mount
for your child he is it. If you wanted to gain your
confidence after being out of the saddle he is it. I
could go on for days about this little guy so give
me call but only if you are a wonderful home.
Financial reasons force this sale ONLY. Transport
can be arranged. Video available. $4,800 neg. Ph
0400 267 347, Launceston, Tas.
Tel: 0400 267 347 - TAS Ref: 1448-May08
Issue: May08
Page: 111
Call me a cynic, I am not sure that he could reach
such amazing standards after six weeks…. So I got a
friend to phone and ask about this horse. She was
told he had been shown extensively in NSW and had
done heaps of pony club (completely untrue). My
friend also asked the seller his bloodlines and the
phone then was ‘accidentally’ cut off and further
attempts to contact her have failed. I have since
found out that others who have phoned up have
received the same treatment ie. Receive a small
amount of information and then the phone is ‘cut’
off.
It may be completely legitimate, but based on the
duplicity she has shown in regards to the pony I
know well I have my doubts. This is not any sort of
personal vendetta, I don’t know this woman in any
way shape or form. What concerns me most is that she
is passing on horses with known vices ie bucking,
wind-sucking – which would be fine for a confident
rider, but she is advertising them as suitable for
beginners or children and I believe that is
irresponsible and dishonest.
Then I find out that there are a substantial amount
of horses this woman has for sale and I am wondering
if a similar situation is occurring with other
horses. I am passing this on in the hope that
someone may be able to substantiate that she is
indeed working and selling these horses and that
someone may have further information regarding them.
Nearly all of these horses are being sold due to
‘financial reasons’. These are the horses currently
advertised:
Tonight
I receive this letter:
Hi John
I was looking on Aus horse and I think this person
brought the horse one of you emailers is talking
about... I did write to her (before the post on your
web site) to tell her that she must have the page
wrong as not horse on pge 149 fitted that
description but this one does...I feel very sorry
for her if this really is her 1st horse...God some
people are A holes.
What day will suit you for me to come down...I’m
like a kid going on a trip...cant wait...look
forward to seeing both you and Linda,
Cheers
Josie
SA Advert No:H8007
Date: 24/05/08
hi i bought a hourse in last mths houre deal from
tas i want a hourse for a beginger but he is for
some WHO can show him whoes boss i tell you a bit
about him his name is jeremy 14hh 8yo welshxarab
gelding he is a realy nice guy but i cant ride him
because im not EXPERIENCED RIDER and i didnt know
but i just found out he wind sucks this was my first
horse i bought and cant ride him.im willing to even
to do a deal with a horse for me that i can ride a
very quite horse for a [beginger] heaps a gear
saddle, blankets,bridele,to go wit him i have no
photos come and see he you will full in love with
him or look on page 149 inmay horse deal(HE NEEDS A
EXPERIENCED RIDER ONLY]
It would appear that it is
the same Horse. I have spoken with the new owner who
is in tears, on work cover, needed a Learner Rider
Horse to brighten up her day, got the Coach out,
Horse bucked violently and the rest is History as
they say in the Movies.
So does any kind people in
Tasmania happen to know the Vendors? Are they
Dealers and is the Lady currently in Hospital as she
states in her text messages? Thanks.
Be careful out there Folks
**********************
Congratulations to the first
and second Horses in one of the grades at a Local
event on the weekend. We started one a couple of
years ago and saved the other from the Pet Food Can
as well.
**************
THE FORUM
Ah, the thrust and parry of it
all. It surely must be the spice of life. Just a
couple of things as thanks Heavens the thread is
dying a natural death now. I have not been on the
particular Forum for 4 years since getting banned
for being a naughty Boy, haven't got the time to go
on any in fact. To the nasty and vindictive young
'Bella' who is still trying to sink the boots, you
may argue with me my dear. You may write the
nastiest things out to me and I always put it on my
site. As I said, I don't know you but I am told you
are in fact:
Profile name Profile value
Username Puk
Name Olivia Zulian
Gender female
City Adelaide
State SA
Country Aust
I do have to straighten you
out once more however. You said:
Bella Mon May-26-08 05:30 PM
Oh and Mr HP, seeing as you can slag me out on your
site but not where I can speak to you back, here is
my response to you. Gazette was owned by one of the
states best dressage riders, I remember seeing this
horse many times with his rider when he was young.
Yes a very difficult horse and im sure your wife did
do a good job, but this horse was not an uneducated
horse by any means.
Im pretty sure John creates all his own problems, if
he wasnt so egotistic then maybe people wouldnt be
so happy to get there bit in when they can.
http://www.horseproblems.com.au/Problem%20Horse%20World.
Madam, you forget. He was a
$300 Dogger!!! He was bolting with any attempt at a
single flying change, he eliminated at the
Adelaide Royal, he jumped on Judges Cars more than
once. Get over it girl. Your judgment is clouded by
your vendetta. Terribly glad that you are an avid
reader of my site though :)
Here he is for you.
**************
EVENTING HORSE DEATH
One of Australia's best eventing horses, Nullabor,
has died during the cross-country phase of the
Saumur three-star horse trials in France.
Nullabor, ridden by Clayton Fredericks, was taking a
turn between jumps two and three and slipped and
stumbled. He broke his neck and died instantly, with
a necropsy revealing that his fifth cervical
vertebrae was broken in the fall.
Nullabor was an 11-year-old gelding, by the
thoroughbred stallion Creative Plan and out of the
Irish Sport Horse mare Lethal Lass (by Regal Sting
[TB]). He had been riddedn by Clayton Fredericks
since he was a three-year-old, and was owned by the
rider and Edwin and Peta McAuley. Nullabor was the
2006 British Open Champion at Gatcombe. He was bred
by William Little from Co Tyrone in Ireland and was
originally intended for a show career.
Several top-flight eventing horses have died as a
result of injuries sustained on cross-country
courses in the past few months.
Nullabor and Fredericks had led after the dressage
phase, and their departure left fellow Australian
Sam Griffiths and Happy Times in the lead, with a
total of 47.3 penalties.
The cross-country has proved to be quite a test,
with no riders back within the allotted time, and
only 27 of the 57 starters returning without
incident.
Matt Ryan did not finish with any of his horses, and
Lucinda Fredericks and Mr Alligator ended their
cross-country round at the 14th jump.
****************
Parents of dead event rider sue equestrian bodies
The family of a young rider killed in a
cross-country fall at a horse trials event is suing
eventing authorities over her death.
Mia Eriksson, 17, suffered a fatal accident while
competing in a three-day event at Galway Downs in
November 2006. Eriksson's mount, Koryography, fell
at fence 19, and crushed his rider.
The New York Times reports that her parents filed a
lawsuit in a California court on May 6 against the
US Equestrian Federation and the US Eventing
Association. The suit alleges that the course was
made more dangerous "in order to make the
competition more thrilling to spectators", and also
alleges that equipment used on the course was
defective.
"Mia for the USEA is a statistic, but she is really
so much more than that," her mother, Karan Eriksson,
told the New York Times.
"I stepped forward to file a lawsuit trying to voice
in a way all of the concerns we're feeling at the
level of eventing to press for change."
Many deaths and serious injuries to both horses and
riders have occurred in eventing in the past few
years. The US Equestrian Federation is running an
eventing safety summit in Lexington, Kentucky, on
June 7-8, and the sport's world governing body, the
FEI, is undertaking a study into the accidents and
injuries sustained by riders.
LETTERS OF THE DAY
So sorry - I'm not very good with
this Internet thingy and got onto your article about
floating horses in a sideways sort of way. I thought
you'd just written an article for something called
horseproblems - I didn't realise you actually were
horseproblems itself! Now I don't know if I should
be bothering you with my problem, but I'll go ahead
and ask any way.
I've got a 5yo QH/TB cross and have had some
troubles with loading and unloading him. After
discarding all the - "it worked really well with my
friend's horse" - sort of help, I can now load and
unload the horse with very little trouble using a
method that seems to work best with him - namely
staying back at his shoulder and holding a dressage
whip in my right hand that just touches him on his
bottom and asking him to walk forward onto the
float. He will try running off to either side of the
ramp, but I just hold the whip against him to
straighten him up and after about 5 minutes he will
give in and load without me doing anything much
except prevent him from doing anything but load.
Once on the float, I still hold the whip against his
bottom whilst my husband puts the centre partition
back over and does up the back of the float, as the
horse will try to rush off if I don't stay there and
ask him to stand.
With the unloading, I go in the float and untie the
horse and again stand there with the whip at his
bottom, and when I'm ready my husband puts the back
down and the centre partition over. I ask the horse
to wait for a bit and then take the whip away and he
will walk off calmly. However, if I don't have the
whip there he rushes off a a million miles an hour
the second he can, and one dreadful time when I was
trying to unload him by myself he started to try and
come out as soon as I lowered the bottom half of the
split tailgate. Luckily the chain and the top half
of the tailgate were at the right height to stop him
from coming out under them, but he gave it a bloody
good go and it scared the living daylights out of
me!
My husband has been terrific about helping me with
the floating - I'm really lucky there, but he's a
very busy person and I'd really like to be able to
load and unload the horse by myself. I think he's
probably ready for me to ask him to walk on the
float ahead of me, but what worries me is how do I
get him to stay there whilst I do the back up? Ditto
with the unloading - I don't want a repeat of the
out-under-the-top-door episode! Is there something
specific that I can do to address this problem, or
do I have to wait and hope that in time the horse
gains confidence and doesn't feel the need to rush
off? He generally travels pretty well and doesn't
move around much, and I'm always careful to give him
a good ride. So, have I been doing the right thing?
Should I be moving the centre partition over to give
him more room or should he be brave and go into the
smaller space? What do I do now? Where do I go from
here? What's the meaning of life?
Thanks for taking the time to read this - if you got
this far!, and I hope you don't think it's awful
cheek to ask for your help - it's just that you
sounded to be such a sensible person and I don't
quite trust the people who say they can have your
horse self-loading in 5 minutes flat!
Ciao, Judy.
Not easy Judy as I
think you may not be a Professional Horse person and
most Hubbies are not either. We don't want to risk
hubby :) You fix the run out first using the
Jefrfreys Method and your second handler out the
back with a long whip and standing dead centre of
the Horse. NOT OFF one degree. Their job is to bring
the Horse to a screaming Halt just off the ramp,
with the whip and using it as vigorously in a
rhythmic tapping as desired or needed. Let the Horse
rest 10 seconds and reload. Repeat, repeat and
reload many times. Then by degrees, load one quarter
and reverse horse off with hubby standing back, load
one third and reverse horse off. In out, in out,
increasing the degree but never full loading during
this training. Get rid of the centre division. That
is a huge impediment. Then, go have lessons on the 7
Games with the Horse and self load from the outside
and unload from the outside, on your own, stopping
and run back with your Parelli Rope and shifting the
re entry phase to the Parelli system for in out.
Your horse was either left tied up when the bum bar
was opened or hit the head on the roof because a
handler hung on to the lead rope on exit. There are
thousands of those Horses Judy. Regards
******************
Hi John,
I have been reading your articles on the webpage and
find most of them very informative and educational.
You have dealt with many horses over the years and
have a lot of experience, always the best teacher.
However I must take exception to a few comments on
show horses and "off the track" thoroughbreds. I
feel you generalise too much on both these subjects.
Firstly on show horses. Sure, there are show
riders/owners who are ignorant, use drugs and have
little correct training etc. However it is a mistake
to lump everyone into this category. No matter what
form of equestrian pursuit there are riders with the
same shortcomings. There are, in fact, a number of
very good, educated show people around who have had
correct "dressage" training and have horses who go
softly forward in a light, pleasure to watch (and
presumably to ride) way. These horses have had a lot
of time and training put into them by qualified
trainers and do not deserve to be lumped into the
"drugged, lunged all night" variety. I am a regular
show rider, competing at royals etc, have judged at
the National Show horse championships and have a
lifetime of horse experience starting from being the
grandaughter of a racing trainer and sitting in
horse yards from 2 yrs old! I love t/bred horses,
currently am retraining a beautiful off the track
bay mare but I do agree with you that they are not
everyone's cup of tea. In my experience (have re
trained and shown about a dozen racehorses) they
need infinite time, patience and a quiet, positive
outlook. Certain bloodlines (particularly some
staying bred lines) are easier than others.
Personally, a lot of my regular instruction has come
form dressage trained people, mostly Roger
Fitzhardinge, Mary Hovers and earlier Tom Roberts.
Clive Reed has also been helpful in the discipline
way of riding such as staying on the exact line you
are riding, not getting "too stuck" with one thing
and riding forward when things are going wrong!! I
guess that comes from his showjumping experience. I
have been quite successful (although I still have so
much to learn!!) and have never shown horses with
drugs nor hormoned them to get a top line quickly
etc. So please do not group all show horse people in
the one barrel. Now to "off the track" t/breds. I
agree they are almost never suitable for
inexperienced people because they have no idea
whatsover of the time involved in their retraining,
let alone anything else. However for experienced
riders there are some lovely racehorses who deserve
the chance to have a new start in life. Despite what
they have been through they are prepared to give
people another chance and if the people will put the
time and understanding into them they can make
enjoyable horses. If people weren't prepared to make
the effort most of these horses would be put down or
worse, left to starve in a paddock somewhere.
Naturally they don't all turn out well but neither
do warmbloods or any other sort of horse.
Thank you for taking the time to read my comments
and congratulations on what is generally a very well
thought out and educational website.
Cheers, Vicki
Not a problem Vicki
and I will go back and re-vist all of those pages
when I get less busy. There are thousands of pages
on this website and a lot of it was written in speed
when I started back in 2003 so I accept your points,
even without going and looking :) You must know
though, that I built this site for the Novice Horse
persons and everything is written and couched for
them. I have always dealt in the problem horse world
and with people with disaster. That is why I shoot
from the Hip and aim to shock such people. Like the
Lady up top tonight. Gawd :( I have saved thousands
of people over the years. Now, on the OTTB's, again
I take your point but do you realize that over 60%
are unsound when they leave the track? The odds are
not good. Then, even the good riders, like my wife,
can waste years with their shannigans. Of course I
never mean to lump any all of any sector into any
thoughts and if it comes across that way, I will
fix. Which sector of the Sport uses Drugs the Most?
The Hackies Vicki. Perhaps they should
reflect....any they don't even get money :)
Regards....you had better not read this one :)
*****************
Hey you! Well John, I went into the
Hack comp in our local show on Saturday, basically "
I HATED it!" It was extremely boring what with all
the waiting around. I knew there would be snobbish
people there but OMG, I didn't expect it to be that
bad. I had a verbal fight with a Witch from Hell
while in a canter around the judge in Ladies Hack.
lol, No-one would talk, I started to chat while
waiting for our turn class to be judged and people
just wouldn't answer you back, so I just started to
talk to Red...who decided it was very boring to and
he showed it by falling asleep....allot. I couldn't
stop laughing at one stage (and I have a loud laugh)
Red would let out a whopper-of-a-fart every now and
then in his sleep....I couldn't help it. The
stewards thought it was funny...they were nice.
Don't get me wrong I wasn't going out of my way to
annoy people as I know most of these people 'Live"
for these shows, I watched my 'Ps & Q's and spoke
very quietly and with common sense, no yelling
etc... but, it is polite to crack a smile when
someone gives you eye contact and smiles at you with
acknowledgement. Anyway I learnt allot about Red, he
was amazing, he Never tried anything naughty, even
when Witch from hells horse tried to bite/kick him
because She wanted to be closer to the Judge. Red
was an Absolute Gentlemen the whole time. Once it
finished I went and watched my friend do her stuff
at Barrel racing and I couldn't believe how
different the atmosphere was. As every contestant
came out 99% of the other competitors said "well
done" and chatted with them no matter how bad/good
they did.
Vet was out yesterday to look at Baz, she is not
happy with his progress on part of the wound. Where
the wound is through the bulb, the blood supply is
not getting there and it is starting to die, it has
become 'spongy and isn't filling in half as much as
the other half is. We are giving it until next
Monday. He is on another script of antibiotics as
there is a small infection inside the wound.
cheers for now
chelle
ps Im not sending pictures I look like an idiot!!!!!
Awe, why not :) They
take it very serious Chelle. There is a felt ribbon
to be won :) Just keep that Horse awake in future
and stop his flatulence hahaha.
************
Thank-you John,
Firstly, I am so sorry for not being clearer. I
tried to cut the wording and not write a novel.
Thanks for trying to read my mind though
This horse had several accidents regarding floats
before I found him and is now (understandably)
convinced that floats and things with
sides bite! I can put him on a float however you
just see him shake when he feels those walls. He is
convinced that the wash bay is just as evil and will
pull back when it all gets too much.
He doesn’t pull back in the open, even with all the
chaos I can muster.
I realize you are very busy and don’t expect you to
reply or that I have even made anymore sense.
I am going to have a look in the archives to see if
anything else helps, if not I will get a pro in.
Thank-you again
Kylie.
That's alright Kylie.
The Horse is psychologically damages of course and
they are the things that take most time to fix.
Trust is hard to attain. They have long memories. It
is important with the Float to have it light and
airy and with good viewing. If you don't travel with
another horse, get rid of the centre division and
let him find his own place. With the wash bay, it is
a matter of configuring the design of it to
accommodate the worries of the Horse if you like so
with his back to the wall and tied looking out to
the open across the other side of the tie up rail.
Improving the lightness of the Horse on the lead
rope would also help and especially ridding the
propensity to pull back at all. Long term jobs with
a lot of empathy. Cheers
*****
Hi HP
I hope you can give me some advice here.
I have a rising 5 year old stock horse gelding. When
I got him last year he was pretty cheeky and very
green. He had been brought on as a dressage horse
only to discover that it wasn't really going to work
for him (rounding up the cows in the paddock he
was).I now have him out of the arena experiencing
what life is all about and he is getting braver by
the ride. Anyway, he was previously taught to travel
long and low whenever you asked for rein contact as
he was in early days of training. I am starting to
bring him on for Campdrafting and now that I have
him going forward on a loose rein and have finally
got him into a canter, I find that if I ask for a
contact he straight away gets heavy on the forehand
and leans on the bit and is not the light little
stock horse he is when he carries himself on a loose
rein. When schooling him are there any exercises I
can use on him to try and change his mind set? I
understand that he is now confused with what I am
asking him to do.
I have your mouthing DVD plus others and I feel he
has pretty good laterals now, about a 7, and about a
5 in the front breaks (working on that), but because
he is young he can switch off at times and have nil
although very good at listening to the seat when
asked to stop. Do I go back to the mouthing DVD or
expectantly await the remouthing one? His leg yields
are coming on but I find that if I don't have the
dressage whip with me or on the right side the young
horse "ignore it and it will go away" kicks back in.
When should I think of introducing spurs to back up
the leg on a young horse. He is a very smart little
cooking and I am looking forward to exciting times
ahead with him and don't want to get outsmarted
hence asking for your help.
Kind regards
Marg
I take it you have my
leg yielding dvd and that says right up front that
spurs are completely necessary and that whips are
not for the job. If you have it, go have another
look. The young Horse often thinks the whip is just
punishing them and they just don't get it. Heaps of
transitions. Walk to canter especially. Transitions
within the paces, heaps of them. Also, do not allow
the Horse to bore down. Stop it immediately and set
your hands to not allow him to go there and to find
a higher frame, with the appropriate relief to
softness when there of course. Leg on during all
such events and softening when right. Smaller
figures. Tighter circles brings them up off the
forehand but the main thing is to ride English
during your stopping his boring down and relaxing to
your camp draft reins when there. Repeat 500 million
times and you have him :) Regards
26th
May, 2008
Day off
and had lunch with my lovely wife. It's funny, we
live and work on the same property but run so hard
that we don't get to talk that much during the day
and at night I am pre-occupied.
Worked
with my wife tonight on her Horse as a day off is
the only real quality time she can ride without
pressure or time and other peoples problems and I
can't help her due to my schedule. That of course is
not good for Training and always serves to diminish
the quality of results.
I had
my current Breaker with me, helping and holding
himself with his own lead rope as he is a Baby Boy
who needs things in his mouth :) He had Mrs. HP's
jacket that he stole off me when I wasn't looking,
he decided he had between lunge himself in circles
on the end of the lead rope whilst I was
concentrating on her moves, then had hold of my hair
(no hat today) but the lead rope was his best dummy
:) I can't believe the change in this Horse as he
was in compete turmoil when he arrived. He is from
very big broad acres so I guess the change of coming
to the 'big smoke' must have boggled his brain but
he has now made himself right at home.
TIP OF THE DAY
I get a
lot of Horse Law cases as you know and I have
another tonight. Received a DVD showing the point of
sale of a $10,000 Horse that was unsound in three
out of the four legs and is a dogger. The Seller
says "Get stuffed" of course. However, the point I
want to make is this:
Take absolute care in the video work. Don't use
people who shake. Don't use people who can't
find the zoom button, don't use people who can't
think observation, Veterinary, the Law.
Don't use people who zoom out when they should
be zooming in Grrrrrrrrr.
Remember, your point of sale video will probably be
your greatest legal assett but if you have a dork on
the end of the camera, you have nothing.!
***************
SCREEN NAMES
Thanks
to the dozen or so people who emailed me regarding
the alleged identity of my Friend and Fan :)You were
all unanimous but of course, that doesn't make it
right. I have therefore written to the Gentleman and
asked him. I've been thinking about his comments.
Time off does that. I am in the process of
attempting to honor my word about another Perth
Clinic because the first one was cancelled after the
first day last year, the first day of EI outbreak.
The cost is thousands of $$$$$ as it is so far away,
expensive arena, flights, accom, cars, round pen,
sound, freight of gear and the list goes on.
The last thing one Trainer needs is another Pro
Trainer making statements that the only reason
people would go is because of my written word on a
website. That is not good for business even though
most of the people wouldn't take any notice of the
comment but some will. They always do. It is one
thing for GKHW to slang us as Sport, not a problem
but it takes on a more serious notion when a known
Trainer has a crack at you. 12 months ago, I noted
that 'Rogilla" had a crack at me on the Eques Forum
as well. We shall see. I hope people are wrong and
am confident that they are.
**************
NO BIT
I have
often commented that whilst I find the 'No Bit' an
alright tool for those on trustworthy Horses, it
would lack lateral controls plus, if a Horse decided
to do the runner, the game would be over. Yesterday,
Mrs. HP was riding with me, using one that came with
the Horse that had a tongue injury. We knew this
Horse well and all about it's inherent Mouth, both
the obvious mouth and the sub terrain one. I got her
to test the piece of equipment and yes, it did lack
lateral control of the Horse and simply followed
it's only option, that of clamping the head,
designed for forward braking. So don't trust one for
lateral controls and especially for training as the
conflicting signals would be unfair.
****************
LETTERS OF THE DAY
ADVERTISED HORSES
Hi
John,
I’d like to draw your attention to something that I
am concerned about.
A good friend sold a horse which I had taken on and
had ridden numerous times. This pony was prone to
bucking to get out of situations he didn’t like. He
was very green and I suspect he was broken in on an
arena and never had to face the challenge of getting
out and about. I had a chiropractor to him and
changed his saddle, which lessened the bucking,
except when he came to a water crossing for example
where he would try to put it over me and convince me
that he didn’t need to go through water!! With some
‘persuasion’ I eventually had him going nice and
softly out on trail rides. He is also a windsucker
but wore a miracle collar which seemed to prevent
him from really taking hold of timber etc. He was
then put up for sale – this was the ad we used;
Jeremy is a beautiful mover, has a friendly and
sensitive nature, is good to shoe, float, catch,
worm and responds well to pressure. Jeremy has an
active mind and loves to work and would suit a
confident rider. He has been lightly shown in Led
classes as a 2 year old, placing second at the
Sydney Royal. Jeremy has also entered the Arabian
Liberty Event in Burnie where he performed
confidently and showed everyone his paces!
Jeremy has done a small amount of trail riding but
has not done a lot of work. He is slowly becoming
more confident out and about but needs an assertive,
relaxed partner to help him progress. He is a mild
wind-sucker but this is controlled by a collar.
Jeremy is for sale due to owner having a young
family and not enough time. Offers around $1000
would be considered.
He was then purchased by a lady on the east coast of
Tasmania for $700 who had him for SIX weeks in
total. In order to meet the deadline for Horse Deals
for the May edition, she had to place the ad for
Jeremy after owning him for just one week. I would
not have thought that was sufficient time to
re-school him but I am no expert. This was the
advertisement that was placed:
Moving on from Pony? Getting Back into Riding?
Height - 14 hh Age - 7 yo Price - $4,800 -
Performance Ponies
The sky is the limit with this stunning 14hh rising
8yo Welsh x Arab gelding. He is a real little
character to have around. He is truly a genuine
little guy who is easy to ride, handle, float etc.
Has been shown as a youngster and now has just won
his first outing under saddle (pulled out of the
paddock after a long spell). He has such a comfy
trot with a lovely soft snaffle mouth and natural
head carriage. If you want to cruise on the trail he
is it. If you want a Pony Club/ Dressage/Show mount
for your child he is it. If you wanted to gain your
confidence after being out of the saddle he is it. I
could go on for days about this little guy so give
me call but only if you are a wonderful home.
Financial reasons force this sale ONLY. Transport
can be arranged. Video available. $4,800 neg. Ph
0400 2----, Launceston, Tas.
Tel: 0400 26------ TAS Ref: 1448-May08
Issue: May08
Page: 111
Call me a cynic, I am not sure that he could reach
such amazing standards after six weeks…. So I got a
friend to phone and ask about this horse. She was
told he had been shown extensively in NSW and had
done heaps of pony club (completely untrue). My
friend also asked the seller his bloodlines and the
phone then was ‘accidentally’ cut off and further
attempts to contact her have failed. I have since
found out that others who have phoned up have
received the same treatment ie. Receive a small
amount of information and then the phone is ‘cut’
off.
It may be completely legitimate, but based on the
duplicity she has shown in regards to the pony I
know well I have my doubts. This is not any sort of
personal vendetta, I don’t know this woman in any
way shape or form. What concerns me most is that she
is passing on horses with known vices ie bucking,
wind-sucking – which would be fine for a confident
rider, but she is advertising them as suitable for
beginners or children and I believe that is
irresponsible and dishonest.
Then I find out that there are a substantial amount
of horses this woman has for sale and I am wondering
if a similar situation is occurring with other
horses. I am passing this on in the hope that
someone may be able to substantiate that she is
indeed working and selling these horses and that
someone may have further information regarding them.
Nearly all of these horses are being sold due to
‘financial reasons’. These are the horses currently
advertised
Many
further Horses advertised and photographed.
Let's
leave it up to other's to make up their minds but I
do fully accept your statements Gillian. The people
are definitely Dealers, no doubt about that and
given your story, diligent investigations should
take place prior to purchase. Regards
**************
I
have a 6 year old Gelding that is very gentile, and
rides in the ring with kids. Not aggressive around
other horses. He does not do well on the trail
alone. Constant refusals to go, and is very nervous,
spooky. Almost perfect when following other horses,
and will lead although somewhat apprehensive in the
lead position. I have owned him 1 1/2 months, he
lunges in the ring. I want to ride him alone on the
trails, but a nervous-spooky horse is not relaxing
to me. Will try what ever I can to solve this
problem. Thanks.
He just
didn't get the foundations put on him. Lot's of
Horses like that. If they aren't ridden out alone,
they are all like that. Yesterday, on my current
Breaker, you should have seen the movement. I spent
more time in mid air than the Zeppelin :) That would
take a couple of weeks by a good bold Rider who
knows what they are doing. With a Breaker, any of
mine, 3 rides and it is all over Rover. If you can't
do it you will need a Pro but they can all be
improved markedly. Regards
*****************
Hi
HP just read your comment on getting collection with
the progress string and my question is would you use
the same principle with a bitless bridle? ie: leg on
with a feel on both reins till head drops? Horse is
ridden dressage style for athletic training only
otherwise its trail riding. Many thanks Suzanne
To be
honest Suzanne, I wouldn't know because I have never
ridden in one and I won't. I don't agree with the
principal in which they work which is anti training
and relief. As I have often said, not a problem
using them, lot's of times they would be better used
than bits with bad handed or un trained hands but
when it comes to the Business end of the deal,
training, it is designed incorrectly to allow the
proper signals of reward and justice to the Horse.
Now imagining how it works, your idea would be
correct but remember leg on to balance the hand. In
essence, you are looking to train western and
therefore, to be far fairer on a Horse, the Bosal is
the ultimate. Go read: "The Hackamore Reins man" by
Ed Connell if you want your mind boggled :) I
studied that in another life and trained a Horse
completely to it. That is the reason why I now have
hands like a brain surgeon. where they were average
before that. :)
**************
Dear John
Just wanted to add that Percy didnt want any payment
for the float training yesterday. I had to force him
to take money. I love that man. He was quite
critical of pony club saying that all it good for is
the social outing..hehe
he said alot of things and all made sence. I love
the older generation they are so wise..
Helen
Sounds good Helen. You are
very lucky and also very respectful. Now that is
becoming a rarity :) Regards
***************
25th May, 2008
Mrs. HP
went to Dressage yesterday and won the Prix St.
George and upgraded to Intermediate 1 and won that
too so she came home pretty pleased with her Horse.
I couldn't go as I was trying to complete these dam
stables. Pressure from people waiting to move in.
Almost got it but it wasn't helped by my old Bobcat
breaking down during the job. Anyhow, I have fixed
that now as I have my new Toy but my wife is wanting
to learn how to drive it :)
My big Black Horse turned the
corner today and went from never letting my guard
down to being able to relax on hi finally. We
ventured around the District together on our own
today and 2/3rds of the way round he suddenly gave
himself to me. Phew! He is off to the Forest next
week along with his Mate who is being broken in by
my SA apprentice.....a girlDressage
Rider turns 'Breaker' :) Sounds good.
***************
You will remember last week,
the nasty Forum Girl falsely alleging that Mrs. HP
rose to fame and glory on the back of someone else's
Horse :) It brought back many memories of that Horse
and got us to thinking about how committed one must
be to win with such a Horse. It is a bloody hard
slog and terribly dangerous, not to mention the
emotional affect that it takes on the eventual Show
Rider who often has to go through utter humiliation
in front of the Public before success and break
through. The thing with these Horses is that the
Horseman can do a lot but the Show Rider must do the
rest and if they can't, forget it. The now owner of
Gazette read that and here is her letter.
Got photos of Gazz on camera now need to get on
computer. Not easy.
I noticed on your Day in the Life, the 'lady'
Bella's implication that Linda was effectively
'taken' to Advanced level by a horse is insulting
given that the horse that she did move up the ranks
with, Gazzette, does not 'take' anyone anywhere, you
certainly can not achieve anything with him as a
passanger!
Glad to see he is still fat
and Happy and Hunting. Look forward to the pics....but
the reason I raise this now is that you don't meet
many of these total fistful of Horses in the Show
World as most go out the back door long before ego's
are dented but there is another one in the State now
that is attempting to take his mantle. The young
Lady who purchased this Chestnut Warmblood
apparently blitzed the Dressage Field this weekend
at a two day event (yea I know, one day) only to
have a fistful of trouble in front of all assembled with the
rearing and bucking at the entrance to the Show
Jumping phase. We feel for her and know just how it
affects one. I remember seeing the Horse for the
first time 12 months ago and within 10 seconds knew
what was to come in the future.
************
PONY SAVAGED BY TWO PIT BULLS
My
sympathies to the little Horse that couldn't be
saved by the Vets. This is why I own a Shot Gun and
are not afraid to use it. Grrrrrrr.
*********************
THE GAMES THEY PLAY
Just
going on with the love me/hate me thread on
Cyberhorse, I must admit I am interested in the true
identity of the old HQ and is the old HQ really the
old Rogilla. Are both of them a Professional, Career
Trainer from Victoria and why would such a person
want to have a crack at me as I know none. Here is
the interesting little exchange :)
HQ Fri May-23-08 09:41 AM
Member since Oct 08th 2003
207 posts
#37. "RE: John O'Leary"
In response to Reply # 36
Without getting into the discussion about whether
the O'Leary's are good or bad at what they do I have
to respond to Sparrow's post.
The fact there are pages and pages of free advice on
the web site does make HP altruistic and generous.
The web site is advertising and John is smart enough
to know that the best way to advertise is to get
people to keep coming back to your web site.
How
else could he fill a clinic in Perth so easily when
most people there have never seen him work outside
of his web site!
He does this with his pages of advice, opinions,
response to letters and occasional video clips. His
generosity is a business decision. There is nothing
wrong with this, but we should see it for what it is
and not paint him to be the patron saint of
horsemanship. Most other trainers are just as free
with their information, but are not smart enough to
make themselves so accessible as to have such a
large web site.
***************
LisaL
so my questions are?
is HP the same person as HQ and are they the same
person as rogilla? or are they different people?
**************
Midnight
ROFL @ Lisa!!!
I did not want to ever comment on this thread.
Perhaps what HQ had to say about HP needed to be
said, but not by HQ. Unprofessional.
Have never seen HP knock another trainer/breaker
personally in this fashion.
And Mrs. HP is a lovely rider ... well done on a
beautiful mare.
*****************
HQ
I am confused.
Where did I ever say anything
negative about HP? Did HP claim his web site was a
resource from the generosity of his heart and an act
of altruism? Not to my knowledge. Other people were
claiming this and I just stated the obvious. My
criticism is not of HP, but of those that make
claims about him.
*******************
So now
I am intrigued. The old HQ must live with me and
know all about my entire life as he is an expert in
my affairs. I note that he is suddenly running for
cover in fear of being "outed' and he is back
pedaling at a million mile per hour.
So to
answer your question HQ, we conduced a Clinic in
Perth last October I think it was and this up coming
Clinic was booked out in two days by 80% of the same
people who went to the last one, but you would have
known that, wouldn't you. Have some guts Man. Stop
hiding behind 'screen names' and above all, going to
water now reflects poorly on your Character. You are
nailed and you were wrong. So HP 2, Forumites 0
...oh
and another thing. You have no idea how I would like
to be sitting on the lounge watching a Movie with my
wife :( I started this website to try to undo some
of the wrongs of the PC system. Money was NEVER in
my mind.
So to
my many spies out there in never never Land, I would
really, really like to know who the old HQ is. Is he
Rogilla on another Forum and is he the Trainer in
Victoria that I have sent 20 clients to in the last
two years? Off the record of course :)
Midnight, thanks for your kind comments about my
wife. I am a keen observer of Dressage Judges, their
knowledge, ability and impartiality above all. I was
most impressed with your Judging performance and
impartiality at Naracoorte and thank you. Regards
***************
IN
MEMORY OF OUR LIGHT HORSE CAVALRY
Hi John,
thought you might like this clip of WWI @ Beersheba
Thanks for all the great advice
cheers
tim
Thanks Tim. Lest we forget ey?
LETTERS OF THE DAY
John,
Let me get this straight… is this “Bella” saying
that Linda is any less of a rider because she
purchased an already accomplished horse as her first
high level dressage horse? I know you say this isn’t
true, but even if this was the case, what Linda can
accomplish now with the greenest of horses is
nothing short of amazing and I suspect this person
is just terribly jealous of Linda’s ability. Who
cares how she got to that point? Truth is no matter
how she got there, be on the most highly educated of
horses of on feral ponies, most people admire her
current ability and take pride in watching her as a
South Australian representing us at such a high
level.
I am competing at Mt Crawford on Sat and will be
looking out to watch Linda’s tests in my breaks as I
enjoy them so much!
Some people… grrr! Wish you could slap people
through forums.
Andrea
PS when is Linda coming down to do a clinic at
Southern Vales so I can have a lesson with her down
this way???
Thanks
Andrea. Yes, he was a lucky Boy that one. The $300
Dogger who now grazes on a magnificent property with
Sea views no less :) Regards
****************
Hi there John
See some people are giving you a bit of a slagging
off again. Tut tut. Anyhow it has prompted me to
send you yet another thank you email!
Was having trouble clipping a new pony, have never
had issues before. Knew you would have good advice
so came in, read your website and managed to get the
job done! Once more practical, sensible advice that
worked!!
So thanks again John!!
Cheers
Jules P
The
spice of life Jules. While they are doing that they
are leaving some other poor bugga along :) Thanks
and glad to have helped.
***************
Thank you! You are wonderful! Will give him a few
weeks and see how we go.
Please know that there are so many people out there
who appreciate and value all the time and effort you
put in to helping us less knowledgeable horse owners
out.
Sarah
Thanks
Sarah. Most kind.
***************
Dear John
I just wanted to tell you about an experience I had
today with a horse that didnt float. I had sold this
horse about 5 weeks ago and I told the new owners he
hasnt floated before. So they showed up with a float
and they were quiet inexperienced with horses. Well
we tried to float him and he walked straight on. Not
knowing this horses history I thought the previous
owners had lied to me about his floating experience.
so we closed the door and thought we were done. He
promptly spun around in the float and would have
jumped if he were a bit more scared. So I took him
off and we tried to reload but no go.
To cut a long story short they didnt buy him in the
end. I resold him last week and told the new owners
about the last experience and thought they should
bring a truck. Well they showed up yesterday with a
float..yay.. He was a bit cocky and thought he would
have that magic voice that would make him load no
problem. after about two minutes I noticed he had no
idea. I had a go but after about an hour I knew I
wouldnt get him on with him wanting to go on. I also
had to go get some sleep as I was on night shift. I
then organised for our local horseman guru to come
have a go. i wanted the new owner to see how it was
done as well and learn myself. I got the new owner
to travel the two hours from Mackay to Moranbah to
be there at 7am..heheh I just got off night shift
but was so excited to learn something new I couldnt
have slept if I wanted to. Percy (the local
horseman) is an older gentleman and when I saw him I
thought "15 mins to load? no way" Well Percy took
1.5hours to load him but he made the horse want to
load and in the end he loaded himself and was calm
about it. I was just so happy and so was the new
owner. I saw all the things I was doing wrong and i
learnt that the horse didnt show me respect and I
was not tough enough with him. I thought I had made
progess with him. I am a better horseperson today
than I was yesterday.
BTW Percy never entered the float until the end and
it was all done with the front of the horse and with
respect from the horse. He used the swinging rope
method. I am just so happy today. I told Percy he
will have a shadow following him whenever he is
around a horse from now on. hahah I wish...
Helen
Dressage
Rider turns 'Breaker' :) Sounds good.
...oh
and another thing. You have no idea how I would like
to be sitting on the lounge watching a Movie with my
wife :( I started this website to try to undo some
of the wrongs of the PC system. Money was NEVER in
my mind.