This page is
devoted to the education of Horse People everywhere, in the hope that
one small thing learnt will improve the life of their horse.
If I 'get up your nose', ignore
it. I say things with a 'glint in the eye' and mean the best for you and
your horses.
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Training.
17th July, 2008
TIP OF THE DAY
This
morning, when Mrs. HP rode 'Paris', and was
attempting to get the first trot steps, she was
saying "Up, up" I shared with her that the Horse was
trained to the words 'Trot on' or 'Cluck". So if you
are going to ride a Horse for a Trainer, ask what
part of the English language the Horse was taught,
before you ride and use the same words. Anyhow, she
was a very good girl and seems to be enjoying the
challenge greatly. She will be on the arena
tomorrow.
*********
Have
the last Duccio Foal in here for handling prior to
selling. She is two and half. A real cool Cat this
one. Jumping Bloodlines and related to "Mr. Buck"
who must be getting close to his first Event.
Duccio's first foal is leading the New Zealand
Prelim High Point.
********
Bo Derek is
appointed to horse racing board
The panel licenses trainers, jockeys, horse owners
and others in the industry.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed actress Bo
Derek to the California Horse Racing Board on
Tuesday.
Derek, 51, best known for a cornrow hairstyle and
beach run in the 1979 movie "10," is a Republican,
an animal rights activist and author of "Riding
Lessons: Everything That Matters in Life I Learned
From Horses." She has also served as spokeswoman for
the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act and owns
a pet care products company called Bless the Beasts,
according to Schwarzenegger's announcement.
****************
A 37-year-old woman was
injured Monday after a horse she had been riding
bucked andRebecca Lynn Chiado, Richmond, fell head
first onto a road and ditch area. The injuries were
severe enough that she was flown to St. Cloud
Hospital in a helicopter, Stearns County Sheriff
John Sanner said.
She was listed in critical condition this morning.
The accident happened at 6:55 p.m. at 228th Avenue
in Eden Lake Township. The incident is under
investigation.
***********
THIRD HORSE DIES OF
HENDRA VIRUS
A horse in north
Queensland has died from Hendra virus, the third
from the rare condition in Queensland in the past
week.
The horse died at Cannonvale on the weekend, and
tests have revealed it was carrying the rare
disease.
But Biosecurity Queensland said the death was not
linked to an outbreak of Hendra virus at a Brisbane
bayside veterinary clinic earlier this month.
One thoroughbred racehorse died from the virus and a
second horse had to be put down at the Redlands
Veterinary Clinic, in the worst outbreak of Hendra
since it killed trainer Vic Rail and 14 horses in
1994.
Preliminary tests have cleared 37 other horses at
the facility of Hendra virus.
Ron Glanville, Biosecurity Queensland's Chief
Veterinary Officer, said the latest death was not a
cause for concern.
"There are more than half a million horses in
Queensland and although Hendra cases are still rare,
some cases are expected periodically," Dr Glanville
said.
"Fortunately, Hendra virus does not spread like
equine influenza, and is very difficult to catch.
"The horse at Cannonvale has no connection to the
vet practice in Brisbane, and all scientific
evidence at the moment points to the timing being a
coincidence."
The coverage of the Brisbane outbreak prompted the
Cannonvale vet, north of Mackay, to alert
Biosecurity Queensland of the death, Dr Glanville
said.
The death is the fourth occasion since 1994 where
there have been unrelated Hendra virus deaths in
Queensland, he said.
"Every new case and new piece of information helps
to increase our scientific understanding of this
rare disease," Dr Glanville said.
The property at Cannonvale has been placed under
quarantine while Biosecurity Queensland officers
inspect the site.
*********
LETTER OF THE DAY
***************
LETTERS OF THE DAY
Hi, John,thanks for
advice, will look forward to receiving them.
I stumbled upon your site recently and I'm very
impressed with your mouthing system
I came late into riding and the more I was going to
shows, I was disliking a lot of what I was seeing
with so much iron work in their mouths and heads
litrally tied down to keep an outline,I just knew
there had to be a better way of obtaining that
softness and happy expression.
I'm now a big fan of your podcasts and look forward
to them.
My horse dan (TB) had a couple of minor issues with
standing on mountup and sometimes the jig jogging on
the way home but working through your podcasts and
advice,he took to the technique really well,to the
point that I only need to put a slight contact with
one rein and he will slow up within a couple of
steps, I have always had a light contact with him
but it's been on two reins, be it alternately so his
lateral mouth is good and when were grooming in the
yard I will ask for his head and give him a treat
for reward,I do this evenly both sides.
When out on a hack, yes your podcasts make me smile
when you refer to the English and (loopy reins)we
almost go every where on them apart from when we
need a small contact if I was to cross a road etc.
When were out sometimes he anticipates were going
into trot,yes, I agree with you they read your mind
but if I don't want it I ask for a steady with a
contact on just one rein but if he runs on I then
check him with the one rein stop.
Keep up the great work you do for the horse
industry.
Im so pleased that I have found a system that is
kinder to the horse.
Kind regards steve. UK
Thanks
Steve. Nice to know I help a little. Regards
****************
Hi,
Read your site.. excellent!! I'm inspired.
I have a 4 year old QHx gelding, whom I bred, who is
the sunniest nature, very good. His groundwork and
manners are good, but ridden he goes numb! Won't
move unless bashed, and then stops as soon as
bashing stops, don't worry, bashing pretty mild.
Doesn't seem to want to move. Why is this? He is
quite economical in his efforts with groundwork, but
not numb like he is when he's sat on. I don't want
to be aggressive with him, it would ruin his
excellent character.
(That's not me on him, it's my friend).
Advice needed, I'm stuck. Not worked him for weeks,
lost all direction.
Jo. UK
So you
are beating him to death with a wet tissue Jo? :)
I have to admit
this is a very difficult question that has me
struggling Jo. Once they are dulled or not started
properly, they are hard work. You have the other
Problem, the Breed. They are laid back and want only
to do the minimum. I really do have to write an
article on this but meanwhile, try revving him up
via his diet (race horse feed), hooning and racing
with your Friends on Horseback to excite him or go
to a couple of Hunts which shouldn't be too
difficult where you live. That generally does the
trick. Introduce cavalletti work to your flatwork
and the occasional jump. Make life interesting. Set
up the old flag and barrel race or similar. That
normally helps. What him though and keep a balance.
The rest of it is far more technical and too much to
write here. One day :) Regards
**********
Hello to you in
Australia :-)
I have been watching youre videos at youtube for a
long time and I love the way you treat the horses.
I get right to the problem, I'm sure you have dusins
of other mails to read today. As I am from Norway I
do not have all the correct English words for
everything, but I will do my very best.
I have a x-racehorse, a trotter-mare. She is a
beautiful horse, extremly freindly and most of the
time she is like a gigantic stable-cat instead of a
horse.
She is supposed to become a dressage horse at
hobby-level over time, only thing is, she does not
know yet. She has had a rather tough life at the
racetrack, she was angry, scared and very dangerous
to drive at the track. She had a good, fast trot,
but she also wanted to kill anyone who sat in the
wagon or came near her at the track. Eventually her
owner desided it was time to take her off the track
before she killed herself or somebody else.
Withou a wagon behind her, she is the sweetest horse
ever and not a problem at all to ride! Except... The
trot and the galop. She struggles with the trot, in
a slow trot she starts pacing (I think its kalled
that, both feet on the same side moves at the same
time) in a fast trot she is better, but TOO FAST!!
I galopp she can do a fearly good canter on the left
rein, but on the right rein se trots with her
backfeet and canters with her front feet.
I use the help-reins that you recommended on your
website, here in Norway we call it a "Thiedeman-rein"
and thtat reallly helped her get her head out of the
clouds without struggling, the reins also did a lot
about the problems with the trot and canter, but
still, we desperatley need help! As I live in Norway
it is a bit difficult to get on a course at your
farm :-) Do you have any videos at your site that
you recommend me to study?
Marit Aslaksen and Lady Cosette
Norway
Yes I
can Marit. The Horse must be 'leg yielding well" and
Horse must be balanced and be trained 'correct
dressage' My wife's double DVD on re-training the
standardbred would be of immense help to you, her
"Balance at Canter" and maybe, depending on your
knowledge, my leg yielding dvd. What does that tell
you about the experience she had in the Racing
Industry? Such a change in personality? Those Horses
start to pace when they become unbalanced and they
do that when they are not 'correct' in Dressage
terms. "Straight" "Supple" "Bent and
flexed" in the way of travel etc. When they do, you
must immediately bring them back, re-establish
balance and rhythm and go again. Going faster to get
it will not help and in fact, unbalanced equals
running. That used to be the common view of how to
train them but my wife, an FEI Dressage Rider, has
given the Breed the respect it deserved and spent
the time to experiment with them. She succeeds 100%
of the time, inside two weeks (providing the Horse
is sound) I have watched it enough to know that it
is the answer. Kind Regards
**********
Hi, I have a problem
that I hope you can help with.
I have a 15yr old mare and we are fine in the arena,
she is great and has good brakes and very
responsive. However when we get out into the open
that changes.
Her head goes up in the air and she sometimes jumps
sideways and takes off. She has jumped over shadows
on the ground and a patch of long grass.
She sometimes tosses her head about too. Her teeth
have been done recently and she is barefoot.
Thing is this doesn’t happen at all in the arena,
nor when road riding. Just when out in a big open
space. It feels like the throttle gets turned up
full.
This is my first horse so I am sure that the problem
is my riding but I am not sure what to do. I now
feel quite unsafe out in the paddock or bush but
don’t want to spend the rest of my life in the
arena.
I am riding her in a loose ring snaffle bit. I would
love to go bitless but if I don’t have any control
as we are now I don’t see how that is possible.
She is a lovely girl and has good manners on the
ground but this is not fun at all.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Robyn AUS
People
must wonder how come a Horseman keeps talking about
'correct training' to fix all sorts of problems but
I do mean it. This is another article I must
complete. When the Horse gets put between 'leg and
hand', in a box, that is when we have supreme
control under circumstances like this. That is where
the proper training and the foundation stones come
into play. The leg yielding to stop the horse from
running through your legs and the various other
things to stop the Horse running through your hands.
Then it is in a box. You need to lighten your Horse
up to stop it from throwing the head in the air for
starters. In your case, the Market Harborough could
be very handy. When their head is down where it
should be, they concentrate better and are not in
'flight mode' You should be preparing her
better at home on the lunge, with running reins, to
make her more submissive so that when you put leg on
and take rein, she drops the head rather than
flinging it in the air which only compounds the
problems you are having. So proper training equals a
better ride. Regards
*************
Hi John,
Hope all is well with you and the family, quick
question that I sure hope becomes a quick answer,
however, we all know there is not "quick" with
horse, LOL,,,,,I am thinking of buying a mare, nice,
older mare, trail rides, goes through anything, nice
ol gal, however, she HATES both cross ties put on
her, you can only hook one on one side of her face,
anyway at all I can get her to over come this?
Wendy from Michigan, USA
Hi
Wendy, they are generally not used in this Country,
except in the Racing Industry and I can tell you
that they are responsible for a lot of the vices
that those horses end up with. Weaving and even
fence walking is triggered by cross ties because
they start to do what the Elephant at the Circus
does. They follow the feel, left, right, left, right
and in no time, they are off on a mental trip that I
don't want to know about. Perhaps your Horse is a
very good Judge :) I would be listening to her and
after, perhaps me :) Regards
*********
Hi John,
Thanks for the advice on the stock saddles and i
agree with you and for that reason I have never put
one on her ever. I should have clarified, the saddle
I use is a bates caprilli dreessage with cair and I
have been through every gullet size as she has
grown. I use a very soft cotton blend saddle blanket
that is like a western one only much softer. I'll
see if I have a photo. You can obviously see from
the pic that she has a beautiful nature and that is
why I am worried. I don't want her to become unhappy
with being ridden. Am I right in believing that the
white hair on her back is a very bad sign?
White Hair is always a worry of course and normally
caused by wear and or friction that is beyond what
it should be. She tends to be a little sway in the
back and not real short coupled, although photos can
be deceiving but she sure looks like a Doll. She
would look good with one of these on her :)
************
Hi HP!
I have referred to your articles a number of times,
and this time was hoping to find something
addressing horse shyness. I have a horse who is a
very seasoned show horse, but had a incident at one
of his first shows where another horse ran into him.
Since then he has been horse shy.
I have owned the horse for a year, and it wasn't a
big issue with the previous owner as she had her own
property and was able to ride the horse on his own
in a big area. However, I agist and often have to
ride with 5 other riders in a 35m x 40m arena which
can be pretty hairy! Some days are ok, especially if
he is with one of the older horses and we can avoid
going directly head on. If the horses are going in
the same direction he is fine. If he is standing he
is just as bad as at the walk, trot or canter. He
will shy away, spin and sometimes rear and spin
depending on the situation. I have tried riding
aggressively forward or bending him away but this
has been unsuccessful. He is very looky on the
ground and reacts the same as undersaddle.
He is a very kind horse and this is his only fault.
He has been very, very successful so I think his
previous owner was able to leave the problem and
just work around it.
Do you have any suggestions? Could we use a positive
reinforcement system rewarding him for standing etc
rather than punishing the reaction?
Thank you!
Jamie
*************
16th July, 2008
SADDLERY PAGES
UPDATE
I have
fixed the substandard and dangerous Wintec and
Goodwoods Girths
and
Got
some Top Shelf Bridles for nice price. You can also
now choose your own Colour Combinations or styles. 3
week delivery.
oh, and my updated
Stockmans Bridle with Brass.
and
upgraded, now double
stitched split reins
**************
MOUNTING PARIS
Mrs. HP decided that
she had better ride Paris rather than I and this was
the proceedings as they unfolded. Note no rope on
her and she is telling me what to do. "For God's
sake just get on and ride" :)
and away she went like she had been doing it all her
life :)
David Farmilo thought it was quite entertaining as
well as he was here at the time :)
*************
DETERIORATION OF THE MOUTH
One of
our Clients had her Horse Bolt with her today,
whilst riding out alone. Came a right gutsa but
luckily no injuries. Saddle slipped at the crucial
moment. Horse escaped out of paddock and onto the
Highway but a nice Motorist caught him. So why did
the Mouth of the Horse deteriorate so far that in
the end, today, there was none?
Remember I commented on a Rider that had been having
lessons with a BHAS Coach and that she had gone 12
months in lessons like this?
Forgive me for
saying it yet again but that is the old PC syndrome
where the Coach keeps saying "Collect up the
reins!!"......"Keep the contact!!" but the Horse
never softens. Therefore it never gets the 'release"
This is no way any fault of the Rider but it is
perhaps the best example of what happens to the
Mouths of Horses that are ridden like that. They
progressively deteriorate. Every second of every
ride and in the end, No Mouth. It is a miracle that
the Lass wasn't severely injured or the Horse being
killed crossing the Main Road here in peak period
traffic. Hang off the Mouth of your Horses Folks and
you are tearing up $100 notes as you go.
**********
I went buying Hay
today and brought back two square bales weighing
1200kg. The Country here is looking good this year.
Thank the Lord. Wet as where I was on an 8,000 acres
cropping property. 7,000 acres under crop this year.
How bout that for a Farm you British people???
**************
Another client was
asked to ride a 17.2hh Warmblood Horse which shot
through as she mounted. She committed and completed
the mount up, only to suffer a bad fall and 6 months
off. She win's Mrs. HP to ride for her.
***********
Sympathies to the SA.
Event Rider (another) that is in serious condition
in the Spinal Unit after being bucked off. Becoming
a bit regular around here.
*********
Decision soon on Andrew Hoy horse
abuse case
A decision from the FEI Tribunal over the alleged
abuse involving Andrew Hoy has been delayed because
of the number of submissions received in the case.
The incident occurred at the CCI 3* Barroca d'Alva (POR),
5 to 9 March 2008. It was reported that Madeleine
Brugman had used spiked boots on her horse Sundance
6 during the warm-up of the show-jumping phase. Hoy
is her coach.
A hearing on May 22 was followed by a teleconference
on 27 May 2008 in which final closing arguments were
heard. As a matter of practice the FEI aims to issue
a decision within 30 days of the latest submissions,
but in this case, numerous submissions were made
after the hearing and the teleconference.
This fact, plus the amount of evidence involved, has
contributed to the time needed for the panel to
finalise its decision.
Both deny the allegations, with Brugman saying the
boots were planted in her bag Brugman said last
month that she believes Hoy was set up.
She says she has no idea how the boots got to be
there and that the bag had been unattended for
periods of time. The boots are considered cruel in
that they hurt the horse when its legs hit a fence,
thus encouraging the animal to lifts its legs
higher.
Hoy, a triple gold medallist, was approached by
officials after he picked up the bag.
In an interview published in Australia's Daily
Telegraph newspaper, Brugman said it was her belief
that "enemies" may have set Hoy up.
"To me it comes across that someone is after him for
some reason," she reportedly said.
She claimed officials had opportunities to approach
her with the bag. "When I'm with the bag, nobody
comes. When suddenly he comes to collect it, he's
got five of these pit bulls around him.".
*************
Staff member returns positive test for Hendra
The dangerous Hendra virus has shown its ability to
jump between species, with a staff member at a
Brisbane clinic at the centre of an outbreak
returning a positive test.
The staff member spent a night in hospital for
assessment but was discharged the next day. They are
not showing signs of the disease, which is carried
by fruit bats.
All 25 staff at the clinic have given blood to be
tested for the virus and this is the only positive
result returned.
It is understood that antibodies to the virus may
take up to a fortnight to appear in test results so
further testing is expected.
Two horses at the clinic have died from the disease
- one from the virus and the other was euthanised
because of the seriousness of its condition. The 37
remaining horses have so far tested clear for the
disease.
In other news, an unrelated fatal third case has
been identified in far north Queensland.
The worst outbreak was in 1994 when trainer Vic Rail
and 14 horses died. The virus was first identified
as a result of those cases.
There have been only four confirmed human
infections, all in Queensland, and two of these
died. All four cases had been in close contact with
very sick or dead horses.
Symptoms in humans include:
An influenza-like illness, which can progress to
pneumonia; or
Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), with
headache, high fever, and drowsiness, which can
progress to convulsions or coma.
Horses develop an acute respiratory syndrome quickly
leading to death in most cases.
Hendra does not appear to be very contagious, but
humans and horses are susceptible to the disease.
All human infections have occurred following direct
exposure to tissues and secretions from infected
horses at the late stage of their illness or after
death. There is no evidence of human-to-human
transmission.
The incubation period in humans has been estimated
at 5-14 days.
It is not clear how horses become infected, but this
may occur by them eating food contaminated by bat
urine or birthing byproducts.
No specific antiviral treatments are known to be
effective against Hendra, nor is there a vaccine.
*************
LETTER OF THE DAY
Hi HP will get straight to the point
I am riding friends green broken 4 year old Arab
mare that has a real issue with push bikes.She has
never been taught one rein stop and its not my gear
so no chin strap and a mouth of below five at
least.Trail riding as per your green horse DVD when
a bike came up behind us. She bolted on a narrow
trail flanked by heavy bush either side I tried
immediate one rein stop but had no chance her head
was gone so I absolutely did not panic just rode her
till I could feel her come back to me (obviously she
felt she was far enough away) and the minute she did
I just sat deeper in the saddle talked to her and
pulled her up. Her older paddock mate was also
behind us and had bolted as well.Once back in
control I stopped her sideways across trail to stop
mate as I thought if she comes flying past she will
try to bolt again.All this happened within about 50
metres. I then made her stand till bike passed us
and practiced walk to halt transitions till she was
completely focused on me.I don't believe I will
convince owner to re-mouth her and want to keep
riding her as I took notice of the reflections you
wrote about last week and want to try and ride as
many different horses as I can to become a better
rider.My question is did I do the right thing or is
there something else I could have done for her as
much as me. Sincere Thanks Suzanne
P.S Went straight back to loose rein while doing
transitions.
I think you rode very well
Suzanne, kept your cool, thought about it, did not
panic and blocked the other Horse. Very smart and
very Horsemanship :) However, the only transgression
as I see it, was to get on the Horse in the first
place and to allow the Owner of that Horse to risk
your life!!!!!! If you want to stay in the Horse
Industry a long time Suzanne, start taking control
of your destiny early in the piece for how dare the
Owner hold such attitudes at the possible detriment
to your safety. I also think you are a thrill seeker
and perhaps a bit too much for I would not have
ridden that Horse. I would have told the Owner where
to put it, for the reasons I have already explained.
"Ya Can't bloody tell em" :) You know it will be
more suspect next time and having experienced the
runner, could well do the bolter!!!!! Be careful and
I suggest going and finding another Horse to ride.
One belonging to an open minded Owner :) Regards
************
LETTERS OF THE DAY
Hi
Have just watched your 2 “Green to Dressage” DVDs
for the first time, which I have found invaluable.
(Unfortunately, I can see I have made some mistakes
with my green horse but now feel I have better idea
how to get back on track.
In the DVDs you have shown the arena work Linda has
done with 2 green horses. It would have been useful
to see what she did on the ‘riding out’ days. I do
make sure my young horse, Kenny, is ridden out
regularly but I am not sure if there are things I
should be doing on the rides out to improve my young
horse as well as widen his experience. So far he is
good to ride out alone or in company (though I have
been careful who I ride with). Should I be doing any
schooling on rides out? (I have been practising leg
yielding, transitions within pace, halts, backups
etc)
On the DVDs you use Oreo & another green horse, both
of which are very forward-going. Although my horse
is, I feel, just right in the amount of forward when
I ride out, I find him not very forward in an arena
or even the fairly large paddock I generally school
in. I feel like I am working hard to keep him going.
Does this mean that I’m asking for too much (for
example asking him to canter too long)? Or does it
mean I should let him break to a slower pace, for
example from trot to walk, & then just ask for trot
again rather than keeping him going? I would really
appreciate any strategies you could offer, which may
help me to assist Kenny to become as forward-going
as Oreo!
When riding with another horse, I have been riding
Kenny in front as well as behind the other horse.
When we’re behind, he gets what I feel is too close
to the other horses’ rumps. The horses we have been
riding with are well-behaved & don’t kick, but I
would like him to learn not to be right on the horse
in front, however I don’t want to feel I am holding
him back all the time.
Thanks for very helpful DVDs! Also the HORSE
PROBLEMS web page which I have been trawling through
– lots of great advice.
Cheers
Marie
Hi Maria, the Green
Horse DVD covers out on the Trail with the young
Horse so that is why Mrs. HP's DVD's doesn't cover
that. She wanted to concentrate and fit all the info
from the hand over of the Breaker to the Dressage
Competition on the two discs.
The reason Aureo and
the other Horse were so forward is because I broke
them in. One of the few things I cannot answer with
ease, would be your question as to how I get all of
my young Horses so forward. I have been thinking
about that lately and I can't tell you. It is quite
amazing compared to other Horses I get on and feel
from other places. I might just have a Hot ass :)
The young Horses are always walked on a loopy rein,
never a contact. That could be the key. At trot and
canter, we ride them complete Dressage and expect
proper transitions even.
A little difficult to
answer that one when I don't know your schooling
regime in terms of time but Mrs. HP does heaps of
transitions, will tune a non forward Horse up with
the whip from the start and will not accept
retaliation by kicking at the whip or up and
establishing respect from the outset. Then, riding
fairly, softly and with all of the correct release
and softening mechanisms that must be there in order
to keep Horses Happy and doing the job without
trying to con you. Add trot poles, jumps, and even
add Oats or whatever to heat the Horse up a bit. We
often find that young Horses are not fed Hot enough
for the work. All of Mrs. HP's Horses get the
goodies and there is no such thing as Hot Horses
from Oats. That is a figment of the imagination if
the work load is equal. Regards
**************
Hi John
One of my shets now refuses to walk on the float
despite many regular past outings with at least one
other pony. Once on he's fine. Running late Sunday
I had no alternative but to let him have a win:( To
add to future woes I
didn't think to leave him in a confined area. His
body language said it all as he romped off!
Turning to your Problem Index and suggestions the
background picture obscures much of what is written.
Is there a chance you could remove the background
please?
I have the float reversed into a corner of a shed.
Blocked in with two panels my intention is to shut
him in there with feed in the float. As the area is
dimly lit and to allay claustrophobia I'd tether a
mate nearby for company. Is this a good way to go?
Any suggestions without needing more than one
person?
Kind regards
Di
I presume you mean
the floating article Di. I changed the background
but couldn't see the problem from this end. That is
a matter of training the little one from scratch.
Pick a system that is a one person one. Parelli or
Tom Roberts with the tapping behind the front arm or
you can tap on the rump him being so small. Read the
article.
LOADING
AND FLOATING OF THE HORSE(Thousands of words) It
is not the done thing to tie Horses to the Float to
prevent escape but with one of those you can and you
should. I would tie him to the front chest rail when
he is still yet to step onto the very base of the
ramp. Then he can still run about but cannot escape.
Fix that and you fix the Horse because I can vouch
for the fact that your main problem is the Halter
lightness of the Horse and because he knows he can
now run through your hands. Learned evasions are
many. You watch the look on his face after a couple
of hang backs :) Use a neck strap if you like but
you have to have rope Halters!!!!!!!!!!!!
***********
Hi John,
In the near future, I'm considering relocating my
6yo QH gelding to a nearby property where my
daughter keeps her horse. For various reasons it is
not possible to shift my daughter's horse to where I
agist.
My horse is currently the alpha male of a mixed
group of about six mares and one other gelding,
which is a subsection of a larger herd of about 45
horses.
He usually rides out on the trails ok on his own,
and he sometimes follows me to the stalls at liberty
when I collect him from the paddock. So I guess
separation anxiety is not a huge problem, although
he does call out to find his herd when I place him
back in the paddock.
If I do decide to move, will there be any stress on
him being permanently taken away from his herd, and
are there ways to minimise any negative impacts or
make the transition easier?
Also, his current agistment facility is around 350
acres split up into 4 main paddocks. The new
agistment site would be 50 acres total, and is
sectioned into about a dozen shared paddocks varying
from a couple of acres to 10 acres maximum.
Will the reduction in paddock size be an issue for
him, if there is plenty of feed available?
I just want to do the best thing by my horse, and
not put my own convenience above his well-being.
Thanks ~ John F
No John, he will
adapt fine. Yes he will run around and yell out a
bit but he will get over it. Especially if he has
your Daughter's Horse with him. They have to handle
it and they do. Regards
Most interesting Tim
:) Total vindication hahaha. Thanks
************
Hey you! Houston I have a problem. I
have found with Red if he takes a fright when I am
on the ground leading him he vertually jumps on me
for safety. He usually does this when walking him
after doing his girth up , I prepare myself by
having my arm out in his direction to tell him "back
off". But he still tries. Yesterday, while for our
walk, something spooked him and he rammed right
through me and then turning in front of me. I have
this morning a huge piece of skin missing down my
ankle bone where his hoof collected my leg, that is
how close he gets ( I was wearing boots also!). He
rarely shies don't get me wrong , but he has this
habbit when he does on ground. What should I do.
cheers
chelle
Get more respect
Chelle. He needs a tune up on the ground and you may
need to go to an 11 :) He is symptomatic of all of
the Horses that are led in earlier days "By the
beard" They all leap in your lap. I fix those inside
20 seconds and do it almost every day. Just tune up
your Parelli and when you lead him, send him back
behind you at least two metres. When he gets a
fright, you will grow instantly 10 foot tall, throw
your arms in the air, the rope will whip back with
the loop snaking and hitting him beneath the chin
with the clip and problem fixed. The Power of Ground
Manners lies in us being right down a rope.
Regards
*************
Hello Mr. HP,
I would like to thank Lodge Ropes and yourself for
the article on rope halters, I am going to contact
them and see if they can help with my knot dyslexia.
Then get the 7 games dvd.
I want to update Elvis's feed and someone told me
about a website about feeding horses with food from
the pantry, ie pumpkin but they cannot remember the
name. Or maybe try Herbal Horse (there are so many
selling herbs and natural feed now) or Nerida
Richards?
Also in May Elvis had to be drenched 3 times, first
went ok, second time I was standing in the wrong
place and got knocked on the knee when he bunny
hopped backwards and third time the vet said "o no
his got a nose bleed" thought to myself its not that
bad, only a few drops and then it started pouring
and bubbling (thought I was going to be sick!). Vet
said it should stop in 2 hours, if not stopped by
morning he would give Elvis something to clot blood.
I felt so bad for the poor horse went to house and
got ice pack and put it in middle of his head and
after a few minutes it started to slow the flow.
Within 15 minutes it had completely stopped. Elvis
still hasn't forgiven me yet.
Thanks for your great site, Angela
Well done Angela :)
Forget all the fancy feeds and don't get "Paralysis
of the Analysis" Angela. Good Cereal Hay, Lucerne
Hay and a good Pellet that is designed for the age
and performance of the Horse. Over the years, we
have met a number of "way out there" people who have
brought Horses here. They generally come with a set
of scales and weigh out all of these additives and
minerals as if in a Laboratory. We have not seen one
of those Horses that have been looking right. They
are crack pots as far as I am concerned. Feed Horses
good plain tucker and you won't go wrong. Regards
***********
Hi John,
I have a 5yr old clydie warmblood cross mare, I have
been riding her since she was 2and1/2 she has had
lots of trail riding and some lessons in jumping and
flat work. I have inclined to do less and less in
the arenas and Jumping as she is getting more and
more resistant. I am worried that it is the saddle
that is the problem. She is showing some signs of
wrong fit such as white hair on her back, not near
the wither area, but a bit further back where you
wouldn't expect a saddle to cause a problem. She is
resisting canter in a menage but is happy to canter
out on the trail, she is also trying to buck when I
ask her to canter even on the trail. some of this
behavior is I think just a "bit of fun"
as she does it in the paddock also. I have had the
saddle checked by different accredited saddle
fitters and they all say it's not perfect but it is
pretty close. The problem I think is that she is
wide but long and a bit bum high so it creates a dip
and a bit of a space under the saddle at the back. I
wonder if the saddle could actually be rocking. I am
worried as I think she is the type of horse that
would put up with a lot of pain. I have had her
checked regularly by a very experienced tension
release therapist and she has never been sore in the
back and I can dig my fingers in anywhere along her
back with no reaction. she is not girthy or cold
backed. and is quite happy at walk. I have tried
different saddles on her but none seem to fit
perfectly. she is inclined to want to trot with her
head in the air which could also be part of the
problem.
regards
Joanne
I don't know Joanne
but and can generally comment that the Australian
Stock Saddle that I see on your Bay Horse, never did
fit any Horse imho. I think that is why the
Australian Army had their own saddles designed for
the War. They are nothing like the Stock Saddle. We
put up with them but I never liked them. Finally and
thank Goodness, the Half Breed has arrived and that
is the answer. The other thing that I have found and
learnt over the years is about Saddle Blankets./
I too used to use that one you have on the Bay.
Kersey Wool, top of the range. I no longer use them
either and have gone to the Neoprene under saddle
blanket that you just Hose off after a ride and a
Softer, more fitting Western Saddle Pad than the one
you have on the other Bay, which I also have in the
shed as well. It is too stiff. The other major
problem I found with the Kersey Blanket is that the
Hem at the back puts enormous pressure across the
back bone of the Horses and they all should be cut
about 4 inches each side of the back bone with an
inch deep V and re stitched. To remove the pressure.
You definitely have a problem there. That Horse
would not lie to you. Regards
************
Hi HP
I will apologise in advance for the length of this
enquire, but I have several questions to ask you.
Firstly my 13 year old daughter has a young mare. We
bought her 2 days before EI struct. The mare is only
5 and had been turned out on her own for the
previous 12 months. At the time this didnt bother us
because we thought we could get her out and about
quickly to socialise her, with EI obviously we
couldnt. We have now started taking her out and she
gets very upset when around a group of other horses.
She is fine if either one of us or her paddock mate
are with her but goes mental if left near other
horses on her own. When we take her out and she
starts this we just leave her in the stall alone
(keeping a descrete eye on her) until she calms
down. Is this the right thing to do or should we
stay with her and make sure she stays calm?
I presume you mean at
a Show???? In that case, I would tie her to the
Float and let her get over herself. Keep exposing
her and she will lighten up. If you are talking
about "leading her" at a Show, then the Handler must
be equipped with the necessary Halter/ground control
techniques to be able to make the HOrse stand and
again, soak up the atmosphere. I mean the 7 Games
and the right equipment. That would mean similar to
Chelle above.
Next question: My daughter is a capable but nervous
rider. She has had some nasty falls in the past and
has seen me have a couple of bad falls too (not off
this horse I must add) but off the one we owned
prior to her. This mare is very quiet and has been
well broken. She has a lovely mouth, with good front
brakes and a good lateral mouth. She responds
imediately to the ORS. The problem is that the mare
is only 14hh and is quite finely built. My daughter
has been riding her in an all purpose saddle but
wants to start riding her in a stock saddle. The
stock saddle is double in weight to the all purpose.
Will the extra weight hurt the mare or should it not
make that much difference?
Not a problem.
I only have a few more questions for you for now. I
have an 11 year old autistic son who loves to ride.
He is riding a 12.2hh pony at the moment and is
doing very well. He will soon outgrow this pony so
we are starting to look for a new horse for him. I
thought of trying to find a standard breed. If I can
find one under 15hh, but have met a lot of
resistance from the powers that be. My son also
likes to do some jumping, but we have been told that
standies dont like to jump. What do you think? Would
a standie suit him or should I be looking for
something else?
Go the Standie and
they are out there at 14 hands even. The Powers
don't know what they are talking about as they jump
like stags :) Check the last Horse here.
Thank you for your time and advice. We are big fans
of your site and my daughter in particular is often
quoteing Mr HP.
Regards
Sue
Wish her the best of
Luck for me x
***************
Day Off.
THE NIGHT OF THE
LONG KNIVES
I am
about to have my first "Night of the long knives"
here on the property and eject certain of my so
called "lovely agistees'" If I don't, Mrs. HP is
going to empty the place completely :) Why is it
that Mrs. HP can ride 7 Horses, teach 2 or three
lessons, feed 20 horses, clean 7 yards per day and
one owner Horse people cannot or are too bloody lazy
to properly look after their only one? What
the? Why is that the more you do for people, the
better they have it, the less they appreciate
things? Why is it that there are "World Experts"
among them on every subject from Brain Surgery to
Rocket Science but they leave their Horse locked in
a yard all week and WON'T BLOODY LUNGE
IT????????????????????????? What is that???? Do they
need a token like you hang on a chain? Just to have
the knowledge that they "own a Horse" and can tell
everyone "they own a Horse"? Is it so that it gives
them a ticket to go on Internet Forums and knock the
Hell out of Horse Professionals as if they were
perfect and the Tall Poppies were not?
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
Watch
this space
*************
I
promised a Gentleman an article on the rope Halter
last night. Here it is:
I asked my wife today
over lunch, how many Horses that come through our
hands, including 'Breakers' are one sided and if not
ridden correctly or 'STRAIGHT' going forward, will
develop Veterinary problems by Riding. 40% she
answered. I would have to agree with that and of
late, thought it could be higher.
'Straightness' is a
description of how the Horse travels when ridden
flat work.
There are two Schools
of thought regarding how soon you can start to teach
'straightness' to a 'Green Horse' You can see on the
Scale that it is a fair way down the list but that
depends on the ability of the Rider for if they can
get rhythm, relaxation and contact sooner, rather
than later, 'straightness' is highly important. It
is for this reason then that Mrs. HP starts to ride
it after 7 days on average as she achieves the first
three markers on the scale in that short time.
All Horses are born
one sides but some more than others. It is those
that fall into the suspect category and if not
ridden 'straight' will deteriorate through their
muscle formation to a point where they start to
experience Rider educed pain and discomfort which
they then quickly start compensating for and the
list of tactics that they use to then exploit a
Rider is most admirable indeed. Few know what they
are up to as they don't have the knowledge and
training and such subjects as this have never been
put before their minds but the Horse is an absolute
genius in subtly exploiting a Rider so as to find
ways to compensate for encroaching muscle soreness.
and so it is that
perceived 'Problems' start and we get Owners'
sending their "Naughty Horse" to the Problem Horse
Trainer, which is why we see so much of this and are
in tune with the subject.
"Straightness' imho,
ranks as one of the most important of the steps on
the German Training Scale and the subject is an
immense one but for my Novice Owner Readers, it
basically means that whilst being ridden, the Horse
keeps it's back feet landing in the line of the hoof
prints made by the front feet preceding. Therefore,
if the Horse is traveling on a line, be it a
straight line if ridden down the long side of an
arena, the left two hooves are landing on the left
of the line and right two on the right side. On the
Circle, the same applies. Any deviation of this,
unless requested, is termed as 'crooked'
Given that we are all
one sided or the other, in the case of the Horse
when a Rider starts to demand early on that the
Horse travel 'straight' that is the time when
objection commences but it is far easier to fix the
rules and the way of going early in the piece than
later for the longer you ride one 'crooked' or in
their preferred way of travel as they compensate for
not being born perfectly equal and balanced, the
more difficult it is and the more objection you will
get. Further, more Veterinary indicators will be
exhibited.
So it is such a shame
that this subject is not mentioned at least to the
young Riders or taught more by some Coaches. There
would be far more sound Horses out there if it were.
*************
LETTERS OF THE DAY
Hi John
In my search for a new float I came across your
website. I have found it very informative. When I
finally pick a company that I like I then have to
have all the "added extras" put onto the float to
make it safe. These things should be mandatory
safety specs for all floats and then the extras
should be luxury accessories like slide out saddle
rack. In your opinion is there a company that is
performing better than others in regards to safety
design. My horse is a scrambler (who know what
happened in her previous lives) so I now take out
centre divider and she floats herself on an angle
(she is a big girl 16.3hh wb) this isn't ideal I
know or really safe but the only option for me until
I purchase another float and sell my old one.
Thanks again for all your great research
Regards
Karen
None of
them have gone "The Full Monty" Karen and most have
had to be dragged kicking and screaming by their
Clients who have gone in with new ideas after
reading that article. The best anti scramble Float
of course is the JR and that was designed by a
Horseman however a few years ago I was asked to
comment on the Float by the Manufacturer and he got
his nose right out of joint when I gave him my
assessment so they are not easy. Go figure being in
business and not jumping on information? Buyer
demands will of course drive the Industry and there
have been changes in roof height as a result of my
article so that has been good. Your Horse needs a
minimum of 2250mm, not what most Manufacturers
think. Best of Luck
***********
Hi John,
I know that you cannot remember all the people you
have emailed you so I will just give you a brief
reminder however it will not matter. Just know that
you and Linda have made all the difference.
I bought a 4 year old Fjord mare. Hobbled as per you
dvd and hobbles, mouthed as per your dvd, roller and
running reins, riding the green horse as per your
dvd, leg yielding in 2 days as per your dvd. Not to
mention also, inside leg to outside rein dvd and
above the bit dvd and balance at canter dvd. These
have been unbelievable in their instruction for all
of my horses. Can’t recommend them enough.
I asked for your help regarding no right lateral on
trail ride and you gave instructions. I am still
finding that the right lateral is, as your
expression “up yours”and still an issue and this is
now relating to the right yielding. Using the spurs
as per your instructions on the dvd and also as you
mentioned on the dvd, if there is no yielding, right
lateral and disengage. This is now day 5 and we are
at logger heads. I might add that we are also had an
issue of being “stuck” in the first lessons on the
right yielding and as you said, DON”T GET STUCK or
stop, just move on and start again. Spurs have not
made a big impression so I tap tap TAP with a
dressage whip at the same time as my leg just behind
my heel. Did get a reaction but no yeilding
Unfortunately I need you impute, please.
Mental
block Kim. Go back to the ground and teach it with
'Hot fingers' Get it spot on. Then just sit on the
Horse and stand still. Teach a turn on the forehand
and using your fingers if you have to. REMEMBER!! If
the Horse moves half an inch, give the release and
reward. Then later, transfer to your spur (blunt)
and simulate your finger only. See how you go.
I must add that I broke this young horse in because
of your prompting (as I was going to send her to
you) and I will say that as a nervous over
somethingorother year old,
this is far
the quietest, boldest horse I have ever had the
privilege of riding. I do not have an ounce
of fear (remarkable) when riding her. Not that she
is a complete angel but I only have to prompt her
when she is in doubt and off she goes. THANK YOU and
LINDA so much.
Also, I have Lindas German scale dvd (way ahead of
myself, nonetheless, so very informative and can
only help me to understand). Just wondering when the
“straightness” dvd will become available, and could
you please advise of any progress on the western
saddle you are going to sell. Is the “track to
dressage” any good for me or do I have the whole kit
and caboodle.
I will be placing an order for the snaffle strap and
long reins but just before I do just needed to know
if there was anything else.
An epic, I’m sorry.
In appreciation
Kim.
Linda
is going back to filming this week on that DVD as it
is essential but for what you are doing, I can't see
that you need any of them. The OTTB one is not for
you. It depends on whether you are going to be doing
flatwork or not. If pleasure riding, no. If
flatwork, the straightness DVD will be most valuable
to all. Did you know that 40% of all Horses that
come through our hands, unbroken or not, have a
potential Veterinary Problem waiting if not RIDDEN
STRAIGHT??? Congratulations on your Breaking in your
own Horse Kim. Unreal :)
************
14th July, 2008
Day
Off.
***************
Aust rider's Olympic
appeal dismissed
Australian event rider Wendy Schaeffer has lost
her appeal against non-nomination to the 2008
Olympic Team.
The appeal was dismissed at a hearing on Thursday
before the EFA Appeal Tribunal.
Schaeffer had appealed on the ground that the
applicable nomination criteria and in particular the
subjective nomination criteria had not been properly
followed and/or implemented.
Schaeffer argued that selectors had focused too much on dressage
performances as opposed to cross-country and show
jumping results.
The Appeal Tribunal commended Schaeffer on the
quality of the presentation of her appeal.
At 21, Schaeffer was the youngest woman to have won
a gold medal, at the Atlanta Olympic games in 1996.
*********
Chuckwagon horse
fatally injured at Calgary rodeo
A chuckwagon horse was euthanised after suffering
injuries during a race at Canada's famous Calgary
Stampede rodeo on Wednesday night.
The accident happened in a heat of the chuckwagon
race, when one wagon bumped into another. After the
race a veterinarian found serioues injuries on the
left foreleg of a horse belonging to Reg Johnstone.
When collisions occur a vet check of the horses
involved is standard practice.
The driver whose team bumped Johnstone's team, Rae
Croteau Jr, was penalized 10 seconds and fined $2500
in the collision, and under new rules introduced
this year also has to pay Johnstone $10,000 for the
loss of his horse.
The accident is still under investigation.
Last year, three chuckwagon horses were killed in a
crash, and the year before, in a chuckwagon race, a
horse had a heart attack and fell, breaking the leg
of another horse.
**************
Rising trot may not
ease burden on horse backs
A Dutch study has not been able to confirm the
traditional belief that rising trot is less
demanding than a sitting trot for the horse.
The rising trot, long thought to ease the burden on
a horse's back, may not be as beneficial as first
thought.
Scientists from Wageningen University in the
Netherlands, led by Professor Johan van Leeuwen,
used specialist equipment to assess the impacts of
certain riding techniques on horses.
Their gear included special horseshoes able to
measure acceleration forces and specialised force
gauges to record the strain on the backs of horses
exerted through the saddle and stirrups.
These measurements, combined with computer modelling,
provided insight into the mechanisms that a rider
can use to respond to the movements of a horse, and
to prevent injury.
The shoes were also used in further research to
determine what rider techniques may be helpful in
reducing reducing injury risk to the horse -
important given that a significant number of equine
injuries result from the pressure exerted by riders.
The research indicated a rising trot may not be as
advantageous as previously thought.
"We have given particular attention to the
comparison of sitting and rising trot, as it is
broadly accepted in the equestrian world that rising
trot imposes less loading on the back of the horse,"
said Professor van Leeuwen.
"However, our results have not been able to confirm
the belief that rising trot is mechanically less
demanding for the horse.
"Looking at back extension, which is most often
related to back injuries, we found that the
extension of the back is similar in rising and
sitting trot."
The specialist shoes were also used to determine
whether "aquatraining" is beneficial in treating
joint injuries in horses because it reduces impact
forces.
Rehabilitation after equine joint or muscle
injuries, including the back, shoulders and legs,
often involve aquatraining, where horses move in
water-filled treadmills.
The buoyancy is thought to reduce weight-bearing
forces, which might harm recovering joints, but to
date there has been few studies into the perceived
benefits.
The work on aquatraining rehabilitation revealed
significantly lower impact accelerations during
working, suggesting it is beneficial to joint
recovery.
Professor van Leeuwen said further work would be
carried out to confirm these results.
Results of the researchers' work were presented this
week at the Society for Experimental Biology's
Annual Meeting in Marseille.
This work involved collaboration with the Department
of Equine Sciences, Utrecht University, the Mary
Anne McPhail Equine Performance Centre, Michigan
State University and the Dutch Equestrian Centre.
************
Top Dutch Olympic
hope breaks leg
Albert Zoer on top Olympic hope Oki Doki.
Just days after winning the prestigious Grand Prix
of Aachen, Dutch showjumper Albert Zoer has broken
his leg and put his Olympic chances in jeopardy.
Zoer, 32, was schooling a young horse on Tuesday
when he fell and broke his left leg. He was operated
on later that day. His sister, Gina Zoer, said the
operation went well with no complications. She said
he was in pain and would be for a few days. He was
expected to return home on Saturday.
"He is one of the pillars of the Orange quartet for
the Olympic Games in Hong Kong," said the Royal
Netherlands Equestrian Union. "It is too early to
say whether he will be fully recovered in time (to
participate)."
Zoer won the Grand Prix of Aachen on Sunday, with
the KWPN gelding Sam, and thus claimed his second
Grand Prix victory within two weeks.
*************
Trackwork rider
banned after hitting filly
A trackwork rider in Australia has been banned for
whipping a young filly during a training session.
Rahul Talukdar, 26, came back from work "flogged and
in a distressed state", said Sydney trainer Tim
Martin, who has sacked the Indian-raised rider. He
has also been banned for three months by stewards
for excessive use of the whip.
The Daily Telegraph reported that the filly, Miss
Purrdy, "had giant welts on both hindquarters and a
cut to the head where she had reared up and tumbled
over on concrete at the end of the fierce track
gallop." The incident occurred at Rosehill in late
June.
Talukdar claims he did not do anything wrong, and
said he whipped the filly three to five times.
Martin was away at the time of the incident but said
the welts were still visible that night.
*************
UK launches horse
show code of practice
If a show organiser finds that a competitor is in
breach of the Code, they will then have firm grounds
to issue a formal warning or disqualify that
individual from their classes.
The British Horse Society and the British Equestrian
Federation's Welfare Group have launched a voluntary
code of practice to set out acceptable welfare
standards for horses at shows and events.
The Code was devised as a result of concerns
reported to the BHS Welfare Department regarding the
treatment of horses at shows, and feedback from show
organisers who often feel unable to act when welfare
breaches are reported to them.
"We often receive calls to our welfare hotline about
incidents at shows but there is rarely anything we
can do, as the calls arrive after the event," said
BHS Welfare Senior Executive Lee Hackett.
"From discussions with show organisers we've found
that they often feel powerless to take action, as
there have previously been no clear standards set.
"Hopefully, these guidelines will provide the
back-up that show organisers need as well as making
things clear for competitors and, most importantly,
improving horse welfare."
Although the Code of Practice was originally
intended for use solely at unaffiliated shows, it
has now been adopted by many of the members of the
BEF Welfare Group and is the first key development
to come out of this innovative new body.
British Dressage Chief Executive, David Holmes said:
"As part of our role we are keen to work with
unaffiliated Dressage to improve riders' competitive
experience and enjoyment across the whole sport.
This Code of Practice aims to support show
organisers in running good quality shows and we're
delighted to offer the BHS Welfare department our
input and support with this initiative."
Lee Hackett went on to say: "The BHS is delighted
that so many BEF member bodies are backing this Code
of Practice. Hopefully this will be the first of
many collaborative initiatives to improve horse
welfare."
The Code includes guidelines on all aspects of the
welfare of horses at events such as transport, use
of the whip, conduct in and out of the show ring and
the provision of feed, water and shelter. If a show
organiser finds that a competitor is in breach of
the Code, they will then have firm grounds to issue
a formal warning or disqualify that individual from
their classes. In severe cases, individuals may be
asked to leave the showground or be reported to a
welfare agency.
The BHS Code of Practice for the Welfare of Horses
and Ponies at Events is available to download from
the BHS website. Show organisers are invited to
state that their event is being run under the BHS
Code and request that competitors read the full
code. A shorter version is also available and could
be incorporated into show schedules.
************
LETTER OF THE DAY
EDUCATING HORSE OWNERS
Once again thank you.
The more involved we are becoming in the horse world
(and now pony club with our children) the more
astounded we are that no one really teaches you how
to care and understand for your horse. It is as if
the whole world revolves only about riding. Maybe we
are weird but we like to understand as much as
possible what is going on inside their head, and the
best way to communicate with them, and how you care
for them can influence their behaviour. There is not
a lot of information out there about that.
You have made a difference to our lives, you have
converted a whole family (middle aged though we
maybe) and have helped us enjoy and be able to do
something we have always wanted – ride, and own
horses
Kind regards
Stephen and Gina
I was only asked
about this two days ago and it is a mind boggling
thought, isn't it? It is the in fact the foundation
stone for a lack of "Horse Welfare" and the trigger
for "Cruelty to Horses" that is rife throughout this
Country and caused by the Horse Industry Peak Bodies
NOT seeing that anyone is taught the things that
matter.
I started this
website for one reason only. To try and undo the
wrong that I was having to deal with on a daily
basis, because I saw the Internet as a fabulous
Educational Tool of the future. I was therefore the
first to have a blog on the Planet. The word Blog
hadn't been thought of when I started.
How difficult would
it be Stephen and Gina? With the stroke of a Pen,
the President of the Pony Club Association of
Australia, the EFA or the Horse Industry Council,
could instigate a proper Curriculum for the young,
those entering the Horse Industry and so on. Not
"Rocket Science' Are they blind?, deaf? How dare
they prepare and send thousands of Mouth Rippers out
to terrorize the Hell out of Horses, without ever
teaching them how to look after the Animal, let
alone what Horses need to be Happy under Saddle?
Just last week, I saw
a Blackhill Pony Club person drive out of my
driveway with a Horse in the Float, the fastest I
have personally witnessed in my 15 years of living
here. It is a 90 degree turn onto an 80k road. In
fact, this is what triggered the conversation here
in the first place. So anyone can go buy a '500kg
Lethal Weapon", put it in a Tin Can on Wheels,
without any education whatsoever. Oh, and I forgot,
not be taught how to feed the poor Bugga. How bout
that? What a Mickey Mouse Industry this still is?
************
LETTERS OF THE DAY
Hi Ya John,
Well we are going ahead in leaps and bounds but
unfortunately literally so I will try and be brief
and see if you can help me fix this problem
When I first bring Ivy in for her work out on the
running reins I put the roller on and lunge her as
she had always been a very girthy type although
after the first week of work she stopped reacting
but has now come to bucking,I am 1 that has always
liked to lunge first to get any sting out of the
horse before I ask anything for 2 reasons 1. because
she is a baby,rising 2 and 2nd because she is fed
grain so I expect her to feel fresh and good.Now
before I go further maybe this is the beginning of
my mistake by letting her lunge around kicking her
heals up.After she settles I then attach the running
reins and ask her to work which she does but now and
again she decided to fly around a few laps and buck
but because she has the running reins on I can't ask
for the 1 rein stop.So my question is (as she knows
what the 1 rein stop is) do I go back to square 1
and lunge without the reins and re establish the 1
rein stop but my thought is as she knows she can
buck when the reins are on will she just go back to
it even if I do take the step back with her or do I
take my chance and get on her and fix the problem
with the 1 rein stop on her back.As I am trying to
sell Ivy (stating she is ready to back) I have to be
honest and tell people she can buck which of course
puts them off straight away so if I am able to get
on her and correct it then that will help my
chances...My biggest concern is she is,how you would
put it a suspect one and she WILL try and that is a
bit nerve racking.
So how would you suggest I fix this with Ivy.
Again your advise is 110% appreciated and I know you
have the answer.
Kind Regards
Wendy and Ivy
P.S.Ivy's neck is looking better and better everyday
so this is helping heaps.
I
wouldn't be worried about that Wendy. She is
unbroken so who cares?? I presume you are selling
her unbroken so why does it matter? I ignore
exuberance during the warm up phase of any lunging
task but once the job commences, I rarely see it and
if I do, it is virtually always attitude. You are
therefore best off utilizing her attitude and
turning it into a training opportunity and I will
immediately step across and turn such a Horse on the
fence, KNOWING FULL WELL that it will turn with it's
rump to me. Instantly, I go to my "hid your bum"
exercise and turn and turn the Horse and join up.
End of attitude and end of bucking. Regards
************
Hi John
Hope all is well there
Quiet here...
Had a call from a lady with a problem horse the
other day. He wouldn’t stand still to have rugs
changed or anything done in fact...barged thru/over
her...ran past her on the lead and charged at her in
the paddock!!
Went to have a look at him and once again he was a
really nice intelligent horse who had his owner just
where he wanted her. He was the leader and she was
the follower. I think it took me 2 minutes to put
him back in his box (he was smart enough to work out
that I meant business and in fact I watched him
assessing me as we walked out to catch him...he did
keep trying the boundaries...although very subtlety)
but it never ceases to amaze me how smart horses
are, how well they read body language and how
quickly the intelligent ones will exploit a
weak/insecure/unknowledgeable owner and respect a
confident handler. I wish owners would take the time
to learn a bit of horsemanship...I see a lot of
people spending lots of money and time learning to
ride when they have not even got basic horsemanship
skills!! The worst thing is the horse often looses
out in these situations...this lady had been told by
friends that she should “dog” this horse because he
was so dangerous. I’m not joking John...within 2
minutes of confident handling this horse was
reasonably well behaved (he wasn’t and angel and he
did forget himself occasionally) but certainly did
NOT need to go to the “dogger”. Ignorant people....
Anyway the owner has told me that this horse has
started to buck ... so he is coming here for
re-mouthing and then I will teach her the ORS as
well as some exercises to hopefully put her in the
boss position.
Take care
Josie
XX
Trainers the World over soon start mouthing those
words Josie. Welcome to the frustration :) Part of
the job description I suppose. Well done though and
I have no doubt you will do the job.......on the
horse as well hahaha
**********
Hi Mr. HP, I am
wanting to go from a web halter to rope, but on the
website you recommend they say not for notice. Where
can I learn to use the rope lead and halter?
I also have trouble with knots, the riding school
(bought horse from there when it closed down 10
years ago) I went to tried to teach me the quick
release know for hay net and I couldn't even get
that! lol
Is there a length that I can use for leading and
lunging?
Also horse (17years old) has been on the same feed
that was recommended by the riding school when we
bought him, can you suggest somewhere that doesn't
just want to sell their brand and is close to
natural as possible.
As you can tell I am a non horse person with no
horse people nearby.
Thank you very much for your help, Angela
P.S. Are you going to put up some pics of "Paris"!
I'll put together an
article that I got Lodgeropes to write for me some
time ago and forgot about it. Watch this
space.
*******************
Hi John and Linda,
Remember over dinner we were telling you about the
huge horse that was coming to be restarted. Well, he
arrived yesterday and is ENORMOUS. He's a Holsteiner/Hannovarian
cross so is built too.
We roughly measured him at just over 18hh! Luckily
he's an absolute gentleman to do everything with, so
far anyway! Fred did need a bucket to vault on this
one.
Anyway, we thought you might like a few
pictures.Hope you are both well. Talk soon, Rach and
Fred.
Wow. I had one of
those a couple of years ago as well.
Hope you have a parachute :)
Lol Hanna. I am in SA
:) It appears that what is a fact Hanna is that
there is definitely something wrong with the Horse
and he is telling you. I would suspect breathing
problems (take careful note and test the Horse) or
Sacroiliac problems for this is one of the signs
and they will do anything to have their head up in
the air. Go investigate all of that. Don't send my
underlined writing again Hanna. Ta
***********
13th July, 2008
Life
doesn't get any less busy I am afraid.
This
bloke went home today and he carried his young owner
all around the District in very responsible fashion
today.
He had a very long drive in the Float so I hope he
got home safely.
and
have started mouthing the young Riding Pony who I
have named 'Paris" Similar head but the Pony is
better :) One of our agisters keeps asking me when I
am going to 'ride Paris' but I think I will change
her name before that time comes :)
***********
Mrs. HP
has been traveling to Lessons both days of this
weekend, with the lovely Ricky McMillan. I have been
busy connecting all of my rain water tanks to the
troughs and fitting float valves. Praying at each
stable that the Horse doesn't demolish the
installation.
****************
GIVE AWAY HORSE
The
Lady with the give away Appy. Can you please contact
me as I have a taker. Thanks
***************
HORSE ACCIDENT
Terrible to hear about a poor South Australian Lady
who had a fall during a lesson and is in a very
serious condition indeed. Our thoughts are with her.
*********************
LETTER OF THE DAY
Hi Mrs. HP:
I searched the net and found your videos of
Midnight, which I watched with great interest to
detail.
I am a Parelli student here in the USA. I have
passed level 2 into level 3. I started this path
(after having Arabians for 27 years who trained just
fine with me) because this mare dumped me by
spooking and spinning so quick I did not know what
hit me. She would not go forward, would pull back,
did not want you to pet her, and would never blink
or lick or chew much. She is what the call in
Parelli and "introverted" horse, and I do believe
this to be true.
Your video of Midnight was My horse, Maya, almost
exactly. Except my mare will use the evasion of
starting to spook at a speck of dirt that is a 1/4
mile away instead of focusing on the task at hand.
She used to canter somewhat OK (always uneven) but
then started to not take leads, ETC. Now that I am
in level 3, and can ask for a "soft feel: (ha-ha!)
she is having absolute tantrums. Especially canter
work.
I finally told my Parelli teacher this is ridiculous
(I have a background in basic dressage) she is doing
anything and everything to evade working and started
to do some basic dressage things. We still argue,
but I do win the argument. I wish I could be as soft
an unemotional as you exhibit on your video with
Midnight. Amazingly when not allowed to, she stopped
the spooking and will take her leads.
Yesterday I had a parelli lesson, mare wanted to
argue with canter, instructor said you can't just
keep that collected of a feel, she is claustrophobic
and needs the reins a bit. Of course we were
attempting to do canter serpentines, it was a mess.
Mare taking wrong lead, throwing herself everywhere,
evading my leg, ETC. would not go in a straight line
for goodness sakes!
I am seriously discouraged with Parelli at the
moment. I have watched Pat Parelli and don't for a
moment believe he would allow this behavior in his
horse. AM I on the right track ??
I appreciate your time.
Sincerely with blessings,
Kathy
Escondido, CA. UNITED STATES
BTW, I noticed my mare also turns her head like
Midnight to the outside (not particularly paying
attention) on the lunge circle. Although she has
better ground skills than Midnight.
Hi
Kathy. The fact is though that the best Canter lead
Horses are the most collected of all :) The Grand
Prix Horses lol. This a very interesting letter!
Your
Horse has either physical or mental Problems or
both. True? So how can it be NH to persist without
getting to the bottom of what is wrong with the
Horse? Why would any one rule out trying other
systems and methods in an attempt to get the Horse
back on track and to help it or as an investigatory
option???? I call that "Paralysis of the Analysis"
:) I would be very interested to see this Horse. Can
you put video on Youtube for us to see??? Then we
could give a far more considered opinion Kathy. I
find this a very useful tool these days. I have
watched the Parelli leads video very briefly and
found it entertaining and to be a very long way
indeed from proper flying changes training. Perhaps
your Horse is confused????? Is she screaming out for
help, direction, consistency?????? They are always
communicating with us. Every moment of every ride. I
had one do it today. Read this and think about it in
your assessment. Regards
This subject is so complex that we are about to film
another Podcast on another aspect of it.
****************
LETTERS OF THE DAY
Hi
Yesterday I went to pick up a horse to trial. He
didn't want to get on the
float at all. We tried our float and the owners
float with no avail. We tried
for over an hour to get him up, but it got to the
stage where we had to
quit or the horse was going to get hurt, he was too
worked up to even
think. We tried bribery, bum rope, tapping with
whips and sticks, moving
the centre partition, so many things, but he'd
almost get up there and
then shoot back. The owners said he'd never done
that before, he had
always gone up first go, but the last time he was in
the float, the centre
partition fell on him, and was like that the whole
way home. The look he
had in his eyes was not of fear, but determination
not to go up there.
Can you think of an idea that might get him up on
the float? The people
who own him are definitely telling the truth, or
otherwise they would have
already offered to bring him over themselves.
So far, nothing is working and I'm really desperate
to help them
because he is a great horse.
Thanks,
Marissa
Hi
Marissa. Every system of float loading depends upon
the expertise of the Handler. I can come there and
load your Horse and so can most other Professional
Trainers. When you get a Horse that is so fearful or
suspicious of going back on (and you can't blame the
Horse at all) the degree of difficulty normally
exceeds that of all Amatuer's. I therefore recommend
the Jeffreys Method which is found here:
LOADING
AND FLOATING OF THE HORSE(Thousands of words)but:
Move
the Float into a raceway between sheds or whatever
else you can dream up and there is something on
every property. Then, two people following that
system, WILL load the Horse. Regards
************
Hi
I have a 5yr old QH mare and when you leave the farm
and go out to another farm for mustering or whatever
as soon as you take her out of float and put her in
new surroundings in a new yard or wherever she does
that side ways fence walk for about 10 steps then
back up the fence and then back the other way! She
does stop after about 15mins-30mins. I have a
complete lack of patience for it.I have never had a
horse that I owned that does that before in my life.
I will yell out and she will stop.She bloody knows!
She only does it when worried as she is a little
worry wart.Never met a QH like her.
I felt while watching her that I have to be at fault
here to as I think coz shes a worry wart I needed to
make her extra bolder and therefore get her out and
about more to make her relax.
I have then taken this idea on. Got her going
through rivers while chasing stock and shes really
come together in her mind over the past
3 weeks. I am so impressed with horses that can
overcome a habit just because we instill bolder and
harder ridng.
Also I have done hobbles on her as soon as she
starts.Then take them off.
Thats my story.
Cheers
Amber
Well
done Amber. It is amazing how a Rider can instill
confidence into a Horse that will transfer to it's
overall every day life? Yes, rarely would you meet a
QH that did that. I too hate it with a passion :(
****************
. I have found over the
years that all the young ones want to put their
heads down and then wrap the lead around their head
and then usually panic. I have found that I have had
to tie many of them up quite short for some time and
have let it longer over time as they became more and
more accustomed to being tied up. Just wondering if
this is a common problem? What is the best way to
deal with it?
Thanks
Leisha
The
problem there is caused by two things Leisha.
Incorrect height of tie up rail for the
particular Horse
Tying too long.
Tying
long is an absolute 'No. No." and is the cause of
all things dangerous. This is a complex subject and
I could write you 5,000 words right now. Here are a
couple of picks of lengths of rope for varying
height rail or Horse. Regards and thanks.
Short for this dangerous pull back Horse
short for these little ones
Correct
length for this Horse on this rail
Dangerous
*************
Dear Mr. HP,
Hi my name is Natalia & i am 15 years old i have a
pure arab gelding
that i wish to ride in endurance but he is not
moving properly & that is not
like him so we had an equine vet check him, she does
not know what is wrong
with him. We have used your sand colic remedy & we
have also used a natural remedy to get rid of kidney
stones i was just wondering can your psychic lady
read a horse from a photo?
My mum has bought your dvd on leg restraints & my
sister & i have been using them on our horses they
are wonderful for young horses to learn with. The
farrier came & he was able to do one of our worst
horses feet & our young foal who had not had his
feet trimmed before we & the farrier are very happy
with their behavior.
We would just like to thank you & Mrs. HP for doing
what you do
Natalia
Thanks
Natalie. Most kind. Yes, the Psychic Lady does
read them from a photo :) Her website will be up
properly later this week. I have just paid her to
test her systems and have been helping her build her
site. Regards
**************
Mr HP,
I have a warmblood mare who will now quite happily
walk into the float but runs backwards as soon as
you try to shut the bum bar. Owners previous to me
have obvisouly used whips on her to urge her into
the float (she wouldnt load when I got her) and she
goes ballistic if someone stands behind her to urge
her in, so I am wondering whether your method of
standing behind her and tapping with the whip may
result in complete refusal to load or go near the
float.
Do you have any other ideas about how to get her to
stand in the float and let the bum bar be done up
behind her? I am getting a bit desperate as I had a
buyer for her who would dearly love to take her home
but cant!
Cheers
Judi
I have
not met a Horse where the use of any of the systems
of floating that involve whips, cause the ballistic
behaviour as such. More that they react because they
are poor loaders and object to anyone getting a
little bit serious. All of the good training systems
for floating and in particular your problem which is
common, involve the use of Dressage Whips, stock
whips or with Parelli, the end of his lead rope with
a leather flapper spinning and striking the Horse.
The two best systems to fix your Horse are the
Jeffreys Method and the Parelli Method. The Tom
Roberts Method does not rate compared to them. Not
only for your problem but for loading in general. I
can even rank them for you as to the most successful
on a difficult Horse:
Jim
Wilton
Kel
Jeffreys
Pat
Parelli
War
Bridle (Monty Roberts)
Tom
Roberts
Regards
***************
Hi John,
I just read the letter from Dane re: cushings and
wanted to offer some information as I have also been
through the same dilemma….Dane, before you decide on
anything do some homework on cushings – I think you
might be surprised what you find (…including some
information relating to the possible side effects of
the dex suppression test). I too got a positive
result on my mare who is about 27ish and was told
that pergolide was the only way to go. The vet
called me with the results and said she would leave
the pergolide treatment in the shed and that I
should commence ASAP. Things moved pretty fast that
day – I felt sick to the stomach, was totally
confused about what cushings was and what it was
going to do etc but had the sense to tell the vet on
the phone that I would prefer she didn’t leave the
medication and I would call her to discuss if it was
the course I wanted to take. I had many things to
consider. After much research and talking to others
with cushings horses and another vet, I decided
against the medication. My decision was based on too
many factors to list in this message but I am happy
I chose the path I did. I am more th
So you
are beating him to death with a wet tissue Jo? :)
