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Ranked 4th in the World - Horse Training.

 

27th January, 2008

 

24th January, 2008

Big day for a little one :) He wasn't handled much early on but Mum is here to be served and so I needed him a little more 'on the aids' for his protection, during the 'act'. The intro to hobbling was a non event, a drink, a sleep and then a photo opportunity but it just goes to show you how much any handling takes out of the 'babies' as it is mental anguish that makes them tired. Something that I learnt early on. This being the reason why I only work with Foals at this age no more than 10 minutes if that and 2 week old Foals, 2 minutes tops.

Anyhow, we are Friends and he is backing up to me in the Paddock now for his Feed time scratch, the time where I steel a few moments of the real pleasures in life :) My God, how is he going to get up with hobbles on!!!! Not a challenge. He can canter in them, do roll backs and spins.

Getting a bit slack these days. This was the feeding time rules Boy. They love 'Mini HP" almost as much as I because there is always a few goodies in the back :)

NO HORSE IN THE FLOAT

I nice Horse owner had a horse that was basically neglected and had grown club hooves as if on stilts. The Owner decided to float it down to his Daughters place but she soon found that it went lame after the Farrier. Dad picks horse up and somewhere along the way, the Pony jumped out the back of the float, landing on it's head on the Bitumen Roads, at Country Speed no doubt. Other Drivers' rang the Police and many K later, stopped him and asked him if he had a horse in the Float. "Yes" he said. Meanwhile, it had been taken to a well known Race Horse Stud, who suggested it be immediately put down. The Daughter came and wouldn't make the decision and so they had to wait a long time for the Father to come, begrudgingly agreeing that it could be shot. This sage occurred allegedly on York Peninsula SA. The Moral to the Story of course is this age old question about to tie horses up in floats or not and if you do, do you tie to twine. Well, had it been tied up properly, it would be alive today and twine is an each way bet that you wouldn't get me taking.

Had a sad experience where a big Horse who is a 'riggy fellow' attacked a quiet Gelding because there were several Mares in the exercise paddock and he felt threatened. He put the Gelding and himself clean through one of the best quality Stock Gates money can by and bent the main steel bolt mechanism through the strainer Post from a U bolt to a straight bolt. Luckily none were injured......just my gate The Moral to the story is of course, that great thought must be given to the mix of horses in 'run around paddocks' for agisted horses. One must accurately read and know the personality of every horse and actually think about things like that. What if he does this because of her, what if he she kicks her because of love for him. "Horsemanship - the art of reading the future to eliminate accidents"

While I am on matters of agistment, I note that the odd horse has the full faced fly veil left on over night. On 24/7. I also read about it on a Forum where the .5 of a second saved by not taking it off the horse was very important to the busy life of the Owner. I wonder how the Horse must feel at Midnight when it starts hearing strange noises and it is a 'prey animal" It has a pair of Sun Glasses on and it is pitch black. Would you like that? Do you think if could present a dead horse with a broken leg when the lightening strikes????? "Horsemanship - the art of reading the future to eliminate injuries. "True Horse Love - going the extra yard for your horse no matter how tired we may be"

LETTERS OF THE DAY

Hi John

i am entering a competition where i get to design my own horse magazine and i was wondering if i could use one of your articles in their just like the horsepower magazine does(their the ones holing the competition) i will put your name their and not claim it as my own or anything like that i will do it almost exactly like Horsepower please reply soon and let me know whether i can use the article or not. The article i would like to use is the buying your first horse here:

Cya
Jess

Of course you can Jess and the very best of Luck to you.

Hi John


I have your mouthing DVD and use it on my yougsters (QH's) and I have now come to a wall as I have been thinking tooooo much while training. LOL.
This explanation is probably going to be crap so I will apologise first LOL.
I am now taking in SB's and other hayburners and I am working with only a fraction of time that they should have to get these horses up and out the gate to do bush/stockwork on farm. I am wondering your advice on a training method that is teaching the lateral flexion so you have ORS when you get on.

Eg- 15yr old horse arrives and I would place him in the round yard.Get the 7 games accomplished and then add the face up etc in the round yard( at liberty) then the check out the mouth and flexion with your method (roller(yes I have one of yours!!) and lunge rope etc so I see ( as usual) no flex either way hence no ORS when im in the saddle.This is where I want to know a method thats not 2 weeks long so to speak that I can get this horse with lateral flexion asap.I know about the string to give the idea and have used it.Just wanted any other ideas for horses that have none- not young ones.
I always get on unknown suspects western style but I dont want to ask to head off and have no bend- Im spoilt now and want all horses to have it!!
Thanks Mr O'Leary
Cheers
Amber


Hi Amber, your answer is at the end of the DVD's. Works every time, on all horses and in total 4 days. Regards

Dear John, I have been offered a horse on a year's free lease. The horse seems suitable but both the owner and I are unsure about what kind of contract we should have between us. Some of the points we are unsure about are option to buy and what happens if the horse dies. I know that I would be responsible for any vet bills while it is in my care, as well as the usual dentist, worming, farrier type of things. But what else should be included in this kind of contract. Is this something we can write up between us, is there a standard contract form for free leasing we could download and use or should a solicitor be involved? Could you please advise us on what we should be doing. I look forward to you advice.
Regards
Lauren the bruised, George the Gimp and Trevor his nurse maid...and just maybe Maverick the QH

The EFA have a blank Form Lauren. Ask them. I am against leases full stop. I think the Horse should be insured. You bend it you buy it clause. Full care, Veterinary no matter how much, feet, teeth, worming, shots, all up to date, option to buy, price, etc. To be shod or not. The list goes on. Just make sure it covers all unforeseen circumstances and that both parties are fully aware. Cheers

diclofenac is sold as voltaren emugel here over the counter for humans
bute in treating humanswas phased out years ago diclofenac can be given orally but has been supplanted by newer safer on the gut drugs . all anti inflamatories are harmful to he kidney and tend to increase blood pressure by the way.

Its hard to believe that anti inflamatories have any positive effect on the joint in terms of healing they have been used in humans for years without any effect like this, there is very little absorption of diclofenac into the joint when applied locally and horse skin as I understand it is very similar to human in terms of absorption.
Incidentally the mechanism of action of phenylbutazone and diclofenac is the same , they inhibit the enzyme cox 2 and also inhibit pain by blockign substance P in a similar way to panadol. So I cant see why there would be healing by small amounts of diclofenac vs large amounts of phenyllbutazone.
Doc

Fair enough Doc. I bow to your experience.

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"the Kids of course but whilst they are doing a wonderful job of being 'anti Pony Club" hahahaha, they haven't yet learnt how to get a horse 'light' on the Halter as well".
I'm sorry John,
I can't let you think the kids made the dark grey pony that way.....
In fact they haven't touched him since he arrived, they don't like him.
I have to implore you to watch this video, showing the foal (born here) that my daughter halter broke (using your DVD's) hee hee!

That poor grey pony has suffered abuse at his last home, it's not fair to blame the kids for his current state of mind, or halter breaking - that was done by a very ugly character indeed.
He will be fixed! That's why the kids are concentrating on making the new white grey pony into a roping horse.
They are totally selfless children, who have given 5 years of their time to ME, bomb-proofing, bathing and 'In hand showing' MY little homebred ponies.
Now I have got them their dream pony to ride, instead of doing what most teenagers would do - blatting round till the cows come home - they are still using the pony to help bring the smaller ones along, whilst learning to ride themselves.

Cheers,
Sarah.

 

Talk about over the top protective Sarah. Don't worry, I see much of it these days. You asked me the questions and I have very little info to work on. Just be careful that somewhere down the track you don't hold them back if you do what a lot of others do these days and jump to the attention of the Kid too quickly, thus weakening the chances of being taught by others. I see it all the time as I said and these Mothers and it is almost always Mothers, whilst only trying to help Oh so much, actually diminish the chances of success. Now, great job done on second vid. Well done to the Kiddy wink :) Mrs. HP came from exactly the same Family as yours Sarah. One of the best. Few and far between. In the end, she drove them away and three of the 5 don't see her any more.

I love your web site! Thanks for all the great insights.

My four year old barrel horse has begun to rear and lunge while turning the second barrel.

She is awesome but I sold her to someone who really was not experienced enough to handle a young horse and now I have bought her back with this problem.

She never does this at home and never during her training runs. Only when she is full throttle. She will do this also in the ally way if you hold her.

I know she is very young and I dont take her to run but once every two or three months. I have brought her along very slowly.

Do you have any suggestions how I might nip this isn the bud now before it becomes worse.

I think I understand. The horse is 'caprioling' through your hands. Plunging off the ground with the fronts and driving with the hinds. Running through your hands in other words. Back to the drawing board with the Mouth of the Horse then Joanne. You are obviously going to have a touch time replicating it however because, as you say, the horse only does it at full throttle, in a competition. Therefore, you must go full throttle at home, at practice as this has to be fixed at home, not out at comp. Obviously, you have to succeed in stopping the horse in it's tracks and backing it up for such an attempt. I doubt a female can do that. They can't with a Dressage Horse but Mathew Downsley can :) However, I would be going back to the re-mouthing drawing board. This is either a learned evasion or you must carefully investigate the soundness of the horse and make sure it isn't feeling a twinge on a certain turn one way. You know what to do then. Video investigation closely for the start.

Mrs. HP riding one recently.

Thanks for the update on the Market Harborough can't wait. Just a quick question on trotting poles I have a standardbred with sacroiliac issues and want to do the diagonal trotting pole work suggested in your problems index. Question is do I walk him through loose reined or with collection. Also I would like to do some elevated trot pole work with him meaning just raised off the ground. If I do this on the lunge line within reason of course and building up slowly can I do it in running reins to create better self carriage and build the top line which hopefully will help under saddle as well ? Many Thanks Suzanne

Trot pole work is good for sacro problems but only if the horse achieves 'roundness' whilst going over them. I would not suggest walking over them too much as you can affect the walk of a horse pretty quick and besides, it is the trot that is going to build him up anyway. As for the raised poles, that is a good idea and can be done under saddle as well. The question of the use of the MH here depends entirely on the amount of submission you have with the horse so that any dangers are eliminated. Prior preparation for everything as usual. Never use them over jumps though!! Regards Mrs. HP

 

 

23rd January, 2008

POLITICS IN THE HORSE INDUSTRY

In my experience, the Political Animal coming out of the Human that gets on to Horse Committees of any description is probably the cause of most of the denigration of the Industry. They seem to have a brain transplant, start throwing their weight around, start playing 'Yes Minister' games, being generally nasty or deceitful.

Luckily we are in the wonderful position in life where we really don't do things for the money, we do it because we care and because we enjoy it. We want to make a difference and to help. Recently, I was involved in representing a Pony Club Committee person in clearing his name from some typically nasty allegations during the thrust and parry of the Pony Club Parents behaving badly. All I did was write a couple of letters offering mediation. I now note that Mrs. HP's name has been lifted from the Zone Mailing list. The games they play. The power plays. So when the Riders at the local Pony Club don't see Mrs. HP so often because she is actually competing on her horses for once, go see Mr. power play Executive Officer. I am sure he will come up with a solution :)

EDITORIAL OF THE DAY

THE PART THAT NERVES PLAY

It has long been known that if you go into a pack in a Football Match, half hearted, you are likely to get hurt. If you are Drunk during an accident, you may not get seriously hurt or hurt at all and so it is with Horse Riding. The subject of 'nerves' plays such a huge part that it is almost impossible to convey it.

I can assure you that rarely do newly broken in horses shy and yet many seasoned horses do shy. I am always mindful of and amazed at, the fact that I can ride a newly broken in horse, alone down the Suburban Roads here and they really don't 'bat an eyelid' Why is it so?

Well of course you know the answer, even if you have no control over it and yes, it is about 'nerves' the nerves of the Rider. One of the things that the Horse Professionals has great difficulty in influencing where other Riders' are concerned and so, where I could be riding around with one hand and half asleep, another Rider will be on the ground and they were the ones that were trying so hard. So is it about that? Trying too hard? Probably but I know that it is about the Rider not taking control of their mind and dismissing all of the 'what if' that creeps in their mind. You see, every single one of those is loaded to ruin your day, to get you to fall off, to have the horse react negatively and for you to fail. It really is that simple but I know it is "Oh so hard" for the Human.

AFFECTION

Would you believe that I find a direct correlation between my relaxed ridden style and how much the horse likes me? No matter how assertive I may have to get in order to win every evasion, they like me more. They respect me, they give themselves to me because they are relaxed that I will show them the way, make all of the decisions but won't get them hurt. That brings respect and that brings affection. If only more people could bring down the emotional levels in their mind and adopt a cavalier attitude, for if they did, Horse Riding could be so much more successful and fun.

 

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OK, so we take the bridle and roller off?

This isn't something that he's just started doing today, when installing the bridle and roller, he's always doing it.
I'm trying to explain, you know how hopeless I am at explaining stuff, best to watch for yourself.
 

Ok then, so let me ask this. If you stopped allowing the horse to do it, would it? :) I think not. Now you can't blame the Kids of course but whilst they are doing a wonderful job of being 'anti Pony Club" hahahaha, they haven't yet learnt how to get a horse 'light' on the Halter as well. The young horse is just a little ignorant in the Halter work and has been taught to resist as he goes along (not to mention that he likes the color of that grass) In short, for the majority of the time, the horse is 'on the contact' and reacting as he has been taught, 'resistant' So the contact that is occurring every half a second should turn into a proper take up of the feel until the horse gives and then reward to a loopy rope. Not to entertain the constant hang, give, hang. Even though it looks like he is on a nice loopy rope, he isn't. He is on a long rope with basically no loop and so is resisting back to the contact which is almost always there. Regards

LETTERS OF THE DAY

HORSELAW

Hi,
My name is Sarah. about 2 months ago i sold a horse to a friend for her 13 year old daughter. as the family are very good friends, i was more than happy for my horse to be on trial for a week and then for her to pay $500 as a lump sum, then when she could, pay the remaining $700. I went away for 3 weeks and when i cam back, I found out that my horse who is normally dead quiet, never puts a foot wrong etc had started rearing, bucking, throwing his head in the air and had, as a result of rearing whilst being led, threw a young girl off. This is nothing like he has ever been. My 4 year old son rides him around without any issues in a 40acre paddock with 4 other agisted horses in it and he never puts foot wrong.
I am really upset that he has been behaving like this. When I dropped him off at my friends place i did tell her he needed his teeth done and she was to pay for that as part of the sale. she has had his teeth done and had a bowen therapist out to him and he is still beahing like this. 2 days after i took him to her property, i went back and gave the daughter a lesson on him so she could gain some confidence. she was riding on the lunge with hands outstretched and no stirrups or holding onto the reins. she was struggling to keep him going and was certainly not bucking, rearing, shying or carrying on, just beaing like his normal self. They have been using my saddle which has been fitted correctly a number of times and is also using his bridle.
On sunday just gone, 20th jan. he was taken to a trainer who worked him for about 2 hours in a western saddle. The horse is a thoroughbred who has a high wither. he is now very very lame and the person who was buying him, now does not want to buy him. what do i do? i am so upset about all of this. I do know that when he first got there, the young girl did feed him 2 bales of prime lucerne hay in about 3 days. I know this wouldnt have helped him at all and said that was the wrong thing to do. after the horse was brought back from the trainer on sunday, she was told he would need a hell of alot of work done before he would be ridable and wuiet ( i completly disagree with this as he is 1 in a million horse and have never come across any horse as quiet and reliable) the person who is buying him said that she would only pay $1000 for him, not $1200 or she would have to bring him back. I agreed saying that a good home was more important than the money.
i have a few questions about the whole situation.
1. am i responsible for paying for any vet bills while he is in her care and she has paid the deposit of $500?

You obviously didn't have any written agreement so that question would be eventually decided by a Court if it went that far. At this point this is just a bun fight as always.
2.when he left my property and when i was giving the daughter a lesson, he was his usual self, very quiet and reliable. now he has changed, can i be held liable for anything that happens to anyone who rides him?

You can only be held responsible if it went to Court and the Judge found against you and that you were negligent. I doubt that but the point is that they can take action against you if they are that type.
3. if she decides to bring him back, do i have to give her deposit back as there is no written agreement i dont know where i stand.
You don't have to do anything and nor does she. That is because you don't have an agreement. You really may deserve the $500 but good luck getting the horse back without giving it. It is all a game of tactics.
4. what happens if he is permanantly lame and i now cannot sell him? I am moving interstate in 3 weeks, hence the reason for selling him.
You are stuck with him then and would have to take her to Court to get damages but prove it all as well. Messy.
5. does she legally have to pay the rest of the purchase price if we have had a verbal agreement for her to buy him?
Legally may be but morally and actually she doesn't have to do a thing. She can do what ever she likes with your horse, even shoot it if she wants to. You would have to take her to Court.
I know should have had a written agreement but honestly didnt think that there would be any problems with him. The verbal agreement we had was that she would pay the $500 after the 1 weeks trial and then the remaining $700 (now $500) once i came back from holidays which was 3 weeks. its now been well over a month since she first got him to her property and i have been back from holidays for well over a week.
I just need to know if you can help or if you can give me some advice as i am desperate to sort this out without upsetting anyone.

Thankyou, hoping you can help,

Sarah McWilliam

So Sarah, I would be taking the $1,000 that quick you wouldn't see my hand move :) Get out of it and move on. Stay nice, charming and just get it done. What a wonderful Trainer that must have been. 2 hours and a western saddle on a Thoroughbred. Not, you could take legal action against that person, for sure :) Regards

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To Whom it may concern,

I have an ex-race horse who won't use the right canter leads. Especially when going in a clockwise circle.

From Madison

Lol Madison. Most all of them do that, depending on which State they come from and which way they race in that State. Clockwise or anti. This is a technical subject and you really should get a Professional Coach in for a lesson. A lot of proper Dressage Training needs to be done before your horse is ready to do the correct leads. Regards

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Howdy,

I was just reading to letter from one of the ladies with a Standy.
When I did harness racing we used to freeleg a fair bit (fast work without hobbles, you don't go as fast as you would with them, but it is alot faster then jogging) Any how we generally let the horse choose the gait they wanted to work at (trot or pace) but sometimes we had to choose for them so they did not bust into a gallop to quickly, or we would switch them over just for a change and see how they would go in a different pace. Sometimes they just sucked at it in generally and we let them gallop, that is an experience in a gig, I was almost sick the first time (cause it is worse then been in a rocking boat), until I just totally relaxed and went with it ;p. Any how back on track ;p to switch them over we used to do what I guess was a half halt. We would do a steady pull on the reins until you feel a change (something like them slowing down for a step or 2, hard to explain) then easy the pressure out again (you can not just let the pressure go or they might pop into a gallop) generally they would set back down in a different gait (GENERALLY depends on the horse a bit), the whole manoeuvre should only take a deep breath at the most to complete, so not long you only want to interrupt their gait, not slow them down. Though this might help some people with how to switch their horse over. Keep in mind though that we used to generally do this at a reasonable speed, at least full jogging pace, I guess what I am trying to say is that if you are not forward when you do it then I do not think it will work, also might not work while riding not sure, never ridden a full standard bred before. =]
Kirsty

Thanks Kirsty and yes, I find that easing them back a peg can make them take other options and then the key of course is to keep them there without upsetting them and throwing them out again. That is where good riding comes into training, isn't it. Thanks again. It is interesting to hear what the Trotting Drivers do in that situation and how you can influence them. Regards
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Greetings John and Linda

Would love your advice about my 2yr old Arab pony filly…we have had her know a week, I have taught her “basic respect of our space” and she has been going really well, from filly that had limited handling, I took ur advice a got 7 games…..our problem (me mum returning after 20yrs absent from horses) and 11 yr daughter not been round horses till will got our rescue horse (who is very quiet under most conditions a few mouth ago he is so sweet that is hard to fault). Our filly seems too respects us in arena but today out side was not the same…not bad, we are have dogs running around under control. Today we to took filly out in to the paddock to be released (230acres), she was ok, about 10mins then cantered back to me over 500m away (not called), stopped about 5m from us and walked in…that seems all good but when she left us…she turned on our poodle x and tried to kick her…the dog sleeps in arena and has never gone near her except when 11yr old daughter walks up to pat filly and dog follows. Never going past daughter. I don’t want to see daughter hurt yet still would like our dog to be with her….any suggestions please.

Thanks you from raining wet sunshine coast!

Robyn

If we have young horses, we have to expect all manner of things, including the Dog thing. That's just young horses and in this case, just a bit of exuberance at the freedom, perhaps a little jealousy, all of the emotions that we have. The key is that we just must keep it all in check, without going over the top and that means knowing how far to go of course. I learnt a long time ago that when 'Novices' are owning such horses, it is better than they are a little 'over the top' on demands and discipline if needed than under. The slight level difference can often be the thing that brings success or failure. This is actually one of the reasons why I recommend leg restraints (with all of the proper advice and facilities) because they do what no Novice can ever achieve, without the owner having to do a thing but watch. They level horses and bring them instantly into the respect zone. Anyhow, when horses are running free, they can kick just what they like as that is what young horses do. Your job is to stay clear :)
 

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Take a look at the handsome one. I had to take these pics to see the difference! Well well well I think he may be feeling a bit better now. Still a bit to go.
I think I have found the problem. He is lonely (no other horses in sight) He hates the south westery wind. I have noticed all the problems are from the wind. Ohhhh I didn't realise but it is aways windy here. Wacky mac needs a friend (of the animal variety..... a horse.
He was verywell behaved for the farrier today and for the whole day except when I walked down our 1/2 km drive way and was out of sight. (i went to meet the farrier at the end of the drive way. I think Mac thought I was leaving without him.) and then when he had a race with the farriers car. back to the small yard. I think we are going to be ok. as long as he doesn't try to race cars when I am on his back.
from Cindy and Wayno

Now you are getting there Cindy. Well done. He may be happy with a sheep or a Goat Cindy. Try that before possible giving yourself problems with separation anxiety when you ride. Never know. You don't want that. I note there is a Ram who eats with that foal I had on here the other night :) You haven't far to go now, perhaps start lunging him for 10 minutes. That will help too. Regards

22nd January, 2008

For the first few years of this website, I often spoke of the dangerous lack of risk management in the Sport of Eventing and the dire lack of controls of horses and Riders' For instance. Mrs. HP was riding the Cross Country at Naracoorte one year and nearing the end of the course, they had to jump out of one paddock, across a gravel road that had turned to glass, turn right, go down about 50 metres and jump into the next paddock for the finishing few jumps, including the water jumps. Mrs. HP as well as many others, fell on the road of course and her horse was caught, she was legged back on by the Course Delegate and she road the last section of the course, including the water complex, like a virtual 'rag doll' as she was completely concussed. The course Doctor was called and declared that she didn't have concussion. 10 minutes later, I pulled rank and the Doctor came back. Mrs. HP did not remember his examination of her.

We had distressed and completely exhausted horses being asked to complete the Cross Country Course at the Adelaide International after galloping a Steeple Chase prior (as if it wasn't difficult enough already) Fatigued horses fell like flies and I saw several buckle in the front legs into the water after landing on a recycled bitumen road with pieces up to 6 inches in diameter, complained to the British Course Delegate who couldn't see the point. I got into the water to investigate as they were coming up with blood pouring from wounds which I found unusual. I took the shoes and socks off and found the bitumen rough road. I also found 4 pairs of rayban sun glasses :) I saw the horse die at the impossible jump to jump which measured 29 feet from takeoff to landing and over a double element with a 6 foot deep trench in between. It was a suicide Jump that some idiot had dreamed up but do you think the Experts could see it? Riders being put back on horses after falling was always an accident waiting to happen but no new rules came in. I myself stopped Mrs. HP half way around a course one day, after falling.

Well it took them enough years but finally, the penny has dropped. Thank goodness and the very best to them.

FEI GETTING SERIOUS AT LAST

 After he deaths of nine eventing riders in 2007 has spurred the FEI Safety Forum to stop at nothing to reduce or eliminate serious accidents.
Representatives of 22 national federations attended the forum in Copenhagen, Denmark, at the weekend, which was chaired by USEF head David O'Connor.

The forum follows a record nine rider deaths in 2007 in cross-country falls. Seven of the deaths were in national competitions. The number of horse fatalities was not indicated.

International riders Andrew Nicholson (New Zealand) and Eric Smiley (Ireland) said that riders must take responsibility for their actions across country and must always retain respect for the fences. It was also agreed that the education of riders and officials would remain a priority.

Following presentations by British, Dutch and Ecuadorean representatives, it was agreed that scientific experimentation with deformable - or frangible - fence structures must continue and that these types of fences should be used wherever appropriate. "We owe it to riders to test material that can reduce the possibility of a rotational fall," said Carl Bouckaert (BEL), the rider representative on the FEI Eventing Committee.

David O'Connor asked FEI Eventing Committee Chairman Wayne Roycroft (AUS) to take forward to the FEI Bureau meeting in April a proposal that a more sophisticated system of data collection of cross-country statistics by each federation should be funded and managed by the FEI. The current data, collected over the last five years, which reveals that most serious accidents occur at one and two-star level, is comprehensive but does not include national competition statistics, nor a breakdown of fence statistics for the different levels of competition.

Delegates split into working groups and were asked to each produce two recommendations which would take the safety debate forward on a practical level.

FEI Eventing Committee member Andy Griffiths (GBR) chaired a group of ground jury members discussing use of the red and yellow flags on cross country to stop overly tired horses. The general opinion was that the yellow flags are confusing and should be abolished; that ground juries should be able to appoint officials, who should work in pairs, to stop horses on course; and that judges should make more use of the 25 penalties awarded for dangerous riding. It was also suggested that a DVD be produced showing good and bad examples of riding.

Chris Bartle (GBR), the German team trainer, reported back on safety equipment and rider protection. He said there needs to be investment on the testing of equipment, such as helmets and body protectors, which is sport specific, and that there should be a more openness in allowing new manufacturers to produce approved new ideas for the sport.

"There needs to be more education for riders about how to fall - using the tuck and roll method - and formal theoretical training which will lead to a better understanding of the sport," he said. "For instance, there are too many people riding with too long stirrups which means they stay attached to the horse for too long when it falls; there are types of saddles which 'block' you in; and riders need to have more understanding of the consequences of injuries such as concussion."

Yogi Briesner (SWE), the British team manager, reported on rider licensing and education. He said that the idea of rider licensing - which is now being carried out in France - was too complicated to process. His working party agreed that the medical card needs to be of more practical use, and that falls information needs to be two-way: ie, that the information about a rider's fall needs to get back to that rider's national federation on the Sunday night, so that the federation is aware the rider has had, for example, a concussing fall, in case they need to prevent them attending another competition too soon. Each federation should be asked to appoint a safety officer.

Mark Phillips (GBR), the US team trainer, reported on cross-country design. His group, which included Pierre Michelet (FRA), Derek di Grazia (USA), Rudiger Schwarz (GER), Mike Etherington-Smith (GBR) and Giuseppe Della Chiesa (ITA), said that a horse should not be allowed to blow through a pole and then be asked to jump another fence afterwards which would not give way.

"The frangible pin [which is used in Britain and America] is the only thing which has been scientifically tested, and is therefore the only tool we have to prevent the rotational fall without changing the nature of the sport. We recommend that the FEI implements this system world-wide - on fences such as the back rail of an oxer, coffins and sunken roads. We have the technology - we must use it." The course-designers also said that all portable fences must be fixed into the ground; that dimensions for measuring top spreads must be defined, and that one set of rules must be set for combination fences with black flags. They would also like to aim for a maximum of one jumping effort per 100m in CICs and for an extra five efforts to be permitted at CCIs in an effort to steady riders up on courses with flat terrain.

Another suggestion, which provoked lively discussion - and some disagreement, suggesting it would make riders go faster to atone for the penalties - was whether to penalise riders with 5pen if they knock out a flag. "Think about it," said Mark Phillips. "If it were a rule, would it make you ride better? If the answer is yes, it has to be a good thing. We need to instil the attitude in riders that cross-country is about jumping between the flags and that riders should respect the fence."

Summing up, David O'Connor said rider education, rider responsibility and rider respect is a major part of the way forward for a safer sport. "We must also welcome the new ideas in fence construction; experimentation with deformable structures clearly works in reducing horse falls. And I will be asking the FEI to make data collection and more direct communication with national federations a priority.

"But the education side has to come from the national federations who will need to get programmes in place; this debate has to be driven nationally. We have had some of the best brains in the sport here today, and I am very excited about the high level of discussion and its usefulness for the future."

-----------------------------

 

At last, those at the top can see the benefits of inlcuding Horsemen and their knowledge into the Elite Sports. Been a long time coming. If they can do it at this Level, perhaps in 30 years time it will flow to Pony Club :)

The British Open Show Jumping Championships will feature a Parelli Natural Horsemanship demonstration.
The British Open takes place in in Birmingham from April 3-6.

Founded in 1981 by Pat Parelli, the Parelli programme combines common sense, psychology and communication, and teaches the human, not the horse. Pat and his wife Linda have been spreading the word about Natural Horsemanship for many years with the aim of helping owners develop remarkable relationships with their horses and ponies.

The Parelli method, which has a massive global following, allows horse lovers to achieve success with their equines without force, dominance or fear. "People learn to communicate effectively with their horses and ponies, using the Parelli methods," said Pat.

"Our demonstrations at the British Open in April will target a large number of equestrian enthusiasts who will learn how to create harmony with their horses and ponies."

British Open Director Mark Wein said the show was delighted to welcome Parelli for the first time. "The welfare and treatment of horses and ponies is extremely important to us and we are pleased to be showcasing their display to our audience."

Alongside the Parelli Natural Horsemanship display, British Open visitors will also be treated to a variety of other top equestrian entertainment including Arena Polo, Barrel Racing, Scurry Driving, Dressage and headlining this year's displays, stuntman Daniel Naprous and the Devil's Horsemen.

------------------------------------------------------

CREAM BENEFITS OSTEO ARTHRITIS

 

Researchers have found that a topical cream may be the first cream available to both treat osteoarthritis and relieve pain in horses.

The first scientifically controlled study in horses testing the benefit of a topical diclofenac liposomal cream on equine osteoarthritis was headed by Dr David Frisbie.

Dr Frisbie, a clinical sciences professor with expertise in joint disease, was joined by a team of researchers from the Equine Orthopaedic Research Centre at Colorado State University.

The centre is part of the university's College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

"These findings offer opportunities for a new approach to treating this debilitating disease that affects both humans and horses," said Frisbie.

"Finding a drug that treats the pain in addition to the disease allows us to provide better comfort to equine athletes with osteoarthritis while helping them improve."

The topical cream, called Surpass, contains a 1% concentration of diclofenac sodium, a common anti-inflammatory agent for people available under a number of names, including Voltaren.

Surpass cream is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for direct application to sore joints in horses.

The study tested pain relief and disease modifying potential of the product on 24 horses with a similar level of osteoarthritis at the start of the treatment period.

One-third of the horses were treated with Surpass, one-third were given oral phenylbutasone "bute", a drug known to treat osteoarthritis, and one-third were untreated.

The horses were given regular treadmill exercise five days a week for the course of the study. All horses were evaluated with regular lameness examinations, X-rays, MRIs, synovial fluid and serum tests to monitor their progress during the 10-week study.

The study showed that both Surpass and Bute decreased lameness. More significantly, the study showed that only Surpass had positive effects on the joint. MRIs of the horses in the Surpass group showed decreased bone sclerosis, decreased cartilage erosion and increased levels of a key component of cartilage. All of these results indicate an improvement in the condition.

Surpass is the first treatment in a drug classification that includes aspirin and other pain-fighting medications, to demonstrate dual action with both symptom-modifying and disease-modifying properties.

Surpass is approved in the United States as a prescription product for the control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in horses.

The study, sponsored by IDEXX Pharmaceuticals Inc, was presented at the annual meeting of the American Association of Equine Practitioners in Orlando, Florida in December of 2007.

LETTERS OF THE DAY

This is really annoying.
I'm strolling along, totally oblivious, dragging the pony along like an old cow.
Lisa is behind me filming the whole episode, trying to prove to me the reasons why she doesn't like my favourite 2 year old :)
What am I doing wrong?
How can I fix this problem?
Sarah.

 

Your letter is not that clear Sarah but I think you mean, why is the horse 'dragging the chain' and the other behavior? Well, no doubt the Bridle and Bit have just been introduced to the Horse and the act of then leading one of these with a Halter as well, confuses them, sends conflicting signals and so on. This is the main reason why Horse Trainers don't use lunge reins or cavesons as it conflicts with the training and confuses horses. That is why at liberty in a round pen is how we go. The Halter pulls and tugs against the Bit and that can mean come and go back. Cheers

Dear Mr Oleary,

May I just say how fantastic I think you are in releasing a very much needed DVD about the re-training of our Australian standardbreds.

A few of us got together over 12 months ago and started a Standardbred Riding Group here in Victoria of which is affiliated with the HRCAV. We were tired of the descrimination that these wonderful horses and their owners face.
www.freewebs.com/standardbred_riding_group
Your DVD will have a huge impact in helping people with standardbreds all over Australia. There is so little in information out there to help with the re-education of standardbreds. I will definately advertise it on our website as we get so many enquiries from people needing help.

I will be also asking our club members at the next meeting if our club can purchase the two DVD's to put in a library for our members to borrow, as it will be of great interest to everyone.

I would also like to know if you ever venture to Victoria to conduct clinics, as it would be great if we could organise a standardbred clinic. Some of our standardbreds are out competing in dressage, horse trials, showing etc, we compete against other breeds, so these are not just standardbred competitions. Our club caters for both the novice and the more experienced.

Again, I say a huge thankyou in putting out such a wonderful DVD.

Yours sincerely

Michelle Boyd
www.freewebs.com/standardbred_riding_group

I can just imagine you all at a cake and coffee night, watching Mrs. HP struggling with these horses :) Thanks for the vote. You will be pleased when you see them. Regards

Hi,

I have just bought the loveliest, quietest TB mare 7yr old she was trialled for racing but was way to slow, she had then done some trial riding, ag shows, and a few dressage clinics but lacked the sparkle the owner was looking for she was then put in foal and had lovely filly, I then purchased the horse. I have had her for a week now and everything is going to plan the question i want to ask is, when i ask her to stop which she does straight away, she puts her head in and it feels like i have all her weight on the reins, i ride loose reined but as so as i pull the reins back she does this i also have very so hands it doesn't seem to matter how much pressure you put on the reins she tucks in. I ride her in a D ring snaffle in a plain snaffle bridle without nose bands. Any advice would appreciated as i don't want to pull on mouth and ruin her or sour her, I have always ridden on loose rein with my horses but have never had one put all their weight on the bit anyway that's what it feels like Please Help.
michele

That is just the typical mouth of the OTTb Michele. Nothing unusual about it. They are just heavy and have lost all mouth sophistication. Learnt to lean back against any pressure, no matter how light. These horses really need re-mouthing which is why I have been working months on such a dvd and the last 6 blinkin weeks on trying to get it released but have been having technical drama with trying to get it done on duel layer dvd as they are both way bigger than normal. Don't worry that you may damage or hurt her mouth. Not possible :)

Hey you! Sorry...lol I just had another brain storm!!! Dawson the kelpi pup....he can be taught to be my companion on rides. You see, my biggest fear is going blind while riding by myself, as the M.S. is affecting my eye sight. I know ..."don't ride by yourself" but this is MY time away from hubbies,kids, stress. If I teach Dawson to come with us (god only knows how as he has no road sense) I would feel sooo much safer. He is amazing, you know where the kids are as you just call out for him , and where ever he pops out from ....the kids are.lol

I will leave you alone now

cheers
chelle

No you won't :) There is nothing you can't do with Animals of course. You can train him. You should have me on the ride with you. It would be the 'blind leading the blind' lol

Hey you! John, due to you and Linda's wonderful advise and Dvds, I have seriously started to believe in myself in bringing up a foal for myself in 2009. But once my M.S. was Diagnosed I just threw my arms in the air and said "well that Idea went out the window'...what a sook. I have been thinking since then, especially since that wonderful email the lady sent about her daughter (thankyou for that). Why can't I...but put more into it, make him/her you ultimate best friend. Teach him Johns ways, but add...teach him to lie down and to accept a wheelchair around/under him, teach him to become my eyes. etc. So I have decided to YES! It's scary ...what if I stuff up, what if I get a Psycho foal, if we all stopped and 'what if' this world would be a safer, but very boring place. lol I have no idea how I am going to do all this, but I guess with your Dvds and website I will keep learning. hint hint...

take care
cheers
chelle

There are plenty of people around the World who have their horses trained via Natural Horsemanship, from their wheel chair, to lay down to get on and all kinds of things. Google Parelli and the Friesian Stallion. Cheers

 

Hi John,
I think I would have totally freaked! If I had seen your stallion tangled in the gate the way yours was, even if he was standing still waiting for you to rescue him. How brave you were running to get the tools, I would have been thinking about the ensuing panic when I left his sight.
I used to have a hard time getting to sleep at night, thinking of all the dangerous things the horses could get up to in fences and other stuff.
My Arab used to lean against the 7 wire/batten fence, put one front and one hind leg into the fence, force the fence upside down and wriggle free so he could be in the paddock next door - that was really hard to watch.
He's gone now, and the rest are hobble trained to the best of my ability, so peace of mind is returning slowly.
Now we're being bombarded with videos of animal cruelty on your site of gigantic proportions, I find myself watching them, then feeling sickened for the rest of the day (or night).
I'm writing to tell you I can't watch anymore, so if there's any important message you think I'm missing, please put a brief description instead of the graphic horrors I'm about to pass on.
Cheers,
Sarah.
And good on you for getting your message across.
PS: Lisa had her first real fast canter last night (500 meters), still no reins, but by golly I'm getting to be a fast runner. LOL!!!

I shall warn Sarah. Thanks for the feed back.

I am helping a young girl,who has really bad hands as in she grabs up the reins when the horse goes forward and steers the horse around the corners as if she were pushing a pram,this is the way she was taught at her previous riding establishment,can you please advise on how to correct this????? Thank you regards Shirley

Take the reins off her Shirley. Put her on the lunge and teach her to have an independent seat. Then when she is ready,, teach her to ride on a pleasure rein and all about the lateral controls, then with the reins but with a loop in them and proper riding with the learning of hand position and proper body position with the hands out in the right place, in mid air, with no contact and proving the Body is not influencing them poorly. If she can then ride like that, a contact can commence.meanwhile, her hands will improve out of site :) Regards
 

Hi John

Firstly, the utube clips showing cruelty to animals is so distressing. What can we do to help? I don't like seeing it, but cant help watching it. I cry each time. Are you putting them on your site so we can do something? I'd love to help put an end to all of it.

Secondly....and to my question, Lucy S/B started digging a hole today and she didn't stop. The hole is huge. Big enough for her to lay in and about 1-2ft deep. After inspecting the hole (and I watched her pawing at the ground for a while), I went out to check around the property and found another spot that she had dug, but not as big. Do you know why she would start doing this now? The grass has all gone. Could she just be looking for a feed. The spot where she dug the big hole, once had a huge round bale sitting on it, but that was 2 years ago and I haven't put anything there since.

I'm a bit concerned, not just coz it looks like the aliens have been, but the horses could fall when galloping around the paddock. Any ideas?????

Regards Lisa. Geraldton
P.S. I sent that lion video. Thought it was a lovely change from the cruelty ones.

I didn't get that Lion one Lisa. She could be anything. Hungry, looking for roots, looking for more Hay because she can still smell it there where the round bale was, wanting a dust roll spot but one thing is for sure, there would be a message in it and that is what you have to work out.

Hi, I received the "mouthing pdf." Is that an accompaniment to the DVD? I have been devouring your site and trying different things with my horse to see what effects it has on my riding and her behaviour. Im not a trained rider, having learnt to ride in the Territory after being given a horse by chance but I have taken on board alot of your advice and bitten the bullet so to speak. Ive always been terrified of letting go of the reigns but now when I ride out bush I just give her free reign to see what her reaction will be. She tries to fight the rein and then realizes there is nothing to fight so she stops and thinks about that a bit then walks on looking back at me every so often trying to figure out what the hell I am doing. I try and guide her with my legs and just keep her at a walk only picking up the reigns to have a crack at trotting. I live by big salt lakes and some vegetated sand dunes so Ive taken her through the dunes trying to get her out of the pacing. I had the most terrifying, hair raising ride the other day and I still cant wipe the smile off my face. Without the information on your site I doubt that I wouldve tried a fraction of what I have been doing lately and regardless of the falls I have every so often, my confidence levels have gone through the roof. I am in the process of organizing a 130k fundraising horsetrek ( www.riders4life.com.au) and I have full intentions of participating in every aspect of it. Thanks alot for breaking all the lingo down into layman's terms that a non competitor can understand and learn from.
I am sweating on payday to get a couple more of your DVD's. I have a big standardbred Mare

Many thanks for letting me know and congratulations to you and the horse of course. I look forward to hearing about your big ride :) Don't forget to pack the talcum hahaha. Best of Luck.

Hi John,

Have followed your feeding podcast feedback from the beginning and I have to say to anyone with criticism of it................

I have 2 very bossy "alpha" horses on this place who now have total
respect due to me following that exact procedure. It wasn;t until I
sent them far enough out of my space and kept them there that they stopped ever challenging me again. One would charge me initially for the bucket.

I am a NH fan, but following what Pat says to do only worked when I had a carrot stick in my hand, and I continued to be challenged at different levels.

Now they stand back and wait every time.....just by the look of my eye and hand and no tools.

It also improved everything else I was doing with them as far as handling and respect issues.

We are a heck of a lot safer because of this.

Thank you!!

Jen

Thanks Jen. Well done!

 

21st January, 2008

RAVE OF THE DAY

 Day Off. Spent the morning with a friend, investigating why my broadband two speed was down to 580/90, bit like my blood pressure when I think about Telstra. We had problems a couple of years ago and they came and re-wired the house as part of the investigation. We disconnected the wires coming into the house and plugged the laptop into it. 6000/600 speed. So we ran our own wire, plugged her in and we now have 5572/704. Good ol Telstra :)

and on that note, I never cease to be amazed by the Human psyche. There must have been a thousand stories on the Television over the past few years, warning about the shoddy handling of customers, suicide amongst staff, every news paper you read has the same stories but in plague proportions, new clients to broadband choose Telstra. Are they brain dead? A friend of mine did about 7 weeks ago. Signed up on the 24 month contract, out came the modem and all the goodies and she was left to her own devices. The instructions don't help much and when the thing wouldn't work, it doesn't tell you why. She spent the last 6 weeks without Internet but paying the Mongrels but would you think they would send someone out to help her. No way. Guess where she lives? 20k from the Centre of the City. Last week, my good Mate, retired Gentleman who is a whizz, goes up there to help her out. Got it going. Over priced, no downloads and no service. What is it with the Human Race? Are they cold stone crazy? Adam Internet could have done it in 15 minutes, half the price and double the downloads. I reckon it must be that people want to be near the bosom of Australia, just like when they were Babies, so they go with good ol Telstra. :)

If anyone this side of Town wants a reliable, trustworthy and affordable nice English retired Gentleman with impeccable quality, for Computer problems, upgrades and re-builds or connecting all manner of Plasma TV's etc, write this down and keep it in your book.

peterdb@adam.com.au

 

EDITORIAL OF THE DAY

The horse appearing in the Pod Cast of the Week. How far do you go with horses that are "out of their box"?

For those who weren't readers of this site back then, he burst out of the Horse Float in the middle of my car park about 9 months ago and you would have thought it was Muhammad Ali during his prime. There may not have even been an owner attached to the end of the lead rope as he didn't even know she was there. He just went where he liked, throwing the front legs, over the top of anyone standing in his way and dust galore. You couldn't get further out of the box than this horse.

But how far do you go with such an out of control 'Juvenile Delinquent' with a strong dose of A.D.D.? Plenty would have gone right after him and some would have bashed the crap out of him but in Horse Training there is always a balance. The assessment process is going on every second. I have met a lot of these horses and quite frankly, they are my style of horses. How many horses have a personality? The kind that Humans love? Most just go through the motions of ridden life but are really not with you. Rarely do you meet these highly intelligent, switched on, cocky, self assured horses that can end up so good and give you a life time of 'true partnership' where the horse is just as interested in the outcomes as you are. Such was the case with this horse.

So, right from the start, I was ever mindful of my goal of taking control of him but retaining the magnificent personality and not snuffing it out. I am satisfied indeed that he came through it all by being an easily handling horse, a lot of fun, a character and his full potential still in tact.

Incidentally, I was attempting to give some advice on horses that want things in their mouth and to an American on stock whip training but my sound got corrupted. I'll get him a pink dummy for Christmas :) Very proud of the owner. She had done a wonderful job on his ground work after my initial 'putting him back in his box'  and did you all note the neck on that young horse???? Running reins for 2 months :) She want home and saddled him up and went for a ride out in the Bush on her own. Not a problem

HAVING THINGS IN THE MOUTH

You would have noticed that he was a 'mouthy fellow' but as I said, I was attempting to pass on some info about the subject as I am continually getting asked. Anyhow, once again, we must take into account everything about the horse before making our assessment and taking action. The reason he was grabbing the saddle is the 'Mummy taught him to put his own horse rug on" Now, imagine the injustice of hitting him when the owner had trained him to do it? Remember? Listen to your horse and they tell you everything :) By the way, he sucks the reins, not chew but young horses are almost teething and so we must take that into account as well. Then you have the horse that has A.D.D. as this horse does. He needs to help , why not let him.....of course, within reason but that is the whole point of Horse Training. To be able to get them within control to the point where you haven't got 'paralysis of the analysis' but that you can make exceptions, bend rules and so on but, all within your control. We don't have to act like Hitler.

LEADING YOUR HORSE WITH EXPERT VILLAGE

 

CARTAGE

 

LETTERS OF THE DAY

Hey you! When ever I watch a movie with horses in them, my kids get angry at me for critising the way they are ridden/handled. Well it must rubbing off, Son was watching good old "Old Yella" and when they got to the scene where the little boys yells out "ya not taken my dog!" thus making his horse do a few bucks....Son is yelling at the T.V. "One-rein him...just One-rein him" turns to me with head shaking nad eyes rolling , hands in the air " Idiot, he just had to One-rein him!"

cheers
chelle

Haha, isn't that typical of us? We are in the Movies watching the Horse Whisperer and Mrs. HP starts, "She's on the wrong diagonal" lol We are total pains, aren't we :)

Hi John

sorry for the delay in getting back to you.

By vertical head, I mean lips / nostrils are the highest point. Not good at all for control. This normally happens when tantruming - most often because horse wants to look and is not allowed to (ie I insist he pay attention and work). It is usually coupled with pony stepping. For a 15.3hh horse, not a good thing to be doing. What do you do with that? He has stopped now, so I think I am on top of it, but suggestions would be good.

When they start that Karen, it is a matter of 'leg on' and 'take' to whatever pressure that they choose to deny you with and of course, softness when they are back where you want them. That is a learned thing and they have to know that it is not a comfortable place to be.

You will be very pleased to hear that I am a quick learner :) He tried the spin routine again the other day (on long reins) and I was on top of it. We were out riding with a friend (our horses used to live together and they were very happy to see each other again) and we were leading at that stage and he tried to run off. My friend said it was very well caught :) I wasn't in the dressage saddle this time (saddle was still an english cut but lets you sit more defensively) so I didn't get unseated like last time, so I was much quicker with my reins. It was so nice to go out with someone who can ride. Very good for my horse to work at being calm. Fortunately my boy was much better than last weekend. I definitely think he was getting too much food as he seems calmer since I have cut that back.

Have a great week

K

Well done K. Nothing like hitting the dust to focus the mind :)

Hi again

I'll just add to the below, yes he can work in a frame, properly and consistently. He is muscling up nicely, so we are obviously doing more correct than incorrect work. However, correct work goes when he tantrums. Normally with a scary object I would increase flexion to inside (so away from object) and leg yield out to where I want him to go (closer to object), maintaining the frame etc. That isn't possible when the head goes vertical and I can see no way to stop him getting it up there apart from equipment of some kind, which I would be very reluctant to put on him as I think there would be a very bad reaction.

K

good call. Yes, no equipment for this one, just cruncho muncho :) He is being most evasive indeed.

------------------

Hi John,

Sorry to annoy you again. I started my other filly a couple of days ago. The first time I put the bridle on she got her tongue over the bit within about 5 seconds. Removed bridle, placed on again, same problem. She has a very agile tongue. To stop this problem I placed a piece of twine from each side of the bit over her nose to lift the bit a little higher in her mouth. (Something I have seen done at the race track). She could not then get her tongue over the bit. Today I put the bridle on and she had her tongue over before I could get the twine done up.

A friend of mine suggested I try a double jointed bit, as the join sits a little higher in the mouth. This also worked.

Here is my problem. I do not actually know what to do when mouthing. This horse is soft, responsive and obedient. She is beautifully halter trained and moves of the slightest pressure.

I am not sure that it is a good idea to mouth her in the FM with the twine on top. But also I am not sure if it is a good idea to mouth her in a double jointed bit with twine on the bottom. Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Put the FM on, up to the adjustment of a broken in horse (two wrinkles on each side) and just let her wear it for a few days. Eating her Hay (but not via a hay net)
Assess her then before making any decisions.
When you lunge her, does her breathing sound normal. Put the pressure on a the canter until she starts to feel tired. Listen carefully.
Sometimes this is a sign of breathing problems.

Thankyou for the advice John. I let her eat in it for four days. After the second she stopped trying to get it over. By the third she was very comfortable in it. I rode her for the first time today, she was such a sweetie. Gotta love the Clydie crosses she was so laid back.

Lossen it a fraction then so she can get it over the bit but also get it back and under. Let her work out where the comfort is. Below. Give it a week.

Thanks for getting back to me. I have never cantered her in the round yard. But she has had some heavy galloping in the 700 acre paddock when I have been catching the mob, and I have never heard or noticed anything odd about her breathing. But I will check in the round yard. I let her eat her hay in the bit today, but that was the double jointed, I will try again with the FM tomorrow. Do I just leave her with her tongue over or do I take it off and put it back on properly? It is just on the first day she had no trouble getting it over, but then could not get it back. Sorry I have never had one do this before.


Thankyou again for your fantastic mouthing DVD, breaking in has never been such a joy.

You are my hero J.

Melissa

As always, my pleasure.

--------------------------------------------

Howdy,

I have to laugh at the person who said you only got obedience through fear. Those people are exactly the kind of people who make me disinclined to take my horse out. I am glad you do not worry to much what other people think, as worrying about it get me in trouble. Hard to not think about it when so many people are just to happy to let you know ;p My horse is always willing to take me down a few pegs though, to remind me that he is more important than anyone's opinion ;p. Just the other day he struck me in the shoulder with his front foot. He knew exactly what he was doing the bugger, because he barely touched me, just hit me hard enough to shock me out of my stupidity, not the first time he has let me know. Unfortunately like people not all horses work the same way and Larry is the kinda guy who sits at 'phase 1' and nags and nags then bang he slaps a phase 4 on ya ;p

We spend most of our time down at phase 1, but on occasion I have to put my foot down and we shoot up to phase 4, then we come right back down to phase
1 again. I guess to someone who does not know him or me much, they would think that I let my emotions get the best of me, but the difference between being aggressive and assertive is the fact that after the incident u need to let it go, also there is a big difference between a scared horse and one that just got exactly what he asked for. Some horses will forever test ya, checking to see if you are off your game, others will only test u once, and still others never test ya (cause they dont have to, they already are dominate and do exactly what they want ;p )

People always see what they want to see and 90% of the time they always see faults in others, they never see what is really there. They see a horse scared to death, or someone who can not control their temper. They do not see a horse playing to be boss, and someone putting the horse back into his box.

I bet those people never bother to check how the horse is going, and do not watch you pod cast about his progress, cause they don't want to know you where right, cause then they would not feel quite so good about themselves, or as smart. That is the big problem, please glance for half a second and make a judgement or go in already having judged. They pay no attention to what came before and what comes after. ;p

Luckily alot of people do see what is really there, you dealt with the horse in the appropriate manner and this footage has since helped alot of people. The lady who owns this boy is very lucky, he is lovely and has personality plus I bet. Just needs to make sure that she never falls asleep while with him like I do with Larry sometimes, as I would not be surprised if he would consider giving a wake-up call either;p

Good job as always =]

Kristy

You make a very valid point Kristy. I am constantly amazed at how unobservant so many people are. Even during the process of being negative towards my training (which is fair enough) I now that the laugh is on them but they don't know that. There was a reference to me lacking timing. Show me a career Horse Trainer who lacks timing lol. I chuckle, let me tell you :) Anyhow, I always get the last laugh because it is only ever a matter of time. Just perform and the Horse becomes the best arbiter :)

--------------------

Looks good Sarah. Normally we don't tie a horse up that has hobbles on, until it is well and truly an old hand at them and does tie up proper.
You're a hard act to follow John.
We don't want complications of course. Once they do however, not a problem and plenty tie them to Horse Floats to stop digging although I never have. Sounds like you prepared well however. Incidentally, I don't knee hobble horses for bridling. 100% of Breakers accept a Bridle without an issue.
We're talking here about the 2 year old dark grey pony, who I KNEW would freak as soon as he saw the bridle coming, anything new and I get whites of the eyes showing, snorting and backing off, I was just trying to prepare myself.
Thanks for your advice :)
I do have stockmans hobbles on them however Ahhh, that's another secret I didn't know about :) but the point I was trying to make clear is that the Pod Cast of the horses with Bridling issues is not what is needed for the young horses. Regards Sarah

Well done.
 

20th January, 2008

POD CAST OF THE WEEK

Feeding Time Rules Part 2 - the sequel

7th March, 2007

Of the 20,890 views of this Pod Cast, there were a number that spoke like this:

indiopony

The principle of what you tried to do was fine. But your application was really bad. Your timing for using the whip was all wrong and instead of teaching understanding, you got obedience through fear. You are trying to do the right thing, but for a professional with so many years experience you have a lack of understanding of the finer details that go into making a really good horseman.

I promised I would show the Horse when he came back and that was this last week. Total 14 days in his Breaking in.

19th January, 2008

 

LEG RESTRAINTS

Well, I've reckon I have seen the benefits of hobble training with just about every dangerous scenario imaginable and all horses saved but yesterday, well we were quite dumb founded.

We waltzed a Mare past the paddock where our Stallion lives and for the first time in his career, he reared up and threw one leg over the top of a Gate that was slung about two metres high. His leg slid over the curved section at the end and dropped down between the gate and the strainer post with the back of his pastern seated on the chain. He was stuck standing on his two back legs with one front leg hung in mid air off the ground and the other in the gate. The pain was obviously terrible as he began shaking but stayed motionless. I tried to lift him out but couldn't manage and so had to run home 200 metres, get spanners, go back down where I expected to have to make the next trip for the Rifle and he was still standing there without struggle. He waited for me to dismantle the other end of the gate where the hinges were, remove it from the strainer Post, turn it over 180 degrees and release him. So there you go, the life of another horse saved by Leg Restraints training. Not even skin off and it could have been the hoof off.

That afternoon, I got hold of a 3 month old Colt that is here with his Mother and hobble trained him because he hadn't been handled. All done within the hour and so another one protected.

Hi John,
Thought I would have a go at mouthing our new 2 year old gelding today.
Knowing what a tall, nervy thing he is/has been I wanted to make sure he was prepared for the procedure.
I put the knee hobbles on BEFORE discovering if we would have a struggle or not?
I'm not sure if you realise how well those hobbles work, because there was no need to thread the lead rope around the knee hobbles at all, just the fact that he had them on, and is used to them, he had it imprinted in his brain that he simply couldn't struggle :) End of problem.
There was NO attempt to step back, toss his head in the air or any other form of evasion - so cool when everyone stays cool!
I do understand why you do it the way you do with a horse that has already developed a phobia of the bit.
Not sure if you've seen the hobble video of mine.

The seller of our new pony warned me that he doesn't like being tied up.
Aparently it doesn't matter how short you tie him, he always manages to get one front leg up over the rope, causing stress, various broken pieces of saddlery and a sometimes very tangled looking pony.
We started off with the front leg strap, one leg after the other making him walk a few strides.
Then put the Stockman's hobbles on and watched him throw a paddy for about 10 seconds!
Finally tying him up with the Stockman's hobbles still attatched.
I showed the video to the seller, and she giggled over the phone with me later as she pointed out the exact moment (0.41) where he 'went to lift one leg', then changed his mind, lol.
He's practically perfect in every other respect :)
Cheers,
Sarah.

Looks good Sarah. Normally we don't tie a horse up that has hobbles on, until it is well and truly an old hand at them and does tie up proper. We don't want complications of course. Once they do however, not a problem and plenty tie them to Horse Floats to stop digging although I never have. Sounds like you prepared well however. Incidentally, I don't knee hobble horses for bridling. 100% of Breakers accept a Bridle without an issue. I do have stockmans hobbles on them however but the point I was trying to make clear is that the Pod Cast of the horses with Bridling issues is not what is needed for the young horses. Regards

ANTHRAX

Things were just getting back to normal in the Australian state of New South Wales, where an outbreak of Equine Influenza locked down the horse industry, canceled racing and shows, and delayed breedings since August. Transporting horses even short distances was forbidden.

All this after the Australian horse world had been affected by drought so severe that horse owners were being taught how to feed cardboard shreds as a substitute for forage. A bizarre condition known as "Australian stringhalt" was reported, in which horses passtured on drought-ravaged paddocks exhibit hitchy gait symptoms from eating certain plants.

Now comes the third blow: since Christmas, anthrax has killed 30 cattle and at least one horse near the horsey town of Scone in the lovely Hunter Valley north of Sydney. The area is home to many of Australia's leading horse breeding farms.

The Australian Broadcast Corporation is also reporting tonight that the first horse event to be allowed in the area since the EI outbreak had to be canceled because of the anthrax danger.

Anthrax is a bacterial disease carried by spores that live in the soil; they are usually dormant but drought often brings anthrax to the surface. Anthrax-infected carcasses are a common cause of an outbreak. For that reason, an animal that dies from anthrax must be burned until its bones are ash, according to the reports.

Cattle and one horse have died on nine different properties in the area, according to ABC.

Anthrax is deadly to horses and humans.


 

LETTERS OF THE DAY

My name is carly and i'm 14. I lease a horse that is 3 and a half years old, she i an appalloossa and has a bit of thoroughbread in her. when i go out to the paddock she will sometimes come at me or rear up at me. she is very moody like sometimes she will come up and lick me and sometimes she will come up and bite me. when i'm riding her she can sometimes be like an angel do everything i say with little rein contact other times she refuses to do what i ask her and will buck or rear. it's hard to tell what she will be like the next day but i would like to hear someone elses opinion on what it might be and any tips that you might have that will help me build a etter relationship with my horse.

• Get a Professional in for one assessment
• Get NH lessons with that horse with an NH Coach

and then you should be right. This would simply be a reflection of your age and her age Carly and therefore some confusion. Not the fault of either of you but I do suggest you get some help on the ground and some directions to follow. You will then find out the horse will chill out. Regards

Hi John,


Well have used the running reigns and can definitely see the difference in them from the side reigns, not so much jabbing in the mouth.
One query though, is the end point in adjustment supposed to be that when they put there head up there is a good amount of pressure on the bit from the reigns for them to then give to that and put it back down again? I ask because on the shortest setting my boy still can go around circle after circle with head in the air and it does not look like there is much pressure on the bit asking him to give.
It is worse on his “stiffer side” so to speak where he is less inclined to lower and also bend around the circle.
What do you think? Do I need to add more holes or do I just keep him going around and waiting for the give to be more consistant? He does put his head down at times but it seems to be more so because he has thought to travel that way for a while himself not so much the give to the pressure

The other thing was I had the inside reign 2 holes shorter but he was still able to look to the outside, do I a couple more holes difference to encourage more flexion to the inside?
I appreciate your help on this.

Nicole.

Go to this weeks Pod Cast Nicole and check out the neck on this young Horse. He has been lunged with running reins for two months. Not bad??? Yes, shorten up the inside and demand looking to the inside correctly (not over done) and your horse shouldn't be going around with the head up there at all and I have not run into running out of holes. Yes, put some more in. Use a red hot nail held with pliers where you had heated the nail up over a gas flame. Your horse should be able to attempt to go 'above the bit' but then give and go like this Trotter on the first day of intro.

After into10 minutes later day one and the form you want.

G'day HP

I read on your web site about the bates Innova saddle and how easily you do get bucked out of one. I know, its happened once. What happened is we were at ARC last year, it was a very windy day and she spooked a couple of times. At the end of our flat work I was just walking calmly around the group that was jumping, we had walked past this section a few time so on this round decided to go a little closer to the trailer of jumps. As we got up parallel to it she spun around pig rooted I went forward and though ho well I'm nearly there I will get off (bad move the grassed area is as hard as rock) and injured my shoulder. I know that I was not quick enough to do the one rein stop and that was the first time that she put in a pig root after a shy. I know she got me off guard that day. Pondering why it happened I realized that in march that year at her first outing to a show there where tents, she was very scared of them and I did get to go under them and past them ok, she was shivering from fear but still did as I asked that whole day she was a nervous nelly. I have taken over there after ( when my are was better) and lunged her with the halter and bridle to which I attached another rope that went from the roller to the bridle and back. Like you rigged up on young Auro in the mouthing dvd. As soon as she took flight I pulled on the rope. Did that once or twice and she lunged perfectly. I don't know if that was the right thing to do but it was the only thing I could think of. I wanted to take down a notch the flight response and in a way that I was not going to get hurt again.

About the saddle it made think about my saddle and was wanting to know which saddle do you recommend for flat work and jumping that will help you stay in better.
I must say that my conformation is not the best as I have a very bad sway back and rounded shoulder so when something like this happens I automatically tip forward, can you suggest anything that could help the conformation of the rider? I do try and ride with all the correct posture but at the moment of the fall I was relaxed and wondering around before heading home.

One day if I get to come over to SA I would dearly love to visit you guys in person and thank you for your wonderful help you proved. Until then thank you keep doing such a wonderful job.

Ciao from Sabrina

Well of course Sabrina, the Dressage Saddle is designed to give you much stickability, just correct riding position and freedom of movement within the saddle to be an effective Rider and to communicate with the horse via your seat. I call them "self emtying saddles" The point the National Coach was making was along the lines of the fact that the saddle was too restricting of the Body for effective Dressage Riding. I make the point of getting bucked off. You did the right thing with that Mare. This is another benefit of this where you can prove to them that you are all powerful, even from afar hahahaha. I am no expert on these Saddles. Mrs. HP Rides in an Anky Dressage Saddle and a Bates Jumping Saddle. These Dressage Queens don't have 'only one saddle' for all work lol. They are spoilt rotten :)


Dear Mr O’Leary,

I am contacting you to ask for your help with my 14.3hh 10year old riding pony t/bred cross mare, Millie who was broken in at 3yo, shown at 6 shows, sold, used as a ??? recreational horse for dreassage lessons, put in a paddock for 3 years (no adequate reason given other than marriage breakdown, sold and used on weekends as a pony club/farm horse who injured herself kicking threw a fence, sold to me as unsound when the attending Vet told owners they would need to have her tendon cut, rehabilitated (???? But not fixed) by me and returned back to the show ring .
I may well be suffering total exhaustion at the moment due to tiredness, however I am feeling rather jubilant from within due to stumbling upon one of your web pages.
I have tried so a number of professionals in trying to find assistance for my mare, with varying degrees of success, however, as this mares ‘Mother’ I know something is really wrong with her, and sheer politeness on her behalf is the only reason she hasn’t bucked me off and stomped me into the ground.
Confirmationally, the mare is a bit straight in the hind leg, and lack of muscle tone allows her to drop in the back and is making her rump weak. When she comes back into work she is very uncomfortable and doesn’t lock exactly in the stiffle, but uses herself behind as the horses I have viewed on your ‘YouTube’ clips. To lunge her –the best I can describe her is that she looks like she is ducking under a clothes line…………. Not on the forehand, but ducking with the whither………. Under saddle she tries sooooo hard to be a good little girl. The walk is slow with no enthusiasm, the trot is alright to look at but feels just so wrong when you are on her…… the canter tends to 4 beat, and she can use her hind legs as some of the horses in the clips –though with no violence, they just come up high and it feels like she will send me over her head.
I live in Geelong Victoria. My question is, would you be interested in giving me your opinion on how best to proceed with this mare if I sent you a very short video of her on the lunge and during her first ride back this season? The first ride went really well. The second – she felt like she was trying to run out from under me like a pea coming out of a pod……. The Vet/Chiro was called immediately and I believe helped her somewhat and gave me exercises to do with her……………
My aim isn’t to discredit any one that has tried to date to help me with her – but to find ‘the person’ who can lead me to making my mare as comfortable as she can be.
The mare is a total gem in her nature. Last season I showed her at 11 Ag shows with her winning her class at 8 of them and going Champion at 6 of them. I only rode her at shows – just led her to the ring, hoped on, rode her in the class, for the championship and home. If she didn’t win in the first ring, she was still packed up, kissed and taken home. I lunged her at home for roughly 15 – 20minutes a day in preference to riding her, as even though my Vet/Chiro told me she was sound to ride, my gut said although she was benefiting from work, she didn’t’ need my added weight on her. There is no disuniting at canter. Her extensions are immediate and really nice. No head tossing. When she comes back from canter to trot she throws her head up and throws her front legs forward to a maximum extension for a couple of strides, then brings her head back down and off we go. Did I mention she is the kindess, sweetest person God blew breath into? A doll!!
I will have owned her 2 years on Anzac day. Due to the EI she has been out since the week after Easter last year, but is now coming back into work.
IF you think you may be able to help me, and you are willing to view my video to see where I can go from here, could you please reply by email……….
I’m sorry to butt into your life unannounced like this, but just hope you are my mares candle in the darkness.
Regards

Sue

That's fine Sue. I have mailed you my address. She does sound nice.

Hi there, I have just been on the net doing some googling on stifle lock and come across your page. I wondered if you might give me some advice on a horse I have that I have been told has "stifle lock"?

I have a 21 year old Australian Stock Horse mare. She had an accidental pregnancy last year after getting in with a stallion and gave birth in March 2007. The foal was weaned gradually from August to Sept 07. Previous to this she was very well rounded especially over the rump. Of course since the pregnancy and birth (and due to her age carrying a foal I guess) she has experienced some muscle wastage across the back and especially over the rump.

I had been noticing a clicking sound in her back legs when she walked and when the farrier last came 5 weeks ago told me she had stifle lock and was stiff to lift her legs for the trim. He said that would be why her whole body is fat except her rump as the circulation would be poor to that area due to the stifle lock?

I use the Kentucky Equine Research diet and hand mix my own grains. She has pasture hay and rye/clover twice per day. She also has lucerne and oaten chaff with lupins, sunflower seeds, equijewel, nutrequin and some canola oil twice per day. I also chuck in a bit of DCP for her bones.

This is a new thing I have not experienced before and I am very keen to "fix" the problem and build her back end back up. She has never had it before and I am not confident whether this is actually the problem and I tend to avoid vets in general with my horses. She is being worked roughly once - twice per week for trail riding only. I would welcome your suggestions or ideas on this!

Many thanks, Narel

Obviously one would need this confirmed and the Vet is the person for that. Only then would you know your options, bearing