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POD CAST OF THE WEEK

 

16TH SEPTEMBER, 2008

COUNCIL MEETING

Tonight, the Pegasus Pony Club was invited to provide submissions to the Full sitting of the Tea Tree Gulley Council. It was indeed a privilege to see the City of Tea Tree Gully convene a special meeting just for the Pegasus Pony Club.

My sincere thanks to the wonderful crowd that turned up and filled the Chamber, the lovely speakers from Pegasus and of course to Jim Thompson who showed the obvious signs of the strain of it all over the past few months. He was most gracious considering his past treatment and should be nominated for an AO for his tireless work I reckon.

Jim presented a Power point presentation which outlined the History of this great Club. The first three Members turned out to be legendary in the Horse World. RM Williams, Tom Roberts and Margaret Clarke

R.M. Williams

http://www.rmwilliams.com.au/home.asp?pageid=5ED6BC70E311050F

 Tom Roberts

Tom was awarded the MEDAL OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA from the Governor of South Australia for "SERVICE TO EQUESTRIAN SPORT" in 1982. He served in both World Wars and quickly gained a reputation as an expert horseman who specialized in working with 'difficult horses.' He wrote and published four books in the Horse Control Series; Horse Control and the Bit; Horse Control and the Young Horse; Horse Control and the Rider; and Reminiscences. At 88 years, he had hoped to see the publishing of his war diaries kept throughout his service with the 2/7th Aust. Field Regiment, together with many photographs that he had managed to take. Keeping diaries and taking photographs were both forbidden of course, and he has included a copy of the original charge sheets that resulted when it was discovered he was not only keeping a diary but also using a camera! His wife Pat Roberts completed the transcript and published the diaries.

The past History of the entire matter was put by the Manager of City Assets, David Murray and the explanation of the workings of the Water Recycling Plant by Brenton  Curtis.           

Councilor Osterock asked Jim Thompson where the Pony Club stood with regard to the STED Scheme and did the Club support the principal of such an enterprise. Jim Thompson signified the Clubs support for the proposed Development and if I may do so here, just in case Councilor Osterock gets informed of this.

The entire Horse Industry supports the Council proposal. The only thing wrong with it is that it is 20 years late but let me put a personal side to it.

I run a $2,000,000 investment where our life savings are at stake and indeed the immediate closure of our Business at a minutes notice with no water to give to 30 Horses. You see we don't have Mains Water here in Golden Grove. We rely solely on a Bore. When the Council sunk it's Bores at the new Harpers Fields Sporting Complex, my water table dropped 7 metres and I had to get a Bore Contractor in to find out why our pump at 65 metres was sucking air :( We managed to drop it another 1 metre by using Rural inventiveness and just survived the last Summer. Even though I had to steal Council Water from the Cemetery on the odd occasion to get by. (In the dark of course) :) So Councilor Osterock, you can imagine how happy we are that you are going to be pumping water into the aquifer.  We did however do our bit for our own security and the Environment. I wonder when they will rate us on the rain water use? :)

Councilor Barry Winter put a motion that would see the Pegasus Land remain in tact with the Council Plant being sited on the boundary because our suggestion that Council should approach the Brick Company and buy a small piece of Land looks like being successful.

My sincere thanks to every Councilor present who voted unanimously to support the motion with most then speaking in support of the Club and most refreshingly, Councilors McLaffity,  Gallash and Bernie Keane going further and suggesting that Council look at more on going support for the Club as it had never had any in the past. It was quite an emotional moment after 17 years of heart ache. The Late Junette Fletcher would be smiling down from Heaven tonight :(

COUNCILOR LEES

Councilor Brian Lees wasn't present as he had sadly passed away. Let me tell a story to Council that they can add to their memories of him. You see, he too was a Horse person. He told me this story. He was driving the gig behind the favorite in a race at Globe Derby Park one night and a plan had been hatched to see thousands put on another Horse to beat the favorite. Brian was under threat of Death if he had won the race but as he neared the winning post, he found that he was having great difficulty in holding the Horse which looked like winning. So you know what he did? He threw himself out of the cart just before the winning post and the Horse was disqualified. I won't say what happened to Brian though but the Crooks were well happy no doubt :)

My regards to the Minister who sent her staffer along who was kind enough to introduce herself and support us. Hello Madam Minister, I am told you read my web site :)

So a wonderful night for the Horse Industry and I hope I haven't left anyone out. An example of Local Govt and the Community working to achieve aims that benefit all.

So where to from here? What was achieved?  I'll leave that for next time and we shall examine what now needs to be done so that we can all go home and have a little lay down.

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THE ADELAIDE ROYAL

The Adelaide Royal was back in the black and with record crowds. Why?? Because the Horses were back, that's why.

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LAND SA

Well Bugga me, Land SA are using Horses in their Advertising. Would you believe it? My thanks to the Foreman who came to see how Mrs. HP was. It was their Grader that caused the drama. Most kind.

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MRS HP

She is feeling much better now and they are going to try to get her using crutches tomorrow or the next day. That will depend on the wrist wound where they took the muscles, artery and skin for the leg. She was very happy for Pegasus tonight when I phoned her. Hopefully, she will be out on Saturday.

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STOLEN HORSE

Yesterday

Hi John

First of all, glad to hear that Linda is on the up and up. Even though she doesn't know me, I feel like I know her, from my DVD's, so please pass on my best wishes.

Secondly, I read about the stolen horse in Wodonga on your website, and then promptly found a float matching the description given, advertised today on HorseYard.com.au, and the float is in the Albury area, so very close to Wodonga.

I have passed this information onto Wodonga Police to follow up, if you could please let Nichole Rich know.

Many thanks,
Tracey

Today
 

Hi Mr and Mrs HP

Just letting you know that the Bay Standardbred stolen in Wodonga VIC recently has been found safe and well. Many Thanks for putting the notice up on your site!!

Regards

David

Wodonga VIC

I wasn't advised what took place or how the Horse was returned/ I look forward to the story.
 

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HORSELAW

I was sent the file on another Court Case today where a Lady received horrific injuries due to alleged negligence.

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STATE GOVT LIABILITY LAWS.

After 9/11, the Horse Industry was just about on it's knees due to not being able to get Insurance and many Businesses were forced to close down. The Federal Govt changed the Trade Practices Act to allow State Govts to pass complimentary Legislation to enable the use of "Waivers" by Recreational Operations but unfortunately, only this State did not follow the others and left us high and dry with no protection. Hopefully at last, they have seen the error of their decision and are looking at amending the Act as we speak. Thanks God!! and so to my first letter........

LETTERS OF THE DAY

Dear John,
How is this for a safety issue. I took my daughter to her first gymcarna on the weekend. It was her pony's first ever outing.we were in the pony yards where the ponies are surposed to be. first of all the ponies can walk out so they all needed to be tied anyway. Second of all a lady decides to bring a horse that she is not even intending to ride who has seperation anxiety. the horse would have been 16 hh and put it in the pony yard right accross from my daughter. I asked her if she knew that it was the pony yard she said the problem is that he wouldn't tie up and she wanted to ride the other one so she had to put him there. He rared and bucked the whole day pawing the groung and calling out. there were other yards but she chooses right up against the little kids ponies. The kids were all frightened of the horse going crazy and didn't want to be in with the ponies to prepare. the wire encased in pipe broke in 2 seconds flat in all the yards as the horse went crazy.
Then on top of that there was the flag stuff flapping in the wind that was tied to star droppers to mark out the jumping field. They are so big on "safety" and so big on "insurance" but they allow these things to go on.
One Little girl was bucked off her horse right near the star droppers and her attitude problem was another story all together. a real eye opener. maggia did real well in the topsey ring coming home with 5 ribbons and a silver plate. I am not going to be taking Penny or Maggia again. Pony club should have 2 different events or be stricter with mixing ponies and horses and kids and adult riding. I was nervous all day thinking about what might go wrong. There wasn't even a safety check on any of the gear on the riders. Slack!

Well of course you are right. In that instance, 'Negligence' would have been an easy thing to prove of course and the Club would not have then been insured and the Appellant could have then gone for the assets of the Committee. Bunting is dangerous, start droppers are more dangerous and yes, the Pony Club in South Australia still have not got it. One day....just you wait.... :(

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Dear John and Linda,
I was so shocked to hear about Linda's injuries, sounds terrible, Linda you are such a brave lady! I know you will make an amazing recovery ;)

John, some local loons have decided to start a driving club of sorts near our way, so I've had a rush of over-enthusiastic buggy-seekers looking to me to sell them miniature ponies for their new found sport!!!
I can't help feeling there's something a bit wrong about it (please see attatched photo).
I utterly refuse to sell any of my miniatures for such a past time, I could be wrong :(

But I can see disaster ahead!
Sarah.

Mmmm Sarah. Chubbly Wubbly Husbands. You could be right :) Perhaps they should look at larger Horses then :) At least the Galloping Housewives actually ride hahahaha.

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Hi John, Firstly let me say that your mouthing DVD is excellent. I am just about to start my Riding Pony mare using your methods.

She is a 6 yo with very little handling ,having only been halter broken and lunged and then turned back out.I have owned her about 4 mths. I bought her as a broodmare ,although she is a maiden. I like all my mares to be broken in first to see what they are like under saddle and to ensure that they are more than just a broodmare.

She has one problem. If she gets a fright (real or not) she will spin and bolt, this happens in a split second and of course I am unable to hold her. I use a long lead and rope halter and she will face up to me and basically responds well to the halter unless she gets a fright and then she loses it completely.

When I say she gets a fright it may only be something as simple as me waving a fly away. She is not a nervous type but boy when she loses it she really loses it.

I am not sure how to deal with this behaviour as all my other horses are Saddlebreds and they are easy to get along with. I am not used to pony's and am not sure if this is a man made behaviour or just her temperament.
I realise that it is hard to give advice without seeing the horse but I am hoping that you may be able to point me in the right direction.
I am located in SE Qld.
All the best
Janine

I would be lightening her up in the Halter Janine and I would be doing that whilst killing two Birds with one stone but tying her up to the proper facility and then getting her to accept unusual things. Bag her Down with all manner of alternative materials and so on. She will no doubt endeavour to "leave Town" during that work and of course learn that she cannot run through Halters or lead ropes. Thus you will have a more responsive Horse to the Halter and when she takes fright later, should pull up and whip back around to you due to the increased lightness. As usual, proper facilities,. neck strap and rope Halter etc. Regards

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Hi John

Tell the lady with Maddock the Trakehner colt to get him a “Jolly Ball”...they have a handle on them and the horses can pick them up and throw them around...I’m sure her boy would love one. Horse shops sell them or she should be able to get one off the net. I have half a dozen here and give them to the young horses to play with. Some ignore them others play with them for hours.

In fact I have just found her a WA site that stocks them.

http://antyk.com.au/index.php?module=Website&action=Product&content=1160454007960-2759&category=75

Cheers

Josie

Thanks Josie. Yes, I see a few of those things floating around here. I pulled one out of a water trough yesterday in fact :) "Young Reggie" doesn't need Toys :) He helps Mum by carrying things in his teeth, returning things to where they came from and even tried to sit in her lap the other day when he hit his leg on the round pen fence. :)

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Hi John
My daughter's mare decides to spin in circles and walk backwards if it doesn't want to go forward anymore. Usually the horse is well behaved when out, but sometimes she just wants to be a pain.( the horse not the daughter. I'll rephrase that, they both can be pains) But what can she do once it's spinning, most of the time she does get the horse going forward again with difficulty, and how can she get rid of this habit for once and for all.
Barbara

It would be handy to see that one Barbara but if the Horse attempts to spin (and they usually always go the same way) take your daughter to take the flexion strongly in the other direction and negate that spin. I don't recommend this for a Kid and I would be making sure the lateral mouth was there first but if she did that to me, I would get off immediately and tie her head around to the side of the spin, with severe flexion and then chase her up with a tree branch or something and make her spin along for a 100 metres or so or when she doesn't want to spin any more. Then get on. She would soon learn to forget that evasion. Of course you must make sure your daughter has good hands and is not jamming the Horse up and giving it no place to go as some young one's can do. She could lightly use her crop down the right shoulder if horse is spinning to the right, stop it spinning and then ride on. See how you go with those. I am limited in how much I can recommend seeing a Kid is involved.

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Hi John!

Just a quick note to once again say thank you.

You and Linda have both been helping me so much in improving my horsewomanship :) skills and my mares manners, I still have a long way to go mind you :)

I just wanted you to know that for the first time ever I have had access to a wonderful round yard at my new place of agistment.

On Saturday I decided to try out the 'I love your ass but its your face I want'.

I placed my mare in the roundyard with not a sceric of gear on and let her run.

I was in the middle of the roundyard with just a lunge whip which was casually placed behind my back (calm body language) until I felt the need to 'pounce' on her with it ie in that split second if she turned her butt to me.

Initially, she took off like a bat out of hell, going around and around and around........I was getting a bit worried, because I thought she was never going to stop!! (by the way is that normal?? I guess so for the horses that like to test the boundaries???)

She was puffing and puffing (as its a sand round yard) and she was getting so sweaty.

I was waiting, waiting, waiting for what she was going to do next, ie whether she was going to be good girl and turn to face me or whether she was going to give me her butt.

Well, she gave me her butt!! So I quickly whacked her and she took off in the other direction!

This happened about 6 times or so of where she gave me her butt and therefore she got a whack for it, until it got to the 10 min mark and she stopped to look at me and give me her face.

I immediately dropped the whip and walked to her slowly, slowly whilst praising her, but not looking into her eye but at her shoulder.

Just prior to dropping the whip Tanya, you should have rocked back on your haunches or taken a step back to draw the Horse around to square up to you or take a step to you, even if it didn't but action removes the chance of run off as you approach because of feeling threatened.

I gave her a good rub on the head and neck, then walked off slowly with my back to her, being mindful that hopefully she would want to follow me.......where she did follow me for 2-3 steps, but then stopped and just looked at me whilst she was puffing.

Here you should have stopped on 1 and 2/4 steps and rested with her.

I think I must have missed the training opportunity somewhere along the line of the join up where she would follow me around the yard a bit more????

No, it doesn't happen that easily.

But at any rate, I sent her around the yard a couple more times of where she would only then give me her face and would be more than happy to stand there for a rub as opposed to being cheeky and run off kicking her heels up and getting a crack up the rear end for such behaviour.

I found by 15 mins (which I know by your standards is probably an eternity :) ) I was quite suprised at how quickly she cottoned on to the fact that if she turned her butt to me she got a whack, as opposed to if she turned to face me she got a pat! They almost act like spoilt little kids that don't get their own way don't they - when they turn their butt!!

I felt like I came out the winner and that she was looking at me for directions as to what she was to do next.

Have I sort of done that right??

You have done well but you don't need to lap and lap them. Just turn them on the fence using half the yard after a couple of laps is fine.

Had a lovely ride on her today and I really do feel like I have this horse so much more under me than I have ever had her before and also so much more like I am driving her whilst riding, which is a great feeling.

That DVD I got of the inside leg to outside rein has really worked such a treat and has helped us both so much (love your work Linda) .

On her least supple side, her left side or left direction, she still tends to want to lean on the inside rein as she has been doing that for years, but I am slowly making a breakthrough and every now and then you get that great feeling in her strides where you get the flexion and carriage correct.....hopefully I can build on improving that day by day.

I am so so pleased to hear that Linda is in better spirits now and that hopefully she will be out of hospital soon and that she will make a speedy recovery. I cracked up when you explained how she kicked up her other leg in the air (probably by utter suprise to that Dr) she is a rogue!!! :) Send her my best wishes.

Kind Regards, Tanya Smyles, Rockhampton QLD

xxx Tanya. I'll pass that on. Thanks

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Oh I am a fan of the mounting aid. I see that girl had some worries. I thought I would share my experience. I usually use a plastic chair to get up as 16 hh and lacking upper body strength (i am working on it lol) oh but the other day I decided to go bare backing it. I led him to the hay round bale that had been eaten down in a spiral. I was on the second level as it was the closest. I had one foot over his back and the pushed off with the other foot the hay did a land slide under me and I slipped round under him and kicked him on the way through in the belly. He just turned to look at me on my back laying under him. It looked like he was thinking what are you doing down there you crazy woman? In embarrasment I tried the chair and was a success. talk about dangerous. I think I loose a few points there on safety.
I did find the e mail last week about the standy breaking into canter in the corners interesting last week and Bear does exactly the same and also changes lead in the trott on the straight. I got no idea why but that message has helped me think about haw to overcome it so cheers.
I did a wormer 2 weeks ago on Lillys pony and I could never check a fresh dropping as I never see where she did it in time. Today she did one tied up so I got the stick out and had a look and there are still worms comming out and bott eggs. I will do her for worms tomorrow again to be sure. The worms were long and stringy like but not what I expected a tape worm to look like. but there were multiple in her dropping.
Cheers for now from cindy.
Ps Hope Linda comes home for you soon and makes a speedy recovery. Thinking of her.

Thanks Cindy. Well done on the worming. Must have been a good brand. I can just imagine you on the Hay Bale :) I once climbed up on a cattle yard gate to free a horse that was lying upside down on the ground with a hind leg in and out of two rails. The Horse had spent 30 minutes prior trying to actually kill me by chasing me backwards around that yard, kicking to the sky. I was using a brook stick to try and dislodge the hoof and suddenly I slipped as the hoof came out. I landed square in the middle of the guts of her and she attempted to kick me 100 times in 5 seconds, sending me into the sky and landing safely across the yard. No injury but sure got a laugh from those watching :) Regards .....read this one....

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Hi John, yep you are right, I think I will get my wood chopping husband to make me a nice solid step and do away with the crate. I did get Linda to practise mounting from a bucket when you broke my mare in so that she would be Ok with it. I mounted from the ground the other day but it was from my dressage saddle. I have no chance with the shorter styrups on the jumping saddle. Both of my horses come along the side my float so that I can mount from the wheel arch when I am out, lucky me.
Glad to hear Linda is on the mend, please pass on my best wishes.


Cheers
Polly

Good ol Hubby :) I reckon it won't be long before I need one too :) Perhaps he could make me one lol

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hello John,
i've been trying to watch your podcast on the Market Harborough but it only gets about 25 seconds in and then it stops, I dont know why??? Do you know what is the best program to view it on please or at least what you view it on on your computer and I'll try to download it.

You only need FLASH on your computer. You must have a slow connection. I have had no other complaints. If you didn't have flash, it would prompt you to download it by clicking on the link in the player.

Also, I know someone asked a while ago what brand of saddles you and Mrs HP ride in, I remember the answer to Linda's was Anky but I've searched the archives and can't find what the one you ride in is. Is yours a semi QH tree or a full QH tree? I had a Bates kimberley Poley which my little horse went really well in but it had Cair panels and i have been told that these are not good on the horses back to go trail riding in days on end so I sold it and bought a Sidney Hamilton Half Breed but horsey doesn't seem to go as well in it as the Bates. And I liked the Bates better to ride in too :( I have a front riser (which is built into the western saddle pad) on her as she hasn't really matured width wise yet. She got really cranky at the end of a 2 hour ride and at one stage said 'NO' to walking down a biggish hill, we eventually got around 'NO' but another time I put it on her in the arena and she went like a llama, i took it off and put the dressage saddle on her and she went better. I have only ridden in it the 2 times. The half breed has a full QH tree as she was broken in using a western saddle with the same.

I am thinking of getting another Bates but with just the flocking - but I better get it right this time as all this indecision is gettting damned expensive!!

Very glad to hear that Linda may be home soon, recuperation is bound to be quicker once she's at home rather than in hospital - once the 'works been done' of course gotta make sure you stay in hospital long enough for that to be finished before you go running back to where the heart is :O)

many thanks
Cheers
Vicki

I can't tell you what Brand my one is as it is substandard in Manufacture, even though it fits Horses well. I have just had my first sample of my own saddle sent to me and on the way now. I don't like flocking, or caire. I don't like  gel pads or raised sections in saddle blankets. Put any change in the surface of anything and you get pressure points. Regards

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14th September, 2008

LINDA UPDATE. She would be happy now if she got visitors :) Much better, shifting her back to orthopedic tomorrow and maybe out later in week. She is in good spirits now and already started exercising ahead of any advice :) A Doctor came in yesterday and told he she would have to start thinking about moving the other leg, the one they pinched skin for the arm from. She said, "Like this" and started kicking it to the clouds as she had been working it for days hahaha. She can move all fingers and toes so that is good. I reckon they may kick her out end of next week. Then I am a Geriatric Nurse lol At least I will be able to back answer them because they won't catch me :)

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HORSE STOLEN - Standardbred in Wodonga, NE Victoria

LETTERS OF THE DAY

Hi John,
Just had to send you this.......... Thought you could do with the laugh "-}

When you’re in the stables admiring your new baby foal and telling the puppy to drop it and stop playing with that dam squeaky toy that Aunty Lara had given it.....just make sure it is the puppy that has the toy.......hahahaha!

This is Maddock, the Trakehner colt you were working on at the Perth clinic. He LOVED the sound the toy made, even though it was driving me mad as he had been playing with it for at least 5min before I went to investigate! Only my boof head could do it, he enjoyed every second of it until I went in there and took it off him before he choked! He loves to play with anything he can find, don’t know how he got one of the puppy’s toys but he enjoyed it while it lasted.

Any suggestions on more suitable toys for colts to play with?????

xoxox

Yes......Fillies :) Nice neck!

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hi im michelle any advice would be great been riding 35 years had children 5 and 3 years ago when youngest 6 months broke shoulder on youngster falling on r oad. rode after this and competed at 3ft sucessfully up to july last year with no nerves at all had 3 month break due to breaking and bringing on liittle girls pony couldnt get back on my mare that ive had 16 years from foal although hadnt fallen off!! ive broken few ponies had few2 nutters never been bothered but now quite nervous about getting on my mare okish whenn im at friends yard but cant afford to keep her there ive got my own land and cannot hack out without being sick my mare takes micky! but only ride in field now very occasionally please help!!

With what? The name of a Psychiatrist or an English Teacher hahaha. Seriously though, I don't know what you want help with :) Perhaps try again. Regards

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Hey John,
This is Brumby, a beautiful Welsh Cob Stallion that Fred is starting at the moment. I thought he might be a great model for your bridles as this one looks pretty special on him! Fred normally plaits that big forelock but I thought this was a pretty special look today! Rach.

Sure is a good model Rach. You are getting some interesting Horses there. Thanks

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Hi.
I'd just like to say thanks for the informative page on teaching a horse manners at feed time.
Or rather how to respect you, and not treat you as the waiter.
I am looking after two retired horses; an arab mare of 24 years, and an anglo-arab gelding of 22 years. Needless to say, I am NOT a horse person, and they know it!
In the past, they have been fairly well mannered, the mare the boss and the gelding more quiet and subdued. But no problems to feed.
Lately the gelding has been a real smart arse, haring up to me as I enter the paddock with the buckets, pushing at me and shoving his head in the buckets. Just being a right bossy shit. Quite scary in fact.
I have been advised to do a few different things.
One was to turn my back to him. You are right.
There is no way I am going to turn my back to a bossy, dominating horse, thank you!
Other advice was as stupid.
Instead, I would swing the buckets at him and rouse at him, all the while moving towards him.
He would back off, but still turn his backside to me and kick out, and rear up at me.
After finding your site, and using a long rope to whack him with, he has learned I am actually The Boss.
He walks over nicely, waits until I have put the feed bucket down, and when I give him the ok, he comes over for a feed.
He does all this with good manners, and a meek attitude.
No patting or fussing or brushing at feed time.
If I want to treat him or check his feet or just have a chat while I brush him, I do it at other times.
He hasn't been harmed, or had his spirit or cheekiness taken away. He just respects me, and I get the impression he is very happy with his place in the scheme of things.
So thanks, for sensible advice.
I am now much more comfortable and secure feeding him, and am not worried about anyone else being hurt by his carrying on.
Cheers.
Kerry.

Thanks Kerry. I have many such emails on that Pod Cast. Just out of interest, here is another Australian Trainer (based in America) on the subject. However, waving buckets at them, whilst somewhat effective, is not the best system. The long whip gives you space and distance and they respect that much more. I have seen many that ignore buckets :)

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Good Evening John,

First of I am pleased to hear that Linda is starting to mend, once again I hope all goes well.

Now for me, last week I finally got my Standardbred (didn't want to write you had more concern happening), a rescue 9yr gelding, off the track around 10 weeks then left in paddock with no food only water hence very under condition now.

All considered he is a very placid boy, he has had a saddle on him, ridden at a trot and cantered (yes both:)..) not by me, I am leaving him till he get his condition on him.

Where I was agisted, asked me to leave last week the same time my boy was to arrive, (it seems that my quest for information, learning from your articles as well as others was my down fall, I just didn't always agree with the owner of the property and I felt my horses I have the right to train as feel is right for me). I was very lucky and found another place that day, only thing is now I don't have arena or roundyard to work in.

Anyway a few questions if you have the time please, he has been left with his shoes on, very much over grown feet and my farrier can not come till this Monday.

I have been able to sit and watch him in the paddock and find that he is very stiff in rear end, would the shoes/feet cause this?

Of course and you should go right through that Horse, just like a new second hand car. Worming count done, worming, do him for ulcers, do him for sand, get his shots up to date, even a blood test would be helpful to know what he may be lacking in. Then of course the shoes can cripple him and make him look like he does so urgent that they come off. Leave them off and let his feet toughen up. Standardbred Horses rarely have white feet and are pretty always tough.

He has many flesh wounds on him from being trucked by doggers and ending up in there yard, I do not want to risk putting saddle on him till he is on the mend yet at the same time I want to make sure that he is acceptable of it still, would I be wrong to just put saddle or riding pad on and just walk him around?

There is no point Robyn. That would just be a people thing, the last thing the Horse needs. You don't have to worry about him accepting saddles. They are bomb proof to any equipment.

I have most of your DVD's and 90% is done in roundyards and arena any recommendations for training now?

Yes, work the Horse in the round yard :) Build a lunging, fitness regime and prepare the Horse for saddle., Built him up and make him an athlete so that he can carry you and learn. Running reins would be essential imho. No point just sending him around without getting correct muscle build up. Regards

Many thanks
Robyn

 

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Hi John, thanks for the advice, invaluable as ever!! One question which comes up for me though you said 'If in doubt, get the Horse coped' Can you tell me what that means please? I would hazard a guess it is some kind of veterinary test to do with her breathing but I've never heard it before so just want to be sure I'm on the right track. I was going to have her teeth looked at again in November but will bring the date forward for her benefit.

I meant to say in my last email what a shame Aureo is on the market, competely understandable tho and only wish I had a spare 25 large sitting about idly :O)

Many thanks
Vicki

Sorry Vicki. I meant 'scoped'  The Vet look down the throat of the Horse for scar tissue or thickening etc. Yes, she is not advertised as I need Linda's Help for that. Cheers

************

Dear John, like every other afficionado of your website I have been reading with sadness your news of Linda's accident. I wanted to send my regards and wishes for her speedy recovery but also didn't want to burden you with more emails at this time. I decided to write now to comment on the picture, and story, that went with the picture of Linda's helmet. Or not to make a comment would be better perhaps ... maybe just to say what a shame that little boy in Kansas that you wrote about last week wasn't wearing a helmet. Thanks for the other message about 'letting go the reins'.

Rosie's posting of the French and Saunders skit was a great idea. My horse is called Peter Pan! They (F and S) are very observant of the silliness of horse people that you often comment on John. Mind you, my little girl loves playing 'jumping' after (during!) doing her chores.

Again, best wishes for Linda's complete recovery.

Sue

Thanks Sue. That was a classic video, wasn't it. I had to laugh. I'll show it to Linda when she comes out and tell her that is what she will look like if she doesn't eat her Greens hahahaha. I hope the little Boy pulls through. Regards

***********

 

Hi John,

I'm considering free leasing my OTTB and was wondering if there is a standard lease form that should be completed by the person wanting to lease? If you do not know of a standard form, are there certain points that must be covered in the lease to protect myself legally? All I want is to someone to care for and treat my horse well.

Best wishes to Linda for a speedy recovery.

Kind regards,
Julie

The EFA have a lease agreement Julie.

http://209.85.173.104/search?q=cache:nLeEQzJj-

WkJ:www.efawa.com.au/site/equestrian/wa/downloads/Lease%2520form%252006.

doc+horse+lease+agreement&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=au

or

http://iceryder.net/lease.html

 

Regards

**********

 

LETTERS OF THE DAY

12th September, 2008

Linda is much better today, the Surgeons came and undressed the leg completely and gave it the thumbs up. The drains have been taken out of it and the nerve blocks come out tomorrow. She has three wounds now. The Leg, the left wrist to cover the leg and the left thigh to cover the wrist. You wouldn't want a second go round :)

************

I realize this is feed up time for Horses but it is only half an hour. Please assist.

 

HORSES & HORSE RIDING ARE PART OF AUSTRALIA'S CULTURAL HERITAGE

 

THE PEGASUS PONY CLUB

 

HAS CONTINUED THIS TRADITION WITH ITS EQUESTRIAN FACILITIES AT GOLDEN GROVE DEVELOPED FROM A QUARRY

 AT ITS OWN EXPENSE

 

AFTER 55YEARS OF CONTINUOUS EQUESTRIAN ACTIVITIES IN TEA TREE GULLY THE OLDEST & LARGEST EQUESTRIAN CLUB IN SA (AND SECOND OLDEST IN AUSTRALIA) EXISTENCE IS UNDER THREAT FROM COUNCIL

 

PLEASE WE NEED YOUR ATTENDANCE AND SUPPORT AT A SPECIAL MEETING 6.30PM TUESDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER 2008 AT THE TEA TREE GULLY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

All Enquires: James Thompson 0413 053 049

PEGASUS PROMOTING EQUESTRIAN PURSUITS OF EXCELLENCE & TOURISM TEA TREE GULLY

********

11th September, 2008

If my colors have been a bit off on screen the last couple of days, it is because my screen has blown itself up. 2 months out of warranty. Isn't that always the way??

LINDA

Hi John,

Gosh, you are a good husband to Linda....you know every bit of energy you put in to being there with her...helps her recover...sometimes this contact can be just as beneficial as our magic potions. As I walked down the corridors of theatre today, numerous staff stopped me and asked after Linda...news has got around...she has created quite a network of support with in the nurse/doctor ranks. Margaret (our AOM nurse) sends her love and also Janet...she scrubbed in for the last 3-4 hours. Melanie (Jets old owner) also sends her love and will come up in a couple of days to see Linda.

I am very proud of my wife to have carried her class through under such trying circumstances. There must be some real Pigs to attempt to look after in Hospital and I don't envy their task one little but. If only the Govt would support the system more. If only the drunken idiots with their self inflicted problems wouldn't flood the Hospitals and take away help from genuine people.  I notice whilst walking around the RAH that it is well past it's use by date so the new plans for the building of the Marjory Jackson Nelson appears a good idea.

Anyhow, today passed and it now does appear that the skin grafting worked and the danger period is diminishing fast. Thank God.

I am told there is another Gentleman with a similar injury, a Show Jumping fellow from the South East. I hope they pull through it well. I think his name was Willoughby and of course they don't fall off Horses as they are from the Rodeo legendary Family :) I reckon "if his ass was glass it would be broken" :) See, there ya go, laughing at falling off Horses once more :)

As of this evening, the graft is still working.

***********

HORSEMANSHIP

I was always taught by my Dad, to never hold onto the reins if you fall off a Horse and I could always see the logic in it. I had been drumming that into my wife for 19 years but those who come through the PC Competitive system, especially eventing, were influenced to hang onto the reins so the Horse didn't get away or you would be eliminated from the Competition. So they hung on for grim death. Thankfully the Rules have changed so that they are disqualified if they fall off but I note that they all still hold on in the high levels like the Olympics just gone.

If you hang onto the reins when you are falling off a Horse, you severely limit the natural instinct of the Horse to get away from you and to not trample you or in the case of a Horse that is likely to kick when you hit the ground, you have cleared away from the Horse to save your life. Once I have gotten past the 'point of no return', I bale out, pick my landing spot, put the landing gear down and see to it that I get as far away as possible from the Horse and most importantly, not inhibit the natural instinct of the vast majority of Horses, to do everything in their power to not hurt you on the way out. For that is indeed what they attempt.

Mrs. HP held the reins. (old habits die hard) and what I hadn't told you until now is that I saw the horse kick her fair and square in the face. She had her back to me and when the kick came, she was thrown over backwards towards me, with the force. You can imagine what I thought that I would find when I got to her.
 

That is where the hoof impacted. She didn't feel a thing and had no injury relating to it. Lucky!

So it is my advice to bale out and let the Horse sort itself out. You are more important!

********

PEGASUS PONY CLUB

The next step in our deliberations is to set a timeframe to discuss the overall situation with the Council. A Special Council Meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday 16th September 2008 at 6.30pm. You are invited.

************

Ok, time for a laugh :)

Hi John

Thought this may give you a giggle…esp. if u like French and Saunders humourJ

Thinking of you 2

Cheers Rosie

 

***********

LETTERS OF THE DAY

Here he is John...I finally had someone here to take a few photos...

Big change of attitude Yay

Josie

X

PS Yes I do get on using a crate...I’m a short ass J
PSS I hope both you and Linda are doing OK

I would like to know how many thousands of milk crates have found a home on Horse properties around Australia??? :) They are like Hills Hoists. Everyone has to have one :)  Now, I happen to know that this was a real feral, throwing the front feet and the like so well done. You can't mount a Horse and have it stay standing unless the lateral Mouth is a good one so no comment needed. Well done Jose.

Day 2. 
Hi John

I have someone here to take photos so I am using them...

Here is the breaker day 2 under saddle...his attitude was so good that I took him out of the round into the arena...didn't put a foot wrong and didn't get tense once. It was helpful that I had a friend here for a lead. God I love this job...I get such a high from having happy relaxed horses and I is always that bit sweeter when they were a little difficult to start with...I hope that doesn't sound to soppy.

See you soon (I need more equipment) :-)

Josie
PS Notice that my breaker hit the front straight away J


X

Lol, of course I noticed that haha. That is a good sign Girl :) You must be relaxed anf focussed. Now I thought your Friend was supposed to be leading hahaha. I wonder what she was thinking? Well done. You got him.

*********

and the Brumby........

Hi John,
Firstly, we were so relieved to hear that Linda is doing better. While it was a bit touch and go, we were checking every few hours for updates! I'm sure it will be a long haul but thank goodness her surgeries seem to have been a success.

I wanted to show you Chief, the brumby stallion Fred started on 10 days ago. He's coming along great and is nearly ready for handover to his owner. He will be two stone lighter next week ( gelded ) which is kind of a shame, but probably for the best given that his owner wants to do endurance with him and wants a riding horse more than a breeding horse.

Anyway, best wishes to you both, Fred and Rachx.
 

Thanks, I'll pass it onto her. Well done. Going great by the looks. Lucky Horse ey? Could have been Dog Meat. You deserve a Medal :) True Animal Liberationists :)

*************

Hi Mr HP,

Firstly, just wishing Mrs HP a speedy recovery.

My DVD’s arrived the other day so of course I had to watch them as soon as I got home…..kids not happy about dinner being late AGAIN…….Like I told them “you’re big enough & ugly enough to get your own if you don’t like it”….lol. They are extremely helpful as I had no idea as to how I should be riding a green horse. I have a 7yo standie gelding that I’d like to get started, but I was a bit unsure about me riding a green horse. Now I feel like I have the knowledge I needed & feel much more confident I will do the right thing by him when I start riding him. Much Thanks for making these DVD’s available.

I’d just like to offer a suggestion in reply to Catherine with the hard to catch filly if I may. My mare is always a bit of a so & so when she see’s me with her halter. If I don’t have it, she is fine to approach, but if I have the halter, she’s off. I have her in about a 1 acre paddock & all I have to do is stand there & spin the lead rope around & send her off running around the paddock If she stops I start spinning the rope again & even hitting the ground with it to keep her moving. After a few laps she thinks “this is hard work” & will stop & face me up so I can walk to her & put her halter on. She’s all puffed out & I’m just fine because I didn’t have to run around. She doesn’t get haltered much except for a brush or getting her feet done etc so that is probably why she still tries to run off at first. I’m sure if I did it more often she would actually learn that it’s a waste of time & energy & would stop it eventually. Maybe this might be an option for Catherine to try?


Love the site & love what you & Mrs HP do!


Kind Regards,

Cathy

Yes Cathy, that is the way :) I love seeing them run and not I :) I think that is the article I wrote on the subject. The only problem there is the size of the paddock of course. Much bigger than the acre and you are starting to have motivation problems and need friends, Dog's or a nice Beach Buggy :)

*********

 I have recently discovered your web site and have found it very helpful. I was reading your information on greasy heel and I would like to let you know what has worked for me. My mare suffered for two years with greasy heel but then I put her on herbal supplements and she has not had it since. Amongst some of things she is on its the super greens and rosehip that does the trick with greasy heel.

Regards
Lindy

Thanks Lindy. I'll add that to the list. It is a bugga to treat!

*************

Hey,

Thanks John, I know all my partners friends are going off for 4 weeks and working for the mines, but I can’t have him doing that on me. All the local mines usually want some form of training, but he is looking for a job that will pay a little more. But it’s also the mines that are taking all the land as well. So hard to even live with the rent prices let alone buying a house.

I so agree with the rugs on horses, my guys haven’t seen one for years, no need for one and I couldn’t afford it anyways haha.

It’s hard trying to sell a horse as a nice pleasure/trail horse but then point out she also tests her rider when she hasn’t had the attention.
I’d like to have a chat with you Alexis (I’m near Newcastle). If you could pass my email on to her or something John. You may be interested in Pebbles but wether its too far away from you or not I don’t know (she’s agisted at Maitland). In the end I can’t keep her cause in the long run she will always get put on the back burner. Anyway if you could pass my email on thanks John.

Anyway I won’t make another drawn out e-mail :P my daughters starting to whinge at me lol.

Lots of loving thoughts to your wife.

Sincerely,

Jesskah

Go read this Jesskah.

********

Hi John



Luck to Linda, hope everything heals as it should. Don’t forget to Breath yourself and being a bloke who is worried, coffee is NOT a meal ;-)
To Jesskah and anyone who might brave enough to make the move to a mining job.
My kid sister started in Mining at 19yrs, braved the move from NZ. At 26yrs old she nearly has freehold ($40,000 to go) a very nice house in Northam WA, owns outright a new car, has two horses.

This she has done BY HERSELF, no partner or anything. Driving trucks, not the most thrilling job. A year ago she gave up truck driving to track ride as she could afford to live on a lower wage. Unfortunately had an accident in Feb, is finely walking without the aid of crutches, her employer didn’t have appropriate insurance. But she can still survive and feed her horses on what she has saved through mining.

I’ve worked in Mining for the past 4 yrs (I’m over 30, wish I’d found it at 19 instead of bumming round Europe with horses), and I have done so much and am long way to getting my little block of dirt that I want.

I would recommend it for anyone brave enough to give it ago. I work as a field assistant and even they pays really well. The trick is to use the dollars not blow them while you’re doing the hard yards, as a lot I’ve seen do, new tv’s cameras, cars whatever are not needed every year.

It is rough and ready, I don’t have soft girl hands, but I love what I do, what I have learn’t. Plus it pays to feed my horses in the luxury that they are used to.

Again Good luck to Linda



Kind regards

Tania

Thanks Tania. She is on here tonight too so good timing. No doubt about ya :)

***********

Hello HP,



Hope Mrs. HP is doing as well as possible & that you are also holding up to the stress & worry. This is going to be a long road for the both of you.

Thank you for the podcast! I was confused with the removable running martingale (great idea I might add), I thought it was to be used in conjunction with the MH. Thanks again!

I do have a question about bits. I am looking for a real sweet iron, the ones we have here are coated stainless steel (some kind of blue coating on stainless with copper inlay on it). There is not much of a bend to them either. I was wondering if you could recommend a tack store in your area where I could order some from. Also, when I bought one of the North American commercially reproduced sweet iron the 5” was much smaller than the 5” FM snaffle I was using (it’s about ½” too small for my one mare). Is this normal for these bits to fit smaller or is it just poor marketing of this particular product?

Stay well!

Regards,

Catherine in Canada

**********

PS: I bought some swan neck spurs (which I wear facing up, not down like many here advocate) & I managed to teach her to leg yield in 3 days. Thank you for sharing your knowledge on your Leg Yield dvd. Had you not stressed the ineffectiveness of short prince of wales spurs, I would never have realized that the aching in my knees when I finished riding my draft mare was from twisting my leg up and in to connect with her side effectively (spurs were way too short). With the longer swan neck spur, my leg stays in good position ( & all that former twisting and pushing when using those silly nubs was also making my legs all tense which traveled up my legs to my seat making me more stiff & ineffective in communicating with my horse – the poor soul has endured so much at my hands, she is a saint!); now I am able to connect with her when I need to communicate and send her a clear message that she can work and really learn from. Another excellent simple piece of advice that has spared my horse lots of future miscommunication at my hands (legs & seat) and lots of stress on my joints! Thanks! :)

I can understand perhaps why those spurs are approved by the Riding Organizations but they are a complete waste of space for training of Horses and in fact cause more stress as you say. Well done with your leg yielding. I must have made it for dummies hahaha. Regards

***********

Hi John
My lovely big quarter horse is 18 now and I have had him forever. An absolute treasure. He has looked after me for 15 years and been a pleasure to spend time with. Has never bucked, bolted, reared and has always been willing to do what is asked. I love him, can you tell :) I often take a paper or magazine into the paddock and read with him sitting on the ground with me. He has at times even put his head into my lap and snored ! A few years ago he grabbed my jacket with his teeth and pulled me forward which startled me until I realised that there was a tiger snake rearing up behind me. He then stood in front of me to block the snake and struck out at it. Super horse ! ! He has been recently lame and it got worse. My farrier checked for abciss no reaction until he did a pedal bone test. So I got a vet to do x rays and they are showing no fracture (thankfully) but the left side of the lame hoof (its the front right) is showing bone inflammation and trauma and dark spots over a calcified area. He is pleasure ridden a few times a week at a slow pace while he endures endless chatter :) I would think this is the effects of a long term thing that has been brewing. He doesn't grow in the heel and I spent years with a terrific farrier getting his feet right but past damage before I got him when he was 7 may have been done. My vet has suggested an egg bar shoe and a drug that may help lessen the inflammation. Can't remember the name of it. I really value your opinion John so I would love to know of any advice you may have. I am more than willing to retire him if need be, my main priority right now is getting him to live into his 30's as pain free as possible. I think the actual condition is called something like pedal osteoitis. tThanks for your time. How lovely of you to still help us all despite the worry of Linda in hospital. I wish her a healthy, speedy recovary. Thanks again John. Regards Michelle.

I would look into the new wonder supplements that come from the Sea Michelle. A Mate of mine was the first to market Shark Cartilage Powder in this Country and he did it for his Race Horses. It works completely. I have tested it on myself, by going onto it and then off it and then onto it again and now off it. Complete cure of all my aches and pains but now there is an even better one. It comes from Green Muscles and has re-habilitated a 76 year old Track Gallop Rider who was a cripple. Send your question re shoes or shoeing to David@horsefarrier.com.au. Thanks for your kind wishes Michelle.

*************

Hi Mr HP,

I have a bit of a strange one and iam hoping that you have seen or heard of this before. My OTTB was always tossing his head when I rode him and even in the round yard free lunging…so I called the massage lady she said he was very sore so I then got the chiro 2x out, massage again he was feeling much better and was perfect to ride (also got a new saddle and fitted to a T for him). He was coming along great, no head tossing at all, having great lessons etc….now…I work full time so I mostly ride under lights at night and on weekends during the day. I started to notice that he was tossing his head A LOT on the weekends and sneeze all the time, also striking out with his front legs whenever I rode him in the daylight when the sun was out. When its overcast he dosen't do it. I thought it was to do with his back being sore again,or him just getting excited but the more I think about it he only ever does it when I ride during the day. I googled head tossing and it came about that some horses are sensitive to the sun which made me think it could be right because when he is standing in his yard in the sun he tosses his head, overcast never.They also said to put a stocking on his nose??? Weird or across there eyes. Iam getting the chiro out again, just to make sure he isnt sore.

So my question is..could this be true and how do you solve it? Should I film him for you at night and during the day to see if you can see any differences with the two and if you can spot any vet issues.



Thanks

Kylie

Be my guest Kylie but it does sound as if you have it worked out. That would be a great one for young Dagmar. Test her out a bit :) Have you tried putting a dark full faced fly veil on the horse? Wait until he is doing it, then install the fly veil and see what happens. Has to be black or the very dark green almost black one. No other color. Add that to your experiments but instead of a chiro, I would be getting his eyes tested by the Vet. Best of Luck

***********

First of all our thoughts and prayers are with you and Linda at this time, she is lucky to have such a supportive husband that truly cares for her. I hope that she makes a speedy recovery and gets back to the horses that she so loves.

I wish more people would listen to their horses, my 11 year old daughter has a 4 year appaloosa cross quarter horse gelding that she has had for 6 months. He was very green when she got him but she has gradually been teaching him the 7 games - amazing the bond they have in such a short time but that is a whole other story. Anyway this week when she went to put on his bridle he shook his head violently away everytime she would try and get it over his ears. He has never done this before and she said that he was trying to tell us something. I said don't touch his ears (as we didn't want him to develop a phobia) and ride in a halter so that was fine. Other so called experts said Oh he is just testing you there is nothing wrong with him and pulled and prodded his ears to which he reacted very strongly (she had rode on down to the arena without me). Later that night my daughter insisted that we call the vet as she was so sure that he was trying to tell her something. SO out the vet came today and he has a severe allergy to midgies biting the inside of his ears! The vet had to sedate him to look at it due to the fact that they were so sore and gave him a cortisone injection. Thank goodness by daughter listened to him when other older people were just saying that he was being naughty!

That is all thanks to your wonderfull website, if it wasn't for you my daughter would not have got involved with natural horse handling - and by the way she loves it - it is so great to see the next generation learning to listen to their horses! And the poor horse would have suffered without it.

(All the so called experts have quickly shut up now!)

Take care and thanks and I am sure that my daughters horse would like to thank you as well!

Sue

Lol Sue. The Stable Experts :) Congratulate your Daughter for me. She must be very proud of herself indeed, as I am. Kind Regards

********

Hi John,

I have just been reading your web site and found some great information. I'm afraid I have been one of the suckers sold an unsound horse for my 12yr old daughter.
I want to know what action I can take. We have had Jayda a month now. Our instructor picked up a stiffness in her back legs on our first riding lesson with her so then we had a vet check and it just seems to be getting worse. It's hard to pick up her back legs to clean her hooves out. She picks them up that severly sometimes that we think we are going to get kicked. We have found that it eases if you walk & trot her around & warm her up so to speak & I feel this what the lady has done before we went to purchase her. The Vet has suggested walking down steep hills & trotting up them. But I'd like to know if we will ever fix the problem or have I wasted my money & blown my chance at my daughter having a horse to ride and have fun with her friends & go to Pony Club etc...

Thanks Wendy.

More info required on that one Wendy. Surely the Vet gave a diagnosis and told you what was wrong with the Horse? If it is sound or not? What age is it and have you asked for your money back? Why trotting up hill and walking down?? Has it got stifle problems????? Do you have a video of it?

*********

Hi HP,
This is a quote from yesterday.
"Lastly we have to be ever on guard in order to protect the children of others (and the adults) who either don't know how to safely be around horses, or lack the common sense to understand what unspeakable damage could occur from one well placed kick, paw, rear or toss of the head. Strive to train a bombproof horse with good ground manners that is safe around children and crowds; be responsible enough not to take a ticking time bomb of a horse into a situation where the general public could be hurt should the horse lose it; and never allow a kid to become so comfortable and trusting that they forget the rules of safety whether the horse they are approaching is known to them or a complete stranger."
No truer words have ever been spoken...........
A the royal several years back, I had my very quiet (western Bred) gelding tied up being prepared for his halter class. Bent down to get something out of the tack box and this "idiot" had placed his 2yr child on my horses back. I was dumb struck!
Told him to get the child off immediately, which he did begrudgingly. He was at a complete loss as to why I didn't like his daughter on my horses back .... she wasn't hurting the horse! OMG
Lucky for him this time he had chosen the perfect horse that adored kids and I would have to say is near bomb proof.
Maybe next time not so lucky!!!!!

Artificial Intelligence is no match for Natural Stupidity.

A smile is the lighting system of the face, the cooling system of the head and the heating system of the heart.

My best wishes go to the speedy recovery of Linda.

Lindy

Thanks Lindy. How bout that. The World is full of idiots now :) I had an Australia Post Van slam the skids on behind me today in a 25k workmen zone. He didn't see me, the signs, the flashing lights, the workers, just straight up my boot and almost got Mrs. HP's car :) That would have gone down well lol

************

Hi,

Have just read your page on dentistry and fully agree to everything you have written.
In saying that it creates me with a problem.

My tb mare has had some ill treatment in the past during her race days, (more than likely at the barriers, as she was barrier banned three times). The problem is, if you put any pressure on her head she will not tolerate it, to the extent where she will rear.

Now i have gotten her to the stage where she is alot less head shy to pat and cuddle and to lead, but tying up if she pulls back she will imediately rear due to the pressure on her poll. Same if she pulls back when being led.

Major problem: she needs her teeth done, as she was only done by the vet last year (and yes was sedated as the vet wouldnt do her otherwise and she had to be done there and then). I am now getting the top dentist in my area out, but am unsure as to what to do, as i know she will not let him float her teeth due to the gag and halter, putting pressure on her poll. So what can i do? I dont want to sedate her again, as even then she still threw mild hissy fits!

Regards
Amanda