This page is devoted to the education of Horse People everywhere, in the hope that one small thing learnt will improve the life of their horse.

If I 'get up your nose', ignore it. I say things with a 'glint in the eye' and mean the best for you and your horses.
 

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23rd October, 2008

BAD LUCK CONTINUES

Mrs. HP good young Horse, her new one, had to be put down yesterday after he came into contact with a Tree Branch and lost an eye, fracturing his skull through to the brain as x-rays showed. He was not insured.

Meanwhile, she has come down with a terrible virus, has no voice at all, temperature and just what we needed right now. Went to the Hospital yesterday and they put her back on antibiotics as there had been rubbing through her skin near the ankle, where the plate is very close to the surface. They were making noises about taking the Plate out....shudder.  So one step forward and one backwards at the moment. I think I had better apply for one of those subsidies  as it is full on now. "Things are crook in Tullerook" as they say in the Bush. Never mind, there are plenty worse off than us.

Go here to see him. http://www.horseproblems.com.au/podcast.html

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CONSUMER WATCH

A Matter is proceeding in the Fair Trading Commission in relation to a Bates Inova Saddle, Horseland and Bates. Matters of Horse discomfort and quality are being discussed.

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at least this bloke wouldn't have known anything about it :)

Horse-drawn hearse carrying a coffin to a funeral overturns

A horse-drawn hearse overturned, causing the funeral procession to come to a shuddering halt and dislodging the coffin.
The aftermath of the accident in which a horse-drawn hearse overturned, causing the funeral procession to come to a shuddering halt. Photo: Albanpix.com
Mourners watched as the 100-year-old hearse hit a bollard, causing it to veer into two cars before toppling onto the pavement.
The coffin, carrying the body of Caroline Thompson, 79, was dislodged inside the smashed antique carriage.
The horseman and his two grooms were hurled to the ground and a 3ft high garden wall was knocked down during the accident.
The accident happened in Ipswich, Suffolk on Wednesday when a car overtook the funeral hearse quickly causing the carriage to veer into the street.
Two of the four black horses pulling the carriage broke free and galloped into the road, damaging passing cars.
The body of Mrs Thompson was eventually put in another hearse and the funeral started two hours late at St Mary the Virgin Church in nearby Bramford.
The horseman Mike Daniell, 57, suffered an injured hip and his son Ed, 20, who was a groom was left with a broken nose and injured pelvis.
Mr Daniell said: "I have been taking horse-drawn carriages to funerals for 28 years and this is the first accident we have had. It was just a set of very unfortunate circumstances.There was no real spooking of the horses."

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Churchill Downs bans traction devices


Churchill Downs Inc., responding to a rash of catastrophic injuries to race horses, has banned the use of horseshoe traction devices, known as toe grabs, greater than two millimeters on all racing surfaces.

Hind shoes with a turndown of more than one-quarter inch also will not be allowed on dirt courses and hind shoes with traction devices such as calks, stickers, blocks, raised toes or turndowns will not be permitted on turf courses.

The policy will apply to all racing and training at Churchill Downs Inc. tracks, including Churchill Downs, Arlington Park, Calder Race Course and Fair Grounds Race Course.

The ban is effective immediately, Louisville-based Churchill Downs (NASDAQ: CHDN) said in a news release.

“Our change in policy is another positive step toward improving the welfare and safety of our equine and human athletes, and it’s consistent with the recommendations of The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Safety Committee, TOBA’s Thoroughbred Action Committee and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission to address safety in horse racing,” Donnie Richardson, Churchill’s senior vice president of racing, said in the release.

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New York toughens steroid policy for horses

New York toughened its steroid policy for racehorses, following the lead of the two other states that hold Triple Crown races. The New York State Racing and Wagering Board said the new rules take effect Jan.1 at all thoroughbred and standardbred tracks in the state. That includes Belmont Park, home of the Belmont Stakes, the third leg of the Triple Crown. The new rules set limits for steroids that are permitted - stanozolol, boldenone, nandrolone and testosterone. Prompted by the death of the filly Eight Belles at the end of the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky and Maryland moved quickly to institute steroid restrictions.

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Man busted after horse slapped on State Street

Don't slap a horse on the rump, especially if a cop is sitting on it.
A Janesville man was arrested and tentatively charged with battery to a police animal after allegedly whacking a police horse very hard on the rump shortly after midnight early Sunday morning in the 600 block of State Street.
Jordan Vance, 27, apologized "almost immediately" for the slap, but it didn't prevent him from getting arrested, police said.
Madison police spokesman Joel DeSpain said Vance was in a group of five men who approached three Madison police officers on horseback near the intersection of Lake and State streets while the officers were observing the bar crowd.
"The men asked permission to pet the horses and were given permission to do so," DeSpain said. "After petting the horses the suspect slapped one horse very hard on the rump."
The officer on the slapped horse said that on a scale of one to 10, the slap was a 10.
"The officer's horse leapt forward in a dangerous manner, almost causing the officer to be unseated," DeSpain said.
The officer also said such a movement could have endangered community members.

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LETTERS OF THE DAY

Dear john ..
I just thought you might like this photo of my daughters first attempt at campdrafting.. We had a campdraft school a few weeks ago organised by our pony club Zone. Whilst my daughter has shown no interest in campdrafting I though the experience would give her skills she could use.. I was amazed at the amount of riders going round the pegs flexed off or with upside down necks and horses heads iin the air..So Sad.. My daughters horse had a dressage lesson in the morning with me on board (first riding lesson ever) and then he went with my daughter to the campdraft school .. I was so proud of her when almost every time she wasnt flexed off.. She had an absolute ball and now tells me she wants to do campdrafting..LOL This kid will cost me a fortune..
Pete Cominski was the instuctor for the two days and he was magic.. He encouraged the kids to try everything and helped them with their skills (or lack of) We had around 20 people from adults to 6 year olds.. Pete just loves teaching and constantly told the kids that winning isnt the aim but doing it right on the day is the way to go, get that right and winning will follow.. What a guy... He gave a lecture at the end about feeding, saddlery, campdrafting rules and regs. etc etc.. He spoke for about an hour and you could tell he loved it..
Anyway I hope Mrs HP is OK after her visit to the hospital ..
best wishes to you both..
Helen R
PS... Zodiac is modeling your bridle and

Well done to your Daughter Helen and to Pete. Sounds great. I like it when Kids start talking about 'flexed off' lol. You know what white ant's do? Eat from the inside out :) Think about it.....Regards

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Hi folks hope all is going ok there with Mrs HP and your good self
I am trying to find out the breeding of my horse , i have just noticed the brand mark coming out on his left sholder ,he was advertised as a stock x quater and i bought him in Vic but was told he was from NSW wondering where do i start . i thought you or one of your readers might know where i could start looking to find out , because i would love to find out his breeding
cheers
regards Bevan

Department of Primary Industries has a section which keeps the registered Brands Bevan. You would also check with the Stock Horse Society and the A,Q,H,A, in Tamworth. Others will know more than I though I suspect. Best of Luck with it.

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Hi John

Question for you (of course!!)

I am looking at getting a Standardbred to start under saddle and then once he or she is up and going (I have 18 months to ride it before my current youngster is ready to do some serious work) to pass on to my husband to ride (in company with me). Hubby is confident, but a beginner. I am an experienced rider. There are of course any number of free off the track Standys floating about and I am happy to take one on, as long as it is SOUND and basically QUIET. Now I know most of them are, but not all. Since hubby is about 95kg we will need one who is of a good size, which makes the temperament even more important!

I can go and check for soundness etc (I’m a vet) but since this horse won’t be saddle broken I can’t ride it to assess the temperament, and when people are giving away freebies they’re not usually up for a trial. I don’t want to take one and then have to dog it. And if the owner is giving it away they’re not about to tell me if it is a fruit loop….

So my question is this – what tests etc do you look at to assess the basic nature of the horse? Do you have any specific challenges you use?

Thanks

Anna

Would you believe that I have never had to do that with one of these? That is because most of them come from the Trainers, direct from the Track and rather than read the Horse, I prefer to read the Trainer. You can always tell with Standard bred Trainers, most of whom are well used to Dogging Horses as part of the territory, when they have a soft spot for a Horse and go out of their way to find a home for it. They are normally then 'mighty horses' if they impress those Guys. However, many will allow you to trial them for a week. By buying from the Track direct, you eliminate all the things that us Humans may have done to them as we try to train them to saddle and leave a clean slate to start with. Given that 'Blind Freddie' can break them in, that is all good. Regards

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Hi John, well done on the informative site and best wishes to Mrs HP for a quick recovery.
Now I'd welcome your advice on a new horse I have here. Big 11 yr old WB gelding. I suspect he has had previous owners frightened as he is a bit nippy. I can walk up to him in the paddock and chuck a halter on him and then he is fine, and when he has a bridle on he is a perfect gent. Trouble is when he is in the paddock and I got to fix a rug or pick out a hoof, or just give him a cuddle (as us girls do!), he is nippy and if I growl at him and shoo him off he will turn his bum to me to threaten to kick. Just like he does to other horse who want to take his feed. This has only happened once so far and I made myself big and loud and whopped him on the arse with the lead rope and made him trot off and then I walked away. He is paddocked with two other geldings and is middle of the pack, my old bossy horse is still boss. It feels like he is treating me like a subservient horse unless I have a halter/bridle on him. When he is tied up to groom and tack up he can be a bit nippy too, almost colty, doesn't do anything but swears a bit and threatens. I need him to trust but respect me. I am confident around horses, stand my own stallion, and all my other horses are polite and well mannered, but obviously would rather not be watching him every second. He hasn't connected yet but he has bloody big teeth! He doesn't have to like me (though that would be nice) but he does have to not want to hurt me! I guessing it will get better with time, as he realises it doesn't get him anywhere, but any good ideas you have will be welcomed.
Lorraine

The key there is the fact that his first instinct is to turn his bum on your and to protect himself and get into position for attack if needed. I simply will not tolerate those Horses as I just know that I am in danger and that they could kick. The Horse that doesn't kick is the one that hides it's rear end from you, as a matter of course and as if instinct. That means that the ground work has been spot on and as usual, the issues with this Horse relates to lack of the correct ground work in the past. Therefore, three things to train. I LOVE YOUR ASS BUT IT IS YOUR FACE I WANT   then 'join up' with the Horse and thirdly, the 8th Game of Parelli (my one :) I will therefore do a Pod Cast on that subject for you. Watch out for it soon. During all of these three sets of training, the Horse should forget about Biting and think about moving his feet :) Regards

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Hi John and Linda,

Good to hear you are up and about giving lessons again Linda. You are probably sick of it all by now! Good on you John for being a great support too. I just wanted to let you know how Teddy is going. Well he is another superstar! He has been out and about to a few Pony Clubs and also Showing. He does so well and is so well behaved people find it hard to believe he hasn’t long been broken in. He loves going on trial rides and the other weekend we took him to Port Gawler and we swam/rode him in halter and lead rope..!! I have attached a couple of pics of him and Jessica at a Hack Show. I think he’s a legend and so is she!! Thanks heaps.

Take care and keep on smiling.

Fiona & Teddy


He is such a Darling. One of the sweetest Horses I have ridden and Yikes, he is a 'Riding Pony' Congrats.

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HI

I sent the email last night with the update, here are the pictures any advice would be great, best wishes to lynda hope all is ok.

Dannielle

I believe that is under the jaws and is a nasty one. Of course follow your Vet's advice on this one but I would be a bit worried as to why the Horse got them. Was it 'Barley Grass'? The subject of weeds in Hays is such an important one that should be taught but isn't. Horses all over the place suffer lot's due to ignorance of the Owners on such things. Hope it goes well.

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Hi John,
Just thought I would show you this, seems the young Lisa could be improving?
Still won't wear a bridle though, lol!!!
 

Looking good Sarah. Growing up too. Are they R.M. Williams I see on her feet? :)

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21st October, 2008

Off to Hospital in the Morning with Mrs. HP. She had this blood blister come up at the bottom of her skin graft and we found a one stitch that Outpatients Nurse missed two weeks ago. The Body is trying to reject it. A bit of a worry. 30ml of liquid shot out of the area so the Surgeon wants to see her tomorrow. On top of that she has a bad couch which has gone to her chest :( Bugga.

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ANIMAL COMMUNICATION

Hello John

How is it going? How is Linda?

All going well here. Haven't had much business lately but it was ok, had lots of other things on.

We had a horse racing at Mooney Valley (night racing) on Friday last week and I had a ODE on Sat & Sun. The horse won on Friday, I went out with the owner's wife to celebrate, slept 3 hours at the airport, caught a flight at 6 am back to Adelaide and went straight to the event. I missed the dressage with my young one but that was ok, started HC, it was her first event. She went clear SJ and X-Country which I was very proud of. Stack did very well too, I came 4th with him, very proud of him too.

Had a look on your site, funny to see those old photos, I have printed the one of Dennis, it is going on the notice board tomorrow! :o) Have you got any more?!? I also couldn't believe the video of that dressage rider that beat up her horse. It comes from a German TV channel. unbelievable! Hope she is never allowed to touch animals again.


I got a testimonial of one of my clients, would that be any good?


Dagmar has communicated with 6 of our animal friends (5 horses and 1 dog). In each and every case her very detailed and lengthy dialogue has elicited very accurately the personality of each animal. In every case, Dagmar has provided verifiable facts, as well as numerous other issues that made perfect sense to us. One of the most amazing things was Dagmar's discussion with our pony, which revealed to us a situation at my daughter's school regarding some difficulties she had been having with some of her peers, and of which we were totally unaware. The wisdom and accuracy of the pony's advice was absolutely amazing.
Some other examples: The grass seed we found lodged in Clementine's (horse) tail after she had told Dagmar that she was very itchy and uncomfortable around her tail; Gideon (horse) reminding Dagmar that the salt lick was missing from the paddock, and describing it accurately as the the colour of a red brick (Horses had been moved and we had forgotten to move the lick). He told Dagmar that he was my first horse as well as numerous other things that Dagmar had no way of knowing, including my intention, that I had promised to keep him and care for him until the day he dies. He has ringbone in both front feet and he said that his feet are "a little numb, not 100% but no pain", much to my relief; The pattern of pain described by our dog, Emily, both hips, lower back and left leg, matched exactly the pattern of her injuries from a recent car accident (Dagmar was given no hints of a previous injury); Huckleberry's (horse) desciption of how he is ridden, the use of a bitless bridle, how many times a week he is ridden, riding discipline, a specific weed in his paddock, and a description of his favourite place to go riding. Also, he pointed out an itchy spot behind his near fore pastern, where I found the beginnings of a little bit of greasy heel (only on that foot). He also decscibed to Dagmar an area of damage on the western roof of our house that was concerning him (It was actually a temporary scaffold constructed years ago, which had rotted and is starting to fall apart and slide off the roof. I had not noticed it, but it is directly above where I have the clothes line, and I guess he was worried about it falling onto me). The list just goes on and on......

Even with my normally sceptical mind, I cannot doubt the absolute truth in Dagmar's amazing abilty. Not only is Dagmar able to get to the crux of any physical issues, but also the emotional issues the animals may have. Most interesting is the fact that the animals seem to have a clear picture of our intentions with each of them. Our relationship with our animlas has taken on a new dimension. I would highly recommend Dagmar's services to anyone and everyone who is fortunate enough to have animal companions.

sandra

Better go to bed now, it's getting late.

Hope to catuch up with you guys soon!

Cheers
Dagmar

I have been waiting to catch you out Dagmar but to date you have me stumped :) I cannot fault any of your info. As I have said before, I like the effect that this is having on people's perception and observation of their Horses. Something that is not taught and is rare in Horse Owners, no matter how much they might profess to be the Worlds greatest Horse Lovers. Thanks, you should be very proud.

Photos? Get these ones. The Temperament of the Standardbred. All 4 Horses were taken out of the Doggers Yards the day before, given a practice run and raced the next day at my Carnival and Rodeo down there. Here we have two of the Horse identities of SA. Peter Barth Farrier and Bill Harbison Vet. The winner got to lift Miss Hungry Jacks in Mini Skirt, over fence and into Chariot for a lap or two

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LEADING THE HORSE

I found this interesting. From a British Web Site.

The Art of Solving Problems with Horses

And now, an observation ...

Not only do we have to change our way of doing things, we also, sometimes, have to change our perceptions and see the world from the point of view of the horse.

Take a look at the picture below. What is your initial reaction?



I expect your first reaction is one of slight horror. "That's no way to lead a horse - or pony!"
OK, so now look at the next picture below. In particular, look at the foal.

http://www.horse-talk.org/discover/leading.htm

Foals have no pre-conceptions or training. They do what Nature tells them to do - and there is good reason for it.
And foals follow along behind another (not necessarily it's own mother) because it's a safe place to be. As you can see, the fully grown and mature gelding is also following along behind - for the same reason.

In short, horses are natural born followers. At the back, or behind another is, as a rule, where they prefer to be - all the more so if they are nervous, unsure of themselves or lacking confidence.


So let's look again at the first picture. What is it telling us now?
It tells us that this pony is perfectly happy, plodding along behind the leader. He has complete trust in where he is, where he is going and above all - in his leader. He knows he is safe!!

Notice the long, low head-carriage, backward pointing ears and dozy look about him, gently swishing his tail against the flies. This shows us that he completely relaxed and has no worries or anxieties at all. In fact, he's almost asleep - but not quite!

The lesson ...

This is the way horses prefer to be led ... plus, it shows complete trust and confidence in the leader.

If your horse will lead like this, you're in clover!

What was I saying about Brain Washing hahahahaha

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LETTER OF THE DAY

Hi there I just wanted to shear this with you. I until yesterday had a pet lamb/ sheep. She would be 30 -40 kg by now. She was looking a little bloated but I didn't think much of it as she eats all day. She thought I was her mummy and followed me every where and waited at the front door for me when I would go out. She was more like a dog. She would go with me to the horses and chase my car ect. Lamb would follow me and Bear would follow her and Cinnamon would follow bear.... Get the picture. Me the Leader. However. Yesterday afternoon I went to a house warming party. I forgot something inside went back in and got back in the car.
What I didn't know was the lamb was sleeping in front of the car.
Usually she would get up to see me as soon as I opened the door so Thinking she was out the back eating I drove off with out a thought. I ran over her head. She lived only a second after that. I was so shocked and devastated I didn't know what to do. I told the kids I was sorry and that I would lay her to rest with a funeral when we got home. I just couldn't face it. The kids were fine but not me. I cried and said I feel as though I have ran over my own child. They said you still have two more and we love you. Then I snapped out of it and said oh I love you too my babies. I sent the kids home with mum after the bbq. I got home at midnight. I got the shovel and dug a large hole out side my study window where she would lay when I am on the computer and she would look through the widow to see me. I rolled her over to pick her up and noticed that she had a grass seed in her belly that was infected and swollen. I was always picking them out. turned out she had been sick any way. Not to let my self off the hook or anything but she was probably in a bad way and hence why she didn't get up or move when The car started.
I laid her to rest. I then went to the horses who loved her so. I was in tears again. I said sorry to them that she was gone. Bear shoved Cinnamon and told her to go to me. Bear then sniffed my face he then wiped my tears with his nose and both horses ran to the spot she had died and then ran away. First thing in the morning, they came trotting to me. They never do that. They then walked to her grave, stood on it and then left. Cinnamon stayed with me all morning. That is not normal seeing as she stayed on the house verandah where there is no food. She used to lick the lamb like it was her baby. Horses just know.

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HORSE GOES INVESTIGATING :)

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Dogs and cats can carry Hendra virus, CSIRO reveals

Bruce Mungall, a research scientist at the CSIRO's Australian Animal Health Laboratory in Geelong, said cats were "very susceptible" to the virus that killed Brisbane vet Ben Cunneen last week.

"They're what we would call a dead-end host because if a cat becomes infected, there's a good chance it would die," he said yesterday.

"Dogs are a possibility as well. Nothing can be ruled in or out at this stage."

Queensland's chief vet, Ron Glanville, has told The Australian a cat at the veterinary stables where Dr Cunneen worked had tested negative to the virus last month.

Yesterday, he ruled out a cull of fruit bats to prevent further outbreaks of Hendra virus. Bats were a protected species and an important part of the ecosystem.

"Bats are the natural reservoir of Hendra virus, there's no doubt about it," he said. "But it doesn't make sense to control the population because they are so widespread. What we really need to do is develop strategies to prevent the virus spreading from bats to horses."

More than 100 people attended Dr Cunneen's memorial service yesterday, ahead of a funeral in Sydney on Friday.

Dr Cunneen, 33, had worked at the Redlands Veterinary Clinic in Brisbane's bayside, where five horses contracted the virus in July. A seven-week quarantine of the clinic was lifted yesterday after the Department of Primary Industries cleared the remaining 35 horses.

The clinic's owner, David Lovell, delivered a eulogy at Dr Cunneen's church service, along with Dr Cunneen's father, Denis, and colleague Julian Nalliah. "No one left without a very firm idea about what a great bloke Ben was," Dr Lovell said.

"He touched a lot of people."

Dr Cunneen is the third person to have died from the virus, discovered in 1994 after horse trainer Vic Rail and 14 horses died in the Brisbane racecourse suburb of Hendra.

A nurse who worked with him is recovering at home, after five weeks in hospital.

Dr Glanville yesterday said the DPI was likely to euthanise a horse that survived a separate outbreak of Hendra virus in Proserpine last month.

Dr Mungall said the Hendra virus was "quite tough" and could survive for days in liquid such as urine. "One of the things (horse owners) need to be doing is disinfecting everything around the horses, including all surfaces where liquid may settle," he said.

Dr Mungall said he did not think bats could spread Hendra virus directly to humans.

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Whipping beaten horses is barbaric
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Patrick Smith | October 21, 2008

NONE of what follows is criticism of jockey Craig Newitt. But it is a savaging of an industry and sport in which Newitt is prominent and the welfare of animals plays a secondary role in the pursuit of prizemoney and gambling. We should all feel ashamed.

On Saturday Newitt rode Pre Eminence to victory in the Norman Robinson Stakes, a significant lead-up event to the Victoria Derby in two weeks' time.

The horse won the race, run over 2000 metres, by 2.3 lengths. Newitt, a strong jockey who uses the whip in his left hand, struck the horse with his whip at least 25 times from just beyond the 200 metres to the finish. Down the straight no horse got closer than within a half length of Pre Eminence.

Newitt said after the race that once Pre Eminence got to the front - and it did that just after the jump - his mount was never going to lose.

On returning to scale it was obvious to the eye where Pre Eminence had been whipped. On his rump the indents of the whip's flap could be clearly seen. A spread of the hand would not have been sufficient to cover the area of the marks. The previous week Newitt had driven Alamosa to victory in the Toorak Handicap using the whip as often and as vigorously.

Newitt was not criticised for his riding nor sanctioned by stewards because it did not breach the Australian rules of racing. Under rule 137, racing controls the use of the whip thus:

(1) The Stewards may punish any rider who in a race or trial, or in trackwork, or elsewhere uses his whip in an excessive, unnecessary or improper manner.

(2) Without affecting the generality of sub-rule (1) of this Rule, the Stewards may punish any rider who in a race or trial uses his whip: (a) forward of his horse's shoulder or in the vicinity of its head; or (b) when his horse is out of contention; or (c) when his horse is showing no response; or (d) when his horse is clearly winning; or (e) when his horse has passed the winning post.

These are broad rules that all but encourage jockeys to thrash their horses if the jockey believes they have a remote chance of being competitive. It is made worse now with the practice - under the industry's encouragement - of paying horses in major events down to eighth and even 10th place.

In the Caulfield Cup the eighth-placed horse earned $75,000. So there were plenty of reasons for horses coming ninth and 10th and beaten by more than four lengths to be punished with the whip. In the VRC Derby - a prestigious race for mostly immature three-year-olds run over the controversial distance of 2500m - money is paid to eighth place. Last year horses beaten by more than 11 lengths and utterly spent remained in the hunt for $30,000 which was paid to the eighth placed horse.

In last year's Melbourne Cup - run over 3200m - 10th place earned connections $110,000 so horses more than 10 lengths off the winner Efficient could be whipped until they dropped because there was moolah to be won.

If whipping exhausted horses coming 11th and beaten mentally and physically is a sport, we need to be utterly ashamed as a community.

While it is legal it is also barbaric. It cannot be justified on any level - that whipping does not hurt a horse is outright nonsense and leading jockey Damien Oliver has said they are not required for control - and it is incumbent on the Australian Racing Board to stop the abhorrent practice.

That opportunity comes in December when the ARB will consider a series of strong recommendations by Australia's chief stewards on the use of the whip.

The Australian understands that one of the stewards' recommendations is the brave but contentious demand that jockeys be limited in the number of times the horses can be struck by the whip.

There is little doubt that it will be vigorously opposed by sections of the racing community. Other recommendations, including the use of padded whips, might prove acceptable because they are less confronting but in 2008 lashing horses in the name of prizemoney or the punt is unspeakable.

Whip use in the UK is monitored far more humanely and precisely while French authorities have considered but not acted on a belief whip use should be banned completely. It is not an idea ahead of its time.

Racing has a small window of opportunity to broaden interest in a sport that outside spring is becoming more marginalised in the media by the year. People coming to racing for the first time would no doubt be horrified to see that the men and women in power in the racing industry apparently condone the brutality that is whipping.

It is a sick, misguided industry that spends millions a year on veterinary expertise, research and drugs so horses remain fit and sound enough to be whipped countless times in the name of a good time or a big payout. That's every day of the week, in every state and territory in the country.

If the ARB does not act in December then the sport and industry face the humiliation of animal welfare organisations exposing how cruel the sport actually is and forcing the changes that must be made.

Racing is hypnotic and addictive without the punt. Horse racing is thrilling and absorbing without the whip.

The stewards recommendation to restrict the use of the whip must be accepted by racing's controlling body. And that can only be the start. If the point of whipping a horse is to hurt it - which it is - then one strike is as cruel as 100.

I have warned for years that the Racing Industry will end up being damaged if they insist on whip riding. It is simply not needed on Horses that you cannot bloody stop!!!! This is what they will get here if they don't wake up.......

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Global Issues Fueling Feed Price Increases

Dr. Joe D. Pagan and Mark Llewellyn Kentucky Equine Research If you’ve paid careful attention to your receipts from the feed store, you certainly have noticed that the price of horse feed has crept up to unheard-of levels. And while it might be tempting to assign blame on your local feed manufacturer, larger forces are at work. There are five key factors that account for skyrocketing grain prices: biofuel production, extreme weather patterns across the globe, high oil prices, currency fluctuations, and a surge in global food demand. Biofuel production. Ethanol is the most widely used renewable biofuel today. Used as an alternative automotive fuel, ethanol is made in a multistep process. First, the starch portion of the corn kernel is converted to sugar. The sugar is then subjected to fermentation, and finally the mix is distilled to yield ethanol. The United States grows approximately one-half of the world’s corn, equivalent to about 307 million metric tons (MMT). In 2008, nearly one-third of the harvest, about 105 MMT, is expected to be used for the production of ethanol. This has increased dramatically since 2000, when only about 15 MMT were tagged for ethanol production. Because of the demand for ethanol, corn prices have risen significantly. Farmers have chosen to cultivate corn instead of other crops because corn has become more profitable. Overproduction of corn, however, has diminished the acreage available for other crops, causing them to become scarcer and thus more costly to feed manufacturers. Some agricultural economists believe the ethanol boom is slowing down. With corn prices soaring, ethanol producers are faced with higher input costs and are therefore not realizing the profits they once did. Extreme weather patterns. Despite the advances made in cultivating crops over the last several decades, little can be achieved without the cooperation of the weather. A series of unfortunate weather occurrences have been a factor in rising feed costs. For instance, drought-stricken Australia exported considerably less wheat in 2007 than in previous years, down more than 20%. As one of the world’s biggest wheat producers, such a shortfall affects the entire global outlook. Southern Africa has been affected by a prolonged drought as well. Recent flooding in China has destroyed 5.5 million hectares of wheat and rapeseed. In addition to this, an abnormally dry growing season across northern Europe threatens grain yields. Smaller crops have been reported in Canada and the United States as well. High oil prices. The recent spike in oil prices has a direct effect on rising feed costs. Foremost, oil prices impact the cost of planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops. In addition, oil
prices also affect freight costs as grains are shipped from place to place, sometimes overseas. And finally, high oil prices drive up feed manufacturing costs. Currency fluctuations. Most grains are traded internationally in dollars. In recent years, the value of the U.S. dollar has plummeted. This is completely inverse to what is happening in other parts of the world. The values of other currencies such as the Euro, British pound, Australian dollar, and Canadian dollar have increased steadily in recent years. Some economists postulate that about one-third of the recent rise in grain prices is a reflection of the weak United States dollar. Surge in global food demand. Billions of people are buying more food than ever before, especially in flourishing China and India. These countries are now importing large quantities of grain rather depending exclusively on domestic production. Increasing meat consumption in these countries has helped boost the demand for grain. In China, beef consumption has increased by 26% since 2000, and pork, which was already a popular food item, rose by 19%. In India, chicken consumption has almost doubled in eight years. More grain is necessary to feed animals intended for human consumption. Other countries are also prospering. Since 2002, the combined gross domestic product of the 24 largest emerging markets had doubled, and per capita income has risen nearly 14% a year. Economists theorize that increased grain prices can be attributed equally among three factors: (1) biofuel, weather incidents, and oil prices; (2) currency fluctuations; and (3) wealth in emerging markets. For Horse Owners Horse owners should accept the inevitable increases that have occurred recently in feed prices. Some of the factors that caused the recent upsurge might not be so detrimental in the future (weather may be conducive for high yields, for example), and consumers may realize a slight relaxation in prices. By taking a few minutes to closely examine your management schemes, you might be able to find ways to cut costs. Here are a few examples. • Take a critical look at body condition. Certainly, some owners like to see their horses fleshier than need be. Optimal body condition occurs when the ribs cannot be seen but can be felt on gentle palpation. Overweight horses are often a strain on the horse owner’s budget because they consume too much concentrate. Horses that maintain their weight on forage-only diets do not usually require any concentrate. A well-formulated balancer pellet will ensure that vitamin and mineral needs are being met. • Maximize forage use. Horses have evolved on diets composed entirely of forage. Therefore, forage should be the primary component of a horse’s diet. While all forage offered to horses should be free of dust, mold, weeds and foreign debris, the quality of the forage can vary depending on the type of horses being fed. Weanlings and yearlings, for instance, will likely fare better on an alfalfa mix as it contains more energy and nutrients for growth, but the same hay might be completely inappropriate for a group of idle geldings. Work with an equine nutritionist to ensure that you are using an appropriate forage for the horses you are feeding. Likewise, contact an agronomist or a pasture specialist to be sure you are getting the most out of your grazing acreage.
• Be suspicious of feed manufacturers that have not raised their prices. Historically, when one feed ingredient became too pricey to include in horse feeds, an alternate was available. Not so today. The price of all feed ingredients has increased. Corn, wheat, oats, and soybean prices have reached all-time highs. Add in the increased costs of other ingredients such as vitamins and minerals, and feed prices are bound to rise. To maintain the quality of feed, manufacturers must ask consumers to help shoulder the financial burden. If a feed manufacturer does not increase prices, there is a possibility that premium-quality grains are being replaced by inexpensive ones, which invariably lowers the nutritional content of the feed. • Buy high-quality horse feed. Certain horses require fortified concentrates to grow and work because they cannot consume sufficient calories through forages to grow to their genetic potential or to maintain optimal body condition. When concentrates are necessary, be sure you are feeding high-quality, fully fortified feeds. Low-end brands often do not contain sufficient fortification to adequately support growth or exercise. Though the price may be slightly higher at the counter, there is no comparison as to nutritional value

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LETTERS OF THE DAY

Hi John,

I just wanted to ask what you think the safest way to secure a horse at an event is? What do you think of float yards? If you don’t have access to a pen, whereabouts on the float is the best place to tie up? My horse ties solid and patiently at home but understandably gets a bit uptight at the rare event we go to and tries to walk around or paw. Do I just let him dig a hole?

Thanks for any advice! Jade.

Hi Jade, good question! The yard would have to be the safest, given the lack of Horsemanship taught, especially with regard to tying Horses up. Then you have the design of Horse Floats that put them in high danger. When it comes to Stallions, I do wonder about the safety involved as they could easily jump out of a piddly yard (for that is what they are) and I would NEVER risk a Stallion in Public, like that. I definately tie those up properly and there is no chance of escape. The problem is that so many think Stallions can't be tied up (incl Police Force here) Of course yarding will not guarantee the Horse that digs or indeed paces or weaves the fence. Separation anxiety will still see them act up. Regards

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Dear John

I have found your website on the internet this morning. I am still perusing after many hours and found your advice informative and beneficial. The information you provide is so logical. No harsh methods. Time, patience, trust and achieving a repoire with the horse. Thankyou.

There are a couple of issues I have which require your advice.

We live on a property in South East Qld near Toowoomba with 160 acreas. Mostly hilly and rocky. I used to ride a stock pony when I was 12 years old. No saddle and loose reins always and 1 handed. Thinking back now I must have been a tomboy. No problems back then. Anyway now I am nearly 50 and I suppose a beginner again. Was told that you never forget how to ride a horse. Well you get a little rusty.

Recently we purchased a 12 yr old stockhorse mare. She is a flea bitten grey, 15 hands in height. I borrowed some books from the local library to re-educate myself. What I noticed was the way they used the reins - holding the horse too tight on the rein -basically dressage and pony camp style. Tried to implement this style and Silverbell totally objected. Obviously this created problems. She obviously is used to loose rein riding. Have tried it this way and found it works and getting better day by day. Having never ridden in a saddle has also taken time to get used to.

Have no problems catching, grooming, most receptive - follows me through the paddock at different times. I often walk around her paddock or just sit on a rock or stump just observing her.

Sometimes she smacks her lips together when grooming her - dont believe that she is a biter as she would have done so by now. I noticed that with patience and ensuring her she has stopped this behaviour. I believe that she wasn't groomed regularly.

Usually no problems riding - she tries to put her will over yours - which I suppose is understandable - but doesn't work. She tries to turn around to go back home and I turn her around back the way we were going. Next door neighbours own a stallion which she would dearly to run with - don't think the neighbours would agree though. The problem here is obvious. When in season her hormones tend to influence her. Makes me a little apprehensive to ride past their property on the dirt road. Any suggestions?

The other problem I seem to have with her is that she wont stand still when you go to mount. The other thing is that she also puts her head down and wants to graze. Obviously this creates a problem as the reins fall over her head she steps into the reins gets caught up and breaks the bridle and gets a little spooked. Before reading your advice I found a website from a woman in England named Ruth. Her website is www.horse-talk.org if you are interested. Her suggestion is to face the horse in a direction which it doesn't want to go either facing a fence or gate. Attempt to mount. If the horse moves then get back down and reposition the horse and start again. Once you have managed to mount then ensure that the horse stands still for a little longer. Obviously praise the horse. I tried this method, made her stand with her head up. Managed to achieve this without holding the reins. What I noticed with Silverbell once you hold the reins and she feels any sort of movement from the reins she reactes. I believe that is the way she was taught - maybe I'm wrong. Like to hear your comments please whether I should continue this way or implement your system. What is better??

I had a breif look at that website (no time for me) and found the few subjects that I read to be good common sense.

Try any and every system on the Planet Susan and use what works for you and your Horse. I think my system is more effective.

Why does a horse chew on its bit?? Once I bridle Silverbell she has her tongue in the wrong position as well and makes funny motions with her mouth. I readjust the bit in her mouth so her tongue goes underneath. Today chewing on the bit. Have no idea what is going on here. Seems a little odd.

Silverbell has her own paddock with plenty of feed. Morning and evening I give her a bucket of lucern chaff which she totally enjoys. Do you think it is alright to hold the bucket for her or not? I read your advice re: feeding and now dont know whether or not to hold the bucket or make a holder for same. I thought horses love carrots, apples and sugar. Not her. She likes bread. Still trying to find what other things she likes. My previous pony loved watermelons. Have yet to try this with her.

How long should you spend re-training per day??  No more than 1 hour (depending on work and fitness) and max 6 days per week.

I believe that is all - I suppose it is enough. I hope to hear from you soon.

Kind regards and thank you again.

Susan

Dear John

I forwarded an email a couple of days ago and realise that you are busy but when you have time would love to hear from you. There is 1 other thing I would like your view on. Considering what Silverbell is doing with her bit, I was thinking about a bitless bridle. What are your views on this.

Thanks again and wait to hear from you.

Kind regards
Susan

I am getting distinct vibes Susan, that your level of education for Riding with a contact may be the problem here. I take it you have had her teeth done of course. Just ask yourself this. "Can I go out and get on any Horse and put it into a frame inside 5 minutes?" If you can't then the problem may well be the incompatibility between your hands/expertise and the Mouth of the Horse. It may also well be that your Horse is not trained or prepared in ridden contact and of course will simply object in any way that can get your attention and "Talk to you" If that is the case, go pleasure rein and check release for slow or brakes. If you do want to learn to Ride or prepare the Horse for English Showing, then lessons will be necessary. The Bitless Bridle is a good step to protect a Horse from an Owner who has incompatible hands :) but I do not like the vice like design and have seen Horses object to that too....and why wouldn't they? You then may as well use a rope halter and go ala natural. (Natural Horsemanship) Get back to me if you like and explain your exact situation. Regards

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Dear John:

I'm writing to give you an update on "Mr. Baulk", who I wrote to you about 17/10. Firstly, you are _brilliant_! I never would have come up with the 1st of the three solutions you gave me. This morning we practiced the sequence you suggested in both directions in the arena (180' turn on the forehand, reinback, 180' turn on the hind 1/4s, go on). BTW the subtlety of the maneuver was not lost on me ;->.GOOD!! (For those of you reading this, the entire exercise if off the leg, even the reinback. To see a proper reinback look at Mrs. HP's dressage test on this web site. It's inspiring!) After a very nice schooling session, where I even got a couple of quality steps of renver, out we went.
Opened and closed 2 gates that are split in the middle without getting off (they are hell in the wind); reviewed leg yielding steps 1 and 2 on our way down the driveway; came to sticking point #1 (where the drive meets the road). He does not baulk if I go right, but if you remember he used to wheel right. I wanted to go left, he stopped, and I went straight into the exercise. It was a bit unnerving as the reinback was going slightly downhill, but we coped. On we went, came to sticking point #2 and he just continued to walk on! His eyes did bulge out at the monsters in the bushes, but I just leg yielded him and if it weren't for the fence I think he would have gone right into the bushes.
Tomorrow will be more testing/fixing as I'm going out with a friend.
Thank you for providing me with an easy, safe fix. I highly recommend your dvds to everyone. I have 4 so far (mouthing, leg yielding, above the bit, inside leg to outside rein) and they are terrific value.

Nancy

PS. We do all or part of the 7 Games every time we are together as he is one of "those" horses, so we will easily be able to move to the 2nd solution you provided if necessary. As for the 3rd option, I don't have split reins at the moment or the skill to use them. But I think with him being so much more responsive/repectful to the leg (and whip), that if I do have to go there it will be with a lot more confidence.

Nancy

Proud of you Nancy. Good Girl!!!!!

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Hi,

Thought you might be interested to know. We had a world cup SJ qualifier indoors at WA’s State Equestrian Centre on Saturday night. Great event, but only 3 classes and not too many horses. Anyhow, why I was writing to you was the RIDICULOUS lack of concern for horses and riders welfare. There were 4 horses down during the night, not just slipping but right down. Nowhere near jumps either. Almost every horse slipped during their rounds. Two ends of the sawdust arena were obviously over dampened. They changed the world cup course to avoid the worst places but still there were horses slipping. I also can’t believe that the riders did not pull out. Very disappointing to see from the organisers, grounds crew, course designers and riders. “Accident” and lawsuit waiting to happen with a thousand or so witnesses.

Rachael

Dear Me!! It is a wonder the Riders' aren't worried about their physical well being??? A worry indeed!!! Thanks Rachael.

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Hi John,

just a quick note on the 'dob in a rug terrorist' fearure on your website.

On Saturday - 18 oct i was at the Kyabram show - small town show and 50% of all hackies horsies had cotton+polar fleece rug on, inclusive of them terrible hoods (which's purpose is still unknown to me), while the owners where in their shorts, shirts and did i mention it was a 30C plus degrees day...

i am pretty sure, this is something you see at every show... so there you go.. go to a show and take as many photos as you want.. I could have taken tens of photos of overrugged horses on sat..
sad..


Regards

Georgina

Yes Georgina, I know what you mean. That is where complaints need to be lodged to the Committee of the Day. It is a PC/Hackie tradition passed down from Peer to Peer and without a thought by those that run the Industry. In fact, some of those are the worst culprits and of course the young just copy. That is what Humans do. Sad indeed. Regards

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19TH OCTOBER, 2008

LEADING THE HORSE

Okay John, you are right when you say it that way. Riding school can only take their riders so far. To make a safe environment you do need reasonably quiet horses (and some that are more difficult to handle & ride) but admittedly they do not prepare clients for the various rogue horses that exists in this world. They do not prepare students for rogue horse dealers. Unfortunately often they do not listen to good advice given for free about the horse they "should" buy according to their ability, experience and knowledge.

Yes, school horses mostly don't have a mouth, or a supple back. But it does not have to be that bad, at least it was not that bad in our centre and I have ridden all my schoolies from time to time. The development of the school horses depends a bit on how you construct your lessons with the different levels of riders in your centre. If you make your lessons interesting enough to keep riders well beyond the beginners stage, riders and horses get to do a variety of exercises to make them stronger, more supple and good in the mouth and head. They remain interested in their work and don't numb off.

I am not sure about being brain washed, I always thought I was quite inventive in the way I dealt with horses. I thought I have always taught our students "horsemanship", albeit with quite horses, but the way horsemanship is promoted nowadays it seems to have a secret and magical side to it. And the only people that know how to whisper to the horse must wear cowboy hat and have chaps on. Agreed that leaves me out, never wore one of them hats ever!

Cheers,

Bert.

Bert Hartog- horse riding made simple
EFA Level II Dr., Coach Educator
AHRC Level II, Cert. IV Workplace Training & Assessing
Advanced Diploma Business and Hospitality Management
Phone: 07- 3209 1648
Fax: 07-3209 3082
Email: bhartog@horseridingcoach.com
Web: http://www.horseridingcoach.com

Nah, I didn't mean you were brainwashed :) If only there were more Operations like yours. Last year, we knocked back 200 new applicants for the Horse Industry. How bad is that? Such an opportunity for the EFA....if only......then they could afford their own Land....if only. 200 x $60 = $12,000 pw?

Anyhow, take a look at this next letter.

Hi John

Also I'm sorting and scanning old photos at the moment., and came across this one. It's me taken at Normanville before I had my own horse. I must have been about 12 ish I guess.

Well, she is a big girl now and goes flying with Mr. Parelli and is one of the Bosses of Internode. Anyhow, she is still in the game, all those years later.....like 25. She sure doesn't lead em the English way though lol. Anyhow, as she was scanning old slides (sign of old age :) so was I. and I found these. The days when we were taking 3 day rides into the High Country of the Fleureu Peninsula.

I had a Race Track on my property then. The one on the left won three straight in the City.

This is at our front door then.

and just to make you feel better Bert, here is me, never seen b4, in Joddies Regards

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 HORSE CRUELTY BY RUGGING

Hi John

I am not going to beat around the bush in sending this email to you. I live in One Tree Hill and have horses. Everyday I drive down Crosshill Road to go to work in the morning.
Every morning I see the same poor grey horse with the canvas rug on. Every day (especially on days like today) I say to myself "please have your rug off".
I don't know you personally and have only spoken to Linda once at the Golden Grove Fodder Store but I have seen your brown hatchback on Crosshill Road where these particular horses are (I don't think for one minute this particular horse belongs to you).
I am hoping that you know who owns the grey horse and can find out why he/she still has a rug on in this weather?!
I have read your warnings - Number 7 says "overrugging is cruel and can cause colic and death".
I am at the point where I want to jump the fence and take the bloody rug off myself!
You may think I am a nosey bitch but that is not the case at all. A couple of weeks ago when it was 28 degrees the horse had its rug on! I would hate to think what it looks like underneath it.
Hope you can help.

Regards

Trish

Hi Trish, good letter :) Haven't been there for a couple of Months as your young Horse is here now for Breaking in. As it happens, one of our Clients owns the Paddock in question and she has told us that they have asked the Owner to take the Rug off and they didn't want to. Then, apparently the Owner is a Friend of one of our Agistees'. (Small World) She has been told and will no doubt tell her Friend. Meanwhile, if you see it again, please photograph it for me and I will identify them. They love em to Death. \

LATE MAIL: I just had a phone call and the rug has been taken off. I wonder if the Owner, up until today, thought they were a Horse Lover?

The number of people who think they are Horse Lovers' but over rug astounds me. I cannot relate to it at all. They seem to have a fetish, some even a sickness. Munchausen's Disease by Proxy would be an adequate description to a fair percentage of them. Where does it come from. I must not say, but for Christ's Sake people, we live in a burning bloody Desert here, hellooooo, Global Warming, getting worse. and Summer is here.

So I am adding to my Home Page, "Dob in a Rug Terrorist" Photo's please and name and address would be good.

http://www.horseproblems.com.au/dob_in_a_rug_terrorist.htm

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Dutch Dressage



Dressage is quite successful in Holland. An increasing number of over 40.000 licensed dressage riders, a very successful breeding program, and many medals for pony riders, juniors, young riders and seniors in FEI and Olympic championships. Also, several Dutch dressage events are among the best horse events in the world. Is the secret behind the success just the positive effect of ‘mega star’ Anky or is there more to the positive development of Dutch dressage?

During the Global Dressage Forum on October 27 – 28th in Hooge Mierde, The Netherlands, The Dutch Warmblood Studbook KWPN and the Dutch National Federation KNHS, will give a presentation on the backgrounds of breeding strategy and the scouting and supporting system of talented riders. Top riders and horses have been invited for practical demonstrations. Among the top riders is English team rider Emma Hindle with her Olympic horse Lancet, who is invited by the Dutch Warmblood Studbook as a perfect example of a top competition horse and a very successful breeding stallion.

Among the riders and horses, that will present themselves are several medal winners in Olympic Games and championships: Hans Peter Minderhout-Vivaldi (Krack C x Jazz), Theo Hanzon-Spargo (Krack C x Boreas), Laurens van Lieren-Ollright (Rubiquil x El Corona), Edward Gal-United (Krack C X TCN Partout). Lotje Schoots-Reine B (Rubinstein I x Vincent), Diederik van Silfhout-Rhodium (Ferro x Ramiro), Emmelie Scholtens-Westpoint (Jazz x Michelangelo) Wynton (Jazz x Matador II), Emma Hindle-Lancet (Wenzel I x Show Gun xx), Gerdine Maree-Ziësto (Lancet x Clavecimbel x Vanitas).

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 LETTERS OF THE DAY

Hi John & Linda



Just a quick note to thank you for referring me to Jayne and her lovely 26 year old mare Wendy to be foster mum to my orphan foal. I am hoping it all works out, they had there first meeting today and the foal just needs to realize that he is a horse and look for her rather than humans! All the signs are positive though that it will work out. He is drinking well out of a bucket so I may still have to continue with that, if nothing else he has horse company and she is not going to hurt him, just educate him. I am planning on moving them both from where they are now back home to a lovely grassy paddock in the next few days.
Thanks for your help and hope your leg is getting better quickly!
Regards

Melinda

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John, I wonder if you could point us to your preferred rope halter and if you have them at your Leather goods shop?
I hope to visit the shop soon. The goods I see there are fantastic.
I have concerns about the correct lead rope diameter, and any other input you have is welcome.

Sincerely

Warren

Funny thing you should ask that Warren, of all days. Here is my new Novelty Rope Halter, custom made for me. This is Plaited Rawhide nose band and end, thicker than a lot of them to provide more protection and they come in Brown as well. I'll have them this week. Had one but it got stolen out of my tack room :(

If I may comment? Your Reins could be way longer and more substantial so that you can have a better feel and are your stirrups a little long?? I can see why that lovely Horse is called 'Beans' however hahahaha. Another great photo. Regards

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AUSTRALIAN PARALYMPIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Lizzie and Paralympian rider, Sharon Jarvis at Werribee

Jets Owner Karina and Lizzie Sobeki.

and the wonderful Jet.

By all accounts, the sound system is very bad at this facility at Werribee. There is nothing more frustrating than traveling thousands of k's and to ride a Freestyle to Music when the Sound system is a shocker. It must gut the Rider completely. I often find this at various events. People have to understand the high importance of LOUD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Music for Freestyle. This is probably one of my biggest hates. :(

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Hi John,

I have looked at your website and wish to tell you our story.

My daughter has an eventer, he is 16.3hh and 20 years old now, and up until recently has never had a problem with lameness.
(This lovely old gentleman has suffered a bowel condition and underwent major surgery to remove about 20ft of intestine about 7 years ago. He has also survived a bad brown snake bite 3 years ago. A true trooper)

We attended a Pony Club jumping day and the (clay soil) area for jumping had sand spread over it as recent rain had made the grounds slippery and unsafe.
The horse was halfway through his round when he slipped in the sand during a tight turn. He went down sideways on his back legs, but he recovered his stride and went on to finish the round, jumping clear. He showed no signs of lameness.
The following weekend at another event I saw him take a practice jump and on the turn out of the jump I saw, and heard, his stifle lock. A few strides later it 'popped' back in. This happened twice more, during turns on the inside leg at the canter. Needless to say we didn't jump that day.

The horse is currently being spelled as immediately after this event my daughter began HSC Trials, and is now sitting the HSC exams for the next month, so it seemed best to spell him.
I have spent hours reading up on the subject and I suspect he injured himself when he slipped, possibly tearing ligaments around his stifle.

His paddock has both a hill and level ground. When he trots downhill you can see he is sore in the hind leg. He doesn't seem bothered and happily trots and canters freely around in the paddock. On level ground, and travelling uphill, he shows no signs of lameness.

This horse used to be a very competitive eventer in his heyday, and was even considered for the Atlanta Olympics. Due to his age he is not ridden anywhere near that level now. He no longer does cross-country, not because he can't, but because I don't want him injured. This horse is one of those rare ones who would literally jump until he died - something I would prefer to avoid!

He is only used for Pony Club, trail riding, and local small competitions. I won't let him jump over 100cm now.
Am I doing the right thing in giving him a spell?
And on return to work, what kind of work should he have?

I look forward to your reply and advice, if you have time,
Kathy.

Yes Cathy, rest would have been essential but when he comes back in, he needs an x-ray. Only then will you know what you face and only then can you make decisions to go forward. He could have bone chips. He does sound like a legend :) Regards

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Dear HP,
I have just been reading a little of the information available on
your site (which is huge and will take me ages to get through). On your warning page, number 36, you state that horses hate blue fly veils and that they cause blindness. Are you referring to fly veils in general, or a specific type of fly veil?
Thanks for your time.
Regards,
Marg.

Hi Marg,

If yu put one on your head and walk out in the sun, you will think you are at Woodstock with Jimmy Hendrix :) Horses hate them with a passion and they are therefore unkind.

regards
 

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Hi there John and Linda,
I was telling you about Bears trot. Well tonight I got a real good look at it as I was driving behind him in the car. He has this wierd way of trotting. when his back legs go back they go outward to the side. could this be due to looking to one side to see where I am in the car or is there a vet problem? he is fine in canter although he can sometimes run with his head to the side making him canter almost on a diagonal. Do you have any ideas? I will video it if you like and send it to you. He also sometimes changes leads when I am trotting on his back when trotting in a straight line and then breaks into canter in the corners. I did read on your web sight about the flexibility thing and the speeding up. I would really like to have him assessed by you guys see what you think. I don't think I can get it all on camera so it would be better if I bought him over to you.
The other question is what exactly does it look like when a horse humps. You say that on the pod cast that the mare is humping cos she is girth. I can't see what you mean and I am not sure what it is when she is doing it. can you please fill me in. that probably seems a stupid question. How ever I once heard that there are no stupid questions just stupid answers so can you please tell me what it is.

Lol ;) Humping is when the girth grabs due to the Horse being sensitive and suddenly expanding the Girth circumference, causing them to raise the back instantly or pig root or buck. Girthy Horse. That was not her fault. She is on a break and I am always in a hurry. Poor Aureo. Lots of those Trotter type Horses throw the back legs around due to their Breed, their training or their shoeing. They are promoted and brain washed indeed, to do it. Being unbalanced can cause all of those things too. I wouldn't worry too much. Video is fine. Regards

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Hi John,

I am hoping you have some suggestions for me. My 2yr old gelding has developed the very scary habit of playing with fences. I keep finding him with his legs through the wrong side of the wire or weaved in and out of several strands.

Today I found him with the top strand of a 4'6 fence pulled off the fence posts and tucked neatly up under one elbow. As you can understand this scares the life out of me every time he does it.
Luckily he is hobble trained and stands there and waits for me to release him, but i am so worried that one day something will happen and he will hurt him self.

So far I have tried putting him with electric fencing all around (i am talking the type electric fence unit for bulls, the type that knocks you on the ground if you touch it) and he still pouts his legs in it.
Even though the white tape is zapping him he just stands there and waits patiently to be released.

Short of replacing all the fencing with boarded fences (which is not an option on a 60 acre property) I am not sure what else I can do to deter his playfulness with the fences. There is nothing on the other side that I can see that he would want as its happened in different fences each time and his heard members are all living in the same paddock as him, I really think he is just playing with the wires.

If you have any ideas that we can try to stop this behaviour I would really appreciate your help.

Thanks in advance, Helana.

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