** ALL PHOTOS ON THIS SITE ARE FREE TO USE.

Turn up the volume

One Week Average Hits:  January 2008 -  1,573,048

Ranked 4th in the World - Horse Training.

15th February, 2008

Hot again, so early on the crow bar and then to the Office work. Back on the crow bar after feed up :) I only got 7 to do :) but two holes are out which means 'digem digem' :)

 

RIDDEN CROOKEDNESS AND IT'S CAUSES

I was talking last week about Rider induced lameness and how important it is that the young one's should be taught how not to cause this. It does this to horses. I found these in this years archives. Identical Problems and identical to the assessment horse of last week.

I know I am going on a bit about this lately but I hope those that organize the Equestrian Community, especially the Pony Club Hierarchy, would please consider teaching Kids about such things instead of PC Coaches standing in the middle 'directing traffic' and yelling out, "Take up a contact, take up a contact"

You may also be wondering what is causing the apparent unsoundness of horses before your eyes as you go around. Horses that have a predisposition to rear end problems due to poor conformation, pretty soon end up doing this as pressure gets put on the joints through 'CROOKEDNESS"

Inside Leg to Outside Rein isn't really taught at Pony Club and so due to the lack of information given to them, they end up hanging off one rein or the other, causing 'stiffness' and in the end, causing what you see in the photos. Both of these are Pony Club Horses and both are attempting to communicate with the Rider's to "please go and learn how to ride"

Mrs. HP transforms such Kids inside about 4 half hour lessons on their Horses and the Horses all come good. That's not too difficult is it? To look after the ones we love so much??????

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

HORSE TRAINER FINED OVER ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES

Western Victorian horse trainer Darren Weir has been fined for giving his horse an illegal substance.

The Weir-trained horse Grey Jeune claimed first place in the Murtoa Cup in July last year, but the horse returned a higher than allowed bicarbonate reading from a pre-race test.

The Ballarat-based trainer faced a Racing Victoria hearing in Melbourne yesterday.

He pleaded guilty to giving the horse a prohibited substance and was fined $15,000.

Grey Jeune was also stripped of the cup win, and the race was handed to Knappstein, which is trained by Tony Logan from Cranbourne.

HORSE SLAUGHTER FOR US?

horse harvesting bill was permissive (not mandated) legislation that may allow $1 million to be put aside for the construction of a horse harvesting facility. Less than 1 percent of U.S. horses are processed now and the issue of horse disposal is becoming a national problem. Currently there are no such plants in the US.

There are two federal bills being considered that would ban horse harvesting and ban transportation to the plant. We must call our federal legislators to oppose the S.311 horse slaughter ban and H.R. 503 horse transportation ban. We must do so soon to avoid a big mess concerning the future of the horse industry in America. The bill was defeated with a request for a summer study amended on. It will not go away and we will work hard to keep the pressure on.

There are many individuals, towns and reservations interested in such a project. There was a very organized effort from the animal rights groups who e-mailed and called against this bill. We must remember the opposition is in the minority.

The facts are overwhelming. We must stop the anti-horse groups from bullying our legislators. I shall not quit on this issue until we have at least one horse plant in our nation.

It was a difficult decision on whether to introduce SB170 or not. The bill was brought forward to turn the tide in favor of horse slaughter. We may have lost a small battle in its defeat, but in the long run, we will win the war and allow the horse industry to continue this humane practice. I am introducing a resolution in support and there may be others, as well.

Thank you to all for the overwhelming support from throughout South Dakota the United States and even Canada! My e-mails and phone calls have gone more than four to one in favor of SB170. The opponents make no factual case against it except emotion. I sincerely believe that we must make every effort to allow this to continue in the US. If the anti-meat activists win here, what is next?

NSW DECLARED HORSE FLUE FREE

Thursday, 14/02/2008

The news that New South Wales is free of horse flu has brought cries of joy from those involved in the horse industry.

It's just in time for some in the industry who have lost thousands of dollars, forcing them to put their properties up for sale.

Cessnock horse transporter, Nancy Westbrook, says the announcement is a welcome relief.

"I just about went brain dead with the number of phone calls and faxes that we had to deal with", she says.

"I lost about four kilos between then and now, just the workload keeping horses in stables, having to get extra hay.

"That was difficult. You had to have a permit or a clean truck to go and get hay.

"We had to do washdowns, because we were red zone coming out of purple.

"It did have quite an impact, and I know a couple that have lost their cars, and their properties are on the market, particularly a couple of the Queensland trucks, who also got trapped".

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

A SORRY SIGHT:

 A mare, with its hind quarters, ribs and backbone protuding, standing in a paddock near Gorge road.
An emanciated mare was shot at a Gorge Road property on Wednesday after it was discovered in a "shocking" state of health earlier in the week.
Sonya McNamara, who operates a horse-stud near Invercargill, said she was driving in the southern Southland area when she noticed the grossly underweight mare standing in a paddock near the Mataura River bridge.
Muscle around its ribs, backbone and rear quarters was wasted away and it had an abscess on its foot, which appeared to be infected with maggots and flies, she said.
"I've never seen such a bad case of neglect in my whole life. I've rescued horses for 26 years and I've never seen a horse that skinny. It's shocking." She said she suspected the horse's health had been affected by worms and parasites.
She took some photos of the horse and contacted the SPCA. The SPCA contacted the horse's owner, and the owner was given 24 hours to put the horse down, Mrs McNamara said.
However, in the meantime, she said she publicised the horse's plight on Trade Me and an animal rescue group from Dunedin indicated it would take the horse.
On Wednesday, she said she was making a last-ditch effort to try and save the horse but it was too late.
"We should have taken a truck out there (on Tuesday night) and stolen the horse." The sister of the owner of the horse, former netballer Lesley Rumball, said the mare's name was Iron Lady Wrangler.
The horse had developed a tumour and had not been neglected, she said.
The horse, which was about 27 years old, had developed arthritis when it was about 11 years old. It had been kept as a pet "because she was special to my sister" even though it could no longer be ridden.
She said the horse's condition had deteriorated because of the fact it had developed a tumour — and as when people were sick, the animal had become emaciated and thin.
"I accept that she could have been put down sooner but she was well kept in the paddock and checked every day." A vet had carried out an autopsy on the horse after it was euthanased and found that its condition was because of the tumour and old age, Mrs Rumball said.
SPCA regional chairperson Rachel Hucklebridge said the owner would not be prosecuted because it would cost between $20,000 and $30,000 to do so.
 

This is the classic example of where love is the most cruel thing of all in Horse Ownership. Love would have been to give this Horse a bullet however many years ago it was that she began getting pain from the arthritis. The Owner should be shot.

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

LETTERS OF THE DAY

Hi John
Just read what Tanya wrote about her horse having sand colic. I would like Tanya to know we use your sand colic recipe John, 2-3 times a year. We live in a very dry and sandy area on the Yorke Peninsula and your recipe is a real blessing for our horses. On the day we give it to them, they don't have any breakfast. (They're not happy girls, but it's for their own good in the end) At tea time, we mix your recipe in a bucket of chaff and they scoff it down. There is not a scrap of chaff left. Then they get their usual biscuit of hay. It's that simple and it works.
Barbara

Thanks Tanya.

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

Hi John

I seem to have lost my leg strapping video (someone borrowed it…), good thing I watched it so many times when I first got it. There is however one thing I can’t remember. When you are tying up the back leg, are you using a quick release not?
I remember when seeing you tying it that it is also easy to adjust so you can quickly shorten the rope in the last step where you pull the back-leg all the way up and thus being more safe (I will practise on my old, very quiet pony first – there are no margin for error or being slow with the other one that I own!).
I love the collar and strap I received this week from you, very good quality leather indeed and no risk of burning with that strap!
I was so sorry to read one of this weeks post about too tight nosebands. I used to have them very tight too when younger as advised by instructors. My experience has shown me that initially the horses that are used to having it tight are chewing a little and opening their mouths – but it stops very quickly when they find out that there’s nothing to resist against. I once had a friend visiting from Denmark, skilled dressage rider (or was she…?), she tightened the noseband on a pony she borrowed. He tried bucking her off – we corrected it as soon as we saw it. I have also seen a pony rear straight up because someone tightened the noseband... Tight nosebands create resistance instead of eliminating it!

Regards,

The Dane

Very true Dane. As you have witnessed. Different Horses, different reactions. This is why the mark of a True Horse Professional is that they will never do the "One fits All" for anything concerning Horses. To do so shows a level of incompetence and a lack of an independent mind. imho. Regards

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

Hi HP,
I have enclosed some pics of our horse, who some how found himself on the other side of the fence!!!
As you can see, the bone was very exposed and things didn't look promising.
We used solugel firstly, and as the proud fresh began to fill in the hole we kept it down with a product called "equaide" The results speak for themselves, seven months after the accident he has a slight scar and a little bump that is still receding.
Solugel is available over the counter at the chemist.(Clear gel)
Equaide is available through the vet, but has to be pre organised via phone call or email to the company. http://equaide.com/Proud_Flesh_About_Equaide.htm There is an Aussie rep in Tasmania.
Bandaging is also a major factor in keeping it clean and "contained". In hard to bandage areas, get the vet to show you how to bandage using stirrups. It is a method of bandaging that stops the bandage from slipping.
It might seem time consuming but as you can see it was well worth it.

p.s I have a whole series of these photos from beginning to end and everything in between if you are interested.
best wishes

Lindy

Well Lindy, can't argue with that!! Well done indeed. Now that's Horse care! Thanks on behalf of my Readers'

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

Hi HP,

I was just wondering what you thought about the advantages of wearing a back protector/safety vest. I see the EFA has just made them compulsory for eventing and wondered if you had any thoughts, in general, on safety vests.
I originally bought one which was so restricting and uncomfortable it actually hindered my riding and stayed in the cupboard, I was more concerned about it causing an accident (wasn’t going to do much good from there, J). I have recently seen an Australian made vest by GATA which has Kevlar inserts and made from Kangaroo leather, http://www.gata.com.au/ , it is very comfortable to wear, almost moulds to your body and apparently tested on bull riders. It is quite expensive, but as I would actually wear this one, would probably be worth it. I can’t find any information in general out there (other than suppliers flogging their product) so was after an independent thought. I know you don’t wear a helmet and Mrs HP only sometimes, but for all of us mere mortals do you believe more protection is better? I notice your mate Endo wears protective gear, just have to source some of those googles now!! lol, he cracks me up.

Lol. He needs protection hahahaha. Hell, we do!!! :) I think of key importance when deciding to wear such protection as Body gear, that it doesn't inhibit your effectiveness as a Rider for if it does, it can causes accidents too. Of course all should wear helmets. I can certainly see benefits in such protection but you must still be effective. Otherwise, what is the point?

What I would give to be able to ride like you guys….
On a completely different subject, I just wanted to pass on that the Ian Gawler Foundation now have a MS program and help people with MS with a view to cure. Originally they only dealt with Cancer patients but now realize they can have success with MS as well. My Father was diagnosed with MS about 35 years ago and went through a similar program (Ian Gawler Foundation wasn’t around then) he followed a few different teachings and is still giving us grief at 71 with some damage to his retinal nerve, but doesn’t seem to bother him. After reading the letters from Chelle, I have kept this email in drafts for a while debating whether to send, but wanted to pass this on and hope it helps.

Warmest Regards Jane

Thanks Jane.

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

Dear Mr. HP,

I am having a concern maybe you have some advise. I have been looking after someone elses barn here in MA. USA while the Manager is in FLD. When I took this on I didnot know the fine details. The horses have been outside only on nice days this means not a drop of rain or wind. Now the paddocks do not have shelter so ok. but it is now febuary and the horses are stalled 80% of the time which makes me very nervous there are two old horse 25+ years one has already come down with a cold and is on antibiotics. the younger one is now gettting gasy. I have not heard from the Manager since she left three weeks ago. I am forseeing health problems and behavior problems. I dont think I can put them out in any weather seeing as how they havent even been out in rain when its in the 70*s and no wind. Is there anything I can do other then cross my fingers. To help these horses stay healthy and sane?

Thanks,

Jessica Campbell

I would be contacting the owner immediately Jessica and telling them that you can't condone, in good conscience, such treatment of the Animals. If they refused to allow you to put horses out (which they should be doing regardless of weather imho) I would be immediately resigning the position and ringing the Animal Welfare people. You are right to be concerned, the owner is being unfair on you and cruel to her Horses. Regards

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

Hi,
I have a strange problem that Im coming across with my gelding that no amount of searching on the net is helping me without coming across dodgy porn sites!

I've had my gelding for 4 years now. He's a TB who has previously raced which to me means that he was gelded properly, however in the last few months he has been displaying weird signs towards me. He has had a mare in the paddock with him for the past 2 years which means there is no new outside influence.

But lately, when im brushing him he's got his bits hanging out ( I can understand that he's enjoying being groomed) but occasionally he'll sniff me and display all I can say is Stallion behaviour with deep breathing, nickering and letting all his bits hang out even more. Im not sure whether I should be worried by his behaviour or what I can do about it. I know I sound like im coming across naive but I've never had this problem and want to know what I can do to ensure my safety.

Kind regards,

Tamara

Certainly you have a problem Tamara and you had better nip this behavior in the bud immediately or you will have the Stallion on your head. At the slightest sign of his penis, give him a hit under the stomach (not the penis) and a growl, to let him know not to do it. Programme him from that day on. Regards

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


 

14th February, 2009

On the crow bar today. Snookered tonight.

WELFARE OF THE HORSE

Welfare is one of those words that mean many different things to as many different people. The concept of welfare can be viewed in a scientific manner, where the physiological and psychological results of environmental stress, and the impact of it on an organism, is measured and a scale produced with 'very good' at one end and 'very poor' at the other but, even when a technical directory of measurement, cause and effect is to hand, the basic question remains unanswered, and that is the why of it rather than the what.

The importance of providing good welfare is an ethical or moral issue; it has no real existence in the physical world; it is subjective and entirely open to definition.

The task is made easier by the fact that more and more official bodies are producing welfare codes, from the European Community to the Federation Equestre Internationale .

As a working model the F.E.I code is probably a logical choice:



1. In all equestrian sports the horse must be considered paramount.

2. The well being of the horse shall be above the demands of breeders, trainers, riders, owners, dealers, organizers, sponsors or officials.

3. All handling and veterinary treatment must ensure the health and welfare of the horse.

4. The highest standards of nutrition, health, sanitation and safety shall be encouraged and maintained at all times.

5. Adequate provision must be made for ventilation, feeding, watering and maintaining a healthy environment during transportation.

6. Emphasis should be placed on increasing education in training and equestrian practices and on promoting scientific studies in equine health.

7. In the interests of the horse, the fitness and the competence of the rider shall be regarded as essential.

8. All riding and training methods must take account of the horse as a living entity and must not include any technique considered by the FEI to be abusive.

9. National Federations should establish adequate controls in order that all persons and bodies under their jurisdiction respect the welfare of the horse.

10. The national and international Rules and Regulations in eqestrian sport regarding the health and welfare of the horse must be adhered to not only during national and international events, but also in training. Competition Rules and Regulations shall be continually reviewed to ensure such welfare.

POD CAST OF THE WEEK

They speak - we listen
 

This darling Filly came to me about 12 months ago for Breaking in. It wasn't very long in the Round Pen before I started to notice that her breathing was suspect. The owner took her to the Vets and she had a collapsed larynx. It was operated on and she came back to me after the prescribed rest. I finished her off and rode her but wasn't happy still. The Filly was telling me she wasn't right. She was booked into the Melbourne Uni and examined but they couldn't help her. She went to Stud yesterday.

 

In particular, listen to the Filly attempt to 'talk out aloud' to Mrs. HP, just prior to the canter coming. She knew and she also knew what that meant for her. Just broken in too. What a shame.

LETTERS OF THE DAY

This is her last monday 4th feeling sorry for herself, and her knee today 14th, happy valentines day John, I used the animalintex dressing last night and it drew out a small amount of gunk so we are now going to use solosite cream to heal it .We have another problem she is very sore in the neck from all the needles and is finding it hard to put her head down we were moving around her body with the injections but the bute might have been masking the pain in the beginning.I have raised her feed bucket off the ground so she can eat should i gradually lower this or take it away so she must lower her head? we have changed to oral antibiotics today so we will see if they keep working, fingers crossed, she was starting to stomp her back legs at us when it was needle time and threatening to kick ,but never did, that is why i wanted to change to oral before she resented us too much, she has a lovely nature {for a thb} not off the track i think, far too slow she would stop to eat the lovely grass first instead of racing . well thanks for listening will hear from you,
Mel

It really won't matter what you put on it or in it Mel. It is going to fill in and heal. Your priority is to stop the proud flesh in it's tracks when it reached the exact surface that will look cosmetically correct. Regards

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

Hey John

Just read the Mel’s letter about her horse with the bad knee gash, tell her to use Calendula (Marigold flowers) on the wound, she can get it from the health food store in little packets of tea, if they don’t supply it in her feed store. My horse had the same thing on his knee although not so deep and nothing the vet gave us was helping it heal, so my sister (naturopath in training) suggested calendula as it is an antibiotic / antiseptic plus it’s an amazing healer.
You put 3 heaped tablespoons of calendula flowers into 2 cups of water bring to boil on the stove then turn down and simmer for 15mins, drain the pulp from the liquid and then put the pulp in to some muslin cloth or a thin type of cotton cloth. You have to make sure that the poultice is as hot as the horse can take it, I generally test it on the inner part of my arm and if I can handle it I’ll put it on. Also before applying the poultice I found that hosing the wound out to get rid of the pus and bring the blood to the surface helps in the healing, anyway bandage the (hot) poultice onto the wound and leave for 20 minutes. You will be amazed at how healthy the wound will look after the first application, my horses wound went from weeping thick yellow pus to the healthy clear plasma of a healing wound in the first application. For the best benefits this should be done 3 times a day but twice a day is also ok.
This remedy also stops and heals proud flesh from growing and it is not painful like the application of copper sulphate!! But it must be used before the healing process takes place although a little can be growing and you will see it disappear (I watched it myself with my own horse).
The tea can also be given to the horse to help internally as it is a blood tonic and you will probably find that if you offer it to the horse in a bucket that they will drink it down like it was molasses!!! Alternatively mix with a bit of feed. Oh and you can also use the tea to syringe the wound out before applying the poultice as it is an antiseptic.
Anyway if you pass this on to Mel I would be interested to see if she has the same results as me…

Cheers
Nicole

Thanks Nicole

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

I Thought that you may like to know that one of the best ingredients I use in my natural products is Calendula. It is known for its anti inflametry and anti bacterial properties and also helps to reduce sacrring in woundy. Soothing and non toxic. Comes infused into oil and can be sprayed on with no burning or pain. just relief and healing. Please try it. If you can't find it I will help you. Should be able to find it at health food shop as it can be used as salad dressing. I have some here and can order some for you if you will cover the cost. I feel for you and your beautiful suffering horse. just need to put in a bottle with atomiser and spray it on. so easy to do.

and you Cindy.

Hi Once Again Mr and Mrs HP

Had a big scare last night. Got home from work, it was my horses day off last night, so popped her in the stable with her feed and I noticed she was crook. Didn't want to eat, she was nickering the 'sick' nicker at me (does this when she's crook), puts her head into my body (horse is normally not sooky), pouring at the ground in the stable, wanting to roll, wanting to lay down, I could tell she had a tummy ache, not much energy etc etc. She did lay down, but I got her back up ok.

This same sort of thing happened about 8 months ago, well before I discovered your website.

Got the vet out who administered parraffin oil via stomach drench. The next day to 3 days was full on gross shiny diarrohea from the oil, just disgusting total mess where I had to constantly clean the poor girl up, washing tail and back legs over and over, just horrendous (which didn't worry me, but it was just yuck and felt for the poor horse).

To me John, I personally think the oil does bugger all. It may have dislogded a fair bit of manure from the gut, and therefore eliminated a bit of pain, but as far as removing sand which is what you want done, I wasn't convinced.

Then, about 3 months later (very roughly) I discovered your website and therefore your remedy which I made up and administered myself via a washed up used worming syringe, but I didn't manage to get much in her and down into her gut, more over me, however the next day or two I did see small sand stones in the manure when I chopped it up to view (I did write to you to tell you this).

About two weeks after this, I contacted my vet (who lives a good hour away and who is lovely) to try and schedule him for an appointment to stomach drench my mare for sand colic prevention. He happened to be in my area one particular time, but it was bad timing for me and I couldn't meet him, that was around Xmas, so it didn't eventuate unfortunately.

Anyhow, last night, from what I could tell myself, I am sure she has got some sand colic symptoms. Due to the drought, there is zilch feed in her paddock, its awful. I do try my best to always have her hay and feed in bins off the ground, but you know what horses are like, they still manage to hoover up the sand. After walking her for an hour or so last night and then popping her back in the stable, she was still not quite right, so I called the vet on my mobile and asked him to come out immediately, by this time it was 8.30pm. Whizzed home (from the stable) fast as hell on my pushbike to make up your recipe and then drove back and waited for the vet to arrive, he gave her a sedative and a pain killer and then drenched her with your remedy. I told him I didn't want the parrafin treatment. I gave her a bit extra, hope this doesn't matter. I took her food and water away from her for the night. Vet arrived at about 9.30pm and left within 15-20 minutes I guess. I watched her for another half hour or so and she didn't seem to be wanting to roll or lie down, so I went home to get a quick bite to eat and came back and stayed until midnight with her just incase. She didn't roll or want to lay down as such which I guess is a good sign.

At 7am this morning, still no poos in the stable since the vet had been from last night, but she also hadn't any hay to eat for around 24 hours either ie since breakfast yesterday, so I put the halter on and walked and trotted her for 40mins and then I got a wet healthy manure which was a bit of a relief. No sand in that at all, but that poo would have been in her system prior to the sand drench I'd say. I gave her a hay net this morning after the walk and she is only sort of picking at it, but nevertheless eating even though she looks to be eating slow. I have had to come to work today (as I run my own retail business) but I have the trotter man next door to me who is a lovely pensioner, watching her and phoning me with reports. God I hope she is ok.

Is there anything else you think I should be doing? She is up to date with her worming and is a 15.1 TB X RP mare who is 12yo in very good condition, show condition, but not rolly-polly fat, quite fit but muscled if that makes sense.

Very interesting to read the latest article on your site this morning with the paraffin oil study v's the paraffin oil study with the phys husks, it's ironic to see that on the site this morning since I had trouble last night :)

I think after this, I will give her the husks every 6 weeks in her feed, what do you think?

Sorry about the novel but this horse means the absolute world to me and I am so worried, I hate it when they are sick. My husband is also away and it's awful on your own in a crisis when there is not all that many horsey people around to help with advice etc.

Thanks Mr and Mrs HP.

Kind Regards, Tanya

Well that was nice of the Vet Tanya. She has a bad trot and for a long time. Do her again in a week but administer it in her feed. The stones tells the story. Thoughts are with her.
 

Hi John

might be able to help someone else - I'm getting good at this :)

Janet with the horse that is sore over the kidney area - have you checked how long your saddle is? I have one that the saddle fitter said is a couple of inches too long for my horse's back and said it would cause him to be sore around the kidney area. Funny as chiro had been commenting on that as well. Shorter saddle and problem solved. If saddle isn't too long, could it be slipping back on trail and putting pressure in that area? Only suggesting as it is a simple thing to check.

K

Thanks K.

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

Dear John, well perhaps you can tell me what I have done wrong...I have done the join up thingy with George (he was easy) and Trevor (he was stubborn - I thought) but I have tried this with Floyd and he will not turn his face to me. I have tried for over half an hour and I don't know what I have done wrong. He is not afraid of the lunge whip and was not afraid of what I was attempting to do, but he was clearly unhappy about being made to go round and then back and forth and at one stage I thought he was actually going to attempt the fence. Each and every time he turned it was his butt towards me. Should I have persisted longer. I know that I can be a softie sometimes, but when is enough, enough. Floyd was not physically distressed but I think I may have been pressing some buttons - but I am not sure what buttons and what to do about it.
Regards Lauren and George and Trevor and Floyd the Obstinate

All systems of 'join up' depend upon a fleeting second that if missed, sees the attempt run into trouble. It is something that sometimes, with some horses, only experience can see success. The Body language of the handler is highly important as is timing. If going half an hour Lauren, something is not right so you should probably leave it for now.

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

Hi John

Hoping you can help me.

7yo, 14.3hh, ASH x QH gelding, had EI in October, unridden since lockdown declared in August. Once movement allowed in purple zone, moved to spelling paddock to recover properly before coming back into work.

Started working him today. Lunged first, saddled, no worries. Before mounting, moved saddle around whilst on crate, no reaction, foot in stirrup, bounced a couple of times, again no reaction. Foot in stirrup to mount and all hell broke loose, ripped away from me and took off bucking, ripping one of my fingers open in the process. No history of anything like this.

Now I am too terrified to try and hop on him, and I was having someone come look at him on Saturday. They aren't interested if I won't get on first, understandably. Don't know what to do! Help!

Kathy

Mmmmm. Bit of a worry Kathy :) What are you doing with a mounting crate??? He is only 14.3hh. You are not a dwarf, are you?? If it because you have put a few pounds on and I am probably wrong, but just if you had and were therefore a little physically challenged, there would be more pull on the saddle and on the whither. It could have been that or just plain girthy due to the time off. You must canter horses like that, briskly. Get after them a bit and bring out the buck prior to getting on, if they are wanting to. That is why I like the back cynch. Because if they are looking for an excuse, it is the perfect one and after they get on with it and get over it, all forgotten and we are far safer. It doesn't sound as if you had the head of the horse around and the Horsemans' reins grip?? He shouldn't have been able to rip away. Best of Luck

 

 

13th February, 2008

Well, I struck a blow today and started on our new stables. Creosote, head ache tonight and burnt arms. Hope I get some sympathy :) perhaps a massage??? Neorophine....what a wonderful Drug :)

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

SAND COLIC

I have been saying for years now that Parrafin Oil is basically useless at removing sand from Horses. Now there has been a new study released which tested between it and Psyllium mixed in with it. What a shame they didn't test with just Psyllium alone Anyhow, the study revealed the following. So tell all your Vets when they arrive with their Parraffin Ask them how they are going to get the other 74% that they are going to leave in your Horse lol This is why we then get the rest out. Read this:

On Monday 19/3 vet (------------ Vet Clinic, Gawler South Australia) was called to treat our 2 1/2 yr old filly, drenched with paraffin of coarse.***tues 20/3 filly was hospitalized and drenched with 5 lots of elect+yoghurt ,***3 lots of electrolytes***5 lots of parrafin oil**1 magnesium sulphate drench. On friday 23/3 at 12.15 I called and they had introduced feed and gut sounds had supposedly slowed right down again so we were devastated .We decided to bring her home as I had found your website. It was strange that we were told that she was fine to come home just 3 hours later . We did ask how much sand had been evacuated from our filly but they couldn't see any. After your treatment we had 2 days of scouring so it was difficult to see sand but these attached pictures are proof that after 5 days your sand colic remedy has indeed saved our horse by evacuating the sand. Pictures are gravelly sand washed from just 1 piece of manure in a jar with water. There was 1/2 inch of sand left in jar.

Regards Tony and Renata

Never the fault of the Vet of course. They can only work with what their Industry recommends via "Studies" Problem is they haven't 'studied' enough.

Hi there,

Thought you might be interested in this study. http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/bsc/jpn/2008/00000092/00000001/art00010

Regards
Nerida


Dr Nerida Richards
Principal Consultant
Equilize Horse Nutrition Pty Ltd

NEW STUDY


Mineral oil, a traditional equine laxative, clears sand from the equine intestine more effectively when used in conjunction with psyllium, according to new research from the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, in Austria. These results are especially important for horse owners in geographical areas where the incidence of sand colic is high.

In this study, researchers quantified the amount of crude ash excreted by horses that were fed identical quantities of sand. In this crossover study, the researchers examined 12 horses' sand output after administering mineral oil alone and mineral oil in conjunction with psyllium, a bulk-forming laxative made from the seeds of Plantago plants. Each group was examined under both treatment protocols, with a rest period between study phases.

The horses were given sand for five days. Following the "loading" period, they were treated according to their assigned group. Total feces were collected and weighed daily during the treatment period and were examined for crude ash output, which is indicative of the amount of sand passed.

While some horses naturally cleared sand more effectively than others, the researchers found the mineral oil/psyllium combination to be more effective overall than oil alone. Horses treated with psyllium and oil together excreted a mean of 51% of the sand administered, compared to 26.1% when administered oil alone. The study authors noted that the effectiveness of psyllium given alone should be examined in a future study using these protocols, as psyllium is easy to administer as a top dressing on feed and clearly indicated for use as a prophylactic treatment for horses living in sandy areas.

According to Christine Iben, VMU, DVPH, faculty member in the Department of Veterinary Public Health, a part of the Institute of Nutrition at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, and lead author on this study, future research projects will be designed to further the scientists' understanding of the role of mineral oil. The researchers will also work to calculate the lowest effective dose of psyllium.

"As soon as we will get some financial support for further trials, we will continue," Iben said.

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

AUSTRALIAN DRESSAGE QUALIFIES FOR OLYMPICS


Australia has qualified a dressage team for the Olympics for the first time in its history. At the qualifying event in Sydney yesterday, the team's score of 196.167 put them ahead of the Japanese, on 194.792.
Australia was represented in dressage automaticaaly as host country at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, but this is the first time a team has passed the qualification process.
One team position at the Olympic Games is still available for the region, and the battle is now between New Zealand and Japan. Three riders from New Zealand will be assesses on Thursday at Palmerston North, and their score will determine if they can out-class Japan for the right to compete at the 2008 Olympic Games.
New Zealand's Nicole Magoffin and Jaybee Anzac at the Sydney assessments. The remainder of the New Zealand team compete on Thursday in Palmerston North.
After rain forced a change of arenas and delayed the start of the competition, the Australian representatives at the Regional Olympic Dressage Team Assessment at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre scored well to go into the lead.
Brett Parbery and Victory Salute,  were the stars of the day finishing as Australia's highest placed combination. "I really felt the tension in the lead-up to this event, not so much today but in the weeks before" commented Parbery. "The Japanese set a really high standard, they have invested a lot of time and money into this. They have some really good horses and riders so it was great to beat their Team score today."
Parbery was unsure how his test would score when he left the competition arena. "I finished the test and thought I had blown it," said Parbery, but the judges thought otherwise, scoring him 66.917%.
Heath Ryan was the first rider of the day and did not have the best morning. Firstly, Heath had to hurriedly put a shoe on Clyde Wunderwald's Greenoaks Dundee after he pulled one off walking out of his stable, and then Heath was disadvantaged by the change of start time as he was already warming up when the one-hour delay was announced.
Ryan was disappointed with his test but said the distractions of the morning had nothing to do with it. "None of that was the reason that my test was not as good as I hoped" said Ryan. "My horse felt good but I made mistakes, which is not like me. I was pushing for the best test. I usually gun for a big test and typically I get away with it but today I had little mistakes that interfered with the score."
Ryan reflected on his training in preparation for this competition, "I have been training the horse with a view to producing a higher level of power than ever before, that means a lot of gymnastic exercises, really going to the edge" said Ryan, "But you still have to be able to put the test together on the day. If I got to ride this test again next week I would probably run through the test a few more times in training."
Rozzie Ryan was pleased with Susan Duddy's Donna Carrera. "She felt good, if I could just get her happier in the piaffe her score would really improve" said Rozzie. "She is a real woman, she likes to have a discussion on everything but today she felt pretty good."

With the Olympic Team place now guaranteed for an Australian Team the riders can breathe a sigh of relief. "We are really thrilled" said Rozzie Ryan, "We achieved what we set out to do."

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


Half of the tickets for the Olympic equestrian events in Hong Kong have been sold out, according to the Hong Kong Olympic Equestrian Company.
As one of the co-cities of Beijing 2008 Olympics, Hong Kong will hold the Olympic equestrian games at Shatin from August 9 to 21. Between September 7 and 11, the Paralympic equestrian events will be held at Sheung Shui. It is understood that each of the two sites has a seating capacity of 18,000.

The OEC also announced that the third phase tickets sale for the Olympic equestrian will start from July 2008.

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

EDITORIAL OF THE DAY

 

LETTERS OF THE DAY

 

Hi John,
Fantastic website you have helped my son and myself many times. My question is about my sons thb mare, she has torn open her knee to the joint, not a wide gash but a deep one. The vet did internal stitches as well as external ones, the knee then became infected and she is now a very unhappy horse having 3 x 25ml antibiotic injections a day, she is very down in the dumps and we are lucky she has a very good nature and is forgiving me after every treatment.
I have been in contact with some herbal remedy sites and they have given me some great ideas for supplements but i was wondering if you have ever used castor oil with slippery elm powder and tumeric as a poultice to draw out the infection ?
We are currently syringing iodine into the wound where the stiches have opened , we are dressing this twice a day, do you think we should change from the iodine to the poultice ? I value you opinion i am very unsure as where to head next with her. She is showing signs of having a sore neck from the needles , slowly lowering head to eat, her rump she is tensing when we try to inject her. I am relying on a friend for help with her as i cannot do this alone. will wait to hear from you,
Mel.

Pictures coming. I will comment then Mel. Thanks

Hi,

I was just reading your Dressage Arena Construction page and was wondering if quarie dust is ok as a surface. I know some people around here (Wimmera – Victoria) have put down road base, then quarie dust then sand over that.
I have put down the road base which has been in place for nearly a year and have been waiting to get the funds up to be able to put on the surface and thought that the quarie dust would be find to ride on.

Regards

Kylie

I really can't see the point Kylie. The Quarry Dust will just mix into the Sand anyway. Just put your sand down and you will be right. 200mm of it. River Sand is good but all Sands are different in every District so I don't know what there is around you. We have PM64 Borral you can tell them. Best of Luck with it.

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

Howdy, hope life is treating you both well, a quick question, I know without seeing the horse in question it is hard to answer some questions. I will ask it anyway, My appy gelding always seems sore after a ride, his back, but above the kidney area, I thought it was a saddle fit problem so I stopped using the wintec (with adjustable gullet), tried a western, sold that, got a James Santa mk 1, still seemed to have the same problem so I purchased a James Santa mk 111, being a wider type half breed saddle thought it shouldn’t sore up his back, but after a reasonable ride, you can’t touch him in the lower back (above kidney area) without him dipping away. There are no visible dry patches under the saddle. He stands still while mounting, never naughty, but he does have the kindest nature, I think he would just put up with it as it is not in his nature to play up. Is reacting to the girth being done up. I really want to try anything to stop this situation as he really is a wonderful nice natured horse I hate the thought of me hurting him. He doesn’t buck, he does seem to occasionally skip to a canter, and I was wondering if stifle problems could be the answer, if he is slightly sore in the hind quarters could this make his back sore compensating. He is a well built little guy nice muscle tone, about 14.3HH only used for trail riding, mainly hills riding. I haven’t had the vet out, but had a chiro see to him (not sure on the chiro thing don’t believe in them) but thought it was worth the try, twice! Waste of cash I thought. Any suggestions will be great

Cheers and thanks Janet

Certainly that is a possibility as they will compensate for sure and this often causes other Veterinary Problems in other parts of the Body. The current one here is kicking to the sky as soon as one canters it but the diagonal front has been found to be unsound. The Vets think the rear end problems are caused by the front leg. In your case, the horse could have Kidney stones, gall stones, sacro problems, the list goes on. When they are so nice, they make it hard to investigate. You must however and my vibes tell me there is a Problem for sure.

*********************
 

 

12th February, 2008

Day Off

TIGHT NOSE BANDS

I have been trying to stay off the case of the EFA and all things associated, for my wife's sake, not that it is anything to do with her but I have to report on this one, for the sake of horses.

The National Dressage Coach was here recently and he saw fit to tighten the nose band on Mrs. HP's Horse. Now you know my view on any of these contraptions, they achieve nothing but torment to horses and there is not a nose band on the Planet that can successfully shut the Mouth of a Horse that may be licking and chewing in the case of my wife's horse. She is actually trying, not resisting but that is another subject. Mrs. HP was concerned how tight it was cranked up and so on the day after the 3 day Clinic, showed me the adjustment. I asked her to put the nose band back to the adjustment as set by the Coach. With all of her might (and she is fit and strong) she could only get to within two holes of it. Since then I have been told of two other State Squad Horses who had similar adjustment to their bridles and they have lost the hair and skin off their jaws, plus exhibiting slight psychological problems as a result.

In my opinion this is cruelty to Animals, not training in any way and certainly not the "German Training Scale" as he is. http://www.dressage-coach.com/EN/willkommen/index.html If a normal Rider did this, they would be before the Disciplinary Committee of the EFA under the Welfare of the Animal provisions.

Nose bands can only fall into the category of 'a gimmick' and having nothing to do with true training and so to use them as a mechanical pulley system which this one was, I find completely pointless and misses the purity of Dressage.

Meanwhile, if any Victorian can tell me 'off the record' what happened over there, I would be very interested.!!

I hear that Heath Ryan hasn't signed his 'legal agreement' to gag him yet and so he won't be considered for Beijing. Good on you Heath. It is against the Trade Practices Act you know :) I love the Irish :)

LETTERS OF THE DAY

Hi there John

I just had a look at that utube vid of the rather large lady (to put it politely) getting on that poor little pony and ride it around…OMG I waited the whole vid saying to myself buck her off buck her off!!! That poor horse it was no where capable of carrying such a weight, I’m just sad that the lady didn’t fall on the bloke so he could see what it felt like to have such weight on him and not do that to another horse again. Did you see how the little bloke’s legs bowed under the weight he could hardly walk and in the last seconds of the footage when you see the horse walk past the camera he’s all lame through the back poor darling and I’m sure he’ll get the blame!!
I admit that I’m carrying extra weight myself but I’m actually doing something about it, I’ve lost 5kgs since January and plan on loosing more so that I can be a better rider and leader for my horse and that is my main motivation. Society doesn’t really promote healthy weight range in people these days does it?? It’s either you need to look like a stick insect or it’s ok that you look like a whale because people should love you for who you are on the inside (which is true but at the price of your health WTF)…there is nothing about how you should be healthy and fit so that you can actually live a long and happy life – the happy medium!! The media has a lot to answer for!!
I have noticed since I have lost a little of the rear end padding that the old behind fits in the saddle better and my balance has improved ten fold plus pony doesn’t look at me and go oh o!!
Oh and you may remember that I asked you what you thought about that waler mare and foal, I did decide to go ahead and buy them, so the Oldfield’s are now rehandling the mare and training the foal to tie up and float for me before they send them on. Hence another reason why I need to get fit so that I can break in (or as my sister prefers to call it - assimilate into the human world) the young one myself what better motivation than that?!?!
So there’s my rant, and I would encourage anyone else that’s got those extra kilos hanging around to do something about it there is no better feeling than loosing those kilos and knowing your getting fitter and healthier as the days go by.

Cheers

Nicole

It is sad what is happening to our Society Nicole. I saw a about a 30 year old Lass today walking with a drip in her foot and another young Lad with a walking stick. Grossly over weight. How is it that people can write their own death sentence? Is it that they think they are not going to die? 30 years before skinny people? You are right about the Media though but the buck stops with the Government who are pee weak. Many people can't run their own lives successfully any more. They have to be looked after. The Foods that we are being dished up make it such a battle to lose weight. Shocking. Sad. Best of Luck with the Whaler.

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

Dear John, we have re-named out standie Floyd because he is a pretty boy and because instead of a star on his forehead he has a half moon and because he is so dark, a dark chocolate bay, and Pink Floyd's best album was Dark Side of the Moon....Anyway...I found the website that explains their brands and how to interpret them. So far so good, except that while I can clearly decipher Floyd's top line - which means he is a Standardbred foaled in Victoria in 2002, apart from the first and last symbol which I decipher as 0, the second symbol is missing and the third symbol appears only partially there and maybe either mean either a 2 or a 3. A friend bought her clippers over and we clipped over his brand thinking that it would become visible but there is nothing there. Can you advise me or someone else who reads this on how to "bring out" his brand? Until I can completely decipher it I cannot be sure who he is and track down his history. He seems to have assimilated himself into my little herd of two. Trevor is now clearly the herd leader, he leads and Floyd follows and then my poor old George is last on the list. Now I know that horses probably don't feel this way but I am a little miffed that Floyd is not last on the list as he is 'last in'. Floyd will push George around and I have seen him try it on with Trev but my little guy stands up to him and now the grazing pattern is Trevor in the middle keeping George and Floyd apart. I think that I may have to put a stallion head divider in when I float my two big boys together just in case. (I know John, but I worry I do!). Floyd's ground manners are improving as he was very pushy the first couple of days trying to figure out who's who in the paddock, but everytime he approaches me it is head down and waiting for me to pat and if I need to I can send him away although I am going to put him in the little paddock and get rid of his bum from my face, Floyd hasn't quite got the hang of that. But he will! When I have that firmly in place I will saddle up and see how we go...let you know when that happens.
Regards
Lauren, Trevor, Floyd and George (who is and always will be my hero horse)

Hope it goes well then Lauren. You had better not get any more or your signature will be too long for the page hahaha. Check this one out:)

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

John

Just thought I would flick you through a couple of pic's of my new Standie I picked up on the weekend.

Just one question: Who in the world, could think it's more glamorous, to ride an OTTB into the show ring than this fella?? Haha, I'd rather this boy anyday of the week, and at least I have a far higher chance of having all of my limbs still in place, each and every time I get on him!!

He sure is a fancy pants!! ;-) I have nicknamed him Snorter, because EVERYTHING is done with a snort at the moment! Still getting used to his new 'digs'!! He's real pleaser though, trys his best at everything so far! Still green, but VERY responsive and willing. Excuse the rain, we've had plenty, and he's going Naked, until he he's a bit more comfortable with his new home!

Hope all is well with you, and Linda!

Yes, all is well. We decided today over Lunch,  to do an Eastern States Tour when the EI is finished. "The Cowboy and the Lady" Tour. We will be doing one Official two day Clinic in Victoria, Canberra, NSW and Quld but will take mini Clinics along the way as arranged by Friends. Will announce the Details later but it will be down the track a ways as we have to buy a Gooseneck because Mrs. HP is going to compete along the way and bring both her Horses and a Pony Dressage one :) You sure will be looking at your Shadow as you go around on this lovely one :)

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

Hey you...again! Sorry, day off and I get time to ponder. lol John, When breeding, who has the most dominate gene for producing height,...the stallion or mare? Or does it depend on the breed not gender? My friend has the most quiet Brumby I have ever seen she is 14.2h and in foal to a pure Clydie standing over 16hands. Do you think it would be a 'wild child' even though both parents are exceptionally quiet .

cheers
chelle

 

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

Hi John,
I wrote to you before about my TB mare being heavy on the bit we've being working on that now she's getting better, my problem now is when we're riding out and we stop she won't stand still, she has to keep her feet moving doesn't matter what direction if ask her to stop again within a few seconds we're moving again.When mounting she'll stand without a problem.There's no bolt in her she's just fidgety do you have any suggestions? Her background is : trialled as a racehorse, too slow, then trail ridden a few dressage clinics, and a few ag shows also been used to lead kids around on, then put in foal, weaned foal then i bought her, hasn't been ridden for 2yrs, had her for about a month, almost bombproof nature can be lazy and definately doesn't want to break any landspeed records, has excellent brakes.I love her to bits already so would like to get her to stand still if possible. I appreciate any advise you could give.
thanks michele

There isn't a horse that can't be trained to stand still with this Michelle. Best of Luck.

 

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

Hi John,

I wrote to you last week regarding a mare that we are trialling that had what I suspected was sitfle problems (you can clearly hear her back legs clicking when she walks). She is not lame, happy to walk down hills, back up etc, has mainly been used for trail riding. BUT as with the horses in your videos she is happy to trot in 20 metre circles and in fact goes around nicely in a collected frame - picked that up in no time BUT when asked for canter she was willing to but around about the second lap of the circle she did this bunny hop with her back legs and then scooted forward which to anyone else would have looked like she was trying to buck and take off. I don't believe that for a minute I firmly believe based on what I have seen on your website that she has stifle problems. I commented to the instructor about this and she agreed with me and commented that not many people would have picked this up. It has been said that this mare has a "testing" temperment but I don't believe it - I think that she is scared of cantering for fear of this happening - when it did happen the "scooting off" appeared to me to be a "panic" reaction not a naughty reaction. SHe continued on the circle no problems but for the rest of the lesson (which I insisted was in trot only) she was a little unsettled as if she was concerned that she was going to have to canter again. She also "flicks" her near side back leg a little when she walks and when canters straight tends to have her hind quarters to the middle not straight - the same as the horse in your video. I have insisted that no more arena work be done with her (this was only the second time that she had been in an arena) because she certainly was not sound enough to continue and also I could see that next time she wouldn't be as willing to do it. Sorry about the long letter but my question is would a horse like this with treatment come good? My daughter has formed a special bond with her and can do anything on the ground with her. What ended up happening to the horses in your videos were they retired unsound? I don't think that rest is the answer as she has just come into work again after having 8 months off.

Thanks

Sue

Little doubt about it Sue. You have done well Madam!! Time never heals such problems. You either muscle them up and they come good or treat the cause if that is possible. That is why, x-rays first, then decision, then treatment or fitness regime. There is no other way. No point pursuing a fitness regime if the horse has a bone chip off the Patella!!!! Hence X-Rays first. What has happened to the Horses on the Pod Cast. Good Question.

• The black horse has now been through three Vets and is still unsound. The Second Vet says the rear end problems are caused by the diagonal front lower limb, which was x-rayed and nerve blocked last week and found to have bone changes in the navicular. I still think the horse is stuffed in the back end as well but as I keep saying, Vets cannot diagnose these things very successfully.
• The smaller one was retired, I hope, gone to Perth.
• The Chestnut, well the Hack Judges who went to Court to say that Mrs. HP wouldn't know what she is talking about have spent the last two years trying to prove us wrong hahahaha. He has disappeared. He was confirmed unsound by the Vets but what would they know? :)
• The Bridle Lame Horse, which was suffering from Training error, was fixed completely but just lately has been showing signs of deteriorating because she hasn't been ridden and kept muscled as the young Rider has been sick.
• The Pony on last weeks assessment is fixed. Training caused.

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

I was wondering will hobbeling a gelding that cow kicks help for checking my horse for a bean (you know what I am talking about) I would ask the farrier but he has a dirty mind. last itme I asked about anatomy of my horse he replies with a come on and I don't feel comfortable to ask any more. He is a joker but I would rather not be in the conversation with him. I am not a prude but you know........
The other thing I need to have done is his teeth. Should one be having to clean her horses bits? I hate the thought. Some girls may find pleasure in it but not I! someone said I should to see if that is what is causing grumpyness and his brown urine mid stream. blah. He has pinched corners of his mouth and I asume from pain. Farrier did check the teeth and said they were not too bad but I have noticed he only likes the softer parts and always sifts for the small loose bits of hay. He does have some yucky peely skin and some dried up crust on his willy. By the way is it possable for a gelding to get a full erection?? I thought that if castrated this would not be able to happen. this is the question I asked the farrier. I guess I will leave the reply to your imagination. I thought I was being mature and brave asking but I was given a less intelegent answer than the question.
You can leave this off the web if you like as small kids may read it. i yigh yigh. What a thing to have to ask. Can you do it for me at assessment or do I have to do my own dirty work on this one. What is a girl to do?????? ps I am talking about the bean not the ---------- hahahah!
cheers from Cindy
 

The mind boggles Cindy. The relevant restraints for this occasion would be back leg hobbles over good boots but not without complete and sophisticated training with the proper equipment and facilities. You can use a front leg strap but they can still cow kick whilst standing on three or two legs. Get the Vet to do the Teeth and the Bean :)

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

Hey John,

Just a quick question in relation to chiros vs physios vs massage therapists
I have had good experiences with all of them. Recently my mare came in from being turned out and was walking funny with her back legs, the action was very up and down and one leg in particular was coming right across and landing on the ground right under her. She wasn’t sore but very odd looking and probably would’ve become sore if not treated. One trip to James Gardiner (chiro) and she was good as new!
Just lately she has been dipping her back a little sometimes during brushing, but the main issue is that when I touch her girth area she’s very upset, ears pinned back and head bobs up and down, same when girthing up. She’s never been a fan of girthing but this is much worse than normal – and although she’s been fine under saddle want to get her adjusted so that I know she’s ok. My question is in this situation, should I use a chiro, a physio or a massage therapist? I’m sure they would all offer some kind of solution, but how do I know who to use?
Any advice appreciated!

Thanks,

Andrea

Based upon a life time of observation, I rely on none of the above and you could never pick which one may be or may not be relevant. It is a lottery. However, although I hear of and may have seen the occasional improvement in Horses I do not believe that many Veterinary problems can be fixed. Only masked. For that reason, we have basically never had use of any of the Trades and have never had a problem with any horse that was either fixed by rest or was not fixable at all. Regards

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

hi John,
Been a while since I've sent an email. I know where my horses are now still dont know if i have another foal or not, but where they are the people want them out of there by the end of the month cause there moving. I've moved from where I was now and I'm now in Kurri Kurri, NSW. And slowly getting back on my feet.
I know alot of people read your site so could you put this up incase anyone has a spare spot for my three (if theres a foal, four) horses. I dont want to bring them down and put them somewhere and find out they have to leave from there as well and then they still have no where to go. I still cant affored that much still and cant find anywhere else they can go.

So if anyone has anything if they could e-mail me on Jesskahh_@hotmail.com it would be greatly apreciated. I'll be trying to go out and see them this weekend havent seen them for over 2 months and miss them lots. Expecially when i was so close to breaking in Comet the last time i seen them and not knowing if theres a foal its getting to me. Anyway, I can't think of anything else to do.

Sincerely,
Jesskah

Poor Darling. I feel for you Jess :( The one certain thing though is that this will all be a non event into the future and out of everything bad always comes good. The key in life is to get up and have another go. Never let things get you down. "Keep on punchin" Life is what we make of it. Sitting around thinking about the bad can never help you over come any of the negatives. If you knew what I have had to battle during my life, you would forget your problems immediately. Your Horses rely upon you so get into it :) Regards

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

HI John

I think I may be able to help with the letter on the "sour" horse (barn, buddy, whatever). I think "sour" is an American term and refers to an over attachment / unwillingness to leave. So buddy sour is a horse that won't ride away from another on trail etc Barn sour, a horse that doesn't want to leave the barn. Only know that as I have heard of "buddy sour circles" to fix the problem on trail. I think that may be a John Lyons term perhaps?

Basically the "buddy sour circle" is to ride along with another horse, do a small circle away from horse and come back to it. Gradually increase size of circle to increase distance and time away from the other horse. You can have both horses circling away from each other to increase the distance as well. Then go to riding off a little and coming back and eventually you should be able to ride away from the other horse with no trouble. The writer could do the same with the barn - ride a small circle away - horse will get anxious leaving, will calm on coming back. Eventually horse realises it is too hard to get anxious and it will just calm in a second anyway, so horse becomes calmer about leaving. Gradually increase the size of the circles, getting further away and staying away from the barn for longer. Then ride out of eyesight and come back etc It is lots of to and fro but the horse stops getting emotional about it.

Hope that helps!

K

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

Dear Mr HP

Oh dear, I just watched, with horror, the utube video you had on your letters of the day where that poor, poor pinto had to carry that big fat lady in the yellow t-shirt! Holy cow, that was so cruel!!! See the husband/man shove the poor horse over towards the back end of the ute for it to get on! I mean come on, that lady needs Dr Gillian McKeith for a diet overhaul (ie TV Show You Are What You Eat). Fair enough if she's big, but that poor poor horse having to try and endure that. Did you see the horses back bend like a banana when she got on? Thank God that horse ditched her. I absolutely burst out laughing when she got tipped off, sorry. I didn't know if she was going to get tipped off or if the horse was just going to plain lie down!!! :)......I was cheering for that horse, but I just hope they don't punish it for that. Goodness me, I just can't believe it. Don't people have common sense, obviously not!

Now, just a few questions. I got thinking the other day and was wondering:

* When the horses grows its winter coat........is this a new coat that comes through and therefore the summer coat gets pushed out to start the new winter coat, OR, does the summer coat just extend into more length and becomes the winter coat?

No idea.

* Does the chambon bascially perform the same sort of job as running reins, say whilst lunging? (not that I am a big fan of lunging)

Yes but there are other options with running reins

* My mare tends to get a bit frightened of flapping bunting (like the bunting you see around the ring at Ag Shows). Not so much of plastic bags, if I took one up to her whilst tied up, I can rub her all over with a plastic bag and she doesn't care, but if there was one stuck on a fence blowing in the wind, and you were riding, she would probably get frightened and understandably so. So, my question is, do I buy some bunting and pop it around the dressage arena, or another area, so she slowly gets used to it? What would you do?

Not a problem in doing that at all. The more in life they are exposed to the better they become for us.

* I have been meaning to thank you for the Balance at Canter DVD and the German Training Scale Dressage DVD, both are just brilliant and have got a lot out of both of them. I watch them over and over when I get the chance to relax and still manage to pick up something new that I didn't pick up from watching the time before. So thankyou Mrs HP because I actually have my horse starting to work from behind instead of dragging around on her front two legs. Mrs HP you mare is absolutely drool-alicious! What a magnificant animal, she just floats around the arena so beautifully like it's no effort at all. Just stunning.
 

I'll tell her you said that. Thanks. She will be pleased.

* Pleased to see that Ginny went to a lovely home, congratulations. I bet Mrs HP was a bit sad when she left. I grew quite fond of Ginny on the DVD, she was certainly a character and a lovely horse!

Yes, she is going to a lovely 100 acres and all new facilities. She is a darling. With the will of the Warmblood but the safety of a Novice Horse. Just enough to make you ride better. A School Mistress :)

* Oh, and I was quite pleased with myself the other day....trotter man next door wanted to dog his beautiful 2yo standie that was not fast enough (who I have grown very fond of and attached to) but I managed to find a home for him and therefore save him. Such a beautiful, beautiful gelding, I will miss him, he is getting picked up today. Will have a future in trail riding, dressage or pleasure riding so that's great. One less head on the floor and someone will get a great deal of pleasure out of him.

That's about it for now. As always you help is most appreciated.

Kind Regards, Tanya

Lucky Boy Tanya. You are a Saint.!!

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

Simon,

Do you consistently get your feed from the same place? if so do they? Maybe they get it from diffrent suppliers in cycles. maybe you could get your feed tested when they are having good results and then when they are not, then see if you can trace the feed. Chemicals such as arsenic can have a positive effect on horses and you would be suprised at the stupidity of some farmers. I know of people who bought a bulk load of feed for a farmer. Their horses were going fantastic for about 3 months, won a few races etc, then they started to go backwards, arsenic poisoning, and you do not see the results until it is to late they looked like the winning horses they were. They did investigating and the poison came from the oats they got in a bulk load, turns out the farmer cause the contamination with rat poison. Poor guy was devistated, ruined all their horses and they were never any good after that.

Not saying that I think this is exactly what it happening, but maybe differing feed/chemicals used on the feed from diffrent farms etc might be having an effect on their performance. Just a thought I had.


sorry Hp, promise this is the last time I offer ideas to someone on your site that is supposed to be about you offering advice ;p hehe, I can't help it sometimes

Thanks
Kristy

Lol, you have a burning passion there Kristy. I understand :) Simon, check out also that anti mould agents are not being used in your Lucerne. These days, Chemicals are the danger to all of us. South Australian Fruit and Vegetables have just been found to contain dangerous chemicals, especially strawberries. Never buy feed from certain Immigrants. The many who have no regard for the safety of stock or Humans. They are here now getting into the Fodder and Veggi Industry.

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




 

11th February, 2008

Day Off and went to lunch with my darling wife :) Had a pizza which was good. Don't get much chance to eat junk food although it had a heap of veggies on it :)

I regularly report on dangers to Pony Clubs when they are at risk of litigation or losing Insurance and I hear that a rider fell from a Horse at one of out local Clubs on the weekend, on the Cross Country course, first time for Rider and for Horse who has only been jumping for a week. No Coach present so unsupervised. That means no Insurance, certain negligence and the Club and Officers opened up to litigation and which could include losing their houses. I can completely understand people disregarding what I have to say about the Law but it keeps happening and one day soon. The law of averages will dictate it. I think Risk Management is being forgotten now that all has settled down again.

Mrs. HP has gone to a meeting of the State Dressage Squad and Selectors, called to discuss the recent visit by the National Coach.

If anyone knows who the Horse people were with the half a million drug crop at Ashbourne last week I would love to know :) She was sure some crop and set up :)

Are you all going to tune in and be on the edge of your seats when we say 'sorry' this week? The sooner they say it the better as I for one am sick of hearing about it. I bet that won't be the end of it though!

HORSE FLOAT COMPANY

I received this letter today, about a new Horse Float Manufacturer:

Just letting you know if someone hasn't aready that equestran (www.equestran.com.au) are espousing your ideals but I can't see from the pics on the web that they really are.
Flush tie ups, no center bar, reasonable breeching gates and I like the mug guard runner however I dan't see if it goes forwards as well as the rear.

However they still have an open draw bar and I really don't like the look of the pins on the dividers.

Anyhow thought you would like to know. I found it while trying to do research to buy my first Aust float in 20 years - had trucks previously and I am lost you just can't compare apples to apples and as I live in NQ I am unable to visit all the dealers - do you have any basic float manufacturer you would recommend?

Thanks again for a most informative and forthright soapbox - the articles are great too.

Regards

Jayne

Under Horse Safety, they say this " Many of these safety features are standard on the EquesTran range, but to ensure floats don't become prohibitively costly, some of these additional safety features are available as options to allow you, the customer, to configure a float that meets your required level of safety and still remain within your budget."

I have never been approached or spoken to by this Company and know nothing about them or their floats. I have looked at the options page for a covered tow bar but can't find one. The curved chest bars, whilst a good idea, are not removable if a horse goes over the top. I have not seen one of these floats and don't know about the quality. It is ironic that my name is associated with an open tow bar Float :) I must admit I am puzzled by them not contacting me if their ideals are good one's which is of course most refreshing. Nice door latches!

THE SICKEST SHOW ON EARTH

Just when it seemed that the Chinese had plumbed the depths of animal humiliation, along comes something even worse.
The country which gave you bears riding bikes now proudly presents ... lions and tigers on horseback.
In one of the nation's most notorious zoos, applauding spectators are treated to a bizarre display as a 30-stone lion leaps on to the horse's back.
Scroll down for more...
Never seen before: A lion rides on a horse's back


Then it rides around the ring while a trainer with a whip keeps it moving.
After that, a 35-stone tiger climbs up on the same terrified steed for its turn in the limelight.
The shocking pictures come from the animal park at Xiamen in Fujian, south-east China, where the public seem to delight in humiliating circus-style stunts and have no regard for animal cruelty.
Conditions are poor, with big cats including lions, tigers and leopards and other large animals including bears kept in solitary confinement in tiny cages.
Elsewhere in the country, bears ride bicycles at an "Animal Games" in Nanjing.
Scroll down for more...
Trotting together: The lion clings onto the horse as they trot around an enclosure
At the Xiogsen Bear and Tiger Mountain village in Guilin, live animals are fed to tigers as a show for tourists. Bears pulling cars in a race with a strong man caused anger after the bizarre stunt was shown in Jinan last year.
In a display in Changchun, a tiger is put in a cage with an ox while muzzled so it tries to attack its prey but cannot kill it, producing an agonising and long-drawn-out battle.
Save China's Tigers, a charity which has a branch in the UK, campaigns to save animals trapped in the country's zoos.
It carries out public education schemes in China to raise awareness .
And it aims to free tigers from their cages, set up breeding programmes and reintroduce the proud creatures to the wild after teaching them how to hunt for themselves.

Poor little Bugga :( It's a sick World!

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

MARK TODD TO COMPETE AGAIN

Story goes he saw a young person riding a Horse recently and just had to buy it. The rest will be history.

The greatest celebration of all things equestrian just got even bigger with the news that comeback Olympian Mark Todd and will compete in a special invitational event at the Kelt Capital Horse of the Year Show.
Show director Kevin Hansen is ecstatic to have secured both Todd and eventing's Olympic short list squad for the March show.

"It's a great opportunity for those eventers hoping to make Hong Kong to have a chance to compete in similar surrounds, and it is a real treat for our spectators."

Those thoughts are reiterated by Eventing New Zealand's team manager and high performance director Blyth Tait.

"The great thing about the Horse of the Year is that it is a real showcase for all things equine, and for eventing to have a presence there is very good. It is an opportunity for us to showcase our sport and exciting for the Horse of the Year to have the Olympic short list and Mark participating," says Tait, who won the puissance at the HoY in 1983.

The horses and riders would be able to experience an atmosphere and "razzmatazz" of a major competition.

Confirmed are Mark Todd (Canterbury), Emily Butcher (Canterbury), Bryce Newman (Rangitikei) and Mathew Grayling (Taranaki).

The rest of the field will be made up of invitational combinations.

Combinations will do a dressage test on the all-weather Euro Ride surface - it has yet to be decided whether that will be the Olympic test or the test competitors will face the following weekend at Puhinui.

The showjumping phase - up to between 1.25m and 1.3m - will be designed by Leopoldo Palacios (Venezuela), who is designing the courses in Hong Kong. The twist will be the inclusion of a couple of the cross country fences usually used in the eventing derby.

"We are doing this first and foremost for eventing," says Hansen, "Eventing has been a bit of a lost soul at the KCHoY in the past so we are thrilled to be really doing something for the sport."

Hansen is confident the show will put the riders under very different pressures to what they have been used to in New Zealand.

Some of the riders, including Todd, are expected to compete in other classes at the show.

"We are encouraging our riders to compete in the atmosphere at the KCHoY as we don't get an opportunity like this," says Tait.

However, the class will carry no weight with selectors. "It's the ideal pre-competition run for them going into Puhinui, which will count for selectors."

The five-strong eventing team for Hong Kong is expected to be named in mid-June. Half of the eight on the Olympic short list are based in New Zealand and the balance in Britain.

"It's just tremendous for eventing to have the possibility of Mark in the team," says Tait. "He adds the possibility of a whole new dimension to our team. No other rider has won two Olympic gold medals before - this is a big ask, as it is just six months to go and he has yet to begin his campaign, but if anyone can do it, he can."

 

Five Things Everyone Should Know Before Buying or Selling a Horse Online
(MS) -- Not long ago, buying and selling a horse was a time-consuming process that limited consumer choices based on their geographic location. However, in the last decade, the Internet has helped make selling and purchasing virtually anything under the sun faster and easier—and horses are no exception. Today, consumers have instant access to numerous Web sites that offer hundreds of thousands of horses in all breeds and disciplines, from miniature ponies to thoroughbred stallions. Aaron Bromagem, founder of Equine.com, one of the largest online horse marketplaces on the Internet, has seen the buying and selling of horses online skyrocket in the past two years alone.

“A new horse search is begun every second on Equine.com, and approximately one horse is sold every 29 minutes,” said Bromagem. “With more than 55,000 horses available for sale, stud or lease every day, there is a massive global network of buyers and sellers looking to connect online. Equine.com alone gets more than 3.2 million visitors each month.”

Bromagem has not only witnessed the industry grow since he founded the company more than a decade ago, he also has helped ensure online horse brokering keeps pace with today’s technology, and notes that there are several tips shoppers should keep in mind when buying and selling their horse online. “Armed with the proper knowledge, equestrians and horse enthusiasts worldwide can safely and conveniently search, purchase and provide new homes for their favorite animals often in just a month’s time,” said Bromagem.

Bromagem recommends consumers keep the following information in mind when selling and shopping for horses online:
Use technology to showcase the horse’s abilities: By adding an action-filled clip of a horse trotting, galloping or jumping, consumers can see for themselves a horse’s conformation and abilities, right from their own computer. By viewing videos as well as photos, buyers can make more informed choices, especially when visiting the animal in person is not an option. Conversely, sellers should search for advertising “package” deals that allow them to add numerous photos or video clips to their ads to help them achieve maximum results quickly.
Reach as many consumer s and search as many horses as possible: A vast group of buyers can help attract sellers and create a universal marketplace for all horse enthusiasts. Exploring sites that are affiliated with other equine-related organizations may speed up the brokering process because ads are available to a larger audience of qualified buyers and sellers, helping consumers get more leads on their horses.
Connect with fellow buyers and sellers: Connecting with horse owners who have been through, or are going through, the buying or selling process can be helpful given the tips and “inside” information they can share. Consumers should communicate with other users within their site’s network via online forums, message centers or blogs, whenever possible.
Beware of scams: The online shopping industry often is targeted for scams, so consumers should be cautious when completing equine sales, just as they are when purchasing other goods over the Internet. While the online horse industry works to protect users from scammers, consumers should always be cautious, especially when accepting checks — including cashier’s checks — as they can take a few days to clear. Additionally, consumers should perform thorough research on transportation companies, as many that promote their businesses to online horse brokers do not specialize in equine hauling, raising concerns about the safety of the animals they carry.

By following these guidelines, consumers can practically and promptly sell or purchase their ideal horse while also protecting their animals and their investments when conducting transactions on the Web.

While each horse enthusiast may have their own unique needs, with the right know-how, they can easily find equine brokering success at their fingertips. For more information, or to post or browse for a horse, visit www.equine.com.
 

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

Neglected horse dies; county failed to check



A horse rehabilitator is angry that animal control officials did little to monitor the conditions of seven miniature donkeys and horses that were owned by Porter County Animal Welfare board member Bonnie Frye.
One of the horses had to be euthanized last week because it was malnourished.

Sue Hodson rehabilitated three of the horses and two miniature donkeys in May, when neighbors initially complained about the animals' condition.

On Thursday, Porter County Animal Shelter director Sandy Ogle resigned. Ogle faces accusations that she neglected to check on the animals after the first complaint. Jennifer Pierce was named interim director.

Dr. Jerry Rodenbarger at Vale Park Animal Hospital in May found some of the animals malnourished and underweight.

Hodson said she treated the animals from May to July. She contacted Ogle on the day after she returned the animals -- in good condition -- to the owner. Hodson said Ogle promised to check in on the animals on a regular basis, but every time she called the shelter, Ogle said she had not checked on the animals.

"I felt very guilty having taken those animals back (to Frye)," Hodson said. "I felt by calling Sandy she would have taken me seriously and checked up on the animals."

On Jan. 31, Frye called Porter County Animal Control to check on Rusty, a 12-year-old miniature horse. He couldn't stand up. Rusty was brought to Rodenbarger and his prognosis wasn't good.

"On a scale of 1 to 10, with one being emaciated, five optimum and 10 rotund, Rusty didn't even register on the scale," Rodenbarger said. "It was just skin covering bone. There was certainly no fat on him and no muscle, too."

With few alternatives, Frye decided to euthanize Rusty.

"He was beyond recovery," Rodenbarger said. "Had we not stepped in and euthanized him, he would have died within days."

Hodson said she and Rodenbarger spoke to Frye about appropriate diet and treatment for the animals last summer. But as of this week, a female horse is malnourished and two other horses are below optimum condition.

"Do you know how difficult it is to make a mini skinny? All it needs is weeds, water and wind," Hodson said. "I understand that (Frye's husband) was sick, but if you're truly a responsible animal owner, you need to call in people to help."
 

LETTERS OF THE DAY

John,

I've very much enjoyed your site. I've spent many many hours reading and watching all of your videos. I was wondering though if perhaps I'd missed anything you've put up about a horse being sour. Barn, buddy or whatever, if you did I think I missed it. My 7yr old gelding is exhibiting very sour behavior. He's very barn sour, plus I have another gelding in the pasture that he's very sour to also. This is not the first time I've dealt with him and this behavior. Two weeks ago I took him down the road for a ride. I could not hardly get him to ride away from the barn, in fact he bucked, reared and bolted back towards the barn. Had I not read on your site about one rein stops I think I would have been in real I've only had him for a year but I have t