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6th March, 2008

Stinking Hot again and up with the Sparrows.

I started on a new one this morning and he spent the first two hours trying to buck off his first Roller. In the Round Pen, in his yard and even in the stable when he suddenly felt the girth :) Poor Boy. Anyhow, I let him get over himself and we then started on mouthing which went well. He will sleep well tonight. It must drain them mentally.

My Clydie Girl was due for leg yielding if you remember and it is with Horses like this that one realizes how Horses make Trainers look good, not the other way around. You don't have to believe this, that is fine but she was leg yielding inside 60 seconds and even threw in a half pass when I got Mrs. HP there to have a look :) Then we adjourned to the arena for the first time, put her into show mode, followed Mrs. HP doing her thing all over the arena and stayed between leg and hand like a Pro. What a Horse? Reminds me why I would never own some other Breeds.

WESTERN TRAINING

You will remember my opinion of some of the participant's of this side of the Sport. Well I have just had another unfortunate experience with another of these and I got unfortunately embroiled in it.

A distressed young Lady contacted me about her young 3 year old Colt that was with a Western Trainer at Virginia, SA. The Colt had been a darling, living with a Gelding and great to handle. She sent him off to be started and kept ringing over a period of weeks to se the Horse ridden. Made several arrangements, arrived but each time there was a reason why the Horse had already been worked for the day. Then very late in the proceedings, comments were made about him bucking and then a phone call was received to come and pick your Horse up as it is too dangerous. She did that and took him home. He was off his mind and immediately attacked the Gelding (his mate) badly so she had to catch and put him in her round pen. He tried to eat through the gates and when she tried to calm him, ran away in fear.

She rang me and I suggested to let the Horse settle for a couple of weeks and just spend quality time with him. Then we would have a look at him. She then emailed me this week and said that she needed to be very careful with who works on the Horse in the future (fair enough) and that because she had heard lots of good things about me, she had heard lots of bad things and wanted to come and watch me work with another Horse first. I guess that's pay back but fair enough. You give it you have to take it. Anyhow, I turned the opportunity down.

So why would a young Horse turn and change personality during the Breaking in process? There can't be many reasons and the Horse is sure sending a message. Colts do that :(

NEW PRODUCTS

English Saddle Girth Point Converter. If you are having trouble girthing up the hard way or want to use better girths, simple convert to a stock or western rigging with latigo.

The Knee Hobbles are the absolute safest way to introduce a horse to all other forms of leg restraints. I have never seen a horse fight these and 100% have accepted them instantly. This allows them to get their head around being restrained for the first time and pre-programmes them for the introduction of other forms of restraints later. Like Stockman's Hobbles and so on. Do you know why there is much more potential panic on introduction of stockman's versus knee? have a think about it :)

The quality of these cannot be surpassed!!

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Australia’s Biggest Equestrian Event Since Sydney Olympics


After more than six months in the wilderness, equestrian competition is back in NSW – in a big way. The Equestrian Federation of Australia (NSW) and the NSW Government today launched The Return Of The Horse equestrian series – Australia’s largest equestrian event since the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

The Return Of The Horse is a month-long series of international events being held throughout April at the world-class Sydney International Equestrian Centre. More than 500 riders from around the country will compete in showjumping, eventing, dressage, vaulting, saddle horse and interschool events.

With the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games fast approaching, The Return Of The Horse will also include one of the last Olympic qualifying/selection events to be held in Australia – the Bates Sydney International Three-Day Event. Olympic selectors will also be keenly viewing the showjumpers in the ISS & EFA Australian Championships.

“The Return Of The Horse is the turning point we’ve all been waiting for,” says David Lawrence, Chairman of the Equestrian Federation of Australia (NSW). “It shows that equestrian sport is back on track and that we have beaten EI.

“It’s not just horse racing that’s been impacted by Equestrian Influenza, the whole equestrian industry has been devastated. Thousands of small businesses, sports professionals, performance horse breeders, communities and families have gone through hard times due to EI. Overall it has cost the industry more than $3.6 billion.

“That’s why this landmark series of international events are so important. They signal to the industry there is a light at the end of the tunnel and there is a future for the equestrian industry.

“This event would not be possible with out the support of the NSW Government, its commitment to eradicate EI and to get the equestrian industry back on its feet. With EI eradicated we’ve now been given the green light for really open competition. So it’s time to saddle up!”

The Return Of The Horse will include the:
• ISS & EFA Australian Showjumping Championships
• Bates Sydney International Three-Day Event
• Sydney CDI 3-Star Dressage
• EFA NSW/Mitavite Interschools Championships
• Clippity Clop Horse of the Year.

These events will enable Australia’s elite riders such as Shane Rose, Rachael Sanna and Vicki Roycroft to compete for a spot in the Australian Olympic equestrian squad, as well as give Australia’s up and coming young riders a chance to hone their equestrian skills at the EFA NSW / Mitavite Interschools Championships in preparation for the National Championships.

“I encourage everyone to come along to the events and show their support for the riders and horses competing,” Lawrence says. “Let’s all show that we’re back and we are bigger than ever.”

The Return Of The Horse events run between 17 April and 03 May 2008. For further event information and ticketing go to EFA NSW or call 1300 669 144.

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BONSALL -- A scared horse walked out of a chilly stream with only its pride hurt Monday night, Vista Fire Capt. Richard Wilkinson said.

The horse had thrown its rider and was found standing alone in the San Luis Rey River about a mile east of the Bonsall Bridge, Wilkinson said. Firefighters were called to the scene at about 4:42 p.m. Monday, he said.

The horse was standing about halfway across the 10- to 15-foot-wide stream in water about 4 feet deep, Wilkinson said. The firefighters' initial efforts to cajole the horse onto land were unsuccessful, he said, so they attached harnesses to it to keep it from being swept away in the swift current.

A crew with the Large Animal Unit of the Humane Society responded later, as did Carlsbad firefighters, Wilkinson said.

The horse appeared to be suffering from mild hypothermia, Wilkinson said, and the owner, who was unhurt after being thrown, eventually was able to convince it to walk out of the stream and into a waiting horse trailer, Wilkinson said.

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CRUELTY

A VET answering an emergency call was shocked to discover that four horses had died overnight and another two had collapsed, a court heard.
Roderick Kynoch was giving evidence at the trial of a mother and daughter who are accused of causing unnecessary suffering to animals.
Debra Green, 41, and her daughter Michelle, 19, both of Lime Kiln Lane, Holbury, deny the allegations.
The RSPCA says horses kept by the pair were struck down by a bacterial infection, the severity of which was caused partly by the "appalling" conditions in which they were kept.
Jeremy Cave, prosecuting, has alleged that 29 horses either died from the infection or had to be put down.
Mr Kynoch, giving evidence on behalf of the prosecution, told New Forest magistrates he was called out by Debra Green on December 10, 2006.
When he arrived at the horses' field in Scallows Lane, West Wellow, he discovered that four of the animals had died overnight and another two had collapsed.
Mr Kynoch said he began treating the horses with antibiotics and organised blood tests - the results of which were "quite dramatic".



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LETTERS OF THE DAY

I thought I would give you a quick run down of my mare before I get to the problem, so here goes.
Jema is 7 year old, 15.2hh thoroughbred mare. Her Mum was a high goal polo mare and her Dad was a successful Thoroughbred Stallion. Jema has always been a solid girl but never had a real problem with her weight.
Jema was always a real cruzie mare. They could put her on any truck or float, beside or in between any horse. They would take her to polo, take her round the roads, work her in the arena and there would never be any question from her.
This was when she was first broken in and started working, she only played in about 3 baby chukkas and then became a lady of leisure just being ridden for fun but ridden correctly in basic dressage training.
When I met Jema, I had just moved to Bathurst and just met Vicki. It was October 2005.
I had been out of horses for at least 10 years and was busting to get back on. Vick told me she had a mare in the paddock that I could jump on if I wanted to. Jema had not been worked for about 6 months. I lunge Jema about 3 times for about 20 minutes over the next 3 days and then jumped on her and went for a ride up the paddock. We hit it off instantly. Once again I was hooked on horses. I rode Jema every weekend and a few days of the week. We had heaps of fun together. Vick would give us some lessons off and on to keep us both on track.
In the January of 2006, (on a Sunday afternoon) Vicki advised that Jema was for sale. I decided to purchase her. It was then that Vicki said “Well if she is going to be sold, we had better take her out and see how she will perform.” The following Thursday Jem was washed, clipped and floated to a local Agricultural Show then went to two more on the Saturday and the Sunday. 4 first place ribbons, 2 second place ribbons and 3 Championship Line Ups. Not a bad result for a mare that had never been to a show before.
After having the winter off, Jema and I rode in our first Dressage test in the September of the same year. We placed 3rd. After this I got serious with the Dressage. I had lots of lessons with Vicki. We had Jema in full self carriage and working beautifully. I purchase a new Bates Innova dressage saddle with cair panels. The saddle was fitted by a professional saddle fitter. Then EI hit NSW. We were in lock down on our own property. For the most of winter we didn’t ride. Once the weather got a little warmer, we started training again.
THIS IS WHERE THE PROBLEM STARTS.
We noticed that over summer (when we had one of our most severe droughts) and then again through winter, we were struggling with Jema being very, very overweight. We were at the stage that she was being placed in the paddocks with the least amount of grass. (she was not being hand fed at all). With all the work we were doing with Jema, it was difficult to get the self carriage again, now when asking for laterals she is constantly arguing. (keeping in mind that we ride around the open paddocks as much as in the arena) When she is stabled now, she is cranky with the other geldings, to the point that when they argue she will not back down. We have now moved her as the other night she nearly lost an ear and an eye in fighting with one of the geldings.
Jema has always loved her food, but now when you approach her in the paddock there is a short period when she will put her ears back at you. (she has always been a very loving and affectionate mare wanting and devouring all affection given her way). When you let her out of her stable, she will now always walk a couple of strides and then race off and kick up with her ears back.
She has become quiet demanding when we drive down the drive way she races around the paddock, she kicks up screams at us and demands full attention.
If I lunge Jem she goes nice but does not concentrate. If I or Vicki rides her she now argues to the point where we just stopped riding her the other day, it just got to hard.
Jem’s weight problem that really came out of no where, she has never been over fed and has been fed correctly ever since this has occurred. During this period Jem has also become cresty and masculine in her attitude and appearance.

Our questions are many but please help us as we do not want this to continue;
1. Can a mare’s Estrogens levels fall and Testrostone levels rise?
2. If so could this effect her personality/behaviour (being female ourselves we understand the highs and lows that a hormonal imbalance can cause).
3. Does a mare’s Thyroid Gland work the same as a human’s?
4. Could this have anything to do with her weight problem?
5. Is there a blood test or blood tests that we could order that would give us answers?
6. Is it common for a Mare to get eg Cyst’s on her Ovaries?
7. Could this also affect her personality?
8. Is there a scan/test for this?
9. Is there a cure?

I apologise for so many questions but we respect you very much and would be grateful for any information and suggestions that you can give us.

Many Thanks
Michelle

Well Michelle, these are all Veterinary questions and of course you should take the Horse straight there for a full range of tests. Then you will know more. I can only tell you that, yes, there is something wrong with her, that you should stop riding her, that you should get a complete Vet investigation, that yes Mares get Cysts regularly and it changes their personality and often in bad ways, certainly sexually and often tending them towards Male traits in the Female and thus causing problems with other Male Horses and with Stallions thinking that they are competition for their own Mares. All sorts of bizarre behaviour. I have seen much. Anyhow, you can Bank on the fact that she is sick so go for the action plan now Michelle. Best of Luck with her.

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Hi John

thanks for the comments on feeding. His ears have been forward since then, so all it well at feed time :) Another question from today. I got a huge horsey cuddle when I arrived. He buried his nose in my neck and started giving me horsey kisses ie big licks. I don't usually let him lick me as I am worried about biting (not that he has ever bitten). Is it ok to let him give horsey kisses? He got heaps of cuddles and scratches back of course - we like cuddles :) He always calls out and comes over when he sees me - I know, it is a terrible problem to have.

K

Everything is acceptable K as long as it is within your boundaries of etiquette and you are in charge. There is a young Duccio Gelding here with a lovely Lady owner who sounds like Lauren with George and he gives wet kisses, carries things around in his mouth and is a general idiot besides having a full command of the English language as we know it hahahaha. You all sound fair similar :)

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Hi Hp,

I just have a quick story, well two actually.
I have just leased my lovely QH to a local girl to ride. The first thing her mother said to me was how well behaved he is at feed time. I laughed and told her he was trained to do that. I was very pleased and full credit goes to you for your wonderful training and advice, I also past on your website.
Recently a friend sent her lovely quiet 14 yr old mare to the breaker, I believe it was there 3-4 weeks when she gets a call that the horse had to be destroyed. Apparently, all was going well, then this particular day he went out, put halter and lead on and was leading out the yard when horse reared up, went over and broke a bone in its neck. This sounds very strange to me but I wouldn’t know. Does this happen? Owner devastated as has had horse since young. I know that 14 is old to break in, but owner is only now in a position to ride again and didn’t have a broken in horse…. Still doesn’t.

Regards Jane

That can happen Jane and in fact it happened to me once. The most shocking experience. The Horse had previously been through the roof of a float and I just picked up the lead rope to bring her out of the yard and she flipped straight over backwards and smashed her head. :( These things can happen. Touch wood I never get injuries but I did get that one a few years ago. Thanks Jane

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Hi John & Linda

Been a little while and thought you might like update on Benny. You know that psyched out brain snap mess. Well, he went and I have this lovely, friendly, pleasant non fence walking horse that stands quietly to be saddled, and is cuddly, yes cuddly. Sure looks like Benny, has the same name, same colour even the same scars. But sure is a nice horse.

Not that word 'Cuddly" again :) There is a bit much of that lately around here! Watch out as it ryhmes with 'Chubbly'

In all seriousness this fellow has changed. I think the defining moment for me came a couple weeks ago when I took Benny for a run around the block. He was tense, bit more than usual but we had not been out for a little while due to not a good farrier job and he had been a bit lame. But no probs on the tension just keep going, working him quiets him. Well right there along the fence was an emu. And he has gone, “no way”, and I put leg on using your speed of rein control and “yes way” Obediently went past at trot, “okay I’ll go but I don’t like it.”
Stopped to chat with a dad and his daughter going to their stables. Hadn’t seen this horse, bit of a chat, nice horse, yeh we got a new one too, will go for a ride together. Lovely little chestnut came up to the fence to say high also. Ding, Ding, Ding. Boom gate coming down, train coming. No where to go. A good hundred metres away. Benny’s looked; the father very understatedly says “sit deep” and proceeds to back away with his daughter. Whistle blows, chestnut horse flies off across paddock and there is that very long goods train going north. And Benny says, “I’m outta here” and starts to go. It is funny what you take in, in the space of one second; barbed wire fence, small ditch, tarred road (ouch), small tree. And ONE REIN STOP. Immediately applied. Horse spins, Benny whoa, Benny whoa. That’s okay, once, twice and stops. Good boy Bennie. Faces up to the train and watches with me sitting holding a loopy loose rein. Firstly that’s brain wash from ORS. Secondly that is trust. Right there. We have not looked back since, this trust thing, amazing. The giving of the face when fearful, head into the hand for that rub and reassurance. He will react but it is the look in his eyes when he remembers and overcomes it, to put his head into the hand. That’s courage.
Stopped around the other side of the block to see my friend and there was the emu. Of course he is old hat now, yeh just another emu. My friend (was at the clinic) could not believe how fabulous Benny looked and gained a lot of weight too. He looks really nice and muscling up also.
Last week, we three girls all riding in the arena, at the same time. Benny cantering around with two other horses doing their thing cantering around. An amazing moment to reflect on. I did not expect to do this for at least another six months. Cool, relaxed, no drama, just working. David came on Monday and watched us couldn’t believe how much Benny had changed in several weeks. Back then I had just started to teach him the canter off the aids and was still very rough. So much improved. I will come in from working Benny in the arena and Leanne comments on how relaxed he looked, just like a dressage horse. Thats nice.
Just want to touch on one rein stop. You stress that the horse has to be taught from walk, trot and canter and to really brain wash them to think they cannot win against it. You are so right. When I needed it, it worked so well. But it has to be trained
I am not trying to fool anyone, he is still an OTTB. I still have to ride him well, be a good leader; I have had to earn the respect of that. Benny was not giving it away easily. It has taken a lot of time, patients, and money to fix training and health issues as they have come up. But what a great working horse to ride. And a great Thoroughbred canter. It just goes. I still have a solid year of just doing what I have been doing to consolidate the new way, the new behaviour. Benny still has moments of tension, and reflexes that have to be overcome with repeat, repeat training. But no way did I expect him to be at this point now. Possibly Benny’s biggest problem now is me. Started lessons today to improve my position and technique. Lost a lot of weight. Now that makes a big difference and the biodynamics changes with it. I would love for Linda to get on Benny again one day and do her thing.
Anyway, I have taken up way too much space, again.
Read your web site most days and love to read how everyone else is doing and of course your comments, John, you make perfect sense. Love the pics of your breakers, you show off, particularly the Clydy cross. Take care, luv to Linda.xo

Luv

Tracy xo

Thanks Tracy and well done to you again. No doubt about it, you are a Bull Terrier that won't let go. Got to give you 10 for that :) Quite some achievement indeed. Not many can cope with these I can assure you. Regards to all.

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Howdy,

I started a proper feed time routine with my horse larry about 4-6 weeks ago. It was messy as hell to start off with and I had to use my carrot stick and string to stay safe (funny how the quiet horses are always the worst when challenged). I set the rules as follows, I entered the yard, he goes to the end of the yard and waits, I put his feed in and then stand to the side allowing him to go and get his food. Well the first bit worked, the second not so well as he galloped into his stable from the end of the yard like some fire breathing hell horse.

That is why I never stand aside Kristy. I stand between the feed and the Horse and invite them. If he then galloped up I would stop him in his tracks and back him off again, inviting again in a more acceptable manner. Standing aside asks for rushing and believe it or not, the act of walking past you to the Bin defeats the psychological purpose of the exercise and can be dangerous as well.

I modified the rules. I enter the yard and he goes down the end of the yard and waits, i place his feed in his bin then I walk down to him and give him a quick 2 second rub (to try and say OK now) and then walk away and he follows at a walk (this took a day or 2 to master as he tried every trick in the book to slip past me, forcing me to walk backwards so I could keep an eye on him). My responsibility is to not dawdle, as soon as he is doing the right thing I am straight in with the feed, the straight down to pick him up and then I get out, I try to use this as the reward, he does the right thing, he gets fed quickly.

I just came back from 2 weeks in Japan. Just before I left he had got to the point that i could stand in the yard and point to the end of the yard and after some consideration he would walk down to the other end of the yard and wait there.

I thought he would have forgotten everything while I was away and on the first day that I went to see the boys with my sister I did not bother to ask him to do anything as I had just got off a 9.5hr flight + a few hours in Sydney (dead tired). I assumed that I would have to re assert myself.

Well the next day i went down to feed him and I was ready to ask him and get it all back together. I feed the other horse then stood next to Larry's yard but not in it, he looked at me and I pointed to the other end of the yard, he paused for a bit and I calmly said "go on Larry", and gestured towards the end of the yard again and he headed down to the end of the yard. So as soon as he was past me I went into his yard threw his feed in and by the time I had his feed in he was waiting for me at the other end, so I go down and give him a big pat and let him know I am delighted then walk away and he follows up, as we come to the stable door I stand aside and allow him to walk in. Calm as

My question to you is, should I leave it like this, on occasion I have come out of his stable and on seeing me he has tried to come to me. I am not sure if I should allow this (currently I have not), do you think that now he is calm about it I can change the rules so that when I come out of the stable he can come to me (as long as it is a quiet walk) and work towards me placing his feed and then just been able to walk out of the yard and him calmly walking into his stable to get his feed?

No, keep the rules in place. He doesn't need to do that and you don't need it either. Which way is of no interest to him, only the principal of the matter is so stay with the option with the best on going controls.

Also would be interested to hear peoples thoughts on cavallo boots (simple boots). I just bought a set of 4 for my horse. They seem good so far but I have only taken him for 1 walk in them, curious how much they save the horse on largish rocks, I did get him to walk slowly on them to try them out (well after I managed to cox him cause he thought I was a raving lune for wanting him to walk on rocks, but then once he realised it was ok he walked on them without a worry but I only tried it for a few steps) . Unfortunately the road near out paddock has been laid with some very large gravel for a distance of about 200m at the most then it is tar (why on the road, cause I am driving my horse in a small gig and as I have said previously they are tippy, hit a bump at the wrong angle and say hello to the ground ;p). I would like to negotiate this road every day with my horse at a nice working trot for somewhere between 20-30min. Have you ever used them?

Your thoughts would be appreciated

Thanks
Kristy

No Kristy, not my style. I either need shoes on or no shoes. Not interested in most of the marketing exercises of the hundreds of new Products that arrive. Keep it simple is my motto. Regards

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Dear John, well despite the fact that I have a new Smoochie horse George will always be my big bay boy. Went riding yesterday and haven't ridden George since out little accident, it appears he only had an abscess and didn't 'do' any tendons but I left him unshod for 4 weeks and this time I have only had him shod on the front hooves. Well I think he has forgotten he was a racehorse and perhaps that he is a TB too. Let me catch him very nicely, led into stable paddock and just stood tied to the fence while I groomed him DID NOT dance around at all.  Hope that was on twine Lauren. Loaded like his usual dream self, same when we got to our destination - so I am thinking to myself "is he okay - I checked for gut sounds, looked in his eyes and checked his gums - all appears okay. Got him ready and got on - not the usual 5 minute dance - settled down almost straight away and behaved almost perfectly. When we turned for home we had a little 100 metres of tussle about jig-jogging but I don't think his heart was in it. I had fun and I think he did too. WOW horse riding can be a fun time - just don't tell the horse that. I really think my riding has improved and that could also be a reason that George seems a better horse. I am definitely more assertive in my riding and I really concentrate on my balance and my hands and George seems to relax and drop his neck and head and I keep loopy reins and I can do this also while trotting. Still not sure about cantering as all my falls have been in that gait so I suppose I get tense and unco and I know that will affect how George moves....After all that I had the dentist out last night and sorted all three out, I will be changing George from a tom thumb to a french snaffle (with big rings) as the dentist says this is a very mild and kind bit for a horse and should suit George very well - I suppose after spending all that time in his mouth he should know! I still haven't sorted out a saddle for Smoochie Floyd. This horse brings out the teenage girl in me in that all I want to do is groom him....he stands still and starts snoozing till you find a ticklish spot, amazing things a horse can do with it's top lip LOL. I have a sweet iron for Floyd and the dentist thinks that should be okay for him too. I will be attempting to mouth Trevor soon and will be sending to you for hobbles for my boys, then I have to study harness for Trev. The price of petrol these days poor Floyd might be back into harness too! Well anyway that's my ramble for the time being...the three amigos have settled for the night..
Regards from Lauren and Smoochie Floyd and George the Hero Horse and Trevor small in size big in heart...

See, there you go again....'smoochie'.....'cuddles'....I don't know :) Sounds like you are doing well there Lauren. Just don't get any more...price of feed is going up as well :) Regards to them all.

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Hi Mr HP

I have come to the horrible conclusion that my horse and I may not suit. She is a 5 year old WB that we’ve had since she was a baby, and whilst she is so good in so many ways and I am absolutely fine to ride her around at home in the arena, or out with a friend... I am not a confident rider and she knows it. When she doesn’t want to go forward she will throw a tanty and that is me in a panic straight away. I have the feeling she will rear up one day...we haven’t been far off it now. (Only does this when I’m out of my comfort zone). I have had a professional ride her and she is just fine with him...it’s just me. I am a capable rider, have ridden OTTBs for years and she is mostly a great horse to ride....I have never been 100% sure if we were going to be right for each other, so I think this uncertainty doesn’t help either. I had really wanted to start competing her this year in dressage, but I’m not sure I can cope with me at a show let alone her (and as for my poor bewildered husband.....) I just don’t want to ruin a perfectly good horse by being so worried about riding her.... . Am I right to sell her to a confident rider and get something more suited to me?? I just know I will be having people trying to talk me out of it...

Regards

Charlie
 

Yes Charlie, you are right. The Warmblood Horse is vastly different to the Thoroughbred. With the latter, they just go and your only problem is hanging on and slowing them down but the Warmblood can be trying to make them go and to keep going and they spend a lot of time saying "Make me" If you are such a rider, one with a bit of German up them :) not a problem, the WB suits them down to the ground but this Breed don't suffer weak or worried Riders. They demand strong leadership and they almost appreciate it. You could go to one Comp and just assess the Horse there where you would probably find it will be far better behaved than at home for reasons of familiarity but if in doubt, sell. Regards

 

5th March, 2008

Stinking Hot again and on that subject, here is a letter from the Secretary of Adelaide Hills re the Dressage Sunday.

ADELAIDE HILLS DRESSAGE

Hi all

At the meeting last night the committee decided that the competition
*may* be cancelled - this will depend on the weather.
Watch the Channel 2 news on Friday night at 7 pm. If the forecast for Mt Barker is 36 degrees or over it will be cancelled. If the forecast is 35 degrees or less for Mt Barker we will run it. Do not look at the Adelaide forecast!
This information has also been posted on Aushorse and the committee will ring or email all competitors to ensure they watch the news. If you miss the weather report you can email me at this addy.  wellsy64@tpg.com.au

Or ring 83897819 but the phone might be busy ...
If we cancel entries will be returned or carried over as you wish.
Please return email me so I know you are aware it may not run.
Cheers


Sally (Secretary)

Thanks Sally.

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THE JIG JOGGING HORSE

This is one of my current Breakers at the moment and this is her 8th day. We had fearsome Traffic this morning as we rode early to beat the Heat. Peake Period Traffic with the Zombies driving like Hell and wall to wall big double Trucks. She was such a good Girl. Anyhow, the point of this photo is this.

First, check out my reins and my rein hand. Note how long they are. The reason for that is this. As each day passes, I have priorities in training, all to be gradually ticked off until the package is complete. Today it was to put boldness on the Horse and then to cement the point that she must never break the gait from the walk, on the way home which we are here. I could tell she was going to try as soon as we turned and of course that is the perfect training opportunity that we love. Out of the worst things comes the best lessons. Now check out her magnificent head carriage and the low neck. Why do you think she is doing that? Well she is searching for my rein hand. Why? So she can 'jig jig" As I keep saying to you over the years, they can't jog if you don't give them anything to jog from and that means the contact. Further, I want to prove to her that I can make her walk, ON NO REIN That is the complete lesson then. What would most do? They would ever so subtly creep up the rein, "IN CASE OF" and right there they would cause the Horse to jog. Remember to that this is a Breaker. What right have I got to be swinging off her mouth? None. She isn't yet forward from the leg enough on her 8th day or 6th day of Riding. You can't take up contacts until they are IN FRONT OF THE LEG. By the way, why can one ride young and totally 'green' Horses out in peake period 80k morning Traffic? Apart from the Mouth if I need it, they relax because I am not sending the shivers of death down the reins because I  stay off their mouth. Pick up the reins to adjust and then throw them away. You don't need them. That attitude of course is what it is all about. That equals chill out and that equals relaxed Horses.

What then is tomorrows priority? To take up that contact and to put her head where I want it for the first time and to teach her to leg yield. Different things for different days :)

HORSELAW

An Endurance Gentleman from Naracoorte, sells a Horse for approx $18,000 to a Horse identity in this State. The Horse was Vet checked and declared unsound for the purpose, Endurance. Two days later, the Owner sold the Horse to an SA identity and friend of 20 years, for $1700 and didn't mention the Vet check failure. Must have forgotten :) Horse taken home, not ridden for a while due to EI, showed slight lameness, put down to the surface at the time and then the new owner accidentally runs into the people who conducted the Vet check at $18,000. The rest is History. No refund, get stuffed, see you in Court. Well you will Sir. Pretty soon at that. Oh, you forgot that there was a third party listening to the sale conversation. A Lawyer no less :)

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Had the last Son of my old Horse, High Country Indiana, come today to be broken in and he is almost his double. I look forward to working with this bloke. He is so bold that he raids bee hives and pinched the Honey, gets bitten, runs away but goes back for more hahaha. What a Breed :) Here he was as a Foal.

At home as a two year old. As an unbroken 3 year old So he should be one touch Hombre :)

PETITION. PLEASE ALL SIGN IT

Hi Everyone, ... sorry if you have received multiple copies of this but it is imperative that we ALL sign this petition. We have to have our voice heard. I was quite surprised when I signed up a moment ago that there were only 267 signatures !!
If they have to implement a levy it should be in line with cattle ie $5 a head across the board, (this is done on the sale of an animal).
Not $100 a head on registration. All this would do is stop people registering horses/ponies.
I suggest they need to have a consultation process with horse bodies across Australia.
PLEASE EVERYONE SIGN THE PETITION. We also need ALL Horse and Pony Registering bodies to get behind this. It must be a united stand from us all.
PLEASE ALSO SEND ON TO ANY AND EVERYONE YOU KNOW.
Just as we must not be complacent about another EI outbreak in Australia, we must act on this.
Regards Barb Voysey


http://www.gopetition.com.au/online/17263.html

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 LETTERS OF THE DAY

Dear Mr and Mrs HP,

I have just recently returned to horses after a 15 year break and my friend has introduced me to your methods of training. I am currently riding a lovely ex race horse, who had a lot of problems before he was introduced to your system. I cannot thankyou you both enough. I am hoping to be able to do EFA on him by the end of the year.

I know you had a clinic in Perth that had to be cancelled due to EI and I thought I had read on your website that you were planning a trip over to Victoria. I was just wondering if you had given anymore thought to visiting us Victorians that are keen to learn? (I just don't want to miss out on tickets)

I also heard that Mrs HP was competing in the up and coming dressage events, I was also wondering if that were true as I would love to come and see her compete.

I look forward to your response and wish you a fantastic day as you spend it with the most fantastic creatures around.

Cheers,

Yes we are but it will take us a few months to get organized. We are going to offer more personalized mini clinics that are more personal so that we can get to know people and so you can get a few of your friends together and we will drop in along the route./ That will be advertised and wind it's way from here to Queensland. She will bring her Horses and compete along the way as well. Might catch you then. Regards

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Hi there John,
ever since reading your article 'Help, I can't let go of the Reins!' in Horsewyse magazine and reading other articles (great ones too!) in Horsepower and other magazines, I've been onto your website and read some other articles. I really like them, and I was just enquiring about whether you could do an article about gaining your horse's trust; as I would love to bond even more with my pony!
Thanks, best regards,
Laura Eggleston =)

That Horse Power Magazine is a ripper Laura. I don't read but just flicking through that, it is value for money and with the subjects that matter. Funny you should talk about that article. Read above about my current Breaker :) I will add your request to my list of things to do :)  Thanks

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Hi John,

I have found your web-site really informative, and I really admire your gift. I have used your sand colic recipe on all 3 of my horses, (twice for my new mare that has had colic 3 times in the four months that we have owned her!!??). So I have a couple of questions for you actually.... The first is about my 13 year old mare, Bella. As I said, we have had her for 4 months now, and has gone down with colic 3 times. I have no idea what her history has been like, but know that she was a mustering horse and put to foal. She has obviously not had much attention and is head shy and very untrusting. Yesterday was the first time that she turned her head towards me and snuck in a sniff while I was grooming her!! She will now let me pat her forehead, without turning her head away. YAY!! -Every picture tells a story Jess.!!

She has no idea what an apple is, and by the looks of her when we got her, had not been wormed. (She had no hair at the top of her tail). At first, we thought that her colic was due to what we were feeding her (Lucerne in the morning and chaff and copra at night), as she was living on paddock food. We changed her feed to gumnuts instead of the copra, and she seemed to settle. But after time she got colic again. I had given her a really good wormer, so ruled that out also. I then came across your web site and tried the sand colic treatment. The first dose I gave her with a large syringe (like worming)...yeah, it took a while...I treated her the second time by adding it to her feed. I did not see her pass any sand, and I really did become an expert on manure-spotting. She has had colic again, so I have also ruled out sand colic. Do you have any other ideas as to what might be wrong with her? The vet has told me that it will cost between 5 and 10 thousand to have a look inside her stomach to see what is going on, and we really cant afford that. I would if I could......but.....!  Do her again for Sand Jess. Immediately.
We have only ridden her 3 times since we have had her, and that was very gently, behind the other horses. She is very nervous, but not nasty. She is just very scared and untrusting of us. I had the chiropractor check her back first, which he said was ok, but she has a few old injuries, mainly old torn muscles, from being worked to hard. I am guessing she was grabbed from the paddock, mustered hard for a couple of days, and then put out again...!!! She is also very soft on the mouth, so we are purely using our legs on her, you only have to touch the rein, and she just about spins! So, I was thinking of a bitless bridle and wanted your opinion on them.?? Read below about that.
Bella is very quiet, and you can touch her all over and trust that she will not hurt you, she doesn't spook at anything, and I just want to know how I can get her to trust that we are not going to hurt her. She does not seem to relax around people, and she is the underdog with our other 2 horses also. The only way to catch her, is in her feeding pen, which we made for her so that she could eat her feed without my other 2 bullying her out of it. She would freak and pull back as soon as you got the lead rope around her neck, but as soon as she was caught, she would just stand there and be very placid. In her yard, she knows she cannot get away, but just about shakes at the knees, which is really sad!! She has an "upside down" neck also, which I had not heard of before reading your site. I just thought she was too skinny!
I am guessing she has done it tough, and want to know if there is any hope of her even walking up to me for a pat? If there is....can you give me any suggestions to help her?

Thanks again for all of your info on the net, and I hope to hear from you...

Jess

Yes, no doubt owned by a rough head. The Horse tells you so. Only time will heal her Jess and you staying true to the course. You have to prove you are a good owner. The sniff was one of those signs and that is exactly how they go about it. I watched a horse do that this morning in fact although the Lass missed the significance. Poor her. You have what you have and over time she will give herself to you. I would think possible worm damage to the gut but also treat her for ulcers. You must eliminate all. There is no point performing operations. Even if they saw it, big chance there would be nothing that could be done anyway. Too much money. Just do your best and go the extra yard. Regards

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have seen a lot of articles re dr cooks bitless bridles .all saying they are wonderful etc etc. have you had anything to do with these bridles and can they help. cheeers jenny

Hi Jenny, I have not used one so I am not qualified to comment on them. I can say however that they don't interest me, none of them do because the best trained and safest Horses are in Bits attached to good hands. Nothing beats that. I often hear the comment that Jess made up above you here.....something about soft mouths. The fact that a Horse has a light Mouth has nothing to do with the fact that the Horse shouldn't be in a Bit. In fact, it would have the good Mouth because of a Bit. The thing is now to appreciate it and ride the Horse accordingly. Light, a luxury indeed. If that rule was followed, every single Horse I break in would be out of a Bit in a week. I can tell you that you cannot compete with Mouth retention if you use Bitless Bridles of any description. Not a Prayer. Regards

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Hi HP,

Just a warning about the float company that you mentioned today with
regard to size of the floats. Have been to that company's workshop
and can tell you that framing and floorboards are scrimped on, hence
the reduced cost and weight of their floats. Standard flooring is
1 piece of marine ply only!

Regards Jen

I don't know which Company of course Jen but thanks.

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Hey you! Somehow I have to tell the kids that Dawson the kelpie has to go to another home. I came home this morning to find he had jumped the fence and was chasing the horses all over the paddock. This is the 3rd time. Red was trying to stamp on him , but also trying to run with Bazel (thankgod otherwise One dead dog). I know why he is doing this. 4weeks ago on a ride up and down our 3km road Dawson was with us , he would just run nicely beside us, come when called without trouble until this day he saw a Hare on the otherside of the road and ran across infront of Bazel while he was in a canter. Bazel stepped on him , not once , about 5times on the head and front shoulder. We honestly thought he had a fractured eye socket. Since then nothing we do helps Dawson get over his fear of horses, he stays clear . I can't take him for rides anymore as he won't come to you when you call him as he won't go near the horses, he rather stand infront of a speeding car! It's a shame as he is a beautiful natured dog that loves to chase butterflies....not sheep!

cheers
chelle

These things happens Chelle. Pity he was hurt so badly as a little pain from Horse trains them well and saves us a lot of work. You may be snookered now.

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Hi there

When breaking in a SB what do you do differently to another breed if anything?
I have been offered a 3yr old thats headed for the doggers. Love to break it.
I have mouthed my QH mare with the string sysytem I saw on the DVD and then am going to follow up with the rope system (I have repeatedly watched on Mouthing DVD).Am I doing the breaking in order as you do?
I was also wondering should all horses be made to have the front lag strap on to make a better horse if you know what I mean or only a horse that you feel needs it?
I have hobbled all our equines and they going great and my farrier loves me XXX

They all should have it Amber as it improves them all and most don't get that training. You break them in the same as any horse but if they Trialled or Raced you don't. You just mount up and off you go with a smack in the bum with your hand :) This one was back today for out of round pen riding.

Story- Pally QH x TB 16hh and 5yr old.Green as grass I would say as I didnt believe the owner and person wants someone to hop on.Its disrespectful and on your head on the ground thats why I assumed he knew nil.
I was thinking well you cant start bringing out your roller after testing mouth etc if you get my drift.I was wondering about the best and safest way to ride a horse that isnt lateral.
I got on western style and bent head around each side. When ready walked and then asked for lateral each way and yes I got it around to my boot but under duress.Is this the best way when you have 10mins and someone wants a horse ridden or maybe my other option which is are you going to put my wheel chair ramps in my house for me after this ride?????LOL

Thanks and yes I know alot of questions today!!!!LOL Cheers Amber

Haha, very funny but true. If you allow Owners to dictate to you and risk your life Amber then you are a silly Girl. What price your life???? Bugga the owner. It is his fault that he has a feral Horse. I would never have got on that Horse without re-mouthing. You were lucky and you may not be next time. The ground manners tells you straight away that he is a candidate to dump you. Be careful. Regards

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Hi HP

Love your work and your website, I would gladly pay for your advice but there doesn’t seem to be an option, so I will keep on buying your fabulous DVD’s and Saddlery which are the best quality you can buy imho.
My questions are: On your Leg Restraint DVD (which I’ve studied) you pull the back legs up using your hobble (which I have), but on your saddlery page you say not to use them for this. Have I missed something? Or do you recommend for the amateur that the strap is better?

When I did that DVD Jane, I hadn't had the back leg strap manufactured. That is why my hobble strap was put through a ring. They are not made for the job though and it ruins them. You should be using a back leg strap which will last forever and can never break.
Also, I have had problems lunging my horse. I used your technique to stop her turning her bum to me and it worked a treat, only took 2 flicks, but she runs frantically round the round yard (flat out canter in 12 metre diameter) if not on lunge line and I can’t seem to control her and get her to slow down. At one stage she kicked up her back legs not at me but I was concerned that would be next. She kept trying to cut back into to me, but when I sent her back out she seemed to freak. I tried voice in calm way, body language, parelli and then lunge whip lowering in front, etc, but she would stop and turn to me. It was either flat out or not at all. I suspect it was a mixture of confusion and arrogance, so I put her back on the lunge line where I could control her and she calmed down. I’m also teaching her the 7 games. She’s 3 and is broken to saddle and I don’t have a problem with my others, so not sure what I should do now.
Oh yeah, any idea on expected release date for re-mouthing DVD?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated and thank you so much.

Best Regards Jane

Tell me about that DVD Jane. In fact I have to go in one hour to the Production House as they found a transition in the wrong place and it has to be altered. Nearly there. Your horse is confused a little. There are ways to fix that but too much info for here. So, go learn the 7 Games and teach the Horse. Then use the 'Yo, Yo' game as your speed control mechanism and you can then control the Horse in or out of a round pen on the lunge.

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Hi John

Just a quick question on feeding rules. Horse has to stand out while I am putting his feed out and then gets asked in. All good. His ears today weren't "happy ears" and he was pulling a bit of a face, so I sent him back out again, let him stand and asked him to come back in. He came in with one forward and one back and no silly face, so I let him be. Should I be worried if he has a grumpy face on when asked in, or should I just leave him be?

Thanks

K

Well that depends upon how pedantic we wish to be of course. I won't accept a "Mother in Law look from Hell" but what you describe I would probably allow through to the keeper but keep it in the back of my mind. If it deteriorated, I would take action but I never get paralysis of the analysis K. Speaking about this subject, we had a new Warmblood come here a couple of weeks ago and I noticed on day one when I went down to feed him that he was arrogant and imposing over the feed so I tuned him up a little. He got the message and has been a good Boy but a couple of mornings ago, he was in a mood in the morning time feed and I had to go get his haynet out of his feed room and walk it down the road about 20 metres outside his yard to hang on the gate. I could here him following me about 7 metres behind me, fine but all of a sudden I heard his footsteps quicken into a little trot and he actually had a test mini run at me lol. Then I acted of course and he is back to square one. Regards

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Hey you! Thankyou so much Linda for your advise It just helped cement it. I practised with Red for the 2nd day and I can't believe the acceptance he is giving. I have to laugh at myself though, I am like..."firm rein....leg on...NO not outside.....see eye...Wrong eye.." there is so much to concerntrate on at first, so I have only been doing it in walk and trot. John, afterwards we go down the paddock for a good canter, Red loves this it is like play time...controlled of course. I felt that controlled floaty feeling yesterday, you advice was so simple but you used the correct wording for me to understand and everything just clicked, I was tense in my thighs and hips. I can't wait to ride this arvo!

cheers
chelle

Well done :) Watch those 'thighs and hips Chelle' :)

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Hi,

Just have been reading your article on long reining to mouth a horse, just wondering what you would suggest is better than this method as I am mouthing mine at the moment and he isn't responding very well.

Thank you

Sarah

It is not the long reining parse Sarah, it is how it is done. My Mouthing DVD has all the answers should wish. Conventional Long Reining of Old is a failed system imho. Ok, it works and many do it but I can tell you and put money up to prove that my system runs rings around it. Cheers



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i ride a lovely grey pony who suddenly stops in the sandschool very abruptly. i thought he could be bored so i tried varying his exersises but the problem stayed. hes been checked out by a vet so theres nothing physically wrong with him. do you have any advice or suggestions as to why it might be? he stops and flattens his ears back and flicks his tail. he also does this when i ask him to walk on. thankyou for all your videos and i aspire to be like you when im older. id love to come and observe you next time in im oz!! many thanks, zoe. Britain

 

 

Hi Zoe,

In my opinion you really need a bigger Horse. Lovely Pony though. He is just being a smarty as many of those are but in his behavior he is sending you messages and he is probably also saying the you should have a bigger Horse and move on. I don't know his age but he may also be saying that he is getting too old for all this Teenage type hooning around. As I said, I don't know his age but these are the things we must take into account if we are to be real good Horse owners. It may help you to move on and get a little more serious about your Riding and look to learn and become more sophisticated from a Dressage perspective and of course a different type of Breed would be more suited to your aims if you decided to go that direction. I hope you understand where I am coming from. Where you have the other worse fall from the Horse, you may wish to consider going and watching my one rein stop podcast and look at improving the mouth of your Horses in the future. That will protect your back :) Lovely Horse though. Regards

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Hi John,

I have bought myself a young Fjord horse and am delighted in its temperament (so very quiet) however at this stage, one bugging problem. I have read your “can’t catch” info and have followed it. I actually was already doing it before I read it however it was good to read that your advice confirmed my actions. The problem I have is that the filly is standoffish and will bypass any attempts, not in the least tempted by food and will run and run and run and run. She has the stamina of an endurance horse. Is rather methodic in her running, is not at all perturbed and just keeps on going and going. Does not acknowledge, looks or turns toward me but seems to be on a mission. I can up the anti and she will respond beautifully and increase speed but still no way will she stop. When she seems to finally slow down she heads towards the electric fence and runs through it. This happened twice today with no sign on letting up. Now she sees me and automatically starts to self lunge. She will be absolutely dripping wet, thirsty but just keeps on keeping on.

I think it is getting worse or have I missed something or worse, buggered what relationship we had. Once caught, she is an angel and in the round yard I could dance and jump (not a pretty sight) around her and she is happy to either stand or follow me. I am dreading tomorrow as I foolishly thought she was OK and placed her in a large paddock. My last resort (and this could be downright wrong) is to withhold her water (as this is her only motivation) and ask her to approach. Really need advise, please.

As always, thanks for your great site and insight.

Warmest regards

Kim

Mmmmmm, not good Kim. You may have simply missed a fleeting second of an opportunity, easily done and then of course all systems, no matter how good, fail. I would go back to square one with that Horse, to make sure it isn't being penalized in case we made a mistake. Put a quiet Horse in with it for a while and go into the paddock regularly and give the other horse a handful of stablemate and build on that. Give it one later when it wants. Tie a long rope on it, real long. So you can just walk in the paddock for a while, pick up the rope, reel the horse in, give it a treat and a pat and walk away. See how you go. If you are worried about that, hobble train her first. You can do anything with hobble trained horse without danger hahaha.

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Hi John,
Can you give me your advise on something. I have been trail riding my 6 year old quarterhorse for 3 years now and everything is fine. About 3 weeks ago we went out for a ride and his whole back end was tripping underneath him he would walk for about 20 minutes and then ooops, backend would stumble. After about the 5th time I ended up getting off and leading him home. Closer inspection revealled a few small cuts on his right hind leg, I was thinking he got his leg caught in something and put his back out, so I got the chiro out and when he pressed him on the rump his rear end stumbled underneath him just like when I ride, so he did his magic on him and said he would be fine, I let him rest 10 days and we went out for a ride again and he was fine, but the next weekend when I went to get him the same back leg had even worse gashes on it, not that bad so I took him for a ride and he was fine for an hour and then his back end dropped underneath him. When I got him home he would not back out of the float, very unusual, so I let him stay there & eventually he slowly backed out on his own. He walks around his paddock ok. Shows no sign of soreness when I saddle up. What I am trying to say is that I know he has caught his leg in something and has a pinched nerve or something but can this chiro help, or is it just time or should I take him to the vet.?
He lives on my property & I have checked the fences and can't find what he is getting his leg caught in.

I would think this is a case of drastic patella lock up and the Horse is in fact climbing on his own legs. Get the Vet and have the operation done if it is this. Could also be pinched nerve up high in the rear end but I would bet on the patella because the Horse doesn't want to back up. Classic sign. The Op is a snip, 10 minutes standing up. Go read the latest on it on my Problems Index.

I've been to the vet's before with problems with my appy with rainscald and $200 later no cure. And the internet found me the cure and I've never looked back. If anyone has a problem with rainscald www.animalitch.com.au

Thanks for that one. I am always getting asked about that.

Plus when I brought this horse I took him for a vet check and they didn't tell me he had splints, my trainer told me that, so I'm a bit scepticle about vets.
Thanks,
Bron.

Well, that is slack Bron. Most Vets are very good. He may have been having a bad day :) Don't worry about splints though normally. They are mostly cosmetic unless putting pressure on a tendon. Regards

3rd March, 2008

Day Off and went to Lunch with my darling wife. Didn't have Garfish this time. Gone to $32 a kilo and whiting to $40 a Kilo. The reason for that is that all of the good produce in this Country is being sold OS and we are being fed with the crap from Asia., They are not stupid. They know that all their fish is polluted because of their Rivers that are Sewers so we get it. The Dumb Ozzies who have a Government who don't give a Rat's about our Health. Did you know this?

Choice Magazine tonight on Today Tonight. 64% of every Product sold in the Supermarket is sold with false information and they are straight out "LIES" as backed up by the Chairman of the ACCC. Since Australians also have their heads somewhere else, I doubt if that will change. Happy eating :)

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GOSSIP OF THE DAY

Imported Stallion put down due to behavioral problems???? Probably wrong like most gosip but if anyone has the inside running, I would like to know.

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LARA HORSE FLOATS

I was asked to look at a website today. One of my clients is thinking of buying one. I have never looked at this one before but I have to say they sound very fair value for money. However, I cannot let this pass and I will accept that the Owner's may not be Horse experts but they are dead wrong with this claim and they are stuck in the dark ages with these measurements.

Why do Horse Float Sellers use feet and inches? Hellooo, we left that 20 years ago. It is Metric this Country. Others have half metric and half imperial. Bit poor.

They claim and I quote:

All our floats have big bays 2 mts long 7 ft 1 high will fit up to 17 hd horse, full super gall chassis all the welds are fully welded, come and have a look you will be amazed.

First, let's convert the measurements. 7 foot One inch equals  215.9 cm or 2159mm. The Floats of the old days, every Float in Australia in 2003 when Horseproblems came on air were 2170mm I know them all off by heart :) So this float is actually shorter than the Taylors Float say.

I am sorry but anyone who puts a 17 hands horse in any float below 2250mm are seriously threatening the safety of their Horse, being irresponsible and are not good owners.!!!!!!!!!

What disappoints me is that the Horse Public take these statements literally and as fact and you know what that does to the completely uneducated people who enter the Industry and even if in it for years, have never been taught a thing about Horse Float safety, as we were discussing the other night re Pony Club. Who is looking after the Horses????? The hundreds of Horses that get injured around this Country every year. Just like this for instance.

Try this 15.3hand horse in a 2170 float.

and this one last week.

FLOATS MEASURING 2170MM are too low for most Horses over 16 hands!!

So my client will now not be buying that Float. I haven't got time to go through the site but no doubt they are nice quality floats but Float Manufacturers have to get the message about Float Height and to stop influencing the gullible and uneducated Public. Horses pay the Price. "Who is looking after the Horses?"

Here is a blue float at 2155mm would you believe. Alongside is a white one at 2200mm. See the difference???

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COMPETITION AND HEAT

Next Sunday is the Dressage at Adelaide Hills. The forecast is for 39 degrees which is measured in the shade. That means 43 degrees. It would be good if Clubs could make definitive ruling like Southern Vales and stick to it but more important, act early and just postpone. Who cares if we have to come a week later? Horses must come first in their Tin Cans as wheels. We are sitting in our lovely aircon!!!

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Forensic vet helping in horse abuse case

A renowned forensic veterinarian is leading a team of investigators converging on a vacant Sumter horse farm once owned by a state agriculture official as a two-state investigation into animal abuse expands.

The Humane Society has called in Dr. Melinda Merck, forensic veterinarian for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and her portable "animal CSI" lab to help law enforcement agencies in Sumter and Richland counties.

Investigators will continue to exhume skeletal remains on a tract of land owned as recently as 2007 by James Trexler, the now-suspended assistant agriculture commissioner, a mile from Chestnut Oaks Middle School outside Sumter.

Humane Society investigators turned their attention to the Sumter property after finding 28 malnourished horses early last week at two farms in Hopkins and Eastover owned or tended by the Trexlers.

On Friday, the Humane Society said it will expand its probe to a fourth property on Fish Hatchery Road in Lexington County, where authorities have received three complaints that horses the Trexlers kept there were being mistreated.

James Trexler, 48, was arrested Wednesday on five counts of ill treatment of animals. He is free on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond. He was suspended just hours before his arrest by Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers.

His mother and brother, Hazelene and Terry Trexler, also were arrested Wednesday and remained in the Richland County jail Friday night because they are considered fugitives from Georgia animal cruelty charges.

Hazelene Trexler, 70, is charged with 28 counts of ill treatment of animals. Terry Trexler, 44, is charged with kidnapping and 23 counts of ill treatment of animals. Both also face fraudulent check charges in Sumter County.

Terry Trexler's kidnapping charge stems from a Feb. 13 incident in which he is accused of blocking the path of a Humane Society investigator and refusing to allow her to leave the Eastover farm.

The investigation of the malnourished horses at the Eastover and Hopkins farms led investigators to the historic farm on East Brewington Road in Sumter County, where bones of long-dead horses subsequently were discovered.

Merck is among the nation's pre-eminent experts in animal forensics and has helped the federal government in its investigation of Michael Vick, the professional football player who pleaded guilty last year to being involved in a dog-fighting enterprise.

Merck also works as a veterinary forensics consultant for the Fulton County district attorney's office in Atlanta.

Kelly Graham, the Humane Society spokeswoman, said Merck's state-of-the-art lab is capable of producing results quickly. Investigators are looking into allegations some of the emaciated horses seized from the Eastover and Hopkins sites might have been moved to South Carolina from Georgia.

Hazelene and Terry Trexler are wanted in Georgia on 61 misdemeanor counts of abuse and neglect involving nearly 70 horses. Most of those horses are in the state's custody.

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Girl named after fatal horse float collision

March 1, 2008

Police have named the 17-year-old girl who died when her car was involved in a collision with a four-wheel-drive towing a horse float yesterday.
She was Katrina Hooper, a student at Hamilton Girls' High School.

Ms Hooper died at the accident scene, on State Highway 30 about 15km west of Hamilton.

The occupants of the four-wheel-drive and the horse in their float escaped injury.

It is understood Ms Hooper was on her way to school when he collision occurred.

 

LETTERS OF THE DAY

SADDLE FITTING

This site is called Horseproblems because that is what there is out there. What percentage of Horses would be going around without the correctly fitted saddle??? 85%???? I bet that would be at least the figure. Go figure that. Who is looking after the Horses???

Dear Mr. HP,

I have written before retelling my sorrowful day at the dressage clinic with my old-girl stock horse. Anyway, we had an experienced, well known saddler in the area give our horses assessments. He explained to me that my all-purpose saddle was so ill-fitting it was causing my mare a lot of pain and this was a huge reason for her 'misbehavior. Anyway, to make a long story short, he came over on the weekend to lend me a decent saddle to feel the difference. What a change! My horse instantly changed personality! He showed me how to put the saddle on, the correct tightness of the girth, etc.

My dressage club had a competition day yesterday, so I rode down before they got going to see how the decent saddle and second exposure to the grounds helped my mare. I am very happy to report that she trotted and cantered around the arena nicely, stood still for short periods of time and only whinnied twice!

I would like to encourage all novices like me out there to get professional advice and have a saddle properly fitted or ask to take home a demo model. Be wary of young staff in large chain store saddleries that really don't know what they are talking about. That was a $300 lesson for me in buying a saddle with no fitting, just they advice of a young girl who sold me a saddle off the rack.

Caroline.

Well done Caroline. My Hat goes off to you. "Listen to our Horses" If only more would. Your Horse is lucky to have such a responsibly owner. One who takes advice as well. Now that is refreshing too.

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Dear John and the horseproblems team,

I was hoping you could help me. I came across your webpage because I'm looking for my first horse, and was looking for hints on buying a horse. The page is fantastic but I'm very concerned that I'm going to get screwed over by dodgy dealers, because I don't know many people who are into horses and therefore cant get info on sellers to avoid. I have had riding lessons for the past 6 or so years, but don't have many contacts there because it closed due to the owner passing away.

Do you have any advice on dealers/sellers to avoid in the adelaide area? I am looking for an english trained horse, allrounder, and I use myaushorse.com.au to find horses to look at.
Most sellers I've come across have been in meadows and mt barker.

Also is it wise to draft up a written legal sale document for the sale of a horse? Or is this rare unless the horse is high in price? My budget is $5000 preferably below. Oh and I am definately going to get a vet check :)

Thanks for your time,

Philippa

There are plenty of Crooks that sell on aushorse. Chances of you meeting one is high. Most Dealers in this State are Crooks. A number of high profile Competitors are Crooks. So be very careful. You should get the Horse assessed by a Pro and yes, ask them to sign. That will at least suss them out a bit. Mention it up front though. Don't waste the time of people. Nothing worse.  Most Crooked Dealers are from Hackam to Lewiston with at least one in each of those Suburbs :) Plenty in between to. :) Best of British luck

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Hey you! what a brilliant dvd! I understood Linda very easily, but may I ask a few questions. You have both hands evenly together, making the outside rein nice and firm, Is it fine for the inside rein to be loose, or should I shorten it up for contact ? No 2 When bending All we are looking for is the eye and Browband nothing else? Sometimes Red would leg yield too much so instead of leading him with the inside rein I just put some outside leg on, is that just as good? I actually feel I am learning extremely important skills, thankyou sooooo much.

cheers
chelle

I'll pass that onto the Boss Chelle. I'll get her to answer this one for you, seeing you are special and all :)

HI Chelle,

I sometimes loosen the inside rein to prove to myself and the horse that I can keep an outline using only outside rein whilst remaining flexed on a circle. This doesn't mean I ride the majority of the time with the inside rein loose. I have a feel on it in order to keep any slack out of it. straight line from the horses mouth to the riders elbow.

For a horse to be bent correctly on a circle it must bend from the poll all the way along it's top line to it's dock. For you to assess correct bend look for inside eye and outside of the brow band on the bridle. If you have too much or too little bend these points won't be visible. Bend comes from the inside leg, not the rein!

I use outside leg to stop the horse from swinging out on the circle. However if the horse is accepting the outside rein correctly then he will not swing out as such. I hope this is of some help?

Linda

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Emeritis Professor Mark Bekoff is giving a lecture on animal emotions and welfare at Adelaide Uni on the 4th March at 7.30pm.
Adelaide Uni Campus
North Terrace
Napier Lecture Theatre GO4
This is a public lecture and anyone welcome. Should be very interesting!
Cheers,
Annie

Thanks Annie.

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2nd March, 2008

Getting busier which you tend to do when the nice weather comes. Unfortunately, we are back to Hot for this week. I thought it was finished.

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Day 7 on my Clydie Girl and because the entire Camp deserted me today and all went along to Eques Pony Club I had no-one to give me a lead out on her so we bit the bullet and had a look at the District alone together (Irish I'm allowed) Worried Girl of course but by the time we got home, old hand. Lovely Filly who can move too. That heavy Horse throws movement into them, no doubt. Her owner is an Kentucky Equine Research Lady so I guess the Filly won't run short of Food :)

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Mr. 'Soldato' had a strange Rider get on him yesterday, one of our good Young Riders' who is an Eventer. He was a good Boy :)

Ulli Staggard-Maynard (sp) and I can't leave the Boss out :)

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We had an unfortunate, embarrassing event yesterday. A young Lass had contacted us by phone and asked if she could come and exercise some horses as she was horseless and had been working for a Queensland EFA Level 3 Coach, riding Warmblood Horses for her, 20 per day. Mrs. HP asked if she had been bucked off at all and she said no so that was good enough for us. Anyhow, she came along yesterday, nice young Lass too and Mrs. HP put her on one of our Agistee's Horses, a Galloway of a fairly quiet disposition but just smart enough to make you work. Good test Horse, you know the one's :) The thing being of course, "Risk Management", 'Insurance' 'Possible Litigation" if we made a mistake so one has to be sure these days. A lot of you would know that you can pick the experience and ability of a Rider within one lap of an arena and often even before the mount. Well to cut a long story short, she couldn't put the horse's head down and spent half the time on the wrong diagonal. Mrs. HP was put in the unenviable position of telling the young Lass that she really wasn't up to the job and we could not risk her with half the Horses on this property/. She would be killed in the first week. You never know how people will take these things and you hate to have to do it but under the circumstances, in today's World, one has to when life is at stake. When we questioned her about the Level 3 and her riding, she informed us that she had ridden every day for 6 months for the person and had lessons and advice basically all of the time she was riding. I found the website of the Stud and checked the EFA Website but no record of the Lady being a Coach although the website reports that she is (equivalent to EFA Level 3 on German accreditation) Anyhow, who knows, one doesn't (the Rider may be exaggerating) but just goes to show how you can get trapped into some embarrassing situations.

LETTERS OF THE DAY

Hi John

Just thought I would let you know how the farrier got on with my 'run away cob' here today after using your breaking in collar and back leg straps and the accompanying video.
We did his feet for the first time in his 6 year old life!
Well he was pretty good, but the farrier had to do some join up in the round yard first before Warrior would relax and let him come near. I am lucky my new farrier is an experienced horseman and also gave me a lesson in handling Warrior. I need to up the ante he said as Warrior lets me be around him but he's still very wary of me and does not trust me completely so for my safety I need to be a bit harder and make Warrior more submissive, trusting and relaxed. I have to lunge him and push him out hard (rope swirling, lot's of tounge
clicking) and basically it is a version of your "I want your face not your bum game", and for all the softies yes with a front leg strap on
- I know, I am evil but this pony could still end up as dog food and I saw the proof today that this works... I saw my pony get pretty upset by the rope swirling and just the fact he was pushed out of the farriers space with such determination he wanted to bolt off on the lunge so this is where the strap comes in, he can canter on 3 legs but not too fast and he quickly realised - this is not fun, I want to be your friend, let me come in and stand next to you please! He spun around faced the farrier, chewed, bowed his head down a little which he rarely does and hopped up to the farrier. Normally his head is up in the air and he is always ready to flee... And let's no-one but me handle him. The farrier said he's like a brumby and said: I haven't seen a horse with this much fear in him for many, many years in the wrong hands he would be a complete disaster (Yeah I suppose that's what happened the first 5 1/2 years...). He's not ready for breaking yet the farrier said, not before he's soft in his eyes and follows me like a dog around the yard. Let's see upping the ante should do that, I will let you and the other readers know how I go... Shame I haven't got a video camera!
I remember you saying that women are too soft and do not push hard enough when breaking and I reckon you are right - I was told today I have been too soft - anyway one can always improve!
I did have second thoughts many times about writing the whole truth about what we did today, lunging around with a leg strap on, but here goes nothing! And no my pony was not traumatized after what we did today, he was more relaxed, wanted to smooch putting his head in my face blowing gently and liked the farrier too, ears pricked forward - wanting to talk!
And the end result today: The farrier could trim his hoofs with me standing at the head holding him on a loose rope, not one kick, bite or trying to snatch the legs away from the farrier - I had done a good job on the back legs he said. My husband saw the whole thing and he's promised to do some training too with Warrior so that he get more used to being handled by different people.

Cheers,

The Dane

Sounds like a great Farrier Dane and that the Horse has had a very poor start in life. Also sounds as though you are doing pretty well too. Well done :) I have made the statement on more than one occasion and do you think the hackles go up on the necks of Females :) I would rather not have made the statement and I wouldn't if I had ever met a job done by a Female that ranked alongside the Blokes but I haven't. I have looked hard for it though. I have had many horses through my hands over the years, from very good Female Breakers who do a great job but when it comes down to judging jobs versus jobs, they just fall short. The reason is this. Women (too their Credit) are conciliators first where Men are confrontationists. Therein lies the difference. The little things that are still hiding below the surface because they were worked through rather than taken on and snuffed out. That is why your Farrier has made that comment to you. You should take his advice but don't get confused. One doesn't get a rush of blood and go full on at the Horse next up but you know what I mean.  Regards

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Hi John,

Love your site - being neurotically safety conscious I feel totally vindicated reading your site - thank you.

I am searching for a good float to teach my precious filly to float in - we cant afford an Equestran Straight Load (but will probably have to) I was wondering whats your opinion of them? They have used your site according to their site. Also can you recommend a brand/model that is similar in safety...
we could then start the second hand search.

I have a particular sensitivity to removable chest bars having have lifted a few young ones off chest bars when training ponies to float in my younger days.
What is your opinion on using two lead ropes one under the bar to the tie up ring the other over it? That was our standard back in the pony days and I was interested to see what you thought....cos didnt stop our colt from hooking himself over. I must also stress that all float training was always done incrementedly, quietly, "old hat" and patiently over days for as long as it needed to take.

I would really appreciate it if you could reply, I am also busy surfing your site in general - particularly the locking patella article - precious filly has a bit of an issue with that too.

Kindest regards and thanks for your sense

Karen Zipkas

This is the second time in a couple of weeks I have heard that. I don't know the people and by looking at the Floats, they haven't tried hard enough. Have they still got an open a frame photo on the site? It is interesting that you write tonight and this often happens but read the letter below. There are no safe chest bars in Australia. None! The Float Company that wins hands down for making things better for Horse comfort and safety is http://www.mustangfloats.com/ but unfortunately Steve is temporarily out of action due to illness.

There is one other Company that made improvements too :)

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Hi John,

I’m in the market for a float soon and have been researching for a while, using you’re site as my benchmark for safety.

You mentioned the holy grail is yet to be unveiled and that the offer is still out there for a serious float manufacturer to revolutionise its design; does that mean Mustang haven’t picked up your design?

Until the ultimate float is built, I think I’m pretty clear on the basic safety aspects of a float… flush tie up points, less cage like, removable and adjustable everything, no edges to get caught up on, no holes to get legs through etc……

But I have one question after reading some of your comments so was hoping you could clarify them for me…

Its in relation to the angle float pics and the horse that had done everything it could to get outta there…you mention that the horse went up where it saw daylight (through the roof); then you mentioned that another horse went through the front window where it had invited it to go.. I think I also recall you mentioning that at 80km vision was a blur for a horse anyhow and couldn’t use its needs for observation etc..

In light of the above (if I’ve correctly interpreted your comments) I don’t see a need for a window? or little openings in the roof? It also backs up the floating experiment letter, where it said horses were happier facing backwards, so I guess they don’t need or want to look to see where they are going?

On a separate note….I sent off a request to a SA float manufacturer who initially responded promptly. But since I sent back some modifications to their design, I haven’t heard a thing… I even went as far as coming up with solutions and have got nothing from them… doughnuts… They are either too busy, use Hellstra as their ISP or don’t give a rat’s about the mods I’d like and prefer that I go away…

p.s Love Mrs HP above the bit DVD!

Have a great weekend
Joyce

That's a shame Joyce. That is the other Company that did go about making some improvements over all of the others but you are right, have stopped and lost interest. Here is what happened.

I was at an engagement party one night years ago and was introduced to a Gentleman who started talking about floats and improvements to floats. I couldn't get away from him. Not long after, he started manufacturing Floats  and you have just dealt with him. In an attempt to be impartial, I had a third Party approach him about 6 months ago, offering to assist him with some further important break throughs./ He was obviously with Hellstra then too lol. So he got a real good start and became successful but I am continually amazed at how many of them are "Skirts" :) He ran out of ideas after the Party :)

The front window or the opening type vent would not have been a problem if the back of the float hadn't have been shut off. As I said, they have all missed the Holy Grail. Let me just say that roof vents are a good idea and helpful, hell, horses need air because people keep floating rugged horses but they should be of the type that don't show daylite!

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Hi Mr HP,

I just read your post and i can honestly say that its true, i have worked for several trail riding places where horses often miss that kind of true affection. I have loved horses since i had my first pony ride, i thought that as i got older it would wear off. But in actual fact it has grown 'worse' to the point i drive my non 'horsey' family and friends crazy.

Now don't get me wrong, because they are large intelligent animals who need to be treated with respect, but i love them and i let them know it. The last place i worked i met a mare who rocked my world, she was a QH cross and the first day we met she came charging into the yard with attitude she took me on over the wheel barrow of hay i had, i challenged her back and i won, from that day on i had her respect and she had my affection. I dont know were she is right now because i left due to the unethical things they were doing and the condition of the horses, i still get upset when i think of where or what she is.

I never had any issues with any of the horses i worked with because i constantly wore them down with confident affection, eventually they come round and start to genuinly enjoy human company. Because of this i was able to handle horses the other girls couldnt, and as you say what happens on the ground follows through to the saddle, they would then try their best for me.

Thanks again for your wonderful site

Alexis.

Thanks Alexis. Dead true! I am constantly amazed when watching all of the little darlings, the up and comers in their million dollar clothes and horses, with Parents spending $100,000 on them, that really do they ever pat, stroke or speak kindly to their Horses. If only they knew :)

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G'day HP

I would like to know what I do when my horse sucks her head in, drops the contact and starts chomping at the bit. This happens mainly when we are doing flat work. We are going nicely and something get her anxious or gets worried about the boogie man, this is when she will pull her head in. I have no contact, she is not paying attention to me. I feel unsafe as she has shied and does buck. And will do a hop pity trot. What I do is take up the contact push more with my inside leg (if we are on a circle) or both ( on the straight) then once she relaxes again I let the contact go out again. Is this the write thing to do or is there another way?

I am going to send you a video via you tube so you can check us both out.

Also another things is every time I fall of (get bucked of) I always go out the left side, I do have a conformation issue with myself as I do have a very curved back, my butt stick out and my tum does to, I also have a slight curvature or the spine. When I ride the stirrups are even so I have been thinking of putting the left one up one hole to help me push on that side. I don't know if that will help as the last time I exited I used my left leg to yield her back to the track because she wasn't listening I taped with the whip and then came the buck which unseated me and dismounted very elegently.LOL. On this occasion I pushed her button as was not putting up with her not listening to me. I got back on and did the exercise again with no problem and then left