Latest News
2nd March '10
I've had quite a few enquries about the possiblity of holding the workshops at other yards. This is no problem at all, especially since a horse's problem is often more visible at home, than when they come here to me. I am happy to hold the workshops anywhere, as long as there are at least 3 participants.
24th February '10
Lessons off again today with snow unfortunately. However it is so wet, I'm sure it will be short lived.
The workshops are now organised, so if you would like more info, please email me. I have planned three Natural Horsemanship workshops, where own horses are welcome. We will be covering basic and then more advanced handling and training horses inhand. There will also be three workshops on Bio-mechanics, which concentrate on assessing horse's own bio-mechanics and how they affect how the horse works, as well as their rider.
Thought of the day: Sometimes horses suddenly seem to become disobedient in exercises they previously performed well, both inhand and ridden. In a young horse this can be due to them growing and their body proprtions changing, or in a fully grown horse, due to losses of mobility. These changes affect how the horse responds, which then causes changes in our reaction. The horse's continual re-evaluation of our position in 'their' herd, can lead to a change in our status in the herd. Always remeber that our relationships with the horse is fluid and unless we can be totally consistent, will change with each exchange we have with him. So basically, if stepping out of our space suddenly becomes difficult for a horse, due to physical reasons, there may be a slight delay and if this goes unnoticed by us, will affect how he sees us.
13th January '10
Happy New Year to everyone. I am so sorry that we are still out of action with the weather and I really appreciate how patient everyone has been. The horses are all very well and their feet especially are really reaping the benefit of all this snow. Today Lesley Holehouse came to do their routine foot trim. She was just in Cuddle's stable when she stopped to chat to me. Cuddles was soo sweet and first spend a good 10 minutes gently nuzzling
Lesley, blowing into her nose and just holding her nuzzle against her temple. then she quietly moved over to me (Cuddles that is!) and did exactly the same to me. It was just one of those 'three ladies of a certain age having a chat' moments that are the best ever.
Plans for the seminars are taking shape, so thanks to all those who have already registered an interest in them.
Survive the thaw, when it comes!
22nd December '09
We wish you all a very happy Christmas and a great New Year. All lessons have been cancelled for the last few days, due to the snow. However all the horses are really enjoying it and even Jack's feathers are looking all white and fluffy!
I am planning another series of seminars in the new year, similar to those we ran last year. The sessions will again focus on horse behaviour and social interaction as well as biomechanical issues for riders. Watch this space for further information on exact content, dates and prices or email me to be put onto the 'interested in the seminars list'.
All the best and looking forward to seeing you all again in the new year.
10th November '09
Jay caused some concern last week, since he apparently refused a polo!! However all is well on that front. Nick Freeman of Intake vets came to see him yesterday for slight lameness in his near fore foot and we did 'the polo test'. A definite pass, since he couldn't get to it quickly enough! His lameness however is a bit of a concern. It is in the foot, but we were unable to find a cause. So he will rest for now, to see how it develops in the near future.
Thank you to everyone who has been so accomodating regarding my changes in schedule, with some regular slots having been changed just for the rest of the term.
There are a few new slots available now, so if you have wanted to book sessions in the past but couldn't get it, please try again. My new addition of hour long sessions which include either tacking up and riding, or inhand work and riding are continuing to be very popular. These are priced at £45 and can be structured to every rider's individual needs or interests. They are equally suitable for owner riders as well as those who don't own a horse, since they improve communication with the horse even before we get on.
Many thanks to all of those pupils who continue to recommend me to their friends. I would like to offer you all a half price lesson for every new rider that starts having lessons with me.
3rd October '09
I can't believe it has been this long since I have last made an entry! Thank you all very much for being so patient whilst all the horses bar Jack were out of action for a while in September. It was all down to foot abcesses. Mostly they were not that bad, just very awkward to find and drain. Fortunately they are all much improved and lessons have been back to normal, except for the stormy conditions today of course. We have been working on straightness with all the horses and particularly on keeping them soft in the jaw on both sides, whilst keeping the neck also soft on both sides. Once this has been achived, we've worked on impulsion and keeping the shoulders straight, to produce straight moving horses. All this without pulling them in!! Their toplines are all strengthening well, so this is getting much easier and stride length has improved for all. Jay in particular has come back into work moving very straight, so I am wob=ndering whether the abcess had been brewing for quite some time. On a dopy day, I put Claude's KK bit on Jack by mistake, which resulting in him being much quieter in the mouth. I have therefore changed his bit also to a KK and he is a very happy bunny. I usually think that correct training has far more effect than a change of bit, but he has proved me wrong in this instance.
17th July '09
Quiet day today, due to the torrential rain. The horses are very happy in the field though, which was a surprise. I had expected them to at least pretend to want to come in.
We've finally got to the bottom of Claude's recent foot abcess. It wasn't a bad one at all, but had underun the sole. It is all sorted and he is resting with an imprint shoe on, to protect the sole for a while. Cuddles too has been slightly lame, again resting for now and should be fine in a couple of weeks.
Some horses I have been involved with lately have shown interesting behaviours. They were all performing very well, yet becoming increasingly difficult to travel. They all loaded well, but panicked once left in a wagon or trailer that wasn't moving. This is usually due to very high stress levels. Please remember that just becuase they are perforimng well for now, does not mean they are truly coping with the life we ask of them. Being able to cope in a stationary wagon is often the first 'thing to go', when horses are over stressed. This stress can be due to not feeling secure in the herd (i.e. lack of secure herd structure), or an excellent owner, who just happens to be very stressed at work right now. As owners we need to look at the whole picture and make sure it is within the capabilities of the horses in our care.
I now offer training for BHS Stage 2 holders working towards their BHSPTT exam, as well as holders o the BHSAI working towards their Intermediate Teaching Test. Please contact me for more details.
Wishing you all (some) dry days!
10th June '09
Hi all,
we've just had a successful seminar on the priciples of classical dressage, including the German scales of training. It was very interesting to note that the people attending this seminar where different to the people attending the previous sessions on handling and communication. It has made me aware that many riders consider dressage and especially classical dressage as being to high powered and complicated for them.
This is a shame, since it is so not the case. For me all dressage is a means of training a happy and well horse and should be a component of every session of riding, regardless of the level of riding. I teach dressage elements to all my riders, starting in their very first lesson. I gather from speaking to pupils that this is rather unique, other trainers seeing dressage almost as a separate topic altogether. The aim of all correct dressage is to strengthen the horse and teach him how to carry us riders in a way that does not affect him physically in a detrimental way. It is therefore a welfare issue. By teaching it from the start, I can make sure all my riders develop excellent feel early on, allowing them to make correct choices as to how much they can ask of their horse and differentiating between 'I can't' and 'I won't', on the horse's part. This helps to build a partnership, since the horse learns to trust the rider, since their abilities are not ignored.
All the horses are very happy. Cuddles seems to have pair bonded with Jack for now, to Jay's dissapointment. Claude is resting for a while, since he twisted a fetlock, probably showing off his speed!
Happy riding!
19th May '09
With the weather getting better, all the horses have now completed or at least are making good headway into showing a lovely silky summer coat. They are all very well and coping with the spring grass. It appears the cold is helping to keep pulses in the fetlocks at bay, for the moment at any rate (thses can be a sign of laminitis looming). Claude had been getting increasingly more 'full of himself' and very spooky in the arena. I decided that it could not just be high spirits and despite not being able to find any sore spots on him, got his back checked out yesterday. He was quite sore and subsequently is feeling much more relaxed after having been manipulated and stretched. It just goes to show that we can't always see 'sore bit' in their way of going, but just tell they may have them by being diligent to notice changes in behaviour.
We have no liveries at present and the horses and myself are really enjoying the luxury of it just being 'our lot' here. However any bare foot livery horses would be welcome, so if you are interested, please get in touch.
We recently had another good seminar on handling and I am now looking forward to the more advanced sessions on assessing paces, riding and correct way of going. These sessions are suitable for all BHS PTT candidates, as well as trainers working towards their Intermediate Teaching Test. Especially when planning to teach competition riders, it is essential to have a clear 'syllabus' in the back of the mind for all sessions. This will allow working out suitable targets for your riders as well as helping them to plan a realistic competition calendar. There are still spaces on all session, so if interested, please get in touch.
5th April '09
Today saw the beginning of the first series of seminars. The weather was perfect and I think everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves...the horses too. Kirsty very kindly allowed Benji and Siskin to take part, which meant we were able to observe the interaction of the whole herd and its social function. It was fascinating to note that after dealing with the scary sheet on the floor, the herd became far closer knit in its interactions. It made it clear to everyone here, that what many horses miss is the frequent 'having to deal with issues, as a group', when not restrained in any way. Since most horses are kept in artificially quiet environments, they must get so bored! At the end opf the session, there were certainly a few thoughful faces!
Happy Easter to everyone!
17th March '09
The sun is out today and finally the fields are starting to dry up. I will need to get out with the harrows soon! all the horses are enjoying the weather and being out without rugs on the warm days.
Claude had a few days off, since he was tight in his back and hamstring, but with treatment, rest and daily excercises he has started to work lightly again and is very happy.
We now have a couple of bare foot DIY livery vacancies, due to other horses leaving. For details of how our livery works, please get in touch. Grazing is available all year round.
23rd Febuary '09
The good, the bad and the ugly: A stable management seminar, which will contain analysis of current stable management procedures and help owners to evaluate the best route to take for their horse and themselves. Many current procedures have become ingrained with basic conditioning, of what is perceived to be 'right' with horses. Many are very valuable, some are less so. To find out and be able able to discuss your thoughts, as well as being able to make informed choices, book your place now.
The new hour lesson including basic stable management is very popular and I am so pleased how many of you are enjoying more 'hands on' time with the horses.
The horses are all well, if a little grumpy, which is quite usual for this time of year. At least the fields are drying up very well.
15th Febuary '09
The snow is finally clearing from the arena, so after a two week break, lessons should recommence from tomorrow. The horses have all enjoyed their break in the snow and luckily, it has allowed all their mud related skin problems to clear.
I am planning some new sessions for this year. I am aware that lots of you enjoy the riding, but would also like more hands on experience. Have a look and see whether any of these sessions would be of interest?
Full hour sessions to include tacking up, general handling and untacking, and of course a ride as well. These sessions are priced at £45. My suggestion is that those riders who would like to, have several of these, until I am confident, that they are proficient at getting a horse ready unsupervised. Once I have assessed them as such, they would then be able to arrive early for 'normal' riding sessions, find out which horse they are riding and get it ready and bring it out by themselves.
There will further be a sunday afternoon stable management course, including theory and practical elements. This course has to be booked as a block, at a cost of £100. For details please email or pick up a printed info leaflet, next time you come.
The seminars are filling up, so please could everyone who has reserved a place, let me have the fee, so their space can be confirmed.
Finally, Flyer and Lindsey left recently, to move closer to lindsey's home. I wish them both all the best and hope that Flyer continues to settle well into his new herd.
28th January '09
Equine tooth care: All the horses had their teeth checked and rasped by Tim Baty yesterday. Regular tooth care is essential, since horse's teeth grow continuously throughout their life. Their jaws should move in a figure of eight, which allows them to all wear down evenly. Unfortunately this only really happens when the horse eats with his head down, yet lifting it from time to time, which is what happens in the wild. Our horses feel too safe in the field, and often do not lift their heads, or worse still are fed from haynets hanging at head height, as well as being fed more grain. This means that in domestic horses, the teeth often do not wear down evenly, leading to sharp edges, which then further inhibit the lateral movement of the jaw. I have found that the more natural the horses here have been kept, the less sharp edges Tim reports, on his visit.
Tim Baty is excellent at his job, very conscientius, as well as being very sympathetic and patient, when horses misbehave. He manages the rare feat of remaining unemotional, when horses get uptight, which is so helpful in gaining their trust.
Due to increasing costs in the price of feed, hay, haylage and foot care, as well as Claude's accident last summer, prices for lessons will go up from 1st February '09 to £30/half session and £45/hour session.
25th January '09
This week has brought home to me some thoughts on social wellbeing of horses. The herd here is socially so well adjusted, that from time to time we accept socially dysfunctional horses into the herd, to benefit from all Cuddles and the gang have to offer. This can be very valuable and a great way for horses to 'find their way' with us humans again. Unfortunately it also makes horses very aware of how their life could be and I wonder whether in fact it doesn't cause more suffering to them in the long run, if they are returned to the dysfunctional environment, that caused their problem in the first place.....just a thought! I believe all horses have a right to the lowest base level of stress we can possibly get them to, so consideration of their 'home life' is so important.
Lots of you have shown great interest in the seminars, which is fantastic. I know that the dates are not always suitable, so if you'd like to attend, but can't manage the dates, please get in touch. I am considering also running them in the evenings, which should make availability easier. Anyone who hasn't had the details of the sessions yet, please email and I'll either email a copy or send a hard copy by snail mail!
Claude got himself stuck in a tree in the field this morning. Fortunately no harm done, since he just waited for me to turn up and help him out. It was very sweet, how he just stood there and waited...must have been there a while!
Happy riding...the snow drops have come out here....lovely!
13th January '09
Happy New Year to everyone.
After a lovely break, the horses are all fit and well and ready to get back into work. I have finally come up with a schedule for the planned seminars for 2009. They will include a series of 6 sessions, which can be attended as a course or inidividually.
The sessions cover: communicating effectively with horses; working horses inhand; assessing the way horses move; getting horses to work correctly; the rider and 'the icing on the cake.
All sessions cover how the horse sees the world, allowing us to communicate more effectively and empathically. All session are available at weekends and during the week.
Sessions are suitable for horse owners, riders and those who may want to become riders or simply want to learn more about horses.
No previous knowledge is necessary.
Since the content is very unique, it will be of interest to experienced and inexperienced horse enthusiasts alike. They will change the way you think about horses and all your relationships with them.
Places are stricly limited, so please book early. For exact details of each session, dates and prices, please email.
23rd December '08
Happy Christmas to everyone and a very good New Year.
Its a lovely and quiet time of year on the yard and all the horses are quite happy. the only problem are the huge fluctuations in temperature, but they seem to affect them less than they used to! We had a scary time the other day, when the herd managed to escape from the field, but fortunately no harm was done and noone was injured. They were quite tired though for a day, which amused me no end.
The one thing I think we have neglected in the past is for riding students to be able to watch good riding. For this reason we will be running a few clinics in the spring, covering how to ride loosely, without restricting horses or holding them up, as well as how to improve a horse's way of going. I may also consider a regular slot at weekends where it will be possible to watch me ride and request me to show specific movements, etc.
I know I have recommended students to write at dressage competitions before. That is still a good way to watch half decent riding, but often does not give much time to discuss what is seen.
Enjoy the break and looking forward to seeing you all in the New Year.
PS Graham and Angela....Claude says thank you for all those Polos!!
4th December '08
The horses have had a lovely day in the snow. It is just gorgoeus to see them enjoying themselves in it. They are all looking a bit chubby actually. I suspect the haylage is a little richer this year, since less dry than usually. They've also sneakily opened a wrapped bale over the gate.
Benji and Cuddles are madly in love, which is very sweet to watch. I think Jay is rather put out though, but he'll learn!
Claude working very well and developing a little topline already.
Some thoughts about movement. Most riders slightly restric their horses in their movement. It is very important to learn to allow complete freedom of movement in the pelvis, legs and hand. Most riders ask for forward movement, only to tensen against it when it is offered by the horse. Emotionally this is very difficult flor the horse and will lead to it not offering as much in the future at best, or cause kit to shut down at worst.
Whenever you are handling or riding horses, be aware to avoiding restraint and always allow forward movement freely if you have asked for it.
17th November '08
Finally had our license inspection last week and as usual passed everything with flying colours. Paul Proctor passed Claude as ok to work in lessons, so that's what we've done. Claude is very happy to be back and seems to have gained a new interest in life.
The grass has started to lose its goodness, so some of the horses have gone onto winter feeding. However some are still rather chubby, so instead of providing haylage in the field for all, nothing is fed in the field as yet and horses are brought in to eat on a daily basis according to need.
5th November '08
Its been quite uneventful, hence not much to report. All the horses are very well and enjoying dryer conditiions than we've had all year. jack, Cuddles and Jay working really well and seem very happy. Claude too is doing fine, but not working yet. He started light work in hand, but it seemed to delay the healing of the wound, so we stopped again. However it did help to reduced the swelling and the wound has reduced again, so he will start again. Ryan has been started to ride seriously and managed his first canter on Jay at the weekend, whicfh was a great achievement!
Unfortunately for us, Craig has returned to New Zealand, to continue to start colts there. He will be missed, but I'm sure it will work out well for him.
All the fencing has been made 'Jack proof', so I'm hoping that his new hobby of walking under the wire and waititng for the fence posts to pop out has been successfully got rid of!
Enjoy the lovely autumn colours!
1st October '08
Lots of very interesting social changes have been taking place in the herd. It has been fascinating to watch all the goings on. benji has decided he is THE male and has become very attached to Cuddles. Flyer meanwhile has used Benji's loss of attention to Siskin, to befriend her and get very close. Jay has suddenly grown up and matured, socially, with Benji's influence. Claude has behaved like sex on legs and has been flirting like man..very sweet to watch.
Claude and Cuddles had to stay in for a couple of days, the former with some more treatment to his wound and Cuddles with a deep foot abcess, so turning out time has been exciting to say the least!! In all the excitement today I got to the field, leading a very excited Claude, Cuddles and Jay by myself, only to find I'd forgotten to take Jay's hoof boots off. He was a saint, allowed me to turn out Claude and Cuddles, which of course resulted in a lot of running around the field and then to lead him all the way back home, since I didn't manage to take his hoof boots off without any tools. I was so impressed!! He has now been doing a few lessons and is working very nicely!
Happy riding in the lovely weather!
25th September '08
Just a quick update, since lots seems to have happened since last week. Claude has been going out in the field and doing very well. He is less confident however and it has resulted in the herd sticking far more closely together, which is a good thing. I think it was the fragmentation of the herd in the first place that caused him to panic and injure himself.
Yesterday Siskin and Benji arrived as new lievery horses and are settling into the field very well. They have not integrated into the group yet, but are getting closer, whilst grazing quietly. I belive that is the most natural way for horses to learn to mix and is a sign of socially well adjusted animals.
Jay still has not quite started work yet, but hope that will soon change, to ease the load a bit on Cuddles and Jack.
18th September '08
Apologies in the delay in keeping you all updated, but there has been a problem with the server.
Claude is making good progress and we're all feeling much more hopeful. The tissue appears all filled in now and we're just waititng for the sking to re-grow, after quite lengthy treatment for proud flesh. He is feeling well and is quite sparkly, if a little thin, but then it never takes much for him to loose condition. I really hope he'll be able to go out into the field before the winter weather really starts.
Jay too is getting there, but still has an irritating hole in his foot from a recent hoof abcess. Its all healthy, but needs to re-grow more horn, beofre he will be able to work.
Everyone is struggling a little with the wet, which is affecting their skin, again I'm hoping that will sort before the winter sets in.
There will be two new livery horses arriving early next week, so i hope they will fit well into the herd.
Red has now left and I wish both him and Lisa all the best in their new home.
9th August '08
In a recent thunder storm, Claude unfortunately took fright and collided with the fence. He has sustained a very serious and deep vwound on the front of his right hind leg. The injury is so severe, that it has exposed bone and tendon. Fortunately due to nick Freeman's expert care and Craig's nursing, he is recovering well. I am very pleased to say that healing is going well and we are hopeful he will make a full recovery. it does however mean that he will probably be out of action for the rest of the year.
On a positive note, Jay should be ready to join the team shortly.
Red's owner, Lisa, has returned, so he too is no longer availanble for lessons.
Craig has successfully started to young horses, who have both now returned home.
No more bookings will be taken in August, all available slots are fully booked, but we look forward to seeing everyone again in September.
2nd July '08
Congratulations to Angela D, who succeeded in cantering brilliantly on Red, yesterday. It was a joy to watch, both horse and rider looking very happy and in harmony.
Flyer's recent cough was due to Laryngitis, which seems to have cleared very well now.
Claude has had more vet's attention to his foot. There seems to be a track of dirt going up the hoof wall. Nick cut a whole at the bottom and we're back to daily poultices, but not much puss appearing. Fortunately at least the ground is dry enough for him to still go out.
I have become aware again, how many students here never have the opportunity to see correct riding, making their learning therefore more difficult. if there is enough interest, I'd be very happy to run a few seminars, to rectify this.
Cuddles hoof wraps have been a great success and despite showing small signs of wear, are still firm against the hoof. She definitely seems to have benefitted from their use.
Happy riding in this lovely weather.
19th June '08
Apologies that I haven't written anything for a while, but just so much to do this time of year. Apologies also to all those students who have had to miss sessions due to horses being out of work. most of their problems are now resolved, so we should hopefully manage without further cancellations.
Congratulations to Dave J, who managed to trot Cuddles well, off the lead, in only his second lesson tonight.
We have a new addition to the team, Jay. Some of you will already know him, since he has been coming every spring for a few months for the last few years, but the school now owns him. He is currently out of work, but should be in action hopefully from September.
Jane's Finkle is here hor the week and is showing impressive progress, so well done to both of them!
Claude is still recovering from an awkward foot abcess, but should be back in action soon. Cuddles has had some casting stripts fitted to her front feet today, to give the wall and sole of her hooves more support. If this works, it should become a useful addition to helping her flat feet to cope over the seasons.
Giles, who has been doing a fantastic job barefoot trimming the horses unfortunately is leaving the area very soon. We wish him all the best and hope he, Trish and the horses will settle in well in their new home!We are lucky that Lesly has agreed to take the herd over, despite it being a very long drive for her.
20th May '08
Some more achievements to record: congratulations to Hannah for having two lots of canter on Claude now. This is a particular achievement, since Hannah hadn't cantered here before, is only 12 years old and Claude is a 17.1HH TB gelding.
Jay and Red have recently had a check up from a spinal therapist, with very good results. They have both been far more supple and free in their movement. The others will all get done eventually too, but since horses need to rest for a while and restart work gently, this has to be staggered, to allow me to still have horses to teach on. We used Jackie chapman, who provided a very good, thorough, yet sympathetic service.
On my travels I recently came across a lovely horse, which had started to buck and nap. On assessing her, I also found that she was unable to comfortably lift one front foot, being very reluctant and even rearing when attempting to do so. She had a lovely temperament, so there had to be another reason and sure enough, as we assessed her physically, she was found to be in considerable pain all over her back. It always surprises me that people so often presume a horse is just being awkward, when in fact many resistances are their only way of saying something is wrong. I mentioned her temperament, but stronlgy belive this applies to any horse. How many 'bad tempered' horses are infact just in continual pain?
Bear that in mind the next time a horse even just shakes his head when being tacked up! When was the last time the saddle and/or his back was checked?
Happy riding in this gorgeous weather.
29/4/08
Spring is finally making an appearance and the grass is coming through despite the rain. All the horses have come well through the winter and are starting to put on a little weight. Fortunately their 'silly season' of not wanting to be caught hasn't started yet...but I have a feeling it is currently being planned!!
IMPORTANT: The A696 is currently closed from the Kirkharle road end. It is however open to local traffic, so please ignore the signs, driving past the cones, when coming here for training.
Congratulations to Caroline H successfully cantering for the first time again today after a long break from cantering and Lorna D for successfully riding Cuddles around the block. Well done to you both.
Jay and Beaver are still here and will continue to do so for probably another month.
We are currently not accepting any other liveries, until Craig arrives in the summer, to keep some space for his horses coming in for starting and schooling.
Happy riding!
3/4/08
I can't believe how time has flown and am sorry you have all had to wait this long for an update! Needless to say with the winter weather we've had, the horses moved back into winter accomodation and feeding regime! still, the sun is finally out and they are all looking very well. Claude has started some serious canter work and is showing some lovely balanced work on the left rein. the right rein is still a bit tricky and often on the wrong lead, but we are definitely getting there.
I've had a large amount of enquiries of owners with horses who buck in the arena and other forms of expression of back pain! I think it is essential in the first instance to have the horse seen by a qualified equine physio. Many horses have deep tissue spasms, which owners are often completely unaware of. Just because the horse hacks happily, does not mean it isn't sore...it just means it is coping through compensatory methods, when allowed to move in more freedom laterally. Even if the physio can't find a problem, the next port of call is a qualified saddle fitter, not just a Master Saddler. They are NOT the same thing! Some horses are very intolerant of any types of back discomfort, and may object even to a well fiting saddle on a back that isn't sore. I think that is becasue the tree in the saddle catches them laterally as they bend, usually due to either them or the saddle not being symmetrical. Anyway, once the physio and saddler hurdle have been overcome, then is the time to contact me and arrange some training! Those horses that can't cope with normal saddles, may benefit from treeless saddles, of which we have a few here to look at and maybe try. Once the right saddle has been found, then work still needs to be done, to rebuild the horse's confidence, that it is not going to hurt again!
Happy riding!
10/3/08
All the horses have recently moved into the summer field and are really enjoying the grass. However with the amount of rain we've had, that decision might have to be reversed, since the field is already looking slightly poached. most of them need to loose a little weight, since going into spring overweight is a concern, with laminitis being that much more likely in that case.
Aother quick note on worming: I didn't mention Tapeworms! Tapeworms very rarely show up in faecal counts and in my experience have only done so once. this does not mean the horses have no tapeworm burden. there is a bloodtest for tapeworm, but my vet adviced against it and recommended just to dose against it. So I do that usually about once every other year. It is difficult to know the risk of a tape worm burden, but i suspect its more prevalent in horse soyr pasture. Despite having two horses here with tapeworm that showed in the faecal test over the last 9 years, i have never seen any evidence of any of the other horses catching them.
Claude had been very upset by the hunt meeting here, but fortunately, after three days of not eating and being very nervous, he has now returned to his old, chilled self. People often mistake their horse's excitement with hunts to be the fact they enjoy it and want to join in. I think they want to join in, since a group of horses moving at speed must indicate to them a grave danger, everyone apart from them knows about, and is seeking to escape from! A happy horse in my mind is still a very relaxed horse.
19/2/08
Congratulations, both Lorna D and Catherine C survive their first canter recently. Well done to both!
In the stable yard, all horses have had a faecal sample sent to the lab to be checked for levels of worm burden. this is an excellent way to check how well worming procedures are doing at keeping the burden down. The horse carrying the most weight was found to have the heaviest burden, which was a surprise. Three out of seven horses were completely clean and the four with worms varied greatly. this result makes it much easier for me to plan an effective worming programme, without dumping too much chemical waste on the fields in the form of overzealous worming. Claude is the only horse who never showed any worms when tested, since arriving here over two years ago. Again that is surprising, since he is by far the thinnest horse.
3/2/08
Jack came back last weekend, to a lovely welcome from all the other horses!
Claude's abcess seems to have drained well. He is in light work and able to go out again. So lets hope it will all finally sort soon.
Some thoughts on catching horses: With a lead horse in the group, if catching becomes difficult, sometimes it is only a matter of respecting that horse's personal space and approaching more slowly. Since we as humans often get it wrong, if the horse steps away from us as we approach, stepping away in the equal and opposite direction often helps to make them feel that you are aware of their space and a little more polite yourself. I find this works really well with horses who do not appear at all scared, but are choosing to move away (often slowly), whenever we approach.
This week has seen quite a few inicidents of sore backs, due to badly fitting saddles, with horses coming in from the outside. You can easily check horses by firmly pushing in, anywhere under the saddle. If there is any reaction at all, particularly shaking of the skin or even dipping, there will be sorenss. A horse that is totally comfortable in his back will show no reaction at all. Remeber a saddle fit is not only a matter of size of the tree, but also weight bearing surface along the whole of the panel. An uneven or intermittent weight bearing surface will lead to sore spots and discomfort in the horse's back. It is important to only use trained saddle fitters when buying saddles. Most Master Saddlers are NOT trained to fit saddles, only to make them. The fitting of a saddle is a separate qualification.
25/1/08
All the horses have been enjoying a week or so off work, due to the snow earlier in the week and the excessive wind today. It has done everyone good, but now we could all do with a bit of work.
Red has been working really well, before this little break and seems keen to get going again. Claude is still lame, but it has been a heel abcess, which is draining slowly but surely. His lameness has been so slight, making is difficult to get to the bottom of. Both him and Cuddles have spend the last few days in, to help keep his poultice on and they've enjoyed wandering around the yard at their own leisure. It is interesting how much difference is makes, allowing them to wander amongst the stables, in not making them as uptight as horses kept in usually become. It is always such a strong reminder how much we stress horses by locking them into little boxes for hours on end, even if they don't appear that stressed at the time.
We might soon have Jack back, from his babysitting duties, which will be great. Jay and beaver will also arrive shortly for their usual spring visit and jay's behavioural MOT. Several pupils are in the process of buying or possibly loaning horses, so there might be a few new additions in the next few weks.
Thanks very much to Graham and Angela for helping with yard jobs today, instead of riding. It was really appreciated, especially their help with the muck trailer.
The excellent news of the week is that Red will probably be staying until al least next winter!
9/1/08
Happy New Year to everyone. I thought we'd have a Little Harle New Years Honours list, so here goes:
Red's biggest fan: Graham D
Claude's biggest fan: Angela D
Most improved canter: Lynn R
Most competition successes: Zoe D
Youngest rider: Hannah...and coping very well with Cuddles!
Most improved overall: Lorna
Most interesting horses to work with: Patti A's pair of driving warmbloods
Most loyal lesson pupils at the stables: This is a joint award between Fran S and Debra and Michael W
The kids most favourite clients: the girls with the nice Golf ha ha...you know who you are!
Best Christmas present: That would be telling!!
Some of you might have noticed all the discussions about Rollkur and Hyperflexion in the equestrian press recently. The traninig here follows absolutely classical training principles, which is how we see such big improvements in the muscle developments of the horses. However this training takes time, which is why only riders prepared to keep at it, will get the full benefit. Other considerations of course are saddle fit and possibly the state of the horse's feet? Claude has definitely improved markedly since the arrival of his treeless saddle, just as all of them have improved with being barefoot.
19/12/07
I wish all of you, two and four legged, a very happy Christmas and a great New Year.
The yard is quieting down now for the christmas break, with Craig's last schooling horse leaving on sunday. It has been great to see Craig working with the horses here and I'm very much looking forward to him starting and schooling horses here again from next summer. Craig has been working in NZ and Australia over the last two years, riding for Steve Halfpenny, as well as training with Ray Hunt in the States.
Claude's new Trekker treeless saddle has arrived and he seems to be very happy working in it! It is fascinating to see how much looser he is able to work over his back without the restriction of a tree in the saddle. We've all worked, this last week, particularly, on strengthening the horse's back muscles behind the saddle. These are necessary for horses to be able to move over their feet in an elastic frame and therefore closely affect the length of stride achieved. Educating the horse to lengthen the stride is not enough, it also needs to build up the stength necessary to do so, which takes a lot of time. Quick fixes are of no help here.
Happy Holidays!
12/12/07
Welcome back to Craig, who is back for a short visit, training horses here. He's got two in at the moment and is working his magic on them! Love the pink flags!!
Thought of the week: Exact positioning of the rider's hand will have an effect on the position of the horse's neck. This is very important when considering how to help the horse in carrying his shoulders and hips correctly and therefore to allow the rider's leg aid to travel through his body and arrive in his mouth. Hands that are too close to the neck and front of the saddle, block the neck and can cause the horse to jacknife in his shoulders. In order for the horse to strengthen its topline correctly, he has to be able to stay straight in his neck and allow the leg aid to travel through. this is very hard for him initially, so many breaks are needed.
Happy riding!
3/12/07
Started this week with an interesting session, teaching a team of driving Warmblood crosses to load into their sparkly new lorry. The first one was very easy and accepted it all well, once we had sorted out the general terms and conditions, of how life is now! The second horse was very concerned about it all and basically very scared of standing either on the ramp with all four feet or in the lorry. He went in fairly quickly, but then was too scared to try again. I ran out of time and had to leave, but his owner successfully completed the job later on that day, after the basic terms and conditions had also become established for him too.
Claude is continuing to impress by amazing improvements in his schooling and size of his topline muscles. His trot work is now so well established, that he works in a fantastic frame, even with fairly novice riders. his canter however has become less confident and rather strong. I think that is because he is now coming out of a good quality trot into it and hasn't quite got the strength to cope with his own engagement in canter. Might need more work on the lunge to help him sort that out, without the weight of the rider.
Thought of the week: what does a truly happy horse look like? Relaxed and quiet on the whole, but also taking a healthy interest in his surroundings. A young horse that is busy learning how to interact socially in the herd will most probably be very happy, even if loosing a bit of weight with the effort to fit in. Emotional wellbeing has to come first, especially in our culture of overweight horses. I often feel that we humanise horses and as a result of that pamper them too much, causing emotional harm, through not allowing enough exposure to expression of social interaction.
