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Another Equestrian Thread!
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Message 1.Â
Posted by Kizzalene (U2573136) on Monday, 15th June 2009
Given that the original thread for horses, ponies, and the people involved in them is spilling over 2000 posts, I thought we would prepare for trot, and make a nice smooth transition to a second thread!
As per the last thread, this is the place to come for ideas on girth lengths, a Really Good Turnout Rug, or just how to make breeches appealing if you don't have the legs of a gazelle. We share the good days, the horrible days, the thoughts, worries, hopes and plans!
It might be good for newcomers if we introduced ourselves and our horses here again - and as always, you don't need to own a horse, or even ride regularly to join in the fun. In fact, having done lots in the past, I'm on a bit of a career-enforced sabbatical from my riding: I had to move for a new job, but am moving back again soon, and hope to get back into the saddle! Before the move, I had a mare on loan, who was lovely but very tricky, helped bring an out of condition arab boy back into shape, and competed on anything going! We did jumping and a bit of XC mostly, but I was starting to develop a real love of dressage too - and the news from the people who took my mare on after me is that she's loving it, and won her first dressage competition recently! I couldn't be more proud.
The link to the last thread is here:
Happy riding! -
Message 2
Posted by carrick-bend (U2288869) on Monday, 15th June 2009
Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:32 GMT, in reply to Kizzalene in message 1
Doing a long ride today, to a stables 8 miles away, for a lesson.
I'll tell you how it went later, if I've the energy to type. -
Message 3
Posted by Kizzalene (U2573136) on Monday, 15th June 2009
Enjoy that, Carrick - think how warmed up and supple you'll be by the time you get to the lesson!
One thought, which I'm sure you will have considered already, is that if she's not used to as long a hack to the lesson, you might have to put up with a slightly shorter period of productive time in the school, as she'll be tired. Given what you've said about her mental approach, she'll have been thinking all the way to the yard, and then all the way through the lesson - and I'd hate for all your brilliant work to be set back for a silly rear at the end of a great lesson!
Of course, I'm sure you know this already, and any good instructor will allow for it anyway, but I remember having to do a bit of this with P: managing she felt as the lesson went on. When we got properly good together, there was a certain sort of breath she'd take, that let me know I had about five minutes' worth of decent work left, then it would be time to start working down - one of the joys of riding the same horse regularly! -
Message 4
Posted by carrick-bend (U2288869) on Monday, 15th June 2009
Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:55 GMT, in reply to Kizzalene in message 3
Yes, Kizzalene, totally agree. This is sort of an experimental lesson - I'm going to get her there early and put her in a box with some water to have rest first, while I have a cup of tea.
I know the instructor really well - private lessons are usually only half an hour, because he says that that's enough for a horse and rider to be really concentrating for, and he thinks that it's important to end positively.
(Once we did 3/4 of an hour - it was one of those magic lessons where you ask more anbd more, and get it.)
When he saw her on Saturday, he said "Hmm, she's a bright one".
It'll be an adventure for her.
I'll tell you how we got on later (or tomorrow if I fall asleep) -
Message 5
Posted by Jo Bo (U1485540) on Monday, 15th June 2009
I was just reading cleveland's report of his fun BHS ride, as coincidentally, I was going to report from my first BHS Le Trec on Saturday, which has some similar elements to it. Also relevant to whoever asked why only kids should have fun - they don't!
For those who haven't come across it, Le Trec came over from France and is based on skills needed for trekking across country and handling the obstacles and problems that might be encountered along the way. It is run in three phases - CoG, PTV and POR. You compete as an individual or pair, and there are 4 levels, with increasing difficulty.
I did the Level 1 with a friend from the Riding Club on her 27-year-old mare. We were first on with CoG first. This is Control of Gaits, where you have to canter up a narrow marked corridor (with bends!) as slowly as possible without stepping outside the boundaries, then walk back as quickly as possible. Any break in gait or step outside the track and you lose all marks for that part. Marks are then awarded on timing - slowest canter and fastest walk get best marks. My horse was rather hyped up, as she had no idea what we were there for, especially as it was held on a cross-country course that she has been to several times before, so I'm not sure whether we scored on the canter, I think she must have stepped outside. I think we managed the walk OK, but won't know until I see the scores online today or tomorrow.
The PTV is basically a timed course of obstacles and tasks including walking across a wooden bridge, walking through water, jumping a small log, getting off and leaving your horse standing still in a circle for 10 seconds, leading horse up and down a slope, getting on in a small circle without the horse moving (ummm....nil points for that one!), bending poles, riding through a narrow corridor (faster the gait, the more marks), riding an S-bend, reining back within a narrow corridor, etc. If you fail an obstacle or don't attempt it, you just get no points for it. The time is fairly tight, so the more you fiddle about the more time penalties you will get. We failed miserably on some - the bridge, as it was the first obstacle and she was so confused about what was going on, the rope gate and getting on without moving - and did others quite well - water, steps, bending poles, leading up slope, corridor. Others I'm not sure about - we reined back quite nicely but did hit the poles a couple of times.
Then a bit later (or on a different day sometimes for the higher levels) it's the POR, which is orienteering on horseback. This you do with your pair if you have one, and you have a set time to copy the route from the master map onto your copy. You then have to follow the map, registering manned and unmanned checkpoints (sometimes just letters in hedges, sometimes a punch) on your record card. Each section between manned checkpoints has a set speed and therefore an optimum time. You start with a set number of points (240??) then lose points for over/under time on sections, missing checkpoints, arriving at checkpoints from the wrong direction, etc. Our ride was lovely. If anyone knows Kent, the base was Chilham Castle, and we then rode across and around Perry Wood, and back through orchards, which were great for some good canters (8km speed, so expected to move quite fast). We completed the 12km in just over 2 hours, and we THINK we took the right route and found all the checkpoints.
Anyway, I have probably exhausted you all by now. But if any of you with horses have the opportunity to do this, have a go, it's the most brilliant fun. And some of the most successful horses are often very ordinary ones, as they have the temperament for the PTV phase.
I don't think we will be placed, but that wasn't the point. We just went to have fun and certainly did that. Now looking for another, although would have to travel to Sussex or Surrey. But the regulars make a weekend of it, corralling the horses in with electric fence and sleeping in tents or lorries.
Oh, and for those who don't know me as it's a new thread and I don't post very often, I have two horses and a donkey. Oldest horse is semi-retired 23-year-old ex-racer TB who I have had for about 17 years. Still hack out occasionally, but don't do as much as we could as I am out doing so much on my mare, who is now 14. No idea of her breeding, born out of a Romanian mare, but she's 15.1, forward going but sensible, so great fun. I have had her since she was a yearling. We do some low-level affiliated dressage, bit of jumping, riding club stuff, hacks, sponsored rides, occasional cross country, although she is not very keen on her own, prefers a friend to give her confidence. Basically a fun all-rounder. Oh, and now she has her first Le Trec on her CV. The donkey is the boss, just a companion originally to my old horse. They all live together as a happy family group all year round.
Jo x -
Message 6
Posted by Auntie Clockwise (U8040384) on Monday, 15th June 2009
Hi, for those who don't know or remember I live in NE Scotland and am the proud slave to two mares. We are lucky enough to have land and outbuildings so the horses are a constant part of our lives even though we don't ride anymore. Unlike most horsey couples it's OH who is the really horsey one. He went on a trekking holiday while at university (in the 60's) and was hooked, despite being from a completely non- horsey background.
Our mares are a Bavarian Warmblood (actually by a Bavarian stallion out of a TB x Cleveland Bay mare) and a Hanoverian x Anglo-Arab. Both are getting on now but in good health and enjoying a pampered life with plenty of space for running about when the mood strikes. Our warmblood mare had a lovely colt foal in 1995 who went to a first class home - we're still in touch with him.
Despite not being able to post about riding adventures, I do enjoy reading about what the rest of you are up to. -
Message 7
Posted by halftidy (U8567554) on Monday, 15th June 2009
Introducing my two - one totally retired 27 yrs old with COPD - in his time the best - took a teenage daughter from Pony Club to BE - loved flattening showjumps but eventually made it to intermediate on the only day the poles stayed put (and won his section beating Pippa F so lots of the fizzy stuff to celebrate) took 2nd daughter to Tet championships (won) and was lent to a Canadian girl over here for the Tet International - it was his last competitive appearance and he was a saint - she said he was 'awesome' he owes us not one oat. no 2 is 20 - bought as a very raw gangly five yr old and ended up placed at Burghley - he never stopped at a fence in his whole career. Now enjoying retirement as Master's horse - he is having his summer's rest in our paddock at the moment and I will soon put shoes back on and risk doing his first fitness work in July. I used to ride lots but cant afford it any more and have to work full time and have just had knee op - so I'm a bit windy - 3 yrs ago I went on a riding safari and am still paying it off - but it was the most amazing experinece of my whole life and the next few yrs will be dedicated to paying off the last one and saving for the next. OH good at mending fences and sh*t shovelling. 3 daughters all in London now but murmuring they want to start again - perhaps we will acquire something we can all share - I am thinking of endurance riding? But with no transport that could be a problem!!!
-
Message 8
Posted by Bayandgreygelding (U5161003) on Monday, 15th June 2009
Nearly lost you all in the move!
I am owned by pure Cleveland Bay gelding. Now 12. Has just come back into work - again - for the goodness knows how manyth time in the last 2 years, done, oh, 3 weeks work, last week at a water tread mill. Picked him up this morning and he looked fab, put on top line and looked really well. Difficult to load (again) and tipped himself over backwards. Grazed and battered. Poor lad has shocked himself too. Probably off work again. Fortunately his physio is due tomorrow.
2 steps forward. 98 back.
Bay -
Message 9
Posted by carrick-bend (U2288869) on Monday, 15th June 2009
Mon, 15 Jun 2009 19:05 GMT, in reply to Baygelding in message 8
That sounds so frustrating, Baygelding.
Had a brilliant day today - hacked Jem to my favourite stables, about 7 miles away, had a lesson, hacked back, stopping at Kishtu's place for a much-needed coffee while Jem strimmed their hedge.
The owner of the stables, an instructor who I very much respect, is very taken with Jem, both her physical attributes and her nature.
She had a good snort round the indoor arena, where scary (?) showjumps are stored in the corners, then settled down and did her best, including some good cantering, including 20m circles on both legs. Not too bad for a young unscooled horse,
He asked "Will you be hunting her next season?" It was almost exactly a year ago since I booked that holiday in Ireland, then thought "Right, I'd better do some riding", and had to, not learn again, but get fit almost from scratch. Wow. I could almost cry with happiness at how far I've come in that year. Thank you for supporting me, -
Message 10
Posted by Bayandgreygelding (U5161003) on Monday, 15th June 2009
carrick you have had a lovely day by the sound of things. Most indoor schools have a scarey side/corner with jumps to provide equine amusement.(smiley winky wotsit)
Think Jem is lucky to have found you!
Bay gelding is out in field tonight for the first time this year. Checked with vet first to make sure not much laminitis around and to seek his approval. Hope I don't see vet tomorrow morning, that would just be icing on the cake.
Bay -
Message 11
Posted by clevelandboy (U10227499) on Monday, 15th June 2009
Hello, i'm the lucky owner of one leg (mother owning the other three) of my lovely friend joe. He's a 16.3hh irish TB x appaloosa flea bitten grey, whom i was lucky enough to give a happy life to away from the role of a kogg (?) in a professional competition yard. I have a chip on my shoulder about humans mentally and physically abusing animals let alone horses for their own personal ego and profit.
I like reading about fellow horse lovers enjoying the time they spend with their horses and the horses hopefully living a happy and cared for life. -
Message 12
Posted by Looby-Lewis (U11820972) on Tuesday, 16th June 2009
Thanks for making a change of rein Kizzalene.
By way of introduction, I don't have a horse of my own to slave after, but I help out at the local riding school, mucking out, grooming and helping in lessons and generally having a good horsey time while getting a bit of exercise and learning as I go.
I have only been riding for just over a year, having always wanted to and only recently plucking up the courage.
I'm not the most confident rider, but I ride a lovely steady lad, who I adore.
The reason I'm here at this time of day is that I've taken a day off to catch up with the housework that gets missed in favour of working with the horses and more importantly, to have a lesson later this afternoon in preparation for the next show.
Hope everyone and their horses stay sound. -
Message 13
Posted by Boris Becka (U11094701) on Tuesday, 16th June 2009
hope you remembered the half-halt before making the trasition,Kizzalene...but may thanks
minor emergency last night, Len came in ABSOLUTELY covered in urticaria lumps presumably as a reaction to several verh large horsefly bites. its never happened before and cormac was completely unaffected...he was well distressed so vet called, spent 20 mins applying wet (paper) towels(thanks Eliza).
now the standard treatment for this is a dose of steroids , which of course len can't have 'cos hes had laminitis. so we went for IV bute and a shot of penicillin in case he rubbed himself raw.
this morning hes much perkier and i found an old fly sheet of roni's RIP. so he out for a bit....Phew!!
so, for any newbies or folks with no memories, i'm the devoted servant of 2cotswold connys, i've competed fairly seriously in the past , but have settled down to happy hacking in the most fantastic part of the country.we are *so* lucky to own our own stables and land, courtesey of my hard working OH, without whon it would not be possible...Boris -
Message 14
Posted by JanetDoe (U10211737) on Tuesday, 16th June 2009
Difficult to load (again)Â
I had a horse who was difficult to load. As we approached the ramp he would take off down the side of the van and drag me with him. Several people tried,and the same thing happened. Then we found the answer. He would do that with any woman, but if it was a man - no trouble! Cured him by havinga man and woman on each side for about a dozen loads, and then he loaded OK for anyone.
My mare would do anything for a bucket of food, so we didnlt even have to lead her - just a bucket in the back of the van and she put herself in.
Haven't had a horse for 12 years now. Had three at one time - the mare got grass sickness at 25, and that was the end. The other two (geldings) went on for another three years. One was 28 and had breathing problems when we got him. He was fine in the winter but suffered in the summer. The other was 30 and had a cancerous growth on one hind fetlock. Vet said nothing could be done. He started to stumble and I was worried he would break a leg. So I took courage and they went together within 30 seconds of each other.
I'm the author of "Make your Own Horse Clothing" (published under my maiden name), which was my idea and has sold well since 1984. There's two other which the publisher asked me to do, but they haven't been as successful. -
Message 15
Posted by Campbell-in-Clogs (U8123405) on Tuesday, 16th June 2009
<<>>
---
Ooh silly me - I just googled this and I thought it was going to be full of jodphur patterns and suchlike, but that would be Make your own Horse Clothing! This is your actual stuff that horses wear themselves of course!
I'll pass it on to one of the teenage horsemad daughters of one of my pals. She's always customising her own clothes and accessories so this might lead to her branching out into customised horse 'clothing'. -
Message 16
Posted by Campbell-in-Clogs (U8123405) on Tuesday, 16th June 2009
<<>>
---
that shOUld have read Make your own RIDING Clothing. duh! -
Message 17
Posted by JanetDoe (U10211737) on Tuesday, 16th June 2009
Ooh silly me - I just googled this and I thought it was going to be full of jodphur patterns and suchlikeÂ
That's 'Make your own Riding Clothes'. There's also 'Make your own Horse Equipment' - 'Blue Peter' type stuff.
My copies are hidden away somewhere so there's no way I can quickly check, but there could be a mistake in one of the diagrams for jodhpurs in 'Horse Equipment', depending on the edition, and it might have been repeated in 'Riding Clothes'. There should have been a note on how NOT to cut the pattern, but that was left out but the diagram was put in - the instructions are correct, but the correct diagram was left out. I did tell the publisher, but I don't know if they corrected it.
They did several print runs of the first editions and then published a new edition, which I discovered by accident - they've never told me they did that. I have no idea whether they actually typeset the new editions of 'Clothing' and 'Equipment'. They were written in the days before word processors, when typesetting was expensive, and they kept the price down by physically cutting and pasting my typed pages and diagrams. The idea was to save horse owners money - we can all recognise a horse owner - they're the ones in scruffy clothing, having spent all their money on their horse! -
Message 18
Posted by carrick-bend (U2288869) on Tuesday, 16th June 2009
Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:12 GMT, in reply to Deirdre Barlow aka JanetDoe in message 17
Where I learnt to ride when I was 3 or 4, the teenage girls used to crochet sweat rugs for their horses. -
Message 19
Posted by JanetDoe (U10211737) on Tuesday, 16th June 2009
It's amazing how creative you can be in getting things for little money for your horse. Some people just need a nudge to get them started.
The one item I refused to include was a New Zealand Rug because the horse is unsupervised and, if the straps are in the wrong place or it doesn't fit properly, it could be disastrous. -
Message 20
Posted by Looby-Lewis (U11820972) on Tuesday, 16th June 2009
Hello Deirdre
Just joined Cambell in checking out the books - might get a copy for the staff room at the yard.
Can I take it from your screen name that you've come across from the PoV Corrie board? You're very welocme here and any advice and experience you can add will be welcomed too.
As you can see now ML is taking over from the housework. I just came in for a drink after mowing the lawn, so that's one job off the list.
Lovely day here, so going to go up to the yard early and see what's going on.
Apols for any typos here - am trying to type with a very large and purry cat sitting on my lap who thinks the attention should be on him. -
Message 21
Posted by JanetDoe (U10211737) on Tuesday, 16th June 2009
Thanks for the welcome. Yes, I've come across from the POV board in general. It wasn't only closing the non-Ö÷²¥´óÐã programme discussions like Corrie, but things have got ridiculous over there - lots of red triangle pressing, arguments and sniping. I believe in respecting other people and what they have to say. You all seem welcoming and you have a lot more interesting things to discuss.
Naturally, 12 years without horses (and being physically unable to ride or look after them now) means that I'm very out of touch with the horse world. I was never a very good rider, but, some of my past experience in care might be useful.
Fell free to ask any questions about the books. -
Message 22
Posted by Looby-Lewis (U11820972) on Tuesday, 16th June 2009
This is my favourite thread on the boards, I find lots of experience and encouragement here.
-
Message 23
Posted by Bayandgreygelding (U5161003) on Tuesday, 16th June 2009
Hello Deirdre Barlow
The loading issue is long standing and we have tried everything. He is better now, at least I do not have to leave him places and go back for him the next day. The ground work with pressure halters was the real breakthrough but apparently he should have learnt that it is easier to load than throw himself on the ground. I have sought help and instruction from the most respected people. The one thing I must try is a travel mirror but once in the wagon he travels very well on the whole. He loads well at home.
I have seen the book you mentioned but will look out for it with renewed interest. I cannot sew a straight line though!
Right I am off to sit on it before physio arrives. Wonder what it has done to itself since I brought it in this morning? Probably taken a shoe off or cut himself again.
Oh well.
Have fun in the sun all.
Just as an after thought, Looby have you read through your first weeks of posting on this thread? I think you will be amazed at how your confidence and enjoyment has grown. And nobody ever died wishing they had spent more time cleaning the house.
Bay -
Message 24
Posted by HeartyChoke (U14035916) on Tuesday, 16th June 2009
Hello. I'm a horse-person too, but new on here - though I post on SU (I don't know if anyone else is on there?).
I own one and a half Welsh Cobs. The one being a rather luvly liver chestnut mare, and the half being her month old sproglet, who's half welsh and t'other bits are Arab/Saddlebred. He's tobiano (brown & white) and a darling. I don't know if I'll be able to keep him, but I have Plans...
I've had horses all my life, lucky me (or is that stupid me - all that money!). I've had Welsh cobs for 5 years, lost one tragically, sold a few, bought one back at huge profit and now bred a half one.
I've also had ex racers, IDx's, TBxCBs etc but Welsh cobs are my ideal horse, a handy size, big brains, sensitive and beeeeeautiful!
In my youth I hunted alot, competed a bit, worked with horses for a while, but now I hate a lot to do with the horse world. I find most livery yards are dens of evil women - not all, but you're lucky to find a good supportive yard.
Competitions are fun, but not the be all and end all. Now I'm happy to nurture a good respectful relationship and produce a well mannered enjoyable horse rather than something vaguely talented, but which takes 2 people to hold it down for the rider to mount.
I'm looking forward to riding again when Foalie's weaned!
It's good to hear about other people's horses. Here's to soundness and equi-fun! -
Message 25
Posted by Looby-Lewis (U11820972) on Tuesday, 16th June 2009
Hello HeartyChoke, nice to meet you.
A foal, how lovely. I don't think, but could be wrong, that we've had a foal here before. As Kizzalene said in the introduction we share all the experiences here, the happy and the sad.
Please do share your 'plans' for the foal with us at some point.
People have different experiences of livery yards, Clevelandboy will no doubt be along soon, and he sees things from the yard owners perspective. I don't have a horse and the yard I work on doesn't take liveries, so couldn't comment, but the horsey people on here are all friendly. This is probably the only thread that Mr K (the board's host) doesn't have to worry about. Having gone and said that I'll have probably put a jinx on it and a spat will break out about the best treatment for sweet itch or something (winky wotsit).
Bay, I will have a look back, that's a good thought. By coincidence, following my lesson, the yard manager asked me to take the saddle off and sponge the horse down then take her out to the field, and my instructor, who doesn't tend to be on the yard at the weekend commented how much more confident I had become since I started working with the horses. I do believe this is the case. I feel I can develop a better relationship with the horse when I can do more than just jump on and hand her back at the end.
I am working with a new, to me, horse for the next show, she's a bit more forward going. My lovely steady boy has got me back to a level to move on, but I need someone with a bit more spark. A friend looking at the pictures from the last show asked the question 'are there any action pictures of you?', hopefully next show there will be. -
Message 26
Posted by Looby-Lewis (U11820972) on Tuesday, 16th June 2009
Took one of the ponies up to the field this evening and we trotted it up there, she was so keen and we had fun.
-
Message 27
Posted by Bayandgreygelding (U5161003) on Tuesday, 16th June 2009
Evening all and to newbies to the Kizzy lead file thread . . .
Didn't sit on it. Boots on, then boots off. Knew it was sore so couldn't bring myself to even tack up, just faffed with it until physio arrived. Really glad I didn't sit on it as indeed a sore boy. Back in work thurs, at the moment but that gives him about 48 hours to do something hideous to himself.
Must sort some Reiki for him again.
Turned him out this eve but went back with some cleavers for him as a treatlet. His equine pal spotted my armful of greenery but was disuaded from persuing his quest by an ear aimed in his direction whiwh became a half hearted lunge. Mine he said. And he was right it was his.
Wonder what draws us to the breed or types we like? Obviously I like a challenge!
Bay -
Message 28
Posted by carrick-bend (U2288869) on Tuesday, 16th June 2009
Tue, 16 Jun 2009 22:10 GMT, in reply to Jo Bo in message 5
A friend said "You'd like Le Trec - we'll have a look to see if there's anything close", but the nearest BHS event to me seems about 100 miles away.
Perhaps one of the local riding clubs'll do something based on it - it sounds fun, and is much more like the sort of thing we do. (Except the getting on - I need ti lower my stirrup leather by 4 holes to do that on the flat, and she'll need much more work to stay still, with exciting distractions happening) -
Message 29
Posted by Bayandgreygelding (U5161003) on Tuesday, 16th June 2009
No le trec in this area eithe carrick.
Mind you , I would have to do it on panto horse!
Acshully, mychaps front feet are wider apart than the distance between the poles you have to wlk and canter through -
Message 30
Posted by Boris Becka (U11094701) on Wednesday, 17th June 2009
oooh, newbies!
welcome , Deirdre and Hearty, hope you enjoy your time in here.
one of the nice things about this thread is that(so far) nobody seems to get on their high horse and rant about stuff at the expense of anyone elses veiws.we all have different views, but by and large we're pretty equi-table.
len recovered from urticaria and its much cooler today,so off for a ride if it stays dry. -
Message 31
Posted by Jo Bo (U1485540) on Wednesday, 17th June 2009
I was lucky that this Le Trec was only 20 min away, but it's only run every other year. The closest after that is in Sussex or Surrey, which for me is a good 2 hour drive. But the regular competitors make a weekend of it, taking a tent or lorry and corral the horses in with electric fencing. Quite a few of the events run over 2 days anyway, and there seems to be entertainment/food on the middle evening.
I am very tempted to go to do another one near Dorking in September, where you go down on the Sat night for the coursewalk and barbecue then do all the event on Sunday. Might have to buy a tent...
But seriously, if there is one within reach, do have a go, it was just brilliant fun. And if there's something you can't do or don't fancy, you just tell the judge you want to miss it out and you don't get any points, no elimination (e.g. getting on from the ground or jumping).
Jo x -
Message 32
Posted by HeartyChoke (U14035916) on Wednesday, 17th June 2009
Le Trec is fun, though I've yet to give it a go - I like the idea of advance Handy Pony
I'm hoping (crossing fingers) to get into endurance a bit when I can ride again, though I'm not sure my mare's up to it as she had suspensory problems in both back legs last year. It wasn't serious but I want to keep her sound.
I feel privileged in having the first mustardland foal! I don't know if I'm allowed to post links to photos but I'll try - as I'm being pre-mod'd I'm sure it'll be weeded out if it's against the rules. This is Wolfie aka (proper name) Asterix, by SV the X Factor, with his poor long suffering mother, Gem -
Message 33
Posted by carrick-bend (U2288869) on Wednesday, 17th June 2009
Wed, 17 Jun 2009 09:47 GMT, in reply to HeartyChoke in message 32
What a good photo!
No, posting links to photoss (and non-commercial sites which don't break the house rules) is fine.
The mare I ride's called Jem with a J. -
Message 34
Posted by Boris Becka (U11094701) on Wednesday, 17th June 2009
wonderful foal photos, Heartychoke, makes me wish mine were small again
managed a dry ride in the beech woods this morning, cor, isn't it dark in there now that the leaf canopy has fullgrown.strangely enough there was still a faint smell of garlic around.Both connys very bouncy probably because its so much fresher today, could also be that they were hungry,after 2 days in the starvation paddock....grass, hey,you can't win . summer there's too much and winter there's too little...either way there's a hay bill to pay -
Message 35
Posted by Looby-Lewis (U11820972) on Wednesday, 17th June 2009
What a sweetie, and mum's pretty too. I love the foally play!
We haven't had too many photo's on here, I know it's difficult with horses and ponies, as you don't know who lurks here, and you have to be careful these days unfortunately, but it would be nice to put faces to names (or nicknames) if it were possible or appropriate. -
Message 36
Posted by Boris Becka (U11094701) on Wednesday, 17th June 2009
too right Looby i sort of worried naming my connys on board, but did it without realising the implications . i've got some georgeous ones of C and R(RIP) as foals and some great ones of Cand L in the snow this winter , but you'll have to use your imagination.
my friend whose daughter plays polo at the local yard was asked by the yard manager if she knew the 'good looking grey in the x field down the lane' she replied in the affirmative and was then asked if he'd played polo cos he 'looked very useful'...do you think they'd take me on as well! -
Message 37
Posted by Skylark (struggling to be more blythe and spirited) (U6629883) on Wednesday, 17th June 2009
HeartyChoke- I took a peep at your photo, then "googled" the stallion. Coloured horses have certainly tken off in a big way, haven't they?
Both your mare and the foal look gorgeous. -
Message 38
Posted by Looby-Lewis (U11820972) on Wednesday, 17th June 2009
I can't imagine even attempting polo. I have trouble with 20 metre circles, let alone twisting and turning at the angles polo ponies do.
And then combining that with looking for a ball, avoiding a pile up and handling a chuck (is that the right term for the ball hitting stick thing?).
Didn't Prince Charles break his arm quite badly a while ago playing polo? Nope, that's a dangerous sport to me. But maximum respect to those who can, and I believe riding a polo pony is like going out in a little rally car. Must be enormous fun if you've got the nerve! -
Message 39
Posted by carrick-bend (U2288869) on Wednesday, 17th June 2009
Wed, 17 Jun 2009 21:03 GMT, in reply to Looby-Lewis in message 38
Friends daughter plays polo - I didn't realise how much of a contact sport it is.
She says the smaller ponies are nippier but the bigger ones have more weight behind them when you need to ride another horse out of the way, they have more weight behind them.
The ponies love it.
The mare's being shod again tomorrow - she was shod 5 weeks ago, and her shoes are like paper again, worn through at the clenches. Took it a bit steady today, off road, just for an hour.
Sods law, she was really up for things like walk/canter transitions - we'll have a good ride after the farrier's been tomorrow.
He's not noted for his punctuality, so she might get a longer groom than usual. -
Message 40
Posted by Looby-Lewis (U11820972) on Wednesday, 17th June 2009
Frustrating with the shoes Carrick, and an expensive business.
I notice some of the horses at the school who were having their back shoes left off are now having shoes back on because their hooves seemed to shread. Some take to it better than others, but my fave only did a few weeks with shoe-less back feet and his hooves looked quite rough.
Are you riding the mare mostly on the road? Five weeks isn't very long really, even with road work. Is the problem that the clenches are coming through faster than the shoes are wearing? I'm sure your farrier will sort it out. I wonder if horses are like us - my nails have always grown better in the summer, put it down to the vitamin D. Does the same apply to horses hooves?
Anyway folks, open quick question: what's the science/explanation behind whistleling when a horse is trying for a wee? It seems to work for one of the instructors, does anyone else do this? The girls have picked up on it and now it sounds like we are piping aboard a Vice Admiral, when one of the horses has a toilet stop. -
Message 41
Posted by carrick-bend (U2288869) on Wednesday, 17th June 2009
Wed, 17 Jun 2009 22:06 GMT, in reply to Looby-Lewis in message 40
About half roadwork, but we're doing a lot of miles, and she's a fit(now) 15.2 cob, with a big Welsh-type action, when I get her going. Even with an easy working trot, she's got a long stride which eats up the miles.
I don't mind, really. The farrier is her owners brother, he's good and I think it's fair that I pay for her shoes - after all, it's me who wears them out.
She's got good feet and the shoes are wearing as they should - he puts in road studs front and back so I don't have to worry about her slipping.
Don't know about the whistling. -
Message 42
Posted by HeartyChoke (U14035916) on Thursday, 18th June 2009
The old saying about no foot, no horse is so true. Hoof problems are so hard to deal with - my old ex racer had navicular, terrible feet generally and it was a struggle to keep him sound. A constant worry.
AT the risk of being seen as an old hippie - I no longer use shoes on my horses. Don't laugh, but I use an excellent equine podiatrist, who advises on exercise/feed/treatment and hooves are 'conditioned' by the use of hoof boots and pads.
I had a young mare who was farrier trimmed (a farrier used by some of the best vets in the country), and the farrier told me she needed shoes after she started being ridden. She wasn't a horse with problem feet - this was a Welsh cob with what had been very good feet and I was pretty worried. I investigated equine podiatry after hearing really good reports about a trimmer in my area (East Anglia) and decided to take the plunge, risking ridicule from all 'horsey' bods who find it so difficult breaking from tradition.
After 8 weeks of EP trim & conditioning work (walking on a hard surface for 20 mins a day with boots & pads) she had hooves like rock, a good shape, no flare and she didn't feel the gravel and flints.
Unfortunately I lost her last year to a sudden hideous illness (atypical myoglobinuria) but before that she was out hacking 2 hours + either barefoot, or if we were doing alot of roadwork, with Old Mac boots. -
Message 43
Posted by carrick-bend (U2288869) on Thursday, 18th June 2009
Thu, 18 Jun 2009 08:42 GMT, in reply to HeartyChoke in message 42
That's interesting - I'm not sure I want to go down that path, but a good farrier and sensitive "running in" seem to make all the difference.
Sorry to hear about the sudden loss of your mare. -
Message 44
Posted by HeartyChoke (U14035916) on Thursday, 18th June 2009
No, I can understand that. Ditching the farrier was extremely scary!
-
Message 45
Posted by Skylark (struggling to be more blythe and spirited) (U6629883) on Thursday, 18th June 2009
One pony I ride, mainly kept for grandchildren, has never been shod and her feet are perfect - apart from lamininitis attacks, which are usually due to escapes to greener pastures than are good for her.
She does have her feet trimmed by the farrier though. -
Message 46
Posted by Looby-Lewis (U11820972) on Thursday, 18th June 2009
Carrick, I'd forgotten that you are doing those miles, so yes I suppose that seems fair.
-
Message 47
Posted by Looby-Lewis (U11820972) on Sunday, 21st June 2009
It's been a bit quiet in here the last couple of days. Has everyone had a good horsey weekend?
Haven't ridden this weekend, due to laziness on my part. Riding again on Tuesday. Second show next weekend so been out and bought the ribbons in readiness (it's customery to dress the horses up).
Best wishes to all and your equines. -
Message 48
Posted by Auntie Clockwise (U8040384) on Sunday, 21st June 2009
Nothing very horsey to report, but I met Hazel Wooley at the Edinburgh meet yesterday. She's as nice in RL as on this MB.
-
Message 49
Posted by Bayandgreygelding (U5161003) on Sunday, 21st June 2009
I have never met a fellow MLer (to my knowledge) in RL. I am really wary of doing so. What if I don't like them in RL? I like my mental image of (most) people here. But I was v tempted to nip up to edinburgh for a hello to Hazel. did not know you were going Auntie C. That may have been double the reason to go? Hope you had a fab time.
RL got in the way of riding my pony today. Had a bit of a work related crises. So work permitting will try again tomorrow. He was sound and forward yesterday. It will be fairly astounding if he stays that way for any length of time.
Bay -
Message 50
Posted by Skylark (struggling to be more blythe and spirited) (U6629883) on Sunday, 21st June 2009
Baygelding
I know what you mean about meeting posters in RL; I remember years ago seeing a picture of The Archers cast and thinking "oh no, this isn't what the characters look like at all." The pictures of them I had had in my head never came back.
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