Horse Hunter Forum / HORSES / Horse Banter

Would anyone like a horrible ned? ;)

Ditsy Mare — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:10:26 GMT

If anyone's a bit bored or lacking in the "something to do" department wanna give me a holiday from Apache. ;)

Nothing major at all, he's just hit 2.5 and 16hh and has decided that he knows EVERYTHING and doesn't need to listen or be polite anymore. We're not worried, I'll just go and beat it out of him. :P (joking!)

We have a slight issue in that I'm sure he knows I would never hurt him and therefore he takes the mickey just a little bit; although saying that me flicking a bit of baling twine at him tonight when he started his "like you can make me move" act did work.... He lives on fresh air and sunshine and still has the energy to go flying around the field at a million miles an hour winding Bisto up. I just see Bisto roll his eyes and go back to grazing. Think I probably need to give the young man something to do to occupy him... just finding time around uni! *sigh*

Can't wait til the evenings open out a bit more and I get the time and daylight to do some work with him. Roll on the summer!!!

He's getting there. :)

Silke — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:57:48 GMT

Finally took Oz out of the field on Saturday. The herd has settled down, so no more fights. Not that there was a lot of that happening. They’ve been pretty good.
I brought him into the yard, and…he’s a big chicken. :) Scared of absolutely everything right now, trembling like mad, but ears pricked and head up, looking around. So it’s not absolutely terrifying, just…strange, I guess. He’s very nervous. I put him at the fence where we usually groom the horses, and he ripped loose four times. Since I use one of the very long Parelli lines, I looped one end around the back of the post, holding on to it. Next time he ran backward because something rustled I gave him some slack, but didn’t let him go. Two of those, and he settled down a little. He was still shaking, so I took him to the sand school and lunged him a little to let him work off the nerves a bit.
After that he was a lot calmer. I still dreaded getting the bridle on him, what with all the pulling loose. He was okay, but I put the bridle on top of the head collar and took it off after. (Bridle = Jaquima. Looks like a head collar, but is actually a bosal. Bit is separate, not attached to the head stall.)
Figured it would be the best idea to just take him for a walk, so off we went.
He was fine, I’m pleased to say. I thought I might need the curb, but I didn’t touch it once. Even when some idiot cyclists and their dog frightened the life out of him. The dog was running at him, barking and snapping, and he stood, trembling and scared, blowing… I asked the cyclists to please get their dog away (he was at his hind legs), and the idiots didn’t, even when I said look, he’s really scared. It’s his first day out and he doesn’t know anything yet. If your dog carries on like this, he might kick. Nada. Didn’t even call the dog. I got snarly and told them in no uncertain terms that they are on a bridleway, not a cycling track or a footpath.
Oz was being so good, he kept nudging me as if to say “Is it okay? Is it okay? I’m scared. Is it okay? Is it?” but he stood as if he were nailed to the floor. They finally buggered off, apologizing in the end because it was pretty obvious how much their dog had scared him. ****** idiots.
But still, I didn’t need the curb. He was good as gold on the bosal, despite being really scared.
The rest of the way went smoothly for the most part -- a concrete drain cover freaked him out for a minute, but after a bit of talking to him, reassuring him, and letting him take a long look, he went past. Snorting and eyeing the pseudo monster, but he trusted me enough to feel safe to walk by.
We have some work to do, but he’ll be fine, I’m sure. He’s just not used to anything yet.

On Sunday I took him out, he was calmer, but still nervous, so I lunged him a bit to work off some excess energy. It seems to work with him. He chilled out a bit. Since he was soaking wet (it was raining) and I haven’t actually tried my saddle on him yet, I decided to try bareback. Plus, I can get off faster if the **** hit the fan lol. Plus, I don’t know if my saddle fits him, and I’m a bit leery of putting a saddle on him while he’s hopping around, since I’m pretty sure the girth is too long. No need to scare him unnecessarily.
Well, my big chicken has never been near a mounting block it seems. The green box was scary at first, then he just ignored it -- but he also didn’t know what I wanted from him when I asked him to stand next to it. Every time I got up on the box -- Mr. Nosy turned to face me. “Whatcha doin’ up there?” The concept of a mounting block is completely lost on him lol. He thinks it’s some game I’m playing. I’ll definitely have my work cut out on that one.
One of the girls gave me a leg up, and….ohhhh….he is the most comfortable horse I have *ever* ridden bareback. Not kidding. Nothing compares. He’s narrow enough to sit without unhinging your hip, but wide enough so you don’t have to clench to keep your balance, enough wither to not be round, but not so much that you bruise yourself. And that gait…man. Comfy as an armchair.
He goes like a dream, and he’s trying very hard to do what you want. Oz is very forward going (it’s called “Brio” and boy, he has lots of it.), if anything, you need to slow him, rather than push him. Again, I didn’t really need the curb, but when he’s on the bosal under saddle (so to speak) he sometimes pulls like a train. A little lift of the finger on the curb usually settles that.
I was wrestling with the reins though. I’m not used to double bridles at all.
All in all, I think it went well. :)
Lots of ground work needed, and he needs to chill a lot, but he’s getting there.
He still thinks he’s a mustang lol. His entire stance is that of a mustang. I took some photos of him when he stood on a hill, and when I looked at them afterward I thought all he needs is a red handprint on his butt, a couple of feathers in his mane, a string bridle…and he’ll be an Indian War Pony lol.
[img]http://t25.net/oscuro/IRMustang2.jpg[/img]
Doesn't that remind you of one of those windswept Indian ponies in some paintings?

Taking a tumble

Bornagainhorsewoman — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:42:33 GMT

Got a cup of tea & a biscuit? Read on! I had my first fall in about 30 years yesterday & did it in grand style! I was galloping up a stretch of field with my yard mate & Missy shied at some tape fencing... I started to tip out the side door and the saddle slipped...Missy caught me out of the corner of her eye and shied again and I hit the deck while travelling at 27mph! (Yard mate has an app which records speed!) I clobbered my head and did something to my pelvis. Apparently I was out cold for a short while. Yard mate caught Missy for me & I started to try to get up but the ground kept moving & it kept going black :( When I finally stood up I realised that I'd done something around my hips/pelvis as I could hardly walk. Apparently I rang my OH & DM and yard mate called a fellow livery who got a lift to where we were with OH & walked my horse home bless her heart! I was taken to hospital and straight through for an x-ray. Apparently they checked me for concussion but I don;t remember that. Anyway, nothing broken, very mild concussion & soft tissue damage to my pelvis but no idea what yet, If I can't walk better in a few days I'll need to go to GP. I'm going to borrow a walking stick off a neighbour as I can hobble around as long as I have something to lean heavily on! It was a frightening experience - not the fall oddly enough but the fact that I had no idea what day it was, where we were & no recollecion of Xmas AT ALL! They're all laughing at me now as I was talking such gibberish but I was VERY lucky not to have hurt myself seriously. Missy completely OK! :)

Joe goes home

Bornagainhorsewoman — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:47:59 GMT

Well finally Joe was collected yesterday. He was a very good boy & did us proud by loading within about 15 minutes with no pressure from anyone. He has gone to be another foster home where the charities youngsters go where he will be started we think. Apparently they are absolutely lovely and really look after the ponies and everything is done calmly & kindly. Many many tears shed esp by my middle dau who has been his main carer but we all know it's the right thing to have done. We want him to have a job in life and some decent child rider will have a whale of a time with the little dude!

Meanwhile, back at the ranch... Bisto & Apache are now in together & Bisto is determined to be top dog - fine by Apache - but Apache is determined that they will be friends much to Bisto's horror atm!

Treading on her tail :o(

Bornagainhorsewoman — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 09:06:29 GMT

My poor soppy mare has just taken a massive chunk out of her tail in the stable - almost definitely from treading on it as she stands up. It's the second time she's done it this year - right out from the roots so it must have REALLY hurt her :( Anyone else had their horse do this and did you find anything helped? :(

TUBS DOES FLAT WORK ?!?

Faberge — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 19:10:57 GMT

Ah marbs has been amazing in the last 2 months as we have only jumped 2 times (once on purpose, second time marble just f-ed off with me over a huge combination)
Now i have to state i HATE flatwork and so does marble :D
But in the last month or so he has worked constantly on the bit perfected flying changes does walk to canter brillently and can now leg yeld in walk trot and canter :D
it has been a long hard rode from the horrible unbalances ugly cob i wanted to sell after 6 months to be the best horse i will ever own.
Jumping wise we are focusing on our first ever ode next july so doing at least 7 derbys over the next 6 month and 4 dressage legues.
Of course we have a lot to work on canter on the bit, getting on while holding reins and hopefully do more 1m classes :D

My year in pictures

Grey gelding found in Herefordshire

tracingequines — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:07:50 GMT

A horse has been found in Kinnersley, Herefordshire. Its a dapple grey, approx 16hh gelding, very friendly, has a head collar on and is shod all round and not clipped.

[quote]This is not going to be the news most of you want to hear but I can't share with you any details that I have now found out about this horse due to legal reasons connected to him. However, I can say, we are now aware of his history and do not need to continue the search for his owner.[/quote]

How young is too young?

Ditsy Mare — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:33:50 GMT

For backing a horse?

Just wondering as a colt who used to be kept with Apache has just been backed and started, Apache isn't quite 2 1/2 and that makes this lad younger than him.

I just thought it seemed a little well... young, he's a warmblood type breed and he's no where near his estimated adult height. I suppose the only reason she's doing it is she's planning on keeping him entire but i'm sure she'll be out trying to compete the socks off this him next year.

Don't wanna cause a riot, just wondered what people's thoughts were. :)

My Horse Share woes are over...

Silke — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 13:04:03 GMT

So, some of you know I've had a few err...hiccups with that sharing lark.
First Poppy, who was put on loan with barely a week's notice to me.
Then Charlie, who never worked out.
Then Willow, who went on a Fat Farm to diet.
I have Jack right now, a lovely cob gelding, but well...I always dread what might happen, seeing my track record with shares.
I was looking around. I found a lovely Rocky Mountain filly -- and couldn't find a yard to take her. So that was a non starter.
I looked at a beautiful 2 year old arabian colt, but alas...I'd have to geld him to have any hope of getting a yard to take him, and he's too well bred to geld. Another non starter.

A week ago I went up to Suffolk to meet some Paso Finos. The breed always intrigued me, but I'd never met one.
The stud owners are absolutely lovely, and although I told them right from the start I'll probably never be able to afford one, they let me try out several of their pasos and I spent a lovely day up there.
BEAUTIFUL horses, incredibly smooth gaited, very well trained -- and starting at £7000.
(Okay, I'll pause a second so you can wipe the coffee off the screen. :P)
So we were talking and I was schmoozing the lovely dapple grey gelding I'd ridden (who was up for grabs for £3,500 - too much for me.), and they told me about how he'd been out on loan with view to buy, and they bought him back when they found him kept alone in a barn -- in the dark. Poor thing nearly went nuts being locked up half the day, with no light in there, and no other horses.
So he came back home, where he's been slacking in a field with his half brothers for the past 2 and a half months. He hadn't been ridden for 2 months when I got on him.
I'd been eyeing him on their website for a while. I dunno, he just has such a pretty face, all alert and awake...just gorgeous.
Well, I said it's such a shame, I'd love to have him, but if I go over £2500 for a horse my other half is going to put the brakes on. Even that's pushing it.
And they went "Well...if he's going to a really good home, with lots of other horses, where he can be a horse, and not stuck in a barn all day...we can drop him to £2500."
My jaw hit the floor.
I schmoozed him some more, thinking hard about this. VERY hard. He passed a 4 stage vet exam only 3 months ago with flying colors, and has been in a field almost the entire time since. I saw him in the field, caught him, led him in, brushed him, picked hooves, saw him with other horses, saw him ridden and rode him.
I went home. Still thinking. I didn't commit to anything, but I was thinking hard about this.
I posted the pictures and another paso rider recognized him straight away, and said he got his pasos from the same breeder and they are exactly what they say on the tin. Sound, well trained, not coddled or spoiled, just all round great horses.
Then another told me about the stud, singing their praises and how they are in it for the love of the horses first and foremost. Yes, they want to earn money, of course, but Oscuro wasn't the only one they've bought back. Another mare I was riding was also one they took back and now have for sale.
After a lot (A LOT!) of umming and arring, and with help from my dad -- my other half finally said yes. :)
So...my lovely boy will arrive with me on the weekend of the 3rd/4th December, where he will join a small herd of geldings and gets to live out in a huge field.
I don't think I've stopped grinning yet, and honestly, I keep worrying that something will happen and it'll all fall through. I'll believe it when he steps off the horsebox lol.

Here are some pictures for you:

[img]http://www.t25.net/pix/oscuro/Oscuro1-sm.jpg[/img]
(That's on Sunday, the rider is Rachel, the owner's daughter)
[img]http://www.t25.net/pix/oscuro/oscuro4.jpg[/img]
(That's the face I fell in love with.)
[img]http://www.t25.net/pix/oscuro/Oscuro-Field.jpg[/img]
"Did you come to see [i]me[/i]?"
[img]http://www.t25.net/pix/oscuro/Oscuro-Ultimo-andmorepasos.jpg[/img]
"Why hello there! Who are you?"
(Those are his half brothers with him there. Yep, a whole field full of them.)

He's 9 years old and 14.2hh.

Wheeee!
(Oh and when I told Jack's owner, she was like "YAY! -- Wait..oh..." I told her since Oscuro goes to the same yard, I don't mind exercising Jack for her while I'm there. She was so relieved. He's been going really well for her since I put my foot down with him. :))

One of those Weeks....Or maybe one of those years

KER — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 23:01:51 GMT

As you all know Songh had the injury to her leg which happened back in september, for those who dont know there are pics in the horse health and care section. The wound is so nearly there and she has been back out for a few weeks during the day and has been worked lightly. I had been having problems with her before the injury of her being quite 'quirky', she was put on regimate and this seemed to take the edge of her. Anyway when she came back into work after 5 weeks off she was much the same, constant head flinging/snatching the reins and leaping in the air trying to buck. I knew there was something wrong as she is so sweet on the ground, she had all the usual checks done and nothing was found even an overy scan to see if there was an abnormal hormonal problem. Anyway she had a follow up appointment with the equine sports massage lady, she was done not long after she came but i had to cancel her second appointment due to her injury. She came on tuesday and found the problem that was in her neck before had got much worse, she had quite a bad problem with her poll most likely caused from pulling back (she did this many times on box rest), she had inflammation around the left side of the wither and tight in her left shoulder, these she thinks were caused by the leg injury. She basically said not to do much with her and not work her in any kind of outline either under saddle or on the lunge until she is back in the area again in 7 weeks. So no more dressage this year for her!

I resigned myself to the fact i may as well give her longer off and just lightly lunge her a couple of times a week. I spoke to my vet and now the foal has been weaned i decided to lightly work Kitty over the winter to get her a bit fitter again before she foals next June. I lunged her for 10 mins yesterday and she could barely trot, not obviously lame but just could not go forward and was so short and choppy. Being she still has a lameness investigation open with the insurance the vet came to see her today and she is lame in both front legs and one hind. The hind is 95% certain to be foot sore as she has never done well with not having hind shoes on and this is her white foot so doesnt seem as tough as her black feet. The front right is the ongoing problem that we have never got to the bottom of but the left seems she has done her suspensory ligament again which was the whole reason why she was put in foal in the first place last year, she did however come sound on this before. So she is now being referred to the large animal hospital at least for a diagnoses as she may not be able to be treated yet being in foal but want to find out whats going on while its still covered by the insurance. But my vet did say if we cant get to the bottom of the right leg lameness then i may have to resign to the fact she will need to be retired.

So all in all not a good week. I rang my friend when the vet left to see if she would come with me to Kitty's referal and the conversation went on and it ended in me having her daughters horse for the winter as they have been trying to sell her but she needs some work ideally put into her to get the money they want so she is going to pay her livery etc and i am going to work her over the winter, hopefully take her out to some indoor dressage and have lessons on her. Hopefully this means i can get back into it again as with all the things going on with my lot i have totally lost all enthusiasm.

Wow this turned out to be a really long post but i havent posted for ages so i thought i would just do one catch up all in one go

people good at pricing horses?

all_in_your_rows — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 19:41:54 GMT

not anything i'm seriously considering atm! just something to mull over and me being nosey!

horse 1 - 17.2/3hh Chestnut mare, 7/8 years old. BE'd and BSJA'd, v nice big, scopey jump, doesn't rush into or away from them. Bred a foal (took first time) weaned easily and came back into work quietly and easily. not sharp EVER, in cavesson and eggbut at all times. V safe in all traffic, in tractors and emergency service vehicles(!!!). Safe enough for a novice to sit on, but can be very stuffy and marish to ride on the flat at times, so would be best suited to a firm but fair rider with more experence (she doesn't need a beating, just needs reminding to behave sometimes!), she's also a big horse, with big, powerful strides, so needs keeping together. Impeccable to do on the ground (could leave kids with her!) VERY well put together. Probably well enough to show.

horse 2 - 16.1/2hh 14 year old chestnut gelding. Has raced in the past over fences. Very nice boy snaffled mouthed, forwards going, impeccable in traffic but strong in open spaces when in groups (nothing horrific, just can tow a little bit). Not well put together, but will still work nicely, and lives to please his rider. Jumps far better than his canter would suggest he would, will go from a short stride, a long stride or no stride at all!! VERY honest. Well mannered on the ground. Not for a complete novice as is buzzy. Would never take off, but gets joggy when excited and can throw in the excited buck here and there, nothing nasty, but needs someone who can keep his lid on him! Has hunted too.

Rough guide as to what you'd expect to pay.

xmas prezzies

Faberge — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:28:32 GMT

I have no idea what i want for christmas as im saving for my new camera for my business so havent looked around any hints?
Mom wants to know asap

Horsey Christmas Presents

Tally Ho — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 06:44:48 GMT

I'm looking for ideas...

Matt, comparitively new to riding, he seems to have everything he needs but he's so keen on his riding that only full-blown horsey gifts will hit the spot.

Gimme some inspiriation :hehe:

Don't tell anyone but...

Ditsy Mare — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:04:00 GMT

Apache and Bisto are moving to livery.

My yard owner where we keep the girls has been very helpful and is letting me have a stable for a reduced rate for Apache and is letting Bisto return as grass only (depsite refusing another livery a while ago when they wanted grass).

This means that this winter, for the first in two years all our horses will be in one place.

My sister is taking over Bisto when Joe goes back. I have finally managed to scrape together the excess for Bisto's lameness claim and we will start to investigate/ treat his lameness, he was sound this week so I rode him out for 20 minutes at home which he loved. He'll be on a vastly reduced exercise programme and we won't shoe him so as to reduce the concussion, so fingers crossed he can go back to bumbling around the countryside in the manner in which he enjoys. Plus, there's more people around and more to look at at the yard so he hopefully won't be as bored as he has been at home.

Apache will have a stable so he can have his rug off nightly to prevent him getting heat rash and fingers crossed he shouldn't have to get rain scald either. I'll have a school to start working him in and some very sane and sensible horses to start walking him out on roads with... andddd secure storage!!

Keep your fingers crossed for us that nothing else hinders things now. I really hope this can be the start of something good. Plus... no more crazy mud, people walking into my fields, things being stolen, horses being meddled with and using my car as a mobile tack store...

Just gotta hope Apache settles to being stabled now! :satisfied:

Phew!

Stupid one pole :(

Faberge — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 15:17:16 GMT

WOW just home soaking wet from my first ever interschools ( im in my last year :P ) and i couldnt possibly prouder.
We arrived its was lashing and i was terrifed as kilossery is known for putting there fences at least 10cm higher than advertised .
We got on and went up to the arena where he proceded to take off flat out at trot snorting and huge knee action when he settled (after 15mins of troting ) he jump amazing in the arena.
Oh and i got a free lesson off my instructor as she is our team and invidual chef d'equipe.
We went in and it was his first course where we walk on foot not on horse
so he looked around way to much not going forward to fence 4 the he was flying however my rein where very slippy so nearly missed the double. Ciaran the owner had to be pulled away as was standing at the door and we had no sterring.
In the jump off he asked me not to go as fast as we would have No brakes at all.
But we went for it and if i hadnt had the one stupid pole down he would have come second :(
Photo to follow

Drooling...

Bornagainhorsewoman — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 20:30:00 GMT

Just take a look at this boy...

http://www.rosemeadowstud.co.uk/index.php/stallions-at-stud-kent/cleveland-bay-stallion-cholderton-issus/

Do you think he'd make a nice husband for Tehya if I decided to go ahead and get her checked out for suitability, was brave enough, bla bla bla?! I think he is bea-utiful!!

Had a near miss today!

oscarwild — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 19:50:41 GMT

Well this afternoon I went out for a hack and had a great time. But just as I was around 40 paces from the yard entrance I saw a man walking in the field next door. So I kindly shouted out 'there is a man in the field' hoping he would hear us and say something back so Gucci didnt get a scare. As you can tell he never said anything and according to Gucci he appeared from inside the trees on the roadside and she jumped sideways to get a better look. I then out the corner of my eye saw a car coming down the road. And before I knew what was happening the car was heading for us and I began to think it was the end. As the car was around 30 cms away from her legs I turned my head away and closed my eyes waiting for it to hit us. But it never happened. My lovely mare managed to pull the most amazing shape ever and bent her body around the car and cantered off sideways down the road.
I couldnt believe it and took her home. She was mildly lame for a little while but when I went to being her in she seemed better. So hoping she not too stiff in the morning.

Just had to post this as I can hardly believe it and well done to you all that have got this far and wine and chocolates all round.
__________________

Bob's now at a new home

Jersey Girl — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 10:52:30 GMT

The sad day for Bob to go off to his new loan home. I advertised him a few times over here and unfortunately just couldnt find a suitable home to buy loan or lease him locally.

A family from Guernsey had wanted him for a long time but it took a while to get organised. She has three daughters an 8 year old which had a nasty fall last year and is quite a beginner needing to get confidence to ride again. A ten year old that is a more competent rider but still a novice wanting to start pony club. And a 26 year old which is capable and confident rider for Bob too for when he wants a bit more fun or needs a firmer hand occasionally.

I think he will thrive there and have lots of fun he has a lovely varierty a beginner to teach a novice to bring on and have fun at small pony club stuff and an adult to hack and go for a blast with.

He really didnt want to go however i went to get him and he was planting all the way to the trailer which made it harder he knew he was going and azer keeps looking for him which makes it very sad too.

It is only a loan and as Bob didnt have his halo on yesterday to be fair the hunt went by just as they were trying which is enough to excite any horse he was very good really and he showed them what i mean by Being bobbed when i went to hose him off after all the excitement but i did say at least you know what you are truly getting and youve seen him at his absolute worst so all the rest will now be better.

So they have said they will take him on trial and see how it goes. I know he will settle and be good i just hope they take my advise and be very firm with him whilst he's testing the boundaries.

He may be back sooner rather than later or he may be back once the girls are ready to move on to more capable ponies but i do think that will be at least two to three years or they may buy him i've left it open to see how it goes.

But i felt like a put a piece of my heart on the boat yesterday it was extremely sad i questioned if i have done the right thing but its got to be better that hes loved and adored by two little girls than him being stood in a field putting on weight being very bored.

Its only the second time I have had to say good bye to a horse and this one was very different circumstances hed never done me wrong so it was all the more harder plus his friend misses his security blanket too.

Ive arranged for lots of updates pictures and its only an hour on the boat away so i will be visiting him :)

Travelling issues

Bornagainhorsewoman — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 16:48:11 GMT

Another day, another bl**dy problem! Today should have been a very exciting day for me! I rode Missy on the beach! First time I've ever ridden on the beach in my life! It was absolutely lovely but tempered by one problem... about two miles away from the beach Missy made an almighty clatter and disappeared briefly from view in the trailer. She got back up and seemed OK but at the next corner she went down again...and again...and again :( We were literally 200 yards from the car park when we had to stop - I took off her boots (one had slipped slightly during the scuffling but not enough to cause problems) and then ran alongside the trailer to the car park so I could talk to her as she scrabbled (couldn't get her off because of layout of road!) She came off the trailer sound, trotted up OK and rode fine (very perky) BUT reluctant to canter (very unusual although she was very cautious of sticking with her horsey pal and keeping out of puddles!) I think the journey was possibly a bit long for my old girl? It was just over an hour and a quarter (45 miles) and her longest journey to date has been about half an hour (12 miles or so). I hoped with a leg stretch and a calm down she'd be OK on the way home but EVERY left hand bend she struggled with. We crept round them and probably drove all the traffic behind us bonkers.)

Do you think she could have tweaked something in her first slip which caused the return journey problem or that she lost her confidence? (Right hand bends were fine)

I feel rotten that I might have over done it with the travelling for the old girl and possibly caused an injury as a result... :(

Cookies if you've got this far.

Small Update

Ditsy Mare — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 22:28:51 GMT

Hi all.

Been a bit quiet lately so figured i'd update ye all on the Rayfield proceedings.

Well, Bisto moved to our field to winter out with the boys last Sunday. He settled really well, he's a little bored because he likes to people watch and there's very little to look at in his new field (cue bad mum feeling!).

Joe has been a nightmare, he is [b]convinced [/b] that Bisto is a girl and has been parading ever since, to the point where last weekend he broke through our very strong electric fencing to get in with Bisto. I don't know what ensued, thankfully no one was hurt however I've since had to make sure there are at least two fences between Bisto and the boys which is a nightmare.

I had to make the decision that Joe would need to go back to the rescue centre to be rehomed, it's going to be difficult enough to keep Bisto going this winter with all his problems and although Joe is being gelded on Tuesday it's just one less horse to contend with and it means Apache and Bisto can go in the same field. So... Joe will be leaving us toward the end of the month and looking for an adoption home - so if anyone knows someone who is looking for a 13.1hh approx gelding to be backed let me know! ;)

Bisto is still lame. He had the vet on tuesday following a month of rest and he thinks it's likely to be ringbone. He's said i have three options;
1. Investigate now... (another insurance claim and we'll hopefully find what it is)
2. Leave him winter, see if he comes sound of his own accord... if he does, great, if he doesn't, then investigate further.
3. Admit with all his other problems that he's better to be retired, put onto a management programme of painkillers and return him to the rescue centre to live out his days.

Neither of these are great but i'm erring with the 2nd option. I'm going to pay his insurance excess now, give him a few more months to see if he comes sound but be able to then go straight in and investigate when we're ready. He's comfortable and chirpy so this option will give me the best chances to hopefully do what's right for him.

I have however come to the decision that as i'm not allowed to choose to have Bisto put to sleep, that if he won't come sound (and potentially even if he does), then I won't hang on to him.
I love him dearly and wish i could afford to give him a retirement home but with Apache due to start his work next year, his choke issues (which is costing me the earth in hard feed) and with us already having a companion horse in Tehya i just can't afford to keep him. I will hand him back to the rescue centre with the hope that they'll find him a suitable companion home where he can be kept pain free and possibly hacked around the block once a month. He doesn't enjoy being in hard work and i don't think he's physically up to it; hopefully this would suit someone who wants a horse but not necessarily the riding.

This decision really upsets me and i'm still not happy with it but we already have one horse that causes up regular heart ache and i don't want to have to go through all of it again, only to see the horse i love go downhill. We'll have to see what happens i guess.

But yeah - that's where we're at. Apache is Apache, growing, charming, friendly, polite... yeah he's all right - apart from the holes Joe is putting in his neck from being coltish. Little git. :hehe:

unbelievable ,horse in shocking state

stuart — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 11:52:23 GMT

this is a catch up on a topic I posted a month ago.(thoroughbred bought from approved school , a hat rack.) the good news is he is starting to look better and is looking a very nicely bred horse. having said that, he shows no spark. every day I look for something , a sign which suggests he is what it says on the tin A THOROUGHBRED.suggested to owner perhaps get vet to check him out , but she just says he will be ok. another worrying thing is he seems to be quite weak on hind legs, could be down to his poor condition I know.Ihave watched him in the field and he seems to drag those back legs. owner feeding CALM AND CONDITION WITH CHOP .AND HAY. he is very lethargic, and after a month I WOULD HAVE EXPECTED TO SEE A SMALL SIGN OF LIFE.he is not my horse but I am concerned about him. any thoughts on this?

Desperately Needed

sparkle — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 10:20:52 GMT

Dont know if I'm allowed to put this on here, please delete if I cant.

A friend of mine has just been told the land she rents for her horses and her accomodation has been sold and she has until the 1st week December to find somewhere else.

She has 20 horses including, stallions, colts, fillies and broodmares. She is a professional and can provide references, does have a day job as well as all the horses! As much land needed as possible to rent (Cant afford to buy as all their money goes on the horses & bills for renting where they currently are now)

Will consider anywhere, doesnt have to have 20 boxes, just a few will do with as much acreage as possible. Anyone knows of anywhere PM me

can anyone reccomend

stuart — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:36:39 GMT

looking for new horse after sad loss of my old mare nine weeks ago.wondered does anyone one know anything about C AND G EQUINE in Staffordshire,can anyone reccomend them.? they have some smart horses for sale at reasonable prices ,thinking of going to look.

Survey

HurveyBai — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:57:30 GMT

Hey guys,

Don't suppose some of you would mind taking 5 minutes to fill out this questionnaire? It's for my college end project on the Future of the Suffolk Punch.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NC2CNPM

Thanks

Oh and sorry if some of the questions are odd - put it together quickly in a few minute rush!

We are on the move!

natalies9 — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 20:36:17 GMT

Well after a long hard think i have decided to move the boys! even though most of the time i like where i am its just not working for me anymore...the landlady has decided to start being a bit funny for some strange reason and has now stopped me from doing any form of exercise with the boys in the fields ie riding,lungeing,long reining etc.the school next door is £20 a hour to hire and the hacking around me is terrible so i cant find anybody to share the boys where they are at the moment so basically they are stuck in the field doing nothing and i am paying alot of money for nothing! so after a search i have found a place for us all which on the bad side is a good drive from me but the pros out wayed that...

Its on a farm in the middle of nowhere surrounded by miles and miles of off road hacking, they have hundreds of acres to ride around and graze in so never short of grass! there is fields to school in at the moment and they are currently waiting on planning for a large floodlight school so the riding will be brill.. there is only 5 stables 4 of which i take up and then there is a girl moving on with a colt so its still nice and quiet. I have my own paddocks which i will rotate and they will harrow the muck back in once ive moved around so NO poo picking which will be a big help for me!

All this is going to be £20 a week cheaper for me to start with then they are doing a good deal with me on hay and haylage so i will be alot better off... plus i have found 2 sharers once i move who both live very close to the farm so its worked out brillant... i cant wait to move now and get settled and kind of looking forward to winter now!!!

passporting foals

rocco — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 12:36:01 GMT

apologies its been an age since i was here last, but...

help, i can't remember how many letters you are allowed when naming a horse for their passport, i am getting it done thru the vet and pet ID (the defra one)

Kerry

Pre-clip shampoo?

Tally Ho — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 20:07:44 GMT

I've seen some special shampoo for use before clipping and wondered if any of you baths your horses before clipping?

I never have but it was so HOT today that I bathed 2 dirty horses then clipped them when they were dry and they look super smart and shiney. I think i'll be doing this every time I clip if the weather will let me. I didn't buy special pre-clip shampoo though :hehe:

Ive got a guess the vets bill :D

MadamButterfly — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 13:20:40 GMT

Ok so we have a callout, Examination and photo sent to newmarket.....:hehe:

Winter

White Winter Widge — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 13:42:59 GMT

Sat here with a cuppa and the Mountain Horse catalogue, starting to feel quite whistful about winter and then I remember the reality, wet,cold, early mornings. Mud mud mud and more mud and after work riding confined to the school.

How are you prepping for winter?

Magnetic Boots

Ditsy Mare — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 20:32:17 GMT

Has anyone used magnetic boots or leg wraps???

Bisto's lameness appears to not be being caused by a physical problem from anywhere in his body apart from the fetlock down and the chiropractor seems to think it might still be some low level inflammation causing the pain as he's not restricted and it's slowly improving.

I can buy some pastern wraps as she said it's likely to be fetlocks or pasterns causing the problem... or a very deep bruise that has yet to come to the surface...

So... opinions advice recommendations? Anyone got any they'd like to sell? I'm looking around for the best bargains...

Thanks! :)

Update after summer!

oscarwild — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:16:08 GMT

Right as you guys will have read in my last update Gucci had been a little poorly with high liver and muscle enzymes and also had a few allergies.

Since then we have had 2 more sets of bloods done. First lot were ok, most of the enzymes had returned to normal parimeters except for 2. 1 muscle and 1 liver enzyme. Just before she got her last lot of bloods done on Monday she had started to look a little bit better and was hooning around the field on occasion and removed a few shoes. So things were looking good. She got her bloods done and results just back in. The high liver enzyme has now returned to normal parimeters but one of the liver ones that had gone down has now gone back up. So vet is asking them to do more tests on the bloods to see what happening. So altho things are looking good there is still something going on with her.

She is allowed to do a little work to check if she is lethargic and sweating like mad. As this will shed more light on what is causing it. And she has moved fields yesterday to one a fence over. And there is something in there she not agreeing too as her throat swelling has returned in spectacular size. So vet is looking at the autoimmune vaccines for her allergies to see if that helps. And she may also have to go on a short term low doze of steroids to help get her fighting fit again. she cant go on long term as they arent good for the liver which we know has a issue somewhere.

So thought you guys would like to know that it looks like we are finally getting somewhere and we have a plan to help us along now.:thumbs:

Trailer floors

Zychrono — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 14:06:20 GMT

Anyone ever replaced one themselves? I have a IW 510 with the metal floor but noticed it dip last time I was in there. So I got underneath for a nosey & saw that the ply has gone like paper & is completely rotten. So the metal sheet is suspended between the struts & that's it.
I guess we take out the rubber mat then undo the bolts holding down the metal sheet to remove that, then use a good thickness of marine ply before putting the metal back in. But is it simple as that or is it really tricky once you get going?

Need to know what we're in for cos I use it so much - don't want to get stuck without for any length of time.

It makes you appreciate

Jersey Girl — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 13:32:02 GMT

I was at a show today and we had finished our classes loaded our horses and were getting a cup of tea and watching a couple of tests whilst waiting for our scores.

A horse was rearing up in hand. His rider then tried to mount he went up a couple of times and edged backwards whilst doing so I think he tripped over the ramp that was down went over with his rider who was still not in the saddle and crushed her between him and the trailer and went down on her. It was horrific to watch thankfully the horse was okay and the rider though a bit shocked and had a cut on her head was okay.

I was amazed she got on and carried on with her competition much more courage than me. The horse is only a youngster but still it really really made me appreciate that whilst I dont do great at comps he behaves like an angel and looks after his mum.

unbelievable

stuart — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 11:36:53 GMT

i am shocked. a friend of a friend, a complete novice, with 4 years riding experience.3 of these years at a riding school and 1year on a section b aged and quiet enough for a small child, has been sold a thoroughbred 16. 2 9 years.as if this isnt bad enough the horse is in very poor state. unbelievabley sold to her by the riding school she has been learning at.the school has a very good reputation . bhs. abrs approved."what is going on?"apparently they were desperate to sell him and had left him in the field . from the look of him with very little food.you can count every bone in his body.now this unsuspecting lady is busy feeding him up, resting him .i just hate to say it , but i suspect after all the rest and feed, she is going to find she has been saddled with a horse out of her league. did try to tell her , but theres none so blind as those who dont want to see. maybe he will turn out to be the perfect horse , and i hope so for her sake. if not then this school has a lot to answer for.just for the record he has not been vetted, she has taken their word for everything.had he come from some dodgy dealer iwouldnt have been surprised, but an approved riding school, shocked.

Dressage :O

Faberge — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 18:48:09 GMT

Ok i know marble has come so far since i got him but i think i may just be pushing it a bit far i chose to do a dressage test and not just an easy test troting and a little canter test :P i will be so proud if we dont jump out of the arena or over the car :P oh and i dont even have a copy of the test :P so if any one has a copy of Ad Primary Test BD 13 2006 can you pm me it :)

An Update

White Winter Widge — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 18:42:05 GMT

Wow ladies feel like I haven't posted on here for ages so thought I'd pop up a quick update. Been very busy with both the boys lately out enjoying everything we can.

Took Jack to a local show and had a very succesful day, Mr W took to his first ever ridden showing class like a duck to water. He did Middleweight Hunter and I'm not sure whether the lady judges were more smitten with him or Jack! I was a very good groom for them both, assisting in the trot up inspection and retack, and may have shed a little tear when they pulled in first.

Have been to 2 sponsored rides and have another planned next week. First one was a 3mile hack away and a 10mile ride, Charlie got the devil in him and when faced with a hunt fence I let my friend and Mr W go first, I dropped my reins and Charlie was stood very quietly, until all of a sudden he decided he didn't want to wait. Now his manners are far too good to let him bolt off after other horses, so he considered his options and decided a massive rear accompanied by broncing before his feet touched back down was in order! He then sauntered off as if nothing had happened, popped the fence and caught up with the others. Only to plant in the next field and do the same again! Learnt along time ago you can't argue with TB's, let him get on with it and he was a superstar for the rest of the ride.

One last week was again about a 3mile hack away so went with my friend. Did the 12mile ride and they had clear round jumping. So after the ride Charlie still seemed to have plenty of energy, so popped round the clear round - he did a beautiful clear and we hacked home. Such a special man, never feels as old as he is :heart:

At home we've been focussing on teaching Jack to jump a bit better, as he's rather hit and miss and can be a demolition service when faced with coloured poles. 2months of grid work exercises seem to be paying off, he now jumps almost everything he is faced with first time, and Mr W jumped a wopping 1m25 on him in the school! Pretty impressive for both of them. It was his aim to jump the 4ft mark this year!

Hope everyone and the neds are all keeping well, no doubt we will be slowing down shortly as the winter seems to be aproaching all too quickly :(

Cookies if you got this far! x

Reflective flashing stuff!

Bornagainhorsewoman — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 16:16:07 GMT

£4.99 for 4 flashing arm/leg bands in Lidl - came on sale yesterday. Get in there:P - see Mrs BAHW & Missy flashing down the road like a gaudy Xmas Tree...love it!:D

another guess the vets bill!

Indiangel — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 11:03:48 GMT

this is an even better one from my last ;)

3 call outs
3 examinations
1 local anaesthetic/sedation
Re-examination
Pain relief
2 anti-inflammatory injections
3 day prescription of antibiotics

don't think I've forgotten anything....

:cool:

then and now pics

huskyfinn — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 13:54:20 GMT

here's Beanie

and here's Gio

Update on Matt & his riding

Tally Ho — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 06:37:54 GMT

I feel i've neglected this place for a while so do forgive me!

I wanted to bring you all up to date with Matt who decided a few months ago that riding is definately what he wants to do. He said there was something missing from his life and he realised it was on his doorstep all the time!

SO - I got him a big cob (Betsy), very steady but he soon wanted more from her than she could provide so we got Simon back off loan. This didn't work out as Katie took over him so we were offered one on trial for Matt to have for a couple of weeks and take hunting.

He took her to the opening meet and lasted all day. We decided we were probably going to buy her before the end of the trial but the owner went a bit odd and I ended up taking her back straight after hunting which was a disappointment as we hadn't even had the chance to discuss the horse :( After a couple of days of an odd silence, the owner started to negotiate and we finally bought Ria, a 16.2hds ID chestnut mare.

I will post some pics later but I had to tell you how funny Matt is with her. She has the most amazing, cool temperament and he's taken to going out on L O N G hacks on her. It scares me to death. On saturday, he had to work so couldn't come hunting and instead went on one of his hacks. I asked him where he'd been and he said he went to the Sailing Club. I don't know if you can imagine this but it was quite windy here on saturday and NO-ONE goes to the Sailing Club on horse back. I was horrified. I asked him if she was ok and he said "well she kept looking at the flapping sails" :w00t:

He's stopped worrying about his backside now though. When he first started riding he said "what do you do about the pain? If I keep hitting the saddle will my nerves die off or does it not worklike that? Will my pelvis turn to dust?

:laugh: