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News Bulletin - August 2010

News from Cynthia

When you have horses it becomes a journey of learning, and for me, sharing what I've learned. The lessons keep coming and I hope you get something from reading about my recent lesson in horse care.

Murphy’s law says if your horse is going to get sick and desperately need a vet then it will happen out of hours and cost a fortune!
That’s exactly what happened to me when my stallion Finn went down with colic one wet, cold Saturday afternoon.
From this episode I learned a valuable lesson – when your horse is due to be wormed for encysted strongyles, don’t put it off and don’t change your mind half way through your treatment!
Fortunately, Finn survived but the $800 vet bill could have been easily prevented by a $20 wormer – read the full story below in Health News.

Equitana Update
Equitana is the largest Equestrian Expo in the southern hemisphere and runs from from November 18 to 21st. For the first time, I'm presenting two sessions (on different days that will be announced as soon as I know) on 'Transitions to Bitless' so I am honored and looking forward to it. You can read more info on the training and horsemanship educators here.

I'm also pleased that Nelly Jaehne from Firestone Lodge has offered her Gypsy Cob colt, TC and Clydy x Friesian gelding Diego for the presentations.
Nelly and her horses will perform daily so keep an eye out for the schedule on the Equitana website.
Fundraising is also in progress to assist Nelly to purchase a 4wd wheelchair like the one pictured (which was on loan for the day). This will enable Nelly to be more independent in the care of her horses as she is now constantly confined to the wheelchair due to MS.
If you can help with a donation, please email me for details on how to proceed.
I will be donating 3% of all LightRider Bridle sales between now and November which will also help cover the expenses for attending Equitana.

New Article - Leadership with horses
by Cynthia Cooper

Natural Horsemanship has increased our awareness of relationships with horses – the terms partnership, respect, leader, alpha etc have become common but their meaning can be as varied as the meaning we give to those terms in our human relationships.

Good Leadership is recognised as being an essential part of the equation. So what is good leadership? Read the rest of this article here.

Barefoot News

Congratulations to Tracy Dunn from Tieri in Queesnland for being the latest to become an Australian Certified Equine Hoofcare Practitioner by completing the Cert. 3 in Equine Hoofcare run by the Tasmanian Polytechnic.

Here is Tracy's Story:
Learning to trim horses was the furthest thing from my mind only 2 short years ago. But often in life you end up in situations you never expect and those situations challenge your thinking and your way of doing things.
For the sake of my mare, I had to take on the responsibility of caring for her hooves myself. But I had no clue about hooves and living in Central Queensland, I didn’t know of anyone who could help me or teach me about trimming. At least no one who wouldn't just say “you need to put shoes on her”. But why would I want to do that? My mare is retired, I don’t ride her, so what would have been the point?

I'd seen a show where Clinton Anderson talked about hoof care with a barefoot trimmer, Pete Ramey. Keen to learn, I brought Pete’s “Under The Horse” dvd.
I was a little terrified the first few times I trimmed my mare, I was scared I'd make her feet worse or that I'd do it “wrong”! I couldn’t believe it when her feet actually started to improve, I was stoked! The angle of the new hoof growth surprised me!

Although my mare was doing much better, I wanted to learn more about hooves. I soon discovered there was a Diploma course and a Cert 3 course in Natural Hoofcare. I choose to do the Cert 3 course.

The course gave me the opportunity to meet some pretty amazing people! Although I live so far away, I don’t feel as isolated anymore knowing there are others I can turn to for advice if needed.

The mentor part of the course has been great, I've had the opportunity to learn from Jen & Jeremy, Cynthia, Carola Adolf, Ann Batt and Dr Alison McIntosh. I have plans in November to also spend some time with Julie Leitl, Leigh Martin and again with Jen & Jeremy, then hopefully some time with Darrel Clifford.

When I returned from the 2 week block in Tasmania, word spread within our horse club that I was doing the Cert 3 in Natural Hoofcare and pretty soon I found myself trimming all the horses at our club, about 15 in total.

Although I've recently qualified from the course, I still consider myself a student. There is so much to learn and I look forward to continuing with more mentorships and study. I'm heading back down to Tassie in November, via Equitana. I cant wait to catch up with everyone again! Two years ago I never would have imagined I'd be trimming other people's horses!
Its surprising where life can take you sometimes.

The Horse's Hoof Magazine Special Offer:
We've just released a new FREE preview PDF issue, so now you can give all
your friends a chance to take a look inside The Horse's Hoof.

THH Issue #35, Summer 2009 is a free download right at the top of our home
page (3 MB PDF file or ZIP archive file): www.thehorseshoof.com

We also have a subscription sale for the month of August, 2 years for the
price of 1. All subs, printed or PDF version, USA or foreign, Buy 1 year and
get the 2nd year FREE! First and second years can be sent to any address, or
to different addresses. No coupon needed, easy to order right on our site.
Good for everyone - renew your current subscription or buy one for your
friends.

The September Equine Soundness Online Hoof course starts soon.
http://www.equinesoundness.com/September2010Course.htm

30 hours of detailed, live online Power Point Presentations with up-to-date instruction and pictures.

Lynette from Australia writes about the May Course:
"Thanks for holding this course, I feel very privelaged to have this opportunity, it is so wonderful to have the access with this technology given our geographic distance. Looking forward to enjoying your course, I really like your style of presentation and discussion."

Denise from Australia: "Loved it, loved it and then some, what a great course this is, I am so motivated to learn all I can, I realise I have sooo much to learn, you know I even wake up at night thinking about the seminar and trying to piece it all together."

Tami, a professional trimmer: "I'm really enjoying the lectures, and you've clarified several points, and I'm really happy to have another resource for the questions that come up during the workday! "

Free Webinar! Introduction to Equine Soundness.

Let us show you the many options we have to offer in our school.
When: August 26, 2010 11AM or 8PM EDT.
Where: Your computer.
To sign up, please send your e-mail address and your preferred time to:
info@equinesoundness.com or call Claudia on 803-647-1200

"The Functional Hoof" Australian Conference
Tickets available from September 1st through www.trybooking.com
Full conference cost - 4 days with some of the most renowned speakers on hoof care for the first time in Australia in one place - early bird rate paid prior to Dec 15th $900 + GST
Schedule will be available shortly on our website www.thefunctionalhoof.com
Conference dinner tickets and Welcome tickets also available.
Lists of local accommodation and travel agent recommendations will also be available.
Limited to 100 delegates. Interest already received from International delegates. Don't miss out!
Marg Richardson, Rebecca Scott - Australian Equine Education Services

New Quix Shoe – take the quiz to test your hoof and anatomy knowledge. www.quixshoe.com/

Bitless News

From the Academy of Equine Performing Arts principal – Janene Clemence:
The following text is an excerpt from my paper entitled " Bits in the mouths of horses - A Serious Welfare Concern"...it has been delivered to the Welfare councils around the country (Australia) and will be also forwarded to various governing bodies of the horse world. Anyone who is interested in using a copy to forward to their own welfare councils internationally please contact me at
equinearts@bigpond.com

“It must be remembered that the bit sits directly on this nerve (trigeminal nerve). If you show a bit, any bit, to a 'non-horseperson' they are typically quite horrified that you would think to put it in the horses mouth...or any animals mouth. The very first question is often "but doesn't it hurt?" They can see the truth because they have their eyes open and have not been subjected to any indoctrination regarding controlling horses. As a horse-person, we are bombarded every day with the consciousness that says 'we need bits to control the horse'. It is very difficult to extract yourself from that consciousness, but not impossible. Education regarding the anatomy of the mouth, and the anatomy of the horse, soon leads you up a path of truth...the horse will tell you what is and what is not good for his body...what fits and what does not."

If your first reaction to riding your horse without a bit is fear ('oh my god I wouldn't be able to stop him!, or turn him!) then this inevitably means your understanding of your horse is quite low. This may seem harsh, but it is true...it is not a judgement, it is not blaming, it is just an observation. Our main resistance comes not actually in the thought of taking the bit out of the horses mouth and relieving him of further unnecessary pain - it comes from the realisation that we have been doing something that isn't right (and the longer we have been fooled into thinking we were doing the right thing the higher the resistance). And because we do not wish to feel that and all that it means, we resist and say it cannot be so...and the defences come up, the justifications, the excuses, the 'reasons'.
None of us ever meant to cause our horses pain (well...very few anyway), it isn't something we want to do.

It is easy to regroup, and change the way you handle your horse...I don't suggest just taking the bit out and riding bitless immediately, although for some this may be ok...there is a process to go through, there are things your horse will need to understand, and things you will need to understand in order to make the transition safe for both of you. If you really do lose control without a bit, know that your horse never understood truly, what was being asked of him; it was only the pain that dictated to him where and how he had to go. You can change this, you can help him understand...if you are willing to give it a go.
I have said before, it is a choice. You choose either to use pain to control and continue enjoying yourself at the expense of your horse, or, you choose to show your horse another way. A way in which you both can be safe and enjoy your time together.
You Choose.
Although the outcome is not expected to achieve banning the bit (the ramifications of such a radical change would be immeasurable at this stage!), it is hoped to achieve the banning of certain families of bits and certain types...and to move toward the CHOICE not to have to use a bit for those who still wish to compete, in all disciplines and including pony clubs etc.

It's not an easy road, the members of 'the powers that be' are often stoic and afraid of change. Old fashioned ideas abound everywhere not just within the horse world...it is up to us...ALL of us ...to act upon what we know. My suggestion to those who say "I would love to go bitless but I can't compete without a bit/go to pony club/go on that ride'... is DON'T GO!!! In my experience at least half the members across all organisations want the choice...if all of you simply said you weren't turning up to comps/rides/clubs the financial pressure alone would effect a pretty quick change!
All we want is the CHOICE (at least at this stage!!...). it in't a big ask. It isn't even an insurance issue. Its just a choice.
To read more visit the Academy of Equine Performing Arts website.

LightRider Bridle Photo Competition
It's time to get out the camera and take a photo (or have someone else take one) of your horse wearing their LightRider Bitless Bridle or Bitless Noseband.
It can be a full body shot showing your horse in action or a head shot that shows the bridle off nicely.
The winner will receive a Leather or Standard Biothane LightRider Bridle of their choice, and the runners up a Leather or Standard Biothane Bitless Noseband of their choice.

When you email your photos (limit of 3 per entry) - please ensure they are under 1mb each and that you include your full name and your horse's name.
Pictured is the winner of the previous competition.
See more of the previous competition finalists here.

Aussie News

The Report from International Wild Equid Conference is now available on line.

Please sign this petition to stop the sale of horse meat for human consumption in WA.

Product News

The LightRider English and Stockhorse bridles are now made in leather.
Available in black or brown padded leather (pictured) with stainless steel fittings in the English, and brown with brass fittings in the Stockhorse for just $89.
They come in cob, full and warmblood/draft in English and cob or full size in the Stockhorse style.
The English bridles also have a single padded headpiece for extra comfort.
These bridles are made from quality leather with the brown being a nice oily finish while the black has a shiny polished finish.

To celebrate the new store opening, this month's product special is the Deluxe Biothane Bitless Noseband - normally $65, now reduced to $59. They are available in black or dark brown and in Pony to Warmblood sizes.

Bitless Nosebands are now also available in mini size in either black standard biothane or black/brown leather.

Go to the Natural Horse World Store to purchase yours.

More LightRider Bridle Feedback

“The bridle with the nose band I purchased from you I have tried on most of our horses and it leaves the others for dead in regard to comfort & response.” Richard W. NSW who is now using LightRider Bitless bridles on all his trail riding business horses.

Read more on the LightRider Feedback page at www.lightriderbridle.com/testimonials.html

Coolheat Blankets are now on Sale – Reduced from $220 to $170.
Read more about them here or go to direct to the store to get yours.

Nutrition News

The laminitis/founder season is not far off so take advantage of this free E-Book download – Equine Laminitis – Managing Pasture To Reduce The Risk by Kathryn Watts and Prof. Chris Pollitt.

This report explains how environmental conditions can trigger three fold increases in sugar, starch and fructans (Non Structural Carbohydrates - NSC’s) content in pasture plants and hay. Horses and ponies consuming pasture excessively rich in NSC’s can develop laminitis.
Strategies provided to prevent laminitis will help owners of equines so they can make informed decisions about pasture management and to more safely feed animals prone to laminitis or obesity.
https://rirdc.infoservices.com.au/downloads/10-063.pdf

Health News

Colic, Peritonitis and Worms
What do these three conditions have in common? Colic and Peritonitis are serious conditions that require immediate veterinary treatment, and both can be caused by worms!
This is something I discovered recently when my 6yo Arabian stallion Finn, suffered a colic episode that also resulted in hypothermia as he went down on a cold wet day. Thankfully, I went to his paddock again at lunchtime (the boys had been fed at around 9am) to get the float for re-filling with hay, and found him laying down in the rain. When I got closer, I saw he was in a lot of pain so immediately gave him some rescue remedy (always carry some in the car) then raced back home for a warm rug, the Equine Colic Relief (ECR) and the stethoscope.
After administering the ECR I waited the 45 minutes suggested to see if his condition would improve. In that time, I took his heart rate which was up to 48bpm and allowed him to lay down as he was quiet and not wanting to roll. His 3 paddock mates all stood around us looking concerned, with the most senior gelding occasionally trying to chew on Finn to get him up.
When there was no noticeable difference in his pain levels, gut sounds or heart rate after the 45 mins I called the vet who arrived within 30 minutes.

After checking all his vital signs he administered some painkillers and muscle relaxant then did a rectal exam which confirmed an impaction, so Finn was then stomach tubed with Parrafin and Tympanel to help the impaction pass.
I was very proud that he handled his first rectal exam and stomach tube without even a twitch!
Finn then seemed much better (the drugs were working) so I walked him home on the vet’s advice as movement would help the impaction shift, and with his mates following, he strode home and happily tucked into some hay in the barn and yard overnight.
The next morning though he was quite depressed again and not eating and after I’d fed all the others, he was laying down again obviously in pain. Another visit from the vet confirmed a high temperature indicating an infection so he was treated aggressively with antibiotics for peritonitis.
He seemed to improve the next day so was moved to fresh pasture, but by the following day he was down again. This time the vet suggested worming him again (he’d been wormed 10 days prior with Panacur) with Equest Plus for tapeworm as they have been known to cause an impaction colic.
So we did that immediately and gave more painkillers to keep him comfortable.

The next morning he was fine and his manure was already passing a large amount of tiny hair like worms which I believe were small strongyles.
After passing that burden, he made a complete recovery thankfully - many horses get seriously ill or die if not treated correctly.

Finn may be one of the 20% of horses that carry 80% of the worms so it's possible he had a large number of encysted stongyles that upon worming with a single dose of Panacur, emerged to take the place of the cleaned out worm population. This mass emergence would have caused both peritonitis and the impaction colic.

My intention had been to worm him with Panacur for 5 days in a row to kill any encysted strongyles, but I couldn’t get the horses to take it in their feed and dosing four strong and protesting boys with the drench gun every day for 5 days (with limited success on my own – liquid wormers are very easy to spit out), I gave up and decided to just use Equest next time they were due.

And that was my mistake as it had been exactly 12 months since they were wormed with Equest so they were overdue. I’ve since realised I should have been worming twice yearly with Equest for encysted strongyles (Dr Ann Nylands book – Horse & Donkey Worms & Worming ) gives good schedules to follow.

So what are encysted strongyles? They are a 3rd stage larvae of the small strongyle (cyathostomes) that are eaten and go into the lining of the horse’s colon and form a cyst. This is why they are called encysted strongyles and the only chemicals that will kill them are moxidectin with a 90% success rate (in Equest/Quest wormer) and Fenbendazole in Panacur 100 if it’s used for 5 consecutive days at 10ml per 100kg. No other wormer will be able to kill them.
Encysted stronglyes can stay in a horse for years (or as little as 8 weeks) before they develop into 4th stage larvae and enter the colon.

If there’s a huge amount of them, the emerging may kill a horse and I suspect many ‘mystery’ deaths could be attributed to them. If there are less but a lot emerging, the horse may get colic, and/or scour and/or get edema.

So it’s vital to worm your horse at least twice yearly with Equest/Quest or Panacur (if you can get them to take it effectively) to ensure that the emerging encysted strongyles won’t harm your horse.
Also useful to know is that worm counts will not show how infested a horse is with encysted strongyles!
There is a lot more in depth info on this in Ann Nylands book which I highly recommend to every horse owner. To sum it up I quote from the book ‘Research has shown that cyathostomes (small strongyles) have become more and more important as a cause of sickness and death in horses, and today are considered the main reason for worming horses.

If you want to save yourself from a huge vet bill, and your horse from all those injections – don’t put it off! Equest is available (often at discount prices) in many online stores and is sold by most saddlery stores/vets.

EQUINE HERPES VIRUS IN TASMANIA
Equine herpes virus type 1 (EHV1) (abortigenic and neurological strains) - A recent outbreak of EHV1 in Tasmanian homebred mares where over 30% were affected including one death and several abortions, should remind Tasmanian horse owners to be aware of this disease.
EHV1 is generally thought to be uncommon in the Tasmanian horse population although abortion that is highly suspicious of EHV1 is regularly reported in mares introduced from the mainland.
EHV1 can be excreted by previously infected horses when they are stressed eg by transport or entering a new group. Care must be taken to keep introduced horses isolated from pregnant mares on your property. This includes not sharing water troughs, feed bins and other gear and not permitting over-the-fence contact.
EHV1 can be easily spread by contact with aborted foetuses and associated materials so cleaning up after an abortion is a high priority. Vaccination is available as an aid in the control of EHV1 abortion, however vaccine alone will not prevent abortions. Your veterinarian should be consulted as a matter of urgency if you suspect EHV1 infection on your property so a management plan can be initiated as soon as possible to limit losses. EHV1 is a notifiable disease.
See more details about Equine Herpes at : http://www.horsecouncil.org.au/_Upload/Files/Equine%20Herpes.pdf

Web Review

www.ponypros.net/ - at Pony Pros they teach kids and kids at heart to be EQxpressionists - that is one who is focused on the artistic aspects of horsemanship rather than on work or equestrian sport.
They teach kids all about pony training through natural horsemanship and positive reinforcement through their lesson program, camps, clinics, books and dvd's.
Kali Vanagas and Les Freeman have developed a website with loads of info, fun pics and videos - you can even download their book. This talented pair place an emphasis on communication and horse psychology and have a fantastic page of free training resources.
If you are a horse or pony owner, have a look at this website - I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

Readers News & Pics

Eliza sent in this lovely pic of her colt, Echo metting Winston the pig.

Here's Echo a few months older and looking very cute.

Izcalli Fernandez from Spain teaches children natural horsemanship and is an Equine Assisted Therapy practitioner. Have a look at her website for more great pics (you can convert the spanish text to english) and check out this video to see what natural horsemanship in Spain looks like.

If you have a photo or a story you'd like to share please

Events News

Barefoot Workshops Coming Up:
WILD ABOUT HOOVES Workshop - Sunday 10th OCTOBER 2010
Learn to trim workshop - ADULT EDUCATION HOBART ph 03 6233 8693

Bitless Riding Workshop: With Cynthia Cooper at Scottsdale on October 30th. Contact Chris on 63524254 or mobile 0447524252 to book in.

Equitana - Nov. 18-21st, 2010 in Melbourne

Phillipe Karl announced as an Equitana Educator
In 2004, Philippe Karl founded the School of Légéretè in order to pass on his philosophies to committed and qualified riding teachers. The founding principle of the School of Légéretè is the absolute respect of the horse, which Philippe Karl advocates strongly. Philippe will be presenting two educational sessions at EQUITANA Melbourne 2010. These will be exclusively on Saturday and Sunday.

We now have over 280 exhibitors confirmed for the exhibition, exceeding our numbers from the 2008 event. Both the Epsom and Ranvet Pavilions have sold out with very limited space still remaining in the John Deere Pavilion. All 3 Pavilions have been designed to ensure maximum traffic flow to all exhibition booths with Demonstration Arenas featured in each Pavilion along with coffee and snack outlets dotted throughout. Tickets have been selling like hotcakes with the Super Ticket being the best seller by far.

BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT!
www.equitana.com.au 1300 765 929

TTEAM CONNECT CLINIC
Peggy Cummings, Robyn Hood, Mandy Pretty and Trisha Wren are holding a six day TTEAM Connect clinic, Tues 23rd Nov to Sun 28th Nov 2010, at Rokeby (just over one hour east of Melbourne).
There will be 12 riding places (byo horse) and 6 non-riding places(own horse optional), plus auditors are welcome.
Details:
Date: Tues 23 – Sun 28 Nov 2010, (6 days!!) Time: 9.00am to 5.00pm
Venue: 193 Old Telegraph Rd East, Rokeby (put “Crossover” in your GPS), Victoria, Australia 3821
Cost: Rider $850.00, Non-Rider $700
Auditor $75/day for 1 – 2 days, $50/day for 3 – 6 days
An “Early Bird Special” – deduct $50 from rider/non-rider fee if paid in full by 22/9/2010.
Deposit: $400.00 rider/non-rider, Balance: to be paid by 22/10/2010
Agistment: available on property, Catering : available
This is such an incredible opportunity to have FOUR renowned International Instructors presenting together, for SIX days at such a reasonable cost. Each is a qualified TTEAM Practitioner and experienced Connected Riding Instructor.
Every participant will get time with each of the instructors. Auditors will be included in all activities except any horse handling. (eg theory, simulations, horse assessments, questions)
If you have any further questions or would like a registration form please contact me at sue@mckibbin.net or ring 03 5626 8226 and I will be happy to help you.

2011 Courses with Sam and Sascha Watson in Western Australia -from www.horsesandhorsemen.com
January 3 - 12th Challenge 1A, and simultaneously Challenge 2A/3A Mixed Multi-level. Sam will be on 1A, Sascha on the Multi-level.
January 15th - 19th Advancing Liberty This is for anyone who has done one of the First Liberty Courses.
January 25th - 29th Level one liberty course. This is for people who have never done a liberty course with us. The pre-requisite is to have attended a Challenge 1A course - at least - both the rider and the horse.

Parelli 3 * instructor Chris Corbidge
5 day L2/3 course at STQHA Pontville - Jan 22nd-26th 2011
Bookings contact Chris at http://www.chriscorbidge.com.au

"The Functional Hoof" Australian Conference
Feb 2nd - 5th 2011 Werribee Victoria Australia
www.thefunctionalhoof.com

EQUUS LESSONS PRIVATE & GROUP - Schedule 2010:
September 11th
October 8th
November 13th
December 11th

For bookings Ph. Melissa on 0448 399755.

See www.equusequestriancentre.com for more details.

FREE EVENT LISTING
www.naturalequipment.com.au is offering a link on their website for Upcoming Events, it is free for anyone to list their event.
Keep it in a simple format- Date, Type of Event, Instructor, Contact Details.
So if you would like to be included, please just send me through the info, either in an email or as a Word attachment to d.woodl@bigpond.net.au

Classifieds

Black Ansur Petite Chic treeless dressage saddle. Suede seat and knee rolls. Equivillant 17-17 1/2'' treed saddle.
Does not require a special pad and comes with memory foam shims and forelift pad.
A great treeless saddle ,as its not bulky and fits smaller as well as big horses.In excellant condition,minimal use in last few years,stored and covered in the house. $1,800 AU
Ansur saddles are used and recommended by Karen Rohlf. There are not many in Australia. Enquiries 08 83897150. Email awe39770@bigpond.net.au.

FOR SALE: 10yo Thoroughbred Gelding, Bay, 16hh, $3,000.00 to the best of homes only - Located Ivanhoe/Hay NSW
Sad sale of my best mate....only selling as I am starting a young horse, and do not have the time or money to keep both. Bubba raced very lightly, finished in Feb 07, and then has been my hack around. Self loads on float, great to trim/shoe, wash, worm etc...Would suit someone wanting a sensible horse to take to ARC/eventing/SJ etc… and take him through the ranks. A quiet sensible horse with no nastiness, but still has some spark in him. Feel free to contact Renee or Andrew for further information on 0269954843 or 0429977594 or megattakelpies@hotmail.com

The EQUUS SHOP is now only ON-LINE.
Anybody wanting to view items or sell items may do so via appointment only.
ON-LINE SHOP is always being updated so pop the following link on your favourites and visit us regularly
www.equusequestriancentre.com/Shop.html

Classified Adds are free if you send them in the body of an email and if you have a photo it must be under 200kb in size. Please submit them before the 10th of each month for publication.

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News Bulletin - July 2010

News from Cynthia

The past month has been a very sad time with the sudden passing of friend and talented horsewoman, Joylene Dudink on June 20th.
Joylene featured in the last two newsletters, at Agfest with my bitless bridle demos and competing at the Masters Games event riding bitless.

I'm not sure if what I'm about to say is the 'right' thing' - but I'm sure Joylene would approve; For reasons unknown, Joylene took her own life and while suicide is something most people don't like to talk about, its part of life and death and one of the processes to move on.
It's harder for those left behind of course, and also a reminder that with our busy lives, we need to take more time for friends - to just call and say hi, and let them know we love them.

So let go of your grudge about them not contacting you enough and just do it - a phone call, an email, a visit - whatever you can manage is letting them know you care - we all need that. I read somewhere that people who get lots of hugs every day thrive and it takes at least 2 hugs per day to survive.

If you would like to leave a message for Joylene, please go to her website
www.freewebs.com/anawa


Vale – Joylene Dudink (Jan 1979 - June 2010)
pictured here with her beloved Molly dog and Anawa Mahushka, her equine soul mare of 17 years.

Joylene you were one of a kind.
Your enthusiasm for life and horses knew no boundaries.
You lived a lifetime in a short time.
You showed others a great example of uniqueness, of one with horses, a caring and sharing soul.
You gave so many people a chance to experience great horses with Anawa siring so many versatile, tractable and unique characters.
You weren’t afraid to stand up for your beliefs but didn’t push them onto others.
You supported and encouraged many young riders who looked up to you.
Your love of horses and animals was seen in all those you took in, cared for and mothered.
You had an intuitive sense with animals – they trusted you and in return gave you so much joy.
You won so many awards and accolades with horses that you surpassed the need to do so any more.
And then what? Maybe that’s why you left your physical body – because you had nothing more to prove – for you always sought to achieve and be the best at whatever you did.
The world of horses will be poorer for your absence, but you will never be forgotten – there are too many memories, too many photos, too many friends to ever forget such an energetic soul.
Rest in Peace my friend.

CELEBRATION INVITATION
Joylene's friends are invited to attend a celebration of life to be held at the Westbury Showground Pavillion on SAT 31st of July at 6.30-7pm
T his will be an evening of video/pics of Joylene's life.
Please bring a platter/nibble's to share - tea /coffee will be supplied.
If you need directions please call Berris on 63 931820.

NEW NATURAL HORSE WORLD STORE.
For the past couple of months now, I've been researching shopping cart programs and testing out a couple of the best. Finally, the building and testing (thanks to those who offered to do that) the new Natural Horse World Store is complete and ready for opening.
There will be some on-going tweaking and I'd love to have your feedback if you find areas that can be improved.
The new store has so many features such as the ability to shop in your own currency, product comparisons, photos that enlarge when you mouse over or click on them, clear shipping rates (real time quotes and choices for Australian customers) and a great search function with drop down results menu.

I am proud to offer a better shopping experience so if you'd like to experience the new store go to NaturalHorseWorldStore.com

Why I’m not on Twitter and Facebook yet.
I’ve been asked, and had it suggested that I could be more up to date with social media, and yes, maybe that’s something I will do in the future.
But right now, I have so much work on the computer to do, that I don’t want or need the distraction – heck I have a hard enough time remembering to update my blog!
Besides not being into gossip, I also tend to save my news for this monthly newsletter – a bit ‘old fashioned’ but still very much looked forward to by the thousands of subscribers.
Besides, less time on the computer means more time out with the horses!

New Article - How I Educate My Horses
by Cynthia Cooper

Over the many years of being a student of the horse, pony club, Parelli, horse psychology, clicker training and many other great horsemen and women, I have learned a lot. In fact I’m a ‘learn-a-holic’!
Learning is something I will continue to do until the day I die!

When it comes to educating my own horses, I now use many techniques and tools that are evolving as I find out what they are most effective for.
I call this my ‘toolbox’ because I can choose whatever the horse or situation needs at the time.
Every horse is an individual, and can change from moment to moment so having a range of experiences and ‘tools’ to draw upon is extremely valuable.

Here is what you will find in my ‘toolbox’: Click here to read the rest.

Barefoot News

Congratulations to Helen Vagg from Exton, Tasmania - now an Austalian Certified Equine Hoofcare Practitioner after completing the Polytechnic Certificate 3 in Equine Hoofcare.

Barefoot Events coming up:


AUSTRALIAN DESERT BRUMBY TOUR 2011 27th - 30th of May
Tour fee of $900 includes accommodation pickup/drop off, all meals, swags, 4WD transport, knowledgeable fun guides, access to aboriginal land. Book early to secure your seat. Places for the 2011 adventure are filling fast.
Book with Jen on 0408838198 for up close encounters with brumbies.


Barefoot Workshops Coming Up:

WILD ABOUT HOOVES Workshop - Sunday 10th OCTOBER 2010
Learn to trim workshop - ADULT EDUCATION HOBART ph 03 6233 8693

WILD ABOUT HOOVES Workshop - Sunday 15th of August 2010
Learn to trim workshop - SOUTH AUSTRALIA contact Pauline Williams Ph. 0407 863 575.

www.equinesoundness.com has a Powerpoint presentation explaining the new online September Course.

"The Functional Hoof" Australian Conference
Feb 2nd - 5th 2011 Werribee Victoria Australia


An Invitation to all Equine enthusiasts to participate in Australia's first professional scientific conference aimed for Veterinarians, trimmers, farriers, horse industry and owners.
Expressions of interest invited for sponsorship for this exciting 4 day conference featuring proposed International and Australian speakers such as:
> Professor Bob Bowker - Michigan State University
> Dr. Alison Macintosh - Qld Australia
> Dr. Debra Taylor – Laminitis studies - Auburn University, Alabama
> Dr. Simon Collins - Orthopaedic imaging, Animal Health Trust & Loughborough University, UK
> Todd Jaynes - Hoof Care Educator USA
> Carol Layton - Nutritionist NSW Australia
> Karen Chaton - Endurance Champion USA who has ridden thousands of kms on booted horses
> Duncan McLaughlan – Thermo Imaging - NSW Australia
> Brian Hampson - Brumby Research PhD
> Garrett Ford - Owner and President Easycare Inc USA

www.thefunctionalhoof.com
Thank you to Carol Layton of Balanced Equine Nutrition for her time to develop this site - stay tuned for more updates over the next few months and registration forms out soon.

Bitless News

LightRider Bitless Bridles now in leather
They are on their way - the new English style bridles have a padded single headpiece like the Stockhorse style, also available in black and brown leather (pictured).
Available soon from the new Natural Horse World Store.

New Listing on the
Bitless Riding Info page

Sietske Nobel in Bridgetown, Western Australia is another instructor promoting Bitless Bridles by holding Bitless Riding Workshops. Check out her website for more details or Phone 08 9761 9210 Mobile 0429 139655. www.naturalhorses.com.au

Claudia Garner from the USA sent this pic of her mini that she drives Bitless and without 'Blinders' in response to last month's article on Driving Bitless.

What a cutie!

PROFILES WANTED – each month I’d like to include a profile of a club or instructor who promotes bitless riding so please send me a few paragraphs and a photo or two if you’d like to be featured.

World News

Emergency Equine Assistance

Free to join, EEA is a network of equestrian people who are prepared to “come to the rescue” for other members who are stranded with their horses on the roadside or away from home.

Equestrian people have not (until now) had free road-side or call-out assistance for equine-related emergencies. Members can seek help from other members to have their horses taken home or to a safe place overnight. Additionally, members may seek help from others for a range of other issues.

EXAMPLES: alternative horse transport (eg, if members breakdown on the roadside), overnight accommodation for horses if home is too far away, help with horses if the member is injured at a show – check the website for more examples. http://sites.google.com/site/eeaworld/

The criteria for free membership is any person (or company) who provides any type of call out assistance for people travelling with horses. Companies will charge their usual fees.

The website also has a list of useful information, such as a CPR chart, horse vital signs and first aid information, plus links Traffic and Road Conditions, Weather, and an exhaustive Travel Check List.

Membership is easy – people can join by completing a brief registration form. Each month, an updated contact list of members will be distributed to other EEA members. The Phone List only contains the member’s first name, mobile number and area plus other comments about the help they can provide.

Canada has its first Bill to ban horse slaughter!

A big thank you to NDP MP Alex Atamanenko and horse supporters everywhere for this huge, historical step toward banning horse slaughter in Canada.
Bill C-544, "An Act to amend the Health of Animals Act and the Meat Inspection Act (slaughter of horses for human consumption)", was tabled on June 16, 2010 by MP Alex Atamanenko.

On June 16, 2010, a Private Member's Bill to ban the slaughter of horses for human consumption was tabled in Canadian Parliament by MP Alex Atamanenko (NDP Agriculture Critic). The basis of the bill is the fact that horses are not food-producing animals and many are treated with drugs that are prohibited from entering the human food chain.

This bill is a huge step forward in the movement to abolish a cruel, archaic and unnecessary industry, and we applaud Mr. Atamanenko for his monumental initiative.

What can horse advocates do to ensure that this bill becomes law?

There is a process involved: All Private Member's bills must be debated and pass three readings. In order to move forward, a vote must take place and a bill must have the support of the majority of Members of Parliament.
For more information on this process please click on the link below:
http://www.defendhorsescanada.org/pdf/leg_proc_canada.pdf.

Product News

Barefoot Treeless Saddle News
The Barefoot Cherokee will get some of the same lovely features that were introduced with the Lexington (Barefoot Dressage) saddle last year:

  • - a clever V - girthing system
  • - an adjustable Velcro stirrup attachment
  • - an air pump system for the kneepad

Natalie says it will be available with the new features from early July. I still have a fair few Cherokee’s in stock without the new features, these will be on sale @ 10 % discount from today until sold out. The Cherokee with the new features will retail @ $1200 meaning there is no increase in price.


I now have the new xxl pommel inserts, these are semi flexible. They fit all the Barefoot models except those with horn. They create a lot more lateral stability on the very round equines than the soft insert. The soft insert is most useful for rehab purposes and for horses with asymmetrical shoulders.
We have a new western saddle, the Barefoot ‘Arizona Nut’ which is a hybrid between the Arizona and the expensive Missoula, it will retail with fenders and nice! oxbow stirrups for $1750, available in size 1 and 2 but is a ‘special order’, meaning I need a firm order/deposit to bring them into the country for the individual customer.

Go to www.horse-connection.com.au

Book Review
Clicker Training: Colt Starting the Natural Horse by Leslie Pavlich

“After over 20 years of training experience with horses I discovered Clicker Training" says Leslie who explains;

"Clicker Training is a new type of training that allows you to use Positive Reinforcement to its fullest. I was able to do things with horses that I had never dreamed of before. I want to share with you what I have found. This book is the result of over 4 years working with 50 different horses using Clicker Training as my main training tool.
This book is a step by step guide for taking a horse that has never been touched to the beginning of riding combining Clicker Training and Natural Training techniques. If you have a young colt, one of the wild ones, or just want to retrain Old Faithful this book can do that for you.
Join me in this new journey of discovery and you too can have a new outlook for your horse.”

On the website you can see the entire chapter and contents list, plus read the Introduction, Chapter 1 – Understanding Clicker Training, Chapter 4 – Getting to Know your Horse and Chapter 10 – Feet handling.
Leslie’s website also has a quite a few free training videos that show clicker training with an un-touched horse and various other fun things you can teach your horse. www.clickhorse.info/Freevideo.htm

But best of all, she offer online clicker training courses and private lessons so if you’d like to get started and need some help, these courses can be done from anywhere in the world.
There are also some Teleseminar recordings with Leslie on the site so lots of opportunities to see and hear how educating with positive reinforcement can help you and your horse have a better relationship.

To buy this book or see Leslie's website go to www.clickhorse.info/Book.htm

Readers News

Kaya Femmerling reports: I am just managing to 'arrive' back in civilisation, after I spent a few days with Jen & Jeremy out in the desert, as part of the filming for our documentary on Natural Hooves which I am co-producing...
We had the most amazing time out there, and it is definitely a place I want to go back to , and would love to move out there with my horses... because it is DRY !!!!!


This photo shows a moment of absolute 'time-standstill'... these brumbies CAME TO ME !!!! About 5 m close they came to me in the end, and I could feel their breath over my head....

This absolutely gorgeous little guy named Lars was a suprise package from Lily the donkey who featured in last month's article on Donkey Hooves.

Lily and Lars - pics by their owner, Leonie in Victoria.

True motherly love!

If you have a photo or any news about your horses you would like to share

 

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Disclaimer: The information contained within this website is soley the expressed views and opinions of the author, unless otherwise stated, and the author accepts no responsability for the way this information is used by viewers. The information is provided to help PREVENT problems, not to replace veterinary advice.

Contact:

Cynthia Cooper -
Natural Horse World

46 Wattle Lea Lane, Golden Valley. Tasmania, 7304. Australia.

Ph. 0419 372279

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