"Helping
People Know Horses"
Mum watches over her family as they enjoy a sleep in the sun.
News from Cynthia
It’s sunscreen time again! (well for the southern hemisphere anyway).
While the grass is growing rapidly along with other weeds, they cause more photosensitivity so the white on pink skin can become more easily sunburned. To avoid those painful scabs that result, use 'Filtabac' - a zinc based animals sunsceen and wound care product available from your saddlery store or vet.
All my horses look forward to having their noses sunscreened every second day because after standing nicely for it, they get a little treat.
Soaking hay and speedibeet solutions - Another spring ritual for horses who get overweight quickly and are affected by the grass (itchy skin, mud fever, laminitis) is to soak out the sugars in their hay and beet pulp.
I found it easiest to dump the soaking Speedibeet onto a big metre square sheet of shade cloth then gather up the four corners to do the 'speedibeet stomp' - squashing the water out with your feet is much easier than wringing it with your hands.
A friend of mine has taken it to another level for her laminitic horse - she puts the speedibeet in a shade cloth bag then into an old washing machine and along with the hay, spins it dry until no more liquid comes out.
A great solution for those who have power at their feed shed.
The other important tool I'm using at this time of year are tracks around each pasture. They are not only useful for reducing the intake of all that lush grass, but for weaning and introducing new herd members.
My yearling filly is gradually getting used to mum being on the track all day, and joins her in the evening, as even the youngsters are stacking on too much weight with all the growth we're having this year.
I also used the track to introduce 'Uncle Lucky' - an older gelding to the youngsters, as he required the same level of feed and will hopefully teach the 2 year old gelding some manners (he thinks he owns the place!).
By keeping Lucky on the track first for a couple of days, he was able to meet the babies while disconnecting gradually from the herd of girls he was with next door.
By making gradual changes to a horse's living situation, the stress on them is reduced and that's got to be better for them overall. While I'd rather keep horses in stable groups for their friendships to continue, sometimes its not possible due to different feed requirements.Inspirational videos
Karen Murdock has a rescued off-the-track thoroughbred Lukas, who has been in the news globally for the last month. He performs high school liberty; tricks; spelling; counting; identifying shapes; discriminating colors and much more to benefit Canter (I do not have a business). He has been on NBC; CBS; ABC; CNN; HLN and Equisearch and is listed both on Yahoo and Google as The World's Smartest Horse. I hope you enjoy the videos on his web-site
Well another year has almost finished as we prepare for Christmas and the holidays.
Thanks to everyone who has supported this website by purchasing products and passing on information to people in need.
I love hearing of your successes with the products I sell, making it all worthwhile to sit for hours at my computer generating these newsletters. It is very satisfying knowing that I make a difference to the lives of horses and their people worldwide.
I wish you all the very best of times with your family and friends, and hope you include your animal friends too.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Cynthia.
by Cynthia Cooper
It can turn in to a frustrating if not dangerous situation, especially if you’re out on the trail and lose control when you head for home.
Some horses display mild issues such as jigging, reefing on the bridle/ head tossing, or just speed up their pace, while others can buck or rear when held back.
All they are trying to tell you is they would rather be back home with their friends, especially their best buddy. Continue reading here....
Barefoot Bits & PiecesAn idea for padding pony hooves
With founder in ponies being a real problem at this time of year, especially now we’ve had so much rain and spring growth, there will be many sore ponies out there needing some help to be comfortable so they can keep moving.
I recently had to help pad a little Shetland pony who could hardly put one foot in front of the other without a huge effort. We couldn’t find any boots small enough for her either.
Her owner wasn’t experienced with taping on pads and had no materials so I came up with a quick and easy solution that could be re-used.
A pair of rubber sandals can be cut down (mine were ladies size 9) so the back strap fits around the back of the heels and the front strap Velcro fastens around the top of the hoof.
The thick hard rubber of these $10 sandals lasted longer than the straps, and to keep it all in place properly, I duct taped it to the hoof (avoiding contact with the hair).
The pony was much more mobile with her new ‘pony pads’ and once her diet was changed to soaked hay and Speedibeet with minerals, and grass intake restricted by putting a track around her small pasture, she was on the road to recovery.
Polytechnic Hoof Care Course – some spaces still available: If you'd like to learn more about hoofcare and horse care, this certificate 3 course provides a great foundation. Whether you want to trim your own horses or become an Equine Hoof Care professional, the course will get you started with the intensive 2 week block - live and breathe horses and hooves in March 2010 with up to 20 like minded students of all ages.
Email Nat Layton on nat.layton@polytechnic.tas.edu.au for more details and an application form.Bitless Bridle News
Less than 2 weeks to get your entries in for the Bitless Photo competition to win a LightRider Bitless Noseband.
Now is a great time to photograph your horse in a bitless bridle.
Send me a photo of your horse wearing any style of Bitless Bridle to win a new LightRider Bitless Noseband.
Prizes for the 'Best Head shot' and 'Best Action shot' will be awarded in December.
your photo which must be under 200kb please (small - medium) by December 13th.
Bitless in Dutch dressage competition.
After many requests, the KNHS (Royal Dutch Equestrian Federation) which has around 203,000 members in all affiliated equestrian sports, held a pilot dressage competition where a range of bitless bridles were used in classes from Prelim. to Medium.
There were no restrictions on the types of bridles as the point was to see which bridles were the most ‘horse friendly’.
The classes were judged by five listed judges and marked according to the usual guidelines. All the riders were also interviewed to get their feedback.
Points made included the need for alternative wording in the collectives as contact and submission would differ from the norm, and fitting of some of the bridles needed attention.
Once conclusion was that those bridles with potentially excessive influence on the horse’s nose, and usually used with loose contact such as hackamores and western bridles, would not be permitted.
The most favoured bridle seemed to be the ‘sidepulls’ (not rope/cord).
The committee, including a veterinary surgeon, experts on bitless riding, instructors, and judges will discuss and evaluate the outcome of the competition using a video of the event and the judges comments.
Agreements need to be reached about the type of bitless bridle permitted, and adjustments to the judges’ sheet.
Holland, like most, if not all countries, does not permit bitless bridles in dressage competition, but I’m sure everyone keenly awaits the outcome of this Dutch initiative to at least investigate the situation.Feedback on the New Bitless Nosebands
“New Noseband arrived safely. It is FANTASTIC!
Here is Ali in his "old" bridle with "new" noseband.
Works brilliantly, Very easy to change the bridle.
Will be purchasing another of the Nosebands soon to use other good bridles I have. Thank you so much for developing this. You are wonderful! :)
Happy Riding.” from Nan C. Tasmania
(& her horses too)
" I really love the bitless noseband. It fitted easily and well on my existing bridle and with the clips I ordered as well I could attach my soft leather reins.
My instructor, who teaches classical riding (NO pulling the head of the horse behind the vertical etc ...!! ) also thinks it is great.A long standing bad and hard to beat habit of mine was to act with the inside rein slightly downwards and backwards - so I tried bitless riding (inspired after a clinic with Carlos Tabernanerri ) to get away from riding too much with reins and more with the seat and legs.
Why should my poor horse Bondi suffer pain in the mouth, when I can't even give the rein aids correctly.
Now with your bitless bridle, I am learning to act forward, upward, sideways with the inside rein to get the bend and really use my outside aids to initiate the turn (my instructor had been trying to get me to do this with the bit, but somehow I just did not get it), I can turn now effortlessly and all the fighting is gone. Bondi happily turns saying " O.K. that’s what you want - no problem " I am learning to turn the whole horse and not just pull on the inside rein.
Riding bitless seems much more clear to me and to the horse and has helped me enormously to really understand the right aids.
Also rein back works much better and my horse follows my request with much more softness.My horse also does not cough any more when we first go into trot and most amazingly he does not have to poo at the beginning of the ride, which he did every single time, when ridden with the bit. It seems like the bit got his digestive progress going, just that there was nothing to digest!What I really like about bitless riding is that poll flexion cannot be forced (maybe unless one really pulled on the reins hard !? ) and that the horse’s head positions naturally from the poll as here with Bondi going long, low and relaxed while I am concentrating on my seat. It is like a whole new world has opened up to me! Thanks so much again for the nose band.” Eva T. Vic.
Book Review - Hoof Prints more stories from Proud Spirit by Melanie Sue Bowles
If you want some holiday reading that warms your heart and emotions then this is the book.
Melanie Sue Bowles along with her husband, Jim, is the founder of Proud Spirit Horse Sanctuary, now located in Mena, Arkasas. It is one of the longest exisiting, privately run sanctuaries for horses in the USA. Over 150 abused, neglected, elderly and unwanted horses have come there to live out their lives in peace and safety.
Melanie's fist book 'The Horses of Proud Spirit', introduced readers to the early herd members and the stories of how they came to be with her.
This book continues to tell heart warming and heart breaking stories as more new horses find their way to Proud Spirit, so many in fact that a move to a larger property was required.
I loved reading about all the individual characters and how they taught Melanie more about horse relationships than most of us would ever realise horses are capable of.
You can purchase her books from www.horsesofproudspirit.com knowing that the proceeds help this self funded sanctuary to keep providing a wonderful natural herd based life for many horses in need.
Nutrition News
Nutrition isn’t something we usually give much thought until we become ill or more aware of our values (becoming vegetarian/vegan for ethical reasons fro example).
For me, learning about nutrition has many parallels between humans and horses.
One is Equine Insulin Resistance and Human Diabetes. The only difference being that too much sugar and starch cause Equine Insulin Resistance, while too much fat and animal protein are the cause of type 2 Diabetes (along with all the other major western diseases like many cancers, heart disease, stroke, etc.).
If you’re interested in knowing more about how what you eat causes these top killers of people in developed countries, read ‘The China Study’ by Colin T. Campbell M.D., and then 'Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease' by Caldwell B. Esselstyn Jr. M.D. - both fantastic enlightening books.
I was recently diagnosed with Coeliac disease (gluten intolerance) which explains the past few years of feeling from ‘not quite right’ to very ill.
I know how it feels to be nutrient deficient causing a lack of energy and many other non life threatening but debilitating symptoms I won’t go into!
It has helped me realise how our horses feel when their nutrition isn’t providing what they really need – lethargic, jumpy, easily tired and sick.
If you are riding or breeding your horse and especially if you’re competing, then its so important to be aware of nutrition and a balanced diet if you want to avoid all sorts of issues and probably expensive vet bills.
I know I'm harping on this topic a bit, but I keep being asked "what's wrong with my horse...?' and often it is revealed that a lack of minerals or the diet being out of balance is the cause of the issue.
I'm finding so many behavioural and physical problems are related to diet that it has become the first place to look for answers.
So do yourself and your horses a favour this new year - consult an Equine Nutritionist to balance their diet. The small expense (not much more than a couple of bags of feed) will save you so much money and heartache in the long run and your horse will be a lot healthier for it too.
Continuing on from last month's nutrition info here is more good info on salt at www.balancedequine.com.au
Product News
The Natural Horse World shop will be open and posting out orders for pre-xmas delivery (within Australia) up to the 18th of December. All orders after this date will be posted after Xmas.
International purchases will need to be made prior to the 8th of December to have any chance of reaching you before Xmas (and even then we won’t be able to promise that it will – it all depends on the post system)!Xmas Specials in the Shop:
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Horse Playgrounds DVD was $37.95 now $29.95
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Coolheat blanket – was $245 - now $220 See a video of the Coolheat here
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Dry Seat Saddle Pad was $89 – now $75
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LightRider Bitless Bridles – Standard English (brass) – was $90 – now $79
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LightRider Bitless Noseband – Special Intro price of $59
Cute Foals
Fenne (on the right) and Marco below are both at the Wallbrook Friesian Stud - photos by Nadeen who says "This little man is maturing into a lovely boy.
He calls to you all the time and runs to you for scratches.
If you know anyone looking for a nice future riding horse, he is for sale."
Wallbrook
Zues is also for sale as is Wallbrook Linkin below. Ph. Nadeen or Lee
on (03) 64 257287.
Playful horses mirroring each other - Kylie's Jack and Fanta have fun.
Thank You Ole Girl
My dear old mare "Amba" (Missy Gold) and very first horse, was laid to rest a few months back in September at a ripe old age of 36 years.“Amba” was my first horse and we joined when she was only 17 months old – we had been together for nearly 35 years.
Both babies and battling through the hardships of being an inexperienced horse family – learning by the many mistakes, going to pony club, camps, doing the local shows and school events.I lived for my horse as a young girl growing up, confiding in her, giving her the very best I possibly could – I slept, ate and breathed for my horse.
It wasn’t until I was introduced to Natural Horsemanship by Cynthia back in 1994, that our relationship really blossomed and so thankful I took on this path, not only for my education, but for my dear old mare, to finally, after all those years, perceive me as a partner and for making up for all the mistakes I had put her through – if only I knew then what I know now.Amba was turned out at the age of 30 years on a beautiful acerage (just the spot Id like to go if I were a horse) – she had done her time with me and it was her time to just be a horse – I owed this to her - being together in a herd and to grow old gracefully.Which she did – she reached 36 years of age and still was still in good health until she dislocated her hip through a fall or kick.
She is buried in our play ground under one of the big gum trees, watching down over me playing with the other horses and whispering to me everyday
… “listen to the horses”.Its not until they have gone, we experience that other sense they have been trying for us to hear and see.
My old mare is now taking me on a new journey with my horsemanship and it is her that I thank for being my forgiving and loyal teacher – if it wasnt for her, the mistakes I made with her, I wouldn’t be where I am today.RIP ole girl, always in my heart and never forgotton. Mel@EQUUS
World News
Launch of the Insulin Resistance & Cushings website
An Equine Support and Research Group is Celebrating their Ten Year History and 8000+ Members by launching a new web site featuring many Success Stories.
Health, longevity and quality of life for horses is an ever increasing concern among owners, and public awareness of equine metabolic syndromes and diseases is on the rise.
An all volunteer, non-profit group supporting horses and their owners, the Equine Cushing’s and Insulin Resistance Group is a beacon on the internet to assist horse owners who may have horses with these seemingly common diseases.
For more information about PPID/Equine Cushing’s and Insulin Resistance on the web go to www.ecirhorse.com
Events News
THRRO & Vaulting Tas. Demo Fundraiser - Saturday the 5th of December – you’re invited to a joint fundraiser that Vaulting Tasmania Inc and Tasmanian Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation Organisation-North are organising. We hope that you can attend this demonstration and learn about equestrain vaulting and maybe even have a go if you would like. Its lots of fun. And you will also have the opportunity to meet one of THRRO's rescue horses Abby and find out more on what THRRO is all about.
Its on at 141 Vinegar Hill Road, Sheffield Tas 7306 from 2pm for $12 per person. For more info Ph. Scott on 0418566059 or Ruth on 0417699308.
Christmas Playday - Invitation to all the former, current & future Parelli people out there.
The Savvy Soakers Parelli Play Group are having a Xmas Play Day weekend.
Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th December
Saturday Play Day, Camp Over with BBQ, Sunday Trail Ride to Huntsman Lake. BYO for you & your horse.
Venue: Paul & Karen Lockwood's, 73 Wiiteena Road, Jackeys Marsh.
For more info contact Karen or Paul, email pklocky@activ8.net.au or ph. 63 695260
Farm Yard Feeds in conjunction with Del Rio Equestrian Centre are proud to preset the:
North West Equine Auction & Expo - December 12th 2009
At Del Rio Equestrian Centre, 900 Myalla Rd Milabena. - Doors open 2pm
Viewing of horses between 4-6pm, - Auction beginning at 7pm.
12 + Horses confirmed for auction, including-Registered Appaloosa’s, pony club mounts, kids ponies, Stock Horse Gelding, Arabian yearling, Quarter Horse Gelding, Arab Mare and more.. Late entries still welcome.
Hot Food and Beverages available - Demonstration’s throughout the day including;
Gene and Kylie Hutcheon from “Bare it All Hoof Care” Demonstrating boot fitting.
Amanda Blake from THRRO, speaking about horse health, welfare and management.
Cynthia Cooper from Natural Horse World demonstrating ‘How to Transition to Bitless Riding”.
Business Stalls - Groups/Associations Stalls, 2nd hand tack and equipment. Plus more!
Trade stalls available on the day. Second hand tack and equipment Stalls
Business/clubs/Associations are still welcome to register their interest
All registration proceeds will go to THRRO North
For more info, or to obtain a PDF file catalogue, please contact Melissa at
www.farmyardfeeds.com PH: 0417306407
Confidence/Competence Camp (level 2 and 3) with Chris Corbidge Parelli Professional
Tasmania- Pontville 5 days - January 16th – 20th, 2010
$875.00 for 5 days. Bookings phone Christine Corbidge 0419 319 510
Email: chriscorbidge@bigpond.comChris Corbidge is willing to come up North again this year if we can get enough interest.
She has set dates for the 12th and 13th of January (to work in before she heads south for the Pontville camp).
Paul and Karen Lockwood have kindly offered to host this clinic at their property at Jackys Marsh in the beautiful Meander Valley.
The course will be a level 3 Competence course...so if you are studying level 3 Parelli or well advanced into level 2 then this course will suit you. Cost of course is $395 for savvy club members. Deposit of $100 required to secure a spot. For more details go to www.chriscorbidge
If interested in attending please email Belinda Park for more details on belparks@yahoo.com.au .
The Equine Touch 3-day courses
Learn unique, gentle bodywork for your horse
Where: Near Hobart, Tasmania
When: 20-22 March, 2010 Level 1
26-28 March, 2010 Level 2
For Bookings contact: Judy Ph: 6260 4041
Janis Hobbs - Instructor & Practitioner Mob: 0409 403 144
Email: equinetouch@hotkey.net.au
Other dates & venues can be arranged for future courses. Contact Janis to discuss. www.theequinetouch.com
Helping horses by educating humans
Zen Connection with Horses – the 12 day Super clinic
March and October 2010I was supposed to write you an article about what you can do to get the best out of a clinic, but I found that I didn’t know how my preferences and theories were going to fit in with other teachers and clinicians.So here is how you get the best out of a clinic with me.
You work in a gentle, relaxed, supportive environment, with consideration as to the way that you, yourself, learn – so that there is no going backwards when you get home.You and your horse work at your own pace – which funnily enough seems to mean accelerated learning when there is no pressure on you or your horse to perform.
You learn as close as possible to your comfort zone, so the experience is enjoyable for both you and your horse.Now about what you learn in this 12 day super clinic, ahaa…I think it’s the best all round horsemanship course that money can buy. You learn how to have deep abiding, connection with your horse, how to communicate with your horse, clearly, at every level.In addition to a wide range of horsemanship, riding and confidence skills for you and your horse, we are going to cover my unique and particularly powerful version of Bowen muscle therapy for horses, learning how to use a pendulum for the muscle work and other healing and how to apply your horse communication within a healing session for your horse.You will learn Usui reiki healing Level 1, for 2 days with the extraordinary Vivian Healey. You will cover some pasture management, feeding and supplements, teeth and bits, feet shape and its effect on the body, you will even have a saddle fit done on your horse – every aspect of horse health and horse care that I could think of.You will have 2 Indian head and feet massages from the talented Sheila Angeloni and one healing session with me.
You will learn how to create/manifest in harmony with your horse and then in harmony with the environment.
You will go home energized, rejuvenated, relaxed and with a blueprint for happiness with your horse.There are two super clinics next year – March and October 2010. $1600 for a riding position for the 12 full days. There are no additional fees for staying or camping here, although we can arrange a caravan to be brought in for you at a cost. Bring your own food, the supermarket is 4 kms away. Cooking for each other has always been a serious part of the fun of clinics here.Some of my horses make themselves available for people coming from overseas and interstate.Non riders – $80 per day for 12 days =$960 includes the Bowen course, the reiki healing attunements and classes, all lectures, communication work with my horses, massages, healing – basically everything except the riding.Click here for more information.
Equus Inspiration will be on 27th and 28th of Feb 2010.
Equus Inspiration comes to Tasmania again in 2010. Following the success of the first Equus Inspiration event, in March 2009, producers have booked an incredible line-up of equestrian talent for 2010.For the first time ever 3 Olympic stars will host a Master-class together.
HEATH RYAN - Olympic Dressage Team 2008
MEGAN JONES - Silver Medallist Olympic Eventing Team 2008
LAURIE LEVER - Olympic Show Jumping Team 2008A rare chance to see our Olympic heroes demonstrate the training techniques that got them to the top, from young horse selection to training at advanced level.
Each Olympian will ride two horses and demonstrate how they would progress toward a competitive career. First they will be given a talented youngster, and will show how they would go about training with a view to establishing the foundations of a future champion. Then each rider will show you the more progressive training at a much higher level on an advanced horse. This is an incredible opportunity to get in depth insight into the training methods of three of Australia’s top competitors.Each of our Olympians can also be seen in their own clinics where they will work with some of Tasmania’s most promising horse/rider combinations.Equus Spectacular
World renowned movie horse trainer Heath Harris brings, his team of amazing liberty horses and some of Australia’s most talented riders, to Tasmania for the first time ever. Action packed and emotionally charged, this show is unforgettable entertainment for the whole family.Equus Spectacular features-LIBERTY HORSES - Most people have trouble getting their pet dog to be obedient - and here are 5 horses having the time of their life out there in the arena - no saddles, bridles or ropes to control them - they just love performing and it shows. Each horse has a specialty - bowing, lying down, rearing, jumping - all free at liberty. This act will keep the crowd enthralled as the horses go through their repertoire - and the finale of the show will have them gob smacked!!GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS - A heart thumping, hoof stomping adrenaline rush on horseback. From the moment they hit the arena, audiences are left spellbound as the Girls take flight off galloping horses, performing amazing tricks, then whip-cracking and dancing their way through 20 minutes of pure fun and edge-of-your-seat excitement!!MOVIE MAGIC - Features two highly trained horses and gives the audience a 'behind the scenes' insight into how horses are trained for film and television. Master horse trainer Heath Harris explains the training techniques that are used to achieve certain 'shots' that you will see on film. Gorgeous horses performing for the crowd and a bit of movie gossip thrown in - you will never see horse movies the same way again.General Admission tickets are $35 and include a huge variety of scheduled activities over 2 massive days of entertainment, education, competition and inspiration.General Admission activities include: Freestyle Dressage Championship, Show Jumping Challenge Cup, Megan Jones - Eventing clinic, Laurie Lever - Show Jumping Clinic, All Breeds Supreme Championship, Polocrosse match, Heath Ryan and Megan Jones – Breeding for competition seminar, Horse Health demonstrations, Trade Stalls, and much more.Christmas Gift - This year there limited numbers of VIP Super Tickets available, this would make a dream Christmas present for any horse lover. VIP Super Ticket includes entry to all special events with priority seating and a 2 day pass for all general admission attractions plus access to VIP areas with light refreshments. Rub shoulders with your heroes and experience Equus Inspiration at its best.Applications are open now for Trade Stall holders - email lisa@equusinspiration.com for information.
Please check our website for details on events and ticketing options.
www.equusinspiration.com
Tickets at www.centertainment.com.au TEL: 03 6234 5998.
EQUUS LESSONS – PRIVATE & GROUP
Tuesdays & SaturdaysEQUUS HORSEMANSHIP WORKSHOPS
2nd Sunday of each Month
9am Kids 10am Young Horses 1pm AdultsEQUUS Savvy Group
Meet Tuesday Fortnights
10am-2pm
Come along and have some
You Time With Your Horse with ‘like minded’ horse enthusiasts
December Days 1st & 15th
See www.equusequestriancentre.com for more details.
Classifieds
FOR SALE:Wongawol Georgina – F0262 DOB – 25/9/2006
Sire – Shatarn W0325, Dam – Picaninny Daylight W0146
Mare, currently 14.3hh. Price - $3000.00
Georgie is a wonderful example of the Waler breed. She is a confident young horse, who is a pleasure to ride and handle. Good to catch, float, trim & drench.
She is calm and enjoyable to ride, has done some stockwork, and bush trails.
Georgie is looking for an owner who is after a solid riding horse. As she is only 3 she is still a little green but improves with every ride. She has a quiet snaffle mouth, established laterals and canter leads.
Georgie would also be an excellent breeding mare, both her sire and dam are Gardens Station horses, however I would really like to see Georgie become a fantastic mount for a person looking for a reliable and comfortable ride.
For more information or to view please contact Tara on 03 63 73 6145
FOR SALE:4yo Thoroughbred x waler Sire – Diver Derek – reg pending. Dam – TB mare. Price $1500.00
Simpson is a lovely horse to handle, his co-operative and friendly nature make him a pleasure to ride. He is good to catch, float, trim, & drench. He has only recently been backed and is proving to be a lovely riding horse. This horse has a really great temperament and will make an excellent stock horse or pony club mount.
Contact- Tara ph – 03 63 73 6145 email: taranick@activ8.net.au
Wanted – Welsh/Part Welsh Pony
4-10yo , 12-13h. Unbroken/Green/Problems - Will look at anything
If you have a pony wanting a good start retraining / issues and an exceptional home
Please Contact Mel@EQUUS Ph: 62 399757 Email: equusequestriancentre@bigpond.com
Mortimer Bay Agistment - Suzanne Badcock - Agistment Manager
315 Gellibrand Drive, Sandford Tasmania 7020 Ph. 0417 304 313
mortimerbayagist@iprimus.com.au
www.mortimerbayagist.webs.com
SUMMER SPECIAL $30/WEEK - HOLIDAY PACKAGES AVAILABLE
EQUUS SHOP
Open Tues & Sat 10am – 3pm
EQUUS Merchandise – Ropes – Herbs – Supplements
2nd Hand Saddlery and more!Xmas Summer Sale
Saturday 5th December
Lots of Bargains
Heaps of 2nd Hand Saddlery
Download latest Register from website
Bargain Prices
Always Wanting 2nd Hand Gear
See www.equusequestriancentre.com for more details.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.
November 2009
News from Cynthia
After a very wet winter and spring with not much riding, it was a nice feeling to get on a horse again - which I did at a recent playday.
It was also special to bethe first 'other' person to ride Tiny who my friend Paul, rescued from abandonment, and in the past 18 months has transformed her from a wild, flighty mare to a responsive and trusting partner (thanks for trusting me with her). Paul not only follows the Parelli program but uses treats to reward with and here you see me reaching into my pocket for one while Tiny waits nicely.
I believe this form of positive reinforcement really keeps a horse interested in their training, and is just pay for a job well done. In fact if you can't go out to your horse with carrots in your pocket and not get mugged - then there's something to work on that will only strengthen the respect in your relationship. This month's article is about how that big treat you give your horse daily to ensure they get their salt and minerals, is one big reward for their bahaviour around food (good or bad!).
Every day my emails offer delightful conversations with people from all over the world and I especially love to hear from people using the LightRider bitless bridles - its so good to not only see the consciousness change within people about how their horse feels, but to also know that the bridle has made life better for both horse and rider.
I'm hoping the release of the new LightRider Bitless Noseband will enable many more people to experience bitless and discover a whole new level of communication and freedom with their horses.
So keep the feedback coming and if there's anything you'd like to see me cover in the next newsletter, please email me.Happy reading and horse time.
Cynthia.New Article - You are training when feeding
You may not have ever thought of it this way, but every time you feed your horses, you are either training them or reinforcing that training.
It's also a great way to train new behaviours and leaves your horse respectful around feed and keen to offer you something to get their feed.
Read the rest of this article here...Conversations with Cadbury by Dolores Artse
If you've ever had difficulties training your horse or just getting along with a particular horse, this book will resonate with you.
By following the real-life story of accomplished horse and dog trainer Dolores Atrse, we learn to overcome these hurdles and step into the realm of true relationship.This book will help you understand the art of relationships with horses, dogs or humans. Its a fascinating read of struggles, successes and even failures as Cadbury becomes the teacher that changed Dolores life forever.
While it isn't a 'how to train your horse' book, Dolores does explain her training which draws from natural horsemanship and clicker training with clarity, enabling us to follow the path that lead her to ultimate succes and a strong connection to a very difficult little morgan horse called Cadbury.
You can buy it direct from Dolores at www.zenhorsemanship.com
The Light Rider Bridle passes tests with excellence!
Cinch Magazine - an online magazine based in Canada have been running independant tests on various bitless bridles including he Light Rider (model tested: Standard Stockhorse) and here are the results which of course I'm very happy with!Scores out of 5:(1= poor 2= satisfactory 3=good 4=excellent 5=outstanding)
- Base Price (not including shipping): 4
- Versatility (disciplines): 4
- Quality of Materials: 5
- Ease of Use (adjustments, riding): 5
- Durability: 4
- Cleaning: 4
Comments: The Light Rider is a unique bitless bridle design featuring a sliding chinstrap. Its composition focuses on being light on the horses head, but nonetheless offering clear, light signals. It is one of the best looking bridles of the batch, and is available in many designs so neither english nor western riders will feel left out.The Light Rider cleans readily with soap and water and does not fade in the sun. It is the perfect all around bridle for use during trail rides, endurance or recreational pursuits. This bridle is not available in leather, which may be a downside for some, and may perhaps limit its popularity in a showing atmosphere (where bitless is allowed).
A nice advantage to the Light Rider is that it is abundant with versatility. It can not only be used for riding, but has a removable strap that converts the bridle into a lunging cavesson-type head gear and halter. This saves time and money long-term, and is convenient that you can easily tie the horse during a trail ride or for grooming and saddling.
It is especially nice in that the bridle is not fitted tightly- there is no need, as the reins do not attach directly to the noseband- and there is no displacement of the noseband during its use.
In Use: Throughout hacks, jumping and schooling, the Light Rider never missed a beat. Horses responded well and rode confidently in through the bridle. Through work the horses responded lightly and effectively to cues. The only minor complaint being that from a standstill (using solely the bridle) a couple of the horses were able to resist the aid to turn- during faster work, this never proved an issue.
Conclusion: The Light Rider is a surprisingly effective bridle in an easy to clean, light weight package. It is one of the gentlest bitless bridle designs, but yields fantastic results. It may not be suitable for the show-ring because of its material, but it is well-adapted to schooling, hacking or endurance ventures.
A general observer would not notice that there is no bit in the mouth, except upon closer inspection. Some riders will especially appreciate that the Light Rider is very traditional in styling- it doesn’t compromise style or safety.
Individual rider stories to come in a future newsletter or you can view them soon at www.cinchmagazine.com
See Product News below for the latest release - the LightRider Bitless Noseband.
Bitless Bridles Seen as Safer Alternative for Horses in New Study from www.thehorse.com
Previous studies evaluating the behavioral responses of horses to different types of bridles found that horses perform at least as well, if not better, with a bitless bridle than a jointed snaffle.
To probe deeper into the issue, Robert Cook, FRCVS, PhD, and Daniel Mills, BVSc, PhD, IL TM, CBiol MIBiol, MRCVS, tested their hypothesis that a horse’s behavior would change--for the better--when ridden with a bitless bridle, compared to a bridle with a bit. (Cook developed and patented the cross-under Bitless Bridle in the United States.)The study involving four ridden horses of various backgrounds was devised to test the “null” theory that said a horse would show no improvement in behaviour by being ridden in a bitless bridle.
Researchers, however, predicted that there would be a change and that a horse’s behaviour would improve when being ridden bitless.
Four horses, none of which had ever been ridden in a cross-under bitless bridle, were ridden through two 4-minute exercise tests, first bitted, using a plain jointed snaffle, then bitless.
An independent judge marked the 27 phases of each test on a 10-point scale and comments and scores were recorded on a video soundtrack.The results disproved the accepted “null” theory and supported the researcher’s predictions.
All four horses accepted the cross-under bitless bridle without hesitation.
The mean average score of the horses performing the ridden test when bitted was 37%. This rose to 64% when they were ridden bitless and asked to perform the same movements.Photo: In Saudi Arabia, Helen Zhou and Oscar compete at cross country in a Dr Cook Bitless Bridle.
More Feedback from Happy Riders
“My horse works great in the Light Rider and with hardly any transition at all, after 10 minutes in the paddock to test the basic controls I was confident enough to head straight out to the trail. And the light brown colour looks absolutely gorgeous on my chestnut Arab. I even went for my first canter in the light rider and at a walk and trot I can still achieve full collection, it's amazing.” Simone L., ACT, Australia.
"I am very happy with the bridle, the lower placing of the noseband worked well, just that bit more sensitivity and lightness, its wonderful to know I can have him in a traditional looking bridle and be bitless too.
Plus, when I am finished riding, I can just pop him straight into the float still in his bridle, with the lead rope attached to the centre ring, so no more changing over to the halter in strange environments where things can go wrong" Marina A. Victoria. .How To Relieve Hoof Pain While Trimming
Farrier Kirk Adkins shares some tips that may be useful when trimming or treating the hooves of older, arthritic horses or horses that have difficulty standing on three legs because of painful laminitis or neurological conditions.This video may be helpful for some horses out there, and I thank Kirk for taking the time to put it together. I have also seen people stand horses on padding, put padded boots on the feet not being worked on, and keep thick scraps of carpet close at hand for cushioning.
Click here to see the video on Fran Jurga's Hoof Blog.
From horror to hoof in eight weeks – Peter Laidley sent me these case study pics showing how it takes just a few trims to restore hoof shape (which will be follwed by function) to an elderly mare's chronically laminitic hooves.
These photos were taken before and after three trims with just eight weeks between the photos and allowed the old mare to trot up like a filly afterwards.
Photos: Hoofworks copyright.
Leading Research Revealed in New Seminar with Professor Robert Bowker PhD, head of Michigan State Universities Equine Hoof Laboratory team who are responsible for most of the science that has come to light on the natural hoof . He will be in Australia to present a new serries of seminar topics on Sat 13th & Sun 14th Feb 2010 at the McMillan Campus at Warragal in Victoria.Please email Chrisann Ware on equinepodiotherapy@bigpond.com if you would like to attend so I can send you registration docs. Places are limited so please book early.
Have a look at the latest issue of Barehoofcare's newsletter - a very informative read with a great article on the most effective worming program and how to rotate wormers properly.The story of FRECKLES the leopard spot appaloosa.
I received a call to go and see a stallion that was in a bad way. Another member of THRRO and I went and picked up our informant and she said up the hill. We got out of the car and she said he is in that paddock behind the house. I approached looked.
Where is this horse? I saw a white with black spot animal in the bracken ferns. I thought it was a cow with hips like that. He was lying with his head down hill flat to the ground. My heart sunk to my boots, I thought we were too late - he was dead.
As I approached with held breath I spoke to him and his head moved. He was alive.!! How could this delicate frame covered in hair be alive? He tried to get up and grunted and fell to the ground again his head flat. He no longer had the energy to even lift his head never mind his body. His mouth was bloody and ulcerated and he was covered in fern ticks. He had rain scald all over him - No food, no water for a very long time.
We were too late to help him after much effort and time, he lost his battle and died – released from a cruel thoughtless lonely world. His life could have, should have been a lot longer and happier. There was no reason this once very proud loved stallion should not be here today. WAIT .....There is one reason NEGLECT!!!!
Why in this day and age is there neglect? PEOPLE are the reason. Is it due to lack of knowledge? Respect? Compassion? Basic humanity? Any amount of reasons I am told. WRONG in very capital letters. There are sites on the internet you can search telling you about how to feed your horse. Why things happen. Vets at every turn. Up the road are three very fat happy horses living on a dirt paddock, how did they get so fat and happy living on dirt? ‘Wonder if they would help me to understand why my horse isn’t looking real good?’
I asked someone to look after my horse while I went on a holiday. And come back to a dead horse. Isn’t it still your responsibility that the person you entrusted with your horse know what to do? Have numbers to ring in case of emergency? We do more than that for our children so do our animals not deserve the same sort of treatment?
It is the owner of the horse’s responsibility to know the horse is well and looked after, and has the correct feed and hay, water? In an easy answer YES!!!!!
We need improved laws to give our equine friends a voice. To say nothing about a boy we called Freckles is a crime. We need to YELL FROM THE ROOF TOPS - shame on these people that just let this boy die. He didn’t get in this condition over night. Maybe one day the laws and the courts will actually hear a united voice. Together we can make a difference, we can make people listen. As a lone person we are very unheard and the horse called Freckles and many more like him will die in pain alone and unaccounted.
If you want to help make a difference and support like minded people like myself, help the horse have a voice, care for the unwanted and neglected, please join us at THRRO (Tasmanian Horse Rescue & Rehabilitation). The bigger the team the bigger the noise and the more we can help.
Please contact Amanda Blake Ph. 64 923146 www.thrronorth.webs.com Email: thrronorth@yahoo.com
Dressage disgrace - support the petitions to ban Rolkur
If you want to help return dressage competition to its true classical form, then please visit this site and sign the petitions. The video footage shows a horse in hyperflexion with a blue tongue hanging out from being ridden like that for over 2 hours in a warm up arena. Very sad but the more people speaking up about this ridiculous and cruel method of riding, the more hope we have of the getting the FEI to change the rules that allow this to go on, without authorities stopping them.
HORSES Naturally! the 2009 - 2010 thirteen-month calendar of horses in nature - click here to get yours.
Their first calendar! Featuring beautiful, vibrant photographs by Nancy McCurdy, this 13-month calendar is complete with moon dates, holidays, and other important dates, with a caption about natural lifestyle accompanying each photo. A complimentary bookmark with additional photos is also included. All proceeds go to The Cloud Foundation, www.TheCloudFoundation.org, dedicated to the preservation of wild horses on our public lands.
Feed Salt Daily
Salt is one of the most essential minerals for grazing animals and should be supplemented free choice at the very minimum. If situations where the horse is sweating a lot through hard work or climate, then its essential to add salt to their daily feed to ensure they get enough.Salt licks sometimes just don't enable enough intake and research into grass tetany (in cattle) has revealed that when there are potassium spikes in grass due to cold frosty nights, then tetany can be avoided by feeding extra salt.
This may also have implications for horses as Dr TW. Swerczek DVM Phd in the USA has discovered that feeding a higher than reccomended amount of salt (up to 60g per day) can alleviate many problems: he says "For two years now on a 175 plus thoroughbred horse farm that previously had massive fetal losses I suggested that they force feed salt to prevent these losses. In addition I suggested they stop feeding alfalfa hay and reduce the protein in the feed ration to 12 % protein.
The results are as follows: In the past the farm had numerous dystocias, angular limb deformities, including contracted foals, early fetal losses, late term abortions, fetal diarrhea and neonatal diarrhea, etc., etc. Since changing the diet and increasing the salt all of the above have almost completely disappeared. The farm is reporting that since adding adequate salt to the diet, the foaling and lack of diseases have been the best in the entire history of the farm. The farm has been raising Thoroughbred horses for more than 40 years."Dr Swerzek also says "I have found that in addition to potassium, nitrate is likely more import in causing the toxicities that are causing the massive fetal losses and other diseases. I have found that potassium in the grass is in the form of potassium nitrate. I have found that the salt neutralizes the excessive nitrates."
So the take home message in general is that plain salt should be a part of a horse's daily diet, especially if they are grazing lush pasture and even more so if that pasture has been fertilised with phosphates.
You can read more about this at this website.
Restricting grass without reducing movement
If you have a problem keeping the weight off your horse this spring, or have a horse/pony prone to laminitis then the ideal solution to restricting their grass intake is to make a track for them to run on.
Its not as hard or as expensive as you think, especially when you read the post from Alyssa on the new Paddock Paradise page - click here.
Paddock Paradise is catching on around the world and this site has the most comprehensive information that I've come across. Its a place where you can add info/photos/video of your paddock paradise and access info from many others including topics such as slow feeders, challenges, layouts/designs, FAQ’s and more. This site also has the most comprehensive list of paddock paradise links and places where you can buy small hole nets for hay feeders. Well worth checking out for inspiration.FEED XL have updated their online nutrition program where prices now start at $15 for one month's access or just $45 for a full year. They now have plans that range from a single horse all the way up to 30 horses, so you don't need to pay for more horses than you need. All plans now include all activity levels; no need to choose plans based on activity types. More flexibility, more time, greater value.
New Bitless Nosebands now available in the shop.
For those that would love to use their own bridle, the Light Rider Bitless Noseband allows you to go bitless in your favourite bridle.
(pictured here on a pvc bridle).
Make use of those bridles you have at home by converting them to bitless gving you options for more horses and ponies, and equestrian pursuits like driving.
Made in black and new dark brown Deluxe Biothane, the Bitless Noseband consists of the Light Rider noseband with cheek piece attachment points, webbing chinstrap and connector strap with leading ring.
Simply attach it to the cheek pieces instead of a bit and you have a Light Rider Bitless bridle at a more affordable price - Special introductory offer of $59! Purchase yours from the shop now.Win a New Deluxe Bitless Noseband.
Now is a great time to photograph your horse in a bitless bridle.
Send me a photo of your horse wearing any style of Bitless Bridle to win a new LightRider Bitless Noseband.
Prizes for the 'Best Head shot' and 'Best Action shot' will be awarded in December. your photo which must be under 200kb please (small - medium) by December 1st.
Coolheat Blankets Reduced to $220 - visit the shop to get yours.New Useful Links on this website:
Barefoot Hoof Care with Martin Godwin in Victoria
You will find more details about these in the Services Directory along with lots of other useful contacts in the horse industry. I'm presently expanding this to inlcude services in all Australian states so please submit your contact details here:
Linette from Phalaborwa in South Africa show off her 9yr old Boerperd's latest achievement. Click here to find out more about this unique SouthAfrican breed of horse.
These South African's love getting up on things! Tamasine Smith With Carl Bronner's recently started filly, Teagan.
What a Cutie - Lisa Dolbel's Zintahn Aramani.
This shows why groundwork prior to getting on is SO important, especially when you try on a new saddle. Belinda's mare was not used to a rear girth and took a while to become comfortable with it, but as you can see in the photo below, she was able to ride her safely after 15 minutes on the ground.
Barb Fenwick has published her first edition of the E-Magazine - HORSES NATURALLY and invites you to enjoy the FREE magazine and share it with others. Click here to view it now.
News from Cynthia
Once again my efforts at keeping the news bulletin shorter and quicker to produce have been overtaken by the sheer volume of information that comes to me and begs to be shared!
I've read so many good books lately while the wet and windy weather has kept me inside, and developed the new Light Rider Bitless Noseband - see Bitless Bridle News below for more details on this exciting development that will allow more people to try bitless - just like trying out a new type of bit.With spring in full swing here in the southern hemisphere, I hope everyone makes more time to be with their horses and take care of their health, exercise and mental stimulation. To assist you with some fun ideas for playing with your horses, the web shop special this month is for The Horse Playgrounds DVD. It shows lots of great ideas on how to make your horses's education much more fun and interesting, along with developing confidence and safety.
Inspirational Horsemanship
Here are some inspiring videos I've seen recently that you might also enjoy.
Relationship Training from www.RoyalEquineAcademy.comBeautiful play at liberty with a man and his white horse.
Enjoy your horses and make sure your horse enjoys you too!New Article:
Watch your thoughts – by Cynthia CooperWhen I discovered horses (and all other animals) could ‘hear’ me or read my mind telepathically, I felt bad for ‘saying’ (and thinking) 'not so nice' thoughts about them.
I asked myself – “Would I greet a good friend with ‘hello fattie’ or say ‘Get going you lazy slob’? Click here to continue reading...
Hear what your horse has to say.
Ever since I started learning about animal communication from popular authors such as Marta Williams, Amelia Kincade and J.Allen-Boone, I discovered we’re all able to communicate on an energetic level if we can just learn to quiet the chatter in our minds and be prepared to accept what we hear or ‘get’ or feel.
Some people hear what animals say in words, others see it in written form or as a film and yet others get a feeling or emotion that tells them what the animal is saying.
Some find it easier than others to hear our non-verbal friends, but often all it takes is a little know-how and practice.Those that find it comes easily to them sometimes offer their services to people who don’t have the time or interest in learning this skill.
One such person is Danielle Coleman who has been practicing animal communication for a few years now, ever since she attended a workshop with Trish McGagh from www.animaltalk.com.au .
Danielle is now helping people every day to find out what their animal is wanting to say.
She works via email, with just a photo and the name of the animal which she then contacts during a meditation to ask the questions listed by the owner.
The answers are returned by email and a follow up phone call.
Danielle says sometimes people don’t like what they hear or don’t get the answers they expected.
"There have been so many memorable, funny, amazing outcomes during my time communicating with animals - from my own horses telling me I talk to much! To my young horse telling me I have a lot to learn.
Another funny comment from a horse when the owner asked why does he be silly when being clipped - the horse replied "I don’t like being bald, would you like to be"!
Once your animal realises that you are acknowledging them you can communicate with them and while you are trying, they will never stop helping you and also showing you that you are on the right track.
All it takes is for you to talk to your horse like a human being, and your life will change forever.
If you want acknowledgment from them to make sure you are on the right track, then don’t be scared to ask for it. I use to say to my animals via telepathy.. Neera, if you can hear me, can you please walk right up to me and touch me with your nose. Sure enough I would open my eyes and she would be standing in front of me touching me with her nose.I say to my horses "Come on, if you want to come for a ride meet me at the gate in a minute". Sure enough when I go outside they are waiting at the gate, put their heads in their halters and off we go for a ride".
Have you ever wondered why your animals do certain things?
Have you ever wanted to know what they enjoy? What they dislike? Why they do certain behaviour that is unlike them normally? There are no limits to what you can ask your animal friend.If you are interested in having a consultation done, or are just interested in having a chat, then please call Danielle on 0429 706 412, or email dan_hear2heal@bigpond.com.
Consultations are at an introductory price of $40.00. This will allow you to ask up to 7 questions, or $50.00 for 12 questions.“When I first contacted Danielle with some questions to put to my own horse, I must admit, I was fairly sceptical about ‘animal communication’! But Danielle’s responses to the questions were so accurate and so in tune with the character of my horse that I had to believe that there was definitely something in it.
Since that first time, Danielle has spoken with friends’ animals – both horses and dogs which she’d never seen, nor met and who were owned by people she did not know.
Every single animal’s responses have exactly suited their character and Danielle has consistently mentioned images and facts which only the owner would have known.
Danielle has helped me to assist a horse which was on my property who was overworked, emotionally withdrawn and very depressed, not to mention in pain and sore. After the first consultation where he showed he was very unhappy and confused, he also showed Danielle sore areas that required urgent attention.
Danielle’s suggestions of sore areas were backed up by the chiropractor and the masseuse who looked at this horse.
His final consultation showed he felt like an entirely different horse, one who was bright, full of energy and once again enjoying his work.
It is thanks to these consultations with Danielle that helped us follow the right steps to enable him to change his outlook. He is now competing overseas and apparently doing very well!” Northern Tasmania lady.Book Review
Empowered Horses by Imke Spilker
Horsemanship is a continuing journey of learning and evolving. This book is one of those influentual steps in the journey, taking horsemanship to another level by truly considering the horse first."Having a dialogue with horses necessitates aquiring a brand new view of things. It means perceiving horses differently. It means being on their side.
How does what I am doing feel to my horse?
How does he feel when I'm doing it?
What could I do to make things easier for him, to make him feel better? "These are some of the questions Imke answers and asks more.
"Does your horse truly have a choice?
We give them freedom of space but do we allow them the freedom to choose to be with us, play with us or leave us?
We dream of transformation and new paths, yet our actions manifest as dominance and control. We want to find freedom but we take it away from our horses with every single step. To horses such actions are incomprehensible and oppressive."
Collective consiousness is evolving to a higher level of awareness about horses as beings that think, feel and act at a level we strive to understand.
This book empowers not only horses, but people to change and grow, and is a must for all who seek a truly equal relationship with their equine friends.
Click Here for the English version website on Imke Spilker's Communicative Horses.
Click Here for an article by Imke – 'The horse Is Allowed to Say No'.Click here to read more about this book in a very good review written in Horses For Life magazine by the translator of the book from German to English– Kristina McCormack.
Available from www.amazon.com or for a copy already in Australia go to www.pathofthehorse.com.au
Aussie News:
RECOMMENDED READING:
Click here for the most recent Hendra Virus research update from the Australian Biosecurity CRC for Emerging Infectious Diseases.
Every state and every horse person needs to be aware of the dangers.New Equine Rescue Branch for Tasmania
I am sure most of you are aware of the wonderful work done by THRRO (Tasmanian Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation Organization).
The organization is based in the southern part of Tasmania. Recently, there has been a great deal of interest in equine rescue in the northern part of the state. For this reason, THRRO North was organised at a recent meeting.THRRO North will operate under the guidelines of the parent organization, but will operate independently in that money raised by the northern region will be used in this region unless our financial support is urgently needed elsewhere in the organization.
There are many ways you can help. We are planning some educational events as we believe that education is the key to preventing neglect and abuse. We will also be planning several fundraisers in the near future.
By becoming a member, you will be made aware of upcoming events. All money raised through membership, donations and fundraisers will be used in our efforts to prevent equine abuse and neglect or to help rehabilitate any unfortunate victims of neglect that are already in rehab.
Please go to the website for a membership application, to make a donation or for information of THRRO and equine rescue.
Thank you, in advance for your support.
Amanda Blake - THRRO North.
World News:
www.thecloudfoundation.org
When Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Ginger Kathrens recorded a tottering newborn wild foal, she hardly anticipated how he would change her life.
She named the pale colt Cloud.
This website is dedicated to keeping you up to date on important issues regarding wild horses as well as on Cloud's herd in the Arrowhead Mountains. With journal entries from the field, video clips, and links to informative news stories, The Cloud Foundation site aims to be an important source of information for wild horse lovers.
http://thecloudfoundation.wordpress.com/Horsemanship Without Harm Forum
The focus of our community is to learn to develop the horse’s mind and body in a more cooperative way, keeping in mind that we are all students of the horse. Our rules are clear and simple: no bits, whips, spurs, or shoes. We do not support or promote the use of any device or method that causes the horse pain or stress.Furthermore, we do not promote or endorse the use of horses for sport, competition, or in any other physically or mentally harmful way. Horses are neither tools nor vehicles. They are living, breathing creatures with the ability to feel, love, give and receive.
Our community is free to open-minded people who desire to learn from new ways of thinking and who are willing to expand their knowledge, to experience personal growth.
We focus on equine anatomy, nutrition and management as well as barefoot keeping, in an effort to always improve our understanding of the horse. We strive to stay as close to nature when it comes to our horses health and well being, and research herbs and exercises to help facilitate that line of thinking.
We also have a book club where favorite reading can be shared and discussed. Click here to join or visit this forum.Congratulations to the latest Certified Equine Hoofcare Providers.
Bronwyn Menzies of Port Sorell and Susan Jones of Takone in Tasmania, plus John Gorman from Collector in NSW have all achieved their Certificate 3 with the Tasmanian Polytechnic (formerly TAFE). Find their details and more info about this course at www.australianhooftrimmers.webs.comWild Horse Research: This month’s newsletter updates you on Brian Hampson's recent work in the central desert of Australia and some of the interesting findings that are appearing from the first horse to be re-captured after changing their environments.
An article by Carol Layton on Grass and Subclinical laminitis has been published in the current edition of Equine Excellence magazine, available in most good newsagencies.
News from the Tom Quilty 160km Endurance ride which is Australia's National Championship Endurance event - this year held in Tonimbuk, Victoria.
Track conditions were very challenging for shod and booted horses with vet out rates very high overall. Many lameness and metabolic issues.
Of the 7 horses that entered booted, 5 successfully completed.
The word from the booted riders was that they were extremely happy with the boots in the difficult terrain. They all remarked how happy they were about the grip and softness it gave the horses and the lightness of the Glove or glued on shells.
The Easyboot Gloves and glue on’s are proving to be a great boot. The ease of using them makes them very popular. The tread is great and the wear factor is impressive as well.
Easycare Downunder gave a talk on hoof care and did some demonstrations with Jenny Moncur in glueing the shells on and also sponsored some of the prizes. To see the full ride results click here.Bare It All Hoofcare is a new business for Gene Hutcheon who is studying with the Australian College of Equine Podiotherapy.
He will take care of all your equine barefoot trimming and hoof boot requirements and has over 8+ years experience in natural hoof care & rehabilitation.
Gene is an Easycare Downunder Hoof Boot Specialist Fitter & Supplier.
For dates and trimming locations visit his website: www.bareitallhoofcare.com or contact Gene on 6438 1221 / 0488 421 189Sneak Peek! New Light Rider Bridle 'Bitless Noseband'
For those that would love to use their own bridle, the Light Rider Bitless Noseband allows you to go bitless in your favourite bridle.
(pictured here on a western show bridle).
Made from Deluxe Biothane (and eventually in leather too), the Bitless Noseband consists of the Light Rider noseband with cheek piece attachment points, webbing chinstrap and connector strap with leading ring.
Simply attatch it to the cheek pieces instead of a bit and you have a Light Rider Bitless bridle at a more affordable price! (to be announced soon along with a special offer.)
Make use of those bridles you have at home by converting them to bitless and have more options for more horses and ponies, and equestrian pursuits like driving.
To be the first to hear about the special offer, sign up for the Light Rider News Email here.
Win a New Deluxe Noseband Set.
Send me a photo of your horse wearing any style of the Light Rider Bitless Bridle to win a new Light Rider Noseband Set. Prizes for the 'Best Head shot' (like this photo here) and 'Best Action shot' will be awarded in December. your photo which must be under 200kb please.
English Bridles coming with brass fittings Mid-October.
For those who love the look of brass,the Standard Biothane English bridle will now be available with brass fittings (as well as stainless steel).
Another improvement to the English bridle is a one-piece leading ring on the connector strap.
To buy a Light Rider Bitless bridle click here.
Discuss Bitless Riding and chat with like minded people on the Bitless Horse Yahoo Groups - there's Bitless Horse in the UK and Bitless Riders in Australia.
Horsetalk Bridleless riding preview - a DVD that shows the bitless riding program from Cynthia and Tony Royal's Equine Academy.More Great feedback on Light Rider Bitless Bridles:
One of the best parts about designing and selling the Light Rider Bitless bridles is hearing from happy horse owners who give their feedback:Amazing Results
"I had only tried him in another bitless bridle once before, and saw
how soft he could really be (believe me he was already great). He took to
it immediately despite my clumsy and inexperienced intructions.
But the most amazing results were with Cody who I'd had had lots of difficulty with in being confident and in pulling up (even though I had horses in my life for lots of my 50 years). I will add here, that Cody is not an affectionate horse. Temptation got the better of me because I still believe in Cody so I tried him in the Light Rider bridle too.
He yielded, he turned and responded, he was soft and he PULLED UP with no real effort and was in fact lighter than I had ever had him on the very first try.
And as I got down from his saddle he nuzzled in to me and looked for a cuddle and that was the most amazing part of it all." Sue H. Victoria.Noticeable Difference
"It's just great! I've been using a crossover one prior to this, which I was reasonably happy with (except the pressure sometimes didn't release straight away), but the difference is really noticeable. My horse is much happier in it, and responded to unbelievably light aids - I felt a bit like I was riding her with feathers!
What a great design - I'll be doing my best to get other people over here using them." Jess R. in New Zealand.Read more comments from Light Rider Bitless Bridle Owners here.
Understanding Beet Pulp as an Equine Feed – click the link to read this article which explains how beet pulp becomes an equine feed and why it is so useful.
Beware – Laminitis and grass sickness in spring/autumn.
Both southern and northern hemispheres are coming into the most dangerous time for horses on grass. While it is often referred to as 'Dr Green', it can also be deadly during certain stages of growth and in certain weather.
Fast growing young grass shoots are very toxic when the temperatures are below 5 degrees C at night and the days are sunny (typical of spring and autumn). Drought stressed grass that shoots just after rain is the same, so there is only one thing to do if you want to avoid any form of laminitis or the many other behavioural problems that result - keep your horse's grass intake to a minimum in the very early morning hours only (3am - 9am).
Some horses or ponies may not be able to tolerate any grass if they have chronic laminitis or hind gut problems that are indicated by spasmodic colic and tying up.
For answers on how to restrict grass intake and what to feed laminitic equines, have a look at the following articles:
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Hay Feeders = less gorging or waste
Photo: If your horse's hooves have numerous stress rings like this one, it probably indicates repeated sub clinical laminitis.
Clover Turns Gelding into Stallion – by Vanessa Smith
Last autumn, I was at my wits end as to what to do with my 14 year old gelding that I have owned for two years. Echo is a beautiful grey Arab cross. I had always thought he was a rig as he loved mares and acted a bit like a stallion.
Echo was given to me because of his stressed out and over-reactive behaviour, resulting in past mistreatment. He is a sensitive horse and demands patience but I was becoming afraid of him.
He acted so much like a stallion that he was unsafe to be around when he was near a mare. My mare came in season and he mated her fully. He could not concentrate when I took him away from the mares and would head toss and roll on the ground, sometimes displaying mild signs of colic.
My own baby was six months at the time and I thought that with the limited time I had, I would not be able to change his behaviour through the hours of training he’d need.
I was also desperate to ride again and Echo was my only riding horse, so I had long nights full of anguish and frustration. One day when I went to feed the horses Echo nuzzled me and started making deep snorting sounds and then he struck out with his front hoof and when I had a woman massage him the next day and he was unhappy and went to bite. I was so upset that I thought about giving Echo away. It was a hard decision as I felt Echo and I, had over the past two years formed a good relationship but now he seemed unreachable.
I sent Cynthia an ad to put on her website, looking for a home for Echo. She said that he would be unable to find a better home than mine because of his sensitive nature. She also sent me a book that saved Echo and me.
“The Key to calm healthy horses” by Jenny Paterson helped me understand what was happening to Echo. As I read the pages I cried, the book was describing Echo exactly, Tossing his head constantly, sour cranky behaviour, walking all over me, unable to concentrate, intense stallion behaviour.
I realised that the clover paddock he was in was creating a toxic effect that resulted in all the above behaviours.
I removed Echo off the clover and also fed hay and began to feed him Alleviate, which is a magnesium supplement and Supreme Vit & Min. and over a few weeks Echo slowly began to change.
I also came across a product called Attitude blend from Country Park Herbs, designed to balance the hormones of horses.
During the winter I was amazed at the change. Echo has always tried to mount my mare, yet just a week ago she came into heat and he didn’t bat an eyelid. Today I went out to brush Echo - he stood quietly with the mares around and without a halter on he just stood there and enjoyed the experience, and so did I.
I am still aware that there is clover on my property and I know that even when he gets to munch on some he changes. I also know that the spring grass and autumn grass can change his personality in a day.
I am happy now armed with all this new positive information, and know that Echo and I are destined for a long life together.
PRODUCT NEWS
If you want beautiful equine inspired jewellery go to www.marinaandersen.com. All of her designs are purely of the horse, no whips spurs or mechanics to be seen anywhere :-)
Marina also makes lovely wrought iron Memory Hearts to which you can attach a sterling silver mane tassle for each horse you wish to remember.
Her designs also encompass braided horsehair jewellery so have a look at her large selection of quality handmade artwork.
Another talented horse loving jeweller and barefoot trimmer is Kathleen Dutson in the USA. Her GoldHaven Studios are pleased to present the Natural Hoof Medallion (pitured) - an orginal work, designed and created by Kathleen (copyright) and produced locally in our hometown of Oroville CA. Most equine jewelry celebrates the horse with the horseshoe. We at www.Goldhaven Studios.com celebrate the horse with the bare hoof!
MAGAZINE REVIEW
HOOFBEATS MAGAZINE is one of my favourites as it has the most useful and informative articles of any Australian magazine. It is published bi-monthly and you can access the website here to subscribe for a chance to win a great prize.Here are some of the articles in the October/November issue out now:
TRAINING THE TALENTED BUT CHALLENGING HORSE by Pat and Linda Parelli (Cover photo is of Pat and Magic)
BIN IT by Amanda Macpherson
One size fits all certainly does not apply to feed bins, with an abundance of choices available to suit any horse, budget or situation.
A SUSTAINABLE APPROACH FOR EQUITATION SCIENCE by Portland JonesTHE ART AND SCIENCE OF FEEDING HORSES by Carol Layton B.Sc M.Ed
ORGANISING HORSE HEALTH RECORDS by Tom Moates
BRINGING UP BABY - massaging young horses. Part1 by Debranne Pattillo
FEET FIRST - FOALS by Adrian Cowell - Accredited Farrier
PAIN - TELL ME WHERE IT HURTS by Kaye Meynell .
FOLLOW UP FIRES by Wendy Elks
GATES and DIY steel fencing erection by Coralie Smyth
The GREEN HORSE - sustainable horsekeeping
Weed Watch - Sweet Pittosporum by Nicola Field
Growing Equine Herbs- Mulberry by Fiona Adams
Organic Fertiliser: Chicken Tractors with Tom Moates
Hay Feeder Genius - Limestone Park
Phoenix Factor: Rising from the Ashes by Wendy Elks
Perennial Pastures for Horses by Amanda CarmodyREADERS NEWS:
Stolen - Amberglade Ibn Shaik (Tank) has been stolen from his paddock in
Kersbrook near Adelaide today 24th Sept 09. He is a 16.1 hand purebred Arab
gelding 9 years old bay in colour with white blaze and two hind socks.
He is micro chipped, but brands are not visible. He is partially clipped and
has roan flecks along flanks and blonde mix in top part of tail.
He is a noticeable horse at 16.1 hh for a pure bred. Any information please phone Sue Arwen 0402234855.
From Marina in Victoria: I rode Rio in his new bridle on Wednesday for the first time, and another first - on the beach, all at the same time. I have amazing results for you. He has been on Alleviate for 2 months now, and is a new horse! I was amazed to see him accept the waves and sandy beach totally relaxed, calm, and interested. I really thought he would freak out seeing it all, he would have only 2 months ago, but no, he was fine and I was so proud. He was also fantastic in the new bridle, very light and responsive, willing and relaxed.
Lisa's Zintahn Tahnee loves to get her feet off the wet ground and provide entertainment for her canine and human audience!
Tiny, who is not so tiny, with Paul on the tyre. Some readers will recall from past newsletters, Paul rescuing and training her to trust people after living alone with only a herd of sheep for 5 years.
Zen Connection with Horses 5 day Bruthen clinic with Jenny Pearce
Wednesday 30th September to Sunday 4th October 2009
124 Dukes Road, Bruthen, East Gippsland, Victoria
Email Tammy tammy.dales@gmail.com for details or bookings
Phone Tammy on 0417 507 372 or 03 5157 5565
Or Jenny on 03 5160 1481.Silversand Horsemanship Program with Steve Halfpenny
Introduction weekend to Silversand ‘Foundation Course’
Where: ‘Harveydale’ outside Westbury on sat 31st October and sun 1st November 2009 Steve Halfpenny has many years experience as a horseman and started in natural horsemanship, like many others, with Pat Parelli. Today Steve works throughout Europe and at his home, Silversand centre in South Australia, specialising in young horse starting, problem horses and educational programs for people on a journey with their horses.
The Silversand Horsemanship program was developed by Steve along with Tasmania’s own Philip Nye and is constantly being improved based on Steve’s learning’s from people working with their horses and of course, the horse himself!The main focus for Steve is to always to get a soft forward moving confident horse. Sound’s easy doesn’t it! For anyone on a journey with their horse, it is soon realised this is one of the biggest challenges. It isn’t just about the horse though, ‘it is about who we need to be or become for our horse’. ‘Getting through to your horse and understanding what’s going on is the only way to get a truly soft yielding relaxed horse’ says Steve. Steve strives
to get people more in tune with what is going on inside there horses! Knowing what patterns of behaviour the handler has that is getting the way of their dreams ands aspirations. Be prepared for a sensational weekend with many penny dropping….light bulb moments’!12 Rider positions available $140.00 per day, spectators $40.00 per day (all incl. of insurance at the venue, the clinic is with view to regular workshops in Tasmania to compliment the Silversand Program.
Information and bookings contact: Dominique
Caveside@yahoo.com 0418 188 789 (A.H) and visit: Silversand.com.auLadies Fortnightly Trail Rides with Equus Equestrian Centre.
All Rides depart at 10.30am for approx 2hrs
If you would like to host a ride, let us know.
Come and have some YOU time with your horse and a great bunch of Ladies!Melissa O'Rourke is also holding a number of regular clinics so go to www.equusequestriancentre.com for dates OR ph 62399 757.
CLASSIFIEDS
For sale: the following pairs of boots. All prices include postage within Australia. These boots do not come with warranty or guarantees.
Size 1 Bares Used and have tread cut into them with an angle grinder for extra traction. One has a brand new gaiter, other gaiter marginal $50
Size 0 Epics Used with reasonable tread left. Gaiters are marginal, one has a new wire. Heel straps removed $50
Size 1 Edges used about once so like new, excellent condition $190
Size 5 G2's excellent condition $150
Size 3 Cavallo's brand new - tried on a horse but never used $150
For further information you can contact me marg.richardson@bigpond.com. These boots are all genuinely usable - I just need to clear out excess stuff from my corner of the shed!Free to the best home only: SB gelding, Bay with a small white star, Easy to catch,shoe, float, worm. Easy to handle and work with on the ground
Needs a confident rider, 20 years old, in great condition. Has done a it of pony club Needs a loving and caring home.
Email lizhavochill@yahoo.com.auClassified 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.
News from Cynthia
This past month has seen a 'real' winter in Tasmania with lots of rain and wind, and to go with it, lots of colds and flu.
Having Swine Flu myself (yes I was tested and added to the statistics!) had its down sides (a month to recover) and its benefits. Not only will I hopefully have some immunity to flu's I rarely get, but I had to spend so much time inside out of the cold, that I was able to update my web shop, giving it a whole new look.
Each product category now has a page of its own so more details and a better layout make it easier to choose what you need or desire.
Have a look at the entry page here and see this month's specials.
Another benefit of being unwell was the need to become as efficient as possible feeding the horses. I had some new hay feeders constructed from recycled bins I found at the local 'tip shop' for $20 each.
These former factory wool trolleys have a wheel on all 4 sides, making them easy to push onto the horse trailer for delivery to the paddocks and can be moved if the area around them gets too messed up.
With some new mesh and a roof added, the bins take 4 bales of hay each and allow a horse on each side. The mesh hangs on 2 rails and moves in towards the centre as the hay is eaten. I added a 'catcher' either side made from shade cloth which does seem to help with the scraps that fall as the horses pull out hay.
For more ideas on various styles of hay feeders, go to my articles on feeding page where there are links to more examples of how to provide slow feeders for hay.
If you have any ideas for hay feeder designs, please send them in.While recovering I read books and watched DVD's for future reviews in these bulletins. This month I've reviewed a Hoof Trimming DVD and next month I'll be reviewing one of the best books I've ever read - Empowered Horses by Imke Spilker is a life changing read and one I'm sure you will enjoy too.
Love and enjoy your horses.
Cynthia.Miracle workers need a Miracle
The following is an emergency appeal on behalf of miracle workers Q, Jack, Twinkle, Petal, Misty, Glen, Apollo and Amber – the Wholly Horses herd who now need a miracle.
In September 2007 Helen Wingstedt’s, ‘Wholly Horses’ moved into a small rented premises in the Vale of Glamorgan (UK) to establish itself as World of Whispers (WOW!) a pioneering Social Enterprise with a workable business model. A series of unforeseeable events has resulted in the project faltering and with every personal resource exhausted it faces termination at the end of August 2009 with the horses being re-homed as a result.
Over a six year period ‘Wholly Horses’ welcomed literally hundreds of guests from across the globe, providing uplifting experiences with the herd that in addition to being developmental, educational and therapeutic offered a sense of freedom, friendship and fun.
As a Social Enterprise, the work could be expanded to include more people of all ages particularly children and adults with terminal illness, learning difficulties, social disadvantage and disability.
The project and the horses now urgently require help so that their amazing work can continue. Please visit www.equamigo.com for more details about this very worthwhile project
Minerals, vitamins and supplements can be one of the most confusing aspects of feeding horses.
How do you know which ones to use? Or which brands are best, or even if your horse needs them?
Here are some reasons for feeding supplements:1. The pasture/hay might not be providing the right balance of minerals or enough to keep your horse healthy, epsecially if the soil is depleted. Horses deficient in minerals often show signs in their coat and hoof health, with skin conditions, faded coat colour and hoof wall cracks good indicators that something is lacking.
2. The mineral/vitamin needs of a horse vary according to age, health, workload and whether they are breeding or lactating. A pasture pet may get by with just a salt lick but if you don't want problems to arise when the horse is expected to do something, then supplements are a must.
3. Supplements in prepared feeds aren't always enough and aren't balanced to the roughage your horse gets which should be 80% of the diet. Unless you feed the exact specified amount on the bag the mineral/vitamin intake for this portion of the diet is reduced.
4. Free choice minerals or licks can not always be relied upon to provide everything the horse needs. Minerals are generally unpalatable except for salt which horses will seek out themselves and should be available in loose form at all times. Licks may not give adequate intake especially in hot climates or when the horse sweats.
Licks have molasses added to get horses to lick/eat them but they still won't take in enough on their own especially when the horse is low in the pecking order and by the time they get a turn at the lick, the rest of the herd may decide to move on, so they feel the need to go with them.5. Health problems may benefit from specific supplements for example horses suffering from stringhalt respond well to magnesium as do those with laminitis or behavioural issues caused by the toxins in some grasses such as rye and kikkuyu. 'Big head' and facial bone bumps indicate a need for additional calcium and 'tying up' could indicate a need for Vitamin E and Selenium.
Photo: Supplements can improve coat colour and condition - the horse on the left was fed supplements from the Provide It range. Both horses were otherwise on the same diet.
While I am not qualified to tell you which supplements to use and indeed there are so many variables, you need to research what supplementation each horse requires.
My aim is to simply to raise awareness about a subject that is sometimes neglected or ignored becuase its all too hard.With the ability to search for information so easily on the internet these days, there's really no excuse for not looking into what your horse might require for optimal health.
There is also a wealth of knowledge and advice available from independent Equine Nutritionists at very reasonable rates (see the Services Directory) and well researched books such as Natural Horse Care The Right Way (available from the shop) giving good advice.In last month's nutrition news, I covered the options for finding advice and help on nutrition.
The Horse.com has a very good article on minerals and another on vitamins here - its free to join so you can read it. They also have a fabulous Nutrition Newsletter you can sign up for here.
For another article on Mineral Feeding Options written for this website click here.So, if you want a healthy horse you need a consistent supply of minerals/vitamins - feed something - its better than nothing!
2009 Diploma of Equine Podiatry Course Dates Set
The course will be delivered in four blocks commencing in October 2009, and continuing in February, April and August 2010 and all will be based at Mayfield Barehoofcare Centre in Yarck, Victoria. The course will be strictly limited to 15 students and places will be allocated on a "payment and application received" basis.
Detailed information regarding the course can be found at www.equinepodiotherapy.com.au or by phoning Chrisann Ware on 02 6493 6944 or mobile 0428 649 3682010 Polytechnic (formerly TAFE) Cert. 3 in Equine Hoofcare
The next course will be held on March the 15th to 26th 2010 so please register your interest with Nat Layton at nat.Layton@polytechinic.tas.edu.au and to receive more detailed information.
Learn more about the course, see examples of case studies and download a handy guide to Natural Hoofcare for free - find a trimmer in your area too at www.australianhooftrimmers.webs.com
NEW HOOFCARE TOOLS:
Precision Pick
Is a natural hoof care tool designed to measure and evaluate hoof structure and growth. There is an informational website about this tool at www.precisionhoofpick.com. In celebration of their 2nd anniversary, they are offering a special student price of $14.95 US for the month of August.Riders Rasp
New hoof rounding tool. Features an ergonomic design with soft grip, non-slip sides, stainless steel protective plate, and replaceable finish files designed for rounding, not removing hoof wall. Check this out - looks great for keeping hoof wall in shape between professional trims.Abrasive Trimming with a grinder - see the DVD Review below.
A new discussion group has been formed for Bitless Riders in Australia - click here to join this Yahoo group and share your experiences or ask questions about riding bitless. When you have joined, go to the poll and enter your vote to see a bitless riding demo at Equitana Aisa Pacific.
There is also a Bitless Horse Yahoo group with members worldwide.More great feedback on the Light Rider Bitless Bridles:
"I purchased a Stockhorse light rider bridle some months ago. I love the bridle and am amazed at how well my horse loves it.
It really broke down a barrier in communication (that darn bit), and she is so responsive and much happier and calmer now! Everyone is quite surprised and shocked that Willow handles so well without a bit. It is the best thing I have ever done for our relationship!" Shelly F. USAA new Light Rider Bitless Bridle Feedback page has been added to this site so you can read about all the problems solved and great results riders have achieved by choosing a Light rider Bridle.
New Standard Biothane Light Rider Bitless Bridles
The biothane used for the English and Stockhorse (pictured) styles is now available in two grades making the bridles more affordable.
What is biothane synthetic leather?
Hi-tech polymers are laminated around nylon for a leather look but many more advantages:
It is stronger than leather, lightweight, easy to clean and comfortable on the horse.What is the difference between the Deluxe and Standard bridles?
They look and work exactly the same, except for the padding on the noseband/browband. It is made from antigall ‘waffle’ look material on the deluxe and a smoother padded leather look material on the Standard. Both have stainless steel or brass fittings.
Photo: Standard Biothane on top with Beta Biothane below
.
Standard Biothane has a thicker polymer coating so is actually thicker than the Deluxe, but no less comfortable for the horse.
The Beta Biothane used for the Deluxe is manufactured in the USA and the bridle is made in Australia, while the Standard biothane bridles are manufactured in India.
India and China make more than 90% of the world’s quality equestrian equipment due to more affordable labour, bringing you more affordable equipment.
See the new shop page for the special offer on Standard Biothane Light Rider Bitless bridles - only $80 this month.Minrosa Himalayan salt licks now in Roberts stores
These licks previously available through the Natural Horse World Shop are now available at your nearest Roberts or Loones/Rural Services store, saving high postage rates. I will continue to keep some in stock for anyone unable to get to a store.New Book from Jenny Pearce
For those who have read Jenny's other books, Bobbies Diaries and Zen Connection, Books with Spirit proudly presents the new electronic book “Talk to Your Soul – Emotional Healing with a Pendulum” This book gives you the ability to give yourself an emotional healing session. It gives you step by step, simple instructions on how to use a pendulum and how you can use the pendulum with this book, to get rid of old emotional baggage and systematically feel good.
Get your copy from www.bookswithspirit.comSoft Touch Natural Hoof Care with Phil Morarre
This beautifully produced DVD is very easy to listen to and watch. Phil has a good clear way of describing barefoot hoofcare concepts such as:Why do people shoe?
The mechanics of the hoof
Problems and lameness
Benefits of barefoot
Making the transitionThe interview style of presentation is interspersed with testimonials from trimmers and horse owners. It is a great introduction to trimming with power tools and Phil explains why you would benefit from using an angle grinder to trim and how this can help you learn to do it yourself. His philosphy is that each of the traditional hand tools require you to develop considerable technique and it takes time to learn how to use them effectively.
Using a grinder is actually very simple and cuts down on the learning time and number of techniques, plus there is less chance of making a mistake as the removal of hoof is very gradual (not necessarily so with nippers or knife for the less experienced!). As a bonus you also get the job done much faster and with less effort!
The real life instructional segment of the video shows how to tackle a maintenence trim . It essentially shows you a private lesson with a woman who had NEVER trimmed a hoof before.
Following is some feedback from a trimmer:
" Hi Phil, I wanted to let you know that I did get both my horses used to the angle grinder for hoof trims. I was having a little trouble with one of my horses but it only lasted through the first trim.Last night I went out and gave them both a quick trim. I did all 4 feet and didn’t even put halters on! Amazing. For me they actually do better when I don’t tie them up but when I didn’t even put the halters on last night I was surprised. That’s desensitization for you!
Thanks for the tool. It has changed my trim schedule. I used to stew about it, put it off and resign myself to the job; I’d do two feet at a time because that’s all I had the energy and strength for. Now I zip through 8 feet in around 30 minutes. It’s the greatest. " Lori R. E. Washington
Other topics covered include Introducing the grinder to an anxious horse, leg handling and posture tips. One safety issue not mentioned is that of the trimmer's long hair being kept well out of the way. Even a pony tail swinging around can get dangerously close to the grinder!Other safety tips were well covered and showed some nifty tools such as the tail tie bungie for keeping the horse's tail tied up and an instant on/off attachment lever for the grinder.
Using a grinder certainly expands the options for trimmers either doing many horses and physically suffering from that, or for those just not used to using the hand tools like hoof knives, nippers and rasps.
This DVD has certainly sparked my interest in giving it a go! You can purchase it direct from www.softouchnaturalhorsecare.com or See a Youtube intro by clicking here.
There is a lot of info on abrasive trimming available on the www with a yahooo discussion group and this article on an Introduction to Power Tool Trimming by James Welz.Biosecurity and Quarantine
The current outbreak of Hendra virus (HeV) on a horse property in QLD emphasises again the critical importance of observation and reporting of clinical disease in horses. Recently, outbreaks of strangles on a number of properties in NSW provide additional proof of the need for all horse owners to have biosecurity measures on their properties. This includes isolation of all new arrivals for a suitable period to prevent introduction of any disease onto the property.
Hendra virus
Research at the Australian Animal Health Laboratory after the Redlands 2008 outbreak of HeV has provided new information that must be taken into account in areas where flying foxes congregate.All flying fox populations in Australia have the potential to carry and excrete HeV.
The new information is that horses can be infected with HeV for a couple of days before showing any clinical signs of being ill. During that time they can be excreting HeV which potentially can infect anybody who comes into contact with the infected horse. The research showed that infected horses appear normal, but have increased heart rates and body temperatures before they become ill. Thus, it is essential that horse owners take appropriate steps to prevent access by horses to all areas where flying foxes congregate.
The research has implications for horse owners or managers in other areas of Australia. Horses travel regularly from QLD and northern NSW (where HeV infections have been detected) to all parts of Australia. This means that horses from these areas must be isolated, observed and monitored closely for the first few days after arrival to ensure they remain healthy. If they are ill, then a veterinarian should be called and advised that the horse has recently arrived from an area where it is possible to have come into contact with flying foxes and HeV. This enables the veterinarian and those in contact with the horse to take appropriate precautions to prevent them becoming exposed to HeV when examining the horse and taking samples for laboratory analysis.
Join Our Rally To Ban Jumps Racing
With 12 jumps racing deaths already this year, now it is time to drive the message home that we will not give up until jumps racing is banned.A rally is going to be held at Sandown Racecourse (only 35 minutes from Melbourne) on the last feature jumps race day for the season 11am Sunday the 30th of August, 2009, to show the Victorian Government that most people want jumps racing banned. We're aiming to have more than 200 people in attendance. This will be the Grand Finale of the jumps racing season, and hopefully the Grand Finale of jumps racing forever!
You must RSVP for this rally at BanJumps.com. An email with final details will be sent to you one week before the demonstration. If you live interstate, there are currently cheap flights with some of the airline carriers, both on the day and the day before the rally. We strongly urge all supporters to attend this event if possible.
Everything will be provided on the day. Please try to bring at least 1 friend, family member or colleague.
HORSE OWNERS BEWARE!! - CROFTEN WEED
Croften Weed (Ageratina adenophora (Asteraceae family) will be flowering during August/September with mature plants producing between 10,000 and 100,000 seeds per year. Since its escape in about 1900 it has spread from Central Queensland to south of Wollongong in NSW. There are also isolated infestations on the Northern and Central Tablelands of NSW. This weed poses a major threat to horse health, with horses which have eaten the plant developing acute oedema (swelling of the lungs). The first sign is coughing which is more pronounced by exercise. It can cause lung and heart damage. Death from respiratory failure is the eventual result with affected horses often suddenly collapsing and dying while being worked.The condition is known in Australia as “Numinbah Disease” or Tallebudgera Horse Disease”. Check out your paddocks – keep them clear of Croften Weed as horses may preferentially graze the plants even when there is plenty of feed available. Even eight weeks of contact with this weed can cause sickness in horses.
Another very good newsletter with usedul information:
The eighth edition of the free equiculture newsletter/magazine is now on the website www.equiculture.com.au
This edition includes :
Article - Transporting horses - outfit options
Article - Buying or leasing a horse - part 2
Report - ISES Conference Sydney July 09
But a Memory Horse Rescue by Kate Joseph
Article - Property design part 5World News:
An Alarming Alliance - Are FEI Endurance Officials and an Arab Sheik supporting the Mongol Derby?What is believed to be the most potentially damaging equestrian event ever attempted, wherein twenty-five tourists will pay a collective $130,000 to race 800 small horses one thousand kilometers across Mongolia at the height of summer, may be linked to leaders of the FEI and the United Arab Emirates.
The Mongol Derby has been organized by an English tour operator named Tom Morgan, who has previously specialized in enticing foreigners to pay to race junk cars to distant foreign capitals. News that Morgan's company was staging the "biggest, baddest equine affair on the planet," has prompted the world famous equestrian trainer, Linda Tellington-Jones, to condemn the event.
"This abuse of horses must be addressed and stopped by people who love and respect horses. The Mongol Derby could have a negative impact on the endurance world where veterinary care of horses has been a priority for years," Tellington-Jones warned.
Please consider speaking out for the spirit of these hardy Mongolian horses and help prevent this race from taking place August 22.Join me in signing the petition and lets hold the intention together to protect these horses.
NEW HOPE FOR ABANDONED HORSES
July 18th….another day and we are still so hungry. We are quickly losing hope that anyone will ever come here to care for us and give us regular meals. There are other horses here, and people come every day and give them hay and big tubs of feed. What have we done wrong that we aren’t fed. We must really have been naughty, but I don’t remember being bad.
Here they are again, the people who come to feed all the other horses. There are two strangers with the lady this time. I wonder who they are? They are coming into our paddock. Are they coming to take us away to a place that’s worse than this? Nothing could be much worse….we have been abandoned here.
The two strangers are touching us; rubbing us; talking softly to us. Oooh, she’s looking in my mouth….picking up my feet….what’s going on here? Now they are leaving….just walking away from us like everyone else does. They are standing there talking to another person who is preparing tubs of food. Perhaps they will give us some today.
The other horses are led out of the paddock and allowed to eat their food, but once again, there is none for us. Wait, one of the people are coming back to the fence….she has something in her hands. She has carrots…. she is offering us carrots to eat. They taste so sweet and wonderful. I wonder what all this means? Perhaps there is hope….perhaps these two people are going to come and feed us every day. I loved the carrots, but I hope they bring something more for us to eat.
July 19th and 20th….The people haven’t come back with any more carrots….they haven’t come back to see us again. We are quickly losing all hope of ever having a nice home with loving people to care for us and feed us regular meals. We just wish we knew what we did wrong to cause us to be abandoned for all these years.
July 21st. What’s going on? There’s a new person here….someone wearing a uniform….we are being moved from our paddock….we have halters on….Is this the end of the line for us? Are we going to receive the final punishment for whatever it is we did wrong?
Wait….the two people who were here three days ago are back and they have a big horse trailer. They are putting rugs on us….perhaps we are finally going home. These people seem so nice and they talk softly to us. They want us to get on the trailer. My pasture mate is in the trailer….I’m too scared….I’m not getting in that thing….it might hurt me. I am going to fight with all my strength to keep from being put in that thing. They are very persistent….they really want me to get in that trailer. I cannot keep fighting….I reckon I need to just trust them and hope they are taking us some place that is good….a place where we will be taken care of and fed regularly. OK, OK, I’ll get in, as long as my pasture mate is going with me. It will be better than staying here by myself, starving to death.
After a long, bumpy ride, we are finally taken from the trailer and led into a big, grassy paddock. Surely, this must be heaven for horses. We are given a big pile of fresh, sweet hay to eat. It feels so good to have something to eat. A few hours later, one of the people brings us tubs with feed and sweet chaff to eat. This is so wonderful….finally, after years of neglect, we have been rescued.
A note from their foster home: Abbie and Brandy have settled in to their new foster home. They enjoy being groomed and loved. They also look forward to their regular meals and are starting to gain weight. Brandy had a body condition score of a 1 and Abbie a 1.5 when they were rescued. They had been abandoned for years on a farm near Launceston. Abbie is a flea bitten gray Thoroughbred in her early 20’s and Brandy is a chestnut, probably in her mid to late teens. Both girls are very sweet and have settled in nicely. They have now had their teeth floated and are eating well. They will be available for adoption after they are completely rehabilitated.
If you would like to make a contribution to the rehabilitation of these 2 beautiful horses, please contact either of the following people.
Amanda at 03 64 923146 or Ruth at 03 64 912210
All donations are greatly appreciated. Just $5 will provide a bale of hay and $20 will buy a bag of feed.
Thank you, Abbie (photo above) and Brandy (photo at top).
Franklin Levinson 2010 Australian Tour
“Successful Training Through Compassion, Wisdom, Skill and Trust”
Current Tour Dates:
18th to 22nd January World Ride in the Victorian High Country- 5 Day “Man from Snowy River” and Heritage, Mansfield VIC
29th January Youth Horsemanship Clinic’s at Pegasus, Holt ACT
30th January Beyond Natural Horsemanship 1 day Clinic at Pegasus, Holt ACT
4th – 7th February Equine Facilitated Learning 4 day Clinic at Pegasus, Holt ACT
13th and 14th February Beyond Natural Horsemanship 2 Day Clinic at Adonai Equestrian Centre, Glenorie NSW
19th February Youth Horsemanship Clinic Lope-A-Long Training and Agistment Centre, Rockbank VIC
20th and 21st February Beyond Natural Horsemanship 2 Day Clinic at Lope-A-Long Training and Agistment Centre, Rockbank VIC
23rd to 26th February Equine Facilitated Learning 4 day Clinic at Tooradin Estate, Tooradin VIC
28th February Beyond Natural Horsemanship 1 day Clinic at Tooradin Estate, Tooradin VIC
13th and 14th March Beyond Natural Horsemanship 2day Clinic at Lope-A-Long Training and Agistment Centre, Rockbank VICFranklin Levinson's mission is to enhance and enrich the horse/human relationship wherever and whenever possible by teaching humans how to compassionately and effectively interact with their horses.
Whether a competitive rider, trail rider, Western or English discipline, your success with your horse is based on the depth and quality of the trust established, along with appropriate and practiced skills.
Attending a seminar with Franklin Levinson will absolutely increase your success with your horse, no matter what the activity.
Franklin has 40+ years experience as a professional horseman. Long before the 'natural horsemanship' craze, Franklin was teaching and training horses using his own gentle, effective methods.
Experience one of the few, true remaining innovators of gentle, successful horsemanship, as well as Equine Facilitated Learning, by attending a Franklin Levinson seminar.For more information on Franklin Levinson’s 2010 Australian Tour, prices, bookings or to host a clinic in your area
Australian Tour Coordinator – Cathy Prior,
Mobile: 0438875686 Email: flevinson@yahoo.com.auFor more information on Franklin Levinson and ‘Beyond Natural Horsemanship’ check out www.BeyondNaturalHorsemanship.com
News from Cynthia
As is often the case, the topics for this newsletter often come from my research into conditions that affect my own horses.
I have been particularly interested in worms (of the equine parasite variety!) lately and was surprised when a recently wormed mare showed up a pinworm burden. I then investigated how this could be and discovered pinworm eggs are impossible to see in a worm test from a manure sample as the eggs are laid outside the anus causing the horse to scratch their tail.
They are most likely to be picked up from the bedding and continue their cycle when horses are confined to a stable or yard (which this mare was with her foal who’s leg needed an operation) and they have a short life cycle of 5-7 days.
The new book ‘Natural Horse Care The right Way’ by Ann Nyland, has some excellent advice on worming that highlights the need to worm at least once a year for Encysted Stongyles– another undetectable worm burden that has killed many horses (only Equest or Panacur used for 5 consecutive days kills these). You can buy this book from the Natural Horse World web shop or read a review here.The other issue that I’ve been working on for some time now is feeding supplements and balancing my horse’s diets.
This led me to have a custom diet done by Carol Layton from Balanced Equine as I was spending a fortune on mineral mixes with 15 horses to feed.
After sending my hay sample off to be tested in the USA (cheaper and probably faster than in Australia) Carol was not surprised that I still have skin problems showing up in winter time especially. The hay was one of the more difficult she had to analyse but not impossible to prescribe a custom mineral mix to balance the total diet.
I’ve just started feeding it, along with the other things I usually feed; a small amount of lucerne chaff, Speedibeet, salt and a protein supplement which has changed from Copra to Soybean meal for higher quality protein.
It has meant chasing around for some of the ingredients in the mineral mix, but I’m sure it will save me a lot in the long run, and I know my horses are getting exactly what they need.
All of this inspired the ‘Where do I start’ article in Nutrition News and a Worming article will follow in a future news bulletin.
With all this wet weather we’re having I had to get creative with hay feeders again when my youngsters needed a round bale – the easiest way for me to give them hay 24/7. After they destroyed the first bale in 48hours, wasting a lot by manuring on it, I got 2 plastic truck mudguards (found at the local tip shop) and fastened them around the next bale that lasted a week with no wastage.
Fortunately the paddock they’re in has a lovely big blackwood tree for shelter which is where the bale sits so it doesn’t get too wet.
Wet weather also cancelled our Comfort Zone day but then you have to expect that in winter!
Enjoy the long winter nights (or lovely summer days if you’re in the northern hemisphere) and keep learning for your horse’s best interests.
Nutrition News:
What to feed – Where Do I Start? By Cynthia Cooper
With the trend towards feeding your horse a more natural diet, I’m hearing concerns and confusion as to how to balance a diet or even work out just what to feed.
It should be simple really – just give them grass, oats, hay and a salt lick – right?
In some countries and on some soils your horse may do well on this simple diet, but in most cases a deficiency will show up as poor performance, poor coat, condition and hoof material, susceptibility to skin problems (such as greasy heel, rain scald etc), parasites and many other health and/or behavioural issues.
We usually don’t suspect a mineral deficiency as the cause, and just treat the problem but as I discovered, if you feed minerals the problems disappear.Choosing what to feed horses can be confusing. It seems as though everyone you ask has a different answer. And, many feeding methods are based on myths coming from old information. Advances in equine science have made us more aware of conditions such as sub clinical laminitis, insulin resistance, cushings syndrome, arthritis, or allergies, ulcers, recurrent colic, or diarrhoea that need special diets.
Here are some options for getting nutrition advice:Search the internetRead booksAsk other experienced horse owners, a vet or feed store personUse a feed analysis programHire an Equine nutritionist to do a custom dietTake a course in Equine nutritionSearch the internet
You can search for information on the internet – there is a huge amount available but that in itself can make it exhausting and confusing. It can also be a great place to start so you become aware of various terms, ideas and basics.
Here is quite a comprehensive site to start with.
Remember to try different search terms: Equine/horse nutrition, horse feeding, horse feed analysis are all worth trying.
You will probably find free nutrition analysis web sites and some of these are linked to various feed/supplement companies such as:
RANVET’S DIET EVALUATION SERVICE - free service with detailed online form.
Be aware that these companies are most likely going to recommend their products and they have no way of knowing the exact nutrients in the grass or hay you are feeding which makes up the bulk of the diet.Read books
There are many specialist books on equine nutrition – just do a search of the online bookstores such as Amazon.com – or of your state library.
The provide good foundation information about the horse’s digestive processes, various feeds, minerals and vitamins needed along with associated problems.
However they are unable to tell you what to feed your horse/s according to the type of grass, hay and other feeds you have access to.
Click the link below to read a review of The Horse Nutrition Bible by Ruth Bishop. Natural Horse Care the Right Way also has a lot of information on supplements – read a review here.Ask other experienced horse owners, vets or the feed store person
Apart from the fact that you have no way of knowing if they have any comprehensive nutrition knowledge, their local knowledge of available feeds and suppliers may be helpful. Even if they have horses of a similar status and situation, their feed program may not provide what your horse needs. Its worth getting as many opinions as possible, as there maybe some information worth following up on, or recommendations that may be helpful.
Experience can be a wonderful teacher.Use a feed analysis program
Then there are programs such as FeedXL where you can play around with various combinations of feeds, pastures, grains and supplements to see if they provide a balanced diet. It gives you instant feedback when you change amounts/ingredients and allows you to play around with many options.
This can be helpful if you feed a commercial feed mix, however its calculations are only based on generalised pasture and hay tests, not your specific types.
Here is a review of the FeedXL program from an Equine Nutritionist who points out this program does no mineral ratio balancing. This blog also has some very useful links.Hire an Equine Nutritionist to fromulate a custom diet
There are also online consultants who provide a diet analysis independent from any feed company interests. They generally don’t have any alliances with feed companies and should be bale to work out a diet according to the feeds available in your area.
The best ones like www.balancedequine.com.au advise pasture and hay tests [if practical, if not then can use average estimates for hay types and grades] to give an accurate nutrient analysis. This can save you money on expensive supplements as a custom mineral mix is tailored to your horse’s individual requirements. Custom diets with pasture/hay tests are great for those who have a regular supply of the same hay/pasture year round and want to feed their own mix of more natural grains and forage.
Some other examples can be found here.Take a course in Equine Nutrition
If you really want to get into nutrition and be able to do custom diets for all your horses (and others) then this is the way to go.
You can do this at a university, via distance education with the Australian College of Traditional medicine or via an online course – search for online Equine nutrition courses. Dr Eleanor Kellon VMD has a variety of very popular and affordable online nutrition courses.Whichever direction you take to learn more about feeding I urge you to at least supplement your horses with salt – an absolute essential, and then look into either having your horse’s diet custom balanced or buying a top quality vitamin/mineral mix such as Supreme Vit & Min to boost your horse’s immune system to avoid or clear up problems you may not even be aware of.
In the next news bulletin I will focus on minerals, vitamins and supplements so stay tuned….
Barefoot Bits & Pieces
This month’s www.wildhorseresearch.com newsletter updates you on Brian’s recent trip to New Zealand and work with the Kaimanawa wild horses and reveals less than perfect hooves and conformation.Marg Richardson has put together a new website for ACEHP (Australian Certified Equine Hoofcare Practitioners) where you can find out more about the students who have qualified through the Polytechnic Hoof care Course. You can find a trimmer in your area, learn more about the course, see examples of case studies and download a handy guide to Natural Hoofcare for free. www.australianhooftrimmers.webs.com
The 2010 Brumby Tour is now being organised with bookings closing on July 31st this year. This exciting outback tour in its 3rd year gives you a rare chance to study Australian brumbies in their natural habitat with the guidance of Jeremy Ford and Jen Clingly of Wildabout Hooves. The tour highlights include:
Camping under the stars
Spectacular sunrises/sunsets
Kings Creek Station and Canyon
Aboriginal Interpretation
Delicious camp oven cooking
Brumbies and more brumbies
This 4 day adventure goes from Fri 28th May to Mon. 31st of May 2010 so to find out more about this unforgettable experience call Jen on 0408 838198.Bitless Bridle News:
Australia’s first Bitless Riding Club
The Huntly Social Riding Club is a new club associated with ATHRA and located in Huntly, 15kms north of Bendigo. The club's colours are black and white and we meet every 2nd weekend of the month. The club is proudly sponsored by Carlos Tabernaberri (a renowned horse trainer who uses kind and gentle horsemanship methods). Although the club promotes and educates in bitless riding, it is neither required or expected.
Club president Anna Clacy says " I wrote a submission at the start of the year to have the rules changed through ATHRA's code of conduct to allow bitless bridles in their education sessions.
Halters and bitless bridles were allowed on trail rides but if education sessions were being conducted all horses needed to be bitted.
As I pointed out being a bitless riding club that educates and promotes in bitless riding, we would be running most of our education sessions bitless. Thankfully ATHRA (Australian Trail Horse Riders Assoc.) was happy for the code of conduct to be changed.
We are a club that promotes family fun and equine welfare."
The club grounds are located on Millwood Road, Huntly.
The clubs facilities are very new. Currently available is a 60 x 40 sand arena, 30 acres of fenced area, club house with toilet facilities and 300 acres of forest land for trail riding.
The club holds regular trail rides and instruction days with Carlos Tabernaberri.
To find out more about upcoming events here are the contacts:
WEBSITE—www.athra.com.au
(Go to athra clubs Victoria, then Bendigo Bitless Branch)
President: Anna Clacy 5448 8992, annaclacy@bigpond.com.au
More praise for Light Rider Bitless bridles:
One of the best parts about designing and selling the Light Rider Bitless bridles is hearing from happy horse owners who give their feedback:“The bridle is fabulous thanks.
I have ridden my horse in a crossunder style bridle as well as a riding halter bridle, and yours would appear so far to be the most comfortable one from the horse's perspective. My horse usually has impeccable manners when on his own, however when with a group of 'mates' he gets understandably excited, but remained controllable.
So far so good. The Light Rider Bridle looks lovely and fits him well.”
Thanks again, Kelly C. Victoria.(Kelly's Huckleberry pictured wearing the Light Rider Stockhorse bridle)
“I loved the bridle! Ziya was very "Right Brained" for the first half of the ride, but she stayed in hand really nice. I know Elizabeth did great with hers too.
Our horse were the only non-booted barefoot horses at the endurance ride.
Thanks again! Kelsey C. USA
(photo - an exuberant Ziya and Kelsey)“I am so impressed with my light rider bridle! It is really lovely, good control and attractive to look at. Also my horse just seemed so much happier without a bit in her mouth, so much more at ease. So cheers on a fantastic product, I am happy to advocate the use of your bridles to anyone who asks me in the future.”
Fiona H., Tasmania.The International Society for Equitation Science Annual Conference is being held at the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Veterinary Science and Centennial Parkland Equestrian Centre from 12 – 14 July. International experts in horse behaviour, training and welfare will be discussing Ethical Equitation – a sustainable approach and will consider how horse sport and horse welfare can go hand in hand.
Here’s what they will be discussing:
What is the effect of different training regimes on the physical fitness of the equine athlete?
Can the mere presence of a human help to calm a nervous horse?
How does rider position affect stride length during canter?
And how is the temperament of a future sport horse accurately assessed?
The world’s leading experts in horse behaviour and physiology have the answers to these questions and many more.
The three-day conference will feature a lively combination of keynote and academic presentations alongside practical demonstrations from some of Australia’s leading horse professionals including;
· Top international showjumper and coach Colleen Brook
· Horse trainer for stage and screen Steve Jeffries - whose breathtaking gallop onto the centre stage with his Stock Horse signalled the start of Sydney’s Olympic Games
· ParaOlympian and clicker training expert Georgia Bruce
· The Australian Equine Behaviour Centre’s Warwick McLean
· Australia’s leading dressage rider Brett Parberry
These internationally acclaimed horse people will be working with learning theorists and new technology such as rein tension meters and gait analysis software to unpick the mechanisms common to all clear animal training.
The three keynote presenters are:
· Dr Bidda Jones, Chief Scientist at RSPCA Australia
· Emeritus Professor Bob Boakes, one of the world’s leading experts on learning in non-human animals
· Professor Leo Jeffcott , longstanding veterinarian to the Australian Olympic Eventing team
It will be interesting to see the report from the conference.
AUSTRALIAN HORSE INDUSTRY COUNCIL – HORSE INDUSTRY SURVEY July 2009
It is 12 months since the last survey on the Australian horse industry done by AHIC.
A major reason for undertaking horse industry surveys is to gather information on a variety of subjects that are of national interest. AHIC is asked weekly about industry data from a wide variety of sources – academics, industry, horse organisations, media representatives, students, horse owners and so on.
The currently available information is not comprehensive and needs updating constantly.This latest survey seeks to update and expand on previous knowledge. The current adverse economic conditions have impacted on us all and it would be informative to gain some insight into how horse owners are coping and whether they are still as active in the industry.At a meeting in April 2009, representatives from 12 of 14 large member-based organisations agreed that it would be a good idea for an annual levy to be paid by horse owners to fund ongoing horse industry activities. These would include such activities as research and development, promotion, biosecurity and quarantine for horse events and horse properties, Animal Health Australia membership, advocacy, industry consultations and meetings, development and maintenance of a national horse database, safety and occupational health programs in the horse industry, and continuing education of horse industry participants.AHIC is seeking your personal views on this proposal in this survey. Any excess collections could be diverted into a contingency fund to be held in case there is a future exotic disease outbreak. Such funds could be used to offset part of any eligible costs incurred in an emergency disease response.A major benefit of having an annual horse industry levy would be ongoing funding for horse industry activities, currently there is none. Furthermore it would be a point for unification across the entire horse industry because everybody would be working to the same set of rules and for the same purposes – advancement of the entire horse industry, both its horses and their owners.The survey also seeks some basic demographic data about horse owners and those who participate in the horse industry.
This is so that AHIC has some idea about where horse owners are, and how they compare with other individuals in the community at large. The information gathered from this part of the survey can be compared with data collected in the national census to determine if those in the horse industry are similar to the “average Australian person” or different in some way. This will assist AHIC greatly in answering the many requests we receive for information about the Australian horse industry.I encourage you to complete as much of the survey as you can and for you to alert your horse industry contacts also to complete the survey. The larger the amount of data collected the more reliable and useful it will be.You can access the latest AHIC survey here.
The survey will run until 31 July 2009.
PRODUCT NEWS
Horse Rug Heating Facts by Dave McDonald
When you put your hand under a rug on a horse standing still it should NEVER feel toasty warm. This is a misconception.
It should feel more on the coolish side.
The temperature you are used to feeling under the blanket is too hot for a healthy horse.
Why ? Because a horses body temperature is supposed to be maintained at 38 deg which they can do effectively un-covered but can't with rugs on.With a traditional rug on the only way this temperature can be maintained is if he stands still all day and this is not healthy for a number of reasons one of which good digestion depends on movement .
If your horse is standing still and feels toasty warm then as soon as he starts to move he overheats.
Muscle movement creates inner core body heat. So when a horse starts to feel cold he starts to move then as a result he warms up.As an example, lets look at ourselves. If the outside temperature is freezing we put on a jumper and coat to go outside.
We feel nice and toasty warm. But as soon as we walk a short distance up the paddock our muscle movement creates inner core body heat so we start to feel uncomfortable so we have to take our coat off.This is exactly the same scenario with our horses but unfortunately they cannot take their coat off. So they have to suffer in the paddock because we are doing what we think is right, not what our horse wants.
People who repair rugs are only in business because of two things. One is barbed wire fences and the main one is rubbing horses that are constantly uncomfortable because of what we put on them.
The Cool Heat blanket is not a scientific creation. All it does is shield the horse from the direct wind chill and rain while underneath the horse creates its own comfortable temperature through pilo erection and that is not a toasty warm feel.
With a Cool Heat blanket on, your horse will be as warm as he should be and the benefits are many. For instance horses with Cool Heats on do not get colds.
Why ? Because chilled sweat against the skin causes colds and with the Cool Heat's unique rubber 'fingers' keeping the blanket off the body, sweat is never trapped against the skin to chill the horse, as under the horse the hair movement(pilo erection) lifts the sweat up off the skin and dries it off but with traditional blankets the sweat is trapped against the skin and this is what chills the horse when the outside temperature goes up and down .
The many other advantages are listed on our site www.macsequine.com
More testimonials for Alleviate:
“I visited a customer of mine this morning - her two horses, have now been on 'Alleviate' for 5 weeks, stood there, so calm and quiet.
Normally it is a circus with the two, they are mad and flighty and nervous and impatient... Today they were behaving like two very different horses !
I actually enjoyed trimming them. One just stood there, ground tied, at liberty. Couldn't believe the change.
My client said she definitely sees a big change in her horses behaviour !Yesterday I trimmed a little Arab mare who normally is a complete nut-case. With the 'excuse' that she is young and still has to learn to behave....
I put the horse owner onto the 'Alleviate' 5 weeks ago, and now this little mare stood there, completely calm and sweet.
No pushing and biting and walking all over me and the handler.
We couldn't believe it, until it dawned on us that it must be the Magnesium.
The horse owners jaw just dropped, since she’d had problems with this mare for a long time.
Today she had to be loaded onto a truck to go to her 'breaking-in' training facility. Normally she plays up and hacks the trailer to pieces. Today she walked in like a dream and arrived safely.
Scary to think how many horses get abused and hit and judged as 'unruly', if all it is a mineral imbalance...
So, a lot of happy people and horses up here now.”
Thank you Lucy (and Jenny!). Kaya in Northern NSW“I have a friend (into show jumping) who thought I was crazy but she recently brought a horse that came from Goulburn and when she trialled the horse there he was fabulous with no problems. 3 weeks into being at her place on lush grass (mainly kikuyu) the horse had become a raving looney, spooking at the jumps, cavalettis, not even being able to be lunged without going off his trolley. I gave her a reminder about Casper and she took the horse off grass…viola 2 weeks later the horse is almost back to what she originally brought. Ok enough of my ramblings but if this information can save a few horses from being labelled dangerous or sent to the doggers then my work here is done.” Leanne in Sydney
The Natural Horse World web shop stocks Alleviate and all the Provide It products. To read more about these top of the range supplements click here.Web Review:
Super Natural Horses is a new website launched on July 1, 2009 that offers a community based around natural horsemanship and connects naturally handled horses for sale with naturally trained horse people.They aim to build connections—between horsepeople with similar horsemanship philosophies and aspire to become the go-to place for natural horsemanship on the Internet, encompassing all different kinds of natural riding and training.
Creators, Celana Delany and Anna-Marie Krahn aim to increase awareness of natural horsemanship around the globe, and to reduce some of the controversy surrounding this philosophy of horsemanship by offering education and support.They are building a library of articles by a variety of natural horse people (some written by myself) of which I especially 'Training Mythunderstandings: The Most Important Routine' by Ron Meredith.Also, from now until July 31, their Super Fancy ads are completely free and include 10 photos and a video of your naturally trained horse.
You can find out more by visiting SNH at www.supernaturalhorses.com.
Anya Dyskin’s blog on her experiences with natural horsemanship.
Anna says "I want to share my experiences with people as I go through the process of learning how to build a foundation of understanding – a common language – with a horse on which one can build and build almost indefinitely.
Hopefully these posts will resonate with some readers and prompt discussions that will benefit myself and all who read this blog and who might be struggling with similar issues I am struggling with, or who are just curious about different training methods and philosophies that are out there."
I found Anna's posts informative and thought provoking so make sure you save her page and check back for her regular updates.
New links on the website to check out:Early weaning
Click here for an excellent article by Linda Kohanov detailing the detrimental effects of early weaning and the long term benefits of later and more gradual weaning.
Saddlefit 4 Life® shares the expertise of top trainers, physiotherapists, veterinarians, chiropractors, massage therapists, farriers, and saddle fitters. It has good videos on saddle fit info and basics.
Readers News:From Merry in Launceston: ‘Just thought I'd send along a couple of pics of little Sunny (Santino, 9 months) on his first outing. I am just so proud of this little guy. He self loaded in beside his 'Aunty' Eclipse and took the trip up to Joylene's with no fuss. He had a lovely time chatting to her weanlings and then had a play on some of her equipment. It is just such a pleasure to be able to handle these youngsters and I learn something from them every day! I love the second pic, he looks so proud of himself!’
Nan from Longford writes: Here are the pictures of the 2 big boys and their hay pillows. They love them. And on the windy nights they were FANTASTIC!!!
Thank you sooo much for the idea. I have made 1 more for the girls as a trial. At first they thought it was a monster. But by the morning they had cleaned up their hay.
By the way- Jellybean is now bitless!! - it's great- he is soo much more relaxed. This photo shows the new "Bitless" Jelly and his first lesson with Abbie, one of his regular riders.
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December 2009
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Barefoot Bits & Pieces - Pony hoof pads to make
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Bitless Bridle News - Dutch Dressage Trial
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Book Review - Hoof Prints - by Melanie Sue Bowles
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Book Review - Conversations with Cadbury
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Bitless Bridle News - LightRider Bridle passes independent tests
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Welfare News - The sad story of Freckles
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World News - Dressage Disgrace
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Nutrition News - more Paddock Paradise + Feed Salt
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Product News - New Bitless Noseband
- Nutrition News - What to Feed, Where do I start?
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Cooper -
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