Native horse pasture - photo by Adriana Nielsen

I was very excited to see that finally an Australian grass seed company has produces a pasture mix especially for horses that helps prevent laminitis. Most pasture seed sold at your local produce store is designed for food production to make beef, lamb and dairy animals produce the end product faster.

These predominantly rye grass and clover mixes  are deadly for horses who can’t process the fructans they produce, causing laminitis and founder. Australian native grasses have a much lower level of NSC’s and are processed by horses differently so are much safer to graze in large quantities by our equines.

Native Seeds have been working hard on their new FREE downloadable eBook “Equine laminitis: How native grasses can help in its prevention”. The book has had some great comments and endorsement by top equine authorities such as Prof. Chris Pollitt, Jane Myers and Rebecca Scott to name a few.

I found it explained the differences between the native grasses and introduced grasses very well, along with how horses digest these differently, often resulting in laminitis when high NSC (sugar) grasses are fed exclusively. The description and photos of all the Australian Native grasses was also excellent.

Gallop Grub Horse Pasture - it's full of neiiigh-ture!

To celebrate the release of the book, they are also introducing a brand new product: Gallop Grub horse pasture mix.  This seed mix contains low NSC grasses that are perfect for southern temperate climates. As a special offer, they are taking 20% off of all their seed mixes! This includes the Gallop Grub as well as their Summer and Winter Lawn Mixes!
But hurry – this offer ends tomorrow!

Get your Free E-Book and checkout the Gallop Grub pasture mix offer here.

I decided to buy my young daughter a shetland pony. This little mare named Holly was so quiet and had been running with other horses in a big paddock so I thought she would settle in fine with my four horses. Holly arrived and I decided to separate them through a safe wooden post and rail fence. 

Holly and Echo together at last.

My gelding, Echo was charging at Holly through the fence and Holly in turn ignored all the horses for two weeks. She had no interest in even looking at them. She seemed aloof and detached yet quiet with my daughter – maybe a little depressed.
I was worried because I thought I would have to borrow a pony to run with her, she had no interest in my horses and Echo was behaving aggressively towards her. Then one day she left the arena and trotted into the paddock next to them and stood at the fence waiting for a nose sniff. I knew that was her way of telling me that she was ready to run with the herd. All I can think is that she was grieving her past home of seven years and now had accepted her new surrounding.
I feel sad that people give up so easily in introducing new horses, sometimes the best solution is time where they can get to know each other over the fence even if it seems like they are going to kill each other like Echo was.  When I  first put him in with her a few days after she arrived I had to quickly take her out because he was chasing  her and charging at her with his ears flat back, and then two weeks later Echo was lovingly scratching her and they were eating hay together. Every horse is a herd animal and with patience you can integrate what seems to be the most unlikely of matches. No horse deserves to live alone.

Launching a free world wide list of alternative therapists specialising in horses and riders.

If you know of anyone who does holistic, complementary or alternative therapies or medicines specialising in horses and riders, then pass on this email to them so that they can have a completely free listing on my new world wide list. Here’s the link to the information that I need for the listing. www.jennypearce.com.au/horse-health/launching-a-world-wide-list-of-alternative-therapists-who-specialise-in-horses-and-riders/

Anna Writes:

I have started a bitless forum where like minded people can gather to meet, chat and get advice. The forum is free to join so please feel free to join the discussions or start a post. Please pass this onto anyone who you think may be interested. www.ridingbitless.com/

Cynthia: If you are a Facebook fan there is also a new group for Bitless Believers - http://www.facebook.com/groups/241577395917529/ Please join us – there are members worldwide and its a great source of information on bitless bridles and riding.

Alexandria shares a link:

May’s website shows a pretty simple and strongly constructed obstacle course….great idea.   The noodle tree is a great… amazing how pool noodles have been used so much in animal training activities. stalecheerios.com/blog/horse-training/new-horse-obstacle-cours/

Jan writes:

Time and money saver.

Sarah writes:

Amber writes:

I love my LightRider bitless bridle, especially in the snow!

I took this picture of my friend Jane on Cassidy and wanted to share it with you.  Thanks so much for the video and bitless noseband from the video contest.  My gelding, Ruger, loves his too.  Anyway, I wanted to mention when I was putting the noseband with a bridle at the local tack-shop the owner very much liked the craftsmanship.  I thought he would disapprove as many ‘old-school’ cowboy types in these-here-parts like bits, the harsher the better.  Well, he looked at it and knew the kind of riding I do (he’s an amazing source of information and his shop has it all) so he looked at it and said how it was wonderful to have something like it when you are saddling up your horses in the backcountry when it’s -20F degrees.  I will send a follow up video with Ruger and his Bitless Noseband–hopefully before too long.

Anne writes:

Enjoying a Tasmanian Beach Ride

Heaven on earth – Bernadete on Izzy and Anne on Chief enjoy a Bridport beach ride.

I was using your LightRider bitless bridle on my Arab, Chief, the previous owners used, martingales, bits, dropped nose bands etc on and he was so uptight, he used to hold his head so high when I got him that I always felt I was going to be hit in the face all the time – now he is happy with the LightRider.

New LightRider Stock now in.

LightRider English Euro style

I  have new sizes of the LightRider English Euro – now in cob, full and warmblood size.

• Made from black top quality drum dyed leather with stainless steel fittings.
• Raised and padded browband and noseband, with padded single headpiece in classic European styling.
• Ideal for shows, pony club, jumping, dressage, hunting and adult riding clubs.

I’ve added another colour to the LightRider Performer rope bridles – now available in black/gold zig zag in cob and full size.

This top quality marine grade polyester rope bridle has stainless steel fittings and thicker noseband padding (antigall non-slip material) to offer extra comfort and stability.

The LightRider Performer is suited for situations where the horse wears the bridle for longer periods, as in endurance riding/competitive trail, or when rein contact is maintained in dressage, eventing or jumping. Also suitable for tying solid like a regular rope halter (with a lead rope – or the reins with clips removed).

Check out all the great choices of LightRider bitless bridle styles – there’s something to suit every horse and pony in the www.naturalhorseworldstore.com/categories/Bitless-Bridles/

“I now have 3 of your nosebands, 2 young horses working in them and our new pony just starting out. The pony is just catching on so quickly. I’ve been working my big 4 ½ yo. horse in it for close to 12 months now. Today I got such a big compliment from my riding instructor – she said that my horse and I would be one of the best ambassadors she seen for the bitless bridle, because he works so beautifully in it, so sensitive & responsive.
I can’t tell you how big the grin is on my face.  I should mention that my boy is 17.25 hands, solid and equally strong. So on that note thanks heaps, we love your bitless nosebands/bridles.”
Juliean & Radar ( oh and Tully & Gossip too)

“Rode out with a friend last weekend and he extolled the virtues of your Lightrider. The rest is history. Having tried two other bitless bridles in the past yours is by far the best and easiest to transfer to with the horse understanding easily and being calmer.” Richard T.

If you live in New Zealand www.equigear.co.nz/ have new stocks of the LightRider Bitless Bridles too.

CoolHeat  Rugs  from 5’9” to 6’3”  in good waterproof condition.  Contact Sue sue@mckibbin.net

For Sale:

Sweet natured thoroughbred gelding, 15 hh, black, 5 years, green broken. Trickle is currently being ridden in, but is looking for a permanent home, with a confident and capable rider. $1000, price negotiable. Contact Kate or Ella on 6267 4992 (Southern Tas.)

Barefoot and Bitless Horse For Sale

Chicles Shiny Page

Registered Chestnut Quarter Horse. Q-59511 – 7 years old DB: 12/10/2005 Only to home on the dividing range or beyond. (suffers Qld Itch) Only reason for sale. He cannot be on the coast.
Sadly regretful sale. $2500 ono. Ph: Caroline 02 66791234 email: rowdychic@bigpond.com

Cynthia and Manny at Afgest 2003

I’ve always enjoyed sharing natural horsemanship and horse keeping products and practices at Agfest because it’s often the only face to face contact I have with my customers in Tasmania.
It all started in 1996, when I was invited by the Agfest committee to showcase the ‘new’ method of Parelli natural horsemanship with a daily display in the central arena.  It was so popular, Manny (my special co-performer) and I were awarded the Best Central Arena Exhibit trophy. Back  then we were a novelty and one of the few equine attractions at the event so our 30 minute performances drew large crowds. We had a tiny little car tent to hand out information from and I was assisted by one of the Parelli Australia office staff at that first event.

Winners at Agfest 2005: Sarah, Jen, Joylene & Anawa, Leigh and Louisa.

The following years  saw us return with a  larger marquee, more helpers and a variety of my students each year which culminated in  the equivalent of an Equine Agility competition. Devotees of natural horsemanship amazed people with their horses doing a challenging course at liberty, then riding bitless and even bridleless. The winner was Joylene Dudink on her beautiful Pinto stallion, Anawa Mahushka.

We introduced displays and info sessions on barefoot hoofcare and bitless riding before a break from Agfest in 2007 when my best mate, Manny passed on.
When the new Equine Expo arena was opened in 2010, I held a daily education session on bitless riding with Joylene and Anawa who have both also gone to greener pastures – it was their last public performance. This year Tori  (Joylene’s co-performer in 2010)  with a couple of Anawa’s progeny will feature again.
As will Natural Horse World and I at future Agfests – We will be back next year to showcase all that is different in the horse world for those who prefer to follow a more natural path for their horses.

The Natural Horse World site in 2011: Nicki, Cynthia and Jess.

In recognition of the purchases some would have been looking forward to at  discounted prices, I will refund postage costs for all orders received during the 3 days of Agfest from Tasmanian buyers. There will also be some featured specials such as Brookby Organic Herbals, Natural Horse Care the Right Way Books and Bitless Riding Basics DVDs so check out the Natural Horse World online store to save during Agfest week.

Master trimmer and international instructor Claudia Garner will be in Australia in May to present two seminars and one Continuing Education workshop. Claudia will present hoof anatomy in a different light, share her take on medio-lateral balance, conformation problems that originate in the hooves and how to deal with them. Let her show you a way to feed your horse for better health and deal with those hooves that never seem to get quite right. Don’t miss this opportunity to sharpen your understanding and your skills. Bring your sharp knives to the workshop and get hands-on advice for a more successful trim business.

May 4 – 6, 2012 Seminar Queensland: http://www.equinesoundness.com/SeminarQueens20122.htm
May 19 + 20, 2012 Seminar Victoria: http://www.equinesoundness.com/SeminarVic2012.htm
May 21 + 22, 2012 Continuing Education Victoria: http://www.equinesoundness.com/CEMay2012.htm

SCHOOL of EQUINE HERBAL MEDICINE WORKSHOP

RDA RAYMOND TERRACE, NSW (near Newcastle) Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th May- 9 am to 5 pm
With Victoria Ferguson Dip.Herb.Med. Author of  The Practical Horse Herbal & The Complete Horse Herbal – this workshop covers:

Natural Health Philosophy: Gain an understanding of this philosophy & how it works in practice: the benefits of holistic & preventive treatment
Preventive Nutrition: Gain an understanding of basic, preventive & therapeutic nutrition : the role of essential nutrients : nutrientsynergy: biochemical individuality : balanced diets :processed feeds compared with all natural feeds.

Cost $595 per person + gst Includes morning & afternoon tea & lunch. Would you like to bring your horse for assessment? Book now to ensure your horse can participate at no extra cost!
BOOKINGS CLOSE 1st May. Email vf@thecountryherbalist.com.au for a booking form.

HORSE PSYCHOLOGY & BEHAVIOUR COURSE

STARTS MAY 19 – book with Jayne and get all her courses details here.

Introduction Day to Clicker Training!

Come along and experience a day of fun learning how to communicate with your horse in a whole new way!

What you will learn:

• How to communicate to your horse using the clicker
• Basic Good Manners that your horse should learn to be a good mate
• How to focus on having FUN
• Tips on how you may be able to improve your relationship with your horse

Mentor – Wanda Lyon

Date: Saturday 19th May 2012. Time – 10.00am – 4.00pm Please arrive by 9.30am
Venue – 4691 Glenbar Road TIARO QLD 4650
Cost – $50.00 per person (Limit of 6 people with horses) Fence sitters welcomed at a cost of $15 ea.
To book Ph. Wanda             0439 939326

The Equine Touch Workshops

with Janis Hobbs at Raymond Terrace, NSW
25-27 May, 2012 Level 1
26-28 May, 2012 Level 2

For more information go to www.equinetouchvic.com.au or For bookings Contact: Janis Hobbs, Instructor & Practitioner Mob: 0409 403 144 Email: equinetouch@hotkey.net.au

The best time to graze horses is early in the morning.

If your horses are prone to laminitis, or you just want to keep you gravel crunching barefoot horses striding out, then you really need to know the safest times to allow grazing, especially in the spring or autumn when there are growth flushes.

Before I introduce a tool that will help horse owners with that, here are the basics to keep in mind.

• Grass gets its sugars from the sun – via photosynthesis, then uses them up to grow when the sun goes down.
• This means sugars are lowest just before the sun comes up.
• And highest in the late afternoon just before the sun goes down.
• Therefore the safest time to graze is generally between 4am and 9 /10am.
• Unless the overnight temperature has dropped below 5C or 40 F.
• This causes the grass to shut down and store/accumulate sugars.
• Therefore several days of low overnight temps and sunny days are extremely hazardous for grazing.
• Grazing on cloudy days is much safer, as is grass shaded by trees.

If this puts your head in a spin, you’ll love this new app for iphones that gives you a safe grazing rating!

Nic Barker – Barefoot trimmer rehab specialist and co-author of ‘Feet First – Barefoot Performance and Hoof Rehabilitation’ (excellent book by the way) has been trialing this new app designed by Steve Leigh of Natures Way who is a hoofcare practitioner and Phil Hunter at VIZAR who has developed the technology.

Read Nic’s blog post about it here: http://rockleyfarm.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/exciting-news-laminitis-app.html and then email those guys to encourage them to hurry up and release it for other areas of the world as it currently only covers the UK and Ireland!

With the need to keep many horses off grass for long periods of time, its important to provide access to safe roughage that keeps the gut ticking over, ulcers at bay and the horses happy. Slow feeding systems are the obvious choice for trickle feeding but they do encourage horses to just stand around and eat all day so its important to position them as far from the water as possible.

Placing small slowfeed nets around a track is one way to mimic grazing and reduce the intake of grass.

One of the ways to increase movement and reduce intake of grass is to make a track around the pasture that is bare of grass ideally, and surfaced where possible to avoid excessive erosion. By placing many slow feeding hay nets around the track,  horses are encouraged to move more as they search and compete for the yummiest bits of hay.

There are a few ideas for making your own hay feeders or nets on my Slowfeeder page or you can buy them ready made from the Natural Horse World Store – we ship worldwide.

Le Trec obstacles in the UK

Date: (Easter) MONDAY 9th April

Come along and enjoy a ridden fun morning for adults only (18+) with your horse! Try something different with the ridden obstacle course, then enjoy a cuppa & chat at morning tea..and finish with a small relaxed trail ride in through the bush and along a scenic river.Obstacles – play on the obstacle course then ride a planned course. Includes a tunnel, bridge, curtain and hoop among others.

Trail – a small trail ride through the bush alongside a scenic river. (The trail is a small pathway, participation on this will mean your horse needs to be calm and relaxed while out with other horses)
Time: 9am to 1pm
Location: Butler Ave, Cooranbong
Cost: $25 per person & horse.
Bookings essential as limited spaces available.
Waivers to be signed on the day. Helmets & Boots to be worn.
*You can ride bitless or bitted.*
Contact Deb 0417268884

‘Exploring the Emotional Dynamics of Horse Human Connections’

April Sat 14th & Sun 15th (9am-5pm) - Bangalow, near Byron Bay Nth NSW http://windhorseeducation.webs.com/workshops.htm

This experiential journey with horses is suitable for anyone wishing to enhance their emotional intelligence, deepen connections with other people, horses and themselves. The essence of the weekend is becoming more horse like. Developing emotional and social intelligence with an overview of the core mammalian system & review of emotions and seeking the messages that underlie them, to respond to the msg & do what needs doing then go back to grazing. Join the journey to authenticity through a process that embodies mind, body and spirit to deepen emotional, physical and mental awareness, thus opening to greater peace, balance and joy in your life.This is a wholistic approach grounded in the here & now and adheres to the idea of learning taking place through personal discovery and insight. No horse experience is necessary and the activities are not physically demanding so anyone can participate.
This journey will move you from simply functioning in the world to becoming connected to all aspects of life and self. Guided by horse, you will move through the steps of revealing your true self.

This workshop will help you to…
· Deepen relationships (both with horses and humans)
· Gain access to your intuition and inner wisdom
· Connect to your authentic self and true direction in life
· Learn tools to manage your energy and achieve inner freedom

This program will involve interacting with humans and horses, developing relationships, becoming part of the herd, and learning about yourself along the way, as the emotions of horse and human can greatly impact each other through herd dynamics.
The journey will include a number of experiences including meet the herd & individual one on one private reflective round pen session. Tools provided include: 9 essential steps for authentic community building, the emotional message chart, 4 steps to the present process, & the authentic & false self voice exploration.

Why Horses? Horses are hard-wired for states of expanded awareness and non-attachment, so they can model and communicate non-judgmentally these qualities to us through their embodied presence, acting as a kind of personal mirror for our self-discovery. In the end you will find that becoming more horse-like in your thinking is a shortcut to freeing your mind from misguided habits that may keep you from living your dreams. The interactions with horses invites participants to be curious, to experiment, to be creative, to explore beliefs, values and new perspectives, to challenge preconceptions, to construct new meanings and to develop unique solutions. This is a powerful mode of learning in an emotionally safe space, as horses have a natural ability to read & respond to a person’s intentions, emotions and thoughts that are conveyed subconsciously through body language.

BRING: An open mind, own lunch or a plate of food for each day for shared pot luck lunch, water bottle & writing materials
CLOTHES: Dress according to being outdoors in the weather
Cheryl is a certified specialist in equine facilitated learning & coaching as well as a life coach, Tai Chi & NLP practitioner & Mindfulness Meditation teacher
For address, bookings & further info about the program please contact:
Cheryl windhorsefarm@live.com or 0419 004 222

Due to the nature of the journey, numbers will be strictly limited to 10 participants

KIDS School Holiday AGILITY WORKSHOP

Thursday 19th April, 9.30am – 11.30am
$25 per child& participant
Boots & Helmet to be worn, Parent/Guardian to be present on premises
*BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL* as limited spaces available.
Located at Cooranbong. Book with Deb on 0417268884 www.kalequine.webs.com

2 day Equine Osteopathy Workshop

by International Clinician Dr. Stephen Schwartz
April Sat. 21 & Sun. 22, ECOSS, Old Warburton Rd Wesburn, just past Lilydale & Yarra Junction

Equine Osteopathy

A 2 day w’shop in natural treatments, step-by-step & totally hands-on. You’re not just listening, you’re learning by doing with internationally recognised specialist Dr. Stephen Schwartz. Stephen works directly with the participants and their horses so they can learn to diagnose and treat many imbalances, restrictions and tensions using manual techniques to help the horse’s body heal.

Learn to relax your horse and treat lameness, osteo-arthritis, stiff joints, sacro-iliac realignment, head carriage, aggressiveness, headaches & migraines, backaches, full mobilization of all joints and other conditions which will be discussed and treated. You will leave with the confidence to recognise problems and treat your own horse. Attend with your own horse or we have a few available if booked in advance. Auditors welcome at reduced price.

Dr. Stephen Schwartz, D. O., is a specialist in Equine Osteopathy and lecturer of Animal Osteopathy at Wingate Institute in Israel. Osteopathy is a “whole body” system of manual therapy, based on unique biomechanical principles, which uses a wide range of techniques to treat musculoskeletal problems and other functional disorders of the body. It helps to remove tension and enables the body to heal itself, improve blood flow, reduce pain and improve mobility. For more info visit… http://www.equineosteopathy.co.il/

Numbers are limited to ensure maximum attention and only a few places are left so book now to ensure your place.
For enquiries & bookings please email Cheryl windhorsefarm@live.com or call 0419 004 222

Equine Soundness Seminars – First Half of 2012:

Continuing Education East – South Carolina
April 20 – 22, 2012
Weekend Seminar Queensland, Australia
May 4 – 6, 2012
Weekend Seminar Victoria, Australia
May 19 + 20, 2012
Continuing Education Victoria, Australia
May 21 + 22, 2012
Continuing Education West – Washington
June 15 – 17, 2012
Weekend Seminar Manitoba, Canada
July 20 + 21, 2012

All these seminars and workshops are open to anyone interested in hoof care. Information: http://www.equinesoundness.com

Agfest is coming

-  in 4 weeks on the 3/4/5th May at Carrick, Tasmania.  I’ll be there with all the Natural Horse World products – including  LightRider Bitless bridles, Slowfeed Haysaver nets, books, DVD’s, Bareback Pads and hoofcare items.

I’ll also be doing a daily demo on Bitless Riding at 2.30pm in the Equine arena. Here’s a pic of me and Ron Morgan’s Charlie from last year. This year I’ll be working with a 17hh showjumper who hasn’t been ridden in a bitless bridle before so come along and see how easy it is to ‘Go Bitless’.

Photo credit - Nickki White-Baine

Kate with Zach at Golden Valley.

on the horses. After working at The Natural Horse Centre in Spain for 2.5 years as an apprentice and then 2 years as ranch manager, Kate was looking for a new experience so applied here at just the right time. She will have the job of caring for my horses and part of the business while I’m away for 3 months.

For those that haven’t heard, I’ll be travelling to Europe from June to August this year partly as a holiday to visit my family roots (in Holland) and partly to experience the European and UK ways of natural horse care and bitless riding. There is the possibility I’ll be teaching two Bitless Riding workshops in the Cornwall/Devon area and in Ireland so anyone interested from there please contact me. Other countries I’ll be visiting include Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France and Belgium – my first European tour!

Kate loves teaching children so we hope to get a Pony Pals group going soon, and she will be available for lessons in Natural/Bitless Riding so let us know if you’re interested and we can start to organise some days. There is also an opportunity for someone be a live in student with Kate for the 3 months I’m away. Please contact us for more details if you would like to learn more about natural horse care, hoof care, horsemanship and healthy living. (There’s a contact form in the right column of this blog).

Kate with a student in Spain.

Kate's students in Spain are brave!

Foals raised with their siblings or other horses will have good social skills.

But it needn’t be if we consider how horses naturally wean their foals. Family structure is an incredibly important part of a horse’s life – young horses need role models and teachers they can trust. Sadly this isn’t often thought about in our world that is so often driven by economics, greed and needing fast results.

A recent magazine article on weaning has prompted me to write this as an adjunct. The article referred to recent research that outlined the behavioural and physiological repsonses to different weaning protocols (by Christine Aurich et al) and gave some examples of the different ways to wean.

These included the traditional ‘remove mare suddenly out of earshot/sight’ method which is considered the most stressful, to weaning in pairs or in a group (still with sudden removal of the mare), with a ‘baby sitter’ or by removing one mare at a time from a group.

Gradual seperation was also covered but condsidered to be more time consuming and un-safe if the foal was on the other side of a fence to its mother. It was also said to be more stressful for both, probably because the foal’s milk supply is stopped suddenly and the mare is still ultimately taken away completely, plus the length of separation may be in too large a chunk to be as gradual as the foal really needs.

Some of these methods also rely on having more than 1 or 2 mares and foals which makes them impractical for the small breeder.

The one method the article didn’t present that produces no stress at all for mare or foal, is the ‘progressive weaning’ method. While this method hasn’t been scientifically studied (and perhaps the reason it wasn’t included) myself and others have experienced  great results, and feel it could be more widely shared and hope one day it will become the most accepted way of weaning.
Progressive weaning very gradually increases (by the hours) the time of separation, and decreases the ability to drink, over a period of around two weeks, always ensuring that the mare and foal can see each other and touch noses. This method allows the mare’s milk to dry up slowly (reducing risk of mastitis), as the mare is never completely taken away, and eventually when the milk has completely dried up 6-8 weeks) the pair can be re-united to benefit from the social bonds and learning they experience in the wild.

2 strands of electrified tape provides a safe fence for separating mares and foals provided the foal is taught to respect it first.

This method is best done using a ‘paddock’ track system so that the foal is on the inside of the track where it can acess more feed and is with friends, and the mare is on the perimeter track, on restricted grass to help the milk reduce, and the pair can move anywhere in the pasture but remain in sight and contact. An electric fence is also safer to use for this purpose and only needs to consist of 2 strands of high visibility tape or poly wire. If a track system is not used, then any safe pasture can be divided by an electric fence to give the foal constant sight of the mare, but the ability to move further away as it becomes more confident.

Also in the article, the age of weaning was quoted as the “generally accepted age of between 4 and 6 months” which is much earlier than this would occur in a natural situation where the mare will self wean the foal at between 10-11 months or just prior to giving birth again.

In her book ‘Horse Watch: What it is to be Equine’ – Marthe Kiley-Worthington says “the between-(inter) generation bond is very strong and is also crucial for the normal development of the foal. ..The effect of artificial weaning (usually incorrectly advocated for between 3 and 6 months) frequently results in trauma to the foal who, thereafter, may show evidence of behavioural distress. It is often forced weaning of this type that sterotypes such as crib-biting, wind-sucking, weaving or head throwing show a significant increase in performance. ….. in order to have a young equine who is behaviourally normal, that wants to learn, and does not have any pathological behaviour, it is important to ensure that the youngsters are not weaned before 9 months. If possible leave the mother to wean the foal herself as she would in the wild before she foals again.”

In my experience as a breeder for over 40 years, I have also noticed the horses that are progressively weaned are much more independent and suffer much less ‘seperation anxiety’ than those that are weaned suddenly.

Many times I hear the excuse that the foal must be weaned because the mare is losing condition, is back in foal (and presumably needs all her nutrition to grow the next foal) or the mare won’t wean the foal herself because she’s not back in foal.

My answer to this is; if you can’t feed your mare sufficiently well enough to maintain reasonable body weight (its to be expected that she will drop some weight) then you should learn more about nutrition and what to feed, or simply feed more!
A mare that’s back in foal is designed by nature to be in foal and feed one, so provided she has good nutrition there’s no reason she can’t support two at a time.

Separation at feeding time is a good place to start the weaning process.

If the mare isn’t back in foal then it’s true – she may not wean the foal herself, but the time and method of weaning can then be done when its least traumatic for the foal which is around 10-12 months old. If there’s no harm being done, why not leave them together and see if nature will take its course. Many mares will get sick of the foal drinking at around 12 months and may just wean themselves.

If the owner wants to use the mare again and can’t wait, then the foal can be gradually taught to have her leave for short periods (initially within sight) or it can be taken along for the ride. Foals of 4-6 months of age or older are quite capable of keeping up on a trail ride and the experience will be an invaluable education for them.

So if you want to have a well adjusted foal that is confident and free of social or physiological issues, read more about progressive weaning here and follow these ingredients for stress free weaning which are:

• Raising in a herd with horses of varied ages and if possible a young friend to play with.
• Wean at no earlier than 9 months of age, preferably closer to 12 months.
• Wean progressively and with friends in a familiar environment.
• Wean when the foal is physcially well, not under any other stress such as from worming, gelding, other vet treatment etc.
• Practice short periods of seperation when the foal is offering that behaviour itself (ie straying far from the mare and even going out of her sight without worrying).

Here is an example of how progressive weaning worked for one foal owner:

Nito on the pedastal.

“My husband and I are the proud owners of a 10 month old filly. Its the first time we’ve bred a horse or had a foal, although we’ve been into horses for years and years. I just wanted to let you know we were searching for help about weaning a few months ago and came across an article on your website. We are avid Parelli fans and use it daily with all our horses. So of course we wanted to wean as naturally as possible with the least amount of angst for either Mom or baby.

The article was awesome and we followed it pretty well. I just wanted to tell you how thankful we were and to let you know the whole process was uneventful, stress free, and totally successful! All we did was put Sweet P (our mare) into a big paddock and left Nito (our filly) out with our two boys. At the time Nito was about 9 months old. She had already bonded to our big Dutch warmblood so it worked perfectly. She could nose her mom over the fence but not nurse. After six weeks we just let mom back out and bingo, Nito tried to sniff near her mom’s teats but Sweet P put her ears back, lifted her back leg, and/or bit her on the bum. Happened a couple of times and that was it! Sweet! Then Nito just went over and stood on the pedestal for fun!

Don’tcha just LOVE horses!?!
Anyway, thanks so much for sharing your information. I’ve signed up for you newsletter as well and want to peruse your website some more as I find time!

Cheryl Hogg, Certified BodyTalk Practitioner, USA.

Recommended reading:

http://naturalhorseworld.com/Articles-Foals.htm#Progressiveweaning

Natural Weaning: How you wean your horse may affect his attitude and even his intelligence for years to come by Linda Kohanov http://www.equinewellnessmagazine.com/art/aV43_52.php

http://naturalhorseworld.com/FollowThisFoal.htm#Weaning

The Foaling Primer by Cynthia McFarland

Horse Watch: What it is to be Equine by Marthe-Kiley Worthington (soon to be in stock at www.naturalhorseworldstore.com)

Click here to view the embedded video.

His owner, Helen in Tasmania, teaches Piper using Clicker Training and says Piper is an amazing horse soccer player too!

If you’re inspired  and want to teach your horse some fun things at liberty (or anything for that matter) have a look at this Australian Clicker Training website www.horsetricks101.com

Michelle Dennis – Firehorse Inspirations

Grab a cuppa and enjoy this inspiring 19 minute video interview.

Click here to view the embedded video.

David Lichman visited Michelle Dennis in Australia recently and recorded this very insightful podcast. Michelle shares many tips on how she gets her horses to do the amazing things they do when ‘working for the executive salary’. David says “She is doing remarkable things with liberty horses out in open fields. Proceeds from her DVD sales support the horses (most are rescues) and support Michelle by giving her time to push the boundaries of what is possible, and inspire us even more!”

You can purchase her fabulous inspirational DVD from www.firehorseinspirations.com.au or at www.naturalhorseworldstore.com

With Andrew Bowe

Date: Saturday 21st April 2012
Venue: Scottsdale Showgrounds, Tasmania.
Time: Arrive 8.15 am for 8.45 start; finishes around 4.30 pm

Cost: All participants at standard workshops receive trimming gloves, booklet, cadaver trim.  Full participants also trim their own horse under our guidance.
Standard Workshop – Full participant (with horse) $190, Auditor (without horse) $120

Catering: BYO lunch. Morning and afternoon tea provided.
Bookings: Prior booking is essential (Full participants limited to 10, Auditors limited to
Phone: 03 5773 4306 or email info@barehoofcare.com www.barehoofcare.com

Connected Riding with Trisha Wren (NZ)

Discover how improving YOUR posture helps your horse improve HIS. (Your Horse will Thank You!)

Theory Evening plus 2 day Clinic at Rokeby, Victoria (near Warragul)
Theory: Thursday: 29th March 7.00 – 9.30pm $40 adults, $20 under 18yo
Clinic: Fri – Sat 30th – 31st March. 9.00 am – 5.00 pm

$300/rider (Theory included free and is required for beginners or “newbies”)
Spectators: $20/day ( a second clinic is running Sun/Mon for intermediate riders)

Contact: Sue McKibbin sue@mckibbin.net (03) 5626 8226 for more info/bookings

Trisha Wren is an experienced horsewoman, originally from Scotland, who spent two years as Mark Rashid’s Assistant in the USA, and then worked with Peggy Cummings and has been an Accredited Connected Riding Instructor for over four years.  www.trishawren.com

Connected Riding founder Peggy Cummings has combined elements of her journey through Centred Riding, TTEAM and the Feldenkrais Method.  The focus is on learning how to move your body so that you send clear messages and don’t interfere with your horse’s movement on the ground AND in the saddle.  Also on how to help your horse learn to use himself better so that he can carry a rider more comfortably.  Valuable for all disciplines.

Touch For Horses with Robyn Hood (Can.)

This 5 day clinic includes learning many aspects of TTouch( aka as TTEAM or the Tellington Method)

Date:  Sat 5th May – Weds 9th May  9.00 am – 5.00 pm
Location:  Rokeby, Victoria (near Warragul)
Cost:           $650  with own horse $600 without horse
$350 weekend only
Observer – $25/day     $90 for five days

Early Bird Special:     Deduct $50 if you pay clinic fee*  in full by 24th March 2012 (* Not applicable to Observer Status)

Contact:  Sue   sue@mckibbin.net   or (03) 5626 8226  to book in or for more information

Learn simple Groundwork Exercises in the Playground for Higher Learning

- to relax and supple your horse + intrigue his interest.

TTouches to promote health and well-being and build trust.

Rediscover the Joy of Riding.

All leading  to more effective communication both on the ground AND in the saddle.

For more info on TTEAM:  www.ttouch.com

The Easyboot Glove Back Country was added to the Easyboot product line as of  Monday, March 5, 2012. Garret Ford, CEO of  Easyboot says “This boot combines many of the features of the Easyboot Glove and a quick wrap outer cover similar to the Easyboot Trail.  I believe the Back Country will be one of our most versatile boots and will quickly become our best seller.

New Easyboot Back Country Boot

Some of my reasons I believe the BC will be on of our best hoof boots.

• The boot is very easy to apply and remove.
• The upper is form fitting and reduces unnecessary bulk.
• The Easyboot Glove Back Country will come in 18 sizes.  11 standard and 7 wide sizes.
• The Back Country will use the same lower shell as the Easyboot Glove.  This will allow riders to use the EasyCare fit kit system to insure a proper fit.
• All parts of the Back Country and replaceable.  Shell, Comfort Cup Gaiter and outer cover.
• The parts can be mixed and matched for various and unusual hoof shapes and sizes.  If you have a horse with very large heel bulbs it’s easy to custom build a Back Country with a larger outer cover.
• It will be a favorite for retail dealers.  The wide size selection and one color combination reduce inventory and will allow one boot to work for many customer segments.”

Sold as singles for US $72.95 approx. or in Australia for $226.50 a pair from www.easycaredownunder.com.au . For a complete list of Easyboot Retailers worldwide go to the Easyboot website here.

How to Measure for Hoof Boots

“How do I measure the length?”

How to locate the heel butresses for hoof boot length.

The EasyCare website has a wonderful Education tab and this question is one of the topics discussed. Many people have no problem measuring the widest part of the hoof but the length measurement (toe to heel buttress line) is a bit trickier. Quite often, people measure past the heel buttress line and include the heel bulbs. To determine where the heel buttress line is you must first determine where the heel buttresses are (in the photo above they are outlined in green). When you pick up your horse’s foot, follow the collateral grooves along the sides of the frog which make a “V” (outlined in orange). At the top of the “V” look on either side and notice that the hoof wall curves inward towards the bar. These points are the heel buttresses, the last weight bearing part of the hoof. When you have located them, draw an imaginary line across the back of the foot (dashed red line) and measure from that line to the toe. Once you have your measurements, the EasyCare customer service team will be happy to help you select the ideal boot style and size.

New Power Hoof Trimmers

Phil from Soft Touch Natural Hoofcare  now has the new Softouch Power Trimmers in stock. This is a small, lightweight (3.1 pounds) angle grinder made to his specifications, especially for hoof trimming. You can see them here on the web site.

One for the Dutch Readers – Laminitis Book Reviewed by Saskia

Hoefbevangenheid Begrijpen, genezen, voorkomen. Written by Remco Sikkel van Zoest.

Remco works as hoof trimmer and horse masseur in both The Netherlands and France. Written in Dutch only.

Laminitis. Understand, cure, prevent.

That’s the title of this must have book for Dutch horse enthusiasts.

The scope of this book is to provide a broad perspective by making clear what happens inside the horse’s body before a Laminitic episode and during a Laminitic episode. Described are what factors contribute to Laminitis and what can be done to try and avoid a Laminitic episode.

This hard cover book has an attractive pictorial lay out with plenty of detailed images, drawings and photos. Every section offers insight in different areas, such as hoof anatomy, cause, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and environment.

The in depth and detailed information makes this book easy to read and easy to follow for both the horse enthusiast as well as the equine professional.

The knowledge gained after reading this book will leave you hopeful and more equipped to ask questions to anyone involved in your horse’s recovery, knowing that horses can overcome a Laminitic episode with both your and professional help.

Equally important to regular trims are diet, exercise, environment and social interaction with other horses.

If this book leaves you wanting to know more then check out the beaut lists at the end of this book. Noting books, publications and websites used by Remco to aid in his research ready for you to do your own research with.

A well written book for anyone interested to improve their understanding of Laminitis and what can be done to help horses back to soundness. Available from  the publisher here.

DIY Hoof Trim Workshop

2 days – 24th & 25th March at ‘Waterfall Creek’, Tallangatta Valley. Vic.

Learn about hoof anatomy, hoof balance, barehoof soundness, tools for trimming and trimming techniques so you can confidently carry out maintenance trims on your own horse.

Limited numbers of participants at the workshop allow in depth discussion of Bare Hoof Care and detailed examination of trimming techniques.

Workshop fee $240 per participant. People accommodation extra. Horses free!
Glenn Wilson (ACEHP) on P: 02 6071 0210  (after dark) E: waterfallcreek@westnet.com.au www.waterfallcreek.com.au

Equine Soundness Hoof Care Courses

In May Claudia Garner is traveling to Australia to teach two seminars and a Continuing Education workshop. Hope you will have the opportunity to join her there.

All details are on the webpage: http://www.equinesoundness.com

Certificate III Agriculture - Equine Hoof Care

- April 30th to May 11th 2012

We are very excited to announce that  Globalnet http://www.globalnetict.com/ is our RTO to deliver the course in 2012 and beyond.
We are now setting our commencement date for our two week block as April 30th to May 11th 2012 so we can have all our systems in place and online teaching resources established. We have just set up our Facebook page (Australian Hoofcare Practitioners) – so “like” our page as we start to send out all our information.

May will be an excellent time to hold the course at Mountainside as the autumn weather should be very comfortable for us to work in with the likelihood that we should get great weather for the whole two weeks. We are also very excited that Carol Layton of www.balancedequine.com.au will be joining us again to teach nutrition – Carol is one of the world’s most respected equine nutritionists.
We have set the cost for course @ $3,200 per student.
Enrolment forms will be sent to anybody who sends us an expression of interest. For all expressions of interest and enquiries, please do not hesitate to email us:
Marg Richardson - marg.richardson@bigpond.com
Leigh Martin - performancehoofare@yahoo.com.au
Jen Clingly & Jeremy Ford - jenclingly@yahoo.com.au

Trec – enjoy riding your horse through a variety of obstacles.

Trail – a small trail ride through the bush alongside a scenic river. (The trail is a small pathway, participation on this will mean your horse needs to be calm and relaxed while out with other horses)

Date: SATURDAY 10th March. Time: 9am to 1pm

Location: Butler Ave, Cooranbong

Cost: $30 per person & horse.

Bookings and Payment essential as limited spaces available.

Waivers to be signed on the day. Helmets & Boots to be worn.

*You can ride bitless or bitted.* Contact Deb at kalequine@yahoo.com

‘Exploring the Emotional Dynamics of Horse Human Relationships’

to be held at Banyandah Naturally near Albury NSW March 10 & 11 (on site accom available).

Horses respond to the often unconscious emotional landscape of humans. To truly develop connections with others and our horses, it is necessary to raise awareness of who and how we are being when with them. This experiential journey with horses is suitable for anyone wishing to deepen connections with other people, their horses and themselves. Join the journey to authenticity through a process that embodies mind, body and spirit to deepen emotional, physical and mental awareness. This is a wholistic approach grounded in the here & now and adheres to the idea of learning taking place through personal discovery and insight. No horse experience is necessary, it is valuable for both riders and non riders and the activities are not physically demanding, so anyone can participate.

We will be interacting with the Banyandah herd so you don’t need to bring a horse and you will learn the tools to take home and apply all learnings to your life to enhance both horse and human relationships.

The fee for this will be at a very special introductory price for newcomers to the program.
Due to the intensive nature of the workshop, numbers will be limited to just 10, we still have a few places left, so contact me asap to reserve your place.

Cheryl Cruttenden Email: windhorsefarm@live.com

DIY Hoof Trim Workshop

2 days – 24th & 25th March at ‘Waterfall Creek’, Tallangatta Valley. Vic.

Learn about hoof anatomy, hoof balance, barehoof soundness, tools for trimming and trimming techniques so you can confidently carry out maintenance trims on your own horse.

Limited numbers of participants at the workshop allow in depth discussion of Bare Hoof Care and detailed examination of trimming techniques.

Workshop fee $240 per participant. People accommodation extra. Horses free!
Glenn Wilson (ACEHP) on P: 02 6071 0210 (after dark) E: waterfallcreek@westnet.com.au www.waterfallcreek.com.au

Introduction Day to Clicker Training!

Come along and experience a day of fun learning how to communicate with your horse in a whole new way!

What you will learn:

* How to communicate to your horse using the clicker

* Basic Good Manners that your horse should learn to be a good mate

*How to focus on having FUN

* Tips on how you may be able to improve your relationship with your horse

Mentor – Wanda Lyon

Date: Saturday 19th May 2012. Time – 10.00am – 4.00pm Please arrive by 9.30am

Venue – 4691 Glenbar Road TIARO QLD 4650

Cost – $50.00 per person (Limit of 6 people with horses) Fence sitters welcomed at a cost of $15 ea.

To book Ph. Wanda 0439 939326

HOOFCARE SEMINARS

In May Claudia Garner from the USA is traveling to Australia to teach two Hoofcare seminars and a Continuing Education workshop. Hope you will have the opportunity to join me there.

All details are on our webpage: http://www.equinesoundness.com

Need New Equipment for an Event?

LightRider Natural now in green.

Have a look at the fantastic range of ‘horse endorsed’  products in the wwww.naturalhorseworldstore.com

The LightRider Bitless Bridle range is expanding – NEW colours in the Rope Natural bridles are Green (pictured) and Red with black fleck now available in cob and full size (other sizes by custom order). Go from groundwork to riding without changing headgear with this most versatile bitless bridle.

There is a NEW version of the LightRider English – the English Euro. With a raised browband plus noseband and a single padded headpiece, this bridle looks classy and suits showing/dressage. It’s currently only available in black cob size, but more sizes and dark brown will be coming in the near future.

LightRider Bitless Bridles are the only bitless bridle endorsed by Horse Safety Australia.

We also have a range of Hoofcare products including the Wild Loop knife, Beeswax, Bug Buster Hoof Disinfectant and Leather Knife/Rasp protector pouch. Also the Barefoot Basics CD by Peter Laidley is the ideal learning and reference tool.

And remember to keep your horse satisfied at any event, take the best selling Slowfeed Haysaver Net so they don’t run out of hay while confined.

2 very quiet thoroughbred geldings. Very well bred successful ex-racehorses. 6 & 10yo. Quiet to ride and handle and have been retired for some time. To the best of homes only. Situated in Perth, TAS. Ph. Barry on 0408 133518.

WANTED:

Gentle ponies for two children, 7 and 9 year old beginners, pref. trained or with temperament to train in natural horsemanship.  North West area, phone 0422 107 347 or email lynettecorrey@optusnet.com.au

FOR SALE:

Quarter horse cross 14hh 4yr old chestnut mare.  Has had absolute basic starting, can be saddled and ridden safely, in bush/company etc at slow pace at this stage. Is currently ridden in halter (not mouthed). Hooves were neglected but are growing out nicely but will need booting or shoeing for more consistant work as is tenderfooted on gravel and rocks (improving all the time – about 1/3 grown out).  Needs competent, able rider/handler to continue education on ground and under saddle as she has been previously handled by timid owners and needs to learn to continue to be respectful in all ways. At this point in time not a beginners horse, however will make an excellent mount for any discipline once education is followed through by a competent horseperson. Perfect for somebody interested in finishing off a horse for themselves or to sell on.  Has good conformation, strong body and can carry an adult easily.  Once again – she is a VERY green horse, but ready to move on to further education under saddle.  Has never offered to buck, is very bold to ride, loads onto floats easily, good to trim. In excellent condition. Great future prospect for someone.  $1,000. Ph 0419 572255

Advertise for Free:

Do you have something horse related to sell, wanted to buy or to announce ?
Just email cynthia@naturalhorseworld.com your finished add (typed into the email) with any photo attached (reduced to less than 200kb) along with your phone number. Ads will run for 2 consecutive months unless I’m notified to remove an item.