Inchworm

From Sam and I :D



( More Christmas images under the cut! )

 I posted yesterday about my horse having possible mild colic, then a tooth issue because he was off his hay. He was acting normal aside from not wanting to eat his hay. Last night I let him loose inside the barn (there is nothing he can get into aside from hay or catfood) so he could eat the loose leafy stuff that falls from the hay. I went this morning and he was 100% normal, eating like nothing has ever been wrong. Is it possible for a horse to get a bug? He is on a good grass hay, no dust, mold etc. I guess I never knew a horse could get a bug, there is nothing he could have gotten into to provoke his behaviour change. I plan on still having the vet check him out and have his teeth looked at by an equine dentist.

I am looking for a book that does a good job of explaining bits. Hopefully something along the lines of a "this is what it is, this is what it's good for, this is what it's bad for" kind of thing. I am realizing lately that I am very uneducated as far as different types of bits go. Anyone have any recommendations?

I have heard of Bits: "Their History, Use and Misuse" but before I go buying it, does anyone know anything about it, or how useful it is?

Thanks for any suggestions, and Merry Christmas! (or Happy Holidays!)

Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I can feed my 18 yr. old QH until I can get the vet to come out and look at his teeth? I thought at first he had a light case of colic but now I'm pretty sure he is having a tooth issue. It is christmas so the vet won't come until Mon. since it isn't an obvious emergency. He is peeing/pooping and drinking but he seems to not want to eat his hay. He picked thru it last night and ate the leaves but that looks to be all. He has been notorious for having teeth issues, I have him floated and dremeled and all that once a year. He was done in the spring but he always tilts and acts like something is still bothering him. I plan on having an actual equine dentist look at him as soon as we get one back in the area. Thanks for any info.

Vello is wearing and tearing around his ears where his bridle sits. Hair is now absent, and the wound is nearly rubbed raw. It is curious that he has had the same bridle for years now, yet the abrasion starts up now. 

Anyone have any suggestions to prevent this abrasion in the future? For now I have a fleece halter cover on the top part of his bridle to prevent the leather from rubbing. .

Should I get a larger bridle?  

( You are about to view content that may not be appropriate for minors. )

Silly question, but here it goes as I am the queen of silly questions.

Over nine years ago, when I bought my first horse, her first set of shoes that were pulled off, I grabbed one. It's starting to rust slightly, and I was wondering if there was some sort of finish I was supposed to put on it or something I can put on it to help slow down the rusting process.

Like I said, silly, but it's sentimental. Thanks!

Saw this video yesterday and LOVED it.



I personally am a huge fan of 'unsuitable' horses!
:D

This is only somewhat off-topic, but I think it's EXTREMELY important and definitely applies to horses and horse back riding. If you don't feel so mods, feel free to get rid of it.


I just wanted to come on here and tell everyone to be VERY CAREFUL when riding or driving out on the roads, especially in the winter. I was involved in a head on collision 1km from my house on my own road today. Instead of me in my truck it could easily have been one of the boarders from the barn down my road, or one of the neighbours, or anyone on horseback or driving really. I was at no fault, but remember to stay safe and wear as much hi-viz stuff as you can! Rethink roads with tight bends and limited visibility and keep a cell phone on you incase of an emergency.

Stay safe riding out everyone, and Merry Christmas!

( Some photos of the damage )

So...just curious...how heavy on the packing materials have other people gone when shipping saddles they have sold? Saddle is worth about $500.

EDIT:::
The saddle pad, matching shims, and the treeless saddle all got put in a gigantic plastic bag (meant for snow tires) and then bubble-wrapped severely. I re-used packing materials from my father's business where they were happy to see some of it carted away. Filling the rest of the box with bubble wrap took a fairly large quantity.

Thanks everyone for the good suggestions re: using a plastic bag in case it got wet, and making sure there wasn't much room for it to move around inside the box. Cost $30 to ship it from New England to Minnesota.

Anyways, send good thoughts for it arriving safe and sound!

I thought I'd post a brief little update, since its been a while.
Costa has been undersaddle now for about 5 months and is doing very well - although he is sadly for sale, as I just don't have time for two horses.
Enrique and I are going to be attemping 1st level this year (I think if I refuse one more time my trainers are going to stop talking to me altogether)

But really, that brief little segue was just an excuse so that I could post the free jumping videos.

( Jump, ponies! Jump! )

i_hope_that
For many of us, the holidays can be kind of rough. If you're searching for a network of understanding friends, this ultra-nurturing community encourages you to express your heartfelt wishes and offer other members encouragement and acceptance. Not for the terminally snarky or emotionally-challenged, this is a good-spirited place to lend comfort and support.

diygifts
Feeling crafty? If you've got a few last folks on your holiday gift list, this is a great place to seed your creativity and generosity. You'll also discover wonderful DIY tips to decorate your home and entertain guests. Offering a no-frills-no-skills attitude that welcomes the cash-challenged and arts-phobic, you're sure to get ideas and make friends in the process.

cooking_club
A fun and friendly community dedicated to those who love to cook, whether you're a meat-and-potatoes type, an aspiring gourmand, and/or a vegan. In search of a brilliant dish to use up those weekly leftovers? Post your ingredients and you'll be whipping up a feast by dinner. You can also share favorite recipes. For Type A chefs, you can spice up your culinary repertoire with exciting cooking challenges.

Attention those in the NE Ohio area:

I have a 6 YO Dutch Warmblood mare. She's a nice horse; good mover, is schooling a light 3rd level (halfpass, changes, but not pushing her to do them every ride yet). She's shown since she was 3 and a half years old.

The problem is I am so frustrated with her that every ride is turning in to one big fight. It's not her fault, it's mine. I get nit picky about one thing I feel a horse her age should be completely solid with when she's not 100% perfect and it just escalates until the only thing we're doing is trotting and bending with tension on both of our parts.

I need to step back and take a moment or two away from the horse. I don't have the money right now to send her to a trainer that I feel confident she'll come back actually trained from, since those are down in Florida this time of the year. So here is what I'd be looking for:

You can free lease her if you can ride her correctly.
You can keep her where she is or take her to a reputable barn in the area.
I really would like to hear that you're with a reputable trainer. You don't have to put her in training there, but I would like to know who's program and method you follow.

What I would give:
Standard vaccinations/coggins.
If my farrier is used, I'll pay for the shoes. (if you use your farrier though... then I don't pay)
Pay your entry to local schooling shows.

She is not a schoolmaster, since she is just learning, but she tends to be on the lazier side of things.

If interested, email me at s.justic1 at gmail dot com

Hey everyone, I have been doing some research, and I found this bridle it's called the Rambo Micklem Multibridle, and you can use it bitless or with a bit, but I was wondering if anyone knew anything else about it other than that, and I have heard good things, like the horses like it better and it fits your horse's head better but how is it as a training tool, would you reccommend it, do you know anything about it? Anything you could offer would be great thanks! http://www.williammicklem.com/multibridle-multibridle.html

Hi Guys! Has anyone ever seen a TV series called Riding High? It was made in New Zealand and I used to love watching it when I was younger. I've been looking all over for a copy of the series and I can't seem to find it anywhere except that it's listed on IMDB . So, if you would happen to know where I can grab a copy, please let me know.

I am looking to buy a medium/heavy turnout blanket for an American Warmblood, between 81" and 84".  Doesn't have to be new or in excellent condition (if it needs repairs, thats ok).  Please email me at lovelybeezer@gmail.com with pictures.  Must be willing to ship to central PA, and I would prefer to pay via paypal. 

Thank you in advance!

I'm thinking about baking little horse treats, putting them in little baggies, and putting them on the stalls for holiday treats. I'm looking for ideas.

What are everyones favorite treats to make up for their horses?

So this could very well be slightly off topic, but here goes anyway:

I have been trying (without success) to work with my local GMO to put on a L Judges Seminar. Long story short, it's not happening.

However, I want to go through the L program and have wanted to for years.

That said, there are L programs available throughout the country, none of which are close to any of us in Region 2. After some research, for me at least, the one near Portland, Maine, is going to be the most cost effective with plane tickets, etc. I just know, that without making one area become a little cheaper this is going to get super expensive very quickly.

So here is the question:

If anyone is near the Portland Maine area and willing to have me pay for gas (if you're auditing or attending the seminars would be great too) and could pick me up/drop me off at the barn and hotel it would be appreciated.

OR

If anyone is willing to rent a room/couch/floor space out of their house, I'd gladly pay for it if it's reasonable compared to a hotel.

Or both could be offered and I'd be extremely grateful.

Thank you in advance and mods, pull if this is too far off topic.