My Ultimate Grid



This is an exercise that I do with all my horses and riders to help them improve their techniques and most importantly the way they work together.



I call it the ultimate grid because the first part of it is designed to help the horse develop a good basic shape and technique over a fence and to use the shoulders, whereas the second part of it is about getting the horse to come back onto his hocks and go up. It’s simple but tests the horse in all…

Yesterday, I went to the stable early (so early, that the horses weren't outside yet).

Hannah and I had plans on a sunny day in the woods with our wonderful horses. Instead I found my horse with a huge and swollen leg.



I am not sure what caused it, but I think it may come from several things.

-We started with new food last Tuesday

-She got her shoes off last Tuesday

-She was inside the whole night, and it might come from too little movement

-She might have…

We roared up Nicky’s driveway with my precious cargo in tow, with my main ambition to just get Bella off grass completely. If I get her off grass, I thought all would be fine!



Bella and Angel were placed in a small paddock with very little grass. I purchased some Founderguard and put that in her feed once a day as instructed.



The Vet came out a few days later and said, “We need to x-ray her and see what is going on in her feet again.” I had noticed on both of Bella’s…

I would love to hear anyone's advice on a mare who pulls back. She is a new horse, whom I was assured absolutely, did not pull back. She was tied up, pulled back and broke her lead rope when I went to brush her near her poll. Also a few times loading and when something scared her. This is very dangerous and I don't like it. Is there any solutions?
Thanks

I was taken away on holiday by my Dad back last November.

We went on a cruise to the Caribbean and I decided I wanted to try to fulfill my dream of swimming with a horse in the sea.

I did just that on St Lucia! I rode a very sweet mare called Isak. She was responsive and, I believe a TBx, I could be wrong!

Isak after the first part of our ride.



The weather was over cast and a very warm 28c! We hacked across the…

I have been riding on and off ever since my Dad introduced me to horses when I was a child. That fateful day when at three years old I looked up at a stable door and a big chestnut nose came down at me and sniffed me!

I was instantly bitten by the bug!



I have ridden all sorts and most of the time, sad to say there has been long gaps between the times I rode or spent time with horses.



I had always wanted a horse and my dream came true in the form of a loan horse…

As you probably understood, this is my first blog in English.

I write Norwegian horse blog in my "website" (go and have a look, it's all in Norwegian, so have fun!), but if you don't know Norw(egian), you might not have much of a interest of it.



Well, anyway. Here it comes.



Since my horse got her shoes of last Tuesday, her toes look kind of strange. I am currently treating her with some moist products which will kill the bacterial stuff that live in her hoof.…

Found out the problem with no weight loss - I apparently have 8 gallstones, four of which are the sizes of plums. Once this gets straightened out I hope to be back on track as I have lots of catching up to do.

Bought myself an old quarter horse mare - she is 20 and a dear old soul that only wants to live life at a slower pace. She was a team penner so I do understand. She is as sound as a dollar and bomb proof - a term I use very lightly but that she is! Mind you, she was quite…

Grand National fever again last Monday. This time the €250,000 Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse in Co Meath, not far from the famous Dreaper stable which once housed the greatest steeplechaser of all time, Arkle. It was won by the English trained, but Irish bred, Niche Market, brilliantly ridden by 19 year old Harry Skelton. There is a showjumping connection here as Harry is the son of British veteran Nick Skelton, who in recent years came back from serious injury and retirement to be one…

Hi Guys!



It's not uncommon for riders to struggle getting their horses to pick up one of their canter leads. The following are some simple exercises to help you pick up the right lead everytime!



The first exercise is done completely in the walk. You will practice positioning your horse alternately for the left lead and then switch to the right lead after a few strides.



Let's say you decided to pick up left lead:



--Put your weight…

So many times in my training in natural horsemanship, I heard emphasis on gaining respect. (I still hear it today.) I would watch a "problem" horse behave perfectly for my trainer and then, frustratingly, once I got my hands on the lead rope, revert back to "disrespectful" or even dangerous behavior with me. This was, of course, all my fault. Now don't get me wrong: students of horsemanship make all kinds of mistakes, and most problems they encounter are their fault.…

This week's quote/painting combo is for cantering fans.

Here's a link to download and print the "To Do List" with this design at the top. On the calendar be sure to schedule a date with your favorite horse for cantering!

Today I read an article that basically hobbled my brain, preventing me from thinking about anything else until I worked out my feelings about it.

The author of the piece makes some assertions about the relationship between horses and their people that no logical mind can dismiss. However his tone, a sort of, “these are the cold, hard facts for all you hairy-neck-nuzzlers–face up to them!” renders even the most obvious “facts”…

Accreditation move "turning point" for equine welfare



April 15, 2009



A planned accreditation programme for equine rescue groups and sanctuaries in the United States has been described as a turning point for the equine welfare community.

The scheme was discussed during a meeting a recently completed conference in Las Vegas attended by dozens of national and state-based equine protection, advocacy and rescue organisations.



The third annual Homes for Horses…