Comment

Comment by Linda White on March 17, 2010 at 3:06pm

Sherry, groundwork seems to solve a lot of problems with horses. Whether you are a fan of John Lyons, Chris Irwin, Monty Roberts, Parelli - whatever, they will tell you the key to respect in the saddle is respect on the ground. That's doubly true this time of year when spring is in the air and the horses get a little bit looney. Good luck and stay safe!

Comment by Sherry Cassetori on March 17, 2010 at 3:01pm

Thanks my big guy has really been giving me a tough time It is taking a toll on my leg and hands,

Comment by Dawn Lambert on March 17, 2010 at 2:59pm

Sherry: Stretch back of calves on stairs (by standing on the edge and letting your heel stretch down and hold for 30 seconds). The 30 seconds part is really important.
Drink more water!
And eat a banana a day.
If all else fails, try physio.

Comment by Sherry Cassetori on March 17, 2010 at 12:41pm

Hey guys not to change the subject but I keep getting calf cramps in my right leg when riding , do I need too stretch more, also My 6 year old Belgian/TB takes off on my while I am just walking, and when working in the ring he will not go by the gate that I bring him in with he bolts. Need some help any suggestions.

Comment by Tracy McDermott on March 17, 2010 at 12:06pm

Sic2, I have no problem with Amish the comment was 'mean men are everywhere', they are individuals and are within all societies.

Comment by Tracy McDermott on March 17, 2010 at 11:39am

The amount is less the point as to the distribution and shifting with motion. Also a wider horse is more dynamically suited for weight bearing than a more narrow horse. The question shouldn't be how much can they carry, it should be how much for how long. Bench pressing is heavy and quick, lugging buckets of water without spilling for over 1 mile is an overburdened horse on a trail ride.

Comment by Jennifer Lamm on March 17, 2010 at 11:21am

Equus magazine posted an article that a horse can carry 40% of his body weight... his OWN body weight.... a 1200 pound horse should carry 300 pounds...

Comment by Tracy McDermott on March 17, 2010 at 10:40am

I know the Amish aren't communist, possessions like horses and equipment are bought and used personally and each man has a great amount of sovereignty in and over his own house, so if those horses are in poor shape be glad you don't live with him. I saw an Amish couple with their buggy years ago and asked how old his horse was (because of the shape it was in) he said to me "mind your own business'. Mean men are everywhere. Again if the horse can't work it is worthless to them and is probably destroyed.

Comment by Linda White on March 17, 2010 at 8:47am

Excellent points, Tracy. We live near plenty of Amish and Mennonite farmers and while there may be a few plump women, I've never seen an overweight Amish man. Also, the man who was born and raised on our farm 95 years ago gave me a photo of horses his dad had used and, boy, were they skinny, pitiful looking things.
I'm not sure I agree with your point about the working horse always being considered valuable, however, since we do see a great number of Amish/Mennonite buggy horses in poor condition - obviously lame, lots of harness sores, arriving at their destinations covered in sweat but no blankets or water for them. Sadly, those work horses seem not to be valued by all their owners.

Comment by Tracy McDermott on March 17, 2010 at 12:28am

I think back in the old days many horses were damaged and killed rather routinely. Our ancestors didn't call a vet. The majority of horses were draft or draft crosses. Very few people were well enough off to be overweight, Peter Paul Rubens recorded the fad of 'Rubenesque women' 1630 -1640, They were representing the idea of wealth being worn on the person, something to aspire to. The majority of the population had to work hard long hours and could not afford to replace such a valuable commodity as a horse. Most people walked because their horses were valuable for work, no work no food.
No one needs a perfect BMI to ride, just match your body and ability to the right size horses body and terrain and ride on.

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