Recent content by Ancient Monument

The original poster asked why MR advocates not feeding horses titbits, which I tried to explain. No I don't think the odd carrot from the hand causes horses to become rude and bargey. I do think the random feeding of sugar sweets often does not make sense. End of.

I think it makes sense, horses do not hunt and expend huge amounts of short burst energy for food, as a hunting wolf or other predator does. It's not up to me to tell you whether to do it or not. Same with lungeing, some methods suit some horses/people. If you read his book it will give you...

the reason MR advises against feeding from the hand (and which I wholeheartedly agree with) is because horses are trickle feeders and are not rewarded for hunting for their food like a wolf, fox or dog and that psychologically horses do not equate doing well (ie hunting for food) with the...

I was going to say wouldn't raised trot poles do the same job. We trot our horses down a line of raised poles prob five or six times two or three times a week - it takes a lot of effort and must do the same thing, but again, only for a short period of time. I think we're being a little blinded...

I wouldn't think there was any weight to these bracelets, just fine flicky chain. Not like weighted show jump boots etc.

Another case of a little knowledge being a dangerous thing?

But these were young dressage stallions, not horses being rehabbed. And being lunged in them for some time. Sounds more like an attempt to get an action that may not be there naturally. horse may need rehab afterwards!

Visited a yard today which specialises in dressage. The horses were all being lunged in 'bracelets' on their pasterns with lengths of chain attached to them so as they trotted the chains flicked up and down, tapping at their fetlocks. Apparently this is to 'open the neural pathways' - not a...

As one of your bog-standard trainers, who likes to spend time getting to know horses and riders I do get disheartened to hear when people go off to 'names', only to have a completely different training method thrown at them, often they don't always understand, and are then sent home to sink or...

Unfortunately this is now learned behaviour, so he may have to have a couple of 'naughty step' lessons, but a bridle even with a rubber snaffle, plus a lunge line so you can get out of the way if you have to, would help. Once you've made up your mind you just have to go through with it. Think...

I think what is sad is when you see seriously overweight children who are desperate to ride and are top heavy, find balance difficult, and often fall because they are just not whippy.