Recent content by Boots*McGruber

One to get framed!

Mine has mild bilateral hock arthritis. We have managed it in the following ways: Annual steroid injections Weight management Shod all round with lateral extensions behind for more support Proper flatwork and plenty of hillwork to ensure he has the muscle to support his joints He is in full...

On a different point, it’s not uncommon for competitors going SJ or XC to raise their hands and retire if it’s not going well. Perhaps we need to normalise this in dressage instead of forcing an unhappy horse? Sometimes it just isn’t your day and it’s better to retire with grace and save them...

I don’t know. Mine is very grumpy when not ridden even if he has plenty of turnout with friends. He’s naturally curious and I believe he likes to learn new things, so enjoys his work & he really does have a fantastic work ethic. He is really the only horse I’ve ridden who has felt like this...

Full livery now because my job requires travel and weekend work. It’s an hour from home as that was the only place I could find where they would exercise him a few times a week and I didn’t have to organise each session individually. When I was younger we kept 3 ponies at home on 2 acres. They...

In the past I’ve kept my lad going over winter for a couple of reasons; firstly he has mild arthritis and I wanted to keep him moving and secondly he has a very busy brain & gets into mischief if he’s not doing. However, this year I gave him three weeks off in October and have just done light...

I watched this on TV, though only the in-hand bit) and thought the horses looked so uncomfortable. When the one horse was doing Capriole I thought that the handler looked frustrated with the horse as he wasn’t quite getting it. I came away thinking it was an awful display of horsemanship but...

Lorry or trailer parking at the yard where I keep my horse is £12 per month. I think that from £10 to £75 per month is an unreasonable increase.

For adults, I believe it’s hack classes and championships at big shows/ evening performances. Everything else is tweed.

Smashing, thank you!

I’ve bought some small bales of haylage. Most feed stores sell it.

I have three tickets as well, didn’t know you could save for next season. How does that work please? Thanks

Coming from someone who has only recently started doing ODE’s there is so much to think about including your timings, walking the courses, studding your horse etc. In addition I think Eland is one of those where you have to collect your number from the secretary’s tent before competing so that’s...

Coming from someone who has only recently started doing ODE’s there is so much to think about including your timings, walking the courses, studding your horse etc. In addition I think Eland is one of those where you have to collect your number from the secretary’s tent before competing so that’s...

If I were you I’d try to get a share a few days a week and focus on your career and saving for a horse in the future. In a couple of years your wage might go up and you’ll be in a better position to own one. It’s not much fun if you constantly feel stressed about making ends meet. I would also...