Recent content by Borderreiver

It’s sad that these old fashioned vets are still not on board with Equisal. The science is very robust and peer reviewed. I’ve been to the lab, met the scientists who are passionate about horse health above all. Another extremely well regarded parasitologist from the Moredun institute also works...

It should be fine. I’ve been through with horses in both a box and a trailer quite a few times.

So glad you came through okay. What a fright. I gave up riding when I decided I would no longer bounce if I fell off and let’s face it if you ride horses you fall off them sometimes! I took up carriage driving though and just love it. I’m sure it can have its moments but thankfully all has been...

I would always want to be there with mine and always have been. You are their special person and hard though it is I think it helps them through. 😢

I would say you are a bit overdue for a worm count so that definitely needs doing. If you haven’t tested or treated for tapeworm in the last six months then it’s also time for an Equisal. There is absolutely no need to wait for ‘autumn’. Message or email Westgate labs and you will soon have the...

I’ve had quite a few Highlands and bred two. They are intelligent, wonderful ponies but some can be sharp. They get fat very easily so need to keep busy. My gorgeous boy was perfect for me, very easy to train and handle, whereas his full brother, also gorgeous, has a few quirks.

Ours was made in June here in Northumberland and I’m so glad we decided to cut even though it was early. It’s hard to remember how hot and dry the weather was, hay made and baled in three days! The barn is full. There has never been a dry time since. Good luck to everyone still needing to cut...

I adore my fell pony. When my driving Highland had to be pts about 15 mths ago I was offered a beautiful fell. He was 16 but full of character and bounce with a leg at each corner and good to drive. The minute I set eyes on him I knew it would work out. He is perfect for me as I approach 70 years.

I would suggest looking for something like an older Highland pony which would carry you fine. Of course not all Highlands are suitable for an inexperienced person but many have a heart of gold and will teach you a lot along the way. Word of mouth and a lurk around the forums is the way to hear...

My driving is really just how my riding used to be, I hacked all over and now I drive hack. I’m lucky to have off road tracks from my place and have been on the local roads a bit. I tried the competing thing but it’s not for me. I just love being out in the fields and it keeps me going as I head...

The saliva becomes too dilute if stimulated by eating.

Tapeworm is often a cause of colic. Did she have the Equisal test done? This is not done at the vets but sent off to Equisal’s lab where they developed the test. All samples are barcoded so should not be possible to mix results! I hope she gets a refund from the vet for all those visits.

I think enjoying riding depends on the stars aligning: you have the right horse, the right place, maybe good companions, time to do it, fitness to enjoy it. I’ve been lucky to enjoy such times in my life, great memories. These days, in my late sixties, I drive my pony. After a long muddy winter...

So very sorry for the loss of your sister and for your friend’s traumatic accident. I think we all understand your feelings. I too keep my ponies at home on a smallholding. It’s just part of our world to look after them isn’t it, a daily rhythm? I’m sixty nine and haven’t ridden for a few...