Recent content by copper72

Hi there. I'm so sorry for what you're going through. It's heart breaking. Sarcoids are such insidious, horrid things. I've been treating one on my mare's shoulder for 6 years now. I manage it with xxterra cream which keeps it in check, but I've noticed a couple of other areas starting to...

I think the point here is "natural" versus unnatural.

With respect, it's not up to the OP to offer solutions to this issue. As I see it he/she? was simply expressing their disapproval, and concern for equine welfare. The post has rightly sparked debate. Human athletes choose to put extreme demands on their bodies and minds. Horses do not. Surely...

Great advise there. Thanks so much. Gives me a lot to work with 🙏

Thank you so much. I had no idea about that.

Yes I'm looking into a leather one. This could be a silly question but do you just use the chain hooks to attach the leather one?

No I haven't. My go to was the pelham as I've used it very successfully with a previous horse. I'm also put off by the name 'gag'. However I'm open to whatever I can use to have a happy horse. Expensive business finding the right bit!

T Tbh I always thought that a lip strap added to it's severity. So there you go, I've learnt something. Will give it a go. And I agree, I never leave the excess chain links loose.

Ah yes I tried that yesterday. It is definitely the action of the chain she objects to - she was very accepting of the pelham without the chain. Unfortunately of course, it totally negated the purpose of the pelham.

Thanks for the advice. Yes it is definitely an excitement thing when out on open tracks. She understands and responds perfectly to 'whoa' when schooling. But I will try what you suggest with positive reinforcement. Incidentally, she isn't stabled and has access to 115 acres. She is often...

Each to their own!

Hi I'm hoping for some advice on the use of curb bits. When I bring my 16hh mare on trail rides, she becomes very head strong and I really struggle to hold her back. I have no such issues when schooling in an arena. She is 8 and has only ever been ridden in a snaffle. I've just tried her in a...

Whow. Thank you. Reading this has made me feel a lot better. It appears it's a more common issue than I thought...

Thank you all so much for your replies. You've put my mind at ease and I will take your advice on board. I guess I am expecting too much too soon. Handling a youngster is very new to me as I've always had older horses, so I have a bit to learn...Unfortunately I don't have the option of...

That's a really interesting point as apparently she was born into drought (I'm in Australia), and was in really poor shape before being shipped off to greener pastures. Thanks for your insight!