Recent content by Deseado

Would I? No. Have I? Yes, and that's why I now say no. I've cared for 3 horses post colic surgery, 1 made it; 2 did not (1 was my own). It's not the survival odds that put me off, it's the traumatic recovery that is, I feel unfair. And I very much give a **** about these horses.

But correct lunging shouldn't just be running around in a circle, should it? There will be changes of rein, moving the circle (i.e. straight bits, or an oval if you prefer), myriad transitions, perhaps some poles or cavalletti. Just haranguing a horse around on a rope is very far from using the...

Urgh, yes!

15 - 20 mins of proper lunging (as in really working, rather than just running around on the end of a string) is an excellent way of improving fitness, balance, top line muscling, suppleness and obedience. Lunging is rather underutilised in this country, correctly applied it is an invaluable...

Not sure what the problem is, I have stallions, geldings and mares (Spanish). All you need is good fencing and double gates.

Some horses are just grumpy and workshy, but expressing dislike of the saddle would be an obvious indicator that something is causing him discomfort. Rule that out first.

Sounds like he just needs a bit more exercise.

What's his basic conformation like? How old and how much (non racing) training has he had? TB's are often built with a low set neck, or even downhill so it's sometimes next to impossible to work them against their natural shape. But in the spirit of always working on basic principles...

How cute is he! How old? What are your plans?

Used to have a horse that had been thrown through the roof of a trailer. He loaded like a christian every time but ever after would sweat buckets whenever he was in a trailer. He was grand on a lorry 'tho. He was a sweet, trusting boy.

Do your horses ordinarily eat rosemary? I know mine don't.

Good lord, an hours hack is barely even exercise!

Gosh, you lot must be incredible experts to be able to garner so much detailed information from a couple of photos:-) It's a gangly young warmblood, unfurnished and immature. It's what a 3 year old should look like, not like the fat, flabby, overtopped and over handled creatures that are more...

Rather than "leaving him to grow up" I would be planning to get to grips with his rude behaviour without delay and getting him working and backed ASAP. A chain over his nose and some pretty sharp lessons in minding his manners would seem to be in order before he hurts somebody or becomes an...

Horses which are herd-bound are a major PITA, so it is up to the owner to train them not to be. The first thing you need to do is learn to just plain ignore all the histrionics. If you have a top door on the stable, close it. If the horse starts to spin or weave, tie him up. Basically he's just...