Recent content by FelixPatches

I own a 21yr pony mare, had her for 11 years, retired 5 years ago due to arthritis and a very bad kidney reaction to a drug administered to try to help with arthritis. I don't have my own land,and have to have her and my other horse on semi full livery. She is quite soft so I don't think she...

My horse was seen by vet school couple of weeks ago and goes back next week. I too was worried about ulcers. He was girthy, biting at sides, doesn't like taking right canter lead. He doesn't look like he has ulcers, shiny coat etc. He does have mild ulcers which we are treating but vets...

I had exactly the same issue with my Welsh D cross. And it is so true about natives getting bored easily. I found I'd got myself into such a flap about it that he picked up on that which compounded the problem, meaning he became really squint and uptight whenever I tried to ask (and so making...

Thank you so much, I really appreciate you taking the time to put all this down. I shall see how we get on!

My 7yr old welsh cob cross gelding falls out through his shoulder (and it feels like his hindquarters too) on the left rein (and conversely on the right rein his quarters tend to come in, as you'd expect). I also have a problem with my left hip and have a tendency to twist my shoulders to the...

I have owned my 7 yr old welsh cob x for almost 3 years and every summer we go through spells where he coughs (not lots) and attempts to clear himself, during ridden work and at times becomes very lethargic. I never push him when this happens, just stop riding for spells. The first summer we...

No problem, I meant to say the problem with my inside hand is on the left, not the right rein, in case that was confusing. I had a physio session on Wednesday, as I'd been feeling really crooked and my pony hadn't seemed at all happy with me, since then he has been so much happier. It is eye...

One point to check, if all physical causes with him are ruled out, is that your own position isn't preventing him going properly on the left rein. My youngster also does not go well on the left rein. However, I have a tendency to pull back with my inside left hand when on the right rein, I...

I have a 3/4 Welsh cob and he is exactly the same. Interested in what you say. I did try a NS bit on the advice of a bitting expert but he didn't like it so now he is in Myler comfort snaffle. I am not entirely convinved it's right but it is better than the (many) other bits I've tried. I've...

Thank you for your comments. I am pretty sure it's not ulcers; he isn't standing in the way you describe, and he looks well and loves his food and is a cheeky, confident sort of chap. I agree it could be front feet issues though. In the 2 years I have owned him he has from time to time...

I'm looking for some advice. My rising 7 year old 15.1hh Welsh/TB hasn't been ridden much since Christmas, especially over the last month due to the weather/recent family bereavement. He has been lunged perhaps once or twice a week and ridden on average a further 3 times (but not at all the last...

I'm looking for some advice. My rising 7 year old 15.1hh Welsh/TB hasn't been ridden much since Christmas, especially over the last month due to the weather/recent family bereavement. He has been lunged perhaps once or twice a week and ridden on average a further 3 times (but not at all the...

I'm going to look at Kate Negus bridles this weekend, my horse is currently in a Micklem and certainly does go better in that than in "ordinary" bridles but the bridle isn't wearing especially well even though I've not had it for that long. I've heard good things about Kate Negus but am...

Just sending a quick update. I've been working hard on our right canter lead, on not stressing and keeping my horse forward, and he is so much better. I always canter first on the left rein to make sure he is responsive to my aid for canter and forward. Then once I have done a bit on the...

Thank you so much all of you for taking the time to reply, lots of helpful tips here. I agree making the transition clear is key; my problem is he anticipates and does things to thwart me, eg quarters in, head to the outside, not trotting forwards. I shall try the leg yield tonight, that's a...