Recent content by foxtrotter

Herbal calmer ??? I don't think so - probably something a little stronger and more long lasting - not the kind of thing you can buy over the counter at your local feed merchants!

Pink powder didn't reduce the number or softness of my horse's poohs, and he seemed to get VERY excitable on it. Like your pony, maybe 3 when tacking up, and maybe 2 when riding him in the space of 1/2 hour. Also sometimes very liquid, and so bad that he couldn't get his tail out of the way...

A vet suggested to me that horse passports are a first step towards taxing all equines - a bit like a dog licence ???

Is your bit wide enough ?

My instructor also focusses on my core, wants my shoulders rolled back with chest wide open. I find it really helpful to think of my elbows attached to my sides. Avoid riding with your hands too wide apart, keep then low and use your elbows for flexion and softening. Hope this helps.

I had a stored pre-purchase blood sample that had been taken at a vetting, sent for a blood screen at Newmarket. The vet charged me £240, and the result came back indicating 'the possible presence' of 2 prohibited substances. The vet told me that the tests were very sensitive, and the probable...

I am told that fluphenazine is used quite regularly in the eventing world. (SHOULDN'T BE !), and it's not difficult to find a vet to supply it. Anyone could buy reserpine off the internet. Just GOOGLE it!!

There are long acting tranquilisers that last from 1 to 3 months - the human anti-psychotic drug fluphenazine (Modecate) and an Indian root called reserpine. It's not unknown. A number of professional riders have been banned in high level competitions for having these substances in their horses'...

I tried my horse on pink powders as recommended by my vet, as the horse had spasmodic liquid droppings! UGH. He was also a nervy type who was in need of some calming. The powders had no effect on his liquid poo episodes and he become nuttier than ever, so having discussed it with others who said...

My horse leapt onto my big toe when I was wearing Ariat Paddock boots. (So good strong boots but no toecap) It was almost instantly very swollen and very red although skin not broken. I couldn't bear any pressure on it and had to go around in open toe sandals or yard boots that were technically...

I had a horse who reacted badly to a flu/tet vac. It was a very cold autumn day, vac in morning and all seemed okay. Kept on small yard with very close supervision. He literally keeled over at teatime and lay down shaking.Vet summoned, but he was back on his feet half an hour later by the time I...