Recent content by Hippophilia

Bit of a random one but did anyone used to ride at Cardigan Bay in Aberarth in the 80's? It was run by a woman called Karen who terrified the 7 year old me into being a decent-ish rider! Just had a Google and looks like they closed down a while ago. Be great to hear anyone else's memories of the...

I found a good instructor was key. In my first lesson with her my current instructor asked why I was so tense and I realised it was pure fear. She took everything back to basics and supported me all the way. I competed for the first time in the summer (and won!) which I never would have done...

The hypocare seems to be working, he's been leaving his elbows alone so that's a big positive. I'm still taking him in though as I was giving home a really good once over and found that he has a run of dry scabs all along his spine in clumps from the base of his neck to mid back. He's...

Def no fleas, but the kennels did groom them which they haven't done before. Thinking that might be the culprit. I spoke to the vet and she said clipping back the hair, using an antibiotic cream and an Elizabethan collar should help. I'm going to try hypocare as I have some on hand and if he is...

My 10 yr old lurcher has developed hotspots for the first time and I was wondering if anyone had good tips on dealing with them. He and our other dog were in kennels all last week when we were on holiday, one they have been to before with no problems. Our other dog (lab) is showing some signs on...

Oh you poor thing. You're grieving, be kind to yourself. I was lucky that when I lost my mare back in Feb I also had a toddler to look after and a house move to organize so I didn't miss the time at the yard so much. It did take me a while to be able to look at her pictures and I had to send my...

There was a lovely Fresian at the RS where I used to teach. He was a b**ger to catch but once caught was very quiet and we would use him for our older beginners. He was big though and I would be wary as they are strong so if you get one who is not as chilled as our lad it could get difficult if...

I found a pair of Aigle's on Ebay for an absolute steal and I love them. They are second-hand but I think they were a fashion item in their former life as they were very, very clean! I like to think I am giving them a full and happy free-range life with lots of mud and muck :)

I too lost my confidence when I bought my first horse from a new instructor who then proceeded to spend 6 months telling me I had 'ruined' my mare, that my hands weren't soft enough to use a bit so I should go bitless and all sorts of other c**p. I eventually smartened up and left her yard but...

I lost my TB mare in February but she lived out all year round and hated to be in. She was 26 when she died. We get very, very cold winters here that are very, very long. (Think snow on the ground for 6 months and -25 kind of cold and long). I had a Rambo duo for her which made rug changes a...

I live in Canada where we get 6 months of snow on the ground and temps of -25 for most of it. Last year my sister in the UK sent me some fleece-lined tights from Primark which are super cheap and AMAZING. I put wear them under my jods with a second pair of socks and waterproof trousers and I am...

Have you thought of pottery? These guys do some lovely stuff http://theyardstudio.co.uk/horse-hair-pottery/

I'm sorry to hear of your loss. I lost my girl in February and I've only just decided what to do as a memento. I have some of her tail and I'm getting it made into a stock pin I can wear when competing as she was a dressage dream and I like the thought of her being with me for tests. I've also...

Glad to be of service! The clean patch thing is pretty much the only thing I can remember from the whole clinic, so at least my $100 wasn't wasted :)

Nope, dirt gets underneath so shows you where there is space and movement. That's why there will always be dirt at the back of the saddle cloth as saddles are supposed to move a little at the back.