Recent content by learn2horse

It's really common for ponies that have just been used on lead rein to be difficult off the lead. Having taught in Pony club for years and seen the furstration this brings to novice riders, my advice is to look for a first ridden pony. Otherwise DD will lose all her confidence. Probably not the...

Not a big fan of keeping horses alone long term as it is not natural for them. They are a herd animal, and love to play and be social. However separation anxiety can be difficult so a horse that is ok with being alone for short periods is a blessing! I know many people at livery seem to keep...

If you are living on the yard or there everyday anyway you don't have to factor in travel costs like someone who does this as a job, so you can be cheaper and still cover your costs. I would work it out on a minimum of £10 per hour. For each horse it takes about an hour to change rugs, turn out...

Don't beat yourself up; you are doing fine! At this age, I would recommend handling in some form every day, but if that is just putting on head collar and leading from A to B that is fine. When people show their foals they tend to be more forward in their education, but as you won't be riding...

So if two horses are in one field and two in the other and you cant risk your mare getting in with the others - just divide each of the two paddocks into two? Each paddock will be just under two acres I presume then? Your mare if she gets through the elctric will only be getting through to an...

Totally agree with TGM - not getting enough forage food. Even when older horses have their teeth done regularly, forage does become more challenging. One of my older ponies thrives during sumer on the soft and easy to eat gra and finds hay much tougher to get through as her teeth become longer...

We have imposed certain conditions on horses due to domestication - just remember in nature a horse does not fence walk (no fences!). However, it is impossible in most circumstances to be able to keep horses how nature truly intended, but by doing the best you can to reduce stress and allow her...

It seems to me that you are between a rock and a hard place. This issue is totally fixable, but you must have time, patience, discipline and the freedom to try a few things out (what works for one might not work for you and you have had plenty of very good suggestions). If I were you I would be...