Recent content by LopingBill

Sounds as though your horse has had saddle issues for a while. I'm starting with a new horse and he clearly had a problem in that area before I got him because you can see the white hairs on his withers where saddle pressure has killed the follicles. So we're taking it very gently to start with...

Just reading this thread reminds me how lucky we are. We have 2 horses in full livery and our YO cares. She lived with my boy through his final illness last year and cried with me when he went. I don't have to ask her to be "in attendance" for farrier, vet, dentist. She just is. Sad to see that...

If you are interested in Western Riding, you might try http://www.theversatilehorse.com/rollback.html

What are your 7 deadly sins? Mine are (in the Western Riding context): 1. Bling 2. Moaning about the judge 3. Not wearing a hat 4. Blaming your horse 5. Spurs 6. Unsporting behaviour 7. Not using a stampede string Full details at...

I believe that half the time these problems are caused by our own nerves/excitement. I compete in Western Versatility and I guarantee my boy can sense it when I'm keyed up. This usually happens with the speed classes. He'll be as quiet as a lamb while we're waiting to go into the arena...

HAve a look at the "Wstern Saddles" blog at www.theversatilehorse.com. Has some good info about what you shoudl be looking for in a western saddle.

This may be one of those situations which begs for a written contract which in most cases would set out what each party's rights are. A fair contract wouldn't allow a horse to be ejected without giving the owner a reasonable opportunity to find another home for the horse - unless there are...

If you're not planning on showing him (and, likely, it would only be in hand stuff where it would count and only then when it came to splitting hairs) the only question shoudl be how he gor the scar and whether that will have any continuibng consequence. My boy is going to be 18 this year and...

Have you thought of trying "western"? I know at least three people who have been down the same road as you - horrifying accidents but loved horses too much to give it up - and have found the peace they need by changing to western riding. It's not just the security of a big saddle (but that...

You could always try a western saddle! have a look at my blog on www.theversatilehorse.com

My boy is 16 and he's been unshod all his life. He's on a yard with 14 other unshod horses and although they all work hard, there's never a problem with their feet. See my blog on www.theversatilehorse.com

Thanks for your interest. We're in Kent - just south of the Dartford Crossing (Thames). I believe there are going to be some events again in the North this year. Keep an eye on the website!

Good morning everyone. I'm not sure how many of you are interested in Western Riding but, if you are, you may care to take a look at www.theversatilehorse.com. It's a new website that aims to get the message across about the wider range of western riding activities rather than just the well...