Recent content by Mitch&I

I agree with LJR. The worst thing is seeing them uncomfortable. Many of them become almost obsessed with scratching, even when they haven't been bitten. I've seen one who becomes very stressed when even a normal fly is buzzing around and reacts as if bitten by a midge (obsessive scratching and...

Don't be disheartened op. I've ridden since the age of seven, I rode daily and had lessons right through until I went on to work with horses. I eventually lost my nerve and in that period, I too didn't realise the extent to which my new nerves affected my riding and communication with horses -...

This was my immediate thought. I'm not keen on his fores or rears really but his off rear is held at an odd angle. He isn't one who would catch my eye, sorry OP. eta: On checking the initial photos of one I've bought, she is also standing with her off hind turned out! If you do go to see him...

Thank you all very much. Having lost out on one livery and one pony already, I find I'm second guessing myself an awful lot. I did nothing to incur the loss of either but it has knocked me a bit! I'm pretty sure they have space (it seemed so when I visited), so I will approach as suggested...

I fully intend to! I'm just checking on what would usually be seen as an acceptable offer to make, during that conversation. I've been out of the game for years. I feel rusty, old and somewhat stupid generally. Any advice appreciated ��

I was offered a long term full loan - and chose to buy instead. It may sound silly but the responsibility of looking after someone else's horse and tack made me feel incredibly anxious. Anxious to the point of sleepless nights. What's more silly, is that during my working life with horses, I...

I've been very fortunate to have been able to keep past horses at home or at work. I'm just now entering the world of livery. I've recently paid a deposit for a pony and have a livery space secured. The seller and I allowed approximately two weeks to make travel arrangements, with the...

Yes. I opened the thread earlier and couldn't quite believe what I was seeing. All very unnecessary, really.

If no medical reason can be found, it really could be a reaction to your pregnancy. He won't know that you're pregnant and to be careful but he will know that you smell different, feel different, etc. He might be finding it disconcerting?

Your cob is lovely! What a great photo �� The beauty of most cobs, is that they can carry weight easily and leg length because of their roundness. I don't think your son is too big for him and I think they could probably work well together for some time yet. The only problem with...

Thank you all! Cages could be a good option. I've always used standard stirrups and haven't had a fall yet where I felt at risk of a foot being trapped, however, I have arranged for a girl to help with breaking - mainly as a handler for me but if I do decide to put her up, I want her to be as...

Good question! I'm interested in knowing too. I assume the flexion expels your foot, whereas with straight, set irons the foot can become wedged at an angle? Peacocks are a funny one. I know my parents didn't like them because of catching risks but many people obviously use them successfully...

I love mares too. Chestnut ones particularly! My only bad catcher was a bay gelding. Catching (or evading) was his favourite game. One which he'd play happily, for hours, every single day.

One of my rescues suffered with fits, ear infections and hot spots. Paw licking was his way of coping when things were at their worst. It's self comfort, like a child thumb sucking, usually caused by stress, pain or as Clodagh says, parasites. If one of mine was paw kicking without a known...

Sorry, 'safety' latches in the sense that they are opened to lay flat as opposed to the more curved e type bars which I'm not too keen on! I came across both these and stirrup rings when researching treeless as a potential option for breaking. I feel open latches are safer and my late night...