Recent content by Mrs G

It is somewhat heartening to know that my lad isnt the only one like this - or that Im a neurotic, over-obsessed owner who cant just ignore him/leave him to it. Ive put some feelers out re yards so we'll see. Thanks all.

I like the Whitaker ready to ride leather headcollars. Good price, nice soft leather and more ergonomically shaped/positioned buckles than some makes of headcollar.

I'm tired and stressed (not just by my troublesome beautiful boy) but that's made me so sad - I would desperately love to know what he wants me to do, how I can make him happy.

The only difference with the full livery yards we were at, was he was left to get upset - thats why I took over all care for him. I appreciate some yards might be different but I don't think I could trust anyone else now - he's never going to be someone else's priority as much as he is mine...

He was exactly the same on a much bigger yard unfortunately, we have tried most types/sizes of 'normal' livery over the years - he genuinely seems to just hate winter and winter comes to every yard!

Does anyone know of a retirement livery or track livery in East Yorkshire area? I guess if Im not riding or spending hours hand grazing I can work more hours to afford it!

If I went the retirement yard route it’s doubtful I could pick him back up after 6 months - retirement yards don’t usually have riding facilities or horses coming and going (which is precisely why I’m considering one), and I’m not moving him every 6 months. I think it would be all or nothing...

Ah, maybe ive not made it clear - he doesnt wait until hes alone to kick off - as soon as any of the horses come in he starts. I agree herd turnout is better but on livery yards horses come and go so often the herd is constantly changing - which is where injuries and accidents happen so i do...

Definitely some things to consider/try. If i left where i am though, say to this (so far theoretical!) retirement yard i couldnt go back to where i am now, so that would mean early retirement for a fit and physically healthy horse and an end to my riding life which would make me sad but maybe...

Hes a thoroughbred, ex racehorse. Never been scoped but ive always treated him as if he had them (ad lib hay, cereal free, high fibre feed etc). Barefoot, shiny coat, good weight - though i appreciate its still possible (and increasingly likely with him stressing now winters here). Hes been...

The other liveries have v laid back, easy horses in comparison and think im completely neurotic! I wouldnt want anyone else to handle him tbf. In summer all the horses are out 24/7 and we both love it but thats not possible on clay land in winter around here. Its not that he hates being...

Its individual turnout, v small diy yard. Theres some grass but due to the weather this year it didnt grow as much as normal over summer. I can put hay out but he will leave it. Relatively set routine but as its diy no absolute rules/times for turnout/bringing in.

It really seems to be winter - and mainly the lack of grass - as i say, he will hand graze for hours outside of his paddock. He is in work - exercised 3/4 times a week, moves beautifully, doesnt look or act his age. Id like him to live out with company and a shelter to come and go as he...

Help, advice required because im feeling desperate, apologies for v long post. Despite my best efforts i feel im failing my beloved boy. Hes a fit and healthy horse in his late teens and the love of my life but in winter he is incredibly hard to keep happy. I worry constantly about injury...

Could it be condensation rather than sweat? Our indoor-barn type stables can get very damp from condensation sometimes and it can leave my lad with a damp mane/fur (he’s quite hairy for TB).