Recent content by nrob1982

There should be a specific rule that exempts male competitors from plaiting up. Personally I can barely keep my own hair under control, let alone my horses. For years I've been telling people I don't plait my boys because I think it's undignified for two strapping great lads to walk around...

The theory that horses should only ever be happy carefree creatures that are allowed to run free is one that is perpetuated only by the truly ignorant. There is a persuasive argument that if the horse had never been domesticated it would have been hunted to extinction for food. That is...

I saw something that suggested that the BBC interactive service will give some coverage if you've got a freeview box. If that's true I'm going to buy one as they're fairly cheap

I know exactly how you feel. One of my horses is a fab x-country horse and a truly lovely character. But he hates dressage, or to be more specific anything that vaguely approaches a collected canter. So at several ODEs we've turned up full of confidence, knowing the course is well within our...

The monsoon season has arrived in Kent this morning and the concrete ground is finally softening up after hours of rain. I've already got the tack ready and the horse groomed and quitely chimping on hay in his stable so we can head off for a charge around as soon as it clears up a bit. Stroll...

I live between Tenterden and Rye..in the middle of nowhere, really. Close enough to camber sands to take the horses to the beach when it's not full of holidaymakers messing up the gallops. I'm a journalist for the Daily Mirror. I'm not a reporter, but I rewrite their stories so they (almost)...

Pete's "hello" message made me realise how rude it was of me to start posting without introducing myself. So here goes. My name's Neil, I'm a journalist, I live in Kent and my wife and I have four horses, three dogs and three cats. Horses are: Rocco...16.3 ISH Woody 17 Dutch Warmblood Edward...

Hi Pete, I too am new-ish to the forum...and I also live in Kent. Whereabouts are you? Neil

I wouldn't use draw reins unless you are absolutely confident you know what you're doing....it's far too easy to unintentionally force your horse's head into position. I'd recommend the lungiebungie developed by Clayton Fredericks. Works on side rein principle but everything is elasticated and...

Thnaks JulieL, I'll give her a ring. The samples they had at Brightling looked and smelled great, not exactly a scientific test I know, but I was impressed.

Does anyone on the forum use Simple System feeds? I had a look at their stuff at Brightling ODE and was impressed. It's basically alfalfa-based dried forage that needs a little soaking. Because there are no cereals etc it is claimed you can ride immediately before or after feeding, which is a...

Does anyone know of a x-country course in south-east where the ground is not like concrete? I'm getting desperate to do some schooling but cannot risk my lad's delicate feet. I know Tweseldown is all-weather but it's a bit far from me (Kent)