Recent content by Rivendell

I think they always retain some spookiness but can definitely improve. My mare was incredibly spooky when I got her - she literally spooked at everything, even though she had been on the property her whole life and knew it inside out! Once we had developed a bond and she trusted me, the...

Yes. I purchased a horse from my friend, a highly respected SJ instructor. I had known the horse since she was born and was even involved in her breaking-in. I didn't bother about getting a vetting as I assumed it would be fine. I have had no end of lameness problems with this horse...

I know exactly how you feel! My TB mare had awful feet and was constantly lame in the paddock, with seemingly endless foot ascesses. I changed trimmer and voila, within weeks she was galloping around the paddock. The trimmer you use is essential and don't feel bad about changing if you aren't...

I feel your pain! One of my horses is a right madam. Everything has to be added slowly or she will refuse to eat it; and sometimes she just decides she doesn't like it anymore. My horses are all barefoot and currently are only getting grass and their hooves are still in great condition...

I honestly belive in this. They let us know when it is time to let them go. As said they try to hide pain so overall could seem fine, but the eye will give away just how they are feeling. Others may disagree, which is fine, but in my experience the eye has always said what the horse can't...

Well done! I think you are inspiring. Ignore them and have fun. I know it is hard to keep those comments out of your mind, but just focus on yourself and your horse. If this makes you feel any better, I used to be someone that thought height of the jumps was the only important thing. I had...

I agree with the others but for more reassurance, don't worry! Spring does funny things to horses. Hopefully tomorrow he will be more-or-less back to normal.

I must admit that when I was her age I would often ride without a helmet. Not that I purposely didn't put it on - I just had other things on my mind and didn't think about it. Scarily enough this was on an ex-racehorse I was reschooling. These days I wouldn't dream of getting on without a...

Yay he looks lovely! I was also a lurker like you until I encountered a few posts I couldn't help commenting on... and the rest is history! Shopping for new gear is definitely one of the perks of entering horse-ownership!!! I had a ball when I got back into horses just over a year ago. Just...

Yes!!! I am horrified every time I see a child or a photo of a child in spurs. Children using double bridles also irks me. These kids should not be using such tools on ponies!!! I don't care how great of a rider they are. These should be reserved for riders who fully understand what they...

Sending vibes. Hoping the next update is positive x

Wow that horse must feel soooo much better!! There are not many things as satisfying as seeing an abscess get lanced!

The only tip I have is patience! Not very helpful as patience wanes dramatically when trying to catch a devil!! I have a long history with hard-to-catchers. I just follow them around and eventually they give in when they realise I'm not giving up. Any little tricks I've tried have only ended...

Yup. I add a Tablespoon once daily in their feed. I have heard the salt lick is very erratic - some days they will get their fair share of salt and other days won't. I would highly recommend adding it. The website mentioned by YasandCrystal is excellent

This is very interesting!! I have a 5yo mare with exactly the described symptoms. Nothing showed up on a lameness exam and it couldn't be localised to any joint - I was sure it was stifle! Vet was flummoxed so she has been turned out for a couple of months. Every time I've tried to bring her...