Recent content by scruffyponies

  1. scruffyponies

    Vets letter to RCVS

    Same here. Equine vet call out is less than the small animal consult fee. Total madness, especially since one of my ponies routinely tries to kill him. He should get danger money!
  2. scruffyponies

    Elderly dog with weakening back end - to walk, or not to walk.

    All 5 adults who live with the dog and have known her all her life agree that she is comfortable and not in pain. However for my own peace of mind, I tried her on Loxicom (Metacam). It made no difference at all, although she did tolerate it, which is good to know, as she has is not generally...
  3. scruffyponies

    A livery’s horse hit my car - who pays?

    I'm pretty sure neither YO or owner's insurance may not pay out as I think the claimant had to prove fault and that's hard in this situation. You can pay out of pocket to get it fixed at a reputable 'low overhead' type place (usually found operating out of farm buildings somewhere). The cost...
  4. scruffyponies

    Vets letter to RCVS

    I have a lovely independent equine vet. He understands that some of us are pragmatic, old fashioned and prepared to use time and rest rather than all available tests and treatments with doubtful or inconclusive outcomes. The animals get the treatment they need, and he is open and honest about...
  5. scruffyponies

    'dead horse' check - Must be spring

    Solo was laid out immobile, right at the far side of the field. I really didn't want to waddle all the way across to find out if he was breathing. Luckily he raised his head when I called his name from the track opposite. Sunbathing horse; nothing to see here.
  6. scruffyponies

    Has this happened to anyone else, and what could have caused it?

    Very much unruly mane, although not particularly thick, and no bridlepath although carefully separated when bridled every time. This is definitely part of it. I think this must be part of it too.
  7. scruffyponies

    Has this happened to anyone else, and what could have caused it?

    I have a little Dartmoor who has been known to lose his driving bridle over the front, but in his case it is his extraordinarily small ears and (slightly too) large heavy blinkered bridle which are to blame. Even he has never lost a riding bridle.
  8. scruffyponies

    Has this happened to anyone else, and what could have caused it?

    Luckily the little stallion in my avatar is a bit of a dude, so he wasn't too bothered when his bridle fell off his face suddenly in heavy traffic. It must have slipped over his ear or something because he just tossed his head and off it went. He hesitated for a moment, then just carried on as...
  9. scruffyponies

    Elderly dog with weakening back end - to walk, or not to walk.

    This is very much in line with my thinking. Currently SHE wants to go for a walk (that's why I don't think she's particularly in pain). Did I say wants? It's more than that She's giddy with excitement at the very suggestion. She has had a period of lower activity due to my broken leg. I...
  10. scruffyponies

    XL Bullies are out. For the chav-about-town, this season's accessory dog is...

    I have looked at the statistics and I just don't buy this. Not saying it can't happen, and poor breeding does make it more likely (famously Cocker Spaniels in the '70s). However, deaths have been broadly stable vs dog population for 30+years and the most likely 'culprit' breed (although this...
  11. scruffyponies

    XL Bullies are out. For the chav-about-town, this season's accessory dog is...

    Existing laws against using a dog as a weapon, abusing it, or not controlling it in public are quite adequate, but would require police to respond and act, which isn't going to happen. I would propose a simple process. Dog warden visits any reported 'dog of concern' (any breed/type). Give...
  12. scruffyponies

    XL Bullies are out. For the chav-about-town, this season's accessory dog is...

    Bull lurchers have been popular with the travelling community for 100 years. They're excellent rabbit hunting dogs, so keep a meal on the table for the owner.
  13. scruffyponies

    XL Bullies are out. For the chav-about-town, this season's accessory dog is...

    The next 'status dog' was always going to be worse than the (loyal and steady, but not good with dogs) APBT or the (generally lazy and affable, but huuge) XL bully. Jeremy Clarkson was quite correct when he described the creation of the (hypothetical) 'Wolftronic'. I'm starting to see adverts...
  14. scruffyponies

    Elderly dog with weakening back end - to walk, or not to walk.

    It was lockdown so she couldn't see a vet at the time. SI rather than hip, was our assessment. We honestly thought we would have to PTS. Treated with human meds, for want of anything else and she's been on tumeric and yumove (fantastic stuff!) ever since, strengthened back end through exercise...
  15. scruffyponies

    Elderly dog with weakening back end - to walk, or not to walk.

    Does exercise help to strengthen muscles that age has atrophied? That was the question, but apparently it can also be read as 'please give me a hard time because my dog is old'. Who knew?
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