Recent content by Swift08

Will share on my FB too. Saw a couple of warnings posts on that group recently regarding the thefts, but didn't realise there were photos!

I know of a scatty warmblood that was nowhere near ready to be backed at 3/4/5. He could never have coped with it mentally. They left him until he was almost 8, and three years on, he's wonderful. Every horse is an individual, and as long as you don't rush anything, the results should be fine!

I know someone in Surrey that does full grass livery (including worming and trim by farrier), there are riding horses there but most are retired or youngsters. My friend has moved abroad and left her quirky mare there, who is absolutely loving life in a nice big field! Seem to remember she only...

I always use the Cashel Crusader fly masks. They are quite pricey, but have always lasted well and there is plenty of room around the eyes. My old pony had ERU so nothing could be close to his eyes and these were never a problem. :)

In regards to horses, I don't tolerate barging, biting, anything bad to catch or lead and so on. I tend to break/school/ride ponies that will end up in the hands of children and therefore I feel they have to be 110% on the ground. I'm only small myself so if they were to knock me over or...

I go by "there are fates worse than death" with any animal. It's heartbreaking for an owner, but if for whatever reason, there is the option of being PTS then at least by doing so you will always know where they have ended up. Having suffered the backlash for having a 7yo put down (who had an...

For my first pony I set out to get something over the age of eight, broken and a generally good allrounder that was safe and sensible. Preferably a gelding and definitely not a grey. I ended up with a two year old feral new forest x thoroughbred from a dodgy dealer down the road. Obviously he...

For years I had always ridden in various Ariat jodhpur boots but since starting uni (and therefore not riding as much) I couldn't really justify spending over £100. Ended up buying a pair of Tredstep jodhpur boots. Since I always ride in jeans (except when competing) I always ride with leather...

Very sorry to read this :( I've only recently returned to HHO but I remember the beginning with you guys. Enjoy the time you have left, I'll be thinking of you - it's such a tough decision :( xx

Cutting the tail of the pony I owned at the time about 2 (probably 3) inches above his hocks... :o I was told two inches below but for some reason I had it in my head to do it above instead. Poor thing looked like a bit of an idiot for a while, but he was grey and it was winter so it worked out...

So glad my brother didn't push for a reason when I randomly burst out in laughter! In all seriousness, I'm definitely not a fan of it - if I used that on the one I'm riding right now I think the poor pony would be scarred for life and no doubt make him worse!

When you have to admit to your non-horsey friends and teachers/staff members that the pretty coloured bandage on your wrist is actually vet wrap, meanwhile the horsey people just sit and ask if you've used *insert random horse product* too for other problems. You find hay and horse hair in...

Started at a local riding school aged 6, had a great instructor who really got me going! She spent time teaching me things to get my balance and position correct but making it lots of fun, never putting me on a lead rein (but happily took reins off me!) and I was trotting easily by the end of my...

Sadly, I have, not with my horse but a horse I knew. The first eye was taken out due to ERU, the second eye developed ERU in the other eye about 8 months later. They battled with it for a few more months but it wasn't a good outcome :( Vets said Pharaoh would have probably been in the same...

Mine was torn muscle, trapped nerve and severe bruising of the first rib when I was was chucked off into a ditch. Have however witnessed a compound fracture of an ankle which was awful to see, let alone actually have to endure! Friend snapped her upper arm when being thrown and has it plated...