Recent content by TheBayThoroughbred

Hi everyone, I’ve been trying to get my youngster back into work after he’s had a year long holiday (which has meant a big grass belly!) and it would be nice to do some hacking to get his fitness back. I’m keeping them at home atm, which is the dream, but it does mean there’s no one to go...

Hi everyone, One of my boys can be rather difficult to lead and do groundwork with, and I’m hoping I can get some advice. He’s an angel if he’s relaxed/being led with other horses, but if I am trying to do groundwork with him one on one, or even lead him across fields, he becomes very pushy. He...

Hi everyone, This might be difficult to diagnose but I’m hoping for some opinions anyway. I ordered a bag of Baileys no.4 online and I think it smells a little bit off. I’ve never ordered no. 4 before so I’m not sure how it normally smells, but mine smells strong and ever so slightly sour. The...

Yeah I’m not sure if it’s from a place of anxiety/insecurity? Like they’re stressed so they snap at you? Either way it drives me insane, I’m always happy to make accommodations for spooky/nervous/nutty horses, but you don’t have to snap at me!

I love it when people get angry at you for asking them to follow the rules…especially the ones designed for the safety of them and their animals!

This is so unbelievably important and I wish every horse owner could read this. So often we try to impart human qualities on horses, ie. “He’s being rude!” Or “She’s being disrespectful!” When in reality none of these are behaviours that horses can achieve. Horses react to their environment, so...

I highly doubt a new bit will fix it! Instead of getting her head UP, trying getting it sideways and disengaging her hindquarters. I’ve always found it’s the most foolproof way of stopping bucks and planting. Start on the ground with disengaging her hindquarters (there are lots of online...

Are you getting trims from a barefoot trimmer or a farrier? I don’t know if I’m going against the grain but I would seriously recommend a farrier, not a barefoot trimmer. There’s no standard qualification for barefoot trimmers, whereas farriers all complete the same rigorous training, and are...

Disclaimer: this happened at my old yard but I thought I’d share (and feel free to share any stories you have as well!) At my last yard we had one arena for all liveries to use, no booking system, just be polite and share etc. I was taking my boy through a little schooling session when another...

I wouldn’t risk it, the chance of your horse injuring themselves or slipping and injuring you is not worth it. You could do some groundwork instead if you’re keen to get something done! When my 4yo was lame we did 2 months of groundwork only and he was even better to get on before despite the...

I have two miniature horses (although they look more like small Shetlands). Both are very fat and despite our grass being very short they somehow look even fatter than a few months ago. Fecal egg counts done so I know it’s not worms. Right now, after the cold snap, the ground is frozen 24/7 and...

It totally depends on what would be a dealbreaker. There are some things that will automatically drop a horse's price but might not be a big issue for you. I got my first horse at just over £6k because he's a cribber, but he lives out 24/7 with me and so he never does it. Otherwise he's my dream...

Hi everyone, this is more of a general ask for advice as to what people do for transport. I live 20 minutes from Windsor Park and I would love to go hacking there, as well as do some drag hunting and local shows. Therefore, I really would like a horse box, but as I am 20 years old, with 2 years...

Try them warm? I know it sounds silly but in the winter one of my boys will refuse to touch feed unless it resembles warm porridge! Also, like others say, try drier feeds as well. As for the grass pellets themselves, are you feeding them to keep weight on, nutritional reasons, etc...? The only...

I have had a horse receive kissing spine surgery, initially my own vet was hesitant, but the surgery is actually very straightforward and has a quick recovery time. However, my boy didn't have any serious behavioural issues, just signs of discomfort. Initially he was still a little grumpy about...