Recent content by Winters100

This is a great way of doing it. One of the things that I really notice in the UK is just how much processed and prepared food there is. When I was last in the UK caring for my Mother I tried to keep to broadly the same diet that I have at home, but as I could not get out to shop was ordering...

I think that most of us, especially as we get older, need to be incredibly careful about what we eat and how much, for years I have written down everything that I eat, because I know how easy it is to gain. I have also always felt that the idea that people who are larger gorge on food is a bit...

Definitely sell. Too much can happen between now and pony being suitable. Good luck!

More than 10 years ago an old school friend, who was not horsey, asked me if it would be a mistake to buy an 18 year old pony for her daughter, because she was worried that she would never be able to sell it. The pony has now taught all 3 of her children to ride, and when it was outgrown by her...

To me gut instinct is part of it, but I try to buy with my head rather than my heart. I would say have a list of what are the essential boxes the horse should tick, what would be nice, but not essential, and also what would be dealbreakers. Do not feel that you have to buy, remember that not...

Actually I agree with this, I usually put draw reins on mine at the start of the season, just as 'insurance'. No need to use them unless necessary. And I have no problem riding with one hand, I often lead 2 while riding with 4 reins. To me any of these things, including the mildest bit, are...

If I was the owner of the horse I would be immensely grateful that my sharer offered to help with the rehab, and would certainly not be expectling a financial contribution. Edited to add that you should not allow yourself to be bullied by the owner. I am guessing that you are somewhat younger...

Agree. And if this were to be done then I am pretty sure that a lot of the abuse would stop - these people would fear a lifetime ban, anything less they just get around.

Exactly. Being the only one who can ride your horse is not an example of what a wonderful rider you are, but rather that you have schooled your horse extremely poorly. My childhood trainer often used to put us children on her top horses, because she said that we needed to understand what a...

Spot on. And I see that they don't mind others having an opinion, as long as it is positive. You never hear them saying 'sure I got a lot of positive comments, but none of those people compete at this level, so they don't count, and should not really be commenting at all'. If one does not...

To me if you are not willing to accept opinions that may be different to your own then simply ride at home, and certainly do not post pictures and videos on social media. The same goes for those foolish parents who create quasi-marketing businesses by posting videos of their children riding, and...

Based upon recent experience I can agree with this. I was recently visited by an old friend and her husband, who was very proud to tell me that he was hunting in the UK, and had been awarded his hunt buttons. I borrowed a friend's cob to take him riding here. I think it is enough to say that...

I used to think that it would be a shame to lose this tradition, and that allowing trail or drag hunting would be a reasonable compromise to allow hunts to continue, without the need to cause unnecessary suffering. Now I believe that hunts have shown themselves to be unwilling to keep within the...

Sorry to hijack this thread, but it seemed a good place for a bit of a rant. I am seriously considering only walking my dogs on busy roads, where hopefully other dogs will be leashed. I am sick to death of hearing 'don't worry, he's friendly' as other dogs charge up to us at full speed. Today...

Give it time. WHen I first put my shelter up none of them would go near it. Now my geldings head for the shelter at the first sign of drizzle, wheras my old mare, who is much tougher, and very much 'in charge' of the pack, happily stands outside whatever the weather!