Recent content by ZoeRPM

A certain well known rider in Derbyshire once had someone comment on how big her mare's ears were. This was hardly surprising since the mare's father was a Poitou donkey.

Well since hunting with dogs is illegal, it's hardly surprising that the sabs act like this. I'd join them if I could.

You should never clip or rug a horse up in October. This is the time of year when horses and other grazing animals put on a thick coat for winter. Let your horse put on its own natural rug and a good layer of fat for the winter.

I'd suggest that you switch to a mild bit (but avoid a soft rubber one since they are so wobbly) but combine it with a Market Harborough. You could also try lungeing him with an elbow pull.

Try Tea Tree Oil. This kills both bacteria and fungi.

I hope someone fosters her as she'd be great for endurance riding. I've told the BBC off for not giving her height. The Donkey Breed Society had a Mammoth colt for sale recently, to make 15hh. I hope he doesn't get gelded as he'd be great for breeding draught or large saddle mules.

You've answered this yourself - contact the RSPCA. I must admit that I get angry with my cat sometimes but I take a deep breath then I cuddle him till he purrs.

Mammal that have evolved to live in cold areas have small ears (to retain heat) and those that have evolved in hot areas have large ears (to cool them). It's as simple as that. Your mare is almost certainly part Welsh, as welsh ponies and cobs have disproportionately small ears.

I was advised by the manufacturers of Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Oil to try this: morning and evening dip a large sponge in hand-hot water and then add a few drops of tea tree. Rub this along the horse's back from poll to dock. The oil acts as a local anaesthetic and antiseptic as well as an...

I've never had to bridle a donkey but I used to bridle a hinny. I used to fold his ears in half. I suppose it's easier if you train the animal to put its ears forward. I think many people buy bridles that open easily at the side, though, so ask the Donkey Breed Society what they recommend.

Try Suffolk Herbs. They supply seeds and meadow mixture, which can improve your grazing in the long term by recreating proper meadow.

Have you thought of trying her with a large donkey instead? Many children automatically relax more on a donkey than on a horse and there is really no height limit if you choose the right breed, so if she was happy you could get her something she would never outgrow. The cost of keeping a donkey...

I've never had any problem with cobs and have ridden them since I was a child. My favourite at the moment is a Fjord pony. He's lovely and hairy and he goes like the clappers, especially when he's out with his best friend, who is a Haflinger (also one of my favourites). I must say that I've...

What are your plans for her? Is she going to be used for breeding donkeys or are you going to be adventurous and put her to a cob stallion for a nice big hinny?

I don't understand why people in nothern Europe so undervalue mules nowadays. You are going to have a serious problem finding one of a decent size for showjumping or dressage (the best starting point for that would be the Poitou breed society, whose young mules are advertised on line in the...