Does anyone listen to advice from here?

LeneHorse said:
Finally I would also agree with those who have commented not to overlook advice from low profile 'under the radar' members. In RL I have found that those who are most knowledgable rarely make a song and dance about it.
Click to expand...

This is very true. I don't usually seek advice as such on here, but I have made a few contacts based on certain posts which have caught my eye and learned valuable stuff from people who wouldn't necessarily spring to mind as "forum experts" :)

Also, the horse world being a small place, I've learned things about members' real lives which would make me doubt their online expertise even though they are in fact deemed to be the aforesaid "forum experts" ;)

Generally if I need help I ring my mate in Hampshire and message a certain person on here (you know who you are :D).
 
Not all of it no.

However HHO members did make me save my in foal mare and for that I will be eternally grateful. Foal is so beautiful inside and out he literally takes my breath away.

I'm Mrs average I suppose, have my Stage III, PTT etc, have multiple horses etc but am a long way from being an expert. In fact I'd probably say intermediate at best. The one thing that I have found is that advice on handling foals/youngsters is woeful and I wish people who clearly haven't got a clue wouldn't post like they do. Not everybody who comes here asking for advice is smart enough to dissect out the crap. BTW I'm not saying I can advise perfectly either but at least I now have a bit of experience here. It's not enough just to buy one produced, handled and sweet 2 year old and think you can advise people buying feral foals!

If nothing else it does make me question myself. I recently found myself out of kilter on here re a horse weight issue and ended up thinking...well if everyone else thinks that is a good/acceptable weight then it must be me who is wrong. I then actually checked this out with my vet who pointed out the differences in climate and regime and that we live in the coldest, windiest part of UK, I don't rug them and so my horses condition is appropriate (good even). They need this insulation to keep them healthy. But that may not have been the case and so for 'keep at homers' like me who can get isolated it is a valuable reality check.

So although I don't always like it, will continue to post and try to advise when appropriate.
 
scarymare said:
Not all of it no.

However HHO members did make me save my in foal mare and for that I will be eternally grateful. Foal is so beautiful inside and out he literally takes my breath away.

I'm Mrs average I suppose, have my Stage III, PTT etc, have multiple horses etc but am a long way from being an expert. In fact I'd probably say intermediate at best. The one thing that I have found is that advice on handling foals/youngsters is woeful and I wish people who clearly haven't got a clue wouldn't post like they do. Not everybody who comes here asking for advice is smart enough to dissect out the crap. BTW I'm not saying I can advise perfectly either but at least I now have a bit of experience here. It's not enough just to buy one produced, handled and sweet 2 year old and think you can advise people buying feral foals!

If nothing else it does make me question myself. I recently found myself out of kilter on here re a horse weight issue and ended up thinking...well if everyone else thinks that is a good/acceptable weight then it must be me who is wrong. I then actually checked this out with my vet who pointed out the differences in climate and regime and that we live in the coldest, windiest part of UK, I don't rug them and so my horses condition is appropriate (good even). They need this insulation to keep them healthy. But that may not have been the case and so for 'keep at homers' like me who can get isolated it is a valuable reality check.

So although I don't always like it, will continue to post and try to advise when appropriate.
Click to expand...

That post needs a like button. You are very far above being Mrs Average.
 
There are some fantastic posters on here - with a huge depth of knowledge between them. Several of who I have massive respect for. Interestingly I may not always agree with them, and have had quite heated exchanges with some of them in the past, Wagtail and Cptrayes in particular. But what either of them have forgotten - I have a lifetime to learn, and I really value their insights and knowledge in many areas. There are a lot of posters on here too that I generally agree with; I suspect we're very alike in our views (Littlelegs and I were possibly parted at birth) and Pandora especially. They usually put things far more eloquently than I, which is always a bonus!

But in general, there are many, many really knowledgeable people on this forum, too many to name them all. But equally, there are less knowledgeable, but very insightful posters on here too.

We all have something to offer - and we can all learn from each other. Which is what I love about this forum.


Beans2000 said:
but they would be ( hope they don't mind being named) littlelegs, wagtail and Amymay.
Click to expand...

:confused::confused::o:o:)

*hic* said:
It's also important to note that whilst people may have a good grasp of one subject they can be decidedly lacking in their knowledge of others.
Click to expand...

A massively important point.
 
Last edited:
AJ & Kiz said:
to be honest I feel without actually knowing and seeing someones horse with your own eyes it difficult to give advice x
Click to expand...

In some cases, yes. But general advice about feeding, hoof care and many other topics can be valuable without having to know the horse.

Also sharing problems and asking for advice can result in suggestions of things you might try which you might not otherwise have known about or considered.

I know someone who was having enormous trouble transporting their horse to shows. The situation began to get dangerous. Everyone around had tried to help, but it was getting worse. So they came on here, described the problem, and were given suggestions.

They tried one of the suggestions. It worked, problem solved and they came back here and said thanks. :)
 
Yes it's a good place to search for others experiences even without starting a thread for specific advice.
I have gained great support on here from Leviathan when my mare was stricken with stress laminitis and I sadly lost her. I have also made friends on here.
When my WB was diagnosed with SI dysfunction I researched so much and learnt from others and imparted what I found out and what worked for us. Again I have made contacts with whom I have remained in touch. It's heartening to know others in the same situation - long-term lameness is stressful and effective supplements or tips are really positive things.

I think the forum is a great place for ideas generally and some peoples ideas are amusing to say the least :D.
 
Much like a conversation, if I ask a question then I consider the responses and decide which if any I like. I tend to use this as a follow up from Google when both sides of something I have Googled sound plausible and I want some real life experiences.

I generally only comment when I have something to say about an experience I have had but always try and make it specific, no idea if it has ever been useful but I am secure enough that I don't really mind what people think of my way of doing things. And I like to argue with Pale Rider, those comments aren't always as considered and helpful ;)
 
There are some people on here who's input I would always welcome and take on board - many have been named and famed already :D

I am not a prolific poster but I do read lots. I've been around horses since I was a toddler and consider myself pretty experienced but in no way an expert. If I can help with people's issues then I will and likewise if I need help I will search or post. Lessons I have learnt over the years on here:

1. Do not post vet questions if you have not at least called the vet. The forum is not the place for diagnosis
2. If you do post vet/prognosis questions do so on the understanding that you may get a full spectrum of responses from 'it'll be fine with some purple spray' to 'have it PTS straight away to stop any further suffering'
3. Take on board all responses and then apply common sense filter
4. Learn to ignore the downright rude ones that occasionally post (i.e. someone told me i should have my horse shot as he bit me once four years ago)
5. Appreciate those that show kindness at times of crisis - and try to return the favour
6. Don't always take life too seriously
7. Don't spend all your time on rainy evenings, lunchtimes on HHO - it can overtake your life OHHO (Outside HHO)

There'll be others but I really need to get back to work........ :D
 
FionaM12

Calm down lass. That advice was not for me dear..!!!! If I seek advice about my own horse I tend to get it from people who know me and my horse, not a keyboard warrior. I'm on this forum for light entertainment and yes as I said I have learnt things. But I certainly don't take things as gospel from someone I never met. Anyway I'm allowed my own view without it being belittled by others. If it bothers you put me on ignore user and you won't see my posts, therefore won't feel the urge to pass comments about me..!
 
Auld Lang Syne said:
FionaM12

Calm down lass. That advice was not for me dear..!!!! If I seek advice about my own horse I tend to get it from people who know me and my horse, not a keyboard warrior. I'm on this forum for light entertainment and yes as I said I have learnt things. But I certainly don't take things as gospel from someone I never met. Anyway I'm allowed my own view without it being belittled by others. If it bothers you put me on ignore user and you won't see my posts, therefore won't feel the urge to pass comments about me..!
Click to expand...

Please don't patronise me, and I'm not your "dear".

No-one here has said we take things as gospel. :rolleyes: But the information is useful and there are many knowledgeable, sensible horse people here, not just the numpties and keyboard warriors you seem to think everyone is. I see on the other thread that I'm not the only one who found your comments irritating.

I do wonder why you came here for your friend instead of consulting all the professionals you're surrounded by though. :confused:
 
Last edited:
Interesting post! I have learnt stuff on here. I was even given free Olympia tickets one year! Some I don't agree with and to the rugs, barefoot and DIY list mentioned I must add the whole " my horse is playing up" and "only suckers pay decent money for their horse". Invariably on the horse playing up thread, you find a horse that has everything checked...but only gets ridden once or twice a week.

I enjoy posts which are genuinely informative, even if that way is not how I have chosen to do something. I find the conformation threads interesting but would not put my own horses up. I know their strengths and weaknesses and would not enjoy others pointing them out!
 
I agree with luci07!

I come here if I have any questions / thoughts I'd like clarity on. I'm on a v small yard so it's good to get other views and opinions.
I have been a lurker for about 3 yrs but generally don't get great response to my replies/posts so don't bother much anymore

If I needed specific advice etc I would beg the likes of wagtail/kerilli/sparkle sisters/Oberon/cyptrayes, to name a few! I know they might not always get along together (don't remember specific evidence of this btw!) but I value their knowledge and opinions and often stalk them (not in a weird way so not afraid to admit it!) just so I can share their knowledge/experience!

Oh and I'd love sbloom to check my saddle lol and I wud love to be best friends with starzaan as her posts are hilarious!!

I am addicted to HHO (self confessed which makes it ok!) but it makes me v paranoid cos obv a lot of posts are about things that are wrong with others horses!!
 
Fionam12 not in to bitch fights or slanging matches so will leave you to it. If I annoy you ignore my comments, rather than looking for a online slagging match.
 
I don't ask for advice often but I read a lot of the threads and think, ohh never thought of that' and file it away in case i ever need it.
I'm not going to name my favourites as i actually feel it's a little unfair, there are prolific posters who get noticed easily who do give great advice but there are also others who don't push themselves forward much but also give invaluable advice.
For me this forum is my 'yard', i livery on a farm so although i have fellow liveries we are spread about in our own fields, there are a few who i count as good friends whose advice i value but it's always good to come on here and get different ideas.
 
Auld Lang Syne said:
Fionam12 not in to bitch fights or slanging matches so will leave you to it. If I annoy you ignore my comments, rather than looking for a online slagging match.
Click to expand...

You're being a bit silly now. In no way do my comments resemble a "bitch fight" or a "slanging match" :D:D Very melodramatic! ;):D
 
I have some really knowledgeable friends in real life who i ask for advice. one is my friend i am at the yard with. she has had horses all her life and has forgotten more than I will ever know. she is great though, never blows her own trumpet or pushes her opinion forward but i really trust her judgement, even about the weather lol. on here i would listen to kerrili, caledonian, fairynuff, janet george, oberon about feet ( am always fascinated by the explanations and diagrams etc) there is also someone who is brilliant with supplements and the main active ingredients and has save me money by buying the ingredients rather than the over priced off the shelf tubs, can't remember who it is, have a feeling that is oberon too but might be wrong. On the AAD section, i have had good advice from cayla, cave canem and dobie girl. I am sure i will have missed some. some of these people are friends in RL now too. some really decent people on here with a lot of knowledge.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top