Tobiano
Well-Known Member
Well! I have had some amazing revelations over the last week
borne out of what seemed like a set of problems that I really didn't need
Has this happened to anyone else and what did you find out?
So last Thursday Bilbo was not quite right in canter when I was at my RI's for a lesson. We couldn't really work out what it was (query tying up?) but anyway he stayed there overnight for some top class monitoring. When I picked him up next day he had goo all over his legs RI had put cream to soften his mallenders scabs and I took careful notes of what to do.
.. and after 3 more applications of udder cream at home, a good wash and dry, he now has almost no scabs at all and his bit of mud fever (?) has cleared up
Next thing the poor love is (like me) horizontally challenged, and (probably also like me!) simply will not keep a muzzle on - scrapes it off on a tree within 10 mins of turnout - and someone very experienced suggested I turn him out with a straight bar rubber snaffle. Did so - very pleased - he grazes happily never noticing that it takes him 4 times as long to get anything into his stomach. 'Watch out for rubbing on his mouth' she said.. and unfortunately this was good advice as after day 2 I noticed a tiny patch of raw skin on his mouth. He went back to not having a bit in to graze but then I had the problem of how to ride him without a bit
And today we had a go, just in the school (and I got a friend to give me a lesson) but used his Micklem bridle with no bit WOW! What a revelation! He went brilliantly and I was extra conscious of using seat, leg, weight etc aids not rein aids. It was the most fabulous way of seeing where I am relying on the reins and working on how not to do it. I am almost a bitless convert and I don't think I'd ever have thought of doing it if he hadn't got a sore mouth.
So a long winded way of asking what are the accidental benefits you've found when having to find a way round a problem or being in a situation you thought was a disaster ?
So last Thursday Bilbo was not quite right in canter when I was at my RI's for a lesson. We couldn't really work out what it was (query tying up?) but anyway he stayed there overnight for some top class monitoring. When I picked him up next day he had goo all over his legs RI had put cream to soften his mallenders scabs and I took careful notes of what to do.
.. and after 3 more applications of udder cream at home, a good wash and dry, he now has almost no scabs at all and his bit of mud fever (?) has cleared up
Next thing the poor love is (like me) horizontally challenged, and (probably also like me!) simply will not keep a muzzle on - scrapes it off on a tree within 10 mins of turnout - and someone very experienced suggested I turn him out with a straight bar rubber snaffle. Did so - very pleased - he grazes happily never noticing that it takes him 4 times as long to get anything into his stomach. 'Watch out for rubbing on his mouth' she said.. and unfortunately this was good advice as after day 2 I noticed a tiny patch of raw skin on his mouth. He went back to not having a bit in to graze but then I had the problem of how to ride him without a bit
And today we had a go, just in the school (and I got a friend to give me a lesson) but used his Micklem bridle with no bit WOW! What a revelation! He went brilliantly and I was extra conscious of using seat, leg, weight etc aids not rein aids. It was the most fabulous way of seeing where I am relying on the reins and working on how not to do it. I am almost a bitless convert and I don't think I'd ever have thought of doing it if he hadn't got a sore mouth.
So a long winded way of asking what are the accidental benefits you've found when having to find a way round a problem or being in a situation you thought was a disaster ?