Facts; Deal with them

My turn :D

1) I'm currently trying to do dressage with my horse who is a hunting machine and lives to jump. I also haven't hunted him all season as I've been "too busy pi$$ing about in the arena" (:rolleyes:) but you know what, sod it. Jumping 5 bar gates doesn't appeal to me so if I want to have established lateral work (eventually) then that's what I'll do.

2) Just because I don't have all the latest bling or the 'in' gear does not mean that I don't care about my horse. I just prioritize as my horse is a luxury for me and I work on a budget. So I'm sorry if plain tack, 5 year old numnah and stained jods aren't as fashionable but at the end of the day, who honestly cares if your horse has all the top of the range gadgets, as long as he's healthy, happy etc

3) I do things in my own time, so what if it's taking me a while to get my horse working in a nice outline (and I mean properly, not just tucking his head into his chest). I don't use gadgets generally (though if I think one will help I'll use it) but at the end of the day, we're in no hurry and I'd rather do it right and take months than throw him into draw reins or a bungee then kid myself into thinking he was going nicely.

4) When it comes to tack and such I tend to think less is more, but I'm by no means head of the 'plain snaffles are the only way' brigade. So I ride my horse in minimal tack but in the interest of the riders safety I won't go round pointing fingers if someone else feels that more than the basics is necessary
 
AshTay said:
For someone who doesn't want other people's opinions on how to manage your horses and who doesn't care what other people do with their horses, you've racked up an impressive number of forum posts... :p
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You are mistaken. I often ask for opinions on how to manage and train my horses, but admittedly these days I do it more on Facebook where I know who I'm talking to and what their level of expertise is. If someone is doing something that is IMO foolhardy/reckless or cruel on HHO, I will comment, but otherwise, no, I don't really care.
Yes, I do have an awful lot of posts, but you'll also note I've been on this forum for 7 years and the bulk of these posts were made at a time when HHO was a place when people could have a reasoned debate or massive ding dong and still come back the next day and be friends. Now there are far too many fragile egos and too many people unwilling to accept that their way may NOT always be the only way or even the best way.
Which are you?

Oh, and I also have a lot of posts because I've never been banned or had the need to create another ID. There are a few people on HHO who have made LOTS more posts than I have *waves to them* ;)
 
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mystiandsunny said:
1) No way is right for all horses. Whatever suits that horse, goes. So I have horses that aren't shod, and horses that are. Horses that are rugged, and horses that aren't. Treeless and treed saddles etc...
2) Boundaries are important, and the undisputable fact that I'm in charge is the most important of those. So long as everyone understands where the line is, and the consequences of crossing it, we all have a lovely time. I've never had it take more than a few weeks (usually takes a couple of days) for those boundaries to sink in, and I enjoy my herd of well mannered beasties every single day as a result.
3) A well-trained horse misbehaves because something is wrong. There's a whole list of possibilities, but it's not that hard to figure out if it's pain and where, or if it's lack of turnout/herd issues/feed/lack of exercise etc. A less well-trained horse will misbehave for the above, or because it's confused, doesn't respect the handler, doesn't like its work etc. Again, not impossible to figure out what's going on and fix.
4) Horses are not machines. They have personalities, a sense of humour, they get excited, and worried about things. Subduing them into a robot-like creature isn't nice or fair. Yes they should behave, but within that, a little spark is a good thing.
5) Sorry, but you're not a good rider because your horse misbehaves and you stay on. If you were GOOD, then your horse would be nicely mannered and listening to its rider, or at least improving every day in that direction.
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I like this post.

Also agree with PF. Some people are idiots. To everyone, who's way is not my way, some of you do it better than me, other's don't. You have the right to do as you please and I have the right to think you're an idiot. And vice versa. Some of these posts are head on desk banging moments.
 
My horse has excellent manners but i have ensured that he has by setting firm boundaries. My horse has had a smack on more than one occaission if required. Sometimes it is just necessary to Hit it! I have also smacked other horses who do not belong to me when they have put my safety at risk on the ground such as at gates etc.

Rug or dont rug, shoe or dont shoe whatever is best for the horse, based on common sense factors. (Not sure how much of this lots of people have?).

I have back, saddle and teeth checked once a year and if there is a problem have this sorted. Sometimes however horses can just be little g*ts and you have to work through this also.

I dont follow fashion use tack that works. Horse is usually in a snaffle and cavesson but for hunting wears a grakle and cheltenham gag (one rein only).

If it requires feeding do your research and feed accordingly. Lots of horses on my yard are not fed other than hay/grass as they dont need anything not even vitimins or mineral/balancer :eek:
 
horserider said:
Also agree with PF. Some people are idiots. To everyone, who's way is not my way, some of you do it better than me, other's don't. You have the right to do as you please and I have the right to think you're an idiot. And vice versa. Some of these posts are head on desk banging moments.
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LIKE
 
horserider said:
I like this post.

Also agree with PF. Some people are idiots. To everyone, who's way is not my way, some of you do it better than me, other's don't. You have the right to do as you please and I have the right to think you're an idiot. And vice versa. Some of these posts are head on desk banging moments.
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I like M&S's post as well.
Beautifully summarised :)
 
PapaFrita said:
You are mistaken. I often ask for opinions on how to manage and train my horses, but admittedly these days I do it more on Facebook where I know who I'm talking to and what their level of expertise is. If someone is doing something that is IMO foolhardy/reckless or cruel on HHO, I will comment, but otherwise, no, I don't really care.
Yes, I do have an awful lot of posts, but you'll also note I've been on this forum for 7 years and the bulk of these posts were made at a time when HHO was a place when people could have a reasoned debate or massive ding dong and still come back the next day and be friends. Now there are far too many fragile egos and too many people unwilling to accept that their way may NOT always be the only way or even the best way.
Which are you?

Oh, and I also have a lot of posts because I've never been banned or had the need to create another ID. There are a few people on HHO who have made LOTS more posts than I have *waves to them* ;)
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Fairy nuff :)
Which am I? I happily admit that I don't know everything (or even 10% of "everything") when it comes to horses so am far from stuck in my ways. But I won't take every piece of "advice" flung at me either. I'll ask for peoples views on here if I'm not sure about something but I choose who I listen to and whether or not what I've heard will make me do things differently.

So to add:
1) I WILL frown upon others who ride without a hat. Yes, it's your head but unless you have no family, friends or dependents and own your own healthcare system you have a responsibility to everyone else to protect your head from damage and it's really not a big deal to wear one is it??!!!
2) As above but for hi viz. Yes, it looks a bit naff but it DOES improve your safety on the road and if your horse was hit by a car and the driver said "I didn't see them", how will you feel if you hadn't done that one simple thing that might have prevented the accident??!!
 
PapaFrita said:
when HHO was a place when people could have a reasoned debate or massive ding dong and still come back the next day and be friends. Now there are far too many fragile egos and too many people unwilling to accept that their way may NOT always be the only way or even the best way.
Which are you?

Oh, and I also have a lot of posts because I've never been banned or had the need to create another ID. There are a few people on HHO who have made LOTS more posts than I have *waves to them* ;)
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I'm not entirely sure why this thread was created, but I'm loving reading it, and in particular this statement.
 
I thought it was meant to be a funny post.
I sometimes wonder if I'm on a different forum to others. I very seldom see threads where people are saying that their way is the only right way. I sometimes see others reacting as if that has been said, but I think that's their own insecurities coming through. People tend to say how they do things, make suggestions about how things could be done, but very, very seldom do they say that their way is the only way. ?
 
PapaFrita said:
1. If my horse is naughty he/she gets a smack. That way boundaries are set and the naughty behaviour stops before it becomes a problem. I do NOT beat my horses. If you don't know the difference, then LEARN.
2. I love a horse with a bit of personality, but invading my personal space is absolutely NOT on. If you barge into me, I will LET YOU KNOW this is unacceptable.
3. Sometimes my horse (LC) is a little *****. He does NOT need his teeth/back or tack seen to (not least because he's not being ridden) He's just a little *****. I'm sure he'll grow out of it, not least because I don't shove a carrot in his mouth when he does it...
4. Yes, I'm sure it's lovely to ride SOME horses bareback. PF, on the other hand, is built like a whippet. A skinny whippet crossed with an eel that has been covered in lard. It's not fun, it's not bonding, and it certainly does not improve my balance or seat. I won't do it and that's that.
5.Not all horses can be hacked out. PF likes to examine every inch of our route and make personal friends with every animate or inanimate object we encounter. I haven't got all day and I just can't be @rsed. As long as she doesn't do it at a show (she doesn't) I can't be bothered.
6. My horses eat oats. Actually PF eats oats. She is NO sharper than she has ever been. I will never ever feed cubes or mixes again. Are you sure you know exactly what's in your feed?? Inform yourself. Feed companies will try to sell you their products. Do your own research.
7. If I'm not happy with what my farrier/ vet is doing I will ask questions and I will make suggestions. I am not an idiot, they cannot make me feel like an idiot because I will always DO MY OWN RESEARCH
8. I can see that your horse doesn't track up/is behind the vertical/looks more miserable that Totilas ridden my MAR... don't assume everyone is as gullible as you would like them to be.
9. For my family; yes, I do love my horses more than most of you, why do you ask? They are better looking, smell better and make more reasonable demands of my time.
10 Add your own... :)
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Brilliant.

Best OP i have read on here for yonks
 
- I LUNGE Yearlings - they also get ridden - this included the Princess as well as the racehorses!!

- I reprimand horses.

- Mine get bedded on straw and NO rubber mats.

- I do not feed any supplement unless my vet advises it.

- They do not leave their stables with any straw in their tails on their bodies, hooves are always picked out, manes laid and noses/eyes sponged before they walk out of their boxes. It takes 2 minutes - don't moan just do it!

- The racehorses and the Princess were jumped as 3yr olds.... Something new into their routine and it's not like it was a Puissance wall :) Be impressive if it was!!

- UNSHOD not barefoot.

- Common sense is the way ahead - I must admit there are some extremely uneducated people out there!

- One grumble - if you're going to mark your horse up - for God's sake make sure it's marked up smartly. Nothing gripes me more than poor quarter marks - looks awful.
 
- I listen to my vet, I don't pay them to give me advice that I ignore.

- My mare is on Regumate. Simply because she is very hormonal and it helps.

- Never let a horse realise it is stronger then you. No amount of cuddles, kisses and polos will save you!
 
Ooh - I use haynets - are they evil?

Always listen to the vet and my experienced YO (her pet hate is people asking for advice and ignoring it) If you dont want to know dont ask.

Have used twitch to clip etc although current horse sleeps!

Also straw with no rubber mats (hate them!) and pony always has a nicely brushed tail.

Will only compete in simple correct dress including jacket even at unaffiliated SJ when everyone seems to wear these blouson jackets with thier names on!

I do wear Hiviz when hacking just in case i fall off and air ambulance needs to spot from on high - I know this works as happened to a friend of mine on the moor with no other landmarks to guide them in.
 
I'm entirely with OP. I know my horse better than anyone and if I think she is just being cheeky or argumentative, then she probably is. I can tell perfectly well if she is refusing to do something because she just doesn't want to, and I can also tell when she isn't feeling 100% Straights - one of the biggest losses to modern horse keeping in my opinion. You could add and subtract as required, chaff was good old plain and simple without two tons of mollasses added or oil or anything else, you could tell at a glance (and a sniff) if it was good quality and not dusty and you knew exactly what you were feeding. It never fails to amaze me how people buy sacks of mix without even looking at the label, simply because it is new on the market. A half hour schooling session a day and an hours hack on Saturday is NOT WORK. Its just giving your horse a chance to stretch its legs. Most animals can do that and much more on either moderate grazing or decent hay. The majority do not need any hard feed whatsoever, and their guts will probably thank you for it. Bits that cost over £50 are just a handy way of parting your from your money. Spend that money on a decent instructor and your horse will go properly in a nice simple bit. Sprays for shiny coats are not a subsitute for elbow grease and only succeed in making the coat feel horrible and the reins worse. Glittery hoof oil is an abomination. Good thick Stockholm Tar, udder cream and flowers of sulphur will cure a multitude of ills. The only decent veterinary product to come on the market in my horsey lifetime is cohesive bandages.
 
I do NOT get on from the ground. Even if I could I wouldn't. If I fall off I walk until I can find something to mount on, or I walk home! The reasons why I can't may not be visible to you but that doesn't mean they don't exist. It does not make me any lesser of a rider

I do not use string to tie my horses! I will tie them to rings or gates or posts without a single silly bit of string. I learned things differently to you and guess what none of MY horses pull back!

Every single one of our horses is unshod. From the retired ones to the ones in hard work. Just yesterday we had a good canter down a stony track. I am not a barefooter! Horses don't have feet. I only use the term now for convenience.
 
I will smack my horses when they misbehave and I will ride in what ever clothes I am in at the time from jeans to jogging bottoms. I neither care what you think of me or to fit in so whatever
 
I don't think I'm the only one who CAN ride Ned, I'm just the only one who will ride him willingly. I don't think this makes me special, as I wimp out of riding much easier horses. I have just 'bonded' with Ned, I guess.

I do use SOME NH techniques :O *le gasp!* Not Mr. P's stuff though, just some that I think are 'common' sense and could work with Ned. If they don't, I move on.

Ned isn't my horse, but I spoil him rotten.

I think hi-viz actually looks pretty cool.

Just because I'm only 22, doesn't mean I'm an idiot.

Ned gets treats.
 
In this colder weather we are having, my horses are in overnight. I never muck them out...just remove obviously wet straw, stir the poo into the remaining bedding, redistribute it evenly as a base and chuck more clean straw on top. A 'lovely, clean, deep bed of straw' would be seen as an all night buffet for my two and I would rather have a pee stained horse than one with impaction colic.
 
There are other ways to train horses than the exclusive use of the clicker (which should be referred to as the +r apparently :rolleyes:)


Oh and ets that some of my horses are shod, and some are unshod, but not one of them is "barefoot"
 
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