My next equine project horse

ester said:
AA if the magnitude made that much difference it might be worth putting him on some mag oxide usually? I think if it is the equine america powder one it is quite pricey for what it is.

I get mine from these guys.

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Progressive-Earth/_i.html?_fsub=2947319018
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Thanks for that, I was looking at that site for the hoof supplement that is promoted by Rockley Farm. My old horse is having a dire time with his feet.

Polarsky, I will pay the postage for you to have Ted. He will test your humour to it's limit.

I have just had a lovely day out at Kirklington Stud in Oxfordshire. The foals were just divine, millions of pounds worth of bloodstock in unreal surroundings. The stables were cleaner than most houses and the acres of grassland didn't have a buttercup in sight, amazing place.
 
Three steps forward and three dozen backwards.

I knew it was too good to last, I put the side reins onto his roller and they flapped about in trot, he lost it panicked and skidded up the school on his side. He didn't bother with the leathers and irons a few days before !
 
AdorableAlice said:
Three steps forward and three dozen backwards.

I knew it was too good to last, I put the side reins onto his roller and they flapped about in trot, he lost it panicked and skidded up the school on his side. He didn't bother with the leathers and irons a few days before !
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Sighs! He is really is a complex little character isn't he?

I was working on a dressage/showjumping yard in Switzerland many years ago, and we were sent a young shire to re-back. Muggins was (much to my disgust at the time - I was all about the poncy warmbloods) tasked with clambering aboard the beast. We all made the mistake of thinking "Shire horse, dead easy" - but we couldn't have been more wrong. I spun him round on the lunge, giggled at him broncing, then hopped straight on. My right leg never made it to the other side - he took off round the school like the hounds of hell were after him, with me hanging on grimly with one foot in the stirrup a large handful of mane, in the abseiling position. He didn't stop for about 5 circuits of the school, by which time, everyone on the yard had congregated in the gallery to watch (most were rolling around on the floor laughing at my predicament!) Finally managed to steer him into a corner, and slithered off - poor guy was absolutely freaked, and it took a long time for be consistently relaxed under saddle. Although it probably did look very funny, and I laughed about it at the time - I feel like I did that horse a disservice, by being a cocky teenager who thought he was "only a Shire horse". If I'd known then what I know now, I'd have been far more sensitive to his needs, and been a lot more careful with him. I'm a firm believer that a dash of Shire blood makes them very hot and stressy - and so far, Alf has proved that time and time again.

Ted will get there - he seems like he really wants to be good, but he really is his own worst enemy - bless his cottons!
 
Adopter said:
What an experience Auslander, must admit I have never thought of shires being highly strung, AA. You will get there, horses show us time and time again that they are really individual characters.
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I didn't either, but since that boy, have been more conscious of sensitive draft types, and every time i've had a particularly nervy type to deal with, it always seems to have draft somewhere in its breeding. I think they are clever, sensitive types, who aren't really considered as such because they are so big and heavy - nothing happens fast with them, but it happens! My current horse is sharp as hell, and has the TB speed to go with the Shire sensitivity (and power!) - can be a bit hair-raising when he has a meltdown
 
I really admire your perseverance!
I've done 2 that were the same, both pretty much unhandled until they were 4, took months and months of ever so gradual steps and even then they would still randomly freak at something they were fine with before. Both got to the stage of accepting a rider but they just never progressed because you could never trust them not to freak out and every new situation was a massive issue.
Unfortunately both were eventually given up on which is a real shame as they were lovely kind, talented horses.
 
Auslander said:
I'm a firm believer that a dash of Shire blood makes them very hot and stressy - and so far, Alf has proved that time and time again.!
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This! My lad has a good dose of shire in him and was a very nervy, anxious 5 year old. However, he's now 13 and has settled down a lot, ted will get there. Thank god he's with you though, I dread to think what would happen in less experienced hands.
 
Ted is on his way to stardom.

A specialist Shire horseman has been found, unbelievably just 6 miles from my base and the first training session was done yesterday. Wow, just wow. Ted took to him immediately. Update to follow, need to do Ted before it get too hot.
 
Adopter said:
The adventures of Ted are going to be even more exciting, can't wait to read more!!
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I hope not, I have had enough surprises from Ted to last me a life time. Ted lost the plot again a few days ago and I am really struggling to make a plan for his breaking.

I went to the Counties and watched the heavy horse classes and listened to the commentator talking about the turnouts and people producing them. One turnout was local to me, the commentator was saying about the young horse in the team and how the driver produces young horses. With the name written on the back of my hand I got home and searched for it. I found the heavy horse group and finally the man himself. Unbelievably he agreed to come and met Ted.

I was so nervous but he and his partner are lovely people. I was relieved to be told I had made a good job of halter breaking and ground manners. They mentioned how nice it was not to be pocket searched. I kept quiet about Ted's addiction to cola cubes. An inspection of Ted's passport revealed a dam line that is sharp and sensitive. He dam is purebred Shire. Whilst knowing that is helpful it's not entirely good news but a least it is an insight to his behaviour.

A quick fix to his extreme fear of anything behind his hip would be blinkers, but as he is destined to be Valegro mark two that is not an option. I any interested in driving him but want him as a riding horse first.

No pictures I am afraid, I was too wrapped up in learning, watching and going green with envy as Ted responded so well.
I worked him on the lunge first and sure enough as soon as the line became loose, touched the ground or was too far behind his head he got upset. During one of his moments he produced a double twirl and the line went over his head leaving me with the line on the wrong side.

Thankfully my instructors didn't give up on me and said I am not a lost cause, but differing techniques will help Ted. The slack line has to be accepted and this was done by letting it stay on the ground and 'follow' Ted but rather than driving Ted forward he was allowed to slow to an amble and investigate the rope, he was allowed to stop and sniff it but not allowed any backwards steps. It is difficult to explain but all hinged around him licking and chewing, where his inside ear was and getting the timing right to ask him forwards all done at a very slow walk.

I had a huge lightbulb moment when I realised my shoulder and eyes were driving him forwards when he became panicky. The instructor turned away and looked at the floor when asking Ted to halt or when Ted looked anxious.

It was a fascinating afternoon during which I learnt a lot about heavy horse temperament. The 'Gentle Giant' tag is a myth, they are made into gentle giants it is not a given. Shires are sensitive and my lad has a bloodline known to be sharp. I have been left with instructions for the week and have to ring when I feel the horse is ready to move on. Today's session went well with the line on the floor and me nearer his hip on both reins. He concentrated so hard he had to go to bed yesterday !
 
AdorableAlice said:
I hope not, I have had enough surprises from Ted to last me a life time. Ted lost the plot again a few days ago and I am really struggling to make a plan for his breaking.

I went to the Counties and watched the heavy horse classes and listened to the commentator talking about the turnouts and people producing them. One turnout was local to me, the commentator was saying about the young horse in the team and how the driver produces young horses. With the name written on the back of my hand I got home and searched for it. I found the heavy horse group and finally the man himself. Unbelievably he agreed to come and met Ted.

I was so nervous but he and his partner are lovely people. I was relieved to be told I had made a good job of halter breaking and ground manners. They mentioned how nice it was not to be pocket searched. I kept quiet about Ted's addiction to cola cubes. An inspection of Ted's passport revealed a dam line that is sharp and sensitive. He dam is purebred Shire. Whilst knowing that is helpful it's not entirely good news but a least it is an insight to his behaviour.

A quick fix to his extreme fear of anything behind his hip would be blinkers, but as he is destined to be Valegro mark two that is not an option. I any interested in driving him but want him as a riding horse first.

No pictures I am afraid, I was too wrapped up in learning, watching and going green with envy as Ted responded so well.
I worked him on the lunge first and sure enough as soon as the line became loose, touched the ground or was too far behind his head he got upset. During one of his moments he produced a double twirl and the line went over his head leaving me with the line on the wrong side.

Thankfully my instructors didn't give up on me and said I am not a lost cause, but differing techniques will help Ted. The slack line has to be accepted and this was done by letting it stay on the ground and 'follow' Ted but rather than driving Ted forward he was allowed to slow to an amble and investigate the rope, he was allowed to stop and sniff it but not allowed any backwards steps. It is difficult to explain but all hinged around him licking and chewing, where his inside ear was and getting the timing right to ask him forwards all done at a very slow walk.

I had a huge lightbulb moment when I realised my shoulder and eyes were driving him forwards when he became panicky. The instructor turned away and looked at the floor when asking Ted to halt or when Ted looked anxious.

It was a fascinating afternoon during which I learnt a lot about heavy horse temperament. The 'Gentle Giant' tag is a myth, they are made into gentle giants it is not a given. Shires are sensitive and my lad has a bloodline known to be sharp. I have been left with instructions for the week and have to ring when I feel the horse is ready to move on. Today's session went well with the line on the floor and me nearer his hip on both reins. He concentrated so hard he had to go to bed yesterday !
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Such fab news! 😀👍
 
I attended a workshop with Ben Hart last year and he has a very similar approach ..sadly I've not had a chance to practice so I've forgotten most of it but I remember the part about going at the horses pace and reading the signs. I had a go at long lining which I did quite badly as horse refused to move :o of course when Ben picked up the lines he moved straight away! Typical! So pleased you've got some support with this and that you've discovered Ted's inner thoroughbred :D
 
Whoop whoop!

Fantastic news! Am rather jealous of your trip to three counties too.

Fingers x that he continues to go forward.
 
MyDogIsAnIdiot said:
Saw this advert and thought of Ted: http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/clas...st/leeds/top-competition-prospect-437794.html

Hope his backing is going well :).
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I love an optimist !! I saw that advert too, what a cracker.

Ted is going nicely but since the forum has changed I cannot seem to post any pictures anymore ? any help gratefully received.

He is growing again, up and out, he is heading towards being a big horse. Temperament wise he is growing up and the Shire horse people who are helping me have passed on some very wise words and guidance which has gone a long way to stopping me worrying about how slowly Ted is progressing and the tiny steps we are doing his training in. I am guilty of ignoring him a little because as my health has improved and my strength is coming back I have been riding much more, 6am before work - I am impressed, never thought I would be doing that again. This time last year I was frightened, bald, poisoned and in bed

PS, Alice is getting terribly excited, she is out shopping for posh frocks and new shoes -I am getting married in August and she wants to be a bridesmaid. My wonderful non horsey OH has put up with 14 years of equine dramas, including mega highs and awful lows plus last years health crisis, and a few weeks ago said 'your hair has grown back, lets get married' romantic or what.
 
AdorableAlice said:
PS, Alice is getting terribly excited, she is out shopping for posh frocks and new shoes -I am getting married in August and she wants to be a bridesmaid. My wonderful non horsey OH has put up with 14 years of equine dramas, including mega highs and awful lows plus last years health crisis, and a few weeks ago said 'your hair has grown back, lets get married' romantic or what.
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What a charmer! Lovely news, he certainly is a keeper, bless you both :D :D
 
AdorableAlice said:
I love an optimist !! I saw that advert too, what a cracker.

Ted is going nicely but since the forum has changed I cannot seem to post any pictures anymore ? any help gratefully received.

He is growing again, up and out, he is heading towards being a big horse. Temperament wise he is growing up and the Shire horse people who are helping me have passed on some very wise words and guidance which has gone a long way to stopping me worrying about how slowly Ted is progressing and the tiny steps we are doing his training in. I am guilty of ignoring him a little because as my health has improved and my strength is coming back I have been riding much more, 6am before work - I am impressed, never thought I would be doing that again. This time last year I was frightened, bald, poisoned and in bed

PS, Alice is getting terribly excited, she is out shopping for posh frocks and new shoes -I am getting married in August and she wants to be a bridesmaid. My wonderful non horsey OH has put up with 14 years of equine dramas, including mega highs and awful lows plus last years health crisis, and a few weeks ago said 'your hair has grown back, lets get married' romantic or what.
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That is wonderful news - Congratulations! After all you have been through that is even more special.
 
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