Horse Talk Forum - Equine Online - Blogs http://www.equineonline.net/horseforum/blogs/ Our friendly, Horse Talk forum is for lovers of horses and ponies living all over the world including, France, Spain, UK and USA. You can give and receive advice, share your experiences and make new equestrian friends. en Mon, 06 Sep 2010 08:40:28 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.equineonline.net/horseforum/images/misc/rss.jpg Horse Talk Forum - Equine Online - Blogs http://www.equineonline.net/horseforum/blogs/ Its showtime ... ditch those nerves! http://www.equineonline.net/horseforum/blogs/katiebwade/26-its-showtime-ditch-those-nerves.html Wed, 26 May 2010 12:14:47 GMT Here is an example recent case study that I thought would be useful for those worried about the forthcoming show season, along with some... Here is an example recent case study that I thought would be useful for those worried about the forthcoming show season, along with some 'easy-to-apply-yourself' exercises.

If you have any questions feel free to ask as always!

Katie

info@practicalhorsepeople.com
www.practicalhorsepeople.com

__________________________________________________ _________________


CASE EXAMPLE

HARRY AND SUZANNE – WARM-UP ANXIETIES

Suzanne owned her horse Harry, 9 year old Thoroughbred gelding, for 2 years. After two seasons of routinely bathing, plaiting, loading, later finding herself unable to make Harry settle in the show ring, called upon my behavioural advice.

During my initial consultation with Suzanne, I had found that Harry had been exhibiting a range of flight, freeze and fiddle responses across many contexts even before entering a show setting. He was known to fidget when tied up on the yard, nip himself when tacked-up, spook and nap when out hacking alone.

Evidently, without a secure solid base this horse was already at risk of over-reacting, napping and rearing when asked to perform at a showground.

Using the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) model of behavioural modification horse and owner were given a set of tasks to work positively in a step-by-step manner through. After spending some time to teach Harry to automatically relax when around owner, halter, and tack, on the yard, arena and out hacking, the couple were ready to re-introduce certain elements of the showground to Harry’s daily routine.

After working with other horses in an arena at one time, re-introducing show jumps, trailers, noises, flapping materials in a gradual and positive manner, we began to expose Harry to the show setting, initially just attending to observe with a companion, and so on. With this structured step-by-step routine, using positive reinforcement and a detailed understanding of equine behaviour, Harry’s show nerves were swiftly overcome.

__________________________________________________ _________________

EXERCISES FOR YOU

UNDERSTANDING YOUR MIND - PART 1

For each of the following number patterns, look at the sequence for 5 seconds, cover it up and then try to remember.

A. 9426
B. 41392
C 2946817
D. 68127395
E. 58263419246

Did you find C quite difficult to remember? And did D and E seem practically impossible to get right?

Similar tests have been used by experts to work out how much information the brain can take. We now know that humans can remember a maximum of 7 things at one time; 7 letters, 7 numbers, 7 things to remember when riding foe example .

The problem is that when nervous, we remember less! As our horses are relying on us to communicate/guide, it is really important that we relax.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR MIND - PART 2

(a) Learn to recognise when we are feeling worried

You can do this anywhere, car, home or the stables. As soon as you feel worried, cross or stressed, stop and recognise what you are feeling. You can even work with a friend to keep checking each other.

(b) Work on our breathing patterns to make sure we can control our muscles at these times.

Now that you can recognise these times that you are able to control yourself. So following on from ‘I’m feeling stressed’ stop and take 5-10 really deep breaths.

PREPARE, PLAN and PROBLEM SOLVE

Think back to last show season or when you last tried something new, what problems did you face? Was he/she difficult in the collecting ring? Refuse a jump? Bad to load? Scared of the tanoy noise?

In answering these sorts of questions you can clearly see what you need to practise before going to your next show.

You may need to practise riding with other horses in a warm-up area, courses of jumps, walking past cars, flags or loud noises ... write a list.

This is really brief so if you have any specific problems I would recommend consulting with your vet and local behaviourist. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask.

Katie

info@practicalhorsepeople.com
www.practicalhorsepeople.com

__________________________________________________ _________________


REFERENCES

Carlson, N. (1998) Physiology of Behaviour: Sixth Edition, Allyn and Bacon, United States


__________________________________________________ _________________


BIO

Katie B Wade is a fully qualified and experienced animal behaviourist, working alongside veterinary clinics, rescue centres, societies, breeders as well as individual owners to assist with various aspects of animal behaviour and training. With professional experience handling, training, breeding and rehabilitating the competition horse, Katie went on to study a degree in Psychology and then on to specialise in Equine Behaviour with The Natural Animal Centre. Katie provides scientifically sound advice to the general public, building a bridge between academic research and practical horse ownership.

Katie B Wade

info@practicalhorsepeople.com
www.practicalhorsepeople.com ]]> katiebwade http://www.equineonline.net/horseforum/blogs/katiebwade/26-its-showtime-ditch-those-nerves.html Current trends in the market - What do you think? http://www.equineonline.net/horseforum/blogs/katiebwade/25-current-trends-market-what-do-you-think.html Tue, 30 Mar 2010 09:28:20 GMT _*Current trends in the market - What do you think?*_ I have just come back from an interesting CPD weekend. After a brilliant lecture by Steve... Current trends in the market - What do you think?

I have just come back from an interesting CPD weekend. After a brilliant lecture by Steve from Rowden Dog's Trust, we discuss current trends in the marketplace and its impact on animal welfare.

As it was the Dug’s Trust we were specifically discussing the current training aids used within the canine market place. Thinking of a typical pet store, owners can purchase electric shock collar and fencing systems (thankfully not in Wales now http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8584028.stm) as well as choke chains, muzzles, horns and sprays. There are so many choices, but with them comes little or no information on the potential effects of using each different tool, indeed there is not even very much information on how to use them effectively at all! NOTE: There is even the risk of frustration via improper use of clickers and food dispensers.

This topic heavily reflects the equine market too, with the changes in trends affecting the welfare and training of our horses, from boot types, spurs, bits, nosebands, to certain pressure-release tools, even clickers and food dispensers. Do the companies selling us these products provide owners with enough information to (a) use each tool effectively and (b) to fully understand the effects of each tool on their horses welfare?

I thought it would make an interesting topic and would love to hear your views!

Take care

Katie



BIO

Katie B Wade is a fully qualified and experienced animal behaviourist, working alongside veterinary clinics, rescue centres, societies, breeders as well as individual owners to assist with various aspects of animal behaviour and training. With professional experience handling, training, breeding and rehabilitating the competition horse, Katie went on to study a degree in Psychology and then on to specialise in Equine Behaviour with The Natural Animal Centre. Katie provides scientifically sound advice to the general public, building a bridge between academic research and practical horse ownership.

Katie B Wade
 ]]> katiebwade http://www.equineonline.net/horseforum/blogs/katiebwade/25-current-trends-market-what-do-you-think.html Spain - The Big Move. http://www.equineonline.net/horseforum/blogs/stretching/23-spain-big-move.html Tue, 05 Jan 2010 14:40:29 GMT (This is copied and pasted off my face book, so the pictures didn't work. I can't quite figure that out now. Not too good with pics unless it's really easy!)

OK been meaning to do this for a bit... thought it would be nice, but there will be too much to write if I don't get started. So here goes.
At the end of September 2009 me and Pinky abandoned the kids with Nanny and Gran dad to visit a wounder full man in Spain called Theo. (Photo 1 - Theo riding Pandora) He had invited us over to see if we would like the once in a life time amazing opportunity to move there with all in tow - husband, two kids, 2 horses, a rabbit, hamster, 2 guinea pigs, and three mice. We really tried to pick holes in it and find lots of things that we didn't like...but couldn't find a thing. He is offering us this in return for help to develop the farm. I am planning to start some horse trekking, and Pink will be able to fulfill his dream and become a mountain bike guide. With Theo's hotel opened in the village this year, he was very enthusiastic about our plans.
We arrived at night, couldn't see a thing, didn't know where we were and what we would be stopping in (or who with!). After a very bumpy drive, he showed us into a house by the light of one candle and said 'If you decide to come over with the children - this will be yours. You'll see my house down the hill in the morning, just come and bang around a bit. Don't let any dogs, cats or sheep in. See you tomorrow'. Well, with no light all we could do was crawl into our sleeping bags, and wait to see what the light brought. 6:30am I managed to hold one eye open and see out of the window from the bed to take this picture. Of course Pinky got an elbow in the ribs "Look! I can see mountains!' (Photo 2 - view from bed)
So whilst we were banging around waiting for Theo to wake up we took some nice animal pictures for the kids - this will be their main concern. We did panic a bit and jump out of bed quite quickly because we were on a 'working holiday' , but the days obviously don't start quite the same in Spain! Theo had a very relaxed attitude that I'm sure we'll get used to in time!
(Photo 3 - Pinky + little dogs, Photo 4 - Mad cat scaling leg, Photo 5 - Pretty cat, Photo 6 - Sheepy, Photo 7 - Puppies in a box.)
After breakfast we got to work with Theo and Enrique - a Spanish guy that also lives and works on the farm. We moved some crates of figs (discovered later very yum) and helped chop up and move a tree that had fallen on the road to use for fire wood. Good days work! Then it's a trip to the local super market for supplies and on the way back keeping eyes peeled for the horses. We passed the local school. Very cute and only a ten minute pony ride away. We're yet to decide on that one though as kiddies are home schooled at the mo, and our views haven't really changed on that yet. It's an option though.
(Photo 8 + 9 - School)
We spotted the horses on the mountain after about 15 minutes (apparently it can take all day to find them sometimes). I really didn't know what the horses would be like (there's about 16 of them), as driving around I couldn't see a blade of grass and they live a lot differently to ours in the UK. I had started to look a little bit into wild horses and natural horsemanship - but have learned a lot more since our visit. I now know that these conditions are actually ideal for the horses - I kind of guessed there must be something good gong on when I saw them. Our horses in the UK don't really know 'how to be a horse'. They only get to eat grass and don't usually have to move very far to get it! They are also not necessarily mentally balanced through not being able to live in a true herd and not having adequate space...In fact their space usually has to be restricted due to having too much grass and getting fat! They don't learn how to cope with temperatures, flies and different weather conditions.
In the wild they have to move something like 2 steps for every mouthful - therefore getting more exercise and conditioning their feet over many different types of terrain. In the UK we tend to whack shoes on and forget about how the feet really should be working. The wild horses know to stand in the shade in the heat, whereas ours may only have one tree for shade - so that cold get pretty boring over the summer months, and grazing would be impossible! I could go on and on......(and will do a bit more later when I get to the bit about starting to prepare my horses for their move!)(Photo 11 - Pinky leading horses from mountain)
So, we have 3 head collars in the car and grab 3 horses. All bar four follow. It takes us about 20 minutes to walk them back to the farm - off road mainly... following the horses cos they know the way better than us...getting hooked on branches...stumbling over rocks...struggling to walk fast enough...getting separated from the rest. Fun. I will loose weight, get fit and keep a horse close by maybe to lead off in future! They are all herded into the barn for some feed as a bit of a reward (only really fed when they do something ), Then it's off again down the track into 'Cave Land". This is Theo's enclosed area... of 30 acres! But he reckoned I'd be able to find them easier from their in the morning to start working with them - as opposed to turned out on over 1000 acres of mountain!
Over the next couple of days I started to get to know some of the horses a bit better.

I woke up early - still dark and keen to get down to see the horses. No chance of waking Pinky and dragging him with me, so I donned my head torch and set off in search of the beasts (thinking it would be light by the time I had got feed, head collars and found my way to cave land). On the way down I had my best friend Debbie (!!) sitting on my shoulder ''Don't go out on your own...wait till it's light...there could be axe murderers...wild animals!'' But I ignored her - and it was really nice. OK, I did have to convince myself that I was not scared when I heard something walking around (must be a horse). Then saw some reflective sets of eyes walking towards me (defiantly a horse). Then I heard the unmistakable sound of a horse having a piddle (few!). Now I had a huge smile on my face. Out in the middle of no where, on a mountain, on my own, sun about to come up and a herd of horses approaching to investigate me. Paradise.
Eeney, meeney, miney mo...Got one. Theo had told me that they were all broken in, and to get to know them myself. So I took horse number one and found something to mount from and rode her back to the farm. By the time I got back the sun was up and the mist was still low in the valley. (Photo 12 - Having breakfast, looking over the pool to the mountains with the mist still low.) I took her into the barn and had a bit of a brush and a play before going to breakfast.
After breakfast, I sorted out some tack - the best fitting saddle and a strangely altered bridle (either there's a horse with a scarily wonky mouth, or the last person that rode didn't know what they were doing!). So re-altering this and promising Pinky that I'd stick to the main paths I set off to find the last four horses that didn't follow us back the day before. I pass Theo and he tells me I'm riding 'Italia". (Photo 13 - Italia in the barn.)
So, we wander around on the main paths for about half an hour, and because I'm not known for my good sense of direction I turn round and head back empty handed. I decide to get another horse and try again after lunch.
Back in cave land and I find another pretty mare. This one is 'Ponchie' - one of the larger ones. Most of them look between 14hh and 15hh, with a couple of ponies. This time I decide to head as far as I went on the main path last time, then reckoning I will see the mountain sticking up and be able to find my way back easier here than in the relatively flat UK - I let the horse wander to see if she can do a better job of finding the missing horses. They only really cross the main paths and spend more time in the undergrowth and trees, so I should have more luck. Plus Ponchie knows their favorite spots better than me!
(Photo 14 - Ponchie) After lots of exited moments seeing fresh poo on the floor (really could do with doing some sort of tracking course!), ripped shirt from dangley prickly things, scratched face from the same... Ponchie calls out and picks up her pace! The ground is really rough here and lots of dead ends and low hanging branches - I had nearly given up. Then I hear a neigh! Moments later we find them!
I have one head collar and a long rope. The idea is if I lead the right one from Ponchie, the rest will follow. I jump off and hope that Ponchie won't wander off as the ground is too rough to lead her and try to catch another. I get the first one I come to, get back on board and hope for the best. I walk off and get just out of site. Will they follow in a minute? Hmm. I decide to swap this horse for a different one. I can see the leader and it WILL NOT let me catch him - obviously that would be the best choice. So, with horse number two I try again. This one won't even move! I feel like crying. Been out for hours. Hot. Scratched. Knackered from scrambling around. I find the horses and can't even get them back! OK horse number three. This one looks ancient, and I'm sure the rest won't follow him. And they don't. Never mind. I go home with one extra. Yes, apparently the one I brought back is really old and used to be in the circus! Tea and bed I think, and will get to know some of the others tomorrow - our last day.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version Name: 99 Theo and Pandorita nearly at the top of his mountain 1.jpg Views: 54 Size: 131.5 KB ID: 36   Click image for larger version Name: 12 View from bed 2.jpg Views: 62 Size: 30.8 KB ID: 37   Click image for larger version Name: 18 Pinky and little dogs 2.jpg Views: 59 Size: 132.7 KB ID: 38   Click image for larger version Name: 19 Mad cat scaling leg.jpg Views: 58 Size: 126.9 KB ID: 39   Click image for larger version Name: 21 cat 1.jpg Views: 56 Size: 182.1 KB ID: 40  

Click image for larger version Name: 22 Sheepy 1.jpg Views: 59 Size: 142.2 KB ID: 41   Click image for larger version Name: 34 Puppies 2.jpg Views: 50 Size: 82.4 KB ID: 42   Click image for larger version Name: 38 Local school 1.jpg Views: 55 Size: 84.1 KB ID: 43   Click image for larger version Name: 39 Local school 2.jpg Views: 49 Size: 70.8 KB ID: 44   Click image for larger version Name: 40 Found them! Bringing horses home from mountain.jpg Views: 60 Size: 76.4 KB ID: 45  

Click image for larger version Name: 50 View from Theo's patio, over pool to mountains 4.jpg Views: 50 Size: 44.3 KB ID: 46   Click image for larger version Name: 58 Italia 4.jpg Views: 57 Size: 86.3 KB ID: 47   Click image for larger version Name: 65 Ponchie 7.jpg Views: 51 Size: 85.0 KB ID: 48  
]]> Stretching http://www.equineonline.net/horseforum/blogs/stretching/23-spain-big-move.html can anyone help http://www.equineonline.net/horseforum/blogs/dalliemum/22-can-anyone-help.html Tue, 29 Dec 2009 14:12:07 GMT i have rescued a 6 month old foal and he drags his right hind leg for several steps then walks, trots, canters fine then after he stops when he moves... i have rescued a 6 month old foal and he drags his right hind leg for several steps then walks, trots, canters fine then after he stops when he moves again he drags his hind leg again. please does anyone know what is wrong and what can be done, i don't want him to be put to sleep and only want him as a companion horse also he is in no pain:38: ]]> dalliemum http://www.equineonline.net/horseforum/blogs/dalliemum/22-can-anyone-help.html WHAT IS YOUR HORSE REALLY DOING ALL DAY? http://www.equineonline.net/horseforum/blogs/katiebwade/21-what-your-horse-really-doing-all-day.html Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:32:58 GMT We all want our horses to develop with us, we want their brains to be sharp enough to take on all that we teach them. But is our management affecting... We all want our horses to develop with us, we want their brains to be sharp enough to take on all that we teach them. But is our management affecting the effectiveness of our training?

Much research has been done looking at the horses brain, how it develops and how horses learn. The circuits within their brain need to be stimulated in a positive way, they need to explore their environment, learn and develop every day.

But do our management practices impose in the development of our horses?

In an unrestricted environment, our horses would be ....
  • Grazing a variety of herbage and browsing and foraging for around 18 hours per 24 hour period.
  • Grooming and being groomed, with other horses on and off for 24 hours a day.
  • Playing with objects and other horses on and off for 24 hours a day.
  • Exploring their environment to learn and adapt to all that is around, throughout the 24 hour period.
  • With regards to sleeping behaviour, for the adult horse, studies have found that they will choose to be fully awake for around 20 hours out of each 24 hour period. The 4 hours remaining largely constitutes drowsing periods, with this prey species alert, only fully sleeping for around 2 hours, broken up into periods of sleeping for minutes at a time.

To Put This Into Practical Terms
Here is one example of a typical yard routine ...
7am hard feed in morning
9am turned out to graze
5pm returned to yard, groomed and ridden
6pm stabled overnight
7pm hard feed and haynet with 2/3 sections

What Does This Mean?
10 ½ hrs eating (15 min am feed/8hrs grazing/15 min pm feed, hay lasts max. 2 hrs)
20 mins grooming, tacking up
40 mins exercise

and then sleeping…
only 4 hours spent sleeping and drowsing on and off....

...so this accounts for 15 ½ hours – but there are 8 ½ hours with the horse in a stable with nothing to do.



Many researchers, across all species, have noted that when not stimulated, the brain does not develop as well as it should. if your horses brain is not as well developed as it could be, you will not be able to achieve as much as you would be able to.

So What Can We Do
The simple answer is turnout, as much as you can, if possible with other horses. There are Barn Management Systems that can be implemented to allow even the finest TB to be allowed 24 access to turnout throughout the winter months.

However we all know that sometimes this is not an option, and in that case there are some really simple enrichment ideas that can be brought into the stable, encouraging exploration and brain development. Here are a few to get you started...
  • Hang ‘kebabs’, throw carrots in loose hay and provide Swedes for exploration.
  • Hang branches in a corner of the stable. Add licks, carrots, slices of apple.
  • Allow companion horse to live next door.
  • Attach a door mat to the stable walls to enable self-grooming maintenance.
  • Provide different varieties of hay and herbage, scattered loose on the floor.
  • Produce a new variety of vegetable for each day of the week.
  • Scatter feeds as well as hay piles on the floor, amongst carrots and more
  • Explore a range of treats and lick-its

References
McDonnell, S. (2003) A Practical Field Guide to Horse Behaviour: The Equid Ethogram, The Blood Horse Inc., United States
Pavlov, I. P. (1927-1960) Conditional Reflexes, Dover Publications, New York
Rees, L. (1984) The Horse’s Mind, Stanley Paul Ltd., United Kingdom

BIO
Katie B Wade is a fully qualified and experienced animal behaviourist, working alongside veterinary clinics, rescue centres, societies, breeders as well as individual owners to assist with various aspects of animal behaviour and training. With professional experience handling, training, breeding and rehabilitating the competition horse, Katie went on to study a degree in Psychology and then on to specialise in Equine Behaviour with The Natural Animal Centre. Katie provides scientifically sound advice to the general public, building a bridge between academic research and practical horse ownership.

Katie B Wade

Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version Name: graphdoing_equineonline.JPG Views: 313 Size: 12.1 KB ID: 35  
]]> katiebwade http://www.equineonline.net/horseforum/blogs/katiebwade/21-what-your-horse-really-doing-all-day.html Andante after his first Join up and ground work lesson http://www.equineonline.net/horseforum/blogs/rowan21/19-andante-after-his-first-join-up-ground-work-lesson.html Sat, 10 Oct 2009 14:41:37 GMT He did do well, although join up was hard, understandably as he totally trusts me, it was just a process to get him to listen to ME! LOL He fell... He did do well, although join up was hard, understandably as he totally trusts me, it was just a process to get him to listen to ME! LOL
He fell over once, right down on his side, got up and looked really embarrassed lol
Soon learned, submitted and joined up then did his ground training, stand, over, back and walk on like an old pro, got more work to do on ground tying though, he likes to stay WITH me all the time, but that is also his immaturity showing through.
More on Monday now.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version Name: char car, quarterhorses and andante 061.jpg Views: 64 Size: 41.4 KB ID: 33   Click image for larger version Name: char car, quarterhorses and andante 067.jpg Views: 69 Size: 79.4 KB ID: 34  
]]> rowan21 http://www.equineonline.net/horseforum/blogs/rowan21/19-andante-after-his-first-join-up-ground-work-lesson.html Last month http://www.equineonline.net/horseforum/blogs/rowan21/18-last-month.html Sat, 10 Oct 2009 08:23:14 GMT And this was him about a month and a half ago. And this was him about a month and a half ago.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version Name: DSC_0098.JPG Views: 62 Size: 75.2 KB ID: 30   Click image for larger version Name: DSC_0099.JPG Views: 66 Size: 64.1 KB ID: 31   Click image for larger version Name: DSC_0100.JPG Views: 54 Size: 51.0 KB ID: 32  
]]> rowan21 http://www.equineonline.net/horseforum/blogs/rowan21/18-last-month.html a yearling http://www.equineonline.net/horseforum/blogs/rowan21/17-yearling.html Sat, 10 Oct 2009 08:21:11 GMT Couldnt put them all on the one post so splitting it into three posts. This was him as a yearling. Couldnt put them all on the one post so splitting it into three posts.
This was him as a yearling.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version Name: New fencing 009.jpg Views: 49 Size: 68.8 KB ID: 28   Click image for larger version Name: New fencing 010.jpg Views: 48 Size: 65.6 KB ID: 29  
]]> rowan21 http://www.equineonline.net/horseforum/blogs/rowan21/17-yearling.html More pictures http://www.equineonline.net/horseforum/blogs/rowan21/16-more-pictures.html Sat, 10 Oct 2009 08:13:02 GMT Here are some pics taken when he was 6 months, a yearling and last month. Here are some pics taken when he was 6 months, a yearling and last month.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version Name: andante october 07 008.jpg Views: 48 Size: 92.2 KB ID: 20   Click image for larger version Name: andante November 1st 07 009.jpg Views: 37 Size: 93.1 KB ID: 21   Click image for larger version Name: andante october 07 011.jpg Views: 49 Size: 79.8 KB ID: 22  
]]> rowan21 http://www.equineonline.net/horseforum/blogs/rowan21/16-more-pictures.html Training Andante Vezir http://www.equineonline.net/horseforum/blogs/rowan21/15-training-andante-vezir.html Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:14:22 GMT Well the time has come to start the baby's training.
He is now 27 months and has good ground manners so we will start with some de-sentisization work in the round pen.


It doesnt seem possible that he is this old already!
I remember the night he was born as though it was yesterday.
Tara had been AI'd so we knew an exact due date (if you can ever have one with a horse!) and he had already gone over that by a month.

On july 10th 2007 Tara seemed uncomfortable, pacing the box and eating the bedding, so I stayed with her all evening. Yawn!!!!

At 11.30 she started proper labour and the waters went at about 2.30 am. Labour progressed perfectely, I checked legs and nose were in the right presentation and stepped back to let her get on with it.
He was almost head out when she layed back down and her went right back in!!!!!!!!!!!! PANIC!

Luckily we had an equine vet LIVING opposite the stable block in a rented cottage so we banged on the door and he came over. By this time waters had been gone 25 mins!

To cut a long story short, Andante had to be pulled out!
Needless to say, we were expecting the worst, and sure enough a dead foal arrived But the vet worked on him, I prayed for my dad to help (he passed over that feb) and then an ear flickered then the breathing started.
Phew.
We all thought he may be a head banger and worried a bit but apart from his hocks being right down and him looking like daffy duck he was fine and started feeding about half an hour after standing.
Vet tested the level of Colostrum he had and he was 1ml or whatever the percentage is, of having had JUST enough so no blood transfusion necessary.

Tara had to have her afterbirth manually removed the next day and Andante had retained meconium also so quite an experience in foaling.

NOW he is a beautiful strong boy and was castrated in April this year.

Today he left the nursery paddock and his playmates behind and has come home ready to start his training.
He is a bit bemused by the situation as he is not the bravest of horses yet, lol! He still "mouths" at everything he sees especially his mum lol
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version Name: andante 003.jpg Views: 41 Size: 129.8 KB ID: 17   Click image for larger version Name: andante 005.jpg Views: 45 Size: 126.8 KB ID: 18   Click image for larger version Name: andante october 07 002.jpg Views: 41 Size: 93.3 KB ID: 19  
]]> rowan21 http://www.equineonline.net/horseforum/blogs/rowan21/15-training-andante-vezir.html oops! http://www.equineonline.net/horseforum/blogs/ollycob/13-oops.html Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:38:33 GMT Over the last few days i have felt my seat going a bit, my right leg has been feeling longer than my left and i have been sitting slightly to the... Over the last few days i have felt my seat going a bit, my right leg has been feeling longer than my left and i have been sitting slightly to the left. So today i decided to hop on Olly bareback and sort out my seat, it is also really good for getting him to work long and low and really use his back. About 20 minutes in and Olly is going really nicely, really working through his back and giving me some nice lateral work. I start riding a 20m circle from , and just as we are coming back to B Olly trips, goes down on his knee's and i end up sliding down his neck and head-butting the floor! I'm a bit sandy and have a slight head-ache but apart from that I'm fine! The joys of riding ponies as opposed to horses is that it's not as far from the ground when you come off! ]]> ollycob http://www.equineonline.net/horseforum/blogs/ollycob/13-oops.html <![CDATA[Ooh thought i'd have a go!]]> http://www.equineonline.net/horseforum/blogs/ollycob/12-ooh-thought-id-have-go.html Sat, 26 Sep 2009 23:37:03 GMT Well today was interesting, back in May, me and 2 friends qualified for the Championship show at a show ground about an hour away from us. The... Well today was interesting, back in May, me and 2 friends qualified for the Championship show at a show ground about an hour away from us. The championships have been split into 2 days, my friends classes were today and mine tomorrow. I went up for moral support (and dinner maid as they thought they would be done by lunchtime!) and i was so confused by the way the classes were being run, all the competitors were given a (IMO) shoddy little rosette and there were no presentations. Whilst it was a good day out i have decided not to take Olly down tomorrow, instead i will go to the dressage champs that my friend also qualified for - these are the summer version of the winter champs that i slept in for earlier this year!
I was going to lunge the ponies tonight but nature put paid to that so i ended up coming straight home and crashing out on the sofa! ]]> ollycob http://www.equineonline.net/horseforum/blogs/ollycob/12-ooh-thought-id-have-go.html <![CDATA[Murphy's blog]]> http://www.equineonline.net/horseforum/blogs/wynter/10-murphys-blog.html Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:59:05 GMT http://chiricahua-apache-geronimo.blogspot.com/ Murphy's blog ]]> wynter http://www.equineonline.net/horseforum/blogs/wynter/10-murphys-blog.html FIELD BULLIES - HOW TO HELP YOUR HORSE http://www.equineonline.net/horseforum/blogs/katiebwade/9-field-bullies-how-help-your-horse.html Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:32:12 GMT "My gelding is always getting bullied by others in his field. He doesn't seem to understand when he is being a pest and ends up getting kicked and/or bitten. Is there anything I can do to help him understand?"
Hi, as I seem to have had a lot of these queries recently, I thought it might be useful to post a blog to give all some answers, or a least a start for further reading.

The first thing I would always say is to ensure that your horse is fully healthy to rule out any organic causes before concluding that there is a behavioural issue that he or she needs help with. That said, this sort of problem is very common in the domestic setting, I would say for every three cases that I see two of them have these sorts of poor social skills, either being bullied by other horses or being too worried to graze alongside them.

So, first the theory, as this topic is pretty complex here is a brief summary so do get in touch if you would like any further reading suggestions as I am always happy to help.

HOW HAS THIS HAPPENED

Attachment theory is one of the most studied aspects of psychology today, studied initially on humans but then on to animals when animal behavioural scientists realised its importance to our animal industry. Started in the 1950’s, psychoanalyst John Bowlby (1) discovered that attachments are formed from birth between caregiver and young, and continues throughout life. It is through this first relationship of life that a youngster learns how to behave, adapt and survive as its caregiver has. By watching this adult, the youngster learns what to eat, how to survive and stay healthy, and most importantly for social mammals, how to interact with others.

This learning therefore has huge affects on a young organism’s development through life, affecting on future coping strategies, problem-solving abilities and adult relationships.

If left to live in the wild, our horses would breed as they choose, their young staying with their dam until 2-3 years old. They would learn so much in their early years, watching mum interact with stallions and mares of all ages, learning the complex rules of the herd and following them correctly. When he is playing and nips at ‘mum’ too hard, she flicks her ears back to tell him so for example (2)

This scene often differs greatly in the domestic setting, where we repeatedly breed from horses with their own behavioural issues in relatively unnatural environments. If the youngster is lucky enough to live alongside their dam for their first years, they could potentially learn abnormally depending on how well adjusted the mare is, but more commonly, if we wean the youngster at too early an age in an abrupt manner we are severely interfering with this vital learning process.

WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP

If you have a horse that has this lack of social understanding, there are some simple things that you can do to help them ‘catch up’ with this learning.

The most effective would be to turn him out with an older, ‘wiser’, calm horse, the same sex as them. They would need to be introduced in a step-by-step manner, in an area where there is plenty of grazing, water, shelter and shade. If you can allow them to either be turned out for 24 hours together, or turned out together and then stabled next door to each other, this will really help develop social skills.

When you have helped your horse build this one stable relationship, you can encourage play behaviour using positive reinforcement training (3) to then allow him to relate to other members of the herd. For this I would advise that you speak with your local qualified equine behaviourist who will work in a purely positive way.

Katie

www.practicalhorsepeople.com


References
1.Holmes, J. (1993) John Bowlby and Attachment Theory, Routledge, United Kingdom
2.Rees, L. (1984) The Horse’s Mind, Stanley Paul Ltd., United Kingdom
3.Pryor, K. (2002) Don’t Shoot the Dog: The New Art of Teaching and Training, Ringpress Books Ltd. Great Britain


BIO

Katie B Wade is a fully qualified and experienced animal behaviourist, working alongside veterinary clinics, rescue centres, societies, breeders as well as individual owners to assist with various aspects of animal behaviour and training. With professional experience handling, training, breeding and rehabilitating the competition horse, Katie went on to study a degree in Psychology and then on to specialise in Equine Behaviour with The Natural Animal Centre. Katie provides scientifically sound advice to the general public, building a bridge between academic research and practical horse ownership.


Katie B Wade
info@practicalhorsepeople.com
www.practicalhorsepeople.com ]]> katiebwade http://www.equineonline.net/horseforum/blogs/katiebwade/9-field-bullies-how-help-your-horse.html From a long-long time ago http://www.equineonline.net/horseforum/blogs/andrealilley/5-long-long-time-ago.html Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:21:51 GMT A long long time ago I advertised a pony for sale on this site. I even forgot I had an account!!! I also forgot about the website too. However here... A long long time ago I advertised a pony for sale on this site. I even forgot I had an account!!! I also forgot about the website too. However here goes! I got this mail from equineonline.net (out of the blue) telling me that "Your blog is already set up, just login and start posting!". I'm a bit shocked! The wonders of modern technology egh!

Suppose I had better start using the site again :balloon: ]]> andrealilley http://www.equineonline.net/horseforum/blogs/andrealilley/5-long-long-time-ago.html FOOD AGGRESSION: CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS http://www.equineonline.net/horseforum/blogs/katiebwade/3-food-aggression-causes-solutions.html Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:07:57 GMT *_Food Aggression_* Aggression is a natural and sometimes necessary trait for horses, particularly those living in a domestic setting. Food... Food Aggression

Aggression is a natural and sometimes necessary trait for horses, particularly those living in a domestic setting. Food aggression comes from a basic desire to protect resources, and therefore although common in the domestic setting, is not seen in wild herds where resources are plentiful.

Causes


Different species hold different resources in high esteem. Horses require space for grazing, exploration, play, body care and vascularisation, as well as a variety of different herbage and browsing, water, shelter, shade, and mares for reproduction.

Resource Holding Potential refers to an evolutionary strategy that has stood the test of time. In the wild, each horse understands what resources the other members of the herd have ‘first refusal’ to, eliminating the need to fight. This is a far more accurate way to describe the social hierarchy of a mammal, differing to the commonly believed notion of ‘pecking order’ only observed in birds. Resource Holding Potential status differs for different resources and between individuals.

When resources become scarce or poor quality, an animal becomes ill or there is a change in group structure, this strategy is de-stabilised and the individual becomes motivated to ‘hold on to what he has got’ protecting the limited resources available, it is a simple survival instinct.

In a typical livery yard where herds are not permanent, grazing space is small, feeds are not regular, stables are used daily and turnout time short, horses quickly learn to protect the limited resources available to them, whether it is simply not being caught or adopting aggressive behaviour to handlers or other horses.

Solutions

Effective treatment will depend on the severity of the problem, how long the behaviour has gone on for and the individual, however in my experience, allowing for more natural behaviours and providing additional resources resolves approximately 70% of the problem within a couple of days.

If the horse is allowed to be turned out for 24 hours a day, put in an area with ample grazing, foraging and browsing, in a stable herd, the results will come sooner. However if the horse really does have to be stabled, simple enrichment ideas go a long way. Here are a few to try…
  1. Hang tree branches in a corner of the stable, and add licks, carrots, slices of apple.
  2. Attach a door mat to the shed and a sturdy fence post or tree to enable self-grooming maintenance.
  3. Provide different varieties of hay and herbage, scattered loose on the floor rather than in a hay net or feed bowl.
  4. Allow straw bedding for its deep bed, texture and thermal properties.
  5. Produce a new variety of vegetable for each day of the week, parsnips, swedes, broccoli and brussel sprouts have proven very popular!


After relieving this initial frustration, you can begin to work on the other 30% of the problem. This part deals with the deeply learnt side of this behaviour, simply learning that this strategy works!

To ‘undo’ this learning, I would advise that you speak with a qualified animal behaviourist who uses only positive reinforcement, as this part of the solution requires a detailed understanding of the individual and his or her background.

Anyway I hope this helps anyone who needs it, for more specific advice just ask.

Take Care

Katie B Wade BSc (NAC EBQ FBQ)
Animal Behaviourist


I am Katie B Wade, a qualified animal behaviourist specialising in equine behaviour. To give you a bit of detail on my background, I am based in Oxford, UK, where I live with my three horses, two cats and husband. After obtaining a BSc (Hons) in Psychology have focussed my career on understanding the psychology of the domestic animal, understanding how behavioural problems arise and providing solutions.

After this academic study I have put theory to the test, working with leading behaviourists and trainers throughout Europe, rescue centres, veterinary clinics, breeders and owners, along with studies with the Natural Animal Centre, a leading institution in the science of animal behaviour, working alongside Oxford University and Bristol Veterinary College on various ground-breaking research projects.

I now run an Equine Behavioural Practice from Oxford, travelling throughout the UK to assist with a range of cases, from general handling difficulties, to aggression. I run workshops and clinics for the general public, rescue centres and veterinary clinics and see people on a one-to-one basis to provide step-by-step action plans and advice.

I have found that long-standing concepts that are well known within the academic field, are not filtered through to the general public in a practical way for use every day, leaving the industry open to showmen, folk law and myth. So here I am to help bring this information to you, have a read and ask me if you would like to know more as I am simply dedicated to bringing this education to the public. ]]> katiebwade http://www.equineonline.net/horseforum/blogs/katiebwade/3-food-aggression-causes-solutions.html Little white horse story http://www.equineonline.net/horseforum/blogs/sheila46/2-little-white-horse-story.html Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:23:29 GMT I was going to post some photos of the horse I was sent to look after and assess, but now we have the blog I can keep updating it, thanks EOL that... I was going to post some photos of the horse I was sent to look after and assess, but now we have the blog I can keep updating it, thanks EOL that was good timing!

So this little white horse came to me in April (see "before" photo taken on arrival) for some TLC and retraining as she had been rejected as not suitable for the work by two riding centres. I couldn't believe it was the horse so I offered to look after her for a few weeks and see what I thought. I do Parelli natural horsemanship and I thought it would be appropriate for this mare as well as giving me a chance to work on a difficult horse from scratch not just the ones I ride regularly so it was a bit of an experiment for me too, to see how much I'd learned of this method) but I felt sure that I could help this horse anyway. The results have been really good for both of us.

I kept a sort of diary of progress. The second photo was taken of her recently, 3 months on, at the beginning of July.

1 April to 1 July

When Lucie first arrived she was stressed from the long journey from Brittany and she had been moved twice in the last month, her coat was dull and she was generally not looking great; she had some heat & swelling in the left foreleg; she was shod in front but soon lost a shoe so I removed the other.

For the first 2 days she was very sceptical, she chose a spot at the far end of the field and based herself there, we could approach her & she would accept carrots & caresses but not willingly come to us. I didn't try to catch her just to get her familiar with us & not to put any pressure on her. But after day 2 when I walked away she followed closely, if I stopped she stopped too (looking for leadership?). However she wouldn't come far up the field & broke away before reaching near the buildings, returning to her chosen spot, her comfort zone.

Day 3 to Week 2: I put on the rope halter and started to see where she was at & introduced the 7 games (Parelli). At first much resistance to touching head but soon she accepted the contact & pressure yielding & appeared to learn the first 3 games quickly.

She would be very attached to me, her head very close, she would shadow me and was very clingy and unconfident. But gradually she let me touch the no-go areas – ears, mouth, head. I found she had ear irritation caused by the small black flies.

There was a very hot spell and one morning I found her covered in bumps, looked like fly bites & the vet said an allergic reaction to fly bites. He gave injections and said that her condition would improve eventually with the grass but not to feed her anything else. She had also rubbed her neck badly during the night and caused a bare patch & wound which was slow to heal and still has proud tissue.

She was still stressed & restless, would walk or trot around the field creating paths, I thought at first due to flies which it was in part, but it was also a nervous reaction as she did it less as time went on & she settled. She still gets some raised fly bites but no extreme reaction. I also treated with apis mellifica (homeopathic remedy) which may have helped. She then had an eye irritation, sore eyes from rubbing due to flies, so treated with drops & bought a fly mask with ears. Again I believe Euphrasia TM helped.

Back to the work in hand:

Week 3 we went backwards: I was doing something wrong, she was no longer happy to see me & wouldn't follow me, turned away in the field. Back to the friendly game & start again more slowly.

Week 4: Lots of patience & friendly game. In field she would let me approach but made no move to come to me so I made out I wasn't bothered, no hurry, got all day; if she didn't want to be with me, I wanted to be with her so I shadowed her in the field as she grazed. It worked & soon we were mates again. No threat, no pressure, confidence gained. From then on she always comes readily, puts her nose in the halter; but I mustn't hang around or she gets impatient & goes off again, busy eating grass, other things to do.

Week 5 on: we restart games but more slowly, until I am sure she is doing things thoughtfully & not just reacting to pressure. Lots of friendly game. Food is a big issue and motivation - she eats grass with relish and grazes almost machine like. I guess she has not been used to free access to grass. I used this. She could graze if I could play with my stick; I would move her from grass to grass (gentle driving game). Motivation & purpose, what's in it for her. Gradually building relationship, on firm foundations this time. I want her to be doing things because she wants to, not because she feels she has to.

She is very sensitive & can go defensive, I have to be tactful when applying pressure or she takes it personally. Our relationship is still fragile. One very bad day when I was tired & impatient, asking for the send too forcefully, result: ears back & I hate you looks. I felt dreadful. Left things for 2 days and started again. Aren't horses forgiving? We moved on but I know to be less dominant, to ask & never to say "you will". The most difficult thing for her is to be sent away from me, e.g. onto a circle, or just turn the front end away. Gradually this is improving.

Condition wise she is doing well, her coat now has bloom & grease, her cropped mane is long and thick, she grazes in a quiet & relaxed manner, and is waiting for me with a whinny in the morning, whether for a grooming session when she shows her pleasure in touch and attention, or to go for a walk or to graze.

I have also walked her out, along the lane, introducing her to new things. The swelling went from her legs & with her condition mentally & physically improved, the ground education established and confidence and happiness generally, she is ready to be ridden, so I had her shod. (Hot shod, blacksmith in field with van, fairly traumatic at first, much snorting & clinging to me, but by end she was standing confidently away from me, head low, overcoming her fear of the blacksmith, showing her developing confidence. Maybe she's not been hot shod before?)

Week 12: We are able to move on now, the send on the circle has been difficult to establish, much turning in & ears back; but gently & persuasively I move on, not paying too much attention, not lingering on a task too long, don't repeat the same object or obstacle too much, vary it, change location or obstacle but repeat only the pattern. Today we put on the longer line & she went happily out onto large circles, started moving circles, distance stuff, all great for confidence. Our relationship is on a strong foundation, trust is firmly established so I can insist when necessary without her taking it personally: let's do this then move on; so she's starting to be interested and the ears are forward on the circle now.

July 2009 Week 13/14: Going for a ride 2 or 3 times a week, for an hour's walk. When I dismount she gives a little nicker as she finds me back beside her again. (Interesting that I have not heard her call to other horses but she is quite vocal now towards me. She appears not to miss or seek other equine company.) Riding her is another ball game, she is not difficult but the bond on the ground has to be re-created for riding. Patience is an issue: in mounting, one foot in the stirrup and she's off; or if we stop to consider the route she fidgets, can't stand still, got to get on; not a big problem but indicative of her state of mind & character, and something to work on gradually. Just as she's calmed down on the ground, so she will when ridden regularly. Otherwise, her enthusiasm to go somewhere is wonderful which I don't want to spoil by being over critical; it will all fall into place.

She is now a delightful happy little horse, a real pleasure to be with and what is so rewarding is that she is obviously happy to do things with me but she is also relaxed on her own in the field too; not hanging around looking for me all the time or running around bothered by flies and invisible anxieties as when she first arrived.

She is very habitual and neat in the field, has paths for walking and areas for standing and her droppings, she grazes very methodically. Out on a hack, she remembers which path we took and would prefer to take the same one each time and hesitates at a new direction. I guess this points to an insecurity and I've always felt she needs confidence in herself which is gradually improving.

What I am really happy to see is her own happiness, I'm so pleased to have been able to help her find her self-confidence and assurance.

04 September 2009:
We haven't made much progress; some setbacks and then August holidays! I lost direction for a while and have done a lot of thinking. I'm just working my way through a wonderful set of dvds on horse behaviour and am starting to see where we are going from here, so watch this space!

Sheila
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version Name: first week_080409.jpg Views: 76 Size: 66.9 KB ID: 1   Click image for larger version Name: Loulou.jpg Views: 66 Size: 75.8 KB ID: 2   Click image for larger version Name: put your foot on it.jpg Views: 69 Size: 92.4 KB ID: 10   Click image for larger version Name: put your foot2.jpg Views: 67 Size: 86.3 KB ID: 11   Click image for larger version Name: scary chickens.jpg Views: 69 Size: 76.3 KB ID: 12  

Click image for larger version Name: can you unwrap it please.jpg Views: 75 Size: 86.9 KB ID: 13   Click image for larger version Name: first ride.JPG Views: 68 Size: 236.8 KB ID: 14   Click image for larger version Name: easy rider.jpg Views: 67 Size: 45.7 KB ID: 15  
]]> sheila46 http://www.equineonline.net/horseforum/blogs/sheila46/2-little-white-horse-story.html Suppose I better go first then!! http://www.equineonline.net/horseforum/blogs/foxyloxy/1-suppose-i-better-go-first-then.html Mon, 13 Jul 2009 19:22:09 GMT Well I've got nothing interesting to write but I bet you lot have.

Who's brave enough.... :smhair1: ]]> Foxyloxy http://www.equineonline.net/horseforum/blogs/foxyloxy/1-suppose-i-better-go-first-then.html