Horses! :)

Re: Horses! :)

Phrin Vernon RVN — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 23:43:27 GMT

Hiya

I agree - we give a bucket really just to ensure he gets his supplements - will not tolerate barging or door kicking etc! Time varies randomly from 2-6pm so no fencewalking or stressing.

Darcy is no longer under our care - long story - But we have just bought Mac (in instalments lol) a 16.3hh 16yo ID x - he's been out of work for a while and is a bit stiff, so we give him a daily bucket for his glucosamine and pink powder - its only a handful of chaff, so not really hard food.

Having great fun with him :D

Re: Horses! :)

Beholden — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 23:48:30 GMT

[quote user="Phrin Vernon RVN"]

Gave him a bucket when we got home - I'm insisting with my mate that we go up and give him a bucket at tea time whether he has worked or not, as his o (we are loaning him) visited sporadically, no routine, and only gave him a bucket when she thought he'd been good!?

[/quote]

While I agree that consistancy is vital (my own thrive on routine) ... hard feed isn't part of it.

Mine rarely ever get hard feed, they mostly don't need it. They do however have ad lib access to forage, way less issues.

If they need it, sure, I might feed them everyday for a forthnight if required (only when in work, and they come in to eat, never in the field) but they never expect it, the only thing they are guaranteed is forage. No door kicking, fencewalking, stressing at certain times of the day, they aren't fussy. If they have forage all the time, and thats what they are used to, they never look for anything else. They don't gorge themselves because they know its always there.

If I do feed them, its almost always fibre based, molasses free etc

If you start out on livery, you often don't have a choice, but a grasskept horse, need only good forage and a good rug/shelter.

They get treats, but again its the same, yeah its random, and it usually coincides with when they've been good (or when the fruitbowl is looking a bit grim!) but just way less issues when they don't expect a bucket or or 'a treat' as a given.

Re: Horses! :)

Beholden — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 23:18:24 GMT

I have 3, my 17yr old ISH mare, for the last 10+years, still going strong - and a good thing too, I don't know what I'd do without her, she is everything to me. Still compete a fair bit, but slowing down and doing less and less as I couldn't bear for her to go out with an injury.

Her 4yr old filly, just backed a couple of weeks ago, she's going really well but has big shoes to fill.

And an 8yr old thoroughbred gelding, never raced, I took him on as a companion as a 3yr old, he was going for meat as he is partially sighted. It never stopped him though and I backed and broke him, and he broke my heart. He's the softest sweetest most willing horse in the world, but he won't stay sound among other things! He's had a really good year, and now something ugly has reared its head, considering euth while he's happy.

Re: Horses! :)

Steph Gumn — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 14:10:43 GMT

I have had horses for years but I am new to the Nursing thing! Hopefully starting a Vet Nursing degree at Moreton Morrell this week! All a bit mad as moving from third year human and equine sports science to year 1 nursing!

If you need any equine advice feel free to ask! I am sure I will be asking for nursing advice!

Re: Horses! :)

Louise B — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 21:18:07 GMT

If anyone horsey in North Shropshire wants a horsey fix they are always welcome to come and fuss over mine! Welcome to do any ground work, ride in the field (not insured outside the field for the moment). Planning to break one of them to drive next year and someone keen on that would be fab as should be two people when driving...

I think I must be a stingy horse owner as mine are keep very cheaply. I keep them on grass livery and pay £20 week for a 2 acre field. Insured for £12/.mth each. Other than that, all I pay for is a foot trim for each of them every 8 - 12 weeks, vaccinations and wormers. Bit of hay in the winter and countryside value nuts. Mind you - that's a lot of money for two field ornaments! Seriously cute ones though

Re: Horses! :)

Lauren Innes Bsc(hons) , RVN — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 18:19:32 GMT

yey for the horsey thread! I did my equine degree before turning to SA nursing and hope to return to equine in the future. I don't have any nags at the moment but am always on the look out for a project. My favourite thing in the world is to take on 'problem' horses and just go right back to the beginning and start a fresh. My last charge was a TB mare who's owner had gone to uni but wasnt prepared to sell, she was consistently lame and had terrible mud fever. I insisted on getting her thoroughly vet checked by my bosses and lo! she had navicular. so I passed all this on to the owners along with the message from the vet that she was to be retired and due to other confirmation issues not to be bred either.

so they didnt listen and she's still being ridden sporadically by the teenage daughter, and they put her in foal last I heard. Sad face.

on a happier note one of my first projects who was due to be PTS'd for his shocking behaviour is doing well on loan as a kids pony after vet checks discovered wolf teeth and the saddler i brought in changed all his tack! happy days

Re: Horses! :)

SuzyM — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 13:01:08 GMT

Hi fellow horsey folk!

I totally agree with Phrin. I too used to 'terrorise' local horse owners! I started my career as a groom and was so lucky to ride and be with horses every day, but I was penniless and could only dream of having my own.

One day I met my perfect horse - she was a happy little chestnut and I was schooling her where I worked to be sold on, but I couldn't bear the thought of her being sold so I persuaded her owner to let me buy her, paying a small amount each month - it took me 18 months to buy her! (She was never going to be the easiest to sell so I think the arrangement suited both parties).

I was very lucky to have found myself in this situation and still own her 13 years later. I reckon it costs me about £3000 per year on DIY livery and including insurance, although the biggest costs are the emotional ones! I have had to do without some of lifes other luxuries but it is absolutely worth it. If you are realistic, dedicated and have the means for long-term costs of care, it is achievable.

I do feel those who use full livery are somehow missing out!

Re: Horses! :)

Phrin Vernon RVN — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 00:31:56 GMT

I was exactly the same a year ago StMongo! I've spent most of my adult life desperately wanting to find a way to be around horses!

I started volunteering at RDA just to get my pony fix! Through that met my fella who despite only working part time has a horse and keeps her well! Which got me thinking that if he can keep a horse, then I bloody well can too!

An old friend and I who used to ride together as teenagers, and generally terrorise local horse owners to let us muck out, then met on the school run - joked about getting a horse together for a few months, and then decided to go for it!

So here we are - My friend and I have Darcy on loan and we share his costs, which work out £20-25 each a week over winter, and includes provision for stable/grazing, haylage, bedding, insurance, farrier, teeth, vaccinations, hard feed and supplements! Don't ask me about figures - my friend does all that, I just give her some money each week haha!

The only thing we can't afford at the moment is the upfront cost of buying a horse, but are going to try and start saving for Darcy, as he is just wonderful! A complete and utter pain in the *** at times, but wonderful :)

So don't give up hope - having a horse is not the exclusive club some people would have you think it is!

Re: Horses! :)

StMongo — Sat, 25 Aug 2012 23:32:58 GMT

just wanted to say I am DYING of jealousy. I've wanted a horse my whole life, but so far it's just not been possible. I've soaked up every bit of time with them I've been able to grab....my grandmother used to raise racehorses years and years ago, but she lives far away and we only went to see her once a year. my aunt, who lives equally far, did the same and I once got to spend a glorious week with her and all her collegues at her barn. Twice, my parents could afford to send me to horse camp. you guys are soooooo lucky and I will totally muck your stalls out for free if I can just hang out with your equine kids.

Re: Horses! :)

Phrin Vernon RVN — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 23:19:06 GMT

Awww - Donald is an awesome name for a horse lol! Not good about so many herd changes - they are such social creatures! Will it settle down or will you have to think about moving?

We are looking to move Darcy - feel awful doing it as he has only been there 6 weeks or so, so young and so many changes:(, but a) there is only one other horse in his field and he gets stressed when that horse is taken in to work, and b) he is the only one on there without a stable, so wintering him there is going to be a no no!

We have potentially found a place on a v small yard with only 3 horses - 2 being tbs owned by the same person, Darcy being the third. Hoping we can move him there and work things out so that he is never left alone for too long - perhaps do a share regarding turning out etc over winter :/

Re: Horses! :)

Nicola Smith — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 14:44:42 GMT

Hi. Ive had a horse most of my life. Previously had 2 mares, the latter one on my profile pic I lost just before xmas last year. At the end of Jan I took on a rescue horse from World Horse Welfare who is a 15.3 tb/warmblood type, 6 years old. He cant be ridden due to previous neglect/injuries but have been enjoying in hand stuff with him. Things not so good at the moment as the yard has changed hands where I keep him and too many changes within the herds - ie horses moving every 3 days!! which has really unsettled him so looking for a new yard at the moment where things will hopefully be a bit more settled!! He has pretty much perfect amanners most of the time but can be a bit babyish and silly at times but there is never anything malicious about it and never uses his size against me - just gets a bit overexcited!! Bless him!! His name is Donald :)))

Re: Horses! :)

SuzyM — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 14:39:57 GMT

Hi Phrin

I enjoyed reding about Darcy. You are right to be concerned by the obsession with 'getting him on the bit' - it is too common these days that people think they have to do this so early, and very often it is done incorrectly (i.e. forcing the head down with the hands/tying them down with draw reins and the like), which will only result at best in a false outline and at worst in long term pyhsical damage and discomfort. Taking the time to allow his physique to strengthen with a structured schooling programme will help produce a beautiful horse and maintain has trust.

You are also right about routine - this is so important to horses. Consistency is the key to good horsemanship.

Good luck and keep us updated!

Re: Horses! :)

Phrin Vernon RVN — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 00:55:24 GMT

Aww Deelycat - such a tough decision - where abouts are you?

Took Darcy for a walk today - very difficult - but then considering he is only 3 and a bit, and every time he has gone down the lane up until now it has been in tack that hurts him, with an 18yo rider on him who is obsessed with getting him on the bit above everything else - well I'm not surprised that he found is scary and difficult!!

Lots of stopping - ended up making a loop out of the lunge line and putting it round his bum to get him to move forward - obv immediately removing pressure as soon as he stepped forward. Once he was walking nicely I'd ask him to stand then give him a treat and a fuss.

On the way back up the lane got him to walk in circles away from home too once or twice - all on foot! Tho did bareback him up the last few hundred yards - bad Phrin! But better than riding in the saddle that hurts him no? ...

This baby boy is very trusting of people, but has had issues created - we need to help him overcome those issues, and we're doing our best, but its a long time since either of us dealt with youngsters - tho we have backed them and brought them into work in the past - so any advice would be well received! :)

Re: Horses! :)

DeeleyCat — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 07:08:56 GMT

Whilst we a re on the subject of horses... I have come to the hard decision to rehome my mare as a companion / broodmare. She wont ever be ridden again and at 6 years old its a long time to keep her on livery as a pet (expensive too!!)

She is absolutely stunning 17hh Iron Grey WB and she will have some beautiful babies, she has a lovely temprement and I just wish I was in the position to breed from her myself.

Please if anyone knows someone who may be interested get in touch, Im in no rush to rehome her and homes will be strictly vetted and I will not let my baby go to anyone that I may have an inkling may try to ride her in the future / sell her on. Her breeding is not proven but I know who she is by and she has excellent bloodlines.

Decision is not an easy one, but my only other option would be have her PTS and to me that is a very last resort.

Re: Horses! :)

Phrin Vernon RVN — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 22:02:38 GMT

[quote user="Kerry Brennand DipAVN (Surgical) RVN A1 MBVNA"]

Great idea Phrin like this thread!!!!! I have taken on a 4yp piebald irish cob - sharing him - hes lovely very safe considering hes only 4yo - thought I would do the sensible thing and try sharing first and see how it fits in with work etc before I take the plunge and buy!!!!!! At the moment just working on his stamina and fitness. I am enjoying time with him not just the riding but the grooming etc loving it. Its great thearpy especially after a crap day at work!!!!!!!

[/quote]

I agree!! We're sharing too for the same reason, and also because of the expense - need to see how we go over winter before considering going it alone!

It's totally not just about riding is it? I just love hanging out with him and playing, grooming, doing groundwork - just building a bond, and making a friend - they are such amazing animals, and they put up with so much for us. Have you read any of Michael Peace's books? He does articles for Horse and Rider, and he is bloody brilliant!!

Re: Horses! :)

Phrin Vernon RVN — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 21:58:05 GMT

Aww - great to hear about everybody's babies :D

My baby is called Mr Darcy! He had his first set of shoes on today - just fronts - and he was good as gold bless him - just kept trying to look and see what the farrier was doing lol!

His owner has overdone it a bit with him and been taking him out on his own for 2hr hacks in badly fitting tack, so we now have a struggle to get him off the yard as he gets worried :( Gonna start off taking him for little walks in hand I think - poor boy! I've replaced his bridle today (browband was pinching him and noseband too tight), but he's going to have to wait a bit for a new saddle!! Although saddler said today that he would be ok being lunged in his old saddle, just don't sit on him on it as it would dig into his spine :(

Re: Horses! :)

Karen Horner — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 19:42:58 GMT

[quote user="anji jonas"]I would be intrested in your thoughts on long reining her? i thought it was the automatic next step from lunging bafore actually getting on, but several people have said not to bother and just back her after the lunging is settled and happy [/quote]

I would definatley recommend long reining, it teaches them general manners as well as helping to train them!!

Re: Horses! :)

Karen Horner — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 19:40:55 GMT

I have 4 horses - my pony that i have had since i was 9 (now 28) she is turning 30 this year!!! my retired eventer, 16.3hh 3/4bred and a young eventer 16.1hh who i have broken and trained up to event and a fat 15hh cob for driving!! couldn't be without my little beauties!!! they make my life complete!!! especially after a long hard day at work!!!

Re: Horses! :)

littlehays — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 11:56:23 GMT

awww i miss ponies! have barely been on a horse since moving to start my training in 2009, now at 36 weeks pregnant it'll be a while yet before i get back on i think! but i have happy positive thoughts about the next time i buy my own will be something for my daughter (she's going to be a rider, obviously! ) i'm only 5ft too so can get away with riding stocky 12.2's which will be handy! whenever i go home i try and pop into my old work, always lovely to see how my old 'colleagues' are doing - just being around horses is soothing.

the last horse i owned was cherry, the sweetest chestnut warmblood mare, bought as a two year old, backed/broken/ridden away then sadly had to sell as a five year old as my thyroid issues really kicked off and i physically couldn't do it anymore. that was back in 2005/6 and have since been in contact with the lady who bought her, who still has her and loves her to pieces, she's out competing BE/BD events and doing really well which is really lovely to hear.

Re: Horses! :)

Louise B — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 08:25:43 GMT

Definitely good thread

I have two little horrors

Jimmy - 4 year old 13h piebald cob with fluffy feet. I had the fab idea that he would inspire me to lose weight so that I could ride him - so instead he is a field ornament....

Hugo - 2 year old 1.3h piebald shetland x cob. Bought to keep my field ornament company after I got the opportunity to have a field of my own. Turned out to have a retained testicle which is going to cost £700 to put right.

And I still have nothing to ride But I love my two beastie boys to bits.www.vetnurse.co.uk/.../

Re: Horses! :)

Kerry Brennand DipAVN (Surgical) RVN A1 MBVNA — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 00:22:01 GMT

Re: Horses! :)

anji jonas — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 13:18:43 GMT

Im a new horse owner too!

After a 5 year break (sold my competition mare when my son was born 5 years ago ) I have finally taken the plunge and bought a horse again, and it sounds daft but i really do feel like my life is complete again.

Mine is a 3/4 shire mare who is just 4 and has done absolutely nothing at all. I just fell in love when i went to view her and im so looking forward to forming a partnership with her . I bought my previous mare as ajust backed baby who needed riding on but i have never actually started a baby from scratch before.

so far its going well, in three weeks she has gone from being pretty much untouchable to wearing a saddle and bridle and lunging nicely. we go for walks around the village together and the sights and sounds have not been a major issue so far.

I would be intrested in your thoughts on long reining her? i thought it was the automatic next step from lunging bafore actually getting on, but several people have said not to bother and just back her after the lunging is settled and happy

Re: Horses! :)

Yvette Patton RVN MBVNA — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 09:33:08 GMT

I have a beautiful 15.1hh Irish cob, piebald aged 16, although he acts about 6! Still REALLY active, a bit too much sometimes, but great fun. I call him my thoroughbred cob as he is not typical of a cob at all. I try to ride every day as he needs it to keep him sane.

Only had him just over a year, got him after my last horse broke his leg. Hope to do some local shows next year although he doesn't do too well with a lot of horses around as he has hunted in the past and gets a wee bit excited.

Love him to bits though.

Re: Horses! :)

DeeleyCat — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 08:49:25 GMT

Aaaaah :-) how sweet!!

Im a fellow horse owner - although my 17hh 6 year old WB mare has had to be retired recently as she has got all sorts of problems. Had her since a 4 year old, started her myself and since her work has progressed her behaviour just got worse. Confirmed OCD in both stifles and other issues. Im gutted.

Am about to take on a 16hh TBx on loan as I have barely ridden all year, will be nice to get back in the saddle again!!

Good luck with your 3 year old - you sound like you have the right attitude towards a young horse and that they mustnt be rushed. Look forward to hearing updates and seeing some pics!!

Re: Horses! :)

Katie Mansfield — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 08:02:13 GMT

Photos pls!!!!!!! What's his name?

K x