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Posted on 06/19/2006 8:46:45 AM PDT by HairOfTheDog
This is a horse chat thread where we share ideas, ask for input from other horsemen, and talk about our riding and horse-keeping. We have a lot of different kinds of riders and horses, and a lot to share. In the previous threads we have had a great time talking through lessons, training, horse lamenesses, illnesses and pregnancies... and always sharing pictures and stories.
I always have a link to this thread on my profile page, so if you have something to say and can't find the thread in latest posts… look for it there and wake the thread up!
I also have a ping list for horse threads that are of interest, and MissTargets will now be pinging everyone most mornings. Let MissTargets and/or me know if you would like to be on the ping list. As FreeRepublic is a political site, our politics and other issues will probably blend in…. There are many issues for horsemen that touch politics… land use, animal rights/abuse cases that make the news…. Legislation that might affect horse owners.
So... like the previous threads, this is intended as fun place to come and share stories, pictures, questions and chit-chat, unguided and unmoderated and that we come together here as friends. There are lots of ways of doing things and we all have our quirks, tricks and specialties that are neat to learn about.
Previous threads:
The FreeRepublic Saddle Club thread - thread ONE
The FreeRepublic Saddle Club thread - Thread TWO!
The FreeRepublic Saddle Club thread - Thread THREE!
The FreeRepublic Saddle Club thread! - Thread FOUR
The FreeRepublic Saddle Club thread! - Thread FIVE
The FreeRepublic Saddle Club thread! - Thread SIX
The FreeRepublic Saddle Club thread! - Thread SEVEN
The FreeRepublic Saddle Club thread! - Thread EIGHT
The FreeRepublic Saddle Club thread! - Thread NINE
New folk and occasional posters, jump right in and introduce yourselves, tell us about your horses, and post pictures if you've got them!
I would never get any work done, I'd be watching my horse all day.
Oh - well, we can't have that.... if you get fired who'll pay the board bill? :~)
Well, maybe a tiny window opened up at the top of the computer screen.
It really is an awesome idea. If I had a choice between to stables and one had webcams, I'd go with the webcams, no question.
to=two duhhhh
Good to know! Thanks for participating in our market survey :~)
Anytime. :)
Well, it's been a week down here at the cabin and the weather just isn't cooperating at all. It rained yesterday and I went trail riding anyhow. It was just a light drizzle and it didn't bother me too much. I wore a rain jacket and in the woods could hardly tell it was raining.
You all on here are much more savy then I am when it comes to horses. Stupid question coming:
Waylon seems bored in the pasture all by himself....can it do any harm to him to be alone? I'd get another horse but in the winter I can't afford boarding two horses. What do other people do that only have one horse?
Any feedback appreciated
Do you have neighbors that have horses nearby? Across the fence maybe?
You don't have to get another horse but a little donkey, miniature horse or goat is a perfect horse companion.
I've tried the ball and he didn't seem to care about it. I have some plastic milk jugs in the paddock and he's smashed them and now not interested.
There are no horses nearby. Were on 83 acres and the closest horse pen is about a ten minute ride. I'd get a goat or something in a minute but what do I do with him in the winter? I guess he'll just have to have me as his companion while were down here.
Does it do him any harm though?
No, it won't do him any harm. Lots of horses are solitary pets. They are happiest in a herd enviroment but without other horses, you become their herd, more or less.
They do look bad but it won't be long before you have them in shape. By the way, I think pictures more often than once a month are called for :)
Green broke means the horse has learned its basics and won't buck but anything more than standing to mount, walk, trot, canter, and whoa it doesn't yet know. Probably does not neck rein yet.
Having never started a jumper, I have never used that term.
Started on barrels means the horse will run the barrel pattern, understands what it's being asked, but has not been shown in gamed events.
'Course that's just our horses, so I don't know what other people define those terms as.
Quest is not broke to ride or green broke yet. He has been started under saddle.
I agree with duchess, I don't think it will hurt him, either.
Good information. I think you're more honest than some of the scuzzbuckets I've dealt with. Must be a Texas thing, as squarebarb will attest to. I know she's looked at a bunch of horses that were advertised to be one thing, she drives 200 miles to see them and they are nothing like advertised.
I did have a buyer (the people who bought Dusty Jax - Speed) call me once to tell me about when they first had the vet and horseshoer out. The vet asked if her shots were up to date and when she said she bought the horse from us, he said, if Bob raised the horse, it's had all it's shots. The the horseshoer said, if Bob raised the horse, she'll stand for the trim. :)
To tell the truth, our three look bored too right now. I think they get bored even together when there just isn't much to do :~) If you got another, they might just both look bored together. :~)
I originally got our pony to keep Bay company because he seemed lonely, but I wouldn't do that if I had to pay board for it. His symptom when he was alone was not boredom, though, he would pace and call like he was hoping a horse would come... and my fear was that he was really thinking about how to get ~out~.
Which is Waylon's symptom? IMHO, Just having the appearance of standing around bored isn't damaging boredom, I don't think. From what I gather, you get him out and ride enough that he's probably plenty stimulated. Looking bored is what horses who feel safe and have enough to eat 'do' when they aren't being worked. Destructive and harmful boredom would be if he started chewing, cribbing, weaving or some other form of obsessive behavior. Or if he was pacing like Bay did.
If Waylon's not eating the barn, or trying to get out, or doing something else that's destructive, I wouldn't worry unless you ~want~ to have another animal to care for. :~)
A good reputation follows you everywhere, doesn't it? It's more important than anything.
I don't think keeping one horse will harm him in anyway. I'm actually looking forward to having only one horse:). I've pretty much always kept the horses I have in runs by themselves, which isn't really the same, because mine can see other horses.
IMO, keeping one, and/or keeping them separate makes for a better horse anyway. Especially if you ride frequently. Keeping them by themselves, IMO, helps them to bond more to you, you become their herd.
I wouldn't worry about it, and I would not buy a horse just to keep another company. JMO, tho.
Becky
The second horse might solve the minor companionship problem in the pasture, but in the process, creates another problem when you go to ride one and leave the other. My pony becomes a problem when we go out... Leading to us giving her quiet pony powder and having to make sure she's in the most secure fencing so she doesn't hurt herself or get out. I don't want to have to get another pony to keep the companion pony company :~)
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