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Thread III: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1311311/posts |
Posted on 09/18/2004 6:56:23 AM PDT by HairOfTheDog
Free Republic has a lot of horse people that have found each other on other threads…. And since we all like to talk horses, how about a thread where it is not off-topic, but is THE topic?
A few of us thought it would be interesting and informative to have a chat thread where we can 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 last thread we had a great time and were a great help to each other working through lessons and training, horse lamenesses and illnesses, questions and challenges and always just our stories we like to tell.
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 Becky pings everyone most mornings. Let Becky (Paynoattentionmanbehindthecurtain) 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 last thread, 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.
We've tried just about every type and brand there is - from canvas/fleece lined to quilted, to nylon, to fly sheets. They delight in ripping them to shreds. They actually reach around and grab them in their teeth. Well, one mare just gets out of hers, doesn't tear it. Two mares will wear them if they are alone, however, if another horse is with them, they will let the other horse tear it apart.
The pony's is a little too big, fit's her like a dress, but it's the smallest one they make, and we had to have the belly straps shortened. ;~D
Thankfully, I haven't had any of those behaviors! They stick their heads right in them when it's time to blanket up, and they don't tear at each other's blankets!
They have snagged them on things, but the tears don't fray badly, and I've just stitched them up myself, or had the blanket lady fix them in summer when I have them cleaned.
Sometimes I think appaloosas are the horse world's problem children. There isn't a stall or gate that I can close without putting a snap on it - they will open them all, even the ones you would think they can't reach. One mare will even let everyone else out.
I can only use metal feeders because they will play until they break the plastic ones. The large tire feeders for hay they will drag across the pasture. If the water troughs aren't kept completely full, they will drag them or turn them over.
When we were using these ground pans, Bay used to throw his outside the fence when I was late feeding dinner ;~D
The funniest thing my pony did once with a plastic feedpan was step on it and she broke through it and got it stuck on her foot. Man that really made her mad, and I was afraid it was gonna cut her, but when she finally stopped, I could get it off of her and she was fine. Maybe even a little more appreciative of my purpose in life.
Well, I'm surprised. I never expected 1st degree conviction. I believe he did it, but with no evidence to prove it beyond a shadow of a doubt, (altho I think with her body showing up like it did and where that was evidence). The most I expected was the 2nd degree. But I really thought they would hang.
Becky
Okie will pick his feed bucket up off the ground and carry it elsewhere if out of the pasture:') Nobody messes with him at feeding time but he doesn't go to the end to eat first. He has to eat at the bucket by the picnic table in the middle. After he eats his then he moseys right then left. I think it was learned because that's where we sometimes sit . I love watching him. He's so funny sometimes.
I didn't think this jury would reach a verdict either.
Actually, having farriers, vets and floaters come, the hay deliveries and the trips to the tack shop or feed store, are my favorite parts of the business.
Good morning.
Whose riding today?
Most generally I don't mind the "work" that goes with having horses, except when it is cold. But riding is my favorite part of horses:)
I have a friend who runs a stable. She kind of caters to those who have money. She spends so much time keeping up the appearance of her place that she actually gets very little riding time. But her place is beautiful.
Becky
Good morning!
No riding for me today. It's damp and chilly and supposed to get considerably wetter as the day goes on.
Got a good story for ya'll. The new mare I bought, the one that I was afraid was going to be herd bound, broke a tooth off. I found it in her feed tub. She's been drooling also. I called my horse dentist to come out and check her mouth. (I was told she had her teeth floated prior to my purchase. I don't think they were lying, they got cheated by their dentist, I would guess) Anyway, my dentist worked on her for an hour and said her teeth looked horrible. She had 2 huge spikey teeth sticking up in the very back of her mouth. He couldn't even file them down, he had to use nippers on them. He said that the owners might have had a dentist that used power tools, something he won't use because you don't have enough control with them. Also, obviously he didn't get far enough back in Winnie's mouth to get those spikes.
He says he does alot of repairs on horses that dentists used power tools on.
So is she fixable? will she get over the slobbering?
Becky
Yes. He fixed her up and she's doing really well. Probably will gain a bunch of weight now. She's a little thin for my tastes.
It should fix the slobbering.
Good deal:)
Becky
http://www.imh.org/khp/champions/pepper.asp
If you go to this link, you'll see the name of the guy who is my horse dentist. He used to train racehorses, his name is Mike Robbins. He even did a video on training the racehorse. I think he got burned out on it, now he does his dentistry and he buys and sells thoroughbred race-bred babies. High dollar stuff, he sold one this year for $38,000. These are horses that have never raced. Amazing, huh?
Yeah, any time a horse sells for more the $5000, I'm amazed. I've been surprised that I've had people come look at Harley at the price I have him advertised. But there are people willing to pay it. You just have to not be in a hurry to sell.
The teeth thing with horses have always worried me. Kind of like the farrier thing. How is the average horse person suppose to know what is right? Usually not till a problem shows up, then you can be screwed.
Becky
Thinking about teeth and farriers, also leads me to think of the chiropractic craze for horses that is going around, at least here. I've always wondered if that would be benefical to my mare. But the thought of sinking lots of money into it and still having a problem holds me back from trying it. Especially now that I have several good horses that are rideable, and she is making a good brood mare. But I sure wouldn't mind if she could be fixed and made rideable again. I really liked that horse:)
Becky
Somebody made a good point to me, that I always remember: Horses are worth so much per pound and anything you get over that, be thankful for. Not sure everybody would agree with that, but it's an interesting point.
I discussed that very subject with Mike. He says you just have to find somebody you trust. I trust Mike, my farrier is iffy.
I've thought of trying chiropractic work but have never done it. Same problem, how do you know if the person you choose to work on your horse is reputable? Instead of fixing the problem, can they do more damage? I'm also hesitant to sink a ton of money on something so controversial. Guess all we can do is try it first on a horse we don't like. :)
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