Dirty Little Secret
Dec. 19, 2008, 10:26 AM
Recent Evidences of my crossing...
Evidence #1- 6 year old Trakehner filly is brought to me for training. The horse had several issues but main issue was she wouldn't allow anyone to mount her. I used several weeks of intense ground work ranging from rope halters, long lines, cavaletti poles and a longe whip. Mare learned trust, where her feet were, how to react to things without climbing on me, etc. Mare was jumping within 4 months.
Evidence #2- i started turning out my show horses- a lot! i abandoned my fears of injuries, rain rot, lost shoes, etc. and turned them out. Rain or shine they go out. Still maybe not in groups but they do go out at least a few hours a day. Used to stay in unless footing was good.
Evidence #3- I pulled my young hunter's shoes! Farrier had noticed that my young hunter appeared to have the beginning of contracted heels and was growing heels in the wrong direction. He suggested poured pads, acrylic to build heels, $$$. I suggested pulling the shoes for 4 months.... Feet are improving! Not sound on pepples but ok to do ring work and some field work.
Evidence #4- my show hunter suffered from strained suspensory ligaments after showing on hard ground. My primary treatment was rest and magnetic leg wraps (no drugs).
I fear that the list may be longer than I'm willing to admit. It is true, I'm crossing to the dark side of... natural....
Evidence #1- 6 year old Trakehner filly is brought to me for training. The horse had several issues but main issue was she wouldn't allow anyone to mount her. I used several weeks of intense ground work ranging from rope halters, long lines, cavaletti poles and a longe whip. Mare learned trust, where her feet were, how to react to things without climbing on me, etc. Mare was jumping within 4 months.
Evidence #2- i started turning out my show horses- a lot! i abandoned my fears of injuries, rain rot, lost shoes, etc. and turned them out. Rain or shine they go out. Still maybe not in groups but they do go out at least a few hours a day. Used to stay in unless footing was good.
Evidence #3- I pulled my young hunter's shoes! Farrier had noticed that my young hunter appeared to have the beginning of contracted heels and was growing heels in the wrong direction. He suggested poured pads, acrylic to build heels, $$$. I suggested pulling the shoes for 4 months.... Feet are improving! Not sound on pepples but ok to do ring work and some field work.
Evidence #4- my show hunter suffered from strained suspensory ligaments after showing on hard ground. My primary treatment was rest and magnetic leg wraps (no drugs).
I fear that the list may be longer than I'm willing to admit. It is true, I'm crossing to the dark side of... natural....