I am so ashamed (well, almost)!! I didn't realize it had been since August 25 since I had posted!! Way to go, what a way to run a blog, eh??
Okay, my bad and all that. Life just got in the way.
Upcoming: I have a new rescue mare. Fixing her right up! There is/was so much wrong with her and now she's starting to look like a real horse instead of something out of Ethopia. This is my true love, fixing up horses. I'm very good at it, if I do say so myself.
So, there will be posts soonest about what is going on with her. The shoer is coming out on Monday to put a trim on her. She has really bad thrush, about the worst I've ever seen so we'll see how the shoer handles this!!
Again, I'm so sorry I haven't been posting. Time just got away from me. :-)
Friday, September 18, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
What NEVER To Do When Selling
http://medford.craigslist.org/grd/1341222874.html
Never, never, never admit you must sell and put a price. Of course, I can understand that this poster doesn't want to give the cute pony away, he kind of shot himself (assuming it's a man...) in the foot by stressing how much he needs to sell.
Of course people are going to offer next to nothing for the colt! Then the poster gets kind of ruffled feathers and sort of hurt and still can't sell the pony.
A strange thing I noticed in the ad...he says he has to unload the pony and is moving but will trade for more value in training. Kind of odd in my book but whatever floats your boat!
If you stress this much about selling, it kind of stands to reason that you need to offload the pony colt pretty quickly and will entertain offers...which are then turned down. So the colt stays put and more ads are put out about getting rid of him.
I suppose it will all work out one way or the other (always does, doesn't it??) but this should be a prime example about how to keep a horse forever!
Never, never, never admit you must sell and put a price. Of course, I can understand that this poster doesn't want to give the cute pony away, he kind of shot himself (assuming it's a man...) in the foot by stressing how much he needs to sell.
Of course people are going to offer next to nothing for the colt! Then the poster gets kind of ruffled feathers and sort of hurt and still can't sell the pony.
A strange thing I noticed in the ad...he says he has to unload the pony and is moving but will trade for more value in training. Kind of odd in my book but whatever floats your boat!
If you stress this much about selling, it kind of stands to reason that you need to offload the pony colt pretty quickly and will entertain offers...which are then turned down. So the colt stays put and more ads are put out about getting rid of him.
I suppose it will all work out one way or the other (always does, doesn't it??) but this should be a prime example about how to keep a horse forever!
This Is A Joke, Right??
http://medford.craigslist.org/grd/1339056246.html
Really...a horse whisperer, huh? How about a real trainer? Would that do?
Honestly, this has to be joke of some sort.
Really...a horse whisperer, huh? How about a real trainer? Would that do?
Honestly, this has to be joke of some sort.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Learn How To Put A Bit On Correctly
http://medford.craigslist.org/grd/1338393138.html
I've noticed this lately on several posts AND when I go look at horses and their tack. People don't seem to know how a bit goes on a headstall.
Check out the lower left pic of the bit on the headstall. The damn thing is on upside down. See how it inverts into a 'V' but it looks like it's been pulled in a just a little bit?? That is, oh, so wrong! The bit is supposed to be the other way around and follow the curve of the horse's mouth, from the bars, over the tongue and on to the opposite other bars. Only a nimrod tries to put a bit on upside down to hurt the horse into submitting, which I think that's what these examples I've seen lately are trying to do. They don't have a CLUE how or why a bit works the way it's supposed.
So, if you don't know how a bit works, WHY in the hell are you even using it?? If you can't put a bridle together properly, should you really be in the saddle?? I think not!!
This is basic horsemanship. If you fork a horse, you should know how to saddle and bridle your horse properly. For this, there is NO excuse!
I've noticed this lately on several posts AND when I go look at horses and their tack. People don't seem to know how a bit goes on a headstall.
Check out the lower left pic of the bit on the headstall. The damn thing is on upside down. See how it inverts into a 'V' but it looks like it's been pulled in a just a little bit?? That is, oh, so wrong! The bit is supposed to be the other way around and follow the curve of the horse's mouth, from the bars, over the tongue and on to the opposite other bars. Only a nimrod tries to put a bit on upside down to hurt the horse into submitting, which I think that's what these examples I've seen lately are trying to do. They don't have a CLUE how or why a bit works the way it's supposed.
So, if you don't know how a bit works, WHY in the hell are you even using it?? If you can't put a bridle together properly, should you really be in the saddle?? I think not!!
This is basic horsemanship. If you fork a horse, you should know how to saddle and bridle your horse properly. For this, there is NO excuse!
'Always' Come Out With A Happy Horse?
http://medford.craigslist.org/grd/1337516332.html
At first glance, this is a nice ad. Personally, I would like to see pics but the overall tone is one of a gentle, nice person with horses.
The part I have a problem with is when ANYone states that, no matter what, they ALWAYS get so-and-so out of a horse. My first thought would be that this person needs to deal with WAY more horses.
I don't care who you are, if you've never had a horse that won't play ball the correct way, you need to deal with a lot more horses. I've found that about 3-5% of horses are actually hardwired wrong in the brain and can't be fixed. Just like people. There are the horsie loons out there that shouldn't have been born in the first place!
Now I know of trainers who only deal with certain breeds or even bloodlines. Hell, the older I get, I'm nearly to that point myself! That's fine. If you specialize in, say, hunt seat, you only want a certain type/kind of horse. To try to make a square horse fit into a round hole is defeating, big time! So, if you have any sense, you look for a certain type.
My problem is when someone says, 'come one, come all' with any type of horse and the horse will be a 'happy' one after the training. In the law of averages, just doesn't happen. If you're a trainer, you should have been on literally hundreds, if not thousands, of horses and have dealt with any and everything the horse can throw at you. Just because someone has trained even 25 head, doesn't mean much. Especially in this day and age of quickie training and people buying rank 4 year olds with nary a bit of handling or very little (actual case mentioned here).
So, I'd say go out and watch this poster and get in depth info about what he/she has done. If you have a fairly complacent horse and just want to plunk around an arena, then this may be the deal for you.
Forgot to say, even highly successful trainers have failures. The difference is that they know how to cover it up and keep the duds out of the limelight and never admit to it. No trainer is 100%. No one.
At first glance, this is a nice ad. Personally, I would like to see pics but the overall tone is one of a gentle, nice person with horses.
The part I have a problem with is when ANYone states that, no matter what, they ALWAYS get so-and-so out of a horse. My first thought would be that this person needs to deal with WAY more horses.
I don't care who you are, if you've never had a horse that won't play ball the correct way, you need to deal with a lot more horses. I've found that about 3-5% of horses are actually hardwired wrong in the brain and can't be fixed. Just like people. There are the horsie loons out there that shouldn't have been born in the first place!
Now I know of trainers who only deal with certain breeds or even bloodlines. Hell, the older I get, I'm nearly to that point myself! That's fine. If you specialize in, say, hunt seat, you only want a certain type/kind of horse. To try to make a square horse fit into a round hole is defeating, big time! So, if you have any sense, you look for a certain type.
My problem is when someone says, 'come one, come all' with any type of horse and the horse will be a 'happy' one after the training. In the law of averages, just doesn't happen. If you're a trainer, you should have been on literally hundreds, if not thousands, of horses and have dealt with any and everything the horse can throw at you. Just because someone has trained even 25 head, doesn't mean much. Especially in this day and age of quickie training and people buying rank 4 year olds with nary a bit of handling or very little (actual case mentioned here).
So, I'd say go out and watch this poster and get in depth info about what he/she has done. If you have a fairly complacent horse and just want to plunk around an arena, then this may be the deal for you.
Forgot to say, even highly successful trainers have failures. The difference is that they know how to cover it up and keep the duds out of the limelight and never admit to it. No trainer is 100%. No one.
Need To Know The Other Side Of The Story
http://medford.craigslist.org/grd/1337294992.html
This is a perfect case of someone who is disgruntled about how her mare came home. I can sure agree that something happened to the poor thing. Just looka the pic. BUT we're talking horses here. I would like to see the rest of the mare and see if she's in good weight or if she's all torn up over her body where the stud bit her.
As an aside, years ago, my horse biz partner had a stud who would bite the mare on the neck and tear holes into her flesh. Had to use a muzzle on him.
Anywho, back to the post subject...however, the mare is a horse and we all know that horses are an accident waiting to happen. Things happen all the time in the best laid plans.
My first thought was what was the other side of the story? A reputable breeder who breeds for free and then sends the horse home? I'm not sure if the mare stayed at the breeders during her pregnancy and foaling and then sent home or just the breeding and on to home. I think it means that the mare stayed put, was bred, foaled and then sent home (judging by the time of year it is).
Did the owner not check up on her mare? Nowadays there is all sorts of ways to keep tabs on your horse. Just a short video or even hotmail and yahoo have video and audio stuff. That should be in the contract. If not, it's too much trouble, I'd say the mare needs to stay home.
In this case, going by my gut feeling, I'd say there is blame to share on both sides. An owner wanted to lease her mare for a while (that's fine) but didn't follow through. The breeder is busy and sees a good deal and probably thought the owner wouldn't check up anyway (how many actually do?) and got her foal (I think) and sent the mare home, who looks a bit battle scarred.
Also, the mare could have banged her head on the trailer or a fence. No telling where. I'm betting the mare owner will keep better tabs and records from now on. Like all of us, sometimes you just don't see things coming till they happen to you and then you know to watch for that very thing.
This is a perfect case of someone who is disgruntled about how her mare came home. I can sure agree that something happened to the poor thing. Just looka the pic. BUT we're talking horses here. I would like to see the rest of the mare and see if she's in good weight or if she's all torn up over her body where the stud bit her.
As an aside, years ago, my horse biz partner had a stud who would bite the mare on the neck and tear holes into her flesh. Had to use a muzzle on him.
Anywho, back to the post subject...however, the mare is a horse and we all know that horses are an accident waiting to happen. Things happen all the time in the best laid plans.
My first thought was what was the other side of the story? A reputable breeder who breeds for free and then sends the horse home? I'm not sure if the mare stayed at the breeders during her pregnancy and foaling and then sent home or just the breeding and on to home. I think it means that the mare stayed put, was bred, foaled and then sent home (judging by the time of year it is).
Did the owner not check up on her mare? Nowadays there is all sorts of ways to keep tabs on your horse. Just a short video or even hotmail and yahoo have video and audio stuff. That should be in the contract. If not, it's too much trouble, I'd say the mare needs to stay home.
In this case, going by my gut feeling, I'd say there is blame to share on both sides. An owner wanted to lease her mare for a while (that's fine) but didn't follow through. The breeder is busy and sees a good deal and probably thought the owner wouldn't check up anyway (how many actually do?) and got her foal (I think) and sent the mare home, who looks a bit battle scarred.
Also, the mare could have banged her head on the trailer or a fence. No telling where. I'm betting the mare owner will keep better tabs and records from now on. Like all of us, sometimes you just don't see things coming till they happen to you and then you know to watch for that very thing.
So It's Magic That Works
http://medford.craigslist.org/grd/1337302942.html
At first, I was going to be snorky and have some fun with this ad...however, upon reflection, I can see another side of this.
After sitting back and watching the horse-owning crowd for the past few years, I'm truly kind of appalled at what has emerged AS the local horse rider/owner. Well, appalled might be too strong a word but close to it.
Remember when I wrote a little while back about the author of an article who took a whole freakin' page to explain to people why and how you shouldn't let your horse physically push you around?? In the real world, a short paragraph would do but in the alternative universe, you now need a whole page because people might not be 'comfortable' with disciplining their horse.
Still, I'm bothered when anyone says that your connection with a horse is 'magical' or 'mythical' or whatever. It's not. A horse is a real creature that is hard-wired to defend itself by fleeing or fighting back. It's up to the rider to learn to read their horse and then put that info to good use. There isn't any big mystery to owning or riding a horse.
Sure, getting out on the prairie and looking at a thunderstorm in the distance will take your breath away but it's not magical. It's real life.
However, as I stated above, after watching and reading all about how a horse elevates us to heretofor unknown bliss, someone DOES need to step in and get these types to be safe around a horse. If it takes talking to them like you're from Magical Land to show them how to be safe, then by all means, I 'think' I'm for it. Later on, after the rider has had a few wake-up calls dealing with the reality of a horse that just doesn't WANT to cross the water and wants a good tiff, then they may seek out a real grounded trainer/instructor for help...or sell the horse because the Magic was gone and find another better suited horse.
It makes my teeth itch to state such things but, honestly, someone needs to be in the niche of (mainly) middle-aged newbie riders who've only watched RFD-TV and think that riding is soooo EASY. All ya need is 'the Magic'.
*sigh*
At first, I was going to be snorky and have some fun with this ad...however, upon reflection, I can see another side of this.
After sitting back and watching the horse-owning crowd for the past few years, I'm truly kind of appalled at what has emerged AS the local horse rider/owner. Well, appalled might be too strong a word but close to it.
Remember when I wrote a little while back about the author of an article who took a whole freakin' page to explain to people why and how you shouldn't let your horse physically push you around?? In the real world, a short paragraph would do but in the alternative universe, you now need a whole page because people might not be 'comfortable' with disciplining their horse.
Still, I'm bothered when anyone says that your connection with a horse is 'magical' or 'mythical' or whatever. It's not. A horse is a real creature that is hard-wired to defend itself by fleeing or fighting back. It's up to the rider to learn to read their horse and then put that info to good use. There isn't any big mystery to owning or riding a horse.
Sure, getting out on the prairie and looking at a thunderstorm in the distance will take your breath away but it's not magical. It's real life.
However, as I stated above, after watching and reading all about how a horse elevates us to heretofor unknown bliss, someone DOES need to step in and get these types to be safe around a horse. If it takes talking to them like you're from Magical Land to show them how to be safe, then by all means, I 'think' I'm for it. Later on, after the rider has had a few wake-up calls dealing with the reality of a horse that just doesn't WANT to cross the water and wants a good tiff, then they may seek out a real grounded trainer/instructor for help...or sell the horse because the Magic was gone and find another better suited horse.
It makes my teeth itch to state such things but, honestly, someone needs to be in the niche of (mainly) middle-aged newbie riders who've only watched RFD-TV and think that riding is soooo EASY. All ya need is 'the Magic'.
*sigh*
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