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Articles 100+

Bitless Bridles

Book Reviews

Book & DVD's Recommended

DVD Reviews

Hoofcare

Horsemanship

Ideas for Fun

Laminitis Info

Natural Living

Paddock Paradise

Poems & Fun

Product Reviews

Saddles

Services Directory

Trailers/Floats

The Five Keys

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Young Horses

Zebra Training

I have set up a News Blog that will take the place of my newsletter. Subscribers will receive a notification email that there’s a new entry to read.

The News Blog will also be a great resource as all news items will be in categories to make it easier to find those useful pieces of info. It also has a good search function.

Cynthia's News

Equitana was HUGE!
I think I'm still recovering from the busiest 5 days ever. Our booth was too small to cope with all the people, so next year we'll be expanding to accommodate the increasing interest in bitless bridles.

The great thing is there are now so many more horses being ridden bitless that I'm sure will be happier. That's what keeps me going - knowing I'm making a difference to horses' lives and therefore people's lives too. Hopefully everyone is really enjoying their riding.

It was great to meet so many of the people who read this newsletter and have purchased products before - thanks for coming by to say hi.
Our success at Equitana was only possible with the help of my dear mum, Marian, and special friends Scilla Sayer and Saskia Rietveld (Saskia, Marian and I pictured above) who assisted at the event, while Larissa Zajicek from Germany stayed at home looking after everything. So a big 'Thank you' to you all - I couldn't have done it without you!

The Transitions to Bitless Riding Presentations were well received with good feedback from many who visited the booth after. Several people asked about the music we used at the start and finish – this was a very aptly named song by www.maryannkennedy.com called 'Ready For A Change' and can be purchased from her website.

Photo: Nelly and Cynthia with Nadia (left) on Diego and Annie (right) on TC did a wonderful job showing how to transition to a bitless bridle.

Nelly Jaehne from Firestone Lodge also inspired the crowds with her special performances each day. Bendigo Bank have sponsored Nelley and you can see her on this video talking about her continuing active life with horses despite being in a wheelchair with MS.

Congratulations to Melinda Fanning from Warwick in QLD who won the LightRider Bitless bridle from all the lucky draw entries at our booth. Melinda purchased a LightRider Stockhorse bridle for her campdrafting mare who is responding very well. Melinda is generously planning to donate her prize to a local event to use as a prize.

As you will read in the Events Details below, Equestrian Australia have anounced their partnership with Definitive Events to hold their Champiosnhips in conjunction with Equitana in Sydney, November 2011. So I guess we'll see you sooner than expected!

After Equtiana I treated myself to a relaxing three day clinic with Nevzarov's Haute Ecole Italian instructor, Maurizio Patti. It was such a soul nourishing experience and I believe it is the dawn of a new way of being with horses. To do the topic justice, I will write more about it in the next newsletter as a feature article.

Well this year sure has flown by and now its time to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. Who'd believe we're about to start another decade already! Take good care of yourselves and your animals over the holiday period and I'll look forward to keeping you informed and entertained in the coming new year.

Best Wishes and 'Keep it Natural' from Cynthia pictured here with Larissa (right), the horses Zach and Jack, and dogs - Meg and Tigga.

Inspiring Horsemanship

There are so many amazing horsemen out there showing us what a real relationship with the horse can achieve – if you have something to share please email it to me.

LUKAS' DOCUMENTARY RELEASED
Filming has completed on the life documentary of Lukas, the Guinness World Record titleholder for the "World's Smartest Horse." The self-titled documentary follows him as a "racetrack reject" to his explosion on the world scene as a "horse hero" of sorts.
The purpose of the movie, according to owner/trainer Karen Murdock is "To convey a message that not fitting into a mould, or even failing, perhaps many times, doesn't mean we should give up on ourselves or others.
It is still entirely possible to thrive and flourish and best of all, to help others through difficulties, despite hardship."
Scenes from Lukas' training, which includes such tricks as the Spanish walk, playing fetch, being blindfolded, and others, will be shown throughout the movie. It will also show newer skills Lukas is learning such as noticing proportion, spatial relationships, and object permanence--all of which could be future Guinness record attempts.

New Article -Separation Anxiety by Shiela Marshall

After having read much info, and asking loads of people, I was still struggling with “separation anxiety” issues!!! Nothing seemed to really work! We have 3 Quarter Horses, 2 geldings 9yrs old & 6yrs and a mare also 6yrs old, all related, AND all born & bred on our property. So as you can imagine, the bond between them is really strong!!!!
Getting two out riding was OK but not easy at times. There’d always be a lot of whinnying, and distress for the horse left behind. The other two would worry about their mate. Getting one horse out alone for a ride was near impossible!!!
Two would have to be locked in a yard whilst the third horse was wrestled down the drive for a so called ‘pleasure ride’!!! All in all, a nightmare for both horse and rider!

It was some months ago that I finally decided to buy a float of my own after having hired numerous dodgey ones! Our youngest gelding, Bundy was in the process of being started and would need to be float trained and transported periodically. It was during this period of float training that we noticed changes taking place with all three horses.
On a daily basis I was putting Bundy on and off the float. At first all three were anxious and agitated in case one was to whisked away, never to be seen again.!!!
After a week of this, they were all relaxed. We introduced a 10 minute drive from home. Straight there and back, only off loading on arrival back home. Bundy was getting used to the idea, whilst the remaining two horses were still distressed.
As the week progressed we lengthened our time away and introduced a couple of off load places before going home. Bundy was apprehensive at first but soon cottoned on to the idea that he would be going home, and started to relax.

It was during these longer periods that we noticed the other two horses had stopped rushing around the paddock whinnying in a panic! They too had become used to their mate leaving.
By the end of the following week, Bundy was being lunged and saddled up at various points on our float journeys. By now he was quite relaxed and no longer looking for his pals. The other two at home were now barely lifting their heads at his departure and arrivals.
After seeing these results, we tried the same process with the other two individually, introducing a short ride and then going home. Very soon they relaxed and their anxiety of being separated all but disappeared.
At last both horse and rider could have a pleasant ride!!

The key to breaking the anxiety seemed be their realisation that going away from home was not a bad experience, and that they would get to go home eventually. As a result we now have three much happier and calmer horses.
Whilst it’s not necessarily a ‘cure all’ and may not be everyone’s solution, I do hope that this will be of help to others who may have the similar difficulties!

Aussie News

The fate of some 5,000 wild horses at the Lake Gregory station in the Kimberly region of West Australia has hung in the balance since May this year. At that time we were told by the WA Government that the horses would be mustered and trucked to slaughter at Peterborough (SA), then (after public outrage) that they would be shot from helicopters, and then (after more outrage) that none would be killed.
In a tragic twist of events, it now again appears that killing — even trucking across Australia to be killed — may again be an option the Government is considering.
Whilst Animals Australia continues to lobby for the protection of these animals, for everyone who shares our concerns for the Lake Gregory horses we have prepared a running update with the latest information on this complicated issue.
http://www.animalsaustralia.org/features/lake-gregory-horses-latest-updates.php

Herbal and Natural Products targeted
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority ("APVMA") has demanded that manufacturers and retailers of herbal and natural products register them as "veterinary chemical products' under the Agvet code, or face enforcement action including prosecution.
We urge you to have a look at the site www.naturalpetproducts.com.au and take action now.  The Minsiterial review consultation period ends in January 2011. Please sign the petition now.

Bitless News

Bitless Buddies:
Do you want to connect with like minded bitless riders?
From discussions and feedback at Equitana, it seems there are a lot of people who ride with bitless bridles wanting to connect with bitless riders in their area.
The idea of 'Bitless Buddies' was formed and now we're offering a contact point for groups or people who would like to ride bitless with others.
It can be as informal as being able to find someone in your area to ride with occassionally, or as organised as a regular group get together where you get an instructor to come.
I'm going to list contacts on my Bitless Info page here.
Please send me your details if you'd like to be included– no matter where you live in the world!

The first 'Bitless Buddies' group has been started in the LeslieVale area – south of Hobart in Tasmania by instructor, Scilla Sayer, who hosted their first group day with 6 horses and 11 people. The next one is on the 2nd of January so please contact Scilla if you'd like to be involved: Phone 62396406 or 0409476624.

Bitless bridle article: the Dec/January Hoofbeats Magazine has a good article on bitless bridles - great to see the mainstream magazines focusing on bitless as well as bits!

Bitless Bridle Feedback

Photo: Twiff and Jo.
Nan from her riding school in Longford, TAS writes: "It was her first lesson with him. He was so easy to swap to a Bitless as his owner had done heaps of ground work in a halter. He is a lovely steady mount that everyone loves."

"I want to let you know that I love my LightRider bitless noseband.
It is still early days as I have only ridden in it 4 times but I have really tested it during these rides.
I know you advise taking things slowly to introduce the feel to the horse but I know my mare really well and trust her not to rear, bolt or generally kick up a fuss so I chucked us in the deep end and went for a forest ride with my friend the second time I tried it.
Well, we cantered and jumped and I had just as much control as with a bit.
I have jumped her around a tight course and she is perfectly steerable and controllable.
I have never been able to do canter to trot transitions smoothly without her rushing but yesterday she just slipped back into trot without a fuss. Her head carriage in the trot was long and low, not tight, high and sucked back like she can be in a bit.

My friend has a fit, healthy 25 year ex-eventer who has always been strong/keen when jumped. Well she tried the LR noseband yesterday and was amazed. He was calm, relaxed, looked a little puzzled and kept licking his lips but cantered smoothly over the jumps with no 'race horse' tendencies. To me it seemed he had nothing to fight/worry about into the jump. She went home and ordered her own LR noseband straight away!

Quality wise it is well made and looks attractive. I have the leather noseband and the leather is supple and well stitched. I couldn't be more pleased and am telling every horsy person I encounter about your fantastic product. Thank you!

I have just got back from a two trek over the Okuku Ranges, in Canterbury, South Island. My friend Jan and I used our LR nosebands for all 9 hours in the saddle. The nosebands were great. Definitely as much control as with a bit but we felt it was kinder for the horses who were working very hard for us.
Lots of people on the trek commented on them and liked the look of them. I explained the difference in design of the LR to other bitless bridles and the versatility of the LR noseband. I hope we have converted a few people! I have heard from several people that these were very popular at the recent Equitana. Great news!" Sarah, Christchurch, New Zealand

"My mare Lady is a 30yr old stockhorse cross. She is still sound and active, and we mainly do short trail rides. She was Parelli trained when she was about 12yrs old, and I learnt to ride on her, learning "natural" horsemanship methods rather than pony club style.
Anyway, because she had already been taught to yield to pressure, the light rider bridle transition was virtually non-existent. I had only rode in rope halters before this so my first experience of putting a bridle on was interesting!
Lady loves the LightRider, it gives me a more consistent ask and I believe more control. The rope halter knots on the older horse can start to cause problems, and I didn't like the weight of the fiador knot pulling the halter down constantly under her chin. The LightRider takes that constant pressure off. It looks really smart too!
Thank you again. " Carly Richmond

More LightRider Bridle Feedback – read it all on the LightRider Feedback page or on www.lightriderbridle.com/testimonials.htm

Barefoot News

Congratulations to the following Hoofcare students who have achieved their Certificate 3 in Equine Hoofcare with the Tasmanian Polytechnic this month:

Kel Elford – Tasmania
Sue Vickering – Victoria
Chantelle Holden – QLD
Donna Anderson – QLD
Sarah Pelmore – NSW (pictured at the course)

Sue Vickering writes of her experience:
“I discovered barefoot about 4 years ago and after doing lots of research on the internet decided that it was in the best interest of my horse to give it a go. It was a reasonably trouble-free transition with the help of some hoof boots. I started to trim for myself after my horse was out of work for 3 months due to an injury. I took a hoof trimming clinic and have been trimming my own horse ever since.
Being very impressed with how my own horse was going barefoot, I was very interested when I read
about TAFE of Tasmania offering the Natural Hoof Care course.
The course started with an intensive 2 week block which I had to stay in Tasmania to do. This seemed quite daunting at first but I can honestly say it was the best 2 weeks you can imagine for someone with a passion for horses and hooves. The whole 2 weeks was jam-packed with learning amongst a group of like-minded people. It was a fantastic experience and some great friendships were formed.
The course co-ordinators and tutors were wonderful and generously shared their knowledge and
experience with the students. They created a really supportive and encouraging group in which to learn.”

The Functional Hoof - Australian Conference - tickets selling now !
Check out the website www.thefunctionalhoof.com for the full schedule of events completely updated. Don't forget early bird tickets run out on December 15th so make your booking now.

Equine Soundness are offering a free webinar at the end of December. It has a little bit of a different theme. Please sign up early, as space is limited. All you have to do is register. www.equinesoundness.com/Partner_Horse.html

The Australian Equine Barefoot Movement
AEBM Membership is only AU$25 a year. This money is used solely to promote the benefits of a barefoot, natural lifestyle for our domestic horses. Membership includes:
o Member’s only competitions
o A $25.00 Cavallo gift voucher for every member of AEBM which can be used towards the purchase of any Cavallo Hoof boots or saddle pad from Cavallo Australia
o A 10% discount on any purchase from Cavallo Australia (not to be used with above voucher)
o Priority sponsorship of members’ club events
Want more information about the AEBM?
o Would you like to read articles about barefooting?
o Looking for a Hoofcare Professional in your area?
o Are you a Hoofcare Professional?
For this information and much more (like 33 articles on barefoot and natural lifestyle), go to www.aebm.org.au/articles.htm

Want some more Christmas Reading – The Barefoot Blacksmith's newsletter is full of good articles and advice and this month includes a nice piece on Libby Franz's 'Walkabout Track' design – well worth reading for some great ideas on how to give your horses a better lifestyle.
www.barehoofcare.com/media/Barehoofcare_Summer2010.pdf

Product News

Jayne and Stuart Myers have been busy writing a whole series of information booklets on all aspects of Sustainable Horsekeeping. We hope to have them all ready for launch by the end of the year. For a taster of just one (of nine!) of the booklets go to www.equiculture.com.au/planning%20teaser.pdf

Slowfeeding and paddock paradise article: this excellent article features in the Dec/Jan Hoofbeats Magazine. It gives a great overview of a better way to save hay when providing it 24/7 - something on many Western Australian horse owners minds during their current drought. The section on Paddock Paradise shows how easy it is to set up a better lifestyle for your horse that also preserves your grass for hay cutting or controlled grazing.

New in the Natural Horse World Store – Films by Alexander Nevzorov -The Horse Crucified and Risen 1 (the Horse Encyclopedia) and 2 – Double DVD sets - Christmas Holiday Special - $55 each or both for $100.
The Haute Ecole Principles by Alexander Nevzorov - $65

The Path of The Horse Tele Seminars – Set of 6 x 1 hour CD's, This excting Teleseminar series is a collection of recorded live calls with teachers from the Path of the Horse film.
Glean new information about the understanding and wisdom of the horse – featuring Carolyn Resnick,Klaus Ferdinand Hempfling, Linda Kahonahov, Alexander Nevzarov, Stormy May and Anna Twinney. Normally $40 – Christmas Special of $25. www.naturalhorseworldstore.com

New LightRider Bitless Bridles in 'Arabian Cob' size – dark brown (almost black) top quality drum dyed leather in the English style only for $89.
These bridles have a larger browband and throatlatch to accommodate the broader arabian head and jowl, with the smaller noseband and chinstrap for the finer arabian nose. Pictured right. www.naturalhorseworldstore.com

New LightRider Rope Reins in the Zig Zag pattern – quality marine braid 10mm Tuff Tack rope that has a lovely soft feel to it. With brass scissor clips - $35 and with SS scissor clips $45. Now available in brown/beige and black/beige will be available in the New Year. www.naturalhorseworldstore.com

Health News

12 Tips to help your horse survive the laminitis season

1. Restrict access to grass – too much grass is the number one cause of laminitis.

2. Restrict the amount of grass and the time you allow grazing – the best time is in the early hours of the morning between 4am and 9am.

3. Give no access to pasture that is rye grass and clover (or more than 50%).

4. Make a track around the paddock to restrict the grass but not the movement that is vital to a horse's overall health and well being.

5. Provide a slow feeder with low sugar grass hay and soak the hay if your horse has had laminitis previously.

6. Feed a good complete mineral mix and extra magnesium in a handful of chaff with a low/no sugar feed such as Speedibeet, Copra meal or Soy hulls.

7. Feeding KER's Equishure (buffered sodium bicarbonate) can help and is gentler on the horse's system than feeding Founderguard (contains an antibiotic) long term.

8. Feeding a toxin binder can help if the pasture/track has a lot of weeds that the horse may be eating such as capeweed, plantain, false dandelion – all high in sugar.

9. Exercise the horse (in boots if needed) to work up a sweat at least 2-3 times a week – riding if capable, driving or leading off another horse, or playing high energy games at liberty.

10. Keep your horses in a herd so they move more around the track.

11. Have the hooves trimmed at least every 4 weeks – they grow faster during spring and summer.

12. If your horse becomes lame, suspect an abscess and be prepared to call your trimmer or vet, soak and pad their hooves until they are no longer lame.
    

Laminitis Videos Online
The international equine charity, World Horse Welfare has a series of videolectures on laminitis by some of the world’s leading authorities on the condition.
Shown in five films, the lectures provide invaluable expert advice about the signs, treatment and prevention of laminitis.
They were recorded during a Laminitis Awareness tour of British University Veterinary colleges earlier this year.
Featured specialists include Professor Derek Knottenbelt, Dr Cathy McGowan and Alex Dugdale from the University of Liverpool, David Catlow from Oakhill Veterinary Centre and Samantha Lewis from World Horse Welfare.
They discuss “The Horse’s Foot and How it Goes Wrong” (Prof Knottenbelt,) “Managing your Laminitic and Minimising his Pain” (Dr McGowan,) “Recognising the Early Signs of Laminitis” (David Catlow,) “Using Ultrasound to show the Difference Between Fat and Muscle” (Alex Dugdale,) and “How to Fat Score a Horse” (Samantha Lewis.)
The lectures were organised by Dr Teresa Hollands, Senior Nutritionist at Dodson and Horrell. She said: “Although laminitis is perceived to be worse in spring and autumn it is actually a condition which occurs throughout the year. These films give owners the ideal opportunity to remind themselves of what to look out for, and how to minimise the chances of their horse contracting laminitis.”
The films can be watched at www.youtube.com/horsecharity

DVD & Website Review

The Top 10 Basics of Regular Horse Care – with Wrangler Jayne
This is one DVD every beginner or inexperienced horse owner would find very helpful. Even those who have ridden for years but have not had to care for a horse daily, will benefit from these important tips.

All those tasks that we take for granted like the correct way to rug a horse or put on a fly mask even haltering correctly are covered along with the not so easy jobs of treating an eye injury, taking heart rate, temperature and cleaning the sheath.

Jayne shows the tasks, broken down into achievable steps to do things many of us take for granted like handling the feet, deworming and spraying insect repellant.
The only commment some might make is that all these are demonstrated on her lovely quiet gelding who is used to practically everything! While I agreee that its often good to see what to do with a difficult horse, this would be then aimed towards more advanced handlers.
Its also very time consuming to show the process with a difficult horse and could make it a very long and boring DVD which this one is not!

Jayne's engaging style keeps you focused as she gives tips and ideas for the 10 most common jobs that are part of every horse owner's responibility.
You can get a copy from www.wranglerjayne.com.au

Web sites recently added to the links page:
www.earthsongranch.com/ - this website has some great articles on nutrition, laminitis and feeding. Take the time to do some holiday reading – good natural products too for USA subscribers.

Readers News

Allyson writes “I have two ex gallopers, one who was “lucky” enough to be a roarer and therefore was quickly discarded but found a home instead of a dogger’s van... The other was not so fortunate.
He turned out to be quite the runner, was worked hard in his career and when he angrily decided he didn’t want to play any more, was thrown aside to a clueless 16 year old girl. 
I am not sure which was worse – “living” like this, being neglected and literally starved almost to death, or having a quick end to his misery being mutilated at the dogger’s pen.... 

After some time of being left to rot in his tiny yard, it was at this point that I found him.  Something inside this emaciated, violently angry and abused horse made me look past the skin and bones to the magnificent creature within.

Photo: Maestro when I first found him. Too weak to be angry.

It took 2 years for me to gain enough confidence to communicate properly with this horse, and another 4 years to gain HIS confidence, thanks to a little old man in Texas USA who has dealt with the 'broken soul' animals that we find so often.  This belligerent, violent (and justifiably so) horse has now become my “back pocket pony”, a horse so communicative, so responsive, so insightful he is going to be the Pilot horse for my studies and fascination in helping people who have people problems,  seeking the help of horses to solve those problems for them.

Your article indicates in the most polite way possible what happens to these poor creatures as a result of over breeding and training methods and housing methods that should have long gone by the wayside, but still prevail in the name of “but that is the way we have always done it”. 
The result  of this is all too evident in the website you will find if you google “Australia's Fallen Racehorses” and there they all are, but only the ones who made it that far...  catalogues and labelled, details of what happened, and how short their lives were. Lest we forget. “

Photo: Maestro, in all his glory now as a normal horse. My magnificent boy...

Kylie writes: My 'Go Get em Jack' has been picked as the poster boy for Equitana AERA stall for Endurance.  I dont know if they realised they picked a horse's photo who is bitless (wearing your LightRider bitless bridle), treeless, shoeless and booted and not an arab! lol.

Johanna writes: “I can’t stop thinking about your words of wisdom. This is a big moment for me. In our minds we really perceive life differently to our horses. For them it’s all about family and ‘being’ and for us we have to be ‘doing and achieving’. While our minds are racing with thoughts and feelings, horses are a constant in our lives. We are all aware of the feelings that arise when we get a horse? For me it’s been a matter of working through strong feelings every step of the way; indecision, fear, impatience, boredom and guilt. Each step of the way has been an excuse to “give up.

For many of us, the horse is a source of pressure instead of an object of love and relaxation. I understand how this can directly lead to neglect or wanting to get rid of him. It is all in our thinking – I can’t do this, I don’t have time and as a result of negative emotions we no longer want to spend time with our horse. Many horses sit in paddocks because their owners have come to a point of emotional overload.

We feel pressured, guilty and driven and our horses are trying to say – “just relax”. After four years with my lovely horse (Rex is pictured below) and doing lots of natural training and improving my riding that I have come to this simple point of reality.
“My horse is happy to fit in with my life”. Yes I need to fulfil his basic needs and make sure that he is healthy and happy but he is undemanding because he is always in the moment.
He is there for me and our relationship continues even if I am too busy with other things or the weather is bad. I don’t have to ride him. Even if I have ten minutes I can go out and groom him or give him a big hug or I can take him for a walk with the dogs or we can go for a long ride or muster sheep. Anyway we relate he is happy. I have gone past the point where I could sell him and that’s a big thing. It is a relationship. I accept him as he is and he accepts me and through this process I am learning to accept myself. To have a horse in ones life is part of a wider personal and spiritual journey if we can embrace it that way.”

Events Details

Carlos Tabernaberri Clinics/lessons:
Lessons/Clinic (Hobart)
Date: 22nd January 2011 Private Lessons
23rd January 2011 Clinic (fence sitters welcome)
Time: 9.00am-5.00pm
Venue: Tasmanian Equestrian Centre - Lauderdale
Contact: Bronwyn Fletcher
Mobile: 0408354605 Email: b.fletcher@fletcherpumps.com.au

2011 Courses with Sam and Sascha Watson in Western Australia -from www.horsesandhorsemen.com
January 3 - 12th Challenge 1A, and simultaneously Challenge 2A/3A Mixed Multi-level. Sam will be on 1A, Sascha on the Multi-level.
January 15th - 19th Advancing Liberty This is for anyone who has done one of the First Liberty Courses.
January 25th - 29th Level one liberty course. This is for people who have never done a liberty course with us. The pre-requisite is to have attended a Challenge 1A course - at least - both the rider and the horse.

Parelli 3 * instructor Chris Corbidge Clinics
5 day L2/3 course at STQHA Pontville - Jan 22nd-26th 2011
Bookings contact Chris at www.chriscorbidge.com.au

Chris Corbidge 3* Parelli instructor
2 day combined level clinic in Jackeys Marsh, Tasmania, January 29th & 30th 2011Cost is $395 for Savvy Club Members. Non Members $495
Spectators $65 for 1 day or $100 for 2 days.
For more info email Karen Lockwood pklocky@activ8.net.au

"The Functional Hoof" Australian Conference
Feb 2nd - 5th 2011 Werribee Victoria Australia www.thefunctionalhoof.com

CONNECTING WITH HORSES & RIDING WITH SYNCHRONICITY
26th - 28th of February 2011
Limited positions available - so book now!!
Cost $550.00 Book now…to improve your relationship with your horse.
Mel Fleming will be holding a 3 day Horsemanship course in Rosa Brook,
(20 Minutes east of Margaret River W.A) on the 26th - 28th of February 2011.
Saddle Fitting, lecture/demo Friday 25th Feb 8:30 - 10:30 $25/head. Followed by individual saddle fitting sessions ($88) which can include test riding a BALANCE saddle.
Mel Fleming has a diverse range of skills, many years of experience in starting horses under saddle, solving behaviour problems with difficult horses, and developing competition and performance horses. Naturally a teacher, Mel has a clear concise and encouraging style of teaching and her passion for horsemanship is clearly demonstrated in her training.
Mel has competed successfully in dressage and jumping and in 1990 represented Australia at the World Equestrian games in Vaulting and although not a competitor in Western disciplines she has trained and studied in those areas also.
For bookings and details Contact Mel 02. 6760 5519 / 0428 385 745 or contact via the website at www.melfleming.com.au

To Book saddle fittings or for details about the clinic venue contact Gi'Nelle Stammers stammersg@boranupgallery.com or phone: 08. 9758 7227

EQUITANA COMES TO SYDNEY IN 2011 FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME
Horse lovers from all over Australia and around the World will now be able to experience the biggest and most exciting equine event in the Southern Hemisphere - EQUITANA - in Sydney.
EQUITANA Sydney will be launched at Sydney Showground in November 2011. This inaugural event will also incorporate the Equestrian Australia – Australian Grand Final.  Equestrian Australia has joined forces with Definitive Events, the organisers of EQUITANA in Australia, to develop a national annual Grand Final for Dressage, Jumping and modified Eventing.
The Grand Final will be conducted within EQUITANA annually and will alternate between Sydney and Melbourne.
EQUITANA Sydney will also incorporate Australian Grand Finals in Campdrafting, Reining and Cutting.
Sydney Showground will play host to four days of competition, entertainment, education and exhibition.  The transformation will include seating for over 6,000, 250 stables and yards, accommodating nearly 1,000 horses and 100 head of cattle, 300 cubic metres of sawdust and 2000 tonnes of soil. 
“Sydney Showground is part of the premier major events precinct in Australia – Sydney Olympic Park, and is renowned for delivering the best event experiences in the country.

Classifieds

FOR SALE: "Charlie" 3yo Clydesdale x currently 15.3hh, Bay gelding.
 Charlie has been backed and is currently being ridden out and going very well. 
He is a lovely young horse who will make a wonderful riding horse when fully mature. Needs a knowledgeable rider who can take him thru to his full potential.
 He has been foal imprinted, is great to catch,  has regularly had his feet trimmed, and been allowed to grow into an awesome young horse, in tough but fertile large paddocks in a natural herd situation.
 
He has been backed by experienced handler using PNH methods, however he has also been mouthed and is currently being ridden in a bridle so that he has a rounded introduction to the world of riding, this has included bush trails, stockwork, riding out in company and on his own.  Although still green and immature he is more impressive with every ride, and needs someone to take him quietly and positively forward until such time as he is ready for harder work. Price $3,500.
For further enquiries contact Tara on 63 736145. or email taranick@activ8.net.au Horsemanship references available.

The EQUUS SHOP is now only ON-LINE.
Anybody wanting to view items or sell items may do so via appointment only.
ON-LINE SHOP is always being updated so pop the following link on your favourites and visit us regularly
www.equusequestriancentre.com/Shop.html

Classified Adds are free if you send them in the body of an email and if you have a photo it must be under 200kb in size. Please submit them before the 10th of each month for publication.

 

News from Cynthia

The final practice for the Bitless Riding presentations went well so I hope lots of people come to see the results on Thursday at 3pm in the John Deere demo arena, and on Friday at 10am in the Epsom Demo arena 2. Nelly with her young nieces, Nadia and Annie have done a wonderful job in presenting the 'boys' - TC and Diego who have learned their roles well, having a familiar routine.

Photo below: Nadia and Diego

Karen and Bluey play with the big green ball and below, Paul gets Tiny to accept the big monster too.

New Article

Bitless News

Winners of the LightRider Bridle Photo Competition
The Bitless photo contest once again received over 50 entries for the Head shot and Action sections.
There were some fantastic entries making the choice difficult for the judges, who all came up with different choices. The criteria considered was correct fit of the bridle, general apeal overall the message the photo gave.

The winner of the Head Shot photo is Charmaine Cooney's Ellie who is a Clydy x QH mare. Charmaine (from Tasmania) will receive a Leather or Standard Biothane LightRider Bridle of her choice.

The winner of the Action Photo is Janeen Smith's arabian endurance horse with the photo credit going to Rob Featonbury. Janeen (from south Australia) will receive a Leather or Standard Biothane LightRider Bridle of her choice.

And the runner up is Louise Crosbie's Oakwood Import still jumping and looking wonderful at 20. Louise (from Western Australia) will receive a Leather or Standard Biothane Bitless Noseband of her choice.

Special mention goes to the other two finalists in this section: Tanja Verhagen from Sweden (left), and Jessica & Juno Ryan from New Zealand (below right).

Introduction to Bitless Riding Workshops
My recent workshop at Scottsdale in the North East of Tassie, was attended by a dozen or so members of their Adult Riding Club. It was great to work with people so motivated to improve the relationship with their horse by going bitless.
Everyone got to borrow a LightRider Bitless Bridle to try out and what a change most of them saw a the end of the day. Horses that previously snatched at the bit, tossed their heads and fought the bit, were calmly controlled even when they tested their riders during periods of seperation anxiety.
Learning how to control the horse through the hindquarter yield (and removing the bit) certainly made a big difference.
Thanks to Christine for organising it all and I look forward to seeing everyone again in the New Year. Photo (by Larissa): Kathy Smith and Buster test out some obstacles.

Want to hold a Bitless Riding Workshop in your area?
Riding bitless is a little different to riding with a bit, and with many different types of bitless bridles to choose from, it's important to get one that will suit your horse and style of riding.
In the workshops I explain how to select, fit and use a bitless bridle, focusing on being safe and able to control your horse with your leg, seat and rein combined.
Bridles will be available to try out and purchase at these workshops.
The minimum number of riders required is six and maximum is 10. Price ranges from $50 - $70 per rider (and $25 per fence sitter) depending on how far I need to travel.

Product News

New LightRider Rope Bitless Bridle colours
The Natural Rope bitless bridle will soon be available in some snazzy new colour combinations designed through www.ropeonline.com
The brown and gold zig zag pattern rope (pictured) will be released in limited numbers at Equitana followed by a black and gold version in December, just in time for Christmas shopping.
If you'd like to be notified of their availability, please sign up for the LightRider News emails at www.lightriderbridle.com/blog.html or just check the blog regularly.

LightRider Bridle Feedback "Amazing news with my daughters pony who has been the last to be ridden with a bitless bridle simply because she is having lessons and I felt that might disrupt things. Anyway look at the picture attached, he has never been so forward and happy and is jumping much better than I have ever seen him jump. To be honest I always felt a bit guilty with him still having to tolerate the bit but am over the moon now.I am absolutely loving the leather bridles and we use the rope one for the beach now. Thanks". Kate in WA
Read more feedback on the bridles here

Blue Mountain Rider by Mary Benson and Hedy Strauss
Reviewed by Carol M. Upton

Mares! (Ya Gotta LOVE ‘em) - Compiled by Betsy Kelleher
Fifty Stories to Aid and Inspire Mare Owners
Reviewed by Carol M. Upton: www.dreamsaloud.ca

Readers News

The Story of the UN-NAMED Pony by Ruth Tanner.
As it often does it started with a phone call from a rather stressed lady. About a pony they had rescued from being abandoned. They had him for two years and now, he has a skin issue and they didn’t know what to do with him. Although the family had horses?. The husband wanted it gone after all it wasn’t their pony. They had heard about me and got my number off the RSPCA and asked *could I help*
“Yes of course I can, can you bring him to me?” Anyway, as it does, the story didn’t really match the sorry little sight that awaited me.
A skinny, bloated wormy bellied , hairy , dirty, lice and tick ridden, scabby, wounded, long toed Shetland.
So run down and unresponsive his head low ,no energy emerged from the float .
He as it turns out has been like this for a good year. Yellow sulphur was applied after a close inspection.

Next day Caroline and I started the task to trim his fluff. Hoping to leave some coverage. NO we couldn’t it all had to come off. Every single section of hairy body was infested with feeding lice and then there was at least 4 generations waiting in the ranks for their turn. Ticks were abundant.
In the meantime my youngest daughter Monica had given him a name. TYKE.... as in *poor little TYKE*
Tyke was shaved, washed. Scabs and wounds attended too. Feet trimmed. He was adorable he stood and put up with it all, I like to think Knowing we were trying to help him. I don’t have a rug that small!! He can’t be totally bald and no coverage. A full sized woolly neck rug almost covered him from his neck to his little none stub of a tail. A doona cut out to shape for the night air. He did look the part.

I sent out an intro email and hello on face book, for sponsors/help. After the death of my husband and main support on my casual wage I could not afford all the medicated items he would need and rugs etc.
Borrowed rugs come from Nadine, Bronwyn from saddle world Devonport sent up a winter combo for him, Claudette bought him a summer. Claire bought up a wormer and quit itch. Tamara bought him towels, oil and mineral block, Vicki sent him a neck rug and bits.

PHEW!! he was going to be ok with all this for TYKE. I started his hard feed and telling him how very much he was loved by so many. Not that he really cares I think that is after all a human emotion. But hey J It made me feel better.
He has yet to have his teeth done as I suspect he has never had them done. !!!
But as bald as he is and rather funny looking with no mane and tail his wounds are healing , scabs are brushing off, he is at least holding his head a little higher and calls out to me with energy. He canters in the paddock with Astral.

His nicker of a morning to say “HI”, his snuggle in the paddock when I sit beside him and scratch his itches. Is why the passion for what I do is the reason I am here. After the loss of my husband I had given up hope of ever continuing with the horses. Not able to take on the strays and unwanted. On a causal wage it is too hard. But I have learnt if you ask a question you get an answer if you ask for HELP you shall be helped. I ask not only for me but I ask for TYKE for assistance with his teeth bill, and maybe some feed.

I just want to thank everyone for their words and support over the last few months. Too many to list. But without you guys I couldn’t do what I need to do and that is be here for the unsung hero’s of our country the HORSE in what ever size it comes. And my two girls who are my life and my treasures for their support.
Ruth Tanner can be contacted via www.monJesLodge.webs.com

Lisa Silk writes: "My husband and I are members of the Victorian Brumby Association, we help re-home brumbies that are being caught by the National Parks of N.S.W and Victoria. Our President Colleen O’Brien is working very hard with the Parks to try and stop Brumby Running in Victoria. My Husband and I are also very lucky to have two of these beautiful brumbies as a part of our family. Their names are Adina (pic left) and Alabama ( pic below). I ride Adina in a bitless bridle which I purchased from your website and we love it."

 

Merlin (above) and Seductress (below) are the stunning new additions to Lisa's colourful Zintahn herd in Tasmania.

 

New Arrivals: (left) Anne's Florianne with her first foal - a palomino 3/4 arabian colt and (right) Vanessa's Missy with her big colt, Talley, by a Waler.

Wallbrook Stud's Nadeen and Lee Davis welcome Kestral's filly (left) by ster stallion 'Hotse" and Reimke's filly by a Gypsy Cob stallion.

News from Cynthia

Hello Horselovers - my preparations for Equitana have included a new logo for Natural Horse World. It was designed by talented artist Nicole Cameron who also did my LightRider Bitless Bridle logo. I hope you like as much as I do.

Equitana is the largest Equestrian Expo in the southern hemisphere and runs from from November 18 to 21st. For the first time, I'm presenting two sessions on 'Transitions to Bitless' at 3pm on Thursday the 18th in the John Deere demo arena 3, and at 10am on Friday in the Epsom demo arena 2. You can read more info on all the Equitana educators here.

Fundraising to assist Nelly Jaehne to purchase a 4wd wheelchair has been successful and Nelly now has the chair that is enabling her to prepare the horses for her Equitana Inspirational displays and the 'Transition to Bitless' presentations.
3% of all LightRider Bridle sales between August and November will go towards the expenses involved in getting her horses to Equitana (a 12 hour ferry ride across Bass Strait) so many thanks to all who have purchased a LightRider Bridle recently.

If you are coming to Equitana, find me at the Natural Horse World booth 409 in the main Epsom Pavillion where you can also get your free 'My Horse Loves a Natural Horse World' bumper sticker.
Remember to bring the LightRider Bridle Coupon from Horse Deals magazine so you can be entered into the draw for a LightRider Bridle plus receive 10% off your bridle purchase.

For those who can't make it to Equitana, I'm hoping to keep you all updated via a new blog that I'll be starting. I'm thinking this may take over the newsletter format so that all the news items are properly catalogued and easily searched for. Please let me know what you think - it means you would hear from me weekly and have more up-to-date news. I would still include all the current regular sections of the newsletter so you get to read about all that's new and natural.
Looking forward to hearing from you and in the meantime love those horses.

New Article - Evolving Horsemanship

“It is less about method and more about connection, communication and authenticity in a relationship situation.” says Mark Mottershead from Horse Conscious.

This comment got me thinking about how much the world of horsemanship is changing for the better. I'm continously coming across people from all over the world who are thinking and acting quite differently with their horses. These are people who put relationship first - not the dominance kind either - the equal relationship that errs to the side of putting the horse first and allowing them to make the choices about whether and how they would like to interact with us.

For these truly horse conscious people, ego has no place in the horse arena, and many are prefering to hang out with their horses to competing for that recognition that humans seem to crave. Some are even going as far as to not ride their horses, or travel them anywhere due to the stress it can put on them, and in many cases I tend to agree.
Unless you are willing to spend a lot of time carefully conditioning and educating your horse to carry a well fitting saddle, bitless bridle and a rider, without future long term physical harm to their structure, its probably better to stay off them.

Unless you are willing to put in the time and gradual training to have your horse cope with seperation from the herd, freely going onto a horse trailer, and cope with increasing levels of exposure to different situations, without stress, then better to leave them at home. Or better still - play with them at home until they can do all the above and enjoy it.
And then there's the expectations we put on our horses to perform and do things for us. Carolyn Resnick put it beautifully in her blog - excerpt below:

A Word About Horses and Humans and Performance from Carolyn Resnick.
“Horses and humans are both social by nature, the difference is that horses are looking for well being through sharing the moment in companionship more than humans these days.
It is a true magnetic draw that horses have for certain people, but it appears that the human is not wanting to connect with the horse as much as they want the horse to perform some act that they think is desirable. Maybe the horse does not want to be ridden or competed on.
An example of dysfunctional expectations would be if someone expected to train a rock to jump over a fence. Rocks can be trained, and I happen to have an exceptionally well trained rock.
My secret to well trained rocks is that I don’t ask them to do something that is out of their ability. A rock can’t jump – but if I play my cards right, it can become a great paperweight!
Some people are so performance oriented that they measure the depth of a horse’s love for them by how well their horse performs. Few people get a horse just to enjoy its friendship.” Read the rest of this post at www.carolynresnickblog.com/a-word-about-horses-and-humans-and-the-performance/

So you can start feeling less guilty about having your horse purely for the joy of spending time with them, admiring their beauty, feeding and caring for them, knowing that you're not alone. You might even join the ranks of those 'horse rescuers' who keep their old horses when they are past their prime, or keep a horse purely as a companion to another. If you have the resources, why not!
So many people agonise over selling their much loved horse because they 'don't have time for them or feel they need to be doing something useful.

Well guess what - the horse doesn't mind sitting in the pasture provided it has food/water, shelter, horse company, room to run and regular attention to maintenance such as worming, hoof trims and dentistry. Horse love to do eat, socialise and sleep - and if they're young, play with another at times.
What they don't enjoy is stress, changing owners, leaving their friends and lack of care and companionship. Food for thought.

Here is a video that will also get you thinking called Horse Motivation.

 

Bitless News

New addition to Bitless Riding Tips: Getting a Bitless Connection
by Josepha at www.josepha.info
Q: How do I get connection with my horse without a bit? Read the answer here.

Did you know that the original bitless bridle was a cavesson ? – according to research done by Thomas Ritter, who says “classical dressage has used a bitless bridle for over 400 years. It’s called a cavesson. It began as a type of rope halter” read more here.

Bitless Driving with a Llama! Teresa in the USA sent me this lovely photo - if you can drive a Llama bitless and blinkerless why not a horse?

Stressless and Bitless Dressage: The Heart of England Natural Horse Group in the UK recently held a Stressless Dressage day, it was a great day with very few rules and and no stress, it was more like a group of friends getting together than a competition.
Bitless wasn't mandatory but there was a class for anyone who had ridden
bitted in a walk and trot test to ride the test again bitless for free.
The idea was to try and encourage people to have a go at bitless.
Everyone who rode the test bitless improved on their score from anything
between 4 and 15%, and the judge commented on how much freer the horses moved.
The class was actually won by a lady who went both bareback and
bridleless.

News from Paul Walker who works in Argentina:
"I wanted to tell you something that I found interesting.
Chilean Rodeo is a very rough sport, either for horses and for the cows. I have trained chilean criollos and they are very intelligent, couragueous and forward thinking. Very fast learning.
I went to a very famous stud and heard that the national champions, two high class riders with very good rodeo horses, had competed and won the nationals.... bitless! They won the championship working their horses from the nose, even though the rules don't allow them to ride without a bit, they rode with the bit but the reins attached to the noseband.
I find this is interesting because it is a class that is very traditional and short minded, so these small changes say a lot."

Aussie News

Horse Lovers Protest Against Sale of Horse Meat
Today a group of over 50 horse lovers (with horses), community members, and local Labor politicians gathered to protest against the Liberal State Governments recent decision to allow the sale of Horse Meat for Human Consumption.

Minister Terry Redman granted local Perth Butcher, aka "The Price of Flesh" Vince Gareffa a license to sell Horse Meat for Human consumption. The protest was organised by Beth Reily a local Horse Rescuer and Amanda Vella from Save a Horse Australia (S.A.H.A) which has a membership following of over 2000 people across Australia.
Horses and their owners, Horse Rescue Groups and Pony Club representatives gathered, to voice their opposition at the Liberal State Governments decision to allow the sale of Horse Meat for Human consumption.

The groups consensus, headed by protest organiser Beth Reily, was that Horses are companions and much loved pets, and within Australian Society - they have played an important role assisting to develop the country, served as a method, and continued method of transport, served to protect the community in the Police Force, and to go to war along side our soldiers.
The opinnion was that Horse Meat for dinner is un-Australian, and is not within our accepted cultural practice or community values.

The questions raised and comments made by those in attendance today included, "Where is the moral line drawn, how many more animals will be sent to slaughter?", "Why stop at Horses, will we eat dogs or whales as other cultures do, when does it end?".
"Why is this Government continuing to neglect the welfare of animals in this State?". "I wouldn't tell the Indians to kill their cows which are sacred to them because I just felt like a burger, if you move to Australia, guess what, we don't eat horses!".

The issue of Horses being slaughtered for export and pet food was enough in itself, Amanda Vella from S.A.H.A stated that on her visits to knackery's and dogger sales, she encounters direct evidence of cruelty and neglect, seeing horses with broken limbs left in yards to suffer for example and has compelling pictures of this available.
Opening a "new market" for the sale of Horse Meat, would inevitably mean more horses will suffer the same cruel fate, with demand increasing. And in Western Australia this is of particular concern due to the absence of ANY welfare inspections and industry monitoring occurring.

Lisa Baker MLA, member for Maylands and Chris Tellentire MLA member for Gosnells, attended to speak to the gathering, highlighting the issue of the State Governments recent decisions and their impact on the Welfare of not only these horses that are sent to slaughter for Human consumption, but also for the thousands of horses and other livestock, who are not being inspected or monitored across the entire state, due to the underfunding and staffing of the State Animal Welfare Unit Inspectorate.
Not one animal in the Agricultural Industry in WA in the last 12 months has been inspected, including horses, at sale-yards, stockyards and transport. This raised questions about the issue of the welfare of the animals sent to slaughter, as we are not assured of any animals condition or welfare at sale, transportation and slaughter in this State - are we serving cruelty for dinner?

Dawn Lowe from Animals Angels also attended and addressed the gathering, discussing the issue of the State Animal Welfare Unit Inspectorate and the impact the State Governments underfunding is having on Live Stock in WA, including thousands of horses in transport and slaughter. Dawn has spent many years monitoring the welfare of Live Stock animals in Western Australia and regularly reports to the Animal Welfare Unit with evidence of possible breaches of the Animal Welfare Act 2002.

The issue of Horse Slaughter and Consumption is in the media spotlight internationally with recent protests against Horse Meat/Slaughter held in Canada and the USA. A recent feature film documentary has been released in the USA and has the support of international Animal Welfare Organisations, backing the end of the practise of Horse Slaughter - which is deemed by many to be particularly cruel from transport to slaughter. Film information: http://www.savingamericashorses.org/home.html

The gathering vowed to continue to lobby the Government and to continue to highlight this issue amongst the broader community - asking them to draw a moral line in a society where very few remain. A facebook group called "STOP the sale of horse meat for human consumption in WA!" has an active membership of 5000, and a recent petition for this cause gathered over 4000 signatures. Many are calling for concerned members of the public and community to voice their opposition with their vote come next election.
Pictures here: - No copyright and full permission for their print or reproduction is hereby given.

The Australian Brumby Research Unit has just developed a new initiative which will allow the community to experience first hand the brumby country of Australia.

Brumby Tours of the Outback are now available for groups.
So if you have an interest in being part of groups or organizing a group yourself just contact the Unit to book your experience.

Wild Horses Saved!
We are thrilled to report that following a massive public outcry, the West Australian Government has called off the planned aerial killing of wild horses at Lake Gregory in the Kimberleys.

If you have been following the updates on our website you may recall that in June we were first able to halt the initial plan to truck these horses all the way to a slaughterhouse in South Australia — only to be faced with the government's second, and equally unacceptable plan for an aerial kill.

WA's Indigenous Affairs Minister Kim Hames was inundated with protest letters and emails appealing for a non-lethal solution. He has now called off the helicopters which were set to start the killing in October. Instead, Minister Hames has now advised that an aerial survey will be conducted to provide an accurate count of the horses, then an expert committee will be convened to find non-lethal means to reduce the horse population on the station.

Animals Australia has applauded Minister Hames' decision to spare the lives of the Lake Gregory wild horses, and of course we hope it heralds some new thinking about the way wild horses and other 'feral' animals are managed in the future.

What's next for the wild horses of Lake Gregory?
Animals Australia will continue to closely monitor the situation at Lake Gregory. Watch our website for updates on the future plans for these horses. In the meantime, you may wish to thank Minister Hames for his compassionate decision:

Hon Dr Kim Hames, WA Minister for Indigenous Affairs
28th Floor, Governor Stirling Tower
197 St Georges Terrace, PERTH WA 6000
E-mail: Minister.Hames@dpc.wa.gov.au

P.S. The ability for Animals Australia to lobby governments and mount successful campaigns on behalf of animals is dependent on the ongoing support of our members and donors. Animals Australia receives no government funding in order to conduct critical campaigns and investigations. If you love animals, please consider becoming a member today.

Product News

Spirit of the Horse - The New Myths of Equus by Carole Devereux is now available in the Natural Horse World Store. The shipment is on its way so if you place an order now, your book will be reserved and posted as soon as they arrive.

This graceful and timely book takes us on a transformational journey like no other, to the mystic world where the spirit of the horse resides. Carole Devereux introduces a rich language for concepts we may have felt while working with horses, but have been unable to articulate. Read the full review here.

Leather LightRider Bitless Nosebands in black and brown with stainless steel fittings are now available again. These come with a nice leather padding and matching chinstrap.

The Stockhorse (pictured) and English LightRider bridles now also come in leather and have a nicely padded noseband, browband and headpiece. They are available in black or brown and cob, full and warmblood/draft sizes for just $89.

Go to the Natural Horse World Bridle Shop to purchase yours.

More Fantastic Feedback:

"I purchased one of your Stockhorse LightRider bitless bridles a year ago in hopes to be able to train my Tennessee Walking Horse filly without metal in her mouth. A friend told me to use a 'S' Hackamore, and we tried it for our first few rides and my filly hated it. She was fairly unresponsive and I felt the way it "sloshed around" on her face annoyed her to no end.

After our first ride with your bridle I noticed a huge difference. Her 'woahs' were gorgeous, she was much lighter when I asked her to turn, her headset was perfect, and she seemed happy! Fast-forward a year later, and I've started taking her out on short (6+ mile) trail rides. Even on days she's feeling her oats I've never felt like I don't have control over her. She still plants her feet firmly when I pick up my reins and say "woah" (even when there's a barking dog running out of the forest at us), and I was told "Oh, she'll never gait in a bitless bridle" - apparently no one told her that!

I am 100% happy, and even more importantly so is my Kelosia. She even puts her nose into the bridle when I offer it - she doesn't do that with her halter! I am purchasing a yearling TWH and you bet when it comes time to train her to ride I will be using a LightRider. Thank you so much for designing this great bridle!"

Kalee R. and Kelosia the TWH in Oregon, USA.

More LightRider Bridle Feedback – read it all on the LightRider Feedback page at www.lightriderbridle.com/testimonials.htm

Nutrition News

Help for laminitic prone horses and hindgut acidosis
There's a new product available that is proving to help horses prone to laminitis, or suffering from gut pain due to acidosis.

Subclinical acidosis is thought to result from overconsumption of either high-starch concentrates or pasture grasses rich in fructans.
When large grain meals or sugar rich grasses are fed to horses, it is often impossible for the stomach and small intestine to sufficiently digest and absorb the massive onslaught of starch. Hence, some starch moves into the hindgut without being sufficiently digested.

As digestion of easily-fermentable starch progresses in the hindgut, the production of volatile fatty acids (VFA) and lactic acid increases, causing a significant decrease in the pH. When the hindgut endures insults such as this several times a day it teeters on becoming overwhelmed with acid. Additionally, because lactic acid is a stronger acid than the VFA, it can cause serious damage to the intestinal mucosa.
The shift in pH provides an unfavorable environment for some of the many microorganisms that inhabit the hindgut and aid in digestion. In particular, fiber-digesting bacteria are sensitive to decreases in pH. When pH drops, fiber-digesting bacteria become less efficient and begin to die off.

Changes in the pH of the hindgut due to alterations in the microbial populations and acid profiles cause a condition known as subclinical acidosis.
It is also thought that when large numbers of bacteria die off, this produces toxins that are released into the bloodstream and so effect the laminar connection in the hooves.
A new product developed by Kentucky Equine Research called Equisure has proven beneficial for controlling these issues.
It has a timed released buffer so the product reaches the hindgut where it is needed to be effective. Read more about it here. www.kerx.com/products/EquiShure/

Health News

Workshop for Horse Owners Takes Mystery out of Saddle Fit
Horse owners in Northern NSW and SE Queensland will have a chance to learn how to check their own saddle fit at a series of workshops being held over the next two months. Run by NSW saddle fitter and bodyworker Jane Clothier, the Saddle Fit Essentials for Horse Owners workshop is believed to be unique in Australia as, unlike talks run by retailers, it offers owners a chance to learn how to check saddle fit themselves.
With so many makes of saddle on the market, a lot of horse owners feel overwhelmed by all the options available. Most buy expensive new saddles from retailers or purchase used saddles without having any idea whether they are right for the horse or not. Meanwhile, many owners are increasingly aware that their horses may be showing pain or discomfort and wish to do something about it.
Saddle Fit Essentials for Horse Owners is designed to demystify the topic of checking saddle fit. The day is an enjoyable mixture of slide presentation, demonstrations and hands-on practice.
Participants learn how to check their own saddles for problems, both on and off the horse. They also look at different types of horses and learn about some typical problems relating to different body types. As well as the basics of saddle fit, participants learn how to recognise the many issues that saddles can cause and how to address these. English, stock, swinging fender and western styles of saddles are all considered.
Jane says: “The days when any old saddle would do are long behind us. Many owners are taking more and more responsibility for their horses’ welfare on every level. Concerned about saddle fit, they’ve gone through the dreaded ‘saddle nightmare’, when they’ve bought saddle after saddle, losing money every time. They often realise the saddle isn’t right, but don’t really know why not.
“Without a doubt, a badly fitting saddle can cause problems of all sizes in a very short time. Attending this workshop creates a win-win situation – horse owners can save a fortune by avoiding mistakes, knowing that their horses are going to be happier and healthier as a result.”
Saddle Fit Essentials for Horse Owners takes place in Ballina on Sunday 17 October, the Sunshine Coast on Saturday 23 October, Jimboomba on Saturday 6 November and Toowoomba on Saturday 27 November.
For further details or to book a place, phone Jane Clothier on 0447 672 523, or email jane@balancedhorse.com.au

New Book Feature

The Magic Within - A View from the Hoof by Kerry M. Thomas with Calvin L. Carter
I would like to take a moment to introduce you to my book which, for me, is the culmination of an eclectic-style research of the psychology of the horse. The book takes the reader on a journey of discovery of the intimate drama of life in the equine circle.
Along the way, you get to see what a view from the hoof is like as I delve into the developing mind of the horse and its Behavioral Genetics which is measured by a term I refer to as Emotional Conformation.
The esoteric information within the emergent properties of the equine psychology, behavior, influences every aspect of its life from breeding to training, pre-purchasing, and even a horse’s adoptability. I truly believe that you have to nurture the horse before you develop the athlete.

Is your horse hitting the wall? Your equine athlete may be physically fit, but still seemingly aloof and disinterested. The Emotional Conformation or Mental Fitness is your key to ultimate success but is perhaps one of the most underutilized aspects of horsemanship.

"...I have to tell you that when I started reading it was already like magic... It was like I was the one writing your words... so linked and aligned with my experience and thoughts that I was reading and at the same time, listening to my own voice inside, since I don´t know yours.... and wondering how "mine" are also the things you express in your Preface. I truly believe that this is among the most important books on the equine, for the equine and the entire industry of horse, to have ever been written. Your insightful measures in explaining the horse not only will impact breeding selections and sales, but also how we train and comprehend the horse. So I write to you Mr. Thomas, to thank you for this effort, it will eventually reach the entire world." Very Sincerely- Claudia Mesquita Kayala of Uruguay- Haras Cuatro Piedres

Whether you are a breeder, trainer, casual rider, or just a human who loves horses, your deeper understanding of the minute intricacies of this rather private, but social animal is crucial for its health and well being.
Within the pages of this book, it is my hope to take you on a journey inside the magic that is within the spirit of the horse. Sincerely, Kerry M. Thomas, Founder of the Thomas Herding Technique
To purchase an e-book download please go to the store here:
For more information about the psychology of the horse and Emotional Conformation, you can visit Kerry’s website at: www.thomasherdingtechnique.com/

Readers News

Cara-Lynne from WA shares her hay feeding solution which is working well with the addition of the SlowFeeder haynets.
For safety you need to buy rag wall tyres. Cut, or ask the supplier to cut,
the top rim out so that the lip is only a few inches wide (hence why you want rag wall tyres and not steel belted). This helps keep hay in when not using the nets but the lip isn't big enough for equines to get their head stuck.
We have screwed a short bolt into the thick wall of the tyre to tie
the net in. We also have the tyres on rubber sheeting to reduce them
picking up sand or gravel when eating the "spills". Our property is all
pea gravel. We have found these tyres successful in feeding our small
donkeys, Clydesdale and quarter horse all together without an issue. We got
the tyres free of charge from a second hand tyre dealer and paid him $20 to
cut the rims out. A bargain price as the cutting would be a difficult job.

Zintahn Pinto Stud is proud to introduce the first foal for the season. Zintahn Pandora is a bay and white tobiano filly born on 10th September 2010. She is sired by the magnificent purebred arabian stallion Robali Dargeeling and out of Roxy Hart, a buckskin tobiano. I am very pleased with the result of this mating, she is exactly what I hoped to produce! See more of her as she grows by visiting her page on my website. www.zintahn.com.au

This beautiful boy below is called Sharlan (meaning free man) and he is out of Vanessa's Percheron x arab mare, Roxy, by a Friesian stallion.

Below is Natasha's gorgeous filly, Thaedon Nazirah is (aka Jaz) is out of Nayyir by Robali Darjeeling

December 2010

• Inspiring Horsemanship - Lukas' documentary

• New Article - Separation Anxiety Solution

• Aussie News - Lake Gregory Horses update + Natural Animal products petition

• Bitless News - Bitless Buddies & Riding feedback

• Barefoot News - New Cert. 3 Hoofcare Students

• Product News - new videos, bridles and reins in store

• Health News - 12 tips for surving laminitis season + laminitis videos

• DVD & Website Review - Wrangler Jayne's Top 10 Basics of regular horsecare

• Readers News - stories inspired by articles.

• Events Details

• Classifieds

November 2010

• Inspiration - Videos to watch

• New Article - Spare a Thought for the average racehorse

• Bitless News - Winners of the Photo Contest, Bitless Riding Workshops

• Barefoot News - Trimmers List updated, Conference Guest Speaker, Trimming Workshops

• Product News - New LightRider Rope Bridle style

• Aussie News - Horse Flogging

• Health News - Skeletal Maturity guides starting young horses

• Book Reviews - Blue Mountain Rider + Mares! Ya Gotta Love Em.

• Readers News - Foal pics, playday pics, Rescuers Stories

• Events Details

• Classifieds

October 2010

• New Article - Evolving Horsemanship

• Bitless News - Stressless Dressage, original bitless bridle, bitless win in Chile Championships

• Aussie News - Protest against sale of horse meat, Wild Horses saved, Brumby Tours

• Product News - New Book in store and LightRider Bitless Bridles

• Nutrition News - Equisure

• Health News - Saddle Fit workshops

• New Book - The Magic Within: A view from the hoof.

• Readers News

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