Natural Horse News 52, March/April 2005

Cynthia’s Say
Many people have kindly enquired how Finn, my colt with the severed tendon is progressing and the news so far is very good. Its been 6 months since the injury occurred and I’m pleased to say he is now back in a small paddock with his ‘big sister’ Fantasy who reminds him about manners but is young and playful enough to enjoy his antics too.
Finn was weaned gradually from the age of 10 months over a 6 week period which put no extra stress on him and gave his mum time to get used to letting him go (she was very possessive of her boy!).
From here, his tendon should continue to heal and strengthen as he gradually gets more space to run around in. Fingers crossed, in about a year he should be ready to learn more about the world with some outings in the float and being led from another horse on trail rides to continue his social education.
Anyone interested in reading all the details of his injury and the treatment he received, should keep an eye on my web site.

Easter Gourmet Trail Riding Camp
This year, for the traditional Easter Camp we have been fortunate to have Damien, the chef from the Royal on George in Launceston, offer to cook gourmet lunches and dinners for a real Easter treat.
I thought this would combine well with a relaxing blend of instruction and trail riding on the Saturday and Sunday of Easter with arrival on the Friday afternoon (25th) and departure on the Monday afternoon.(28th).
The only requirement will be riders willing to try some trails on varied terrain and horses capable of being ridden for a full day ride.
Mountainside at Golden Valley is the location so cabin accommodation is available (or you can camp out) and you will just need to BYO breakfast.
Costs are still being finalised but if you want to reserve a spot, please contact Cynthia ASAP as places will be limited to 12.
Come and enjoy the trail riding focus on horsemanship, the beautiful countryside and of course, the excellent food.

Try Le Trec on April 30th.
Saturday the 30th of April is your next chance to have a go at this fabulous new horse sport which is both fun and competitive (against yourself mostly).
Once again, Markus and Kristine have invited everyone to their beautifully varied Rowella vineyard property, Shuruga, to test their skills in the 3 phases of Le Trec. These are orienteering on horseback, gait, speed and straightness section and a cross country obstacle course.
All experience levels are included as you have a choice of doing any section or part of either in the saddle or on line.
Or if you just want to see how it all works, come along and watch or volunteer to be a steward or time keeper.
It all starts at 9.30am with a briefing so BYO lunch and come join us for a fun day. It would help if you let Kristine and Markus know you are coming (and for directions) so email them on markus@miralotte.com.au or Ph. Kristine on 0402 265890.

Tournament time again at Agfest
Last year, our Inaugural Agfest Tournament went so well that I have decided it’s worth all the effort to go again.
So this is your once a year opportunity to show off, compete for great prizes and be the centre of attention (if you wish). Hundreds of people enjoyed the variety of the central arena demo last year and I’m sure having all the different students of various levels and age groups, helped people see how natural horsemanship could relate to them. I had so much positive feedback that people were so motivated from watching all the students and that’s what it’s all about – inspiring others to give it a go ..for the sake of the horse.
Once again we’ll run a similar format with competitors able to take part on one or more days although the tasks will be a little different this year and there may be a Senior and Junior section.
Also on our site we will be holding Hoof Trimming demos and there will be a big display of Torsion Treeless saddles, Old Macs products and various other ‘natural horse care’ practitioners who can offer advice.
As we are limited to the number of floats we can park on site, entries to the Tournament will be limited each day so please commit as soon as possible to ensure you are able to take part. It would also help if you have a double float, to have 2 horses arrive together so if you can join in with a friend that will enable more people to take part - so register with Cynthia ASAP for an entry form and more details.

Pete Ramey course very popular
If you haven’t already booked to attend Pete’s Advanced Hoof Trim course then you are probably too late. Many keen students of barefoot hoof care have jumped at the opportunity to learn from one of the world’s most experienced hoof care practitioners for his first visit to Australia.
If you would like to go on the waiting list, contact Jen Clingly on 63 695555 or jenclingly@yahoo.com.au or check out Pete’s web site www.hoofrehab.com .
A printer friendly version of updates Pete has written since his book, is available from Cynthia by email. It’s a 20 page word document and well worth the ink to print it.
Email me if you’d like a copy – it’s a typeface condensed copy of the articles on his website which normally take 50pages to print.

Ask Cynthia – What to do in windy weather
“With all this very windy weather my ponies (& kids) have been playing up, to the extent that a reasonably well behaved pony decided it was all a bit too much and took off while we were playing the Friendly game - a game that she normally plays quite comfortably.
What should I do? Leave the playing until the wind dies down or return to square 1 and get the pony to accept the wind and the games?”
It depends on what you want to achieve and how easy you think it might be.
Playing with horses in different circumstances can advance their abilities, provided you realise they are probably out of their comfort zones so may need to stick with tasks and challenges they are familiar with.
It can be very beneficial to play with your horse in varied weather conditions – it’s like adding another degree of difficulty to tasks they may find boring or no longer a challenge.
But, if you don’t feel capable of handling them on a windy day, leave the challenges for perhaps a ‘breezy’ day instead or play some ‘inside’ games with the ponies and/or kids.

Peter Laidley Hoof Trimming Course report
February 12th and 13th saw 10 beginner trimmers and 4-6 observers getting some in depth knowledge about natural hoof care from Peter who had a wonderful way of making lots of technical info interesting and easy to recall.
Everyone got to practice their tool skills on pumpkins then on Cynthia’s horses who patiently endured a long manicure!
It was lovely to be amongst a very positive group who were so open minded about taking care of their own horses’ hooves which is really how I think it should be…an extension of grooming, if only we were all taught that from the beginning.
Peter will be back in May for another advancing workshop right after Agfest – see the calendar for details and book early with Cynthia to reserve your space.

Ruby stands patiently while Peter demonstrates a basic trim.

Practising tool use on pumpkins got the peeling done……

….for some yummy pumpkin soup – thanks to Heinrich and Tamasine for the cooking and the recipe.

Peter explaining the finer details to Carin and Stewart.

Classifieds
FOR SALE – Beautiful bay mare, 4 white socks and blaze, approx. 13.1hh, 8yo. Has been started naturally and ridden lightly for the past 2 years so needs a reasonably experienced rider. Ph. 62 680534.

WANTED -: Small set of chain harrows.
FOR SALE - : 15” Syd Hill Suprema Premier Pony Club, brown leather saddle. Good condition. Stirrup leathers included. No girth or stirrups. $75. Contact Helen 6362 2481 or hcvv@bigpond.com

AGISTMENT AVAILABLE – on 40 acres at Brady’s Lookout, West Tamar. Ph. Sally on 63 944009.

FOR REGRETFUL SALE – Royale Rubyaan, beautiful palomino part Arabian mare, 5yo, 14.2hh. Going nicely under saddle and now needs someone wanting a no fuss horse who has been raised and handled naturally from birth to continue her education. (pictured in the hoof trimming course report).
Full sister to my ‘superstar’ – “Manny” with a very loveable personality. To approved home only - $2,750. Ph. Cynthia on
63 695177 or email me (contact details below).

FOR SALE - TB mare, 12 years old, level 2 "student". Very forgiving horse that would be excellent for someone new to natural horsemanship. Done some eventing. Good all rounder with no vices. $1500. Contact Katrina on 63 95 1242, 0418 591 388 or lenah@bigpond.net.au
FOR SALE - Purebred Arabian Mare, Sabtah Narvana (Clifton Park Naadar x Nardia). 10yrs, Grey, 14.3 hh. Narvana has achieved her endurance yellow log book. She has had basic natural training. Her price is $2,500 Ph. Debbie on 0409212200.

FOR SALE - Lil Rimrock Mystique, Registered 2yr old Quarter horse filly. Flashy chestnut with white blaze, solid build, currently at 13.2 hands. Floats and handles really well. Done natural horsemanship since 8mths old also been successfully shown at halter. Not yet started under saddle. Regretful sale to approved home only. Price negotiable for right person. Ph. 0418325262 or 63931262. (pictured below).

FOR SALE Australian Pony, 12YO 13.2 HH Registered Grey Mare
Bred by Dr. H & J Cooper,Sire Imperial Hussar, Dam Kalina Crickette. Bare hoof trimmed, Quiet and trusting, suit young beginner $3,000.
ALSO Buckskin Gelding, 4YO 15.2 HH Registered, Bred by Michelle White. Sire Chrisoph Benjamin Paint, Dam Mistical Montana Buckskin. Bare hoof trimmed, Quiet, even tempered, good potential. $1,500. Ph. Mark or Maree on 63 695416.

House sitter required for 8 weeks. I am going overseas mid May and need someone to look after my lovely quiet retreat, dog and 2 horses.
Based at the foot of the Western Tiers behind Mole Creek, with a wood fire, views, space & peace !
10 minutes from Mole creek supermarket or 25 minutes to Deloraine. There is room for your horse too. Must be sensitive kind horse lover, preferably female for my sensitive mare! Call Dominique 63678270

FOR SALE - "Aberdeen Elysia" Black 3yo warmblood x TB filly by Lutz (Trakehner, Grand Prix dressage) out of quality AWHA-approved TB mare. Will mature over 16.2hh, confident, bold, very trainable nature, beautiful compact conformation, lovely movement, will make wonderful dressage horse or eventer. Lunging & other groundwork established, ready to break in. Genuine sale of a real performance prospect, price reduced to $1500 (while unbroken) because she wind sucks & owner lacks time due to new baby. Phone Heidi on 6492 3213. (Pic below)

FOR SALE - QH X TB gelding, 15hh, 7yrs, chestnut, with 3 rugs, started and ready to go on with. Clancey has a friendly temperament and is keen to learn more. For reluctant sale due to work & family commitments. $2200 ono, phone Allison 0417 318 049.

Video Filming of Parelli Levels tests available by Cynthia – I can help you get the best shot at passing, with advice on how best to approach tasks and all the technical requirements. I have my own camera and can produce the finished tape to mail in for official assessment for a reasonable hourly rate. Ph. Cynthia on 63 695177.

NATURAL EQUINE EQUIPMENT PRICE LIST
All available by order through Cynthia – please send payment with order including postage (contact me for the rate).

Rope halter Shetland to Extra Full $25.50
In green, blue or black with green, red or purple fleck.

3.5m Training rope without clip $37.50
in Black, white or black with green, red or purple fleck.
Same rope with clip spliced on $40.50

7m Training rope with ring and clip $60.00
in white only

Training Stick – black $45.00
Riding Stick $45.00
String for Training stick $16.50
Same colours as halters

Natural Hackamore – same as halter sizes $90.00
Same colours as halters, reins to match

Sport Reins (black or white) with rein leathers $60.00
Mecate reins 6.4m in black or white $50.00
Driving reins in black or white $60.00
Dressage Reins with brass or stainless buckles $100.00

Hoofworks CD by Peter Laidley $33.00

CALENDAR OF TASMANIAN EVENTS
MARCH
5TH –Pony Pals and play day at Deloraine showgrounds 10am
12-14th - Bakers Beach Long Weekend – prior bookings with Deb are essential on 63 302136.
18th – Cygnet group lessons with Cynthia – Ph.Jo 62 950556.
19th – Cygnet Show – Natural Horsemanship Events
20th – Pontville lessons with Cynthia – Ph. Chloe 62 680534.
25-28th – Easter Gourmet Trail Riding Camp at Mountainside.
APRIL
2nd – Tournament Play Day at Deloraine Showgrounds.
9th – Lilydale group lessons with Cynthia – Ph. Liz 63 951590
16/17th – Pete Ramey Hoof Trimming Course, Deloraine.
30th – Le Trec Competition at Shuruga, Rowella.
MAY
5,6,7th – Agfest Tournament Challenge
8th – Hoof Trimming Workshop with Peter Laidley.
28/29th – Beginners Natural Horsemanship Course with Cynthia Cooper at Golden Valley.

Contact Details:

Cynthia Cooper- Natural Horse World
46 Wattle Lea Lane, Golden Valley. Tasmania. 7304.
Ph. 0363 695177 or 0419 372279.

Email Cynthia