Agfest - What's happening this year

This year the Natural Horse World site will focus on providing information on the Whole Horse with an emphasis on hoof care, natural horse living, new equipment and natural training.
Along with displays and demos on these topics, there will be knowledgeable people to talk to in all of these areas.
Dave McDonald from Old Macs will be there to show you his new 'Pee Wee' bit and to give advice on hoof boots and bare hoof rehabilitation, especially with regard to race horses.
Jen Clingly, Julie Leitl and Ysabelle Dean will be able to help you with barehoof care, performance, rehabilitation and natural living and Ysabelle will be demonstrating the original Bitless Bridle designed by Dr Cook. (see www.AusEquineArts.com or www.bitlessbridle.com for more info).
Ken Green will be able to advise on Equine chiropractic and Steph McGovern will be happy to chat to anyone interested in Pony Pals for children.
I'm available to discuss horse psychology and training and talk about new treeless saddle designs and Joylene Dargan will have the beautiful pinto stallion, Anawa Mahuska and his progeny there to explain how natural horsemanship relates to competition.

Some of the new products you will be able to check out are the Pee Wee bit, Barefoot and Freeform Treeless saddles, Bitless Bridles, liberty lines, the Young Horse Training DVD, lots of horse books and a new Barefoot DVD.

About the Barefoot DVD
Made with the aim to inspire and encourage barefoot (and would-be barefoot) horse owners around the world, “Barefoot – That’s me!” traces the journey of the Australian Equine Barefoot Movement Inc from its beginnings in 2002, culminating in the triumph of taking part barefoot and bitless in a local event known as the Riding of the Bounds, at which the AEBM won praise from other riders and a trophy for Best Presented Group.
“Barefoot – That’s me!” has been lovingly handcrafted from script to the final edit, and everything in between. It is illustrated with delightful footage of a herd of horses living, playing and running in a natural lifestyle setting, and overlaid with several original music tracks by Damon Smith and “STARDINER”, one of which was Number 3 on the popcharts in Madrid in April 2006.
price is $19.95 (AEBM Members -18.00) plus P&H. See aebm.org.au for more details and order form.
Or contact Ysabelle Dean ysabelledean@bigpond.com Ph 0412 684 374.

Come and visit our site at N001 on the corner of First Avenue and North Street (same as last year) for a chat, to see the latest products or a variety of demos running throughout each day.
Our central arena demos will be on at 9.15am Thurs, 9.20am Fri. and 9.45am Saturday so get there bright and early for an overview of what we can hlep you with at Agfest this year - Thursday 4th, 5th and 6th of May at Oaks, Rd, Carrick.

Photo by Kev.
Anawa and Joylene will be back at Agfest again this year to participate in demos.

 

Ask Cynthia - 'Should I rug my horse or not?'

“I’ve always rugged my horse for winter and in the summer I use a light cotton rug to help keep her clean and for some sun protection. How do I go about changing this habit without compromising my horse’s comfort and well being when I’ve already starting using a heavier rug on cold nights?”

Rugging or blanketing horses is usually something that makes US feel a lot better, especially when its cold, wet and we see our horse shivering.
Keep in mind that horses have survived for millions of years without the need for man made rugs to protect them from weather. They have the wonderful ability to grow a thick coat with hairs that stand up to trap air for warmth and lie flat when its hot.
In keeping horses on small acreages, we have decreased their ability to find a variety of sheltered places during extremely cold or hot weather and to escape insects. In the wild, horses migrate to areas that serve this purpose as they need them.
However, it is possible to simulate a more natural environment in which the horse can happily live without the encumbrances of rugs.

I’ve rugged horses ever since I started washing them and taking them to horse shows as a kid, so I grew up thinking it was all part of the process of keeping horses as many people do. In fact with the aggressive marketing we see from rug manufacturing companies, we are led to believe we are being irresponsible horse owners if we don’t rug our horses.

What we don’t realise is we are actually being irresponsible when we leave rugs on in warm weather, allow rugs to rub causing wounds and be a constant irritation for the horse.
An ill-fitting rug (and not many of them fit well) pressures the wither and chest when the horse grazes, has leg straps that rub especially if the rug slips and a general fit that restricts shoulder and neck movement.

I’m not advocating that we should never put a rug on a horse – what I am asking people to do is be responsible and sympathetic about rugging their horses and to understand what it feels like for the horse.
Imagine if at the first hint of cold weather you put on a heavy coat that you weren’t allowed to take off.
How hot would you get when the sun came out or if you ran around a bit? How uncomfortable would it be for you to move around?
Life would be miserable and is for many horses who’s owners merrily go off to work each day in the cold of the morning and then when the sun comes out and the day warms up, there’s no-one around to remove the rug. The poor horse can’t absorb much vitamin D or have a good roll, itch or run around and feel good. Some can’t even find shade to relieve the heat and one of the saddest things is the horse who has a rug put on at the beginning of winter which is not removed at all until summer. This is not kindness, its outright cruelty.
No wonder some rugged horses stand around looking depressed then get all excited and jumpy or distracted by itches when the rug does come off for a ride.

So, what can we do to give the horse maximum comfort without rugging?
First we need to provide shelter from the elements – mostly the wind and hot sun. That means having a shelter shed for shade and wind protection, large trees or hedges in an inviting position in the pasture which is ideally large enough for plenty of movement.
We can encourage movement to keep warm by placing hay in various parts of the paddock rather than in one pile or have water at the opposite end of the area.
We can also provide herd members to encourage movement as they play and enforce pecking orders.
By providing constant access to hay in wet or cold weather the horse can heat itself internally. With the combination of food and movement, a horse can easily regulate its own temperature and in the process, its keeping its hooves, muscles, tendons and ligaments exercised and healthy.

We can allow our horses to grow a think winter coat, especially our young horses, and if we have started rugging as soon as the nights go cold, we can gradually leave the rug off starting with a nice sunny day and perhaps only using the rug in wet, windy weather when the chill factor is greatest.
Horses cope fine in the cold – I’ve seen horses in snow and minus 20 refuse to come inside out of the cold so long as they have the ability and motivation to move and eat hay.

If you do choose to rug your horse in really wet weather, perhaps after 24 hours of rain and wind which increases the chill factor, then that’s fine but remember to remove it as soon as the weather clears. Your horse will be so much more comfortable without it rubbing and restricting them.

“But what about all the weight they will lose from shivering?” I hear you say.
The answer is to give your horses constant access to hay – I’ve seen a cold, shivering horse stop shivering within 10 minutes of eating hay. The energy produced from digestion is enough to warm a horse from the inside out. We all know for ourselves how much food is a comfort in cold weather.
My 25 and 27 year old mares have never looked better in winter for having constant hay to eat. It is a natural feed and will put on more weight than many high protein and high energy feeds.
Their arthritis has also improved from being able to move around more.

Of course if your horse is sick or unable to move very much through injury or illness then a rug might be necessary for the recovery period. If we initially allow our horse to grow a thick winter coat then we have extra warmth when the horse needs it and we can remove the rug once recovered and leave it off.

“But what about riding when they have a thick coat – how do you cool off a sweaty horse without them catching a cold?”
Giving your horse a more natural lifestyle might mean changing some of your lifestyle habits too in order to work with them and nature.
It might mean riding your horse in the morning so he has the warmer part of the day to roll and rid himself of sweat. It probably means you need to take longer to cool your horse down as part of your ride – walk home the last 2km or sit on your horse and allow some grazing after a workout. If you need to, you can put on a sweat rug that allows gradual cooling while the horse has a feed before turning out again.
It may mean a little extra brushing before and after a ride, but that’s good for us too and for the relationship with our horse.
If there’s a freezing wind blowing and sweat is still a problem, then put a rug on for that day and remove it the next morning.
A friend of mine is an endurance rider who allows her horses a natural lifestyle and doesn’t rug or clip her endurance horse. She uses a rug the night after a competition but otherwise, the horse has a shelter shed and hay for warmth and does extremely well in our Tasmanian winters.

Even if you want to go to a horse show, there’s no rule about having a thick coat and so long as your presentation is good there is no reason to be discriminated against.
You will need to use a rug after washing your horse until the coat replaces its natural oil which can take a few days. A bit more elbow grease can bring up a wonderful shine on a thick coat if the horse is healthy and fed a natural diet supplemented with minerals and some sunflower seeds for extra oils in winter.
I’ve taken horses to shows that have simply been given a good groom and rugged the night before with white socks washed on the morning of the event and they have won breed & ridden classes.

Rugs have a place and a purpose in the artificial environment we give our horses but given the choice, a horse would rather have freedom from rugs providing they have the comfort of shelter and food. I’m sure they send us messages when we find the rug balled up in the rolling patch or ripped on the fence from trying to rub it off. Think of the money you can re-direct to hay and shelter provision when your rugs don’t need annual replacement or repairs.
But most of all, think of your horses and what is more natural for them.

EVENT REPORT - Easter Trail Riding Camp

A small but enthusiastic group of riders arrived on wet Good Friday to settle their horses in for 3 days of trail riding in Golden Valley. And what a glorious three days we had - the weather cleared and stayed fine until everyone had departed on Monday.
We started with some short trails and lunch at home base for the first day followed by a meal at the pub, then on Sunday rode to our lunch stop at the Tigerhill Cafe after which we tackled some challenging bush trails with a lot of fallen trees from recent winds. Our horses sure had to be good at going over, around and under and we had plenty of dismounting and mounting practice. Jill had a big win with Star who's dislike for water meant a bit of negotiation and leadership, but he gave in and calmly crossed a creek several times.
On the last day we were led by Vanessa through a nice mix of narrow forest trails, open tracks and quiet roads enjoying spectacular views over the Meander Valley while we lunched at a local character's property. Enjoying a cuppa afterwards and viewing the map of trails covered, we decided that the horses (and their riders) could cope with the two day trip around Quamby Bluff - next year!

Happy Riders L-R: Pauline, Mark and Jill from Kettering.

After all the wind there were some good challenges in the bush.

Beautiful Golden Valley country roads.

EVENT REPORT - Pete Ramey Hoof Clinic

Some people would wonder if there's any benefit in attending the same type of course twice in row and I would have to say, its the best way to learn. There was so much to take in at Pete Ramey's course held in April last year that when he returned in March this year, it gave us an opportunity to have it all sink in and benefit from new information.
The biggest thing I took away from this year's course is the realisation that all the good hoof care in the world will be useless unless the issue of feeding is addressed. That's right - who'd have thought that to have good healthy hooves, you need to look hard at your feed?

I believe its the real key to solve all sorts of hoof pathology that we regularly see - from seedy toe or white line disease to abcesses and hoof deformities. After hearing Pete's explanation of what goes on inside a hoof, its quite obvious that strong, healthy growth of the hoof wall cannot happen when the feed we give or allow our horses to eat is causing small laminitic episodes that weaken the hoof wall attatchement.
With all the rich feed we had this spring and early summer, it became obvious in all my horses that I still hadn't taken to heart the problems that rich, sugary grasses cause. All my horses are trimmed every 3-4 weeks and yet I was still seeing deformities caused by seperation, seedy toe where infection had set in and abcesses along with definate growth rings showing in the outside hoof wall.
I was careful to restrict the amount of grazing to a certain extent, but obviously that was not enough.

We don't see growth rings on wild horse's hooves or when the feed is correct for the horse.
Now that the green grass has dried off and I've been feeding hay and no grain (just minerals in a small amount of chaff) all the horse's hooves have improved. And come to think of it, most of the hoof pathology I experience in my herd happens in spring when we blame the ground for being too wet, instead, we should be keeping our horses off the rich sugary grasses and grains commonly fed to keep them fat.

The concept I loved best at the clinic was that of making a 'Paddock Paradise' for our horses - which basically involves fencing a 10-30m wide track around the largest possible area (whole property is best) to run the horses in year round so they get lots of movement vital for hoof function, but not much grass at all.
They would then be given access to green grass with seed heads mowed off for short periods during the early part of the day when the sugar content of the grass is lowest - photosynthesis on sunny days increases the sugar content during the day and the grass utilises it at night (unless there's a frost). Horses eat more during the night so keeping them off the grass from late afternoon (and less hours for founder prone ponies) makes absolute sense to me. It might even be necessary to use a grazing muzzle on some ponies/horses who have become insulin resistant and therefore very prone to founder.

To find out more about the effect grasses have, (even quality hay can be a problem) I have studied the Safer Grass CD's put together by Katy Watts who will come to Australia late this year to study our grasses with Dr Chris Pollitt so we learn more about feeding our horses.
I'm organising for Katy to do a clinic when she is here so keep your eyes open for the dates at the end of this year. In the meantime, her website www.safergrass.org has lots of info and you can get more in depth info from her CD's which are reviewed on this web site (click here).

All eight horses that Pete worked on at the clinic had varying degrees of laminitis due to feed and although its possible to fix the problems that result in the hoof (from severe seperation of hoof wall away from the pedal bone to a low, sensitive sole) it is time consuming, painful for the horse and avoidable if we have more knowledge and take more care with feeding and living arrangements.
As you can tell I'm passionate about this topic so stay tuned for more insights as I experiment with my own herd.

Some of the 40 participants who came from as far as Japan, Saudi Arabia and Broome in WA.

Pete and organiser Jen check out x-rays of Charlie the foundered horse's hooves.

Pete is a wonderful presenter and careful listener, thinking out the best approach for each horse.

BAREFOOT PERFORMANCE UPDATE

More and more endurance riders are realising the benefits of barefoot horses, and in Tasmania recently Marg Richardson has been busy with Inshallah Cabaret completing 2 x 40km and 2 x 80, Mahtob completed 1 x 40 and Stoodleigh La Vie-En Rose complete a 40km all this year so far.
There are at least 3 more riders I know who have started completing 40km rides barefoot and a number of others starting in the 20km rides. Well done everyone.
It's also nice to hear a number of carriage drivers have particpated in organised drives barefoot. Like the endurance riders, some have been using boots as their horses transition or to provide protection on rough roads.
In the racing world, Rosyton Carr has had many successes with barefoot thoroughbreds, expecially with youngsters who are not going shin sore as they usually do.
And recently, a top NSW racehorse, Charour, was diagnosed with navicular disease which traditionally spelt the end of a performance career, that is until Dave McDonald convinced the owners to try boots and barefoot. They did and in 3 months the horse was back racing and a few weeks later, winning.
If you have any barefoot performance success to report, please email me details for the next newsletter.

New Product Review - Bitless Bridle

& New Book Review - Safer Grass CD's

Student News & Photos

Send me your pics and news - I enjoy hearing from newsletter readers.

Congratulations to Belinda Park and Sid on achieving Parelli Level 2.

Sidney came to me as a 2 year old after being imprinted at birth and started by her owner/breeder. I had been introduced to natural horsemanship through some friends a couple of years earlier and had been playing around with it with my little welsh mountain pony, but I was looking for something bigger to ride.
Sid was very quiet and was very confident around people. Too confident at times!!
So we did have a lot of battles of wills, she winning most of the time back then.
We eventually achieved level 1 after about 12 months and our relationship slowly got better.
Altogether we have had some lovely times and done many things. We have been on countless trail rides, been to camps, lessons with Cynthia, completed a 40k endurance ride, attended a western play day, Westbury all breeds show, and a camp with Mel Fleming, so looking back we have had fun and been safe which I don’t think we would have done if I was still in “normalsville”.
In February this year we successfully passed our level 2 and I cannot finish without thanking Tara for making me believe that I can do it!! And to Cynthia for her invaluable lessons, Trudy for letting me use her big flat paddocks! And of course my husband Scott for encouraging me to continue in my times of despair! Oh, and of course to thank Sidney for being the horse she is!!

Toni and Hank enjoy the drive behind barefoot Locky at Woolmers Inn.

Click here to see more students and ideas for challenges.

 

CALENDAR OF TASMANIAN EVENTS

MAY
4,5,6th - Agfest - Natural Horse World Displays & Demos
14th - Philip Nye Workshop at Kingston.
14th - Pony Pals play day at Harveydale, Westbury.
20th - Lessons with Cynthia at Cygnet.
21st - Cygnet Riding Club Natural Horse Show - Ph. Jo on 62 950556.

JUNE
4th - Pony Pals play day at Harveydale, Westbury.
10&11th - Whole Horse Workshop at Golden Valley with Cynthia and other Presenters
24th - Group Lesson day with Cynthia at Topline Rugs Indoor Arena, Westbury.

EVENT INFORMATION

Whole Horse Workshop - June 10th & 11th at Golden Valley.
This workshop will explore in detail all aspects of horse care and communication covering the five main areas of:

This workshop is ideal for the beginner wanting to get started or the horse owner wanting more information on a more natural approach to horses. It is not necessary to have your own horse.
Other practitioners will also present their topics of expertise so book your place with Cynthia ASAP.
The cost will be $25 per day, BYO lunch. Hot Drinks provided.

PONY PALS PLAY DAYS held monthly in northern Tas. - for more information Ph. Steph. on 63 624474.

CLASSIFIED ADDS

Have You noticed the lack of equestrian facilities available in the North of the State?
Are You willing to give a little time to change this?
Equine clubs and organisations are currently having difficulty locating a venue that provides both stabling facilities and a suitable arena to hold shows and equine events in the North of the State.
All interested horse clubs, groups, organisations and individuals are invited to send representatives to attend a meeting to discuss the issue and what can be done to rectify it.
If we want a good equestrian venue we have to make a stand for it and let everyone know there are enough users to warrant an equivalent facility in Northern Tasmania similar to those at Pontville and Lauderdale in the south.
The meeting is to be held at the Soldiers Memorial Hall, Station Road, St. Leonards on Saturday 13th May 2006 at 1pm, EVERYONE IS WELCOME for further information phone Sherry Fenton on 6397 8472 or Dennis Barton on 0419 569 636.

FOR SALE - Yearling filly by Anawa Mahuska, 43% arabian, mature approx 16hh +, dual registered, classic tobiano markings approx 50/50, well handled since birth, shown lightly with great success. Great to catch, trim, float, rug, stable, wash, paddocks with any horse, she has an absolutely unplappable temperament. This filly is all class and has already proven she has what it takes to be a superstar. Don't miss out! Reasonably priced. 6431 7979 or 0407 058 291.

FOR SALE - Wallbrook Maximus is a stunning Friesian Cross. Born on the 7th of March. Should mature around 15.3+hh. Purpose bred for dressage will make a super mount.
You can view photos of him at a day old and will be updating regularly at http://2006wallbrookfoals.photosite.com or Ph. Nadeen or Lee on 64 257287.

FOR SALE - Pair of Size 4 Old Mac Hoof Boots - good condition. $100. Ph. Viv on 0418 315391.

FOR SALE - Affordable pony towing package - EA Falcon station wagon and MRT older model double horse float to suit ponies or up to 14.2hh comfortably. Wagon has new tyres, reconditioned motor and gear box and float is sound but needs work. Will seperate. $4900. Ph. Cynthia on 63 695177.

For Sale: Pharslee Kyra --known as Bella, 15.2hh 7 yrs bay reg. Anglo Arab mare, naturally handled from birth, sound, limited outings, no vices .$2200
Royale Samsara -- 14.2hh 13 yrs, chestnut re. part Arab mare working at level two naturally, sound no vices $2500. both situated at Boat Harbour, for more information ring Jane 6445 1118.

Can't believe he is still here!! Rising 4, 15.1hh Cleveland Bay gelding.
Lorenzo has had time to mature in big paddocks and now needs someone with exp. to bring him on. He is very quiet and can even be a bit dull. But is so big hearted, he could excel at tricks with the right teacher. I have no time or inclination to break a young horse but I don't want him to miss this year as he is ready to do so much. Best of homes only. Ph. Meg 62 575 268.

For Sale – Thoroughbred gelding, beautiful temperament, dapple grey, 15.2hh, 6yr old, started in dressage and over small jumps, good in traffic, on beach, on trail, in company or not, can be lead off other horse or lead other horse off him, good with dogs, good to catch, shoe and float, slightly timid when meeting new people. Reluctant sale due to owner’s pregnancy. $2,900 neg. Phone 63948201 or 0419 370 232.

For Sale - Palomino Mare, welsh cob x, 15hh, 4 yrs old, handled naturally from birth, very friendly, floats well, a pleasure to have around, done some PNH and ready to be started under saddle. Approved homeonly. $2500 ono.Ph 03 63 956165.

For Sale - Dressage Gelding, 16hh+, 3 yrs old, Welsh cob x TB, very correct, big flowing movement, would suit experienced preformance home. Approved home only. $3500 ono Ph 03 63 956165.

Opportunity: Use of facilities which include exercise track, round yard, straight pool , stables and truck for people interested in re-training or training gallopers. A close by the beach cottage could be available to the right person which is very reasonably priced. Even possibly people with clients for the yearling and weanlings sales or one of our cottages could be rented out to the person or persons. Willing to listen to any terms suggested by interested parties. I would ideally like a natural horseperson, as I am very impressed with the methods. Ph. Tony on 62 931142.

For Sale: Beautiful 2 year old chunky liver chestnut reg quarter horse mare. Sound but has a tendon Injury on the hind leg so would be suited for breeding gorgeous babies.$1500. Call Viv 0418315391.

FOR SALE:
15 year old mare 15hh, spirited, loves jumping, has done almost to level 3 Parelli Natural Horsemanship. She has also done pony club, but has been ridden without bit for a number of years now. Reluctant sale to good and experienced home only. $ 500.
Single horsefloat, excellent condition, reg. till August 06. $ 700 ono. Lise Armand (Cygnet area)
Ph. 6295 0774 M: 042 7777 122


If you have an add you would like included in the next newsletter please email it to me by the end of June.
Prices are $10 for up to 100 words and $5 for each photo.

Newsletter 58 - Mar/Apr. 2006

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