Natural Horse World Newsletter

Hello Horselovers!
I hope you all had a nice holiday (or are still having one) for the Christmas/New Year and that some of your New Year's Resolutions are starting to take shape. I know if I don't act on mine right away, the list gets forgotten or lost and nothing happens.....again!

Since the last newsletter, I have visited friends who live in the heart of the drought affected areas of Tasmania and realised how fortunate we are to have some rainfall in our valley, even if it is a lot less than usual. Even more fortunate are those little pockets of Tasmania that continue to receive enough regular rain to look like paradise. Such a contrast - and the reason for my article on Drought Strategies in this newsletter.

Our time here has been taken up with breeding, foals and hoof trimming just lately. The few times we've had some rain Kendra and I race out to scrape away softened dead sole and cut frog that was previouly as hard as hoof wall. It's amazing how much dead sole builds up and must surely reduce hoof flexibility - maybe it feels a bit like having really thick socks that makes your boots feel tight and stiff.

On the breeding and foal front, Finn has been busy serving mares and we expect five foals by him next spring/summer. As he had to serve Amber, the foster mare of Dakoda the rejected foal, we now have him running with the two mares and foals much to his delight.
He loves doing his job of keeping a lookout for his herd and plays with Dakoda who as a boisterous colt, will beneft from having a bigger playmate who can take a bit of rough stuff but discipline him when he steps over the line.
Amber is way too lenient with him, allowing him to rear up and climb all over her, so having another bigger foal to play with like Amy who also keeps him in line is the best thing for his behaviour.

Now that they are all turned out in the big hay pasture (3 weeks after the hay was cut so it's no longer stressed), we can focus on doing more with the riding horses instead of feeding twice daily. The mares and foals were moved to the new pasture 3km down the road so the foals had their first trailer ride after several days of preparation, loading and feeding on the float. They handled it all really well, especially as we had someone travel in with them for reassurance.

Dakoda had his first worming and first hoof trim a few days before the move so now they have experienced most of the things a young foal needs to know. In the photo below, Jen checks out Amy's hooves - she has grown a complete new hoof capsule in 5 months and has monthly

trims to help her hooves grow to the best possible shape for the future. Like the correct feed and worming schedules required by foals to grow up strong and healthy, regular hoof care is just as important.
For those with foals who are not sure about how much or what education they should have and when, my Young Horse Training DVD has all the details available here or order online click here. Also, read more about an up-coming Young Horse Workshop I am planning for February or March in the Events Guide.

Enjoy the read and the rest of your holidays, Cynthia.

Drought is hard on you, your horse and your pocket so its handy to know all we can to make life more comfortable during such a depressing time. There are three main issues to be addressed being 1. Feed, 2. Water and 3. Pasture/Property Management.
Feed is obviously the biggest issue and as it becomes scarce wether on the ground or to purchase, we will have to consider other options to keep our horses healthy.
Firstly, it's important to learn how to condition score your horse so you know what body condition is acceptable and when to increase feed. There are many good diagrams and descriptions available on the web to show the various levels of condition and it will help if you regularly estimate your horse's weight either with a weighband or by calculating weight based on girth and length measurements. Coprice have a handy sliding scale that gives you approximate weight based on these measurements and also has condition scoring info. click here to access their web site.

Next you need to assess what feed is available and how you will manage it - if you still have some grass, then decide if you will better off restricting your horse to easily re-generated paddocks or if you can rotate pastures frequently enough to not permanently kill the pasture.
There is a very good booklet called Drought Feeding and Management for Horses by David Nash that goes into much more detail than I can in this article so click here to download a copy.

You will need to supplement the pasture (or lack of it) with roughage and in most cases, concentrates which will also become more expensive and in short supply so it helps to know what alternatives you can safely use. Again, the booklet mentioned above has some very good charts on the feed value of various alternatives of which there are many. Be sure to consult this information and your vet before starting to feed anything out of the ordinary to your horse and be aware that sudden feed changes or too much can cause colic.
It's a very worthwile exercise identifying all the plants available on your property and in nearby lanes, roads or un-used areas as there may be many plants commonly called weeds that have herbal and nutritional value that can give your horse some variety and green, succulent food.

As an example when I did a stocktake on my own place I found Tree lucerne (or Tasagate), Cleavers (sticky weed), Willow, Black Thistle (like Scotch thistle), Bidgee-Widgee (Buzzies), Slender Thistle, Fennel, Spiny Rushes, Sweet Briar, Common Sow Thistle (milk thistle), Dandelion, Nettles and of course blackberries, all of which are edible and not poisonous to horses. It is helpful to also identify all those plants that are poisonous and know the sypmtoms they produce for if there is a lack of roughage, horses will eat those plants so they should be removed from their pastures. There is an excellent book called a Field Guide to Weeds in Australia by Charles Lamp and Frank Collett that will help you with identification as it has clear photos and thorough descriptions. The drought booklet you have downloaded lists all the poisonous plants and a good herb book will tell you what herbs can be used for or click here for Country Park Herbs web site. Many herbs are classified as weeds so don't be put off by that - just do the research.

In most cases, well fed horses will select only those plants that are safe or helpful for them to eat and these can include some Australian natives. When we go for a trail ride, I always allow my horses to nibble on things they fancy so they have shown me they like 'Dolly bush', various sedges and rushes, native tussock grasses, gorse and thistle flowers. All these plants can provide nutrients the horse needs so taking your horse out for a 'grazing ride' is most helpful. Its also a good way to warm up as you leave (and satisy their urge to eat) then cool them down the last kilometre home.

The third important factor in your drought strategy is to consider water and minerals. Water is vital and it must be a clean, reliable source that is checked regularly. As dams get lower algae can cause a bad smell which could put some horses off drinking enough. As the water lowers, also check that the sides don't become too steep or boggy for the horse to access the water. It may be better to syphon the water into a trough or fence the dam off and provide an alternative trough.
Smelly water caused by algae can by treated by adding gardening lime (Limil) to the water - a few cups per 1,000 litres in a tank or a bag or more for dams, depending on their size.
If you are using bore water it is a good policy to have the water tested as some highly mineralised water may contribute to the development of enteroliths (stones) that cause colic and require surgery to remove them.

Drought weather is usually hot so your horse will sweat more therefore require salt and other minerals. Having a free choice mineral lick or loose minerals and seperate salt block or loose salt is best. If you are exercising your horse to a sweat, then you may also need to supplement with electrolytes. Remember that shelter from the sun is very important in the dry summer months so ensure your horse has access to shade at all times. Watch that dominant horses aren't hogging all the shade, especially when there's only one shelter shed or shade tree.

Be very careful with rugs and if possible, don't use them at all as the horse can then regulate their own temperature far easier. Even cool cotton rugs can elevate a horse's temperature as most are made from poly cotton so the synthetic fibre content can trap heat. To check if your horse is over-heating when rugged, take their temperature first thing in the morning when its cool then again during the hottest part of the day. Compare this with and without rugs on to see if there is a big difference or if the higher reading is outside the normal range. If it is, you are stressing your horse and should remove the rug/blanket.

There are many more things to consider during a drought, including the option of agisting your horse where there is feed or better shelter. You need to weigh up the positives and negatives in doing so, and do what is best for the horse at all times. And if you can help other horses that have been abandoned or neglected by their owners during tough times, please do so for the horse's welfare.

Tasmanian Horse Rescue Project
Jacqui Smythe and Melissa Duggan from Equus Equestrian Centre have set up a meeting to organise the Tasmanian Horse Rescue Project.
Melissa says "As the drought is really hitting us, there will be a lot more cases here in Tassie.At present I and a couple of my best mates will be setting up in the near future to try and rescue any neglected/needy horses.

I know there are a few students/people out there currently looking at getting an equine companion, please register your interest with us what sort of horse (size, age, colour etc etc) you would like… a lot of these rescued horses are beautiful animals and unfortunately the ‘unlucky’ ones all looking for the right home. Once rehabilitated, we will be looking for GOOD homes to send any neglected horses onto.

Please stay tuned, but in the meantime if anybody can help out with any of the following:

1. Sponsorship – sponsor or adopt a horse while being rehabilitated
2. Agistment free of course (if you know of anybody that needs their paddocks grazed off – any location)
3. Feed (even bread/carrots from bakeries/veg markets)
4. Donations
5. Anything else you could offer to make the lives of these horses better.

We will be doing lots of fundraising too. The first meeting to form this Not For Profit organisation will be on Tuesday the 16th of January, 7.30pm at Equus Equestrian Centre, Sandford. Phone Jacqui on 62 481795 or 0409 928393 or Melissa on 6239 9757 or 0438 399 756 for more info or if you can help in any way.

Product Review - Enduro Bitless Bridle
This 'bitless bridle' functions like a bridle and is suitable for horses ready to go up into a bit and for riders who don't want to use one.
It's called the Enduro Bitless Bridle because being lightweight and quickly converted to a lead line and halter, it will enable the endurance horse to be more comfortable, drink and eat easily and be led or tailed up and down hills.

As you can see in the photo, a chin strap helps the bridle stay in place when pressure is applied to the reins - no noseband twisting around. The swivel snaps on the reins enable you to quickly unclip them and the chin strap serves as a tail for the lead rope you now have. (see photo on right).
The Enduro Bitless Bridle sells for $90 complete plus postage and can be ordered in all sizes and various coloured headstalls with black reins and chinstrap only from Cynthia (contact details below).

Web Review - www.naturalhorsetraining.com
Sylvia Scott runs the Natural Horsemanship Training Centre from her Whispering Way Farm and has a web site chock full of good information plus a helpful monthly free newsletter. click here to have a look but make sure you have plenty of time as there are lots of links to Sylvia's horse training articles you will want to read.
Sylvia's methods and in depth knowledge of horse psychology enables her to provide solutions to many common horse problems in a gentle, positive way.

Well I've taken the plunge and decided to increase the frequency of the Natural Horse World Newsletter to monthly. There always seems to be extra news, events and new products, books and web sites every month so it makes sense to get the news out there more often.

I have also added a new page to this site - Poems and Fun will feature all sorts of horse poetry, sayings, games and fun photos so when you want a smile, click here. Contributions are welcome- just email me your favourite horse poem or funny photo.

NEW SERVICES LISTING In order to help peope find the products and service providers I use, I have put together a Services Listing page. If you can highly reccommend more people that provide excellent service, please email me so I can add to the listings.

Grass is one of those things we take for granted if we have it, and wish we had it if we don't, especially in times of drought.
If we have a paddock full of lush grass we think our horses are lucky.
But did you know grass can be just as harmful for your horse as much as it's helpful in providing nutrients?

Recent research by people such as Kathryn Watts from Colorado, has revealed that grass can cause our horse to show slight lameness, shortness of stride, tie-up (azoturia) after exercise, contribute to 'Cushing's Syndrome' and hoof abcesses, and of course, cause laminitis and founder.
Many of our horses probably die early or are 'put down' because of the problems they develop from eating grass either at the wrong time, or the wrong type of grass. In fact it has been proven that animals who have their intake of calories restricted by 30-40% live a lot longer.
In other words, people love their horses so much they feed them 'to death'.

One of the most common reasons for horses to be retired or euthanaised is irreparable lameness and it's estimated that 80% of horses in the world show some form of clinical lameness. Most of these lamenesses originate in the lower 1/3rd of the leg with a very high percentage in the hoof from 'diseases' such as navicular and laminitis, abcesses and seedy toe (or white line disease).
While some stresses to the hoof such as navicular are related more to the hoof form being out of shape due to shoeing and bad/neglectful trimming, most others can be controlled through diet. Laminitis, seedy toe and the abcesses that result from the hoof trying to rid itself of toxins can all be fixed with a careful diet that controls the damage done to the laminae inside the hoof.

Damage to the sensitive laminae cause them to seperate and destroy the bond between the inner hoof structures and the outer hoof wall. When this bond is broken, lameness occurs as it is a bit like us tearing a fingernail from the skin below - it gets pretty sensitive until it can grow more tissue and heal. As the torn laminae grow down with the hoof wall towards the ground, the dead tissue spaces (seperation of the hoof wall) allows bacteria to enter and then you have seedy toe or white line disease.

Abcesses commonly occur to rid the hoof of the dead tissue from within, especially when the horse has suffered laminitis and a large amount of toxins must be removed. When the blood flow that carries these toxins away from the hoof is compromised by shoeing or lack of movement such as when the horse is footsore and cannot move much, then an abcess is the only way to force the toxins out.

So what has this all got to do with grass I hear you say?
Well, grass manufactures sugars in the form of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) and when these sugars overload the horse's hind gut, in simple terms, it causes the gut to release toxins into the blood which then flows to the hooves and effects the laminae as described above.
So, if we know how to limit the NSC to a safe level, then we can save our horse from a lot of suffering and save ourselves from a lot of vet bills.

Most people already realise that a horse who gets into the grain bin and gorges, will founder, as do ponies on rich grass in spring time.
This is the extreme end of the scale, but if we are more aware of what is happening to our horse's hooves, they will show us that minor episodes of laminitis (a major episode is called founder) are happening in response to the grass or concentrate feed our horse is eating.
Commonly, horses become sensitive in their hooves when they have a minor laminitic attack. You may notice your horse is reluctant to move forward, takes short steps or 'plays up' when asked to circle. They will be footsore on gravel or rocky surfaces, always looking for the edge where the grass grows or the going is softer. That's what makes most horse owners reach for the phone to call their farrier to put shoes on, when in reality they should be restricting grass intake and buying a set of boots to help protect the hooves in a healthy way when they want to ride.

Some footsoreness can be due to lack of good hoof form ie; flat soles therefore sensitive, but this is also just another symptom of mild laminitis. The soles appear to have dropped but what's really happening is the hoof wall is seperating and growing forward from the coffin bone because of a weak laminar attatchment, causing the sole and coffin bone to become weight bearing and therefore sensitive to direct pressure.

As you can see, the root cause of many hoof problems and therefore soundness, is the damage to the laminae which is like velcro - it holds the hoof together. The cause of damage to the laminae is commonly the toxins released from the horse's hind gut in response to an overload of sugar. The sugar overload comes from a high level of sugar or NSC in the grasses the horse eats (even in the dried grass - hay) which is the reason we need to know more about grass.

We need to know when it is safe to allow the horse to eat grass or when the grass has a low level of NSC's. We need to know what types of grasses have lower levels of NSC and which ones have a higher amount - usually those developed for the beef and dairy industries to grow lots of muscle, fat and milk. We need to know what affects the NSC content of grasses - like the weather, fertilisers used, when it is cut for hay etc.

I could tell you some of these answers but not in enough detail in this newsletter to be helpful, so the best way to find out, is to come along to the Safer Grass Clinic and hear what Kathryn Watts has discovered. The information you get from this clinic could be the missing part of the puzzle to good equine health, therefore less expense and pain suffered and more performance from your horse.
See the Events Guide below for where, when and how to register.

TAFE Tasmania is leading the way by providing a pilot course for a Certificate 3 In Equine Hoof Trimming which will be up and running in 2007. This course will have accreditied instructors such as Jeremy Ford (Certified with the American Assoc. of Natural Hoof Care) and Cynthia Cooper (Natural Horsemanship Instructor) working with ex-Farrier and TAFE teacher, Nathan Kerrison, Marg Richardson and Jen Clingly (Barefoot endurance riders) to provide an extremely comprehensive course on all aspects related to hoof trimming and horse care.
Students around Australia will be able to access the course on line with contact time to be available in Tasmania and at other locations around Australia, for eg. to study wild horses in the outback.
This course will enable trimmers to have a credible National Trade Certificate in Equine Hoof Care which will complement the currently available Certificate for Farriers.
Anyone interested in receiving more information should contact Nathan Kerrison at TAFE Tasmania on 0418 661241.

EVENTS CALENDAR

JANUARY
16th - Tasmanian Horse Rescue Project meeting (see info above).
24 –26 - THE EQUINE TOUCH COURSE- Three Day Foundation Course Ph.Liz Stanfield 0363951590/0428627959 - or go to www.theequinetouch.com
26,27,28th - Little Kids & Big Kids (adults) Adventure Camp with Cynthia at Golden Valley.
27th - Pony Pals at Harveydale - contact Steph (details below).

FEBRUARY
3rd - Pony Pals go to the Mountain Cattlemen's Event - contact Steph (details below) for a Fact Sheet.
10th & 11th - Beginners Natural Horsemanship Clinic with David Stuart at Equus Equestrian Centre, Sandford. Ph. Jacqui on 62 481795 or 0409 928393.
11th - Safer Grass Clinic with Katy Watts from USA - Email Cynthia for more info or a registration form.
17 or 18 - Possible date for Young Horse Workshop with Cynthia near Ulverstone.
25th - Lilydale Group Lesson Day with Cynthia - Ph. Liz on 63951590 to book as a rider or observer.
27th - Equus Savvy Get Together, 10am - 12pm at Equus Equestrian Centre, Sandford. Ph Melissa on 6239 9757 or 0438 399 756.

MARCH
10 & 11th - Whole Horse Workshop with Cynthia and other experts at Golden Valley.
12th - Pony Pals Mini Cattlemen's Event day at Harveydale - contact Steph. (details below) to enter.
17 or 18 - Possible date for Young Horse Workshop with Cynthia near Ulverstone.
24th - Stallion Parade and Equine Expo at Deloraine Racecourse - Natural Horse World stand.

APRIL
6th - 9th - Easter Trail Ride Camp around Quamby Bluff - bookings with Cynthia essential - limit to 10.

EVENTS GUIDE

Safer Grass Clinic - Presented by Kathryn Watts - Research Director Rocky Mountain Research & Consulting, Inc. Colorado. USA.
Sunday the 11th February 2007 at the Deloraine Community Complex from 9am to 5pm.

Your investment: $90 which includes yummy lunch (all needs catered for) + morning/afternoon tea.
*If you’re a vet, farrier, hoof trimmer or horse owner, don’t miss it.

HAS YOUR HORSE……?
Foundered in the past?
Shown signs of lameness that is un-explained?
Shown a difference in movement and stride, especially on hard surfaces?
Had seedy toe, rings around the hooves, abcesses?
Shown signs of Cushings Disease?
Got a fat, cresty neck and is often overweight?
‘Tied up’ after exercise?

If you answered yes to any of these then your horse needs you to come to this clinic.

Topics to be covered:
· - Holistic management of the carbohydrate intolerant horse.
·- Why forage in Tasmania is so high in sugar.
·- Laminitis: prevention, early diagnosis, and first aid treatment.
·- Equine nutrition for the rest of us: Applying common sense to feed horses as individuals (which may differ from the 'average' horse featured in the equine texts)

“Have all your questions answered about grass and keeping horses on it safely.”

Katy Watts is a dynamic presenter – to see her web site click here

"Hi all
Just a short note to reaffirm just how good the information is that
Katie Watts delivers in her presentation. I attended her presentation
in Canberra last weekend, and she explained what I have been seeing this
season with horses foundering early on in the season when I would not
have expected it. What she has to say, certainly impacts not only on
founder prone horses, but all of our horses which are usually grazing on
a high percentage of introduced improved pastures. If you can possibly
go to the next presentations, it will be well worth your while.
Regards,
John Gorman" (Farrier).

Pony Pals Info For each Pony Pals & Play Day;
Start time: 10am Cost: $5/ pony or horse + $3/family donation to the library.
RSVP: Please let me know if you are intending to come, either by email mcgovern@intas.net.au or phone 6362 4474 (after 8pm will always get me) If I don'thear from anyone I'll assume no one is coming ...
I f the weather is looking a bit dodgy give me a call on the day, before 9am.

Great news for Quantum Savvy Students and horse enthusiasts alike in Tasmania.......with the very first Tassie Practise Group now up and running in Sandford.
Group Organiser Melissa O'Rourke and the Equus Savvy Practise Group will be hosting events like Play-Days, video nights, Challenge Days and Clinics on a regular basis.

For details or more information, contact Melissa O'Rourke on Ph; 03 6239 9757 or 0438 399 756.

PHOTO SHOW
The Australian Warmblood Friesian Horse Society is holding a Photo Show as a fund raising event. There are classes for all breeds including Natural Horsemanship Classes. Its fun and easy to enter - no need to get your horse all cleaned up and transported to a show to compete in this one. Just take or select a nice photo and email it to the organisers. If you're interested click here .

YOUNG HORSE WORKSHOP
An opportunity has become available to hold another Young Horse Workshop - the last one I held was a couple of years ago when we had a group of youngsters of varying ages available to demonstrate with.
This next workshop would be held in February or March when a date that suits the stud owners and myself can be chosen but you can register your interest now. (my contact details are below).

At this workshop, I will be showing all the steps for teaching young horses from a weeks old foal to weanlings and yearlings. Foal imprinting will be explained along with teaching the foal to lead, tie up, pick up hooves and be trimmed, worming, float loading and how to give your youngster the experiences needed to prepare for riding. If you have a young horse then don't miss this opportunity to see first hand how a consistent gentle approach can help your youngster become a well trained, friendly sensible horse.

Classified Adds

For Sale – “SPIKE” DOB 6/8/2002 Sire – Glenleigh Sunda, Dam – Annie QH. 14.3 and half HH.
Chestnut Gelding. Spike is a wonderful horse who is great to ride & handle. He was imprinted at birth & started naturally by L3 PNH handler. He has transitioned bare hooves trimmed since 6 weeks old. He lays down, is OK with stockwhip, has been started over small jumps, goes calmly in all gaits on loose rein, done lots of trail & stock work. He is currently being ridden by eleven year old boy. Spike would try hard at any discipline, although calm is never lazy and always willing to attempt anything that is asked of him.
He does have a turn of speed if required, and will come back easily. He will make a fantastic best friend and deserves a caring natural home. He is being sold through absolutely no fault of his own, we just
have too many horses. His full sister is Breeze a L3 horse and his full brother is Albie, now owned and loved by Deb Johnson and going well. Price: $3,500.00 firm. Contact; Tara Nicklason 63 73 6145.

FOR SALE: BEAUTIFUL BELLA LOOKING FOR A PARTNER
I am sensitive, sensible and sociable, I love my farrier and he loves me, my present partner doesn't take me out enough so now I am seeking a divorce. I have shiny brown hair with black mane and tail and sparkling eyes, I am 15.2hh, 8 years old. I don't have any bad habits and I am very healthy.
I am looking for a capable mature partner with savvy who has enthusiasm to teach more manoeuvres. I live at Boat Harbour NW Tas.
My partner says she will exchange me for $2200 but I think I am worth much more. If you fancy me please call Jane 6445 1118

FOR SALE - Quiet to handle bay thoroughbred gelding, 16hh, 12yo. Good doer, green to ride so needs someone who can teach him. A lovely horse who would be a great companion. $500. Urgent sale as we are moving to QLD. Ph. Carmel on 63436693.

Wanted: Double, tandem horse float in good condition. Phone Adrienne on 6362 4422.

FOR SALE: Wintec Isabelle dressage saddle, 17 inch, with CAIR, Excellent Condition, Fully Mounted, $1000. PH. 64 26 2107

WANTED: PARELLI STUDY PACK 1 - PHONE: 03/ 6437 2575.

The following horses are looking for good, kind homes:

Dark bay standardbred gelding, 11yr, approx 15hh. Good looks, honest willing nature, very affectionate, suitable for confident rider. He is an excellent dooer, and is currently in good paddock condition. Easy to shoe, float and catch. Ideal trail horse or all rounder. For lease or sale $300 to approved home.

Thoroughbred gelding, 16.2hh, 8yr, off the track 12 months. Kind nature, just beginning under saddle.Displaying willing nature but requires experienced rider to further his education. Currently ridden in a halter or snaffle. No blemishes or scars. Do not let his breeding fool you he is an excellent doer, and is currently in good paddock condition. Easy to shoe, float and catch (just whistle and he comes to you). Suitable for light work only due to racing injury. For lease or sale $300 to approved home.
Ph. Helena on 1422074681.

If you have an add you would like included in the next newsletter please email it to me by the 25th of January for the February newsletter.
Advertising in the newsletter is free but exact wording must be supplied and photos must be reduced to less than 50kb.

Photo design by Nadeen Davis.

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Contact Details:
Cynthia Cooper - Natural Horse World
46 Wattle Lea Lane, Golden Valley, Tasmania,
Australia. 7304. Ph. 0363 695177.
Email Me