Natural Horse World Newsletter

Hello Horselovers!
This year is already starting to fly past - must be old age!
In January I had two new live-in students arrive from the UK - Shelley and Sue who have not owned horses themselves but have ridden regularly and are now learning lots about feeding and keeping horses.
They have been a great asset as cooks, preparing the lunches for the January camp and for the Safer Grass Clinic and were organised enough to take part in both these courses.
The January Camp was a lovely time with three keen particpants from the south joining the three live-in students.
Jacqui, Melissa and Cathryn from the Acton/Sandford area learned a lot and got outside their comfort zones to make some good progress with their horses. This culminated in an enjoyable trail ride - a first for Cathryn and her new horse, a first for Kendra taking out Phoenix, a horse she re-started, and a first for Melissa riding without a bit.
This month we got the last of our hay carted in - like most drought affected pastures our 1,000 bale hay paddock only yielded one third of the bales so the search for more hay to make up the shortfall is on. Please contact me if you have some to sell!

Finn (who has just turned 3) has served his last mare for the season, making a total of five foals expected for later this year and early next. He's really enjoying his life with the mares and foals who are all looking well apart from showing signs of a copper deficiency (washed out coat colour & lighter rings around the eyes) which Katy Watts says is very common in Australian soils. They've always had a lick with copper in it, but that doesn't give them enough so I'm supplementing with a pinch of copper sulphate in their feed which is readily accepted.
The foals are growing up - Amy is 6 months old now and loves a cuddle and Finn - he shares feed with her and is very gentle but consistent with his reprimands to the foals if needed.
Dakoda loves to play and enjoys new toys so apart from his regular horse ball we take him new things like cardboard boxes to have some fun with. Mind you we can't leave him with anything he can eat!
In all it's been a busy time as the long summer days usually are.
Enjoy the read, Cynthia.

Just when you think you're doing ok with feeding your horses, a whole lot of new information causes us to realise there is so much more to know. Katy Watts is a dynamic presenter and gave 45 Tasmanian horse owners including vets, farriers and hoof trimmers plenty of food for thought on the safest way of feeding our horses for optimum health.

We discovered its not just about the type of grass we grow (or don't at this time of year!), or how much, or when to feed it. There's our own micro climate, the weather, the fertilisers we do or don't use, the weeds in the pasture and the minerals our soil is deficient in that all contribute to our horse's ability to remain healthy and free of founder or laminitis.

Then there's hay - we discovered that the ideal hay making conditions are the opposite to when most hay is harvested. Try telling your hay contractor that you need the hay cut about a month past its prime, after some cloudy weather, preferably in high humidity, in the early morning and then dried over a long period, 5-7 days, and if it gets rained on that's OK! He'll think you're mad but in reality those conditions produce hay that is ideal for fat, founder prone ponies and horses.

We learnt about fructans, sugars and starches but most importantly about non-structural carbohydrates (NSC's) which appear to be the enemy as far as grass and hay are concerned. Most horses and ponies can cope with grass/hay that has 10% or less in NSC's but the types of grasses we have our horses on are designed to fatten cattle and produce millk, and subsequently are often double that percentage - rye grass is a good example.
And so we have horses and ponies who have become insulin resistant, like diabetics, who can't handle the high sugargrasses, grains and even treats like molasses, carrots, apples, and peppermints we love to give them. They get laminitis very easily and founder to the point of being in pain, un-useable and and expensive to rehabilitate.

But, the message from this clinic showed there is light at the end of the tunnel. If we learn more, get proactive and manage our horse's feed better, then we will have sound, happy horses. We need to stop taking it for granted that all feed companies know what's best for our horses (they can only generalise their rations), that we need 'good quality hay' for our horses and we need to ask for alternatives to feed our horses such as beet pulp if we don't want to turn them into obese couch potatoes.
We need to ask for native grass seeds to sow our pastures with, get soil tests done and improve our pastures so they grow healthy grass that is low in NSC. We need to ask our hay contractors to cut differently, and to get the hay tested for NSC levels.

And we need to manage our pastures well with resting and fertilising so that our horses are not living on horse sick ground that is unable to give them the minerals they need to be strong and healthy. This is especially important in times of drought when plants are stressed so not providing good nutrients and grass is dying. If we allow our pasture to be completely eaten out and destroyed it will cause a good crop of weeds to grow when we do get rain, and nothing else. Make a sacrifice paddock or area (such as a track) and feed your horse a well balanced mineral mix such as Equilibrium, especially your broodmares, young growing horses and those in work.

We also need to manage our horses and restrict their grass intake by using systems such as tracks (paddock paradise), time periods - safest grazing time is 3am to 10am, and/or a grazing muzzle.
Exercise will help your horse/pony to utilise some of the sugars and protein they eat. As little as three sessions of 30 minutes a week can make quite a difference - sweat is good!

Katy Watts is passionate about her hobby of researching grass for horses and has co-authored a booklet with Dr Chris Pollitt on Feeding & Pasture Management for the Laminitic horse that RIDRC will publish in the near future.
If you would like some of her knowledge and information right now, she has produced two CD's of her presentation titled Forage and Pasture Management for Laminitic Horses and Dietary Management of the Carboyhydrate Intolerant Horse. These are available through Natural Horse World for $30 each + postage of $5 per order and online ordering will be available soon.

If you would like to look at the Safer Grass web site click here. Also, there is a fantastic report by Jenny Patterson covering health problems caused by grass so click here for information all horse owners need to know.

Some of theSafer Grass Clinic participants with Katy Watts (3rd from right) - most are hoof trimmers.

L-R: Dave McDonald, Vanessa Smith, Marg Richardson, Cynthia Cooper, Carol Ferguson, Libby Franz and Iluka Bonn.

Whole Horse Workshop
March the 10th and 11th, Saturday and Sunday of the long weekend will be the next opportunity to attend a Whole Horse Workshop with Cynthia and other topic presenters at her Golden Valley property.
This workshop is designed to be your guide to caring for and teaching horses naturally, looking at all the latest methods and information available.
Learn the most advanced approach to horses in the areas of:

For just $75 these two days gives you so much more knowledge towards having a happier, healthier horse. To download the registration form click here.

Young Horse Day

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.
Participants only need to bring a notebook and are welcome to video tape - no horses required as we will be working with the Wallbrook Stud horses - some of them are for sale (see Classifieds).
It's on Sunday the 18th of March at Wallbrook Stud, Church St. North Motton. $40 for the day includes hot drinks and a sausage sizzle. Please book with Cynthia (contact details below).
If you can't make it to this day, my Young Horse Training DVD filmed at a previous Young Horse Day is available here or to order online click here.

Equine Touch Course
Horse Lovers: Level 1 Foundation Clinic/Seminar with National Accredited Equine Touch Instructor
Mary Hitchcock, July 14,15 and 16th hosted in North Lilydale.
For information and/or registration please contact course coordinator, Liz Stanfield on 0363951590
Cost: $470 for the 3 day clinic (includes morning tea and course manual)

LEVEL 1
The Move and Fundamentals of palpation and Body Balancing
Understanding Area of Concern Addresses and safe application
On this three day foundation clinic for horse lovers, the focus is on teaching students how to care for their own horses. The novice students are introduced to the Equine Touch by practising the basic procedures on their fellow students prior to being instructed to transpose them onto the equine. This is an extremely important facet of the work as it supplies an inner knowledge of how the technique works at the human level. This method also allows the novice to address the imbalance of the rider which may be affecting the equine and vice versa. As a result, by the end the course, the student has the ability to address not only the equine, but the rider as well. Safety for horse and practitioner is stressed throughout the three days and each student is supplied with a user-friendly manual which contains diagrams, photographs and instructions on how to perform all foundation procedures. Upon completion a certificate is issued.

Clicker Training Clinics
Tasmanian Clicker Training enthusiast, Laurel Gordon, is coordinating three Clicker Training Clinics for July with interstate instructor, Yvonne Lehey from South Australia.
Yvonne has studied with Alexandra Kurland in the USA, Pat Parelli, Andrew McLean, Mark Rashid, Dr Deb Bennett and Linda Tellington-Jones.
The clinics will be held at the Westbury Indoor Arena on the following dates:
July 21st: Introduction to Clicker Training Horses - One day.
July 22nd: Junior Clicker Clinic for under 16's - One day.
July 28th & 29th: Two day Clicker Training Clinic - will include several more advanced horses /riders so will be very interesting to watch, but will also cater for beginners. Places are limited to 8 so book early. The cost will be $115 per day for adults ($220 for 2 day clinic), $65 for under 16's and $30 for observers.

There will be a basic introductory demonstration using a non-clicker trained horse, exercises for students and observers, then Yvonne will work with each participant in turn on whatever that person nominates. This should cover everything from basic manners and problems right up to using Clicker Training to improve dressage performance etc.
Yvonne is very experienced and holds clinics in Europe as well as mainland Australia so to learn more about her click here or for more information on Clicker Training visit Alexandra Kurland, author of many books and DVD's - click here.

Horstmann Technique Clinic
This therapy was developed for humans by experienced natural therapist Trish Trowbridge in 1995 and has been developed for horses by Eva Tera, a human/horse teacher from Finland. The technique works on all levels - emotional (fear, anger etc), mental (posture, confidence) and physical (back problems, colic etc.) and as horses don't usually hold issues as deep as people, they are easier to treat.
Clinics have previously been held interstate and once again, Eva will visit from Finland to conduct more, this time including Tasmania along with Queensland, NSW and South Australia.
Expressions of interest are needed by the end of March to secure a date in September for a clinic in Tasmania so please contact Marie Myrander on 0404975835 to show your interest. For more information on the Horstmann Technique click here.

Bitless Bridles - New Agent
Natural Horse World has become the Tasmanian Agent for Dr Cook's Bitless Bridles and has a demo bridle available to try. These bridles are top quality, imported from the USA and available in leather, Beta (leather lookalike synthetic) and nylon in both english and western styles. For more information go to the Bitless Bridle page. or be sure to check them out at the South Australian Horse Expo and our Agfest site in May.

Product Review - Skodes Horse Treats
Chief recipe maker Lori Yearwood has developed a truly healthy treat to give your equine friends. About 3 months ago, Veterinarian Dr. Eleanor Kellon and Lori developed some delicious, guaranteed low sugar and low starch treats for sugar sensitive horses. The treats are made out of organic herbs, flowers, nuts and seeds, as well as human grade whole foods and specially selected low sugar hays. They are already winning approval with many herds around the United States. To view this beautiful web site click here . There are also many tips on how to give your horse a more natural lifestyle and the ability to have a consultation through the Well Connected Horse to find answers and help with your laminitic/foundered horse.

Web Review - www.horsesfirstclub.com
This is the world's first racing club set up to show there is a better way to care for racehorses before, during and after training. They use natural feed and remedies, instruct all their jockeys not to use the whip, turn out racehorses in herds, start young horses gently using join-up and ensure they have excellent lifelong homes at the end of their careers. They are also pioneers of racing barefoot through Simon Earle Racing.

Horses First is currently attracting members from all over the world, Australia included. The main attraction for overseas members is the website. The site is exclusive to members and it has a discussion forum that members from all over the world can use to exchange ideas and experiences about everything from barefoot racing to use of the whip. It may be especially interesting for Australian members as they campaign to get barefoot racing authorised in Australia. There are daily updates on the training of the five club horses, including video clips of them schooling, audio files of jockey comments after a race and photos of the horses at work and play. There is a pre-race update on all of the club horses before they race and also of the other horses in training at Simon Earle Racing. There is news of the latest developments in issues like use of the whip, training methods and barefoot. There is also a brand new 'ask the vet' feature where members can ask our two vets (one traditional, one holistic) questions. Both vets have extensive experience in barefoot racing, natural remedies and all aspects of equine care.

Upon reviewing this web site, my thoughts were wouldn't it be wonderful if all horses could enjoy a racing career this way. I'm sure many more people would support racing if it were the norm rather than the exception, however a start has been made by the people from the Horses's First Club and will hopefully encourage others to follow in their footsteps. To visit the web site for a free trail membership click here.

This is a little book that's big on wisdom. Packed into its 144 pages are all of Carlos' philosophies on horses which for me rang true - at last, someone has written from the heart and from the horse's perspective.

At the start of the book there is a quote from Buddha about beliefs and as I read further it seemed Carlos could be described as the Buddha for horses. Everything he teaches is for the benefit of the horse and ultimately the human who needs to become what they want their horse to be. There's no truer saying than "Your horse is a reflection of who you are".

Carlos is known worldwide for the remarkable results he achieves with foals, starting young horses and rehabilitating abused horses. He has been described as the gentlest horseman to touch a horse and rejects the use of the bit. His approach uses consistent, confident and kind leadership to develop trust, obedience and respect in the horse.
His approach doesn't require you to use a system, memorise a series of steps or purchase a lot of expensive tools. However the book does explain with concise analogies and colour photos how to understand horses and how our actions and attitudes influence them.
Most importantly this book will show you how to consider your horse's mind and spirit in all the work you do with him or her. As Carlos says "Once you have your horse's heart and mind, his body will follow".

Marty Schiel helped record and produce this wonderful book and says that Carlos is driven to be a sort of 'equine advocate' working tirelessly to help another horse, another person. "Time and again I have witnessed the great honesty and courage with which he challenges people to change their thinking and to give up their spurs, whips and bits."
I highly reccommend this book which you can purchase direct from Carlos (ask for a signed copy) if you click here.

The Australian Equine Welfare Association (AEWA) is now in the final stages of drafting it’s Tasmanian Equine Code of Practice. If the code is accepted, Tasmania will be the third State in Australia to have an Equine Welfare Code of Practice as part of their Animal Welfare Act. The consultation stages have been very productive, with support for the code coming from Harness Racing Tasmania, Tasmania’s DPIW, Queensland’s DPI (who are producing a national code of practice), and local horse owners and riding clubs. The AEWA hopes to hand over the final draft of the code to the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee in April 2007.

The AEWA would like to thank those who commented on the code, and the professionals who have been involved in the production process. If you would like to get involved in our work, or send us a donation, please email us at info@aewa.org.au

The Perfect Hoof Club, developed by K.C La Pierre, is offering free membership to anyone interested in receiving their informative newlsetter and access to a forum of hoof trimmers. To check it out click here.

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, hopefully in the first half of this year. 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 log onto the Tafe web site and register. click here

EVENTS CALENDAR

FEBRUARY

20th - Tasmanian Horse Rescue meeting - Phone Jacqui on 62 481795 or 0409 928393 or Melissa on 6239 9757 or 0438 399 756
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
4th - Natural Hoof Care clinic with Jeremy Ford - Hobart. Contact Carol on Ph. 0419 568295 or 62 396070.
10 & 11th - Whole Horse Workshop with Cynthia and other experts at Golden Valley.
11th - NARC TREC event at Harveydale. Ph. Jenny Harvey on 63 936544.
12th - Pony Pals Mini Cattlemen's Event day at Harveydale - contact Steph. (details below) to enter.
18th - Young Horse Workshop with Cynthia at Wallbrook Stud, North Motton.
24th - Stallion Parade and Equine Expo at Deloraine Racecourse.

APRIL
6th - 9th - Easter Trail Ride Camp around Quamby Bluff - bookings with Cynthia essential - limit of 10.
15th - Northern Adult Riding Club Clinic with Cynthia - Ph. Jenny Harvey on 63 936544.

MAY
3,4,5th - AGFEST - Natural Horse World Site and demos on Hoof trimming, bitless bridles, new equipment.

EVENTS GUIDE

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't hear from anyone I'll assume no one is coming ...
If 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 .

Classified Adds
FOR SALE: Springfield Glamour Girl Registered Connemara Sporthorse Mare Sire: Glenormiston Finnian (Connemara), Dam: Thumpers Star (TB) Cassie is 15.3hh, 9 years old, excellent conformation, expressive uphill movement. A pleasure to catch, trim, float, wash, rug, worm, etc. She is broken in but has not been ridden for 4 years. Proven, easy broodmare of 2 outstanding foals. Her foals posess her beautiful movement as well as her calm, unflappable and extremely friendly temperament. Sad sale. Currently has grey partbred arabian filly foal at foot. Sire: Cherox Tchaikovsky. Can sell as package. $3000 (mare only) Oldina Tasmania 0407 058 291.

FOR SALE: Zintahn Kissaya Weanling grey partbred arabian and connemara sporthorse filly.
Sire: Cherox Tchaikovsky Dam: Springfield Glamour Girl. Kissaya should mature approx 15hh and is a lovely friendly filly with the biggest stride I have ever seen on a foal. She is good to catch, trim, lead, etc. This cross has proven successful in the past, combining the flair and pizazz of the arabian with the loyal, calm, easy going and trainable nature of the connemara. Do you want a friend for life? Kissaya will be available at weaning in May or can be sold now as a package with her mother Springfield Glamour Girl $2000 (Filly only) 0407 058 291.

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 - 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: Peter Horobin Pirouette, 17 inch black, very good condition comes with stirrup leathers and PH Diamond leather girth (as new) and has brand new girth straps. Can be adjusted by PH to fit your horse. $2,000. Phone 0410 600 888.

For reluctant sale:16 HH, 13 year old thoroughbred gelding. Has done pony club and lots of eventing. Does not like shoes - has been barefoot trimmed for over a year now. Can be a bit bossy but reponds well to regular, caring, handling. Was ridden by a teenage girl for 5 years. Needs a confident rider. He's in very good condition. Has been well schooled in dressage. Not a confident jumper but he can jump with the right person. Floats well. No hassles on the road. $2000 ONO (price negotiable) Ph. 63695167 Christine or 0400530647 Louise.

FOR SALE: Wallbrook Stud Friesian Warmblood foals. The following foals are for sale and can be viewed at the Young Horse Day on March 18th. Ph. Nadeen and Lee for more details on 64 257287.

If you have an add you would like included in the next newsletter please email it to me by the 28th of February for the March newsletter.
Advertising in the newsletter is free but exact wording must be supplied and photos must be reduced to less than 50kb.

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.

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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