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Newsletter No. 66

April 2007

In This Newsletter:

Cynthia's News

Flexible Treed Saddles

Did you know? Stringhalt...

Tasmanian Clinics and Courses

Young Horse Day Photos

Light Rider Bridle

Progressive Weaning

Web Review - No Hoof - No Horse

THRRO News

Barefoot Bits & Pieces - TAFE Hoof Trimming Course & New Boot

Subscriber's News & Photos

Events News for Tasmania

Calendar & Classifieds

 

Cynthia's News

Hello Horselovers!
I still wish it would rain but I love this autumn weather - cool nights and warm sunny days that are perfect for playing outside with our horses.
So that's what we did over Easter with the live-in students and a few friends on the trail ride around Quamby Bluff which is more of a mountain really.
On the first day Paul and Karen rode over from Jackey's Marsh to meet us and lead the trail back to their place where we stayed overnight to enjoy the BBQ and beers.

The next day after a leisurely breakfast, we headed off again to complete the 30km round trip which overall took 8 hours of riding so its no endurance course. The terrain mostly restricted us to a walk although a few open tracks and roads gave us some space to trot along too.

I rode my young horse, Zach, for his first long riding adventure filled with challenges for him. There were extreme ups, downs and overs with bogs, deep, muddy water crossings and lots of logs to contend with. He passed the test admirably and will be a braver horse for it - as will the riders who rose up to the challenges this terrain offers.

With those challenges came wonderful views, beautiful rainforest and supportive company so we enjoyed the whole experience. Many thanks to Karen and Paul for their hospitality and leadership.

Horse news from home starts with the arrival of Sassafras, my molly mule, back into the herd. Sassy had been living away with a very old mare for seven years, keeping her company until the day she had to leave for horse heaven. Its been amazing watching her integration back into a herd of horses, starting at the bottom of the pecking order but developing her leadership characteristics, especially as 'watch mule'. She is aware of and interested in everything that goes on and is becoming more comfortable with different people handling her ('fuzzing her' as Shelley and Sue call the cuddles they give her!).
Sadly, Shelley and Sue from the UK, will leave next week, having stayed for 3 months as live-in students. The horses especially, will miss their kind and loving attentions as Shelley practices her Equine Touch and Sue gives them hoof manicures.

Manny has been un-well again with dramatic weight loss and a persistant cough - the vet diagnosis is either a severe case of encysted stronglyes or cancer. He seems to be holding his own and is still bright and eating (although very fussy) so is a source of stress and worry for me as I spend time feeding, rugging and grooming his wasted body, hopefully back to good health. Nursing ill horses seems to be something I needed to learn! Thankfully the rest are well, and Koda the rejected foal has just been gelded (he soon turns 6 months of age) in preparation for weaning over the next couple of months. I hope you enjoy the article on Progressive Weaning in this issue and that you lap up the last warm rays of sun that autumn gives us.

Enjoy the read, Cynthia.


Flexible Tree Saddles - why they are the way to go.

Flexible saddle trees are becoming increasingly popular, reflecting the growing awareness and concern of today's riders for their horses' well-being. Why a flexible tree ?
As with many consumer products in general, technology has evolved products throughout the years. We watch flat screen color tv's and no longer 10" black and white tv's - we drive technically advanced cars, the same goes for the saddle tree - it has evolved into a new, advanced generation of saddle tree that is quite different from conventional trees being used for centuries made out of wood and covered with hide or fiberglass.
Riders, trainers, and constructors of equipment developed the flexible tree saddle after becoming dissatisfied with traditional saddles. They kept encountering poor performance saddles that caused sore muscles, white hairs, muscle wastage or a "deadened" communication between horse and rider.
Building a saddle with a flexible tree that can adjust to the conformation of the horse significantly widens the range of horses that the saddle will fit. Perhaps an even greater benefit to a flexible tree is the fact that the tree will move with the horse instead of against it. When a horse turns or bends his body the tree will "get out of the way" of the horse's shoulders and hips. Close contact, lightweight and relief from pressure points to the horse's back are primary benefits to the flex tree, achieved by using materials that result in a thinner, lighter tree bar.
Do I need a saddle with a flexible tree ?
Of course if you use a western saddle for heavy duty ranch work or steer roping a flexible tree is not for you, but most other horse sports such as reining, dressage, jumping and even endurance are based on 'feel' and being felt by your horse.
Bridging and pressure points are virtually eliminated by the saddle's ability to conform to the horse's back as compared to a 'rigid' piece of wood placed on a horse's back.
Borderline fitting problems can be solved by the ability of the bars of the tree to conform and 'give' just enough to avoid pinching and bridging.

One of the commonly used saddle trees for flexible western style saddles is the Equi-Fit. Equi-Fit saddle trees are made up of separate components. They retain a traditional rigid fork and cantle in order to avoid wither pinching and spine irritation caused by tree spread or flattening. The traditional rigid bars, however, are replaced by bars molded of a specially developed elastomer, a material similar to a rubber-like work boot sole.
Equi-Fit Flexible bars are molded to shape, not cut from a flat sheet.
The flexibility 'enhances' an already proper fit, it doesn't attempt to create it.

Another USA made flexible tree has been designed by Boz Saddlery who have a range of western style saddles and bareback pads. They are also available in Europe and the web site (below) hass a long list of design features apparently not available in any other saddle.
In Australia the Mackinder Flex Ride saddle is used by many endurance riders and is built on a flexible foam tree, allowing both medial and lateral flexing.

In the UK the Wow saddle features a laterally flexing tree by the use of a "Y" bar made from rigid Carbon Fibre that is as strong as steel embedded in the body of the tree so the head of the tree swings from side to side as the alternate shoulders rotate back under the tree.

There are also several brands of saddles that have flexible bars rather than flexible trees that aim to give a better fit, especially for wider horses. Orthoflex, Amera-Flex and Reactor Panel saddles are some examples made in the USA who all have a variety of designs to accommodate most equestrian sports. If you search on these names you will spend hours reading and drooling over saddle designs, wondering if you can afford them and how to get them shipped to you if you live in another country!

From many hours of reading rider testimonials on these web sites it seems their horses definately prefer a flexible tree that accommodates movement but also supports the rider, girthing and stirrup systems. Most flexible treed saddles are not limited to lightweight riders (unlike many treeless saddles) so it seems this is where the future of saddle making is heading - comfort for the horse and support for the rider.
Now if I can just find a way to manufacture my flexible tree saddle in synthetics, this will give riders even more choice. I'll keep you posted on my progress with this project.

Photo: The Freeform Saddle is made with a molded base so falls into the category of flexible trees despite the fact that is has no traditional tree as such.

If you would like more information on Flexible Treed saddles here are some web sites I found useful.

Saddle Fit on the Chirovet website

Boz Saddles features page

Wikipedia History of Saddles

Western Saddle Fitting


Did You Know? Stringhalt is a common seasonal condition.
In Australia, stringhalt is commonly seen in summer and autumn as drought stressed pastures are overtaken with weeds such as false Dandelion (also known as Catsear or Flatweed) and Capeweed. Toxins from these weeds affect the nervous system resulting in an exagerated high stepping action in one or both hind legs.
In mild cases the symptoms show when the horse is asked to back-up or if there is a change of terrain, cold weather or if the horse becomes nervous or excited.
Horses with stringhalt can walk, canter and gallop but have trouble trotting properly.
If your horse is supected as having stringhalt there are several things you can do:

  1. Remove the horse immediately from the pasture
  2. Give them rescue remedy
  3. Feed magnesium in the form of magenesite - 1 dessert spoon daily for a week then high grade dolomite which can also be added to the water at the rate of 1 handful per 10 litres.
  4. Feed good quality pasture hay ad lib. (If you are feeding an insulin resistant horse who is prone to laminitis, soak the hay for a couple of hours before feeding).
  5. Add the herbs Valerian and Mugwort to the feed to help repair nerve signals.
  6. Feed a good general mineral supplement such as Equilibrium.

Horses left un-treated for this condition will suffer from muscle wastage and may never completely recover. Most cases resolve once the horse is removed from the pasture in a period of 2 weeks to 2 years, depending on the severity of the stringhalt.

Prevention is better - check your pastures for the offending weeds and if you have them, remove your horse before it shows symptoms and feed it on grass hay and supplementary feed according to use and condition.


Tasmanian Clinics and Courses Coming Up.

Whole Horse Workshop
June the 9th and 10th, 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:

  • Horse Health – looking after horses more naturally: environment, feeding, complemetary therapies.
  • Hoof Care – barefoot trimming, boots & conditioning, how feed affects hooves, lamintis.
  • Saddle & Tack fit – alternative saddles/bitless bridles and other training tools.
  • Horse Psychology – how do horses think & why? Communication and various teaching methods.
  • Education – basic horsemanship principles for groundwork and riding.

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.

EQUUS WORKSHOPS - Would you like a happier horse, better understand your horse, achieve better results with your horse?
Starting on March 10th and held every fortnight at Equus Equestrian Centre, Sandford, these workshops are for all levels of horses and riders, starting at 12 to 2pm or 2.30 to 4.30pm. Riders $80 and fence sitters welcome - $20. Bookings and enquiries Ph. 0438 399756.

LEARN TO TALK TO THE ANIMALS As seen on A Current Affair/Sunrise
Trisha Mc Cagh is an internationally recognized animal communicator, and has made numerous public appearances both in Australia and Internationally. Due to public demand Trisha is starting a national tour of public workshops to teach people how to communicate with animals in their silent language. She will enable participants to increase and explore the bounds of relationship and understanding with their own animal companions or indeed any species.
Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity as numbers are limited, and bookings are essential! Attend one or both days

YOUR HOST: Tammy Martin
DATE: Sat 12th May/Sun 13th May
VENUE: Mountain River/HOBART/Tasmania
YOUR INVESTMENT:Book 2 days - $380.00(Normally $410.00)

DAY 1: Introductory Workshop - $190.00
Learn the essentials on how to get in touch with animals telepathically.
Practice sending and receiving what animals communicate telepathically in thoughts, images, impressions, feelings, emotions and messages.

DAY 2: Intermediate Workshop - $220.00
Expanding communication with your own animal companions in particular and learning to trust the communications you get from them.
Deepen the bond with your own animals by asking them questions and receiving answers.

Mobile: 0419 999 407 Click here to book or enquire for more details.

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 in July at Violet Banks Indoor Arena
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.

To book your place at a clinic please contact Laurel on 64 254731 or download a Registration Form & Info.

Carlos Tabernaberri Clinic - Sept. 15th & 16th 2007 at Violet Banks Indoor Arena.
Carlos is coming to Tasmania for the very first time and this two day clinic is an opportunity to see a true horseman in action. Read the clinic review below then register your interest with Cynthia.

"For all you Parelli diehards prepare to be challenged.
Carlos is a no carrot stick advocate! And that is just the beginning. But if you are truly in it for the horse then you must see this man!
My journey with all that is natural for the horse, began a short six months ago, and the most important thing I have learned to date is that there is no destination, there will always be something else to learn about these amazing creatures we are blessed to have in our lives. That in itself is reason enough to attend a clinic with Carlos.
I do recommend you read his book first. He refers to it often. Unlike other clinics I have attended, he did not spend any time talking about his philosophies or his methods.

Cynthias review of Carlos' book reflects what I saw, and if you can only attend two clinics this year - make this one and Cynthia's the other!
For me personally, I have been disappointed with some of the methods clinicians use under the banner of 'natural' - too much force and making the horse do 'it'.
Not so Carlos. It was actually a relief to find someone who I want to learn more from and would recommend". Patsy Sealy. VIC.


Young Horse Day
What wonderful autumn weather we had for the Young Horse Day at Lee and Nadeen's Wallbrook Stud. It was a pleasure to demonstrate my handling methods for foals and young horses on their beautiful easy going Friesian Warmbloods.
18 keen participants asked lots of questions and observed the gentle, no stress ways of teaching foals to be caught, led, have hooves handled, be wormed, tie up and go on the float.

Thank you Lee and Nadeen for hosting this event.

 

See more photos on the Photo Album page soon.

For those who missed this event, you can purchase my Young Horse Education DVD filmed at a previous Young Horse Day. Available here or to order online click here.

 

 

 


Progressive Weaning
I get a lot of people asking, "What is the best age and way to wean a horse"? I think if you can look to nature you have the answers - most mares who are foaling every year in the wild would chase their foal off just prior to having their next one so nature holds the key. Weaning too early or too late can cause behavioural issues that will affect the foal for the rest of its life.

The age I mostly wean my foals is between eight and ten months, taking into account whether the mare is empty or back in foal, the pasture conditions, the weather conditions and the availability of time to commit on a daily basis for a period of up to 2 weeks.
Weaning can be traumatic for the foal especially when approached traditionally with instant separation and often isolation!
Done naturally, the mare would start to stop feeding her foal about a month prior to birth when her hormones are changing to signal the development of colostrum. At this stage her foal will be about ten months old.
Her reluctance to feed the weanling may only take a few days, but they are still allowed to share the close bond they have with their dam.

Photo: It helps a foal gain confidence if they can explore the world with their mum close by.

Once the mare has her new foal, the weanling (probably close to a year old) will develop bonds with other herd members, most likely other youngsters. The dam of this yearling will still be a comfort zone if needed when the youngster is unsure or frightened. Perhaps this is one reason mares don’t appear to discipline their foals very much – they need to be seen as the safest place to run to – always trusting that they will be accepted and protected.

In order to replicate natural weaning as closely as possible, I start the process with the foal (now 8 mths) and mare being joined by a gentle old companion if they aren’t already part of a herd, which hopefully they can be. Any quiet, gentle horse will be suitable so long as they tolerate or enjoy youngsters.
They should be pastured together for a few weeks before starting to separate the mare from her foal and the companion for short periods (30 minutes) that then progress to longer periods of a few hours.
It is always best to confine the mare so the foal can see her and has the choice to move further away. If the foal is confined, it can panic when the mare moves away from its comfort zone, possibly causing itself injury and at the least, emotional panic.

For those familiar with ‘Paddock Paradise’ or a track system of restricting grazing, this works beautifully with the mare on the track and the foal on the inside with other herd members or companion. This way the foal and mare can ‘travel’ together but not suckle.
The separation is best done over a double or triple tape electric fence or if you’re not using a track, solid wooden or pipe rails on the yard holding the mare. Never separate a mare and foal with wire initially as in panic, the foal could try to run through it or jump it – at least electric tape will stretch or break.

Photo: This 8 month old filly learns about natural herd behaviours such as mating and birthing by being able to remain with her mum in the herd until she is weaned naturally prior to the birth of her next foal.

By gradually increasing the separation time daily, it only takes a week before they can go for the full day without a drink. At this stage I would put them back together during the nights.
For the next week, allow the foal to suckle once a day as this helps to ease the tightness of the mare's bag, making life more comfortable for her too. Her diet should be reduced to very little pasture and mostly hay (no grain) to assist in slowing the milk production.
The daily suckling can be decreased to every 2nd day for a week. By then foal will be enjoying the company of the others and seem to be independent enough to cope without mum.
Finally, extend the suckling to once every 3 days before not allowing it any more.
In order to teach the weanling that it can leave sight of it’s mum, take it for walks in the company of the steady companion, gradually increasing the distance and time out of sight, using approach and retreat, always aiming to return to the comfort zone (the mare in sight) before the youngster gets concerned.
When it comes time to take the mare away, which may be necessary to re-breed her or move pastures, ensure the weanling is kept in a small safe yard with their companion until they are settled. If you don’t need to keep the mare and weanling separated, then wait until the foal has not suckled for 6 weeks to ensure the mare’s milk has properly dried up.

Weaning need not be a traumatic experience if done gradually. This also decreases the risk of injury to mare and foal, and allows the youngster to suffer less anxiety in the future when they need to be 'weaned' from their pair bond or companion. Of course you could approach their next separation in much the same way.

Really, it's just a matter of looking at it from the horse's point of view.
How would you feel if you were a child, suddenly locked in a cell away from your mum, and in the case of some young horses, away from everyone else too?
I’ve found that foals weaned this way are bolder, much more confident and don’t seem to suffer anxiety when they are asked to leave their herd or companion. This method may take a little longer but you will reinforce catching and leading in the process. It greatly reduces the risk of injury, development of stress related behaviours such as wood chewing, weaving, fence running etc. and that in turn reduces the stress on us as caretakers of those precious young horses that are our future.


To read more about weaning foals click here.


Web Review - www.nohoof-nohorse.com
Cheryl sutor, Author of this site says "The purpose of this website and the services offered is to educate and guide those of you who care about your horses and want to give them only the best in hoofcare, training, and lifestyle to increase their health and longevity."
You will find loads of great articles and advice on Hoof care, Training and Essential Oils on this beautifully designed site that is easy to navigate and lovely to look at. There is even a great quiz to test your knowledge on hoof care and many interesting pictures and diagrams throughout the site. Definately worth a look.

To visit the web site click here.

News from THRRO

We are not for profit member based organisation that's sole purpose is to rescue and rehabilitate horses that are either neglected, abused, unwanted or even horses whose owners who have found themselves in a position where they can no longer afford to look after a horse or whose personal circumstances have changed and they no longer are able to look after a horse. If you can help us, please join our organisation for a small annual fee you will receive the following benefits:

* Adoption and Fostering preferences - members will get the first opportunity to adopt
or foster a THRRO horse.
* Great discounts offered by our sponsors
* The ability to be part of our volunteer program
* Monthly newsletter (quarterly?)
* The knowledge that you are supporting and helping horses in need all over our state.

Click Here to view our web site. To see horses available for adoption click here to download details.


The new Light Rider Bitless Bridle
What was known as the Enduro Bitless Bridle is now called the Light Rider Bridle so as not to breach a registered trademark (the word Enduro). This bridle is designed by Cynthia and currently being used by a number of endurance and pleasure riders who all report that their horses love it.

For more detailed info and to download an order form, click here.

Feedback on the Light Rider Bitless Bridle

"Cynthia, I just wanted to touch base with you about the Light Rider Bridle. I completed the 40km ride at Woodstock successfully. I was very pleased with the bridle as I had heaps of control, and she listened. Overall I was really pleased with it and will definitely be ordering another one soon so I have a spare." Danielle.

"Thanks soooooo much for the bridle- Brady responds wonderfully with it (he is a 20 year old thoroughbred that thinks he is 2 sometimes)! Much lighter than the rope halter. I wish everyone would use them for the horses!" Angie.

For more info on the Light Rider Bitless Bridle and other bridles go to the Bitless Bridle page


Barefoot Bits & Pieces

Paddock Paradise Tip - Reduce your horses' exposure to worms by either picking up manure every day or twice a week at least on the track. Because grass on the track is minimal, horses will graze closer to manure so paddock hygiene is very important. Alternatively, you can remove the grass completely from the track (by scraping or ploughing and harrowing) and feed hay in ground level feeders to minimise the risk of an increased worm burden.

Certificate III in Equine Hoof Care/Trimming with TAFE Tasmania starts with a two week intensive training session. From May the 19th to the 1st of June there will be up to 20 students participating in this course with accredited instructors such as Jeremy Ford (Certified with the American Assoc. of Natural Hoof Care) and Cynthia Cooper (Natural Horsemanship/Horse Care Instructor), Marg Richardson and Jen Clingly (Barefoot Endurance Riders) to provide a comprehensive course on all aspects related to hoof trimming and related horse care topics.
There may still be some positions available on this course so applicants will need to complete a form and selection interview ASAP.
This course will enable trimmers to have a credible National Trade Certificate 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 to view the course curriculum too.

www.easycareinc.com have a new hoof boot called the Easyboot Grip - ideal for traction on mud, snow and wet grass.


SUBSCRIBER'S NEWS & PHOTOS


Pretty little Margarita - a Quarab filly.

Lee shows Friesian colt Remus, for champion at a Young Stock Show.

Congratulations to Kylie and Jacky for placing 2nd middleweight at the Woodstock 80km ride - they wear Easyboot Bares and ride in a Light Rider bridle and Barefoot Cheyenne saddle.

 


EVENTS CALENDAR

APRIL
15th - Northern Adult Riding Club Clinic with Cynthia - Ph. Jenny Harvey on 63 936544.
15th - Pony Pals Play Day at Harveydale.
24th - Equus Savvy play day at Sandford.
Contact Melissa Duggan on Ph; 03 6239 9757 or 0438 399 756
29th - Lilydale Group Lessons with Cynthia. Ph. Liz to book on 63951590 or 0400 671785.


MAY
3,4,5th
- AGFEST - Find out more about the TAFE course at the TAFE tent - 115 First Avenue. Natural Horse World accidently missed out on a site this year so we will only be there is we can find someone to site share with! Let us know if you have any ideas.
19th - TAFE Cert. 3 in Equine Hoof Trimming Course starts - see us at the TAFE tent at Agfest.

JUNE
3rd - Hoof Trimming Clinic with Jeremy Ford at Golden Valley - Ph. 0419 380889 to book in.
9 & 10th - Whole Horse Workshop with Cynthia Cooper and other presenters.


EVENTS NEWS

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 Duggan on Ph; 03 6239 9757 or 0438 399 756.

Mini Mountain Cattlemen's at Pony Pals March Play Day
On Monday 12th March 11 riders & mounts descended on Harveydale to have a go at our own version of the Cattleman’s. We ranged from adults on arabs to kids on minis and everything in between! It was a great opportunity for everyone to test their skills against some challenges that they may not have attempted before in a safe environment.
The overwhelming response was “That was fun!” and hopefully we’ll be looking to provide more days like this.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to use the skills you have been developing in the paddock and the place to receive lots of encouragement & support in a non competitive environment - so keep an eye out for our next playday – remember it’s not just for kids!
Those who took part in the events such as the Walking Race, Billy Can Race, Handy Stockhorse, Stockhorse Challenge and 1 rein Barrel Race were: Alex & Neena, Ashleigh & Tommy, Clare & Apache, Eilish & Bob, Ella & Toby, Helen & Roy, Jasmine & Ambrose, Liz & Dahab, Nathan & Delux, Niamh & Goldie, Oliver & Zeus.

Niamh and Goldie open & close the rail gate - they were one of only two (the other was Ashleigh and Tommy) to negotiate the whole course without refusals.


Classified Adds

FOR LEASE Beth is a Waler/Arab nearly 5 years old. She has been started naturally, and has been handled gently all her life. She is about 15/16 hands high. Happy to have feet trimmed, and float trained naturally.
Since she was born, people have commented on her natural talent and movement. She has the good sense and strength of her mother, and good looks and movement of her father. She has the potential to do dressage, eventing or endurance.I am not able to develop her potential, lacking both the skill and time
to do her justice.I wonder if there is someone out there who would like to develop a lovely, unspoiled, talented young horse, and work with her long enough to reap the rewards of time spent. We are thinking of a lease arrangement of say about 5/6 years or so. We think this would really work for someone who could not afford to buy a horse of this calibre, but would like to work with one.
We are Certified Organic farmers, so this horse has lived on healthy grass all her life. She does not require special care or any special diet. For the right person, we are prepared to discuss an arrangement that would fit comfortably into a very small budget.
To discuss this offer, and to meet "Beth" please call Geraldine.
Phone is: 6363 5063 e-mail is: geraldine@deburghday.com - Photo shows Beth at 3 weeks with her mum and at 3 years of age.

Loving Homes Wanted for 2 miniatures - Jenny and Apollo (mare and gelding) are 17yrs old and are much loved members of a family with young children who now have other interests. They are gentle and easy to handle and are offered to an approved home for free. Ph. Tara on 63 622121.

FOR SALE Peter Horobin Pirouette dressage saddle, 17 inch black, brand new girth points in excellent condition $1,800 tamsinpark@tastel.net.au

FOR SALE - Grey shetland pony gelding. 6yo, started naturally under saddle, quiet and used to children and dogs. Price neg. to the right home. Ph. 63 624259.

FOR LEASE - with option to buy. 3yo grey purebred arabian filly. double cross El Shaklan lines. Has groundwork, floating, show experience and is ready to start under saddle. Breath taking moevement. Ph. Deb on 0405 199892 evenings please.

FOR SALE - Very pretty 15yo bay reg. pure arab mare. Parelli level 1 trained and excellent to float, shoe, trail ride and in traffic. Quiet nature. Prefer to sell to natural horse person who has Parelli experience. $1800. Ph. Trish 63695374.
ALSO - Gear for sale: Wintec Stock saddle - $500, Parelli halter & rope plus natural hackamore and grooming gear - $150.

For Sale 9 year old 15 hh colored arab x broodmare. Coco is a proven color producer, great mum, easy breeder, great to catch, trim, float. Last foal can be veiwed (pictured left) to good home $1300.00 or near offer Ph. Claudette on 63392838 or mobile 0407485310.

WANTED: Experienced rider for Ember - a quiet, lovely natured 3 yr old Percheron X mare. Recently educated by Geoff Harvey. Owner currently unable to ride Ember on. Payment on an hourly basis for Ember to be exercised on owners property in the Deloraine area. Please contact Adrienne. Home # 6362 4422 mobile # 0419 114 603.

Wanted: - pony mare to act as paddock companion for Little Birdy. Age not important, but would like her to have a few years left in her! Will be given the best of homes, care and love. Needs to have a pleasant temperament. Pls phone Pam Don on 0407 850 051.

Wanted to buy - Old Mac boots size 2 phone 03 62680013.

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. $1500 ONO (price negotiable) Ph. 63695167 Christine or 0400530647 Louise.

FOR SALE - Creswell What about me. 14hh, 9yo Reg. Arabian pony, Reg. Riding pony Chestnut mare. Very pretty. A pleasure to handle in any way. Basic education. Can jump and has been on numerous trail/beach rides. First outing: Champion pony and Supreme Ridden Exhibit. Second outing: Champion pony Suit competent rider POA PH: 62 535 486 Or 0428 838 921.
FREE LEASE - Handsome 15.2hh, 15yo Quiet TB gelding. Has evented grade 3, but no longer want him to jump due to racing so hard in younger days. Good to float/worm/feet/teeth etc. Soft snaffle mouth. Loves trail riding and the beach Good home only PH: Sarra on 62 535 486 or 0428 838 921 sarraz@bigpond.com
FOR SALE - Saddles etc: Wintec pro jump saddle with cair, changeable gullet, currently with narrow gullet suit TB, black 17.5” near new condition, hardly used. $800. Bates Caprilli Dressage saddle, older style two tone brown, 18”, narrow gullet suit TB, has been used at Royal, flock filled, with stirrups $600. Black rams sheepskin numnah, GP cut, 17” paid- $120 sell for $50, Assorted horse gear: 6ft Saxon combo-green, 600 denier, 200 polyfill, worn one winter $100, 1 aluminum light weight ox bow stirrups, never used $5, 2 pairs safety stirrups 5” $3 for pair, 1 pony Wintec blinkers $7, 1 pair Brown Dublin (Lachlan) riding boots, size 8 (10 women’s) worn once $30, Brown web girth $5, White string girth $3, Brown canvas girth $3, Black string girth thick, no rust $4, Brown cob/pony flat cavesson bridle, missing cheek strap $5, 2 halters $1 each. All prices negotiable. Phone-Sarra 62 535 486 or 0428 838 921. Or email: sarraz@bigpond.com


FOR SALE: Wallbrook Stud Friesian Warmblood foals. The colt foal pictured is for sale and can be viewed at Wallbrook Stud, North Motton. 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 (in the body of the email please) by the 30th of April for the May newsletter.
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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.
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