Natural Horse World Newsletter

Hello Horselovers!
Winter is a great time to catch up on projects that require more indoor time so I've been working on product development and writing.

For the first time, I will be sharing a booth at Equitana to promote Natural Horse World and products I endorse. The booth is named Head 2 Hooves 4 Horses and other co-op members include Aus Equine Arts, The Organic Equine Magazine, Leonie Quick Leather, and Equine Touch practitioners.
Jeremy Ford and Jen Clingly are also excited that their new Wildabout Hooves film that will be released at Equitana and shown throughout the venues.
It will be exciting to take part in such a huge equestrian event so my focus will be on getting everything ready for mid November.

All the horses are enjoying their 'time off' with thick woolly coats and good grazing on the property I'm staying at temporarily to give my land a chance to recover from the drought.
Armero has weaned her 11month old filly, Amy, of her own choice which is interesting as she isn't due to foal for another 3 months. I guess she decided Amy was old enough to not need milk any more.

Pictured is Finn enjoying a conversation with Gus who is one crazy dog that loves horses, even allowing them to nibble on him.
Keep warm and care well for your horses in the cold, Cynthia.

Natural Horse World now has a store with online payments
Finally, I've been able to organise a safe and secure online store with Pay Pal so you can use your credit card to purchase items such as the Young Horse Education DVD, Light Rider Bitless Bridles, Bareback Pads, Liberty Lines, Safer Grass CD's and Carlos Tabernaberri's new book.

Have look here and keep checking back for new items as they become available.

EQUUS Equestrian Centre - has regular Beginner Workshops, trail rides for beginners and advanced riders, group lessons and savvy days at the Sandford property. Call Melissa for a calendar or to receive a newsletter. Ph. 0438 399756.

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: Private lessons with Yvonne at the Indoor arena - observers welcome. Bookings essential.
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.

Carlos Tabernaberri Clinic - CHANGE OF DATES to Sept. 22nd & 23rd 2007 at Violet Banks Indoor Arena, Westbury.

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.

“I would implore anyone who is having doubts about their training methods, or who is having any kind of challenge with their horse to spend time with Carlos.
He has a remarkable ability with horses and owners, and the difference in us and our horses already is that we feel we have been rescued! 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!
I do recommend you read his book first. He refers to it often.

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.

To download a Registration form with more information, click here.
There are Early Bird prices for those who pay for this clinic before August so don't delay, start by sending in your deposit now.

STEVE BRADY HORSEMANSHIP - RIDDEN CLINIC
Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 November 2007. Steve continues to be one of the most popular educators at Equitana Melbourne, having demonstrated there in 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005 and he will again be showing us his skills and communication methods in November this year, before he comes to Tasmania to share his knowledge and expertise with us. Please contact Pam Don on 0407 850 051 for more information.

Horsemanship & Colt Start Clinics with Gordon McKinley
Gordon McKinley from QLD mentored and trained Clinton Anderson who is a much loved Aussie horseman in the USA with his book available in most book & saddlery stores.
Gordon is coming to Tasmania in Mid November to conduct a follow-up horsemanship clinic for riders who attended a four day colt start at Wilpoorinna station in South Australia recently. If there are sufficient numbers, he will also conduct another colt start clinic and a second horsemanship clinic. Anyone interested can contact Amy Cleland on Mob: 0438 519 622.

Alternative Therapies Explained - Cranio Sacral Therapy

There are so many types of alternative therapies available to help heal our horses. Each month I will feature one in detail to help readers make an appropriate choice when looking for therapies to support traditional veterinary medicine. Always seek a veterinary opinion if your horse appears ill in any way.

What is CranioSacral Work?

CranioSacral Work combines sensitive and hands-on bodywork with meditative use of the inner eye and inner ear. Techniques are drawn from three traditions: osteopathy, energy work and Taoism. A supremely gentle approach, it is a way of "doing non-doing." It honors both the physiological understanding of how things happen and the intuitive perceptions of how things really are. Equine CranioSacral Work is very effective in the treatment of certain conditions of the horse. The technique seems to work very deeply in the body. The reason for this is because one is working directly with the central nervous system.

Brief History
CranioSacral Work, which originated from the work of osteopath Dr. William Sutherland DO, in the early 1900's was originally called 'craniopathy' and was derived from osteopathy. It was later called 'CranioSacral Therapy' by Dr. John Upledger, DO from the Upledger Institute, and 'Visionary CranioSacral Work' by Dr. Hugh Milne, from The Milne Institute. Now the work is being taken over to the equine world with much success.

The Equine CranioSacral System - "The Core Link"
The CranioSacral system of the horse is made up of several parts: the bones of the cranium or the head, the sacrum or tailbone, and the spinal column. CranioSacral work traditionally specialized in the head, spine, and sacrum, but it is not limited to those areas, nor is it limited to the physical. All of the following are considered to make up the "Core Link." The spinal column is protected by what is called the dural tube, which encases the spinal column. The dural tube attaches at the foramen magnum, meaning 'large window' in Latin. This 'window' allows the spinal column to exit the skull through the large opening in the occipital bone, which forms the base of the skull. The dural tube then attaches to cervical vertebra 2, or C2, and free-floats through the length of the spinal column until it attaches again at the second sacral segment of the sacrum, thus attaching the head to the hind end, or the occiput to the sacrum.

Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) is produced in four ventricles (a series of connecting cavities) of the brain. The job of CSF is to nourish the brain with nutrients. It also acts as a protective mechanism for the brain and is a lubricant for the tissue. CSF has the same pH balance as embryonic fluid and salt water. The human body contains 150 milliliters of CSF; a horse has about 200 milliliters.

Equine CranioSacral Work uses sensitive and exact finger pressure. Pressures are exceedingly gentle and there is no bone manipulation. The measurable amplitude of the cranial wave (a discreet, muscular pulsation delivered by the cranial bone) is between 40 microns to 1.5 mm. in movement according to different authorities, less than half the thickness of dental paper. The movement cannot be seen, but can be palpated in a meditative state. The practitioner's or healer's challenge is thus to sense, listen to, and finally to interpret a very discreet movement.

The cranial rhythm (the rhythm of the cranial waves) is said to cycle between 8-14 cycles per minute and can be palpated anywhere on the body. The cranial rhythm is different from that of the heartbeat and the respiratory rate.

Connecting head to tail
Twists, similar to that of a telephone cord, can occur in the dural tube affecting the cranial wave and creating an imbalance in the horse's body. A head injury can affect the hind end and a hind end injury can affect the head of the horse. The body then stops functioning optimally, affecting the horse's performance, behavior, and sometimes its nutritional intake.

Sutures, or joints between the cranial bones, allow for movement and help disperse the impact of a blow when an injury to the head occurs. Cranial bones, like all bones, are alive, with a significant amount of blood supply making them pliable. If they weren't, they would shatter on impact, like a china plate.

A CranioSacral practitioner is taught to sense any restrictions in the CranioSacral system. By palpating the cranial wave on different areas of the horse, a practitioner can tell where there is healthy movement or lack of movement. This is similar to an acupuncturist palpating the flow of energy through meridian pathways. The practitioner or healer learns specific hands-on techniques to palpate the cranial wave anywhere on the horse's body. Also learned are specific hands-on contacts for cranial bones and the bones of the pelvis to treat different conditions of the horse, thus assisting the body to correct itself. The body has an incredible self-healing mechanism, and in the Equine CranioSacral Work, trained practitioners are taught to listen to what the horse needs. The horse's restrictions can come from a physical trauma of any kind, including chemical, as well as an emotional or spiritual trauma. Each affects the other.

When an injury or trauma occurs, it gets 'stuck' in the tissue of the horse and is stored in the cell memory of the tissue until released. Dr. Upledger calls this injury an 'energy cyst'. Another term used by some is a 'psychotic corner'. Dr. Hugh Milne refers to it as an 'archaic wound'. A CranioSacral practitioner is taught to sense any restrictions in the CranioSacral system. By palpating the cranial wave on different areas of the horse, a practitioner can tell where there is healthy movement or lack of movement. This is similar to an acupuncturist palpating the flow of energy through meridian pathways. The practitioner or healer learns specific hands-on techniques to palpate the cranial wave anywhere on the horse's body. Also learned are specific hands-on contacts for cranial bones and the bones of the pelvis to treat different conditions of the horse, thus assisting the body to correct itself. The body has an incredible self-healing mechanism, and in the Equine CranioSacral Work, trained practitioners are taught to listen to what the horse needs. The horse's restrictions can come from a physical trauma of any kind, including chemical, as well as an emotional or spiritual trauma. Each affects the other.

Book Review - Bobby's Diaries by Jenny Pearce (and Bobby).
There's a saying that goes 'When you're ready to learn the teacher appears' so I just had to investigate this book when I saw a review in the Organic Horse magazine. This book is very different and as Jenny says, she's been sharing her concepts of relating to horses with other people quietly for some time now, but "It's time to step out of the closet and share this with everyone".

I knew Jenny (pictured below on Bobby) from way back when we attended the first Parelli International Study Centre courses in 1996 but as we progressed with our horsemanship away from Parelli, I saw nothing of her. We had made contact a few years later when I called upon her healing abilites to help a young horse with health issues, but until now, Jenny has been quietly going about her business of helping people and horses through her totally alternative medicine horse hospital in Tanjil South, Victoria.

Dissastisfied with the progress she was making with Bobby, her 'difficult' thoroughbred, Jenny almost gave up on him in frustration and anger, turning him out to forget about him. But some time later when he was bought back into work because Jenny had no other horse to ride, she started carrying a notebook when she rode to write down ideas for another book she felt 'brewing'.

That's when Bobby started acting on 'thoughts' Jenny had about problems she was trying to 'fix' and without having to do anything else but write them down, he acted on those thoughts and fixed himself. That was the beginning of Jenny being able to 'hear' what Bobby was trying to communicate to her, leading to Jenny then teaching others how to listen to their horses (and Bobby) in their workshops.

Some of you will think this is crazy - we can't hear our horses 'talk' - but when you read this book (and there are lots of others written about animal commnication too), you will understand that we can 'hear' our horses and what they have to say, if we just take the time to learn to listen.

Communication with horses is progressing - first we learned how to 'read' them through their body language and now that we're getting good at that, the next logical step is to learn to hear and listen to them.
Jenny and Bobby not only teach you about this in the book, they teach about true leadership, about how to work in both your comfort zones and to gradually expand them, about how to stay safe and overcome fear.

Jenny's 'no bullshit' language makes this book enjoyable and funny to read with statements such as "Practice makes perfect - but practicing crap only makes perfect crap". Topics start with understanding our horse, ourselves and how we both operate together, through to riding 'like a gifted rider', solving all sorts of problems, horse health and inspiring success stories.

The best thing about this book is its an E-Book which means you can buy it now online (secure system) and be reading it in a few minutes time - even with a slow dial-up connection it doesn't take long to download.
For less than $35 (including the book price, paper and ink) you can print out the 229 pages so you can refer to it again and again easily. This is one book you can flick open anytime and find enlightening information so have a look at Jenny's web site where the contents of the book are revealed www.bookswithspirit.com

Finally, a horse firendly feed is now available in Tasmania and most parts of Australia.
Speedi-Beet is made from pure unmolassed sugar beet pulp which is a by-product of the sugar beet industry. Sugar beet is grown in Europe and North America as an alternative to sugar cane which is grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. It is mainly grown as a source of table sugar for human consumption.
After cleaning, the beet is sliced into cossettes by a machine that resembles a kitchen grater and as much surface area is presented to maximise the sugar extraction process as possible. The sliced sugar beet is mixed with hot water and the sugar is extracted.
After the water has been squeezed out, the pulp is dried and usually molasses is added back where upon the pulp is either used in its shredded form or it is pelleted. Speedi-Beet is manufactured from beet pulp which has not had molasses added to it and is therefore around 95% sugar free. The beet pulp then undergoes a further patented process and is then cooked utilising our process, micronization. This involves heating the dried beet pulp at relatively low temperatures for a short time using infra-red heat and prevents the protein from denaturing allowing for quicker release of nutrients into the horse’s digestive system. The micronizing process also imparts flavour into the beet pulp so the product does not require the use of added molasses i.e. sugar for palatability.

The beet pulp is then flaked to increase surface area to aid rapid water absorption. That’s why Speedi-Beet can be prepared in under 10 minutes instead of the usual 24 hours for traditional sugar beet pulp.
Speedibeet is reccommended as an ideal feed for easy keepers (good doers) and any horse or pony prone to laminitis as it's NSC content is quite low - between grass/lucerne hay and grains.
It has a high level of calcium so is a good feed for older and young horses, and at 10% protein is ideal to mix with other feeds without overinflating protein levels if you're trying to put weight on a horse.

Due to its low starch and high fibre content, Speedi-Beet is an ideal feed for horses and ponies prone to insulin resistance and can help in its prevention. The Laminitis Trust has awarded the prestigious official feed seal of approval to Speedi-Beet.

For more information please visit the website where there is an excellent help & advice section with answers to most frequently asked questions.

It was a sad day when I had to say goodbye to Kendra and her boyfriend Marlin, both from South Africa.
Kendra had been studying with me from September 2006 until June 2007 - 8 months.
Her enthusiasm for hoof trimming resulted in Kendra being accepted into the first TAFE Equine Hoof Care course at which I'm sure she will excel. Kendra had been trimming most of my horses for over 6 months and had quite a few case studies and clients from her time studying with Jeremy and Jen also.
Hoof trimming was not her only forte - she had already completed Parelli level 1 and had a lovely gentle way that all the horses appreciated, especially Phoenix who she re-started.
Kendra has returned to South Africa to set up her own hoof trimming business so she can spread the world about hoof trimming and natural horse care. Good luck Kendra.

Gunnar Schilling from Germany stayed with me from April to June 2007 also studying the TAFE Course and excelling in hoofcare, even though he came from just 2 years invovlement with horses.
Gunnar's enquiring mind and gentle attitude to horses hasl set him on a path of discovery as he makes his way around the world learning from more good horsemen and hoof trimmers.
Gunnar also spent time with Jeremy and Jen, caring for and working with their horses along with gaining trimming experiences.
His sense of humour and knowledge of computer technology were greatly appreciated during the hoofcare course.
Best wishes for your future Gunnar.

Barefoot Bits & Pieces

Second Hoof Care Course Starts: TAFE Tasmania have had so many expressions of interest in the new Certificate 3 in Equine Hoof Care that a second intake of 20 students will start their course with the Intensive 2 week block from the 1st of October. click here

Here's what some of the first students attending the first course in May had to say......

“Very stimulating, all the pieces of the puzzle finally fit! Presenters are excellent and are over flowing with great ideas and experiences.”

“I loved the variety of relevant subjects and thought there was an excellent mix of theory and practical. I always felt that I received a lot of encouragement, my questions well answered and loved every minute!”

“Course content has been very very informative. My knowledge will be used to expand into a hoof care business, incorporating training and re-educating horses for other people.”

See photos from this course on the Photo Album page.

A new course for Equine Podiatrists will commence early March 2008 at the National College of Traditional Medicine. This Diploma Level Hoof Care course is something not previously available in Australia for Professional Trimmers and is aimed at those who wish to take their trimming to the next level and work in the equine health & rehabilitation field. To express your interest contact Mike Ware at equethy@bigpond.com.

EVENTS CALENDAR

JULY
14, 15, 16th - Equine Touch Courses at Lilydale - Ph. Liz on 63 951590.
21st - Introduction to Clicker Training Clinic with Yvonne Lehey at Violet Banks Indoor Arena.
22nd - Private Lessons with Yvonne Lehey at Violet Banks Indoor Arena, Westbury.
28 & 29th - 2 Day Clicker Training Clinic with Yvonne Lehey at Violet Banks Indoor Arena, Westbury.

AUGUST
11th - Roberts Horse Expo - Devonport Store. Bring your horse in for a free hoof trim if you spend $50.

SEPTEMBER
22nd & 23rd - Carlos Tabernaberri Clinic - Book with Cynthia by August 15th for Early bird prices.

OCTOBER
1st - 12th - TAFE Equine Hoof Care Course second student intake practical block.

EVENTS NEWS

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.

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.

Classified Adds

For Sale:Purebred Connemara gelding. 14.2hh. 10 years old. Lovely old style Connemara. Registered CPBSA and UPWBDA. Buckskin with very long mane and tail. Very quiet to handle, float, trim. Great movement. Broken in and ridden. Must go to top, caring, natural and experienced home. $1,800 negotiable. Very regretful sale. Phone Linda 0418140971 lgulbran@bigpond.com

Want to breed your own foal but don't have a mare?
I have two beautiful ladies who would love to have a foal and would lease them to the right people or person to breed from. One is a 12yo 16hh bay anglo arab and the other is a 11yo 14.3hh palomino 7/8ths arabian. Both are by Mandala Royale, lovely to handle and would make excellent mothers. These are ideal mares to have around for imprinting and early education of your dream foal. Phone Cynthia for more details on 63 695177.

AGISTMENT WANTED: Looking for a paddock, with or without facilities in the Old Beach, Bridgewater, Brighton area for the two boys. My contact phone number is 62634102.

Mak is a 17hh 8 year old thoroughbred who raced until he was 5, had retraining for 18 months and has been turned out for 18 months. I purchased him 10 months ago to bring back into work but circumstances unrelated to Mak have prevented this from happening. Mak is a nervous horse who needs an experienced person to gain his confidence and he will do anything for them. He has a stunning trot which would take any owner far. He is easy to handle on the ground - washing/feet/trucking but will shy under saddle. I want to make sure he goes to the right home and will do whatever possible to have this occur, free lease being an option. Ph Kate on 0418 538 221 or email chara@internode.on.net for enquiries.

Caring home wanted for two black & tan kelpies - male and female, both young, house trained but owner has just passed away. Can be seperated. If you can help please phone Ruth on 63695346 after 4pm.

FOR SALE: Kincade Balance Swinging Fender Saddle – 12mths old hardly used $300. Phone Angie 6254 7313 or email aquilant@octa4.net.au

For lease with option to buy – Both Shea and Charlene are 7 years old. Shea – Appaloosa - has the potential to do dressage, eventing or endurance, has done pony club before. We have not been able to develop her potential, lacking both the skill and time to do justice to both of them. Charlene – thoroughbred - (is a nervous horse who needs an experienced person to ride and work with her). She has a lovely warm personality. I wonder if there was someone out there who would like to develop two talented young horses and work with them long enough to reap the rewards of time spent. We are thinking of a free leasearrangement with the option to buy. Please contact Elmarie at 0448907902 or a/h 6394 7515.

For Sale - Pretty show mare Elegant chestnut, 9yo, 14hh Arabian riding pony.
Reg. Arabian pony, reg. Riding pony. Showing enormous potential in any discipline.
Been shown twice for 2 Champion Ponies and Supreme Ridden Exhibit at first show. Competed in 10klm-endurance ride, attended pony club. Jumping 60cm easy. Been on numerous beach/ bush rides alone and in company. Suit serious rider wanting to excel in their chosen area. Excellent ground manners, good for farrier, dentist. Best of homes only. $2500 neg. with winter rug - pics available by email. sarraz@bigpond.com PH: 62 535 486 or 0428 838 921.

FOR SALE: 16hh Standardbred gelding, 11yo, loves to jump, good doer, barefoot. Has done pony club and trail rides. Great in traffic and to float, trim, worm etc. Ph. Jane on 63761675.

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 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.

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 written in lower case please) by the 31st of July for the August newsletter.
Advertising in the newsletter is free but exact wording must be supplied and photos must be reduced to less than 50kb as .jpg files.

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