Natural Horse World Home

This past month has been a wonderful time with the arrival of my arabian colt, Fiera. There's nothing more special than the birth of a foal, especially when you can be there.

After a couple of false alarms the previous nights when Armero decided to lay right down for a sleep, the foaling alarm did its job and woke me at 1.30am.
I half expected another false call but the turn of weather with thunderstorms that afternoon brought on the baby.
My friend, Jo was staying to witness the birth - her first, so it was even more special for her and great to have another hand.

Armero's yearling filly, Amy, was also there, looking with great interest at the new arrival and was the first one to sniff noses with him. Once the colt was up on his long legs we closed Amy out of the yard so her baby brother didn't bond with the wrong horse.
I stayed with mum and son until dawn as Armero was lying down a lot and looking uncomfortable, just to be sure she wasn't going to colic (a bran mash helped).

In those four hours I spent a lot of time rubbing the colt dry with a towel, touching him all over in the process. I flexed his legs while he was lying down, put some diluted tea tree oil on his navel and made sure he didn't crash into the yard panels in his struggles to stand up.
I also spent time just sitting near him, allowing him to investigate me - to see if I provided milk too (sucking my nose!) and generally allowing him to bond with his mum and myself.

To me, the most important part of imprinting is to just be there in that two hour window of opportunity after the birth. By rubbing and touching the foal you are doing things the mare also does. I don't feel it's necessary to do a lot of 'de-sensitising' during the imprinting period. After many years of experimenting, it hasn't proven detrimental to start the training of the foal until it is 12-24 hours old.
I prefer to introduce new concepts for very short periods of around 2-5 minutes whenever I visit the foal in the first days, weeks and months of its life. Every time I interact with them I'm either teaching something new, reinforcing or refining something already learned.

This way the foal isn't overloaded with pressure and their short attention span can cope with new things easily.
I could go into great detail here but all the information is on my Young Horse Education double DVD set which can be purchased from the Natural Horse World Store.

It's wonderful to see all the lovely foal photos readers have sent in this month - I hope you enjoy them too.

Remember to keep an eye on your horse's weight as now that the spring grass is growing like mad, many horses and ponies will need restricted grass intake. I've just set up my track around the paddock and only allow my herd of 'fatties' access to grass for a couple of hours early in the morning.

Check the Laminitis page so you know the early signs because you can save your horse a lot of pain (from hoof abcesses) and hoof problems if you catch them early, get them off the grass and work with your hoof trimmer to alleviate the symptoms.
Try to give your horse as much exercise as possible as energy burnt through activity will offset over consumption of sugar!

Another reminder: Be continually vigilant for, and know the signs of Equine Influenza. Now that the ban on horses coming into Tasmania has been lifted we need to ensure the disease does not come to our island.
Check that all visitors from interstate have not had contact with horses, especially from EI infected areas.
We can't afford to let our guard down now.

With more equine welfare cases needing help from the RSPCA it seemed like a good time to introduce the latest knowledge to those out in the field.
Thanks to the Australian Equine Welfare Association, the State's RSPCA inspectors and carers now have some good basic horsemanship and float loading skills.
For some, the one day workshop at Golden Valley with Cynthia was their first instructional day with horses, and it was great to see everyone open to learning new techniques for a gentle but efficient approach.

Knowing more about horse psychology, body language and how horses respond to different types of pressure makes it easier to get a job done and increases the horse's confidence in people a the same time.
Often, horses that are neglected, even though they may be malnourished and weak, have not had much handling in recent times so the workshop helped everyone learn ways to catch, halter, lead and then float load horses without resorting to physical battles.

By practicing with Cynthia's quiet herd of riding horses, everyone could focus on their coordination, leadership and working together to load a horse or horses, from a herd.
An exciting ride in the horse float to get the feel for good and bad driving techniques from the horse's perspective, resulted in cries of more...more.. after the rough gear changes, speed and sharp braking (bad driving!) - such is the nature of the human versus the horse!

The day finished with a short session on handling a stallion and then a demo of loading a mare and foal using Armero and Fiera who was then ony two days old. His first steps onto the float were part of his third leading lesson which he coped with beautifully.

The next step is for the course particpants to do an advancing workshop with some challenging horses, and to compile a list of competent, experienced horse people who can donate their time and expertise to the RSPCA in an advisory capacity.
If you are able to help, please contact Christina on 0407 868323 or download the registration of interest form here. If you would like to support the work of the AEWA, you can download the membership form here.

Since moving to Helen's pony haven, Carla has made wonderful progress. Her coat is coming out to reveal a shiny black girl underneath. Carla has been getting regular Bowen therapy treatments from Jo and Bernie (having a chat in the photo above) and regular trims by Jeremy to keep her hooves heading in the right direction. As expected she has abcessed in the right front but is getting around just fine, in fact is a challenge to catch when out on the lawn for some extra feed, or when its time for another hoof trim!

She is being fed Devils Claw for pain management and Chamomile for digestion with her Speedibeet and chaff in order to keep her condition just right.

Six horses and two people trekked the Australian Bicentennial National Trail last year. Travelling from north to south with three horses that had been barefoot since 2001, and three horses just purchased in Far North Queensland three weeks before we set out.

One of the new horses had just returned to barefoot and the other two had been completely neglected for many years.

The horse that had just returned to barefoot, Milo, had four white feet and had lived his recent life in the sandy wetlands at Jullaten in the canefields near Port Douglas.

Consequently, he had very soft and very flat feet and wouldn’t even trot on smooth bitumen. The other two, Mitchy and Clancy, were living on good granite sands up on the Atherton Tablelands and so while they had had zero foot care for years (they couldn’t be caught but had some basic supplement feeding) the pebble-sand was a perfect medium for good hoof quality.

All six horses completed our trek with not one day of lameness, puffy swellings, no splints, nothing wrong at all. Their legs and pasterns are as clean as the day they were born. Now that’s pretty amazing! If anyone has seen other horses that have completed The Trail you will see dreadful legs and an unsound animal. The Trail is no walk in the park, its hard, hard going for shod horses with packs on.

Crossing Georges Creek just south of Ebor in NSW. I think we crossed that creek something like 30 times on that day and all on rock.

~ It is all about removing any flair, as soon as it appears. Nothing makes a horse walk slowly, resist trotting, hang back in the string etc. more quickly than flair. That includes the other challenges that came up like some eleven hour days, heavy loads and months on the road. It was all about being vigilant and proactive to just give a quick rasp of any flair and away they would go again.

~ Sharp, large aggregate rock (the type they seem to universally put on forestry roads, it seems) was the most difficult terrain for the horses. We used front boots whenever we came to this. I think this surface is so tough because it tends to be loose rock on a very hard road-base. It just chews away wall and makes their soles tender very quickly.

~ Travel slowly wherever the horses indicate they need to be slow. Believe what the horses are telling you! They are not shirking their duties – they’re telling you it’s tough.

~ When wear is greater than growth you need front boots. This particularly applied in the first couple of months. We seemed to go through periods of a week or so of needing boots for a particular horse. We think the relevant factor was the quality of hoof wall that was coming down to be the bearing surface. Poor quality, then rapid wear and growth not keeping up. We saw this in the three ‘new’ horses but hardly at all in our Tasmanian ones. Our Tasmanian horses have been on good diets with supplements all their lives with us (two years being the least period) and barefoot of course.

~ The amount of hoof growth does compensate for wear but this did not equalise until after about three months on the road.

~ The horses need supplement feed for the whole trip. The tropical grasses are high bulk and poor quality and in the drought country (90% of our travels) there is insufficient grass (and water), so we fed straight oats with dolomite, sulphur and copper.

~ Molasses, for adding to water, is absolutely crucial. Molasses is hard to pack (bulky and it leaks) but keeping horses hydrated was a life and death situation in the heat. And it affects their feet – we found to our surprise. Walls dry and one starts to see the surface cracking which we guess would have led to true splits/cracks if not addressed.

We met many other short-term trekkers along the way. We saw some pretty shocking legs, feet and poor horses. Success on the Trail is not simply barefooting, it’s the whole deal.

The Trail has never been done barefoot before and every person was highly sceptical that it was possible. This was particularly so for the experienced trekkers who know the Trail and what long-term trekking involves.

Carrying heavy packs was thought to be the straw that broke the camels back, but that is only partly correct in our view. It is the flair that breaks hoof and destroys the horses’ legs – whether barefoot or not. And shoes that increase the concussion, create less grip and are totally un-forgiving on the rocky surfaces that make up almost the entire track.

As an example we saw a little arab with newly shod feet that had been trekking for only a week, it had swellings from the coronet to nearly the top of the cannon, sore splint bones and was struggling to keep going. There were a number of things that we could see: high heels, shoes nailed all around the hoof so no expansion possible, the horses were being pushed much harder over rocks than we would, no electrolytes or molasses given when these horses were showing signs of dehydration, no supplement feed only what they could get over night. It only had a few more days to go but it was going to be a sad and sorry sight by the time it got home and I guess would carry injury for the rest of its life.

In conclusion, our barefooting success on The Trail came from eliminating flair by having a correct trim, supplement feeding to keep high hoof quality and hydration through giving molasses water whenever they did not drink sufficiently.

And here’s to our fabulous horses: Danny, Fabs, Tooma, Milo, Mitchy and Clancy, four of them pictured after they had just completed 10 of the hardest days of the journey.

By Cynthia Cooper

The term 'on the bit' has become commonplace and used to denote a certain frame or level of head carriage and collection of the horse.

But what happens when you don't have a bit in your horse's mouth? Can your horse still collect and if they do, what can you call it? Well - since 'on the bit' means acceptance, collection and responsiveness to the bit, maybe 'on the bridle' can refer to those same qualities when a horse wears a bitles bridle.

After all, we are still looking for acceptance, softness, responsiveness and collection in the horse for the purpose of easily carrying a human during intense periods of collected exercise such as in dressage, show hack classes, jumping, reining and many other competitive events of short duration.

But now that the bitless bridle option is available, those who understand that bits can be damaging to a horse physically, or who are keen to overcome behavioural problems associated with the bit, have discovered that their horses can respond just as well, if not much better without a bit.

The horse below for instance (a thoroughbred gelding) avoided the bit with a raised head and tossed his head a lot. He now loves the Light Rider Bitless bridle and as you can see, and is happy to go in a relaxed frame that will eventually lead to collection through self carriage and engagement.

Horses are taught to accept and yield to all kinds of pressure (preferrably light rhythmic pressure) to achieve the manouvers we ask of them. This is no different when we put pressure on the reins, except when there is a piece of metal contacting one of the most sensitive parts of the horse - the bars of the mouth. The bars have about as much skin and flesh covering them as we have on our shin bones.

Can you imagine walking or jogging along with a bit suspended in front of your shins that is controlled by another person? What would it feel like when that person puts pressure on it? Would we hope that the reins were made of elastic so that the pressure was never great enough to cause pain, and could we put up with the discomfort of metal bumping on skin for very long? Try it sometime!

So, if you were a horse, what would you prefer, a lump of metal in your mouth or nothing? Why do we see so many horses wearing tight nosebands? If a horse wasn't constantly opening his mouth to avoid the bit or show discomfort, then we wouldn't need to tie it shut!

Riders who use a bitless bridle are reporting that their horses are much happier, behave better and respond better to pressure without a bit. Without the threat of pain (that a bit represents) a horse can focus on what you are asking, they can respond to the pressure on the noseband (and poll in some bitless bridles) because they remain able to think, whereas pain causes a horse to react in order to save its life.

Some people argue that you can't control a horse without a bit. But how is painful pressure from a bit going to get a response if the horse really wants to fight for its life?

I've seen and heard of many horses who have been out of control in a bit, and would ascertain that the bit actually causes the horse to resist control because it can't think when the pain becomes severe.

In a bitless bridle, the horse can get out of control when in a fearful situation, but you have a greater chance of regaining control when there is no pain involved.

True horsemen recognise that control is not achieved by pulling harder on two reins anyway - only pressure from one rein (and your leg) can cause a disengaging of the hindquarters which then controls movement.

It is therefore important to teach your horse how to yield to rein and leg pressure in the bitless bridle before you get on and ride, just like people spend time 'mouthing' a horse before riding it - essentially teaching it to respond to the pressure of the bit.

And just as horses can learn to respond to rein contact with a bit by giving to the pressure with their nose, so they can learn it without a bit (and without the associated issues).

It's all just a matter of spending the time teaching your horse in small increments that they can trust your pressure will be released, will be gentle and will be rhythmic so they don't feel the need to lean against it.

Eventually, you will have a horse happy to be 'on the bridle' provided you keep your hands soft and your demands for concentrated effort short until the horse has the physical fitness and suppleness to achieve that dressage test, reining pattern, jumping round or show class.

It also takes time riding in enclosed areas and at all gaits before a rider used to relying on the reins for support, will feel comfortable without a bit and with softer, looser reins.
So give yourself all the time it takes to develop YOUR confidence in your horse too.

Here is one happy horse in her Light Rider Bitless Bridle. Owner Julie, said her mare really tested the bridle out today. Kate was in one of her 'do everything at 100 miles an hour moods'- pulling, rushing and wanting to get home and as you can see she is a big strong girl. Well the bridle didn't miss a beat, I had total control and felt 100% safe. Thank you so much for letting me try it out, I am really impressed with it. I can officially say "No shoes, no tree, no bit, no worries".

12-14th - Gordon McKinley Clinic 1 - Elders Powranna Saleyards Ph. Amy Cleland on Mob: 0438 519 622.
16-18th - Gordon McKinley Clinic 2 - contact Amy Cleland on Mob: 0438 519 622.
24/25th - Steve Brady Clinic - contact Pam Don on 0407 850 051 for more information.

25th - Trail Ride to raise funds for Lilydale School Round Yard. RSVP 63951590 by November 18 for catering.
27th - 2nd Dec. David Grace Camp at Somerset (see below for more details).

JANUARY
5th - Comfort Zone group at Harveydale - Ph. Cynthia.
12th - Carlos Tabernaberri Clinic - Southern area.
13th - Carlos Tabernaberri Clinic - Northern area.

A 5 day Camp with David Grace, 4 Star Premier Parelli Instructor
Dates: November 27 to December 2, 2007.
Advanced Level 2/Level 3 Camp - focussing on Freestyle and Finesse.
Location: On 170 acres at Somerset.
A few positions available - a total of 10 riders.
Cost: $1,360 inc GST and discounts for Savvy Club members. Contact: Joan Rylah on 0417 360 424

THE NEW COMFORT ZONE CLUB
Ever wondered what your comfort zone with your horse is? Or how to expand your comfort zone, or even stay in your comfort zone? Have you baulked at doing things with your horse because of fear?

If you answered yes, then this new regular group session opportunity is designed for you.
Cynthia Cooper will lead and assist adult riders on the first Saturday of the month at 'Harverydale', Birralee Rd, Westbury. Cost is $30 per half day session per person (includes arena hire), with a maximum of 6 in each session.

You can learn how to better understand your horse, how to overcome your fears through developing knowledge and skills, and how to use a variety of methods to draw upon for each horse/rider combination.
The first Comfort Zone Club day will start at 10am. Observers are welcome for free so if you're not sure that this is for you, come along without your horse and see what we do.

Bookings are essential for the morning or afternoon session (or both) with Cynthia - contact details at the bottom of this newsletter.

Burns Rd, Wyena - turn right off Golconda Rd, (this is the main road to Scottsdale, just past Pipers Brook Rd) 14km from Lilydale Tavern
Travel along Burns Rd and turn off at balloons, drive until you see marshalls J

Trail ride 10.30am lunch 1.30am Barbecue lunch including soft drink
Lucky rider prizes Beer for sale $2 can
RSVP 63951590 by November 18 for catering

Any donation towards this project gratefully received and sponsorship signage displayed.
Estimates: $1500 posts, $500 ramming, $1 000 rails, $300 bolts and hinges

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.

LOAN/LEASE wanted - do you have a 14-15 hh (approx) well mannered, quiet horse that would enjoy the attention and riding of a 17 year old female German exchange student until June 2008. Ulrike loves horses, has 6-7 years riding experience - is learning natural horsemanship and has support of experienced horse owners locally. Excellent home guaranteed in Hillwood with organic pasture - prefer but not essential that horse is unshod.
Contact Anne on ah 63948388 bh 63 948292
email: anne@maxaustralia.net - or uschroeder@lcgs.tas.edu.au

FOR SALE: 18" black/brown Sterling jumping saddle, excellent cond. spring tree so super comfy! a great saddle to ride in but unfortuntely no longer jumping. Designed by Michael Whitaker and James Sterling (English Show jumpers) $600

18" Bates Caprilli Dressage saddle, older style two tone brown, narrow gullet suit TB, has been used at Royal, flock filled, $500

18" Thorowgood black Dressage saddle, great cond. synthetic, made in England, puts you in good position. very comfy. $350

17"/17.5" ( measures 17.5" but rides smaller) black leather dressage saddle, deep seat, suit TB, good cond- $250

2 x 17" leather GP saddles, brown two tone, need repairs, make an offer. $25each

all items must go... make an offer! email: sarraz@bigpond.com or call 0428 838 921

Hi my name is Sultan. I am a 15hh 12-year-old Arab x QH gelding and have been in foster care for the Past 15 months.
My foster mum saved me from death which was only hours away. The time has come (now that I am in good health) to find a new home for me. I have been rugged so I come with a new rug.

Several months ago I went on holidays to Bonny Burgess where I learnt heaps of fun stuff - floating and lots of Natural Horsemanship. I Even went to my first show.
I have had a saddle on and dare I say it a human on my back. How ever I am lacking in confidence in this area but there is no physical reason why I cant be ridden or I could just be a paddock companion. I am easy to worm and have my feet done I have had my Tetanus and strangles shots.
Due to my lack of human contact for the first nine years I would prefer someone who is confident so I feel safe. I love people and am very friendly. My mum will only let me go to the best of homes at no cost.
Please contact Angela Smith on 62950764 or 0427869057
Or Bonny Burgess on 62951751.

FOR SALE: (Worn once) pair of size 10 -12 cream joddies. with sude knee pads and pocket with zip. Beautiful for showing.

Black fully mounted dressage saddle 17inch, new girth and stirrups, very good condition.suit horse with a low wither.

Ladies black show western jacket beautifully beaded around chest and arm area.been used approx half a dozen times.Dressage tests made easy dvd. with novice tests - 2.1,2.2, 2.3, 2.4 with Kate Boyes.c omes with listen adn learn cd.

And a black or brown fully mounted dressage saddle 17inch for showing. Suit anglo arab and pure arab.

And if anyone has some spare 44 gallon drums lying around I could have would love to know. Email jessica -
taani_bint_cassandra@hotmail.com

WANTED TO ADOPT: A riding horse as well as a companion for my other horse. shoes , floats and easy to catch and sound , can be male or female but not over 16hh. good and loving home guaranteed. Email: denisehyne7@optusnet.com.au

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 30th of November for the December 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.

Visit the Natural Horse World Store

Featured Product