News from Monty

Help needed at Science Trials

Monty will be doing his 3 week Science Trials measuring how his methods compare with conventional methods in terms of stress (measured by heart rates and cortisol tests) and effectiveness (judged by attitude of the horses) from June 24th to July 16th at Sparsholt College. We are looking for local people who could house some of our lovely volunteers (and yes, we may be able to take one or two more, preferably local, volunteers as well) during these trials. We were originally thinking we would be able to use the Sparsholt College accommodation but this is now not possible. With no guarantees of funding we’re looking to save costs where we can and so if anyone loves the idea of a lovely, interesting lodger for minimum a week maximum three please would you email Louise Austin at Intelligent Horsemanship at: [email protected] If people have live in horseboxes or caravans they could loan or hire at a reasonable rate that could be great too.

Unspoiled, unbroken young horses required for scientific analysis of conventional horses breaking compared to Monty Roberts ‘Starting’

We are looking for sound geldings between 3 and 5 yrs old, over 15 hands, that are capable of being led and travelling to Sparsholt College for June 22nd - trial ending July 16th. These horses will be drawn places and will be put into a group either to be started with a high standard conventional trainer or with Monty Roberts. There will be no charge to the owners although they will be expected to have their horses vaccinated and have them transported to Sparsholt College for the required start time (and removed at the end of the study). For more information please email: [email protected] or phone: Louise Austin at Intelligent Horsemanship on 01488 71300

Monty Roberts ‘Willing Partners’ Autumn Tour 2009

Monty will be dealing with the neighbourhood’s trickiest equines and showing how you can make the changes too.

1st October Thursday Greenlands Equestrian Centre, Carlisle CA4 0RR 3rd October Saturday Gleneagles Equestrian Centre, Perthshire, Scotland PH3 1NZ 17th October Saturday Rodbaston, Staffordshire ST19 5PH 24th October Saturday Myserscough, Lancashire PR3 0RY 28th October Wednesday Merrist Wood, Surrey GU3 3PE 30th October Friday The Grange, Okehampton EX20 3DA 31st October Saturday Hartpury, Gloucester GL19 3BE

7th November Saturday Towerlands Park, Essex CM7 5BJ 14th November Saturday ‘Willing Partners’ Extravaganza at Your Horse Live, Stoneleigh Park The Listening Post

Magazine for the Intelligent Horsemanship Association

SUMMER 2009

In this issue Join Up with Firemen!

Seven steps to a Safe Horse

Science Trials continue

www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk Token Publishing Ltd NO FEAR, NO FORCE A guide to handling and training unhandled and semi-feral foals in an ethical and gentle way.

By Sarah Weston Recommended Associate of the Intelligent Horsemanship Association

“Sarah has an exceptional ability with unhandled and semi-feral ponies and a straightforward way of teaching others to work with them in the same way”. Kelly Marks

Every foal should come with a copy of this book! Whether unhandled, manhandled or badly handled, this book enables anyone to tame and train their foal using techniques that create a lasting bond and real confidence. Placing the emphasis on touch first, the techniques describe a logical approach to establishing contact with your foal based on his own psychology without resorting to physical restraint. The author, Sarah Weston, is a Recommended Associate of Intelligent Horsemanship, based in the New Forest. “I wanted to devise a technique that would help wild foals to adjust to a domesticated life quickly so that they stood more chance of staying in their first home and wouldn’t end up in a downward spiral; the techniques described in my book have worked with every breed of wild or nervous foal that I have worked with and for other people too.” Sarah Weston

This book will create a new tradition in foal handling. Profusely illustrated throughout in full colour. COPIES ON SALE NOW PUBLICATION DATE MAY 10, 2009 • Price £16.00 • ISBN 1870 192 893 (13 digit: 978 1870 192 897)

Contact: Sarah Weston, Home Cottage, Brook Lane,Woodgreen, Hants SP6 2AT Tel: 01725 512434 email: [email protected] www.sarahweston.co.uk

2 The Listening Post Letter from Kelly Hi Everyone Spring has finally arrived! You know I talk about ‘planting bulbs’ in our life so we can reap No Fear, No Force Page 2 the rewards later? Well I just received the biggest bouquet Letter from Kelly Page 3 imaginable in the form of winning the SEIB Pro-Am Trec Seven steps to a safe horse Page 4 Challenge at The Royal Windsor Your letters Page 5 Horse Show. I was thrilled and so was Monty who took a big Dr Fowlers Fascinating Facts Page 6 hand in my training. That’s not forgetting all the people who helped me at home, particularly Brenda from the office who Hoof Health Page 8 woke at 11.30 pm with a solution to my problem of not being able to get low enough for the low branches! Looking after your gateways Page 9

BHS TREC is designed to demonstrate the horse’s confidence, Ask the experts Page 10 courage, handiness, balance and surefootedness. We were twelve points ahead of former Household Cavalry riding Run and get the Fire Brigade Page 11 master and top event rider Major Richard Waygood. Representing Dressage was Britain’s European hopeful Laura A bit of an issue part 2 Page 12 Bechtolsheimer and Spencer Wilton. Tim Stockdale and Robert Whitaker flew the flag for Show Making life better for Milo Page 14 Jumpers. Accomplished riders Staff Corporal Rupert Bones: Basic building blocks Page 16 Hackman from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and Captain Harry Wallace from the King’s Troop Royal The complete story of Horse Artillery were also in the line up as were the hot a demonstration horse Page 17 favourites star GB TREC Team members Anna Weston and Anthea Kendrick. Advertisements Page 18 The £1,000 prize money is going to our IH Charities of the IH Announcements Page 19 Year. I’m so lucky to have a wonderful horse like Pie to ride and having training from Monty Roberts feels a bit of an Advertisements Page 20 unfair advantage! Alan Titchmarsh and ITV followed our progress and we’ll be included in their programme on Royal IH Charities update Page 21 Windsor taking place sometime in July. You will see it wasn’t all plane sailing! Spotlight on RA Page 22 It was such fun on the day with many IH friends present Suzanne Marshall meets and including fellow teachers Linda Ruffle, Sandra Williams, loads Vizzy Page 23 Julia Fisher and Rosie Jones. There was a wonderful Contents atmosphere in the BHS marquee and among the competitors – many congratulations to the BHS staff and Do you have a contribution for the Listening Post? volunteers and SEIB insurance for hosting such a great Do phone, email or send your carrier pigeon to the IH office! event. Do you think this might quieten those people who say IH isn’t for riding or for people who want to compete?! Intelligent Horsemanship Office: Go to the IH website home page for film footage of the day. Address: Lethornes, Upper Lambourn, Hungerford RG17 8QP Phone: 01488 71300 Fax: 01488 73783 Email: [email protected] Website: www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk On the cover: Photo courtesy of Natalie Torr, Dartmoor Pony Training Centre.

The Listening Post 3 Seven steps to a safe horse By IH Recommended Associate Rosie Jones

As horse people we are all individual in the goals we are aiming for with our horses, but there is one thing which unites us – one aim that every horse person no matter how novice or experienced reaches for – the Holy Grail of horsemanship is, surely, Safety. Whether black and blue toes, bruised ribs, blistered fingers or worse, I’m pretty sure everyone reading this has had their fair share of horse-related injuries. It is our responsibility, though, to minimise the inherent risks of equestrianism by correctly preparing our horses.

Seven Steps to safety: of what he can cope without overwhelming him. During any of this training, make sure 1. Set up some boundaries you keep control of his feet- lots and lots of Make sure you can back your horse up transitions and changes in direction and softly and smoothly. If that seems easy see lateral work if he can do it – keep giving him horses feed and management is adjusted if you can back up between poles, under chances to get praised. If you are on the sufficiently. So many problem horses started arches or through narrow spaces. Any time ground try head lowering to lower his off with over-exuberance or freshness, that your horse invades your space at all, adrenaline – practice at home first though, easily avoidable by reading your horse and back him up so that he really understands it either with a flat hand behind his ears, a being willing to make some changes. isn’t an option to go through or over you. I cupped hand at the base of his neck or softly 7. Set yourself up for success cannot emphasise enough how worthwhile with a line and dually. it is running through these exercises with Don’t put yourself or your horse in a 4. Make sure he responds to all of your every horse you work with, you will be position you aren’t ready to cope with. This aids amazed at the difference it makes. applies to first shows, sponsored rides, or If you can’t go, stop and steer softly in an even putting a first rug on. As a rule of 2. Make sure he accepts touch all over enclosed space at home, this is your obvious thumb – if you have no idea how he will So many ‘normal’ riding horses have at place to start! Its also really important to be react, or if you feel yourself getting least one area they aren’t happy about able to move him sideways from your leg – worried, don’t do it! Break things into being handled. Common problem areas this not only makes you safer on the road but smaller steps which you are as prepared for seem to be belly, chest, hind legs and ears. also gives you another tool to use to gain as possible. If he’s fine with a cloth he’ll be Ironing these problems out will make your control of your horses feet if a tricky situation ok with a numnah, then a small blanket, an horse much safer in a much wider context does arise. elastic surcingle, a roller and a rug. If you than just being easier to groom. You may have got him used to plastic and umbrellas 5. Perfect his acceptance of the rider find as a horse gets braver with his hind and bikes at home, hacking will be a walk mounting and moving legs being handled he spooks less at in the park. Don’t take any chances – your movement behind him, as he gets happier Your horse needs to be absolutely, totally and horses training (and your fingers/toes/ribs) about his belly being touched he resists the entirely happy about being mounted. Put are worth too much! legs less. Use pressure and release to work some time into working on this if it isn’t the into any tricky areas, using a bamboo cane case. So many accidents are caused with What’s Rosie Up To? with a glove as an arm extension and an mounting problems, and they tend to get experienced handler if you think there is worse over time, not better. On top of that, With the May tour coming up, teacher going to be any problems. Remember even a small mounting problem may show training with Heather Moffett booked for ‘pressure’ doesn’t just mean the feel of the that the horse isn’t totally happy with a rider June, and even a university course starting dually –touching in a tricky spot is a moving around on top – and this can present in October, it’s an exciting time for me pressure too. Aim to show you horse what a very real danger if the rider is partway which has meant some changes. Although he can cope with by starting in an easy spot dislodged by a spook or stumble. Make sure no longer able to take horses in for and releasing the touch if he stands nicely you can move on your horse – to indicate to training, I am still available for home visits rather than diving straight into a problem. traffic, lean down to adjust a stirrup, sneeze, to help with any problems – handling, turn in the saddle, go into jumping position loading or riding, including schooling or 3. Train him to be attentive even at etc. He needs to be indifferent to what is jumping problems, assist/ride with starting those high adrenaline moments happening back there before he is really safe youngsters, or for riding, long-lining or If your horse looses focus on you when to ride. ground-handling lessons. things get a little exciting or stressful, train 6. Adjust his management to promote Please give me a call to talk about your specifically to help him deal better with good temperament horse, 07779953274. this. If other horses cantering around at shows proves a problem, arrange to school Horses can’t be safe unless they are happy Rosie Jones is IH Recommended in walk or trot with a couple of other riders and relaxed in themselves, do make sure as Associate for Oxfordshire and at your yard. Aim to stretch the boundaries the spring grass comes through that your Berkshire.

4 The Listening Post Yourletters letters

Dear Listening Post, Dear Listening Post, I won every horsey person’s dream, a week I have been meaning to write in for a while on an IH Recommended Associate’s ranch now but time goes so fast! In August of last year in Andalucia, Spain. My expectations were I attended the Perfect Manners Course as I totally open, I would go with the flow, accompanied a 16 year old girl who wished to take make loads of mistakes and learn from part. She had experienced a lot of violence in her life and the one them. Now my week is completed, Wow, I interest she had was her love for horses, as I had followed Monty’s methods am in a different space. It triggered off since he first toured the UK I felt the non violent concepts and approach could give this emotions in me I didn’t know I had, some young person an understanding of her past experiences and a new out look for her future. beautiful, some sad, but all in all I have I would like you to know that it worked! gained. Tracy James and her team are lovely, well grounded people in their act of She is now studying horse care at College and is very passionate about the work you do horsemanship. I have also met some lovely with horses and will always speak about the experience she had at Hartsop Farm and new people on the course, all seeking the Monty Roberts and Kelly Marks. one goal – to be happy with their horse knowing that their horse is happy to be As a spectator I also learnt a lot from watching and listening which has benefited my with them. ex-racehorse who can be a ‘bit of a lad’. I now have the confidence to manage him, the ability to understand him and come up with new ideas on how to work with him. Thank you for encouraging me to do what I really always wanted to do – Ride my We would both like to thank you for a great weekend with uplifting teachers. beautiful horse free of saddle, free of bridle with only the energy and the life from Best wishes, Kate and Kayleigh my body. Star letter Monica Devir A signed copy of ‘Ask Monty’ goes to the writer of our Star letter

Dear Kelly, Dear Listening Post, I bought Coco just for lead rein walks and munched on the A propos of nothing at all, I came across a over a year ago as verges, I did ground work while we were on quotation the other day, you may know it, a 6 year old, he our walks, and whenever he came a cross but if not I think it is interesting. was a dream to something scary I reassured him and as soon “Riding a horse is not a gentle hobby, to ride with a lovely as I felt him relax his muscles and attempt to be picked up an laid down like a game of nature but it take a step forward he got so much praise. patience. It is a grand passion. It seizes a became apparent very quickly, that he was We also tackled the barging and fidgeting person whole, and when it has done so, very green and had missed out on vital parts and again my perspective on this changed, he will have to accept that his life will be of his education! He was bargy and fidgety initially I thought he was being rude but radically changed” Ralph Waldo Emerson. and wouldn’t think twice about walking I genuinely don’t think he had ever been straight into you. When we took him out on I also have a joke for you! Three students taught what was expected of him. So we his own hacking he was very nappy about were in a psychology class, and the tutor started doing some basic ground work and leaving and then if we came across anything was asking them questions. The first yielding to pressure such as lowering his scary on the ride we would be stuck there for student was asked, “what is the opposite head when I asked. He responded to it so a long time with him refusing to move of sadness?” He answered, “Joy”. The well, the change in him was almost instant forward and napping again! He also had no next student was asked, “what is the and he now knows what ‘woahh’ means and idea what I was asking when I tried to pick opposite of depression?” She answered, respects my space and moves away when out his feet. ”Happiness”. “Those are both very good I ask without even having to touch him. answers,” said the tutor, “I like them.” I found your books a few weeks after we had He is also brilliant having his feet picked out He turned to the third student and asked, bought him, Perfect Manners and Perfect now, I just say tootsie 1, 2, 3 or 4 and he picks “what is the opposite of woe?” Partners and read them both within days. As I it up without me even having to touch his leg, The student thought for a while and read them, everything started to become clear but he still cant quite figure out the farrier!!! answered “GIDDY UP!” to me and my relationship with Coco has improved so much in the last year as a result! I really wanted to explain how much you Not perhaps the best joke, but it amused me. have helped us both and just say thank you I remember poo picking in the field one Regards, Oliver Wilson so much, we honestly wouldn’t be where we evening, thinking about the advice in your are now without your advice and putting books and it suddenly dawned on me... Coco things in plain English! The feeling I get was napping because he was nervous about when I know he is worried about something Do you have something you’d like going out on his own. It was my job to and he trusts me enough to try, is so amazing to share with us? If so, you can convince him that going out was fun and to and I am so proud of how far he has come send your letters to us at: trust me enough that I would protect him. with me! Lethornes, Upper Lambourn, My approach changed that day and we have Hungerford RG17 8QP now overcome napping! I tried many, if not Heather & Coco Email: [email protected] all of your techniques. Specifically we went

The Listening Post 5 Dr Fowlers Fas By Dr Veronica Fowler

The species Today there are only eight species of the genus equus in the equidae family.

Evolution The modern horse (equus cabullus) evolved from a dog sized-four toed creature, called Eohippus (Hyracotherium) which existed 55 million years ago. 1 6

The domestic horse (Equus caballus) The Grevy’s Zebra (Equus greyvi)

Domestication Horses were domesticated around 4500BC and are one of less than a dozen animals 2 7 which humans managed to domesticate out The ass or donkey (Equus asinus) The Mountain Zebra (Equus zebra) of more than 4,000 candidates.

3 8

The Kiang (Equus kiang) The Plains Zebra (Equus burchelli)

Not so Did you spot domesticated the difference? There is only one true wild horse living There are three breeds of Zebra, they all today, the przewalskii (Equus ferus have the characteristic black and white przewalskii). It is known as a wild horse as 4&5 stripes however can you spot the difference? humans have not managed to domesticate The stripe patterns are unique and hugely it, despite us bringing the breed back from The Kulan (Equus hemionus) differ between breeds. the brink of extinction through captive including its subspecies, the Onager release programs. (Equus hemionus onager)

6 The Listening Post cinating Facts

Breeds and interbreeding Teeth There are approximately 300 breeds of horse today. All members of the horse family Horses teeth are ever growing (hypselodont). can be interbred, however sterile offspring will result unless it is a domestic horse Adult female horses have 36 teeth, whereas cross przewalski. adult male horses have between 40 to 44.

Sweating & Saliva Like humans, horses can sweat using nearly all A horse crossed with a Zebra A donkey crossed with a Zebra is know as a Zorse is know as a Zonkey areas of the body. Horses produce approximately 10 gallons of saliva a day. Tummy Talk Unlike cattle, sheep, goats, deer, camels and hippos which need to rest for hours in order to digest food, horses can eat and run. This is because like Rhinos and Tapias, horses have a cecal digestive system. It takes approximately 48 hours for food to pass through a horse.

Bones, muscle and Breathing cartilage Horses can only breathe through their nostrils. A horse’s skeleton consists of 205 bones. Horses do not have collarbones but instead Lifespan their front limbs are joined to their body Every horse will live for approximately 1.5 purely by muscle, cartilage and ligaments. billion heartbeats. Old Billy is the oldest Horses use a passive stay apparatus which known horse of 62 years (1760-1822) and enable horses to rest standing up. Sugar Puff is the oldest known pony of 56 years. Interestingly this allows a horse to burn approximately 10% less energy resting standing up than lying down. Animals Gestation which do not have this mechanism use A mare is pregnant for approximately 10% more energy standing approximately two weeks up. However a horse must lie down to reach short of a year (335-340 REM sleep and a horse deprived of being days).Colts are carried able to lie down will become sleep deprived. approximately 4 days longer than fillies.

The Listening Post 7 Looking after your gateways By Shirley Macmillan

Muddy gateways may be the last thing on your mind in summer, but this is the best time of year to take steps to rectify the damage and prevent your field entrances from becoming great big soupy bogs this winter.

rom the mildest puddles to soupy drains and ditches to get the surplus water pipe laid in an underground channel, topped bogs, wet, wintry weather makes off the field and into the nearest stream or by stone until it meets field level. “It can be F leading horses in and out of paddocks river. Otherwise gateways will always be dug in the gateway, or where hard core fans unpleasant to say the least. It results in dirty muddy,” he says. out onto the soil, but it needs to lead to a horses, frayed tempers and lost wellies. Even ditch to get rid of the water,” says Cheshire- “Whether horses are conditioned to come in worse, mud harbours bacteria which cause based drainage contractor Roy Bradshaw. at a certain time, or they are cold, hungry or mud fever and thrush. bored, they collect and stand around gates. He suggests laying the drainage pipe 0.6m But one very-cost effective job with Putting hardcore down isn’t the answer: deep. “The drain shouldn’t be laid too immediate visible benefits is protecting grass can’t grow over it and horses don’t like shallow or it will get crushed, but at 0.6m it gateway areas. You can improve drainage, it – they just stand on the edge which will draw water from a reasonable control soil erosion and spread the load, increases the muddy area. Instead, use a surrounding area. Use 3.8cm clean stone (or using options such as: laying carpet to spread flexible mesh (squares 1cm x 1cm) made gravel) on top – they are quite big stones, so the weight of traffic; adding wood chips and from recycled plastic which comes in rolls the drain won’t get clogged up as quick. It hard core to raise the surface and improve 20m long and 2m wide. This helps spread may still need clearing out regularly drainage; or installing specially-designed the weight of the horse over a huge area. Lay depending on the soil type”. rubber matting covered by turf. the mesh on both sides and through the A heavenly entrance to winter turnout is not gateway, going at least 3m into the field. guaranteed. But with good advice and a bit Cover with top soil, so only the very top edge of planning, winter could produce fewer is visible, and sow a fine grass mix over the muddy problems for many horse owners. whole area.” According to grass seeds specialist Rod Bonshor, from Oliver Seeds, gateways need a dense turf rather than the palatable, erect GATEWAY PROBLEMS grasses used for grazing. “We use a • Poor drainage combination of creeping red fescue and • Horses collect and stand around dwarf perennial ryegrass which can repair • Frequent hoof and vehicle traffic damage caused by frequent horse traffic. The • Compaction and soil erosion Muddy gateways occur because of soil fescue grows side shoots which spread along • Water pools compaction, and erosion caused by frequent the surface and creep into the holes,” he traffic whether it’s equine or diesel (paddock explains. PLANNING NEW PADDOCKS? maintenance vehicles). • Don’t site gates in corners Sowing seed under a gateway mesh gives it • Don’t put them at the bottom of a hill Gates sited close to water troughs suffer the dark environment needed to encourage (water drains into them) combined wear and tear, as do those in field chitting and establishment. However, it can • Make sure fields are drained using corners, leading to a greater expanse of be sown on top as long as the seed is pressed underground land drains mud, says ADAS (an environmental into the soil. Seed needs to be sown • Drains will eventually need rodding to consultancy) senior equine consultant Geoff sometime between March and the end of keep them clear Fairfoull. He points out that mud is also not a September to give it the best start. In the • Drains need to send water into clear ditches great footing for horses: “Shoes can become meantime, it’s worth asking a local (not overgrown, choked with weeds) loose or pulled off. It’s physically more agricultural drainage contractor about • Gates shaded by trees and tall hedges difficult to lead horses through mud and installing a French drain. This is a drainage never dry out some finer breeds can end up with a strained tendon if they get stuck in heavy mud.” GATEWAY SOLUTIONS Old carpets can give a base to gateways, • Drainage although they can look messy and cause a • Lay carpet to spread the load trip hazard, says Mr Fairfoull. Hard core will • Bark chips build up levels and drain the area; bark • Hard core provides standing surface chippings may perform a similar function. and drainage • French drain on the edge of hard core Equine grazing consultant Garry Holter • Lay mesh and top with turf estimates that 75% of the horse grazing he • Find agricultural contractor to do the job sees has no form of drainage. “To maintain • Plan for spring – gateways dry out and grass reasonable quality grazing throughout grows quick winter, you need to install underground land French Drain

8 The Listening Post Hoof Health By Sam Austin (IH Student)

It is now well accepted that the better the structure and shape of a horses foot the sounder Common treatments, especially for thrush that horse will be. Although many hoof infections do not directly affect soundness they can focus exclusively on killing the fungi and bacteria in the hoof. But often these adversely influence the structure and stability of the horses hoof leading to lameness or treatments (strong peroxide, tar, iodine, sub-clinical problems (poor performance). Unfortunately, apart from the very obvious thrush, bleaches, borax and formaldehydes) are so these can often go unnoticed by owners and hoof-care professionals alike. strong that they kill live hoof tissues and break down dead ones. Bacteria and fungi Here is a quick breakdown of the more Signs: Areas of black or grey inside the hoof thrive on dead tissue so although the common hoof infections, all of which thrive wall (under the shoe if shod), dirt or gravel in infection will be destroyed it will usually on poor quality hoof in unclean, anaerobic white line and a chalky appearance to the return rapidly. (lacking oxygen) environments such as inner hoof wall. Again use your nose – a stables or mud. milder smell than thrush. Ideal treatment of these infections should consist of the following: Provision of a healthy environment. Away from mud, urine and droppings etc. Abrasive materials such as pebbles, river stone and ceramic beddings help keep feet dry and exfoliate dead tissue. Regular mucking out and removal of wet patches is essential for a clean environment. Destruction of microbes, without Deep Central Sulcus destruction of hoof tissue. Thrush Using something like a Honey, Zinc Sulphate, Deep Central Sulcus (DCS) – micro organisms Zinc Oxide, Tea tree oil or eucalyptus oil Thrush – a surface fungal & bacterial infect the cleft of the frog (central sulcus). In a based products. All of these ingredients have infection primarily caused by Spherophorus similar way to WLD this split deepens, is powerful yet gentle antimicrobial properties neaophorus Fungus. It causes a black slime infiltrated by dirt and further infected. This so they treat the infection without damaging to form on and around the frog, spreading opening can cause sub-clinical lameness healthy hoof tissues. onto the sole. Thrush is only lameness (symptoms include loss of performance, causing in severe cases but the fungus breaks shortness of stride and ‘footyness’) and can Promotion of healthy re-growth to down sole tissue causing thinning of the spread all the way into the digital cushion discourage re-infection. soles and more proness to bruised soles, causing severe lameness. The ingredients above have also been found abscessing and other hoof infections. to promote healthy tissue re-growth. Signs: Thrushy area in middle of frog Application of pressure by packing holes with Signs: Black covering to the frog and in progressing into a split which can be parted a suitable hoof pack, such as ‘Hoof –Stuff’ clefts either side, cheesy smell, black veined with a hoof pick – often accompanied by (by Red Horse Products) or Hoof Putty (by appearance to the sole. thin, contracted frogs. Keratex), promotes re-growth from within.

Top Tips Proper foot care and nutrition. Trimming away dead tissue will help provide • Pick out feet as regularly as possible, less of an environment for microbes. Proper ideally twice a day hoof shape promotes correct wear patterns • Check feet regularly for thrush, cracks and and hence a generally healthy hoof. A correct openings diet will aid healthy and rapid tissue growth. • Ask your farrier or hoof trimmer to point out potential problem areas • If your horse is barefoot you can use a wire Sam Austin BHSII EDT brush to check the condition of the white line White Line Disease causing a grass crack Equine Dental Technician, Riding Instructor and • Treat problems as soon as they occur Professional Rider. Sam Is Director of Red Horse White Line Disease (WLD) – The inner hoof Products Ltd. and the creative mind behind the wall becomes infected with anaerobic fungi majority of Red Horse’s products. Usually and bacteria which cause a split in the white Treatment of Hoof infections identifying problems and then using knowledge line. As the micro organisms break down the This is where horse owners are often gained from his scientific education, his father white line tissue the pocket becomes deeper misguided into using a short term fix that in (a Vet) and innumerable other sources to create and allows dirt and stones to enter opening the long term will encourage re-infection. a solution. Having had many years experience it wider still. WLD causes visible lameness Prevention, as always is better than cure – a with barefoot horses including eventing up to when it becomes deep and weakens the strong, well shaped hoof with dense, healthy BE Novice level with them has given him hoof structure. For example a WLD affected tissue provides much less opportunity for valuable insights into their needs. area of hoof wall will find it hard holding microbial invasion. Therefore it is important shoe nails without cracking and be prone to For more information on Red Horse Products that whilst treating infection that horn health please visit www.RedHorseProducts.com infections. A deep area of white line disease is kept in mind. at the tip of the toe is know as ‘Seedy Toe’.

The Listening Post 9 Ask the Experts

spring grass is high in sugars I would recommend either delaying the move to Katy Tyler fresh pasture until the grass growth has slowed or making the move gradual i.e. Nutritionist for TopSpec allow access to the new field for a few hours www.topspec.com a day and build time out gradually. Although Q&Athis may be a little difficult it is the safest way Q: I am chair of Epsom Riding for the were in the short grass so would it be to avoid upsetting the bacterial balance in Disabled, we have a herd of 13 horses here better not to cut it and to let the horse the hind gut and so will reduce the risk of on 16/17 acres of land. The pastures are graze it down. Can you help please. laminitis. I would also recommend feeding rotated and we do our best to keep them TopSpec AntiLam, a pelleted multi- Regards, Stella in good order. However, we have mainly supplement designed for horses and ponies native good doers who for the most part prone to, being treated for, or recovering are over weight. I have a lot of trouble in A: If it is more than four inches long the from laminitis, to give them nutritional convincing volunteers to keep feeding to a grass in the new field would be ideally support during the change in their grazing. minimum and to reduce grazing. grazed by sheep or cattle before the horses if Including AntiLam in their feed regime it is longer than 4 inches. Mowing would be permanently would be advantageous The grass is coming through now and I am my second choice. Alternatively fence the because it provides vital vitamins and not sure if it is the best way forward to cut horses into a smaller area to limit their intake minerals without promoting any weight gain. the grass in fields which are not being used and gradually move the electric fence to As it is very palatable it can be fed on its own in readiness to change field say in 7 days. allow access to a little fresh grass each day. from the hand which makes it ideal for good I always thought that the most fructins Because most of them are overweight and doers at grass.

Remarkably, this operation has been Support the NATIONAL FOALING BANK run for all this time on a ‘shoestring’ budget – you never know when you might need it. relying on donations, sponsorship, and a Since it’s foundation in 1965 by Miss Johanna membership scheme Vardon MBE, The National Foaling Bank has to ensure the work united thousands of orphan foals with foster continues. For this vital mare who have lost their own foal. service to continue extra funding is Every year hundreds of owners also call the urgently needed. You can support the National Foaling Bank for help and advice on National Foaling Bank in a number of ways difficult foaling cases, twenty-four hour nursing, and information about colostrum, Membership - The Membership fee for milk replacements, and special dietary Sports Horse and Pony breeders is only requirements. £20.00 per year (£30 for Thoroughbred breeders or Vets) Most emergency cases are dealt with over the phone but some owners bring their This will help to ensure that practical help will animals to the stud for the adoption process always be available around the clock, and as there are specifically designed adoption any Member can telephone at any time of boxes and experienced staff and equipment the day or night without having the slightest on the premises. conscience! This could be the best ‘insurance policy you will ever take out! The National Foaling Bank also keeps a record of generous breeders who hold a Donations can be made to the Vardon limited amount of colostrum (essential for Trust at: Vardon Trust, National Foaling new born foals) in their freezers for the Bank, Meretown Stud, Newport, benefit of current paid up members only. Shropshire TF10 8BX

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10 The Listening Post Run and get the Fire Brigade By IH Recommended Associate Sarah Weston

he young woman stood in the trees I had been a little dubious when Jim Green, drowned owner as it falls. Alls well that ends and screamed and just kept on Animal Rescue Specialist of Hampshire Fire well in that particular case but it is the sort of T screaming. Her friend knelt by her Service had asked me to find him three footage you watch with your face hidden own horse and wept. The shocked bystander women for the afternoon! You can imagine, behind your fingers. ran around the corner and yelled “come there was no shortage of volunteers. I was Hampshire Animal Rescue Team are pioneers also invited to attend the morning session as on!” at the approaching firemen, “you’ve in animal rescue work in Britain. They work an observer and to comment if I so wished got to help, get a vet! Get a vet!” with the British Equestrian Veterinary on the two practical exercises which took Association and have been instrumental in The firemen continued to walk calmly place. The first involved removing a ‘bull’ setting up and promoting the Emergency towards her and refused to run. “Come on!” from a ditch, the second, a ‘horse’ with a Services Protocol which sets a national she shouted, “hurry up, there’s two horses foot caught through the floor of a trailer. caught in the fence”. standard for the recovery of horses. The overall aim is not just to increase the horse’s The first fireman reached the woman and chance of survival but also to reduce the risk took her to one side “Tell me what’s of injury to vets, emergency services happened,” he said. personnel and the general public. In parallel, they have also developed emergency equipment which makes rescuing animals much safer for everyone involved.

Sparkle is finally out of the woods….

I first met Jim at a talk he gave about his work at a local riding club. He explained that Hampshire were the first Fire Service to have Rachel tries to calm her ‘horse’ a dedicated Animal Rescue Team and that they are now involved in training fire officers Jim Green and Monty Roberts talking And that was the beginning of the practical and vets nationally. He had a clear at the RA Conference exercise for potential Animal Rescue Team understanding of the horse’s psychology and I am hopeful that Intelligent Horsemanship members at Lyndhurst fire station. Out in the emotional impact of an accident on the as an organisation will be able to offer help their paddock two life sized mannequins of horse’s owner. “When we get to a fire”, he and training for Animal Rescue Teams across horses had been firmly wedged in a barbed said, “everyone is running towards us and the country. Two Fire Officers attended my wire fence and trapped in the trees. Once away from the fire. When we go to a horse loading course last weekend learned little Rachel, who is a determined actress, had accident or a horse fire, everyone is running bits of technique that will help them to get been persuaded to calm down, the rescue towards it instead!” He talked about how horses on to trailers following an incident. team set about their work in almost owners can help their horses by keeping as We discussed issues such as sedation and complete silence – real horse whisperers? calm as possible and not stimulating or they agreed that it was always better to let Covering the tiniest details, for example, releasing the horse themselves. “It’s the horse recover from the sedation before it mock sedating the two plastic horses, important that the horse has got a safe place was asked to travel again. For me it was a wearing all the right protective kit, and to go and a safe way of getting there and we great opportunity to check whether my working as a coherent team, the students won’t try to release a trapped horse until we health and safety procedures and team work seriously and diligently to remove the are sure about that. If a horse is trapped in an working skills were up to scratch. horses from danger into a safe place. After overturned or broken down trailer on the the exercise, there was a full debriefing. motorway for instance, it’s critical not to try to release it until the traffic has been stopped in both directions.” You Tube is an invaluable source of cautionary tales which Jim employs to illustrate just how dangerous a rescue situation can become. The worst one shows a couple of horses that have fallen through the slats of a huntsman’s bridge. The owner, screaming her head off, inadvertently stimulates the horses as a group of firemen, dressed like wasps, all run How many firemen does it take to change towards the scene. One takes a chainsaw to Buster Brown works with Rowan a light bulb? the underneath of the bridge immediately – loading first time below a 750 kg horse that by now is flailing I was deeply impressed (no, not just by the its legs and eventually somersaults over the Sarah Weston is IH Recommended uniforms!) with the calm, clear way that they side of the bridge taking the noisy owner Associate for Hampshire. all worked. As a horse owner, I felt that I with it. This sets off the other horse which Telephone 01725 512 434 would have had complete faith in them. does the same, narrowly missing the half

The Listening Post 11 A bit of an issue Part 2 By IH Recommended Associate Nicole Golding

When talking about the reins e particularly like the ‘touch, non- indicates a serious problem, most likely in the and the amount of pressure touch, and denting’ model when it foot balance, back problems, or rider Wcomes to the pressure of the bit on imbalance, and tight reins do not fix the exerted on the horse’s mouth, the mouth (and the legs on the side, for that cause. Of course, if the rider is not in it’s essential to get specific. matter). It’s pretty self-explanatory really. optimal, vertical ear-shoulder-hip-ankle One person’s ‘light contact’ could Think of applying pressure to the fleshy part balance, this can drastically affect the horse, of your arm: Touch you would just be able to and needs addressing. But in any scenario, be another person’s downright feel, non-touch would be no contact at all, whether it’s ‘lazy cob’ tripping around the pull. We work on the assumption and denting would make a an indent. If you countryside, or ‘posh’ dressage horse belting that the horse would prefer the do this, you’ll see that not much pressure is around in extended trot, if pressure on the required to dent. In fact about one ounce per reins is occurring, the horse cannot be in minimum amount of pressure square inch will even be enough to affect the ‘self-carriage’. If the horse needs pressure on with the maximum amount of blood supply, evidenced by the fact that your the reins to appear balanced, they’re not in clarity. In spite of this, we know skin goes white under the pressure. We’re balance within themselves, and this can’t be advocating that in most normal ridden correct. It also means that if the reins are there are horses that lean on the situations, we work with touch and non- dropped at any time, the horse will be more rein, even when the rider doesn’t touch, and only go to denting in an likely to trip, or more likely to career around want this to happen, and we shall emergency scenario. It can be helpful to put on their forehand. a scale on this. Zero is non-touch, 1-3 is the So what of the horse that leans on the hand, address this issue, too. But if we range of touch we would like to work within, the ones that apparently like to pull? If it’s so 4-6 is denting, and more than would be ideal agree that minimum force on the undesirable to have weight on the horse’s in a training scenario, and 7-10 is emergency delicate structures of the horse’s mouth, why do some of them appear to ‘don’t run under the bus with initiate it? One scenario is mouth is desirable, let’s look at me’ territory. To clarify this, we the horse who simply hasn’t also demonstrate this range of how to bring this about. “remember that in been taught to come off the touch to the rider by having pressure. As with horses that them hold the reins while we their natural state pull back when tied up, the go through the stages of horses would be head- horse leans into the pressure pressure. Once we’re clear that down at ground level of the bit on their tongue - a they can replicate the same muscle - and can’t work out scale, we know that we’ve got about 18 hours a day” how not to do it, especially if a clear basis to build on when the rider doesn’t understand it comes to work under saddle or in hand. release of pressure, or thinks it right to hang The fact that we’re working towards the on to a ‘contact’. This leads to the horse ideal of light touch does not, however, mean becoming accustomed to such pressure, that the rider is never allowed to touch the thinking of it as normal, and even seeking it rein. Like going forward from the leg, this is out. They may then learn to use the rein to the horse’s responsibility too. The lack of ‘balance’, as discussed above, and although denting doesn’t happen simply because the they might find the pressure unpleasant, rider continually gives the rein and never since there’s nothing they can do about it, allows the horse to meet the bit. It comes they learn to live with it. This can lead to about after extensive training when the another common scenario where the horse horse believes in the authority of the bit and uses the rein for support for tired neck doesn’t challenge it anymore. This can muscles. If you think about it, the head is a obviously take quite a while, and as very heavy part of the horse’s anatomy (as mentioned previously, is harder to achieve in anyone who has ever supported the head of more demanding scenarios when the a sedated horse will know!), and to carry it in adrenaline is up. the prescribed fashion, rather like a fish on What this commitment to light pressure does the end of a fishing line, with little or no mean, however, is that the rider doesn’t pressure on the reins, and with the topline hang on the rein for any reason. Under this muscles doing all the work and the muscles approach, using the reins for the rider’s under the neck being relaxed, requires a lot balance is a definite no-no, but so is using of energy. If the rein is tight, the horse can the reins for the horse’s balance or for easily brace against it, and engage the ‘support’. I’m not saying that some horses muscles on the underside of the neck, and don’t ‘go better’ when ‘ridden up together’, use the rider to prop himself up to some Horse resisting bit – some denting visible and I accept that some trippers and degree. It may be unpleasant to have that stumblers do it less when held on a tight pressure on the mouth, but since it’s always contact. But a horse who habitually stumbles there anyway, they might as well use it to

12 The Listening Post “whether it’s a ‘lazy cob’ tripping around the countryside, or ‘posh’ dressage horse belting around in extended trot, if pressure on the reins is occurring, the horse cannot be in ‘self-carriage’”

Touch their advantage. Remember that in their Then our first approach is to set an What I think I’m saying to the horse when I natural state horses would be head-down at appropriate rein length. Start with a rein do this is “I will do my best not to pull back ground level for about 18 hours a day, so short enough to require the horse to carry with my hands, and I’d like to think you unless they are conditioned carefully to it, their head no higher than their wither. In could rely on them to be kind, but please even five minutes in self-carriage, not leaning order to keep touch consistent as the horse don’t rely on them for your balance because on the hand, carrying their own heads, and walks, the rider must obviously move occasionally they might suddenly move like supporting the weight of the rider will be through the elbow joint. If there is no that, and if you were leaning on them, they hard work for them. A quick stretch on a pressure on the rein at this point, gently might drop you”. long rein may be all that’s required to be able shorten the rein until you feel the horse It’s undoubtedly the case that some riders to continue, but continuous work without begin to lean slightly (if you can shorten your believe that a significant amount of pressure frequent breaks will be counter-productive. reins all the way up to piaffe or jumping on the horse’s mouth is appropriate and length without any increase in pressure, you Another scenario is the horse who wants desirable, but that doesn’t mean that every don’t have a problem!). Lightly vibrate the control of the reins for themselves - to be rider who exerts pressure on the mouth is rein, as if trying to sieve flour or shake a free of the rider’s inhibiting influence. I think doing so deliberately or even consciously. The tambourine, using either one hand (which almost every rider will have experienced this fact is, it’s very easy to use the reins for rider most people find easier), or two, without with the excited horse who wants to gallop balance, mostly because they are there, and taking more contact or giving contact away. across country, and is finding the rider grabbing is such a human thing to do, a We are asking the horse to stop leaning, at restrictive. Pulling is an attempt to lengthen legacy of our earlier days living in trees as the rein length that we have set, so we have the rein to be able to do so. monkeys. It’s a big ask to expect a rider to let to keep the length consistent. Coming into a big fence is go of the reins if doing so means she’ll fall “Keep asking him The moment the horse gives, another time a horse might off! The rider has to develop good stop vibrating the rein. If at get strong- again to be quietly and reward biomechanics - particularly involving balance any time the horse increases allowed to tackle the fence in and core stability - to be able to let go with him when he starts to the rein pressure at the length their own way, even if the the hands. Proper, targeted, specific exercises soften with a bit of you have set, vibrate rider is pretty certain it’s a on the lunge without reins (seat training) is an according to the amount of bad plan. The horse has to be ‘buckle time’ – drop excellent starting point, as are lessons from weight in your hand - it could carefully trained to remain coaches who understand core stability and the rein completely” just be a tiny bit, almost responsive in these higher- how to bring it about. We used to do a lot of imperceptible, or it could be adrenaline situations, but it bridle-less riding, and not having the option more vigorous. It can be with either rein or stands to reason that if a horse is pulling or to pull on the reins, because they’re simply both. Find what works best. Remember, leaning when just walking around in a not there, can break a habit very quickly! you’re not applying pressure in the vibrating, school, they’re not suddenly going to you’re simply making it difficult and Next time: STOP! How to get brakes. become more responsive and lighter when uncomfortable for the horse to lean. If the Also, horses that snatch (rather than out hunting! horse slows down or stops as his head comes lean) at the bit. So, how do you deal with the leaning horse? up allow him to do so. Keep asking him We’ve found the following approaches to be quietly and reward him when he starts to very effective, to the point that even a horse soften with a bit of ‘buckle time’- drop the Nicole Golding and Adam who has always leant will stop it within a rein completely. Goodfellow have been teaching session, or two. Of course, we’re assuming If the horse persists in leaning, I’ve found ground work and the Intelligent that the horse’s teeth are in good order, that giving the reins abruptly, and taking them Horsemanship Riding clinics (now they are comfortable in the tempo- back again, to be very effective. The horse known as Integrated Equitation) at manadibular joint, that they have no major suddenly finds what they were leaning on Moor Wood Stables for over 10 muscle problems, that their feet are well not to be there to lean on anymore, but years. For more details, go to their trimmed, etc - in short that they are in good they’re not rewarded by a longer rein length. website: www.whisperingback.co.uk physical shape with correctly fitting tack.

The Listening Post 13 Making life better for Milo By Joanna O’Neill MRPCH

Kelly’s editorial letter in Catherine worked at the company my “I don’t hand feed him any but I ‘hide’ treats husband had joined in September 2007, 130 around his stable – I like to think that it adds The Listening Post for Summer miles from where we live in Berkshire. When some interest to the evening for him! I’ve 2008 reminded us that “you Catherine learned from Simon what I was been consistent with holding his head at doing she was quick to invite me to meet arm’s length and looking him in the eye don’t have to have a problem Milo, whom she had just taken on loan. when he starts ‘searching’ me for treats and I can see him making eye contact with me in order to benefit from Milo was a 12-year-old gelding with and then looking away again. spending time with an RA”. elements of Appaloosa (a sprinkling of spots) and Welsh Cob (pretty head and cobby I do take his food in to him, but I stand I am not an RA but I have bottom), and had lived all his life with his behind the door and firmly say ‘Back’ to him. been doing my best to pass on owner/breeder. Catherine wanted to use him As soon as he moves I walk in and put it on as an all-round pleasure horse, with some the floor. He knows that he won’t get what I have learned from IH schooling, occasional outings to local shows, anything until he backs away, and he usually to the owner of ‘a normal and lots of hacking. They were getting along walks all the way to the other side of the well, but Catherine felt that Milo was more stable. I don’t know how this ‘should’ be horse’ (whatever that means!) anxious than he needed to be and was keen done, but this works for us. I don’t want him and despite the absence of to find a way to help him become happier. barging out of the stable or hassling me for food; I’ve had that with a horse in the past When I first visited I saw immediately that tears and miracles, I think and it wasn’t pleasant. Catherine was a caring, quiet handler and their story is inspiring. that Milo was generally well-behaved and So much of this does seem to be common sensible. However, I could also see what sense and ‘feel’, which I find even more concerned Catherine: when tied up at his interesting. It seems that it’s not just about usual place in the quiet yard Milo wasn’t following rules, which I like as obviously relaxed but instead seemed to be on the different things will work for different horses. lookout all the time; Catherine said he box- He certainly seems far more settled and to be walked, hated being the first brought in from responding well; indeed, even the lady that the field or the last left out, and whenever bred and owns him said that he was very anything upset his routine he became settled and happy, which is lovely to hear.” disproportionately stressed. However, Catherine did not want to push I suggested that it would be very difficult to Milo too fast. ‘cure’ Milo of being a sensitive soul, but that we might think of his feelings as if plotted on “I wouldn’t feel confident taking him out in a graph: his current general anxiety level was the trailer yet; I wouldn’t feel happy if he does 5, and under stimulus it rose to 9. If we could get anxious and we’re somewhere new.” lower his general anxiety level to 1 or 2, then although certain stimuli would probably still When I next visited, in December, we tackled add 4 points, it would only take him to 5 or 6. Milo’s habit of moving off while Catherine was mounting – again, a relatively low-level With that aim, I passed on to Catherine as ‘problem’ which many people just put up much as possible of what I had learned from with. We decided that after mounting, the IH courses, from Kelly’s and Monty’s Catherine would consistently sit quietly with books, and from articles in The Listening no rein contact for a full minute. She would Post. Catherine began to lead Milo from in not ask Milo to walk forward, and if she had front instead of from at his shoulder, using a to check him she would do so and slack lead rope; she practised the foundation immediately drop the contact again. exercises from ‘Perfect Manners’ and Catherine realised this would be easier stopped feeding treats by hand, which Milo’s before schooling than when going for a hack owner had done for years, as well as asking in company, but decided she would have to Milo to be more polite at meal times; and she become super-organised so that she could stopped patting to reward him but gave him have the mounting block (and the minute) to long, firm strokes instead. herself ahead of her friends! In November Catherine emailed me the And speaking of friends, in the spring a fresh following: problem arose. Milo’s two closest horse 14 The Listening Post friends were to be moved to a different yard; one of them was a mare who had lived with him almost all his life. Catherine was worried that Milo would be very distressed, and even considered moving him with them although the new yard would be inconvenient for her. However, she was hoping to move him to a third yard of her own choice when a vacancy arose and decided that two moves would be more stressful for him than being abandoned by his friends. But in the event the abandonment was no problem at all. Catherine emailed me: “I wanted to tell you how settled Milo has been since his friends moved off the yard on Sunday… I was expecting him to revert back to his old panic and to box-walk all night, but he was as settled as anything. I am so pleased with him.” At the same time Catherine was enjoying knowing that she had a special relationship very generously handed her cob to me, and from one half-door and over an inside yard with her loan horse and that she was his the third horse in a row ambled over my open from another. He was bright and alert, but Number One human: tarpaulin. Some days you just can’t win…) looked interested rather than anxious, and Catherine said there had been no whinnies “One of the other ladies clipped him the In May, though, Milo turned in his starring at all apart from one just for her when she other day while I was moving stables. He was role as ‘Unstarted Youngster with First Saddle’ arrived that first morning – clearly Milo getting very upset apparently so she came to for my full join-up video, with Catherine co- wanting to make sure she found him in this get me to help; once I stood with him he was starring as ‘First Rider’, and soon after that strange new place! as good as gold. His old ‘mum’ rode him the we held a spook-busting party with Milo and other day and was commenting on how the pretty Thoroughbred mare. The toys The following days proved that Milo was a settled he was, too.” included balloons tied to poles, safe plastic different chap from the horse Catherine had ‘rubbish’ strewn on the ground, umbrellas first loaned, and well able to handle the In April 2008 I heard that Kelly had and black bin-bags, and by the end of the excitement of moving home. Later Catherine sanctioned the use of disconnected electric session both horses were happily wandering would email me about her appreciation of tape for a temporary round pen, provided in and out of the obstacles. the IH way of handling horses: that the horse was experienced and comfortable with electric fences. I was In August the stable in Catherine’s preferred “Moving him onto my new yard and not therefore able to set up my ‘pen’ in an empty yard finally became free, and Milo moved. having a very upset little horse was real proof field at Milo’s yard and attempt a join-up with When Catherine had first taken him on, to me that it works… The difference in him him. He had been lunged in his past, and like bringing him to the yard had been is amazing… Oh, and we went on our first many horses used to the lunge Milo took a nightmarish – for days he had whinnied and ever outing in a lorry and he surprised me while to catch on to the idea of being invited box-walked, and couldn’t be safely tied up in with how good he was. It was the realization in; however, once he believed that really was the yard – and Catherine steeled herself for of a dream to finally take my own horse in a what I meant, he gave me lovely, close follow- at least a week of anguish. lorry for a hack!” up circles, and Catherine was entranced. On the 18th of August I had an email from her: ‘Own’ horse? Yes, because Catherine had I had hoped to use Milo as the subject of my been given Milo. And what do you get after “I moved Milo last night and he’s settled a lot ‘leading’ video, but to Catherine’s you get the horse? better than I thought he would – still tense, astonishment the tarpaulin held no goblins as but nothing like when he arrived to me at “I’m hoping to buy my own transport this far as he was concerned and he followed her the old yard.” year – something I would never have been straight over first time. (A friend then offered brave enough to do had you not helped me her lovely Thoroughbred mare to me, and she The next day I was able to visit. I arrived in understand and cope better with Milo.” also walked straight over while jaws gaped. the late afternoon and found Milo in a lovely And finally yet another owner on the yard loosebox with a view over the outside yard

The Listening Post 15 The complete story of a demonstration horse by Dr Veronica Fowler and Dr David Marlin

ive demonstrations, despite the calm expressed by Monty and Kelly, are L engulfed in excitement, a place of wonder, perhaps even dreams. I myself cannot help but giggle as Monty speaks as the demo horse by describing how the horse has been told by his peers to ‘buck it off’ in reference to the saddle and/or rider that is! There is no doubt Monty’s descriptions are funny; however demos are not a marketing show as claimed by some, they are real Figure 1. Heart rate trace from heart rate monitor fitted to demo horse at Quob 2009 demonstration of how you can get it right and how you can correct the wrongs. They claims. What better way to find out how the recordings (table 1) and made a few comments are educational, inspirational and truly from horse responds to the demo situation, the in blue. the heart. Tears, sniffs and smiles bound roundpen, Join-up® and even the from the audience as horses accept their first Dr Marlin’s comments would suggest that acceptance of its first saddle than to measure saddle and remedial horses overcome their from a physiological perspective this horse heart rate at a demo? Heart rate is a very fears. You certainly don’t have to be a was not acutely stressed by the experience of simple means to measure physiological scientist to appreciate the behaviour of a the roundpen, Join-up® and acceptance of responses such as acute stress. The demo at demo horse. To date there are some its first saddle. This is the first time that the Quob Stables in February this year served as individuals and organisations which are still heart rate of a demo horse has ever been a good place to start recording the heart opposed to the use of a roundpen full stop, recorded and the data gathered is extremely rates of the demo horses (figure1). let alone the use of one at a demo. valuable in validating the use of Monty’s Roundpens and Join-up® have been The Heart rate trace presented in figure 1 is techniques as non stressful on the horse. suggested by some to induce fear, anxiety from a horse which was a complete starter Look out in next quarters issue for the and ultimately stress upon the horse, ‘forcing brought to the demo to be backed by Monty annotated heart rate trace from a remedial the horse to choose the trainer’. There is for the first time. Dr David Marlin a world horse from the Quob Stables demonstration. however no evidence to substantiate these expert on equine physiology analysed our

Table 1. Annotated events by Dr David Marlin (www.davidmarlin.co.uk) Dr David Marlin’s comments are in blue

Time Event HR Max Ave Min 0:01:40.0 Horse turned loose 83 126 103 75 ‘Pretty chilled horse considering it’s in an arena with lots of people’ 0:03:03.0 Horse changed direction 83 89 75 67 ‘horse reacts to is change in direction’ 0:07:42.0 Join-up® achieved 134 135 93 80 ‘This horse does not seem to have worked hard or been excited in the pre-join-up period’ 0:12:20.0 More water added to HRM 73 142 90 70 0:12:50.0 Horse sees tack on floor 74 84 78 72 0:13:23.0 Monty takes horse to tack 74 99 82 72 0:14:32.0 Saddle placed on horse 79 80 75 72 0:15:49.0 Girth done up 63 80 71 63 0:16:02.0 Horse sent away 63 63 63 63 0:18:06.0 Join-up® achieved 101 103 68 54 0:20:44.0 Long lines attached 70 142 98 70 0:22:20.0 Changed direction 119 12 73 65 ‘The horse reacts the strongest to the dually initially but then this seems to become less over time’ 0:25:10.0 Horse backed up 134 172 143 105 ‘The horse also reacts strongly to being asked to back up’ 0:28:09.0 Rider legged up and down 83 152 108 72 0:28:58.0 Rider leans over horse 89 90 76 70 0:30:01.0 Rider on 79 95 80 69 ‘What is amazing is the lack of reaction to the rider being put on!’ 0:31:56.0 Rider rides around 74 84 74 68 ‘Also, I am using terms like reacts ‘strongly’ but really only in relative terms. The peak HR is 170bpm when the dually 1st seems to be applied, but for most of the time the HR is 140bpm or below, and this is in an arena!!’

16 The Listening Post Bones: Basic Building Blocks From foal to full-grown By Dana Green

here in the main ring stands the which will hopefully will enable him to have and works up. The coffin/short pastern are champion of champions - power and a long and sound competitive career. closed at birth; short /long pastern close at 6 symmetry - strong, well-muscled, months; knee 18 months to 2½ years; T Bones are hollow rather like tubes but with with a good conformation – the apple of our scapula 3½ to 4; hock 4; pelvis (point of hip, fairly thick casings. There are several good collective equestrian eyes. What makes him croup) at 3 to 4 to name a few. reasons for this. Solid bones would be this way, how can we breed for this, ensure awfully heavy. The skull of a horse is full of But here is the most interesting part: the it during his developing years and, most holes - sinuses – and if this was not so he vertebrae of the spine do not close until 5½ importantly, preserve this throughout his would have difficulty lifting his head. years minimum. This applies to smaller working life? equines. The larger ones take longer – 6 to Tubes are stronger. Really? Yes, think of Leonard da Vinci did it. So did George 7½ - and the males (no surprise here) 6 scaffolding poles. The ‘hole’ in the middle is Stubbs. In order to truly understand the months later still. So a 17.0 hh Irish Draft the most important part. The marrow has structure, and movement, of both man and cross or Warmblood gelding may not myriad functions: animal, they looked beneath the skin. They ‘mature’ until nearly 8 years old. dissected carcasses (often in secret to avoid It makes red blood cells, white blood cells Then add to this, the long bone, mainly in censure) to uncover the anatomy that and platelets. the legs are loaded with perpendicular stress underpins the strength, symmetry and power (scaffolding poles again) but the short of the horse, one of the most beautiful It balances calcium (and phosphorus) levels in vertebrae in the back are aligned horizontally creatures on earth. the body. so the stress is totally different. Is it any Today, with access to numerous books, CD- And vitally, it contains active material which wonder that there is a considerable increase roms, etc., we need not duplicate the rather constantly rebuilds, remodels and repairs in ‘kissing spines’ in dressage horses? Should grisly studies of these great masters. itself through the horse’s entire life. Bone is we really be asking a four-year-old to do However, for those who are interested, their living tissue. sitting trot? Or jump a 1m course? (Landing work is still highly relevant. From Foal to Maturity jars the spine as well as the legs). As horsemen and women, understanding The foal is born Why is this important to us as horsemen and the basic structure and function of horses with amazingly women? Quite simply, if we want our horse can truly help our riding and management of long legs and a to have a long and injury free life, we won’t the horse. small body which even consider any serious ‘work’ until five to six years depending on his size. The Moving Frame eventually matures into something far Let Bruce Davidson, the American eventer, The skeleton is made up of 205 bones (give larger. As a prey have the last word on this subject. He wrote or take a few such as shorter backed Arabs). animal it must be an interesting article on this years ago and Bones may seem dry, dusty and dead able to gallop with summed it up saying - remember: material such as the one the dog has its dam within retrieved from his cache in the garden. They hours of birth in • At three the horse goes to nursery are actually living fascinating structures and order to avoid being some carnivore’s lunch. • At four to kindergarten especially important in horses. It is amazing how grazing animals can run within hours, sometimes minutes of entering • At five to primary school They are joined together to form a moving this world! frame that supports the body against gravity • At six to secondary school and protects the internal organs; the quite So, this long-legged, small bodied foal must, And only at seven is he ready for university! heavy skull cradles the brain; the spine over a few years, change shape dramatically encases the spinal cord which carries and this is where bone growth is so fascinating. First published in HORSES FOR LIFE messages for absolutely everything and the online magazine 2007 pelvis and rib cage protect a lot of the soft Very simplistically, bones start as pure squidgy bits (such as the heart, lungs and cartilage (that’s the smooth, shiny rather reproductive organs.) yielding part at the ends of a young bone). Over time, as the bone lengthens and Most importantly, for equestrians, bones thickens, this cartilage changes into hard work with muscles and ligaments as levers to bone in the middle with softer ends that act produce movement from plod to piaffe. as padding. Everyone knows what ‘bone’ means. A show The end plates, which allow the bones to hunter is lauded for his ‘nine inches of bone’ lengthen, ‘close’ when growth is complete. – it means he has strength in those cannons In the horse, ‘closure’ starts at the bottom

The Listening Post 17 EXTRAEXTRA COURSECOURSE DATESDATES -- 20092009 Perfect Manners Feeding and Nutrition and the Horse as an Athlete August 22nd - 23rd June 20th - 21st August 22nd - 23rd Horse Psychology Five Day Foundation Course Changes November 21st - 22nd From July 2009 Kelly will teach on November 28th - 29th HORSEY COFFEE MORNINGS! Mondays and Fridays and there Intermediate Course: Leading and Loading the Less As seen in YOUR HORSE magazine. will be some small changes to the Easy Horse order of lectures. Do ring the office November 25th - 26th Sold Out Ongoing, informal, educational, monthly on 01488 71300 if you have any Intermediate Course: Handling the Untouched Horse get togethers! questions or go to the website November 23rd - 24th www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk Contact Kathy Nadin: 07956 369150 November 27th - 28th [email protected] www.freewebs.com/kathynadin PLIANCE SADDLE SCIENCE Society of Master Saddlers & Mary Wanless Sunday July 12th: 10am - 4.45pm Hadlow College, Kent

The Pliance system marks the beginning of a new era in the dynamic assessment of interaction between the horse, saddle and rider. Combining Mary’s unique map of rider biomechanics with this groundbreaking technology enables precise assessment of rider technique, and illuminates the corresponding reaction of the horse. Finally, we have the ‘eyes’ to see what many have been wondering and questioning for generations! WORLD CLASS BIOMECHANICS Dr Hilary Clayton & Mary Wanless Sunday Oct 25th: 10am - 4.45pm Bury Farm, Nr Luton

Dr Hilary Clayton, the renowned world expert in equine biomechanics and head of the Michigan State University McPhail Performance Centre, brings to you her most up-to-date research in an incredibly simple way that easily translates into everyday use. Hilary’s and Mary’s combined Introduction to knowledge will be brought to life by the incredible Clicker Training talent of US Grand Prix rider Heather Blitz. HOW TO BUY TICKETS TICKET PRICES Venue: Send cheques written to Mary Wanless 1 demo £42/ticket Hartsop Farm, Witney, Oxon with an SAE & details of how many 2 different demos £38/ticket Date: 13th/14th July 2009 tickets and which demos you wish 3 different demos £34/ticket to attend to postal address: On door price if available £50 This course will cover the basic Dido Fisher, Huntswood, For credit card bookings visit: principles of clicker training St Helena Lane, Streat, www.mary-wanless.com and introduce you to the West Sussex, BN6 8SD foundation lessons For enquiries please call: 01273 736083 or 07970 887673 Prices: With own horse 2 days £150, 1 day £90 SPECIAL IH MEMBER DISCOUNT Without a horse IH members are being offered a chance to see these demonstrations at a discounted rate. 1 day £80, 2 days £100 Send this token with your ticket order and receive £4 OFF each ticket. Making your special discounted price: Contact: 1 demo £38/ticket, 2 different demos £34/ticket, 3 different demos £30/ticket Julia Bradford 01223 890541 Discounted tickets must be purchased in advance of demonstrations & paid for by cheque ✃ 18 The Listening Post Horsemanship Essentials Exclusive New DVDs

Available now from Intelligent Horsemanship – exclusive new DVDs featuring Kelly Marks with Monty Roberts. Learn new techniques to help you clip, load or traffic train your horse with ease. Also how to get your youngster on the right track to becoming a safe horse. These new DVDs are packed full of top tips and educational demonstrations of how to overcome problems with Now available – Brand your horse. A must have for any horse lover. new IH Cap only £10! New titles include:

Clipping the less easy horse Loading the less easy horse Overcoming fear of Starting a safe horse tractors/traffic Just £15! Go to www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk or ring 01488 71300 now! Please stay with us because we have brilliant times ahead!

Annual subscription now £25 with first year introductory special offer of £20 then £20 annually if you renew by Direct Debit. We have thought out carefully several options for payment of subscriptions. From April 2009 the annual subscription will be £25.00 although just £20 a year if you pay by Direct Debit or Standing Order. How to renew your membership • BRAND NEW OPTION - Pay by Direct Debit!! The easiest way to pay and, because it reduces the administration time for us, you can do this for just £20 a year (a saving of 20%) • If you currently pay by Standing Order you already have the benefit of paying £20 a year and you do not need to take any action to renew. (Standing order will no longer be an option for new memberships) • You can also still pay by cheque or credit/debit card, the renewal fee is £25.00

You will be sent a reminder letter by post including a Direct Debit form (unless you are already on Standing Order) before your renewal date. Thank you so much for your continued support of Intelligent Horsemanship!

The Listening Post 19 Original hand-painted BESPOKE BROWBANDS glasses or mugs by ‘Flea Bag Art’! from Brown Fox Leather

Your horse/horses will be carefully hand- painted from either a photograph or full description in a humorous caricature style. Accompanying animals, (e.g. hare, fox, dog, cat, birds, sheep, pigs, insects, etc) will also be added for extra charm! ‘Flea Bag Art’ are confident you will love and cherish your glasses or mugs, as each creation Revamp your look and personalise your bridle, but just at the is totally unique and lovingly crafted, we hope cost of a browband! Brown Fox Leather are offering bespoke they will bring a big smile to your face whenever you use them! made browbands, available personalised with your Horse, Stud or Team’s name. Names/wording of your choice can be included. You will not find ‘Flea Bag Art’ items in any Brown Fox Leather only use finest quality English Bridle leather, renowned for shops on the high street currently, but you can its beauty and longevity. Each browband is hand cut, and hand stitched using a place orders/commissions of traditional double stitching method to ensure strength and durability. glassware/ceramics. Available in Black or Dark Havanna, they are offered in ¾" widths in standard Contact details: Pony, Cob, Full or Xtra Full sizes. However, as each browband is handmade to Phone: 02380 672418 or order, if preferred you can choose the exact length to precisely tailor-fit your 0777 2888 454 Lisa Grafton horse, at no extra charge. Email: [email protected] Brown Fox Leather also offers decorated browbands for those who prefer a little ‘bling’ in their lives. Again, these can be made to your exact size requirements. Dressage Divas can choose from various styles, and Brown Fox are happy to WIN consider specific design commissions. A hand painted glass or Get a whole new smart look for your bridle for just £17.50, including up mug featuring your horse! to 12 letters (depending on space on browband). Monty and Kelly were thrilled to be presented with a hand painted glass by Lisa at their Order online from: www.brownfoxleather.co.uk demonstration at Quob stables in February this or email: [email protected] for more details. year. Monty’s glass was painted with the image Contact Ele Milwright on: 01722 714912 or 07789 546633 of his horse Shy Boy and Kelly’s horse America Pie was beautifully painted on hers. Lisa certainly has a great talent and has kindly A personalised browband for your horse! offered 2 readers the prize of a hand painted WIN! glass or mug which will be personalised with their own horse. Brown Fox Leather are offering a free personalised browband to one reader. Your browband can be hand stitched with up to 12 letters to give you and your horse To enter this competition you need to answer something smart, classy and personalised to show off at your next show or simply to the following question: make sure no-one ever uses your bridle by mistake! Visit www.brownfoxleather.co.uk Where did the Dually Halter get for examples of their beautiful handmade work. its name from? To enter this competition you need to answer the following question: Email your answer to [email protected] or send a postcard to the Intelligent Where (city name) did Kelly Marks win The Ladies European Horsemanship, Lethornes, Championship (flat racing) in 1995? Upper Lambourn, Berkshire, RG17 8QP. Email your answer to [email protected] or send a postcard to the Intelligent There are 2 prizes available so Horsemanship, Lethornes, Upper Lambourn, Berkshire, RG17 8QP get your entry in now!

20 The Listening Post IH Charities Update

t the same time as the Credit Crunch The IH members have suggested some will not spoil the surprise of the winning was beginning to bite in 2008, Kelly exciting new ideas this year for raising photo (You will just have to buy a ticket if A had chosen two smaller charities to money. Firstly we had some super items you want to see !). Details and ticket raise funds for this year. donated which we were able to auction and information coming soon on the Discussion this included many of the Recommended Group of the website or by contacting me: The Lluest Horse and Pony Trust in Wales is a Associates giving up their time to visit [email protected] small charity running a rescue/rehabilitation auction winners to help with their horses. centre, with an average of 85 horses and Every penny raised from the Classified When Jenny Semmence offered to design ponies in approved loan homes, and a advertising goes directly to the fundraising so and make some beautiful crystal bracelets, further 30 (including the donkey) cared for at we are pleased that the facility is becoming I doubt she realised quite how many would the Trust. very popular. When adding this revenue to the be ordered! Thank you Jenny. pot, the total raised so far is approx, £2,000. Nestling among the Black Mountains in the Laura has been truly brilliant with beautiful Carmarthenshire countryside the I would like to take this opportunity to thank organising the first ever Ride Round Britain Trust is entirely dependent on voluntary Kelly for agreeing to all of the ‘extreme pleas’ event on May 2nd and 3rd. I believe that Laura donations and fund-raising activities. which we send her regularly.... “Can you will write up the details at a later date as we Anybody who gives to the Charity is assured host a party for us, Can we use your house, are hoping to make this an annual event. that every penny really is used for the care for Can we have some IH Books, T-shirts, the animals. During February, while Monty and Kelly were hoodies, vouchers, photos, Can we have on tour, we had a Road Runner Challenge some demonstration tickets?” The list is The Riding for the Disabled Association where the members were asked to guess the endless and yet, in the seven years of (RDA) is a national organisation made up of completed mileage from the IH lorry during fundraising, we have never received anything Member Groups dedicated to improving the the tour. This was particularly tricky as no other than her usual generous “Absolutely” lives of people with disabilities, through one knew quite how many detours were in response. riding and/or carriage driving. It’s all about involved by the IH Team looking for take giving children and adults confidence and I hope to bring you more news in the next away shops / public houses etc ?! independence to benefit their health and edition but in the meantime, thank you to wellbeing and to achieve their goals, whilst Kelly has kindly agreed to host the Garden everyone for your sterling efforts in such having fun. We are delighted to be Party again this year. This will be held in difficult times. supporting the wonderful work of the Lambourn on June 27th. Even the ticket Lorraine. Lambourn branch. design was the subject of competition but I

Edward takes part in Ride Round Britain charity ride By Lorraine Luke IH Charity Organiser

Desperate to take part in the Ride Round The girls had lots of advice for him about Britain, Julie and I scratched our heads to try traffic and farm equipment that he might to figure out a sound horse with equally have to pass on route, so they were there to matched rider. wish him luck and see him off... The choices were limited so we decided and agreed that Edward could take part. To put this in the nicest way possible... Edward is a bit ‘Dosey’ and certainly not the brightest twig so far as riding is concerned. So yesterday, we decided to let him take the pony out together with camera for scene shots on route (inspired by Laura and her ride out). It took ages to get him up and ready in the morning and after much faffing about, this was him finally setting out...

And away he went... He took some photos on route. Now, we ‘suspect’ that the route, may have included a pub! Edward finally picked himself up and handed Because look how he arrived back... over his sponsor money... £13.00!

The Listening Post 21 Spotlight on Recommended Associate (RA) SpotlightListening Post meets Zoe Chipman RA for Surrey, Hampshire, West Sussex, South East Berkshire

myself with the horse, looking it all over for The most recent Clinic was held at Moor Farm any obvious physical reason for the issue, and in Somerset and include a reluctant loader, ‘get a feel’ for the yard situation, the horse a little Spotted Pony with trust issues who itself, and for the owner. I can also gauge how was reluctant to be caught, and a wonderful the owner is feeling about the horse. 16hh two year old gelding who was virtually unhandled and had been purchased cheaply LP: What does a typical R.A. day look like from a dealer because he had a hernia. for you? His owners had been unable to pick his feet Zoe: I have school age children, so I have up and he badly needed the farrier. to be around first thing to get them off, By the end of the Clinic, the owner could and have to be back in time to pick them up. catch the Spotted, the reluctant loader was In between that time, I travel as far as I am loading consistently, and the owner of the asked to, and work with whatever issues are two year old was able to pick all four feet up. presented. At weekends, I try to keep Sundays as a family day, but will work on LP: If you could change one thing in the a Saturday. world of horses what would it be, and why? LP: What would be the first piece of Zoe: Oh ekk, now you have me! I guess it advice you would give someone looking would have to be indiscriminate breeding. at buying/loaning their first horse? There are far, FAR too many horses and ponies out there who will spend their lives - Zoe: Go on Kelly’s 5-day Foundation Course, some of them very short - being pushed from Recently Intelligent Horsemanship had an and get as much hands on experience with pillar to post. incredibly successful time at the Your Horse horses as possible BEFORE you actually buy Live show in Stoneleigh. If you visited our the horse. Then, take a trusted and LP: What is the most common issue you stand, or saw the show, you will have met a knowledgeable friend or Instructor with you have to deal with when working with selection of IH’s finest, including the when you go and see the horses you are horses? irrepressible Recommended Associate for interested in. Never rush into it, check out as Zoe: Loading. I work with many, many horse Surrey, Hampshire, West Sussex, and South many horses as you can so you get a realistic who are reluctant to load for a variety of East Berkshire. Step forward into the RA idea of what you really do want and really reasons from horses who have never actually Spotlight Zoe Chipman! We have some are capable of handling/riding. Its always learned how to organise their legs enough to questions for you! worth have a 5* vetting with bloods taken walk up a ramp to horses who have had an too when you get to making a decision. LP: How did you get into horses? accident or bad experience in a lorry/trailer. Make sure you have somewhere with help at I also work with a lot of foals and weanlings, Zoe: Ok, I have been around horses since I hand to keep the horse, and get its teeth and I have been heavily involved in the rehab was seven which was longer ago than 40 checked out by an equine dentist. Get the of horses who have been rescued from years, but nothing like as much as 50 years! horse’s back checked out by a back specialist. French Fat Farms. The lady up the road had a selection of It worth finding out from other horse owners ponies, and she used to let us ride them. who they may recommend in these areas to LP: What was the most unusual issue you She was also a good teacher, although give you some more confidence for when you came across and how did you resolve it? I didn’t realise that until much later. My Father get the horse home or to the yard. Zoe: Another tricky one! They are all thought I was going through what he LP: Is there a favourite type of horse individuals, and as such, all unique. I tend calls the ‘Hippopause’ and said I would grow work you enjoy and why? not to think unusual or usual because of out of it . that. I guess the most recent unusual pony Zoe: I enjoy working with foals, youngsters LP: What’s important to you when you was a little Spotted who came on one of my and unhandled horses best. I always feel very see an owner and their horse for the first clinics. He had a lot of trust issues and was honoured to be a part of the rest of the life of time? nervous about being caught and having the horse. I love really sticky loaders too. But anything behind him. It was a challenge Zoe: The first thing I do is ask the owner to I enjoy working with all equines of any shape, getting my eye contact low enough to fill in very detailed questionnaire are about size, or age! enable me to Join Up with him. Being short their horse so that I have a written record to LP: What extra clinics do you run? myself probably helped! refer too if I need to at a later date. Quite often I can get a good idea about the cause Zoe: I run clinics almost to order. If owners Zoe Chipman is IH Recommended of a problem from the questionnaire. For want to work on spook busting, that’s what Associate for Surrey, Hants, W.Sussex example, the horse who’s just started to buck we work on. Or long lining, or loading or... and S.E. Berkshire. who hasn’t had a saddle check for three years! Whatever the owner feels they will benefit Telephone: 07759 374 603 Whilst they are filling that in, I will acquaint from most. 22 The Listening Post Suzanne Marshall (RA) meets and loads Vizzy! By Natalie Hudd

Vizzy is a 9 year old thoroughbred gelding, and I have owned him for 6 years. We did lots of practice loading and reversing He was always a brilliant loader and traveller until he had a bad journey a year ago. him out, slowly integrating the breech bars and the ramp once he was actually standing This culminated in him travelling very poorly – scrabbling for his footing on every relaxed and happy in the trailer. Then we corner and when braking – despite my snail like towing! His next two journeys were went for a short journey so that Suzanne unfortunately to the vets for scans for an unrelated incident. He loaded both times, could see how he travelled. The removal of but was showing signs of reluctance on the return journey of the second visit. the partition really helped him start to learn to balance, and he came back calm and happy. On arrival, we waited a short time ince then, loading had deteriorated. this first email before any appointment had before unloading and when we did, I was It would take ages for him to decide to been confirmed – it seemed like the response able to load him again straight away. S go in, and when he did he travelled of someone who genuinely wanted to help terribly. Once in the trailer, he was restless with the problem, and really understood the I was absolutely astonished and awestruck and twitchy. We would close up the trailer as situation without judging me or my horse in that in a few hours I had a horse that was soon as he was in, and get it moving to try to the process. loading and had travelled happily. I am still in settle him (unknowingly compounding the disbelief as the next day I practiced leading in I booked Suzanne to come and see us, but problem). This year, I decided to spend some the Dually, and then loaded him first time secretly thought that she wouldn’t be able to time practicing with him, but the sessions just without a problem! It is just the beginning of get him in as “my horse won’t succumb to resulted in hours of standing on the ramp re-educating my horse, and we have lots these methods” and “if I can’t get him in with him either nodding off to sleep, more practice to do before we achieve our with all the time and patience I’ve spent, dragging me off the trailer, or rushing goal of travelling with the partition and his there is no way that she will be able to in through and out the front ramp flattening me field mate. However, I am now looking one session”. in the process. If we did get the breech bars forward to it (rather than dreading it) as up, he would panic and kick. So Suzanne came out and took time to Suzanne has provided me with the tools I understand the situation before meeting need to ensure that both me and my horse Some people advised that he was just being Vizzy properly. He was fitted to the Dually are safe & happy. naughty and to “give him a good whack up halter and Suzanne started groundwork with the backside”, but I was convinced that his I would like to say a huge thank you to him, making him understand the halter until behaviour in the trailer was of a horse that Suzanne from both Vizzy and I for taking so he was reading her movements and reacting was genuinely scared. I posted my problem much time with us, for listening to everything instantly. She then started working him on a horse related website forum, and some about the situation, for being so calm and around the trailer and up to the ramp. He of the responses recommended getting an positive. She gave us both the confidence we played the “tuning you out game” where he Intelligent Horsemanship Recommended needed to move forwards. It was an looks away from you and the trailer, and the Associate (RA) to come out. So I contacted experience I shall never forget, and the most “going to sleep game” where his eyes glaze Suzanne Marshall (the RA for my area) via the valuable and rewarding afternoon of my over, but Suzanne just kept him moving and Intelligent Horsemanship website. horsie life! My only regret is that I didn’t responding to the halter when he did this. contact Suzanne sooner! I was impressed with the speed of Suzanne’s After some time avoiding the ramp, he went response when I emailed. I was also delighted in! I couldn’t believe it! Suzanne Marshall is IH Recommended with the amount of information I was given in Associate for Kent and Essex

The Listening Post 23