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The Listening Post

Magazine for the Intelligent Horsemanship Association

SUMMER 2008

Spooky Horses It’s the horse-eating plastic bag again!

Setting up for success Ensuring a good start for native ponies

Amersham - The facts Failure by the Animal welfare Act

www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk 14896_LPost_Summer_08:14896_LPost_SUMMER_08 20/5/08 15:36 Page 2

Monty makes it a night to remember By Catherine Walker Monty Roberts and Kelly Marks spent two days in NE Wales to help raise funds for Ride for Five.

something the guest of honour could sample having suffered major illness in the last few years, but medical advances, careful diet and an active lifestyle ensure he keeps on with his mission, to make the world a better place for horses and people too. The after dinner speech didn’t mention how to fix problem horses but Monty told us of As we looked for Monty to take our leave some of the people problems he had at 1am, we found him in the car park helped to fix. He recounted the amazing helping a committee member load some success story of George Apple, a thirteen stuff into her car. Bryn Jones, proprietor of year old armed robber whom Monty asked Bridlewood Riding Centre, where Ride for the judge to release into his custody. Five began, summed up how we felt, “He is George’s father was a drug addict and his an amazing man. A true inspiration to us all.” BHS NE Wales had a wonderful response to mother ‘worked nights’. Today, George has their charity dinner in aid of 'Ride for Five a wife, three children and a chair making the charity which enables children in danger company with an annual turnover of 26 of social exclusion to be able to ride and million dollars. handle horses and ponies for £5 per week. The audience had plenty of questions, not Making a Difference for The committee had been working flat out many about horses, but lots about Monty’s day and night, sometimes until the early fostering experiences. These were just two: Ride for Five hours. Celebrities, of course, are quite used How many children did Monty and Pat have By Wendy Tobias–Jones to hurried lives, so Monty Roberts flew in at any one time? Usually two or three, but from California on Wednesday afternoon, the most, at one time was ten, so the On the Friday following the fundraising drove up to North Wales on Thursday Roberts’ only son Marty, had to move next dinner, Monty and Kelly visited the Ride for morning and was ready for the first of three door to live in ‘the boys house’. Five stables at Bridlewood. In all my years of press interviews at 5pm. helping to organising events for the British Were there any failures? Sadly amongst the Horse Society, I have never had so much It wasn’t just Monty who gave so much to 47 foster children, seven didn’t turn their wonderful feedback and praise from help Ride for Five. Kelly Marks had given lives around, of whom three had untimely everyone. Monty really touches the hearts our advertising budget a huge boost. deaths. The rest ended up well educated, of everyone he meets and makes each We were totally unaware that you can’t dip with a balanced family life and most with person or child feel special. Monty and Kelly your toe in the ocean of TV advertising. professions or successful businesses. had so much patience and time for all the Kelly provided the technical expert and the children they came to meet at Bridlewood. footage, so we had the video ready, but it For the first time we discovered that once was going to be too expensive to show. Monty started to show his non violent Kelly Marks very kindly invited some of the Determined to give Ride for Five the methods for starting horses to audiences older children to come and see their demo exposure it deserved, Kelly told Horse and world wide, Her Majesty gave him another at Southview on the Sunday. Remembering Country TV to send Intelligent Horsemanship job to do. She asked that he encourage his that these are not horsey kids they enjoyed the bill. The ad was scheduled for four horsey contacts to establish more groups every moment of the demonstration and times a day for six days, but Horse and like the RDA. So promoting therapeutic still tell me what a great time they had. Country gave us lots of extra showings too riding became one more job in which he and the ticket orders started coming in. willingly engages as he travels his 220,000 We have had three groups of children miles in 300 days each year. start riding courses and a fourth group We had booked dinner for 200 and will begin before the end of April. That will managed to fit in 215 on the night. As 7.30 The after dinner speech and questions were be 34 children enjoying riding who would arrived the excitement and anticipation over but Monty wasn’t done. He went to not normally be given the opportunity. mounted, at last we could announce our each of the 22 tables around the room, to So thanks to everyone who supported celebrities to the waiting diners. talk to the diners and pose for photographs. our Dinner and raised £2400 so that these The photo shoot finished, it was on to the children can learn about horses. One group It was time to meet Monty Roberts and raffle. The first prize was a day with Lyn of children have become Pony Club Centre Kelly Marks. In their company, we enjoyed Dixon. A young girl from North Wales now members and will be taking their badges leek and potato soup, roast chicken and a has the chance to have Lyn work for a day and tests. delicious forest fruits Pavlova. Sadly not with her and her pony. 14896_LPost_Summer_08:14896_LPost_SUMMER_08 20/5/08 15:37 Page 3

Letter from Kelly

Hi Everyone Monty makes it Page 2 I’m writing this as we’re making our final preparations for the a night to remember May Masterclass tour. One of our main aims on this tour is to Letter from Kelly Page 3 highlight the wonderful work of the Intelligent Horsemanship Recommended Associates. It’s such a source of pride to me that Intelligent Horsemanship Page 4 barely a day goes by without one, or even several, RA evaluation Demonstration by Sarah Weston forms arriving by post or email telling us of the wonderful work the RAs are doing. Some of the comments make us laugh Your Letters Page 5 “These methods really work!” (Yes we know!) and “You should make Sandra move closer to me” (That’s a tricky one!) Recent Spooky Horses Page 6-7 ones include “I can’t thank Rosie enough for the miracle she has Dealing with a Problem Kicker Page 8-9 performed” and "Sarah Weston has been a godsend for me and my horse. With her help and guidance my horse and I have part 2 formed an amazing bond". Case Studies - Donna Blinman Page 10 In this issue we highlight some of the work of the Recommended Associates and I hope you’re all aware that you don’t have to Case Studies - Hilary Vernon Page 11 have a problem in order to benefit from spending time with an Case Studies - Kelly Marks Page 12 RA. Remember that wise, old saying “Prevention is better than cure”! Case Studies - Jackie JA Taylor Page 13 Kelly xx The Monty Roberts ‘Apple Stick’ Page 14-15 P.S. Don’t miss our fabulous competition on Page 27 for a weeks IH Holiday with our recommended associate, Tracey James, in spain. Smudge the Mustang Page 16 IHDG Veteran Horse Page 17 Amersham - the Facts Page 18 Equine Iridology Page 19 Setting up for Success Page 20-21 News and Bulletins Page 22-23 Reviews and Bulletins Page 24-25 Spotlight on Garry Bosworth Page 26 Recommended Associate (RA) Competition: Page 27 The Natural Horse Centre,

Contents Andalucia, Spain

Do you have a contribution for the Listening Post? Do phone, email or send your carrier pigeon to the IH office! Intelligent Horsemanship Office: Address: Lethornes, Upper Lambourn, Hungerford RG17 8QP Phone: 01488 71300 Fax: 01488 73783 Email: [email protected] Website: www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk

Monty, Kelly and assorted RAs at the February Annual Meeting On the cover: JJ (Coys Royal Command) is an 11 year old palomino American Quarter Horse. He lives in North Wales with his owners Mischa Rose and Rohan Fox, who took the picture as part of an A level photography project and placed the winning bid in a fundraiser for Veteran Horse Welfare run via the IHDG. The prize was to feature on the cover of the Listening Post.

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Intelligent Horsemanship Demonstration by Sarah Weston (IH Recommended Associate for Hampshire)

By Ele Milwright Wilton RDA A recent demonstration of ‘Intelligent Horsemanship’ by RA Sarah Weston raised an impressive £1,000 for the Wilton branch of Riding for the Disabled. All profits from the ticket sales were generously donated to the charity, to help them run the RDA centre and their 15 horses and ponies.

The majority of horse owners in the UK do biting horse. Finn has been a long term not have access to a round pen, and as RDA horse, and over the years has become Sarah was not planning to demonstrate rather adept at taking chunks out of his ‘join up’, she elected to work without a leaders. Sarah wanted to check that his round pen. This allowed her to show saddle fit was not causing him problems, various methods and ideas that people and so we fitted a Port Lewis pad under his Unfortunately I wasn't there but C took him could then easily try at home. usual saddle. For those who are unfamiliar and on the way home he loaded for her with the Port Lewis, it is a little like a see- within 5 minutes... much to the shock of Sarah opened the show with the rather through vinyl saddle cloth made out of play many others there! (he has a reputation!)' gorgeous chestnut Shetland Tigga, who dough! After working the horse you take was determined to show that small is still off the saddle, and can see indentations on Overall this was a very successful mighty when it comes to clippers! Although the pad where the putty has displaced to demonstration of Intelligent Horsemanship, I have to confess that he looked rather cute show the areas of pressure from the saddle. and also helped to raise a huge amount of when he reared, as he only came up to Fortunately for Finn his saddle fit seemed money for the RDA. Sarah’s belly button, it was still a lesson that good. whatever size your horse, the same rules of Pictured are Sheila Reed and Sarah Weston pressure and release, and buckets of Sarah also looked at his bit, which seemed with their new best friend Finn (who patience apply. slightly large for his mouth, and tried him in appears to now prefer biting cheques to a slimmer Myler bit to make him more humans!) presenting a cheque to Pat comfortable. Armed with her trusty rattle Burgess, a Senior Instructor at the bottle, Sarah then set forth, and after only Wilton Group. one attempt at a bite, Finn decided he was Pat Burgess, a phenomenal and inspiring a reformed character, and declined to nibble teacher herself, has been a long time any further, despite Sarah’s best attempts to supporter of Kelly Marks and Monty provoke him… Roberts. Having been involved in coaching After a well earned break, Sarah’s next some of the great eventers of our time, challenge was led into the school. Although including Lucinda Green, Pat’s heart is now not yet two years old, but with eyes on very much with the RDA. stalks and very much on her toes, Sarah On behalf of the Wilton RDA, Pat was assured me that Ori seemed about 20 delighted to receive the donation from After some groundwork and an hands high! However with some Sarah Weston, and said “I wanted to thank introduction to clicker training, the team groundwork and desensitisation to the you so much, rumour has it that you have were able to clip out the majority of his reins, Sarah managed to relax the horse raised around £1,000 which I can't believe. neck and shoulder with no stress. So often enough to have her long reining nicely Anyway, thank you so much for your good we never get to hear about the progress of around the school. nature and keeping going and the horses and ponies that have been used in The finale was Sunny, the horse who wonderful display that comes through love demos, so it was lovely to hear from Tigga’s wouldn’t load. As Monty is fond of saying, and patience and patience and more owner, Jodie: this horse didn’t just say “no”, he said “hell patience and working from the horse's 'Well must say, I'm kinda beaming today... no!”. Sarah was able to give a very good point of view.” we finished up yesterday's clip... without demonstration of pressure and release, and Well done Sarah! sedalin, vet sedation or a twitch in sight! also the benefit of having panels behind the (something we've never been able to do!) horse to help back up the process. Working But by the very end after our last break I calmly and consistently the team were able could just turn the clippers straight on and to load Sunny into a trailer first without the put them on him! Amazing results... ' centre partition, and finally with the partition and bars all in place. We then had two more ponies, Bella and Lily, to help demonstrate spook busting tips, It was great to hear feedback from his and they were soon happily trotting around owner on Sunny’s ongoing success from the school following a bicycle, umbrellas, this session: negotiating seas of tarpaulin, and admiring 'You will also be pleased to know that themselves in the mirror! Sunny has been practising loading last week Meanwhile I’d been despatched into the with no issues, but the test was a cold to warm up Finn, RDA’s notorious Wimbourne RC Gymkhana on Saturday.

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Your letters Advance and Retreat letters Hi Kelly Another fantastic course and although I Stranded Starfish have a very long way to go, putting little bits and pieces that I have learnt about so Dear Kelly, far into practice and feeling them work is I was inspired by the parable of the the little juniors respect! Later all four foals so exciting. Just today, with Isabel's pony, stranded starfish (Letter from Kelly, went out together and Curlew was who can be a devil to catch when he is Spring 08 IH magazine), as I have felt definitely an alpha mare in the making. picked off by himself to be removed from overwhelmed and saddened by the number his mates, it took less than a minute of We set up New life Horse Care with the and plight of the Dartmoor advance and retreat before he just stood ponies being sold at markets. intention making a difference, and we have made a difference to Swift, Curlew, Paco still and let me walk up to him - he looked Last October we became foster carers for and Tico. Like stranded starfish thrown back very puzzled - so satisfying! And dear the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust and have into the sea. We hope our youngsters will Dommitt, who when I went to this looked after, tamed and trained Swift and find loving homes. morning with a worming syringe, Curlew, now a year old, and due to go back immediately fled to the back of the stable - onto conservation grazing. We have None of this would have been possible a few months ago I would have put a head recently acquired 2 more wild Dartmoor without the support and encouragement collar on him and gone ahead with the ponies (Paco and Tico) and are in the from IH over the last 6 years, the inspiration worming regardless of him throwing his and training I have received has been process of taming them. Last weekend we head up in the air and trying to get away - second to none. turned Paco and Tico out for the first time but I am starting to think differently now - I with my ex-racehorse Pilgrim and it was Jackie Tye thought to myself that it didn't matter if he interesting to see how the headboy taught was wormed today or in a few days time - so all I did was stroke him down his neck with the syringe - taking it away when he stood still - gradually the strokes moved onto his cheek and finished down to the corner of his mouth and I left it at that. To Star letter be continued - he may not be so happy when I do finally eject the contents of the A signed copy of 'Ask Monty' goes to the writer of our Star letter syringe into his mouth! Belinda Harper

Hi Kelly, Just thought I'd write to say thanks for all Thanks! your advice and to let you know I've bought a Dually black medium sized halter. I've maybe we were fighting a losing battle by completed a JoinUp in and did a short the way he was behaving pushing myself ground work session for 15min on leading and her around, just walking him from the which went really well with Miller. My wife field to his stable. nearly cried but there were so many people Already I owe you and Monty a big thanks around, she kept it in. She told me later it and hug. I would expand on what some of Dear Everyone at IH, was a moving experience watching our 17 the comments that were given by other hh unpredictable big bull in a china shop horse owners but you would probably of Judy Richards and I became members last with no manners change in one session, to heard them before. year and felt we ought to do something to a horse that had found boundary's and help IH spread the word, hence we respect on the ground for a human. The Regards and thanks, volunteered for the Hadlow weekend and previous day had been a day when Millers Kim & Adie and of course Miller Keysoe. We both help Special Olympics attitude and ground manners had taken its Equestrian groups, Judy in Bromham, toll on her as she thought Beds., and me here in Peterborough. Our involvement there is wonderfully rewarding but last weekend certainly Dear Kelly equalled that. We want to say a big Please would you pass on my greatest done. To be attempting to load for 4 hours THANK YOU to everyone involved at thanks and say how happy and impressed on Saturday turning round to Bert loading Hadlow for making us so welcome. Having I was with the team that helped me with in two seconds on Sunday night to come been made to feel part of the team Bert at South View on Saturday 9th and home was the best thing I could ever have straightaway, we soon relaxed enough to Sunday 10th of February 2008. wished for. be able to get on with the jobs in hand, Car Park and Litter Picking, and really Linda Ruffle, from the moment she first Thank you Monty and thank you all, you enjoyed ourselves. We felt we had "JoinUp phoned me to ask me to bring Bert along are the most amazing people I have met. and were now having fun, whilst learning was a star. Everyone was so helpful and all the time. Thank you all so much. supportive down to Sandra giving me Love Sally and Bert Kind regards rescue remedy pastills! Thanks most P.S. I had the best weekend of my life with Judy Richards and Julia Cooper. heartfelt to Monty who has, in my eyes, you all. Thanks worked a living miracle. I never thought Bert would be able to do what he has The Listening Post 5 14896_LPost_Summer_08:14896_LPost_SUMMER_08 20/5/08 15:37 Page 6 Spooky Horses It’s the horse-eating plastic bag again!

Every two weeks at least Studies have shown that the number one ‘calmatives’ to manage fearful horses. So cause of such accidents is associated with what other options are there for owners one person has a serious the unexpected flight response, commonly with highly fearful horses? referred to as ‘spooking’. Development of In order to understand how horses respond effective methods for reducing fear in horse associated to fear and thus how to deal with these horses therefore has important practical situations you need to understand the (handling/riding) accident applications for safety of both horse and nature of a prey animal. Evolution has handler and as a result there have never designed horses in such a way that they resulting in serious injury been more ‘natural’ non-prescription feed react with a rapid flight response when additives and training methods available. alarmed. The flight response of a horse is and even death. Because This article will review the scientific graded from mild to dramatic, with the literature providing guidance on of this, horse riding is most dramatic response displayed when the which approaches actually frightening stimulus is either work and the basis by which considered more suddenly presented and/or if they work. dangerous than riding “Scientific research the stimulus is moving. Thus, Several non-prescription has shown that rather than looking for the motorbikes. feed additives are marketed quick fix in the form of a drug, worldwide, claiming to calm gradual habituation we should be modifying our fearful or excitable horses training methods to take into when exposed to fear is the most effective consideration what type of eliciting stimulus frightening stimuli the horse is (objects/situation which way to de-spook worried about. causes an unwanted flight your horse” A brief search on the internet response). The ‘active’ will bring up a vast number of ingredient in most of these links all suggesting different feed supplements is L- ways to de-spook your horse, however, Tryptophan; an amino acid which when scientific study has now shown that the metabolised to serotonin has been most effective way to de-spook your horse reported to, in some species, induce is through habituating (habituation is the sleepiness, decrease aggression, and reduction of a response upon repeated decrease fearfulness and pain sensitivity. exposure) the horse to the frightening Over the last few years there has been a stimulus by teaching the horse that the rapid increase in the use of these feed stimulus poses no threat (de-spooking). additives despite these products having never been validated for use. In order to design and implement gradual habituation you need to understand the This somewhat ‘blind’ use of such feed sequence of events that a horse would additives for the treatment of fear in choose to perform when placed in a horses prompted scientists to frightening situation. Research test whether L-Tryptophan has shown that if one or more actually works. Although “There is no senses are activated at the L-Tryptophan has been same time then the horse is extensively investigated for scientific evidence more likely to flee than to use in humans and other investigate and will be more species, there are very few to support the use inclined to avoid this stimulus studies investigating the of L-Tryptophan in the future. For example if an effect it has on horses. animal/object which your Studies have shown for the treatment horse has never seen before however, that at the (i.e. dog/sheep/cat/pig/tractor) recommended dose of fearfulness in suddenly appears in your per/kg of body weight, horses” horses field, as long as it stays L-Tryptophan has no effect, either still or slow moving and whilst and perhaps more has no noise associated with worryingly, high doses can it, your horse will probably approach the cause a reduction in the endurance capacity object, if however the object suddenly of the horse and both high/low doses can moves or makes a noise (i.e. barks/engine cause restlessness and excitation. The turning on) your horse will flee. If the horse absence of direct scientific evidence that flees it will get as far away from the L-Tryptophan calms horses, urges stimulus as possible whilst using sight and scientists to advocate caution to horse hearing to keep the object under owners/trainers looking into using such surveillance. If however the horse chooses

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By Dr Veronica Fowler The Smiling Thoroughbred

to approach the stimulus research has object. This can be via a no aversion or interest in the shown that horses choose to use their tape recorder played in the object. In the case of the senses in order of priority to assess the horses stable or played dog you can now stimulus (see list below) and that we must when the horse is loose in incorporate the use of a consider this order during any habituation the school. Once the horse highly trained loose dog process. shows no sign of aversion (preferably one which will to the noise you can then just meander around slowly) 1st Sight To locate the stimulus and combine the object with to allow the horse to orientate towards object the noise. In the case of investigate at will. In the 2nd Hearing To locate and orientate the tractor, practise case of the bike you can towards object) walking the horse passed now introduce the rider (all the tractor whilst it is kitted up), once the horse 3rd Smell Once the horse has looked and turned on but stationary shows no signs of aversion listened to the object they will approach then practise standing the horse stationary or interest in the cyclist they can then and once close enough will smell the object and driving the tractor slowly past the proceed to move either on or off the bike. 4th Touch Some will then horse. In the case of the clippers run the In the case of the dog you can now chew/lick/mouth/pickup the object clippers over the body of the horse without introduce the sound of barking. If using a them being turned on, once the horse is dog rather than a tape recorder in the Using scientific knowledge we can now happy with this you can then turn the presence of an otherwise calm highly effectively design gradual habituation clippers on PRIOR to approaching the horse trained dog make sure the barking dog is programmes in order to correct ‘spooky’ and gradually get closer and closer to the on a lead. The dog can be walked past the horses. Horses also generalise (if you horse (this may take a few sessions). horse at a safe distance, repeat until the de-spook your horse against an object at horse shows no reaction. home they will be less spooky when they ‘Scientific studies have shown that the see the same/similar object away from horse is more frightened by the noise of home) which is important as it means that clippers than the sight of them’ ‘Scientific studies have shown that we can habituate horses at home in a Once the horse will accept you close to it the most fear eliciting situation for familiar environment which will reduce their with the clippers on you can then run them fear when they come across the same over the horse’s body without cutting the a horse is when there is rapid stimulus in an unknown environment. hair. Only start to cut the hair when the movement and/or noise associated Firstly, you need to identify what your horse horse shows no response to the clippers. is spooking at and determine which with the stimulus’ category of stimulus it fits into, for example: If the object is visual and has an associated noise and/or movement The effect of a calm companion If the object is stationary and silent which cannot be controlled by Scientific studies have shown that the fear handler: (Loose dog/rider on bicycle) If your horse is frightened of an object response of horses to be significantly which fits into this category you would reduced by the presence of a calm simply put the object into an area where companion. Therefore when habituating a the horse can investigate it at its own will. horse to a fear eliciting stimulus the use of Stationary and silent objects are least likely a calm companion can be beneficial and to cause a flight response and given time can speed up the process. Care should be horses will nearly always approach and taken when selecting the calm companion investigate. in making sure that the ‘calm companion’ ‘Stationary and silent objects are least likely really is a calm companion, particularly in to cause the flight response’ the situation you are going to simulate. This is important as horses can feed of each If the object is visual and has an others anxiety and if the wrong horse is associated noise which can be selected this could exacerbate the problem controlled by the handler: If your horse is frightened of an object and delay the habituation process. Calm (Clippers/tractor) which fits into this category you would companions should always be used when simply put the object into an area where hacking out the ‘spooky’ both in front and If your horse is frightened of an object the horse can investigate it at its own will behind the horse in training. Scientists also which fits into this category you would with the noise and movement of the object recommend the use of calm companions simply put the object into an area where removed. In the case of a fear of dogs the during sessions of ‘de-spooking’ at home. the horse can investigate it at its own will dog used should be proven not to react to with the noise of the object removed. You the presence of horses and restrained by a would continue to expose the horse to the handler in the first instance. In the case of stimulus with no associated noise until the the bike, you would introduce the bike to horse demonstrated no aversion to it, once the horse without the rider. Repeat the this stage has been reached you can sessions until on exposure the horse shows introduce the horse to the noise of the

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The Self-Propelling Horse Dealing with a Problem Kicker (of the human kind): Part 2

By IH Recommended Associate Nicole Golding

In the last edition of the Listening Post, Step One: Deciding what you want • The horse keeps moving exactly the I promised we would look at how to motivate same as before. This can be surprising! a horse that has become switched off to the Decide1 what an appropriate leg aid will be. The horse isn’t exactly motoring on, but aids, to bring an end to all that unpleasant I like to use a very light tap, in towards the doesn’t appear to notice the leg “aid” nagging. horse, that barely touches the sides, and has stopped. This seems good evidence where it’s almost the gush of air as the leg that the leg meant next to nothing to There are situations in which it is not moves away that the horse responds to. appropriate to use our approach. These the horse and he has learnt to tune Because this is so light I think it’s it out. include: appropriate to pair this with a kiss noise if • The genuinely nappy horse that is so there is any possibility of ambiguity, for • The horse moves a little freer and faster frightened they are absolutely refusing to example a stray leg brushing the horse than before. Less common, but occurs move. A “giddy-up” rope may well still when the rider mounts. mostly when the legs have been used in work, but the approach is different. a forceful squeezing pressure, and the It is also vital to decide how fast you want horse being an “into-pressure” animal • A horse that isn’t willingly going forward the horse to go. Sometimes we have come has actually been pushing back into the because there is some pain, discomfort, across people whose response to our legs and slowing down as a result. illness or depression involved. question, ‘Is this the speed you want?’ is always ‘No- he should go faster’, regardless Now for the fun part. Think of this as a • A horse that is tentative because they of how much effort the horse is making. game, and that you’re explaining the rules are nervous. to the horse by being extremely clear and • A nervous horse that is likely to react Step Two: Play the “Now-Then” game consistent. The horse will get it even if you make the odd mistake, but needs you to be very strongly to sudden movements from You really need a friend watching you for the rider. 2 as accurate as possible. this, preferably armed with a video camera! • A school that is too deep for the horse Every time you use your leg, say “now”. I will outline the steps from being fully to work freely in. Your friend carefully watches your leg, and halted. It’s best to use a “giddy-up” rope notices if there are any kicks slipping past (or wip-wop). These are available from the • A horse that is going slowly because the your awareness. Then she can say “then!” IH office, and the key thing is that they rider is worried about going faster. every time she sees you use your leg which don’t inflict pain at all. I usually This approach does require a certain you didn’t notice. It’s likely that she might demonstrate this by whacking myself really amount of oomph and the rider who is see more kicks than you are aware of hard around the shoulders with one. frightened of sparking up the horse’s making. A lot of riders use it on their own shoulders, energy may not find it easy to commit rather than on the horse. The main thing fully to this approach. For the more Step Three: Make the change is that you put real energy into it, as cautious rider, this exercise could be explained below. done on long-lines first or by Stop3 kicking. It’s as simple as that. As soon another rider. as you are aware of each and every time Begin and end each ride with the rein you use your leg, and your friend agrees, completely loose, resting on his neck with • A very novice rider who might be stop using them. You can even turn your your hand holding the buckle. So your very unbalanced by sudden movement. lower legs slightly away from the horse to first move is to lift up the rein and hold it in make sure you’re not accidentally brushing the usual fashion. That’s your hand brake, The Aim: them against the horse. Make sure you’re so taking that off should be a signal that For the Horse: A willingly forward, self- not shoving with your pelvis instead, but something is about to happen. Then, using propelling horse who only requires a most equally make sure you don’t seize your the leg aid that you decided was suitable, minimal leg aid to initiate movement, and body up in such a way that your horse give the horse one signal, paired if you like who keeps moving, without reminders, until could think you want them to stop. Do not with a kiss noise. If they don’t move off another aid – to move up or down a pace – use your legs to steer, and direct the horse immediately, give another signal of exactly is given. through simple, open reins (make sure your the same intensity (this is very important, hands don’t pull back at all). you are never going to be increasing the For the Rider: A quiet, respectful rider who amount of this pressure), and if they don’t can consciously control the use of their leg, One of three things is likely to happen: respond to that, it’s time to hold the front who stays out of the horse’s way, doesn’t • The horse grinds to a halt. Not surprising of the saddle and reins (loosely so he can nag, and avoids conflicting or confusing if the horse is used to continuous move ahead freely) with one hand, and use signals. kicking. It’s as if they feel that each leg the giddy-up with the other. This needs to aid means “move a step”. be done with loads of energy, as the idea is to startle the horse. 8 The Listening Post 14896_LPost_Summer_08:14896_LPost_SUMMER_08 20/5/08 15:37 Page 9

“Now for the fun part. Think of this as a game, and that you’re explaining the rules to the horse by being extremely clear and consistent. The horse will get it even if you make the odd mistake, but needs you to be as accurate as possible.”

They should preferably leap forwards in you had already jumped in at this point Giddy-Up is used. It’s rare to have a horse surprise in a “I didn’t expect that!” sort of with the Giddy-Up you would have missed who responds straight away to a succession way. (NB if you are a little unsure of how this. Remember, you are using the Giddy-Up of quick transitions without also moving your horse might react, bearing in mind you as a consequence for the horse either not nicely forwards. want surprise not total freak-out, you could responding to a signal or forgetting that The horse that has been habitually sluggish start more gently with the giddy-up, but the one still applies. If you just use it as an and uninspired needs to learn a new habit important thing to remember is that you alternative signal it is likely the horse will of moving forwards in a self-sustaining way. want a strong reaction from the horse to become as desensitised to it as they It makes sense to keep the sessions short to break the pattern of general lassitude). You previously were to the legs. start with, and to put in plenty of walk and might also want to make a loud kiss or The horse usually tries this out 2-3 times to halt so the horse doesn’t feel that they are “pssch” sound. Blowing raspberries can be sure of the cause and effect, and may in a perpetual motion that might never also be surprisingly effective! Do whatever it also need to be sure that it stop! If there are other takes, as long as you’re not banging your applies on the other rein, things that the horse legs against the horse’s sides, or using a too. Still, done well, you may enjoys, like jumping or stick to hit the horse. it’s very important only need to reach for the trotting poles, incorporate Allow the horse to move forward freely for Giddy-Up a handful of times that the horse gets those too. several strides. Quietly ask the horse back to to overcome years of Finally, I should mention a walk if they have been trotting or constant kicking. the first basic concept that years ago I decided cantering in response to the Giddy-up, and Once the horse has got the which is “stay in walk never to write an instruction be very careful not to use the legs. Don’t idea in walk, the next step manual, because every worry, you won’t have to crawl around for is to check it out in trot. until asked second sentence would ever (!), but it’s very important that the The same deal applies – start, ‘but if…’. Each horse gets the first basic concept which is otherwise” the horse can be trotting scenario is different, and “stay in walk until asked otherwise”. slowly, but must be doing the method may need However slowly they go, make sure you an identifiable two-time adjusting to the individual don’t remind them to keep moving. What movement. The rider takes sitting trot or a horse. However, on our website, you are asking the horse to do is to be sort of middling rising. If the horse actually www.whisperingback.co.uk, there is a more more involved with being ridden, and to walks, the rider delivers the negative comprehensive version of this article, and take some responsibility for their part of the consequence with the Giddy Up again. we would recommend referring to that if deal. Your job is to concentrate on not you intend to apply the approach. We also kicking the horse, and to let them know Usually, at this point, the horse has pretty answer frequently asked questions, and if when they have made a mistake. Their job is much got the idea, and although the you have any questions that aren’t covered, to keep moving their legs without you emphasis hasn’t been on maintaining a email us at whisperingback.co.uk, and we reminding them. certain speed, the horse is usually more will include them on the list. forward going in the walk and trot. Another Also, when the horse is walking along, way to encourage optimal forwardness is to without being kicked, and slows down as if use that old-fashioned expedient of lots of Details of our Riding and Groundwork they are about to stop, and then thinks transitions one after the other. Of course, clinics are also available online. better of it and speeds up again, you know the emphasis is on the horse responding the horse has truly “got it”. That’s a www.whisperingback.co.uk immediately to the lightest request. If the moment when you could hop off or stroke horse doesn’t respond immediately the him to congratulate him for his effort! If

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Q&ADonna Blinman Q&A Q: “My horse is 13 yrs old and for the impact means no jumping or galloping and last 4 months he’s been dragging his where possible not working on hard back leg and stumbling behind. I’ve ground. The exact programme should be tried magnetic hock boots and bute. designed around the individual and the Do you have any other suggestions?” severity of the problem. Horses like people get stiff if they are still for long periods so A: Dragging of a hind limb results in turn out in good weather if often helpful. New members benefit! scuffing of the toe and increased stumbling. It is an indication of a horse that has pain or Owning a horse isn’t just stiffness in either his hind leg or in his back. Medications about riding and enjoying the The pain results in unwilling to bend Conventional: NSAID are the main class of long term pain relief used in OA. company of your horse. We only normally and the leg is not lifted properly off the ground. There may be many reasons Phyenylbutazone or Bute as it is better have to look at the amount of for this pain, but in an older horse with this known is probably the most commonly questions that we see daily on kind of presentation, osteoarthritis (OA) is a used. These drugs help to reduce the Intelligent Horsemanship major influence. inflammation as well as control pain but their prolonged use can be associated with Discussion Group, and also the OA is a both kidney and gut problems and amount of useful and varied progressive and therefore needs to be closely monitored. solutions that are provided by irreversible disease which Corticosteroids are another class of anti the members to know that there affects the joints inflammatory drug, but when given by is definitely a demand for (the complexes mouth they can lead to serious knowledge about your horse! structures complications for example laminitis. Therefore these drugs are normally injected So, we want to try to distill Articular Cartilage between bones directly into the problem joint, this some of this information into Fibrous Joint Capsule which enable the horse to bend). technique can be very effective in providing useful questions and answers More specifically it results in the breakdown relief for many months. in each issue. of articular cartilage. This is a softer tissue that covers the ends of the bones in a joint Herbal Making it even more useful, and enables movement with reduced For example Devils Claw can help to control we have various experts who friction. pain if mild enough. have stepped up to assist in Classic signs for Supplements a joint affected making sure the information Joint supplements containing Sodium really does hit the spot. by OA are pain, reduced Hyaluronate, Chondroitin Sulphate and Glycosaminoglycans are reported help Each issue will deal with a movement and possibly soft cartilage to re-build its self more quickly. selection of question in various swelling of the This can help to slow the progression of the categories: Bitting, Medical, area. In the hind disease but not really to control pain. They limb it most are most effective if given in the early Food and Nutrition, and much stages of the disease. more. If you want your commonly occurs in the hock joints-more exactly the small questions answered then you hock joints. Magnetic therapies can download a questionnaire For example magnetic boots as mentioned OA is thought to be one of the most form from the IH Website under above have been reported by some people common causes of lameness in all athletic to help reduce stiffness and improve mobility. Members and send to Kelly at horses, unfortunately despite extensive [email protected]. research we still don’t fully understand why the condition develops or how to treat it. Personal Profile The best we can do for now is to try and control the symptoms (primarily the pain) Donna Blinman became and reduce the rate at which the damage a qualified Vet in 2005, occurs. and then studied at the Dierenkliniek De Morette Treatment options include: in 2007 as an Intern Veterinary Advice Disclaimer: Management: Very important and often focusing on Equine Neither Donna Blinman, Hilary Vernon, over looked! Ensure your horse isn’t medicine and surgery. She Kelly Marks, Jackie JA Taylor nor Intelligent carrying excess weight and therefore holds the Monty Roberts Horsemanship accepts any responsibility for putting unnecessary strain on the joints. Preliminary Certificate of Horsemanship, and any advice offered through these replies Keep him warm and dry as much as has worked on the Monty Roberts and Kelly which is purely for guidance. Always consult possible. Design an exercise program where Marks tours in the UK, as their tour Equine a veterinary surgeon. he does short periods of low impact Vet. Donna will be answering questions on exercise regularly-ideally twice a day. Low medical issues. 10 The Listening Post 14896_LPost_Summer_08:14896_LPost_SUMMER_08 20/5/08 15:37 Page 11

Hilary VernonQ&A Q&A Q: “I feel really disheartened and fed A: Hi, You have not said how old your up. For years now I have had bitting Horse is? I am assuming he is MOT’d ? And trouble with Lloyd. I really really you have not said what sort of mouthpiece struggled to find a snaffle that he you have on your Pelham? So I can only give general ideas. would work in. I eventually gave up, Personal Profile and for the last year have been using a You generally try to go with what the horse Hilary Vernon came up through the Pelham and 2 reins, which he absolutely seems to respond to best and try to Pony Club competing her own ponies in reproduce that as near as possible in a loves. He has progressed so much, is an various disciplines. She took exams and Dressage Legal form. You still use the bit he absolute joy to ride, can be ridden with courses in horsemanship and her BHSAI likes best for most of your riding but examination passing with distinction. a feather light contact, is forward, changing to your Dressage legal for some of willing, soft, bendy etc, just fabulous. your Dressage schooling and to practice Hilary started her working career freelance before a competition. teaching and then ran an equestrian I am however a highly competitive training establishment. Then she entered person, and love competing. My real So if for instance the mouthpiece on your the retail trade by managing two busy love is dressage, which I obviously can't Pelham is a Mullen and the Snaffles you equestrian retail outlets over a 20 year have tried have a joint or joints, your horse do with a Pelham. So I thought today I period, while competing her own Horses. is probably saying he is most comfortable in would try him in a snaffle, since he has a Mullen shaped mouthpiece. If you chose a After much research she set up one of the come on so much in his Pelham. slender Mullen mouth with a forward curve, first Bit Banks in the UK and ran it very successfully for many years, gaining a I could have cried, I haven't had a perhaps on a Hanging cheek, that would be very similar to the feel he has in his Pelham. tremendous enthusiasm and knowledge worse ride in ages. A couple of times I There will not be a chain or quite as much for bitting, bit related problems and bit had near misses where he almost hit leverage but the positioning in the mouth design. Through all this experience Hilary my face with his head, I had little would be the same and the mouthpiece has a well rounded and sound knowledge control, couldn't turn, or ask him to would be the same shape and a Mullen of horse equipment and training. Hanging Cheek Snaffle is Dressage Legal. bend. There was no submission Hilary is the author of “The Allen whatsoever, he was absolutely horrible. If you have not done any Dressage with him Illustrated Guide to Bits and Bitting”, ”The Allen Illustrated Guide to Training I just feel so disheartened and upset. why not do a few tests as a non competitor in your Pelham to really get you in the arena Aids” and “The Allen Illustrated Guide to Part of me just wants to accept that he in something you both like and feel Horse Clothing” and “The Allen Illustrated doesn't like snaffles, and continue with confident in while you school quietly at Guide to Saddlery” and the soon to be his Pelham, but then I also really want home in your Dressage legal Bit. Then when released “The Allen Illustrated Guide to to compete.” you have been out a few times and all is Carriage Horse Harness”. going well then start to compete as a After being invited out to America by competitor in your Snaffle. Belstane Marketing (distributors of Myler Bits) to work with the Myler Brothers, and through working with them over here in the UK Hilary was made the Myler Clinician for the UK and Europe. This really complimented the work that Hilary had already established here in the UK She has over the last 4 years worked as an independent Bitting Clinician travelling over the UK and parts of Europe lecturing and demonstrating on the art of bitting. Hilary has launched a highly acclaimed DVD under her Informed bitting banner ”The First Steps to Bitting” and is in the process of completing a trilogy of ground breaking bitting DVDs. Contact Details: 50 Francis Gardens, Warfield, Berkshire, England RG42 3SX Tel: 01344 862022 Mobile: 07775 851051 E Mail: [email protected] www.equestrianknowledge.co.uk

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Kelly MarksQ&A Q&A

Q: I attended Monty and Kelly's demo eliminate one of the possible causes of their Q: I have been to see a few of Monty at Wettenhall on Saturday night and problems i.e. pain or remembered pain in demo’s and I was wondering what the came away both inspired and in their mouth, and it’s one of the ways that hand he uses to rub up and down the possession of a Dually halter! I own a can help us get to the root of their issues horses legs who kick is made of. I own lovely TB mare who at 22 is still both fit more quickly. a yearling who is quite difficult to pick and lively. The only slight issue I have her hind feet up and when the farrier Even using a Dually you must still ensure with her is that sometimes she is a bit visits so I was hoping to make one to your horse still has regular (younger horses of a teeth bearer and gnasher (only enable safer training. every six months, with older horses it can when ridden) and it certainly isn't a be once a year) checks with a qualified Thankyou, Estelle serious problem but I wondered equine dental technician. If your horse’s whether it might be more comfortable teeth aren’t correctly looked after it will not for her to be ridden in a Dually and only cause problems for your horse eating whether that might stop the rude but can also cause soreness on the outside faces! The advice I am seeking is how of his jaw which could make him tender to go about the transition from riding where the Dually or bridle fit. I’ve got in a bridle with simple snaffle bit to another precaution to give you with an riding in a Dually. Should I do some older horse particularly though and that is training on the ground first or just get don't let anyone near your horse’s teeth on and go? The last thing I want to do A: Hi Estelle with a mechanical rasp as I have heard is upset her by misuse of it as she's a To make the artificial arm to pick up a horror stories of people overdoing work pretty happy old girl with plenty of horse’s feet you can generally just use an on older horses so they can’t grind their spark and all I want to do is keep her old broom handle with a stuffed glove on food and they are too old to grow the that way! the end. However, many of our surface back. Recommended Associates and students Thankyou, Sally You would need to check with your own have got quite innovative and ‘superior A: Certainly we insurance company whether they would products’ are constantly coming out! think the Dually is have any issues at all with your riding in For travelling abroad our French rider, a fantastic piece of a Dually, particularly on the roads. Adrien Maby, has an extendible walking equipment but for stick with the ‘hand’ on the end. This is a Best wishes, Kelly riding it's interesting lighter weight and can pack away more how different horses easily for travelling. Ian Vandenberghe has prefer different a walking stick with just a short bend at the things and while Q: My dominant 18yr old gelding gets one end so he can hook the horse’s back for, instance, Pie very upset if my daughters’ 8yr old leg and bring it towards him as necessary. happened to hate gelding goes out of his sight when out We generally have a glove or some type the Dr Cook (where riding and it wouldn’t be safe to leave of soft covering at the end that covers the straps tighten behind the jaw) and is fine him in the field on his own! They have horse so that we can’t accidentally sting the in the Dually, there are horses who might only been together for six months and horse if he does kick out. If he kicks out the prefer different options so as always do not groom each other - the younger idea is not to punish him, but to just be ‘see what your horse says’. boy generally gets bitten out of the able to keep the hand there so he finds way and initially it was just ‘tolerance’ no reward until he stops kicking. I think it's a great idea that you test out the of each other. Please could you advise ground work exercises first in the Dually. me as to what steps to take to relieve Well done for working on your horse before There are simple ground manners exercises my old boys’ anxiety as he neighs your farrier comes to make it a happier time in my book ‘Perfect Manners’ that you can constantly and gets very stressed. all round! carry out and then in ‘Perfect Partners’ it Thank you, from Tania Francis and Fred. Kindest Regards, Kelly gives a clear guide to long lining so you can be completely sure your horse is responding A: I’m not sure you’re going to like this well to your requests before you think reply and I’m sure you’ll have thought of about riding him. this yourself... it sounds like you could do with another horse to keep your old boy As you probably know we start all our company when the other horse goes out. young horses and ‘remedial horses’ in the I think it is too late to start retraining him Dually. The youngsters, so they can learn now! You don’t have to go out and buy the aids for left, right, slow down and another horse though. On the IH website even some collection before the bit even we have a charity page and you could look goes in their mouth. This means when we up a local charity who may be delighted to eventually do work with the bit we can be loan you a suitable horse for this purpose. as gentle as possible. By first riding the Good Luck! Kelly ‘horses with problems’ in a Dually, we 12 The Listening Post 14896_LPost_Summer_08:14896_LPost_SUMMER_08 20/5/08 15:38 Page 13

Jackie JAQ&A Taylor Q&A

Feeding for soundness? Q: I was wondering if you could tell As our beloved friends reach maturity folk’s Once a problem with the joints becomes me an alternative way to ‘JoinUp’ thoughts turn to joint health, and they apparent I do believe there are also benefits with my thoroughbred mare without often ask me what I think they should be to be gained by feeding specific using the round pen. I currently don't feeding to try to preserve soundness. neutraceuticals such as Glucosamine or have access to a pen and I have no My approach is initially the same as for Chondroitin, nutrients like MSM, or herbs transport as my box is off the road. most problems – firstly give the horse all the such as Boswellia or Devil’s Claw. There is She is shying at plastic bags so I raw materials it needs to stand the best some evidence for all of these being really want to build her confidence chance of building healthy tissues, bone beneficial either as natural anti- in me and in herself. and joints for himself, in the normal inflammatories, for supporting cartilage Thanks and Regards, Sarah Haris processes of repair and renewal. renewal, or preventing its degeneration. But a lot more research is needed before We all know macro-minerals such as A: Yes! All the exercises in my book anyone can give you chapter and verse on calcium and phosphorus are important for Perfect Manners would help but there is what exactly will work best for your horse, bone rebuilding, but there is some evidence another exercise that is extraordinarily in what form and at what dose, so we are that vitamins such as C, D and E may be beneficial for ‘creating the bond’. unfortunately left with a certain amount of equally important for joint health. Apart personal trial and error. It might be described as just taking your from anything else oxidative stress (the horse with a ‘smile in the line’ and production of those pesky free radicals) As a specialist in the management of horses changing direction. We had an drives many aging processes, and with Metabolic Syndromes I have to add a experienced farrier who learned this degenerative joint disease (DJD) may caveat in relation to Glucosamine. I have technique on our Foundation Course and be no exception. not seen any evidence in relation to general he says the results he has had with so health problems as a result of Glucosamine A horse with a healthy gut flora should be called ‘difficult’ horses since he has usage, but we do know it can both cause making plenty of vitamin C, and if he is spent two or three minutes with this and worsen insulin resistance. As insulin grazing lots of fresh grass in the sunshine technique before resistance is the underlying cause for a lot 1. his supply of D and E should be assured as starting to work of laminitis, in the good-doer types well. The situation is somewhat less certain on the feet has particularly, I advise against its use in such if he is spending a lot of time in the box or amazed the horses. We have recorded several anecdotal not getting much good grass for months of owners. accounts of horses either developing the year – which is why a good compound laminitis, or being unable to recover from Interspersed with feed, supplement or balancer will address laminitis, whilst on Glucosamine, so in my moving the horse these potential shortfalls. remember your view it is simply not worth the risk. Most of the specific joint neutraceutical attitude when Copyright Jackie JA Taylor April 2008 2. you stand with ‘GAG’s’, like Glucosamine, are your horse is also polysaccharides that the body produces Personal Profile itself, but which actually need to bind to important. Jackie JA Taylor worked freelance in the proteins before they are used in the joints. Remember to horse feed industry for many years before So in my opinion it is wise to ensure both breath at the taking several years out to research adequate protein in the diet, and quality of same time as you hormonal and metabolic conditions in protein. High quality proteins such as those give him some horses. She now specialises in helping in soya and alfalfa supply more of the slow strokes people with the management of horses essential amino acids, like Lysine, which in along his neck. with laminitis, insulin resistance, Cushing's 3. themselves are an important constituent of Horses are and their ilk, and has a broad base of the collagen required to make bone, and creatures who knowledge of the feed and supplements other connective tissues like cartilage. naturally move in market. harmony with Oils such as Cod Liver that are high in www.metabolichorse.co.uk members of their Omega 3 fatty acids have long been used to herd and if you help maintain supple joints. But recent get your work research has also shown these may actually right you’ll soon slow and reduce the inflammation that is find him moving 4. part of DJD, and they are of course in harmony available from a vegetable source, that of with you. linseed. Fresh grass actually contains a high proportion of Omega 3, but most preserved forage and feeds like grain do not, so that is something we can easily supplement long term, for very little cost, as part of the normal daily diet at any age.

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The Monty Roberts ‘Apple Stick’ By IH Recommended Associate Sue Brown

A flexible approach to stretching for your horse

We’ve all heard Monty Roberts say that he The first position represents a horse therapeutic applications. ”Physical Therapy doesn’t believe in hand feeding horses. moving with a hollow back and his head and Massage for the Horse”* So when the physio recommends carrot and neck stuck out in front of him. He The beauty of Monty’s revolutionary stretches to improve your horses’ flexibility finds it difficult to move efficiently and technique is that it follows these well or develop his core strength, what does smoothly, as he has to pull himself along respected principles, yet avoids hand- Monty suggest? with his front end because the muscles in feeding your horse! As you can see in the his hindquarters cannot be engaged During his tour of the UK in October last pictures, Monty pierces a small piece of effectively. This is not a comfortable way to year, Monty demonstrated to almost apple with a stick and uses this to guide move, and you can see that it would not 15,000 people a revolutionary technique the horse into position for the mobilisation take long for some of his muscles to for mobilisation and stretching of the or stretch. The principles of mobilisation become tight and sore. This is where you horse. In keeping with tradition, Monty’s and stretching are that the movement can help with some mobilisation and methods are easily understood by both should be slow and progressive, seeking to stretching exercises! horse and handler, and are safe and lengthen the muscle towards it’s maximum. comfortable for both. A visit with Mary Research has shown that stretching For the mobilisation to become a stretch, Bromiley, a top Veterinary Physiotherapist lengthens muscles and joint structures the position should ideally be held for in the UK, prompted Monty to encourage leading to increased musculoskeletal around 10 seconds. owners to try out his technique for the flexibility. This can lead to an improved benefit and comfort of their horse. range of motion. It has been suggested How far should I stretch? that stretching reduces pain and soreness Why do I need to stretch my horse? following exercise, and it is believed that a Try this exercise: (please note that these regular stretching regime has an important exercises should not hurt, please stop Try this exercise: Stand up straight, role in injury prevention. instantly if you feel any pain): locking your knees and sticking out your With your right hand, take a hold of the bottom and your chest. Then bend How do I stretch? middle finger of your left hand (or vice forwards, keeping your head up to look versa) and gently bend it backwards. Feel where you’re going and letting your hands “Movement of the neck can be induced by how the stretch gradually increases, and fall as low as possible. Now try taking a strategic placement of snacks such as hay note not only how it feels in the finger that few steps (!) – note how difficult it is to or sugar. The range of movement is is being stretched, but also how the hand move efficiently! dependent on the technique of the doing the stretching is feeling – is there a practitioner, the participation of the Now try again, but this time bend forward ‘soft’ or a ‘hard’ end feel to the stretch? horse… The underlying principle is to make in a relaxed fashion, with a rounded back, Note the elastic feeling in the tissues, and the movements in the joints and the relaxed head and neck, and your knees the level of pressure required to feel the stretching of fibrous structures such as soft. Try taking a few steps, and note how beginning of the stretch. ligaments, fascias and muscles… The much easier it is to move. technique has diagnostic, preventive and

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“The principles of mobilisation and stretching are that the movement should be slow and progressive, seeking to lengthen the muscle towards it’s maximum”

How much you ask your horse to stretch exercise demonstrates stretching may be something should be dictated by your horse. You how being tight or sore that research cannot quantify – might find that he is able to bend more in in one muscle can affect “In an ideal world, it just feels good! one direction than in another, or that he is many more muscles, so a gentle massage If you would like to learn a stiffer first thing in the morning than he is an all round stretching massage and stretching in the afternoon. The level of stretch programme is important and stretching routine to use with your should be enough that your horse makes to maintain your horse’s own horse, come along to an effort, but not so much that he feels comfort. regime before and Hartsop Farm, Witney, on uncomfortable. Bear in mind the The stretches that Monty is after each riding Sunday 29th June or connections between all the tissues of the demonstrating in these Sunday 20th July. For just body, which means that for example a pictures focus on session could £75, Sue Brown (Chartered reluctance to bend his head and neck to mobilising and stretching Physiotherapist, the left could be related to tissues improve your soft tissues around the Recommended Associate and elsewhere in the body. head, neck, shoulder, back horses’ movement” Equine Body Worker) will and trunk. They are global introduce you to the theory When should I stretch? movements affecting many of massage and stretching You can do stretches with your horse every areas of the body and are and teach you the moves. day, every week, or simply when you have therefore very practical and effective. For Clear, easy-to-follow handouts will time to do so! In an ideal world, a gentle more specific stretches relating to particular ensure that you feel confident to massage and stretching regime before and issues with your individual horse, contact practice your skills at home. For more after each riding session could improve your local Veterinary Physiotherapist details and to download a booking your horses’ movement and his attitude to (www.acpat.org) or Equine Massage form visit www.holisitichorsehelp.com. work. A regular stretching regime can help Therapist (www.equinology.com). *Denoix, Jean-Marie and Pailloux, to identify problems that may not yet be To summarise, massage and stretching can Jean-Pierre (2001). Physical Therapy clinically apparent and which can be easily improve your horses’ suppleness and his and Massage for the Horse (2nd overlooked. Early identification of these issues efficiency of movement, his coordination Edition) Manson Publishing Ltd, allows for prevention rather than cure. and his range of motion, reduce his risk of ISBN 1-84076-014-1 injury, and much more. Through these Pictures by Simon Palmer, Into The What stretches could I do? benefits, his attitude to work may become Lens Equine Film and Photography more willing as he finds his work easier Try this exercise: Standing up, tighten (www.into-the-lens.com). your shoulders and hold them tight as you and therefore more enjoyable, and his walk a few steps. Feel how this affects not performance may improve. In addition to Sue Brown is IH Recommended only your shoulders, but your low back, all of this, at the risk of extrapolating from Associate for Buckinghamshire, your hips, your neck, your length of stride, a human point of view, it’s important to Berkshire and Oxfordshire. Now try your confidence and your comfort. This remember that one of the benefits of our crossword on page 25.

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Smudge the Mustang By IH Recommended Associate Jo Bond

I’m currently sitting in Frankfurt airport, waiting for a connection, after having been in California for the last 3 weeks taking part in the Monty Roberts Advanced course. I just couldn’t wait to write about the most genuine horse I’ve ever met.

quickly learns that being touched by a human is nothing to fear. No predator would ever walk away! For the more dangerous areas such as the back legs, a false arm is used at first. I’m very grateful for the false hand as Smudge kicked so hard when the false arm touched her for the first time that she actually knocked the hand off the end of it and sent it flying over the trees! Students working with mustangs in the chute, including using the false arm. Using consistency, gentle handling, repetition, advance and retreat and the Dually halter I watched Smudge transform from a terrified individual into the most genuine horse I’ve ever met.

De-sensitizing Smudge to plastic: Working with a mustang teaches one Smudge arrived at the Monty Roberts infinite patience and how actions really do International Learning Centre as an mean more than words. You can’t tell her untouched mustang in need of gentling. that you won’t ever hurt her. You have to She is owned by a wild mustang re-homing show her that you are worthy of being charity and obviously the better she is to trusted. handle, the easier it will be for them to find By the end of the course I could catch her her a good home. She is just 3 years old. easily, halter her, groom her and handle her legs. She learned about “Her owner had never even been able to leading and backing up and therefore loaded beautifully into the halter her and was very emotional when trailer. The connection I felt we had after the JoinUp took my I would thoroughly recommend attending she put on her headcollar for the first time” breath away. the Advanced course for any holders of the Monty Roberts Preliminary Certificate of As a final demo for the charity we Horsemanship. The training I received on had her unattached, stood quietly with her The Learning Centre is lucky enough to Kelly’s courses, especially ‘Handling the foot on the foot stand while she had her have a chute to use for the initial sessions Untouched Horse’, was of great benefit to feet rasped and trimmed. Her owner had with any wild horse. The chute safely holds me when I was working with Smudge. never even been able to halter her and was the horse and protects the handler while very emotional when she put on her Details of the Advanced course can be the horse is gently introduced to the idea of headcollar for the first time. found at: www.montyroberts.com being touched by human hand and to allow the first headcollar to be put on. Jo Bond is IH Recommended Associate Teaching Smudge about leg handling South West France RA France Obviously the horse is accustomed to the for the farrier: chute before any handling begins. The By creating trust and promoting learning www.BondWithYourHorse.com touching procedure is based on advance we in reality didn’t ‘gentle’ Smudge. We and retreat. The horse is touched and once just took away the fear that was hiding her he is settled with the sensation you move true nature. away and release the pressure. The horse

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IHDG Veteran Horse

As part of the campaign to raise funds for one Intelligent Horsemanship's charities of the year, the Veteran Horse Society (VHS), users of the IH online Discussion Group (DG) were invited to bid for photos of their horses to appear in the Listening Post.

An impressive total of £184 was raised towards the appeal with the winner (Finn) paying £74 in a blind bid for the lovely black and white photo of JJ to take pride of place on the cover of this wonderful magazine. .. and the runners up were...

Billy Oscar Storm Wozza Liz

Fundraising

The Listening Post 17 14896_LPost_Summer_08:14896_LPost_SUMMER_08 20/5/08 15:38 Page 18

Amersham - the Facts

The story of the 111 equines removed From a critical standpoint, perhaps many correct when DDJ Kainth re-heard the from the Gray family farm in January would be surprised to read that a statute matter and properly stayed the decision 2008 struck the hearts of horse-people for the protection of animal welfare, would pending the outcome of the RSPCA appeal. across the UK; that being said, it may put such a focus on monetary issues, As an observation, I do wonder what steps well be best remembered in the future without providing sufficient counter the Judge will take if he convicts the for being the case that showed the balance for the best interests of the defendants. His powers of sentence could Animal Welfare Act 2006 up, for falling animal/s involved. include terms of custody, fines and far short of the expectations of many. However, it must be remembered that this additionally, the powers of deprivation and The RSPCA brought a prosecution against statute was not enacted to prevent equines disqualification, under which the Judge may several members of the Gray family for being sold into the meat trade. It was deprive the convicted person of ownership offences under S4 (Causing Unnecessary enacted to empower certain authorities to of the animal/s involved and also disqualify Suffering) and S9 (Failing to Ensure Welfare) remove animals from immediate suffering, them from owning animals in the future. of the Animal Welfare Act 2006. and also to make provision for anyone I can't help wondering, how the Judge breaching the Act to be tried for a criminal would reconcile exercising such powers, At a plea hearing at the Oxford Magistrates' offence. with his recent S20 order. Court, the family made an application under S20 for the return of 29 equines Once the animals were seized and treated There is no specific guidance contained in which were deemed by themselves, as pets. back to health, selling them poses no the Act as to which particular cases would The Deputy District Judge in the case difficulty under the terms of the Act. The attract which particular sentencing powers. granted that application and additionally, Act will of course apply to any new owner However, the Judge has the power to use he ordered that the remaining 82 horses of the animals. That would presumably be any or all of the remedies mentioned. I have be sold at auction. the justification relied upon by the not studied case law or practice guides in legislature. writing this article, however, from a purely Naturally this caused outcry amongst many observational point of view, it would seem in the horse world. Firstly that a number of It was later reported that the RSPCA had that in cases where offences under S4 and recently re-rehabilitated animals were to be indicated immediately their intention to S9 have been committed in a very wilful returned to their alleged abuser; but also, appeal this decision, and the statute does manner, any sentence is likely to be harsher because the remainder of the animals, say that upon any appeal the original order than in less wilful offences. having received the devoted care of be stayed pending the outcome. The RSPCA sanctuary workers bringing them back to a therefore failed to take urgent action relying In my view, from a technical standpoint, the state of physical and emotional health, were upon this point. However, this was a bone power of disposal should be removed to be sold at market, where they could be of contention between advocates and when where criminal proceedings are ongoing, purchased by the Gray family or any other the time came for the order to be carried provided the welfare of the animals is not meat trader. Additionally, the Gray family out, the Gray family were not prepared for placed at risk in doing so. Additionally there would receive the proceeds of their sale. the RSPCA's refusal to do so. They therefore should be a specific bar on returning any lodged an urgent enforcement application animals to the defendant pending the Under S20 AWA 2006, any Magistrates' in the Royal Courts of Justice. outcome of any criminal matter. This would Court has the power to make orders as to however have the effect of potentially the care or disposal of animals seized under The matter was heard by Mr. Justice Wyn increasing the costs to be paid by the S18(5) of the Act. This power exists Williams who referred the matter back to defendant, who, if later found innocent, regardless of any criminal proceedings. DDJ Kainth saying that he would certainly would clearly need remedies in place to Additionally, any person may be ordered to be the best person to enforce the order cover that eventuality. reimburse the costs of, and incidental to, which he had previously made. the removal of the animals. In making such Cheryl Walmsley Personally, I saw this as a massive blow to decisions the court must give consideration the animals. Their chance of having the Cheryl Walmsley is a Student Member to (amongst other things which are not decision considered by a new Judge, was of the Institute of Legal Executives specified) the value of the animals in not to go ahead. I did think however, that being part qualified as a Legal question and ensuring that costs are not the alleged conduct of the Grays leading up Executive. She practices from a unnecessarily increased. to the RCJ application, may provide a Manchester law firm dealing with It is important to note that attempting to second ray of light in that regard. Perhaps family matters such as divorce, financial obstruct the carrying out of the S20 order DDJ Kainth would take rather a dim view of provision and children matters. is a criminal offence and may carry a such actions, and may reconsider his custodial sentence. decision on that basis? That appeared to be

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Equine Iridology Discover your horse’s health through Equine Iridology

We all understand that horses have different The knowledge that can be gained about a Case Study of right eye types of eyes from an honest eye, small piggy horse is invaluable in understanding its eyes to worried eyes. Well, Equine Iridology behaviour patterns and level of health and This is a very good example of marks that takes this analysis one step further. The eyes fitness. Think about how it can help with can occur within the iris. This horse is are literally the window to their soul and vetting a new horse. Equine Iridology will showing a toxic build up in all the 4 major mirror their health issues. show up any health problems and areas the horse uses to eliminate toxins Equine Iridology is a fascinating way of soundness issues present or likely to occur (intestinal system, liver, kidney/bladder and analysing the coloured part of the iris for in the future as well as identifying old injury lungs/ bronchial). The white line on the fibre changes, discolouration, marks and lines areas. It will also show you the level of care bottom on the pupil represents the in various colours. your potential new horse may have had in mesenteric artery which is the main artery the past. that supplies blood and oxygen to and When an organ, muscle or system is under waste removal from the intestinal system. stress the nerve endings relating to that Furthermore, some owners have a To compound this, the horse has marks in organ begin to die leaving discolouration pre-season equine iridology health check to the liver, kidneys and bladder as well as within the iris relating to that particular identify any potential problems or to better having an inherited kidney weakness which organ. This is due to the eye’s relationship understand any ongoing training issues that probably explains why there is a toxin build with the brain. As an embryo, the eye remain unresolved. For instance, it allows us up within this horse. develops as part of the brain, and then to see inherited strengths and weaknesses separates. However, the eye remains in your horse. This is important, especially in connected to the brain via the optic nerve competition horses where they may not be as the optic nerve is a projection of brain achieving top marks or are losing stamina at tissue. Therefore, fibre changes in an organ the end of an event. Although there may or any part of the body are projected not be any soundness issues, inherited through to the iris via the brain. weaknesses will play a vital part in your Iridologists then use a grid to correlate horse and if analysed could make all the markings to specific locations on the body difference. For instance, some horses with whether organ, intestinal or structural. an inherited kidney weakness will not have the stamina for competitions and will fad Equine iridology can often be the missing quite quickly compared with horses without link in a treatment where you are not quite such a weakness. sure why the horse is reacting or moving There are also marks in the lungs and the way it does. Moreover, it allows you to Equine Iridology is proving invaluable for bronchial areas denoting that mucous is take preventative measure as tissue stud farms as it can highlight any breeding probably gathering within the lungs as a degeneration within the body is picked up issues as the ovaries, uterus and testes are result of too many toxins in the blood. in the iris long before it is identified through easily identified. Any hormonal imbalance A toxic colon poisons every system in the conventional medicine. can be quickly identified and resolved horse and this is certainly true here. through a course of herbal remedies. Structurally, there are also marks in the Interesting it is also proving invaluable in pelvis and lumbar area to this horse. Iridology can identify: deciding which young stock a stud farm may keep. Horses showing inherited Equine Iridology is proving to be a powerful • Where tissue damage or imbalance weaknesses are likely to pass these down tool in alerting the horse owner of health is occurring the blood lines and may not produce as and training issues a horse may be good foals as those horses without experiencing. It can alert owners of any • The extent of the damage and deficiencies and nutritional imbalances whether it is old or new inherited weaknesses and whose constitution is strong. within their feeding regime in order to • Inherited weaknesses/constitutional optimise health, soundness and training. strengths There are, however, certain limitations to It can alert potential buyers to the history what Equine Iridology can do. An equine of the horse’s health and soundness and • Areas of congestion for instance in iridologist must never diagnose and it can display any genetic abnormalities which the intestinal system never confirm specific diseases. There are may lead to future health problems. So many diseases that show up the same tissue • Muscle spasms and where they remember the next time you look into your degeneration within the iris. Marks in the originate from horse’s eye, they may be telling you more iris can only highlight the area in which than you think... • Digestion issues/toxic accumulations there is a problem, it cannot identify the cause or illness. And finally, as with all For more information visit • Temperament changes which may not equine therapists, iridologists are not www.naturalhorsesolutions.co.uk show up elsewhere but which may intended to substitute medical or veterinary explain a horse’s lack of performance Email [email protected] advice or treatment. If in any doubt, you or re-occurrence of an injury/problem should always consult your Veterinary Surgeon beforehand or if the iridologist so recommends. The Listening Post 19 14896_LPost_Summer_08:14896_LPost_SUMMER_08 20/5/08 15:38 Page 20

Setting up for S By Sarah Weston

The aftermath of the discovery of so many sick and dead horses at Amersham, many of which were waiting in a queue to go for meat, has brought home the reality of horse breeding in this country. For semi-feral native ponies, their value as ambassadors for their breed, as conservation animals for the countryside and the sheer pleasure of seeing them out in the wild, has to be balanced against the dangers of over production.

We have to be truthful about what happens creatures, so their instinct is to pull back as to surplus ponies. As a meat eater, I can’t hard as they can. The ropes tighten around have a problem with ponies going straight their nose until the breathing is inhibited, to local abattoirs for a humane death at the the pony is subdued and then the agister, hands of experts nor can I have a problem commoner or inspector can get on with the with them being put in a big field of grass job of branding the pony with a hot iron to be fattened up and then taken direct to and if deemed necessary inspect the pony “By handling our the abattoir. What I do find saddening is for breed compliance which may include large groups of tired, hungry and picking up it’s feet. The pony doesn’t know native ponies in a dehydrated ponies, often freshly weaned that there is a benevolent purpose to all of foals, being touted at markets and fairs up this and its perception will be of an attempt non-predatorial manner and down the country being sold to on its life. inexperienced people or eventually finding Encounters such as this will leave an almost their way abroad through the back door we can make it more indelible mark in the pony’s memory and set only to be sold for meat on the hoof. it up for failure in all but the most likely that ponies will These ponies are competing against the fall experienced and committed hands. If you out of racing yards and the indiscriminate have what you think is a near death make the transition breeding of injured mares at the same time experience, what you perceive to be a real as people are being tempted to import attempt on your life, you will do your from moor to door” better bred horses and ponies from the utmost not to repeat it. I hear of ponies Continent. Unhandled and poorly handled that will go through barbed wire fences, semi-feral ponies are often only attractive to run until they drop or attack with mouth or the uninitiated or well intentioned and feet in order to avoid being touched by a hopeful novice and things so often go human hand ever again. Some of this is wrong from the outset. nature rather than nurture, but the genuinely untouched horse is rarely so Apart from being really careful about the frightened. quantity and the quality of the native ponies that we breed in the wild, how can Taking the time to handle ponies in a non- we set these ponies up for success? It predatorial way saves time in the end and seems really obvious when you say it out does a lot less to undermine the overall loud, ponies are prey animals, humans are reputation of the breed as a malleable, predators and each time a prey animal ultimately trainable pony. I compare it to meets a predator, it needs to be convinced transactional analysis in human psychology: that there is no need to flee. if you speak to someone as if they are a child they will respond like a child, talk to Looking at it from the pony’s point of view, someone as if they are your parent and they their first encounter with people (save for will respond like a parent but the key to picnic nicking New Forest ponies) is a group good relationships is for both to talk to one of humans arriving on horseback and quad another as adults. As humans we can bikes to chase them into a confined area. In rationalise and bring things back to this some areas this is known as colt “hunting”. even keel. In horse psychology, if you The next thing that happens varies from behave like a predator, the horse has no place to place. On Exmoor the foals are choice but to act like to prey and they key often separated from their mothers to a partnership with a horse is to act like a immediately whilst on the New Forest they partner so that the horse can do the same. tend to be kept together. In some cases they may have a halter put on them and be There are some alternatives to the more tied to something solid while they are extreme ways that wild ponies are handled branded. Horses are naturally into pressure which are already employed in some places

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Success

but more can be done. In some areas, pony to accept being touched then they ponies are not branded until they have can be shown that a headcollar is nothing been fully handled, and they appear to be to be afraid of and simple pressure and far less traumatised by the experience. Drifts release can be employed to teach them that and gatherings could be controlled more so they need to come forward to a pull on a that they don’t appeal to the cowboy lead rein. This gentle and effective approach minded – there is no need for lots of takes less than an hour with a genuinely whooping and hollering at high speed. At untouched pony, leaves no negative the end of the driftways there should be memory and significantly reduces the risk well built corrals like those in the New of permanent injury to the vertebrae and Forest where ponies are not even be musculature – the head is after all, attached tempted to escape and where the risk of to the back. injury is reduced. Ponies can be moved Great strides have already been taken to around using quiet body language so that improve practices at some of the sales – they are less confused than when they are better facilities and strict handling hit with sticks. Onlookers need to be procedures in the auction ring where supervised so that they don’t inadvertently handlers are limited to waving flags at block ponies by standing too close to the “Encounters such as this ponies to get them moving rather than pen. Foals should not be tied up to be hitting them. Nevertheless, there are sales branded – the New Forest foals seem to be yards where ponies and foals are still given will leave an almost less traumatised when they are simply nothing to eat and drink all day; 7.30 a.m. shoved up against a fence next to their to 7.30 p.m. in some cases. Ponies may be indelible mark in the pony’s mother and branded once. The practise of put in inappropriate groups where they can ear twisting in order to induce endorphins be bullied and injured by other ponies or needs to stop as it leads to innumerable ear memory and set it up for they can’t get away from the crowds. For shy ponies. Similarly ears tagging or cutting some ponies, one sale follows another. for identification purposes is a sure fire way failure in all but the most to make sure they never trust anyone with Better information could be disseminated to their ears again. new owners at these sales too by the experienced and organisers or welfare authorities– current Branding is a controversial subject in its advice focuses on the need to keep the own right. It is regrettable that the new committed hands” halter on and pull the pony about for a few passport arrangements will lead to ponies days before turning it out. This is rarely having more numbers and letters branded enough even for so called halter broken on them once again illustrating that the ponies. New owners need to spend a lot of Government’s passport regulations are not time touching and handling their ponies about horse welfare but about the food and building up trust and confidence chain. It has been successfully argued that incrementally. All too often ponies are hot branding is vital for the identification of turned out into large fields with poor ponies in the wild and kinder to unhandled fencing where the new owners struggle to ponies than freeze branding because it is so get near them, inadvertently reinforcing the much quicker but that doesn’t explain why pony’s need to flee every time they fail to a New Forest commoner would ask that his catch it. Its mother, God and instinct have pony is branded twice with the same brand all taught the wild pony not to go near or why ponies that are leaving the wild for predators and not to get its head and feet good need to be branded at all. Then caught up. Food, patience and love are branding is a matter of pride or designer sometimes enough but the right facilities labelling rather than a necessity. Branding and the right skills are critical if the pony needs to be done effectively and there is isn’t to find itself being re-sold as certainly no excuse for poor branding or uncatchable, untouchable and often repeated branding with irons at the still entire. incorrect temperature or where the pony hasn’t had its hair clipped out first Sarah Weston is a Recommended Associate of Intelligent Horsemanship Later, the process of halter breaking tends and specialises in the humane training to place the emphasis on forcing the pony of formerly wild ponies. to co-operate with a halter and often involves tying the pony up to something Sarah’s blog cab be found on solid for long periods of time to fight it out, www.sarahweston.co.uk this is known as swinging. The critical part of halter training should be teaching the

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New IH Website coming soon!

A new Intelligent Horsemanship website will be launched in the Summer of 2008. It will replace the existing site on the same site address www.intelligenthorsemanship.co.uk or www.montyroberts.co.uk.

The impressive new design by M4 Design based in Newbury will be much easier to navigate and will present a strong modern image of Intelligent Horsemanship to members and visitors.

Easier to navigate, there’s even a ‘breadcrumb’ trail in case you get lost! Benefits of the new website will include: • An interactive map to make it easier to find your nearest RA • Mini videos • An exclusive IH Members area • Regular updates to keep the site relevant and informative As an IH member you get the first preview of the website here!!!

1st Prize IH Grand Raffle! Place on the Horse Psychology weekend, In aid of Veteran Horse Welfare November 2008 2nd Prize £5 for a strip of 5 tickets Seatbone Saver kindly donated by Heather Moffett Winners to be drawn at the IH Garden Party (Designed by Heather Moffett, when she on Saturday 28th of June. developed bursal enlargements of the Tickets available from: seatbones in her pursuit of the Classical [email protected] Seat!) or in writing to: L.Luke 57 Kings Road 3rd Prize Lancing Harbourne stirrups kindly donated West Sussex by Heather Moffett BN15 8EG Plus 6 other fab prizes!

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Free IH bag! Members ordering shopping from us in June will receive a FREE IH bag! To claim your bag please quote ‘Listening Post bag offer’ when placing your order.

International Equine Touch Association Stop Press! 2008 Conference Summer Garden Party In Aid of the IH Charity of the Year (This year the This year’s Equine Touch conference is taking with workshops on Alexander Technique Veteran Horse Society) place on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th June and gait analysis. at the British Racing School in Newmarket. Kelly Marks would like to invite a select Even if you have not attended an Equine group of IH members to her Summer The two day programme of speakers and Touch course before but would like to come Garden Party on Saturday 28th June workshops starts with an address from Jock along to the conference you would be very starting at 2pm and going on to 6pm. Ruddock, founder of Equine Touch, and a welcome. lecture on “Fascinating Fascia” with Ivana The local pub will serve drinks and food Please contact Sofi Ritchie on Ruddock. Other lecturers include Bitless to anyone wishing to stay after that [email protected] Bridles and Jane Van Lennup of Simple time! Dress smart/casual. Tickets £20. or 01572 755697 for a booking form. System Ltd. Sunday’s programme then gives For an application form please email delegates the chance to get involved, [email protected] The venue is at IH HQ, Lethornes, Upper Lambourn in Berkshire and will start at 2pm.

Basic Massage and Dates and locations for 2008: Stretching Techniques 29th June - Hartsop Farm, Witney, Oxon for the Horse Lover 20th July - Hartsop Farm, Witney, Oxon 3rd August - Centre Lines, Newark, This one-day course will teach you a Nottinghamshire massage and stretching routine, with clear handouts, to take home to use with your 16th August - Lampeter, West Wales own horse. 17th August - Streat, West Sussex Enlightened Taught by Sue Brown, MCSP, EBW, BHSAI, RA Please contact Sue for further Time: 10am to 4pm information on new dates Equitation Cost: £75 per person (IH members) www.holistichorsehelp.com £10 discount £85 per person (non-members) Tel: 07976 413488

Enlightened Equitation is offering a £10 discount for the EE Annual Conference, Saturday and Sunday July 10/11th See: Perfect Manners? I don’t think so… http://www.enlightenedequitation.com /ee/boards/index.php?topic=21412.0 Photos from Sarah Weston RA of her foal NAME TO GO IN HERE for reports of last year’s conference. Non-members £60 a day, EE and IH members, £50 a day. Barbecue, Saturday evening, £10 per person, lunches daily £7.50pp, all professional catering. Loads to learn and lots of fun, all in the beautiful setting of Heather’s farm in the Harbourne Valley, South Devon. Seating limited to only 50 people, so book early! Plenty of excellent B & B’s locally and only 10 miles from the glorious S Devon coast.

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How should I ride, exactly?

So you have done all your foundation exercises, and your horse floats backwards round an L shape, and crosses front and back feet neatly as he cruises along a pole on the ground. He stands motionless for up to five minutes on a loose line whenever you ask. Your longlining is spectacular, and naturally your horse always bends around the circle that he is following, and flexes equally to left and right. His transitions are instant and he reacts not only to your body language, but almost to your thought waves. But what should you do when you are illustrated section on asymmetries, showing actually sitting on top? This is a challenge how lamentably short most of us fall from that faces all riders, whether a novice or the ideal of one side of the rider’s body attempting to work their way up in the being a mirror image of the other. Finally, competitive world of dressage. It has been there is a section on more advanced skills, a lifelong study of Mary Wanless, whose where lateral movements, piaffe, passage new book, Ride with your Mind Clinic, is a and pirouettes are clearly explained. fascinating, well illustrated explanation of the science of riding. Mary gained her BHSI What is obvious throughout the book is the in 1978, but became frustrated because progress that occurs with every horse and no one could explain to her why a horse rider. As you look at picture after picture, would sometimes go beautifully and and read the concise explanation of what is happening, you begin to see more clearly sometimes not. She has spent decades inspire you to find out more about her studying what it is that humans do which how the rider’s and horse’s bodies influence each other. Not every horse is an expensive work, perhaps by going to a demonstration influences the movement of the horse, and or a clinic. Two of Intelligent this book sets out to explain her discoveries. one. Not every rider has a conventionally beautiful body, or is young. But in each Horsemanship’s Recommended Associates The photographs are what bring the book case, as you see the rider’s body shape are also Ride With Your Mind coaches: to life. Her first model is her pupil Heather change, so does the horse’s. And as the Nicole Golding, near Cirencester, and Blitz, a top US dressage rider, who horse’s back lifts, so he reaches into the Suzanne Marshall near Upchurch in Kent demonstrates what a horse/rider rein, and becomes the elegant shape so are both qualified to teach using Mary’s combination should look like in walk, trot desired by dressage riders. This is not about methods. Ride with your Mind Clinic and canter. Then section by section she pulling, coaxing, fiddling, bumping or provides an analytical, thorough and logical explains the four most common riding otherwise forcing the horse’s head back into way of describing the feelings and faults, illustrated by different people. Your his chest. What Mary cares about so perceptions that will help you improve as first challenge is to recognise which of the passionately is the lifting of the back, so a rider throughout your life. four ‘default positions’ you fall into. Do you that the horse will of his own accord arch Listening Post has one copy of naturally lean forwards? Or backwards? Do his neck, and reach into the rider’s hands ‘Ride with your Mind Clinic’ to give you hollow your back, or do you round it? which are quiet and still. away. To be entered in the prize When you have honestly decided which Whatever your riding skill, this book will draw please send an email to category is yours, and Mary says that we all help you to understand more clearly the [email protected] and name the favour one of them, then she gives an biomechanics of riding. I hope it will also subject ‘book competition’

Antics Charity Summer Ball

Saturday 5 July 2008 - Put this date in your Diary The Summer Ball is being held at the Stratford Holiday Inn, Stratford upon Avon. Tickets will remain once again at the bargain price of £45 each.

The evening begins with a champagne together, book a table and get all dressed reception on the sun terrace over looking up ready to party the night away – all in a the delightful River Avon, followed by a great cause! superb four course meal and lots of If you'd like tickets to this great event complimentary fine wine. This fantastic please download the form from the meal is followed by a Charity Auction Charities section of the IH website or send where there is an opportunity to purchase an SAE together with your cheque to: some unique items, then the evening Antics Summer Ball, Hartsop Farm, Witney moves swiftly on and fun really begins Road, Finstock, Nr Witney, Oxon OX7 3AS with dancing till 2 o’ clock. It’s a black tie or telephone 07795 573879 affair so why not get a group of friends or 01993 868914 for more details. Antics Charity, raising money for children affected by cancer Charity registration no: 1102359

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Crossword Stretching questions.. by Katie Gormley 12

3

4

5

6 7 8

91011 ACROSS DOWN 4 Pliant 1 Fibrous bundles that produce movement in 5 The Treat used to an animal 12 encourage the horse to stretch 2 Rubbing of the muscles or 13 joints to stimulate them 6 To extend limbs 3 Stretching should be 11 A regular stretching routine progressive and... can help prevent this 7 Back end of the horse 13 Increased by stretching,to perform a number of tasks 8 A top veterinary in synchrony physiotherapist 14 14 How many seconds the 9 The first exercise represents stretch should be held for a horse moving with this 15 15 It has been suggested that 10 The author of the article stretching reduces... 12 These attach bone to bone and are positively effected by stretching Find the answers in the stretching article on page 14

Ridden Training Course with Carrie Adams At: Hartsop Farm, Witney Road, Finstock, Oxon. OX7 3DE On: July 12th & 13th 2008

As seen on tour with Monty Roberts Some elements incorporated in this & featured in Your Horse Magazine course are :- British Dressage Group 3 Rider • Considering your horses and Registered Trainer BHSII conformation in relation to Intelligent Horsemanship performance Recommended Associate • Riding in the Dually® Halter (optional) Learn how to create a happy athlete • Individual & shared lessons including by combining the principles of natural a ridden assessment of your horse horsemanship within a dressage by Carrie training system based on • Introduction to the Scales of Training communication, trust and respect. • Gymnastic exercises

Price: IH Members £195.00 Non-Members £200.00 (does not include stabling see application form for details) Spectators welcome: IH Members £25.00 a day Non-Members £30.00 Lunch not included but tea, coffee & biscuits will be provided Contact Centre Lines Tel: 01636 892519 Email: [email protected] www.centrelines.co.uk

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Spotlight on Recommended Associate (RA) Listening Post meets Garry Bosworth

Lying on the route between LP: What would be the first piece of Glowing reports for London and Lincoln, on the advice you would give someone RA Suzanne Marshall Ermine Street Roman Road looking at buying/loaning his or her The IH office is constantly inundated you may well have ridden first horse? with praise for the work RAs do from through Bracebridge Heath GB: Don't rush in. Take your time and be as simple phone advise to callouts and on horse back in those sure as possible that it is the right horse for mini demos. The work of Suzanne ancient times. So it only you. Take someone you can trust along with Marshall (RA covering Kent and Essex) seems right that we find you when you view/try any horses. has been particularly complemented Garry Bosworth Recommended Associate this quarter. for IH in residence! Listening Post grabbed LP: Is there a favourite type of horse a few minutes with Garry over the phone work you enjoy and why? recently to find out more about his world. GB: There are a few, but I guess, helping LP: How did you get into horses? horses that have a problem when being loaded into a horsebox, is top of the list. It GB: My first introduction to horses was at a is so rewarding to see the owner calmly and riding school when I was about 12 or 13 easily loading their horse, after what in (longer ago than I care to admit!). My some cases has been years of struggle. mother was the horsey member of the Training horses to willingly lift their feet and family, but had not been around horses for have them worked on by the farrier comes a number of years until she decided to go a close second! for a hack at the local riding stables. The whole family went along, and I became LP: You also run clinics with a colleague hooked after that very first ride. I wasn't of yours, tell us about them? Happy Customer really interested in competing, preferring to “Hi Suzanne hack out around the area (not always GB: I like to keep things simple and Just to let you know that Casper and I have particularly leisurely either, when I was concentrate on helping people build a had a great morning together. I practised younger) confident trusting partnership with their horse via the use of groundwork exercises. I with the Dually and then I groomed him LP: What's important to you when you am happy to travel to areas other than from top to toe with no protests and a lot see an owner and their horse for the Lincolnshire (especially if there is no local of licking and chewing from him. Picked first time? RA) to do a clinic/workshop. As I am not a out his feet with him standing completely qualified riding instructor I tend not to free. He showed me signs that he is still not GB: I feel it's important to make the owner cover the riding side of things, but several comfortable with me brushing his tail but I feel at ease. They may have been of the other RA's are excellent riding think he is very sensitive in that area so I experiencing a problem with their horse for instructors. stopped and told him that we will go slowly a long time and may well have had lots of with that and I'll try very hard not to pull it conflicting advice, possibly leading to them If you live in or around Lincolnshire and and just do a little at a time. feeling less than confident regarding their would like ground manners lesson with ability to help the horse. Garry for you and your horse, then you can I feel as though I am in a dream. My cross contact him through the details below: welsh is cross no more and I don't feel at all LP: What does a typical R.A. day look nervous around him. It's amazing the like for you? Telephone: 01522 827527 change in him. GB: Well, as I don't have a yard of my own, [email protected] Thank you so so much. I will continue I don't have the usual horsey tasks to do, practising what you showed me and will let such as feeding, turning the horses out, www.equineempathy.co.uk you know of our progress. mucking out etc. So having got any relevant Don’t forget that you can contact all the paperwork together the night before, I will Recommended Associates through the Bye for now from a very happy and relaxed double check that I have everything I need Intelligent Horsemanship Association Cherry and Casper” regarding equipment (halters/rope/long website. Fancy spending a week in Spain with a lines/tarpaulin/plastic bags/false arm!). Then Recommended Associate? See page 27 enter the postcode for my destination into for competition details. the “sat nav”, some places can be in very rural situations, and off I go. Generally speaking I will book only one visit on any particular day, unless of course there is someone a couple of miles down the road who also arranges for me to call. I find this work can be quite tiring both physically and emotionally. You never really know what you are going to come up against, even after getting as much relevant information as you can from the owner beforehand.

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The Natural Horse Centre, Andalucia, Spain Your chance to improve your skills with horses

The Natural Horse Centre is a Ranch As well as improving their skills, guests situated in the heart of Spain’s Andalusia can enjoy idyllic trail rides through region and here, owner Tracy James and picturesque olive groves that give a real her team have created an environment taste of the breathtaking scenery in this and a programme that takes you way tranquil area. beyond conventional riding. A total of 15 horses live out permanently Situated in the beautiful valley of together as a herd and all are barefoot. Antequera the Ranch is just a few minutes from the Spanish Lake District With a variety of breeds from historic buildings to the only Wolf Park and only 40 mins from Malaga, Cordoba Andalusian, Irish Draught, Warmblood, in Europe. There is a brand new 18 hole and Granada. Thoroughbred and not forgetting Pedro golf course in Antequera with off-road the Mule! Casper, a beautiful andalusian driving, fishing, bird watching also The Ranch is set in over 50 acres with colt, is the youngest herd member born available in the immediate area. over 2,000 olives trees and spectacular on the ranch and is now two and half views of the mountains. The guest years old. Go with Friends, partners or on your accommodation has been recently own you will have an amazing time! renovated and decorated in typical Tracy and her co-teacher, Lorraine are Monthly Paying Student Scheme andalucian style with spacious trained in barefoot trimming and they available. twin/double bedrooms and modern trim all their horses feet so advice is readily bathrooms. The Chef has a real passion available. Barefoot Trimming Courses are for cooking using home grown and also held regularly at the Ranch. Contact: www.naturalhorseridinginspain.com local produce; your taste buds will Quote from a recent guest: certainly be tantalized! Ring Marilyn on 01663 749388 or “Tracy’s unique coaching style offers Tracy on 0034 952 720 271 During your stay you will have the you a way to work with horses through opportunity to immerse yourself in Feel, helping you build a connection Recommended Associate of the horses. Guests are encouraged to based on trust, clear communication Intelligent Horsemanship Assoc. and respect. Tracy’s insight and energy develop their horsemanship skills on the Holder of the Monty Roberts Prel. has helped me in a very creative and ground and in the saddle with relaxed Certificate. informative training sessions based on individual way” 10% discount to IH Members on all Tracy’s approach called “Making the Non-course participants are more than © courses natural connection” . welcome, you can spend the days A unique combination of classical and relaxing around the pool or visiting one 25% discount to Recommended natural horsemanship. of the many local attractions from Associates on all courses

How to enter Exclusive competition Answer the question and send your answer with your membership number Open to all I.H members – Win a weeks holiday with a RA in Spain! by e-mail to: [email protected] or on a postcard to: Intelligent Horsemanship, Prize Lethornes, Upper Lambourn, Berkshire, One I.H. member will win a weeks holiday at the Natural Horse Centre, Spain RG17 8QP. with a further 50% reduction for a friend/partner to accompany them if they wish to bring someone. This prize includes all horsemanship training and Question: “How many horses are barefoot on accommodation on a self catering basis. Flights are not included. the Ranch?” Closing date: August 1st 2008.

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