Warning - Dangerous Miniature Horse On The Loose.

Spent the weekend in Darling Harbour at the Chinese New Year dragon boat regatta and us 'ancients' won a second prize trophy in the regional teams final. We were going to fill it with champagne but then found out that the 'crystal' was in fact 'plastic'...rather took the gloss off that! Still, 'Er indoors got a medal from a team 'place' in the Breast Cancer survivors racing too so she was highly pleased. Hasn't taken it off since either.......

Baby miniature horse on the loose! This little fella got loose at a swanky US miniature horse show and didn't he go. Had a great time too by the look of it although I don't think Mum would be too pleased.

A sobering thought for us all......A VICTORIAN horse trainer who became a paraplegic when a horse fell on him while exercising in sand has been awarded $300,000 in damages. That's not all either......

Leszek Stepien, 62, of Skwierzyna, used his farm horse to tow his broken down truck to the garage but had drunk so much he couldn't steer straight. The impromptu carriage ground to a halt when the farmer managed to steer straight into the path of an oncoming car, sending the truck tumbling onto its side. Stepien wasn't about to take the blame for the collision, however. Uninjured, he sprang from the cab and proceeded to berate the poor beast, yelling: "This is all your fault." Yeah, right. Looks like he's in for a pasting too.

RACEHORSE trainer Anthony Cummings is fighting claims he worked horses so hard they were incapable of racing, took sale commissions he shouldn't have and bought horses for a client that were not fit for competition. In documents filed in the NSW Supreme Court, horse breeding and training outfit Patinack Farm, run by mining tycoon Nathan Tinkler, is seeking $6.4 million from Cummings and his companies. Ouch...bet the lawyers get the last laugh though.

Write a caption for this photo of Buggs, a 13-year-old, stock-bred horse trained to paint. The horse, who resides near Iron Ridge, Wisc., has been painting for two years. Um, dare I say that his efforts are a bit better than mine.

You've probably heard of Chance Bye (pun intended I think).  According to leading UK racing mags he is (quote) 'An Australian Racing Fairytale'. Michael Tubman was broke and out of a job when he took the gamble of a lifetime borrowing money to buy a race horse. Incredibly, a decision that could have landed Tubman in a whole lot of debt and trouble was the move that turned his dead-end life around. Filly-phenomenon Chance Bye has embarked on a winning streak that is truly the stuff dreams are made of. Now, I'm not a betting man but if you don't have an 'each way' on her to place in the Golden Slipper then don't blame me.

We've had the largest horse in the world featured, so here's Thumbelina - The World's Smallest Horse...and doing great charity work too.

Guinness Horse Surfer Ad. Never seen this? You should.......

Never used H10 ointment on your horse? You should because it's a must for the tack box. See what others say before you take our 2 for 1 offer.


Have a great week!!

Are These Horses Real? You Choose - Then Be Surprised!

I'm stuffed after a local dragon boat regatta at the weekend. Woke up Monday with aches all over...that despite the fish oil, glucosamine, chondroitin etc, etc. Y'know, age can be a terrible thing!

We are looking towards another book order in a month or two so we'll let you know when the list is ready for you. Those of you who haven't been involved before should have a good look because we're able to get 40 percent off all titles and we share that with you 50:50.

Are these real horses or not?......you choose...then you might well be very surprised.

"The Waterhole Rituals can be thought of as a courtship to win a horse’s trust, affection, loyalty and respect rather than a horse training method. Your communication skills with horses using my Method are meant to evolve organically from the relationship you build with your horse. I will guide you though each step as your relationship matures to a dancing partnership in harmony and unity. Leadership in the moment a horse feels a connection in companionship inspires a horse to follow your lead like music inspires the dancer to dance." This is the first chapter of a new horse book that describes itself as above...NOT as training you understand. I know, I know, I'm a bit of a cynic about these things and frankly I don't believe that I want to 'quick step' with my horse. For a start, his feet are much too big. But, like most things I'm open to change.....

"Are you an equestrian enthusiast? Perhaps you're thinking of buying a horse? If that's the case, we've created this guide to help you groom your four-legged friend." Courtesy of eHow editor, Christy Buena. Pretty comprehensive too and if you click the links you'll have about a days reading as well.

There's a whole lot of extra and interesting content this month on the Horse Channel. Worth a browse I think.

llustrated Guide: Body Condition Score System. Don Henneke's nine-point body condition score scale takes the guesswork out of evaluating equine body fat levels. Courtesy of Equus magazine.

A brief look at what goes into getting the horses ready for a Wells Fargo film shoot.   Nice clip.

Remember that video of an unbound horse running alongside bicycles in the Tour de France, featured in Amelie? A runaway Barnum & Bailey zebra paid homage to that yesterday, but on a downtown Atlanta highway. The nimble quadruped escaped from its enclosure and galloped to freedom down a major commuter thoroughfare. A fleet of police closed in on motorcycles, apprehended the runaway, loaded him on a truck, and returned him to a life of tap dancing for pennies with clowns. Shame.

We are thinking of another competition for 2010 so if you've any ideas then please let us know. Rewards of course for good ideas.

Meanwhile - have a great week
Geoff

If You Have A Horse Like This....Look Out!

Hope you all remembered Valentines Day? If not then you're probably still feeling put out because you forgot (bad), or someone forgot you, (even worse!). I managed a last minute card for 'er indoors...and with her suitably impressed I was allowed to indulge myself in the cricket for the day. Still don't know why I don't get the cards I used to though.......

If you have a horse like this, then you need to do something about it....quick!

Here's a very sad story...and a very puzzling one too.
A retired pregnant race horse was shot and killed, and now lawmen are asking for help in tracking the shooter. Carteret County deputies say someone shot "Breeze" in the head between Sunday and Monday at the owner's property on Taylor Farm Road, outside of Beaufort in Carteret County on the North Carolina coast. The horse's owner, Elizabeth Loftin, says the horse was worth approximately $30,000. Detectives say they believe that the horse was specifically targeted and the person who shot her meant to kill her.

Here's the training clip of the week. Larry Trocha, teaches how to cue your horse to stop. Check it out! Courtesy of my friend Deanna Castro and Larry Trocha.

For those of you who have read the novels of Dick Francis the best-selling British thriller writer and steeplechase jockey, sad news. Dick Francis died in his home in the Cayman Islands Feb. 14, The Associated Press reported. He was 89. More here:

Probably the last word on this controversial topic.... Participants in a Feb. 9 conference organized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) imposed sanctions on aggressive riding, including that which results in hyperflexion of the horse's neck. "The group redefined hyperflexion/Rollkur as flexion of the horse's neck achieved through aggressive force, which is therefore unacceptable," the FEI said in a statement. "The technique known as Low, Deep, and Round, which achieves flexion without undue force, is acceptable."  So, how do you tell the difference. Well, I'm not a dressage expert. Courtesy of The Horse.

I've been doing a series of unfortunate crashes lately...this recent one in the US shows just how dangerous the trots can be and how those jockeys/drivers earn their money. Listen to the commentator too...I don't think he would change the pitch of his voice if you dropped a bomb on him.

This poor girl has a rough time....we all know just how slippery horse manure can be, even for a horse. Her horse slips on the mess, and she gets dumped into the ****. Unfortunate but I had to raise a chuckle. Bet she'll be keeping an eye out for it in the future.

Here's a useful little video for those of us that go for jumping.  Exercises to Tune Your Eye for Jumps. Watch a video of two exercises Olympic silver medalist Peter Leone uses to help his students tune their eyes for jumps. Courtesy of Equisearch

We have John Pinnell's complete horse training programme including initial training, overcoming horse problems and horse trailering, together with his accompanying book all available in a presentation pack. Have a look

Have a great week.

Dramatic Video - Horse Falls From Trailer and Runs Along Main Highway

I've given up watching the cricket - there's no competition this year with Aus winning everything and 'er indoors pounced as soon as the words were out of my mouth. What an idiot I am! There's now a list of jobs the length of my arm in front of me. Now, how do I get really interested in fishing again?

A driver captured video of an injured horse running down the northbound lanes of the Southwest Freeway after the animal fell out of a moving trailer. The driver of the trailer did not see that the horse had fallen out, or the resulting traffic jam, and kept driving, Stafford police said. It's a miracle the horse didn't suffer any more than cuts and bruises. BUT, just look at the way they were trying to get the horse into its box to take it to the vet.....eventually deciding that whipping the poor animal would 'help it on its way'. Hah.

Mane Pulling 101: Techniques for Pulling, Shortening and Thinning Your Horse's Mane. Horses manes can easily become tangled in the rider's reins and hands. For many disciplines therefore it is customary to shorten and thin the mane so that it stays out of the way. Courtesy of Stacie Moyle.

Prince Harry was thrown from his horse during a charity polo match in Barbados to raise money for his African children's charity. The royal was making a tight right hand turn when his pony's legs slipped and the animal fell. The prince was thrown clear and rolled a couple of times before getting to his feet uninjured. But he appeared to take the accident as a blow to his pride, throwing his mallet down in disgust and punching his helmet as it lay on the ground. Hope he didn't hurt his royal hand........ Courtesy of Daily Telegraph and Sky news. Here's the video.

"Horse in Training" Classic Super Bowl Commercial. This is a cracker!

We've dealt with the mane....now, the term “mud knot” describes a variety of techniques designed to keep a horse’s tail clear of sloppy footing, trail debris or even his own legs. Mud knots range from intricate braids secured with yarn to quick loops tied at the end of the tail. The method demonstrated in the download below requires no rubber bands or bandages but, if done properly, will stay in place for most activities. Nice one. Courtesy of Equisearch.

In today’s day and age of sophisticated car tuning, there aren’t a lot of tuners that can proudly say that they were able to turn a Hummer H2 into a high-tech, horse-drawn carriage. A Hummer by the way, is a BIG America jeep, about 2 metres wide with a huge engine. Looks much better as a horse drawn carriage though...very clever.....have a look.

There's been a great response to our new video on double lunge and long rein training. You can see a description and watch a great introductory video here.

Now this is one great idea....One of the Republican front-runners in the governor's race is pushing legislation to establish special license plates for horse lovers. We've got a Fed election coming up, do you think any of our pollies might come up with such a scheme? Yeh, right.


Have a good week!

View The Very Latest In Fashion From The Horse Show Catwalk

'Er indoors has been picked for the N. NSW Dragon Boating squad so she's really pleased. The back deck is now filled with heavy objects referred to as her 'weights' which she has to move in all sorts of directions to get fit and strengthen up. There's also lots of exercises to do with core fitness or something (you as riders would know all about that eh?). She says it will do her the world of good. Me, I'm just confused.....

Horse & Rider’s band of insiders cruised this past season’s biggest, hottest shows, not only to watch the action in the show pen, but also to check out the latest show fashions on the proverbial horse-show catwalk. Just when we thought those show blouses couldn’t get any more bling-ified, it seems bling is here to stay (for now)--and the bigger, brighter and bolder the bling--the better....and how.Wow! Courtesy of Equisearch

“Picaro,” the horse brought last week to the Tufts University's Cummings School’s Hospital for Large Animals with gunshot wounds, is “bright and alert” today following a second surgery Wednesday last in which veterinarians stabilized his jaw and removed fragments of his hyoid. Nice article with a good video showing the nasty damage done to this porr animal....and it looks like a happy ending too.

Now, here's a fascinating video on the use of light to bring a mare into cycle. I really hadn't heard too much about this but the vet interviewed explains it very well and it's really well worth a lsiten and a view. According to the vet, it's about 85-90% successful in bringing a horse cycle in earlier. Courtesy of The Horse web site.

A breakthrough genetic test that can identify the optimum racing distance for individual thoroughbred horses has been launched by Equinome, a University College Dublin biotech company. Now I'm not really into horse racing but this is a first and I thought you ought to know about it because it could translate into lots of other quality testing for ALL types of horses in the future.

We have our brand new video 'Training From Double Lunge to Long Reining' now available. Here are some details and a video preview.
This is a must for anyone learnig, teaching or wanting to try these techniques. You won't be able to source this programme in Aus except from us and you get a reduction on the European cost too.

If you are watching ABC2 tonight, make sure you see this. Can two wild creatures - prisoner and mustang - help each other to a better life? Hardened criminals in the Colorado Wild Horse Inmate Program attempt to tame mustangs as part of their rehabilitation.
Here's more info from the ABC. If you miss it don't worry, they have an on line service called IView so you can see it for the next couple of weeks.

Here's another way to make your horse's coat really shine...by using pig oil. Never heard if it? Well I hadn't either but here's a video showing it in use. Its made for pigs, not from pigs you'll be glad to know! I think it's used to oil them before showing and keep their skin supple and in good condition. I believe it's actually paraffin oil. Worth a look...interesting.

Less than 24 hours after a near-death experience at a local horse track, some of the drivers are already back to racing. The accident happened Saturday night at Sports Creek Raceway Trots at about 9:15. Six people were involved, two were hospitalised. Quite a show.

Have a great week

Preview Of Brand New DVDs Now Available

Phew....it's been warm here on the coast but nothing compared to some of the heat inland. It's important that you get enough water inside to keep hydrated and a good friend of mine sent me this little excel spreadsheet that calculates the amount for you. If you've got a spreadsheet programmes it's worth having a look at.

 We've had solar panels installed on the roof as I've said but the local elec company are taking for ever to put in the new meters for them so be warned if you do this. The panels are only half the story. 'Er indoors wants me to camp outside the elec offices in protest...it's far too hot for my liking so a phone call will have to do.

In their October ’09 issue, Team Horse & Rider member Charlie Cole provided safety and etiquette tips for taking your dog to horse shows. Long before you even consider taking a dog that’s not previously been exposed to horses to a show, you need to properly (and safely) introduce him to your horses 'at home'. So heed the following advice. (Courtesy of Equisearch)

Horse Trekking in Iceland. Due to their isolated location, strict import laws and dedicated breeding practices the Icelandic Horse boasts one of the purest bloodlines on the planet. This video shows a group of riders on a trek in Iceland, they are accompanied by a herd of horses which they take turns riding. Icelandic horses are gaited, athletic and known for their happy-go-lucky attitude. This is summer though...and you don't want to be there in winter, believe me.

Horse and pony quiz. Here's some fun for you.....How well do you know horses? Lets find out! (Yes, lets!) This is a quiz about breeds,height,care and riding! Are you an expert or not? Have a go.......

A horse owner has praised firefighters after an elderly steed slipped on black ice while on a walk in Emmer Green, nr Reading in the UK. Bruce Honey was out with two friends on three of the four horses he owns for a 30-minute hack last Sunday afternoon when they came across the slippery patch in Gravel Hill. Great video of the UK fire brigade rescuing this poor animal....'beats rescuing cats from trees', one firefighter was heard to say. Great effort lads.

I mentioned last week that we would have two new dvds available and I have some previews for you.
The first is the Tatjana Fruh double lunge and long reining training dvd. I like the way everything is explained and shown in detail. The preview is available here but don't use the phone number on the screen to buy the dvd...I'll have it available shortly.

The second is the dvd of the famous Marbach stud, Gremany's largest and most famous stud whose founder King Wilhelm started the European Arabian line. Great dvd this that you have to watch 3 or 4 times to get all the info packed into it.

Here's Mutley.... Stephanie Spoerl comforts Mutley, a horse she adopted after reading an article in The Oregonian explaining that he needed a home. Mutley was rescued from a farm southeast of Molalla, where his owner was charged with animal neglect. He's better now and has a name change...from Mutley to Huntley. Um.

Are any of you detectives? Perhaps you can help? A tacked-up horse skeleton has been found in a California state park, sparking a probe into how the animal met its fate. Have a read. Courtesy of Barnmice

Have a great week

New Years Resolutions.....Hah!

Happy New Year to you...it's got to be better than the last one hasn't it? Had a wonderful rest over the hols with No 1 daughter appearing for nearly 2 weeks.  A minor miracle in itself but great to see her although she was unconscious for at least 75% of the time. That girl could 'Sleep for Australia'....'spect some of you've had much the same experience.

All the rain has meant that the back yard is like a jungle and 'er indoors has handed me the list of garden jobs already. It reads like a list of instructions....1 do this, 2 do that, 3 do that again because it wasn't done properly..etc, etc. At that point I made yet another New Year resolution and, no, I'm not telling you what it is.

On Friday evening last at the 2009 USEA Annual Meeting and Convention, eventing legend Lucinda Green joined Freedom Health’s Lyndsey White to discuss theories and philosophies in feeding and horse care habits that keep modern sport horses happy, sound, and performing to their ability. Fascinating insight and a conclusion that 'modern ain't necessarilly best'. Watch both presentations here!

Have you resolved to take better care of your horse’s health in 2010? A free webcast series offered by the Michigan State University (MSU) Extension My Horse University and eXtension HorseQuest can help you stick to it. During the webcasts, which begin Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. EST, horse owners will learn about diagnosing, treating and preventing common horse health problems such as colic, respiratory disease and lameness, and equine emergency first aid.

Here's a new video about the games from the 2010 World Equestrian Games Foundation due in Kentucky later this year. This really is the 'Olympics' of horse riding and thsi trailer is really worth watching.

We've some great new products coming up. One is a new dvd from Tatjana Fruth, an expert German trainer on the use of early work with the double lunge (longeing) and the long reins. I've spent a lot of time reviewing this and it's an excellent programme, wonderful for both teachers and pup0lis and anyone who wants to know how to 'get it right'. This lady really knows how and the way she handles and treats her horses should be a model to all of us.... The other dvd is a 'doco' on the famous Marbach stud, one of Germany's oldest and most famous state studs but the programme covers the whole range of activities there. I was fascinated and captivated by this programme and the hour it runs went like a couple of minutes. Both dvds are professionally produced with stunning photography and soundtrack. More news soon and some clips too.

You'll remember that we posted some news on the dressage 'rollkur' scandal. Well it refuses to go away....tens of thousands of equestrian fans have signed a petition over allegedly 'cruel' training methods that threatens to disrupt the sport ahead of the 2012 Olympics. Some fans are warning they will boycott the Games's equestrian event - due to be held in South London - over what has been labelled 'the blue-tongue scandal'. The British Horse Society has called for an urgent inquiry into the practices being used on some of the world's most expensive competition horses. There's a vid half way down the page.

It seems that 'personalities' are falling off horses regularly. Last year I wrote about Madonna falling off her horse and here's news of Leona Lewis (X factor UK winner) falling off hers. Nice photo but riding lessons in order perhaps?

"We all make them. We all blow them. Most resolutions almost set you up to fail because they are so general that you won’t know if you have succeeded or not. For instance, if you resolve to “ride better this year,” I’m fairly certain your trainer would push you on that vague goal and want to know precisely what movements you were hoping to ride better and what your definition of better is." Well, yes...so hear are some exercises to help. Go on...have a look.

There's a whole lot of related exercises here too. Just the thing for the New Year. Courtesy of Equisearch.

If you're on hols...enjoy them.

Our Horse Pic Competition Results......

Well, the judging and the results are in and we'd like to thank everyone who entered the comp for taking the trouble to send in their pics....and there were lots too. As they always say, there has to be a winner and we have one, but before that just a few words about the judging session.

The tame vet actually turned up on time. The new four wheel drive he's purchased recently is not the wonder vehicle he'd imagined and so I had to endure nearly half an hour of technical mumbo-jumbo, finger pointing and tutting, including such phrases as 'viscous coupling', 'full time fwd', 'sat nav update problems', 'leaking gaskets', 'seats that don't fold properly' and 'excessive fuel consumption'....and more and all of this on a vehicle he chose but the company he's with runs and generally looks after. I very nearly took him out the back and gave him chapter and verse on 'er indoors 10 year old Ford Festiva, but it wasn't worth the effort. He was here to judge.

And he did...ok, it took some time and he finished off half a dozen muffins and about a gallon of my best coffee but as I've always said, he has a rare eye for horses. It was no surprise when he chose the winner....I had the same choice in mind too..... honest! 'Er indoors was positively gushing with praise for his choice and even he had the decency to blush at her comments. S'funny, that doesn't happen to me much these days.....

And the moment you've all been waiting for. Well, it was Karen's photo of her little foal 'Pumpkin' that took the prize and here he is. If you can't see the pic, then you can click on this link  and it will take you a photo on the H10 web site. Karen gets a equine mirror of her own choosing from Kim at Kimmika Designs

We'll be putting all the pics up on our Picasa album site before Xmas and we'll email you with the web address so that you can all go and have a look. There are some great horse pictures.

It's a short newsletter this week with the comp news as promised but if you want that 'last minute' equine pressie then have a look at the H10 web site  and we're sure we can get it to you or your lucky recipient before the great day.

By the way, several of my horsey friends around the world have got together to give away some nice things for horse lovers everywhere. There's no catch....I've already got lots and you should have a good look too.

Have a great week....

What To Do When Your Horse Invades Your House.

Our horse pics comp ends next week and I contacted the 'tame vet' to confirm his presence at the judging. I hate to admit it but he has a real eye for a horse and that's not the only thing he has a 'eye for' either according to his long suffering wife, a good friend of 'er indoors. So it's apricot muffins and coffee next week for the judging. Should take most of the morning if I plan it right.....
After that, bits of the estranged UK family start arriving for their yearly 'bash' of good weather and of course Aussie red wine....my Aussie red wine. Still, charity begins at home I'm told but not exactly in words like that from 'er indoors. Don't be such a ***** skinflint are her words of choice. Think I'll hide the good stuff.......

What do you do when your horse invades your house? Why, let him in of course. Plain daft I call it.

A horse that fell forty feet down a hill got stuck in heavy brush had to be rescued by emergency crews in Covina, USA on Monday. The horse had apparently broken loose at her owner's home near Via Verde Street and Covina Hills Road and then fell on a steep hill and slid into thick shrubbery. Emergency crews got the call around at 10:43 a.m. and were there within a few minutes. It didn't look good from overhead at first since the horse wasn't moving... watch the video, a bit drawn out but a happy ending.

Here's a little blog entry about the comfort and suitability of Australian saddles....yep, we get a mention at last.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum has never taken a half-hearted approach to anything, and his involvement with horse racing is no different. Bloodstock empires have come and gone since the thoroughbred breed emerged in Britain about 300 years ago, but never one to match the scale and global reach of Sheikh Mohammed's racing and breeding interests. Read this and you'll be gob-smacked, as I was. What's more he spends a small fortune here in Australia. Wonder if he could lend me a dollar or two.....

Fitness Tip of the Month for Riders: Fitness for Mature Riders. Tips to improve flexibility, mobility and strength for the over-40 rider.
By Heather Sansom. Heather says, 'When I do a clinic, participants over 40 often apologize for their age and confess that they wanted to come to a rider fitness clinic because their bodies don’t work like they used to. What’s ironic about the confession is that the majority of my clients and clinic participants are over 40.' Well Heather, join the clan and I'll have a go too.

Learn a little more about the history and importance of the horse wrangler or horsetailer as they're known here in Aus (translation courtesy Fiona Lake). Along the cattle trails, a good wrangler was as important as the cook. Legendary writer J. Frank Dobie talked about the wrangler’s job in the December 1954 issues of the Journal.

Look, we all know we put on weight at Xmas but we can all learn how to minimise that before the great event. It's a short 12 page read that you'll thank me for...hope so anyway.

If you remember your childhood days, then you can surely remember your first Wooden Horse. It was so much fun to be able to sing your rhymes while swinging to and fro on the horse. It is much the same today. Although the design of the wooden horses has undergone a sea change, the pleasure is still the same. You can make your child’s life memorable too by making a wooden horse for him. It requires some kind of mastery over crafting wood but the trade can be learnt easily. So let us learn how to build your own wooden horse in a step by step manner. Got some spare time with the kids this Xmas...this is perfect. Ready?

We never get snow at Xmas, so, if you want to see what it's like, complete with horse drawn sleigh and festive music...here it is.

Have a great week...and don't forget the Xmas lights!

A New Car Equine Training System...Really??

A truly riveting weekend. 'She who must' had been out in the garden and discovered 'the return of the stink bugs' all over the citrus trees. Yes, you can guess can't you. Armed with spray I set forth only to have her tell me that it was environmentally unfriendly to spray nasty stuff around and I should get some pliers to lever off the disgusting pesky insects. So I did, and there's a certain satisfaction in that knowing that the citrus will remain pristine for 'er indoors to regale the neighbours with. As for the bugs, well so far, Geoff 80 plus, stinkbugs 1 - I got sprayed by one viscious individual who took exception to his/her treatment. I don't think I've seen the last of them though.......

Seems like something from the Year 2020, but this is the Kurtsystems Car equine training system. The car keeps up with the horse and includes features such as oxygen masks and an electrocardiogram machine. Courtesy of Super Punch. Weird I call it but here's video of it in action and guess what? You can also use it to train camels. Well I never.....:

Meet Poe the Clydesdale - The World's Tallest Horse. Yet another record? Poe is 20.2 hands or 81 inches high and weighs in at 3000 lbs. In new money that's 206 cms high and 1364 kilos in weight. Unless you know something bigger of course?

Did you know anything about a breed called 'The Morgan Horse'? I didn't but here are some nice videos for you to see for yourself

"Over the Labor Day Weekend of 2009 the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) bumbled an ill-conceived and mismanage round up of the world famous “Cloud’s Herd” of the Pryor Mountains in Montana. Ignoring their studies and the advice of experts they stampeded horses down 5,000 feet of rocky mountainside in 95+ degree heat only to break apart family bands, pump the mares full of PZP and injure the horses. Despite public outcry, orders from a Congressman and questions from Senators the local BLM office in Billings destroyed this beautiful herd." Sad story and video.

Sending a horse away for training can be pretty stressful, especially if you don’t know what to send with him. Fortunately, it doesn’t need to be all that bad. With some planning ahead, and smart packing, your horse will soon be off to school, and you can relax and know that he’s all packed. Courtesy of Horse Blogs

You are getting ready to ride your horse. You are all tacked up and ready to bridle the horse. You approach the horse with the bridle, and he refuses. The horse lifts his head and clamps his mouth shut. What is the problem, and what should you do? Courtesy of Deanna Castro.

Here's an early Christmas present idea for your horse. I've posted videos of horses and their toys but this seems a great idea ...and no, I've no connection with these people whatsoever. The key to this oversized ball's durability is an inner PVC bladder that's covered with a tough fabric. But the ball can be punctured, and while the ball's casing can be repaired, punctured bladders must be replaced. If your 'boy' loves soccer this might be just the thing...

But I won't stop there. I rarely promote products but I got this email from Kim Ogden:
"I am one of your subscribers and enjoy your “newsletter” each time you send it. It adds interest to get your mind thinking. I like that. I make “Horse” acrylic mirrors and the concept is totally my own, Australian designed and made and thought that your subscribers may wish to think of these as Christmas pressies. If you would consider giving me a plug, I would be happy to donate a mirror to you for a “prize” for your competitions". Well, there's the plug and I couldn't resist it so here's Kim's site. Go and have a look...and remember, it's only 11 weeks to Christmas.

And so...new comp coming up next week. Thanks Kim
Have a great week

You'll Never See Another Horse Like This....Ever

I had to go to Sydney for the weekend and while I was there I met up with a couple of long standing friends who were en route for the UK with a free night's hotel stay in the city. Very posh place and, like a idiot I said I'd buy a round in the cocktail bar. Never again....they decided after that we'd go out to a pub where they could buy their rounds.If you were in doubt that we were in for an early summer, they've just started spraying locusts in NSW western regions and we'ne now got dust storms.. Ouch.

Ever heard of Dave Allen, the Irish comedian? He loved horses and made this epic video clip. Believe me, you'll love it and it's about a horse you will never see the likes of again.

The Importance of Being a Thinking Rider - Olympic gold medalist Melanie Smith Taylor encourages riders to think independently, learn from others and continually educate themselves. Good article that made even me think. Courtesy of Equisearch

An accident involving a taxi and one of New York's horse-drawn carriages has added more fuel to a campaign to have them banned. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) has long argued for a ban, saying it is not good for the horses and dangerous, given the volume of traffic. I've always thought that the two could peacefully co-exist providing there is awareness and understanding on both sides..as for PETA, well don't ask.

Perhaps one of the most important elements of any stable or barn is a horse first aid kit. Because as we all know, around horses accidents happen.
This handy video will tell you what you need and how to maintain your kit. Courtesy of Equestrian Life but tell me this, what idiot would make a video like this with her sunglasses on.

One of the major misconceptions foreigners often have with regards to the Japanese is that they only eat fish and nothing else. While it is very true that the Japanese love to eat fish, they crave for other animals as well. Yep, you guessed it and it's here if you want to read more.

Just in time for Christmas (well, it's not far away). Amazing Facts About Horses, The Oldest Horse, the Biggest Horse, and Other Horse-related Trivia. Astound your guests with this 'all horse' quiz. Courtesy of Carol Rzadkiewicz and Suite 101.

If you are a trail rider and you haven't joined TrailTown USA as a founder member (at no cost) then you'd better be quick before the doors open on the site on Sep 30th. It looks as if it will be a great site. After that, well......... and by the way I have no commercial relations with them at all.

This clip was from Australias Funniest Video Show. Poor girl....she'll be running for the shower and you can guess the rest.

And finally...if you mistreat a horse then you are likely to have this happen. Serves this idiot right and I hope it hurt.

Have a great week!

Cops Chase Illegal Street Racing....But Equine Culprits!!!

The 'Tame Vet' dropped in this morning hoping for coffee and cake. No chance. Doesn't he know I have work to do? Anyway, he wanted to know when the next H10 competition was going to start and that's got me thinking about just what we might do this time. I guess he has his uses. More news soon.

The cops are cutting down on illegal street racing and about time too..get a load of this. I think these guys should be gelded.

Being around horses means there is a long list of terminology to remember. The basics list is a mile long, then it’s time to get into the specifics of each discipline.This video goes over the differences between horse trainers and horse behaviorists. Um, things have changed since my day when you had to be a bit of both.

The population of Virginia City, NV, a small town of about 800 people, swells once a year as tourists from all over flock in to race...camels! Just like a horse, the riders put a saddle in between the hump and take them for a spin. But just when you've thought you've heard and seen it all...here come the ostriches. Yes, they race those too and surely, since we breed racing camels in Aus, we should be represented here?

If you ever volunteer to ride a horse in a parade or at a sporting event, don't whatever you do, follow this guy's example.

In the July '09 issue of Horse & Rider, Clinton Anderson and his student Renee Humphries demonstrate how to desensitize your horse to your ground-training tools. That segment is the first in a series of basic groundwork exercises designed to increase your horse's respectfulness and make him a pleasure to handle. Here, Clinton gives a refresher course on exactly why groundwork is so effective, plus offers key tips for getting the most out of every groundwork session. Courtesy of Equisearch.

New shoeing techniques are here. Take a really close look at this "shoe". What looks at first glance like a Natural Balance shoe is actually a urethane hoof application created on the foot by injecting Vettec Adhere material into a mold. There's a video too - what do you think?

Prescott USA is well-known for its proud cowboy heritage. After all, it's home to the World's Oldest Rodeo and is the former stomping ground of Doc Holliday and Big Nose Kate. Today, a new style of riding is capturing the imagination of this Western town. Read more here.

Horse racing can be a dangerous game and these two ladies were very lucky to walk away from this crash with only minor injuries. Ouch.

You'll know the present controversy about jockeys and the use of whips on race horses. Here's an article with a few different aspects and opinions. I'm not sure if it's 'broke' or not or whether it needs 'fixing'. Both views are represented.

Summer coming - your tack box should not be without a tub of H10 ointment. The 2 for 1 we are offering is a great start and you can read what others think of it.

Have a great week!!

If You Don't Slow For Horses...This Accident Will Happen

Strewth - can't believe it's so dry. I use to think that an El Nino was a South American beer until told better but it looks as if we've another one coming. 'She who must' is busy planning a trip away to the UK next year for about a month. I'm planning what to do when she's away...something about the cat being away and the mice out to play perhaps?

This is what happens when you fail to slow down for horses...even when the police are telling you that there are strays about on the road. This is Brazil and this driver is a b***** idiot. The horse did not survive and when you view the collision you'll understand why.

Video: Warm Up Your Horse for a Winning Course. Olympic show-jumper Laura Kraut shares her tried-and-true strategies for loosening up your horse before going into the show ring. Good, practical advice.

A search is under way in the Huron area for a black miniature horse that might have rabies. Click the video link to watch the news item....somehow they fouled it up though with the following title - 'The house may have rabies or west nile'. How do you cure a house? Any ideas?

Have a look at this photo from my friends at Barnmice. The comp has ended but I bet you can think up a 'suitable' caption for this photo. I think the young lad had to have a change of trousers after this.

Westside elementary school was forced to change how parents pick up their children after school. But one mother didn't like the changes. So she opted for another way to pick up her daughter...by horseback. Well, why not? Click on the video to watch the story.

Horses attack rats? This blog entry reports three horses attacking and killing rats in their yard. I've never heard of thie behaviour before although I must admit I would have been in there with a shotgun for the rats. Seems like the horses were pretty effective though. Read more here.

Have you ever been to the Renaissance festivals or faires and seen the amazing glassblowing demonstrations? If you have, this will remind you of the experience. And if you haven’t, you’re in for a real treat! This is a wonderful video of a man glassblowing a beautiful horse and a cat. Watch and be amazed and look, I have to include art and educational content as well y'know!!!

Training a horse to jump for rewards.There are certain commands that need to be in place before proceeding with the training advice given in this article. Have a read and see what you think.

I really ought to tell you about the horse training dvds we've got. Some are very practical, some are historic and are still practical. Have a look because we don't charge you postage.

Have a great week.

Lippy - The Amazing Talking Horse

Phew - 32.9 on Monday in Lake Cathie. Hope it changes soon. Stayed up late to watch the cricket and we lost The Ashes. For those of you not in 'the know' it's the equivalent of any Grand Final in any sport you'd care to choose here in Aus. 'She who must' says it serves me right for waking her at some ungodly hour when I came to bed. I suggested separate beds (well, you would wouldn't you), and just managed to miss the resulting well aimed missile. Life's tough sometimes.

Lippy Conner, a horse that was recently rescued from a livestock auction. Lippy has tales to tell, here he complains about his sedation shot. Yeh, right...a talking horse?

There's an article and some great pictures for those of you who enjoy looking at different horse breeds. Click the links you'll find about half way down the page - courtesy of Horse Illustrated Mag.

Advanced Equine Dentistry - What Is It? Well, that's good question and the science has come a long way since the rasp and two floats and a bucket techniques. Have a look...it's interesting and poses a good few questions too.

The Queensland Horse Council (QHC) is looking for volunteers to help on a stud property affected by Hendra virus in the state's central region. Interested?

The Budweiser Clydesdale horses are in town and they're a must-see attraction at the U.P. State Fair. I remember seeing the Aussie brewery Clydesdales when they were housed at Olympic Park (sadly they're now moved the Victoria) and they were a wonderful site. Nice to know that teams of these great horses are still valued.

Here's the Bud ad, complete with Clydesdales. Really nice.

This is a 'Hebra' - a cross between a horse and a zebra, bred at a German zoo. Weird but real...I think. What about you?

Need some ideas for a costume? This video has several awesome pictures of costumes for horses and riders! Some great, some weird and some just plain stupid.

I've just joined TrailTown USA - a brand new trail riding site. I thought I'd try it since they are giving away charter memberships so it costs nothing but it's worth having a look. By the way, I have no business interest in this site.

If you have a real problem with your horse...and you can't solve it, then maybe John Pinnell can help you

Have a great week!

How To Destroy A Horse - The Fibreglass Variety!

We held our Dragon Boat Regatta on Sunday - great success but I'm pooped today. A school friend staying with us volunteered to do the announcing with his 'plummy' English accent. They all loved him and so I'm having to fight off the female visitors that phone or call regularly. Jealous? Not me particularly when I see his wife's face as another hopeful arrives.....

Three young adults who were caught on videotape destroying a fiberglass horse on Broadway in Saratoga Springs almost exactly a year ago have never been caught, despite nationwide media coverage of the vandals. Watch these idiots...clueless and drunk!.

Believe it or not, there is a better way to fall off your horse, if you ever need to do that. Watch this video clip from a recent presentation on balance, fitness and performance given by Danny Warrington and Mike Pilato at one of their Equicision clinics.

Here's the Horse Boy trailer for the film now released I believe. A comment from a You Tube viewer said this: 'Living with a brother with downs syndrome and working with even more people with other disabilities such as autism this movie will be inspiring. Just watching the trailer brought tears to my eyes.' Have a look and see what you think.

Holly Mason - Aussie girl with a Dream. Holly is 24 years old and comes from Samford, Northwest of Brisbane. As with so many Aussie’s the idea of heading over to Germany to experience all that is Dressage only begins as an idea… then becomes the adventure of a lifetime. For Holly, this journey began in early December 2008 when she boarded a plane to Germany to begin the adventure of her life. 2 days after her 24th birthday, the accident that brought her dreams to an end occurred. Read the rest of this moving story here.

Cruel farmer Jamie Gray costs RSPCA £30k a month in horse care. This guy is the UK is one nasty animal. Read more - hope he gets what's coming.

A Wiener Dog Rally was held on Thursday at Seattle Center. The fastest two dachshunds go on to compete at the Wiener Dog Races at the Emerald Downs horse track in Auburn on Friday. Now I know it ain't horses, but if you want a laugh then there's one here. I've seen cane toads run faster than these 'athletes'.

Horse Trailer Safety Checklist - Hauling your horse down the highway? Check these eight vital pieces of trailer equipment and don't leave home without these 10 items.

Have a great week!!

The Greatest Moment Ever For Australian Horses

You'll probably be relieved that I've nothing to say about Michael Jackson. Life has instead been taken up with daughters problems...both of them. Those of you who are parents will understand, he said with a sigh and a knowing nod. As a distraction we have a crop of lemons that would keep a decent hotel stocked for weeks (fancy ANOTHER gin & tonic?), and gallons of orange juice from a bumper harvest. No shortage of vitamin C here.

This is probably the greatest moment for our Australian Stock Horses. The opening ceremony of the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. Who will ever forget it. Great viewing but don't bother reading the usual inane YouTube comments. I don't know why they allow idiots to comment anyhow.

The horse boy - video clip. Enlightened horsemanship through touch - Autism Therapy On Horseback. Never seen this before but it's an interesting approach to a very difficult condition. (Patience, takes a little while to load)

JD Wilton slide show. Probably the greatest horse trainer Australia has ever seen, this is an slide show of the methods used by the great man.

On the same site is a nice little video of horse tricks - also this guy says that he can make his horse smile. Wish I could do that with 'she who must be obeyed'.

Beautiful horses made from driftwood - courtesy of Jake Hamilton

Here's Mercy - the painting horse. She's female of course, men are only good for painting sheds, and some of her work has sold for $100. Would you buy it? Make sure you scroll down to view the video.

Mona Ramouni has been blind since birth, but that hasn't stopped her from achieving her goals. Now 28, Ramouni, of Dearborn, has been looking for more independence. Typically, people who are blind use guide dogs to aid them in their daily tasks, however, Ramouni said as a Muslim she is not supposed to have a dog in her home. While fighting boredom one day, Ramouni, came across a topic she found interesting - miniature horses as guide animals. Read on.

I Hate Your Horse - Living the Dark Truth through the eyes of a horse trainer. Uncensored, uninhibited and far from sugar-coated. Exposing the insanity that is the world of horses, their owners, the breeders, and of course the wacked out wannabes...Welcome to my life...This is what I get the joy of dealing with.
Not my words I hasten to add, but a new blog I found. Just read some of the tales from people who bought 'good' horses. There's a lesson or five in there somewhere.

Dunno if you've ever heard of Badminton (no, not the game, the horse trials in the UK). It's the UK home of eventing and I used to go regularly, in fact on one visit there in a suppliers tent I bumped into Pricess Anne (literally!). That's another story. Here's a great video clip form Olivia Haddow and Horse Hero showing the event from the point of view of 4 very different women. You have to register to watch it but it's no cost and a great future resource too.Good stuff.

Married with Horses, is a long running and amusing real life saga on Equisearch. After months of waiting Jeremy and Kimberly finally meet Mandy's new foal, Justin. Read about the colt's arrival, plus view his photo gallery and video!

Here's the photo gallery

The H10 ointment offer (2 for 1) is still on but I'm running stock down so you'd better be quick.

Have a great week

German National Equestrian Team In Doping Scandal

The current competition has now closed and thanks to everyone whom took part. We'll be judging last month's entries tomorrow...that is if the tame vet turns up. I imagine he will though. The wafting aroma of great coffee and just baked chocolate muffins acts like a magnet on him. It's only ever out performed by the chance of a test drive in the latest 4 wheel drive to hit the market. Wonder what he'll turn up in tomorrow.

All the comp entries will be available in a pdf file format for you to download next week and you can have a good laugh at them. Now we have to think up another competition subject. Anyone got any ideas? Good ideas will be rewarded.....

Equestrian sports woke up with two black eyes last week. The elephant in the room got loose. German Equestrian Team Suspended as Olympic Doping Scandal Escalates in International Spotlight. Thursday afternoon, the national equestrian federation of Germany, FN Verlag (FN), announced the suspension of all riders who represented Germany at the 2008 Olympics in Hong Kong's equestrian events, where Germany won three gold medals. In effect, FN Verlag and the German national sport federation have dissolved, disbanded, and suspended its equestrian teams for FEI-level events. More here and it's not good plus a video they made in their glory days. All a bit sad really. Courtesy of the Jurga Report

Here's a 4 minute video on 'How To Make Your Horse Feel Safe With You'. There's some very sound advice here, in easy steps for both experienced and learner riders and some facts that you may not have thought of. Courtesy of my friend Roger Bourdon's Horse Blog.

This is the weblog of Wesley Fryer. OK, so what, you might ask. Well, the first video clip on this blog is a short history of the US Cavalry horse and some pictures of the same. I used to see them in western films at the kids cinema show on Saturday mornings (many years ago). There are very few, if any, left now and as a piece of history and a personal reminisence, it's a gem.

Next week I'll look for some clips of the UK Household cavalry who look after the Queen. Very impressive horsemen.

I don't usually advertise anyone or anything in this newsletter but here's a bit of fun. It's Equestrian Cupid. What more should I say? It's a no cost sign up and they have lots of equestrian videos but I haven't had the nerve to sign up and look....yet.

Here's Eric Bravo with a great video on how to catch your horse. On the horse forums I visit, this is one of the most discussed topics. OK, he talks a lot and I don't like the way he flings his rope around but it's worth a look if you're having problems.

This short clip from the UK shows a racehorse that doesn't want to work today....or any day for that matter. The jockey must be an acrobat to escape injury from this dangerous mad cap equine. See what you think.

Here, from Australia at last, is a weird story. Trainer David "Butch" Londregan was likened to a Banjo Paterson character at a hearing into comments he made at the height of the jumps racing controversy, earlier this month. Londregan was fined $5,000 of which $4,000 was suspended when the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board found him guilty on Monday of conduct prejudicial to the image of racing over threats to kill his horses if jumps racing was banned in Victoria. Londregan, 54, told various media outlets he would video his horses being shot, have their heads cut off and sent to Racing Minister Rob Hulls, Racing Victoria Limited (RVL) and others. Nice eh?

The H10 ointment offer (2 for 1) is still on but I'm running stock down so you'd better be quick.

Have a great week

A Horse That Rides In Cars And Eats Cheeseburgers?!

I get a lot of amusing mail from friends around the world. Some of it is repeatable, much of it isn't but here's one short saying that struck a chord with me since, like a lot of men, I spent much of my earlier life working away from home. Apart from that of course I am the ideal husband...just ask my wife (and be prepared for the holocaust that follows).

OFFSPRING
Ah, children. A woman knows all about her children. She knows about dentist appointments and romances, best friends, favourite foods, secret fears and hopes and dreams.
A man is vaguely aware of some short people living in the house!
How true is that?

One LAST thing about families. There's a new blog called Awkward Family Photos. Believe me we've all been in one or two in our time. This site just puts them all together. Hilarious. I think you'll really enjoy these 'family shots'

On to more horsey things.

Patches, the Car Riding, Cheeseburger Eating Horse. Yep, it could only happen in the US of A. Lovely horse, idiot owners but you'll laugh at this four legged legend who's a lot cleverer than his minders. He even answers the phone...heaven knows what the callers think.

From Katherine, and posted on Barnmice are these lovely photos. This is a newborn offspring of Taskin, Gypsy Stallion owned by Villa Vanners that was born on April 6/09. the photos were taken immediately after the birth. Beautiful.

Last week we featured an equine photographer and you seemed to like that so this week we feature an equine artist. Here's bit from her bio - Scottish artist Sheona Hamilton-Grant was born in 1969 and is married with two children. She grew up in Europe (Holland, France & Belgium), studied in Brussels, Madrid and London, lived in Belgium, Britain, Germany, France, Holland, Sweden and the USA (New Mexico). Is fluent in 3 languages, worked as a marketing assistant, in real estate, as a home groom and a rider. Has loved and cared for animals all her life. Nice stuff.

You can see lots of other equine artists here - just scroll down the right hand side of the page

Married With Horses is a regular column on Equisearch and gives a real insight into horses and humans. As a horsewoman and her husband try to cope with the passing of a beloved dog, they realise that, in their own ways, their other four-legged family members feel the loss too. Lovely story but make sure your box of tissues is near.

Friends are a good thing for a horse to have. Who wouldn’t want a partner for swatting flies head-to-tail in the field, a fellow scratcher for that itchy spot just behind the withers and a cohort in raising mealtime rackets? And from an owner’s point of view, it’s comforting to know that your horses aren’t lonely when you’re not around. But firm friendships between stable and herdmates can have a downside. When two horses become so attached that any form of separation leads to stress verging on panic, the virtues of companionship are outweighed by the complications it brings. Read how this happens and what to do about it. Courtesy of Equisearch.

And finally...the current H10 comp finishes at the end of this month so you've got just 10 days to get your entry in.