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!!

Watch Two Jockeys Trading Punches...During The Race!

Australia Day coming up and the annual neighbourhood barbie. Nice time of year, good to see all the flags out and a good chance to get to know people better...I should know since we've had new neighbours for 2 months and I haven't even seen them yet! When I've been around there's no-one there so perhaps I'll get the chance over a beer next Tuesday.

"Check out this video of two jockey's throwing some punches at each other as they try to gain the edge on the track.  It's dangerous, and probably highly illegal, but this is just the type of thing to draw a crowd and open the doors to a whole new base of fans." Oh Really? Why not give them sabres and just call them cavalry? Anyways, it's an amusing video.

Determine whether your horse’s tack fits well or makes him fit to be tied. By Sharon Biggs. One of the most important things you can do for your horse is to make sure his tack fits properly. Poor fitting tack is comparable to you wearing poorly fitted shoes: too tight and you’ve got squished toes and painful feet; too loose and blisters abound. A horse suffers the same fate when a small saddle pinches his withers or a big saddle rolls around on his back.

A chain-reaction, nine-horse spill during a race in Japan has left one jockey injured. Japanese rider Hiroyuki Uchida broke his left arm after the leading horse veered in at a sharp angle. He and eight other jockeys were thrown from their horses, one after another. The spill occurred in the fourth race Monday at Nakayama Racecourse outside Tokyo. Uchida was aboard Lilac Punch in the 16-horse race. Nasty, and just shows that riding can be dangerous.

How many times can a girl fall her horse in less than 5 minutes? I'm guessing 5 but who knows? How many can you count?

www.HorseTraining.org presents Rumba the Wonder Horse performing tricks. Tricks include: Tamborine, Bike Horn, Coights, Croquet, Soccer, Fetch, Rear, Lie Down, Bow etc. It's clicker training I guess and I've never been a great fan but whatever...quite interesting and amusing to watch.

If you're into horses as a business then this site might be useful for you.

I've just watched (on your behalf of course) a 10 minute video on You Tube showing a large inflatable horse....being inflated. It's ridiculous and doesn't look remotely like a horse. What's the big deal? Why do people post such stupid videos? I've no idea and I'm not going to bother you with it either. Yawn........BUT, if you really want a laugh about inflatables, watch this video of the late lamented Kenny Everett 'taking off ' Rod Stewart....absolutely hilarious!

What's Your Horse Saying With His Body Language? Lynn Palm explains what this horse is "saying" with the language of his entire body, including the position and movement of his neck, muscles and skin. By Alana Harrison and courtesy of Horse and Rider.

Your horse prone to small accidents, cuts, abrasions and bruises? Have a look here at our 2 for 1 offer and read what others think about H10 ointment.

Have a great Australia Day.

Colt With Severe Deformity Saved From Death

We've had 10 entries for the horse pics competition and there are some good ones there too. Thanks to all who have emailed their precious pics but we need lots more too so get on to your computers and email us those horse pictures. There's plenty of time but don't leave it all too late because you know just how busy life will be in December don't you........

Here's some trivia that opened my eyes. We know that cows produce lots of 'wind' - most of it's methane and of course we're told that it's a major greenhouse gas etc etc, but I always thought it came from the 'back end'. Silly me eh....'er indoors put me straight. 'It mostly comes front the front, from the stomach(s), idiot'. Well, good reasons for keeping well clear of both ends I reckon, don't you?

A colt born just 30 days ago has been given a second chance to survive by an East Texas equine rescue group. The people at Safe Haven Equine Rescue went the extra mile to save a little filly named Jewel. Born to a rescued horse, the colt had severe front leg deformity and Jewel had little chance for survival. The video is on the right of the page...nice little colt too.

A DEPUTY stable manager is in training to undertake an epic six month 2,000 mile horseback trek across America. Lisa Waller, 23, will follow the cowboy routes of the 1860s and 70s from 145 miles west of Dallas, Texas to Montana as part of a team of five. “I always thought what an amazing experience it would be to ride across America,” she said. Now here's the best bit..you can join too at a cost of around 800 Aus per week inclusive. Hell, why not?

A man was arrested on Friday for driving drunk after crashing into a horse-drawn buggy. The accident happened on S Ray-Quincy Road near Copeland Road, California, Michigan. The man was airlifted to hospital...of the horse no reports. One hopes it was ok but then it's only a horse eh? Typical.

Equine Health - Skin Conditions. Common Skin Problems in Horses and How to Treat Them
Read more here
I can tell you that for the conditions of ringworm and mud fever/rain rot there's nothing much better than H10 ointment. If you don't believe me then read what other users have said......and you can get two for one.

Former jockey Roy Higgins says the success of Bart Cummings as a horse trainer has a lot to do with the quality of his support staff. You'll find that quality in any good team.... that's what it's all about. Cummins is a about the best they come...and I've immense respect for him. I might even hazard a small wager on his horse in the Cup...daft if you don't eh?

Grooming your horse need not be a stressful practice. If you are new to horse grooming, you will find that it can be difficult at first. You have to be willing to create a trusting relationship with your animal and learn your pet’s quirks. There are some horses that require extra attention and grooming, so it pays to learn early on what your horse needs. This article is 'different' and is worth a good look. I wish my Mum had been as careful and considerate with me......

Finally - Australia's first TV channel for horses and horselovers launched on Oct 16th. I missed it...typical, but here's the link and I know you'll want to have a good look. So far the channels are capital based (and where do most of the horse lovers live?) but the web site is great.

Have a great week!

The Worlds Smallest Horse?

The Wave of the Future: Shock Wave Therapy?
Though questions remain, extracorporeal shock wave therapy shows promise in helping equine bones and ligaments heal faster.

Here's the worlds smallest horse - according to UTube...and he is...small! Thanks to my friend Roger for the info. Scroll down - it's the second article.

Ultimately the purpose of having a horse is to ride him. And when you feel like riding, you probably don't feel like going through a big groundwork session. I've seen it many times, as fast as people can get the saddle on-they're headed out to the trail. This isn't the best approach to having a safe horseback ride. Have a look

Did you know Madonna has decided to chase her dressage dreams, and is training to become a top horse rider at the FTI Equestrian Festival at Wellington, Florida? Neither did I.

Here's horse joke - about a talking dog!

ESCT Case Study - Rehabilitating a Mistrained Horse. Magic - a troubled horse because of misguided training beginnings benefits from ESCT. Interesting article on Equine Stress Control Therapy


Tips for Training the Young Horse. Successful young-horse trainer Susanne Miesner offers training tips for working with young horses.
"Some of us have the privilege of learning from schoolmasters, and we are taught by the horses. However, if we prefer to work with young horses or have no alternative but to buy an untrained horse, the rider becomes the teacher."

An ongoing debate in the equine community is whether it is better to use boots or bandages when working your horse. While both sides have a point, the right answer is not based on the products themselves, but the purpose for which you are using them. Read More....

We still have a great offer on H10 ointment - an absolute must for the tack box. Forget that yellow, green or purple smeary stuff and use something that really works. Lots of testimonials too!!

Have a great wekk
Geoff

Ever Seen Donkey Basketball?

Hi there,
Spent the morning glumly looking at my dwindling super fund. Last September I wanted to sell it all and invest the cash - my paid 'advisor' told me that wasn't a good thing. If I could reach him I think I'd shoot him.

Whether you need to know how much dewormer to give your horse or how much you should feed him, knowing how to estimate his weight is helpful. Use Practical Horseman's handy online weight calculator to do the maths for you.
http://tinyurl.com/4cdhgb

Here's a new 'thing' from Equisearch. Use their Click 'n Learn stop-action sequence to see top trainer Cleve Wells demonstrate the type of Western pleasure jog he strives for in his training program.
http://tinyurl.com/3uuob7

Ten tips on how to take good photos while riding your horse - I've never considered this but it makes perfect sense.
http://tinyurl.com/4alycp

Ever seen Donkey Basketball? I kid you not.......this is even better than wheelchair rugby.
http://tinyurl.com/3v94fb

Laying down your horse? - here's how to do it. If you want the full story then have a look at Jesse Beery's training CD on the H10 web site .
http://tinyurl.com/4r5rnj

Here's the latest Horse health newsletter - it talks about the use of glucosamine for joint disease. Dunno about horses but it works for me.
http://tinyurl.com/3zmt3e

You've seen the Christmas decs in the shops already? Well, we'll have a wishlist of horsey books next week that will make great Christmas gifts. In the meantime, in preparation for Spring & Summer you should get your horse some H10 ointment. There's nothing better for cuts, grazes, ringworm (and even mud fever). There's also a great offer on it too.
http://tinyurl.com/3nncee

Have a great warm week.

Dragon Boats, Vitamins for Horsegirls, Washing Tips etc

Went Dragon Boating over the weekend (well, the better half did!)
to support Dragons Abreast, the breast cancer support group. Rained
all day but lots of keen people turned up and it was a great event.
I supported with lots of pictures and put some up on Face Book for
those of you interested:
http://tinyurl.com/5ma5ph

I found a new web site devoted to the care of foals but it has lots
of useful tools for all horses and is well worth a look:
http://www.foalcare.com

Here's a great washing tip courtesy of the current edition of Horse
and Rider.
When you toss your horse's dirty leg wraps into the washer you end
up with a tightly tangled mess. SO, tuck the wraps into a small
lingerie bag before you wash them. If you do more than one set at a
time, use a separate bag for each set. Result? No more tangles and
your sorting will already be done

In the USA, 'show apparel' is a big thing, particularly at Western
meets. Have a lool at some of the fashions for yourself. Click on
the 'apparel by Diane Olsen' link when you get on to this site but
beware, make sure the bank account is topped up.
http://www.showtimeshowclothing.com/apparel/index.html

Girls will be girls...and we love them for it. Here's a new site
with Vitamins by Horsegirls for Horsegirls. Um!
http://www.horsegirlvitamins.com/

Ron Meredith, a well know horse expert has written a short column
worth looking at and aptly entitled 'Training Mythunderstandings':
http://tinyurl.com/3wjga4

According to Heather Sullivan, deputy director of public relations
for the Humane Society of the United States, horse owners
nationwide are limiting or foregoing basic horse care, including
veterinary and farrier services, thanks to overall cost-of-living
increases. As a result, veterinarians are finding ways to help
owners minimize costs without sacrificing basic care:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=12012
I asked the 'tame' vet about this one...I won't go into details about
his answer...

Lastly, I don't advertise often but with winter coming on now and
horses out and about, scratches, cuts, grazes bumps and bruises can
be a problem particularly if you don't spot them straight away. The
current wet weather in some parts might also see some Mud Fever
outbreaks too so get yourself a tub of H10 ointment.
We have a special this month where we're giving 2 for 1. Have a
look here, http://www.h-10.com.au/shopexd.asp?id=14 but don't just
take my word for it, there are some links there to lots of users
who have written of their great results with H10 ointment.
It's a must for your tack box or stable shelf.

Have a great week...don't forget the competition. We've had some
terrific entries so far.....

Some Great Articles This Week - Don't Miss Them

Terrible events in Burma that may be the worst since the S E Asia tsunami of a couple of years ago. I can only imagine what's it's like and a Burmese friend of mine hasn't heard from her relatives in a few days...very worrying. This isn't a charity site but if you can help then World Vision is helping there too:
http://www.worldvision.com.au/emergency/myanmarCyclone.asp?isource=64

Fibre in Hay - what's the magic amount? Christy West from The Horse, helps us:
http://tinyurl.com/5kkptd

Managing the Changing Needs of Older Horses
Time takes its toll in predictable ways, providing guidelines for managing the changing needs of older horses. This is a great article in Equisearch from Joanne Meszoly who wrote this after her experiences in WA:
http://tinyurl.com/4dqs72

Trimming Tips for Banded Manes by Patty Brumley. Try these tips for a tip-top mane trim.
http://tinyurl.com/6r3pg3

If you follow eventing, you'll know that there have been a spate of tragedies recently. Here are some discussions on proposed changes to make the sport safer from Nancy Jaffer and Practical Horseman.
http://tinyurl.com/4q4c5t

If you're taking your horse on a trip, then here's a great page of tips from The Horse for before, during, and after your trip to help your horses be safe, comfortable, and healthy.
http://tinyurl.com/3n24sk

We've had lots of interest in a CDROM we have on the site with the famous US horse trainer Jesse Beery's 'mail order horse training course' on it. Worth a look and not expensive either!
http://www.h-10.com.au/shopexd.asp?id=78

The wife is away for the weekend, the beer's in the fridge and the lads will be around later in the week. Who needs a shed?!!!
Hope you have a great weekend too!

Royal Easter Show Showjumping Cancelled

Hi there
Very sad news about Canberra Show horses being cancelled and this morning they cancelled the Royal Easter Show showjumping. Like me, you'll be disappointed and I just hope the remainder of the horses at Royal Easter will carry on. I get to give prizes there and I loved it this year seeing so many worthy winners. It will be a great shame if we can't all go.

What type of stall flooring is best for your horse? Dr. Joyce Harman outlines what works in this post courtesy of EquiSearch.com.http://tinyurl.com/2rqvda

Look, I rarely advertise very much but My Horse & Me, the very first horse riding video game to be officially licensed by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), will be available in stores for Wii, PC and Nintendo DS early in 2008!If you are interested, there's already a demo you can download here: http://tinyurl.com/3xbpeo

I'm quite sure that ALL our readers are generous souls but here's a timely reminder for all of us this Christmas...particularly in this difficult time.http://tinyurl.com/33nj2r

It's summer and of course we are all advised to slip, slop, slap but our horses can be prone to
sunburn as well. here's an article on causes http://tinyurl.com/2a9exa and prevention
http://tinyurl.com/2w97l6and finally, remedies http://tinyurl.com/39m2fq
All courtesy of Alphahorse.com.

Great gooming product bargains (at cost!!) and lots of other goodies at http://www.h-10.com.au/
Keep on shopping!!

H10 Blog - Santa Wants To Hear From You!!

Last year you might remember we gave you details of a 'Write toSanta' site. It was very popular and the feedback from kids and adults alike was really good. They all loved the 'Santa replies'!!The site will be up again this year to accept email letters from DEC 10th (not before though!) and it costs nothing! Every letter gets a reply from the great man himself. Here's the address: http://thereindeerbarn.com/ (there's no WWW inthe address.)

Christmas coming soon and most of us have been out of the saddle for a while and maybe we're a bit rusty? Try these Balimo exercises from a top sports physiologist. http://tinyurl.com/2tmqv7

Into Dressage? - here's view from a top competitor on the importance of Turnout for dressage horses http://tinyurl.com/2oafek

Your horse's homeopathic first aid kit. If you are a keen believer then this is just the thing for you. http://tinyurl.com/2ab2tv

Finally, if you haven't got your Horse Tips article from the H10 website then you should. Over 100 tips from an all Australian audience...no cost of course. Go to www.h-10.com.au/documents/horsehealthwellnesstips.pdf

Needless to say, our great AT COST sale continues - great Christmas gifts at http://www.h10.com.au/ Go on, have a look!

H10 Newsletter - Equine Flu etc

Just back from a visit to the UK - daughter and new grand-daughter are doing fine but I couldn't live there any more. It's nice to visit but it isn't Australia.......and besides, it's far too crowded and cold!!

I returned to read the EI news one month on so to speak. I've signed and sent on all the petitions sent to me and thanks to all of you who sent them. Seems that the racing industry is getting all the care and attention from our State Government. Now isn't that a surprise?! The rest of us wait in the wings for support and it could be quite a wait! EI has certainly decimated the whole equine market. For instance I know of retailers whose turnover has been hit hard. I haven't sold a unit of grooming product in 5 weeks!

At least the inquiry has started and already seems to have some firm direction as to where the whole sorry mess started. I'll follow it with some interest.
Time to remove the gloom for a while though.....

The London police are now using horse whispering techniques to soothe their charges after a hard day on the 'mean streets'! A vet commented "We hear a lot about these alternative therapies and I am afraid one gets a bit sceptical." http://tinyurl.com/2yl8zf

Dental problems in horses are often blamed for poor performance, but a recent study in Canada has found that floating the teeth of dressage horses appeared to have no effect on how they performed. http://tinyurl.com/2cw3fy

Here's a link to a video clip showing the training of a 4 year old quarterhorse - it's amusing and fascinating too!! Well worth a look. http://tinyurl.com/ysj3qk

Even horses who receive the best of care may develop the occasional skin problem. There's just no avoiding the host of bacteria, fungi, viruses and insects that can lead to lumps and bumps. This chart, however, may help you spot some of the most common equine skin troubles. Courtsey of Equus magazine. http://tinyurl.com/2qfhdo

Phew, that'll do for now. I feel another episode of jet lag coming on!! We have a new complimantary gift for you shortly....more news soon.