Fruitpicking and things.....!

Doing my best to finish this before I get hauled into the kitchen! The better half has raided the citrus trees and so it's juice, marmalade, chutney and jam time. Guess who gets roped in for the peeling etc!!
Horse-enthusiasts may be excited to learn that Atari have secured an exclusive worldwide license from the International Equestrian Federation and are now working on a game entitled My Horse and Me, a horseback riding and equestrian lifestyle video game or PC, Wii and Nintendo DS.http://tinyurl.com/2scxxs

Whilst we're on the subject of games, why not try Howrse, the most complete and powerful horses and ponies breeding game! Create your horses, breed them and make them the best! Take responsibilities and manage an equestrian center! By the way, best of all it costs nothing and is great fun!http://www.howrse.com/

There are some good horse mags out there that provide great info...better still when it costs nothing! here's one for you:http://www.equestrianmag.com/

and, while we're on the subject, the new issue of Australia's HorsePower mag is now available. here's a preview for you...and no, I don't get rewarded for the plug!!!http://www.horsepower.net.au/winter07.html

In time for the Spring and Summer we know is coming soon (I wish!!). When you're really serious about keeping flies OFF of your horse, fly sheets can protect him with new types of fabric and innovations that improve fit to help sheets stay put. A sheet may not safeguard every square inch of your horse--though some come close--but it can banish insects from large tracts of skin, enabling you to use fly repellent more selectively on what remains exposed. This courtesy of Equus Magazine:http://tinyurl.com/ysezqf

Now here's a statistic for you....A recent American Horse Council study finds that the horse show industry has a $28.8 billion effect on the U.S. Gross Domestic Product. Given that the USA has a population of 300 million and we have 21 million then in Australia we should be adding roughly $2 billion US or 2.35 billion Aus. That's a lot on money! It's a fascinating article too....http://tinyurl.com/282ydc

We've had great interest in the new 'Des Kirk teaches the Kel Jeffrey Horse training method' dvd. If you've ever 'started' a horse or are interested in it then you should have a look at this gentle horse starting method...all Australian of course!!! There's a clip for you to look at too (but not the same quality as the dvd of course!). http://tinyurl.com/38999a
Have a great weekend and enjoy the warmer weather. Next month it's the Royal Brisbane Show or EKKA! A great show for horses so if you can get there, then get there!!

Cold Horses & Warm Remedies

Can't believe the cold snap we're having. She who must be obeyed (the wife) has made me buy a new electric blanket with 2 controls since she likes the bed warmer on her side than I do!! I think the weather has made me forgetful too because the tame vet phoned me (on his brand new 3G mobile, paid for by the practice of course) from his holiday in sunny Cairns to remind me to do the competition results. Forgotten,what me?!
Have to say that we could do with some more monthly entries guys.....please!! The prizes are well worth it!!! Anyway, Nerida won this month with a very topical winter tip and, since I'm a fan of garlic (hadn't you noticed!!) I think it was a cracker and even the tame vet agreed, not that he could spend more then 2 minutes helping me judge this month....'too expensive on this phone' he whined. Yeh, right!

Here's Nerida's tip:
A few years ago my horse had a cold virus from travelling interstate. I called the vet in and for 2 weeks he was given antibiotics and the penicillin. Neither cleared it up and he was miserable....just like a human!! I went to see the natropath and she made up a mixture that she would give to humans. She made up a large bottle and said I should administer 10ml mixed with hot water, lemon juice, spoon of honey and lots of real garlic. The mixture stank a bit when added to food but he was hungry so ate it up. The virus cleared after 2 days and the vet was amazed at the results. If you can put up with the smell of the horse sweating garlic out then I suggest it to anyone. After that I have kept up garlic coming into winter. This beats the amount of mucus and also the thought of giving injections. Nerida gets a GREAT prize!!

Here are a few links from Equus this month - I'm sure you'll find them interesting:
Here are the vital statistics on the must-have vitamins that fuel a variety of your horse's body functions. Useful for the cold! http://tinyurl.com/2bwlam

What was thought to be a calm and peaceful day turned into a chaotic scene as a agistment owner welcomes his picky new boarders and their high-maintenance horses. Had to put this one in because I've always treated my horses as working animals...not pampered pets. Agree or disagree, you'll find this amusing!!!http://tinyurl.com/yoay3j

Evaluate and place these 3- and 4-year-old Quarter Horse geldings in your order of preference. Then see how your choices compare to the expert judges opinions.http://tinyurl.com/273jj8

The 'Des Kirk Shows Kel Jeffrey's Training Method' is now available. A great dvd showing this, probably the gentlest horse training you'll see!! It's at http://www.h10.com.au/ Just go to the dvd page - you'll see dvd's on the nav bar on the left.

ALSO...we've got a new dvd on Gymkhanas and all you need to know about them. This is a USA dvd but very comprehensive and suitable for riders, experienced or not AND clubs wanting to set up mounted games. The out-takes are good too and postage is included in the price!!! http://tinyurl.com/2csdv4
Keep warm won't you!

Newsletter and A Brand New DVD

Well - it's throwing it down here today and is likely to for the rest of the week. Wish I had a pipeline to west of the Great Divide and we could export the stuff!! It's so cold that we've had a veritable cross section of Australian native birds all sitting under the roof of our deck keeping dry. Can you believe there's not a fight, squabble or complaint from any of them!! Even the lorikeets are quiet!!

Map My Ride - is a new service that enables you to map your favourite rides - and it can be used for us horse riders too!! Imagine strapping the GPS to the saddle and hitting the 'random' button!! You could go anywhere on any ride you'd plugged in to the machine!!!
http://tinyurl.com/278gh8

Horse Sitter Checklist
If you plan to leave your horse in the hands of a sitter, you'll need to equip him or her to handle any situation that might come up, so you can enjoy your trip worry-free. Use this countdown checklist from Equisearch to make sure you remember every detail.
http://tinyurl.com/334qk2

NEWS...we have a new dvd on gymkhana riding available soon with hints on how to ride the games, follow the rules etc, etc.
At Last - we have the Des Kirk horse training dvd available. You can read the details and view a clip of the dvd here: http://tinyurl.com/2hqbs6
We think it's a great programme and shows Des, one of Australia's best horse trainers, at work with a trainee and an unbroken horse. His blend of expertise and knowledge is second to non and his use of the gentle Kel Jeffrey method is superb. The programme is at a price that won't break the bank either!!
http://tinyurl.com/278gh8

We Sponsor Ivery Park - and we're proud of it!!

Jackie Long of Ivery PArk stud is one of the leading ASH breeders and competitors in Australia. We support them and their horses - they always look splendid because they're groomed with H10 products!! Here's a picture of their two beautiful stallions and if you need to call on their services then you have all the details!!!

Jesse Beery Horse Training Video

We got a new package recently that tunrs Screen presentations into videos so we thought we'd tell you about Jesse Beery - the famous US horse trainer.
We made this video...have a look and if you've any comments we'd be glad to hear them!!

H10 Horselovers Blog - Weird Week Articles!!

Hi there,
What a weird week - we were just on the edge of the east coast weather system and so got rain but no real storms. Now it's threatening all over again this week. Keep the fingers crossed!!Our thanks to Equus for some of these articles.

Here's a great little article on preparing for the Show....anyshow! http://tinyurl.com/23wjh9

Trail riding is an important recreation...it's also a great holiday activity AND provides an income to many. Here are a few timely tips for creating a trail riding survival kit. http://tinyurl.com/35wdgd

Thrush, a fungal disease, can be a real problem in your horse's feet...and elsewhere too. Here are some good vet tips for you.http://tinyurl.com/3a3nvc We'd also suggest that if your horse gets thrush (frogs, mud fever,rain scald) you might try H10 ointment or H10 spray if a larger area is involved. http://tinyurl.com/2gb8zr

Some of you might have Arab horses so here's a short guide from a keen Arabian owner 'blogger' on how to clip Arab feet for the show circuit.http://tinyurl.com/yoawa5

Mounted police DO have different training techniques for their horses. You might not be able to get along to this demo but you can read a little more about their methods here:http://tinyurl.com/36usjs

As a SPECIAL offer this week, we have reduced the series of John Pinnell horse training dvds to half price! Yes, that's 50% off AND with free shipping. Here's the link for youhttp://tinyurl.com/lr43x and remember, you don't have to give us your credit card details on line - just fill in the online order form and we'll contact you if you'd prefer. By the way, we still have 50% off Elegance Blue shampoo but the stocks are going fast. Get your hands on a great bargain!

Heza Star - Ivery Park Stud Champion ASH

Here's a great picture of Heza Star - one of Jackie Long's Champion stallions from Ivery Park Stud. Heza Star took out the High Point Horse of the Show sponsored by RM Williams and Denis Jackson Saddler award at the recent ASH Nationals.

This beautiful animal is of course groomed with H10 grooming products and I have to admit that they make a superb horse like this, look even better....don't you agree!!!

H10 Blog Post for June 4th 2007

There's no doubt that winter's arrived in a rush and we've even had a touch of frost here on the coast. At least I won't have to mow the lawns for a while!!

Here's a story about Scrooge the police horse who retires after 16 years as a police mount. Hope he'll get a generous state pension because he'll have earned it! http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2007/05/091.shtml

A French study over the last four years has identified nine simple tests on young horses to assess their temperament in later life.Could be useful?! Have a look: http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2007/01/021.shtml

If you fancy horse training with Capt. Mark Phillips, ex husband of HRH Princess Anne and now Chef D'Equipe for the US 3 day event team then here's your chance. Price is a bit steep though. Even so, you get a private dinner with him complete with bagpiper (that's a matter of taste I suppose). I met HRH Anne once at Badminton (a big 3 day event in the UK). We bumped into each other in a saddlery tent and I have to say in the flesh she was quite something....then the 'minders' stepped in so I didn't have a chance to get her phone number! Pity. http://tinyurl.com/yv4lds
Should a horseowner be concerned when her gelding mounts her mare? Read for yourself: http://tinyurl.com/32uzfu

H10 Horselovers Newsletter Blog

So it's winter - nearly and it's 22C here today on the Mid North Coast!! Last night we had a power cut right in the middle of the evening. Must admit, candles have their very own romance...for about twenty minutes!! Dry as a bone here again but at least our farmers out west have something to smile about...long may that continue! Very 'eclectic' or mixed bag of goodies for you this week. By the way, we've had very few entries to our monthly competition. Don't you want to win a great prize??? Go to http://www.h10.com.au/ and fill in the competition page!
For those of you who always wanted to be cowgirls, here's a nice site to view: http://www.cowgirls.com/
I read a great article on teaching your horse to do simple tricks and it could be great fun for you AND your horse: http://www.equestrianmag.com/news/trick-horse-training-dvd-fletcher-4-07.html
Did you know that horses can recognise and behave in differential ways to males and females. Fascinating! http://www.janesanders.com/gendersmart/2007/05/horse-human-connection-gender.html
Now I didn't realise that the horse racing industry in the UK needs one but they've appointed the first chaplain to the industry. read about that here: http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/324971419281883.php
Finally, did you know that your horse can be a great weathergauge?? Read this revelation here: http://equisearch.com/humor/weathergauge_020707

If any of you have an interest in the history of Australian horse trainers, we have a great 20 minute DVD, very reasonably priced, bythe late, great Kel Jeffrey, one of Australia's greatest horse trainers. This dvd shows Kel's method as demonstrated by the man himself and is a great introduction into this gentle horse training method. There's a clip on the H10 web site for you to view too sogo to http://www.h10.com.au/ and go to the dvd page and have a look!

ASH Nationals

Spent the last few days at the ASH Nationals in Camden about 60klms south of Sydney. Had a wonderful time with some great people andsome of the nicest natured horses I've ever been around...same for the people too! The event was huge and shows how the ASH fraternity is growing...they even have a branch in the US now!! We were very happy to sponsor some of the events and the overall level of competition was very high. We'll be back!!
This week we've gone for some good, useful articles for you. Here's a guide and a downloadable file on preventing laminitis :http://tinyurl.com/2mzzlb
I'm not a 3 day event fan but there are some lovely all action event pictures here: http://tinyurl.com/2zhegp
It's tough when your horse passes on...grief can be devastating if you don't know how to handle it. Here are some resources:http://tinyurl.com/2m9eol
Finally, here's a story about what happens when your horse gets back problems: http://tinyurl.com/346rb9
All our articles this week are courtesy of Equisearch..thanks to them!
Nearly forgot - We have 4 copies of 'Chicken Soup For The HorseLovers Soul' available. Just arrived at http://www.h10.com.au/

Latest Horse News From H10

Visited Northern NSW for a spell over the weekend. Lovely country and the Borders National Park was spectacular. Picked up a tick too which didn't show it's fangs until yesterday and wife (ex nurse) had great delight on extricating it (painfully). Yuk!

Lots of good articles for you to look at this week and here's one about horses getting fat...and the problems associated with that. It's hard enough for us to try and keep slim so here's another dose!!

Showmanship isn't necessarilly the art of the Show Horse but the art of making your horse look it's absolute best to anyone around...including any judges. Here's a great article that explains and 'shows'

Selecting the best fitting bit for your horse should be something we really care about...after all, how would you feel wearing a steel denture like Jaws in the James Bond films?! Here's a good article from a Western expert that tells all:

Now, here's a question. Do you know the age of the oldest horse in the world? Click on this link and be surprised. I certainly was and I even told the tame vet about it. He doesn't believe it of course!

It was the great Kentucky Derby at the weekend I believe, one of America's biggest races. here's the story of how some enterprising horse lovers trained their one-eyed colt to run in the great race!!

I had to put this in...the do's and don'ts of grooming a horse. We all have our own styles so have a look and see what you might learn.

Finally, we have another 5 copies of 'Chicken Soup For The Horse Lovers Soul' now in stock. Our book wholesaler took pity and sent us their entire stock!!! They say it'll be months before more arrive so if you'd like one, perhaps as a belated Mothers Day present, then jump to and click on the books category in the left margin. http://www.h10.com.au

I'll be at the ASH Nationals next week where we are sponsoring some events. Sounds like it will be a great show so if you're there come and say hello. I will probably be the guy in the battered blue Akubra and the H10 shirt!!

Avoiding Laminitis

Equus has produced a great 10 point guide to avoiding this horrendous hoof disease in horses. It's in the latest edition for April...
If feeding concentrates:
1). Match the horse's diet to his energy needs. Feed only as much high energy concentrate as required.
2). If extra energy is required or the horse is losing weight feed oats or a low-starch commercial mix fortified with a couple of cups of veggie oil.
3). If you correct his diet, do so gradually so as to reduce any chances of digestive distress.
4). Prevent bingeing by keeping feeds secure and out of the way. Horse proof feed bins are ideal.

Grazing:
5). Limits access to lush grass. Limit any grazing with newly turned-out horses to 15 minutes a day and gradually build up to the desired turn out over the next few weeks. If you have a laminitis susceptible horse or one that has already suffered, consider muzzling him if you turn him out on lush grass.
6). Offer quality grass hay that has been tested for starch & sugar. Avoid clover and alfalfa for susceptible horses.

Health Care:
7). Prevent systemic illness through regular worming, vaccinations and good general health maintenance.

Hooves:
8). Have hooves trimmed regularly.
9). If you have a lame horse then support his opposite good foot as well as his problem foot to reduce the chance of mechanical laminitis.
10). Avoid long gallops over very hard ground which can subject hooves to excessive and damaging concussion.
(courtesy of Equus April 2007)

Cat Catches Bus To Fish 'n Chip Shop

Yes I KNOW that this has got nothing to do with horses but.....
An English cat has spent the past three months jumping on a bus and riding it two stops down the road before leaping off near a fish and chip shop. The cat, which jumps on the no 331 service in Wolverhampton, has stunned bus drivers who have since nicknamed it Macavity after the secret cat in a T.S. Eliot poem.
Driver Bill Khunkhun, 49, said Macavity caught the bus three times a week and always got on and off at the same spot along the busy route.
....you see, I used to live in Wolverhampton and I used that bus route too. Can't say I remember the Fish 'n Chip shop though. As for the cat, I suspect HE might have a very valid reason for his actions?!

Sydney Royal Easter Show Successes

I don't like to boast....well actually I do!
Our two sponsored riders did extremely well at the Show.
Jackie Long took out Reserve Champion Saddlehorse Champion and best junior Australian Saddlehorse.

Kim Durante took out Australian National Champion and Reserve Champion Hack winning both the Mackay Memorial and Maclean Prizes.

All their horses of course were prepared with H10 grooming products.

It pays to back the best, and to use the best!!!

Royal Easter Horse Show

Just got back from the Sydney Royal Easter Show on Sunday. We'd spent 4 days down there supporting the ASH horse competitions and my grateful thanks go to Jackie Long and her great team for putting up with me! They treated me very well!
The show of course is huge and supposed to bring the country and the city together and I suppose in some ways it does....there's a definite city side and country side to the show though!! The main arena was packed for the motorbike morons, ladies shot from cannons, crazed Ute drivers and stunt men riding motorbikes inside what looked like a small round steel cage, (One fell off and carnage ensued. Not Nice!). When they'd all finished, the arena emptied to the country people watching the various horse competitions....see what I mean about city and country?

Whilst there I looked at other things too and I was amazed at the skill of the cutting horses and their riders...terrific control and 100% concentration from the horses! Kim Durante won Champion Hack at the show for at least the second year running....her horse looking great courtesy of H10 of course but Kim doing a wonderful job to win the Top Show Horse accolade.

I had the pleasure of presenting some awards to ASH competition winners and I have to say that the Show Stewards were superb in their hospitality and friendliness. They do a sometimes difficult job, admirably! Looking around that huge arena I thought how nervous I would have been competiting but I thought that most of the competitions I saw were professional and a credit to horsemanship.

AND, I didn't get to sample a Dagwood Dog, or even a plate of chips but I did buy the required showbags otherwise my welcome home wouldn't have been quite so enthusiastic! I'll have another newsletter at the end of this week with lots of links to interesting 'horsey' articles.

By the way, after some delay we've 3 copies of 'Chicken Soup For The Horse Lovers Soul' in stock. This terrific book is VERY difficult to get hold of in Australia and we're selling them at $25 - the shop price is $32.95 so there's a decent discount and they are brand new. Get one whilst you can, they make great presents! Go to www.h10.com.au. for the details and a description.

New Horse Blog - Horse IQ

Here's a new blog entitled Horse IQ. Different! They're offering a free Horse Health report too!!
Have a look....

My Pride & Joy

Well, not mine exactly! I talk often with Des Miller of HRCAV in Vic and she's just sent me pics of her beautiful horse.

"Here are some pics of JAYAY LET’S PARTY (Pru) – your ‘share horse’. She is 3yrs and 4 months, and is 70% TB, 20% WB amd 10% Arab – a true performance type. These pics were taken at the WB Gala. She unfortunately was the only one in her class (Filly 3yrs), but got great feedback from the German Judge. He said she was very beautiful, had a great head and neck set, a good strong topline, very good body for her age and a very good walk.
She won the BEST PRESENTED HORSE trophy, and I must say I am thrilled – considering there were over 60 horses. Makes all the hard work and scrubbing worthwhile. Maybe it was the H-10 Shampoo I washed her with!"

Our comment? Lovely horse and great grooming work made better with H10 grooming products!

Spoken Intro To The H10 Blog!!!

Yes...magic isn't it?!!
Apart from clicking on the right hand side to get our intro, you can also click here

Heard the One ABout The Old Woman Who Swallowed A Fly.....?

Well, here's the real thing. Not only did she swallow a fly, she went on to swallow a horse taking a diversion on the way to swallow a goat as well!!....not in the lyrics of the song but perhaps she was attracted in some way!

To quote the obvious from the article:
Critics stated that this litany of neglect was a damning indictment of Lewisham’s Social Services Department. ‘At each stage, Mrs Teasdale should have been given appropriate mental and medical attention, instead she was just left to continue swallowing these animals under the tragic misapprehension that each would somehow catch the last one – when it is clear that her plan was seriously flawed on several fronts. Who knows how many other old ladies there are swallowing large domesticated animals?’

Read the whole text here

A Slant On Horse Training.....

Here's a slant on horsetraining that you'll find interesting reading. You know, I wish there was more Australian material I could refer to but there ain't!!!
Anyway, I know people who will agree or disagree with this article and also with my comments. Personally I agree that training 'out' the bad habits that have been trained 'into' a horse is very difficult. Again, I liken it to humans (although a horse is generally intellectually a non-starter here) in that you have to have a realisation that something is wrong before you can get it fixed. There are some horses that come to that realisation quickly and are easy to fix. In my experience that's a real minority and so the process can be long, frustrating and may involve some pretty hard lessons. It's strange but we often use the phrase 'no pain, no gain' don't we when we set oursleves some physical goals and yet apply that phrase to a horse and you'll get the 'cruelty' accusation thrown at you!!! Perhaps it's all to do with voluntary and involuntary....but if a horse doesn't 'want' to be retrained then what do you do?

Enough banter from me, here's the article