Last Blog Entry For 2008

Well, this will be the last newsletter this year becasue we're off for a break and so we wish you all a very happy, peaceful and safe Christmas.

I managed to find something new and I know it's nothing to do with horses but it's a ...pre-Christmas diet. You can download it here and it has lots of fruit in it which is good for us all at this time of year. As I see it, it's better to shed the kilos now and then you don't feel so guilty when you regain your original weight.(but please note that if you take this up it has to be at
your own risk.)

My friend Patricia watched the horse cantering backwards clip in the last newsletter and sent this one in of her own. Camels really can do Dressage. Have a look

A horse loving ranch owner in texas discovered oil on his ranch recently and so decided to add to his income by sinking a few wells and pumping it out. Imagine his feelings when, one night, he
decided to visit the wells in the middle of a storm to check they were ok.....and found this.

Here's a YouTube clip from champion US groom Laurie Pitts. It shows how she prepares a horse for an event. There's lots of great grooming tips here.

The Australian Bicentennial National Trail (BNT) is a 5,330 kilometre self-reliant multi-use route through bush, wilderness and mountain areas. It is suitable for horse riders, walkers and
mountain bike riders. The Trail winds through some of the most magnificent terrain in Australia; unsurpassed views, wilderness valleys and the excitement of the pioneering spirit will keep you
enthralled as you travel along the Trail or any section of it.

Here's the perfect Christmas gift for a horse lover. It comes with a 500 dollar shipping allowance. Curious? So was I, so I had a look.

We still have the great offers on H10 ointment and Elegance Red shampoo but we are closing the shop for christmas at 5pm on Friday so be quick!

Watch A Horse Cantering Backwards!

We're off for a break in December so there'll be no newsletters in December and all of you will no doubt be flat out preparing for the festive season to come - that's more than enough to be getting along with. We're also revamping the web site and moving our secure credit card payments system solely through Paypal. Why? Because the bank has raised the cost of processing CCs to a level we can't sustain. As far as all our buyers are concerned though, you'll notice very little change and of course the system is 100% secure.

One thing I'll miss, I help a world wide team write Santa letters to kids all over the world who write in with their Chritmas messages to the old man and I can't do it this year. It's a no cost service and believe me, the kids love it! You can access it for them too. Now the site won't open until around Dec 10th but I thought I'd give you the web address now since I won't be around then and so that you can be first in.

What was the first form of public transport used across urban Australia? Yes, you guessed it...here's a video of the first horse trams - it's episode 38
Caution - big file so only try to watch if you have ADSL or cable

Ever seen a horse cantering backwards? No?, well neither had I until Sue sent in this YouTube video. Amazing.

Rider to Rider: Riding While Pregnant. In the November 2008 Rider to Rider column, Practical Horseman readers shared their thoughts about riding while pregnant. Read more letters here.

There are 3 Horse Health newsletters this week and all are on important topics. There's nutrition, respiratory disease and deworming strategies

Here's a very sad story that's becoming all too common in the US and let's hope that it doesn't translate to us here in 'Oz. What happens when you can't afford to take care of your horse any longer?

A farrier with 40 years experience in his trade is writing a book to pass on his advice on keeping safe around horses to younger generations. Though not finished yet, it'll be a book well worth reading

You have just 10 days before we close the 2 for 1 offer on Elegance Red shampoo and H10 ointment. Worth a look.

Have a great week.

Geoff

New Horse TV Now Available

6 weeks to Christmas. Frightening isn't it. We've already had some cards arrive - some with snow scenes look ridiculous when I look out of the window and watch the sun and the blue sky. I have some friends originally from the UK who turn up the aircon fullblast on the 'great day' to try and recapture some of the 'old UK atmosphere'. We were invited to their festivities once but I inadvisedly told them that I thought the whole thing was crazy and I've never been invited back. I wonder
why....

Here's some info that could help you trailblazers out there. Master trail class lope-overs by learning how to gauge your horse's stride length with this private lesson from Charlie Cole.


Discover how Horse & Rider staffers' horses "type out" on the Parelli Horsenality Profile. Now I have to admit that I'm not an avid follower of this type of personality profiling of a horse. So I'm a bit old school I guess but my methods have always worked well for me. However, I'm not one for denying other methods so have a look:


The Horse Health newsletter is a good one this week with some relevant topics for us all.


The holidays are upon us and it is time to start thinking about what you want to get for the horse lover in your life. This kind person did some research and came up with some of the best gifts she could find online to help get you started. She's even separated them into 4 sections, the essentials, fun stuff, horse gifts for the kid in all of us and something for the guys. OK so it's mainly US stuff but you'll get some great ideas here.


The economic downturn is hitting Britain's paddocks as well as our own. Charities say they are getting more calls than ever from owners who can no longer afford to keep their horses. The Horse Trust says it has received 640 requests to retire animals in the past month - four times the usual amount. Read this BBC article:


I didn't believe it until I saw it. Horsegirl TV takes the classic world of horses and plugs it into the wired generation. Tune in, tack up...their words not mine. Have a look:


Our H10 ointment offer ( 2 for 1) is still on at www.h10.com.au. It's worth a visit.

Have a great week.

How To Learn From Horse Wrecks

Well - we watched the race that stops a nation at the local RSL. Great race but the only winners were the bookies who must have made a killing. She who must be obeyed won the fourth prize in the sweep and bought me a beer....made my day.
As I write history is being made in the USA and not before time. The last few months have been horrendous and the last year another true 'annus horribilis' as the Queen might put it. It can only get better.

This is the first edition of the Horse Nutrition electronic newsletter - worth a look with an article on feeding to lessen inflammation

Learning from Horse Wrecks - Sometimes a wreck or near-wreck can offer insight for better (and safer) horsemanship. Horse experts tell of their experiences.

Horse Training Success. Horse problems? - Here's a blog about the great and the silly of horse training from Phil Tragear with lots of contributions from ordinary horse lovers like you and I. Good reading too.

The Essentials of Parasite Control - from Equisearch. Here's how to maximize your horse's deworming program.

Here eventing trainer Brian Sabo teaches you three basic cross-country riding positions - classic,rebalancing and jumping.

Don't know how many of you use Wiki - the online encylopaedia but they now have a 'How To' wiki as well with a wealth of info on all things horsey.

Top tips here for all 'showies' from our sister company in the UK.

By the way, we won out Dragon Boat final in Grafton - gold medals all round (ok so they were plastic but they felt good).

We've still got a 'buy one get one free' offer on H10 ointment which should be an essential in any horse lovers tack box but don't just take my word for it. See what others think and then have a look.

Have a great week

How To Vacuum A Horse - Really!!

Hi there,

The Jacaranda festival is on in Grafton later this week and me and the rest of the Dragons will be battling 29 other teams in the Dragon Boat Races - might have some pics for you next time. Weather looks set for warm so it should be a great day. Jacarandas herald the start of the summer but my miserable Jacaranda effort in the front yard isn't heralding anything other than a eviction order.

Those of you who haven't signed up for Patricia Reszetylo Parade of Breeds audio series should have a look. The Virtual Parade of Breeds is a free teleconference/webinar that you can join, view and listen to for free. Attendees are able to watch and listen to the show online, and it will replay if you aren't able to attend the live event. The full programme is here and covers a multitude of horse breeds with expert coverage. Well worth a look.


Something caught my eye from Equisearch. I rarely ever advertise products but this is something taking the US by storm and I don't know if it's available in Aus yet. Here's some blurb: 'Known by the trade name of ProMotion EQ… it’s a powerful combination of micronutrients designed to have a positive impact on your horses mobility and quality of life… especially in their senior years. The healing and protective effects of the ingredients in ProMotion EQ are well documented. More than 150 research presentations, publications and abstracts have reported on the health benefits of its key ingredients'. Here's the link if you want to have alook - and I have no tie-up with these people whatsoever.

Here's The Horse healthcare latest newsletter

Here's How To Do a One-Rein Stop - with Clinton Anderson.


Purdue University in the US has a short 4 pager on Horse health. Could be useful for anyone including learners.

Karen Armstrong from North Yorkshire has discovered a new way of combining housework with grooming her horse. This short video on the BBC web site is amazing...a horse based carpet shampooer. Brilliant.

We still have great offer on Eleganve Red Shampoo and H10 ointment. See them here

Have a great week.
Geoff

Forget the financial crisis - read this!

Phew - all this financial mayhem is depressing isn't it? I'm a simple guy and can't understand why the fiscal immorality of some has such an disastrous effect on the savings of ordinary people like us.

Anyway, it's great to see local shows back on the calendar including the horse events at last. We're all a bit depressed here though, we've very reluctantly had to pull out of sponsorship of the Royal Easter Show next year. The EI epidemic flattened our grooming products business so much that we just can't afford it. I'm sure that we'll be back there in 2010 though.

Have a look at this - my friend Patricia Reszetylo has developed a virtual 'Parade Of Breeds' at her web site and they're looking at the world of the American Drum Horse. Now I'd not heard of this breed but I'm going to have a good look. You can too here

Houdini Horses that can escape from just anywhere. It will give you a laugh and perhaps remind you of some of your experiences?

Did you know that horses and rabbits share an important feature? Both can see almost as well backwards as forwards. All this from a blog about Jesse Beery a famous US horse trainer from the turn of the 19th century. You can read about some of his methods here but we can save you heaps on the Jesse Beery course rather than buying there so have a look here

Here's a good clininc - EquiSearch's Ask the Vet: Diagnosing Lameness

Jodi has proudly told us of her new horse - I don't normally advertise like this but a purebred Pecheron is a rare breed in Australia. He is "Kamilaroi Gendarme" by Lasswade Olum out of Kamilaroi Xeres and he carries the bloodlines of the French import "Hermes". He is 8 months old and although currently black he is likely to go a dark grey. He will be standing at stud to selected TB mares and registered Percheron Warmbloods or Purebred Percherons in the 2010 season with a view to breeding quality Hunter/Eventer types. You may like to know that the following horses have Percheron Blood Peppermint Grove - Gillian Rolton, Charisma - Mark Todd, & Merlins Masterpiece (originally registered Kamilaroi Talisman)

Any enquiries can be directed to the website

Horses offer women a reprieve - Despite financial and emotional commitment, women's interest in horses is increasing. Nice article

Are North American mustangs similar to our Brumbies? This Horse Trainers article showcases the value of Mustangs

In your tack box you may have yellow ointment, purple ointment, green ointment or whatever but you'll never get a better treatment for scratches, cuts, bruises and grazes than H10 ointment. If you don't believe me than have a look at what other users have said then you can have 2 for 1 here

It's our wedding anniversary on Thursday - 38 years. Better not forget eh?
Have a great week.

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.

How A Horse Helped A Man With Autism

Just been looking at the master plan for the development of our area here on the Mid North Coast. You know, if you don't go and look for these things, no-one will tell you about them and then one day you'll find the bulldozers at the back fence. Beware. This time they'll be building on a marshland. Good luck if you buy one.

Here's a great riding lesson courtesy of Equisearch and the USA's Al Dunning
http://tinyurl.com/4yzoxq

Use these simple checks to evaluate and monitor the state of your horse's vital stimuli and responses.
http://tinyurl.com/4l49ob

Here's a lovely story of how a horse helped a man with autism
http://tinyurl.com/4knkcq

Here's an article for those of us that love to watch Dressage...but don't quite understand what we are seeing sometimes.
http://tinyurl.com/3nk6ba

'If Your Horse Could Talk' has been educating horse owners to a more natural approach to their horses since 1999. Here you can listen to some audio to introduce the concept. No charge of course but scroll down the page to get the full listing
http://tinyurl.com/48aegl

Grooming Jetter - A Horse Story About a Stallion. By Mary Smith-Dinsmore. Nice read too.
http://tinyurl.com/3qw6qc

Horse Rescued From Ravine After Falling 40 Feet - thanks goodness for firefighters and SES.
http://tinyurl.com/4y4r5x

Here's the latest edition of The Horse health newsletter.
http://tinyurl.com/445rp8

Let Emil Spadone on show you how to ride Oxers and Spread Fences. A You Tube video.
http://tinyurl.com/4kkljl

Thunderstorms here this week - makes a great light show especially when the power goes off!!

Have a good week.

Your Horse & Your Personal Space

I'm a little earlier this week because the rellies are here and I'm on taxi and sightseeing duty. Lovely to see Spring arrive though AND a new Liberal leader both at the same time. What joy!Have you been watching the Paralympics wheelchair rugby? Aus is in the final tonight versus you-know-who (The USA) Time for a gold at last I think.

Here's a great clinic from Clinton Anderson on How To Teach Your Horse To Respect Your Personal Space. My horse was always invading my space. She was just being friendly but you have to let them know who's boss or you'll just get sat on.
http://tinyurl.com/674f3e

Horseshoes are expensive. What keeps horseshoes on, what makes them lose their grip and how to ensure that your horse's footwear stays where it belongs.
http://tinyurl.com/5jfdq3

I've never been to the Western Horseman site before but here's a good article from them. From the moment you enter the corral or pasture, you’re sending your horse messages. Set the tone for a successful training session with clinician Tammy Pate’s advice on catching your horse. Nice.
http://tinyurl.com/574olk

We had mixed results in the Paralympic Equestrian comps - 2 bronze medals I think but we're sure to be building a great future base with such a mix of experience and debutantes.

Horse Care - Boots Vs. Bandages? Lydia Kelly gives us her view.
http://tinyurl.com/6avw2w

Prosthetic limb offers a new life to injured horse - and yes, it's really true. http://tinyurl.com/5bjakg

Practice like you mean it - Simulate competition at home to improve your nerves and your horse’s reactions.
http://tinyurl.com/6o32rj

I've still one copy of the Braiding Manes & Tails book. Someone please buy it?
www.h10.com.au

Here's a view on Aus from Andy Curry, a well known US horse trainer: "Being American, I'm out of the loop when it comes to knowing various things about countries outside the U.S. Take Kangaroos for instance. You probably already know this, but when the explorers asked the natives what that animal was, they replied... Kangaroo' so the explorers were telling everyone else, 'Hey...that's a kangaroo.' Before long, everyone thought the animal was called a Kangaroo. Trouble is, Kangaroo means 'I don't understand.' In other words, when the natives were asked what the name of that animal is they were saying 'I don't understand what you're asking me'.
True or not? What's it got to do with horses? Search me!

Aus team doing well at the Paralympics but no medals as yet - the Brits got all of them. Plenty of time left though.

What are 'Thumps In Horses' - well, there best described in human terms as hiccups. Does your horse get them?
http://www.practicalhorsekeeping.com/Thumps.html

If you're training youngsters, then this could be very useful for you. A healthy horse check list.
http://horseguardians.com/blog/?p=44

Again, I've emphasised that horses are big and not always friendly- like some people are in the morning! Here are some Safety Rules for Kids Around Horses.
http://tinyurl.com/5em3un

Do your homework before you sell so that you'll know what's a fair price for your foals. Evaluating your foals by Tom Reed.
http://tinyurl.com/64bnqr

I always thought that giving my horse dewormer was just that. Then I read this. Um.
'How To Give Horse Dewormer'
http://www.practicalhorsekeeping.com/HorseDewormer.html

Here's this week's edition of The Horse newsletter with the ongoing debate about joint injections and cartilage health.
http://www.thehorse.com/enews/992008.html

We've just ONE copy of 'Braiding Manes and Tails' by Charni Lewis. It's at the usual 20% H10 discount and it's lonely, needing a good home. Please don't disappoint it.
http://www.h-10.com.au/shopexd.asp?id=96

Have a great week - it's getting warmer thank goodness.Geoff

Australian Equestrians At The Paralympics

I've a good friend who plays 'Murder Ball', otherwise known as wheelchair rugby, for Australia and of course he's now in Beijing for the 2008 Paralympic Games. I've just sent him some emails and also noticed that Aus has sent a 5 strong Equestrian Team too. The five riders selected are: Grace Bowman (Moonta, SA), Georgia Bruce (Kuranda, QLD), Sharon Jarvis (Donnybrook, WA), Nicole Kullen (Rock Forest, NSW) and Jan Pike (Winston Hills, NSW).
I'll keep this newsletter updated with their acheivements and you can follow their progress:
http://tinyurl.com/6zojgb

The always useful latest edition of The Horse newsletter is http://tinyurl.com/6prfj2

Here's a Personal Blog with a list of 33 useful things about horses, some of which I didn't know about either. I can heartily agree with this fact though "It is not wise to argue with something that outweighs you by 1,000 pounds" http://tinyurl.com/6kzacs

For Girls Only: Tail Care for Mares. Mares have some specific tail-cleaning needs. Get pro-level advice http://tinyurl.com/6rmttd

EquiSearch's Ask the Vet: Horse Welts
Dr. Joyce Harman offers several causes and remedies for welts and hives in this Ask the Vet column on EquiSearch.com. This is particulary relevant with Spring now here and the warmer weather on the way. http://tinyurl.com/6x2wwm

If you've youngsters who are mad about horses then this computer game Let's Ride - Silver Buckle Stables may be just what you, and they, need with school holidays not far away. Create the horse of your dreams from hundreds of combinations - Choose their coats, manes, saddles, bridles, blankets and more then head to the practice corral to prepare you and your horse, then head to the big barrel racing competition to compete in 13 events. http://tinyurl.com/6pnnf2

Finally - we still have a great offer on Elegance Red Shampoo for you.... and your horses. Buy 1 litre and get a 500 ml for no extra charge. A great shampoo and great value too.
http://tinyurl.com/6hvmsx

Now off to plant veggie seeds and pray the warm weather continues.
Have a great week
Geoff

Latest On EI In Australia

I just got this from Jodi on the EI epidemic and an upcoming important meeting you may want to know about:

AHIC is concerned about comments reported today from Minister Ian McDonald in NSW in support of compulsory vaccination for competition horses.
There is to be a national summit in Sydney on 25 September to discuss future options for Equine Influenza management in Australia. The Minister's comments (if accurate) seem premature, given that the summit has not yet taken place. AHIC surveys and other feedback clearly indicate that the majority of participants in the Australian horse industry, including the racing sector, do not favour ongoing vaccination against Equine Influenza.
EI has been eradicated from Australia by the very successful emergency response to the August 2007 incursion.
You can express your views directly to Minister McDonald at macdonald.office@macdonald.minister.nsw.gov.au

Thanks Jodi

My friend Roger Bourdon has some excellent tips on his blog for hoof care and also for looking after an older horse. HERE

US Asthorities are considering slaughtering thousands of wild horses - it's a budget issue as much as anything else they say. Can't say that I agree with this but have a look for yourself HERE.

Here's a very sensible blog with all sorts of useful info on Practical Horse Care and Horse First Aid. Worth a read. HERE

'Should We Send Our Horses To Slaughter? Why? Well, a 2007 estimate by the American Association of Equine Practitioners showed that there are about 170,000 documented unwanted horses in the U.S. each year'. The great American debate goes on but this article is sensible reading for anyone with a horse HERE .

What's Your Horse's Favorite Flavour? Researchers set out to identify which flavors horses like best. Courtesy of Equisearch. HERE

Quarantine lifted on Brisbane's 'Hendra' clinic. The latest in this disturbing story HERE.

Some good news though. You can now buy at the H10 web site and pay with a cheque, Money Order or Bank Deposit. To celebrate we're giving away a 500 ml bottle of Elegance Red Label Shampoo with every purchase of a 1 Litre size bottle.
Go over and have a look HERE.

It's getting warmer at last. Have a great week.

Geoff

How To Get Corporate Sponsorship

Hi there,
Just one message in the newsletter this week but it's one close to my heart and one everybody should listen to if they can.

Sponsorship is important to the horse industry at all levels from top to bottom. It's how the industry 'gets along' and yet most of us know precious little about requesting sponsorship and going about it in a way that will give us the best results possible.

My good friend Patricia Reszetylo has produced a broadcast interviewing real expert Linda Hollander on getting sponsorship, and she's been kind enough to make it available to us...but for one week only. So, get your skates on and listen to the broadcast and also download the work book that goes with it so that you can make notes and get yourself in shape for future sponsorship requests. Believe me, what Linda doesn't know about getting sponsorship isn't worth knowing.

Here's the link so that you can download the workbook http://www.h10.com.au/documents/sponsors.pdf

And here's the link for the broadcast - don't miss it!!
CLICK HERE
Have a great week

Olympic Magic For Australia

Hi there,
Well is was quite a night and I really thought we had a great chance of beating the Germans but just fell short. Still, the silver must have made up for the medal drought over the past 8 years and when you consider the EI problems etc, it was a great effort. I finally clamboured into bed at an unmentionable hour to be greeted by displeased grunts from 'she who must be obeyed' but it was worth it.

Here's the latest The Horse newsletter for you - with lots of news and some articles on new drug testing techniques.
www.thehorse.com/enews/8122008.html

I found a news Team and Rider newsletter that's full of great tips and training techniques. Well worth a look - no cost of course.
tinyurl.com/5dtckn

For you dressage fans, here's an article from Equisearch and Sally O'Connor - Developing Flying Changes with Counter Canter
tinyurl.com/6xdj6q

Atari has produced an equestrian game to test the knowledge and training techniques of players. The game, for Nintendo DS, is called Equestrian Training, and offers horse and riding fans the chance to learn about the equestrian world and test their knowledge through various exercises and exams. Could be a great training aid for kids and I'll get more details and offer it on the site if I can.
tinyurl.com/6yzswh

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy: Healing Therapy or Just Hype? You be the judge
tinyurl.com/5f9adz

Here's a good article on Navicular Disease and your horse. If you haven't come across it, it's a prime cause of horse lameness and 100% attributable to treatment by owners.
tinyurl.com/6579oj

We've got some great horse books available - the braiding techniques book is almost gone so get in there fast!
tinyurl.com/6kqemq

Finally, for those of you who have asked, I am trying to negotiate for you to source supplies of H10 Gloss with the UK. Should have news soon and sorry for the delay.

Have a great week
Geoff

How A Miniature Horse's Leg Was Saved

Hi there
Bit the bullet and went for my first dragon boat paddling session this week. The aches and pains afterwards reminded me of my early horse riding days when I hadn't quite got the technique. And I haven't quite got the technique. Ouch! The dragons were very nice to me though.I've heard that the import of stallions for 'duty' during the breeding season is in full swing and that they are currently in quarantine. Sounds to me like a prayer or two is warranted!!

The Horse magazine is now publishing 4 new online newsletters. These newsletters will contain articles, news, video links, tips, and links to downloadable information specific to the topics of nutrition, lameness/laminitis, preventive care, and breeding. I already receive 2 and can recommend them. Go here to subscribe:
http://tinyurl.com/67tdap

Here's an article about 2 woman who started a business from their love of horses.
Well didn't most of us? Their basis - "People are cutting back on vacations and we want to make it affordable for backyard horse owners to be able to go on vacation." Read on here:
http://tinyurl.com/5o7jpa

British Para-equestrian dressage rider Lee Pearson is widely regarded as one of the top riders in the world with six Paralympic golds and numerous world and European titles to his name. Here's an article on his preparation for the Paralympics.
Incidentally, we went to the Paras in Sydney in 2000 as we have a friend who plays wheelchair rugby for Australia. Wonderful sport, a wonderful occasion and for me so much more interesting than the 'real thing'. How do these athletes do what they do?
http://tinyurl.com/5rlteq

Human wound care techniques are helping save a miniature horse's leg. It's a lovely story and she's a lovely little horse too.
http://tinyurl.com/6ozfrx

What should you do if your horse keeps getting his tongue over the bit? Dr. Joyce Harman offers bitting advice in this Ask the Vet column on EquiSearch.com
http://tinyurl.com/66obpz

Here's the link to the official Australian Olympic site - equestrian section, where you can read all the news, developments and of course see the medal tally for our equestrians. A word of caution though, the site takes a while to load up.
http://tinyurl.com/552uuz

Finally, I try to grow veggies to help the dollars do further. I was stunned by these examples from the large veggie show in the UK. They'd feed us for a month.

http://www.h10.com.au/images/cabbage.jpg
http://www.h10.com.au/images/pumpkin.jpg
http://www.h10.com.au/images/leek.jpg

Have a great week.
Geoff

The Olympics - Who's Going To Win?

Hi there,

Lost a big filling in one of my molars this week - I'm a man and of course the pain was unbearable. My dentist, god bless her, was on hand to replace said metal with more shiny new stuff and after 45 minutes, some discomfort and the loss of $275 I was cured. On the way out I asked her how much a crown would be if I needed one. After she told me it all went dizzy I 'came to' in the waiting room in the horizontal posotion but was ok after a glass of water. Wish I could make money like that!

Now if you're looking towards the equestrian events at the Olympics, just a week away now, here are some winning predictions from equestrian journalist Nancy Jaffer. Interesting reading.
tinyurl.com/6gyeps

Here's the weekly The Horse Newsletter as usual, a mine of information on all things horsey.
tinyurl.com/5cp7kl

Feet are important whether they are the human kind or the horse type. I found this blog about natural horse hoof trimming and the use of Easy Boots. I'm not advertising them but if you have a problem like this it could help.
tinyurl.com/5t9geh

If you haven't visited Horse Problems - John O'Leary's Australian Site, then you really should. He makes a lots of sense and there's a ton of useful stuff here.
tinyurl.com/qdy2s

Here's an article from the US on reining in the costs of running a horse. Their words and their pun, not mine but there are some good points and it's a view that may well affect us too this coming Spring and Summer.
tinyurl.com/67na48

Accra Race Course Squatters Ejected
About 100 policemen drawn from the Accra Regional Command of the Ghana Police Service yesterday supervised a demolition exercise at the Accra Race Course to pave the way for the construction of a five-star hotel on the site. Sign of the times isn't it?
tinyurl.com/6lpdur

I just read a really great article on grooming by Laurie Pitts in the April 2008 issue of Practical Horseman. Hope you'll find it interesting too - there's a video clip as well.
tinyurl.com/5fr3au

Have a look at this book "100 ways to improve your horse's schooling' by Susan Mcbane. It's available on the H10 site at the usual 20% discount.
tinyurl.com/6bgzof

I'm learning how to be a sweep for the local Dragon Boat crew. So far I don't think they're too impressed so I hopw it can only get better.
Have a great week and keep warm
Geoff

What's Your Horse Worth??

Well, the insulation is in the roof, I'm poorer by several hundred dollars but the place is warmer and just in time by the look of the forecast. Is it a woman's intuituion but the better half has been
busy making and freezing all kinds of soups and stews.
She has long range radar I reckon!!

Here's a new horse orientated blog I found.Some interesting stuff too.
http://crittercarebymarg.com/blog/?cat=4

You'll have probably read about the wild fires (as they call them) currently in the US since some of our fire fighters are helping out there. Well, it's winter here now but it looks to be another dry
summer coming up so perhaps a little bit of preparation could be useful - from my good friend Roger Bourdon.
www.anyhorsebackriding.com/myblog/

Here are some great tips if you are thinking of choosing or employing a horse trainer.
tinyurl.com/6gcqht

Some valuable Q and A's here from The Horse magazine on horse dentistry.
www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=12316

What's Your Horse Worth?
Appraiser Michelle Stalling offers an example of a chart she uses to determine a halter horse's value. You can download the chart too - from Equisearch.
tinyurl.com/vtx5v

Here's the link to the chart
special.equisearch.com/pdfs/appraisalchart.pdf

We support the Australian Stock Horses Society - here's the link to their latest monthly journal
www.ashs.com.au/journal/currentissue.asp

On the Trail Newsletter
Here's the first monthly On the Trail e-newsletter, an online resource to help you enjoy the great outdoors with your horse.
Great idea - and complimentary!!!
special.equisearch.com/newsletters/onthetrail/may08.html

By the way, the H10 competition is still running with some great prizes and the chance to tell us all about your horse!!
www.h-10.com.au/competition.asp

We've got some super new horse books at a great special H10 discount. Limited stock though.
tinyurl.com/6kqemq

Keep warm and have a great week.
Geoff

Brand New Horse Books Now In!

It's been so cold that the better half has demanded that we insulate the roof.
So, dutifully I did the research, went up into the loft, 'scoped the job and ....immediately called the local insulation company!! With the Govt giving a $300 rebate there's no way I'm doing it!

I'm excited this week because I've managed to lay my hands on some choice new books. I've had to wait for these because 'horse books' are hard to get, so I'm told. Anyway, here they are AND of course I split the 40% discount I get, 50:50 with you.

Braiding Manes & Tails by Charni Lewis - if you interested in braiding then this is THE book for you. Easy to follow step by step instructions and great photos.

100 Ways To Improve Your Horse's Schooling - Susan McBane. I love the '100ways' books. So easy to follow with a different topic on each page and fully illustrated.

In the same light is '100 Ways To Improve Your Horse's Behaviour' - Susan McBane.
Um, I've seen some riders recently that could use this for their ill disciplined horses!!

Finally, 'The Horse Training Problem Solver' from Jessica Jahiel. I like her style of teaching and this book is very comprehensive. If you've a problem of any kind with your horse then this might solve it!

I've posted the books and their full descriptions on the H10 web site so that you can read about them more, here:
tinyurl.com/6kqemq

Here's the latest edition of The Horse health newsletter for you:
www.thehorse.com/enews/7152008.html

Winter's a great time to give your tack room a makeover. Here's a guide for you:
tinyurl.com/677ogm

Go on, have a look at those books!! I'm going to be reading them and supervising the roof insulation...from an armchair!!

have a great week

Competition Results!

Made it back from my funereal trip to the UK on Sunday and have been wandering around like a jet lagged zombie ever since! The better half has no sympathy since she's got a lousy cold too!! Anyway, we'll be right for the weekend I hope!

I went to see the 'tame vet' this week and we judged the competition entries for June/July and they were terrific. We had real difficulty choosing the best 'Magic Moments With Your Horse' story but finally agreed on the best from Lynne and Zoe and it's posted on the H10 web site www.h-10.com.au/competition.asp
The prizes each month are pretty good so don't delay and get your entry in!!!

What are the signs of pain caused by the saddle? A horse's physical symptoms, behavior problems and performance issues can all give clues. Here's a great article to help from Equisearch:
http://tinyurl.com/6nu68p

Homemade First-Aid Recipes for Your Horse. Recipes for common horse care first-aid solutions from Horse & Rider magazine - H10 bears no responsibility for these if you use them though!!http://tinyurl.com/5dh5us

My UK friend Roger Bourdon recently posted an article and a video clip on the smallest horse in the world...thought you might be interested:
http://www.anyhorsebackriding.com/myblog/

Jodi, one of our supporters has told us about a new Australian web site for stud stallions...and other things. Take a look:
http://www.studstallions.com.au/index.php

Here's the latest The Horse newsletter, as usual packed with all sorts of interesting articles although I have to say that an article on rattlesnake bites isn't quite relevant to us here:
http://www.thehorse.com/enews/782008.html

If you're interested in history and in particular horse training history then we have a CD of Jesse Beery's training booklets available at a fraction of the cost you'd pay on most online sites. It's a fascinating insight on 'how things were' when the horse was the only mode of transport and makes great reading.Have a look here:
http://www.h-10.com.au/shopexd.asp?id=78
Keep warm and have a great week

Last Blog Entry...For A While Anyway!!

Hi there
I have to make a trip to the UK later this week - a sad event has occured but not one I'm going to dwell upon. At least it's summer there...or so it's rumoured, so there won't be a newsletter for a week or so. Disappointed? I thought so!!!!

'She who must be obeyed' has a birthday tomorrow so it's a restaurant outing for us. Whoopee! First time for ages!

Heaven knows what the wash up will be over the EI report. Class actions will be flying everywhere I suspect and I've already spoken to people who are going to try and get compensation for their losses...who can blame them since it has been only the racing industry that has benefited in any small way so far.

This is NO joke....The first ever successful reverse vasectomy on an endangered species, the Prezewalski horse has been performed at the National Zoo in the USA. Um.
http://tinyurl.com/553yff

Here's The Horse.com front page for you - a wealth of horse info that everyone should read:
http://www.thehorse.com/

There's a brand new horse web site just launched
http://www.goequine.com/
believe me it's worth looking at just for the quality of the pictures on the home page. Wonderful!

Zara Phillips (you know, daughter of Anne, Princess Royal!) has had to withdraw from the Great Britain Olympic three-day event team because of an injury to Toytown, her horse, during training.
Unfortunate and no-one would wish it for her but it may help us there!
http://tinyurl.com/4v96bf

To Show Or Not To Show? Here's a very personal opinion from a dedicated horse lover.
http://tinyurl.com/5yp2ml

Eric Bravo demonstrates leading techniques designed to get your horse to pay attention and respect you. This is a UTube short video.
Interesting. It's the second article down from the top.
http://gentlenaturalhorseman.blogspot.com/

Some of have been lucky enough to have rain so that hay is not a problem...but it isn't the same for all. Here are a few tips if you have to buy the stuff....
http://tinyurl.com/4ceyzr

I will have 2 new dvds to offer very shortly and will let you have full details.
The H10 ointment offer is still on...believe me (and others) when I say that you really shouldn't be without it. http://www.h10.com.au