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

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.....

Australia's Olympic Equestrian Progress

Hi there
So much rain...it's weird to watch it advancing on the Weather Bureau's internet radar, a massive blue, green and yellow image heading directly for us! Nature has a great way of warning us too...no birds for a day! They seem to know despite not having weather radar or computers!!

There have been some great entries into the new competition we are running and I think we'll have a free disk full of marvellous 'magic moments' when we finally end it. If you haven't entered your 'magic moment' then go to www.h10.com.au/competition.asp

I've ordered some brand new horse book titles including Braiding Manes and Tails by Charni Lewis. This new book has had rave reviews around the horse world and is now just becoming available here in Aus. I'll post more details when it arrives.

Here's a comprehensive 'check list' you might useful before any trips you might make with your horse:
http://tinyurl.com/5p397j

The Draught Horse Competition and Field Day took place on Sunday as part of Beef Week Family Day in casino - this article has a lovely picture of a Clydesdale...beautiful horses!!!
http://tinyurl.com/5ytxbm

Here's a quote from a battling US father of horse loving daughter, "This is my daughter's horse, Artesima. Feed, stable, grooming, transport, showing, freakin shoes and gear for her, priceless. For everything else in our life, there's Mastercard."
Love it!!!

The Horse newsletter this month has some excellent articles on laminitis both acute and chronic:
http://tinyurl.com/5k3k5f

What's your horse thinking? Bestselling author Temple Grandin offers a window on the equine mind, courtesy of Equisearch:
http://tinyurl.com/24pzf3

Finally, I don't often publicise the Aus Olympic team's progress but here's the latest newsletter from the Equestrian Federation outlining the team progress for Olympic selection. Any of you who watched the ABC last night will have seen first hand some of the sacrifices budding members of the team have made during the horse flu epidemic. But then, so have we all.......
http://www.equestrian.org.au/

Have a great week

H10 - New Competition Starts!!

Hi there
Seems like our winter has started early this year...our wattle birds are broody again and I reckon they're are far too well endowed with hormones! Their latest escapade is to try and nest in not just one, but TWO hanging flower baskets on the back deck...all in all about two metres from our outside table! A bird of very little brain I'm thinking!

I've puts lots of new stuff on the web site under the What's New page (where else?!) and this week, at long last we start the NEW COMPETITION!!
It's the idea of Reena who sent in the suggestion that we should run a comp entitled 'Magic Moments'. What we'd like are the magic moments you have shared with your horse. It could be a magic ride you shared, a magic experience, a magic day, a magic result...a magic anything really!!! As before we'll judge the entries monthly and I'm looking forward to the company of the 'tame' vet once again. He's looking forward to the coffee and muffins as usual!

We'll award a great prize to the winner every month and publish the winning entry in this news letter and on the H10 site and H10 blog. Fame at last!!!
We'll also collate the entries and make up an e-book to give away at the end of the competition.
So, don't be shy...give it your best and share your 'Magic Moment' with the hundreds of horse lovers who receive this newsletter!! Here's the link to click on:
http://www.h-10.com.au/competition.asp

Have a great week!
Geoff

Australian Horsemaster Special

Isn't it getting cold?! Since I cycle in the mornings to try and keep fit (don't laugh yet, the joke is yet to come!) the better half got me a new pair of black, lycra sports tights, guaranteed to keep me warm. Well, I was pleasantly surprised since they give me a 'cyclist' look I thought, that is until I saw myself side-on in the mirror the other morning....some 'bodily' improvements are required I think!!

I thought this week that I would give you some Australian horse masters to visit since we have a wealth of talent here outside the usual 'famous 5' or so that everyone quotes.

Wayne Anderson - a free lesson from Eques entitiled 'Handling Horses Softly'.
http://www.eques.com.au/training/previous/softly.htm

Steve Brady - For people who enjoy advancing their horses by educating and improving themselves
http://www.stevebradyhorsemanship.com/

Phil Rodey - here's his website but I couldn't find any up to date info for him there.
http://www.philrodeyhorsemanship.com.au/

The ability to understand life from the horse’s point of view that has made Ross Jacobs and Michèle Jedlicka popular among horse owners who are looking for a willing partnership with their horses.
http://www.goodhorsemanship.com.au/index.html

Here's the latest Horse health E-newsletter - a good read for anyone involved or concerned about horse health topics
http://www.thehorse.com/enews/5202008.html

Next week we start a BRAND NEW Competition with the return of great monthly prizes and the 'tame vet' too. Um!! More details soon!

H10 Horse Lovers Blog - Budget Special!!

Interesting budget wasn't it? Bang goes my new Ferrari with the car tax increases...I wish!! Nothing in it at all for small business though....
I've added a whole raft of small articles to the H10 web site that I hope you'll find useful. I'll be adding a whole lot more in the upcoming weeks. You can view and download them here:
http://www.h-10.com.au/shopcontent.asp?type=News

Here's a useful Equine Body Language Chart - courtesy of Equisearch
Use this body language chart to understand your horse's mood through his physical clues. I like it!!!
http://tinyurl.com/5dlobu

Learn how to manage a pony with laminitis with attention to grass, supplements, hoof trimming and more in this edition of Dr. Joyce Harman's Ask the Vet on EquiSearch.com.
http://tinyurl.com/5q8hd3

What to Look for in a Dressage Horse??
Find out what to look for in a dressage horse and why a big mover might not be your ideal partner:
http://tinyurl.com/6arekr

I met up with my 'tame vet' the other day. Remember him? He used to help me judge our competition entries and asked me why I hadn't been in contact. Could be that we never agreed on the decisions!!! Anyway I said, no competitions recently!
He suggested I get one, fast...I think he just misses the wife's muffins and the great coffee. Seriously though, I'd like to start a new comp so if you have any ideas for one then let me know...there's a nice prize in it for any ideas that we pick and run with and I will of course acknowledge any suggestions.

We've a special on Elegance Red Label high foaming shampoo this month. If you haven't tried it than you should! Have a look:
http://tinyurl.com/6hvmsx

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!

Horses Get Dementia Too?!

Almost May already and, as always at this time of the year, I was duly taken out into the garden by the better half to be briefed on the changes she expects over the winter gardening period. I won't bore you with the list since it covers a whole A4 page but it looks like I'm going to be busy!!

I never thought about the prospect of dementia in elderly horses but it happens! Here's an interesting article from Equisearch on caring for the condition
http://tinyurl.com/43ukpu

The Perfect Stop For Your Horse. How to master your stopping cues to stay in-sync with your horse, and up your chances of a 'dynamite' showmanship pattern.
http://tinyurl.com/4um8tj

My UK friend Roger Bourdon has just published the final part of his series on 'Training To Load' your horse. The programmes come from a new dvd from Sue Gardner in the UK and if any of you would like further details just drop me a reply and I'll send them to you.
http://www.anyhorsebackriding.com/myblog/

Here's a great article from Karen Briggs on Horse.com on whether you can influence hoof growth and what form that might take. Incidentally, if you haven't registered for this site then you really should. It costs nothing and it's a mine of info for horse lovers.
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=3297

Before you decide on signing up for horse training classes, ask yourself the following questions to determine whether this is the right track for you - from Heidi Edris http://articlepower.org/blog/?p=15398

Looks like sunshine for the next week - don't forget to rug the horses for the cold nights though!