| Archive for uknhcp.myfastforum.org Natural hoof care resource forums for all those interested in barefoot horses |
| Nic |
JuneLast month was our busiest ever, by the number of pages we all filled with our exploits, so lets hope June is even better Fab weather at the moment, so get going, everyone 
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| Helen N |
Both my boys were out at the weekend. Carly doing the 18k pleasure ride in Delamere Forest with Renegades on his fronts like Fari. Not taking any chances as nasty stony trot-up for the vet. He probably didn't actually need them for the ride itself as not as stony as in previous years and nothing that Carly couldn't handle. However the boots did perform well and stayed on  Rooster did 32k yesterday completely barefoot again. The farrier complemented his lovely hooves having actually taken a look at all four feet  He was a very nice young man The trot up was quite deep sand which Rooster wasn't keen on and the vet made us trot up on the concrete as well, which fortunately was fine, thank goodness. The ride had lots of lovely grassy going at the begining, middle and end, but quite a bit of road work in between and a few stony forest tracks but not enough to bother Rooster. The lady I rode with was unlucky at the end when her shod mare tripped on the concrete and skinned both her knees. This was right in the view of the vets but neither of them came over to see if she was OK. I couldn't help but think that if she was barefoot that wouldn't have happened. As usual saw some horrors in the queue for the farrier's inspection including a lightweight thoroughbred type horse wearing thick heavy wedge front shoes  Rooster trotted up at the end in fine style so again very proud of my boys 
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| horsesfirst |
Snips is entered for an easy 20 mile on Saturday. Probably do booted (in her new gloves) as she is feeling her feet a bit at the moment. Currently stabled unless being exercised. Temporary home doesn't understand the concept of grass free turnout. They have a foundered pony whose feet are literally purple from top to toe which they still turn out on very lush grazing. But apparently it is his breeding..... If only he weren't gelded we could make a fortune breeding purple footed ponies ...........
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| hobnob |
I wonder if purple hooves are tough like black ones or weak like white ones !!!
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| Jane |
Max (aka -ex nav hoss) did his first xc schooling session on Tues .... lets just say the feet were awesome but the mule inside the TB body apparently didn't like ditches. We took a loooooooooooooong time to overcome that little issue. Full details on the blog.
Magic and I went away last week to learn to ride properly (!) and he's now feeling superfit from being ridden 3 times a day. We went gallopies tonight and he nearly pulled my arms out, even on the third lap!
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| Jane |
We went barefoot eventing in style today - even with 48hrs solid rain and ground like grease.... I wasn't looking forward to it but neither Magic or Dan even noticed!
Dan, with his sharer, did the 80cm, got a 42 dres, and a double clear and came 5th. Magic and I did the PN, got a 30 dres, and a double clear and came 2nd. The shod horses were slipping around and having real trouble in the dressage.... the xc caused carnage and given that it was Dan's 3rd ever xc course, and Magic's first event since September, the boys did good. I still never quite believe my own hype that barefoot is better than shoes and studs... but it does seem to be with my boys and even my traditional sharer is very VERY impressed with Dan's surefootedness and complete inability to slip even when acting the goat
Full (very long!) report on blog. |
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| Nic |
Lovely! Off to your blog for the full gen...
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| Nic |
Yippee kay ay for Dan and Magic  Well done all of you
Nothing much here over the weekend in terms of performance, though I am really pleased with the rehabs (details on the blog) and the non-holiday boys (Felix, Ghost and Jacko) have had fun pootling hither and yon out on hacks - today not even in the rain...
N |
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| horsesfirst |
Snips the little QH did 21 miles at Breamore on Saturday. Although a bit slow (rider error re route) they did well, passed the vet, got the ribbon.
Used the Gloves which performed well, not perfectly but we were glad we had them. A bit of rubbing on the pasterns, I think the gaiters are made for longer fatter bones. But not bad considering two of the boots nearly got destroyed in bog the previous day when the rider decided to gallop pony into it..... Pony was fantastic, didn't panic unduly, but did step on herself and boots when clambering out. My fantastic parents spent half the night effecting emergency repairs (which held perfectly). Despite trailering 5 hours home Snips looked as bright as a button this morning and was happy to walk out for nearly two hours (on long reins). |
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| brucea |
Hot and dusty here in central Indiana. Spectacular thunder storms across in Ohio last night though.
Was round my friend's farm in Ohio this weekend drinkin beer, fishing for widemouth bass, and just hanging out - he has trotters and pacers - got out on a trotter on the 1Km oval limestone grit track. Boy - that was scary fast! Horse's feet are something to see and I had to diplomatically keep my trap shut - hooves very long in the toe and more underslung than I have ever seen. Apparently they have to be that way for trotting and when you see them go you can understand why it seems that way, but they ain't healthy hooves. Periods of lameness are accepted as normal, and there are a few interference injuries- one horse has taken chunks out of her front hooves and abscessed - again this is just accepted. They are all on a timothy alfalfa grass mix and the hay is bright green, spiky and crisp. I am used to the beige stuff so that was interesting. Smelled sweet though, but would be too rich for my guys. They have a couple of rescue horses come to them - both in a pitifull state. One was just like Link's twin and tears prickled behind my eyes when I saw him  , you could see every single bone and had half healed sores where he'd lain on a hard floor - he had laminitis but the previous owners had stabled and starved him to emaciation - so thin that even his cheeks were sunk and his face looked bony. He's being fed up slowly and controlled so as not to over challenge him, and although he still looks awful, he has gained 100lb in the last four weeks so Lord only knows what he looked like before. He was a gentle and affectionate soul, and my friend's wife Chrissy is giving him a second chance. Seems the recession bites hard in more ways than one. 
Anyway - I got an unexpected present on Friday - I had been chatting with my counterpart on the client side about tools (he's an amateur blacksmith with his own forge) and mentioned that I find some tools great for the larger horses but really need smaller tools for the wee ponies - so he presented me with a hand made shoe puller for little shoes - about 10" long. It's really not bad at all!!
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| SueH |
Jake's First Funride unbootedWell I am one proud mummy!!!! Jake was an absolute star at Mostyn funride on Sunday (about 8-10 miles). with barefoot mare pal Taz.
Slightly dodgy start as he was VERY excited when we got out of trailer :lots of stranger danger ponies cantering near his box, trailers moving, boxes and ALL that grass: minor hiccup when he snapped trailer tie before tacking up  and trotted off determinedly for a nosey and a graze in a green corner of the field , but no harm done and he was caught v easily. VERY bubbily when we set off for the start leaping around as per usual but nothing dramatic. Just kept those reins slack and got him going forward not vertical and he settled to good trotting pace which is seemed very happy with. Kept him out of the way of others for first few miles and he was fine. Fast, sure footed unbooted and confident to be out in front . I am so proud of him .
Feet coped very well on stoney tracks, I got off for one very stoney bit which I thought might be bit much to ask but otherwise he didnt seem to notice the ground underneath him. My chum said she thought he looked v good on his feet. Ended up doing extra mileage as yellow markers were missing at the start and we got lost with some other riders. Also,, a VERY SCARY  moment when Taz crossing marshy bit of field disappeared down in mire up to her chest but she stayed calm as did her rider, and both climbed out safely. Taz is one gutsy mare. (..and the boots -Easy boot grip - stayed on so very deepmud proof). Taz is no worse for wear today thank goodness.
Now after this, Jake then had to do leg of ride alone as those of us having not crossed the mire were sent back and re-routed a couple of miles to avoid further disaster. Well my boy was a champion - following stranger danger ponies galloping ahead and he didnt lose his head. Next bit was whizzing down lanes in big group of horses and he was brillaint - totally loved it.
We are both hooked !!
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| Nic |
Sue, what a superb result, and I bet you and your boy are already booking up for the next one, aren't you?!
Lovely pic too - he looks very pleased with himself, and quite right too
N |
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| Helen N |
Fantastic Sue Well done you and Jake. Sorry we didn't get to see you, apart from the back of your smart new trailer leaving the venue (did you forget to put a number plate on? ) When and where is your next outing then?
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| SueH |
I am beaming I am so so pleased with the boy. . I was rather bricking it before - it was about time and we were ready n all that but towing, loading away from home etc. all new to me so it was big day for both of us. I didnt boot as I thought less to worry about and he's way more sure footed without - I wasnt worried about speed but as it happens he was more than happy to fly round.
...and cant wait for next one !!!! ...I can see why people do endurance totally. Helen I just caught a glimpse of you on very fit looking Carly as Mrs Braithwaite came thundering up on spiffing Ferrari to investigate how we'd done. Top advice from Mrs B before hand was not to hold on too tight, so I was really concious not to do it and just let him go foward, and he was v manageable and happy. ..... and er hmm..yes forgot number plate Have it ready but I need to screw it on .......Women know your limits tee hee .
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| Helen N |
Sounds like Jake was a very good boy Cute picture of him Carly is too fit to do a mere 10 miles, he was over enthusiastic to say the least, just wanted to be out in front all the time, he would have trotted all along the stony bridlepath if I had let him When we got back to the trailer he wouldn't stand still, pawing the ground and being a general nuisance. I let him have a roll but he continued to paw the ground, he really needed to go out again for another 10 miles. This is normal behaviour for him when he is feeling fit and well although it could be worrying if you didn't know him. Rooster is so much more laid back and easy to handle, on the ground at least
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| SueH |
Helen - very cool to have horse too fit for 10 miles! : .
Jake is getting fitter with longer faster rides these days, and hand in hand with that is him (and me) getting less anxious about doing these kinda rides in company. What helped was taking the boots off as he seemed more sure footed and mentally I think I felt better at speed. Jake really didnt want to stand around at the beginning- hence breaking his tie and buggering off - nor at the end much I think its just part of Jake being excited and it will be many more fun rides before he's able to be calm at the beginning I think.
What I was most proud of was his pluck - I really saw a horse who was happy to go (well push!) in front, and explore what was ahead and enjoy it.
Next one nearest us is I think F&F : Kinmel Park, St George. 5 July. Not sure of other ones, I'm off the surf for others now
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| Helen N |
Jake sounds like an endurance horse in the making! he may calm down or he may be like Carly and always find it exciting Carly is a different horse completely when I take him to a dressage competition Hopefully see you at Kinmel St George
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| Helen N |
Sue and Sarah, the pics are up on www.mattnuttallphotography.co.uk Sue you and Jake are on page one, we are on page 15. Sarah, Fari, Carly and I rode with Helen and Abbey on their barefoot Cleveland Bay X TB mares. | ||||
| sarahh |
Both boys are going well still (touchwood). In during the day most days, apart from when i oversleep (i do start work at 6am so it does happen fairly regualrly )
Boy's main job in life at the moment is to nanny Tyler as he goes out exploring the world. They both seem to be quite happy with this arrangement! On Sunday we boxed to our local downs and went out for about 2 hours. It was Tyler's first experience of hills (long steep ones at that) and this was the surface they were ploughing upwards on: 
...both sets of feet performed brilliantly and looked good afterwards. My little sister was riding Boy & I have her well trained to feel out for problems
Little sister is off showjumping tomorrow on another barefoot pony belonging to a friend. And yet another friend came 6th in her first combined training with her barefoot youngster. I was groom and had a smile to myself at all the competitors screwing on studs for the dressage on grass. It had rained all morning, but the only slip from my friends horse was when she threw in a MASSIVE spook at the pony eating white boards
So so far this month all going well for the barefoot cluster in Wiltshire! x |
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| SueH |
Helen - yes I think when a horse enjoys something that much, who I am I to argue so endurance looking favourite and oooh good photos of your lot but cripes I look like giant lemon child with Meekon head. Less disturbing gear next time me thinks. Hope to see you at Kinmel St George.
Jake has his first dressage test next week only P4 but early days. Aiming to get round without a yahoo-buckeroo. After fun ride have to admit I'm having to push myself to stick to plan and do this dressage test cos its good practice socializing for the boy. Doubt Jake will ever be v calm in company but perhaps less of a frenetic Houdini
Have rode in boots this morning Prob not necessary but just precaution as field very hard and lumpy and feet worked hard unbooted on funride. Jake feeling fairly fruity this morning, after day's rest and heard his barefoot chum Taz is also feeling fine after mudbath event. |
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| SueH |
Forgot to say had 3 very nice and interesing bits of news recently.
1. Jake had massage yesterday and massage therapist said his shoulders seemed fine - no undue tightness or one worse than the other. This is GREAT news and interesting as initially when I first bought lame Jake, he had very tight right shoulder matching his worse navicular foot. # 2. Also good news and interesting is that saddler checked him recently and found his original asymmetrical musculature is disappearing. We originally needed saddle flocking quite asymmetrically - now need saddle re-flocking as no longer so out of balance. Conclusion: It would seem that 2 years barefoot is allowing his body to move properly and he is re-shaping himself. 3. Jakes white blood cell count (which was low last year with suspected virus) is back at 3 which is apparently very healthy. All in all, No wonder he feels better ! |
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| cptrayes |
Zippy today started a long journey to Tenerife where he is to join the expat community. He already has the suntan He'll love it there in the sun, and his new owner is going to try keeping him barefoot. I already had a "strong" discussion with her trainer who told me it is "too dry" there and that their feet crack. She simply would not have it that "too dry" is not possible and that some of the best barefoot feet are found on desert arabs! I am going to try and coach the new owner not to use oils or dressings, let him have constant access to drinking water and that if his feet crack they are "too long" and not "too dry".
Jazz is doing extremely well on an in-daytime-out-nighttime regime. He is still pretty much sound on anything, unlike last year when he got sensitive on stones. Radar is producing fantastic movement now he has got used to his feet being the right shape. They are now around one inch smaller than the shoes he arrived in at the end of March. He is rock crunching. Buttie Butkins the Shetland has feet that look just like a bigger horses feet, only proportionate to his size. I have to say that was a surprise - I have only ever seen tinies with those "parallel sided" feet they all seem to have. But as soon as I bevelled Butties toes and lowered his heels he began to develop "real horse" feet that get wider as they grow down. C |
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| Nic |
This is the same as you see in rehabs here. Its because the muscles which extend the shoulder and retract the limb are stressed by the hoof landing incorrectly. Once the landing is right, the stresses improve too
Caroline, I once trimmed 2 minis which had perfect little mustang feet, very unusual, I agree. They lived in a gravel pit and had exactly scaled down "big horse" feet too
N |
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| Nic |
Not sure where June is going to...I was hoping to start Hector jumping but he has a knee injury and is going to be off games now for a while That also rules him out as a www.RideBare.com horse, which is a shame and TOTALLY RUINS our plan of colour-coordinating our horses.... 
I really want my Ride Bare horse to be one of the navicular rehabs, so that leaves me Ghost or Angel. Of the other horses, Felix is in light work, herding sheep with me, nannying other horses and going for blasts at the weekend, plus occasional jumping. Jacko and Charlie are on hols, though I rode Jack a few days ago to keep Blue company, and he was a very good boy. Not sure what is in Charlie's mind at the mo - could be that he is bored - more on the blog! N |
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| hobnob |
OOoo 10th of June and I havent posted yet !!
Struggling a bit with lgl pony and this rain - sun - rain - sun business. No pulses but looks dodgy going down steep hills. Have shut off part of track so cant go round whole field anymore and having extra soaked hay. She looks a bit miserable too. We started the season so well. Have even tought of muzzling her so she can have more of an area but I dont think she would take to it - or maybe I am just too soft. But then the other pony would prob get too fat on any more grass as they graze together. On a better note feet look great, low heels and beefy frogs and walls as thick as anything. |
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| horsesfirst |
Seeing as how I've not made it to bed yet and have to be up in half an hour, I thought I'd be the first to post today.......
Snips doing very well physically on no grass lifestyle, although it maybe bashing her mentally/emotionally not having any horsey friends to play with. Oddly (or not) her left canter has improved (from hard to achieve to easy peasy). Perhaps because we are getting on top of the deep central sulcus thrush she had in her left fore. |
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| SueH |
Feet trimmed yesterday. Opportunisic bacterial infection at white line persisting on front left ( seems to have got a hold from when what we think is abscess site caused separation ). Hoof trimmed back on outer side to expose area to air to help kill off anaerobic bacteria. White lighteing soak last night. after trim and will soak more regularly plus will use Keratex on periphery. Have been preoccupied with riding, trailering , etc. and taken eye off the ball on hoofcare 
On the plus side Sarah thought Jake's frogs looking betterd and back of feet developing. The improvement is definitely since boots come off in Feb.
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| Nic |
...well done you two! The miles you are riding will have made a huge difference to his hoof health
Not at all - riding IS hoofcare - and an essential part of it - I'd save loads of time if I didn't have to work the rehab horses 5 times a week, but its the miles on the hooves that makes them change If you can just get on top of that old fungal infection, and keep on riding, you will find bacteria just don't get a chance
N |
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| sarahh |
Tyler did his first fun ride today. I am a very proud mum. 6 miles of up & down steep hills and on stoney paths and he just plodded along. a little TOO chilled out perhaps, but I'm not going to complain after the various near death experiences taking Boy on fun rides. Going down the steep hills when on roads, shod companion was slip-sliding down. Tyler just keep plodding on ahead, having to stop and wait!
He also crossed his first stream, and the slidey rounded pebbles at the bottom were no problem for bare feet
Pony en route.... 
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| Nic |
Such a pretty boy - well done Sarah and Tyler - fantastic result
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| brucea |
Candytuft mane - very cute | ||||
| SueH |
Hi Sarahh Great result and gorgeous photo - great hair day for Tyler well done to you both
Jake currently doing about 1.5-2 hr p day and longer 3 hours at weekends and lots of faster canter work. Have used boots for a few rides as feet did lots on unbooted funride PLUS the drier weather period (harder ground) the right [navicular]fore stride can occasionally look less heel first compared to left fore on very hard terrain - basically its just outside comfort zone. No toe first - checked using new camcorder and slo mo - will be doing more videoing /uploading etc when I work out technology Jake was fine unbooted for funride cos it had rained heavy the night before so the ground had softened for us.
I am assuming this tendancy to loose heel-first/shorten stride will continue if hoof pushed beyond comfort limit, until that right hoof is built up sufficiently which will take time. Barefoot is not a digital fix, not something you tick off as "done" as your always building hooves. So its very much a case of continually seeking a balance between sufficient work(defined by boots or not, surface,intensity ) to stimultate cartileges but not too much to overdo it. Of course the whole thing is compromised by grass intake but that's not a factor I can control any more than I do so we live with that for now. All fun stuff though
Using Keratex on hoof periphery of all hooves as we get the odd little stone chip embeddded here. Have done fook soak on front left every other day. Currently using Milton until new batch of white lightening liquid arrives. Am thinking blitz it for few weeks and then back off to steady pace of zapping bacteria/fungi nasties. x Sue |
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| Jo Mitchell |
Pie and me did our first outdoor showjumping of the year with us coming 2nd out of 23 with 3 in the jump off. A discovery class at our local showground
No boots either (I always boot for hacking) and no slipping despite a number of the shod horses sliding and 2 actually falling over after the downhill jump 3 on the corner towards jump 4!!! I do have a photograph of us jumping the double in the jump off but forgot to collect it and left it in the photographers tent!!! pooh! Won't do much more showjumping unless it's near home, I have 5 Trec competitions booked for July & August though. |
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| SueH |
YE HA - and no boots ! well done to you and Pie
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| hobnob |
Mid June report:
Having a bad time at the moment. On and off pulses and footy downhill again. Cut track off completely tonight so in a mud and stone paddock with even more hay. Feeling even worse now as was looking back over this time last year and was doing fine and even moving bloody elec fence to reveal more grass. I hate this !!!!! Just keep expecting to find her in lammi stance one morning or even on her back with all 4's in the air. Starting to be the first thing that enters my head when I wake up !!! Am even checking met office for signs of rain so I can worry some more! Will see what the mud paddock brings I suppose.
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| brucea |
Had the vet up today to Link - a new cob went in the field (one I trimmed a few weeks ago) and they all had a mad hooley around. I arrived in time to find Link with blood all over his front foot!
Clean slice about 1.5 inches just at the top of the fetlock - but quite a puncture in the middle. Alice the vet didn't staple or stitch and just cleaned and gave me some cream and gave Link three whopping injections of anti-inflamatories and antibiotics! He isn't lame on it and there's no heat tonight so hopefully we caught it before it became an issue Lots of grass and crazy horses at the mo! The vet was asking how much work he is doing without boots and was surprised to hear "lots, 6 hours out at a time, all surfaces, no real problems!" and then started asking about what changes I saw when he came out of shoes. When we spoke about his 25-30mm heel decontraction and the overall change in relation of the point of the frog to the length of the hoof, she said it would be so fascinating to xray lots of feet before and after transition to see what bony changes were going on as a result.
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| hobnob |
Poor Link - hope he gets better soon. Naughty boy !!
24 hours on mud paddock have brought all pulses down and we are walking half normally again on the stones. In a better mood too - not so grouchy ! Question - How many litres of roundup would I need to kill the grass on my track !!??
Does anyone know whether EMS gets harder to manage year after year ? Am thinking about getting her tested but I suppose I would not treat her any differently to what I am now. Its not asthough she has a high sugar diet. She looks round although you can feel ribs and seems to have developed the tell tale filled in bit above her eyes where it should get hollower as she gets older. They have probably always been there - just feeling extra sensitive to it at the moment. Perhaps mummy needs some Agnus Castus.
Sarah B - does your Fari ever go on grass. Need some tips please !! |
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| horsesfirst |
Could you rotavate and roll instead of round up? Not sure how the costs would work out though - I just have a fetish for playing with earth moving equipment
Discovered that 15 minutes in hand grazing is enough to make Snips legs fill (so much for the guilt trip - made me feel better but she probably felt worse).
Also found that now I've brought the excess wall down on fronts she is better on grotty surfaces. Still slips like ******* with her flat shiny hinds though. Rode out today no boots, went very well with the exception of a bit of figure skating behind. Asda home delivery truck tried to take us out (yes I did send an email to complain!) First time I've ever known her worried by traffic. The other supermarket brand drivers round here are much more considerate. |
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| brucea |
Wow Horsesfirst - gald you're OK - death by Asda truck would be a bit downmarket eh? Sainbury's might have been better. At least you would have that cheeky Oliver chappie to see you off.
I almost had death by Parcelforce van a couple of years ago - idiot was looking at his handheld thing and not the road until he slammed on his brakes. Link was absolutely OK but I left a nice big 16 stone size dent in the side of the Transit van and hauled the wing mirror half off. Hard to explain away that kind of damage. Transits are surprisingly easy to dent. I went straight to the base when I got back and spoke to the base manager - he asked me what on earth I had called the driver to make him so upset In the end of thee day the driver was fired, I felt a bit sorry for him until I was told by the manager that I was just the final straw in a long string of driving incidents.
Link's amazing - healed up tremendously overnight - had a visit from the Parelli instructor tonight and he was perfectly fine for the lesson. I guess they can heal up pretty quick when they have the right dietary resources. |
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| horsesfirst |
Being as how its Tunbridge Wells I'd never have lived down the embarrassment........ Now if it had been an Ocado truck that would have been ok
Two horses at temporary yard now have laminitis. According to yard gossip it happens every year
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| cptrayes |
If you want to kill grass do not buy Roundup or Pathclear. Go to your local agricultural merchant and ask for 5 litres of glyphosphate. This is the same chemical as Roundup/Pathclear but HUGELY more concentrated. I water mine down 100 (one hundred) to one and it works brilliantly. I am about to try a weaker solution because I think that will work too. 5 litres will cost you £50 but it will be well worth it in the long term, it doesn't go off.
C |
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| hobnob |
Thanks guys for the grass killing methods - I was half joking but am now thinking it wouldnt be a bad idea !
If I did go down the chemical route how long would I have to leave it before turning out on it again ? Would it matter if they ate the dead grass - would it be poisonous ? Not that grass isnt 'poisonous' in our neck of the woods anyway!! Pony still on her mud patch with hay and some nettles and pretty much 100 percent better. We are on day 3 of the Metabolyte but will not see alot for a couple of weeks - she eats it though which is a bonus. Start my new job with less hours next week so will dust the boots off and get out a bit more. She is shedding sole again which I am thinking may have made her sore last week as it built up before coming off in small chunks at the moment. |
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| Sarah |
Couple of busy weekends, last Saturday 15 mile pub and pancake ride with Fari, next day 23 mile ride with Morris checking out a section of our ride bare route.
Yesterday trip to Kelsall to teach Morris to jump, started off on a line until he got the hang of it 
and then he was away and I felt it was safe to sit on him and we popped all the small logs and jumps ending up with tyres at over 2 foot. He thinks he has the hang of it now . Also had my first proper gallop on him which left half my face at the bottom of the hill He was a very good boy.
Today I am making a vid for www.ridebare.com of the 23 mile ride from last weekend. S x |
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| brucea |
Bramble's cough is getting better - he sounded like a real 40 a day man on Friday! Have got 80m of alkathene pipe burried across the corner of the next field from the water supply, so our dry lot now has running water , and a hose which means I can hose down his hay. A lot more convenient than soaking in small batches.
Went out on Link today and I took Bramble out on the lead rein for company. We were only out for a couple of hours so real lightweights this weekend - half way round Bramble started hacking up phlegm and was sounding much better by the time we got back. I think the gentle exercise helped to break it all up for him. All the grass kept boys and girls are starting to look a little porky though. |
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| Nic |
Charlie is back in work after his 6 week break. I led him off another horse for the first few days then rode him yesterday and today - he feels like a LOT of horse at the moment - I am riding him everywhere and being very careful not to put any leg on, otherwise I get unscheduled acceleration
N |
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| Sarah |
Ahh potential face left at the bottom of a hill stuff then, perhaps not wise to have him accompany Morris on Ride Bare, probably mean 260 miles would take not 14 but four days! S x |
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| SueH |
Despite being on grass overnight and me thinking we'd be in boots overs summer, Jake still managing well for 95% of the rides I do without 'em. I guess this is cos our rides involve roadwork and mossy mountain tracks so no probs for bare. I am sure he will get even better after Sept of course.
That being said, on Sat, Jake Ye ha galloping up hill like a steam train and we hit stoney section and he didnt even notice it, just ploughed on and on his toes all the way. Will post photo of the track when I get round to it.
NEW PONY arriving wednesday. Nutter TB which has run out of chances - primarily as a mate for Jake, but will work on ground slowly, and then whatever he enjoys we'll do. Need a magnifying glass to see his frogs though! edited : Brewers Yeast increased to 2 x 50ml scoop |
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| Helen N |
Great to hear how well Jake is doing, Sue ... and Morris, well what a star he is Rooster went to Cirencester this weekend and completed his 40k ride completely barefoot in his fastest ever time (14.3kph). Lots of good going, a few stoney bits but not too much to bother him. Very pleased with his performance
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| Nic |
Well done Sue and Helen
LOL! Be sure to take photos, 'cos you'll be amazed how fast those little devils develop
The weather has hotted up big time down here - think I killed about 100 horse flies when I took Angel and Blue out this morning, and they still came back with dozens of the little b***** biting them...a few even had a go at me
Desperate to get our haylage cut and in this week, has to be done before I head off to Sarah's to start the BBR...but thunderstorms forecast on Friday and it won't be cut till tomorrow at the earliest - AARGH - hate making grass-cutting decisions
Yup - and I very much doubt that I would be accompanying Charles for much of that mileage...
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| brucea |
Very muggy and thundery up here in the moderate north!
You know, in the future, barefoot in the UK will probably be talked about in reverential tones - "pre-BBR" and "post-BBR"
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| SueH |
Well done HelenN and Rooster
Who will you be riding at Kinmel St George ? bet that feels that a little stroll ! Jake out on same mountain track last night but on his own so less adrenaline. Cantering up the steep hill, and at the stoney bit I expected him to back off quite abit, but he went into this enormous trot, really confident and strong and surefooted - no leg on by me. It was pretty warm so may even have been heat bless him but either way, even without loads of adrenaline he's happy to get across this surface at good speed. The more you do, the better he gets. As Aunty Sarah said last year Ride Ride Ride (within comfort zone). Just chucklin at idea that you are planning BBR and the main problem appears to be how to find horse which is not too fast ! That in itself just shows the possibilities of barefoot
Will be taking photos of NEW PONY when he arrives tomorrow am. Shoes coming off Friday so have time to get shod pics (with lots of zoom for frogs ).
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| Nic |
Yes, sadly although barefoot is wonderful in so many ways it cannot effect a brain transplant and turn either Charles or Jacko into horses grounded enough to travel the BBR
Now if we could follow hounds through Wales, on the other hand, then 260 miles just wouldn't be far enough, and we wouldn't even need Morris for company
Sue, I hope you and Jake will be on the BBR for at least part of the way? Looking forward to meeting you both
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| Jo Mitchell |
Pie and me did the Settle Loop (part of the Pennine Bridleway) on Sunday 17k ride with very very steep ascent and descent and lovely ride on the top of the moor.
Went back bootless and he was great, I did get off and walk done the limestone pavements, but more because it's just not safe to stay on a ride, very slippy, very big drop to the right and very unstable underfoot. The back bootless didn't seem to bother him at all as he was completely fresh and bronking with me so only a little bit of cantering and the rest good working trot and forward walk... If anyone has the chance to do this part of the Pennine Bridleway I can really recommend it... very very beautiful ride, but horses need to be super fit as it is very demanding on the ascent and descent. I'm getting Pie fit for our Level 2 Trec's that we've entered over July & August. http://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/the_settle_loop |
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| SueH |
Nic I would really love to do this. The only limitation I have at the mo is me: complete wuss trailering, I'm new to towing neddy and so am sticking to short journeys so I would want to do Day Nercwys-Glyndyfydwy and I think it would be very cool to be there at the start !
forgot to say Jake did first stressage test last week. Did it in halter and amended test to walk and trot (told em before) so non compete -just as experience for Jake. Well working in area was fun: camel impersonation but largely ok and absent usual hoodlum antics. Forward going in test - whizzed a few corners and did our L and R 10m circles to change rein at trot instead of walk but goaty feet Jake did them really well. windy and rainy so we had odd spook but he did well and enjoyed himself enormously
I doubt we'd excel at this as practising dressage is not my idea of fun but its good to get him socializing . only thing was I couldnt focus on Jake as so many people coming and asking about riding in halter. No comment on his feet, just a few stares as adrenaline boy stromped over some stone
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| Nic |
Probably a good idea, as we may well be tired and emotional by the time we get to Exmoor Not to mention smelly and having sore bottoms...
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| brucea |
Now here's a thought - maybe just right off the wall - why don't we hold regional BBR's - LBR's (in a small and entirely incomparable 15 mile fun ride kind of a way) to coincide with the BBR?
That would be fun, and bring barefoot folks together. Maybe a bit late though for that kind of publicity and organisation. 
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| Nic |
Bruce, great idea
I've started a new topic in the events section, so get posting if you want to Ride Bare in your area
http://uknhcp.myfastforum.org/sutra8268.php#8268 N |
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| brucea |
Geen a glorious evening up here - trimmed Link's feet and tidied up Brambles.
I noticed that Link has a fair number of fine vertical splits/cracks appearing in his hoof wall on the fronts - no obvious cause for them and they are just on the surface (had a little dig at one to see ). I never use hoof creams or oilygunk on his feet, maybe I need to hose them - maybe just caused by getting dry. There's been reasonably frequent rain up here so I can't imagine they are too dry.
For the first time since he went barefoot - Bramble has no bruise marks visible on his hoof walls after dressing. I think that's a result. Thanks Anni.
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| brucea |
Well - one lives and learns. Trimmed a cob a couple of months ago and it was a total monster - really gave me a hard time. Was very patient with him but he was not going to stand so just did what we could at the time.
Trimmed him again tonight, with some trepidation I must say, and he was a real angel, tried very hard for me, and we got a nice trim (another freebie for another wife's friend...I'm being pimped out !) - feet had grown pretty long in between trims. Like a different horse.
Difference - horse has moved yards and is in with a bigger herd, but owner has also gotten molassed chaff out of his diet. Amazing. Much calmer cob.
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| hobnob |
Been up and down for the last couple of weeks. LGL pone been on Hilton Metabolyte for a week now in an attempt to help her IR and the sugar rush !! Will not see anything probably for another couple of weeks. New job this week so have just started walking her out down the lane before work in the morning, at 6.30am (best time of the day!). She is wearing front boots as is not 100 percent on stones and we have a gravel drive to negotiate. Still she is on the mud area with the track closed off which is looking very green so Lord knows what we are going to do with that. She hasnt been on track for 2 weeks and I have noticed a halt in her hoof growth so there we go - movement, movement etc !!! Oh and as not on grass this has probably slowed it down aswell.
Am now hoping the no grass,(apart from the odd sprout thru the mud) coupled with walking out daily and Metabolyte will see us non footy in the coming weeks. Fingers crossed !
Interesting note - evening hay soaked in water warmed by the sun for about 2 1/2 hours only as I dont want it to stew all day in the sun. She is fine with this. The other day when I got home I had forgotten to refill my soaking tub that morning so the hay was soaked in fresh COLD water from the hose for the same amount of time. LGL was particularly footy the next morning. So - I pressume the short soak in warm water releases more sugar than the short soak in cold water !!!! Well done if you got through that revelation. And this just shows how sensitive the poor luv is !!
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| brucea |
Could just be Hobnob that the stress of the very warm day makes a difference. I notice with Bramble if he gets too hot or too cold that makes a difference to his footiness. | ||||
| hobnob |
Do you really think so ? We are fighting a no win situation then - how depressing !
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| horsesfirst |
Snips doing well on her restricted routine of stabled by day, in barn at night when permitted (more or less every other night). Surprisingly still quite 'well covered' even though doing 14 hours work per week or thereabouts.
Hay is soaked, but as water use is restricted, I fear the soaking 'juice' might be quite alcoholic. She is very calm and quite relaxed probably doesn't help with the weight.
Hind feet now going concave - post an abcess bursting out sideways through frog. Fronts still determined to ski forward if we let them. Heaved her backside up and down hills on South Downs today. Managed to bust a glove - seems the back screw can't take the strain of her double jointing her lower legs to get up the steep bits. Owner had to get off on the steepest bits (I think she feared she might come off backwards otherwise)
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| Nic |
Poor old Ghost picked up a nasty infection a few days ago - looks like a tick bite on his chest which was either carrying something evil or got infected. He had a high temperature for a few days till the antiboitics kicked in, and was feeling very sorry for himself He needed lots of cuss and fuddle on a regular basis - including licks from Charlie, which may or may not have made him feel better
The good news is that he is recovering well now, and the huge oedema on his chest has gone down, just leaving some nasty pus-sy dried up secretions (sorry to those having their supper!) but the bad news is that he won't be doing the BBR after having such a nasty bout so close. Its such a shame, as he would have loved it, but he will get lots of fuss at home and I will just have to make sure that I keep him going over the autumn and winter, as he is generally so much happier in work. |
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| brucea |
Hodbob - it could very well be. Earlier this year I had forgortten to put Bramble's rug back on in the evening and he got a thorough soaking at night - shivering wee lad the next mornign. Was footy for about a week after that - seemed to be just the stresses of getting chilled were enough. Too much sunshine/muggy hot days seem to have a similar effect.
Nic - poor Ghost - hope he gets better soon. We had a real nasty one with Link a few years back - was bitten by something all along his sheath and he had a real big inflamed bag of grapefruit and he had a high temperature too. Walked like John Wayne for a few days! Healed up pretty quick with the antibiotics and some cream and he was fine about a week after. An unusual thing. One horse is lame with a suspected abscess, but several other horses have stood on, twisted and pulled their shoes off - I took two of them off over the last couple of days - both had heel branches stood on and shoe badly twisted. All fronts. I've heard that if abscesses are brewing a horse will sometimes try to pull the shoe off. Wonder why there might be a mini-spate of them just now? |
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| Nic |
Interesting - I'd not heard this but it makes sense - clever horses Could it be the heat and humidity? Lots of flies and nasties here at the mo, and the weather is perfect for infections
Ghost is loads better, thanks, and I think will come out for a quiet pootle today. N |
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| Nic |
Bragging on behalf of Jane Tweedie...go to www.magicsownlittleworld.blogspot.com if you want to see why
N PS: Ghost awesome on his pootle - horseflies however at plague proportions...
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| SueH |
I should say so - - this is such a cool blog. Its inspiring me to start one ! What event was this BTW ?
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| hobnob |
End of June report.
Entering a heatwave !! Was fairly hot this morning before 7am when taking lgl girl out. She was in front boots and spent most of the time waving her head around and prancing. Feel well I guess. Small pulse on NSF tonight though and this is normally the better one !?!? Still in mud paddock but it has a few sprouts of grass. Still waiting to see effects of Metabolite (fed for 10 days now) on IR but she is definately VERY happy and bouncy !! |
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| brucea |
Lord knows what it has been like down south - but been hot and clammy all day here.
Flies driving horses and people mad. Horse flies the size of budgies! Had to hose down Link after just walking to the end of the road and back. |
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| Nic |
Yep - flies a real problem here too - a first for Exmoor, and they are APPALLING at the moment. I am getting 4 horses exercised before 8.30 if I can as after that its almost impossible...
Seriously worrying about flies on the BBR now, and looking for top repellent tips...don't really fancy riding the whole way swathed in a mozzie net, which would be the only alternative... |
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| horsesfirst |
A welsh farmer I know who does all her stock work with horses uses Spot On. Not tried it myself though and it has not been authorised for equine use. | ||||
| hobnob |
I dont think Spot-on would repel the flies - just kill them when they have bitten the host ! I am ready to be corrected on this though... | ||||
| horsesfirst |
That's what I said too, but apparently its good enough to keep the sweet itch midges off and everything. But I'd rather someone else tried it first. | ||||