Horses

I am debating on getting a pair of spurs to help motivate my sometimes hard-to-deal-with mare. She's not horrible, but when I want her to go somewhere, usually uphill (even when another horse is leading), she fights me (spinning and going the other way). This last weekend, she did just this and my girlfriend got on her, poked her a couple times with spurs and right up the hill she went.

For someone who has never used spurs, what types would you recommend? I was thinking Prince of Wales spurs would be sufficient, but do you think that is too much to start? Another friend recommended bumper spurs, but I can't find them to see what they look like.

I have also used a crop (which works), but don't feel comfortable using it because it frees up one of my hands. Hense my thinking spurs are my next step.

Any and all suggestions are welcome-except from those who think spurs are cruel...please don't feed me that bs...I am not an abuser.

2007-11-02 18:05:14 · 8 answers · asked by Bobbie 3

So now what to do,,,,

We have been through the red paint, the silver paint, the mollasses escapades.....

Now he is bald all over his butt. This isn't rain rot, its being a brat and getting bit by the other mules. So now, he is really bald alllll over his hips and croup.

I'm sure its well deserved, he didn't earn the name " Ozzy Osbourne" by being an angel.

So what do you do, we have Denver Stock Show in 3 months, and he pulled this on me last year too, but it wasn't quite as bad.

He has white and black fur, is there something I can put on him to stop the others from play biting and taking fur chunks, or should I sheet him, what?

He always manages to do SOMETHING to himself right before a show, I was expecting paint again, but now..... he looks like Kojak across the back end.

Ideas??

2007-11-02 13:53:14 · 7 answers · asked by Mulereiner 7

I would like advice on what I can do to become a vet.
Right now I am a junior in high school. This is what I am doing so far. Do you think I am on track to becoming a vet, and what else can I do?

I am: - working hard to get good grades, especially in science
- Trying to arrange volunteering with a vet
- Getting a working student position at the barn where I ride
- Learning as much as I can about horses
- Joining 4H and my school's equestrian team

2007-11-02 11:12:12 · 12 answers · asked by I<3ct 3

(I know they cost more to upkeep, but as far as offering price goes...)

Thanks =)

2007-11-01 09:51:40 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous

I rode english for a short while about 6 yrs ago and I want to try it again. I don't know alot about english saddles so I need some help. I am looking on line at a few used ones. All of them are in good condition . One is a Coubette,2 Crosby,2 Stubben, 1 Borelli, 1 Kincade. Can anyone tell me from personal experience which brands are the best and which ones to stay away from? The Courbette is only $89.00. It is older but looks great. Is that a good deal? It has rather large flaps though and my horse is only 13.1 hands. Ok all you english riders...please help! What do I need to look for in an english saddle?(Brand, fitting,style,comfort) I will only be using it for trail riding and maybe lessons but I want something with a good resale value in case I decide not to stick with it.
My mare uses a 6" gullet westen saddle. What size should I look for in english? She 13.1 hands and is not real wide and her withers are average(maybe a little on the low side).

2007-11-01 08:48:00 · 10 answers · asked by Doglady77 2

thanks

2007-11-01 08:06:41 · 7 answers · asked by Kyndell. <3 5

Although what horses are fed plays a major role on their health, how they are fed is also important. Because humans don't want to eat off the ground, we assume our horses don't either and hay is often placed in hay racks or mangers at chest level to the horse. The additional feed is often placed in a bucket hung at head level, and again the horse cannot eat as nature intended. Built to chew and swallow with their heads at ground level, not only does this unnatural way cause improperly chewed food, decrease in saliva, and uneven tooth wear, but also increases the possibility of choke or partial obstruction. Respiratory problems can also occur as foreign particles of dust, hay and grain hull pieces can easily be inhaled causing irritation and possible infection. If you are concerned about sand colic, you can use rubber mats or even tire feeders at ground level. Following the same example of ground level feeding, watering also follows nature's rules. Horses don't just sip their water; if given the chance will often submerge their whole muzzle to play or to clean out their nostrils. The bowl-like automatic waterers do not allow this activity and don't allow you to monitor water intake. Rather than using tall narrow tanks, low shallow troughs allow the horse to be closer to the ground as nature intended. Allowing the tank to periodically run over ensures that the hooves receive an occasional moisturizing bath.

2007-11-01 06:04:20 · 16 answers · asked by Paint Pony 5

OKay he is a 14.hh Welsh X Arabian and is 6 years old. WHat do youi think of him? Here are some pics!

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t156/X_Clara07_X/pink5.jpg

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t156/X_Clara07_X/pink4.jpg

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t156/X_Clara07_X/pink3.jpg

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t156/X_Clara07_X/pink2.jpg

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t156/X_Clara07_X/GoodMario.jpg

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t156/X_Clara07_X/Mario2.jpg

Thanks In Advanced

2007-10-31 03:57:46 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous

http://youtube.com/watch?v=QsbQMdWcGP0

What do you think of it? Like the format? And if you must, you can critque. In the sit trot at the horse show I know I was wiggly at first but I got together, I won that class so I did something right.
ABOUT THE VIDEO
Basically it's my journey. I knew a girl who said Laredo was useless. And now look at him.
Thank you.
And please be mature about it.
I'm 12.

2007-10-30 13:39:45 · 22 answers · asked by Anonymous

I do know a bit about saddle fit, and my old saddle didnt fit right, and caused my horse to get white hairs on his withers. I bought a new saddle. Its a billy cook, which I was told was a good brand. I still worry though, cause when Im done riding him, and take his saddle off, he had dry spots on both sides of his withers, I have tried three different pads so far, the classic equine ESP, and just a regular 1 inch felt top, and some other brand a friend of mine swears by, but they still leave some dry areas. It isnt real distinct in the last pad I tried today, but he was all sweaty in the back of the saddle, and it sort of faded into a dry area towards his withers. I dont know what to do. I cant afford a new saddle again, and I dont know what to try next????????? My horse is the tall narrow, gangly type. Hes 15.3 and hes only 3 yrs old paint gelding. Hes also real hollowed out behind the withers, so I doont think that helps my situations. What should I do????

2007-10-30 11:47:12 · 17 answers · asked by bannerboxer 2

There is this horse where I ride and she will not let me catch her. When I get close, she runs and turns her back towards me, like she is going to buck me. I have tried treats, but I can't seem to get the halter on when I am giving them to her. Thanks!

2007-10-30 08:28:10 · 28 answers · asked by horsey_girl009 2

okay i take lessons at this farm for riding i met this horsethey own his name is Dale hes so sweat and funny and trys to eat stuff out of my pockets :) but hes not broken in yet ...there braking him in this winter so would i be able to ride him in the spring or summer ? i just started riding but she said i proggresses faster than alot of others cause i already new the horses and brushed them cause i live up the road from them .. ? so what do you think ?

2007-10-30 08:03:26 · 13 answers · asked by Renee M 1

he'd get in before it gets dark and i'll be using hot water and putting a cooler on him after but i'm not sure if it's too cold.... however the other day he wouldn't come inside when it was raining and it was in the low 50's but then he didn't get soaked 'cause he had a sheet on...he could really use a bath but i don't want him to get chilled... what would you do if he was yours?

2007-10-30 07:13:33 · 13 answers · asked by Lizzy 4

I would appreciate any ideas on what to do with a horse that will walk right over you if you don't move..If you have the halter or bridle on him he can be controled even though sometimes it's hard. He's fine in every other way but if feed or something gets his attention he going where he wants to go, especially if he is loose. I've tried carrying a whip and smacking him when he gets close but if i don't move at the very last second he will walk right over me. thanks for any tried and true methods and ideas

2007-10-30 06:57:03 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous

The breed of horses used in the movie, especially the grey in the final fight scene,....what is it? Can't find anything in the credits.

2007-10-30 06:40:18 · 10 answers · asked by Tira A 4

I will be able to get a horse finally after wanting one for 25 years. What is the best breed to look into? I have experience riding and such, but not one on one care. Of course, I will make sure I take the appropriate classes, if any to ensure proper care. But in the interm, I'd appreciate if someone would have a suggestion. Thansk

2007-10-30 05:56:50 · 21 answers · asked by Anonymous

i've seen people ride without bridles and want to know what it is that they put around their horses neck. when i ride my horse without a bridle always just use my legs but want to knowwhat it is that they put aroud their horses necks and where i could get one

2007-10-30 03:49:20 · 22 answers · asked by love4horses 2

Is it reasonable to ask my farrier if he could trim my mule laying down?

This is the same one I wrote about with the pinched shoulder nerve. The vet/chiro put him back in place, he was out badly and said he has no idea why he goes out like that with trimming jobs. There really wasn't anything he could recommend to do. He gave me some stretching exercises, but had no idea for trimming what could be done to prevent it.

I figure it will cost extra, but would it be out of line to ask my farrier to trim my mule laying down on the front or do you think thats impossible? I have no clue actually on this.

He lays down on command, so its not a problem getting him down.

If you have an idea for getting an trim job please let me know. So far there isn't anyone with a table to lay them down around here.

2007-10-29 23:13:15 · 16 answers · asked by Mulereiner 7

Is it true that if you can clearly see the whites of a horse's eyes that it is flighty, unpredictable, or aggressive? What about if a horse has blue eyes? Is there any sort of genetic link between eye pigmentation and temperament at all?

2007-10-29 15:29:29 · 17 answers · asked by anonymous 1

I have started blanketing my ponies and horses. It is getting down to the early 40's and upper 30's at night. I have an arabian pony that has never grown a heavy coat and I have owned her for nine years. Another TB mare that we own has been through more than 5 surgeries and nearly a year later is just gaining most of her weight back. Yet another one of my ponies is clipped. I have been blanketing them and leaving sheets on during the day when its supposed to be below 65. My mother and I have gotten into a rather big argument about me to quick to blanket, is she right in her reasoning? I am doubting myself now. Is it ok that I am putting medium weight blankets on at night and leaving sheets on chillier days?

2007-10-29 15:09:03 · 11 answers · asked by jreventer 3

I live in an area that experienced a late freeze and a summer drought. Hay is definitely going to be a premium this year.

But, it can still be bought. I just bought in on a load of alfalfa trucked in by semi from out of state...at an equivalent of about $4.50 for a 50 lb square bale. Not the cheapest hay I've ever bought, but delivered to my barn, not a bad price...

And I've told my neighbors that I'll buy in on whatever excess they have from future incoming loads, to let them get their tonnage up to a full semi load without having to buy more than they need, unless they want to.

I told another horsey person at my office about this and a non horsey person overheard and told me I was just being greedy, people like me were the reason others couldn't find hay. I replied that whether I'm greedy or not has no bearing on whether people procrastinate or not.

What's the opinion here? I'll still sleep like a baby, but I thought this would be something fun to toss around.

2007-10-29 06:59:48 · 24 answers · asked by cnsdubie 6

I love them both in there own way but bareback can feel soooo gooood!!!!! I love the feeling of the horses spine under me in bareback because you can feel excactly how the horse is moving. Its not a good idea to wear jeans for this because the seam can hurt the horses back. I often wear jeans when using a saddle because the seam can feel quite nice!

2007-10-28 22:11:19 · 49 answers · asked by montieork 2

I have an Arabian mare that is excellent at the trot, extends and keeps her head on the vertical, but when it comes to the canter, she goes behind the bit, and off the vertical. I use a kimberwick with a low port... I wont use snaffles because she pulls and practically takes the reins out of my hands. Tips please!

2007-10-28 15:27:27 · 11 answers · asked by fancigal 3

I love horses and have been around them my whole life and I want to be a horse trainer and I want to achieve my goal and become that but I don't know what to look for and even where. I live south of Chicago and the problem is the stable around here is not that good. If any one has the name of a facility or a school that would be willing to train me for this I would be eternally in your debt. I really hope you can help. Message me if you do and have a lot of info and I will answer you as quickly as possible Thanks

2007-10-28 14:06:44 · 9 answers · asked by Horsevet/trainer wantobe 1

Example: mine is a stall walker/stall runner followed by a hard to catch horse. If you've been around horses long enough, you have one! Please share.......

2007-10-27 09:53:06 · 32 answers · asked by Boxer Lover 6

I am getting tired of hearing people complain about their horses attitude or manners, when they are causing the problem.

So many times I hear or see someone saying "they are fine with everyone else but when I ....... ...... ....."

HELLO!!

It is like a mathematical equation, if something jibes, then remove it. If you aren't sure what the problem is, then take a good hard look - it will be there, in front of your eyes, you just have to stop being proud about yourself and your abilities, and get help with your riding or handling issues.

Maybe you should just admit the horse is too much for you, and sell them to someone who is perfect for them before you ruin them.

Sometimes it is just a case of a personality mismatch but both you and the horse will be happier with someone else.

A horse is not a machine; if you want perfection and absolute control, get a quad bike or a bicycle - not some poor horse!

2007-10-26 10:56:10 · 17 answers · asked by Stripey Cat 4

as i am thinking of getting one for my cob as he has no whithers and having problems fitting any gp saddles at the moment and no one has a treeless saddle for me to try were i live.if do buy one what treeless saddle will be the best.i will only be mainly hacking and schooling in it but would like to do abit jumping aswell

2007-10-26 10:47:32 · 15 answers · asked by daniellle 2

I just read a remark accusing the racetracks and the sport of thoroughbred (standardbreds too) racing to be cruel. Interesting, Id like to hear what everyone thinks about this.

2007-10-26 08:38:27 · 24 answers · asked by Dallas 4

I want to build a multiple feeder for 8 horses to eat out of. They break the store-bought feeders.
Any suggestions or advice Welcome!!!

2007-10-25 19:43:34 · 7 answers · asked by Q48x 4

i have 4horses {rain,romie,annie,punk}
1 mini horse{cowboy}
1mini donkey who is prego{pretty gurl. baby names are either eyore or gracie!}
they get treats occasionly and have a jollyball.
i kinda want something to buy but homemade things are an option i guess.
so what do your horses enjoy?
pretty gurl is in a stall untill baby comes
4 horses are on pasture
cowboy is in a stall untill we make him a section away from the big horses

2007-10-25 06:59:16 · 9 answers · asked by Kyndell. <3 5