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Protect yourself from fraudulent activity. Latest alert - camilastevenson@gmail.com

 

Be alert, some scammers initiate contact via mobile phone from Malayia. Current warnings exist for the following internet scammers:-

bridget-juan@hotmail.com
michellesteven1113@yahoo.com
warren.mars@yahoo.com
michellebriggs1890@yahoo.com
willbanks01@gmail.com;
monicataylor34@yahoo.com
petersean1890@yahoo.com
bridget_juan@hotmail.com
hallenmark1890@yahoo.nl
mariamason42@yahoo.com
jerrymark1890@yahoo.com
davidscot1893@yahoo.com
mariamason42@yahoo.com
sophie.mccarthy00@gmail.com
johncole2454@blumail.org
sanamaulite@yahoo.com
melissa.palmer9@gmail.com
stefanie.carter00@gmail.com/ stefanie.carter@gmail.com
michellecanty87@yahoo.com.au
ruth.hudson6@gmail.com (from Malaysia)
abel4style@gmail.com
torontodon999@gmail.com
ruth.hudson6@xemaps.com
derekmoore101@yahoo.com
markgoerge1890@yahoo.ca
jodie.andrews00@gmail.com
seanhankel04@gmail.com
marklouis@blumail.org
lilly.kent12gmail.com
kristen.jones240gmail.com.
bishalongafrance@gmail.com
james.hopperfield@gmail.com
markwilliams.1@rediffmail.com
nellypark@live.com 
dr.richy.harrison@gmail.com
kerry.baldwin@gmail.com
speter481@gmail.com
rose.morgan00@gmail.com
johnspencer205@yahoo.com
cedams2@excite.com
smitmicheal@gmx.us
mak@inbox.com

Protect yourself from fraudulent internet activity

The following link on the news classifieds website provides a useful resource for safe online transactions:- http://www.classifieds.news.com.au/info/safety_guidelines/

 Horseguide advises users to be aware of fraudulent operators on the internet. A common characteristic of someone conducting fraudulent activity is their immediate offer of financial gain. Their emails are often written in poorly constructed sentences.

These emails generally originate from overseas, including African, Asian and European nations. The individual may try to pursue your bank account details, of which we advise you to be very cautious.


Scammers who use Paypal or International Money Transfers


These scammers typically try to pay for a purchase via paypal, or will try other tactics using paypal to launder money from you. Often the link they provide you to paypal is not a genuine link, please be sure to check all URL's before clicking on them. These people can contact you via email or text you via mobile phone. Horseguide recommends that you do not conduct a transaction with anyone offering to use Paypal, unless you are confident that the person you are dealing with is genuine and authentic. Do not provide any personal information to anyone who offers to pay via paypal.

This includes bank account details, address and phone numbers or clicking on unverified links they email you. To protect your privacy, do not include your email address in your advert description. People can safely email you via the query form on your advert without you requiring to provide your email address.

To sum up, if something sounds to good to be true, then it is. Should you believe you have received a suspicious email, please avoid further contact with the individual and alert horseguide and/or relevant authorities. Further information can be found at ScamWatch.

An example is included below of  typical email from a scammer:-

'HELLO, I SAW YOUR HORSE AND I WAS TEMPTED TO MAKE INQUIRIES ON IT. PLEASE I WILL LIKE TO KNOW YOUR LAST OFFER, AND WHAT WILL IT COST FOR THE SHIPMENT DOWN HERE IN MALAYSIA? I WANT TO BUY THIS BREED FOR MY ONLY DAUGHTER AS A SPECIAL GIFT FOR HER WEDDING. PLEASE GET BACK TO ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. REGARDS'
You may contact me via email at damonvictor2010@yahoo.com

Thanks,
damon victor


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Below is an example of a typical text from a scammer. 
"I want to know if your horse on horseguide is still up for sale, plz email me on kristen.jones240@gmail.com ".

This person then tries to launder money by requesting Paypal on the next phone text or email.


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Buying a Horse sight-unseen
 
Worth the risk? Horseguide recommends that all buyers refrain from buying a horse 'sight unseen'. An independent vet-check should be considerered as mandatory for any horse being purchased this way. What you see in photos is not what you always get. Unfortunately, some people conduct misleading activities by selling horses sight unseen that differ substantially from the original photos. Avoid this scenario through common sense!


 

 
 

Equine Evolution - The History of the Horse and Pony

 
Equine Evolution - The History of the Horse and Pony

55 million years ago there was a little creature called Hyracotherium, it is said to have been the size of a terrier and throughout time it evolved into the horse.
 
Many today disagree as to the accuracy of the depicted evolution of the horse. This due to the missing time frames and shortage of fossils in those periods, those same people claim that the transfer from 3 toes to one toe is degeneration and not evolution.
 
Your opinions may be swayed but fact is, we have horses, and they came from somewhere. So we went to find out just how the modern horse or pony came to be.
 
About 5 million years ago (okay give or take a few hundred thousand years. hey what's a hundred thousand years in terms of evolution) The species Equus evolved from a relative known as Dinohippus.
 
Equus were about the size of a donkey with a donkey like head medium length ears, it had stripes like a zebra, with short upright shoulders and short stiff manes and tails, (well you get the idea). Although various strains existed many became extinct.
 
The Equus was eventually left with twelve different species, these made up four distinctive groups. These groups diverged across the world with the exception of Antarctica, Australia and New Zealand (There were no fossil records ever found)
 
The group of Equus we are interested in is the Equus Caballus, or modern horse. This group consisted of four horse-subtypes that are considered as being the forefathers of all breeds found today.
 
These four horse types, whom all were pony types, are:
 
The Forest Horse: a heavy built solid type of pony with a big heavy head. They were found mostly in northern Europe. These ponies stood at about 14.2hh, and were very resistant to the colder, wet climates. These ponies were lighter in colour often being dun or yellow with dorsal stripes. The Tarpin was the last true forest horse, and was last recorded alive in 1919. Since then there has been an ongoing drive to preserve and restore the features of the Tarpin to a recognized breed. Ponies are selectively bred for their features and stripes on the legs.
 
Current breeds today that are direct descendants, or representatives of the type include the Halflinger. Norwegian Fjord, Noriker, Finnish, Hucul, Konik, Sorraia, and Highland ponies. The Palomino, Appaloosa and Pinto colour genes derive from this group.
 
The Platue Horse: These were small ponies standing between 12-12.2hh. They originated in Siberia, Northern Asia and Europe. And were the less common than the Steppe group. They were hardy ponies that could withstand the cold temperatures of Europe and the ice lands. The Przewalski belongs to this group. Similar in size and build as today's Icelandic, Exmoor and Dartmoor ponies. They were solid in colour. The Dale, New Forest Ponies, Latvian, Dulmen, Spiti and Bali are good examples of breeds that resemble and or descend from these ponies.
 
The Tundra: Although it had little input in today's breeds, the Tundra was a hardy horse capable of surviving harsh to cold weathers. Lighter in build than the previous two this the third type of horse was a lankier and taller horse, measuring at about 14.3hh it was lighter and faster than the preceding two with a long neck and ears, it tended to be slab sided with a gooserump and course features. Its closest breed representative or descendant is the Jaf, Tchenarani, Darashomi and Iomud
 
The Steppe Horse: A finer pony overall with a lighter build, it stood at about 12hh, and was found in Asia and North Africa. It was most refined type of the four. A hardy horse capable of withstanding the demands of the desert, with refinement of bone and features, fine body hair with a long silky mane and tail, they were renowned for their beauty even back then. You guessed it was the forefathers of the Arabian.
Horses other than the Arabian that descends from the Steppe are the Turkoman, Karabair, and the Caspian
 
The Forest Horse: is the forefather of all Coldblooded horses
 
Crossing the Steppe and Plattue resulted in the "hotblooded" horses and ponies. Examples are the Welsh ponies, Thoroughbreds, Lippizanner, and the Dole.
 
The Steppe being the forefather of the oriental breeds. (The Arabian)
 
Selective breeding in nature (survival of the fittest) of these four groups with some human intervention later, along with specialized feeds has resulted in the three main types we see today.
 
Today regardless of breed horses are divided into three main types again, with a fourth slowly emerging. These are:
 
The Pony
Regardless of their breed or breeding. A pony used to be considered as a horse measuring 14.2hh and under. Today the registration of ponies is accepted in competition as a horse measuring under 15hh in height.
 
The Light Horse
The Arabian regardless of its size falls into this category as do the Thoroughbred and most older hotblooded and warmblooded horses The category is often referred to as hotbloods as it contains all the spirited and refined horses.
 
The Draft Horse
These are the cold-blooded horses that are larger, slower and very powerful.
 
And lately The Warmblood
This is the result of crossing the hot and coldblooded horses. Warmblood breeding programs are very controlled, especially the German programs, where attention is paid to temperament, conformation and performance. No lesser-deemed stallion would remain intact long enough to cover a mare and reproduce, this is why the German Warmbloods are considered today as the ultimate sports horses.
 
And there in a nutshell you have the evolution of your horse, so which category did he or she derive from?
 

Kate Hinton is CEO of ThatHorse which is a one stop shop for everything equine.
 
She is also the author of 'The Essential Guide to Selling Your Horse' which is a must have if you are looking to sell a horse.
 
Visit http://www.horse-selling-guide.com to purchase your copy today!
 


 
 

Arbovirus Infections in Horses

 


Harness Racing Australia (HRA) has been informed that the wet spring and summer across Australia has resulted in an increased risk of insect borne virus or ‘arbovirus’ infections in horses.

Veterinarians in Victoria, NSW and South Australia are reporting increased numbers of horses with two distinct disease syndromes:
• Muscle and joint soreness
• Nervous signs

Reports of horses with nervous signs have originated from:
• along the Murray River in Victoria
• the south eastern region of South Australia
• various locations  in NSW, including west of the Great Divide, from Mungindi in the north to the Murray River, and a significant cluster in the Hawkesbury Valley west of Sydney and also the Upper Hunter Valley.

Some horses have been severely affected. Most horses with clinical signs recover over several weeks with good husbandry and veterinary care; however, as of 30 March 2011, of the 100 cases in NSW, around 15 have died or have had to be euthanised for animal welfare reasons.

Laboratory testing of samples from the horses with soreness indicates that most infections are probably due to Alphavirus infections including Ross River virus.

The laboratory testing of samples from horses with unusual nervous signs suggests that a majority of cases are due to infection with one or more viruses belonging to the Flavivirus group of viruses that includes viruses like Murray Valley encephalitis virus and Kunjin virus. Testing of samples to date has ruled out Japanese encephalitis virus.

Horses are a 'dead-end' host for mosquito-borne arbovirus infections, which means that a horse is not a source of new infection for people or other horses.

It is important to note that Hendra virus infection has been ruled out from all four states (QLD, NSW, VIC and SA).

Necropsies are taking place on infected dead horses to determine the cause of these infections.

It is important that veterinarians and any assistants take stringent precautions when performing necropsies on horses showing neurological clinical signs. Great care should be exercised when handling brain and spinal cord tissue and appropriate personal protective equipment should be utilised as part of a risk management approach to personal safety.

What to look for?
Horses suffering from these arboviruses commonly display clinical signs including, but not limited to:
o a reluctance to walk
o a stiff gait
o ataxia (uncoordinated)
o depression
o tremors

What can you do?
Horse owners are urged to reduce the exposure of their animals to insect bites, in particular, mosquitoes.

This can be done by using registered repellent products to reduce insect bites, and through other measures including rugging and the use of fly masks. 

Trainers, Stable Staff or Owners who notice that their horses display unusual signs should immediately contact their private veterinarian.

Updates
Situation updates and more local information is available on each state’s Department of Primary Industries website:

www.dpi.nsw.gov.au
www.dpi.vic.gov.au
www.pir.sa.gov.au
www.deedi.qld.gov.au

 
 

Disease in horses due to insect borne viruses

 

The wet spring and summer have resulted in an increased risk of insect borne viral infections. Viruses that are transmitted by insect vectors are broadly called arboviruses.

Since February 2011 there have been an increased number of reports of horses in NSW, South Australia and Victoria displaying two distinct disease syndromes:

- muscle and joint soreness
- nervous signs.

Although no increased incidence of muscle/joint soreness or nervous signs in horses has been reported in Queensland, a small number of possible cases are being investigated. There are indications that cooler weather in some in-land areas of South East Australia has led to a reduction in mosquito numbers and a consequent reduction in the number of new cases being reported in horses from early April 2011.
The horse is usually a ‘dead-end’ host for mosquito-borne arbovirus infections and is not considered a likely source of new infection for people or other horses.

What to look for
The most common clinical signs in horses include, but are not limited to:
- a reluctance to walk
- a stiff gait
- ataxia (uncoordinated)
- depression
- tremors.

Different symptoms from different viruses

How Arboviruses are involved
Laboratory testing of samples from horses showing muscle and joint soreness indicates that most infections are probably due to Ross River virus, an Alphavirus (arbovirus sub-group).

Laboratory testing of samples from horses with unusual nervous signs suggests that a majority of cases are due to infection with one of several Australian strains of mosquito-borne Flaviviruses that include viruses such as Murray Valley encephalitis virus and Kunjin virus.  All testing to date has ruled out Japanese encephalitis and Hendra viruses.

It is likely that many horses may be infected with arboviruses but only a small proportion of infected horses will become ill. This means that a positive blood test must be carefully interpreted. Repeat testing will be needed to show that antibody levels are rising.

Soreness signs are associated with Alphavirus infections
Reports of horses showing muscle and joint soreness have mainly originated from northern and central Victoria and South Australia. Signs are predominantly reluctance to walk, stiff gait and ataxia (uncoordinated). Affected horses usually recover with good husbandry and veterinary care.

Nervous signs are associated with Flavivirus infections
Reports of horses with nervous signs have originated from:

- widespread areas in Victoria

- locations across South Australia from the Riverland, down the length of the Murray and areas both north and south of Adelaide from Port Pirie to the South East
- various locations  in NSW, including west of the Great Divide, from Mungindi in the north to the Murray River, and a significant cluster in the Hawkesbury Valley west of Sydney and also the Upper Hunter Valley.

Early signs of infection may include depression or mild colic. These initial signs are followed by nervous signs including lack of coordination, high stepping in front limbs, weakness in the hind quarters, muscle twitching and increased responsiveness to touch and sound. In some cases there has been facial paralysis or twitching, especially of the lips. Severely affected horses may fall repeatedly and in rare cases develop convulsions. Most horses with clinical signs recover over several weeks with good husbandry and veterinary care, however, up to 12% of horses in some areas showing nervous signs have either died or had to be euthanased for animal welfare reasons.

Animal health officers in each state are assisting with these investigations.

Prevention in Horses
Horse owners should try to prevent their animals from being bitten by insects through measures including rugging, fly masks and using registered insect repellents. Even though mosquito numbers have decreased in some areas due to cooler weather, horse owners are urged not to become complacent. Ensuring that horses are kept in good condition will help build a strong immune system and minimise the risk of infection with arboviruses.
Human Health
Human health departments in most states and territories are advising the public to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes to minimise the risk of infection with these viruses. In 2011 up to 13 April, there have been four confirmed human cases of Murray Valley encephalitis across NSW, South Australia and the Northern Territory and no confirmed cases of human disease due to Kunjin virus. Check your state or territory’s human health department website for more information.

Reporting
Owners who notice horses displaying unusual signs should contact their private veterinarian immediately.

Further information
Situation updates and more local information is available on each state’s Primary Industries or Biosecurity department website:
NSW
Victoria
South Australia
Queensland
Information for Vets
Sample collection and laboratory submissions

Veterinarians who would like further advice on submissions of samples should contact officers in their Primary Industries or Biosecurity department:

Biosecurity Queensland 13 25 23
Biosecurity SA 8226 0222
NSW State Diagnostic Laboratory 02 4640 6327
Victorian Department of Primary Industries 136 186
Samples are being tested at state animal health laboratories and the Australian Animal Health Laboratory at Geelong.

It is important that veterinarians and any assistants take stringent precautions when performing necropsies on horses showing neurological clinical signs. Great care should be exercised when handling brain and spinal cord tissue and appropriate personal protective equipment should be utilised as part of a risk management approach to personal safety.

Disease in horses due to insect borne viruses – Fact Sheet [97kb]

This fact sheet was compiled by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry in conjunction with state departments of primary industries in the states listed above and the Australian Animal Health Laboratory.
http://www.outbreak.gov.au/pests_diseases/pests_diseases_animals/disease-in-horses-insect/index.html


Issued 15 April 2011

 
 

Types of equine supplements

 

Horses now live in predominantly unnatural environment i.e. restricted grazing and being stabled, and the more we ask of them to perform and restrict their natural habits, the more supplements are relied upon to create a balanced diet.

Supplements are added to a horses feed in order to improve its nutritional requirements especially if a horse lacks something in its diet, or is on a restricted diet.

Often a deficiency in a horse's diet can be seen through its general health, temperament, coat condition etc. and any unexplained change in what is considered normal for that horse could be due to a nutritional deficiency.

Supplements are used for:

Fitness, training and general exercise

Branched-Chain Amino acids (BCAA)- These are believed to delay fatigue and muscle breakdown during exercise.

L-Carnitine- Transports fats for aerobic oxidation and to generate energy.

Choline- Believed to help concentration, memory and muscle performance.

Creatine- Used during high intensity exercised, believing to be beneficial to muscles.

Dimethylglycine (DMG)- Works in energy production during aerobic respiration and aiding muscle metabolism.

Hooves

Biotin- A popular choice as it is vital for healthy hooves and can improve growth rates and hardness of the hoof wall.

Rosehip- Contains biotin.

Methionine- Involved in keratin production, which makes up the hoof wall.

Silica- Helps improve hoof quality.

Zinc- Helps the synthesis of keratin.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)- Helps keratin formation

Seaweed- Rich in vitamins and minerals and amino acids that are needed for good hooves.

Digestion

Probiotics- These promote healthy digestive function.

Psyllium- A plant fibre that maintains a healthy gut by absorbing harmful residues in the stomach and allowing them to pas through the digestive tract.

Dandelion- A mild laxative, stimulates appetite.

Garlic- Aids digestion.

Liquorice- Useful for gastric ulcers.

Mint- Helps to keep a healthy appetite.

Respiratory

Thyme- Helps to break up thick mucus by acting as an expectorant.

Liquorice- Acts as an expectorant and soothes the cell membranes of the respiratory tract.

Garlic- Eases respiratory irritation.

Elderflower- Anti-inflammatory properties and anti-catarrhal.

Coltsfoot- Cools and soothes whilst relieving coughing and tough mucus.

Pain

Devil's Claw- Useful for inflammation and pain of bone, joints and tissue.

Boswellia- Interferes with the enzymes that cause inflammation and pain.

Cetyl myristoleate- Helps joint inflammation and pain.

Yucca- Relieves inflammation and pain.

Scutellaria baicalensis- Anti-oxidant properties.

Skin

Nettle- Can produce dappling on horse's coats.

Kelp- Enhances coat and skin condition.

Marigold- Beneficial for skin problems.

Burdock- Used for deep cleansing of tissues and chronic skin conditions.

Cleavers- Useful for skin irritation and even skin diseases.

Immune System

Echinacea- Helps the immune system. It increases the white blood cells and increase the body's resistance to infection.

Nettle- Believed to stimulate the circulatory system, diuretic and blood cleanser.

Cleaver- Supports the lymphatic system.

Rosehips- Anti-oxidant properties and a source of Vitamin C.

Joints

Celery seed- Helps joint inflammation

Cider vinegar- Has been found to help joint suppleness

Collagen/gelatin- Supports joint health and nourish bone, tendon and ligament surrounding them.

Glucosamine- A popular supplement that helps to increase cartilage production and prevent its breakdown.

Copper- Low levels of copper found in mares and foals have been linked to orthopaedic disease.

Hyaluronic acid (HA)- Makes up part of joint fluid, providing lubrication, shock absorption and blocks inflammatory reactions.

MSM- Organic sulphur

Manganese- Used in the production of chondroitin sulphate.

Temperament

Lime leaves- Relaxant

Lemon balm- Anti-depressant

Charge stabilised oxygen- Useful for calming, increasing oxygen levels in the body.

Chamomile- Calming herb, also having anti-inflammatory and anti-spasm properties.

Valerian- Potent sedating effects, but not competition legal.

Magnesium- Deficiency is known to cause nervousness so is key ingredient in many supplements for calming.

L-tryptophan- An amino acid that is converted into serotonin, which soothes calms and produces a feeling of relaxation.

The author currently works for an EquestrianClearance.com an Online Equestrian Retail company selling lots of horse equipment and horse rugs. The company has vast experience and knowledge in the equestrian market. Please check out the company equestrian blog for information and guides about horses and all thing equestrian!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephanie_Koczy
 

 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5062553

 
 

Equine Dentistry: A Comfortable Jaw Equals A Happy Horse

 


Many unhappy, possibly spooky, one-sided, intermittently lame horses have TMJ (temporomandibular joint) distress. The biomechanics of the TMJ are directly related to a horse's posture, balance, rhythm, and general well-being. The jaw joint is grossly overlooked by horsemen, veterinarians, and even equine dentists. It is the closest joint in the body to the brain and brain stem and is flooded with proprioceptors that tell the body where it is in space.

Many dental practitioners are far too focused on smoothing up those molar tables without even considering how their work affects the TMJ. Now with the advent of SO many new power instruments on the market it is easy to get over aggressive with the floating.

Even though horses do have continually erupting teeth, there is only so much tooth that can erupt over a year's time and that amount diminishes significantly as horses age. We see horses in our practice daily that have been overfloated in the molars to the extent that their table angles have been flattened and even sometimes reversed. These table angles are necessary for proper guidance to the jaw joint. It also leaves the horse riding on his incisors (front teeth) with little or NO molar contact. These horses go into TMJ Myofascial pain syndrome trying to clench the muscles that close the jaw in an effort to get their molars back in contact.

The trigger points for the temporalis, masseter and medial pterygoid muscles are extremely reactive. They are living in constant distress. There is a delicate three-point balance between the incisors, the molars and the jaw joint, and when this is harmonious, the horse's nervous system is balanced and they can truly come through in their bodies. Overfloated molars can cause TMJ hyperreacivity, and too much pressure on the incisors causes even more distress even on the organs through neural connections and acupuncture meridian imbalances. These horses have static playing in their nervous systems. They cannot hear the subtle signals from a rider's hands or be responsive to the bit on the sensitive and sensual soft tissues in the mouth. Often their entire body is sore.

The jaw joint can move back and forth (anterior and posteriorly) as well as side to side (laterally). Anterior motion of the mandible is essential for proper movement throughout the entire horse's body. Most everybody checks for lateral motion; very few check for anterior motion.

What can you do? Listen to your horse chew his hay or graze on pasture. There should be a clear, hollow grinding sound as his molars masticate the forage. Palpate the trigger points around his jaw and see if they are comfortable. Look at your horse's front teeth. Are they symmetrical? When you lift his head up the lower incisors should move backwards toward his ears. More importantly, when you lower his head they should slide forward at least 1/8th of an inch.

Watch a dentist work before you let them practice on your horse. Do they palpate and evaluate the horse's TMJ? Do they address the incisors as well as the molars? Are they in a hurry? Do they over sedate the horse and then hoist or elevate their heads into an abnormal position to perform the dentistry? Do they understand that the work they are doing will directly affect the harmonics and resonance of your horse's nervous system? Are they using powerfloats or hand instruments designed to fit comfortably in a horse's mouth? The balance your equine dentist is creating in your horse's mouth is critical to proper biomechanics of the entire horse. Make sure it is appropriate!

This tip was brought to you by Dr. Heather Mack ( http://www.balancedequinewellness.com ) and KAM Animals Services, home of KAM's "Equine Learning Circle" FREE webinars, which will take place every month. Go to http://www.kamanimalservices.com to sign up for their next FREE webinar. These webinars will conclude with a question and answer session, so be ready with your nutrition questions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Heather_Mack 

 
 

What To Look For When Buying A Horse For Sale

  Knowing what to look for when buying a horse can make the whole process a lot less risky. By following some simple steps you can lesson the chances of buying someone elses problems.

horses & ponies for saleHow many times have you heard of someone buying a horse only later to find out the real reason it was sold. By following some simple steps you can lesson the chances of buying someone elses problems.

The first thing you need to do when deciding to buy a horse is be honest with yourself about your experience. If you are just starting out or have never bought horses before I strongly suggest you take an experienced person with you to view a horse. I should clarify that...by experienced I do not mean someone who is a fantastic rider or trainer I mean someone who is experienced at buying horses. Yes some people are both but handling, riding and training horses is not the same as buying them. Buying horses needs someone who knows the tricks and traps to avoid and can spot them a mile away.

Don't know anyone who is experienced at buying horses? No problem just go along to your local pony club, riding club or any other equine club and you should find someone willing to help. A word of caution if you do this make sure they are not best friends with the person selling the horse.

You have found what sounds like an ideal horse and arranged a look at it, what now. First thing to do is turn up a little early (10 - 15 minutes should do it). There is a good reason behind this, you want to know if the horse is hard to catch. If the horse is already caught ask the seller to let the horse out again so you can see it being caught.

When you arrive also look around the property, it will give you a good indication of how well the horse is looked after. A clean property with good fencing, no signs of cribbing or stall kicking and no rubbish laying around is what you want to see. A little tip for you, if there is a rubbish bin near the stable have a little peek in it without being too obvious. People have been known to give something to their horses to calm them for sale you may just find evidence of this.

You have seen the horse being caught and the property looks good, no sedatives in the bin so what next. Observe the horse when it is being saddled. Does the horse stand still, not nervous (the horse not you)? No nipping or kicking when being saddled? Look for little signs like tail twitching, ears laying back, basically observe the horses body language.

Do a physical check of the horse, lift its feet, run your hands down its legs, run you hands along its back, run your hands over its head. If you are not confident doing this let an experienced person do this for you. Doing this not only lets you see how well the horse stands when being handled but also lets you find any tender spots that may be an indication of more serious problems.

horses & saddles for saleThe next step is to observe the same things when the seller gets on and rides the horse. Does the horse stand still when mounting and wait for the rider to signal when to move off? The horse should not show any signs of being nervous (watch the rider for any signs of nerves too) and should not fight any commands. Does the horse transition easily from a walk to a trot and a trot to a canter? Stop easily? Walk on from a stop easily? Get the rider to do a figure eight, then ask them to go the other way doing a figure eight. Often a horse will show its true colors when asked to do something different.

If all has gone well so far it is time to try the horse yourself. Pay attention to all of the things you did when watching the owner ride the horse. Does it respond calmly and confidently to you? Pay attention to your gut feelings and if something does not feel right don't ignore it as it may be something you have picked up subconciously.

The final few tips I have for buying horses are common sense. Ask the owner lots of questions, why are they selling? How long have they had the horse? What activities have they used the horse for? Are there registration papers? What is it like being riden with other horses? Has it had any illnesses or injuries? Has it been vaccinated and if yes when are the boosters due? When was it last drenched? Pay attention to how the seller answers, look for any hestitation and other indicators of lying.

Buying a horse is an exciting time but do not let your emotions lead you. When you get the right horse you are getting much more than something to ride around on. You are getting a companion who you will have many enjoyable years riding with so take your time and find the one that is right for you.

 
 

The Art of Dressage Training - Forward for the Legs Part 1

 

© Bert Hartog.

www.horseridingcoach.com
 

A horse has to be 'forward for the legs' of the rider. This means that the horse must react actively and quickly to the leg aid of the rider, by going forward. This is a necessity in dressage, because all achievements originate from a combined energy and all this energy is only created by making the horse more active.

First of all a forward urge is needed. The leg aid of the rider creates the 'forward urge'. By guiding the horse correctly this forward urge can be limited and gathered into a generous 'urge to perform' by the horse. It is absolutely necessary that the horse is obedient to the leg aids. With a following seat and rein contact the rider must make it possible for the horse to obey the legs, which allows him to offer his paces expansively. If the rider works against the movement of the horse with his seat, posture or hands, the horse will not be inclined to obey the forward pushing leg aids. The result is a horse that holds back, and only reacts to kicking, sharp spurs and hard smacks with the whip. It will not be surprising that such horses are sour and unfriendly in the stable.

Of course there are many degrees between the two extremes of a willing and active and an unwilling and not so happy horse. The rider must control the hindquarters if he wants to create a horse that turns easily, actively extending and shortening and feeling pleasantly in hand. After all, the motor is the hindquarters and the motor can be started and accelerated through the influence of the legs of the rider. But even though we are making a comparison with a mechanical machine the horse is certainly not a dead thing that does everything by itself as long as you push the right button. But we can extend the comparison - if the motor is used by somebody unknowledgeable, it will run badly and play up. This also goes for the horse.

The rider has to teach the horse to be forward for the legs. We will discuss this a little further for those who have not had much experience and are training a young horse. Everyone knows a horse must have impulsion. This impulsion can only be achieved if the horse wants to go forward, and in such a way as is indicated and controlled by the rider. The horse must always, and at every moment, react actively to a pushing leg aid from the rider. What do we do if the rider has problems with the leg aids? If the horse is reacting slowly to the leg aids, and the rider is giving increasingly stronger leg aids without noticing it? When the rider works more and more with his spurs and hits the horse harder and more often with the whip, without really achieving the result that he expected? If the rider is honest enough to recognise the problem it is not too bad, because he can correct the fault. Those who keep going stubbornly in this way and blame the horse for it, will get stuck in their training and punish the horse for the faults that they have created themselves. What did the rider do wrong?

Unless it results from bad condition, or incapability because of conformation, the cause of the problem will be found in the way the rider has been riding. He may have forgotten to teach the light leg aid in the first few lessons. The solution is clear, the rider must go back and teach those first few lessons, and this will take time and patience, but it is absolutely necessary.

In most cases, the rider jams his thighs, knees and calves into the horse, and holds onto the horse this way. This clasping of the legs goes together with a jammed, stiffened seat. This combination of seat and legs works so much against the movement of the horse that he learns to keep himself back. It is also possible to have the reverse effect - the horse becomes restless and takes off! Now it is easy to picture a rider that hangs onto the reins and jams up his body completely. Many riders don't even feel that they are holding on with their legs, because their muscles have become so strong by using them a lot.

If they want to check their legs, they should consciously try to keep their legs a little away from the saddle. Keep your legs a few millimetres or a centimetre away from the horse so that you just, or just not feel the hair on the side of the horse. You will notice (as your senses sharpen) that the horse starts to react to the lightness. The horse will find the new sensation, pleasant.

Then the rider can test himself to see if he is really balanced - neither falling forward, or staying behind the movement. This is a very good exercise to do now and then. Nobody can see it, and it is a good way of checking your seat. The position of the legs must be correct and the legs - which are a hand width behind the girth - must be in touch with the horse, following the movement and the expanding and contracting ribcage in a supple way. The legs ought to be lowered because of the relaxed position. The knees will be low because the thighs are directed downwards. The heel will be lower because the ankle joint is relaxed. If the rider gives his horse the leg aid, then, immediately after the aid, the legs go back to their relaxed position. This way each new leg aid will be experienced by the horse as being clearly another aid, following the previous aid. Performed like this, the leg aid is indeed an aid, it is an indication, a command for the horse to do something specific.

The aids do not have to be heavy or strong. The horse is the one who does the heavy work, who offers the full use of his muscles. The human has the task of using his brain to regulate and guide... which the horse has to obey unconditionally. The unconditional obedience cannot be achieved by forcing the horse with unfair methods, which are often more cruel than one thinks - if one is thinking.

To know and to do are often two completely different things. Therefore it is right to ask yourself: Is the horse really alert to the leg aids. Does the horse really give the maximum of his ability without becoming nervous or tense? Or does the horse run away from underneath the rider when he applies the leg aid, which causes the horse to go on the forehand? Or does he react sufficiently to the pushing aid? It is up to you, the rider, to give an honest answer, and if you feel that everything is not right, make sure that you correct this fault, because this is necessary for progress in dressage.

How to make the horse 'forward to the legs'?

A young horse that is being trained to become a riding horse first needs to experience the concept of co-operation with humans on the lunge rein. Through systematic lunging not only will the horse become stronger and more able to carry the rider, it will also teach him what certain voice commands mean.

This is very important for the horse when it is being ridden for the first time. He does not only have a great problem to re- establish his balance - as the natural balance is disturbed by the weight of the rider - but at the same time he has to learn to understand that the rider gives certain signals, with the reins and legs, which he has to obey. To make it clear for the horse that he has to go forward from the pressure of the leg, the rider can at the time he applies the pressure of his legs, say the command which has already been taught to the horse on the lunge.

It does not take long before the horse understands that he has to go forward into walk or into trot if the legs of the rider exert a light pressure. The more obedient the horse was on the lunging rein to the commands of walk or trot, the more the horse will keep his mental balance when the same thing is asked under the rider. Do not under estimate this! If the rider is able to keep his horse mentally balanced (full of confidence, not frustrated) during the whole training towards the more advanced dressage, he can be assured of the co-operation of his horse, and that is worth a lot. Allow your horse the time to let any new exercise sink in. This is applicable for every new exercise in his career as a dressage horse.

Once the voice aid is not necessary anymore, the rider can take a whip in his hand to support the leg aids. Not one of these extra long dressage whips which are totally unsuitable for this work. The rider must be able to touch his horse everywhere with the whip without the horse shying at it. Often you see a helper give the whip to a rider while he keeps it hidden behind his back, because he could not approach the horse without him shying away. It speaks for itself how patient and understanding this rider has been with his horse... No, that is not the way to do it.

The whip is meant to make the horse attentive to the request of his rider and if necessary stress this request. The request has to be put into a language the horse has to learn to understand and after a while, does indeed understand. On one condition: The rider has to speak in a clear language.

That language is expressed through the aids that the rider gives his horse. This means, that the way of expressing must always be the same - the rider must always speak the same language, he must be consistent with his aids. Always exactly the same aid for the same request. It is not easy to be really consistent, certainly not for the less experienced rider. However, this must not be the reason not to try at all. You must keep on trying until it becomes a habit hopefully with the correct aids. The whip is used if the horse does not, or does not sufficiently react to the legs of the rider. The tap, or with complete disobedience, the smack, is placed behind the calf of the rider, because it is there (the place of the aid) to which the horse has to be obedient.

Suppose the rider asks the horse to trot on with a light leg aid, but he only responds after a tap with the whip. Then the rider should allow the horse to trot for a little while, take him back to walk quietly, and again apply the same quiet leg aid to ask him to trot again. If the horse has understood the message and makes an obedient transition to trot, do not forget to praise the horse. If he is not obedient, then the rider must stress the request with a tap of the whip, but a controlled tap. Do not give a stronger leg aid!!! Keep repeating this procedure until the horse has understood completely that he has to obey a light leg aid. The leg aid must be short. Lengthy squeezing with the calves goes against the movement of the horse and is therefore not logical and not correct .


Check out our Mini Courses and Short Courses on Jumping and Horse Management here.

Enjoy your ride.

Bert Hartog.

www.horseridingcoach.com

 
 
 
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