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Post by theoldgreymare on Mar 6, 2008 22:48:59 GMT 1
Put those screw top plastic containers to good use - scrub them out, clean with just boiled water, and fill with just about anything but I like to put some hibiscrub topped up with sterile water and pop some cotton wool in the solution screw up tight and you have instant disinfectant wipes in for an emergency. Salt water could also be used.
Use a clear plastic box with lid to keep boots, bandages, first aid in etc, so you can get to them easily.
To do up a girth on a fidgety horse, put a tight elastic band around the buckle to hold the prong up, and you can do it one-handed. (but maybe you should find out why the horse is resisting?)
To stop mould forming on your tack, use a very mild solution of Milton when you clean it.
Buy an old sheepskin coat from a charity shop and you can have a supply of woolly extras for your horse eg girth sleeves.
Make your own fly fringe by using baling twine and an old browband - easy peasy!
Swap your stirrups over from time to time so that one doesn't stretch more than the other.
Check your stitching regularly, and if it pulls apart slightly, get it mended before it breaks.
If your horse isn't listening, don't get tough, get softer. Works with people, too.
And Finally, if you are getting cross with yourself or your horse, get off before you lose your temper, and put the horse away. That way, no-one gets hurt and tomorrow is another day!
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Post by sophieeasterbrook on Mar 8, 2008 23:59:31 GMT 1
Don't give up on your horse because he is old. I've know several people who have let their oldies health deteriorate because they are slotted into the "old" category. Oldies have often worked hard all their lives for their owners and deserve the extra care needed as they age.
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Post by sophieeasterbrook on Mar 9, 2008 0:07:09 GMT 1
If you keep your horse at a livery yard make sure your contact numbers are permanently on display by your stable so another owner can contact you if she notices a problem with your horse.
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catg
Olympic Poster
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Post by catg on Mar 9, 2008 13:24:42 GMT 1
Disposable nappies make really good sterile dressings.
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Margaret D
Grand Prix Poster
Hola mi nombre es Arcos
Posts: 1,474
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Post by Margaret D on Mar 9, 2008 13:59:43 GMT 1
Don't recommend the baby oil thing as if it gets on to the skin in sunshine it will burn.
Spray bottle with baby oil water mix for a gelding who will let it "all" hang out softens the smegma etc on the sheath and it sloughs off and helps with the Mr Hand days. Important bit is out of the sunlight.
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crystal
Intermediate Poster
Posts: 112
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Post by crystal on Mar 17, 2008 16:23:07 GMT 1
Fencing off gateways with electric fencing makes life so much easier when it gets wet. I create a curved fence about twenty feet into the field and use a gatehandle and tape gate.
I have found using a curve tends to make the horses use the whole fence line as a waiting area rather than one particular patch. Not only does this give you a better surface it can also act as a safety area if you close the field gate so if another horse barges past yours it only escapes within the field.
I also keep changing the position of the tape gateway and move the whole fence a few feet from time to time to stop the grass being converted to mud.
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catg
Olympic Poster
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Post by catg on Mar 21, 2008 1:16:09 GMT 1
Top tips - I love 'em
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Isi
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Advanced Poster
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Post by Isi on Mar 21, 2008 23:25:05 GMT 1
Sorry if someone has already touched on this one - I have recently returned to the DG after a long break - so have tons of catching up to do and honestly haven't had time to read all these what look like great suggestions!
Anyway - enough about me - for a cheap and very effective solution to bucket washing/scrubbing, buy a Loo Brush! you don't get wet hands either - bonus this time of the year:-)
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Post by purrsing1 on Mar 30, 2008 11:50:15 GMT 1
when out hacking and you see something you think your horse will spook at dont look at it really it works look the other way and singing or humming to a nervous horse really helps calm them down higher pitched the better i get some strange looks when im out and about. always plan ahead everytime you are with your horse see things thorough a horses eyes .Never punish a spooky horse reasure by stroking there neck and talking soflty ,always weigh the feed you will be suprised how many people feed the wrong amount.make it difficult for the horse to misbehave and make it easy for the horse to be an angel
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Post by julz on Apr 1, 2008 9:41:59 GMT 1
Cant get the balled up mud off his coat or mane? try using a dogs slicker brush.... it takes the dreid mud off beautifully and also grooms and takes off moulting hair at the same time! Also, it's great for people who have arthritis in their hands, as it's easier to hold.
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colin
Advanced Poster
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Post by colin on Apr 1, 2008 13:39:16 GMT 1
'never approach a horse in a passion (temper); for anger never thinks of consequences, and forces us to do what we afterwards repent'
- Xenophon (300BC)
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Post by purrsing1 on Apr 2, 2008 10:02:55 GMT 1
when buying a horse from a advert in the paper or the nett, do a google search on their telephone number you will be suprised what comes up.I did this on a horse i was interested in,it was advertised by a private seller as i wont entertain dealers,the mare turned out to be owned by a dealer that had been to court several times for abuse and false passports.Just remember if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is.
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lindsas
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Post by lindsas on Apr 27, 2008 11:31:09 GMT 1
Once you have got your problem loader loading(!), make sure he goes out fairly regularly in the trailer to keep him in practice - but most importantly, make sure he always has a steady, stress-free journey.
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Post by arabheaven on Apr 27, 2008 11:33:01 GMT 1
if you think they will destroy that expensive fly mask or rug... they probably will
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Suz
Grand Prix Poster
ET & VHT practitioner Cranio-sacral Therapist
Posts: 1,994
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Post by Suz on Apr 29, 2008 21:58:33 GMT 1
sweep up the hay seed left by your horse and scatter it on the bare bits of the field- really helps the grass to regrow and firms up the mud a bit too.
Always trust your gut instinct- it is usually right
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