I was at a friends place and they were having problems keeping their pony confined. As we were talking the pony trotted up the full of high expectations, just like it was his birthday and he was about to receive his presents. With a big smile on his face he turned away from us, trotted up to the fence and in mid-trot he put his head down to the place he escaped from the day before to push his way through. WHACK!!! He connected with the new electric fence! He dropped to hs knees, snorted, picked himself up and spun away, indignantly kicking out towards the fence. Then he looked at the spot he came from for a long minute as though he was searching for a trick that just wouldn't reveal itself! Finally he tossed his head as if to say “I will show you” and trotted off down … [Read more...]
Horses, Ponies and Pecking Orders
Hendra Virus Vaccine
Attention: Horse Owners! Hendra Virus Vaccination Now Available! Australian horse owners received the news on 1st November 2012 that the vaccination Equivac® HeV vaccine was now available. The deadly Hendra virus has claimed the lives of 81 horses. While there is no known cure for Hendra virus, the Equivac® HeV vaccine will assist in breaking the transmission cycle of this potentially lethal virus. Media release Vaccine arrives to boost the fight against deadly Hendra virus Thursday, 01 November 2012 Download this media release as a PDF Brisbane, Australia – 01 November 2012: From today, Australian horse owners and the equine industry will receive an important boost in their fight against the deadly Hendra virus with the … [Read more...]
Teaching Children To Ride Horses
Tips For Teaching Children’s Horse Riding Lessons If you were one of the people who took our recent survey, THANK YOU! In particular, if you were one of the people who asked for some tips for teaching children then this series of tips for teaching children’s horse riding lessons has been written for you! 1. Keep Children Active And Moving In Their Riding Lessons Children like active riding lessons with maximum participation. Once they have learnt their A, B & C’s (attitude, balance and control) they generally love to canter and jump. They like to keep moving, but rather than having the ride go in single file behind one leader for the whole lesson try these suggestions - change leaders - go into and out of open order - leading files in succession … [Read more...]
How Is Your Horse’s Satisfaction Rating Of You?
This is a checklist for your horse’s satisfaction rating Methods to measure students’ satisfaction during their riding lessons are fairly well researched, but the horses’ satisfaction in their lessons is also important. Children may jump out of the car and quickly find their favorite horse to say ‘hello’, does your horse have their ears pricked and look forward to visits from humans? When a student is getting ready for their riding lesson they could be excited about their lessons. While you may not want your horse to be excited, are they entering the arena pleasantly without napping, snarling their face or swishing their tail? Even when a student is concentrating on improving their riding, they should be enjoying themselves. Does your horse understand what you ask and do … [Read more...]
