There will be some new requirements in 2015 for those sending horses to be backed/schooled as well as my usual. I would now like to see proof of vaccinations, and dental charts as evidence that the horses teeth have been checked prior to arrival (my rule of wolf tooth removal also still stands), and I will also ask that all horses are checked over by a vet before arrival to protect my own animals against disease. Several times over the Years there have been animals dropped off at the yard which ive found to have lice, worm burdens, and sharp teeth/wolf teeth. Horses having to go home or have a break in training can have a knock on effect for other horses coming and disrupt my work routine for weeks on end so its vital that you as the owner do eeverything in your power to make sure you are sending me a healthy horse that is fit to begin work. Hooves should be trimmed a few weeks prior to arrival, shoes are not advised unless there is a problem with your horses hooves which means they require them. Please also remember not to bridle your horse prior to sending them over as mouthing is a complicated part of training that is so much harder when the horse has come already used to wearing a bridle. Allowing the horse to get used to wearing a saddle before bringing them to me is acceptable, and leading in hand in traffic is recommended, as I need to take all horses on the road to gst to and from the field. I expect all horses/ponies to have basic manners upon arrival, picking up feet and being tied up to be groomed, being sensible to lead in hand are all necessities for you to have taught your horse before bringing to me, unless you are willing to accept that your horses training programme will take a few weeks longer than normal. All owners of young horses must be competent riders, it is unfair to expect a young freshly backed horse to be able to understand the aids of a novice rider and put up with their imbalance when they are only just learning to find their own feet, so if you are a novice thinking of getting a Pony to have broken in, please, please, please spend every bit of spare time you have between now and next year having lessons! Im sorry this is turning into a bit of a long winded affair but theres so much that needs to be said, I shall try not to ramble for too much longer!!!! Please dont insist that I use a treeless saddle or traditional single jointed snaffle, because I simply wont do it! I have my reasons which I am happy to discuss with anyone who wishes to know. I think thats everything that needs to be covered at last, thank goodness because my thumbs are getting sore writing this!!!!
Posted on: Tue, 19 Aug 2014 20:59:53 +0000