Knock me down with feather!
Jazz was sound. I don't just mean walking well on his holey foot, I mean that I rode him and that he was SOUND. And boisterous from not having been ridden for well over a week, but the elevation was grand :-))))) We might make our dressage tests at the weekend at this rate. Yes, testS, I decided to do two this time and see what happens in the second.
Zip is doing astonishingly well too. I rebuilt one stone in "his" wall this morning but I didn't get any further, it's blowing a gale out there.
Tetley still weigh tapes at the same or a tad more than he was. But the tape used to run over his spine, and between that and where it rested on the top of the ribs, there was a huge hollow about an inch deep. That's nearly gone, the tape is pretty much resting on his back now.
I rode Tia and she was fine. We just did a bit of stretching and lateral work. The two sets of buyers I had to see her at the weekend were an interesting contrast. The first lot, the mother kept on saying "she'll look REALLY smart clipped out". You know, in the sense that other people would think they had a smart horse. The second lot, the whole family kept saying "isn't she pretty!". I've thought about it a lot since. The ones I hope will buy her love her as she is. The others want her for what she could be but currently isn't. I have other people interested in seeing her too, and I think that I will abandon family one. I really don't like the idea of a horse in its stable 23 hours a day in summer, no matter how good a livery yard it is. And I'd rather she went to people who like her as she is and not for what they can change her into. That's why I undervalued her, so I could have the choice. Lets hope they love her on Friday and that she passes the vet!
I have a really nice letter from the BHS saying that Victoria holds their Intermediate Stable Manager qualification because she passed the standard on the day. But she is not a registered BHS Instructor or Groom. Because she's not registered, they can't strike her off. I can see their point completely, it would be like taking away someone's A-level French because they later forgot how to speak it. I've heard nothing from the RSPCA, which is very disappointing indeed. I really did want to help the other thin horses there.
On the plus side, it does look very likely that we have got away with bringing Tetley home from a stable riddled with coughing horses without infecting any of the other three. He had the cough himself in December, and I was afraid he would carry it home with him. It seems not.
C.
posted by cptrayes @ 11:33 AM
10 comments
10 Comments:
Personally, I think Zip should have to rebuild the wall himself. How it that boy going to learn to behave otherwise? Just give him the stones and set him at it. *G* (I can just picture the result. The Great Wall of China would pale in comparison....in a heap of tangled disarray....)
Three cheers for Jazz! I honestly think that foot hurt a lot. When Toby had a crack in his foot that affected the coronary band he was nearly falling down lame. An abscess that breaks out there really hurts!
I agree about the turnout for Tia. I never hold with keeping horses in unless it is absolutely necessary. And, I also agree about the second family's comments. They loved what they saw, not what she "might" be. Suppose the "might" never quite comes up to expectations? Suppse someone at the fancy keep them in barn says she isn't quite as pretty as Msprissyhorse in the next stall over? Nah.
And, the second young lady was certainly a competent and brave rider taking her out like that. She and Tia will get along just fine.
Am keeping my fingers crossed for Friday.
i can't say i'm unduly surprised you didn't hear from the RSPCA though, and I doubt if you are. but I'm pleased to note the BHS replied, even if they are powerless in the circumstances.
I don't really understand a yard that compels you to keep the horses in; makes you wonder what they think they're running. There's one near me (used to be there) where they're not allowed out if the weather's pants, and on christmas day, apparently, you have to be done and gone by lunchtime or something. and not allowed back to the next day, so they tell me (wasn't there over christmas to find out if that was true....)
Jean it's an interesting suggestion but I do have to look at that wall every day :-)
They're trying to keep too many horses in a place without enough grazing Claire. I knew a stables once that banned owners completely on a Monday and Christmas Day! Needless to say my horse didn't go there.
C
... he's a wimp or just incredibly clever and fancied some time off?:):)
I dont get that whole "my horse is a show jumper/eventer/whatever it cant go out" it make absolutely no sense other than from a laminitic point of view!How is a horse standing in for 22/23hours a day fitter than a horse in the same work but also wandering around a field all day..never got that one?
We've got a yard full of them over the road from us..very clean horses but they are either very hyper or miserable looking:(
I hope Friday goes according to plan!
Nicola
I don't really have enough grazing for my horses, but they and piles of hay go out every day...except for Tucker when the mud is bad because he pulls his shoes.
When I boarded out, I always chose a place daily turnout. It was one of the first criteria. It's so sad seeing horses stuck inside in nice weather.
Lots of stables do restrict the hours/days that owners can come. Some "close" one day a week, often on Monday. Fortunately I was able to avoid that as well, but had no problem respecting closing hours on farms where the owner's house was on site and boarders' coming and going would disrupt their privacy.
When I lost PJ, I had considered taking in a boarder, then decided against it just because I know how much of a pain it can be to have someone coming on your property at all hours to ride/visit/care for a horse. It just wasn't worth the stress. Yard owners have to be very tolerant people.
It can be done Jean, but some livery owners find it easier not to, and I guess if they are full and don't care enough about the horses, then why should they?
Nicola I've always evented my horsees straight off grass and never understood the people who tell me it can't be done either!
C
Interesting to read this. Victoria still continues to hold 'lessons' ie yelling at the riders and whooping in a high pitched manner at the horses, even to this day. Its very amusing to hear. She is totally clueless.
Anon you obviously go there from time to time. If you see any thin horses, or horses left without water, can you let me know and I will get the authorities after her again.
Post anywhere on my blog, I get emailed it.
C
Yes I do. My friend has a horse there. I will let you know if I see anything wrong. For my part I think it is highly amusing to see her carrying out her lessons. She surely isnt qualified??? I agree with the comment on this diary that as long as the ponies/horses are good-doers, then they look ok, or if the owners are looking after them 100% and she has no imput. It is the thoroughbred horses that need a bit of knowledge and left in her care that get thin. She does employ young kids to help in the yard and sometimes these actually take the lessons for her if she is busy!!! They dont argue back as Victoria is an imposing woman - very loud and forceful - and I think they are frightened of her, as are some of the liveries there. Her word is final. I could go on forever, but will let you know if I see anything going on there that is wrong. x
She has no teaching qualifications, just stable management ones. Stuff you can learn by rote to pass the exam. I think she forgot most of that too - like, horses need food, and water.
C
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