Question:
Hello,
I'm just getting interested in English style riding, and am unsure
what kind of saddle to buy. I have a chance to buy either an English
"starter" saddle or an English "training saddle",
both "gently used", at a reasonable price. Couldn't find
either type listed at your site. What are they, how are they used,
and if I were to get one or the other, which would be better for a
beginner?
Thanks for your time, and a very interesting website.
Judi Keist
Answer:
Jennette suggests
choose a saddle that fits you and your horse.
If you don't know if you are going towards dressage or jump---- look
for a all purpose saddle that fits the 2 of you. Get some one with
experience to help.
Thanks for visiting the site.
webmaster CR
Question:
I just got my first horse, should i turn him out with other horses?
Katie Williams
Kitchener, Ontario
Answer:
Hi: Put in a pen
beside the others for a few days if you can. Then put with the group
when you can supervise. The group will be mean for a while ( 2 to
3 days) and may bite at, grouch face, and kick out at your horse.Your
horse will learn its place in the herd. However if you have a horse
that is hunting your horse-- cornering and attacking-- pull your horse
out before it gets too dangerous for your horse, then remove the alpha
horse from the group and try again.
For Jennette CR
Question:
Hello
Lately there has been some discussion between two points of view in
the situation of an out-of-control horse. The first feels that falling
from a horse is the source of the greatest possible dangers (ie. contact
with the horse, trampling by the loose horse, impact with the ground).
The second camp feels that a person should "bale-out" if
the horse becomes unresponsive. I was wondering what the opinion was
with a wide sampling of horse professionals.
Thaks for any information that you can share.
Joseph Schachte
Answer:
Hi: Jennette feels
both camps could be right in different situations. The preferred method
is circling the bolting or runaway horse until you regain control.
However there are times when circling is not possible ( narrow trails---
fences both sides--- you can think of many more situations)--- at
these times a bailout may be the best or only solution.---- However
be prepared for a long walk, a damaged horse? and cranky riding companions
if that is the option taken
For Jennette
Question:
I was posed a
question, and I don't know what the answer is. I am not
familiar with the term Bean on a horse. Can you tell me what and where
it is?
Thank you,
Angela
Answer:
HI:
A bean is a term applied to matter that collects in a male
horses sheath. It can irritate and the reason males horses need their
sheaths cleaned out on a regular basis.
For Jennette
Question:
Have you heard
of a horse becoming very sick after receiving the West Nile Virus
Vaccine? After the horse had the vaccine she developed diarrhoea for
a few days seemed OK for awhile and then slowly & steadily got
worse. She is now has the following symptoms: staggering, emaciated,
listless, difficulty swallowing, diarrhoea, tremulous jaw, her protein
is apparently critically low (secondary to starvation probably), swelling
in legs (probably due to the low protein?). The vet is not able to
say why this is happening but recommends euthanasia. There is nothing
on the internet about the risks of the vaccine.
Answer:
Hi:
This is very, very sad. However all vaccines have some risk factor.
All horse owners need to talk with their vets as to the risks in all
vaccines they are considering to give to their horses.
For Jennette
Question:
Where can I buy
the mosquito dunks and premisis spray.
Thanks
Answer:
HI: This is one
of many letters and phone calls we have recieved on an article we
did called Controlling
Mosquitos to prevent West Nile Virus.
So we have updated the article with some sources for the products.
As this is high on all Complete Riders agendas -- send us your sources
for these products so we can pass it on
Question:
We have a two-year
old recently gelded horse who insists on biting and pulling out the
tail
hairs of our 25 year old mare. He also has a strong desire to get
ahold of our cow's ears.
How do we go about breaking this habit and also speed the growth of
the mare's tail before
fly season comes. We appreciate any advise you can offer us.
Answer:
Hi: Jennette thinks
as the hormones drop this stallion behavior will reduce. You may have
to separate this colt and this very patient mare, and the cows. The
tail will grow back in it's own time. You may have to braid in some
cloth or binder twine, or put on a tail bag so she can swish away
the insects until the tail grows long enough.
For Jennette
Last week
Question:
I would like to
know if I have to inject my colts that are born this
year with west Nile . Or are they going to get immunity from their
mother
. Some vets tell me I have to do it when they are 1 month of age .
And
the other tells me they will get immunity from there mother . well
witch
is it
Answer:
Hi:
This is a tough question to answer. The vaccine is still experimental
and there is very little research of it's effect on foals. We know
the passive immunity from the mare lasts for up to 6 weeks. Jennette
will not be vaccinating any MJ foals until it is 4 months old if that
falls in mosquito season in 2003. She feels that there must be more
research of the vaccine on foals before she would consider vaccinating
sooner.
For Jennette
This week
Question:
I have a 27 yr
old that has foundered due to the weather and the hard ground.
She has always had pads and shoes. My vet told me to keep the toe
short and
continue with pads and shoes. My question: is there an alternative
to bute
as I have read that bute is one of the worst things you could give
a
foundered horse?
Answer:
Hi:
You should work with your vet on this. Extended bute use on a horse
can cause many problems with horses. Ask your vet for a program to
maintain your old friend in comfort. Universirty of Michagan has done
some reasearch that may be of interest to you.
Physiological Trimming
for a Healthy Equine Foot
For Jennette
Question:
I am looking to
buy a horse of my own but I have a concern that is bothering me a
lot. What would be the max. weight limit for a 14 hand horse? I would
be doing mainly trail riding (long rides) and maybe some barrel racing
and poles just for fun. I am 17 and weigh about 190 lbs.
If you could answer my question it would really help.
Thank you
Answer:
Hi: Your weight
will not be an issue with a 14 hand horse unless it is very young---
under 3. The issue is not the weight but the fit. If your legs are
very long it will be difficult to properly aid and maintain a proper
riding position. Hope you find a fun horse and enjoy the riding.
For Jennette
Last week
Question:
Is there a vaccination
now, for the West Nile Virus that protects our horses. Please advise.
Thanks
Betty Loxton
Answer:
Hi: Betty: There
is good news on a west nile vaccine. You need to talk to your vet.
If they don't know of the vaccine they need to call Ayrest in Canada.
In the USA, Fort Dodge. It has been in experimental phase and they
have learned some things. It needs 2 shots 4 to 6 weeks apart before
mosquito season.
For Jennette
Question:
Hi Jeanette,
My name is Tracy
and I have currently bought my daughter a 12 yr old
register quarter horse gelding. We have heard from other people who
know our
horse Sisqo that the woman the own him before us was very rude to
him and
used him as a lesson pony for 4 hours straight. My daughter works
with him
on a daily basis, when she asks for a trot he pins his ears and flags
his
tail. That we can deal with but what bothers us is when she asks for
a
canter he tries to buck her off and starts with the head shaking,
then when
she brings him back to a trot his trot is very fast paced and she
gets
alittle nervous being the fact that she has only been riding for 6
months
but is riding like a person that has been riding for a year. Her coach
just
tells her to ignore him and go with it, but I am becoming concerned
that she
will end up hurt! Please if you have any suggestions please let me
know
because it worries me, other than that he is a great horse himself.
Thank you
Tracy
Answer:
Hi Tracy: Jennette
thinks you should trust your coach. As your daughter gets more balance
and more subtle with her aids this behaviuor will most likely disappear.
For Jennette
Last week
Question:
HI. I have been
trying to find information of a horse called the Canadian
Rustic Pony. We raise Canadians, and thought that they were the only
horse
hear up until the influx of the mustang from the south and the importation
of other breeds in the 1800's. Just recently I came accross a book
that
made mention of the Rustic Pony and I have been really curious about
them
and if they are out there I would like to know all I can about them.
The
best thing would be if I could actually see one. If you know any
information on this could you e-mail me or do an article on them.
Thank
you. Patrice Michener
Answer:
Hi Patrice: Jennette doesn't know about this breed? Readers can you
help Patrice? If you know about this breed send us the info and we
will publish the best reply.
CR
Question:
I know this is
kinda off season, but do fly masks cause cataracts?
Thanks for taking the time to read and answer my question!!
Sincerly,
Amanda Doucette
Answer:
Hi Amanda:
Jennette doubts that a properly fitted and applied fly mask
will cause a cataract.
For Jennette
Question:
Hi I am not to
sure how to say this so i hope this makes sense I am 41 and have loved
horses all my life I have family members that live a was away and
all have and do own horses I have learned that i am all ways putting
off what i like to do and want to do cause i get it later but i am
getting older and not younger like the rest of the world so i am going
to do what i have all ways wanted to do and that is some day get me
a horse and do the things i like and want to do but i realize that
i need to know more and learn lots about a horse so i guess after
all that how does some one like me learn all i can about horses if
you can tell me it would truly be very much appreciated Or can i learn
and i have learned a lot from your web site but how do i go about
getting hands on thank you for your time hope to hear from you.
Thank you Gary Knutson
Answer:
Hi Gary:
What a great resolution
for 2003 for you to work towards your goal of getting involved with
horses. You are asking some large questions that deserve a lengthy
response. In fact a feature article. So keep checking back, CR and
Jennette will try to give you a road map to accomplish your goals
and get you involved in horsedom with the goal of owning your own
horse and safely enjoying your horse.
For Jennette and
CR
Question:
Hi there
I have a 3 year
old peruvian paso horse who has a little problem when taking off the
halter after your done working with him and when you go and catch
him using the halter. It seems to be that you can catch him by using
anything but a halter and he follows you around when you are working
around him but as soon as you come near him with a halter he starts
misbehaving. After you do finally catch him and work for a bit with
him he settles down, however, when you try to take the halter off
he just takes off it doesnt matter where you are it seems, you get
to about the minute that you release the buckle he figures that its
time to exit stage left as soon as possible. If there are any kind
of suggestions that you could give me that would be greatly appreciated
for i am worried that he might do the same kind of behavior when its
time to start him on the bit.
Yours truely
Jenna
Answer:
Hi Jenna:
Jennette suggests that you make it pleasant to stay with you after
you have taken off the halter. She had a similar problem with a horse
and used the "training with master feed solution" Yes she
gave a cookie ( master feeds horse crunch ) to this horse after releasing
the buckle on the halter-- she held the halter buckle and strap so
the horse thought he was still controlled by the halter. Then she
would slowly remove the halter. When the horse was free of the halter
she would turn away from the horse. ( you are leaving the horse not
the other way around) It didn't take long for the horse to hang around
to see if ---maybe--- there were 2 cookies.( She rewarded that behaviour
with a second cookie then left the horse) She also suggests you look
at what you are doing when you take off the halter. Do it carefully
and not accidentally hit the horses ears with the released strap.
This can happen on haltering and start a behavior like your horse
has.
For Jennette
Last week
Question:
I
have a weanling colt with a round scab high on it's back leg. It has
grown over the last 3 weeks to the sixe of a grapefruit. I thought
it was ringworm and have been treating it with crest toothpaste. now
it looks like the scab may soon fall off. How do I know that it is
ringworm and is there something else I can do? Is it a good sign that
the scab is falling off?
Thanks for your help.
Louise
Answer:
Hi Louise:
Jennette said ringworm typically does not grow that big. She suggests
that you may need a vets diagnosis.
For Jennette
Question:
Hi.
I have a 5 year old sorrel quarter horse. About 3 months ago, he
started getting little bumps in patches on his shoulders, which eventually
formed scabs and could be scratched off. The bumps seemed to be itchy.
These patches of bumps spread from one end of his body to another.
At first
I thought they were mosquito bites or some form of acne. Could he
have a
parasite or an allergy? I wonder about a fungus as the bumps are always
in
patches, rather than spread at one time all over his body. Any ideas?
Mary Dwyer
Answer:
Hi Mary; Jennette suggests this is most likely a fungus. Scrape off
the scabs and treat with hibatane. Also she suggests a vet to look
at it.
For Jennette
Question:
Hello,
I am looking for
some additional information from one of your shows
that I recently saw.
My question is
regarding supplements fed to horses, specifically for
mosquito control. The expert explained that she fed a supplement to
her horses to help with mosquito control. Unfortunately I'm not sure
if she said cider vinegar, white vinegar or apple cider. Could you
please clarify this for me? Also, is there any way you could give
me
an indication of how much to feed my 1500 lb. horse per day? I am
unsure of the amount to feed.
Thanks in advance
for your help; your show is fantastic!
Keep up the great work!
Catherine Cobb
Answer:
Hi Catherine:
Jennette says apple cider vinegar and feed 2 tablespoons a day for
the size of your horse.
For Jennette
Question:
I was wonering
if you had any tips on cleaning a colts
sheath? My friends baby is 7 months old and we are
trying to clean him and he gets very upset with us.
Please helps us.
Thank-you Charleen Green
Answer:
Hi Charleen:
Jennette suggests
that you get your vet to lightly trank your youngster, and when his
penis drops you can clean him out, without a fight or scaring him.
Be gentle! Use warm water.
For Jennette
Question:
Hi,
My name is Aleesha Tarek, I have been riding English for three years
now, before I rode western for five years. In both riding style my
biggest problem was/is my heels, my trainer has warned me that if
they do not get better I will not be able to jump bigger fences. When
I try to push my heels down it creates a stiff numb feeling, my stables
owner has said I have "stiff" ankles. I'm just wondering
if you can suggest any excersises to adjust my heel position. Tank
you for taking time to read my e-mail, I hope you can e-mail me back
with some suggestions.
Thank you again, Aleesha Tarek!
Answer:
Hi Aleesha Tarek
Jennette suggests you try the stair stretch. On a stair face backwards
move until the only part of your feet on the stair is your toes and
ball of your feet. Relax your leg and let your ankles relax, until
your heel is below the step. Keep practicing this daily and you will
over time stretch the ligaments around your ankles and calves. Be
safe -- choose a stair close to the bottom so if you lose your balance
you can step down safely. Also ankle rotations will help loosen you
up. Drop the stirrups ( if your horse will tolerate this safely )
and rotate your feet both directions ten times each time you ride-a
good thing to do on cool down. You may check your position to see
if you are gripping with your knees--- that will shorten your calf
and your heel and creates an unstable position. Your contact should
be with the relaxed inside thigh and inside length of your calf, it
is not so much as a push down the heels as a lift the toe feeling,
that should eliminate the numb feeling. One other thought is don't
wear high heels they shorten your calf muscles.
For Jennette
REMEMBER TO SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS DIRECTLY TO JENNETTE COOTE FROM
THE LEARNING CENTER (Horse IQ )AT WWW.COMPLETERIDER.COM !
We love getting your questions but the volume has gotten to the point
not all questions can have an individual answer. We try to pick letters
that answers a condition we have had a lot of letters on.
Jennette thinks
if you have a training problem you should consult with a professional
in your area. Most problem solving requires seeing or riding the horse
to find a solution.
Questions?
