Retraining a Racehorse - Moonfire (Week 1)
|
|
Week 1:
I am going to type up, in detail, all my experiences with retraining Moonfire. I'm going to tell you what I did and when, what the results were, what my thoughts were, what Moonfire's progression is and so on. I hope to be publishing weekly articles on this, so I sincerely hope that you choose to follow them. My aim is to be able to offer some assistance, if just a framework or guideline for what to do when retraining a racehorse, for those who are facing similar training challenges. Of course, what works for one horse may not work for another, but I can give you some idea of what I did and what results it got from my lovely little pupil. If you have any questions about how I did a specific thing, or what you ought to do with a specific horse, please feel free to mail me, and I shall help in any way I can.
Friday 2 July:
For a while I have been talking to people and asking around about certain racehorses I would like to get my hands on. Eventually, I was able to get the details for a trainer looking to rehome a horse.
Next, I found out all I could about this horse from the trainer, to see if he would be suitable for what I wanted. I am looking for a junior or adult jumping horse, possibly with some dressage and eventing on the side. This horse's name is Moonfire. He is 16hh, which is about perfect for what I want, and 3 years old which means he should grow enough to be 100% perfect size-wise. At the age of 3 years, he is ready to start light work in just about any discipline. Admittedly, it would probably be better if he was 4, but thankfully is a strong enough horse that his age shouldn't prove a problem, especially since I shouldn't be too heavy for him when comparing my size to his. He is a gelding. Admittedly, I do prefer mares, but since I am planning on training him for resale, it is best to have a gelding, since there is far less market for mares.
Once I had my basic information, I grabbed my mouse and got to clicking around google, researching my new prospect. His sire, Dynasty, is rather an impressive racing stallion, but none of his progeny have done very well in what I'm looking at using him for. His dam, however, is sired by Elliodor, a stallion who has been known to produce some nice jumpers. My next step was to research Elliodor's progeny and see how they have done in the show ring. I found a couple of Elliodor horses jumping 1,20m and 1,30m, so that was enough evidence for me. I was also lucky enough to stumble across a forum discussion about Elliodor relatives and their uses in riding. It seemed that many people shared a similar opinion: The main traits that most of Elliodor's progeny show is a big, bold jump and a slightly nervous, skittish attitude. Well, for a resale horse the attitude could be a problem, but the big jump is exactly what I am looking for.
I have now established the fact that I am interested in seeing this horse. I contact the trainer once again, this time looking for more details. Moonfire has raced only around 6 times and he never did very well, so his legs ought to be sound. He did, however, suffer complications after being gelded and was given a 32-week rest. He last raced on 18 June 2010. Well, the rest can only do him good, but the gelding complications could mean his condition or health might be a little below average. Last thing to find out is the price and conditions of sale. Thankfully, the trainer was simply looking for a new home for Moonfire, so he said that I could have the horse free of charge as long as I took him as soon as possible and promised not to enter him in any races.
Now we list the pros and cons:
Pros:
Free horse. Ideal size. Good bloodlines. Short racing career. Gelding.
Cons:
Gelding complications. Possible skittish attitude. A little younger than ideal.
I decided that it was definitely worth going to see Moonfire.
Later that day, I went with my instructor and my mother to see Moonfire. It is always a good idea to get a few other opinions on a horse, especially from people who know horses. That way you can be more certain that you are not making a mistake. Well, Moonfire is certainly a large horse. Not only is he tall, but powerful and muscular, too. This would have slowed him down on the track, as he is a little too bulky, but it will be a great asset in the showjumping ring, or out on a cross-country course. His condition was much better than I expected, and he had a lovely temperament. He seemed sweet, affectionate and calm. Once we had looked him over in the stable, we took him out to have a better look. We examined his conformation, which was actually surprisingly good. He has the most gorgeous neck I've ever seen on a racer, good thick legs, and a wide chest that promises he will grow to be a big horse. His hindquarters need a little more condition and could do with some more muscle, but that is to be expected of a racer, as they move mostly off the forehand. We checked over his legs, and found a small bump on his left front knee, but it did not seem to trouble him and certainly was no more serious than a stable injury. We trotted him out to check his movement and soundness. He tossed his head around and bounced a little at first, but after that he moved nicely in-hand and seemed obedient. We concluded that he was sound, and his movement seemed nice enough. Overall, Moonfire was an even better horse than I had expected! I arranged with the trainer to come out early the next morning and test him under saddle.
Saturday 3 July:
I got up bright and early on Saturday morning to get to the racing stables at 8AM. I wore my cross-country skullcap as opposed to my usual jumping helmet on the trainer's recommendation as an extra safety precaution if something were to go wrong. My stirrup leathers happened to be attached to my dressage saddle, so I decided to try him in that.
I got on to Moonfire in a sand ring where they usually walk the racers as a warm up. He was already tacked up in his racing tack, so we just swapped his saddle for my dressage saddle before I began to ride him. The other horses were training on the track nearby, but Moonfire did not seem to be in the least bothered by this. He objected to the change in saddle, putting his ears back and giving a few sulky kicks, but this was to be expected, as he had never worn anything like it before. I walked him for a while to get a feel of him and to let him get used to the saddle. He was calm and relaxed and I could feel that he had a nice spring in his hind legs while walking. After a while, I tried trotting him. He would not accept the bit, but he responded beautifully to all hand aids and was even willing to bend a little. His trot is incredibly smooth, and I was easily able to sit to it. He has a long reach to his stride, yet he does not speed up at all. He settles into a nice, balanced rhythm and never shows any signs of wanting to bolt. I tried his canter as well, and found that he was a little lazy and reluctant on the transition, but that he had a big powerful stride, a steady rhythm, and good balance for a racer. Much better than I had expected. He was clueless about getting the left lead, but all racers always know only 1 lead when they come off the track. This is a problem that we will have to work on.
After my ride on Moonfire, I decided that he was not only worth getting, but an extremely lucky find! It was decided that I should pick him up at 9AM on Monday morning.
Moonfire
Sunday 4 July:
No work with Moonfire.
Monday 5 July:
At approximately 9AM I went to collect Moonfire. We had to sign a few papers, but it did not take long, and pretty soon I was leading him toward the horsebox and the start of his new life. He was a little nervous about entering the strange box, but he went in after having a quick sniff around. I stood in the box with him for a while, keeping him calm and making sure he was well balanced, then I got out and left him to get used to being alone in the box. When we reached the farm I turned him out in our jumping arena and armed myself with a lunge whip so that I would be able to keep my loons away from the fence if they caused any trouble. Moony settled in very quickly and did not seem too concerned about the strange place or strange horses. Once he was calm and settled I attempted to loose jump him... That did not go well. He had no clue what to do, so eventually I decided it would be better just to find what would make him 'click' under saddle. So I got on him and rode him around, trotting and cantering over poles on the ground. He had a few moments where he didn't want to go over the poles, and then I would have to be quite strict with him and give him the occasional tap with the crop, which seemed to work quite well, since he stepped over without getting worked up. There was one pole he especially didn't like, so I got off and lead him over that one before getting on again and riding him over it. Once Moony was happy with the poles, I had a very low cross set up for him. He had no clue what to do, and did not even attempt to jump. After barely managing to get him to step over it a couple of times, I decided it was time to try a new method.
I took Moony on his first outride. He behaved absolutely beautifully! He stayed calm and obedient and didn't spook at anything. Since he was being so good, I decided to take him onto the tiny little jumping trail I often ride on my other horses, just to see if the different atmosphere would help him understand jumping better. Apparently it did. Moony soared over all the jumps, mostly consisting of twigs, yet some standing as high as 80cm or 90cm high. Moony kept a good rhythm and listened to me perfectly, so we were able to have a very enjoyable ride. After completing the track, I popped him over a little log jump at the top of the main trail to see how he would react to something a little more solid. At first he was hesitant, but soon I had him jumping it nicely. I found what helped a lot was to get into a light seat and drive him into a forward canter, then find a good rhythm so I could plan a nice stride to the fence, all the while being careful to keep a good, even hold on his mouth so I could force him over if he tried to pull out. Moony also seemed to like a lot of leg and very soft hands, so I just toyed with my riding style until I was doing what seemed to work best for him.
When I took him back home afterwards I pointed him at that same crossbar and he hopped over without a fuss. After that, I hosed him down and let him go. He rolled around in the sand at least half a dozen times, then got up and followed me around the paddock like a big puppy.
Moony jumping a little log pile on his first outride
Moony following like a puppy
Tuesday 6 July:
I got to the farm around midday and gave Moonfire a quick check-over, making sure that his legs didn't have any cuts, scrapes or swellings. He had a mild bite mark on his rump, but nothing too serious. Moony seemed a lot more eager to go today, and pranced around a little when I put his bridle on. Once tacked up, I took him into the arena to try and work on his schooling. We managed to establish a little bit of bend. I did this by opening my inside rein and applying a lot of pressure with my inside leg. Moony was a little unbalanced on the uneven ground (Our dressage arena is terrible.) so he seemed inclined to hang in on one side of the circle and hang out on the other. I reacted to correct it was best I could, tightening my outside rein to balance him and pressing with my outside leg when his shoulder fell out, and opening my inside rein slightly, holding my outside rein for balance and pressing hard with my inside leg when he fell out. He learned to move away from the leg very nicely and soon we were doing a reasonably smooth circle.
One he was doing that nicely, I worked on his canter. I attempted a couple of walk-to-canters and canter-to-walks on the right rein (his good rein.) which he performed surprisingly well for such a green horse. Once again I was shocked by the glorious power and smoothness of his stride, not to mention his wonderful balance and the unexpected adjustability he was giving me. I was able to lengthen, shorten, speed up and slow down his stride as I saw fit, and I was able to turn him very easily with just the lightest touch. Since his right canter is already so good, I didn't work on that for long, but instead set about tackling the left canter for the first time. I tried establishing a good bend and asking him to canter when I could feel his balance was in the right place, but he would always shift his weight onto the outside shoulder the moment I asked him, then strike off on the right lead. I tried pulling him onto a tiny circle to throw him off balance and encourage him to take the correct lead to right himself, but that didn't happen either. What I finally managed to do is get him to strike off to the right, then give him a sharp squeeze and have him change to the left. Well... At least I won't have to worry about teaching him flying changes... He responded to this quite well, and slowly started to understand what I wanted. Eventually, he struck off on the left lead on command. I made a huge fuss of him, and rode him in one circle, then took one full round of the arena in a light seat, patting his neck the whole way. Pleased with my result, I decided to call it a day for the schooling, and took him into the jumping ring. Again we started with poles on the ground, and this time he was not phased by them at all. I then tried some low crosses with him, and he did them without hesitance this time, though his jumps felt a little too effortless for my liking, so I decided to challenge him a little. I set up a 60cm upright and rode him at it. He hopped over sweetly, but left his hind legs trailing and clipped it down, obviously not respecting the poles enough. I put it up to 70cm and he cleared it once, then tapped it with the hind legs again. I then raised it to 80cm and rolled barrels under the jump to make it seem more solid. Moony did not like the barrels much, and he goggled at them and scuttled away. Next time I took him over at a trot. He got much too close and launched a big, awkward jump to get over while stretching his neck as far down as he could in fear of the barrels. So I decided to take the pole off and just jump the barrels on their own. That worked quite well. I toyed with his striding and tried to place him in different spots, and each time he cleared them nicely. After a while I put the pole back up and jumped it with him a few times. He was still finding awkward spots and jumping with an awkward shape, but as a green horse I didn't expect him to be perfect anyway. After doing that, I popped him over the crosses again, and his jump felt much better, as though he was actually getting into the air and not just cantering over.
Moony jumping the barrels and pole
Wednesday 7 July:
No work with Moonfire.
Thursday 8 July:
I didn't have much time to work with him, so I decided to see what he thought of bareback riding. I buckled on his bridle and started by riding him around the lunge arena that he is currently being kept in (To keep him safe from the rest of the herd until they accept him and stop trying to peel him like a potato...). He did not seem to completely understand the concept of bareback riding, as he would take just a few strides, then stop again. Eventually I got him walking around without stopping, even bending a little, but he was still very hesitant and uncertain. I tried a bit of trotting, and he sulked a bit and broke gait often, so I decided I would take him out into an arena and work him properly. We went to our back arena, which is too thick for any real schooling or jumping work, but perfect for just riding around, stretching out, and building muscle. Moony seemed much happier now. He even cantered around nicely, seldom hesitating. I worked on adjusting his canter - speeding it up and slowing it down. This is clearly one of his strengths, for Moony has the most adjustable canter I've ever seen in a racer, hands down. He responded immediately every time I asked him to shorten or stretch forward, and we even managed to get a canter slower than a trot, yet with enough power that it did not break. After that I decided to work on his transitions a little, getting him to do trot-to-canter, walk-to-trot and walk-to-canter in the same corner on command, so that he could learn to distinguish between the slightly different aids and figure out that not everything simply means 'go faster' as it does in racing. He responded phenomenally! He picked it up really quickly, and by the end of our session we'd even had a few walk-to-canters without fitting in ANY trot strides whatsoever between! He also never cantered from walk when I asked him to trot, which was a great sign, as it meant he was really listening to me. We also tried some canter-to-trot and canter-to-walks, both of which he managed beautifully on command. The second I asked for a walk, he just dropped his canter and settled into a smooth walk, yet when I asked for trot, he did not even attempt to walk, but simply flowed forward into a trot. He really seems to have a knack for obedient transitions and stride adjustments, so I am beginning to think he has some potential as a dressage horse. I can also feel him starting to show signs of wanting to come on to the bit now, but I'm not going to push it. I'll just try to get some proper bend, get him stretched and supple, then ride him forward into my hands and see what happens. Overall, I am very pleased with Moony's progress, and he always seems a little more willing after each ride, so I think he is really starting to enjoy his new life.
Friday 9 July - Monday 12 July:
Away at an event - no work with Moony, though I did give him a hug when I came back on Sunday, and he was being very sweet. He seemed honestly happy to see me, what with the way he was nuzzling my hair and following me around. He really does have such a sweet personality, this Moony horse.
This concludes week 1 of retraining a racehorse - Moonfire. I hope that you found some of this useful, and that you will continue to follow these articles! |
|
|
FoxFire
Foxie your just simply awful! Back off and keep your rude "opinions" to yourself.....Good job Polo,your doing great!:)
Foxie your just simply awful! Back off and keep your rude "opinions" to yourself.....Good job Polo,your doing great!:)
|
Jul 18, 2010
• 2,989 views
|
|
|
|
Polo the Weirdo
MOD
I appreciate everybody's input, and I will be sure to look into your concerns. Just to clarify: Moony turns 4 in a couple of months. I know a great deal of very good, experienced riders out here wo have their OTTBs competing comfortably in 80cm by age 4. When people train their own competition horses, obviously they will go slower. When you train a resale project, you sometimes need to step up the pace a little. I tested his jumping capabilities, that is all, and I do not plan on jumping him high regularly. From now on I will mostly be doing schooling, gridwork and outrides. The thoroughbred horse reaches full maturity at age 5, and Moony was an early developer, as one can see from his shape. I will definitely do some more research and get a vet's opinion, but I honestly do not believe that I am harming this horse. If he had jut turned 3, then yes, I would agree with all of you, but as he is really moe like a 4 year old, I feel I am taking it much slower than most people I know. :) Tha
I appreciate everybody's input, and I will be sure to look into your concerns. Just to clarify: Moony turns 4 in a couple of months. I know a great deal of very good, experienced riders out here wo have their OTTBs competing comfortably in 80cm by age 4. When people train their own competition horses, obviously they will go slower. When you train a resale project, you sometimes need to step up the pace a little. I tested his jumping capabilities, that is all, and I do not plan on jumping him high regularly. From now on I will mostly be doing schooling, gridwork and outrides. The thoroughbred horse reaches full maturity at age 5, and Moony was an early developer, as one can see from his shape. I will definitely do some more research and get a vet's opinion, but I honestly do not believe that I am harming this horse. If he had jut turned 3, then yes, I would agree with all of you, but as he is really moe like a 4 year old, I feel I am taking it much slower than most people I know. :) Thank you once again for all your input, I'll be sure to keep Moony's jumps low and few until I have an opinion from my vet.
|
Jul 18, 2010
• 2,899 views
|
|
|
|
Descending Dusk
PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! STOP BEING RUDE! YOU DON'T KNOW Polo THEY WAY I DO, AND THAT HORSE HAS BEEN RIDDEN SINCE IT WAS 2!!!!! IF THE HORSE DOES NOT WANT TO JUMP, THEN IT IS TO YOUNG, BUT Moony WANTS TO!
THE PEOPLE THAT ARE BEING RUDE, YOU ARE JUST JEALOUS OF HER SKILLS WITH HORSES BECAUSE YOU KNOW SHE IS BETTER! INSTEAD OF MAKING HER YOUR ENEMY, BE FRIENDS!
Coco OUT!
PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! STOP BEING RUDE! YOU DON'T KNOW Polo THEY WAY I DO, AND THAT HORSE HAS BEEN RIDDEN SINCE IT WAS 2!!!!! IF THE HORSE DOES NOT WANT TO JUMP, THEN IT IS TO YOUNG, BUT Moony WANTS TO!
THE PEOPLE THAT ARE BEING RUDE, YOU ARE JUST JEALOUS OF HER SKILLS WITH HORSES BECAUSE YOU KNOW SHE IS BETTER! INSTEAD OF MAKING HER YOUR ENEMY, BE FRIENDS!
Coco OUT!
|
Jul 18, 2010
• 2,927 views
|
|
|
|
Sam I Am
umm thats not true. Moony will 3 in a couple of months. For TB they are born as one so if he is three now he is really only 2.
umm thats not true. Moony will 3 in a couple of months. For TB they are born as one so if he is three now he is really only 2.
|
Jul 18, 2010
• 2,916 views
|
|
|
|
FoxFire
"TiggerHeart": First of all the first jumping picture is not that high,its not really high at all and the second picture isn't that high either.And yes she did and believe it or not Boone is a throughbredx.I don't agree with jumping that high allday everyday but if polo was only testing his jumping abilties like she said then i really don't see a problem with it...
"TiggerHeart": First of all the first jumping picture is not that high,its not really high at all and the second picture isn't that high either.And yes she did and believe it or not Boone is a throughbredx.I don't agree with jumping that high allday everyday but if polo was only testing his jumping abilties like she said then i really don't see a problem with it...
|
Jul 18, 2010
• 2,983 views
|
|
|
|
Polo the Weirdo
MOD
Sam I Am: Moony is turning 4 in October. Most people out here are competing their TBs in 80cm by age 4, including riders who have previously jumped at international level. :) If he was only 2, do you really think I would even consider jumping him? HayleyandFlash: Thank you for understanding. I tested Moony's capabilities so that I know what I have to work with. From now on I'll be doing mostly gridwork to get him working properly. Once he's jumping how I want him to jump, then I'll progress to doing single jumps and courses. You have to find flaws to correct them, after all... :P
Sam I Am: Moony is turning 4 in October. Most people out here are competing their TBs in 80cm by age 4, including riders who have previously jumped at international level. :) If he was only 2, do you really think I would even consider jumping him? HayleyandFlash: Thank you for understanding. I tested Moony's capabilities so that I know what I have to work with. From now on I'll be doing mostly gridwork to get him working properly. Once he's jumping how I want him to jump, then I'll progress to doing single jumps and courses. You have to find flaws to correct them, after all... :P
|
Jul 19, 2010
• 2,893 views
|
|
|
|
Minny Thy Maleficent
For everyone that has "Disagreed" to this training process I'd like to state my own opinion. They, by 'they' i mean everyone in the Thoroughbred racing industries all over the world are racing TB's at only two years of age now this comes in with "Sam I Am" 's post on the second page. who said "umm that's not true. Moony will 3 in a couple of months. For TB they are born as one so if he is three now he is really only 2." That now means that they are racing a two year old thoroughbred at Merely race age of one. Now i see all of you are complaining that this is "Dangerous, Stupid and Irresponsible" Why I'm trying to say is that you are yelling at Polo for Jumping Moony over a simple jump at the age of 3, Don't forget where she posted he is almost 4, And yet i dont see anybody writing a letter in complaint to a Racing industry for racing their horses at two (race age of one as pointed out by Sam I Am), People are Racing their Young thoroughbreds at the age of two and three and four and th
For everyone that has "Disagreed" to this training process I'd like to state my own opinion. They, by 'they' i mean everyone in the Thoroughbred racing industries all over the world are racing TB's at only two years of age now this comes in with "Sam I Am" 's post on the second page. who said "umm that's not true. Moony will 3 in a couple of months. For TB they are born as one so if he is three now he is really only 2." That now means that they are racing a two year old thoroughbred at Merely race age of one. Now i see all of you are complaining that this is "Dangerous, Stupid and Irresponsible" Why I'm trying to say is that you are yelling at Polo for Jumping Moony over a simple jump at the age of 3, Don't forget where she posted he is almost 4, And yet i dont see anybody writing a letter in complaint to a Racing industry for racing their horses at two (race age of one as pointed out by Sam I Am), People are Racing their Young thoroughbreds at the age of two and three and four and they are pushing them as hard as ever and you are all (The people who are disagreeing) Sitting behind your computers and are not so much insulting but being extremely rude, obnoxious and immature towards polo and say that asking him to go over a few simple jumps at almost the age of four is wrong. So now you're trying to say that
- Racing a horse at the age of 2 (Race age 1) Is much more appropriate than asking an bex/b-Racehorse to jump over a few simple jumps at almost the age of 4???
Now in reply to a few of you that have posted, First off
Foxie - In reply to your post's.
"I seriously dislike the fact that you're jumping this horse at this height at age 3." And i seriously dislike that people are racing these horses at the age of two!
"not to mention he has no leg protection what so ever."
I don't use protection when jumping my horse and i bet you i could go onto a photo site or somewhere and find 150 photos + of horses jumping without Protection. I think this is also a personal choice which is made by the rider who is polo if you haven't noticed.
That's all i have to say to you.
Phantom - "This horse is THREE years old, not only is it not developed for this" And the horses out there racing the Victorian cup or a horse race are only two which means they would have been broken in at 11 -1 yr and 6 months. Why aren't we making a change about that!!!!.
"On you very first ride you jumped him, you are getting way ahead of yourself." I believe you have gotten just a bit too far with the rude comments, someone needs to hold their horses and think before you type.
Enough said to you.
ForcesOfNature - "Not to mention a 3 year old as not fully developed in bone mass." yet another comment like this!! Tell why is it they choose to race a Thoroughbred at 2 yrs which means being broken in at 1yr. Why are you not yelling at these people via email or a ponybox post about how they are 'undeveloped'.
"Also any good jumper or event rider will tell you that they only jump one or two times a week." - Disagree with you there hun, i have many people who can back me up with this aswell.
"Your setting yourself up for disappointment in the future." - This almost makes it sound like you've got nothing positive to say. Now if you were trying something like this you'd want positive support and yes peoples opinions but not rudely said, I'm glad to see you out of the four who have disagreed strongly are polite about this just because it makes you angry or you disagree doesn't mean we can turn pigheaded and immature.
Thank you for being half polite.
Savveh - Just reciting you on a few things you said.
"This is one of the most dangerous things I have seen on Ponybox, EVER." Firstly look around you sweetheart, Everything is dangerous, sitting in a car, going to school on a bus, going on a boat, riding a donkey, Just sitting underneath a roof is dangerous. Just simply riding a horse is dangerous, Yes they all have different percentages of "dangerous" But They are still all very dangerous. Even Swimming is dangerous!!
"Okay. So you get him home and the first thing you do is ride him. PROBLEM RIGHT THERE."
Well When i got my first horse home, that afternoon i rode her, she was comfortable she was fine and everything. I think this is a personal choice and was not needed to be brought up in this discussion, Personal choices are usually made by the person who is in 'charge' or the person who owns this horse which if you haven't noticed already is bPolo/b.
"not to mention he showed that he wasn't ready for jumps yet when you had to nearly force him to go over ground poles" I believe this wasn't force at all. Hopefully if you are experienced enough with your horses as you seem to sound like you will know that not all horses like going over ground poles or really anything for that matter, my 7 year old mare doesn't even like coming out of the paddock do you think if i just leave that and not do anything about it its teaching her something??? Yes it is teaching her something bteaching her she will always get what she wants/b if Polo for instants doesn't give Moony a push with the ground poles and just leaves them do you think maybe he will go into a habit of refusing jumps because he got away with it because polo never tried? This is what she is doing showing him he's not boss if you don't take the reins with young horses then they will turn out to be disobedient horses, we wouldn't want that now would we?
"He isn't even developed all the way. Thoroughbreds have very delicate legs and at three years old with no training outside the track you are jumping him nearly every ride. Wow. I'm not going to be surprised when in a week or two he is no longer sound. "
NO That's right !!!!!! HE ISN'T. So still why are you complaining about Polo jumping him over a few simple jumps and not complaining to the racing industry for racing their horses at 2!!! (racing age 1 Thanks Sam I Am), He does have delicate legs I'm sure most horses do have delicate legs i know all of us humans do, imagine what all that racing has done to him!. No he has no training outside of the track i think the title of this is "RETRAINING a Racehorse - Moonfire". You do not know this horse at all, you don't know his temperament let alone what he acts like you've seen a few pictures wooowww (:!!! so you would not know if he was going to all the sudden not be sound next week.!
"I got a message from Jeff this morning saying this was one of the most informational training article he had ever read. I find this the most ignorant training article I have ever read." Now now isn't this a little bit harsh, Polo has been nice and considerate about your opinion and the other three player above you but if i were her i would have been greatly offended towards you + others and i believe if you were taking on something new like this yourself and you have posted for support and got such rude feedback that you have given you would be upset, You could all at least be nice about what you say it's not everyday you're taking on something new like this. I will not forget this for when any of you's have got got something new and amazing. trust me i wont.
Now before you go saying other rude things and becoming out right " Divas" about situations about this sit down take a few "Deep breaths" and think about what you've got to say and how to say it polite, if you don't have respect and manners i suggest you stop posting.
thank you Minny if you want to contact me i suggest you do it through Ponybox paint because that's the only one i play I've only singed in here so i can post this.
|
Jul 19, 2010
• 2,967 views
|
|
|
|
Minny Thy Maleficent
For everyone that has "Disagreed" to this training process I'd like to state my own opinion. They, by 'they' i mean everyone in the Thoroughbred racing industries all over the world are racing TB's at only two years of age now this comes in with "Sam I Am" 's post on the second page. who said "umm that's not true. Moony will 3 in a couple of months. For TB they are born as one so if he is three now he is really only 2." That now means that they are racing a two year old thoroughbred at Merely race age of one. Now i see all of you are complaining that this is "Dangerous, Stupid and Irresponsible" Why I'm trying to say is that you are yelling at Polo for Jumping Moony over a simple jump at the age of 3, Don't forget where she posted he is almost 4, And yet i dont see anybody writing a letter in complaint to a Racing industry for racing their horses at two (race age of one as pointed out by Sam I Am), People are Racing their Young thoroughbreds at the age of two and three and four and th
For everyone that has "Disagreed" to this training process I'd like to state my own opinion. They, by 'they' i mean everyone in the Thoroughbred racing industries all over the world are racing TB's at only two years of age now this comes in with "Sam I Am" 's post on the second page. who said "umm that's not true. Moony will 3 in a couple of months. For TB they are born as one so if he is three now he is really only 2." That now means that they are racing a two year old thoroughbred at Merely race age of one. Now i see all of you are complaining that this is "Dangerous, Stupid and Irresponsible" Why I'm trying to say is that you are yelling at Polo for Jumping Moony over a simple jump at the age of 3, Don't forget where she posted he is almost 4, And yet i dont see anybody writing a letter in complaint to a Racing industry for racing their horses at two (race age of one as pointed out by Sam I Am), People are Racing their Young thoroughbreds at the age of two and three and four and they are pushing them as hard as ever and you are all (The people who are disagreeing) Sitting behind your computers and are not so much insulting but being extremely rude, obnoxious and immature towards polo and say that asking him to go over a few simple jumps at almost the age of four is wrong. So now you're trying to say that
- Racing a horse at the age of 2 (Race age 1) Is much more appropriate than asking an bex/b-Racehorse to jump over a few simple jumps at almost the age of 4???
Now in reply to a few of you that have posted, First off
Foxie - In reply to your post's.
"I seriously dislike the fact that you're jumping this horse at this height at age 3." And i seriously dislike that people are racing these horses at the age of two!
"not to mention he has no leg protection what so ever."
I don't use protection when jumping my horse and i bet you i could go onto a photo site or somewhere and find 150 photos + of horses jumping without Protection. I think this is also a personal choice which is made by the rider who is polo if you haven't noticed.
That's all i have to say to you.
Phantom - "This horse is THREE years old, not only is it not developed for this" And the horses out there racing the Victorian cup or a horse race are only two which means they would have been broken in at 11 -1 yr and 6 months. Why aren't we making a change about that!!!!.
"On you very first ride you jumped him, you are getting way ahead of yourself." I believe you have gotten just a bit too far with the rude comments, someone needs to hold their horses and think before you type.
Enough said to you.
ForcesOfNature - "Not to mention a 3 year old as not fully developed in bone mass." yet another comment like this!! Tell why is it they choose to race a Thoroughbred at 2 yrs which means being broken in at 1yr. Why are you not yelling at these people via email or a ponybox post about how they are 'undeveloped'.
"Also any good jumper or event rider will tell you that they only jump one or two times a week." - Disagree with you there hun, i have many people who can back me up with this aswell.
"Your setting yourself up for disappointment in the future." - This almost makes it sound like you've got nothing positive to say. Now if you were trying something like this you'd want positive support and yes peoples opinions but not rudely said, I'm glad to see you out of the four who have disagreed strongly are polite about this just because it makes you angry or you disagree doesn't mean we can turn pigheaded and immature.
Thank you for being half polite.
Savveh - Just reciting you on a few things you said.
"This is one of the most dangerous things I have seen on Ponybox, EVER." Firstly look around you sweetheart, Everything is dangerous, sitting in a car, going to school on a bus, going on a boat, riding a donkey, Just sitting underneath a roof is dangerous. Just simply riding a horse is dangerous, Yes they all have different percentages of "dangerous" But They are still all very dangerous. Even Swimming is dangerous!!
"Okay. So you get him home and the first thing you do is ride him. PROBLEM RIGHT THERE."
Well When i got my first horse home, that afternoon i rode her, she was comfortable she was fine and everything. I think this is a personal choice and was not needed to be brought up in this discussion, Personal choices are usually made by the person who is in 'charge' or the person who owns this horse which if you haven't noticed already is bPolo/b.
"not to mention he showed that he wasn't ready for jumps yet when you had to nearly force him to go over ground poles" I believe this wasn't force at all. Hopefully if you are experienced enough with your horses as you seem to sound like you will know that not all horses like going over ground poles or really anything for that matter, my 7 year old mare doesn't even like coming out of the paddock do you think if i just leave that and not do anything about it its teaching her something??? Yes it is teaching her something bteaching her she will always get what she wants/b if Polo for instants doesn't give Moony a push with the ground poles and just leaves them do you think maybe he will go into a habit of refusing jumps because he got away with it because polo never tried? This is what she is doing showing him he's not boss if you don't take the reins with young horses then they will turn out to be disobedient horses, we wouldn't want that now would we?
"He isn't even developed all the way. Thoroughbreds have very delicate legs and at three years old with no training outside the track you are jumping him nearly every ride. Wow. I'm not going to be surprised when in a week or two he is no longer sound. "
NO That's right !!!!!! HE ISN'T. So still why are you complaining about Polo jumping him over a few simple jumps and not complaining to the racing industry for racing their horses at 2!!! (racing age 1 Thanks Sam I Am), He does have delicate legs I'm sure most horses do have delicate legs i know all of us humans do, imagine what all that racing has done to him!. No he has no training outside of the track i think the title of this is "RETRAINING a Racehorse - Moonfire". You do not know this horse at all, you don't know his temperament let alone what he acts like you've seen a few pictures wooowww (:!!! so you would not know if he was going to all the sudden not be sound next week.!
"I got a message from Jeff this morning saying this was one of the most informational training article he had ever read. I find this the most ignorant training article I have ever read." Now now isn't this a little bit harsh, Polo has been nice and considerate about your opinion and the other three player above you but if i were her i would have been greatly offended towards you + others and i believe if you were taking on something new like this yourself and you have posted for support and got such rude feedback that you have given you would be upset, You could all at least be nice about what you say it's not everyday you're taking on something new like this. I will not forget this for when any of you's have got got something new and amazing. trust me i wont.
Now before you go saying other rude things and becoming out right " Divas" about situations about this sit down take a few "Deep breaths" and think about what you've got to say and how to say it polite, if you don't have respect and manners i suggest you stop posting.
thank you Minny if you want to contact me i suggest you do it through Ponybox paint because that's the only one i play I've only singed in here so i can post this.
|
Jul 19, 2010
• 2,967 views
|
|
|
|
Padfoot
Guys! Geeze! She is not forcing this horse in any way shape or form. My horse, you going to tell me my instructor who turned down the olympics is a bad person? She had Toffee doing NOVICE EVENTING 3'9! At the age of five! That horse can still jump 4foot 10years down the line... Hmmm? So she is doing wrong? He was taught to jump at 3! So My horse is messed up? My instructor is messed up so your saying the UK British Eventing team is messed up!
Guys! Geeze! She is not forcing this horse in any way shape or form. My horse, you going to tell me my instructor who turned down the olympics is a bad person? She had Toffee doing NOVICE EVENTING 3'9! At the age of five! That horse can still jump 4foot 10years down the line... Hmmm? So she is doing wrong? He was taught to jump at 3! So My horse is messed up? My instructor is messed up so your saying the UK British Eventing team is messed up!
|
Jul 19, 2010
• 3,269 views
|
|
|
|
Sam I Am
I have three tbs at my house. They were all raced.
One broke down in his right back leg.
One broke down in his front leg.
And one got hurt when she reared up in the gates.
Think about the first two.
They broke down when they were so young.
Just by running.
It hurts a young horse legs more jumping than it does running them.
I have three tbs at my house. They were all raced.
One broke down in his right back leg.
One broke down in his front leg.
And one got hurt when she reared up in the gates.
Think about the first two.
They broke down when they were so young.
Just by running.
It hurts a young horse legs more jumping than it does running them.
|
Jul 19, 2010
• 2,910 views
|
|
|
|
S Q U I
Descending Dusk: Moonfire doesn't jump because he wants to!
He jumps cause he doesn't know what to do!
HayleyAndFlash: Polo said she jumped him 90cm!
90cm is 2.9ft.
That is almost three feet.
I trained my quarter horse mix mare for a whole year and she NEVER got to 2.9ft.
Even if you are testing his capabilities, never jump that HIGH and not on the day you bring him home.
It's just sad to see such a beautiful horse go to waste.
Girleh: I bet she steadily increased the height of the jump when the horse was three. Not just start jumping 2.9-3ft the very first day she got him!
Descending Dusk: Moonfire doesn't jump because he wants to!
He jumps cause he doesn't know what to do!
HayleyAndFlash: Polo said she jumped him 90cm!
90cm is 2.9ft.
That is almost three feet.
I trained my quarter horse mix mare for a whole year and she NEVER got to 2.9ft.
Even if you are testing his capabilities, never jump that HIGH and not on the day you bring him home.
It's just sad to see such a beautiful horse go to waste.
Girleh: I bet she steadily increased the height of the jump when the horse was three. Not just start jumping 2.9-3ft the very first day she got him!
|
Jul 19, 2010
• 2,996 views
|
|
|
|
Undesired Humor
Guys! This is not the time nor place to argue and fight. This girl is experienced, knowlegdable, and knows so much about horses I will never be a tenth as good as her. So just respect her desicion. If the turns out wrong, does it have anything to do with you?
Guys! This is not the time nor place to argue and fight. This girl is experienced, knowlegdable, and knows so much about horses I will never be a tenth as good as her. So just respect her desicion. If the turns out wrong, does it have anything to do with you?
|
Jul 19, 2010
• 2,904 views
|
|
|
|
Undesired Humor
She offered her knowlegde, and let you see her new horse. Be gratefull!
She offered her knowlegde, and let you see her new horse. Be gratefull!
|
Jul 19, 2010
• 2,904 views
|
|
|
|
Fox Crest Stables
In response to everyone claiming that TBs are considered one at birth, no they aren't. Their age is calculated by the year that they were born. A foal born in feb 2010 is considered a year old as of jan 2011, not the day they're born. 2yr olds are broken in as 2yr olds typically around summer of their 2nd yr and they race in november or dec of their 2nd yr when they're almost 3.
I break in thoroughbreds for the track, I know when they go to the track and I know when they're broken in. I'm currently working with 2, 2yr old fillies that will be heading to the track later this fall. There is nothing I can do about the racing industry, but there is something I can do about people working young horses over fences and that is informing them of the obvious risks, which I have done. When this horse pulls up lame later in life we'll all know how and why it did.
In response to everyone claiming that TBs are considered one at birth, no they aren't. Their age is calculated by the year that they were born. A foal born in feb 2010 is considered a year old as of jan 2011, not the day they're born. 2yr olds are broken in as 2yr olds typically around summer of their 2nd yr and they race in november or dec of their 2nd yr when they're almost 3.
I break in thoroughbreds for the track, I know when they go to the track and I know when they're broken in. I'm currently working with 2, 2yr old fillies that will be heading to the track later this fall. There is nothing I can do about the racing industry, but there is something I can do about people working young horses over fences and that is informing them of the obvious risks, which I have done. When this horse pulls up lame later in life we'll all know how and why it did.
|
Jul 19, 2010
• 2,910 views
|
|
|
|
FoxFire
So you mean to tell me that racing a 2 year old is okay, but jumping a 3 year old isn't? I think racing a 2 year old is simply awful! For all you know it alls out there that say polo had to practically force the horse over the jump,what about at a race? I've seen people whipping and pushing and "forcing" the horse into the starting gates when the horse was scared and clearly did NOT want to enter, so you think that is okay? And if you think polo is going to ruin this horse by jumping it, what about all the young horses in the racing industry that break their legs,are ruined or are sent to slaughter?! Is THAT okay? Instead of mouthing off to polo, why don't you turn your prissy little selves around and start walking to the racetrack and tell them off! If jumping a three year old makes you angry then racing a two year old makes me angry.And Foxie,you say that you can cant do anything about the racing industry but you can do something about this? NO YOU CAN'T!! It is not your horse and po
So you mean to tell me that racing a 2 year old is okay, but jumping a 3 year old isn't? I think racing a 2 year old is simply awful! For all you know it alls out there that say polo had to practically force the horse over the jump,what about at a race? I've seen people whipping and pushing and "forcing" the horse into the starting gates when the horse was scared and clearly did NOT want to enter, so you think that is okay? And if you think polo is going to ruin this horse by jumping it, what about all the young horses in the racing industry that break their legs,are ruined or are sent to slaughter?! Is THAT okay? Instead of mouthing off to polo, why don't you turn your prissy little selves around and start walking to the racetrack and tell them off! If jumping a three year old makes you angry then racing a two year old makes me angry.And Foxie,you say that you can cant do anything about the racing industry but you can do something about this? NO YOU CAN'T!! It is not your horse and polo can do whatever she likes with it! And polo already said she is not going to jump him anymore,so why keep going on about it?
Also the two "two year old fillies" you are training,well don't be surprised if they are ruined in life.When these fillies go down or hurt themselves they will either be put down, sent to slaughter or sent away.If they go lame we will all know how and why they did,to put it in your words.Hundreds of horses are ruined in the racing industry simply for entertainment...now thats irresponsible and sick.Don't diss polo when your no better yourself..what a disgrace...
|
Jul 20, 2010
• 4,044 views
|
|
|
|
No Walkin Farms9
Foxie, I think stating that if Moonfire pulls up lame later in life is because Polo jumped him too early is, well, wrong. You have no idea that her actions could be the cause of his becoming lame, if he even does ever pull up lame. There could be many other reasons for this possible future occurrence. We can't predict the future and making a statement like that is again wrong and a bit arrogant.
Foxie, I think stating that if Moonfire pulls up lame later in life is because Polo jumped him too early is, well, wrong. You have no idea that her actions could be the cause of his becoming lame, if he even does ever pull up lame. There could be many other reasons for this possible future occurrence. We can't predict the future and making a statement like that is again wrong and a bit arrogant.
|
Jul 20, 2010
• 3,956 views
|
|
|
|
Star Lake
This horse came off the track people. It's already had stress on it's legs. Jumping, even that high for a first, is not going to harm this horse as much as racing could have. And Savveh, you are not one to talk. I just read your racing article and that is much more ignorant than this. I think Polo knows what she is doing and she is not jumping him hard. He is obviously(or so I thought) ready for whatever she wants him to do.
You say she is ignorant. Well guess what, so are you.
This horse came off the track people. It's already had stress on it's legs. Jumping, even that high for a first, is not going to harm this horse as much as racing could have. And Savveh, you are not one to talk. I just read your racing article and that is much more ignorant than this. I think Polo knows what she is doing and she is not jumping him hard. He is obviously(or so I thought) ready for whatever she wants him to do.
You say she is ignorant. Well guess what, so are you.
|
Jul 26, 2010
• 4,048 views
|
|
|
|
Seri
Guys, really? This rudeness is out of line. You have no right to bash Polo like this. She knows what she is doing and while she might be an 'amature' to some of you trainers that does not mean that you can be so abrasive in your comments.
If she feels that Moonfire is ready for a few test jumps then she can put him through the paces. I'm pretty sure Polo knows how to train a horse. Also since you brought up the jumping and age issue I would like to point out that Steeplechasers are jumping and running over HARD track conditions by this age. Are you calling their trainers incompetant?
~~I am only talking to some of you and I am sure you guys know who I am talking too~~
Polo, Moonfire is such a beauty! I wish you both luck!
Guys, really? This rudeness is out of line. You have no right to bash Polo like this. She knows what she is doing and while she might be an 'amature' to some of you trainers that does not mean that you can be so abrasive in your comments.
If she feels that Moonfire is ready for a few test jumps then she can put him through the paces. I'm pretty sure Polo knows how to train a horse. Also since you brought up the jumping and age issue I would like to point out that Steeplechasers are jumping and running over HARD track conditions by this age. Are you calling their trainers incompetant?
~~I am only talking to some of you and I am sure you guys know who I am talking too~~
Polo, Moonfire is such a beauty! I wish you both luck!
|
Jul 27, 2010
• 3,951 views
|
|
|
|
Seri
Guys, really? This rudeness is out of line. You have no right to bash Polo like this. She knows what she is doing and while she might be an 'amature' to some of you trainers that does not mean that you can be so abrasive in your comments. If she feels that Moonfire is ready for a few test jumps then she can put him through the paces. I'm pretty sure Polo knows how to train a horse. Also since you brought up the jumping and age issue I would like to point out that Steeplechasers are jumping and running over HARD track conditions by this age. Are you calling their trainers incompetant? ~~I am only talking to some of you and I am sure you guys know who I am talking too~~Polo, Moonfire is such a beauty! I wish you both luck!
Guys, really? This rudeness is out of line. You have no right to bash Polo like this. She knows what she is doing and while she might be an 'amature' to some of you trainers that does not mean that you can be so abrasive in your comments. If she feels that Moonfire is ready for a few test jumps then she can put him through the paces. I'm pretty sure Polo knows how to train a horse. Also since you brought up the jumping and age issue I would like to point out that Steeplechasers are jumping and running over HARD track conditions by this age. Are you calling their trainers incompetant? ~~I am only talking to some of you and I am sure you guys know who I am talking too~~Polo, Moonfire is such a beauty! I wish you both luck!
|
Jul 27, 2010
• 3,968 views
|
|
|
|
Seri
Guys, really? This rudeness is out of line. You have no right to bash Polo like this. She knows what she is doing and while she might be an 'amature' to some of you trainers that does not mean that you can be so abrasive in your comments. If she feels that Moonfire is ready for a few test jumps then she can put him through the paces. I'm pretty sure Polo knows how to train a horse. Also since you brought up the jumping and age issue I would like to point out that Steeplechasers are jumping and running over HARD track conditions by this age. Are you calling their trainers incompetant? ~~I am only talking to some of you and I am sure you guys know who I am talking too~~Polo, Moonfire is such a beauty! I wish you both luck!
Guys, really? This rudeness is out of line. You have no right to bash Polo like this. She knows what she is doing and while she might be an 'amature' to some of you trainers that does not mean that you can be so abrasive in your comments. If she feels that Moonfire is ready for a few test jumps then she can put him through the paces. I'm pretty sure Polo knows how to train a horse. Also since you brought up the jumping and age issue I would like to point out that Steeplechasers are jumping and running over HARD track conditions by this age. Are you calling their trainers incompetant? ~~I am only talking to some of you and I am sure you guys know who I am talking too~~Polo, Moonfire is such a beauty! I wish you both luck!
|
Jul 27, 2010
• 3,968 views
|
|
|
|
Inactive Member
FOR GOD SAKE GUYS!!! We all have different ideas and methods about training horses and polo might disagree with some of yours! All that matters is that right now, a really beautifull horse is settling in well and is happy, so lets all be happy about that, shall we?
FOR GOD SAKE GUYS!!! We all have different ideas and methods about training horses and polo might disagree with some of yours! All that matters is that right now, a really beautifull horse is settling in well and is happy, so lets all be happy about that, shall we?
|
Jul 27, 2010
• 4,369 views
|
|
|
|
Breegirly
I'm riding my horse this Wednesday and I got her sunday! This is amazing and I think you should just stop bagging on Polo!
Polo: Amazing story! :)
I'm riding my horse this Wednesday and I got her sunday! This is amazing and I think you should just stop bagging on Polo!
Polo: Amazing story! :)
|
Jul 27, 2010
• 4,350 views
|
|
|
|
Barnabus Jack
Under normal circumstances, I'd agree with others that the horse would be simply too green to even contemplate jumping on.
But the horse seems to enjoy it, and is progressing positively. If it was in any way uncomfortable or unhappy about the work it was doing, then it would refuse.
So please cut Polo some slack.
Polo, Moony is gorgeous, and I will be very expectant to see more news. Your snail friend wishes to know more... :)
Under normal circumstances, I'd agree with others that the horse would be simply too green to even contemplate jumping on.
But the horse seems to enjoy it, and is progressing positively. If it was in any way uncomfortable or unhappy about the work it was doing, then it would refuse.
So please cut Polo some slack.
Polo, Moony is gorgeous, and I will be very expectant to see more news. Your snail friend wishes to know more... :)
|
Jul 29, 2010
• 4,511 views
|
|
|
|
Fallen x Moon
Thoroughbreds are bred to grow quickly, and while their bodies may fill out fast, their legs are still very vulnerable at a young age like three or four just any other horse. As far as Moony's long-term health goes, I honestly don't think that taking him over a few jumps to test his ability was horrendous as long as it isn't done often (and by not often I mean not often).
p
As far as injury concern goes though, he could very easily get splints as an immediate repercussion considering he was just raced a few weeks before you got him and he was going over jumps with no conditioning or experience (and therefore a not-so-good idea on how to carry himself). The thing that overall gets me is just how risky jumping him was!
p
I am thoroughly shocked that you were able to do this stuff with an off the track thoroughbred on his first rides you are extremely lucky both you and/or the horse didn't get hurt. OTTBS are a whole 'nother ball park and I don't recommend anyone try to repeat
Thoroughbreds are bred to grow quickly, and while their bodies may fill out fast, their legs are still very vulnerable at a young age like three or four just any other horse. As far as Moony's long-term health goes, I honestly don't think that taking him over a few jumps to test his ability was horrendous as long as it isn't done often (and by not often I mean not often).
p
As far as injury concern goes though, he could very easily get splints as an immediate repercussion considering he was just raced a few weeks before you got him and he was going over jumps with no conditioning or experience (and therefore a not-so-good idea on how to carry himself). The thing that overall gets me is just how risky jumping him was!
p
I am thoroughly shocked that you were able to do this stuff with an off the track thoroughbred on his first rides you are extremely lucky both you and/or the horse didn't get hurt. OTTBS are a whole 'nother ball park and I don't recommend anyone try to repeat what you've done here in the case that they want to get one themselves. How smoothly things are going with you are an exception to the norm, big time. That horse has an outstanding temperament, hands-down.
p
I agree with everyone who says you're going way too fast. Most OTTBS haven't even been out on pasture before and you rode him outside, over jumps at that, on the first day. Not to mentioned that I'm shocked in general that you got on him on the first day to do more than a little walk and trot. A lot of OTTB retrainers have to give the horses weeks of downtime time just to flush the effects of their former diets out of their systems before getting on their backs. In my opinion a press for resale isn't an excuse for the speedy progress, either. What I just read sounds like something a person who knows very little about OTTBs yet bought one on a whim would do.
p
I am just shaking my head at how lucky you are. Really. There are so many reasons why the things you did could have taken a quick turn for the worst. I also agree that you shouldn't have taken Moony over jumps that high with you on his back, and this is because of how unconditioned and how inexperience he is with it (and I would trust you won't do this to him constantly so I won't go on about long-term effects). You said it yourself, OTTBs are very heavy on their forehand - you should not have jumped a completely inexperienced former race horse that high while on his back having that knowledge alone.
p
I do think that it will be interesting to follow your progress with Moony as he sounds like an incredible horse, but iplease/i don't encourage others to try this stuff with OTTBs. I beg of you. That is a disaster waiting to happen. You are so lucky I can hardly even believe it. Good luck with Moony, he is one in a million for sure, but keep in mind that you are asking a ton from that horse and your success with him so far is due to his outstanding temperament rather than your methods. I'm honestly not trying to be rude, I'm just completely shocked and I don't know what else to say.
p
What you got is an incredible animal, and I repeat, an exception, not a norm. I'm very glad that out of all the OTTBs you could have gotten, Moony was the one you got. He is a big time blessing, because things could have gone so much worse. iSo/i much worse. I'm honestly not trying to put you down with this comment and I'm sure that you know that. Thank you for responding to the criticisms against you so graciously and with such a level head.
p
My point with this whole thing is that you are a very fortunate person to have wound up with Moony, and my main fear is not only for you, but for anyone who even thinks about trying to imitate what you're doing.
|
Jul 29, 2010
• 4,446 views
|
|
|
|
Fallen x Moon
Thoroughbreds are bred to grow quickly, and while their bodies may fill out fast, their legs are still very vulnerable at a young age like three or four just any other horse. As far as Moony's long-term health goes, I honestly don't think that taking him over a few jumps to test his ability was horrendous as long as it isn't done often (and by not often I mean not often). pAs far as injury concern goes though, he could very easily get splints as an immediate repercussion considering he was just raced a few weeks before you got him and he was going over jumps with no conditioning or experience (and therefore a not-so-good idea on how to carry himself). The thing that overall gets me is just how risky jumping him was! pI am thoroughly shocked that you were able to do this stuff with an off the track thoroughbred on his first rides you are extremely lucky both you and/or the horse didn't get hurt. OTTBS are a whole 'nother ball park and I don't recommend anyone try to repeat what you
Thoroughbreds are bred to grow quickly, and while their bodies may fill out fast, their legs are still very vulnerable at a young age like three or four just any other horse. As far as Moony's long-term health goes, I honestly don't think that taking him over a few jumps to test his ability was horrendous as long as it isn't done often (and by not often I mean not often). pAs far as injury concern goes though, he could very easily get splints as an immediate repercussion considering he was just raced a few weeks before you got him and he was going over jumps with no conditioning or experience (and therefore a not-so-good idea on how to carry himself). The thing that overall gets me is just how risky jumping him was! pI am thoroughly shocked that you were able to do this stuff with an off the track thoroughbred on his first rides you are extremely lucky both you and/or the horse didn't get hurt. OTTBS are a whole 'nother ball park and I don't recommend anyone try to repeat what you've done here in the case that they want to get one themselves. How smoothly things are going with you are an exception to the norm, big time. That horse has an outstanding temperament, hands-down.pI agree with everyone who says you're going way too fast. Most OTTBS haven't even been out on pasture before and you rode him outside, over jumps at that, on the first day. Not to mentioned that I'm shocked in general that you got on him on the first day to do more than a little walk and trot. A lot of OTTB retrainers have to give the horses weeks of downtime time just to flush the effects of their former diets out of their systems before getting on their backs. In my opinion a press for resale isn't an excuse for the speedy progress, either. What I just read sounds like something a person who knows very little about OTTBs yet bought one on a whim would do.pI am just shaking my head at how lucky you are. Really. There are so many reasons why the things you did could have taken a quick turn for the worst. I also agree that you shouldn't have taken Moony over jumps that high with you on his back, and this is because of how unconditioned and how inexperience he is with it (and I would trust you won't do this to him constantly so I won't go on about long-term effects). You said it yourself, OTTBs are very heavy on their forehand - you should not have jumped a completely inexperienced former race horse that high while on his back having that knowledge alone. pI do think that it will be interesting to follow your progress with Moony as he sounds like an incredible horse, but iplease/i don't encourage others to try this stuff with OTTBs. I beg of you. That is a disaster waiting to happen. You are so lucky I can hardly even believe it. Good luck with Moony, he is one in a million for sure, but keep in mind that you are asking a ton from that horse and your success with him so far is due to his outstanding temperament rather than your methods. I'm honestly not trying to be rude, I'm just completely shocked and I don't know what else to say.pWhat you got is an incredible animal, and I repeat, an exception, not a norm. I'm very glad that out of all the OTTBs you could have gotten, Moony was the one you got. He is a big time blessing, because things could have gone so much worse. iSo/i much worse. I'm honestly not trying to put you down with this comment and I'm sure that you know that. Thank you for responding to the criticisms against you so graciously and with such a level head. pMy point with this whole thing is that you are a very fortunate person to have wound up with Moony, and my main fear is not only for you, but for anyone who even thinks about trying to imitate what you're doing.
|
Jul 29, 2010
• 5,101 views
|
|
|
|
Fallen x Moon
Thoroughbreds are bred to grow quickly, and while their bodies may fill out fast, their legs are still very vulnerable at a young age like three or four just any other horse. As far as Moony's long-term health goes, I honestly don't think that taking him over a few jumps to test his ability was horrendous as long as it isn't done often (and by not often I mean not often). pAs far as injury concern goes though, he could very easily get splints as an immediate repercussion considering he was just raced a few weeks before you got him and he was going over jumps with no conditioning or experience (and therefore a not-so-good idea on how to carry himself). The thing that overall gets me is just how risky jumping him was! pI am thoroughly shocked that you were able to do this stuff with an off the track thoroughbred on his first rides you are extremely lucky both you and/or the horse didn't get hurt. OTTBS are a whole 'nother ball park and I don't recommend anyone try to repeat what you
Thoroughbreds are bred to grow quickly, and while their bodies may fill out fast, their legs are still very vulnerable at a young age like three or four just any other horse. As far as Moony's long-term health goes, I honestly don't think that taking him over a few jumps to test his ability was horrendous as long as it isn't done often (and by not often I mean not often). pAs far as injury concern goes though, he could very easily get splints as an immediate repercussion considering he was just raced a few weeks before you got him and he was going over jumps with no conditioning or experience (and therefore a not-so-good idea on how to carry himself). The thing that overall gets me is just how risky jumping him was! pI am thoroughly shocked that you were able to do this stuff with an off the track thoroughbred on his first rides you are extremely lucky both you and/or the horse didn't get hurt. OTTBS are a whole 'nother ball park and I don't recommend anyone try to repeat what you've done here in the case that they want to get one themselves. How smoothly things are going with you are an exception to the norm, big time. That horse has an outstanding temperament, hands-down.pI agree with everyone who says you're going way too fast. Most OTTBS haven't even been out on pasture before and you rode him outside, over jumps at that, on the first day. Not to mentioned that I'm shocked in general that you got on him on the first day to do more than a little walk and trot. A lot of OTTB retrainers have to give the horses weeks of downtime time just to flush the effects of their former diets out of their systems before getting on their backs. In my opinion a press for resale isn't an excuse for the speedy progress, either. What I just read sounds like something a person who knows very little about OTTBs yet bought one on a whim would do.pI am just shaking my head at how lucky you are. Really. There are so many reasons why the things you did could have taken a quick turn for the worst. I also agree that you shouldn't have taken Moony over jumps that high with you on his back, and this is because of how unconditioned and how inexperience he is with it (and I would trust you won't do this to him constantly so I won't go on about long-term effects). You said it yourself, OTTBs are very heavy on their forehand - you should not have jumped a completely inexperienced former race horse that high while on his back having that knowledge alone. pI do think that it will be interesting to follow your progress with Moony as he sounds like an incredible horse, but iplease/i don't encourage others to try this stuff with OTTBs. I beg of you. That is a disaster waiting to happen. You are so lucky I can hardly even believe it. Good luck with Moony, he is one in a million for sure, but keep in mind that you are asking a ton from that horse and your success with him so far is due to his outstanding temperament rather than your methods. I'm honestly not trying to be rude, I'm just completely shocked and I don't know what else to say.pWhat you got is an incredible animal, and I repeat, an exception, not a norm. I'm very glad that out of all the OTTBs you could have gotten, Moony was the one you got. He is a big time blessing, because things could have gone so much worse. iSo/i much worse. I'm honestly not trying to put you down with this comment and I'm sure that you know that. Thank you for responding to the criticisms against you so graciously and with such a level head. pMy point with this whole thing is that you are a very fortunate person to have wound up with Moony, and my main fear is not only for you, but for anyone who even thinks about trying to imitate what you're doing.
|
Jul 29, 2010
• 5,101 views
|
|
|
|
Fallen x Moon
Thoroughbreds are bred to grow quickly, and while their bodies may fill out fast, their legs are still very vulnerable at a young age like three or four just any other horse. As far as Moony's long-term health goes, I honestly don't think that taking him over a few jumps to test his ability was horrendous as long as it isn't done often (and by not often I mean not often). pAs far as injury concern goes though, he could very easily get splints as an immediate repercussion considering he was just raced a few weeks before you got him and he was going over jumps with no conditioning or experience (and therefore a not-so-good idea on how to carry himself). The thing that overall gets me is just how risky jumping him was! pI am thoroughly shocked that you were able to do this stuff with an off the track thoroughbred on his first rides you are extremely lucky both you and/or the horse didn't get hurt. OTTBS are a whole 'nother ball park and I don't recommend anyone try to repeat what you
Thoroughbreds are bred to grow quickly, and while their bodies may fill out fast, their legs are still very vulnerable at a young age like three or four just any other horse. As far as Moony's long-term health goes, I honestly don't think that taking him over a few jumps to test his ability was horrendous as long as it isn't done often (and by not often I mean not often). pAs far as injury concern goes though, he could very easily get splints as an immediate repercussion considering he was just raced a few weeks before you got him and he was going over jumps with no conditioning or experience (and therefore a not-so-good idea on how to carry himself). The thing that overall gets me is just how risky jumping him was! pI am thoroughly shocked that you were able to do this stuff with an off the track thoroughbred on his first rides you are extremely lucky both you and/or the horse didn't get hurt. OTTBS are a whole 'nother ball park and I don't recommend anyone try to repeat what you've done here in the case that they want to get one themselves. How smoothly things are going with you are an exception to the norm, big time. That horse has an outstanding temperament, hands-down.pI agree with everyone who says you're going way too fast. Most OTTBS haven't even been out on pasture before and you rode him outside, over jumps at that, on the first day. Not to mentioned that I'm shocked in general that you got on him on the first day to do more than a little walk and trot. A lot of OTTB retrainers have to give the horses weeks of downtime time just to flush the effects of their former diets out of their systems before getting on their backs. In my opinion a press for resale isn't an excuse for the speedy progress, either. What I just read sounds like something a person who knows very little about OTTBs yet bought one on a whim would do.pI am just shaking my head at how lucky you are. Really. There are so many reasons why the things you did could have taken a quick turn for the worst. I also agree that you shouldn't have taken Moony over jumps that high with you on his back, and this is because of how unconditioned and how inexperience he is with it (and I would trust you won't do this to him constantly so I won't go on about long-term effects). You said it yourself, OTTBs are very heavy on their forehand - you should not have jumped a completely inexperienced former race horse that high while on his back having that knowledge alone. pI do think that it will be interesting to follow your progress with Moony as he sounds like an incredible horse, but iplease/i don't encourage others to try this stuff with OTTBs. I beg of you. That is a disaster waiting to happen. You are so lucky I can hardly even believe it. Good luck with Moony, he is one in a million for sure, but keep in mind that you are asking a ton from that horse and your success with him so far is due to his outstanding temperament rather than your methods. I'm honestly not trying to be rude, I'm just completely shocked and I don't know what else to say.pWhat you got is an incredible animal, and I repeat, an exception, not a norm. I'm very glad that out of all the OTTBs you could have gotten, Moony was the one you got. He is a big time blessing, because things could have gone so much worse. iSo/i much worse. I'm honestly not trying to put you down with this comment and I'm sure that you know that. Thank you for responding to the criticisms against you so graciously and with such a level head. pMy point with this whole thing is that you are a very fortunate person to have wound up with Moony, and my main fear is not only for you, but for anyone who even thinks about trying to imitate what you're doing.
|
Jul 29, 2010
• 5,101 views
|
|
|
|
Fallen x Moon
Thoroughbreds are bred to grow quickly, and while their bodies may fill out fast, their legs are still very vulnerable at a young age like three or four just any other horse. As far as Moony's long-term health goes, I honestly don't think that taking him over a few jumps to test his ability was horrendous as long as it isn't done often (and by not often I mean not often). pAs far as injury concern goes though, he could very easily get splints as an immediate repercussion considering he was just raced a few weeks before you got him and he was going over jumps with no conditioning or experience (and therefore a not-so-good idea on how to carry himself). The thing that overall gets me is just how risky jumping him was! pI am thoroughly shocked that you were able to do this stuff with an off the track thoroughbred on his first rides you are extremely lucky both you and/or the horse didn't get hurt. OTTBS are a whole 'nother ball park and I don't recommend anyone try to repeat wh
Thoroughbreds are bred to grow quickly, and while their bodies may fill out fast, their legs are still very vulnerable at a young age like three or four just any other horse. As far as Moony's long-term health goes, I honestly don't think that taking him over a few jumps to test his ability was horrendous as long as it isn't done often (and by not often I mean not often). pAs far as injury concern goes though, he could very easily get splints as an immediate repercussion considering he was just raced a few weeks before you got him and he was going over jumps with no conditioning or experience (and therefore a not-so-good idea on how to carry himself). The thing that overall gets me is just how risky jumping him was! pI am thoroughly shocked that you were able to do this stuff with an off the track thoroughbred on his first rides you are extremely lucky both you and/or the horse didn't get hurt. OTTBS are a whole 'nother ball park and I don't recommend anyone try to repeat what you've done here in the case that they want to get one themselves. How smoothly things are going with you are an exception to the norm, big time. That horse has an outstanding temperament, hands-down.pI agree with everyone who says you're going way too fast. Most OTTBS haven't even been out on pasture before and you rode him outside, over jumps at that, on the first day. Not to mentioned that I'm shocked in general that you got on him on the first day to do more than a little walk and trot. A lot of OTTB retrainers have to give the horses weeks of downtime time just to flush the effects of their former diets out of their systems before getting on their backs. In my opinion a press for resale isn't an excuse for the speedy progress, either. What I just read sounds like something a person who knows very little about OTTBs yet bought one on a whim would do.pI am just shaking my head at how lucky you are. Really. There are so many reasons why the things you did could have taken a quick turn for the worst. I also agree that you shouldn't have taken Moony over jumps that high with you on his back, and this is because of how unconditioned and how inexperience he is with it (and I would trust you won't do this to him constantly so I won't go on about long-term effects). You said it yourself, OTTBs are very heavy on their forehand - you should not have jumped a completely inexperienced former race horse that high while on his back having that knowledge alone. pI do think that it will be interesting to follow your progress with Moony as he sounds like an incredible horse, but iplease/i don't encourage others to try this stuff with OTTBs. I beg of you. That is a disaster waiting to happen. You are so lucky I can hardly even believe it. Good luck with Moony, he is one in a million for sure, but keep in mind that you are asking a ton from that horse and your success with him so far is due to his outstanding temperament rather than your methods. I'm honestly not trying to be rude, I'm just completely shocked and I don't know what else to say.pWhat you got is an incredible animal, and I repeat, an exception, not a norm. I'm very glad that out of all the OTTBs you could have gotten, Moony was the one you got. He is a big time blessing, because things could have gone so much worse. iSo/i much worse. I'm honestly not trying to put you down with this comment and I'm sure that you know that. Thank you for responding to the criticisms against you so graciously and with such a level head. pMy point with this whole thing is that you are a very fortunate person to have wound up with Moony, and my main fear is not only for you, but for anyone who even thinks about trying to imitate what you're doing.
|
Jul 29, 2010
• 5,101 views
|
|
|
|
Fallen x Moon
Thoroughbreds are bred to grow quickly, and while their bodies may fill out fast, their legs are still very vulnerable at a young age like three or four just any other horse. As far as Moony\'s long-term health goes, I honestly don\'t think that taking him over a few jumps to test his ability was horrendous as long as it isn\'t done often (and by not often I mean not often). pAs far as injury concern goes though, he could very easily get splints as an immediate repercussion considering he was just raced a few weeks before you got him and he was going over jumps with no conditioning or experience (and therefore a not-so-good idea on how to carry himself). The thing that overall gets me is just how risky jumping him was! pI am thoroughly shocked that you were able to do this stuff with an off the track thoroughbred on his first rides you are extremely lucky both you and/or the horse didn\'t get hurt. OTTBS are a whole \'nother ball park and I don\'t recommend anyone try
Thoroughbreds are bred to grow quickly, and while their bodies may fill out fast, their legs are still very vulnerable at a young age like three or four just any other horse. As far as Moony\'s long-term health goes, I honestly don\'t think that taking him over a few jumps to test his ability was horrendous as long as it isn\'t done often (and by not often I mean not often). pAs far as injury concern goes though, he could very easily get splints as an immediate repercussion considering he was just raced a few weeks before you got him and he was going over jumps with no conditioning or experience (and therefore a not-so-good idea on how to carry himself). The thing that overall gets me is just how risky jumping him was! pI am thoroughly shocked that you were able to do this stuff with an off the track thoroughbred on his first rides you are extremely lucky both you and/or the horse didn\'t get hurt. OTTBS are a whole \'nother ball park and I don\'t recommend anyone try to repeat what you\'ve done here in the case that they want to get one themselves. How smoothly things are going with you are an exception to the norm, big time. That horse has an outstanding temperament, hands-down.pI agree with everyone who says you\'re going way too fast. Most OTTBS haven\'t even been out on pasture before and you rode him outside, over jumps at that, on the first day. Not to mentioned that I\'m shocked in general that you got on him on the first day to do more than a little walk and trot. A lot of OTTB retrainers have to give the horses weeks of downtime time just to flush the effects of their former diets out of their systems before getting on their backs. In my opinion a press for resale isn\'t an excuse for the speedy progress, either. What I just read sounds like something a person who knows very little about OTTBs yet bought one on a whim would do.pI am just shaking my head at how lucky you are. Really. There are so many reasons why the things you did could have taken a quick turn for the worst. I also agree that you shouldn\'t have taken Moony over jumps that high with you on his back, and this is because of how unconditioned and how inexperience he is with it (and I would trust you won\'t do this to him constantly so I won\'t go on about long-term effects). You said it yourself, OTTBs are very heavy on their forehand - you should not have jumped a completely inexperienced former race horse that high while on his back having that knowledge alone. pI do think that it will be interesting to follow your progress with Moony as he sounds like an incredible horse, but iplease/i don\'t encourage others to try this stuff with OTTBs. I beg of you. That is a disaster waiting to happen. You are so lucky I can hardly even believe it. Good luck with Moony, he is one in a million for sure, but keep in mind that you are asking a ton from that horse and your success with him so far is due to his outstanding temperament rather than your methods. I\'m honestly not trying to be rude, I\'m just completely shocked and I don\'t know what else to say.pWhat you got is an incredible animal, and I repeat, an exception, not a norm. I\'m very glad that out of all the OTTBs you could have gotten, Moony was the one you got. He is a big time blessing, because things could have gone so much worse. iSo/i much worse. I\'m honestly not trying to put you down with this comment and I\'m sure that you know that. Thank you for responding to the criticisms against you so graciously and with such a level head. pMy point with this whole thing is that you are a very fortunate person to have wound up with Moony, and my main fear is not only for you, but for anyone who even thinks about trying to imitate what you\'re doing.
|
Jul 29, 2010
• 5,101 views
|
|
|
|
Fallen x Moon
Thoroughbreds are bred to grow quickly, and while their bodies may fill out fast, their legs are still very vulnerable at a young age like three or four just any other horse. As far as Moony\'s long-term health goes, I honestly don\'t think that taking him over a few jumps to test his ability was horrendous as long as it isn\'t done often (and by not often I mean not often). pAs far as injury concern goes though, he could very easily get splints as an immediate repercussion considering he was just raced a few weeks before you got him and he was going over jumps with no conditioning or experience (and therefore a not-so-good idea on how to carry himself). The thing that overall gets me is just how risky jumping him was! pI am thoroughly shocked that you were able to do this stuff with an off the track thoroughbred on his first rides you are extremely lucky both you and/or the horse didn\'t get hurt. OTTBS are a whole \'nother ball park and I don\'t recommend anyone try
Thoroughbreds are bred to grow quickly, and while their bodies may fill out fast, their legs are still very vulnerable at a young age like three or four just any other horse. As far as Moony\'s long-term health goes, I honestly don\'t think that taking him over a few jumps to test his ability was horrendous as long as it isn\'t done often (and by not often I mean not often). pAs far as injury concern goes though, he could very easily get splints as an immediate repercussion considering he was just raced a few weeks before you got him and he was going over jumps with no conditioning or experience (and therefore a not-so-good idea on how to carry himself). The thing that overall gets me is just how risky jumping him was! pI am thoroughly shocked that you were able to do this stuff with an off the track thoroughbred on his first rides you are extremely lucky both you and/or the horse didn\'t get hurt. OTTBS are a whole \'nother ball park and I don\'t recommend anyone try to repeat what you\'ve done here in the case that they want to get one themselves. How smoothly things are going with you are an exception to the norm, big time. That horse has an outstanding temperament, hands-down.pI agree with everyone who says you\'re going way too fast. Most OTTBS haven\'t even been out on pasture before and you rode him outside, over jumps at that, on the first day. Not to mentioned that I\'m shocked in general that you got on him on the first day to do more than a little walk and trot. A lot of OTTB retrainers have to give the horses weeks of downtime time just to flush the effects of their former diets out of their systems before getting on their backs. In my opinion a press for resale isn\'t an excuse for the speedy progress, either. What I just read sounds like something a person who knows very little about OTTBs yet bought one on a whim would do.pI am just shaking my head at how lucky you are. Really. There are so many reasons why the things you did could have taken a quick turn for the worst. I also agree that you shouldn\'t have taken Moony over jumps that high with you on his back, and this is because of how unconditioned and how inexperience he is with it (and I would trust you won\'t do this to him constantly so I won\'t go on about long-term effects). You said it yourself, OTTBs are very heavy on their forehand - you should not have jumped a completely inexperienced former race horse that high while on his back having that knowledge alone. pI do think that it will be interesting to follow your progress with Moony as he sounds like an incredible horse, but iplease/i don\'t encourage others to try this stuff with OTTBs. I beg of you. That is a disaster waiting to happen. You are so lucky I can hardly even believe it. Good luck with Moony, he is one in a million for sure, but keep in mind that you are asking a ton from that horse and your success with him so far is due to his outstanding temperament rather than your methods. I\'m honestly not trying to be rude, I\'m just completely shocked and I don\'t know what else to say.pWhat you got is an incredible animal, and I repeat, an exception, not a norm. I\'m very glad that out of all the OTTBs you could have gotten, Moony was the one you got. He is a big time blessing, because things could have gone so much worse. iSo/i much worse. I\'m honestly not trying to put you down with this comment and I\'m sure that you know that. Thank you for responding to the criticisms against you so graciously and with such a level head. pMy point with this whole thing is that you are a very fortunate person to have wound up with Moony, and my main fear is not only for you, but for anyone who even thinks about trying to imitate what you\'re doing.
|
Jul 29, 2010
• 5,101 views
|
|
|
|
|
Related Horse News
|
|
I am going to type up, in detail, all my experiences with retraining Moonfire. I'm going to tell you what I did and when, what the results were, what my thoughts were, what Moonfire's progression is and so on. I hope to be publish ...
|
|
Before I begin, let me make something clear. These are my methods. Methods that have worked for me in the past as well as new methods that I have decided will work for Moony in the future. These methods might not work for every ho ...
|
|
On Saturday morning I dragged myself out of bed, sick as I was, to get ready for the little practice show I had planned to attend. To my absolute dismay, I found that my darling brother had used up all the hot water, so I was doom ...
|
|
The day of the show dawned not so bright and not so clear. In fact, there was a fair amount of wind and even a spot of rain. Still, I figured it was a good test for Moony, so I tacked him up and walked him down the road, since it ...
|
|
My instructor was around to help me with Moony, and we started by doing a bit of free jumping. She got him going extremely well, and he soon learned to jump on his own, without the help of a rider. As Moony is uncertain in our jum ...
|
|
I began by free jumping Moony, working him until he was jumping decent height fences in good form and with loads of spring. We introduced a few spreads as well, and Moony popped over everything comfortably. Once I was satisfied th ...
|
|
More News by Polo the Weirdo
|
|
If you are lucky enough to afford an extremely expensive imported horse, it will spook at its own fart in the quarantine paddock and immediately sustain a career-ending injury. ...
|
|
Welcome to part 2 in our quest of finding the best gadgets and gimmicks that can actually help you to improve your riding! Put your body where it should be, and let your brain figure out how to keep it there. You’ll have that perf ...
|
|
Do you always find yourself riding with toes like a ballerina? Do you stare into your own lap as if the secrets of the universe are stitched into the crotch of your joddies? Do you ride with shoulders that would make the Hunchback ...
|
|
Gadgets often get a poor reputation in the equestrian world due to their misuse on equine athletes often resulting in harmful or abusive conditions. The debate on whether or not gadgets (like side reins, etc.) ought to be used on ...
|
|
The elongated shutdown of racing brings with it many great consequences, many of which are already beginning to show as owners, breeders and trainers alike are forced to begin euthanasia of horses they can no longer afford to keep ...
|
|
With the Covid-19 pandemic sweeping the globe, people the world over are doing exactly what one would expect modern man to do in a time of great crisis. They are binge-watching eccentric Netflix documentaries. The specific documen ...
|
|
With our current global pandemic, many equestrians the world over are suddenly being forced to face a horseless reality as entire nations enter lockdown. It is a miserable and testing time, but equestrians are tough. We’re gonna m ...
|
|
On the first day of lockdown, most of us sat in our homes. Silent, shellshocked, looking through old pictures of our horses and trying to come to terms with the fact that we had to be without them for 3 whole weeks. Worrying about ...
|
|
|