[IceHorses] Character Quote
>From Ohio Secretary of State: "Character is the combination of qualities that distinguish you as an individual. The mixture of thoughts, words and actions you express determine who you are. Your character has an impact not only on you, but also on the world around you. Being a person of character means living by a set of standards to do what is right, rather than what is easy. People of good character do what is right by practicing values such as caring, citizenship, honesty, respect, trustworthiness, and responsibility. Character is something you have to work at. Express these values in your everyday life and you will notice how it builds up. One of the benefits of being a person of character is that other people will take notice and often, will follow your example. Think of people who have had a positive impact on your life. Chances are, they've expressed some or all of these qualities." The character of a community reflects those people who contribute to it. By participating in posting to the list through positive, helpful messages, you help make our list community a better place to be. Our list shows it's good character, which is based on the good character of its members. Good job, everyone! Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
[IceHorses] Consider the horse
By Dr. Ritter: This is something that I keep seeing over and over in clinics, at shows, and other places. It concerns amateurs and professionals alike, and it infuriates me. There are too many riders who kick and grip and poke and prod and yank and jerk on their poor horses with such an ABSOLUTE ABSENCE of any FEEL whatsoever that it is really mind boggling. So far, I have always been too polite to ask them: "Do you touch your spouse or your child like that?" - although I have often thought it. They act with such aggression that I wonder if they even like horses, and it is offensive to me beyond words. Of course, these horses are stiff and hard and either completely withdrawn, or fearful and spooky, or angry. These riders would probably say that they ride that way because their horse is so stiff and insensitive. The truth is that it's the other way around. Their horses are so stiff and insensitive, because they are being ridden with these incredibly insensitive, offensive aids. On the ground, these people are often perfectly nice, civilized citizens, but as soon as they mount a horse ... Imagine being a student under a teacher who never explains to you really what is expected of you and how to do what you are being asked to do, but who punishes you regularly for giving the "wrong" answer. And to make it worse, the "teacher" asks you to perform certain tasks, while at the same time making it physically impossible through interference for you to execute the demand. Since you can't comply with the demand, you get punished again. To make things more confusing, you only get punished some of the time, but not all the time, for reasons you don't understand. And you get punished for some transgressions, but not for all of them, and not in any consistent, predictable pattern. It's an absolute nightmare scenario, and it's the reality for many, many horses. Here are some very simple guidelines that will make the horses' lives a whole lot better, if the riders have the thoughtfulness (!) and self discipline (!) to implement them: - Whenever you apply any aid, begin with the most delicate touch, as if you were touching a small child - even if you know that the horse is out of tune and will not respond. If the horse ignores the small aid, you can repeat it and increase its intensity as if you were turning up the volume on your stereo, until you reach the horse's response threshold. This threshold can be moved through training!! Horses can be tuned to become either more responsive, or more tolerant (hypersensitive horses are just as unpleasant to ride as dull ones). - Think of aids not just as commands, but as two way radio signals. While you are applying an aid, you can feel the horse's body and mind through this aid. Every aid is a probe into the horse's body and mind. Ask yourself: What is the horse's attitude towards this aid? How far does this aid penetrate the horse's body? Does it get stuck right under the skin, or does it go all the way through the body until it reaches its destination? The answer you find in the horse will determine how to proceed from here. - Always try to find out how the horse feels, what he is thinking. Identify stiff, locked up muscle groups, as well as false bends that do not allow the energy of the hindquarters nor the aids to go through the body. - Balance the horse, dissolve muscle blockages, and elimate false bends (energy leaks), until all muscle groups in the rider's body are connected to all muscle groups in the horse's body and to the ground through the horse's legs, so that any aid can reach any part of the horse's body at any time, without getting stuck. - Hard, jerky aids will create a stiff, defensive horse. If you want your horse to open up to you and engage in a conversation with you, don't offend him with your language and with the way you treat him. - Use soft aids, even on a stiff horse, which is by no means easy. These aids sometimes need to be strong. Most people don't realize that an aid can be both strong and soft, or light and sharp, and every possible combination in between. Producing these nuances is an essential skill for good riding that needs to be practiced and perfected over the years. - Kicking and gripping legs and spurs make the horse lock up his rib cage and belly muscles, which will only diminish the impulsion and responsiveness, not increase it. If the horse ignores the light calf aid, then a quick, light vibration of the whip needs to explain the calf aid to the horse. If he ignores the vibration of the whip, then the vibration has to become faster and sharper, until the horse reacts. Almost all horses will respond favorably to this process. - All rein aids have to be supported by the rider's weight and seat. - Stiff rider's hips make the horse lock up his back and hips. If the rider's hips don't move, the horse's back can't move. If the horse's back can't move, his hind legs can't
[IceHorses] Re: Daily schedules
--- In IceHorses@yahoogroups.com, "Virginia Tupper" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > I know horses are happiest with a consistent routine of feeding, at > least that's what I've read. What kind of daily schedule do you all > have with your horses? Great, you are getting the place! You know, we had a discussion on this list about this, maybe two years ago, when one of the mules coliced, some people were saying it is better to vary their feeding schedule. > > What happens if you go away for a weekend? Get a horse sitter? > > Yep, I always had to wrangle someone into doing it, of course I would pay them, except when my mother did it. She is terrified of horses, I mean really phobic (except she's not scared of Dari:)), and at the barn I had, you had to go into the pasture to get into the barn and the hay was in the barn. She says that she started up the ladder into the loft and the horses started to come in, so she swears she told Celie that if she came in the barn nobody was going to get fed that night and Celie stopped, waited and kept the others from coming in. One advantage of boarding, even there are so many disadvantages:) Kim
Re: [IceHorses] Dagur
On 26/09/2007, Lorraine <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Wanda, Your Dagur is gorgous. Mine comes in second. > > Lorraine Aw thanks...but your Dagur is handsome too. Wanda
Re: [IceHorses] Small barn
On 26/09/2007, Nancy Sturm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > AND: by all means check the prevailing weather patterns. It should help > that you are moving in the Fall, but you could also ask the seller. Excellent point. Might be a good reason to live there for a year or so, and make your determination after you've studied the prospective site a bit. Wanda
Re: [IceHorses] Dagur
> > I liked this pic of Dagur. He has such lovely eyes. > > Wanda > Wanda, Your Dagur is gorgous. Mine comes in second. Lorraine Check out the hottest 2008 models today at Yahoo! Autos. http://autos.yahoo.com/new_cars.html
Re: [IceHorses] metal rein clips
On 26/09/2007, Karen Thomas <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > If you were closer, I'd fix them for you...but I'd put clips back on them! > ;) Seriously, if they are cotton rope reins, can't use just repair them with > rope clamps? No, the clips have always bothered me anyway. I like the feel of leather on the bit ring for some reason. Wanda
Re: [IceHorses] winter watering
On 26/09/2007, [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > If you have a sick horse there is a monitor that tells you how much a horse > drank. Really? That's a great option. I looked at a few types of automatic waterer's a few years ago and they didn't seem to have that option. That's one of the reasons we didn't go for them at the time. I like seeing how much the tank goes down on any given day. Wanda
Re: [IceHorses] Small barn
AND: by all means check the prevailing weather patterns. It should help that you are moving in the Fall, but you could also ask the seller. For some reason, we sited our barn so that the hall is in line with a canyon. The wind can blow down the hall so hard that it tumbled a huge contractor's wheelbarrow end over end down the l entire ength. We do have doors that we can slide closed, but we could have avoided the whole problem by turning the barn slightly on the pad. Nancy
RE: [IceHorses] metal rein clips
>>> I wonder if a shoe repair person could do that? Any harness person around >>> here lives quite far away. If you were closer, I'd fix them for you...but I'd put clips back on them! ;) Seriously, if they are cotton rope reins, can't use just repair them with rope clamps? Karen Thomas, NC
RE: [IceHorses] Small barn
When Alex went to her Dressage show, Gat was given a standing stall in an extra wing of the hosting barn--they had skylights--heavy plastic type stufftalk about nice and bright. If you are talking about the corrugated plastic that is patterned like the metal roofing, they aren't very expensive while you're building.I love mine, and I certainly didn't pay a premium for them. Karen Thomas, NC
[IceHorses] winter watering
Hello Virginia, What is up with the ? marks? Who knows? Whenever I use my laptop at the office the message I write looks normal on my end but on the list it adds all sorts of crazy things. Sorry. However, I do highly recommend Nelson Waterers. We bought one for the pasture about 10 years ago. We love them so much that all the pastures and all my stalls have them now. They are virtually indestructible. If you have a sick horse there is a monitor that tells you how much a horse drank. The heater is great and the bowls are easily cleaned. Renee ** See what's new at http://www.aol.com
[IceHorses] metal rein clips
Last night I was reminded why I don't like metal clips on reins. One of the clips on the end of the cotton reins Cara uses on the sidepull - snapped off and broke. I plan to take the cotton reins in and have the metal clips replaced by a leather strap with a buckle, much the same as our driving reins. Much safer. I wonder if a shoe repair person could do that? Any harness person around here lives quite far away. Wanda
RE: [IceHorses] Small barn
AND ensure that the lighting is bright enough for a vet or farrier. We have about a 12 x 12 stall in our little barn and that seems large enough for a farrier to work, but the lighting in there is awful. We have extra work lights plugged into each corner, and it still seems dark. We put a standard, wall-mount type "porch" fixture in front of each stall, one that takes a 100-watt bulb. Then, up higher on the front wall, we put a floodlight type fixture, that fills in the areas that the individual stall lights miss. I also put an electrical outlet at each stall - good for plugging in clippers, the vet's ultrasound machine, stall fans, shop vacs, whatever... My light fixtures were NOT expensive, but they are cute and they do a great job. I also don't have a "ceiling" over the stalls, and I had four (I think - I should go double check the number) "skylights" put in the roof. They aren't exactly skylights, but are the clear corrugated panels much like the metal roofing material. I really don't need lights in the barn during the day for normal stuff - only for special needs and at night. This isn't just for light though - it really keeps the air circulating and that helps avoid breathing problems when the horses have to stay in for a while. Another thing - check your cell phone coverage carefully where you're barn will be. If it's spotty or questionable at all, considering running an extension phone from your house to the barn, so you can have a cordless handy. It won't cost much while they are running electrical lines anyway. Having a phone at the barn may sound like a luxury, but believe me, if you are ever waiting for the vet to call back and you have a colicky horse, or a mare with a problem delivery, you'll want a phone where you can see/touch the horse while you talk. And remember, inside the barn, cell coverage may not be quite as strong as in an open field. Karen Karen Thomas Wingate, NC No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.488 / Virus Database: 269.13.30/1030 - Release Date: 9/25/2007 8:02 AM
RE: [IceHorses] T-Posts
>>> Do be sure to put caps on the T posts. I had a horse get badly hurt on one years ago. Absolutely. We always use them. Karen Karen Thomas Wingate, NC No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.488 / Virus Database: 269.13.30/1030 - Release Date: 9/25/2007 8:02 AM
Re: [IceHorses] Bit ??
>> take a look at this bit.ouch looking http://tinyurl.com/2q65vo > > > Made in England; antique... sort of reminds me of a driving bit. Here it is: http://www.tackroomproducts.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=TRP&Product_Code=9451&Category_Code=Bits "A Springsteen bit: is a very severe bit. When pressure is applied by pulling on the opposite rein, the spoon-shaped prongs jab into the corner of the horse's mouth. Trainers use the Springsteen bit on racehorses that are difficult to control." >From a previous user: "We used to call it a springsteen. I learned to use it on older untrained horses, that still had fight in them. It could be a very severe bit. The lower "bent" pieces are where the curb is attached, the 2 loose rings connect to the headstall and the reins hook to the larger rings on the end of the mouthpiece. When the rein is pulled the the bent pieces pinch onto the lower jaw bone causing the horse to not buck or fall over. Kinda like putting a twitch on an ear and riding at the same time. Not something I use any more." Judyhttp://icehorses.nethttp://clickryder.com
RE: [IceHorses] Small barn
It looks like a horse could put more than his head out! The wall looks so low that a horse could easily get one (or both legs) over it and really get hurt. That's my thinking too, Cherie. There's reason that standard stall bar spacing is what it is, and that in the picture just looks scary to me. And, that's just thinking about Icelandic's - you always have to think about what dangers lurk if you ever have a foal, a small pony (like Buck-the-mini-mule, or Mystic)...and what if you ever have a full-sized horse. Even if you never have any of these, there's always the chance you might want to keep a friend or neighbor's beastie while they are moving or whatever. I don't use my stalls every day, but when I DO use them, I can rest assured that my horses are in as safe a place as I can imagine. The low wall height looks like another accident waiting to happen - that makes me shiver. Eitill is 13H and can easily flat-foot over a normal height stall door - what are they, almost 4-feet? When we went to Dupont Forest over Mother's Day, I carried a stall guard to install over the top of the stall door. I don't really like stall guards though. I have sliding stall doors, with bars in the top half. I'll check, but I think the spacing between the bars is 3 inches or less, to keep a horse from getting a hoof stuck if they kick up for any reason. The dividers between my stalls are also bars, so the horses can clearly see each other and touch noses, but can't bite or nip. It makes for an open, airy design - good for ventilation too. But, everyone stays in his or her place. Karen Karen Thomas Wingate, NC No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.488 / Virus Database: 269.13.30/1030 - Release Date: 9/25/2007 8:02 AM
Re: [IceHorses] Daily schedules
I am probably the most structured person on the face of the earth - the perfect mother for an autistic child, although Ron might disagree. I feed at exactly the same time each morning and evening. The horses have become so accostomed to the schedule that they will be standing in the barn waiting for me. Hunter lives up the road and I drive up at 5:00 am and 5:00 pm to give him a supplemental feed. He's either waiting at the gait or waiting for sight of the van. It's pretty cute. He's in a pasture with three other geldings. They might all be at the far end grazing. Only Hunter raises his head and canters to the gait. The others obviously know there's nothing in it for them. When we leave, we do have a horse sitter come in. We have a wonderful arrangement right now. The teenage brother of one of the two girls who come in to care for the kids comes along. He helps with the lifting and does all the farm chores. The only thing we sometimes change is that we usually feed the horses in their stalls and then come along later to let them out. Rather than have Nate handle the orses, we have him feed them outside. Nancy
[IceHorses] Daily schedules
I know horses are happiest with a consistent routine of feeding, at least that's what I've read. What kind of daily schedule do you all have with your horses? What happens if you go away for a weekend? Get a horse sitter? Yeah--I know I'm thinking way in advance here, but thoughts/questions pop in my head, so I ask...then I keep notes! :D V
Re: [IceHorses] Small barn
On 9/26/07, Wanda Lauscher <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > AND ensure that the lighting is bright enough for a vet or > farrier. When Alex went to her Dressage show, Gat was given a standing stall in an extra wing of the hosting barn--they had skylights--heavy plastic type stufftalk about nice and bright. I loved the light and now I want skylights in my barn. I also want an aisle way I can drive a 4 wheeler with manure wagon through. V
Re: [IceHorses] Small barn
Virginia, when you plan your barn, ..plan it for a human. Make sure that if you build a large enough barn to have at least a 12 foot walk way. AND ensure that the lighting is bright enough for a vet or farrier. We have about a 12 x 12 stall in our little barn and that seems large enough for a farrier to work, but the lighting in there is awful. We have extra work lights plugged into each corner, and it still seems dark. Wanda
RE: [IceHorses] Small barn
It looks like a horse could put more than his head out! The wall looks so low that a horse could easily get one (or both legs) over it and really get hurt. Cherie
Re: [IceHorses] Small barn
interesting... not sure I like it but it's interesting.
Re: [IceHorses] Small barn
On 26/09/2007, Virginia Tupper <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > On 9/26/07, Karen Thomas <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > I think that's a really bad design - I've only seen those type fronts on > > stalls in Icelandic barns.I'll give more details later > > That's what I need -- the pros and cons to everything! I can just imagine Dagur up and over those in a minute. I like the second design you sent. Wanda
Re: [IceHorses] Small barn
On 9/26/07, Karen Thomas <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > I think that's a really bad design - I've only seen those type fronts on > stalls in Icelandic barns.I'll give more details later That's what I need -- the pros and cons to everything! :D V
RE: [IceHorses] Small barn
The attached shows the box stalls that were in another building. I like those because the horse can put its head out. V I think that's a really bad design - I've only seen those type fronts on stalls in Icelandic barns.I'll give more details later - but I'd go with a more traditional...and SAFER...design. Karen Karen Thomas Wingate, NC No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.488 / Virus Database: 269.13.30/1030 - Release Date: 9/25/2007 8:02 AM
Re: [IceHorses] Re: Silence was golden
> > Now how did you know that I was starting to panic!! > V > I've been there very recently and if it hadn't been for my husband keeping me focused I would have just given up. -- Laree What a horse does under compulsion is done without understanding, and there is no beauty in it either, any more than if one should whip or spur a dancer. -Xenophon
Re: [IceHorses] Manure was: For Virginia - Run in
On 9/26/07, IceDog <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Where do you all put your manure? > > > > I would like to compost. > > Get a "Newer Spreader" and put it back on your pastures. > Oh, that looks good--I'll have to read the whole site. Do you have one? V
Re: [IceHorses] winter watering
On 9/26/07, [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > I also highly recommend automatice waterers.? We use Nelson waterers.? They > are a little expensive but hold up great.? You can get it with or without a > heater.? We have never had any problems whatsoever.? They save a huge amount > of time, worry, and water. > > Renee > > ?? Thanks--I'll look up that name online. What are the question marks for? V
Re: [IceHorses] Small barn
On 9/26/07, Nancy Sturm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > It looks like a wonderful well-built wooden barn, but there are a couple of > things that don't look safe to me. Remember that I used to buy off-track > Thoroughbreds. This is probably perfectly safe for the calmer Icelandics, > but I'd make the walls higher and those vertical boards with the sort of > picket type tops would be a recipe for disaster for some horses. Yes, the picket style bothered me too, but it never seemed to be a problem for the horses there. They even kept stallions in that area when they had them. I think, though, that I would do something different. I do like it open and free access in and out. V
Re: [IceHorses] Re: Silence was golden
On 9/26/07, Laree Shulman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > This will be overwhelming at first - believe me - but it all falls > into place so don't be scared - just one step at a time will get you > there. Now how did you know that I was starting to panic!! V
Re: [IceHorses] Virginia
On 9/26/07, Debbie K. <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Virginia, take a look at my link, you might get some ideas for your pony's... I've read about the track system and I do want to do that eventually! V
[IceHorses] Fencing
Here's an article about fencing (you have to be a subscriber or join for free 14-day subscription): http://www.horse-journal.com/issues/14_10/features/1158-1.html There are probably tons of articles about horse fencing on the internet. Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
Re: [IceHorses] Stand for Mounting Session
> because I thought once I click they have to get the treat right that > second. I see there is a space of time before you treat and that you > get down to treat. Part of my problem with stonewall was that I > treated from where I was, so he would turn to face me and that would > mean he stepped AWAY from the block. Yes, it's good to work on "wait until I deliver the treat TO you", which is a focus on the mat exercise work: http://iceryder.net/matwork.html >>CT is way easier to figure out from video than books imo Much easier to see it, I think. I'm not perfect at it. I don't devote time to perfecting the method, just using it for our (me and the horse) benefit. Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
[IceHorses] winter watering
I also highly recommend automatice waterers.? We use Nelson waterers.? They are a little expensive but hold up great.? You can get it with or without a heater.? We have never had any problems whatsoever.? They save a huge amount of time, worry, and water. Renee ?? Email and AIM finally together. You've gotta check out free AOL Mail! - http://mail.aol.com
Re: [IceHorses] Water
On 9/26/07, Janice McDonald <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > when we had our fence put in by professionals they came out and put > the posts in, with concrete in the hole, let it "cure" One thing I learned from the guys that built our run-in is that you put the concrete dry into the hole - don't add water - and let it absorb moisture from the ground. That keeps you from having pockets that will hold moisture. I checked with hte Sakrete co. after that and they said that was correct. -- Laree What a horse does under compulsion is done without understanding, and there is no beauty in it either, any more than if one should whip or spur a dancer. -Xenophon
Re: [IceHorses] Stand for Mounting Session
you should develop a CT video Judy, a way to make money off your lists, not that you need it, I could see by your hip hop capris in the video that you shop on rodeo drive. Must be nice with all the money I send you to be on this list that you use it toward being a fashionista. tsk tsk, Janice-- yipie tie yie yo
Re: [IceHorses] Water
when we had our fence put in by professionals they came out and put the posts in, with concrete in the hole, let it "cure" and set up several days and then came out and strung the fencing wire. I'm glad because its only been 3 years and a lot of the fence wire stuff looks like pure heck but the posts are pretty much still straight except one or two where my husband whammed into them with the tractor. Janice -- yipie tie yie yo
[IceHorses] Riding for Breast Cancer
Here is a video of a group of ladies who ride and pen cattle to raise money for breast cancer research. Watch for the Pink Stallions! http://iceryder.net/videoridingforbreastcancer.html Please feel free to forward. Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
[IceHorses] Virginia
Virginia, take a look at my link, you might get some ideas for your pony's... -- I and my horses love our track system, take a look~~~ http://picasaweb.google.com/dakota.charm/TrackForHorses
Re: [IceHorses] Stand for Mounting Session
wow very good Judy, I am impressed and inspired. Also informative because I thought once I click they have to get the treat right that second. I see there is a space of time before you treat and that you get down to treat. Part of my problem with stonewall was that I treated from where I was, so he would turn to face me and that would mean he stepped AWAY from the block. which is no good. anyway. CT is way easier to figure out from video than books imo janice-- yipie tie yie yo
Re: [IceHorses] T-Posts
>> How tall are t-posts? They come in different heights. My fence is 5' so I buy 6-1/2' T-posts. They have a little stablelizer type thing that you pound until it's underground. I think I have a bundle of them not used yet and can get a photo if you'd like. > How deep do they go? Typically 18 inches. > How do you put them in the ground? With a T-Post pounder, $20 to $30. It's a metal tube with one end closed and handles on both sided, and you pound them. > Sounds like a good option since I'm not sure where I want permanent > fields. If you need to move them get a post popper--- get one anyhow, they're a very handy tool to have. Probably around $40. HTH Cheryl Sand Creek Icelandic Horses and Icelandic Sheepdogs Puppies by CH Vesturhlithar Loki available late 2007 website: www.toltallyice.com
Re: [IceHorses] Water
> Thanks everyone! I've been numb since the acceptance--I'm excited but > I feel like a zombie...must be the shock! I'm actually going to be > moving to my 'farm' -- wow! It is exciting! > Hubby plans to have the fence posts put in by a professional fence > company, then we can put up the electric (probably get help with that > too). I'm not sure what he plans to do about the run-in -- build one, > buy ready-built, or close in the framed structure already on the > property. Depending on your ground you can also get fence posts that look like a pencil and a tractor with the right attachment can pound them in. No digging, etc. Although the corners will need to be braced or otherwise made stronger to take the stress. > How does everyone get water out to their pastures? If you have to fill a trough from a hose/hydrant, use as small a trough as you can safely use. You want it large enough to reduce the risk of the horses running out of water, yet keep heating costs down, and keep the water from getting yucky before two horses drink it. Run a hose from the hydrant, hopefully it's not too terribly far. Unhook the hose after the trough is full (very important). Don't use more hose than you need, cut it down if necessary. Drain the hose--- pick the end up put it over your shoulder and walk down it moving the hose over your shoulder. Water should be running out when you get to the other end, if it isn't you've lost the flow do it again. Drape at least one end of the hose over something--- a bush, fence, etc. so you can find the hose again in the snow. Draining the hose and leaving it out under the snow will save you a ton of work until you can get a water line trenched in to your paddock. If your hose gets frozen get a large feed tub/bucket, coil the hose into the bucket at the water tap, fill the bucket/tub with waterer, let it sit about 5 minutes then hook the hose up to the tap and turn on the water full flow, it will blow the ice out of the hose. Drain better next time. Cold here?? What makes you think that! LOL Cheryl Sand Creek Icelandic Horses and Icelandic Sheepdogs Puppies by CH Vesturhlithar Loki available late 2007 website: www.toltallyice.com
Re: [IceHorses] Re: Silence was golden
> > How tall are t-posts? How deep do they go? How do you put them in the > ground? Sounds like a good option since I'm not sure where I want > permanent fields. > V - This will be overwhelming at first - believe me - but it all falls into place so don't be scared - just one step at a time will get you there. -- Laree What a horse does under compulsion is done without understanding, and there is no beauty in it either, any more than if one should whip or spur a dancer. -Xenophon
Re: [IceHorses] Re: Silence was golden
> When you have a chance could you send a photo of the post so I can see > what they look like and how you attach the electric braid to it? V - When we were fencing this place I didn't have a lot of experience with electric fence so I went to the local Southenr States (Feed/Farm store) and I picked a slow time and had them do a kind of tutorial for me. I felt like a stupid ninny but they were great. They took me through it - A-Z and told me the different options, solar vs plug in, braid vs wire, etc. They were great. I went with the electric braid (not tape) and really like it. It was easy to install. I did have to get my daughters boyfriend to install the charger and the grounding rods. One piece of advice they gave me was to put in at least 3 grounding rods and that has proved to be good advice. Most of the folks around here have only one rod and during this drought I have been the only one with charge to their fence. -- Laree What a horse does under compulsion is done without understanding, and there is no beauty in it either, any more than if one should whip or spur a dancer. -Xenophon
Re: [IceHorses] Feel
> By Jeanne of the Billsbook list: Ch. 1 pgs 2 & 3 In the hopes of bringing more pearls of wisdom to the front to the brain again I present more of stuff I highlighted: 1.) When it comes to cooperating with the human, we're talking about the feeling the horse has in every square inch of his hide and all through his mind, as it relates to a human touching him directly or indirectly. 2.) Sometimes just her whiskers mean a lot to a colt. I mean, they can be enough to really get an important message across to him without too much motion in either one of them showing up. And under the sub-heading on page 3 Lightness and Life: 3.) It's up to the rider to gain an understanding of how each horse needs to have information presented, and there's a great deal of variation in that. When the horse understands what you want, he will do what that is, right up to the limit of his physical capacity and sometimes well beyond it. It seems that it's the life in the horse that causes lightness to be in him. It's that, added to his self-preservation instincts, that are the real cause of lightness all right. -end quote Isn't this remarkable? It mirrors perfectly the video clip our very own Judy Ryder shared with us yesterday. http://iceryder.net/videoleslieriverside2.html Blow me down, Jeanne Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
Re: [IceHorses] Manure was: For Virginia - Run in
> Where do you all put your manure? > > I would like to compost. Get a "Newer Spreader" and put it back on your pastures. Cheryl Sand Creek Icelandic Horses and Icelandic Sheepdogs Puppies by CH Vesturhlithar Loki available late 2007 website: www.toltallyice.com
Re: [IceHorses] Water in Winter
> I was amazed at how much my power bill went down after switching from one > 100 gallon heated water trough to 3 two-hole automatic heated waterers. Oops make that 2 two-hole auto waterers! They have one water hole on each side of the fence so the 2 waterers provide water to 4 paddocks/pastures. Cheryl Sand Creek Icelandic Horses and Icelandic Sheepdogs Puppies by CH Vesturhlithar Loki available late 2007 website: www.toltallyice.com
Re: [IceHorses] Small barn
> It looks like a wonderful well-built wooden barn, but there are a couple > of > things that don't look safe to me. Remember that I used to buy off-track > Thoroughbreds. This is probably perfectly safe for the calmer Icelandics, > but I'd make the walls higher and those vertical boards with the sort of > picket type tops would be a recipe for disaster for some horses. Keep in mind the day may come where you decide/need to sell and chances are the buyer will have horses other than Icelandics. I wouldn't build a barn suited only to Icelandics. Cheryl Sand Creek Icelandic Horses and Icelandic Sheepdogs Puppies by CH Vesturhlithar Loki available late 2007 website: www.toltallyice.com
[IceHorses] Feel
By Jeanne of the Billsbook list: Bill talks about how important feel is to the horse is the title of the chapter (Chapter 1, Page 1). This is what I find I have highlighted. May it stir you to excellence all over again, just as it is doing for me. And I quote: "...how a horse responds depends entirely on the person. When it is effectively applied, eith direct or indirect feel from a person can influence the horse's mind and body to match up with the person's plan of how they want that horse to be doing things for them. Using feel, a person can shape the horse's desire to stay with them, and they can determine the horse's direction and speed and frame of mind when they want him to move. Through feel, a person can get the horse to think about and do many little things that are very important to the horse and to the safety of the person." Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
Re: [IceHorses] Today's quote
> The first Marchioness hunted till the day she died at eighty-five, who, > half-blind and strapped to the saddle, Wow! Very inspirational! Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
Re: [IceHorses] Stand for Mounting Session
> Here's a little five-minute session with Charm, practicing to stand for > mounting: > > http://iceryder.net/videocharmmounting.html Forgot to say that it's the last video on that page. Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
Re: [IceHorses] Today's quote
Laree. That's the very best one yet. I agree. That's who I want to grow up to be. Niels West, the breeder of our Icelandics, was still riding his ponies at age 92, shortly before a debilitating stroke. Nancy
Re: [IceHorses] Re: dreamhorse...now internal insect repellants
We had frost two nights this week and it's supposed to be 86 degrees this afternoon. The horses are growing winter coats. As much as I hate winter, I'll be glad when the warm weather ends. Hunter had a few bot eggs on his legs the other day. I haven't even seen bot eggs for years. I thought they'd all gone East or something. Nancy
Re: [IceHorses] Small barn
It looks like a wonderful well-built wooden barn, but there are a couple of things that don't look safe to me. Remember that I used to buy off-track Thoroughbreds. This is probably perfectly safe for the calmer Icelandics, but I'd make the walls higher and those vertical boards with the sort of picket type tops would be a recipe for disaster for some horses. Our friends sold half of their ranch and built a new barn and riding ring on the other half. There were already two houses. They chose sort of a pre-fab metal barn and have had nothing but trouble with it. The ceiling is held up by aluminum struts which keep falling down into the stalls. So far, no horses have been hurt, but they've certainly been scared and bouncing off the walls. Their whole barn-building experience turned out to be a very negative one. I like the more traditional (if slower) wooden construction. Nancy
Re: [IceHorses] Re: Silence was golden
On 9/26/07, Ashley Gallant <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > I use a 17 gallon all in one unit in the winter bc I only have 2 horses and I > fill it twice a day from the hose. It has never frozen and only uses 250 > watts/hour, so its very economical compared to the big ones that use > 1000-2500 watts/hour. Do you have an extension cord that runs out to the pasture for these heaters? V
Re: [IceHorses] Re: Silence was golden
On 9/26/07, Karen Thomas <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > But steel t-posts work fine for electric fence. How tall are t-posts? How deep do they go? How do you put them in the ground? Sounds like a good option since I'm not sure where I want permanent fields. When you have a chance could you send a photo of the post so I can see what they look like and how you attach the electric braid to it? V
Re: [IceHorses] T-Posts
Do be sure to put caps on the T posts. I had a horse get badly hurt on one years ago. Nancy
RE: [IceHorses] Re: Silence was golden
you will also need to dig the shed post/pole holes and set the posts into cement before the freeze. But steel t-posts work fine for electric fence. Cary fenced about 12 acres with electric braid in one weekend. Of course, he's done fence before, but she wouldn't need nearly that much fence for the first winter. Karen Thomas, NC
Re: [IceHorses] Re: Silence was golden
>>I was reading that a trough for cows would be a good waterer in winter ...they are available with a floating top which the animals push down when getting a drink--the floating top discourages freezing << I have a friend down the road who uses a bottom heater in her 200 gallon tank and in the winter she uses duct tape to strap on a piece of 4" foam insulation(cut to shape) over 3/4 of the top...seems to work well against freezing. I use a 17 gallon all in one unit in the winter bc I only have 2 horses and I fill it twice a day from the hose. It has never frozen and only uses 250 watts/hour, so its very economical compared to the big ones that use 1000-2500 watts/hour. The floating top sounds like it would really slow freezing down: you could put in a bottom heater that was set to come on for an hour every 6 hours, then it would definately not freeze. Winter water is definately a challenge to prepare for! A
RE: [IceHorses] Re: dreamhorse...now internal insect repellants
We've been fly free for about two weeks now (maybe more)...we've already had a couple of hard frosts and the flies are gone. I only found one bot egg on Dagur tonight and it might have been one I missed when the farrier was here... My goodness, frost already? We're still in the 90's, looking forward to fall. I haven't seen any bots so far. I wonder why... Great pic of Dagur, btw. Karen Thomas, NC
[IceHorses] Today's quote
This is who I want to be - The first Marchioness(of Salisbury) was painted by Sir Joshua Reynolds, and hunted till the day she died at eighty-five, who, half-blind and strapped to the saddle, she was accompanied by a groom who would shout, when her horse approached a fence, "Jump, dammit, my Lady, jump" - Barbara Touchman, The Proud Tower -- Laree What a horse does under compulsion is done without understanding, and there is no beauty in it either, any more than if one should whip or spur a dancer. -Xenophon
Re: [IceHorses] Dagur
> I liked this pic of Dagur. He has such lovely eyes. > > Wanda What a sweet expression! Cherie
Re: [IceHorses] Re: Silence was golden
On 26/09/2007, Virginia Tupper <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > So you have electric going out to the pasture? Yes, with yard lights over each water/feed area. Plus we're adding extra lighting this fall (if we have time)...I hate coming home just a little later from something, and having to feed in the half darkness. The yard lights work well as general lighting, but I want more light back by the bales. > I was thinking of using solar for the electric fencing? We've thought of that too. Our son-in-law is working on developing a very efficient wind energy turbine. We're hoping to buy one when it comes into production. > Do your horses stay outside 24/7 all year? All year, even during the blizzard we had, but they do have run-in shelters, wind fence, and trees available. We've found that they rarely use the run-in shed except during the summer heat if they are locked in that one particular paddock. But they use the wind fence constantly. If you can keep the wind off them during the winter, they should be fine. If you notice the snow melting off their backs, it means they are losing heat and need some attention. Normally, we just give them a little more hay and their internal furnaces kick in. I've never had to worry about them, except a few times when there was a heavy rain and then the temperature dropped after. Both Peppy and Kria were shivering and spent a few hours in the barn to dry off. They were fine after that. Wanda
Re: [IceHorses] Re: Silence was golden
On 9/26/07, Wanda Lauscher <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Is there shelter out there for them? It would probably be enough > space because you'll be riding them and giving them extra exercise. So you think it should be more than an acre? I want them happy. We're not sure what we're doing for shelter yet, but we will have one. > We have huge water troughs with a submerged heaters in each of > them. So you have electric going out to the pasture? I was thinking of using solar for the electric fencing? Do your horses stay outside 24/7 all year? V
Re: [IceHorses] Dagur
On 26/09/2007, Virginia Tupper <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > On 9/25/07, Wanda Lauscher <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > I liked this pic of Dagur. He has such lovely eyes. > > > > What a sweetheart! Yes, he is a sweet pea. A friend pointed out to me last night that I had Dagur tied to a rail which could be very dangerous should Dagur decide to spook. (Plus he wasn't wearing a break away halter.) However, that rail is imbedded in the posts for the hitching post, and secured with great huge bolts, so I think it would take an elephant to pull that rail out. It is a danger though, if you need to tie, you should always tie to a post to avoid your horse spooking and having the rail come loose and result in being chased by the rail still tied to a rope. Always good to be as safe as possible. Wanda
Re: [IceHorses] Re: Silence was golden
On 26/09/2007, Virginia Tupper <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Would fencing in an acre be enough for the winter? How does everyone > get water out to their pastures? Is there shelter out there for them? It would probably be enough space because you'll be riding them and giving them extra exercise. We had two underground water hydrants trenched to both our horse areas. We have huge water troughs with a submerged heaters in each of them. Sometimes we have to chop the ice out and remove it, and sometimes a natural vent hole forms which is large enough for the horses to drink through. Oh...I get chills just thinking about that. Wanda
Re: [IceHorses] Dagur
On 9/25/07, Wanda Lauscher <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > I liked this pic of Dagur. He has such lovely eyes. > What a sweetheart! V
Re: [IceHorses] For Virginia - Run in
On 26/09/2007, Virginia Tupper <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > The tractor coming with the property was used for mowing the lawns. > Hubby wants to get a snow plow for it. He also wants to buy a little > 4 wheeler with a wagon attachment to haul manure. We managed with a snow plow for years, until last year. We had way too much snow and didn't have anywhere left to push it. We've since ordered a snow blower with this new little garden tractor and hopefully that will throw the snow far enough. Yes, tractors and husbands...they have a special bond. Wanda
Re: [IceHorses] Mini Horses to be Rescued
On 9/25/07, Karen Thomas <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Good for > you for thinking ahead and for caring about the ones that others don't worry > about. My Wire Fox Terrier is a rescue, and so was my dog before herI never realized that horses could be rescues too until I joined this list. V
Re: [IceHorses] For Virginia - Run in
On 9/25/07, Laree Shulman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > ps--hubby is thrilled, we got the tractor too! :D > > > > > My husband would be jealous - he wants a tractor but we really don't > need one and our land is very hilly - I'm scared he would turn it over > on himself. The tractor coming with the property was used for mowing the lawns. Hubby wants to get a snow plow for it. He also wants to buy a little 4 wheeler with a wagon attachment to haul manure. Where do you all put your manure? I would like to compost. V
Re: [IceHorses] Re: Silence was golden
> > There's one I like called Horse-keeping on Small Acreage - or something > > similar. Now, 50 acres isn't exactly small, but it still has some nice > > ideas about how to arrange things. Thanks everyone! I've been numb since the acceptance--I'm excited but I feel like a zombie...must be the shock! I'm actually going to be moving to my 'farm' -- wow! Hubby plans to have the fence posts put in by a professional fence company, then we can put up the electric (probably get help with that too). I'm not sure what he plans to do about the run-in -- build one, buy ready-built, or close in the framed structure already on the property. Would fencing in an acre be enough for the winter? How does everyone get water out to their pastures? I was reading that a trough for cows would be a good waterer in winter because larger bodies of water won't freeze as fast as a small amount, plus they are available with a floating top which the animals push down when getting a drink--the floating top discourages freezing. Sounds like a good idea--anyone use one? V
[IceHorses] Stand for Mounting Session
Here's a little five-minute session with Charm, practicing to stand for mounting: http://iceryder.net/videocharmmounting.html Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
Re: [IceHorses] Bit ??
> take a look at this bit.ouch looking http://tinyurl.com/2q65vo Made in England; antique... sort of reminds me of a driving bit. But I can't figure out the "how" or "why". Haven't found a comparable picture in the old bit books. Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
