The Logophile

I've had my GSP for about a year now. He lives in a 29 gallon marine tank with an ocellaris clownfish as a buddy. Overall, he's very healthy and happy. The water parameters aren't out of line, and his belly is completely white. He eats a lot of different foods: frozen brine shrimp, frozen marine food, marine flakes, freeze-dried mysis shrimp, freeze-dried bloodworms, and--of course--snails.

I just moved him to a new tank at my apartment for the school year. Since then, he's gotten into the habit of resting on the bottom in one particular spot even after I've turned on the light. If I come over to the tank, he'll either feel the vibrations on the floor and start hovering around again, or he'll wait for me to wiggle my finger against the glass and then come over to me. I've gone in there several times today, and every time except one he was resting. The sleeping during the day thing is a new behavior. He gets several hours of darkness where he can rest, perhaps a bit less than at home because my roommates like to be in the common area (where the tank is) late at night. He's eating with all the gusto he's had in the past.

Do you think this is something to be concerned about? Does anyone else have a GSP who naps during the day? I'm just worried about him.

I have a pleco who is about seven inches long. The problem is that she's getting too large for all of the nets I can find at pet stores, and she's also very "spiky" and gets stuck in the netting. I'm afraid she's going to get hurt when I have to net her in the future (she lives with me at college, which means she gets transported fairly regularly). I've heard of people picking them up, but she's still very quick and very clever. I also really would rather not get stung. Any suggestions?

I understand that a horse should drive from his hind end rather than be on the forehand, but could someone tell me what both feel and look like? My instructor is not very good at describing things. He's very good at doing things himself and he knows what he's talking about, but I like to know what I'm looking for and trying to feel.

Also, could someone tell me how I could go about lightening the forehand? I've heard that a lot of transitions are good, but is there anything else?

I'm really interested in buying synthetic tack, and I've already looked at a few Wintec saddles. I'm really worried about buying a bridle made of synthetic leather, though. I'm afraid that they will rub or that they won't break when I need them to.

Does anyone know of a good English bridle that comes in conservative colors (I'll be showing in this stuff...), will break in an emergency, and won't be uncomfortable for the horse?

I really don't want to continue using leather, but I'm willing to make this one exception for the safety and well-being of my horse.

I've read that it's synthetic and I've read that it's real. I'm looking into a new pair of breeches, and I'd really like to know before I buy them. Please help!