BuckwheatHoney

I kind of never grew out of the little-kid mind frame of wanting to be an equine vet. I've loved animals all my life, been riding for almost 11 years, and get straight A's (though I'm only in grade 9), so i thought it would be a totally reasonable goal to achieve.

Recently I've come to terms with the fact that this is not an easy career to get into, or to do well. I spent the day with my horse's vet and after talking with her for a while I've basically accepted that I don't want to have to make the decision to take an animal's life on a regular basis, and surgery would be no piece of cake either. I contemplated becoming a vet tech instead, but I don't think it would pay well enough to keep horses of my own (which of course i would love to do!)

I was watching videos on lameness the evening (as my mare has been sore recently, different story) and I came across a Youtuber who said that she helps her horse with hock arthritis through massage, since she is an equine therapist. This really intrigued me! After looking through a few websites, it seems to be a career that would suit me quite well. I guess it also helps that a good lot of my family is made up of physiotherapists (both my grandparents, my uncle, and countless family friends!). I've shadowed my uncle around his clinic a few times (of course he is a human physio, a little different :3) and I'm very interested in anatomy, muscles and such.

Has anyone got any experience on the topic of equine physiotherapy? Thanks!

(Just so you know, this isn't my pony. He belongs to the owner of the barn I board at, though I've basically taken over his training with her spectating because I'm the shortest of the advanced riders at our barn. She's open to me doing whatever i want with him so long as it's for his good)

This pony came to our barn last October. He was broken in but had basically been a pasture ornament (minimal handling and riding) for the two years prior. We've slowly brought him back into shape, and he's coming along well both under saddle and on the ground. The thing is, due to his lack of handling, he doesn't have much in the way of manners. When we started out he would run people over, didn't know how to back up (still working on this one), and was overall pretty rude in hand. The major problem was that he didn't know how to stand in cross ties, and had to be tacked up in his stall( this lead to a lot of issues like spinning and pushing people against the walls, thankfully those have gotten better).

Over these past few months I've been working with him quite often, and his behaviour has improved a lot. He learned to stand still while he was being tacked up, is working on backing up, and has gotten a lot more responsive. We ended up putting "cross ties" across his stall door so that he wouldn't move, but as his first show season gets closer he really need to learn to stand in real cross ties to that he can be clipped, braided, bathed etc. His problem is that he's so little, he can spin freely when tied, and then isn't responsive when you tell him to move back.

His owner is gone for a week and wants me to work with him on this while she's gone. How can i teach him to stand in cross ties without forcing him and leaving him with negative memories of cross ties???

The past week or so my 9 year old mare has been a little touchy, pinning her ears back and whatever, but I figured since it was paired with excess squealing she was just coming into heat. Usually when she's in heat she just winks a whole lot, but has never been affected under saddle. Yesterday, I noticed she was being touchier than usual... Would kick out if I touched her, making me think she was in pain, but the next time I touched it nothing happened.

I got on, and she was really sucked back and not wanting to move. She does this other days, so I grabbed a whip and without even touching her with it she went full bronc on me- leaping, bucking, rearing, crow hopping, whatever, until I could get her to stop. At this point I was convinced she was in pain, so I got off, took my saddle off and rubbed all over to see if I could find a sore spot. She wasn't lame at all, so I figured I'd just do light work and work through the crankiness. When I started back up she was still trying to run off with me and ignoring my hands, but she was forward.

My trainer just thinks she's in heat and telling me to piss off, but she's never done this before. We've done a lot of hard training lately as well so she might just be sour. Should I be worried? Pain that You can't find is the worst kind, and I'm afraid of hurting her.

I bought a pair of soft leather dress boots today, not even thinking of the lasting power because I like the look and feel of them so much nicer. Now, I'm a little concerned about how fast they're going to wear out. I'd like to wear them for everyday riding, but if I can only wear them to show I will. What do you think? What can I do to keep them in good condition? Thanks!

My grandparents use their own compost in their garden every year, and as a result we always get some sort of surprise fruit or vegetable popping up. This year, we got 3 of what looked to us like pumpkins! And me, being my food-obsessed self, jumped right into making it into a pie :3

I noticed when I cut it open that it had very pale flesh, but I thought it was just a little unripe and kept going. Now that I've cooked and puréed it, it took on a bright yellow colour. It's sweeter and a little lighter flavour than pumpkin, but still tasty. Should I continue cooking it down to paste and make a "unidentified squash" pie, or make it into something like soup instead? :) thanks!

I love to bake, but my dad is not exactly in need of extra calories. Since he loves apple pie, I've been searching for ages for a crust recipe with lower fat, and I came across some that might work (substituting apple sauce or oil for the butter) but I think if be disappointed with the results.

Then, I had the idea to use a thin layer of sponge cake (no butter!) as a bottom "crust", and an oatmeal-crumb topping or think crust lattice on top. What do you think? Will the cake stand up to the juices from the apples, or just get soggy and gross? Thanks!

My friend is having a get-together this weekend. Me being myself, I always bring some sort of baked good, just because I like to bake and there's no one to eat my creations! My friends brother, however, has Autism, and along with that he can't have sugar, corn, or dairy (there may be more restrictions which I will definitely look into first), and since he can't usually eat the things I make Id like to try and accommodate him for a change.

Corn and dairy I can avoid fairly easily, but sugar is a bit harder to substitute. Do you think some sort of artificial sweetener would be okay? If so, does anyone have a recipe I could use? Thanks!

I've got a pretty noticeable henna design on my right foot, covering most of it. I think it looks pretty good, as do most of my friends and family. I'm starting Grade 9 tomorrow, should I cover it up or wear flats and show it off? Thanks!

I had a long day of painting fences (black!) yesterday, and I wound up with it all over most of my lower legs and arms. I took some of it off with paint thinner in the afternoon, then soaked my legs for about 20 mins before scrubbing with some baby oil and dish soap. I also ended up trying some rubbing alcohol, and while it worked pretty well I know its not exactly the best for my skin. A lot of it peeled off, but there's still quite a bit on my feet and a few stubborn specks all over the place.

How should I take it off? I don't have any paint thinner around, I thought of using acetone-free nail polish remover (don't have any with acetone) but if there's anything a little softer on the skin Id prefer to use that. Thanks'

I've noticed my mare has become unresponsive, almost defiant lately. I know this is my fault, whether it's because my cues aren't clear or I use them too often so she ignores them. In the saddle I find this easy to fix, but on the ground I'm have a hard time.

For example, she's developed habits such as moving off from the mounting block, pawing, etc. In hand or on the lunge she simply ignores what I'm asking.

I'd like to try out some sort of "Natural horsemanship" (I hate calling it that because it sounds like cliche bs, I prefer plain groundwork!) such as Parelli or liberty training.

The thing is, I don't want to drop my normal training! We're going to have an intense winter in terms of training, as we're aiming to move up to Gold level shows and third level dressage next year! (Not together, of course :p) To me this is more important than all else, but I'd dearly love to do more groundwork with her.

Would it simply confuse her to do both at the same time? Meaning, I'd get on, school my dressage for around 30-40 minutes, then pull her tack off and work at liberty for a short amount of time. I'm not able to ride as often as I'd like, only 3 times a week, plus the barn is a half hours drive away. It would seem like a waste to visit only to do 20 mins of liberty work if I had to travel a half hour.

What do you think? I'm curious as to how the groundwork will help my horses attitude. Any tips for working at liberty are appreciated as well. Thanks all'

Despite the fact that I've been showing for 4 years, I never quite figured out how to wear my hair without looking a little on the odd side.

When I first started I had short hair, so I tucked it in my helmet. When my hair grew I started putting it in a French braid, and now that it's quite long (mid-back and layered) I've been bumping up the French braid like I do on my horse :P

Still, it always seems to itch, come undone, or have bits hanging out the sides. I have a hairnet but have no clue how to use it. Yes, I sound pathetic, but it's better late than never to learn I suppose! Thanks all

I have 4 saddle pads that I want to clean: two really dirty white ones, one semi-clean white one, and one yellowed sheepskin half pad. I've left it kind of to the last minute, as I've got a show this Sunday >__< it's local, so if I have to use the semi-dirty ones then I'll be okay, but I'd like to get all of then cleaned together while I can.

I've heard of using whitening shampoo, but I found some "leather, sheepskin and fabric wash" at the tack store and figured it would work the same. For the regular saddle pads I was just going to pick off the hair, scrub them down with the soap and rinse it out with a hose (not allowed to use the washing machine >__<) Do you think they'll be able to dry in two days? It's fairly hot out so if I hang them to dry outside then I think they should.

The sheepskin pad, on the other hand, is what worries me. I'm almost certain it won't dry in two days- is there any way to accelerate the drying without damaging the pad? And will washing it with soap & water damage it? I'm probably over thinking this, but oh we'll. thanks!

Well, I took the leap and did some jumping bareback yesterday! I was quite proud of myself for staying on, considering I've just recently mastered the trot. Today, however, I'm not so thrilled. My thighs and butt are killing me! It's the only time I've ever felt that it hurts to sit. I've also noticed my back is a little on the funky side (I sound like an old lady XD)

So, how do my fellow riders deal will the ever-painful bareback-butt? And, just for fun, throw in a proud riding moment from the last few weeks :P thanks y'all!

Yesterday my left ear was ringing every few hours, but it went away by evening. I noticed about an hour ago (it's 10am) that my inner ear hurts when I swallow. Not every time, but the majority. Should I be concerned? I don't have any other symptoms.

I'll be showing 3rd level next year, and my instructor (has been for 7 years) says we ought to try my mare in a double this fall. She's started all of her students in a double when they reach this level, as far as I know.

I'd like to try her in it as well, just to see how she goes. I know it'll be mandatory in a few years (yes, I'm planning on doing upper levels on my pony ;)) so I'd like to get her used to it. However, I'm a little concerned about the severity of it!

I'm confident that I have soft, controlled hands (she's quite soft in her mouth as well) and she goes nicely in a snaffle. However, I've read up on the pinching action of the Weymouth and i obviously don't like the sound of that... Plus, she's just a pony! I'm not sure exactly where two bits are going to fit in her tiny mouth :P

Like I said, I want opinions, not snarky insults about how double bridles are cruel. I know the dangers of using then improperly, that's why I'm being cautious. I trust my instructor, I'd just like to know what others think. Thanks!

I'm pretty sure I've ridden without a shoe before, but I'd just like to make sure it's alright :P

She tossed it yesterday while I was lunging her (saw it fly, couldn't find it in the dirt though), but judging by the fact that she was still bolting around like mad after she threw it I deemed her fine to ride. She went really well and showed no sign of lameness, there aren't any nails left in her hoof and it's only slightly cracked at the front.

Is it alright to ride her again today? Blacksmith is supposed to come out in the evening and I have a lesson this afternoon. Obviously of she's lame I won't. Thanks!

I'm taking a trip with the majority of my family from July 17th- August 3rd. My dad is staying behind (he just doesn't want to go :P), which I guess is a good thing so that he can make arrangements for my pony mare if anything happens. However, he's not a horse person, and can't exercise her. If she has a break that long she'd not only backtrack on a lot of training but she'd be insane when I got back! She's normally worked fairly hard 3x a week and turned out at night. She's also known to develop fluid in her hocks if she's not worked regularly.

I was thinking of having my instructor come out once a week to ride her, because that will benefit her training as well as giving exercise. But since she charges quite a bit (she's just lost her husband and is in financial trouble so we don't mind), I've asked the owner of the barn I board at to lunge her 2-3 times a week, since she's too big to ride her.

Does this sound like enough for her? Lunging isn't really a lot of work for her, just enough to keep her moving and her hocks healthy. She's also a very easy keeper, and I'd rather have her worked to keep weight off her than mess around with her grain- even though she doesnt get very much, she'll gain weight faster than you coukd say it XD Thanks all!

A pony competing at the schooling show I went to today was named "Princess Sparkleface". I wish i was joking. There was also a 3-year-old on a mini that much resembled a pot-bellied pig (which was basically the cutest thing on the planet!!!!!!) And apart from the ambulence being called twice (broken collarbone, mild back injury, thank goodness!) and my mare attempting to leave the arena in the middle of the hack classes, it ran pretty smoothly! Made me curious as to if anyone would like to share their strange show experiences. So:

1) What is the oddest/stupidesr show name you've heard? ( Princess Sparkleface takes the cake in my books...)

2) Do you compete in horse shows? if so, at what level and for how long? if not, would you like to at some point/ have in the past?

3) What's the worst antic your horse has pulled at a show? (my pony once jumped IN to the dressage ring, while the last competitor was still riding!!) If you dont show, then in general.

4) What's the hottest temp. you've ridden/shown in? (it was 35 degrees C with humidity today >__<)

5) What competition would you like to attend someday, either as an auditor or participant?

6) Do anyone else's local show circuits have that *one barn* that dresses in hideous matching outfits? (ours likes highlighter orange, its painful to look at for more reason that one :P)

7) What are your goal fro your riding/ showing, long or short term?

8) What discipline would you prefer to ride/show in?

9) Lastly, which is worse: the mosquitos attacking your egs if you put on shorts after your class, or baking in breeches all day? I was being eaten alive, and am currectly feeling the itch! ugh.

I have a show tomorrow which I have to do yarn braids for, which I'm scared will take me 5 hours to do because it's my first time and my mares mane is so thick! I normally do rubber-band braids and I get close to 40 small ones!

Her mane is already pretty uneven, I tried thinning it with one of those knife-with-teeth things but it just made some hairs much shorter than the rest. I'm guessing this is the effect that thinking shears will have as well? Some people tell me to avoid them like the plague? Others say they're a lifesaver. Should I pick up a pair and see, or just leave her mane thick and probably a lot more messy? Any opinions are valued, thanks!

I'm going to my first hunter show Sunday (I compete in dressage), and I'm still confused about classes and what not XD I'm planning to do the hack and green divisions (if what I'm saying doesn't make sense, please correct me haha).

I know the hack division is made up of 4 classes: show hack, road hack, pleasure hack and hunter hack. I *think* I know how to ride in hunter and pleasure hack, but road and show hack are a mystery :P

As far as I know, hunter hack should be on a straight rein with light contact and fairly long movement, consisting of flatwork and a jump or two. Pleasure should be on a loose rein, making your horse look as polite and easygoing as possible.

Can show hack be fully "up" in my dressage frame? Or should it still be more forward and out than up?

As for road hack, I'm totally confused. What kind of movement are the looking for, as well as head carriage?

Lastly, any tips for the ring (etiquette, spacing etc) thanks all!