Hi from PiePony.

Hi there, my name is Susie. I am early 50's going on 15.
I currently have Daniel my piebald Gypsy Vanner Cob, he is more a Gypsy cart pony as around 13hh at 3 years old. Danny is a Daddy with 5 children, three of whom I have contact with. He was gelded this year because there were no girlfiends jumping into his meadow and a neighbour had turned out his flirty girls with foals at foot across the road. I feared my little boy may jump, push through the fencing or demolish it if his testosterone and adrenalin answered the call from the girls telling him how handsome he was and wanting his children. So the vet has been out and he has avoided spending time on the road dividing the neighbours girls from my boys.
Last year I was very indulgent and bought Arrthur at weaning. He is pure bred Shire Horse and teaching me that hairy equines are nothing like Thoroughbreds. Stables are merely obstacles to be climbed out of, they creak a bit and then lower themselves when the tummy and hind legs appear from the other side. I would mind less if he was really shut in, but Arthur comes in for feed with broad spec vit/min suppliment and then the doors are always left open for them to choose. Now if someone needs stabling on veterinary advice the barn door has to remain closed. How come TB's thought a piece of baler twine was a not to be crossed barrier, even when they could jump xc courses, cross tarps and do handy pony competitions, they would stay where directed.
I also have Ben, who perplexes me. Beautiful, kind, nervous even as a weanling. Section B pony foaled 2003, currently treating as laminitic, no signs of laminal bruising when the farrier came to check I have kept his trims level but vet will be out in the next few days. Had massage treatment and only one little niggle found in glut-max which should have walked off on the turnout banks, but he looks worse not better 6 months later. Ben is the sort of pony who becomes stiff as cardboard when you go to stroke him gently and takes 10 minutes before relaxing and allowing himself to enjoy contact. He can be a nightmare to catch on hills, since my one hip is collapsing a bit and my knees object, but allowed to bring himself in the same pony will put his nose in his headcollar for me. So when there is no stable but a paradise pasture of old organic grazing in the Nature Reserve I become reluctant to let him out there because I may not handle him for a month. First the vet will rule, then depending on treatment, he may join Dan & Arthur in varied herbage and plenty of acreage.
I have only ridden bitless on a few occaisions with a few ponies I brought on. Dan is just at the beginning of becoming my riding pony. My two older retired horses were pts in March this year.
Bitless and barefoot is my chosen path. I can find no evidence to refute the health benefits for my boys. Currently Dan has a cross under but I also have a sidepull, so far unused, but actually Dan has not yet been backed or ridden in tack, I just sometimes climb on him and he lets me scratch his ears and then I get rubbed off his back by Arthur joining in.
I will see if I can find how to post photo's here and bore you all, I take lots of photo's.
In the meantime there are sets of photos hosted online http://www.flickr.com/photos/piepony/
Moderators feel free to delete anything as you feel neccessary.
Look forward to reading and joining in and learning from you all.
Love Susie xx PiePony

Hi and welcome to the forum. It seems more and more people are using 24/7 turnout every time I blink. Beautiful horses.

Great to see you on PiePony glad you made it!

We won't get bored of your pics and I doubt anything will be deleted.. well unless you burst into a stream of profanity... but I'm sure you won't!

Welcome to the bitless forum! Charlotte x

Oh wow some beautiful photos there, lovely to see the foal bonding pics

Sounds like you have plenty to keep you occupied


Sheena

Hi and Welcome to the forum.

Your ponies are beautiful.

We welcome your input.



Wendy

Thank you for your comments. The foal is named Maximus, and he is the son of my pony Danny. I gave the mummy pony Ellie to Sue for her daughter Isabel, Max has had Izzy from his first day in the world, his normal includes so much that would scare some older horses.
I have been on Sheena's website and seen all the cute goats and sheep too. Someone else with tons of other committments.
I have enjoyed reading the threads, so much more on here than just bitless.

I do find those who either have adopted this method or are taking the time to seriously consider it, tend to be better informed, of more inquiring mind sets, less prone to platitudes and able to offer a critique and considered discussion of the various approaches taken.

So thanks, I have popped into gallery and look forward to joining in, but feel free to disagree with anything I suggest and point out firmly where you think I can improve for my horses sake. They will thank you. xx

Hi Susie!

What a fantastic bunch you have! And it looks like you thoroughly enjoy them Lovely fields and woods too...

Its great to have contact with yet another person willing to question everything and learn as much as they can for the good of their horses I find these guys hugely stimulating, so I hope you do too.

All the best,

Rach x