Hello!

Hello, i thought i ought to introduce myself before i bombard everyone with questions!
I'm Ros and i have 2 pure bred arabian fillies (8 months and 2) a welsh mountain pony filly (2) and a welsh section c loan pony for myself and daughters to ride whilst we're watching the others grow (and to act as nanny whilst i'm not there and keep the babies in check ).

I have been around horses for most of my life, but had a break to do children and other things. When i came back i realized i didn't quite feel the same about things, and started my journey towards finding a way to listen to my horses (i can't believe i had never done it before ) and to train them in a way that enables them to have fun, express themselves, and trust me. I'd like to think they could all be bitless, treeless and barefoot.

I'm on a very steep learning curve and am doing bits of things, or not much at all most days, to be honest just sitting watching them eat and play is enough for all of us . I plan on backing them myself when the time is right. In the future i'd like to do some long distance rides with my arabians if they're willing partners.

We've been blighted with health problems this year. Chloe (section c) came to us with laminitis, she's doing much better now. Mary my section A has had laminitis this year despite careful management (it was after several battles with the farrier that i changed to a barefoot trimmer and she's doing much better). Ruby my 2 year old Arabian has had an infection and liver damage, the vets are stumped as to why. So, we're hoping for a better 2009!!!

I look forward to meeting you all (or re-meeting you!)

Ros

Hi Ros - welcome to the forum - you will find there is a wealth of experience and knowledge here. Sorry to hear of your horses health troubles - hopefully, as you say, you will have a better 2009.
My big fella - you will see a picture of him is a 4 1/2 year old Shire - I have had him since a yearling and have started him myself, learning all the way! He is bitless, treeless and barefoot and always will be. He is a great character and we have had our battles but, trust understanding and patience always wins in the end. I love him to bits and ride him bareback a lot of the time, or just take him out on doggy walks if I am not in the mood or fit to ride. He is still young and still growing and we both have loads yet to learn but I wouldnt have it any other way - to start him myself has been very satisfyling.

Hi!

Welcome to the steep learning curve we are all on it and just hold out helping hands to each other now and again!

Great to hear about you and you horses and look forward to your posts

Welcome here Ros!

My horse, Fanny, had a slight bout of laminitis this fall, so I sympathize with you! Fanny is also barefoot, treeless and bitless. She was saddle trained last summer by her breeder, and although the saddle was treed, she was trained bitless for the most part. She started out with a bit, then I told the breeder I planned on going bitless, so she purchased a bitless bridle and used it for the rest of the summer.

I, too, am on this huge learning curve, but I've learned so much in here already!

Well I think you're doing it all right. I learn so much from just watching my horses, and so many people pay no real attention to their horses. And you're lucky to have several different characters to work with. Welcome. ask any questions and don't forget to answer some too!

Welcome to the site. I think you will find a lot of helpful information here.

Thanks for the warm welcome

Hello redhorse, look forward to hearing how your training goes with your youngsters. Did going barefoot help the pony recover from laminitis? I had such fun riding with my kids when they were young. Hope you have the same with yiour daughters and ponies.

Hey Ros, glad you've joined us! The guys here are great and we'll try to answer or give ideas or tools about anything you care to ask. Sorry to hear about your health probs, fingers crossed for 2009. Do keep us posted with your progress

Hi Fin. I think so, the trims she is having from my trimmer are certainly helping. She hasn't actually had shoes on for a few years (since she had her first attack). When i agreed to loan her in august her feet looked terrible. Her owners (who love her very much but were scared to bits by the lami) said she hadn't had a recent attack, i hadn't the heart to tell them "yes she has, judging by her feet!". I'm no expert, but she had rings right underneath the coronet . Her owners said they'd get her shod before i took her on, and i persuaded them not to. She's still footy on stony ground. To be honest i haven't ridden much over the last few weeks, so once it starts getting lighter again i'll see how she is. I feel a little time for her feet to recover will do her no harm.
Ros