Q: We were given a thoroughbred former racehorse who is quiet and gentle on the ground, to lead and work on a lunge. But he is a horror to ride – gets extremely wound up and scuttles around sideways, throws his head around, gets into a foaming sweat… all this just trying to walk him … Read more
Q: “My horse constantly pulls against me and shakes his head when I ride. How can I fix this?” From Sally *** Hi Sally, There’s no magic fix for head shaking or any other problem. Like all problems, head shaking doesn’t exist in isolation. Your horse’s head-shaking could be caused by any number of things. … Read more
Q: We have fairly recently moved on to a property that backs on to a quite built-up area with our two horses, who have previously only ever lived in a quiet rural property. I am a bit worried about the impending Guy Fawke’s celebrations, and how the horses will cope with fireworks that are likely … Read more
Q: In your view, when is the best time to teach a young horse how to load and travel in a float or truck? My mare has just foaled and a friend has suggested I take the foal for a short trip before too long. I have other friends who wait until the young horse … Read more
Q: Hi there. I have a five-year-old crossbred who I have just started riding. I am having problems getting him to canter though (he canters fine in the paddock with his mates). He just trots faster and faster and faster when I try to get him to canter. Have your trainers got some suggestions please? … Read more
Q: “Every time I try and mount my horse, she moves backwards. If someone holds her head, she’s fine, but without a helper she moves back. I do not pull on the reins and also try not to be overbearing. How can I fix this problem?” Carol. Hi Carol, It can be dangerous if your … Read more
Q: My two young mares have started chewing the wooden fence railings, much to my husband’s annoyance! They live out together, and have access to grazing 24-7. They get hard fed a breeding mix at a level that is appropriate for them, and they also get hay in the morning and again in the evening. … Read more
q: I have two geldings and we don’t have space – and I don’t have the time or the money – for a third. My problem is how overly attached they are to each other. They graze together, obviously, and I ride and lead when hacking, and even when I am schooling, one is in … Read more
Q: Do your trainers have any tips for stopping a horse from pawing and kicking out while he is travelling in the float? My 10-year-old crossbred gelding does this if he is travelling on his own, or with a friend. He is wrecking the inside of my float and it’s quite distracting for me when … Read more
Q: My 16-year-old thoroughbred has recently started to drop and roll every time I ride him in the arena. He is sound and as far as I can tell, in good health. What on earth could be causing this and what can I do about it? The only other time I’ve heard of this is … Read more