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The most popular reviews in /r/Horses:
Highly recommend The Perfect Horse: The Daring U.S. Mission to Rescue the Priceless Stallions Kidnapped by the Nazis for anyone interested in Lipizzan horses, WW2 history or just nail-biting adventure stories.
have a portable horse ladder I think you might need one...
If you have a vet coming out soon it wouldn't hurt to ask them to look. None of us are qualified to make a diagnosis. It could be fungal, bacterial, liniment burns, and I've seen horses allergic to fly sprays or even their own sweat.
Fwiw, usually mud fever is very red and oozy, looks like someone garroted the horses pasterns with piano wire and often they act lame because it's painful.
Do you leave boots on him? Or have you been using boots/wraps? It seems like it's where boots/wraps go which would make me think it's maybe a heat thing. Is there swelling, bumps, hives?
Regardless, shave the legs and keep them clean and dry. Diaper rash cream mixed with some athlete's foot cream can't hurt them. If it helps, congrats you have rain rot. If it gets worse after 3-4 days, definitely call a vet.
A few years ago I would've been a lot more helpful here. I can say I do have a mild double bridle already set up with a mild curb and a copper twist snaffle, not sure of the brands. My mare has a short, shallow mouth with a large tongue so biting her was always difficult.
is this similar to what your looking for? Flexible/Soft Rubber Bradoon Loose Ring Mullen Mouth Snaffle Bit, Size: 4.5"-6" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GJRE2E8/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_f2LOtb1D5KWF15X8
also found this
Happy Mouth Weymouth Bit W/Plain Mouth https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BSK98UO/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_36LOtb1YW2WMEA8M
I use this one because it has a ring to slip over your finger so you can be more hands free while juggling other things. I haven't tried it out riding since Phoenix here is yet unridden, but I'm hoping it'll be easier to manage with the reins as well.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0057H1HZI?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I love this stuff. Don't buy it from Amazon though, it's like $2 at Target.
No silicones or sulfates, makes your hair very soft, very shiny, easy to manage, tames frizz, and a bottle will last you forever.
I keep a bottle in the barn as well for manes, tails, legs, and dry winter skin. As with show sheen I wouldn't load up saddle areas haha
Highly recommended book: Journeys with Horses by Leslie McDonald.
Leslie McDonald writes about the people side of the horse barn. Over the years, her deep love of the sport has spanned many disciplines ranging from dressage to eventing, hunters and jumpers to steeplechasing and foxhunting. A USDF Gold Medalist, she lives at Full Cry Farm in southern Ohio where she teaches dressage and writes books. A great person as well!
http://horsesdaily.com/article/horsesdaily-book-club-announces-our-latest-favorite-journeys-horses or on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Journeys-Horses-Leslie-McDonald/dp/1533102198/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1471133070&sr=8-1&keywords=journeys+with+horses+leslie+mcdonald
One of the volunteer's mom made it for us. It was basically a cone of white felt w something hard in it to keep it up stuffed tightly and it had a spiral of silver sequins sewn on the side + two strings to tie it to the halter with. I found one on amazon though: Unicorn Horn for Horses: White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HTOOUQO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_g1fJBbSZ6GKYG . There are a couple patterns on YouTube for diy too!
If you start a horse properly (as in, wait until age 5 or older for real jumping and don't break until 4), you can easily keep jumping at this age. I'd be more surprised to hear that the horse was unable to jump.
The reason so many horses are lame and unjumpable by age 15 is poor breeding and overworking at a young age. A well-built horse SHOULD still be jumping sound at age 22; if not the owner has most likely made a mistake somewhere along the line.
See this study for evidence of equine skeletal maturity and proper jumping age for long-term soundness.
That thread is being posted in all kinds of Ontario horse forums on facebook and such. One of the only things I've ever seen on facebook before reddit. I'm sure this link will find it's way to the owners
I had a book called Horse Facts when I was little. There's some general background about horses, but the main part of the book is about all the different breeds. There are tons of pictures and easy to read profiles that include a lot of interesting things, like maps of where they originated, height/size comparisons, what they're used for/good at, and other miscellaneous facts. I remember I used to bookmark all of my favorites in case my parents ever said I could get a horse. I had a TON of horse books as a kid, and that's still the one that stands out to me.
> the only things that we do know is that an eques had to be wealthy enough to own and maintain his own horse if he wanted to join the equites
This was true for much of the ancient world and the middle ages, not just Rome. I haven't focused as much reading about the Romans and their horses in particular, but I have read about the Greeks (primarily the Athenians) and how their cavalry solely consisted of the men wealthy enough (ie own enough land) to own horses. The Cavalry of Classical Greece: A Social and Military History with Particular Reference to Athens by IG Spence was an interesting read, though it was very dry and I'm pretty sure it was adapted to a book from a PhD thesis.
> ...we know nothing about these horses' training or appearance...
Since you've already read Polybius' accounts and are probably not unfamiliar with reading old sources, I might recommend, if you haven't already, Xenophon's On Horsemanship. He goes less into training than I would like but he dedicated a lot into the appearance of horses (ie conformation). While Xenophon is Greek, it is my understanding that the Romans pretty much stole all the ideas the Greeks ever had.
I think to capture the essence of a horse, you need to focus on their facial expressions most importantly the eye, nose flare, and ear. Many people do not know how expressive they can be, horse people generally can see if their horse is mad, scared, happy etc by looking at their face/eyes/ears. If you have a chance, go to a local barn and see if someone can show you their expressions. If you can't get to a barn, google horse facial expressions, this will be the key! Good luck to you :)
I second the actual balance work - balance ball, bosu ball. Yoga is also good.
Something like this is not very expensive but will help you improve your balance - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KFHRDKW/ref=emc_b_5_i?th=1
Core work is also important but from what you write, balance might be more of an issue.
So, I am a positive reinforcement dog trainer, and I have trained several horses with +R as well. I know that it is sort of a new thing in the horse world, but I would like to give you a link to a +R groundwork book that is wonderful. Full of stretching exercises and voluntary husbandry, and troubleshooting for behavior issues during training. I think those exercises could help you distract your horse as you described. You can even teach your horse to play soccer and the like. They love it and I've never felt a bond stronger than through this method. 2 way communication is key!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1999836308/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_7DHMS8RJVZNJ9SZ0E2QY
Another recommendation by author Cherry Hill is <em>101 Ground Training Exercises for Every Horse & Handler</em>. I’ve seen some criticism on-line that the book is ‘too basic,’ but it has content that addresses questions I sometimes see on these Reddit subs.
Yay! Like burning mouthwash being the best mouthwash 😂
Zinc is the shit for that late winter/early spring nasty legs. You can buy generic zinc oxide in a tub in a thicker ointment form (more balm than cream) too for even more savings. I paid $10 for a 1 lb (450 gram) tub from Amazon last year. That would probably stay put in a hoof well.
Edit: They've got 4 lbs for $30! That should last a while lol
I've seen a bunch on Amazon, I was looking at this one as I'm leaning towards the Hero series now. It does say recommended for non-impact activities but from what I've seen the warranty is pretty good on the GoPros.
I’ve had Conditioning Sport Horses by Hilary Clayton recommended to me by tons of people. Goes into super good detail about horse physiology, flat and ridden exercises, and guidelines for training.
https://www.amazon.com/Conditioning-Sport-Horses-Hilary-Clayton/dp/096957200X
our arenas are too big for my bluetooth headphones
What about those no chew sprays? No Chew
from what I saw, many ppl, not just form horseworld, have a harness to mount a camera on their chest
​
For example:
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Chest-Mount-Harness-cameras/dp/B01D3I8A7A
​
I would also advise against mounting the camera on a helmet, you want your helmet to be as smooth as possible, so any blows have higher chance to deflect and not get caught, it may be dangerous for your neck spine. even vikings didn't had any horns on their helmets :)
and if you are wandering, by a blow that can glance, I'm talking about hitting a railing, log or a tree stump when falling, I don't expect anyone to wear a equestrian helmet into a medieval style combat (or, Sun Tzu forbids, modern one! ) :D
It's called "Scratches" and my guy gets this this time of year, too. First I check how high up on his legs it's happening. Then I get some stuff called "MTG" that smells awful because it literally contains sulfur. Use gloves and scrub all those lil scabs (hair and all!) I let that rest a day or two. Then once a day for a week I wash his legs with this Banixx shampoo ( https://www.chewy.com/banixx-medicated-soap-free-horse/dp/190058) I make sure to really towel dry his legs. This will knock his down a good while before they start appearing again (usually with rain or lots of mud in his turnout).
Buckeye treats! They come in peppermint, apple, or carrot flavors. https://www.chewy.com/buckeye-nutrition-all-natural/dp/136837
They're perfectly healthy treats for horses without any sugar, so I don't feel guilty at all giving my mare a bunch of them in one training session. I've also never met a horse that turns their nose up at them. They're relatively small (maybe about the size of a quarter) and very affordable as well.
I am also in the PNW - I consistently use this and have (knock on wood) avoided rub. It’s available in med and heavy weight (I start with sheet only at < 40 degrees, then go to med fill At freezing but my horse isn’t clipped).
Weatherbeeta Comfitec Plus... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I1YFQEQ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I wear slip on blunt spurs.
Similar to this.
Mostly only need them when they’re about to run my knee into a tree and won’t listen to my leg.😁
“Oh man, that tree really poked you! That’s what I was trying to warn you about with my leg, dude.”🤣
Here is a link to the one that I have.
I will note that we believe she is 1/2 draft and she is on the 2nd-to-last holes, so if she were any bigger it wouldn't fit.
Can you clarify what improvements you're looking to make?
Are you having issues with losing your stirrups and need better grip? I have these: https://www.amazon.com/Millenium-Super-Comfort-Wrap-around-Stirrup/dp/B002HVCASK
on regular peacock stirrups and they're an amazing difference from normal stirrup pads. I almost never lose my stirrups now.
Or are you looking for something like flexible stirrups so you don't have to stress your ankles to keep your heels down? Sprenger Bow Balance stirrups have some great reviews from people with ankle and knee issues. Might be worth a try?
It's the best rehab. 2.5 years ago, my horse fell on me and I broke my ankle and pelvis in three places. I was non-weight-bearing for 8 weeks, but got back to the stables as soon as I could. At first, I could only take him for short walks, then longer ones, and 3 months after the injury I got back on him and rode for five glorious minutes. After that, it was a fast-track to full recovery. I was back cantering in no time.
Horses are the best therapeutic thing ever - physically and mentally.
(I even wrote a book about the whole process, in case anyone is interested: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08RZCV6XZ)
Vitamin E deficiency, I’d bet money. One of the first signs is muscle loss. Give it a google. You can have your vet test for it if you like, or just add a supplement. It’s done wonders for almost every horse in the barn where I board. I give my dude the human version because it’s shockingly cheaper than the horse version for the same dosage.
Here are the listings and sellers you can buy from to get free apple durvet gel.
They will not send you what you ordered and even if they do, Amazon will take your side and refund the order because of their horrible feedback.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017J490BY/ref=ox_sc_act_title_22?smid=ARG7G0R08BT18&psc=1
seller myhoovesandpaws.
I have ordred this before and they only sent me one tube and amazon gave me a full refund.
please complain when this happens so we can get this seller offline.
I’m so sorry! I didn’t get an a notification for this comment! Absorbine works great for us. It is getting a bit pricey though. If you like your current fly spray, you could try adding it over your spf product after it dries.
The finisher I use is Buckeye Nutrition Ultimate Finish 25 High-Fat Weight Gain Pellets Horse Supplement I like it because I can have it auto-shipped from Chewy, and it’s a great quality feed. It smells like cookies, but it isn’t drenched in molasses. My guy loves it and he’s pretty picky too. I also use the same brand’s ration balancer called Grow n’ Win. It smells like blueberry muffins to me!
And I understand the bath/urine struggle. Mine always pees in the same spot under their shelter.
Horses don't care like we do. We've always cleaned our troughs (which are in the sun) pretty often. Last year my new farm maintenance and repair guy took over that task. Incredible! They stayed clean much longer! I asked him what he was doing to them, and he said he took the stiff scrub brush I'd bought ti replace the old one and scrubbed all the gunk off the sides and bottom. Like, thoroughly. And so there was no residue for new bacteria to multiply on. Or something.
The brush I got, and I think that has a lot to do with it - long handled and stiff, is the Swopt brush from Amazon. 10" SWOPT Premium Rough Surface... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DLRWFBY?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Aha Morgan × Arab. 😀 Fantastic cross. Its her Arab shape head that gives it away. Clearly Arab. But I could have been wrong. Could have been a Welsh pony cross. Welsh ponies can have an Arab type head.
This has me wondering if there is an Embark type DNA breed test (the breed guessing test for dogs) for horses?
I'm Googling this....
Aha! Results! It exists!
Etalon Diagnostics Genetic Testing Ancestry DNA kit
https://www.amazon.com/Etalon-Diagnostics-Genetic-Testing-Ancestry/dp/B07X3Q7GSX
Would your barn be okay with you putting your supplements in daily containers? I use these ones I would make up two weeks worth. That way I could tell that my horse was properly getting their supplements and knew when I needed to refill them.
This is what I use for my guys. I put treats in it. After they understand you can put some big rocks in... it'll sound like treats are in it without over feeding them. At least it works for my two.
A ball might help, or something like a lick it might also help.
I don't know where you live but you should get this book. A lot of the horse shoes from ~1300 look like that. Those clips on the ends are called calkins. The shape and nail hole pattern makes me think they are medieval horse shoes.
Iron was valuable in medieval times and used horse shoes were usually melted down and the iron reused so there aren't as many old horse shoes in existence as one would think.
Oh man….this may sound silly, but electric and water. Having a water bib right by the trough makes life so much easier. Same with outlets. It will make EVERYTHING you do so much easier.
Along the same line-good lighting! In the summer life is good, once winter rolls around and it’s dark at 4pm, you’ll be begging for flood lights all over the property.
Probably should be first on the list-a VERY well stocked first aid kit. One for horses and one for humans. Won’t go in depth here, there are plenty of articles on building a good horse first aid kit.
Make sure you know who your local vets are and get to know them. Try to keep at least 3 of them in your contacts in case of emergencies. Same with farriers. And same with other local horse people! You’ll never know when you’ll need a helping hand.
If you are storing hay and grain, invest in good storage systems. Metal trashcans are still my go to for grain bins.
Now, if you ask my husband (who is more of the grounds and maintenance end of farm life) he will tell you he loves his tractor, but he really loves these: IRWIN VISE-GRIP Pliers, Fencing, 10-1/4-Inch (2078901) , Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JNPQX4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_V9XMHRQQAPC85660NRDM?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
There’s millions of other must haves…but that’s my short list lol
Ok, so you're wrong.
Auto companies didn't make seat belts mandatory until there was greater public outcry.
"Shame is related to violating some social expectation,” she tells Lifehacker. “The real problem is when shame translates into stigma.” (source: https://www.amazon.com/Lazy-Crazy-Disgusting-Stigma-Undoing/dp/1421433354 )
We change things as a society of collaborative, intelligent beings enforce the greater good by speaking up and supporting the greater good. Some comments I'm sure aren't helpful, but staying silent is even less helpful. I think compassionate, supportive reminders can go a long way.
I use a grooming block to scrape all the hair off and then put it in the washer if I need to. This is the one I like to use. It lasts forever because you can just scrape it on some concrete to sharpen it back up
I have 3 pair of HR Farm brand on amazon...I love them and they're around $40. I also have several that are 2-3 times more (Dover and Kerrirs) and I honestly like the Amazon ones better.
HR Farm Horse Riding Women's Knee Patched Breeches https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07W6SJNPK/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_X3TQ3TQ515C4NFAG11XJ?psc=1
Oh yeah, and invest in some good fly sheets for when I know I’m riding two days in a row and don’t feel like coming out an hour early just to clean my horse again. Lol
Same!! I was actually incredibly surprised that my Uber sensitive “thin skinned” chestnut OTTB that freaks when I would even pet him too hard was receptive to the hair brush, I use it only on spots where there’s some extra muscle (like neck, chest, tummy, upper legs, butt) but it really works the mud out and I feel like it’s a little scratchy massage for him. Then I use the tiger tongue to brush away the debris lol. I should probably mention the type of brush I use as they all have different bristles, mine is actually exactly this one in purple, when I got myself a new brush I just took the old one to the barn lmao.
The book "Muscle modification system" by Tara Jones. Ive seen her at clinics and have a couple of her books. I really like her stuff.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1657148939/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_Q44WHGN11JMNFBX87K06
I think this is the quintessential horse problem😂 I got a set from Amazon that have held up 1+ year now. Plastic Spray Bottle 2 Pack, 32... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VKBVDLP?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
i ride in a one k and i love it. they have helmets designed for oval and non-oval heads.
Check out Cherry Hill’s Horse Keeping on a Small Acreage https://www.amazon.com/Horsekeeping-Small-Acreage-Designing-Facilities/dp/158017535X
If you are in the US, contact your local land grant university extension office and they likely have good regional/local information and can tell you about classes and local carrying capacity and appropriate stocking density of the land where you live.
Don't know if it will help, but I'm a huge fan of The Essential Fergus. I have given away copies to my vets, and a couple clients. Keep meaning to drop a couple copies in the Toys For Tots bin, but Covid...
I recently started my carriage driving journey with my pony last year, so I can offer some tips and resources that I learned from my driving trainer.
I definitely agree with /u/friesianbred in finding a trainer! When driving goes wrong, it can go REALLY wrong, so it's important to understand how to gradually move up in your training (basic groundwork, desensitization, line driving, dragging a weight, using shafts, and finally pulling a vehicle). You also need to know how to properly check your equipment and handle emergencies. (Never bail from your cart!) Voice commands are essential, as is your horse's ability to stand still with patience. If there is one command your driving horse must know to perfection, it's STAND! This is vital for safety reasons when hitching, unhitching, and boarding the cart. There is nothing more dangerous than a bolting horse with a half-hitched cart attached or a cart with no driver.
In terms of reading material, Carriage Driving: A Logical Approach Through Dressage Training is considered the bible of the sport. Highly recommend Barry Hook on YouTube for his gentle training approaches as well.
If you need help finding a trainer, see if there are any local carriage driving associations in your area. Not all of them have websites but Facebook is a good place to check for local/regional communities. If you have a national carriage driving association in your country, you can also reach out to them for local contacts.
Best of luck to you and your boy!
> I am looking to get educated as much as possible before hand! I’m talking how to care for…
For a general beginner guide on horse care, I like Storey's Guide to Raising Horses, 3rd Edition: Breeding, Care, Facilities. You can find the table of contents at this link.
I did a tour a few years ago with Ishestar and thought they ran an incredible operation. Very professional, responsive, great quality well trained horses---couldn't have been better.
Their website is www.ishestar.is , I was actually just looking the other day to start saving up for a return trip. I did a multi day your but they run day trips out of their main facility. I'm having trouble accessing their site right now on mobile--maybe it's down right now?--but I'm not surprised they have great ratings on Tripadvisor http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g189959-d1909295-Reviews-Ishestar_Horse_Riding_Day_Tours-Hafnarfjordur_Reykjavik_Capital_Region.html
I hope you check them out, it was such a great time!
I have this athletic jacket I wear while I ride and it has inner pockets along with a large zippered pocket on the back. I actually don't carry my phone with me while I ride because I have only ridden with my instructor but I wanted the back pocket for when I start riding more independently.
I got it from Amazon so here is the link! https://www.amazon.com/BALEAF-Running-Resistant-Thermal-Cycling/dp/B098WF3GR4/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=2WVL284QMDMQK&keywords=baleaf%2Bwomens%2Bfleece%2Brunning%2Bjacket%2Bwater%2Bresistant%2Bfull%2Bzip&qid=1638928513&sprefix=baleaf%2Bwomen...
>that I should hold my elbows by my side, but when I try to do that, I find the horses tend to pull me forward a lot and I lose my balance completely
This usually happens due to lack of core strength which is completely normal and I even struggle with it after 10 years of riding. You just need to work on your core both on the horse and off the horse. Doing lots of sitting trot, no stirrup posting and sitting trot helps a lot. It gets tiring but it is so important. When the mare I used to ride was semi-sane I'd go around the ring with no stirrups and would just trot and canter around as well as jump. It helped me so much to do that and even allowed me to show a course with one stirrup. The book called The Rider's Fitness Program (linked here) helped me with getting stronger and is one book that I'd recommend.
Watching videos helps so much! I highly recommend checking out the YouTube channel called YourRidingSuccess (linked here). Some of the topics might be slightly too advanced for you right now but there are still some great videos there that I highly recommend. They have a lot of videos so I'd just scroll through and save/watch the ones that you think would be most beneficial or the most interesting ones. Honestly, I'd even watch the videos that talk about more advanced skills even though you are a beginner as I think it would help you and you could even try to potentially do some of the things during your lesson.
I have dealt many times with people who need Facebook for things but want to avoid the marketing maw and privacy nightmare it represents. My recommendation is use a dedicated browser for Facebook and don't login to anything else in that browser.
Personally my daily driver is Chrome, but I keep Firefox around just for Facebook. I even go so far as to use Facebook Container, which keeps it sandboxed even within FireFox so that if I happen to open other things in Firefox, FB does not get to "see" that.
Not sure how well it would work on boots, but StarSan is an acid disinfectant used commonly in food processing, dairies, bars, restaurants, beer bottling etc. It may help with other surfaces and items. It foams up to get into all the little crevices and doesn't require rinsing. You dilute 1oz in 5 gallons of water, so the bottle of concentrate lasts a long time and is handy to keep around. If you mix it with distilled water instead of tap water, it'll stay potent longer. Dip stuff in it or pit some in a spray bottle. Read the label contact time.
It's odorless, flavorless, and used in food applications so it works well on things like stainless steel bits.
Five Star - 6022b_ - Star San - 32 Ounce - High Foaming Sanitizer https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0064O7YFA/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_C3J353QCQ3VKJ3EXBX71
https://teespring.com/equinecreations#pid=95&cid=6281&sid=front
Hey I'm doing a fundraiser for my rescue horses, funds will be going towards rehabilitation, transport, vet care, and feed. Custom designs can be made just let me know what you would like to see! Please share and help get the word out!
Sorry, I didn't want to annoy anyone with links so they were private. If you want the last one which says 'last prayers' here you go https://teespring.com/last-prayers?rd=com
EDIT: may I know why the last one is better than the rest?
Awesome, thank-you. I find the idea of trying teach her to park confusing. Im practicing on my older mare and doesnt understand to.immediately park with a kiss or other technique.
Also, halter because she is very well built.
What also worries me is that her color isn't a great representation of the paint breed. I mean, confirmation is stellar but shes mostly solid, although gorgeous?
Here she is: https://imgur.com/a/yBUla
You see any ads in that first screenshot? I don't. That's literally all I see for about one second before, without me touching my phone's screen at all, it sends me to the other site. I am not. Absolutely NOT. clicking any ads. This is an unsolicited, possibly malicious redirect.
I am not accusing you, OP, of intentionally doing this, but there is possibly a bad ad on the page that automatically redirects some viewers.
My 26 year old TWH gelding is slightly crazy and acts like he is 2. I was riding through the field with my mom and her horse had to stop to poop. My boy decides to scratch his face on his leg, and right after he was done he started randomly bucking! It was the strangest thing I've ever experienced, after I got him to stop he was a peach.
Another funny moment with my aunt's Friesian gelding is when I introduced him to an umbrella. He wasn't afraid at all, in fact i had it upside down and he grabbed the handle in his mouth and started swinging it around. Even poked his chest with the metal pieces! umbrella play toy
I understand your dilemma. Your personal safety has to come first. You can only get bucked off so many times before you get seriously hurt.
What kind of saddle are you using? Is it a big heavy Western saddle? Some horses do better in a lightweight "Treeless Saddle." The downside is that without a rigid tree you might be at increased danger of losing your balance if he crow-hops.
Do you lunge him before you ride? I think you should. Maybe give him less grain and a type that's not too fatty or sugary. Healthy Edge is good.
I would think your trainer would have already tried this, but I suggest recording a video of your horse going into a canter, to see if there's anything that happens right before.
There are herbal supplements made for calming high-strung horses. I've used "Quitex Paste" which costs more but than powder works super fast. I've also used a powder supplement called "Via Calm" that is awesome. You just put small scoops into their grain, give it a quick shake and serve. Here's links: https://www.chewy.com/animed-via-calm-calming-powder-horse/dp/135371?
My youngster had a lot of bit evasions at 3 as well.
Xrays showed impacted, infected pieces of wolf teeth. His wolf teeth must have broken when they were removed.
I had those removed but rode him bitless for a while. He did so wonderful bitless. Now he wears a bit and is just fine with it (I would have kept him bitless if he wasn’t going to be a dressage horse…he was just absolutely lovely bitless)
This is the one I have:
That warms my heart! I love hearing those kind of horse stories. ❤
As for accuracy, his whole personality is in the conformation of his head. Give this book a read:
Getting in TTouch with Your Horse: how to assess and influence personality, potential, and performance https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009Z777OQ/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_R162DF4V7CCD3P048TH5
Linda Tellington-Jones is amazing. I use her technique to evaluate the personality of every horse I meet before I ride them. It quickly becomes second nature. You can tell from their faces if they are flighty and nervous by nature, if they are brave and steady, or if they're highly intelligent and playful. It really helps you to meet the horse where they're at, and have a really great experience with them. Very useful when shopping too.
I cannot recommend this book enough. I'm an anxious person, and I have found this very helpful both during riding and in general life stuff.
Look if anyone tells you that they've never cried as a direct result of riding they're lying to you. Riding is hard. There are so many things that you have to remember to do with your body and it all feels really counter intuitive, and then you also have to interface with a horse who has their own moods, energy levels, and quirks.
It feels really overwhelming at the beginning, but I promise you it gets better. I'm not saying a lesson will never make you cry again or that you still won't have bad rides from time to time, but soon you will find that you don't even have to think about posting to do it. Your hands will start staying where they should, you'll remember to keep your eyes up, your heels down.
Use the non-drowsy version. Very cheap generic version on amazon. Regular dramamine will make you drowsy which is the last thing you want around horses.
So sorry - I had to put down my mare recently and it just ripped me apart.
I bought a necklace on amazon that I placed her ashes in (or ppl put tail hair in). I have been very happy with the purchase.
there is an app called EquiTracker that does what you're looking for but i do not know how great the functionality is.
One of my trainers has her own facility on her property, and highly recommends the book Horsekeeping on a Small Acreage: Designing and Managing Your Equine Facilities (link to Amazon's Kindle edition).
Edited to add: the author, Cherry Hill, has numerous other books that might be useful for you, too. Check out her bibliography!
I actually wrote a book about buying your first horse. Honestly there aren't really any wrong questions to ask, but asking the right questions is really important. You might want to sit down with your trainer and create a list of questions you want to ask.
Also, remember now a lot of people do things by email. So you might be able to avoid some of the phone chatting.
Here is a link to my book. It's free if you have kindle unlimited https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Your-Equine-Soulmate-Buying-ebook/dp/B01N7S6CT6/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=buying+a+horse&qid=1602962013&sr=8-5
check out this horse game for android devices
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.DzPower.BrooklynSupremeHorse
As swine else mentioned, I'd try a slow feed net. There is a lot of variety in them and can slow them down different degrees.
Here is one that might be suitable for you: https://www.amazon.com/Partrade-Trading-Corporation-Feeder-Purple/dp/B00U9POLS8
Hi there. Farrier and chiropractor here. I’d go with the pad. The guns can cause damage to bone if you accidentally put it in the wrong spot. Also there is a nice massager I’ve found on amazon that works great. I use it myself. It’s $140. Pretty reasonable.
I got it on amazon! If you search “razor comb” you’ll find it, they’re pretty cheap (around $6-$7USD)!
This is the one I bought: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M7JSNNC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_O4P2Eb9FFGFXW
Muck Chore ST
Comes in ladies' sizes. Has good tread to prevent slipping/sliding, but tread is spaced enough so you can easily knock out horse manure from the treads.
I really like the steel toe. You can't prevent all accidents, but I really like the extra protection. I've been inadvertantly stepped on by a horse and had a toenail peeled off--very unpleasant.
https://www.amazon.com/Original-MuckBoots-Adult-Steel-Toe-Boot/dp/B000WH7GGM
I’ve yet to find a horse that doesn’t go crazy for the stabilized pellets! I get the MaxE Glow for my boys. It keeps them at a perfect weight and has the benefit of making them both very shiny and sleek! here is the amazon link!
Ah, you're thinking of that self-proclaimed youtube 'expert' Rick Gore... His youtube channel is 'think like a horse.' He's... one of the worst, in my own opinion.
Pretty sure this poster is referencing this book, How to Think Like a Horse
Important distinction!
I've definitely posted this before, but I love the Car Day Martin Belvoir Leather Conditioner! It's beeswax and lanolin based, similar to Lederbalsam but personally I've had better results with the Car Day Martin product than the Effax Lederbalsm (haven't tested other brands). Since I foxhunt, my tack is unfortunately exposed to a lot of water/mud/moisture and this stuff really protects the leather. My one friend swears by Horseman's One Step but I think it smells godawful, plus I find the name annoyingly deceptive, proper tack care is always multiple steps grahhhhh!
I use Belvoir conditioner for my saddle's monthly conditioning.
I used Stubben Hamanol on my leather driving harness before I switched to a betathane harness. It works well and supposedly won't stretch the stitching, but takes a while to soak in and has a slight bacon scent.
https://www.amazon.com/Horsemens-Pride-Jolly-Peppermint-Scented/dp/B0006G56WK my horses love these, you can hang it up easily as well to prevent too much movement. If you get a scented/flavored one, a horse that's never played with toys before is way more curious about the toy! good luck, hope she heals well :)
The bodywork suggestions are good. Learning about it is even better. You sound like a caring owner. Thats great! Keep it up! There is a really good bodywork book out there that deals with behavioral issues by management through bodywork therapy. I have found it quite enlightening. The Ultimate Horse Behavior and Training Book
Riding for America, a book about the US Equestrian team. Also loved Young Rider magazine and putting the posters that came with them, of horses like Gem Twist and stuff on my wall.
And of course, obligatory Saddle Club, Marguerite Henry (King of the Wind, Misty of Chincoteague), Walter Farley (Black Stallion books), Lauraine Snelling's High Hurdles and Golden Filly series, Jean Slaughter Doty (Can I Get There By Candlelight, The Monday Horses)... A few more I can't remember the title of but the protagonist had a Morgan named Nutmeg, and one called Pony on the Porch but was a series about the daughter of a veterinarian couple that was always causing trouble (Animal Ark series).
...This makes me want to go re-read some!
Happy Horsemanship! It was my favorite as a child. It's fun and simple but also accurate and comprehensive. While it's geared for kids, I've passed it along to beginning adults and they loved it as well.
The two I loved when I was a kid (older than 6 but younger than 10) were: Hermes House's Ultimate Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds & Horse Care and Usborne's Complete Book of Riding & Pony Care.