Heart and his Harem - Tracey and her Travels

Here I will hopefully entertain and inform you as I explain interesting daily happenings in and away from my yard - When we go to compete, following the birth and growth of a foal, the transition of a horses hooves to barefoot soundness etc. Basically anything that has to do with the daily life of me with my horses.

Aug 29, 2010, Oh happy day

What an emotional day had by all yesterday as LL and Phoenix strutted out together for the first time.

Having spent 3 months doing groundwork they had built up a lovely relationship and Phoenix has learnt all the basics he needs to know to start his career as a ridden horse. Sporting his stunning new red and black tack (birthday pressies for a very lucky LL) Phoenix happily took his young charge for walk, trot and canter around the arena and then for a little mooch down the lane and in the river - BAREFOOT & BITLESS

It was a scorcher with poniente winds all day! OH made a fabulous paella for a party for LL hosted by The parents. We kept the spray for the arena on all day to try and bring some relief to the 40º+ temps. Most people ended up IN the river at some point during the day. But I think most heat came from the glow of pride of Mum & Dad as they watched LL crying with joy on Phoenix´s back.

It was fab to see Curi´s mum, who is recovering from a knee op - so he´s not speaking to her but we are ;-)

Aug 27, 2010, Proverbs, Sayings, Missions!

A bad tempered man will never make a good tempered horse. or - The behaviour of the horse says much about the rider!

It´s not the quality of the silver on the horse, but the quality of the horse below the silver.

The art of riding - keeping the horse between yourself and the ground!

Tell me more - I´m fading fast. It´s blowing a poniente, I´m hungry and at 10:30pm only just got in from feeding my lovely brood.

Aug 26, 2010, The day.....

The day I stop enjoying my horses, is the day I stop enjoying life.

A bad day at the yard beats the best day in an office - every time.

Aug 24, 2010, Renegade Hoof Boots

Grrrrr. I.V.A. has gone up to 18% (as ya´ll should know!) and the aduana (customs) have put their charges up AND charge I.V.A. on top of their charges, so unfortunately I´ve had to increase the price of these fantastic hoof boots. Though please remember this does include fitting by a professional equine podologist

Aug 24, 2010, Rehabilitation Walkway

Having laid all the concrete either side in preparation some time ago, we finally tracked down the pea gravel required to complete our rehabilitation walkway. This rounded gravel is exactly what the horses need as they go through the transition to healthy barefoot hooves.

For us it´s like walking in deep sand (good for the thighs!) but for horses it´s like tiny massages on their feet as they walk up and down the track. It helps to stimulate hoof growth whilst building up the resistance of the hooves to become rock hard and ready for any terrain.

Delivered yesterday, this heat has been rather a killer and we took it ´gently´ finally getting the pea gravel leveled out all along our rehabilitation walkway today - that´s gravel track in layman´s terms - it´s a huge aid in the recovery of unhealthy hooves. I´m so exCited!!!

Aug 20, 2010, Foolish but fabulous friends

Yesterday I went to trim the hooves of a colt that was rescued by some friends of mine - actually he was dumped at their door off the back of a pick-up! He had a broken shoulder and was very underweight.

Now round and strong - and behaving more canine than equine (!) one hoof looks like a little box due to how he has adapted to walk with his broken shoulder. But nature is even more incredible than that. His shoulder is almost straight, thanks to good food, open space to move and loving care. So yesterday, with lots of patience, we made 3 hooves normal, balanced and healthy and one tiny hoof has been left so that the bar´s will push out the walls to give it more width and the heels as low as possible to stretch out his tendons and hopefully bring him back on his heel and stop him from walking on his toe.

These foolish fabulous people recently rescued another horse (they have rescued many over the years) who is a toast rack, some mite disease all over his back and lower limbs, a parrot jaw and possibly some liver problems. He is only 8 years old, was clearly a very proud boy with a fabulous luscious long wavy mane and tail and something has gone wrong, through no fault of his own, and his owner dumped him, leaving him to die.

These people need to be denounced or there will never be an end to this cruelty. At least humanely euthanize the animal if you can´t maintain it or find a good home for it. Leaving it to suffer is unforgivable. There are not people like my fabulous friends on every corner. I say foolish in the nicest possible way - they give up their time, money and hearts for our angels without wings, whilst those that cause this walk away with no conscience whatsoever.

Aug 19, 2010, Keeping a secret

I have a secret - it´s getting very hard to keep!! But I will. All will be revealed at the end of this month. hehehehe

Aug 19, 2010, Loving our new feed

I changed feed companies some months ago - not something I do lightly, but was very let down by the previous company although their product is excellent. I ummed and aaah´d for some time as you know the saying ´better the devil you know´ and it´s not good to chop and change a horses hard (grain) feed either.

The quality of the new feed is also not up for dispute. My guys are all loving it and healthy and happy on it. The service has always been as one would expect, but this weekend they put my faith back in the world (a little bit!).

I opened a new sack of one particular line of feed (yegua) to find it fermenting. As it was a Sunday I emailed my representative to inform him. First thing Monday morning he telephoned to say he was on his way with 5 replacement sacks (for the 4 sacks I had remaining) as they had discovered a soya leaf in the mix was causing the fermentation. They had just had to ditch 25000 kilos of this feed!

Now you may think the product (or it´s milling) isn´t up to scratch. Believe me when I say these things can happen. I had a couple of duff sacks with my last feed company (not why I left them), but they didn´t remedy the situation. This new company responded fast and positively.

Whilst talking grain (!) little miss Lunita (EV Etesian Kiss The Moon) is now 2 and 1/2 months old and has been eating her own grain (foal mix) for over a month now - forward or what! (Still on mummy´s milk too) She has her own little bucket and stands guard over it at dinner time. They learn fast these appy´s.

Aug 15, 2010, Yeah - a breeze - Grrrr Hunters!

A welcome break from the heat meant we got more riding in yesterday and today than the last couple of weeks, without being plastered in a film of sweat by 9:30 am

Anni had her first road experience and was a gem, though she still has a crazy stress over every rock she sees. Slightly problematical given that Spain is the rockiest country in Europe!

Suska and Heart are back in training along with Anni. I think Heart is only being forward because he has the two girls in front of him! He is definitely made for the longer distances (160km) as he will trot along for hours at a steady pace, but ask him for a ´spurt´ and it is short lived. Both girls are like munition in a primed catapult just waiting for you to release the spring and shoot forward.

The downside to August is the hunters. The season starts again and the same as last year, on the first day of hunting we find fences broken and fretting horses after the hunters, without a care, let off shots right next to their paddocks. You can´t reason with these people, their ignorance oozes from their camouflage clothing and their cocked stance. The really ´unfunny´ thing is they go home with empty caches, not able to shoot a rabbit even with the aid of their packs of dogs. Time and again their testosterone rules them, but the only thing they succeed in is upsetting their neighbours and people who live in the countryside all year round, trying to protect it and respecting it.

Arm the rabbits and pheasants I say - make it a fair match!

Aug 14, 2010, Fully booked

The 1 day maintenance natural balance hoof course on September 6th is fully booked. Sorry to anyone trying for a place. Too late! Looking forward to meeting everyone who has booked and paid their deposit at 9am on that day.

Aug 13, 2010, Home

Appaloosa horse endurance riding spain

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Aug 12, 2010, Herd Dynamics

I´ve spent the last few days umming and ahhing about changing the herds around. My rescues are getting stronger and could benefit from being with ´the big boys´. One big boy is being bullied by another - I think the heats getting to everyone!

Anyone who knows about horses will know this is not an easy task. Hence the umming and ahhing. There are each and every horses personalities to consider, the hierarchy within each herd and finally the practicalities.

With my final decisions made, this morning everyone went to their new ´homes´. No one was put in an entirely ´new´ situation without there being a horse there that they had already been pastured with. Billy no mates finally got to be with friends (remember Chance´s lover?) again. The poor Bullied boy was put with, amongst others, Duque who he proceeded to warn away from him........ Interesting to see how quickly dynamics can change. Duque of course being the weakest link and nature is what nature is. The weakest is immediately recognised and pushed out as they can be the undoing of the survival of the herd. So needless to say I´m keeping a close eye on Duque. His lack of confidence in himself, both mentally and physically, is his undoing.

All afternoon the air was filled with calling back and forth as they all moved around their new pastures getting to know the terrain and at times loosing site of their paddock mates. As dusk approached everyone seemed to settle. There were no battles over feeds at dinner time - another reason for making some changes - and the ones that happily share or swap feeds can now do so as I´ve managed to orchestrate it that the ones on the same mix are in the same field!

Bully boy got put in with 3 of my mares - they had him in his place in no time LOL

Aug 12, 2010, One place remaining!

Hey, it would be great to have a full complement for the 1 day Barefoot Maintenance Course on September 6th.

I only take a maximum of 8 people to assure that everyone gets all the personal time they need. There is just one place remaining, so get in touch PDQ!

Aug 11, 2010, New Saddles!!!

I´ve just received photos of the two new saddles in the process of being made for Suska and Anni. I´m so excited. They are going to look fabulous with the special personal touch they will have ;-) All will be revealed once they arrive. Another 4 or 5 weeks yet :-(

Aug 8, 2010, Anni´s essence

Well I purchased 5 essences specifically mixed for horses, for 5 different needs. Of the two I thought would be just what Anni needed she likes neither! Suska, on the other hand, loves them all! So a confusion of issues there as the mixes are as follows;

RELAX, frightened/anxious/alarmed/distressed. COURAGE, timid/nervous/insecure/submissive. COMFORT, separation anxiety/pining/anguish/loneliness. VIGOUR, apathetic/weary/lethargic/miserable. BALANCE, highly strung/erratic/scatty/uncontrollable.

Suska is very laid back about everything. She approaches everything new in a relaxed manner taking it all in her stride, and subsequently the trying of the essences on her was more as a control test! I will certainly try others on Anni again and also investigate further the Bach remedies I have purchased to see which of them may be what she needs.

Aug 8, 2010, Meet the gang - continued

EV Suska - A.K.A. Missy No Spots our little arabian mare who participated in and won her very 1st endurance comp this year. A solitary soul in the field and a great forward mover under saddle. She is our gentle unicorn without the horn.

EV Chance - our rescue pony who has already gone on to rescue others himself. He does have a bit of ´small dog syndrome´ and takes charge of everyone, but he has a heart of gold and is a gentle little soul. He is also very naughty, in a mischievous way, given the opportunity.

EV Duque - our rescue colt. Duquecito is special. He will never be ridden having come to us with a broken pelvis, half a hoof missing and seriously underweight for his then 2 and 1/2 years. Had he been treated as he should all his short life he would have topped 17hh´s when fully grown. Duquecito wont make that now, but he does make a beautiful friend to Chance and to us. He will happily lay down next to you and give you comfort - I think as his thank you for us having given comfort to him. He is very trusting and it is so hard to understand why some people do what they do!

EV Etesian Kiss The Moon - Appaloosa foal Lunita is special in itself that she is the first 100% foundation appaloosa to be born in Spain. To us she is special - because she is. Only 2 and 1/2 months old already she has made her mark on all the herd, especially her Papi! He ´shares´ his dinner with her - poor boy doesn´t have a choice.

Aug 7, 2010, August heat

Actually there is a very welcome breeze today, but it´s been to hot to talk, never mind walk! So this month is a lazy one for all the 4-legged family.

Meet them;

Pelucas - retired PRE, was a stallion til aged 18 when surgery saved his life but robbed him of his testicles! So at aged 25 he still think´s he´s a stallion and lives very happily with his mares.

Chiclanera - PRE and the bestest skankiest mare in the world. At 20 stifle problems from bad treatment many years ago means arena work is a pain for her but she will tank out 60/70 km´s in a day, return tanking and have energy to spare. People ask why I bought her (I didn´t exactly buy her, it was more of a ´meant to be´) and those fortunate enough to be rider enough for her (she is not a novice ride!) once they do so, fully understand why. She´s a devil on the ground and an angel under saddle.

EV África - PRE a black beauty that should be blonde. She is desperate to please, but just never quite gets it right! But you can trust her with your life.

Kiss My Finest Heart - Well, I think you can read plenty on the site about him. My dream come true

MIA Bearpaws AU Anni - Appaloosa mare who is curious about everything, a fast learner but remains nervous. It has taken some time and work to build up on the confidence she now has. We know it will continue to improve. With some you just have to take it slowly! You can´t fail to love Anni and want to give her a hug.

Eagles Moonmist Onyx - Appaloosa mare who became a mummy for the first time this year and she is a fantastic one. Definitely an old soul on young shoulders, this intelligent beauty can read you better than you can yourself. Misty has the most fantastic movement and it was a hard choice to put her in foal again for next year, rather than start her under saddle.

MIA EV Talulah - Appaloosa filly who follows you like a dog. Lula is desperate to get out of the field and into the arena. I just know, OK!

EV Georgie - Hispanoarabe who came with issues and is now the doll we knew he had inside. Great with the kids and also tanks out for hours. A little stubborn and he wont suffer fools!

Aug 6, 2010, Flower power

My parcel of essential flower essences has just arrived. I can´t wait to go out and see who likes what and why!

The idea is that a horse (or any animal) will choose which they need if you just let them sniff a little in your hand. If they don´t like it, or more importantly need it, they will pass on by. If they lick it up it´s because they (their body) know that they are missing this ingredient to make them well, be it physically or mentally.

I´m hoping for some quite obvious results with Anni. She has a lot of issues with having her cycles out of sync and apparently having been violated in the past! I believe she was hog-tied to be covered by stallions, due to the ignorance of her previous owners not knowing of her clinical problem, (My believes are based on many elements of observation) and not understanding why she didn´t fall in foal. Anni also has major issues of confidence which I´m hoping these essences will address. Apparently she was ´broken in´ in the past, but whoever did so left her VERY crooked and very nervous. Definitely a rush job and badly done on her to boot.

This is all new to me - and something else to study. Note to self; Don´t run before you can walk! There are people that are course queens who judiciously study hard and well, but never put the stuff into practice until they´ve completed everything (!), and then there´s me! I like to learn, but I want to see results. I want to be ´getting on with it´. I want to put things into practice as soon as possible.

I´ll keep you posted.

Aug 5, 2010, Barefoot versus Shod

How a Shod Hoof Functions

A shod hoof is inflexible. It cannot expand upon weight-bearing at its base. The walls in the quarters tilt back and forth behind the last nail. Circulation in the shod hoof is minimal. Nerve function, dependent circulation, allows less sensitivity to all types of terrain. Shoeing keeps the hoof in a static state with reduced horn growth. Shoeing the horse is similar to putting a tight rubber band on the tip of the finger. This makes the nerves in the tip of the finger numb. In a similar way, blood is prevented from entering the shod hoof.

How a Bare Hoof Functions

The bare hoof functions to absorb the shock of concussion. The hoof excretes protein in the form of horn growth. The hoof capsule expands from zero point at the toe to its widest at the heels. As the weight descends into the heels, the frog acts as an expansion joint. The digital cushion acts as a sling for the descending navicular bone, flexor tendon and short pastern. The hoof functions to pump blood back up the leg with movement. The weight-bearing phase of footfall causes fresh oxygenated blood to enter all parts of the corium. It is pumped into veins when the hoof wall returns to the non-weight bearing phase. Nerve function in the hoof provides sensory information. Properly trimmed barefoot horses are less likely to stumble.

Read more at Suite101: Barefoot Verses Shod: Function of Blood Flow http://horse-care.suite101.com/article.cfm/hoofcare-basics-part-2?sms_ss=facebook#ixzz0viBxNkFW

Aug 4, 2010, COURSE DATES!

First - The One day Barefoot Maintenance Course is comfirmed for MONDAY SEPTEMBER 6th.

Starting at 9am sharp this course provides the information necessary for owners to maintain their barefoot horse that has made the transition to unshod health. Covering basic anatomy and hoof mapping and trimming technique. Mail me for more details!

Second - EQUINE MYOFASCIAL RELEASE - First weekend in October. There are two options to this 1, The Foundation Course 2, The Advanced Course.

Just as the heart and blood form the ‘cardiovascular system’, muscles, joints and ligaments form the ‘locomotary system’, . . . fascia tissue forms the ‘myofascial system’, a network of various forms of connective tissue arranged in a continuous and uninterrupted network of fibrous bands weaved together in a 3 dimensional web like design. Fascia covers and permeates through every muscle, tendon, ligament, bone, artery, vein and body organ; subsequently, when any tissue mass or body organ experiences trauma or malfunction, however caused, the fascia will duly respond through the law of ‘cause & effect’ by promoting poor cellular efficiency, neurosis, disease, pain and dysfunction to gradually radiate through the horses body.

Some areas of the fascia network are woven very tightly together, so tightly they visually represent a white layer of solid fibrous fat, while other areas are woven together rather more loosely, remaining more recognisable as a web of fibres. The very design, composition and responsive effects of the fascia system provide a host of vital services for the horses physiological well being, including:- Cushioning - Cellular, tissue and organ protection - Structural support and stability - Muscular division - Skeletal division - Organ division - Intracellular metabolism - Intracellular respiration - Intracellular communication - Intracellular nutrition - Toxic and waste elimination - Assisting to maintain a balanced blood flow - Assisting to maintain a balanced lymphatic flow

For more details on the course and the options please mail me. There is an element of theory to complete before the hands-on course so contact me as soon as possible to allow yourself the maximum time to receive the course work.

Aug 3, 2010, Barefoot Horses

Why I made the decision to have all my horses barefoot. Going barefoot, the healthy alternative.

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Aug 3, 2010, Making the Transition from Shod to Barefoot

The transition from shod to barefoot is not a quick fix or an arduous task. But completely attainable whatever your horse or your riding discipline.

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Aug 3, 2010, Making Barefoot History

The 2010 awarding of the Haggin Cup to a barefoot horse marks a historic point in endurance racing and technological advancements. One of the most difficult and demanding equine events in the world was just completed by 20 barefoot equines and the most prestigious award in endurance racing was just won by a barefoot horse

It marks a significant change and proves that if an endurance horse can complete the toughest event barefoot, so can most horse owners complete their back-country trails and equine pursuits successfully. Congratulations to The Fury for making history and establishing change.

I am of course talking of the Grandaddy of Endurance - The Tevis Cup - 160 km´s over mountainous terrain in the Californian heat.

Aug 2, 2010, Course Crazy!

In my bid to do everything possible to make Duque comfortable (our latest rescue) I researched various massage forms and discovered Equine Myofascial Release. This is a very gentle method that works on the fascia both humans and equines have between muscle/tendon and bone.

We have a very very capable equine chiropractor and masseuse near us, but no one practicing this profession. So, of to school we go again!

First weekend in October (still waiting to confirm) a professional in this field will come from the UK to educate us in EMR. Anyone else interested? I will post more details as everything is clarified, but in the meantime contact me if you´d like to participate.

This is a professional level course and therefore there is theory work to complete before the actual ´hands-on´ work, so if you are considering it, make your decision in reasonable time.

Jul 28, 2010, Course Update

I´ve decided the course will be at the beginning of September if there are enough people interested. Minimum 6,maximum 8. Running 9am to 6/7pm, lunch included. You will trim cadaver hooves, learn basic hoof mapping and maintenance trimming.

This really is a must for owners of barefoot horses to maintain their hooves at their optimum. You will meet like-minded people and realise that although still a minority our numbers are growing at a great rate of knots.

You need to bring an apron, hoof knife, gloves and file. Lunch and light refreshments is included for only 85 €

(Please don´t apply again D LOL, I´ve got your OH duly registered!!)

Jul 27, 2010, Barefoot Maintenance

More and more people are seeing the results of barefoot health in horses and removing the shoes from their horses. Fantastic news!

BUT please remember you do need a professional to transition hooves that are not already balanced and healthy, which means basically any hoof that has been shod for a year or more.

I do have plans at the end of the year to offer the week-long course which guides people at a level to achieve this with their own horse, but have recently again had interest in the maintenance course for horses that have already made the transition.

So if there is anyone else out there, with a healthy barefoot horse wanting to know how to maintain the hooves themselves (something I always recommend) please get in touch. We need more interest to justify organising a course as soon as possible.

Jul 25, 2010, Promise completed!

With many thanks to a fellow lover of horses and endurance I have resolved the ´problem´ (lack of time) to translate all my pages into Spanish.

Thank you Gabriel (between the two of us knowing diddly about computers) for informing me of the translation button easily installed on my pages. Marvelous!

So, although it´s been a long time coming I´ve completed my promise :-)

Jul 25, 2010, Appaloosas en españa

Todo la información que hace falta sobre Appaloosas, Caballos Descalzos, Raid, Equipo, Pistas de entrenamiento y cuidados de caballos

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Jul 22, 2010, Essential Oils for Equines

I didn´t say ´aromatherapy´ because for some reason many people immediately shut down, dismissing it as new-age clap trap. But now you´ve read this far you might as well continue :-)

A peer works in Egypt with abused horses and donkeys and as a professional in her field uses essential oils to treat not just surface wounds, but the often bigger emotional wounds these animals suffer. Unlike with humans, there can be no suggestion as to the desired results. Animals let you know, with their very basic and therefore very natural instincts if a particular product is suited to them.

We´ve all heard of Dr. Bach and his natural remedies. The remedies that kept us alive for centuries before manufactured medicines. The same plants that these remedies come from would be ´auto-selected´ by horses in the wild to cure their ails, lift their spirits. The perfect example of which we saw here when Duque arrived and we left him to graze where ever he wanted. He ate plants and herbs that the others don´t, because they are healthy and don´t need them. He ate a lot of borage, wild garlic and mint. I´m sure had other ´medicines´ been growing he would have eaten them to.

My interest is peeked. It all goes hand in hand with healthy barefoot hooves and therefore healthy horses. As such my research has begun and one of my clients very kindly gave me a book on Veterinary Aromatherapy to get me started on a new study road! Really appreciated, thank you T.

I´ll keep you posted as I learn, when I start to implement my findings, on whom, with what and the subsequent results.

Jul 20, 2010, Clinic, livery, stables, paddocks, training, facilities, riding-lessons

Including a floodlit sand arena, round pen, rubber matting in the light airy stalls and a micro-spray cooling system

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Jul 20, 2010, Telephone Companies!

It´s a long shot - but if anyone reads this that works for a phone company please read up and read good!

The land line rings and Jazztel offer me the same service as I get now for 9 € a month MORE, and the operator just doesn´t understand why I don´t want their service!!!

Then my mobile rings. Its a Movistar number. I answer and they play me music! I hang up and they ring again. Again the operator just doesn´t ´get it´ when I explain - you rang to sell me a service and put me on hold, so why would I want such an inefficient service as a client when you can´t provide something in decent order when simply trying to sell to me in the first place!!!!

It´s quite miraculous who they keep making profits - is the secret being rude and incompetent?

Jul 19, 2010, Courses - Seminars

Information about our courses, how to apply for a place.

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Jul 18, 2010, Thank you

Goodness. I´ve just looked at the statistics for my web site, something I rarely do as it´s just all to technical for me, and find there are lots of you reading my blog. Actually over 600 a month. Thank you. I feel quite humble and very honoured.

It would be great to hear from you. If you´ve any questions or advise please drop me a line.

Jul 14, 2010, Feeling hot, hot hot!

I´m not complaining. Especially not after the very long and very wet winter we suffered here. But it is HOT!! Seriously considering becoming bat-like and sleeping during the day and working all night. I love the heat, but it´s only July and we´re cooking here.

What are you doing with your four-legged family to keep them fresh and keep them exercised? Never mind the phrase "you can lead a horse to water........". You can also build them shelters and have great shade giving trees, but you can´t make them stand in or under them! Which none of our lot seem to want to do.

My appy´s need fly rugs just for the solar protection on their pink skin and they´re sweating under them. Everyone has their fly masks against the pesky devils, but they do seem to spend more time snagged on bushes than on the horses heads!

Oh if I had a cent for every stitch in a rug...............

Jul 11, 2010, Public Apology

Yes, you´re quite right. I realised tonight I have been using the bgr word, and rather a lot! My wrists have been suitably auto-slapped. Public apology to the team photographer. But I do be liking it :-/ LOL

Jul 10, 2010, Campeones, campeones, olay, olay, olay!

Don´t be silly - of course it´s nothing to do with football. (Heaven help us the noise levels tomorrow night here in Spain - win or loose!)

Today EV Suska (A.K.A. Missy No Spots) participated in her first endurance competition. A 20 km initiation, with a minimum entrance time of 1 hr 25 mins. We did 22 km´s (because we had to eat time!), crossed the tape in exactly 1 hr 25 mins and were through the vet gate 2 mins 35 secs later. And BAREFOOT - OLAY, OLAY, OLAY!!! So Señor J who said only Appaloosas could go barefoot, eat your hat. You saw my little mare tear up the ground with her naked healthy arabian hooves.

We took Anni with us for the outing to get her accustomed to journeys, and charged atmospheres etc, much to the distress of the groom when he arrived this morning and found he was missing two horses, not just one! She was a doll, and her beautiful coat pattern drew lots of admiring looks.

TEAM SPIRIT had it´s full complement today of Alepaly, Kike Boots & LL. OH was a star as usual (I love you x), and everyone really rallied round, despite me and the Susk having arrived at the first assistance so fast they weren´t ready for us!

Jul 8, 2010, What a week!

Big needles in the bum!

Be careful what you wish for. I wished for a lie-in on my birthday and a cup of tea bought to me in bed. I got nearly a week in bed, because having a lazy day caused my back to give out, scream at me, so hence the needle in the bum.

Then - promises were kept! Intrigued?

The actual day of my birthday I was competing and an endurance peer(!) told me he was going to find a horse for me, give me said horse, and watch me win. This from a man, very warm friendly charming, who I only see at most once a month at competitions, seemed a very philanthropic gesture. I thanked him most kindly, not entirely disbelieving but, hey this is the sad world we live in today, not entirely believing him either!

Yesterday I receive a call, clearly via parrot, and between muffled crackled interference learn he has been to the breeder where he previously purchased a mare who has just won the Championship in Madrid for him and will be sending me an 8 year-old angloarabe by next week!!

I have no words - :-) :-) :-) I hope I justify this fantastic gesture. Thank you J¿ - you know who you are xx

Jul 8, 2010, Barefoot in Spain

Yeah, yeah, and yeah again. In the spanish magazine Galopes this month there is a 4 page article on barefoot healthy horses.

Thank you lovely matey for bringing me a copy.

Sadly it´s a guy in France that wrote the article and not someone actually on the Iberian Peninsula, but who cares when at last the equine world in Spain are taking notice that their is a healthy alternative for hooves.

BEWARE IMPOSTORS - Even before this article there were a few jumping on the bandwagon and touting themselves as barefoot practitioners having watched a video or read the article of others, so please be aware that all is not necessarily what it seems. Ask for references, both visual and verbal when seeking a professional to transition your horse, or resolve hoof problems such as laminitis, navicular, in-balance etc. Look at their own horses (I don´t know a barefoot practitioner who doesn´t own horses) and see how they fare under saddle on various terrain before asking them to treat your horse.

Remember that going barefoot is a whole horse protocol, not just a matter of trimming, so if someone can´t explain to you about diet, exercise and the general physiology of your horse and give you realistic expectations relevant to your horse, its age, discipline, living circumstance etc - keep looking.

Jul 2, 2010, Restoring faith

One lovely client, having seen my blog regarding OH´s gloves, arrived this week with a new pair for him. He´s one very happy bunny. Thank you X

A lady in the UK, who deals in all natural products and also a barefoot practitioner, has contacted me to see what supplements I need for Chance to aid his recovery. Thank you X

An Australian lady e-mailed me to congratulate me on the site - inspiring she said. Thank you, thank you.

These are the little things that make all the rest tolerable. These little things are what keeps us going.

Jun 29, 2010, TETANUS - be aware

An illness we don´t even think about these days as vaccination has existed for many years now, but horses, of all animals, are the most susceptible to Tetanus infection.

Just last week a horse, regularly vaccinated died from Tetanus poisoning. It´s a nasty death. occurring when a wound becomes infected with bacterial spores of Clostridium tetani. These spores germinate, multiply and produce a very powerful poison which affects the muscles. Some cases of tetanus occur from wounds that are so small they are not noticed.

Typical wounds include sole abscesses, heel lacerations, and wire cuts in adults, and the umbilicus in foals. Puncture wounds to the foot are a particular risk. They are often contaminated with soil - which is a good source of Clostridium tetani. These bacteria can be found everywhere in the environment, being residents of the soil and manure. Indeed, Clostridium tetanus (C tetanum) are a constituent of dust, and like Salmonella, they can live comfortably in the intestinal tract of horses. It's not hard to imagine, therefore, that C tetanum can be found all over a horses' skin as well. As a result, wounds are readily contaminated with these bacteria.

Infected horses start to demonstrate symptoms of 'tetanus' about 2 weeks after the wound was created. Owners may not be able to recall a recent injury, especially since the inciting wound may have been tiny, or unnoticed, and certainly could have healed over.

In the early stages of tetanus, signs include protrusion of the third eyelid, twitching and spasm in the ears, drawing back of the lips, flaring of the nostrils, the appearance of a stiff neck and abnormal carriage of the tail.

As the problem develops, further signs include: marked stiffness in the limbs ("sawhorse stance"), difficulty swallowing and drinking ("lockjaw"), difficulty standing, profuse sweating, grunting, falling and respiratory distress. Affected horses respond to abrupt noise and startling by flashing their third eyelids, or worse, by falling into lateral recumbency and manifesting seizures.

An affected horse moves with a stiff-legged gait, often with the tail held out stiffly and the ears pricked. As the disease progresses the muscles become so rigid and stiff that the horse may fall and not be able to get up again. Convulsions may occur and death is caused by paralysis of the breathing muscles.

Treatment is difficult, time consuming, very expensive and often unsuccessful. It involves the use of tetanus antitoxin to neutralise unbound circulating toxin, penicillin to prevent further growth of C/. tetani, muscle relaxants to relax the rigid muscles, and supportive therapy until the toxin is eliminated or destroyed.

Jun 29, 2010, Tetanus - vaccinating

Having heard the awful news of a poor old horse dying from this I asked a few vets their opinions and did the wonderweb research as well.

The findings I would go with are these;

Foals from non-vaccinated mares should receive their first vaccination for tetanus (tetanus toxoid) between 3 and 4 months of age. The second vaccination should be given between 4 and 5 months of age, followed by a third vaccination between 5 and 6 months of age. Foals from vaccinated mares should receive their first vaccination for tetanus at 6 months of age, followed by booster vaccinations at 7 and 8 to 9 months of age. Tetanus vaccination should be repeated annually thereafter. Brood mares should be vaccinated annually 4 to 6 weeks before foaling to enhance the concentration of anti-tetanus antibodies in their colostrum. Adult non-vaccinated horses or horses with unknown status should receive an initial series of 2 doses of tetanus toxoid administered 3 to 6 weeks apart, followed by an annual booster. Adult vaccinated horses (those that have previously been vaccinated with the 2-dose regimen), should receive an annual booster.

My personal conclusion is the initial vaccine followed by a booster 4 weeks later and then the annual booster when you don´t know the horses history. If you do know the horses history then the yearly vaccine is what I will stick with. But if I had a horse knowingly cut by wire, metal or anything that could oxidize I would immediately administer an extra vaccination.

Jun 28, 2010, Painting the Roses Red!!

You thorns must be tired after the 4:30 am jaunt. Be safe, be happy! We will talk another day.

Jun 27, 2010, Ground work, ground work, ground work!

Yesterday at a competition I bit my tongue time and again as I watched three occasions of people terrifying their mounts as they forced electrolytes into their mouths, 4 horses dismounting from trailers in scared and fumbled leaps and one beaten because he didn´t want to mount in the trailer. When I saw the bleak hole with a floor covered with more than one trip´s manure, no bedding and broken matting in which he was supposed to travel I was not surprised!

All these unfortunate incidents could be avoided with groundwork. Why don´t people do it? Despite the obvious of having an animal much calmer (which is preferable at any time, but so very much more important when competing in Endurance) it also serves to build a better respectful relationship between horse and rider and saves so much time and anguish on a daily basis. It´s just common sense to me but seems to sail on by so many.

For those interested, Heart classified again yesterday, despite 36ºC and no wind! He seems to have moved up a notch in his level of understanding regarding what´s work and what´s play. We road out between a mare and another stallion and he was a doll. No calling, head straight ahead on the job in hand. I felt for the girl on the stallion. It was only his 2nd competition and he was squealing and spinning at all the smells, noises and newness of all around him. Ah, I remember that only too well! All A´s at the vet gate a new Vet commented after the first phase that Heart´s stomach sounds were not great. Had to laugh, as did the other Vet that now knows my boy only to well!

My crew were stars as always. Hubby drove a total of 710 km to get us there, back and the assistance in-between. I succumbed to watching Spain versa Chile - thank god they won! So the boys were happy and zonked out as soon as their heads hit the pillow on Friday after arriving in Córdoba.

Knickers - foolishly I grabbed a pair that weren´t up to the full granny bloomers standard, they had a teeny tiny frilly edge and so 40 km´s later at speed and in heat I am now suffering raw bits!! Too much information? No girls, this is good advise. A tanga just wont do.

Jun 22, 2010, Bitless - not witless

I stole that saying, but it was to good to pass by (can´t credit the author because I don´t know who he/she is)! You may have gathered by now that I didn´t stop chucking out metal when I stopped shoeing my horses. I also got rid of their bits. Having learnt that to have something in its mouth sets off the chewing mechanism in a horse, and seen all to often people ¨controlling¨ their horse via the bit instead of taking the time to do the ground work to build up the relationship and schooling level, it was another road I decided to go down and investigate.

To date my beloved skanky mare has converted to bitless from a kimberwick and curb. EV Georgie came to me with a jointed pelham, curb chain and rounders and within a week he was riding bitless. He bought his head out of the clouds and responded far more softly than with all that junk. All my babies and newbies for the past 3 years have been schooled from day 1 without a bit. Yes, that includes my stallion who I also ride out bitless. One client has seen the results and has her bitless bridle on order, whilst another already rides her little black stallion bitless.

I didn´t think twice about putting Chance in a bitless bridle when we started working him in the school. Even this very cheeky (and very strong) pony is perfectly controlled without metal in his mouth.

Bitless bridles work on the simple basis of pressure and release. You can still gain collection. You can still precisely steer your horse. But this also all comes down to proper schooling. If you have no legs and/or your horse hasn´t been taught proper leg cues you wont get the desired effect with or without a bit.

Jun 21, 2010, Campo Gates - grrrrrrr!

My dearly beloved has had to throw away yet another pair of gloves. This particular pair having only been worn ONCE before!

All you land owners that have public tracks (camino reales, veredas, coladas etc) going through your property please remember 1º they shouldn´t be blocked or locked in any way, that is the law. (A Vereda should have 72m of free, transitable width) 2º if you have animals, we fully understand you will put up a gate, but please DON´T MAKE IT FROM BARBED WIRE, and ridiculously wide and ridiculously heavy. I will always do my best to close a gate behind me that I find closed, but if I have to fight with it to get it back into position and risk tearing lumps of flesh out of my hands and arms in the process I WONT - spherical objects to you :P

Jun 21, 2010, Therapy Trek

Saturday dawned with a light breeze and slightly overcast - perfect for the 30 km´s ahead. An eleventh hour decision I took Suska (AKA Missy No Spots) sure she would make the first leg, not so sure she would make the return journey, but couldn´t miss the opportunity to take her out and accustom her to;

Cows - check, no problem

Speeding motorbikes - check, no problem

Rivers - check, no problem

Road grates - check, no problem

Village/buildings/blowing laundry - check, no problem

JCB´s/tractors - check, no problem - perfect little arabian mare, love her even more!

We arrived at a country idle (Ahora Ya) outside Colmenar, with a private stretch of river in which we swam with the horses - the stuff dreams are made of - perfect.

Fabulous lunch in the village, where various members began to loose the plot!!!

Tarifa - 90% fat (someone confusing their towns with their sausages)

Lost a watch - well give it a ring!

What´s that at the bottom? - having just poured half a jar of honey into their glass!

Chicken cooked on a rat! - Well, I guess you just had to be there. Those of us that were will know what this gobbledegook is all about LOL

Afternoon spent taking massages, turkish baths or whatever other natural therapy this place has to offer, whilst the horses enjoyed a good roll and lots of sweet grass and hay in a paddock next to the river.

Evening meal of healthy home cooked food accompanied by very good organic beer and wine. Sated bods, 2 legs and 4, were all in bed pretty early!

30km trek home the next day saw everyone arrive happy, healthy and fit to continue (apart from someone complaining of a sore bum, but then they hadn´t ridden for 5 months!). Suska wasn´t on that list though only VERY tired as she hasn´t trekked more than 8 km´s before this weekend, so I trailered her the last 10 km´s home, having myself walked at her side for 10 km´s. But she was a superstar and I don´t think anyone would take anything away from her for this. The weekend had been a huge adventure for her with lots of firsts. I´m very proud of my little unicorn.

The route was all countyside, along a river, through fields and only 1km on the road (thanks Karen for showing us that shortcut X), gentle ups and downs even though we actually crossed 3 mountains to arrive at our destination.

Jun 17, 2010, Blowing my own trumpet!

They say there´s a book in everyone. Well, hey at least there´s a few magazine articles in me!

Besides my regular little monthly editorial in the magazine Andalucia Life, I´ve been asked to write a two page article on barefoot horses for a new pet magazine that distributes all over the Costa del Sol, Petzone. Look out for me in issue 4 (I think!). But it doesn´t end there.

An American magazine called The Horses Hoof, has also asked I write a two page article for their autumn edition and The Tidings, which is the quarterly magazine associated to the Foundation Appaloosa Horse Registry, have asked for an article about my barefoot and bitless Appaloosas here in Spain.

Last year I had two articles printed in the Sundance 500 magazine. This registry is for Appaloosa´s that relate back to the original foundation lines of F4 - that´s a case of need to know the breed system!

Lets hope all this finally brings open minded attention to our healthy barefoot equines and see´s more people making the transition here in Spain.

Jun 10, 2010, Hot to Trot

Chance had his 14th trim yesterday. He happily lifted hooves and rested them on my knees (I could do with a rising platform to put the short ones on!) as I trimmed little hooves that are, in 6 short months, the shape they now should be. A far cry from the little pony that wouldn´t lift his hooves because the pain of his weight being left just on 3 was to much to bare.

At last his frogs are completely healthy and just need time to expand. He has heels, at the correct height and angle, and toe callus well and truly forming (at his toes!). The ridges that define all the damage these little hooves have suffered are still yet to grow out, but from the coronet down a good inch of smooth healthy horn at the correct angle is clearly visible. Most importantly is that the coffin bones have resuspended and Chance has healthy good sole.

A far cry from when we lifted Chance into the trailer 6 months ago, him barely able to put one foot in front of the other having both fronts fully foundered (the coffin bone penetrating the soles)! Chance looked a lot older than his now 11 years. A little face prematurely greyed from stress and abuse, with sad empty eyes has become completely animated and some how less grey, with shiny happy eyes smiling out.

Chance also appears to have become the caretaker of all our ´broken´ arrivals. First there was the angry stallion, who was really a beautiful gentle boy inside, then Duque who at only 2 has seen and suffered more horrors than any one deserves even in a whole lifetime. Now Chance has taken to the new kid on the block, also rescued, showing him the ropes (where the sweetest greens are!) and letting him know he´s safe here.

Jun 8, 2010, Horse Abuse

Having again been informed of a case of abuse I cry, neigh I SHOUT - REPORT IT, TAKE PHOTOS, NOTE THE PLACE, REPORT IT. PUT YOURSELF OUT JUST A LITTLE.It´s so easy for people to say ´Oh dear, what a shame´ as they drive on by some emaciated donkey or hobbled horse where the hobbles have cut through the flesh. How many of you are guilty of that? Shame on you.

Laws do exist here in Spain, just as any other country, regarding a certain minimum living and sanitary conditions and minimum feed and shelter standards. The Town Halls are also obliged by law to have a registered ´explotación equina´ where they can take abandoned or abused animals. If they don´t they are breaking the law. Check with your local town hall that they have these facilities. If you have the space offer to be their registered facility.

I´m really sick of people passing the buck. We bought these animals into captivity. We took away their lands and natural living environment. It is up to us to be their voices and protect them from the atrocities they suffer at the hands of the ignorant.

If everyone who owns a horse just put an extra 10 € a month on their equine budget and gave this to a horse charity it would help enormously. If everyone who sells a horse did a proper check on the potential new owner this would avoid a lot of cruelty cases. If everyone who wants to buy a horse thinks long and hard about the responsibility and cost involved before doing so this would stop a lot of starvation and abandonment.

I´m so angry I could spit!