F.W. Rider's Blog

How to introduce your child to horses

 

As a parent, our children’s safety is of the utmost importance to us. A parent’s worry is what can hold our children back from getting the most out of ponies. Horses are unpredictable, large and unaware of where they are putting their own feet; so being worried is natural. But have no fear, some simple rules about respecting horses, and the right equipment (from good boots to a comfy pair of trousers to ride in) will have your child ready to ride in no time.

There are some rules you can enforce and teach your child to help them be able to look after themselves:

Where to put their fingers:

Their little fingers + big scary horse teeth = trouble! No matter how much you trust your horse not to bite, little fingers can easily be confused for little carrots. It is important to teach children that horses do have sharp teeth – and the classic flat hand with thumbs tucked underneath is an important lesson even adults need to keep in mind. Or you could teach your child to keep their hands away from a horse’s mouth until they are a bit older to understand the flat hand rule.

 

Wear a helmet all the time:

Horses are also notoriously clumsy, that is why it can be a good idea to plonk a well-fitting riding helmet on your child at all times – even when they aren’t riding! This saves accidental bumps on the head, from the horses or just from general yard duties! Those wheelbarrows can be clumsy too! Kids are curious, let them be curious, but teach them fundamental safety rules from an early age, like staying away from horse’s legs – especially their back legs.

 

Learn basic horse body language:

Basic understanding of a horse’s body language enables them to start to understand when a horse is saying: “stay away from me”. Turning their bums towards you, and ears going back is a good indication that you should keep your distance.  

 

Now the basics are down, it’s time to ride!

 

Make sure you have the correct equipment:

Make sure your child has the correct equipment for riding – any hat has to be up to a certain safety standard! A comfy pair of trousers is also important, there is nothing worse than being uncomfortable in the saddle, and we know how children get when they are uncomfortable; this one bad experience could put them off coming back. Good riding boots are also vital for this reason. However, if you don’t want to splash out yet, a shoe they already own with a decent heel would work for their first go.

 

Find a pony you know and trust:

A well-behaved pony will do wonders for your child’s confidence. Find either a friend’s pony or a well-established riding school that has endless ‘worth their weight in gold’ type ponies in their stables. Give them a positive first experience, it will make them want to come back for more!

 

After a few rides:

Little ponies can be great for learning to ride on, so make sure your pony is size appropriate. Remember to let your child find their own balance (when they are old enough), encourage their independence, let them fall off (within reason, of course!) Pick them up, dust them off, and stick them back in the saddle. Don’t make a fuss, you’ll most likely end up worrying them. Everyone falls off, it’s how we become better riders.

 

The most important thing:

 

Let them enjoy themselves! Let them fall in love with horses the way you did. It’s all about having fun. Give your child space to learn themselves what being around horses means, and you’ll end up getting your little riding buddy a lot sooner than you thought!

 

The forecast has been stirring for a while now and apparently, we’re in for another ice age. Just as they said we would be last year, the year before that and quite possibly, every other year before that. I’ve done my utmost to avoid social media as I can’t quite bring myself to have to sift through the onslaught of panicked posts asking how to rug their horse, what should they do in the snow, knowing full well that it’s never as bad as what they say.

 

I’m fast becoming a far more natural horse owner and over the last few years have seen some amazing benefits leaving my horses unrugged. The two welshes are still portly and my big lad, the Clydesdale cross is looking fantastic. Their coats are at least two inches thick. In fact, the two young warmbloods have grown incredibly thick coats and with their now never-ending supply of haylage in the field, are looking superb. I leave their stable doors open and allow for them to wander in and out as they please and do you know what? 90% of the time, they choose to be outside.

 

What riles me more is probably the fact that the media make us break into sheer panic. I don’t understand the necessity. Surely there are far more exciting things to discuss, such as our impending BREXIT or worse still, our NHS, public services, a good deed that a local person in our community has done? Instead, we’re plagued with pictures of cars stuck on the side of the motorway in inches deep snow leaving us stock piling the logs for the fire, panic shopping at Tesco and of course, jumping onto social media and asking how everyone else is choosing to rug their horse.

 

What I have learnt, is that no matter how hard you try, there will always be someone complaining about what you’re doing. On one hand, I’m often commended for the natural approach, especially with my youngsters. On the other hand, I’m considered heartless for leaving them rug-free and not having them all in heavy weights. One person thinks I should be feeding them more while another compliments the fact that I’m allowing them to lose a healthy amount of weight, ready for spring.

 

I saw an article on the Horse & Hound website just yesterday. It spoke about the obesity epidemic plaguing the horse world and it said something that really struck a chord, “As a rule, you’ll get more criticism on a livery yard if you can see ribs than if your horse is overweight.” Is that not madness? Perhaps what bothered me more was that not only is the equine world filled with soooo much criticism but that we’re so bothered by it, it almost seems that we’re putting out horses welfare at risk just to ensure we’re at the lesser end of the critique scale.

 

My horses will lose weight this winter and they’ll be heading into spring with a few ribs showing. Just how they should be! Don’t like it? Ask your vet or better still, keep your criticism to yourself. Until then, batten down the hatches guys and prepare for the inevitable Ice Age…again.

2018, what a year! Much like every other year, it’s been a mixed bag only this time around, it’s been a mixed bag on what feels like steroids. From the birth of our second child to finally bringing Hattie, the devil child, to our yard with the boys; the family trip of a lifetime to Disney World to having the chuckle brothers gelded and subsequently moody with me for the next two weeks. If that wasn’t enough, the year ended with me having another major surgery, which meant my total riding time for the year was around oohh…five whole hours.

While I could look at that and put it down to a really pants year, instead I’m looking at it like an intervention. I spent my whole equestrian life riding, instead of taking note of the horse on the ground. This year has forced me to instead look at the horse from their own level instead of down below at their ears as I sit on top of them.

I always thought I had a great relationship with Jack, my big lad, but it wasn’t until I started looking more into the intricate details of a horse, its movement and the way it interacts with the rest of its herd that I realised I didn’t. He was just incredibly amenable. He put up with me if anything.

It wasn’t until Hattie entered the fold that I really had to take a long hard look at how I worked, how I handled them because my usual approach of casual authority just didn’t seem to work with her. I was at my wits end with the chestnut filly and then I came across Jemma Myers. Jemma was a wonderful woman who took a more natural approach with her horses and while this wasn’t my usual cup of tea, I felt like it was my only option.

Within fifteen minutes of Jemma arriving, my way of thinking had been totally converted. I was taught to read body language and gain their respect rather than force them to view me as their leader – instead I was to show them why they should want me as their leader.

2018 consisted of me being pregnant through January until the beginning of June. I then took another 6 weeks to recover from a c-section before jetting off on our amazing family holiday. By the time I knew it, it was October. I spent October and November regaining my confidence back in the saddle and spending time implementing all that Jemma had taught me. That all came screeching to a halt in December when I was taken for surgery and here we are, January 2019 and while I may be almost bed bound, I’m not brow beaten. I’m excited for the year ahead. In fact, that’s an understatement; I’m down right elated at the steps I plan on taking when I can start mucking out, riding and finally getting a real relationship with not only the devil child filly but all of the horses.

With my new Brand Ambassador role at Black Onyx Equestrian as well as a position as promoter over at Vivendi Equestrian & Fitness Apparel, it looks like 2019 is going to be one fantastic year. My eyes are open and I’m ready to take it all in.

I’m sat in bed, reflecting. It’s not often I do this, mostly because I spend my life chasing my tail, trying to keep on top of everything but also because I hate admitting that so much time has passed.

It feels like the minute I left school all those years ago, time just flew by and it seemed to pick up speed the moment I had children. While I never let it stop me (and I really don’t having acquired not one but five horses), it has definitely made things harder in terms of enjoying my equestrian passion. With a much brighter outlook healthwise, for 2019, I’m hoping my riding starts to pick up momentum like it once did. My eldest daughter is due to start school this coming year so I’ll be down to just one little one watching me hop in the saddle, much easier for the husband to handle I should think, while I enjoy a few more hacks and get back to enjoying my big lad Jack.

Despite a sickly pregnancy, recovery from a c-section and further abdominal surgery that will commence this week, I’ve still managed a few lessons and actually gained a love for in-hand training. The young colts are no more…as they’re now geldings and the devil child that is Hattie, the filly, is beginning to show a softer side. I also became a brand ambassador for Black Onyx Equestrian as well as a member of the amazing Team Vivendi! So it’s fair to say it’s not all been too bad!

With such a huge amount of pressure and a distinct lack of time in 2018, could 2019 be the year that it all falls into place? I’m hoping so. While I write this however, I’m suddenly aware that not all of you will be reading my blogs over at Black Onyx Equestrian, in which case, you may not be totally familiar with the herd. The perfect excuse to introduce you all with some short but sweet stories on each member of the aptly named Orange City gang! If you do get a few minutes however, head over to the Fair Weather Rider x Black Onyx Blog and take a peek. You might enjoy reading about my struggles with the devil child or get a few ideas for Christmas! Either way, it’ll kill some time on the commute.

Keep your eyes peeled for some upcoming blogs on the gang and watch this space for some hideously cringey photos in which I pretend not to have a clue that the photo is being taken!

 

I couldn’t be more pleased to announce that I’m now part of the fabulous #TEAMVIVENDI. Vivendi Equestrian & Fitness Apparel are a brand new equestrian clothing brand who’ve chosen me, alongside a select few to promote their fabulous brand!

I couldn’t be more pleased for the opportunity to use their amazing leggings. They’re incredibly versatile which means I get to wear them from the yard to the gym, or running with the dogs and straight to Sainsbury’s. Let’s face it, everyone does the same! Only this time, I won’t have people staring at me for my apparent random attire, as they’ll simply see me in my active wear, which let’s face it, has become incredibly popular to do everything in, even lounge on the sofa.

Their leggings aren’t the only thing they offer however, as they also have an amazing compression top as well as a high impact sports bra! Just a few less pies and I might branch out into wearing the bra, sans compression top! Ooh er!

What’s even better is that not only do I get to become part of this amazing team, but I also get to hand a rather amazing benefit down to you too. I get a unique code that offers everyone who uses it, a fabulous 15% off! All you need to do is use my code “JEN15” at checkout and bam, that’s a tasty little discount for you right there!

I couldn’t be more pleased to start my journey with this fabulous bunch but what’s more, I couldn’t be more pleased to offer you, my amazing followers here on my website, on my Instagram and Facebook a benefit as a way of saying thank you for all of your support this year! My riding has been less than active thanks to a sickly pregnancy and a prolonged recovery from a C-section, but that hasn’t stopped me enjoying my horses and with this new position at Vivendi, I feel like us DIY’ers are finally being recognised. You don’t need to compete at high levels to be considered an equestrian. You don’t need £20,000 horses either. You simply need to enjoy your horses to be part of one of the most amazing communities in the world, equestrianism.

For more information on Vivendi, simply check them out here… https://www.vivendiapparel.co.uk

It’s that time of the week again, for my latest blog with Black Onyx Equestrian. This week I’m talking about a new approach, a new approach to the brand ambassador role perhaps? When you think of a brand ambassador, high-level competitors spring to mind but I couldn’t be further from it. Perhaps that’s why they chose me. I’m a regular horse owner who enjoys her equines in every aspect, from the care to the ‘happy hacking’ and when it comes to competitions, well, my youngsters just won’t allow that at the moment. Until this, I enjoy watching from the sidelines.

Find out more in my Black Onyx Equestrian Blog right here….

I’m super pleased to announce I’m now a brand ambassador for Black Onyx Equestrian and I couldn’t be more pleased. To become a brand ambassador is amazing in itself but to become a brand ambassador for a brand I love is something else entirely. Here’s my first blog giving you wonderful lot a little introduction to who I am and more importantly, my herd of weird and wonderful equines.

Check it out right here…

 

The sunshine and dry spells have been unprecedented. Here in the UK, we never expect much of a summer, let alone one so dry. The sunshine filled few weeks we do tend to get have never had much of an impact on my horses hooves however this year, things have changed dramatically. Whilst I once needed to throw some oil on once a week to keep their hooves looking tiptop, I found myself in a very different position. Couple this with being away from them while I recovered from a C-section and it created the perfect ingredients for hideous hooves.

With all five horses barefoot this year, (three youngsters, one child’s lead rein pony and my big lad who’s been tack free due to my pregnancy) I noticed a huge difference in their ability to cope. So much so that we moved on from mere cracks to great big whacking chunks. Hoof care is something that I haven’t had to focus on heavily in previous years, however with such a sight in front of me, I knew I had to do something. What’s the saying? No hoof, no horse? That filled me with dread.

While I usually head straight for the Kevin Bacon, I’d run out and couldn’t find any stock in my local saddler. Thankfully, a lovely girl in my local saddlery recommended Keratex Hoof Moisturiserafter using it herself. So I grabbed a litre bottle of Keratex (from Vio Vet as it was cheaper than the saddlery) and began moisturising their hooves daily.

I didn’t notice a difference initially I will admit BUT, and it’s a big BUT, I have certainly noticed a difference since the farrier visited. I think they’d gone beyond a point of no return and the cracks and chunks would continue to appear until their next regular trim. Once they’d all been trimmed however, with continued regular moisturising, I noticed they had a much hardier quality. The cracks and chunks missing, didn’t return as their newly moisturised hooves gave them that much needed flex and fought off the brittleness.

While we still have the hideous dryness, that’s soon to be fought off with a few thunderstorms and light showers (and so the panic of laminitis ensues with suddenly sugary grass…), the cracked hooves and unsightly chunks are – so far – no where to be seen. Here’s hoping with regular applications, the boys should get through the remainder of the summer relatively unscathed in the hoof department!

I do wonder if I’ll go back to Kevin Bacon as I usually do in the winter however I’d be keen to see the difference between the two. Maybe I could start using Kevin Bacon on 2 and Keratex on the remaining 3. Then see who’s hooves look the best? That might be worth a little try, starting at the tail end of next spring perhaps or maybe even now, especially as we have a couple months left of summer??

You can purchase the Keratex Hoof Moisturiser here: https://www.keratex.com/product/keratex-hoof-moisturiser/

I would have included a link to Vio Vet however I’ve since found it actually more expensive than the Keratex website itself.

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Sweet itch, allergies, whatever it is – owning a horse with itchy skin is an emotional journey to say the least. From sheer frustration at the inability to find a miracle cure to the upset at seeing your four legged friend tearing their skin apart; it’s heartbreaking.

I’ve experienced this with Steve (or Steven when he’s really pissing me off!). Steve is best described as the dream horse I never knew I wanted. He’s a little pocket rocket in the form of a Welsh D (Trevallion blood lines) x Thoroughbred. He was NOT on my wish list and most certainly not on my to do list. I wasn’t looking for another horse but my then 6 month old foal Danny was in the field with my 12 year old Clydesdale X and Welsh A pony, neither of whom wanted to frolic of any kind. I felt sorry for Danny and did the only logical thing to do, especially when there happens to be a spare stable on your yard, and that was go in search of a “temporary” companion. I use the term temporary loosely for the simple fact that a year and a half down the line and Steve is quite obviously still here and looks to be going nowhere soon…

Steve was a totally blind purchase from a stud in Wales and completely wow’d me when he came trotting off the lorry, full of beans after a mammoth journey from Tregaron. After a little persuasion, he finally realised that us humans were fab things and made himself firmly at home – sometimes a little too much but we won’t go there. His first spring/summer as a 1 year old were when his problems began. As you can see from the image above, his itching was a little more than the usual. The hair was ripped from his skin and his skin left red raw. Over the course of the summer, despite eliminating certain food groups, products and more, this cycle would continue over and over again until winter arrived. Steve was beside himself until the cooler days when it just disappeared. Vets decided the infamous sweet itch was the culprit and we were to manage it year in, year out forever more.

As any owner of a horse with sweet itch will know, it’s not something to take lightly. It’s a hideous allergy that doesn’t just look horrible but can quit literally change a horses personality. So you can imagine my desperation when I spotted The Little Feed Company‘s post on Instagram in search of itchy horses. They were trialling a new supplement aimed at healing the horse from within. I messaged them instantly and after sending images across, Steve was placed on the trial. Forward to a few weeks later and two bags (a months supply) of Skin Saver arrived at my door. I was sceptical to say the least but desperate to try anything considering the onset of his itching had begun already (we were in March – just). Life being the way that it is, nothing’s simple and putting the supplement in his feed was just far to easy as Steve decided that in actual fact, he didn’t want to eat it. Over the course of the next few weeks, his itching, as predicted increased and we were met with this summers first scab (pictured above). After speaking with the lovely Hermione from The Little Feed Company, I introduced it once again to his feed, this time in much smaller doses than first recommended. This time, the super fussy itchy one actually began to eat it and eat it he did. It took just a few days for him to accept it at the full dose rate.

The scab continued to worsen for the first week or so of him being on it and as I usually am, just five minutes into a diet, deemed it no good. However, as my father would say, “O ye, of little faith” because just two weeks later and his serious itching had stopped. The scab stopped spreading and stopped looking so angry. Over the course of the next two weeks, I found the scab and site of the wound began to shrink too. It began healing and now, in the middle of summer (almost July) and as you can see from the pictures below, his chest is super shiny and super clear. He still itches every so often but then again, I love a back scratch every now and then so I don’t see it an issue.

I wouldn’t say we’re completely in the clear as his tail still looks like a hot mess but that may just be him! Who knows with this guy, he loves to throw a curve ball all the live long day but hey, we have no more scabbed chest, no more incessant itching that destroys fence posts and stable walls and what’s more, I now have a very handsome and super calm two year old who looks and feels great. If your horse or pony is suffering at the hands of sweet itch or any other allergy, I highly recommend. In fact, I cannot sing its praises highly enough, so much so, I’ll be investing in the 5kg tub next!

Thank you to The Little Feed Company for allowing Steve onto the trial! We couldn’t be happier! Now just to get over his latest adventure of puncturing his leg….blimming horses, who’d have them?

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