q: Do you have any opinions on if it’s better to turn horses out in mixed gender or single gender herds, or does it make no difference? I’ve always had geldings, but have been offered a mare, who has only ever lived with other mares. I could potentially keep her on her own (but nearby) … Read more
Q:Would you, given large enough paddocks with safe fencing, run a group of eight horses as a single herd, or split into two or three (or more) smaller groups? If you split them, would you split by age/gender or have a mixture? Tara, via email Hi Tara, From your question, I can tell you … Read more
Can you help me with a nappy horse. He is great at home and if I take him out schooling/riding away from home. But at competitions he gets nappy – he will warm-up at the practise fence just fine but when it’s our turn, sometimes he jibs/ does little rears and refuses to go into … Read more
Question: My young mare has suddenly started being nasty to other horses (I’ve had her since a foal and she’s always been sweet natured). She is now 5. I know I can’t do anything about how she treats her paddock mates. But lately she’s started lungeing violently with her teeth bared at other horses tied … Read more
Question: I recently bought an 11-year-old TB gelding with a potentially dangerous habit. This horse is a bit high energy, but he generally behaves well both on the ground and under saddle. The problem comes when I turn him out after riding him. As we approach the gate to his paddock, he rushes up to … Read more
From Sharon What do you think about using food treats as rewards while training horses. Is it effective, or does it just turn them into pushy, demanding horses? Does it encourage them to start nipping for treats, which is what we were told at pony club? Hi Sharon It is okay to use treats as … Read more
Q: I’d like some advice about introducing a new horse to a herd. My two elderly geldings (21 and 24) have been together for most of their lives. I have been riding the younger one, but his jumping days are over and though I will keep hacking him lightly, I am about to purchase a … Read more
Question from a reader: “I’ve owned my 6-year-old warmblood-cross gelding for three years, and he has recently started to get really nappy when I ride him (although not always). He will stop out of the blue, sometimes rears or bucks a little, and refuses to go forward. I’ve ridden horses for many years, and I cannot … Read more
How would you go about introducing a puppy to being around horses? 2. How about an older dog (ie. a pound rescue type dog) who is new to horses? 3. What about the other way around, if you have a horse who is not used to dogs? Any tips or suggestions? 4. Have you any … Read more
