 |
Always
walk the first mile away from home and the last mile back home:
this ensures your pony is well warmed up before you start faster
work and well cooled down before you bring him home. |
 |
Never
trot or canter on tarmac roads. Any imagined benefit of hardening
your horse's legs will be negated by the very real damage done by
concussion to the feet and joints. |
 |
Never
put your pony away without washing off his girth area and around
his ears. Dried sweat is a sure thiing to produce girth galls and
sores, which will mean no riding unless you're into bridleless,
backback riding! |
 |
Clean
your tack daily for the reasons mentioned above, it costs
a fortune and has to last a lifetime. |
 |
Never
hit your pony out of temper or worse still spite, best not to carry
a whip if you can't control yourself. |
 |
Never
tie your horse or pony up to a solid object. Always tie to baler
twine which acts as a safety break in case the horse pulls back. |
 |
Let
your pony know you are about - don't come up on him unawares from
his rear, which he cannot see, and then be surpised when he jumps
out of his skin and knocks you over. |
 |
If you are in doubt about your pony's health, call the vet, don't
take a chance. |
 |
Look
after yourself when turning your pony out with his pals, release
him facing into the field alongside a fence which you can hop onto
in a hurry if necessary. |
 |
Tip
number 10 is really a valuable addendum of tips from the Farrier:
1 |
Catch your horse before the farrier
arrives. |
2 |
Wash off horse's muddy feet before
the Farrier arrives. |
3 |
Don't stable your horse on a dirty
wet bed (especially deep litter) as amonia breaks down the
horn. |
4 |
If you want him to "just do
an extra one" be sure you are happy for him to be late
for you next time, when he is just doing someone elses extra
one! |
5 |
Please if you wish to oil your pony's
feet wait until after it's been shod! |
6 |
And lastly but most importantly,
have the kettle on ready for the Farrier's arrival! |
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