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Horses/Questions Answered by Expert Dorothy Morris-Robinson

Subject	Date Asked
stifle stiffness	12/5/2011
Q: I have an 8 year old off the track thoroughbred that I have been schooling for 2 years. As far as I ... A: First have him checked by a vet. If the vet says he is up to working, then I recommend trotting ...
horse holding head down	11/16/2011
Q: My usually high spirited and alert 3 1/2 yr. old gelding is holding his head down with his nose ... A: My only advice is that you immediately call your vet and have him take a look. The ear may have an ...
Starting Gate	11/9/2011
Q: I am 62 years old and have been out of the horse racing buisness for about 27 years. I have aquired ... A: You don't say what city you are close to. If you are close to a TB racing track, you can contact ...
First time horse breed?	11/1/2011
Q: I've never owned a horse before, and have no experience with them. However, I'm planning to get one, ... A: I would suggest an older, well trained Morgan. And I would suggest that you take riding lessons ...
poping knee	10/26/2011
Q: I have a 9y Appy/TB that I have had since he was 8months old. I am doing dressage with him. He has ... A: I am not sure what you mean by jello legs. If you have consulted your vet, and he has done xrays ...
my horse lady	9/6/2011
Q: my Arabian horse lady shes 26 and i put her with a herd of 4 mares so she can have freedom the ... A: Your mare has become "herd bound". She sees the herd as her safety net and as her social gathering. ...
malnourished horse	8/3/2011
Q: Two days ago I took a 3 month old filly from someone who couldn't take care of her. She was bitten ... A: First of all, congratulations on your new addition. You have undertaken a big job, but a worthwhile ...
need my tb bringing back	7/21/2011
Q: I am buying a tb on sunday she was put in training to be a race horse but she was brought out after ... A: I have requested that this be sent to me in an email. But I can ask a couple of questions. How ...
4 yr old mare lameness	7/6/2011
Q: i have a 4 yr old arab x appaloosa mare. Recently, she has become lame on both front feet. She is ... A: Did you vet say anything about the possibility that the mare needs shoes? She could get a stone ...
Pipe Corral Size	6/19/2011
Q: I'm going to be buying 3-4 horses for my kids and had a question regarding the pipe corral size. Is ... A: You will need at least a 24x24 for each one of the horses. Each one should be half covered. Also, ...
thorougbreds for show jumping	5/24/2011
Q: why thoroughbreds are suitable for show jumping? do they have strong legs and hooves? what about ... A: Thoroughbreds are suitable for show jumping because of their size (height) and their overall ...
green horse learn yo lunge properly	5/7/2011
Q: within how many days should a horse especially a green one learn to lunge properly in a circle? A: Within one hour. Of course it depends on the experience, knowledge and skill of the trainer. If ...
Jumping Prospect	3/15/2011
Q: I own a registered Quarter Horse filly that I bred and raised. She is currently 14.1 hh at 9 months ... A: The answer to your"Is she showing unusual ability" is yes, she is. And she is showing unusual desire ...
purchasing a young warmblood	3/11/2011
Q: I am currently looking for a horse. I want to compete in showjumping and eventing up to 1.20m. I ... A: You decision depends on how badly you wish to do a lot of competing right now or how much patience ...
outdoor riding arena	2/23/2011
Q: I have seen 3 and 2 rail riding arenas. I am building an arena and trying to keep cost down. Is a ... A: You do not need any rails to ride in an arena. Dressage arenas have only very low borders. I work ...
Tripping/stumbling/falling	2/9/2011
Q: I have an 8 year old Rhinelander. I have owned him for a year now he is my first horse and I ride 5 ... A: First of all, let me tell you that I am sorry for your horse having this condition because there is ...
exercise	2/8/2011
Q: According to feed supplement companies, the amount of feed to give a horse is based on their ... A: I would consider that not even light work. That horse would need nothing more than free choice, ...
Horse Joints	1/9/2011
Q: I have been riding hunter/jumpers since I was 8 years old, I am now 17. Recently, I started some ... A: It is those pushoff joints that you have to worry about now...the hocks and stifle. Please hold off ...
Food Aggressive Horse...	12/20/2010
Q: My name is Renee and I have a 4 yr old draft cross who is food aggressive in his stall. I have ... A: When we cannot teach a horse using strength we have to use our minds. In this case all you have to ...
horse	12/14/2010
Q: 1 hands tall. her mother is a 15 hand tall horse and very bulcky her father is 14.1 hands tall not ... A: How tall a horse grows depends on more than the size of the dam and sire. It depends on his diet ...
broodmares	11/11/2010
Q: I recently acquired a former broodmare from a friend. She is a 9 year old thoroughbred mare who has ... A: There is no difference in method for strengthening a broodmare's back and a gelding's back. Their ...
Feeding a malnutrition horse	10/20/2010
Q: I have a question. We adopted a mare about 11 years old and 16 h. The hose seems a little thin. ... A: I do not recommend grain unless a horse is being worked or growing, and then only a small amount ...
back to basics	10/16/2010
Q: my 5yr old new forest pony is due back after being on loan 3 times to 3 different homes. i have had ... A: There is no difference in re-training a spoiled horse than there is in starting a brand new young ...
age	9/14/2010
Q: how old should the horse be if you want to show them. and what about the age and how do you tell ... A: You tell the age of a horse by the teeth. Your vet will be able to look at them and tell you how ...
Novice Eventing	9/4/2010
Q: I have just started leasing a horse, hes shown A circuit,and evented. i am looking to enter a Novice ... A: Wow! This is a big question or two. Training for this competition must include dressage, cross ...
my foal	8/1/2010
Q: i have a foal that does not kick or rear! if i was to pick up her feet at the back do you think she ... A: The halter and picking up 4 feet should have been done just after the foal was born. First you must ...
Moving horse from hot weather to cold weather	7/25/2010
Q: I will be attending Iowa state in the fall and will be moving my horse their in the fall of 2011. As ... A: It will be cold and damp in Iowa. You will need a quilted blanket for stable and an outer ...
weaning a foal	7/19/2010
Q: We had our first foal in April how and when do I wean the foal A: You should plan to wean your foal at age 6 months to 8 months. Before weaning make sure that the ...
Rearing Horse	7/3/2010
Q: I am 41 and have ridden for years and am well seated. I have a 5 yr old quarter pony mare I bought ... A: My advice is that you do not buy this horse. The problem may or may not be fixable. Much depends on ...
laying horse	5/4/2010
Q: i just recently got two qh, and one of them likes to roll A LOT, accosionally i will come in and she ... A: Unless she paws a lot when standing and lies down and gets up over and over, I wouldn't worry. She ...
My horse trys to buck.	5/3/2010
Q: My 6 year old Morab and I are having a bit of an issue, but before I tell you about the issue, I'm ... A: Beth, I can say for sure that the poor guy is not getting nearly enough exercise/work. And your ...
My horse trys to buck.	5/3/2010
Q: My 6 year old Morab and I are having a bit of an issue, but before I tell you about the issue, I'm ... A: You don't say if you ride western or english. You don't say what you are feeding the horse. The ...
Brumby Horses	4/30/2010
Q: I live in the snowy mountains area in eastern australia, we have alot of wild horses (Brumby's) in ... A: You say you live in Australia, but you write from Japan. Confusing. Before you even consider ...
weaning a 3 year old	4/16/2010
Q: We have a 3 year old that we have waited for the mother to wean herself. There is no cross fence ... A: Helo Sharice, There is no way you will accomplish this by tying them up. It requires sometimes ...
Food Aggression	4/3/2010
Q: I rescued a horse 3 weeks ago from slaughter. She is a 4 year old part TB sports horse and came to ... A: This is a situation where you will have to be very patient and observant. First, do not allow your ...
controlling the canter & paces hacking	3/8/2010
Q: I recently bought a 7 year old connemara mare. she is very willing & sweet. In the school she is ... A: I would suggest first that you lunge her before mounting for a hack. Let her get the bugs out ...
horses/opposum urin on feed	2/25/2010
Q: is the urin from opposum, a poison to horses? thank you jim A: Yes, it, and the opossum feces, are the main carriers of EPM disease in horses. This is a ...
Friesian wont budge!!!	2/18/2010
Q: I have a 9y/o Friesian that I have raised since he was 6mo old. He is bomb proof to a fault. When we ... A: I doesn't sound as though he is your best friend. lol. My solution would be to get another rider ...
lameness ...where do I start?	2/9/2010
Q: I recently moved my newly purchased 4 yo TB gelding. He is off the track but only raced 3 times (he ... A: Where is the lameness? Is he lame when walking and trotting or just trotting. Did you have him ...
Miniature Horse behaviour	2/6/2010
Q: I have just rescued a miniature horse who is a 9 year old stallion. He was in a field with a sheep ... A: He is showing normal stallion behavior, especially for one that has not been socialized with humans. ...
Jumps in a pasture	2/2/2010
Q: I do three day eventing with my horses. We just moved into our own place, but we have limited space. ... A: I don't think it would harm anything at all. How many jumps you have depends on space available, ...
horses	1/19/2010
Q: my four year old cob has a problem sometimes when i let her out she intends to run and go mad how ... A: It is the normal nature of young horses to run wild when they are turned out if they have been ...
My neglected racehorse	11/17/2009
Q: i recently bought a young throughbred horse who is lacking condition. It would be very helpful if ... A: In order to develop muscle a horse needs work of the proper sort. He first needs ground work on the ...
laying down	11/11/2009
Q: riding along the other day ,,,my daughters horse decided she was going to lay down and have a ... A: Since I don't know why she lay down I can only tell you what my daughter did in the same ...
what am i doing wrong?	11/4/2009
Q: until 1 year ago I had a bad fall and I was dragged by the horse, i lost my confidents and stoped ... A: The best horses are not always the right horses for everyone. The more a horse is trained...the ...
moldy hay	10/23/2009
Q: What do i do if my horse eats moldy hay? A: You don't say if there was any reaction to his eating the mouldy hay, or has he actually eaten it ...
My silly horse bucks when he runs!	10/4/2009
Q: I rescued my best buddy, 11 yo QH "Rusty", from a sticky situation where he was ridden by lots of ... A: Sounds like you have a happy horse full of pizazz. I think you should put him on the lunge line ...
underwieght abandoned thoroughbred	9/2/2009
Q: I have currently accepted the responsibility of taking care of a very skinny abandoned thoroughbred. ... A: Of course I can. Four weeks ago I brought home a starving Thoroughbred. He is young and a gelding, ...
bits	8/31/2009
Q: I am rehabilitating a 12 year TB who has been out of work for 3 years. Prior to his break he was a ... A: Put him back in the steel French link snaffle. The bit is not the problem. He needs to do some ...
bits	8/24/2009
Q: I am currently using a palham bit, and when im riding the chain keeps coming off because my horse ... A: Your horse is throwing his head around because the bit and/or chain are uncomfortable and are ...
communication	8/23/2009
Q: my name is emily i am 17 and i have been riding for almost 7 years. the horse that i used to lease ... A: Sadly, we hurt ourselves much more than we have to when we begin to believe that our horses are like ...
horse stops after jumping	8/22/2009
Q: I am a beginner rider (less than 2 years experience)and recently started a jumping lesson. A horse ... A: The instructor is at fault here. Stallions should not be used for lessons unless they are so well ...
Query - height between jump poles	8/3/2009
Q: I am in Harrogate UK and I am building some jumps for Emma, my daughter. I have most of the ... A: The spacing is 4 inches (same as a hand for measuring horses). Almost all jump poles are made from ...
won't back out of trailer	7/21/2009
Q: I have a 5 year old gelding. I can back him on the ground with a halter, or a bridle, however If I ... A: My solution to this is the same as my solution to not loading at all. I would find a safe place, ...
cross country	7/18/2009
Q: Dorthy, as a fellow 40 yr. veteran, and a total alien to your world, I was wondering what you would ... A: I believe the ultimate test of a horse is a full three day event like in the old days. This ...
horse stretches down, but then pops head up	7/10/2009
Q: I have been re-training my 11 yr. old HANOV. mare now for a year and ahlaf. She has been trained to ... A: If and when she drops back it is because her hind quarters are not fully engaged. Give with the ...
tongue lolling in a 7 year warmblood	6/30/2009
Q: We have a just 7 year old Oldenburg gelding who has been hanging his tongue out when asked with ... A: I know of no way to correct a hanging tongue. I had an Oldenburg mare that had the problem and ...
Beginning my mare	6/21/2009
Q: I have a 5 year old Arabian/Paint cross who I think would be very good at dressage. I'm new at ... A: Neither Paints nor Arabian are used extensively in dressage, although they may be used in lower ...
4yr old	6/8/2009
Q: to explain former question; The horse is 4 yrs old, of course not a foal. She was taken from her ... A: The Belgian sounds good. He/she will help your mare learn to be a horse and to respect their rules. ...
4yr old	6/8/2009
Q: to explain former question; The horse is 4 yrs old, of course not a foal. She was taken from her ... A: OK,now I know what we are dealing with. First of all, I must ask how much you know and understand ...
Gaited or not Gaited	5/16/2009
Q: What makes a gaited horse, and are horses used in equestrian jumping gaited or not gaited? Thank ... A: Every horse has gaits. The normal four are: walk, trot, canter and gallop. Those horses that are ...
horse giving birth	5/8/2009
Q: i need to know how i can pinpoint when a mare is ready to have her colt i have a american saddle ... A: I believe there is no way to exactly pinpoint when a foal will come. Count 11 months plus or minus ...
cold back / arthritis	4/29/2009
Q: I am looking at an 8 year old Holsteiner as a lease option or even to potentially buy. The horse is ... A: A cold back can mean one of several different problems. Is the back only stiff and cramped until it ...
horse	4/29/2009
Q: So i have a baby horse who will be 2 in july. she is already 13.5 hands thats as tall as the horse i ... A: Your filly is still quite young and will grow both taller and wider. I assume she is a Quarter ...
vet bills	4/27/2009
Q: I am thinking about buying my first horse. I need to know about how much regular check-ups cost ... A: There are no regular checkups, but you will have seasonal innoculations for various diseases. Maybe ...
neighing	4/25/2009
Q: My horse, 12yr gelding, moved to a new stable 1 month ago. When I lunge him he sometimes starts ... A: He is a horse and he is simply calling to his new buddies. He probably has a bit of separation ...
shoes	3/19/2009
Q: how do you know if your horse is being shoed properly? How do you tell if a horse is in ... A: Yes, your Vet should be able to tell you if the angle is correct. You can also find books or ...
shoes	3/19/2009
Q: how do you know if your horse is being shoed properly? How do you tell if a horse is in ... A: Before I hire a farrier I check out his references. I talk with other people who use him for the ...
Trainer	3/14/2009
Q: We are relocating to San Juan Capistrano in Southern Cal and wanted to know if you knew of any cross ... A: You can contact Carol Curry at tulipsprings@aol.com for a connectiono with Don Sachey. She has ...
working with feet	3/8/2009
Q: I have a horse that several years ago had a front leg injury, she recovered but the problem since ... A: First I have to ask aDoes trimming her hoofs cause pain? The soft shelly hooves...what does that ...
muscle atropy	3/7/2009
Q: i have a rescue horse that when the humane society called me to take could hardly stand to eat and ... A: She may have foundered on all that grain you are giving her. 16 lbs a day is way too much for amy ...
Overly aggressive new addition to herd	3/3/2009
Q: unfortunately it seems that it has gone to his head, he will not leave the other geldings alone, ... A: You are doing the correct thing by keeping him separated from the others. You may have to continue ...
turning off the wall at a canter	3/1/2009
Q: At the level that I'm in my trainer expects me to be able to turn off the wall and circle at a ... A: I am surprised that your coach has not explained to you how you should do this. Did you ask for ...
cold back	2/27/2009
Q: I have an 18 yr old qh (decendent of poco bueno) that has recently started biting at me, raising is ... A: If by "cold back" you mean painful spine or arthritis in the spine, this is definitely a ...
Kicking out.	2/22/2009
Q: My 17 year old Quarter horse has recently started kicking out while I ride him. At first we thought ... A: Any horse that is suffering pain of any kind will feel more vulnerable and threatened when he is in ...
Kicking out.	2/21/2009
Q: My 17 year old Quarter horse has recently started kicking out while I ride him. At first we thought ... A: My advice is that first you have him checked out by your vet. Tell the vet exactly what you told ...
Jumping a horse recovering from a fracture	1/21/2009
Q: I have a 5 year old thoroughbred that when I got him had some lameness issues, after MANY trips to ... A: Now. If you trust your vet and your horse, don't wait any longer. Small jumps and gymnastics at ...
Controlling my youngster whilst leading to the field	1/21/2009
Q: I am 41yrs and have had horses since a child, but never a youngster to bring on. I have two horses ... A: Yes, there is a sort of lead with a chain at the snap end. There are three ways you can use it. ...
speed	12/25/2008
Q: i ride a 14 year old ex racehorse and also i started riding her after somone ran barrels on her and ... A: Controlling speed is an issue of good riding, not a problem of the horse. It cannot be accomplished ...
Green horses and lateral work.	12/10/2008
Q: I am 19, and have been riding for around 16 years, and currently beginning a lease on a 4 year old ... A: A horse should not be started in lateral work until it has at least one year of mounted work. This ...
foxhunting	12/4/2008
Q: I have a 7 year old half draft that despite being very nicely trained and lovely to ride seems to be ... A: Do you belong to the hunt club or do you go "capping"? Is it a real hunt or a drag? How often do ...
Horseriding	12/2/2008
Q: my name is Amber and I live in the UK. I go to a small stables, and love every minute. I love my ... A: It is difficult for me to respond because you give me no comparison with other stables and their ...
Bit for X-Country	11/30/2008
Q: I contacted you with a question about my Percheron/TB this summer, and your response really helped ... A: Callie, Glad to hear that you are having fun eventing and that my advice helped. I am going to ...
I need some advice!!!	11/27/2008
Q: I just bought a 6 year old quarter horse gelding that has sort of a problem and I don't know how to ... A: You don't say what sort of bit you are using and that might be a clue. If you are using a curb bit ...
horse pricing	11/25/2008
Q: He is 11 yrs old, 17.1 hands, no vices, could be a experienced childs horse, super light in the ... A: Any horse is worth exactly what you can get for him: no more, no less. You don't say what level he ...
horse emergency	11/13/2008
Q: HE CANNOT REST ON HIS REAR LEG. HE IS NOT LAME AT ALL. EATING WELL BUT IS WALKING ON THREE LEGS ... A: You must call your vet immediately, to come and look at the stallion. There is no other thing to ...
The potential kicker	11/11/2008
Q: I am a novice but learning fast. I love horses and believe in the gentle persuasion approach. I ... A: You are treating your mare as thought she were a person, but unfortunately, she believes that you ...
Horse feeding.	11/3/2008
Q: Hey there, I have a 23 year old mare she was used as a broodmare and then a pack horse, I got her ... A: Beet pulp is a great filler. It gives carbs with little protein so it does not get the horses ...
My horse wont get the right lead.	11/1/2008
Q: I have a 4 year old thoroughbred retired race horse. She is a great horse. I love to ride her! I ... A: It is not uncommon for this problem to surface. Most horses are one sided, as are most humans, and ...
Older person wants to ride	10/30/2008
Q: I am a 58 yr old women, I weigh about 170 lbs. I am interested in purchasing a horse for english ... A: In all due respect: I am concerned about the weight. It depends on how tall you are. If you are ...
Braking young horses	10/28/2008
Q: I have 2 young Oldenburge's. At what age should I start to brake them? I have had horses all my ... A: At age two you can break to saddle and bridle and lead them around. No mounted work. Nothing more ...
greedy pony	10/26/2008
Q: i loan a ten year old hafflinger X cob 3 times a week, she is fine to feed outside and is good to do ... A: I would take a riding crop in with me and tap her on the nose or on the chest until she backs up. ...
won't let me bridle	10/15/2008
Q: I'm 17 and just got a 6 year old mare. I've been riding for 6 years but I've never had my own horse. ... A: Was she this way when you bought her? What did the previous owner say about this bad habit? Did she ...
Horse behavioural problems	10/13/2008
Q: We just moved to the country and we have a paint female horse that we put on our land. She usually ... A: Yes, it is because she wants to be with them. Horses are herd animals and they find safety in the ...
Horse behavioural problems	10/13/2008
Q: We just moved to the country and we have a paint female horse that we put on our land. She usually ... A: You don't say how long she has been running. Is it a couple of days or a couple of weeks? It is ...
horse to horse aggression	10/11/2008
Q: I have recently purchased a 15yr old mare who is pregnant. She shares a pasture with two other mares ... A: You will have to separate them. It is the nature of this herd animal to have a pecking order. She ...
mounting nervous horse	10/6/2008
Q: !I have a 3 yr old TB gelding that I have broken in and been riding for 3 months.I had to jump off ... A: You will have an easier time if you have someone to hold his bridle while you mount. He has learned ...
my horse	10/5/2008
Q: my has wounds on his legs from a fence that had some clamps. he wont let me get near the wounds to ... A: You will have to get some help from either your parents or a veterinarian. If your parents can't ...
Could he be a Jumper?	9/30/2008
Q: I have owned him for about 8 months now and he is the absolute sweetest horse. When I got him I ... A: I don't think there is an ideal size for a TB cannon bone. It would have to be judged relative to ...
Your reply re Herbie	9/29/2008
Q: Many thanks for getting back to me re my daughter Pippa and her Eventer Herbie. I sort of thought ... A: I agonize over making these no reply replies because I want so much to help, but no matter how I ...
Please help!	9/17/2008
Q: i loan a horse and he is petrifyed of water i cant do anything, a was carrying a wet sponge and he ... A: Does the horse drink water? Yes? Then he is not petrified of it. He just doesn't want a bath. Maybe ...
Bucking and running while longeing	9/16/2008
Q: I have a 7 yr unregistered quarter horse which could possibly be mixed with thoroughbred from the ... A: Yes, Shannon, Yes, that is what I mean. You can twist the reins under the neck and loop the throat ...
Bucking and running while longeing	9/16/2008
Q: I have a 7 yr unregistered quarter horse which could possibly be mixed with thoroughbred from the ... A: Here is what I would do: I would put him in a snaffle bridle, fitted correctly. Then I would run ...
horse is getting bitten	9/14/2008
Q: I have a strange question. I am an experienced hunter/jumper rider with a little dressage ... A: I would suggest stringing electric wire across the barrier between your horse and the biter. ...
Yawning	9/3/2008
Q: I have recently bought a lovely 4 year old Irish Cob type. He is currently 14.3 and has a rather ... A: Equines can grow up to the age of 7 or 8. My 8 year old mare grew a whole inch between 7 and 8. ...
Moving to the US	8/26/2008
Q: we will be moving from Germany to Newport,RI in June 2009, so I would like to be prepared about ... A: And welcome to the USA in June 2009. For feed and supplements you might contact the nearest ...
Help! Student getting conflicting training advice	8/22/2008
Q: Dorothy, I just bought a beautiful, well mannered, quarter horse. Although I rode as a young adult ... A: It is a shame that you cannot get another instructor. It is unthinkable that two trainers would ...
rearing	8/3/2008
Q: i have a yearling and every time i take him out on the lead rope to the round pen or anywheres he ... A: First let me apologize for taking so long. I have been moving from CA to WA and have been off the ...
"hothead" horse	6/30/2008
Q: I have a lot of questions obviously concerning my horse, Ruby. Ruby is a 12 year old Appendix ... A: You don't say if you are riding English or Western. As I say in my profile, I do not train Western ...
Horse Health	6/29/2008
Q: I know a horse that has bilateral peroneous testiers (I think that's how you spell it) and I was ... A: The word is Tertius. Please check this link. It might give you some idea of what the Peroneous ...
Don't know what to do	6/27/2008
Q: I am training to compete in the Maclay but in the mean time we have just bought a mare and foal. I ... A: I don't mean to be harsh, but I have to be stong here. The only things you should be teaching your ...
horse has a cough	6/26/2008
Q: We have a horse and I noticed in the last few days that he has been coughing not a lot but enough ... A: It might be a simple allergy. My advice is for you call your vet to have the horse checked out. ...
How do I get my green horse to move into an even forward trot?	6/18/2008
Q: I am currently leasing a green gelding that I am having trouble with moving into a nice, even, ... A: There is only one way that is tried and true for this problem. It is not spurs. You will need ...
horse behavior	6/14/2008
Q: I have a 6 yr old paint that is green broke. He is nervous around people and is afraid of fences. ... A: I have to wonder why you would consider owning a horse with these difficulties when there are ...
Too Strong Cross Country	6/10/2008
Q: I have a 6 year old 16h thoroughbred percheron cross. I have had him for a year and a half and we ... A: I tried to answer you last night, but my system would not send anything out. So here goes another ...
Problems getting my 4 year old to canter	5/15/2008
Q: I have a 4 year old throughbred that I have had since he was two. He is very well mannered and I ... A: I didn't hear from you again, so I will explain the canter to you. Whip and strong legs are not the ...
8 year old paint gelding	5/10/2008
Q: I have a 8 year old paint gelding that I'm trying to sell. He was out to pasture for about 2 years ... A: This is the classic, recommended way to stop bucking: Just at the instant that the buck begins, ...
pony that is scared of water	5/10/2008
Q: i have three ponies one of wich is very scared of water. We have had her for quite a few years but ... A: The best way to get a horse/pony to accept water is to have another horse lead into the water. Take ...
x	5/9/2008
Q: My horse tends to go very fast in showjumping and cross country and i was wondering if you could ... A: There are several things you can do, beginning with more dressage work to lighten his front and put ...
stable walking	5/6/2008
Q: I have recently acquired an ex-racehorse. He is 4 1/2 years. He has a wonderful nature, easy to work ... A: It is already a habit and is already difficult to break. Pasture keep with a sun/wind shelter is ...
Herd Bound	5/5/2008
Q: I had a question about my horse being herd bound. She's about 5 and really isn't comfortable leaving ... A: Your mare has formed a tight bond with the gelding. Maybe she feels safe with him or maybe it is ...
Retraining - bolting issue	4/28/2008
Q: I would like to thank you kindly for reading my question & responding. I'm taking care of a 7 year ... A: The lunge line need not be 60 feet long. 30' to 35' is long enough to give you the large circle. ...
Eventing	4/27/2008
Q: My name is Tiffany. I'm curious on if you have any confidence building excerises over jumps or on ... A: The only ways I know to build confidence in jumping are: 1) ride a "packer"...a horse that loves ...
head shy	4/17/2008
Q: How do you help a horse who is kind of head shy. What maybe Im doing wrong? If you grab his halter ... A: With a head shy horse you simply take your time with him. Make only slow, cautious movements around ...
getting my orse to lunge	4/15/2008
Q: I have a 9 yr old quater horse, im having trouble getting him to lunge. He seems to get nerves and ... A: The accepted way to teach a horse to lunge is to have an assistant walk with the horse on his ...
horse problems	4/13/2008
Q: I am 15 and I just got a new 11year old 17 hand thoroughbred gelding about 2 weeks ago. He is a ... A: Horses do not behave in such and such a way because they like or do not like someone. Horses are ...
my horse is sick	4/12/2008
Q: my horse is sick and we don't know why. it started the other week when he sounded like he had a cold ... A: Writing to find out if you got the second opinion and to ask how the horse is doing. Would love to ...
Prissy Pony and Captain Bad A**	4/9/2008
Q: Good to know that I am moving in the right direction with everyone as far as longeing is concerned. ... A: Do you have anyone who might help you? Even a student? I have no other suggestions for you that ...
2 reschooling questions	4/8/2008
Q: I have a couple of questions you may be able to help with regarding reschooling a couple horses, ... A: It is easy to speak Greek to a person who knows Greek! LOLOL I knew you were not 14 because of the ...
2 reschooling questions	4/8/2008
Q: I have a couple of questions you may be able to help with regarding reschooling a couple horses, ... A: I was strongly tempted to send the reply that I can't answer this question because this situation is ...
dressage turnout	4/6/2008
Q: For schooling dressage shows. I am interested in doing the intro tests. Do the horses mane need to ... A: For schooling shows the attire is usually informal. HOrses do not need to be braided. There is an ...
Off the track	4/4/2008
Q: I'm 20 years old. I have been riding since I was 5. I currently live in SD but originally I was from ... A: Remember to ride from back to front. Worry more about how the hind end is working than how the ...
Retrainig a racehorse	3/14/2008
Q: The horse that my uncle is giving me is a three year old stallion, but it seems he is not very good ... A: First you will need to buy a copy of Alois Podhasky's book "The Complete Training of Horse and ...
Off Track Rehab TB Gelding	3/13/2008
Q: I recently traded my 3 yr old dead broke gelding for a 5 year old off track thoroughbred. The first ... A: I recommend cross country riding. By that I mean trail riding up and down low hills ... posting ...
Head Set	3/5/2008
Q: Dorothy, I have a 5 year old Arabian gelding that I have been training for almost a year now. He has ... A: Ride your nice horse the way he is. "Head set" is not a term in my vocabulary. A horse can be ...
spoiled rotten	2/24/2008
Q: I havent rode my horse for about a month and a half. I recently tried riding him and he was so bad i ... A: There are several possibilities here and we will have to rule out things until we find what is the ...
Teaching a 6yr old to jump	2/4/2008
Q: I'm Amanda. I'm 17 years old with tons of experience. I have recently bought a 6yr old QH gelding, ... A: You can have him clear some of the logs, but you really cannot train a horse to jump without the ...
Pony stops in show jumping	1/29/2008
Q: I am 14 years old and has done showjumping for 3 years. I have 2 ponies and train every week. We ... A: Never do a volte in front of the fence after a stop. Never turn the pony away from facing the fence ...
Pony stops in show jumping	1/28/2008
Q: I am 14 years old and has done showjumping for 3 years. I have 2 ponies and train every week. We ... A: While I cleaned my stalls I thought about your problem. Realizing that you train every week, I must ...
Strong horse	1/27/2008
Q: i have a 15hh 7yo lightweight cob gelding. I have owned him for almost 3 yrs now. My problem is, i ... A: It is obvious to me that the horse is not nearly ready for the hunt field. And if there, he should ...
Difference between collection,headset, and on the bit	1/26/2008
Q: What is the difference between a horse being on the bit, being collected, and having a head set? can ... A: Herein lies the greatest confusion in English horse training. I am glad you asked. First of all we ...
Aggressive horse	1/19/2008
Q: I have just taken on a 16yr old arab mare and she hasnt been handled or ridden in two years. She is ... A: It sounds as if you are afraid of her already. If that is the case, and as long as you are afraid ...
Horse Problem	1/18/2008
Q: my name is Jenna. I own an Arabian riding pony mare and she is an angel in the arena and the ... A: You addressed this to Lyn, but sent it to me. I am Dorothy. You don't say if you are riding her ...
feeding foal	1/16/2008
Q: MY NEW FOAL WAS BORN TODAY. SHE WOULD NOT GET UP. WE GOT THE VET OUT & WE TUBE FED HER 8OZ OF THE ... A: follow up: Dear Karen, I am so, so, so sorry that the foal did not make it. Such a heartbreak. ...
feeding foal	1/15/2008
Q: MY NEW FOAL WAS BORN TODAY. SHE WOULD NOT GET UP. WE GOT THE VET OUT & WE TUBE FED HER 8OZ OF THE ... A: Follow up: Hi Karen, Glad to hear the foal is still up and trying. I did contact my daughter in ...
feeding foal	1/14/2008
Q: MY NEW FOAL WAS BORN TODAY. SHE WOULD NOT GET UP. WE GOT THE VET OUT & WE TUBE FED HER 8OZ OF THE ... A: How is the foal doing today? Is she feeding yet by herself? I called my vet's office this morning ...
help me	1/12/2008
Q: How many times do I have to clean my horses box? A: I am not sure if you mean your horse's stall...where he lives, or his feed box or the horse van. If ...
dangerously spooky	1/2/2008
Q: I was just given a 19 year old TB gelding. He came from a stable I worked and rode at during high ... A: NO SWEET FEED!!! Take it all away. The sugar and grain is making him too high. Keep him on a diet ...
Horse	12/30/2007
Q: what do you think i should do?, try and change his mind, save up,? what should i do?. x x x Ricki A: You must honor your father, trust his judgment and respect his decision. Horses are expensive. It ...
Ex-racehorse scared of trails	12/28/2007
Q: I have an 8 year old TB mare. She is an ex-race horse who has mastered arena work. When I started ... A: A riding buddy. That will be the answer. Find someone who has an older, experienced trail horse, ...
Jumping question	12/19/2007
Q: So, I have run into a problem with one of my horses that I've never quite had before. I recently ... A: I really would like to know how young the colt is. Then I would say that trotting is just what he ...
first canter	12/13/2007
Q: Call me stupid, but I am breaking a mare in for my owner for whom I have broken in a fair amount of ... A: My first instinct is to say that she may not be ready for the canter yet. Here is what I would do. ...
Cantering on wrong lead to the right?	12/10/2007
Q: I am working with a 5 year old mare that is having trouble picking up her correct lead to the right? ... A: (I answered your problem with the reverses direction...to the left. I read the question ...
Undershot jaw	11/24/2007
Q: I have been ridding her in a normal snaffle bit but she is difficult to get on the bit, i have ... A: Getting a horse on the bit is more a result of correct action of your hands, seat and legs, and ...
my new foal	11/20/2007
Q: My name is Kara and i just got a 6-7 month old foal. The other day I took him into the round pin ... A: At this age all you need to do, as often as you can, is lead him around, touch him all over, pick up ...
jumping	11/20/2007
Q: i have been show jumping my filly shes an appendix and i started her in the 2' at 4years old in the ... A: Unless she shows signs of stocking up or any sign of lameness, looks to me like you are doing OK. I ...
TONGE OVER THE BIT	11/19/2007
Q: I have a three year old x TB Shire so he is a big boy touching 17hh now and still some to grow I ... A: The usual reason for horses to get their tongue over the bit is that the bit is set too low in the ...
my new foal	11/19/2007
Q: My name is Kara and i just got a 6-7 month old foal. The other day I took him into the round pin ... A: Before I address this question I need to know how old you are and your experience with horses. Then ...
bad behavier	11/10/2007
Q: I've started working with a mare that was trained to ride improperly. She was chased around, thrown ... A: You are absolutely! right. This is a sad but oft repeated story about how horses are started by ...
Leads	11/3/2007
Q: I'm 13 years old and the horse i lease never gets his leads when we jump. My instructor told me to ... A: Your instructor is correct in her directions as far as they go. I can think of two other things ...
Halter-breaking a 2 year old colt	10/28/2007
Q: We have a 2 year old colt we are working with, and are trying to get him used to a halter. He has ... A: Stamp, I would suggest that the first choice would be to have the vet give him a tranquilizer ...
barn sour on cross country	10/25/2007
Q: My daughter's holsteiner event horse has become barn sour on CC. It is unrelated to the jumps (she ... A: OK Kelly, Please do keep me posted. I have a special place in my heart for eventers. We used to ...
barn sour on cross country	10/22/2007
Q: My daughter's holsteiner event horse has become barn sour on CC. It is unrelated to the jumps (she ... A: FOLLOW UP: Hello Kelly, Yesterday, just as I was previewing my reply the message sent off before I ...
Need advice	10/19/2007
Q: i have a 16.3hh thourghbred, hes great in the areana but i hate takin him on hacks as he doesnt seem ... A: If you have a used tack shop in your area you can probably get this there. Ask for this: Pelham ...
Need advice	10/17/2007
Q: i have a 16.3hh thourghbred, hes great in the areana but i hate takin him on hacks as he doesnt seem ... A: It could be that the 16.3 TB is simply too big for you to control. Have you tried a pelham bit? Or ...
Need advice	10/17/2007
Q: i have a 16.3hh thourghbred, hes great in the areana but i hate takin him on hacks as he doesnt seem ... A: I need to know how old you are...child, teen, adult? How tall are you? How many years of ...
Broodmare coming back to work after foaling	10/13/2007
Q: how do you condition/start a broodmare back to work after foaling? A: I don't know if you have acreage or if you are at a boarding stable. If you have acreage that is ...
Why don't horses eat meat?	10/9/2007
Q: why dont hhorses need meat to survive unlike humans. when they dont eat it, they loose nutrients A: Horses don't eat meat because they are strict herbivores. That means that their digestive system is ...
my horse	10/8/2007
Q: I just got a horse and shes great on trails but she always has to follow the other horses. everytime ... A: This condition is called "Herd Bound". It is akin to "Barn Sour" and it affects horses that have not ...
Buying a horse?	10/6/2007
Q: I have 3 kids 13,8 and4. The oldest two have had 2 years of english riding lessons so far. My 8 ... A: Amy, Here are my personal opinions. I have worked with children for many years. When they want to ...
how do I stop my horse bucking?	10/5/2007
Q: I have had my a 4 year old Welsh cob for six months now, he is really coming along in every aspect ... A: It is called Nose to Knee. It is good that you know exactly when he will buck. Get ready for it ...
Buying a horse?	10/5/2007
Q: I have 3 kids 13,8 and4. The oldest two have had 2 years of english riding lessons so far. My 8 ... A: Amy, My advice: Do Not purchase a horse fewer than 8 years old. Make sure the horse is quiet with ...
Aggression at feeding time	9/24/2007
Q: I have a 5 year old TB mare I have owned for 4 months. She had always been very polite and has ... A: Horses are herd animals and like dogs, who are pack animals, they have a pecking order. There is ...
Bucking.	9/22/2007
Q: Basicly I'd like to know how to complete this sentence.... A horse cannot buck if... Also, once I ... A: First I suggest that you lunge him for 45 minutes and let him get his bucks out on the lunge line ...
Barn Sour!	9/20/2007
Q: I have a 3yr old Appaloosa Gelding that is really barn sour. Well, more like 'pasture' sour. We rent ... A: Your three year old is just a baby. He is behaving normally for his age and the amount of training ...
2 questions	9/19/2007
Q: I am starting my 5 year old in jumping. We have done some stuff over small cross rails and she has ... A: Sadly, the aids are not the same. Here is the aid for Canter in English. You are keeping contact ...
2 questions	9/18/2007
Q: I am starting my 5 year old in jumping. We have done some stuff over small cross rails and she has ... A: FirstYou can take her out on trails and find logs and little brush fences for her to pop over. Make ...
Horse	9/13/2007
Q: I am thinking about buying a horse but i do not know what kind to choose. I am 15, 125 pounds, 5'2, ... A: Frisian would be a bit heavy for me, but it depends on what you wish to do. If you wish for ...
playing with his bit?	9/3/2007
Q: i have had my 10 year old gelding for a year now and since day one he has played with his bit ... A: There are a couple of things you will have to have checked out by a very good trainer or a vet. ...
Hunt Seat Head Set	8/31/2007
Q: i have recently begun riding hunt seat with my young quarter horse. He is not used to it and neither ... A: I do not ride western nor do I know anything about western head set. But I don't believe that there ...
HELP!! I can't fix my horse's problem! :(	8/29/2007
Q: My horse is a very good girl, but she has a strong personality that can sometimes be rude. Recently, ... A: There may be a couple of problems here, one of which may be that canter causes pain in one or some ...
Horse Falling, who's at fault?	8/27/2007
Q: Can a person make a horse fall? One day while riding the horse i was riding at the time kept ... A: To answer your firstYes, a person can make a horse fall. It is done by stunt riders in movies all ...
Training a Western horse in English	8/8/2007
Q: I am training a western horse in English. Charlie is an 18 year old saddlebred/arabian that has ... A: 18 is quite an age to begin dressage, which is very difficult and demands a lot of effort from the ...
horse pulls head down while riding	8/5/2007
Q: The horse I am riding (only twice now, so far)seems to have the habit of dropping his head/pulling ... A: Use side reins on him when mounted and before mounting him, lunge him 20 meter circle as though you ...
horse pulls head down while riding	8/4/2007
Q: The horse I am riding (only twice now, so far)seems to have the habit of dropping his head/pulling ... A: Work him in a 20 meter circle, using only enough rein contact to keep him on the circle. If you ...
horse pulls head down while riding	8/3/2007
Q: The horse I am riding (only twice now, so far)seems to have the habit of dropping his head/pulling ... A: I attempted to reply last night but my web service was having a bad hair day and I couldn't send the ...
TB mare	7/23/2007
Q: and so far she does great, we have worked her in the ring with and without a saddle, and she does ... A: Yes, Kassidy, you are correct. You would be surprised, shocked and horrified at the letters I get, ...
TB mare	7/23/2007
Q: and so far she does great, we have worked her in the ring with and without a saddle, and she does ... A: A two year old is too young for training. She is a baby. At this age she should be handled, led ...
2 year old colt - Where do I start?	7/21/2007
Q: A friend has a 2 year old colt and has asked me to spend some time with it, it is reasonable behaved ... A: At two a colt can be groomed, saddled, bridled and led around. Then put out to pasture until he is ...
training young horses	7/19/2007
Q: I''ve been riding for 5 years, and have alot of miles on a lot of differnt horses under my belt, and ... A: First of all you would have to decide for sure what kind of riding you want do do. If it is hunters, ...
Training my Western horse to English	7/5/2007
Q: I recently bought a 11 year old AQHA mare; she has great manners, but she was trained Western and I ... A: I did answer your first question in both my responses. You must not be reading them or ...
Training my Western horse to English	7/5/2007
Q: I recently bought a 11 year old AQHA mare; she has great manners, but she was trained Western and I ... A: Yes, she is confused. You have to train her as though she were a three year old. You will have to ...
tearing up knees and ankles	6/22/2007
Q: I acquired a 10yo very overweight and unfit mare in January. She was out 24/7 on very well ... A: There is a very simple formula for overweight horses: less feed and more work. But the feed must be ...
tearing up knees and ankles	6/22/2007
Q: I acquired a 10yo very overweight and unfit mare in January. She was out 24/7 on very well ... A: Horses were condition throughout the ages to graze and rest, graze and rest, graze and rest. They ...
Too early for flat work?	6/20/2007
Q: I would like to know if i am doing the right thing. I have a 17.1hh IDxTB, he is three years old and ... A: Year three consists of The Elementary Field School. This is walking, trotting and cantering,if he ...
My new 3 y/o baby!	6/20/2007
Q: I have just purchased a 3 y/o eqyptian arabian gelding. He is gorgeous and I have already fallen in ... A: Jessica, you really have me intrigued about this horse. Can you scan a photo and send it to my ...
My new 3 y/o baby!	6/19/2007
Q: I have just purchased a 3 y/o eqyptian arabian gelding. He is gorgeous and I have already fallen in ... A: No, riding him won't hurt him. Forward at a quiet walk and trot, 2 hours a day will help greatly to ...
My new 3 y/o baby!	6/19/2007
Q: I have just purchased a 3 y/o eqyptian arabian gelding. He is gorgeous and I have already fallen in ... A: You don't say if he is underweight or not. Which might it be? If he is underweight (not muscle, ...
Young horse problems	6/3/2007
Q: I have a 4 year old Paint gelding(lives in a stall) that I bought just a year ago. He has been going ... A: This behavior is totally normal for a young, high spirited and, as yet, unsocialized horse. He only ...
Jumping height	5/31/2007
Q: I have a 6yrold Paint mare, that is capable of jumping 4+ with rider. I don't want to push her, but ... A: No, I don't think you would be pushing her to go even uip to 3'3" or 3'6". At six, she should be ...
scared	5/31/2007
Q: tentpenging and showjumping competing at quite a high level in all of them. at the moment I am ... A: I will try to be kind when I say this: You and your sister need to get a very good trainer, as soon ...
TB Gelding who use to jump relaxed...how do I undo what trainer did?	5/30/2007
Q: I purchased a TB Gelding when he was 4 and he had jumped 1 month. He was very quiet and went very ... A: Yes, the damage is done and you have to go back to square one. Trot poles, caveletti, gymnastics, ...
pony stopping after fence	5/25/2007
Q: I have a pony who is 7yrs old. She was owned by a child and developed a habit of dropping her ... A: It is very, very difficult to break a horse or pony of a bad habit after they have learned to use it ...
Cross Country	5/17/2007
Q: I have my first eventing competition this weekend. I'm really nervous about my cross country course. ... A: I will assume that you give your horses regular cross country schools at different courses? If not, ...
i need your help	5/10/2007
Q: i was wondering if you could help me.i need to fine out the answers to this question i am stuck on, ... A: There is no set distance for poles. It depends on the length of your horse's stride,his speed, ...
Teaching a horse to jump	5/10/2007
Q: I was wondering what you think that a horse needs to know before learning to jump. As in be ... A: Your horse needs to be well in hand at the canter on both leads. He needs to make transitions from ...
mare rearing	4/17/2007
Q: I have been leasing a relatively green Morgan mare since October. She was trained by her owner, ... A: Rearing can be cured by this method: If you can catch her just before she lifts her forehand to ...
roping a horses neck	4/10/2007
Q: I just acquired a three year old filliy paint. She is 15.4hh. I've just started lessons again after ... A: I say this to you with all respect and courtesy. Get another trainer! Also, if the filly is 15.4 ...
Jumping	4/8/2007
Q: I have a 3 year old belgium thourghbred cross. Is it to soon to be jumping him? A: Yes, it definitely is too early for jumping. Between age 3 and 4 a horse should only be hacking out ...
Rearing and bucking, run away	3/24/2007
Q: I am writing to ask a question concerning a horse that I have. He is 6 years old. His previous owner ... A: This horse has taken advantage of that old situation to learn a great lesson: He can get rid of his ...
clipping	3/23/2007
Q: I have a 5 year old mare that has BIG issues with the clippers. I have been working with having ... A: This may take several hours, so give yourself plenty of time. It may also take several sessions,s ...
show jumping	2/28/2007
Q: what is the best breed for show jumping? A: Sorry that my original answer did not get to you. I must not have completed the sending correctly. ...
rein contact	2/19/2007
Q: I am leasing an older school horse, and he has a habit that i want to help him with during this ... A: First let me apologize for being late. I had computer problems: had to do a complete restore to ...
on the bit	2/8/2007
Q: i find it hard to constantly keep a horse on the bit when riding at walk trot ect it just feels like ... A: It is difficult for me to give you an educated reply unless you tell me the age of the horse, how ...
Balancing the canter help	2/5/2007
Q: I recently acquired and 8 year old Thoroughbred mare that has been trained as a 4 foot jumper. Prior ... A: Patience, my dear. Even the best ballet teacher in the world cannot produce an Anna Pavlova in 3 ...
Pigrooting	1/18/2007
Q: I have just been given a Quarter Horse gelding who is 13 years old and an absolute darling. He was ... A: The bucking could be for any one of the reasons you mentioned, plus the weather. Often calm horses ...
horse attitude	1/12/2007
Q: I aquired 2 horses in October 06. My problem is the one horse who is 3 years old. He seems to be ... A: I am guessing that he may have been hit with a halter or bridle. Yes, abused, poor thing. This may ...
Horse not moving forward	1/10/2007
Q: Lets see if i can explain the right, i have a 3.5 yo gelding, whom i have been training for a while ... A: Horses put their heads down because they need to stretch their cramped backs. Let him put it all ...
how to stop bucking	1/5/2007
Q: i have a 2 year 8 month Belgium crossed with a quarter horse and i just finished breaking her in but ... A: This baby is very, very young. Keep her behind an older horse so that she does not buck. DO NOT ...
A Few Little Things and Cantering	12/31/2006
Q: I have a 5 year old American Saddlebred gelding names Scottie, who has really bad ground manners. ... A: If you are giving him grain ... don't. Keep him on hay with vitamin supplement. Don't be afraid to ...
"spooking" or "being spoiled?"	12/18/2006
Q: I will do my best to be both concise and descriptive: I recently purchased my second horse: a ... A: This sounds EXACTLY like a young horse that spooks to avoid work. I am guessing he is young (under ...
Grade horse	12/12/2006
Q: Do I have to have a registered horse to get to medium showjumping levels? Or can I ride an Appendix ... A: You can take the Appendix horse. The only time you have to have a registered horse is if you are in ...
nodding and other things	12/7/2006
Q: My 8 year old thoroughbred x cob has started to peculiar things, firstly he has started to spook at ... A: First off, I would think that he may be getting too much oats and not enough work. If that is not ...
questions	12/2/2006
Q: I want to know a to begin breaking a 2 year old quarter horse. I walk her around and say the basics ... A: At age of two you can saddle, bridle, mount, dismount, lead around with the saddle on, but don't ...
horse	11/29/2006
Q: I have a 6 year old mare that rides well. When your not riding and in the pasture with her she ... A: Then I would definitely carry a bat and if she turns her mouth toward anyone ... bat her nose hard. ...
horse	11/27/2006
Q: I have a 6 year old mare that rides well. When your not riding and in the pasture with her she ... A: Does she bite hard or just nip? Horses do nip each other, especially along the neck, and it seems ...
Horse speed	11/26/2006
Q: We recently got a new Paint, 9-year-old gelding. A little nervous but, we are working with that, ... A: I would try putting him on a lunge line for at least 45 minutes before riding him. Let him go as ...
How much is he worth?	11/22/2006
Q: well i have a 5 year old, 16.3hh dun thoroughbred gelding, he has had professional training, he has ... A: There is no such thing as a dun thoroughbred. He may be purebred, but it would probably be Quarter ...
Saddle pads	11/12/2006
Q: Can I use a dressage pad folded in half as my "for schooling" jumping saddle pad? I don't like my ... A: Use a full length saddle pad and another real half pad for extra. Saddle pads, if they are correct ...
my spoiled horse	11/11/2006
Q: I'm 14 years old, and my parents recently bought me a 16.1hh thoroughbred/appaloosa gelding. He was ... A: You must not continue to think of your horse as your "friend" or your "brother" or any other sort of ...
Rearing Horse	11/7/2006
Q: My horse is a 15'3 quater horse gelding, named Cody. We just recently got him. We sent him to a ... A: I have a few questions: 1. Did he rear before you bought him? 2. How old is he? 3. For what ...
What age should a horse be before riding	11/3/2006
Q: We just bought a 17month old Buckskin Quarter Horse and I have been lounging him daily for 4 months. ... A: My reply is not going to please you,I'm afraid. No horse should be lunged until the age of 4. This ...
on the bit	10/31/2006
Q: this time i took my crop with me(i normally take a crop with me, but if i need to use it she only ... A: AsI suggested before, I would not round her up. Rather stretch her out. She will never step out as ...
kicking	10/30/2006
Q: My daughter has a 13 1/2 hand wonderfully broke, 6yr old , pony mare. Children can do anything with ... A: I see this characteristic of your pony mare more as a dominance issue than jealous or protective. It ...
why	10/30/2006
Q: hiya can any one answer me this? why do thoroughbreds always get excited and always want to gallop ... A: Thorobreds were and are bred to run. Even those that never see a race track have the genes to run, ...
on the bit	10/29/2006
Q: thanx 4 the help. it was good but she hasn't been taught to do it. she was only broken in to bush ... A: To get her to open up and go forward you have to first be in an enclosed arena. Then let her have ...
on the bit	10/24/2006
Q: im trying to teach my horse to get "on the bit" when i want her to. i can get her "on the bit" at ... A: Please forgive me for being a bit late with this reply. I was on vacation and have been playing ...
three questions	10/11/2006
Q: We ride a friend of the families ponies they get fed grain every day but dont get worked every day ... A: Question 1: Ponies should not be fed grain at all unless they are at hard work several hours a day ...
longing hot blooded throughbred mare	10/8/2006
Q: We have an eleven yr.old RED throughbred mare. She was on the track until she sustained an injury to ... A: Retraining the TB off the track requires some skill and patience, especially since she spent so many ...
trailering	10/6/2006
Q: I have a horse that i bought. I trailered him home in a two horse straight load. I had no problem. ... A: Sounds like your horse has a case of equine claustrophobia. I don't worry about giving him the ...
Height needed for jumping	10/4/2006
Q: What is the amount of vertical height required for adequate clear space for a horse and rider doing ... A: Would you please clarify your question? I have no idea what you are asking. Vertical height of ...
my horse is to fast	9/29/2006
Q: hi i have a tb mare she use to be on the race tracks for 1 year and she is retired from the tracks ... A: You have skipped the basics. Gymnastics. Basic dressage. Nothing works like teaching your horse, ...
Youngsters	9/25/2006
Q: walk him out etc, i want to know how much of this i should do like a training programme. Should I do ... A: Here is the program for a youngster: Between 2 and 3 years old, he can be saddled, bridled and led ...
out of stall	9/3/2006
Q: I would like to know how to get a horse out of his stall willingly. He puts his ears back, turns ... A: First I would have a long switch in my hand when I approach the stall. If he turns his rear to me, I ...
show jumping	9/2/2006
Q: iv recently bought a young horse who dangles his front legs whilst jumping. although he is 7, he has ... A: How high are you jumping him now? One thing I can recommend is having him trot over poles on the ...
horse behavior problem	8/28/2006
Q: I have an 8 year old gelding I have had for 3 years. We have had our ups and downs behavior wise. ... A: I think you have a Quarter horse? That is the one breed of horse I will never again own. I have ...
starting a young horse jumping	8/23/2006
Q: I have purchased a 6 year old 17hh half bred horse. He has done no jumping so I have startedhim over ... A: Start by scattering poles on the ground all over the arena ... at random. These are literally on the ...
horse behavior	8/20/2006
Q: how often do horses lay down.do they need to lay down to sleep or do they sleep standing A: How often horses lie down depends on the individual horse and whether or not he has a soft,inviting ...
How old should i start jumping?	8/10/2006
Q: I've evented beginner novice and novice for the past couple of years just not on my own horse. I ... A: Are you trotting or cantering the single jumps? I would say that you need more of a warm up of ...
How old should i start jumping?	8/10/2006
Q: I have a 4 1/2 year old thoroughbred and I have been jumping her about 2 1/2 feet recently. She has ... A: I don't think you have done any harm to her joints at 2 1/2 feet. Keep it low for the next 6-9 ...
Horses Killing	8/3/2006
Q: why they kill horses when they get injured Thanks Have a nice day A: They don't always kill injured horses. It very much depends on the type of injury, the prognosis for ...
trailering	8/1/2006
Q: I have a six year old apindix QH gelding. He has been doing realy well with eventing so we like to ... A: Chances are he is just testing his dominance. You have to get back in charge. I can suggest two ...
training a young horse	8/1/2006
Q: i have a 2 year old Arabian colt and i am beginning to break him in, i have got him used to the bit ... A: A two year old colt is too young to ride. He should be started at three. Then he learns to work on ...
jumping	7/27/2006
Q: My horse has just started doing eventing after we got out of hunters. He has been doing really good ... A: There is one thing you can and should do when approaching a fence. You should say something sharply ...
JUMPING	6/25/2006
Q: I have had my tb x warmblood for just over 5 months now, she is 9 years old and has a number of ... A: Do not make the jumps higher! She needs them lower. She needs cavaletti and grids to improve her ...
Impatience in yearling	6/24/2006
Q: My 14 month old Oldenburg gelding is off to a good start with handling....most of the time. He is ... A: First of all, 14 months is much too young to lunge a colt. The stress and strain on the inside hock ...
hacking out alone	6/24/2006
Q: i have a very large strong gelding who is rising 7 he will not hack out alone at all and i am ... A: Success will depend on the reason he balks. You will need to know if it is because he is barn sour ...

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Dorothy Morris-Robinson

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Expertise

My expertise is in training and rehabilitating horses, and training riders for combined training for over 40 years, in Virginia and California. This includes dressage, cross country obstacles and show jumping. In my many years of experience and endless study of Classical theory, and my hands-on retraining horses,I have accummulated much knowledge of the different personalities of horses and how to approach their rehabilitation. At my age, I do not ride as much as I used to, but I don't see why I have to waste the experience I have. Therefore, I continue to find horses to rehabilitate and then to find homes and riders for them, when they are ready to go on. I give each horse a thorough foundation in classical ground work. They are taught stable manners, lunging, word commands, rhythm. I currently work at my ranch in Kennewick, WA. I can answer certain questions about starting young horses in English riding: dressage, jumping, cross country obstacles and basic equitation. I can help with rehabilitation of spoiled or difficult horses; however, many problems require sustained riding instruction/training and I cannot do this online. Some issues need to be observed to come to a correct diagnosis. If your problem is of this type, please find a qualified instructor/trainer. I cannot give riding lessons via email.

Experience

Experience in the area: Over 40 years of English riding experience, including Fox Hunting in Virginia where I earned my colors with the Blue Ridge Hunt, training young horses for hunting and/or eventing. Coached a rider from her beginning at Training Level Combined tests through her competition at two Junior International competition Three Day Events. She rode my horse that I also started and trained her to ride. This combination competed in the World Championship Three Day in Lexington, KY in 1978. I trained another horse (TB) through 3rd Level Dressage and jumping. He eventually competed at Advanced level Three Day. I have reschooled several horses with difficulties ranging from running away to running backward, to not allowing a bridle to be put on, to kicking out at the farrier, being "too much on the muscle over jumps", barn sour, etc

Organizations
National Society Daughters of the Revolution (DAR)

Publications
Four novels (I am also a novelist)

Education/Credentials
Some college. Endless study of Classical Theory and training methods.

Awards and Honors
Who's Who of American Women, Who'w Who in America, Past Board of Directors FDIC-NACM

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