Equus had an article a few months ago on Colic. It seems that colic cases are more likely to occur in the Fall and Spring. I have a Haflinger mare that colics every year October twenty something. Now whether this increase is due to owner foul ups with the time change, or the weather change is anyone's guess. Colic is usually caused by three things: Gas, Sand, or Impaction. All cause abdominal discomfort but sometimes the subtle symptoms can point to the cause. In any case, colic should be dealt with

did you try longing him over the vertical after he refused? I would see if he refuses un-mounted. Jump him over it a few times/both directions on the longe line and then try it again mounted. I think its good that you dropped the jumps and ended on a good note - at least jumping. I'm sorry I'm not up to date on your fall.

My previous boarder had two horses with heaves. The draft would just get his hay lightly hosed down and seemed to cough less. However, the more she worked with him the worse it got. I used Cough free for her pony and was happy with the results. Because I started using her as a lead line pony - lightly, I paid to treat the pony with VENTIPULEM. She did very well and no longer needed the cough free or her hay misted. I did notice on really bad pollen days she still would cough a bit. But the medication

Great pics. that camera is awesome. I love checking out your photos, because its just like being at the event. Even down to the misc. pics of the event crowd. Thanks for sharing.

Unfortunately, she didn't place, but all classes were by rider age. So I had to ride her in the senior equitation class verses in something like a green horse division. No walk-trot classes were open to me because of my age. But there aren't a lot of shows around here that separate out the green horses. While the endurance was a problem, I had anticipated the walk-canter transition, and she had picked it up beautifully. My toes started to point out because I was having a hard time getting her to

Well, Cat showed in her first undersaddle show. Unfortunately, I under-rated the amount of cantering that would be done, and Cat was under-fit to do that much. Other than her break at the canter, she picked up all her leads and worked more than I usually ask for. She never spooked or took a wrong step, I couldn't have asked for more from her. Now, if I can only get my toes in!

I have a similar issue with one of my ponies. She has a hard time lightening to the one side. Although she doesn't have the rushing issue in her trot and canter, I have found an exercise which helps her lift her shoulder and lighten. It might help a little with lightening Solo. After tack up and before mounting, I ask for several turns on the forehand. I'll ask for a quarter turn in one direction and than ask for a walk off and than ask for the other direction after a few strides. Walking in between

Serpentines. I will ride them loose or tight. Sometimes asking for halts at the straights. The most important thing I try to work on is riding at least on straight stride before changing the bend. I always start off with riding serpentines because it loosens the horses up and stretches their backs. I will start with long loose loopy serpentines and as my horse relaxes and drops, I begin to start riding them more exact and tighter. Eventually I am riding the horse every stride, helping them with their

Have you thought of natural product as a wash such as coffee, decaf teas? I use a tea wash for my chestnuts in the summer and I personally use left over coffee to darken my own hair. I like coffee because of the natural oils in the beans, but if using on horses, I would go with decaf. I usually apply after shampoo, leave on for a few minutes and rinse off with water. I have seen some celestrial seasons teas such as red zinger that produce a red staining tea which would benefit redder chestnuts. As

I usually like bright colors on grays such as royal blue and purple. Burgundy is a good color too and you might have more accessiblity to burgundy colored tack accessories.