Comments on: Rebreeding Your Horse on Foal Heat

By: Dolly Broyles

Dolly Broyles — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:24:28 +0000

Hello to Dr. Pete Sherrin in KY from Dolly in Glen Rock, PA. How’s Thelma?

Dolly

By: joan schaeffer

joan schaeffer — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 17:16:32 +0000

I would love to know about TOXIC COLESTROM.I was told every mare should be tested once she has milk. Thanks J.

By: Jack

Jack — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 16:00:57 +0000

Susan, After 60 years as a trainer, I’ve developed a bag full of training tips. For your head-shy horse try loping a thin rope (about the diameter of baling twine) as far up on the horse’s neck as possible. Place your left hand on the bridge of the horse’s nose and simultaneously place pressure on the nose and pull downward on the rope. Do not place excessive pressure because the horse will fight. Hold that pressure until the horse dips it’s head, then instantly release. Continue this pressure until the horse understands what you want, then lengthen the time of the pressure to keep the horse’s head down to your work level. Hold for 2 seconds, then for 4 seconds, etc. Now attempt to bridle the horse while keeping pressure from the rope over the horse’s neck. When he raises his head, bring his head down until you can successfully bridle the horse. If that doesn’t work, we’ll have to look into that bag for another trick.

By: catherine

catherine — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:07:41 +0000

Funny, I was always told by the vet I worked for that breeding back during the foal heat would yield better results. Personally, I do not practice this.

By: Susan Rigdon

Susan Rigdon — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:46:17 +0000

After more than 30 years working with horses, I am having problems with a 3 year old gelding that we raised from birth. He has developed a ‘dislike’ of being handled at the poll, ears, and even his forehead and upper mane. I am not aware of injury or infection that would cause him discomfort. This has been building over a period of time. He is easy to catch, halter and saddle. He leads at walk or trot, backs, round pens or lunges easily. The problem is when we want to groom or bridle this area. He then becomes tense and pushy, raising his head above our reach and ‘throws’ his head if you continue the activity. He has not been started riding because of this problem. I recently sent him to a trainer who was made aware of the problem, I picked him back up after a week there as he did not feel they were making any progress with him either. Currently I am trying to work 1-2 times per day (without the halter or bridle) on just rubbing and scratching him, including the problem area as much as he allows. Any other suggestions? Sincerely, Susan Rigon

By: Dr. Powell Tony Owens

Dr. Powell Tony Owens — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 13:19:41 +0000

Thanks Mary

I believe that your suggestion is a little over 100% correct. I will personally work with this horse and will get back to you asap!

Thanks Tony

By: mary

mary — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 01:29:44 +0000

Tony
I would think teeth grinding is his way of telling you he is unhappy. Possibly he is not ready for that level of riding and it would be best to ask for collection/on the bit for shorter periods of time and try to reward him when he performs without grinding his teeth. The good thing is he isn’t bucking because he is unhappy. Could this be a habit he has picked up, similar to weaving, and grinds his teeth more than you know.

By: Dr. Powell Tony Owens

Dr. Powell Tony Owens — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:50:31 +0000

I was asked by several people if there is a cure or a way to stop a horse from grinding their teeth together while being ridden. I’ve noticed this primarily when the horse is collected and on the bit. I must also relate that this has been mostly when trying to retrain a race horse to dressage or pleasure.
Tony