Granite Crusher Fines or Pea Gravel for Turnout Pen?

Hello Cherry,

I recently put up a 36 x36 pen and shelter for my horse.  I live here in Golden Colorado where the soil is VERY much Clay.  We had a several inches of rain this past week, which is a considerable amount for our parts.  The pen got very muddy.  I spent several hours today mucking it and now doing research on what I should do for a better fix.  I saw your article on 3/8 minus pea gravel.  A couple of questions:

1. Some horse friends of mine suggest I use Granite Crusher Fines to aide in the drainage.   Is this suitable?

2. Whether I use Pea Gravel or Granite Crusher Fines, what is the recommended depth of the material I should go with?  2, 3 or 4 inches? 

BTW:  I’m also going to install a french drainage system as well. 

Many Thanks! 

Shawn

Hi Shawn,

The French Drain is a good idea. Sloping the pens slightly away from the barn is helpful to manage drainage too.

I’m not personally familiar with Granite Crusher Fines but think they might be something like decomposed granite which we use here in northern Colorado.

We use decomposed granite under our stall mats and also under the 3/8- pea gravel in turnout pens.

So my answer would be yes and yes ! A tamped crushed granite base with 2-3 inches of 3/8- pea gravel on top.

Please feel free to post your results here. Thanks ! Cherry Hill

To read more about French Drains, pen footing and much more, refer to these books and DVD.

How to Halter Spooky Seven Year Old Gelding

We recently brought home two horses.  The 4-year old mare is a sweetie and not issues but the 7-year old gelding is nervous and spooky. 

Three days ago during feeding he spooked and broke his halter.  (The mare flinched at something and the gelding turned it into a panic, rearing back until the halter gave way.)  I was moving slowly and deliberately around them so I am not sure what caused the mare to flinch but the gelding seems to be a bit of a basket case. 

I have worked for two days being very gentle but insistent with the halter and still have not been able to get it on him. I don’t want to press the issue because he doesn’t know me that well yet and has only had a few days to get used to our pasture. While he was eating, I had the halter nearby and would move it around so he could hear it jingle.  When he quit freaking out at every noise, I held it so that he would have to put his nose in the halter to take a bite from the bucket. 

I didn’t push the issue but slowly would move the halter around and by the time he finished eating I was scratching his jaw on the right side but was not able to get the strap over his head without him moving away from me.  I didn’t want to chase him, thinking this would cause further issues, but I was calm to the best of my ability and spoke soothingly to him.  Am I on the right track?  Do you have some advice that would help me to make this process go more smoothly?  Thanks!  Kathy

Hi Kathy,

Although you need to proceed with caution around horses for both your own safety and that of the horse, often sneaking around and being overly cautious seems to make horses more nervous and suspicious.

To me from what little you say, I’d say this. The gelding never learned to stand quietly when tied. And actually before that he never had been taught to be confident in the world of man, so is suspicious to the point of panic.

At 7 years of age, that is quite behind the program and now being a full grown, strong horse, it makes things especially more challenging and dangerous.

What I would do is start from square one with the horse free in a small, safe sturdy pen. You will have to have the time it takes with a small goal each session. Don’t use feed to distract or bribe the horse.

Perhaps at first just the goal of being in the enclosure with the horse without him trying to get away from you or turn his rump toward you.

Then a goal of him allowing you to come up to him and touch him.

From this point you can continue the lessons in the small enclosure or move to a small round pen (maybe 50 feet in diameter) where you can free longe the horse around you at a walk, trot, halt.

Eventually you will progress to putting the halter on the horse after you have halted him and walked up to him. It can be with you or an assistant holding the horse with loop around his neck or it can be with you solo and the horse free. You will put the halter on matter of factly, not using grain.

Just halter the horse using normal, safe procedures.

If the horse tries to move away, let him and send him around you free longeing. Then stop him, walk up to him and begin again.

Once you have successfully haltered the horse, unhalter him. And rehalter him. Do this until he no longer flinches or wants to move away. Haltering and unhaltering then will be you main lesson until it becomes second nature.

There are many articles on my Horse Information Roundup that will help you – just look in the Ground Training section.

And a good illustrated reference on proper handling techniques including haltering, tying and much more is  Horse Handling and Grooming.

Best of luck. Cherry Hill

2011 in review on WordPress

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

The concert hall at the Syndey Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 31,000 times in 2011. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 11 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.

Check those Winter Horse Blankets Daily !

When we were driving into town and back yesterday, I was checking out all the horses on pasture with turnout blankets, some good, some OK, some really downright awful. In a few cases, I wanted Richard to stop the car so I could either go adjust the blanket or take it off the horse before it became hopelessly tangled!

One horse in particular has had the same blanket on in the same remote pasture since late fall and I really doubt it has been attended to since then !

I know none of you would do that, but just in case you have friends that need some blanketing advice, I have quite a few winter blanket tips on my Horse Information Roundup under the heading Horse Clothing. 

Equine Sarcoid Treatment Update

Hi Richard,,,
I live in nsw Australia, and have read your story on Sherlock you horse,  My buckskin Q.H. has a large Sarcoid [size of a walnut] on his back, about 3′ from his spine,  I was woundering how the mouth wash spray method went. I will try it my-self ,, but am interested in how everything turned out.
Be great if you would let me know.
Regards Pam

Hi Pam,

The article on our website was updated on 6-05-11 and the status is still the same. Cherry Hill

A Simple Equine Sarcoid Treatment

UPDATE 06-05-2011 No sign of the sarcoid returning.

How to Think Like a Horse – Slovenian edition

Where is Slovenia?

It is a land of horse lovers that is located between Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia.

Slovenia

How to Think Like a Horse by Cherry Hill is now available in Slovenian.

How to Think Like a Horse by Cherry Hill, Slovenian Translation

To see more foreign translations visit the Cherry Hill book chronology.

Before and After Total Hip Replacement – Rider Exercises to Improve Range of Motion in Hips

Ms Hill,

I am 59, rode for 40 years but  had a hip  replaced about four years ago and need to get the other done sometime in the not to distant future. 

Talking to my physical therapist about getting back in the saddle and asking for exercises or what-ever to try to improve the range of motion in both hip sockets is like trying to get an answer out of my dog.  (and due to restrictions of my medical insurance I can’t go to another therapist.)

Do you know of any books that address this issue, or know of any group that works with rider disabilities who might be able to help me get back in the saddle? 

THANK-YOU! Dianne

Hi Dianne,

I’m posting this in hopes that one of the readers of this blog might be able to help you specifically with a group or book recommendation. I don’t know of any specifically related to hip replacements and riding.

However I have heard that hip replacements enable people to ride, rather than disable, so I’d think of it that way !

I’d start by asking your doctor and/or physical therapist specifically what limitations you have in terms of exercise, such as you shouldn’t go past a certain angle with your artificial hip joint. Also in terms of the other hip joint that will need to be replaced in the future, ask which exercises would exacerbate whatever the condition is that is going to require you to get that hip replaced too. Just like with horses, some exercises would accelerate damage to an already deteriorated joint. So ask which movements are safe and which are not for each hip as they currently are.

Once you know what you shouldn’t do, that will rule out certain yoga poses, certain Pilates exercises and some general fitness and stretching exercises.

Also, again asking your doctor and/or PT – they probably have a standard handout or booklet they give patients of exercises to prepare for and recover from surgery. This will make a good basis for your program.

I hesitate to go much further than that because I’m not a doctor or a PT and every person’s situation is different.

Hip Flexor Stretch

If it were me, I’d find out what I shouldn’t do and then start with simple exercises, adding repetitions, weight or difficulty…..always listening to your body.

And finally, one of the best ways to get back in the saddle is to get back in the saddle with the help of a mounting block. Even if for a few minutes every day, gentle walking, moseying around.

Best of luck and please feel free to post any comments, information directly here on this blog.

Cherry

Scarce Hay This Winter – Don’t be Tempted to Use Moldy Hay

Friends and family around the country tell me how scarce and pricey hay is this winter. It seems like every year one section of the country has a drought or flood or something that affects or even wipes out the hay crop.

Even though good hay might be tough to find in your area, don’t be tempted to feed moldy hay to your horses.

Winter Horse Tail Care

Do you help people find gentle, well-trained riding horses?

Hi Cherry,

I’m a veterinarian, but not a horseman.  So I have been around horses, have treated them, but I can’t say that I know them well.  I recently will retire and want to spend time with my other animals as well as buy two horses.  Given my partner and I are beginners, do you ever help with finding two experienced and gentle horses for pleasure riding and for pets?  The farm I’m buying has 40 acres of pasture in vermont as well as excellent equestrian facilities.  If you don’t do this, do you know someone who does?  Thanks for any help.  Doug

Hi Doug,

Being in Colorado and you in Vermont………that would be tough.

BUT maybe if you took some lessons from an ARIA (American Riding Instructors Association) instructor in your area,

http://www.riding-instructor.com/

that would get you started……and then the instructor might be able to recommend some horses or other people to help you find horses.

Click on Find an ARIA instructor in the left column to get started………

It will take you to a list of Vermont instructors

http://www.riding-instructor.com/instructors/vt.php

Perhaps one is near you………best of luck.

And please let me know how this works for you……..

and if you haven’t read Horse For Sale, How to Buy a Horse or Sell the One You Have, you should. It is filled with valuable information for you as a potential buyer. Here’s the expanded table of contents.

Chapter 1 – Getting Ready to Buy a Horse 

The Benefits and Responsibilities of Horse Ownership
Sample Budget
Choosing a Horse
Choosing a Mentor

Chapter 2 – Factors in Selection 

Estimated Price Ranges
Selecting a Horse for an Event
Price
Temperament
Soundness
Blemishes
Movement and Way of Going
Conformation
Breed or type
Manners
Sex
Health
Age
Predicting Adult Weight and Height
Quality
Size
Pedigree
Color and Markings

Chapter 3 – Methods of Buying  

Private Treaty
Breeding Farm or Production Sale
Auctions
Terms and Conditions
Using an Agent
Finder s Fee
Where to Look
Buying Protocol
Buying Procedure

Chapter 4 – Buyer Exam  

Evaluating Conformation and Movement
Making a Visual Assessment
Conformation Components
Proportions and Curvature of Topline
Head
Quality
Correctness of angles and Structures
Forelimbs
Hindlimbs
Evaluating Potential of Young Horses
Attitude, Temperament, and Mental Powers
Conformation and Athletic Ability
Evaluating Movement
Movement Evaluation Process
The Natural Gaits
The Phases of a Stride
Terms Associated with Movement
Factors that Affect Movement
Lameness at the Trot
Pain
Imbalance
Shoeing
Footing
Traction
Condition
Level of Fitness
Age
Stage of Development
Training
Tack
Recognizing Defects
What is Ideal Movement?
Gait Defects
Defects in Travel
Forging
Interfering
Paddling

Chapter 5 – Evaluating Temperament, Behavior, and Training  

Signs of Vices and Bad Habits
Wood Chewing
Cribbing
Stall Kicking
Pawing
Pacing
Weaving
Tail Rubbing
Dental Problems
Digestive Problems
Relationship with other horses
Attitude toward people
Vices, Description, Causes, Treatment
Bad Habits, Description, Causes, Treatment
Evaluating Ground Training
Evaluating a Horse s Riding Training
On the Bit?
The Test Ride
Summary of Buyer Exam
Horse Information Checklist

Chapter 6 – The Pre-Purchase Contract and Veterinary Exam   

The Pre-Purchase Contract
Notes about Items Covered in Contract
The Veterinary Exam
Pass or Fail?
Excepted Conditions
Be on the Lookout for These Conditions
Blemishes
Unsoundness
Tests and Examinations
General Clinical Exam
Examination of the Limbs
Palpation
Hoof Exam
Hoof Tester
Flexion Tests
Ultrasound
X-Rays
Nerve Blocks
Neurological Exam
Laboratory Tests
Coggins
Blood Chemistry Panel
CBC
Chemical Test
HYPP
Endoscopic Exam
Electrocardiography
Reproductive Exam
Rectal Palpation
Approximate Charges
Guaranteed?
Trial Period

Chapter 7 – Paperwork and Legalities for the Buyer

Insurance
Types of Insurance
What Type Do you Need?
Warranties
Registration Papers
Brand Inspection

Chapter 8 – Alternatives to Buying  

International Buying
Leasing
Shares, Syndication
Breeding
Adopt a Wild Horse
Working Student

Chapter 9 – Getting Ready to Sell a Horse  

Finding a Niche for Your Horse
Identify the Buyer
International Sales
Establishing the Value and Price for Your Horse
Appraisers

Chapter 10 – Marketing a Horse 

Selling Through an Agent or Auction
Terms and Conditions When Consigning to Auction
Advertising
Bulletin Boards
Farm Sign
Classified Ads
Direct Mail Flyer
Word of Mouth
Public Appearances
Publicity
Display Ads
Advertising Terminology
Photos
Response to your Ads
Video as a Marketing Tool
Use of Videos in Selling Horses
Making a Video
Sample Shooting Plan
Narration
Include in Video Action Script
Video No-Nos

Chapter 11 – Presentation of a Horse for Sale 

The Horse s Appearance
The Handler s Appearance
The Facilities
Manners
Get a Fix on Buyer s Wants and Needs
Customer Selection
Showing a Horse to a Buyer
Liability During a Test Ride
Things that Kill a Sale
Things that Make a Sale

Chapter 12 – Paperwork and Legalities for the Seller  

Information Sheet
Transfer of Ownership
Registration Papers
Bill of Sale
Installment Sales
Purchase and Installment Agreement
Payment
Warranties

Chapter 13 – Alternatives to Selling

Donation
Leasing
Trading
Euthanasia
Retirement

Cherry Hill

Cherry,

Excellent suggestion!  Thank you so much.  In fact, one of the ARIA instructors, is in the same town as the farm I am purchasing. 

Thanks again!  I will send pics of my new friends once I get them, but I want to take my time to find the right pair.

Have a great rest of week.

Doug