The cleaner clearer lines of this new logo will replace the little Bookworm. Although our old friend the Bookworm will be missed by some, he has been in place on all our literature since the college first presented equine care courses back in the early 1990's. We have moved on and grown up a good deal since then. We 'care' for horses in more ways than one and Pegasus more accurately describes our aims:
To inspire and teach people of all abilities to care for horses properly,
more kindly and above all, in a more natural way.
Who and what was Pegasus
The winged horse Pegasus is a mythological figure. He is said to be the foal of Poseidon when he was in his role as horse god. Around 700BC the Greek poet Hesiod records that the name Pegasos relates to 'spring well' and that everywhere the winged horse struck hoof to earth an 'inspiring spring' issued forth.
Another story tells us that Bellerophon, a hero from Greek mythology was accused of trying to seduce the wife of King Proteus. He was banished from the kingdom and sent to be killed by King Iobates in the land of Lycia. Iobates sent him on an impossible mission - to kill the fire breathing monster Chimera. Bellerophon sought the counsel of the wise man Polyidus, who told him to succeed in his mission he must seek the help of the winged horse Pegasus.
Bellerophon must first find Pegasus. Polyidus sends him to the temple of Athena where he must sleep. Bellerophon will dream of a winged horse drinking from a spring fed well. When he awoke a golden bridle would lie beside him, if he managed to catch Pegasus and fit him with the golden bridle, the horse would be tamed. Bellerophon awoke, found the bridle and crept up on Pegasus while he drank from a well. He caught him, fitted the golden bridle and the winged horse was tamed. Bellerophon now mounted Pegasus and they flew away to fight the monster Chimera in his lair.
No matter how brave Pegasus was, the monster's breath was so hot and flaming that although they tried and tried, they couldn't get close enough to kill him. Finally, taking a long and heavy spear laden with lead, they bravely flew, head on, towards Chimera. On they flew almost into the mouth of the flaming monster. At last they forced the spear into the very mouth of the monster. The intense heat caused the lead to melt, thus the molten lead blocked Chimera's throat. The monster finally expired.
King Iobates heard of the heroic deed. How could Iobates comply with King Proteus's wishes and kill such a brave hero as Bellerophon. King Iobates therefore removed the penalty of death placed on Bellerophon, and allowed him to marry his daughter the fair princess of Lycia.
Lingfield Equine Courses
Busy Lives & Putting your course on hold
Popular Courses
2006 has for Lingfield Correspondence been even busier this year. We now have over 900 students registered on courses. We have seen the number of applications for enrolment almost double in number every month over similar periods in previous years.
People are joining our courses from all over the world now. Our overseas student contingent is increasing month by month. With something over 640 students currently working actively on our courses it is obvious that there is a huge demand for the type of learning we offer.
Courses for the professional equestrian student have been available via distance learning for many years.
Few educational establishments, colleges or centres however, offer courses with a less formal approach to those people who are looking for a professionally produced, yet less academic, equine studies programme. The Lingfield Equine Courses fit this need.
BHS exams at home
Students regularly write to tell us that being able to sit the BHS exam at home is a big 'YES' for choosing our courses. It means no pressure on exam day. The decision on whether or not to sit the BHS exam, need only be made just before the end of a course. This they tell us is another 'no pressure' reason for choosing Lingfield Equine Courses.
Some of the letters we receive go on to explain that the friendly response they receive when they first contact us, encourages them to enrol on a course. They tell us that the relaxed approach to learning and the non text book language of the courses, makes it so much easier to learn. Plenty of you have written to tell us you really enjoy working on the course. They are quite surprised at this because studying and writing notes on their work was something they really didn't enjoy at school.
Busy Lives & Putting your course on hold
One student Lisa, recently contacted us to say that since she first enrolled on her Lingfield course, life had got a little busy for a while so she hadn't done any work at all for ages. Lisa had got married, moved house and now has a toddler. She wanted to to know if she could now finally continue with her course. This isn't an uncommon situation and continuing even after a long break is no problem at all.
The reasons are many and varied for putting your course on hold. We know only too well that life sometimes just gets too busy for us all to cope with everything life throws at us as well as the course work. On top of our 600 active students, we therefore have another 350 who, like Lisa have put their courses on hold.
Peoples lives don't always run smoothly, we understand this. Reasons for students taking a break and putting a course on hold are numerous. Lots of students are just going through a busy time or a bad patch in their lives right now. Others like Lisa, have been getting married, moving house, having a baby or relocating overseas, or divorced, or perhaps they have an elderly relative to care for or a new and more demanding job to get to grips with.
Start studying again
Sometimes, however it isn't any particular thing which stops people working on their course. Time creeps past and suddenly a student realises that it is nearly two years since they last worked on their course. There is absolutely no problem with this. All you have to do is contact us to let us know that you still aim to continue when time permits.
New Short Courses
The Vital Statistics of Horse Management
Tack Fitting, Basics of Bits & Bitting
Equine Psychology & Behaviour
The new Equine Psychology & Behaviour course is the first in the new series 1 Short Courses and is proving very very popular.
Buying the Right Horse
This course is soon to be introduced. This is to include an informative photographic and film clip guide on cd. This is useful for professional students as well as those aiming to purchase their first or second horse, or in fact for anyone who would like to be able to identify good and bad conformation.
The Vital Statistics of Horse Management
This course includes two Lingfield Correspondence wall charts: Points of the Horse and Lumps & Bumps (common ailments and injuries). This is an ideal taster/entry level course for those thinking about embarking on a long course. It covers information on all aspects of equine care & management and is ideal for use a guide and support for those looking to set up their own business or aiming to take the new course on Running Your own Livery Yard.
Running Your Own Livery Yard
This course is shortly to be introduced. Current requests for publication date indicates that it will be very popular indeed and possibly oversubscribed in the early stages.
Tack Fitting, Basics of Bits & Bitting
This course will be introduced during Spring/Summer. Its' aim is to hone the skills of the experienced rider/owner. At the same time it introduces to the new owner or less experienced person, clear guidance on uses and fitting of various items of equipment. It covers a vast array of tack and equipment and explains both purpose and fitting.
Further courses are being introduced throughout the year. Keep an eye on the web site for the latest information.
From our very own BHS AMBASSADOR
"Noel"imits to his talents!
By James Wild, Hampshire
He maybe currently enjoying his TV comeback with his new show Deal or No Deal, but last summer, Noel Edmunds was doing his bit as the President of the British Horse Society at the Longines International Horse show at Hickstead.
Last year I joined the BHS' Presidents Ambassador's scheme, volunteering to try and recruit more riders to the BHS. As a reward for being in the top 10 recruiters, I was invited as a VIP to Hickstead, enjoying the day in the BHS's private box.
Box? Suite more like! After a champagne reception, we were able to watch all the action from the balcony, with tea, coffee and soft drinks on tap all day. Then, a 3 course buffet lunch was provided, and as I took my seat at the table, I heard a familiar voice over my shoulder say "do you mind if I join you?". Yes you guessed it, Noel came and sat next to me for lunch, and I must say he is one of the nicest people I have ever met. Very friendly, not aloof in any way, and very attentive to what people say. We talked about riding, but also about mundane things like work, and also about his house in France! No invitation to visit though!
During the afternoon there was more action to watch from the balcony, particularly the Gold Cup, while a seemingly endless stream of Pimms flowed freely. What an enjoyable day out. Thanks BHS and thanks Noel.
CONGRATULATIONS to James on being amongst the top 10 BHS Ambassadors.
Horses For Sale
What they say - and what they really mean ?
|
(But there's not stopping him at full gallop) |
|
(Or for anyone) |
|
(They are the only ones mad enough to ride it) |
|
(When he's not lame) |
|
(Wont move under any circumstances) |
|
(No virtues) |
|
(Providing you are a thrill seeker with a death wish) |
|
(That somehow didn't get passed on) |
|
(Generally at gallop and at full speed to the left only) |
|
(When you can catch him) |
(Adapted from Hold your Horses by Bonnie Timmons)
Why not send in your funnies for the next Lingfield Newsletter
Becoming An Instructor BHS Exams
We heard some time ago from Boel, Boel is an overseas student who was training part time at a centre in Surrey to gain her AI. In previous newsletters she told us about her successful completion of the Stage 1 & 2 exams whilst working full time.
This time Beol give us her update on her Preliminary Teaching Test exam which she gained whilst working part time.
It is a while since I took my PTT exam but at last I have had a bit of time to catch up to let you know how it went. I have decided to stay at the same stables where I trained. They seemed really keen to keep me and are letting me choose whatever hours I want to teach. Best of all is that I get to ride as much as I want to, which is terrific news. Now, a bit about the PTT exam itself and about teaching:
Just like everybody else, I was quite nervous when I first arrived at the exam centre, but as soon as we had gone through the introductions and I had found out what subjects I were to teach I felt a lot calmer.
I started off with a jumping lesson first thing in the morning. It was probably ideal, as I did not have any time to worry beforehand. My brief said that I was to assess the riders over a single fence and then work towards combinations and related distance fences. With only 35 minutes in all, there was not much time to spare.
I knew that they would mainly look out for safety aspects I took it very easy and, after warm-up and introduction, introduced the jumps by walking over a pole between the wings and then, with the rest of the ride on the centre line, trotting over a small cross pole one at a time. They then progressed to jumping a combination and two fences with three non-jumping strides in between. It all went very smoothly and we had just about time to jump the last set of fences in canter, before the time was up. I was quite lucky as all three horses were roughly the same size and could work with the same distances between the fences.
After the lesson the examiner asked me a few questions about the tack and the rider's clothing. Then I had over an hour to prepare for my 5-minute lecture ("The roughing off procedure"), which went just fine. We also got to answer quite a few questions about running a yard and customer care. Before lunch there was a written test, which for me consisted of filling in an accident report form.
After lunch I was to give a 15-minute lead rein lesson. My brief said to make improvements to the riders position and teach the rider about bend. My student was a 9-year-old girl who made my job very easy by listening and following instructions with great attention and enthusiasm. The lesson flew by, as did the last phase of the day, the oral exam where five fellow students and me answered questions about different aspects of teaching. In all it was quite an enjoyable day!
As for the teaching I am really enjoying it. I have been doing the children's lessons for a couple of months now and have got to know some of the regulars. The kids are great with their enthusiasm and unconditioned love of horses and it is amazing to see their progress. Little things like learning to rise in trot or cantering for the first time can be big achievements and as for me I have learned something new every week.
To work with children is new to me and it is a lot more interesting and fun than I could have ever imagined. Their ability and willingness to learn and develop is mind blowing. I find it fascinating how they absorb every word and how hungry they are for any kind of knowledge of horses. And how they beam when being told that they are doing something well.
I am really pleased with how it has turned out. Six months ago all I wanted was to do a bit of teaching and get back into riding, but I did not have a clue how to get there. Now I have my Trainee Teaching Certificate, I am teaching every week and I get to ride as much as I want! I could never have imagined it would work out so well, so quickly!
Thank you, again, for making it possible!
Boel
CONGRATULATIONS BOEL!
Thanks for taking the time to tell us about your exams. It just proves that it CAN be done while working full or part time. You certainly come under the heading of 'Student Star' too!
Student Stars
New Parents!
Those who are regular users of our message board will remember one of our students who was named in a previous news letter as a student star - Rachael Pickering.
Rachel has been featured twice in Your Horse magazine during the last 12 months. Once with her horse Brave Star whom she sadly lost a short while ago, and the other with Ricki, her father in law's horse who Rachael exercises. One of the Your Horse issues featured Rachael as the 'cover girl' on Brave Star !
Rachel and husband Scott became parents for the first time earlier this year. Congratulations to you all.
IT Whizz
Our 'IT' star Jaymmz will also be found regularly on the message board. Jaymmz has kindly offered to help anyone out with IT queries if they have problems setting up their courses via e.mail. Thank you Jaymmz.
Smart Art
Our resident artist Stuart is offering to share his artistic talents and at very reasonable cost. Stuart is busy right now helping us produce a new range of wall charts.
If you are interested in a picture of your horse why not check out his paintings and pictures on the Forum photo site or visit his web site
www.artonthehoof.co.uk
Contact Stuart for more details: email address: artonthehoof@yahoo.co.uk
News & Letters
My mad Life with horses, house and family
Riding Lessons - interesting tactics !!!
My mad Life with horses, house and family
By Cassey in Basildon, Essex
My life over the past two years has been totally hectic. This seems always to be the way with horsey people who have a family. We enjoy the outdoor life and seem to revel in the pure pleasures of nature, but boy, doesn't it make it hard, trying to juggle cooking, cleaning, washing etc. Not to mention organising the homework (which I must say was never that difficult when I was in junior school) and along with all this I am trying to complete the Level 1 course.
Lingfield Correspondence has supported me all the way even though I have been very slowly plodding through. However, when you look in your horses eyes and take a breath of that unique horsey smell - it all seems worth it. Kind regards to all, and may we keep on learning and loving our hobby.
News from Dubai
By Jane Colbeck, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
I'm based in Dubai and joined Lingfield Correspondence in January 2006.I lease a 15hh Arabian mare called Sugar, she's ex endurance and far more 'horse' than I have ever been used to. I had huge challenges to start off as she takes off and has the stamina of a true endurance animal. We are now at a stage where even if she does bolt I am back in control quickly. We are learning basic dressage at the stables where I keep her; she's a quick learner and a pleasure to be around.
I chose to study with Lingfield as I wanted to be able to know I am looking after Sugar's every need, this is the first horse I've owned and I have had about a 20 year break from learning to 'ride' (?) as a kid and now really riding rather than just being a passenger. Riding is such a small part of owning a horse and the course has already opened my eyes to so many things I didn't know (or had been mislead on by other so called experts). Lingfield allows the students to work totally at their own pace which is great for me as the pace of life and work in Dubai is very fast and having the ability to learn at my own time ensures I will get the most out of the course.
Things are very different in Dubai, but the basics apply wherever, and each day I feel I am getting that bit closer to being a confident horse owner. Our horses are kept on sand in a covered shelter but with no sides, just rails. They are mucked and treated much the same as a deep litter bed but the sand is dried out rather than replaced. Temperatures here mean that the sand does not remain wet for any length of time.
There is no grazing and all hay is imported. Quality and type varies from normal hay to Timothy alfalfa, or haylage i.e. no consistency. Horses take in sand during turnout and when eating hay. You have keep an eye on droppings so they don't get 'clogged up'.
(editors note: In UK, this would be called sand colic) Shoes don't wear quickly but hooves dry out. We average 2-3 days rain a year. We have a live in farrier at our yard which is fantastic.
Winter nights can get chilly and my mare had a rug this year for about 30 days. Through the summer months May to September temps of 50 degrees and 100% humidity are fairly normal in July and August. We shower the horses twice daily to keep temperatures down, & have to ensure hooves are not too wet through this. Richer owners have air conditioning but it only helps a bit. During the Summer, many get little or no exercise due to owners avoiding extreme temperatures. I try to do walk and trot to keep her moving.
My stables is a lovely community of expats and locals who love and care for their horses, many are new to horse owning like myself and gosh there is so much to learn! My little mare had a bout of colic last week (the second case in the 8 years she has been at the stables)
I was distraught but after an anti spasm injection she perked up and was fine by that afternoon. It gave me my first real insight of dealing with colic.
Best wishes, Jane
My dream IS coming true !
By Lingfield Student Cindy - soon to be in Cambridgeshire
I thought I would tell people a little about my involvement in horses but where do I start! I started to learn to ride at the age of 10 at a local stables. Then was asked to work there at weekends, which then became my first full time job when I left school. I learned everything from horse care, to SJ, XC, and Dressage. In this time I owed 4 of my own horses. By 18 however, boys became more interesting to me, as did clubbing and a lot of late nights!
Now, 16 years and 5 children later I decided to get back in the saddle. On the way to the riding school I was so nervous, I had butterflies. But once I got on the horse it was GREAT!! Jackie the lady who is teaching me really put me through my paces, (her excuse was I wanted to see how much you knew !!) I suffered for 7 days till my next lesson.
The next lesson wasn't as bad and my confidence is now much better. My ambition through life has been to own my own equestrian property - and at last it is finally becoming reality. We have just made an offer on a place in Cambridgeshire which has been accepted. I can't wait to purchase my own horses again and do DIY liveries as well. EXCELLENT!!
This is why when I found out about the Lingfield home study course I couldn't believe my luck. I have found this course so helpful, and a lot has changed in 16 years. The things I was taught ,and the way things were done then, are not the way it is done today, so I'm truly grateful to have found this course. Especially as I can study in the evenings when all my children are in bed.
We all wish you good luck with your new venture Cindy.
Riding Lessons - interesting tactics !!!
By Graham Roberts, Brigg, North Lincolnshire
I have a little snippet you might find of interest, although maybe not amusing.
Having just returned to the UK from Taiwan, for a couple of weeks holiday, I was keen to accompany my grandson and granddaughter on their weekly Saturday morning riding lesson, (that's what they call it anyway). The 'Riding School' they attend had better remain anonymous, and you will see why;
My granddaughter is 9 years old and on the small side, being under 4 feet tall, the pony she rides is somewhat on the wide size, making it not too good a match. One of the problems she has is coordinating her feet and knees when wanting to make the pony move into trot or canter.
The lady (?) instructor apparently has been trying to solve the problem for several weeks, but to my horror she said that she was going to tie my granddaughters knees to the saddle to keep them in place whilst moving her feet !!!!!
Needless to say this wasn't allowed to happen and several questions were raised as to the instructors capabilities / experience.
Obviously I am now trying harder to crack on with my Level 1 course and hopefully soon have more knowledge on equine care than this 'instructor' and can take over the equine education of my grand children. I am currently looking at some property for sale with 2 stables and 4 acres of land so things are going to plan for me at present.
I must add that I am finding your correspondence course to be very very useful and hopefully I will reap the benefits of it in the not too distant future.
Regards Graham
News from a Student in America
My Equestrian Equation
|
By Joe Piedmont, Vancouver, USA
Learn all you can about horses
A significant trend in the horse world today is woman + horse = wonderful life. For my wife Maria, however, this equation is not entirely accurate. The reason why has eluded her - she loves horses, she loves to ride, she loves being a horsewoman. Still she could not make the equation add up. It was not until I expressed a desire to take riding lessons and join her as a horse lover that she realized how the equation should read: wife + husband + horses = wonderful life.
To be honest, the exhilaration of cantering a 1000 pound animal while lightly encouraging it to do your bidding through two small strips of leather is hard to beat. But Maria's joy is even greater knowing that we are pursuing this activity together. And I am excited to have an athletic endeavour that includes my wife. We have found a pathway that is challenging and rewarding for both of us. As we journey along our wonderful life and grow in our skill with horses we have found there are a few key additional elements to making the most of the equation
Learn all you can about horses
I am an admitted novice, so gaining knowledge about horses is a continuing enterprise for me. I have read books, attended a trade show, hung around the barn after my lessons, and of course enrolled in the Lingfield Correspondence Courses to further my education and increase my confidence. My wife on the other hand, has a lifelong interaction with horses and riding, and possesses a keen understanding that comes with time. Together we are able to discuss various topics about horses, share insights we have gathered, compare our riding technique and learn from each other. Expanding our knowledge of horses has made our lessons more fun and has provided the added benefit of spending our limited free time as a couple, working on a hobby we can enjoy for many years to come
Find a good trainer
There are many lesson providers who call themselves "trainers," but all too few actually have the experience and background necessary to teach committed riders how to improve their abilities and excel as horsemen/women. The right trainer is especially important for any couple where skill levels and learning styles differ. We are blessed to have an excellent trainer who knows how to instruct experienced and novice riders, understands how to teach women and men, and is herself a competitor and professional rider.
Finding a good trainer is not altogether easy; time spent making phone calls, asking for references, evaluating costs, and visiting barns is critical before making a selection. This research has really paid off for us. Not only do we have access to high-quality teaching, but we have also developed a new and fun friendship with a very nice person. The right trainer is an important person for any couple who wants to advance their skills
Find a good barn/facility
Barn, stable, farm, ranch, equestrian center; all these words are used interchangeably by business owners to describe their various horse operations. These words, though, are not very useful in finding a suitable facility at which to take riding lessons as they offer no clues to differentiate the quality of horse care, nor do they indicate the amenities available. Most often, choosing a facility is part of choosing a trainer and good trainers are likely to be found at good stables
Here in Vancouver,Washington, USA almost all facilities provide stalls for their horses. And since most trainers require the rider to inspect, groom and tack the horse as part of the lesson, the layout of stalls in the barn is an important consideration. Wide aisles, good lighting, and an accessible tack room reduce the opportunity for injury and accident. Similarly, this area of the country is visited quite frequently by rain, so another important amenity to look for is a covered arena.
We feel quite blessed to have a nice, well run facility called Shortacres Farm close to our home where we experience the joys of riding, caring for, and learning about horses
Life, of course, is a varied and complicated balance of people and events that can rarely be described in its entirety with a simple equation. But we have found the equation wife + husband + horses - wonderful life to be an inspiration that helps to energize our journey, helps us to define the things we will see and do along the way, and reminds us to enjoy every day we have together.
The equation is our lifelong goal to become a horseman and a horsewoman while at the same time becoming a horse-couple. We are enjoying every minute of it.
New Course Tutors join the Lingfield team
Last year we welcomed Nicky Morgan and Sally Howard.
This year we welcome Hannah Haskew. We asked Hannah to tell you a little about herself
"Hello there everyone.
I'm helping Paula to develop the new short course series, and am based in the Derbyshire area. I've been a BHS registered instructor for many years now, and I currently work freelance, teaching riders on their own horses. I teach a whole range of clients from the nervous to the confident, from pleasure riders to competitors to BHS exam students. I don't currently own my own horse, but I do have a horse 'on loan' for me to ride. He is a real cheeky chappy who certainly lets you know what he thinks of things! I've only been riding him for a few months and I'm hoping to do a bit of dressage this year, but he has had a few physical problems so we're still in the process of building him back up to full strength.
I'm very interested in the rehabilitation of horses anyway, because in addition to teaching I'm also a qualified and registered 'Equine Body Worker'. I treat horses using a combination of different manual therapies such as sports massage, stretching and stress point therapy, to help to improve their general well-being and performance. Although qualified, I'm still studying lots of other treatment techniques, including animal manipulation, so hopefully soon I'll be able to treat other animals as well as horses.
I love both parts of my job. It is so satisfying seeing horses become more comfortable and able to work better with therapy. Although they cannot talk, they are surprisingly good at giving you clues about where and how to work with them, and what feels good. I have one horse I go to see who instantly turns his bottom round and reverses up to me when I go into the stable so that I can work on the hamstring muscles down the back of his hindlegs - I'm not allowed to do anything else until this area feels better! It could be quite off-putting if I didn't know him well...!
I also love teaching because I am continually learning from my students, having to think of different ways to put the same messages across so that the meaning is understood. You have to be quite innovative sometimes to adapt your methods to suit the particular situation, and it's so rewarding to see relationships improve over time and people progressing with their horses and having fun.
My background before becoming a body worker was quite varied. I'd done a BSc (Hons) degree in Equine Sports Science and worked on a whole variety of different yards. My main interest however, was (and still is) dressage, and I feel very lucky and honoured to have been able to work with some of the country's top horses.
The amount of preparation and level of detail required to produce horses for major competitions such as the Olympics or European Championships is amazing. Seeing the ridden training at this level, and the careful approach to young horse development, has also helped me so much in my current lines of work, knowing how to get the horse to develop in the correct way to become stronger and more supple without creating resistance.
If I have to give people one piece of advice around horses it would be to keep your ears and eyes open at all times. Always watch other people ride, or how they look after their horses, and ask them why they do things the way they do. They may not necessarily be doing things right (and usually the horse will tell you whether it is a good method or not!) but it is only from watching both the good and the bad that you can determine how you want to approach things. Never just take one persons word for something - research yourself and find alternative opinions before making your mind up. No-one ever has all the answers and none of us ever stop learning, so just enjoy the ride...!"
Thank you Hannah
Students who use our web site message board are already benefiting from Hannah's wealth of knowledge.
Hannah is very modest and didn't mention that she won the Eqvalan Equine Thesis of the Year Award 2003. Her thesis was published in numerous magazines and newspapers. She is annual guest lecturer at NottinghamTrentUniversity on the uses of equine sports massage. See Hannah's own web site
A TRIBUTE
If anyone recognises who I am from this story I would appreciate you not making contact, or discussing it on the message board at all, as I am still very upset.
My Story
I first met my girl in January 2004, she was stabled next to a mare that I was helping to exercise due to her owners lack of time. She was a beautiful bay TB mare with a white star and no other markings - my dream horse - she appeared laid back and affectionate. I fell in love immediately I looked into her liquid brown eyes.
Her owner, appeared not to do very much with her, her stable wasn't well kept, she was dirty, but seemed happy enough. I longed to give her a bath and put on a nice warm rug and bed her down on some lovely deep shavings. I became besotted with her and when her owner told me she was going to sell her I was horrified!! She couldn't sell her - it was not fair, I loved her and wanted her and even though I had never ridden her I told her owner that I wanted to buy her!
That's when it all began.
After riding her a couple of times, I decided I wanted her - I had her vetted - she had a couple of small things mentioned, but that would not matter for what I wanted her for - pure pleasure and enjoyment! I actually owned a horse!! She was my dream come true, or so I thought. I had a very steep learning curve and found out lots about her. One time I had her old trainer come and give me a lesson, she told me that she had advised her previous owner to sell her because she was dangerous and unpredictable, you can imagine my horror at hearing this about 'my girl' I was so upset and decided that I would prove her wrong.
I had her for almost two years and in that time we moved a couple of times and then found a yard ran by very experienced people my confidence began to grow. She began to really bond with me and I had the reputation at the yard as having the best-dressed horse with the cleanest stable and I bristled with pride.
Then last summer, for what ever reason we will never know, she started dragging me (or anyone else that lead her) back in from the field - nothing had changed, all the horses where familiar ones, but she just would not walk, she would barge, rear and pull the time's I thought I was going to be crushed where numerous. The yard owner's were fantastic and helped me bring her in and suggest things to try. Nothing worked. I contacted a healer, she said that she 'told' her she had a headache, that she loved me and was very happy with me, but she could not help. The pulling continued every night for two months. I wondered every night if this would be the night that she really hurt me, or anyone else that stepped in to help.
It stopped as suddenly as it started; it was such a relief to be able to walk back at a leisurely pace together, my heart sang!! I started to ride out with one of the girls who's mare shared the same paddock. I became firm friends with the owner and if not for her, I would not have found the courage to hack out again. I even rode out on my own a few times - not very far, but I did it!! We went off road with the friend and galloped across as free as a bird, she truly loved to run.
Then it started again as the winter came on -I became afraid to get on her - but I did. She would suddenly prance about, the more you asked her to behave the worse she became, she would just start rearing, completely vertical and spin round. Suddenly one day for no reason she just reared up and span round in the middle of the road just as cars were coming in both directions, I got off and walked home. She pranced and reared all the way and nearly broke my arm.
After that things went down hill rapidly. There wasn't a day without incident. I had her back, saddle and teeth checked, everything was fine, and so was she when she was behaving. Everyone was worried and advised me not to ride her.
The yard owner (a Grand Prix Dressage trainer/rider) She said that she would not ride her and that it was only a matter of time before she did me some real damage and at her age was unlikely to change.
I was so distressed I thought about nothing else, what could I do? There was no way I would ever pass her on to anyone else, they would not love her like I did, she would be moved around and be very, very unhappy, because of one thing I am sure - she loved me and she loved her home -I couldn't bear it. So I came to the terrible decision to have her put to sleep. I said goodbye to her one morning and never saw her again - I miss her so much, she meant the world to me and she changed and enriched my life - no horse will ever take her place. It was the worse and the hardest thing I have ever done in my life, but I know I made the right decision. She is free now to run and be wild and is no longer in any pain.
I wanted to write this in memory of her - and just to share with you all an experience I would not want anyone else to have. I now know that her previous owner was fully aware that she was dangerous and before she had her she had been badly neglected. We have pieced together her previous life and think that she had probably been raced over hurdles. She had also been abused. She was definitely a very disturbed girl and I hope that I made a difference to her life - I think I did.
I like to think that things are meant to happened for a reason and I believe that I was sent to her to give her a couple of really good years in her life before it ended.
Bye, bye my beautiful girl, I miss you so much.
If any readers recognise the author from this story, it would be appreciated if no one makes any attempt to contact or leave messages anywhere in connection with or related to this piece. Any messages which ARE left in connection with the above will be deleted. We print this purely as a tribute to the horse and her owner and sincerely hope that all readers will abide by this request.
Veteran Horse Society (VHS) and the charity Veteran Horse Welfare (VHW)
These two organisations are both vital in promoting the care and welfare of older horses.
If you wish to show or compete at any of the VHS 'qualfying classes' at shows near you, you need to join the VHS. In this context the 'qualifying classes' mean the winners could enter classes held for Veterans at Olympia.
For many years the VHS was the main body to provide advice and support for owners of veteran horses and ponies.
Since 2004 however. the VHW charity was launched by the Society and now funds research into caring for the older horse. The VHW also provides funding for their two rehabilitation centres which care for horses and ponies who through no fault of their own have been neglected or mismanaged in some way.
It is a sorry state of affairs but today many people think that when a horse or pony reaches the age of about 25 they are liable to get thin and look in poor condition in general. This is not the case unless there is a specific medical reason of course. The society has plenty of stories and pictures to prove that older horses, even when neglected can, with a bit of TLC, look 10 or more years younger.
A Free Service to Riding Schools:
Riding schools often find that their older ponies struggle to keep weight on and carry on working as much as they used to. The VHW charity will re-home any horse or pony over the age of 15 from a riding school to an approved VHS home whether it can be ridden or not.
They have never yet turned a veteran away. This is a totally free service and one which all riding schools should be aware of.
If YOU know any riding school which might benefit from this service, why not tell them about this free offer. More importantly, if you know any horse or pony who would benefit from this service, please tell the owner or manager of the school about it RIGHT AWAY.
Please tell them where you heard about it and pass on the following telephone numbers
|
The charity welcomes new members so please help our older horses by joining the Veteran Horse Welfare this month.
Well that's all for now everyone, but please keep those letters coming.
We aim to have a star letter spot on the new web site soon - so write in and tell us your news or amusing story. 150 - 250 words is ideal.
Have a good Spring and Summer everyone
From
the Lingfield Team
The Pegasus logo represents something of a flying start for us in 2006. Pegasus flew into action over the past few weeks and is now being introduced into most of our literature and course material. Together with the introduction of a new logo, the past 12 months have also seen two new course tutors joining the team, two new short courses have been introduced with further short courses being introduced during the year.
News - Summer 2006
Topics
- Pegasus - Our new logo
- Lingfield Equine Courses
- New Short Courses
- "Noel"imits to his talents!
- Horses For Sale!
- Becoming An Instructor BHS Exams
- Student Stars
- News & Letters
- My Equestrian Equation
- New Course Tutors join the Lingfield team
- A TRIBUTE
- Veteran Horse Society (VHS) and the charity Veteran Horse Welfare (VHW)
Pegasus - Our new logo
© 2006 Lingfield Correspondence est. 1994
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
© 2006 Lingfield Correspondence est. 1994
BHS Certificated Courses
Member of the British Equestrian Trade Association
