paddock http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for paddock Copyright 2008 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:15:58 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/paddock What Every Horse Rescue Should Provide http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-every-horse-rescue-should-provide http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-every-horse-rescue-should-provide#comments Tue, 15 Jul 2008 06:15:21 +0000 fence railsdangerous equipmentclean environmentshavingsbarbed wirepaddockfreezers http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-every-horse-rescue-should-provide
The farm should be clean and well maintained. That means that the stalls that are being used should be well bedded (any bedding is fine /straw/etc) and be well mucked on a regular basis. Horses that are kept out of doors should have adequate space, or be supplemented with hay. They should all have water at all times both indoors and out. Fencing should be safe and adequate to keep the horses where they belong. No or other truly unsafe fencing should be allowed. There should be signs that the owner is making efforts to keep the fencing and barn maintained even if there are things that are evidently in need of repair (hey -- we all have needing repair). The fields should be free of and other items likely to cause injury to a horse. If horses are routinely kept out of doors 24/7 there should be some kind of run-in shelter available.

Feed and hay should be stored in a safe, . Grain should be contained in a way that discourages snacking by escapee horses and keeps rodents etc out of it (as much as possible -- old are a great way to do this -- cheap and easy to get a hold of too). A variety of feed suited to the needs of the various horses at the rescue should be available. A reasonable supply of medication should be available on hand (those medications the rescue owner knows how to use correctly), especially penicillin, bute, worming paste, and banamine (anyone can learn to do intramuscular shots). If a horse needs special medication it should be evident that the medication is on hand and that the rescue knows how to use it.

The horses should be well cared for and happy in their home. Horses with special needs should show signs of having those special needs cared for. The horses should show evidence of having been groomed on a reasonably regular basis. Their feet should be in reasonable condition, showing evidence of regular hoof care (although some horses' feet will obviously need more care than others). Rescues who have been in residence for an extended time should be in good weight, good health (with the exception of pre-existing conditions), and show evidence of regular care. New rescues of course will be more varied in condition. A rescue that routinely rescues from auctions or other questionable sources should have an appropriate quarantine area.

If the rescue is marketing riding horses there should be an appropriate area set aside for clients to try the horses. This area should be clear of obstacles that could cause injury to horse or rider. Ideally it would be flat, fenced and a minimum of 100'x50', but that would be pretty flexible. The riding area should be easily cleared of horses (if it is a turn-out area) so that riders can ride without the interference of other horses in the ring loose with them (I've seen it and ridden in it before...).

If the rescue accepts stallions there should be safe, well constructed stalls (or at least one stall) available for stallion use. There should be at least one individual turn-out paddock/field with no shared fencelines and preferably electric wire for the stallion(s) to go out in. The rescue owner should have had some experience with stallions in the past before accepting them at their rescue.

If the rescue accepts mares in foal there should be an adequate place set aside for the mare(s) to foal. This could be a foaling stall (no smaller than 12'x12', preferably bigger -- especially for draft mares), or a foaling paddock (a small grass paddock, very lightly used, mucked daily when in use). There should also be a small paddock set aside (could be the foaling paddock -- or could be the stallion paddock) for the mare and foal to be turned out individually for the first two weeks so they can safely bond before returning to the herd.

The person managing the rescue should be an experienced horse person with preferably over 5 years of horse experience. This experience should be varied if possible in more than one segment of the horse industry. If they are accepting stallions the manager (or an employee) should be experienced with stallions. If they are accepting mares in foal or youngstock the manager (or an employee) should have some experience with mares and foals.

The horse rescue owner/manager should be able to provide references both horsey and non-horsey. If the rescue adopts out, at least one reference should be from a prior adoptive home. References from the rescue's regular vet and farrier should be required.Lydia V Kelly is a writer for www.HorseClicks.com, popular classifieds of horses for sale, horse farms and horse trailers for sale.]]> How to Choose a Barn For You and Your Horse http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-choose-a-barn-for-you-and-your-horse http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-choose-a-barn-for-you-and-your-horse#comments Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:01:26 +0000 poor fencinggrade grainmany horsesloose boardsperformance gradegood shapesaddlebred http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-choose-a-barn-for-you-and-your-horse
A second choice may be the classified ads, word of mouth or local tack shop.

What Kind of Riding Do You Do?

Each discipline has its own philosophies and also prejudices about other riders and their horses. Its best to find a barn with compatible values; if you have a Thoroughbred who needs lots of turnout, don't go to a barn where turnout is limited or unheard of. Barns that geared towards showing may have different requirements for their horses than barns that are primarily for trail or pleasure riding; they may want their horses inside more or give them a performance .

Do They Have a Trainer?

If you want to take lessons and don't have a trailer, it may be best if you also see if there's a trainer available for lessons. Ask around and find out what clients think of her teaching, experience and personality.

What Is the Condition of the Barn?

Find out how long they've been in business and that will usually lead into a discussion about the barn and its upgrades. You can tell alot by looking for , rust or . Make sure to check out your horses stall or shed and see if it's in or needs repair. Is the barn clean and tidy? Is there a board for notes, contact information and a schedule for turnout?

What Kind of Turn Out Is There?

Find out how many acres are used for turnout. Some barns like to have as as possible to increase their cash flow, so the horses might not really get out much. The ratio of horses per acre is important to check out. Also find out what kind of grass is it -- new or well established? How often do the horses go out; many horses prefer to go out every day. Do they get rotated from a paddock to field or just stuck in a paddock? If your horse needs a lot of turnout to stay sane, its critical to know he'll be turned out on a consistent basis.

And, don't forget the humans. If you go to a new barn by yourself, you'll probably want to have some friends to ride with. Find out, if you can, how often people ride at the barn and if they meet socially outside the barn for get-togethers. If the barn is large enough, they usually have holiday parties and celebrate birthdays. The right barn can become an extended family; and providing friendships for you and your horse for many years.Edna X Wilson is a writer for www.HorseClicks.com, popular classifieds of horses for sale, horse trailers, farms for sale.]]> Boarding Your Horse: What You Need to KNow http://www.artwoo.com/article/boarding-your-horse-what-you-need-to-know http://www.artwoo.com/article/boarding-your-horse-what-you-need-to-know#comments Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:15:19 +0000 private paddocksstable costsstable arealocation amenitiesstorage feeloving ownersbox stall http://www.artwoo.com/article/boarding-your-horse-what-you-need-to-know
The lowest cost stables will typically offer a or a standard stall with a paddock or turn out pasture that the horse can have access to. Generally this turn out area will be for other horses as well, however you may be able to pay extra for a private pasture. As the owner you would be required to feed, water and exercise your horse as well as groom and provide all vaccinations and medical treatments. Keep in mind that if you provide your own feed you may also be charged a to have the hay or feed stored in the . More costly stables may include heated box stalls, or small pastures, feed and exercise services as well as on staff or on call farriers and vets. These deluxe stables may be cost prohibitive for many owners, but certainly provide the best care if the owner cannot tend to the horse every day.

If you travel a lot or can only ride occasionally, you may want to consider sharing your horse with another rider, splitting the cost of stabling, feed and care. This can be a wonderful option for your horse as he or she will get plenty of exercise and care from two . If you only ride during certain months due to business or school, leasing your horse to another person during the times you can't ride can help cover the plus keep your horse well ridden and cared for. Leasing doesn't transfer ownership of the horse and at the end of the lease the horse is returned to you.

If you are fortunate enough to live where you can keep your own horse and you have at least an acre of land, you can always build your own barn or even a lean-to that will provide shelter and safety for the horse. Under the best conditions the building should be fully sheltered and have a box stall, a straight stall and a separate and secure feed and tack room. Keeping the horse out of the feed is critical as overeating can cause colic and that can result in death.

The pasture or paddock area should be securely fenced with post and board fencing or special horse fencing, not barbed wire that can cause cuts or serious injuries if the horse's leg or foot becomes tangled in the wire. The fence and posts need to be well maintained and strongly constructed, with any damage to the fence repaired immediately.Susanne Malloy is an avid equestrian and an editor for www.EnglishSaddleShop.com, your complete resource for new and used English saddles, riding apparel, and all English tack.]]> The Equine Redemption http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-equine-redemption http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-equine-redemption#comments Fri, 09 Feb 2007 04:27:07 +0000 auction yardolder horsesarab arabproceededbay geldingauctioneerstud colts http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-equine-redemption
We found a couple of who seemed to be dumped at the auction but still had life left and love to give. My friend decided to bid on two of them.

As the auction , the horses she liked both went to good homes at good prices. In fact, at that auction, most of the horses went to good homes. It was refreshing, actually.

Toward the end, the cowboys herded two young bay Arab/Arab-cross into the ring. It was clear they hadn't been handled and were not in good shape. I didn't see them out in the paddocks before the auction - I think they may have been brought in at the last second. They ran around in front of the , and nobody wanted to bid on them. I'm not sure who ended up buying them, but I suspected that they went to the Mexican rodeo.

The following month my friend and I went back to the same with high hopes. Again, she found one or two horses she was interested in, so we found our seats and waited to see what happened.

The auction went by much like the last one, the horses she liked went at prices higher than she wanted to pay, and had good homes.

And just like the last month, at the very end of the auction, the cowboys herded in one young bay...gelding. I immediately recognized him as the smaller of the two that had been herded in last month. This poor horse was clearly traumatized, terrified and clearly in pain.

The auctioneer started the bidding out at $500. No takers. $400. No takers...the price went down and down, and still no takers. My heart was just breaking seeing this young guy in such dire straits.

Finally, the auctioneer announced, andquot;$50. Who will take this guy home for $50?andquot;

....Me, apparently! I suddenly found my arm stretched into the air, announcing to the entire crowd that my heart was the softest. BANG, the gavel came down, and I now owned a 2 year old Arab-cross with no training and a terrible start in life.

I did not go to the auction looking to buy a horse, for crying out loud! At that point in my life I wasn't sure which way was up! I sincerely did not know if I would have a home the next month, but I could not have left him where he was.

I paid my $50 plus tax, and bought a disposable nylon halter in the auction office - like I said, I was unprepared. People in the office said to me, andquot;Oh,YOU'RE the one that bought that colt. Be careful with that one. He's out to kill someone.andquot; I wasn't worried.

Out in the paddock yard, people were collecting their horses, either the ones they bought or the ones they're taking back home. I saw my new horse alone in a large paddock. I stood at the gate for a while, watching him, letting him see me, smell me, feel me.

One of the cowboys, walking by, playing with is lariat, said to me, andquot;You know, that colt is dangerous. He's out to kill somebody. You probably won't be able to handle him. It took six of us to get him in the trailer last time. You let me know, and I'll come rope him for you when you're ready.andquot;

andquot;Ok. Thanks.andquot; I said.

I stayed quiet, and started to notice what kind of condition he was really in. He had patches of bare skin where he had fallen, or been whipped down to the skin. He had scars where his mouth had been tied shut. His legs were full of cuts and sores, and his one white sock was hard to see through the dirt and dried blood of a wound just a bit higher on his leg. I was convinced he had been at the Mexican rodeo.

But his eyes were bright. He was aware and alive. His spirit was so strong, totally committed to resisting anyone who would try to force him into servitude. I was already in love with him!

After about 15 minutes of standing quietly, watching him, keeping my own mind clear, my own heart open so he would have the best chance to know who I am, what I'm about, and that I was here to help him, I stepped into the paddock. He was facing away from me, and turned his head around to the left to look at me squarely.

I said, andquot;Helloandquot;, silently. I did not approach him, I did not reach out to him with my hand. I stood still, about 20 feet from him, holding my $7 halter and lead rope. He refocused on me, scanning me more deeply, and as he did, I took half a step back, letting him know that I intend no threat. After another five minutes, I turned and left his paddock.

The cowboys KNEW I was crazy. After all, it took six of them to handle this guy...

I took a break, walked away for ten minutes or so, talked with my friend about bringing the trailer around. She backed her four horse stock trailer up to a wide chute area, and the cowboys planted themselves on top of the fences to watch.

andquot;Yer gonna need a rope!andquot; they reassured me.

andquot;Ok. Thanks.andquot; I was really grateful for their attention, because I wanted them to see what kindness can accomplish...

I went back to my guy's paddock and walked directly in. I stepped within about ten feet of him and showed him the halter. Silently, telepathically, I communicated to him, andquot;I'd like you to wear this halter and follow me up this aisleway to a large trailer where there is hay and soft bedding. I want to take you where you can eat grass and rest with no whips and no ropes.andquot;

He sighed and lowered his head in acceptance. His eyes became softer, although not submissive.

I walked straight up to him and haltered him. I turned myself toward the gate as if he and I had already done this walk hundreds of times together. With a very slight pressure on the halter in my direction, and a gentle release as he responded, he understood that trapping him was not my intent. He followed me directly, out the gate and up the aislway.

And the cowboys were watching...silently!

This young horse, my new hero, felt a bit claustrophobic in the aisleway, surrounded by fences and gates, shadows and sounds, but he chose to trust me and come with me. When we made it to the other end of the covered paddock area, to where the trailer was waiting, we had an audience. But my horse and I were focused on each other. I was focused on bringing him gently, safely, into the trailer. He was focused on not being beaten.

We walked into the wide chute area toward the trailer, and again, I approached the trailer as if he and I had done this already a thousand times. I held thoughts and pictures and sensations in my mind of a young, spirited bay horse travelling safely and comfortably to a place with a large grass pasture and the company of a three year old quarter horse mare. I saw the picture of him walking gently into the trailer, I felt, even before we stepped into the trailer, the rocking of the trailer floor, the sounds of hooves on the trailer floor, and the rattles you hear when it's holding the weight of a horse. I felt how this particular trailer, on this particular day, was destined to deliver a special horse to freedom.

He followed me straight into the trailer like an old pro. No hesitation. He walked in, grabbed a bite of hay, and let me know he understands. He's ready to go. It was more than I had even hoped for.

Without ceremony, I closed up the trailer, said goodbye to the cowboys, and we drove away.

I named this little horse Dufresne (pronounced du-frane) after the lead charater in The Shawshank Redemption, one of the most satisfying movies I have ever seen. Andy Dufresne, in the movie, was wrongfully imprisoned for over twenty years, endured ridiculous abuse, and finally, quietly, revealed the injustices of his jailers and escaped through the sewer pipes to spend the rest of his days on a Pacific coast beach.

Dufresne settled into his new pasture home instantly. His wounds healed faster than you'd think wounds should heal. He was immeasurably happy to give his attention, to learn to be saddled and ridden. He eventually when to a new family, to live out his new life. Each moment with him was filled with gratitude and love. He is an amazingly strong and beautiful individual.

The picture of him standing in his pasture with grass hanging out of his mouth and a big smile on his face embodies a whole new beginning. The look in his eye is almost indescribable. A kid in a candy store, like he'd been born again, into a completely different world.

This was $50 well spent. http://www.octoberkerri.powerfulintentions.com Kerri is a gifted teacher, healer and animal communicator focused on helping others find harmony within their lives and within themselves. Animals have led the way through the most difficult times and are involved in most of her work and writing. ]]> Traveling To Australia? Here's A Quick Guide To The Aussie Language http://www.artwoo.com/article/traveling-to-australia-heres-a-quick-guide-to-the-aussie-language http://www.artwoo.com/article/traveling-to-australia-heres-a-quick-guide-to-the-aussie-language#comments Mon, 24 Mar 2008 06:15:00 +0000 aussie blokesaussie phrasesaustralian phrasesgood blokeaussie maleenglish in australialand of oz http://www.artwoo.com/article/traveling-to-australia-heres-a-quick-guide-to-the-aussie-language English in Australia?" I hear you ask. You'll be pleased to know that they do. It's just that they sometimes speak it a little differently. If you are planning to travel to the , here's a brief guide to help you.

But first, try this sample quiz on typical . Don't worry if you don't get them. Even some Aussies find them baffling. The answers are at the end of the article. (no peeping!)

5 typical .

1) Emma chisit. 2) I'm a bit crook today. 3) Bloody good tucker 4) A few kangaroos short in the top paddock. 5) Technicolor yawn.

5 Commonly used Aussie words.

1) Bloke.

An . If he's a reasonable person, he may be referred to as "A ". If not he may be called a tosser or even stronger expletives.

2) Shiela.

Sometimes used as another word for "woman", although rarely used in the southern states. It can be also used as a derogatory term. Aussie men love their sport and if the footy team they barrack for loses, the blokes in the team could be described as playing "like a bunch of bloody shielas".

3) G'day.

An Aussie greeting meaning "good morning," or "good afternoon". It could also mean "how are you?", or "how the bloody hell are you?" This term is regularly used everywhere in Australia when get together. When you meet an Australian, the usual greeting you will receive is "G'day", sometimes "G'day mate" or "G'day cobber". It is sometimes followed by "How ya goin' mate", perhaps "How ya goin".

4) Mate.

Most Aussie blokes call their friends "mate" whether at the footy, downing a coldie in the pub, enjoying a tinnie around the barbie, or at work. It's also very convenient if you've forgotten someone's name. Another word for mate is "cobber".

5) Shout.

In Australia, this word can have 2 meanings. It can mean to call out loud, but if you're in a pub drinking with your mates and it's your turn to buy, it's your shout.

If you're with a group of blokes you are part of a "school". The worst thing you can do is refuse to buy when it's your shout. Words such as "bludger" and "free loader" may be directed at you.

Here are your answers.

1) Emma chisit.

If you are enquiring about the price of something in a shop, it is logical to ask "Emma chisit", which of course means "How much is it?

2) I'm a bit crook today.

Crook can be another name for a criminal, but it is also a word used if you are feeling unwell. You may also say you are "feeling crook" and if you are feeling really crook, you are "as crook as a dog" and may have to take "a sickie", meaning a day off work. This phrase is very closely related to number 5.

3) Bloody good tucker.

If you use this phrase, you are complimenting your host on a fine, tasty meal. It is believed to have originated from the poem "Waltzing Matilda" by the famous Australian poet "Banjo Paterson" where he described a dog sitting on a tucker box. A tucker box is where food is stored. It is now called a lunch box.

4) A few kangaroos short in the top paddock.

This sentence is not very complimentary. It means not very bright, dull or as thick as 2 short planks. Two other phrases with similar meanings: "A few tomatoes short of a sandwich" and "A chop short of a barbie".

5) Technicolor yawn.

Sometimes an Aussie bloke (or shiela) may imbibe too heavily in the singing syrup or amber fluid (beer). When combined with a generous serving of prawns, it may result in the unpleasant experience sometimes also called a liquid laugh and other disgusting terms such as chunder, spew or chuck up.

Well, how ja go? Sorry, how did you go? If you answered 4 or 5 correctly congratulations, you could almost be an Aussie! If 3 or less, it's not your fault. It's just that you haven't been exposed to our unique version of the English language. And the only way to learn it, is to travel to Oz and practice on the locals.

The best place of course, is the front bar of the local rubbidy. ( rubbidy dub, pub, hotel.) And if you're in a school, don't forget to buy when it's your shout. Independent travelers, including single women travelers, love this contact with the locals, particularly in the northern and outback parts of Australia, where the broad Aussie accent is more evident. Discover more on Australian rail travel adventures in the authors latest Ebook. Please visit: http://www.traveltipsaustralia.com and http://www.gsr.com.au Special introductory price of $9.97 and instant download. ]]> Teaching a Foal to Lead http://www.artwoo.com/article/teaching-a-foal-to-lead http://www.artwoo.com/article/teaching-a-foal-to-lead#comments Wed, 17 Sep 2008 19:08:26 +0000 foalfoalspaddockdamsbumropequarters http://www.artwoo.com/article/teaching-a-foal-to-lead foal should learn is how to be haltered and led. Many breeders do not halter their until later, and allow them to run freely alongside their for turn-out and other care. Horses need to learn that humans are in control of where and when they go places. By teaching your foal to wear a halter and to be led, you are establishing that you are the one who tells him what he should do.

Start out by haltering your foal within the first week. This is purely to teach him to accept the halter, and not be afraid. Do not apply pressure on the halter at this stage as you can damage the still-fragile neck. If left on, after a while the halter is perceived as part of his body.

Leading should begin with the "hug hold". With one arm across your baby's chest and the other around his , hug him firmly and guide him as you take him to his . Have a helper lead his dam slightly ahead of him so that he has the incentive to follow.

Around two weeks old, you can begin to lightly hold the halter. Avoid putting any pressure on it; just teach your foal that you can hold the halter without hurting or scaring him. Continue to hug hold him, and as he moves forward willingly, progress to leading with a hand on the halter and a hand on the . If he misbehaves, return to the full hug hold.

It is very important when teaching a foal to lead that you never let go. No matter what your foal does to avoid being led, you can't let him escape. He needs to believe that escape is impossible--while you are still stronger than he is! If he gets this impression, in the long run you should never have trouble with your horse running away when afraid, or breaking away when tied.

By the time your foal is a month old, you should be able to lead him by the halter without a hand on his quarters. He might still stop, but a touch on his quarters should move him on again.

It is best to avoid using a lead at this point. With a lead rope your foal has more room to pull away. He can rear up and flip over, or start running and pull the lead from your hand. If you hold his halter at the nose band, you will have better control of him. You will be able to stop him before he gets going, and can pull his head down before he rears up. Your elbow will sit right at his shoulder which gives you a great deal of leverage without pulling his neck into unnatural angles and risking spinal damage.

For ease of management, it is best to teach your foal to lead with his dam. Leading the mare on your left side, take the foal in your right hand. Have a helper follow you and give the baby a tap on the quarters if he stops or resists. After a while, your foal should lead easily beside his dam, allowing a single person to be able to turn the pair out.

When your foal is around three months old, you can start using a lead rope. Use a short lead if possible, as it makes leading in a pair easier, and reduces the risk of him stepping on it should he escape. Do not use a chain over his nose. Foals have not fully developed yet, and it is easy to cause permanent damage to the cartilage should you jerk too hard on the chain. You should never use a chain shank before your horse is two years old.

If your foal becomes difficult to lead, you can use a chiffney bit to give you extra leverage. A chiffney bit is round with a flattened side. The flat side goes in the mouth with the round part below the jaw. There are three rings on the chiffney. The two side rings are attached to the halter with clips. Pass a chain shank through the bottom ring of the halter and the bottom ring of the chiffney, and then clip it back to itself. This way the chiffney will only be active if you pull back on the horse, and will remain passive as long as the horse is behaving. Chiffney bits are suitable for weanlings and yearlings.

Usually leading to and from the paddock is adequate for training a foal to lead. If you plan to do extra training, keep the sessions short, ideally under 10 minutes. Avoid training more than two or three times a week. Babies that are over-trained at this stage tend to be more resistant later. They need the time to be babies.

If you take the time to make sure that your foal leads well while still with his dam, you will run into far less trouble with him when he is older. A foal that leads well learns to tie easily, and is easy to train later in life. By teaching him that you are the one he must rely on, he learns to trust humans as his leaders, greatly increasing the chances that he will listen when he is mature.Lydia K Kelly is a writer for HorseClicks, classifieds of arabian horses for sale, horse trailers for sale, horse saddles for sale, and she is a featured author at www.ArticleKing.com]]> How To Find The Ideal Building Plot http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-find-the-ideal-building-plot http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-find-the-ideal-building-plot#comments Sat, 15 Jul 2006 02:27:04 +0000 planning permissionbuilding plotaccessbuilding plotswater electricitypaddockwiser http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-find-the-ideal-building-plot
Building land or ?

It is becoming increasingly difficult to find building land exactly where you want it. The growth in property prices over the last ten years has resulted in a rise in the number of people choosing to build their own homes and that, together with ongoing residential developments, means that land is becoming more scarce. It may be to look for a building plot. This is often a smaller, subdivided area of land, such as a large garden or , where has been granted for a certain number of properties. These plots may be sold individually and whilst they may be smaller than building land, they are usually more centrally located and cheaper.

Planning permission

It's vital that the land you buy either has planning permission already in place, or a very good chance of getting approval. There's no point spending hundreds of thousands of pounds on a plot if you're never going to be able to build there. often come with outline planning permission, particularly if there is a house or building already there. Speak to your agent and to the planning office to ensure that you are going to be able to build when you want to.

Location and

You need to check that the building land or plot is in the right location for you and that you can have access both in terms of getting on and off the site, but also for connection to utilities such as water, electricity and gas. Not taking the time to check these issues could cause you great difficulty during your project and it's much easier to back out of a land purchase than it is to sell on a bad piece of land.

For the best advice and to find a range of suitable building plots or building land in your area, speak to a land agent. Nationwide specialises in land acquisition and sale across the UK. For more information or to download a brochure, click on http://www.nationwide-land-estates.co.uk ]]> Horse Racing Tips And Your Horse Sense http://www.artwoo.com/article/horse-racing-tips-and-your-horse-sense http://www.artwoo.com/article/horse-racing-tips-and-your-horse-sense#comments Sun, 13 Apr 2008 16:15:00 +0000 pro punterhorse racing tipsfree horse racing tipshorse racing formbetting on horse racingglossy coathorse sense http://www.artwoo.com/article/horse-racing-tips-and-your-horse-sense Betting on horse racing may require you to know more than just numbers. You've got to have a good if you want to have more than just your .

Your Numbers and Your Horse Sense

For a punter dreaming of a miracle win, your life's daily routine begin with a . It is here that you get your . You've hoarded quite a lot of tips, enough to start you on your own racing system. But being an amateur, you accept that you need more than just form and numbers to appreciate the horse racing scene.

You rely on numbers that tell you how the horses did fare in previous races. You look at the numbers and learn how some horses placed 2nd, 3rd, or 1st. Or you check out the "Cs", "D", and "CDs". All amateurs know this.

These are the basic horse racing tips available to all punters. Numbers may rule, but punters also need to know their horse sense. Of course, you are not required to think like a horse. You just need to understand why some horses make it and others don't =96 that is if you want to know what makes a good runner.

Practical Horse Sense

What makes a horse stand out above the rest? Is it his genetic make-up? The trainer? Or the jockey? All of the above contribute towards the making of a champion. But you're just a punter, you argue. Okay here's to a better selection of a horse at the paddocks. Knowing some of these horse racing tips will make you a . You can see through the numbers with some knowledge about the runners.

At the paddock, check out the horse's coat and mane. Naturally, you'd love a horse that has a and strong muscles that ripple with every canter. But wait, before you are sold out on the horse, watch for tell-tale signs, like nervous sweating. A nervous horse and one that does not go along with the jockey won't do well. One of those horse racing tips will advice you to put your money in a horse that shows an easy canter.

Muscles Will Tell, So Do The Jockeys

For steeple racing, favor the horse that is a little bone-heavy. For a flat race, a horse must be lean but well-muscled. Look at the rump. It should look strong and firm and the belly must not have any excess fat. The muscles in the rib area should be well conditioned and defined. A little extra weight and the horse is doomed.

Watch the jockeys too. The top jockeys are given the better horses. A jockey must have that horsemanship to know how to handle a horse in a race. A slight pressure here and there and the horse knows what it is supposed to do. Seasoned jockeys have developed the riding skills as well understand their uses.

So your horse sense should help you make your decision, whether you're backing or laying a horse or going for the odds. Your numbers and those horse racing tips will have more logic when you have aced your horse sense. Need valuable horse racing tips (http://www.sure2profit.com), horse racing system (http://www.sure2profit.com/horseracingsystem.html), and a horse racing software (http://www.sure2profit.com/horseracingsoftware.html)? Check out http://Sure2Profit.com today and triple your bankroll. ]]> Should I Keep my Horse at Home? http://www.artwoo.com/article/should-i-keep-my-horse-at-home http://www.artwoo.com/article/should-i-keep-my-horse-at-home#comments Sat, 13 Sep 2008 16:29:17 +0000 water troughfoul weatherhorse ownerspaddockbylawsmany thingsacre http://www.artwoo.com/article/should-i-keep-my-horse-at-home horse owners consider if it might be nicer to have their horse at home. They would be able to see him any time they wanted, and transportation would never be an issue when it came to riding.

There are you need to consider as your make a decision about moving your horse to your own property.

First of all, is your property set up to keep a horse? You will need a barn with a safe stall, or even better two or three stalls, since horses are heard animals and prefer company. You will need a safely fenced with at least 1 of grazing per horse you plan to have on it. You will need somewhere you can work with your horse. You also need to make sure that the local permit horses on your property.

Once you have assured that your facility is adequate for your needs, you need to consider how you will take care of your horse. A horse needs to be fed three times a day. He should be turned out in the morning, and brought in at night. Someone will also need to clean his stall while he is outside, so it is ready for him to come in.

While you can leave a horse outside 24 hours if you have a run-in shed, you need to consider that in , you might want to move him indoors. Outside you can get away with a round bale, but that round bale will still need to be monitored and replaced on a regular basis. The will also need to be checked daily, and scrubbed and refilled at least once a week.

It is essential that someone be available to check on your horse once a day. This means that if you are going to be away, you will need a farm sitter who will be able to keep an eye on your horse. Many people who keep their horses at home do not get a chance to get away very often because of this. You can't just up and leave, even for a weekend get-away. You need to plan ahead.

Having your horse at home can lead to more riding time, but keep in mind that you will need to make sure that your coach is willing to travel if you want lessons. At home, you may not have enough equipment to practice for shows, so you might need to ship out for additional training sessions. If you pleasure ride, you will need to find out what trails are available nearby that are safe for riding.

Often, people find that with their horses at home, they in fact get less riding time. So much time and effort is spent taking care of the horses that riding falls by the wayside. It is not uncommon for riders to complain that they ride far less now that their horses are at home than they did when they were boarding.

Keeping your horses at home is a personal decision. For some it works out very well. For others, it turns out to be more trouble than it is worth. You can always switch back to boarding if it doesn't work out, but it seems a pity to throw away the money you sank into your farm to make it horse-worthy.

Take your time with your decision and talk to horse owners who do have horses at home. Make sure that you are well prepared before committing to moving your horse. There is no shame in deciding to continue to board. You may find that it is the best solution to your situation after all.Lydia K Kelly is a writer for HorseClicks, classifieds of horses for sale Nebraska, horses for sale Nevada, horses for sale New Hampshire and other states. Lydia is also a featured author at www.ArticleKing.com]]> Do You Understand The Importance Of Horse Insurance? http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-you-understand-the-importance-of-horse-insurance http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-you-understand-the-importance-of-horse-insurance#comments Mon, 25 Jun 2007 02:30:01 +0000 horse insurancepoisonous plantssultanhorses i have knowncolicblazebeloved horse http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-you-understand-the-importance-of-horse-insurance horses I have known or worked with. escaped from her paddock and wandered onto the road, where she was hit by a truck coming over the hill suddenly and was killed. caught himself on a piece of barbed wire that cut him from fetlock to withers.

April suddenly dropped dead.



All of these situations led to heartache and a lot of expense. While no amount of money can really ease the pain if a dies or suffers injury, can do something to ease your financial loss. Of course, prevention is better than compensation. Good attention to fencing would have saved Sultan from a painful injury and saved Blaze's life.



Checking a field used for grazing to ensure that no are growing there is also very important. While horse insurance can offer you a lot of peace of mind, it is no substitute for taking commonsense precautions. That being said, horses are natural jumpers and we all know that accidents happen in life. Illness and injury are common tragedies.

Horse insurance, as the name suggests, is a form of insurance policy that makes sure that you will receive some compensation should a tragedy - or other unwanted occurrence - happen to your horse, whether the horse was bought for business or pleasure. But not all horse insurance policies are the same. Cover in the case of death is the most common form of horse insurance, but other policies are available.



Possible policies can cover major veterinary bills in the case of serious injury, as happened to Sultan; loss of use, where a percentage is paid if a horse is permanently prevented from working the way you intended it to (e.g. a showjumper or racehorse); surgery (e.g. for ), or breeding infertility to cover broodmares and/or stud stallions for reproductive failure. Other policies can give you cover in the case of lightning, fire, theft, etc.

It is very important to talk through all aspects of horse insurance with your insurance broker before signing a policy. You will want to know what the fine print covers before the stress of an emergency situation. Make sure you make a list of any questions you want to ask your agent and be prepared to define your needs exactly.



Ask your agent to explain any parts of the policy that you do not understand, and any difficult words. Insurance agencies may often require certification or other action from a veterinary surgeon for a claim to be validated. You will also need to know what action is required from you in order to make and/or validate your claim. It is also important to find out how to ensure your claim is valid if your horse, for some unfortunate reason, needs to be "put down" or euthanased.

As with all forms of insurance, it is important to shop around and find the horse insurance policy that works best for you and gives you the cover that you need. For more information on horses, try visiting http://www.interestinghorses.com - a website that specializes in providing horse related tips, advice and resources including information on horse insurance. ]]> The Fear of Honesty - Pitfalls in Selling Horses http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-fear-of-honesty-pitfalls-in-selling-horses http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-fear-of-honesty-pitfalls-in-selling-horses#comments Tue, 16 Sep 2008 19:36:28 +0000 honest sellersjoke sitesfree jumpshonest sellerescape artisttangled webtime buyers http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-fear-of-honesty-pitfalls-in-selling-horses tangled web of truths and untruths.

You hear it all the time: buyers bemoaning the lack of s. They go to look at a horse advertised as 16.2hh only to discover that the horse is only 15.3hh. They try a horse that is supposed to be well trained over fences only to discover that the horse stops at anything bigger than a cross-rail. How can any buyer trust a horse seller if this is what they encounter?

On the other hand, how many buyers turn away as soon as they hear that a horse is only 16hh? They refuse to look at anything advertised as less than 16.2hh because they know that everything will in fact be around 16hh -- which is just what they are looking for. And yet, the honest seller who has measured his horse is penalized by the buyers who won't even go see the horse.

As you look around at message boards or horsy you see lists of cliché statements that sellers make and what they "really" mean. Statements like "needs an experienced rider" are taken to mean that the horse is a maniac, or " over 4'" means that the horse is an and jumps out if his paddock. So, what can you say that will not be taken as exaggeration, or even as fiction?

It has come to the point where sellers have no idea what to say. On top of this there is the difficulty of pricing a horse. If a horse is well trained, easy to ride and otherwise a great animal, how do you price it? If you price it too low, everyone wonders what is wrong with it that you are not telling them. If you price it too high, buyers compare it to horses selling at half the price with the same claims to fame. Strangely enough, the same price can have totally opposite reactions from different buyers, one feeling it is far too little, and the other feeling it is far too much.

Buyers feel that the honest horse seller no longer exists. The seller feels that it doesn't matter what he says -- no one will believe him. How can these two ends meet?

There isn't an easy solution. Ideally a seller should be honest about his horse, telling potential buyers the truth about the size, type, training, personality and even vices that a horse may have. Buyers should take this at face value and be willing to look at a horse even if it might fall slightly short of what they are looking for.

Far too many buyers ignore perfectly good animals that are honestly presented by their owners only to go out and spend thousands of dollars buying a horse that turns out to have serious issues. Add to this the escalated prices demanded by coaches and trainers on the take, and neither the buyer nor the seller have a fair shake at things.

Buying a horse isn't easy, and neither is selling one. With buyers complaining of not being able to find a good horse, and sellers complaining of not having a market, somehow both ends need to meet. What can we do to fix this critical fault in the system? How can we make horse buying and selling honest?Lydia K Kelly is a writer for HorseClicks, classifieds of horses for sale Newfoundland, horses for sale Nova Scotia, horses for sale Nunavut and other states. Lydia is also a featured author at www.ArticleKing.com]]> An Alphabet Of Horse Racing Terms - B - Part 1 http://www.artwoo.com/article/an-alphabet-of-horse-racing-terms-b-part-1 http://www.artwoo.com/article/an-alphabet-of-horse-racing-terms-b-part-1#comments Tue, 17 Jul 2007 12:25:00 +0000 training horsesrace horsesbookmakersequine termslegstattersallsseb coe http://www.artwoo.com/article/an-alphabet-of-horse-racing-terms-b-part-1 LEGS

A more common condition among racehorses than the public generally realize.

To understand it and indeed to appreciate the whole process of racing,and to race, it is necessary to think of the horses as equine athletes which indeed they are.

To continue the analogy, would have shone over 100m?

Would he have raced if he had jarred his legs badly? would he have dreamed of taking part in a contest without first and last using a tracksuit?

To translate these points into , horses also have ideal distances over which they should compete, a crucial factor when it comes to weighing up their chances in a race.

Horses wear blankets and rugs in the paddock before a race and afterwards, when perspiring, have a string vest thrown over them, and blankets again, and they no less than their human counterparts pull muscles when racing, strain tendons and because of leg trouble, chronic or temporary may break down altogether and be unable to race.

The horse's forelegs particularly when jumping fences and to an extent when running on hard ground, come under great pressure and it is the forelegs which give trainers the greatest anxiety.

Bad legs as a chronic condition occur for a variety of reasons including heredity. A protective measure consists of bandages, sometimes semi permanent on forelegs

BETTING ON THE RAILS

In the member's enclosure on racecourses, are not allowed to make a book. However A high proportion of those who are either annual members or paid on the day for entrance to that enclosure frequently go to the racecourse with the prime intention of having a bet.

To get over this difficulty the leading bookmakers have pitches immediately next to the rails separating the members from ring.

Much of the business is done with credit customers, but some cash is taken.

Rails bookmakers have their own association and they comprise the top end of the racecourse betting markets as well as being a vital to the price shifts of that market but no longer as used to be the case do they dictate those movements exclusively.

This is because 90% of betting today takes place off course.

Heavy support for a particular betting shop horse will force the price down on the racecourse because the money for it finds its way to the race course, and in particular the rails by telephone by tic tac, and now by wireless computer networks. Immediately the shorter price is relayed to the other betting rings on the course.

The interaction between the 3 main betting sources nowadays includes Betting shops, the Betting Ring and the Betting Exchanges.

The use of live websites and Satellite Information Services enables these 3 sources to interact simultaneously, and the experienced trader will have to establish the delicate balance between these 3 sources to succeed at his trade.

BETTING RING

Racecourse betting rings are the enclosures where betting takes place.

Mainly, Tattersalls ring where admission charges also cover admission to the paddock and the lower priced silver ring.

So called because originally bookmakers would take bets made with silver coinage.

Some courses no longer have a separate silver ring.

Betting also takes place on certain racecourses in areas where there is free admission and this is known as betting on the course.

BETTING SHOP

The number of betting shops has shown a downward trend since the boom times of the nineteen sixties just after they were legalized. At present in the UK there are about 8500.

In 1993 it was announced that between 1st April and 31st of August betting shops would be able to remain open until 22:00 in order to cater for the evening racing, thus correcting at least an anomaly which has existed since shops were originally legalized in the sixties.

Technology has made big advance is in recent years with prices and commentaries from SIS on view on batteries of screens.

BLACK TYPE

If a horse has been successful in a pattern race or listed race he or she is said to have achieved black type. I.e. in order to draw attention to the horse's putative importance for breeding purposes his or her name appears in bold black type in pedigrees featured by bloodstock sales catalogs.

Horses who finished fourth in such a race is however no longer entitled to a black type

BLINKERS

A device consisting of a hood which fits over a horse's head with shields at the eye holes which restrict the horse's peripheral vision. The purpose is to concentrate the horses attention ahead by cutting out what might have been seen on either side.

The fitting of blinkers for the first time is indicated in the more informative race cards published in the morning papers and is always worth noting ,although, while it sometimes secures a dramatic improvement in a horses racecourse performance, it should not be regarded as a sovereign specific for poor form.

Blinkers are used more frequently these days than they used to be and have lost their reputation for being the tell-tale sign for a horse of dodgy character. In other words although there are still unreliable horses who invariably wear blinkers, there are also perfectly genuine animals whose performance is better when wearing them.

Timeform gives good comments on whether a horse is genuine or not and the effects of blinkers on performance. The converse hint to a horse's capabilities occurs when after being tried in blinkers, he or she races next time without them.

A visor is a pair of blinkers modified with a slit cut in the eye shields so that a horse is given some peripheral vision, allowing, for example, other horses alongside it to be seen. A hood leaves the eyes clear but covers the ears because some horses are adversely affected by noise.

Use of both visor and hood like blinkers will be publicized on race cards.

BLOW UP

Nothing to do with went like a bomb, which, self evidently is something quite different. A horse which has blown up or which blew up in the straight is one which without explosion of any kind whatsoever, rather the reverse in fact suddenly loses its place in a race after going well up to that point.

Also known as "stopping to nothing" Mike J Davies is a Computer Analyst, LSE Day trader, and a Betfair Trader and Advisor. More advice and articles are available at Mike's website. http://www.Betfair-Trade.com Mike also runs a successful ELottery Syndicate business at http://www.v-w-d.com/mainstreet ]]> Infidelity - Childs Play Or So You Thought! http://www.artwoo.com/article/infidelity-childs-play-or-so-you-thought http://www.artwoo.com/article/infidelity-childs-play-or-so-you-thought#comments Mon, 17 Jul 2006 18:27:07 +0000 infidelityunfortunatelypartnerloveadulteryaddictionmare http://www.artwoo.com/article/infidelity-childs-play-or-so-you-thought Infidelity is a funny little thing that come and bite you in the bum when you least expect it. Affairs might be fun at the time but infidelity isn't worth destroying your marriage for.

I often liken affairs to an whereby however much you tell yourself you shouldn't be doing something you feel compelled to do the opposite. And of course, while it's sitting there for you on a plate who are you to say no. However, infidelity is like any other addiction, there comes a time when you realise that this isn't what life is all about and decide to let go. , all too often the realisation comes too late!! Just remember, if you want to play such a dangerous game as someone is always going to get hurt.

I personally believe that you shouldn't sleep with someone while you are sleeping in the marital bed. Infidelity can be really cruel on the cheated , have you ever thought how you would feel if you knew your partner was behaving the same as you?

Some people do have open relationships and it does work but ground rule number one has to be that your partner is aware and is happy with the situation.

If you are the one commiting adultery now is the time to ask yourself is infidelity really worth it. Is your life that bad that you need to shit on your spouse from such a great height? Do you the person you are having an affair with and if so do you love them enough to destroy the lives of those around you. Is the new relationship strong enough to last and is it truly worth the infidelity?

A slight interlude -- I had a once who, fell in love with a gelding in another field. She wasn't really allowed to see this horse because where they were kept most of the owners preferred their horses to be in separate paddocks. This didn't make a difference to my mare who, would jump out of her paddock into the next as soon as you put her back in her field (where she had several companions). After a month of messing around, jumping 7ft high hedges and a series of five bar gates just to get to the one she loved she got evicted for bad behaviour. I took her to another yard where she immediately flirted with all the guys and totally forgot the horse that she had got herself (and her mate) evicted over.

Anyway back to marriages and affairs. The only advice I can give you if you are having an affair is that you have to make a choice, and you have to choose now. It is totally unfair to both your spouse and the person you are having the affair with to continue as you are, you need to choose .

The choice is hard but you have to make it with a clear head and an open mind. Just because you are going through a rough patch now doesn't mean to say that with a little effort you can't save your marriage and become stronger and ultimately be better than it was at the start. Before you destroy what was and could still be a good thing be 100% certain that even with a lot of effort you can't save yourr marriage and that the person you are committing the infidelity with and destroying your marriage for is someone you want to stay with for the rest of your life.

If your partner is having the affair, or you suspect they are, it doesn't mean that it is the end of your marriage. For one your suspicions might be incorrect and for two if it's true you are now in the driving seat. The future of your marriage is in your hands. You need to decide whether or not you feel you can and want to save your marriage, is it worth saving and can you forgive you partner for such a stupid mistake. We all make mistakes and some of us make more serious mistakes than others but should infidelity necessarily ruin the rest of our lives?

You need to ask yourself: Do you still love your partner? Do you want to save your marriage? And are you committed to trying to save it?

If you truly want to save your marriage then you will always wonder 'what if?' if you don't make the effort now.

Just because your partner is having an affair it doesn't mean to say that they don't still love you and it doesn't mean to say that they don't want to try to work with you to save your marriage.

Don't just sit back and let infidelity destroy your relationship, say no to affairs and save your marriage before it's too late. For more information of infidelity please visit: http://www.saveyourmarriage.marriagehealth.com ]]> Taking Horse Pictures http://www.artwoo.com/article/taking-horse-pictures http://www.artwoo.com/article/taking-horse-pictures#comments Sat, 13 Sep 2008 16:43:18 +0000 good horsehorse photoquality photofacebooksocial networksbridleviewfinder http://www.artwoo.com/article/taking-horse-pictures Facebook and My Space and dozens of other photo sites and online, people are taking pictures of their horses and posting them everywhere.

But what makes a photo? So many of the photos online are terrible pictures. If you are looking to sell your horse, or even if all you want to do is show him off, it is important to take a good .

It may sound obvious, but it's amazing how many people forget. Before you take a picture of your horse, groom him! Scrub the dirt out of his coat, or give him a bath if you can. Nothing improves a horse's appearance more than a good grooming or bath. Finish your grooming job by putting a clean, undamaged halter or on him for the photos.

Once your horse is groomed, you will need to choose a good background. Find somewhere that is appealing to the eye, but not so busy as to distract the viewer from your horse. Beware vertical distractions such as trees or posts that could wind up sticking straight up out of your horse's back or head in the photo.

Get someone to help you if you can. If not, try turning your horse out in a small paddock or ring and bring a whip to get him to move away from you as you photograph.

Your helper should stand your horse up so that his legs are reasonably even. He should not be standing under, or trailing his legs out behind him. His head and neck should be up and alert. Ideally, your helper should stand back from your horse so that you can keep her out of your picture. By keeping a loop in the line your handler will not be pulling at your horse's mouth and irritating him.

Step back far enough to comfortably fit your horse in the . Instead of standing, squat down to bring your camera level with your horse. If you take a photo from a standing position it will be angled downwards, distorting the photo and making the horse's legs look short and stubby.

The horse should be standing square to the camera. Angling too much towards the quarters makes them look too large, while angling towards the front will make our horse's head and neck look too large.

If your horse is loose, it is even more important to catch him in a good position. It is harder when the horse is moving around, so be ready to take advantage of that large memory card in your digital camera. Grazing photos may be cute, but they generally distort the horse and don't show off his conformation. Use your whip to get your horse moving.

The best shots happen when something distracts your horse from outside the ring. He will perk up and stare into the distance at whatever caught his attention. If you can catch it, this type of photo nearly always shows your horse at his best.

Practice by taking lots of photos. Take advantage of your digital camera, and practice as often as you can. Look through your photos and weed out the ones that are no good. Then take the best ones and get some friends to look over them and critique them. Do your best to learn from your mistakes, and soon you will find that more and more of your photos will be useable.Lydia K Kelly is a writer for HorseClicks, classifieds of horses for sale New Hampshire, horses for sale New Jersey, horses for sale New Mexico and other states. Lydia is also a featured author at www.ArticleKing.com]]> Equestrian Riding Apparel http://www.artwoo.com/article/equestrian-riding-apparel http://www.artwoo.com/article/equestrian-riding-apparel#comments Thu, 14 Aug 2008 04:50:27 +0000 paddock bootsriding helmetworn bootshunting capriding bootswork bootsclothing requirements http://www.artwoo.com/article/equestrian-riding-apparel
Boots are a must, whether you are an adherent of the English or Western style of riding. Wearing boots is not just for riding, but for all activities around horses including feeding, grooming, exercising, etc. After all, those hooves are very heavy and if your horse accidentally steps on your toes; well, let's just say you'll wish you'd . For riding, a boot with a heel is the best choice as it will prevent your foot from slipping through the stirrups. However, for working in your stable, you may want to pick up a pair of or . They'll be more sturdy and durable, and often more comfortable.

Not very many people are excited about wearing a . After all, one would hardly call them stylish. At the same time, a riding helmet can quite literally be a lifesaver in the event of a fall. Your baseball cap or cowboy hat will not provide adequate protection. Shop for a well-rated helmet specifically designed for horseback riding. Vented models can keep you cooler.

Long pants, breeches or jodhpurs should be worn when riding. They'll protect your legs from the saddle and horse's sweat and from brush, sticks and the elements.

In competitive riding, you'll have to stow your regular riding wear and pull out your show clothes -- whether riding English or Western. Each style has , and each season brings new styles. If you aren't following both the rules and the styles, you'll find it hard to win ribbons.

If the show you're riding in asks for hunt seat attire, then you'll have to wear a riding shirt which is either white or pinstriped. You'll also need breeches, a , dress and a wool riding jacket. Riding gloves are also customary in these events. Breeches and jacket can be any dark color, but you may want to find out what colors are "in" before making an investment in them. Being out of style may not win you favor with the judges or the audience.

You'll need to dress formal for dressage riding. You'll need a white shirt, a stock tie (which should be fastened with a horse-themed pin), white or tan breeches, black jacket and dress boots, as well as a helmet or hunt cap. If it is a saddle seat competition, then you'll want dark jodhpurs, jodhpur boots, a riding derby, a dark jacket and white riding shirt.

Western riders wear different clothes depending on their gender. Men will need Western shirts, ties, belts (leather with silver buckles), felt cowboy hats, riding boots, jeans and chaps. Women will be attired in Western shirts, vest or jacket, riding boots, felt hats and of course, jeans and chaps. In more intense sports, the ties and silver belt buckles are not required.Susanne Malloy is an avid equestrian and an editor for www.EnglishSaddleShop.com, your complete resource for new and used English saddles, riding apparel, and tack.]]> Showing Your Horse to Clients http://www.artwoo.com/article/showing-your-horse-to-clients http://www.artwoo.com/article/showing-your-horse-to-clients#comments Sun, 13 Jul 2008 06:36:18 +0000 horses breeddangerous obstaclesselling horsespleasure horsehorse movefree arenahorses for sale http://www.artwoo.com/article/showing-your-horse-to-clients horses for sale you will inevitably have clients out to see your horse in person. If you have not had much experience in buying and , it is hard to know how best to present your horse to bring out his best characteristics for the clients.

The first thing to keep in mind is that first impressions can may or break a sale. Take a look at your barn. Is it clean and presentable? Are the stalls cleaned out, the aisle raked or swept, and the paddocks well fenced and clear of ? If not you may need to upgrade your barn. From some facilities this can be a simple clean-up job. Other places are a lost cause and need lots of time and money to make them presentable. If this is the case you might want to look into boarding your sales horse at a local stable that has a good standard of care.

Assuming that your facility is in good shape you next need to consider your horse. While you can't help it if your horse is shaggy in the winter, but whether sleek coated or extra hairy your horse should be groomed to a shine. If he is especially dusty but it is too cold for a bath you can hot towel the coat rubbing out the worst of the dirt. Excess hairs should be trimmed so that they are tidy. If your horse has white markings they should be scrubbed so that any stains are taken out. If the weather is nice the best idea is to give your horse a thorough bath to show him off the best.

Depending on your horse's breed and discipline, you should ensure that your horse looks well suited to his job. If your horse is a show prospect he should look as though he could go to a show tomorrow. If he is a he should be clean and well trimmed, but he should not look as though he is ring-ready. Know your horse's discipline and groom accordingly.

If your horse is a baby or cannot be ridden, make sure there is a or paddock that the buyers can watch your freely in. If your horse is started under saddle be sure to have a safe, fenced area in which the buyer can try the horse. Any tack, equipment, halters and brushes should be clean and in good repair. Make sure that there is someone who can ride your horse for the client before they try him as they will want to see him go under saddle.

For horses who are experienced in the ring or who have accomplishments under their belts it is a good idea to have an album of photographs or a video available to show the buyers when they arrive. For homebreds it is a good idea to have photos of the sire and dam if they are not available to be seen on property.

When the buyers arrive your horse should be in its stall, well groomed and ready to show. Your tack should be near at hand so you don't need to waste time trying to find it. Most buyers will want to see the horse without tack first, then under saddle. If your horse is hot and needs to be longed or ridden before the buyer arrives, spend time well in advance preparing him, then bring him back into the barn to meet the clients. Be honest with them about your preparation of the horse, to do otherwise is dishonest and could lead to disaster if the client buys the horse and becomes injured because they did not know what the horse was really like.

Take your time with the clients, but be aware that they may have other place to go and be on a time limit. If they are interested go ahead and show them your other horses, but many buyers are focused on the horse they are looking at and have no desire to see the rest of the farm.

By presenting your farm and your horse at their best you increase the chance that the buyer will not only want to purchase your horse, but that they will be willing to pay the price you are asking. A poorly groomed horse at an unkempt facility only makes buyers want to dicker with the price and may completely turn them off before they even truly look at the horse. Taking good care of your horse and your clients will give you the best chance for a successful sale.Lydia V Kelly is a writer for www.HorseClicks.com, popular classifieds of horses for sale, horse trailers, farms for sale.]]> Taking Care of Your Horses Hooves http://www.artwoo.com/article/taking-care-of-your-horses-hooves http://www.artwoo.com/article/taking-care-of-your-horses-hooves#comments Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:01:14 +0000 horses hooveswet climateshorses healthproper drainageouter appearanceunbalanced diethoof oil http://www.artwoo.com/article/taking-care-of-your-horses-hooves horses hooves are extremely important in the way of caring for your . It is best to have them trimmed and shod every six to eight weeks. Usually, the ferrier puts you on his schedule for six weeks out unless something comes up to put it off a week or so. You must also pick your horses feet before and after riding him. Pick up his foot and working from heel to toe, take your hoof pick and clean out the dirt and debris from the hoof and shoe. Dirt being left in the hoof can cause fungal infections and other problem with the legs. And stones left in the hoof can hurt the horses foot. Your stable floor should be kept as dry as possible allowing for so that the animal won't be standing in a wet stall. or paddock. Standing in a wet environment for too long will cause the hoof to dry and crack.

The Hoof wall is also important to take care of as it controls the moisture balance. Wash off the foot carefully with a wet hoof brush. In a dry climate this will keep in the hoof moisture. In damp use on the underside of the foot to stop the hooves from becoming weak. It also gives the foot a nice . You can ask your ferrier to advise you on what to apply to keep the hoof in good condition.

Feed is important to a horses foot health. Low protein or an will cause unhealthy horses and hooves. Supplements may be necessary to add to your horses diet. Some horses, when put on a diet with levels of biotin and methionine, will show improved hoof health. Biotin is a vitamin that promotes the health and growth of keratin and other connective tissue. Methionine is an emino acid that is essential for the growth of healthy hooves. Products high in zinc and copper also promote also helps the hoof remain healthy.

It is also important to remember that unless you are riding your horse frequently or in rough terrain, there is no need to have shoes put on. Many horse do just fine with no shoes at all, and in many cases horses that have had shoes on for long periods of time can take a break from them for a month just to rest the hoof.

A few other supplements for hoof care are Manganese, Selenium, Iodine, Lysine, Threonine and B vitamins. The hoof wall is like a humans fingernail, and it grows very slowly at a rate of about three-eights to one-half inch per month. It can take up to a year for healthy tissue to reach the bottom of the hoof, therefore any supplements may take weeks or months to show any results on the hoof.

If you have any questions on Horse supplies or Posh Pampered Pets, please call 979-221-7251 or email info@poshpamperedpets.com. Our home office is located in Waller, Texas, with warehouses located throughout the United States such as Dallas TX, Houston TX, New York NY, Denver CO, Chicago ILL, Seattle WA, Kansas City MO, Miami FL, Raleigh-Durham NC, Washington DC, Los Angeles CA, Fayetteville AR, Philadelphia PA, Phoenix Arizona, San Antonio TX Texas.This article was written by Janine Carter, owner of Posh Pampered Pets. If you have any questions regarding Horse Supplies or Posh Pampered Pets, please feel free to call 979-221-7251 or email info@poshpamperedpets.com.]]> Dogs And Horses http://www.artwoo.com/article/dogs-and-horses http://www.artwoo.com/article/dogs-and-horses#comments Thu, 22 Mar 2007 14:40:05 +0000 dogs and horseshorses trainingolder horsesintroducing dogsskittishpuppiesdog lives http://www.artwoo.com/article/dogs-and-horses dogs and horses is usually that the horse is very much larger than the dog. Nevertheless, most horses are much more frightened of dogs than the reverse. This creates unique problems - for dogs and horses, and for the person who has to control them both.

When and horses, unlike other animal training areas, it helps very little to start the interaction out when both animals are young. Young horses are at least as as older ones, and are often accompanied by a mare. Neither is naturally fond of nor curious about . To a horse, nearly everything but their owners and a few other horses are threats - at least until they're mature. But when mixing dogs and horses it can be very useful to introduce your young puppy to at a very early age, as this will help to avoid the barking problem.

But there are many circumstances where dogs and horses interact successfully. Whether the dog owner is a regular visitor to stables or riding schools, or whether the on the premises both can get along well.

In the early stages of dog and horse interaction. always keep puppies and dogs restrained around horses until they've learned what to do and what to avoid. A lead, for at least the first several weeks of training, is a must. And ensure that the horse is not in a position to rear or run where the dog can be injured.

Training dog and horses to interact involves a series of separate, but easily learned behaviours.

To start your dogs and , first, the dog has to learn to respect a boundary, a dog can easily slip through a paddock with metal bars, or a series of stalls, or other enclosures. Begin by using a leash and collar and make the boundary training part of a more general walk where you train the dog to follow you. Be sure your dog follows you, not leads you.

When mixing dogs and horses, the dog, will sense of smell the horse and be naturally curious about the horse, as it approaches the boundary. Allow the dog to approach - but not move beyond - the boundary. If it tries to breach the boundary, tug on the leash and give a sharp 'No!' or 'Stop'. ('Stay' is a different behavior, requiring a different - and unique - command.)

When dogs and horses first meet your dog will have a tendency to bark, this needs to be suppressed. Barking frequency varies with breed and individual temperament, but horses aren't discriminating. When seemingly threatened, they react - and a horse's reaction to barking is not usually something pleasant.

Dogs and horses are both pack animals and will usually follow the lead of the alpha (leader), unless, they're trying to be the alpha. This drive for dominance, coupled sometimes with fear or simply the desire to warn of a threat, can lead to barking.

During your dog and horse training you need to reinforce your 'top dog' status, by a sharp jerk sideways on the leash, accompanied by a sharp verbal 'No bark!'. Jerk sideways, not back, in order to get the dog's attention without risking injury to the throat. Dogs have very strong neck muscles, but throats can still be too easily bruised by excessive force.

If the dog insists on barking, remove him from the area and try again another day. Don't give up too easily, though. You don't want to train the dog that every time he barks 'Danger', you obey by fleeing.

As with any dog training regiment, patience and consistency are the keys to success. Be firm, but not abusive, and execute the same unique command and physical movement regularly for each associated behaviour taught. Teaching dogs and horses to be comfortable with each others company you need to be sure that your commands to your dog do not frighten your horse. I have owned dogs for 42 years. Learning to train from my mother who trained to county level. Over the years I have found that the old ways of training are not always the best, that praise is the best form of training, and the younger the dog, the easier it is to train. http://www.dogtrainingproblems.biz ]]> Why Keep a Stallion? http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-keep-a-stallion http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-keep-a-stallion#comments Tue, 16 Sep 2008 19:57:22 +0000 genetic anomalygenetic mutationgreat heroesgirls dreamhyppexceptionalitystory books http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-keep-a-stallion girls dream of -- owning a beautiful stallion and riding him off into the sunset, or into competition, or even into battle. Stallions are the subject of many fictional tales, the proud, fiery mounts of , the champions of the racecourse, the unchallenged competitor in the show ring. It's no wonder that so many people grow up wishing that they too could own a stallion.

Yet, in reality, stallions are not quite as romantic as they are in the . Managing a stallion is not for everyone, and far too many stallions are spoiled by owners who have no idea how to properly care for them. Hundreds of stallions are cooped up in their stalls like caged animals, too dangerous to be allowed the freedom of a paddock. Many are turned loose for breeding, never handled beyond the essentials. Others are handled unsafely, eventually becoming a hazard to everyone around them.

Don't get me wrong. I love stallions. They can be fantastic horses if well managed. But, most horse people do not have the experience or the knowledge to do so.

There are very few reasons to keep a colt a stallion. And, even if a colt falls into one of these categories, he will need careful handling to keep him happy and healthy.

Here are some of the reasons a colt might be worth leaving uncut, at least for a while.

1. He is from a rare or endangered breed, and his bloodlines need to be preserved. This only counts if he is also an exceptional specimen of the breed -- a poor quality colt is worthless even if he is the last of his bloodline.

2. He is an exceptional example of his breed, or he shows a trait that is highly desirable for the breed. There should be no glaring fault in addition to this . Also, there should be no -- was created by breeding for a specific characteristic that turned out to be linked to a .

3. He has shown exceptional ability (or potential ability) for a specific discipline/sport.

4. He has a job as a teaser, and is carefully and properly managed. Farms do need teaser stallions. In an ideal world those teasers would also be breeding quality stallions, but this is not always the case. While you can use hormones on a gelding to tease mares, this is not always practical.

A colt should not be left uncut because

1. It costs too much money to geld.

2. He's cute and easy going, and you can't imagine him being difficult to handle.

3. He will resent being gelded.

4. It's cool to own a stallion.

5. You might want to breed your mare(s) to him some day.

6. You want to make money standing a stallion at stud.

7. He's a ridgeling and isn't fertile anyway.

8. You love him and know that everyone will want a crooked legged, sway backed baby just like him.

There are many other reasons that people decide to keep their colts as stallion prospects. While it does not hurt to wait a little while to let a youngster develop, gelding should always be an option. Additionally, stallions or ungelded colts should be treated with care and respect, with an experienced person in charge of their care.

If at ANY point you become intimidated by your stallion, or feel that his behavior is dangerous, it is time to consider gelding him. Things can go wrong very fast, and the last thing you would want is to have to cope with disaster after it happens.

Very few colts should be kept as stallion prospects and even less of those should remain stallions in the long run. The potential for one stallion to produce a lot of offspring is very high, so you need far less stallions than you need breeding quality mares. Additionally, one stallion with serious faults can cause far more damage to a breed than one mare with similar faults, purely due to the influence of those offspring.Lydia K Kelly is a writer for HorseClicks, classifieds of horses for sale Ontario, horses for sale Prince Edward Island, horses for sale Quebec and other provinces. Lydia is also a featured author at www.ArticleKing.com]]> Many More Reasons to Visit Kent in England http://www.artwoo.com/article/many-more-reasons-to-visit-kent-in-england http://www.artwoo.com/article/many-more-reasons-to-visit-kent-in-england#comments Wed, 26 Nov 2008 09:23:15 +0000 national plant collectionsfalconry displaysbeauty at your feetdownderry nurseryleeds castle19th and 20th centuriesshire horses http://www.artwoo.com/article/many-more-reasons-to-visit-kent-in-england Leeds Castle. It has 500 acres of woodland and parks where you can have a walk, watch , see the birds in their aviary, enjoy the maze and underground grotto or you can relax and have a picnic in the vast gardens. Open all the year around except some special occasions from 10am and please check the local timings before you come.

The classic open-air museum, Museum of Kent Life -- Cobtree, won the 2004 Classic Award because of its historical buildings that depict the changes in life in Kent in the . It includes the farm house, granary, oast house, hopper's hut, barn, village hall cottages and a chapel, hop, herb and kitchen gardens, children's playground, Farm animals, river boat services with licensed tea room and shop. It's open from 10am to 5pm daily from February to early November and is on the M20 at Junction 6, follow the signs for Aylesford.

If you want to see organic farming medieval style to the present day then come to Garden Organic Yalding, which is 6 miles from south west of Maidstone on the B2162. It has a stunning view tracing the history of gardening in 5 acres. Their speciality is home cooked food and their own organic plants, tours and events. Check the local timings before hand and also try visiting the if you need to see in a peaceful walled garden. It is the home of the country's most comprehensive of lavender and rosemary. Relax in the shade and smell the fragrance, a sweet sensual experience.

For an award winning attraction and event location, for horses come to The Hop Farm Country Park and it will be a great day for the whole of your family because its attractions include museums and exhibitions, and an animal farm, indoor and outdoor play areas with special events like Garden shows, Motoring Pageant, KM War and Peace Show, sporting events and themed holiday weeks. It's located on the A228 at Paddock Wood, Junction 2-4 m20 or J5 M25 onto the A21 South.

If all you want to know about is music and British historical keyboard instruments then come to Finchcocks -- Living Museum of Music that's set in a beautiful garden surrounded by glorious Kentish countryside and musical tours entertaining you whenever you find it open. As usual check the details before arriving to avoid disappointment.

To go for physical and healthy exercise then try Bedgebury - National Pinetum and Forest and its something that's open all days and it offers great walks among the conifers. Some of the other features it offers are miles of family cycling, mountain biking, riding, walking and adventure play for all ages and abilities. It has a new Visitor Centre from where you can hire a cycle and you can have refreshments and showers, tea rooms, hire a cycle franchise and picnic areas. It is located at 10 miles south of Tunbridge and is signposted from the A21.

Kent has something for everyone of all ages, so please come soon.Dev P. and his team have provided London transfers to Kent since 1988. If you need transportation in South East England for a London Transfer then just click the hyperlink.]]>