Bambi, a starving donkey foal who was rescued from a field in the West Midlands, has made a remarkable recovery and it is hoped she will soon become eligible for rehoming.The six-month-old was so underweight that her rescuers, The Donkey Sanctuary welfare advisers Kia Thomas, Sally Bamforth and Adele Crompton, were concerned she wouldnt survive.Bambi, who also had mud fever and was covered in lice, was found on boggy scrubland with three underweight geldings called Snowman, Barney and Ben.The quartet had no suitable grazing, the fencing surrounding the field was broken and dangerous, and they were close to a main road.Bambi was so hungry she was trying to suckle from Snowman and was chewing on dock leaves. It was discovered later that Bambis mother had passed away.Snowman, Barney and Ben also required veterinary attention as they were extremely thin. Snowman also had scabs on his muzzle and was quiet and withdrawn. He is now on pain relief for hock arthritis.Kia, Sally and Adele enlisted the help of the RSPCA to remove the donkeys, and they were taken into the possession of West Midlands Constabulary under Section 18 of the Animal Welfare Act. They have subsequently been placed into the permanent care of The Donkey Sanctuary.Desperate situationThis was a desperate situation, especially for Bambi, who was severely underweight and searching for a source of food and milk, said Kia.We were concerned that we needed to take immediate action that day or Bambi was unlikely to survive much longer. Bambi was very quiet and dull, and although her coat was quite thick and fluffy to the eye, it hid how skinny she really was. When we felt Bambis body, her spine and hip bones were very prominent.The donkeys owners pleaded guilty to neglecting the donkeys and were both disqualified from owning donkeys and their hybrids for five years. They were also given a community order of 24 months with a condition of 50 hours unpaid work each and ordered to pay costs of 600.Now, a year on from the rescue, the four donkeys have recovered well and are leading happy lives at The Donkey Sanctuary. Due to his health issues, Snowman will live permanently at the sanctuary so he can continue to receive specialist care but it is hoped the other three will become eligible for rehoming soon.In the days and weeks after their rescue, we followed the donkeys journey closely. We were very relieved that Bambi and her companions responded so well to the care they received. It is my hope that these donkeys go on to lead happy, healthy lives and receive the care and attention they deserve, said Kia.Related contentGoal-den opportunity for residents at The Donkey SanctuaryNeglected donkeys found struggling to walk are recovering well at sanctuaryLong stripey socks give donkeys relief from irritating fliesThe post Starving foal now thriving thanks to work of The Donkey Sanctuary appeared first on Your Horse.

Section Key Points Planning Your Weekend Hack Ride Choosing scenic trails for a memorable experience Preparing horse and gear for safety and comfort Emphasizing safety with proper gear and communication Exploring Equestrian Holidays and Riding Vacations Customized trips and itineraries for various skill levels Variety of riding experiences such as safaris and polo trips Preparing for Dressage Challenges Importance of regular training and qualified instruction Mental preparation techniques for optimal performance Selecting the right horse for dressage activities Tips for Casual Riders Joining local riding groups for community engagement Periodic lessons for skill improvement Focusing on enjoyment and relaxation during rides Conclusion Diversity of weekend equestrian adventures Emphasis on preparation and goal-setting for fulfillment Exploring Weekend Equestrian Adventures: From Hack Rides to Dressage ChallengesHorse riding enthusiasts know that the weekend provides a prime opportunity to indulge in their passion. Whether you're planning a casual hack ride through picturesque landscapes or setting your sights on mastering the art of dressage, there are endless possibilities for a rejuvenating and fulfilling equestrian experience. In this blog, we delve into a variety of equestrian adventures to suit all skill levels and interests.Planning Your Weekend Hack RideIf you're seeking a relaxed and enjoyable weekend outing with your horse, a leisurely hack ride is a fantastic choice. This section offers tips to make the most out of your hack.Choosing the Right LocationOpt for destinations that feature scenic trails and varied terrain. The breathtaking landscapes of places like Patagonia offer riders an unforgettable experience. A blog post on Hooves Around the World describes the joy of traversing the awe-inspiring fields and mountains of Patagonia, showcasing it as a prime destination for equestrian adventures.Preparing Your Horse and GearPreparation is key for a successful ride. Inspect your horse's hooves, saddle, and bridle to ensure everything is in excellent condition. Creating a pre-ride packing list akin to the one used for horse riding in Patagonia can be invaluable, ensuring you don't forget any essential items.Safety FirstSafety must always be a priority. Wear appropriate riding gear, including a well-fitted helmet, and ride with a buddy whenever possible. Inform someone about your route and expected return time for added peace of mind.Exploring Equestrian Holidays and Riding VacationsFor those looking to dive deeper into equestrian experiences, why not consider an equestrian holiday or riding vacation? Companies like Equescapes Equestrian Adventures make it easy to find unique horseback adventures worldwide.Curated Itineraries Equescapes offers custom trips designed for riders of all ages and skill levels. Their itineraries are a perfect blend of riding adventures, breathtaking scenery, and cultural immersion, enhancing your equestrian holiday far beyond the typical horse riding experience.Variety of Riding ExperiencesThink beyond the usual! Whether it's riding safaris in Africa or exhilarating polo trips, a multitude of adventures await. These itineraries often encompass activities tailored to specific disciplines, providing the opportunity to either hone your existing skills or try out something new.Preparing for Dressage ChallengesIf you find yourself aiming for a dressage competition over the weekend, the following section is for you. Here's how to optimally prepare.Training and PracticeRegular training is essential for mastering dressage. Perfect both your horse's movements and your communication as a rider. Engaging with a qualified instructor can give you crucial insights, helping you fine-tune your technique and improve performance.Mental PreparationDressage competitions test your mental fortitude. Use visualization techniques, stay calm, and learn to control your nerves to ensure top-notch performance for both you and your horse.Choosing the Right Horse Having the appropriate horse is critical. The Argentinian Criollo horse, renowned for its excellent temperament and versatility, is highly suited for various equestrian activities, including dressage.Tips for Casual RidersEven for those who ride casually without competition aspirations, there are ways to enrich your weekend rides. This section offers some valuable tips.Join Local Riding GroupsBuild connections by joining local riding groups or clubs. This allows you to meet fellow riders, develop new skills, and explore novel riding locations. Blogs like The Travelling Equestrian provide insightful tips and stories from an equestrian viewpoint, which are invaluable for a casual rider.Take LessonsPeriodic lessons can enhance your riding skills and foster a deeper bond with your horse. You don't need to aim for a competitive edge to appreciate the value of professional guidance.Enjoy the Experience At the heart of it, remember that the primary goal is to enjoy the ride. Whether gracefully traversing natural landscapes or partaking in local events, savor the moment.ConclusionWeekend equestrian adventures offer a diverse range of experiences, from gentle hack rides to intense dressage challenges. By choosing the right locations, adequately preparing, and focusing on your goals, you're set for a fulfilling experience. Whether an expert or a laid-back rider, there's always something new to explore in the fascinating world of equestrian endeavors.For more equestrian apparel and gear, explore our Jodhpur Collection, Horse Riding Boot Collection, and Horse Riding Gloves Collection. Protect and nourish your equine companions with products from our Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements and Horse Treats and Gifts collections.ResourcesExplore these resources to plan your next equestrian adventure: Hooves Around the World: Detailed accounts of equestrian adventures, including Patagonia. Equescapes Equestrian Adventures: Curated itineraries for horse riding holidays worldwide. The Travelling Equestrian: Travel tips and stories from an equestrian perspective.Make your weekend equestrian adventure truly unforgettable! ```html```

Welcome to Barn Banter, the official podcast of Horse Illustrated. In Barn Banter episode 25, hosts Susan Friedlandand Horse Illustrated Editor In Chief Holly Caccamise talk with equine illustrator and author Jean Abernethy, best known for her creation of Fergus the Horse.To end the episode, they chat with Kristine Dvonch, executive director of Horses Haven in Howell, Mich., about Atticus, this months ASPCA Right Horse adoptable horse. Along with his buddies Sadie and Holly, Atticus will be traveling from Michigan to Equine Affaire Massachusetts this week to join Adoption Affaire a barn full of ASPCA Right Horse partners with dozens of horses available for adoption.Click to listen on mobile.Barn Banter Episode 25 Sponsor: AdequanBig thanks to our sponsor, Adequan! For over 30 years, Adequan i.m. (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) has been trusted by veterinarians, trainers and horse owners. Ask your veterinarian if Adequan is right for your horse. Visit Adequan.com to learn more. Adequan. Start with it. Stay with it.Jean Abernethy, Equine Illustrator and AuthorBarn Banter episode 25 guest Jean Abernethy. Photo by Cassandra KochJean Abernethy has been making cartoons and illustrations for equestrian publications for 40 years. After graduating high school, Jeans passion for horses drew her into an Equine Studies program at a local college. Following her studies there, she was accepted into the Ontario College of Art in Toronto where she earned her art degree, specializing in illustration. Her artwork has been published in the American Paint Horse Journal, the American Quarter Horse Journal, Horse Illustrated, Young Rider, Chrome, and many more. She is best known for her cartoon character Fergus the Horse, who has earned over 300,000 followers on Facebook and 30,000 on Instagram. Jean has written and illustrated five Fergus books and illustrated several books for other authors.In 2018, Jeans book Fergus and the Greener Grass won a Spur Award from Western Writers of America in the category Storyteller/Illustrated Childrens Book. The following year, Fergus and the Night Before Christmas received Finalist status in the same category. In 2019 and 2020, American Horse Publications awarded Jeans artwork first place for Editorial Illustration, published in Horse Illustrated and Quarter Horse Journal. Jean Lives near Waterloo, Ontario. Fergus the Horse Website Fergus the Horse on Facebook Fergus the Horse on InstagramAdoptable Horses of the Month: Atticus, Holly and SadieAtticus, Holly and Sadie are three buddies from Horses Haven in Michigan who are headed to Equine Affaire Massachusetts as part of Adoption Affaire, where they hope to find their forever homes.AtticusPhoto courtesy Horses HavenIf you like your Quarter Horse with that classic muscular stature, Atticus is your guy. He is extremely smart, good-looking and playful, so much so that he may play with you like a pasture mate. That said, in his time with Horses Haven, he has used his smarts to make great improvements on learning how to live in this human world. He had OCD surgery back in April 2023 and recovered very well. He has early navicular and can have off days. He is currently under veterinary evaluation to determine if he is a good candidate for riding and may be serviceably sound for flat work only in the future. Atticus stands well for the farrier, is good for the vet, loads and trailers well, is good on the cross-ties and enjoys doing anything with people.At this time, Atticus is being offered as a companion horse only due to inconsistent soundness.Learn more about Atticus here.SadiePhoto courtesy Horses HavenSadie is an eye-catching girl that Horses Haven has slowly been getting to know. She came into their care after being sent through an auction and then rescued by an individual. This individual exhausted their resources trying to help Sadie and her soundness issues. With time, HHs team of vets and excellent farrier work, Sadie has proved to be pasture sound and now even serviceably sound for light riding. She does require shoes and has done best on a daily dose of Equioxx.The organizations trainers are just getting to know her under saddle, but she seems to have had good and basic training. On the ground, Sadie is a good girl and enjoys being groomed and loved on. However, she does bond to her pasture mates and can be a handful if separated.Learn more about Sadie here.HollyPhoto courtesy Horses HavenHolly is a lovely mare ready to find her new home. She has been an excellent equine citizen while Horses Haven has gotten to know her. She enjoys being groomed and has been a pleasure to ride. Under saddle, she has been more whoa than go and might be a great candidate for some leisurely arena work or even some trail riding. She has been an uncomplicated ride so far and appears to have had basic training. An experienced rider or advanced beginner working with a trainer should be able to enjoy all this girl has to offer.Holly is up to date on all of her dental and vet care. She is a good girl for farrier work and is currently barefoot. She cant wait to start the next chapter of her life getting to know a new family!Learn more about Holly here.In addition to Barn Banter episode 25, you can check out all previous episodes of Horse Illustrateds podcasts here.The post Barn Banter Episode 25: Sponsored by Adequan appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Key Points Details Challenges and Confidence Working with sensitive breeds like the Irish Cob can be rewarding yet challenging, requiring strategies to build confidence and overcome fear. Understanding Fear Fear stems from lack of experience, past incidents, or unpredictability; it affects rider-horse communication and must be acknowledged as a safety mechanism. Confidence-Building Horse Essential traits include calmness, reliability, and good training, helping riders like Louise Walpin overcome fear and develop horsemanship. Horsemanship & Mental Control Key to control horses feet, mind, and personality; requires mentally sound horses and a strong foundation in horsemanship. Trust and Positive Experiences Trust builds through consistent positive experiences, involving safe and rewarding interactions with the horse. Managing Fear and Anxiety Acknowledge anxiety, start with simple tasks, and gradually progress; trust instincts as a guide to becoming more confident. Practical Tips Find a reputable trainer Start in a controlled environment Focus on groundwork Use positive reinforcement Be consistent and predictable Conclusion Building confidence with a sensitive Irish Cob involves patience, understanding, and the right strategies, fostering a trusting relationship. Overcoming Challenges and Building Confidence with a Sensitive Irish Cob: A Rider's JourneyRiding a horse, especially a sensitive breed like the Irish Cob, can be a deeply rewarding experience, but it also brings its own set of challenges. For many riders, building confidence and overcoming fear are crucial steps in developing a strong and trusting relationship with their horse. In this insightful blog, we'll explore the journey of a rider working with a sensitive Irish Cob, highlighting the strategies, techniques, and mindset necessary for overcoming challenges and building confidence.Understanding Fear and Its ImpactFear is a natural and essential part of the human and equine experience. For riders, fear can arise from various sources, such as lack of experience, past traumatic incidents, or the inherent unpredictability of horses. It is important to acknowledge that fear is not a sign of weakness but rather a primal response designed to keep us safe.When a rider is fearful, it can significantly impact their ability to communicate effectively with their horse. Horses, being prey animals, are highly attuned to the emotions and physical cues of their riders. If a rider is anxious or fearful, the horse may sense this and become anxious or fearful as well, leading to a potentially dangerous situation.The Role of a Confidence-Building HorseA key component in overcoming fear and building confidence is the type of horse you are working with. A confidence-building horse is one that is calm, reliable, and well-trained. These horses provide a safe and stable environment for riders who are struggling with fear, essential for learning and growth.For example, Louise Walpin, a rider who initially battled a near-paralyzing fear of riding, found immense help in working with a horse named Candie, a former lesson horse. Through consistent training and a strong partnership, Louise was able to build her confidence and develop a healthy hypervigilance that fostered her horsemanship. Read more.Importance of Horsemanship and Mental ControlBuilding confidence as a rider is deeply intertwined with developing good horsemanship skills. Horsemanship is not just about physical control but also about mental control and understanding the horse's mentality. A rider needs to be able to control the horse's feet, mind, and personality, which requires a strong foundation in horsemanship.To achieve this, it is crucial to work with a horse that is mentally sound. A horse that is not confident or mentally stable can significantly hinder a rider's confidence. Ensuring the horse is right in the head before riding is essential, as it prevents many potential issues and ensures a safer riding experience.Building Trust and Confidence Through Positive ExperiencesTrust and confidence in both the rider and the horse are built through positive and predictable experiences. Consistency and predictability are key; every interaction with the horse should result in a positive outcome. This could be as simple as bridling, trailering, or grooming, but it must be done in a way that makes the horse feel safe and secure.For instance, if you are introducing your horse to new obstacles, such as a tarp or a bridge, it should be done in a manner that ensures the horse feels safe every step of the way. Positive reinforcement, such as rewards and praise, can help the horse associate new experiences with good outcomes. Over time, this builds confidence in the horse and strengthens the bond between the horse and rider. Discover more.Managing Fear and AnxietyManaging fear and anxiety is a critical part of the journey. It involves acknowledging and respecting your own level of anxiety as well as that of your horse. Hayley, a rider who experienced a severe concussion after a fall, had to rebuild her confidence by becoming aware of her anxiety and working through it gradually. By focusing on simple tasks she felt confident in and gradually increasing the complexity, Hayley was able to regain her confidence and address issues with her horse, Flynn.Listening to your fear and using it as a guide can make you a more confident and effective rider. This approach involves trusting your instincts and not pushing yourself or your horse beyond what is comfortable. As an Australian champion bull rider once noted, listening to his fear and trusting his gut instinct was what made him more confident and braver. Learn more.Practical Tips for Building ConfidenceFind a Reputable TrainerWorking with a good, reputable trainer can provide the guidance and support you need to build your confidence. A trainer with experience in fearful riders can offer tailored advice and help you develop a safe and effective riding plan. Check out our Jodhpur Collection for appropriate riding gear.Start in a Controlled EnvironmentBegin your riding journey in a controlled environment, such as an arena, where you can feel safe and secure. Gradually introduce new challenges and environments as your confidence grows. Equip yourself with our top-quality Horse Riding Boot Collection.Focus on GroundworkGroundwork is essential for building trust and confidence. Activities like leading, grooming, and groundwork help establish a strong bond between you and your horse and prepare you for riding. Explore our Horse Riding Gloves Collection.Use Positive ReinforcementPositive reinforcement techniques can help your horse associate new experiences with positive outcomes. This approach fosters confidence and trust in both the horse and the rider. Maintain your horse's strength with our Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements.Be Consistent and PredictableConsistency and predictability are crucial for building confidence. Ensure that every interaction with your horse results in a positive outcome and maintain a consistent routine to help your horse feel secure. Our Stable Rugs keep your horse comfortable during downtime.ConclusionOvercoming challenges and building confidence with a sensitive Irish Cob is a journey that requires patience, understanding, and the right approach. By acknowledging and respecting fear, working with a confidence-building horse, developing good horsemanship skills, and focusing on positive and predictable experiences, you can build a strong and trusting relationship with your horse.Remember, confidence is not something you either have or you don't; it is something that can be developed over time with the right mindset and strategies. Whether you are a seasoned rider or just starting out, the key is to approach your journey with sensitivity, consistency, and a commitment to building trust and confidence in both yourself and your horse. For additional support, browse our selection of Horse Fly Protection products to ensure a comfortable riding experience.```html```

Things have been crazy busy in my personal life recently, I have purchased and moved into my first house! Unsurprisingly, this has taken up a lot of my free time recently and if Im honest, I just havent had anything interesting to update you on for a while.But now I am moved in and settling back into a normal routine, I am hoping to be back writing more regularly here at EquiPepper!Continue reading New House! ~ Why weve been a bit quiet recently at EquiPepper.

Things have been crazy busy in my personal life recently, I have purchased and moved into my first house! Unsurprisingly, this has taken up a lot of my free time recently and if Im honest, I just havent had anything interesting to update you on for a while.But now I am moved in and settling back into a normal routine, I am hoping to be back writing more regularly here at EquiPepper!Continue reading New House! ~ Why weve been a bit quiet recently at EquiPepper.

Can a warmup or cooldown routine affect equine joint health? What is the best way to warm your horse up or cool him down? Find out in this Ask TheHorse Live excerpt.The post Horse Warmup and Cooldown Techniques for Joint Health appeared first on The Horse.