Gnocchi and Me, our second voyage ever since training

This is the second day of riding, having only been on him ten minutes the previous day. He loses some collection when I get him into a trot, but that's probably partially my fault as well.

Oh So at Rubicon Horse Trials 2010

Rubicon HT June 2010, training level. 33.2 in dressage, only 1.2 time penalties. We ended up 2nd by one point!

Is Your Horse an Idiot Or Simply a Misunderstood Temperament Type?

"This horse is an idiot!"

I can't tell you how many times I have heard this statement about an equine only to find that when I handled the animal he gave me no trouble. To this unexpected good behavior, the owner usually says, "He must really like you!"

Well, I don't think horses particularly like me better than any other person, but because I understand horse temperament typing, I have learned how to appreciate all horses, no matter what temperament. I treat them according to their temperament, and they return the favor with good behavior.

When I work on a horse, I try not to have unrealistic expectations. For instance, I don't expect the competitive Wood equine to act like milk-toast, or look for the sensitive Fire horse to tolerate high levels of pain. Owners or trainers with unrealistic expectations cause many horses to be inappropriately handled and labeled.

Horse Behavior With and Without Temperament Tying

If you don't know a horse's Five-Element temperament type, you won't know how to approach him to get the best performance or behavior from him. But once you know his type, you can treat him in a way that causes him to respond positively. It can make a world of difference!

Here are some examples of descriptions of the same horse without and with an appreciation of horse temperament typing:

"This horse is a lazy dink!" versus "This is a nice, gentle Earth horse temperament who would be perfect for a beginner."

"This horse is crazy..." versus "This is an expressive Water horse temperament with lots of brilliance and animation in the show ring."

"This horse is a witch!" versus "This is a sensitive Fire horse temperament mare who loves to perform but can't handle being in pain."

"This horse is stupid..." versus "I love this Metal horse temperament. He always performs perfectly once he learns a task."

"This horse has a terrible attitude!" versus "This Wood horse temperament hates to be bored but loves to learn new things and take on challenging obstacles."

Do you see how one equine could easily be misunderstood by one person and yet be perfect for another? It all depends on whether you know his temperament type.

Five-Element Temperament Type Resources

Want to know more about the Five-Element temperament typing system?

Want to type you or your horse at no cost? Check out these resources below.

Madalyn Ward, DVM, is a recognized author and veterinarian in the field of holistic horsekeeping. For free tips on horse health, horse personality types, and horse nutrition, plus one-stop shopping on holistic horse products, visit http://www.BuyHolisticHorse.com.

Work Smarter - Tips to Decrease Horse Stall Maintenance Time

Anyone who has horses knows that cleaning stalls takes the longest out of any barn chore to complete. Are you looking to cut down your hours of cleaning and increase your quality time with your pet? Here are a few tips to decrease horse stall maintenance time!
Set your box up to where it is most convenient to keep disinfected. One of the best ways to do this is to install rubber mats. This is great whether you have a concrete or dirt or clay base. A mat is porous, provides great traction, is durable, and really cuts down on the labor involved in going through stalls. They are also great for your horse's legs if he is in a lot, and is extremely cost-effective.
Your choice of bedding is also important. Certain materials are more likely to soak up urine and are more simple to pick through. For instance, shavings are great because they absorb wetness well, but are still easy to sift through. Pellets and sawdust are both also good choices in terms of making the area easier to keep maintained while also doing its job well for your equine.
Obviously when you go into your facility to do chores, you want it to go by quickly. This means having the right tools as much as having the right stall design! Use picks that have the prongs spaced out properly for the type of horses you have. Pony-sized picks are available so you can grab their smaller-sized poop with ease! Have lightweight wheelbarrows that are easier to maneuver. If you use muck tubs, buy a cart for them so you can get them around easier. The smallest things add up in determining how long you are working!
Keeping a box sanitary is also extremely important to your equine friend's health. Standing in a built-up space can have very adverse effects. Respiratory, leg, and skin problems can arise quickly. In addition, it becomes a breeding ground for both flies and mosquitoes. Definitely something you want to avoid!
One of the biggest detriments to not keeping a proper sanitized area is the increased likelihood of thrush in your horses! This is a terrible fungal infection that eats away at the foot, and it is caused by too much trapped moisture. It creates a horrible stench and is very uncomfortable for your mount. If left untreated, you could be looking at a lame animal. Avoid this altogether by keeping his stall clean. Use the tips mentioned to cut down on your effort spent doing that, this way you are more likely to do it right!
Finally, employing some of this knowledge to your barn will save you a lot in the end. You are looking at less cost to maintain. It can drastically lessen either your own time and effort or that of your hired labor, which also puts more money back in your pocket! After all, in the horse world, extra cash is never bad!
There you go! Start using a few of these tips to decrease horse stall maintenance time today! Spend less time working and more time riding!

A reliable source of high-quality rubber mats is a great investment to make. Stall mats can not only help your horses' health, but rubber mats are also more convenient in terms of maintenance.