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The Pegasus logo represents
something of a flying start for us in 2006. Pegasus flew into
action over the past few weeks and is now being introduced into
most of our literature and course material. Together with the
introduction of a new logo, the past 12 months have also seen
two new course tutors joining the team, two new short courses
have been introduced with further short courses being introduced
during the year.
The cleaner clearer lines of this
new logo will replace the little Bookworm. Although our old friend
the Bookworm will be missed by some, he has been in place on all our
literature since the college first presented equine care courses back
in the early 1990's. We have moved on and grown up a good deal since
then. We 'care' for horses in more ways than one and Pegasus more
accurately describes our aims:
To inspire and teach people of all
abilities to care for horses properly, kindly and above all, in
a more natural way.
Who and what was Pegasus
The winged horse Pegasus is a mythological figure. He is said to
be the foal of Poseidon when he was in his role as horse god. Around
700BC the Greek poet Hesiod records that the name Pegasos relates
to 'spring well' and that everywhere the winged horse struck hoof
to earth an 'inspiring spring' issued forth.< from Greek mythology
was accused of trying to seduce the wife of King Proteus. He was banished
from the kingdom and sent to be killed by King Iobates in the land
of Lycia. Iobates sent him on an impossible mission - to kill the
fire breathing monster Chimera. Bellerophon sought the counsel of
the wise man Polyidus, who told him to succeed in his mission he must
seek the help of the winged horse Pegasus.
first find Pegasus. Polyidus sends him to the temple of Athena
where he must sleep. Bellerophon will dream of a winged horse
drinking from a spring fed well. When he awoke a golden bridle
would lie beside him, if he managed to catch Pegasus and fit
him with the golden bridle, the horse would be tamed.
Bellerophon awoke, found the bridle and crept up on Pegasus
while he drank from a well. He caught him, fitted the golden
bridle and the winged horse was tamed. Bellerophon now mounted
Pegasus and they flew away to fight the monster Chimera in his
lair.< breath was so hot and flaming that although they tried and tried, they
couldn't get close enough to kill him. Finally, taking a long and
heavy spear laden with lead, they bravely flew, head on, towards Chimera.
On they flew almost into the mouth of the flaming monster. At last
they forced the spear into the very mouth of the monster. The intense
heat caused the lead to melt, thus the molten lead blocked Chimera's
throat. The monster finally expired. heroic deed. How could Iobates
comply with King Proteus's wishes and kill such a brave hero as Bellerophon.
King Iobates therefore removed the penalty of death placed on Bellerophon,
and allowed him to marry his daughter the fair princess of Lycia.
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Lingfield Equine Courses
Popular Courses
2006 has for Lingfield Correspondence been even busier this year.
We now have over 900 students registered on courses. We have seen
the number of applications for enrolment almost double in number every
month over similar periods in previous years.
People are joining our courses from all over the world now. Our overseas
student contingent is increasing month by month. With something over
640 students currently working actively on our courses it is obvious
that there is a huge demand for the type of learning we offer.
Courses for the professional equestrian student have been available
via distance learning for many years.
Few educational establishments, colleges or centres however, offer
courses with a less formal approach to those people who are looking
for a professionally produced, yet less academic, equine studies programme.
The Lingfield Equine Courses fit this need.
BHS exams at home
Students regularly write to tell us that being able to sit the BHS
exam at home is a big 'YES' for choosing our courses. It means no
pressure on exam day. The decision on whether or not to sit the BHS
exam, need only be made just before the end of a course. This they
tell us is another 'no pressure' reason for choosing Lingfield Equine
Courses.
Some of the letters we receive go on to explain that the friendly
response they receive when they first contact us, encourages them
to enrol on a course. They tell us that the relaxed approach to learning
and the non text book language of the courses, makes it so much easier
to learn. Plenty of you have written to tell us you really enjoy working
on the course. They are quite surprised at this because studying and
writing notes on their work was something they really didn't enjoy
at school.
Busy Lives & Putting your course on
hold
One student Lisa, recently contacted us to say that since she first
enrolled on her Lingfield course, life had got a little busy for a
while so she hadn't done any work at all for ages. Lisa had got married,
moved house and now has a toddler. She wanted to to know if she could
now finally continue with her course. This isn't an uncommon situation
and continuing even after a long break is no problem at all.
The reasons are many and varied for putting your course on hold.
We know only too well that life sometimes just gets too busy for us
all to cope with everything life throws at us as well as the course
work. On top of our 600 active students, we therefore have another
350 who, like Lisa have put their courses on hold.
Peoples lives don't always run smoothly, we understand this. Reasons
for students taking a break and putting a course on hold are numerous.
Lots of students are just going through a busy time or a bad patch
in their lives right now. Others like Lisa, have been getting married,
moving house, having a baby or relocating overseas, or divorced, or
perhaps they have an elderly relative to care for or a new and more
demanding job to get to grips with.
Start studying again
Sometimes, however it isn't any particular thing which stops people
working on their course. Time creeps past and suddenly a student realises
that it is nearly two years since they last worked on their course.
There is absolutely no problem with this. All you have to do is contact
us to let us know that you still aim to continue when time permits.
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New Short Courses
Equine Psychology & Behaviour
The new Equine Psychology & Behaviour course is the first in the
new series 1 Short Courses and is proving very very popular.
Buying the Right Horse
This course is soon to be introduced. This is to include an informative
photographic and film clip guide on cd. This is useful for professional
students as well as those aiming to purchase their first or second
horse, or in fact for anyone who would like to be able to identify
good and bad conformation.
The Vital Statistics of Horse
Management
This course includes two Lingfield Correspondence wall charts: Points
of the Horse and Lumps & Bumps (common ailments and injuries). This
is an ideal taster/entry level course for those thinking about embarking
on a long course. It covers information on all aspects of equine care
& management and is ideal for use a guide and support for those looking
to set up their own business or aiming to take the new course on Running
Your own Livery Yard.
Running Your Own Livery Yard
This course is shortly to be introduced. Current requests for publication
date indicates that it will be very popular indeed and possibly oversubscribed
in the early stages.
Tack Fitting, Basics of Bits & Bitting
This course will be introduced during Spring/Summer. Its' aim is
to hone the skills of the experienced rider/owner. At the same time
it introduces to the new owner or less experienced person, clear guidance
on uses and fitting of various items of equipment. It covers a vast
array of tack and equipment and explains both purpose and fitting.
Further courses are being introduced throughout the year. Keep an
eye on the web site for the latest information.
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From our very own BHS AMBASSADOR
"Noel"imits to his talents!
By James Wild, Hampshire
He maybe currently enjoying his TV comeback with his new show Deal
or No Deal, but last summer, Noel Edmunds was doing his bit as the
President of the British Horse Society at the Longines International
Horse show at Hickstead.
Last year I joined the BHS' Presidents Ambassador's scheme, volunteering
to try and recruit more riders to the BHS. As a reward for being in
the top 10 recruiters, I was invited as a VIP to Hickstead, enjoying
the day in the BHS's private box.
Box? Suite more like! After a champagne reception, we were able to
watch all the action from the balcony, with tea, coffee and soft drinks
on tap all day. Then, a 3 course buffet lunch was provided, and as
I took my seat at the table, I heard a familiar voice over my shoulder
say "do you mind if I join you?". Yes you guessed it, Noel came and
sat next to me for lunch, and I must say he is one of the nicest people
I have ever met. Very friendly, not aloof in any way, and very attentive
to what people say. We talked about riding, but also about mundane
things like work, and also about his house in France! No invitation
to visit though!
During the afternoon there was more action to watch from the balcony,
particularly the Gold Cup, while a seemingly endless stream of Pimms
flowed freely. What an enjoyable day out. Thanks BHS and thanks Noel.
CONGRATULATIONS to James on being amongst the top 10 BHS Ambassadors.
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Horses For Sale
What they say - and what they really mean ?
- Quiet in Walk Trot and Canter
(But there's not stopping him at full gallop)
- Nice Pony, not for beginner
(Or for anyone)
- Ideal teenagers horse
(They are the only ones mad enough to ride it)
- Ex Racehorse - sound
(When he's not lame)
- Bomb proof
(Wont move under any circumstances)
- No Vices
(No virtues)
- Fun to Ride
(Providing you are a thrill seeker with a death wish)
- Winning breed lines
(That somehow didn't get passed on)
- Fun all rounder, moves well
(Generally at gallop and at full speed to the left only)
- Good to box shoe & clip
(When you can catch him)
(Adapted from Hold your Horses by Bonnie Timmons)
Why not send in your funnies for the next Lingfield Newsletter
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Becoming An Instructor BHS Exams
We heard some time ago from Boel, Boel is an overseas student who
was training part time at a centre in Surrey to gain her AI. In previous
newsletters she told us about her successful completion of the Stage
1 & 2 exams whilst working full time.
This time Beol give us her update on her Preliminary Teaching Test
exam which she gained whilst working part time.
It is a while since I took my PTT exam but at last I have had a bit
of time to catch up to let you know how it went. I have decided to
stay at the same stables where I trained. They seemed really keen
to keep me and are letting me choose whatever hours I want to teach.
Best of all is that I get to ride as much as I want to, which is terrific
news. Now, a bit about the PTT exam itself and about teaching:
Just like everybody else, I was quite nervous when I first arrived
at the exam centre, but as soon as we had gone through the introductions
and I had found out what subjects I were to teach I felt a lot calmer.
I started off with a jumping lesson first thing in the morning. It
was probably ideal, as I did not have any time to worry beforehand.
My brief said that I was to assess the riders over a single fence
and then work towards combinations and related distance fences. With
only 35 minutes in all, there was not much time to spare.
I knew that they would mainly look out for safety aspects I took
it very easy and, after warm-up and introduction, introduced the jumps
by walking over a pole between the wings and then, with the rest of
the ride on the centre line, trotting over a small cross pole one
at a time. They then progressed to jumping a combination and two fences
with three non-jumping strides in between. It all went very smoothly
and we had just about time to jump the last set of fences in canter,
before the time was up. I was quite lucky as all three horses were
roughly the same size and could work with the same distances between
the fences.
After the lesson the examiner asked me a few questions about the
tack and the rider's clothing. Then I had over an hour to prepare
for my 5-minute lecture ("The roughing off procedure"), which went
just fine. We also got to answer quite a few questions about running
a yard and customer care. Before lunch there was a written test, which
for me consisted of filling in an accident report form.
After lunch I was to give a 15-minute lead rein lesson. My brief
said to make improvements to the riders position and teach the rider
about bend. My student was a 9-year-old girl who made my job very
easy by listening and following instructions with great attention
and enthusiasm. The lesson flew by, as did the last phase of the day,
the oral exam where five fellow students and me answered questions
about different aspects of teaching. In all it was quite an enjoyable
day!
As for the teaching I am really enjoying it. I have been doing the
children's lessons for a couple of months now and have got to know
some of the regulars. The kids are great with their enthusiasm and
unconditioned love of horses and it is amazing to see their progress.
Little things like learning to rise in trot or cantering for the first
time can be big achievements and as for me I have learned something
new every week.
To work with children is new to me and it is a lot more interesting
and fun than I could have ever imagined. Their ability and willingness
to learn and develop is mind blowing. I find it fascinating how they
absorb every word and how hungry they are for any kind of knowledge
of horses. And how they beam when being told that they are doing something
well.
I am really pleased with how it has turned out. Six months ago all
I wanted was to do a bit of teaching and get back into riding, but
I did not have a clue how to get there. Now I have my Trainee Teaching
Certificate, I am teaching every week and I get to ride as much as
I want! I could never have imagined it would work out so well, so
quickly!
Thank you, again, for making it possible!
Boel
CONGRATULATIONS BOEL!
Thanks for taking the time to tell us about your exams. It just
proves that it CAN be done while working full or part time. You certainly
come under the heading of 'Student Star' too!
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Student Stars
New Parents!
Those who are regular users of our
message board will remember one of our students who was named in a
previous news letter as a student star - Rachael Pickering.
twice in Your Horse magazine during the last 12 months. Once
with her horse Brave Star whom she sadly lost a short while
ago, and the other with Ricki, her father in law's horse who
Rachael exercises. One of the Your Horse issues featured
Rachael as the 'cover girl' on Brave Star
!
parents for the first time earlier this year. Congratulations
to you all.
IT Whizz
Our 'IT' star Jaymmz will also be found regularly on the message
board. Jaymmz has kindly offered to help anyone out with IT queries
if they have problems setting up their courses via e.mail. Thank
you Jaymmz.
Smart Art
Our resident artist Stuart is offering to share his artistic
talents and at very reasonable cost. Stuart is busy right now helping
us produce a new range of wall charts.
If you are interested in a picture of your horse why not check out
his paintings and pictures on the Forum photo site or visit his web
site href="http://www.artonthehoof.co.uk" target="_blank">www.artonthehoof.co.uk
Contact Stuart for more details: email address: artonthehoof@yahoo.co.uk
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News & Letters
My mad Life with horses, house and family
By Cassey in Basildon, Essex
My life over the past two years has been totally hectic. This seems
always to be the way with horsey people who have a family. We enjoy
the outdoor life and seem to revel in the pure pleasures of nature,
but boy, doesn't it make it hard, trying to juggle cooking, cleaning,
washing etc. Not to mention organising the homework (which I must
say was never that difficult when I was in junior school) and along
with all this I am trying to complete the Level 1 course.
Lingfield Correspondence has supported me all the way even though
I have been very slowly plodding through. However, when you look in
your horses eyes and take a breath of that unique horsey smell - it
all seems worth it. Kind regards to all, and may we keep on learning
and loving our hobby.
News from Dubai
By Jane Colbeck, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
I'm based in Dubai and joined Lingfield Correspondence in January
2006.I lease a 15hh Arabian mare called Sugar, she's ex endurance
and far more 'horse' than I have ever been used to. I had huge challenges
to start off as she takes off and has the stamina of a true endurance
animal. We are now at a stage where even if she does bolt I am back
in control quickly. We are learning basic dressage at the stables
where I keep her; she's a quick learner and a pleasure to be around.
I chose to study with Lingfield as I wanted to be able to know I
am looking after Sugar's every need, this is the first horse I've
owned and I have had about a 20 year break from learning to 'ride'
(?) as a kid and now really riding rather than just being a passenger.
Riding is such a small part of owning a horse and the course has already
opened my eyes to so many things I didn't know (or had been mislead
on by other so called experts). Lingfield allows the students to work
totally at their own pace which is great for me as the pace of life
and work in Dubai is very fast and having the ability to learn at
my own time ensures I will get the most out of the course.
Things are very different in Dubai, but the basics apply wherever,
and each day I feel I am getting that bit closer to being a confident
horse owner. Our horses are kept on sand in a covered shelter but
with no sides, just rails. They are mucked and treated much the same
as a deep litter bed but the sand is dried out rather than replaced.
Temperatures here mean that the sand does not remain wet for any length
of time.
There is no grazing and all hay is imported. Quality and type varies
from normal hay to Timothy alfalfa, or haylage i.e. no consistency.
Horses take in sand during turnout and when eating hay. You have keep
an eye on droppings so they don't get 'clogged up'.
(editors note: In UK, this would be called sand colic) Shoes don't
wear quickly but hooves dry out. We average 2-3 days rain a year.
We have a live in farrier at our yard which is fantastic.
Winter nights can get chilly and my mare had a rug this year for
about 30 days. Through the summer months May to September temps of
50 degrees and 100% humidity are fairly normal in July and August.
We shower the horses twice daily to keep temperatures down, & have
to ensure hooves are not too wet through this. Richer owners have
air conditioning but it only helps a bit. During the Summer, many
get little or no exercise due to owners avoiding extreme temperatures.
I try to do walk and trot to keep her moving.
My stables is a lovely community of expats and locals who love and
care for their horses, many are new to horse owning like myself and
gosh there is so much to learn! My little mare had a bout of colic
last week (the second case in the 8 years she has been at the stables)
I was distraught but after an anti spasm injection she perked up
and was fine by that afternoon. It gave me my first real insight of
dealing with colic.
Best wishes, Jane
My dream IS coming true !
By Lingfield Student Cindy - soon to be in Cambridgeshire
I thought I would tell people a little about my involvement in horses
but where do I start! I started to learn to ride at the age of 10
at a local stables. Then was asked to work there at weekends, which
then became my first full time job when I left school. I learned everything
from horse care, to SJ, XC, and Dressage. In this time I owed 4 of
my own horses. By 18 however, boys became more interesting to me,
as did clubbing and a lot of late nights!
Now, 16 years and 5 children later I decided to get back in the saddle.
On the way to the riding school I was so nervous, I had butterflies.
But once I got on the horse it was GREAT!! Jackie the lady who is
teaching me really put me through my paces, (her excuse was I wanted
to see how much you knew !!) I suffered for 7 days till my next lesson.
The next lesson wasn't as bad and my confidence is now much better.
My ambition through life has been to own my own equestrian property
- and at last it is finally becoming reality. We have just made an
offer on a place in Cambridgeshire which has been accepted. I can't
wait to purchase my own horses again and do DIY liveries as well.
EXCELLENT!!
This is why when I found out about the Lingfield home study course
I couldn't believe my luck. I have found this course so helpful, and
a lot has changed in 16 years. The things I was taught ,and the way
things were done then, are not the way it is done today, so I'm truly
grateful to have found this course. Especially as I can study in the
evenings when all my children are in bed.
We all wish you good luck with your new venture Cindy.
Riding Lessons - interesting tactics
!!!
By Graham Roberts, Brigg, North Lincolnshire
I have a little snippet you might find of interest, although maybe
not amusing.
Having just returned to the UK from Taiwan, for a couple of weeks
holiday, I was keen to accompany my grandson and granddaughter on
their weekly Saturday morning riding lesson, (that's what they call
it anyway). The 'Riding School' they attend had better remain anonymous,
and you will see why;
My granddaughter is 9 years old and on the small side, being under
4 feet tall, the pony she rides is somewhat on the wide size, making
it not too good a match. One of the problems she has is coordinating
her feet and knees when wanting to make the pony move into trot or
canter.
The lady (?) instructor apparently has been trying to solve the problem
for several weeks, but to my horror she said that she was going to
tie my granddaughters knees to the saddle to keep them in place whilst
moving her feet !!!!!
Needless to say this wasn't allowed to happen and several questions
were raised as to the instructors capabilities / experience.
Obviously I am now trying harder to crack on with my Level 1 course
and hopefully soon have more knowledge on equine care than this 'instructor'
and can take over the equine education of my grand children. I am
currently looking at some property for sale with 2 stables and 4 acres
of land so things are going to plan for me at present.
I must add that I am finding your correspondence course to be very
very useful and hopefully I will reap the benefits of it in the not
too distant future.
Regards Graham
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News from a Student in America
My Equestrian Equation
By Joe Piedmont, Vancouver, USA
Learn all you can about horses
Find a good trainer
Find a good barn/facility
A significant trend in the horse world today is woman + horse
= wonderful life. For my wife Maria, however, this equation is not
entirely accurate. The reason why has eluded her - she loves horses,
she loves to ride, she loves being a horsewoman. Still she could not
make the equation add up. It was not until I expressed a desire to
take riding lessons and join her as a horse lover that she realized
how the equation should read: wife + husband + horses = wonderful
life.
| To be honest, the exhilaration
of cantering a 1000 pound animal while lightly encouraging
it to do your bidding through two small strips of leather
is hard to beat. But Maria's joy is even greater knowing
that we are pursuing this activity together. And I am
excited to have an athletic endeavour that includes my
wife. We have found a pathway that is challenging and
rewarding for both of us. As we journey along our wonderful
life and grow in our skill with horses we have found there
are a few key additional elements to making the most of
the equation
Learn all you can about horses |
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Vancouver
Facts
Average annual
rainfall: 41.3 inches
Average annual
snowfall: 6.5 inches
Population:
154,800 as of April 1.2005
Area 448 square
miles
Elevation150-290 feet
Global Location:
45°37'54" N latitude, 122°40'07"longitude
City's name
sake Captain George Vancouver, British sailor
and explorer (1758-1798) |
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I am an admitted novice, so gaining knowledge about horses is a continuing
enterprise for me. I have read books, attended a trade show, hung
around the barn after my lessons, and of course enrolled in the Lingfield
Correspondence Courses to further my education and increase my confidence.
My wife on the other hand, has a lifelong interaction with horses
and riding, and possesses a keen understanding that comes with time.
Together we are able to discuss various topics about horses, share
insights we have gathered, compare our riding technique and learn
from each other. Expanding our knowledge of horses has made our lessons
more fun and has provided the added benefit of spending our limited
free time as a couple, working on a hobby we can enjoy for many years
to come
Find a good
trainer
There are many lesson providers who call themselves "trainers,"
but all too few actually have the experience and background
necessary to teach committed riders how to improve their
abilities and excel as horsemen/women. The right trainer
is especially important for any couple where skill levels
and learning styles differ. We are blessed to have an
excellent trainer who knows how to instruct experienced
and novice riders, understands how to teach women and
men, and is herself a competitor and professional rider.
Finding a good trainer is not altogether easy; time spent
making phone calls, asking for references, evaluating
costs, and visiting barns is critical before making a
selection. This research has really paid off for us. Not
only do we have access to high-quality teaching, but we
have also developed a new and fun friendship with a very
nice person. The right trainer is an important person
for any couple who wants to advance their skills
Find a good barn/facility
Barn, stable, farm, ranch, equestrian center; all these
words are used interchangeably by business owners to describe
their various horse operations. These words, though, are
not very useful in finding a suitable facility at which
to take riding lessons as they offer no clues to differentiate
the quality of horse care, nor do they indicate the amenities
available. Most often, choosing a facility is part of
choosing a trainer and good trainers are likely to be
found at good stables
Here in Vancouver,Washington, USA almost all facilities
provide stalls for their horses. And since most trainers
require the rider to inspect, groom and tack the horse
as part of the lesson, the layout of stalls in the barn
is an important consideration. Wide aisles, good lighting,
and an accessible tack room reduce the opportunity for
injury and accident. Similarly, this area of the country
is visited quite frequently by rain, so another important
amenity to look for is a covered arena.
We feel quite blessed to have a nice, well run facility
called Shortacres Farm close to our home where we experience
the joys of riding, caring for, and learning about horses |
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Vancouver,
where?
You might have heard of Vancouver
B C but we live about 300 miles south in Vancouver, Washington,
USA. Vancouver, Washington is located at the west end
of the Columbia River Gorge across the river from Portland,
Oregon |
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| Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge |
Vancouver's
Volcanic Heritage
Surrounding Vancouver are
three volcanic peaks, Mt Adams, Mt Hood, and Mt St Helens.
Mt St Helens is the closest and recent activity inside
the crater has brought back memories of the eruption in
1980. Mt Hood features fabulous skiing in the winter and
excellent climbing and hiking in the summer. Access to
Mt Adams is very limited due to the rugged wilderness
that surrounds it
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| Mt St Helens |
Vancouver
Farmers Market
Vancouver has a rich variety
of farmers, artisans, and craftsmen who ply their goods
at the Vancouver Farmers Market. Organic vegetables and
fruit, meat and seafood, recipes. original art, woodwork,
glasswork are all available from local area vendors
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| Vancouver Farmer's Market in full swing |
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Life, of course, is a varied and complicated balance of people and events
that can rarely be described in its entirety with a simple equation.
But we have found the equation wife + husband + horses - wonderful life
to be an inspiration that helps to energize our journey, helps us to
define the things we will see and do along the way, and reminds us to
enjoy every day we have together. The equation is our lifelong
goal to become a horseman and a horsewoman while at the same time
becoming a horse-couple. We are enjoying every minute of it.
Back to top
New Course Tutors join the Lingfield team
Last year we welcomed Nicky Morgan and Sally Howard.
This year we welcome Hannah Haskew. We asked Hannah to
tell you a little about herself
"Hello there everyone.
I'm helping Paula to develop the new short course
series, and am based in the Derbyshire area. I've been a BHS registered
instructor for many years now, and I currently work freelance, teaching
riders on their own horses. I teach a whole range of clients from
the nervous to the confident, from pleasure riders to competitors
to BHS exam students. I don't currently own my own horse, but I do
have a horse 'on loan' for me to ride. He is a real cheeky chappy
who certainly lets you know what he thinks of things! I've only been
riding him for a few months and I'm hoping to do a bit of dressage
this year, but he has had a few physical problems so we're still in
the process of building him back up to full strength.
I'm very interested in the rehabilitation of horses anyway, because
in addition to teaching I'm also a qualified and registered 'Equine
Body Worker'. I treat horses using a combination of different manual
therapies such as sports massage, stretching and stress point therapy,
to help to improve their general well-being and performance. Although
qualified, I'm still studying lots of other treatment techniques,
including animal manipulation, so hopefully soon I'll be able to treat
other animals as well as horses.
I love both parts of my job. It is so satisfying seeing horses become
more comfortable and able to work better with therapy. Although they
cannot talk, they are surprisingly good at giving you clues about
where and how to work with them, and what feels good. I have one horse
I go to see who instantly turns his bottom round and reverses up to
me when I go into the stable so that I can work on the hamstring muscles
down the back of his hindlegs - I'm not allowed to do anything else
until this area feels better! It could be quite off-putting if I didn't
know him well...!
I also love teaching because I am continually learning from my students,
having to think of different ways to put the same messages across
so that the meaning is understood. You have to be quite innovative
sometimes to adapt your methods to suit the particular situation,
and it's so rewarding to see relationships improve over time and people
progressing with their horses and having fun.
My background before becoming a body worker was quite varied. I'd
done a BSc (Hons) degree in Equine Sports Science and worked on a
whole variety of different yards. My main interest however, was (and
still is) dressage, and I feel very lucky and honoured to have been
able to work with some of the country's top horses.
The amount of preparation and level of detail
required to produce horses for major competitions such as the Olympics
or European Championships is amazing. Seeing the ridden training at
this level, and the careful approach to young horse development, has
also helped me so much in my current lines of work, knowing how to
get the horse to develop in the correct way to become stronger and
more supple without creating resistance.
If I have to give people one piece of advice around horses it would
be to keep your ears and eyes open at all times. Always watch other
people ride, or how they look after their horses, and ask them why
they do things the way they do. They may not necessarily be doing
things right (and usually the horse will tell you whether it is a
good method or not!) but it is only from watching both the good and
the bad that you can determine how you want to approach things. Never
just take one persons word for something - research yourself and find
alternative opinions before making your mind up. No-one ever has all
the answers and none of us ever stop learning, so just enjoy the ride...!"
Thank you Hannah
Students who use our web site message board are already benefiting
from Hannah's wealth of knowledge.
Hannah is very modest and didn't mention that she won the Eqvalan
Equine Thesis of the Year Award 2003. Her thesis was published in
numerous magazines and newspapers. She is annual guest lecturer at
NottinghamTrentUniversity on the uses of equine sports massage. See
Hannah's own web site
www.equinebodyworks.co .uk
Back to top
A TRIBUTE
If anyone recognises who I am from this story I would appreciate
you not making contact, or discussing it on the message board at all,
as I am still very upset.
My Story
I first met my girl in January 2004, she was stabled next to a mare
that I was helping to exercise due to her owners lack of time. She
was a beautiful bay TB mare with a white star and no other markings
- my dream horse - she appeared laid back and affectionate. I fell
in love immediately I looked into her liquid brown eyes.
Her owner, appeared not to do very much with her, her stable wasn't
well kept, she was dirty, but seemed happy enough. I longed to give
her a bath and put on a nice warm rug and bed her down on some lovely
deep shavings. I became besotted with her and when her owner told
me she was going to sell her I was horrified!! She couldn't sell her
- it was not fair, I loved her and wanted her and even though I had
never ridden her I told her owner that I wanted to buy her!
That's when it all began.
After riding her a couple of times, I decided I wanted her - I had
her vetted - she had a couple of small things mentioned, but that
would not matter for what I wanted her for - pure pleasure and enjoyment!
I actually owned a horse!! She was my dream come true, or so I thought.
I had a very steep learning curve and found out lots about her. One
time I had her old trainer come and give me a lesson, she told me
that she had advised her previous owner to sell her because she was
dangerous and unpredictable, you can imagine my horror at hearing
this about 'my girl' I was so upset and decided that I would prove
her wrong.
I had her for almost two years and in that time we moved a couple
of times and then found a yard ran by very experienced people my confidence
began to grow. She began to really bond with me and I had the reputation
at the yard as having the best-dressed horse with the cleanest stable
and I bristled with pride.
Then last summer, for what ever reason we will never know, she started
dragging me (or anyone else that lead her) back in from the field
- nothing had changed, all the horses where familiar ones, but she
just would not walk, she would barge, rear and pull the time's I thought
I was going to be crushed where numerous. The yard owner's were fantastic
and helped me bring her in and suggest things to try. Nothing worked.
I contacted a healer, she said that she 'told' her she had a headache,
that she loved me and was very happy with me, but she could not help.
The pulling continued every night for two months. I wondered every
night if this would be the night that she really hurt me, or anyone
else that stepped in to help.
It stopped as suddenly as it started; it was such a relief to be
able to walk back at a leisurely pace together, my heart sang!! I
started to ride out with one of the girls who's mare shared the same
paddock. I became firm friends with the owner and if not for her,
I would not have found the courage to hack out again. I even rode
out on my own a few times - not very far, but I did it!! We went off
road with the friend and galloped across as free as a bird, she truly
loved to run.
Then it started again as the winter came on -I became afraid to get
on her - but I did. She would suddenly prance about, the more you
asked her to behave the worse she became, she would just start rearing,
completely vertical and spin round. Suddenly one day for no reason
she just reared up and span round in the middle of the road just as
cars were coming in both directions, I got off and walked home. She
pranced and reared all the way and nearly broke my arm.
After that things went down hill rapidly. There wasn't a day without
incident. I had her back, saddle and teeth checked, everything was
fine, and so was she when she was behaving. Everyone was worried and
advised me not to ride her.
The yard owner (a Grand Prix Dressage trainer/rider) She said that
she would not ride her and that it was only a matter of time before
she did me some real damage and at her age was unlikely to change.
I was so distressed I thought about nothing else, what could I do?
There was no way I would ever pass her on to anyone else, they would
not love her like I did, she would be moved around and be very, very
unhappy, because of one thing I am sure - she loved me and she loved
her home -I couldn't bear it. So I came to the terrible decision to
have her put to sleep. I said goodbye to her one morning and never
saw her again - I miss her so much, she meant the world to me and
she changed and enriched my life - no horse will ever take her place.
It was the worse and the hardest thing I have ever done in my life,
but I know I made the right decision. She is free now to run and be
wild and is no longer in any pain.
I wanted to write this in memory of her - and just to share with
you all an experience I would not want anyone else to have. I now
know that her previous owner was fully aware that she was dangerous
and before she had her she had been badly neglected. We have pieced
together her previous life and think that she had probably been raced
over hurdles. She had also been abused. She was definitely a very
disturbed girl and I hope that I made a difference to her life - I
think I did.
I like to think that things are meant to happened for a reason and
I believe that I was sent to her to give her a couple of really good
years in her life before it ended.
Bye, bye my beautiful girl, I miss you so much.
If any readers recognise the author from this story, it would
be appreciated if no one makes any attempt to contact or leave messages
anywhere in connection with or related to this piece. Any messages
which ARE left in connection with the above will be deleted. We print
this purely as a tribute to the horse and her owner and sincerely
hope that all readers will abide by this request.
Back to top
Veteran Horse Society (VHS) and the charity Veteran
Horse Welfare (VHW)
These two organisations are both vital in promoting the care and
welfare of older horses.
If you wish to show or compete at any of the VHS 'qualfying classes'
at shows near you, you need to join the VHS. In this context the 'qualifying
classes' mean the winners could enter classes held for Veterans at
Olympia.
For many years the VHS was the main body to provide advice and support
for owners of veteran horses and ponies.
Since 2004 however. the VHW charity was launched by the Society and
now funds research into caring for the older horse. The VHW also provides
funding for their two rehabilitation centres which care for horses
and ponies who through no fault of their own have been neglected or
mismanaged in some way.
It is a sorry state of affairs but today many people think that when
a horse or pony reaches the age of about 25 they are liable to get
thin and look in poor condition in general. This is not the case unless
there is a specific medical reason of course. The society has plenty
of stories and pictures to prove that older horses, even when neglected
can, with a bit of TLC, look 10 or more years younger.
A Free Service to Riding Schools:
Riding schools often find that their older ponies struggle to keep
weight on and carry on working as much as they used to. The VHW charity
will re-home any horse or pony over the age of 15 from a riding school
to an approved VHS home whether it can be ridden or not.
They have never yet turned a veteran away. This is a totally free
service and one which all riding schools should be aware of.
If YOU know any riding school which might benefit from this service,
why not tell them about this free offer. More importantly, if you
know any horse or pony who would benefit from this service, please
tell the owner or manager of the school about it RIGHT AWAY.
Please tell them where you heard about it and pass on the following
telephone numbers
| |
Lingfield Correspondence |
01398 371177 |
| |
VHS |
0870 2426651 |
| |
or their head office on |
0870 2426653 |
|
The charity welcomes new members so please help our older horses
by joining the Veteran Horse Welfare this month.
Back to top
Well that's all for now everyone, but please keep those letters
coming.
We aim to have a star letter spot on the new web site soon - so
write in and tell us your news or amusing story. 150 - 250 words is
ideal.
Have a good Spring and Summer everyone