Making sure that your animal is in the best shape to do his job...... with Penny Hollings.

Penny Hollings is a well-known Producer, Judge and Instructor and is a regular contributor to our blog.

This month, Penny gives guidance on how you can make sure that your animal is in the best shape to do his job.

I believe that a comfortable horse will be much happier to work and so this is how I approach this issue.....

Our horses are checked routinely every six months by our physio, Andrea Townson. Sometimes animals need more regular treatments to resolve problems and as you get to know your horse you will be able to tell if something isn’t quite right. In addition Bruce Hewitt, an equine osteopath, will also be called on to help with unlevelness or stiffness.

Following a physio check we may have to perform hamstring stretches or lunging over poles to encourage an open outline which will enable back muscles to strengthen. We quite often encounter horses and ponies who have muscle wastage or under-development where the saddle sits and over-developed hind quarter muscles. If you look at your animal carefully with your physio you will see which areas need work and then see the change when tensions are released and he learns to work properly.

Tension may also occur when a horse holds himself away from pain in the mouth, we use vets from Gillivervet to check our horses teeth at least every six months, sometimes more often if the horse requires it. Sharp teeth result in ulceration which obviously is uncomfortable for the animal. Untreated this will affect back muscles as well.

Hollings Horse Show Saddle from Pony, Cob and Horse Saddles
For more information visit www.ponycobandhorsesaddles.com

Properly fitting saddles which are flocked to allow a perfect fit are a 'must.' We have worked with Mike Davies from Pony, Cob and Horse saddles and have been very pleased with the results - as has Andrea, as she can see the difference in the backs too. Mike also makes padded leather girths which ensure comfort for the horse. If you’re in the saddle for a long time you don’t want the girth to rub or become uncomfortable.

A saddle which fits well will not need a thick numnah and in some cases too much padding underneath may cause the saddle to move. I prefer the gel ones with a sheepskin trim.

Alexandra Hollings on Pendle First Light

Choosing the right bridle is also very important not only so that it fits well and is comfortable, but also suits the animals head. It’s a good idea to borrow a few different ones and play about with the thickness of the leather/noseband etc. if you’re not sure, take photos as this will help you to compare better. Browbands, whether plain or coloured, need to fit properly again to enhance the picture as well as not being too slack or tight. A good way to try different colour schemes is to get some paper or cardboard and colour in a few designs and colourways and try them on the horse’s head to see which looks best.

People often ask how best to attract the judges attention – a great way to do this is to get your horse going and looking right!

Penny
www.team-hollings.co.uk 


For more info:

www.ponycobandhorsesaddles.com

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If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us on info@supremeproducts.co.uk as we really enjoy hearing from you. We also love to see your pictures, so please visit our Facebook page and post them on our wall, making sure you tell us all about you and your horse or pony.

Our office number is not just for people wanting to buy products – if you have a question or would like some advice on how best to use our products or what would be the best product to use in certain situations, then please call us on 01377 229050 – we will be happy to help where we can!

Best wishes,

Sarah