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.....
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.
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| 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.
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| Alexandra Hollings on Pendle First Light |
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
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,
