September 2015

Sorry this blog is a little late this month, but extensive email correspondence with a certain energy supply company (regarding the accuracy of their bills) has meant a lot of wasted time! What a shame I can’t charge them for it.

Also a shame that horses don’t eat plums! We have had masses ripen very quickly (within days) instead of the usual spread and they have been rotting on the trees. However, the horses are appreciating that it is apple season again. Remember though, don’t let your horse pig-out on apples as it can cause colic.

For all those who have been clamouring for another dressage day at Church Farm in Ripe, there will be one on SATURDAY 19^TH of this month. Short notice I know, but Jill (farm owner) had to have surgery and things have been on hold. Programmes at the local tack shops and some of the livery yards, or use the Contact Us page on this website.

A big CONGRATULATIONS to Mairi and Irish for getting above 60% in their very first Novice dressage test. A big achievement anyway, but especially as time has been limited while Mairi finished her University degree. It’s great to see them out and about having fun. And, for those of you who want a bit of nostalgia, Mairi hacked to and from the show – remember those days when this was ‘the norm’?

In more global news, there have been a few breakthroughs in cancer treatment lately – only in mice so far (except for one hideously expensive skin cancer treatment being used on humans), but enough to look exciting for treatment of both humans and horses sometime in the future. In regards to horses, it would be really good to have something effective against sarcoids and melanomas. Sarcoids can visibly increase and spread at any time; therefore keep an eye on any lesions and remember that flies can spread it, so good fly control can help. Please ask your vet about sarcoid treatment options rather than slapping on some of the lotions and potions mentioned in chat sites, as some of these can make the sarcoids a lot worse.

The weather is beginning to cool off again now, but remember that just because you, a human, feel cold suddenly it does not mean your horse does. See the article on rugging for more information on how horses use hay/grass fermentation to keep warm, which we can’t do!

Just a reminder that if you do have an accident and hit your head, there are two main things to watch out for; firstly, if you have any sign of a headache, dizziness, or other unusual symptoms then you may have concussion (signs may not show up straight away, so be careful!). And secondly, replace your helmet – damage does not need to be visible on the outside for a helmet to be unsafe; a bang can squash the internal foam/padding and leave a weak spot, so better to be safe than sorry.

Happy riding to all horses and riders.

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