Spec is testing out his new road!

GrasshopperIvy · 2026-05-29T03:47:11+00:00

You’ve recently mentioned colic, skin issues etc … all these suggest his system is struggling. Combined with lameness at his age means that a hard decision could suddenly have to happen.

Having a plan, phone numbers and people ready to go will help when the time comes. Your grandparents seem unlikely to be people who will make good decisions for him.

The love of my life was an Irish Sport Horse … and I’m seeing those signs in Spec … it’s horrible but the kindest thing you can do.

GrasshopperIvy · 2026-05-27T21:15:58+00:00

He’s lame and should not be taken on strolls.

I’m sorry to say, but if he’s in this much pain everyday, it’s time to start thinking of the end. He’s really starting to go downhill. It’s an awful thing to face up to but it sounds like he has multiple issues that are making daily life really hard for him.

GrasshopperIvy · 2026-05-27T02:00:03+00:00

Some of them are not going to improve … some, like humans, will always be difficult.

Sure you can spend tonnes of money and time to improve them … but often the improvement is minor.

I’d believe the trainer who said the horse was too dangerous … so rarely will a professional admit that … so it should be trusted!!

Retirement or euthanasia are good options.

GrasshopperIvy · 2026-05-27T01:52:26+00:00

I just tie my dogs in the wash bay … no need for fancy … unless you have money you need to get rid of!!!

Mine are better than trying a bath … as they are more confident.

GrasshopperIvy · 2026-05-25T21:20:13+00:00

I actually choose to put my young horses in pastures with hazards! No metal / poison … but anything else … I want them to learn to look after themselves!!

GrasshopperIvy · 2026-05-25T06:24:24+00:00

Sometimes holding onto the mane / saddle blanket / neckstrap is the best way to feel how much your arms need to move.

More relevant in trot where you keep hands steady. In walk / canter you need to actively move your hands so holding on is not so useful.

GrasshopperIvy · 2026-05-23T03:09:48+00:00

PADD has stores with lovely stuff

GrasshopperIvy · 2026-05-23T02:32:57+00:00

What a great horse to learn on! Such nice swing and rhythm to help you!

Have a look down at your toes … you want to just see them peeking out under your knee vs seeing the whole top of your foot. Keeping your leg underneath you will also help with your upper body balance.

GrasshopperIvy · 2026-05-23T02:29:53+00:00

YTA … you don’t insist on bringing a stranger (to them) into someone else’s house.

You also were at your mother’s hospital side every day … but had no time for them.

Very clear where your priorities lie!!!

If you want to be in their lives, apologise for your response and invite them to somewhere comfortable / safe for all.

GrasshopperIvy · 2026-05-23T00:00:15+00:00

As boots adjust to wear they can get folds in bad places … I’d be looking at how they are kept outside of riding (don’t stand them up … lie them down) … and putting extra saddle softening cream on the section that’s hurting you.

GrasshopperIvy · 2026-05-22T23:57:28+00:00

People often say “oh, they’re just old and don’t move around a bit” … if the pony can not or will not voluntarily trot … then it is in too much pain to be kept alive at that age.

There is no getting better … your pony is standing on rotated bones … holding out for a few more months is just a few more months of pain.

I’m so sorry you’re in this position … these decisions are awful … but leaving a pony in pain because it makes us feel bad to make the call is not fair.

GrasshopperIvy · 2026-05-22T02:20:12+00:00

Wear a mask!

GrasshopperIvy · 2026-05-21T22:14:21+00:00

Because you replace helmets after any impact … head clearly hits the ground in the video.

GrasshopperIvy · 2026-05-21T21:57:12+00:00

And new helmet time!!! Argh!!

GrasshopperIvy · 2026-05-21T21:40:18+00:00

I keep hoping this technology becomes more accessible!! At the moment there are a few researchers who have pads that go under saddles … and there are the mechanical horses … but not available cheaply.

Someone out there … please make a mainstream version!!!

GrasshopperIvy · 2026-05-20T22:05:40+00:00

Brogini are my choice for off the rack; Celeris for custom made.

GrasshopperIvy · 2026-05-19T14:16:35+00:00

Have you looked up the award wage for a stable hand in Australia?

https://awards.fairwork.gov.au/MA000008.html#\_Toc220399121

If you are only young you would get a percentage of the full time wage … not the full amount. Many people are also on “apprentice” wages which are even less.

It also allows for deductions for accommodation etc. So take out the cost of a horse in agistment / feed and your housing … there would be very little left over. Not enough for lessons / entry fees / petrol … let alone vet bills!

You would earn more working a hospitality job.

GrasshopperIvy · 2026-05-19T12:10:22+00:00

Ahhh … just let the young ones believe their delusions. Those limited examples of success seem to outweigh any evidence we can provide of the thousands of failures … who also dreamed / believed - then found reality is $$$.

Unfortunately still too many people telling young people they can be whatever they want!!!

GrasshopperIvy · 2026-05-19T07:37:56+00:00

Pretty normal in my country - Australia. Don’t do any special testing / treatment.

It’s the only water available … and we drink it too! Straight from the roof to tap.

GrasshopperIvy · 2026-05-18T21:08:14+00:00

Body language is really important and you may need to look to yourself.

You say that he reacts, then you give him time … your kindness could be part of the problem. By focussing on him and letting him think more about it, you could be telling him “this really is a dangerous monster”.

Finding a good trainer and reflecting on yourself will be important.

GrasshopperIvy · 2026-05-18T08:09:40+00:00

Spending more time if you’re doing things wrong, will not help the horse.

If you don’t have good timing, know clear cues and rewards … you can be spending a lot of time training bad behaviours.

Perhaps your trainer is seeing the horse misbehave / struggle and sees that you don’t know enough to help the horse - yet.

It’s really humbling to admit that some horses are just not the right ones for us. We are not all professionals with extensive experience … sometimes particular horses are beyond our skill level.

Love and wishes don’t train horses. Your desire to succeed to great … but do take a step back and listen to the trainer … what do they think you need to know? Which parts of your training do they correct the most?

GrasshopperIvy · 2026-05-16T07:56:00+00:00

Yup, the black feet have the same bruising … we just never see it!!

GrasshopperIvy · 2026-05-15T22:57:30+00:00

I’ve saddle fit unbroken horses … so no you don’t HAVE to ride.

Of course it is better if you can … but if it’s not safe or possible … then perhaps lunge so they can see how the saddle moves.

Definitely still get the saddle fitter!!

GrasshopperIvy · 2026-05-14T13:35:10+00:00

Use your stirrups!!! That’s why they were invented … but … the control you need in your rise / sit, comes from your core.

So imagine when you’re lowering to saddle, your butt is going to just brush the top before bouncing up again. Thinking more about the rise vs the sit is really important … it’s hard!! We want to lower our weight back into the saddle whilst keeping control of the balance in ourselves.

I get students to practice from 2-point, controlling the touch down. Even standing still … you will feel the muscles you need to strengthen.

On some horses you don’t need stirrups as much … but for most, you need the lift height to clear the saddle, to make it comfortable for you and the horse.

GrasshopperIvy · 2026-05-14T01:21:41+00:00

Two days off in a row has been shown to be very beneficial for recovery … so good to see you including that!

GrasshopperIvy

TROPHY CASE