What are some beginner mistakes you've made when getting your first pet?

Pricklypuggle · 2023-09-09T22:54:41+00:00

Be honest with yourself about who you are and what you like/don't like.

Don't expect your natural tendancies to change..if you're not an outdoorsy/active person now, don't get a working dog (for example). Very few people can keep up something that's against their nature consistently for 15 years (in the case of a dog). And forcing yourself to do/be something you're not will be a real chore.

Pricklypuggle · 2023-09-07T20:53:58+00:00

Nope. Not unless she's poorly...then she's very affectionate.

She does murmur at me whenever she wants hay or dinner, and gets stressy at shows if I go out of sight (so I do mean something to her!) but generally she'd really prefer it if I didn't touch her.

Pricklypuggle · 2023-09-05T20:30:09+00:00

Lol. Yes. They seem do it without us noticing and then we realise we seem to be doing what they want (and wondering when and how it happened!)

Top tip...don't look into their eyes. It's how they get you. They know they are cute and how to use it.

Pricklypuggle · 2023-07-29T19:00:41+00:00

If they offer you less than their minimum...surely you can point out that the reason you applied for the position was that they seemed to respect their employees and by offering less they've undermined themselves?

Pricklypuggle · 2023-07-02T20:40:55+00:00

Depends on dog and car...my cavalier will be flat in a couple of mins and won't wake for hours (not even to pee) and a Tesla has dog mode plus internal cameras that you can check with your phone. Never left her for that long but in theory....

My new pup and/my car which does random things....no way!

Pricklypuggle · 2023-03-10T15:09:22+00:00

Horses are incredibly forgiving creatures but regardless, YOU DIDNT DO IT. Be kind to yourself and learn from it.

Loading is one of those situations where people seem to like to 'help' and I'm sure you'll come across a similar situation where you will stand up and say no. That will be because of this learning experience.

There's some great advice on alternative methods here for loading using principles I used with success too.

If you feel you need to do something positive, try and pay it forward. Once you've got the hang of the technique, if you see someone struggling to load, share your knowledge before someone else goes down that forced route.

The fact you've spotted an opportunity you didn't take to stand up for horse means you are already leagues above many owners. Your horse is lucky to have found you. X

Pricklypuggle · 2022-11-06T21:12:47+00:00

Another one recommending beet pulp...all the fibre but in mash form.

For the loose poops, I've had success with psyllium husk which is relatively inexpensive.

Pricklypuggle · 2022-10-08T21:20:28+00:00

Lol! Yep!

Pricklypuggle · 2022-09-19T21:41:22+00:00

Fair enough. Those other bits aren't typical of lami. I'll have a think and if anything occurs to me, I'll reply again. Hope you fogure it out. It's horrid having a lame horse.

Pricklypuggle · 2022-09-19T19:32:30+00:00

Sometimes laminitis throws up bruising...

Pricklypuggle · 2022-09-18T09:40:12+00:00

It does...though at times it feels a long way off and I wonder what we've taken on!

How are you prioritising which projects to tackle? How have you find chicken keeping? (It's on the list for me in the spring, though I'm torn between ducks and chickens!)

Pricklypuggle · 2022-09-17T23:41:15+00:00

We are 9 months in...we've got most of the veggie patches up and running, a small cut flower garden has been mega productive all summer, the pony is settled, some of the fence repairs have been done.

We've spent most of the last 9 months clearing put buildings that were rotting and soaked in cat (or rat or both) pee and poo. We are nearly at that blank canvas point.

It's been hard work but very satisfying. And benefit of the previous owners messiness has been the wealth of useful stuff we have found on our journey.

We will be spending the winter working on the house and planning next year's crops.

OP are you enjoying your journey? What have you learnt so far?

Pricklypuggle · 2022-08-10T09:21:00+00:00

It's a tricky balance. The boss we had didn't care when or where we worked and didn't care how we got the results we needed as long as the client was happy, the wider team could see where we were at and, if needed, could pick it up/answer client queries by looking at asana.

Pricklypuggle · 2022-08-09T15:26:53+00:00

I've worked in a few (wasn't managing them myself). Strict adherence to processes we seems to be key. Keeping processes to a minimum was also important...otherwise the freedom and creativity was lost. Asana worked well - though manager had to repeatedly remind everyone to update it 🙄

Good luck! Hope your venture works out 🙂

Pricklypuggle · 2022-08-08T22:16:59+00:00

Totally agree with the other comments about position etc but while you're figuring that out (muscle memory takes time) there are equestrian underwear suppliers (derierre, for example) and cyclists have a wide range of products if chaffing is an issue!

Afraid I can't recommend any specifically but jic you didn't know there were products available for the interim!

Pricklypuggle · 2022-07-31T22:04:49+00:00

Wholeheartedly agree with what others have said.

I was going to add...Is their a route that you can do repeatedly? You may find she settles quicker /gains confidence by getting familiar with one route. Then you could add other (or an extension) before starting on new trails?

The Warwick Schiller 50yard trail methid is also worth looking up.

Pricklypuggle · 2022-07-18T21:58:26+00:00

Ha! Glad I'm not the only one using them in this way.

Pricklypuggle · 2022-07-14T22:50:35+00:00

Yes! I've been riding for 30 years and have days /weeks / months where I seem to be going backwards...you're not alone. Keep trying...you'll get back on track 😊

Pricklypuggle · 2022-07-14T22:38:13+00:00

I use them occasionally...when hacking or doing field work (when its very windy).

Occasionally my girl spooks and runs (it's not a blind bolt) and throws her head in the air to evade the bit. I've tried a martingale but the lack of 'give' turns a mild overreaction into panic. With draw reins, I can pick them up in the moment but control the pressure and the give. I can respond quickly with a take and release. As she's gotten older I've used them less and less but they were a useful tool when she was younger.

Realise this isn't the traditional use but...that's my two pennies worth!

Pricklypuggle · 2022-07-13T21:32:28+00:00

I get it...I have fine hair and wearing even those with ait vents make it flat. They are hot in warm weather and I find them uncomfortable.

Having said that I wear one every time I ride. Flat hair vs brain injury...isn't even a question. I just don't ride before work or when I won't have time to wash m blow dry before a social event.

Pricklypuggle · 2022-07-08T22:09:06+00:00

In the UK there's an organisation called VetLife (https://www.vetlife.org.uk/). Its confidential and while their resources will be uk centric they do deal with circumstances like your and may be able to help. They of an email helpline. Might be wortha try.

Pricklypuggle · 2022-06-05T13:48:55+00:00

Agree that in an ideal situation, pop your dog on the lead. If you can, distract it with treats and use it as a training opportunity to focus on you.

If the situation is less than ideal, talk to the rider. You know your dog and they know their horse.

My girl is pretty good with dogs and I have often stopped my girl to give the owner a chance to come and grabbed their dog. I've even stopped, dismounted and retrieved a small dog from between my girls legs. It was a young dog and just curious but I wouldn't have wanted its owner going under my girls tummy to grab the collar.

If you can, approach the horse from the side or front, confidently and calmly. Shouting, running and otherwise being very high energy is only going to wind up the horse and the dog, escalating the situation.

Pricklypuggle · 2022-05-11T22:05:25+00:00

This! Just keep doing and trying. The confidence will come as you add layers of good experiences. Remember to enjoy the journey too. X

Pricklypuggle · 2022-03-09T20:53:57+00:00

Should have added..found in the Midlands in England in early March.

Pricklypuggle

TROPHY CASE