HorseWise Hahndorf

14/08/2024

Yoshi taking advantage of this beautiful spring day! Wallowing in the dam is one of his favourite things to!

16/07/2024

Another really important message from Pony Club Australia!

𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆: 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗠𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗪𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗿𝘆?

At Pony Club, our horses participate in various activities, and it's essential to consider their well-being. As responsible owners, we need to be mindful of how much work is suitable for our horses. Researchers have studied the ideal weight-carrying capacity of horses to help us make informed decisions.

As outlined in Pony Club Australia's horse welfare policy, the combined weight of the rider and saddlery should not exceed 20% of the horse’s weight. For example, a 13.2hh pony weighing 400kg should not carry a rider weighing more than 80kg with gear.

𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲'𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁
If you're unsure of your horse's weight, you can estimate it using a tape measure and this horse weight calculator: https://bit.ly/3VZlPSm

𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝘅𝗶𝗺𝘂𝗺 𝗥𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁
Once you know your horse's weight, you can calculate its maximum rider weight using this handy tool: https://bit.ly/4d3nVHG. Note that this tool assumes a well-balanced rider, a horse at their ideal weight, and a properly fitting saddle.

𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗠𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗪𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗿𝘆

𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯
A horse that can easily carry weight usually has a well-muscled, short back and thick cannon bones. This horse will have a lower centre of gravity compared to a horse with long legs and a long, weak back. Always consider your horse's build and adjust their fitness plans accordingly.

𝘍𝘪𝘵𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 & 𝘉𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦
The fitness and balance of both horse and rider are crucial. An unfit or unbalanced horse will struggle to support the rider’s weight while maintaining its own balance. Similarly, an unfit rider—or one that is too tall for the horse or pony—can throw off the horse’s balance, leading to discomfort and potential injury. Ensuring both horse and rider are in good condition is essential for a safe and enjoyable ride.

𝘋𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 & 𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘬
Activities over rough terrain, for longer durations, and at increased speeds demand more effort from the horse. Only attempt such activities if both horse and rider are fit enough to handle the increased physical demands.

𝘌𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘱𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 & 𝘏𝘰𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘦
Always ensure your equipment meets the needs of the activity. A properly fitting saddle distributes the rider’s weight evenly without causing muscle soreness. Regular hoof care is also vital; hooves should be trimmed to provide a balanced, flat surface for weight-bearing. For horses that wear down their hooves quickly or have thin soles, consider using shoes or protective boots based on professional advice from a farrier or veterinarian.

𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲-𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲
Understanding your horse’s weight and the maximum weight it can carry ensures their welfare and promotes a long, healthy partnership. Always consider your horse’s physical condition, the demands of the activities you engage in, and the quality of your equipment to keep your horse happy and healthy.

11/07/2024

We have had a gorgeous donkey named Iris staying here to have her foal. Iris very obligingly gave birth late Sunday afternoon so we were able to be there to welcome the little guy into the world. Meet Tinker. More pics to come. 🤗🫶

26/02/2024

"Gregory" is HorseWise Hahndorf's very first donkey. At 22 years old, he is a gracious elder (or middle aged, as donkeys can live well into their 40's). He loves eating his daily corn on the cob treat!

17/12/2023

17/12/2023

Christmas jinks are always fun around here! Try to keep them low key but there is always a few antics!

15/12/2023

Love enrichment ideas! Given SA is still on the cool weather side, might have to hold off for week or so to try this great idea!

Ice Challenge

Horses love to see, smell, and feel new things, and ice is a great tool to use in summer. Not only will the coolness be refreshing, he will be using his brain for some stimulation, just as if he was foraging for food in the wild. In other words, you are encouraging natural behaviour.

If he’s confined for any reason, you are also helping to relieve his boredom in an easy and cost effective way.

And there are so many options! Here’s a few:
• Chop some apple up really small and put a few pieces in each compartment of an ice cube tray. Fill the rest of the tray with water or apple sauce. Freeze and offer to your horse one or more at a time on the top of his feed, in an empty feeder or on the palm of your hand.

• Half fill an icecream container or small bucket with water and put in the freezer. When it has started to freeze, add some carrot sticks or chunks (never round pieces which can get caught in his throat) so they are suspended in the slush. When frozen solid (or before), turn out into your horse’s feeder or on to the grass for him to lick and work on getting to the carrots

• You can also make big ice cubes using plastic cups – once frozen, just run under the tap for a moment to loosen the cup so you can tip out the ice block

• As the photo shows, you can buy a bag of cubed ice and tip it into a feeder. Add in apple slices or carrot sticks for him to forage around in the feeder.

Do you have any other suggestions for using ice or water as an activity for your horse?

******* We'd love to see your photos of your horse's reaction to the ice tray or ice blocks :)

23/11/2023

Still cold enough for rugging....and Little Patsy looks as snug as a bug in a rug...ready for whatever is on its way!!

28/10/2023

This is where it all started. Here, in Ireland (I dare not put the date but late 1960's), I sat on a horse for the first time....her name was Dolly. (I am very grumpy because my little brother had to "double d**k" despite him being very worried about Dolly flicking her tail)! Little did I know then that this was the start of a 50 year + love and passion for these beautiful, intuitive creatures. Special memory for me!

14/09/2023

R UOK? Day - Be Kind to Your Vet

We know that most, if not all, of our members appreciate their vets and the great care and calm reassurance they provide. But your vet may arrive at your place after a difficult case (or customer) so it is important to treat them well.

One vet will die by su***de every 12 weeks, figures from the Australian Veterinary Association show. Many more struggle with their mental health and some only last five years or so despite being in a job they have long wanted to do.

Vets generally face long hours for low pay and are exposed daily to animal suffering and emotional owners. Imagine a job where you see injured or suffering pets and livestock all the time and face owners who can be demanding or simply upset? It’s also a job where you can be on call on weekends and overnight.

Vets accept euthanasia is part of their job and they feel a sense of gratitude that they can peacefully let an animal cross the rainbow bridge, but sometimes owners have unrealistic expectations. Sometimes owners are unwilling to put their animal to sleep because they don’t want to be without them, leaving them to suffer and demanding vets make them comfortable.

Sometimes they are called out after hours for an animal that has been already suffering for hours and are expected to work miracles. Some owners use emotional blackmail if they cannot afford the treatment their pet needs. (eg 'How can you let this animal suffer?’ ‘I will take him home and treat him myself…’)

What can you do?
- If you own a horse, you need to be prepared to pay any costs that may arise.
- Thank your vet for their time and their care of your animal
- Don’t call them out after hours unless it’s a real emergency.
- Pay your bill promptly
- Don’t neglect your animals and leave them to suffer; get prompt help.
- And when the time comes, allow your horse to go to sleep humanely.

Lifeline 13 11 14

02/09/2023

Raffa, one of my rescue donkeys enjoying a beautiful spring day and especially the grooming session!

29/06/2023

Hope everyone is keeping warm this chilly winter in the Adelaide Hills. I took a little time out to have a cuddle with Murphy who was taking advantage of a few rays!

09/06/2023

How lucky am I cuddling this beautiful little Welsh Mountain pony foal! Although his mum is very caring she is not feeding him so he is being bottled fed by the hour...she is still nearby and looking out for him. Hamilton is just 24 hours old and so very little. Big shout out to his surrogate mum, Kathryn from Dalbrae Stud for all her amazing care and hourly feeds!!

01/04/2023

Happy 2nd Birthday to Murphy who is the light and laughter of HorseWise Hahndorf! Very appropriate date for the court jester!

03/03/2023

Little Rolly, who works so brilliantly with all our equine assisted learning clients. But has a wonderful connection with children.

08/01/2023

Still have some spaces left for our school holiday program. 😊

07/01/2023

01/01/2023

Gregory loves his cuddles from our clients! HorseWise Hahndorf takes this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and happy 2023!

14/11/2022

Murph enjoying the sunshine - a while back!!!

07/10/2022

HorseWise Hahndorf is a newly established Equine Assisted Learning centre. While this sounds like a mouthful, equine assisted learning (EAL) offers any person the freedom to explore personal development, and emotional regulation alongside horses (and donkeys) in a safe, nurturing environment. At HorseWise Hahndorf, Sarah particularly enjoys sharing her world with children and teenagers, while watching their world and their confidence expand with every connection made. Check out www.horsewise.com.au for more information. Enjoy these snippets from a "day in the life" at HorseWise Hahndorf