Amaethon Welsh Sport Horses & Ponies

11/01/2025

More Iago Crosscountry

11/01/2025

Iago x country today at Clevedon PC

09/01/2025

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1169386685188322&id=100063510042669

If you use gadgets still, consider this graphic and whether they really are doing what you want.

Personally I threw all mine out and opt for the Balance Through Movement Method now to get my horses to engage their bodies nd carry themselves in the correct way with the correct muscles.

04/01/2025

Having had a weanling I had recently purchased die of encysted red worm this is something we really need to be vigilant about. I wormed the foal as soon as I got it home but at the time I didn’t understand about red worm. It was a horrible death and not a flash learning experience for me. The stud told me in hindsight they had an issue with red worm. Geez thanks.

*** ENCYSTED REDWORM ***

I first posted this in 2019, but after reading a LOT of worrying comments recently about how people don’t worm their horses at all, as they do worm egg counts, I thought it was time to do a little encysted redworm refresher, with some updates!

1. Redworm can kill your horse.

2. You need to worm for encysted redworm AFTER they encyst, and before they emerge, so NOT in the Autumn! Wait for a good, frosty cold spell.

3. Encysted small redworm are NOT DETECTABLE in worm egg counts.

4. The larvae of small redworm, “encyst” or burrow into the gut wall. These can cause fatal consequences when they re-emerge.

5. Redworm appear as tiny pieces of thread in your horse’s droppings. They are very short and thin, and can be hard to see. They are white if they haven’t yet fed, and red if they have fed.

6. A horse can appear completely normal and healthy whilst carrying a large redworm burden. However, weight loss and diarrhoea may be early indicators; don’t ignore these signs.

7. Most wormers DO NOT target encysted redworm. Only TWO do: Fenbendazole and Moxidectin.

8. Lots of combination wormers contain IVERMectin. This WILL NOT have any effect on encysted redworm. The only wormer that contains MOXIDectin, is EQUEST. The Pramox (blue) version will treat tapeworm at the same time. Don’t use Pramox if you have treated separately for tapeworm, or used a saliva or blood test for tapeworm. Use the normal Equest (green) if this is the case.

9. Redworm are eaten by the horse during grazing. The larvae start to burrow into the gut wall as temperatures drop. Treating for encysted redworm whilst temperatures are warm, is not the optimal time, as the larvae may well not have started to encyst. Treating after a few hard frosts, also reduces the level of reinfection from larvae already on the fields.

10. The larvae stay in the gut wall during the winter, and are then triggered to emerge from the gut wall as the temperatures warm up in the Spring. If the horse has not been treated for redworm during this redworm “hibernation” stage, he/she is at risk of developing CYATHOSTOMINOSIS.

11. Cyathostominosis has a mortality (death) rate of up to 50%. It presents as colitis; profuse diarrhoea and colic. Contact your vet immediately if you see these symptoms in your horse at any time of year, but it is more likely to be due to redworm if this occurs in the Spring.

12. Ensure you have treated for encysted
redworm before temperatures start to increase as Spring arrives, incase of a large encysted redworm burden that may suddenly emerge.

13. There is a blood test for all stages of redworm, including encysted. This detects antibodies, so may be positive if your horse has had a high burden in the past 6 months, even if he currently doesn’t, but worth discussing with your vet. I would not be recommending this route for high risk redworm horses ie horses in herds with no poo picking, or rescue cases.

14. 5 day Panacur Guard (Fenbendazole) is the only other wormer that can treat the encysted stage of redworm. There was widespread resistance to this wormer, and a huge move towards everyone using Moxidectin for encysted redworm. It is my wormer of choice for very sick or poor horses, due to its milder action over 5 days. However, there is some evidence that it may cause more damage to the gut than Moxidectin, so more research is definitely required!

15. Poo picking daily is perfect pasture management, but does not mean that your horse is worm free! You still need to egg count/blood test for all worms and/or worm.

16. Herbal wormers do not work.

17. Worm egg counts do not detect encysted redworms (or tapeworm/bots/pinworm). I realise I am repeating myself, but this is something that lots of people still do not realise.

18. Do not UNDERDOSE when worming, as this will aid resistance. If in doubt, add 50kg to the weigh tape weight of your horse. Wormers are very safe with regards to toxic doses.

19. The Mole Valley wormers are NOT the same as Equest!!!! I saw this misinformation posted yesterday! They contain Ivermectin, which will NOT treat for encysted redworm.

20. Do NOT overuse Equest. Moxidectin (Equest and Pramox) should only be used ONCE in a 12 month period. So know when to use it!

This is not an exhaustive review of redworm, and I may add to the list if I think of anything else, but I hope this is of some use! Worming regimes and what worm egg counts detect, seems to cause lots of confusion amongst horse owners, and even yard owners.

Blood tests currently used for tapeworm and redworm, measure antibody levels to the worm. The saliva test also measures antibodies. The concern here would be false positives. This means the test coming back as positive when your horse has been clear of the worm in question for months. Antibody levels remain high for months following successful treatment for the worm being tested for. However, a negative obviously means the horse has been clear for a good few months, and would not need worming.

Happy reading!

Please share, as this is really something that all horse owners should know, and still don’t!

No prizes for spotting the hundreds of redworm in this photo!

23/12/2024

This is so Brilliant. Iago is a horse with a ‘pushback’ when he feels confused, if you try and push through it he often feels threatened and will exhibit conflict behaviours. I know where it all started but it’s hard to convince him that he doesn’t need to fight.

My thoughts on anthropomorphism

While working with Joy this morning I started thinking about anthropomorphism…again. I think about it a lot and I’ve wanted to write this post for awhile but never quite found the words.

Many may disagree with me but I take this opinion from my own understanding of human psychology (I have a Diploma in Human Development which delves in to Developmental Psychology) and also from what I feel in myself to be true, unpopular opinion though it may be.

Firstly we need to understand what anthropomorphism is.

It is the act of attributing human thoughts, feelings and emotions to an animal.

So why is it a problem?

Because it is believed that animals don’t think the same as we do. They don’t have the parts of the brain necessary to produce certain thoughts that we attribute to them. And anthropomorphism could lead to the horse being unfairly treated on the basis of a belief that they have human thoughts and emotions.

My personal opinion is this:

Anthropomorphism is not the problem. The incomplete process of anthropomorphism is the problem.

I also believe that neuroplasticity plays a role whereby the horse brain may be able to enlist other areas of the brain to perform emotional processing tasks since they’re lacking the prefrontal cortex. But that’s another topic for another day.

But anyway, hear me out and then feel free to give your thoughts…politely.

Let’s take the term “belligerent”. A lot of people refer to horses as belligerent.
What does it mean? In human terms, belligerence is when someone is considered hostile and aggressive.

But why would a human be hostile and aggressive?
In psychology terms, a person may act hostile and aggressive when they feel threatened. Their anxiety over the perceived threat makes them act in an aggressive way in order to protect themselves.

Go figure!

So if we complete the same thought process with a horse. Labelled it as belligerent but then extrapolate that further and understated why we can decipher that they feel threatened.

By understanding that they feel threatened we can now change tact and approach the horse with new eyes. We can now present ourselves in a kinder way to the horse. We can do what they need to feel safe therefore removing the perceived threat and down scaling the “belligerent” behaviour.

Let’s try another one.

Bolshy/bolshie

In human terms it means someone who is deliberately combative and uncooperative.

Why would a human be deliberately combative and uncooperative?
Probably because they don’t feel comfortable with the situation and they’re behaving in this way in order to protect themselves, to try and stop it from happening.

So why then, would a horse be deliberately uncooperative and combative?
Probably because they don’t feel comfortable with the situation and they’re trying to keep themselves safe and stop things from happening that they’re scared or anxious about.

So with that knowledge we can adjust our approach so the horse feels safe and comfortable to cooperate.

How about this one; disrespectful.

Why would a human be disrespectful to someone? Probably because that person has offended them in some way, perhaps by their behaviour or something they’re said. Or perhaps because they don’t know any different.

So for a horse we can extrapolate that and understand that perhaps the horse is behaving in a disrespectful way because either A) we’ve offended them or B ) they don’t know any different and we need to show them a better way.

With that information we can repair the relationship and show them a better way.

What about some positive emotions? One I heard recently is pride. That horses don’t feel pride.

Pride is defined as “a feeling of accomplishment or confidence that can be a response to success.”

You think a horse might feel a sense of pride when they feel confident in a new skill they’ve developed?
Confidence is certainly something we attribute to horses with apparently no concern for anthropomorphism.
Confidence is defined as a feeling of self-assurance arising from an appreciation of one's own abilities or qualities.

Certainly we can accept that for horses, though I am unsure why, as equestrians, we seem much more comfortable accepting anthropomorphism when it’s in a positive view versus in the negative view.
Of course I understand that the negative attributions could lead to the horse being unfairly treated. But if we can extrapolate for the positive emotions, why not for the negative?

At the end of the day, the thing humans and horses have in common is our primitive instincts. All human behaviour is driven by an instinct. We have psychology to explain that for us.
But horses have that same part of their brain too. Their behaviour is driven by instinct and if we break it down further, we can use that information to understand WHY the horse might be behaving in a belligerent or bolshy or disrespectful way.

Feelings and emotions give off an energy or aura. We feel it from other humans. And we can feel that same energy or aura from a horse. That’s why we attribute a human emotion or behaviour to it. Because as humans, that’s how we understand it, we instinctively feel it.

The issue, in my opinion, is not anthropomorphism but the incomplete extrapolation of anthropomorphism.

If you’re going to label a horse with a certain behaviour or emotion, it’s important to look at that emotion from a human perspective to understand what drives that emotion and break it down completely so you can use it from a place of understanding for your horse.

14/12/2024

29/11/2024

Mum says that now I am 3 yrs and 2 days old it’s time I started some playtime. It seems that all the Handwalking I got to do as a weanling has stood me In good stead because it’s like I already knew how to do this. I even nailed the change of direction like I’d been doing it all my life and I loved walking over these poles.

27/11/2024

Wormer training. This mare was so absolutely No! Never ! 2 days ago and now can’t get enough. She'd had an injury and had lots of oral Bute and had become terrified as soon as a tube came out and would fight and resist. Anna of course thinks it’s such a treat so she has to do something to deserve it.

25/11/2024

Walking Raised Poles - Raising the ends of the poles where the pink blobs are will mean that the horse has to lift each hind limb high on alternative turns. This strengthens the spine and pelvis. You can also use this in a whole host of ways.

Blue arrow - Simple straight line through

Yellow arrows - weaving from side to side within the poles while in walk help create body awareness and shift the weight around

Pink - Weaving around the poles allows you to concentrate on the turn then straight and turn again. You can do this on both reins.

Why at walk?! Walking raised poles is like yoga for horses, causing them to consciously lift each limb with control. This is a SUPER way to strengthen the core and hindlimbs.

20/11/2024

https://www.espn.com.au/sports/horse/triplecrown08/columns/story?columnist=nack_bill&id=3399004&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2Vxee7l6wXfetDw1crP4kpm9j9FRBjcnyHcwDtBRHofd2e18HF-tjYFCw_aem_RqOq6XwBS-sG8pDlGl7MnQ

A great read. The Northern Dancer line is one of the most predominant TB lines that carries the Kissing Spine gene that is found in 68% of TBs now and is also found in Sporthorses through the TB crossing.

The real shame in Eight Belles' breakdown in the Kentucky Derby? Close watchers of bloodlines in thoroughbred breeding could have seen it coming, writes William Nack.

17/10/2024

Another of Diors foals born today 2015 Amaethon Vincento. (With mum). Again another one who looks just the same. Sadly Vinnie didn’t make it to Adult Hood. He just loved to jump and would jump from one paddock to another several times a day. Not long after this photo was taken he left one of his fetlocks in the fence as he jumped. There was not a mark on his leg so I thought he had got away with it but sadly he had damaged the joint so badly that he would never have been sound or comfortable and the decision had to be made to put him down. To think he would have been 9 now.

14/10/2024

The two Amigos. Amaethon Luciano ( yearling) and Amaethon Guilietta (3) by Arawa Romeo (SecD Welsh Cob) out of Duvautelle Warmblood ( Distelfink/Dynamit)

14/10/2024

When you get youngies out of the paddock one at a time for a brush and feed. Luciano was first. After his feed and brush I put him back and grabbed Guilietta. Halfway through munching on her feed I looked up and realised I was brushing a gelding. ( again) Luciano had switched on me and was halfway through eating her feed before I’d noticed. Even though he’s only yearling and she’s 3 they are pretty much the same size and I can’t tell them apart until I get up close. But not today. 😂

13/10/2024

Congratulations to Brooke and Fychan. Reserve Champion on the Flat and Champion over Fences at Waiuku PC Ribbon Day .

10/10/2024

Iago’s first jumping lesson. I think he’s enjoying a sideline career while I’m laid up.

08/10/2024

🌟 The Importance of Conformation, Movement, and Temperament in Selecting a Breeding Prospect 🌟

When it comes to selecting an equine breeding prospect, the decision is not one to be taken lightly. The future of your breeding program hinges on the careful evaluation of three critical factors: conformation, movement, and temperament. Each of these elements plays a vital role in determining the overall success and longevity of the offspring produced.

🔍 Conformation refers to the physical structure and appearance of the horse. A well-conformed horse typically exhibits balanced proportions, strong bone structure, and soundness in its joints. These traits are essential not only for performance but also for the health and longevity of the horse. Poor conformation can lead to a myriad of issues down the line, including lameness and decreased athletic ability. When selecting a breeding prospect, look for horses that exemplify ideal breed standards while also demonstrating functional athleticism.

🏇 Movement is another crucial aspect to consider. The way a horse moves can indicate its potential for various disciplines, whether it be dressage, jumping, or western riding. A horse with fluid, powerful movement is more likely to excel in performance settings. Observing how a horse moves at different gaits—walk, trot, canter—can provide insight into its athletic capabilities and suitability for your specific goals. Remember that movement is not just about aesthetics; it directly impacts performance and soundness.

💖 Temperament is perhaps one of the most overlooked yet essential factors in breeding selection. A horse's temperament affects its trainability, behavior under saddle, and overall suitability for various riders or handlers. Horses with calm, willing dispositions are generally easier to train and work with, making them more desirable as breeding prospects. Additionally, temperament can be hereditary; thus, selecting horses with good temperaments can help ensure that their offspring inherit these positive traits.

In conclusion, when evaluating potential breeding prospects, it is imperative to take a holistic approach that encompasses conformation, movement, and temperament. By prioritizing these key factors, you set the foundation for producing high-quality equine athletes that will thrive in their respective disciplines while also promoting soundness and good character.

Investing time in thorough evaluations today will yield significant rewards tomorrow! 🐴✨

06/10/2024

A great article to keep for reference
The too much inside rein ( in all gaits not only the canter) is such a common fault in a lot of riders resulting in a jackknifed horse. It was Sally Swift ( I think) that used the bend in the hose pipe and no water being allowed to flow through as a comparison. Kinked hose no power. It’s one I used all the time when teaching.

https://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/2018/11/sylvia-loch-rides-with-nuno-oliveira-modern-master/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3O3Ej-oFm2p5Fi05BM6wvTAvgtrgolgXMuAc1bAFgRooAsolPKtTsCplc_aem_ngrQBU6A3b73apo1OZzV2A

Sylvia Loch rides with Nuno Oliveira, Modern Master Posted on November 8, 2018November 8, 2018 by horsemagazine   The British dressage rider (and author) Sylvia Loch was long an admirer of the Lusitano horse, and not surprisingly she was enchanted by her time with the most famous modern Portuguese ...

02/10/2024

😱

Abstract OBJECTIVE The purpose of this prospective study was to investigate the prevalence and severity of radiographic abnormalities of the interspinous spaces (ISSs) in the thoracolumbar vertebral column of unbroken yearlings and to compare these findings with a group of older trained Thoroughbred...