Stephen Gowling

Bishop Auckland, United Kingdom

Englishman trying to ride western!

Posted

31 May 12:52

New Pony Alert!

So we had a free stable (stall) that is already paid for and it was for the new foal that wasn’t meant to be…… meet Sidney 

He is a bit of a rescue Job and is in poor shape, but I’ve always fancied having a mini cob (gypsy vanner) in the herd and he certainly is that.

8-9 months old and around 10h and a Grey Blagdon (not sure what your US equivalent is)

he had been tethered on scrub land and I don’t think has ever been handled, led, wormed, groomed, had his feet done or anything, matted up and in a bit of a state.

But this little lad, mark my words will turn out to be a swan rising from an ugly duckling, still a colt but a very sweet eye and inquisitive nature.

Can’t wait to get him sorted and cleaned up, he will be a stunner. 

Destined to be a grass cutter and also put on the cart to give him a job. 

His education starts tomorrow….. 

11

30 May 11:48

Richard Boatwright one for you Sir, way above my pay grade! 

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22 May 10:42

Sorry to read this Lynn, but at least you now have a diagnosis to work with and hopefully find a communication method that works for you both.

In the UK we call the blue eye a “Wall eye” as folklore goes it was the side you put near the wall if selling a horse if it only has 1 blue eye! 

I always steer clear of them as they give me the shivers! 

Richard Boatwright I shall, he did send his best on, he was in fine form yesterday and we had a laugh at the clinic and sorted some head cases out (and the horses 🤣) 

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Richard Boatwright  I’m pleased Gus has gone back, he’s a super star and for him to be back home I take it is positive news! and I can see why you want Mabel, she would also look good in a Union Jack 🇬🇧 saddle pad 😉

just need to work out which bank to hold up to be able to afford either of them! 

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Richard Boatwright no she’s not on her face, ever since the vet/clip incident we have left her intact as it was such a bad incident and reaction, I’ve removed the curb for now and will try her in the pen and see how she reacts.

I know how busy you are and hope the travel up went smoothly 

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Other news - working a few Clinics with my mate Clive who runs “Spookbuster obstacle courses” which is great fun and lets me work problem horses and make them more handler friendly 

Needing to find another saddle as mine & the wife’s Billy Cook don’t fit the youngster or Angel as they are very short backed, might have to get the English ones back out unfortunately and use them until I find one that is not to  long

Hope you all are having fun, be great to hear some updates from you all 

Stay safe 

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16 May 13:54

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Part 2 

Stanley (youngster) coming on lovely, lots of softening and ground driving, absolute superstar and put another quick ride on him with no issues, plan to spend more time in the saddle this week 

Mooney my big girl - mixed week, working the code well and ground driving is great but we have a big issue with violent head tossing in bridle to a point that I had to dismount, had this before with the hackamore and when I first got her & clipped her face (needed sedation afterwards) its all related we think to her whiskers on her chin & being over sensitive- the curb chain was causing this it looks like so removed & better but because she is in a snaffle it can start to pull through so need to change it, thoughts Richard Boatwright please? I have an American gag here but no other shank bits, may try a rolled strap bit hobble but not convinced it won’t aggravate her also.

5 horses and not one can be hacked out for various reasons! 

Got a spare stall so might buy another 🤣 send Gus over please

Posted

16 May 13:44

Stable update (because I know how you love it 🤣🤣)

Angel - she really has got over loosing the foal well, back in work and loving the round pen work, she has driven carts before so ground driving is second nature to her, although turning and softening the head is a challenge to her as she has been taught to not bend! Grasped the code very well and her attitude has returned (dominant mare who loves a fight) - couple of rides, all good 

Flicker - the old girl has worked the code but doesn’t really understand anything much and given her age that’s fine, discovered a tumour in her front hoof so that’s bad news as she is to old to operate on

Sargent - making good progress with moving forward, he is a master at the code and ground driving is coming on, back in the saddle for him soon although he has taken to trying to roll lots to get out of work so nipping that in the bud 

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14 May 05:41

Brilliant you had a great time and got home safely, travelling to new places and experiencing new cultures is mind blowing at times, hence why I like to come over the pond to you guys.

Just time to wash and pack for the summer vacation then 😉

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