Blog : Equus Education

Light Hands Equitation with Steve Halfpenny

January 11, 2017 by Christine Meunier Leave a Comment

I recently came across Steve Halfpenny’s site, Light Hands Equitation. I signed up to his email list late last year. This was to be able to gain access to some of his resources for free. You can find details on that and many others on the Equus Education Free Horse Resources board on Pinterest. Do a search for light hands equitation, as it’s toward the end of the pins on this board.

Steve is able to make use of technology to teach people around the world, from his home in South Australia. A recent article highlighted the course that Steve offers. It stated that he had developed:

“a six week online program that showed the process from start to finish of how to develop your horsemanship using ‘Light Hands Equitation’ methods to bring on a horse in a relaxed, soft, light and sympathetic manner.”

This is now known as the Light Hands Equitation six week masterclass. There is also a monthly membership that students can make use of. In this way they have consistent access to Steve and his teachings. For those keen to make use of this, it states in a recent article:

Light Hands Equitation Focuses on being a Sensitive Rider

“From now until Jan 30th 2017, you can enjoy your first month’s access to Steve’s monthly membership program for just $1 using this coupon code: ONEDOLLAR.”

This is another example of being able to make use of your knowledge and skills with horses to bring in an income. With course fees and monthly memberships, it looks like it could even become a residual income earner.

Are you looking to improve your riding this year? Then Steve’s Light Hands Equitation site may be just what you’re looking for. Sign up today for the freebies and see what you think!

“When I hear somebody talk about a horse or cow being stupid; I figure it’s a sure sign that the animal has somehow outfoxed them” ― Tom Dorrance

The Painted Pony

January 9, 2017 by Christine Meunier Leave a Comment

I downloaded this recently on Kindle. The Painted Pony is a short story for children by Angharad Thompson Rees. It focuses around a pony named Stargazer that is a part of a merry-go-round at a fair.

Stargazer enjoys his life as he brings joy to children as they go round and round on him at the fair. It is only when one young boy comes to visit and ride him, that the pony questions if there may be more to life. Sebastian has a gift – he can talk with Stargazer. He talks of freedom and the beautiful wild horses of the Camargue.

The Painted Pony by Angharad Thompson Rees

Sebastian finishes his ride before Stargazer has heard all he wants to about the wild horses of the Camargue. He pleads with Sebastian to tell him more. And so the young boy promises to return when no one else is around.

True to his promise, Sebastian comes back at night when things are quiet. He tells Stargazer more about the wild horses. The pony is fascinated to hear too, that the young boy is able to talk only with those animals who desire to be free; to have a different life.

Stargazer asks the young boy how he can be free. This is when he learns an important lesson: it is through one’s own desires and actions that we are able to bring change to our circumstances.

The Painted Pony is a short story with an important moral for all readers. Although it may be aimed at kids, the theme to the story is applicable for all. It is an enjoyable read that is one of the six enchanting pony stories for children that make up Magical Adventures and Pony Tails.

Author – Angharad Thompson Rees
Fiction – children
In my library – as an eBook it is.
Want it? Get it now on Amazon.

“In riding a horse, we borrow freedom.” ― Helen Thompson

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A Hoof Map for Farriers

January 6, 2017 by Christine Meunier Leave a Comment

What I found particularly interesting in Jenifer Morrissey’s book the Partnered Pony, was her reference to a hoof map for farriers. At an ELPO conference, two local veterinarians paired up with some ELPO farriers. The farriers were able to demonstrate how their hoof map accurately locates the coffin bone. This was with the use of a portable radiograph with the vets.

And why should this be of interest to horse owners? Knowing where the coffin bone lies, assists in trimming the hoof so that it sits at a correct angle with regards to this bone. Being able to utilise a tool to quickly identify the position of a coffin bone, makes it easier to correctly trim the hoof.

A Hoof Map for Farriers

Jenifer commented about this mapping tool, indicating that as someone who trims her horses’ feet, it was beneficial to know about. For those who are interested in trimming or who already look after horse’s feet, you may like to read up on this hoof map for farriers tool.

If you do a search on hoof mapping tool on the ELPO website, you will be shown a link to the 4 Step E.L.P.O Live Sole – Hoof Mapping Protocol. This page details different aspects of the hoof you need to be able to identify. Using these, it is then possible to assess the hoof and to determine where the coffin bone lies.

The above search also provides details of a two part video on basic hoof mapping and trimming. You can watch that here.

I love that there is so much still to be learned about horses. As we discover how certain issues arise with horses, we are then in a position to make changes. It’s exciting to know that passionate and informed people can develop tools to help with effective horse care.

As people develop a passion for a particular area of horses, they are able to then use this. Along with their knowledge and skills, they can make things better for horses or easier for handlers – or both! Perhaps there is a tool or resource out there that you could develop to help further a particular aspect of the horse industry. Get to it!

The Equine Lameness Prevention Organization

January 4, 2017 by Christine Meunier Leave a Comment

Whilst reading Jenifer Morrissey’s the Partnered Pony, reference was made to the Equine Lameness Prevention Organization. Otherwise known as ELPO, this is a non-profit organization. Their mission is:

‘to provide hoof care and equine care guidelines that are based upon research and the practical experiences of successful equine care professionals from around the world.’

As it states on the Equine Lameness Prevention Organization website, they consider themselves a community.

‘Welcome to a Community that is dedicated to the treatment and prevention of lameness in horses. This social network was designed to be a place where horse owners, horse enthusiasts and equine professionals can go to get help, offer assistance to others, exchange ideas, and socialize about the health & soundness of their equine companions.’

Would you Make use of the Equine Lameness Prevention Organization?

I love this concept! How wonderful to have a place online where people can meet, discuss ideas or raise concerns. They can help each other to learn to be better stewards of the animals in their care. In particular, in the area of hoof care.

You can become a member of ELPO for a fee. The result is that you help to fund evidence based studies as well as gain access to videos, articles, blogs and discussion forums to help aid your learning.

For those interested in ELPO events, there is an event calendar on the site. This includes details on barefoot trimming courses, as well as courses in identifying lameness and gaining certification. The education page also provides some .pdf resources for those who are after some more reading!

For those who are interested in learning more about how to care for their horses feet, check out ELPO. If you’re pursuing farriery as a horse career, then be sure to look at the Equine Lameness Prevention Organization, too!

“He moved like a dancer, which is not surprising; a horse is a beautiful animal, but it is perhaps most remarkable because it moves as if it always hears music.” ― Mark Helprin

Head over Hoof

January 2, 2017 by Christine Meunier Leave a Comment

I downloaded Head over Hoof by Mara A Miller when it was free on Kindle. The cover got me – the colours are just beautiful! This novel is aimed at adults and focuses on a young woman named Brianna.

After the loss of her parents, Brianna finds herself having custody of her fourteen year old brother. Trying to juggle supporting him, having a life and gaining an education proves to be too much and Brianna has to make some hard choices.

When her Aunt Lora is able to take on her brother Kevin, Brianna is rapt to be able to go back to study. She finds shared accommodation with another woman who is studying at the same university. Cyn seems nice enough and Brianna is glad to have her own space. As she gets to know her roommate, she is surprised by the woman’s open relationship with her long term boyfriend, Adrian.

Brianna finds herself drawn to Adrian and the horses that he owns and works with. Happy to pass off her attraction as nothing to pay attention to, she is mortified when her roommate suggests that Brianna pursue Adrian – in spite of the fact that Cyn is his girlfriend.

Head over Hoof has some interesting characters and a good mix of horse and university events. The story could be a great romance, but I struggled with the whole open relationship concept throughout the novel. Cyn’s character is not one I liked – she seems very manipulative and mixed up. Brianna’s ignorance or naivety toward the end of the novel surprised me, too. It seemed surprising that she wouldn’t come to the conclusion that others around her did.

Head over Hoof ends where you don’t want it to, leaving things hanging in the air. Great for those who want to read the next novel! I guess I was expecting a happy ending and so was miffed how things turned out. An interesting read.

Author – Mara A. Miller
Fiction – adult
In my library – as an eBook it is.
Want it? Get it now on Amazon.

Light Hands Equitation with Steve Halfpenny

The Painted Pony

A Hoof Map for Farriers

A Hoof Map for Farriers

The Equine Lameness Prevention Organization

Head over Hoof

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