The Equestrian Blog

Be warned – Horsetail, Mares Tail or Scouring Rush

Just a quick question... As horse owners we're mostly all familiar with the battle against ragwort and how it has spread into every field, central reservation and grass verge in the country, but how many of us know anything about mares tail?

Horse or Mares Tail, (scientific name Equisetum Palustre), is toxic to horses and should in my opinion be equestrian enemy number one. It looks like it belongs in Jurassic Park and spreads like wildfire. From a few small patches last year my paddock is now covered in it and it looks as if it's spreading fast and here to stay.

I've been researching this plant and what I've discovered doesn't make for pleasant reading.. more at Mares Tail - Toxic To Horses

The Top Ten Ways To Becoming A Better Equestrian

Posted by idex7 | Filed under General Info

A little light horse relief...

Horse Humour Laughing Horse

Drop a heavy steel weight on your foot. But don't pick it up straight away. Instead Shout, "Get off, Stupid, GET OFF!"

Leap out of a moving vehicle and practice "relaxing into the fall", Simply roll softly into a ball and then spring to your feet..... TA DA!!

Practice pulling your cheque-book out of your pocket or purse and writing out £100 cheques without looking down.

Jog long distances carrying a headcollar and a carrot. Then tell the neighbours what you are doing... they might as well know you've lost it now.

Attach a set of reins to a moving bus and practice pulling it to a stop. Smile... so they think you're having fun.

Finely tune your fibbing skills, repeat: "See Darling, moving hay bales is FUN!" or "No, really, I'm glad your lucky performance and multi-million dollar horse won the red ribbon. I'm just happy that he went well and all my hard work and actual ability won me second place."... BIG SMILE!!

Practice calling your vet from your mobile with both arms paralysed at the shoulder and one foot holding the lead rope of your frisky horse.

Borrow the US Army slogan: Be All You Can Be -- bitten, thrown, kicked, dragged, slimed, trampled, drowned, frozen...

Lie face down in a puddle of mud in your most expensive riding clothes and repeat to yourself, "This is a learning experience, this is a learning experience, this is..."

And the single best way to become a better equestrian.... MARRY MONEY.