[windhorse]

That’s just what I’ve been thinking — I’m now in search of a full sweeney to try. The more I think about it, the more I think the half sweeney is pressing right where he’s sore, so I believe that is the problem. Even bending his neck a little will put pressure on that point (pretty much the point of draft) and over time cause the soreness. Slowly but surely getting to the root of the problem. Gary Langdell is away in Florida for a while longer — does anyone have any ideas where to find an all leather full sweeney collar? Many thanks!

[windhorse]

Thanks for the thoughts. I use an all leather half-sweeney collar with a full pad. The collar the next size smaller is too small even without a pad. This size collar is a bit too big without a pad, so I need to use the pad. The remarks about turning horses with a pole, etc. are interesting — in this case, I’m working this horse single, so a pole is not an issue. My thought was to look into whether there is a collar that might lie a little flatter against his shoulder so that there’s less chance for the vertebra to get pinched against the rigid collar — but I’m really not sure that’s a problem. It was just a thought. Meanwhile, he’s doing well with arnica and some chiropractic work. Some of this may be stiffness from lack of work this winter.

[windhorse]

I have a six year old Suffolk that I’ve raised from 9 months and trained — he’s never worn blinders. I’m also training my coming 3 year old without blinders. I want my horses to be able to see as much as they can so they learn not to be frightened if something “sneaks up” on them. Seems to me more respectful of the horse’s ability to learn. I also like to be able to see his eyes — I feel we communicate better because we can see each other. It probably does take more training time (though I’m sure it’s easier since they’ve never worn blinders at all), but I like the confidence they feel and that I feel in them because they have full range of sight and learn not to be worried or surprised by things behind and around them.

And then there’s working my horses without a bit…
Would love to start a conversation about that.

Kate Scarlott
Windhorse Farm

[Author]

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