In September, we did a series of lectures in Norway and Poland
on equine psychology and how it applies to horsemanship. We
were in Poland less than a year ago, and a high point of this
year’s visit was seeing several racing Thoroughbred colts that
were imprint trained, with spectacular results. We were again
overwhelmed by the reception we received. The Revolution
in Horsemanship is well underway in both countries and the enthusiasm
for it is very gratifying. In August, Rick Lamb, Richard Winters,
Tammy Pate, and Dale Mylar, and I led a series seminars and
demonstrations at the annual
Hawaii Horse Expo,
held on the historic Parker Ranch. As always, we enjoyed the
wonderful Aloha spirit and the company.
We introduced imprint training
into Poland in 2009. Several farms promptly adopted the
method, as shown here with excellent results. The 2010
weanlings were all perfectly mannered, calm, and responsive.
This month, our newsletter covers choosing the right size
horse for your needs. Please send any comments or suggestions
for future topics to
newsletter@robertmmiller.com.
Have an idea for a cartoon? Send it to
cartoons@robertmmiller.com,
or visit www.rmmcartoons.com.
SELECTING THE RIGHT HORSE
FOR YOUR NEEDS
Wild horses are not very large. Millions of years ago,
the horse was the size of a terrier, but they evolved into creatures
standing 12 to 13 hands tall, weighing 600 to 800 pounds. The
mounted hordes who swarmed out of Asia conquering all in their
path to Europe rode horses no larger than 14 hands. During the
Middle Ages, horses were selectively bred for larger size in
order to carry knights weighted down with armor, or for draft
purposes.
Throughout my career, I noticed that the smaller, lighter
breeds seemed less prone to lameness than the bigger, heavier
breeds. Arabians, Morgans, and the pony breeds, for example,
seemed to hold up better than the stockhorse breeds or the Warmbloods,
regardless of the rider’s weight. In fact, the draft breeds,
despite never being ridden, often developed lower limb lameness.
I concluded that it was the horse’s own body weight, rather
than the rider’s weight that was the more important cause of
lameness, aside from other causes as injury, poor conformation
or foot care, improper riding ground surfaces, or overworking
immature horses. Yet, many people think that the bigger a horse
is, the stronger it is, and will therefore be less likely to
go lame. Also, in horses how classes many believe that, other
things being equal, the larger horse will be more likely to
catch judge’s eye. All I can say is that a judge who favors
size or color over conformation and performance is an incompetent
judge.
Many people who own horses for casual recreational riding
have unnecessarily large horses. Owners of “backyard horses”
used primarily for recreational trail riding would generally
be much happier with a smaller horse. For example, the little
Icelandic horses and the Rocky Mountain horse, which usually
stand about 14 hands, are not only very smooth-gaited, but also
very hardy. Most Arabians, as tough a horse as exists, are not
very big. The great Thoroughbred “Whirlaway” stood only 15 hands,
and horses that size have won Olympic medals.
The fantastic cutters, and competitive stock horses we see
today are mostly small horses. The Haflinger, popular for both
driving and riding, rarely exceeds 14.5 hands. That’s also true
of Welsh Ponies. And what about polo ponies, one of the hardest
workers of all? The very best calf-roping horses usually stand
between 14 and 15 hands. I roped two summers as a student on
a Thoroughbred-Percheron-cross mare. She was great, but
her 16 hands height put me at a disadvantage.
I have always preferred horses under 15 hands in height.
Most dressage riders like very tall horses, but watch Eitan
Beth-Halachmy’s video, “Dances with Cows”
www.robertmmiller.com/cowboydressage.html
to see beautiful dressage (on a loose rein) on a 14-hand Morgan
stallion. The horse looks much larger, but that’s because of
his imposing presence and animation. The bottom line is, when
choosing a horse, take into consideration what type of riding
or other equestrian activities you plan on doing.
-Robert M. Miller, DVM
The holidays are just around
the corner
Use Coupon Code “HOLIDAY2010” for 20%
off any of the following items.
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Cartoon Books make great
gifts
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Now taking advance orders “Handling
the Equine Patient – A Handbook for Veterinary Students
and Veterinary Technicians.
CLICK HERE |
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Dr. Miller Recommends:
Dr. Jim Warson of Thinline Performance Saddle Pads, recently
had an excellent article on his website, entitled, “Passing
the Buck, or Why Science is Behind on Natural Horsemanship Techniques.”
Click here to read in its entirety.
Besides writing many books himself, Dr. Miller has contributed
to books written by his peers. He recently, he produced a chapter
on “The Psychological Aspects of Rehabilitation” to a veterinary
textbook, Rehabilitating the Athletic Horse (Nova Science Publishers,
Inc.) by Drs. Jann and Fackelman. Both authors are professors
of surgery at veterinary schools.
Also check out
Part Two of Dr. Miller’s interview with Horses for Life
online magazine, on the pitfalls of breaking horses too young.
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Have a question for
Dr. Miller? Send it
to
questions@robertmmiller.com.
We apologize that due
to volume, we can’t
guarantee Dr. Miller
can respond to all emails,
but we are building
a more comprehensive
FAQ page on our
website to address your
needs. All questions
may be edited for clarity
and space.
Q. My family
is moving from Southern
California to Montana.
Our three horses have
never experienced extreme
weather, and I’m worried
about winter. Do you
have any suggestions
on how to help them
adjust?
A. Horses evolved
in cold climates and
handle low temperatures
better than very hot
weather. Blanketing
during extreme cold
may be a good idea the
first winter, until
your horses adjust to
the new climate. |
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Interested in catching
one of Dr. Miller’s
lectures?
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Mark Your Calendars!
Interested in catching
one of Dr. Miller’s lectures?
Summer and Fall Schedule:
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January 25, 2011, Orlando, FL:
North American Veterinary
Conference.
May 19-22, 2011, Santa Ynez, CA:
4th
annual
Lighthands
Horsemanship Clinic.
For information, call 530-346-9125.
For contact details and other dates and locations
in 2011, go to
www.robertmmiller.com/appearances.html.
Coming in December:
The barn sour horse.
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“Yes,
We Treat Aardvarks”: Stories from an Extraordinary Veterinary
Practice,
