Friday 14 August 2015
Thursday 6 August 2015
Gower Pony Experience 6th Aug '98
This date in '98 I spent keeping out of the way as the herd stallion kept returning an unwanted filly to the group. His other 'wives' were not amused, although they all didn't take too much time out from eating. #Gower #gowerponies #gowerponyexperience #nature #ethology
Saturday 1 August 2015
The Gower Pony Experience
http://jenninellist.co.uk/the-gower-pony-experience Come #pony watching on #Gower #nature #citizenscience
Thursday 28 May 2015
Creating environments for change
What environment would you help create for change? #horsewelfare #blackandwhiteorskewbald #endflygrazing
https://blackandwhiteorskewbald.wordpress.com/2015/05/27/creating-the-environment/
Thursday 21 May 2015
Issues with getting on your horse?
http://equimed.com/health-centers/behavior/articles/when-mounting-how-do-i-calm-my-nervous-fidgety-horse-so-he-wont-try-to-run-off
Wednesday 2 July 2014
Weaning... Preparing for life without Mum
As I write this my 16 month old son, Sam is exploring the possibilities of scaling the sofa, and so I'm grateful for the spellchecker as I divide my attention between writing this article and supervising my eager toddler.
Horse mothers have the same job, naturally shared with the band's stallion who is also usually the foal's father. The mother isn't just a food source, but that secure base for the infant horse to explore the world from. The foal feels brave enough to do this because he knows his mother is always there for him, as his protector and comforter. It's perhaps no surprise that after any excitement a foal always goes to his mother to suckle. This isn't just for nourishment but for comfort too. Nursing is associated with the effect of “appeasing pheromones” secreted from between the mares' udders in the early weeks that both facilitate bonding, and have a calmative effect. Suckling will always be associated with these two things as a result, and will balance out life's stresses, restoring the ability to relax.
I hope it's now pretty clear that weaning is a very significant life stage for the horse. Weaning
is not just about the foal becoming nutritionally independent of his
mother, but also becoming independent of her as a secure base. The normal biological adaptation is for mares to wean their foals at approximately 11 months of age. Some wean earlier, others much later, particularly when it's their first foal.
Studies of feral horses show that mares tend to reject their foal's
attempts to nurse, by walking off and behaving aggressively, around a month prior to giving birth to the next foal. This
is because milking and the last stages of pregnancy come at a high
energy cost.
The key thing to note is that it is the foal's attempts to nurse that are rejected, not the foal. Nutritional weaning takes place at this stage, the foal no longer has mum's milk, but
the mare and foal still enjoy other interactions. The foal, who is now a juvenile only becomes completely independent
of mother somewhere between 18 months and 4 years when they are sexually mature and leave voluntarily in search of their own mates. Contrary to popular
belief, young horses are rarely expelled from the herd. Where
there is an unnatural ratio of mares to stallions, such as in UK where horses are kept under free range conditions on common land, youngsters can remain with their mothers for
life, e.g. when a filly is kept on by her owner for breeding purposes.
Artificial weaning, where foals are removed from their mothers anywhere from 4 to 8 months of age, often abruptly, has far bigger significance in terms of negative
effects on horse welfare.
Early
and abrupt weaning not only causes a nutritional stress, but a
significant psychological one too: It is associated with the onset of
crib biting in horses that have the genetic predisposition to do so,
and with gastric ulcers. Early, abruptly weaned horses also tend to
become depressed post weaning, or alternatively, hyper vigilant. Without mum they feel vulnerable and defensive, and so don't sleep as well as they ought.
This can lead to some horses struggling to get used to supposedly normal
events later in life; sharp, reactive behaviour is a possible outcome –
simply because their nervous system became 'sensitised' to stressful stimuli and situations during the
weaning phase and then forever more are over reactive to even the smallest amount of
stress as a result.
Also, it
is not only the foal that can become distressed by acute and early
separation. The mare knows it is her job to keep her baby safe from
harm. When feral foals wander off, away and out of sight, the mares
will call for them until they are reunited, often with the help of their father who is not only a playmate and role model, but also a key figure in keeping the group safe together. He will actively herd the foal back to the group to make sure that safety is preserved. I have seen this on more than one occasion
when studying hill ponies, and it has been documented by other
researchers in other parts of the world. When a mare can't locate her
foal, and knows it has not died, she may become distressed and hyper
vigilant.
So you have a mare and foal, what is the best way for you to wean them? Well, later is better, unless there are clear and significant medical reasons as to why not to. When you have some alternative company for your foal, and for your mare. Ideally these are individuals that are already part of your mare and foal's group, not strangers. That there is at least one responsible adult horse to look after one or more weanlings, to help them feel safer, and to continue their development of good horse etiquette. That you take the time to allow all to adjust to their new circumstances. An Austrian study detailed in TheHorse.com describes how having a "nanny" mare who has been present from birth reduces the stress experienced by foals compared to foals weaned without the presence of a nanny: http://www.thehorse.com/articles/28016/study-nanny-horses-reduce-weaning-stress-for-foals
Tuesday 11 February 2014
News - Winter 2014
Dear All,
I'd like to wish you a belated Happy New Year! And fill you in on upcoming events and important news.
Gower Riding Club Auction
Attitude Matters
Gloucestershire Horse Behaviour and Training Group
New Equine Performance Behaviour Services
Changes to Prices and Zone Visits
Cancellation Policy
The Year Ahead
Gower Riding Club Auction
GRC are raising funds to get their show jumping teams to the Championships at Hartpury. I've donated my new Equine Performance Behaviour service to their fund raising auction, a treasure trove of equestrian items and services. It's happening on the evening of the 28th February 2014 at Fairwood Golf Club, Blackhills Lane, Swansea.
Attitude Matters
This is an evening presentation, introducing how our horse's temperament, training and management affects their emotional responses and mood. I also introduce some ideas for our day to day practises that will have a positive influence on our horse's behaviour. This is for everyone who wants a more connected, focused equine partner, for fun or competition.
The event takes place at 7pm on Thursday 13th March 2014 at Canolfan Gorseinon, Gorseinon - just five minutes from J47 of the M4. Tickets are £7.50 Regular, and £5.50 Concessions. Places are limited so advance booking is essential! See http://www.jenninellist.co.uk/index.php/events for more details.
Gloucestershire Horse Behaviour and Training Group
I have some interest from Gloucestershire. If you are in this county or a neighbouring county, would you like to join a small group of like minded people once a month (or thereabouts) to share and progress your training skills? I'm proposing a two hour (approx) mini clinic/workshop format hosted by members of the group who take it in turns. The first forty minutes will be spent looking at a specific training issue the host is having with their horse(s), whether it's a problem or a new venture. I'll lead assessment of the situation, encouraging all participants to put forward their ideas as to why something is working/not working, and suggestions and discussion on future training strategy. The middle forty minutes is a hands on lesson with the host and their horse, derived from our discussion in part one and what the horse actually shows us on the day. The final forty minutes are given over to assessment of the training session, identifying effective training and why it was so, and planning future training aimed at working on the identified points for improvement.
Cost for this is £40 each based on a group of three people, I can reduce this if there are more than three but I suggest that to keep up a high quality workshop that the total number of participants be limited to six. There won't be any additional charge for mileage for this group.
If you are not in Gloucestershire or immediately nearby and want to participate in something similar then please get in touch.
New Equine Performance Behaviour Service
Did you know that horses have a psychological 'zone of optimal performance', just like human athletes? FEI Article 401: Object and General Principles of Dressage, describes dressage training as the … “development of the horse into a happy athlete...”. I think this is possibly the loveliest thing the FEI have ever put in print. Positive emotional states such as happiness tell us that the horse enjoys their performance. This lends to a positive mental attitude for competitive edge - because horses are motivated, focused and cooperative. They are 'in the zone'!
My new service entails assessing the horse's performance at home and at competitions, including reviewing any video footage. I then meet the horse and analyse their current management and training strategies. The aim is to understand the horse's basic temperament traits, their general mood states and emotional reactions. I then devise a new management and training plan with the owner and anyone else involved such as riders and trainers. The behaviour analysis and coaching service is not intended to replace a regular trainer or instructor. It is generally much more beneficial when I work alongside and with the horse and rider's usual team as a complementary service.
The service costs £70 for the initial analysis and behaviour plan, and follow on visits at the usual hourly rate (currently £30/hour). For more information see http://www.jenninellist.co.uk/index.php/performance.
Changes to Prices and
Zone Visits
I've dreaded doing this for a long time, but my current pricing strategy has remained in the same for several years now,and like everyone else, in real terms my actual income has been gradually declining. Therefore I have discussed this with a number of my regular clients, thought long and hard about it, and have taken the decision to review my prices. The new price list will be in effect from the 6th of April 2014 with the new tax year.
The new prices are as follows:
Full behavioural consultation: £120.00
Initial training assessment: £70
Equine performance behaviour analysis: £70
All regular follow on visits: £35 per hour.
Mileage costs will be 45p per mile one-way from Junction 47 on the M4, and Zone Visits will be Tuesday: Cardiff and surrounding areas. Wednesday: Swansea and surrounding areas. Every third Friday: Brecon and surrounding areas. Alternate Saturdays: Cardiff and surrounding areas; Swansea and surrounding areas.
Cancellation Policy
I have never had a cancellation policy save for workshop bookings, however I am now introducing one due to the volume of postponements over the years.
In inclement weather, or for any other reason I am now offering the option of an indoor theory session instead of postponing or cancelling. An opportunity for you to examine behavioural science in relation to your horse(s) more thoroughly, giving you more knowledge and understanding to put into practise when the weather improves.
Cancellations that occur five working days before the scheduled appointment will be subject to a cancellation fee amounting to half the scheduled cost of your appointment e.g. behavioural consultation, £60*, follow on visit, £17.50*.
Cancellations that occur less than five working days before the scheduled appointment will be subject to a cancellation fee amounting to the full scheduled cost of your appointment e.g. behavioural consultation £120*, follow on visit £35*.
*After 6th April 2014
The year ahead
Now onto more positive things! I'm investigating the possibility of inviting Dr Helen Spence over from Northern Ireland to give a demo and clinic on incorporating the Alexander technique and positive reinforcement into riding. Alexander technique is a fantastic way to identify tension in your riding, and to painlessly unlock it while gaining a fabulous classical seat. I highly recommend it! More news on this will be available shortly.
Happy New Year and all the best,
Jenni
I'd like to wish you a belated Happy New Year! And fill you in on upcoming events and important news.
Gower Riding Club Auction
Attitude Matters
Gloucestershire Horse Behaviour and Training Group
New Equine Performance Behaviour Services
Changes to Prices and Zone Visits
Cancellation Policy
The Year Ahead
Gower Riding Club Auction
GRC are raising funds to get their show jumping teams to the Championships at Hartpury. I've donated my new Equine Performance Behaviour service to their fund raising auction, a treasure trove of equestrian items and services. It's happening on the evening of the 28th February 2014 at Fairwood Golf Club, Blackhills Lane, Swansea.
Attitude Matters
This is an evening presentation, introducing how our horse's temperament, training and management affects their emotional responses and mood. I also introduce some ideas for our day to day practises that will have a positive influence on our horse's behaviour. This is for everyone who wants a more connected, focused equine partner, for fun or competition.
The event takes place at 7pm on Thursday 13th March 2014 at Canolfan Gorseinon, Gorseinon - just five minutes from J47 of the M4. Tickets are £7.50 Regular, and £5.50 Concessions. Places are limited so advance booking is essential! See http://www.jenninellist.co.uk/index.php/events for more details.
Gloucestershire Horse Behaviour and Training Group
I have some interest from Gloucestershire. If you are in this county or a neighbouring county, would you like to join a small group of like minded people once a month (or thereabouts) to share and progress your training skills? I'm proposing a two hour (approx) mini clinic/workshop format hosted by members of the group who take it in turns. The first forty minutes will be spent looking at a specific training issue the host is having with their horse(s), whether it's a problem or a new venture. I'll lead assessment of the situation, encouraging all participants to put forward their ideas as to why something is working/not working, and suggestions and discussion on future training strategy. The middle forty minutes is a hands on lesson with the host and their horse, derived from our discussion in part one and what the horse actually shows us on the day. The final forty minutes are given over to assessment of the training session, identifying effective training and why it was so, and planning future training aimed at working on the identified points for improvement.
Cost for this is £40 each based on a group of three people, I can reduce this if there are more than three but I suggest that to keep up a high quality workshop that the total number of participants be limited to six. There won't be any additional charge for mileage for this group.
If you are not in Gloucestershire or immediately nearby and want to participate in something similar then please get in touch.
New Equine Performance Behaviour Service
Did you know that horses have a psychological 'zone of optimal performance', just like human athletes? FEI Article 401: Object and General Principles of Dressage, describes dressage training as the … “development of the horse into a happy athlete...”. I think this is possibly the loveliest thing the FEI have ever put in print. Positive emotional states such as happiness tell us that the horse enjoys their performance. This lends to a positive mental attitude for competitive edge - because horses are motivated, focused and cooperative. They are 'in the zone'!
My new service entails assessing the horse's performance at home and at competitions, including reviewing any video footage. I then meet the horse and analyse their current management and training strategies. The aim is to understand the horse's basic temperament traits, their general mood states and emotional reactions. I then devise a new management and training plan with the owner and anyone else involved such as riders and trainers. The behaviour analysis and coaching service is not intended to replace a regular trainer or instructor. It is generally much more beneficial when I work alongside and with the horse and rider's usual team as a complementary service.
The service costs £70 for the initial analysis and behaviour plan, and follow on visits at the usual hourly rate (currently £30/hour). For more information see http://www.jenninellist.co.uk/index.php/performance.
I've dreaded doing this for a long time, but my current pricing strategy has remained in the same for several years now,and like everyone else, in real terms my actual income has been gradually declining. Therefore I have discussed this with a number of my regular clients, thought long and hard about it, and have taken the decision to review my prices. The new price list will be in effect from the 6th of April 2014 with the new tax year.
The new prices are as follows:
Full behavioural consultation: £120.00
Initial training assessment: £70
Equine performance behaviour analysis: £70
All regular follow on visits: £35 per hour.
Mileage costs will be 45p per mile one-way from Junction 47 on the M4, and Zone Visits will be Tuesday: Cardiff and surrounding areas. Wednesday: Swansea and surrounding areas. Every third Friday: Brecon and surrounding areas. Alternate Saturdays: Cardiff and surrounding areas; Swansea and surrounding areas.
Cancellation Policy
I have never had a cancellation policy save for workshop bookings, however I am now introducing one due to the volume of postponements over the years.
In inclement weather, or for any other reason I am now offering the option of an indoor theory session instead of postponing or cancelling. An opportunity for you to examine behavioural science in relation to your horse(s) more thoroughly, giving you more knowledge and understanding to put into practise when the weather improves.
Cancellations that occur five working days before the scheduled appointment will be subject to a cancellation fee amounting to half the scheduled cost of your appointment e.g. behavioural consultation, £60*, follow on visit, £17.50*.
Cancellations that occur less than five working days before the scheduled appointment will be subject to a cancellation fee amounting to the full scheduled cost of your appointment e.g. behavioural consultation £120*, follow on visit £35*.
*After 6th April 2014
The year ahead
Now onto more positive things! I'm investigating the possibility of inviting Dr Helen Spence over from Northern Ireland to give a demo and clinic on incorporating the Alexander technique and positive reinforcement into riding. Alexander technique is a fantastic way to identify tension in your riding, and to painlessly unlock it while gaining a fabulous classical seat. I highly recommend it! More news on this will be available shortly.
Happy New Year and all the best,
Jenni
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