A Fine Horse in New Country

Doogs' Training

At this stage, efforts are mainly focussed not so much on teaching new skills but on enjoying a reliable older horse - and being very grateful for what he has taught us. He is an excellent escort for more novice horses. Our main efforts are directed into keeping him fit and healthy and hopefully still working and enjoying life for years to come. As always, there are strategies in place to keep his weight down to save wear and tear on his joints, but for a horse in his mid teens he is still clean-legged and has never had any health problems.

Unusually for his breed, he is not blessed with the very best of feet. They do not grow fast and are somewhat prone to cracking and splitting, particularly up the quarter cracks on his hinds. Careful trimming and shoeing, biotin supplements and four months off every winter without shoes help to keep them in order, plus moisturising creams when the weather is very dry.

He still follows a programme of light exercise during the winter, with a couple of hacks out each week and a session of exercises in the school to keep him supple and interested - for this work he wears Old Mac boots. He is also regularly drafted in to help with escorting youngsters on their first short outings around the local area.