Introducing "Redman" - May 2007
We would like to introduce our readers to the newest addition at Epona's Pastures, the handsome boy we have named "Redman".
Redman was surrendered to us a few weeks ago by a (TB racing) trainer who didn't want put his horse through the sales for fear he would end up at the knackery. This trainer is one of the 'good guys' in the TB racing industry and it is wonderful to know that there are people like him out there who genuinely care about their horses and the horse's welfare when it doesn't make it on the track. If only there were more people like him in the racing industry.....
Since his arrival at Epona's Pastures, Redman has had a chance to relax in the paddock and unwind from the hectic racing schedule. He has already started to "drop" around the belly and is generally filling out a little more. Redman has become great friends with our permanent resident "Jocks" and the two of them can be seen scratching backs and relaxing under the shade of the trees in their paddock.
We are doing some light trail riding with Redman to maintain some of his muscle tone. He will be starting some basic dressage education over the next couple of weeks and we will update this page with his progress.
Since his arrival at Epona's Pastures, Redman has had a chance to relax in the paddock and unwind from the hectic racing schedule. He has already started to "drop" around the belly and is generally filling out a little more. Redman has become great friends with our permanent resident "Jocks" and the two of them can be seen scratching backs and relaxing under the shade of the trees in their paddock.
We are doing some light trail riding with Redman to maintain some of his muscle tone. He will be starting some basic dressage education over the next couple of weeks and we will update this page with his progress.
30 June, 2007
With the fairly constant wet weather we have been experiencing in the Macedon Ranges over the last few weeks, our work with Redman has been a little delayed. As winter has now set in for keeps it looks like the best option for us to continue Redman's education over the next couple of months is to find an indoor arena nearby that we can utilize. As much as Redman has enjoyed relaxing in the paddock and the occasional trail ride when weather permits, what he now needs is some basic schooling. Redman will benefit from some basic flatwork to improve his balance and this will provide him with a good foundation to further his dressage education as he progresses.
Redman Begins His Schooling - 29 July, 2007
We have located a fantastic indoor arena nearby where we can take Redman to give him some schooling in basic flatwork. We had been informed by his previous owners that Redman was very nervous on floats so on our first trip to the arena we brought old Jocks along for company. It is only a 15 minute journey, but by the time we arrived Redman had worked himself into a lathered sweat from head to toe. The poor boy was dripping from every part of his body, the chestbar was soaked, the divider was soaked and there was a puddle of sweat on the floor.
Redman's only association with the float has been travelling to the races, and judging by his reaction, the racetrack does not hold good memories for him. It took 30 minutes to calm him down and convince him that he was not at the track, and although he had stopped sweating, he was still a very nervous and jumpy horse.
We had come at a quiet time and were lucky enough to have the arena to ourselves. The first 15 minutes was spent leading him around in the new environment while he sniffed and snorted at various objects, especially his own reflection. Once he seemed comfortable we did some lunging exercises with him that allowed him to run off any remaining anxiety and he seemed to settle down nicely.
Redman's only association with the float has been travelling to the races, and judging by his reaction, the racetrack does not hold good memories for him. It took 30 minutes to calm him down and convince him that he was not at the track, and although he had stopped sweating, he was still a very nervous and jumpy horse.
We had come at a quiet time and were lucky enough to have the arena to ourselves. The first 15 minutes was spent leading him around in the new environment while he sniffed and snorted at various objects, especially his own reflection. Once he seemed comfortable we did some lunging exercises with him that allowed him to run off any remaining anxiety and he seemed to settle down nicely.
Thea jumped on and walked him on loose reins while she continued to reassure him that the handsome horse that kept sneaking up on him (in the mirrors) was of the friendly sort. Once Redman had made friends with his reflections, Thea worked on some 20 meter circles and once she had his full attention she moved him forward in a trot. As to be expected, Redman was a little unsure of what was being asked of him but he did not try to rush forward or avoid the circles. Thea continued to ride him in a relaxed and confident style that soon transferred over to the horse. You could see Redman gaining confidence as his head dropped down and he began to lengthen his strides. It didn't take long before he was moving like an old pro.....he certainly gave Thea his full attention and although he didn't fully grasp the concept of keeping his head on the bit, he was a very willing student.
As this was his first lesson, Thea only worked him under saddle for about 20 minutes but by the end of his lesson, Redman was a changed horse. All in all, we were very impressed with how Redman adapted to his new environment, he was both attentive and a very willing learner.
During his lesson, Redman must have understood that he would not be racing and we were pleased to find him with a dry coat when we arrived back home. Redman may not have done well on the racetrack, but we certainly think this boy is a little champ :))
During his lesson, Redman must have understood that he would not be racing and we were pleased to find him with a dry coat when we arrived back home. Redman may not have done well on the racetrack, but we certainly think this boy is a little champ :))
Redman Has Jumping Lessons - October - December, 2007
Redman is doing regular ground work and coming along well as a riding horse. He is a forward moving horse, but with a very soft mouth. He loves to work and try out new things. Therefore we thought we should school him over a few jumps as well. And so we did:
These photos are from Redman's first jumping session in late October. Since then he has been doing more ground work and basic jumping. He is a great horse to work with, who enjoys exploring new things. He is a horse who has a lot of energy, so the more you work him the better he is. He will be a great riding horse for someone that will take him out every day and have some fun
A Colgate Smile - February, 2008
All the horses at Epona's Pastures got the full dental treatment when Shannon Lee came out from the Advanced Equine Dentistry last weekend.
Redman has good teeth overall but was developing sharp edges which needed attending. Shannon takes the time to rinse Redman's mouth before he finishes.
We were also encouraged to put our hand into the horse's mouth to feel the sharp edges and again once they have been removed, what a difference!
Redman can now chew his hay comfortably without devloping any sores in the side of his mouth.
Redman has good teeth overall but was developing sharp edges which needed attending. Shannon takes the time to rinse Redman's mouth before he finishes.
We were also encouraged to put our hand into the horse's mouth to feel the sharp edges and again once they have been removed, what a difference!
Redman can now chew his hay comfortably without devloping any sores in the side of his mouth.
Redman Is Adopted - 20 July, 2008
Asher has spent the last few months looking after Redman's rehabilitation needs. She has had his back soreness addressed and has organised a specialist to attend to his feet which will take a few months to correct. Although Redman is now back in light training, Asher feels that it will still be some time before he is fully rehabilitated. It has been wonderful to watch the bond that Asher and Redman have developed over the last few months and earlier this week we were delighted when Asher decided to permanently adopt Redman. Below are some recent photos of the two of them at work in the indoor arena last week:
There could not have been a happier ending to Redman's story and there will be many photos and updates on how Asher and Redman are getting along. Look out for future updates on Asher and Redman's progress which will be placed on our 'Permanent Residents" page going forward.
There could not have been a happier ending to Redman's story and there will be many photos and updates on how Asher and Redman are getting along. Look out for future updates on Asher and Redman's progress which will be placed on our 'Permanent Residents" page going forward.
