SB Equestrian SouthLakes

12/11/2023

Songster: one of the oldest & most decorated 1st World War horse, who enjoyed his golden years in Quorn Hunt country.

He was called up and paraded in Loughborough Market Square the day after war was declared in 1914. At 14yr old and just over 15hh was really too old & small. But his huge character, intelligence and bravery kept him and his rider Trooper Bert Main alive for the duration of the war.
He was known to untie himself from his peg during heavy shelling then come back to Bert when the coast was clear. He knew the sound of the trumpet for water, would take himself off to come back on his own and stand waiting for his nose bag.
After the war, Bert bought Songster from the army and his yeomanry commander Major Harry Poole agreed he could live out his days at his farm in Woodhouse Eaves in Leicestershire.
He would regularly hunt with the Quorn Hunt and liked to join the yeomanry on their annual camps. He drew a milk float in to Loughborough once a week with Harry then would join him for a pint in the upstairs room of the Old Boot Hotel. No one could believe a horse could climb up & down stairs, never mind drink a pint!
Songster died peacefully in 1940 at the farm aged 40. He was buried with his medals - Mons Star, 1914-1915 Star, General Service Medal, Victory Medal and 2 Territorial Long Service Medals.

Lest we forget all the sacrifices, human and animal 💜

04/09/2023

Rachel Hamer : Head to Tail Chiropractic
Need your dog or Horse seen by a Chiropractor
Highly recommend Rachel

16/02/2023

24/04/2022

11/04/2022

23/02/2022

Before backing your youngster please read -

A horse ages roughly 3 times faster than a human.

So a 90 year old human is a 30 year old horse. Both very old, usually arthritic, don’t have many of their original teeth left, and very likely retired and enjoying the finer things in life.

A 25 year old horse is a 75 year old human. Still works so far.

A 20 year old horse is a 60 year old human. At that point where the body doesn’t work like it use to but the brain is all there and wants to be active.

A 13 year old horse is a 39 year old human. Middle aged, prime of their life where their knowledge and physical ability are about equal.

So let’s get down to the babies and work our way up.

A 3 year old horse is a 9 year old child. A child. Not ready for work by a long stretch. We have moved past sending children down the mines.

A 4 year old horse is a 12 year old child. Often will do odd jobs for pocket money, maybe a paper round, mowing lawns etc. Basically a 4 yo horse can start a bit of light work to earn their keep.

A 5 year old horse is a 15 year old teenager. Think they know it all, cocky, and ready to up their work and responsibilities. Still quite weak and not fully developed so shouldn’t be at their physical limit but can start building strength.

A 6 year old horse is an 18 year old human. An adult. Ready to work hard.

Pushing your youngster too hard too young will result in failure of many body parts. Joints, tendons, ligaments as well as their brains. Waiting one year at the beginning can give a horse another 10 years of useful working life. Be patient with your pride and joy!

28/08/2021

Teaching in Leicestershire
Diamond Equestrian Adult Camp Two groups did grid and dog leg lines.
Mixture of young horses, less confident riders but no falls and some smiling faces.
Some great positive riding. 👏👏

02/04/2021

The suns out, the grounds drying up, give me a call, love to hear from you.
Let’s get started on a new journey, of your Powerful Why.

02/04/2021

The suns out, lockdown is lifting, why not book an hrs lesson get you ready for the competitions.
Any level of riding, even if you just want to be less nervous, have fun with your horse, or improve in some aspect, just give me a call.

23/02/2021

How are you all doing? Have you coped with lock down and the weather!
Soon be able to do more.
So if your looking to get ready for the summer events. Mid March we should be able to meet up and do some individual lessons.

Any level, I’m happy to help the not so confidant, to competition riders.
Maybe you need some help on the ground with a youngster, or want to discuss a problem, stable management or ridden.

I’m here to help, just phone or PM me.

26/01/2021

OBSERVATION

the action or process of closely observing or monitoring something or someone.

To me this is one of the most important part of life. Especially when dealing with animals.
It is our first recognition if there is anything wrong or misplaced.

Open your senses.

Recognise daily what is normal in your animals environment, character and conformation.

Any new or differences should be noted ( in a diary) or responded to immediately.

OBSERVE
your yard.
your stable / field
your horses conformation ( bumps/ lumps scrapes cuts)
the horses demeanour
How the horse is working. Loose or lunging/ ridden (Tight, neck back. ears sharp tail swishing)

The more observant you are the quicker you can note problems and if putting into a diary, you may recognise why and when things changed a good indicator for leading to a problem and telling a professional, if you require their help.