Shetland Owner Information Day

Cotswold Bexley Heath in show form
Photo Courtesy Catherine Crosado

Duncree Shetland Pony Stud

Sunday 28 September

Topics covered included: Show preparation; basic handling; teeth; Worming; feet; Acceptable attire of children and exhibiters for the different classes

The forecast was for rain and rain it did, however this did not stop the Shetland Pony enthusiasts gathering at Craig and Catherine Crosado's home for a very informative 'Information Day'.

Catherine's Father Denis, welcomed guests and generally helped with the proceedings while her Mother Irene, made sure all was prepared for lunch in their warm house afterwards.

Ample sheds provided cover for demonstrations and after a welcome hot drink and chatter we began the real business of our gathering.

Catherine and Craig - The hoof and trimming.

Feet and the very important lesson on how to trim them correctly was very well demonstrated with a lovely chestnut pony named Cotswold Songbird.

The importance of correct paring cannot be emphasised enough. An old saying 'No foot no horse', came to my mind and it is as true today as it ever was.

Special knives for the paring of hooves come for the left and right hand and there are also knives available which are both sided. Catherine explained how much and where to cut from the underside as she worked on Songbird's hooves. Reducing the Buttress of the foot and trimming the frog where necessary to keep the foot healthy and allow the frog and sensitive sole to do their work was demonstrated.

Craig told us about the use of the rasp and with Catherine holding Songbird's hoof Craig cut back the wall. There is quite a technique to this also and it is necessary to make sure the rasp is level on the hoof. Various types of rasps and hoof cutters were shown.

'Hooftalk - The hairline tells it all', by Lyle E. 'Bergy' Bergeleen.

Catherine - Teeth and Worming

As teeth are mostly hidden from view we might forget that they also require attention. They say you should never look a gift horse in the mouth, but Catherine brought to our attention the necessity of checking teeth, especially if there is a problem with head shaking or eating. Some ponies with teeth problems will be suffering pain and may be difficult with bitting or may be losing weight. A young pony may need attention because the caps on its teeth have not come away and an older pony might have sharp points cutting into its cheeks. Ponies have been known to stuff their mouths with balls of grass, like a little boy with gobstoppers, to protect their cheeks from sharp teeth. A good horse dentist or a vet will be able to help.

Catherine also spoke about worming and the various products and their use with some samples available free to those attending the day. Larvae can live up to 18 months in the soil and are not killed by frost so it is necessary to have a regime for keeping internal parasites under control.

Diana - Preparing the pony for the ring

Shetlands are always shown with full feather and free manes and tails, however it is permissable to trim the long hairs from around the head area. Diana gave us a demonstration of how to use a razor to trim under the head and explained how to trim the ears. The pony still has a natural look but is tidier for the ring. Her experienced hand made it all look so easy on Bexley, another of the Crosado's ponies. Washing and covering prior to show day and the care needed over tails so as not to pull out hair, was explained.

Lois - Presentation of the handler

Lois and her granddaughter Sophie, braved the cold conditions, wearing what would be acceptable attire to wear in the show ring, but was definately not suitable for the current weather. There is also a lot to how the handler should present herself/himself in the ring. The handling of the pony to catch the judges eye and what not to do as well as some interesting asides from her experiences as a show judge.

Lois also showed examples of halters and bridles and the appropriate use of same for stallions, mares, youngstock and foals.

Catherine's Mother Irene, welcomed us all into their wonderfully warm home where hot drinks and plenty of good food and chatter finished off what was a well worthwhile day. We left feeling how good it was to meet and get to know others, some from as far away as Oamaru.

Photos from left:
1 - Diana trims while Catherine stands behind Bexley, 2 - Diana explains the process of preparation of tails for the show ring, 3 - Sophie and Lois show us how to present ourselves and also what the well dressed pony should be wearing, 4 - Catherine uses a knife to clean and trim Songbird's hoof, 5 - Craig demonstrates various tools used in hoof care.

Lea Hullett Report & Photos