[drivingpairs] some of this is off topic - but horsey-a copy to the CD-L also

Hi all,
I have finally decided (after 2 years of just leaving our indoor arena hard 
clay- (didn't like any of the alternatives) to get the washed and dried crushed 
eggs shells.  Our vet got them for his outdoor arenas (cow-cutting and 
jumping) and has seen them in the indoor arenas and recommended them. I went to 
his 
place to look and was completely sold.  Will let you know once we get them 
(we're on a waiting list) how we really like them. There is only one place that 
has them that are washed/crushed and dried - no stink. I want them mainly for 
DUST CONTROL along with even footing that won't scratch the buggy wheels.  He 
put his in 3-4inches deep.  I plan on only 2 inches to start.  One semi load 
will run me about $500 and I think I will need 2 loads for a 60x120 foot 
arena.  
The hauling charge is what is expensive. Will start with the 1st load and add 
as needed.  For outdoor arenas I noticed the weeds etc will grow in them but 
with dragging can be easily controlled. All should be very ecological 
friendly.

All our horses go barefoot all the time - but we mostly drive on dirt/grass 
but also down a few gravel or paved roads.  The only time we shoe is if we are 
going to do a lot for a week or two in very rocky territory - then we even get 
the teflon pads (leather wear out in a day) We pull the shoes as soon as we 
are home. They are trimmed every 8 weeks -except for now I need to go 6 weeks - 
more growth in spring/early summer.

I totally agree with Jeff M. that we make TOO much of arena footing as we 
expect our horses to be able to go out and drive all sorts of elsewheres

About "dumb" things done in past. 
We had a gelding and mare - brother & sister -.that we raised and trained 
ourselves - ridden only.  My husband came home with a big farm wagon - no 
tongue 
- just single trees  - and some old harness.  The first set of harness went on 
the mare ok - just slid everything sort of on her - already all buckled up.  
When I went to put the other one on the the gelding it was too tight (as 
adjusted) and he was trying to help by pulling his butt under him.  I finally 
found 
the buckle to loosen it up ( on the inside of the outside horse- wrong 
side?)  This harness had collars and two pair of reins -the breaching didn't go 
to 
anything but the wagon did have a foot break and a big hand break to set the 
breaks like a car emergency break.

Well, we hooked up and went for a drive. No problems except we had to make 
very wide turns. - and I don't even remember how I held the two sets of reins.  
It all didn't seem like much fun as we had to go slow and use a lot of room 
with such a big wagon - so we sold it.  To this day - don't know how we 
expected 
to do it - just dumb!
and we had very nice horses...that knew all their voice commands and did them 
well.

With the same gelding - my brother-in- law wanted to try running and putting 
his hands on the horses butt and leaping on to his back.  He tried it several 
times and would lose his balance and slide off on a side  (all this bare 
back).  Finally the horse
kept moving under him so he could stay on. Like a said - nice horses.

Old phrases:
Get a gait on  (get moving)
Get shed of    (get rid of)
Put a damper on it (shut it down)

Lyn in Indy - still studying her new harness- trying to figure what all the 
pieces do and where they go...a pairs harness that converts to single.  Still 
have one strap that is about 16" long with a buckle on each end that I have no 
idea where it goes.  The ponies are learning to stand tied and be fussed about 
for longer times so maybe they will have it figured out by the time I do:) 
Does anyone know of a web site with good pictures and explanations?

Also where can I order bun bags - both for single and pairs - a diagram of 
how to put on will be necessary:).  




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