I Want to Really Learn about Horses

By T.J. Gillespie

This really is a must-have book for any horse and equestrian enthusiast. Whether a person is learning about horses for the first time or, has previous experience, there is so much insight to be gained from this compact volume, coming from a knowledgeable source. More than just a learning aid, it is a book that will serve as a lifelong companion to anyone wishing to share in the privilege of good horsemanship.
Recently re-issued, with few, if any changes, T.J. Gillespie’s book has been in constant demand since first published in 2011. It is now available in both print and e-book editions, providing for a continuity that will allow successive generations to benefit and gain insight from the author's lifelong passion.
Growing up in Sligo, on Ireland’s western seaboard, T.J. Gillespie (aka Tom na gCapaillín) saw horses all around him and took them for granted. Some enchanted day, he knew he must learn more so, he listened and watched and read and, thought out the prevailing wisdom. He put theory to the test, devising and presenting a series of Horse and Pony Management courses, thereby gaining insight into other owners’ problems and points of view.
'I Want to Really Learn about Horses' represents a summation of that lifelong learning, imparted with an enthusiasm that is infectious, written in a warm and engaging style. In no more than 80 pages, the author shares his wealth of experience with an easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide, punctuated with illustrations and diagrams throughout. The subjects covered are wide ranging but always to the point.
Now, he shares his unique experience of working with horses in this easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide with illustrations and diagrams throughout. The subjects covered are wide ranging and written about in an engaging style. A commitment to good horsemanship is what this book seeks to impart.
Part One addresses the basics – safety, stabling, diet, learning to identify common ailments and how to respond. Foaling, weaning and preparing the horse for sales also come under the microscope.
In Part Two, he talks about following one’s dream. We learn about suppling exercises, gaits of the horse, clipping, the awkward cuss, overcoming mental blocks and prepping a horse for racing. This section also includes some history, anecdotes and illustrations from the world of horse breeding and equestrian pursuits.
TJ Gillespie’s understanding of horses is based on a lifelong passion and commitment and a privilege that he has chosen to share. Whether you are learning about horses for the first time or, you have previous experience, there is much to be gained from this compact volume, coming from a knowledgeable source.

• Language: English
• Publisher: The Manuscript Publisher
• Release date: Oct 28, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301448722

T.J. Gillespie

TJ Gillepsie (aka Tom na gCapaillín) growing up in Co. Sligo saw horses all around him and took them for granted. Some enchanted day he knew he must learn more so he listened and watched and read and thought out the prevailing wisdom.He put theory to the test, seeing what worked, gathering experience and not sparing himself in the effort for perfection. He devised and presented a very popular series of Horse and Pony Management courses under the County Meath VEC Adult Education scheme, thereby gaining insight into other owners’ problems and points of view.His commitment to the horse is a privilege he wants to share with others. These views are contained in a single volume entitled I Want to Really Learn about Horses.

Book preview

Part One:

One thing missed by not knowing; Nine by not looking

1. Safety

Working with Animals

Diseases/infections possible!

Tetanus

Bacterial disease: associated with horses’ bedding, dung heaps. Can survive anaerobically/without oxygen.

Can enter through puncture wounds – very serious.

Programmed vaccination essential.

Leptospirosis (Weil’s disease)

Associated mainly with rats/rat-runs; infection distributed in rat urine.

Protective gloves where contamination likely.

Medical advice re. any inoculation.

Brucellosis

Not as widespread as formerly due to eradication programme in cows. Illness in humans – fever-like, recurring over years.

Care still needed when handling ‘after birth’ (placenta) of cows/mares. Particularly applies to women/girls.

Rabies

A neurological infection in dogs/foxes/wolves/cats and bats.

Very strict control at borders/country boundaries has curtailed spread.

Symptoms: ‘dog’ foaming at the mouth; violent (rabid)

Infection well-nigh fatal to humans; inoculation/vaccine.

Ringworm

Disease of fungal nature-highly contagious. Spread by calves → horse’s → humans. Painful; irritating.

Horses may be inspected at racecourses, shows, sales rings for signs of ringworm and, if positive, will not be allowed entry, so as to prevent spread of disease.

Medicinal food additives for number of days will clear up trouble in horses but spores of fungus may still cling to tack, stable furnishings, gate posts.

Sunlight will kill those spores.

Farmer’s Lung Disease

Caused by inhaling spores in mouldy hay.

Precautions: wear mask.

Not so prevalent now, as haylage and silage have replaced a big portion of haymaking.

Working with Horses – Safety

Advisable to wear strong (steel-capped) boots: horse treading on foot/toes can inflict serious injury.

Use proper lead ropes, not nylon ‘baler twine’ – can ‘burn’ skin.

Do not wrap lead ropes around hand – entanglement, serious injury!

If ‘tying-up’ horse, use slip-knot – best if swivel in catch!

Horse with ‘kicking’ propensity

It’ll be the hind ones: perhaps nervous/defence reaction or plain malice.

With any strange horse, stand close, place hand firmly on neck to inspire confidence and advance shoulder → back → loins → rump → down flank → hock, all the time uttering reassuring, not nervous notes and presenting angular aspect of body – vital areas not exposed!

You want to ‘pick out’ hoof?

Let him know – Hugo give me this piggy. Grasp at fetlock joint, squeeze with fingers to reinforce message.

He’ll ‘lift’ eventually; maybe try to pull it away. ‘Hang on; go with it’ – utter appropriate imprecations. Usually, he’ll soon accept the inevitable, unless he’s really wild or a right ‘wrong one’.

So, you’ve won ‘round one’. He’s got a good introduction; he’ll be OK for rest of his life.

Note: ‘restraints’ can be used ‘in difficult cases’!

Twitch (‘touch’) applied to upper lip or by hand grasping ‘fold of skin’ on neck.

Foals: leading/handling foals demands awareness and understanding

Teaching foal to lead.

First steps: ‘gentle’ him/her alongside ‘mammy’ – reassures both. Do not drag or push – instinctive reaction is to ‘rear up’ or ‘kick out’.

Young body is so flexible. Handler can suffer very serious injury – minimise presentation of head, face, body area in ‘danger-zone’!

With tact/patience will come success but handler should remain vigilant, particularly in new situations: e.g. show classes.

2. Common Ailments of Horses

Lameness:

Lameness indicates horse/pony is in pain and trying to mitigate pain by altering ‘gait’. Degree of lameness may be:

In all cases he/she must be ‘rested’. Further exercise may worsen injury; prompt attention is essential.

To ascertain in which leg, ‘trot horse up’.

Horse will ‘favour’ lame leg – i.e. try to keep weight off it

Visual Examination. Any obvious wound? Inflammation/heat?

If nothing strikingly obvious, rule is – Horse is lame in hoof ’till proved otherwise.

Stone Bruise is the most common type of hoof injury: as easy to get as wet feet.

Horse treads on stone/sharp object; bruising of blood-rich tissue within ‘solid box’ of hoof; turns septic; becomes progressively more painful.

Farrier will locate tender area in sole and makes neat incision to allow pus to escape.

Poultice applied for say, three days then, ‘dry-up’ and horse re-shod.

Keep on ‘good ground’ for some time to allow to heal fully (see Diagram below).

Hoof

Hoof Underneath