Question For Our Readers

By Marian June Akin

Photo by Hanah Fields-Austin

Do any of you know where in the world (anywhere) that fat girls can buy plus size riding gear? I’m in UK, but will buy from overseas. I’m hoping some American riders will know. Thanks. Xx

HOAH Response: Eighteen Hands is a wonderful blog for plus size riders that also have a section about clothing: http://www.eighteenhands.com/tag/plus-size-riding-clothes/

By Brianna Crawford

Koda is my 6 year old paint gelding. I have had him for 2 years. I would like advice on what to do about him becoming very pushy and bossy lately. I love him unconditionally! I wouldn’t want something like this to get in the way of us progressing on. Please help! Thank you!

By Kassidy Bonertz

How can I teach my horse so he doesn’t run away when I catch him? I used to be able to just walk up to him, but he decides to turn and run. It just started and when I know he’s going to run, I just go pet the other horses and then he would usually be fine. But now he runs away no matter what, so I have to chase him into a small corral and then he lets me catch him.

By Miranda Arielle Flowers, Georgia

Two nights ago my 16.3h mare was turned out and some type of large animal attacked her. We have had a very hard time finding out what did it and just want to know so we can protect other horses at the farm I board at? As you can see in the pics, most are slashes and others look like very wide bite marks. All suggestions a very appreciated.

By Grace Creighton

I have a question about Cushings disease. My horse Georgie, a 20 year old mare just recently got diagnosed with Cushings disease. I’ve looked at every site I could find and half say it’s fatal and half say it’s treatable and not to worry; I don’t know which to believe and I’m scared my best friend might die. Is Cushings disease fatal?

Hi! I’ve been a horse lover since i was a lil girl,and u’r page here is the best! I was wondering tho,after looking at soooo many beautiful horses here….and getting my heart set on a freesian…love the ‘bigger’ horse,and hair on legs,if they are a good riding horse? And are they a costly horse,and are they available anywhere in tennessee?

By Karli Colmer

For the past couple days, my horse has been refusing to eat. He usually scoffs his food, but he has been completely ignoring it now. He is also starting to hollow out around the bottom of his belly. Please note that nothing in his diet has changed. We wormed him yesterday, but that hasn’t seemed to make a difference. He is around 10 or 12 and unbroken. Suggestions?

By Ashley Kerslake

My horse Jackson is a 4 year old quarter horse gelding. He is broke, but when I go to put the bridle on the right way (over his nose etc.) He lifts his head and doesn’t want to have anything to do with it, but when I put it on like a halter, and have the bit hang down by his right cheek he doesn’t care and will take the bit, but won’t the other way, any suggestions? Also what bit people use? He has a soft mouth and is very sensitive in his mouth area.

He doesn’t take cues very well when I’m riding, but he hadn’t been ridden for many months before we got him and we just got his teeth done so now we’re using the bit, but he just doesn’t go smoothly as other horses I’ve ridden. Also he doesn’t want to step up into anything other than a walk and even then he doesn’t listen.

By Becca Kwiek

When I’m cantering, I don’t know what lead I’m on. I know it’s whatever leg goes farthest forward but I can’t tell when I’m on her. Also, what lead should I be on going clockwise and which lead should I be on going counter clockwise?