This account was prepared to help horses and to point out possible
problems with their health and well being. Hopefully
it will mean our friend the horse is better understood by the
ordinary horse owner. I am biased in the horses favour, but he
needs a spokesman. If he could talk you would get an earful
in his best interests. The old remedies are in there to show
you how he was cared for, forty years and more into the past
they are not intended or expected to compete with modern medicine .
The horse breaking methods are likely to produce a
horse that has little fear of man but adequate respect for
his rider. No doubt you have seen horses so brutalized that
they are a nervous wreck , shivering with fear when man comes near.
Properly treated in the training stage of their education
most young horses will respond , temper tantrums of the trainer
make a nervous horse, remain calm if possible.
Treat your young horse like a new girlfriend, you must try to be gentle
and to win her confidence love and respect.
There are some similarities if you think on it.
I would like to thank Don & Nell Johnson of
Dirranbandi, who supplied a lot of the information on the subject of
horses and horse history.
HORSE BREAKING A DIFFERENT METHOD
LEADING. APPROACH ON FOOT. SADDLE UP.
LEAD HIM ON HORSEBACK. LEAD HIM ON FOOT.
TIE HIM UP. MOUTH HIM. DRIVE HIM IN REINS.
RIDE HIM. EDUCATION. TURNING. CATCHING.
FINDING YOUR WAY IN THE BUSH.
PROUD FLESH. GALLS. & SITFAST.
CRIB BITING. TETANUS. TICKS. LAMENESS. STRINGHALT.
SPAVIN. OVER REACHING. SANDCRACKS.
FISTULA. ARTHRITIS. BIRDSVILLE DISEASE. AZOTURIA.
PARALYSIS. BROKEN BONES. SWAMP CANCER.
CHLOROFORMING. STITCHING WOUNDS. PNEUMONIA.
GIVING MEDICINES.
If you make a copy from this site
send me a dollar its alright
3 south stn rd Booval 4304
Ipswich Queensland Australia
HORSE BREAKING A VERY DIFFERENT METHOD..
Horse gentling is my preference, I do not believe in horse breaking or bronco
busting, the word should be gentling of coming to terms with your horse.
The bronco buster ropes a young horse, and snubs him to a post. The horse
down on the rope several times, and belts his head on the snubbing post, possibly
in his forehead or maybe breaking his neck. When he has no resistance left he is
and bridled, with a big jaw breaker type of mexican bit in his soft mouth. He is
by a rider, who spurs the poor bloody horse into submission. He is bashed and
until he makes the required moves for his cruel master. This treatment often
horse sour, with a hatred for man, and no wonder. I will say no more about these
HORSE BREAKERS .. THE STANDARD TYPE..
This fellow might throw his rope to catch the horse. Once looped he wraps the
around a fence post. The frightened horse races forward and slams into a fence,
his head in or gouging out an eye. Or it gets to the end of the rope and breaks its
quite easily, particularly in a square or oblong yard. Some use a roping pole in
yard to get the rope on his neck. This frightens the horse and it takes some time
down. It is then pulled to a snubbing post in the middle of the round yard, or a
the yard. Worse still it will be flopped with a bag on a stick, so called Bagging.
horse is choking and being bagged, it may, out of fear, bang its head on the fence.
struggling, it may smash teeth or break its neck. It can be wind broken at the
This is part of the usual method used in horse breaking tried and recommended
MY METHODS USE LESS FEAR OF MAN ..
I did know Leo Casey the legendary horse breaker, who is of the same opinion as
about horse breaking. He used to make a loop in a short rope and hang it in a
on the fence of the round yard, making a snare loop. When the horse was trotted
the yard he looped himself and took the short rope with him. All Leo would say
" Got ya mate ". In the round yard at the same time he would have his own quiet
horse. He then mounted his horse and picked up the end of the horse catching
he pulled the catching rope under his horse`s neck from the offside to the
Bringing it over the wither of his own horse, he tied it to the rope again with a
After tieing the two horses together, he would gradually bring the young horse to
walking or trotting his own horse along side the young one , as in nature around
When he got it in close to his saddle horse, he would put his hand out and let the
horse smell him. After a little while he would rub it under the eye,
casting no fear into the animal. Eventually he would rub it down all over.
Later a halter hanging on the yard would be taken and put on the young horse.
catching rope could then be taken off the young horse. The halter lead replaces
catching rope, in the above manner, under the neck of the horse being ridden and
place. Now Leo could pull on the halter with the rope around the chest of his
horse, to teach the young horse to stand. And by the motion of his right hand to
forward. Gently patting it along, he could teach it to turn right or left, and to
lead rope with his horse. You can tell by the nature of the horse how soon you can
dismount, and walk up to him and let him smell your hand. Talking to him as
forward, rub his nose and rub him under the eye, the kindest place you can touch
Do not rub him under the jaw or between the bottom jaws, near the mouth. There
nerve centre there which upsets him, and he won`t like it. He may try to strike
Strange horses meeting for the first time, can adopt a fighting stance. They
for the jaw first, if they miss, may grab the wither or back of the front leg.
I have used this horse gentling method
on many occasions, with great success.
LEADING AN UNBROKEN HORSE HOME ..
Sometimes, I`ve tied the halter rope to a good strong saddle horse, and tied their
together with a hitch and a bit of binding twine. Then in this manner, I have
young unbroken horses home, sometimes several miles distant, talking to them
handling them on the journey. I have done this on many occasions and have
young horse. But you must have confidence in your breaking in horse, to know
will hold the young horse and do the job you set him. Test him with the young
the yard, before you attempt to go away. You will know in a little while around
if he can do it. Any good stout saddle horse should be good enough, all finished
an hour. When you open the main gate of the stockyard be ready for the young
will try to escape, and will make an effort to leave you as you go out the gate.
firm hand on the reins of your horse, bring your saddle horse around to the
Turn left sharply, forcing the young one to come with you, until it realizes you still
Soon it will settle down, this treatment does work in practice as I have proved
Back to the horse gentling, back in the round yard you can now approach the
horse on foot. The experienced eye can tell if a horse is approachable on foot. Go
rope and let him smell you and rub him under the eye. Things to look for when
near to him. If he snorts or pulls back, lays his ears back, rolls his eyes or shakes
from side to side, he may be unapproachable on foot. He may strike kick or bite
this case get back on your horse and pick up the catching rope again, make a loop
his neck and tie a knot that won't slip. Perhaps a bowline knot so he won't choke.
the end of the rope back through the loop, leaving a trailing loop on the ground.
moving watch his nearside back leg. When he stands in the loop, pull up the rope
from your saddle horse. The back foot should be about a foot off the ground, tie a
and the young horse is now collar roped. It will need to be done quickly, to prevent
kicking and chafing of the back of the hind fetlock, this can burn the hair off
raw. Horses that are collar roped for the first time may throw themselves down, so
where he won`t hurt himself At this point go through the motions, let him smell
his forehead and under his eye. Keep him calm. You can now pat this horse all
he can`t hurt you, unless he falls on you. He cannot kick or strike you. A fierce
will indicate to you whether he will bite. If he is a vicious horse he will lay his
or roll his eyes, but I don`t think so now. It is possible to touch this horse
Even castrate it if you know how. You can certainly pull its tail to a decent level,
the hock . Pull the mane and get the burrs out of it to a suitable length. A good
to teach him to halter, approach the horse from the front, and take it off, and put
few times. As many as you can. When putting it on, always put the halter shank
his neck to hold him, whilst doing so. You should not work a young horse any
than 2 hours in any one day. Sometimes less than 2 hours, as he may go sour in
confinement and training. He may also fret if put in a stable after work. At this
would be better turned out in the horse paddock, with the rest of the horses and
his freedom again. He will come in fresh in the morning.
During the handling of a young horse you may find when they start to sweat,
may become stubborn and unmovable. This is an indication they are turning sour,
halter off and let him go. It`s time for a break, next morning back to the round
your breaking in horse. It may be possible while riding around the yard at a walk
steady trot, to get the halter shank around his neck. Now stop and put the halter
He should now be at a stage to get up along side of him, and to drop the catching
around his neck. Then put the halter on him, use the halter shank to hold him as
If he is very flighty and fractious I recommend the leg rope again, after pulling
hind leg again. Ease the saddle blanket on carefully and saddle and girth him up.
your time, talk to him, reassure him, while you do it. You can actually crawl all
horse, take your time patting with both hands everywhere. Talking to him as you
him thoroughly. Do not put your foot in the stirrup iron while he is collar roped
weight will likely pull the horse off balance, and he will fall to the nearside with
would be quite easy after you take the saddle off to quietly climb on his back.
hands up and down his legs, several times to the hooves and back. After 20
this treatment it should be safe to remove the collar rope, off the back leg.
You can then try approaching him in the normal manner. Rub him down
head and withers and possibly pick up his feet. Remember to hold his head
on the nearside, as you attempt to pick up a nearside leg by the fetlock. If his
firmly brought to the nearside he can not kick you. If he tries, pull on the halter
stop him. He has to turn right away from you to be able to kick you. You may
to do all the things you have done previously, when he was collar roped and had
tied up. If the horse is still not leading good enough on horseback, which is
at this stage, make a loop in your catching rope and throw it over his rump. While
your horse in the yard, lead the young one around the circle in the round yard. It
take a slight tug on the rump rope, to encourage the young horse to travel with
saddle horse. You could even take him out in the big yard now and do the same.
while you will discover you can discard the head rope behind his rump. So you
taught him to lead on horse back.
Now back in the round yard. Dismount and see if you can lead both horses
around the yard. It will need to be done quite a lot, until he gets used to doing it.
Remove your saddle horse from the yard, and you can probably lead him, by the
he is not leading and turning by then, change over to a long yard, 12 to 20 feet
twice as long. Now encourage the horse to go past you, between you and the fence.
time he passes you, on the end of the rope, down the fence line, pull him back
the centre of the yard. Then let him go the other way and do the same,
turn left and right as you require him to do. This way you are making the horse
of the hard work, and you are not just dragging a horse, to the left and the right
puts the strain on you all the time and you are just pulling on his head to lead
you do this for 20 minutes he will be breathing hard puffing a bit. So will you.
him towards you and keep pulling, even if he only takes a couple of steps. Keep
and reward him with a rub on the forehead and under the eye. In this manner he
learn to lead. If he is still stubborn and won`t move back into the round yard, put
head rope around his rump again. And use it to take him around several times.
him each time with a rub under the eye when he leads.
At this stage most people are impatient. If he won`t lead by this time there is
answer. Hold him, a halter lead length away, by the halter rope, and have a
on the ground. If he won`t move forward give him a flick behind the front
the whip, it will sting and make him move about and come towards you. As you
forward, use this process on stubborn horses until they lead properly. Any horse
to lead by this method will lead anywhere, up a ramp, anywhere you`d like to take
don`t believe in too much whip. But most old time horse breakers will tell you to
necessary. They couldn`t all be wrong. Still again it can be over done, so be sure
Go up to your horse and rub him under the eye and on the forehead. Keep
him all the while, pat his neck and body with both hands, he should be used to
you have done it before. Get your saddle blanket in your right hand, and while
horses head around towards you, put the saddle blanket on his back. You should
to do so now. Do it several times until he shows that he is used to it.
Now to tie him up . He will be a little bit sore behind the ears from the halter
gave him. Get a corn sack half full of dirt and tie the neck of it.
Now tie the halter shank end to the neck of your sandbag securely. Be sure it
off. Place it in the middle of the round yard. He is then ground hitched to it.
then go for morning tea, leaving him to learn about being tied up. Repeat this
he will form the habit of staying where you drop the reins. And he will not
In the process he may drag the bag about a bit, and pull back some times. But he
like the weight so he will stand eventually. Later on this should be done in the big
reinforce his memory of this tieing up method.
Now that he will tie up, test him on the yard fence. Use the halter again, ( you
bridles this way. ) Make sure when tieing your halter to the fence, use about 3
between fence and halter. Tie it the fence at least 5 feet above ground level, with
head in a comfortable position. This is probably the safest way to tie him up. If
back and he is tied with too long a lead, he may break his neck. Don`t tie him
may help to break his neck. Also he can step over the lead and probably throw
Then as he struggles to get up, he will bash his head against the post or yard. So
how you tie up any horse ! To avoid breaking reins, old time drovers punched a
each rein end and joined them with a light leather bootlace, this would break first
horse pulled back and it often saved bridle reins. You have avoided hurting him,
bit of care. So let him go with his mates until the next day.
On the third day get him back into the round yard with your saddle horse. It
possible with them both standing together in the yard, to put the halter on him.
Put your breaking in bridle on him. Tie the reins around his neck and see that
fits comfortably, in his mouth with no creases in the corners. In 15 or 20 minutes
should be used to the bit in his mouth, if he is left loose in the yard to try it, so he
work his tongue around it. Most people these days don`t have proper breaking in
so put your saddle cloth on him, and an old saddle. Girth him up to keep the
Tie each rein back to the girth or surcingle straps, evenly
with his head in it`s normal position, when standing with the reins a little bit
him in the big yard with your saddle horse, for nearly an hour, or until you think
become used to the bridle bit in his mouth. After this treatment, shorten the reins
But not too tight a grip on his mouth, just so he can really
feel the bit and reins working, as he turns his head to either side. Let him go
On the fourth day put on your halter and bridle, plus the cloth and old saddle.
now have stirrup irons attached, when he is saddled. Tie the stirrup irons
his chest, with a strap. Your driving reins are run from his bridle bit, back
stirrup iron on each side, these reins or ropes must be long enough to have you
reach behind him if he kicks. Drive him in the round yard, do not be rough on his
be gentle. A lighter hand makes a better mouth. Do not see saw the reins. Make
determined effort to turn right or left and make him do it. I can`t put enough
this driving with the reins. With perseverance, he should distinctly turn right or
will stop when you decide to. To get him to move forward it maybe necessary, to
him a bit of a flap, with a downward stroke of the driving reins on his rump or
Or a tap with the end of the reins, these driving reins should be split and 2
used, not tied together, to avoid being caught by your leg and possibly dragged.
Don`t be too hard on his mouth as it will be chafed and very tender now. It is a
practice to put vaseline in the corners of his sore mouth, it seems to help.
After a suitable time if he is responding to turns and stops. If you can now
movements by his mouth, you can very likely ride him, soon.
Back in the round yard with him, put halter bridle and saddle on our horse.
offsider would be handy at this point to assist.
Put the reins over the new horses neck, with the offsider holding the horse, by
the halter firmly. Rein the horse up not too tightly, put your riding boot, right
stirrup iron. Place your knee against his shoulder, don`t go up and down in the
it will only frighten this horse away from you.
Step aboard with your hand on the monkey strap, ( found on Australian stock
keep your body low down, and make a clean movement on to his back. let him
few seconds to get used to your weight on his back. Now let the offsider lead you
the yard several times, until he is moving freely. Get your offsider to bring in the
in horse, he mounts it and leads your horse by the halter, with a firm grip on the
lead rope he can control your horse a bit. And so you are led out into the big yard.
around together a few times, then wrap the lead around this new horses' neck.
Disconnected he should travel with the other horse now, around the big yard. So
you have ridden him, hurrah, in the yard.
Next day mount him in the same manner in the round yard, go out into the big
together with your assistant mounted also. We are now going for a short ride
Make sure the offsider has a good hold on the halter lead, when you go through
This is a danger point, he may try to run away, but you and your offsider can
mate. After half an hour or so, wrap the halter lead around his neck, he should be
freely now. Don`t over do it, he still can go sour, one to two miles should be
before returning to the yard.
A young horse should be ridden every day. He may become slightly harder in the
on one side more than the other. You then would need to concentrate on this
more than the good turning side.
Please be patient and get him gaited with distinct walking, not jogging. And a
trot, leading up to a steady canter. It will take several months of steady riding,
may still be a green horse for 12 months or more.
But you should make every movement of him distinct and deliberate, to give him
doubt of what you require of him. So much so, that it is noticeable to other
stands out how responsive he has become. When cantering in a circle the inside
should lead the other front one in movement. When you canter through a figure
circuit, he should change lead legs, to the inside of the turn. As direction changes
need to change back to the other front leg, in a reverse movement. The best way
at first, is to go clockwise with the offside leg leading. Then after a time change
the anti clockwise movement. With the inside leg leading again now the nearside
leg. After you have completed these movements, do the figure eight. Make sure
you do it that the inside leg leads after every turn change.
The legs must change over during the figure eight circuit moves. It should be
a steady canter, after he has been schooled into this situation, for example. In a
camp drafting, or hacking, and in every equestrian event.
It is vital to have your horse do it at the right time. It only comes with practice
few months. And if the horse is not too excitable.
A good way to teach a horse to turn and to use his feet, is to ride him up and
fence. Try turning him into the fence, and going back the other way, at a trot and
changing feet in the right manner. When this can be done cantering or galloping
yourself a damn good horse mate.
All horses are individuals and should be treated as such, it is what I call
their brain. On stud properties all foals should be caught every day and handled
birth. Eventually taught to tie up, pick up their feet often as possible, and try to
complete trust of you. Should they become injured, it is easier to care for them.
( Cast your mind back to the teamster, who had no trouble at all. After handling
foals, from birth to the harnessed stage of their lives. He could manage by
early days of Australia. A man on horse back, helped to emphasize the gulf,
employer and the employees, working on distant bush properties, so far away from
Always pick up his four feet at least once every day right from the beginning. It
it easier for the farrier when he does the shoeing of your horse.
In the old days most horses were broken in with a crupper on the horse. Fitted
his tail and attached to a ring at the back of the saddle. When adjusting it to
do up the buckle, after putting your hand under it to give a four inch gap. This
just fine. After 2 or 3 rides with a crupper installed, he may start to kick up with
legs. This is a sure sign that the crupper is chafing his tail. If it's very sore,
crupper and carry on with out it.
A CRUSH IS HANDY FOR HORSE HANDLING ..
YET ANOTHER PROVEN METHOD FOR THE HORSE BREAKER..
The ideal situation for me, is to put the young horse in a crush. Let him go to
of the crush, and put 2 rails across behind him through the crush. One rail about
height of his tail and the other one halfway down to his hock. Walk very quietly
head, he may struggle a bit but he will settle down if you talk quietly. Let him
hand and rub him on the nose, and rub him beneath the eye, finally a rub all over
patting motion. Use both of your hands at the same time, this should be kept up
have become very friendly with the horse. Make sure you have done it right,
everywhere. While patting him hold a halter up to the front of his head, very
now you should be able to put the halter on the horse without any problem.
If you let the horse go forward through the gate in the crush, into another yard,
catching rope onto the end of your halter lead rope. Now 2 strong young men,
able to stop the young horse from bolting around the yard. Hold it until it settles
and realizes it is caught.
Rub him under the eye possibly all over, you have been there all ready. I have
their feet at this stage, talking and patting as before.
Two men pulling on the halter should be able to teach this horse to lead, with
halter inside at least half an hour. Older horses may be more difficult than a 2
The younger they are the quicker they learn, like children. This applies to foals
yearlings, up to 2 years old. It can be done with a horse that is older, if they have
placid nature. This style is called handling the horse, catching it every day in the
and then out of the crush.
Pick up its feet as often as you can. If he is too fractious to let you, put a collar
on him. He may come down on his knees or fall on his side, but if you are careful
harm will come to the horse.
You may need your saddle horse in the yard with you, to get the collar rope on
up the hind leg. Now dismount and handle the horse on foot as I have stated
teach him to tie up go back to the bag of dirt method. Approach the young horse
as you can while he is tied to the bag of dirt. He will become used to being caught
the big yard. A horse is only as good as the man on his back.
If your usual horse is inclined to play up and pig root, when you get on him, or
little bit, jerk his head up and rouse on him. These horses generally drop their
control from you . A horse lead at the trot or canter, just after being saddled, led
minutes quickly, will get his pigrooting out of his system without you being on
back. This is an old Drover's way to get the high spirits out of the way, to avoid
dumped by a horse then fed on chaff & oats for strength . These horses were
days a week all day and needed 2 litres of oats per day.
The man from snowy river was a myth, "Single handed and alone he brought
He must have been running in the saddle horses, they certainly weren`t brumbies.
I`ve yarded a few in my time in the 1930's. Starting out in the morning about
searching for brumby horse tracks. Four horsemen we were all together, and
they have got to be good at their job. At first sight of us these brumbies will run
These horses at their fastest pace, on account of travelling all the time, become
horses and hardened to it. Sound winded sure footed and know their habitat.
better mounted on thoroughbreds, lightly shod and well fed, and worked in till
conditioned. The faster these horses are the better mounts. To be sure footed is a
was my job to always go to the lead of the brumbies, another 2 men, one each on
right and left wings of the brumby mob. And one to bring up the rear. Old horses
foals may drop out, let them go. The man in the lead has a woeful job, as do the
the wings. The chap on the tail or rear, also needs to be game and good,
It was my job to try and steady the lead, by shouting and crisscrossing in front of
mob. You travel in this manner, to steady them down. Eventually you may even
You will notice the sweat starting to dry on them. It is an indication that they
slowing down. They should be driven and turned about in this manner, until they
reasonably managed. Finally after all day at this practice, you may be able to
to a yard you built 20 miles away.
As for one man on horse back, he hasn`t a chance of doing what 4 top horsemen
As soon as they get hot and confused, the brumbies will split and break away in
twos or little groups, they have to be boxed in by the four riders to stop this
I`d defy any one man on horse back, to act out the part of the man from Snowy
with real brumbies and no fences to help him.
I will include a little poem of a Brumby horse we caught in the old days.
had one hip down and was not saleable. A brumby stallion at seven years of age,
was to become a legend in his lifetime, in the brumby running department. These
stallions we rode with a bit of age on them, knew more about handling horses
did, hence ............ Hippy the Mugan crack .
Was Hippy the mugan crack ,
He can travel through from the streak of dawn ,
With 12 stone perched on his back .
When Jack Day is riding ,
Through holes where the dead Oaks fall ,
Doesn`t worry old Hippy at all .
When brumbies are stringing ,
And stock whips are ringing ,
In mad effort to break away ,
The leaders are clinging ,
Behind the miles flinging ,
In front is the game old bay .
Out in the scrub where the brumbies wheel,
It gives your heart a pain ,
When he stretches out to hold the lead ,
The tug of old hippys rein .
(by an 1890 Mungindi Brumby Runner) Poet :- Alex Wilkie.
MORE MYTHS REGARDING HARNESSED HORSES ..
The myth of the movie maker who knows nothing about horses in harness.
horses cantering in a sulky, cart, or jinker. Or any horse drawn carriage like a
Cobb and co style, four in tandem or six in tandem. These horses are
always cantering in the harness, sometimes for days and days of a journey. They
bloody well canter with their collars on.
DON'T CANTER HIM IN HARNESS MATE ..
After a horse has done one day in harness at the canter, the top of his neck
chewed out, by the collar and both shoulders worn away to bare red flesh. It
be done in the movies or allowed to be done anywhere. All those drivers should be
sacked, for allowing it to happen and the movie maker prosecuted for cruelty to
animals. They should travel in harness at a walk or jog to a brisk trot, allowing
horses yoked up to travel at a comfortable pace.
Only the experienced eye, will know when these horses have been hardened to
with consistent work. A good even team, should be able to stretch out and trot
be hurried along. No horse in harness should have to travel more than 25 miles
miles a day, which is the limit. Yoke a new team up if you must go on, it never
in the movies, they are more like charioteers over a short distance. If pulling from
band this seesaw action, when cantering in harness is just the same, and just as
Damn all men of this calibre, who mistreat the harnessed horse.
HORSE GENTLING, THE WAY IT WAS
THE DYING ART OF BUSH LOGIC ..
Old time carriers with their supply wagons or their wool wagons would take
into the inland. They would return loaded with wool to the nearest railway line or
scour, and wool selling places in the capital cities.
The most ideal setup for a horse team operator, was a good big solid wagon,
about ,24 good big boned draft horses mostly mares and a stallion . The pulling
had to be fitted to each individual horse . These collars range in size from 14
upwards. The two shafters had to be pretty quiet to be backed into the shafts.
two horses were called the pin horses and they carried heavy harness, as they,
shafters, were used to turn the wagon right or left . The harness on the pin
very heavy duty, not only to pull with, but also to take the strain of the horses,
the body of the team effort. They were yoked in pairs of two right up to the
near side leader was picked for his intelligence and was relied on, by the carrier
most other horses in the team .
The off side leader was equally important with the same qualities . When the
spoke to his leaders and pin horses to turn left, he would say. " GE. GE. GE.".
When turning right he said, "GE BACK. GE BACK. GE BACK." To get them
forward into the harness and down the road, it was, "GET UP. GET UP. GET
To stop the wagon, he said "WHORP . WHORP . WHORP . OR WOE."
Bullock drivers also spoke to their bullock teams. When bringing them to the
said " WHA WHE ". If they were to turn right, it was "HOOT OVER. HOOT
Every individual animal had a name and he knew it. If he was slacking and not
his share of the load or weight, sometimes a dig in the ribs was enough to get
HAVING FOALS WHILE TRAVELLING..
The mares were not worked to the point of foaling, the teamster knew when,
the day she would foal. He kept service information in his notebook to know when
might come. The mare was given a few days off to have it travelling with the
These spare horses were brought along by a cattle dog, or blue heeler, whose job
bring any wanderers back to the travelling mob. After being told his job for a
dog did it without instructions keeping the horses in close to the rear of the
a horse wouldn`t pull his weight or wasn`t a good worker, these horses were called
and they were usually sold to a farmer, where they might pull a one horse plough
to pull their weight, 1 horse power.
The teamster would not breed from this type of horse to avoid producing
When the foals were born they were brought on camp, and the teamster or
caught that foal this same day.
He caught it by placing his left arm under its neck, and the right arm around the
quarters. He would rub it down and pat it and talk to it, this was done every day
they grew up with no fear of man. These foals were even taught to lead and had
picked up often, to make them easier to handle, shoe, or doctor. This handling
till they reached 2 years of age. At two years old, after the team was yoked up to
wagon in two strings of single horses, the young horse was placed in between the
of horses, which were brought together leaving the young horse in the middle. A
chain was connected across the string in front of him, and another chain was
across behind him. leaving him in a crush where he could be harnessed up,
place of a horse at his side, this horses' chains being transferred to the new horse.
the horse he replaced was led out of the body of the team, leaving him to learn the
Of course you understand, that these young horses, right from the start at birth,
caught almost every day whenever possible. Not much horse busting in this
Most teamster, tried to eventually breed horses of the same colour a favoured
I`ve seen some teams with brown bally horses and mares, that looked exactly
of them yoked plus spares. Some teamsters were perfectionists, and went for
brass fittings all exactly the same, brass covered steel ames with little sleigh bells
attached to the ames on the high top. The Teamsters polished the brass in their
in motion they were a sight to behold, never to be seen again in the lonely inland.
Sometimes in a drought the carrier would have to bring a spare wagon to carry
supplies, plus feed and water for the team on the long dry stretches outback. He
master of his environment. He fed his horses on whole corn and chaff from a
trough, made to fit both shafts of the wagon, where some of the horses were fed.
carried with him hessian home made troughing, and the horses could be watered
100 gallon tank on the ground, filled from the main supply wagon. If good grass
water were available he never fed at all. He kept his saddle horse on a tether
always had a swivel link in the chain to avoid chain tangles. The horse wore a
on his neck, and the teamster could tell what each horse was doing and where he
the individual sound tone .
All horses seem to mate up to form their own groups, so it was necessary to
bell on each separate group. Some of the bells usually condamine type, were up to
pounds weight and could be heard about 10 miles away. On a cold winter
could tell by the sound of the bell what the bell ringer was doing, you read the
knew whether the horse was feeding, drinking, walking or trotting
away. Horses that are over worked and used up, won`t settle down, not even on
grass and water. They are like ourselves, if they have a long hard day their
become jangled, and they will try to get as far as possible away from their work
during the night. I think, you could call it running away from slavery .
It`s a sad thing when you see horses that have been overworked, their
from the collar, and with whip marks all over.
These rough type of men who drove their horses to the limits of their endurance,
ones, the mongrels I speak about now. Some of these human animals would cut
about six feet long and would tie a chain on the end of it.
This then was used to bash the horse into place, in his collar in the team. To
of thinking they had no place in the carrying business, or delving boredrains and
making of earth tanks or dams for water supplies. They were obnoxious and I
never consider employing this type of sadist.
The chain whips were called jinglers, thank god those beasts of burden have
released from slavery. Something should have been written about the misuse of
Camels, Bullocks , and Horses, by some of our brutal ancestors and of their
A good bush rule all riders should abide by, is never sweat a horse after 4
the evening, particularly, in winter he will be cold all night. If very hot and let go
horse will shiver! all night, very hard on the animals. After a days work in the
make absolutely sure you never gallop a horse home after he has finished his
good brisk walk or trot is the best method.
If you gallop your horse home when your work is finished, he will become
and very excitable. The habit will die with him. Remember a set of shoes and a
warm rug for the winter, are as good as an extra feed to the animal. In my
working horses should be shod and rugged in the winter months. Horses are very
possessive in their habitat, and will protect it from other horses. It is in their
so. They will charge outsiders, biting, striking, and kicking, and sometimes
horse over a fence, causing injury to the intruder. It`s not a good idea to allow a
foal in a paddock with her mates, some horses will object to the foal very strongly.
the other hand, some mares will take control of the foal, and will not allow it near
mother. I've seen geldings do this also. In some respects, they are like
ourselves, they don`t accept strangers readily. Horses have good memories. Even
parted for years, they will accept old mates back into the mob readily. The
a mare, although parted for years, will readily recognise and accept one another
If a horse is lost by an owner, or even a few horses together, 99 times out of a
they will travel in the direction of their habitat. I have seen horses
travel hundreds of miles, and sometimes after months reach their natural home or
Remember bad habits can develop quickly. If he gets a win over you he will
And good habits occur through repetition and handling by the owner, good habits
be rewarded and encouraged, bad habits discouraged with some sensible
bad ones should be prevented by firm action and discipline.
AS AN OLD BUSH SAYING GOES..
If you are lost in the bush on horseback, give the horse his head and he`ll take
home. He is a better bushman than you are, this is quite a natural thing for the
do. On approaching a horse anywhere even the quietest animal, make sure it is
talking to it. It may be asleep standing up, with its eyes open. I have been
hurt twice, by two of the quietest horses I have ever owned. It was all my own
even though I spoke to these two on approach they didn't hear me. They may
Not all horses are good swimmers.
No horse will carry an adult person in the saddle in deep water. When the horse
swim grab the mane, hobbles strapped on his neck or the pommel of the saddle
alongside it. If this fails slide back and grab the tail, the horse can`t kick you
swimming A non swimmer is likely to miss the tail and drown.
If you are a non swimmer make no attempt to cross deep water on horseback.
Throughout my lifetime all the non swimmers I've known, ended up dead in the
when crossing deep water holes.
If riding an unshod horse avoid stony roads, ridges, and bitumen, pick a soft as
possible pathway for the horses benefit.
Horses bred on blacksoil plains will grow up with big flat feet like dinner plates.
type of horses should be shod all of the time, they go sore footed and develop corns
nodules on the bottom of their hooves. Splits and cracks in the hoof occur, and
to have their hooves cleaned out regularly.
The best possible place to breed horses with good hard feet and sure footedness,
place with plenty of sweet grass on the feeding grounds, where the horses have to
across a stony or rocky ridge to their watering place. This will develop well
shaped hooves and sure footedness in the horse, this is hardly ever considered by
Of course horses like other animals need shade trees to get under in the heat
day. They also like a patch of scrub to get into in winter to keep warm, called
When mustering horses or cattle, at the first opportunity, an accomplished
should go straight to the lead and block them up immediately. If they are
free for a few miles they become hot and unmanageable. This stockman should
the lead at all times. It is called steadying the lead. Remember, the mob will
saddle horse to the yard. Inexperienced riders should avoid this issue like the
account of the dangers involved. Of course there will be other riders on the wing,
BUSH LOGIC ON RIDING HORSES ..
An experienced rider is one, who has ridden 7 different horses 7 days a week
years, with intelligence guts and gumption in that period. Then they may become
accomplished horseman and know the reason why. If you have worked on station
properties and have ridden good and bad horses, some of them very dangerous to
battling bad horses just to go to work, you will understand a west Queensland
A heavy rider can learn to ride in motion, picking up the stride of the horse and
moving with it in the saddle. This rock and roll action of the horse and man
together, where man and beast become as one, is called easy style, or balanced
has been recognised by bushmen that a balanced rider on a bucking horse, will
longer than the death grip rider type. The grip rider holds on by brute strength,
the monkey or horn of the saddle in a rough spot or if his horse crowhops or shies
fright. The neon sign of a poor horseman.
It is a well known fact of life that all horses respond better to a light hand on the
rein, they don`t like the jerkers.
Reefing, or strong handed tactics, only hurts his mouth.
Light hands should be practiced from the very start, while the horse is being
seems the civilised thing to do. Remember, they are being gentled, not
broken or busted, which they will object to. Rough treatment while breaking him
mouthing him, will put fear into him plus resentment. He becomes hard mouthed
unmanageable to ride. When breaking him in you really want him to trust you,
fear man and his touch. You gain his confidence by being firm but gentle.
BUSH LOGIC INVOLVED GAINED AFTER A LIFETIME IN THE BUSINESS
Get to know your own horses hoof tracks, study them well.
To know them sure enough, you look at his hooves and study them too.
body should know the hoof mark on the ground of their own horse, and rubber
None are the same and all are definitely different, they are turned at different
Be it cracks in the hooves, long toes, on individual feet, some their hooves turned
only one hoof turned out. The frog in the foot is different like a fingerprint,
Some are pigeon toed with their front feet turned in, scooping the dirt outward on
Others with them turned out, called a paddler, I would reject that horse. Some
their heels more than their toes and vice versa. Other horses using their hind
over the front track up to 20 inches, a rough horse to ride and some right back
one inch over the front track. Other horses hind leg feet can step into the
or on top of the front track, they travel well. Horse`s steps can vary from 1 inch
the front foot, to a measure of 12 inches behind the front foot, in the extreme only.
Reject him also not a good traveller to ride.
Particularly, look for a horse that does over step his front foot slightly, they are
walkers and a smooth horse to ride. Any horse that walks with his front feet and
with his hind feet, his hips are lower and the hindquarters smaller.
They are unusual and a good horse to ride, and a smart mover particularly on a
they get over the ground quickly but are not a show hack. A horse with a low
a high rump is not for me to ride, but could travel well in harness.
Hence the old adage. 1 white foot buy him, two white feet try him, three white
look around him, four white feet let him go to hell. Some white footed horses have
feet. Some white legged horses have black feet.
THE PERFECT HORSE........
A good horse should stand up well with a wide forehead, normal or small ears
big soft protruding eye. He has an obvious jawline and good big nostrils, the neck
be a straight line from his ears to the top of the withers, and in proportion with
his body. He should have a good sloping shoulder in proportion with his neck and
clearance from the top of his wither to his armpit. So when saddled the girth and
will be behind the armpit, and will not girth gall him. He should be deep and
the wither to the girth, plenty of breathing space with a good chest and chest
A good big rib cage indicates good breathing capacity a basic necessity in a
horse. His back line should be in equal proportion, not swampy backed or drop
front of the wither. From the wither to the rump will be about the same height,
allowing for the contours in between. Long backs are out, he should be wide
both hip bones and have a long extended rump, that is wide and quite large in
comparison with the body of the horse. A rounded rump allowing the hinges of his
bones to be slightly dropped, where they hinge to the rump. These features
speed, his hind legs should conform with his flanks allowing him to stride out
To stand up correctly he should be wide between the hocks, to stand up nice and
and not cow hocked with them almost rubbing together, or turned outwardly or
They should be square to look at, this allows a better turning performance and is
and stamina in the animal. He should have good upright fetlocks and not
ones, these have a tendency to break down.
Look for big bones in both front and back legs with long pasterns, or fetlocks, the
cannon bones should be good and strong. Short pastern bones indicate cross
carry hair behind the fetlocks. Their hooves should be black if possible and should
up well in proportion with the leg.
My horse would have to be 15.2 hands or taller and conform with the above
description, if they have a good forelock, mane, and tail it is an advantage they
better. A very thin skin is not an advantage, and a yellow bay is not for me. My
is a thoroughbred to ride, pack, or drive, and in every instance where the animal
more brains and intelligence are apparent.
I am not forgetting your special horse the one you love the best, and I do
animal regardless of the breeding or his habits or characteristics.
SELECTING A HORSE FOR YOUR REQUIREMENT..
The foundation in everything is the most important in a good house etc, it
firm and reliable, so too in the horse of your choice. This comes back to the dam
The most evident thing is the mare if she has all the qualifications. As I have
previously the dam should be good and quiet and have no fractious behaviour
and not be highly strung. She should be placid and unexcitable in any
hardly ever considered by horse breeders. For instance a studbook mare and
pony or thoroughbred, amounts to the same thing and should be a good performer.
No matter what the breed is, the thing to do is to find a stallion, with a past
high performance. A stallion from a background in lineage, which have in their
records been highly regarded by the experts. But remember all thoroughbreds are
produced in this manner, but only 5 percent ever win races. Never the less they
well in other spheres or avenues, Pony club , Police, Show ring, Cross country,
events. Particularly Hunting, these horses are special and should be treated as
would never consider the glue factory, the pet food, or the knackery for them. For
have an average lifespan of 20 years, if they are cared for, in a decent manner .
TRACKING A STRANGE HORSE IN THE BUSH, GETTING TO KNOW THE
SIZE, SEX, AND COLOUR OF THE ANIMAL BEFORE YOU FIND IT..
Tracking is a tribal instinct for Aborigines, but it is essential for Stockmen.
big mob of horses travelling I could pick out and get to know 5 horses in one day,
their tracks. Every new day, I would get to know another separate 5. So I was
memorising more, up to possibly a hundred in the finish. If these horses split
mobs at night, I could tell you after a quick look at their tracks, which horses
particular mob. You can have them in your mind like the alphabet or 1 to 100.
When tracking a strange horse in the bush, it will be small medium or large in the
that will indicate to me the size of the animal, the track will be in your mind size
size 3. All pony sizes 4, 5, and 6 will be 14.5 hands high. Over size 6 for
would be a big thoroughbred type. He could carry a 14 stone man anywhere.
Size 7 and 8 will be huge plenty of bone and quite a big horse probably 16 and
hands tall. When measuring, 1 hand is the width of your hand 4 inches, half a
inches, you measure from the top of the wither to the ground .
When following the stranger, the stallion or gelding, you will see where he has
out to pass urine. He will step with his hind leg into his own urine, usually into
middle of it, in every instance. This tells you the stranger is a male. If it is a
will drop his droppings on the top of other older droppings. Sometimes you will see
heaps of dung, a gelding will not do this. If it is a mare passing urine, when she
urine it will run into her back hoof tracks. So by now we will know what kind of
we are tracking. Find out too the colour of the animal. Each day that horse will
least once, If it is springtime they will roll many times a day, rubbing the dead
of their skin. If you study carefully you will know the colour, by the hairs left on
ground. Free ranging horses during wet weather hardly drink at all, they have a
skin and absorb water through their hide. In winter time they only drink once a
spring and autumn twice a day, very hot weather 3 to 5 times a day. If they can
water they will roll in it and pollute it and stir up the mud.
A horse is an animal of habitat. Particularly with a stallion of mature years,
with a mob of mares in wild country. He will mark out his territorial boundaries,
drive from the mob all young colts from 18 months upward, keep them out at all
These young colts will form groups together and live in that manner. Until
when one is old enough, he will return to the mob time and time again. The
stallion will become the king of the herd. Some old stallions will fight till they are
A LONER HORSE THAT LIVES BY HIMSELF ..
He rejects all herd instincts, by living by himself continuously. He knows no
or common horse instincts he has a code of his own. He does not know any
his capabilities. By living a lonely life he does not recognize any of the horse
everyday activities. He develops his own. These horses are rare and after being
captured, on account of what he is he has no limitations, he will have a go at
you put him at. You may depend he`ll do his best in any circumstances.
a fact that they are a rare and wonderful animal. They only give of their best .
disadvantage, a loner may take some finding in his scrub retreat. A bell is the
Mares can be served after one year old, but better results are achieved after
years. Mares, have bred foals up to the age 38 years or so. Mares come into
in the early spring and summer, up to 4 days at a period, repeating every 4 weeks
Some stallions can serve up to 80 mares, in a season of 3 months plus, after 4
age. If a stallion is 3 years and under, limit the services to 20 or less.
If the mare doesn`t come into season, after 3 weeks past her being served, she
probably in foal, but not always true. Check 16 days after her heat period ends,
come into season again, this is more exact timing. Some mares though not
not come into heat again in this season.
PREGNANCY VARIATIONS HORSE.
Forty eight and a half weeks, or about 340 days normally, sometimes, down to
days or up to 412 is possible.
Normal birth takes place over a 15 minute period, and if it takes longer she may
help or the foal may die .
The placenta usually comes out after some minutes, and up to 30 minutes later,
don`t usually retain the placenta. Foals can be born in the placenta envelope, and
brought out of it to survive, as he can`t breathe inside it.
If in doubt when she has trouble call a VET.
SWELLS UP .. a 50 YEAR OLD REMEDY..
If after a month of pregnancy she swells up abnormally and is very large
4 legs, you can treat the condition with a drench of this mixture.
4 grams of nux vomica fluid extract,
2 grams of citrate of caffeine,
10 drops digitalis fluid extract, HALF a pint of water.
Mixed and given daily till some improvement occurs, the swelling usually goes
and can be caused by pressure on the veins in the groin area, and isn`t dangerous.
not to be confused with a dropped belly, rupture of the pre pubic tendon .
You have a new foal if he doesn`t breathe, clear any mucous from his mouth
If he is too big to lift throw him from one side to the other using his legs to throw
Splash him with cold water it may start him, or try shaking him and slapping
into his mouth or nose to start him breathing, If he breathes now, fix his umbilical
Tie a knot around the umbilical cord 2 inches from the navel. Use some cord you
in antiseptic solution to tie it.
Cut the cord on the placenta side separating it from the foal. Disinfect the site
to avoid complications. Place him in front of the mother and let her lick off the
covering he will have . If she won`t do it dry him yourself.
Foals born in yards, are possibly more in danger of getting diseases than paddock
foals, such as, Enteritis, White Scours, and Pneumonia.
The ideal foaling paddock is a small hilly paddock, at all times kept for this
His next trouble may be constipation if no manure is evident from him, try a
his rectum or an enema, use soapy water. Mix half a pint of glycerine to a gallon
water. Clear the passage up his rectum with your fingers. Use a luke warm
foot tube and a funnel, put the small tube just inside his rectum,
and start the mixture flowing through the funnel, gently push the tube in to the
about 7 inches. Check his bowel action after this and give him more enemas if
If he looks tucked up, and her udder is full he may not be getting a drink, tie
and watch him feed if he can.
If she still won't let him suck, pick up her front fetlock ,and show him to his meal
teat, watch them until she accepts him. After he gets the first milk, called
he digests it, he should produce black manure quite resinous
from his intestines. If no black manure is produced constipation may be here.
New born animals who don`t get the colostrum in the milk, should be given castor
some mild laxative to get the bowels working properly .
His mother may not get her milk for hours after birth, so give the foal a drink of
water, with some glucose half and half mixture, and keep him warm .
FINDING YOUR WAY IN THE BUSH..
When travelling EAST walk into the sun, at noon, 12 o'clock, midday, the
a tree will be in a complete circle around the butt of a tree. From noon onward
shadow of the trees will lengthen to the east, travel that way even by watching
In the afternoon the sun will be shining on the middle of your back, until it sets
sunset. If travelling north at sunrise the sun will be on your right shoulder, until
on your left shoulder until sunset. When travelling south the sun at sunrise will
your left shoulder, until noon and on your right shoulder until sunset. If
sunrise the sun will be on your back until noon, it will be in your face until
is overcast don`t panic study the timber particularly our native trees, my
that the trees have a tendency to open their branches to the NORTH and SOUTH
allowing the sun to shine through. Trees will even twist their branches, around in
It seems in their nature to do this over the length and breadth of Australia, if you
what I have said you may conclude like I did, that mature timber will grow in this
to about 75 percent on average. To check this out in heavily timbered country,
find that grey green moss grows on the southern side of most trees, it may be only
shading of the above but it will be there in most cases.
Looking for water in the outback. Where there are domesticated
stock and kangaroos, they create a pad or pathway to the nearest water. More
you study it well the pathways or pads come together to a point, which forms a
closer you get to that watering point more of the v`s comes together, the "V"
points to water a natural thing to happen.
A good hat and a solid pair of boots, matches or a cigarette lighter, and a knife,
survival knife would do nicely. A water bottle over your shoulder. Not forgetting
large plastic bags to pull over a small very green tree, or a very leafy limb of a
must hang down wrap the neck of the bag around the limb or tree and tie it on, at
water moisture will gather in the bottom of the bag, not much but some enough to
on. When lost don`t climb over a fence stay on your side of it, unless you can
obviously see water on the other side of it. Never cross a river unless, you can see
habitation on the other bank. If I came to a river I would follow the stream
will find human habitation on it, the same applies to boredrains
. A small fishing line is always handy, most streams have edible mussels in the
edges if you feel around to find them, (good fish bait), crayfish in the boredrains
Sometimes small fish and mussels are found in boredrains. Remember a road will
that river or watercourse somewhere, stay on the road at that point, and keep a
smoky fire going day and night so you can be seen by the searchers. Most gullies
downhill will eventually lead to water, don`t panic, most people do, keep a cool
not let yourself become irrational, keep your clothes on and keep something warm
Never walk away from your car, stay with it. In the inland you should carry at
gallons of water, extra fuel and oil plus several spare tyres, fan belts, and radiator
A good tool kit and a jack, wheel spanner, and a tyre pump, tyre levers, tubes,
tyre sleeves. A small bog puller is a handy gadget, it can also be used to put
tubeless tyre, to squeeze the tubeless tyre back on to the safety rim, so it can be
up again. I have used a car jack to remove a tyre from a wheel, by placing the jack
on the side of tyre, and under the bumper bar or chassis of a car. Wind the jack
inches and sit on the mudguard or stand on the bumperbar, move up and down to
the tyre, it might take some time, but it will come off in the finish. Another way to
the bead of the tyre from the wheel, is to carry a short plank say 5x2 inches solid
hardwood, approximately 3 feet long, maybe an old step.
Put the flat tyre and wheel in front of your car in line on the drivers side of
place the very edge of the plank on the side of tyre up close to the wheel rim but
it, then drive the car up the plank to the top of it, and put on the car hand brake
it. Then you will have the full weight of the car on the tyre with the plank in
Stand onthe bumper bar and rock the car, the tyre beads should break and drop,
while it breaks the seal. I have performed this operation with a guide post on the
the road, so carry an axe. Remember a small tarpaulin, a swag if any in the boot,
can, some tea and sugar, a few tins of corn beef, and hard tack biscuits, will take
room in the vehicle. No doubt they will be appreciated if bogged or broken down
might save your life. A good idea to stay on the main drag or road, don`t ever go
side track if you don`t know where its leading to, it maybe an old mining road
hundreds of kilometers and going nowhere. It may have recent wheel tracks on
Ignore this plenty have followed them at their peril.
When travelling in the outback leave your name at Hotels, and Police stations,
where you intend to go. Get advice locally about roads, rivers, and directions.
Every motor vehicle in the outback should have a C.B. radio or flying doctor
high frequency radio transmitter, is very handy if you are in trouble.
As long as some one hears you. Many people have been rescued after calling on
C.B. radio for help, from any one listening. Most C.B. radio people will help you,
calling their local Policemen, who then contact the Police in the rescue area.
definitely, will organize a search for you.
Some of these good C.B. people, will ring the Police in your area usually by
S.T.D.telephone, sometimes from thousands of miles away.
C.B. radio, Ham radio, and Flying Doctor radios, can reach out to other users of
Who you get to answer you is the one listening on the band, or
frequency, that you use. So check with the department of communications
for a list of the monitored frequencies eg, channel 9 on a 40 channel C.B. radio is
emergency channel, where you call for help when you are in trouble mate.
TUCKER MATE 
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3 sth stn rd booval 4304
Ipswich Queensland Australia