Doing the right thing - dealing with opinion

I get confused when doing something new with my horses.  Every person you speak with has a different opinion.  As soon as I think I am close to finding the answers numerous eloquent people pop up giving wonderful plausible reasons why the way I am thinking is completely ridiculous.  So where do you turn?  I thought I'd do a bit of research to gain some clarity on how to get the best out of those around you!
 
Look at your issue, is it mild, moderate or severe?
 
Mates
Let's look at an issue such as which rug to choose or type of clippers to buy. Although problems of this nature require thought and consideration, they are still easily run past friends for their comments and suggestions.  Getting it wrong will result in a hole in your pocket, but hey it won't ruin your life!
 
Semi Professional
In getting suggestions on a significant training issue such as saddle fit and other things that could develop into something more problematic if not resolved, you are best to seek out people who have some training and credibility behind them like your horse trainer, saddle-fitter or farrier etc.
 
Professional
When it's a serious problem that involves the health and future soundness  of your horse, then seek a qualified person's opinion as well as back-up specialist advise - and yes this will involve you digging into your wallet, but so will having to buy a new horse when the one you have becomes unsound.  So let's get it right to begin with.  When you have a problem like laminitis as we did with our pony Cookie last year this was important.  Seeking the right advise, fast was crucial to him getting back on track with his health and staying there.  I'd always felt really mean locking him away from grass but seeing how much pain he suffered during his bout of laminitis I now realise how restricting his diet saved him from a horrible condition and a terrible death.  Soaking his hay, getting him on anti-inflammatories quickly and yarded on sand was critical in the first instance. Then there was managing his feet, giving him the right amount of grass (I used a muzzle when he was put into a new paddock until the grass level was lower) and giving him enough of the right sort of exercise longer term has meant he has bounced back with no on-going issues.
 
Do your own research
When a problem arises, particularly if it's a serious issue, doing your own research is essential. It helps you to be informed prior to seeking outside advice.  It's also a great way to increase your own knowledge.  Ensure your advise comes from a reputable source.  Articles on the internet are not always reliable - remember they are simply someone else's opinion so carefully choose where it comes from. 
 
Stand your ground
If you know something is right and you have sought proper advice, stand your ground when a person who has not done the same due diligence as you has strong opinions.  Sometimes it's difficult not to waiver.  Have confidence in what you know however, also balance it with listening to comments and suggestions.  One person's advise is purely that, but if many people are all telling you the same thing maybe it is worth taking a breather,  hearing them out and giving it a try.
 
Identify your key people
Support comes in all forms.  I have my shopping advise person, training people, veterinary team  (one who will do the routine stuff in my area and also an equine veterinary expert a bit further away when things are dicey and I really don't know what to do) and health team, nutritionist and osteopath, the list can go on.  But each of these people I will see/chat to for quite different reasons. 
 
Trusting your instincts
Last but not least trust your instincts, nobody knows your horse like you do.  You are his voice, comfort, disciplinarian and future - it's up to you to ensure your horse leads a happy and healthy life.  Good luck!
 
Final comment,
So in saying all of that I'm trying to decide what is the best winter rug for a cold wet climate.  Can you help?

Your comments below of what is your favourite and why would be fantastic to helping me make a very important/expensive decision!

Kind Regards,

Kate Hinton

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