h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I'm going through and converting it to Guide ML now, rewriting, and adding any bits that come to mind

In the section about washing - why do you say "human" shampoo shouldn't be used? That's what I've always used (strongly diluted) and what's been recommended to me by various horsey people, hence the confusion. (Though for a while, it was the other way around - we were using horse shampoo for ourselves, since it was cheaper )

Aaaand three hours later, here's the Entry!

A47016137

Tell me what you think before I put it into PR

I added a few things for the total beginner, like how to pick up hooves.

Cool, I'll read it now.

The not using human shampoo thing is mainly because some shampoos aren't right for their skin and will affect them. Mainly aimed at people who dont think things through properly! I'd rather someone used human shampoo than washing powder or bathroom cleaner!

It's looking good Mal!

Couple of wee editing points: Under the rubber curry comb heading, you've got an erroneous word (says 'sturdy but rubber') and I suspect the 'but' can be removed.

Under plastic curry comb, you also mention metal curry comb (dont know if it was you or me) but it reads like you shouldn't use either plastic or metal on the horse... I'm sure just rearranging it slightly will sort it!

And finally, under the section about non-essential grooming kit items, there's a bit about rubber massage pads that have cones and bumps 'on' but that doesn't work with the word after it.

Other than that, I think there were a few wee spaces around where they shouldn't be and possibly a typo or two but it reads well. (cant remember where all of them were, I'm at w*rk... Cant be reading websites *too* much!)

YAY!

SO EXCITING!

Thanks for catching those. I'll make it a gentle human shampoo, then.

As for typos, I'll spellcheck it - couldn't be bothred at three in the morning - and PR will catch the rest. Off she goes, then!

It's in PR! You can subscribe here, if you like F48874?thread=6301361

Congratulations, you've got your very first Entry on the FP! Top billing, with a photo and all

Thanks to you Mal, without your editing it wouldn't have gotten there



It's rather exciting!

Ain't it just? And right in time for spring cleaning

Well, I know someone who's been inspired to get some entries on the go...

I cant believe I made it onto the front page and not just for being witty in a QOTD

Though you're good at that, too

It happens occasionally.

I like the 'question of the day' once in a while, too... It's a nice middle ground, we get some humour and some QI stuff

I hadn't even noticed they switched between a quote and a question!

Don't forget to subscribe to the Entry. We have an actual comment

Done subbing your Entry now, at A50049308 - give it a read-through and tell me what you think!

I added a few notes. And removed one part - the one about tying the horse up with a rope snapped into a bit ring . I've seen a nasty accident happen that way, and would never condone tying a horse up by the bit.

And if you want to know why it took me so long... I wasn't allowed my computer chair! http://images46.fotki.com/v1518/filerPaJ/82b86/6/639135/2270384/hostiletakeover.jpg

Over here we tend to tie the rope to a bit of string rather than direct to a ring or post so that would break if there were a major problem. Which is where I've picked up that practice from...

It's funny the things you can and cant do in different places. Like wearing a safety hat for instance... Barely considered in the US or spain but more or less considered an essential item over here.

Anyway, it reads fine

One tiny error, in the saddle description there's a space missing between 'leather' and 'in' where you discuss the construction of saddles.

Well, it would still only break after considerable tugging! Not something you want to try to do with your mouth. If that's best practice wherever you ride, fine, but I'm not teaching some novice to use the reins to tie their horse up!

Change made and sent off

(Oh, and I was surprised at all the forms we had to fill out to go riding in Ireland! )

That's fine, I've no objection to the change, I wasn't 100% about putting it in but equally I didn't want loose horses wandering around... And didn't think about putting the headcollar back on because I generally ride as soon as I've tacked up, it's rare that i dont so lack of experience on that one...

You had to fill out forms to ride in Ireland? Whatever for? I know Iceland you have to have all new clothing or cleaned and sealed to stop contamination crossing into the country.

Yes, loose horses wandering around isn't good.

Most of my knowledge of what to do with a tacked-up horse that won't be needed yet is from hanging around the tilting yards too much as a kid, hoping some knight would let me ride on his saddle bow while he warmed up. It worked often enough

The Irish wanted all kinds of contact information, even your next of kin and your doctor, and for you to sign off that yes, it's a high risk sport. Almost scared off poor King Bomba, it was his first time...

Well, that's a little OTT!