Basic Horse Health

Horses are like any living creature they need love, food, water, shelter, and proper care survive. Are you providing the necessary needs to your horse? Horses need to have the proper amounts of grain and roughage a day so they do colic. The roughage needs to be clean hay or grass because bad hay can cause a horse to colic. Colic is when a horse basically gets a belly ache. However, the horse tends to lay down and tries to roll constantly. This can cause the horses intestines to become twisted and possible death if the colic is not treated properly. Always try to get the horse up and walking around and get a vet to give the horse the proper medication. Normally a pain relaxer such as ban amine works great.   

Also providing some type of shelter can help decrease chances of fungus, sunburn, and illness. A shelter during the winter and rainy months will help prevent rain rot and illness. While a shelter during the summertime will provide shade so a light colored horse will not become sunburnt. Which can be very painful for a horse.  Make sure that the horse has a clean source of water. You don’t want algae or any other critters swimming in the water because this can increase their chance of worms and internal pests. With this known it is also important to make sure you are giving routine vaccinations and wormers to protect your horses from spreading diseases that may be going around such as West Nile.

I hope that this quick bit of horse care tips helps you in establishing a healthy horse!

The Horse

Horses have been around for decades and they come into the world like anything else through birth. Horses have been wondering the ranges and some have even become domesticated pets for years now. But did you know that horses are designed with strong balance so they can flee any predator attack. And with that same thought they are also able to sleep lying down or standing up. I wish I could do that!

Once a mare (a female horse) is breed she will carry the baby for 11 months before it is born. Once a horse is born it is referred to as a foal. And they can normally stand and run in a very short time period after birth. When a horse is free it entire life it will stay with a herd and if it is a mare she too will have a baby when of age. If the horse is stud it will eventually fight to be the herd leader.

However, if the horse is domesticated most people will start training the horse for riding around the age of 2 and 4. When a horse reaches 5 years old it is normally done growing. And they have a pretty extensive life span for an animal. They can live up to 25-30 years old. Did you know that domesticated horses if treated properly normally live longer than wild horses because they do not have the dangers of the wild and most of the time do not have to worry about a limited food and water source.

Mustang Horses

This Week I want to take the time to let everyone know about some of the prettiest, toughest, All American Hearted horses around. The Mustang. Mustang horses have roamed the hills, valleys, and mountains for years even before the settlers came. They are one with the land. But the truth be known, Mustangs are not considered wild horses, they are considered feral because they were brought over here by the Spanish and then Americans claimed them to quickly travel the terrain.

Mustangs have had a tough life, once settlers began settling the United States, Mustangs were pushed further and further west until really there wasn’t much room for them anymore. Landowners started shooting them because there wasn’t enough land for cattle and all the Mustangs to graze. Now in today time the population of true free Mustangs is very slim. There are only a handful of true free mustangs that roam the hills of the west. However, there are many Mustangs in captivity by people who have been rescued form slaughterhouses or had nowhere else to go.

Now that you understand and know the Mustang background a little better. Do your part, by researching the Save a Mustang Foundation today. They provide great services to these horses.

The History of the Arabian Horse

The History of the Arabian Horse.

The Arabian horse is known as the horse of the desert. Arabians were founded in the deserts of the Middle East where members of tribes used them for everyday work force and fighting. It wasn’t until the 1877 when General Ulysses S grant was awarded two beautiful mares and stallions that started the first Arabian breeding program in the United States. After that the U.S Army used Arabians for war purposes. Arabians were known to be able to handle extreme conditions and maneuver easily through rough terrain.

Many people do not know this but Arabians are truly one of a kind. Did you know Arabians have one less rib, one less lumbar bone, and one or two fewer tail vertebrae than other horses.

Fun Facts About All Horses!

1. Horses sleep standing up most of the time
2. Horses only sleep for 2-3 hours during the day
3. You can tell how old a horse is by looking at its teeth
4. Baby horses are called foals for the first year of life.
5. Female horses are called mares
6. Not one horse is alike another
7. A horses heart weighs 9lbs.

Man o' War

Many people know about the racing legend Secretariat. However, it seems to me that Man o’ War’s name has been lost in the books. Man o’ War was one of the best racing horses of all time. He won 20 out 21 races he competed in and was considered to horse racing like Babe Ruth was to baseball, a legend. Man o’ war had a short race career of only one year is why I think many forget about him and his famous races. Although he is recognized in the Museum of Horse Racing as the athlete of the world but many other sites do not recognize him.

“In his remarkable career, Man o' War set three world records, two American records, two track records, and equaled another track standard. He won one race by an incredible 100 lengths and triumphed in another while carrying 138 pounds.” This is a racehorse I would have died to see. They said his size was unbelievable and he was the brightest red. Giving him the nickname “Big Red.”

The Average stride of a horse is 23.5 feet in length. To put in comparison how big “Big Red” was compared to the thoroughbreds on the track his stride hit at a great length of 28 feet. This is what gave him them advantage on the track. Winning his first race ever at the age of two with 6 lengths. The owner knew “Big Red” was a steal when he bought him for $5000, which is still known as the best deal ever in horse racing. Although “Big Res” did have temperament that was hard to break trainers finally managed to encourage him to use his anger on the track. This post is just to designed to dedicate Man o’ War and his great accomplishments.

Some information was gathered from:
http://www.racingmuseum.org/hall-of-fame/man-o-war.asp

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Horses and the War!

Horses are a big part of our lives. But they were even a bigger part of history! From helping building railroads to fighting for our freedom horses were on the front line with men and women who were fighting. Horses served a great deal of time during the wars before hummers and trucks were available for use. Horses carried supplies and soldiers from point a to point b. They were used as an ambulance service to get injured soldiers from the battlefield to the hospital.

Many people think horses don’t deserve to live free in the hills. However, the truth is there ancestors fought for our freedom just like ours did so they should be able to live wherever they want. Horses were also used for communication during the First World War. They could travel great distances to spread the word that the enemy was coming and allow time for troops to prepare.

Horses could be a huge part of the reason that we had such great success during the First World War. Imagine if soldiers had to walk everywhere and carry all the cannons and artillery up he hills without horsepower. It could have lead to a lot more injuries and deaths. So in my opinion horses are heroes too!




ANIMALS DURING THE FIRST WORLD WAR© IWM (Q 34105)


Animals During The First World War by Imperial War Museums Provider: CultureGrid is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Based on a work at http://www.europeana.eu/portal/record/2022360/Imperial_War_Museums_http___www_iwm_org_uk_collections_item_object_205212921.html?start=69&query=War+Horse&qf=TYPE:IMAGE&startPage=49&rows=24.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205212921.

Trail Riding

Trail riding is an important factor in any working horse’s life. Trail riding allows the horse to relax and get exposed to many other factors and obstacles besides work. That’s right, barrel racing, jumping, roping and any other competitive riding is work for a horse. Allowing your horse to take a slow trail ride will let the horse know it doesn’t have to work every time you spend time together. You horse should love doing its job, but it should respect and appreciate you more. Getting a horses respect means respecting the horse’s needs.

Horses need a break from their jobs just like humans need a break from theirs. Trail riding will help the rider and horse build a better bond and further develop their communication skills together. There are many obstacles that may present them on the trails such as wild animals or rough terrain. A rider must work with the horse to keep the horse calm and collected through the trail. Learning how to communicate with your horse through the trails will allow you to work more efficiently and effectively with them at work.

Here is a picture of my barrel horse after a long trail ride! She’s not even tied just standing there looking at me sitting in a tree. She respects me and will wait for me in any situation.




Rachels Horse by Rachel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Tips to keep your barn safe for you and your horse!

Hello everyone, this week we are going to make our barn safe for the horse and for the human! Many so-called accidents happen in the barn or around the trailers. A famous quote I found "There is no such thing as an accident--it is simply fate, misnamed," Napoleon Bonaparte.

That’s right, most accidents can be avoided when it comes to a horse and an owner. A few tips to make the barn safer are to make sure there are no loose nails, barbwire, splinters, or broken wood pieces that could cause injury you or the horse. Also try to make your stall doors wider along with the gates and entryways into the barn. The more space the better. This lessens the risk of you being smashed if the horse spooks.

For trailers there are a few things that increase safety as well. Spend time with your horse and teach it how to load without you. That’s Right, let your horse load it self. Make sure you are not in the way when your horse jumps or lunges into the trailer and always give yourself enough space to get to safety.

Now to get to the nitty gritty, make sure you have clean floors. Tripping over stuff while trying to lead your horse somewhere can be a huge hazard. Make sure that your floors have grip for the horse and you. When concrete gets wet it can become very slick. Get a construction worker to broom the concrete, which makes the concrete have little grooves allowing for more grip even when wet. Another alternative is to buy rubber mats, rubber mats help the horse and you keep your footing in a wet environment these are highly recommended in the wash rack and in the trailer.


Can you find whats wrong with this barn?

Horses offer much more than just enjoyment!

That’s right; horses are not just for riding they actually offer much more. Horses are used in a treatment program for disabled humans. It’s called therapeutic horseback riding; therapeutic horseback consists of using horses and equine-assisted activities to help disabled people improve their social, emotional, and physical skills. It also helps improve many other skills as well. It helps the person develop a relationship with the horse and allows them to work together as a team.

Therapeutic horseback rising benefits disabled people because “horses provide a unique neuromuscular stimulation when being ridden through their one of a kind movement.” The movement a horse allows the riders muscles and bones to be moved in the same way as if they were actually on the ground walking by themselves. This improves the riders balance, strength, coordination, flexibility, and even confidence.

Horses also offer championship for disabled people. Many disabled people are cared for by loved ones. In this case the disabled gets to care for a loved one. The disabled can feed, brush, bath and do much more for the horse that the horse can’t do on its own. Although the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding vary upon each person’s disability, motivation, and companionship with the horse, therapeutic horseback riding is way better than an exercise machine. It allows all the muscles to be moved at one time so it is an all in one work out. Whereas, an exercise machine only focus on one muscle group at a time making disabled people spend a lot more time at the gym than they want to.

Horses need pedicures too!

Check out this video for horse hoof care:)





We all know how important it is to take care of our horse’s feet. Yes, they need pedicures just like humans do so they don’t get any fungus, cracks, bruises or abbesses. A horse relies on there hooves to get around and to carry you around. They need healthy hooves so they can compete, trail ride, or even just walk around the pasture. The environment, the terrain, genetics and even horseshoes can affect your horse’s most valuable asset. However, there are certain things that can be done to maintain a healthy horse with a healthy hoof.

You need to clean the hooves everyday with a simple hoof pick this will ensure that rocks and debris are not stuck in the hoof. It is also important to check your horse’s shoes for any loose or snagged shoes this will help keep the foot from bruising easily or putting the horse in pain that is not necessary. In addition keeping your horses hooves moisturized in dry temperatures will help prevent cracks and dryness. Along with that the ground plays important role in hoof care. If it is muddy where the horse is pastured or stalled please remove the horse. Standing in mud for a long period of time can cause fungus to grow in the hooves. And lastly you can feed your horse a type of feed that promotes hoof health.

Here are three funny jokes about horses!

1. Q: Did you hear about the horse with the negative altitude?
A: She always said Neigh


2. Q: What kind of horses go out after dusk?
A: Nightmares!

3. Q: Where do horses shop?
A: Old Neigh-vy!


source: http://www.jokes4us.com/animaljokes/horsejokes.html

If you have any good jokes don't be scared to them with me.

All about Quarter Horses

Everyone that rides horses enjoys a little speed every now and then. Quarter Horses are breed for the durability, cow sense, and quick off the line. Settlers, for cow herding used Quarter Horses, they are quick off the start and are built compact for a reason. This allows them to turn quickly. Now Quarter Horses are used in rodeo events like barrel racing, cutting, reining, team penning, and other speed games. Quarter Horses are not only used for Rodeo events or racing. They make excellent family horses; their calm temperament makes them perfect for long trail rides and all day work. Barrel Racing is my particular favorite probably because I have been competing since I was four years old. When the horse walks out into the arena and takes off to complete the race there is no other feeling. The power behind a Quarter Horse is immense on take off and throughout the turns. Some Quarter Horses have been clocked at 50 miles an hour. What a ride.

Quarter Horses do not just come in red. They come in many colors, from roans, grays, grullos, duns, palominos and even buckskins. Sometimes even color-coated horses like pintos can become registered Quarter Horses as long as the mother and father are registered as Quarter Horses.

However, the introduction of Thoroughbred into the Quarter Horse has allowed the horse to run a greater distance at a faster speed than originally. But these horses are not Pure Quarter Horses. They are Appendix Quarter Horses. These horses tend to be taller and leaner than the average Quarter Horse. The average Quarter Horse is only between 14.5 to 15.5 hands whereas the Appendix Quarter Horses can range form 14.5 to 16.



Now its time for 5 fun facts:

1.Did you know that horses sleep standing up! They also sleep lying down but are more cautious when doing so.


2.The American Quarter Horse is the most popular breed of horse because of its calm temperament and diversity to complete multiple tasks.


3.Horses like to live in herds. They do not like to be by themselves just like humans don’t.


4.Horses only have a one-way digestive system. They can’t burp, vomit or breathe through there mouths. Once it goes in it must come out the other end. That is why horses are at high risks of colic compared to cows.


5.Horses teeth can reveal its age.

Secretariat

I think Secretariat was and still is the greatest racehorse in the history of America http://t.co/3GnqlnEKyc

— Jess_cowie17 (@Jess_cowie17) August 5, 2013

Secretariat is one of the best racehorses of all time. In this documentary you learn about all the struggles that the trainers and horse went through. Secretariat did not just win the Triple Crown he won the people. He was also awarded the world’s best horse at the age of 2. What an accomplishment. The rider says that he didn’t have too much. Secretariat knew what he was doing. I believe Secretariat was the people’s horse because even as a little kid I dreamed of riding a horse of that nature. After going to the Kentucky Derby my self I finally realized the speed at which he was running to beat other horses with 31 lengths was unbelievable. One of the greatest quotes in the documentary is when the owner says to his dad. “You have always wanted perfection well at the end of the Belmont, you saw it.” Secretariat was designed for racing he was an athlete. Secretariat is a story of a great American team not of a rider or a horse. This leads to me to final point. When you ride your horse, you’re a team; you need to trust your horse. Allow them to show you what they can do instead of making the horse do pointless things over and over again. Watch the documentary it is truly amazing.

Horse owners:)

Hey everyone, I am Rachel Lassiter. I am 21 years old and I have owned horses and been barrel racing since I was 4 years old. I just want to encourage every one to make sure there horses are stalled tonight or have some way to get out of the wind and cold. It is supposed to be extremely cold tonight and you wouldn't want your horse to colic or get sick.

Here is a great article with tips to make sure horses are safe for the winter!!!

http://www.thehorse.com/articles/22683/horse-health-tips-for-extreme-cold-weather

Enjoy a great night:)