Pet Haven

Hay and Grass

A horse has an extremely small stomach compared to other animal, which is only suitable for digesting a fairly large amount of grass and hay. Mold-free hay must be available to the horse around the clock.

Water

Naturally, horses need water too. Be careful though after a ride or exercise. An overheated horse should not be allowed to drink fast or a lot at once, or you run into danger of having to treat a colic. Allow the horse smaller amounts with a few minutes in between until he has cooled down.

Many Smaller Meals during the Day

Because of the fact that the a horse’s stomach is so small, he can’t digest much at once. This is the reason why the horse needs to be fed more than once daily. The recommendation is 3 times a day or more, in addition to the hay and grass.

Grains

Many horses do not need to be fed extra grains, because it is high in calories and fat. Muscle problems as well as joint diseases can develop if too much grains are fed. Best is to consult your veterinarian to make that decision on individual basis.

Amount to Feed

3 % of the horses body weight daily in hay and/or other feed.

Salt

One of the most important supplements a horse needs is a salt block. Of course this makes theneed for fresh water even more important.

Feed Slowly

Did you know that horses can’t burp nor vomit? This is what makes them vulnerable for a colic. Feeding a horse too much or switch feeds too fast, and you put your horse into danger. The same goes for letting your horse gorge itself outside after a winter in the barn. Remember: a colic can be fatal!

Exercise

Exercising your horse on regular basis will keep him in good shape physically as well as mentally. This ritual will also strengthen the bond between you and your horse.

Travel

As already mentioned above, switching feed too fast can lead to a fatal colic. That also goes for water. If you have to travel with your horse, take enough local water and feed with you so you can make a slow and gradual switch and enjoy your trip.

Jennifer has emailed and asked if we can improve the vet insurance page.
The current design is working really well, so why they are trying to… I know I know, must remember I'm being paid for this, nothings ever going to change anyway, aye!?

The latin name for a horse is Equus caballus. Horses are domesticated large mammals, often called “beast of burden”. Today the horse is used for various activities ranging from spots to the working environment to food. It is also an established figure in the ideals of religion, mythology, and art. Many was would have been lost, was it not for the use of horses.

Almost all horses are able to perform a certain work such as having humans ride on their backs or wear a harnessed and pull a cart or plow out on the farm. Horses used to keep our ancestors warm as well and maybe even made a fashion statement, due to the horses having many different coat colors and markings.

In recent times, horses were bred and breeds were established to adjust to modern times. Breeds were developed to be lighter for faster racing, heavier for farming, smaller for services and saver for children, horses that are shown for their beauty.

In some counties and cultures horses are a source of food while it is a big taboo in other countries and cultures.

For thousands of years, horses and humans lived and worked side by side and with each other, so naturally, specific terms were developed to describe different characteristics and markings of the horse.

Here are some of the terms that you might have heard and were not sure what they meant. These terms refer to the various stages of the horses’ age:

• Foal: is a newborn baby horse, regardless if it’s male or female. It is called a foal as long as it is under 1 year old.
• Yearling: is over 1 year old, but less than 2 years, regardless if it is male or female.
• Colt: is a horse of the male gender and he is under 4 years old.
• Filly: is a horse of the female gender and she is under 4 years old.
• Mare: is a horse of the female gender and over 4 years old.
• Stallion: is a fully intact sexually mature horse of the male gender and over 4 years old.
• Gelding: is a castrated horse of the male gender, regardless of his age.

They do this thing called accent treatment at this clinic which we now get discounts

at by our workplace. Great. Just what I wanted. Harry reckons his lady Addison is dead interested in using his discount. He seems happy with this… I wonder if that means she's not the most attractive of women…!?!?

Always check your tack and make any necessary adjustments before you head out for a trail ride or any ride. Take a little string with you as well as a pocket knife and strips of leather. Should your tack break, you may be able to make temporary repairs and ride back home instead of walking.

In any case, avoid riding alone. If you have even a small accident and you’re alone, a nice ride could end up being a serious or life threatening situation.

Wear hard-soled boots with a small heal. Avoid boots with deep arches or large treads, they can cause your feet to get caught in the stirrups.

Don’t forget your hard hat! Always wear protective head gear. A riding helmet can provide protection in the event of a fall, but you could also encounter a tree branch or other hazards and you’ll be glad you had your hard hat on.

Stay Cool! A cool pair of shades can provide protection against ultraviolet rays, dust and dirt.

It was sunny when you left but about an hour into your ride a fast moving thunder storm comes right over your head. No problem. There are compact waterproof ponchos that are small enough to fit in your shirt pocket. In fact, everything mentioned here will fit into a fanny pack with room to spare. Avoid back packs, they have a tendency to throw your balance off and they can get caught in tree limbs.

A long-sleeved shirt and long pants will give you a bit of protection from scrapes and sunburn and it helps to keep the bugs from biting you.

One of the most important things when buying a horse is to consider your riding ability and how knowledgeable you are. It can be easy to over-estimate your experience or knowledge of horse care, particularly when a certain horse catches your eye! You also need to think about the size and age of the horse most suitable for you.

Questions you should ask yourself before you start your search for your new horse: Read the rest of this entry »

Secure your horse to make sure it doesn’t move, and then start grooming from the top of its neck and work toward the back. Then move to the other side of the horse and repeat the steps. Do it the same way every time so the horse knows what to expect.Â

Avoiding the horse’s face and legs, use the rubber curry brush to loosen dirt from beneath the hair. Work in a circular motion, and be especially gentle across the back and shoulders where the horse is more sensitive. The curry brush can also be used to comb out the mane, which works best if you first apply a little a mane softening product. This especially helps when there are tangles. Read the rest of this entry »