Caring for the Horse

Section 2Chapters 7-11

http://lorienstable.com

Evaluating Bodies

Cost Savings

When comparing a human product or cheap product to a horse-specific product:

What is the difference?

Is it more or less flexible or flimsy?Will it hurt my horse?

First Aid Supplies

Often human stuff is the same but cheaper (antibiotic ointment)

Sometimes equine stuff comes in larger containers for less (bulk) (mineral oil)

Dewormers—cheap stuff is the same as expensive stuff

Illness—check vitals, call vet—almost always cheaper to all the vet when you

don’t KNOW what the problem isSelf shots (EWT)

West Nile shots (prescription) http://americasequinewarehouse.com/

Buying vaccines in bulk--

With our frequent storms and power outages, it's hard to safely store a large

number of vaccines that haven't yet been used. If you're not going to be using

vaccines reasonably soon, you may not be able to store them safely.

Injections

You can kill a horse by injecting into the artery or the bloodstream.

Always pull back on the plunger before injecting IM.

I recommend against doing IV injections yourself.

Grooming

Ergonomic

Coil tie

Keeps ties out of the way, not dragging on the ground, gives some elasticity without actual

elastic

Tie Safe

Labeling tack—in any group situation

Putting your name or a distinctive mark on your equipment pre-empts confusion and arguments

colored electrical tape, paint pen, nail polish

Keeping horses barefoot

Health benefits: contracted heels,

hoof expansion during locomotion

Hoof boots:protection while riding

Emergencies, maintaining hoof between farrier visits:

hoof kniferasp

hoof standnippersclincher

light hammer (“skimp”)

magnet (“skimp”)ichthammolepsom salts

soaking boot

Keratex, Hoof Freeze, alcohol, tincture of iodine

Hoof conditioner, Tuff stuff, PVC cement with Styrofoam peanuts (shiny too)

Tying

Fix above witherNot long enough to step on or over

to twine if horse might breakpanic snapsafety knot

turnout halter

Tying

Turnout Halters Panic Snaps

http://www.coastalpet.com/products/22150.htm

http://www.horse.com/products/sku-SDN03.html

Feeding

HAY HAY HAY

Feed less of a higher quality feed == less cost overall

mineral supplements, mineral blocks (horses don't self-regulate anything but

salt)

Nutritionist:http://www.vineyardnutrition.net

Feedingsmall mesh hay net to slow down eating

brick in feed tub to slow down eatinglikits

fruit/veg on twine

Amazing Graze Grazing Muzzle

Forages

Hays Straw

Pellets

Cubes

Chaff

Beet Pulp

Special Diets

Insulin Resistant/CushingsLaminitics

AllergiesFoals/Mares in Foal

StallionsHigh Performance

Digestive problems, Ulcers

Aloe Juice

Gastrogard/U-gard/ Ulcergard/Tractgard

Probiotics (yoghurt)

Supplements

biotin – zinc, methionine also

MSMglucosamine

Hyaluncalming supplements

coat enhancersoils

More Supplements

Quitt (also metal surface covers inside stalls)

Feed Thru Fly Control

Rumors, Scandal (West Nile, Quest, Strangles, Equitrol)

Some Medical Conditions

EPMEPSMHYPP (QH, Impressive lines)“narcolepsy”DSLD (Pasos)Kissing SpineNavicular Disease

Any neurological symptoms are an immediate concern and danger to the handler.

FloridaLivestock Markers

ID PhotosFreeze Brands

MicrochipsTrailer locks

Guard dogs/livestock dogs, ostriches/emus, donkeys,

geese

Motion detectorsFL brand laws—

More Florida

bugs—flymasks, flysheets, leg guards, leg/neck flybands, spot-on (Cashel Quiet

Ride), SWAT

ShelterFans

MistersAuto-Waterers (cool/fresh, hard to track

consumption)

Commonly Used Areas

Don't skimp on anything in turnout area, stalls, grooming areas (eg feed buckets or

water tubs).

Turnout Areas

Use the right fencing for safety.

When coping with a non-ideal fencing situation, options:Electric Fencing

Step-in postsT-post caps

Turnout Areas

always, always, always latch gates(auto-latch gate fasteners)

turnout entanglements—haywire

Poisonous Plants

Pasture Management

soil testingpasture rotation

sacrifice paddockdrags

pick manuremow

spray for weedshand pick weeds

dig up persistent weeds (cherry trees)

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/

Barns & Shelters

Don’t skimp on foundations or support for structures.

drainagepole barns

cinder blockhurricane clips

Barns & SheltersBarn Door walkthroughs for horsesPVC piping is easy and cheap to do

yourselfRough cut wood may be cheaper direct

from the millOld telephone poles make good supportsFencing & Structures: nails/screws from

inside out

Barns & Shelters

Small diameter metal poles may be used to make professional looking stall

fronts/dividers

Barns & Shelters

Rubber mats may be obtained from quarries & other heavy industry (be careful of slippery surfaces)

Tin roofing: cheap, but noisy and concentrates heat, also may not be as sturdy (nightmares during hurricanes)