Tommy, the rescued quarter horse who was in earlier this week, has Impressive in his blood line. What does this mean? I've done some research on google and the horse.com . It is a genetic abnormality that is passed down . It was traced back to a single Quarter Horse named Impressive. (Personally, I think he looks like a hippo on steroids...)
It's a simple and easy fix. Except for one thing. It would cost people money. All the breeders of Quarter Horses and some Paint Horses would have to do is not breed any horse that is h/h or n/h for one generation. That's it. It is that simple. Only breed n/n horses.
The test isn't very hard. It only cost about $35.00. And it would save many people and animals much heartache.
Tommy is going to be tested. I am gathering the information I need and the hair sample that is necessary, along with the $35.00, to make sure I'm not going to be needing the assistance of a vet further down the road.
Do some research. The things I have read have made me cry. There is also a post on fuglyblog.com where this young man saved and worked and bought this horse, only to find that the horse is slowly deteriorating and will have to be euthanized.
Hmmm. All they would have to do is not breed any h/h or n/h horse for one generation to totally eradicate the disease.
Quit being so damn greedy and care for your horses more than you do your pocket books. Test your horses and don't breed any who are positive in any way. Stop this genetic disease at it's base. Quit your lame excuses of breeding 'just one more' and do what is right for the horse.
Argh....
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
Looking to Buy a Donkey?
Please think before considering the purchase of a donkey.1. Don't buy an intact jack to guard or as a pet. Unless you are an experienced breeder, buy a gelding or a jennet.
2. Don't buy just one, these are herd animals and need the companionship of their own kind, preferably the same sex as well.
3. Budget the cost of feed, shots and farrier care. Don't believe that donkeys can be let alone and not cared for. They just don't need as much food as horses.
4. Good quality food, not weeds and throwaway hay, please.
5.Don't use a mini donkey as a guard. Dogs can do great harm to a mini donkey.
6. Budget time to work with the donkeys, there is nothing more miserable than trying to help an injured animal that has not been worked with.
7. Consider the fact that donkeys may live to be 45 years old.
8. No pet is disposable, in my opinion.
I may have forgotten something, but I feel that these are valid points.
Thanks for looking, Mary, mom to 2 rescue donkeys and 2 rescue mules
from an ad on craigslist
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Group Riding Etiquette
Horseback Riding: Group Riding Etiquette
September 7, 2009
Learn how to keep you and your horse safe while riding with a group.
By Dennis Brouse
Manners are just as important — maybe even more important — while group riding as they are at the dinner table. There is nothing more aggravating or unsafe than someone who does not follow the rules of etiquette while riding the trails.
Here are the top 10 rules for being a courteous, safe and considerate trail rider:
1. The cardinal rule of group riding: Ride at the ability level of the least experienced rider or horse. If you have a new rider or a young, green horse in your group, do not ride too quickly or take trails that are too challenging for their comfort level and experience.
2. Keep at least one to two horse lengths between you and the horse in front of you. This will allow you to view the trail ahead and prevent your horse from being kicked.
3. If your horse is a known kicker, tie a red ribbon in his tail. This will alert any rider who comes up from behind that your horse may kick; however, never assume that all riders know what the red ribbon means. If an oncoming rider moves too close, let him or her know immediately that your horse may kick.
4. If you are the leader of the group, be watchful for trail hazards and relay them to those following you. Be specific when describing the hazard, such as: “Deep hole on the left side of the trail; stay to the right,” or “Watch out, there’s a low hanging limb ahead. Duck!”
5. Since many trails are designated as multi-use and are also enjoyed by those who hike, bike or ride ATVs, it is important to understand who yields to whom. As a general rule, all users should yield to horses. Be prepared for any reaction your horse may have to others. Always speak to those you meet with a simple “hello, there” or “good morning/afternoon” with the hope that they will return the greeting and your horse will recognize them as human and not be particularly alarmed by their backpacks, bicycles, etc! It is not discourteous to ask those you encounter to yield; however, it may be in everyone’s best interest if you move off of the trail to allow them to pass if they choose not to
6. When encountering others on a hill, the uphill group has the right of way and those going downhill should yield. Do not begin your descent if you see a group coming up. If you are already on the trail, safely move your horse off the trail with his hindquarters away from approaching traffic.
7. Always yield to oncoming groups that include children riders. Move off the trail and angle the hindquarters of your horse away from the trail.
8. When watering horses from a creek or other watering source, take turns and do not ride off until every horse has had an opportunity to drink. A thirsty horse will not drink if he is left behind.
9. If someone needs to dismount during the ride, everyone should stop and wait for the rider to remount before resuming the ride.
10. Be environmentally friendly. Carry out what you carry in. Do not ride off trail or cut across switchbacks unless it’s approved.
http://americashorsedaily.com/group-riding-etiquette/#more-8894
Then, I'll add another-
11. *One MAJOR courtesy that isn't covered is NEVER trot, canter OR gallop up behind or away from other horses. A horse running towards or away from them tells them there is danger and they may react accordingly!*
*As a side note, there are people I have ridden with in the last 12 years that I will NEVER ride with again. There are only three or four people I will ride my green-broke 7 year old paint morgan gelding with. Riding a green broke horse is never, ever a place to be worried about who you are riding with and what they might do.*
September 7, 2009
Learn how to keep you and your horse safe while riding with a group.
By Dennis Brouse
Manners are just as important — maybe even more important — while group riding as they are at the dinner table. There is nothing more aggravating or unsafe than someone who does not follow the rules of etiquette while riding the trails.
Here are the top 10 rules for being a courteous, safe and considerate trail rider:
1. The cardinal rule of group riding: Ride at the ability level of the least experienced rider or horse. If you have a new rider or a young, green horse in your group, do not ride too quickly or take trails that are too challenging for their comfort level and experience.
2. Keep at least one to two horse lengths between you and the horse in front of you. This will allow you to view the trail ahead and prevent your horse from being kicked.
3. If your horse is a known kicker, tie a red ribbon in his tail. This will alert any rider who comes up from behind that your horse may kick; however, never assume that all riders know what the red ribbon means. If an oncoming rider moves too close, let him or her know immediately that your horse may kick.
4. If you are the leader of the group, be watchful for trail hazards and relay them to those following you. Be specific when describing the hazard, such as: “Deep hole on the left side of the trail; stay to the right,” or “Watch out, there’s a low hanging limb ahead. Duck!”
5. Since many trails are designated as multi-use and are also enjoyed by those who hike, bike or ride ATVs, it is important to understand who yields to whom. As a general rule, all users should yield to horses. Be prepared for any reaction your horse may have to others. Always speak to those you meet with a simple “hello, there” or “good morning/afternoon” with the hope that they will return the greeting and your horse will recognize them as human and not be particularly alarmed by their backpacks, bicycles, etc! It is not discourteous to ask those you encounter to yield; however, it may be in everyone’s best interest if you move off of the trail to allow them to pass if they choose not to
6. When encountering others on a hill, the uphill group has the right of way and those going downhill should yield. Do not begin your descent if you see a group coming up. If you are already on the trail, safely move your horse off the trail with his hindquarters away from approaching traffic.
7. Always yield to oncoming groups that include children riders. Move off the trail and angle the hindquarters of your horse away from the trail.
8. When watering horses from a creek or other watering source, take turns and do not ride off until every horse has had an opportunity to drink. A thirsty horse will not drink if he is left behind.
9. If someone needs to dismount during the ride, everyone should stop and wait for the rider to remount before resuming the ride.
10. Be environmentally friendly. Carry out what you carry in. Do not ride off trail or cut across switchbacks unless it’s approved.
http://americashorsedaily.com/group-riding-etiquette/#more-8894
Then, I'll add another-
11. *One MAJOR courtesy that isn't covered is NEVER trot, canter OR gallop up behind or away from other horses. A horse running towards or away from them tells them there is danger and they may react accordingly!*
*As a side note, there are people I have ridden with in the last 12 years that I will NEVER ride with again. There are only three or four people I will ride my green-broke 7 year old paint morgan gelding with. Riding a green broke horse is never, ever a place to be worried about who you are riding with and what they might do.*
Thursday, September 24, 2009
How to Rehabilitate a Emaciated Horse
Remember the skinny horse we bought to rescue in May?
Well, here is what a few groceries and some good wormer will do in just 6 weeks. This was the middle of June....
Now, almost to the end of September .... this picture was taken this morning in the field at my house.
He still has a little way to go to be at the optimum weight. I'm going to hold off until spring to ride him. It's hard to put weight on a horse in winter, but he will be in the barn at night and have plenty of food and tlc.
So, some tips I have learned and read for feeding an emaciated horse.
1. If you don't know what you are doing, and you don't have someone who is experienced with this type of horse, please find someone who is and can help you. You can literally kill the horse with kindness and inexperience.
2. Go slow. Too much food will kill them. Literally.
3. Use the most easy wormer. Panacur is what we used. Follow the instructions of your vet. Killing too many worms off at once will colic them and kill them. You need to rotate your wormer and use a couple of different ones. Start slowly and build up to a regular routine as your 'normal' horses.
4. Be careful. A starved horse sometimes, usually has issues around food. They are aggressive because they want to get at the food and don't want to play nice. A flake of hay every 4 or 5 hours. I build up to ALWAYS have hay in front of them.
5. I grain two or three times a day - literally a cup at a time. Talk to your feed store employees and your vet to be sure you are giving them the proper feed for their age and their dietary needs.
6. This is draining. Financially, emotionally, physically. It takes not only tlc, food, wormer - but the vet, the farrier, the equine chiropractic, floating the teeth, the re-training. Depending on how degraded the body condition, the foot care, the teeth, the emotional well-being of the horse. It's a thankless job with tons of hours, money and tears. That is made all worth while with a single nuzzle and grateful nicker.
7. Age plays a big difference in the recovery and rehabilitation. Sometimes you do everything you can to ease the pain, fix the issues that can be fixed, only to have to make the hardest decision. Is it better for the horse to gently, peacefully end their suffering and pain - even thought it's going to financially and emotionally train wreck you? If you don't think you can make that decision, then, please, don't rescue a horse. Or any animal. Sometimes we can't fix them. Sometimes everything isn't enough.
Hmmm. I'm sure I've forgotten something. I usually do. I probably will read another account of a rescue and think, ah-ha... that's what I spaced.
But it's a good start. It's what I do - when I can afford to do it. Mostly with great results! This gelding is 12 years old and is recovering nicely. That makes some of the harder ones a little easier to accept. As much as we try to make every outcome a success, some of them are just not meant to be.
So, the good and the bad. However, I can't put into words the look of gratitude in the horses' eye. The feel of the whisper soft lips on your cheek. The contented sigh of a warm, fed, safe horse in his stall for the night.
I love my horses. :)
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Summer is Over?
Between the rain and the cool temperatures, we had about a week of warm summer weather. I was noticing the other day that there are already leaves changing to red and yellow on the trees. I really don't like this time of year. It's depressing to see everything dying and stop growing. And you know what is just around the corner. Snow and cold. Bleck.
Remember the emaciated gelding and mare I helped my cousin rescue earlier this year? Well, she is putting him up for sale, and, with my husbands blessing, I'm gong to pick him up on Saturday. So, I will be posting pictures as soon as he is here and settled in. I'm sure he will be getting nice and chunky - like all the others in my pasture.
It's that time of year. People are starting to dump horses left and right. Too many to count. Don't have hay in the barn, don't have money to feed them. Don't have time to take care of them now the kids are back in school. Too many excuses. Too many slackers out there that aren't taking their responsibilities seriously.
If you have horses, please commit to them for their life. Let them kn ow that they have a place to live until it's time to make the hard decision to put them down in peace and comfort.
If you know of a horse in need, please visit www.missyshopeerr.freehostia.com/ and list it with her. There are horses on the site from all over the country that are in need of homes. Scroll down the home page and they are listed (by state) on the pages. Too many pages.
Local rescues and humane society's also need help. If you can't have a horse and would like to help one out, I know that NONE of them would turn away a donation.
More pictures and updates soon! :)
Remember the emaciated gelding and mare I helped my cousin rescue earlier this year? Well, she is putting him up for sale, and, with my husbands blessing, I'm gong to pick him up on Saturday. So, I will be posting pictures as soon as he is here and settled in. I'm sure he will be getting nice and chunky - like all the others in my pasture.
It's that time of year. People are starting to dump horses left and right. Too many to count. Don't have hay in the barn, don't have money to feed them. Don't have time to take care of them now the kids are back in school. Too many excuses. Too many slackers out there that aren't taking their responsibilities seriously.
If you have horses, please commit to them for their life. Let them kn ow that they have a place to live until it's time to make the hard decision to put them down in peace and comfort.
If you know of a horse in need, please visit www.missyshopeerr.freehostia.com/ and list it with her. There are horses on the site from all over the country that are in need of homes. Scroll down the home page and they are listed (by state) on the pages. Too many pages.
Local rescues and humane society's also need help. If you can't have a horse and would like to help one out, I know that NONE of them would turn away a donation.
More pictures and updates soon! :)
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Hay, hay, hay!
It's been such a wonderful, sunny week. Been riding twice this week already, with rides planned Thursday and Saturday! Mingo is doing great. His face is mostly healed.
My friends horse was injured in an accident in the pasture and we don't know how it happened. Severely injured. And we can't find out what she was injured on. She is mostly past the serious stage part in her healing, but she has a long way to go before she is completely healed. She's a fighter and she is in great health. My friend is cleaning, soaking and packing/wrapping the wound twice a day. The meds are just tablets now, no more shots of antibiotics.
So, pray for her healing and continued path to getting better. She's a great asset to the program my friend does and one of the most used horses.
Enjoy your week and hope you all get out to enjoy the sunshine:)
My friends horse was injured in an accident in the pasture and we don't know how it happened. Severely injured. And we can't find out what she was injured on. She is mostly past the serious stage part in her healing, but she has a long way to go before she is completely healed. She's a fighter and she is in great health. My friend is cleaning, soaking and packing/wrapping the wound twice a day. The meds are just tablets now, no more shots of antibiotics.
So, pray for her healing and continued path to getting better. She's a great asset to the program my friend does and one of the most used horses.
Enjoy your week and hope you all get out to enjoy the sunshine:)
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
When the turkeys are on the barn roof....
Was sitting in my living room, check on my email. And cars were stopping on the road, pointing and looking. Oops - are the horses out again? Rushed out side to see what was going on. A few more cars slowed down. Couldn't figure out what they were looking for.
Then my daughter pointed at the roof of the barn. The darn turkeys were on the ridge of the roof, sliding down the sides and then flying back up to sit on the top. Think it might have been too hot for their feet up there and they were going up and down.
They are such idiots.
As soon as I figure out how to download all the pictures from my camera on this new computer, I will have pictures of the girls. And boys. And horses.
It's never dull around here.
:)
Then my daughter pointed at the roof of the barn. The darn turkeys were on the ridge of the roof, sliding down the sides and then flying back up to sit on the top. Think it might have been too hot for their feet up there and they were going up and down.
They are such idiots.
As soon as I figure out how to download all the pictures from my camera on this new computer, I will have pictures of the girls. And boys. And horses.
It's never dull around here.
:)
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