Archive for the ‘Horsecare’ Category

When the cold winter weather hits, many horse owners automatically bring out the horse blankets. However, a horse’s normal winter coat is much more insulating than a blanket, and unless the horse has been clipped, is outside without a windbreak, or has been moved to a colder climate during winter months, it will usually actually be warmer without a blanket.

The longer winter coat helps to trap the body heat against the skin. Also, tiny muscles in the skin raise the hairs, creating tiny air pockets that heighten the insulating effect. Flatten this ‘fluffed-up’ coat by adding layers of light blankets, or even one heavy one, can actually make the horse colder.

However there are some circumstances where a blanket is necessary. Carefully consider whether or not your horse should be blanketed.

-Is your horse mostly outside without much shelter?

-Is he/she older and needs extra help staying warm or keeping weight on?

-Is your horse clipped?

-Has your horses recently moved to a colder climate?

These are some of the reasons why your horse would need the extra protections of a blanket through the winter.

Firstly- measure your horse to see what size he will need… Read the rest of this entry »

Fall has well and truly set in here on the Lower Mainland…and it looks like it is going to be a very wet AND humid one! Perfect conditions for the dreaded ‘Rain Scald’ also known as:

• Rain Rot
• Streptothricosis
• Mud Fever
• Dew Poisoning (when its on the legs)

Here is an article on what Rain Scald really is, how to prevent it and how to treat it.

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By Cheryl Sutor  

What is rain rot?

Rain rot is one of the most common skin infections seen in horses. It is also referred to as “rain scald” or “streptothricosis”. The organism that causes rain rot appears and multiplies in warm, damp conditions where high temperature and high humidity are present. This condition is not life-threatening, so don’t worry. However, while the horse has rain rot, any equipment that may rub and irritate the infected skin (such as saddles and leg wraps) should be eliminated.

What causes rain rot?

The organism dermatophilus congolensis causes rain rot. dermatophilus congolensis is not a fungus. It is an actinomycetes, which behaves like both bacteria and fungi. Most people believe that the organism is present in soil, however, this has not been proven. The organism is carried on the horse, who has it in his skin. A horse who has this organism in his skin may or may not be affected.

What does rain rot look like? Read the rest of this entry »

Vital Signs

By Cheryl Sutor

If you own, ride or handle horses, it is mandatory that you educate yourself of taking care of them. You will need to know at some point, how to tell if a horse is feeling well, or if a horse needs immediate veterinary attention. A horse’s vital signs should be checked regularly, once a week is ideal. Check the horse’s vital signs every time you suspect any change in his behavior. Learning to accurately observe and judge your horse’s vital signs takes alot of practice. Your horse is counting on you to find and treat every problem or illness in its early stages!

If ANY concern arises, never hesitate to call your veterinarian! 

1. TEMPERATURE

Normal body temperature is 99 – 101 F. A temperature higher than that, may indicate an infection. A healthy horse’s temperature can vary by 3 degrees depending on environmental factors. Horses tend to have higher temperatures in warm weather and during/after exercise, stress or excitement. A high fever doesn’t Read the rest of this entry »

We have recently taken an older horse into our care who was retired from work due to his declining health. He was unable to live in a herd enviroment and fend for himself anymore and so he has come to us so that he can recieve personalized care and feeding.  

Although this horse came from a good home and was by no means a ‘rescue’ it did make me think about all the rescue horses that we have nursed back to health and what a difficult and long journey it can be.

Taking in and bringing a starving horse back to health should always be approached with adequate information and preperation for the task ahead and this article helps you to understand a little of what this involves…

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If a malnourished horse has come under your care, it is important you know that feeding him is delicate. The horse’s stomach is a fragile organ, prone to distension and colic and other problems, so you have to carefully monitor the feed a malnourished horse receives, and make adjustments accordingly.

Instructions

ONE—-It is a sight that is far too common these days–horses starved to the point of death or near death. If you are kind enough to try and help, remember that no good deed is easy, and often you will find yourself wondering why on earth you got yourself into this mess. Read the rest of this entry »

As Natural Horsecare becomes more and more understood and more widely implemented it is important that we re-educate our children as well as adults in the new and yet age-old practice of natural horse care.

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My Natural Horses  (by Anne Louise MacDonald) is a unique introduction to creating exceptionally healthy, happy horses.

This full-color photo-illustrated book is the first to show young readers the principles of Natural Horse Care, taking an entirely positive approach by following two horses, Isabelle and Prince, through all four seasons of the year.

Designed for ages seven and up, this book includes 150 exceptional photographs to delight everyone from the child who dreams of ponies to the active equine owner.

Larger text allows younger readers to get a basic understanding of Natural Horse Care, while smaller text gives more details to entertain and inform an older audience.

My Natural Horses is a joy just to look through, and an eye opener to an option in horse care that many horse people know little about.

Here is a Video Preview of Anne Louise’s book. Anne lives in Eastern Canada.

My Natural Horses is available on AMAZON. Click here: My Natural Horses

This article is about the pros and cons of leather versus synthetic material saddles. Both have their disadvatages and advantages. Depending on your lifestyle, riding discipline and budget it is important to know the facts about both kinds of saddle. 

In keeping with the principles of natural horsemanship & natural horsecare, which we strive to promote, it is of the utmost importance that we make sure our saddles fit our horses properly and do not cause any discomfort or pain. 

An ill-fitting saddle can cause so many problems.  The following article is from wwwfivestarranch.com and is writtin by Chris, one of their ranch staff writers. Enjoy!

Synthetic or Leather Saddles – Which saddle is best?

Leather Western Saddle

For centuries, leather was the material used to make saddles. You bought a saddle and it lasted a lifetime. Now it is not uncommon Read the rest of this entry »

By Catherine McDowell

Spring is with us, and so is the dreaded laminitis! Over the last 2 weeks Herbal Treatments staff have been inundated with requests for information and treatment of the laminitic horse or pony.

Step 1:  Day 1

Remove the cause of the laminitis

Green grass (especially from fresh small fast growing grasses) is critical. Do not re-introduce the horse or pony to pasture until you have full knowledge of the degree of the condition. Do not feed Lucerne hay.

Feed 3 hour soaked dry grass hay or oaten hay, Speedi-beet and appropriate herbs.

Weight must be reduced and appropriate feeds given to restore metabolic harmony. A natural mineral supplement with a magnesium and chromium supplement is advised here. We at herbal treatments prefer Khonkes Mag E and Life Springs Colloidal Minerals or Seaweed (kelp). Do not fast (starve) your pony or horse for longer than 12 hours. Read the rest of this entry »

by Marijke van de Water, B.Sc., DHMS

Spring Grass and Probiotics

by Alicia Mitchell 

After millions of years of evolution the wild and the domestic horse are essentially the same creature with the same gene pool, physiology, needs and instincts. It’s just that one has been affected by humans and the other hasn’t. This effect has mainly been a change in temperament and conformation.

However these changes have only taken place during the last few thousand years which is really only a moment in time for this ancient creature. Domesticated horses still require much of the same living conditions as their wild cousins, the concern is that many don’t get it. Here are some examples of nature vs nurture… Read the rest of this entry »