Jan
25th

What does it take to earn your horses respect and trust?

Files under horses | 21 Comments »

Ok its a slow night on here, lets get it rolling.

There appears to be 2 sides on here in reguards to this question.

I have always felt that respect comes from training and building a bond with your horse that way.

Then you have the other ones that believe you go out there with a bucket of treats, pet them, kiss them and build respect and trust that way.

How do you accomplish this and how many horses have you honestly owned (living breathing ones).

Are you trying to stir things up, young lady?
I don't do treats, I don't feed anything by hand and they have to make do with kind words and a pat. Horses are not always the smartest kids on the block but they sense and they know and they can smell BS coming a mile off.
We had a broodmare come in, 12 years old and she always wore a halter. Her owners sent a photographer over so I cleaned her up and swapped her halter for a fancy one. The owners had bred and raised her and said that her entire life, she had worn a halter and it could only be changed when she was in the chute and wanted to know how I did it (this was news to me). I just took the halter off and swapped it again while we were on the wash rack. The moral of the story is that she knew that she could lead them on a merry dance and she had been doing it all her life. I've had loads of broodmares like that which are supposed to be impossible to catch, load etc. I go about my business and treat them with respect and I get respect back from them. No secret code or horse whispering. 99% is in the way that you handle them, kind but firm and that's how I have always operated.
As far as owned, 4 ponies as a kid and 3 horses as a youth/adult. I have so many to deal with each day at work, I've never felt the need to get another but I'm actually in the process of adopting another OTTB and I'm like a kid waiting for Christmas!

Jan
25th

Allergy Shots As A Potential Eczema Control

Files under hay | No Comments »

Can you believe that an estimated one third of all Americans suffer from allergies in one form or another? Allergies today are the most common cause for chronic nasal congestion in children. Furthermore, for some people who suffer from both allergies and eczema, allergy shots are an effective way to manage their eczema flare-ups. A general practitioner will often provide a referral to an allergist for a patient with eczema. An allergist is a doctor who is trained in helping pinpoint the source of a patient’s allergy and then in helping the person treat the symptoms, thereby reducing the frequency of flare-ups.

How does it work? Allergy shots are a form of allergy and asthma treatment in which increasing, controlled doses of an allergen are injected into a patient over a period of time. The goal in using allergy shots is to increase a patient’s natural ability to tolerate a particular allergen, while simultaneously, decreasing the symptoms that result from an allergic reaction.

Allergy shots, also known as allergen immunotherapy, are similar to a vaccination. They serve to increase the ability of the immune system to work properly. The stronger the immune system is, the easier time it will have blocking an allergic reaction. An allergic reaction occurs when the body mistakes a common, harmless substance for an invader. When the body is exposed to the invader, it undertakes a series of chemical reactions as protection. As long as the person administering them is a trained professional, allergy shots can be both effective as well as safe and can be successfully used on children as young as four or five years of age.

Of course, this is not without debate. Some people believe in the effectiveness of allergy shots in the control of eczema while others are less impressed with the results. Research into allergy shots as treatment for eczema has shown that in some cases they can cause worsening of the symptoms. However, allergy shots have been found to be beneficial in treating other problems such as allergic rhinitis also known as hay fever, the symptoms of which are a runny nose, sneezing and watery eyes; breathing problems relating to asthma and symptoms accompanying an insect sting allergy. So each individual case must be considered before treatment is begun.

Allergy shots contain a purified form of the suspected allergen. Customarily, the shots are given to a sufferer throughout the year, over a five-year span of time. The allergy shot dosage begins small and then increases gradually over the first four to six months, little by little. After that time the dosage levels off to what is called a maintenance dose. This amount is then administered to the patient for up to a period of three years.

It is necessary to go for your allergy shots once or twice weekly at the start of treatment. The dose begins slower, gradually increasing to allow the immune system to become accustomed to it as well as to allow it time to begin to build an immunity to the substance. This is often called the buildup phase. Once this is reached, the aforementioned maintenance dose is administered and then the frequency shots begins to decline. It goes from a weekly shot, to bi-weekly, and then, in many cases, to a monthly shot.

Allergy shots have been found be more effective on some allergens than others. For example, they are most effective on inhaled allergens such as pet fur, dust, pollens, and mold. That may offer explanation as to why hay fever and asthma would respond better to allergy shots than eczema. The particular changes that the body undergoes with eczema may not respond as well to treatment. Only further research will answer those questions.

Jan
25th

The Top 10 Essential Uses For Eucalyptus Oil

Files under equine | 5 Comments »

Eucalyptus is more than just that crafty stem of leaves used in wall decor and other home made crafts. Although these decorations add a fresh scent and attractive accent to your home, eucalyptus is also available as an essential oil that may benefit you in other ways. Eucalyptus oil has a clear, thin appearance that provides a fresh, cooling, and soothing application with a soft earthy aroma. Eucalyptus oil is most commonly used to treat skin irritations such as insect bites, blisters, irritations and other wounds. The use of Eucalyptus oil is also widely used to treat congestion and respiratory distress as well as other medical disorders. Sinus pressure can be relived naturally by simply massaging a small drop of Eucalyptus oil onto your temples and on your รข??third eye’ or where your nose meets your forehead, being careful to avoid contact with the eyes. Eucalyptus oil will also provide relief to sore muscles when added to massage oil. Isn’t it amazing what one little plant can do?

Essential oils are very complex and are often referred to as the “Life Force” of the plants from which they are derived. These essential oils are stored in the plants cells, ducts and glandular hairs that extend along the flowers, through the leaves, stems, bark and down into the roots. These plants are often considered a gift from Mother Nature to provide us with a unique medicinal healing, along with a protective, regenerating and intoxicating essential oil that is exceedingly beneficial to all human kind. A single essential oil is so highly concentrated and very powerful. These concentrated essential oils can contain hundreds of molecularly designed components that are adjusted just right to induce an assortment of reactions in the human body. Even one or two drops of an essential oil can produce significant results, which is why it’s very important to use these essential oils only as directed.

You should always consult with your physician or aroma therapist prior to using ANY essential oils, especially if you are pregnant or have any existing medical conditions. The top ten uses for Eucalyptus essential oils are as follows:

Eucalyptus oil can be used as an antiseptic gargle.

As a stimulant, Eucalyptus oil can increase cardiac activity.

Eucalyptus oil can be applied externally to treat croup and other spasmodic throat problems.

When used as an ingredient with catheter oil, Eucalyptus oil can be used to lubricate and sterilize urethral catheters.

Equine veterinarians use Eucalyptus oil to treat influenza in horses.

Veterinarians also find Eucalyptus oil helpful in treating dogs with distemper, along with other animals suffering with septicemia, or blood poisoning. It can also be helpful in aiding with parasite infestations.

Eucalyptus oil is used widely by the natives in the country of origin as a remedy for fevers, asthma, whooping cough and other maladies.

Works as a diuretic to treat Dropsy.

Works as a deodorizer and excitant when applied locally for foul-smelling mucous discharges, e.g. vaginal, gonorrheal, septicemia, gangrene and cancerous ulcerations.

When applied externally, Eucalyptus oil can provide relief in a variety of other respiratory distresses.

If used internally in large doses, Eucalyptus oil can turn into an irritant to the kidneys and suppress the nervous system by eventually arresting the respiratory system on the medullar center. Eucalyptus oils, along with other essential oils must be used as directed to avoid possible overdoses that can be very harmful. Eucalyptus overdose symptoms include: drowsiness, convulsions, muscle weakness, shallow or rapid breathing, difficulty in swallowing, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting and dizziness. If an overdose is suspected, call your local Poison Control Center immediately for guidance. You must be able to provide the Poison Control Counselors of the patients age, weight and condition, along with the name of the product and when possible the ingredients and the strengths of the ingredients. You may also be asked what time dose was taken and in what amount for the Poison Control Counselor to better assist you. If you are instructed to go to the Emergency room, be sure to bring the bottle along with you. You can call Poison Control at anytime from anywhere in the United States at 1-800-222-1222.

Jan
24th

What you Should Know About Allergy Symptom?

Files under hay | 2 Comments »

What are some of the allergy symptoms?

Some of the most common allergy symptoms occur for the seasonal allergies such as hay fever and include the itchy watery eyes, runny nose, and sneezing aspects of allergenic symptoms. Other cases of allergies feature more serious symptoms that can be more harmful and troublesome such as absentmindedness, dizziness, trouble swallowing, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, skin rashes, vertigo, vomiting, and other serious cases of health issues that may spring from how the body deals with the allergen itself.

Airborne allergies are, however, the most common form of allergies and tend to feature the most common form of an allergy symptom as well. Most of these symptoms are related to the sinuses as the hay fever and other allergies like hay fever tend to affect those systems of the body. Sneezing, a clogged and runny nose, itchiness in the eyes and throat, coughing, postnasal drip, and swollen eyes (a symptom called “conjunctivitis”) are all parts of the airborne allergy symptom repertoire.

Why do these symptoms occur?

Most times, the allergic reaction is coupled with a portion of the allergen. In other words, if the allergen is known for entering the lungs it will likely attack portions of the body related to the lungs and to breathing. An airborne allergy, thus, will likely attach itself to the breathing apparatus and my cause coughing or the nose to run because of the way it affects the system directly. There are other reasons for this that scientists studying allergy immunology are aware of, but the basics of most allergies are that they are “system attackers” in general.

How are the symptoms cured?

An allergy symptom can be cured in a number of ways depending on the actual system it affects and how drastically the body is affected. Many people can simply take, for example, an antihistamine for a hay fever type allergy and go about their day while others simply will not respond to the antihistamine. It is essentially a matter of the biological makeup of the allergy sufferer in terms of how they react to certain medications and how much medication is needed to cure the allergy symptom.

Jan
24th

Would You Know What To do If Your Horse Was Severely Injured

Files under equine | 11 Comments »

I was passing a local field the other day, in my car coming home and an extremely distraught rider came flying out of the field in floods of tears. I nearly added to them by running her over, she was so distraught. Getting out of the car in a hurry she dragged me into the field to see her horse, a stunning red, with a fracture just below the front fetlock. In fact the only thing holding the bottom of his leg on was a strip if skin, it was horrific. ‘Red’ must have been in acute distress, as was his owner. She was too distraught to think straight. I called the Vet but I feared the worst. The Vet arrived pretty quickly and as I suspected the news wasn’t good.

I was very upset myself then. I went straight home and to my computer to write this article. There was little that could be done for poor ‘Red’ but I realized that many riders might not know what they could or should do for an injured horse whilst waiting for the Vet, so here’s some advice.
Horses can injure themselves in fields, whilst being ridden or competing. Should your horse sustain a really bad injury ‘The Center For Equine Health’ gives the advice below on treating severe cuts, limb fractures or injuries where the horse is unsteady on its feet.

Severe lacerations with bleeding.
Using a clean dressing, apply pressure with your hand directly over the source of bleeding.
Gently clean the wound with a cold water hose only if it is really dirty or has stones, or anything else stuck to it.
Do not apply any medication, disinfectant or ointments to any wound that may require suturing or stitching, because these may cause tissue damage that can interfere with the suturing procedure. As a general rule, the less done to the wound before the veterinarian gets there, the better.
If the horse is likely to be transported to a veterinary clinic or if there’s going to be a delay before the veterinarian arrives, apply a clean pressure bandage directly over the wound. Use plenty of padding between the injury and the bandaging material. Elastikon and or Vetwrap should be applied firmly enough to lessen bleeding but not so firmly as to cut off circulation. Always leave some of the padding material showing at the top and bottom of your wrap. Tourniquets are not recommended for use by untrained people.

Limb fractures or injuries with instability.
Stabilize the injured limb in the first few minutes after a bad bone injury. This will prevent further injury to the affected limb and its blood supply and will reduce the animal’s pain.
If a proper splint is not available, you can make one with a pillow and several rolls of Elastikon tape or Vetwrap type bandages. Wrap the pillow around the leg and apply the tape pulling the pillow as tight as you can while wrapping. After several rolls of tape have been applied, the bandage will become very stiff, thereby stabilizing the leg. This is only a short-term solution which will need to be replaced with more permanent stabilization as soon as possible.
If you do feel you have to use tranquilizers in a severely injured horse, use a very low dose. These animals easily fall into shock and higher doses of tranquilizers can make low blood pressure problems worse. I personally wouldn’t recommend you use one unless there is absolutely no choice, like the animal is continuing to hurt themselves.

I truly hope that you never need this information. I will never forget the site of such a beautiful horse so badly injured, but if you do I hope it helps. My last piece of advice is that you make all those you ride with aware of this information so that if the worst does happen you can help each other out.

Jan
24th

What ways are there to exercise horses appart from swimming and riding them?

Files under horses | 6 Comments »

I do an animal course at college and i can't find any other ways to exercise horses i am not every into horses. Someone please Help!
Thankyouuu
xx

You can lunge them. Lunging is when you attach a long rope, called a lunge line, and the horse walks, trots, canters and does small jumps in a circle.
http://www.cedarridgeequine.com/Lunge.jpg

You can put them on a horse walker, which is when you tie them to a metal thing an it goes round and round.
http://www.guinnessparkfarm.co.uk/gpf-1/resources/images/horseWalker.jpg

You can free lunge, which is lunging without the lunge line. It is usually done in a round pen.
http://www.equine.vt.edu/PicsETClass/FreeLunging.jpg

I hope I helped!

Jan
24th

How can you make a horse not arena sour?

Files under horse | 12 Comments »

My friend has an arena sour horse and she keeps getting disqualified at horse shows. Can some one help me and her with her horse?
My friend horse does gaming. We try leading him in backing him in horse going behind him horses going in frint of him and horses beside him nothing is working!

She needs to ride him outside of the arena..go on trails, work cattle, do something with him to get him totally away from the arena. He may already be to the point that he will never work for her in the arena again, he is sick of it. He could also have an old injury that he got running that is hurting him and he doesn't want to run any more and that's what he does in the arena. She needs to forget running him and the arena for a long long time. She needs to ride in some pretty rough country so that he has something real on his mind instead of chasing cans.

Jan
23rd

Guide to Allergy Symptom

Files under hay | No Comments »

In this brief article, we will define an allergy symptom and discuss some specific systems and what they mean to you as an allergy sufferer. An allergy symptom is any symptom associated with allergies such as a running nose, itchy eyes, watery eyes, sneezing, itchy skin, and more. We will go into some detail about where a symptom comes from and why they appear as well as a brief discussion about how to cure those symptoms if time permits.

What are some of the symptoms?

Some of the most common allergy symptoms occur for the seasonal allergies such as hay fever and include the itchy watery eyes, runny nose, and sneezing aspects of allergenic symptoms. Other cases of allergies feature more serious symptoms that can be more harmful and troublesome such as absentmindedness, dizziness, trouble swallowing, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, skin rashes, vertigo, vomiting, and other serious cases of health issues that may spring from how the body deals with the allergen itself.

Airborne allergies are, however, the most common form of allergies and tend to feature the most common form of an allergy symptom as well. Most of these symptoms are related to the sinuses as the hay fever and other allergies like hay fever tend to affect those systems of the body. Sneezing, a clogged and runny nose, itchiness in the eyes and throat, coughing, postnasal drip, and swollen eyes (a symptom called “conjunctivitis”) are all parts of the airborne allergy symptom repertoire.

Why do these symptoms occur?

Most times, the allergic reaction is coupled with a portion of the allergen. In other words, if the allergen is known for entering the lungs it will likely attack portions of the body related to the lungs and to breathing. An airborne allergy, thus, will likely attach itself to the breathing apparatus and my cause coughing or the nose to run because of the way it affects the system directly. There are other reasons for this that scientists studying allergy immunology are aware of, but the basics of most allergies are that they are “system attackers” in general.

How are the symptoms cured?

An allergy symptom can be cured in a number of ways depending on the actual system it affects and how drastically the body is affected. Many people can simply take, for example, an antihistamine for a hay fever type allergy and go about their day while others simply will not respond to the antihistamine. It is essentially a matter of the biological makeup of the allergy sufferer in terms of how they react to certain medications and how much medication is needed to cure the allergy symptom.

Jan
23rd

Alternative Horse Therapy

Files under equine | 2 Comments »

Traditional veterinary medicine, much like in the human world, is often based on treating symptoms rather than the cause, or the underlying problem. Alternative horse therapies, on the other hand, are ancient forms of treatment that take a holistic approach to the whole body, mind, and spirit of the horse, to treat the underlying causes of problems manifesting in the body, and promote an overall sense of well being.

There are many types of alternative horse therapy treatments used to treat a large range of problems that your horse may be experiencing. It is recommended that alternative treatments be used regularly as a preventative treatment, rather than having to use them as a treatment after damage has been done. Below are some of the most commonly practiced alternative therapies for equine treatment, and well being.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture, as an alternative therapy, which uses tiny needles inserted into meridians, or certain parts of the horse body, to maintain the horses balance, as well as promote good overall health. The examination and treatment requires close observation of the horse to identify the points of the body that need the treatment.

Chiropractic Therapy
Chiropractic treatments also need close observation of the horse, after a close observation the horse body is then manipulated to improve the flexibility of the horses spine, and joints. Horse chiropractic therapy is much the same as human chiropractic therapy and can increase the performance of a horse by moving joints into place to assist with overall performance.

Body Work
Bodywork is the term used for massage therapy, which treats soreness in the horse muscles. Unlike chiropractic therapy; bodywork concentrates on the horses muscles, rather than joints. This therapy is used to promote efficient movement by taking away the soreness in the horse muscles.

Homeopathy
Using naturally occurring substances diluted down to minute particles are the basics of homeopathy medicine. This therapy is used for treating diseases in a horse body. Homeopathy is an ancient Chinese form of medicine, which has been used successfully with horses and humans alike to treat a large range of diseases, and illnesses. Homeopathy is usually used along with other alternative therapies, such as chiropractic, bodywork, and acupuncture.

Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses fragrances that can affect the mood of a horse, assist in healing, and promote a sense of wellness. Aromatherapy is often used alongside herbs in a horse diet, to reduce irritation of the digestive tract, for better overall health, and well being.

Other Physical Therapies
There are many physical therapies being introduced to treat pain in horse tissues, and bones. Some of these therapies are known as magnetic therapy, laser therapies, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound, and are often used by veterinarians.

In most cases, the horse body can heal itself without medicines, synthetic, or alternative. But when natural therapies are used, they provide quicker healing times, and a feeling of overall well being, which will put the horses body into the healing mode faster, and possibly reduce healing times considerably.

Jan
23rd

How can I help 2 certain horses being neglected in my area?

Files under horses | 16 Comments »

Theres a small town with a bad reputation about 20 minutes from where I live, and every time I'm over that way I see these 2 horses in this tiny quarter- or half-acre pasture with barbed wire (i think) on the fence and it makes me sick. They look so skinny and scraggly, and I want to do something about it. I plan on making it a point to drive over and look just a little closer, but what is real cause to call humane society. And if the poor animals were eventually removed from the practically in-town property, would there be a way for me to take one or both horses to my barn and nurture them. Also, are there grants or funding available in helping with this. Anyone with this kind of experience, I would really appreciate some insight and help in figuring this out. I've got 2 horses of my own now, and my first horse died in january, old and skinny, so i know some horses are just skinny. I don't want to cause problems, I just want what's best for the animals. Thanks!

humane society!

you will remain anonymous, i called before about 2 dogs, they came the next day and took them.

the lady emailed me to show me they are at a nice home now. also tell them you'd like to care for them, it can be arranged!!

CALL THEM !!

you'll be glad you did, it's hard to see it everyday isn't it!!