Horses confined in stables are being kept under artificial conditions, and in consequence skill is required to maintain them in good health. Living under natural conditions the horse eats grass; he eats for a very considerable number of hours each day and during the night; he feeds in small quantities at frequent intervals, and he drinks whenever he feels inclined. He has a very small stomach for his size. These facts should be borne in mind when horses are in the stable, and the less the natural conditions are disturbed the better.

Horses intended for hunting during the season should be brought in from grass during July or, at the latest, August. During July the grass begins to lack the nutritive qualities which it had in May and June, and the horse will come up in less soft condition if he has been given a feed of 5 lb. oats daily the last few weeks at grass. This extra condition is due partly to the hard food and partly to the fact that the oats give the horse more energy and that he therefore takes more exercise on his own.

Great care must be taken when the horse is brought in that he does not take cold and start coughing. During the first week in the stable he should not be made to sweat, and the door of the stable should be kept open night and day to give all possible air. Nothing is more likely to start a cough than a stuffy stable.

During the first week in the stable the horse should be given damp bran and hay with little or no oats. The change from grass to dry food is likely to cause indigestion and diarrhea. If at the end of the first week the diarrhea persists, the horse should be given bran mashes for twenty-four hours, and then physicked with an aloes ball or 1 1/2 pints of linseed oil. If the horse comes up from grass in poor condition, worms should be suspected, and he should be treated accordingly.

When the horse has got well over the physic the oat ration may be raised gradually as the exercise is increased. Plenty of walking exercise is essential at this time, and the owner need have no fear of giving too much of it. The horse when out at grass takes slow exercise during the larger part of the twenty-four hours in a day, and is better for plenty of slow exercise when stabled. He probably enjoys it as confinement is unnatural.

The longer that slow work is continued the better for the horse. Fast exercise when in gross condition is liable to affect a horse’s wind, damage his legs and work irreparable harm.

As the horse becomes fit slow trotting exercise should be given and steady trots uphill are excellent for muscling up the quarters. With this exercise about 8-10 lb. of oats a day should be sufficient with 2 lb. of damp bran added and about 14 lb. of hay. The corn should be given in three feeds, a little of the hay given after exercise and the bulk of the hay last thing at night.

If this treatment has been followed your horse should be in first-rate condition when he is called upon for fast work at the end of the cubbing season. He will require about 14 lb. of oats, 2 lb. bran and 12 lb. of hay daily. The quantity of corn should be varied with the work that is being expected from him, his size and his appetite. The food should be given in at least three feeds a day and may with great advantage be divided into four meals.

Jimmy Cox
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/conditioning-and-feeding-horses-119709.html

For some, enjoying life is about spending time with family and friends. For some, a round of golf is the ideal way to unwind – whether they are able to get out once a month, once a weekend or simply whenever they are able to get out on the fairways and greens. For others however, really living is what takes place when they are able to spend time with their horses.

Those who have a passion for the equestrian will find that Brigadoon – an equestrian community near Aiken, South Carolina – gives them access to all of the best that life has to offer. Rather than simply being a community where neighbors get together with one another, Brigadoon is a community in which those who love horses and want to have the space to enjoy them can come together.

Much like those communities that feature properties that surround a golf course, the neighborhoods at Brigadoon surround the Brigadoon Common. The Common is, in effect, 40 acres of land that has been committed to the purpose of allowing those whose passion for all things equestrian to come together. Whether practicing dressage, preparing your horse for competition in show jumping or training your horse for speed on the Brigadoon dirt training track as well as a covered arena, there are few things that have not been planned for.

That, of course, also includes the fact that not everyone who lives at Brigadoon will be thinking about getting his or her horse into the performance ring. For those who simply want to be able to enjoy a long, leisurely ride as an escape, Brigadoon offers plenty of undeveloped green space that’s just waiting to be explored. Likewise, at Brigadoon, you’ll find that there are over eighteen miles of private trails for those who are members of this equestrian community.

Others who are looking to be more engaged with both their horses as well as their neighbors in the Brigadoon community will find that there is plenty of space set aside for games of polo as well as taking part in fox hunts and other competitions. After all, for some, it’s hard to get away from their competitive streak even when they are outside of the business community.

Relaxation means different things to different people. For some, it’s all about doing nothing; for others relaxation is all about finding a way to participate in and genuinely enjoy the activities within their community. Those who know that their greatest satisfaction often comes when they are able to be on horseback and spending time with others who share that passion will find that the Brigadoon community offers everything that they are looking for – and then some.

Brigadoon is not just about just horses, nor is it simply about the space that you need to enjoy the time you have with your horse and to take part in a variety of different activities. Instead, Brigadoon is a community designed especially for those who know that their lives would simply not be the same if it were missing an equestrian component.

Tim Stewart
http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/living-is-spending-time-with-horses-432290.html

Insurance of all kinds has become endemic in our society today; car insurance, home owners insurance, health insurance, and everything in between. The role of insurance in our lives is the protection of our assets. And when it comes to horse insurance, the goals are the same. For those who own one or more horses, horse insurance provides them with the same peace of mind as any other insurance policy.

Just as a serious collector of antique cars would think nothing of purchasing a comprehensive insurance policy to protect his financial interests, the owners of horses must similarly protect their interests. Horse insurance policies are purchased just like any other insurance policy – through reputable underwriters that specialize in this particular type of insurance. The breadth and subsequent price of the insurance policy depends on the type and level of coverage that the horse owner chooses to purchase.

In most cases, horse insurance is purchased because the livelihood of the horse owner depends on the functionality of the horse. For instance, those horses that are used for racing or breeding – and subsequently bring their owners a financial return – are often considered to be prime candidates for horse insurance.

There are a number of different options when it comes to horse insurance and each owner must examine the policies as they relate to their particular situation. Insurance policies can often be customized to fit the owner’s particular situation and needs but there is some common practices standard to most policies.

One such horse insurance policy includes coverage for the death of the animal. In this case, the owner receives a pre-determined lump sum payout in the event of an untimely death of the horse.

In the event of permanent incapacitation, due to injury or illness, the horse insurance policy will often pay the owner a percentage of the amount the horse would have earned throughout a healthy lifetime. This coverage is often extended to race or show horses.

For horse breeders, a horse insurance policy that covers infertility is often necessary, as the inability to breed particular horses could result in a significant loss of revenue.

In some cases, owners will purchase a horse insurance policy that acts much like a health insurance policy for humans, covering major medical care in the event of illness, and even specific surgical procedures should the animal require surgical intervention.

There are often caveats placed on a particular horse insurance policy that extends coverage for injury or death to the horse as a result of particular risk factors such as lightening or during the transportation of the horse. These are factors that are spelled out in detail in the policy and are often pricey add-ons. But, depending on the particular situation, it may be well worth the cost.

Most importantly, it is essential that anyone interested in purchasing a horse insurance policy do so through a knowledgeable and trustworthy underwriter. If you are unclear about a particular company’s reputation, you should be sure to do your homework. Just as you do with any other insurance policy, get a variety of quotes and comparison shop. In so doing, you can find horse insurance that makes significant allowances for the care of your horse and subsequently protects your financial interests.

Riley Hendersen
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/protecting-our-horses-with-horse-insurance-121451.html

The Arabian horse has been called the most beautiful of all and he is unmistakable in character and appearance. It is the purest and oldest of all breeds and this variety has been carefully bred for thousands of years and there is evidence that dates them back over 4,500 years.

Take the time to read a book on the history of the Arabian horse and you will see how it has influenced other horses around the world. They spread their bloodline all over the world during the Muslim conquests in the 7th century.

The Arabian horse has a reputation for being intelligent, high spirited, very strong, and is one of the most easy to recognize horse breeds. As with most breeds, it was traded throughout its history and cross breeding occurred as they intermingled with other horses. It is believed that the other less desirable breeds were improved upon when their speed and endurance was introduced into the bloodline. In fact, their influence is most obvious when looking at the blood lines in the majority of the thoroughbreds in the world.

These horses are highly sought after by breeders today and great efforts have been made to ensure the purity of the breed. They possess dense, strong bones, and solid hoof walls; that enhances their ability to maneuver well in the desert sand.

The Arabian Horse Breeders Alliance was created to help breeders through education, competition and by making others realize the potential and beauty of this animal. They also want to unite the breeders to ensure that these unique animals will continue being valued for generations.

The Breeders World Cup first Annual horse show has scheduled an event for April 19-22, 2007. The main goal of this group is to become one of the premier purebred Arabian horse shows in the world. The show will be an opportunity for owners, breeders and enthusiasts to come and talk to their peers and compare notes. It will be a showcase for the natural beauty, nobility, excitement, and unique characteristics of the horse breed and will provide a lively and entertaining experience for existing breeders and those new to Arabian horses.

If you are interested in learning more about this horse, you do not have to go far. There are horse farms in every region of the United States and throughout the world dedicated to the breeding of this magnificent creature. In addition, there are shows throughout the country and the world that focus on this one horse.

While you may never own an Arabian horse, that does not mean that you can not truly appreciate the splendor and beauty of this animal. If you are a horse lover, consider attending one of the many shows where you will have an opportunity to see hundreds of these horses. This can also be an opportunity to introduce your children to these animals-their care, breeding, and overall appearance will truly enchant every child that has an opportunity to see them.

But watch out, they will probably want one of their very own as a pet.

Riley Hendersen
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/arabian-horses-are-generations-old-138416.html

Horse enthusiasts will often regale you with stories of their predisposition towards a particular breed. Whether it’s the horse they grew up loving or the horse they always admired, there is often a strong attachment to one kind of horse over another.

But when it comes to a long history of admiration, no other breed comes close to Arabian horses; a breed long held in great esteem by nations far and wide.

The most ancient breed of riding horses, they have unclear origins as a wild horse. But experts believe that the breed was domesticated by the Bedouin, an ancient Middle Eastern tribe that resided along the Arabian Peninsula.

This arid land, belonging in today’s world to Iran, Iraq, and Syria, was known for its inhospitable climate. The Bedouin relied on Arabian horses for their dependability in the heat and dryness of the desert and used them for lengthy treks in wartime.

Arabian horses were so relied upon and revered by the Bedouin that firm rules were established regarding the breeding of the horse. And even today they continue to be the only true purebred horse. But the reverence of these horses can most significantly be traced to the prophet Mohammed whose followers used the horses as they rode from village to village in seventh century AD spreading the word of Allah.

Mohammed elevated the breed’s status still by proclaiming Arabian horses to be gifts from God that must be treated with kindness and respect. The breed’s close connection with their owners established a strong human compatibility; today’s horses are still highly intelligent and engage easily with man.

The Arabian horses of today also maintain the regal beauty of the ancient breed. While the modern horses are somewhat smaller in build, they have the same elegant stature as their ancient counterparts – imparting nobility and grace.

Their bodies are muscular and athletic, their eyes wide-set, their ears small, and their forehead large and broad. The profile of the Arabian horse, however, is by far its most distinguishing feature – both significantly curved and finely chiseled.

Today’s breed of horses also continue to hold the same mass appeal as it always has; ownership often marks success and nobility in many cultures. The breed also shows well and is often used in horse shows and horse racing where they compete wholeheartedly and without hesitation.

But most importantly, Arabian horses continue to maintain their amiable personalities that make them so likeable and preferred by owners. Their intelligence and the ease with which they are trained make them an extremely popular breed.

And those who are enthusiasts of Arabian horses will always remind you of the breed’s stunning beauty and distinguishing features. For this reason, it’s no wonder the horses have been so popular in movie making over the years, starring in films as far back as the 1920s. But no matter what the future holds for horses, it is certain that Arabian horses will continue their reign as a breed revered above all others.

Riley Hendersen
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/the-ancient-elegance-of-arabian-horses-in-the-modern-world-109074.html

When it comes to pet ownership, we all have our preferences; the debate of dog versus cat can go on indefinitely. But for those who prefer horses, the care and feeding of their animal suddenly becomes a far greater undertaking then simply housing a smaller, more domesticated animal. Horses are large animals that come with an even larger responsibility for their owners. But for some people, ownership of miniature horses allows them to enjoy all that attracts them to horses, but on a much smaller scale.

Miniature horses are simply the result of hundreds of years of careful and purposeful breeding that has taken place all over the world. Today, The American Miniature Horse Association, established in 1978, continues to set the guidelines for these horses. To date, they are the only organization working to standardize the specifications.

In order to be defined as miniature horses, they must not reach higher than 34 inches in height. However, the differentiation between standard sized horses and these horses stops here; the physical features actually mirror that of their full-sized counterparts; but are simply in proportion to their size. If you were to look at one with no basis for size comparison, it would look like a typical, average sized horse.

Miniature horses are shown in competition just as their full-sized cousins. But their manageable size makes them especially instrumental in working with special needs individuals who wish to ride, but must avoid the larger animals for safety reasons. Because of their size, they are also child-friendly; children often learn to ride on these smaller, more controllable breeds.

Those who own miniature horses will also tell you of the unique opportunity they have to enjoy all that is special about a horse while still enjoying all that comes with having the ability to hold an animal in your lap!

The care is just as important as that for larger horses. Much of the standard care remains the same – including grooming, veterinary care, exercise and nutrition, and shelter – with special attention paid to eating. The smaller digestive track puts them at risk for intestinal problems; owners must be alert to the special feeding requirements of the breed. Owners will be happy to note, however, that the care for the horses costs significantly less than the care for full-sized horses.

For those interested in owning one, it is important to do a fair amount of research. Just as with any breed of horse, temperaments vary from horse to horse. Seek out and get to know a reputable breeder who can assist you in finding the horse that’s right for you and your family.

Owning a horse of any size must be taken on only after careful consideration. But if you find that you enjoy all the characteristics of a horse, but are put off by its normally grand size, you may want to investigate miniature horses; all the beauty of a horse in one tiny package.

Riley Hendersen
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/owning-miniature-horses-the-smallest-of-the-small-122532.html

When it comes to American history, no other animal is more closely associated with the story of this country than the horse. Inseparable from the Wild West, and indistinguishable from the image of the American cowboy, horses will be forever identified with the picture of early Americana. But no breed of horse is more interconnected with this cherished history than Paint horses.

But as closely associated with American history as they are, ironically, Paint horses had their start in America via Spain. When Spanish explorers came to the New World in 1519, they brought with them an enormous amount of supplies and a number of horses. These Paint horses eventually dotted the landscape in wild herds, and by the 1800s tribes of American Indians were using the breed for riding.

There were a variety of names attached to these spot covered horses throughout the 1800s and 1900s, but the name that seemed to stick was the Pinto horse. However, a group of horse enthusiasts, dedicated to preserving more than just the unique color patterns of this particular breed, formed in the 1960s calling themselves the American Paint Stock Horse Association – a group that went on to eventually identify and classify the different varieties of Paint horses.

Paint horses – under this strict classification system – must not only adhere to strident color pattern regulations but must have at least one parent that is a registered Paint horse in order to be identified as part of the breed.

The color patterns specific to paint horses include any combination of the color white and another color standard to horses such as brown, gray or black. Their distinctive coloring often looks like splashings of paint – or markings – over the horse’s body but actually fall into three color classifications that a horse must have in order to be considered a Paint horse.

The three color patterns are: tobiano, which generally features four white legs, round or oval spots across the chest and neck area, and a two-toned tail; the overo pattern wherein the prominent color is either white or dark, four dark legs, white head coloring, and single colored tail; and a combination of tobiano and overo that is referred to as tovero and used to describe those Paint horses that have common qualities of both.

Paint horses today are often seen in modern day rodeos, as well as in horse competitions such as racing and showing. The American Paint Horse is a naturally intelligent breed that is extremely amiable and easily trained. As such, they are also often used for trail riding and as a temperate ride for children.

The image of paint horses conjure up thoughts of the American frontier where battles were waged on open land and under endless skies. This particular breed of horse encapsulates all the romanticism of these primitive beginnings. But the modern paint horses stay true to their history while taking their place in modern times both as a competitor and as a companion.

Riley Hendersen
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/paint-horses-as-a-part-of-american-history-119920.html

When you say the word horses a few places come to mind, Montana, Wyoming, but none as much as Texas. Texas and its horses have quite a history. In this article we will introduce you to a little Texas history and the horses that are involved.

First, we have to go into a little Mexican and Spanish History. Texas was, for a long time, under Spanish rule. Spain ruled Mexico and Mexico ruled Texas you might say.

Spain’s introduction of warfare on horseback is very well known. The horse helped the Conquistadors conquer more and more territory throughout South America. Their territory once extended from Peru and Argentina all the way up into Texas and Louisiana.

Most of the groups the warriors from Spain encountered had no horses and were at a huge disadvantage in battle. The image we always see of the Spanish Soldier is one of him in armor and on horseback.

Another image that is conjured up when mentioning horses and Texas is Indians on horseback. What many do not know is that the Indians in Texas had no horses until they were brought in during Spanish rule of the area. Most hoses the Indians rode were ones stolen from settlers and soldiers after seeing the advantage the soldiers had over them.

When Mexicans first began to settle in Texas around where the Friars built their missions to bring religion to the Indians, most of them didn’t bring horses either. People walked hundreds of miles to get to where they would eventually settle and build their homes. Many had mules or donkeys, but few had horses.

It was the same for those who came from various places within the new United States. They came by boat to New Orleans many times, but then had a long walk to get to their new Texas home where the Mexican government was giving land away for free.

The settlers soon discovered there were wild horses in Texas. What we now call Mustangs were abundant and were free if you could catch them and train them. These horses were not as big as other horses, but they were very sturdy and strong animals that became a huge part of Texas history.

You have to see it how it was then. There was not that much actual cash money to be had anywhere in Texas. There was free land if you were willing to go there and claim it. There were free horses if you were willing to catch and train them. There were even free cattle if you were willing to round them up, the Texas Longhorn.

So many settlers made the long trek to Texas, converted to Catholicism, which was required by the Mexican government if you wanted free land, then captured and trained free Mustangs, which they then used to round up the free cattle.

It sounds great, huh? Just go grab some free land, free horses, and free cattle and you were on your way! Not exactly. It was a very rough life. One that not many people today could even fathom. There was not many people in Texas, some Indian tribes did not want settlers there and showed it through violent attacks, and the work was hard.

To make money from the cattle or horses that were collected they had to be driven all the way to New Orleans for sale. This drive took months to accomplish. The travel we do today spoils our ability to understand the way it was for these settlers.

Some of them spent more than a year traveling to find where they and their families would settle. They then spent at least another year building their house and gathering the horses and cattle that might make up their rancho. Then figure at least a 6 month round trip to sell cattle or horses just to make enough money to buy supplies that were not available free on the Texas range.

The Mustang Horse proved to be one of the best horses for soldiers. It was sturdy enough to handle the rough terrain that larger horses could not handle. They could go without water longer than other horses. They were not skittish when it came to gunfire and battle.

The Texas Rangers rode Mustangs while roaming Texas in search of Banditos and Outlaws. Many men riding Mustangs fought the Battle of San Jacinto. The Apache Indians used them somewhat, but the fierce Comanche Indians had many Mustangs and were some of the greatest horsemen to ever live anywhere. But that is another story.

I hope this short article gave you at least a glimpse into where horses in Texas came from and how they were used. Look in your favorite search engine for more about the Mustangs that still run free today and for more about Texas history and horses. You’ll find the topic interesting and entertaining.

Greg Lucas
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/the-history-of-horses-and-texas-101438.html

Depending on breed, management and environment, the domestic horse today has a life expectancy of 25 to 30 years. It is uncommon, but a few horses live into their 40s, and, occasionally, beyond. The oldest verifiable record was “Old Billy,” a horse that lived in the 19th century to the age of 62. The size of horses varies by breed, but can also be influenced by nutrition. The general rule for cutoff in height between what is considered a horse and a pony at maturity is 14.2 hands(h or hh) (147 cm, 58 inches) as measured at the withers. An animal 14.2h or over is usually considered a horse and one less than 14.2h is a pony.

However, there are exceptions to the general rule. Some smaller horse breeds who typically produce individual horses both under and over 14.2h are considered “horses” regardless of height. Likewise, some pony breeds, such as the Pony of the Americas or the Welsh cob, share some features of horses and individual animals may occasionally mature at over 14.2h, but are still considered ponies. The difference between a horse and pony is not simply a height difference, but also a difference in phenotype or appearance. There are noticeable differences in conformation and temperament. Ponies often exhibit thicker manes, tails and overall coat. They also have proportionally shorter legs, wider barrels, heavy bone, thick necks, and short heads with broad foreheads.

Light horses such as Arabians, Morgans, Quarter Horses, Paints and Thoroughbreds usually range in height from 14.0 (142 cm) to 16.0 hands (163 cm) and can weigh from 386 kg (850 lbs) to about 680 kg (1500 lbs). Heavy or draft horses such as the Clydesdale, Belgian, Percheron, and Shire are usually at least 16.0 (163 cm) to 18.0 hands (183 cm) high and can weigh from about 682 kg (1500 lb) up to about 900 kg (2000 lb). Ponies are less than 14.2h, but can be much smaller, down to the Shetland pony at around 10 hands, and the Falabella which can be the size of a medium-sized dog. The miniature horse is as small as or smaller than either of the aforementioned ponies but are classified as very small horses rather than ponies despite their size. The largest horse in history was a Shire horse named Sampson, later renamed Mammoth, foaled in 1846 in Bedfordshire, England. He stood 21.2 hands high (i.e. 7 ft 2 in or 2.20 m ), and his peak weight was estimated at over 3,300 lb (approx 1.5 tonnes). The current record holder for the world’s smallest horse is Thumbelina, a fully mature miniature horse affected by dwarfism. She is 17 inches tall and weighs 60 pounds.

Horse breeding

Pregnancy lasts for approximately 335-340 days and usually results in one foal (male: colt, female: filly). Twins are rare. Colts are usually carried 2-7 days longer than fillies. Females 4 years and over are called mares and males are stallions. A castrated male is a gelding. Horses, particularly colts, may sometimes be physically capable of reproduction at approximately 18 months but in practice are rarely allowed to breed until a minimum age of 3 years, especially females. Horses four years old are considered mature, though the skeleton usually finishes developing at the age of six, and the precise time of completion of development also depends on the horse’s size (therefore a connection to breed exists), gender, and the quality of care provided by its owner.

Also, if the horse is larger, its bones are larger; therefore, not only do the bones take longer to actually form bone tissue (bones are made of cartilage in earlier stages of bone formation), but the epiphyseal plates (plates that fuse a bone into one piece by connecting the bone shaft to the bone ends) are also larger and take longer to convert from cartilage to bone as well. These plates convert after the other parts of the bones do but are crucial to development.

Depending on maturity, breed and the tasks expected, young horses are usually put under saddle and trained to be ridden between the ages of two and four. Although Thoroughbred and American Quarter Horse race horses are put on the track at as young as two years old in some countries (notably the United States), horses specifically bred for sports such as show jumping and dressage are generally not entered into top-level competition until a minimum age of four years old, because their bones and muscles are not solidly developed, nor is their advanced training complete.

Horses are adapted to grazing, so their teeth continue to grow throughout life. There are 12 teeth (six upper and six lower), the incisors, adapted to biting off the grass or other vegetation, at the front of the mouth, and 24 teeth, the premolar and molars, adapted for chewing, at the back of the mouth. Stallions and geldings have four additional teeth just behind the incisors, a type of canine teeth that are called “tushes.” Some horses, both male and female, will also develop one to four very small vestigial teeth in front of the molars, known as “wolf” teeth, which are generally removed because they can interfere with the bit. There is an empty interdental space between the incisors and the molars where the bit rests directly on the bars (gums) of the horse’s mouth when the horse is bridled.

The incisors show a distinct wear and growth pattern as the horse ages, as well as change in the angle at which the chewing surfaces meet, and while the diet and veterinary care of the horse can affect the rate of tooth wear, a very rough estimate of the age of a horse can be made by looking at its teeth.

Keith Londrie
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/here-are-some-interesting-facts-about-horses-136636.html