Pet Training and Classical Conditioning

The science of associating something with an activity is known as classical conditioning. The best example is the experiment conducted by Pavlov, a Russian scientist. Whenever he served food to his dog, he used to ring a bell. In the beginning, the dog used to salivate by looking at the food. Later he began associating the bell with the food and at a point in time, he used to salivate at the sound of the bell. This doesn’t mean that the actual noise of the ringing bell made him salivate. The dog associated the ringing of the bell with the food and that food or even the thought of it made him salivate.

Classical conditioning cannot actually make a dog sit or jump at a command, but it does change the way the pet feels about a particular situation. Classical conditioning gives explanation about the behaviour relating to a particular place, object or event. It explains how the emotional response is developed. The responses can be developed in an animal either intentionally or by chance. Also the trainer must remember that the change in the behaviour is irreversible most of the time.

In the above picture, this champion knows it must stand in that position whenever it is being judged or shown. It is conditioned to take that stance whenever its owner puts a hand on its tail and on the side of its head. It will remain unflinching in that stance until its owner releases it from that pose.

When Dad was a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, as a recruit, he had to learn to ride a horse. Because the horses used by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride must perform in locations where sudden loud noises occur, they have to be conditioned to ignore these loud sounds and continue their equestrian routine. To condition the horses, they are taken into an indoor riding school where the riding master continually discharges a firearm containing blanks while the horses are performing. He also plays a tape containing loud strange noises. With a lot of repetitive exposure to this type of situation, the horses get so that they very seldom spook at sudden loud sounds. In this way there is less likelihood of the rider being thrown or the horse injuring itself or a spectator. However, as Dad learned, during this conditioning process, it can become really wild with horses bucking their riders off all over the place. It looked like an uncontrolled bucking bronco show at a wild west rodeo.

One of the most common behaviours dealt with in conditioned emotional response is fear. The fear can be instinctive, learned or caused by an unknown factor. For example, if a cat gets scared upon seeing a dog, this is instinctive fear. If the cat backs off upon seeing a raised hand, this is learned fear. This can happen in the case of an abused cat. If there is fear because of lack of exposure to a particular situation that has never happened before, this is known as fear of the unknown.

Conditioned emotional responses which are not liked or wanted, can be reduced with the help of classical conditioning. Classical conditioning is broken into two types of treatment, namely desensitization and counter-conditioning. Desensitization is reducing the sensitivity of the animal toward a particular unavoidable situation, as described above in the horse training situation. The bad situation is created again and again until the animal becomes insensitive or doesn’t respond to it any more. For example, if an animal is given crate training, it is locked inside the crate again and again, until it gets used to staying locked inside the cage.

In counter-conditioning the animal is exposed to a lower degree of extremity. The intensity is less and as well a positive thing is presented to the animal. By doing this the pet begins to like the nasty situation. The pet is made to respond in a way which contradicts the current or previous reaction. For example, a pet doesn’t like to be locked up in the crate all the time. But this undesirable situation can be made to look pleasant if the pet is fed with a treat from time to time as long as it stays calmly inside the cage.

Negative counter conditioning is another technique, but it is used very rarely. For example, if a cat likes to bite the hand of the owner frequently, the owner can rub something distasteful on the hand. When the animal bites the hand, it will taste the distasteful substance. If this is done repeatedly, the cat will then associate the bad taste with the hand and will not bite again.

Classical conditioning is used to alter the way an animal reacts to a particular situation. With classical conditioning the animal can be made to like an unpleasant situation or dislike a pleasant situation.

Because there has been some negative connotations associated with the term Classical Conditioning, many trainers now refer to it as behavioural training which sounds more pleasant. In addition as more is learned about animals, better methods of training are being developed. Reward based training has almost completely replaced punishment based training, which is a very good and humane change.

Until next time,

Teia

Learning How to Ride a Horse

Learning how to ride a horse can be a lot of fun. Whether you want to ride for the feeling of freedom you get on a horse or you are just a horse lover, it can be very rewarding. With some basic equipment and a good teacher, you can be on your way to having hours of fun.

There are many different styles of horse riding that one can choose to learn. The two main horse riding styles are Western and English. Western style is easier to learn and not as strict or as difficult to learn as the English style. If you are just riding for fun, look for an instructor that will teach the Western style. However, if you think you might be interested in riding for show, it will probably be better to learn the English style. (Western style is used in rodeo events, trail riding and herding livestock, while the English style is used in dressage and show jumping.)

When taking riding lessons, make sure you let your instructor know that you are a beginner. This way they will put you on a horse that is well trained. It is important that you get a horse that is easy to ride, for both your safety and your confidence.

When looking for an instructor, it is best to ask around and see whom people recommend. Do not just respond to an advertisement. Some instructors, (usually professionals) will have teaching certifications and first aid training. Other instructors will have just learned from someone else and will be willing to teach you what they know. No matter who you choose, make sure they have a personality that you get along with. Also make sure that they teach the style you want to learn.

Safely should be your number one concern when learning to ride. Always be sure to wear a helmet in case you fall off. Many people don't wear a helmet when riding a horse, but it should be required apparel because it is over six feet from your head to the ground and depending on where you are riding, there could be large stones present. Also, depending on what you are doing at the time you fall off, you could get accidently kicked in the head by the horse. My dad has never seen a fallen rider stepped on by a horse, but he has seen them clipped by a hoof when the horse tries to avoid the fallen rider. You should also wear long pants so that you do not chafe your legs on the saddle and stirrup straps. It is also advisable to wear riding boots as they fit into the stirrups much better and they also provide strength to your ankles.

The equipment you need for riding the horse is called tack. This includes everything from the saddle to the reins, bridle and stirrups. This can be expensive to buy on your own. Usually the instructor can provide the equipment. It is important that you check over the saddle, bridle and reins before each ride for signs of wear and for a proper fit.

Learning to ride a horse can be a life changing event. It will give you a sense of responsibility, as well as give you a tremendous sense of freedom. By finding a good instructor and a calm horse, you are well on your way.

Remember horses are very powerful animals so always be sure to wear your helmet and ride with friends. Accidents can happen when you least expect them. Dad was on an exercise ride with a group of Royal Canadian Mounted Police recruits. They were going along a trail in the woods near the Ottawa River. The recruit ahead of dad turned around to look at the horse he was leading and didn’t see the low hanging branch in front of the horse he was riding. As he turned to look forward, the branch knocked him off his horse headfirst onto a large rock beside the trail. His helmet saved him from a fractured skull. Two or three seconds of inattention while riding could have been fatal if he hadn’t been wearing that helmet.

Until next time,

Teia

Picking a Farrier for Your Horse

Choosing the right farrier is a very important decision for the health of your horse. The right farrier can help an average horse improve in conformation. However, the wrong farrier could be detrimental to your horse.

A farrier is someone who trims and shoes your horse’s feet. Your horse’s feet should be trimmed and shod at least every two months. Some people recommend different intervals ranging from four to eight weeks, but this interval depends on your horse.

When choosing a farrier, you want someone who is professional and treats your horse well. You need them to keep appointments, explain fees and be well equipped with the tools they need to get the job done.

A great farrier will also take the time to educate you about what they are doing to your horse. A great farrier will put your horse on a regular shoeing schedule and they often have waiting lists of clients.

Before they trim the foot or fit a shoe, the farrier should watch the horse walk and how the hoof contacts the ground. This allows the farrier to know how to correctly trim the foot and where on the foot trimming needs to be done.

Often, it is best to find a farrier that is certified. The American Farrier Association is an association that certifies farriers in the United States. To get certified requires schooling and mentoring over a period of a few years. To find a certified farrier go to http://www.americanfarriers.org/ and click on “Find a Farrier.” There, you can search by country, state or last name for farriers. Each farrier listed has their certification level posted and their city or town of residence.

Although the American Farrier Association is probably the largest organization in the United States, each state often has its own farrier association. There is no law about not being certified, but this is a good credential for the farrier to have. You should definitely ask your farrier if they are certified, or at least find out how much training they have had and their years of experience.

Often the best way to find a farrier is through personal references and by asking local horse owners whom they recommend. Another way to find a farrier is to ask your veterinarian whom they recommend. A good farrier needs to be able to work with your veterinarian to help maintain the health of your horse’s feet.

Finding the best farrier you can will save you money in the long run by keeping your horse healthy and performing well. Once you find a great farrier, stick with him or her and you and your horse will be well rewarded.

Until next time,

Teia

Horse Vaccinations

Vaccinations are an important part of keeping your horse healthy. Just like humans and dogs, horses need vaccinations to help reduce the incidence of diseases too. The more horses your horse comes into contact with, the more you need to make sure your horse is protected against infectious diseases. The following guidelines are recommended by the American Association of Equine Practitioners, the AAEP. The AAEP is a group of veterinarians who specialize in horse medicine.

Below are the most important vaccines for a pleasure horse to receive as recommended by the AAEP. The first four recommendations are considered basic required vaccines and the last three vaccines are optional.

1. Equine Encephalomyelitis (Eastern and Western) vaccination is recommended once per year in the spring. Encephalomyelitis is a disease carried by mosquitoes and is found in all 48 continental states and most Canadian provinces. It is a virus that affects the nervous system. Clinical signs range from fever to weakness and possibly to sudden death. Certain areas have a higher incidence of this disease than others.

2. Another mandatory vaccine is Tetanus, this is recommended once a year in the spring. Tetanus is a disease caused by bacteria called Clostridium. Normally this disease is seen in penetrating injuries, like stepping on a nail. The clinical signs are muscular stiffness. The horse is unable to move, and death could result if not treated.

3. Equine Rhinopneumonitis is recommended one to two times per year and prior to horse shows. Rhinopneumonitis is caused by a herpes virus. Clinical signs are typically abortions and pneumonia. This virus spreads rapidly between horses so vaccination is a must.

4. Equine Influenza vaccine is recommended once to twice a year or prior to shows as well. This virus can cause severe pneumonia in horses. Like Rhinopneumonitis, this too spreads rapidly between horses. Often, if there is a known outbreak of this disease, horse shows will be cancelled.

These last three vaccines should be considered only if your vet recommends them. Typically the decision to vaccinate for the last two diseases is done if there is this disease present in the region.

5. Streptococcus Equi, also know as Strangles, is often given as an intranasal vaccine. Almost all horse owners are familiar with Strangles. This disease is caused by a bacterium that makes the horses lymph nodes swell up, making it difficult for the horse to breathe, hence the name Strangles.

6. Potomac Horse Fever vaccine is another optional vaccination. This disease primarily happens to horses who liver near water. The bacterium that causes this disease is linked to snails and the clinical signs include colic and laminitis.

7. Recently on the Canadian prairies, particularly in the Province of Saskatchewan, Anthrax has shown up because of the extremely wet conditions in some parts of these provinces. If you happen to have any livestock and you live in this area, consult your veterinarian about vaccinations for this deadly disease.

By following the basic vaccine protocol for pleasure horses from the AAEP, or one recommended by your local veterinarian, you can keep your horse healthy. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian before starting any vaccines. I also recommend that you get your vaccines from your vet and not by buying them over the Internet. Like human drugs and vaccines, horse vaccines purchased over the Internet may be cheaper, but you have no idea what they contain. Just to save a few dollars do you really want to put your horse at risk of premature death from some unknown concoction put together by an Internet hustler? Your veterinarian is a highly trained professional with the knowledge and training to prescribe the right medicine for the situation involved.

Until next time,

Teia

Lameness in Your Horse

Lameness in a horse is one of the most common health problems seen in horses. Two of the most common causes of horse lameness are called laminitis (inflammation of the laminae of the foot) and navicular syndrome (inflammation or degeneration of the navicular bone or its surrounding tissue). By learning about these conditions you can catch them earlier and therefore prevent further damage.

When dealing with lameness in a horse, you have to be observant. Often horse lameness is temporary and goes away with just rest. Other times the lameness can be quite severe and further veterinary care is needed.

Lameness is often seen when the horse is trotting. If your horse is lame, you will notice a different gait to the horse. There are several signs to watch out for when dealing with a suspected lame horse.

Signs of lameness include - trotting unevenly, a reluctance to bear weight on a leg, throwing the head when trotting, and a reluctance to move.

If you notice any of these signs you should contact your veterinarian immediately, and don't ride your horse. While you may be able to tell which leg is affecting the horse, the veterinarian can identify the exact location that is causing the problem.

The veterinarian will most likely start the examination with observing the horse trotting. After that he (or she) will usually start at the foot of the lame leg and work his way up the leg to pinpoint the location of the pain.

When looking at the feet, they look for many possible causes of lameness. It could be as simple as an incorrect shoe, or more complicated such as navicular syndrome or laminitis.

They will feel the hoof for any signs of heat, pain or swelling. Also, uneven wear on the hoof is another sign that there is a problem.

As they work their way up the leg, they feel for any areas of heat or swelling. They also palpate the tendon and joint areas for any signs of pain.

The two most common sources of lameness originate in the foot. Laminitis is an inflammation of the hoof wall, usually caused by an improper diet or an infection. A diet too high in grain can cause laminitis as can a diet of grass under stress (grass becomes stressed when it is over gazed or when it has insufficient moisture such as in times of drought). Also, an infection somewhere else on the horse's body could cause laminitis to develop in the foot.

Navicular syndrome, the other most common cause of lameness in horses, also affects the foot. The navicular bone is located at the back of the foot and is an area of tendon and ligament attachment. Being an area where a lot of motion happens, even the slightest inflammation can cause the horse to be lame.

By knowing what signs to look for in your horse you'll be able to detect lameness early. The best treatment is always prevention. By feeding your horse a nutritious diet and seeing a farrier and vet on a regular basis you can prevent most forms of horse lameness.

Until next time,

Teia

First Aid Kits for Horses

A first aid kit for your horse is essential to have if you go for a lot of rides in the woods or on trails. By keeping some basic supplies on hand and having some basic knowledge, you can give your horse the care it needs when it needs it. But remember, your veterinarian should always be consulted if your horse needs medical care.

There are many types of first aid kits on the market, but it is unlikely you'll find one specifically for horses, so you will likely have to modify one that you buy, or build your own from scratch. Either way, make sure it contains the basics and put it in a place that is easily seen.

First of all, it is important to have some antibiotic cream. Usually any triple antibiotic cream will work. Some horses tend to get scratched, especially on trail rides or walking next to fences. Obviously this antibiotic cream should only be applied to small scratches. Make sure you keep it away from your horse’s eyes. For larger scratches, a veterinarian will likely need to suture them closed and put the horse on injectable antibiotics.

You will also need bandaging equipment. Vetwrap, tefla pads and medical porous tape are a good start. Make sure you buy the largest tefla pads you can find. These might be hard to find, but an army supply store usually has large field bandages that are a good size for a horse. Also, you'll need scissors to cut these bandages.

Antiseptic ointments or creams are also another must for a basic kit. It is always best to clean and apply antiseptic to wounds prior to applying antibiotic cream and bandaging them. Your veterinarian can advise you about the best ones to buy.

For long trail rides, it is usually good to prepare for occasional bee stings. Usually your veterinarian will provide you with some antihistamine if your horse is allergic to bee stings.

To round out your emergency kit, it is also a good idea to have towels, hoof trimmers, a hoof pick and a knife. A wire cutter is also a must in case your horse gets tangled in a fence.

By keeping some basic emergency supplies in a first aid kit, you can rapidly attend to your horse’s needs. Contact your veterinarian and he or she might be able to give you specific medication for your horse. For example if your horse is prone to allergies he can give you the medication to keep with you on trail rides.

Put all of your supplies in a plastic box or rucksack and remember to keep it in a highly visible place. Before starting out on your trail ride, transfer your supplies to your saddle bags so that you can take them with you. You don't want to be in an emergency and not know where your emergency kit is, the one you put all your hard work into creating.

Until next time,

Teia

Colic in Horses

Colic is one of the most common horse conditions for which you will need to call your Veterinarian. Colic is not a disease. It is a clinical sign of many possible diseases. Increasing your knowledge of this common condition of horses could save your horse’s life.

Colic means literally a pain in the abdomen. When a horse "colics," this means that the horse is acting painful and it appears that the pain is coming from the abdomen.

Horse colic can vary greatly in severity. Some colics will go away with just taking your horse for a walk, but other forms of colic will require surgery and can be life threatening. So if you think your horse has colic you should contact your Veterinarian immediately.

There are many possible causes of colic. One possible cause of colic could be from changing its diet. The diet could be too high in grain or maybe there is moldy hay in the feed. Another possible cause is when a segment of the horse's intestine twists in the abdomen. This happens quite frequently in horses. Generally your Veterinarian can diagnose this by ultrasound, palpation, or by use of a stethoscope. To cure this type of colic, surgery is often required. This means you have to take your horse to the Veterinary hospital. Colic surgery in horses is very expensive costing $2,000 at a minimum. In addition the hospitalization is rather extensive and expensive too.

Some common treatments for mild colics could include products that relieve the pain like analgesics such as Banamine or Aspirin. Also, mineral oil is used sometimes if it is thought that extra lubrication in the intestines would help the pain pass. Sometimes in severe cases, intestines can rupture which usually leads to death. But, with proper feeding and care you can prevent most cases of colic.

Usually when calling your Veterinarian about your horse having colic, they will advise you NOT to let your horse try to lie down and roll over. If they are in pain, many horses will try and lay down and roll around on the ground trying to relieve the pain. It is important to prevent this, as a horse can do even more damage to themselves rolling around while in this condition.

A secondary problem often overlooked when a horse has colic is that lameness could develop. This is a disease of the feet which is also a very common problem of horses.

If you think your horse has colic you should contact your Veterinarian immediately, even if it's late at night. When your horse has colic, minutes and hours count toward finding a resolution to the problem.

Another important thing to be aware of, is that some horses are more prone to colic than others. This is a question you should ask a horse owner if you are thinking about buying their horse.

By becoming aware of the common disease conditions in horses you can catch them earlier and provide relief earlier. If you have more questions on colic, contact your Veterinarian.

Until next time,

Teia

Horse Behavior

Horse behavior is always an interesting area of study. Some of the most interesting areas of behavior involve communication, whether the communication is done between horses or between horse and man.

There are several ways a horse can communicate. Vocalization and visual signs are just two of them. Horses have several different kinds of vocalizations.

A "neigh" is usually used as a greeting call, but is most often used during times that a foal is separated from its mare. A foal and mare that are separated will often neigh repeatedly until brought back together.

A "nicker" is often used by horses to indicate a care response. This is most often used when a horse and foal are reunited. Horses may also nicker at their owners, which is a sign of affection.

Snorts and roars can be used between horses and are often used when horses first meet each other. Roars can be used to help establish dominance in a new herd. Another interesting thing that happens when horses meet is that they usually put their noses together, nostril to nostril, to smell each other.

In terms of visual signs a horse gives, the most easily observed are those of the ears. The ears can be held in several positions and they all mean different things.

If the ears are held upright and erect this means the horse is alert or scared. You will often see a horse's ears become erect after a loud noise, or when new horses are in the area.

If you see the ears laid down this is an aggressive posture. It is often seen when horses are aggressive toward one another or their owner.

The way a horse communicates and acts can be based on several things.

1. Personality: Just like humans, horses each have a distinct personality. Also, certain breeds of horses tend to have specific personalities. You might often hear the term "hot-blooded breed" when someone refers to certain breeds of horses.

2. Environment: Naturally if a horse is in a new or loud environment, like a show, it might act more nervous than it would if it's in your backyard. Some very experienced show horses are not even bothered by loud noises and often ignore them. When dad was riding in the indoor riding school at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police training center, the instructors would frequently shoot off shotguns loaded with blanks. This was to condition the horses to sudden loud noises as many of them were used on the Musical Ride which frequently takes place in a noisy arena. The horses are also used in parades where loud noises are frequent. To condition the horses to large crowds, they were frequently taken down busy streets and to nearby shopping malls. The grounds where they were ridden in summer were open to the public, so large crowds gathered daily to watch the horses go through their routines.

3. Owners: Animals tend to take on the temperament of their owners. An owner who acts nervous and speaks loudly will have a horse that tends to be nervous. An owner who is calm and confident can expect the same of their horse. The demeanor of the rider plays a large role in how the horse responds to commands. A nervous or inexperienced rider will prompt the horse to take advantage of the nervousness or inexperience and try and get away with something it won’t attempt with a confident rider.

4. Genetics: This goes back to the old "nature versus nurture" argument. There is no doubt that genetics plays a large role in how some horses act regardless of whom the owner is or what environment the horse is in. A good example of this was a Royal Canadian Mounted Police horse called Mount Newton. It was in a tremendous environment with plenty of care and the best of food and yet this horse was completely vicious. After several years of trying to calm him enough to make him into a horse that could take part in the Musical Ride, the Force finally decided that he would have to be put down before he killed someone. A check of his genetics revealed that both the dam and the stallion were very dominant animals. Add to that the fact that Mount Newton wasn’t gelded until he was nearly two and you could understand why he was uncontrollable.

5. Training: Good training can play a huge role in changing how a horse behaves. Bad training can just exaggerate an already bad trait in a horse.

The relationship between horse and man is thousands of years old, but man keeps learning more about horse behavior every day. By taking the time to learn what different behaviors mean, you can have a better relationship with your horse. Also remember that a horse is a very intelligent animal and many of them have a sometimes perverse sense of humor. Like a child they will try to get away with things and will test you to see what you will let them do and what you will stop them from doing. One horse that dad had a run in with was a horse that pulled the carriage of the Governor General on state occasions. This horse, Frisco, was huge and he had a bad habit of testing new recruits to see how they would react. While dad was grooming him, Frisco lifted his right front foot and placed it on dad's left foot. When dad tried to lift Frisco’s leg, he leaned heavier on it to the point that it became quite painful. At that point dad grabbed the horse’s ear and bit it. Frisco squealed and immediately lifted his foot. After that Frisco never gave dad any trouble at all. Every time dad was assigned to groom Frisco, the horse would nudge him with his nose and roll his top lip up over his top teeth in a horse grin. They got along very well. When dad was assigned Honey, a former Musical Ride horse as his regular horse, the two of them got along fabulously. The horse would do anything for him and he kept her well groomed and would slip her little treats like a carrot or a piece of apple. They got along so well that he could catch up on his sleep while riding her and she would go through all of the formations all on her own. They were so well adapted to each other that the instructors were never aware that the horse was following the commands while the rider slept.

When you can develop that kind of relationship with your horse, you will have a partnership that will endure for years.

Until next time,

Teia

Grooming Your Horse

Grooming is an important part of keeping your horse healthy. It involves more than just brushing its hair. By grooming you get a chance to inspect your horse up close for any injuries and it provides a good chance to bond with your horse. Also, it is very important to do this before riding your horse, as sand between the saddle and the horse's back can cause sores. So can little bits of hay, hay dust and straw. As a former member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police who trained in 1961, my dad has hundreds of hours of interacting with horses. As well as receiving 180 hours of formalized equitation instruction, he had to spend hundreds more hours grooming, feeding, and exercise riding. In addition he spent nearly 300 days doing either morning or evening stable duty. This involved cleaning out the stalls in the morning and feeding the horses and in the evening feeding the horses and putting down fresh bedding and a bundle of hay.

To groom your horse you'll need several tools. They are a hoof pick, rubber curry comb, stiff body brush, fine finishing brush, mane and tail comb, and soft cloths. You can keep all these neatly organized in a large bucket. MAKE THE BUCKET SOFT PLASTIC. If the horse decides to kick it, you don’t want a hard bucket flying through the air. The horse could also receive a cut from a hard bucket.

Before you begin, make sure your horse is tied to a secure object and use a quick release knot in case of trouble. Don’t snub the horse too close to the tie up position, but don’t leave enough slack in the line so that the horse can turn its head far enough to bite you if you press on a ticklish spot.

Start your grooming session by lifting up each of your horse's hooves and using the hoof pick, picking out any dirt or manure that is stuck to the frog or sole of the foot. When doing this, make note of any hoof cracks and make sure, if your horse is shod, to see if the shoes are properly fitted and that all of the nails are present and tight. Alert your Farrier to any problems (a farrier is a person who shoes horses and takes care of their hooves).

Next take a curry comb to any areas of your horse's coat that are dirty. Be careful, because a curry comb can be irritating to a horse's sensitive areas and in the bony areas like the shoulders and legs.

Then with a main and tail brush remove any dirt or tangles from the main and tail. It is best to start from the top of the main or tail and work your way down. Sometimes if the hair is really tangled, you can use a grooming spray to help untangle the hair. When grooming the tail be sure to stand on the side of the horse and not directly behind to avoid being kicked. You only have to make this mistake once. If you recover enough to be able to return to riding and looking after your horse, you will NEVER stand directly behind him again. (Dad saw a 250 pound police recruit get kicked 20 feet through the air and into a brick wall. He spent several days in the hospital and was VERY careful around horses thereafter.)

Now, with a good body brush, brush your horse from head to toe. This brush will help to remove all the dirt and dandruff brought to the surface by the curry comb. Use short sweeping strokes, and try to use enough force to get the bristles all the way to the skin. Do this all over your horse's body. Just like a human’s, a horse’s stomach is ticklish, so be careful.

With a soft finishing brush, groom your entire horse to help bring out the shine in your horse's coat. A soft brush will help remove the finer dust particles not already removed by previous brushing.

Finish your horse's grooming session by using a rag and gently wipe your horse's ears and nose, inside and out. Also, you can apply hoof ointment to your horse's feet to help keep them shiny and healthy. By performing a good grooming session each time you ride your horse you are helping to keep your horse heathy and clean. (Note! The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride horses are groomed at least once each day and sometimes they get groomed two or three times, depending on the number of shows they do in a day).

Until next time,

Teia

Feeding Your New Horse

After paying stabling fees for your horse, feeding him is probably your next greatest cost. It is important to feed a balanced ration to keep your horse healthy and happy. Many companies try to sell fancy supplements, but it all comes down to the basics.

Horses are hind gut fermenters, meaning their basic need is for forages. Forages are provided to horses in the form of hay. As a general guideline, horses should be fed one to two pounds of hay for every 100 pounds of body weight. This amount can vary greatly depending on the activity level of your horse. The hay should be of high quality, free of mold and other debris. If your horse is involved in sporting events such as barrel racing, harness racing, steeplechase or flat track racing, you may want to feed a high protein supplement, but before doing so, check with your veterinarian.

Pastures can be another source of forage for your horse. A high quality pasture could provide for almost all of your horse's nutritional needs. About one to two acres of pasture is required for each horse.

Additional grain is necessary for growing horses and horses who exercise or perform, as stated above. Grain is usually provided in the form of crushed oats or corn with molasses. Grain is usually fed twice daily. The amount of grain should be carefully regulated so you don't upset the digestive tract of your horse. This is particularly important if your horse has not been eating a grain diet for a while. For example if your horse was in a pasture for the summer and is now being moved into the stables for the winter be careful about the amount of grain you feed him. A call to a veterinarian that is familiar with your horse should elicit the information you need.

Nutritional supplements can be offered in the form of free choice mineral blocks and salt blocks placed in the stall or pasture. Many companies try to sell fancy supplements for horses. The majority of these are not necessary and are a waste of money. Most horses can receive all the nutrition they need through a high quality forage diet. If in doubt, consult your veterinarian.

As with all animals, horses require access to fresh clean water at all times. The source of water should not be next to the hay feeder or it could become full of hay, which would prevent your horse from gaining access to the drinking water.

Some horses can have certain medical problems and need to be fed in a certain way. Also, some horses have allergies, similar to people, to hay or dust. These horses cannot have hay or be exposed to dust. So to provide forage to these horses, they need to eat fresh grass. Other horses may suffer from colic when given grain or other treats. These horses should be kept on a strict diet of forages.

By taking the time to provide your horse with a nutritious diet, you are ensuring that he will have a healthy life. Also, by providing a complete diet, you will save money by having fewer medical and veterinary bills.

Until next time,

Teia