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Horse Health
Your
horses’ health is the one subject with horses, other than their bills,
that has and will keep many an owner awake, more often than they’ll
willingly admit. Nothing is as disturbing or frustrating than having a
sick or injured horse, but before we go in depth with regards to health
matters, there is one thing that I have told all horse owners whom I’ve
had the privilege to help with their horses.
It
is not knowing what is wrong with your horse, but knowing that something
is wrong.
Therefore
the most important part of your horses’ health is that you get to know
your horse. Knowing that most owners today due to time constraints don’t
get to spend a lot of time with their horses, there are however ways that
you can get to know your horse better, and these don’t involve you
shelling out the bucks.
When
your horse is boarded, work on your relationship with the stable manager
first and foremost. The stable manager is the glue that keeps a yard
together. When they see you're taking a keen interest in your horses’
health and well being. You will be considered as a person who really wants
what is best for your horse, they will make time for you and will often
even be more attentive to your horse. That does not mean you do not have
the right to complain, by all means you have. However having a good
relationship with the person who is in charge of your horses’ health and
well being not only benefits your horse, you may also receive a great
amount of information from this person, regarding your horses’ well
being, that you may have needed to pay for. And in the end, being friendly
does not cost you anything.
Just
a note.
Many
Good Stable Managers will not necessarily befriend the horses’ owner.
This is a matter of practice. So you won’t need to take them for drinks
and such in an attempt to be friendly towards them. The secret lies in not
being one of those owners that if they corner the stable manager, there is
hell to pay. These owners whilst thinking they are doing what is good for
their horses, however do not realize that in bigger yards or barns (40+
horses) their horses are often the first that is overlooked. No one likes
a person who always argues, complains and has nothing good to say.
The
next way to get to know your horse, is to try and visit the barn or
stables a few times around feed times in the first weeks of getting your
horse, most yards will even allow you to give your horse it’s food. See
how your horse eats, does he gobble up his food, is he eating slowly or
playing with his food. All horses when healthy will eat well. You need to
know if you have a picky eater or one that hardly comes up for a breath
whilst eating. That way you would know if it is normal for him to leave
some food or if there is something wrong and he is not eating.
Again
at the yard, try to be present when your horse is out in the field,
pasture or paddock, look at how he stands runs and plays with the other
horses, this will often alert you if he is not well
Whilst
riding your horse, get to know your horses’ feel.
Having
managed horses for many years the first thing that gained my respect ten
fold for an owner, was when they could come to me and tell me their horse
does not feel right.
If
you have an active horse and you have trouble getting it to go, nine times
out of ten something is bugging it, it is not being lazy or naughty, and
does not need to be smacked about
This
Section of the site will eventually become the largest and is therefore to
be divided
into three separate sections
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