Fifteen horses perished when a fire ripped through a boarding stable in northwest Cobb County in 2008 at Westbrooke Farms.

As evidenced by recent hurricanes, disaster planning for horses is a necessity, and barn fires are a frightening reality. Here are some suggestions for keeping your horse safe in the event of a barn fire:

• If no one lives near the barn, surveillance cameras can watch for signs of fire or trespassers.
• Dutch doors on stalls leading outside allow the emergency rescue of a horse either through the barn or out through its Dutch door. It also keeps rescue teams potentially out of danger as they release horses from outside of the barn.

Additionally, the Humane Society of the United States recommends:

• Installing a sprinkler system.

• Fire extinguishers and flashlights should be mounted at every entrance into the barn. Additionally, emergency phone numbers should be posted at the entrances as well as by the phones. Those numbers should include: barn owner, barn manager, veterinarian, boarders and local horse people (who may be needed to handle animals) and emergency fire and rescue. Include home, work, cell phone and pager numbers.
• All boarders and workers should be familiarized with fire extinguisher location and use.
• Make sure the location to your barn is clearly posted on the road so that emergency rescue and fire crews can easily find it.
• Just like in your home, you can also install smoke alarms in your barn.
• Storing hay and flammables in a separate location rather than keeping them with horses. During a recent barn fire, fire officials noted that the fire smoldered longer because of the amount of hay present.
• Never allow smoking in or around the barn; post no smoking signs.
• Check your electrical wiring frequently.
• Keep plugged in appliance use at a minimum, like heaters and fans, and use when people are around. Unplug them when no one is around.
• Ensure your aisles and stall entrances are clear so that horses can be moved quickly out of the barn unobstructed by wheelbarrows, hay bales, equipment, etc.
• Have an evacuation plan, practice it and ensure employees and boarders know what to do in the event of a horse evacuation.
• Have a network of contacts where you can take your horses in the event that your area is evacuated.

Make sure your trailer and tow vehicle are properly maintained so they are ready to go in case of emergency. Additionally, the Humane Society recommends that you have a disaster evacuation kit which contains first aid kits for horses and people; equipment like cell phones, flashlights and additional batteries; your horse’s paperwork; horse equipment like halters and leads; your own family’s emergency kit. For the Humane Society’s disaster preparedness and brochure, call 202-452-1100.

The key to your horses’ survival in the event of a fire or other disaster will be your preparedness.

Again at Horsechitchat we care about you and your horses safety. We love horses as much as you do and truly would like to see you reduce the risk of a barn fire and fatality to any of your animals.

Thanks again for taking the time to read my rant and over looking my poor grammar! Just a good old boy trying to lay down some ink.

Peace to you and yours.

Ron
EquineInternet.com <– New horse classified membership site network coming soon! Do Not sign up yet. Watch the video and  I will let you all know when we are saddled up and ready for a new launch.

The ground may not have thawed yet, you might still be blanketing at night- but one sure sign winter is over- the flies are back! One of the most frustrating and annoying parts of horse husbandry is fly control. Take a survey of five people, and chances are every one of them will give you five “sure fire” ways of controlling the fly population around your horse- and usually not one of those suggestions will work for you!

Unfortunately, there is no one size fits all solution when it comes to controlling flies, and a combination of approaches is generally the most effective method of management. Along with the usual gathering of sprays, wipes, masks and sheets, there are several other steps you can take to make your barn a No Fly Zone.

Control the Environment

Flies are attracted to horses for one two main reasons: manure and moisture. Cleaning pens of manure and wasted food daily is necessary for fly control, as is making sure that manure waiting to be handled (ie hauled away, spread or composted) is stored properly. 

Hauling away manure regularly is the easiest way of preventing a breeding ground for flies, though in many cases it is not feasible. The spreading of manure over pasture can be accomplished without greatly increasing fly production, so long as it is spread thinly enough and allowed to dry out completely.  Manure composting should be done as far away from where the horses live as possible, and the use of hydrated lime on the pile will discourage fly accumulation, as well as speed up the composting process.

Prevent Fly Overpopulation

No, you can’t spay or neuter your flies, but though the use of feed-through fly control, you can stop your current fly population from reproducing.  These daily feeds can be safely fed to your horse, and contain an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) or larvicide that prevents the hatching of eggs from flies that feed on the manure. While these programs work well, they can take several months before full effectiveness is seen, and every horse on a property must be on the program for it to work.

You can’t fight fire with fire, but you may be able to fight flies with more flies! Fly predators are tiny winged insects that do not bother horses, but can be very effective at reducing the fly population. Fly predators lay their eggs in the pupa of flies, killing the pupa before it develops into a fly.  Fly predators are available for purchase through several companies, and they are the “secret weapon” on many farms against flies. Fly predators must be released early in the fly season in order to be most effective, and instructions on the proper number of predators needed per farm, as well as release guidelines must be followed for them to work correctly.  Fly predators are safe to humans and animals, are a great non-toxic way of controlling flies.

Frontline… for Horses?   

Chances are good that you’ve used topical flea products like Frontline and Advantage for your dog or cat. You can’t beat the convenience- one tube, once a month, and no insect problems! Wouldn’t it be great if there were a similar product for horses, to control flies???

In the last few years, a new tool in the arsenal against flies has been developed. Several companies now make spot-on fly control products that help to kill and repel several species of flies, as well as gnats and mosquitoes. A tube of solution (a common type of fly insecticide) is applied on the horse in several different locations (legs, base of tail, withers, poll) and works for two weeks repelling and killing flies. In places with high number of flies, these solutions can offer your horse a welcome respite from the constant irritation caused by flies.

Topical spot-on treatments should not be used on horses that have sensitive skin, or have had reactions to topical fly sprays or wipes. Frequent bathing can diminish the effectiveness of the products, so more frequent application may be needed on horses regularly being worked hard or washed.

Ain’t No Flies on Me!

Along with the creative use of fly masks, sheets, boots and hoods, along with the ever changing catalog of fly sprays, mists and traps, some careful planning before the fly season starts can help to reduce and prevent a fly infestation.

Now we all know most of these treatments but make sure you are checking your full list. One extra step may be the difference between control and outbreak!

We would love to see you at our horse forum and our classified network.

Horse Friends

Have you ever dealt with a disrespectful horse?

They can make normally safe situations dangerous. I have had to train a few who started out respectful of humans, but ended up mean and aggressive.
 
In one case, a lady had bought a yearling to raise. She did not have much horse experience and did not know how to properly handle a young horse. Instead of putting a halter on him and teaching him to lead, she played a game of chase with him because it was cute. She allowed him to push her around and she would push back playfully. She never established her dominance over him or gained his respect.
 
When the horse got bigger the lady had no control over him on the ground or in the saddle. He did what he wanted when he wanted, like rushing backwards if she pointed him in a direction he did not want to go. Instead of having someone to teach him the correct way to behave, she actually started hitting him.
 
She would head him in a direction she knew he would refuse, and then whip him if he did not comply. This made the horse scared to do anything. He started running from her when she tried to catch him. He would kick and bite at her when she went in his pen to feed him.

I took the horse and started very slowly working with him. It is much harder to earn a horse’s respect after it has been shaken. I started out by spending time with the horse in his pen. I spent many hours grooming him quietly while talking to him. Eventually he would come to me before I opened the gate.
 
This horse never once tried to kick or bite me. But I never raised my hand to him or threatened him in any way. I respected him and eventually, he returned that respect. Horses are bigger than us. We need to show them that they can not push us around, but not by hitting or whipping them.

Let me know what you think, then grab a refreshment and stop by our wonderful horse forum where we chat just about everything equine.

Thanks again,

Ron
Horsechitchat.com

However, soils in some areas of the United States, particularly in the Northwest, are often deficient in selenium, and plants growing in deficient soil are themselves selenium deficient. Selenium plays an essential role in maintaining a healthy body, including the immune system. Horses with selenium deficiency may show severe muscle cramping, sweating, rapid pulse, brown urine and stiffness, according to Dr. Macarena Sanz, WSU resident veterinarian in equine medicine.

 According to Dr. Sanz, a horse with severe selenium deficiency can appear in a few different ways. He may be reluctant to walk and sore to the touch. Or he may appear normal but refuses to chew and swallow. Selenium-deficient horses can experience compromised immune systems or nutritional muscular dystrophy where the muscles break down. “When the heart is affected, the prognosis is very poor,” she said. Additionally, foals with selenium deficiency can be either weak at birth or normal at first, then unable to stand or nurse. The reason foals may be affected is because the broodmare mare transfers selenium to the foal during pregnancy and then again through milk when the foal nurses, according to Ruth Bishop’s “Understanding Selenium” article in June 2005 Horse & Hound magazine.

Bishop explains that horses usually need just 0.1 mg/kg selenium daily when inactive, then 0.3 mg/kg when in an exercise program or working as a broodmare. If selenium deficiency is suspected or of concern, horse owners should consult their veterinarians for confirmation by blood test before attempting to supplement on their own because many feeds, mineral blocks and supplements already contain selenium, and as one can see in the paragraph above, the daily selenium intake recommended is a very small amount. The Ohio State University Bulletin on horse nutrition notes that while selenium is essential for horses for muscle and immune system functions, the mineral is a concern because of “its narrow range between the requirement and toxic levels.” Too much selenium can be toxic to horses, causing mane and tail hair loss, lameness, hoof problems (including loss of the hoof wall) and, in the most severe cases, blindness and death.

A veterinarian can determine if there is a selenium deficiency, and, if so, how best to create a safe and effective supplement program.

Make sure while you have your vet out to ask some of these questions. No harm in making sure. Hope you enjoyed your stay.

Happy Trails

Ron
Equineinternet.com

• Temperament. A horse’s temperament is extremely important to your overall experience. If you are a beginning rider, temperament is probably the most important factor when it comes to choosing a horse. A horse of good temperament is alert and ready to work, but also calm and willing.

• Manners. Manners are extremely important! They can mean the difference between a horse being easy to live with, and a horse being not-so-easy to live with! When looking at horses for sale make sure you watch their behavior as they are being caught, handled, and ridden. And keep in mind that just like with us humans, bad habits can be hard to break!

• Soundness. If you are planning on riding your horse, working soundness is key.  This means that the horse should not have any lamenesses that prevents the horse from moving correctly and therefore succeeding at its intended purpose. Horses who aren’t being ridden need to be checked for soundness depending upon what you are planning on using them for. For example, if you are looking for a broodmare, a breeding unsoundness would prevent the mare from having a foal. However, that same mare may be a great family riding horse!

• Movement. Good riding horses
 should move smoothly and in balance, without stiffness, crookedness, or interference. When looking at younger horses, keep in mind that some of a horse’s gait is determined by training. If you have questions about a horse’s gait, it always helps to get an experienced horse person to look at the horse and give you his opinion. Is the horse’s way of going inherent, or is it something that can be improved with a little training? Be sure you watch the horse at all three gaits. If you ride the horse, is the horse comfortable? If you are a beginning rider, comfort is very important!

• Conformation. The way a horse is built will determine how a horse moves. It goes without saying that the horse shouldn’t have any glaring conformational faults that affect its way of going. Aside from that, the conformation of the horse should be suitable for the manner in which you intend to use him. If you are not educated when it comes to horse conformation, take someone along who is.

• Health. How healthy is the horse you are looking at? Ask to see the horse’s health records, to determine if their is anything long-standing, recurring, or permanent that would have to be dealt with. Temporary health issues can be easier to deal with and you may even get your horse at a discount price as a result. However, do remember that if you intend to buy a horse and then nurse him back to health, there’s a good chance you’ll have to spend time and money that you wouldn’t have spent on a healthier horse.

• Accomplishments. What has your horse done in the past? This may be a very important consideration if you are looking for a horse to show you the ropes; on the other hand, it may not be a consideration at all if you intend to train the horse yourself.

• Size. In the world of horses, size does matter! It is important that your horse fits you. As a general rule of thumb, bigger horses are more desirable because they can accommodate a wider range of riders. If you are looking at a smaller horse make sure your legs can fall in the right position. In other words, your heel should not be below the horse’s underline. If you are not certain, ask someone else how you look on the horse.

There sure is a lot to consider when looking at horses for sale and selecting the right horse. However, it’s important to know that careful selection will result in years of enjoyment.

Take your time, if you hurry through this process you will buy a horse on impulse and that almost always results in a poorer choice of needs as well as animal.

I hope you enjoyed this blog and Happy Trails…

HorseChitChat Equine Classified

If you are anything like Robert Botine Cunningham-Graham, Scottish horseman, writer, and adventurers, then you know that there is no heaven without horses. If you eat, sleep, and breathe horses, then why not parlay all your time and effort into a career in the horse industry? Can you imagine a better way to spend your days?

Surveys done over the last several years show that there are 7 million horses in the United States today. And according to American Horse Council figures, the horse industry supports more than 1.4 million full-time jobs. There are a variety of careers in the horse industry, from hands-on jobs like large-animal veterinarian to jobs that support the industry, like feed and supplement distributor. There are jobs in breeding, showing, health, education, product manufacturing, research, recreation, and service industries to name just a few that come to mind. And one of these areas is most likely just right for you!

So, how do you find a job in the horse industry that is right for you?

Well, before you start randomly sending out resumes to every horse-related employer you know of, you need to spend some time considering the type of career you want. In many cases, you’ll have to come up with a plan that will lead you to that career. As wonderful as it is that you want to be a large animal veterinary technician, no one is going to hire you without the right credentials. In other words, like most worthwhile pursuits in life, you are going to have to spend a little time and effort to reach your goals.

So, are you ready? Answer these few simple questions and you’ll be on your way to finding an equine career that is right for you

What do I want out of a horse career?

Do you want daily contact with horses, or are you interested in working in a supporting field without daily contact? There are pros and cons to both. A supporting role may offer you a higher income, regular hours, more job stability, and better benefits, but a hands-on career gives you flexibility and the ability to work around your favorite animals every day. What is more important to you? Think very seriously about your own interests, abilities, and personality. It won’t hurt to spend a few minutes writing down why you want to work with horses.

What experience and education do I currently have?

There is no teacher like experience, but is it more important than education in the horse industry? That depends on the job. For those seeking skilled hands-on positions like trainers, barn managers, and riding instructors, the more time you’ve spent around horses the better. Other choices, such as equine vet, writer, public relations expert, or lawyer require a college education and additional training.

What experience and education am I willing to get to achieve my career goals? If you require experience and education to break into a career in the horse industry, you need to have a good understanding of how much time and money it is going to cost to reach your goals. Do you have the time and money to spare, and are you willing to do so

What income do I need?

Most people work in the horse industry because their love of horses supersedes their love of money. Many hands-on jobs provide minimal pay and benefits just for the pleasure of being around horses. Salaries improve with higher-level hands on jobs, and support jobs often pay the most and offer the best benefits. Before you make a commitment to a career, know how much money you need to live. Then do some research to find out if your career can realistically support you.

Where should I enter the industry in order to have a good chance of meeting my goal?

 Whatever career track you are pursuing, enter the industry in a job that you can handle with your present skills and experience. Getting in over your head may not only prevent you from advancing, it is dangerous! Once you’ve figured out your entry level, you can work your way up as you gain experience.

Make sure you take the time to join a horse forum and learn about all the programs and even a horse social community can help you set the ground work for your dreams to become a reality.

Happy Trails

Equineman

Old Site > Equinefieds

New Site (no data yet) Equinefieds New

Let me know what you think if anything? I wanted to make something for those who live in a more rural environment.

Ron
EquineInternet

Worried Colt

There was a time when many horse owners would bring their colts in from the pasture in the spring and then would let any cowboy they knew jump on them to begin their training.  Well, today, many more people are realizing that doing this might not be such a good idea.  They are also beginning to realize what an impact the first ride has on a colt. 

Colt-starting clinics are more popular today than they have ever been.  More and more people are looking at the mechanics of starting the colt versus just having any willing person jump on.  When visiting the clinics, it is important to remember that these are professional horsemen and although you may have a lot of equine and riding experience under your belt, how many colts have you actually started?  Not many people have had the experience of taking a colt from the halter breaking stage to the first ride stage and the professionals make it look very easy. 

The point is that starting your own colt can be a very rewarding experience.  Taking your colt from halter breaking and building a bond through groundwork is one of the most spectacular feelings you will ever feel. 

Before you decide to start your own colt, however, make sure that the risk is worth the reward and that you are willing to spend the time it takes to make sure your colt is ready for that first ride.  Even if it means waiting a year and working on groundwork before you put your foot in the stirrup for the first time, the wait will be well worth it. 

 The more mature and bonded your colt is with you, the better the first ride will be.  Remember that the goal is to get on and he doesn’t buck.  Don’t be surprised if he doesn’t even want to move.  Sitting on him will be rewarding enough. 

William Woods Colt Class

Whomever you choose to give your colt his first ride, you should research thoroughly.  You might even do a little soul searching yourself, because who knows-you might be the one who will give your colt the best start possible.

So many horse owners want to just get on before the groundwork is 100% finished. I personally love to see a colt’s groundwork  beyond finished. What would it be like to know that when you mount for the first time that your colt is not going to react in a negative.

This is so important because that association with fear will have many hours of implications. Back to assurance and confidence building. I know most of you know this but it is a blog… yada, yada, yada.

Talk with you later then.

Ron
Make sure to stop by our Equine network by clicking the link below.
15 Equine Internet Classified Network

Equine Classified Network

You’ve loved horses ever since you were a kid and have always dreamed of owning one. You’ve spent the last three years taking horseback riding lessons. You know how to tack up, muck out, and have read just about every book out there on the care and feeding of horses. No one can doubt that you’ve put your time in. Horses are no fleeting fancy, but are a hobby that is here to stay!

So, are you ready to buy your first horse? Well, before you break out your checkbook you need to take stock of a few things in your life to determine whether horse ownership is right for you

•  Do you have the knowledge? How much time have you really spent around horses, and has it been hands-on? If you ride at a fancy stable that tacks and untacks your horse for you then guess what? You aren’t having the full horse experience! Make sure you know what is really involved in caring for, feeding, and cleaning up after your horse. A great way to learn about all that is involved in horse ownership, without making a long-term commitment, is to lease a horse. Try leasing a horse for a year or two and then decide if horse ownership is really for you.
• Now that you know what is involved, do you have the desire? Horse ownership is a tremendous amount of work. Are you up for it? If you aren’t, that’s perfectly okay. If you really love riding horses but don’t enjoy all the extra stuff that goes along with them, then why not just keep taking riding lessons? Ask yourself what you really love about horses. If you love things like mucking out, grooming, feeding, and taking care of horses, then you would probably make a great horse owner.
•  Do you have the time for horse ownership? No more showing up at the barn, riding for an hour, and then heading home to your real life. When you are a horse owner, horses are your real life. If you travel frequently, can’t or don’t want to commit to a regular schedule, or have a very busy work or family life, then this might not be the right time in your life for horse ownership. Remember, horses must be fed, watered, and cared for according to schedule, and it’s up to you to be able to maintain that schedule.
•  Do you have the space for a horse? You either need good accommodations at home, or you need to find a place to board your horse. If you are keeping your horse at home, at the very least he needs two grassy acres, a run-in shed, and an adequate water supply. If you keep your horse at home you also need to know that he’ll appreciate some company. It’s best if you have room for an additional horse, a goat, or some other companionable animal.
•  Do you have the money for a horse? Horses are very expensive! Add up everything it will cost to keep your horse happy and healthy. Include food, farrier bills, veterinary bills, insurance, training, and board if you keep him somewhere other than home. Now, does this figure fit into your budget? On the fence about whether you can afford horse ownership? Again, leasing is a good option. When you lease a horse, you are responsible for all of his monthly bills for a certain period of time. If you find at the end of this lease period that your horse has eaten well but you haven’t, then you may want to reconsider horse ownership when you are in a better financial situation

Remember, owning a horse is hard work and can be extremely taxing on your time and resources. Before you embark on the exciting journey of horse ownership, make sure you are ready!

If you are ready then make sure you stop by a few horse forums and talk about and ask all the questions that you may have about horse ownership. No question is to small and shouldn’t be overlooked.

In agriculture,in industry, and in every occupation there is a place for a specialist and within the equestrian realm so much more for their individual expertise!

And for the pleasure horse equestrian you can find a specialist for

• Feeding
• Shelter
• shoeing
• fitting of equipment
• health
• training
• specific injuries
• grooming
• footings

These specialists are a growing trend in the equestrian marketplace and have their place in each direct application.

But the horseman needs to have an overall knowledge of his specific breed so that when these specialist come on site, we will be able to coordinate which one we require for the specific need at hand.

Lets say you have a young horse that is about ready to start training and you notice that it has some hoof issues. Do you call the shoer out right away to get them corrected? And then begin your training? Lets take a look at this one step back.

Where did the horse come from? Was it a pastured horses and maybe this horse has never even been shod or even trimmed?

Take a look at his legs are they a little light and weak? Maybe this horse could even be a little “over the knees.”?

So maybe you need one of these specialist at this particular time, but which one do you need? A soundness specialist? A breed specialist to give you some advice on the build and conformation of this particular horse.

Now we all know that you are probably over qualified to make this decision on what type of action needs to be taken but we just wanted to shed some light on thinking about these points.I also think to myself, if I double take on my thoughts then, Yes! I need to call in a second opinion. In which I can usually get from someone I trust around the barn.

I think the fraternal gene in each horseman is to help, and this creates the great camaraderie in the equestrian community.

Once you gather this input from your colleage it is time to make the choice on who you will call. Make sure you examine all possibilities of what may have caused this simple shape abnormality. It may end up being a simple trim and you are done!

I hope you enjoyed my rant, I am no specialist and don’t claim to be,but I figure “nothing is new under the sun” so if I read something or experience it, maybe someone else can use it to there benefit.

Good luck with your endeavors and a prosperous and healthy 2009.

Ron Petracek
Equine Internet