So, I've had horses for about 10 years now, as an owner. I've leased, lessoned, worked in barns, and been around horses since I was 6. So, I've had time to learn some things about their care; thought I in no way am counting myself as an expert. My own horses are happy, healthy, sound, and I think they're thriving. Sometimes I make mistakes, sure, I'm human and I'm learning. However, along the way, as I've learned more and more about how to care for these magnificent animals I am beginning to see just how many people have no clue how much care and thought goes into caring for a horse, let alone more than one horse.
Here's an ad I saw on craigslist.com recently:
we are new to owning horses and are kind of learning as we are going.. one of our horses that we got free from craigslist (and dont really know much about) is starting to lose weight.. we have switched her from a hay only diet to a hay/grain mix, and have started feeding her twice a day instead of just in the mornings but it doesnt seem to be helping at all. we are very worried she is going to continue losing weight and arent exactly sure what to do! i do know that if their teeth arent regularly floated that can cause weight loss, but i dont know how often, or when the last time she had hers done was. we've only had her for a month or two.. can somebody give me some info on it? like about how much it costs, who does it (recommendations are appreciated too!), how often, etc? or if there may be another cause to her weight loss and how to check? thank you
Where do I begin to identify the serious issues to horse care? How about the beginning of this... posting.
Learning as you go, without professional support is dangerous to you, and your animals.
Free horses often need to be vetted. They're also generally free for a reason; behavioral issues and health concerns usually rank very high. This particular animal sounds like she would be considered geriatric. Those horses are riddled with health concerns.
Horses losing weight are screaming that they need better care.
Horses need to be fed at least twice a day, unless they're on pasture. Even then, they require supplementation, like people, horses need vitamins too.
If you don't know what to do about a situation with a horse, especially a health related situation, call a vet.
Floating teeth can really help a weight issue. So can worming, proper diet, and appropriate exercise.
Posting like these are becoming very common. "Oh, it sounds like fun, let's take a free horse!" Bam! Bills, behavioral issues, training issues... You end up with at 1200lb animal that you cannot handle safely. You end up with a 1200lb animal that is a significant financial drain on your family.
Please people, leave the horse care to people who know what they're doing and can afford to take on that level of responsibility. I'm not saying that people can't find success in learning as they go; sometimes that works just fine. I also have to share concern for these horses. Really, it's a concern for any animal who might be suffering health issues because owners/caregivers don't know how to help them.
Monday, January 11, 2010
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