HORSE SAFETY TIPS

Approaching a Horse

When approaching a horse come near its shoulder so the animal can see you.  Avoid its blind area.  As you come closer to the horse talk to the animal so it knows that you are there and approachuing.  Keep in mind that when you walk around a horse, it helps to put your hand on him or her and wallk closely to the animal.

Haltering a Horse

Approaching the horse near its shoulder and slip the lead rope of the halter around its neck so the horse doesn't try to get away or move.  If you haven't done this before, make sure that you are with an adult who has experience haltering and can help you.  Keep talking to your horse and unbuckle th halter.  Hold the halter for the horse to put its head into.  Fasten the buckle.  Make sure that you do this from the left side.

Combing the Mane and Tail

When combing the mane and tail be sure to stand on either side of the horse to groom his tail.  Never stand behind the horse or you may get kicked.

Biting and Kicking

Biting and kicking cannot be tolerated. if a horse bites you or at you, correct it immediatle!  If the horse is not reprimanded within a few seconds of biting, it doesn't remeber why.  Also within seconds of reprimanding the horse, find something good for which to stroke and praise it.  Make sure to praise the horse so it isn't left in shame or learns to fear you.

HORSE FACTS

Founder

Well it's taht time of year again, fresh green grass.  It's time to let the horses out on pasture so they can tank up on fresh green grass.  What do you do?  How to prevent founder and what to do if your horse has had to much to fast...
   First let's talk about what founder is also known as Laminitis. Ok picture the horses hoof.  Inside are a lot of laminae.  This is the blood supply to the foot.  These sesitive laminae supports the coffin bone.  When the horse founders, inflammation takes place in the foot region but not in the laminae themselves.  This is what severely restricts the blood supply to the laminar structures and break down.  Some other causes of Laminitis. Grain Founder, Water Founder, Road Founder, Foal Founder, Grass Founder.
  How can one tell if a horse has Foundered?  There will be an increased temperature of the hoof.  the digital artery, located over the fetlock joint, will have a pounding pulse.  Increase in pain.  When the horse walkes, the horse will shuffle and occasionally stumble.  The horse will assume a charateristic "founder stance" to get the weight off its feet.  the horse will stand with his hind feet well up under the body and the front feet placed forward, with the weight on teh heels of the foot.
  What to do now?  You need to call your local Vet.  NOTE: If you know that your horse has over eaten i.e.:  Grain, high protein Alfalfa, fresh green grass or water after not cooled down.  Don't wait to see if your horse will come down with this.  Call your Vet so they can prevent this from happening.  If you wait your horse will be in a lot of pain, your vet bill is going to be huge and your horse may never be the same and the hoof could bust open and the coffin bone fall through causing non-repairable damage.  The horse could die or have to be put down.
DON'T TAKE THE CHANCE...
  Also make sure that your feed is in a secure place that horses can't get to.  After riding make sure you cool down your horse before he tanks up on water and when letting your horse out to pasture, work them into it slowly.  Turn them out for 1 hr. and work your way up to full time.  If your horse founders, talk to your Vet about a feeding program and your farrier about special shoes.
GOOD LUCK AND KEEP YOUR HORSE SAFE...