First Coast Pet

Posts Tagged ‘horses’

As suggested by the name. Orginally the breed came from Belgium. Medievil times saw the popularity of the “Flemish” horse, a large, black horse found in the centre of Western Europe. It is these horses that carried knights into battle wearing heavy armour. Out of necessity, the most powerful selection of this breed became “chargers” or “destriers”. From this stock, genetic make-up was drawn for other breeds.  At the heart of this area, Belgium was established as a country. The regions stallions’ were shipped throughout Europe as larger draught horses were demanded to work in both agricultural and industrial environments. 

As Belgium was the supply upon which other countries relied for such large stock animals, all that was left was for the country to establish the breed and increase the strength of the genetic material already at hand. The breed was refined by the Belgiun government who set up a national show, the winners of which would compete in the National Show in Brussels. From those who showed in the national, the finest were chosen by the country’s inspection committees to stand as stallions for public service. The result of these efforts was that the fixed breed type rapidly improved and the Belgian was established as a national heritage, and a treasure. 

When the Belgian was first brought into America, they were slated for being “too thick, too low-headed, straight shouldered, and round-boned”. The American farmers soon took a shine to the Belgian horse as they were of a good disposition, eager workers and were easy to keep. So the Belgian remained, and American breeders set out to keep what was right and fix what was “wrong”. The outcome is widely regarded as one of the most successful breeding stories ever made. Today’s American Belgian still has the solid middle, deep strong feet, plenty of bone and strong musculature, and that great disposition. He is still easy to maintain, ships well, and remains a hard and willing worker. The Americans bred a cleaner lined horse which displayed a greater slope in the pasterns and shoulders, and a characteristically elegant look to the head and shoulders. 

Description
As far as color, while the first Belgians to be imported to America were a wide mix, about 50% were bay and bay-brown. There was however, no particular colour which was considered a defining characteristic. Through breeding, shown by American preference, the ideal for a Belgian in America A typical Belgian has a sorrel or chesnut coat with a snow white mane, a white stripe on the face and white socks. In other areas of the world however, a large variety of colours can still be found. 

In height, the Belgian is usually 16 hands (162.5 centimeters, or 64 inches) at the shoulder, but can exceed 18 hands (183 cm or 72 inches) to the shoulder. American Belgian horses are normally found to have a bigger head, more stunted and compact legs (feathered) and big hind-quarters. 

The typical weight is 1600 to 2000 lbs (113.6 to 142 stones), but Belgian stallions can exceed 2400 pounds (170.4 stones).

For more information and horses for sale, please visit the Horse and Pony Directory

When choosing a horse trailer, there are several features to think about. One important feature is whether the horse trailer will be bumper pull or gooseneck. There are a number of reasons why you may benefit from either type. We’ll compare the two layouts to see which suits you best.

Bumper Pull Designs – Advantages and Disadvantages
Bumper pull designs, also referred to as tag-along designs, are trailers that join to a hitch on the pulling vehicle. The trailer simply “tags along” following the hauling vehicle and does not become a part of the complete vehicle.

Plus Points
There are many good aspects of bumper pull horse trailers. They typically cost less than a gooseneck design. It’s not essential to drive a pickup truck for hauling the trailer, as a result more people can tow this design of horsebox with their current car. Manouverability is frequently more easy because the horsebox will go along with the direction of the pulling vehicle. You won’t need as much storage space for the horsebox as needed for a gooseneck trailer. Lastly, the trailer does not need to be labelled as a “commercial” vehicle for licencing because the weight of both the trailer and tow vehicle is commonly under 10,001 pounds.

Negative Points
There are many disadvantages as well. These type of trailers do not present as much room for clothing and tack. Some bumper pull designs may not be adequate for hauling over two horses due to the style of hitch required for the mass of the trailer. Also, these designs are more likely to to snake on bendy roads, which can be dangerous.

Gooseneck Trailers – Good and Bad Points
Gooseneck trailers vary from bumper pull designs in the way they are hitched. The hitch is joined from within the hauling pickup’s bed with a ball and coupler mating. This layout offers a number of benefits. It doesn’t sway or fishtail like a bumper trailer tends to do, and pulling is more stable. They also provide more area for living quarters, which can be convenient for camping and overnight trips. The gooseneck design is easier to reverse up to and align with the ball while hitching it to your pulling vehicle, because you can view it clearly from the rear window. The gooseneck style is more safe without the fear of the load coming detached while driving on the highway.

Negative Points
There’s also some negative points. Gooseneck trailers are more expensive and are regularly bigger so they must be pulled with a pickup that is powerful enough to tow it. The hitching design is also more pricey for a gooseneck setup. Another negative point is that while hitching the trailer, you normally have to climb into the bed of the pickup to finalize the process. Also, you will have to remove your load cover from the truck to haul a gooseneck trailer.

Choosing the Right Trailer
Whether looking for a bumper pull or gooseneck layout, you can check online to check out several designs of each. If you’re budget is limited, you can find many used horseboxes for sale and horse trailers for sale to find a bargain. Reflect on the plus points and negative points of each design prior to making a purchase. For more information and horses for sale, visit the Horse and Pony Directory

This heavy draft horse traces its roots to the early 19th century in the Lanarkshire (formerly Clydesdale) district of Scotland. The demand for these horses was strong in the commercial scene as well as the agricultiral scene.

The coalfields of Lanarkshire and the streets of Glasgow are where the Clydesdale horses first made their work debut. To achieve the desired traits of a horse with a longer stride and larger feet, that were necessary on draft horses who worked on the soft soils of the Scottish lands, English and Belgian stallions were imported and bred with the smaller local mares. The result was the founding line of the modern-day Clydesdales.

Due to the excellent reputation of the Clydesdale horses, they were exported to The US, Cananda and as far south as Australia by the Scottish breeders. Today the Clydesdale is almost exclusively the only draught breed in its native Scotland, and is still favored in the other four countries as well. There is in fact a hugely popular brewery in the US which uses Clydesdale horses to pull promotional beer wagons at special events. They make the horses available for viewing close up, so you can walk in to their make-shift stables. They are regarded as company goodwill ambassadors. One might say very good ones as well.

Clydesdales nowadays normally range from 1600-2000 lbs. They stand 16 to 19 hands (162.5 to 193 cm, or 64 to 76 in) to the shoulder. Though larger than the original Scottish breed, the large feet, solid legs and characteristic looks of the original Clydesdale horses have been retained. The colors of the coats are very vivid, the face is usually white, and the most popular trait for a performing team of these magnificent horses is four white socks which reach the knees. The most common colour is bay, and the legs normally display long white hair, or feathers, from the knee down. Once can, however, still see Clydesdales in black, brown, and chestnut. And those are perfectly acceptable for registration as purebreds.

The overview of theses horses is one of a sturdily built, incredibly strong yet agile horse. They carry a great deal of finesse due to the way they naturally hold their heads high. One can see the strength, agility, and docility in their stance even while they are stationary. When seen working, Clydesdale horses are truly magnificient and unforgettable!

For more horse information and horses for sale please visit the Horse and Pony Directory.

Horse provisions runs the full extent from grooming equipment to dietary supplements.

But there is an elemental horse supply that you shouldn’t leave your shelter, or your saddlebag without.

A first aid kit for your horse may just be just the one thing that could save your horse’s life. You should know from experience that no matter how well thought out or planned an expedition might be, there are just some things that go awry. It’s not just paranoia, it is about preparation. Early preparation could help avert your ride from becoming into a nighmarish situation.

The horse first aid pack ought to be kept in a container or bag that can stop water and grit out because these further the growth of bacteria. You would just exacerbating your horse’s infection if you used contaminated dressings. Shops that sell horse provisions hold things such as a plastic sealable bag. Apart from keeping tools, or grooming gear, they are also useful for storing first aid objects. Groceries sell plastic food containers in a number of sizes. Aside from keeping potential infections out, you could also select one that could fit in your saddlebag.

Among the things that you should include in your horse first aid kit, a sanitizer most likely is the most handy in most injuries. From minor cuts and abrasions to wounds, disinfectants are essential cleansers. Just follow the manufacturers’ directions in particular when using industrialized grades as excessive use could dry out your horse’s skin. Sterile scrubs and swabs become effective for disinfecting wounds in the absence of water. These are tremendous substitutes for disinfectants as they clean wounds with equal efficiency, but without the need for water.

Ointments or wound powders are also worthwhile additions to your kit. They can stop the entrance of new bacteria inside the wound and hurry up the healing procedure. Though, make sure to apply ointments, powders, and creams that have been permitted by your equine vet.

A fly repellent applied or sprayed on the wound lowers further infection or infection risks considerably. Wound dressings come in sterile unique packets and they are useful for covering wounds and promoting healing. There should be a supply of bandages in your supplies, or at least two with a broad width. They are excellent for stabilizing fractures, splints, and fixing pads over cuts. With regards to bleeding, cotton wool and gauze are essential for preventing excess bleeding. Salts are good for soaking unhealthy hooves and legs.

Apart from these medications, there are several supplies which you can obtain from equine stores and regular pharmacies. Petroleum jellies are competent for abrasion, minor burns, and skin sores.

A thermometer is a useful addition to your horse supplies. Expert riders recommend you keep your thermometers clipped to the tail of your horse to prevent loss. Scissors, tweezers, and forceps are all items you shouldn’t forget in your equine forst aid pack. Aside from cutting bandages, they are also perfect for the removal of splinters and stones trapped in horses’ hooves.

Lastly, keep in mind these first aid packs are just for providing your horse help in emergencies in preparation for the vet. These are just for preventative measures, it is still essential to call a vet after providing first aid.

For more horse information and horses for sale, please visit the Horse and Pony Directory

When you care for your horse, it is vital to make provision for the winter months. Horses should be able to tolerate the winter climate and stay as healthy as possible. In the winter horses will have particular requirements which you as the owner will have to take in hand. It is vital to organize for winter in advance.

Horses naturally lend themselves to cool climates. In fact, horses cope with icy weather conditions much better than warm weather. Despite this, there are some essential things owners will need to do to make sure their horses remain healthy. Be sure the horse doesn’t have any parasites, and has been vaccinated up to date. The expenditure for doing these things will significantly pay off during the winter, as the expenses of feeding your horse will be reduced.

You may also want to work with your vet in planning up a health plan for your horse. Preparing your horse for cold weather will help it reduce the requirement to eat greater amounts of feed in order to maintain its weight. There’s no need for your horse to lose weight during the winter. Permitting your horse to gain a slight amount of weight will help them throughout the winter months, as the extra fat will act as a cushion to supply the horse with energy if it becomes stressed. Throughout the winter you will want to provide your horse with some extra calories.

The best protection for a horse throughout the winter is its actual winter coat. If allowed to grow, it will act as a warm blanket which will lower the loss of heat that the horse experiences in winter scenarios. A horse’s coat is also glossy and will help brush off off the frost and ice. If kept outside, you will want to make sure their coats grow long before the temperature drops for winter.

To confirm the condition of your horse, you will need to feel its ribs. A longer coat may indeed hide the fact that your horse has lost weight You should be able to feel your horses ribs, but not be able to see them. You should also feel your horses ears. Are they cold? If this is the case, your horse is cold.

Like all animals which are warm-blooded, horses have to regulate their body temperatures in order to remain healthy. It is crucial that they conserve heat during the winter, so you should ensure they’re ready for the frost.

Visit the Horse and Pony Directory for more information and horses for sale

Origins of the Thoroughbred:
This form of horse was originally bred in England as a result of the English horsemens desire to own a swift race horse. There are three that began this bloodline which are: Byerley Turk, Darley Arabian and Godolphin Arabian, named after their respective owners, Thomas Darley, Lord Godolphin and Captain Robert Byerley. All of these stallions were shipped to England from the Mediterranean Middle East between 1670 and 1710. The conclusion was an animal that could bear weight with consistent speed over extensive distances. Approximately ninety percent of modern thoroughbreds have derived from Eclipse whose grandsire was Darley Arabian, who was never beaten in eighteen races. This started a very selective breeding process which has continued for all but 250 years, breeding the greatest race horses, giving them superiority and distinction on the race track.

Throughout the turn of the 1700’s, breeding reports for Thoroughbred horses were meager and usually partial, and on any occasions, they would not refer to a horse before the young horse had proven themself commendable. A man named James Weatherby, through his own research and hard work, and by the consolidation of his own privately held pedigree records published the initial volume of the General Stud Book. This was done in 1791. The first book listed 387 mares, each of which could be traced back to Eclipse. The General Studbook is still available in England by Weatherby and Sons. Many years later, as thoroughbred racing proliferated in North America the requirement for a pedigree registry for American Bred Thoroughbreds, akin to the General Stud Book became evident.

In 1873, the foremost American Stud Book was released by Colonel Sanders D. Bruce. This man spent almost a lifetime researching the pedigrees of American Throughbred horses. He continued the example of the General Stud Book producing six volumes of the register until 1896 when the project was overtaken by The Jockey Club. The integrity of the American Stud Book is the flagstone on which all Thoroughbred horse racing in North America depends. The earliest publication of the American Stud Book released by The Jockey Club had a foal number of approximately 3,000. In 1986 in had developed to an astonishing 51,000. Today The Jockey Club operates a powerful new computer system to meet the registration issues posed by the extremely large quantity of annual registrations. The Jockey Club is responsible for and maintains one of the most complex computer operations in the world at the moment, with its catalog holding over 1.8 million thouroughbreds on a master pedigree file, with names that trace back to the 1800’s. In addition to bloodlines, this database also processes daily racing outcomes of every Thoroughbred race in North America, as well as the ability to process digitally sent pedigree and racing figures from the UK, Ireland, France and other leading Thoroughbred districts. Another offspring of Darley Arabian is Diomed; he won the first running of the Kentucky Derby in 1780. At 21 years of age he was brought to the US where he started the male line by way of his son, Sir Archie.

Thoroughbreds are the first choice for track racing. Most thoroughbreds are born somewhere between January and April, but their official date of birth is January 1 of the current year. Throughout their initial year of development, they are developing bulk and power with the youth starting his training as a yearling. Throughbred horses learn to take a bridle and a saddle and soon after a rider on its back to break in the horse in preparation for the starting gate and the race around the track.

For more information and horses for sale, please visit the Horse and Pony Directory.

The Arabian horse is an animal which has lived on the Arabian Peninsula for well over 2000 years.

These horses were properly bred to demonstrate many traits which were attractive, such as strength, beauty, and endurance. Horse experts have researched Arabian horse origins and concluded that they are one of the most ancient breeds to exist.

The nomadic Bedouins were first given credit for taming Arabs. Bedouin people took the ancestry of these breeds very seriously and could back date the lineages of the horses they owned. This is why it was crucial during these times to depend on a strong, reliable horse. It was important that it could withstand the harsh desert environment. Horses were used to take the Bedouin people into battle against other tribes.

Some of the most impressive horses ever were bred by the Bedouins. These horses would often be traded and much importance was placed upon their lineage and ancestry. There are numerous strains of Arab horses. These horses have a common ancestor and look. Some of these are Hadban, Kuhaylan, and Dahman.

Arabian horses are said to be one of, if not the most recognised breeds in the world. Large expressive eyes and a comparatively small muzzle can be found on a wedge shaped head. Some of the most sought after Arabian horses are the ones with concave shaped noses. An Arab neckline should be arched, and they have toned muscular legs. Arabian horses have a silk-like coat which shines in the sun. Consequently, Arabian breeds are not often viewed at top end competitions due to their inadequate bascule in comparison to other breeds.

Typically, their coat is brown or grey although it is not unusual for some Arabian horses to have black coats. As the desert heat is so intense, black coated Arabs were a lot more rare as the heat absorption could be dangerous. Such is the purity of the Arabian horse gene, it is frequently used in accentuating the features of other breeds. Arabs are known for their relaxed temperament, making breeding them very attractive.

Professional horse competitions have used Arabian horses for a great deal of time, and there are even competitions each year between Arabian horses and there owners.

For more information, Arabian Horses for sale and more, please visit the Horse and Pony Directory

This is basic ground manners explained. Simply put, your horse should do what you ask. The horse’s movements should be performed safely no matter how simple or routine the task may be. Your horse needs to know that to push, step on or endanger you in any way – either intentionally or not – is unacceptable. These may seem like simple annoyances, perhaps, but you can see that there is definitely potential for someone to be seriously hurt. Since horses outweigh you by a ton, literally, a misplaced hoof can break your foot. Better not to find out the hard way whether your equine insurance will cover you for this! Your very own personal space bubble can be established and then maintained to best avoid this problem.

A nuzzle into your pocket to search for a tasty treat could leave you with a nasty – if well-meaning – nibble. These love nibbles will not feel as such when made by teeth as big as those of your horse. Horses in a herd treat each other differently than they must treat us. Horses are somewhat more robust and durable than humans and it’s OK to them if they sometimes nip, bite or crowd each other.

Many people have unfortunately learned the space bubble lesson the hard way. My first, and subsequently the last, experience with the concept of crowding occurred when I bought my first horse years ago. My wonderful new four-legged friend liked to “help” me with the paddock cleaning. He would put his nose into the manure cart as I placed the manure into it. Then one day he actually lifted his front hoof and put it into the cart when I put a rake full of manure in. He knocked the cart over, which spooked him, which in turn spooked the other three horses in the paddock. Hooves and tails were flying around all over, with me stuck in the middle. Thankfully I was not hurt, but this could have been a mild or even a serious disaster – and may have even necessitated a claim on my horse insurance.

This was in the basic learning curve time period for both of us. I was so amused at his trying to help me with my chores that I didn’t think about the potential consequences. That was the day on which I learned hoe important it is to teach a horse basic manners. It was then that I realised the importance of teaching him how to respect my space when I was in the paddock attending to chores. If he wanted to play cute he could still do this during the time we spent together learning cues and training.

Basic safety manners can be taught by utilising the three Ps of horse training. The three Ps of horse training – patience, persistence and positive reinforcement – are crucial to the developing relationship between you and any horse you ride or are training for someone else.

Patience. Your horse doesn’t instinctively know what you want. You need to show patience in showing your equine what to do, then patience in letting him practice until he gets it right; this is key to building trust. Allow your mind to become clear of stresses and strain before you start a training session. Take a deep breath and relax. It is part of the natural learning process for your horse to test the waters. He needs to check and see if what he thinks you want is correct. This can occur several times before the horse has confirmed his correct assessment of the task.

Persistence. You musn’t be tempted to give up after a few goes. At first it is hard to communicate. After all, you don’t speak the same language yet! Stay with it and be consistent in your cues. Horses are very perceptive to even the slightest cue. Cooperation will follow when your horse understands what the cue means.

Positive reinforcement. Whenever your horse does something correctly, show him a signal. It’s not always necessary to use a tasty morsel as a reward. Horse love to be released when they have done a job correctly. Imagine the “whoa!” or “stop” cue. This is a pull on the bit within his mouth. When the horse exhibits the signs that he understands that you want him to stop, release the bit immediately. That tells him he’s doing the right thing.

Horses need to know their limits. How close can he stand to you before you feel crowded? Can he pull on the lead rope if he doesn’t want to go the way you are leading him? If he doesn’t feel inclined to pick up his foot, will you allow him to get away with this? What may to us seem like common sense are not necessarily things which come naturally to a horse. A correctly and carefully trained horse will forever be both a most pleasing companion and could also represent a lower liability when it comes to renewing your horse insurance policy.

When searching for horses for sale, there are a few points which are worth considering to make the buying process run smoothly, and to ensure you end up with your desired horse.

• Every horse has niggles – just make sure that the one you buy has issues that you can live with and that won’t lessen your enjoyment.
• Take an expert along, someone who is informed of your capabilities and strengths. Ideally take someone experienced who is capable of spotting {whether the horse is lame} lameness or illness. Or even your instructor who will be able to tell if the chosen horse is right for your style of riding – your aptitude and confidence.
• Always check the horse’s documets and passport.  A passport is not legal proof that your chosen horse is owned by the person selling it so ask if there is a receipt to prove purchase. Remember it is unlwful to sell or purchase horses minus a passport.
• Find out if all vaccinations are current. A course of innoculations can cost a lot of money and take months to come into effect before you can compete.  It will not go down well moving a horse to a new horse if it is carrying an illness along as well.
• Once you’ve chosen you new horse, ask a vet to carry out the highest inspection that you can buy. Don’t rush or be pressured into buying if you believe you need the horse examined by your vet.
• Try to see the horse or pony carrying out the trials you would like it to do. Having to reschool a horse will add a considerable amount to the total cost if you are unable to do this yourself.
• Try to negotiate a trial period in which the horse can be returned if it is not suitable.
• Be realistic when buying a young horse, ask yourself if you have the required experience to bring it on. Another thought is that, a more mature horse may just have the stability and maturity to give you confidence and help you learn you the basics.
• Don’t feel pressured to buy the first one you see and don’t be pressurised by the many others just waiting to buy the horse if you don’t – very often this is just a ruse to rush you to make an impulse purchase. Take your time when buying a horse.
• Once the sale is agreed take out insurance on the horse before you transport it.  Most injuries occur during transit or whilst introducing a new horse into a new yard with other horses.
• Trust your judgement – if you believe the vendor is concealing something from you then the likelyhood is they are. 
• Be mindful that your horse is a huge investment of both your time and your money – be sure you have budgeted accurately for all the expenses that you are likely to encounter. 

Finally, have fun with your new horse and enjoy many hours of horse riding fun!

Confirmation of colic is a situation that strikes fear into any horse lover. So what is equine colic? What indicators should you be aware of?

Colic in horses refers to pain which stems from the abdomen. Generally horses do not hide abdominal pain very well. So if there is any disturbance of gut functioning they will usually display signs of pain.

Signs of mild discomfort could be stretching, a stance as if to urinate, and pawing the floor. If in more pain the horse will stand up and lie down, and roll to try to become more comfortable.

It will likely start to sweat. In more severe cases it will get up and down and continuously roll.

What Should You Do?
Should you believe your horse is suffering from colic, it’s best to call an equine vet straight away. The vet will be able to provide emergency pain relief and decide whether further action is appropriate.

What can you do while you wait for the vet to arrive? Taking your horse for a walk often helps. It may encourage his intestines to work ina normal manner and surpress the pain. It could also prevent him lying down to roll. If however he is lying down peacefully then you should let him stay there.

It used to be thought that horses could cause a twisted gut by rolling around. That has been proven to be probably not true. However it is best to stop him rolling if you can. That way you will prevent him injuring himself by banging himself on nearby walls. But be careful that you don’t hurt yourself. It’s likely horses will forget all their normal manners when in pain.

There are many different reasons as to why horses get colic. Frequently the signs look the same regardless of the cause.

So how will the vet look into the issue? He or she will listen to your horses abdomen with a stethoscope which will show them if there is more or less activity in the intestines than normal.

Monitoring the heart rate gives a good idea of the seriousness of the discomfort and the severity of the issue. A horse with a normal heart beat doen’t have a serious case. Whereas a high heart rate is not such a good sign.

A really helpful part of the examination will be the rectal examination. By physically feeling the intestines, the vet may be able to find the cause of the problem. Without doubt this is a highly skilled procedure, that hasthe potential to be hazardous for both parties. But for an experienced vet the feedback it gives is invaluable in concluding the cause of the problem. Revealing an obstruction, or a swollen loop of intestines as a result of a twist or another problem with the intestines.

In all but the simple cases vets may pass a tube through the horses’ nose into the stomach. It sounds unpleasant but helps make your horse more comfortable by lowering the pressure in the stomach. It can also give the vet detailed information as to whether the stomach is emptying properly.

In some cases the horse might be so much pain that it is impossible for the vet to diagnose properly without first giving a dose of pain killer.

Only by considering all of the information provided by a careful examination is the vet able to make a tentative diagnosis. Even then it might not be possible to tell exactly what the problem is.

It might be the case that, after the first inspection, the horse requires emergency surgery. Though more usually the vet will decide to treat the horse with a fast-acting painkiller and review his condition after a few hours. The majority of examples display a rapid improvement. However some will show no response to the treatment, or they might respond initially, only to start showing signs of discomfort again later on.

Rather than having to bring the vet out multiple times, it is usually preferred to transport these cases to a specialist equine practice where they can be monitored closely and operations can be performed if appropriate.

In Conclusion
Luckily the vast majority of examples respond quickly to medical intervention. Although if surgery is needed – it is important to operate as soon as possible. The chance of a successful outcome is much better if the surgery is performed before too much damage has taken place.

For more information, horses for sale and more, please visit the Horse and Pony Directory.