HORSE ARTICLES page 2
A Healthy Horse Is A Happy Horse
By: Paddy
When you own a horse you become responsible for its health. Horses can become affected by many health problems such as colic, thrush and internal parasites. A number of conditions can be prevented and treated by an owner, but every horse owner should have the aid of a local equine veterinarian.
Before purchasing your horse, you should have a veterinarian give it an inspection to make sure that he is in good health. Thereafter it is advisable to have your veterinarian give your horse an annual checkup.
I was interested in purchasing a school master for show jumping from the stable where I kept my horse. I really did not have an in-depth knowledge of horses, but I knew enough to request a veterinary inspection. I did not know any vets, so I did not mind when the owner suggested using their local veterinarian.
We had gone over the horse and all seemed to be going well until we had him running loose in a lunge ring. I overheard the veterinarian inquire as to whether I was planning on doing much with the horse. I have no idea what he meant exactly, but I did know I was planning on show jumping. Ultimately I assumed that the horse had some health problems and would not be a long term investment.
The owners did not divulge any of the veterinarian's words, but I was saved from making a costly unsound investment. When you buy a horse you usually part with a substantial amount of money and it makes complete sense to ensure the health of your investment.
Horses require regular upkeep, they need to be dewormed and vaccinated regularly to prevent health problems and to maintain good health. When you do not deworm your horse, he becomes infested with parasites which can infect other horses he is around and it affects his own health.
You may not see the internal damage worms create, but with large infestations you will see the difference on the outside when his coat is no longer glossy and he keeps losing weight no matter how much you feed him.
When you look after horses you can do other prevention techniques besides deworming, to increase chances of a good healthy environment for your horse.
- Remove droppings from paddocks and fields on a regular basis. If completely removing is not possible then disk or harrow the field to break up the droppings.
- Rotate your pastures, leave a field completely empty for a period of time
- Remove bot eggs from the horses with a bot knife
- Grazing with cattle can aid worm control
The usual vaccinations given to a horse are for equine influenza, tetanus and equine encephalitis. It is strongly recommended that you have all your horses vaccinated; your local veterinarian will be able to assist you and determine which vaccines your horse needs and when he should be given them.
Having a horse is a huge responsibility and they are reliant on you for good health. Take pride in owning a horse and ensure he is well cared for. Have a basic first aid kit at hand and develop a relationship with your local veterinarian.
Article source: Articlecat.com
Author: http://www.your-horse-guide.com
Get information on buying, owning and caring for your horse, learn about horse health.
Natural Horsemanship - Do You Have What It Takes?
By: Paddy
Natural Horsemanship is a method of training the horse that derives its methods from the horse. By watching and observing the horse interacting naturally in the wild, humans have been able to learn how the horse communicates.
The horse communicates using body language. Natural Horsemanship trainers have integrated this communication into their training method. By working with the horses own language trainers are better equipped to understand and work with the horse.
Horses are big powerful animals. Knowing any way to work in an effective positive manner can help trainers immensely. If a trainer can learn to communicate on the horse's level the horse will respond. Watching the horse for cues and signs helps the trainer to pace and know when to move on to the next step.
I have always tried to get a sense of a horse's mood as an individual when I am working with them. I use a combination of classic training methods and natural horsemanship. There is certainly much to be said about respecting a horse and working with them as against them.
Traditional breaking in of horses forced the horse into submitting to the handler. The horse's spirit and essence were usually broken and the horse became a servant to man. Natural Horsemanship enrolls the horses will. This method does not use force to domesticate and train the horse. The horse does not respond with fighting and panic against a human handler.
Trust is the key to horsemanship. In the days where the lands were open and free, man had to gain the trust of a horse in the wild before he could ever approach him. There were no fences, corrals or places to restrain a horse these shortcuts have placed man in a dominant role which can often lead to abuse of a horse.
A trainer of Natural Horsemanship will talk to the horse with use of his own body in the way that horses understand. A trainer will use specific eye communication, will know where and how to place his body so that the horse can understand what is being said.
Natural Horsemanship is based on trust and respect. Man aims to become the horse's leader. In the wild the herd follows the leader and a trainer will develop the same bond the horse has with a herd leader. There are a number of trainers who have developed their own take on this and have become names in the Natural Horsemanship circle.
If you are interested in learning the techniques and aims you can do some on-line research to find a trainer near you. I honestly feel that hands on learning is essential for Natural Horsemanship because you are learning body language. A horse could look at you with a subtleness that could not be detected by a picture in a book.
Whichever means you decide to learn you should also consider how involved you would like to get. If you are training horses to sell them on and make money, you should consider your target market.
You certainly do not want to build a beautiful relationship on trust and respect only to have another person come along and use aggression because they are not able to understand the horse's way of communication.
Natural Horsemanship can be integrated into any method of training. If you are looking to achieve top performance from your horse, you certainly can make a significant difference by using natural horsemanship techniques. Go to a trainer to watch and learn, work with your horse and soon a wonderful relationship will unfold.
Article source: Articlecat.com
Author: http://www.your-horse-guide.com
Get information on buying, owning and caring for your horse, learn about Natural Horsemanship. Learn about Horse riding safety.
Getting Your Horse Prepared For Eventing
By: Paddy
Eventing is a horse competition where horse and rider compete in several disciplines of riding. It can be compared to a triathlon as it consists of cross-country, dressage and show-jumping in a single competition.
The first phase of a three day event is dressage. The aim of dressage is to demonstrate that a fit horse capable of completing the cross country phase, is also able to perform dressage which requires a precise and relaxed manner from horse and rider.
The next phase in the competition is cross-country. Horse and rider compete on a long outdoor circuit and jump several fences. The fences are solidly built of natural objects like stone walls or large logs. There are also a number of obstacles to be faced consisting of ponds, ditches, banks and streams. During this phase the bond of trust between horse and rider is tested, both must be fit and brave.
Eventing is scored by points, first and second errors cause the rider to earn penalty points, with a third error both horse and rider are eliminated. If a horse falls during the competition mandatory retirement is required. If a rider falls he gains 65 penalties and is eliminated if he falls again.
Horse and rider will be eliminated for competing in the incorrect saddlery (tack). To ensure you have the best chance in the competition make sure you understand the scoring procedure. Know the cross-country and show jumping course by walking it, memorize the course and avoid errors which lead to penalties.
Veterinary inspections are an important part of the competition. Usually horse and rider, braided horses and smartly dressed riders, are turned out for top competition. Horses are inspected at the beginning of the competition of a three day event and again before the last phase of competition.
A pass or fail in the veterinary inspection will determine whether the horse can compete in the competition and the inspection before the last phase of competition determines whether he can continue in the competition.
Show jumping tests the technical abilities of the rider and horse. In show jumping one is able to observe the obedience, fitness, suppleness and athleticism of the horse. The course consists of brightly colored fences which can be easily knocked down resulting in penalty points. The height of the fence is lowered by the top pole falling down thus penalty points are incurred. Penalty points are allotted for any second that is over the required time to complete the course. Whoever has the fewest penalties is
the winner.
A number of changes have taken place over the last few years in the sport to accommodate cost, especially for the Olympic Games. The change has become a controversial subject, but none the less eventing with the change is still included in the Olympics.
As a rider of horses for many years I have yet to enter an eventing competition. I certainly lack the nerve! I have however been absolutely captivated and enthralled in the competition as an event groom. If you want to get close to the action and learn as much as you can without having to actually compete, this is the best way to do it!
Eventing certainly can become costly, more so than other disciplines. You can cut your costs by working as a groom and getting the experience and training as part of the package. Being a competition groom for eventing is an incredibly thrilling experience, one I shall never forget.
Article source: Articlecat.com
Author: http://www.your-horse-guide.com
Learn about competing in events with your horse.
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