HorseJunkiesUnited.com - Lit Dressage Quadrille 2011 Royal Winter Fair

It has been a while since I have posted. I am going to change that! Enjoy this video of "Lit Dressage". It is a great show.

If Vegas could talk...

"I don't need shots!"

Vegas has such a kind, sweet face and is a real softy in the barn. I take preventative care seriously. The more you know about vaccinations and other regular health care programs, the better your horse will be! It may seem like a lot of money to regularly deworm and vaccinate, but it ends up saving you money!! It is much better to spend smaller amounts year round if possible instead of getting serious vet bills and having a sick horse.

So here are some more shots to consider giving your horse:

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 1. Tetanus. This goes for both humans and horses. :) Horses are around nails either from fence posts or their stalls and you never know what could happen. A nail could pop off. I used to have a little black pony, Diamond, who was small enough to pop off fence boards. This could have resulted in some nasty medical issues. Diamond was lucky, no serious problems. To bve on the safe side, give your horse a tetanus shot, because I have learned if a horse can get into something they will. *cough* Vegas *cough*

 

2.Influenza. Influenza is an extremely contagious respiratory disease. it is characterized by nasal discharge, a dry distinctive cough and fever. Influenza is important in keeping the infection at bay and preventing your horse from getting extremely sick. It is harsher and more susceptible to young horses under the age of five. It is easily spread between horses. Although you may think your horse is over the infection you need to keep them away from horses up to ten days after the virus disappears. Wash all equipment that comes in contact with the infected horse. Before letting a new horse into any already established herd, quarantine the new horse(s) for up to fourteen days. This is a good way of preventing this virus and make sure your horse gets its boosters and yearly shots.

3. Eastern  Encephalomyelitis.  Eastern Encephalomyelitis is often referred to as sleeping sickness. Watch out for those mosquitoes! Horses are most likely to get this virus from mosquitoes. This virus typically results in paralysis and later death within four days of the first symptoms showing. The symptoms start appearing within no more than four weeks from the infection date. The first warning sign is a high fever. The fever usually disappears within a few days and later anxiousness appears in your horse with problems affecting the brain i.e. abnormal gait (difficulty to move), the horse will usually hang its head. Although there is no cure for this it is easily prevented through vaccinating.

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There are many others to think about like strangles, potomac horse fever, anthrax, the list can be endless. Talk to your veterinarian as vaccines will vary depending on your horse's age and use. Broodmare need vaccines throughout their pregnancy. If you are ever unsure about preventative vaccine programs, talk to your vet. Your horse may not like needles, but they will thank you when they do not get sick! NO ONE LIKES TO BE SICK!

Saved

Vegas sure is healthy and happy! :)

EEEK! It's a ....

NEEDLE!

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Springtime means annual vaccinations. Vegas is pretty good about his shots but some of us are not. The needle is never very big, but can get huge reactions! Horses are out in the fields and can run into some serious hazards that can be minimized through yearly vaccinations. It is good to schedules vaccines in the spring (April seems to work here) and then do them annually each year around the same time. You need to keep up-to-date records of when your horse was vaccinated and for what (more on that in another post).

Many factors will take a part in what your horse needs: the climate and the horse's age, among other things. The best way to know what your horse needs and when is to talk to your local veterinarian. DO NOT administer your own shots unless you are confident in your ability and have been shown by a more experienced person how to do it. I gave Vegas a shot and I do not take it lightly (actually I sometimes freak myself out, which then upsets Vegas). If you are not confident or even slightly hesitant it is much safer to pay the money for a veterinarian to do it for you. Some shots, like rabies, can only be administered by a vet, which means you have no choice but to get the vet in to do the shot. 

                                                                     Shots to Consider:

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1. West Nile: In Manitoba, mosquitoes are a nuisance. Mosquitoes carry a horrible disease called West Nile. It is best to give a West Nile vaccine before the mosquitoes emerge for the season; the shot will last the horse the entire season.  West Nile can cause neurological diseases and horses can survive from the disease but it can be touch and go and many have died before the disease was fully understood. Your best method of prevention is to get your horse the vaccine!! You can't remove the mosquitoes from your horses environment completely so vaccinate, vaccinate, did I say vaccinate?

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2. Rabies: Skunks. Hmmm. If you haven't seen one before, you have definitely smelt one. Ewww. Where there is one there are many. Skunks are prevalent in the country side.  Rabies.... if your horse gets it, he/she is gone and if you board your horse you will not have the chance to say goodbye. Rabies is a neurological disease that can make your horse dangerous and act irrational. The only prevention is to get a vet out to vaccinate your horse with a rabies shot. If you see a skunk or other dangerous animals get  rid of them, especially those that are acting strange. IF you see a skunk during the day, it most likely has rabies!

More vaccinations to come!    

Happy Birthday Vegas!

Today is Vegas' brithday!! He is officially eleven years old. I got him when he was five and I must say I usually still think of him as the young guy. Vegas still acts like a kid - if he can get into some sort of trouble he will!
I am going to give you guys a horse cookie recipe. Vegas loves all treats, especially the homemade ones. By baking your own treats, you can be fully aware of exactly what your horse is getting and what he's not. You want to limit the amount of sugars you give to your horse. The horse's digestive system is very sensitive and can cause tummy aches easily through colic (which I will save for another day, as this is a happy day!).

Here are some delicious treats to make for your horse:

Horse Carrot/Apple Cakes

Ingredients

• 1 carrot
• 1 apple
• 1 cup molasses
• 2 1/2 cups oats
• 2 Tablespoons oil

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees
2. Grate the carrot and apple
3. Mix together all ingredients
4. Place mixture in baking tray
5. Bake for 40 minutes or until golden brown
6. Cool for four hours in refrigerator

(credit: www.frontrangefrenzy.com/horse-treats/)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barn Cats

One day we were out cleaning the hay loft out and my old mare thought it was the greatest thing to eat the piles of loose hay we were throwing down and cleaning up. Well as she ate our cat Milo (who was about 6 months or so) decided that Kit looked pretty comfy and decided to take a nap on her back. Milo is the type of cat that is bad for the sake of being bad!! My dad calls him the "Keith Richards of cats" because he is unapologetically bad!

Spring is here and so are the mice and other "unmentionable" rodents. Barn cats are an important part of any barn. I have never been to any barn that did not have at least one cat. If cats are around the rodents are not, and for someone like me who will jump on the highest thing around, this is a good thing.

I have found that you CAN and SHOULD still feed your barn cats. I have never had a problem with feeding a cat and not having them go after the mice. The hunter aspect is an integral part of the cats being. It naturally wants to and will hunt the mice.

I would much rather look at a cat than a mouse.

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I am grossed out just by looking at a picture of a mouse, the real thing, well nobody wants to see that. Mice carry diseases and can get into your feed supply.


Barn cats still need to be neutered or spayed. Kittens add up quickly and males tend to leave without being neutered to stake out territory and breed. Cats need rabies shots and deworming just like horses. Your regular large animal vet will be able to give your cats shots too if you just let them know. You do not want diseases running through your barn!

Say no to Mice and yes to Cats!

A little too much water...

Every spring Manitoba has issues with flooding. Many other areas have problems as well and play a role in affecting Manitoba at the same time.

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Manitoba has designated flood zones. If you are in a flood zone have a back up plan! Don't let your horse have to swim around. Prepare for the worst. There are many places to keep your horse.

Contact Manitoba Horse Council (MHC) @ 204-925-5718.  MHC will give you contact information for those able to provide a paddock, stall, or transportation for your equine pals. From that point you are responsible for the arrangements with the stable/farm that is able to help. Go to the website MHC . Also, if you are able to help anyone in need contact MHC to get your name on the list. Our horses can not help themselves, give them what they need! A nice dry piece of land with plenty of food fits the bill.

Vegas is sure happy in his relatively dry paddock and sure does love his dry, warm stall at night.

Mud Mud Go Away!

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Spring time has me seeing fresh grass that is beginning to take on a new life, fresh flowers and trees starting to regain their leaves.

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But in reality we have muddy pastures, with slippery ground as the ground begins to thaw and little grass.

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Our horses begin to roll in all those tempting mud piles and scratch those itchy coats that are dying to come out! There will always be mud and with the not so pleasant mud comes some not so pleasant messes. Mud is a great breeding ground for nasty bacteria and as horse chicks (and guys), we must be proactive in tending to our horses needs.

I would consider my horse a bit spoiled. He comes in year round. He doesn't grow a thick enough coat for the winter and has a very difficult time with bugs. I find it helpful having him come in to get him out of standing in muck all day and night. The biggest area of concern with mud is your horse's hooves and lower legs - although we must keep the rest of our horses clean as well, especially before riding. The hooves and lower legs are grounds for some potential health problems.

One major concern for hooves is the potential of thrush. Thrush is a bacterial infection in the hooves, that can easily lead to lameness. Early detection of any health problems is always best. Thrush can be easily avoided and prevented by good horsemanship. Thrush concentrates on the grooves on either side of the frog.

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Thrush can advance quickly with many warning signs. A soft, squishy frog can be a sign. Some things to watch out for is a disgusting smell with a possible blackish discharge or your horse may come up lame. Sometimes a veterinarian needs to be called especially in advanced cases. If you catch thrush early it is easy to cure. The hooves must be cleaned out preferably twice daily and a solution applied to the frog area at least once a day. You can use Copertox, a bleach to water solution, or specifically formulated product from your veterinarian. Your farrier should be able to detect the issue, so regular farrier work is important. This can also help you if you are not sure if your horse has thrush or not. 

Thrush is easily prevented by keeping your horse out of dirty and wet areas. It is ideal to have at least part of the pasture dry for your horse to stand on. Bringing your horse in to a well-cleaned stall is also helpful. As well, you should pick out your horse's hooves regularly to get rid of caked-in mud. Your horse will thank you for it!

The Horsey Language 2

Pretty Vegas is my pride and joy (not to sound sappy). I have worked with Vegas to build a relationship with him and develop a true connection. Every time I am on him it feels so right. I feel like I know exactly what he's thinking and I believe he feels the same about me. This is why we mesh so well together. I am sure every horse chick (and guy) has found that one horse that completes them at least once in their life. I have been fortunate enough to have many horses come into my life and have developed good relationships with them.

I believe to fully understand a horse and to develop that relationship with a horse one must know their language as well as how their own bodies reflect the attitudes and connection one has with their equine pal. Humans are predators and horses are prey. We sometimes are not aware how being a predator greatly affects how a horse perceives us.

 
Most people take their natural "inheritance" by acting as the predator without necessarily knowing it. One thing to be aware of is how you approach your horse. As a predator most people have no problem walking head on towards their horse and raising their arm up to them. There are many well-trained horses that are very accustomed to humans and our ways. It is especially important to be aware of our natural predator body stance and understand how our horses will react. This will help in young horses and those in training specifically.

I love ground work. It is the foundation to having good rides and a sane, well-behaved horse. Ground work ultimately reflects what you do in the saddle. I love sending my horse out to do basically what I would consider a leg yield against the wall and work on moving away from pressure without thinking forward all the the time. This is especially useful when working with a forward moving horse. Exercises like these on the ground are helpful in focusing a horse on tasks and getting the left brain working. The left brain is the thinking part of the brain versus the right brain which is the flight aspect.

The belly button is the driving force that you give to a horse. It puts pressure on the horse. When you approach a horse especially one that may favour flight, look at your own body first. Is your belly button driving the horse forward? Your belly button from the girth area of the horse towards its head is the most pressure you can put on your horse. To approach a horse work on keeping your belly button pointing away from your horse; this could be as simple as turning the angle of your body.

I also really like doing my "Jack Daniels" practice approach in the arena. I will stagger to either side of my horse so that he/she gets used to different movements and approaches. As you work with your horse and learn his ways you will get an easy to catch horse, have better communication and establish a healthy relationship with your horse. I love being greeted by my horse as he walks to the gate to meet me. This is especially nice when the pastures are muddy! :)

The Horsey Language 1

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I love watching horses interact within their herd. These two horses seem to be sniffing at each other and becoming acquainted.  I have personally learned a lot by watching horses throughout the day to learn the dynamics of the herd and each horse's personality. Most "horsey language" is by body movement. It always cracks me up to watch horse movies and there is constant nickering and neighing in  the background. Who ever has that in their barn twenty-four/seven? I like to call these movies (especially the ones where a wild horse is miraculously trained in little or no time) the "as-if" movies. 

The horse expresses itself by where it places its body in proportion to others. I was auditing a Chris Irwin horsemanship clinic in 2010 and learned some new things. Every time the horse Chris was lunging passed by his girth area the horse would bow. I had never seen (or maybe noticed) that horses naturally will not pass a dominant horse (or in this case the lead person) through pressure areas without respect. I enjoyed Chris's clinic and gained new insight into the horsey language. You can visit Chris Irwin's site at www.chrisirwin.com

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This horse is clearly not happy. His ears are flat back and it appears that he is lunging towards "the thing" he clearly is not happy with, maybe another horse? Horses' ears are very expressive - they can tell us when our horses are mad by going flat back against their head or that they are listening to us with that one ear flicking towards us. Although every horse chick (and guy) out there needs to look at the whole picture, that is the entire horse. Ears are one very expressive body part. 

 

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The horse's tail is also another great way to learn what our horses are 'saying'. These two pasture mates seem to be nice and relaxed and happy munching on their hay. A horse can show many things with the tail. Sometimes your horse is just swatting away nasty annoying flies while at other times your horse may swing its tail in annoyance or raise it up when it is frightened. 

The best way to learn the horse's language is to go out and study your horses in the pasture and in the barn to really become a "horse whisperer". You can learn a lot and become more in tune and more readily able to deal with your horse when you know how he/she feels. 

The Horsey Language

... Body Language! Vegas was not impressed with getting dressed up for Christmas. He allowed me to put beads on him, but was happy to get them off. I am not the type of person that would throw beads over any horses neck. Instead I read body language and allow the horse to get comfortable with any and all objects.

The best way to get to know your horse or any horse you work with is to read their body. Horses typically do not neigh and call for each other that often. They mainly communicate through their body by their ears, tail, body position compared to another horses. You can learn a lot by studying how your horse behaves in a herd environment, their personality as in dominant or not. By also knowing your horses behaviour and personality you can have a much better idea how the horse will behave in many situations.

In the next few discussion posts. I will be talking about the horses language and how to behave around your horse in different settings.  Our own behaviour and movements directly reflects our horse.

A little to the left...

THAT'S THE SPOT!

 Vegas sure does love a good scratch! A perfect way to bond with your horse is to give him a good grooming. Too many people only groom before and briefly after they ride. Horses are social creatures. If you watch your horse out in the pasture (I highly recommend it!) you will notice that horses naturally groom each other. It is an easy way to be build that forever bond. Grooming is not just for getting that muddy horse clean. Horses develop bonds with that nice lady who finds just the right spot. Vegas often grunts in the spring as his belly gets scratched and helps get that loose itchy hair out. While you groom, try to find the spots your horse really likes. You can tell if he leans into the brush, grunts or just has the happy look! He or she will thank you in many ways.

Spring is around the corner and that furry mammal in the pasture is sure gonna like a few scratches. But first we have to have all the equipment.  

Here is a list of supplies:

1) A grooming caddy, I love my caddy! It makes it easy to find stuff and those little hoof picks can not just walk away when they have a designated place to be... yet somehow it still doesn't always seem to work?! ORGANIZATION IS KEY! (I'm quite the organizing freak, I love the storage areas in stores-heehee)

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2) Plastic Curry Comb - I tend to use this brush to get mud or really dirty spots out. It is also a great brush to give a good scratch with. I also tend to use it to clean out my brushes while brushing.

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3) Rubber Curry Comb- I love my rubber curry and so does Vegas. This brush is in a circular shape, so while you're grooming you move it in a circular motion. This curry will bring up all the hidden dirt in your horse's coat.

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4) Dandy Brush- this brush is used to flick off all the dirt you brought up using the rubber curry. You will always brush with this brush going in the direction of the horse's hair growth. This brush will be stiff when you touch it. While I groom I often will use the plastic curry to help rid the dust and hair from within the bristles.

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5) Body Brush- This brush is used to finish off your horse and to polish them off. This brush is soft and is the only brush that is used over the entire body. It is the only brush that touches the horse's face and legs. The face and legs of the horse are the most sensitive on the body so need to be treated as such.

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6) Hoof pick - the hoof pick is used to clean the horse's hooves. It is important to clean the hooves before AND after a ride. It is important to regularly clean out the hooves even if you are not planning on riding. By cleaning the hooves you prevent funguses from growing. It is especially important to keep the hooves clean when  it is muddy out - i.e. Spring!

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 I love the hoof picks with the brushes! It makes it a lot easier to keep the hooves clean.

There are many other gadgets out there that can make grooming more fun for you and your horse. These are the basics that everyone should have in their grooming kit. Pick fun colours and products you will love to use. I have a hot pink grooming caddy (Vegas has a hunter green one, poor horse is sometimes embarrassed by my wacky ways) or get a colour theme going for your horse. Vegas is a hunter green guy all the way.

Getting Started!

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If you are not in the horse world but want to be- how do you do so? I have witnessed coaching staff at many barns that do not show students how to do things like catching their horse or even tacking up. The student simply shows up, jumps on the horse and takes off. Most little girls and boys (not to mention the "oldies" too) want to spend as much time with horses as they possibly can. I know I spent numerous hours around many schooling barns before I had my own horses.

I believe it is important to find a riding school that will teach you to be an all-around horse person instead of only being capable of hopping on a horse and steering. A horse is not a vehicle! What would you do if a horse got injured on a ride and you had not had any experience even leading your horse around?

To find a reputable place search local listings. A lot of information can be found on the internet. Find out the lesson program. Will you be able to learn to tack up and catch your horse or will you simply ride? Tour the facilities and ask for information about who will be instructing the lessons and their qualifications.  Sit in on a lesson to see how the person works. Observation is key.

Overall, make sure you get a well-rounded full horsey education. Education is never a waste.

Check back to see how to Get Started in catching, grooming and simply being around your equine partner!

Calling All Horse Chicks!

Hello fellow horse chicks (and guys)!

Join me as I share my experiences, observations and adventures. I will be discussing tips, horse training techniques, business sense in the horse world and the fun that can be had while working with horses, among other things.  I have many things to share with you to make your horse experiences that much better, whether you are just starting out or have been in the horse world for a while. The one thing I know to be true is that you never stop learning and can learn from many unexpected places. I have learned to look at things from many perspectives thanks to my years of teaching wonderful students from all walks of life. I cannot forget all the horses that have taught me so much. Each one has a unique personality and lesson to teach to their humans.

Here are some horses I have had the pleasure to work with.

This is me with my horse Pretty Vegas. He was just starting to learn to jump. He is a powerful horse! You'll be hearing a lot about Vegas on this blog!

This is Kit Star Polo. My first horse! She taught me so much about horses and helped me develop my horsemanship. I miss her everyday. June 21, 1981 to February 1, 2010.

This is Nadilla. I spent a week on her back up in the Chilcotin Mountains. She was very sturdy and taught me to let go of the reins and let her do the work. I owe her for keeping me safe!

This is Dart. Dart is one in a million and worth his weight in gold. He was a trusty school horse. I once had a student that tried every week to put her saddle on and every time I came to check it was always on backwards. Poor Dart. He would always calmly stand and wait for someone to come help out. He even took a blind child on a trail ride. Horses like Dart touch many hearts.



I look forward to this journey with you. Please feel free to leave comments. I look forward to hearing from you.


Jessica