Did You Know
Fun Facts About Horses

1. Horses spend a good part of their day socializing with each other. They love to be among friends and feel safety in numbers.
2. Domesticated horses still retain the instinct for self-protection and like their wild cousins, take turns sleeping. One or two horses always remain standing ‘on guard’ against predators.
3. When horses are flat out, fast asleep, they sometimes snore just like humans! Once they are on their feet after a deep sleep, they often have a good stretch to flex their muscles. They reach both hind legs behind them, one at a time, and arch their backs and necks.
4. A good indicator of a horse’s health is the state of his coat. It grows from the fatty layer beneath his skin, which is nourished and maintained by the bloodstream. If his coat is dull it is a tell tale sign that the horses body systems are not working properly.
5. A vital factor in a horse’s health and fitness is fresh air. The stable must be well ventilated as horses have sensitive respiratory systems. Always leave the top door of your horse’s stable open and turn him out into a field as often as possible.

Letters to the mascots

Dear Shaboom and Clyde,
My gelding behaves badly around mares and acts like a stallion. I have been told that he may be proud cut, but I’m not sure what that means. Could you explain? Mary, Boise, Idaho.

Mary,
Unfortunately proud cut geldings are still pretty common. This is a male horse or pony that has not been properly gelded. Only one testicle has been removed and the other has remained up in the abdomen, having never dropped down between his hind legs as it should have. The remaining testicle is still producing hormones, which cause the horse to behave as a stallion, and he could possibly still be capable of siring a foal. Your Vet can test your horse to check this and can also operate to remove the remaining testicle, which would make your horse a proper gelding. Some true geldings behave badly around mares simply because they do not like females or because they are badly disciplined and poorly trained. If your vet confirms that your horse is not proud cut, extra schooling may be called for.

The Aging Process
by Michelle Dempsey, Youth Editor

Horses change physically and mentally as they get older. Weaker and less hardy than when they were young, they can develop problems that often require special attention and care.

There is no specific age when you can say a horse is old. Like people, a horses physical and mental fitness as they grow older is determined by what they have done during their life and, to a certain extent, genetic predisposition could play a role. One horse may be feeling his age at 16, while another may show no signs of age until he is 20 or even older.

As he grows older a horse usually slows down. This is because his body systems work less efficiently than in his younger days. He may lose weight and become more sensitive to the extremes of weather. Arthritis and rheumatism stiffen an old horse’s joints and often cause him pain. His ligaments slacken and have difficulty keeping his legs straight and supporting his spine - he may develop a dipped back, as a result. More than likely, his coat will start to go grey, particularly around the eyes and muzzle.

Although in most cases an older horse is more mellow and able to take most things in stride, he may also become less tolerant of younger, more boisterous horses – and humans too. An older horse needs to be cosseted and be cared for according to his changing needs. To save him from overtiring and straining himself, reduce his workload and, if the vet advises, a special diet may be needed to compensate for his less than efficient digestive system.

Keep him well sheltered, but don’t let him stand without exercise for hours on end – even after a night in the stable an old horse can stiffen up alarmingly. Frequent gentle exercise is best – a daily ride, plus turning out – to keep old joints mobile and reduce stiffness. Total retirement in many cases can be the worst possible thing for an older horse. A combination of boredom and inactivity can greatly reduce the quality and length of life. Supplements can also be offered to help with joint stiffness and overall health. Ideally a combined system of shelter, exercise and proper nutrition should be utilized. Your older horse should be sheltered in extreme weather conditions such as rain, snow, wind, and extreme heat as these can effect how efficiently he utilizes his feed and as a result can effect his overall body condition. He should be free to move about and able to enjoy good weather. Choose any companions he may have with care. A younger more lively horse may bully or harass an older horse, and if he is miserable while he is out in his field he may lose valuable condition. Make sure he is warm in the winter as he can use up precious fat stores trying to keep his body heat up and you may have difficulty regaining the lost conditioning. In the summer be sure to apply a good insect repellent to your horse as insects can drive a horse mad and cause them to lose appetite. Also be sure shade is readily available. These are just a few ways to help keep your older horse healthy and comfortable.