Implementation of a manure management plan is crucial for horses kept outdoors. The pasture is a natural grazing environment for your horse. It is an ecosystem offering fresh air, nutrition, opportunity to be with other horses and space to exercise. If properly managed, even a pasture of small acreage will decrease overall cost of feed and provide much enjoyment for your horse.
It is important that pasture where your horse is kept is free of hazards that can lead to injury and is maintained to minimize the buildup of manure. An adult horse weights in excess of 1000 pounds and will produce an average of 40 pounds of feces and 2.5 gallons of urine a day. Without proper measures in place, there is increased risk of soil and water pollution which poses health problems for your horse and raises public health issues regarding the safety of drinking water.
Unless you keep your horse on land that you own or lease, you should know the type of waste management procedures used at the boarding facility. As a responsible horse owner, you want to ensure manure is stored and disposed of within the constraints of environmental regulations. For many small operation, composting is a viable solution that falls within the realm of best practices for manure management.
Composting involves the process of decomposing manure and other waste. Organic material including straw, grass, leaves and household waste are added to manure to construct the compost pile. The actions of microorganisms convert these materials into a soil-like material known as compost.
Composting piles can be constructed using a free-standing approach where the pile is built by adding manure on top of previously added manure. The pile should grow large enough to maintain an internal temperature of 60 to 65 degrees to ensure that parasites and weed seeds are killed. The pile should be turned on a regular basis to thoroughly mix and aerate its contents which brings the outer materials internally so the entire pile is exposed to a critical temperature range. A pile that gets too hot (over 70 C degrees), can emit an ammonia-like odor; if it is not hot enough, parasite eggs and weed seeds may survive. Depending on the size of the compost pile, a complete decomposition process can take 30 to 90 days to complete.
An effective waste management plan will provide many benefits:
- it will greatly reduce the volume of manure in the pasture, which will in turn, reduce odor and provide a healthier environment for your horse;
- compose can be used to add organic nutrients to the soil which will improve the fertility of the soil which will result in improved grass production in the pasture;
- it will can reduce the risk of ground and surface water contamination from runoff;
- it will reduce the attraction of flies, parasites and bacterial and can pose the risk of infection to your horse.
Knowing how manure is handled is another consideration for being proactive in the care of your horse. It is another factor that can give you peace of mind in knowing your horse is in a safe and healthy environment.
Labels: Caring for Horses
¶ 8:24 AM 0 Comments
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It is important that horses are groomed on a regular basis. Horses in the pasture need to be closely monitored to ensure healthy hoofs and avoid a build-up of dry mud and manure.
Winter has proven an emotional but educational time for us. This is our first winter with Model. We wanted to ensure that she was comfortable once the weather got cold and was not in distress. Being warm-blooded animals, we knew that horses had to maintain a certain body temperature to survive extreme cold. We learned that horses can naturally tolerate cold temperatures which can cause less stress than extremely high temperatures. Our winters in the South are mild, in comparison to other regions in the Country, however we experienced days when temperatures fell below freezing. We planned for Model to stay in the pasture during the winter. We are assessing this decision on a regular basis to see if we need to make other arrangements for next winter.
So far, we have not encountered many problems. Model’s coat grew longer, which we need would become a natural defense in adjusting to changes in the weather. We initially assumed that Model would need a variety of coats and blankets for the cold. During our research on preparing for the winter, we found many recommendations against the continuous use of coats. Using coats improperly can inhibit the growth of the longer coat of hair needed for the winter. As temperatures drop, an increase the overall body fat is a second level of protection.
Rasheeda examines Model closely during grooming. With a thicker coat, it is important to ensure that she is gaining proper weight gain, especially around the ribs. Special care is given when examining her hoofs. It is an ongoing task to keep her hoofs dry and free of mud, dirt and dry manure. Model does wear a coat to protect her on rainy days and she is regularly checked for rain rot and other skin conditions.
Other considerations during grooming include:
- Checking the nostrils, gums, lips and inner eye for healthy pink membrane; purple or yellow discolorations should cause concern;
- Checking her hoof for sores and cuts;
- Making sure that her ears are not cold;
- Observing behavior: shivering or standing stiff may indicate that she is cold.
Model is receiving extra minerals and hay. Increased calories will help to maintain body heat. The suggested intake for horses should average 1 to 2% of its weight (National Research Council, Nutrient Requirements of Horses, 2007).
Model’s feeding habits are being closely monitored to ensure that she is getting enough calories.
Our experience working with Model this winter will provide the baseline we need to assess if improvements are needed for next winter. For now, keeping her groomed is our most demanding challenge.
Labels: Caring for Horses
¶ 11:45 AM 0 Comments
A Grooming Session for Model
Grooming is an essential task in caring for your horse. It can be be a special time for bonding between the two of you. If you are new to grooming, work with someone who can to explain the different techniques that will ensure a comfortable experience for your horse, and a safe outcome for you. A grown horse weights in excess of 1,000, pounds; there are safeguards you must adhere to for your protection.
Grooming provides opportunity to examine your horse for cuts, bruises, and other injuries. Over time, you will be able to recognize subtle changes on your horse’s body and identify any new injuries, infections or skin irritations. Regular grooming not only beautifies your horse’s coat, it releases the natural oils that are necessary for healthy skin and a shiny coat. Be careful around the sensitive areas of the horse’s body: the face, sides, stomach, legs and frog of the hoof. As you groom your horse, gently stroke him as you move from one part of his body to another. Avoid any sudden moves that can alarm or startle your horse, you want to be sure that he is aware of you at all times.
Identify an open area where you can groom your horse, one that is free from distractions. The location should have a rail where you can tie and safety secure your horse. Make sure that there is enough room so you can walk behind your horse, at a safe distance, to avoid the possibility of being kicked.
The Grooming Kit
There are a number of items that should be part of your grooming kit. The basic items you need to clean the hooves, coat, face, mane and tail of your horse include:
• Curry Comb
• Hoof pick
• Brushes: stiff brush and finishing brush
• Mane and tail comb and/or brushes
• Sponges
• Coat conditioner
• Fly Spray and insect repellent
• Hoof ointment, if recommended by your farrier
• Grooming mitt
• Large bucket, can be used for storage of grooming items.
Cleaning the Hooves
The hooves of the horse are cleaned with a hoof pick. Gently run your hand down the leg of your horse and give it a squeeze to lift the hoof. Begin cleaning at the heel of the hoof and move toward the toe picking out any mud, rocks and other debris. The most sensitive part of the horse’s hoof is “V-shaped” pad, known as the frog. Avoid this area while picking.
Check horse’s shoes to make sure none are loose. Inspect the hooves closely for signs of thrush. Thrust appears in the deep crevices of the frog and is identified by a puss-like discharge with a strong foul order. Work with your farrier for preventive measures and treatment. Your farrier may also recommend the use of ointment for your horse’s hooves. Apply ointment after cleaning to keep hooves from becoming dry.
Cleaning Your Horse’s Coat
One technique to systematically clean your horse’s coat is to move from top to bottom; go from front to back; start on its left side and end on its right side. Start with the curry comb. Use small circular motion while applying pressure to loosen dirt and other debris embedded in the horse’s coat. Beginning on the horse’s right side, brush from the top of the neck and down the chest. Next brush the shoulder, going along the back, next the stomach. Brush the rump and the upper part of the back leg. Check the leg for swelling. Repeat this process on the right side.
A stiff brush is used in the next step to remove any dirt loosened by the curry comb. Starting on the left side, brush in the direction of hair growth using an upward flicking motion to keep dirt from falling back into the coat. Use the same procedure that you used with the curry comb. Remember to periodically pat your horse to keep him aware of your presence. Do the same on the right side.
A finishing brush is used to remove any remaining dirt. Long sweeping strokes are made with the brush that leaves the coat shinny.
Cleaning the Face
With a small damp sponge, clean around your horse’s face, eyes and ears. Check the eyes for drainage, redness or swelling. You can also use the finishing brush to brush the face.
Brushing the Mane and Tail
If needed, use a detangler when brushing the mane, forelock and tail. You want to avoid ripping out hair as you brush. When brushing the tail, stand to the side of the horse and hold the tail in your direction. Divide the tail into small sections and brush the ends before brushing the length of the tail.
Applying Conditioner and Insect Repellent
Complete the grooming process by spraying coat conditioner on your horse, follow with insect repellent. This is an extra measurement to ensure a healthy coat for your horse. You want to avoid discomfort for you horse by reducing insect bites that can cause loss of hair or skin infection.
Reward your horse when grooming is completed. Give him a small treat to enhance his enjoyment of being with you.
Resources
Horse Grooming: The BasicsHorse Grooming: An Article from Equusite.com
How to Groom a Horse: Video from Expert Village
Featured Products from:
Drs. Foster & Smith Oster Equine Care Series Collection |  | Special Edition Oster Equine Care Series Collection 7-piece Grooming Kit |
Labels: Caring for Horses
¶ 2:38 PM 0 Comments
Working at the stable is making Danny, Malissa and Dakari more responsible individuals. Malissa now feeds the horses with greater caution and an increased appreciation for safety issues. Malissa's advice on feeding horses: "Don't let the horse get too close to you. Shoo it horse away before you put the hay in the stall".
Labels: Caring for Horses
¶ 10:16 AM 0 Comments
