tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28480743068112412292024-03-14T03:08:01.718-05:00Cold River RamblingsAdvice, Observations & Musings by Owner, Melissa NealCold River Equinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481446641294217458noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848074306811241229.post-44535344983635626532017-05-03T09:00:00.000-05:002017-05-03T09:00:06.706-05:00Waiting for the Baby<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">It's
foaling time! We're right in the heart of the season. Everyone
loves to see those bouncing colts and fillies clumsily running about as their
mommas patiently graze in the pasture. But doesn't it seem like FOREVER
before that little bundle of joy decides to join the world? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GQjYDkc_5b8/WQnfHZjqKLI/AAAAAAAAAF4/bvzdTBNukoAibWnEGOjyto04ogBy8W-4QCLcB/s1600/MareFoalCompressed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GQjYDkc_5b8/WQnfHZjqKLI/AAAAAAAAAF4/bvzdTBNukoAibWnEGOjyto04ogBy8W-4QCLcB/s320/MareFoalCompressed.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">If
you're one of those do-it-yourself types, being prepared for foaling can be a
bit stressful. Here are some helpful hints:</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">When in
doubt....CALL THE VET! If you're not comfortable with handling minor
complications, it's best to haul the mare to a foaling facility before she
shows too many signs. Let her settle in before foaling.</span> </li>
</ul>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span id="yiv0487459968yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1493258635950_69385" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px;">If you're feeling
somewhat confident, here's a few things to have handy:</span><o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">1)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">straw bedding to reduce
dust for the foal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">2)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">iodine to treat the
navel <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">3)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">vet wrap for the mare's
tail to keep it clean<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">4)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">enemas for the foal to
help him/her pass the meconium (first stool)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">5)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Banamine IV for the
mare AFTER she passes the placenta, to help with pain<br style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px;">Be
a wallflower! We all like to jump in and help....but the truth of
the matter is, if you just stand back, nature will take its course.
Don't pull on the foal as the mare has contractions. Don't
break the placenta. Don't cut the umbilical cord. Don't help
the foal stand for the first time. All this happens naturally and
interference is only best if you see a possible problem. </span></span> </li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px;">
</span>
<span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span id="yiv0487459968yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1493258635950_71375" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px;">Cheers to your next
darling foal!</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Cold River Equinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481446641294217458noreply@blogger.com0Cresson, TX 76035, USA32.5326369 -97.617802632.4255564 -97.7791641 32.6397174 -97.4564411tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848074306811241229.post-72429986940205901332017-04-12T08:54:00.000-05:002017-04-12T08:54:34.687-05:00When it Comes to Spring Green Grasses…Less is More!<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Aahhh, spring! Goodbye to cold and hello to flowers
blooming, trees coming back to life and green, thick, lush grass in our
pastures. It's so satisfying to watch our horses merrily munching
away. But lurking in those waving fields
of green are some serious threats to your horse’s health. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Sugars, Starches and <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Fructans</st1:city>,
<st1:state w:st="on">OH</st1:state></st1:place> MY! These non-structural
carbohydrates can create significant health problems in certain horses. Coming
off low-quality winter pastures or a diet of hay, the lush green spring grass
can shock a horse's system and result in any one of the following conditions:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Laminitis</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mXzSXYNaf2s/WO4r902VTII/AAAAAAAAAFE/nEca3cFy6dkitcZDWcT1ulVTZ5m9ygtWACLcB/s1600/laminitis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mXzSXYNaf2s/WO4r902VTII/AAAAAAAAAFE/nEca3cFy6dkitcZDWcT1ulVTZ5m9ygtWACLcB/s320/laminitis.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">When horses graze, their digestive enzymes break down the
grass into glucose, which is readily absorbed by the body. But, if blood glucose levels become too high,
the laminae in the hooves can soften and detach. This allows the Coffin bone to sink and
results in laminitis, a painful condition that, if not caught early, can cause
permanent damage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xfif836Yw4U/WO4v5LWiQKI/AAAAAAAAAFc/VBZ2dlEw7Mgy3IVjC1X7_6I-6gHr8uzgQCLcB/s1600/IRexample.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xfif836Yw4U/WO4v5LWiQKI/AAAAAAAAAFc/VBZ2dlEw7Mgy3IVjC1X7_6I-6gHr8uzgQCLcB/s320/IRexample.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><b>Insulin Resistance </b></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">When cells become less sensitive to the action of insulin,
which controls sugar levels in the body, cells can store too much glucose. A diet high in non-structural carbohydrates,
as is found in new spring grass, can contribute to this condition. Abnormal fat deposits (e.g. above the eyes),
excessive drinking and urinating, and laminitis are all symptoms of insulin
resistance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y7uOuNRvCZA/WO4v6GmGiRI/AAAAAAAAAFg/pkg9ce0-8VoYrpTMfyBE9IsmBuZau3CEwCLcB/s1600/cicatrix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y7uOuNRvCZA/WO4v6GmGiRI/AAAAAAAAAFg/pkg9ce0-8VoYrpTMfyBE9IsmBuZau3CEwCLcB/s200/cicatrix.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><b>Nasopharyngeal Cicatrix Syndrome (NCS)</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Often referred to as simply “Cicatrix”, this condition
involves the pharynx, which becomes inflamed and irritated. Over time, the inflammation can lead to
scarring that narrows and constricts the airway to a degree that sometimes
requires a permanent tracheostomy to allow the horse to breathe. While fresh spring grass isn’t the direct
cause, the fungus, mold and pollen hiding within it can cause the irritation
that leads to the condition.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WU5tuMIfBdY/WO4sDotkjLI/AAAAAAAAAFI/WJxMEVPPtb8ouNmIeMAlMyIH63dzYRNDwCLcB/s1600/grass%2Bglands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WU5tuMIfBdY/WO4sDotkjLI/AAAAAAAAAFI/WJxMEVPPtb8ouNmIeMAlMyIH63dzYRNDwCLcB/s320/grass%2Bglands.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><b>Grass Glands</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Have you ever brought you horse in from the field and found
large, firm and usually painless swellings in the area where the throatlatch
would rest? It’s enough to freak out the
unprepared owner! These lumps, which may
even be accompanied by fluid under the skin, are often mistaken for a symptom
of the Strangles virus. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">But, fear not! They are simply swellings of the parotid
salivary glands and they will retreat on their own, causing no discomfort to
your horse. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">There are
ways you can help your horse avoid these complications of grazing in new spring
forage.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><u>Graze at night.</u> Photosynthesis triggers the sugar in
grass, so the peak accumulation of sugar is between 3-8pm. The lowest amount of sugar is between
9pm and 8am, so grazing during these hours will be safest. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><u>Limit grazing time</u>. If you don't want to keep these kinds of
hours (yawn!), then limit grazing to 1 hour a day for 3-4 days, then increasing
in 30 minute increments with each cycle. Max time out for a horse with
issues would be 4-6 hours.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><u>Reduce his intake.</u> Muzzles can cut forage intake in half,
while still allowing your horse to hang out with his friends and enjoy the
new grass.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><u>Exercise</u>. Daily exercise will work off the sugars
your horse has ingested, off-setting the potential harmful effects.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">But, if
your horse has no health issues and green grass doesn't seem to bother him,
then grazing 24 hours a day has actually been shown to REDUCE insulin peaks due
to decreased consumption of grass.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Horses allowed to graze constantly will actually stop when they feel
full, while those kept in a dry lot and let out to graze tend to gorge
uncontrollably.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Of course,
here in <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Texas</st1:place></st1:state>,
that lush spring green grass won’t last forever! Enjoy it while you…and your horse…can!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Cold River Equinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481446641294217458noreply@blogger.com0Cresson, TX 76035, USA32.5326369 -97.617802632.4255564 -97.7791641 32.6397174 -97.4564411tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848074306811241229.post-66349532793670024472017-03-29T09:00:00.000-05:002017-03-29T09:00:04.129-05:00Equine Herpes Virus – Worth Worrying About?<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Just
the mention of EHV-1, the Equine Herpes Virus, is enough to strike fear in the
heart of any horse owner. But what IS
it, really? And how do we keep our horses safe?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><br />
The fact is that many horses are infected with the virus as a foal, others in
adult life. Like herpes infections in humans, the virus often goes
dormant but can resurface when the horse is stressed by training, transport,
competition, herd dynamics, or other health conditions. The EHV-1 strain can
affect your horse in 3 different ways:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">1) respiratory<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">2) foal abortion<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">3) neurologic, specifically herpes
myeloencephalopathy (EHM)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">The
incubation period is 1-10 days, with shedding of the virus through nasal
secretions typically taking place for another 10 days after the host is
infected. Some cases have been reported
to shed the virus for as long as 28 days. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Direct
horse-to-horse contact facilitates exposure, and it’s possible for airborne
particles expelled by coughing or sneezing to transfer to horses some distance
away, although no one knows exactly how far.
But the virus can also be transmitted on physical objects, including our
own hands, clothing and shoes, as well as grooming equipment, tack, buckets,
rakes, hoses and water tanks, just to name a few. The virus can survive for 7
days on these objects under normal circumstances, and as long as 28 days under
perfect conditions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I8R0DE9Z_yE/WNsgLM-nnEI/AAAAAAAAAEw/-oM3nrt9lUA07uZAh9dwmZHoSbz2gDTwQCLcB/s1600/ehv-transmission.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I8R0DE9Z_yE/WNsgLM-nnEI/AAAAAAAAAEw/-oM3nrt9lUA07uZAh9dwmZHoSbz2gDTwQCLcB/s320/ehv-transmission.jpg" width="251" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Can
you protect your horse with a vaccine? Yes and no. The vaccine
won't STOP your horse from contracting the virus, but it may lessen the
amount of virus shedding in secretions. This may reduce the likelihood of
infecting other horses, in turn preventing foal abortions, while also reducing
the respiratory symptoms in the infected horse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">But
NO vaccine can protect your horse from the neurologic form of the disease.
In addition, it has been suggested that frequent vaccination with
killed virus vaccine may actually INCREASE the risk of EHV-1. So now we
ponder....to vaccinate or not to vaccinate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><br />
That decision is, ultimately, up to you.
Regardless, here are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of
infection:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">1)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Stay informed of an outbreak in your area. All outbreaks for
any equine-related disease in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">U.S.</st1:country-region></st1:place> are reported on this web
site: <a href="http://equinediseasecc.org/outbreaks.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="background: white; color: #196ad4;">http://equinediseasecc.org/outbreaks.aspx</span></a>.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">2)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">If there is an outbreak in an area you’re planning to trailer to, your
best defense is to just stay home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">3)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">If you've already paid your entry fees and are determined to go,
heavily disinfect your stall, put tarps on shared walls of stalls, avoid
'hanging out' on your horse in the warm up pen, and don't let your horse sniff
noses with anyone. Avoid touching other
horses, wash your hands frequently and thoroughly disinfect all of your tools
and equipment frequently.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">And,
finally, do everything possible to lessen the possibility of stressing your
horse and to strengthen his immune system.
Give him good nutrition, avoid changing feeds abruptly, keep him
hydrated, give him plenty of rest, and condition him properly before taking him
to the event.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Cold River Equinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481446641294217458noreply@blogger.com0Cresson, TX 76035, USA32.5326369 -97.617802632.4255564 -97.7791641 32.6397174 -97.4564411tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848074306811241229.post-43589534100582024082017-03-15T09:46:00.001-05:002017-03-15T09:46:16.909-05:00Forage Cubes - Just Add Water<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Recently, we've had several horses arrive for
rehab that are fed alfalfa cubes as their sole diet. There’s a lot of
controversy over the "perfect way to feed" our horses - and we
certainly aren’t claiming to know what “perfect” is! After all, each
horse has his own special and unique needs. </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">But, if you are going to feed alfalfa cubes, we
HIGHLY recommend they be soaked in water before feeding for three main reasons:
1) choke, 2) tooth wear, and 3) dehydration.<br />
<br />
Choke is a common enemy to all horses that bolt down their grain. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>But alfalfa and Timothy cubes are the
perfect size to cause an obstruction. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>So,
it’s critical these cubes break up quickly and easily for your horse. </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Quickly and easily is not how anyone who’s tried
it would describe breaking these cubes up! <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>They’re hard as bricks! <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Think about how hard (and long) your
horse will have to chew to break them up in small enough pieces to safely
swallow! <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Now think of all
the wear and tear on your horse’s teeth - teeth that were designed to bite off
tender grass shoots, not chew threw the equivalent of plaster chunks.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S55L5k-xKY4/WMlSmP5NmHI/AAAAAAAAAEU/YMMn8TGT6HEU_NI-RWbGDMI1ANHVHNiEwCLcB/s1600/HayCubes1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S55L5k-xKY4/WMlSmP5NmHI/AAAAAAAAAEU/YMMn8TGT6HEU_NI-RWbGDMI1ANHVHNiEwCLcB/s320/HayCubes1.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
And these cubes aren’t just difficult to chew –
they are very dry. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Look at
the pictures and you’ll see that close to 3/4 of a whole bucket of water was
added to the cubes. <br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DwBoWdE4_5c/WMlSmK53mrI/AAAAAAAAAEY/B101Q1U3yMgstgF-w_pqotLAlzYXRXhzwCLcB/s1600/HayCubes2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DwBoWdE4_5c/WMlSmK53mrI/AAAAAAAAAEY/B101Q1U3yMgstgF-w_pqotLAlzYXRXhzwCLcB/s320/HayCubes2.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">After just 4 hours they crumble nicely in your
hand. But, if you don't ADD water to the cubes, the cubes will TAKE IT
from the stomach and intestines for digestion. This increases the risk of
colic and dehydration.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><br />
<br />
In a nutshell, if you're going to feed cubed alfalfa, Timothy or any other
forage, please remember to soak first! Whenever possible, start with
smaller sized cubes - alfalfa comes in both regular cattle size as well as
minis. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>This ounce of
prevention really is worth a pound of cure!</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Cold River Equinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481446641294217458noreply@blogger.com0Cresson, TX 76035, USA32.5326369 -97.617802632.4255564 -97.7791641 32.6397174 -97.4564411tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848074306811241229.post-75669867840620064292017-03-01T14:08:00.001-06:002017-03-01T14:08:55.890-06:00April Showers Bring May...<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><strike>Flowers</strike> <i>Rain Rot!</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">Yes, that “fungus among us” can happen faster than you think! In the early stages, you may be able to feel
the scabs under his coat as small bumps, or see small matted tufts of hair. Underneath the scabs, which can be easily
scraped off, the skin is often pink and raw, and then becomes gray and dry as
it heals. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UQDgXOKo4lU/WLcp97jLBII/AAAAAAAAAD4/dMa064yJHFU59aiLHWLMCcnTromvr_3qwCLcB/s1600/rainrot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UQDgXOKo4lU/WLcp97jLBII/AAAAAAAAAD4/dMa064yJHFU59aiLHWLMCcnTromvr_3qwCLcB/s320/rainrot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">If your horse doesn't have a shelter from the rain or, like 90% of
his equine kinfolk, he refuses to use that $1500 shelter you built him for that
very reason, he's prone to developing a skin fungus. But just being
exposed to rain alone isn't the cause. Being immunocompromised, poor
health, poor coat condition (for lack of grooming) and stress can all be contributors. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">Here are a few tips to help stop it from happening:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">1) keep your horse dry<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">2) allow several hours of sunshine each day<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">3) if wet, get them dry as soon as possible <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">4) minimal bathing in cool weather as it takes so long to dry<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">5) use an antifungal shampoo if you do bathe him<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">If your horse already has a fungus, here are a few ways to treat
it:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">1) antifungal shampoo and over the counter sprays<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">2) rotate a spray of 50/50 iodine and water, another with 50/50
Listerine and water<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">3) sunshine full time<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">4) body clip the area to help treat it and keep it medicated<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">5) if the fungus is real bad, ask your Veterinarian for a
prescription of Griseofulvin, an oral paste <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">We wish you
and your horse a fungus-free spring!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Cold River Equinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481446641294217458noreply@blogger.com0Cresson, TX 76035, USA32.5326369 -97.617802632.4255564 -97.7791641 32.6397174 -97.4564411tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848074306811241229.post-34621684330877079942017-02-16T09:19:00.002-06:002017-02-16T09:19:15.299-06:00Surviving the Spring Shedding<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">Who needs a groundhog to tell us how many weeks of winter are
left?</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">Just look at the barn aisle floor
after giving ol’ Misty a good currying!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qGm7AbUi0os/WKXCLwGCBMI/AAAAAAAAADY/ASHosaa-Vm81AcTvjUcla-UNW9MEkcQfwCLcB/s1600/HorseSheddingCartoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qGm7AbUi0os/WKXCLwGCBMI/AAAAAAAAADY/ASHosaa-Vm81AcTvjUcla-UNW9MEkcQfwCLcB/s320/HorseSheddingCartoon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">Yes, our horses tell us spring is coming when the layers of winter
hair start falling off! It's a nose-tickling, barn-cluttering,
comb-clogging process to rid our faithful friends of their shaggy warm coats.
Check out these helpful hints for making it go as quickly as possible…</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fpzY4hokO7Q/WKXCOED0ZDI/AAAAAAAAADc/8A6GYj_pnTExrSFPBhbWUan9d1oPeWKQACLcB/s1600/grooming%2Btools2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fpzY4hokO7Q/WKXCOED0ZDI/AAAAAAAAADc/8A6GYj_pnTExrSFPBhbWUan9d1oPeWKQACLcB/s320/grooming%2Btools2.jpg" width="235" /></a>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">Body
clip – It’s a slow process, but it sure makes short order of even the
longest coat! It’s a 4-6 hour job but, once complete, you’re done
for the season! However, Mother
Nature always throws us a few last frigid days or nights, so be sure to
blanket your horse if the temperatures fall into the mid 40's or below.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">Curry
– Whether it’s wire or rubber, it's still a workout every day. The
benefits for your horse are that it’s more natural process, and he’s less
likely to get sick with lingering cold snaps. The benefit for you is that you’ll build
up some arm muscles!</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">Slick
block – This square block of fiberglass literally pulls out the dead hair
without clogging like a curry comb. It’s quicker than combs and
leaves a shine to their coat. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">Shedding blade – While this
is a little less work than a curry or slick block, you do have to be
careful not to break your horse’s skin with the sharp teeth. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">No matter what technique you use, there is still the hair to deal
with, and it gets in and on everything, it seems! I swear I’ve coughed up hairballs after a
good spring grooming! But, it’s small
price to pay for the sunny, warm days of riding that are just ahead of us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Cold River Equinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481446641294217458noreply@blogger.com0Cresson, TX 76035, USA32.5326369 -97.617802632.4255564 -97.7791641 32.6397174 -97.4564411tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848074306811241229.post-17184173365792985772017-02-01T08:59:00.000-06:002017-02-01T08:59:16.252-06:00Being a Fit Rider FOR Your Horse<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">Many times
our horses seem off, a tick lame, or you 'just can't put your finger on it' but
he not himself. It may be hard to believe, but some of what your horse is
feeling could actually be caused by YOU, his rider! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">When you
step into the saddle, you change the way your horse moves. Your balance, the pressure you exert on his
body and his mouth through the bit, the way your body reacts when he accelerates
or stops – all of these require his body to react and adjust as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">How can we
minimize the affect on our horse?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Ride with your
core. All of our instructors have
made this point more than once, I’m sure.
But, it’s true and very important.
It’s your core that helps you to stay balanced, secure and vertical
in the saddle, allowing your horse to move freely underneath you with
little interference. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lXqyS9sPoxk/WJH3O06QZ3I/AAAAAAAAAC4/rdS3zQD0jzEDBiQBUCWzLAGhl57zLuLtgCLcB/s1600/Horse-and-Rider-doing-Yoga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lXqyS9sPoxk/WJH3O06QZ3I/AAAAAAAAAC4/rdS3zQD0jzEDBiQBUCWzLAGhl57zLuLtgCLcB/s320/Horse-and-Rider-doing-Yoga.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Strengthen your
weak side. It's been documented in
studies that our dominant side (right or left handed) will reflect a
strong shoulder but weak opposing hip. This imbalance can result in
lower back fatigue and strains for you, but it can also affect your
horse. Your dominant hand can be
exerting close to 40% more pressure on his mouth, making him travel uneven,
which can make him sore as well. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Square up your
spine. You have to ride centered on
your horse. Listing to one side,
riding with a heavy leg on the right or left, or having a crooked neck can
all effect his way of travel. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Improve your
cardiovascular health. Riding
balanced and centered also requires you to be relaxed, so you need to be
able to recover quickly from physical
exertion or psychological stress. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-top: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Keep your body fit. Staying balanced in the saddle while maximizing
your ability to execute planned movements, as well as to react to any
surprises, requires a good muscle to fat ratio and loose, limber limbs. Eat a balanced diet and stretch often.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">You and your
horse are a team. You’re both
athletes. And you both need to be fit, healthy
and relaxed to have the best chance of achieving your goals. So before you swing your leg over the saddle,
stretch out those muscles, tighten up that core and exhale all your
inhibitions! Let's ride!</span></div>
Cold River Equinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481446641294217458noreply@blogger.com0Cresson, TX 76035, USA32.5326369 -97.617802632.4255564 -97.7791641 32.6397174 -97.4564411tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848074306811241229.post-29863645524693524192017-01-11T10:00:00.000-06:002017-01-11T10:00:00.782-06:00Warm or Cold – Winter Water Choices<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">Breaking ice in water troughs is a </span><st1:place style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;" w:st="on">LOT</st1:place><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">
of work! Step one....sledgehammer. Step two....double layer of
Playtex Gloves to fish out the floating boat-sized chunks. Step
three....blow hot air on your hands to thaw out! It's miserable work! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4sP1HniAZWI/WHQkF_W6KjI/AAAAAAAAACo/w0gIqBUBGyc6rclbV9iST1pXUfi3naIfgCLcB/s1600/wintericetroughcartoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4sP1HniAZWI/WHQkF_W6KjI/AAAAAAAAACo/w0gIqBUBGyc6rclbV9iST1pXUfi3naIfgCLcB/s320/wintericetroughcartoon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">Many of us use tank heaters to keep our horses water ice free and
avoid all that work. Ever wonder how our
horses feel about it? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">Several studies have been conducted regarding ice-laden water
versus heated water in the winter months. If given a choice between warm
or cold water, the majority of horses will go for the cold water.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">Perhaps the choice is instinctual, but no-one
has explained why.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">However, if horses
have warm water as their only choice, they will consume 40% more than if they
had cold water as their only choice. And, regardless of the temperature,
horses will drink most of their water within a few hours of eating their grain
or hay. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">At the end of the day, water temperature is really the owner’s
choice! Which sounds like less work? Running extension cords to all
your water tanks, or swinging a sledge hammer? Either way, </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">the average 1,200 pound
horse will drink 7 to 10 gallons of water a day, year round, and he honestly
doesn't care if it's warm or cold! </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Cold River Equinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481446641294217458noreply@blogger.com0Cresson, TX 76035, USA32.5326369 -97.617802632.4255564 -97.7791641 32.6397174 -97.4564411tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848074306811241229.post-81696136426124111592016-12-28T06:00:00.000-06:002016-12-28T06:00:08.655-06:00Wild Winter Weather – Cause for Colic? <div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">Yep, it's
winter in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Texas</st1:state></st1:place>!
It can be 70</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">º</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">
today, then drop 40</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">º</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;"> tomorrow!
How do horses handle this shock?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">Typically,
healthy horses can adjust rather quickly.
And, most of the time, it's not the temperatures that effect them…it’s
the barometric pressure changes. In humans, these changes can cause
headaches, dizziness, and arthritis flare ups. In horses, they can cause
colic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br />
We can't control Mother Nature and her winter wonders, but we can stay one step
ahead of her. Keeping a close eye on
the10 to 15 day forecast, as well as monitoring the current temperature and
barometric pressure readings, are important to avoiding weather-related
incidents of colic. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">When you see
changes coming, here are a few things you can do to help your equine buddies… <br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Add electrolytes and probiotics to their
feed several days ahead of the storm<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Set them free! If horses are able
to move about, they can stay warmer, lay down and roll to help their own
GI tract adjust<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Don't worm, vaccinate, travel, change
their diet, or exercise them heavily<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Don't dramatically change their housing;
if they are accustomed to being stalled or in a pasture, just leave them
be<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Watch closely for signs of colic in the
first 24 hours after barometric pressure changes; while there are no
confirmed study cases of barometric pressure changes and colic, most
veterinary clinics will report an increase in colic calls<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">At </span><st1:place style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;" w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Cold</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">River</st1:placetype></st1:place><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">,
we believe that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">That includes doing everything possible to
help our equine companions withstand the roller-coaster conditions of our </span><st1:state style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Texas</st1:place></st1:state><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;"> winters.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YQn6ehLRz1o/WGMrSVD-d4I/AAAAAAAAACU/Qc_L4Dk1EocU-gsSVHBCD-U9mmKyZX9YACLcB/s1600/winter%2Bhorses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YQn6ehLRz1o/WGMrSVD-d4I/AAAAAAAAACU/Qc_L4Dk1EocU-gsSVHBCD-U9mmKyZX9YACLcB/s320/winter%2Bhorses.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cold River Equinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481446641294217458noreply@blogger.com0Cresson, TX 76035, USA32.5326369 -97.617802632.4255564 -97.7791641 32.6397174 -97.4564411tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848074306811241229.post-2952553576070203882016-12-13T06:00:00.000-06:002016-12-13T06:00:03.255-06:00Winter Wear for Your Horse - Not a Blanket Statement<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">Old Man
Winter has started to show his frosty face again, even way down here in </span><st1:place style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;" w:st="on">North Texas</st1:place><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">It’s
time once again to locate your horse’s sheets, blankets and coolers. </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">But, before you bundle up ol’ Buddy there,
let’s talk a little about when and why you should be using a winter blanket at
all.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">It’s
important to remember that horses are cold weather beasts by nature. They thrive in cooler temperatures, and I’m
sure you’ve seen this when your horse is friskier as soon as the weather turns
cooler. Their internal thermometers also
run hotter than humans so, when we’re grabbing a sweater or jacket, your horse
is just happy the AC has finally been turned on!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">Your horse’s
coat is built for maximum insulation.
Hair follicles erect the hair, allowing more insulating air pockets to
form between the skin and the end of the hairs.
The skin also produces a layer of insulating dander – that white flaky
dust you will see near the skin – so don’t wash it away! As the temperature warms, the hair coat lays
down flat again and releases the trapped heat.
It’s truly an amazing process!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">But blankets
actually compress the hair, forcing it to lay flat and preventing it from
creating those insulating pockets of air.
And, if you blanket over early or over extended periods of time, your
horse will grow less of a hair coat to begin with. So, blanketing may actually be doing your
horse more harm than good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hy5G7oAY0-g/WE9LwnjGfcI/AAAAAAAAACE/1gFFbqeKMNEvmlMefz3ntkakstVUXWw4wCLcB/s1600/BlanketCartoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hy5G7oAY0-g/WE9LwnjGfcI/AAAAAAAAACE/1gFFbqeKMNEvmlMefz3ntkakstVUXWw4wCLcB/s640/BlanketCartoon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">Horses who
live in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Texas</st1:state></st1:place>
can easily withstand temperatures down to 10ºF without blanketing, provided
they are in good condition, get plenty of the right nutrition and can get out
of the wind and rain. Rain and sleet are
particularly dangerous, as the water will flatten and saturate your horse’s
coat, reducing its ability to provide insulation and warmth for your
horse. But a cold wind can also
penetrate your horse’s coat with the same results. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">Keep in mind
that, when you work your horse hard enough in cold temperatures, his sweat
penetrates his coat from underneath, with the same consequences as rain. Drape his body in a cooler made of wool or
other quick-wicking fabric to draw away the moisture and trap warmth underneath
at the same time. Always walk out your
horse until his respiration drops, he stops sweating, and his chest no longer
feels hot to the touch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">Here at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Cold</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">River</st1:placetype></st1:place>,
we blanket senior horses more than others, thin horses who need to gain weight,
hard keepers and the ones who, despite the dark days and cold temps, just don't
grow much of a coat at all. It’s all
part of our “whole horse” approach to taking care of our equine companions!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Cold River Equinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481446641294217458noreply@blogger.com0Cresson, TX 76035, USA32.5326369 -97.617802632.4255564 -97.7791641 32.6397174 -97.4564411tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848074306811241229.post-46701744443156384162016-11-30T08:30:00.000-06:002016-11-30T08:30:21.187-06:00When Things Get Hairy: Your Horse’s Winter Coat<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Is your horse starting to grow that longer, thicker winter
coat? Are your thoughts turning to blankets, clippers and other means of
coat control?</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Before you invest any time and money, consider first what causes
your horse to do this each Fall. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">It might surprise you to know the regulation of hair growth
starts with photoreceptors in the eyes plus heat and cold sensors in the skin.
Combine these sensors with a decrease in the number of daylight hours and the
cooler ambient temperatures, and boom! You've got hair!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 10.5pt;">So, if you really want to stop your horse from growing a winter
coat, you will need to put him under “full spectrum” lighting, which most
closely mimics light from the sun. And, if you do that, you will also
need to keep him warm inside, either with a heater or a blanket.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Blanketing by itself won’t stop hair growth, but it may affect the
thickness. Body clipping will only remove the hair that is already there,
and then you will have to keep him blanketed to make up for the missing winter
fur.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 10.5pt;">And, regardless of how you minimize or eliminate winter hair
growth, you are increasing the risk that your horse will get sick. Your
horse’s coat was designed to keep him warm in the coldest of conditions.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Here at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Cold</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">River</st1:placetype></st1:place>, we believe horses
are healthier and happier when they can romp outside in the furry winter coats
Mother Nature gave them.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SLOb4CNsjsU/WD5lhN2WrjI/AAAAAAAAABw/5UC1Oy2X-asCKp7RlfxZT4Kgl2JfFbGtACLcB/s1600/winter-horses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SLOb4CNsjsU/WD5lhN2WrjI/AAAAAAAAABw/5UC1Oy2X-asCKp7RlfxZT4Kgl2JfFbGtACLcB/s320/winter-horses.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cold River Equinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481446641294217458noreply@blogger.com0Cresson, TX 76035, USA32.5326369 -97.617802632.4255564 -97.7791641 32.6397174 -97.4564411tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848074306811241229.post-84135448334688606172016-11-16T06:00:00.000-06:002016-11-16T06:00:20.181-06:00Choke – Cause, Treatment & Prevention<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">It's rare but it happens.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">Unlike choke in humans, which blocks the trachea, your horse can still
breathe, because the blockage is in his esophagus.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">If he is unable to swallow, you may see or
feel a bulge in the neck, and he may show signs of distress.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">When it does happen, it’s important to keep your horse calm
and, if you are comfortable giving IV shots, administer a sedative. The sedative will reduce the involuntary
spasms of the esophageal muscles. Often
times this, along with an increase in salivation, allows the blockage to pass
without further treatment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">If that doesn’t work, get to your veterinarian as soon as
possible to avoid complications like a rupture in the esophagus or aspiration
pneumonia. Your vet can use a stomach
tube to slowly empty the contents of the esophagus (see photo below) and administer antibiotics
and pain relievers if needed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FQ3ZVxwxQas/WCsvP525ymI/AAAAAAAAABY/atQhhxEVmcMh4_ktb-W-6TEjwOdoeFkvgCLcB/s1600/IMG_3563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FQ3ZVxwxQas/WCsvP525ymI/AAAAAAAAABY/atQhhxEVmcMh4_ktb-W-6TEjwOdoeFkvgCLcB/s320/IMG_3563.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">Here are some good tips for preventing a choking incident…</span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11.0pt;">avoid pellet
feeds<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11.0pt;">soften alfalfa
cubes by soaking in water before feeding<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11.0pt;">feed hard
treats, including carrots & apples, in bite-sized pieces<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11.0pt;">good equine
dental care<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11.0pt;">lots of fresh
clean drinking water 24/7<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">If you have a dainty, slow eater, these tips will probably be
enough.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">But if you have a horse that
“bolts” his food down, you may want to slow him down.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">Several large rocks added to his feed bucket
is an old but effective trick.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">There are
also compartment feeders like the one shown below.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iGupob69oKA/WCsvV_VBzAI/AAAAAAAAABc/PVhHhzCKp4EmW28qAkU5ZxCkcHfUhoRYwCLcB/s1600/Choke%2Bprevention%2Bfeeder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iGupob69oKA/WCsvV_VBzAI/AAAAAAAAABc/PVhHhzCKp4EmW28qAkU5ZxCkcHfUhoRYwCLcB/s320/Choke%2Bprevention%2Bfeeder.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">If your horses are like mine, feeding time is their favorite
time of day.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">Keep it safe for them as
well with a little prevention.</span></div>
Cold River Equinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481446641294217458noreply@blogger.com0Cresson, TX, USA32.531762869982266 -97.61489868164062532.424682369982264 -97.776260181640623 32.638843369982268 -97.453537181640627tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848074306811241229.post-57664157021646369712016-11-02T08:00:00.000-05:002016-11-15T10:04:22.426-06:00Straight from the Horse’s Mouth – Equine Dental Care is a Must!<blockquote id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1477926977037_134787" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 1em;" type="cite">
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1477926977037_134786" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px;">
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1477926977037_134785" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<div id="yiv3579738348yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1477410297676_143613" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px;">
<span id="yiv3579738348yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1477410297676_143614" style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Is your horse evading the bit? Tossing his head? Refusing to flex or turn? Believe it or not, the teeth can have a lot to do with this! </span></div>
<div id="yiv3579738348yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1477410297676_143616" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px;">
</div>
<div id="yiv3579738348yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1477410297676_143619" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px;">
<span id="yiv3579738348yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1477410297676_143620" style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Annual tooth care is the general rule, but age, conformation and health can dictate more frequent exams. Youngsters are shedding baby teeth and it's important to check on proper exfoliation. The mouths of middle-aged horses have stabilized, but it’s important to prevent wave mouth or ramping with at least annual floating. Seniors can fracture molars, form pockets that trap food or develop uneven wear, all of which can become critical, so it’s important to stay ahead of these issues with annual or more frequent exams. </span></div>
<div id="yiv3579738348yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1477410297676_143628" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px;">
</div>
<div id="yiv3579738348yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1477410297676_143631" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px;">
<span id="yiv3579738348yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1477410297676_143632" style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 10.5pt;">When your Veterinarian or Equine Dentist comes to provide tooth care, be sure they use a speculum with a bright light and examine all the way back....not just pull a cheek off to the side for a quick peek. The majority of problems happen in the back 1/3rd of the mouth, including ulcers, wave, ramps, hooks, and lacerations of the tongue and cheeks. </span></div>
</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3UWPbIlDr8g/WBd_AilKixI/AAAAAAAAABI/XCkMcAdNMgoJEucmQqDhMMD67q14woMwACLcB/s1600/IMG_3331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3UWPbIlDr8g/WBd_AilKixI/AAAAAAAAABI/XCkMcAdNMgoJEucmQqDhMMD67q14woMwACLcB/s320/IMG_3331.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<blockquote id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1477926977037_134787" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 1em;" type="cite">
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1477926977037_134786" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px;">
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1477926977037_134785" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<div id="yiv3579738348yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1477410297676_143634" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px;">
</div>
<div id="yiv3579738348yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1477410297676_143637" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px;">
<span id="yiv3579738348yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1477410297676_143638" style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 10.5pt;">And, when treatment is required, less is better when it comes to removing tooth structure. Your horse needs to be able properly chew his food to stay healthy and happy well into his 20s.</span></div>
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<span id="yiv3579738348yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1477410297676_143644" style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 10.5pt;">At Cold River , we take a whole horse approach to horse care, and that includes effective dental treatments. And you can take that “straight from the horse’s mouth!”</span></div>
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</blockquote>
Cold River Equinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481446641294217458noreply@blogger.com0Cresson, TX 76035, USA32.5326369 -97.617802632.4255564 -97.7791641 32.6397174 -97.4564411tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848074306811241229.post-41469280129150267782016-10-19T08:00:00.000-05:002016-10-19T08:00:27.217-05:00Bring Back Basic Boarding<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I have a
friend who is an experienced rider with a finished horse, and she simply cannot
find a suitable place to board her horse.
Her “wish list” isn’t that long or difficult…24/7 pasture turnout with a
stall for bad weather, an arena with good footing, and a knowledgeable staff
that can take care of her horse if he gets sick or injured. It’s basic horse boarding, and it’s not as
easy to find as you might think!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Finding a
barn with 24/7 turnout isn’t easy, and turnout on pasture narrows the field (no
pun intended!) even further. But, often
times when you do find it, you also find requirements to take riding lessons or
to have your horse in training. Not only
is it expensive, it may be totally unnecessary and even seems a little
presumptuous of your barn to decide what lessons and training you and your
horse need!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We
believe horses should be allowed to be horses, with 24/7 turnout and stalls
only when bad weather threatens. We will
do everything we can to ensure your horse is happy and healthy. And, we do offer lessons, training and exercise,
but we’ll leave it up to you to decide what you want and when. Basic boarding is alive and well here at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Cold</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">River</st1:placetype></st1:place>!<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Cold River Equinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481446641294217458noreply@blogger.com0Cresson, TX 76035, USA32.5326369 -97.617802632.4255564 -97.7791641 32.6397174 -97.4564411tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848074306811241229.post-24932113343573220642016-10-18T08:00:00.000-05:002016-10-18T08:00:22.616-05:00Rider Error<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I
was talking to a friend recently and she pointed out how professional
riders/trainers....even Olympians.... almost always take responsibility for
problems they have during a show. A horse refuses a jump, doesn't pick up
a lead change or dodges a cow and the rider will say it was their fault for not
setting them up properly. For those who don’t ride horses, it seems
strange to hear a competitor refrain from blaming the horse.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And,
it really should be that way, regardless of whether we’re talking about high
level competitors with their horse athletes, or the weekend trail rider.
I wish I could say that’s the case. Too often, I hear a rider complain
that their horse didn’t negotiate an obstacle willingly, didn't stop on their hindquarters
or behaved badly. </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">If
we all took the approach with our horses the Olympic competitors do, how much
more might we achieve? Willingness is the result of your horse’s physical
ability and confidence to perform the task you’re asking. Getting the
correct lead also requires physical ability and accuracy in your cues for
it. It’s rare that a horse’s behavior is psychologically-influenced bad
behavior, and much more often fear or pain, or a combination of both.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Our
approach here at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Cold</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">River</st1:placetype></st1:place> is to ensure the
horse is healthy and happy, recognizing that horses get sore, fatigued and even
bored with their repetitive jobs.
Cross-training in the AquaTred underwater treadmill or EquiCizer
tie-free hot walker freshen your horse’s mind while working a wide range of
muscle groups and warding off fatigue and pain from carrying a rider. </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So,
the next time your horse performs less than perfectly, consider your role in
both his care and training. And, if you need help giving your horse the
knowledge or physical ability to do better, keep us in mind.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Cold River Equinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481446641294217458noreply@blogger.com0Cresson, TX 76035, USA32.5326369 -97.617802632.5326369 -97.6178026 32.5326369 -97.6178026tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848074306811241229.post-32157215804753466202016-10-17T11:08:00.002-05:002016-10-17T11:08:17.194-05:00Olympic Thoughts – Human vs Equine Athletes<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">We all watched in awe as so many amazing athletes competed for
gold with the best of the best, from all over the world. It takes more than just determination to be a
top performer in a competitive sport. It
takes practice, fitness, nutrition and training, and this holds true for equine
as well as human athletes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">For an equine athlete, the responsibility for all of these key
ingredients falls on the owner. The
sports our horses compete in, from competitive trail to racing and jumping, all
require that we make sure they are properly prepared. Doing so not only gives them the best
opportunity for success, both short- and long-term, it also reduces the chance
they will be injured or in pain. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Sometimes our best intentions aren’t enough, and life gets in the
way of providing consistent exercise and fitness training for your horse. That’s where <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Cold</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">River</st1:placetype></st1:place>
can help!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Keep your horse fit with high-resistance, low-impact whole-body
workouts in the AquaTred to build and strengthen muscles. Riderless sessions in the EquiCizer also
build fitness without human interference, allowing your horse to work his
topline without the added weight, and in a much safer environment than
traditional hot walkers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Trailer in and out the same day, or leave your horse with us for
multiple daily sessions. We will help
you build a fitness program that works for you and your horse at Cold River
Equine!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Cold River Equinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481446641294217458noreply@blogger.com0Cresson, TX 76035, USA32.5326369 -97.617802632.4255564 -97.7791641 32.6397174 -97.4564411tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2848074306811241229.post-85325152308016172662016-10-17T10:55:00.002-05:002016-10-17T10:55:41.414-05:00Stormy Dilemma - To Stall or Not to Stall?<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Horses
love being outside, so those of us who have that option are happy to let them
enjoy the pasture or paddock as much as possible. But, when the weather turns nasty, we’re
faced with the choice of leaving them out to weather the storm, or bring them
into the barn.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The
biggest objection I hear to the “bring them in” option is, “but they’ll surely
be killed or seriously hurt if a tornado blows down the barn.” That’s true, but they can also be impaled by
flying debris if that tornado hits when they’re outside. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">If there
isn’t a tornado bearing down directly on your barn, here are some other reasons
to consider bringing your horse inside…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">rain can make for slick footing,
and a slip can damage tendons & ligaments<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">lightning strikes aren’t that
uncommon, and they will kill a horse<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">hail is very painful anywhere it
hits a horse, and it can cause serious eye injuries<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">in a violent storm, horses can
panic and run into or through fencing, resulting in serious and even
life-threatening injuries<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">repeated drenching over several
days is an opportunity for the “rain rot” fungus to infect your horse,
causing hair loss and discomfort <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">At </span><st1:place style="font-family: Arial;" w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Cold</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">River</st1:placetype></st1:place><span style="font-family: Arial;">,
we have permanent boarders as well as temporary equine residents for training
and rehabilitation, and for owners traveling on vacation or business. We use a
“bring them in” policy if we think any of these conditions might threaten their
well-being.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Just one more reason you can
trust </span><st1:place style="font-family: Arial;" w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Cold</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">River</st1:placetype></st1:place><span style="font-family: Arial;"> with your horse!</span></div>
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Cold River Equinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07481446641294217458noreply@blogger.com0Cresson, TX 76035, USA32.5326369 -97.617802632.4255564 -97.7791641 32.6397174 -97.4564411