Debs' Horse World

07/07/2025

Credits included in displayed meme.
Everytime you go near a horse, please keep this in mind.

07/07/2025

Did you know?

When buying hay for horses, it has to be clean. As in, no mold, no dirt.
If you buy hay that has mold on the outside, then it should be ok to strip back the outer layer and feed out the rest, yeah?
Nope sorry, not good practices.
If it's moldy on the outside, then the spores are already forming through the bale.
If the oaten hay has turned a golden colour, it's already starting to turn to mold. Spores are already forming.
If it's Lucerne or Rhodes the mold is generally black.
Except, if you open the bale and there is steam or a white dust, it is full of mold spores.
If you have a qh or stockhorse, then with their iron clad guts, it most likely won't show signs of affect. It still needs to be treated though as it can form ongoing gut issues & breathing infections.
If you have an arabian or tb you may see instant affects.
These breeds have sensitive guts. Any micro or macro spores will need immediate treatment.
Generally noticeable with lack of weight or colicky behaviours. The toxins can block the processing of nutrients & min/vits that the animal needs, especially in cold wet environments where the animal can be more prone to access pasture toxins.
With hay shortages across Oz atm, we can't be picky, or really, can we?
Sometimes it's worth paying the extra for shedded or new season hay.
Opposed to paying for the ongoing vet visits, & treatments to fix the gut & respiratory problems.
Toxin binders are reasonably cheap, though used daily in hard feed for multiple horses it can all become expensive.
P.S. multi cubes fodder are a great invention. Just be aware that it is scrap hay & sometimes it's got dirt and other issues.
To check, over moisten it, & as you pour the fodder out, check the bottom of the bucket.
I was very surprised with the Layer of mud that mine had in it.

07/07/2025

What is it about people who randomly trade horses, that makes them think they are not regulated by Australian law?

The $600 horse that it was insisted by the owner that I took for free.
No further contact with owner until I advertised for sale at auction.
He wasn't suited to my needs.
Previous owner got upset, despite ignoring messages and calls from me to ask them if they want it back, & then to notify them it was being legally sold.
TG i kept the evidence, this could have become a really messy legal situation.

07/07/2025

07/07/2025

As known breeders will tell you.
Horses are sold in value ranges associated with the buyers experience & needs.
If they don't care where or who, the horses go for cheap at sales.
If they do care, like me.
We find like minded people who are prepared to pay for conformation, intellect, handling, & breeding.
So ....
When someone offers us $500 for a horse when we have been offered $5000 for that horse.
We know we are dealing with a backyard/rogue trader or dogger.
None of my trusted contacts would have anything to do with the lowball people.
We all care about our stock & reputations too much to be involved.

06/07/2025

Buddy, Wyoming (sassy), Indy

29/06/2025

That's life