Horse Creek Stable

01/19/2022

Take the Halters OFF.

This has been said before, but it is so important that it needs being said again.

In regards to your horses, one of the most dangerous ( and deadly ) things that can happen is leaving the halter on your horse. This is because it is easy for the halter to get caught on something like a tree branch, T-Post, gate latch, getting a back foot caught in it, etc . When it does, the horse will panic and could very easily break it's neck trying to get loose. I understand that many of you will say that your horse has worn it's halter for years and never gotten hurt. You have been luck "so far". There are many horses that wore their halter for years until the time that they got it caught on something and broke their neck.

I also understand that many of you will say that you can't catch your horse without it wearing the halter. "Yes" you can. If you can get close enough to catch the halter you are close enough to catch the horse without it. Also, for those that say that you board and that it is a rule that every horse wears a halter, then I would be moving your horse. You should care as much about your horse's safety as you do your children's safety. It is depending on you to take care of it. So Take the Halters off

Last, NO using a "breakaway" halter isn't an excuse. They don't always break , so the horse still breaks it's neck, or if it does break, it teaches the horse that if it pulls back that it can break any halter.

You need to remember that your horse is depending on you to do your best to keep it safe, the same as you do for your children. Therefore, their is NO excuse to leave the halter on so, don't try to make one.

01/19/2022

Attention horse owners! Don't let your horse be the next victim.

We are seeing an alarming number of cases of horsetail toxicity in our local horses due to contaminated hay, including hay purchased from other parts of the province. Please check your feed before it's too late! Symptoms may vary, but typically include depression, loss of appetite, constipation or diarrhea, unsteady gait, and muscle tremors. In more severe cases or if left untreated, horses can become recumbent (unable to stand), suffer from seizures, and die.

Check out the following links for more information and to learn how to identify horsetail in your feed. Keep in mind that in hay we aren't always seeing the scaled cones, but are often finding the nodes in the stems.

If you think your horse is affected, provide uncontaminated hay or greatly reduce the exposure by diluting with other feed; and seek veterinary care.

http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/horses/facts/07-037.htm #:~:text=Symptoms%20of%20Equisetum%20poisoning%20are,reported%20in%20cows%20and%20sheep.&text=The%20first%20signs%20may%20be,diarrhea%20and%20slightly%20uncoordinated%20movements.

https://extension.umn.edu/horse-pastures-and-facilities/field-horsetail-and-brackenfern-harmful-plants-horses #:~:text=Toxicity,weeks%2C%20neurological%20signs%20may%20occur.&text=Brackenfern%20contains%20an%20enzyme%20that%20causes%20neurological%20syndrome%20in%20horses.

06/28/2021

Just a friendly reminder as we enter the heat dome🔥, that Farriers are real people and not machines. Therefore, care must be taken to avoid heat stroke and heat exhaustion 🤒. Doing laborious work while the temperatures are hot increases the chance of heat related illness, not to mention that standing near a forge that runs at 3000⁰F while wearing boots, jeans and chaps doesn't help. Please protect your farrier and do your best to make their work safe.

There are a few things that you as an owner can do to ease the strain that extreme heat has on your farrier!

A space out of direct sun is a must!
Please provide a heavily shaded area, shelter, barn or shop for a safe workspace. 🌞

If you have access to a large fan, desensitize your horses to it in advance and allow it to run while work is being done. 🌬

Bugs love the heat so give your horse a good spray with repellent prior to your appointment!🦟

Farrier work is very physical, this naturaly increases the body's core temperature.
Increased body temperature + insanely hot weather= a fried farrier 🍗
A cold glass of juice or water helps immensely and is appreciated beyond words. Although most farriers carry their own water to drink, staying hydrated is a difficult task when you can't keep up to the buckets of sweat. ♨️

Remember that the heat makes work extra exhausting, so please be patient and kind with your farrier ❤

If you are unable to provide a safe work environment during the extreme heat, appointments may need to be rescheduled or booked earlier in the day before temps get spicy.🔥 Safety is priority.
We appreciate your kindness and understanding.

-signed a farrier just trying to survive🏥🌅

Stay Safe Everyone

06/01/2021