Another run at the Muppet Show Training Challenge with the little mule
#muppetshowchallenge #obstacles #mule #heartofphoenix
There is a way, when necessary, to use stocks kindly and effectively and this is one such technique.
#feral #colt #horses #heartofphoenix
Rescue horses enjoying a laissez faire kind of day
#horses
Earlier today I shared a post about spooky horses and how to just putter about doing your chores with them but basically ignoring them.
The goal being that the horse has to learn how to self soothe.
Teri is fostering our little traumatized mule and decided to try a version with her in a situation that would not contribute to her thoughts of fleeing.
Gut feel-this was good for Arizona!
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/jtbghx4JVZRuwkAe/?mibextid=qi2Omg
Meet Wellington.
He is a feral, but sensible, 2 year old. He is mostly quarter horse and around 14hh.
He just got gelded the other day.
When Wellie is a bit more healed we would like him to go to someone capable of teaching a feral youngster the basics.
He needs his feet done as soon as possible.
If you might be that person please reach out. Alternatively, if someone could spend 3 or 4 days working with him at our facility that may possibly work also.
He will be fully vetted by the time he can go.
Stocks
There is a way to misuse these that creates an issue, and there is a way to use them pretty well.
In an ideal world, you would not have to use them at all, but because medical treatments and human safety is relevant, they are often needed.
We don't get wrapped up in idealistic stuff, as it hurts horses a lot.
Several years ago, followers came together in a big way, and we purchased two sets of custom stocks.
We have been grateful for them ever since.
Unless it is an absolute emergency, our volunteers are very intentional about how they use them; taking care to leave the horse overall feeling a positive experience.
This video shows an example of a positive interaction in the stocks.
This is the 2nd time Wellington has been haltered. I'll put the longer, first time video in the comments.
The goal was to do this safely and calmly, in such a way that Wellington was not left frazzled.
Goal achieved.
Where problems are created is when horses are rushed in and trapped with a "get er done" approach, either in stocks or squished behind panels or roped and restrained.
Sure, that way gets a halter on the horse, but the horse remembers the trauma.
And that way is traumatic. It's never needed, really.
Some people are upset when they hear we sometimes use stocks. That's why I recorded this (and other videos) today.
Wellington did not leave them upset or frazzled.
Had his transport and next foster not require him to be castrated and vetted, doing this in a round pen is absolutely possible, but we are thankful to have an approach that is humane, when that's not feasible.
We loved all the time we spent with Monty Roberts in the last few years in CA watching his process developed with Dr. Temple Grandin 💜
New feral colt arrives
Thank you Morgan and Suzanna for getting him today.
It was a 5+ hour round trip for them.
He comes to us from Redux Rescue.
Please suggest some names for this long yearling colt, consider donating toward his costs for castration, vetting, pick up fuel costs and care.
And hey, suggest some names while you're giving.
www.wvhorserescue.org/donate
It's taken him 2 hours, but
Poncho has finally learned there is no reason to run from the mower coming by.
He needs stuff like this. Outside innocent pressure from "things" that don't ever touch him or ask him to respond
The beginnings of connection for Molasses
#slowasmolasses #Connection #horses
Data is a yearling who will be adoptable!
#heartofphoenix #youngster #water #fun
Who likes to listen to a horse chew?
#heartofphoenix #hungry #horses
Suzanna and I are attending a gaited clinic by Ivy Starnes - Ivy's Glide Gait
Hosted by Kentucky Humane Society Equine CARE here in Simpsonville, Ky.
We are also bringing a former feral mare, Bellini, back from this organization today for the Appalachian Trainer Face Off. I will stop at Kentucky Equine Adoption Center and pick up another feral "Appalachian Brumby," as well, after.
By the way, check out our 4th episode of Horses of Courses, out today!
"Do Not Rehome Your Old Horse"
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/horsesofcourses/episodes/Do-Not-Rehome-Your-Old-Horse-e2irnsm
These two went from an overcrowded place with little to eat to rehab in this lovely field.
#rescue #heartofphoenix #free #rehab
Practice saying "I get to" instead of "I have to" and soon it will change your perspective.
#igetto #farmgirl #heartofphoenix #lovelyday
Heaves (recurrent airway obstruction, COPD, broken wind, emphysema)
There. We said it.
It is a nasty word because it is a nasty thing for a horse to have.
Because owners do not know (or perhaps care) all about the ins and outs of hay viability, heaves sneaks up, over time, with repeated exposure to mycotoxins.
Mycotoxins are present where you have mold. Mold can be seen in the white dust that wafts out when you open your bale of hay. But mold can also be an unnoticeable presence.
(mold of course can also be lurking in other places, but hay is a Big culprit)
Think of mycotoxins like this. Each exposure to mycotoxins is a small block. If you are building a block tower the construction stays quite stable until so many blocks are on blocks that just one more makes it tip over. This "block tower" could have had contributions from several different owners.
That's what happens with mycotoxin exposure. Repeated encounters don't cause a problem until suddenly the last exposure does.
Heaves causes a horse to expend so much effort trying to breathe that in time they cannot keep weight on well.
The best thing you can do to avoid ever having a horse with heaves is to educate yourself about hay. Did you know you can have your hay tested for the level of mycotoxins?
Some other tips:
Avoid feeding horses where their nostrils are tipped up. Wall hay feeders are actually very bad for horses.
Keep your barn as dust and mold free as possible.
Watch round rolls carefully. The nature of a round roll means at the very least it will have dust. Horses bury their heads in it to eat. Round rolls cannot sit around a long time and still be good.
Avoid dusty feed. Some of the cheaper feeds are terribly contaminated with mold dust.
Avoid dusty bedding.
Keep the area where you put your flakes of hay cleaned up. Don't let old hay collect on the bottom. If you feed outside on the ground you might consider using a rubber mat. Get a covered round roll feeder so they don't get funky
