Choke is a condition that can occur in horses when feed or hay gets stuck somewhere in their esophageal tract. Unlike choking in humans when the airway is blocked, choke in horses is usually not a life-threatening condition. The horse is able to breathe, just not swallow. … Continue Reading
I’m sure everyone will agree that this summer has one thing going for it. It’s really HOT.
Although horses’ bodies are conditioned to live outside 24/7, in extreme cases of heat we need to be a bit more mindful of the signs of a horse suffering from heat exhaustion, or worse, heat stroke. … Continue Reading
I know, I know, i’ve been MIA. But with good reason… I promise!
It’s been a hectic few weeks. Exactly 1 week after losing my precious baby Jackson, I was thrown onto another emotional roller coaster when one of our resident princess ponies at the Green Barn colicked and was very, very sick.… Continue Reading
All horses are at risk for internal parasite infestation and therefore need to be on a good de-worming regiment. But with so many options for de-worming, how do you know what’s best for your horse? The following quiz gives great guidelines for whether your horse needs to be on a daily de-wormer or a purge program (strong wormers several times a year).… Continue Reading
Awww… beautiful… right??
WRONG!!!!!
Horse people… can you tell me what’s wrong with this picturesque scene? (hint, it’s not the brown dead spot where the hay was!)
BUTTERCUPS (aka ranunculus)!!! Every horse owner’s nightmare!!!
These beautiful flowers which cover the fields in a blanket of cheery yellow, contain an enzyme called protoanemonin which is POISONOUS to horses (they cause mouth sores and in extreme cases, colic) and are a HUGE nuisance to the one managing the pasture (ahem, ME!)… Continue Reading
It’s spring!
In addition to the spring cleaning we all feel inclined to do, there is some spring housekeeping (or “horsekeeping,” lol!) that usually takes place… spring vaccines!
Most horses are due for their vaccines each spring and fall (depending on their individual schedule).… Continue Reading
…has got to be a cribbing horse.
You walk into the barn, and you’re greeted by the comforting sweet smell of hay and the warmth of the horses’ bodies all tucked in their stalls… the quiet calm of happy ponies munching their dinners… and then…
As I mentioned before, my feeling is that most “horse people” are “pet people” in general. Having said that, I came across an article which I found to be extremely informative, if not, life-saving!
In the recent ASPCA newsletter, the top ten pet toxins of 2010 are outlined, some of which include:
Read it and pass it along!… Continue Reading
I am definitely just about OVER this crazy Tennessee winter… cold, ice, snow, and worst of all, MUD.
Repeat with me… “just a little while longer, just a little while…”
One thing that’s making the winter slightly more bearable is keeping up with proper horse hoof care.
Anyone who’s ever perused the “horse treatment” aisle knows that although there is a fortune to be made in this industry, almost every ailment listed on those bottles can be soothed with a handful of common household items.
At the Green Barn, we always try to go the most natural route possible, and so therefore I am ALL OVER home remedies, especially when it comes to treating horses for all the crazy things they need treatment for…
All Tennessee horse people dread the winter for 1 main reason…
WINTER = MUDDY HORSES
We are seeing LOTS of this at the Green Barn and we haven’t even reached Turkey Day yet!
Sighhh…
So, in preparation, I am reviewing my protocol* for healthy horse winter grooming:
Colic in horses is an umbrella term which specifically refers to “abdominal pain,” more specifically an obstruction or twist within the GI system…
…and if you look at the picture, there is quite a bit of GI system to get twisted!
