Equine Rescue: I didn't know horses can do that!

Seeing a horse stuck in a hazardous situation can be both frightening and perplexing. If you know what to do, or what to expect, it can ease the trauma for both you and your horse.

When we think of horsemanship, we think of the basic skills of riding, grooming and general care of the horse. Very few horse owners get a chance to learn how to safely rescue and remove a horse from a situation that makes you scratch your head and say; "I didn't know horses can do that!" I urge every horse owner, horse lover and equine professional to attend an educational clinic such as this.

Thanks to PEER, our local equine emergency rescue team, located in Polk Co. NC, horse owners, horse lover and equine professionals were given an opportunity, on March 12th 2013,  to attend a training program given by Roger Lauze at FENCE. Roger is the Equine Rescue and Training coordinator for the MSPCA at Nevins Farm in Mass.

Participants worked with "Lucky" the mechanical horse, for a hands on with rescue equipment and proper handling techniques.

Some of the equipment used: very long, heavy duty cotton ropes, hobbles, twist type karabiners, ratchet straps, eye covering, rescue hook and the "Glide". A very important piece of equipment that made moving a 1,000+ lb. animal fairly easy. There were two "Glides" on site. One for manipulating a horses' body out of a tight situation and one designed to slide far up into a trailer to accommodate the center support bar that connects the two chest bars of a trailer. The horses' head rests to one side.

Some highlights of this educational clinic: Asses the situation and have a plan. Get vet on site to do what is necessary to calm the horse or immobilize him with the necessary drugs. The vet will also evaluate the seriousness of the situation. Control the crowd if there is one. Remaining calm and quiet is necessary for the rescue team to communicate and get the job done. Designating the team leader. The team leader will position each person to their designated post. Be it at the head of the horse, the rear of the horse, mid section of the horse, just to name a few. Each person is responsible for that section and to communicate to the rest of the team when it is ready and safe for the horse to be moved after he has been safely secured.

The participants broke off into two teams. Each team setting up a scenario of a horse trapped and the other team had to remove "Lucky" from his peril! They all were very creative. I hope no one has to experience any of these.

For the light of heart, when seeing this large majestic animal, trussed up somewhat like a turkey on a holiday dinner table, it may seem precarious looking. I can assure you, when the rescue team follows all the steps necessary to the letter, this neat little package can be moved just about anywhere, safely!

So if you ever come upon an Equine Rescue group, doing its job, please be mindful, stay out of their way. If they ask for help and you want to do so, do exactly what they tell you. Also support your local large animal rescue group in your area.

"Before You Adopt a Racehorse, Consider This"

With the success of the "Trainers Challenge" started by Stewart Pittman, founder of the "Retired Racehorse Training Project", the desire to own and re-train these beautiful thoroughbred athletes, is becoming a popular trend. I think this is a good thing, however, consider this.

The thoroughbred race horse was bred and trained to run. It most likely ran it's first race by 2 or 2 1/2 yrs. old. It's body type, is long and low to the ground at full speed. Its weight is primarily on its front end (shoulders). The rider's (jockey's) weight is over the shoulders and off their backs, "in the air". The thoroughbred is usually left handed. He is fed a high protein diet. His life is all about speed and high energy. Knowing all this, you need to consider, rehabilitation before re-training.

Rehabilitation should start with getting the horse off his "racing high". Start with his feed. More fiber less protein. Turn out on pasture. You may have to start slowly. Grass mix hay, instead of alfalfa. Getting his body shape a little rounder and less cut. Lots of calming time together. Slow grooming, hand walking and grazing. Slow his pace way down.

Training should start with a good foundation, going back to good basics. Proper, in-hand, ground work to stretch their rib cage equally on both sides. Getting them to reach under themselves with the inside hind leg while doing small circles, at the walk, in-hand. This will strengthen and flex the hind legs to better prepare the thoroughbred to carry the rider's weight over his back. It will also cause the horse to reach long and low naturally. Then slowly start at the trot.

Longeing should be creative, not simply never ending circles. Side reins and drawreins should never be used.

The reason why I am bringing this to your attention, is because of my past and present experience with the thoroughbred race horse. What I have seen, is that some horses are going way too fast and problems are presenting themselves. Many top professional riders can make these horses look good and make them do a particular task. Once they get into the amateurs hands, it's a different story. In the end, the horse has to "want" to do it.

If you address the thoroughbred, physically, mentally, emotionally and intellectually, you will have a healthy, sound, long lasting partnership with your wonderful thoroughbred! Rehabilitate before re-training. Get help from experienced trainers. Then, love and enjoy this magnificent creature. He will thank you in the end with his loyalty and big heart.

Help save off-the-track thoroughbreds. Support: "Retired Racehorse Training Project" and the "Gulfstream Park Thoroughbred Aftercare Program".

Equine desensitization of foreign objects

Fox Meadow Farm "Bank Jump" complete!!

Come spring, Fox Meadow Farm will be conducting xcountry jumping clinics. FMF will feature its "Bank Jump", the piece de resistance of its versatile course. Suitable for the very beginner to a rider preparing for training level.

The Horse | Physical Therapy for Stifle Problems in Horses (AAEP 2011)

The Horse Physical Therapy for Stifle Problems in Horses (AAEP 2011)

Cross Country at "Fox Meadow Farm"

The "Bank" jump is finally under construction! This bank is beginner friendly. Other cross country jumps have been added to FMF. Log jumps, coops, gates and more on the way. So come and train at FMF. If your thinking of eventing, FMF is a great place to get started. 30+ years of experience. Call Lydia Juenger 828-894-5545 c=828-817-0732. FMF is located in Mill Spring, NC.

"Brain Flexion"

Here it is, winter, and you've just found out your horse is going to be laid up with a tendon or ligament injury. The time frame for healing, is usually 8 months or more. If you're lucky, maybe less.

You know the drill. Stall rest, for the first few weeks. Hand walking. Then you can ease into 20min. walk rides. This starts to get boring for you and your horse. Sometimes you think your horse is going out of his mind. Try some "Brain Flexion" exercises. Here are some ideas that can make your horses' rehab a little more interesting. It also helps in the relationship between you and your horse.

Create an obstacle course. It doesn't take much, some poles, a tarp, cones, hula hoops, a platform and you can arrange it into an interesting challenge for your horse. Add some flowers, greenery to add a little visual interest. You will be amazed how this helps in desensitization. I also use these obstacles to prepare horses for the trails. I use it in general training techniques. It also becomes a test to see what side of the brain your horse uses.

Start with walking over poles, approximately 3' apart (this is walking distance for most horses). Then graduate to other obstacles. This should be done in hand first then under saddle. Take you time. Go slow! Some horses may be a little apprehensive at first, but if you use the approach and retreat method, your horse will get the idea of what you want. A little treat for the slightest try works wonders.

Use side ways, backing, stop and start. This will help in developing muscle tone and cordination. Most of all, have FUN!