How much do horses sleep?

Tommy often lies down in the field for a little nap.  Over the winter I found him lying down in the stable when I arrived in the mornings if it was still dark.  Chesney used to sleep a lot when he was young and used to lie flat out and Basil enjoys a lie down too.  Mostly though they all nap standing up - so how much do horses actually sleep?
 

 Horses generally sleep for less than 3 hours a day, unlike cats who sleep for about 16 hours - Daisy definitely does!  As predators cats can afford to sleep but horses are prey animals.  Their wild ancestors were hunted night and day and therefore they cannot afford to make themselves vulnerable by sleeping deeply.  Instead they take frequent rests for short periods.

Horses can rest their bodies while standing, actually it is easier for them to rest that way than when lying down.  This is because when they lie down the pressure caused by their heavy bodies lying on the ground uses much more energy.  Their circulatory and respiratory systems have to work much harder.  

 Horses have 'stay apparatus' in their forelegs and 'check apparatus' in their hind legs - a function of the tendons and ligaments - which allows them to rest standing up. They will put most of their weight on to their forelegs and one hindleg and will then rest the other.  As they tilt their hips into this position the 'check apparatus' in their hindlegs is triggered.  As their muscles relax the 'stay apparatus' in the forelegs automatically engages.  Their heads and necks get lower and if they are sleeping deeply the ears will relax, the eyes close and the lips droop (Chesney's lip droops).

A horses age affects how much they sleep.  Foals sleep lying down and spend about half of their day doing so.   As they get older they take less naps and tend to stay standing.  Older horses doze more often too.  They are all different and all have slightly different sleeping habits.

Horses also enjoy sunbathing.  Several will often lie down together BUT one or two will stay standing, on guard.  

Horses need to feel safe to sleep, so Tommy must feel safe, which is great news :)

Have you seen last week's video 'Basil's Spring Makeover' on my You Tube channel. Look out for Chesney's later this week! 
Horse Life and Love.  Please check it out and SUBSCRIBE.

You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram for updates on Chesney, Basil, Tommy and Daisy.

Until next time!

Jo

All About ... Haemotomas.

What are they

These are swellings containing blood.  They vary in size and are located under the skin and can form quite quickly.  Basil developed one last year, I think he was kicked.

 
Signs

• Swelling, usually around an area of muscle 
• Not usually sore 
• Area warm 
• In early stages the swellings are soft 
• Later become hard 
• Swelling can vary from the size of a golf ball to the size of a football! 
• Haematomas are most often seen on the chest but can form anywhere.

 

  
Causes

Knock, kick or any blow that damages the skin and underlying tissues severely enough that the blood vessels rupture and blood leaks into the surrounding tissue.


Treatment

In the early stages applying an ice pack for 10 minutes or cold hosing will help stop the bleeding and reduce the swelling.  Once the haematoma has formed use cold foments.  Rest, as further exercise can increase the amount of blood leaking into the area.  Keep the horse quiet and do not rub or massage the area as this can dislodge blood clots and cause further damage.
 

They often heal on their own.  However,  large haematomas should be checked by a vet.  They may try to drain the swelling but this does increase the risk of introducing infection.  So most vets will leave it to heal on its own but they may prescribe antibiotics or bute and give a tetanus injection. 

Some horses can be left with scar tissue.

 I used a cold fomentation on Basil!

Prevention

These are one of those things it is difficult to prevent as horses always have a tendency to find a way to injure themselves.  However, make sure there are no obvious objects they can knock themselves on in the field or stable and introduce new horses slowly to reduce the chance of kicks.

Have you seen Wednesday's video 'Basil's Spring Makeover' on my You Tube channel.   
Horse Life and Love.  Please check it out and SUBSCRIBE.

You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram for updates on Chesney, Basil, Tommy and Daisy.

Until next time!

Jo

Is it Spring?

The big rug debate has been going on recently.  The weather, as usual, is making it difficult.  It is supposed to rain so I put a rug on, then it doesn't rain, so they are too hot.  I don't put a rug on, then it rains and hails and I have a cold Basil! 

Luckily , now he has put most of his weight back on Chesney is fine and Tommy enjoys not having a rug on because it means he can get extra, extra muddy.

I am  hoping to be able to change them over at the weekend. So they will be out at night but come in for a while in the day.  This gives them a rest, gets them out of the sun so they don't burn their noses, away from the flies and controls their grass consumption a bit! 

Did you see yesterday's video 'Basil's Spring Makeover'  on new You Tube channel.  
Horse Life and Love.  Please check it out and SUBSCRIBE.

You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram for updates on Chesney, Basil, Tommy and Daisy.

Until next time!

Jo

Highland Ponies

Highland Ponies are native to the highlands of Scotland and the Western Isles.  They have silky manes and tails and have a wide and unusual range of colours.  They can survive well on sparse vegetation and their thick winter coats mean that they do well living out.  
 

History

The Highland Ponies were originally bred to work the crofts, taking farmers to the market and carrying the peat for the croft fires.  They have been used for ploughing and by shepherds and they are still popular for carrying sportsmen into the hills.  

Originally the breed was divided into the smaller Western Isles ponies and the larger mainland ponies but the distinction is no longer made.  Other breeds have been introduced over the years, mostly Arabian but also Percheron and Clydesdale among others.

The Highland Pony Society was founded in 1923 and they are now found across Europe, Australia and the USA.

Characteristics

Height: Not exceeding 14.2hh

Colour:  Can be many different colours but mostly grey or dun with a dorsal stripe.

Conformation:  Broad and alert faces with a kind eye.  They have strong necks and good sloping shoulders.   
The withers are pronounced and the back is compact.  They have a deep chest, powerful quarters, strong cannon bones and well shaped hooves.

Temperament:  Fantastic temperament, great as children's ponies.  Calm, docile, sensible and safe. 

Use:  Good all round riding ponies.  Their calm temperament means they are ideal for beginners or nervous riders.  Although they are not too fast they are great jumpers, good in harness and great for pony club. 

Highland Pony Society Website: http://www.highlandponysociety.com/    

Did you see last week's video 'One Day in May 2016'  on my You Tube channel.   
Horse Life and Love.  Please check it out and SUBSCRIBE.

You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram for updates on Chesney, Basil, Tommy and Daisy.

Until next time!

Jo

All About ... Fly Bites

Although not a disease or illness fly bites cause considerable distress to horses, ponies and donkeys.  The effect the bites have vary from horse to horse, some will be largely unaffected but some will develop a swelling around the area of the bite and some can have an allergic reaction.
 

What are they

Flies bite and pierce the skin, they then feed on the horses blood. They can also carry disease and infection between equines!  Flies are attracted to blood, saliva, tears and mucus and so tend to be found around the eyes, nose and mouth, around the sheath or any wound and any other softer more sensitive areas of skin.  As mentioned earlier the effect the bites have varies from horse to horse but the effect will also vary depending on the type of fly which delivers the bite.  

Flies and mosquitoes are more active when it is hot and are generally attracted to water.  

This horse has lots of little bites.

Chesney developed this huge lump after he was  bitten last summer!

Signs

Horse Flies: The bites are small lumps which have an ulcer in the middle.  The bites are painful and itchy.  

Black Flies: Their saliva causes an allergic reaction which results in painful lumps which have tiny areas of bleeding.

Midges: These are the nasty little ones that cause sweet itch - I wrote a separate blog about this some time ago!

Bots (Warble Flies): Bite is painful and they leave their eggs on the horse's body.

In a horse with a serious allergic reaction you should look out for:

• Fast and heavy breathing 
• Elevated heart rate and temperature 
• Standing with head low 
• Lethargy 
• Severe swelling

Treatment

• If the horse is having a severe allergic reaction call the vet.  
• Ice packs or bathing the bite with cool salt water can give some relief.  Alternatively, washing the area with a horse shampoo will cool the skin.  
• Bot flies can be removed with a special 'knife' 

Prevention

• Physical barriers like rugs and hoods are a good option.

•  Use a fly spray on the horse.  
• Specific sprays are also available to spray the stables.  
• Ensure there are no areas of stagnant water which is where midges breed . 
• Horse Flies don't like dark areas so stabling offers some relief from these. 
• Black Flies don't like citronella so using a fly repellent containing this should stop this type of fly landing on the horse.  
• You should worm your horse against bots in the winter.

Flies are a nuisance and can cause misery!  I bring my horses into the stables in the daytime during the summer to get them away from the horse flies.

Have you seen this week's video 'One Day in May 2016' on my You Tube channel.  
Horse Life and Love.  Please check it out and SUBSCRIBE.

You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram for updates on Chesney, Basil, Tommy and Daisy.

Until next time!

Jo