Monday 28 November 2016

Christmas 2016 Wish List

It is Christmas again, so I have been having a browse and found a few things for my Wish List this year!


Now I have my hay steamer:)  The next big things I would like are some of these for the field .....


These are from hay hutch and I like them because they have several holes so the horses can share.  I would still need 2 though because Chesney would not let Tommy share :(  Small ones are £172 each.

Basil could do with a new medium weight stable rug because his has been chewed by mice, this one from Weatherbeeta looks good and I LOVE the thick stable rug I already have for him from Weatherbeeta.  At £89.99 I will have to save up!



I am totally in love with these boots from Musto, they are leather but lined with Gore-tex so are waterproof - £349 is pricey though :(


I also love the fur on this waistcoat from Pikeur (£125 ish) but the pockets don't look great.


A tack tray for Tommy - has to be purple! 



Maybe another paddock lick? 



This book looks good too ...


What is on your list this year?

Did you see last week's video 'YHL 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

Friday 25 November 2016

All About ... Sinusitis


What is it

Sinusitis is infection of the sinuses.  It is not uncommon because of the large sinus cavities which horses have in their heads.  I read up about this last year when Basil had a tooth infection as it was possible that it could lead to sinusitis :(



Signs

  • Nasal discharge (mucus),  thick and foul smelling 
  • Discharge may be streaked with blood 
  • Possible swelling above or below eye 
  • May be eye discharge 
  • If Sinus is full of pus it sounds dull when tapped 
  • Smelly breath (halitosis) 
  • Head shaking

 

Causes

  • Infection of the upper respiratory tract 
  • Trauma 
  • Infected tooth root 
  • Tumour


Diagnosis

Call the vet.  X rays will identify if there is a tooth infection.  Examination of a fluid sample will identify the bacteria or fungi.




Treatment


Feed from ground to help sinus' drain. Regular cleaning of feed and water bowls to prevent spread of infection.  Antibiotics to treat the infection and possible surgery to remove tooth if the cause.  Light exercise will help clear the mucus.  Other causes may also require surgery and it might be necessary to insert a tube to flush with antibiotics or to help with drainage.


Prevention

Regular checks by a qualified dental technician or vet.  Attending quickly to any injury to the head or signs of cysts or tumours. 

Have you seen this week's video 'YHL 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

Thursday 24 November 2016

Your Horse Live 2016



I decided to do a video about my visit this year .... have a look on my You Tube channel ...  but here are the characters that I saw!

Geoff Billington




Charlotte Dujardin



Lorenzo the Flying Frenchman



Sarah  Ridd



Jason Webb




Have a look at this week's video 'YHL 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

Monday 21 November 2016

Holsteiner Horses


In a similar way to the Hanoverian the breed was developed by crossing Spanish, Oriental and Neopolitan stallions with native mares of the Schleswig-Holsteiner region of Germany.

 

History

The origins of the Holsteiner can be traced back to the great horses which carried knights in armour into battle in the Middle Ages. 

The breed was also used in agriculture, but as a war horse the Holsteiner was invaluable.  When the need for war horses decreased but there was an increase in demand for horses in harness Cleveland Bay and British Yorkshire Carriage Horses were imported.  When these stallions were crossed with Holsteiner mares the result was a strong and high stepping carriage horse with an excellent temperament.  


During World War I and II the breed was used for pulling the artillery wagons.

As the need for carriage horses declined the breed again changed, the addition of English Thoroughbred blood   resulted in a horse suitable for driving and riding.


 Characteristics

Height:  16hh to 17hh

Colour:  Any solid colour, often bay or black.

Conformation:  Bright, well shaped head, long muscular and slightly arched neck.  The chest is deep, the shoulders sloping and the back strong.  Powerful quarters and short, strong legs with clean hocks and hard feet.

Temperament: Excellent, well mannered, willing and docile.

Used  for many disciplines including showjumping and eventing.



Did you see last week's video 'One Wet Day!' 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

Friday 18 November 2016

All About ... Sidebone



What is it?

Calcification (formation of bone) of the cartilages attached to the wing of the pedal bone is known as sidebone.  It usually occurs in the front feet.  The cartilage should be elastic and is an important shock absorber for the foot.  More often seen in 'gentle giants' used for draught work on hard surfaces.  Although, overweight and obese horses are also more at risk.  It is similar to Ringbone.


Signs

  • Lameness is rare until sidebone is advanced 
  • Shortened stride 
  • Heat 
  • Pain 
  • Coronary band may bulge over the quarters of the hoof


Causes

  • Repeated concussion 
  • Uneven stress to the foot 
  • Poor conformation 
  • Poor trimming and shoeing over a period of time 
  • Trauma



Diagnosis

X-rays or MRI's will confirm calcification of the cartilage. 


Treatment

Anti-inflammatory drugs, rest.  Corrective shoeing can help and regular trimming.
 


Prevention

Regular trimming and shoeing by an experienced farrier. 

Did you see this week's video 'One Wet Day!'  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

Thursday 17 November 2016

Rain, wet, naughty horses ....



 but happy when I move the fence ...



 




Have you seen yesterday's video 'One Wet Day'  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