Hi-Vis Exercise Sheet Review

At this time of year it is either really dark and dull or if the sky is clear the sun is low in the sky and it can be really bright for drivers.  If you are going to ride on the road you should wear some bright, hi-vis clothing. 

Basil has had this exercise sheet from V-Bandz  (www.v-bandz.co.uk) for several years  now and I love it.  

 

It is really bright so drivers and cyclists can't miss us!  It is waterproof so is great if it is raining or damp because he can still have his rug on and go back out in the field when we get back.  It is also lined so helps to keep his loins warm when the wind is whipping across the road!  It is a bit rustly but Basil is not bothered by this, although, I can imagine some horses would be - Tommy for instance!

It has two straps on either side to fix it to the girth straps which means the rug is good and secure.  The straps are totally adjustable and easy to work too.  There is a fillet string and a little strap that goes under the dock higher up so again the rug is really secure and doesn't blow about in the wind.

The only minor point is that it does tend to slip sideways a bit, but this is only slight.  It comes in this yellow, pink or orange so you can choose your favourite bright colour.  This is the only exercise sheet that Basil has so he wears it often in the winter. 

I have put it in the washing machine a few times and it washes well and because the 'buckles' are plastic they don't dent the drum either!

This post is NOT sponsored.

Have you seen last week's video 'How to ... design your stables' on my You Tube channel?   
Horse Life and Love.  Please check it out and SUBSCRIBE.

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

Until next time!

Jo

All About ... Thorough Pin

 What is it

Thorough pin is a swelling of the tendon sheath near the point of the hock.  Not to be confused with a Bog Spavin which is fluid build up in the hock joint itself.  They are more of a cosmetic problem than a lameness issue, however, they can highlight any conformational faults which can lead to more serious problems later eg: arthritis.  

Signs

• Swelling under the skin in the hock area 
• Swelling is soft and mobile 
• Often swelling is seen on both sides of the hock 
• No heat 
• No pain 
• Generally no lameness

Causes

• More often seen in young and immature horses 
• Hard work 
• Poor hock conformation 
• Trauma to the area

Diagnosis

X-rays and ultrasound can rule out other causes of the swelling. 


Treatment

Rest and cold hosing or ice packs when swelling first occurs can decrease the size of the swelling.
 

Prevention

Regular shoeing and trimming by an experienced farrier.  Make sure your horses work load takes their conformation into account.

Have you seen this wednesday's video 'How to ... design your stables'  on my You Tube channel?   Horse Life and Love.  Please check it out and SUBSCRIBE.

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

Until next time!

Jo

Love my ...

monsters ...

 

 

Have you seen this week's video 'How to ... design your stables' on my You Tube channel?   
Horse Life and Love.  Please check it out and SUBSCRIBE.

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

Until next time!

Jo

The Trakehner

The Trakehner (or East Prussian) can be traced back to the order of the German Knights.  They are agile, surefooted and athletic.  The Lloyds bank black horse is a Trakehner!

History

In 1723 King Friedrich Wilhelm I of Prussia established the Trakehnen stud in North-East Prussia.  The stud used horses that had been used on farms for light work and by German knights as cavalry horses.   Quality Arabians were imported from Poland and the careful breeding ensured that the stud became the breeding centre of Prussia.  In 1786 the State took over the stud and began to focus on breeding cavalry horses.

At the beginning of the 19th century further Arabian and English Thoroughbred blood was introduced and by 1913 at least 80% of all mares had been sired by Thoroughbred stallions.  However, also in 1913, politics intervened and limited the number of cavalry horses needed.  As a result the breeding began to concentrate on horses for farm work and heavier stallions were used  with this in mind!

Sadly, WWII took its toll on the breed.   Then, as the stud evacuated during the winter of 1944 and attempted to make the journey west to safety they were bombed. Only, 100 of the evacuated horses survived and made it to safety.  The stud no longer exists and in 1947 the East Prussian Studbook Society was dissolved.  The Association of Breeders and Friends of the Warmblood Horse of Trakehner origin was established.   This association is now called the Trakehner Verband.

The Trakehner stud book is closed.  The last stallion born at Trakehnen stud was Keith, he was born in 1941 and survived until he was 34 years old! 

 
Characteristics

Height:  15.2hh - 17hh

Colour:  Any colour but usually black, bay, chestnut or grey.

Conformation:  Large but refined head with and elegant neck and sloping shoulders.  The body is strong and well rounded with powerful hindquarters.  Legs are strong and feet are good.

Temperament: Generous, kind and docile.

Used as an all round riding horse.  They are popular dressage horses but are also known to be good jumpers and are seen in both eventing and showjumping at top level. 

Trakehners UK Website:   http://www.trakehners.uk.com/index.html

Did you see last week's video 'One Day in January 2017'  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 ... Tetanus

What is it

Tetanus is found throughout the world and affects all domestic animals except cats!  It is common in horses.  It usually results in death but is easily preventable.

Signs

• Stiffness/rigidity of body 
• Tail held out stiffly 
• Difficulty moving 
• Difficulty taking in food and chewing 
• Drooling saliva and food 
• Third eyelid protrudes across the eye.  
• Loud noises, bright light and touch can exacerbate the symptoms 
• Sweating in some cases 
• Eventually convulsions and death

Causes

The Clostridium tetani bacterium produces a toxin which affects the nervous system.  It is found in the soil and manure but can also live in the ground for many years and is resistant to many standard disinfectants. Puncture wounds in the hoof can allow the bacterium to enter the body and it then multiplies.  However, it can lie dormant in the body for several months before conditions are ideal for multiplication.  The bacterium can also enter the body via the intestines if the horse eats infected soil or droppings


Diagnosis

Call the VET. 


Treatment

Treatment works in some cases. Place horse in a quiet, dark stable with a deep bed and limited handling!  Antibiotics will be given along with a tetanus antitoxin which can be injected into the muscles and intravenously.  Food and water should be offered at a height which the horse can easily reach.  Intravenous fluids can be given and the horse may be supported in a sling.  However, euthanasia is often the kindest choice.

Prevention

Vaccination every 2 years.  Initially there are 2 injections given 4 - 6 weeks apart .  First aid and early treatment of wounds.  Good paddock maintenance and ensuring stables and yards are clear of protruding objects etcetera which could cause injury.

Have you seen this week's video 'One Day in January 2017' on my You Tube channel?   
Horse Life and Love.  Please check it out and SUBSCRIBE.

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

Until next time!

Jo

Winter - Dream world versus Real world!

Why does winter look so lovely in photos, but in reality :(

 
Looking on the bright side we are now half way through January :)

Have you seen yesterday's video 'One Day in January 2017'  on my 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