January 2019 Review

This has been a very variable month.  I finally decided to get a stronger bit for Basil and after a lot of looking around have chosen to try him in a pelham for a while.  It has made a big difference to my control in the arena and it is now on my terms when we canter and not Basil's!  I feel we have made some good progress with this now but I have also had a few days off riding because I have not been well. 

The road which I have to ride down to go on any hacks is closed for up to 12 weeks, so we can't hack out at the moment :(  So, when the farrier suggested Basil's feet would benefit from a few weeks without shoes I thought now was a good time.  

Tommy has been enjoying the little rain/snow we have had by covering himself in mud - and I have left it on for him!

This is how January looked:

1st - lovely hack today, still walking fast though!

2nd - arena today and we tried shoulder in, just in walk,  not bad on right rein but he was a bit tricky to start with on the left because he did not want to bend around my leg.  Finished better though.  OK canter (too fast) although wrong lead on the left rein to begin with.  Nappy on right rein again, total brake failure today.

6th - lunged today, a dog tried to come through the hedge from the next field and upset Basil to begin with, but went well once he had calmed down.

8th - lovely lunging session today.

9th - school today with our new bit.  I have so much more control, much better canters, he still tried to nap on the right rein but big improvement.

11th - hack today again.  Walking fast again, bit nappy near some donkeys.

12th - lovely hack today :)

18th - lunged today, had a bomb about to begin with but settled to a good session.

19th - hack today, same as other day past donkeys.  Tried to nap again.

22nd - very short lunging today.  Started well but then it started to rain/snow and I did not want Basil to get wet so we stopped.

23rd - shoes off today.

29th - lunged with boots on today, bit silly to begin with but settled.

30th - lunged again with boots.

Have you seen my latest blog 'Gloomy January'  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  Basil, Tommy and Daisy.

Until next time!   

Jo

Look out for - Equine Influenza (Flu)

You can't have missed the warnings out this week and last week about the increase in Equine Flu cases seen recently.  Although, still only a small number it is more than usual.  The highly infectious nature of flu means it is something to take note of.



Tommy and Basil were both vaccinated about 4 months ago so I am not planning on getting them a booster.  They also are low risk because they don't mix with other horses and there are no other horses nearby.

Today I thought I would repost my blog from a while back .....

What is it
It is a virus which affects the upper and lower respiratory tract of horses, donkeys and mules.  It is very contagious and is passed when the virus is inhaled from infected horses coughing etcetera.  However, it can also be spread via feed and/or water buckets or any object or person transferring the virus.  Luckily it cannot survive for long outside the horse. The virus cannot be passed to or from humans.  
The influenza virus has an incubation period of 5 days.  Affected horses usually recover in 2 - 3 weeks.  However, it can be fatal in young foals!

SIgns

·         Dry cough

·         Nasal discharge, initially clear and watery, later a thick mucus

·         High temperature for 1 - 4 days

·         Loss of appetite

·         Enlarged glands under the lower jaw

·         Watery and/or red eyes

·         Lethargy

·         Muscle weakness

Causes
As mentioned above this is caused by a virus.  However, once inhaled it damages the lining of the airways and the mucous membranes allowing bacteria to invade and cause further infections. 

Diagnosis
Call the vet if you suspect flu.  Isolate the horse, follow biosecurity guidelines and implement strict yard hygiene.  Any horses that have been in contact with the ill horse must be monitored and ideally isolated too. 
The vet will identify the clinical signs and can take nasal swabs.  Monitoring antibody levels in the blood will also help.

Treatment
Rest in a well ventilated stable.  Limit dust and spores as these will irritate the airways further.  Steamed or soaked hay and dust free bedding.  Feeding from the floor helps the mucus to drain down the nasal passages. 
The vet may prescribe some non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which will reduce the fever and help the horse feel better.

Prevention
Vaccination with boosters every year.  These are widely used and should be part of your regular schedule with Tetanus and perhaps Strangles.

Have you seen my latest blog 'Gloomy January'  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 Basil, Tommy and Daisy.

Until next time!

Jo

My 2 boys xx

We have had a few colder days here in the last week, but we have been very lucky not to have all the snow that some places have had.  My boys have still been able to go out everyday and I have only given them a little bit of hay!

I've just uploaded a new video 'Gloomy January'  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 Basil, Tommy and Daisy.

Until next time!    

Jo