8 Top Tips ... for this time of year!

1.       Remember to keep an eye out for mud fever.  Check out my video to see how I try to prevent Chesney developing it each year. 

2.       If you have a dry day then air your stable rugs and spare turnout rugs - hang them on the stable door, I use old clothes horses to put them in the sunshine (when there is some) !

3.       Keep the drains on the yard clear, at this time of year they can get full of mud and hay, then when there is a down pour it doesn't drain away which could mean a mini flood in the stables or tackroom etcetera :(

4.       In the field check the fencing regularly.  Wind brings down branches which can break rails and the wind blows temporary electric fence down relatively easily - if your horse is anything like Chesney then he will take EVERY opportunity to get somewhere he is not supposed to be!

5.       Check troughs every icy morning and break the ice (and evening if your horse lives out 24 hours).  If it is going to be nearly 0 degrees or below all day then make sure you remove the ice too as it will just stick back together.  I use my old shavings fork (which I don't use and is clean) but sometimes put my hands in - you could wear rubber gloves, these do stop your hands getting too cold.

6.       If your horse struggles to keep weight on then try feeding sugarbeet (remember to soak it) or add oil to the feed daily.

7.       Feeding hay in the field is a messy business, so much ends up being wasted so think about investing in one of the hay feeders available now - in the long run there will be less wasted hay so you will save money.   Look out for this week's video to see my new hay feeders :)

8.       Keep your old worn out towels - they are great for drying and warming ears and faces when it has been a really wet, cold day!

Have you seen last week's video 'Winter Favourites 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

All About ... Swollen Legs

What are they?

As the name suggests the legs are swollen, usually, below the knee or hock.  There can be a number of different reasons and some are more serious!

Signs

• Swelling may be just around the pastern or may extend upwards either side of the flexor tendons 
• Maybe heat in area 
• When area pressed temporary depression is sometimes left, indicating fluid in tissues 
• Some stiffness

Causes

• Infection 
• Trauma or a wound 
• Sprain or strain 
• Oedema,  lack of exercise and standing in stable for long periods causes fluid to build up - this is more common over the winter when horses are stabled for longer periods and the swelling will typically go down with exercise (there is no heat) 
• Lymphangitis

 

Diagnosis

If the swelled area is hot and the cause is not immediately obvious, for example a small wound, call the vet. 


Treatment

If the swelling is due to a wound then the area should be cleaned and treated. If the wound is severe the vet will advise and may prescribe antibiotics.  A sprain or strain will require rest.

If swelling is an oedema due to stabling then turnout or exercise should solve the problem.  Cold  hosing will reduce the swelling.  

Lymphangitis will require antibiotics as the infection is within the tissues and lymphatic system.

Prevention

Regular turnout and/or exercise will lessen chance of swelling in some situation.  However, horses always find something to injure themselves on!

Have you seen this Wednesday's video 'Winter Favourites 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

Leader of the pack!

Tommy is getting even more confident!  

 

Have you seen yesterday's video 'Winter Favourites 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

Ardennais Horses

Ardennais horses (or Ardennes) are able to survive the harsh and severe winters of the French Ardennes. 

However, their gentle and docile nature means that they can even be handled by a child. 

History

The Ardennais is one of the oldest breeds of draft horse.  They are thought to have been used by Julius Caesar and other Roman emperors, although they are now considerably taller, at that time they were usually about 14hh.  

They were used extensively as artillery horses during a number of different wars including the Crusades (11th century) and World War I (20th century).  The Ardennais are also believed to be the only horses to carry back the troops of Napolean from the failed Russian campaign (19th century).  

As their use in the military reduced, Belgian draft blood was introduced to increase the size and weight of the Ardennais to make them more useful as draft horses.  

The breed then suffered during World War II and numbers fell,  however, they are now popular for meat but also to work in forestry and on some farms.  Their stamina, great temperaments and agility make them useful. 

Characteristics

Height:  Up to 15.3hh

Colour:  Bay, chestnut or roan.

Conformation:  The head is large and set on a thick neck.  They are very heavily built with powerful quarters and short but strong legs.  They have a short and stocky appearance as they stand close to the ground and are so muscular.

Temperament: Extremely docile.

Used  for agricultural and forestry work.

Have you seen last week's '2016 Photo Review'  on my new You Tube channel.   
Horse Life and Love. Please check it out and SUBSCRIBE.

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

Until next time!

Jo

All About ... Suspensory Ligament Sprain.

What is it

The suspensory ligament begins at the back of the knee passing just behind the cannon bone it divides just above the fetlock.  Part of the ligament becomes part of the Annular Ligament and part attaches to each sesamoid bone, the remainder passes around the front of the long pastern and joins to the Common Digital Extensor Tendon.  Ligaments are strong and flexible and made up of bundles of parallel collagen fibres.  In a sprain these fibres are damaged . 

Signs

• Swelling at back of cannon bone, between the flexor tendons and cannon bone 
• Horse not always lame BUT will not stretch out 
• Pain when ligament palpated 
• Initially heat

Causes

• Over extension of the fetlock joint 
• Hooves left with long toes and/or low heels 
• Long sloping pasterns

 

 Diagnosis

Call the Vet.  Nerve blocking and ultrasound scans will show any damage to the tendon fibres.  Whilst ligaments (and tendons) do heal the fibres will not reform in parallel bundles and so do not have the same strength as before the injury.

Treatment

• Cold hose or ice pack 
• Anti-inflammatory drugs 
• Rest (months) 
• Support

Rest period will depend on the severity and precise site of the sprain.  Initially box rest is needed before some in hand grazing can be introduced.  The vet will advise on the time needed.  

Prevention

Regular shoeing and foot trimming by an experienced farrier to ensure toes are not allowed to become too long and heels are supported.   Horses with long sloping pasterns naturally place more strain on their suspensory ligaments so consider this before expecting fast work!

Have you seen my '2016 Photo Review'  on my You Tube channel this week?   
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