50 of the Greatest Horses!

Over the years there have been a lot of amazing horses - here are a few, starting with my 2 ALL time favourites.  If you haven't heard of one of them - look out for my blogs in the future!

• Milton 

• Be Fair 
• Charisma 
• Murphy Himself 
• Toytown 
• Stroller 

• Doublet 
• Glenburnie 
• Japeloup 
• The Poacher 
• Sir Wattie 
• Seabiscuit 
• Great Ovation 
• Master Craftsman 

• King William 
• Supreme Rock 
• Tamarillo 
• Headley Brittania 
• Shergar 
• Frankel 
• Sefton

• Valegro 
• Priceless 
• Chilli Morning 
• Wild Lone 
• Imperial Cavalier 
• Cornishman V 
• Desert Orchid

• Get Smart 
• Eagle Lion 
• Foxhunter 
• Aldaniti 
• Boomerang 
• Mister Softee 
• Mill Reef

•  Arkle 
• Red Rum 
• Ready Teddy 
• Lastic 
• Ryan's Son 
• Burmese 
• Dutch Courage 
• Columbus 
• Lenamore 
• Over to You 
• Oppostion Buzz

Have you seen last week's video 'Big Autumn Clear Out ... Day 3'  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 ... Saddle Sores.

What are they

Saddle Sores  or Girth Galls are wounds which develop because of excessive pressure or frictional rub from saddles or girths.  Saddle sores usually develop around the withers where the skin is thin and there is not much fat or

Signs

• Bald patches on side of withers or under girth 
• Skin broken in the same areas 
• Areas can be raw and bleeding 
• Slow to heal 
• White hair patches show old rub areas

 

Causes

They are caused by pressure from a dirty or ill fitting saddle, saddle cloth or girth.  Sweat and mud can cause friction which results in loss of hair and eventually broken skin which then becomes raw and bleeds.  Stiff leather (dry and in need of oil) can also cause rubbing as can an ill fitting saddle.

Diagnosis

The vet will be able to confirm it is a sore and not rainscald or another skin problem.


Treatment

Clean the area with salt water (saline) and allow it to dry.  Apply a soothing antiseptic cream.  Zinc oxide cream is a useful addition.  The horse must have a rest from the saddle or girth depending on what is causing the rub until it is fully healed.  Check fitting of saddle, saddle cloth etcetera.  Ensure tack and clothing


Prevention

Use tack which is fitted for the horse by a trained saddler.  Keep girths and other tack clean and wash saddle cloths and numnah's regularly.  Groom before riding to ensure there is no mud, or shavings etcetera under the saddle or in the girth area.    

Have you seen this week's video 'Big Autumn Clear Out ...  Day 3' 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

Autumn Sunshine :)

We enjoyed a lovely day at the weekend, making the most of the last few good days! 

Did you see yesterday's video 'Big Autumn Clear Out ... Day 3'  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

Norweigan Fjord Ponies

These ponies are easily recognisable due to their dun colouring, their dorsal stripes and black zebra like stripes on their legs.  The ponies are strong and sure footed and have tremendous endurance and energy.  

History

The Fjord ponies can be traced back to prehistoric times and were later used by the Vikings for the sport of horse fighting.  Up until WWII, they were  used on farms in mountainous regions where tractors were not able to work, ploughing and carrying heavy loads.  

Characteristics

Height: 13hh - 14.2hh

Colour:  Dun of varying shades.  Characteristic dorsal stripe down centre of back and black zebra like stripes on legs.  Silver mane and tail with black through the centre. 

Conformation:  Pony head with a flat forehead and small ears.  Short, thick but arched neck and a short compact body.  Well muscled all round and short, strong legs with strong feet.  The mane is naturally long and thick but tends to be trimmed to stand upright with a curve.  The coat is thick and heavy in the winter. 

Temperament: Excellent.

Used as an all purpose riding pony and in harness. 

The Fjord horse National Studbook of Great Britain website: http://www.fjord-horse.co.uk

 The Norweigan Fjord Horse Registry website: http://www.nfhr.com

Have you seen last week's video 'How I Look after and Repair Rugs'  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 ... Roaring/Whistling

What is it

When a horse makes an unusual respiratory noise during exercise they are often called 'whistlers' or 'roarers'.  The noise occurs when the horse breathes in.  It is more common in larger horses but is sometimes seen in ponies.

 
Signs

The noise made can vary from a whistle to a roar.  It usually occurs when the horse is galloping to full extent (fast exercise).  However, in some horses a noise can be heard when they are undertaking less strenuous exercise.


Causes

Laryngeal Hemiplegia is usually the cause of the noise - this is when the muscles on one side are either partially or totally paralysed.  This causes interference with the passage of air (which is increased during fast exercise) through the larynx, resulting in the noise.  Laryngeal Hemiplegia is progressive.

Other causes can include cysts or tumours forming in the epiglottis which will cause an obstruction to the larynx, or infection can also cause the horse to make an unusual noise.  

 
Diagnosis

If you suspect this problem call the vet.  Listening to the horse during exercise is the first step.  Following this an endoscopic examination can be used to look at the larynx as the horse breathes. 


Treatment

Horses with mild Laryngeal Hemiplegia that only undergo gentle exercise can continue without treatment.  However, they need to be monitored regularly and their respiratory tracts kept healthy using low dust bedding, good ventilation etc.  

In some situations the 'Hobday' operation can help, in others a 'tie back' operation will also be needed. 

When another cause has been identified this can be treated appropriately.  For example antibiotics for infection.

Prevention

As conformation is thought to have an effect there is a limit to what can be done to prevent Laryngeal Hemiplegia.  For other causes, keeping your horse in a clean, dust free environment, vaccinations and good hygiene can help reduce the chance of infection.

Have you seen this week's video 'How I ... Look after and Repair Rugs'  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