Natural Horse Care in an Unnatural World

I've done a lot of thinking and research on many topics since my 27-year-old Paint, Kobeejo, underwent colic surgery for a strangulating lipoma last month. Mostly, I have gotten deeper into my already existing research on the horse's most unique digestive tract. The very first thing I wanted to fully look into was the ulcers the hospital discovered my horse had. Every veterinarian and nutritionist, even at Tufts, insisted the way to prevent ulcers was to feed 24/7 free-choice hay/forage, always provide fresh clean water and make sure your horse gets plenty of movement (living outside with a shelter being ideal). I had always learned that, if a horse has this, plus the companionship of other horses even nearby (and no excessive medications such as Bute), they would be good to go. My horse always had all of this! So, why did he develop such severe ulcers? As it turns out, studies show that horses in stressful situations, such as moving to a new barn, being taken away from the...

Wendy decided to drive me up to see Kobeejo today. She said she missed him. I was grateful not to have to drive as I had a bad night and was too tired to drive far. We left a bit later than I like... around 2:30. Once again, the traffic was not too bad, so we made it in an hour. Before we left, Dr. Minuto called. She said Kobeejo was eating well, and if he maintained this level he could go home Saturday. I was thrilled! Last night, I went up to the barn and filled a hay bag full with the first cut hay he loves, and a smaller one with the second cut. So, I brought all the hay in the net with me and, once in his stall, he immediately dunked his nose into the top of the hay net where I had it open. So I started filling the metal hay bin with his first cut and he was thrilled. Top of pic is his sheath, bottom his front legs. You can see the incision on the right, though the pic is a bit off center. They had removed his bandage so I got a good look at the incision under his belly....

Though the Sunday hours at the vet hospital are 1-4, I am allowed to visit as long as I call first, anytime during the day. We arrived at 4pm. The first thing I noticed when walking toward his stall was that there is now another horse in the stall across from him... a tall dark Warmblood gelding. I knew that would make him happy. They told me when they were walking the new horse down the aisle to his stall, Kobeejo perked and nickered at him. I'm sure he was thrilled not to be the only horse there, as he has been for 4 days. Though I don't know why the other horse is there, I am assuming from the tube in his nose (as KJ had) and IVs, he was also a colic case. Though he obviously did not need surgery... his belly was not shaved, nor did he wear any bandages. Kobeejo had been rushed into surgery immediately. KJ's spirits were good. He was happy eating from the hay bag they put up, as he did not like the metal bin the hay was placed into. Up until today, I needed to wear b...

Horses closed up in stalls are prone to health issues due to dust, endotoxins, urine, feces, etc. I have boarded my horse at 9 different barns in the 15 years I have owned him, moving 13 times for various reasons from lack of proper care, raised board fees, death of the owner, to simply not getting along with owners or boarders. Some were small family barns, others large public barns. All varied in the degree of airflow from too much (a wind tunnel) to not enough (stifling and hot inside). Some offered windows of various sizes or even run-outs so the horses could remain outside if they wished or go in if the weather was bad. Barns! The worst, however, (something I find mostly in larger barns), are barns with no windows and are shut up at night (one barn I was at even shut the place up and locked it all summer, the horses sweating horribly inside). Barns can get hot at night with the heat of the horses' bodies (even winter, so keep blanketing in mind). I've seen hors...

My horse, best friend and soulmate, Kobeejo... and me (hint: He's the good-looking one) Are you doing everything for your horse that he/she requires as a horse? It's time for the complete truth and honesty with yourself. You will say "yes, I am," but are you reeeeally? Well, welcome to "Stop Killing Your Horse," the HONEST blog about the proper care of horses in a modern and sometimes far too domesticated world. You're probably asking yourself, "Who's this chick that thinks she can tell me how to care for my horse?" Good question. Instead of spewing off a bunch of dry text about all my years in showing, every ribbon I've received, all my qualifications working here there and everywhere, horses I've worked with, let me just say... I'm nobody, really. What I am is a woman who was born with a huge passion and natural affinity for the care and love of horses. "Who isn't?" Right?  Some of you will run away w...