Whickers and Tidbits

With summer officially just days away, its time to think about how to enjoy the longer days, while keeping your horses comfortable on those extremely hot, humid days. Just as people do, horses may also suffer from heat stroke, exhaustion and/or dehydration as well as sunburn. Think about what we do to keep comfortable in the heat - air conditioning or fan, cold drinks, shade. What can we do to help our horses ‘beat the heat’? A few precautions - and being aware of your horse’s behavior may help your horse avoid heat stress.

The number one priority - WATER ! Horses drink ~ 3-4% of their body weight each day, even more if they’re working hard or the days are hot. If the water is warm or dirty, your horse may not drink enough and become dehydrated. You can do the ‘pinch test’ to be sure your horse is well hydrated - pinch a fold of skin (along the base of his neck is a good place), and watch to see if the skin stays raised (a sign he’s dehydrated) or flattens back (normal). Make sure to top off his water bucket with cool water, and flush out/fill the water trough in his pasture/paddock with fresh, cool water , especially if its out in the hot sun.

Just as we seek out shade, your horse needs a place to get out of the hot sun, too. If there are no trees around, be sure there’s a covered shelter or he has access to the barn. Horses can sunburn, too - especially those with lots of white (with pink skin underneath) on their face and/or muzzle. Consider using sunscreen and/or a fly mask if needed.

Flies ? Ick ! They can drive your horse bonkers, so put a ‘fly sheet’ (light blanket) on him during the hot day, or use a fly repellent. The fly sheet will help prevent sunburn, too!

Moving air - ahhhh! Consider putting a fan in his stall if your horse is kept up during the day, and turn him out at night. Sometimes just opening the barn doors will allow a breeze to flow and help cool the horses down. (Flies don’t like fast moving air, either, so the fan serves dual purpose! )

Note: A quick (safe) way to cool your horse down is to run water from the hose (or stand him in a creek) over his lower legs. There are numerous large blood vessels just under the skin along his cannon bones that will help cool him down as the cool water flows over them. Do NOT give a hot horse free access to (drinking) water - let him drink small amounts/sips of COOL water and keep him moving until he cools down and his heart rate settles.

If you’ve got any tips or tricks to ‘beat the heat’, please send in your comments !! We’d love to hear from you (and find new ways to stay cool, too!)

Enjoy your summer !!!

If you can’t answer that question with a quick “yes!”, then it’s time to take a good look at your four legged buddy. Learn to listen to what he’s telling you by watching his body language as well as his/her vocal expressions. Take some time to think about how your horse lets you know he’s ‘happy’.

Try to put into words what you see/hear and post your observations/comments here. We’re going to make a (LONG!) list of members’ responses and share them in the forum later so that all of us can become better buddies with our horses.

There’s nothing that brings a heartfelt smile quicker than my horse Reign ‘whickering’ when he hears me nearby! (He’s a left brain introvert, so a bit pushy, but he knows how to let me know he ‘cares’, and likes to be with me.) My other horses are much more affectionate than him, eager for rubdowns and long ‘talks’. They’ll come running and ‘ask’ to be petted without expecting a treat. Reign wonders what’s in it for him, though he’s fussy if I ignore him ignoring me (sound like any of your horses ?)

If there’s mutual trust and understanding between you and your horse(s), the foundation for testing that trust by asking him to do ‘new’ things or go near scary horse monsters will be strong. He’ll be willing to do as you ask if you’ve not put him in a situation that is harmful. Give him a chance to ‘think’ rather than react by remaining firm yet calm; he’ll ‘read’ your confidence and learn to follow/accept it.

NOTE: Thought I’d share IHC member Savella’s poem which she posted in the forum … well said (and felt!), Savella !! thanks !!

My Heart

When heavens clash and thunder comes, some will hide and some will run.

But one will stay with no remorse - my friend, my partner, my Heart - my Horse.

Ever wondered if your horse had an odd sense of humor- especially when it comes to creating extra chores for you? Well… if you recognize any (or all!) of these, you’re not alone! It seems horses DO have a sense of humor, though it’s not so funny for us humans sometimes (when it’s OUR horse that does it !)

This came through via email lately, so thought I’d share it with you - enjoy a few good laughs - and remember, you’re not alone !

ARE YOU A STALL BOUND HORSE?

There are things you can do to amuse yourself.
Well, here are some fun activities for you!

Poop in the water game

This will test your coordination and spatial abilities. Horses all over the world practice this, every day. You must try to poop in your water container (note: drink water first, so you won’t go thirsty!). If your water container is too high to poop in, you can attempt to poop on the stall’s door, or on the wall. This also gives your human something to do– when they see what you’ve done, they will marvel at your special abilities, then happily provide you with fresh water.

Artistic Wood Carving

You can become a wood carver. Use your teeth to chisle the wood of your stall into a beautiful piece of art! At first, you can start with simple shapes — such as the half-moon bite shape– and as you become more advanced you can try different forms (big curve shape or multiple bite shapes). Your human will really appreciate this. Some humans will actually remove your artwork from the stall, and put up fresh, new, unchewed boards– encouraging you to develop your artistic abilities with a fresh, new canvas!

Grain Spilling Game

Try to dump out all of your grain from your grain bucket/container, by turning it over with your nose. It is a fun game. You can even continue to flip the container to be sure that all the grain is dumped on the ground. Then, using your delicate muzzle to guide you, try to pick up all the grain, sorting throught the bedding and poop.. Amusing, and it makes your grain last longer. Your human will appreciate it too– he/she may even bring you a new bucket of grain, or challenge you to become better by using more difficult containers!

Hay Dunking

In this game, you’ll try to grab a bite of hay, carry it to your water container, and dump it in. Dropping hay in your water is fun for both you and your human! Although it’s just hay, they will probably come in your stall and remove it from your water (then you can dump more in). This gives humans something to do.

Who Can Be The Loudest

If you’re stalled with other horses, try a little friendly competition with this game. When it’s feeding time, see who can neigh, bang, scream, and kick the loudest in their stalls. Humans will instinctively throw food to the noisiest, most demanding horse, so try to be it. The winner is the horse that the human feeds first.

Smoosh The Bedding

In this game, you can attempt to mix your bedding, poop, and hay all together. You do this by walking all around in your stall, until you get a good, even mixture. Some horses walk in circles, or back and forth in a straight line… experiment with different styles to see what you like best. Again, this provides entertainment and excersice for your human, because they will have to clean it all up.

Roll in the stall

Attempt to get a good roll, in your stall. If your stall is big, this is easy; however, the smaller the stall, the more difficult it can become. The object is to roll, well, without getting stuck. There is some danger involved in this game, as you could roll up near a wall and get stuck. If you get stuck, make sure you thrash so that your human will notice you, nearly have a heart attack, then come to your rescue. This game is best played when humans are around.

Mane Rubbing

Try to rub your mane out in certain spots. Humans like neat manes. That is why they comb, spray, and pull your mane; Save them work by pulling your mane yourself! You can stick your head through the stall (if it has an opening) and try to rub the top of your neck. Or, just rub it on the side of a wall. This will give your mane a nice look that humans appreciate (clumps of hair missing). You’ll save them time on having to pull your mane or trim a bridle path.

When you’re worried or a bit scared, what do you do? Do you think it out - rationally, dealing with it head on, or tense up, run away and hope it goes away? Your answer to that question may give you the answer to some of the problems you’re having with your horse. When you tense, your horse senses that immediately - and reacts according to his/her personality type- freezing, investigating or running for his life in the opposite direction.

Take a minute to think of something that scared you when you were younger… maybe it was heading up to bed, crossing those creaky stairs in the dark hallway, wondering if something was waiting for you in your room (especially if you’ve just watched a scary movie or your big brother was teasing you!). Your parents said ‘get to bed’ … you hesitate- as long as you can until you finally break down and ask them to go with you. You need someone to SHOW you ‘it’s okay’, not just tell you, right ? You’ll follow your parents straight to your room, and (hopefully) sleep well knowing there’s nothing to worry about- once they’ve assured you there’s nothing there.

Okay - now think about your HORSE in a scary situation. Because his natural instincts don’t require him to ‘think’ alot, he just mostly reacts- which is either fight or flight. If it’s flight, you’re in for a wild ride IF you can hang on. If it’s fight, you’ve got time to think FOR him - and show him ‘it’s okay’. And the way to CONVINCE him it’s okay is to be remain calm, anticipating his (negative) reaction, thus remaining in control by assuring him “hey, it’s no big deal .. let’s ride around a bit and take a closer look and I’ll SHOW ya it’s nothing to be bothered about.” It’s your duty - as a responsible rider - to be in control at all times; why else would your horse listen to you and do as you ask?

Whenever you feel your horse hesitate for a moment, that’s his way of saying “yikes! that thing is scary!”, and it’s your cue to take charge - immediately. You need to convince him to keep moving- forward - with steady leg pressure and a light hand. If he refuses, put him in a circle, gradually moving closer to whatever it is that is frightening him, but keep him moving and paying attention to YOU. That doesn’t mean you should tense up and MAKE him ‘listen’; if you try to force him, he may ‘blow’ because he feels YOUR tension. Are you tightening up on the reins anticipating a bolt or tensing your seat muscles in the saddle or even clinching your teeth? If so, the horse feels it -and will tense up as well. And that means MORE fear!

Though it’s (often) easier said than done, you must relax - take a deep breath, let your hands, seat and thighs relax, while keeping your lower leg against his sides to ask him to keep moving. “Feel” his mouth with the bit and reins, but don’t yank, tug or fight him as those reins are a direct line to your emotions, and he senses them (too) well! Direct him with confidence and calm and he’ll follow - and he’ll look to you as a leader - and safekeeper. Deal with his doubts by being a leader - one he can trust - at all times.

The weather’s getting better, the horses are restless, and you’re probably itching to get back in the saddle again - spring is on its way! You may have spent those cold winter days reading, dreaming or just hanging around the barn to keep your horse senses intact, and you’re eager for a long outing with your horse. But I hope you remember your horses need a bit of ‘warming up’ - and patience- when you put your foot back in that stirrup again!

Here are a few tips to help you- and your horse- have a happy return to a regular riding schedule. Take time to go through the basics, with gait transitions, half-halts, bends for flexion, and be sure to work both sides of the horse. Just like us, they can stiffen up or prefer using one side/leg/lead more than the other. If you’ll make sure your horse is responding well (ie, without resisting the bit or your legs) BEFORE you ask for more, you’ll both be off to a great start on a new riding season.

* Before saddling up - groom your horse and do some stretching and massage (see homepage for HOW TO video on Equine Massage).

* Go over your horse with your hands, looking for any sore spots (he’ll warn you with his ears or hoof!), especially along his backbone and shoulders.

* Warm up that bit in your hands before you ask him to take that cold steel in his mouth (he’ll be grateful, and more willing next time).

* CInch him up enough to hold the saddle, mount on a block or bucket if available, and walk him around on a loose rein, with neck stretched out and forward to loosen him up. Then reach down and tighten the girth as usual.

* Let him reach out at a walk (drive him forward with your legs if he’s sluggish), and ask for turns in the corners (of arena or pasture, etc) to see if he’s stiff on one side or the other. If he seems a bit stiff on one side, do large circles, gradually decreasing the size until he’s responding to the lightest pressure.

* Ask for a trot , let him find his speed and work him along the arena, again asking for bends in the corners and doing circles or figure eights (that will help you get back your rhythm for posting on correct diagonal, too). Once he’s moving well (ie, no resistance), collect him and do the same patterns- remembering to work both sides. Ask for a few half halts to get his attention, try to keep him ‘light’.

* Once he’s readily changing speeds at the trot, ask for a canter when he’s collected and ‘on the bit’. Again, let him find his speed at a canter/lope, and use those corners to get him bending, then do circles again. Gradually decrease the size of the circles, making sure he’s bending well (not swinging his hindquarters out). If he’s resisting, go back to larger circles until he’s moving well in both directions.

Note: Many people are quickly bored with arena work (I’m one of them!), but if you take the time to do the above steps with your horse, it makes for a MUCH more pleasant ride on the trails - or ANYwhere - as you’ve made sure your horse is ‘listening’ to you - doing what you want when you ask him!

Don’t bore your horse once he’s ‘got it’ … move on to fun stuff - vary the patterns, take a few small jumps or work him over poles on the ground to help him find his stride at different gaits, work him along the rail, asking for side passes (great exercise for making sure he understands leg pressure while keeping his head from turning!). See what ‘games’ you and your horse riding friends can come up with to make riding a FUN learning experience - for you and your horse.

PS When you get a chance, send us YOUR game ideas - or techniques- for getting the best out of your horse !! Better yet, video them and show us your stuff - we’ll pick out some and put them on the home page !!

Watch this video for a great warm up session w/ a young ‘fresh’ horse - some great lessons here !!

There’s nothing cuter than a baby ( ….. ). People fill in that blank with many different answers. I must admit, mine may change according to what’s just arrived in the barn, bringing oohhhs and awwwws from all who peek over the stall door. From foals to pheasants, or puppies to pygmys, there’s just something about a baby that brings a big smile - and restores hope.

As spring approaches, signs of new life are everywhere. The broodmare is getting restless, often pacing and looking at her side. She looks so uncomfortable (and probably is!), but she’ll soon have that long legged foal romping and nuzzling beside her. She’s done all she can to make certain that foal has been well nourished if you’ve given her the proper care and nutrition, especially in the last few months before she’s due. Be sure that she’s up to date on vaccinations and de-worming (check with your vet or helpful horse breeder for recommendations in your area).

When preparing for that new foal, you’ve got to do your part as well! The pregnant mare should be on a higher protein/ higher calorie (grain or pellet) diet with plenty of good quality hay- especially the last 90 days of her pregnancy. Take her off fescue pasture at least 30 days (or more!) prior to her due date so that there’s little chance of complications associated with the fungus/endophyte that is in some fescue grasses. Make sure she has plenty of fresh, clean water available at all times.

If you keep her up most of the time, make sure the foaling stall is kept as clean and dry as possible, with an extra layer of bedding (straw vs shavings?) as she gets closer to foaling. Don’t keep her shut up in that stall all day, though - make sure she gets out to exercise and stretch every day. If she’s got access to a paddock with a run-in shed, all the better for both of you (less work for you, more choice for her!). Be sure to check for any loose nails or boards or anything that could injure either mare or foal - in the stall or in the pasture. Don’t leave a pitchfork, wheelbarrow or halter within the curious reach of either. (Take a good look around the barn to be sure there’s nothing that could cause trouble.)

As for you being prepared? Hmmm… I make sure I’ve got several clean towels, iodine, a clean bucket (for warm water), and a camera ready in the barn. I usually have a radio playing softly, and a baby monitor in the stall, too. My mares usually have their way of letting me know it’s time, but a baby monitor is a big help - you can listen for your mare pacing or grunting - you’ll quickly recognize different sounds as she gets ready to foal, and it makes for less late night trips to the barn.`

Let us know when YOUR new baby has arrived - share some pictures and a story to go along. And hey, check out the new poetry contest (see homepage), too - it’s about FOALS this time !! Send in your entry - good luck !!

While you’re chomping at the bit for the weather to cooperate so you can spend more time in the saddle,  why not take some time for some (early) spring cleaning while you’re hanging around the barn?  Hey, I promise THIS kind will be FUN !!  Let’s go through our tack trunks - see what needs replacing or repairing, and what you might need to add for the ‘just in case’ / emergency necessities. Make a list of what’s in it now, then check out your friends’ trunks and see what they’ve got that you just might find useful, too.

iHorseClub is making this ‘chore’ a CONTEST ! So write up that list - organize what’s in it (veterinary, grooming, tack (that list can go on and on!), blankets, wraps, pads, tools, etc ). Send in your list -and if you’re feeling creative, get out your camera and send us a slideshow or a video of your ‘tack trunk’ - whatever it may be - and show us what’s in it. Please attach a list, too so we can share and compare as the entries come in.  Got the idea, now ?  Great !  then send in your lists with photos or videos to caron at ihorseclub dot com.

Meanwhile, take a look at these videos for some ideas . Look close for some useful items you might not think about otherwise !  We’ll be posting some videos and/or lists with photos on the homepage and forum, so if you want a few days of fame on the web, get those creative juices flowing and send them in soon!

Note: Think “outside the box’ for some really cool things that will come in handy - we’re looking for some great ideas !!  The ‘winner’ will get something special to add to their own tack box !

Valentine’s Day comes and goes, but sentiment should last forever. Can you imagine a world without the simple joy of a warm hug or a happy greeting from a close friend? (I hope not!) Now transfer that to the horse of your dreams - whether in your barn, someone else’s pasture or in your own mind. And multiply it umpteen times … and what do you have ? An ever growing passion for horses - which is why ‘we’ are here at iHorseClub.

This site was created - and will thrive or wilt - at the hands of horse lovers like you. We are here to share our questions, ideas, suggestions and thoughts - based on our experiences, whatever they may or may not be as of yet. A common thread weaves us together - a love for equines - whether horse, donkey or mule.

C.S. Lewis puts it perfectly ”Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: What! You too ? I thought I was the only one.”

It’s hard to explain to non-horsey people, but anyone on this site readily understands. For those of you who’ve posted comments, photos, videos, poetry or asked the questions that all of us have had or will have at some time - thanks for sharing. IHC members come here to share, suggest and even show off a bit the things that matter most to you. You share your accomplishments - whether in competition or for pleasure - and sit proudly on your horse, hoping friends and family will understand, too. There are all kinds of riders to suit all kinds of horses at all levels and interests - each is unique in his/her own way, yet we all love ‘that horse’.

This week, I thought I’d put together a few thoughts - with the words, photos and voices - of some of our iHorseClub members and others who express their appreciation for horses so well. Enjoy ! And give us your /2 sense/cents’ worth when you have a chance!

In the iHorseClub Poetry contest, Syd sends us this: (thank you !)

To my horse Sierra - for being there through grief, joy, death and boys. <3 <3

What is a horse?
A friend of course!
What makes them who they are
They shine bright and light the stars

Dancing hooves and twinkling eyes
They race across the blue cloudless sky
Loud whinnies and snorting loud
Arch their necks and tails high they make us proud

Kicking up their heels they seem to fly
With all their might and heart they try
The only one that listens to all my thoughts
We laugh at all the one who rejects us, the “hotshots”

When I cry I know you’re always going to be there
You make me smile when life seems so unfair
When that boy who was ‘the one’ leaves suddenly
I will always know where you will be

I know when my best friends ditch me for him
And when the brightest things are looking dim
When my heart breaks in two or my world shatters
When I’m around you nothing else matters

hiSierra sends this video in - see her story “Lady and I - Our First Horse Show” in the forum - under My Story … Note: congratulations, hiSierra - happy to see you’re up to the challenge of ‘uncooperative’ horses - with patience and persistence! (besides, # 2 tries harder!)

This week is a ‘thank you‘ to all the volunteers and members of the Frederick County 4H Therapeutic Riding Program in Maryland. A non- profit organization, the staff consists of therapists, riding instructors and skilled horse handlers. They provide a seven week session of riding instruction each spring and fall at no charge to students.

Students range in age from 2 yrs to 80 - any individual in Frederick County who has a disability which makes learning difficult is welcome in their program, with a physician’s approval. The students are grouped according to abilities, and a registered therapist and riding instructor work with teachers, other therapists and physicians to develop a lesson plan with goals for each group of riders.

Their horses range in age from 8 to 28 years - and vary in size and breeds - from  mini horses to ponies and full size horses. All of their four legged ‘therapists’ are donated and are from various backgrounds  - from family pony to polo fields, and show hunters to trail horse companions. The horses are chosen and matched with rider’s ability and comfort levels.

To let the 4H program speak for itself, the following comes from their website:

The Frederick County 4H Therapeutic Riding Program was established in 1984 to provide a safe and positive horseback riding experience for disabled citizens of the county. As a non-profit organization, we rely on a strong and committed group of professionals and volunteers to keep us going. Referrals from rider’s families as well as the medical, teaching and social service professionals of the county keep us growing. The constant additions to our waiting list attest to our reputation as a reliable and respected organization.

Presently, we are able to provide 7 week sessions, free of charge, in the spring and the fall to our riders. Riders join us once a week for a 45 minute ride during these sessions. Our riders participate in a horse show at the end of both sessions. Other rider activities off the premises include a show at the Frederick Fairgrounds during the Great Frederick Fair and participation in Special Olympics. Donations and fund raising activities fund our program, provide equipment, feed and veterinary care, among other needs. For all of our activities we rely heavily on our volunteers, who receive training before joining us.

Our goal is to provide a safe and enjoyable riding experience that challenges our riders to be as independent as possible. The rider’s physician, therapist and teacher submit information about the prospective rider’s condition before he or she even approaches a horse. The rider’s medical history is reviewed by our therapists and instructors. Some riders come to us with a need for complete physical support throughout the experience, others participate in grooming, tacking up and leading their own horses. Many learn to walk and trot their horses independently.

All of our riders benefit from the interaction with their mount, other riders and our volunteers. Under the direction of the instructor and the aid of the therapist, they take on the challenges of balancing on the horse, learning to steer, control and interact with a large animal specially chosen for this work. They play games and engage in therapeutic exercises. As the rider moves through a session, aided by side walkers and horse leaders, they all benefit from the movement of the horse, which both strengthens and relaxes muscles.

Therapeutic riders have the unique opportunity to engage in an activity that takes them from wheelchairs, canes, and dependency on others to a seat high above the ground where they feel they are in charge. As we guide them through their sessions, we have the pleasure of watching them enjoy a special experience that benefits them both in body and in mind.

Note:  A sincere “Thank You !”  to all the staff, volunteers and horses  - helping hooves and hands  !!

Along a beaten path … This week is a tribute to the mules of yesteryear and today - for the land they’ve tilled, the paths they’ve hauled people and equipment over, and the joys (and frustrations!) they bring those that choose to care for them. Those long eared hybrids give us the best of the horse and donkey combined. Too often misunderstood, don’t judge before you’re seen them in the hands of someone who knows and understands them. There’s no ’sport’ a horse can do that a mule can’t do, too!

I must admit, I’m a bit biased when it comes to one of the most misunderstood hybrids of the equine world -the marvelous mule. Having bred for, raised and trained some wonderful mules over the years, they are truly the ones that have taught me the most about training - you ASK a mule, you don’t tell it - and you learn how to ask him again - and again until you learn to speak his language. Pat Parelli (one of the best known natural horsemanship trainers) can work wonders with a mule because he understands them. Training mules helped him in his early endeavors to ‘relate’ to the horse (or mule)  - in his language - the natural way.

A ‘good mule’ is a treasure to ride/pack/drive/own. They’re natural followers, which makes them great for pack strings as their herd instinct is so strong (though that same instinct can drive you crazy when you want to ride or work them away from their buddies !) Their renown surefootedness comes from the donkey - they know exactly where their feet are and rarely stumble.  The people that have the most complaints about them have yet to earn the trust  and respect of a mule- they don’t understand them, and the mule knows it! That’s why they’re often called stubborn - the mule must be convinced your way is better than what he has in mind - to do that, you’d better learn their language !  And a mule’s memory equals that of an elephant … they don’t forget - though they may (eventually) forgive.

A story published by the Black Hills Forest Service highlights how the pack mule string/team is still one of the most effective ways of getting the job done ‘the old way’ - with live ‘horsepower’ rather than motorized equipment.

Pack Mule String Keeps Traditional Work Methods Alive
By Black Hills Forest Service

The Pack mule string team is part of Forest Service history and this history is being kept alive today.

The Rocky Mountain Specialty Pack String, based out of Shawnee, Colorado has been working in the Black Elk Wilderness area for the last two weeks. “The primary purpose of the team is to haul equipment to backcountry areas, to make the jobs more doable and easier for the National Forest,” said Dave Pickford, recreational specialist for the Hell Canyon Ranger District. The team travels throughout the Rocky Mountain Region and provides a wide variety of support including packing, teaching low impact techniques for backcountry use, and is also an educational outreach.

“I think it’s really unique that in this area where originally a lot of the work was done with traditional methods, these methods have come back and are still effective to get the job done,” Pickford said.

The wilderness area where they are working is closed to motorized vehicles. The pack string has been hauling gravel onto this trail system to help repair a portion of eroded trail that was caused by excessive water. Each mule is capable of hauling 160 lbs of gravel per trip.

Pickford said that with the help of the pack mule string, they are getting drainage established by adding native gravel resources and putting in water bars that also help divert the water off the trail.

Take a look at this pack mule string - four-legged ‘employees’ of the US Forest Service.

Find more videos like this on Black Hills Network

PS If you’ve never ridden a well trained mule, you’re missing an excellent chance at viewing the world between two long ears-with a big brain-and a heart to match!