HorsesAndrew Brock

From: Modern Livestock and Poultry Production and Agriscience Fundamentals

and Applications

Horse TermsLight horses are those used for ridingDraft horses are those used for workDonkeys are members of the horse family

with long ears and short erect manes, they are primarily used as beasts of burden.

A jack is a male donkey and a jennet is a female donkey

A Mule is a cross between a jack and a mareA cross between a stallion and a jennet is

called a hinny

Horse Terms Horses are measured in

hands, a hand is 4 inches.The withers of a horse is

at the top of the shoulder where the neck meets the back.

To be considered a horse the animal must be 14.2 hands at the withers.

Any horse that measures less than 14.2 hands is considered a pony.

Horse Terms Tack is horse equipmentThe way a horse moves is

referred to as it’s gaitEquitation is the art of

horse ridingWalk is a slow 4 beat gaitTrot is a fast 2 beat

diagonal gaitCanter is a slow 3 beat gaitGallop is a fast 3 beat gaitRack is a fast 4 beat gaitPace is a side to side 2 beat

gait

Horse Terms Horsemanship is the

art of riding and knowing the needs of a horse

The Jog is a slow, smooth, 2 beat diagonal gait

Lope is a very slow canter

Horse SafetyAlways approach a horse from the front left

side.Pet a horse on it’s shoulder not it’s nose.Never startle a horse. Never wrap a lead rope around your hand. Make sure the saddle is tight enough not to

slip when saddling a horse. Keep the horse under control, and do not let

it misbehave undisciplined.

Horse SafetyBe calm and gentle

when dealing with your horse.

Know the temperament and vices of your horse.

Never let someone else ride your horse unsupervised.

Horse CareGroom a horse daily using soft brushes.Inspect the horses hooves daily. Trim a horses hooves every 4-6 weeks if not

shod. If a horse is shod it must be replaced every 4-

6 weeks by a farrier (works on horses hooves)Cool down a horse after riding before it is

allowed to drink water. Do not overfeed a horse, feed on a routine. Maintain a strict health care program for

horses.

Horse NutritionThe stomach of a horse is much more

sensitive than that of a cow. Much of the digestion occurs in the large

intestine, where horses can utilize large amounts of roughage.

For proper nutrition you must balance 4 groups.

1. Pasture grass2. Hay3. Supplemental feed4. Vitamins and minerals

Pasture Grasses Kentucky Bluegrass is

considered the best all around pasture grass for horses. It is tough, palatable and provides the required nutrients.

Orchard Grass is also good. Can be combined with bluegrass. Tough under close grazing.

Bermuda Grass is a good grass for horses in the South.

Legumes such as clover, alfalfa or lespedeza are also good for horse pastures. They are a good source of protein and horses do not bloat.

Picture is bluegrass from wvu.edu

Tall FescueTall Fescue is not a good

pasture grass for horses. It is less palatable and can

carry a fungus that can cause fever and gestation problems in horses.

If fescue is the only available grass, seed legumes and make hay available. Also bush hogging the seed heads can help with toxicity.

Picture is Tall Fescue from wvu.edu

Hay2 Primary types of hay are used for horses. 1. Legume Hay2. Grass Hay Legume hay has a higher protein and

mineral content than grass hay. Alfalfa is the best legume hay, however

lespedeza and clover hay is available. The drawback of legume hay is availability

and price.

Grass HayCommon Southern Grass hays are orchard

grass, tall fescue and bermuda grass hay.Tall fescue hay should be avoided for horses. Bermuda grass hay is the most common and

most logical hay for Southern horse owners. Grass hay is less nutritious than legume hay,

but it is more affordable and easier to find. It is best to supplement grass hay with

supplemental feed in winter.

Supplemental FeedGrainOats and corn are the most commonly used

grains in horse feed. Oats is considered the best grain for horses.

It is high in protein and reduces digestive problems.

Corn is high energy for horses that are worked hard. Corn may cause colic, so feed with care. A corn-oats mixture is excellent.

Grain sorghum, barley, wheat, wheat bran and cane molasses are common feed additives in mixtures.

Supplemental FeedProtein FeedSoybean meal, cottonseed meal and linseed

meal are common protein feeds. Soybean meal is the best. It is high in protein

and has a good balance of amino acids. Cottonseed meal is a common alternative in

the southwest. Linseed meal can be laxative, but it is a good

source of protein and produces a shiny coat on horses.

Vitamins and mineralsHorses require salt, calcium and

phosphorous in their diet. These minerals should be fed free choice. Pregnant and lactating mares need more of

these minerals. Vitamins are usually not an issue, consult a

vet if you think your horse has a deficiency.

WaterHorses drink 10-12 gallons of water per day. More if worked hard or in hot weather. A supply of fresh clean water should be

available at all times. Cool down a horse after working before you

allow it to drink large amounts of water.

Common Horse Diseases and DisordersAzoturia- this may be a nutritional disorder, it

develops when a horse is put to work following a period of idleness.

The muscles are swollen and tense, and the horse becomes stiff.

This can be prevented by decreasing the amount of grain fed to an idle horse, making sure they exercise and starting them back to work slowly.

ColicColic is a disease complex encompassing a

wide range of conditions that affect a horse’s digestive tract, usually in the form of a blockage

90% of the time colic is caused by parasites. Usually large strongyles (bloodworms)

However, sudden feed changes, too much corn or improper chewing can cause colic.

To prevent colic follow a strict de-worming program. Also, check for chewing problems and follow a consistent feeding schedule.

FounderFounder is a nutritional disorder caused by overeating

concentrates, changes in feed, drinking to much water or standing in a stall for longer periods.

Symtoms are swelling of the sensitive laminae on one or more feet, lameness, fever and sweating in the acute form.

There is a chronic form which commonly causes distortion of the hoof.

Careful feed management are used to prevent founder. Good hoof trimming and shoeing practices are used to

treat founder.

Horse TrainingHorse training begins when a colt is 10-14

days old. Young foals should be brushed and their feet

handled. Training should be gradual so that the horse

does not need to be broke.