Comments | equestrian: (без темы)

searchand_dstry in equestrian

(Untitled)

Jan 08, 2009 22:10

I have been a lurker here for a while and decided that I would make a post ( Read more... )

advice, vices (chewing/cribbing/boredom), teeth care, costs (lesson/boarding/care), vet visits

Comments 37

young_modern January 9 2009, 05:51:00 UTC

6: definitely try toys. but be very careful about what kinds of toys you give him. hanging things in his stall like jolly balls or plastic bottles with some pebbles inside is good. lickits and other sugary treat based toys will only make his cribbing habits worse. keeping a salt or mineral block in his stall could give him a more positive and healthy outlet for boredom. another possibility would be a mirror. they make shatterproof mirrors specifically for horses with stall boredom issues. they're covered with acrylic instead of glass, or simply a sheet of highly polished stainless steel.

searchand_dstry January 9 2009, 06:06:49 UTC

I have never heard of or seen a mirror! If you don't mind me asking, how does this help?

young_modern January 9 2009, 08:16:34 UTC

it basically makes the horse think it has a friend to hang out with, which makes them less anxious/bored.

http://www.stable-mirrors.co.uk/

mirrorofagirl January 9 2009, 09:56:54 UTC

1) We are 1 hour south of Atlanta and own a boarding facility. We charge $350 a month for board which includes feed, hay, rotational worming, blanketing, turning out, holding for the farrier & vet, and two lessons per month (optional). We have all the amenities, including h/c wash rack in the barn, full kitchen and dining area, laundry room for boarders use.. pretty much everything but an indoor arena ( ... )

mirrorofagirl January 9 2009, 10:01:07 UTC

And stall cleaning 2xs a day... forgot that. I'd never leave the cleaning to the boarders, I'm a neat freak. ;)

authentic January 9 2009, 18:57:59 UTC

Where are you specifically? I'm only curious as I might be moving back home next year (henry county / hampton area). It would be nice to know a few barns nearby, especially if we don't end up able to keep my boy on our own property.

blitzen_ January 9 2009, 23:25:38 UTC

lol, with all the handwalking too, YOU'D be getting fit. that's a good idea.

12to15steps January 9 2009, 10:36:17 UTC

I just want to make sure that there's regular instruction involved in this situation. Advice on the 'net can be GREAT, but regular work with someone qualified in your discipline of choice is EXTREMELY important, not just from an experienced-rider-helping-you-ride-better perspective, but from being able to help you understand fitness, choose appropriate tack, and advise you when things aren't going well.

searchand_dstry January 10 2009, 03:07:08 UTC

Oh there is. I have a ton of experienced horse friends & a trainer. Not going in it alone don't worry!

buymeaclue January 9 2009, 12:58:32 UTC

Congrats on your new horse!

So much of this stuff is location-dependent...but fwiw. I board in Massachusetts, about an hour from Boston and half an hour from Providence.

Ditto 12to15steps's thought re: instruction and supervision. Having your own is different; having good help comes in v. handy ( ... )

searchand_dstry January 10 2009, 04:04:14 UTC

"Be aware that many a new owner has been caught off guard when their fat-and-happy kickalong mount, once fitted up, becomes a good deal more challenging to ride. Hopefully your guy will remain as easy as he seems, but--"a little bit hyper" can sometimes turn into "hot and strong and not for a novice" once the horse is fighting fit."

I do realize this & it wouldn't really be a problem. I'm not a beginner rider, I just need to build my strength & endurance and position back same as he does lol.

dark_flight January 9 2009, 15:33:37 UTC

1) I pay $600 per horse for a barn with an indoor. No indoor = less $$, around here anyway. Oh, I live in Northern VA ( ... )