ehorses Magazine

Fruits and vegetables for horses – Which ones horses are really allowed to eat?

2023-11-24T09:45:42Z

Horses love to eat fruits and vegetables as treats. Whether it be after a ride or just in between. Horses are delightedly offered apples in particular. However, other snacks like bananas or carrots are also well-liked snacks. In this article, we outline which fruits and vegetables are safe to feed to horses and which ones you should steer clear of. A table with an overview is included at the end!

Variety of fruits and vegetables for horses

Humans would all enjoy eating something new every day because we are lovers of variety. We believe that our horses should also experience variety for this reason. These are probably the types that most horse owners allude to: an apple, a carrot, or even a fennel. If that’s not diverse enough for the owners, they may opt for more exotic fruits or vegetables. Beetroot or watermelon, for instance. Yet, not everything that appeals to our senses as humans does the same for horses. Quality counts, is the fundamental tenet. Since the horse’s stomach is particularly sensitive, top quality fruits and vegetables are essential. They must not be mouldy, rotting, or overripe.

Which fruits are suitable for horses?

As a general rule, fruits for horses should only be fed in small amounts, as the fructose content is high. Palatable fruits are apples, bananas, pears, peaches and watermelon.

Which fruits are digestable?

You are probably wondering – which fruits can my horse digest? We have compiled a list of all well digestible fruits.

Apple

You’ve probably already realised this, but horses adore apples. Which is advantageous! Apples are perfectly fine, provided they are consumed in the proper quantities since they contain fructose. To reduce the chance of a pharyngeal blockage, the apples should be cut beforehand.

Bananas

The sweet, yellow fruits are adored by many horses. However, due to the high fructose content, they are highly sweet. Because of this, you can feed your horse bananas as a treat or a snack if he enjoys them. Please do not add bananas to your horse’s everyday diet; just feed them in modest amounts. Most essential, don’t feed with skin on!

Pears

The same rule that applies to apples also applies to pears: they can be fed, but it is preferable if they are sliced into little pieces. Due to their high sugar content, pears should only be fed in reasonable amounts. Horses who eat large quantities of pears may develop colic.

Peaches

Peaches are considered to be drupes. They have a high sugar content and a propensity to ferment, which can quickly result in colic. Therefore, feeding peaches should really only take place in very little amounts if you really want to. Try to avoid feeding peaches, just to be on the safe side. By the way, the fruit’s core must be removed! Otherwise, pharyngeal blockage could directly increase the risk of colic.

Watermelons

For us people, a watermelon is a refreshing snack on a hot summer day. But can we feed watermelon to our large four-legged buddies as well? Yes, watermelons are safe for horses to consume. But this ought to be fed without the rind and, ideally, without the seeds. The fruit should only be had as a snack in between meals because, despite having a high water content, it also contains a lot of sugar.

What kind of fruits and vegetables horses can eat?

Horses do not digest every kind of fruit and vegetable. You can safely feed apples, bananas, pears, peaches, watermelon, carrots, beet and lettuce. However, make sure that the fruits and vegetables are of high quality and that you only give them in small quantities.

Which vegetables are digestable?

To expand the list of digestible fruits, we would like to show you which vegetables can be fed.

Carrots

Everyone has undoubtedly used the carrot to reward his beloved four-legged friend. And that’s just fine! Every day, the carrot can likewise fall guilt-free into the feed bucket. A small amount per day should be maintained, nevertheless. This vegetable has a lot of sugar, which may cause colic. Additionally, the carrot’s green part should always be removed first.

Beetroot

The same rules apply to beets as they do to carrots. The red beet may be fed. Pay attention to the quantities because lower amounts are advised here as well.

Lettuce

Lettuce and a horse? The taste of the crisp greens is indeed appealing to certain horses. In modest amounts, this snack is also quite digestible for horses who enjoy lettuce.

Do bananas benefit horses?

Yes, because they are rich in vitamins and have a sweet taste, horses digest bananas well. But before feeding them, the peel needs to be removed. Additionally, they shouldn't be included in the daily feeding routine and should only be provided in modest amounts as a snack.

Which fruits and vegetables should I avoid?

The majority of fruits are beneficial in moderation, even for the wellbeing of horses. But one thing is certain: drupe fruits should be absolutely avoided if possible. This includes nectarines and plums. In horses, the seeds can cause pharyngeal obstructions. Colic will most likely start to develop. These fruits exhibit significant fermentation. Pineapple and grapes should also be avoided. These contain a lot of sugar. As a result, the growth of yeast fungus in the intestine is encouraged.

Citrus fruits of all kinds (oranges, pineapples), berries, and grapes are other banned fruits. Grapes must not be fed because of their high fructose content. Avocados should never, under any circumstances, be fed. Horses are poisoned by avocados. They can potentially result in fatal respiratory distress and colic! For horses, avocados are an absolute no-go.

All cruciferous vegetables are included in the list of forbidden foods. Horses experience flatulence as a result of these. Among them are kohlrabi (German turnip), Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower. Potatoes are not for horses, despite the fact that we humans, particularly Germans, adore them. In fact, eating them uncooked makes them poisonous. Additionally forbidden are tomatoes, onions, peppers, and cucumbers.

Fruits and vegetables for horses – list to take a note of

Here, we provide you with a list of all acceptable and prohibited fruits and vegetables to note. Just write them down or copy them out onto paper. If you’re ever confused, you can check the list to ensure that nothing is being fed incorrectly.

These sorts are digestible

Fruits	Vegetables
Apples	Carrots
Bananas	Beetroot
Pears	Lettuce
Watermelons
Peaches

These sorts are a no-go

Fruits	Vegetables
Pineapples	Broccolis
Avocadoes	Cucumbers
Berries	Potatoes
Figs	Cabbages
Cherries	Peppers
Citrus fruits	Radishes
Grapes	Tomatoes
	Onions
	Rhubarbs

Der Beitrag Fruits and vegetables for horses – Which ones horses are really allowed to eat? erschien zuerst auf ehorses Magazine.

Horse Purchase Contract

2023-11-24T09:45:30Z

What rights do I have as a buyer? What does warranty exclusion or transfer of risk mean? Is the horse in the horse purchase contract really the right one? We have summarised for you in this guide what you have to expect and what you have to pay attention to in a horse purchase contract. Including a sample purchase contract for download (in German only)!

Everyone who buys and sells horses has already dealt with the topic of a horse purchase contract. You will learn from us what you as a rider or the breeder must consider. In addition, you may learn what else should be considered before purchasing a horse in this guide.

Essential components of a horse purchase contract – Tips

Contracting parties & disclaimer of warranty

First, the contracting parties, i.e. buyer and seller, are defined in the purchase contract.

As a buyer I should then ask myself 2 questions:

Is the seller also the real owner of the horse?

To do this, you can ask to see the horse passport, because the owner is usually indicated there.

Is the seller a private person or a company?

Seller: Company + Buyer: Private = Commercial contract

Seller: Private + Buyer: Private = Private contract

If the seller is a company, a commercial contract is concluded. This means that the buyer has warranty claims. Warranty claims are rights for defects according to § 437 BGB (german civil code). We have summarised them here.

437 No. 1: Subsequent fulfilment

The rectification of the defect by the seller, as long as it does not involve disproportionately high costs for the seller.

437 No. 2: Withdrawal

A buyer may withdraw from the contract if the defect is not insignificant.

437 No. 3: Reduction

Reduction of purchase price: Instead of withdrawing from the contract, the purchase price can be reduced or a part of the purchase price can be refunded by the seller.

437 No. 4: Damages

Damages: The buyer can claim damages in addition to the other claims.

These rights apply, for instance, if a chronic illness in the horse is diagnosed after the sale but was unknown at the time of purchase. However, the rights for defects may be excluded if the seller is a private individual. Then it is referred to as a warranty exclusion.

Object of purchase – the horse

The object of purchase is the horse. It does not matter to which horse breed the animal belongs, whether it is a pony or whether you want to buy your riding partner – The object of purchase remains the same.

Here is a checklist, which data of the horse are needed:

Name
15-digit life number
Sex
Pedigree
Markings

To make sure that the correct horse is indicated here, the implanted chip of the horse can be read, which indicates the life number. The implantation of a chip is mandatory for all horses born after July 01, 2009.

A purchase contract is an essential part of buying a horse.

What must be included in a horse purchase contract?

A horse purchase contract should contain the name and address of the buyer as well as the details of the object of purchase (the horse), payment information and other important information.

Purchase price and payment terms

The purchase price and the time and method of payment must also be specified in the purchase agreement. If payment is made by bank transfer, the seller’s bank details should be included. A cash payment or payment in instalments can also be agreed upon and must be recorded in the purchase contract.

Transfer of ownership and risk

Sellers are often very keen on retaining the ownership. The seller is the owner until the full purchase price has been paid by the buyer.

However, in the seller’s interest, the transfer of risk should take place as early as possible, i.e. preferably as soon as the contract is concluded. This way the buyer immediately bears the full risk should the horse get injured or even die (deterioration & loss). Logically, the buyer takes a risk with this. So it makes sense to specify in the purchase contract that the transfer of risk is the time when the horse is picked up by the buyer or arrives at a new home.

Further agreements in the horse purchase contract

Warranty rights / warranty exclusions

As already explained at the beginning, private persons are allowed to exclude warranty claims.

Agreements on quality

Was a certain level of schooling promised? (farrier, loading, etc.)

Does the horse have competition experience or even successes?

Is it suitable for breeding?

What is the health status?

Important to know – The written form clause

The written form clause states that only what has been recorded in writing is legally binding. You should never neglect this clause, as it is essential in the event of a dispute.

Horse purchase contract – What documents must be handed over?

All important documents must be handed over to the buyer.

The horse passport and ownership certificate are especially important, yet the breeding certificate or the stud certificate can also be included if necessary.

Form of the horse purchase contract

Yes, handshakes and verbal agreements are also legally valid means of concluding a purchase contract. However, the risk is very high with these methods, because what happens if one of the contracting parties suddenly no longer adheres to the deal? In that case, there is not much you can do about it. A written purchase agreement is therefore a clear must when buying a horse.

Procedure of a horse purchase

How does a horse purchase actually proceed? Of course, this is always a little different, but a standard horse purchase looks like this:

Viewing

First you have to find a horse that meets your criteria. Which horse suits you depends solely on you. You have to decide beforehand how old, how tall and how well trained the horse should be. Then you start your search and look for your dream horse, for example, on the large horse market of ehorses.

Trial (depending on the level of training of the horse)

In most cases the horse is ridden 1 to 2 times and then you have to make a decision. In some cases, however, a trial period is also allowed.

Pre-purchase examination (vet check)

The results of the examination should be included in the purchase contract. The results of the examination should therefore be written down in the purchase contract.

Let your trainer, a breeder or a veterinarian accompany you during the pre-purchase examination. It is always important to have an experienced person who can give you good advice and tips when making difficult decisions.

How long after the purchase of the horse may I withdraw the contract?

The buyer has the right to withdraw from the purchase contract, only if a defect has been present at the time of delivery. As a rule, the buyer must assert his rights within two years.

What has to be done after the horse purchase?

The change of ownership of horses must be declared to the German Equestrian Federation. It is the buyer’s responsibility to send the necessary form and horse passport to the Federation.

Sample horse purchase contract

You have already found your dream horse? Create your individual purchase contract now! CLICK HERE (only in German).

What has to be taken into account in a horse purchase contract?

It must be ensured that all important points are included in the horse purchase contract to safeguard the buyer and seller.

Important questions regarding the horse purchase – Interview with an expert

In recent years, our buying habits have generally changed a lot, and so has the purchase of a horse. Attorney Andreas Ackenheil specialises in the topic of equine purchase law and has answered the most important (legal) questions on this topic:

What should buyers or sellers pay attention to before the purchase is closed?

Usually a viewing session is arranged, during which the buyer can examine the horse in more detail and also test ride it. It is not uncommon for buyers to decide on a different horse during the viewing session.

2. What qualities should my horse have?

Usually the horse is bought for a special purpose. Is it only to be used for recreational riding or do you want to participate in competitions with it? Should it be unbroken, broken in or already have a certain level of training? These so-called characteristics of the horse can be made the subject of the purchase contract, for which the seller is liable if the horse does not actually have these characteristics. The inclusion of these terms facilitates the presentation of evidence in the event of a dispute.

3. Why is a written purchase contract required?

A horse purchase contract concluded verbally also has validity. Nowadays, more and more “sales talks” are conducted via WhatsApp or Facebook chats. However, this is not advisable from a legal point of view, as it is often no longer possible to retrace which specific provisions the contracting parties agreed upon. Which characteristics of the horse were agreed upon in the sales talk, what happens if the horse has a genetic disease, for example, what purchase price was agreed upon, etc.? Verbal agreements or even chat conversations usually lead to difficulties in providing evidence.

4. What data should be included in a purchase contract?

In addition to the data of the contracting parties, important information about the horse to be sold should also be included in the purchase contract. This ensures that the horse can be identified in the event of a dispute. In any case, the life number and the breeding association should be included. It is also advisable to include special characteristics of the horse, such as the coloring or whether it has markings. This data should be controlled with collection of the horse also, advises Attorney Ackenheil. In case of dispute, the horse can be accurately identified.

5. If you want to buy a horse privately, does the private buyer have special rights?

If you have bought a horse as a private buyer, the important legal regulations concerning the purchase of consumer goods apply. These have a significant impact on the purchase contract or the further steps in case of a problem. With the purchase of consumer goods, a commercial seller, such as a horse dealer, sells a horse to a private buyer. In this case, the seller cannot completely exclude the warranty, for example. During the first 6 months, there is also a change in who holds the burden of proof. If the horse has a sickness for which the seller is responsible, then this applies. In this situation, the seller must provide evidence that he sold a sound horse. “The private buyer thereby gets a specific protection of his rights toward the seller,” says Attorney Ackenheil.

6. How can the seller prove the health of the horse?

In case of any health problems of the sold horse later on, especially if the contract for the sale of the horse has only been concluded verbally, there is always the difficulty of proof. For instance, the seller is well aware that he has mentioned this health problem of the horse, but the buyer swears that the seller has not mentioned anything of this kind.

Particularly with high-priced horses a recent veterinary investigation (vet check) should be necessarily done, says horse law expert Ackenheil.Among other things, the veterinarian can evaluate the horse on the basis of the X-ray results which provides the purchaser a veterinary evidence to facilitate his purchase decision.The veterinarian is usually also liable for the assessment he or she has carried out, and therefore has an interest of his or her own in a valid veterinary judgement. If a veterinary examination has been carried out, this should also be included in the contract.

7. Is there an exclusion of liability for the horse seller?

Between private persons, liability for defects can usually be excluded. Therefore, special attention should be paid when purchasing a horse from a private person. The commercial seller (usually the horse dealer), on the other hand, cannot completely exclude liability; he is liable for a “used” horse (older than 6 months) for at least one year, which provides the buyer with some preliminary security. When buying a foal, the legal warranty period of two years usually comes into effect, since according to the case law of the Federal Court of Justice, a foal is considered a “new object” to which the two-year warranty period applies. Therefore, special caution is advised when reading conditions in the contract such as “the horse is purchased as seen and test ridden”. Horse law expert Ackenheil: “Whether the seller is operating as an entrepreneur when selling a horse is often the subject of legal disputes.”

8. Can the limitation period in a horse purchase contract be shortened at will?

We often read in contracts that the limitation period is shortened to 3 or 6 months. However, this is not legally possible, especially when selling a horse to a consumer, such a clause is therefore invalid. The seller is usually liable for a period of 2 years from the delivery of the horse. Therefore, such a claim must also be asserted to the day within 2 years from the delivery of the horse.

Attorney Ackenheil mentioned: “However, if the seller has fraudulently misled the buyer about the terms of the purchase contract and the deal has been done, the limitation period is extended to 3 years from the end of the year in which the purchase contract was signed. As a result, particular caution is required while making claims.”

9. Ineffective contract terms

A purchase contract may have many general terms and conditions. These are pre-formulated agreements in the contract, which is why the principles on general terms and conditions apply to them. Nevertheless, the actual legal effectiveness of these agreements is not always ensured. In my almost 20 years as a lawyer, I have had to read many nonsensical terms in a horse purchase contract. Often such contracts are simply signed, without the particular regulations being read exactly, says Attorney Ackenheil.

However, in accordance with the general terms and conditions, such rules are ineffectual, for instance, if they significantly disadvantage one contractual partner over the other or are so unexpected to him that he does not need to account for them in the contract. For the buyer, these regulations can represent a ” rescue anchor “, on which one should not rely, however, the inefficacy of particular contract regulations is often only determined by the court in a quite lengthy and cost-intensive process.

10. I want to buy a horse from abroad, what do I have to consider?

Particular caution is advisable when a horse is purchased from abroad. If a defect occurs in the horse within the warranty period, the buyer’s claims must usually be asserted abroad. The relevant European regulations only provide for a few exceptional cases in which claims can also be asserted in the buyer’s country of residence. For example, if the seller has focused his business only on that particular country and therefore sells horses almost exclusively to that country. This is ultimately a question of proof, which can often only be clarified in court, according to lawyer Ackenheil.

11. Data protection and social media – what can be published?

Nowadays, social media is taking up more and more space in our lives. It is not uncommon for a prospective buyer to post about the purchase of a horse, for example. If you have only test ridden a horse but not yet bought it, you are not allowed to use a photo of the horse on your social media channels without the owner’s consent. The owner can claim injunctive relief against the buyer and this can quickly become quite expensive. This also applies in principle to photos that the seller uses himself on a sales platform on the Internet to make the prospective buyer aware of the horse. The rights to use the photo belong to the seller who created the photo. After the purchase of the horse, no obstacles stand in the way of publication.

12. What are the arguments against a horse purchase contract downloaded from the Internet?

Many purchase contracts offered for download on the Internet are unfortunately outdated, contain legally invalid terms and are therefore not recommended.

On the other hand, the increasingly popular legal assistance tools for creating contracts can be a cost-effective alternative. Together with TripliQ and Ackenheil Law Firm, we provide an individualised horse purchase contract as a reliable and affordable safeguard. Quickly and easily, by answering individual questions step-by-step, according to your specifications and taking into account case law, you can create a horse purchase contract that regulates the most important problem points in horse purchases. Unfortunately it is only available in German language.

P.S.: For all further legal questions and special regulations, however, you should not be afraid to seek the advice of a lawyer specialising in horse purchase law.

Der Beitrag Horse Purchase Contract erschien zuerst auf ehorses Magazine.

Beet pulp for horse: effectiveness & feeding recommendation

2023-11-24T09:49:45Z

Horses are fed beet pulp, which is simply finely chopped dry sugar beet. Beet pulp is now commonly used in horse feed. However, many horse owners shy away from feeding this energy source because of the word “sugar” and the supposedly challenging feeding procedure. Feeding sugar beet pulp, however, can be quite beneficial for some horses if you know what to look for and the advantages it has for the horse. Everything you need to know about beet pulp for horses is included in this article.

What is beet pulp for horses?

To begin with, what exactly is beet pulp? Let’s start with an explanation. It refers to the same product even if it appears under several names. A byproduct of the sugar beet industry, which seeks to create sugar, is sugar beet pulp. These leftovers from industrial processing are then turned into a premium concentrated feed for use in animal feed.

The sugar beet is a type of root vegetable, just like the potato. After the beet’s sugar has been removed, pulp and fibre—or more specifically, pulp containing crude fibre—remain. This leftover product typically has molasses (sugar syrup, another by-product of sugar extraction) added to it. Beet pulps that haven’t been molassed, on the other hand, have a lower sugar concentration (5% as opposed to 20% in molassed pulps). It also means they have fewer soluble carbohydrates.

These chopped, dried sugar beet pulps can be bought either loose or as pellets.

What impact does beet pulp have on horses?

For horses, beet pulp has a lot of advantages. They are used primarily as a source of energy, which is released more gradually than, say, oats. Beet pulp is also excellent for helping overweight or underweight horses acquire weight.

Feeding recommendation of beet pulp for horses

Correct feeding of beet pulp for horses

One constantly hears that feeding beet pulp to horses is “complicated.” In fact, there are a few crucial factors to consider, if disregarded, can potentially pose a life-threatening risk in the form of colic or pharyngeal obstructions! However, the correct preparation of beet pulp does not involve any witchcraft. Sugar beet pulp can be fed to animals without any danger as long as a few rules are followed. We’ll define “complicated feeding” in the next section and demonstrate how to simplify it.

Recipe: Thoroughly soak the beet pulp

A horse’s health is seriously in danger if beet pulp is not soaked properly. Both a too short and an excessively long soak may be dangerous. However, determining the ideal soaking period is not challenging at all. You will learn what to pay attention to in the following points:

Always soak the beet pulp sufficiently in water
Before feeding, the beet pulp must be soaked in about five times the amount of cold water. Loose beet pulp should generally soak for at least six hours. Pellets must soak for a longer period of time—at least 8 to 12 hours—because of the dense pressing. In any case, soak the pellets until there are no more noticeable hard chunks
Beet pulp can swell up to four times its original size. Therefore, if it is not sufficiently soaked, it will swell when consumed in the horse’s oesophagus and may cause a potentially fatal pharyngeal obstruction. Soak the flakes or pellets in enough water for a sufficient amount of time every time. When there is still some water in the soaking container after soaking, the water supply is adequate
Never ever feed dry, unsoaked beet pulp!
Avoid over-soaking beet pulp

The next step of feeding is the supposedly “complicated” part. Both an excessively short and an excessively long bath might be hazardous to the horse.

Beet pulp is referred to as liquid feed. Feeds with a high water content and good digestion are known as liquid feeds. They are, nonetheless, rather spoilable. Therefore, soaking beet pulp too long will cause it to begin fermenting. In the worst case scenario, this may result in harmful colic

The rule of thumb here is: Do not soak for more than 24 hours and dispose immediately if the pellets smell fermented!

How should beet pulp be prepared for my horse?

Never feed beet pulp dry; always let it soak in cold water first. Due to its dense pressing, pellets require at least 8–12 hours of soaking time, whereas loose beet pulp requires at least 6 hours. These recommendations should be followed immediately since if the soaking period is too short or too lengthy, the horse's health may be at risk.

Be mindful of the seasons

Make sure the pellets don’t freeze during soaking in the winter. For the same reason that when the pellets’ soaking time is too short, the consequence of their inability to fully absorb water occurs. There is a high probability that the pellets will continue to swell in the oesophagus or digestive tract after the soaking period has been cut short, which could result in obstructions.

Due to the warm summer weather, the pellets may begin to ferment faster, having the same negative effects as an excessively long soak. Soaking the beet pulp in a cool location, such as the cellar, is advised.

Beet pulp for horses: ideal feeding quantities

Of course, the amount fed depends on the horse’s energy requirements. However, as a general rule, 250 g to 500 g of unsoaked beet pulp or 1-2 handfuls are sufficient. This amount is per horse every day. However, it is best to split the amount into two portions throughout the day.

The amount of feed should be increased gradually, just like with any other feed change. If you wish to begin giving your horse beet pulp, the first feedings should be significantly less than the recommended amount.

What is the price of beet pulp for horses?

0.60 € to 2 € per kg, depending on the brand, design, and quality. For instance, unmolassed beet pulp costs more but still contains a lot of useful fibres and has a lower sugar level.

Beet pulp for horses: Advantages

Examining the nutrients and how they impact the horse will help you decide whether beet pulp is a suitable feed to offer your own horse. Based on this, it is possible to determine if the horse actually requires the benefits associated with feeding or whether the drawbacks, such as the more difficult preparation of the meal, outweigh them.

Crude fibre and Sucrose as a Weight-gaining & Energy source

Many active horses or picky eaters benefit from the addition of concentrated feed in addition to roughage, such hay. Oats are the most popular option, however beet pulp can also be used as a concentrate. In contrast to oats, beet pulp gets its energy from sugar and crude fibre rather than starch. As a result, beet pulp has an advantage over oats because it does not have the same energising impact. This is due to the sugar beet pulp’s raw fibre content, which releases the available energy gradually and is also relatively simple to digest.

Therefore, beet pulp as a concentrate is especially beneficial for horses who require weight gain without exploding with energy. As a result, it is also appropriate for horses and ponies that are infrequently ridden as the only concentrate feed. Beet pulp is great for supplementary feeding of the following due to its high energy level, which is very slowly released and is extremely easily digestible:

Skinny horses
Poor eaters
Horses recovering after illness
Old horses
Horses that participate in long-distance activities
Horses which may experience temperature swings when energy sources are readily available

For very active sport horses, beet pulp alone is probably not sufficient as a concentrate feed. However, a combination with oats, alfalfa or other horse feed rich in crude fibre can be a solution for hot-headed sport horses in order to reduce the proportion of oats somewhat and still achieve an adequate energy supply. Combining oats and beet pulp has other advantages, which will be discussed in more detail in the “Protein, Calcium and Phosphorus” section.

Pectine

In beet pulp, there are a lot of pectins (around 25%). For horses, these plant polysaccharides are simple to digest, healthy for the intestinal flora, and a source of energy. Pectin cannot be broken down by the enzymes in the small intestine because it is a complex carbohydrate. However, small intestine bacteria that are crucial to the flora of the digestive system and are referred to as “good” bacteria can. Therefore, pectins encourage the growth of these “good bacteria,” which in turn contributes to a balanced intestinal flora.

They serve as a water reservoir by drawing in and retaining water molecules in the rear section of the horse’s intestine. Therefore, beet pulp can help reduce the symptoms of diarrhoea. Pectins, however, are capable of even more, and as a result, they also have a detoxifying effect and a favourable impact on the horse’s blood parameters.

Every horse benefits from pectins’ good influence, of course. However, the following horses benefit most from these effects:

Horses that perspire a lot when working in warmer weather (beet pulp can stop this because the pectins act as water reservoirs)
Horses that are recovering from illness and (re)establishing a balanced gut flora

How long can beet pulp be fed?

Beet pulp can be fed throughout the year. However, it is important to consider the seasonal conditions when making the beet pulp. For many horse owners, the winter is a particularly favourable time to provide beet pulp. 250 g to 500 g of unsoaked beet pulp per day and per horse might be taken into consideration as a general range for the intake. This amount should ideally be split between two meals each day.

Protein, calcium and phosphorus

The protein level of sugar beet pulp is modest (about 7%), but it is rich in calcium and energy. The calcium to phosphorus ratio, however, is not particularly ideal. A phosphorus deficiency may result from giving your horse too much beet pulp too rapidly.

All horses can benefit from these vital nutrients, of course. Oats are particularly appealing in this regard, as they have relatively high protein and phosphorus amounts but low calcium levels. Due to its high protein content, alfalfa is also an excellent supplement to other feeds. As a result, combining various meals helps to balance the nutrient levels in feeding.

Lysine

Lysine is present in beet pulp in high concentrations (5.9 g/kg). In horse feed, the amino acid lysine is regarded as limiting, which means that it is frequently lacking. However, lysine is crucial for several processes in the horse’s body . Cell division, bone and muscle growth, and fat and muscle metabolism are a few of these. Along with supporting performance, the amino acid also benefits skin and connective tissue.

Another beneficial quality of lysine is its ability to prevent or fight off viral diseases like the herpes virus. Every horse can benefit from the qualities and functions of lysine, particularly growing young horses in particular. For this rare amino acid, beet pulp is a fantastic source of minerals.

Crude fibre

Beet pulp consists to a large extent of crude fibre. Which is not only a great source of energy that is released gradually, but is also simple to chew and digest. Older horses or horses with dental issues can easily consume beet pulp due to its soft consistency.

Beet pulp is a liquid feed, making it the perfect alternative to the horse feed in winter that is quite heavy in roughage. Beet pulp is a wonderful addition to hay and straw.

For which horses is the feeding of beet pulp particularly useful?

Anyone who wants to include beet pulp in their horse’s feeding routine can, of course, do so regardless of the horse. The positive aspects of dry beet pulp benefit every horse. However, the following is a brief summary of the horses for which the feeding of beet pulp is of particular importance:

poor eaters for gaining weight
generally for gaining weight without being overloaded with energy
as concentrated feed for horses that are not ridden much/are too energetic from oats
horses in long distance sport
horses that sweat a lot during work in warmer temperatures
horses recovering after illness (to (re)build up a healthy intestinal flora)
for old horses

Where can I get beet pulp for horses?

Beet pulp has become a well-known horse feed. Thus, they can also be bought in almost every equestrian store. Depending on the type (molassed, unmolassed, pellets, loose) and supplier, prices vary from 0.60 cents to 2 euros per kilo (in Germany).

Beet pulp for horses – a summary of the most important facts

Feeding beet pulp has many positive effects on horses. For some horses these positive effects are of particular importance to achieve certain goals. However, care should be taken to keep the amount in moderation and not to feed too quickly. Therefore, and also because of the nutritional value, a combination with other products such as oats, roughage, wheat bran, mash etc can also be a good way to integrate beet pulp. The best way to do this is to pick beet pulp that is free of molasses. These are somewhat more expensive, but they only have a sugar content of 5% instead of 20%.

A disadvantage of feeding beet pulp is definitely that it is more time-consuming compared to other products. Care, organisation and time are required when preparing it, but if you know what to look for, it is absolutely doable. For some, the positive effects can definitely outweigh the effort involved in feeding. The most important thing is to pay attention to the soaking time, so you don’t have to be afraid of the turmeric root vegetables anymore.

In addition to all the positive effects of beet pulp, there is another crucial advantage: they just taste good to the four-legged friends due to their sweet taste!

Der Beitrag Beet pulp for horse: effectiveness & feeding recommendation erschien zuerst auf ehorses Magazine.

Which horse suits me? Test yourself now!

2024-01-30T12:19:29Z

Are you looking for a suitable horse for yourself? One of the most important questions to ask yourself prior to buying a horse is: Which horse actually suits me? Take the test now to find out which horse would suit you!

The choice of horse breeds is very large. There are over 350 horse breeds in the world. How can you decide? Beforehand, you should definitely be clear about what exactly you are looking for, how much time you can spend on the horse, etc. These are essential factors that play an influential role in the choice of a horse. Test yourself now and find out which horse breed really suits you.

Which horse suits me? Check it out now!

Dressage rider

Travers, piaffe and freestyle are not foreign words for you, you are sporty, ambitious and have big goals? Then you are definitely a dressage rider. You have high expectations of your horse, but your persistent training, a tremendous amount of patience and sensitivity will bring you immense success. You need a horse that shows a high willingness to learn, that likes to cooperate with you and that you can rely on 100%. Together you will become a harmonious pair in your tests. Here are some suggestions of which horse breed your future ribbon winner might be.

Of course, this is only a very small selection and if you haven’t found the right one yet, you will definitely find the right horses for you HERE.

Oldenburg: The Oldenburg is one of the most famous sport horses in dressage and show jumping. Oldenburgs are very powerful, intelligent and show a well-mannered way of behaving. Especially at the jump, Oldenburgers are very skillful and are therefore appreciated as jumping horses. Temperament and willingness to please are also among the popular traits of this handsome sport horse.

Hanoverian: Hanoverians are among the best known and most successful of all warmbloods. They are used in dressage as well as in show jumping and show many successes. Hanoverians have an affable character, are very intelligent and show a very high willingness to learn. The harmonious movement, as well as the excellent rideability make the Hanoverian the perfect sport horse.

Friesian: Friesian, the black beauty, has a very strong nervous system, is reliable and has a high degree of stamina. They are one of the most majestic horse breeds with a unique charisma and are therefore also very suitable as dressage horses. Friesians have very spirited gaits and a lot of temperament.

Andalusian: Andalusians are excellent for dressage. Their elegant, zestful appearance has made them very popular. They demonstrate a high level of obedience and are naturally talented in dressage movements. So if you are looking for a horse that you can rely on and that you can take to shows in the future, you should definitely consider an Andalusian.

What kind of horse is suitable for beginners?

Basically, beginners should first and foremost choose a calm and already experienced horse. However, bear in mind that a very experienced horse will not be the best teacher for the beginner either.

Which horse suits me? The most important criteria

When choosing your horse, it is important to consider that both the horse and the rider have certain qualities and characteristics that should naturally harmonise. Often only the demands of the horse are taken into account. However, before buying, the rider should realistically assess his riding skills and abilities in order to find the right partner.

To be able to make a decision when looking for the right horse, the desired horse should be outlined as precisely as possible. The following criteria can help:

Which horse breed suits me?

There are over 350 breeds of horses worldwide. It is almost impossible to represent all breeds. However, in most cases, the breed is not the decisive criterion for the purchase, unless the horse will further be used for breeding. The breeds are assigned to different types of horses. These horse types have certain characteristics and properties. Thereby one refers to the exterior (physical characteristics) and the other one to the interior (psychological characteristics & behaviour).

So depending on what character and conformation is desired, certain breeds can be looked at in depth and shortlisted. Before buying, every rider should be clear about the discipline in which the horse will be used. Because not all horses are suitable for the desired discipline.

Character/behaviour of the horse

Just like with humans, there are many different personalities in horses. The character shows itself when riding and also when dealing with the horse. It is a mixture of genes and environment. So there are calm, patient, forgiving mistakes, sensitive, stubborn, with strong nerves, or balanced horses. Performance ability and temperament also play a role. Beginners should start with calm and easy-going horses. With experienced riders there is no patent formula. A hot-tempered, restless horse can be handled well by a calm or even spirited rider. However, the character of the horse is decisive for the relationship between rider and horse and is therefore an important criterion for a test ride.

What kind of training level should the horse have?

Depending on the rider’s level of experience, the horse must have a certain level of training. In any case, a novice rider should select a horse with a strong foundational education. In order to master the desired competitions with the new partner, the ambitious competition rider typically places additional expectations on the horse. When selecting, it’s crucial that the horse has aptitude for the intended disciplines and matches the rider’s skill level.

What is the most suitable age of the horse?

Generally speaking, elder horses are calmer than younger ones because they have more experience. Therefore, you shouldn’t choose relatively young horses if you prefer an experienced partner. However, as each horse is unique, there are also calm representatives among the young horses that are, for instance, appropriate for novices.

What is the best suited height of the horse?

Select a shorter horse if you are small yourself. Taller horses will perform effectively with taller riders. A big rider will make life difficult for a little horse. The rider’s weight might be problematic because the horse must balance the heavy rider’s high centre of gravity. Nevertheless, it is merely a generalisation and there are other factors which play a significant role.

What size of horse suits me?

If you are small yourself, you should choose a smaller horse. Tall riders will go along better with larger horses. Nevertheless, it is merely a generalisation and there are other factors which play a significant role.

Which sex of the horse to choose?

Stallions behave in a domineering manner. Stallions can be challenging to handle and require strong, consistent leadership. Due to their castration, geldings are typically friendlier and simpler to handle when riding. Mares can be a little cranky and challenging to handle, especially when they are in heat. Beginners are frequently instructed to select a gelding. Regardless , horses are not a homogeneous species; some stallions and mares are very sociable.

As a result, the decision should be taken on an individual basis. Each horse is an individual, and there are numerous specific criteria. To ensure the happiness of both the rider and the horse, the horse must meet the rider’s needs and abilities. In any case, a test ride should be taken before purchasing the horse to better determine its temperament, degree of training, etc.

Der Beitrag Which horse suits me? Test yourself now! erschien zuerst auf ehorses Magazine.

Renting a horse – What you should know

2023-11-16T15:05:32Z

Not everyone is lucky enough to be able to afford their own horse right away. Often you don’t have enough savings, maybe you want to try out being a horse owner first and see if it could work. You will find everything you need to know about horse renting in this article.

Why renting a horse?

The reasons why one gets a renting horse are very different. But ask yourself: Do I really want to do this to myself? After all, renting a horse means a greater commitment than a shared ride or riding in a school. Both time-wise and financially. Riding lessons can be cancelled if necessary, if it doesn’t suit you and you’d rather go to the swimming pool. Or you don’t feel like cleaning the muddy paddock every day in winter temperatures. Such an approach does not work well with a rental horse! You must understand that the horse is like your “own” and must be treated as such. This can take anywhere between two and four hours, and perhaps much longer, depending on the effort. Simply stating, “I don’t feel like it right now,” is not appropriate. The horse’s owner wants to be sure that his animal is in good hands.

In addition, your riding ability is also decisive. Of course, this always depends on the horse and what you want to do. For a purely recreational horse that mainly goes off-road, this is not necessarily the deciding factor. If you can ride walk, trot, canter and stay on top, that is often enough for some owners. But especially for the more “demanding” horses with a certain level of training, you should also be able to show a certain level. It is of no use to anyone if you hobble around on “Samson Hit” every day and after a few months, thanks to your riding skills, he is no longer a “hit” and instead needs a rider and an osteopath. Unfortunately, many overestimate themselves and like to pretend to the owners that they can already ride “safe A-level”, although they often would not even win a prize in an E dressage level (Germany). Sadly, nobody benefits from this, least of all the horse.

If you have already had a riding partner, you already know that. With a renting horse, however, it is still different. You actually have the horse for yourself seven days a week instead of two or three, and you have to take care of it accordingly. In addition, you have a greater risk, especially if the horse is sick, or an accident happens, or the condition of the horse deteriorates during the renting time for whatever reason. Such a situation can quickly become a subject of dispute between owner and renter.

What is the cost of a renting horse?

Normally you take over the daily costs – i.e. stable rent, farrier, possibly additional feed. The rest can be negotiated. More about this below. There are also owners who demand complete coverage of costs. So you have to take over the insurances, veterinary costs, vaccinations, worming etc. as well. Depending on the region, stable, etc. you can expect a monthly burden between about 300 and 1000 € (in Germany).

Therefore, you should calculate well: Can I handle this financial expenditure without my other financial obligations (rent, living expenses, car, etc.) suffering? Once again: In most cases, a renting horse means the same monthly financial outlay as if you had your own horse. The only difference is that it does not belong to you. However, you bear most of the risk! Also, if the horse gets sick, depending on the illness, it can quickly bring you to the brink of ruin if you have no savings. Certainly, this is the absolute “worst case”, but something like this has to be considered as well! So be absolutely honest with yourself about that, because simply returning the horse as with a riding share is usually not so easy.

The harmony between horse, owner and you must be right.

Where can I find a renting horse?

There are several possibilities. If you are already the absolute top rider with a lot of potential in your stable, it is possible that an owner will approach you directly. Alternatively, you may have a riding partnership and the owner offers to take over the horse for a certain period of time. Unfortunately, this rarely happens. The advantage for the owner is: he/she has already seen you ride a few times and can roughly estimate whether his/her horse would harmonize with you. On the other hand, you can also keep your eyes and ears open in your stable and just ask. Costs nothing and at least the stable mates will know that you are looking for a horse and can possibly ask around for you.

Another way to find a horse for rent is to post notices at the stables in your area. Just write a few lines about yourself and what you are looking for including contact details on the bulletin board of the stable. It is best to add your phone number. Especially older owners like to clarify such things over the phone and not via email/WhatsApp. It is simply more personal. Ask breeders, some make their horses available to good riders, for self or further training and / or for the show presentation.

The most common and widely used variant are classified ad portals. Also with us on ehorses you can find advertisements. You can decide if you want to create an ad yourself or just look through the ads of the horse owners and respond to them. The same applies here as with notices: do not lie! Don’t make up tournament placings or a level of training that you don’t have. This will come to light at the trial anyway. And yes, owners also google potential rider candidates. If you try to be better than you are, you will quickly get a bad reputation. The riding world is mostly a village anyway and it could be the case that the owner has an acquaintance in your stable or knows someone who knows you.

What you should pay attention to at the appointment to get to know the horse?

Pay attention to the first impression! This applies to the impression you make on the owner as well as what impression you get from the owner and the stable. If you come waddling in like Madam Flodder, no one will want to trust you with their horse. Of course you don’t have to appear dressed up like a model from the latest catalogue. No one is interested in whether your breeches match the saddle pad from “Samson Hit”. A well-groomed appearance and a friendly demeanour, on the other hand, do.

If you try out a horse in your stable, you at least know the facility, know where things are, how the horses are kept, etc. If the horse is in an unfamiliar stable, take a closer look: How is the horse kept there? Is the facility well maintained? How is the feed quality, what is fed? Does the horse need any supplements? Does it eat everything in principle or is it rather a bit “picky”? Look closely at the horse: Are the legs and the back in good condition? Does it have any crookedness (hips etc.)? Is it well muscled? Are the hooves in order, etc.? Everything you would/should look for when purchasing a horse.

Of course, the chemistry with the owner is also important. Can you imagine getting along well with this person? After all, it is (and remains) his / her horse and now and then you have to agree on certain things. If you have a bad feeling about the owner from the beginning, think again. There are other owners who also have beautiful horses.

The trial ride – What to keep in mind

During the trial, trust your instincts when interacting with the horse, observing its behavior, and assessing its condition. Maintain your usual routines in grooming, saddling, and riding. Seek guidance from the owner about the horse’s quirks and pay close attention during explanations. Ride in different environments to gauge the horse’s reactions. If the chemistry isn’t immediate, consider another trial ride on a different day. Be honest with yourself about the harmony, and value feedback from the owner. Having a knowledgeable companion for a second opinion is beneficial, and for serious considerations, a veterinary examination may be worthwhile. Remember, building a connection takes time.

The test ride shows whether the riding chemistry is right.

Which conditions should/must I discuss?

Consider various factors when determining the conditions for renting a horse. Plan ahead by assessing your weekly availability, factoring in school, work, and budget constraints. Address concerns about vacations, illness, and potential job loss, ensuring the horse’s well-being during such situations. Research costs, particularly stable rent, which can vary regionally. Self-catering stables may be more economical but require additional time. Assess if riding lessons and clinics align with your budget. Keep in mind that having a renting horse doesn’t exempt you from continuing your education. Ensure that the arrangement suits both your needs and the owner’s expectations. Avoid committing to anything that doesn’t align with your preferences, whether it be related to riding, time, or finances. If uncertain, consider a “trial month” to assess the compatibility of the horse with your lifestyle.

Horse renting – Do I need a contract?

In any case you should set the terms and conditions in writing with the owner in a contract! Of course you can also agree verbally, but in case of doubt or dispute it is always better to have something in writing. There are already a lot of example contracts on the internet. Alternatively, you can draw up an individual contract. If you are unsure, it is better to have the contract checked by a lawyer. He can explain to you if there are any pitfalls. It is better to spend a few euros for this, but to have legal security in case of emergency.

What is the cost of a renting horse?

It varies. Normally you take over the daily costs. The rest can be negotiated. There are also owners who demand complete coverage of costs. So you have to take over the insurances, veterinary costs, vaccinations, worming etc. as well. Depending on the region, stable, etc. you can expect a monthly burden between about 300 and 1000 € (in Germany).

Der Beitrag Renting a horse – What you should know erschien zuerst auf ehorses Magazine.

Hay Pellets – the ideal alternative to hay?

2023-11-16T15:05:21Z

Hay forms the basis of all feeding. It provides nutrients such as crude fibre, sugar, protein and energy. However, it is not suitable for every type of horse. For horses with respiratory and dental problems, hay pellets are used as a substitute for hay. Find out if you should feed hay pellets as an alternative to hay and what the advantages and disadvantages are.

What are hay pellets?

Hay pellets serve as a substitute for hay and can enhance the basic feed. The hay pellets are made from grass that has been mown at the optimal time. The mown grass is dried by a warm air process, then crushed and pressed into pellets.

Why feed hay pellets?

Due to this manufacturing process, the hay pellets are free of mould and irritant dust, making them a good base for horses with respiratory problems. For horses with dental issues, it might be difficult to grind the hay finely enough, therefore you should offer hay pellets, especially to older horses, to ensure that they continue to receive vital nutrients.

What are hay pellets?

Hay pellets can supplement the basic feed and act as a replacement for hay. The ideal time to cut the grass is used to create the pellets. The freshly cut grass is dried with hot air before being crushed and formed into pellets.

How to feed hay pellets correctly?

There are three different types of hay pellets. First, there are the green meal pellets. These consist of young, soft grass, which is dried and chopped. Besides there are the grass pellets, the grass of which is already a little older than the grass of the green meal pellets. The third variant is the hay pellets, which are made from finished hay. The pellets should have a high roughage content and a low crude protein content.

Hay pellets are a good alternative for horses that have respiratory problems or those that cannot grind the hay due to the condition of their teeth. However, as a general rule, hay pellets should not be considered as a basic feed substitute, especially for horses with healthy teeth. Due to the drying process, some vitamins and unsaturated fatty acids are lost and the feeding time is significantly shorter.

To feed dry or pre-soaked?

Even though many claim they can also be fed dry, hay pellets should always be fed soaked. Horses typically absorb a large amount of hay pellets rapidly since they are frequently consumed quicker than regular hay. Hay pellets have a considerable swelling effect, which causes them to swell up and immediately create pharyngeal blockage. These typically require a veterinarian’s help. Therefore, it is advised to feed the hay pellets moist at all times.

How do I feed hay pellets?

You should always feed hay pellets pre-soaked, because they swell up very much. Use 2-3 litres of warm or cold water per kilogram of hay pellets. Let the mixture soak for about an hour.

How many hay pellets should you feed?

The recommended ratio of hay pellets to water is as follows: Mix 1 kg of hay pellets with 2-3 litres of water. The mixture should then soak for about an hour, depending on the temperature. If it is a bit colder, this process will take longer than in warm temperatures. If the water is warmer, the soaking takes less time. To avoid fermentation in summer and freezing in winter, hay pellets should always be prepared fresh.

The basic rule is: 1 kg of hay pellets equals 1 kg of normal hay. So per 100 kg of your horse’s body weight you can feed about 1.5 kg of hay pellets. You can also mix hay and hay pellets. For example, if you feed your horse 10 kg of hay per day, you can replace about 3 kg of it with hay pellets.

In addition, the pellets should not be fed all at once, but in several rations spread over the day.

How do I feed hay pellets warm in winter?

Hay pellets are fed pre-soaked. You can pour warm water on the hay pellets so that they do not freeze. The mixture must then soak for about an hour. Depending on the preference of the horse, sometimes 30 minutes are enough. After that you can feed it to your horse.

Characteristics of good hay pellets

An important factor for good quality hay pellets is the production. If the feed bag states that the hay pellets come from natural meadows and the cutting time was carefully chosen, high-quality grasses and herbs should be included. In addition, these pellets should have a low fructan content.

Additives should not be used in hay pellets. Therefore, make sure that the hay pellets are free of additives such as sugar or molasses. In addition, they should be gently dried and dust-free.

What are the advantages of hay pellets?

Hay pellets do not contain irritant dust, which makes them particularly suitable for horses with respiratory diseases. In addition, softened hay pellets are easier to chew and process for horses with dental problems. Moreover, they have a high crude fibre content, which is necessary for the horses' digestion.

Feeding hay pellets: the Pros and Cons

Pros

Hay pellets are produced using the warm air process. Therefore, no mould or irritant dust can form. For this reason, hay pellets are particularly well suited for horses with chronic cough or asthma. In addition, hay pellets are particularly well suited for horses with dental problems. The softened hay pellets are easier to chew and consume. Older horses suffer more often from dental problems. Horses with dental problems can no longer chew hay which causes the body to not absorb the feed properly, causing the horses to lose weight.

Concentrated feed cannot be fed to solve the issue. Crude fibre is not present in concentrated feed. Crude fibre is crucial for proper digestion and stable gut flora. The large intestine breaks down crude fibre. As a result, fatty acids are created, which provide the horse with energy. Hay pellets include a lot of crude fibre. As a result, a hay-based meal lessens the load on the metabolism and improves the horses’ health.

Cons

The disadvantage of hay pellets is that vitamins and unsaturated fatty acids are partially lost due to the drying process. These are important for the horses. For this reason, hay pellets can not completely replace the hay intake.

Conclusion: What must be taken into account?

First of all, it should be ensured that the hay pellets can be fed dry and pre-soaked. However, the pellets swell up quite strongly and can thus cause pharyngeal blockages if fed dry. This is especially the case for those horses that cannot process normal hay due to dental or respiratory problems. Feeding dry pellets is only recommended for horses whose chewing activity is not impaired. In addition, the pellets should not be fed all at once, but in several portions throughout the day.

It is important that the pellets are kept dry at all times to prevent the formation of mould or dust. Besides, the pellets should have a high roughage content and a lower crude protein content. This depends on the time of harvest.

Der Beitrag Hay Pellets – the ideal alternative to hay? erschien zuerst auf ehorses Magazine.

Horse quotes – these are the most charming ones & phrases

2022-09-16T10:37:58Z

It might be challenging to accurately define feelings or provide a sufficient framework for them at times. Reading inspirational horse quotes, heartfelt poems, and deep poetry can change one’s attitude and foster clarity of thought. In fact, when an awareness of the current mood is applied, people frequently feel better. A lyrical proverb or wise saying can support positive ideas or aid in the processing of unpleasant memories. In any instance, poetry and other horse sayings that frequently express the soul of a horse lover have always been inspired by the majesty of horses and their coexistence alongside mankind.

Horse quotes – Beautiful horse sayings

Without a sincere bond and the necessary trust with the horse, something persistently stands between animal and human. This indescribable connection, which is strived for by almost every horse owner, cannot always be put into concrete words.

“The greatest happiness on earth lies on the back of the horses.”
“Some friends have to walk on four legs just so they can carry around such big hearts.”
“When people say it’s just a horse, they haven’t understood one thing: This friend remains!”
“There is no secret so close as that between a rider and his horse.”
“Worries that don’t let you sleep become smaller as soon as you are with the horse.”
“Carry the steps of your horse in your heart and you will always go the right way.”
“Horses can’t read minds, but they can sense our thoughts.”
“Whatever will be, stay faithful to the horse.”
“From horses you learn the most about yourself.”
“The horse is a mirror of the rider.”
“What man learns from the horse is more valuable than what man could ever teach the horse.”
“Never ride faster than your Guardian Angel can fly.”

The indescribable connection, which is strived for by almost every horse owner, cannot always be put into concrete words.

Horse quotes – Funny horse sayings

In addition to their grace and intelligence, horses are also simply funny creatures, who can certainly amuse people with their unique behaviour. So it is very obvious that humorous horse sayings exist both from renowned poets and laymen.

“Beware of the rider! The horse is harmless.”
“When God realised that only the best people can ride, he created soccer.”
“Born to ride – forced to go to school.”
“If you want to be beautiful, you have to ride.”
“There are so many horses in the world and of all people I have the most beautiful one.”
“I do absolutely nothing. I only want to ride.”
“Just being pretty is not enough these days. You have to be able to ride.”
“Screw the prince – I’ll take the horse.”
“Dirt is just a glitter on the clothes.”
“If you left the stable clean, you didn’t have fun.”
“My therapist lives in the stable.”
“Man drinks, horse drinks – with riders it is the other way around.”
“The more people I meet, the more I like my horse.”

International horse sayings

The love for horses exists internationally, which is why there are well-known classics of poetry in the language of all countries. English horse sayings are easy to understand for most people and therefore poetry likes to use the world language.

“Life is good. A horse makes it better.”
“Horses aren’t my whole life – they make my life whole.”
“When people say „it’s just a horse“ they don`t understand.”
“It is the difficult horses that have the most to give.”
“There is no Wi-Fi but I promise you will find a better connection than anywhere.”
“If riding isn’t fun you’re not playing in the right team.”
“I don’t need therapy. I just need to go riding.”
“Coach me and I will learn. Challenge me and I will grow. Trust me and we will win.”
“No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle.”
“A horse is poetry in motion.”
“To me, horses and freedom are synonymous.”

Sad horse quotes

Saying goodbye is undoubtedly the greatest challenge to come if there is this profound personal link between horse and human that is so difficult to define. Talented poets were inspired by tragic circumstances to create sincere poems that explained this deep pain.

“Don’t cry because it’s over. Laugh because it was beautiful.”
“When horses pass away… Tell stories, say goodbye, let go, seek peace.”
“Life is an eternal farewell. But if you can enjoy your memories, you live twice.”
“Even if your horse accompanies you for thousands of miles, one day it’s time to say goodbye.”
“Unexpectedly and very quietly, you have set off – I wish you a good journey and lots of light in the dark night.”
“The dearest horse was taken from me, in deep mourning I kneel there – but one thing is absolutely certain, we will see each other again in another place.”
“With death one loses many things, but never the time together and the memory of the horse’s soul.”
“For the world you were only a horse, but for me you were the world.”
“A life without a horse is possible, but meaningless.”
“Your only goal was always to give me your heart. I will handle it with care.”

Saying goodbye is undoubtedly the greatest challenge to come if there is this profound personal link between horse and human.

Famous horse quotes

Of course, there are also quite a few famous quotes that are well known in the equestrian world.

“The goal is to achieve lightness, not to prevent explosions.” — Monica Theodorescu – dressage rider
“Your horse is your mirror. It never flatters you. It reflects your temperament. It also reflects your ups and downs. Don’t ever be angry with your horse: you might as well be angry with your mirror.” — Rudolf C. Binding – German writer
“If your horse makes a mistake, look for the cause in yourself. In case you can’t find it – search more thoroughly.” — Egon von Neindorff – successful riding instructor
“You can never rely on a horse that is educated by fear! There will always be something that he fears more than you. But, when he trusts you, he will ask you what to do when he is afraid.” — Antoine de Pluvinel (1555 – 1620) – representative of non-violent teaching methods
“You can spot a ‘good’ horseman not by the fact that his horse can do everything, but by the way he handles his horse when he can’t do something yet.” — Ifrit Kiselmann – Horse Whisperer
“If your horse says no, you either asked the question wrong or asked the wrong question.” — Pat Parelli – American horse trainer
“If you act like you only have fifteen minutes, it will take you all day, but if you take a day, you’ll have it done in fifteen minutes.” — Monty Roberts – horse whisperer, breeder and rodeo rider
“If I have always worked honestly, my horse will carry me to the end of the world.” — E. F. Seidler (1798 – 1865) – German riding instructor

Horse quotes – Team sayings for horse and rider

Horse and rider can only succeed as a united partnership. This understanding plays a part in the fact that this subject is poetically competitive, and as a result, there are numerous appropriate and well-known horse sayings that spread.

“Your hoofbeat is my heartbeat.”
“4 Hooves + 2 Legs = Team”
“There is no perfect rider, only a perfect team.”
“When we are together, I am never in a bad mood.”
“The power is in the team.”
“A horse is not an accident. It’s a task, an opportunity, and your soul mate.”
“You go crazy, I go crazy – We are a perfect team!”
“With you, we can steal horses! (Meaning, a person you can rely on when doing something out of the ordinary together – German saying)”
“Meeting each other is a beginning.”
“A dream you dream alone is just a dream. A dream you dream together becomes reality.”

What is the saying about horses?

Among the most famous horse sayings is probably the following one: "The happiness on earth lies on the back of the horses".

Horse quotes from movies

Movies often touch the viewer in a very honest way. Whether they are based on true events or correspond to the imagination of the director, it does not matter. As long as the emotions are communicated appropriately, the scenes cast a spell over the viewer.

“Before a person gets on a horse, he must master three things: First – balance; second – rhythm; third – coordination; and fourth …” — “Fourth? We said three!” – “Endurance!” — Ostwind, Together we are free
“You don’t throw away a whole life just because it’s a little bit damaged.” — Seabisciut, With the will to succeed
“I don’t help people who have problems with horses, I help horses who have problems with people.” — The Horse Whisperer
“I’m tired of babysitting fat animals that are almost as stupid and stubborn as their owners.” — Secretariat, A horse becomes a legend
“There are moments when a horse has to do what a horse is meant to do!” — Spirit, The Wild Mustang
“Let him go.” — The Black Stallion
“This is oatmeal… it tastes good. It’s like roast with gravy for us!” — Companion
“Humans are not only thoughtless to horses, they are cruel to each other.” — Black Beauty

Horse quotes from riding masters

Riding Master is a title awarded by the German Equestrian Federation to individuals for special appreciation in the equestrian sport.

“Ride your horse happily!” — Nuno Oliveira
“Whoever really wants to become a master of horsemanship must possess, among many other good qualities, that even the overcoming of difficulties gives him pleasure as such, and his mood is not darkened, but actually boosted by it.” — Gustav Steinbrecht

Der Beitrag Horse quotes – these are the most charming ones & phrases erschien zuerst auf ehorses Magazine.

Sustainability in equestrian sport

2024-01-18T15:35:58Z

Sustainability is playing an increasingly important role in our lives. After all, environmental protection is an important topic that everyone should be concerned with. But do you pay attention to sustainability when buying your riding gear, the horse’s equipment or even the feed? – The answer for most horse owners is probably no. But equestrian sport is also changing in terms of environmental protection and there are more and more sustainable products for riders and horses. In this article you will learn everything about the topic of “sustainability in equestrian sports”.

Sustainability – What does it mean?

The definition of sustainability has evolved more and more in recent years. The protection of our nature is an important topic in today’s world. Not only the protection of important raw materials such as water, oil and wood is important, but also the reduction of exhaust gases, masses of waste and toxins are important points in the topic of environmental protection. As soon as you think about the future of the earth, you think sustainable.

There are three different dimensions that make up sustainability: Economy, Society and Environment. Social working conditions should prevail, while economic success can still be achieved and the environment is not damaged. Within the framework of a UN sustainability summit, 17 sustainability goals were formulated that are to be implemented all over the world. Accordingly, a sustainable product is durable, long-lasting, fairly traded, ecologically produced and environmentally compatible.

The changing horse industry – sustainability in equestrian sport

More and more well-known, long-established equestrian companies are focusing on the issue of sustainability. More and more emphasis is being placed on ingredients, production methods and the durability of products. Especially in equestrian sports, a lot of plastic and non-sustainable ingredients are used. There are also often long delivery and production routes. And it is not only in the selection of products that every rider can pay attention to sustainability. Upcycling and second-hand are already very trendy in the fashion world and can certainly be easily implemented with equestrian products.

How can you practically implement sustainability in everyday life at the barn?

The rider should look for sustainable products. Many products can be reused and upgraded.

Sustainable riding clothes

Riding is certainly not a cheap hobby. That’s why many people look for a low price when buying their own riding clothes. But cheap usually does not mean sustainable. If you dig a little deeper into your wallet, you will be able to enjoy your riding breeches for a much longer period of time because they are usually of better quality. In the end, this is even the cheaper version in the long run, as the breeches will last much longer.

The following factors are important in determining whether the new riding clothes are sustainable.

The right processed materials are important. Often, special synthetic fibres in riding clothes offer faster drying or higher stretch. The alternative to these synthetic fibres is recycled polyester. If the clothing is made of materials such as cotton or viscose, organic quality or sustainable sourcing can be considered.

Another factor is certain seals that indicate sustainable clothing. For example, the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) seal indicates this. An overview of the seals is available online at Greenpeace.

Second-hand clothing is becoming more and more common. So if you don’t want to keep your clothes because you don’t like them anymore, ask others at the barn if they want them or throw them into collection containers.

What does sustainable riding fashion mean?

Sustainable riding fashion consists of natural fabrics and has an organic quality. In addition, attention has been paid to sustainable production. Sustainable riding fashion can be recognised by certain seals.

Sustainable horse care

Substances such as silicones, paraffins, phthalates, microplastics, mineral oils, parabens and synthetic fragrances and dyes are the main ingredients of many horse care products. But all these substances are harmful to the environment and unsustainable. Especially products like fly spray are available for every rider’s horse. Meanwhile, there are seals like the Nature Care Product Standard. They check annually for ingredients and only allow those that are on a so-called positive list. If the product meets the standards, it receives the seal.

The problem with the production of care products for horses is that animal shampoos are considered cleaning products. This means that most grooming products contain a lot of chemicals. This is not only harmful to the environment, but also to the horse’s skin. But it is not only the ingredients of the care products that need to be considered, but also the packaging. Most of it is filled in plastic bottles that are not recyclable. So when buying care products, pay attention to the ingredients and packaging. Certain seals give an indication of whether a product is sustainable.

Sustainability equestrian sport: saddle, saddle pad, helmet

Sustainable horse equipment

Leather in particular is controversial in the area of sustainability. But it can be argued that leather is a by-product of meat production and it is therefore only ethically correct to use the whole animal. If leather is well cared for, the saddle and bridle will last a long time. When buying leather products, you can make sure that the leather comes from Germany or Europe. There you can be sure that it has been produced in an environmentally friendly and socially responsible way. Many riders do not pay attention to the quality of the leather and its origin, but first of all to whether the saddle or snaffle fits.

In the area of textiles such as saddle pads, blankets, halters and bandages, attention should be paid to materials, just as with riding clothes. And here, too, many things can be easily repaired and upcycled. The saddle pad can be quickly pimped with glitter stones and you create a great unique piece.

There are also many sustainable alternatives in the area of riding helmets, which should fit correctly and securely.

Sustainable horse feeding

In the field of horse feeding, there are many factors that can contribute to sustainability. It is thought that organic is the easiest to succeed in feeding. But in many companies this has not yet been implemented. Starting with the suppliers of the raw materials, sustainable action can be taken. The feed producer should use suppliers and service providers from the region and not have the feed delivered over long distances. This strengthens the regional economy and saves some kilometres driven.

Mechanical technology should be used in production. Chemical processes are often used to crush or mix fodder. In a sustainable process, maize is turned into maize flakes by heating with steam, for example. In addition, the production of fodder uses a lot of energy. This can be obtained sustainably from the farm’s own hydropower plants or wind turbines. The leftover waste from production can also be processed further – into fertiliser. This closes the cycle of feed production.

Transport distances should also be kept short in order to protect the environment. In order to find out about the production and delivery of the feed as a buyer, one should familiarise oneself with the manufacturer beforehand and inform oneself. The horse owner can also ensure that the visible packaging of the feed is sustainable. You should not buy treats in plastic bags. There are now many manufacturers who offer their feed in paper bags. Plastic buckets in which feed was stored can be reused in the stable after the feed has been used up.

Sustainability equestrian sport: horse food

What should you look for when buying sustainable riding products?

There are various ways to find out about the production and supply routes of the product. In most cases, seals on the products provide information about sustainability. In addition, you should pay attention to environmentally friendly packaging.

Tips & tricks for more sustainability in riding

Here are our top 10 tips & tricks to achieve more sustainability when riding:

1) Repair: a broken zip on your boot, broken blankets or a torn strap on your bridle can be easily repaired.

2) Upcycle: Old clothes for you and your horse that you no longer like can be pimped and become unique.

3) Reuse: Plastic buckets from feed can be reused in the stable to store new feed, for example.

4) Give it away or donate it: You don’t like the T-shirt anymore and it’s just lying around? Then you can give it away to friends or drop it off in collection containers.

5) Carpool: You can carpool to the stables or to the training.

6) Organic feed: Before buying feed, find out if the manufacturer produces sustainably.

7) Organic grooming products: There are many manufacturers that produce organic alternatives to horse care products such as fly spray.

8) Seals: Look for the different seals of the products. There is an overview on Greenpeace.de.

9) Regional suppliers: Many products for horses can be purchased regionally. Especially with leather products, pay attention to the origin.

10) Durability: Go for the more expensive certified products, because they also last longer.

Want to clean out your closet or looking for a second-hand product?

Then take a look at our classifieds! You're sure to find what you're looking for!

Der Beitrag Sustainability in equestrian sport erschien zuerst auf ehorses Magazine.

Biotin for Horses: good for Hoof and Hair

2022-09-08T06:58:57Z

Most horse owners like biotin, also called vitamin B7 or vitamin H, especially for its positive effects on the horse’s hooves, skin and hair. The commonly known “hoof vitamin” supports hoof growth in particular. It´s therefore an important component in the horse’s diet. In this article we will discuss where to find natural biotin for horses, how to identify a biotin deficiency and when to feed biotin.

What is biotin?

Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin and is produced in horses by bacteria in the large intestine. It maintains healthy skin, hair and hooves by stimulating the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. This happens because biotin is an enzyme building block that provides chemical reactions in the horse’s organism by converting pyruvate to fructose and finally to glucose, and boosting fatty acid synthesis. In addition, it supports the formation of keratin. Keratins are fibrous proteins that provide hair with shine and structure.

Furthermore, biotin has the following effects:

supports blood formation
ensures skin, horn, coat and blood sugar metabolism
strengthens the immune system and boosts the body’s natural defences
reduces pain sensitivity

Which biotin for horses?

Biotin can be given to horses from natural sources such as brewer's yeast, sunflower (seeds), soybeans and oats. However, the vitamin is also available in high-dose forms, such as powder, tablets, pellets or special biotin feed.

Signs of biotin deficiency in horses

Since water-soluble vitamins like biotin are not as storable as fat-soluble vitamins, a continuous supply is necessary. This usually takes place in the form of self-synthesis or with the support of the horse’s regular diet. If, however, your horse develops a deficiency due to an intestinal disease or feeding of silage for example, a disturbance in the metabolism can show through a range of symptoms.

General signs such as tiredness, loss of appetite, paralysis or depression can occur. Typical symptoms, however, are skin changes, hair loss and discolouration of the hair. Muscle pain or fertility and lactation problems may also occur. The most obvious deficiency symptom is poor hoof consistency, that mens hoof problems.

Biotin ensures healthy skin, hair and horn by stimulating carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism.

How do I stimulate the horse’s natural biosynthesis?

Basically, a horse produces biotin itself through microbial processes. However, this takes place in the rear end of the large intestine and therefore hardly ever enters the animal’s circulation. To stimulate the horse’s own biosynthesis, the pH value of the intestine should not become too acidic. This ultimately supports the process of biotin production. Therefore it is advisable to ensure a sufficient supply of high-quality hay and to make sure that the daily nutrient requirement is covered by the rest of the feed. The recommended amount of hay per 100kg body weight is about 1 to 1.5kg.

In addition, it is important to ensure a balanced supply of minerals. This can be achieved by a good mixture of roughage and concentrated feed. But avoid overfeeding of pasture grass, oils and cereals, as this can unbalance the flora of the large intestine and hinder the synthesis of biotin.

How much biotin for the horse?

To meet the daily requirement of an adult horse (600kg), 20mg of biotin is recommended, which should be supplemented for at least seven to nine months.

When do I have to give my horse biotin supplements?

Especially horses with brittle or soft hoof horn should be fed biotin in a higher dosage. This applies especially to horses of the northern type, as due to their wide hooves they tend to have soft hoof horn. In addition, the intestinal flora of older horses often no longer works properly, which is why additional feeding of the coenzyme is also useful here. If a horse suffers from an intestinal disease or if the intestinal flora is disturbed by antibiotic treatment, it can also hinder the body’s own biosynthesis. Therefore, affected horses should be fed biotin in larger quantities.

Especially horses with brittle or soft hoof horn should be fed biotin in a higher dosage.

Types of feed supplements with biotin (capsules, liquid, powder, pellets)

Before feeding biotin products to a horse, first obtain approval by a veterinarian. This is because the deficiency symptoms could also be caused by a disease. Then the vitamin can be given to the horse through supplementary feed. Natural sources of biotin are brewer’s yeast, sunflower (seeds), soybeans and oats. Bananas and apples also contain biotin — only in a very small quantity however, which is why horses would have to eat kilos of fruit to cover their needs.

Biotin in the form of supplementary feed, on the other hand, is available in different types. One of these are high-dose capsules or tablets. Taking these can be difficult though as horses often refuse them. Other options include biotin in liquid or powder form. This can be given with the daily feed and is easily absorbed by the horse. Pellets are a more palatable alternative to provide horses with the valuable vitamin. They can also be fed to the horse as a treat. In addition, there is special biotin horse feed. This can be purchased from a specialist dealer, for example, and has the advantage of a higher biotin content.

Biotin for horses — dosage and duration of use of the supplementary feed

The recommended daily dose for an adult horse (600 kg) is 20 mg biotin. Commercially available products with 2,000mg/kg biotin already cover the daily requirement in a daily dose of 10 g. This amount does not accelerate the growth of the hoof horn, but improves its quality. However, a larger amount is not advisable, as the body cannot process it. In order to visibly strengthen the hoof horn, biotin should be fed for at least seven to nine months. This is due to the slow growth of the hoof horn. In adult horses, the hoof horn grows only 4.2 to 9 millimetres per month. Basically, biotin cannot be overdosed and has no negative side effects for horses.

Der Beitrag Biotin for Horses: good for Hoof and Hair erschien zuerst auf ehorses Magazine.

Horse coughs: Causes, symptoms & treatment

2022-05-04T06:15:26Z

The horse coughs: Who doesn’t know it, the horse suddenly coughs, has nasal discharge and its fitness level is poor. To avoid permanent problems, it is very important to act quickly. Here you learn how to prevent the causes in time and what the ideal treatment for coughing horses looks like.

The horse coughs – Typical symptoms

Common symptoms of a respiratory disease besides the horse coughing are lack of energy, swollen lymph nodes, nasal discharge up to nosebleeds and fever. Very obvious signs are also wheezing and breathing sounds with strained breathing up to shortness of breath. If you notice any of the following symptoms, you should urgently call the vet or take your horse to an equine clinic.

Cough

Whether occasional or frequent, during exercise or at rest, coughing is never normal and you should always have your horse examined by a veterinarian.

In addition to coughing, there are other signs that can tell you that your horse has a respiratory disease. Poor performance, swollen lymph nodes, nasal discharge, nose bleeds and fever can also indicate respiratory problems. Very clear signs, often late in the course of the infection, are breathing noises with strained breathing up to shortness of breath. This shows as a heave line in the case of prolonged illness.

Poor fitness

Loss of energy can be the first, subtle sign of respiratory disease. It is better to call the vet once too often. If a respiratory illness is overlooked, it can lead to a severe course of the disease. The earlier you act, the better the chances of recovery. After a careful diagnosis, the vet will decide on the treatment and medication.

Fever

The temperature is measured in the anus with a standard thermometer. The normal temperature in horses is between 37.3 – 38.4 °C. At a body temperature of approx. 39.5°C and above, one speaks of high fever. The normal temperature in foals is generally somewhat higher and lies between 38.0 – 39.0 °C.

Nasal discharge

Whether yellowish/yellowish-greenish, bloody or white-watery nasal discharge – an exact diagnosis by a veterinarian is absolutely necessary here!

Swollen lymph nodes

Swollen lymph nodes can also be signs of (dangerous) infectious diseases. Be sure to call your vet, for the protection of your horse and all other horses in the stable!

What to do when the horse coughs?

Depending on the type of the cough, anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator or mucus-clearing medicines and supplementary herbal mixtures can be used. The administration of anti-inflammatory drugs in particular through inhalation therapy has few side effects and is effective. But most importantly: Do not call your vet only in serious cases! Then it is usually already too late.

Treatment: What to do when the horse coughs?

Professional treatment by the vet

Coughing is always an alarm signal and must be examined by a veterinarian. When it comes to treatment, your veterinarian generally differentiates between acute horse coughs and chronic horse coughs (equine asthma).

Acute cough is almost always caused by viruses. Viruses trigger typical symptoms of bronchitis:

Sudden fever
Reduced appetite
Fatigue, reduced participation in the environment
Cough, shortness of breath
Increased nasal discharge (mucus)
Swollen lyph nodes

Often more than one animal in the barn is affected. To protect other horses in the stable, rapid response and treatment is important. Without treatment, coughing can become chronic and turn into equine asthma.

Horse coughs: Therapy

The goal is to normalise breathing and prevent chronic or incurable late complications.

Loosening and clearing of thick mucus
Decongestion of the bronchial tubes
Anti-inflammation
Stimulation and support of the immune system

Supportive measures: Herbs, plants & fruits

In addition to improving the horse’s environment and medicinal therapy, there is good evidence to support the treatment of equine cough with herbal substances. Depending on the form of the cough, expectorant and bronchodilator herbal mixtures can be used. Together, they can also strengthen the lungs under certain circumstances. Vitamin C, blueberry or rosehip support a healthy immune system. Ginger, schisandra berries, turmeric and rosemary also promote healthy lungs. But be careful: essential oils are not recommended for inhalation. They cause lasting damage to the lungs.

Many herbs are also valuable antioxidants and can help support the immune system. However, homeopathy, herbal medicine and other applications do not replace the administration of conventional medication and the important changes in the horse’s stabling.

Horse cough should not be taken lightly. It is better to call the vet once too often than too little before it gets worse.

Chronic cough – Equine asthma

More and more horses suffer from equine asthma. It refers to any chronic, non-infectious disease of the deep airways. This can cause serious damage to the lungs and result in a reduced quality of life and shorter life expectancy. It is therefore important to detect the disease as early as possible and thus prevent a worse course. A typical symptom is poor performance and occasional coughing. This clearly illustrates that whenever your horse coughs, you should take it seriously and contact the veterinarian.

How does asthma develop?

Two main factors are responsible for the development of chronic respiratory diseases in horses:

Acute cough diseases that are not treated properly become chronic due to an allergy to dust containing fungal spores or due to a non-specific hypersensitivity.
The constant exposure of a horse to the bad air of closed stables leads to the gradual development of a chronic respiratory disease.

What happens in the lungs?

The inflammation of the respiratory tract is the primary cause. In many cases the bronchial membrane is swollen, but the main problem is usually the hypersensitivity reaction of the bronchial muscles. A permanent bronchial spasm (bronchospasm) causes narrowing of the airways and makes breathing difficult. The horse can no longer breathe in enough oxygen into the pulmonary alveoli and as a result performance is affected.

How is asthma treated in horses?

Fighting the inflammation in the lungs is the primary goal of treatment. The key to long-term improvement is consistent optimisation of the horse’s environment. Anti inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids, are the primary basis of drug therapy. They are often used to combat inflammation and swelling in the airways of asthma patients.

The symptoms of bronchial spasm and increased mucus can be relieved by bronchodilators and expectorants.

What can I give when my horse coughs?

There are different treatment options. Inhalation therapy and adapted feeding support the treatment. Veterinary medication should not be dispensed with.

Big or small, any horse can cough. Every cough counts, so a veterinarian should always be consulted.

To prevent your horse from coughing, you should take the following measures:

Pay attention to the quality of the feed

Roughage should always be of impeccable quality. Especially fungal spores in the hay, but also bacteria and mites can trigger allergic reactions and can be a great danger for the horse’s lungs. Many horse owners therefore steam their hay in order to destroy any allergens. Hay steaming is a particularly effective solution to minimise dust in the stable. Soaking the hay in fresh water for 10 minutes is also an effective and recommended method.

Avoid stirring up dust

If you want to prevent coughing, you should definitely take the horses out of the stable when mucking out, because at this time the proportion of spores in the air increases fivefold. Stirring up dust, e.g. by shaking up hay and straw, should be avoided. Therefore, you should also moisten the stable aisle with water before sweeping. The smallest dust particles are particularly dangerous, as they can penetrate deep into the lungs. In addition, hay and straw should not be stored above the horses.

Horse owners also often underestimate the dust exposure in indoor or outdoor arenas. Stuffy indoor arena air is poison for the respiratory tract and leads to coughing. The fine particles of sand, wood or textile fibres not only irritate the upper respiratory tract, but can also be transported into the sensitive alveoli due to deep breathing during work.

Provide fresh air

Fresh air is not only good for the lungs per se. Thermal stimuli are important for the horse’s immune system, they stimulate blood circulation and metabolism. Good ventilation helps to remove dust. But not only dust, but also humidity is sent out through the window. This is important because a warm and humid stable climate is problematic and creates optimal conditions for germs to grow.

Exercise is important

Exercise is important to keep the lungs well ventilated and healthy. At least one hour of walking, trotting and cantering daily. Even more important is sufficient exercise when weather conditions restrict paddock access.

Allow to dry after exercise

After riding, the horse should not return to the box sweaty, which means riding dry for a sufficiently long time, putting on a sweat rug or using the solarium. It is also important to avoid draughts.

Vaccination

Pathogens such as viruses and bacteria also attack the horse’s lungs and are often the cause of coughs. Comprehensive vaccination protection should therefore be an absolute must. In larger stables and where there is a frequent change of horses, the risk of infection increases. This also applies to travel or at shows. Pathogens are introduced into the stable by an infected or sick horse and then move from animal to animal through the entire herd.

These causes, whether occurring individually or in combination, weaken the respiratory and immune systems and viruses and bacteria can easily attack.

When can I ride again?

It depends on the cough. If the horse has a fever, it should only be moved at a walk and not sweat. In other cases, exercise, especially galloping, does a lot of good.

Cough in the horse – still riding?

If it is an acute cough with fever, the horse should only move at a walk in the fresh air. Because indoor dust is also harmful. In case of a chronic cough (blood count ok and no fever) cantering is a good therapy for the horse.

First of all, the warm-up phase should be observed. The horse takes one breath per canter jump so that the lungs are evenly loaded. One should always keep in mind that a very low load (only walking movement or short trotting) can reduce the volume in the lungs and can also damage the lung tissue. Therefore, healthy load on the lungs is so important.

Der Beitrag Horse coughs: Causes, symptoms & treatment erschien zuerst auf ehorses Magazine.