AVS 101 1st Edition Lecture 19 Horse Management Horses in US Correlated to economy Horses in US #1 spectator sport Leading states – California, Texas, Oklahoma & Illinois Characteristics to Look for in a Horse Temperament Conformation Attractive color & markings No unsoundness – defects that interfere with usefulness No blemishes Measuring the Horse Withers– Crown at back of neck– Height from withers to ground– Measured in hands1 hand = 4 inches Feeding Depends on use Rule of thumb– One lb. of hay, one lb. of grain per 100 lb. of body weight for moderate work Pregnancy & lactation require supplements Heavy work requires supplements Breeding Tease mares daily to determine stage of estrous cycle Stallion approaches– Mare upset à not in heat– Stands, squats, urinates, “winking vulva” à ready Foaling Normally gives birth in spring Feet & head first Cut & dip umbilical cord (iodine)– prevent navel (joint) ill Foal should stand within 2 hours 4 Basic Horse Colors Variations of Color Dun – has a dorsal stripe (along backbone), usually yellowish Gaits (natural) Walk – 4 beat– Each foot hits ground at a different time– 4 mph Gaits (natural) Trot – 2 beat– One front w/opposite rear foot hits ground at same time– 9 mph Gaits (natural) Canter – 3 beat– Two diagonal legs hit at the same time w/other hind leg & foreleg hitting at different times– 10 –12 mph Gaits (natural) Gallop – fastest 4 beat gait– Feet strike separately - one hind, 2nd hind, forefoot on same side as first step– All feet are off the ground briefly Gaits (natural) Pace – 2 beat– One side (front/rear), other side (front/rear)– 30 mph Mule Cross between a horse & donkey Mare x male donkey (jack) = mule Female donkey (jinny) x stallion = hinny Mule & hinny are sterile hybrids of a horse & donkey cross Hybrid vigor à strong pack animal Disease Azoturia (Monday Morning Disease)– Due to lactic acid build-up in muscles– Treatment = rest Disease Bowed tendon – tendonitis– Tissue connecting muscle to bone– Treatment = rest, cortisone, light cast to prevent excessive movement Disease Colic– General term for severe gastric upset– Overeating– Excessive water– Parasites– Requires professional treatment Disease Laminitis (Founder)– Inflammation of laminae– Sometimes treatable– Extremely painful Disease Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE, WEE, VEE)– Caused by viral infection, affects brain– Transmission– Zoonose– 2 vaccinations 10 days apart in April & October Disease Parasites– Internal & external– Worming program, pasture rotation– Don’t spread manure where horses graze2 acres per horse– Treatment: dewormer, consult
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