Horse Care

Plants Poisonous to Horses - Oak and Acorn - Quercus species

All parts of the Oak tree are toxic to horses, the toxic principle is gallotannin. Poisoning usually occurs when horses graze on oak due to lack of adequate forage but some horses do develop a taste for acorns and will seek them out.

Oak poisoning causes gastroenteritis and kidney damage in horses. Symptoms may appear several days after ingestion and include: Abdominal pain, constipation followed by diarrhoea (sometimes bloody), depression, frequent urination, discoloured urine, jaundice, colic, sweating, unsteadiness, fits and coma.      Image: Wikimedia Commons

Urgent veterinary assistance is required.

When to call the vet out to your horse - emergency

• If your horse is unable or unwilling to move
• Road traffic accidents
• Profuse bleeding: apply pressure, call vet
• Obvious or suspected fracture, the horse should not be moved
• Suspected signs of colic that last over thirty minutes don't delay longer
• Foaling difficulties
• Swollen, closed eye
• Azoturia
• Difficulty breathing or obviously distressed
• Lacerations requiring suturing
•  Puncture wounds on dangerous sites like joints and tendon sheaths.
• If your horse's temperature is greater than 40C or 101.5F
• Suspected strangles
• Cases of choke that don't resolve themselves fairly quickly
• If your horse hasn't eaten or drunk for more than 6 hours
• If your horse has not passed faeces for longer than 12 hours
• Lameness unusual to the horse with indications of heat and swelling that don't show improvement within 36 hours
• Shock

The BHS (British Horse Society) Horse Owners Certificate

The BHS Horse Owner's Certificates are specifically aimed at the first time horse owner, parent of horse owners or potential owners they are offered at four levels of knowledge with regard to the care and management of the horse and involve taking an examination. As there is no practical section to The BHS Horse Owner's Certificates  they are not professional qualifications but BHS amateur qualifications only.

The BHS Horse Owners Certificate Syllabus

The BHS Horse Owners Certificate Level 1

• Knowledge of horse types, uses, colours and markings.
• Elementary stable management.
• Knowledge of care and maintenance required to keep a horse healthy and comfortable in a stable.
• Stable routine and safety in the stable.
• Safe handling of both the horse and equipment necessary for his well-being.
• A knowledge of substances in common use which require particular care andand/or storage.
• Identification of items of tack in common use and naming of the parts.
• Basic care of tack.
• Ability to take apart, inspect for safety, clean and reassemble.
• Reasons and principles of grooming.
• Knowledge of the items in a grooming kit and their use.
• Basic knowledge of shoeing and care of the foot.
• Recognition of signs of health and ill health and when to call a vet.
• Temperature, pulse, respiration and the signs of health.
• Preventative treatments - worming, flu-vac etc including a basic knowledge of the need to worm and vaccinate.
• Elementary principles of watering and feeding and the rules of feeding and watering.
• A knowledge of buying a horse including points to look for and the need for a vet to assess the horse before purchase.
• Elementary rules for preparing a horse for a ride including riding out on the roads; returning from a ride; and how to dress for riding.

The BHS Horse Owners Certificate Level 2

• The reasons for shoeing and recognition of when shoeing or re-shoeing is required.
• A knowledge of the basic structure of the foot.
• Knowledge of a farrier’s tools and use.
• Know how to remove a shoe safely in an emergency.
  Recognition of common injuries and basic first aid.
• Know how to arrest bleeding and treat different types of wounds.
• Knowledge of watering and feeding of the stabled horse and the horse at grass including feeding in all seasons and feeding for light work.
• Care and maintenance of grassland including the maintenance of fences, gates, shelter, watering etc.
• Care and improvement of the grassland to include a knowledge of harmful weeds and their control.
• The care of saddlery, including the inspection for soundness of saddles.
• A knowledge of the fitting and use of more items of equipment i.e. martingales,breastplates, boots etc.
• The necessity of insurance to cover all aspects of the horse and its use.
• Stable Routine for two horses which also includes all the extra jobs that need to be undertaken e.g. drains, guttering, paintwork, cleanliness of yard etc.
•  A knowledge of the different types of bedding and their management including  different systems e.g. deep litter.
• The Highway Code.
• The Country Code, including the correct and courteous use of bridleways.

The BHS Horse Owners Certificate Level 3

• The recognition, treatment and care of common injuries and ailments, further to Level Two.
• Changes from management in the stable to management at grass and viceversa.
• The procedures for getting a horse up from a period out at grass e.g.,teeth, worming etc. and the procedures for roughing-off a horse.
• Clipping, trimming and plaiting.
• Care and maintenance of horse transport; to include both horse boxes and trailers.
• A knowledge of the law regarding the transit of horses including weight ratios for trailers and legal requirement with regard to towing.
• Preparation of the horse for travel including aknowledge of equipment needed with regard to the length of journey and the climatic conditions.
• The care of the horse trekking and in competitive events.
• Understanding  fitness and condition, and the maintenance of both.
• Knowledge of good and bad stable construction including different types of stabling.
• Basic requirements of planning regulations.
• Layout of stable yard to include handling and disposal of the muck heap.
• Knowledge of horse clothing and bandagingincluding their care and maintenance.
• Recognition of good and bad forage.
• Knowledge of different grasses found in hay samples and ability to identify weeds and poor grasses.
• Storage of forage
• Have a working knowledge of the costs involved in keeping a horse.

The BHS Horse Owners Certificate Level 4

• Knowledge of the main systems in the horse (Respiration, Reproduction,Digestive, Immune, etc.), their function and common problems associated with these systems, (COPD, Colic etc.)
• Knowledge of various grasses, conditions for growth and beneficial properties.
• Procedures for improving pasture i.e. drainage, cross grazing, re-seeding, fertilisers etc. Calendar of management for grassland. Haymaking - types and methods.
• Vitamins/Minerals - difference between them and why they may be deficient in the diet.
• Name main vitamins/minerals and their uses.
• Weights and types of feed available for: Riding School horses, Hunters, Competition Horses, etc.
• Knowledge of structure of the tooth and ageing characteristics. Description of structure of the mouth and common problems that may result from poor mouth conformation. 
• Name and structure of different types of remedial shoes, describe the condition under which these shoes may be used and the way in which they affect improvement/relief.
• List the basic principles of sick nursing and the reasons/conditions for implementing these.
• Describe the way in which these principles may help to reduce severity of a condition/injury and any problems that may arise as a result.
• Outline the basic principles of fitting various saddles (dressage, jumping, cross-country, general purpose) and bridles (snaffle, double bridle).
• Describe the uses of specific ‘bits’ and gadgets, (draw reins, balancing reins, Market Harborough, De Gouge, etc.) and the way in which they work.
• List common stable vices and their possible causes and suggest ways to stop such vices and the preventative steps that can be taken to limit these.
• A general knowledge of The BHS and its Departments, Structure etc. Awareness of The BHS qualifications system and The BHS Register of Instructors.
• Action to be taken in the event of an accident. A knowledge of RIDDOR and legal obligations of an Instructor.

Candidate’s information packs are available from the BHS Examinations Department on request.
Please contact [email protected]

The British Horse Society Recommended Procedure In The Event Of An Accident

In the event of a riding accident The British Horse Society recommends the following procedures:

1 a) The telephone number of your local doctor and veterinary surgeon should be easily available to you whenever teaching or hacking. An ambulance may be obtained by dialling 999 but you will be required to give your name, exact location and some description of the type of accident.

b) When out hacking with a class always take with you:
i) Money and phone card for the telephone or a mobile phone.
ii) A first aid pack.

2 KEEP CALM, and USE YOUR COMMON SENSE.

3 If you are riding, halt the ride in an orderly manner. Dismount and hand over your horse; dismount the rest of the ride if necessary and safe to do so. Ensure that they are in a safe position.

4 a) Go quietly to the injured person.
b) Secure the loose horse.
c) Organise safety procedures for other road users. Ask motorists to help by using their hazard warning lights.

If the injured person is conscious:

i) Tell them to remain still.

ii) In order that you may give full information to the doctor, ask if there is pain in any particular area. Do not move an injured rider who is in severe pain, nor if they are complaining of pain in neck or back. Wait until skilled help arrives.

iii) Remember the ABC of care and, as the first priority, check the airway to ensure that the unconscious rider is able to breathe adequately. It may be necessary to adjust the position of the jaw correctly and carefully and to clear any obstruction without causing the rider to gag. If breathing is inadequate, despite clearing the airway and correctly adjusting it, then mouth to mouth breathing should be started at a rate of about one breath every five seconds. Learn this life-saving measure and revise it whenever possible.

iv) Stem obvious, serious bleeding by applying FIRM pressure to the wound with a handkerchief or a piece of clean material made into a pad.

v) If skilled help is not immediately available, then the unconscious rider who is breathing adequately, must be turned as one unit on to their side in order to avoid the danger of inhaling stomach contents if vomiting occurs. It will be necessary to control the head, neck and spine in order to make the turn safe and then to keep the rider in a stable position with the airway readjusted if necessary. Learn this technique and practise it whenever possible.

vi) Cover the rider with a coat or blanket.

5 REMAIN CALM.

6 In the event of an accident involving the horse, make sure he receives attention.

7 It may be necessary to send for medical help or to arrange for the casualty to be taken to hospital unless quite certain of their fitness to continue. In any event, if there is the slightest doubt in your mind, always refer to a senior member of staff or call for medical assistance.

REMEMBER, IN EMERGENCY DIAL 999.

8 As soon as possible, but within the limits imposed by the circumstances, reassure the remainder of your ride by your own calmness and self control and continue your ride or lesson (or get another member of staff to do so). Remember to make your report in the Accident Book, and if the accident happened on the road, you should complete The British Horse Society Accident Report Form (available from the Road Safety Development Officer, British Horse Society).

The British Horse Society would like to express its appreciation to Dr J Lloyd Parry for his
assistance in compiling this information.

Equine First Aid Kit - List of basic contents

Everyone should have a horse first aid kit, here's a list of basic items:

• Roll of cotton wool
• Clean container for water
• Hibiscrub or other antiseptic solution
• Melonin/Allevyn/suitable dressing
• Gamgee
• Vetwrap/other adhesive bandage
• Antiseptic creams and soluble clear wound gels
• Animalintex or other poultice material
• Duck tape
• Hoof pick
• Round ended scissors
• Thermometer
• Clear directions to the yard written down so anyone can give directions when calling vets in etc.
• Torch - remember to check / replace batteries
• Phone numbers for vet, farrier and insurance company
• A well-charged mobile phone or change for pay phone if available

Where to report concerns about the welfare of a horse, pony or donkey

World Horse Welfare :

If you have concerns about the welfare of a horse, please call World Horse Welfare's Welfare Hotline at 08000 480 180 with as much detail as possible about the condition of the horse(s).

The British Horse Society:

If you have genuine concerns about a horse or pony, you can report it to the BHS and one of their local Welfare Officers will pay a visit to investigate. Call 02476 840571 or 02476 840574. Alternatively, you can e-mail [email protected].

For genuine emergencies outside office hours, please ring 02476 840570 and then call the mobile phone number given in the answerphone message. However, this number really is for use in emergencies only.

RSPCA

To report a mistreated, neglected, injured or distressed animal, you can use an online enquiry service My RSPCA or you can call the RSPCA 24-hour cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.

The Donkey Sanctuary

The Donkey Sanctuary has regional welfare officers responsible for a particular region who have an average of 12 area welfare officers who are always available. If you are concerned about a donkey's welfare, please get in touch immediately. Your call is strictly confidential.

Allen Andrews - 07717 814946
Scotland, North East and Northern Ireland

Shelagh Steel - 07836 756117
East of England

Molly Lloyd - 07850 963563
North and Mid-Wales, Midlands, Cumbria, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cleveland

Mark Kerr - 07770 683767
South and South East England

Lionel Ford - 07768 336912
South West England and South Wales

 

Should I buy my child a pony? When is the right time to buy my child a pony?

There are so many horse mad children who long for a pony but lots of them are going to grow out of the desire to have their own pony so it's better to wait until your child has been involved with horses for some time before considering buying a horse or pony.

Owning a horse or pony is a huge commitment both financially and time wise. The horse will require caring for 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year and that will take several hours a day leaving little time for your child to pursue other hobbies.

As a parent you will need to consider if you have the time (and money) for horse ownership, often you'll be required to provide lifts to the place the horse is kept, can you do this 7 days a week? Do you have the knowledge to be able to help out or indeed take over the care of the horse if your child is ill or too busy due to exams?

Horse ownership also means that the rest of the family will have to accept compromise due to both the financial and time commitment, are they prepared to do this or will it cause argument and resentment? If you are the sort of family who eg. goes away for the weekend what is going to happen to the horse or pony? Going away regularly as a family may no longer be possible as arrangements will have to be made for the care of the horse.

You should only buy your child a horse or pony when they have demonstrated that they have the necessary skills for  horse ownership and full commitment to the responsiblities of horse ownership and when you, and your family, fully understand the financial, time and energy commitment required.

There are ways other than horse ownership for your child to be involved with horses. Obviously one should start with riding lessons and learning as much as possible about the care of horses by taking horse care courses. Some riding schools have special "own a pony" days / weeks where children can experience looking after an equine.

As your child becomes more and more committed to horses you could consider sharing a horse or pony that way the time and financial obligations are shared with someone else and you'll get a better idea of whether or not you, your child and family are ready for full time horse ownership.

You can find out more about the implications of horse ownership, the real costs and the skills required before buying your first horse or pony by visiting All you need to know about horse ownership

Points of the Horse

Do you know the correct names for the different anatomical parts of a horse or pony?

The above picture  of a Trakehner gelding, Sybari, in standing pose is marked with major points of the horse.

Did you know them all?

Image: Owain Davies

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Bot Flies and Horses

Image: Wikipedia Commons

The adult botfly is about 13mm long (1/2 inch) and looks similar to a bee but it cannot suck, bite or feed because it's mouth parts are degenerate.  They will hover close to horses on warm days, making a humming sound as they fly, and lay their eggs on the horse. Up to 300 eggs an hour.

It takes the eggs 9-10 days to hatch but the larvae have to be licked into the horse's mouth before they can start to develop. Some types wander around the tongue, others burrow into the cheeks or gullet of the horse for about 20 -30 days they then live in the horse's stomach for up to 10 months living off the horse's food. The maggots can cause inflammation and disrupt the digestion.  Some botfly maggots have been known to reach the brain of their host.

When they are ready to pupate the maggots drop from the stomach wall and pass out through the rectum. On the ground they wriggle into a crevice and pupate. After another 3 weeks the adult fly will hatch and be ready to lay it's eggs on a horse.

Botfly eggs are tiny tan coloured specks, they can be removed before the horse ingests them using a specially purchased bot knife as shown below.

Image: Horse and Man

This procedure should be done somewhere where horses do not eat or there will be the danger of an equine ingesting the removed eggs.

A regular worming program will help to break the botflies lifecycle by destroying larvae and maggots.

There are three species of botfly that target the horse and each species lays their eggs in a different place on the horse:

Gastrophilus intestinalis the common horse bot lays it's eggs on the legs, sides and flanks.

Gastrophilus nasalis the throat bot lays it 's eggs under the head, neck and mane.

Gatrrophilus haemorrhoidalis lays it's eggs on the muzzle.

 To receive our monthly horse care tips in your in box simply send us a quick email using Newsletter as the subject. We will only ever send you our newsletters, we won't spam you and we won't share your email with anyone else and you can unsubscribe at any time. Want to see what you'll get, in February we wrote about rodent control Rodent Control around the stableyard / barn - newsletter

Salt for horses - Sodium Chloride

Horses can loose large amounts of essential body salts through sweating due to exercise or during hot and humid weather which could lead to dehydration.  Salt contains two of the most important electrolyte substances that balance fluid in the body, sodium and chloride (potassium being the third ) so it's important to make sure your horse has access to adequate amounts of salt to restore the balance.

Some equine nutritionists advise adding one or two tablespoons of salt per day to your horse's feed while others recommend free access to salt via a salt lick in the stable or field. Most equines will actively seek out salt and self-supplement, generally there is no need to worry about them taking too much salt.