The Novice Horseman Blog

It ’s coming up on 2 years since I lost Iggette.  You can read about her in a  previous post,  “Meet My First Horse“.  She was a 3 year old when she came into my life.  We learned a lot from one another.  She turned out to be one of the best teachers I have ever had.  Why am I reminiscing about her now?

Over the last few months, we lost 2 members of  our barn family.  The most recent was Brig.  He was a 31 years old gelding that had been at the barn since before I came over 20 years ago.  He was not a very big horse, but a very sweet guy.  Because of his  age, he found the play times of Dollar and Sonny too rambunctious.  He preferred to spend his days soaking up the sun and grazing.

Monday, I received an email from the barn manager.  She told us that Brig had spent the day at the clinic with colic.  As the day progressed, he did not improve.  His owners were prepared and made the decision.  Brig was laid to rest.  He will be greatly missed.

The other member of our barn family was not a horse but an owner who passed on.  She was not that old, in fact, she was younger than me.  She had been fighting cancer for the last year.  In December, she lost that fight.  Her horse left our barn and went to live in a friend’s pasture.

I am a firm believer that if you listen to your animals, they will tell you when it is their time.  We have to have the compassion and strength to make the decision to stop their suffering.  We have to be brave enough to go on without our friend.

As horse owners, we also have to be responsible and plan ahead.  Yes, I know no one wants to think of their own death.  But if you don’t plan, what will become of your horse?  Is your family prepared to take on the responsibilities that you found enjoyable and fun?  Are they going to be financially able to take on the care of a horse?

If your answers were yes at one time, have you asked them lately.  In these hard economic times, circumstances change.  What was once a firm commitment may now be a hardship.  Even if you had planned to donate your horse to one of the many great foundations, have you kept up contact with them to make sure that option is still open?

It might be a good idea to review your plans every year or two.  Discuss them with the people or foundations that you will be  entrusting your horse to after you are gone.  Make a will if you need to and update it as circumstances change.

This post is meant to make you stop and think. What would you do?  Are you prepared?

When is it too cold too ride?  I have been asked that several times.  Unfortunately there is no concrete answer.  You will have to base your answer to this question on your region’s winter and also on you and your horse’s condition.  It also depends on whether or not you have an enclosed arena.  So since I don’t have access to an enclosed arena, I’ll just tell you when I determine it is too cold for me to ride in the Oklahoma winter.

It’s too cold to ride when the ground is frozen hard and has been for several days with no thaw in the near future.  Not only is the ground frozen but everything laying on top of the ground is also frozen solid.  Any sign of moisture is transformed into an ice rink and the occasional horse droppings have become small boulders.  Each have their own form of hazard if the horse steps on it.

It’s too cold for me to ride when the air temperature is below about 30°F or if the air is sparkling as any moisture is instantly frozen.  Between the extra under layers, the extra pair of socks and winter boots, the heavier gloves, the ear muffs, I just can’t move freely.  Just walking in this much garb makes me think of penguins.  Forget about trying to raise my leg high enough to step in the stirrup.  I just can’t enjoy riding if I’m wearing so much clothing to stay warm that I’ve added another 20 lbs.

It’s too cold to ride when the wind chill is 20°F or lower even if the air temperature is above freezing.  Having the breath ripped out of my body by even the slightest of breeze is not my idea of fun.  I imagine my horse is just as reluctant to work in these conditions.

It’s too cold to ride when . . . . .  my eyelashes start to have the frosted look.  My fingers and toes get numb just walking from the car to the barn.  My cheeks turn bright red and then purple from the cold in just a few minutes.  My nose runs from being so cold, but freezes before I can use a tissue.  My steaming hot coffee becomes an iced drink in 10 minutes or less.

Riding is supposed to be fun, even if you are training seriously.  If the winter weather is cold enough to be hazardous to you or your horse, why risk it?

This is just a reminder that as I write this in early April, show season is around the corner.  You can’t show your horse in even the smallest of shows without a coggins test, which must have a negative reading.  Coggins papers are good for one year and are accepted within this time line for most instances.  Some of the larger shows may require a coggins test that is no older than six months.  Check the show rules for what is required.   If you haven’t done so, schedule a visit to the vet to get your horse’s vaccinations & coggins.  Now is the time to do it.

There are basic shots you should give your horse.  Different areas may suggest different combinations of vaccinations.  For instance, I give my horses flu/rhino, West Nile/EE/WE/VE/tetanus, and rabies shots.  If you are unsure of what vaccinations your horse needs for your area, ask your vet.

I would also suggest that if you have a new horse, have the vet give the shots.   One reason is that you may not know how the horse acts around the vet.  The vet & the vet tech handle all temperaments of horses every day and are better equipped to handle a rowdy patient.  Also, in case the new horse has an allergic reaction to one of the shots, the vet is right there to handle the emergency.

Keep your horse’s vaccinations & wormings up to date.  I know this is not the “fun stuff” but vaccinations are not the place to skimp on your horse budget.