Oh No, a Colic !

Life or Death 

A horse colicing is very serious.  That is how my first horse died.  While out with Erika, she received a phone call from a client and it was an emergency.  We went and the ladies horse was colicky.  The gelding was laying down and couldn't get up.  It's s ever case of bloating and the horse gets really bad cramps.  They lay down and don't want to get up.  If they don't get up, their intestine can twist and it becomes very serious.  They get heavy breathing and are very uncomfortable.  Erika administered the horse some bute and ace to calm the horses stomach and stop the convulsions.  Shortly after the horse was able to get up, but the owner had to stay with the horse for a few hours to make sure it doesn't come back.  A horse can colic for many reasons.  My first horse colic'ed and wouldn't get up. By the time the vet got there, it was too late and his intestine had already twisted.  There is a surgery to help but it costs ten thousand dollars and had a very slim chance or recovery or it even working.  I do love my horse but it was just an extreme amount of money for a slim chance of survival.  

I LOVE HORSES

10 Years 

I have been riding for ten years.  There is no doubt in my mind that I know a lot more about horses than the average person.  When I go to the barns with Erika it's like visiting a candy shop.  I get to see so many different horses and all their personalities.  I love helping them and couldn't imagine doing anything else in the world.  Erika is also so gentle with the horses; I get along with her very well.  I am yet to see or do something very exciting, but I still love going around with her.

How Old Is a Horse?

30 Year Life Span!

A horse is a major commitment! They can live up to 30 and sometimes even 40 years ! If you plan on getting horse, you better be dedicated because you will have them for a while.  The first five or six years are the prime years of a horses life.  During the years it's important to get in the major training to their career.  Although, for race horses there is a very different process.  Their prime is the first few years.  Most often horses are raced when they are around three and hardly race past the age of six.  You can tell a horses age by looking at the their teeth.  Yes it's true, the longer the teeth the older they are.  Although some horses ( like mine ) have a bad habit of "cribbing" and grind down their teeth.  Then, you must rely on their birth papers to know their age.  

The Horse Knows You

After going with Erika a few times, I've realized it's beneficial to have the owner there with you.  The horse knows abd trusts it's owner.   Th horse is much more cooperative and well-behaved having someone they can trust there.  How do you feel having someone you don't know poke at you when you don't even know what they're doing? I know I would be scared and try to get away! Horses are very intelligent.

"Money Bags"

Horses are Expensive

Speaking as a horse owner, horses are money guzzling animal's.  They can cost a fortune and burn a hole right through your pocket.  Stable fees, training fees, vet bills, showes... it all adds up! The more you take care of your horse every day, the less they will cost you at the vet.  They obviously needs monthly wormers and vitamins etc, but injuries are what really cost you.  A cut can require a treatment of an ointment that easily costs 200 dollars.  A shot can vary in price and requires a fee for administering the shot.  Luckily, I know how to give my horse a shot on my own.  I administer 10 cc's of Progesterone to my horse monthly.  It raises her levels of estrogen an dlowers her levels of testosterone.  She is a wild one and needs to be calmed down.  

The Horses Leg

Can you say fragile?

There is nothing more to worry about a horse than their legs.  If one is broken, there is almost no hope.  A horse can not sustain it's weight on three legs, and the recovery time is way too long and way too painul to put a horse through.  Erika had to put a horse down today that had shattered his radial hip bone.  There was no hope... She had been in the practice for years and it still hurts her to put a horse down.  I don't know if I'm going to be able to do it.  I love animals so much.  It hurts me so much to see an animal in pain or have to put one down myself.  But in the end I will know that whatever I do was the choice to help the horse.  Sometimes you have to put the horse out of it's misery.  It stinks.

Horse Trail Ride

The Wear and Tear

Trail rides can be very extraneous for some horses.  There are a few things you must always keep in mind when taking your horse on a trail ride.  Its very important to ensure that your horse will feel comfortable on the trail you will be going on.  Make sure the weather is going to be nice before setting out on a long ride away from home.  More sure your horse has had water and will have water along the ride.  They get dehydrated too.  Equip them with a saddle, a bridle that enables you with maximum control, and wrap their legs.  A horse legs are very important to keep safe. If they hurt their leg, many issues can follow.  Wrap them in safety boots or een just polos.  Make sure to check their hooves after walking over a rocky path.  If a rock were to get stuck in their hoof it could cause the horse to become lame or get an absess.  Both of the above are no fun.  Always take good care of your horse.

Racing vs Show Jumping vs Trail Riding

What do you think about when you think of horses?

The main first two thoughts are racing and trail riding.  Many people have been on a trail ride or seen a horse race, but show jumping is not as well known.  In fact, it is a big part of horses.  They even have an Olympiv Show team.

I bet you didn't know horses were this athletic! And this isn't even the best.

How many breeds are there?

HUNDREDS!

There are hundreds of horse breeds all over the world!

List of Horse Breeds

You can check out the list yourself.  My favorite two are Quarter Horses and Oldenburgs.  They are two completely different types of horses.  The Quarter Horse is a breed that is typically seen in Western riding or in the field.  The Oldenburg has more of a framed form and are based on their beauty and structure.  I have had both of these horses.  My first horse Oliver was a Quarter Horse and passed away.  I now have an Oldenburg and she is beautiful. Many people ride the Oldenburg in dressage but I ride her in jumpers.

Shots shots shots shots shots shots shots shots!

Can you give a shot?!

I feel like I went into this project with a little bit of a head start.  I already know how to administer some shots, treat wounds, apply ointments, and diagnose an injury.  This definitely made me feel more comfortable in shadowing my horses vet.  Although, today I learned how to administer a new shot, Penicillin.  It is usually used to treat bacterial infections.  It is a very thick serum and is not administered like a normal shot.  A horse had cut her leg and gotten a bad infection and it was all swollen.  Erika had to give her 30 cc's of Penicillin.  It was injected into the butt, but because it was thick you had to inject it in three different directions so it would not clump all together.  If injected in one large lump, the body could not absorb it and it would stay there. That was very interetsing to me.  Normally shots are given in the horses neck.  There is a "V" in the muscles and it is administered in the middle of that V.  You always must be careful not to hit a vein or artery.  You always pull back to make sure you are not in a vein before you push the shot in.

Is This What I Want?

After spending some time with an actualy vet, iv'e realized there isn't anything else in the world I would rather be doing.  I felt like a natural when I was assisting Erika with the horses.  I already know how to give them shots, administer an IV, and treat mutliple wounds or injuries.  It's just a matter of doing it every day that I need to see if I like.  I went to Calder again and am hoping to go to some barns soon.  I learned how to treat an absessed hoof today.  My horse has never had one because I treat her hoof with an antifungal medication and am always checking to make sure they are not cracked. In Florida, it's very easy for them to crack in the heat so you need to keep them moist with a polish.  It's also very rainy so you have to make sure there is no fungus in the frog(middle) of their hood. I love horses.

Calder Race Track

Wow! Being a vet is all I expected it to be.  When I got to Calder I got to into the part of the barn where the owners and stable people go.  I felt really cool.  I helped Erika with the horses she was taking care of.  Race horses are a little bit more wild than your average horse.  They get all hyped up and ancy because that's how they have to be to win the race.  I helped her hold the horses and they were very strong.  I watched her do check-up's and administer the horses wormer's, vitamins, and an IV to one.  I ca n't wait until I grow up and get to do this myself.

Why do horses need to see a vet?

Horses work their butt's off everyday.  Just like an athlete needs to see the doctor, a horse needs to see a vet.  They need chekc ups, muscle relaxers, and other important treatments.  Today I finally got in touch with my vet Erika and plan to go see her tomorrow at the track.  I am so excited I can't wait.  Were going to Calder race track and then after to some barns.

Love All Horses

I just wanted to show you all my love for horses 

over the years, 

some special moments <3 

Bayli <3

Today I spoke with my horses Veterinarian Erika and finally set up a day to meet with her! I am so excited.  This Tuesday I will meet her at Calder and then go on rounds to other barns with her.  I bet you all can't wait to hear about what I do that day.  I'll continue on with her if I like her.  I am also going to meet with Mr. Birzon who owns a small animal vet clinic here in Weston.  Even though my mind is set on doing horses, I want to get both experiences.  I did some research on Horse Hoof Care today and found out some facts even I didn't know. Check it out.

Horses Need Love Too

It's important to spend a lot of time with your horse if you want to for that special companionship.  Horses don't trust easily.  You must form a bond with them, and once you do nothing in the world can compare to that special love you share.  Today I spent the day stretching, loving, and relaxing with my horse.  The more time you spend with a horse and the more turnout they get the happier they will be.

<3 Bayli <3

A Day In The Life

Ever wondered what a horse does all day? Well, in case you were wondering, I spent a day with my horse :) It's alot more interesting than you think. They don't just run around, eat grass, and poop all day. They're quite intriguing. I stumbled upon her laying down in her stall. I startled her cause she wasn't used to waking that early. As I went to feed her all the other horses were kicking and body chucking the walls, they were hungry too. She ferociously ate her food as I set it. You would think I don't feed the poor mare! After she ate, she started chewing on the door because that's just hat she does. As a baby she was left out in the field all day and got bored so started chewing on anything she could find. Now she has the terrible habit. So I let her out into the field. Once in the field she breaks out into a gallop. I guess she was excited to stretch her legs. She runs off into the far corner and something startled her so she took off rearing and bucking. Once settled she ate sine grass and pondered around the field. Nothing would phase he as she ate. Birds would sit on her and the peacocks would fly by. She seemed so content. So I preceeded to draw a picture of get while she grazed. She rolled around trying to get rid of the itch she had and covered herself in dirt. I then had to give the dirty girl a bath. Nice right? Having someone bath you? It only took an hour !

Horse Haircut

Did you know horses need haircuts? Just like you? Well their hair grows too! They grow a thick coat during the winter that needs to be shaved off once it gets warmer out down in Florida.  It's very important to pay attention to your horse between changing seasons.  They can't tell you how they feel so it's up to you to pay special attention to them.  My horse gets real hot and sweaty with long hair and that can't be fun for anyone.  A few times a year I spend time getting rid of that thick coat.  It too me THREE DAYS to get her all clipped into shape.  She doesn't stand still either, she was constantly moving around, twitching, disapproving of the clipping.  Although it's hard, it's worth it.  I can only imagine how much cooler she feels in this hot weather.  There is a technique and you must go against the coat so it all stays one length.