Skeleton of the Horse

Fergus Facts by Jean Abernethy

Scenario:

Great party! As you crank the engine to drive home, the conversations are still rolling about in your head. You joyfully contemplate how much you love socializing with horse people. Meeting knowledgeable people like that equine chiropractor was inspiring. That old cliché comes back … the more you study, the more you realize what you don’t know. Thorasic. Periostium. Lumbar. Coccygeal … all these new words … and how, exactly did she describe a “ewe neck” affecting a horse’s movement? You pull out of the driveway admiring, even envying her knowledge.

Reason:

You know your horse’s body is just as complex as your own.  When you are asking him to work for you, you feel responsible for understanding his physique. There is so much to know about how a horse’s skeletal framework affects his ability, that it’s kind of bewildering. Also, many joints are an assembly of several separate bones, complicating injuries. You want to put yourself in a position to understand the body you’re working with. It’s no fun to listen with your eyes glazed over as a vet throws complicated, unknown words at you. Where do you start? How can you increase your understanding?

Solution:

Lesson 1 of EQU106, is a great basic, yet detailed introduction to the horse’s skeleton. Yes, a complete skeleton has a vast number of bones, but when presented group by group with an overview of the function of each group, they’re easier to remember. Anatomy of bones is discussed, and how bones heal when they are injured.  We also describe conformation faults which originate in a poorly proportioned skeleton.

This lesson provides a platform of knowledge that will make the cocktail party conversation with the chiropractor much more meaningful, and more importantly, the discussion in the barn alley, if Thunder comes in lame.

For more information, visit www.newhorizonsequine.com.

 

Saddle Construction

Fergus Facts by Jean Abernethy

Scenario:

Moving from table to table at the used tack sale, you find yourself becoming more discouraged than excited. You’ve been looking forward to this sale for months, and now, rather than discovering that good, working saddle that you’d hoped someone’s old tack trunk would give birth to, you’re hearing unfamiliar words like “Ralide,”  “spring tree” and “bullhide.” Your dreams of creating a spiff turn-out in both hunt-seat and Western pleasure at the show next spring are quickly fading.

Reason:

Saddlery is a craft that, in some ways, has not changed in centuries. This is because the basic problems to be solved by a saddle have not changed:

•    Evenly disperse the rider’s weight along the horse’s back, on each side of the spine.

•    Conform to the horse’s shape so that uneven pressure does not create soreness.

•    Fit the rider’s seat and stabilize her or him with stirrups.

These fundamentals do not change. What has changed over the centuries is the specialized uses for modern saddles and the materials with which to build them. It’s true, also, that many, many companies out there are still trying to “build a better mouse trap.” The result is a plethora of styles, each with their pros and cons (price included), and each proclaiming that they’re onto something really good. This gets confusing for a rider just getting into their sport.

Solution:

Here’s how New Horizons can help. EQU104 Lesson 1, Saddle Construction, lays out a study on the basic anatomy of Western and English saddles. As with other aspects of horsemanship, there is a unique language of terms to learn. We’ll help you there, too. Understanding words like “tree,” “bars,” “swells,” “fork” and “cantle” will help you communicate with saddle sellers, and consequently make informed choices.

For example, a Western saddle has five basic parts. We’ll show you what they are. A traditional English tree is a clever, slightly flexible combination of wood and steel, cushioned with panels which refine the fit. Over the years, synthetic materials have altered saddle-making, but the names of the parts remain the same. It is our goal to give you a basic knowledge of saddles, which will help you get started. 

For more information, visit www.newhorizonsequine.com.

 

Parts of the Horse

Fergus Facts by Jean Abernethy

Scenario:

A veterinarian answers the phone, and the following conversation plays out:

Client:  My horse has a bad injury on his back leg. Something must have happened in the pasture. The injury is on the place that looks like his knee.

Vet:  Do you mean on his hock?

Client:  I’m not sure what it’s called, but he is bleeding and seems to be in a lot of pain. It seems like there’s something wrong besides the cut.

Vet:  Is he down?

Client:  No, he’s standing up.

This vet is faced with a perplexing challenge. The client doesn’t know the language to describe her horse’s injury. How serious is it? Should this call be prioritized over another call?

Reason:

This paints a very clear picture of how important it is to learn the language, of equine anatomy.  With horse keeping, there is constant care of limbs, hooves, treating minor injuries, and communicating with vets and farriers when we’re faced with issues that require professional help. While a great deal is learned with experience, knowing your vocabulary is some of the “book-learning” that can be put to work immediately once it is understood.

Solution:

New Horizons’ EQU103 lesson 1 begins with names of personality types in horses, and expands to a complete vocabulary of anatomical parts of the horse; eyes, outer body, joints and hooves. Practice memorizing these body parts is even more fun if you can go to the barn and test your memory on live horses. You’ll find that conversations in the barn isle takes on more meaning.  More power in your vocabulary is not only an asset for you, but for all whom you come in contact.

For more information on New Horizons’ lessons, visit www.newhorizonsequine.com.

 

Equine Vices

Fergus Facts by Jean Abernethy

Scenario:

Your search for that “just right” horse, finds you following a small denim-clad woman down a quaint barn isle. Her stable smells sweet, is swept and clean. So far, so good. Disappointment looms when she stops at a wooden door and unlatches it. Before you even see your prospect, you’re afraid you don’t want him. The door is chewed. The post beside the door is chewed. The other posts are chewed, too.  When the door swings open you see that the wall inside is chewed, and there is a 16-inch-deep dip in the clay floor under the – chewed– bucket. A beautiful, blazed chestnut head emerges to greet a caressing hand. “I can put my grandbabies on him” she says lovingly. Hmm …

Reason:

Vices are a frustrating reality of horse-keeping. Fundamentally, vices are caused by domestication. The horse in its wild state is never restricted by fences or walls, and eats slowly all day long. Herd hierarchy, established without the presence of feeding stations or fences, allows horses to charge and retreat at will escaping injury and with complete social freedom. Confinement in stalls or paddocks changes their options entirely. They can become bored, angry, afraid, or filled with pent-up energy they cannot expend. Designated mealtimes and/or feeding stations can make them protective of their food, augmenting patterns of social dominance.

Solution:

Vices, otherwise called “bad habits” are our study in EQU102 Lesson 6.  We define and describe a variety of common vices and categorize those which are dangerous to the horse, those which are dangerous to the handlers, or simply annoying. We’ll expand your vocabulary with names such as “cribbing” and “weaving” and describe how those habits are destructive to horse and property.

Some vices can be prevented, and recognizing them is the first step. This is important knowledge that can help you choose and keep a contented, enjoyable horse. We at New Horizons would like to help you with that experience.

For more information, visit www.newhorizonsequine.com.

 

Normal and Abnormal Behavior

Scenario:

Your scratching post is built. Now, hopefully you will no longer be replacing fence boards with discouraging regularity. Watching your group milling about the yard exploring their new toy, a sturdy post sunk into the ground with push-broom heads bolted to it, is very entertaining. The grey gelding almost has a grin on his face as he scrubs his behind, that is, if cranky old Nell will let him. Why is she so possessive of this thing? You notice that the young pinto is afraid of the new contraption. He is intrigued by the others’ interest in it, but so far he is afraid to touch it. Then you notice the black 3yr old filly who is usually eager to explore anything new, stands aloof at the other end of the pen. Her complete disinterest has you wondering if she is feeling OK. There are so many different responses going on here, you wonder what is “normal?”

Reason:

Horses respond to their environment very differently for many reasons. A lot of it has to do with their herd hierarchy. A very curious colt quickly learns that he cannot explore an area that a dominant mare occupies. Herd hierarchy is one of the most “normal” behaviors that horses exhibit, often to a degree that causes us a great deal of frustration. There are other behavior patterns, to observe as we watch horses eat, eliminate, play, defend themselves, and form friendships.

Solution:

Gaining insight into behaviors that are common and acceptable, gives us the ability to spot red flags for trouble, and manage our herds accordingly. EQU102 lesson 5 describes many types of behavior and explains to what degree each is “normal behavior” for horses; for example noticing that one horse mimics another’s wood-chewing habit, might be key to nipping a bad habit in the bud. A very inquisitive youngster may prove to be a great learner, while a complete lack of curiosity may be a symptom of an illness.

For more information, visit www.newhorizonsequine.com.

 

Individual Differences

Scenario:

On the other end of that lead rope in your hand is the weanling you’ve waited for so long. She’s a fragile impressionable baby, now without her mother’s guidance, you want to set up her early experiences so that she will trust and learn her lessons without fear.

As you stroke her neck, your mind drifts back to the last horse in your life. The one with whom you made so many mistakes. Remember how terrified he was of plastic garbage bags? Now, weanling in hand, you lead her carefully a step at a time, toward that trash bag sitting there in the grass, to let her see, touch, and discover that it is harmless. Having prepared yourself for a spook-bolt-and-run reaction, you are completely surprised as she walks nonchalantly up to the would-be monster, and rips a chunk out of it with her teeth! Obviously this is a different equine mind!

Reason:

All horses are not created equal. While it’s true that all foals are born with the same basic “prey-animal” survival instincts, variable individual characteristics are infinite. Inherited physical structure and sensitivity of the nervous system can play a big part in responsive behavior.

Solution:

Lesson 4 of EQU102 studies the individuality of horses. For example a cue that causes one horse to move forward, might cause another to be flustered, confused, and balky. This could be due to different vision. A dish-faced horse with large prominent eyes may perceive the world differently than a horse with very small eyes looking over a roman nose. Memory and past experience also contribute enormously to a horse’s response to stimuli. As you gently fetch that hunk of plastic trash bag from your filly’s mouth, you realize the more insight you have the better!

For more information, visit www.newhorizonsequine.com.

 

The Power of Instinct

Fergus Facts by Jean Abernethy

Scenario:

After the chores are done, the summer moon graces an evening too lovely to abandon by going indoors. You sit on an overturned bucket and gaze into the paddocks. Willow is talking to her foal. The little guy obviously understands her. The geldings, Walter and Tango, are scratching each other’s withers affectionately. Molly, at the hay bale, flattens her ears, switches her tail, and the young fillies back off, keeping their distance. Then, at the far end of the paddock, Banjo has just noticed something far off in the pasture. Maybe a deer? His head, ears and tail go up, he gives a loud blow out of his nostrils. At that, all of the heads go up. Banjo trots in a small, animated circle, with head and tail high and one ear cocked on the suspicious object. Then he stops, facing it again, blows a second time. All of the horses are on guard now. Willow has called her foal close to her side.

Reason:

Watching this, you think years earlier horses in the wild under the same moon behaved much the same as they do today. Horses were created as prey animals and even through years of domestication this natural instinct to survive remains. As equestrians, we can improve our horse-handling skills by gaining an understanding of these natural instincts.

Solution:

In Lesson 3 of EQU102, Horse Psychology and Behavior series, we study equine instincts and how they serve the horse. We examine the five senses and consider why horses respond to certain stimuli the way they do. We describe how they communicate through voice and body language, and how we can work with knowledge of those habits. For example, imitating affection by scratching withers is a powerful tool for building friendship, while a switching tail could be read as a warning to keep clear.

As horse handlers, we can never replace a horse’s instincts with our own reasoning. It is wiser to train and manage our horses by understanding how they perceive and respond to their world. New Horizons can help you build those steps of understanding.

For more information, visit www.newhorizonsequine.com.

 

Equine Behavior

Fergus Facts by Jean Abernethy

Scenario:

What a week it’s been! Monday, somebody tied Pop-Eye to the arena fence. He panicked, pulled a board off and ran away. The new filly who arrived on Tuesday has been pacing the fence and screaming all week. Will she ever settle in? Wednesday, the pony spooked at the clippers and cut herself on the wheelbarrow. Thursday, there was a battle of wills with Hamish. After an hour of patient coaxing, you concluded that his “won’t” was much stronger than his “will.” He would not step across that trickle of water they call a creek. Yet, when a jogger came by, hopped over it and ran on, Hamish followed right behind her! What was that about?

Here you are Friday night on the Town Square, the carriage horses giving rides again. Incredibly, the team remains completely calm when a train comes blasting across Front Street. They turn their heads and look. That’s it! You stand in awe. After the week’s events, you’re shaking your head at the mystery of equine psychology.

Reason:

Domestic horses seem to be plagued with a list of fears and a lack of logic. However, with some study of the wild equine in its natural environment, a horse’s responses to certain situations begin to make sense. Once we understand the herd’s social structure, and that horses are a creature to whom flight is the primary self-preservation response to any perceived threat, we start to see what an adaptable creature they truly are.

Solution:

Lesson 2 of EQU102 takes an analytical look at how wild horse psyche carries over into a domestic environment. We discuss herd hierarchy and how to manage it. We explain how horses’ fears of clippers, trains, being tied up, etc., are quite natural, and then offer ways to help them overcome these fears. We also describe cues given by a rider, and how consistency is key in developing trust between horse and human. By building a comfort zone for our horses, we build a safety zone for ourselves.

For more information, visit www.newhorizonsequine.com.

 

Equine Senses

Fergus Facts by Jean Abernethy

Scenario:

Your horse is well trained and you’re enjoying a horse with an education. In fact Peanut was so good in the arena yesterday, that you tack up this time to take him out on the trail.

You ride off smiling, looking out over those ears, (wishing you could swivel your own ears 180 degrees) then he spooks at … a leaf that moved? Down the trail his nose goes up, nostrils flare open. He freezes up, eyes wide and ears locked forward. You try to see, or smell, or hear the apparent monster with no success, but your legs can certainly feel his heart hammering. As its tempo goes up, your confidence goes down. He’s well trained, so why is he behaving this way?!

Reason:

Since horses are prey animals their natural instinct is to flee or prepare for flight. Even well trained horses will sometimes flee first before stopping to focus monocular vision on the culprit. Out on the trail is a likely place for us to watch our horses’ senses and natural instincts to their surroundings. The goal in training is to help the horse feel secure with your guidance so the prey animal instinct is lessened. 

Solution:

Understanding the survival instinct makes us wiser equestrians. The horse who spooks is not being stupid. His eyes give him a 340 degree field of vision. That reality for him is something we can only imagine. He does not need a reprimand, but patience and reassurance. We can rest assured those incredible swiveling ears can hear more than we can! Lesson 1 of New Horizons EQ102 series, takes a look at the five senses, sight, touch, taste, hearing and smell, and discusses how each of these senses serves the horse in the wild. Even when you and Peanut are in the same pen, his world is different than yours. With this awareness, you will be able to make compassionate choices that will keep yourself safe, and win his trust.

For more information, visit www.newhorizonsequine.com.

 

Safety Precautions: Fire

Fergus Facts by Jean Abernethy

Scenario:

This morning, your coffee cup stops halfway to your mouth as you spot a headline in the newspaper. Black, twisted roofing steel and charred posts are seen in the photo under the headline. They are all that remains of what was that nice red stable out on the highway. But now it’s gone. The story says that most of the horses got out, and that no people were injured. You can’t help but feel a cold, sickening sensation deep inside.

Reason:

When we read stories like this, our minds drift to our own barns. If a fire were to break out, who would get there first? How old is that fire extinguisher on the wall, anyway? Would the horses be too afraid to go out? We’ve all heard stories of rescued horses running back into a burning barn. What would we do if the fire started at the south end of the barn? Or what would the alternatives be if the fire was at the north end, instead? How many minutes might you have before you just couldn’t go in any longer? All of these questions race through our minds.

Solution:

New Horizons EQ101 Safety Precautions lesson 6 discusses the topic of barn fires, how best to respond to an emergency situation, and what can be done to make a barn safer. We discuss the combustibility of hay and various building materials, and describe some work habits and barn rules that might prevent a fire.

Naturally, cleanliness in a barn and an emergency plan are critically important. Many other details can make a barn safer—and maybe even increase the survival rate should the unthinkable happen. We at New Horizons have seen the newspaper stories, too, and know that it could happen to any of us. Let us help you make your barn safer.

For more information, visit www.newhorizonsequine.com.