Issue Winter 2019 - Equus (2024)

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EQUUS provides the latest information from the world's top veterinarians, equine researchers, riders and trainers on understanding and influencing equine behavior, recognizing the warning signs of illness and disease, and solving riding and training problems.

in this issue

DEPARTMENTSLETTERSWhen history comes to lifeThank you for including the beautiful picture of the stallion Leo in “The End of the Open Range” (Conformation Insights, EQUUS 499).My first horse (which I did not get until I was 20 years old) was a Leo great-granddaughter and she looked exactly like him. Her name was Val’s Robin and she was a daughter of Rod Tag, granddaughter of Leo Tag and great-granddaughter of Leo. She was kind and intelligent, just as you describe Leo-bred horses in your caption, but she definitely was an alpha mare (I think that’s why I got her for $400).I could tell so many stories of her intelligence over the 23 years I owned her. After I had her for a year, she knew I was her human and wasn’t…3 min

DEPARTMENTSHANDSONTIPS FOR SNOWY TURNOUTOn a cold winter day, your instinct may be to leave your horse inside a cozy barn, but turnout is key to maintaining his health in the winter. Inactivity contributes to impaction colic and exacerbates arthritis, and fresh air is crucial to respiratory health. The good news is your horse can most likely cope with snowy conditions just fine and, if he can’t, there are ways to help him.A fit, healthy horse can navigate even deep snow, but it will be tiring. As horses walk through snow, they will naturally “plow” paths to resources like hay, water and shelter. If you turn them out while it’s still snowing, this process will go more quickly. An elderly or arthritic horse may have trouble coping with deep snow, so…7 min

DEPARTMENTSPOP QUIZQ: An overly exuberant gallop on a headstrong horse can make you instantly appreciative of “horsepower.” But do you know what exactly that mechanical term refers to?a. The speed to travel one mile in two minutes b. The ability to accelerate to 30 miles per hour in one second c. The force to pull 1,000 pounds 40 feet in 10 seconds d. The power to lift 550 pounds one foot in one secondAnswerd. The term “horsepower” was first adopted by Scottish engineer James Watt in the 18th century to convey the output of his newly designed steam engine in terms the farmers he hoped would buy them would appreciate. His complex calculations, based on a horse’s ability to turn a mill wheel 144 times per hour, eventually led to the…1 min

DEPARTMENTSHIGH VISIBILITYI’m an avid trail rider, and during hunting season I want to make sure my horse and I are identifiable from a distance, even if we get separated. I wear an orange safety vest myself, but I also want to make sure my horse is protected. I purchased a few yards of safety orange mesh fabric and made a quarter-sheet for him to wear on the trails. The sheet keeps flies off his rump and makes him visible to hunters.—Cheryl Johnson, Northfield, MinnesotaSend your suggestions for inexpensive horse-care substitutes as well as hints for saving effort and time to Hands On, EQUUS, P.O. Box 7510, Falls Church, Virginia, 22040; email: EQLetters@aimmedia.com. Senders of published items will receive selected EQUUS merchandise.…1 min

DEPARTMENTSWHAT DROOPY LIPS MAY MEANYour gelding is standing quietly in the cross ties, enjoying an extended grooming session, when you notice his lower lip—it’s hanging at least two inches below his upper lip, forming a deep cup that’s slowly filling with drool. Is this dramatically droopy lip a sign of neurologic trouble? Premature aging? Probably not. More likely it’s just an indication of self-confidence and relaxation.A horse who is stressed or “on alert” will typically hold his mouth and chin tight. When he’s comfortable in his surroundings, that area softens, to the extent his lower lip may drop well below his upper lip. If you step back to look at his entire body, you’ll likely see the picture of contentment: ears pointed sideways, eyelids at half-mast and hind leg co*cked in a resting position.…1 min

DEPARTMENTSBlanket Statements“No harm ever touched them once they cut loose, snorting at flurries falling again.”—Roberta Hill Whiteman, “Horses in Snow”From Horseware Ireland’s Amigo range, the Amigo Bravo 12 Reflectech Plus Rug (suggested retail, $279.95) is enhanced with a cutting-edge, reflective weave fabric that makes it easier to spot your horse in low light conditions. This 250-gram medium-weight rug also sports tough, weatherresistant 1,200-denier polyester outer fabric, a V-Front closure, two leg arches, reflective strips and a tail flap. Detachable hood and liner loops make the rug adaptable when the weather or your horse’s needs change. In black/reflective and black, in sizes 66 to 87. Visit www.horseware.comA breathable all-season blanket, the SmartPak Ultimate Trifecta Turnout Blanket (suggested retail, $349.95) has a 3-in-1 layering design that facilitates a quick conversion from lightweight sheet…3 min

Issue Winter 2019 - Equus (2024)

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