Q:
I am considering letting my horse be transported by folks who will not stop
overnight and take her off. Please tell me your professional opinion on this. Am
I endangering my horse? Will the horse suffer for being on a trailer 20 Hours? I
need to know if I am simply being stupid here or if it is a reasonable risk to
take. Thanks for input.
Jack:
"First let me say no questions are stupid. Please note, although we
have transported horses for the public since 1968, anything I say is just our
own personal experience; no law, no book, no scientific data, just our own
experiences. We have tried it all. But now days we stop at night or day what
ever the case may be. If it is a 20 hour run, we do it in two 10 hour runs. It
is better for the animals and the drivers. We do not grain horses on the
trailer. We just give them hay and water while on the trailer; but, grain them
when they are unloaded. Some horses find it hard to urinate on a trailer, so 20
hours would be a long ride. Also, the horse will get circulation going again
when let out. You can also muck out the trailer and have a chance to check
equipment. It is also better to plan your trip in advance as to where the stops
will be. Never unload horses except in a controlled environment such as a farm
that you are spending the night at, unless it is an absolute emergency. I have
seen bad things happen in rest stops to other people but they just did not know
any better. There are a lot of good carriers out there that will do you a good
job, but at the same time, there are those where every thing equates to money.
They don't care about the animals. And yes, it is stressful on horses to travel,
just like for people. Once again, this is just the way we do it. If someone
differs from this, then that is just like mine, 'it's an opinion,' and they are
entitled to it. Hope this helps."
Q:
Hi, I sure do need help. I have an eight month old paint, every time
we walk up to her she raises her front legs up. This can be scary at times.
Could you give me an idea of what we can do. Thanks.
Jack: "This is not unusual for a wealing this age. It can be dangerous for people that don't have a lot of knowledge with horses. Both fillies and colts tend to want to play. The fillies usually want to strike or kick and colts will try to bite. Most babies will play among themselves to burn up energy but when no other horses are around they will want to play with people or even dogs. I have seen this over the years and it's nothing that cannot be over come by proper handling and discipline. It will have to be corrected while you have a halter on the horse. A couple sharp jerks to the lead line and a stern 'NO.' When she settles down, reward her. Don't try anything with a halter and lead line. Trying to scare her away without the above will only escalate into a game and that is what she wanted to begin with."
Q:
Hi, Jack,
I'm a 14 year old girl and I got my first horse for Christmas, well he is a
gelding and his ribs show can you give me any of advice because I want to barrel
race and pole bend with him. Can you give me any advice? thanks,
Melissa
Jack: "Melissa, not having seen your new horse, I will have to go on what you have told me. First, you need to put him on a worming program about every other month; then maybe you can put some weight on him. If he is wormy, feed won't do a lot to put on weight. Be careful and don't over feed him. Just do it in the morning and again in the evening. Both a good commercial grain and good clean horse quality hay. Buy him a salt block. Have plenty of good clean water. I hope he has good teeth that don't bother him or that he is not a cribber or windsucker; if so, it will be hard to put weight on him. If he is a full grown horse, 14.2 hands and up, give him about one half pound of grain per body weight and a couple pads of hay in the morning and evening. Other words, if he weighs 1,000 lobs, give 2 and half to 3 lbs in the morning and same in evening along with plenty of hay. Hay also helps to keep them warm. Have a vet to tell you about the shots he will need and look at his teeth. Also, make sure he gets him a current Coggins Test. Have a good farrier do his feet on a regular schedule. When you start to work him, bring him along slow to build up his body. Good luck.
Jack"