Tips For A Newbie?

LMK17

Loving the herd life
Joined
Mar 24, 2017
Messages
221
Reaction score
226
Points
163
Location
Central TX
Our new horses are coming home in just a couple days! šŸ˜

I think weā€™re pretty well ready for them, but there are some things that only come with experience. That said, anyone have some good tips, tricks, or money saving ideas for life with horses?
 

Baymule

Herd Master
Joined
Aug 22, 2010
Messages
33,090
Reaction score
98,641
Points
873
Location
East Texas
Ask their owners what Feed/hay they eat and how much for each of them. You donā€™t ever want to suddenly switch feed, it can cause colic.

Colic is scary and can be deadly. Keep a few quarts or a gallon of mineral oil around along with a large syringe. You canā€™t overdose with mineral oil. When a horse goes down and wonā€™t get up on their own, and you suspect colic, call the vet, if itā€™s going to be awhile before he can get there, you may need to drench the horse with a quart of mineral oil and WALK the horse. KEEP HIM MOVING. When you hear horse farts, that is a good thing, pooping is even better. If you get tired, take turns walking the horse. Not trying to scare you, just educating you. When horses get a bellyache, they canā€™t vomit, so it is a serious problem. Thank the Lord that it rarely happens, but itā€™s best to be prepared and never have to use it.
 

horseymama2

Overrun with beasties
Joined
Jul 4, 2011
Messages
57
Reaction score
69
Points
83
Location
NW Missouri
After owning and keeping horses for over 40 years, my recommendations is to keep horses as naturally as possible. Horses are meant to be free ranging, not stalled. I have a run-in for shelter and my little herd has a 2 acre field. I feed very little grain, my crew eats primarily grass/hay. Now during the lush spring and summer months I have to dry lot the mini ponies so they don't founder. I might try putting a grazing muzzle on them this year. You should get a first aid kit together and have a few things on hand in case of an emergency. Are you comfortable giving a horse shots? It is a good idea to have some Banamine (like horse advil) on hand. It works most quickly when given as a shot, but it comes in a paste also, I believe. Giving a horse a shot of Banamine can help a lot during a mild colic. Also some Bute paste or tablets to give orally can be helpful to have on hand.

Other than that be safe and have fun. Congratulations on your new horses. I hope you will be sharing pictures. :)
 

LMK17

Loving the herd life
Joined
Mar 24, 2017
Messages
221
Reaction score
226
Points
163
Location
Central TX
Thanks, all, for the thoughts! Definitely good stuff to keep in mind!

Here are Audi (purple halter) & Mowgli (green halter):
 

Attachments

  • IMG_20200208_181027346.jpg
    IMG_20200208_181027346.jpg
    321.3 KB · Views: 134
  • IMG_20200208_181108846.jpg
    IMG_20200208_181108846.jpg
    166.9 KB · Views: 142
  • IMG_20200210_081755551_HDR.jpg
    IMG_20200210_081755551_HDR.jpg
    299.6 KB · Views: 137
Top