I got a horse, now what? update 1-22-11

[horsejody]

Quote:
I haven't read the whole thread. The thing that stood out in your post to me is that the horse is in the yard eating grass. Since you have a swimming pool that isn't winterized, I assume you live in a warm climate and the grass is still green and growing. If the horse is not used to eating green grass, it can cause colic. He needs to get used to that type of food change gradually. He will also be happier with a companion since they are herd animals.

 

[ducks4you]

Quote:
I'm hurt, horsejody! I thought I gave twentynine some really good advice on page 3!

 

[ozarkmomma]

horseforum.com

 

[twentynine]

Quote:
I haven't read the whole thread. The thing that stood out in your post to me is that the horse is in the yard eating grass. Since you have a swimming pool that isn't winterized, I assume you live in a warm climate and the grass is still green and growing. If the horse is not used to eating green grass, it can cause colic. He needs to get used to that type of food change gradually. He will also be happier with a companion since they are herd animals.

Yes Mam!

I know about horses needing company, ------- However after 40 years of not having a horse I thought it prudent to get 1 horse, 2 horses were considered. In the future a second horse is likely.

Think about it------ I have caught some high holy heck on this thread for getting 1 --- ONE ---- SINGULAR horse, not being totally 100% prepared or having a doctorate in animal husbandry, can you imagine the inflamed feelings if I would have got 2 --- TWO ---- DOUBLE the horses?

Not much green out there, he seems to like his hay.

By the way I thought I would mention, he is being watched pretty much hourly around the clock.

 

[Poulets De Cajun]

Censored

 

[Poulets De Cajun]

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[chickenzoo]

Why are so many people being so nasty?

This person was asking for help and knowledge ....... not bashing. WOW, What ever happened to if you have nothing nice to say keep your mouth shut. He said he's had them before, just needs a refresher course. With time comes new info and who better to ask then those who have horses........... geesh, give the guy a break.

I am sorry so many people have been nasty, normally this is a pretty nice place to get info.............. I think people need to remember some manners. I'm almost embarrasst to post now

 

[twentynine]

Look I have no intention of ever riding this horse, I have no intention of ever making this horse "work" for a living. All I ask of him is to be calm and gentle, so far he has lived up to his side of the bargain. I'll live up to mine. I will learn how to care for him correctly, if their is a question or problem I'll know that I am over my head and will seek the proper care.

Take for instance this thread, I had a number of very good responces, truly people trying to help. I have been offer help via PM along with forum member telephone numbers if I have any questions.

 

[Poulets De Cajun]

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[greathorse]

I dont think your horse will founder on a bit of lawn grass
I dont think your horse will do a swan dive into a darn pool and drown itself
I dont think you are going to kill your horse with a bit of grain morning and night with all the hay it can eat
I dont think your horse will suffer one Iota if those teeth arent floated post haste He is a four year old for chrissake
I dont think he will be a cripple forever if you dont get those feet trimmed this weekend
I dont think your horse needs therapy as a result of being a "only horse"


I do think that this horse has a pretty good chance of taking darn good care of him/herself left to his/her own devices, a bit of feed and water

I do think you made a pretty significant tactical error in asking folks some of whom have spent a lifetime learning about horses and still consider themselves on a pretty steep learning curve to give you a ten word lesson on horse care. That is a little like asking Beethoven to teach you a couple of scores and you will take it from there.

I do think that based on the initial post you and your wife have precious little experience and run a pretty good risk of getting into trouble with a 4 year old horse. I don't care how good he/she is. Many bad injuries occur with "trusted" horse pets.

I do think that if you or your wife were truly equipped to handle an animal as dangerous as a horse (no matter how docile they seem) you would have a less cavalier attitude about its training and risk.

I do think that just because the horse was dirty and in a herd of other horses does not indicate it needed "rescuing" nor that you have done it a huge favor by isolating it in a backyard.

I was going to stay out of this but I am a horse guy and couldn't help myself.