Q: |
i have aspotted walking horse she is 9, i had her about 3 years.when she is at a flatfoot walk at her own pace she has a smooth ride,when i try to speed her up she has a rought ride she is barefoot i do not ride her on pavement.do ineed to shood her heavy in front light in the back ?
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A:
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You need to discuss any special shoeing you want done with your farrier. You may not need to shoe her as much as work her more often at a fast walk and trot to build up her muscles. If she has strong back and hind end muscles she should ride a little more smoothly. You may also want to examine her confirmation. Could be due to her build she just feels a little rougher at faster gates, this is very common. |
Q: |
My horse is 20 yrs.old and she has recently started backing her ears, kicking at me,and running from me when I try to catch her. ONce I get her she is fine. Could this just be lack of attention? |
A:
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Does she have a herd mate that she does not want to leave? Is the pasture more inviting than going with you? You say she is fine once you catch her, are you grooming and riding her? Maybe she is associating you catching her with pain. Could also be a lack of attention if you only go to see her once in a while. You may want to take some treats out with you to catch her sometimes so she associates good things with being caught. |
Q: |
I have a 19 year old mare who is in great health. Is there a typical age when horses start to have problems because of their age? |
A:
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No. As horses approach their senior years some of them have difficulties with arthritis, losing weight and other health problems associated with aging. However, some horses age very gracefully and can lead full careers into their twenties. My advice is to enjoy a senior horse in great health and not look for problems. Keep an eye out for lameness or weight loss and keep up at least annual vet checks, but otherwise just enjoy her for as long as you can. |
Q: |
my 8 year old Quarter hose gelding pulls on the bit quite often. he'll stretch his neck out and pull. other times he doesn't. we are basically beginners. we've had his teeth floated last year and ride in a tom thumb bit. |
A:
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His teeth may need floating again, this should be done at least once per year; sometimes twice per year. You may also want to try a different bit, or at least make sure the bit is fitting him well and not pinching his mouth anywhere. You can also try riding with a martingale or draw reins to help keep his head in where it belongs without putting a lot of pressure on his mouth. |
Q: |
Why do some of my horses chew on the base roots of a big willow tree? |
A:
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Usually horses chew on bark or roots out of boredom and a lack of adequate hay or grass supply. Make sure your horses have enough to eat and provide other sources of entertainment, you do not want them to get sick or splinters in their mouths. |
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