Dealing with wild horses

Last week we talked about what the closing of horse slaughter facilities has done to the horse industry in the U.S., Dave Duquette, Executive Director of the United Horseman’s Front is back with us this week to talk about another issue his group is addressing, wild horses.

AUDIO: Dave Duquette, Exec. Director United Horseman’s Front (3:00 MP3)

Bringing back the horse industry

Dave Duquette, Executive Director of the United Horseman’s Front says the organization was formed to bring back the horse industry. Duquette says one of the issues they’re addressing is the unintended consequences of ending horse slaughter in the U.S.

AUDIO: Dave Duquette, Exec. Director, United Horsemen’s Front (3:00 MP3)

NCTA offers hands-on equine program

The vet-tech division at the Nebraska College of Tehcnical Agriculture in Curtis, Nebraska, is starting a special Equine Management Program to introduce folks to a variety of aspects of the equine industry.

AUDIO: Judy Bowmaster, NCTA instructor (3 min., MP3)

No horse? No problem in 4-H Horseless Horse project

Young people who grow up caring for horses develop responsibility, respect for nature and growth in self esteem, not to mention appreciation for the pure joy of riding.  Yet, keeping a horse can be a pricey undertaking.  Many youth do not have the opportunity to ride, let alone own a horse.  The 4-H program sought to fill this void and began a Horseless Horse project in Virginia some 30 years ago.  Today the program is offered in 45 states.  In Iowa, state 4-H ag program specialist Mike Anderson says it continues to grow in popularity.

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Keep ‘em moving

As winter slammed into the Midwest this week, some health tips for your horses. Along with good hay, plenty of fresh water and a place to get out of the wind…Dr. John Donecker with Pfizer Animal Health says you want to make sure those horses get some exercise in the winter.

Comments from Dr. Donecker:

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Moldy corn a problem for horses

Moldy corn is not good for a horses diet but a certain toxin from a certain mold can be devastating to the health of horses. Veterinarian Russ Daly says horse owners need to be aware of the mycotoxin called Fumonisin and the serious health problems it can cause for their horses.

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Show horse owners need to prevent equine flu spread

It’s the flu season, not only for people but also for horses. Shows and futurities expose the animals to other horses and pathogens that may infect them with flu. Dr. April Knudson, manager of Merial Equine Veterinary Services says each event brings together different animals from different farms, potentially exposing even well-traveled horses to equine influenza, one of the leading causes of respiratory disease in horses. She says there are ways to prevent infection.

AUDIO: April Knudson (3 min. MP3)

Horse owners face life long obligation

The fewer options that horse owners have to end their obligation to their animals, the greater and longer that obligation will be. The issue of responsible horse ownership and breeding is talked about more frequently now that some end of life options for horse owners no longer exist. Frank Bowman, president of the Illinois Horseman’s Council discusses what can be considered for solutions.

AUDIO: Frank Bowman (3 min. MP3)

Time to “winterize” your horse

Veterinarian Dick Schulte says there are a few things to do for your horse as we move into the cold winter months. “The key thing to do at this time of the year is to make an assessment of the horse’s body weight.” Schulte says a horse with good body condition can stand a lot of cold as long as they have protection from wind. If they are a little thin, throw a little extra grain and maybe better quality hay to them now and give them all the hay they want to eat when it is cold. Above all, make sure they have a good supply of fresh water. Schulte says it is also a good idea to give them at tetanus shot and deworm them at this time of year.

AUDIO: Dr. Dick Schulte talks about preparing your horse for winter 3:00

Experts advise those left with unwanted horses

More unwanted and abandoned horses in the U.S. raise questions for those stable owners and property owners left with these horses or finding these horses on their land. Two experts weighed in on the University of Illinois Extension teleconference to discuss the humane and legal issues surrounding the abandoned horse issue.

Dr. Yvonne Bellay and Attorney Yvonne Ocrant (3:00 min., MP3)

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