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Thread Four: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1332664/posts |
Posted on 12/30/2004 7:01:16 PM PST by HairOfTheDog
Free Republic has a lot of horse people that have found each other on other threads…. And since we all like to talk horses, how about a thread where it is not off-topic, but is THE topic?
This is a horse chat thread where we share ideas, ask for input from other horsemen, and talk about our riding and horse-keeping. We have a lot of different kinds of riders and horses, and a lot to share. In the previous threads we have had a great time talking through lessons, training, horse lamenesses, illnesses and pregnancies... and always sharing pictures and stories.
I always have a link to this thread on my profile page, so if you have something to say and can't find the thread in latest posts… look for it there and wake the thread up!
I also have a ping list for horse threads that are of interest, and Becky pings everyone most mornings. Let Becky (Paynoattentionmanbehindthecurtain) and/or me know if you would like to be on the ping list. As FreeRepublic is a political site, our politics and other issues will probably blend in…. There are many issues for horsemen that touch politics… land use, animal rights/abuse cases that make the news…. Legislation that might affect horse owners.
So... like the previous threads, this is intended as fun place to come and share stories, pictures, questions and chit-chat, unguided and unmoderated and that we come together here as friends. There are lots of ways of doing things and we all have our quirks, tricks and specialties that are neat to learn about.
How can you tell if a mare has had a foal before? I was looking at Sarah Lee. She has... hmm, not sure what to call them... boobs.
You crack me up. It's an udder. I think they can look kind of full when they are maiden mares. They aren't flat and floppy that I've ever noticed. That is a really good question, though. Anybody? How do you tell if a mare has had a baby if you don't know her history?
Well her "udder" flabby. I decided today that I wanted to see what was under there:')
My husband is gonna wonder what I'm giggling about all evening. I think he used the line of "he decided that he wanted to see what was under there" on me.
Speaking of horses private parts, do you clean your geldings sheath? Tuffy's looks really disgusting and when he hangs it out I usually make a mad grab and try to pick the garbage off of it before he sucks it back up.
Oh yeah. Just about every time he gets a bath he gets flushed with the water hose.
Well, hmmmmm, how do I put this..... their twats will be all stretched out. I can't believe I just said that. ;oP
Seriously, if you compare a maiden mare and a mare who's had a foal, you'll see what I mean.
I usually clean my geldings with sheath cleaner, warm water and a kitchen baster. I've tried using latex gloves but have found that I need to use my fingernails (very carefully) to get at the really yucky stuff. They actually seem to rather enjoy the whole process. I just try to make sure my neighbors don't see me doing it or it would be incredibly embarrassing.
Back to mares though. Do their "tits" (hope I have the right terminology here:') enlarge? Her's are about thumb size. I had asked my trainer if she thought my horse had ever had a foal before. She raised her tail and said maybe, but she couldn't tell.
I'm not sure about the teats. One of my mares is a broodmare, so she's bred all the time and they never go down. The other one had a year off, but her 18 mth old nearly grown filly kept sneaking a drink until not too long ago, so she's still fairly big too. But I think they go back down and wouldn't be a reliable way of telling for sure. Your vet could probably palpate her and tell you for sure. Are you thinking of breeding?
I haven't decided yet. After we get our own place, I might. I can't afford to stable another horse.
Thanks a lot:') Your storm almost here. Rain and high in the 40's tomorrow. Can you believe it? 80 and sunny one day and 40 and cold the next:'(
There is just something about a white horse in a forest. I guess I watched too many prince/princess movies as a kid:')
I need the advice of you veterans. We are fairly new horse owners... we currently have 3 on our 60+acres.
My dd 12 years old - has been offered this colt for free. HIs history is this - Mare arrived at barn - the owners didn't know she was with foal. She delivered in pasture in April (almost 2 years ago) in pouring rain. He almost died - was hand fed by bottle and is healthy. Nothing is known about stallion. He is about 14.3 now. Mare is nice quarter horse.
Nobody at the barn has any time to spend with him.
My dd wants to bring him home and work with him. Am I crazy to consider this... she is responsible and takes excellent care of her horse. He is very gentle - can put halter on him, pick up his feet, run hands all over him. that's all I know. Here are some pictures...
LOL - He needs to leave his mom
One last one - not the best pictures - it was very foggy today...
One one hand I think it would be a great project for her - we have plenty of room and she has the desire. On the other hand I think I'm crazy to consider taking this on - I don't want her to get hurt or for the colt to be ruined because we don't know what we are doing!! Thanks in advance fo your input!
I have a photo of the second trim I'll post later - you won't believe the improvement! We are so thankful....
JMO - if you take him, geld him immediately. Then, if he was bottle fed and hand fed he'll need to learn ground manners. It doesn't sound like he's got any major problems and he looks nice. He's not ready to ride yet but by the time he is, your daughter can have taught all the basics working up to it.
The biggest problem I can see is that if he has been a pet, and treated like a pet, he will be pushy and likely to hurt someone unless he learns soon what is and is not acceptable. He is likely to be more ready to trust you and willing to learn though.
That is a good point about being pushy - I'll remember to caution her about that.
In that case, I think it would make a good project.
Good morning.
Becky
I say go for it too. He sounds like he's been handled enough by experienced horse people to be easily trainable. The picking up the feet thing sounds really good. Alot of people never teach their young horses this and never have their feet trimmed until they are a big strapping 2yr old and then they wonder why the farrier is put out with them.
Like the others said, bottle babies are more pushy. I think it's because they think you are just another strange looking horse and can be rough-housed with accordingly. Just keep in mind that every time you interact with a horse of any age that SOMEBODY'S getting trained, one way or another, for better or worse and you've just got to make sure that it's YOU doing the training and not the other way around.
Horses assert their dominance over each other by testing who makes who move their feet. Don't let him barge into your space and don't let him touch you with any part of his body unless you ASK him to. Especially don't let him get away with putting his mouth on you. For some horses, it's like a game for them to see if they can do something they know their not supposed to and get by with it.
Sorry this post was so long.
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