Davis Horse Farm

Archive for July, 2010

Yes, horses have a language of their own, and unfortunately many of us are not as aware of it as we should be. It’s a big mistake to not to know their language, as it could mean problems for us in the long run. Every swivel of the ear(s), hip movement, tail flick and facial expression means something. This is the language horses use to speak to other horses and to us – if only we would listen.

We need to know what OUR body language says to them first before we can understand them. Flapping arms while trying to get the halter on will cause concern. Running at them in a pasture rather than walking up to them calmly can make them think – predator chasing me. We’ve all heard about bombproof horses – sorry, there isn’t any such thing. Something, some time will spook your horse – any horse.
In the meantime, keep your body language quiet, slow, easy and calm. If you are calm, this helps your horse remain calm.

Horses speak to us with all body parts and that includes the front and back end. Both ends can cause us untold grief if we do not pay attention to what they are saying. For instance, most of us know that when a horse has both ears pinned back flat something is really wrong. Chances are they are either frightened or angry. In most cases it is anger. So watch the front and rear very carefully. Caution is best even if you think the horse may be listening to something behind them or bored. Once you really know your horse well, you will know what the ears are saying.

Ears perked up and forward mean they are focusing their attention on something and are either up to some mischief or they are on high alert about something they see, hear or smell. Remind your horse you need his attention, especially if you are riding and the ears whip forward.

Brushing and caring for your horse is THE major bonding experience between humans and equines. Don’t ever underestimate how powerfully you are communicating to your horse about YOU when you brush him.

Like any animal that you own it is very important that you are providing your horse with all of the nutrition that is necessary for good growth and good development. A horse is something that you invest a great deal of time and energy in, and it is something that is going to be very loving and loyal to you. This means that you have to be sure to provide your horse with not just adequate nutrition, but excellent nutrition.

Remember that having a good horse feed is something that is important. You want to research your particular breed of horses and see what kind of diet they will do best on. Another thing to keep in mind is not only what kind of breed of horse you have, but what their lives are like. Are they racing horses, or working horses, or are they just horses that you keep as pets to ride. Do you show them, or are they simply farm horses? These are all important questions to ask, because the answers to these questions will help you figure out what the best diet is to give your horse.

After you have determined what your expectations are for your horse, and what kind of lives your horses are going to be leading, you can pick out a great feed that is going to bring out the best in them, while giving them great nutrition. There are many places to buy horse food, so you have to be sure that you have a feed dealer that you can trust that will help you make great decisions about what is best to feed your horse. Then you can be sure that you have a good supply of food.

Also, remember that depending on what your horse is doing in his life, the different seasons are going to act differently upon his body. It might become important that you switch his feed or change what you are giving him as far as amounts go, during the different seasons. This is also a question you are going to want to discuss with your vet, and make sure that you are doing what is right for your horse.

An important part of both training your horse and bonding with your horse is what you are giving him for snacks. He will come to love the snacks that you give him, as long as they taste good and are good for him. This means that you should keep a great supply of the snacks that you know your horse loves on hand, and be sure to talk to your vet about what is appropriate for your horse as well.

STEP 1

”’Don’t take advantage of your workers”’.In order to run a horse farm,you’re going to need some extra help.This is too common mistake. However, if you take advantage of them, you’ll find yourself with no workers.Like work so many days a week and get so many hours of riding time/lessons,this happens a lot when you have a deal with them.
expect them to work six hours a day for you when you sit on your butt and then not give them their lesson/riding time because you “don’t have time” or “are too tired” or the best one, “I won’t be able to ride my own horse if I teach you!” Also, don’t just procrastinate. They’ve worked hard! Give them the riding time!

STEP 2

”’Don’t abuse volunteers.”working students” or the like, do not expect them to be at the barn 24/7 to work for you. Realize that you have to be firm with teenagers about when they are expected to work for their pay/ discounted board for their horse/lessons, you most definitely can’t make them work six hours a day, seven days a week. You should have them work for no more than an four hours, after school.}. Weekends, you can’t have them work more than five hours. School vacations, no more than four hours a day. You have to realize that kids have lives, and many will have their own horse to see to.

STEP 3

”’Don’t forget that the horses in your barn needs extra caring.}.”’ Training means to actually make the horse trust and respect people, and to make him learn to enjoy his work. At the end of the time he’s with you, he should meet the owner’s standards and be a happy, healthy horse.

STEP 4

”’Make it user-friendly.”’ To have a very succesful equine business.}, whether it’s dealing or riding lessons, the facilities need to be “people oriented”. You can’t design your facilities for your own enjoyment; the public needs to not be confused as to why your halters are across the barn from the stalls because its easier for you.

STEP 5

”’Be at the farm.”’ Give your workers some time to rest and enjoy. You should be the one feeding. You should be the one training the horses you agreed to train. ”You” should be the one giving the lessons.