Interesting Horse Polls/Survey Results

Where do most horse owners keep their horses? A survey result indicates about an equal number of horse owners keep keep their horses on their own property as they do in a boarding stable.

What type of horse bedding do owners use? With all the types of horse bedding available these days, seems the majority of horse owners still use good 'ol straw for making the horse bed.

What gender is your favorite horse? Not surprising here, the majority say their favorite horse is a mare.

More horse poll/survey questions and results

Horse Colic

One of the most frightening conditions a horse owner can see is colic. Colic takes place in a horse when the gut becomes bloated as a result of a build up of blockage or gas. Colic symptoms in horses vary.

Read more about horse colic...

Front Range Frenzy News & Tidbits...July 27, 2008

Front Range Frenzy

Western decor, horse gifts and horse information in recognition of the spirit and freedom associated with the western outdoor lifestyle of the Rocky Mountain region and a love of horses for which we share this wonderful land.

Horse Information & Horse Theme Gifts

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Contents

• Horse Quotes / Jokes
• Horse Treat Recipe
• Mini Survey Poll Results
• Our Top Ten Horse Related Searches
• Horse News• Recommended Reading – How to Find the Perfect Place for Your Pony
• Test Your Horse Knowledge• Your Horse’s Basic Health Care Needs

Horse Information & Horse Theme Gifts

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Horse Quotes / Jokes

You know horses are smarter than people. You never heard of a horse going broke betting on people. ~Will Rogers

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A man walks up to a shetland pony and asks, "do you have a sore throat?"

The pony replies, "no I’m just a little horse."

Horse Information & Horse Theme Gifts

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Horse Treat Recipe

Horses love carrots…and here’s an extra special carrot treat your horses will love!

Carrot Crispies

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup oatmeal
• 1/3 cup molasses
• 1/2 cup water
• 3/4 cup flour
• 3/4 cup bran
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 apple
• 2 carrots

Directions:

1. preheat oven to 400 degrees
2. grease muffin tin
3. shred apple and carrots
4. mix apple and carrots with molasses
5. add brown sugar, water, flour and oatmeal
6. scoop dough into muffin tin and sprinkle each muffin with brown sugar
7. bake for 30 to 45 minutes

Visit Front Range Frenzy for more easy to make horse treats!

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Mini Survey Poll Results

In our last survey we asked, “How Long is Your Horse Kept in a Stall each Day?”

Here are the results from 495 voters:

0-4 hours – 49%
4-8 hours – 20%
8-12 hours – 13%
12-16 hours – 11%
16-24 hours – 7%

See results of other previous horse mini-polls

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Place your vote in our current mini-poll, “Are your horses barefoot or do they wear shoes?”

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Our Top Ten Horse Related Search Terms

Ever wonder if other horse enthusiasts search for the same things as you do? Here are the top ten search terms used last month to find the Front Range Frenzy website.

1. horse anatomy
2. parts of a horse
3. parts of a saddle
4. saddling a horse
5. saddle parts
6. horse treat recipes
7. horse parts
8. how to saddle a horse
9. how to make a rope halter
10. floating teeth

Horse Information & Horse Theme Gifts

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Horse News

Olympic Equestrian Arrangements are Years in the Making
July 27, 2008 – thehorse.com

The decision to hold the equestrian competitions of the 2008 Beijing Olympics in Hong Kong continues to be a topic of interest and debate. The events were moved because competition organizers sought to minimize the risk of horses contracting infectious diseases possibly present in the mainland China horse population. When the decision to move was first announced it raised considerable concern. However, prior to the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) making this decision in conjunction with Beijing Committee for the Olympic Games (BOCOG) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), a great deal of work was already under way behind the scenes.

More on this story…

Horse Waste Gasification Plan Looks Viable
July 27, 2008 – ocala.com

Being the Horse Capital of the World is something to brag about. It's an enviable calling card that blesses Ocala/Marion County with spectacular farmscapes, international acclaim and billion-dollar economic benefits. Our community is a special place to live in part because of our special equine industry.

But being the Horse Capital of the World also means being the horse manure capital of the world. And that is a problem. A big problem — a half-million-ton-a-year environmental problem the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Marion County Commission are applying increasing pressure on the horse industry to address.

More on this story…

Horse Information & Horse Theme Gifts

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Recommended Reading

How to Find the Perfect Place for Your Pony

Don't End Up at the Wrong Stable!

• Have you ever worried whether your horse is properly cared for when you're not around?
• Are you a new horse owner or thinking of becoming one?
• Have you ever felt uncomfortable around your fellow boarders?
• Are you looking for a home-away-from-home for your horse?
• Do you ever feel you're not getting your money's worth for your board bill?

If you answered YES to any of the questions, you'll want to read How to find the Perfect Place for Your Pony. Whether your "pony" is a 17 hand warmblood or an actual pony, here's an e-book to help you answer important questions:

• Is it time to buy your first horse?
• Should you keep your horse at home or board him out?
• What should you look for in a stable?
• How far do you want to drive?
• What's usually included in the boarding fee?
• Do you really need an indoor arena?

Though you are a well-meaning owner, don't risk letting your horse lack adequate care by not knowing enough to find suitable boarding arrangements. So how can you find out what makes a good boarding stable without having to experience a bad one first? Consider "How to Find the Perfect Place for Your Pony" your first guidebook to stabling and finding the perfect home for your pony, whether he's a 17-hand warmblood or a 13-hand pony.

Horse Information & Horse Theme Gifts

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Test Your Horse Knowledge

(answers are shown further below)

1) What was the name of Wild Bill Hickok’s horse?

a. Buckshot
b. Buck
c. Smokey
d. Mutt
e. Cochise

2) The Furioso is a 150 year old breed from what nation?

a. Spain
b. Hungary
c. Poland
d. Czechoslovakia

3) "Hit the line" is a fox hunting term used to describe what moment?

a. The moment the dogs kill the fox
b. The moment visual contact is made with the fox
c. The moment the fox hunt begins
d. The moment the dogs pick up the scent of the fox

4) What is a horse's "pastern"?

a. Part of the lower leg
b. Part of the back
c. Part of the head
d. Part of the upper leg

5) The length of the Kentucky Derby was changed in 1896. How long was the race before 1896?

a. 2 miles
b. 1.75 miles
c. 1.5 miles
d. 1.25 miles
e. 1 mile

Horse Information & Horse Theme Gifts

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Your Horse’s Basic Health Care Needs

An important part of your horse’s health care needs is for you to develop a partnership with a veterinarian prior to an emergency. You can begin developing a partnership by consulting your veterinarian for your horse's routine and preventive health care.

Your horse should be vaccinated at least once a year. The type of vaccinations your horse requires is determined by age and overall health. Your veterinarian can recommend what vaccinations your horse needs.

In the U.S., you may want to help protect your horse by vaccinating for the West Nile Virus. Contact your veterinarian if you see any of these signs in your horse; loss of appetite, depression, fever, stumbling or tripping, weakness in the legs, impaired vision, wandering or circling, inability to swallow, partial paralysis, head pressing or tilt, inability to stand up, convulsions.

De-worm your horse several times each year. It is recommended to alternate de-worming products and different de-worming classifications (mebendazole, organosphosphate, avermectine, etc.). Most de-wormers must be used every 60 days. Paste de-worming is as effective as tube de-worming. It is best to consult with your veterinarian when establishing a de-worming program.

The old de-worming tubes come in handy to dispense tablets to your horse. Crush the tablets and put into the tube. Add a little bit of water and shake until a paste forms. Then administer it like you would a de-wormer.

Teeth should also be checked once a year. Your horse's teeth may need to be filed due to uneven wear. Symptoms of improper chewing include feed falling from your horse's mouth while chewing, your horse holds its head to one side to chew, wasted feed, excessive slobbering, indigestion, and large amounts of whole grain in the feces. Your horse's teeth may need to be checked if it is starting to take longer to eat its feed. Strong, sour odors from the mouth can be indications of tooth cavities or food particles lodged in the mouth. If you horse eats, but seems to be losing weight, or maybe is not handling as well while riding anymore, then floating (filing) the teeth may be necessary to remove sharp edges that are causing discomfort or making it difficult to grind food.

Keep a first aid kit handy containing items such as diluted iodine solution, hydrogen peroxide, Neosporin, sterile gauze sponges and rolls, self-adhesive tape (vet wrap), blunt-tipped bandage scissors, topical eye ointment, sedative and pain killer. Consult with your veterinarian on what is appropriate to have in the first aid kit. Contact your veterinarian any time your horse appears sick, disoriented, or has been injured.

Many types of mineral and vitamin supplements are on the market. Use commercially prepared supplements and never exceed the recommended levels. If feeding your horse a grain concentrate, check the ingredients. Often the concentrate will provide all the necessary vitamins and minerals your horse needs without needing to add any additional supplement.

Clean your horse's hooves before and after you ride. Examine all hooves frequently for problems. Hooves need to be trimmed regularly. Most horses need to have their hooves trimmed, or shoes reset every six to eight weeks. A qualified farrier can make recommendations for your horse.

More on Caring for Your Horse…

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Answers to Test Your Horse Knowledge

1) a
2) b
3) d
4) a
5) c

Horse Information & Horse Theme Gifts

Horse Theme Content for Your Website

Do you have a horse theme website or ezine?

"Content is King!"

Free horse articles for your website or ezine.

If you have a horse website or ezine and are in need of fresh content, we will allow you to reprint some of our articles.

Each of the articles may be used for your private or commercial use.

Horse Theme Content for Your Website or Ezine

Where to Go Horse Shopping

If you are in the market for a horse, a good place to start is through personal contacts. Maybe you know a horse owner, or are currently taking horse lessons from an instructor. Ask these people if they know of any horses for sale. Through their inner-circle of horse friends, vets, farriers, feed stores, tack shops, and so on, they might know of where a good horse is for sale. They can also give you some pointers on the type of horse that may be best for you.

Other horse shopping sources include equestrian professionals, horse bulletin boards, horse classified ads, horse breeders, and horse auction markets.

Choosing a Horse

When horse shopping, keep in mind a good saddle horse is one that is comfortable with a saddle on its back, is gentle in nature, and is in good health. He should have the ability to carry a rider your size, be able to ride for long periods of time, and have a good disposition. Also, keep in mind who in your family will be riding your horse. If you are not the only rider, then you will need to base purchasing decisions with the least proficient rider in mind. If both adults and children will be riding, then the size of the horse will become particularly important. You will need a horse tall enough to accommodate the adults, but is short enough for children to feel comfortable upon.

You want a horse that you can ride now, based on your riding skill. A beginning rider will need a quieter, gentler horse than someone with riding experience. Some horses "spook" easily, have bad habits such as bucking or stopping abruptly, are "spirited" and need to be run to use up some of their energy before calming down--all of which may make these horses unsuitable for you. Other traits to evaluate are if the horse is halter broken, if it is jumpy or fidgety when being saddled, or tries to nip or bite at you.

More on choosing a horse...

Other Considerations Before Buying a Horse

Keeping a horse can be expensive. Feed, tack, vet, farrier, vaccinations, stable tools, lessons, fencing, shelter, bedding, and supplies all add up. And most of these are not just one-time costs, but are recurring monthly costs. So before jumping into horse ownership, be sure you are ready to make the financial commitment. Enough said.

Horse ownership, on the other hand can help bring a family together and help teach responsibility to children. A family horse encourages teamwork in caring for the horse and to take part in the enjoyment of riding activities. When other family members are interested in being part of the horse owning lifestyle, it is a lot of fun spending time together doing chores and riding as a family.

Other considerations before buying a horse...

Buying a Horse

If you want to buy a horse, then that means you have done your research on horse ownership and you are ready to make a long-term commitment and know the responsibility of taking care of your horse. You should already know what is involved in routinely caring for your horse and all the associated costs. You should also already know where you will be keeping your horse--whether on your own property or at a boarding stable, and wherever you will be keeping your horse, it is safe and ready to house a new occupant. If you are new to horses, consider keeping your new horse at a good boarding stable for a while until you have learned more about horse management.

Before going horse shopping, you will want to have some idea on the kind of horse you're looking for-what characteristics and personality do you want your horse to have? Just like people, horses come in all shapes, sizes, color, abilities, and dispositions. You can gather some idea by using your own past experience taking trail rides or lessons, going to horse shows, reading horse magazines or talking to horse owners. Knowing what sort of horse you want before shopping will help keep you focused and not get caught up in a spontaneous purchase only to find out you ended up with the wrong horse. You also need to know what your budget is for your horse purchase and concentrate only shopping and looking at horses in your price range. If you've been trying out luxury Cadillacs, it's hard to settle on an economy Nissan.

More information on buying a horse...

Know How to Pick Up a Horse's Hoof?

Does the idea of picking up your horse's hooves intimidate you? Scared of getting kicked? If you pick up a horse's hoof properly, you provide him with no leverage or ability to kick you.

Before lifting any hoof, make sure your horse is properly squared so when you lift one hoof he can easily balance on his remaining three. Never let the horse lean his weight on you! Even when you rest his rear leg on your thigh you're not allowing him to use you as a crutch.

Learn more about how to safely pick up a horse's hoof.

Horse Hoof Care

Healthy hooves are vital to your horse's overall health. Taking care of your horse's hooves is not just for the farrier - you need to regularly and frequently care for your horse's hooves to help keep them healthy.

Tip: What is the easiest and single most important thing you can do to care for your horse's hooves?...

Pick out your horse's feet! It's pretty basic and doesn't require a lot of time.


Pick out your horse's hooves. Picking out your horse's hooves does not take long and keeping them cleaned out will help you to stay ahead of any common hoof problems. When picking out hooves, check the condition of your horse's shoes and for thrush. Pick out your horse's hooves:

• before each ride
• when you bring your horse in at night
• before turning out to pasture

Visit Front Range Frenzy for more on hoof care...

Horse Posters and Art Prints

AllPosters

AllPosters is outstanding and they carry the widest selection and the most beautiful horse art prints that can be found anywhere. If AllPosters does not have it, then it probably does not exist.

So What Does It Mean to Float a Horse's Teeth?

I'm sure you've heard this a time or two (if you haven't, sooner or later you will from another horse owner or from your vet), and if you're like me, you imagined for the longest time what this could possibly mean and wondered what it involved.

To float a horse's teeth certainly sounds funny, too. Floating means to smooth or contour your horse's teeth with a file (called a "float"). Unlike your own teeth, your horse's teeth keep growing. At times, your horse's teeth may develop sharp edges, making it difficult for her to chew food, hold a bit, or simply have pain and discomfort inside her mouth.

Learn more about your horse and floating teeth...

Rain Rot

Equine rain rot is a common skin infection that can afflict horses. The fungal infection does not progress further than the skin or cause abscesses like other infections.

Rain rot requires the absence of oxygen to live and spread. When a horse catches rain rot he will develop a series of crusty scabs and/or matted/raised tufts of hair and when pulled off, will exhibit pink skin with some pus. Rain rot is contagious and is generally transmitted by shared horse tack (such as blankets), mutual rubbing posts such as a fence, etc.

For more information on rain rot, visit Front Range Frenzy.

Internal Parasites of the Horse

Internal parasites are a significant threat to the health of horses and can cause irreparable internal damage. Parasites are small organisms living a portion of their life cycle inside the horse. The parasites live in internal organs, body cavities, and tissues and feed on the host animal. There are more than 150 internal parasites, and the nature and extent of damage varies with the type of parasite.

Though there are many types of internal parasites that may infect a horse, only a few commonly cause significant health problems. The primary class of internal parasites causing health problems for horses is nematodes such as large and small strongyles, ascarids, and tapeworms. Lesser significant internal parasites, such as pinworms and botfly larvae, are also considered when implementing a parasite control program.

Learn more about the internal parasites of the horse at Front Range Frenzy.

Horse Care Needs

It is important you develop a partnership with a veterinarian prior to an emergency. You can begin developing a partnership by consulting your veterinarian for your horse's routine and preventive health care.

Vaccinations: Your horse should be vaccinated at least once a year.

Parasite Control: Your horse needs to be de-wormed several times each year.

Dental Care: Teeth should be checked by a veterinarian once a year.

First Aid: Keep a first aid kit handy containing bandage material, a thermometer, and ointments.

Vitamin and Mineral Supplements: There are lots of different mineral and vitamin supplements on the market. Feeding excessive levels can cause problems for horses.

Foot Care: Clean your horse's hooves before and after you ride. Examine all hooves frequently for problems.

Visit FrontRangeFrenzy.com for easy and practical horse care information.

Need a Place to Keep Your Horse or Pony?

If you're keeping your horse on your own property or looking for a suitable boarding stable, the following is recommended reading.

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Horse Barns Big and Small

* NEW AND EXPANDED EDITION ~ MORE BARNS MORE INFORMATION *

Includes practical advice on planning issues and step-by-step construction procedures that will help you build the barn you need. This authoritative source of specialized information takes you from the site selection to final details.

A great resource for horse shelter plans, from simple run-in sheds to full-blown barns including requirements for hay, compost, and farm equipment storage. A must have for building a new facility or remodeling an existing one. Layout, photos, and descriptions - reference this book over and over -- solutions to roof pitch, stall sizes, structure layout, lights, storage, and more. Learn what it takes to build a horse shelter from choosing the type, to preparing the ground, to hiring sub-contractors, to construction.

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Don't End Up at the Wrong Stable!

• Have you ever worried whether your horse is properly cared for when you're not around?


• Are you a new horse owner or thinking of becoming one?


• Have you ever felt uncomfortable around your fellow boarders?


• Are you looking for a home-away-from-home for your horse?


• Do you ever feel you're not getting your money's worth for your board bill?
  

How to Find the Perfect Place for Your Pony
101 Questions to Ask about Boarding Stables
ISBN 0968296610

If you answered YES to any of the questions, you'll want to read How to find the Perfect Place for Your Pony. Whether your "pony" is a 17 hand warmblood or an actual pony, here's an e-book to help you answer important questions:

• Is it time to buy your first horse?


• Should you keep your horse at home or board him out?


• What should you look for in a stable?


• How far do you want to drive?


• What's usually included in the boarding fee?


• Do you really need an indoor arena?

Finding the right boarding stable is a challenge faced by most riders at some stage in their
careers. For novice horse owners, or longtime horse people new to the world of boarding stables, knowing what to look for is not as simple as it seems.

Though you are a well-meaning owner, don't risk letting your horse lack adequate care by not knowing enough to find suitable boarding arrangements. So how can you find out what makes a good boarding stable without having to experience a bad one first? Consider "How to Find the Perfect Place for Your Pony" your first guidebook to stabling and finding the perfect home for your pony, whether he's a 17-hand warmblood or a 13-hand pony.

Visit Acreage Equines to learn more.

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Visit Front Range Frenzy for lots of horse information.

Horse Space and Shelter

Horses can be kept at your own place or boarded at a commercial stable. Keeping a horse on your property provides more management control, saves time and expenses, and can reduce the risk of injuries and disease. A horse kept on your property allows greater enjoyment and learning experiences; however, it also requires more management, knowledge and time. Remember, horses must be cared for daily.

When it comes to providing adequate shelter for domestic animals, horses are among the easiest you'll deal with. Contrary to what you might think, horses are sturdy, adaptable creatures, and their housing requirements are very basic: shade, ventilation, protection from the elements, and comfortable, dry footing. Building a horse barn is quite a project--and there is a vast and varied array of plans available to help you. But renovating a shelter to make it fit for just one or two horses, or building a sturdy three-sided shelter, can be quite simple, if you have only basic carpentry skills.

More horse information on horse shelters...

Horse Manure Management

Manure management is important to the health of your horse.

"You need a strategy for using or disposing of the manure."

Find out your options for managing manure.

You can't do anything about the amount of manure your horse produces. Therefore, practicing appropriate manure management is essential, from the largest to the smallest of farms. Manure management is important for the health of the horse and your family, avoiding controversy with neighbors, and to comply with state and county regulations. Horse owners have a responsibility to manage their horse's byproduct.

Learn more about manure management...

Horse Pasture Management

Pasture: A major component of a horse's diet is hay or pasture. A horse weighing 1000 pounds will eat about 500 pounds each month. If dryland pasture is the only source of forage, your horse will need about 28 acres of non-irrigated pasture a year. An irrigated pasture will grow more forage than dryland pasture, so less acreage is needed. The amount of irrigated pasture land needed for one horse is roughly 1 to 2 acres.

Two acres of pasture are recommended per mature horse. One acre of pasture can provide adequate grazing but requires more land management. Manage your pasture as you would with any crop with soil testing, fertilizing, and managing manure. The horse will not eat trampled grass or grass with manure on it. Horses will quickly overgraze smaller areas. Therefore, a combination of pasture and small lot or barn is needed to minimize overgrazing.

Learn more about pasture management.

Parasite Control

Your horse needs to be de-wormed several times each year. The current recommended de-worming program is to alternate de-worming products annually. One de-worming product is used over the course of a year followed by a different de-worming classification (mebendazole, organosphosphate, avermectine, etc.) the next year. Most de-wormers must be used every 60 days. Paste de-worming is as effective as tube de-worming. It is best to consult with your veterinarian when establishing a a de-worming program.

Find easy and practical Horse Information at Front Range Frenzy.