After a horse is placed in our rescue, finding them a good home is a priority. Many of the horses that are placed in rescue are there not because their owners were cruel or physically abusive, but because they didn't understand what it takes to properly take care of a horse.

Having a horse is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have; however the flip side of that reward is that having a horse is a lot of work. You have a 1000+ animal that depends on you for good food, clean water, clean surroundings, vaccinations, on-going medical care, companionship and grooming. If you can't give all those basics to a horse, owning a horse isn't in the cards for you at this time.

If you're willing to work a little for and with your horse, you can create one of the greatest friendships that ever existed. People that have never experienced a horse - human friendship are often surprised at the depth of feeling and emotions that a horse can convey. Once you learn the body language and sounds your own particular horse makes, you'll find that he actually has a language that you can understand.

It's hard to find good homes for horses that meet those basic qualifications and while they are waiting for a good home, we give our horses all the basics they need along with lots of love.
If you're ready to add a horse to your family, visit a rescue near your home. A rescue horse will make as fine of a companion as any other horse and there's a very special bond that develops between a horse that's been given a second chance and their new human companions.

Labels: good-home, horse

When you have a horse, you'll find they need a good amount of exercise. Horses that have bowed tendons, which is a painful condition usually found in former race horses that have actually stretched the tendons in their legs, need gentle exercise while they heal. They can usually be reconditioned through light training to be fantastic riding horses but usually need to have been healed about six months to a year before doing so.

Never ride a horse that has had bowed tendons until the vet gives the all clear or you can aggravate the injury and prolong the condition. Exercises for these horses will consist of walking on a lead around eventually up to a good trot as they heal. Take it slow.

If you have a horse that is in good condition, most horses enjoy a good galloping run or a healthy trot through a local riding area. Horses enjoy going for rides in areas they know so they can relax. Try to have a regular place to work your horse out and he'll be a lot more relaxed if he knows beforehand the objects and people he's likely to encounter. Remember, a horse is psychologically wired as a prey animal and can get skittish in new surroundings.

Always cool down your horse after exercising. Just walk him until his breathing is normal and he seems to have cooled down. Working with your horse on a regular basis will give you a healthier and happier equine friend.

Labels: exercise, horse