Living Equine has quite a few Nag’s Natter Blogs that have been posted regarding Horse Health. I thought it was important to refer to some specific details again, and perhaps add a few new points for this one. Harsh times can mean and be many different situations, however the elephants in the room at the moment are the drought and the bushfires. Many people are struggling to keep their horses at all at the moment, yet alone feed them. However for those of you that still have horses, and are trying to keep them healthy and happy, here are a few key points.
The Industry Standard point is Condition Scoring. What condition score is/are your horse/s? If you are not quite sure of what I mean, do a quick Google for some great pictures and charts, making sure they are reliable sources. Condition Scoring is an integral way of knowing how well your horse/s are coping in any ambient circumstances. The advised condition score is 2.5, however if your horse/s are a 2 or 3 (only half a mark either side), it is not worth a massive amount of panic under ideal ambient conditions. However during extreme ambient conditions such as drought, it can fast become a concern. A 2 would possibly mean not enough nutrients for vital functions to occur, particularly during extreme weather conditions. A 3 could hinder vital functions a little to a lot too, depending on the horse, because of the fat coverage also effecting vital functions. Of course during drought the 2 would be more of a concern, particularly if it reached a 1.5 quite quickly. The sheer price and unavailability of feed has seen many stock and their owners/carers facing low condition scores. It is heartwrenching, but a very surreal fact. Majority of owners/ carers will put the horse first, and do all they can to keep condition on, but sometimes tough calls need to be made to move, sell or unfortunately in very dire circumstances, euthanise horses to keep them out of pain and severe suffering.
Observing Vital Signs (Body Temperature, Heart Rate, Deydration Scale, Capillary Refill Time, Mucous Membrane Health & Gut Sounds), respective horse routines, and keeping on top of Hollistic Horse Health (Dental Care, Hoof Care, First Aid, Vaccines & Parasite Control) are also other key points in being able to maintain the health of any horses in your care.
The bushfires that have occurred, and that are continuing to burn around the country have certainly added yet another level of complexity in being able to maintain healthy horses, however it is doable to apply appropriate First Aid to burns and feed or have a Vet administer appropriate remedies for respiratory issues. I really hope those that have horses in bushfire effected or drought areas, are feeling and receiving the support of their communities, and they able to provide their horses with the appropriate care that they need. This widespread rain over the next few days is sure to help fill some water catchments, add some green tinges, and hopefully relieve people, with horses or not. All the best, and hopefully the Rain Forecasts are correct, and we continue to receive relief. Look after those Equine Companions, and stay resilient and grateful 😊
Feature Image courtesy of Living Equine ©
-Skye Pickering Dip. Horse Business Management.