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For Dummies is a registered trademark of Wiley Publishing, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Used here by license.It’s hard to find a person alive and breathing who doesn’t have a strong reaction to horses. Most people love their power and grace; some find them soulful and irresistible; others find them scary and intimidating. Regardless of whether their response to horses is positive or negative, most people can’t help but have an opinion about these dramatic creatures. What is it about horses that elicit such intense reactions in people? The more thoughtful among equiphiles have pondered this for ages. Perhaps their combination of power and grace is what intrigues people. Or their sheer mass and speed may attract others. Some — such as Audrey Pavia, your humble, non-vet coauthor — believe the close connection between the human and equine races is an expression of genetic memory. After all, without the horse, many of our human ancestors would not have survived. Although people no longer need horses to transport them from place to place, plow their fields, and carry them into war, they still need to understand them. Those of us who have chosen to live with these beautiful animals have an obligation to care for them properly and enjoy them for all they are worth. In this article, we introduce you to the wonderful world of horses.
Horse Mind & BodyYou need to understand a horse’s body and brain to appreciate what he is all about. In horses, the same as with other creatures, the two are closely linked. Horse people are obsessed with their horses’ bodies because a horse’s physical structure determines not only his appearance but also his ability to function with a rider. Horse people have a lingo all their own when describing horses, and knowing this terminology is important for communicating effectively on the topic of horses. Each part of the horse’s body has a name to describe it. Knowing the parts of the horse helps you understand and be understood by your horse’s veterinarian, farrier (horseshoer), and horsy friends. People in the equine world also use specific language to describe a horse’s measurements, colors, markings, and movements. The horse’s mind is just as important as his body because the brain controls everything the body does. When you’re riding a horse, this reality becomes evident very quickly. Primitive ancestors of today’s horses were seen as potential meals by a great many predators, and today’s domestic horse has retained that information in his DNA. The consequence is that horses can be flighty, especially when they find themselves in unfamiliar surroundings or faced with an object or situation that makes them uncertain. The motto of just about every horse out there is “Run first, ask questions later.” Knowing that motto is extremely important if you choose to sit on the back of one of these half-ton animals. Training and experience can override much of the horse’s instincts to flee perceived danger, which is why it’s so important to ride a horse that has had both — especially when you’re a newcomer to horses. It’s also imperative that you learn how to ride before you embark on any horseback sojourns, regardless of whether it’s on a local trail or through the mountains of Mongolia. Knowing how to handle a horse can mean the difference between a wonderful, relaxing experience and one you’ll spend your lifetime trying to forget.
Horse BreedsHorses, like dogs, come in a wide variety of breeds. Some breeds have existed for centuries, while others were developed only during the last 20 years or so. Each breed has its own characteristics that make it unique, leaving horse people with a healthy selection of breeds to admire. Knowing a thing or two about the various breeds of horses helps you choose the right horse when the time comes for you to join the ranks of horse owners. Although most horse breeds were developed in Europe and other parts of the world, a number of breeds are uniquely American. Among these is the world’s most populous breed, the American Quarter Horse. In the nearly 70 years since this versatile breed officially was established in the U.S., it has spread to a number of other nations. The second most popular breed in the U.S. is the Paint Horse. A spinoff of the Quarter Horse, the colorful Paint’s popularity has shot up to high numbers in the past 15 years. Other breeds in the top 10 include the Appaloosa, Arabian, Miniature Horse, Morgan, Saddlebred, Standardbred, Tennessee Walking Horse, and Thoroughbred. Each breed has a distinct history and appearance and appeals to a vast number of horse lovers.
Finding the Perfect HorseThe choice you make in a horse to ride can make a huge difference in whether you come to love this hobby or dislike it. Choosing a horse is much like choosing a mate: If you pick the wrong one, you won’t be happy.
Asking a few questions before you buyBefore you embark on the tremendous responsibility of horse ownership, make certain owning a horse is really what you want. Ask yourself some questions before you take the plunge:
Why do I want a horse?
Do I have the time and money for a horse?
How do I want to ride (English, Western, shows, on trail), and how do I want to learn the riding style of my choice?
Who will take care of the horse on a daily basis?
Might leasing be a better option than buying?
Locating the right horse for you
The single most crucial aspect to finding the right horse is getting the help of someone with experience. Without expert help, as a novice horse person, you’re likely to make the wrong decisions about which horse is best suited for you. Ideally, the person who helps you with your decision will be a horse trainer, someone who makes a living riding, training, and evaluating horses. If you can’t find a horse trainer to help you, a riding instructor, an equine veterinarian, a farrier, or someone with years of horse experience under his or her belt is your best bet. You’ll find available horses in any number of outlets, including:
Classified ads from individuals in equine publications
On the Internet
Through trainers and breeders
Via horse adoption groups
Purchasing horse supplies
After you purchase your own horse, you’ll need all the accoutrements to go with him. There is no shortage of stuff out there that you can buy for your horse. For starters, you’ll need these basics:
Saddle and pad
Bridle (the headgear used on a horse during riding)
Halter and lead rope (which provide control when you’re working with your horse on the ground)
Grooming supplies
You’ll also need some stuff for yourself:
Riding boots or shoes
Riding pants and shirt
A helmet (if you’re smart and want to continue to be that way) All these items can be purchased in your local tack and feed store, through mail-order catalogs or over the Internet, among other options.
Housing your horse
Where to keep your horse is a primary concern. If you’re like thousands of horse owners around the country who live in an urban or suburban community, a boarding stable is your only option. Choosing the right boarding stable for your horse is important because the place where he’s kept will determine his health, his safety, and how much you enjoy of him. When considering a boarding stable, look for the following:
Safe, sturdy accommodations
Clean, safe surroundings
Security
Water and quality feed
Good care
Health requirements
Riding facilities
Tack storage
Professional demeanor
But if you live on property zoned for horses and have or plan to build horse facilities, the answer is easy: You can keep your horse at home. You have the choice of housing your horse outdoors or indoors. In either case, you need to provide him with a safe enclosure and shelter from the elements. You’re also responsible for feeding him every day and cleaning up after him. If you don’t have room on your property for a riding arena, you need access to a community arena or one belonging to a neighbor. Finding room to ride is especially important when you’re new to horses because you need a place to ride where you feel safe and comfortable before you head out onto the trail.
Taking Care of Your Horse
Cowboys in the movies make horse care look easy. After a long gallop, they jump off their horses and leave them standing in the street while they head to the saloon for some refreshments. In reality, horses need plenty of care to stay happy and healthy, and as a horse owner, you’re the one to provide it.
Handling daily tasks
If you keep your horse at home, you’ll be caring for him on a daily basis. Your most important duties include feeding, providing fresh water, and picking up manure. If your horse is in a large pasture, he won’t need to get out for exercise every day. But if he is confined to a stall or paddock, part of your job will be to ride him, walk him, or provide him with exercise in some other way, preferably on a daily basis.
Grooming your horse
An important part of horse care is grooming. A well-groomed horse looks good and usually feels good too. Grooming gives you a chance to spend quality time with your horse and keep an eye on his body for any changes that can indicate disease. Grooming involves both caring for your horse’s body and managing his mane and tail. Hoof care is an essential part of grooming that requires you to clean out your horse’s feet on a daily basis. In addition, it’s a good idea to bathe your horse on a regular basis. You may also want to clip his hair during the winter if you live in a warm climate.
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For Dummies is a registered trademark of Wiley Publishing, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Used here by license.