Horses:Horses:Basic ManagementBasic Management

Stephen R Schafer, EdD 2007 University of WyomingStephen R Schafer, EdD 2007 University of Wyoming D. Karen Hansen, PhD 2001D. Karen Hansen, PhD 2001 University of Wyoming University of Wyoming

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Basic ManagementBasic Management

Housing FacilitiesHousing Facilities

Daily MonitoringDaily Monitoring

Vital Signs (TPR)Vital Signs (TPR)

Teeth and Hoof CareTeeth and Hoof Care

Nutrition/FeedingNutrition/Feeding

Disease AwarenessDisease Awareness

Housing FacilitiesHousing Facilities

Housing that provides safety, comfort, and roomHousing that provides safety, comfort, and room For the horseFor the horse For the workersFor the workers

Permits ease of sanitation (removal/disinfecting) Permits ease of sanitation (removal/disinfecting) and allows for ease of the facility (design/layout)and allows for ease of the facility (design/layout)

Meets/exceeds Environmental ConcernsMeets/exceeds Environmental Concerns

Meets/exceeds Animal Welfare IssuesMeets/exceeds Animal Welfare Issues

Meets/exceeds Animal Health RequirementsMeets/exceeds Animal Health Requirements

Daily MonitoringDaily Monitoring

Behaving Differently (stands off, not hungry, etc)Behaving Differently (stands off, not hungry, etc)

Looks Differently (head/ears droopy, hump back, etc)Looks Differently (head/ears droopy, hump back, etc)

Cuts and/or Scrapes (cause….nail, screw, board, etc)Cuts and/or Scrapes (cause….nail, screw, board, etc)

Bruises and/or Swellings (cause…stall, insect bite, etc)Bruises and/or Swellings (cause…stall, insect bite, etc)

Limping/Lameness (not always serious, but check it)Limping/Lameness (not always serious, but check it)

Cosmetic/Appearance Issues (grooming, clipping, etc)Cosmetic/Appearance Issues (grooming, clipping, etc)

Other Minor Items (dirty eyes/ears, etc)Other Minor Items (dirty eyes/ears, etc)

RestraintRestraint

It is common/recommended practice to use some sort It is common/recommended practice to use some sort of restraint when performing management proceduresof restraint when performing management procedures

Provides protection and safety for the horseProvides protection and safety for the horse

Provides security and safety for the handler/workerProvides security and safety for the handler/worker

Common types of restraints:Common types of restraints: 1. Stock1. Stock2. Twitch2. Twitch3. Hobbles3. Hobbles

Vital SignsVital Signs

Important to be familiar with normal/typical TPR Important to be familiar with normal/typical TPR (temperature, pulse, and respiration) of your horse(temperature, pulse, and respiration) of your horse

Temp = 99.5-101.5 (ave. 100.5) degrees…at restTemp = 99.5-101.5 (ave. 100.5) degrees…at rest

Pulse = 28-42 bpm (ave. 35)…at restPulse = 28-42 bpm (ave. 35)…at rest

Respiratory rate = 8-20 (ave. 12) breaths/min…at restRespiratory rate = 8-20 (ave. 12) breaths/min…at rest

Vital SignsVital Signs

Drawing: Wyoming 4-H Horse Manual

InjectionsInjections Injections should only be given with the approval and Injections should only be given with the approval and

direction of a veterinariandirection of a veterinarian

Always use sterile needle and syringe….never share a Always use sterile needle and syringe….never share a needle or re-use a needle (infection or transmittal)needle or re-use a needle (infection or transmittal)

Most commonly given via:Most commonly given via: Intramuscular (IM), many/most vaccines are IM and theyIntramuscular (IM), many/most vaccines are IM and they

are given in muscles in neck or lower in stifle….also it is are given in muscles in neck or lower in stifle….also it is important to rotate sides if long-term treatmentimportant to rotate sides if long-term treatment

Subcutaneously (SQ), given under the skin….usually in the Subcutaneously (SQ), given under the skin….usually in the neck or loose skinned areas such as the elbow or flankneck or loose skinned areas such as the elbow or flank

Intravenous (IV), given directly into the blood streamIntravenous (IV), given directly into the blood stream

InjectionsInjections

Drawing: Wyoming 4-H Horse Manual

TeethTeeth

There are two types of teeth:There are two types of teeth: Incisors….for cutting and rippingIncisors….for cutting and ripping Molars….for grinding and smashingMolars….for grinding and smashing

The total number of teeth vary according to The total number of teeth vary according to the age and sex of the horse:the age and sex of the horse:

24 teeth in foals24 teeth in foals 36-40 teeth in mature females36-40 teeth in mature females 40-44 teeth in mature males40-44 teeth in mature males

Photo: EQUUS

Teeth—Visual Tooth SchematicTeeth—Visual Tooth Schematic

Photo: EQUUS

Teeth—Whole Tooth SchematicTeeth—Whole Tooth Schematic

Photo: EQUUS

Teeth & AgingTeeth & Aging

Age horses by the incisors teeth:Age horses by the incisors teeth: Type, for younger horsesType, for younger horses Wear, for more mature horsesWear, for more mature horses

Permanent incisors in:Permanent incisors in: Center, 2 to 2 ½ years old (typically, we say 2 years)Center, 2 to 2 ½ years old (typically, we say 2 years) Intermediate, 3 to 3 ½ years old (tend to say 3 years) Intermediate, 3 to 3 ½ years old (tend to say 3 years) Corner, 4 to 4 ½ years old (typically, we say 4 years)Corner, 4 to 4 ½ years old (typically, we say 4 years) All permanent incisors are in, this has greater than All permanent incisors are in, this has greater than

variation than the previous indicators…this typically variation than the previous indicators…this typically occurs between 6 and 9 years of age, the horse term occurs between 6 and 9 years of age, the horse term for this is “for this is “full mouthfull mouth””

Teeth & AgingTeeth & Aging

The incisor teeth of a horse are cupped on the The incisor teeth of a horse are cupped on the grinding surface of each toothgrinding surface of each tooth

These cups wear down with use (age)These cups wear down with use (age)

When all cups are worn from the permanent When all cups are worn from the permanent incisors the horse is about 12 years of age, the incisors the horse is about 12 years of age, the horse term for this is “horse term for this is “smooth mouthsmooth mouth””

Teeth & Aging Teeth & Aging

Past the age of Past the age of smooth mouthsmooth mouth, it becomes more , it becomes more difficult to tell agedifficult to tell age

However, the teeth continue to become more However, the teeth continue to become more and more angled when viewed from the sideand more angled when viewed from the side

Also, the gums recede (hence the terminology Also, the gums recede (hence the terminology of “of “long in toothlong in tooth” or “” or “getting long in toothgetting long in tooth”)”)

Teeth & Aging Teeth & Aging

Photos: EQUUS

Normal Tooth CareNormal Tooth Care

Horse teeth need to be checked yearly, every Horse teeth need to be checked yearly, every six months is even bettersix months is even better

Top jaw is larger than lower jaw, as a result Top jaw is larger than lower jaw, as a result normal chewing wears teeth unevenlynormal chewing wears teeth unevenly

Sharp points (known as “hooks”) develop Sharp points (known as “hooks”) develop and these need to be filed off, this filing is and these need to be filed off, this filing is known as “floating”known as “floating”

Equine dentists are becoming more and Equine dentists are becoming more and more popular/accepted, just like farriersmore popular/accepted, just like farriers

Hoof: Purpose & PhysiologyHoof: Purpose & Physiology

Wall is thickest in the toe, thinnest in the quarterWall is thickest in the toe, thinnest in the quarter

Absorbs the concussion of the weight of the horseAbsorbs the concussion of the weight of the horse As foot hits ground, heels are expanded due to frog As foot hits ground, heels are expanded due to frog

action (flattens out….more softness/cushioning)action (flattens out….more softness/cushioning)

Digital cushion expands lateral cartilages; compress Digital cushion expands lateral cartilages; compress blood veins in hoofblood veins in hoof

Third phalanx descends slightly, sole yields slightly, Third phalanx descends slightly, sole yields slightly, and laminae absorb the concussionand laminae absorb the concussion

Some weight transferred to navicular bone, which is Some weight transferred to navicular bone, which is supported by deep flexor tendonsupported by deep flexor tendon

Proper Angle Of The HoofProper Angle Of The Hoof

Proper angle should be the angle of the pasternProper angle should be the angle of the pastern

Front Legs: 48 - 50 degrees or soFront Legs: 48 - 50 degrees or so

Hind: 50-55 degrees or soHind: 50-55 degrees or so

Regardless of the horse or the exact angle, the rear Regardless of the horse or the exact angle, the rear angle should be greater than the front angleangle should be greater than the front angle

Parts Of The HoofParts Of The Hoof FROG: very elastic tissueFROG: very elastic tissue

V shapedV shaped

Helpful in blood flow in hoof and legHelpful in blood flow in hoof and leg

SOLE: protective outer coveringSOLE: protective outer covering Should be concaveShould be concave Sensitive to bruisingSensitive to bruising

HOOF WALL:HOOF WALL: Primary weight carrierPrimary weight carrier Inside of hoof wall---LAMINAE: sensitive on inside and Inside of hoof wall---LAMINAE: sensitive on inside and

insensitive on the surfaceinsensitive on the surface WHITE LINE: where laminae connects to hoof wallWHITE LINE: where laminae connects to hoof wall

Parts Of The Hoof WallParts Of The Hoof Wall

Heel (located at the rear of the hoof)Heel (located at the rear of the hoof)

Quarter (located at the side of the hoof)Quarter (located at the side of the hoof)

Toe (located at the front of the hoof)Toe (located at the front of the hoof)

The Hoof: Blood CirculationThe Hoof: Blood Circulation

Photo: EQUUS

Parts Of The Hoof: Side ViewParts Of The Hoof: Side View

Photo: EQUUS

Parts Of The Hoof: Bottom ViewParts Of The Hoof: Bottom View

Photo: EQUUS

Photo: Unknown Source

Hoof Drawing: Bottom ViewHoof Drawing: Bottom View

Normal Hoof CareNormal Hoof Care

Clean daily, hoof pick from the hoof heel to hoof toeClean daily, hoof pick from the hoof heel to hoof toe

Examine for injury, whenever the horse is showing Examine for injury, whenever the horse is showing signs of lameness or whenever cleaning the hoofsigns of lameness or whenever cleaning the hoof

Add or limit moisture, via dressings or sealantsAdd or limit moisture, via dressings or sealants

Trim or shoe : EVERY 6-8 WEEKS or more Trim or shoe : EVERY 6-8 WEEKS or more frequently depending on horse and seasonfrequently depending on horse and season

Hoof ProblemsHoof Problems Bruises (stone bruises)Bruises (stone bruises)

Cracks – quarter and/or toeCracks – quarter and/or toe

Laminitis (inflammation/infection of laminae)Laminitis (inflammation/infection of laminae)

Photos: Unknown Source

Hoof ProblemsHoof Problems

Founder, typically caused from over-feedingFounder, typically caused from over-feeding

Navicular Disease: not actually a disease, it typically Navicular Disease: not actually a disease, it typically starts from an injury such as stepping on a stone or starts from an injury such as stepping on a stone or something else that causes injury to navicular bone something else that causes injury to navicular bone

Thrush, a bacterial disease that occurs in hooves that Thrush, a bacterial disease that occurs in hooves that are not cleaned out on a regular (and often) basis and are not cleaned out on a regular (and often) basis and the horse tends to spend much time in mud, manure, the horse tends to spend much time in mud, manure, and/or in other moist conditionsand/or in other moist conditions

Horse Shoes/ShoeingHorse Shoes/Shoeing

Often times referred as a “necessary evil”:Often times referred as a “necessary evil”: Nailing an iron plate to foot doesn’t make walking easierNailing an iron plate to foot doesn’t make walking easier The weight of the shoe does not increase agilityThe weight of the shoe does not increase agility Nail holes weaken the hoof wallNail holes weaken the hoof wall Nail holes facilitate entry ease for bacteria and infectionsNail holes facilitate entry ease for bacteria and infections Must change the shoe every 6-8 weeks because of hoof growthMust change the shoe every 6-8 weeks because of hoof growth

Positive Purposes:Positive Purposes: Protects the hoof against wear, especially when workingProtects the hoof against wear, especially when working Better traction in unfavorable conditions and terrainBetter traction in unfavorable conditions and terrain Helps to correct defects in stance or gaitHelps to correct defects in stance or gait Helps to cure hoof diseases and hoof defectsHelps to cure hoof diseases and hoof defects Helps to prevent a multitude of hoof problemsHelps to prevent a multitude of hoof problems

A Good Shoeing JobA Good Shoeing Job

BalanceBalance

The nails are evenly spaced around the hoofThe nails are evenly spaced around the hoof

All of the clinches firmly setAll of the clinches firmly set

The shoe fits foot….it is the right size shoeThe shoe fits foot….it is the right size shoe

The heels of the shoe extend 1/16 of an inch The heels of the shoe extend 1/16 of an inch beyond horse’s heel, this allows for expansionbeyond horse’s heel, this allows for expansion

Corrective TrimmingCorrective Trimming

Can be used when foal is youngCan be used when foal is young

Must be done on a gradual basis or it will Must be done on a gradual basis or it will cause lameness (or worst)cause lameness (or worst)

Should only be undertaken by an individual Should only be undertaken by an individual with experience and knowledge with experience and knowledge

Therapeutic/Corrective ShoeingTherapeutic/Corrective Shoeing

Should only be done by someone who is very Should only be done by someone who is very experienced and knowledgeableexperienced and knowledgeable

Bar shoes are an example of something that is Bar shoes are an example of something that is becoming more and more common….the purpose of becoming more and more common….the purpose of bar shoes is for supportbar shoes is for support

There are many types of corrective/therapeutic shoes There are many types of corrective/therapeutic shoes and shoeing, but each has a specific goal/purposeand shoeing, but each has a specific goal/purpose

WEBSITE: www.horseshoes.comWEBSITE: www.horseshoes.com

Summary: Horse Basic CareSummary: Horse Basic Care

Housing that provides safety and comfortHousing that provides safety and comfort

Proper sanitation (removal and disinfecting)Proper sanitation (removal and disinfecting)

Always provide clean and fresh feed/hayAlways provide clean and fresh feed/hay

Always provide only clear and cool waterAlways provide only clear and cool water

Proper managementProper management Health---care and maintenanceHealth---care and maintenance Teeth---care and maintenanceTeeth---care and maintenance Hooves---care and maintenanceHooves---care and maintenance