Comparison of the Cost and Effectiveness of Holistic Horse Care versus Conventional Care
Comparison of the Cost and Effectiveness of Holistic Horse Care versus Conventional Care
After years of practicing both conventional and holistic medicine for horses, I decided to compare the cost, effectiveness, and net results of managing and treating horses holistically versus conventionally.In this article I compare results for the average trail horse that is ridden about 2-3 times a week. I have used average feed and veterinary costs for my area (Austin, Texas), and drug and supplement costs from a major horse supply catalog.I then discuss the issues related to each area of care, including feed, supplements, vaccines, dewormers, and first aid. Stay tuned for different profiles in coming months, when I will compare horses in different disciplines, young horses, older horses, and broodmares.>>> Holistic Horse Conventional Horse
What Are The 6 Keys To Building A Life Long Partnership With Your Horse?
What Are The 6 Keys To Building A Life Long Partnership With Your Horse?
Most people who have horses would like to develop a quality
relationship with their horse, but only achieve mediocrity,
often accepting this as a good result. Why, because they
put there efforts into becoming experts at riding or
showmanship when they really need to be focusing on becoming
horseman. First you need to develop a base a starting
point you can build on, a base involving both the horse and
you, developing a life long partnership.If you're someone who is serious about developing your
horsemanship skills, horse training skills or just want a great
relationship with your horse I would encourage you to (subscribe to The Roundup) examine and then put into practice ALL 6 keys below. It's essential that you not leave
any of the six out if you're to realize the end result, a lifetime partnership with your horse that is safe, enjoyable and rewarding.1. UnderstandingYou need to understand your horse. To do that you have to
understand how horses think.2. Mind-setYour attitude= How you communicate. Being assertive vs.
aggressive and being evenhanded. Your mind-set (attitude)
affects the mind-set (attitude) of your horse.3. ApproachHelping your horse to understand what it is you want him to
do.4. PatientsBe patient/tolerant; take the time do it right and you
won't have to go back and do it again and again.5. CreativenessCreating challenges for you and your horse. Learning what
the two of you can accomplish together. Why settle for
mediocrity?6. EquipmentHaving the proper horse equipment, understanding what it's
for and how it's used is essential.For more information on the 6 Keys, and to receive future
issues about horsemanship and you, subscribe to The Roundup
at perfect-horse-gifts.com. You will soon benefit form all
the blockbuster information and the knowledge you'll gain.You have permission to publish this article
electronically, in print, in your ebook or on your web site
free of charge, as long as the content of this article is not
changed in anyway and the author bylines are included.If you choose to publish this article I would appreciate a
Quick e-mail letting me know where it will be published.
Mike@perfect-horse-gifts.comDISCLAIMER: The information contained in this article is
of my personal opinions and beliefs and should not be taken as
anything more.Copyright
How To Use Leading Your Horse To Get Control And Response
How To Use Leading Your Horse To Get Control And Response
I've been around many people who try to lead a horse by controlling their head with a lead rope. They end up pulling or jerking the lead rope and the horse will typically pull back or push around the person with the lead rope.Ultimately, you want slack in the lead rope while leading your horse because you don't want to pull or jerk him. If your horse moves incorrectly while leading him then you can stop and correct him by making him move his body.To really be successful in having control the secret is having control over your horse's body. How do you do that? By controlling his feet by making him move his rear end away from you. (Also known as "disengaging the hind quarters) Why this works so well is it alleviates stiffness and tension and almost magically forces your horse to focus on you.There are few ways to get your horse to move his rear end away from you. Much of the time, you can stand facing his shoulder and point to his hip. If he doesn't move keep pointing and cluck at him. If he still doesn't move, twirl the end of your lead rope at his hip and cluck. If he still doesn't move tap him with the lead rope while clucking at him.At any time he moves, take the pressure off him immediately. Give him a pat and a "good boy" and ask for another move. Repeat. Then ask for more steps. Remember to do this on both sides of the body too. It won't be long when you will simply point at his hip and he'll move them for you. Do this every day for a while to get it in his mind that you are in control.Okay. Now that you moved him, turn your body to walk forward while holding your lead line. Something magical happens right here. Your horse suddenly focuses his attention on you. He's very aware of your movement and what you're doing. If he messes up because he was distracted or something scared him, all you have to do is move his rear end again. Eventually your horse will start gauging your pace and keep up with you at the same pace you move.If your horse starts to get ahead of you while leading, move his hindquarters. If he's lagging behind you, move his hindquarters. If he goes off into La La Land, move his hindquarters.Having good control leading your horse is perhaps the most basic training technique there is. But it is also the way we get horses in trailers, moving them around, bathing them, and even riding them. This will help teach your horse to be soft and responsive. And if you have a soft responsive horse while you are on the ground, then you will more likely have the same kind of horse while you're sitting in the saddle. And that is the ultimate goal.About The AuthorAndy Curry is a nationally known horse trainer and author of several best selling horse training and horse care books. For information visit his website at www.horsetrainingandtips.com. He is also the leading expert on Jesse Beery's horse training methods which can be seen at www.horsetrainingandtips.com/Jesse_Beerya.htm.