Published on: 22 February 2020
Last Updated on: 26 February 2020
Horse racing is one of the most popular sports around the world and has a huge following from England to Dubai and everywhere in between. But, there are a lot of assumptions made about the sport, so let’s set them straight. Here are the biggest myths people believe about the sport of horse racing.
5 Myths About Horse Racing:
1. Any Old Horse Can Win or Run in a Race
Thoroughbred horse racing is just that, exclusive to thoroughbred horses. These horses have a lineage traced back to one of three stallions and only then are eligible to compete. Not only are races limited to thoroughbreds, but the training required to turn a horse into a winner is second to none, being broken in at around 18-months-old, making these horses the only ones capable of running 1 ¼ mile in two minutes. So, next time you’re placing free bets at the races, you can be assured that it’s in their blood to race.
2. Whipping Hurts Horses
Whips are no longer used in the sport. A soft paddle called a ‘persuader’ is used to lengthen a horse’s stride and has been proven not to cause harm or pain to the animals.
People have used a persuader on a person to prove they are inflicting pain, but the skin of a 1,000 pounds racehorse can withstand more than the average human. The role of the paddle is to remind the horse to stay focused during the long track and not to lose focus throughout the race.
3. Horses Have no Value Once Retired
It is a common misconception that racehorses are sent to the abattoir (slaughterhouse) once they have seen their racing career through. But, again, this is not the case. Retired racehorses are very valuable and are often rehomed for breeding, for pleasure or equestrian use, as they are very athletic and can be trained to be riding horses and opposed to competitors.
4. Horses Do Not Enjoy Racing
Thoroughbreds are raised to race, it is in their blood to compete.
Horses that race weighs an average of 1,000 pounds, I’m sure you can imagine how impossible it would be for a jockey of around 55kg to force an animal of this size to run while on it back. It is not unheard of for a horse to decide they aren’t in the mood during a race; one horse, in particular, decided he didn’t want to jump while competing and planted his feet firmly on the track, refusing to continue; there wasn’t much the jockey could do about it.
Horses cannot be made to run in races due to their dominance of power against their jockeys and so when they do run it is through choice and enjoyment; they are doing what they know.
5. Horses are Mistreated
On average, horse races are sold for around $65,000. Not only are they an investment but they are how some people make a living and choose to spend their time (training, owning, breeding). Simply on that alone, it is hard to believe that they would be poorly cared for.
It is not uncommon for owners to fork out a fortune to transport and provide the best for their horses, often being referred to as living like kings due to their exercise and treatment is unparalleled to any other owned animal.
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All those who have watched “Marley and Me” know exactly what I am talking about when I mention pet parents and how a lot of couples think of being a pet parents before they become parents. Having a pet, whether you live with your family, with your spouse, or you live alone, can change your life in so many ways. Apart from the fact that your family has a new totally adorable and definitely the most photogenic member in your family that would make you want to shop for amenities and accessories from petsho, we have decided to work out ways in which having a pet can change your life and why you should definitely adopt one if you haven’t already.
1. For Practicing Parents:
Having a pet is parenting a child for as long as your pet lives. No pet ever grows up, and this is especially true for dogs. They will most definitely grow old, and there will come a time when they wouldn’t be able to jump about like they did when they were younger, when their eyesights will grow weaker, but they will always be your little child, only bigger in size. It is not an easy job to be a parent to your pet for all the years that they live, but every pet parents will tell you without a doubt that those years will forever be the best years of their lives. From toilet training to training your pet for food, everything involves not only ample mistakes that will remind you of all the good times you shared with somebody who loved you selflessly. Apart from helping you learn to be patient till your child grows up, having pets also give your child a constant friend in every little thing they do.
2. Pets as Therapets:
It is a well-known fact that pets have often been trained as therapy support for patients suffering from depression, autism, Alzheimer’s among the few issues people grapple with. They are known to not only help people de-stress, but also provide constant support and alert people if they are about to have a seizure.
3. Becoming More Active:
Having a pet will completely change your daily routine. Your day will revolve around that furry little family member who is now a major part of your home. There will be someone who will love you right from the moment you step onto the threshold of your house, someone impatiently waiting for your return. Your priorities will begin to change and you won’t regret any of it, because this won’t be a responsibility anymore. The unconditional love that your pets will have for you will make you value them and their presence. It is also the best way to adopt a very healthy lifestyle owing to the ways you might have to adapt to keep your pet healthy and fit. Apart from being trained as therapists, pets, in general, improve your health by their mere presence and the infectious energy they carry with them.
4. A Boon for Introverts:
Unlike those who are naturally outgoing and can easily socialize or often become the life of the party, having a pet can help you create a bond or a connection without the need for any verbal communication. It can also be a great way to socialize with people if you are naturally drawn to animals more than human beings, yet you want to hone your socializing skills. Having a pet makes it easier to begin any conversation.
5. Your Child’s Best Friend:
As mentioned earlier, pets often become great company for your children. Often, pets react differently around a new family member, especially if it’s a baby, where most of the attention gets diverted and irrationally divided. However, this can be the best opportunity for you to help your pet befriend your child. Having a pet not only will help boost your child’s immune system but will also be their forever lifeguard helping them around or protecting them and communicating in their own forms of gibberish.
6. Your Trip Companion:
This option comes with a lot of terms and conditions applied because unfortunately, not every place whether a cafe or a tourist spot is animal-friendly. However, there are a lot of locations and a lot of eateries that allow you to visit and spend some quality time with your loved ones and also introduce them to other people’s pets. A solo trip can often become a lot more fun, interesting and adventurous if you can take your pet along.
Having said all of these, it is true how wonderful and how drastically your life will change once you adopt a pet. However, it is also important to remember that this is a responsibility. It is always a good idea to weigh out the odds against keeping a pet before you decide to adopt one. They look forward to being a part of your family and more often than not, these pets are traumatized once they are abandoned. Always choose adoption over the purchase of a pet.
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Every year, there are more than 6 million animals all across the country that end up in animal shelters.
Most of these shelters are staffed by volunteers who rely on the donations of others to keep the shelters up and running. Without these animal shelter donations, the volunteers wouldn't be able to do their jobs and care for the animals that come through their front doors.
Do you want to donate items that could potentially make a huge difference and allow shelters to give animals the TLC they need?
If so, animal shelters have a long list of items they need on a regular basis.
Here are 8 animal shelter donations you should consider dropping off at the shelter in your area.
1. Pet Food :
This might be one of the more obvious animal shelter donations. But it's still worth mentioning because shelters simply can't have enough extra food hanging around.
There are new dogs and cats coming into the average shelter every day. And from the moment they arrive, they have to be fed regularly so that they get the right nutrition.
If you have extra dog food lying around in your home and it hasn't expired yet, you should consider calling your local animal shelter to see if they have a need for it.
Just make sure the food hasn't been opened. Shelters won't be able to use opened bags or cans of food.
2. Dog Beds :
In addition to providing dogs and cats with food upon their arrival, they also need to provide them with a place to sleep.
Many dogs and cats that are turned into animal shelters haven't gotten a good night's rest in quite some time.
Therefore, you should consider making animal shelter donations that include dog beds and beds for cats. They will really come in handy when dogs and cats are set up at animal shelters for days, weeks, or months at a time.
3. Litter :
Kitty litter is one of the other items that animal shelters are always on the lookout for. From the moment cats step foot inside of a shelter, they need to have access to clean litter to handle their business.
If possible, you should make sure your animal shelter donations include clumping litter that will be easy for shelter volunteers to clean up. You should also consider adding a litter box to the mix if your shelter needs one.
It's a good idea to get in touch with a shelter ahead of time to see if they have a specific litter they prefer to use. Animal shelters will be ecstatic if you're able to provide them with fresh litter for their feline friends.
4. Blankets and Towels :
Blankets and towels are a necessity whenever you're caring for animals at a shelter.
They can be used for cleaning up messes or setting up a quiet space for the animals to rest.
Either way, shelter volunteers will definitely find good uses for your blankets and towels.
They don't have to be new, either! In fact, you're better off donating older blankets and towels to animal shelters that you don't need anymore.
These items often don't have much value when you donate them elsewhere. But at an animal shelter, they'll come in handy in a variety of different ways.
5. Zip-Lock Bags :
One of the keys to running a successful animal shelter is keeping everything organized. From food to treats to toys, you want to keep items where they belong.
Zip-lock bags will help your local shelter do just that. So if you have a bunch of Zip-lock bags sitting in your house right now, you should donate them to a shelter.
Shelter volunteers will be able to keep everything straight when they have places to put the things they use on a regular basis.
6. Pill Pockets :
The Humane Society and other organizations insist on shelter animals receiving the best medical care possible at shelters.
Often times, this means that dogs and cats have to take medications during their shelter stays.
The problem, of course, is that many of them won't willingly take these medications.
Pill pockets make it possible for shelter volunteers to give dogs and cats their medications without a problem. One box of pill pockets can last for a long time and make it easier than ever for animals to get the medications they need.
7. Kongs :
As you can probably imagine, dogs that are placed in animal shelters can get very bored over time. They can, as a result, get themselves into trouble by chewing on things they shouldn't.
Kongs are a great solution to this problem. Shelter volunteers can place treats into Kongs and provide dogs with hours and hours of fun.
Shelters are always looking for large Kongs since they usually have a lot of larger dogs in their care. When you donate even just one Kong, you'll provide a dog with the entertainment it needs in a shelter.
8. Cleaning Supplies :
Keeping an animal shelter clean is of the utmost importance. Shelters usually fly through cleaning supplies on a daily basis.
You can make things easier on them by donating:
Disinfectant wipes
Bleach
Powdered laundry detergent
Dish soap
Paper towels
And more
If you're not sure about which cleaning supplies would be best for your local animal shelter, give them a call and ask. They would probably be more than happy to let you know which supplies they use most often.
You can help keep your local shelter a lot cleaner by setting them up with the supplies they need.
Make Your Animal Shelter Donations Today :
When you make animal shelter donations, you'll be helping both the animals in the shelters as well as the volunteers who give up their time to work in them.
You'll feel great about yourself and know that you did what you could to help the animals even if you couldn't adopt them.
Animal shelters rely on people like you to allow them to assist as many animals as possible.
Check out our blog for other lifestyle tips that will help you become a better person.
Caring for a horse involves a complete and detailed understanding of both their daily requirements and the equipment necessary for their wellbeing. As a horse owner or caretaker, your primary focus must be to look after your horse's health.
Make sure you equip your companion with the right health and happiness. To achieve this, it's most important to be well-equipped with the best resources that cater to every aspect of horse health. Moreover, consider feeding and grooming to health monitoring and emergency situations- all is converted.
Essential Equipment for Horse HealthCare may vary between ranges from items as basic as water troughs or buckets. Yes, it is vital to provide clean drinking water. Additionally, you must have more specialized tools, like a well-stocked first aid kit.
They can assist you in addressing minor injuries. Moreover, you'll need high-quality hay, durable feed buckets, and a safe storage bin for feeding your horse. This is important to manage the horse's health and strike a balance with the right nutritional requirements effectively.
Regular grooming keeps your horse at its best and serves as a preventive health measure. Ultimately, it provides you with the knowledge to spot any issues early on. Therefore, invest in essential equipment for horse healthcare tailored to your horse's coat and hoof care requirements.
It is an indispensable part of this development. Along with day-to-day care items, emergency equipment needs to be on hand. Ultimately it ensures you're prepared for any situation that might crop up with your horse's health.
Essential Tack And Riding Equipment
When outfitting your horse, it is important to opt for the right high-quality tack and riding equipment. It manages both your comfort and functionality well. The essential equipment for horse healthcare can greatly affect the performance of your horse and well-being.
Saddles And Fittings
Choosing the right saddle is crucial, as it acts as the form of the right base of the riding experience. Moreover, it is tailored to serve the needs of both you and your horse. A quality saddle should fit both the seat of the rider and the horse's back adequately.
Hence, consider features such as sweat-wicking properties and materials that regulate heat and friction for your horse's comfort. Look into LeMieux's extensive collection of horse saddle pads, designed with innovative features like Locking Girth Straps and Elasticated D-Ring Straps that cater to various equestrian disciplines.
Saddle Pads: Ensure the pad offers the proper cushioning. However, the quality pads are made from the right materials. It prevents oneself from overheating. Other elements of consideration include sweat build-up, such as Bamboo Lining and 3D Mesh.
Girths: They should offer protection and reduce pressure. The most durable, textured girth areas assist in the prevention of slippage and help provide the necessary comfort.
Bridles And Bits
A bridle is essential for guiding and communicating with your horse. Bits should suit your horse's level of training and sensitivity, while bridles ought to have a precise fit to avoid discomfort.
Bits: Choose essential equipment for horse healthcare according to your horse's needs and ensure they are made of high-quality, durable materials that offer comfort and control.
Headstalls and Reins: Look for sturdy construction with secure fastenings to provide reliable communication channels between you and your horse.
Grooming Kits
Regular grooming is another key aspect of horse health. Moreover, it helps as a check-up to understand the potential issues well beforehand. However, a comprehensive grooming kit contains tools that help keep your mane, horse's coat, and tail clean and free from tangle.
Brushes: There are a range of brushes. It includes soft brushes for the face and slightly hard ones for the entire body. This is how you eliminate dirt and helps promote blood circulation.
Hoof Care: Equip yourself with hoof picks and conditioners. These essential equipment for horse healthcare help maintain healthy hooves and safeguard them from ailments.
Keep in mind, that investing in quality tack and equipment can help elevate the r riding experience. Moreover, it helps maintain the horse's health.
Stable And Pasture Maintenance Tools
Managing a stable and keeping pastures in top condition requires specific tools that ensure the health and well-being of your horses. These tools are designed to facilitate manure management, secure the perimeters, and maintain the feeding and watering systems effectively.
Manure Management Equipment
Manure management is crucial in helping to prevent the spread of parasites. Also, with manuring management, you can keep your horses healthy. What you need is a manure fork. It helps to clean stalls and a wheelbarrow on a regular basis.
Again, it helps the garden cart transport manure to a compost preparation area. However, for bigger operations, tools like manure spreaders can be perfect as they manage the efficient segregation of manure over fields.
Fencing And Gates
Robust fencing is essential to keep horses safe and contained. Your choice of fencing should be strong and visible to prevent injuries. However, wooden, PVC and high-quality electric fencing are considered the most popular options. Each one of them has their specified requirements for maintenance. Gates must be hard and, at the same time, easy to operate, with secure latches that horses cannot undo.
Feeding And Watering Supplies
Proper nutrition and hydration are essential elements for horse health. They help in reliable feeding. At the same time, a water supply is a necessity. This includes feed tubs and hay racks. They are easy to clean and durable.
For watering, automatic waterers or water troughs with constant access to fresh water are the best recommendations. In addition, it is helpful in ensuring that the horses stay hydrated continuously. Equip your stable and pasture with these essential tools. With it, you can maintain a healthy and secure environment for your horses.
Health Care Supplies
When managing your horse's well-being, consider the right healthcare supplies. Therefore, your tools must cover these key aspects of horse health, from treating injuries to maintaining hooves and teeth.
First Aid Kit
A well-stocked First Aid Kit is vital for addressing health emergencies. Essential equipment for horse healthcare includes a thermometer to monitor temperatures that should range between 99 -101 degrees Fahrenheit, wound antiseptics, bandages, and scissors. Keep your kit accessible and routinely check inventory for expired or used items.
Hoof Care Tools
Your horse's mobility hinges on healthy hooves. Therefore, a Hoof Care Toolkit should contain:
Hoof pick: to clear debris and prevent infections.
Hoof oil: Such as Effol® Hoof Oil, to nourish and protect the hooves.
Rasp and nippers: for trimming and shaping.
Regular use of these tools can prevent many common hoof problems.
Dental Care Implements: Essential Equipment For Horse Healthcare
Horses need frequent Dental Care to prevent oral issues. Dental care implements include:
Floats: to file down sharp edges of teeth.
Speculum: to safely hold the mouth open during examinations.
Routine dental checks are essential. Make sure to have a professional conduct a thorough examination at least once a year.
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Nutritional Supplements And Feed
When considering the dietary needs of your horse, it's crucial to integrate balanced feed and nutritional supplements into their regimen. Your horse's health depends on precise nutrition, which varies based on age, weight, activity level, and health status.
Primary Feed:
Forage: The cornerstone of your horse's diet. A minimum of 1-2% of their body weight should be in the form of forage, such as hay or grass.
Concentrates: Grains or pelleted feeds can provide additional energy, particularly for active or working horses.
Nutritional Supplements:
Vitamins and Minerals: These are vital for preventing deficiencies and supporting overall health. Customized supplements may be beneficial based on specific needs.
Protein: Supplements like soybean meal can support growth and maintenance, especially for young and athletic horses.
Hoof and Coat: Supplements containing biotin or omega fatty acids can enhance hoof strength and coat health.
Feeding Tips:
Provide an adequate supply of clean, fresh water.
Monitor your horse's body condition and adjust feed accordingly.
Introduce new feeds or supplements gradually to avoid digestive upset.
Carefully follow feeding instructions and dosages.
Remember, while supplements can be beneficial, they should never replace high-quality forage and tailored feed. If you are unsure about your horse's nutritional needs, consult with a knowledgeable equine nutritionist or veterinarian.
Protective Gear And Apparel
Investing in the proper protective gear and apparel is critical for ensuring safety and proper care both in the saddle and around the barn. These essential equipment for horse healthcare are specifically designed to protect you and your horse from injury.
Helmets And Safety Vests
Helmets: Your first line of defense in the event of a fall is a high-quality helmet. It is crucial that your helmet is properly fitted and adheres to current safety standards, such as those set by the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA). For instance, helmets must provide adequate protection for the rider's head and are often designed to absorb impact.
Safety Vests: Wearing a safety vest can greatly reduce the risk of injury to the spinal cord and ribs. Look for a vest that is certified to the latest BETA level, ensuring it offers a high level of protection.
Horse Boots And Wraps
Horse Boots: Protect your horse's legs from scrapes, bumps, and strains with the right type of horse boots. Options range from shipping boots that offer protection during travel to specific designs like brushing boots or tendon boots for training sessions.
Wraps: Support and protection can also be provided with a variety of wraps. Polo wraps are common for exercise, while therapeutic wraps can be used to support recovery from injury. It's crucial that you learn how to apply these properly to avoid restricting blood flow or causing tendon damage.
Transportation Equipment
When transporting your horse, ensuring their safety and comfort is paramount. You'll require specific equipment designed for both the containment and the handling of your horse during travel.
Horse Trailers
Your choice of horse trailer must be informed by your horse's size, the travel climate, and journey duration. For optimal safety, look for trailers that offer:
Non-slip mats: These provide secure footing.
Protective interior: Padded walls can prevent injuries.
Ventilation: Proper airflow is crucial for your horse's comfort.
Temperature control: Particularly important in extreme climates.
It's essential to have access to a trailer that facilitates safe and stress-free transport tailored to your horse's requirements.
Trailer Loading Equipment
Loading equipment should be both sturdy and reliable, consisting of:
Ramps: They must be non-slip and gently inclined to encourage easy boarding.
Dividers: To keep horses secure and prevent injury during transport.
Tie rings: Positioned appropriately to secure your horse without causing distress.
Each piece of equipment should be regularly maintained to ensure effective and safe functioning. Proper loading gear contributes significantly to the ease and security of your horse's travel experience.
Emergency Preparedness Items
When considering the health and care of your horse, being prepared for emergencies is non-negotiable.
Your emergency items should include:
First Aid Kits: Your kit should contain essential medical supplies like sterile gauze pads, cotton rolls, and wraps. It's prudent to have one in the stable and a portable version in your horse trailer.
Contact Information: Have a laminated list of important emergency contacts, including veterinarians, local animal shelters, and fellow horse owners.
Water and Electrolytes: Ensure you have adequate water storage to maintain hydration and add electrolytes after extensive exertion.
chemical Ice Packs: For sudden soft tissue injuries, be ready with instant cold packs that help control inflammation.
Evacuation Plan: Know whether you need to shelter in place or evacuate, and have a clear plan for each scenario. If new to your area, educate yourself about local risks.
Having these items and information easily accessible can make a significant difference in your ability to respond swiftly and effectively when your horse's health is at stake.
Conclusion
Equipping yourself with the right tools is a key aspect of the maintenance of the health and well-being of your horse. However, the right preventative health supplies can help in making quite an important distinction. At the same time, it assists in the early management of the potential problem associated with your horse's health.
However, investing in quality equine vet equipment is as important as understanding how to use them. Therefore you must ensure that your facilities for horst health are clean and that your first aid kit is stocked with essential supplies.
Yes, it can be vital in an emergency. Your commitment to these fundamental aspects of horse care reflects your dedication to your horse's health.
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