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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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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Is your dog itching and shaking like hell? Does he suffer from a recurring ear infection? The symptoms point towards food allergy and a visit to the vet might be in order.
Allergies, be it skin or food, can be devastating and frustrating for you as well as your fluffy-friend. The non-stop scratching of ear, face, and paws can drive him crazy. Make sure you are covered with dog insurance if you want to be prepared for these situations.
Now, you must be wondering where did these allergies come from when your pet is vaccinated regularly and eats healthy?
Really!
Is your pet really having a healthy diet? Ponder-upon! Unlike humans, a dog’s food is different. You could be taking your pet toward distress if you are feeding him food he is allergic to. For many dog owners, dog allergies related to food are a rising concern.
As a dog owner, it’s important to know that food allergy and food intolerance both are different. While food intolerance leads to poor digestion, food allergies are the result of your dog’s immune system’s response to an invading problem.
How do you know he is suffering from a food allergy?
If your dog is showing the following symptoms, he/she might be suffering from a food allergy:
Itching
Paw biting
Obsessive licking
Poor coat quality
Chronic ear inflammation
Some other symptoms of food allergy in dogs are:
Skin Rashes
Chronic diarrhea
Itchy rear end
Vomiting
Chronic gas
Nausea
Hives
Now, if your dog is showing the above symptoms and is diagnosed with a food allergy make sure you keep him away from foods like:
Dairy:
Some dogs are dairy intolerant and have problems digesting lactose. This further can lead to problems like diarrhea, vomiting, and gas which a dog suffers from. A dairy allergic dog may also have skin itchiness or paw itching.
Wheat:
People have so many misconceptions about carbohydrate-containing foods such as grains that are made for dogs. Some dogs show an allergic reaction to wheat, so if your pet is one of them, consult a vet and treat your loving fluffy pet.
Eggs:
Egg allergy in dogs means your dog’s immune system is overreacting to the protein which presents in the egg yolk. However, for this allergy, you don’t have to visit a vet, just avoid giving them and your monster will be fine.
Beef:
Dogs mostly suffer from protein allergies. Also, if you are feeding the same food over and over, the chances are that your dog will develop an intolerance or allergy to those foods. And food like beef is one such. However, to avoid this, don’t repeat the same food over and over. Instead, run the repeat cycle after 4-5 days.
Chicken:
Like beef, offering your dog only chicken over and over will make them intolerant to that.
Lamb:
Since many dog foods are made from chicken or beef, lamb can be a healthy option for your pet. However, some pets still experience allergies to this meal. But you can try sweet potato, rice or mix with some other food to avoid allergies.
Soy:
Offering soy to dog’s can cause various health issues that are beyond allergies. Your pet may face problems like thyroid, liver disease, and much more.
Which Breads are More Prone To Allergies?
Although no specific breed is prone to allergies, some of the most common breeds are:
Collie
Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier
Boxer
Cocker Spaniel
Springer Spaniel
West Highland White Terrier
Shar-Pei
Dachshund and much more
Although it’s overwhelming to have a cute, cuddly monster at home, taking good care of them is a job that needs attention and dedication. Following a proper diet can keep allergies at bay, but in case if your pooch does catch one, Benadryl is a good OTC drug that you can also give to your dog. CertaPet features a very detailed article covering everything you need to know about Benadryl for dogs – make sure you read it.
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What’s all this hullabaloo about grain free dog food for small dogs, you ask? We did our research to verify if it’s wrapped in mere “trend” or in scientific fact. Here’s what we’ve researched about grain-free dog chews and munchies.
1. Easy And Good For The Digestive System
Even your pups get tummy aches and discomforts. What’s worse is that owners are not urgently alerted of their pups’ digestive disorders because unlike us, they don’t get to verbalize what’s making their stomachs feel iffy.
Dogs are carnivores whose digestive systems aren’t hard-wired to break down grains. Sadly, commercialized and mass-produced dog food contains grains for fillers, as they’re accessible and cheap.
With grain free dog food, you can help reduce the risk of having your furry buddy incur gastrointestinal disease, diarrhea, gut pain, and similar gut conditions. They get to eat healthily, digest what they eat with ease, and absorb nutrients as they should.
2. Higher Nutritional Value
Connecting this phrase with that of the last statement in the paragraph before, grain-free food for your pup boasts high nutritional value. Why so? Instead of fillers and unhealthy additives, their grain-free alternatives have more quality ingredients for nutrients that your dog needs.
Additionally, grain-free dog edibles are excellent in building stronger, fuller muscles. Fuller muscles that are lean. We know that sounds ironic. And perhaps it is. Lean yet full muscles are built up with protein. More muscles than fat equal strength, resilience, and health.
It’s true that most types of healthier options are heftier on their price tags than the rest. But it will be well worth what you spend, since maintaining their overall well-being is the reward in itself.
3. No More Allergies
A lot of the additives in grain-filled dog food contain allergens. Allergens are generally non-hazardous. Having said that, they do cause allergies, even in pets. From a runny nose, blocked sinuses, watery eyes, skin flakiness, rashes, and itch, digestive disorders, excessive salivation, vomiting, swollen face, hives, and more.
By taking away grains from what your dog ingests, you’ll potentially be assisting in ensuring that they don’t suffer from uncomfortable allergic reactions. By the way, some allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis can be life-threatening. So, you won’t just be a pet owner. You’ll be a pet life-saver, too.
4. Heart Health
Who knew that most grain-free foods have significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids? Too-high triglycerides, along with too-high cholesterol, may lead to weight gain and cardiovascular problems. And are frequently found in low-quality, grained dog chews.
But omega-3 is among the primary ingredients of their grained counterpart, and it decreases triglycerides and reduces the risk of blood clotting. It also impedes fat accumulation inside arterial walls. Talk about an all-rounder in terms of cardiovascular defense!
5. Shinier Coat And Brighter Skin
The same omega-3 fatty acids we’ve spoken of are responsible for producing shinier coats and brighter, healthier skin for dogs. They stabilize how pores secrete natural oils. Due to the fact that they’re excellent for hydration, your dog’s skin and fur will be both soft and shiny.
Not to mention how grain-free foods typically have dried vegetables as substitutes for grain. Veggies are able to shield the skin from free radicals to keep it from succumbing to cellular damage, wrinkling, and roughness.
More Resources:
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