Equine Flashcards
Define colt
<4 yo intact male
Define filly
<4yo female
Define mare
Mature female
Define gelding
Castrated male
Define stallion
Mature intact male
Define pony
Small breed horse (less than 14.2 hands high)
How much is a “hand” when measuring horses
4 inches = one hand
How is body condition score determined in horses
Visual/distance exam looking at the hips, ribs, shoulders, spinous processes, and withers
And palpation
Why is visual examination of BCS not reliable? Give an example of when this may not work
It is objective and there is a lot of variation among breeds and individuals and only assess SQ tissue
Ex. Pregnant mares have less fat over their ribs while it accumulates elsewhere, this does not mean they are underweight because you can see their ribs
What is BCS influenced by
Pregnancy
Muscle mass
Health
Type of hair coat and length
What did horses used to be used for and what are they used for now
Past: agriculture, transportation, war
Now: sport, companionship, therapy, pleasure, ranching, consumption, racing
Horses ridden in the winter should be housed in a
Insulated/heated barn or in stalls large enough for them to run around but small enough for you to catch them
Should be turned out daily
Horses not ridden in the winter can be kept
On pasture with proper shelter from wind/weather with unlimited access to food and water
Young, geriatric, sick, thin, or shaved horses should be housed
Heated/insulated barn to keep them warm and dry (these are more susceptible to illness)
Horses ridden throughout the summer should be housed in
Cool/ventilated barns and should have sufficient room to lay down, stand up and turn around
Horses not ridden in the summer can be kept
On pasture with grass, a bit of grain and minerals to maintain balanced diet and adequate water
What is the formula to calculate how big a stall must be for a horse
2-2.5 times the height of the horse at the wither squared
Unfavourable weather and muddy areas can increase risk for
Lameness and hoof disease without proper areas to lie down
Rest stalls are needed for
Injured, immobile or sick horses
Factors to consider when breeding
Size Age Health Previous performance Genetic potential
Why does the weight of the stallion compared to the mare matter in breeding
Having a small mare carry a large foal is dangerous to both the mare and foal especially during foaling
What can be used to assist breeding
Artificial insemination
Phantom mares
What is the gestation period of horses
341 days
What do mares need during gestation and lactation
Nutritionally balanced diet
Healthy amount of exercise
