Horse Husbandry Flashcards
What does arousal refer to when it comes to horses? Why is it important?
how alert a horse is; important because levels of high arousal are usually associated with unwanted dangerous behaviors
What do you look at to determine horse arousal is a high level?
- elevated head
- backwards rotation of eye
- ear angled back, sideways or rotated down
- tension of face muscles
- muscular tension in rest of body
- flexing one or both hind legs (crouching)
- hyper vigilant behavior (looking for escape route)
- frozen still
- Fidgety
- horse does steps that are jerky and fast
What are some signs that there is tension in face muscles?
elongated lips, more prominent chin, furrow/more wrinkles on upper eyelid
What are the three things that high arousal in a horse can come out as?
Fight, Flight or Freeze
What should you do before approaching a horse?
assess the horse’s behavior and decide arousal level. talk to it as you approach it, approach its neck from the side
When leading a horse what should you never do with the rope?
- let the rope touch the ground
- wrap the rope around your hand
- place fingers inside of rings or buckles in head collars
When tieing up a horse what should you tie it to?
a piece of baler twine/string because should be able to break away if needed
When trotting up or walking a horse what should you do?
- position self mid neck on left side
- use both hands to hold the rope
- when horse starts walking release pull tension and when stop release backwards tension
When adjusting a halter what should you remember?
- noseband lie 2-3 fingers width below horse check bone
- two fingers space between nose band and horse face
What are reasons for grooming?
- Cleanliness
- improve appearance
- promote health
- prevent disease
- maintain condition
- helps bonding between humans and horses
What are reasons for clipping?
- increase heat loss by conduction
- horse is easier to clean
- less likely to be chilled due to long, wet coat after exercise
- able to work longer and faster without distress associated with winter coat
What do you need to remember when putting on a rug?
- fold it correctly
- put high on withers so pull in hair direction
- fix chest straps
- belly straps (not tangled)
- tail and leg straps (cross)
How should you take off a rug?
opposite movements of how put it on
How do you measure a height of a horse?
from withers to ground
how much is one hand of measurement in cm?
10.2 cm
What are the horses front leg joints distal to proximal?
- pastern
- fetlock
- carpal/knee
- elbow
- shoulder
What are the back leg joints distal to proximal?
pastern
fetlock
tarsus/hock
stifle
hip
What is a colt?
a male horse or pony up to the age of four
What is a stallion?
a male horse or pony after the age of four
What is a filly?
female horse or pony up to age of four
What is a mare?
a female horse or pony after age of four
What is a gelding?
a castrated male horse
How often should a farrier come and visit a horse?
6-7 weeks
What are reasons to shoe a horse?
- high workload horse
- prevet stone bruising
What are problems with shoeing a horse?
the shoe isn’t flexible like the rest of the shoe
What is day to day hoof care?
- pick out horse off
- put hoof oil on it to prevent cracks in summer
- sealant to prevent damage from moist ground
