I have been around horses for quite some years but I have never heard this allergic reaction described as hay fever (as in the same problem that humans suffer with). I don’t get it myself, for which I am very grateful, but I do have friends that do, and can see the misery it causes, so I can assume that it is equally uncomfortable for a horse. Although the season is closing, I thought I’d still take a look at what it’s all about so you can be on the lookout for it nest year. Apparently it’s a fairly common condition seen in young and old horses alike, and it’s an allergic Respiratory Disease. Unlike humans, horses that have allergies tend to show more flu like symptoms and less sinus and nasal effects. Their lungs become inflamed and are more likely to get viral and bacterial infections. The horse owner sees this as frequent (recurrent) ‘chest colds’ that the horse never quite gets over, as I did, before I heard that it was in fact a form of hay fever. Other symptoms include coughing, a lot of eye discharge and they get tired easily.

There are many causes of allergic Respiratory Disease but some are more common. Several types of mould spores and weeds found in otherwise high quality hay or straw seem to bother many horses. This is a seasonal thing, so for the horse at pasture the problem may only be seen in spring and summer. However, hay that is taken from local fields can be a year round problem. Each year, the horse usually shows more symptoms as its reaction to the problem gets stronger and stronger.

Treatment of this problem can be as simple as keeping your horse outside where air circulation is available (fresh air versus stagnant dust filled air). If your horse must stay in the stall most or all of the time, try to store your hay in a separate place and ensure good airflow in the barn. If it is cold, put a blanket on the horse and soak the hay fed to the horse in water first. If the problem is not taken care of by the above steps, then you need to speak to your Vet. To find out the cause, the vet can do a simple procedure that looks at the fluid and cells in the horse’s lungs to see how bad the allergy is. Secondly, there is a relatively new blood test that can specifically determine what ‘things’ the horse is allergic to and allows them to find a ‘customized’ treatment for that individual horse. Other general treatments include corticosteroids (cortisone) and bronchodilators (like those taken by human asthma patients). The important thing to realize is that recognizing your horse has this problem is more than half the battle. Once that is done, proper treatment can dramatically improve the usefulness of your horse.

I was very grateful when it was pointed out to me, although I will admit to feeling a bit stupid at the time. However now I know what it is, I can deal with it, so a little stupidity has bought me some knowledge that I can now use to keep my beautiful horses in better health, so that’s a price I will gladly pay any time.

About the Author

Roger Bourdon’s aim is to bring the joys of horseback riding to everyone with his books and website at http://anyhorsebackriding.com where you can get really cool free hints and tips on learning to horseback ride

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Horses Accept People In Their Herd

Equestrians all have one thing in common and that is their love for their horses, regardless of the breed. They are basically prey animals with a genetic instinct for flight or fight if they feel they are threatened. However, they will stay and fight if they sense by their leaving, it would put a foal, for instance, at harm. They are also herd animals, being comfortable around other horses as well as humans and, with the exception of wild horse or feral horses, adapt to being around people and their riders.

There are few true wild horses today, such as those usually called mustangs, in the northwest and other small areas of the United States. Most are feral, meaning their ancestors, may have been domesticated, but the breed is now living wild. There are two schools of thought of how the different breeds came to be different sizes, mostly focusing on DNA evolution, but modern horse breeds were developed to perform specific activities.

For example, the Arabian horses were developed to be quick with endurance over long runs for the dry climates in which they were raised, The Belgian horse, typically about 19-hands high, about 76-inches, were raised for pulling plows through the fields and are still used for that purpose today in some cultures.

Cold, Hot and Warm Blooded Horses

While all horses are considered warm-blooded mammals, the term mean something different when it comes to their breeding. Larger horses such as a Belgian, Shire and Clydesdales are developed with the patience pulling plow or carriages of people and are considered cold-blooded. The Clydesdales are probably the most easily recognized due to the long hair above their ankles.

Horses considered hot-blooded are those developed for speed and agility as well as endurance. Breeds such as Arabian and Thoroughbred can give their riders an exciting ride as well as great satisfaction as they tend to be quick learners with intelligence and communication capability. They can, however also quickly learn bad habits from poor riders and they typically do not tolerate abusive training techniques.

Warm-blooded horses are usually a cross between hot and cold-blooded horses, such as the Irish Draught, and can be large enough for work on a farm as well being ridden by humans. They are also favored in most World Equestrian Games competition such as show jumping and dressage, being dominant in these events since the 1950’s.

About the Author

Denise van Helden is an equestrian since the age of five. She runs a Blog about Horses and Ponys at horsesinfos.com

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Horses Accept People In Their Herd

Equestrians all have one thing in common and that is their love for their horses, regardless of the breed. They are basically prey animals with a genetic instinct for flight or fight if they feel they are threatened. However, they will stay and fight if they sense by their leaving, it would put a foal, for instance, at harm. They are also herd animals, being comfortable around other horses as well as humans and, with the exception of wild horse or feral horses, adapt to being around people and their riders.

There are few true wild horses today, such as those usually called mustangs, in the northwest and other small areas of the United States. Most are feral, meaning their ancestors, may have been domesticated, but the breed is now living wild. There are two schools of thought of how the different breeds came to be different sizes, mostly focusing on DNA evolution, but modern horse breeds were developed to perform specific activities.

For example, the Arabian horses were developed to be quick with endurance over long runs for the dry climates in which they were raised, The Belgian horse, typically about 19-hands high, about 76-inches, were raised for pulling plows through the fields and are still used for that purpose today in some cultures.

Cold, Hot and Warm Blooded Horses

While all horses are considered warm-blooded mammals, the term mean something different when it comes to their breeding. Larger horses such as a Belgian, Shire and Clydesdales are developed with the patience pulling plow or carriages of people and are considered cold-blooded. The Clydesdales are probably the most easily recognized due to the long hair above their ankles.

Horses considered hot-blooded are those developed for speed and agility as well as endurance. Breeds such as Arabian and Thoroughbred can give their riders an exciting ride as well as great satisfaction as they tend to be quick learners with intelligence and communication capability. They can, however also quickly learn bad habits from poor riders and they typically do not tolerate abusive training techniques.

Warm-blooded horses are usually a cross between hot and cold-blooded horses, such as the Irish Draught, and can be large enough for work on a farm as well being ridden by humans. They are also favored in most World Equestrian Games competition such as show jumping and dressage, being dominant in these events since the 1950’s.

About the Author

Denise van Helden is an equestrian since the age of five. She runs a Blog about Horses and Ponys at horsesinfos.com

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The Palomino is considered a colour breed. Palomino is a coat colour in horses, consisting of a gold coat and white or flaxen mane and tail. Genetically, the palomino colour is created by a dilution gene working on a red (chestnut) base coat. However, most colour breed registries that record Palomino horses were founded before equine coat colour genetics were understood as well as they are today, and hence the standard definition of a Palomino is based on the coat colour visible to the eye, not the underlying presence of the dilution gene. Thus, palomino is simply a colour and not a set of characteristics that make up a “breed”.

Because registration is based solely on coat color, horses from many breeds or combination of breeds may qualify. Some breeds that have palomino representatives are the American Saddlebred, Tennessee Walking Horse, Morgan and Quarter Horse.

The color is fairly rare in the Thoroughbred, but does in fact occur and is recognized by The Jockey Club.

Unlike the Appaloosa, which is a distinct breed that also happens to have a unique colour, any breed or type of horse usually may be registered as palomino if they are properly golden-coloured (though, for some registries, horses may also meet a conformation or type standard).

While the breed standard states the ideal colour is that of a “newly minted gold coin” (sometimes mistakenly claimed to be a penny), some Palomino registries allow a coat colour that may range from cremello, an almost-white colour, to a deep, dark, chocolate colour (”chocolate palomino”).

The liver chestnut with a flaxen mane and tail (back), may be accepted as “palomino” by some colour registries.

A palomino at the lighter end of the acceptable range of colour, coat is still a golden shade, skin is dark, horse is not quite a cremello.

White markings are also permitted on the face, but must not extend past the eyes.

Some breeds, such as the Haflinger and Arabian, may appear to be palomino, but are genetically chestnuts with flaxen manes and tails, as neither breed carries the creme dilution that creates this colour. White markings are permitted on the legs, but must not extend beyond the knees or hocks.

Famous Palominos

One of the most famous Palomino horses was Trigger, acknowledged as “the smartest horse in movies,” the faithful mount of the Hollywood Cowboy star Roy Rogers during the 1940s and 1950s. Another famous Palomino was Mr. Ed (real name Bamboo Harvester) who starred on his own TV show in the 1960s.

Finally it should be noted that Link’s Horse Epona, from the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, can be considered a Palomino.

About the Author:

Frank Rom runs and operates an information site about owning, training and buying horses. For more information you should also stop at All The Questions You’ve Asked About Training Your Horse, Answered.

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Caring for a horse is an excellent way to gain new skills and build a strong bond the animal. However, it is important to practice safety procedures when handling your horse. There can be some risks involved in handling horses. They are large animals which are very strong, and can easily hurt you. This is why it is important to have an understanding of these animals.

If you encounter a horse that is owned by another person, you never want to feed them without the permission of the owner. You always want to make sure you approach a horse from the side or the front, and never from the rear. Be sure to announce your presence. Approaching the horse from behind can cause it to become startled, and if it kicks you in the head it could easily paralyze or kill you.

When caring for your horse, you want to make gentle movements. Never move quickly or run around horses, as they may become frightened or agitated. You also want to speak quietly around the horse and avoid making loud or strange noises. Always keep children and other pets such as dogs under control at all times. If you want to ride the horse, always wear the proper footwear and a good helmet.

Like many animals, horses are the most dangerous when they are scared. When they become scared, the only thing they are concerned with is survival, and anyone in their path will get hurt. The best way to avoid a situation like this is to understand what scares horses, and how you can avoid scaring them. Horses are herbivores, and have always been the target of predators.

Because of this, horses have developed the ability to easily detect potential predators. They are always alert, and their long necks and eyes assist them in watching their environment at all times. When looking at a horse from a distance, it is important to pay attention to its body language. When horses are startled they will display up to three signs with their bodies.

The first thing you want to watch for is a horse which suddenly freezes. This is a sign that it is startled. It freezes to be make it harder for predators to detect it, and will slowly look around in the direction of the disturbance. A horse will also spin around or jump, and this is designed to injure potential predators. When cornered, a horse will fight, and its feet and hooves can be deadly. Always use caution when handling horses.

About the Author

All of the horse people meet at the Horse Gathering Place - A free site that includes horse news, buy/sell horse related items, horse discussion forum plus more.

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Surveys done over the last several years show that there are 7 million horses in the United States today. And according to American Horse Council figures, the horse industry supports more than 1.4 million full-time jobs. There are a variety of careers in the horse industry, from hands-on jobs like large-animal veterinarian to jobs that support the industry, like feed and supplement distributor. There are jobs in breeding, showing, health, education, product manufacturing, research, recreation, and service industries to name just a few that come to mind. And one of these areas is most likely just right for you!

So, how do you find a job in the horse industry that is right for you? Well, before you start randomly sending out resumes to every horse-related employer you know of, you need to spend some time considering the type of career you want. In many cases, you’ll have to come up with a plan that will lead you to that career. As wonderful as it is that you want to be a large animal veterinary technician, no one is going to hire you without the right credentials. In other words, like most worthwhile pursuits in life, you are going to have to spend a little time and effort to reach your goals.

So, are you ready? Answer these few simple questions and you’ll be on your way to finding an equine career that is right for you:

? What do I want out of a horse career? Do you want daily contact with horses, or are you interested in working in a supporting field without daily contact? There are pros and cons to both. A supporting role may offer you a higher income, regular hours, more job stability, and better benefits, but a hands-on career gives you flexibility and the ability to work around your favorite animals every day. What is more important to you? Think very seriously about your own interests, abilities, and personality. It won’t hurt to spend a few minutes writing down why you want to work with horses.

? What experience and education do I currently have? There is no teacher like experience, but is it more important than education in the horse industry? That depends on the job. For those seeking skilled hands-on positions like trainers, barn managers, and riding instructors, the more time you’ve spent around horses the better. Other choices, such as equine vet, writer, public relations expert, or lawyer require a college education and additional training.

? What experience and education am I willing to get to achieve my career goals? If you require experience and education to break into a career in the horse industry, you need to have a good understanding of how much time and money it is going to cost to reach your goals. Do you have the time and money to spare, and are you willing to do so?

? What income do I need? Most people work in the horse industry because their love of horses supercedes their love of money. Many hands-on jobs provide minimal pay and benefits just for the pleasure of being around horses. Salaries improve with higher-level hands on jobs, and support jobs often pay the most and offer the best benefits. Before you make a commitment to a career, know how much money you need to live. Then do some research to find out if your career can realistically support you.

? Where should I enter the industry in order to have a good chance of meeting my goal? Whatever career track you are pursuing, enter the industry in a job that you can handle with your present skills and experience. Getting in over your head may not only prevent you from advancing, it is dangerous! Once you’ve figured out your entry level, you can work your way up as you gain experience.

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Jumper courses are very demanding, calling for technical accuracy on the part of the rider and absolute obedience from the horse. Connecting with the horse from the hind legs, through the back to the bit will prevent most of resistance problems that horses have with jumping. As the riders head toward the jump, they focus on the rhythm of your horse’s strides.

Elements of successful show jumping include riding lines, related distances, bending lines, and jumping off of turns. Competitors in jumper classes are judged on number of faults caused by knocking down or refusing to jump obstacles and on speed. A typical jumper course is 8-12 fences consisting of natural as well as brightly colored jumps. Most jumper classes consist of a first round (or two rounds) followed by a jump-off among all riders with clear first rounds. A jump-off course has fewer fences than the jumper class.

Penalty points are assessed if the horse refuses a jump, or brings down the highest element of an obstacle. Additionally in the jumper ring penalty points are added if the allowed time limit for the course is exceeded. Riders near the end of the starting order have the advantage of seeing how the first riders complete the course.

Classes are broken into a variety of sub-groupings. Amateur owner jumpers must be ridden by amateur owners only. Adult amateur jumpers must be ridden by amateur rider, but do not have to actually own the horse. While Junior jumpers must be ridden by riders under the age of 18. Schooling jumpers may be ridden by anyone.

In the jumper show ring, style does not count; jumper classes are purely athletic tests of speed and strength. Competitors in jumper classes are judged on number of faults caused by knocking down or refusing to jump obstacles and on speed. In addition to the faster speed of jumper class competition, courses in jumper classes are also composed of more varied obstacles.

The dynamics and beauty of horse and rider soaring over fences makes jumping a thrilling sight.

About the Author

Rob Daniels has been an equestrian rider for 25 years. He has studied various disciplines additional articles are available at: Riding Stable - http://www.riding-stable.com and Horse Stall http://www.horse-stall.net

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When introducing dogs and horses, unlike other animal training areas, it helps very little to start the interaction out when both animals are young. Young horses are at least as skittish as older ones, and are often accompanied by a mare. Neither is naturally fond of nor curious about puppies. To a horse, nearly everything but their owners and a few other horses are threats - at least until they’re mature. But when mixing dogs and horses it can be very useful to introduce your young puppy to older horses at a very early age, as this will help to avoid the barking problem.

But there are many circumstances where dogs and horses interact successfully. Whether the dog owner is a regular visitor to stables or riding schools, or whether the dog lives on the premises both can get along well.

In the early stages of dog and horse interaction. always keep puppies and dogs restrained around horses until they’ve learned what to do and what to avoid. A lead, for at least the first several weeks of training, is a must. And ensure that the horse is not in a position to rear or run where the dog can be injured.

Training dog and horses to interact involves a series of separate, but easily learned behaviours.

To start your dogs and horses training, first, the dog has to learn to respect a boundary, a dog can easily slip through a paddock with metal bars, or a series of stalls, or other enclosures. Begin by using a leash and collar and make the boundary training part of a more general walk where you train the dog to follow you. Be sure your dog follows you, not leads you.

When mixing dogs and horses, the dog, will sense of smell the horse and be naturally curious about the horse, as it approaches the boundary. Allow the dog to approach - but not move beyond - the boundary. If it tries to breach the boundary, tug on the leash and give a sharp ‘No!’ or ‘Stop’. (’Stay’ is a different behavior, requiring a different - and unique - command.)

When dogs and horses first meet your dog will have a tendency to bark, this needs to be suppressed. Barking frequency varies with breed and individual temperament, but horses aren’t discriminating. When seemingly threatened, they react - and a horse’s reaction to barking is not usually something pleasant.

Dogs and horses are both pack animals and will usually follow the lead of the alpha (leader), unless, they’re trying to be the alpha. This drive for dominance, coupled sometimes with fear or simply the desire to warn of a threat, can lead to barking.

During your dog and horse training you need to reinforce your ‘top dog’ status, by a sharp jerk sideways on the leash, accompanied by a sharp verbal ‘No bark!’. Jerk sideways, not back, in order to get the dog’s attention without risking injury to the throat. Dogs have very strong neck muscles, but throats can still be too easily bruised by excessive force.

If the dog insists on barking, remove him from the area and try again another day. Don’t give up too easily, though. You don’t want to train the dog that every time he barks ‘Danger’, you obey by fleeing.

As with any dog training regiment, patience and consistency are the keys to success. Be firm, but not abusive, and execute the same unique command and physical movement regularly for each associated behaviour taught. Teaching dogs and horses to be comfortable with each others company you need to be sure that your commands to your dog do not frighten your horse.

About the Author:

I have owned dogs for 42 years. Learning to train from my mother who trained to county level. Over the years I have found that the old ways of training are not always the best, that praise is the best form of training, and the younger the dog, the easier it is to train. http://www.dogtrainingproblems.biz

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I think there is still much misunderstood about the President, when this war began it was generally believed that he was but a pawn and that a powerful troika of ideologs controlled him. Then as the popularity of the war began to wane as each General would retire and come out in opposition to the war the lens began to focus in that this was in fact Bushes war and a very personal affair to boot.

But the November elections brought things even more into focus with the departure of Rumsfeld. Many assumed that this might be a sign that the President was amenable to a change of strategy and willing to work with the Democrats. But as Rumsfeld began to speak about his plans it appeared that it was the opposite that was true. Rumsfeld was speaking of a change in strategy, or was he lying? Or was he fired not as a political sacrifice but for disagreeing with the king?

The when the Iraq study group issued it?s report crafted by daddy?s hand picked henchman the President treated it with all the attention of a critique by Michael Moore. Maybe the President didn?t understand that the Iraq study group was his chance to save face or maybe he doesn?t want to save face or maybe he doesn?t want to save face if daddy does it for him. Like a lost motorist he is unwilling to accept that he made a wrong turn he hopes to persevere down the wrong road hoping to connect with the right path eventually.

Here in is the problem, where was the mistake made? And can it ever be corrected by following the wrong road? If you swat a strange pit bull on the nose with a newspaper can your problem be corrected by swatting him again and yet again or will it just make the problem worse? Unlike the lost driver the damage has been done like Colin Powell?s now famous pottery barn analogy. We?ve grabbed a beehive from the tree we have two choices continue to be stung by it or drop it and run.

Neither choice is appealing, neither choice is politically popular but that?s where you end up when you refuse to follow the map or the people with more experience in how to get there. You find yourself painted into the corner with unpleasant choices to make. It is never easy for a politician to sound retreat and only those with the mettle of greatness can do it. Custer couldn?t do it, Nixon couldn?t do it but like most modern politicians he put a 1984 spin on it losing is winning Vietnmisation, we will stand down when the Iraqi?s stand up but it is all the same game were not winning but we are not losing either.

That statement by the President says more about the man than the situation it is akin to the lost driver claiming, we are not lost were taking a short cut. An obvious lie by a stubborn man unwilling to accept the truth, willing to continue down the wrong road rather than admit he?s lost and now he?s angry about it. The execution of Saddam during a holiday was more about Bush than Saddam as the stories of the Iraqis asking for more time. Imagine a Christian leader executed on Easter Sunday can anyone believe this was an Iraqi idea?

So now the plan is to add twenty to thirty thousand more troops to Iraq, I ask you if Col. Travis had twenty more men at the Alamo would it have changed the outcome? How about if Custer had fifty more men available would it have changed anything? During the Vietnam War the US had half a million troops in country and yet we couldn?t win would fifty thousand more have made any difference? So we?ve dropped the jug at the pottery barn are choices are run for it or pay for it and help sweep up.

We can?t just run for it they say, what about the poor Iraqi?s? Six hundred thousand dead and now they worry about the poor Iraqi?s When you?ve grabbed the beehive from the tree do you worry about the well being of the bees? Or is the true concern over not being able to get their honey if you let go? Neither choice allows us to keep the Iraqi honey and we have made commitments and contracts we have sold oil fields we don?t control let alone rightfully own. So it then becomes a question of pride, will the failed Texas oilman fail again? Or will he fight to the last drop of someone else?s blood to prove two or more wrongs can indeed make a right, and that you can indeed get to the right destination by the wrong road.

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The extremely talented group Band Of Horses have released their latest CD on the Sub Pop Records recording label, entitled Everything All The Time.

Refreshingly, this was one of those CDs I was able to just pop in and comfortably listen to from beginning to end. Every track is enjoyable and was pretty easy for me to listen to from start to finish.

Everything All The Time is a pleasantly varied, mix of 10 tracks that are very well written and brilliantly performed songs by these clearly gifted musicians. Most of the songs display a lot of the kind emotion that makes for a really great listen. Seemingly drawing from what I can only imagine are their own personal experiences. At different points touching on the most real emotions of love, heartbreak, pain, failed relationships and unattainable romance. They?re all here.

I?m of the opinion that Everything All The Time is certainly some of this groups best work in a few years. A totally enjoyable CD and an outstanding release. What I call must have music. I give it two thumbs up because it?s a collection that even the casual Rock fan can appreciate and enjoy.

While the entire CD is outstanding some of my favorites are track 3 - Our Swords, track 8 - I Go To The Barn Because I Like The, and track 10 - St. Augustine

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 - The First Song. What a nice track!

Everything All The Time Release Notes:

Band Of Horses originally released Everything All The Time on March 21, 2006 on the Sub Pop Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. The First Song
2. Wicked Gil
3. Our Swords
4. Funeral, The
5. Part One
6. The Great Salt Lake
7. Weed Party
8. I Go To The Barn Because I Like The
9. Monsters
10. St. Augustine

Band Of Horses: Ben Bridwell (vocals, guitar); Mat Brooke (bass guitar).

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