EMERGING from the coronavirus crisis with a happy, healthy horse means thinking carefully about his management regime throughout the weeks ahead. While your decisions may be dictated by your own physical and financial circumstances, along with the current movement restrictions placed upon vets and farriers, it’s worth considering the long-term implications of what you do right now.
To help guide you, we’ve put some frequently asked healthcare questions to a panel of experts…
SHOULD I OPEN FIELDS EARLY TO SIMPLIFY MANAGEMENT?
IT’S tempting to turn horses out to save money and time, but bear in mind the season, says Lesley Barwise-Munro MRCVS.
“There may be more wet weather ahead and fields could become poached,” she warns. “It’s worth preserving land a while longer, if you can, especially in the north where harsh weather can persist into April.
“Laminitis is a real risk as spring grass comes through,” adds Lesley, who advises strict management of grass intake for animals in good body condition or those with laminitic tendencies.
“Grass sickness can also be a danger at this time of year in certain parts of the UK and on properties with a history of the disease. While partial stabling reduces the risk, as does supplementary feeding with haylage, be careful about increasing grazing – especially if moving horses to new fields.”
CAN I DELAY ROUTINE HEALTHCARE?
Denne historien er fra April 02, 2020-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra April 02, 2020-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
