My half-Arabian mare, Sally, has appeared in the pages of EQUUS half a dozen times over the years. I’ve described a memorable trail ride, offered tips I learned while creating a dry lot for her, and shared how I came to appreciate Sally as my “second once-in-a-lifetime” horse.
Later, in “The Power of One” (EQUUS 469), which I wrote after my old gelding died, I described how my search for a new companion for Sally petered out because I eventually realized she seemed content living alone. I kept her busy, allowing her to socialize with other horses at trail rides and shows, and for years she was relaxed and happy.
Then came our Very Bad Day at a horse show (“Lesson Learned,” Back Page, EQUUS 488), when my normally unflappable mare had a complete bucking, spinning meltdown in the warm-up arena. I can only guess at the reasons behind that incident---but I strongly suspected it had something to do with her not wanting to be separated from my friend’s horseback at the trailer area. It was time to reexamine my belief that Sally was happy living alone.
When I’d explored my options the first time around, I’d decided against taking on another horse. With my busy schedule, it can be difficult to find the time to ride just one horse, and I didn’t want the added burden of caring for another. I’d considered getting a goat or another companion animal but never found a good fit.
As I renewed my search for a companion for Sally, I wasn’t sure where it would take me. And at first it seemed unlikely that I would find the right companion for her.
Bu hikaye Equus dergisinin Autumn 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye Equus dergisinin Autumn 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
PROGRESS AND STRUGGLE IN SENIOR HORSE CARE
A study from the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University confirms what many dedicated horse owners have long known: Caring for a geriatric horse with a chronic health condition can be a significant physical and emotional burden.
THREE WAYS TO PREVENT BLANKET INJURIES
Of all the things your horse could injure himself with, his blanket seems an unlikely candidate. But don’t rule it out. Blanket mishaps do happen and they can be serious. Here are three things you can do to avoid them:
PUT AN END TO BARN DRAMA
While it’s impossible to prevent all discord at the barn, conflict resolution techniques can help solve problems, restore calm and enable everyone to enjoy their horses.
The turning point
You don’t always get the horse you want, but sometimes you get the one you need.
A FOREVER HOME
How a Facebook post led to a midnight rescue and an unexpected partnership
Nice work if you can get it
A career focused on horses is not for the faint of heart but the rewards are many and can last a lifetime.
MAKE WINTER EASIER FOR YOUR OLD HORSE
The season ahead may be hard on aging horses in cold climates but with some planning and preparation you can help yours sail through until spring.
7 THINGS YOU MAY NOT HAVE KNOWN ABOUT TETANUS
With modern vaccines and wound management practices, tetanus is almost a thing of the past. But the threat persists, so it’s wise to remember which horses are most at risk and why.
THE FIRST AMERICAN “SPORT HORSE” BREED
The very name of the American Standardbred reflects the performance requirement established at the inception of the breed. Here’s how genetics, conformation and training came together to create horses that could trot a mile in 2:30 or less, or pace it in 2:00 flat.
THE 6 WAYS HORSES LEARN
You’ll be more successful in teaching your horse new skills or maneuvers if your lessons, timing and tasks are aligned with his natural modes of acquiring information.
