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Ask the hard questions! If you are choosing a new equestrian or animal care facility, or even more difficult: if you are already in an existing facility that you are worried about, then, you have to ask yourself some hard questions.
Insurance And, these days it's TWO types of insurance...public liability AND professional indemnity. And, check with your lawyer in your state as to the legitimacy of signing away negligence on a waiver!
Are the horses skinny?
The bottom line is, skinny horses are the result of poor care. One horse on a property might have a special problem, maybe even two, but if more horses have been reported as skinny, it seems obvious that one of the five areas mentioned in their paper (or often all of them) have not been tested, assessed and treated. "The most common causes of weight loss in old horses are the same as those in younger horses: inadequate nutrient intake and internal parasites" Dr. Christine King
Are the fences 'horse safe'
Horses are notorious for jumping fences, breaking them, getting caught, ripping rugs, or worse, if the horses are chewing the fences excessively...you've got some serious environmental issues.
Smaller horses...especially stallions...are VERY good at 'escapism', and don't forget the smallest stallion can mate a 17hh mare no problem. And, if a stallion escapes, the owner may very well be liable should they get a mare pregnant, or worse injure her.
Stop and have a good look. Governments around the world now have legislation and guidelines for pasture fencing.
The British Horse Society has even more information, and the site is ideal for younger people. If the fences do not look like the fences in the photographs, chances are the greedy property owners are more interested in money than true animal care.
Water Troughs Don't be fobbed off into 'thinking all's OK'. Go and have a look for yourself! Horses do not thrive without fresh water. There was always an old saying, if you wouldn't drink it yourself, then don't let your horse drink it. Horses are not nearly as tough as cattle. They get colic very easily. Often owners think their horse diarrhea from green grass, or lucern (alfalfa), but when the water supply is changed it miraculously "clears up". Think about this, if you are in a foreign country with a known contaminated water supply...you can't see it...but you KNOW if you drink it you will get "the runs".
"Public water suppliers e.g. municipal water suppliers are responsible for ensuring the quality of the water being supplied to you...(if you provide your own water) it is your responsibility to ensure water quality for you and your animals and to ensure the safety of the ground water. Drinking water is normally tested* for the presence or absence of two groups of bacteria; total coliforms and fecal coliforms. These bacteria are considered indicators of the presence of animal wastes and sewage. Fecal coliforms are present in large numbers in intestinal contents of humans and warm blooded animals. They die fairly easily once they are outside of the body. Their presence in well water indicates relatively recent contamination and a short distance of travel. Water containing fecal coliform bacteria should not be consumed without adequate treatment e.g. boiling or disinfection."
"Water Quality for Horses. Understanding bacterial count" Pasture Management "More grass, less weeds, reduced worm burden"
The British Horse Society "Improved Pasture
Management". After looking at that article, there is nothing more to say except...have a look at your own agistment facility, and compare it to what you read from the professionals. Hoof Care There is an enormous amount of research and information dedicated to hoof care. You might decide that to have your horse barefoot is the choice for you, or you might feel barefoot is just the 'latest trend', or you could possibly be one of those who believe barefoot is dangerous, or if you continue along the traditional method of simply traditional shoeing. Or, worse, you may find the whole thing totally CONFUSING. But, one thing we ALL AGREE ON is that horse's feet need an appointment for attention from a professional in the field minimum every six weeks. Have you seen 'turned up toes' in your facility? Do the horses 'nod' when they trot? Do you ever get to MEET the farrier? Even if you have your own hoof care person attending your own horse, do you really want to support a facility that is below par? Other Animals If you are looking at a horse facility, you really should consider all aspects of the facility, the environment, and what other animals are around. Most equestrian societies (and indeed insurance companies) require that all dogs be on a leash, but still to this day you will see instructors standing in arenas with their dog, or working dogs, or little owner's pets running around. The negligence cases regarding dogs and horses are simply too great to mention, and are easily available on the internet. Funnily enough donkeys & horses have a unique problem. The transfer of lung worm from the donkey to the horse. If the donkey has not been tested and wormed, regularly you could have a serious problem. "Donkeys can have heavy lungworm infestations without showing any symptoms and can be silent carriers of the parasite to the horse...(and) should be tested and treated for lungworm regularly".
Theresa A. Fuess, Ph.D. Information Specialist Check all the other animals at the facility, cattle, sheep, pigs etc. What is their care REALLY like. Ask the facility for references from their veterinary care professionals. It would be highly suspicious if the facility you were considering were unable to show you guarantees and references of their reputation. Training You need a facility that suits YOU. If you want to go to the Olympics, then don't go to a facility with run down fences, green water troughs and rocks in the riding area!
If you are a trail rider, you hate competition, & just 'want to go bush' - you still have a moral and legal obligation to care for your horse in every possible way. Have a look at your current system of training and ask yourself, is this leading me to MY goal
On a personal note... In my position as an educator, I have been invited to the world's best facilities throughout New Zealand, Canada, Asia, Europe, England, Noumea, Singapore, Hong Kong, and soon Beijing. From the very best: I had the honor of meet Sir Patrick Hogan Cambridge Stud, New Zealand. To see a facility functioning at its very best, and with style and elegance with the memorable monument to the stud's most famous 'son' Sir Tristram. I had the real joy of a private showing of the lovely Stravinsky, and of course the most famous Zabeel who has produced 74 stakes races, and 28 GROUP ONE WINNERS! and of course his fame as a sire is legendary, being the father of Octagonal, Might And Power, Sky Heights, Hill Of Grace, Bezeal Bay and Jezabeel, to name just a few! If the height of luxury is to have chandeliers in the stables, then Spruce Meadows must be a palace! Being able to see places like this and of course personally training myself at West Wilts Equestrian Centre, with a facility so immaculate, I often recognize pictures of the stables in horse care books. Considering the wonderful standard of care for which UK & Ireland is famous, to be chosen to be featured in any book is quite an honor. Honestly, I have never seen concrete quite that clean in my life! To the very worst. In my travels in several third world countries I have seen the worst of the worst. However, I have also seen the worst of the worst in competitive riders notorious for "making it happen". I have also seen the worst facilities right here in Australia with run down fences, horses with halters left on with nose injuries, snowshoes, eating their own manure in sand day yards. You name it, I've seen it. I lecture extensively all over the nation, and there are good facilities and there are bad, it is up to you if you are willing to settle for second best when a first class facility might be just around the corner! What do if you are worried? CLICK HERE FOR QUICK QUIZ to help rate your agistment or stable facility Your horse or pet is precious - and has legal rights (click here for BBC article)! You have a moral and legal obligation to place them with professional operators. It may be "tough love", but you have to ask yourself the hard question, and if you are worried, talk to your vet - they are the professionals, and won't be swayed by greedy property owners. Don't settle for second best. You can't. Ignoring the little signs could spell disaster. If your facility is not up to scratch...then it's time to answer some of the hard questions!
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