EQUINE DENTISTRY
One of the lesser-known phases of horse care is horse dentistry . It is well known and accepted that horses of all descriptions do have dental problems and do need attention regularly . Perhaps the most well known authority on this particular subject is Harry H . “ Doc ” Ball of Orlando , Florida and Syracuse , New York . We had the unique opportunity of watching “ Doc ” Ball work recently and discussed his vocation at length . He is a third generation “ Equine Dentist ” and is willing to admit that there is a current shortage of qualified people in this field .
“ Doc ” Ball tells the whole story on his business card , which reads : “ Your Horse ’ s Best Friend ” and “ Does Your Horse Drive on One Rein or Ridge on One Rein ? Does he Pull , Fuss with the Tongue ? If so ! I will show you why , if it ’ s in the mouth ”. The card further states that “ Doc ” will go anyplace in the United States , Canada or Mexico . This business card is testimony to the need for Equine Dentistry and the wide-spread scope of operation .
In talking with “ Doc ” Ball , we learned that this particular phase of horse care is covered to some extent in Veterinary Schools but the full study of techniques and equipment is seldom studied . He pointed out that many veterinarians practice Equine Dentistry to good advantage but few specialize in this field . Our discussion led to an analysis of the equipment and the techniques used by “ Doc ” Ball and the methods of working with horses teeth . Virtually all of his equipment is hand made . He has a special halter designed to fit all horses , large or small . He prefers to work alone in the horses own stall , cross-tying them rather loosely with thin nylon rope . The technique of working on a horse ’ s mouth , as developed by his grandfather , is by feel rather than by vision and it appears to have very little effect on the horses .
The tools of his trade are custom made and each is designed for a specific purpose . His “ floats ” or files are either straight or L shaped and each holds a different grade file . He does not use the usual “ plier ” type of apparatus to pull teeth but rather two small tools that are designed to gently work the teeth loose so they may easily be lifted out without breakage or undue pain to the animal .
“ Doc ” Ball traveled about seventy thousand miles this year and covered thirty-eight states . For the seventh time he attended the Celebration and spent most of his time working . He says that the bulk of his work is “ floating ” horses mouths ( removing caps from the teeth of horses which are growing new teeth and smoothing out the teeth ) and pulling bad teeth .
It is commonly accepted that 50 % of a show horse is mouth and foot . With this in mind it is obvious that “ Doc ” Ball is providing a genuine service to the Walking Horse business . How about false teeth for horses ? We forgot to ask1
DR . ENSMINGER ( Contd .) ( Continued from Page 16 ) School for beginners , followed by a 4-day Advanced Horse Science School for the more experienced . It didn ’ t work . I offended both groups .
No matter how “ green ,” every horseman considers himself an expert — a real pro . Thus , to enroll in a School for beginners deflates his ego .
The experienced horseman will have no traffic with a School which also instructs beginners , even though the latter are in separate classes . To them , there ’ s a stigma . Besides , some rank amateur might enroll in the advanced course ; and no self-respecting , professional horseman would be caught in the same classroom with a beginner . As one old-timer confided in me , “ I couldn ’ t bring myself to ask questions in a class where there are amateurs , for it might show my ignorance and lower my standing .”
So , I learned the above lesson the hard way !
Also , more than any other group for whom I conduct short courses , most horsemen ( bless ’ em ) consider it their perogative to complain about the food and housing , and ask for refunds for this and that , and demand added free services and materials . For this reason , I wear a special “ shell ” when I ’ m working with my horsemen friends ; and I frequently crawl into it — turtle fashion .
A HORSE SCIENCE SCHOOL IS NOT A CLINIC
Until folks actually enroll and take the Horse Science School , it ’ s difficult to convey to them the fact that it ’ s a School and not a clinic . This is most important . Otherwise , they wonder why the Horse Science School costs so much more than a clinic .
Of course , I have nothing against clinics . But , like buying a suit or a dinner , you get about what you pay for .
The Horse Science School is truly a School — and all that the word implies . It has more depth
( Continued on Page 35 )
30 VOICE of The Tennessee Walking Horse