Walking On Volume 3, Issue 5, May 2016 | Page 5

Back to Basics
Flavor the Water
A trick used by horse owners/trainers who haul
frequently is using flavored water. When your horse
drinks water at home flavored with Gatorade, apple
juice, or Kool-Aid - you c,an usually get them to drink
any potable water. For double duty from the water
bucket, add either apple or orange flavored electrolytes.
This encourages your horse to drink more and keeps
them balanced.
Sometimes a horse’s muzzle will peel and look dry
and sore from sunburn; other times it can be improved
by balancing their micro-nutrient intake. Use sunscreen and try putting a soft block of trace minerals in
your horse’s feeder to see if the situation improves.
Insects
Horses come with varying degrees of sensitivity to
insects. The menu of options to protect your horse
against biting and disease- carrying insects range from
the new pour-on topicals that last for two weeks to stall
confinement in the most severe cases.
The only way to determine the best approach for
your horse is through trial and error. Be careful not to
overuse fly sprays and don’t let a residue build up on
your horse’s coat. Some horses can develop chemical
burns from layers of fly spray.
Fly sheets vary widely in design and material.
Choose a fit that won’t rub your horse and provides
adequate air flow. Don’t leave fly sheets on for days at a
time. Use them during the day or overnight, whichever
bests protects your horse from sun and insects. Rinse
fly sheets regularly to keep your horse comfortable and
lengthen the life of the sheet.
Warning Signs
If your horse develops any of these conditions, take
action; properly diagnose and treat the problem immediately.
• Hives or welts
• Hair loss
• Dried sweat on their coat
• Itching
• Watery eyes
• Unexplained weight loss

Grooming
Horses require more frequent grooming in hot, humid months to keep their skin and coat healthy. Sweat
builds up on the skin and horses are subject to rain
rot, scratches, and fungal infections. Rinse your horse
thoroughly to get the sweat out of their hair as well as
to remove old fly spray from their skin.
Use particular care in hot weather to keep leg wraps,
girths and saddle pads clean. Whenever possible use a
separate cinch and pad for each horse.
Turn Out
Some horses do well turned out during the day if
there is adequate shade available. Others do better out
at night and stalled during the day. For gray horses or
those with light skin and susceptible to sunburn, it is
recommended to limit the time they are out during
sunny hours.

©BILL ERICKSON

Whether the topic is personal success or training stallions, Lynn Baber brings years of experience to readers and audiences. Highly credentialed in issues of
leadership, relationship, and most things equine, Lynn has a unique perspective not found elsewhere. Lynn is a retired equine professional and director of
Amazing Grays Ministry. For more resources visit http://lynnbaber.com or http://ChristianHorseTraining.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Lynn_Baber/381768

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