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Horse Lovers United
Our Mission:
Horse Lovers United, Inc., a 501 ©(3) nonprofit organization, was founded in August 1992, by a small group of dedicated
horse lovers. Our goal is to find new, lifetime homes for displaced horses. Since our incorporation, we have directly placed
more than 120 horses in new homes. We have assisted in the placements of 700+ more through networking with other groups of
similar interests. Adopters have gained much pleasure with their horses in a variety of new careers including trail riding,
pleasure driving, riding in parades, sleigh rides, dressage and many more. We accept donations of all breeds of horses into
our program with particular interest in the "retired" or "noncompetitive" Standardbred racehorse.
The Adoption Process:
All donated horses start with a transition period from working horse to pleasure horse. During this time, the horse is
boarded at a private farm, evaluated by experienced horsemen, given necessary veterinary care, groomed, and started under
saddle to determine if riding will be a possibility. Then, the process of "matchmaking" begins - to place the donated horse
in a compatible home. Applicants and their facilities are carefully screened. A match is made and the horse is placed in its
new home. Each new adopter signs an adoption agreement. Follow-up visits are made periodically throughout the horse's lifetime
to ensure quality care and to assist the adopter with any problems. We continue to support our new adopters with personal
assistance, advice and reference and educational materials. If an adopter cannot keep the horse for its lifetime, the horse
comes back into the program until another match can be made. Many people have been able to know the pleasure and personal
rewards of
horse keeping for the first time through this adoption process.
Long Term Goals:
Our long-term goal is to establish a retirement farm. When horses are donated to Horse Lovers United, Inc., they
will be received at the farm and prepared for new homes. Any horse not being adopted will be kept at the farm to live out
its life in dignity. We hope to save the lives of many horses that would otherwise be sent to a slaughterhouse. We benefit
society by enabling more people to know the joys of horse keeping. In addition, by keeping more horses alive, all equine-related
businesses and services (grain farmers, tack shops, veterinarians, farriers, and more) will benefit.
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The proprietors of Bunny Junction have opened a new tack shop. The new store is Black Horse Tack &
Apparel Co., 32272 Matthewstown Rd, Easton, MD 21601, 410-820-9822, between Easton and Denton on Route #328.
Black Horse Tack & Apparel Company is owned and operated by Eric Hanna & Cindy Lundberg from Bunny Junction and
opened November 1, 2006. They had been looking for a second location and settled outside Easton. The store is geared
towards horse equipment, supplies and riding apparel along with some boots and western wear. They carry both English
and Western from saddles to blankets to bits and everything in between. The lines they carry have not changed much, a
range of product qualities from good to better to best, with a few added names and items such as: HDR Saddles
and strap goods, Circle Y Saddles, Radnor bridles and HorseFare strap goods to name a few. As always, Ariat, Myler, Toklat,
Tuff Rider, and Collegiate are with available. The new Spring items have been arriving steadily, so the new Ariat
clothes and boots are in, Irideon breeches, Weatherbeeta turnout sheets and coolers as well as everyone else's latest
and greatest items.
They are accepting used saddles on consignment and have already moved quite a few for people.
As always, the trailers will stay on the road and will be attending a majority of the CESHS shows. Unfortunately they
had to miss The Salisbury Show due to other commitments. They will be there for May-Fest on May 19 and
should be able to attend the balance of the CESHS schedule at WEC, as well as other CESHS venues.
For those folks who like to shop out of that big name catalog without the service, a catalog of their own in the
works as well as an internet store.
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Horse shows require a variety of workers, with an equal variety of skill levels - jump crew to judge, and everything
in between.
Our local shows seem to be running up against a need lately - horse show announcer. Years ago, there was a similar
need - then Bill Schell convinced Dick Daniels to have a go at it. Dick bought some equipment, put a bimini top on his
truck, and was the voice of CESHS for many years.
Today, an interested person could get into this without any capital outlay - the six shows at WEC come "equipped" and
a few other facilities have their own equipment or rent it separate from the announcer. Of course, having equipment
would be a plus at those facilities. If you are interested, or know someone who is, contact Myra Spencer or Rand Thaw.
We can give you a little more information and set you up with the contacts. This is a paying position at the shows.
You won't get rich, but you will get paid.
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This article was submitted
by Kirby Collins of Snow Hill, Maryland. Kirby showed with CESHS for several years and continues to ride at home.
Become a Foster Parent
Assateague
is home to many animals including sika deer, white-tail deer, waterfowl, other wildlife, and wild ponies. When entering this amazing 37-mile barrier island that covers parts of Maryland and Virginia, you are bound
to see a wild pony. This island is home to two herds, Assateague and Chincoteague
ponies that have populated the barrier islands for over three centuries.
These ponies that roam the island freely have many visitors from all over.
These beautiful creatures need our help to remain free. The Assateague
Island National Seashore requires an abundant amount of resources to preserve the habitat for these ponies. They have partnered with Assateague Coastal Trust to “give horse lovers and beach lovers a meaningful
way to contribute to the herd’s upkeep and habitat projects which sustains their environment.” Horse lover’s can now become a “Foster Parent” to an Assateague pony. By visiting www.assateaguewildhorses.org , you can choose your favorite pony from their online photo album
and then send a donation of $30.00 by mail or online to become foster parent today!
You will receive the following when you become a foster parent:
A deluxe padded
folder with an 8"x10" color photo of your horse
An official
certificate that recognizes your contribution to the Foster Horse Program
A biography
of your horse, including a map of Assateague Island showing where your horse usually resides.
A copy of "Horsin'
Around" Newsletter
With
our help, we can preserve this extravagant island and help protect our favorite creature’s habitat.
Information from this article is from www.assateguewildhorses.org.
Meet April Star
April Star is a pinto filly born in April 2004. She
can be seen in the developed areas of the park with her mother, Carol's Girl.
You could adopt this beautiful filly!
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The Well Stocked Equine First Aid Kit
Coastal Equine Veterinary Service
Christine Starer, V.M.D.
Having
some basic first aid supplies on hand can make the management of a minor emergency much easier. The following items are helpful to have
at the stable or in your horse trailer:
1. Antibacterial Soap- Betadine, which contains iodine, is an excellent
choice for cleaning minor wounds. Be sure to flush wounds with clean water after
cleaning.
2. Antibiotic Ointment- Apply to wounds to decrease chance of infection. Choices include triple antibiotic ointment, furazone or nolvasan.
3. Gauze sponges or pads, clean paper towels- Use for cleaning and dressing
wounds.
4. Vet wrap- For bandaging wounds.
Be careful to apply loosely as vet wrap can tighten over time. Apply abundant
gauze or cotton padding beneath vet wrap.
5. Bandages- Many options available, quilted cotton bandages preferred to
maximize padding. Use to cover wounds or wrap swollen legs.
6. Epson Salts- To soak feet with abscesses or wounds.
7. Duct Tape- Can be used to make bandages for feet.
8. Thermometer- A human or veterinary thermometer will work. Digital thermometers eliminate the concern over glass breaking. Normal
horse temperature is 100-100.5°.
9. Saline Eye Wash- Use to wash debris from eyes.
10. Phenylbutazone (Bute)- For minor pain relief as directed by your veterinarian.
11. Flunixin Meglumine (Banamine)-
For relief of mild colic as directed by your veterinarian.
12. Electrolyte Paste- For replenishing lost electrolytes in sick or dehydrated
horses.
13. Scissors- For cutting gauze, vet wrap or duct tape as needed.
14. Poultice- Used to draw heat or swelling out of legs.
Caution
should be used when treating horse health problems. If you feel uncomfortable
with the problem, or have never treated it before, do not hesitate to call your veterinarian.
Problems for which you should promptly call a veterinarian include uncontrolled bleeding, deep wounds or wounds on
the legs or near a joint, swollen or painful eyes and colic. Care should always
be used when applying bandages to horses’ legs. An improperly placed bandage
can cause injury, as the bandage is more likely to slip or rub.
******
Equine Cushing’s Disease
By: Christine Starer-Smith, V.M.D.
Coastal Equine Veterinary Service
Equine Cushing’s Disease is the most common endocrine disorder in horses and usually affects middle age and older
horses. Cushing’s Disease is being recognized more today with advances
in nutrition and veterinary medicine allowing older horses to live longer coupled with increased awareness of the disease
by owners and veterinarians.
Cushing’s Disease in horses is caused by overproduction of
hormones from the pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain. These
hormones from the pituitary gland result in excessive production of steroids from the horse’s adrenal glands, which
are located near the kidneys.
Clinical signs of Cushing’s Disease are a result of excess steroids and include laminitis, increased drinking,
increased urination, lethargy and exercise intolerance. Horses with Cushing’s
Disease may have an abnormal hair coat, such as a long, wavy hair coat or a hair coat that is shedded out later in the spring
and grows earlier in the fall than other horses in the same environment. Many
horses with Cushing’s Disease will have abnormal body fat distribution with a cresty neck and potbelly along with muscle
loss causing a “ribby” and swayback appearance. Cushing’s disease can also cause immune suppression resulting in reoccurring infections. Low thyroid hormone can also result from Cushing’s Disease as well.
A diagnosis of Cushing’s Disease
in horses can be made by a blood test for excessive hormones produced by the pituitary gland.
The most commonly tested hormone is ACTH or adrenocorticotropic hormone. Secretion of hormones from the pituitary gland varies throughout the day. If a very high level of ACTH is found, a diagnosis of Cushing’s Disease can be made. If the level is normal the patient may not have Cushing’s Disease or may need repeated (up to 3)
blood tests for a definitive diagnosis of Cushing’s Disease to be made. There
is another method to diagnosis Equine Cushing’s Disease called the Dexamtheasone Suppression test. This test involves giving the horse Dexamethasone, which is a steroid, and then measuring the horse’s
blood the following day to see if the pituitary gland has responded appropriately. This
test is considered the “gold standard” but is infrequently used because of the potential for laminitis following
administration of steroids in a horse that is already a high risk for laminitis.
Many horses with Equine Cushing’s Disease do not require medical treatment but rather can be managed by paying
particular attention to the needs of older horses such as routine dental care, deworming, hoof care, appropriate nutrition
and clipping of long hair coats in the summertime. If clinical signs become more
severe, a medication called Pergolide can be used to treat the disease. Treatment is usually required for the rest of the
horse’s life and should be accompanied by regular hormone testing to be sure the appropriate level of pergolide is being
administered. Treatment with Pergolide decreases the frequency and severity of
episodes of laminitis and can often reverse clinical signs such as increased drinking, increased urination, immune suppression
and lethargy. Pergolide may or may not affect the horse’s abnormal hair
coat. Cyproheptadine is a medication that has also been used to treat Cushing’s
disease and is sometimes used in conjunction with pergolide for severely affected horses.
Horses with Equine Cushing’s disease often have high blood glucose as well as insulin resistance due to their
excessive steroid production. This makes these horses very sensitive to excessive
sugars and starches. Due to this, nutrition for horses with Cushing’s disease
should be directed at avoiding excessive carbohydrates such as oats, sweet feed and lush grass.
Prognosis for horses with Equine Cushing’s disease is usually good, especially if diagnosed early in the disease. The most severe complication of Equine Cushing’s Disease is laminitis and can
result in death. Early diagnosis and treatment of Equine Cushing’s Disease
can help prevent the disease becoming severe or life threatening.
If you think your horse may have Cushing’s Disease ask your veterinarian how you horse is best managed and if
a blood test is warranted.
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Submitted by Christine Starer-Smith, VMD.
Dr. Starer-Smith practices ast Coastal Equine Veterinary Service, Chesapeake VA. She is the sister of Alexis Starer,
who showed CESHS and ESSCHSA for several years.
Learn
to Recognize your Horse’s Dental Problems
Horses with dental problems may show obvious signs, such as pain or irritation, or they may show no noticeable signs at all. This is because some horses simply adapt to their discomfort. For this reason, periodic dental examinations are essential to your horse’s health.
It is important to catch dental problems early. If a horse starts behaving
abnormally, dental problems should be considered as a potential cause. Waiting
too long may increase the difficulty of remedying certain conditions or may even make remedy impossible. Look for the following indicators of dental problems from the American Association of Equine Practitioners
(AAEP) to know when to seek veterinary attention for your horse:
- Loss of feed from mouth while eating, difficulty with chewing, or excessive salivation.
- Loss of body condition.
- Large or undigested feed particles (long stems or whole grain) in manure.
- Head tilting or tossing, bit chewing, tongue lolling, fighting the bit, or resisting bridling.
- Poor performance, such as lugging on the bridle, failing to turn or stop, even bucking.
- Foul odor from mouth or nostrils, or traces of blood from the mouth.
- Nasal discharge or swelling of the face, jaw or mouth tissues.
Oral exams should be an essential part of an annual physical examination by a veterinarian.
Every dental exam provides the opportunity to perform routine preventative dental maintenance. Mature horses should
get a thorough dental exam at least once a year, and horses 2 –5 years old should be examined twice yearly.
For more information about proper dental care, ask your equine veterinarian for “Dental Care: The
Importance of Maintaining the Health of Your Horse’s Mouth,” a brochure provided by the AAEP in conjunction with
Educational Partner Bayer Animal Health. Additional information is available
on the AAEP’s horse health Web site, www.myHorseMatters.com.
Reprinted with permission from the American Association of Equine Practitioners.
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This is where your first article could be seen.
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Has anyone tried Farnam's "Hoof Saver" in a pump jar? It sounded like a great product - has collagen,
moisture rich,... I was not so impressed. First, I tried the pump in early spring - nothing would come out.
I waited for an 80 degree day, still not impressed. The directions say "easy to apply" - hmmm. You are to
pump a small amount onto your fingertips and massage it into the coronary band. So far so good (after taking the lid
off and dipping into the cream). Work it carefully into the frog, sole, and bulbs of the heal. Now I
clean the hooves and brush them, but this is still a little too "hands on" for me. Apply to hoof wall to help prevent
moisture loss. Now that gets to be fun - my show horses have shoes - WITH NAILS - and my farrier may rasp the ends
but not so much that you can't feel them. Then it sits. Looks creamy on the hooves, didn't soak into my horses
at all. Not impressed. I'll stick to ***** hoof oil. Posted by Rand Thaw.
The opinions in this review are solely those of the writer and not those of CESHS. Post script:
I found a good use for the pump jar - it works for Mane & Tail and no shaking needed!
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Quips and Quotes:
You are paying (entry fee) to use the ring for only a minute or two. You better be using all of it. - Mary
Gardner.
There are only two emotions that belong in the saddle; one is a sense
of humor and the other is patience. - John Lyons
If you are a rider, the number one thing to do
is ... marry money!
One
man's wrong lead is another man's counter-canter. - S.D. Price
How do you catch a loose horse? Make a noise like a carrot. - British Cavalry joke.
Whoever said that money couldn’t buy happiness didn't know where to buy a horse
Definition
of a horse: A beast that bites at one end; kicks at the other; and is slippery in the middle.
Definition:
Gallop - The customary gait a horse chooses when returning to the stable.
Definition:
Equitation - The ability to keep a smile on your face and proper posture while your horse tries to crow hop, shy and buck
his way around a show ring.
To Ride Or Not To Ride?.... What A Stupid Question!
No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle - Winston Churchill.
You can lead a horse to water,
but if you can teach him to roll over and float on his back, then you got something. - Joe E. Louis.
One white foot, buy him, Two white feet,
try him, Three white feet, be very shy, Four white feet, pass him by, Four white feet and a white nose, Take
off his hide and give him to the crows!
When you're young and you fall off a horse, you may break something. When
you're my age and you fall off, you splatter. - Roy Rogers.
Never approach a bull from
the front, a horse from the rear or a fool from any direction.
The hardest thing to do on a horse is nothing at
all. - Chris McKinnon
Oh,
God, give me horses! --National Velvet
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SOAKING HORSE'S FEET
1. Get bucket or low tub, fill with warm water, add Epsom salts until
fully diluted. Get horse, place in cross ties,
pick up foot, slide
bucket or low tub into place, place horse's foot in tub.
2. Retrieve tub from corner of barn,
get towel to dry off your face.
3. Refill tub with water and Epsom salts. Shorten cross ties. Pick up
horse's
foot and place in tub.
4. Retrieve tub from other horse's stall, retrieve horse from his own
stall. Find bailing
twine to fix broken crosstie. Wrap towel around
head to dry hair. Check rapidly bruising toe for signs of breakage.
5.
Place rocks in bottom of tub to weigh it down. Snub horse to wall
of stall, refill tub with water and Epsom salts. Pick
up horse's foot
and place in tub. Hold up other front leg.
6. Pick self up off of stall floor. Find place outside
where tub has
been flung. Retrieve horse from neighbor's garden, pull rocks out of
horse's water bucket, call spouse
for opinion on whether or not wrist
may be broken. Explain multiple times to emergency room staff that
you did
not fall off the horse.
7. Return to home, enlist spouse to hold horse, hobble hind legs, tie
up front leg, fill
tub with water and salt, slide tub into place,
while pinning horse against wall.
8. Apologize to spouse as they
view hoof prints across favorite
shirt. Wonder if water and Epsom salts is bad for new wrist cast.
Check out burgeoning
black eye from broken hobbles. Retrieve horse
from cattle farm across the road. Share laugh with cattle farmer
about
how fast horse can move on only three legs.
9. Go to grocery store to purchase ice packs, ibuprofen, more Epsom
salts,
and wine.
10. Call vet and ask them to come over and show you how to soak a
foot. Pour self tall glass of wine
while waiting.
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