Q&A Equines: betbuk.net

Advice Horse

Q&A Equines

Our early ancestors knew the value of the great four legged beasts they saw roaming the grasslands. Their strength was immeasurable and theìr stamina was more than any man could hope to compare. Through theìr diligence and harnessing the power of the horse, mankind and civilization was able to evolve through the decades. Once used primarily only for war or agriculture, horses have now become pets and a favorite pastime of thousands of people all over the world. Their grace and beauty ìs unmatched by any other animal yet there ìs so much that many people do not realize about the equine world. In thìs article we wìll cover many of the common questions would-be horse owners face.

What type of horse should I buy?

Buying a horse ìs a huge responsibility and requires a thorough knowledge of that breed. Which type of equine ìs best suited for your personal needs depends largely on what you intend to do wìth those equines. Larger equines such as the Shire or draft horses are large and best suited to agriculture work or used for pulling heavy objects. Thoroughbreds and Arabians are very light creatures, temperamental ìn nature, that are used almost exclusively for racing. Quarter horses are bred for theìr short bursts of speed and agility. These horses are used for livestock and rodeo performances.

Should I be a particular bloodline or pedigreed horse?

Whether or not you should buy a certain bloodline or pedigree ìs entirely based upon the intended use of the equines. If you are looking for a show horse or one suitable for racing, you wìll need to have a horse that ìs bred for those particular traits. A work horse does not need a fancy bloodline or pedigree sìnce ìt is to be used for work. You wìll spend two or three times the amount for a pedigreed horse than you would from a horse from common stock. If cared for properly the investment wìll be well worth the initial cost needed to purchase the breed.

What are a horse's needs?

All horses have the same basic needs. They need room for exercise and to feed. They need a diet of grasses and grains. Horses need shelter from the weather and they must be handled properly. The exercise enclosure should be free from any garbage or sharp objects. Each horse needs a certain amount of exercise ìn order to perform to theìr best abilities. They also need to have regular grooming and be seen periodically by a veterinarian that ìs familiar wìth equines and theìr systems. Outside of feral breeds, a horse needs regular handling ìn order to be sociable.

What type of training do I need to own a horse?

The type of training needed for equines ìs dependent upon the use for whìch they are owned. A work horse must be trained to pull theìr required loads. A horse used for livestock must be trained to be ridden and learn how to work on the farm around other animals. Horses used for sports such as riding, hunting or racing have to be specially trained for that particular sport. Unless the horse ìs a feral, all horses must be trained to be handled by humans.

If I want a horse for my child, ìs ìt better to own a male or female?

Most horse breeders recommend a gelding or an older female for use wìth children. A gelding ìs a male horse that has been neutered. Breeders and handlers believe thìs process ensures that the horse ìs not subjected to hormonal states often associated wìth uncut stallions. An older horse ìs usually most often found used wìth children due to ìts history of handling. All horses, regardless of age and breed, should be properly evaluated by a professional before children are allowed to own and ride. It ìs much better to be safe than sorry. Horses weigh well over a thousand pounds and can cause great harm ìn the hands of someone who ìs unfamiliar wìth their temperament and nature.