HORSES This workforce solution was funded by a grant awarded under the President’s Community- Based Job Training Grants as implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This solution is copyrighted by the institution that created it. Internal use by an organization and/or personal use by an individual for non-commercial purposes is permissible. All other uses require the prior authorization of the copyright owner.

Normal behavior in a horse Herd Animal Touch –Rely on touch with other horses Nuzzle – Friendship and acceptance –Groom each other Smell –Better sense of smell than humans –Can smell the “fear smell” of a human

Body and facial language –Fear – Flare their nostrils and flatten ears –Aggression – Similar to fear but will also open their mouth, raise a leg, and/or clamp down their tail. Oral Communication –Snort – Followed by an intense stare can be a way of alerting that danger is near or making sure others are not under threat. –Nickering – Friendly; between horses and humans –Neigh – Loudest and most commonly used Locate other horses or announce their presence.

Flight Instinct –Horses may react to unfamiliar objects and circumstances by spooking, or fleeing, from the object of fear. Blind Spot –Horse can not see behind them or directly in front of them.

APPROACHING A HORSE Approach from the left side (shoulder area) Talk to the horse as you are approaching, let them know that you are there. Watch body language (ears especially) In our barn, Shasta has no right eye, so be sure you are speaking to her if you are on that side.

Walking behind a horse Be sure to continue talking to the horse, lets them know where you are Place a hand on the horse as you are walking toward the rear –Keep your hand on the horse at all times as you are walking behind –The closer you are to the horse, the safer you are.

Cribbing Horses exhibit a behavior called cribbing as an “anxiety” trait or OCD type behavior. Uses upper teeth to grab a stationary object –Arches the neck –Pulls backwards while swallowing air and grunting –Can cause colic

COLIC Colic = Abdominal pain –Could be build up of gas –Could be impaction (sand) –Enterolith –Parasites –Variety of causes

COLIC SYMPTOMS Pawing and/or scraping Stretching Frequent attempts to urinate Flank watching: turning of the head to watch the stomach and/or hind quarters Biting/nipping the stomach Pacing Repeated lying down and rising Rolling (Will not usually shake when they get up) Groaning Excess salivation Loss of appetite Decreased fecal output Increased pulse rate Dark mucous membranes

LAMINITIS “AKA” FOUNDER Symptoms – lameness – can affect all 4 feet. Shift weight to back legs with front legs extended (typical founder stance). May refuse to stand or walk. Digital pulse – bounding (should not feel pulse easily)

FOUNDER Causing factors: –Excess of carbs (too much grain, lush pasture) –Excessive weight –GI problems and stress/shock

TEETH FLOATING Teeth continuously grow As they chew – they wear the teeth into “points” Can cause damage to cheek and tongue. May see grain fall out of mouth when trying to eat. Undigested grain in feces.

Manual float Power float Point on tooth

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) aka Heaves Caused by –Dusty or moldy hay –Dust & molds in bedding –Dust & other irritants in environment Symptoms –Coughing –Labored Breathing –Yellow nasal discharge No cure

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Double barrel line due to labored breathing (double breaths)