Winter brings new concerns

Winter 2007-08

Wayne says, "Cold weather and aging horses can be a difficult combination, especially if the horses are not being cared for properly...."

Dear Friends,

Winter is upon us. Just as humans have to take precautions against the cold and wet weather, so do animals. This is particularly true of older animals who are weaker. We have recently received two older horses at the sanctuary.
Ben came to us after being hit by a car. In his previous life, he was a work horse, and you can see the effects of this in the scars across his toffee colored nose. Because of the car accident, he had an abscess on his leg that the veterinarian thought might cause him to be lame for the rest of his life. With treatment and constant care, he has been recovering nicely. I even saw him cantering in the pasture just the other day, and some days he meets me at the gate waiting for the morning feeding.

Firefly shows heartbreaking signs of neglect with her sway back and swollen lymph nodes. When she first came to us, she had a distinct sour odor possibly from being left in the rain with no shelter. Now that she is receiving proper care, she no longer has the odor, and her spirits have improved. She has made friends with Ben, and they graze in the pasture together.
Because all of our horses are older, winter weather is especially difficult for them, and appropriate care is essential for their survival. All animals need extra care in the cold as their energy levels increase just to keep warm, but older horses also experience a decrease in efficiency in their digestive systems.

The Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary has already received several calls from concerned citizens regarding horses exposed to the harsh weather. I am always learning something new about the care of horses, but there are some basic things to look for if you suspect a horse is not being treated properly.

First, does the horse have shelter? Owners should provide a safe, comfortable environment, free from hazards and with adequate protection from wind, rain and snow. A wet, dirty horse can suffer from rain rot and mud fever, especially if they can never dry between bouts of inclement weather. Is there ventilation in the barn? A tight barn can cause a build up of ammonia and other allergens causing respiratory distress.

Second, is the horse being fed regularly? The horse should be fed two to three times each day. A good rule-of-thumb is to be able to feel the ribs but not see them. The horse should also have plenty of fresh clean water. Too little water can lead to colic and other problems.
Third, observe the horse on a regular basis. You should look for lethargy, loss of appetite, and changes in body condition. Is the horse being groomed? Grooming promotes circulation and skin health. The horse should also have plenty of opportunities for exercise. Younger, more aggressive horses should be separated from older, less assertive horses so they won’t need to compete for feed.

If you suspect a horse in your neighborhood is being neglected, don’t hesitate to call a complaint into your local law enforcement agency. Record your findings, take pictures, get an address and follow up. Have your friends and family observe the horse(s) and file a complaint as well.
There is nothing more frustrating to hear than, “We’ve been watching this horse for months, but no one will do anything.” Act now or the next time you see the horse it might be too late.

Sincerely,

Wayne Geiger
president, Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary