1. The “Horse Economy” depression beginning in 2009 has caused unspeakable pain among horse lovers across the nation. As small horse farmers lost their jobs, their houses, and their livelihood, more and more horses ended up on the market. This, in turn, has caused horse prices to drop (drastically in some circumstances) even further which once again comes back to haunt the horse farmer. The average cost of caring for a horse is five times the amount of caring for a dog and some horses at auction aren't even receiving bids!
Response: As painful as this may be there may be no correct approach to this problem. Some will choose to embrace their loses and start over while others may struggle to hold out for higher prices which are likely to return with time. You may be able to find some deals at: www.virginiaeqestrian.com
2. White Line Horse Disease in Hooves is a serious concern among Horse owners across the country. White Line Horse Disease is caused by bacteria and results in deterioration that happens on the inner part of the wall of the horse’s hoof. The scary thing is that it doesn’t pose a threat to the soundness or health of the animal until the damage is already done.
Response: One of the best ways to prevent this disease is to give your horse a safe, warm, dry, and clean area that is not bacteria friendly. If this disease is caught early t here are some treatment options as well but if left go until the horse is lame it may be too late for any type of treatment, speak with your veterinarian.
3. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) affects horses just as it does humans and other animals but it does present itself by different symptoms. Have you ever seen your horse grab hold of the fence, or any piece of wood, pulling on it while groaning and grunting, huffing and puffing? This is a clear sign of cribbing.
Response: This and many other signs of OCD should be addressed by providing plenty of space to run and just as importantly a place of shelter with the ability to come and go at will.
Last but not least . . .
4. Farmers on Facebook's Farmville have been finding out that adding a Nightmare to their stables will not only eliminate some of their other fine horses but will actually reduce the size of the stable!
5. It's not all bleak news for horses and horse lovers though! The last horse slaughter-house in the US was shut down in 2007. The Humane Society of the United States reports that there are nearly 600 equine rescues and sanctuaries operating in the United States that rehabilitate neglected and abused horses, secure new adoptive homes or provide them with lifetime care.~mlh
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