The question of finding the right horse is certainly on the minds of many seekers. It is difficult to say right away whether you, as a buyer, will develop a deep connection with a horse you have tried out. Friendship and love grow over time. However, giving it some thought beforehand will certainly help you find your perfect horse in the end.
Be honest, especially with yourself, so that you can get an idea of which animal really suits you best. What use is a "racehorse" if you prefer to take things easy and enjoy long, peaceful walks? Consider your needs and think about your own limitations and fears. You might also ask someone who knows you well and can honestly reflect on your character traits to tell you how they see you.
So what type of person are you? Are you brave and wild? Or more quiet and reserved? Or silly and funny? See which type of horse overlaps with your character. Is it a cheeky Haflinger, a sporty Hanoverian, a sensitive Trakehner, or a powerful Arabian?
Then move on to the next question. How much experience do you have with horses? Honesty is key here too. Are you a complete beginner or have you grown up with horses? How challenging can your horse be? Do you have enough knowledge and skill to handle a young horse that you might even train yourself? Or do you need the calmness of an older horse that already knows its job and will give you the benefit of the doubt?
Money also plays a role. How much do you have available? And we're not just talking about the amount you plan to spend on the horse. It's also crucial to consider how much you can invest each month. Please think about this carefully in advance, otherwise you may end up taking in a horse that is past its prime, only to quickly realize how much money you will need to spend on various treatments, hoof care, physical therapy, veterinary care, or special feed. Therefore, check your household budget beforehand and consider all the follow-up costs before making a purchase.
The following considerations are also important. What type of accommodation will you choose for your new horse? Will it be a classic riding stable with all the facilities, such as an indoor arena, outdoor arena, solarium, and horse walker? Or are you thinking about open stable accommodation in a small group? Full board will certainly cost more than if you have the time to do the mucking out yourself, for example. Will you need a trainer later on? Would you like to attend courses more often? Do you even dream of competing with your horse?
Having a rough idea of the costs involved in your shared dream can be sobering, but it is definitely advisable.
Once you have answered all the basic questions for yourself, you can start your search for your dream horse. It is essential that you see your future leisure companion in advance and get a feel for them. If you don't have a good feeling when you meet them and try them out, it won't work.
If you like the horse, it is advisable to arrange a second or even third visit to confirm your good feeling. Don't let yourself be pressured, take your time. Always remember: in the best case scenario, this is a decision for life.
The air sacs of horses are part of the upper respiratory tract. They develop in foals as a mucous membrane protrusion on both sides of the Eustachian tube (the connection between the middle ear and the nasopharyngeal cavity), each with a capacity of approximately 300 ml. Air sacs are found exclusively in equines and some other odd-toed ungulates, making them a unique feature. There are various theories about the function of the air sacs. The most likely is that they serve to cool the brain. There is a connection between the horse's throat and the air sacs, which is why infections of the upper respiratory tract can also spread to the air sacs. The most important diseases of the air sacs are described below.
Sticker's sarcoma is an infectious tumor of the external genital organs of male and female dogs. It is also known as transmissible venereal tumor or venereal sarcomatosis. The disease occurs worldwide, but is primarily found in tropical and subtropical countries (Mediterranean region, Africa, Eastern Europe, South America) where there is a large population of stray dogs.
Botulism is a serious neurological disease caused by the ingestion of botulinum toxin (a poison) from contaminated feed. Even the smallest amounts of this toxin can cause severe poisoning in horses, leading to death.
This term refers to a deforming disease of the spine. It occurs mainly in large dogs and involves spur-like or bridge-shaped bony growths on the underside, side, or, in rare cases, the top of the vertebral body.
The topic of deworming is a recurring discussion among horse owners. For anyone wondering whether it is necessary to deworm their horse, the answer is yes. Anyone who has ever seen how vast numbers of worms can completely block parts of the small or large intestine during colic surgery will no longer ask this question. Without treatment, worm infestation can become life-threatening for horses. Initially, a noticeable increase in tail rubbing may be an indication of this. As the infestation progresses, internal organs can be damaged and colic can occur. The horse loses weight despite being fed adequately. The parasites weaken the horse more and more. Regular deworming is necessary to reduce the infestation to a level that is tolerable for the horse's organism. It is almost impossible to completely rid the horse of worms, as new infections will always occur through the environment. There are two methods of deworming: strategic and selective deworming. You should avoid alternative deworming methods.
Most horse owners are now familiar with Cushing's syndrome and its symptoms in horses. A disease with very similar symptoms is equine metabolic syndrome (EMS). In its early stages, it is therefore often confused with equine Cushing's syndrome. But what is the difference?
This adrenal gland disorder, also known as Addison's disease, was first described in humans in 1855 by Thomas Addison (chief physician at a London hospital), after whom it was named. It causes adrenal insufficiency (also known as hypoadrenocorticism), which is the partial or total failure of hormone production in the adrenal cortex. It is much less common in dogs than adrenal hyperfunction (Cushing's disease), but can lead to life-threatening symptoms. It primarily affects middle-aged female dogs of large breeds.
Cryptorchidism refers to the failure of the testicles to descend from the abdominal cavity into the scrotum. Small male dogs are most commonly affected by cryptorchidism.
Every rider knows this feeling. The horse is somehow stiff, tense, and no longer moves smoothly. However, it is not lame, just less supple. When you touch different points on its back, neck, or hindquarters, the skin and tissue feel tight, too tight. This may be because the horse's muscles are tense. However, it is often due to the connective tissue, the fascia. When it is stuck together, tension arises.
Megaesophagus (mega = large; esophagus = food pipe) describes a pathological enlargement of the esophagus. In the case of megaesophagus, the esophagus is not contracted by the muscles as usual, but is abnormally dilated and filled with air as a result of muscle paralysis.
An interesting question: Where is it better for a dog to live? In the city or in the country? There are good arguments for both.
Horse owners are probably more familiar with phlegmon under the colloquial term "shooter." It is a purulent inflammation of the connective tissue and lymph vessels of the subcutaneous tissue, which occurs primarily on the limbs and can lead to massive swelling and pain.
