Meet Skip...
He was unwanted.
Make A Wish Come True...
"BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD..." - Gandhi
Urgents & Needs: Hay, Hay, Hay, and more Hay!!! - Round Bales, Big Square Bales or Small Square Bales *Monetary Donations to help with feeding and caring for newly rescued horses. Volunteers: Email us at info@blueridgerescue.org and we will contact you when we have volunteer days... Fun for the family! |
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***All donations and gifts are greatly appreciated and we promise as always all donations will go towards the rescue, training, and rehabilitation of horses saved by Blue Ridge Rescue @ Blue Ridge Acres.***
Meet Hopper...
He was rescued from slaughter.
TIPS FOR ALL HORSE LOVERS!
Remember This: You only have 3 seconds to correct a horse. After that its History... therefore never hold on to the past. Horses do not hold grudges so please never hold one against your horse.
Every day is a new day. Every ride is a new ride. Every experience is a new experience.
Also Remember: Horses are HERD animals. Having a horse alone can be mentally stressful and can become unhealthy. Many horses NEED a companion; another horse, any gentle equine or even a goat.
HANDY ITEMS AROUND BARN
Roll-On Fly Spray, Iodine/Mange Shampoo, Mane/Tail Shampoo & Conditioner, Leather Care Conditioner, Shipping Halters, Daily Worming Pellets, Nutritional Supplements, FURALL - Furazolidine Wound Care, Furazone, Measuring Tape, Face Brush, Curry Comb, Firm Brush, Mane/Tail Comb, Grain, Treats, Bot Knife, Hair Clippers, Rasp, Bathing Glove, Scissors, SWAT Ointment, Hoof Pick, Fly Spray, Break-Away Halter, Extra Halter and Lead Rope
MEDICAL BAG ITEMS
Safety Glasses, Wire Cutters, Leather Gloves, Iodine Spray, Large Bandages, Leg Wraps, Alcohol, Peroxide, Cotton Balls, Rubber Gloves, Thermometer attached to String with a Clip, Hoof Pick, Fly Spray, Sterile Water in Flush Bottle, Magnet, Clean Towels, Knife, Scissors, Hay Bag to Keep Horse Occupied, 2 VETERNARIAN PHONE NUMBERS
*List of decisions for what to do incase of an emergency (if horse breaks leg do you want to have it put down?) this way you do not make any decisions you may regret.
PROPER HORSE CARE TIPS
Feeding: Horses are grazers and should have the opportunity to graze on hay or grass 24 hours a day. For Every 10 degrees below freezing increase your horses grass/hay proportions by 10 percent. DO NOT feed your horse spoiled or moldy grass, hay, treats, or grain. Never subject your horse to excessive amounts of grain, corn, or alfalfa. Allow 1 to 3 acres of pasture per horse for land/grass management. *Horses that are fed improperly may develop colic and/or laminitis. Young horses not given the proper nutrients may develop improperly during growth. Also Horses NEED Salt - Always have a salt & mineral block available.
ALWAYS CHECK PASTURES FOR POISONOUS PLANTS: A Few Include: Night Shade, Water Hemlock, Castor Bean, Jimson Weed, Common Cocklebur, Oleander, Poison Hemlock, Black Locust, Bracken Fern, Field Horsetail, Milkweed, & Walnut.
Grooming: Groom your horse daily for a shiny healthy coat and to check for soars and/or injuries. Run your hands over each leg, under the stomach, neck and jaw to check for soars, swelling, and/or pain. *If you have a gelding or stud check the sheath for soars, swelling, and/or irritation. The sheath should be cleaned at least every 6 months to keep bacteria and infection out. A Horses teeth grow continuously through its entire life. Check your horses teeth for sharp edges on molars and uneven wear marks. If your horse is not eating or cannot hold grain in its mouth call your Vet. Teeth problems can even cause problems riding. Have your Vet check your horses teeth once a year. Good rule of thumb have this done during vaccination time. Have your Vet do an overall physical during this appointment. Vaccinations should be done once a year. Worming should be done at least every 3 months. Worms can cause many problems such as low weight. If Horse wants to scratch its hind end on fence, posts, wall etc. chances are it needs to be wormed.
Fencing: Barbed Wire fencing is TOO Dangerous for horses and should be avoided. Try electric fence unless you have young foals or unhandled horses. For young and unhandled horses try using cattle panels. Remember to look for areas that a horse can get its leg stuck and fix it immediately. Remember to always check for nails with a magnet after a good rain along fence lines. Watch for twigs, branches, wire, nails, and broken fencing that can cause your horse to damage its eyes. Many horses can go blind by poking their eye on a sharp object. Always fill holes in the ground to keep your horse from falling or breaking a leg.
Hoof Care: Clean your horses hooves weekly and always before riding to check for stones. Keep hooves dry as much as possible to avoid hoof rot and laminitis. Have your horses hooves trimmed by a farrier every 6-8 weeks. Use a good Farrier that is gentle.
