What child doesn't dream of having their own pony? Many little horse fans beg for one for years. But our little ones don't really know what it means to get a pony and take on such a big responsibility. They just see themselves galloping carefree over hill and dale with their four-legged friend.
If you've been persuaded, there are a few things to consider and prepare before your new furry family member can move in. Answer the following questions: Where exactly will the pony live? Is there a riding stable nearby so that your child can visit the pony on their own? How about a small stable community, perhaps an open stable? Or do you have the option of creating a space at home? If so, you would also need to order a horse or pony. Another important consideration is the type of riding you and your future rider have in mind. Would you like your child to participate in competitive riding?
These are questions that are not only important for the care of the pony, but also involve fundamental decisions about the future of the human and animal together. After all, it must be clear that a pony is not a "one-hit wonder," but needs attention for many years.
Once you have made a basic decision about the characteristics the pony should have, the next step follows. Visit several riding stables and horse farms in your area to find out where your pony could live. You, your child, and, above all, the pony must feel comfortable with the situation in its future home.
Finding the right pony can prove to be a complex task. Here, it is important to remember that you are looking for a friend for life, not a "disposable pony" that will be sent away if things don't work out. Perhaps you know people with expertise in this area. Don't be afraid to ask them for help.
It's a good idea to try out the chosen pony with your child a few times before buying. Are the size and age suitable for your child's development over the next few years? You don't want your child to outgrow the pony after a year together, or for a very old pony to be unable or unwilling to carry the load.
You should also have a so-called TÜV (purchase inspection – AKU) carried out by a veterinarian. An AKU is an examination that is carried out before the purchase is finalized to check the pony for underlying health issues. The cost of the examination is usually adjusted to the purchase price. This means that a sport pony that may also be entered in major competitions will probably undergo a more thorough examination than a pony that will spend its life as a leisure companion.
However, no matter how low the purchase price is and how confident you are about the animal's health, it is always advisable to consult a specialist for a small examination.
You probably won't be able to take in all the details during a single visit. Therefore, ask if one or two additional appointments are possible for trial grooming and riding. If the seller has nothing to hide, this should not be a problem.
If you are interested in a sport pony that will also compete in tournaments, you can find information on specific websites, some of which even allow you to watch videos of the animal you are interested in. The FN also stores the sport data for each horse and makes it available online. Perhaps you know someone who has had their eye on a particular animal for some time and can give you independent advice.
What else needs to be considered after the purchase decision: Is the pony easy to load and shoe? Take a look at the papers: Is everything in order? Has the pony been properly vaccinated? Dewormed? What illnesses has it had in the past? Is it prone to colic? Does it have any particular quirks when being handled or ridden? Does it have any preferences? It's better to ask too many questions than too few. You don't need any nasty surprises, and your child certainly doesn't.
Once everything is in order, the pony is healthy, the price has been negotiated, and everyone is in agreement, it's time to get the equipment. You can buy your initial equipment second-hand or spend a considerable amount of money in equestrian shops. Whatever you decide, you can't do without the basic equipment. These are the things you need right away: halter, lead rope, saddle, bridle, and grooming equipment. It is particularly important to make sure that the saddle fits well to avoid health problems. It is best to ask your trusted saddler or get a recommendation.
And with that, you're all set to share the joy and enjoy happy times with your new four-legged friend!
Finally, it's done. The mare has successfully completed her pregnancy of approximately 335 days. Her udder filled with milk two to four weeks ago and is now full and plump. The external signs are clear. The foal is ready to see the light of day.
A cat that starts marking should be examined as soon as possible. As the owner, you should quickly find and remedy the cause, as marking can become a really unpleasant habit that not only offends your nose, but also causes emotional rollercoaster rides if it happens repeatedly.
Are you considering getting your dog a companion? Yes, exploring the neighborhood together or waiting for their owners together is much more enjoyable than being alone! Provided that the companions like each other. If not, the second dog project can also cause problems. It is therefore a good idea to think about it carefully beforehand.
Dermatology is the field of medicine that deals with diseases of the skin and its appendages, such as claws, horns, and hair. Skin diseases are among the most common reasons for veterinary visits—there are even veterinary practices that specialize in dermatology.
Not all birds are the same. Some are large, some are small, some are loud, some are quiet... To find the bird species that suits you best, it's a good idea to ask yourself a few important questions in advance.
Which horses get osteoarthritis? It very often affects older horses that have already covered many miles in their lifetime or those that have been actively involved in sport for some time. However, horses that have not had regular exercise appropriate to their species can also develop osteoarthritis. Basically, though, there is no general rule. It is also not easy to recognize osteoarthritis in its early stages. Sometimes, horse owners think that their horse is just experiencing a temporary period of overexertion when it has difficulty getting up from the straw. Or they believe that the cold winter is the reason why their horse is a little stiff-legged. After all, who likes to run around at minus 15 degrees Celsius? So where does osteoarthritis start and how can a horse owner best deal with it?
HCM is the most common heart disease in cats. Hypertrophy refers to the enlargement of an organ, in this case the thickening of the heart muscle. Cardiomyopathy refers to a heart muscle disease. As a result of the thickening of the heart muscle, the heart can no longer fill itself sufficiently with blood and cannot pump enough blood into the body's circulation. This leads to a backflow of blood into the pulmonary circulation, which in advanced stages can lead to water retention and shortness of breath.
Most horse owners are familiar with and fear this scenario. The horse suddenly stops eating, becomes restless, scrapes its hooves and kicks its belly. Colic basically describes any type of abdominal pain in horses. Unfortunately, colic in horses is a very complex problem and should never be taken lightly.
Glaucoma describes a condition of increased intraocular pressure (physical pressure on the inner wall of the eye, leading to a constant, smooth curvature of the cornea), which causes damage to the retina and optic nerve. The medical term glaucoma comes from Greek and means "sea-colored," because the cornea turns blue due to the increase in pressure in the eye.
A horse is quite large, and the damage it can cause is considerable. In the event of an accident, the costs can easily run into several thousand dollars. A substantial sum may also be required if our horse falls ill or even needs surgery. Not to mention the financial worries if we lend our horse and it has an accident while being ridden. It is therefore very sensible and important to think about what would happen in the worst-case scenario. There are plenty of insurance policies available. Every horse owner and rider should find out exactly what is available and choose the right policy for their needs. Below is a list of some insurance policies and situations where they might be needed.
Before acquiring a dog, it is important to consider not only the important questions regarding a suitable living environment, daily routine and care options. You should also address safety issues, which often begin with "What if...?" Yes, you guessed correctly: we are referring to insurance.
Not all cats are the same – but most of them do have some characteristic traits in common! Here are a few things you should know about cats and our special relationship with them.
