When keeping horses, we as owners are constantly challenged to consider what might be best for our horses. One positive development in horse husbandry is that more and more stables are trying to offer conditions that meet horses' natural needs for sufficient free movement and contact with other horses. However, keeping horses exclusively in groups, such as in an open or active stable, may not be the best option for every horse, especially in the case of stallions or older horses with special needs. It is up to us to decide on the best form of care for each individual horse and to create the best conditions for them. One aspect of this is the choice of bedding in the stall or the lying area of our horse.
Traditionally, most horses are kept in stalls, whether paddock boxes, playpens, or open stables, with straw bedding. This bedding also serves as roughage and tastes very good to most horses.
Sometimes horse owners even have to make sure that their beloved animals do not eat too much straw, as this can cause constipation and colic. Other horses are prone to respiratory problems and allergies. In this case, the stalls should not be bedded with straw, but rather with wood shavings or flax straw.
Flax straw consists of 100% plant fibers. It is produced from flax stalks, which are crushed, cleaned, and dusted.
The pellets are produced in such a way that they are virtually free of germs and dust, ensuring a good climate in the barn.
Wood shavings are also a popular bedding material. Horses that are prone to allergies or colic are often kept on shavings.
Elephant grass, also known as miscanthus, is a fast-growing grass species that originates from Africa and Asia. It can be cultivated easily in Germany, which is why elephant grass is becoming an insider tip as a new bedding option for our horses. The grass is not only good for the soil and even helps the field to recover, but it also does not require any pesticides, meaning that we can assume that the end product is virtually free of harmful substances, much to the delight of allergy sufferers.
Stable mats are usually combined with one of the types of bedding described above, as they cannot absorb urine and manure well enough without this addition. This is very important to prevent our horse from slipping.
Ultimately, every horse owner must determine the best bedding for their horse. Unfortunately, sometimes you have little say in the choice of bedding because the owner of a large stable makes the decision. However, if you do have a say, take advantage of the opportunity. It is best to try out different types of bedding and see what your horse feels most comfortable with.
Mites are small pests that belong to the arachnid family. Cats can be affected by various types of mites, which live either in the fur, on or in the skin, and in the ear area, causing severe itching. In addition, a mite infestation always carries the risk of transmission to humans, meaning that it is a zoonosis.
Cataracts describe the clouding of the lens in a dog's eye, which, similar to humans, is one of the most common causes of blindness. The condition therefore requires veterinary treatment, as modern surgical techniques can now preserve vision in dogs.
Hyperlipemia or hyperlipidemia syndrome is not a separate disease, but rather a disorder of fat metabolism that mainly occurs in ponies and donkeys. It primarily affects overweight ponies that suddenly start eating significantly less food.
Every rider has probably heard of this disease. It has been known for decades and is one of the most common causes of lameness in horses. Spavin is actually an umbrella term for all inflammatory and chronic changes in the hock joints. The disease is classified as lameness caused by wear and tear and affects older horses in particular. Contrary to popular belief, however, a diagnosis of spavin does not mean that your horse is no longer rideable. With a carefully tailored treatment plan and an appropriate exercise program, this condition cannot be cured, but it can be managed well.
Rabbits are very intelligent animals and are perfectly capable of following instructions or performing small exercises. If it doesn't work, it's usually due to a lack of patience or insufficient knowledge on the part of the humans. So, take heart! With loving perseverance, you're sure to succeed. Here are a few tips for successful training.
Dog owners are increasingly discussing different feeding options. As a result, BARF, which was previously viewed with skepticism, is now being tried out more and more often.
They purr, wrap themselves around us, and are small and cute. Cats can be very quiet and gentle. But they can also be very different: cats kill when necessary with a few well-aimed bites. A cat's teeth are a weapon.
While dogs almost exclusively suffer from an underactive thyroid gland, cats often develop an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). This is the most common hormonal disorder in older cats and often first manifests itself in weight loss despite a consistent food intake.
There are many different situations in which your horse may find itself in distress. But is it really an emergency? And what is the right thing to do? Here you will find useful information on how to assess your horse's situation. The most important thing is to stay calm and keep a clear head.
Dogs are our companions, playmates for our children, and best friends. Some dogs even have jobs: there are a number of tasks that dogs perform. Dog owners often get their dogs specifically for this purpose, or at least train them accordingly. Here are a few dog professions and their areas of activity.
This viral infection of dogs, also known as infectious hepatitis, occurs worldwide but is now rare thanks to many years of vaccination. However, it is believed that the virus that causes it is still involved in chronic liver inflammation.
Ultrasound, medically known as sonography, is a standard procedure in veterinary medicine alongside X-rays due to its simplicity and non-invasive nature. It can be used to visualize various internal areas of the body in two dimensions.
