“I recently just got my first horse. She came to us with very teary eyes and heavy/raspy breathing when she is working. “…
The vet said it was nothing, and she was probably out of shape. I went along with that for about 5 weeks, but then my intuition told me there was something amiss. There aren’t any natural vets in my area, and the conventional ones were not being of much help. I consulted with Dr. Thomas, who put my horse on a respiratory solution and a heaves solution. She has been on that for 2 weeks, and although I see her eyes tearing less, the heavy breathing remains. She is currently stalled at night in a small barn with 4 other horses. She has the “window office”. The plan at the barn is very little winter turnout, as the area between the stalls and the paddocks freezes over, and it is impossible to walk. The horses are turned out for less than an hour a day. My intuition also told me this would not be good on several aspects. I found a situation where I can give her 24/7 turnouts with run in shed. I live in NY, where winters are harsh. She has never lived outside in winter before. My current barn manager is concerned for her living outside. From all I have read, I disagree, and it might even be best for her respiratory issues. Please give me your take on transitioning a horse to 24/7 turnout, harsh winter issues, to blanket or not to blanket. I’d like to ride her this winter on milder days, but she has quite a thick coat and I think her winter coat might cause her to sweat too much. I don’t want to clip her if she’s living outside. I am also interested in a nutritional consult once I get her acclimated to her new situation. Sorry for the lengthy email.
Dr. Jack Sales’ Answer:
Hi AJ,
I agree with you that your mare could handle the winter in an outside environment, especially if she begins in the fall and slowly gets used to the weather changes. I also think that she will do better in this environment if she has been diagnosed with heaves or obstructive pulmonary disease. A blanket should not be used, as this would inhibit the natural growth of her winter coat. Riding her on the milder days would not be a problem. Again, doing it at a moderate rate. Purina has nutrition specialists in certain areas that would be glad to talk to you about an individual nutritional program for your particular horse. I hope this helps and good luck.
“What is the recommended size for a foaling stall?”
What is the recommended size for a foaling stall?
Dr. Jack Sales’ Answer:
Hi Becky, the reccomended size for a foaling stall would be at least a 12 foot by 12 foot and preferably up to 15 X 15. It should be free of any sharp, protruding pbjects and be well bedded with a lower layer of sawdust for good footing, and a top layer of clean straw.
