Katie Jerram's Modern Horse Management E-Book

Katie Jerram

• Herausgeber: J A Allen
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2017

Beschreibung

Good stable management is at the heart of keeping a horse happy, healthy and sound, and anyone who is responsible for a horse's day-to-day care has a huge responsibility. In this book Katie Jerram offers advice that comes from years of private and commercial horse management and has been proven to work for horses and ponies of all shapes, sizes and roles. Whether you are a private owner wanting to do the best for your horse and get the most from him, a student looking forward to a career in the horse world or someone who already runs a yard, this book will show you ways to improve your horse management skills. It may require you to analyse why you follow practices you've carried out for years and perhaps change the way you operate. It may also reinforce some of the principles that have been the bedrock of horse management for many years, albeit by including new techniques. The methods discussed here have been applied to show horses, racehorses, eventers and youngsters starting out their careers and the result is a long and continuing roll call of happy, healthy and successful horses.

Leseprobe

Katie Jerram’s

MODERN HORSEMANAGEMENT

Katie Jerram and Carolyn Henderson

J.A. ALLEN

First published in 2015 by J.A. Allen, an imprint of The Crowood Press Ltd, Ramsbury, Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 2HR

www.crowood.com

This e-book edition first published in 2017

© Katie Jerram and Carolyn Henderson 2015

All rights reserved. This e-book is copyright material and must not be copied, reproduced, transferred, distributed, leased, licensed or publicly performed or used in any way except as specifically permitted in writing by the publishers, as allowed under the terms and conditions under which it was purchased or as strictly permitted by applicable copyright law. Any unauthorised distribution or use of this text may be a direct infringement of the author's and publisher's rights, and those responsible may be liable in law accordingly.

ISBN 978 0 908809 64 3

The right of Katie Jerram and Carolyn Henderson to be identified as authors of this work has been asserted by them in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

Disclaimer of Liability

The author and publisher shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the information contained in this book. While the book is as accurate as the author can make it, there may be errors, omissions, and inaccuracies.

Edited by Martin Diggle

Photographs © John Henderson, except for the photograph on page 48 © Mirrors for Training

Line drawings on page 103 © Maggie Raynor

With thanks to my parents, who taught me so muchand continue to help in so many ways.

Contents

  1 A Blueprint for Modern Management

The Realities of Management

Safety First

  2 A Stable Environment

Stable Yard Layout

Better by Design

  3 Field Choice and Management

General Considerations

Safety Factors

Pasture Management

Grazing Groups

  4 School Time

Where to School

School Homework

  5 Feeding

Eating Like a Horse

Grazing Tactics

Forage

Water Works

Principles of Feeding

Feed Storage and Hygiene

Golden Guidelines

  6 Grooming and Bodywork

The Right Kit

Grooming Technique

Strapping

Massage and Stretches

Bathing

  7 Manes and Tails

Shaping Up

Perfect Plaits

  8 Clipping and Trimming

Types of Clip

Preparation for Clipping

Basic Clipping Techniques

  9 Rugs, Boots and Bandages

Rugs

Booting Up

Bandages and Wraps

10 Good Health

Getting the Right Support

Preventive Measures

Farriery

Dental Care

Worming

Signs of Good Health

First Aid Kits

When Problems Arise

The End of the Road

11 Transport and Care away from Home

Horse Transport and the Law

Staying Safe

The Journey

Care at Competitions

Home Again

12 On the Ground

Leading Questions

Loose-schooling

Lungeing

Long-reining

13 Fit for the Job

Fittening Guidelines

Fitness Programmes

14 Choosing and Fitting Tack

Bits and Bitting

Bridles and Nosebands

Saddle Choice and Fit

Training Aids

Tack Cleaning and Maintenance

The Last Word

Further Reading

Index

CHAPTER 1

Blueprint for Modern Management

THE REALITIES OF MANAGEMENT

At first glance, horse management might seem to be a rather cold and impersonal term. But at its heart is the reality that everyone who is responsible for a horse’s day-to-day care has a huge responsibility.

No matter how much we care for our horses in an emotional way or how much we strive to keep their lifestyles as close to nature as possible, we manage every minute of their lives. We choose where they live, when and what they eat, how much socialisation they enjoy, the type of exercise and training they undergo and the athletic pursuits they follow. Caring for horses can and should be part of our management philosophy, but we must never forget that if a horse is unhappy about an aspect of his lifestyle, he can’t change it. It may be tempting, especially on a busy yard, to organise everything for human convenience, but that may not always be the most effective and therefore the most efficient regime.

No matter how fond of a horse you are, he is nearly always a working animal rather than a pet. It doesn’t matter whether he is primarily a competition horse or a family friend: he has a job to do. To do that job, whether it be hacking or horse trials, to his full ability, he needs to be healthy, happy, sound and confident in his work.

Management is at the heart of a horse’s well-being. Modern owners and those who work in the equestrian industries have knowledge and research at their fingertips that was unknown even fifty years ago and we may feel we know better than our predecessors how to protect a horse’s well-being. For instance, at one time, a horse who was a weaver, wind-sucker or crib-biter would be condemned as having a vice and ‘managed’ by sometimes inhumane methods. Now, we know that ‘stable vices’ are stereotypical behaviour patterns that, in general terms, are a horse’s reaction to being confined.

Whatever a horse’s job, he must be healthy, happy, sound and confident in his work.

We may still confine horses by keeping them at least part of the time in stables and it may be that, in practical terms, this is sometimes essential. However, we now accept, or should do, that fitting a collar which induces discomfort or pain when a horse arches his neck to crib-bite, or even putting him through surgery to sever nerves which make this possible – which at one time was considered a feasible ‘solution’ – cannot be justified. Instead, we look at ways of organising the horse’s routine and environment to make any periods during which he may have to be stabled as acceptable as possible.

Against that, we also have to guard against letting well-meaning ideals overrule common sense. It’s all very well saying that horses are born to live outdoors 24/7 and, at base level, this is true. But when a horse is in hard work and has to be clipped and his field is so wet and churned up that he is fetlock-deep in mud, a compromise may be the best option on both sides, and a mixed regime of turnout in a suitable area combined with stabling will often be the best for everyone involved, two- and four-legged. ‘Natural’ is not always synonymous with good: it might be natural for horses to be outdoors in all weathers, but it’s also natural for them to go hungry when conditions are bad, and to be eaten by predators.

We must do everything possible to make periods when a horse has to be stabled acceptable to him.

Just as importantly, we must work out the principles of good management but, at the same time, look at every horse as an individual. That skill marks the difference between someone who is a good horse manager, whether on a private or commercial basis, and someone who is conscientious but not quite doing the best for and therefore getting the most out of a horse.

That is where this book comes in. Whether you are a private owner wanting to do the best for your horse and get the most from him, a student looking forward to a career in the horse world, or someone who already runs a yard, I hope you’ll find in this book ways to improve your horse management skills. They may require you to analyse why you follow practices you’ve carried out for years and, perhaps, change some of the ways you operate. They may also reinforce some principles that have been the bedrock of horse management for many years, albeit by including new techniques.

The advice in these pages comes from years of private and commercial horse management and has been proven to work for horses and ponies of all shapes, sizes and roles. The methods have been applied to show horses, racehorses, eventers, youngsters starting out their careers and even children’s ponies. The result is a long and continuing roll-call of happy, healthy and successful horses. If you didn’t care for horses, you wouldn’t be reading this book; by continually striving to improve your management skills – as we all should – you will be doing the very best you can.

SAFETY FIRST

Horse-related accidents are more common than you might think. The only statistics available relate to riding accidents but, as anyone involved with horses knows, you don’t have to be in the saddle to be potentially at risk.

Whether you are a one-horse owner or manage a large yard, it’s essential to do all you can to ensure that everyone stays as safe as possible. The consequences of accidents don’t just affect the individual: employers have a duty of care and, in both private and commercial set-ups, litigation is common. Individuals who have been injured by horses have brought civil cases against their owners even when most reasonable people would assume that an owner could not be held responsible and, whatever the outcome, litigation leads to stress.

Today’s teachers and employers have to talk in terms of making risk assessments, being properly equipped and following best practice. In simple terms, this means having horse sense and common sense.

The most successful riders, handlers and trainers know how to think like a horse. They understand how horses react and don’t anthropomorphise. For instance, a horse who spooks when a bird flies out of the hedge isn’t being naughty, he’s reacting to an unexpected stimulus in the way nature intends. Horses are prey animals, so when they are frightened, they run away from the source of fear rather than confronting it.

I always find it amusing when riders come for lessons and complain that their horse is ‘being naughty and won’t canter on the right leg/rein-back’. Horses don’t wake up and decide to wind up their riders or handlers – if they don’t give the response you wanted, either you haven’t asked correctly or the horse is physically incapable of obeying the instruction.

A horse who behaves aggressively is a different matter and must be managed with extreme care. He needs experienced, professional-standard handling by someone who is calm, can react quickly and quietly when necessary and will not become angry. In my experience, many horses who seem to be aggressive are actually frightened of you and the key is to get them on your side whilst ensuring that you stay safe.

Sometimes, an aggressive/nervous horse will react badly if you make eye contact with him. In this case, I walk quietly towards him but keep myself turned slightly to the side so I am not confronting him. I approach slowly and calmly and, when I make contact, put my hand on his shoulder. I don’t just walk in, look at him and try to put my hand on his head – to him, that’s confrontation.

I’ve never had a horse who didn’t come round, but you must always be aware of how this type of animal reacts. Monitor his routine and identify what he does and doesn’t like. Remember, too, that perfume – even a perfumed deodorant – can set off a reaction, especially if it has a musky smell. Don’t wear perfume or aftershave and make sure anyone else handling him follows the same rule. If you’re an employer, never let inexperienced staff – or anyone you can’t trust to be constantly aware and confident – to handle such a horse.

You may also find that, occasionally, a horse will take a dislike to another on the yard beyond the normal behaviour of establishing a pecking order. In this case, don’t stable them next to each other and don’t turn them out together.

Throughout this book, I’ll give examples of safe practice. For starters, here is a list of basic, sensible strategies:

■Wear safe clothing, particularly headgear, when handling as well as riding horses. I’m riding and working with horses all day, so put on my hat first thing and only take it off if I have a lunch break. If your current hat seems hot and/or uncomfortable, shop around for a new one. The latest lightweight safety hats and helmets are very comfortable and I forget I’ve got mine on.

Safe, comfortable footwear is another must. No one expects you to wear smart leather boots when mucking out – and if you do, they won’t last, because the ammonia in horse urine and droppings will ruin them – but yard boots should be supportive, have soles which give sufficient grip and be easy to put on and take off. Some designs are marketed as being safe for working and riding, but don’t ride in boots which have tread soles, even if you use safety stirrups, as they might not give a quick enough release.

■You may be in control of your horse, but you can’t always be in control of what’s going on around you – so pay attention to what you’re doing, not to the text message that’s just come through as you’re leading your horse out to the field.

The latest safety hats and helmets are lightweight and comfortable.

■Be confident and consistent. Horses are herd animals and a horse will – or should – look to you as his leader. If you are calm and confident, you stand a good chance of him being the same.

Be consistent in what you ask for and what you expect and it will pay dividends in your horse’s behaviour and attitude, under saddle as well as in hand. The top in-hand show producers insist that their horses always walk out correctly when being led and never let them slop along. At the same time, be fair. Don’t expect a horse to stand and be trimmed up at a time when he’s used to being fed.

Don’t take routine tasks and well-mannered horses for granted. If you drape a lead rope over a horse’s neck rather than tie him up with a proper quick-release knot, don’t be surprised if he shoots across the yard when a passing car backfires.

■Horses thrive on routine when they are at home and soon get used to how a yard is run. It gives them security, so if possible, establish what happens when and try to stick to that. Some people maintain that you shouldn’t provide this security blanket because it can’t be followed on competition days but, in my experience, horses accept that show days are different from home days. I’ve found that routine is particularly important when dealing with Thoroughbreds who have come out of racing, as they are used to regimented lifestyles.

■A horse can hurt you without meaning to. He can stand on your foot or strike out with a front or back leg when something startles or irritates him – and if you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time, hard luck.

The answer is to always try to be in the right place and to make sure that a horse knows where you are. Speak to him as you approach him and make your approach from an angle which allows him to see you. Horses have a blind spot directly behind them. They also have monocular vision and see things out of one eye at a time rather than through both eyes. That is why a horse may walk past something, spook and regain his equilibrium, but then spook again when he walks past it in the other direction. He isn’t being stupid; it’s because of the way his eyesight passes information to his brain.

Horses from a racing background are very much used to a routine.

Never kneel next to a horse, because you’re vulnerable to being knocked over or trodden on. Bend down, so you have a better chance of being able to jump out of the way if necessary.

Also, make sure your arm is in front of the horse’s cannon bone when you pick up a hind leg. If you position your arm behind his leg and he kicks out, you are in line for a broken arm.

■Horses react strongly to scent; the Flehmen’s reaction, where the top lip is curled upwards, amuses us because it gives the impression that the horse is laughing. However, there is a sac at the top of the nasal passages called the vomeronasal or Jacobson’s organ which horses use to get more information about a particular smell. By curling the top lip, he partially closes his nostrils, which helps to block off other scents. Don’t underestimate the effect that the sense of smell can have. As mentioned earlier, never wear perfumed products when working around stallions, as some become excited by it. Nor should you put a rug worn by one horse on another without washing it, as some will be disturbed by the ‘wrong’ smell.

■Handle a horse from both sides, not just from the nearside. We’re taught to tack up, mount and lead from the left, but this encourages a horse to always bend to the left. It also means that if you need to lead him on the road, where the British Horse Society advises walking on the left-hand side with the leader between the horse and the traffic, he is accustomed to being controlled from the right.

■Sometimes, you will need to think for others as well as for yourself. If you are on a yard where there are children and/or dogs, be aware of where they are and what they are doing. If the dogs and/or children are yours, train them! At the same time, you have to accept that an excited child or dog may, for example, forget not to run behind a horse. My dogs are on the yard with me and I look on that as being part of my horses’ education, but I’m also careful to keep them out of the way when necessary.

■Don't be afraid to ask for help. There are many occasions when it's safer, easier and quicker for two people to carry out a task than for one to risk trying it alone. Inexperienced employees should not be asked to handle horses known to be difficult, though it may benefit them to gain the experience of helping, under the supervision of the yard manager or another more experienced member of staff.

■If you’re a private owner and know that your horse is difficult in a particular respect – the obvious examples are when being clipped or loaded – don’t try to manage alone. Ask a professional with a good reputation to help as, once a horse’s fear or objections have been overcome in a kind but sensible manner, you will hopefully be able to take over. Make sure you ask someone with recognised skills and a well-earned reputation rather than someone who claims to be a ‘horse whisperer’ or similar.

KEY POINTS

•We manage every minute of our horses’ lives and must be aware of that responsibility.

•Good management is at the heart of keeping a horse happy, healthy and sound.

•It’s good to establish principles, but ideals should not overrule common sense.

•Horses have common instincts and needs, but are also individuals.

•Whatever you are doing, safety must come first.

CHAPTER 2

A Stable Environment

Ahorse’s environment has a huge effect on his health and well-being, both physical and mental. Physical considerations mean that he must be provided with a safe environment that minimises the risk of injury and disease and gives him protection from adverse conditions all year round. Psychologically, he must feel safe and relaxed.

A lot is talked and written about keeping horses as nature intended. Certainly, we must remember that we are dealing with an animal who relies on his instincts, even though horses have been domesticated for 6,000 years. Unfortunately, so much has been said and written about the necessity of keeping horses the ‘natural’ way that it’s easy to lose sight of three important points.