GREEN SWAMP STABLES

 The American Association of Equine Practitioners offers advice for a horse owner wanting to try fly repellent supplements.

Question:

I board my horse at a facility with approximately 30 other horses. There is adequate pasture space for all and fairly good manure management. My question is, do fly repellent supplements work? I know that for larval killer, all horses must be on it.

But will the repellent (such as garlic mixes) work at all? If they do work, I would like to start my horse on them soon so he is protected for the coming fly season.

Answer:

There’s no scientific research to support the use of garlic and other products (apple cider vinegar, diatomaceous earth) to repel insects, yet many people swear by these natural products and continue to use them year after year for their horses. The fact that there’s no supporting research doesn’t mean the products don’t work. It just means that, because they’re natural products that can’t be patented, no company is going to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars proving they work, only to have 20 other companies profit from their study.

There was a research paper published in 2005 evaluating the safety of garlic in horses because very high doses of the herb are known to cause a specific kind of red blood cell disorder. The research showed that horses that would voluntarily eat more than 0.25 grams of freeze-dried garlic per kilogram of their body weight, twice daily, did develop Heinz body anemia. To put this into perspective, an 1,100-pound horse would have to eat 4.4 ounces of pure garlic in two separate meals. Now, this is much more garlic than the label of any equine supplement recommends be fed, but it does show that just because something is natural doesn’t necessarily mean it is safe.

Dr. Lydia Gray

From “AQHA’s Fundamentals of Horsemanship”

Can you barely swing your leg over your horse’s side before he starts to walk off?

If you’re envious of those horses who stand still as a statue until their riders are ready, these instructions are for you.

Objectives

• To get onto your horse without his moving or becoming disturbed.

• To have your horse “await further instructions” once you have mounted.

• To ensure the mental, emotional and physical connection between you and your horse is not disrupted when you get on his back.

A strong connection between horse and human is an essential part of good horsemanship. Start reading “AQHA’s Fundamentals of Horsemanship” to learn the steps to develop and maintain that connection both on the ground and in the saddle. AQHA members get a discount!

What Does My Horse Need to Know?

It is most important that once you are in the saddle, the first thing you should do is nothing. The horse will soon associate being mounted with the minute of rest and comfort that follows. He will almost look forward to you getting on.

If you put the horse to work immediately, two problems will arise:

1.    He will associate being mounted with the discomfort of work.
2.    He will anticipate moving off and will not be still while you mount.

Patience is a virtue, for both man and horse. Take care when swinging your leg over not to kick or frighten your horse. Maintain a slight lateral flexion until you are safely in position with a foot in each stirrup. Release the reins, and allow the horse either to be still or to move. If he chooses to move, take one rein and lift it to stop his movement.

If this is not effective, take a lateral flexion and hold it until the horse is still. Release again and allow the horse to move if he must. He will soon decide that it is easier and more comfortable to be still and await further instructions.

To Succeed

• You must allow your horse to stand still prior to making any adjustments to your position or the saddle.

• Once your horse has become accustomed to the idea of not moving immediately, you can stand in your stirrups, adjust your position and test that your horse has really resolved to stand still.

• You must learn to read your horse’s body language. If his hind legs are apart, he may be ready to move quickly. It is much better to have the forelegs apart and the hind legs close together.

Not sure how to read your horse’s body language? Learn how with “AQHA’s Fundamentals of Horsemanship.” The thoughtful step-by-step training tips will increase your ability to communicate with your horse. “Fundamentals of Horsemanship” is available exclusively at Quarter Horse Outfitters.

Errors to Avoid

• Do not throw yourself into the saddle. Ease yourself into position. This will be easier if you use a mounting block to get on. You can make your own with AQHA’s How to Build a Mounting Block FREE report.

• Do not cause your horse to associate being mounted with discomfort.

• Do not get on if your horse’s hind legs are spread, or if he is tense or engaged. Be sure he is calm and not ready to explode.

• Do not sit heavily on your horse’s back. He won’t appreciate your presence.

• Do not apply any leg pressure or do anything to provoke movement once you are in the saddle.

How Will This Help Me?

When you get on your horse, he relaxes and associates being mounted with a moment of rest and comfort, instead of anticipating movement.

Your horse will not walk away until you say so. You will leave together.