Help, I need advice.

S

Shandy

New User
Joined
17 April 2010
Messages
1
Visit site
Hello all

yesterday I went to look at a horse. It is a surprise for my friend from her husband. The horse was lovely and we agreed on a sale.

Anyway, while we were there they mention they had this horse that arrived at thier yard the night before as I mentioned I was looking for a cobby type horse for myself. They showed me the horse and I was initially horrified!! I was so skinny!!! Not to the point of skin on bones but could still see ribs and things. It had a sarcoid on it's chest just above it's leg and it's hoofs were in a poor state. and it had a sore at the bottom of it's withers (I guess from a rug) They said the horse has been obviously been neglected and was undernourished. When I approched the horse it was really friendly, it's eyes were clean and bright and seemed quite happy. They tacked it up and walked it round the yard and then took it up the school and showed me him walking, trotting, cantering and they even popped it over a small jump!! I then jumped on and rode him and walked a short distance to a main road where he didn't bat a eye lid. He felt safe and comfortable to ride. I stood with the horse and he was a absolute gem. Enjoyed my company and I enjoyed his. I told the woman I'd have him as I wanted to give him a home despite all his faults. It's gonna take some time and money as it's going to need jabs, farrier, worming, vet check and a lot of love and attention which I'm happy to give. My problem is I have not had much experience caring for a neglected horse. Can anyone give me advice? I think once he has got back to fitness he will be a cracker, sarcoids included!!! He looks a bit like Irish draught x and will look great once he has his problems sorted
 
Just make sure you get him vetted to be safe if hes underweight etc could be health issues not worth the risk really not to get him vetted. Then you can go from there with him if he passes to get him fit and up to ideal weight.
 
Get as much advice from the professionals as possible and send them photo's.
Worming is a must, 5 day panacur is usually advised. Worms could be an issue and i do not wish to scare you but worming can cause problems if there is a heavy burden. Get your vet involved straight away
Feed wise contact the company of the brand of feed you prefer, give them full details of the horse with photo's if pos and they will send you a feeding schedule.
The temperament could change as it gets better but i normally go on instinct. You can tell a lot by a horses eye.

Finally good luck. Neglected horses usually apreciate those that care for them:D
 
If you have the time money and patience rescuing is the most rewarding thing you can do. I rescued a long time ago, and he turned out to be the best horse i ever had! It took a while to get him up to weight and lucky for me had no medical problems. He was the most willing and loyal horse i knew, and appreciated my help so much.
 
My advice is to seek veterinary assistance to help you with the rehab. Feed plenty of hay/haylage and grass and dont over do the hard feed, be patient with the weight gain. A linseed supplement will help the skin recover from the sores. Regular farriery.

With regards to riding- be prepared to spend money on saddles as the horse changes shape. Take your time what you ask from him, treat him as totally unfit and spend at least a month walking before progressing to trot. He will be physically weak so you shouldnt be cantering and jumpng for a while yet, thats asking for injury.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top