From: blythedr@infonode.ingr.com (Dennis Blythe)
Subject: Re: Leasing new horse and need help
Organization: Intergraph Corporation, Huntsville, AL.
Distribution: usa
Date: Mon, 31 Aug 1992 22:33:34 GMT

In article <1992Aug29.003011.19412@mr.med.ge.com> euler@snail.med.ge.com (Vicki Euler mfg 4-6041) writes:
>When do I put hoof dressing on and how often?  How often do I give her a bath
>and with what??  I have shown and bred dogs all of my life so this horse stuff
>
>Also when I get done riding then what?? I know the obvious is to take the tack
>off. OK now What??  She is a fairly reasonable mare and is pretty tolerant of
>alot of things but one thing I found is she seems to be a little ticklish on
>her back feet.  She will let me pick the gunk out but when you go to pick her
>hoof up to clean it she squirms a little.  
>
>If anybody can send me some advice it would be greatly appreciated.  Dogs I 
>know and horses is new. HELP!!!!
>
>Thanks
>Vicki Euler
>


sh, a green horse sure sounds like a lot for a first horse.
I don't know what you'r riding experience is. But if this horse 
is as green as you say. Anything you do ( care wise ) could prove 
to be as difficult to do as it is to ride. 
 
   An iodine based shampoo is what I like to use most. It helps 
cut down the itchiness she gets. And in the hotest months when she's 
real sweaty I like to use Wonder Blue shampoo to cut through the 
grime. When it comes to how often you need to wash your horse. I
would think that it is a matter of prefference. I depends on weather 
your horse is kept out in the pasture most of the time or kept in
a stable. Horses roll around in the dirt to keep themselves cool.
And washing them to much could realy dry out their skin. I usualy wash 
my mare, more or less, every other week.
 
 My routine after a good work out is to lead the horse around until
her breathing has returned to normal. Then I spray her legs down to 
cool her off. It's best to spray or sponge off the areas that are 
sweaty. If the sweat is not rinsed away she could have some hair loss 
in those areas within time. Also remember to lift up the tail and 
spray or sponge between the legs too. Never spray the rump or the back
of a horse after a hard work out. This could cause major muscle 
cramps. Never feed your horse grain within an hour before or after a 
work out. It could cause your horse to colic.
 
   Always check the feet after every ride. It usually helps to pinch 
the tendons and lean on the horse as you do this. This will help the 
horse balance better. With a green horse, it may not want to 
cooperate, and may take practice to get it right. As for hoof 
dressing, I usually dont use the market brands. I have found that lard 
works best to keep the hoofs from drying and cracking. I would think 
that once a week is good enough for hoof dressing. However some may do 
it more or less. When you do apply the dressing alway make sure to 
apply it to the heel too. If you dont the hoof could grow uneven, 
which could lead to lameness.
   I would suggest going to your book store and find a good book to
learn more about basic horse care, or possibly taking a coarse on it.
Most important of all is get a good vet and keep your horse dewormed
and vaccinated. Good Luck!
 
                Pam