Equine owners find out if their animals are as 'healthy as a horse'

By MANDY JOHN | Central Texas Edition

Mare owners were given information on the proper care of broodmares and foals during the 7th annual TAMU Mare/Foal Workshop. Presenters included Dr. David Bade, above, and Dr. Mike Martin, below. -Staff photos by Mandy John

February 27, 2003 -- Mare owners seeking information on broodmare management and raising foals had the opportunity to attend a day-long program at the 7th Annual TAMU Mare/Foal Workshop, which took place on Feb. 18 in College Station. The workshop allowed owners to gain experience by hearing topics such as the health care of a horse and forage selection.

"The American Association of Equine Practitioners is in existence to continually educate those veterinarians involved in horse care," explained Dr. Mike Martin, equine field service commissioner with Texas A&M University. "Mainly, when dealing with horse health care, you want the horse to be healthy and you want it to live long.

"We talk to our clients when we are out at their place. What . . . (we ask them) . . . is do you know what questions to ask your veterinarian when it comes to your horse's health."

Martin stated that infectious disease prevention and parasite control are important to know when caring for horses. Dental care is also an important factor, because every horse's mouth is different.

"For the most part, you are taught that you should deworm a horse on an interval basis. Ask yourself, though, would it be wise to use the interval process or would it be best to deworm based on the season. You must decide what works.

"Different parasites come out at different times and in different ways. When you think of parasites, you should think of them individually as well as collectively. There is some benefit for horses to get some parasite exposure."

He said foals don't inherit parasites, but can get them through their mother's milk. If the foal is dewormed right after foaling, it can help prevent that problem.

"Complete prevention of disease, however, is an unrealistic expectation," Martin ended.

"I can't cover everything concerning forage selection, but I will give an overview of it," began Dr. David Bade, forage specialist.

"You want a pasture that is both beneficial and has high quality for horses. You also want a pasture that is clean of anything that would hurt the horse's feet."

When a horse is grazing, Bade stated that the first thing a horse will eat is the new leaf on a plant. "Animal selectivity is important when thinking about forage selection.

"You also want to produce a high quality hay. The key to producing good hay is taking a soil test so that you know what to fertilize in order to get good growth.

"On producing good quality hay, you must take a soil test, you must properly fertilize the area, and you must have good weed control. Weed control is important because weeds suck up all the nutrients and the water.

"Hay is nothing more than excess grass taken and cut at the right time. Hay quality is very important when dealing with horses. I am telling you that it's important to buy good quality hay.

"The best way to judge hay is through a hay analysis. Another good idea is to buy from a good hay producer. You just want to make sure the hay is clean for the horse, you can't just go by color. Make sure you use good sense when buying hay."