Introduction to Horse Keeping
10
Horse SA Introduction to keeping horses Julie Fiedler, for the Native grasses & horses workshop June 27 2015 conducted by: Upper Torrens Land Management Project http:// www.torrenslandcare.org/
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Transcript of Introduction to Horse Keeping
Horse SA
Introduction to keeping horsesJulie Fiedler, for the
Native grasses & horsesworkshop June 27 2015
conducted by:Upper Torrens Land Management Project
http://www.torrenslandcare.org/
Overview of horse industry
The busy horse owner
FeedClean(Ride)WorkFeedClean (Ride)Work
$Cost of keeping horses& lots ofShopping online
Get advice
+/- agistment
Fast food/ food miles
Horse Welfarewhole-of-life approach
(It’s about people too!)
Husbandry & promoting natural behaviours of horses
After racing/sport/activityEducationAdministration: Rules, policies, record keeping
Emergency planning
Incident managementAwareness
Facility design
Veterinary HealthPhoto: University of Adelaide
Research and sharing info = new knowledge & potential implement changes in practice Photo: Mariette van den Berg
Climate Change
How much “horse” is in your horse?Grazing several hours a day
BrowsingRubbing
RollingScratching
Running aroundMutual grooming
Swish fliesWalk
Do nothingLie down flat
Stand under a treePut a rump to the weather
Find peaceFind friends
Enjoy humansRoutine vs stimulating
environmentRun, kick and buck
Snort, neigh & nicker iStock
- How much time in each 24 hours does he eat, rest, run or drink?
- Do you watch what plants he prefers to eat in the paddock? Does he vary eating with his head down with occasional head up (browsing)?
- Is he stimulated by his environment? Walk around?
- Are his companionship needs being met?
- Is the shade and shelter provided useful for him?
- Are we aware of how “trends” & marketing are affecting our decisions? E.g. rugs, worming products
- Are we aware of how the behaviour & needs of the horse can be utilised to help us manage his living environment better?
How well do you know your horse?
The PuzzleKeeping horses happy & healthy andmaking sure their living environment is robust enough to contribute positively to his well-being and be resilient should drought, fire etc. occur
Photo: J Raphael
Keeping grass cover on small properties- the biggest challenge!
Challenges appear greater when:• Time poor +/- quick fixes• Low rainfall +/- water retention, quality & storage capacity natural & artificial• Sandy soils or other geographical challenges e.g. Onkaparinga Hills ridge tops• Poor overall biodiversity (trees/shrubs/grass varieties)• Poor infrastructure to help manage grazing pressures (e.g. yards)
Photo: J Raphael
Promote grazing
- Promote the natural behaviour of horses (walking, grazing, browsing, socialising)
- Your horse is part of the ecosystem, and reflects the health of the environment around him. What native or introduced plants and animals are sharing?
- A well managed property ‘bounces back’ better after disaster, drought /climate change
- Gives you more time and money - can you make a list?
- Promotes better neighbourhood relations
LinksHorse SA Websites & Social Media: Useful websites:Horse SA H.SA FB Pinterest Slideshare EquicultureHorses, Bugs & Beetles HBB FB MB Equine ServicesHorsesLandWater HLW FB Safer Grass
Equine PermacultureRecorded Webinars: Horses for Clean WaterFeeding the Modern Horse Equitation SciencePasture for horses Feeding horses at pasture Pt. 1 Weed ID appFeeding horses at pasture Pt. 2
Popular resourcesHorsesLand Water Action PlannerTips for the Care of Confined Horses
** Horse SA runs educational farm walks, courses, webinars and other opportunities to find out more and share ideas with other horse owners about keeping horses sustainably. Visit our ‘events’ page, ask to join the weekly e-news list (opt-out option available) or ‘like’ the Horse SA Facebook page.
