One-off horse cull under consideration

      A ONE-OFF national cull of unwanted horses to end the current welfare problem will be considered by the Department of Agriculture ( in the Republic of Ireland ).

The suggestion came from members of the joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture which discussed the issue of horse welfare yesterday.  Deputy Christy O’Sullivan (FF) said the problem was so acute he would like to see a situation where unwanted horses could be presented for slaughter at no cost to the owners.  He said while he disliked the idea of taxpayers subsidising those who might be cruel to horses, an “amnesty-style” approach might resolve the problem.

Support for such action came from deputies Eamon Scanlon (FF) and Andrew Doyle (FG).

Mr Doyle said people who could afford a 4x4 and a horsebox some years ago now found they could not afford to keep horses and this is the area on which the focus should fall.

Two Dublin deputies, Mary Upton (Lab) and Róisín Shortall (Lab), called for the closure of the monthly Smithfield Horse fair where many of the problems are thought to have begun.

Ms Upton said horses were being sold for as little as €20 each to young urban people who had no land or place to keep them and there were high levels of neglect and cruelty.

Michael Creed (FG) said hundreds of horses in a pitiful state could be seen any day of the week on the outskirts of Dublin and he had witnessed cruelty and neglect in other cities and towns and at horse fairs this year.

    This report was passed to the NICPBA  site editor by Jane Bruce of the Irish Horse Welfare Trust.  If the scheme goes ahead, it would be a matter of serious concern how it would be operated, because it would not discrimnate between horses of good quality and those poorer sorts, who should never have been bred by the unscrupulous in the first place. There is no easy or pleasant solution, but why is it so often the case that innocents suffer because of the greed of humans ?

Ask any experienced farm owner or manager -- proper pasture management definitely has its perks. Managing pastures properly prevents erosion and nutrient loss from the soil, which also helps improve stream and water quality. In addition, pastures can provide an excellent "free-choice" exercise plan for horses. But the most important role pastures play in horsekeeping is that the grasses they contain are some of the most economical feeds available.

     Where to Start

      One of the best ways to begin examining your pasture management processes is by taking a walk around the fields. Such a walk provides an opportunity to evaluate topography and "ground cover," or amount of available forage. Regular walks can help you determine if there are areas where forages grow well, and areas where forages seem to have problems getting established. Conduct these walks periodically throughout the year, every two months, to evaluate changes throughout the seasons. It is also essential to determine how many acres of pasture you have, and how many acres are available per horse.

While hiking the fields it is also good to recognize what types of plants are growing. A variety of books and extension publications with excellent descriptions and photographs of forages can help you become familiar with these plants.

      A modified version of estimating pasture quality follows:

      Once you complete this there should be 100 marks. Count how many of each type of mark (bare ground, weed, edible forage)   was found and estimate percentage. For example, if there were 30 marks under "bare ground," the pasture would have 30% bare ground. You can use the percentages to determine initial management procedures. Commonly, 75% or more of desirable plant species indicates that noOnce you complete this there should be 100 marks. Count how many of each type of mark (bare ground, weed, edible forage) was found and estimate percentage. For example, if there were 30 marks under "bare ground," the pasture would have 30% bare ground. You can use the percentages to determine initial management procedures. Commonly, 75% or more of desirable plant species indicates that no renovation is required, 40-75% desirable species indicates the need for improved management procedures and overseeding with desirable forages, and less than 40% desirable species indicates a complete pasture renovation is necessary. renovation is required, 40-75% desirable species indicates the need for improved management procedures and overseeding with desirable forages, and less than 40% desirable species indicates a complete pasture renovation is necessary.

      Soil Testing and Fertilizing

     Testing the soils in the pastures to determine nutrient availability is an important step in pasture management. A soil survey might be available for your area through the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The Web site (http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm) gives directions on how to use this free service. Information on this site will help you determine the best uses for the land based on soil type, drainage, and nutrient holding capacity (or permeability) of the soil.

Soil tests to determine lime and fertilizer needs of the different pastures should be performed at least every three years. There is much debate as to whether the fall or the spring is the best time to test, but what is most important is to test at the same time each year so direct comparisons can be made. There are a variety of guides available on how to take a soil sample, and these can be found at most university extension Web sites. For example, The Ohio State University's site is http://ohioline.osu.edu/agf-fact/0206.html. Many county extension offices or feed and farm supply stores have the equipment necessary to take soil samples, and they might be willing to loan or rent the equipment. These offices can also help you decide where to send the samples to be analyzed.

The cost of sample analysis depends on where you send the sample and for what you test. A basic analysis of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, and pH will cost between $10 and $20 per sample, possibly higher. It is also possible to purchase soil probes, which range in price from $50 to $150, and a basic home soil testing kit, which will test 15 samples, for between $20 and $50. The home testing kit results will not be as accurate as those from a commercial lab, but they can give you an idea of what is available in the soil.

Although soil testing might seem like an expensive endeavor, in the long run you will save money because you won't be purchasing unnecessary fertilizer and lime.

     Through literally hundreds of vaccinations and dewormings, 60 surgeries, nutrition training, and a nationwide farrier clinic, all from June 6-13, the Dominican Republic's horses, donkeys, and mules are once again benefiting from a new concept known as "equitarianism."

     The equitarian effort, headed by Jay Merriam, DVM, MS, of the Massachusetts Equine Clinic, in conjunction with the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association, targets the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and is part of the association's "Samana Project." Since 1993, veterinarians, technicians, and other volunteers have been travelling to the Dominican Republic twice a year to provide much-needed health care to the country's working equids, as well as small animals.

     The Samana Project summer 2010 team just completed "the most productive year ever," according to equine podiatrist and Samana team member Steve O'Grady, BVSc, MRCVS, of Northern Virginia Equine in Marshall. "“The horses were just coming out of the woodworks, nonstop," he said. Vaccines and dewormers were given until the team’s stock, donated by U.S. manufacturers, was depleted.

     A team of three veterinarians and and numerous veterinary students performed 52 castrations in addition to other necessary surgeries in four days.

Castration not only promotes better working equids but also prevents uncontrolled breeding and reduces major health risks including injuries sustained from fighting stallions, O'Grady said. However, castration is not easily accepted in Hispanic culture, where stallion ownership represents a long-standing, proud tradition. Through education efforts over the years, the Samana team has been able to promote not only the benefits of gelding but also the increased breeding of mules, which are sturdier for work than the horses and are sterile with regards to breeding.

       Nutritional education is also starting to show results, O'Grady said. No longer being tied to the side of the road to find forage for themselves, the working equids are now being fed grasses grown and cultivated just for them. "Compared to the kinds of animals the team was seeing five years ago, these horses and mules looked phenomenal," he said.

Now in his second year in the project, O'Grady and the team organized a nationwide farrier clinic, attended by at least two local farriers from each province. "Farriery addresses one of the most common and serious concerns of the working equid: problems with the feet," he said. Farrier equipment was donated and shipped to the Dominican Republic by Farrier Products Distribution in Shelbyville, Kentucky.

Like humanitarianism, equitarianism is meant to promote sympathy and benevolence towards individuals, but in this case, the individuals are the equine inhabitants of developing countries. Equitarian interests are on the rise, with more and more opportunities becoming available to equine health care professionals wanting to make a difference, said Merriam during the first official session on equitarianism, held at the American Association of Equine Practitioners ( A.E.E.P. )Annual Convention last year.

         Also read the article linked below, on the plight of horses and mules used for transport in the drugs trade :-

                                      http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=16604&src=VW

Choice of farrier might have a significant influence not only on the shape of a horse's hoof, but its soundness and athletic ability, according to research carried out by veterinarians in Switzerland.

Forty dressage and show jumping horses, divided into six groups, were trimmed and shod by one of six selected farriers over a period of one year. Their hooves were periodically evaluated and compared by radiographic exam. Of 15 variable parameters evaluated, 14 differed significantly among farriers, according to an article based on the study and forthcoming in The Veterinary Journal. Parameters included dorsal wall length, hoof angle, sole thickness, the distance from the cannon bone to the toe and wall, and other lengths and angles measured from front and side views.

Although all the parameters can affect the hoof's shape, toe length and mediolateral (side-to-side) hoof balance are most important for the horse's overall soundness, said Martin Kummer, DVM, Dipl. ECVS, chief assistant in the Equine Hospital at the University of Zurich and primary author of the study. "The length of toe influences the point of break-over, (and) the mediolateral hoof balance could influence the loading pattern of the joint surfaces," he noted.

To counter this variation between individual farriers, some form of trimming guidelines need to be established in order to create "some form of standardization" to make this study meaningful and practical, according to Stephen E. O'Grady, DVM, MRCVS, of Northern Virginia Equine, who commented on the study. This study uses a randomization of farrier techniques with individual farriers having their own style or method of trimming. As changes in hoof parameters could also be affected by exercise, footing, time of year, and other variables, farriers should take advantage of using "landmarks" for trimming and shoeing the hoof such as the hoof-pastern axis, the center of articulation (widest part of the foot) and trimming to the widest part of the frog, he said.

Owners should keep in mind that veterinary researchers used advanced techniques and specialized equipment to make these measurements in a university setting. "Do it yourself" measurements cannot give an owner an accurate idea about their farrier's trimming abilities, advised Kummer. When selecting a new farrier, Kummer suggested owners have "good conversations" with prospects and talk with some of the potential farrier's other clients before making a selection.

Although the study was performed on jumpers and dressage horses, Kummer said he strongly believes that all horses need optimum hoof care, not just sport horses. 

 Best wishes,

   Jane.

 

 

Curcumin, an extract of the spice turmeric, is a natural product with potent anti-inflammatory properties that also exerts beneficial effects on cartilage metabolism. Scientists believe that ......     read more at

        http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=15043

 

      Also read  www.horsetrust.org.uk/pdfs/horsehealth/sweetitch.pdf

 

  and visit  the  Sweet Itch Helpline  The National Sweet Itch Centre
     at     www.Sweet-Itch.com

 

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Health, Safety & Welfare 

 

Welfare is one of our constitutional aims, and to this end we have held several educational meetings, covering such topics as 'Care of the Mare and Foal at Foaling', presented by Equine Vet Mr.Alphonso Martin, MRCVS; and 'Feeding the Native Pony', when we were advised by Declan Cullen and Craig Kilief from Irwin's Bluegrass Horsefeeds how best to balance the nutritional requirements of the native pony. On another occasion, we had the combined merits of proper handling and training in the form of 'Horse Sense' from Helen Spence,  and basic welfare requirements and legal guidelines from Jane Bruce, who works with The Donkey Sanctuary, and on the B.H.S. Welfare Committee.

 

Specific advice given by Jane Bruce is as follows :-

 

If you are witness to a situation or event which appears to be a welfare concern, whether ongoing or an instance of cruelty,

 

1. Gather information, being specific as to the nature of the complaint. Photographs can be helpful in illustrating the situation.

 

2. Complain in writing to the appropriate authority - if at a mart, to the manager of the mart. If at a show or event, to the organising committee. Encourage other witnesses to do likewise in support of your complaint.

 

3. Be factual in your representation - not emotional. Express how strongly you feel, but do not allow your emotion to blur the facts.

 

4. You may wish to write to relevant local newspapers, horse magazines, and to welfare authorities such as the USPCA, ISPCA, BHS, Irish Horse Welfare Trust or others. Contact telephone numbers were supplied by Jane, and are given below.

 

USPCA    028 9081 4242

 

ISPCA  ( South )  00 353 (0) 43 25035 - mobile 00 353 (0) 86 604 7840

 

BHS Ireland   028 9268 3801

 

IHWT ( North )  mobile 078 3334 7470

 

IHWT ( South ) 00 353 (0) 404 45720

 

Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary 028 9446 5384

 

Where the concern is about the situation at a Breed sale or Society sale, it helps if your letter of complaint is countersigned by a respected member of the breed Society. You may suggest that a member of the Society's Welfare Committee be present and oversee proceedings at sales etc. You can also request that future sales are attended by officers from some of the welfare organisations named above.  If the mart itself is the problem, would the Society consider moving future sales to a location which is safer for the ponies and the public ?  Remember that sales premises must be licensed by the local County Council. 

If the problem is specific to an individual owner's ponies, bring the matter to the attention of local welfare officers.

 

Making a Complaint.

 

Please bear in mind that animal charities and rescue organisations have very limited resources, both in terms of time and finance. This is particularly so in the present economic climate, when so many horse owners are finding it difficult to make ends meet. However, real need should always be reported.

 

Assess whether a complaint is justified. If you are unsure, take an experienced equine person with you, and have a second look at the situation.

 

Gather as much information as possible, as this will assist the welfare authority to deal effectively and rapidly with the matter. It is vital that the EXACT location of the animal(s) in distress is given - the welfare officers have not the time to search all around a vaguely described area.

 

Try and discover the name and address of the owner of the distressed animal(s).

 

The welfare organisation will require your name and contact details. These will be kept confidential, but may be needed later for clarification or further information.

 

When detailing the complaint, take into consideration the animal's surroundings - the availability of food ( grazing, bucket feed or forage ), fresh water ( clean troughs, buckets or a clean natural source), and shelter ( hedges, field shelters, rugs or stabling ).  Take into account the animal's age, body condition, any signs of injury or lameness and whether the animal has been attended, abnormal length of hooves, etc. Have you observed how often the animals are visited and tended to by the owner ? If there is one animal who concerns you, in a group who are otherwise in apparently good condition, it may be the case that it is old or ill. Try to observe for a few days, to see what the owner does with this animal in particular, before deciding whether the matter needs to be reported.

 

Thank you to Jane and her colleagues in the welfare charities.

 

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No Hoof, No Horse ?

 

We are all familiar with the adage above, which is as true as ever it was. Thankfully much research has been devoted to hoofcare, both analytical and observational. It makes sense that the whole horse depends on the health and integrity of the structures upon which he stands, runs and gallops. The balance and health of the foot has a direct effect on every bone above it, and consequently on the musculature of the horses body also.  It may often be the case that soreness, lack of performance, and behavioural issues stem from problems at ground level - in the hoof itself.  Much can be done, albeit sometimes a long term project, by hoof rehabilitation.  This may be as part of a multi- faceted approach. Diet and normal movement play a major role, and are all important when asking a horse to be the one thing 55 million years of evolution have designed him to be - a horse.

 

Recommended reading is to be found on www.hoofrehab.con , where Pete Ramey explains where his studies of the wild horse have led him. His books and DVDs are available on Amazon.

 

Another inspirational site is www.performancebarefoot.co.uk This site gives several examples of horses and ponies for whom conventional treatments had only limited sucess. Photographs and videos are provided. Watch the videos especially, and observe the difference in the way of going between the same animal shod and unshod.  Remember that evolution has designed the horses foot to function as it does for a purpose, and that function is thwarted once a ring of steel is nailed onto it.   Food for thought ??

                 

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Root Out Ragwort Campaign

 

 

Ragwart is poisonous to both animals and humans so always wear gloves when dealing with it.

 

The BHS have an ongoing campaign to 'Root Out Ragwort' !  Apart from the food requirements of the cinnabar moth, whose caterpillars feed on the toxic weed, we none of us need ragwort in our fields and hedgerows.  Also known as ragweed, yellow weed, or by local names such as benweed,  the plant exists in a bushy form - common ragwort ( Senecio jacobea ), and a more sparse-leaved form, marsh ragwort.  The latter grows in wetter pasture, perhaps hidden among the rushes.

 

The ragwort plant contains senecin, which is a potent poison. It is not metabolised and passed from the body, but accumulates in and destroys the liver of animals who eat it. There is a myth that sheep are immune to the toxin, but in fact they seldom live long enough for it to cause fatality. Horses, ponies  and donkeys are often seen in fields where ragwort stands, tall and green, with it's abundant yellow flower heads, above a sward cropped so short one wonders what the ponies actually have left to eat !   Most appalling of all, it is even common on some stud farms, where both mares and foals are expected to graze. Given that foals may nibble on anything, and that they are more susceptible to poisoning than adult ponies, this is an intolerable situation.  Though they seem to instinctively avoid the plant, it is still the case that such ponies will consume a certain amount, as studies have shown. Complacency is not an option, as symptoms of ragwort poisoning are not observed until the liver is approximately 75% affected, by which stage there is no recovery, but only the certainty of a painful death.

 

The BHS Campaign involves the control and elimination of ragwort from pasture and farmland, using systemic weedkiller to target the plants, and by physical removal of the plant or it's remains. Mowing is not recommended, as it can chop up the plants, and as these become more appetising when dried, every scrap must be removed and burned before animals are allowed back onto the grazing. It is important to remember that gloves are worn when handling the plant, as the poison can enter the body across the skin, especially if the skin is damaged.

 

The peak of the flowering season is during August, when the yellow heads make identification easy. Larger plants are easier to pull up if first loosened around their roots by pulling in each direction ( north, south, east & west ) before removing with as much of the root system as possible.  A purpose made 'rag-fork' is commercially available, which helps lever out the plant, so the work is less back-breaking.  Even if the plant breaks, at least the flower removal will cut down on the number of seeds spreading on the pasture. A large plant can produce up to 250,000 ( yes - a quarter of a million ! ) seeds in a season.  The old adage, 'one year's seeding, seven years weeding' was never so true !

 

Ragwort is a biennial plant, i.e., it flowers every second year, so every other year it occurs in it's vegetative form, called the rosette - which grows tight to the ground, in contrast to the tall reproductive form. With practice, it is possible to identify even very small plants from their distinctive curly shaped leaf. 

 

Some groups of horse owners, perhaps sharing a livery yard, get together for ragwort pulling parties, and make an enjoyable or fundraising day out of an otherwise toilsome job !

 

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