I would post if anyone is selling their stall matts. 

 Playing the racist card is such a copout.  This country is known as melting pot with people and races from all around the world.  Seriously think about what is going on with you personally.  You seem to get offended quickly walking around with a chip on your shoulder.  You make yourself a target for other people to "pick" on you. You sabotage yourself with your own "victim mentality." 

I can understand how you feel and why you would get so angry.  But, you, my friend, are deceived.  The problem is within you. By ignoring your coworkers comments, you take away the fuel for their comments.  They are only doing this because they know they can get a reaction out of you.  Be the bigger person and walk away.  They will feel like the fools when you act like you don't care.

You are very argumentative and it shows by your comments.  How many potential employers are reading your comments and how many potential jobs did you just loose?  You need wisdom and lots of self control.  Calm down...get focused on doing good in your life and you will draw good things to you like a magnet.

Yeah....I at the time lived in another state and didn't know about the agriculture check station.  I would haul my horses thinking nothing of that sign...go right pass it and did that a few times.  I did get pulled over and no problem....but they aren't always on top of things.

If possible, keep him out at night.  If not, the baby(extra protection) sunscreen is what I use to put on my white Arabian mare with the beautiful pink nose.  I also have a face mask that covers her entire face...from ears to nose.  The sun will hopefully not be too strong these coming fall days....but we are in FL.  I use to use a white flysheet also.....very light in weight.

Are you looking for a feed store to buy grain and hay?  Grand Prix right in Wellington.

to cure what?

equisician seems to have a lot knowledge and might be one to contact.

Maybe get to the root of the problem...her being excited.  Why is she so excited on doing normal things like cantering, changing leads?  I can see a little nervous with jumps or trails....but I would probably check out Natural Horsemanship techniques.  Check out the posting on Natural Horsemanship.

First, thanks so much for the info on the fly spray.  As for the disease being transmitted by flies or mosquitoes....yes...by flies.

I have been inquiring about the Coggins test and the disease EIA.  As this disease is transmitted through flies, the best way to prevent this disease is to get a fantastic fly spray.  My question is which is the best that really works and doesn't poison the horse due to having to apply it so much.  So many fly sprays promise so much and cost too much without results. 

Interesting answer and it sure makes sense.  Thank you so much for taking time to answer this post. 

Very informative SEC.....and I really appreciate your input....I just wonder why they haven't found a cure for this?

Oh yes....this concern for the Coggins test is for a neighbor in the area that from the "looks " of things, their horses might not have a Coggins test.  As for me, I always have a current test done......just to make sure you know this isn't about me.  But I am curious, since you are a vet, what do feel about EIA?  Read the links that Polomare sent me and I would be curious as to what you to say.  The links are 3 postings up.  Thanks.

Just read those interesting links......almost shocking.  So....I'll just resume life at the barn as usual with my care free attitude....thank you one and all!!

I know that the Coggins test does nothing but show whether the horse is positive or negative with EIA.  And I know that a horse could be infected even the day he gets a test done. I never heard to have your Coggins test while riding down the road.  I know going on the private trail in Acreage, you must have your horse's Coggins. I will check out the links...thanks so much for all of your input...means a lot to me.

The problem is these "neighbors" are people that I guess would be called squatters.  They were evicted by the police a while back along with 2 of the saddest looking horses.   And now they are back.....it isn't my business, except for the concern of the coggins test.   

And I am under the impression that it is mandatory for all horses to get this test especially if living together in close proximity. But who checks this out?  Only when traveling and vets, etc.  ACC is a start......thanks for info...

Couldn't wait...checked it out for myself.....learned how to spell  coggins.  Plus, the incurable disease is called Equine Infectious Anemia.  Apparently it is transmitted through horseflies....whether they are talking about the little flies in the stables or the big horseflies...I don't know.  But in any case, the disease only lives 15 to 30 minutes in the fly and that is why for it to be transmitted, the horses have to be near each other.  So my other question stills stands...is it mandatory for the testing in the Acreage area and I assume it would be but how it is followed through and checked up on? 

Is it mandatory for horses in the Acreage area to have their cogins test done yearly?  I just saw Animal Cops in Houston where 5 horses were tested positive and had to be put down and the rest of the horses at the shelter had to be quarantined, I think, for 60 days.  They mentioned the name of the disease, which I forgot and said it came from flies!  Wow...now does the health of the horse and their immune fight it this disease?  And I have seen one horse right near by me that I know does not have this test done.

Have you talked to Holly?  Have you tried the alfalfa cubes? 

I can only imagine how you must be feeling.  When was she stolen?  How did you find out the little information you did?  If your source knows that much, they might know more.  I would get in contact with horse shipping companies going out here around the time she was stolen.  Sounds like the person who sold her was probably right under your nose.  I will be praying for your miracle.

I am so sorry I turned anyone's stomach on the chickens choice of diet.....but your last post got me laughing. 

Yes, if you see her first posting, she wormed and floated his teeth.  I think if he had ulcers, he wouldn't be eating like he does.  Apparently, he is getting the groceries.

There are so many good equine dentist...obviously doing the same wonderful job.  I just like to pay $75 for the teeth instead of $150 and obviously getting the same wonderful results!

Definitely Joe Mastronianni------he also is a farrier and an excellent one.  His prices are the best.

Chickens eat anything......I have personally seen them eat live baby rats!!!!  And after that iIhaven't been collecting their eggs to eat....it is just the thought.

Yes, Ultra Bloom is wonderful plus what was recommended from Holly were alfalfa cubes.  I know you said he gets O&A but maybe the additional alfalfa cubes might just be the needed extra calories.  Triple Crown Complete may be higher in fat, but maybe not in calories.  Ask Holly why Triple Crown Senior is highly recommended for weight gain.

Chickens eat ants....so it is your choice of stepping in ant piles or chicken c-r-a-p.  Chickens eat flies and spiders and probably eats wasps with wing spans of 2 inches because I haven't seen any at my barn..... . 

The fear of the economy....but I think people might be waiting till the last minute and then they will come....maybe.....

For clarity, call Holly at Grand Prix.

Have you been getting your feeding regiment from Grand Prix talking to Holly?  You sound like he have him on a good diet except You might want to put him on Triple Crown Senior.  What is the weight supplement?  I use Ultrabloom.  It sounds like you might be using that.  How thin was he when you got him?  Has he gained weight with you?  In any case, Holly at grand Prix can do wonders with feeding problems.

I am glad this stayed on because I am really interested in natural horsemanship techniques.  In the beginning stages of training a 3 yr. old who was just weaned from his mother.  Horse knew no human etiquette, so to speak, and yet this gelding is so sweet and trusting towards us. He had 3 yrs. of being with a gentle older mother. There isn't a mean bone in this horse and he just loves humans and my horse. His transition was as if there wasn't one.  Amazing from the start.  So, his very short training has been one of always being a good, positive experience and ending on a good note.  And here is the other part that is just as amazing....the owner of this beautiful young gelding is as green as the horse!  So, between my teaching him as we train the horse, the owner also will go on line and watch these videos and come back and he is in the round pen training his horse.  So it is safe to say, this barn is all up front in Natural Horsemanship and it is a beautiful thing!!

Moresian....What natural horse teaching do you follow?  Very curious...really like John Lyons, Pat Perrilli (sp?), etc.  Truthfully, I haven't completely studied all of their ways...high lighted on a few areas.  Are you a trainer?

I hope you find a good vet .... and you aren't drained financially with this mare's health problems. 

I love the Rottweiler......got him from the pound when I was living in the Virgin Islands.  He was found wandering.  Samson was such an aggressive dog when I first got him....nearly ate the cat and the other dogs.  He also kept my father stuck in a room for a bit.  He did mellow out shortly after we got him.  But as far as  being a good farm dog.....both my horses kicked him in the butt..literally.  He never really did get a healthy respect to keep away from the horses and I had to protect him from them....yet he was 15 years old when he did die.  So, I guess I did a good job guarding him.

I'm gathering from the info being posted that she's been stalled for some time....sounds like she was barely trained...maybe due to an injury.....who knows..such a sad story with no concrete answers.  Determined research would have been beneficial.  I hope a "with it" vet checks her out in her back muscles and hind end.

Great advice.....muscles in the back end are vital to a comfortable ride.  When starting out training my very young horse, he was so heavy in the front and so uncomfortable.  But he is a dream now to ride because I worked on his back end muscles. Did a lot of ground work....building him up.  It was so worth it.

What was the result with her ear?

I am just a little curious as to why you didn't do all this inquiring before you got her? Again....just curious....no offense, but did you get a vet check before you bought her?  That weak hind end......I don't know.  In an older horse, I would say yeah.  I would be so leery about buying or getting a horse with all of these issues from the start.  Anyway....I hope the best for the 2 of you.

Really?  Slightly shocking.  She is starting from ground zero and you sound like you are willing to do what it takes for her.  Can you train her?  And I don't mean to start to train to ride right away because she just needs to get back up on her feet again with good health.  But is she safe for you to hand lead with a halter?  Walking her about is good for now.  She may not know a thing outside of a stall and could be skittish....so be on your toes.  I don't know your ability to deal with horses so I would suggest doing the safest things with her.  If you are not capable, I would get a fantastic horse trainer to work with you.  Since she is 6 yrs. old, she may be set in her ways and not in such good ways.  I personally would work with her in a round pen...space to be in but a contained area so she doesn't run off if spooked.

Being so young she should have some muscles ..... sinks to the ground??  What is going on with the strenght in her hind legs?  Who is the vet?  I would get a second opinion from another vet.

Thanks so much!

I am so sorry to hear about your horse and will pray for you.  I can imagine your grief.  You sound like a wonderful owner.  Thank God you have two other horses to focus your attention on and those 2 horses have each other and not be lonely.  God bless you.

Ok..electric fencing....done properly....is the best.  I had my mare and stallion in their pastures next to each other,  but secured from contact by electric fencing.  We had to be very creative because a stallion, made by God Almighty and all of his parts in working order does not stop looking for a way to get to that mare in season.  She seemed to be in season every other week.  We, like I said, were very creative and made that fencing very uninviting.  I watched what the boy would and sometimes once in a bluemoon,  he just kind of forgot the boundaries and zap...he got it and learned from that session for a very long time.  Even if the electricity goes out, they still keep away. We didn't just line the boards but in between the fencing.  Remember, horses are not dumb....they are quick learners when it comes to pain.  Yes to making sure they aren't cribbing.

Sounds good so far....except washing cat urine is not going to eliminate all of the odor which will draw her to keep urinating on the same object.  Citrus spray...nice cover up, but, personally, I would get rid of the root problem...Zoey will be fine with sleeping on the couch!  I had 4 cats and was pregnant and I cleaned the cat boxes...didn't know not to.  I was a clean freak and every cat hair on the counter was "enhanced" when I was pregnant...oh my God was I intense!  I loved my cats but I love my family more.  The stress was not good for me which then stresses baby and then of course hubby...keeper is mine for sure...would get the tail end of my emotional roller coaster.  I love pets forever, but when they stress pregnant mama because they do what comes naturally, I had to protect what is most important. Maybe someone close to you could "foster" Miss Kitty for a time....till baby comes....etc.  Hope all the best for your growing family.  Oh....I gave my precious kitties to caring homes and raised my kids pet free.  I focused on the my babies---diapers are fun---and then when my kids were old enough to want pets, we got the cats, the dogs, the bunnies, the horses, the fish the hamsters and let's not forget the gerbils!!  But they learned how to care for pets and be responsible and the animals were always a joy.  But that is my story and it worked for me.  Value peace so highly!  Again...let me say "catnip" again which also lets you forget your problems watching your cat get happy!

Dixie at 561-644-5410 or 561-723-4980.  She has green bales at $13.50 and $5 delivery charge.

ELECTRIC FENCING......end to all chewing problems.  It's a monkey-see-monkey-do thing.  And when each gets a good zap, they will stop.  I wouldn't worry about it.  Horses in the wild chew on sticks and branches for nutrients and I guess it wears their teeth down.  These horses are doing this outside and are not stalled 24/7, so  it seems to be a habit and not some nutrient (since so fat) missing or boredom from being kept in.  Mineral deficiency would cause them to eat dirt/sand.  Thank God they are just chewing wood and are not cribbing which causes colic.

Thanks so much for all the suggestions....and I actually found a guy right here in Loxahatchee.  His name is Gerard at 561-350-3171.  Bales are $85 and weigh around 800-900lbs.  But will keep all other info, too.

Tifton 85*

I was getting some beautiful round bales of Tiften 85 from a gal bringing it in from GA.  She is not selling anymore....anyone know of any other suppliers?

Give her catnip....she may forget all of her problems....

The smell of cat urine can be so strong.  Kitty has some bad behavior habits that need to be broken by you.  Is she fixed is a good question. Getting rid of the dog beds was good.  Leaving no clothes for her to use is good.  Tin foil sounds so wonderful....sounds like all should be well at this point.  Goodness...your husband is a keeper if he has been putting up with this and is now cleaning the cat box, thank God, because you are pregnant.  Hopefully this stops completely before baby is born...because after baby is born, your tolerance may fly out the window with Miss Kitty!

Hjshon001.....perfect!  I agree to every word you wrote!  And if I were that mother, you would be the one I would want to teach my child how to ride.  I hope you get a ton of "pms" for info on how to get lessons from you! Thank God for your common horse sense!!

Does it come without alfalfa?

Mare was put down as soon as colt left her.  This is a sad story, but the best was done for her.  She would be a wreck when her 3 yr. old colt is out of sight.  I personally saw what she did when the colt would be separated from her.  She wore herself out in 10 minutes...mass of sweat....so sad to see.  Colt never weaned!. Mother is 22 yrs. old and her suspensory ligaments were shot.  When she walks, (hind legs) her pasterns were almost touching the ground.  Yet, her feet were trimmed beautifully. The vet said she was in a lot of pain and they were giving her meds. for the pain.  The quality of life is what is important.  She would not adjust to being separated like the colt would.  I know Pure Thoughts have a bunch of horses and doubt that they could do for her....one on one...what needs to be done.   

I agree with back to the basics.  The horse may be 12 yrs., but you said he has been in training for 3 months with a new owner.  Is the horse green...out of shape...not use to being ridden and it seems like it is not the right bit at this point in time for his training.  The horse being heavy in the front shows out of shape and not knowing really what is being asked of him.  Older horses can surely be taught, but I hope the rider is sensitive to this horse so he can ease into this training and the horse will enjoy it and not want to "run away" from his training. Is the rider hard and heavy on his mouth?  I would do a lot of ground work, getting him balanced in his movements...strengthening him without interference from human weight.  He probably needs to build up his muscles and his ability to hold his neck and head in place, etc.

Well...a few ways....crush the pill if can be crushed and put it in her "favorite" food....make sure she gets every last drop.  That's the most obvious and easier way.  I have had to open my kitty's mouth before and push the pill down, but nobody comes out happy.

I do understand what you are saying..Jo...thanks for the advice and I also think that tacky pad would be something there.  Thanks Saddlediva.

Was she outdoors anytime?  My cat had been attack by 2 dogs and My son saved her in time.  Somehow she managed to protect herself...there was dog saliva all over her but no bites.  I thought..wow..Miss cat...you escaped that...but then she couldn't jump and or move too well.  My point is did your cat get an injured from a car, another animal, a fall?  How old is she?  Bottom line...I would get her checked out at the vets especially if there is no improvement.  My dog use to get a reaction from those flea and tick meds. you put on the necks.  Oh, my cat was totally fine the next day and lived a long healthy life. Hope all goes well.

Yeah...I found it can affect their breathing.  I just stopped using it anyway and especially after I read it can affect their breathing.  The saddle stays the same with it or without the breast collar.  I thought you would answer this...I figured you would have some good suggestions.  The saddle doesn't rock on his back...it is very comfortable and snug....it just slides back a bit... I just may call for more info...thanks so much.

Wonderful dealing with him......and in this economy, no one can beat his prices with his excellent work performance.  He knows his stuff....call him "the farrier/dentist whisperer".

My horse's saddle slides back some when I ride him and the cinch is as tight as can be and still be comfortable for the horse.  I thought I would use a breast collar to keep it in place.  Well, it still slides back a bit, but is held in pace by the breast collar.  The problem is when I dismount, I realize the breast collar is so tight around his chest because the saddle is pulling it back.  My question is about the breast collar.  The saddle is a whole other issue and replacing that and fitting him properly I know about.  But my question is if the breast collar is so darn snug against his chest, is this affecting his breathing? 

Yes, I heard that too.

What causes them?

When dealing with very young riders, it is very important to minimize the always potential accidents.....not create them or add to them.  I think the trainer overstepped the safety boundaries and then goes on to react like that wasn't her fault.  We don't welcome falls...we avoid them like the plaque.  As we know, falls can really hurt you---paralyze you or kill you.  Of course falls happen, but the aim is to stay on the horse!  I have taught a number of very young children to ride, including my daughter.  Very important to put the child with the right horse for their stage of riding.  Nothing is black and white with horses, but use tons of commen horse sense when dealing with kids.
Ultimately, the mother is the one who should be in charge of what her daughter is being exposed to.  I, for one, would take my child out of there with all this evidense.

And, I have a lovely friend who kept falling off her horse.  She ended up fearing riding and gave away her 2 horses. She had the wrong horses and her trainer was ignoramus of this.

That dog has been in Acreage.  She actually was staying with my nextdoor neighbor for a couple days.  As I went out to ride, she followed me and ran into eveyone's yard chasing ducks, confronting a cat that somehow didn't run, and almost got her buck chewed up by a couple of pittbulls!!  She's a sweet dog, but wanders the world.  She needs a home that will keep an eye on her.