Alicia’s Horse Web Site
Contents
Horse and Pony Breeds
Favorite Links
Caring For Horses
Your Horses Health
double click for sound
Horse and Pony Breeds
Most equines of 14.2 hands (4ft 10in) or more, are described as horses, and
those below are generally ponies. The purest Bloodlines carried by the Arab,
Barb, and thoroughbred are known as “hotbloods,” while the European heavy
horses are “coldbloods.” Warmbloods are any combination of the two.
Thoroughbred
The vast majority of thoroughbreds are produced for flat racing. This is because the body
is long and narrow, but the hindquarters are very strong which makes it great for running
fast. Height can range between 14.2 and 17hands (4ft 10in-5ft 8in).
Cleveland Bay
The Cleveland Bay combines strength with activity to make it a versatile weight-carrying
all-rounder. It is surefooted, can be bold, but not fast. Its straight action is quite long
striding, but rarely extravagant. A good jumper, it can carry a large man across heavy
plow, or jump out of deep mud. It is sensible, docile, hardy, and proves and excellent
riding and driving horse, when crossed with Thoroughbred for greater agility and stamina
at speed. Height can range between 16-16.2hands (5ft 4in-5ft 6in).
Welsh Cob
Brave, spirited and kindly, the Welsh Cob is known for its powerful, extravagant trot in
which it extends the forelegs almost horizontally from the shoulder. Height can be up to
15.1 hands (5dt 1in).
Dutch Warmblood
The Dutch Warmblood has an equable temperament and almost invariable moves
straight, with elastic paces and a willing, positive attitude to work. It matures early, at
four or five year. Thoroughbred crosses are often used to produce greater speed and
stamina for horse trials. Height goes from 16hand (5ft 4in) upwards.
Andalucian
The Andalucian is a striking horse, appearing bigger than it really is. It has very active
springy gaits and a proud self-carriage. The walk is rhythmically pronounced, the trot
high and rounded, and the canter smooth but rocking. The gallop does not cover much
ground, but like all the paces can be spectacular. This breed is supple and athletic,
combining a gaiety of spirit with gentleness and docility. Average height 15.2 hands (5ft
2in).
Quarter Horse
Fast, strong, intelligent, and kindly, this is a versatile and popular breed. Although built
for strait speed, with low action, it is also agile and surprisingly well balanced. It is an
instinctive cattle workhorse, with innate “cow-sense.” Average height 15.2hands (5ft
2in).
Hackney Pony
Energetic, spirited, and sometimes excitable, it moves quickly, with an extravagant,
flashy trot action, which should be fluent and rhythmic, as well as spectacular. Up to 14
hands height (4ft 8in).
Favorite Links
http://www.horses.co.uk/
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/horses/
http://horsefun.com/
Caring For Horses
Approaching Your Horse
Not all horses are good natured and reliable in the stable, and it is important to know how
to handle them safely and to make that practice a habit. Horses should always be
approached quietly and confidently. Even the quietest horse must be warned, by seeing
and hearing you. Sudden movements and loud voices will startle the horse. Horses are
sensitive to tone, and wary of aggressive or excited voices, people running or waving
their arms, unruly dogs, flapping or rustling clothing, or any unfamiliar or careless
behavior. Before going behind a horse, warn it by placing you nearest hand along the top
of the hindquarters, but avoid touching sensitive areas, the flank, lower belly or between
the hind legs.
Basic needs
The basic nutrients required by a horse are water and fiber, to maintain a working
digestive system; carbohydrates, which include sugars, starches and fiber, to supply
energy; proteins for bone and skin growth and repair; fats and oils for energy and body
maintenance; and vitamins and minerals for correct body functioning.
Foot Care
Healthy feet and good shoeing keep a horse sound and useful. Shoes are required if the
horse is ridden regularly, especially on roads or rough ground, and for most activities.
Shod feet grow as fast as and unshod feet so that even if shoes are barely worn, they need
to be removed every six weeks or so to be trim back the feet.
Your Horses Health
Preventing Problems
Many of the uses to which we put our horses place heavy strains and stresses to their
joints, tendon, and ligaments. As a result, lameness is very common and, indeed, many
vets spend their entire working lives diagnosing and treating its causes. Unfortunately
there is no vaccine against lameness, so all that can be done is to make sure that we breed
from genetically sound animals and never put a horse or pony to a use which it is not
suited.
However, there are very good vaccines against many diseases, although the equineowning public does not yet make full use of them. Only about 20%-30% of horses and
ponies in the UK are vaccinated against equine influenza and it is positively criminal not
to vaccinate against tetanus.
Parasite Infestation
Internal parasites can affect the respiratory apparatus of horses and ponies. Treatment is
usually straightforward, but it is much better to worm your horse regularly and avoid
infection in the first place. A regular dose of wormer is a small price to pay to keep your
horse cough-free.
Last revised: May 11, 2004