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Date Posted: 21:25:45 01/22/03 Wed
Author: Cheri
Subject: Wednesday's horse fact..
In reply to: Cheri 's message, "A New Week. Daily Inspirations and Horse Facts.." on 16:08:02 01/20/03 Mon



The older horse..


Heres are some signs that your older horse's feeding needs may need to be changed.


Tell-Tale Signs..


Loss of condition in the winter months, when the grass stops growing or is sparse.

Loss of weight around the hips and withers.

Difficulty eating hay.

"Quidding" of feed (dropping it out of the mouth).

Poor, worn or missing teeth.

Stiffness when coming out of his stable in the mornings.

General stiffness.

Keeping Condition On


One of the most important ways to ensure your older horse does not lose condition is to keep to a rigorous worming schedule, as well as having regular checks done by your veterinarian. Many older horses have worm damage which has accumulated over the years and this can affect the efficiency of their digestives systems.

Have his teeth checked regularly - at least once a year but twice is even better. As horses age, the angle of growth of their teeth changes, causing uneven wear. They can develop sharp points which can, at best, compromise their ability to chew effectively and at worst, cause sores on the inside of their mouths.
Different Nutritional Needs

Dr. Sarah Ralsten, of Cornell University did some research into the differences in digestive ability between young horses (specifically under ten years of age) and old horses (over twenty years of age) and found that older horses had an increased need for protein and phosphorus. Also, they were more likely to need those nutrients in a more easily digestible form, due to a possible lessening in the efficiency of their digestive system.

There are several feeds available now which are especially formulated for the senior equine. These feeds are high in digestible fiber and aim to increase or maintain weight, rather than to provide instant energy for work.



Feeding Young Horses..


When feeding young horses, it is important to formulate a diet that will provide his body with the good quality protein, vitamins and minerals it needs to grow healthily. There are, of course, feeds especially formulated for foals and youngstock to make things easier for the horse owner.


Things to Remember When Feeding Young Horses..


Unlike mature horses, foals eat a much higher ratio of concentrates to forage. This is because the foal's hind gut takes time to develop, so you will notice that a foal will eat little forage before he is three months old.

Ideally, you should be able to see the ribs of a healthy young horse until he is about two years old. Excessive weight may cause bone development problems.

If you cut back on feed because your foal is getting overweight, be sure that you still provide the level of proteins, vitamins and minerals required for healthy growth.

Aim for a slow, steady growth rate. Make a chart and measure your foal's weight and height at regular intervals.

Turn out 24 hours a day if possible. Young horses need positive stress on their bones to help them mature properly.

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[> Thursday's inspiration.. -- Cheri, 18:12:47 01/24/03 Fri




A "SOMETIMES CHRISTIAN"

_________________________

Psalm 91 (NRSV)

You who live in the shelter of the Most High,   who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress;   my God, in whom I trust."
For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler   and from the deadly pestilence;
he will cover you with his pinions,
      and under his wings you will find refuge;   his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
You will not fear the terror of the night,   or the arrow that flies by day,
or the pestilence that stalks in darkness,   or the destruction that wastes at noonday.
A thousand may fall at your side,
   ten thousand at your right hand,
   but it will not come near you.
You will only look with your eyes
   and see the punishment of the wicked.
Because you have made the LORD your refuge,   the Most High your dwelling place,
no evil shall befall you,
   no scourge come near your tent.
For he will command his angels concerning you   to guard you in all your ways.
On their hands they will bear you up,
      so that you will not dash your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the adder,
      the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot.
Those who love me, I will deliver;
   I will protect those who know my name.
When they call to me, I will answer them;   I will be with them in trouble,
      I will rescue them and honor them.
With long life I will satisfy them,
      and show them my salvation.

_________________________

"Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name."

- Psalm 91:14 (NIV)

_________________________

THE storm had overtaken my small boat, and I sought refuge in the shelter of an island. During the night, the storm intensified, and the anchor began to drag. In the darkness and rain, I struggled to the bow and somehow managed to reset the anchor. I went below but could not sleep, mostly because of my fear.

Before that night, I had turned to prayer only when I wanted something or found myself in trouble. "Lord, if you do ____ for me, I promise to _____," I'd bargain, or, "Lord, if you help me out, I will never do that again." The outcome was always the same: promises made and then broken. I called myself "a sometimes Christian." I went to church sometimes. I prayed sometimes.

That night, I didn't make any promises. "Please, God," I prayed, "just stop the wind, because that anchor is never going to hold." I listened as the rain stopped and the wind died. A powerful feeling came over me. A book was lying open, face down on the table. I turned it over and saw a quote from Psalm 91. For the first time in my life, I felt that God was speaking to me, saying, "You made no empty promises this time. Do not be afraid."


Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for guiding us through our daily
struggles. Help us to know we are never alone. Amen.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Pray from your heart.

-- Jack Carl (New Hampshire, U.S.A.)

PRAYER FOCUS: Those endangered by storms
_________________________


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