Aren't genetics a funny thing?

Here's another Cathy gem. Seems she likes playing chicken with a speeding bullet as this time she provided her own ammunition.

Check out this Thoroughbred mare, Teresina. She's in my VLC's pedigree and I'm quite grateful enough other horses are in the mix that her legs were "overruled" by better conformed horses! Over at the knees, camped out behind, very weak gaskins. She might have been a fast, fast mare in her day but it's breeding for speed alone that has given us some of the flaws - and accompanying lamenesses - we see today.

**Insert excited smiley and clapping smiley here** Did she just say over at the knees? Does she mean like this?

Oh, but surely bad legs were bred out of VLC by now with all the phenomenal horses in Big Yellow Caddis pedigree? Hows that stifle feeling VLC?

Here's a horror show of conformation, and again, she's from my own horse's pedigree. The only nice thing I can say about Dixie Beach is that she appears to have pretty nice pasterns (set atop hooves that are all toe and no heel). She's also got a straight shoulder, nonexistant neck, homely head, long back, and a super high set tail.

High set tail? Long back? Short, chunky neck with bulky throatlatch?

WHEW! I'm sure glad that VLC dodged all those bullets otherwise he wouldn't be breeding worthy.

Maybe she needs to read all those horse books again

I'd like to clear up something that was in FHotD today. Here is her quote to shortly sum up my major eye roll-

the sugars upset the normal balance in the horse's digestive tract, resulting in toxins which lead to founder, aka laminitis

First, lets all get this straight since most people are led to believe that founder and laminitis are one in the same. While most google searches will bunch founder and laminitis together, they are actually two completely different things. While I feel that every first time or novice horse owner should know about grass or grain founder, it is also important they aren't led on to believe inaccurate information or that those are the only causes of either laminitis or founder.

Laminitis is the infection and inflammation of the laminae. Founder is the resulting rotation after the laminae breaks away from the hoof wall and the coffin bone rotates down towards the sole. Laminitis does not always lead to founder and there are simple steps you can take to make sure that your horse does not founder. Here is my simple list on how to treat laminitis before actual founder occurs. This is not to say that prevention of laminitis is not key in keeping your horse healthy and sound, these are just tips in case it does happen.

• Call your vet immediately as it is important to take action as soon as you notice- knowing the signs or being able to tell a difference in your horse are major role in this
• Soak your horses feet in cold water. If you are able to get your horse to stand in ice water. This will help prevent that inflammation that leads to laminae necrosis.
• Your vet will most likely suggest a pain killer and anti-inflammatory such as phenylbutazone or ketoprofen. If you have bute on hand, administer according to your horses weight.
• If your horse wants to lay down, let him. This will relieve the pressure that is on his feet.
• Your vet may suggest to keep with bute for 48-72 hours, make sure your horse is as comfortable as possible.
• Encourage movement to allow blood flow if your horse is comfortable enough to walk. No circles or sharp turning.
• Make sure your horse is in a area with soft ground to relieve the feet.
• Treat abscesses as soon as you can

Gone untreated-laminitis can lead to founder. Grain and grass are not the only reasons laminitis and founder occur.

• Road founder also known as mechanical founder occurs when a horse is worked for extended periods of time on hard surface
• Laminitis can also happen if a mare retains placenta for over 12 hours causing an infection
• Colic can lead to laminitis
• Drinking large amounts of water after a hard workout without properly being cooled down
• Bedding with walnut shavings in it
• Cushings and other insulin resistance
• Immune, respiratory, and renal problems

I post this because beginners are often misled and need to be aware that grain and grass are not the only culprits needing to be watched for.

Lets Get MOOOOving Bess!

Don't know if anyone else saw the story in the New York Post about Molly the cows escape from a Queens slaughter house and her finding a new home. Such a heart warming story and guarantee to put a smile on your face.

Have a happy Friday.

Standing O

Just wanted to say that I hugely admire and respect I Want Revenge's owner, David Lanzman, and trainer, Jeff Mullins, for scratching him from the derby even though his vet check passed. After discovering a hot spot and expecting a wet track, both trainer and owner decided against running even though the horse jogged fine for the vet and nothing was discovered on ultra sound.
This is a huge breath of fresh air as many trainers and owners have been known to run their horse in the big races despite the horse being off. Kudos to Lanzman and Mullins.