The most common veterinary emergencies on the trail are colic, wounds (including rope burns), lameness, and “tying up.” While accidents happen to even the best-prepared, thinking ahead and knowing the basics can prevent most of these problems. The best approach is always to try to avoid emergencies by ensuring that you and your horses are prepared for the outing in every way. Below are some basic guidelines and tips for avoiding problems and making your equine outing the great experience it should be.
PREPARATION
It is vital that your horse be properly vaccinated for your trip. Travel and camping in a group of horses exposes them to stress and potentially to new disease organisms.
OTHER HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
CONDITIONING YOUR HORSE
Physical conditioning of your horse for major trail riding and horse camping is critical to a good experience. You should ideally start any conditioning program at least 4 to 6 weeks prior to the ride. That said, conditioning a horse starting 2 weeks in advance is better than nothing. Your horse should be accustomed to the type of work you will be asking him to do. If the ride will cover miles of steep trail daily for 3 days, then your horse should have ideally experienced similar trail types.
Trail riding 2 to 3 times per week for 30 minutes to an hour per session can prepare a horse for long trail rides. Adding inclines to your training regimen is a good idea if you the trip will involve lots of vertical gain. Ring work can be a substitute for long training rides, but you may need to push the horse a little harder and engage the hind end in the exercises you choose.
Mental conditioning of your horse (and you) is just as important to the enjoyment of your trip as physical conditioning. Address training issues like loading, trailering, tying, catching, and “fear of water” before your trip, rather than on it. This may mean getting some help if you are not able to resolve these problems yourself. If you plan to ride in a group of unfamiliar horses, try to get your horse prepared for this. Horses that are not accustomed to being around strange horses may expend lots of nervous energy just interacting with them. This can add to stress and overexertion.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS
Your riding habits on the trail are very important. You should encourage your horse to graze and drink frequently. Maintain an easy, even pace whenever possible. As you ride, watch for excessive sweating, heavy breathing, or resistance to moving forward. Stop immediately and allow rest if your horse experiences any of these symptoms. Stop periodically, especially during strenuous exertion, and allow your horse to rest until his heart rate comes down. Allow him to eat and drink during this rest time. If his recovery time is slow, be prepared to give him adequate rest periods for the rest of the ride. For pack animals, it is critical to watch the load carefully for imbalance and other problems.
Cool your horse out by walking him quietly over the last couple of miles. This is especially important in cold weather, so that he doesn’t get chilled after coming in wet with sweat. In warm weather, give him a bath and scrape him off. Daily, after your ride, you should check for saddle sores, swellings or cuts, especially down low on the legs. Ensure that he can trot soundly in a circle. Ensure that his attitude and appetite are good.
If your horse is fine at the end of the day, and cooled out properly, he can be fed a typical ration. If there is any question, only feed him a light meal. If he is not accustomed to green grass, only give him access to small amounts initially, gradually increasing this over the trip. Always try to avoid sudden major diet changes. Secure your horse for the night in a safe way. This might involve portable corrals, portable electric pen, tying to a picket line, or another method. The important point is that you do it correctly to avoid accidents.
FIRST AID KIT
Talk to your veterinarian about helping you put together a first aid kit for the trail. Here is a list of common items taken on the trail:
It is preferable to avoid accidents and veterinary emergencies through good preparation and horsemanship rather than to fill your pack with veterinary supplies to cover every potential accident. Have your horses and yourself prepared well, so that you have an enjoyable and less stressful experience.
By Douglas O. Thal DVM Dipl. ABVPBoard Certified in Equine PracticeThal Equine LLCLast Updated August 20119:00 am - 12:00 pm
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