First and foremost, if you are in love with ponies and horses and you can afford him/her, get your new best friend. I promise that it will be the best thing in your life. Although my story of Aladdin and our relationship, especially related to his care, is somewhat different than many others, to own and care for Aladdin, I believe, is perhaps, more of the "true" picture of what owning your own horse is all about. This article touches upon an individual who does not have a farm and facilities to keep a horse, and pertains to self-care. (shown here, my friend, Janie, who helped me in this huge, life-changing experience)
Because Aladdin is field board in a self-care facility (a beautiful farm located just two miles from my home in the City of Frederickburg), it is my responsibility to care for him every single day. There are no skipping days, no "I'm too tired" or "it's too cold". He, and his herd mates depend upon me to be there, without fail. A typical visit to the farm means:
- Calling him from whatever pasture he is lazing around in (if he trots or canters from the pasture to me, he gets a treat, and I get a kiss; if he walks like he's 80 years old, he still gets a treat, but I make him give me two or even three kisses!)
- Grain and supplements all year long (I currently use grain, with 11% protein as well as Biotin and Fluid Flex)
- I always check to be sure the herd has plenty of water...all animals absolutely MUST have water (winter, spring, summer and fall), and horses drink a LOT.
- Aladdin gets a treat (and I get a kiss)
- In the winter, he, as well as his farm mates receive about 1/2 bale of hay comprised of the best timothy grass available! I monitor very carefully how much everyone is munching on...if they're leaving some, I cut back a bit...if they're "cleaning their plates", I add some.
- Aladdin gets a treat (and I get a kiss)
- I brush him and admonish him gently for rolling in the mud.
- Aladdin gets a treat (and I get a kiss)
- While brushing him, I check him from head to toe for any marks, potential injury or anything else that looks out of the ordinary. And because I do see him every day...I see ALL! This is key, and the most important thing you can do to ensure your horse or pony is healthy, fit and comfortable. It is also wise to check their feet, even if you're not riding, to make sure there are no pebbles or foreign objects stuck in their feet
- Aladdin gets a treat and stands patiently while he gets a big hug around his neck. As I reluctantly drive away, I call out that that I love him, tell him to be a good boy, promise that I'll see him tomorrow, and I will.
To follow...visits from the vet, the "equine dentist" and the farrier
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