HORSE PONY AND DONKEY OWNERS
WORMING
Now is a good time to worm, its easily
obtained from your vet, and easily administered as powder or paste...a simple
job that can not only save your food bills, but ensure your horses are getting
the nourishment they need without the sometimes fatal damage which parasites
can cause to the gut wall. Any long term horse owners will have already
seen the horrible worm laden guts on the adverts!! Not nice!
HOUSING
If bringing your horse or pony or donkey,
in during the winter nights, now is the time to check on general maintenance.
Make sure rooves are sound and waterproof, and floors are good.
Also good idea to order your straw or other bedding materials now, along
with the hay supply, as it will become harder to find good quality as the
winter progresses.....horses dont usually thank you for the three year old
mouldy stuff that many farmers will sell you! Cows generally are not
so fussy so my french neighbour tells me!
HOOFCARE
The dry weather can make unshod hooves split
and crack. If large cracks appear that spread up the hoof, or large chunks
are broken away at the base its advisable to get the farrier in to tidy
them and ensure no damage is done to the sensitive laminae.
Check feet, and pick out daily to ensure you never
miss any early signs of damage.
PESKY FLIES!!
Please please ensure your animals have
enough shelter from heat and flies during the heat of the day. Some
finer types appreciate a cool stable for the hottest hours, but if leaving
them out 24/7 you can get an excellent long term fly
repellent from your vets.... the shop bought ones usually need applying
every 6 hours to be any good, and are more costly in the longrun.
USEFUL CONTACTS
EQUINE VETS
A reader writes:
"I have been told about a vet in Louvigne
just outside of Laval on the Le Mans road.They
specialise in horses.They are based on a farm
I believe and you can take the horse to them they
are there in the afternoons so I am told. I don't know
what happens about visits though" ....if you have used
them or can give us a telephone number/address do let
us know?
RECOMMENDED FARRIERS
John Claude Laffargue
(West Mayenne region) has worked in UK
02 43 00 40 79 or 06 83 24 46
also
Stephane Brehin (East Mayenne region)
02 43 03 48 93
not fluent in english but a top class
registered farrier!
EQUIP'HORSE have a mail order catalogue and good
prices for all your needs! You can order one
on http//:www.equiphorse.com
°°°°°READERS
MESSAGES°°°°°
We are trying to establish
horse friendly rights of way in the region.
PLEASE email mary at: mary.kent@tiscali.fr
mary writes:
"I know that Mayenne tourist board are
supposed to be getting an itinery/brochure together
but I am going to be too old to ride by the time they
get it together! Would it be possible to ask any one who
knows of tracks in their area that might be suitable
they don't have to have ridden them just know that
they are not private ..if they could send me details
that would be great .Maybe if there is any interest
we could arrange occasional rides for pleasure"
IF anyone needs particular advice relating
to buying, handling, riding or caring for horses,
ponies and donkeys I will be happy to help!
Just email me at sue.coleman@free.fr
|