With the upcoming Horse camps, horse shows, visiting horse barns, and just exploring the world of horses ~ Please remember that your thoughtful loving hands can be the spreaders of disease that can take our precious wonderful magical creatures. Let's remember to wash our hands or use hand sanitizer between pettings, or not to pet strange horses at all. There are many diseases that can be spread, but let's talk about Strangles.
Strangles is a highly contagious upper respiratory disease that effects the lymph nodes found in the jaw bone line and the upper respiratory track.
More information regarding this illness can be found here: (great reading!) http://www.horses-and-horse-information.com/articles/0196stran.shtml
So my homework to you when visiting barns and out riding horses - take the time to make sure that you are washing hands and equipment between barns at the very least. Take the time to wash your hands before and after contact with any horses in your barn or barns you are visiting. If you don't know the health history of the horse, there really isn't a need to pet him/her (this is particular for those visiting barns on "Equine Open Barn Day" that is coming up May 27th.
Another great reminder is that there is no need to let your horse touch noses with another horse while you are riding or in hand. Remember your horse's job is to be with YOU not looking to make new friends. It could be a dangerous position you place yourself in if the other horse doesn't want to be friends, and it also could spread illness.
When you get a new horse in your barn, don't forget to isolate it for a period of time to just make sure he/she isn't bringing anything into your facility that could harm the other horses. A quarantine policy is never a bad idea!
Otherwise let's start some shedding of winter woolly coats!!!
Spring is here!
Riding season has begun! YEAH HORSES!!!
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