Horsey money saving hints? (merged)

GotToChange

Fair point made in that I was challenged over my horse only a few weeks ago; the main reason for that though was (sadly) spite and nastiness from someone old enough to know better. If the only good outcome was that my old horse - who is still probably only a heartbeat away from the knacker-man - has gained weight and improved condition, then it was a good thing.

I take on board that 1) I shouldn't interfere 2) I certainly don't know everything about everything - more like very little about very little, actually - and 3) I should probably capitalise on this situation to "make friends" with people that I didn't even know until less than a week ago and actually still haven't met face to face.

I wish I could go step further than post a photograph and upload a video; I simply do not know how the pony was actually still standing with the muzzle on. He was making Darth Vader sound healthy; horrible short, moist, laboured breaths. How can I stand to see that.....? (Rhetorical.)

If they are so bothered, why bring him to a place (last week) where there is actually some bloody grass on the land? Why not stay where they were? (Another rhetorical question.)

I am not noble enough to step back and say "none of my business" and defer to superior knowledge. Even though it seems that I am considered interfering and ignorant, I maintain that the pony should not be subjected to it day in day out. There should be a better solution.

If it's in my face, it is my business. I wish that wasn't true.

~Chameleon~

GotToChange wrote: »

I am not noble enough to step back and say "none of my business" and defer to superior knowledge. Even though it seems that I am considered interfering and ignorant, I maintain that the pony should not be subjected to it day in day out. There should be a better solution.

If it's in my face, it is my business. I wish that wasn't true.

Then talk to them about it!!!

Without access to the pony's veterinary records you cannot possibly know whether there's a genuine medical reason to wear the muzzle.

It may just be that the owners have never had to fit one before and need a little guidance. Ponies have an incredible knack of getting their noses over them and even managing to escape completely. It may well be that this has happened already so they have tightened up the strap to prevent it happening again without realising it's causing a problem with it's breathing.

Can I also just comment on an earlier comment someone made about offering treats to other people's horses .... PLEASE DON'T - EVER!!!!!

They could be allergic, choke, be on strict diet etc etc ...

Raksha

If it's as bad as you say, why not have a word with ILPH or similar?

oscarsmum

As others have said there are lots of reasons it may be muzzled-I have an old pony of 30 who gets colic very easily on lush grass, is laminitic and has Arthritis -all of these things mean she has to be on restricted grazing for most of the year. I don't have a muzzle on her, but would if necessary. I also have muzzled a welsh pony we used to have who could live on fresh air and still be overweight-a muzzle was the only way he could go out in the spring months-always got the damn thing off tho!
I understand how its difficult to watch if you think the situation is unfair. I would either try and make contact and discuss /advise the owners,or if you are really concerned ring the RSPCA-they will monitor the situation and be able to take appropiate action if necessary.
Good luck.

trudij

Gottochange - completely off this topic - but did you ever find out why your friend got the vets out to look at your chap?? Glad to hear hes doing well

jimdog

Can anyone help please? There used to be a herbal product on the market called 'Wheeze' which was for horses breathing problems. I can't seem to find it anywhere now. I've googled and found a product called 'No Wheeze' but have no idea if this is the same or similar.

Ideally I would like to find the original if possible, as it was an excellent product.

Thanks in advance!

serbask

Hi jimdog, I remember this too but cant remember who made it.

The one I (and most others I think) swear by is NAF Easy Breathing. This definately seems to be the most popular (and hopefully therfore best) round my way.

Maybe you could give a NAF (or another supplement manufacturer) a ring and ask them if they used to make Wheeze, and even if tehy didn't they may know who did?

jimdog

serbask wrote: »

Hi jimdog, I remember this too but cant remember who made it.

The one I (and most others I think) swear by is NAF Easy Breathing. This definately seems to be the most popular (and hopefully therfore best) round my way.

Maybe you could give a NAF (or another supplement manufacturer) a ring and ask them if they used to make Wheeze, and even if tehy didn't they may know who did?

Thanks - I will do some research into NAF.

jeannieblue

Wheeze for people too! I had some last year and the year before when it was hayfever season, plus when had really awful virus! People thought I was mad having horse medicine!! :eek: But it was really good. I've had a look around but i can't find anyone that does it anymore either and I'm sorry, but I don't know who the manufacturer was and no idea on the ingredients, only know that it was herbal and tasted dreadful!! But really helped me!

HorseySarah

Can anyone reccomend a good Mobile livery service to look after my horses over Christmas. I live in the West Yokshire area so would need them to operate here.