Many of our horses live a much different life than they used to. Horses once lived on the plains traveling in herds and grazing all day. This was what they were intended to do by nature. Today, however, we like to show our horses and we like to keep them in the barn for easy access. Our horses have begun to live in stalls or small pens most of their lives and because of this they have had to adjust. Many horses have adapted to this type of lifestyle, but it has not been without any healthy effects. Colic is one of the most common health issues that horse owners have to worry about today.
Though horses are born to run, there are many that experience the painful problem of having cramps while trying to change speeds. When a horse quickens his gait pace to a gallop, cramping has been an especially difficult problem to deal with. Horses are interesting in their running style because they link their breathing to the rhythm of their hoof beats. When horses run, they just don’t bring in enough oxygen to support their muscles, which constantly tire because of the natural existence of lactic acid that causes pain and cramping. Recently, there have been new findings in the industry that are allowing horses to break through this problem and improve their performance.
Horses evolved on a different diet from the one they’re expected to eat today. The manner in which horses eat and the time they spend eating has changed considerably - even a horse living on grass eats a different diet from his ancestors. Unfortunately for the domesticated horse, his intestines have not evolved to meet these changes and, as a consequence, he is susceptible to digestive upset.
A horse’s digestion involves fermentation of which a by-product is gas, which can easily distend the gut causing problems. Horses cannot vomit to get rid of toxins, or
indigestible food. The gut has a large absorptive area (needed because the animal is a herbivore) which leaves the horse susceptible to toxins being absorbed quickly.
When it comes to pet ownership, we all have our preferences; the debate of dog versus cat can go on indefinitely. But for those who prefer horses, the care and feeding of their animal suddenly becomes a far greater undertaking then simply housing a smaller, more domesticated animal. Horses are large animals that come with an even larger responsibility for their owners. But for some people, ownership of miniature horses allows them to enjoy all that attracts them to horses, but on a much smaller scale.