Volume 7 Issue 3
Table of Contents
Wild Horses
Cloud, wild stallion of the Rockies, faces an uncertain future. The population of the Pryor Mountains herds now stands at only around 140, already 10 horses below the minimum to maintain genetic viability - 4 years ago this same range sustained over 200 wild horses. But a roundup, the repeated application of birth control to yearling and two year old fillies, and active mountain lion predation on the foals have combined to create a 70% population loss in the herd. Any additional pressure from humans could put the herd into a downward spiral from which they cannot fully recover and Cloud's herd could be lost forever. Yet a BLM roundup is planned for the fall. This must be strongly protested.
Special Features
Changing the Rules of Competition
By Suzanne Engler Case
More and more people are starting to question how and why rules in the horse industry have come about and how they can be changed. For many in the horse industry, following tradition for tradition's sake is becoming less and less prevalent. People are questioning age old ideas such as the use of bits, spurs, whips, routine vaccinating and deworming, metal shoes, painful hoof applications, tail-breaking, etc. People are wondering why more humane ideas are not being explored more actively by the authorities, and how the rules can be changed. There is good news - the rules can be changed.
Equissentials
Intestinal Parasites: Opportunists in the Horse
Are parasites the cause or the result of ill health? Internal parasites thrive in the unhealthy, imbalanced body and digestive system that cannot evict them. It's important to understand how natural immunity works, and to know the natural options for the horse's best defenses against parasites.
Hoofcare Highlights
Forward Foot 'Syndrome' - Putting the Hoof Before the Horse
Most of us are diligent about getting our horses' hooves trimmed. Unfortunately, diligence alone won't cut it. Assume a foot that starts out in perfect condition but then starts receiving an improper trim. It may take months before we notice that it's got "Forward Foot Syndrome" - typically from being underexercised, too fat, and not trimmed enough or properly.
This roan stallion is Mystic with his herd. They are from Hart Mountain Fish and Wildlife Refuge in Oregon.
Photo by Mark Muntean Photography
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