Anyone visiting Hof Steigerwald in Hilgermissen for the first time will hardly believe his eyes. Here is trained with ponies and horses, what is actually seen only on dog courses: The horses exceed a seesaw, master a slalom, jump through tires and cross tunnel. Fittingly, the whole thing is called horse agility - the new sport for horse and man not only promotes confidence, but also by the way mobility and coordination ability.

"Actually, the ideas for the individual devices have emerged from the question of how I can meaningfully train from a physiotherapeutic point of view body-sensation," says the instructor, who originally worked with people as a state-certified masseuse. Over the years, however, she focused more and more on the horses and received training in areas such as equine physiotherapy, kinesiology, acupressure, Cransiosacral therapy and Reiki. "At Viviane Theby I started with clicker training, which is now also a focus of my work," reports Steigerwald. For five years she is self-employed in the field of horse training, her hobby horses are beside the agility also medical training, young horse work and senior gymnastics.

Nina Steigerwald's horses are worked exclusively on positive reinforcement. "Especially in free work that is incredibly motivating," she says. "In the past, I rode a lot more than today. If it has to go fast, I just need to wrap a food bag and start working. This is very practical. " 

In fact, each of the many gymnastic equipment that Nina Steigerwald uses on the Agility course, many of which she developed herself, has a special effect on the horse's body. Here we introduce a part of the devices and their gymnastic effects.

Tires

The tire is a test of courage and jumping gymnastics in one: the horse learns that it can not jump over something, but also through something. Here, first of all, every passing through the head is rewarded up to the slow passing through. Later, a small jump follows from the trot or canter. As with the Cavaletti work back and abdominal muscles are strengthened.

Gymnastics mat

Even a thick gym mat, which many are likely to know from physical education, is an integral part of the agility course. There are three positive effects here: "First of all, it's about trust work." If the horse dares to hit the mat, it will be led first in a step, later the whole thing can be increased and extended to trot and gallop. "Here the horse has to stabilize incredibly. It's very tiring to lift the hooves so high that they can easily get over the mat. "

We accompanied Sebastian Nolewajka and his Mustang mare Equiteam's Shy Miller aka Day 3348 for one day during their daily training. The Horseman is one of 15 coaches who face the challenge in Mustang Makeover Germany to win the trust of a true Mustang within 90 days.

Carefully, Sebastian approaches the small, brown Mustang mare. A real brown is not really. Her coat shimmers slightly anthracite colors. She is standing with a Haflinger mare and has her head deep in the hay rack. Sebastian takes the knot holder off the hook and opens the gate to the paddock. Of course, the mare has noticed us long ago, but does not even think about coming to us, nor to let the hay out of her sight. Only when Sebastian has approached two meters, she suddenly sets in motion - not hurry, but still determined. 

Sebastian remains calm himself and keeps taking a few steps towards the mare and stops again. Curious, she watches him and finally lets him approach him. He gently puts her halter over her. Although she has been with him for almost 60 days, it still does not make a routine impression. Sebastian gets moving again and the mare follows him without hesitation.

With passion

Sebastian Nolewajka is a Horseman and successfully runs the Heide Horse Trail - an extreme trail park for horses with seesaws, bridges and various hurdles made of natural materials. He is one of the 15 coaches in the Mustang Make Over Germany and has picked up his mare on 30 April 2017 from the airport in Frankfurt am Main. She came directly from the US from a Mustang reception center and was already prepared for transport and trained. Sebastian became aware of the "competition" through one of his riding students - he had been in the USA several times and had the opportunity to look over his shoulders and to meet Mustangs as well as his horsemanship role models. 

So it was inevitable that he has applied as a coach. However, he has moved after the departure of another coach, but still or maybe even more passionate. 90 days are not a long time and require a lot of trust, time and patience from the trainer and the animal. "Of course I would like to ride on the CHIO grounds in Aachen on the 5th and 6th of August, but unfortunately, that's not what her body does. Of course, Mustangs are late developers and of course have lost much of their muscle due to the long time spent in the recovery stations, but I think we can still get through the substance of the competition well. 

What could be better than winning the trust of a wild horse? And that's intriguing enough. " 90 days are not a long time and require a lot of trust, time and patience from the trainer and the animal. "Of course I would like to ride on the CHIO grounds in Aachen on the 5th and 6th of August, but unfortunately that's not what her body does. 

Of course, Mustangs are late developers and of course have lost much of their muscle due to the long time spent in the recovery stations, but I think we can still get through the substance of the competition well. What could be better than winning the trust of a wild horse? And that's intriguing enough. " 90 days are not a long time and require a lot of trust, time and patience from the trainer and the animal. "Of course I would like to ride on the CHIO grounds in Aachen on the 5th and 6th of August, but unfortunately that's not what her body does. 

Of course, Mustangs are late developers and of course have lost much of their muscle due to the long time spent in the recovery stations, but I think we can still get through the substance of the competition well. What could be better than winning the trust of a wild horse? And that's intriguing enough. " Of course, Mustangs are late developers and of course have lost much of their muscle due to the long time spent in the recovery stations, but I think we can still get through the substance of the competition well. What could be better than winning the trust of a wild horse? And that's intriguing enough. " Of course, Mustangs are late developers and of course have lost much of their muscle due to the long time spent in the recovery stations, but I think we can still get through the substance of the competition well. What could be better than winning the trust of a wild horse? And that's intriguing enough. "

Patience is the A & O

Twice, three times a day Sebastian works with the mare Day 3348 aka Equiteam's Shy Miller - the number serves as an identification feature and is typical of the Mustangs who carry their brand along the mane ridge. Due to the repeated training Sebastian gets more time and can almost simulate almost a year. It was also important not to overstrain the animals. Many riders and coaches are too impatient - if a horse has made his lesson even rudimentary correctly, even if it were only two centimeters in the right direction, the training should theoretically be terminated. "Training with Mustangs is a very special challenge. 

For example, I could not lure her with food at all because she just did not know it, she was very distant at the beginning and just moved into a corner. We also had some teething problems: in Frankfurt, we only got a five-minute instruction and then we were on our own. After we arrived, I took off her halter, a stupid mistake that cost me almost a week of training, but now she trusts me more and more, "explains Sebastian. The fact that there is a deep trust between the two becomes clear at the latest when training in the hall: Sebastian prepares the little mare for the 'Show' in the CHIO Arena and is therefore already training with a smoke machine. Day 3348 is always vigilant and at least always has an ear and eye on us - after all, we are new to their surroundings and they can not really judge us. After careful approach but we can finally caress our first real Mustang.

Be a friend to the horse

Gradually, the machine blows more and more steam into the riding arena, in addition Sebastian gets a large plastic tarpaulin and confronts the mare with it. "It's easier to train with horses that follow their flight instincts. This is similar to the Join Up - at some point, the horse deals with the situation and accepts you as a manager, "says Sebastian. He prefers to call himself a manager, a leader or a herd leader - the word implies a certain compulsion, while the manager remains more neutral. "The horse ultimately needs no one to lead, but someone to trust," explains the horseman. 

Sebastian picks up the tarpaulin from the ground, the mare loosely on the rope, and brings it loud to crackling and closer to the mare. Day 3348 does not run away as we would have thought, but remains relatively quiet. Not because she is not afraid of it, but because a Mustang has just grown up in the wild and is therefore confronted with permanent survival stress. Constant running away would only consume the necessary fat reserves and that could mean death. "This is also the difficulty of the training," emphasizes Sebastian, "if she does not run away, she does not deal with the situation, but it builds up a lot of pressure and then it explodes at some point." Fortunately, we do not experience this 'explosion' in the training session. but because a Mustang has just grown up in the wild and is therefore confronted with permanent survival stress. 

Constant running away would only consume the necessary fat reserves and that could mean death. "This is also the difficulty of the training," emphasizes Sebastian, "if she does not run away, she does not deal with the situation, but it builds up a lot of pressure and then it explodes at some point." Fortunately, we do not experience this 'explosion' in the training session. but because a Mustang has just grown up in the wild and is therefore confronted with permanent survival stress. 

Constant running away would only consume the necessary fat reserves and that could mean death. "This is also the difficulty of the training," emphasizes Sebastian, "if she does not run away, she does not deal with the situation, but it builds up a lot of pressure and then it explodes at some point." Fortunately, we do not experience this 'explosion' in the training session. but it builds up a lot of pressure and then it explodes at some point. Fortunately, we do not experience this 'explosion' in the training session. but it builds up a lot of pressure and then it explodes at some point. Fortunately, we do not experience this 'explosion' in the training session.

Love is (not always) through the stomach

The little Mustang mare makes a very balanced impression. She looks at everything carefully and does not even let her irritate her by the fog machine, as she emits a full load of water vapor again - she is only fixated on Sebastian and thinks hard. At the end of the training, Sebastian also demonstrates sitting down on an oversized beanbag. Every millimeter the mare takes backwards towards the beanbag is immediately rewarded by Sebastian. 

He does not work with treats. "The mare would not accept anything in these situations anyway, and it's worth much more if the animals want to cooperate with us and not just because of the food. Mustangs are honest horses from the ground up - either they love you or they hate you. But once they have closed you in their hearts, you have found a friend for life, "says Sebastian and looks at his day 3348 almost a bit in love. Whether Sebastian might even take part in the auction, he has not betrayed us.

Mustangs - the wild horses of North America

The Mustang is one of the last wild horses in North America. There is no particular breed type, nor can the Mustangs be described as 'real' wild horses, as they are simply the offspring of various European breeds. Convicted to America during the colonial era, some of the horses have been run away and feral - a population has developed that has not only fascinated the Indians and cowboys. The myth of the wild horse continues to this day and inspires many people around the world. Overpopulation and low living habitats have severely worsened the Mustangs situation. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for the Mustang population and has set up reception centers to sustain the number of wild Mustangs.

Mustang Makeover Germany 2017

For almost ten years, the Mustang Heritage Foundation has been running the EXTREME MUSTANG MAKEOVER in the US to make the wild horse more popular and increase the number of adoptions. This year, the Mustang Makeover takes place for the first time in Germany to promote the fascination of wild horses. 15 coaches have 90 days to train their assigned Mustang and finally present them on the CHIO grounds in Aachen - the animals will then be auctioned off.

Tips and tricks for the winter

The days are getting shorter, it gets uncomfortable outside. Winter is approaching and many a stable community has already asked its members to help with the annual winter service. This is a must for any facility to be well prepared for ice and snow. We have summarized the most important tips for 

Winterize the stable

As temperatures drop, we tend to keep windows and doors closed. However, this should not apply to the stable: fresh air is very important for the sensitive horse leash, especially in the time when the grazing season is over. Even cold weather does not hurt the horses: those who are shorn, defy cold temperatures thanks to a warm winter blanket, and those with winter fur have no problems with freezing temperatures anyway. 

Up to -20 ° C, our horses are perfectly equipped against the cold - by the way, warm-blooded animals, Nordic races such as Icelanders are still cold-resistant. The horse has an extremely good thermal insulation: While the skin can cool to almost 0 ° C, it forms together with the subcutaneous fat tissue an insulating layer for the body. In the coat of hair air is trapped, which also protects the body from the cold. Only from -15 ° C does a healthy horse need extra energy to maintain body temperature. This requirement can be met easily with an additional ration roughage.

Well equipped up to -15 degrees

The weather is often not caused by the coughing of a horse in the winter, on the contrary: the fact that many stables are brought to a comfortable temperature for humans, the horse on the pasture, as soon as it leaves the stable or to spend on the paddock or to work in the much colder indoor riding arena, differences in temperature and humidity that cause him far more trouble than the actual outside temperatures.

As an escape animal, the horse is equipped with a very powerful respiratory system and a large lung volume, which is particularly sensitive to poor air conditions. Harmful, as toxic, are in particular the gases carbon dioxide, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide and methane, which are caused by the respiration of the horse as well as by bacterial decomposition of urine and feces and irritate the respiratory tract. Stable hygiene is therefore important - just as important is the fresh air. Another problem with too little ventilation: an increase in humidity. If it is too high, pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and parasites multiply. Also condensation on the walls can be the result: ideal prerequisite for the formation of molds,

Air in the stable

If a stable temperature prevails in the stable, as outside, the horses can breathe easier. However, the owners of the stables have to face the next challenge: How can the water pipes be protected from frost? Meanwhile, the market offers several solutions to this problem. The line can be specially insulated to withstand cold temperatures. It is also possible to heat the pipes and the drinkers.

Next problem: the use of the washing area. Even if the water is still flowing, it quickly freezes on the floor again. To prevent sliding, sand is often used to cover the ice. Even more effective is the use of the salt substitute magnesium chloride, which freezes only from -33 ° C, but in any case provides up to - 10 ° C good antifreeze. The advantage of conventional road salt: It is considered to be harmless to health and does not attack the sensitive horn of the hooves. 

Even frozen access to the pastures or the hall can be easily exposed with the help of magnesium chloride - however, as soon as a new layer of ice forms, it must be re-strewn. Slippery areas in black ice can also protect floor mats. Particularly recommendable, for example for paddock boxes, are perforated plates, which are filled with sand. Also water-permeable rubber mats are suitable - they ensure that the ice breaks as soon as the horse enters the mat.

Winterfest the riding hall

Magnesium chloride is also the magic word when it comes to frost-free riding surfaces. It freezes only from -33 ° C and found in potash deposits as "carnallite" or in seawater. The decisive difference to salt: It is considered harmless to health and is also used in the food industry, for example as a flavor enhancer. In hard coal mining, it is used as a dust binder. The magnesium chloride binds the water and protects the floor from frost. Another plus: Compared to "real" salt, magnesium chloride does not attack the sensitive horn of the hooves. 400 to 500 kilograms are used as a guideline, which is needed for a 20 x 40 meter riding track to effectively protect them from ground frost. 

The magnesium chloride should be distributed on the hall floor before the first ground frost and act for ten hours, then the floor is pulled smooth - then it can be safely used again. The material retains its effect over several months. In the outdoor area, it may also be necessary to re-sprinkle, after which a longer rainy season should follow, as the material is rinsed out. Incidentally, magnesium chloride is also ideal for allergy sufferers: it binds the dust by covering the floor with a damp layer. In addition, it can also be safely used to defrost frozen roads: thanks to its convincing thawing effect, road-blending mixes also contain around 30 percent magnesium chloride. However, here too, as with conventional salt,

Magnesium chloride keeps the soil loose

Another option: Arpolith, a tan granulate consisting of rock flour, silicates and minerals that is completely biodegradable. According to the manufacturer, it absorbs up to 30 times its own weight in moisture due to swelling. By swelling and shrinking of the granules, the soil is additionally loosened and thus slip-proof and elastic. A secret formula to which the Spanish Riding School in Vienna swears. The natural soil conditioner can be easily incorporated into existing areas: For this purpose, about 200 to 300 grams of granules are applied by hand or with a fertilizer spreader depending on the thickness of the wear layer on the square meter and incorporated with rake, cultivator, cultivator or Reitbahnplaner.

In general, even when selecting the hall floor, stable operators should pay attention to their winter stability. There are now a variety of materials on the market, which are from the beginning to a certain extent frost-proof. Special sand mixtures, wood chips and carpet flakes are included.

Watch for cracks

Before winter, especially in older systems, the roof and roof of the car should be closely examined. Are there dilapidated places or cracks? In particular, when there are boxes right next to the hall and the air has hardly any opportunities to exchange views, sweat quickly forms. Problem: If all doors and windows are closed at night, air humidity accumulates in the building even in sub-zero temperatures. When the doors are reopened the next morning, it not only escapes outside, but also into the riding hall, where condensation water settles on the wood. 

This applies to both the ceiling and the supporting posts. Therefore, especially in winter, the supporting elements should be constantly checked. Draws water into the wood and then freezes, small cracks can occur which may continue to expand with each subsequent exposure to moisture and subsequent low temperatures until the entire support structure becomes unstable. And even those who own a steel construction have their own: here, too, cracks can appear that need to be found in time.

Another part of the traditional "Thoroughfare for winter riding" service was the emptying of the irrigation system, should the pipes not be specially insulated. There is still water in the pipes, it expands when freezing and brings the pipes to bursting - not only annoying, but life threatening for humans and animals, they should be at the time in the square.

Winterize the trailer

Not only stable and hall, but also the trailer should be checked again before the cold season. Here a thorough cleaning is recommended, which can be used at the same time to check the floor for small cracks, especially in the transition to the walls. As with the hall construction, water can enter here, expand at minus temperatures and make the soil unstable. Optimally, the trailer is under a roof or a tarpaulin in winter - this is not possible, it should be a little inclined, so that rainwater can drain better. 

To protect the tires, the wheels can be jacked up. Again, it is worth taking a closer look: Are the tires still in good shape, or are there small cracks? If the trailer is also used in winter, it should be cleaned regularly.         

With spring the most beautiful time of the year starts for many horses: the grazing time. But Weidetor on, horses up and everything is good, does not work. Before the start of the grazing season, it is necessary to prepare the meadow accordingly. Afterwards, the feeding must also be kept in view - because grass can also make you sick.

Although many horse owners have stomach aches, thinking of the upcoming grazing season and associated risks such as musculoskeletal injuries, laminitis, and colic, pasture time is the best thing they can offer their horses. Horses were once steppe animals and have not lost their ability and their need to live on grasslands, even as pets. On the contrary, the grazing season comes closest to the basic needs of the horse, because the horses are in fellowship of their species and have food, exercise and rest.

However, before the animals can be left on the lush green, some care measures are necessary.

Willow Care: That's How it Works

With the pasture care, horse and stable owners should be busy all year round. Starting shot is the spring, where the meadows are towed, rolled and fertilized in the rule. Later, the regular collection of feces, the removal of weeds and poisonous plants and the seeding of grazing. The latter is especially recommended in the period March / April and July / August.

By towing the pasture uneven units are leveled, molehills flattened, residues of horse droppings distributed and dead scar parts solved. Subsequent rolling re-establishes soil penetration, promoting plant growth. Also, rolling improves the carrying capacity of the scar. Whether and how often a meadow has to be rolled is different. For example, the State Office for Consumer Protection, Agriculture and Land Consolidation recommends rolling fen grassland every spring, grassland on mineral soil only as needed.

The issue of fertilization should be given much attention in spring. The nutrient content of the soil is crucial for the quality of the grass and the species composition of a pasture. The most important components of a good pasture are, for example, grasses, clover and herbs. What grows in a meadow varies from region to region, depending on the type of soil, groundwater level, climate, care and use. In a pasture in the heathland region, where the soil is often sandy, for example, completely different plants can be discovered, as on a fat Börde soil.

Recognize nutrient deficiencies

But how can you tell if a meadow is good or not? Here, some plant species are an important indicator by showing deficiencies. If a pasture has a nutrient deficiency, the following plants are strongly represented: sheep fescue, bristle grass, soft honey grass, gentian, saxifrage, broom, silver thistle and rough dandelion. On a calcium-poor soil, especially sheep's fescue, small sorrel, heather, cotton grass, Borstel grass, gorse and arnica can be found, while Sulla, parsnip, sickle alfalfa, meadow sage and yellow clover, indicate a basic soil reaction, so a good supply of lime.

If these plant species occur more frequently, it must be counteracted with appropriate fertilization of the soil - provided that the meadow is to serve as a source of food. With pure movement areas less consideration must be taken here. In this case, it is only important to keep the pasture free from poisonous plants.

In order to fertilize the soil optimally, a regular soil examination is recommended, which should be carried out approximately every three years. For this purpose, a soil sample can be sent to the Lufa, which evaluates the soil and then gives an individual fertilizer recommendation. Thus, the exact and necessary quantities of the basic nutrients phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and lime can be applied.

Detect poisonous plants

Not only before the grazing season, the care of the green areas is irreplaceable, but also during the season. So should be checked regularly, whether spread poisonous plants. Horse hooves - and especially studded hooves - as well as the Verbiss the horses provide holes in the sward. If these gaps are not seen in time and filled up with grayling, it is easy to settle for uninvited plants such as docklands or poisonous plants such as the St. Jacob's shrub and the autumnal timeless. In particular, St. Jacob's shrimp represents an increasing danger, because it spreads very quickly. Crabgrass is very toxic due to the alkaloid content and horses are very sensitive. To prevent the poisonous plant from spreading, you should always pay attention to a dense sward. Occasionally sprout plants,

And the regular collection of horse droppings is part of a good pasture care. And for two reasons: First, the collection of the horse's cabbage reduces the worm pressure enormously. Horses and their feces excrete worm eggs and larvae that live in the intestine. These sit on the plants and are picked up by the horses again. Especially after the administration of a worm cure, the horse dung must be removed. Also not recommended is the towing a pasture on which are still old horse pants, because it increases the risk of infection with parasites. On the other hand arise where horses increasingly drop their feces, so-called Geilstellen. Horses no longer eat there, the soil over acidifies due to the increased feces and stinging nettles or dock are spreading.

Protect from biting

In addition to regular care, a gentle pasture management is irreplaceable. Gentle means that the horses do not come too early to the fresh, young green in the spring. The plants need a certain size to withstand the bite of the horses. In autumn, the animals should not be fetched too late from the meadow, because eaten pastures need more rest in order to prepare for the next spring.

During the grazing season, the existing grazing land should always be given time to regrow and recover. We recommend three to seven weeks. This is possible either by giving many different pastures grazed one after the other, or by dividing the existing green area into different areas. Also Steckwiese is useful. Here, two intermediate fences are set, which are put on daily or every few days. Thus, the animals always get new grass, while the eroded area can recover quickly.

The change of grazing area can also be used to mow everything left standing. This gives the new grass a better chance of growing fast and evenly.

Check the fences

In addition to the soil care, the fences are an integral part of pasture management. These must be checked before the grazing start and meanwhile, because only with intact fences the Hütesicherheit is given. If the pasture is grazed, the horses' walking instinct is intensified and not every fence can stand up to it.

When fence construction, there is a lot to be observed: So fixed fences outside only by farmers may be set up. And in nature and landscape conservation areas, a mobile fence may only be set up during the grazing season. In addition, the height of the leash should be adjusted to the size of the horse. For small horses and ponies, a recommendation of 120 cm, 75 cm and 45 cm applies; in the case of large horses, the strands should have a height of 140 cm, 95 cm and 50 cm. If large horses and ponies share the meadow, the fence must be built according to the size.

Barbed wire as a sole fence is prohibited. If a horse panics, barbed wire poses a significant risk of injury. Therefore, this type of fence must be secured by clearly visible power strands. For this purpose, an inside running fence with about 50 centimeters distance is advised. Strands that run between the barbed wire have no stock in court from the point of view of animal welfare.

Appropriately grazing

Before going into pasture for a long time, the horses have to be grazed and prepared for the new food. Otherwise, changing the diet may lead to gastrointestinal disturbances. During the winter months, the horse's intestine has adjusted to the feeding of dry roughage. This is why there are many intestinal bacteria that can break down dry roughage, but gut bacteria for fresh grass are lacking. 

The formation of these bacteria takes time - for this reason it is important that the horses are slowly grazed and accustomed to the fresh food. If this does not happen, colic, diarrhea, droppings and, in the worst case, even metabolic diseases such as laminitis can occur. Therefore, horse owners should slowly get their animals used to the new food - starting at five minutes, it can be increased daily by a few minutes until after about two weeks about half an hour has been reached. 

Subsequently, the grazing time can be increased in ten or fifteen minute intervals. In stables, where the adjusters themselves are responsible for the feeding of their horses, it is important that they get a binding appointment from the stable owner in time, when the grazing time should begin. Only then can they prepare their animals sufficiently for the new food. when the grazing time should begin. Only then can they prepare their animals sufficiently for the new food. when the grazing time should begin. Only then can they prepare their animals sufficiently for the new food.

But even with a careful Anweiden fresh grass in the spring can affect the metabolism of each horse. Of these, especially the detoxification organs liver and kidney are affected. A typical symptom of overloaded metabolism is, for example, runaway legs. To support kidney and liver, special herbs can be fed parallel to the start of the grazing season.

It is also helpful not to let the horses go on the meadow with an empty stomach during the first time. Who feeds enough hay before, prevents the hungry horses from falling greedily on the fresh green grass. 

Pay attention to metabolic diseases

Special attention should be paid to the preening especially in horses suffering from metastases with laminitis, Cushing or EMS.

Can not grow grass, it stores the energy made by photosynthesis, in the form of fructan. Fruktan is suspected of favoring the above-mentioned metabolic diseases. If a horse ingests too much fructose, the intestinal environment over-acidifies and the beneficial gut bacteria die. This release toxins that are absorbed by the blood and can cause, among other things, laminitis. According to scientific findings, 7.5 grams of fructan per kilogram of body weight are the cause of clinical laminitis. This can be achieved with unrestrained food intake or when plants are under stress, when a horse can feed unrestrained all day fructan grass.

The amount of fructan actually absorbed by a horse depends on several factors. One of them is the grass variety. For example, ryegrass contains a great deal of fructan, while cocksfoot, meadowweed grass, red fescue and meadow foxtail are among the fructan-poor grass species. The weather also plays an important role. 

Once a plant has grown and has formed flowers or seeds, the fructan content decreases. Rising temperatures also reduce the fructan content. The colder the days, the more fructan is stored. Cold and sunny days are particularly dangerous for all grass types: frost can not grow the grass, it is too cold. The sun, on the other hand, ensures photosynthesis and thus generates energy, which is stored. This will be fructan. The same applies, by the way, when it is dry for a long time. If there is a lack of water, the grass can not put the existing energy into growth, but stores it for better times.

Ideal (on) pasture weather thus cloudy and mild days. 

What many do not know: A short-eaten pasture is by no means suitable for metabolically ill horses. Because even if it seems at first glance, as if there is not much to fetch, this picture is deceptive. Short grass is usually highly stressed and accordingly has a high fructan- and additionally a high protein content.

Overweight: grazing ban? 

Metabolic diseases and obesity are common in many horse stables. But instead of giving up the important grazing time, horse owners should rather think about alternative solutions. So a limited grazing time would make sense or the use of muzzles and Fressbremsen. 

The pros and cons of time-limited grazing time are being discussed. For many horse owners, this is the only way to provide pasture for their overweight and diseased animals. However, studies show that horses that only spend a short time in the meadow eat very fast and without interruption and end up receiving more than horses that stay longer in pasture and take time to sleep in between.

With a brakes, the horse can also spend some time together with his herd in the pasture and enjoy his freedom. So the herd dressing remains stable and the effort for the owner of the barn manageable. The scuff brakes ensures that the horse can absorb less grass. It should be noted, however, that for horses with a muzzle an extra bucket of water must be provided because many self-drinking can not be operated with scuffing brake. If the horse is one of those who take off the best-fitting brakes, it can easily happen that the horse can eat a lot of grass uncontrolled and get sick. So you always have to keep an eye on it. 

Willow time, warm time, wonderful time - if you pay attention to a few important things. Thus, the grazing is not always easy, but also the insect and sun protection in the summer is a small challenge for the horse owner. The most important topics around the grazing in spring and summer will be treated here.

The first Green Grass of The Year

Problematic in April / May are the many carbohydrates, the fresh grass in itself - quite different than it was the case with hay! The danger lurks in fructan, a long-chain carbohydrate. In particular, fructan is found in grasses, where it ensures that the plant is not undersupplied even in prolonged drought. High levels of fructan, for example, have fescue or ryegrass. The latter came into the criticism: Meanwhile, however, it is clear that it is irreplaceable on horse pastures, as it is very valuable as fodder grass. 

A low fructan content is provided by meadow grass, meadow foxtail and couch grass. The fructan content in grasses after night frosts is particularly high, as they may very well occur in late spring. Horses lack fructosidases, by means of which fructans in the small intestine can be split. If the horse gets too much fructan into the colon too quickly, it often acidifies in no time. This kills intestinal bacteria, which play an enormously important role in horses as well as humans. Instead, toxins - which lead in the worst case to a colic. Also, the disease on Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) is possible, as well as increases the risk of laminitis.

Gentle Grazing as a Solution

Above all, it is important that the animals never go hungry to pasture. So the best way to feed your hay is to continue feeding normally (concentrates only after grazing, otherwise there is a risk of colic again!).

Incidentally, the horses are best placed on the pasture several times a day - for example, early in the morning and in the evening - then the grass has already been sufficiently digested by the morning. One should always respond to the individual horse when grazing: A horse that takes a lot of feeding breaks and does not show so much interest in the grass, can sometimes even faster longer time on the pasture. In very easy horses should be thought about a loose-fitting muzzle.

Although the time from June is not quite as critical as when grazing in the spring. Pastures are often either parched or over-greasy at this time of the year. Especially ponies are very susceptible to diseases when they eat greasy grass. An episode that often occurs after a short time is colic. Longer may be it until Hufrehe arise. Both diseases can in the worst case lead to the death of the horse.

Therefore, a pasture should already be influenced before the season by appropriate grass cultivation and fertilization so that it is not too greasy.

If this is not possible, it can also be divided into smaller sections so that the amount of feed is limited accordingly. However, one should make sure that the horse can still move sufficiently.

This blog is for horse owners, and those who want to become one. There are 1000 good reasons to buy a horse, but you should never forget that: First, it is different and, secondly, you think. 

A Momentous Encounter

You can not imagine anything better. If you could finally call a horse your own, the world would be so much better: you would no longer have to hope that your riding instructor will give you your secret favorite, you could ride whenever and wherever you want, you would finally have someone who Always listening to them, without ever having to talk back and nudging you with understanding, you should be sad. You would come to the stable in the morning and your friend for life would happily neigh you, if you came home from work in the evening, you were riding toward the sunset with your hair blowing. 

Did you feel the same way when you thought about getting a horse? Well, it was just these dreams that accompanied me from childhood on.

I used to spend every free minute in the stable, hugging and tending whatever horse I was assigned to, and enjoying every second on horseback. As good as the time was, there was a downer. The sudden happiness was always interrupted when my oh-so-beloved foster horse was suddenly for sale and some uncouth guy finally took it with them, never to return. Another time it happened - and I still can not say what the true story is behind it - that my school pony, on whose back I had won so many stubble field races and with whom I had struck out golden bows in front of big horse horsemen, suddenly had disappeared. Rumors circulated that it had been sold to another stable, others said

So you can imagine: When I started riding again in my mid-20s, I was traumatized. Not as far as riding was concerned, but rather deep in my subconscious mind, anchoring the fear that I might fall in love with a horse that I would sooner lose more painfully. So I bravely stuck to the school horses assigned to me and enjoyed the time on their backs - without ever giving room for thought: "That's it! I'll never give you back! "

Until that day, when I discovered this petite, beautiful chestnut mare in the stable. She stood there, looking at me with her big dark eyes and tapping the hoof impatiently on the box door, after the motto: "Finally stroke me!" And there it was again, this feeling that I had never wanted to allow again: I was in love, straight away, without even knowing what horse it was, who it was or where it came from! 

When I found out in my research that the mare was just three years old, just came from the pasture and should now be ridden to later serve as a school horse, it had finally happened to me: I announced immediately that I absolutely wanted to book a riding partnership on the mare, as soon as it was possible. I was sure: She was my horse and we belonged together! A momentous decision, as it turns out later 

This blog is for horse owners, and those who want to become one. There are 1000 good reasons to buy a horse, but it must never be forgotten: Firstly, it is different and secondly, as you think.

So I was in seventh heaven: Finally I had a horse again, if only as a riding partnership. The mare was young and inexperienced, but heartfelt: Within a short time I was greeted with joy when I came to the stable - who does not care about the heart? Of course, with all the joy, there was always an ulterior motive: what if it was sold? I did not want to and could not imagine, so I began quietly calculating ... Maybe it would finally be possible for me to buy my own horse, my own little chestnut mare?

While I was still torn, after all, owning a horse is not only financially a big responsibility, my fox developed better and better. After half a year, we were finally able to gallop in a civilized manner (before that it was more like a storm), she was guided with fine help and we started with the first side corridors, came suddenly from our riding teacher the statement: "Pity that you do not open to a tournament. "I looked at her with wide eyes:" Why not? ", I wanted to know. "Well that's supportive!", Countered the riding teacher. "Did not you know that ?!" No, I did not know that! Surely I had wondered how it happened that the delicate mare's belly had grown a bit rounder than before, but had pushed it onto good winter hay.

It was not like that: My sweetie was expecting a foal - in four months! I did not know if I should be happy or annoyed: it was clear that soon a foal would enrich our lives, nice, but on the other hand it meant that my plans for buying were put on hold for the time being, what should I do to start with a mare who had a foal on foot ?! 

But it did not help: We had to live with it and soon was from the so well advanced training training only light pregnancy gymnastics, finally, my rod soon balled more than that she ran. Sure, that I wanted to be there on the big day, I was in the stable every day, watching the udder and my fox exactly and could hardly wait until the new earthlings finally saw the light of day. When she had resin drops for a few days, I decided to spend several hours in the stable every evening. "I think it's time today," the stable owner announced one evening as I turned the corner. So I made myself comfortable next to the box, shrouded in temperatures beyond the 0 degree mark, and waited and waited ...

My mare did not look like she was going to be there soon, she was the calm one herself, nibbling happily on her hay and eventually laying down - then falling asleep. Until the next morning nothing happened, I had to go to work and thought, well, then it will happen just the next night ... When I came back in the afternoon to see her, it was there, this little one , delicate fox-colored something, still totally exhausted and sleeping peacefully. 

The little chestnut mare had seen the light of day exactly half an hour after I left the stable - of course, how could it have been otherwise. But it did not matter, I was ecstatic by the little beauty, who came to me curious on wobbly legs met.

It can happen so fast, because one dreams of a chestnut mare and suddenly two creeps secretly sneaked into my heart.

This blog is for horse owners, and those who want to become one. There are 1000 good reasons to buy a horse, but you should never forget that: First, it is different and, secondly, you think. 

Have you ever accompanied a foal during its first months of life? Make the first jumps, see how it discovers the world and how to make new jokes every day? If so, you know exactly how I felt when my riding mare gave birth to her foal: whether I wanted to or not, my heart opened with such power and so much that this little delicate thing touched his staccato legs just climbed in and would never come out again.

All of a sudden, it was not just the two to three hours I spent stabling looking after my chestnut mare, but quickly four to five. Even though my social life began to suffer (at least outside the stable), my horizons were widening every day, because such a little horse child is capable of surprising you over and over again, triggering both panic and anger attacks, and above all to conjure up a smile on your face over and over again.

At first, the little Stutchen was very shy and fled in spite of all curiosity in panic before any overtures, it was quickly brave and cheeky and turned out to be a small jacket, boots, and saddle-chewing monster, not to mention the very strong talent to steal things such as riding caps or brushes. 

Particularly nerve-wracking for all sides, however, were the moments in which mother and foal lost sight of each other, which happened especially when one was on the way to the pasture and always led to the little chestnut mare whistling across the yard galloped, while the great chestnut mare's hand was almost impossible to hold on and tried hard to break free and collect her lost child.

The longer I watched the little mare, the more enthusiastic I was about her. She grew to a small likeness of her mother, only a shade darker. And if I've always dreamed of a chestnut mare, then not just a normal, golden-brown fox, but most of all one of those wonderful dark foxes with that rich reddish brown tan and fair hair to which the little one changed when she lost her foal skin ,

When, finally, my rather amateurish idea of ​​the perfect horse was underlined by the judges at the foal show, for which we had spruced up mother and daughter, the soft question grew: What, if I do not grow up a mature horse, but a mine Would buy foals? One that had conquered my heart in the storm and that I had accompanied from the first day of his life, and that neighed like his mother when I came? Would not that be the fulfillment of each rider's dream?

Well, maybe you already suspect what should come out with this consideration

Spring time is also coat change time. In addition to grilling, chino pants and flowers, riders are interested in one thing above all else: How do I get the hair from my horse and, above all, from the new fleece sweater?

It's Sunday Afternoon

The sun is shining, it's already 20 degrees and the beginning of April. The ideal day for a nice ride and to simply enjoy the warm sunshine in the stable. From 4:00 pm I have a date with friends for a barbecue, but that should be easy! In a good mood, I set off to paddocks and look for my horse. But somehow it does not look right away and I swear evil: Should actually one of these mud monsters be my Haflinger? And indeed - with the rustle of my bag she gives up the camouflage and comes with a mix of mud and loose fur tufts trotted on.

After The Short Shock

I still feel superior in the situation! After all, I was very enthusiastic about the new ideas in the field of skin change helpers on the Internet and jumped on the latest hype train right away and in the hardware store I trusted I was looking for and buying rubber with wood on it. So the incredulous salesman gave me the seam rubber and carefully asked if he should first explain to me how and for what it is used. I just waved off and replied that this was for my horse - but the situation did not really clear it up and I'm just running out of cash.

So In The Text

Tied pony and first roughly removed the dirt, then put on the joint rubber and pull and nothing happened, nothing at all. Where is the kilo of billowing fur, as in the video? At best, I scraped a bit of dirt off, but the fur stayed in place. Such a crap! So put away the rubber and again pull out the phone: Uhhh, yes. Someone just turned his Magic Brush over and then pulled the edges over the fur. If this really works, I'll give the stupid Gummiding back - Reason: Does not work, as in the video! 

Maybe people in the hardware store will not even ask what video I mean or what I've tried. I do not think that I have a right of return. Even though, In America, I can also sue the food industry if the package of peanuts lacks the warning 'Can contain traces of nuts' and I have been allergic shocked. So turn the Magic Brush over and pull it over the coat with a bit of pressure, but nothing will happen again. Slowly, disappointment spreads and I have the assumption that the horses in the videos simply basically once a year are cleaned and then the coat change.

In Any Case

I could also be frustrated with frustration!Like a tiger, I roam the stable and discover a 'Furminator' - already seen on the Internet and should really work now! So back to the pony, which turns around impatiently and actually has no desire to clean. Me neither, but I want to triumph! Put on Furminator and pull through the fur evenly - seems to be quite relaxing, because my pony can hang his head and curls the upper lip so funny. 

At least one of us has fun! The hair is still very sparse and after the 10 minute massage, I pepper the Furminator in the corner - but run after the panic, because I remember it is hot that it is not mine. Then all that remains is the good, old harrow. Must have a reason, why has proven itself for decades in horse care. But at least the coat is finally clean and reasonably thinned! Just when I want to get the saddle stuff, my gaze falls on the clock: Crap, already 15:45 clock!

Especially in April, the weather likes to go crazy, but every year we horse people are surprised again and face the recurrent problem: blanket or blanket on it?

The first warm rays of the sun

Temperatures over 15 degrees and good mood - mean grill out and grilling in the first place, but in reverse also covers. Our four-legged friends enjoy the comforting warmth just like us. But what if the nights are still chillingly cold or one rain shower chases the next? A ceiling service is offered in the at least stables and even fewer horse owners have the opportunity to even up or down the blankets every day. So it's best to start a discussion round in the wide world of the internet.

Grandma's saying

Although April haunts the back of everyone's mind, each and every one of them does it again and again, quite surprised, when the weather in April gets a little crazy. In the morning still bright sun, but hardly after noon breaks a rain shower unparalleled about us. The next day everything seems to be all right again, but the weather forecast predicts bad things: The next days again temperatures around 0 degrees. 

Actually, one should think that the winter blankets in April should be well stowed in the closet should lie, but in these temperature fluctuations, I'm even inclined my pony again put on the padded blanket or just prefer the rain blanket? Thin, light, rain repellent and above all wind impermeable. That then some horse owners run in midsummer at 28 degrees panic on the meadow to hang the favorite the rain cover, as soon as a refreshing summer storm approaches, let's ignore. But what are we going to do in April? Anyway, horses that are not shorn can already stand without a blanket in this weather, those who did not have a blanket over the winter months anyway, but with the shaved faction that's not that easy. 

In the meantime, a heated debate has also surfaced on the Internet about this topic: anyway they had no blanket over the winter months anyway, but with the shaved faction that's just not that easy. In the meantime, a heated debate has also surfaced on the Internet about this topic: anyway they had no blanket over the winter months anyway, but with the shaved faction that's just not that easy. In the meantime, a heated debate has also surfaced on the Internet about this topic:

Random Rider A : "If you did not always cut off your horses' coat, you would not have the problem now!"

Random rider B : "I find it impossible that all horses must always be lumped together".

Random rider C : "Awwwwwww, is this a sweet horse"!

Random Reiter D : "So sorry, but my mouse just can not stand the changeable weather so well, so I have a cover on it now."

Random rider B : "Probably your horse is in the pits anyway 24/7, no wonder it can not stand it".

At this point

I did not pursue the discussion and again completely devoted to my pony, who stood shivering at 5 degrees without a blanket outside. One thing is clear to me: Everyone has to decide for their own horses. This has nothing to do with race, age, height or coat color - every horse is different.

As I cover Alin, I imagine the rest of the discussion, if I had meddled:

Me : "I also preferred to lay a blanket on my Haflinger".

Random rider E : "Are you crazy? This is a mountain horse and comes from the Alps! They are there all year round on the alp, even in the dead of winter!"

Me : "Funny, so passport says my pony from Hannover and has never been to an alpine pasture. Except of course the büxt secretly at night, everyone knows the wild Haflinger who travel 900 kilometers in one night, just for the fresh air to sniff ".

Bye for now

The first half of the yearis soon over - high time to check the good intentions. At the top of the popularity scale is probably 'losing weight' - that we confidently throw this intent on a week later, is nothing new - summer is still so long, because we still have enough time for the bikini body training.

We are more or less aware of the health problems, but our animals are not aware at all and so they eat everything we give them. But that does not bother that they are fat. We either buy new trousers or go on a diet, at most we buy our horses a new girth. At the weekend, I have only seen a beagle again, whose stomach has walked the stairs unbelieving the stairs. 'They always look so cute' is actually the most common statement. Especially horses and ponies can look so cute that we almost believe they are dying of starvation - even if they are more likely to walk rather than walk.

In every stable there are some horses and ponies, of which we can justifiably say that they are fat. The fact that this is not healthy for a horse, probably also the majority of all horse owners know and still we stuff them full of treats and additional food. Woe to him, who appeals to the owner now on his clearly too fat pony, who gets promptly, your horse is also fat 'back smashed. Almost as argumentative as the debates in primary school between the children:

Random child 1: 'You're stupid!'                                       

Random child 2: 'You are a lot stupid!'

Even if I do not think the other kid is really stupid and the other's horse is not really fat, we always get such counter-replies. In some cases, however, it is also insisted that the supposedly fat pony should not be considered thick , but rather overly plushy.

The assumption that every horse needs muesli or concentrated feed and several preparations that make the coat more beautiful, the muscles bigger or the condition better, is simply wrong or not generalized. An average, healthy, warm-blooded animal, who is actually lying around in the meadow most of the time, needs just as little supplementary food as a Shetty who just stands around. Conversely, a Shetty that runs five times a week in school lessons, proportional but probably more food than the above-mentioned warm-blooded.

We must finally get away from the eternal drawer thinking, 'Ponies are all fat', 'Haflingers are weight carriers', 'Tinkers can not gallop' and 'Thoroughbred are all crazy'. Every horse is different and that's what every horse owner should be prepared for. There are no Facebook groups that can help you verklickern that your 130cm pony can easily carry a 100 kg of people. 

In an emergency, the horse scale must be ordered at regular intervals in order to keep an eye on the weight of the pony or the horse. Malnutrition is just as fatal as overweight - horses are running animals and therefore dependent on their musculoskeletal system. In the future, the pony rather caress and cuddle, when it looks so cute again and adapt the feeding of the actual movement and the need. And if additional food is needed, always remember: Muscle-building supplements only help if the horse is moved accordingly.

There are so many different horses and especially so many different riders. Actually, we all have the same hobby, but if you look at us rider more closely, somehow not. The jokes about not jumping dressage riders, the bad fit of the show jumper and the madness of the bush riders are already hanging out to our ears, but nevertheless they persist. The saying, What does a dressage rider call when there is a straw in the hall? - jump free! ' is also after the tenth time diligently geliked and shared. What we all have in common is the horses (I ignore the new discipline of hobby horse riding here). They always have four legs, a lot of hunger and often their own head and, above all, all the horses are sometimes dirty.

It is puzzled whether horses may simply have a very pronounced camouflage instinct and therefore always wallow in the dirt. But if the horse is really dirty, it will be cleaned - you should think so. As there are also different riders and horses, there are also different plaster stereotypes. With what a plaster box should be equipped, we have riders in the best case already learned in the pony riding school and how to properly use which cleaning equipment actually. 'Actually' - the little word that goes through so many blog posts.

The perfectionist

This type of grooming plans well and always four hours for the stable every day. The box is not only hunted, but also neatly swept. The potions are scrubbed every day and the pasture is also taken care of. The food is put together with such care that you no longer know exactly whether you are in the stable or in a laboratory.

And then when it comes to cleaning, the two cleaning boxes are taken out of the closet and the horse with three different brushsticks, two mane brushes, a metal, a rubber and a plastic harrow, a lot of coat gloss spray, hoof oil, Huffett and hoof paint and two different Lambskin gloves polished to a high gloss. Not to mention the various wipes for nose, nostrils, eyes, ears and ... Finally, the perfectionist states that she does not even have time to ride anymore and puts her horse in the pits. Tomorrow is another day.

The Optimist

She looks for her horse every day at least half an hour in the pasture or on the paddock. At some point, his camouflage flies in the mud but on and the owner realizes that it is not an aardvark, but his horse. Sometimes there is a likelihood of confusion with other horses because they usually all have the same gray-brown coat color after a thunderstorm and a day on the paddock.

But once the horse has been found, the optimist gets down to work and tries to get the finger-thick mud crust down. All the stable members advise her to water hose, but she wants to make it so. Finally, there are two kilograms of dirt and hair on her fleece pullover - the horse is still dirty.

The fast

She is a master in equine-fast-finishing. If you have made an appointment for a ride at 10 o'clock, the fast does not arrive at the stable until 5 to 10, but in the end it is sitting on your horse in front of you. Your motto? Saddle position and head are enough! Just brush over and off. It does not bother the dirt - after all, belongs to a horse.

The Crazy

This plaster stereotype always wanted to have a mold and has actually gained one despite the warnings. From that moment on, he questions this decision every day. In front of the other stable members, of course, it is still said that they are absolutely happy with the coat color - except in winter, before riding lessons, before the photo shoot, before the tournament or in summer.