Dressage horses in competition

An Overview Of Thoroughbred Horse Racing

Thoroughbred horse racing is the most popular form of horse racing the whole world. It is so popular that some people do not know of any other form of horse racing. Thoroughbred horse racing is also known by some people as the "sport of kings". Usually, a thoroughbred horse owner would hire a trainer to condition the horse for only one type of race. This is because a good trainer knows that there is a best training regimen for every type of race. The owner may also opt to enter the horse in races that are somewhat similar to what it is in training for.


Thoroughbred horse racing comes in various forms. Here are some of them:

1) Maiden races - this type of thoroughbred horse racing pits untested horses against each other. This event is the debut of all race horses. Some people find this type of thoroughbred horse racing more exciting because of the fact that all of the horses involved are untried. The maiden race often determines the whole career of a race horse. This event will show the world just what a race horse is capable of.

Often, thoroughbreds of varying ages participate in maiden races. In this type of thoroughbred horse racing, the horses carry similar weights in order to even the odds. There are also no handicapped penalties involved in this type of thoroughbred horse racing.

2) Allowance racing - this type of thoroughbred horse racing involves horses which have already participated in a maiden race but are not yet ready for the grand stakes race. Usually, this type of thoroughbred horse racing involves running for a purse that is slightly above the purse involved in maiden races. Some horse owners use these races to actually train their horses.

3) Grand stakes racing - this type of thoroughbred horse racing is the most popular with people since it often involves a lot of cash. People who go to this type of thoroughbred horse racing do so in order to bet their cash on their favorite horse. The "grand stakes" in this race refer not only to the money involved but also the reputation of the horse. A grand stakes race winner usually goes on to become a celebrity among horses.

The dreams of countless people are also at stake in this type of thoroughbred horse racing. This is because betting in this type of thoroughbred horse racing can cost a lot. People pin their hopes and dreams on one horse. This is the reason why this thoroughbred horse racing remains to be supported by people all over the world today.

4) Handicap race - this type of thoroughbred horse racing is, theoretically, the most even of all races. This is because all of the horses participating in such an event have been appropriately handicapped according to their performance in other races. More people bet at this type of thoroughbred horse racing because all of the odds are even. Theoretically, any horse can win in a handicap race.

Although thoroughbred horse racing gains popularity because of the cash, there are those people who see it as a test of spirit. There are horses which have the potential to be the best. However, if that horse did not have the will to win, then the potential would forever be useless. Thoroughbred horse racing is not just a game, it is a reflection of life.

By: Jonas Glass

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Dietary Changes Help Prevent and Manage Tying Up Disease in Horses

Winston Churchill said, "No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle." It's unlikely, though, that Churchill ever experienced a horse with polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM), one of the causes of tying-up disease. PSSM is an incredibly painful, inherited muscle condition most commonly found in quarter horses, draft horses, warmbloods and some other breeds. With help from Morris Animal Foundation, Dr. Stephanie J. Valberg of the University of Minnesota has been studying the disorder for more than 20 years, and she's learned a lot about managing it.
"We discovered that horses with PSSM are very sensitive to diets that increase their blood sugar and insulin concentrations," Dr. Valberg says. "They develop notable muscle pain and cramping while on high-grain diets and have deficient energy when they exercise."
In horses with PSSM, glucose builds up in the muscles, making it unavailable when it's needed for energy. The disorder comes in two forms: type 1 is caused by a genetic mutation, which can be diagnosed through a DNA test of hair roots or blood. Type 2 is diagnosed by muscle biopsy, but a genetic basis has not yet been determined. Dr. Valberg's research has focused on diagnosing the disorder and managing it through specific diet and training regimens. Horses with PSSM respond favorably to a lower-starch diet supplemented with fat. However, Dr. Valberg notes, the added fat must be in balance with the horse's activity level and should never be excessive.
"Scientific evidence proves that it is not necessary to feed a horse 1 pound of fat a day as you may see recommended on the Internet," she says.
Consistent exercise is also a crucial component in treating horses with PSSM. Horses should be turned out daily, and the amount of time they spend in a stall should be reduced as much as possible. Gentle exercise should begin after the horse has been on the new diet for two weeks. If you suspect your horse has PSSM, contact your equine veterinarian and discuss appropriate diagnostic tests, because tying up can occur for reasons other than PSSM. If PSSM is confirmed, implement a diet that reduces starches and sugars and begin a gentle exercise program.
Although PSSM doesn't go away-and there are no FDA- approved drugs to treat the disorder-it can become more sporadic than chronic. With the right maintenance program and a dose of patience, both you and your horse will have more happy trails in your future.

About the Author

Morris Animal Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 1948, is dedicated to funding animal health research that protects, treats and cures companion animals, horses and wildlife. MAF has been at the forefront of funding breakthrough research studies benefiting animals on all seven continents. MAF has its headquarters in Denver. For more information, call 800.243.2345 or visit MorrisAnimalFoundation.org.

Careers with Horses

If you are anything like Robert Botine Cunningham-Graham, Scottish horseman, writer, and adventurers, then you know that there is no heaven without horses. If you eat, sleep, and breathe horses, then why not parlay all your time and effort into a career in the horse industry? Can you imagine a better way to spend your days?

Surveys done over the last several years show that there are 7 million horses in the United States today. And according to American Horse Council figures, the horse industry supports more than 1.4 million full-time jobs. There are a variety of careers in the horse industry, from hands-on jobs like large-animal veterinarian to jobs that support the industry, like feed and supplement distributor. There are jobs in breeding, showing, health, education, product manufacturing, research, recreation, and service industries to name just a few that come to mind. And one of these areas is most likely just right for you!

So, how do you find a job in the horse industry that is right for you? Well, before you start randomly sending out resumes to every horse-related employer you know of, you need to spend some time considering the type of career you want. In many cases, you'll have to come up with a plan that will lead you to that career. As wonderful as it is that you want to be a large animal veterinary technician, no one is going to hire you without the right credentials. In other words, like most worthwhile pursuits in life, you are going to have to spend a little time and effort to reach your goals.

So, are you ready? Answer these few simple questions and you'll be on your way to finding an equine career that is right for you:

* What do I want out of a horse career? Do you want daily contact with horses, or are you interested in working in a supporting field without daily contact? There are pros and cons to both. A supporting role may offer you a higher income, regular hours, more job stability, and better benefits, but a hands-on career gives you flexibility and the ability to work around your favorite animals every day. What is more important to you? Think very seriously about your own interests, abilities, and personality. It won't hurt to spend a few minutes writing down why you want to work with horses.

* What experience and education do I currently have? There is no teacher like experience, but is it more important than education in the horse industry? That depends on the job. For those seeking skilled hands-on positions like trainers, barn managers, and riding instructors, the more time you've spent around horses the better. Other choices, such as equine vet, writer, public relations expert, or lawyer require a college education and additional training.

* What experience and education am I willing to get to achieve my career goals? If you require experience and education to break into a career in the horse industry, you need to have a good understanding of how much time and money it is going to cost to reach your goals. Do you have the time and money to spare, and are you willing to do so?

* What income do I need? Most people work in the horse industry because their love of horses supercedes their love of money. Many hands-on jobs provide minimal pay and benefits just for the pleasure of being around horses. Salaries improve with higher-level hands on jobs, and support jobs often pay the most and offer the best benefits. Before you make a commitment to a career, know how much money you need to live. Then do some research to find out if your career can realistically support you.

* Where should I enter the industry in order to have a good chance of meeting my goal? Whatever career track you are pursuing, enter the industry in a job that you can handle with your present skills and experience. Getting in over your head may not only prevent you from advancing, it is dangerous! Once you've figured out your entry level, you can work your way up as you gain experience.



About The Author
Ron Petracek is the founder of Equine Internets vast 15 site classified and social network. You can view its amazing size here Http://www.equineinternet.com/network.php or to further your equine habit please visit our forum by clicking here http://www.horsechitchat.com/equineforums and start posting Need to sell a horse or tack? place a free ad here http://www.click4equine.com and always the barn door in left open on purpose.

Equestrian Rider - The Things an Inexperienced Horse Rider Should Do

The though of riding a horse terrifies some people and excites others. To get up and seat yourself on this great animal, and maintain your balance while going on a ride justifiably invokes such emotions. You could probably compare it to a new fairground ride - some people will be terrified at the thought of getting on a certain, while others can't hand over their money quickly enough to get on board the ride. The good news is that you can learn to be an equestrian rider.
So where do you start? Well like learning to operate a piece of machinery, you should first do a bit of background research.
The first step is to understand about horse physiology and movement. Learn how they move, how to mount and dismount a horse. How to balance yourself.
You should learn the basics about horse riding safety. You need to understand the things that can typically go wrong, and what to do to minimise the possibility of those things occurring or learn what you should do if they do occur.
You need to learn about what type of clothing and accessories like high quality horse riding hats that an equestrian rider should wear for safety and comfort, and similarly, what type of accessories should be worn by the horse for similar reasons.
You also need to learn how horses behave and think, especially if the horse needs training. The horse may need to take some initial time to get used to you. You may need to be very patient with the horse while you get used to each other. And again this is all a standard part of horse riding safety.
So essentially before riding a horse, you need to do a little bit of reading to find out more about horse physiology, horse riding clothing and equipment, horse riding safety, and have an understanding of horse behaviour. Always do your own research. Then you're better primed to become a thriving equestrian rider!

For horse riding hats, clothes, equipment, magazines and all your other horse riding requirements, visit Equestrian Rider.

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10 Ways Horses Build Character in Children

1. Learn Responsibility - Horses will teach your child responsibility very quickly. Make sure that your child does all the work involved in caring for the horse. Everything from feeding, cleaning stalls, grooming, saddling and riding. Children will want to ride but they may not always be eager to do the work. However children almost always fall in love with the horses that they handle and they will want to take as good care of them. Once they know that the horse depends on them and that in order to ride they have to take good care of the horses, they will learn to be more responsible in other aspects of there life.

2. Learn Trust - Horses must be able to trust their handlers. One of the first things that your child will learn about handling and riding horses is to be trustworthy and dependable, because if the horse doesn't trust its handler it will not obey him/her. This can be a very valuable life long lesson for your child.

3. Learn to be Open Minded - Every horse is different and will have to be handled differently. A good horseman never stops learning, even experts and trainers will admit that they learn something new everyday from their horses. Horses will make your child realize that learning is an on going process that never ends. This can transcend into other aspects, such as school and relationships.

4. Build Confidence - Horses are large and intimidating, so naturally it takes a lot of confidence to be able to control one. Letting a your child handle a gentle horse will do wonders for their confidence. Most people are naturally a little bit timid, especialy a child of horses because they are so big. By handling a gentle horse children will overcome their fear and learn that they can safely handle and control the same animal that they were once had great fear of. The better your child learns how to handle the horse, the more confident he/she will become. When children do well with the horses that they handle, their confidence goes up and their self esteem improves. They now realize that this huge creature they were once afraid of is a beautiful and loving animal.

5. Learn Patience - Horses are like children themselves, and training a horse is much like teaching a child. When your child has become a confident and skilled rider, letting them help train a horse will be an excellent experience for them. Horses require a lot of patience because training a young horse involves a lot of repetition and time. This is a lesson that will follow them in all aspects of life.

6. Self Discipline - Horses take a lot of time and work, so your child will have to be dedicated to learning how to ride and handle horses effectively. I have found that dedication is rarely something that children lacks when it comes to horses. People, especially young people, have a natural attraction to horses and enjoy spending time with them. However, because horses are a lot of work your child will soon learn self discipline. For example, instead of sleeping in in the morning, they will be up and out feeding and cleaning. Horses must be fed twice daily and have access to fresh water at all times. Their stalls must be cleaned regularly and they must receive regular exercise. This will take a lot of time, but most people find that it is worth it for the time they get to spend riding, or just being with horses.

7. Teaches Sensitivity - Horses can be very sensitive creatures. They have keen senses, and can sense if someone is afraid, angry, happy, etc. They communicate with body language and are very sensitive to their handler's body position. Because horses are so sensitive, the handler must be also. The handler must be able to tell how the horse is feeling and why it is behaving the way it is. The handler must learn to interpret the horses body language and to communicate effectively with the horse using its own language. When a horse misbehaves, the handler must decide whether or not the horse is doing so out of fear, stubbornness, anger, pain etc. and must respond appropriately.

8. How to Learn From Our Mistakes - When your child first starts learning to ride and handle horses they will make a lot of mistakes and will learn quickly not to make the same mistake twice. That is what horsemanship is all about. When a rider makes a mistake he/she cannot deny it. They must acknowledge the mistake and correct it. The rider must move on after correcting the mistake and not dwell on it. Handling and riding horses will teach your child to use their past mistakes to improve their future horsemanship skills and this will tanscend into other aspects of your childs life.

9. Learn Respect - Children will learn to respect their horses and themselves. Horses are large, dangerous creatures and they demand respect, yet in order to be handled safely they must also respect their handlers. By learning how to handle a horse, children will become more respectful of there horse and its nature. By being trustworthy, confident and responsible your child will earn the respect of there horse.

10. To Have Fun - Last but certainly no least, your child should have fun and enjoy being apart of the horse life style. You don't want to put too much demand on your child, you need to let them have fun with there horse as well as know when its time to be serious.

I hope the information provided here will help you realize how important it is for you to find a creative yet fulfilling way for you to teach your child all aspects of owning and caring for a horse.


About The Author

Sean Russell - Owner and Operator of MyEquineSource.com Horse Classifieds-http://www.myequinesource.com

Breeding and Raising Good Quality Riding Horses

Breeding good quality mares to good quality stallions produce that great foal we are all looking. No matter what breed of horse you plan on raising the importance of quality always comes first. Whether you are looking for raise a foal to become that great trail horse, show horse, family horse or pet you always need quality. When I think of quality I think of quiet, good minded, good conformation, strong bone and feet, kind eye, willing to please attitude and athletic ability. We believe you do need these qualities in both the sire and the dam to get that all around good foal. It's always nice to add a little color for instance if you prefer a buckskin, palomino, dun, black or nice paint horse.

When you have a mare and are looking for a stallion to cross with her you need to consider many things. One of our first is the conformation of the mare and what we want to improve. Then you look for a stud that has some of the same good qualities your mare has and then some of the qualities in the stud that are needed to make that great foal. For instance, if I had a mare that had a more common head I would try to find a stud that has a smaller more refined head. If I had a mare with a short neck maybe find a stud with a little longer neck if that is what you want to improve. Disposition is one of the main qualities to look for when breeding and should never be over looked. You will hear people say "I have a mare that is nasty or unfriendly so I don't enjoy riding her ...I'll just use her as a broodmare". This is wrong and if people would think about it why would you want to breed a bad disposition and have that horse produce foals that could carry on the same bad quality?

It's also very important to consider the facility you have when raising foals and whether or not you have the time to care for both the mare and foal. If you are breeding for an early foal you have to consider shelter and whether or not you can keep the foal warm enough in bad weather. Foals are healthy outside and if the timing is good for you it is always nice to have them foal in May when the grass is green and the foal can be outside or depending on what state you live in and the climate. Many breeders that show like to have the foals born as early as January and February so they have a head start for the showing season. Many have heated barns for the early foaling mares or foal blankets to keep them warm or of course if you are in the warmer climate areas this might not be a concern. Overall, there is a lot to consider when deciding to breed your mare.

Every breeder has their own way of worming, vaccinating etc. We like to worm the mares and give them a 4-way (Eastern,Western,Tetanus,Flu) shot a month before they foal and then worm the mare the day after she foals. We normally will worm the foal at day 7 and then every month until they are a year old. We recommend that you get with your veterinarian to get a worming and vaccinating schedule that works for you. It is very important to keep the foals wormed on a regular basis to avoid colic and to stay healthy and strong. Again please consult with your veterinarian for the correct vaccinations and wormers.

Imprinting the foal is very important. This consists of spending time with the foal and touching it all over will build trust and the foal will soon consider you a friend. Putting a halter on the foal and leading it around when it is young is much easier than when it is older and too big to handle. Touching the legs, ears and feet always helps to keep the foal tame and trusting people. The foal will rely on their dam for the first week or so but as the foal grows older will start to explore their surroundings. It's very important to keep things out of the stall and pasture that the foal can get caught up in or hurt on. It is best to have a safe fence or stall with not sharp edges or places where the foal get their head caught or hurt.

One of the most important things to remember is to not breed for quantity but for quality. There are too many unwanted horses in the world and when deciding to breed make sure you are aware of the responsibilities and care needed for these horses. Raising a foal is a joyful experience and can be very rewarding.

About The Author
J & J Paints and Quarter Horses offer Horses For Sale In Wisconsin. For more info visit: http://www.jjpaintsandquarterhorses.com/

Spectacular horse training episode

Desert Orchid Memorial Video

Famous Race Horses - Desert Orchid Part Three

his is the final article about one of the most famous race horses to grace our race courses around the UK and Ireland, Desert Orchid.
Dessie Retires And Shows Courage ... Yet Again
After that final race in 1991, Dessie went into a well deserved retirement, and no one could deny that he'd earned it.
He continued to show his bravery by surviving a potentially life threatening operation for colic in 1992. But in true Dessie style, he battled through it and he would go on to make many public appearances, raising money for charity through a variety of appearances, and through the selling of Dessie merchandise.
In fact, when his trainer David Elsworth relocated from Whitsbury, to Egerton House Stables in Newmarket, Dessie went with him as if he was part of the family. In fact, just after the move, Newmarket racecourse held their annual press day, which happened to fall on Dessie's 27th birthday in April 2006. He was greeted by a huge crowd and in typical fashion he acknowledged and appreciated the attention that he got.
As Dessie got older, naturally his public appearances became less and less, and he spent more and more time relaxing at his new home. In fact his last public appearance was on 1 October 2006 at his fan club open day. The great horse was determined not to let down his fans for one last appearance.
In the coming weeks, it appeared that Dessie was becoming more and more frail, but he never complained and his fighting spirit kept going and going. On 6 November 2006 he appeared to be losing coordination, and all around him feared the worst, but the great horse kept on fighting.
He was last seen by someone in the early hours of 13 November 2006, lying down nibbling on some hay, determined not to make a fuss. Just about one hour later, at around 6am this magnificent horse had passed away, as quietly and as gracefully as he had jumped fences for most of his career.
Always Remembered
Dessie's ashes were buried at Kempton racecourse in a private ceremony. Fittingly, they were buried near to his statue and now anyone that visits the racecourse can see the legend for themselves.
All in all I shall remember him for the fact that as a grey, he stood out amongst the other horses. But one shouldn't under estimate that if he had not had class and ability, then despite his striking colour he would not have stood out at all.
He was truly one of the greats, both on and off the race track. The appearances that he made in public to raise money are a testament to this most fabulous of horses.
Dessie, you're on in a million and will forever be remembered.

Cliff Thurston owns the successful Grosvenor Racing Club, and has been giving his members winning horse racing tips since 2003.
You can find out more about his service and read more articles on famous race horses by visiting his site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cliff_Thurston

Famous Race Horses - Desert Orchid Part Two

The first article in this series looked at the famous race horse Desert Orchid and the early part of his career. The following article, which is part two of a three-part series, looks at how he started the 1987 season through to his accomplishments into the 1990s.
Dessie Starts A Rich Vein Of Form
This impressive and consistent form would lead Dessie nicely into the 1987 season, with wins at Sandown and Wincanton in February, followed by a decent run at Cheltenham in the two mile chase, where he finished 3rd.
Dessie would then win three out of his next four runs, tasting success at Ascot again, Wincanton and Kempton, but he would miss out in the December, where he had been so successful the previous year, achieving two second places. This was a measure of the horse, as second places were now considered disappointments.
Over the course of the 1988 and 1989 season, Desert Orchid would run riot, producing a winning run that would begin to create the legendary status that he go on to enjoy.
From 7 April 1988 until 16 March 1989, the beautiful grey would win eight races on the spin (consecutively), starting with victory in the Chivas Regal Cup Chase at Liverpool over three miles and a furlong. This impressive run of wins would take Dessie through Sandown, Wincanton, Sandown (again), Kempton, Ascot and then Sandown (yet again!).
The run of eight wins culminated, perhaps fittingly, with Dessie's magnificent victory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, infront of a packed crowd at Prestbury Park. In heavy conditions, Dessie would prevail by one and a half lengths, ahead of Yahoo, with Charter Party a further eight lengths back.
Dessie's Record
In all, Dessie's record was impressive, leading Time Form to rate him as the fourth best national hunt horse of all time.
He won almost half of his 70 races, achieving 34 victories whilst accumulating over half a million pounds of prize money - a lot of money in those days.
Dessie's last victory came on 2 February 1991, fittingly at Sandown, the venue for many of his successes.
His last two races were later that year. In November where he showed the kind of professional style that was his hallmark, finishing 3rd in the Peterbrough Chase at Huntingdon.
Dessie looked a tired horse in his final race on Boxing Day however, and after struggling throughout, he fell three fences out.
And so his career ended as it had started... with a fall. What had come in between however, was a spectacular, glittering and thoroughly entertaining career that spanned 8 years.
He had captured both the attention and the imagination of the horse racing public at large, with horse racing fans, horse racing experts, broadcasters and everyone involved directly in the industry, all seemingly hypnotised by this great horse.
But it didn't end there however. Desert Orchid, a great race horse in the arena of competing for prize money on the National Hunt stage, would also continue to be known for generating money, but this time for charity.
The final article in this series will look at how this gentleman of the race course contributed so much to those in need, as well as him demonstrating his bravery once again.

Cliff Thurston owns the successful Grosvenor Racing Club, and has been giving his members winning horse racing tips since 2003.
You can find out more about his service and read more articles on famous race horses by visiting his site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cliff_Thurston

Horse Grooming Tools

Every horse should have a grooming kit, his own personal kit stocked with the basic equipment. A basic grooming kit should not cost an arm and a leg however with that said the benefits far outweigh the cost.
Skin infections can be passed from one horse to another, especially with grooming kits, so make sure you have one per horse. So what should a grooming kit consist of?
Here is a list of the basics:

Grooming/body brush

Dandy brush

Hoof Pick

Curry Comb

Mane and Tail Comb

Sponges
Grooming/body brush used to smooth out the coat, removes dirt, sweat and dust

Dandy brush for cleaning mud and heavy dirt

Hoof Pick is used to clean the horses hooves.

Curry Comb used to remove mud and hair from the body.

Mane and Tail Comb used to remove tangles and snarls.

Sponges for the muzzle and dock, a separate sponge for each part!
There are always extras that benefit and belong in a horse grooming kit. Depending what you do with your horse and how often, you may want to invest in some other grooming tools.
If you ride regularly your horse no doubt works up a good sweat. Well take any horse on a long ride, especially an unfit horse and he'd be dripping with sweat. Sweat is no fun job to clean up. The best way is to use water. After you have ridden and unsaddled your horse, fill a bucket with water and using a sponge wash over the sweating area.
Great now you have a wet hairy horse right? You are in need of a sweat scraper; this tool is very useful to get rid of excess water. Trust me, this little procedure makes grooming so much easier once the coat has dried. I usually had no sweat to brush out of the coat.
Another wonderful grooming tool and tactic is the using a detangle spray when grooming your horses tail. Swishing flies all day is a tedious task and most horses will have knots and tangles in their tails which need to be worked out. A horse with a high quality job usually requires detangling spray and grooms fingers.
To cheat you can use the spray and a comb. The spray allows the surface to be coated, the comb slides through the hair and less hair is pulled out. You do not want to pull the tail hairs out! Use the detangling spray to make your job easier, keep it in your grooming kit always.
Lastly another good asset to any grooming kit is fly spray. Both you and your horse will be happier. A quick spray before you ride him keeps the biting, irritating pests at bay.
Grooming tools are forever on the market. Invest in good quality products that will last and spend as much or as little as you want. Only have a basic grooming kit at hand always and use it. Much can be said of a horse owner by the looks of his horse!

Horse Guide.
Get information on buying, owning and caring for your horse, learn about Horse Grooming Tools. Learn about your horses anatomy.

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Famous Race Horses - Desert Orchid Part One

This Weeks Specialised topic is DESERT ORCHID. Heres part one of Cliff Thurstons article........Enjoy!   

As far as famous race horses go, Desert Orchid was perhaps the most striking to look at because of his colour.
This article looks at his incredible career, in which he achieved a grand total of 34 victories, something that didn't seem possible when he fell during his very first National Hunt race.
This is the first part of a three-part article.
The People's Champion - Desert Orchid
Easily one of, if not the most popular racehorse in UK horse racing history, is undoubtedly the great grey, Desert Orchid, who was affectionately known as 'Dessie".
There's something about a grey horse that stands out amongst others. I suppose its that although not rare, they are not as popular as bay, chestnut etc, and so stand out as a white knight in a blur of dark horses. And Dessie was exactly that, a white knight.
How It All Started
Desert Orchid was born on 11 April 1979 to the aptly named Sire (father) Grey Mirage, and to Dame (mother) Flower Child.
His horse racing debut was in 1983, but did not exactly start as planned, as he fell at the first fence at a race at Kempton. The fall was a heavy one and many wondered whether he'd recover to race competitively again, but despite this early setback, Dessie was already showing the courage that would adorn him to millions of fans.
I must admit that I did not see his first race, but what would ensue was something that I did witness, and boy am I glad that I did.
Dessie Gets Off The Mark
At the start of the 1983/84 season, Dessie was up and running, winning his first race of the season by 20 lengths at Ascot. In fact the season proved to be a successful one for Dessie and got him the attention that he would keep for the remainder of his career, as he would rack up six wins from eight starts in that season.
But the following season saw him struggle once again. After the success of the previous season, he was no longer eligible for running in novice races and the step up in class showed.
He would go on and win only one of his eight starts that season, at Sandown in the February, but as many horses do when stepping up amongst a better class of horse, Dessie struggled to aclimatise.
A Change Worked Wonders
After that season, trainer David Elsworth decided to switch Dessie to the bigger obstacles, this time racing in steeplechasing races, rather than hurdles, and he immediately looked and felt more at home.
He would run up a sequence of four wins at Exeter, Sandown and twice at Ascot, and his famous front running style was proving hard to beat, but proving to be hugely popular with horse racing fans.
At the start of the 1986 season, he would feature regularly in the top three places, but failed to win a race until the November, when he would win at Sandown.
He would also taste success twice in December, winning a two mile handicap chase at Ascot, followed up by victory on Boxing Day at Kempton by a massive 15 lengths, against a hugely impressive field, that included Door Latch, Forgive 'n' Forget and Wayward Lad.
And so the 1986 season ends with Dessie winning his last two races before the end of the year. The racing experts expected more of the same for the 1987 season, and in Part Two of this article you can find out how he would get on.

Cliff Thurston owns the successful Grosvenor Racing Club, and has been giving his members winning horse racing tips since 2003.
You can find out more about his service and read more articles on famous race horses by visiting his site.

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Cold Weather Horse Care Tips

You may be surprised at how well horses can adapt to colder weather. In the wild, horses can withstand temperatures at well below zero. However, there are a number of things that you can do to maximize your horse's health and condition during the colder months. Here are a few tips that will help to keep your equine friend happy and healthy during winter months.
One important thing to remember is that although horses do well in colder temperatures, they can be affected by cold winds which not only make them extremely uncomfortable but also have a tendency to spook the horse. You can keep your horse happier by providing some type of wind break such as a run-in shed in the pasture. If your horse does not have access to a run-in shed, a line of trees may be adequate to block some of the wind, but it is advisable that they at least have some sort of shelter from potential wind, snow, and freezing rain.
In addition to a nice shelter for your horse, you should increase your horse's hay intake during the winter months. Hay digestion creates increased heat production which helps your horse stay warmer in the winter months. Be sure that you are not increasing the grain intake, as increased grain intake will not provided the desired results of helping your horse to stay warmer. In fact, excess grain has been linked to foundering and potentially colic.
If your hay is not of the best quality, you should take your hay to be tested so that the hay is providing all of the nutritional benefits to your horse. Beet Pulp has been used by many horsemen as an additional feed source to supplement hay. The qualities of beet pulp allow it to be an easily digested feed with similar nutritional benefits as hay. Be sure that your horse is receiving enough feed through high quality forages to help him or her sustain a healthy body weight throughout the winter.
In addition to providing extra hay, you should also always provide fresh water for your horse. Although the weather is colder, horses still need enough water intake to keep their digestive tracts in line. Water prevents dehydration and is a vital part of keeping your horse healthy. Not only should you provide fresh water, but check the water regularly for ice. You may need to either install an electric heater in the water trough or keep a rubber mallet nearby to break ice which accumulates in buckets.
Another tip to keep in mind is to cool down your horse after exercise. Although this is equally important in the summer time, horses can easily chill after a rigorous work out if they are not provided with a cooler blanket to keep their body temperatures from losing heat too quickly and to keep them from becoming chilled while wet with sweat. Remember to walk your horse after a work-out so that they can cool down slowly.
Winter months can be refreshing and exhilarating for horses as long as they are kept healthy and happy!

For expert information on horses, tack at affordable prices, and special tips for new horse owners, be sure to visit our web page at http://www.smarthorseowner.com

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For Great Natural Horse Care Use a Hot Bran Mash

A hot bran mash is a great natural horse care product and will be a welcomed by your horse on a chilly day. It can be a nice once a month treat but should not take the place of the horse's daily feed. But what is a bran mash from a nutritional standpoint?

Wheat bran is expensive for the nutrients it provides and it is delicious for horses.

It is comparatively high in riboflavin, thiamin, folate and niacin in contrast to other feeds, however, it has less vitamin B than other feeds.

Wheat bran is a low density, fluffy feed that is similar in nutrient content to oats. The same volume of wheat bran when compared to other foods has a density one half that of whole oats and one fourth that of corn or wheat. It contains three to four times more phosphorus and has slightly more protein than oats. But it provides less digestible energy for the horse than these other foods.

Bran is a great natural horse care product and is an excellent form of roughage for horses. Using bran will increase roughage in the horse's diet, which may enhance bowel motility. This could be the most significant advantage of bran.

Horses that have no opportunity to graze or limited opportunity may profit from being fed bran once a week, because it may be necessary for them to acquire more roughage in their diet. This can be helpful for older horses that are having trouble chewing hay.

Even though wheat bran is a great natural horse care product, there is a potential draw back. If you over feed wheat bran, there is the possibility that it could decrease calcium absorption. The problem is the phosphorus in bran is in the form of phytate, which could have unfavorable results. When bran is fed on a regular basis the calcium may need to be adjusted in the horse's diet. The ratio that calcium and phosphorus are to be fed in your horse's diet is 2:1. If you use more or less of either element, it can cause an imbalance in your horse's diet. So if you are feeding your horse bran on a weekly basis, you should consult your veterinarian about supplementing your horse's diet with calcium.

If a horse is suffering from a calcium deficiency, then calcium can be metabolized from the bones. The calcium can be taken from the legs, ribs, or face, which causes the bones to become less dense as calcium is removed. This can result in the disease known as Big Head, which is caused by fibrous developments causing swelling of the facial bones of the affected horse. Fibrin will replace the area where the bone is becoming less dense.

Another advantage of using bran mash as a natural horse care product, is that it is a great way to get more water into your horse during the winter months. When the weather is cold, horses do not drink as much water. A bran mash must not be used as an only source of water, but it can be used to supplement water intake.

Horses like bran mash. On a cold day the warmth of the mash and the taste appeal to the horse. Here is a recipe for bran mash:

• 3 cups hot water
• 3 cups wheat bran
• 1-2 cups sweet grain or molasses (only if your horse is not glucose intolerant)
• Chopped carrots, apples, and pears

Combine these ingredients in a feed bucket and mix together and make sure it is not too hot for your horse. If you have a horse that has difficulty chewing, you may want to add more water to make it easier to chew.

This is a great natural horse care treat, and is something special that your horse will enjoy on a cold day. There are many benefits to a warm bran mash, but it should not be fed too often. Just remember, too much of a good thing can be bad for you, and your horse.

For additional information about practical horse management please go to http://wcf-ltd.com/horse/ to learn more about how to care for your horse.

Fran Mullens has been a barn manager, trainer and riding instructor for several years, and has worked with horses for nearly 25 years. Fran is co-author with Skimbleshanks the Farm Cat at his blog. To learn more about the farm cat go to http://skimbleshanksthefarmcat.blogspot.com/

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Things To Think About When Caring For Your Horse

THE SIMPLE PLEASURE OF FEEDING

Food is one of the simplest and greatest pleasures of our horses, so make sure that your horse always has all the food requirements that he/she needs.

There are three types of food that your horse may eat. Pasture is the favorite meal of all horses, supplying needed nutrients, roughage and protein. Pastures and forage crops provide a major part of the nutritional needs of horses almost year-round. Horses are constant grazers, I mean 24/7. There are many types of pasture grass so do your homework, different parts of the country have different types of grasses that grow better in different areas and will provide the proper nutrients for your horse.

Hay is another type of food for horses, when fresh pasture is not available, hay is the best choice. There are many types of hay, such as alfalfa, coastal, T&A, Tifton, and the list goes on. Make sure you provide the best hay for your horses needs. Some hay such as alfalfa has tons of protein and for some horses you will want to give this type of hay sparingly as too much protein is not good for your horse, so do your research.

Secondly, always store hay in a dry but well-ventilated area. Feeding your horse with moldy hay can lead to various medical complications. Feeding your horse with hay alone will never make a sufficient diet so consider including another component in your horse's diet such as horse pellets or sweet feet to ensure that all your horses nutritional needs are met. Do not forget to consider what your horse does, for example: racing, pleasure, show, competitive, jumper, etc. Horses that expend allot of energy need higher percentage of protein feed and a higher quality hay. Ask you vet for help in determining your horses diet needs.

WATER AS THE SOURCE OF LIFE

Horses are always thirsty, and can consume up to 10- 15 gallons of water daily. As such, it is extremely important that you have a ready supply of fresh water for your horse. During the winter months make sure that you place the water in heated buckets to prevent it from freezing.

SALT, MINERALS, AND HORSE TREATS

Salt and minerals are also important factors in your horse's diet. Consult your veterinarian as to what your horse should take to consume the necessary vitamins and minerals. Salt blocks and horse treats can be purchased from your local feed store.

EXERCISING YOUR HORSE

The amount of exercise your horse needs depends primarily on its role in life. If you are using it for competitive riding, team penning or pleasure, whatever you choose will determine what type of exercise it needs and how many times it should exercise each and every week. As for all other types of horses, daily exercise is encouraged to allow horses' muscles and bones to strengthen and not become affected by arthritis, etc. when they become older.

CARING FOR YOUR HORSES' HOOVES

Horses need their hooves trimmed at least every 6-8 weeks. Pick your horses feet every day, and after each ride or workout. Depending on the work (pleasure, barrels etc.) you choose for your horse, will determine whether on not you need to have your horse shoed. Talk to some of your friends or your Vet, someone who can recommend a good farrier. Remember that just as it is with our feet, the hooves of horses are also the most abused and neglected part of their body so it's important for us to give them the best care we can afford. The old saying "No hoof, No horse really does apply!

CARING FOR YOUR HORSES' TEETH

Unlike human teeth, there is no end to periodontal growth for horses. As such, uneven usage of their teeth can lead to the development of sharply pointed teeth and which may cause chewing problems. Your Vet may have to (float) the teeth which means that he will have to file them down a little to help your horse's eating enjoyment. To prevent this from happening, make sure that you have your veterinarian check your horses' teeth annually.

GROOMING FOR YOUR HORSE

Allow your horses to enjoy baths regularly. Most horse enjoy their baths immensely but others need a little more coaxing in that area. Afterwards, use a sweat scoop to take off excess water and remember to brush their coat slowly, carefully, and thoroughly. Make sure that you use grooming products that are specifically designed for horses, they are reasonably priced and loads to choose from.

Above all, the best way to make your horse's life absolutely wonderful is by showering them with your love and affection!

Written by, Michele Anderson

Clipidy Clop to the Postershop for all your poster needs. Horse posters and western movie hero posters @ Posterhorse.com

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Horses For Beginners - Your First Horse

If you are interested in learning more about horses for beginners or are looking for your first horse, then this article is for you. This article discusses the types of things you should look for when looking for a beginners horse.

Time dedication

Horses require a lot of maintenance. If you think you can just turn your horse out to grass in a field and not worry about it, you are wrong. Horses need to have their feet trimmed and may need shoeing depending on the amount of work they do. Like people, they need to have exercise, or they can get out of shape and grow fat. Some horses can eat so much that that they founder, which means their feet hurt so much they are unable to walk. Horses that have a tendency to gain weight should wear a grazing muzzle when turned out to grass, to prevent overeating. Ponies are especially prone to founder. Horses need to be checked every day to make sure they are not sick or injured. If you board your horse at a boarding facility, your horse is usually checked each day, which helps if you can't always be there to do it yourself.

Your Ability

The horse's amount of training and your ability are a big consideration when looking for a horse for beginners. If you have no riding experience, it is best to get a well trained quiet horse. These horses are sometimes called schoolmasters. This means they know their job. They are good horses for beginners to learn on, especially if you find one that is very forgiving. A horse with this type of temperament is easy going and doesn't get upset when beginners do things wrong.

Your Finances

There are a wide range of prices related to horses. Fancy, flashy show horses can cost thousands of dollars, whereas horses that are less fancy can be more moderately priced. The amount of training a horse has can also affect its price. For example, if a horse is young and has a little bit of training, it will not cost a lot. Unfortunately, horses with little training are not good beginners horses. A horse that is between 6 - 8 years old and has good training is usually more expensive. These horses are in their prime. A horse that is over the age of 10 or 12 years old usually is well trained, but health and the condition of the horse's joints is a consideration. It is not uncommon for older horses to have arthritis. Older horses are usually great beginner horses, but they may have more associated vet expenses due to their age.

Choosing Your Horse

It is advantageous to have someone experienced go with you when you are choosing your first horse. It is best if you have a trainer, who will not only give you lessons after you buy a horse, but help you choose a horse that will be well suited to you. Before buying a horse, you should also have it examined by an equine veterinarian. This is an very important step that you don't want to skip! The cost of the vet check will depend on how thorough the examination is and how many tests you have done. Your vet can tell you what your options are, but it is always a good idea to get x-rays of the horses legs and joints. It is not uncommon to find something wrong with just about any horse during a vet check, but it is up to you to decide what you are willing to live with. For example, you may not care that a horse has arthritis in his hocks and cannot jump, if you are only going to use it for trail riding.

Buying vs. Leasing

You don't always have to buy a horse. You also have the option of leasing one. There are a lot of different lease arrangements available including half leases and free leases. With a free lease, you don't have to pay the owner to use the horse. In this arrangement you are responsible for the horse's care and living arrangements. With a half lease you may use the horse a few days a week, while the owner or someone else uses the horse the other part of the week. If you do decide to a lease a horse, make sure you have a written agreement, so you know who is responsible for all of the expenses related to the horse, like vet or farrier (blacksmith) bills.

As you can see, there is a lot to consider when getting your first horse. Before you jump into a purchase or a lease arrangement, make sure you do a lot of research first, so you get a horse that is well suited to your individual needs.

For more helpful horse related information, including horse grooming equipment, visit http://www.beginners-guide-to-horses.com

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