Horse owners

[ADM1220]

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For all the horse people: Are you planning to take your horse with you to vet school? For those in vet school: did you take your horse? What challenges have you faced as a result?

I am hoping to get into K-State, however I am really concerned about the storms and how they will affect my horses. Any thoughts about tornadoes and how/where you would board horses? Some people have told me it's best to keep them outside with run-ins, and others believe a stall in a barn is best. Opinions?

I know there are tons of horses in the Midwest and I'm probably being super paranoid, but I can't help but wonder about the storms and how the horses are affected. 😳 (And leaving them at home or selling is not an option for me.)

 

[cowgirla]

My horse is happily retired and would probably go on strike if I tried to load him in a trailer! He is quite happy in his five acre grass field that backs up to a beach....

So no, I'm not planning on bringing my horse anywhere, but I know a lot of people who do. I knew a woman years ago at K-state who brought three horses with her and they all lived happily ever after.

While I don't know the specifics of bringing a horse, I say go for it!
(and then come let poor horseless folk like me come play with it!)

 

[dgm]

I sold mine to come to vet school (I didn't have him in undergrad, either - had a nice long break between undergrad & vet school). Knowing that I would be paying for school exclusively with loans, I just couldn't justify the added expense of keeping him.

Never having lived in the midwest, I don't have a super-informed opinion on the best boarding scenario for a horse there (which of course would vary from horse to horse anyways). But if your horse is one that does well on field board, I imagine he would be better off out in a field, able to move about, if you're talking about the kind of storm that can bring a barn down. Plus it'll save you some dough, which is always nice.

At any rate, if you're going to keep your horse while you're in school, I say definitely bring him along with you. He's not doing you any good someplace else. You might not have time to really keep him super-fit by yourself, but you can probably find a horseless friend to help out. Or he can just be there to be a stress reliever for you when you need it.

 

[AUhopeful]

If everything goes as planned, I plan on taking my gelding. Me and my husband need to have property, so he would have a pasture and a walk in barn/stall for protection. There are smaller towns outside of Auburn that we will probably check in to if I get accepted. 🙂

One thing that would concern me about Kansas is the tornados. Here on the gulf coast, during hurricane seanson, we do not leave horses in their stalls (if there is a option to turnout). I know of a woman who had her horses in their stalls during Ivan and the barn collapsed. I would think the same concern would be for tornados. At least in a pasture, they can somewhat escape.

 

[eventualeventer]

OTOH, if they are out in a pasture they can be hit with flying debris. 🙁

 

[ADM1220]

I tend to lean more towards pasture board since my ponies are used to having a lot of turnout. Plus they can move around in case of a storm, but the debris is a huge concern. I guess a lot of land and run-ins, along with the option of a stall, would be the best scenario.

Cowgirla, good point about finding other vet students to work with my horses. That means someone else would be checking in on them too. 🙂

 

[twelvetigers]

If a tornado is coming AT your horses, it doesn't matter where they're at. Low-lying ground is best, but that's hard to come by in this area.

However, I've lived in Oklahoma for 24+ years now - 18 years in one place, and the other 6+ in another - and never has a tornado come within 15 miles. It's a risk, but it's definitely not a guarantee. I'd worry more about horses getting out of the fence and on to a highway - that seems to happen a lot more, no? And, it's somewhat preventable.

 

[ADM1220]

twelvetigers, what you said is very true. I may have the option of keeping them at a friend's in a massive pasture with high and low ground, and run-ins. Highway and other busy roads are not directly nearby, but any traffic can be an issue when livestock gets out. I also microchipped them just in case. (over-protective mom here!)

 

[twelvetigers]

In that case, it sounds like you have a good plan. Don't waste your energy worrying about natural disasters. If you do get into KSU, learn what to do yourself and with the pets you live with - that's about all anyone needs to know.

 

[quantized]

Odds of your horse getting hit by a tornado are pretty slim. I grew up in tornado alley and while there were one or two close calls, it's not really something to get worked up over in the big scheme of things. As long as they have their friends with them, then they probably will just huddle up for storms and wait it out.

I kept my competition horse through college and grad school, but ended up selling him due to funds and time. It would have been a nightmare having a horse like that at vet school as he needed good daily work, but I guess if you have a chill horse just for putzing around then it wouldn't be such a big deal.

 

[ImaJerseyGirl]

If I'm within a 5-6 hour drive, I'll take my mare with me and lease her out where ever I'm at. She's an easy going trail horse. I am not comfortable shipping her across the country and I'd have to lease her out at home. The hard part is finding someone trustworthy enough to lease her to.

I can't help you with the tornado stuff, I've never left the east coast!

and there was a post about this a while ago...

 

[dottoressa]

ImaJerseyGirl, I've looked into cross-country shipping options as my mare is older, does not appreciate trailer rides, and has some health problems. I found that compared to ground transport, it is not much more expensive to fly a horse via FedEx. The trip is much shorter (~6hrs from coast to coast) and, from what I've heard, far less stressful on them. Just a thought in case you're admitted to a great school off the east coast 😉

 

[AUhopeful]

Everyone has made good points and suggestions. I guess anything can happen no matter where you are. I would just prefer to have my horses in a pasture vs. a barn stalled up if I know severe weather is imminent (sometimes you do not know). During hurricanes, my horses always huddle together and turn their behinds to the wind and hunker down that way. I also put my telephone number and their names on their halters incase they should go through the fence and become separated.

 

[ADM1220]

ImaJerseyGirl, I've looked into cross-country shipping options as my mare is older, does not appreciate trailer rides, and has some health problems. I found that compared to ground transport, it is not much more expensive to fly a horse via FedEx. The trip is much shorter (~6hrs from coast to coast) and, from what I've heard, far less stressful on them. Just a thought in case you're admitted to a great school off the east coast 😉

I've heard you have to sign a release to have your horse euthanized if anything happens (ie: the horse freaks out) during air travel. Is this true?

I have a friend who ships horses for a living and takes them in box stalls. I think my old mare would be fine with that, as long as she can move about. The young one is the chillest jumper I've ever met so I'm not worried about her adapting at all. They truck with minimal pickups/dropoffs along the way and do take rest breaks for the horses. I think it's key to find someone who won't be zigzagging all over the country like most commercial shippers.

 

[DVMDream]

If a tornado is coming AT your horses, it doesn't matter where they're at. Low-lying ground is best, but that's hard to come by in this area.

However, I've lived in Oklahoma for 24+ years now - 18 years in one place, and the other 6+ in another - and never has a tornado come within 15 miles. It's a risk, but it's definitely not a guarantee. I'd worry more about horses getting out of the fence and on to a highway - that seems to happen a lot more, no? And, it's somewhat preventable.

That is what I would worry about too (horses escaping onto a highway). Although I live in AZ and we have had some close tornado touch downs there has never actually been one to touch down. However, I have witnessed 2 microbursts. One lifted the air conditioning unit off our roof and threw it back into the house. We could not live in the house until it was repaired and because we had to move into a hotel we had to give up our kitty. Luckily, only the cat was home when it happened and she was not injured. She lived out the rest of her life with a family friend in California. The second microburst I was in the car with my mom and sisters. We pulled over into a parking lot at a store we were going to go in but the winds were so strong we could not get out of the car; so we just stayed there until it passed. We simply thought it was really, strong winds with the monsoon storm, but the news later reported a microburst in that area at that same time. Scary stuff but I could never imagine going through a hurricane or tornado. Arizona is fairly tame when it comes to weather. But, I would not be too worried about a natural disaster. If you get accepted to Kansas just find out from local people what they recommend and be prepared; that is all you can do.

 

[dottoressa]

I have heard they may heavily sedate the horse if needed, but not euthanize... My little horse can occasionally spaz out, but she's pretty easy to distract and bring back to planet Earth. I wonder if I could fly with her....?

My horse needs soaked hay and ample ventilation. I doubt it would be easy to find a good commercial shipper who could accommodate us for a coast-to-coast trip.

I've heard you have to sign a release to have your horse euthanized if anything happens (ie: the horse freaks out) during air travel. Is this true?

I have a friend who ships horses for a living and takes them in box stalls. I think my old mare would be fine with that, as long as she can move about. The young one is the chillest jumper I've ever met so I'm not worried about her adapting at all. They truck with minimal pickups/dropoffs along the way and do take rest breaks for the horses. I think it's key to find someone who won't be zigzagging all over the country like most commercial shippers.

 

[OnceBitten]

I'm clueless about the best kind of boarding for horses out here, but I thought I should mention that I know MANY classmates who traveled here, even from out of state, with one or more horses. Most people just brought along one horse, others brought multiple horses and plan to get more, others board a couple of hours away, some keep them in their backyard... There are lots of options available here and, aside from not getting to spend as much time with their horses as they'd like, they all seem to manage it with school very well, so it's definitely do-able.

Some of the challenges I can relate to you in secondhand fashion are having a horse lose a shoe unexpectedly and cutting into an already limited budget to replace it, and the need to care for them yourself (obviously for those who don't board) when you feel like you barely have time to get groceries. None of the horse owners I know seem to regret their decision to keep their horse(s) with them, though.

 

[HandD42]

Just wanted to chime in that my horse will be going with me although I have my fingers crossed I get into my in-state school so nothing will change for him.

Also wanted to mention when I bought my horse I shipped him halfway across the country with minimal issue. He does NOT like to trailer and did lose weight but otherwise was no worse for the ware. I did not sign a euthanasia release as the driver had her cell on her at all times and would call if there were any issues. I also was also allowed to call her for updates when I wanted but she wasn't required to automatically answer if she was busy driving. It was 'relatively' inexpensive as well, there are a lot of commercial shippers out there so prices stay pretty competitive.

I have lived in the midwest my whole life and severe weather is a concern. I think both stall and pasture have negatives as far as tornadoes. Recently found out having your horse shod can increase their chance of getting struck be lightning though (not sure if this is just an old's wives tale or not) but really you can never protect them 100% wherever they are.

Cross your fingers and hope for the best.

 

[radio2020]

I have heard the lightening tale as well. No sure how much it can really contribute to it since it is such a random act of GOD! I had a horse hit by lightening at the farm I worked. The crazy part was it was in the middle of the pasture, neither had shoes. The pony was barely 14 hands and was out with my almost 17 hand thoroughbred and the pony was hit. You would think it would have been the other way around, tallest in the pasture.

Back to the shoes, how many of you agree with not using shoes? I have learned and seen studies from Australia that shoes actually reduce 70% of the blood flow to the hoof. The shoe prevents the natural expansion that the hoof does when bearing the weight of the horse. All my horses are barefoot. One of them I was told by a vet, "could never be without shoes". However, his feet were awful and you couldn't keep a shoe on him so I slowly transitioned and he has been barefoot ever since. Anyone have any thoughts?

 

[HandD42]

Well, I am mixed on the shoe front as well. I think if your horse can live without them great! My current guy has great feet and I went all last year including show and trail season without them. But to be honest a lot of people and judges expect to see them at shows and depending on the breed/discipline you may have to have them shod a certain way in order to win.

I did also have a purebred Arabian with a club foot and had to have him shod to even out his angles. He was not a spectacular mover and had big trouble cantering on his club side, shoeing (also added a small pad to the club foot to even the shoulder height) really did improve his movement and helped his cantering. I think shoeing can be necessary but like most equine things is probably over-used.

 

[radio2020]

Well, I am mixed on the shoe front as well. I think if your horse can live without them great! My current guy has great feet and I went all last year including show and trail season without them. But to be honest a lot of people and judges expect to see them at shows and depending on the breed/discipline you may have to have them shod a certain way in order to win.

I did also have a purebred Arabian with a club foot and had to have him shod to even out his angles. He was not a spectacular mover and had big trouble cantering on his club side, shoeing (also added a small pad to the club foot to even the shoulder height) really did improve his movement and helped his cantering. I think shoeing can be necessary but like most equine things is probably over-used.

This is so true, about the judges. Especially in hunters. Tradition does seem to takeover when it comes to showing. I guess the real issue is we keep breeding horses with BAD FEET! This is a WHOLE OTHER TOPIC though.

 

[ImaJerseyGirl]

Not to hijack this thread but...I love hoof stuff. My mare is barefoot and her feet look awesome! I have seen shoeing that has really benefited certain horses, and nearly crippled others. I think it depends a lot on your farrier, but I'd rather see barefoot horses than shod.

And on shipping... do you think a commercial shipper would let me follow the truck? I am a bit protective/insane when it comes to my horse. I'd haul her myself but I don't trust my 20+ yr old trailer. (We're talking NJ to CA).
I did not know FedEx shipped horses... I am not sure how comfortable with *that* I would be!

And on horses at school... the ideal situation would be to have another vet student as a roommate with the horses on the property doing a sharecare type of situation, (or any kind of sharecare situation) for that matter.

 

[quantized]

Commercial shippers would think you were a little nuts trying to follow the van, not counting the fact that they all drive with 2 drivers you'd have to drive for like 3 days without stopping lol

I've shipped my horses back and forth from Europe and across the states multiple times. The good shippers are used to taking care of everything from old school ponies to seven figure competition horses. The big vans are really comfortable for horses to ride in and the drivers are very conscientious about feeding and watering. That being said, I would be hesitant to ship anything older and frail that long of a distance on anything other than a plane.

I only had a problem with one company based in Massachusetts in all the years I shipped my horses around, and I think they got driven out of business for being awful. Most of these guys are professionals and do a good job. I have a couple companies I've always used with good success. If you want their numbers I can pass them on.

 

[AUhopeful]

I prefer to have a horse barefoot. I have been lucky enough that all of the horses I have owned did not need to be shod. Now, the gelding that I currently have might need them. I have been treating him for white line disease for the past month and we had to cut out a portion of both front feet. It was recommended by the vet I work for and the farrier that I put front shoes on him for a little while to help even him out while we wait for his feet to grow back out.

I think corrective shoeing is a good idea if it can help a horse become sound and help his conformation. But I also believe that shoeing can do harm if it is not done correctly (as horse owners put a lot of trust in our farriers).

I have never heard about the lightening tale.

 

[stick91]

To answer the original question...

I'm just about to complete my first quarter of vet school and I've had my horse with me the whole time. I did not have her with me during undergrad (she was just a baby), but I have not found the transition to be a problem. Overall, the challenges have been minimal up to this point.

I compete in dressage and my horse is a somewhat snarky 5 year old so she needs to be ridden about 5x a week. Aside from when I have a ton of tests at once I have been able to accomplish that goal just fine. I think if you manage time well then you can keep your riding at whatever level you want. I was lucky to be accepted to my in-state school so tuition is cheaper. I am managing my funds fine and haven't had any problems with affording her board and my rent (and I live alone so it is substantially higher than some people's). Sure, sometimes taking a nap sounds really appealing, but I get pretty much the same benefit by going to the barn. (and I still sneak naps in).

For me it is definitely a stress reliever to just go to the barn for a couple hours and not think about school, which is what I really should get back to doing as I still have two more finals to study for!

 

[ADM1220]

My oldie (retired hunter) and my youngin' (jumper) are both barefoot. I haven't had any problems ever. Whenever possible, I think barefoot is the best way. I've had horses come in for training that "needed to be shod" because they had "bad feet". The bad feet were actually coming from the poor shoe job. On that note- I also LOVE my farrier. He works wonders on their feet!

TB mare just came in with all 4 shod. Totally unnecessary for her and my farrier pulled the shoes. I think now is a great time to let her get used to being barefoot without becoming sore (the pastures are soft and muddy).

What do ya'll think about the farriers that specialize in "barefoot/natural" trims? I've seen some really messed up angles as a result.

 

[eventualeventer]

Yup, a good trim is a good trim, whether a shoe is put on or not. I've seen an awful lot of p*ss-poor farriery on both barefoot and shod horses, and sound and happy horses both with and without shoes. I'm sure a lot of horses that are currently shod w*ould be happy going barefoot, but I'm not ready to throw shoes out the window, having seen a number of horses helped by corrective shoeing. Even Perfect Pony tried going a winter without shoes behind, but his hock issues flared up when the shoes were pulled and were fine when the shoes were put back on. He wears slight heel wedges because his heel grows forward, not down -- barefoot, his P2-P3 angle is broken back.

ADM, a lot of the adamant barefoot-only trimmers that lurk on online horse forums come across as complete nutjobs.

OP, Perfect Pony is not actually mine, so I will have to leave him behind (I tried to convince my friend to let me take him, but she's not buying it 😉 ). Wherever I end up, I'll be looking for new horsey friends to adopt.

 

[GeeQued]

As a quick reply from a current vet student, I originally planned on bringing just one horse up (starting vet school I had 3 but sadly now just 2). My other horse was leased out but it didn't quite work so she'll be joining me next quarter when I can pick her up. Two horses will definitely be a challenge but if I really wanted to I could ride one horse everyday but typically I ride 4-5x a week. I was debating on leasing my other horse out to a student but decided to just let some friends come and ride him for free next quarter so we can switch off and my horses will get worked everyday. Its definitely doable. I know one of our classmates was still fitting her horse/competing in eventing and rode everyday its just about what compromises you'll make. My rule is my horse will come 2nd to school but before social events (dont worry I'm still social chair and have a diverse social life).

 

[sofficat]

You might not have time to really keep him super-fit by yourself, but you can probably find a horseless friend to help out. Or he can just be there to be a stress reliever for you when you need it.

I am that horseless girl and I LOVE having my friends' horses to ride! It's a great stress reliever and it's a fun way to bond with classmates.

 

[ADM1220]

I am that horseless girl and I LOVE having my friends' horses to ride! It's a great stress reliever and it's a fun way to bond with classmates.

Cheaper too! 😉

 

[Whyevernot55]

Jumping in late to the conversation, but I'm a horse owner whose horses have gone EVERYWHERE in the past few years. In my undergrad, I bought my first horse as a freshman in spring semester. She came back and forth from Indiana (school) home to NJ in the summers, and when I got my second...and third... well, they lived in 2 IN barns, came to Kentucky for a summer, at various NJ barns, then lived on my mom's property for a summer after graduation, and then all three moved back to Ohio with me after I came here to do my post-bacc pre-reqs! Pony has since been sold, and my older TB mare passed away, so I am left with my TB gelding. And he is DEFINITELY coming with me. Unless I go to Scotland!
Hey, I think it's always do-able, and my horses have always helped maintain my sanity, so I'll be keeping him, thank you very much. 😉 Granted, I'm not planning on continuing to show the hunter circuit if and when I get into vet school, but at least I can still ride.

 

[PM2009]

Mine will go with me. My retired hunter and lame young horse will live at home but my other two warmblood geldings will go with me. I've never been horse less and can't imagine not riding. I'll make time, I always do. Even in undergrad carrying 20 credits and working two jobs I found time to ride and even do the summer circuits at KHP.

If I find I literally have no time I can always send them home for a bit. We'll see but for now that's the plan.