Pet Chatter

Your dreams are filled with images of riding through a springtime meadow, the sun on your face, a warm breeze in your hair, your horse moving along at a relaxed, easy gait. You wake up in a happy mood and head for the barn.

Standing before you is a horse that's out of shape after a long winter with limited exercise, bearing a coat that makes you wonder if he has wooly mammoth genes.

Spring is a great time to be a horse owner, except that it entails a lot of work. There is the basic spring maintenance on barns, fences, shelters, etc., but there's much to be done to your horse, too.

Carefully and slowly introduce your horse or pony to the lush spring grass if you've been feeding hay all winter. A horse that is pastured throughout the winter and allowed to ease into springtime feeding will adapt naturally on its own.

But a sudden introduction into a green pasture for a horse can lead to colic and founder, conditions that can be painful, debilitating and even fatal.

Start by putting your horse or pony out for very short periods of time (less than 30 minutes to start). Make the time a bit longer every few days until the animal is used to the grass again.

If you haven't been riding over the winter, start slowly. Your horse will be out of shape. Horses that haven't shed their winter coats will heat up quickly and will take longer to cool down.

If you plan to begin a regular riding schedule, consider performing a body clip and then blanketing the horse for cool spring nights.

A curry comb and shedding blade will help to loosen the coat and stimulate the skin. Regular grooming will also help you avoid "rain rot," a fairly common condition during a wet spring that can lead to infection.

Talk to your veterinarian and see what vaccinations are recommended. If you intend to show, see what is necessary for the show ring.

When you and your horse are prepared, ride off into that springtime world that's buzzing with new life. There is no better time to own a horse.

'Til next time, take care of those you love . . . even those with fur, feathers, fins or scales.