cowboygirl45
Active Member
Hey Guys
! I recently posted about the mini horse stud (now gelding) that I rescued, and I have a few more questions. I have made a few observations since I picked him up last Thursday and I would like your opinions.
1) (A feel good observation) I have noticed that this little guy is laying down quite a bit. There are no obvious reasons (sick, etc.), I just think it feels good for him to lay in something besides his own feces. I laid down a bunch of straw for him, and HE'S USING IT!!! Every time I check on him I have to pull straw out of his main, like he's been rolling every chance he gets
. (There are no signs of skin issues, i.e. ring worm, rain rot, etc. etc.)
2) He refuses to eat the hay stems. He will root through, eat all of the leaves and then nicker at me like he's still hungry. I'm reluctant to feed him too much since the vet advised keeping an eagle eye on his weight (stifle issues), but I'm wondering if it may be his teeth. Has anyone ever run into this problem? I have a dental appointment for my QH's on the 20th of this month I suppose I can see if this dentist (traveling in from Montana) would have the appropriate tools to do a mini.
3) Given Cuz's past (outlined in the post "Rescue . . . ") I'm wondering if he may be a candidate for therapy horse (visiting childrens hospitals, nursing homes, etc.)? Some one at some point has loved him dearly and he's very easy and quiet to be around. NOTHING yet has even come close to upseting him, and I'm curious as to what it would take to put him in a public setting? I feel that with his physical disabilities, he would be an inspiration. On Chances Miniature Horse Rescue site, they say that they don't condone the use of "dwarf" horses as assistance animals or in service work. Would therapy also be "service work"? Although, he's not an "obvious" dwarf, Cuz does show signs and symptoms of dwarfism (stifles locking, skeletal underdevelopment, enlarged knee joints, etc. etc.).
Your opinions would be appreciated!!! And, as always I hope everyone is well!
1) (A feel good observation) I have noticed that this little guy is laying down quite a bit. There are no obvious reasons (sick, etc.), I just think it feels good for him to lay in something besides his own feces. I laid down a bunch of straw for him, and HE'S USING IT!!! Every time I check on him I have to pull straw out of his main, like he's been rolling every chance he gets
2) He refuses to eat the hay stems. He will root through, eat all of the leaves and then nicker at me like he's still hungry. I'm reluctant to feed him too much since the vet advised keeping an eagle eye on his weight (stifle issues), but I'm wondering if it may be his teeth. Has anyone ever run into this problem? I have a dental appointment for my QH's on the 20th of this month I suppose I can see if this dentist (traveling in from Montana) would have the appropriate tools to do a mini.
3) Given Cuz's past (outlined in the post "Rescue . . . ") I'm wondering if he may be a candidate for therapy horse (visiting childrens hospitals, nursing homes, etc.)? Some one at some point has loved him dearly and he's very easy and quiet to be around. NOTHING yet has even come close to upseting him, and I'm curious as to what it would take to put him in a public setting? I feel that with his physical disabilities, he would be an inspiration. On Chances Miniature Horse Rescue site, they say that they don't condone the use of "dwarf" horses as assistance animals or in service work. Would therapy also be "service work"? Although, he's not an "obvious" dwarf, Cuz does show signs and symptoms of dwarfism (stifles locking, skeletal underdevelopment, enlarged knee joints, etc. etc.).
Your opinions would be appreciated!!! And, as always I hope everyone is well!