The Horse

SEP 2017

The Horse:Your Guide To Equine Health Care provides monthly equine health care information to horse owners, breeders, veterinarians, barn/farm managers, trainer/riding instructors, and others involved in the hands-on care of the horse.

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8 TheHorse.com THE HORSE September 2017 Historically, we are not a family who buys horses sight unseen and without at least a basic prepurchase exam, but about four years ago, my mom deviated from the script. Operators of a horse rescue in my Virginia hometown were working to secure a few horses earmarked for the kill pen at a low-end Pennsylva- nia auction, and they were keeping supporters updated via Facebook. Among the pictured horses Mom saw a pretty gaited chestnut mare. A video showed a man hopping on the mare's back and riding her around without incident; she was sound and calm. Mom wasn't in the market for a horse, and Dad was out of town, so she had mixed feelings on what to do. Nobody had shown interest in the mare—she cost more than the other horses because she was obese. But Mom ultimately gave in to the hunch that this mare was meant to be hers, and, as the story goes, Dad only found out when he received a Paypal transaction email alert. It just so happened I was visiting my family a few days after "Belle" came home. I got to know her while giving her veterinarian-prescribed antibiotic injections daily for a nasty respiratory infection. And though Belle impressed me with her perfect behavior, I was reluctant to gush; it seemed only a matter of time before the rest of my family's small herd would catch her crud. What had my mom gotten herself into? Don't I write about avoiding disease outbreaks all the time? But Mom has an eye for a good horse. She assured me she was doing the best she could with the situation, and Belle turned out to be a lovely mare. Indeed, Mom's only regret was being unable to quar- antine the mare properly. She had researched places to isolate Belle elsewhere but couldn't find any solu- tion besides a remote paddock on her farm. Several of the other horses did get snotty noses, which Mom treated. Belle has proved her worth. Now 11, she's a reliable trail horse and has taken over as Mom's main ride now that her older Tennessee Walker is enjoying retirement. To use a phrase I've heard in Virginia and beyond, Belle is as smooth and comfortable as the day is long. Mom even plans to take her to local shows for trail and obstacle classes. This month's cover story details what to do if you're considering a free or inexpensive horse—even one with an unknown health history. These situations are never a time to throw caution to the wind. But Belle's story reminds me there are quality horses to be found if you're mindful of the risks. Over the past four years, Mom has had three offers to buy Belle, but she's hanging on to her tight. I don't blame her one bit. h Worth Her Weight in Gold VIEWPOINT STEPHANIE L. CHURCH Editor-in-Chief @TH_StephLChurch I can think of at least five standout horses or ponies my family or I have owned over the years with purchase prices less than that of my current saddle. We found most of these bargains through word of mouth, and a few through the classifieds. Keep in touch! @TheHorse facebook.com/TheHorse @TheHorseMag Publisher: Marla Bickel Editor-in-Chief: Stephanie L. Church Managing Editor: Alexandra Beckstett News Editor: Erica Larson Digital Managing Editor: Michelle Anderson Art Director: Brian Turner Web Producer: Jennifer Whittle Brand Manager: Shawna White EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT The Horse, Editorial, 3101 Beaumont Centre Circle, Suite 100, Lexington, KY 40513 E-MAIL Editorial@TheHorse.com All letters must include the writer's name, address, and daytime phone number for verification. ■ Letters: Letters@TheHorse.com, or by mail. ■ Farm Call: FarmCall@TheHorse.com, or by mail. ■ Across the Fence and Behavior Columns: Editorial@TheHorse.com, or by mail. ■ New Products: Products@TheHorse.com, or by mail. EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Scott Anderson, DVM Jerry Black, DVM Anthony Blikslager, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS Tom Brokken, DVM Ann Dwyer, DVM Benjamin Espy, DVM, Dipl. ACT Jenifer R. Gold, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, ACVECC Kyla Ortved, DVM, Dipl. ACVS Debra Taylor, DVM Educational Partnership Disclaimer: The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), one of The Horse's partners in equine health, has no involvement regarding editorial management or advertising content within this publication and thereby does not endorse any editorial or advertising content unless so acknowledged within the individual article or advertisement. ADVERTISING SALES AND SERVICES advertise@TheHorse.com West Coast Advertising Executive: Yvonne Long, 859/276-6701 ylong@TheHorse.com East Coast Advertising Executive: Michelle Simpson, 859/276-6710 msimpson@TheHorse.com Sales Support: Nicol Hunt, 859/276-6740 nhunt@TheHorse.com PUBLISHED BY THE HORSE MEDIA GROUP LLC For up-to-date news, in-depth horse health articles, and more, go to TheHorse.com

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