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.
Issue link: https://thehorse.epubxp.com/i/551477
46 TheHorse.com THE HORSE September 2015 blocks from Times Square, so it does have to stay clean here." Even outside the city, quarters can be close for horses whose riders want access to certain amenities. "A trainer recently told me that per square mile, on Long Island, the horse density is higher than anywhere else," says Olson. "The horses are really packed into the big riding schools. I'll see barns with property the size of a postage stamp with 80 to 100 horses because everybody wants to use the indoor (arena). Every inch of space is utilized. "The management is a totally different thing than on a 50-acre farm," she con- tinues. "Disease spreads faster so manure has to be managed, and if you have five tiny turnout paddocks you decide who needs it most." And here's something many urban horse owners might not think about: What little green space city dwellers do have in their yards near equestrian estab- lishments can be dangerous if filled with ornamental plants poisonous to horses. Fencing can help keep horses away from toxic plants, and maintaining good relationships with neighbors can lead to opportunities for education about what is safe to plant within horses' reach. Not-So-Easy Access to Veterinary Care Canadian Olympic dressage rider Ashley Holzer's barn is located in Van Cortlandt Park, in The Bronx, New York. "It may be in the city, but it's extremely well-managed," says Olson. "But as a vet, getting to Ashley's barn is a challenge. There's not an equine vet who typically hangs out in the city after hours—they're always an hour away—and even getting someone to ship the horse to the clinic can be a challenge. Rush hour can make it even more complicated. With a serious colic you're making decisions based on more than what is in front of you: Can the vet get to the horse, or would it be quicker to ship to the vet, depending on traffic?" Gerami agrees that traffic can be problematic. "In case of emergencies we always have a stocked medicine cabinet with Banamine and bandages and so on, and we have 24-hour stable care; someone's always here keeping an eye on the horses." The same problems can be seen on the West Coast. The freeway traffic in the Sili- con Valley is legendary, and Zeytoonian tries to time appointments so as not to be stuck in major commuter traffic. "We are also fortunate enough to have a number of referral hospitals in the region," she says. "Depending upon traffic, clients can head north or south for specialized care." Take-Home Message Whether you live in the crowded city or congested suburbs, keeping your horses can present a variety of challenges. With diligent management and attention to de- tail, it's possible to keep your horse happy and healthy and enjoy time at the barn no matter its zip code. h EQUINOMICS You look after your horses. We look after you. Our mission: to improve the economics, integrity and pleasure of the sport on behalf of Thoroughbred owners and breeders. Find out what a TOBA membership can offer to you. www.toba.org (859) 276-2291 Urban horse owners must cope with hauling horse trailers through city streets and battling traffc when shipping to veterinary clinics. STEPHANIE L. CHURCH AMY DRAGOO/WWW.ARND.NL Cleanliness is key when your farm is surrounded by busi- nesses and neighbors. Many barns must hire a sanitation company to haul away manure and waste on a regular basis. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Amber Heintzberger is a lifelong horsewoman and freelance jour- nalist based in New York City.