ASK BUBBA

If you have questions or concerns of an urgent nature, please phone the office at (703) 771-1240.

Bubba is the Equine Rescue League's resident wise man and newsletter columnist. Having been rescued himself , Bubba can answer your questions on equine care and management and broaden your knowledge of equine abuse issues.

Please remember, however, that Bubba is not a veterinarian. If your horse, pony or donkey seems ill or is injured, please call a local equine veterinarian. Do not wait for internet advice! (Bubba will tell you to call a vet, anyway!)

We have plenty of room here to answer YOUR questions!! Email Bubba.

Not wanting to chip his hooves on the keyboard,
Bubba dictates his columns to be typed later.

"A Timely Question"
Dear Bubba,
If I want to adopt an ERL horse, why does the adoption process take so long?
--Possible Pony Parent

Dear Parent,
First of all, thanks for your question and your desire to give a pony a new home! Adopting a horse is a huge emotional and financial commitment. (As is buying a horse on your own!) Before the League releases a horse to its new family, we need to be sure the match between human and equine is a good one, and that the adopter is ready for the challenges of horse ownership. In many cases, the horses brought to the ERL for rehabilitation and eventual adoption have been through some pretty tough circumstances. After going through the effort of rescuing the horse and teaching it to trust people again, the League want to make absolutely sure the horse is going to a good home when it is adopted out.
-- Equinely yours,
Bubba

"No Hoof, No Horse!"
Dear Bubba,
At the last Open House, we read about a recent arrival being left stalled for an unknown period of time wearing shoes. Why is that a problem?
-- Wren

(For the answer to this question, Bubba turned to Equine Podiatrist, Shannon Moore. For more information, please visit www.thenaturalequine.com.)
Remember that old saying, "No Hoof, No Horse"? It's true! There are many complications and a wide variety of lameness which may arise from ANY improper shoeing application. There has been a vast amount of research done on an number of horses to see if there were benefits to going barefoot. Is there really something to this? Are horses healthier and sounder by going barefoot.

Research shows that, yes, there are many benefits. Horses' feet function more efficiently and remain healthier and stronger when allowed to operate the way in which nature intended. Improper shoe application and maintenance will further aggravate an already unnatural situation.

Maintaining a balanced trim that establishes a proper ratio for breakover will help make and keep your horse sound.

More and more riders are experimenting with barefoot techniques of hoof care and are pleased with the results. (If, however, you must shoe your horse, it is critical that the shoes be applied and maintained properly.)

"Rain Rot"
Dear Bubba,
I have a Thoroughbred gelding and live in Northern Virginia area. When it rains a lot, his hair gets all matted and the skin on his back and rump becomes scaly. This only happens when he’s been out in the rain. I love my horse, how can I help him? --Anxious in No.VA

Dear Anxious,
"Rain rot" and "rain scald" are common names for a dermatitis in horses due to the invasion of bacteria called Dermatophilus Congolensis in the outer skin layers. This bacterium can be part of the normal flora of bacteria that reside on the skin surface. It can proliferate rapidly when the skin becomes wet due to rain or high humidity. When this happens, the bacteria aggressively attack the skin, leading to ulceration and crater formation. Scales form as serum oozes from the lesions and mats the hair.

"Dew poisoning" and "scratches" are two conditions that result from the same bacteria. These conditions occur on the lower legs and pasterns of horses turned out on tall, wet grass, and often occur concurrently. Keeping horses in when it rains is a logical way to prevent rain rot.

However, being out in the rain is essential to building immunity. Although frequently seen in neglected horses, rain rot also occurs in very well-groomed, well-fed horses that simply have infrequent exposure to rain and low immunity. This is very frustrating to show horse owners whose horses are accidentally exposed to rain. Horses that are kept out regularly are more likely to develop an immunity after one or two bouts of rain rot than those who rarely get wet. This is why they have healthy skin despite frequent exposure to rain. Horses that are on a poor diet or are heavily parasitized often develop chronic conditions or have recurring bouts of rain rot.

Regular grooming helps prevent many skin disorders. A dirty coat can collect bacteria and hold it next to the skin. Good nutrition, including vitamins and fatty acids, is essential for healthy skin and hair. In mild cases of rain rot, anti-bacterial shampoos such as Weladol, and rinses such as Betadine, may be all that is needed to clear up the condition. These are usually applied every two days for three to four treatments. In winter, when it’s too cold to bathe horses, you can apply topical preparations to only the affected sections of your horse, drying each quickly, or use an antibacterial powder.

Rain rot, which is bacterial, is often confused with ringworm, which is caused by a fungus, and with allergic weals resulting from insect bites. Insect bites are often isolated, whereas fungal and bacterial conditions tend to spread. With any skin condition, especially one that makes riding uncomfortable for your horse, consult your veterinarian for an accurate, differential diagnosis. He or she will closely examine the skin lesions, and, if necessary, perform fungal/bacterial cultures to confirm diagnosis.
-- Equinely yours,
Bubba

"Mini Dental Problems"
Dear Bubba,
When I visited the ERL farm, I noticed that Mr. George Rascal seemed to have more problems with his teeth than other horses. Are Miniature Horses more likely to have dental problems than larger horses?
--Just Wondering in Warrenton

Dear Just Wondering,
Yes, Miniature Horses like “George” are indeed prone to dental problems. George’s teeth are regularly examined and floated. Minis' teeth are often too large in relation to their mouths, causing crowding and displacement of the teeth. This can lead to periodontal disease, abscesses and tooth loss. Trouble chewing, quidding, or weight loss may be seen and incomplete chewing of hay may cause impaction colic, which is a blockage in the intestine. Remember that a horse’s digestive system is a one-way tract and he cannot regurgitate; therefore if the intestine is blocked, the food has nowhere to go.

Minis, like larger equines, should have their teeth floated and balanced yearly, and have displaced teeth extracted when necessary.
--Equinely yours,
Bubba

"Skinny Old Horses"
Dear Bubba,
Why do I see so many skinny older horses? Are old horses supposed to be skinny?
--Curious in Leesburg, VA

Dear Curious,
For starters, old horses should NEVER be skinny! A skinny older horse is a neglected horse. As equines age, their nutritional needs change as well. Ask your veterinarian about your individual horse's nutritional needs. We've found here at the shelter that
the older residents in particular really benefit from Southern States' Bonanza pellets as the basis for their diets.

Sherrif (on left) doing very well at 31 years of age!

REMEMBER: Pellets of any kind should be thoroughly soaked before feeding!! This is especially important with older or debilitated animals; not only does it prevent them from choking, but their digestive systems need the vital moisture.

Additionally, routine health care is just as essential for older equines as for younger ones--including a yearly dental exam by your veterinarian and having the teeth floated as necessary. Dental symptoms that should be evaluated by a vet include quidding (the inability to chew properly causes the horse to ball up a mouthful of grass or hay, then spit it out), excessive head-tossing or grain-dribbling while eating, or any obvious sign of injury.

If you are not sure how or what to feed your older horse, call your veterinarian or email the Equine Rescue League.
--Equinely yours,
Bubba

"Parasite Problems"
Dear Bubba,
Last week while I was touring the farm, you sure made a fuss about taking your worming medicine. How often do they make you take it?
--Curious in Calverton

Dear Curious,
While I don’t particularly like the taste, regular doses of wormer is necessary. Horses and donkeys on pasture will probably pick up intestinal parasites, sometimes more than one kind. Animals with serious infestations can become anemic, emaciated and weak. In the worst cases, interference with blood supply can lead to colic, gangrene and intestinal twisting or rupture. You should ask you veterinarian about a specific deworming schedule for your horses’ individual needs. Parasite control may involve treatment every four to eight weeks and you may need different products to handle different types of “worms.” All horses in the same pasture should be treated at the same time. A new horse should be isolated and dewormed before being introduced to the field. (And to all the scientists out there... would a carrot-flavored wormer be so hard to make?)
--Equinely yours,
Bubba

"Breeding Woes"
Dear Bubba,
Why can’t I breed a horse I adopt from ERL?
Disappointed in Berryville

Dear Disappointed,
Everybody loves foals! While I understand the excitement surrounding an upcoming birth and the nurturing of a baby, there is a very important reason that ERL has instituted a no-breeding policy. As long as horses are easy to replace they will be treated, by some people, as a “disposable commodity.” ERL’s no-breeding policy is an attempt to address a root cause of many equine abuse issues: overpopulation.

There is a tremendous overpopulation of horses in the United States. Did you know that thousands of horses go through large and small auction houses every week in this country? Some are lucky and are purchased by loving individuals, but huge numbers end up in slaughter plants. Nobody wanted them any more. Not all are old, sick or “used up.” Many are young, healthy animals that didn’t meet the needs or expectations of the people who owned them. (I myself was on a trailer to one of those slaughter plants when a humane officer saw my condition and rescued me.)

Hundreds of horses also stand forgotten and uncared for in fields and barns all over these 50 states, facing years of hunger, thirst, parasite infestation, and illness. The children outgrew the pony. Work hours have lengthened. A couple got divorced and each moved his own way. Boarding bills can not be paid, so the owner just stops coming to the barn. The “reasons” are endless.

Want to breed your mare because you love her and want another just like her? It most likely won’t turn out that way. Genetics is not an exact science. Every time a foal is born, its a game of chance. He may or may not be sound and healthy. He may or may not have a wonderful temperament. He may or may not be good at what his parents do best. If he’s not what you expected, what happens to him? Do you breed again and hope for better results? You are much more likely to find the horse for you by looking for a two-year old where you can see what you are likely to end up with. Somewhere, already on the ground today, is the perfect horse for you.

Small animal shelters’ adoption contracts require that adopted animals be neutered and not be bred. The contracts apply to dogs and cats, purebreds and mutts, alike. ERL has a very similar philosophy. All stallions are gelded before adoption, but since the mares cannot all be spayed, we have included a no-breeding clause in the adoption contract. While we can not realistically ask everyone to stop breeding horses, we can try to make a difference a few horses at a time. Thousands of foals will be born every year. Why add more?
-- Equinely yours,
Bubba