I have slowly come to the conclusion that I really don't want my dogs and horses mixing at all. I'm not worried about the horses, they completely ignore the dogs. I'm more worried about the dogs. Just one kick and you might have a dead dog or at the least a big vet bill. I have big dogs and toy dogs (Papillons). I absolutely NEVER let the little ones anywhere near the horses. It makes my skin crawl just to think what might happen to them under the hooves of a 1200 pound horse. And a big

I think it has a lot to do with where your barn is located. Most of the boarding stables I've kept my horses at were on the edge of what might be considered "wildlands". This is so I would have ready access to good riding trails. I can remember riding down a wash one day and riding withing 5 feet of a bobcat that just sat and watched me ride by with his BEAUTIFUL blue eyes! Coyotes and feral dogs were quite common in these areas and outdoor cats just didn't have a chance. In more

Think of it this way, at least the spca got $300 much needed dollars, and you got most of your kittens back! You are right though, I've never known a barn cat to last more than a year or so. most don't make it thru the summer.

Thanks for the advice. You pretty much confirmed what I already thought. I think I'll trailer her over to our local fairgrounds where at least she won't throw me into a tree or something, and there will be other people nearby. I'd like to longe her before mounting up, but I'm afraid the circling will exacerbate any soreness she might have. I guess I'll just wing it. Do you think a dose of Bute an hour or two before riding would be useful?

Thanks! She has been a real pleasure, and Ty,my gelding just loves her. I think you're right about the Bute too. I'll post and let everyone know what happens when I try her out.

I have a nice 12 year old gray grade mare that I got a little over a year ago as a companion for my 23 year old Arab. gelding. I got her from a feedlot where she was waiting to go to slaughter. She's a very sweet and easy to deal with horse. She was pretty lame when I got her and has a nasty scar on one hoof/pastern, but it's old and doesn't bother her. She also has what appears to be ringbone on both front pasterns that also doesn't seem to give her much trouble. She foundered this

Does anyone know of a trick or technique for getting ointment into your horse's eye?. My Arab needs a little ointment for a slight corneal abrasion. But he just sqeezes that eye shut tight and I'm not sure I'm getting any medication into that eye at all. I've tried forcing the lids open, but I just can't seem to do it. Any help would be appreciated.