WILD HEART MUSTANGS
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Articles
  • Trainer Tips
  • Vet Talk
  • Homesteading
  • Freedom's Trail
  • L'il Buckaroos
  • Calendar of Events
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Media Kit
    • ADV - Home Page
    • ADV - Articles Page
    • ADV - Calendar of Events
    • ADV - Resources
  • Archives
    • Mar/Apr 2017 e-zine >
      • Mar/Apr 2017 Home
      • Mar/Apr 2017 Horse Sense
      • Mar/Apr 2017 Articles
      • Mar/Apr 2017 Trainer Tips
      • Mar/Apr 2017 Vet Talk
      • Mar/Apr 2017 Homesteading
      • Mar/Apr 2017 Freedom's Trail
      • Mar/Apr 2017 L'il Buckaroos
    • Jan/Feb 2017 e-zine >
      • Jan/Feb 2017 Home
      • Jan/Feb 2017 Horse Sense
      • Jan/Feb 2017 Articles
      • Jan/Feb 2017 Trainer Tips
      • Jan/Feb 2017 Vet Talk
      • Jan/Feb 2017 Homesteading
      • Jan/Feb 2017 Freedom's Trail
      • Jan/Feb 2017 L'il Buckaroos
    • Jan 2016 e-zine >
      • Jan 2016 Home
      • Jan 2016 Horse Sense
      • Jan 2016 Articles
      • Jan 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Jan 2016 Vet Talk
      • Jan 2016 Homesteading
      • Jan 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Jan 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Jan 2016 Trail Riding
      • Jan 2016 Calendar of Events
      • Jan 2016 Resources
    • Feb 2016 e-zine >
      • Feb 2016 Home
      • Feb 2016 Horse Sense
      • Feb 2016 Articles
      • Feb 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Feb 2016 Vet Talk
      • Feb 2016 Homesteading
      • Feb 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Feb 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Feb 2016 Trail Riding
      • Feb 2016 Calendar of Events
      • Feb 2016 Resources
    • Mar 2016 e-zine >
      • Mar 2016 Home
      • Mar 2016 Horse Sense
      • Mar 2016 Articles
      • Mar 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Mar 2016 Vet Talk
      • Mar 2016 Homesteading
      • Mar 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Mar 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Mar 2016 Trail Riding
      • Mar 2016 Calendar of Events
      • Mar 2016 Resources
    • Apr 2016 e-zine >
      • Apr 2016 Home
      • Apr 2016 Horse Sense
      • Apr 2016 Articles
      • Apr 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Apr 2016 Vet Talk
      • Apr 2016 Homesteading
      • Apr 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Apr 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Apr 2016 Trail Riding
      • Apr 2016 Calendar of Events
      • Apr 2016 Resources
    • May 2016 e-zine >
      • May 2016 Home >
        • Advertising - May 2016
      • May 2016 Horse Sense
      • May 2016 Articles
      • May 2016 Trainer Tips
      • May 2016 Vet Talk
      • May 2016 Homesteading
      • May 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • May 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • May 2016 Trail Riding
      • May 2016 Calendar of Events
      • May 2016 Resources
    • Jun 2016 e-zine >
      • Jun 2016 Home
      • Jun 2016 Horse Sense
      • Jun 2016 Articles
      • Jun 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Jun 2016 Vet Talk
      • Jun 2016 Homesteading
      • Jun 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Jun 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Jun 2016 Trail Riding
      • Jun 2016 Calendar of Events
    • Jul 2016 e-zine >
      • Jul 2016 Home
      • Jul 2016 Horse Sense
      • Jul 2016 Articles
      • Jul 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Jul 2016 Vet Talk
      • Jul 2016 Homesteading
      • Jul 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Jul 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Jul 2016 Trail Riding
      • Jul 2016 Calendar of Events
    • Aug 2016 e-zine >
      • Aug 2016 Home
      • Aug 2016 Horse Sense
      • Aug 2016 Articles
      • Aug 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Aug 2016 Vet Talk
      • Aug 2016 Homesteading
      • Aug 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Aug 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Aug 2016 Trail Riding
      • Aug 2016 Calendar of Events
    • Sep 2016 e-zine >
      • Sep 2016 Home
      • Sep 2016 Horse Sense
      • Sep 2016 Articles
      • Sep 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Sep 2016 Vet Talk
      • Sep 2016 Homesteading
      • Sep 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Sep 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Sep 2016 Trail Riding
      • Sep 2016 Calendar of Events
    • Oct 2016 e-zine >
      • Oct 2016 Home
      • Oct 2016 Horse Sense
      • Oct 2016 Articles
      • Oct 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Oct 2016 Vet Talk
      • Oct 2016 Homesteading
      • Oct 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Oct 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Oct 2016 Trail Riding
      • Oct 2016 Calendar of Events
    • Nov 2016 e-zine >
      • Nov 2016 Home
      • Nov 2016 Horse Sense
      • Nov 2016 Articles
      • Nov 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Nov 2016 Vet Talk
      • Nov 2016 Homesteading
      • Nov 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Nov 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Nov 2016 Trail Riding
      • Nov 2016 Calendar of Events
    • Dec 2016 e-zine >
      • Dec 2016 Home
      • Dec 2016 Horse Sense
      • Dec 2016 Articles
      • Dec 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Dec 2016 Vet Talk
      • Dec 2016 Homesteading
      • Dec 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Dec 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Dec 2016 Calendar of Events

VET TALK   

by Amy Ortez, DVM
Picture
Dr. Amy Ortez, DVM
Dr. Amy  Ortez grew up spending most of her time in and around barns outside of Philadelphia, PA.  After spending many years working in various aspects of the horse industry, Amy made the decision to attend veterinary school at the Atlantic Veterinary College on Prince Edward Island, Canada.  Since graduating, Amy has made her home near Rochester, NY where she is a mixed animal practitioner.  There is no aspect of equine medicine that does not interest her.  Amy is also the proud owner of several horses that she enjoys riding.
Picture
Picture

WINTER HORSEKEEPING OUTSIDE
by Amy Ortez, DVM

Picture
Upstate New York has received our first winter storm.  Two days before the storm it was 70 degrees. Then it rained followed by snow and blowing wind.  I am not sure how much snow fell but it always seems to pile up in front of whatever door or path I am using.  The changing weather was not a surprise.  My two thoroughbreds have not had blankets on yet this season so they are pretty wooly but I wanted to put a blanket on them before the storm.  This is always a challenge with such wide temperature fluctuations in a short period and a job that feels more like ALL the time as opposed to full time.

​The night it was raining, my horses where very fired up.  I think a skunk in the pasture was stressing them out.  Despite shivering, they had chosen to stand outside in the rain instead of waiting for their dinner in the barn.  They walked in for dinner but bolted back outside before I could lock them in to allow them to dry off before putting on blankets. 
I attempted to catch them but my attempt was in vain as they went galloping back and forth.  If I left them alone, they would pace along the far fence line but at least they were not running.  I so desperately wanted to have them warm and tucked in the barn, but it was not to be.  Cold, wet and feeling defeated, I walked away.

The next morning the horses came in to eat as if anxiety was an emotion they had never experienced.  The rain had stopped but they were still wet, although no longer shivering.  That night, the winter storm rolled in and they finally allowed me to lock them in and protect them from the old man winter.  I felt content, knowing they would have a chance to dry and I could put their blankets on.
The next day they patiently waited as I shoveled out the doors, allowing them to go outside.  They ran and bucked and played in the snow with such delight.  Despite continuing snow and wind, they chose to stay outside and did not return to the barn until they heard me preparing supper.

​I tell this story because it is in stark contrast to their summer behavior. During that time they spent most of their time inside stomping flies while having the fan blowing on them.  They chose to stay inside.  While it is true, the thoroughbreds are not considered the smartest of the equine breeds, they were smart enough to escape the sun and the bugs in the summer and chose to come inside.  In the winter, they choose to be outside.  Even if they are cold, that does not deter them from wanting the space to roam and explore and observe. 
Picture
In the winter, many caretakers are tempted to close up the barn good and tight and never let a horse out in inclement weather.  I think this is detrimental to horses' physical, physiological and social health.  The air in tightly closed up barns contain dust and ammonia which are detrimental to horses lungs.  Horses NEED to move.  Their lungs need fresh air, their gastrointestinal tract needs motion to function properly and their joints need to stay lubricated.  They were designed to move.  If my delicate flower thoroughbreds beg to be outside in the winter and choose cold over confinement, the rugged mustang plea is even louder. 
Picture
For more horse keeping tips for winter weather:

To Blanket, or Not to Blanket?  - Feburary 2016 Issue
Winter Hoof Care - February 2016 Issue
Autumn Equine Care - Colic - November 2016 Issue

←Wild mustang in Wyoming snow storm.  Photos of Wyoming mustangs by Mary A. Lainhart available in the Wild Heart Mustangs™ SHOP
Picture
Have a question for the doctor?
Picture
Click here to ask Dr. Ortez
DISCLAIMER
The information contained on this website is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.  Information found on this website
is meant for educational and informational purposes only.
When in doubt,
consult your veterinarian.

Picture
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Articles
  • Trainer Tips
  • Vet Talk
  • Homesteading
  • Freedom's Trail
  • L'il Buckaroos
  • Calendar of Events
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Media Kit
    • ADV - Home Page
    • ADV - Articles Page
    • ADV - Calendar of Events
    • ADV - Resources
  • Archives
    • Mar/Apr 2017 e-zine >
      • Mar/Apr 2017 Home
      • Mar/Apr 2017 Horse Sense
      • Mar/Apr 2017 Articles
      • Mar/Apr 2017 Trainer Tips
      • Mar/Apr 2017 Vet Talk
      • Mar/Apr 2017 Homesteading
      • Mar/Apr 2017 Freedom's Trail
      • Mar/Apr 2017 L'il Buckaroos
    • Jan/Feb 2017 e-zine >
      • Jan/Feb 2017 Home
      • Jan/Feb 2017 Horse Sense
      • Jan/Feb 2017 Articles
      • Jan/Feb 2017 Trainer Tips
      • Jan/Feb 2017 Vet Talk
      • Jan/Feb 2017 Homesteading
      • Jan/Feb 2017 Freedom's Trail
      • Jan/Feb 2017 L'il Buckaroos
    • Jan 2016 e-zine >
      • Jan 2016 Home
      • Jan 2016 Horse Sense
      • Jan 2016 Articles
      • Jan 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Jan 2016 Vet Talk
      • Jan 2016 Homesteading
      • Jan 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Jan 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Jan 2016 Trail Riding
      • Jan 2016 Calendar of Events
      • Jan 2016 Resources
    • Feb 2016 e-zine >
      • Feb 2016 Home
      • Feb 2016 Horse Sense
      • Feb 2016 Articles
      • Feb 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Feb 2016 Vet Talk
      • Feb 2016 Homesteading
      • Feb 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Feb 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Feb 2016 Trail Riding
      • Feb 2016 Calendar of Events
      • Feb 2016 Resources
    • Mar 2016 e-zine >
      • Mar 2016 Home
      • Mar 2016 Horse Sense
      • Mar 2016 Articles
      • Mar 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Mar 2016 Vet Talk
      • Mar 2016 Homesteading
      • Mar 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Mar 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Mar 2016 Trail Riding
      • Mar 2016 Calendar of Events
      • Mar 2016 Resources
    • Apr 2016 e-zine >
      • Apr 2016 Home
      • Apr 2016 Horse Sense
      • Apr 2016 Articles
      • Apr 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Apr 2016 Vet Talk
      • Apr 2016 Homesteading
      • Apr 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Apr 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Apr 2016 Trail Riding
      • Apr 2016 Calendar of Events
      • Apr 2016 Resources
    • May 2016 e-zine >
      • May 2016 Home >
        • Advertising - May 2016
      • May 2016 Horse Sense
      • May 2016 Articles
      • May 2016 Trainer Tips
      • May 2016 Vet Talk
      • May 2016 Homesteading
      • May 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • May 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • May 2016 Trail Riding
      • May 2016 Calendar of Events
      • May 2016 Resources
    • Jun 2016 e-zine >
      • Jun 2016 Home
      • Jun 2016 Horse Sense
      • Jun 2016 Articles
      • Jun 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Jun 2016 Vet Talk
      • Jun 2016 Homesteading
      • Jun 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Jun 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Jun 2016 Trail Riding
      • Jun 2016 Calendar of Events
    • Jul 2016 e-zine >
      • Jul 2016 Home
      • Jul 2016 Horse Sense
      • Jul 2016 Articles
      • Jul 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Jul 2016 Vet Talk
      • Jul 2016 Homesteading
      • Jul 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Jul 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Jul 2016 Trail Riding
      • Jul 2016 Calendar of Events
    • Aug 2016 e-zine >
      • Aug 2016 Home
      • Aug 2016 Horse Sense
      • Aug 2016 Articles
      • Aug 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Aug 2016 Vet Talk
      • Aug 2016 Homesteading
      • Aug 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Aug 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Aug 2016 Trail Riding
      • Aug 2016 Calendar of Events
    • Sep 2016 e-zine >
      • Sep 2016 Home
      • Sep 2016 Horse Sense
      • Sep 2016 Articles
      • Sep 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Sep 2016 Vet Talk
      • Sep 2016 Homesteading
      • Sep 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Sep 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Sep 2016 Trail Riding
      • Sep 2016 Calendar of Events
    • Oct 2016 e-zine >
      • Oct 2016 Home
      • Oct 2016 Horse Sense
      • Oct 2016 Articles
      • Oct 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Oct 2016 Vet Talk
      • Oct 2016 Homesteading
      • Oct 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Oct 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Oct 2016 Trail Riding
      • Oct 2016 Calendar of Events
    • Nov 2016 e-zine >
      • Nov 2016 Home
      • Nov 2016 Horse Sense
      • Nov 2016 Articles
      • Nov 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Nov 2016 Vet Talk
      • Nov 2016 Homesteading
      • Nov 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Nov 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Nov 2016 Trail Riding
      • Nov 2016 Calendar of Events
    • Dec 2016 e-zine >
      • Dec 2016 Home
      • Dec 2016 Horse Sense
      • Dec 2016 Articles
      • Dec 2016 Trainer Tips
      • Dec 2016 Vet Talk
      • Dec 2016 Homesteading
      • Dec 2016 Freedom's Trail
      • Dec 2016 L'il Buckaroos
      • Dec 2016 Calendar of Events