Introduction
The Advisor is different things to different people: Some use the existing documents as a equine information resource, we think one of the best in the world. Best because information is not static but updated reflecting new experiences, new research, and new requests from you. For some members, The Advisor’s interactivity to explore and discuss horse related matters is a daily routine, learning as they contribute to the resource. Especially rewarding is that since 1997 when we started this service we have seen some real online friendships develop. We hope you find what you are looking for here. You can just go and use the site, it is intuitively organized, but we have a few suggestions of our own. This document will introduce you to the services and features offered by Horseadvice.com
Site and Page Structure
Think of Horseadvice as a large oak tree. The trunk is the homepage and at the first level it divides into the first main branches. These branches then divide into smaller related branches until you get to the articles or the leaves of the tree. Associated with this leaf are the discussions concerning that article and if you want to carry the analogy to its logical end the discussions are the acorns branching out from the twigs. Let’s now examine this page you are on right now as “a typical page layout” whether that page is a limb (menu page that branches further) or a leaf (an article page with associated discussions).
Navigation Frame
On your left is the “Navigation Frame”. Place your cursor on a Topic, further subtopics are then displayed. Some of these subtopics will display even further subtopics. Each of the links in the navigation frame takes you to a menu that contains that topics articles and discussions. Because this navigation aid is cached on your computer it instantly allows you to navigate to every other menu page on the site. Since it is available on every page of Horseadvice, you are never more than two clicks away from any article or discussion on the site, one to the menu and one to the particular topic of interest.
Navigation Bar
Now look at the “Navigation Bar” above this welcome message. No matter where you are in The Advisor or how you got there, it is a step-wise map that tells you where in Horseadvice you are. Each step is a link that allows you to back up along the steps in the sites logical topic tree. Note how this is different than your “Back Button” that will return you to the last page you visited.
Information Frame
Most important in “this” portion of the page the large window to the right of the navigation frame and under the navigation bar. This is the informational section of the page and will contain one of three types of information:
- Topics (Menu) Page: a menu of links to the subtopics related to the topic
- Article Page: article on the topic under which are the discussions on the topic and at the bottom is the start new discussion button.
- Discussion Page: the intial post and replies along with the “Post to this Discussion” button at the bottom.
Another way to look at the information in Horseadvice is organized like a book with the tables of contents on the home page that leads to chapters and subchapters. Often when looking for information it may be helpful to take it a menu at a time, examing related topics that you might not be aware of. Perhaps the fastest way to find a subject is with the search engine. The short form search engine on every page examines the whole site. However by going to SEARCH on the navigation frame you will find a link to a page that will allow you to perform more involved searches.
More on Finding Information on Horseadvice.
Posting Etiquette
When replying to a request for help we recommend you do not make specific recommendations because no matter how much information provided you only have a partial picture of the situation. Instead it is most helpful to relate your specific experiences with the specific topic being discussed. Giving as much background as possible always helps.
One of the biggest chores we have here is moving errant forum posts from inappropriate areas to under the proper heading. First be sure you have read all the appropriate articles and discussions on your interest. And most important you should not post in someone elses discussion a new discussion about your topic. Instead back up one page from the discussion you are in a Start A New Discussion. The button is at the bottom of the list of already existing discussion. This will prevent delays and increase the number of responses you get. In the past we have moved such posts but this has become so time consuming we have begun to delete them. The Staff will thank you!
Thank You!
The whole site belongs to you and there are no further charges. Don’t forget to bookmark us. Check the Topic “Announcements” when you visit for the current status and changes as we always have something cooking. We have a monthly Tips and Tricks contest in the Care and Training Topics where you can win extensions to your memberships and don’t forget you are now entered in this month’s drawing for a year’s dewormer. Thank you again for supporting The Advisor, we will continue to improve and enlarge your site. If you have not already review our Privacy Practices and Terms of Service.
Robert N. Oglesby DVM