|
|
Discussion on 22 horse die in texas
|
| Author |
Message |
Member:
Jojo15
|
Posted on Tuesday, Jul 18, 2006 - 10:44 pm:
Wow... what a shame. Here is the article. It just happened....
https://www.theeagle.com/stories/071806/local_20060718011.php
https://peruviandigest.com./headlinesraphel.htm
|
Member:
Savage
|
Posted on Tuesday, Jul 18, 2006 - 11:47 pm:
How horrible!!. I hope they are able to find out what caused the deaths. It just breaks my heart. 
|
Member:
Canter
|
Posted on Wednesday, Jul 19, 2006 - 8:05 am:
What a devastating nightmare. I can only imagine what those people and their boarders are going through. My heart goes out to them.
|
Member:
Ajudson1
|
Posted on Wednesday, Jul 19, 2006 - 11:32 am:
Reminds us that life can be so short, you just never know.
I certainly hope they figure out what happened so it can be prevented in the future.
Seems we've had a run on postings for horses being sent to greener pastures.
(((hug your horse extra today)))
|
Member:
Lynnea
|
Posted on Wednesday, Jul 19, 2006 - 12:37 pm:
This is incredibly sad. I hope they find out the cause as quickly as possible, because if it is in the feed the word has to reach others. Does anyone know what that barn was feeding.?.Perhaps someone needs to let people know the brand so others can hold off until it is proven or disproved to be the cause. My heart goes out to those innocent horses, and to the people that loved them.
|
Member:
Christel
|
Posted on Wednesday, Jul 19, 2006 - 1:39 pm:
Unreal, what a nightmare.
The article said they thought it was something in the feed that was used to kill boll weavils- so maybe a feed that had a cotton by-product in it?
My first thought was blister beetles in the alfalfa.
So unfortunate, hope when someone hears what was the cause they will post it here, learning lesson for us all.
Chris
|
Member:
Tuckern
|
Posted on Wednesday, Jul 19, 2006 - 6:26 pm:
Here's a story from 10:00am this morning. Looks like the death toll is up to 28.
https://www.kbtx.com/home/headlines/3370156.html
And from earlier this morning (6:00am), says that the horses were fed Purina feed, that is bought in bulk and stored in silos, and treated with a chemical to kill weevils. BUT, they've used that chemical since 1998 with no ill effects before this.
https://www.theeagle.com/stories/071906/local_20060719004.php
Nicole
|
Member:
Jojo15
|
Posted on Wednesday, Jul 19, 2006 - 7:40 pm:
Something must have changed, either the chemical composition changed in the pesticide or maybe purina changed something in their feed, and the combination just did not mix. Or worse, it was rancid feed and that toxin coupled with the pesticide killed them. Whatever it is i'm sure Purina is going to be all over this. I was wondering if they were going to say anything about the company's feed. Think back to the wormer episode. There was one horse that didn't finish its feed and is still ok....
|
Member:
Christel
|
Posted on Wednesday, Jul 19, 2006 - 11:17 pm:
jojo, I was thinking rancid too. We have had extreme heat here in Texas the past couple of weeks. I use to feed Purina, and the only time I could buy it in bulk and it not get rancid was in the dead of winter, not saying it was Purina, just saying the heat would really get it rancid pretty quick- Im sure what I am feeding now would do the same in hot weather.
I once worked at a grain elevator and we would occasionally put cyanid capsules in the bins to kill the weevils. Wonder if that is what they still use?
Very sad.
Chris
|
Member:
Tuckern
|
Posted on Thursday, Jul 20, 2006 - 12:29 am:
I too have the same problem with Purina when it's too hot, especially hot and humid together.
It's such a terrible thing. I sure do hope they can get to the bottom of it, and get definitive answers on what killed all those poor horses.
Nicole
|
Member:
Ajudson1
|
Posted on Thursday, Jul 20, 2006 - 9:34 am:
I used to feed Purina sweet feed also but never in the summer just for the reasons we are talking about. I would feed plain oats.
This year however, I am feeding 3 parts Safe Choice to one part XTN, which is Nutrena's richest sweet feed. Or close to the richest. 2 of my horses would gag on just the SC pellets and the addition of the sweet feed seems to prevent that.
Just FYI though, I have found mold in both of them this summer, but worse in the sweet feed. It's coming from the feed store that way, not happening in my insulated tack room where the feed is stored in large rubbermaid garbage cans.
The first time, it was another product as they were out of the Safe Choice, and I had dumped 4 bags in the cans, then saw it didn't look too good. The store told me to just dump it, they knew it was bad and someone grabbed it that didn't know not to take from there.
If this case in Texas turns out to be bad feed, I surely hope the feed companies and stores look into new methods of bagging and/or storing the products.
|
Moderator:
DrO
|
Posted on Thursday, Jul 20, 2006 - 9:36 am:
Has anyone got the name of the fumigant that the owner was using or seen any reporting on the horses symptoms?
DrO
|
Member:
Tuckern
|
Posted on Thursday, Jul 20, 2006 - 10:36 am:
DrO,
There is a story from this morning that says phosphine gas was found in the stomachs of all three horses that have had necropsies done.
Here's a link to the story.
https://www.theeagle.com/stories/072006/local_20060720001.php
Yesterday I found a website with information about the individual horses, I'm trying to locate it again, and will post it as well.
Nicole
|
Member:
Jojo15
|
Posted on Thursday, Jul 20, 2006 - 2:58 pm:
Phosphine... (too close to my name... josephine)
From another list people were saying this is used all the time. but your supposed to let it sit for a couple of weeks for the effect of the toxin to take hold. Which seems odd since the owner of the stable says he hasn't changed his practice one bit.
In the end, its sooo sad for these owners they lost their foundation stallion and mares, and foals, and boarder horses, its just unimaginable....
|
Member:
Sjeys
|
Posted on Thursday, Jul 20, 2006 - 4:35 pm:
It sounded really odd to me that you would put poison in horse feed in order to get rid of weevils. I just throw out the food. But it sounds like they had silos for their food and this may be what larger operations do...I was just curious to see if anyone else has been anywhere they would put poison on or near horse food knowing that it would turn into a gaseous state or otherwise dissipate?
I guess I'm confused and just may not have the experience of working at such a large barn. Is this a common practice?
Are weevils that dangerous? I know they are gross and I don't want my horses eating bugs, but I cannot imagine putting poison around their food...? Or do a lot of barns do this.
I too, am in Texas where its been a nighmarish 105+ the last few days (and 100+) the last couple of weeks. So, I do throw out food thats no good, but I just cannot get past putting poison around a food source...what do you guys/gals think?
|
Member:
Tuckern
|
Posted on Thursday, Jul 20, 2006 - 5:15 pm:
From what I understand, using aluminum phosphide tablets produces the phosphine gas, and it takes five days for the tablets to turn to gas, and another 3-5 days before the grain is "safe" to feed. So a total of 10 days. In one of the articles, the owner said he treated the feed just one day prior to feeding it to the horses.
If he's done that since 1998, I think it was only a matter of time before something like this happened.
Right now, my horses are only eating hay. I feed oats and alfalfa pellets in the winter, and refuse to buy and/or use bags that have gotten wet or show any signs of going bad. I keep anything and everything that could be poisonous away from my horse's food.
Could better management of food keep weevils out? I thought weevils grew in old food, or food that is not kept properly?
Nicole
|
Member:
Sjeys
|
Posted on Thursday, Jul 20, 2006 - 5:51 pm:
I think I get mine when I forget to put the lid on the grain. I kick myself every time and then I throw it out.
|
Member:
Djws
|
Posted on Thursday, Jul 20, 2006 - 11:59 pm:
I have never heard of weevils where I live (Ohio). Do they come from where the feed is packaged? How big are they? I'm not saying that we don't have weevils here in the Buckeye State-just never heard of the little buggers.
How do you tell if feed is bad? I have several bags of Equine Senior, and Omolene 100 that I have been storing in Rubbermaid trash cans in the barn since March. My horse was been taken off grain at that time. How long can grain be stored?
Can someone tell me what I should be looking for in, and about, my feed?
When you say rancid...do you mean sweet feed would smell....sour, strong, rotten????? I know what rancid means, just looking for a description pertaining to grain. I'm not really sure I'd know (haven't been around it long enough to feel I'd be able to tell).
A terrible tragedy. Loosing one horse is traumatic enough. A barn full...I can't imagine.
Does anyone know if there's an e-mail address that we could send our condolences to the barn owners and boarders?
|
Member:
Christel
|
Posted on Friday, Jul 21, 2006 - 12:18 am:
Wonder what weevils look like?
If the silos this farm was using feed from the bottom maybe he had in all these years never fed any grain that had gotten the gas- thinking he probably just throws the capsules in on the top of the grain in the silos and the gas just never makes it to the bottom before it loses it's 'shelf life'.
I still think the extreme heat and weird weather we are experiencing had some effect.
DJ- hard to describe rancid- it just smells funny, not fresh. Have you ever smelled cooking oil that has been around a long time, and goes rancid? It reminds me of that. I think it's the oils in the feed that go bad and give it a rancid smell. Yes feed can go bad, the more processed it is the faster it will go bad.
Hope they figure it out soon.
Chris
|
Member:
Djws
|
Posted on Friday, Jul 21, 2006 - 1:07 am:
WHAT DOES A WEEVIL LOOK LIKE?
What is the normal 'shelf life' of grain? I am sure the bags have an expiration date, right? To be candid, I've never looked. I just split the bag, and pour it in the container. Guess I'll check that out first thing in the morning.
I just keep on learning. Thank God for HA!
|
Member:
Paix
|
Posted on Friday, Jul 21, 2006 - 1:32 am:
so sad... my heart goes out to everyone affected by this tragedy.
weevil links:
https://www.whatsthatbug.com/Weevils.html
https://www.gardensafari.net/english/weevils.htm
https://www.everythingabout.net/articles/biology/animals/arthropods/insects/beetl es/weevil/index.shtml
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weevil
and with that, I say... ewww
NOT a beetle lover
dina
|
Member:
Sjeys
|
Posted on Friday, Jul 21, 2006 - 8:04 am:
Weevils in Texas are very small black bugs; in grain you have to really look to see them. I usually pull up some of the grain in my hand and wait for it to settle before I can see them. Sometimes they are very difficult to see.
because its usually 90% humid and 100 degrees here I throw out anything that isn't eaten in about 30 days.
Every once in awhile we will get grain that has bugs in it from the feed store, but usually they get in there if we leave the lid off the grain bin or if there's a hole in the feedsack.
I did look up the poison online and apparently at large farms (I'm thinking more COW and less HORSE, but it wasn't specific) that they do get the bugs out of food by gassing it.
JOJ posted this link earlier for sending help to these people, but no email for them yet: https://peruviandigest.com./headlinesraphel.htm
My neighborhood is taking up donations to help them defray some medical and burial costs.
|
Member:
Jojo15
|
Posted on Friday, Jul 21, 2006 - 8:42 am:
they have a site carouselacres.com i think..
dj... dump the feed. if not using it dump it. it will not stay more than 30 days if that...$16 bag of feed vs... thousands in vet bills... dump it.
Always SMELL your FEED. and visually inspect it. Do not ever trust the feed store, or the manufacturer. You are the bottom line. If the feed smells off for any reason in the bag, i bring it back. all of it. and ask for a different lot #... feed stores hate me. But do it before you store it. and store it NOT in the bag... metal containers work best for me. Even plastic seems to hold the heat more. goes bad faster... just my observation on that.
LOOK at it, feel it, crumble it up in your hand, smell it again.. until you become an expert on smells. grin. and smell others foodstuffs too.
rancid is an unmistakable smell. its gros.. and by then its pretty moldy or has flies coming around more often. BUT, before it goes rancid it starts to smell a bit sour, and this is harder to detect. Dump it then too. sour means it can go rancid in their bellies. anything with sweet feed should smell sweet, and you need to smell the bag when you open it. it should have nice smell to it. Complete extruded feeds smell a bit different than sweet feeds, and can also get a sour smell to it. but dryer smelling. (hard to explain). And if the feed is too crumbly with pellets that is a sign its going bad too. Always SMELL your feed/ hay/ minerals, etc... get your baseline of what smells good. Then you worry from there. any movement in the feed--bugs? dump it. Any insect, i dump it...
do a test... get some sweet feed. get it wet. put in a baggy and wait... within hours it starts to smell a bit off.
And talk about giving good advice and not heeding it?????... Guess who just got into my rancid chicken feed? yep. brandy. The feed was in the garbage can. Can was in the back of the feed room. MY PIG was trying to knock it over, but instead pushed it to the door of the feed room. Which gave brandy the perfect opportunity to eat some...I had the vet out yesterday to tube and remove, tube and remove and then oiled her gut... we are now on stall confinement 4 days and icing her feet in case she really did get a bunch of the feed. I can't believe this... but if it wasn't for this disaster of all these horses dieing, i probably would have given some Charcoal and banamine and not be as worried...
|
Moderator:
DrO
|
Posted on Friday, Jul 21, 2006 - 9:31 am:
The best information I can find about phosphine toxicity are these excerpts from PubMed:
Animals have been poisoned by ingesting treated bait or the carcasses of poisoned rodents. Toxicity is due to the liberation of phosphine gas in the stomach. Clinical signs include central nervous system excitation, depression and vomition. Similarities of clinical signs with other central nervous system toxicants make the diagnosis difficult without a specific diagnostic test.
And this description of a human poisoning (I cannot find any horse cases):
Signs and symptoms of toxicity include nausea, vomiting, dyspnea, and changes in mental status; immediate death results from pulmonary edema. Delayed effects are secondary to the absorption of phosphide, affecting primarily the liver, heart and kidneys. Delayed deaths are related to a direct cardiotoxicity. Treatment is mainly symptomatic and supportive; aggressive airway management and circulatory support are critical to a successful outcome.
DrO
|
Member:
Vickiann
|
Posted on Friday, Jul 21, 2006 - 10:10 am:
The dates on the feed bags are the dates they were made. The shelf life of sweet feed isn't too long so I would NEVER feed it when it is a few months old. (as stated by others -- 30 days is about as old as I would want sweet feed to get). I've accidentally bought some that was several months old, but the minute I opened it I could tell it was past its prime and took it back. If you are sold old feed you should always take it back. Sometimes the dealers do not property rotate the products and you can accidentally get really old stuff. The feed company DOES NOT want you to use product that is old. The pelleted feeds have a much longer shelf life. In the winter some of them are good for several months, but the company that I buy from (Triple Crown) says their pelleted feed should not be older than a couple of months during the summer months because it gets exposed to too much heat. Some of the feed producers use a code rather than actual date of production on the bag. There will be something like 6 or 06 or 2006 for the year -- then the next numbers (3 digits) represent the day number of the year (ie 1 for Jan. 1, 365 for Dec. 31) that it was made, followed by the lot number. (I supposed some companies might reverse the order of these number series -- when in doubt, call them) If the pelleted feed I use is stored under air conditioning 6 - 7 months is fine. I buy about a month and a half worth of pelleted feed at once, but keep it in the house during the summer. If you ever have any questions or concerns, or do not understand something, call the feed company. They are always very helpful and forthcoming. They will tell you the shelf life of every one of their products.
|
Member:
Sonoita
|
Posted on Friday, Jul 21, 2006 - 11:08 am:
Please keep us informed on this matter and let us know if there is any thing we can do and what we need to watch out for. My heart goes out to these people and the horses. It is so scary. OH! my.
Happy Trails,
Wanda
|
Member:
Cpacer
|
Posted on Friday, Jul 21, 2006 - 12:22 pm:
Incredible that we put so much time and care into the slightest ailment of our horses, then something like this comes along and poof, gone.
I can’t think of a more eerie place to be than on the grounds of mass horse death.
Let's hope we find out exactly what happened so it can be prevented from happening again. Anyone else surprised this isn't major news?
|
Member:
Djws
|
Posted on Friday, Jul 21, 2006 - 3:02 pm:
WOW! They say something is always learned from another's mistake, or tragedy.
I usually spend Saturdays with my horse and doing barn chores. First on my list tomorrow is to dump 8 bags of feed (purchased in March and April). It's been HOT in the barn for over two weeks. After reading what Dina posted, I am checking all of my flour, etc., in the kitchen too! YUCK! Makes me itch!
I bought the Equine Sr. and Omolene, because I had "buy one, get one free" coupons. I thought I'd be saving money...you're correct, the vet bills would be much more.
I appreciate the time it took for you guys to write the explanations.
My nose is going to be getting a vigorous workout!
I am also going to write the phone number (for whatever brand feed I use) on my emergency list in the barn. Always good to have numbers for those "just in case" needs.
Since I am alone at the barn (no boarders), and a new horse owner, I depend on HA tremendously. You guys NEVER let me down!
|
Member:
Christos
|
Posted on Friday, Jul 21, 2006 - 6:01 pm:
Metal phosphide tablets depend on humidity to convert to gas.
If humidity was unusually high, resulting in higher gas concentrations and the owner fed this grain a day or two after treating it, this tragedy comes as no surprise.
For more info:
https://sgrl.csiro.au/storage/safety/default.html
And a useful tip:
My trainer always insisted that we fill the feed cart by pouring the grain from a height of a couple of meters in windy conditions, to remove dust, powders and debris and inspect the grain.
I was once grounded for a whole week for being caught distributing grain directly from a sack 
|
Member:
Sjeys
|
Posted on Friday, Jul 21, 2006 - 8:21 pm:
From Christo's link:
It sounds like these folks *may* not have waited the proper amount of time before feeding. How awful for them and their horses but it reminds us to be more vigilant even with practices that worked in the past. Apparently it can be explosive as well, so that's something else to keep in mind.
Safe practice requires a minimum of eight
days from application to handling the grain,
and a minimum of 10 days from application to
using the grain. The minimum safe periods are
longer in many cases - follow label directions
for exposure and ventilation periods.
• Phosphine tablets take up to five days to
release all the gas.
• An exposure period of at least seven days is
needed to kill all stages of weevils – longer
periods are needed for some formulations or for
low temperatures.
• After the exposure period a ventilation period is needed to remove phosphine gas from the
grain so it can be handled safely.
• After the exposure and ventilation periods, a
withholding period of another two days is
required before the grain can be used.
|
Member:
Djws
|
Posted on Friday, Jul 21, 2006 - 9:52 pm:
Sorry, Christos, but the thought of YOU being "grounded" (actually) made me laugh out loud!  You are pictured in my mind as the ultimate proper gentleman, never doing anything wrong! Especially with anything pertaining to horses!
|
Member:
Christos
|
Posted on Saturday, Jul 22, 2006 - 5:01 am:
You got that picture right, DJ .
Now it happened a few (hundred) times that my trainer, the horse, the spectators or nature itself did not comprehend the fine complexity and ingenuity behind my methods, but that's no proof that I was wrong, is it ?
I did finally modify these methods out of sympathy, realising slowly that the rest of the planet will never rise to my standards and there's no use torturing them with things beyond their grasp. And this is, I believe, enough proof of my character's greatness and integrity.
|
Member:
Christel
|
Posted on Saturday, Jul 22, 2006 - 9:48 am:
Christos, what if the wind was not blowing?
I live in one of the windiest parts of the country, but even here, like right now, the wind is still- happens occasionally.
The capsules we used at the grain elevator to kill bugs in the grain bins I think was called phosphine but the brand name we used was spelled w/ an f. I was for some reason under the impression it was a cyanide gas- not sure why (it has been 14 years since I worked there). I did a google on cynamide and it seems phosphine and cyanide are completely different- must of been confused- that's a first-lol.
Chris
|
Member:
Ajudson1
|
Posted on Saturday, Jul 22, 2006 - 10:50 am:
Christos,
I just realised from reading your last post I'd better bring waders and our largest shovel to our Brushy Creek gathering!!!!!
|
Member:
Mrose
|
Posted on Saturday, Jul 22, 2006 - 11:44 am:
Guess I'll bring my muck boots next October. I'll look a little funny waiting at the airport in Las Vegas with them on, but sounds like they'll be needed!
|
Member:
Christos
|
Posted on Saturday, Jul 22, 2006 - 12:10 pm:
No, not at the airport, that won't be necessary .
|
Member:
Christos
|
Posted on Saturday, Jul 22, 2006 - 12:18 pm:
Chris, chemistry is not my forte and we don't exactly know what procedure they followed in treating that feed, so we can't draw conclusions.
Phosphide tablets are fairly safe if they come from a reputable manufacturer and the user sticks to the recommended procedure. Phosphine is used widely all over the planet with very few problems.
Now if somebody wants to experiment with the use of such potent substances by making the procedure a little bit faster here and a little bit cheaper or easier there, all things start weighing their part in tipping the scale towards disaster.
Would a dry, windy day make a difference? I believe yes. Not so much in the silo itself, but phosphine being very volatile, wind could aerate the feed enough during the few minutes from silo to feeding to save one, two, half or all the horses.
|
Member:
Djws
|
Posted on Saturday, Jul 22, 2006 - 2:32 pm:
Okay, Christos! Run for President, and I will vote for you! What a character you are (a very intelligent, funny one)! I am so looking forward to meeting everyone at Brushy Creek next year.
Our local paper actually had a small article about this tragic incident. I am in a small town in SW Ohio...
I disposed of all my feed this morning. The one barn owner wanted me to place it in a back field for the deer, birds, etc. I did not follow his request (I bought it). My thinking was that if it could kill a horse, it might do the same to other animals. Am I correct?
DJ
|
Member:
Jojo15
|
Posted on Saturday, Jul 22, 2006 - 6:23 pm:
DJ... that depends on what animals can get to it. Horses digestion are different and much less tolerant than other animals. what a dog eats rancid could kill a horse. All depends on the rumination of the animal, stomach size, or how many. etc..... I toss old feed in the pond. fish love it. I toss old wet moldy hay in the culvert off my property and rabbits and iguanas still feed on it. But if your horse or any could get to it, could cause problems. Better safe than sorry.
|
Member:
Christos
|
Posted on Saturday, Jul 22, 2006 - 7:26 pm:
It depends on the species, DJ.
I would consult the area's wildlife agency. If it is good for wild animals to eat, it may be a pity to throw it in the garbage.
|
Member:
Morg1
|
Posted on Sunday, Jul 23, 2006 - 11:58 am:
I'm sorry to get off subject, but what happened to the Brushy Creek postings. I've been trying to find them for a couple of weeks. I never posted on the subject, because I still not sure that I can go. I would like to continue to follow the plans though.
|
Member:
Kathleen
|
Posted on Sunday, Jul 23, 2006 - 12:08 pm:
Karen,
Click on Member Services (on the left side of the screen) and at the bottom of the discussion list is one that says horseadvice vacation or something like that. Click on that and you're there.
Kathleen
|
Member:
Morg1
|
Posted on Sunday, Jul 23, 2006 - 12:32 pm:
Thanks a lot Kathleen.
|
Member:
Djws
|
Posted on Sunday, Jul 23, 2006 - 12:51 pm:
I called our wildlife division office, and they directed me to our local state park.
I hauled all the feed to the reservoir (state park, dam, lakes, many horse trails) which is 2 miles from the barn.
A game warden, and ranger helped me unload it. They said it would be put to good use (as JoJo does, probably for the fish). The ranger is an avid horse person, and said they would only place it where it wouldn't harm any animal. She didn't seem to feel that it was "bad" feed, BUT agreed with all of you that it shouldn't be given to a horse since it was several months old. She did show me firsthand how to check for weevils, smell, processing dates, etc. Very helpful.
I am glad that it didn't go to waste, so thanks for the suggestion. The ranger did tell me that it could have harmed an animal had it gone to the landfill. She said it could get VERY rancid after being dumped, and God only knows what might eat it there! Rats? I am sure that a lot of critters frequent the landfill.
While I was at the reservoir, I saw many horse trailers. I hope someday that I can gather the confidence, and take Biv there. I could actually ride him to the park from the barn! Most license tags were from far away counties. I just wish I could find someone here to ride with!
|
Member:
Christos
|
Posted on Sunday, Jul 23, 2006 - 6:19 pm:
Why don't you just go over and talk to these people, DJ ?
Many people who come from far would be very interested to know somebody with a barn in the area, just in case.
Also, they frequently find it easier/safer to load/unload and park in a barn than in a parking lot, if you don't mind a couple of them parking in your place.
They obviously like the place a lot, and riding buddies are not easy to match schedules with, they may also be looking for somebody to ride with in the area.
|
Member:
Mrose
|
Posted on Sunday, Jul 23, 2006 - 8:11 pm:
DJ - I second Christos' suggestion. Most horse people are the friendly sort, and it would be great for you to have someone to ride Biv with. Also, you might just be surprised regarding your riding abilities. I suspect you have more capability than you think.
|
Member:
Djws
|
Posted on Tuesday, Jul 25, 2006 - 4:46 pm:
First, and foremost, I don't own the barn. I make no decisions on anything there. I just feel lucky to even have a place so close to me to have my horse.
I would LOVE to have someone there with me. The owners no longer wanted ANY horses at their place. They had been in the Standardbred breeding, and racing business for 27 years (and retired from it, lock, stock, and barrel). My horse was born on this property, and was retired to it after years at the track. They were looking for someone to take Biv when I entered into the picture. Note: they took Beau in before he went to the trainers-I believe that sealed the doors shut. He was ALL colt, and was a constant worry for them. Beau did bust through their fences, ate a tractor seat, ruined two doors, ate hoses, bent 2 water troughs, and lots more. EVERYTHING was replaced by the owners (I did the work). They just don't want the headaches of horses that aren't theirs. They have to be there 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with more horses.
It's a wonderful place to have Biv, a mile from my home, 8 acres divided into 2 pastures, a 12 x 24 foot stall, tack room, automatic water system, dry paddock, large run-in, tack room, etc. I have my own 60 foot round pen there.
They just don't want any other horses, or people on the place, or in the barns. They are both retired and don't want the commotion. Liability, responsibility, etc, is another factor.
I have even asked if I could have a goat, or mini-horse/donkey so Biv doesn't have to be alone. I am there no less than 4 hours a day, so they don't feel he's lonely. These people have been wonderful to me, they are now my friends. I don't want to upset the apple cart (so to speak). They won't allow me to have a trainer/instructor to come there to help me, or anyone to ride with me there.
If it were my place, I'd hang a sign out that says "Horse lovers, come one, come all!" I agree that people would love to park there, use the stalls if necessary, but it's not my place.
I have put 3 kids through college (by myself). My youngest is still in college in Virginia-(a junior) and then, headed for law school. I can't afford to pay board, etc. I mow, paint and repair fences, take the trash out, whatever I can do to help them (because they help me).
They are good people, they just don't want any more horses, or people there. They neither one have any riding experience (harness racing was their expertise). They worry about me getting injured, let alone anyone else. Also, they are private folks. They support my love of horses, they DO understand my passion. It's just that they've "been there, done that", and they are over it!
Me, and Biv, well, that's enough for them. With me, they know I will be there everyday, twice a day, on time, rain, sleet, or snow (we have lots of it). They know the grounds, and barn are kept clean. They know the gates are closed, and checked again. They trust me. Maybe sometime down the road, they will bend a bit towards fellow riders. After watching me cry over my Beau for the past 10 days, showing those emotions didn't help my arguments to have OTHER horses/boarders there again.
Okay, I just made THE phone call!
I am leaping forward...I am taking your suggestions.
Thursday, at 9:00 AM, I am taking the first riding lesson I've had in 35 years. I found a young woman that lives 45 minutes from me that trains, instructs, boards, etc. She owns Saddlebreds. She has 20 boarders, some close to my age. Her farm has an indoor arena, outdoor arena, trails, good pastures, and a wonderful tack, and feed store. She has already invited me to the Dayton Horse Show to watch several of her students show next week, and to meet other horse people! I am incredibly nervous, and excited! WOW! My dream is coming true. I will take 2 lessons a week for a month on her mounts (my saddle). After that, I am taking Biv with me, and she will work with the two of us. I may keep him there a month (we worked out a deal where I can work for his board during that period), and I will be able to trail ride with others, etc.
I KNOW horse people are friendly, I am one-LOL!!! I don't know a stranger, really. I just feel so inadequate at this time. I don't want to ruin other's good times with my inexperience. I am determined to regain the confidence of my youth. Now if I can regain the muscles, no fear attitude, etc., I'll have it made!
By late fall, I plan on riding to the reservoir, and meeting new friends-horse friends! I will march right up, and say, "Let's ride"!
Next year, I plan on riding at Brushy Creek, and meeting my HA friends.
Wish me luck, and thanks a million!
|
Member:
Kthorse
|
Posted on Tuesday, Jul 25, 2006 - 5:20 pm:
I am excited for you. dont ever think you will ruin someone elses time I think everyone will be excited to have you there. You might not have the same no fear that you has as a kid. I dont think any of us has that anymore.  but it will give you some tools to have the confidence of an adult.
Have fun!
Katrina
|
Member:
Shirl
|
Posted on Tuesday, Jul 25, 2006 - 5:23 pm:
DJ,
Congrats on your good luck, determination, etc. However, I do have to add I'd give a lot to have your current boarding situation!! Been there done that with the big boarding barns and still am. Your present place sounds so quiet, peaceful and heaven sent, but I wish you luck in your new experience and I KNOW you will succeed.
Shirl
|
Member:
Christos
|
Posted on Tuesday, Jul 25, 2006 - 7:09 pm:
I'm glad for you, DJ, it sounds like you're in a good situation and you're heading for even better.
Don't be shy with your ability, other people are not pros either. Whether you know 5% and somebody else 10% of what is to be learned may sound like a difference but it doesn't really do you apart. We are all learning, one way or the other.
Ok, there are some who think they know it all. We call them big talents, ironically. Just be amused if you ever run into one.
I wish you luck and wonderful times.
|
Member:
Mrose
|
Posted on Tuesday, Jul 25, 2006 - 8:36 pm:
Hey, DJ, congratualtions on finally starting on the path to fulfill your dream!! You're going to have a blast! Remember what Christos and the other have said. We are all so far from knowing "it all" none of us ever will. Just hang in there, learn what you can, push yourself a little, and have a ball! Good luck. And, I like the sounds of your boarding situation, btw.
|
Member:
Djws
|
Posted on Tuesday, Jul 25, 2006 - 9:43 pm:
I do LOVE my boarding situation...it's ideal for me, and Biv. It would be PERFECT if I could have a buddy for my horse, or someone to come and ride with us. It IS complete peace, solitude, and harmony of just the two of us!
I am going to work on my skills, then go to the trails...we'll meet up with someone, somehow! Or, if someone just comes riding along, and stops to say "hi", I'm sure they won't chase anyone off the property-LOL! If I can learn to back up the trailer, I'll be able to take Biv places! Maybe even Brushy Creek! (I've only pulled the trailer once with a horse onboard...it was for Beau's emergency-I don't remember how I even did it-one of the students had to back it out of the emergency bay for me-way embarrassing)!
I'll let you know how Thursday goes! (I will put it under a different thread-this is not the appropriate place for this conversation, I know).
Thank you for your support, and your faith in a fellow horse lover!
DJ
|
Member:
Mrose
|
Posted on Wednesday, Jul 26, 2006 - 12:28 am:
DJ, it takes lots of practice. Practice hooking up, driving around, backing, etc. Just haul your trailer all over the place.
At first it will seem impossible to hook up by yourself, but like anything else, once you know how, it's easy. Didn't someone else have a thread going on trailering? If not, start one; it should be a good one as everyone has their own "tricks" and hints as to how to do it "right."
|
Member:
Canter
|
Posted on Wednesday, Jul 26, 2006 - 8:19 am:
DJ,
Wishing you well on Thursday! I was in my 30s when I impulsively signed up for my first riding lesson (didn't ride as a kid) at a local barn. Haven't looked back since...got sucked into horses and can't imagine life without the scent of hay, horse sweat & leather, and the sound of nickers and whinnys.
Looking back when I first started with the lessons, the instruction was lousy (didn't know enough to know any better) BUT, the boarders and riders at that facility were wonderful, kind and generous. I can't tell you how much these amazing people shared with me, particularly after I bought my first horse. The Moms with teenagers took me under their wings (even though I was about the same age as they were)and shined my boots & calmed my nerves at my first show, just as if I was their own daughter. I learned so much from them.
I have since moved on to a better barn and have much better instruction, but many of those people I first met are still friends and I can honestly say that those few years were some of the happiest, most care free and most fulfilling years of my life.
So, all that said, don't worry about ruining someone elses time & don't be nervous. I'm sure you will find many at this barn that are willing to help and share...it's just the way most horse people are.
Have fun!!
|
Member:
Djws
|
Posted on Friday, Jul 28, 2006 - 2:22 pm:
https://www.thehorse.com/viewarticle.aspx?ID=7307
Just read this in the new issue of "The Horse".
I did take my lesson-will post the experience in Basic Riding Skills (or somewhere more suitable).
|
Member:
Tuckern
|
Posted on Wednesday, Aug 23, 2006 - 4:59 pm:
Here's an update from Purina Mills
MEDIA ALERT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine has advised Land O'Lakes Purina Feed LLC that it has completed its investigation of the Brazos County, Texas, horse mortality incident. Their initial diagnosis of phosphine poisoning resulting from the reported on-farm pesticide application remains the apparent cause of death. Further diagnostic testing revealed no evidence of specific abnormalities indicative of other intoxication in the examined horses.
The findings reconfirm Texas A&M’s initial report that the Purina Mills Strategy bulk feed delivered to the farm was not the source of the issue. We want our customers and potential customers to know that they can feed Strategy with confidence. For more information, please refer to the news below issued at the end of July.
We extend our sympathies to the Raphel family at Carousel Acres, and we thank the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine for their efforts to uncover the cause of this incident.
Texas Horse Deaths not related to feed
By Land O'Lakes, Purina Feed Communications
A Brazos County, Texas, stable has been in the news recently following the sudden death of more than two dozen horses in mid-July. The event attracted national attention and spurred considerable media coverage and Internet activity – as well as some speculation as to the cause of the illness. Considerable misinformation was disseminated while testing to determine what caused this tragic event was still being carried out.
Friday, July 21, Dr. Richard Adams, Dean of the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine, released a statement indicating that the feed, as manufactured and delivered to the stable, was NOT a causative factor in these deaths. Dr. Adams stated that phosphine gas from a fumigant pesticide apparently applied to the feed after its delivery was in all likelihood the toxin involved.
"So far, necropsy examination of the animals and toxicologic testing of bodily materials have not revealed any apparent toxicants beyond the phosphine," Dr. Adams said in the Texas A&M news release.
"This appears to have been an unfortunate on-farm accident attributable to the pesticide application. Contrary to some early misleading speculation, there is no indication that the feed product itself was defective when it was delivered to the farm," he said.
Dr. Adams indicated necropsies on three of the horses that died at the Texas A&M veterinary clinic all showed the presence of phosphine gas in their stomachs.
"Considering that the stable feed bin was reportedly treated with a fumigant pesticide that releases phosphine gas as its toxic principal, and considering that phosphine gas was detected in the horses' digestive tracks after death, the pesticide certainly appears to be the etiologic agent, the causative factor, responsible for this tragic situation," Adams said.
The stable involved is a Purina customer and our staff worked closely with the customer, and involved veterinarians, to provide support and assistance. Our sympathy goes out to the customer in this very difficult time. We would also like to express our appreciation to Dr. Adams and his colleagues for their efforts to uncover the cause of this incident.
PURINA MILLS, LLC/LAND O’LAKES 800-227-8941, 314-317-5100
NOTE TO MEDIA: It would be greatly appreciated if you include this in the next issue of your magazine, newspaper or club newsletter and as a news article on your website.
|
Member:
Hwood
|
Posted on Wednesday, Aug 23, 2006 - 6:55 pm:
Thank you, Nicole, for posting this.
|
Member:
Djws
|
Posted on Thursday, Aug 24, 2006 - 12:16 am:
Nicole-
Thanks for the update!
|
|
|
