Popular Horse Breeds

Posted on October 18, 2018 by blogeditor

Popular Horse Breeds Around The World

Paint

This popular horse breed, more commonly known as the American Paint Horse, combines aspects from different breeds. The paint horse has features from the western stock horse and a spotted pattern of white and dark colors. Each Paint Horse has a particular combination of white and another color of the equine spectrum. The commonly occurring color combinations are white spots with black, bay, brown, and chestnut or sorrel. Other types include the palomino, buckskin, cremello, perlino, champagne, roan, and grullo.

Tennessee Walker

Tennessee Walkers appeared when and Canadian Pacers from the eastern USA bred with Spanish Mustangs from Texas. The horse “Black Allan” is the foundation sire of the Tennessee Walking Horse. In 1935 the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ Association was formed, and it closed the studbook in 1947.

Thoroughbred

Thoroughbreds are racing horses. However, they are also bred for other riding disciplines such as show jumping, combined training, dressage, polo, and fox hunting. They are also commonly crossbred to create new breeds or to improve existing ones and have been influential in the creation of the Quarter Horse, Standardbred, Anglo-Arabian, and various warmblood breeds.

Warmblood

This popular horse breed is a group of middle-weight horse types and breeds primarily originating in Europe and registered with organizations. The term distinguishes these horses from both heavy draft horses (“cold bloods”) and refined light saddle horses such as the Thoroughbred, Arabian, and Akhal-Teke (“hot bloods”). Modern warmbloods are descended from heavier agricultural types systematically upgraded by hot blood influence. However, the term does not imply that warmbloods are direct crosses of “cold” and “hot.”

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Four Popular Horse Breeds

Posted on October 8, 2018 by blogeditor

Popular Horse Breeds Around The World

Andalusian

The Andalusian is one of the most popular horse breeds. They are also known as the Pure Spanish Horse or Pura Raza Española. Andalusian horses are from the Iberian Peninsula. We celebrate the Andalusian as a warhorse. Historically the bred saw reduced herd numbers in the 19th century due to warfare, disease and crossbreeding, their numbers have since recovered. In fact, in 2010 there were over than one hundred and eight five thousand registered Andalusian horses all around the world.

Appaloosa

You can find Appaloosa’s mostly in the northern Americas. This horse breed has a colorful spotted coat pattern, which occur in a wide range of body types within the breed. Also, this type of coat variety comes from the influence of many other breeds of horses throughout its history. Each horse’s color pattern is genetically the result of various spotting patterns. These patterns develop over one of several recognized base coat colors. Appaloosas are great horses and tend to be healthy. However they are apt to get equine recurrent uveitis and congenital stationary night blindness.

Arabian

The Arabian or Arab horse (Hasan in modern standard Arabic) is a breed of horse that originated on the Arabian Peninsula. Also, the Arabian is the most easily identifiable horse in the world. This is because of their distinctive head shape and high tail carriage. There is archaeological evidence of the Arabian dating back to the Middle East that resemble modern Arabians from over four thousand years ago. Also, this makes the Arabian one of the oldest breeds in existence today. Arabian bloodlines are found in almost every modern breed of riding horse.

Morgan

All Morgans trace back to a stallion named Figure form Massachusetts. Figure passed on his distinctive looks, conformation, temperament, and athleticism to his children that we know today. The exact pedigree of Figure and the Morgan horse is widely unknown, although extensive efforts have been made to discover his parentage. For more information on horse breeds in Colorado, contact Colorado Horse Property today.

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US State Horses

Posted on September 21, 2018 by blogeditor

State Horses

It is no secret that the states in America have different state symbols. Apart from having specific state flags, there are also state seals, flowers, trees. A few states even have a state coat of arms. Some have state animals—birds, butterflies, insects, and fish. And yes, some states have state horses; twelve states to be exact.

The first state horse was designated in the state of Vermont in 1961. The most recent induction of a state horse occurred in 2010 when both North Carolina and South Carolina declared state horse breeds. Aside from the twelve states that have picked their state horse, Oregon and Arizona have both had proposals to induct this new type of state symbol but have neither chosen which breed to represent them yet. The state horse of North Dakota is the “honorary state equine.”

The Alabama state horse breed in the Racking Horse, which is well known in the southern United States for its ambling gait. Florida recently designated the Florida Cracker Horse as its state horse in 2008. The Florida Cracker Horse was first brought to what is now Florida in the 1500s by Spanish explorers, and it played a large part in the development of the state’s cattle and general agriculture industries. For more state horses and horse facts, check out our new Colorado Horse Information page.

No Colorado State Horse

Though Colorado is a big horse state with a lot of beautiful horse property for sale, it has yet to have named a state horse. What horse breed do you think should be Colorado’s state horse? Weighing in on the subject, Colorado Horse Property suggests The Colorado Ranger. The Colorado ranger horse (or ranger bred horses) is a breed of horse that comes from the High Plains region of Colorado. The Colorado Ranger Horse was started by Mike Ruby. Ruby is a Canada-born horseman, specifically from Ontario. Check out our blog to find out more information on The Colorado Ranger Horse.

Photo by Florin-Alin Beudean on Unsplash

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The Colorado Ranger Horse

Posted on September 18, 2018 by blogeditor

Colorado Ranger Horse

The Colorado ranger horse comes from the High Plains region of Colorado. To the east of the Rocky Mountains is the Colorado Eastern Plains/High Plains. This is the section of the Great Plains in Colorado at elevations from 3,500 to 7,000 feet. Also, the horses that make up this breed appear in many different colors, and color schemes. These include black, spotted “leopard,” chestnut and gray.

The Colorado Ranger Horse was started by Mike Ruby. Ruby is a Canada-born horseman, specifically from Ontario. The breed got its start from two of Ruby’s horses; a Berber and Arabian horse, which means that the Ranger Horse is a mix of these two species of equine. Ruby showcased two of the new breed’s young male horses at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado. Also, the pair of horses sparked a lot of attention and the rest is history.

Given that the breed isn’t defined by a specific color or identifying pattern, it can be difficult to classify a horse as a Colorado Ranger. The best way to identify a Colorado Ranger is through proof of heritage from the pedigree documentation that goes all the way back to the initial two horses. Physically, descendants of the breed have sturdy and sinewy physiques, with particularly strong back legs. Colorado rangers are usually about sixty inches tall from hoof to ear-tips, though some horses of this breed are shorter or taller. For more information on how to find a horse-person realtor in Colorado, contact Colorado Horse Property today.

Photo by Soledad Lorieto on Unsplash

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Head Shyness in Horses

Posted on September 6, 2018 by blogeditor

Have you ever heard of head shyness in horses? Is your horse averse to any activity/hand placements around the head and/or near his ears? Does your horse hate to be handled with a brush, headstall or clippers around the head? If yes, then your horse might have what is known as head shyness, which is exactly what it sounds like. This is common with horses exchanging owners as in an adoption from a rescue center. For more information on the great horse rescue centers in Colorado, visit our horse rescue centers page.

Head Shyness?

Don’t worry; if your horse exhibits this trait, there are a few things you can do to reduce it. Begin any head-touching with a slow rub directly on the head. Get horse horse moving prior to trying any head-touching and if they become agitated, then try moving them around again. Twenty to thirty minutes of moving should do it.

The next step is to lead the horse toward something that will cause the horse a little bit of anxiety. This may sound odd at first, but the truth is having a horse move toward what worries them is a great way to build confidence. You can do this by having your horse move towards something it doesn’t like or feels uncomfortable near.

With each step toward this anxiety-object, go to the horse’s head and give it a rub with your hand as a reward. Also, repeating this process a few times will help change your horses perspective on getting its head rubbed and reduce it’s head shyness. If you have any more questions about head shyness or anything else in relation to your horse or horse property, contact Colorado Horse Property for details.

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Horse Adoption Contract

Posted on August 31, 2018 by blogeditor

What is a Horse Adoption Contract?

When you adopt a horse from a rescue, many establishments will require you to participate in an adoption contract. These contracts outline what can be done with the horse. There is a myth circulating the community that rescues never enforce their contracts. However, this is not always true.

Contrary to popular belief, these adoption contracts are not useless. They’re not like the terms of agreement on many computer software packages that most people don’t read. If you are adopting a horse from a rescue, you are going to want to read the adoption contract thoroughly. Make sure that you understand everything that is expected of you as the horse’s new owner. In short, the purpose of the adoption contract is to ensure that the horse goes to a good home.

The fact of the matter is, most rescues follow up on their contracts. Even if the horse was not at the rescue for a long period of time, chances are rescue volunteers and owners are going start emotionally caring for the horse. Of course, this is not the only reason why a rescue might want to check up on an adopted horse. Rescue personnel perform follow-up visits not only to see that the horses are cared for, but also to make sure that the adoptive owners are happy with the arrangement.

Rescues exist only to help animals in need and they are going to want to know that the horse that they rehabilitated or trained is doing well outside of the rescue. If someone violates the terms of an adoption contract, they may lose the horse and be liable to the rescue for the cost of enforcing that contract. For more information on adoption contracts, contact your local horse rescue.

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Horse Rescue Myths: Lame Horses

Posted on August 28, 2018 by blogeditor

Lame Horses

It is a common misconception that most rescue horses are used up, worthless, or are lame horses. This is not true. The short answer is that rescues have many different types of horses; Some aren’t great for riding—it’s true—but many can do anything any other horse can do. Also, rescues have horses with a range of abilities, from light ride only to sound at a performance level. Some horses have health conditions that limit their riding/exercise ability. Also, they may require a special medication, lifestyle, or veterinary care.

What does it mean for a horse to be lame? Lameness is an abnormal stance or gait caused by either a structural or a functional disorder of the locomotor system. The horse is either unwilling or unable to stand or move normally. Lameness is the most common cause of loss of use in horses. Trauma, disorders, infection, and disease cause lameness.

Rescues take neglected and unwanted horses. Neglected, not lame. Many are sound, well-bred animals who ended up in the rescue after their owners fell on hard times. Rescues typically have many horses who are young, sound and can be trained for anything. You’ll even find trained horses in rescues.

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How to Rescue A Horse

Posted on August 7, 2018 by blogeditor

How To Rescue A Horse

Wondering how to rescue a horse? Though there are no set formulas to adopting the right horse for you, it can be a difficult and trying experience that you don’t want to get wrong. To help you on this journey, your friends at Colorado Horse Property has come up with a few this to do in the process of adopting a horse. First things first, take a look at how much it will cost you to care for a horse. The cost of owning and caring for a horse is ongoing, not to mention the initial adoption fees. Ensure that your budget includes boarding, feed, tack, training, veterinary care, and supplements for your horse.

Most people want to adopt horses in order to ride them, but don’t just assume it is as easy as that. First evaluate your riding-skill level. If you’re a beginner, start with a horse that is well-trained and confident, versus an untrained, or newly started horse. Not interested in riding your adopted horse? Know what you’re looking for in your horse. Do you need a horse to ride on occasional short rides? Long trail riding? Are you getting a new horse as a companion to a horse you already have? Knowing what you want before you start the process can help you pin point where to adopt your horse.

Choosing a Rescue and Horse

One of the biggest challenges in adopting a horse is finding the right rescue to go with. Some people are restricted by low numbers of rescues in their state. Luckily for you, you live in the great state of Colorado where horse rescues are plentiful. For a full list of rescues, check out our list of Colorado horse rescues! When choosing, be prepared to answer some of these criterion:

Where do the horses come from in the rescue in question? Does the horse rescue only take in horses that are removed from neglectful situations, or does it take horses from auctions or individuals? Will the rescue share the horse’s health records with you? Can you talk to their veterinarian and get the full narrative on any health issues? Does the rescue have a good reputation in the community? Ask local horse owners, veterinarians, and farriers about the rescue in question, if there are any concerns than these horse related professionals are going to know about them. If you have any more questions on how to rescue a horse, contact Colorado Horse Property today.

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Horse Rescue Funding Myths

Posted on August 6, 2018 by blogeditor

Horse Rescue Funding

There are a lot of myths about how horse rescue funding is found for rescues. There is a common misconception that the people’s tax dollars already support the rescue. This causes many people to not donate. In reality, most rescues do not receive any local, state or federal funding.

There is only one exception. There are cases when a city or county contracts with a horse rescue for assistance in handling neglect cases and strays. However, these cases not very common. Rescues must raise the funds necessary to care for their horses through adoption fees, fundraising events and direct-mail solicitations. Without donations from their prospective communities, some rescues are forced to close their doors.

Freebies and Salaries

Another side to this misconception that hurts horse rescues is that they receive services and items for free, so their expenses are low to none. Though it is true that many rescues get some discounted services, this is not always the case. Large animal vets, farriers, and other horse related professionals must make a profit to survive in this economy just like everyone else. Recues don’t rely on donations or discounts from vets.

The last myth to mention that ties in perfectly with this subject of horse rescue funding is that everyone who works at a rescue is on salary. The hard truth is that even if the rescue is financially stable, only a few employees are under salary if any. Volunteers are the staff. For more information on horse rescue’s in your area, contact Colorado Horse Property.

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Horse Obesity

Posted on July 21, 2018 by blogeditor

Does My Horse Have Horse Obesity?

A little bit of online research will tell you that horse obesity is on the rise. Just like in humans, obesity in horses can lead to a number of worse problems. A horse that is overweight has a much higher risk of developing laminitis, insulin resistance and other metabolic disorders. It is not always easy to figure out if your horse is overweight, so Colorado Horse Property has put together a few ways to help you find out.

How To Find Out

Horse owners can use the condition scoring system, which is an evaluation of subcutaneous fat over six points on the horse; the neck, withers, behind the shoulder, along the back, rib area and the tail. The scoring is done on a 1-9 scale and the ideal score for most breeds and disciplines is a 5. Check with your vet on how to check your horses with this scoring system.

There is also the girth to height ratio. This system has been shown to be useful in estimating overall adiposity and is well correlated to body condition score. To figure it out, simply divide the girth measurement by the height measurement. Both measurements should be taken at the top of the withers. A good ratio is less than 1.26.

Then there’s the cresty neck score. This is an evaluation of the amount of fat in the neck region. This system ranges from 0 to 5. 0, which indicates no visible appearance of a crest, whereas a score of 5 indicates a crest so large that it droops to one side. Owners should aim to keep their horses at a cresty neck score of 2 or lower. Your vet should be able to help you with these scoring systems in lieu of using a large horse scale.

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