Equine Self Assessment Essay

2683 Words6 Pages

Self-assessment

I have over 16 years’ experience in the field of equine care ranging between studying for a veterinary nursing degree, competitive show jumping and leisure. The degree that I am studying for is derived from my keen interest in the field of animal health and general well-being which originates in particular from my early fondness of horses. I owned a horse named ‘Henry’ for over 4 years but due to moving to a location unable to hold a large horse like Henry, I had to re-home him. Among my many years’ experience in the equine environment, I have worked and volunteered extensively throughout various horse riding schools and livery yards throughout Ireland. I have participated in helping and assisting my friends and colleagues in rehabilitation yards while occasionally over the years have worked with foals and stallions in addition to breaking in young horses. I am confident that I have the required (a lot of) experience with equine husbandry and handling to give a detailed account on re-feeding a malnourished horse from both a medical and professional standpoint as well as a personalised point of view from experience.

I was a member of the ‘Ward Union Pony Club’ from 2004 to 2007 where I gained most of my equine experience and understanding of the field. During my time spent as a club member, I carried out frequent tests on my husbandry skills and acquired a substantial knowledge of (got a lot of information) about the anatomy of the horse. I also went to ‘Pony Club Camp’ where I attended classes on equine husbandry and care.

What inspired me to pay particular attention to the malnutrition of a horse came directly from a first-hand encounter (account) of animal neglect t...

... middle of paper ...

...crease by 0.5lbs every 3 days. Grain should be avoided until improvement has been seen in the body condition score.

Purina Strategy was recommended because it has 14% crude protein and it highly digestible.
Horse’s that are suffering from dental problems during recovery can be given senior food as they are manufactured to be highly digestible and easy to chew, and are usually higher in fibre.

When to consider euthanasia

Humane euthanasia either chemical or bullet
• Lack of funds or resources to continue to support the patient.
• Incurable diseases or conditions
• Lack of homes – Most welfare groups are overwhelmed with neglected cases and it is not feasible to re-home all of them
• The horse will not eat
• The horse is showing signs of heart, liver or kidney failure
• The horse can’t stand due to lack of sufficient muscle mass to support its own body weight

Open Document