Oh boy, do I have a story for you guys! I LOVE clover, and my pasture was filled with it this past week. It was the best week ever! Anyway, I was minding my own business grazing, but then all of a sudden I started drooling uncontrollably! It was definitely not an attractive look, and the mares in the neighboring pasture started laughing. There was saliva everywhere! So I had to find out, what was happening???
I’ve been in a rather reflective mood lately. I guess that’s what happens when you’re as old as I am. All of this thinking has taken me back to the days when I was trying to decide what I wanted to do with my life. Boy, I sure am lucky I ended up as a part of the mounted patrol team. Can you imagine how sad I would have been without all of the opportunities to make new friends and try exotic foods? (My life would be incomplete without the donuts I’ve come to love!). My journey as a member of the mounted patrol and mascot for the Equine Science Center would have never been possible without the guidance and wisdom of my friends and mentors. Now it’s my turn to serve as a mentor and provide suggestions for YOUR future career.
The 4thof July is right around the corner. The day brings plenty of entertainment from parades to yummy food to fireworks. While most of the day sounds like a big fun party for everyone (Who can resist all the delicious treats?!), the evening can be not so much fun for your horsey friends. The fireworks are beautiful to look at, if you’re prepared. My friends and I, though, can find them terrifying and we may panic and try to run away from them.
I can feel the temperature and humidity quickly rising. While I may not enjoy the weather, I certainly am looking forward to the Summer Showcase! Make plans to join us for a fun and educational day on Wednesday, July 10th from 10am to 12pm.
This lush spring grass makes me happy. It’s a delightful treat after eating hay all winter. I’ve discovered all this grass can hold some surprises, though. In addition to my next meal, this tall grass may be home to ticks. These small arachnids cling to grass and other bushy plants waiting for someone or something to walk by, so they can hitch a ride and their next meal. These creatures can pose health concerns for horses and humans, alike.
Spring brings sunny weather and green pastures, but you know what else it brings? Mosquitoes and biting flies, of course! These pesky little insects are more than just an annoyance. They can transmit plenty of nasty diseases to your horse. To protect your horse, you’ll want to make sure it’s up to date on its vaccinations. I know, no one ever enjoys a visit to the doctor’s or veterinarian’s office. I’ve been convinced, however, a few sticks with a needle to get my vaccinations is much better than being sick.
One of my colleagues at the Equine Science Center, Jennifer Weinert, put together some information about pasture renovation and I thought I would share it with you. Who knew keeping pastures in tip-top shape was such hard work?
Can you believe it’s already April? You know what that means, right? Ag Field Day is right around the corner. Come join us on April 27th at the Red Barn on College Farm Road for a fun-filled day! The Equine Science Center will have tables set up with our famous Lord Nelson horse sport bags from 10am-4pm.
Spring is definitely on the way. My friends and I are losing our long winter hair coats and new shoots of grass are beginning to appear in my pasture. These yummy little morsels are so tasty, but I have to graze right down to the ground to get them. This may be a bad idea I’ve been told. Grazing close to the ground like this and grazing grass that can be easily pulled up by the roots increases my chances of ingesting sand along with these yummy little treats. Yikes! I asked my friends at the Equine Science Center for a little help in finding out more about this potential problem. Read on to find out what I learned!
Although it’s hard to believe, spring will be here before we know it. The warming weather brings plenty of changes including nice fresh grass which is my favorite! As we move into a new season and a new year, it’s a good time to revisit your internal parasite control plan.
The thought of creepy little worms in my digestive tract is rather disconcerting, but I’m assured it’s a normal part of life. The American Association of Equine Practitioners suggests your parasite control plan should have three major goals:
My first job at Rutgers University was on mounted patrol. I also carried the Scarlet Knight mascot at football games. One day I became famous when I got excited, stepped onto the field and became the only horse in history to receive a penalty in a football game! And I’m curious and mischievous! I love to be outside, so don’t ever leave my stall door open. I love all kinds of food – just about nothing at a picnic is safe. I also don’t like cheese puffs. That cheetah on the bag scares me to death! After 22 years on mounted patrol, I’m proud to be back, working for the Rutgers Equine Science Center and telling everyone what I know.
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