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  • From: Roy Morgan <k1lky AT earthlink.net>
  • To: homestead AT lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: Re: [Homestead] Draft Animals
  • Date: Sun, 5 Oct 2008 16:36:52 -0400

[Not from Roy]

Van, you asked about a conditioning. It's possible that what you heard about was called "tying up" syndrome. It happens in horses that get worked regularly, and then STOP working, or in horses that put out a huge, unexpected effort. Old timers sometimes called it "monday morning disease" because it happened in dray horses that would work all week long and then stand in stalls on Sundays, doing nothing. It's not about training, it's about fitness, and it's an individual thing. It doesn't happen to every horse, or even most horses, but it *can* happen, which is why some people are religious about keeping to a schedule, whatever it is.

In terms of fitness, they are just like people. Fat ones, thin ones, fit ones, the ones that stand out in a field being lawn furniture...equate them to people. You wouldn't ask a fat old man to climb a mountain until he'd gotten a bit fit...but he's probably capable of going for a walk...and then another one...

In terms of remembering training, if they've been taught well, they don't forget. They may be a little rusty and need some leeway when you start working them again, but it's like riding a bike. And just like people, they are individual...some like to work very much and sour a bit without it. Some get sour when you ask them to work. I've had a few that would load themselves on the trailer if it was left open, because they wanted to GO. Those are the good ones. : )

Moon








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