Boarding a Horse: Pasture vs. Stable Essay -- Comparison Compare Contr

Boarding a Horse: Pasture vs. Stable For centuries horse and man have existed in a partnership which has provided mutual benefits. The horse has aided man's advancement toward civilization as a diligent worker, reliable transportation method, brave soldier, and trusted friend. In return, man has protected the horse from predators and disease, and provided food and shelter to ensure the continued health and well being of his equine companion. As well meaning as man's intentions may be, not all of the trappings of modern equine husbandry are beneficial to this proud animal. Originally a wild and free denizen of the plains, the horse can suffer psychological and medical disorders if its life is spent locked away in the confinement of a typical 12' x 12' barn stall. One of the most important medical conditions that can afflict a stabled horse is laminitis. Also known as founder, laminitis is the "inflammation of a lamina, especially in the hoof of a horse" (Webster's 671). The laminae are finger-like grooves where sensitive living tissue connects the dead hoof in a horse's foot (Encyclopedia 171) to the coffin bone (Rooney 114). An enzyme normally produced by the body in small amounts allows slow and even movement of the laminae to allow for growth. With laminitis, however, the enzyme is over-produced and causes large sections of the laminae to weaken and separate. Pressures from body weight and tendon strength allow the coffin bone, the single terminating digit (Encyclopedia 170), to rotate within the hoof pocket (Rooney 131). This rotation causes severe tissue trauma which results in painful lameness. In extreme cases the coffin bone protrudes through the sole of the hoof. It is understandable that the best treatment in the ... ...ves than those of their counterparts in the stable. Works Cited Denning, Dr. Charles H., Jr. First Aid for Horses: What to do until the veterinarian arrives. No. Hollywood, CA: Wilshire Book Company, 1969. Encyclopedia of The Horse. New York: Crescent Books, 1989. Hayes, Capt. M. Horace. Veterinary Notes For Horse Owners. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1987. The International Encyclopedia of Horses & Ponies. New York: Howell Book House, MacMillan Publishing, USA, 1995. Oglesby, Robert N., DVM. "Founder & Laminitis." Founder and Laminitis in Horses. April 1999. The Horseman's Advisor. 28 Jan. 2002 Rooney, James A. The Lame Horse: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment. South Brunswick and New York: A. S. Barnes and Company, 1974. Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary. Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster Inc., 1987.