them? Is it my imagination or do horses have a sense of humor? I don't know much about horses but trying to learn. Thanks. Mmm?
2007-10-25 03:46:29 · 24 answers · asked by ? 6 in Pets ➔ Horses
The majority of horses will pick through hay and avoid the moldy places, unless they are really hungry. Some horses are gluttens and will eat moldy hay without hesitation. Mold on hay has two dangers, first it is not safe to eat and can cause colic (Consider how healthy it is for you to eat moldy bread and you'll see what I mean) Secondly, mold spores are very bad for both their and your lungs, inhaling mold can cause asthma attacks in people and heaves and allergies in horses. Since your horse depends on his lungs to perform, I would avoid mold under all circumstances.
Eating a few branches will not hurt your horse. Most will pick through hay like that and leave the coarse stuff out. But eating dirt is seriously dangerous. The dirt goes into their intestine, but because it is heavy it tends to pool in their guts and not come out with the manure. Horses can colic when eating dirt or sand, it's called sand colic and is very difficult to treat. I once bought hay that didn't appear dirty, but my horses developed diarrhea on it. When I checked the hay I found dirt (You can tell if you wash hay in a clean container and look for dirt/sand at the bottom of the container) As soon as I changed hay the problem went away. Luckily they did not colic, but it probably wouldn't have taken much more.
Horses are much more prone to abd problems than dogs, cats and other animals. If you are new to horses I would really recommend you speak to an experienced horse person and have them look at your feeding program very carefully. Read books and magazine articles on the topic. Little things like making sure your horses have a constant source of warm water in the winter can mean the difference between life and death in your horse.
And apples? Yes, horses can eat apples, but you want to be careful to not overdo it. Are they full size apples or crabs? I would suggest an apple or two a day is probably sufficient.
Some horses have a sense of humor. Some enjoy being the center of attention and being silly. Some are serious all their lives. Enjoy what you have, and keep them safe. They are now dependant upon you for everything!
2007-10-25 06:30:19 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It would always be best to give the best quality hay you can afford just as with people what they eat is what they are I suppose.
I think some horses will eat anything but in general if they are given a choice and hay is tossed out they will pick through and only eat the good stuff. My horse was raised in an apple orchard and she never coliced from eating apples. I do not know how many she chose to eat a day so could not really tell you how many she ate. I know other people that are crazy and will not let there horses eat apples carrots or treats they also do not let their horses out of the stalls they do not even ride them but then I guess some people just want a horse to say they have one.
As far as personalities go they all have em if you take the time to get to know em theycan be really fun to watch and interact with.
2007-10-25 12:33:58 · answer #2 · answered by tammy c 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well, I've known horses that would eat anything, and I've had my share of picky eaters. Each one had their own personality. Some seemed to have a sense of humor, others prefer a minimum amount of fussing.
Moldy feed or hay is dangerous to an animal, and should never ever be offered. Apples are great as a treat but should never be their only source of food. As for stickers, I'd just as soon NOT take the chance....would you?
When buying a horse, there are certain questions I think that are important to ask....the horses diet at the time, is one of them, cuz a sudden shift in their diet can give a horse and it's owner a bad time with colic.
2007-10-25 10:59:40 · answer #3 · answered by Tira A 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Usually they not eat moldy hay. It not healthy to give it. Get a good quality hay. Also some Oats or Sweet-Feed is good. You not need to give much feed as the hay is the main. Apples are good and a peppermint now and then as a special treat. Carrots and other veggies and fruits too. They may have a preference and you learn what they will eat.
Horses are very personable. They just like a person to me. They can be playful and mischievous. Learn their language. Watch and learn. They drop their ears back, it usually mean they mad. But, you learn in time the body language. Just beware the butt. Even when they playing they can kick. Also, when they raise up they can kick out. Always have a direction of escape so you not trip and fall. You not have to run, just know how to step to one side. Most times a person get hurt more moving out of the way. I been kicked at many times and never hit. I been bit many times and it hurt. LOL! Usually if they bite I teach how hard. If, it hurt a quick raising my hand up and saying "No" they stop. Never really had to hit my horses.
2007-10-25 14:01:21 · answer #4 · answered by Snaglefritz 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Horses will eat moldy hay but it can hurt them. It can give them colic which can be dangerous and can become life threatening. It is really bad for their internal system.
And horses love apples and they won't hurt them. If given 15-20 at a time may give them the runs or a tummy ache but won't hurt them.
And yes, horses to have a sense of humor!! Some more than others but there are some who are just funny!
2007-10-25 13:12:43 · answer #5 · answered by jhg 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They may eat the hay, but it can cause a lot of problems and illness, so i wouldn't advise it. Apples can be fed pretty freely, but watch out how many carrots you give as this can cause colic. I know u didn't ask but just want to suggest giving the horse grapes as their cheap, small and horses love them, with no negative effects! I think horses have a sense of humor, they don't laugh but they love to play and trick you so why not!!! Sounds great that ur so inquisitive, keep it up, it's the only way to learn!
2007-10-25 16:25:20 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most horses will not eat moldy hay, but ir is better to be safe than sorry.
Horses can have an apple or two a day. It is a healthy snack.
I do not really believe that horses are intelligent enough to have a sence of humor.
2007-10-25 14:46:09 · answer #7 · answered by Cindi B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mouldy hay is not only really bad for horses (eg potential for respiratory problems from the spores ) it's also bad for you.
Hay that's been badly made (eg full of dirt and whatever stickers are) is also more likely to contain noxious weeds - so best thing is burn it.
Good hay should have a good mix of grasses, be light, have some colour, smell sweet and when opened have no dust or spores fly out. The horses'll tell you - they'll eat every blade of good hay.
2007-10-25 16:25:09 · answer #8 · answered by Tommy Onions 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes the can eat hay filled with dirt and stickers but no one ever said it was healthy for them. Horses can get sick from moldy hay. Hay will be filled with dust and there isnt really anything you can do about that but you need to watch out for the mold....and what are stickers doing in your hay?
Horses have different personalities....others are more playful and funny while others are more calm and serious....their just like people.
2007-10-25 12:20:07 · answer #9 · answered by barrel racer 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
horses will pick through any hay. i don't know about horses that don't get apples often, but mine will eat just so much and then not touch them for a few hours. in my oppinion, horses are like people, some have a great sense of humor, others don't.
no matter how much you learn about horses, they will always have something to teach you. the more i learn, the more i realize i don't have a clue.
2007-10-25 13:00:54 · answer #10 · answered by mr j 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋