It's that time of year to be a responsible horse owner and deworm, and prep for your animal's vaccinations. I certainly am not claiming to be a veterinarin of any sorts. In fact I'm not sure that I can even spell it correctly. I have learned through trial and error, research, lots of questions to reliable sources, and the fact that my own herd of horse have managed to stay healthy.
Myth 1: Rotation is the best deworming
program. It's more effective to know which parasites you're trying to prevent in your horse before implementing a particular deworming strategy. " Horse Illustrated May 2007"
Myth 2: Horses living on dry lots in arid conditions aren't susceptible to worms.The number of worms in dry lot if diminished, but even horses living in the desert get parasites.
Myth 3: Tapeworms only come from fleas, so horses dont get them.Horses can get tapeworms, so speak to your veterinarian regarding how often to treat your horse with a product labeled for tapeworm control.
Myth 4: Only use ivermectin-based dewormers because they kill the most parasites.Ivermection-based dewormers are excellent, but ivermectin alone is eneffective against tapeworms and there have been reports of ivermectin-resistant ascarids.
Myth 5: Daily feed-through products are dangerous for your horses.Pyratel tartrate is the only chemical approved for daily deworming and has been proven safe. If you use a daily feed-through product, you'll still need to incorporate a broad-spectrum dewormer into your program at least twice a year.
Myth 6: Moxidectin-based dewormers harm horses.Moxidectin is safe for healthy horses except those younger than 6 months old.
Myth 7: Don't exercise your horse right after deworming.As long as your horse is regularly dewormed and isn't carrying a high parasite load, it's safe to exercise him.
This was taken from "Horse Illustrated May 2007"
Marlene's opinion: Most of the above is sound advise.Parasites do and will exists in our area. It's important to educate yourself on what types are a problem in your environment. Become familiar with what to look for in your horses behavior, condition, appetite, and check his stools often. Remember that deworming medications are a poison and I prefer not to overdose my animals with chemicals that are unnecessary. Many veterinarians in this area prescribe ivermectin-based dewormer because it does eliminate most of the parasites. However, you should be familiar enough with your horse to know if your horse may need another treatment. (Check his stools!)
notes: Up until this year Ivermectin in ten dose bottle could be purchased from the veterinarian. This is no longer the case due to misuse. The entire bottle was to administered completely once opened. It was very cost effective for people with ten or more horses... It was not meant to be used on a few horses and then used later because of contamination. It has been pulled from distribution to the public. DANG!
Try this: Before administering deworming paste, tip the syringe with a half slice of apple, shoot, and hold his head up! Save the empty syringe, fill with apple sauce and administer to your horse on occasion. Next time you have to deworm he just may look forward to that syringe!
Mighty Maddie and India are back in the swing in the ring!
Maddie is testing out India's first time out for the Season.
There's nothing like getting back into the saddle again. Let's Ride!!!
Here's a new friend, Emma making friends with everyone's friend, "Captain".
Emma say's that she likes riding bareback and she did quite well for her first time.
The snow is melting and we're in full swing. It feels great!
Korkie is enjoying a lovely sunny spring make-over. He's loosing all his wooly mammoth winter coat! Sam is Korkie's grooming specialist for the day! Thanks Sam! 
Eric is practicing his skills on Noble with hopes to be ready to ride his new horse Sonic (Currently being trained). We now have several Sring season students enrolled in private lessons.
This is Candice and Jaimason helping to get the horses into shape for the Art of Horsemanship riding program 2009! Marlene has been busy training Sonic, Sunny, and Hero. The Spring schedule is already starting to fill-up. Candice will be assisting with training and beginer lessons this year. WE'LL SEE YA'LL SOON!
Thanks to all their local wisdom Shilowe and KyeLeah won prime front row tickets to the Broadway hit play Wicked! We were so grateful to have such informative and fun travel guides! While they were at the play they took me on a grand tour of the city's highlights. It was just a ball in the great Big Apple. I actually wouldn't mind visiting again, but I'll have to take Candice this time of course AND we'll see another Broadway show! However, her and I are going to be REALLY busy this season with all our Horsin Around Adventures so stay tuned for our Fall Ball! 
Something I learned about Philadelphia horses is: "They don't get very far, very fast." But they sure are pretty to look at! 
