Horses are for Horse People

I often wonder why people acquire pets before they know very much about them. Clients ask me when their male dog will go out of heat, or whether there really is food made especially for dogs. Equally as foolish is the apartment-dweller who gets a German Shorthair puppy or the mature gentleman who seeks to tame an adult, feral, female cat.

But most dogs and cats can't kill you with one wrong step. The larger animals, though, carry larger risks. Many a cattleman has been mauled by their bull, and professional horsepersons suffer horse-related injuries all the time. I am currently recovering from an ankle injury, and I have worked with horses for 30 years.

People are predators and our domestic livestock species are prey. We only break their instinct to flee by gentle repetition. If you try so much as to place a halter on a horse or pick up its foot in a way it's not used to, though, the results could be deadly for both you and the horse. It only takes one tiny lapse of attention to bring disaster.

So, before you think you can get your child a pony and everyone will learn together, or raise a beef steer in your yard, make sure you have learned about the species from a respected source. And don't underestimate the value of a competent set of hands to help you when you are in over your head. It just might save a life.