The Natural Horse

The Fawor Foundation was not only created to assist Arabian horses, but also to help explain the importance of Equine Wellness.  There is so much debate about what is “natural” for the Horse.

Equine Wellness should focus on the needs that support the domestic horse.  So often the idea of what is “natural” for a horse is not pertinent to a domestic horse, but perhaps what is more relevant to a wild horse.  Each horse, wild verses domestic, will have totally different needs because of the environment that has been provided for them to survive within.

Wild horses need to adjust to the balance of the earth’s rhythms.  For example, these patterns are where the water is available, and where the grass may grow best.  In times of drought, horses dig for springs, eat cactus or any other available forage to meet their basic nutritional needs.  Because of natural selection, and the survival of the fittest, the genes of the strongest wild horses prevail in the hard times.

In the case of the domestic horse, he has the exact opposite.  If they are well cared for, the human supplies all the best feed, which usually includes a brand name commercial feed that has spent millions of dollars studying the nutritional needs of the domestic horse.  Domestic horses have automatic waterers or water tanks or in large ranch situations spring fed stock tanks.  These horses also “work”, have jobs, be it ranching, dressage, racing etc. Ultimately, the human also has the power to select the mate of the domestic horse.  The human is the one responsible for the genetic patterns and offspring in most of the domestic horses.  This means no choice for the horses,” natural selection” is no longer responsible for survival, human intervention has taken control.

Think about it!  Genetically, we have controlled natural selection not for survival but for competitive edge!  As breeders, do we look at  the importance of survival selection verses just color, speed, or worse yet, ….just breeding one winning name to another winning  name, who both have bad ankles at the age of five! What are we thinking!!!!!!

How do we create wellness for our domestic horses? 

Start with the obvious balance.  Fresh water, good forage, vitamin and minerals.  Take advantage of the good feed companies, ……..seek out good farriers …there are no disguises in a healthy foot.  This means no contracted heels, no cracks, no fungus and no hoof pain.

When we discuss what is “natural” to a horse we also must admit it is because we are” domestic” as the human counterpart. We are what we breed/create so if you, BREED SMART, TRAIN THEM WELL and see them succeed …….or if you do not see the desired results…..geld your studs and do not breed to the average, or below average mare. 

Guidelines:

1. CONFORMATION:    For breed standard and ability

2. TEMPERMENT:     Everyone loves a likeable horse.

3.    ABILITY:    In 95% of breeding for the above……you will have the success of pedigree, conformation    and athleticism.

 Thank you !

THE DOMESTIC HORSE!