In Closing

Well, I've realized I'm dredging the barrel - I may come back if people send me more questions, but daily posting is over.

The blog will stick around as a resource and may be turned into an ebook eventually - eventually - but for now I've covered everything I intended to. Thanks for bearing with me!

Can horses eat kudzu?

Would be good, wouldn't it. Actually, yes, horses will eat kudzu. They aren't as keen on it as goats are, though. And, of course, kudzu is pretty invasive, so nobody in the US is going to be growing it for hay. But if it's in the pasture, they'll eat it.

Can horses eat garlic?

Garlic is something to think about carefully. It's actually good for horses in moderate amounts - too much garlic can cause anemia (they recommend half an ounce to two ounces a day). It can act as a natural fly repellent and can boost appetite. You can buy garlic supplements, but some people think you should just give the horse fresh crushed garlic. Obviously, some horses don't like the taste.

Can horses eat peanut butter?

Yes - in small quantities. Commercial peanut butter has a lot of sugar in it as well as rich proteins and fats, so it's not good for ponies who tend to get fat. Horses are generally not allergic to peanuts.

Also, unlike dogs or cats, horses have no problem with xylitol, an artificial sweetener often found in reduced sugar peanut butter. Make sure you don't give it to dogs, though!

Can horses change color?

Sometimes, yes - and sometimes quite dramatically. Gray horses slowly become white as they age. Appaloosas are notorious for being quite different looking as youngsters than as adults. Some horses change color dramatically with the seasons - I know an appaloosa who's entire winter undercoat is white.

Horses can also get vitiligo (which causes white patches over time).

Are horses scared of cars?

Naturally, yes, but the majority of horses quickly learn that the big roaring monsters aren't actually going to eat them. Some never do learn, though - I know a pony who failed as a carriage pony because he just could not handle sharing the road with cars and trucks.

Do horses prefer apples or carrots?

Ha. Trick question.

It...depends on the horse. I've known horses who if offered an apple or a carrot will pick the carrot every time and I recently discovered a horse I know won't eat carrots at all.

Most horses probably like them about the same, but some have distinct preferences.