ridecamp@endurance.net: Re: my horse's visit to the dentist

Re: my horse's visit to the dentist

Laney Humphrey (laneyh@mbay.net)
Wed, 9 Apr 1997 09:29:24 -0700

Kat - Thanks for your comments. Obviously we stand on opposite sides of the
fence re equine dentistry. I'll take it upon myself to try to change some
people's minds. From what I have seen and heard, dentistry beyond the
occasional floating can eliminate our dependence on:
- (some amount of) feed supplements because the horse can better process its
feed;
-corrective shoeing because some imbalances and crookednesses originate in a
hurting mouth;
-exercise: what's the point of exercising the wrong muscles or muscles used
wrong to defend against pain (from untreated teeth);
-grooming: who enjoys grooming/bridling a head shy horse (made that way by
chronic pain, especially in the TM joint which gets arthritic from teeth
problems or by long canines banged by the bit, etc.);
-schooling: no amount of schooling will really change a horse who cannot or
will not put itself in the right frame because of problems in its mouth.
Disagree with me or even flame me if you want, but I think there is
far less cruelty involved in seeking the help of all equine practioners,
including good dentists, to identify and solve the underlying problem than
in continuing treat the symptoms in the belief that more food, more
schooling, more expensive corrective shoes,more wormer are really dealing
with the problem.
Happy trails, Laney
ps:I'll assume you are being facetious in implying that I advocate not
feeding or watering or ignoring regularing shoeing. lh

Kat writes: Laney Humphrey wrote:
>>> It's THE most important thing we can do for our horses to effectively
>> extend the useful lives of our horses.
Kat:>That's a bit strong isn't it. Good food, ample water, exercise, hoof
care, worming, and grooming...not to mention proper schooling.

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