Just a friendly warning about posting

[Little Wee Horse Farm]

I feel I have to say something in regards to being a forum member & a poster of posts & a reader of posts.

If you look, I'm Member #37 -- I've been here a while!

We all know things that someone might be able to benefit from. But, we're not vets. I always try to remember to say in my posts that are related to horse health that I'm not a veterinary. The subject may be something I've found to be true, but not necessarily for everyone or every horse.

We must be mindful that this place is great for "advice," "knowledge," and "experience." It's a great place for newbies and oldbies. In my book, you can't ever know everything there is to know. That's what so fun/interesting about horses -- there's ALWAYS something to learn.

My suggestion: Take it all with a grain of salt......Consult your own veterinarian who is right there, looking at your horse; who, hopefully, knows your horse and you; and who is a professional.

The forum has helped so many horses over the years. And guided folks in the right direction sometimes. And even saved horses' lives, in many cases, possibly making owners aware of a situation they didn't know existed -- "red bag" or Quest use, for examples.

Everyone had to be a new kid once. Experience, knowledge, instinct all make a good horseperson. I guess I'm just asking folks to remember that it's just "advice." And no one's word is the LAST word on anything.

We all mean well -- hopefully, we do well.

- karen (stepping down from soapbox now)

 

[wildoak]

Amen! And I'll add one more general comment - it's a huge forum with lots of different people who have different communication "styles". It's easy on the internet to misinterpret someone's words since we have no voice or facial expressions to go by - here too, take everything with a grain of salt.

(and I've been here almost as long as Karen

: )

Jan

 

[ChrystalPaths]

I think this is a good thing to remember and share. We have so many new members and it is springtime which means foaling, founder, shots, maybe illness and injury. I, for one, saved a filly from a red bag thanks to this forum. I have come here to ask and to answer also.

I think this is probably one of the most diversified and informative and caring forums for miniatures and even horses in general. Everyone cares, wants to help and guide and share. We do have a couple real vets, some vet techs, some farriers, nutritionists, herbalists, animal communicators, Reiki practioners and gosh so much knowlege and experience.

It seems only fitting to share all we know..then as the reader..take it or leave it but always ask and explore and then check with the professionals about what you've learned here. Lord knows my vet has learned about not using Quest, being careful about prescribing bute in minis, ulcers in minis and how to treat them, alternative help, and so much more.

Good thread and at an excellent time! :aktion033:

 

[FairytailGlennMinis]

Oh man I am feeling old...I officially joined just a month behind you, Karen.

I agree that it is very easy to misinterperet things written in a forum. Just as with a real family though, not everyone is going to agree all the time.

-Amy

 

[Jill]

Yeah, I have been here awhile, too. I see a lot of advice I agree with, a lot I read and have learned from, and some that I think is just not sound advice. There are even cases (mostly from one particular individual) where I have wondered if that poster is not diliberately giving inappropriate advice (in a malicious sense). It bothers me because I know I learn something new all the time but I also remember when I was new to horses, and while not "dumb" ever, there was a point when I could not tell bad advice from good.

 

[disneyhorse]

:aktion033:

Good post, thank you for the timely reminder!

Andrea

(I've only been here since 1999)

 

[susanne]

Good idea -- but don't limit your skepticism to the internet.

I may be cynical, but I triangulate most everything -- I compare it with least 3 different sources, and I consider the source.

False information abounds. Anyone can write a book, and magazines don't always properly check their facts. The most experienced horsepeople have their foibles, and how many "old cowboys' takes"do you hear that are jusp plain bunk?

Not even vets know everything -- especially about minis -- so I'm cautious there, too.

On the other hand, you can also learn something from anyone, even the kid down the street. Just don't believe everything you hear...use your head, keep your eyes and mind open, read everything you can get your hands on, and don't be afraid to question anything and anyone.

OH YEAH...

Another myth to debunk -- the member # doesn't mean much, since everyone had to re-register a few years back. I'm still a newbie compared to many, yet my number is relatively low...

 

[Loess Hills]

Well said!

:

:

Thank you. There are so many "newbies" that sometimes the same questions are asked and answered over and over again. Maybe it takes some perspective from "old-timers" to keep thing balanced. I have valued the questions answered by so many who have anchored the forum over the ten years of existence. Please keep posting!

 

[user 488]

Another myth to debunk -- the member # doesn't mean much, since everyone had to re-register a few years back. I'm still a newbie compared to many, yet my number is relatively low...

That right. A low member number means nothing as we went through changes more than once where everyone had to re-register.

Also, just because you are here longer doesn't mean your smarter or any more knowledgeable either.

Karen this is not directed at you.

It bothers me because I know I learn something new all the time but I also remember when I was new to horses, and while not "dumb" ever, there was a point when I could not tell bad advice from good.

Yep, that's a big problem. Newbies really don't know how to sort the good from the bad. There is a tremendous amount of good information on this Forum but there is also some very questionable information. Please be careful when it comes to anything involving your horses. That is why I always tell people to educate themselves the best they can and work with a mentor or work directly on or with a farm that has a lot of experience. Even then you must remember to take each horse as an individual. Nothing is etched in stone with any animal.