Black Magic
Well-Known Member
i was elated when I was hired as a foal sitter. Somedays I love the job, and some days I go home crying. It's just one of those things, life and death and all. The other day, I was able to spend alot of time, walking and grazying this adorable mini. Heck, she and I had so much fun, I would of paid them to do it again. I told them I felt like I was stealing to get paid for all the fun I had! Then there are days, I go home and bury my head in my pillow.
In the meantine, I wanted to share some of my experiences working as a foal sitter, that owners should know...
Maybe you don't agree, and then maybe you do, but, maybe, just in case, it's something you'll think about...
I feel that many horses don't understand why they are where they are, and why they are away from home. I believe that anything owners can do to make their horse more comfortable is going to make the time go easier for their beloved horse. On occassion people bring their own hay, and I'm always happy to see that, I'm not sure if a change in hay is a big deal, but to me, the less change for the horse, the better. Let's face it, no matter what the problem is, they are not going home, until they are eating and totally healed.
Another thing I think about, is, if the horse is used to being blanketed, or not. If there is no blanket provided, of course, they are not going to get a blanket. If I take my dog to be boarded, I take a towel or doggie bed, so why not take a blanket with a horse? if that's what they are used to.
My third biggie is... a brush. I saw a tech take a very long period of time to give a horse a shot, the horse was scared something awlful. I wish the owner would have left info, that the horse didn't like shots... didn't like to look at a needle, didn't like a twitch... or anything else like that.... Later another foal sitter and I found a brush and brused that horse like she was getting ready to be shown. Her attitude perked right up, and she was all loving and was the sweetest horse, once she knew we were there to help her feel better. So when the vet gave her, the next shot, it went without incident.
Sometimes, I think that it's not the most expensive horses that get the best care, it's the horses, whose owners let people like me know, how very loved this horse is. When I see a bale of hay in front of the stall, with the horses name on it, and their feed bagged up in baggies with a name and time to feed on it, and a blanket hanging on the door, and a tail and mane comb or even just a simple pulling comb, or maybe a bag with a treat or two for the horse... I just want to run right in that stall and give them a hug and just tell them, their folks will be back for them, and they are very very loved.
: Sometimes, I think the horses relax best, when people just take a few moments to talk to the horse, and let them hear their owners tell them, it won't be a long stay and the doctor is going to do everything he can to help the horse.
Overall, I just love my new job, because I feel like I leave work, having made at least one new four hoofed friend that day. :bgrin
I just wanted to share....
God Bless,
Lynn W
In the meantine, I wanted to share some of my experiences working as a foal sitter, that owners should know...
Maybe you don't agree, and then maybe you do, but, maybe, just in case, it's something you'll think about...
I feel that many horses don't understand why they are where they are, and why they are away from home. I believe that anything owners can do to make their horse more comfortable is going to make the time go easier for their beloved horse. On occassion people bring their own hay, and I'm always happy to see that, I'm not sure if a change in hay is a big deal, but to me, the less change for the horse, the better. Let's face it, no matter what the problem is, they are not going home, until they are eating and totally healed.
Another thing I think about, is, if the horse is used to being blanketed, or not. If there is no blanket provided, of course, they are not going to get a blanket. If I take my dog to be boarded, I take a towel or doggie bed, so why not take a blanket with a horse? if that's what they are used to.
My third biggie is... a brush. I saw a tech take a very long period of time to give a horse a shot, the horse was scared something awlful. I wish the owner would have left info, that the horse didn't like shots... didn't like to look at a needle, didn't like a twitch... or anything else like that.... Later another foal sitter and I found a brush and brused that horse like she was getting ready to be shown. Her attitude perked right up, and she was all loving and was the sweetest horse, once she knew we were there to help her feel better. So when the vet gave her, the next shot, it went without incident.
Sometimes, I think that it's not the most expensive horses that get the best care, it's the horses, whose owners let people like me know, how very loved this horse is. When I see a bale of hay in front of the stall, with the horses name on it, and their feed bagged up in baggies with a name and time to feed on it, and a blanket hanging on the door, and a tail and mane comb or even just a simple pulling comb, or maybe a bag with a treat or two for the horse... I just want to run right in that stall and give them a hug and just tell them, their folks will be back for them, and they are very very loved.
Overall, I just love my new job, because I feel like I leave work, having made at least one new four hoofed friend that day. :bgrin
I just wanted to share....
God Bless,
Lynn W
Last edited by a moderator:
