Heart Wisdom Animal Talk Blog
Dedicated to improved health, behavior and wellness for pets and the people who love them.
ATVs on farms – yes or no? The domesticated horse came relatively late in the grand scheme of human history, but is no less important than other animals. Researchers at the University of Exeter in England discovered that humans and horses have worked together for more than 5,000 years. The study, published in the journal Science in 2009, outlined how the Botai people in the area of modern Kazakhstan used horses mostly for meat and milk. As time passed, horses were incorporated into farming, warfare, communication and transportation. It wasn’t until the 1970s when the first straddle-ridden all-terrain vehicle, the Honda US90, was introduced to the world. It wasn’t meant for recreational use but was made famous by the 1971 James Bond movie “Diamonds Are Forever.” People have similarly learned to utilize ATVs in different ways, particularly in farming. Some farmers still like the bond they develop with horses not […]
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What is horse whispering? Although horse whispering has been around for ages, it most recently became a worldwide phenomenon in the mid 1990’s with the bestselling book and block buster movie with Robert Redford called The Horse Whisperer. The term is a colloquial for natural horsemanship. That is, it’s a collective term used to describe a variety of horse training techniques where abusive training methods are rejected. These techniques are unique in that they are very precise and share the general principal of developing a rapport with your horse. This is largely accomplished through animal communication techniques learned from free roaming horses and derived from observing them. Traditional horse training methods typically use unnecessary force. Horse whispering is a radical departure from this ‘traditional’ technique. Users and practitioners focus and relate to the behavior of the horse. Their goal is to build a trustworthy partnership between animal and rider. In […]
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Paddocks and Pastures: Creating A Healthy Space For Your Horse While horses may be an alternative to a gas-guzzling vehicle, they can’t be “garaged” like a car. If you are one of the many Americans involved in the equine industry, you know that horses use paddocks and pastures for grazing, relaxing and playing. You’ll also know that the open space allows for movement and exercise – both keys to a healthy, happy horse. All horses should be turned out regularly as a welcome alternative to being stalled, at least part-time. But, what pasture size is an adequate amount of space for a horse? While pastures and paddocks that are too small can cause behavioral issues for horses, the old rule of thumb “one acre per horse” may not apply for most horses and riders any more. According to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, an adult horse without a paddock needs […]
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Personal Note From Val: It’s not every day I get to chat with a fellow animal lover, actor celebrity and comedian like Joey Camen. Joey Camen’s story about how his Sheltie-mix dog Snoopy changed his life made me laugh and cry. When he was only 10 years old, he experienced a horrible incident that made him distrust and dislike dogs. Eventually his Hollywood friends love of their dogs started to intrigue him, and later he connected with Snoopy who melted his heart. You’ll love his impression of Arnold Schwarzenegger, hysterically funny! Then, get some Kleenex and be sure to listen to the end where he reads his poem for Snoopy… You’ll be so glad you did. Enjoy! Who is Joey Camen? He’s a veteran stand-up comedian, voice talent, actor, and award-winning short filmmaker. He has performed professionally since the age of seventeen in everything from movies, to sitcoms, to […]
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This article was previously published September 25, 2013 and was updated on March 7, 2023 M. Louise Heydt’s book Going to the Dogs: An Incredible True Story is the story of just that…our beloved pets being with us even after they are gone. Personal Note From Val: Having intimate and many personal experiences putting beloved animals to sleep, I know firsthand that pet bereavement can be one of the saddest experiences of our lives. I still often think of Glow and Peach and so many others, and am so grateful to know they are still with me, only a thought, a heartbeat, a prayer away. The author is a devoted “mom” to her three dogs (and horse). When one of her dogs, Rasa, is diagnosed with cancer, Louise calls on Laura Stinchfield, the world famous pet psychic, to visit the family and explain to Rasa why she is undergoing surgery […]
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