There are only three weeks left in the course! I hope you’ve completed the reading and activities in Unit 2 and are now ready to dive into Unit 3. I know some of you have been working ahead, which is fantastic. For those who are a bit behind, keep pushing through and don’t hesitate to ask questions if anything is confusing or unclear.

This week, you will explore common health issues that may arise while working in a stable. Although we strive to prevent diseases, ailments, and injuries, it is challenging to prevent everything. Developing your observation skills will help you recognise potential problems before they escalate into emergencies.

For instance, a horse may seem normal, but you might notice irregularities in his droppings — perhaps there are fewer piles than usual, or the droppings look too dry or loose. This is something you should bring to your supervisor’s attention. Additionally, if a stall that is usually tidy suddenly has manure mixed into the bedding, as if the horse had been circling all night, that’s another issue to report.

A few years ago, I had an experience with one of our horses that highlighted the importance of noticing the little things. When I entered the barn, everything appeared normal. The horses were all watching me with their heads out of their stalls, and they appeared bright and alert.

Before feeding them, I always check their stalls to ensure they have eaten, drunk water, and taken care of their bathroom needs—what we call the EDPP check (Eating, Drinking, Peeing, Pooping). Everything seemed fine, except for one horse, who had smaller but more frequent piles of manure. She looked normal otherwise.

While I was distributing the feed, I noticed her groaning and straining as she tried to pass manure. As you work through this unit, keep this experience in mind. When you think you might have an idea of what was going on, please share your thoughts in the discussion.

Stay observant and don’t hesitate to speak up if you notice anything unusual. It could turn out to be nothing, but it could also be significant!

Have fun this week, and be sure to post your questions and participate in the discussions. Engaging in conversation is a great way to learn beyond what is presented in the texts!

Cheers, Cathy