 I recently released a new book, The Passion for Horses and Artistic Talent: An Unrecognized Connection. Originally, the purpose of the book was to try to understand why some people’s love for horses leads them to a career working with them, or to an all-consuming avocation involving horses. Also, I was curious as to why some people, in mid-life, walk away from a successful career completely unrelated to the horse industry, and end up in a new career centered on equines. As I interviewed people who fit the above description, I became aware that all of them had one thing in common: they were involved, either professionally or as a hobby, in one or more artistic outlets. Most often, it’s music. Poetry and prose, and painting and drawing were also very prevalent, followed by every conceivable art form. Some carved wood or leather, or sculpted, or did interior design. Often, these horse lovers were skilled in three or more forms of artistic expression. My love for horses led me to a career in veterinary medicine, but I realized that my aptitude toward writing and cartooning fit the same mold. So, once the book was underway, the artistic connection became the central theme, leading to my conviction that the passion for horses and artistry are genetically linked. Since publication, many readers have expressed, with surprise and delight, “Why, that’s me!” In addition to the interviews with horse people who are as the book describes-farriers, trainers, veterinarians, breeders, entertainers, and horse show competitors, all people with artistic talent-the book includes chapters on the source of these talents. It explains why all horse lovers are animal lovers, and why not all animal lovers love horses. The book also explores why horses are special amongst other animal species, and why so many people sacrifice income and an “easier life,” just to work with equines. In this month’s newsletter, I wanted to present an excerpt from The Passion for Horses and Artistic Talent: An Unrecognized Connection, in the hopes of creating greater awareness of this connection. If you’d like to share your own horse/artistic link, we’d love to hear from you; we'll select two stories for inclusion in our next newsletter.
Handling The Equine Patient – A Manual for Veterinary Students & Veterinary Technicians
Dr. Miller was recently asked to write an illustrated manual on
how to handle equine patients, for veterinary students and
technicians. Projected for a late summer release, the project
isn’t just for professional personnel providing medical services
to horses. It’s designed to be useful to all horse owners,
because inevitably, the need arises to administer medicine, take
a temperature, handle various body parts, and treat feet, eyes,
and wounds. Look for updates on our website, and excerpts in a
future newsletter. KEEPING YOUR HORSE HYDRATED: SUMMER SOLUTION
Get trailer videos from two or more of your favorite trainers or clinicians, and study them carefully. There’s a lot to learn, and it is completely unnecessary for horses to learn to fear trailers and develop destructive habits.
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Summer is when most owners travel with their horses. Whether
you’re doing the driving, or having your horse transported
professionally, here are some precautions to follow or ask. Note
that depending upon the size of the transportation service,
policies may vary.
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