#exercise laminitis horses
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sandra-hippologic · 7 months ago
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Start at Liberty Clicker Training your Horse with these Pro Tips!
When you follow my page on Facebook or follow my personal page, you know I offer free Masterclasses on a regular basis. I do this to reach more people and help more horses. today I would like to share some of the top tips to get your horse started in At Liberty Clicker Training using the HippoLogic Rectangle. What is “At Liberty”? To me At Liberty training means “Freedom Dressage”. Dressage…
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amielot · 11 months ago
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Suddenly pondering- how much is Dream’s anatomy similar to a horse besides the obvious? For instance- if he were pushed through strenuous exercise and then drank ice cold water would it trigger colic?
In regards to illnesses:
I like to think Dream is marginally more sturdy than you average equine. A bit less likely to get sick than a horse, but susceptible to illnesses that humans don't normally get. Split the difference.
I also think since Dream is a unicorn, his body has some level of magic inside him, and when sick or malnourished his body will expend that magic trying to keep him alive so he's just a LITTLE extra sturdy. This will not save him from a mortal wound, just let him go longer without food for example.
I think certain diet issues are less likely because he has a human stomach AND a horse stomach. Different nutritional requirements and a broader range of things he can digest easily. He's probably less susceptible to laminitis, and he can eat meat.
Since he has more stomach space, colic is probably less likely BUT not impossible.
If he did get colic at the circus then, clearly he uh... survived it 😬😭.
Things Dream CAN do that horses can't: breath through his mouth.
...I don't know if dream can sleep standing up.
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despazito · 10 months ago
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horse pathologies fascinate me because they're so different from carnivorans. i think this particular video is really interesting because it really challenges the animal liberation belief that working is one-sided and completely exploitative for the horse.
if this horse were given the naive 'liberation' treatment of simply being retired out to pasture and never being worked, never confined to a stable ever again, or never wearing a grazing muzzle, the horse would have deteriorated and likely need to be euthanized.
free grazing a laminitic/founder horse or one even prone to laminitis can be risky, an unregulated diet with high sugars and starches of lush pastures sets off the disease. the horse may have been theoretically "free" if it were allowed to go graze on whatever whenever it desired, but doing so would have killed it.
in this case with the horse was eventually cleared to do some light pulling work as part of its rehabilitation. it's no different from human physio, you want to challenge your body (within reason) to get better! working a horse is not evil, it's exercise and it may even have benefits when done correctly, which is obviously not what the previous owners were doing
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bojackhorsemanobviously · 6 months ago
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The creators of bojack sure gave my boy so many problems he needs a VET FAST.
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Buck Knee
 This is a forward deviation in which the knee is set too far forward in relation to the leg. Even though over at the knees is a structural fault, many horses with this condition have long, productive performance careers.  This is either congenital (they were born with it) or can be result of an injury to the check ligament or tendons in back of the knee. If a horse has buck knees, the knee will be forward of the line that divides the foreleg in half. This makes the horse susceptible to bowed tendons.
Splay Foot
A term used to describe a horse that stands with its toes pointing out (laterally) . More common in horses with a base wide conformation. Also known as duck footed.
What is a ewe neck in horses? a thin neck with a concave arch occurring as a defect in dogs and horses. These horses will often struggle to build a healthy topline and will look “ewe necked”. Horses with over used neck muscles can benefit greatly from massage, stretching and mobilization exercises. Pain relief can be achieved if the muscles can relax and move normally
Wall eye
In horses, a blue coloured eye is called a “wall eye”. Horses may have two blue eyes or could have one blue and one brown eye. The blue colour is caused by lack of pigmentation in the iris.
Horse with wall eye. eye unable to open normally. equine eyes are extremely sensitive and will develop an intense inflammatory response to damage or irritation, meaning that the initial problem can quickly escalate to scarring and possibly ultimately to blindness2.
FAT HORSES
When a horse gains excess body weight as fat (adipose tissue), their performance and use declines. Bearing excess body weight impacts hoof health by weakening the hoof wall, heel buttress, and bars of the foot. Obesity is a risk factor for developing osteoarthritis and other joint problems.
SWEETS
Feeding a healthy horse three or four sugar cubes is unlikely to cause a significant glucose spike; however, for a horse with uncontrolled IR, PSSM, or a laminitis history, feeding sugar cubes isn't a risk worth taking. Skip the sugary treats, too, if your horse is overweight, especially if he has a cresty neck
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saganssorcery · 1 year ago
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𝗗𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Vine
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𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Today we are being asked to have faith in our power but we can use this strength for good or ill. Be aware that you build what you need and not pull down that which serves. The energy of this day will help you take what you need, with force if you have too, but I still think it wise to exercise this with a careful balance. Magick is likely afoot on this day, and if your intuition pings it's very likely you could follow the energy line to find out exactly who or what it is.
𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗸 “The 45 spirit is called Vine, he is a great king & an Earle, & appeareth in ye forme of a Lyon ridding on a Black horse wth a viper in his hand his office is to discover Things hidden, witches, and Things present past & to come. he, at ye command of ye Exorcist, will build Towers, Throw down great stone walls, make waters rough wth stormes &c, he governeth 3582 Legions of spirits, his seal is this, wch make and wear as a Lamin cc.” -Lemegeton Clavicula Salomonis, The Lesser Key of Solomon, Detailing the Ceremonial Art of Commanding Spirits Both Good and Evil. -Joseph H. Peterson, Editor.
©️Sagans Sorcery 🔥🖋️
𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀
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Thank you for taking interest in Sagans Sorcery ✨🙏✨
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ventturabioceuticals · 3 months ago
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Best Nutrition For Horses
Venttura BIOceuticals Pvt Ltd
Nutrition in Horses
Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining the health and well-being of horses. A well-balanced diet ensures that horses receive the necessary nutrients to support their growth, development, and overall performance. In addition to a nutritious diet, supplements can be utilized to address specific needs or deficiencies. This article explores the key components of equine nutrition and the role of supplements in promoting optimal health.
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Basic Nutritional Requirements
Horses are non-ruminant herbivores with a digestive system designed for constant foraging since their small stomach limits the amount of feed than can take in one time. Horses are unable to regurgitate food, so if they overeat or eat something poisonous vomiting is not an option. Their diet primarily consists of high-fiber forages, such as grass and hay.
Key nutritional components include:
Water: It is the MOST IMPORTANT nutrient; horses can’t live long without it! Always ensure there is an adequate, clean supply of water. Horses generally drink about 4 litres of water for every kilogram of hay they consume. In high temperature, hard work, or for the lactating mare the water requirement may be 3 to 4 times the normal consumption.
Signs that your horse may be water deficient include decreased feed intake and physical activity, and signs of dehydration like dry mucous membranes in the mouth, dry droppings, and decreased capillary refill time. Lack of a water supply, poor taste or palatability of the water, accessibility issues (frozen, contaminated, or received), or sickness are all potential reasons of water shortages. Dehydration can lead to various health problems, including colic and decreased performance.
Protein: Essential for muscle development, growth, repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance. The main building blocks of protein are amino acids. Good sources include legumes, forages, and some grains. Most adult horses only require 8 to 10% protein in the ration; however, higher protein is important for lactating mares and young growing foals.
Signs of protein deficiency include a rough or coarse hair coat, weight loss, and reduced growth, milk production, and performance. Excess protein can result in increased water intake and urination, and increased sweat losses during exercise, which in turn lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Carbohydrates: Mainly obtained from forages and grains, carbohydrates are a primary energy source for horses.
The main building block of carbohydrates is glucose. Soluble carbohydrates such as starches and sugars are readily broken down to glucose in the small intestine and absorbed. Insoluble carbohydrates such as fiber (cellulose) bypass enzymatic digestion and must be fermented by microbes in the large intestine to release their energy sources, the volatile fatty acids. Fiber, found in forages, is crucial for proper digestive function. Forages normally have only 6 to 8% starch but under certain conditions can have up to 30%. Sudden ingestion of large amounts of starch or high sugar feeds can cause colic or laminitis.
Fats: Provide concentrated energy and support coat condition. Fat has three-times energy that of any grain or carbohydrate source. Sources include vegetable oils and certain grains.
Vitamins: They are fat-soluble (vitamin A, D, E, and K), or water-soluble (vitamin C, and B-complex). These are micro-nutrients i.e., required in small quantities in the body. Horses at maintenance usually have more than adequate amounts of vitamins in their diet if they are receiving fresh green forage and/or premixed rations. Some cases where a horse would need a vitamin supplement include when feeding a high-grain diet, or low-quality hay, if a horse is under stress (traveling, showing, racing, etc.), prolonged strenuous activity, or not eating well (sick, after surgery, etc.).
Minerals: These are required for maintenance of body structure, bone development, physiological functions, fluid balance in cells (electrolytes), nerve conduction, and muscle contraction. Calcium and phosphorus are needed in a specific ratio ideally 2:1, but never less than 1:1. Sweating depletes sodium, potassium, and chloride from the horse’s system, therefore, supplementation with electrolytes may be helpful for horses that sweat a lot. Young horses may need added calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals during the first year or two of life.
Factors Influencing Nutrition:
Several factors influence a horse's nutritional needs:
Life Stage: Requirements vary depending on whether the horse is a growing foal, an adult, pregnant, or a senior.
Activity Level: Horses in intense training or competition have higher energy demands than those in light work or retirement.
Health Status: Medical conditions, such as metabolic disorders or dental issues, can impact nutrient absorption and utilization.
Body Weight and Condition: Maintaining an ideal body weight and condition score is crucial for overall health and performance.
Importance of Forage:
Forages are classified as legumes or grasses. Legumes are usually higher in protein, calcium, and energy than grasses. They have more leaves than grasses and require optimal growth conditions (warm weather and good soil) to produce the best nutrients. Some legumes include clover and alfalfa. Legumes are usually higher in protein, calcium, and energy than grasses. Forage forms the foundation of a horse's diet. It provides fiber, which supports proper digestion, and mimics the natural grazing behaviour of horses. Adequate forage intake helps prevent digestive issues, such as colic and gastric ulcers.
Grains and Concentrates:
Grains, such as oats, barley, and corn, can be added to a horse's diet to provide additional energy. However, they should be fed in moderation, and the type and amount should be tailored to the individual horse's needs. Overfeeding grains may lead to issues like obesity and metabolic disorders.
Common Nutritional Deficiencies:
Nutritional deficiencies in horses can lead to various health issues, affecting their overall well-being and performance. Identifying common deficiencies and understanding their associated symptoms is crucial for maintaining optimal equine health. Common deficiencies include:
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Nutritional deficiencies in horses can lead to various health issues, affecting their overall well-being and performance. Identifying common deficiencies and understanding their associated symptoms is crucial for maintaining optimal equine health. Here are some common nutritional deficiencies and their corresponding symptoms in horses:
Vitamin A Deficiency:
Symptoms
Night blindness
Dull coat
Reduced immune function
Respiratory and digestive issues
Vitamin E and Selenium Deficiency:
Symptoms
Muscle weakness or stiffness
Diminished performance
Decreased immune function
Dull coat
Calcium and Phosphorus Imbalance:
Symptoms
Poor bone development in young horses
Lameness
Weak or brittle bones
Dental issues
Difficult birth
Seizures
Iron Deficiency:
Symptoms
Anemia
Fatigue
Poor performance
Omega-3 Fatty Acid Deficiency:
Symptoms
Dull coat
Skin issues
Inflammatory conditions
Hair loss
Weight loss
Protein Deficiency:
Symptoms
Poor muscle development
Weight loss
Dull coat
Reduced immune function
Stilted growth
Copper Deficiency:
Symptoms
Dull coat with a bleached appearance
Anemia
Bone abnormalities
Zinc Deficiency:
Symptoms
Dull coat
Skin issues, including dermatitis and poor wound healing
Decreased immune function
Bone development disorders
Impaired glucose metabolism
Iodine Deficiency:
Symptoms
Goiter (enlarged thyroid gland)
Muscle weakness
Hair loss
Decreased growth and bone calcification
Thickened skin & dry, dull coat
Salt (Sodium and Chloride) Deficiency:
Symptoms
Decreased appetite
Lethargy
Dehydration
Reduced muscle coordination
Lowered milk production in lactating mares
Potassium Deficiency:
Symptoms
Fatigue
Restlessness
Retarded growth
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It's important to note that individual horses may have different requirements based on factors such as age, activity level, and health status. Regular veterinary assessments, blood tests, and consultation with an equine nutritionist can help identify and address nutritional deficiencies. Adjusting the diet or providing targeted high quality supplements can often correct these deficiencies and improve the overall health and performance of horses.
Quality horse supplements used correctly can have a positive impact on a horse's health. All horses need the same nutrients, however depending on the age and life stage the nutritional requirements and demands of horses may vary. High-performance, growing, breeding, training and aging horses, as well as horses recovering from injury or illness, may need additional sources of nutrition to achieve a balanced diet. Research-based evidence suggests that horses receiving the right balance of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients not only perform better but are healthier, less prone to diseases and more willing to work and train.
Common supplements include:
Vitamin and Mineral Supplements: Address deficiencies or imbalances in the diet.
Joint Supplements: Contain ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health, particularly in older or performance horses.
Electrolyte Supplements: Replenish electrolytes lost through sweating, crucial for horses in intense training or hot climates.
Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements: Improve coat condition, reduce inflammation, and support overall health.
Venttura EQUIceuticals supplements are the first of their kind in the horse world in India. Using the finest quality ingredients, with high concentrations of bio-actives, these supplements have been carefully formulated to address equine challenges and to support healthy, happy, fit and active horses.
Learn More at Venttura Bioceuticals
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sladebloodstock · 7 months ago
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How Can You Care for the Pride of Horse Breeds?
Horses have long been admired for their beauty, strength, and grace. Whether you're caring for a majestic Thoroughbred, a powerful Clydesdale, or an elegant Arabian, taking care of these noble animals requires a deep understanding of their needs. 
A horse isn’t just a pet or a working animal; it’s a living being with specific physical, emotional, and environmental needs that must be met to ensure its well-being. In this comprehensive guide, let’s cover the essential aspects of caring for the pride of Jenni horse breeds.
Proper Nutrition: The Foundation of Horse Health
The foundation of a horse’s health lies in its diet. Horses are herbivores and primarily graze on grass. For many breeds, access to quality pasture is vital, but this may not be possible in every setting. In such cases, hay is a crucial part of their diet. Here are the essentials of proper horse nutrition:
Forage: Horses need a constant supply of good-quality forage like grass or hay. Typically, a horse consumes about 1.5% to 2% of its body weight in hay per day. Ensure the hay is free from mould and dust.
Grains and Concentrates: For high-performance horses or those that need extra energy, grains like oats, barley, or commercial horse feeds can supplement their diet. However, it’s important to avoid overfeeding grains, as this can lead to colic or laminitis.
Water: Always provide fresh, clean water. Horses can drink between 5 to 10 gallons of water a day, depending on their size and activity level. Proper hydration is essential to prevent dehydration, which can lead to serious health issues.
Supplements: Some horses may benefit from supplements, especially if their diet lacks essential vitamins or minerals. Common supplements include salt licks, electrolytes, and joint support formulas, but these should only be given under the guidance of a veterinarian.
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Regular Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Horses, particularly pride breeds known for their agility and strength, require regular exercise. This not only helps maintain their physical health but also keeps them mentally stimulated.
Daily Exercise: Depending on the breed, age, and health condition, horses need a structured exercise regimen. For working or performance horses, riding or lunging sessions are crucial. Breeds like the Arabian or Thoroughbred require more intensive exercise due to their high energy levels.
Turnout Time: Horses are naturally active animals. Providing ample turnout time in a safe and spacious pasture allows them to move freely, graze, and socialise with other horses. This reduces the risk of behavioural issues and keeps them physically active.
Mental Enrichment: Horses are intelligent creatures. Just like humans, they need mental challenges to stay sharp. Training sessions, obstacle courses, or even playing with horse toys can stimulate their minds and keep boredom at bay.
Regular Grooming: Maintaining the Coat, Hooves, and Overall Appearance
Grooming is more than just about keeping your pride of Jenni horse looking good—it’s an essential aspect of their health.
Coat Care: Regular brushing removes dirt, sweat, and loose hair while stimulating blood circulation. It also helps you spot any injuries, rashes, or skin conditions early. Breeds with longer manes and tails, such as Friesians or Andalusians, may require extra attention to prevent tangling.
Hoof Care: A horse’s hooves are crucial to its mobility and overall well-being. Hooves should be picked and cleaned daily to remove stones or debris that can cause discomfort or infections. A farrier should trim the hooves every six to eight weeks to maintain their shape and health.
Bathing: While horses don’t need frequent baths, occasional washing with a horse-safe shampoo can help remove sweat and dirt buildup, especially during hot weather or after heavy workouts.
Veterinary Care: Regular Checkups and Vaccinations
Keeping your horse healthy means scheduling regular checkups with a veterinarian. This ensures early detection of potential health problems and keeps your horse’s vaccination schedule up to date.
Vaccinations: Horses need vaccinations to protect them from diseases such as equine influenza, tetanus, and West Nile virus. Your veterinarian can recommend a vaccination schedule based on your horse’s breed, age, and lifestyle.
Deworming: Regular deworming is necessary to prevent parasitic infestations, which can lead to weight loss, colic, and other health issues. Your veterinarian can provide a deworming plan tailored to your horse’s needs.
Dental Care: Horses’ teeth grow continuously throughout their lives. Regular dental checkups are essential to ensure proper alignment and to prevent sharp edges, which can cause difficulty chewing or discomfort with the bit.
Safe and Comfortable Living Environment
A horse’s living environment directly impacts its well-being. Horses need a clean, safe, and comfortable space to thrive.
Stabling: Horses should have access to shelter that protects them from extreme weather. Whether they live in a stable or pasture, the area must be free from hazards like sharp objects, toxic plants, or unstable fencing.
Bedding: Stalls should be kept clean with fresh bedding, such as straw, shavings, or rubber mats, to ensure your horse has a comfortable place to rest.
Ventilation: Proper ventilation in stables is crucial to prevent respiratory issues. Dust and ammonia from urine can irritate the horse’s lungs, so make sure the stable is well-ventilated and cleaned regularly.
Social Interaction: Fulfilling Their Emotional Needs
Horses are herd animals, and social interaction plays a vital role in their emotional well-being. Keeping horses in isolation can lead to stress and behavioural problems.
Companionship: If possible, horses should be kept with other horses. If this isn’t feasible, goats, donkeys, or even frequent human interaction can provide companionship.
Routine: Horses thrive on routine. Consistency in feeding times, exercise, and turnout helps reduce stress and anxiety, contributing to their overall happiness and well-being.
Final Words
Caring for the pride of Jenni horse breeds involves a balance of proper nutrition, exercise, grooming, veterinary care, and social interaction. By providing your horse with the best possible care, you’re not just maintaining its physical health but also ensuring its emotional and mental well-being. 
A well-cared-for horse will not only thrive but also form a strong, trusting bond with its owner, making the experience of horse ownership even more rewarding.
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bobbygeorgeco · 1 year ago
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Essential Tips for Raising Healthy Horses
Essential Tips for Raising Healthy Horses Proper care practices are crucial for the development and overall health of a horse. Implementing these practices can greatly contribute to the horse’s physical and mental strength, a robust immune system, and improved performance in athletic activities. New horse owners can follow various care tips. Before bringing a horse home, create a suitable living environment. If you have an existing barn, clean and disinfect it to eliminate potential hazards. Keep the barn cozy by adding clean bedding, such as hay or straw, while being mindful of dust and mold in order to prevent respiratory problems. Further, prioritize safety by removing sharp objects, loose wall boards, and equipment such as pitchforks or wheelbarrows. Surfaces should have smooth, rounded edges to minimize injury risks. Be vigilant for areas where the horse could become entangled or trapped. Additionally, ensure that the horse barn remains clean by removing soiled bedding and horse waste and decluttering the aisles and walkways. Keep it well-ventilated and protected against rats and other pests. Cleanliness also involves bathing the horse regularly and brushing its mane and tail to prevent tangles. Cleaning the horse’s coat using a specialized shampoo can prevent pest and skin problems. For optimal nutrition, choose a diet suitable for your horse’s breed, age, activity level, and weight. Nutritionists recommend providing roughage equivalent to 1 to 2 percent of the horse’s body weight daily. Horses also require a balanced diet, which can include hay, pasture, and grains. While good green pasture itself may suffice for most nutritional needs, you can supplement it with properly balanced grain concentrate, which can be beneficial, especially for foals. Also, adjust the feed amount and portion as the horse grows. Hydration is also vital for the horse’s optimal health. Provide 5-10 gallons of fresh and clean water daily. Feeding the horse soaked feed, which contains up to 80 percent water, is another method. Pay attention to the water’s temperature; horses often prefer water ranging from 45-65 degrees F. Extreme temperatures below or above this range may discourage horses from drinking. Moreover, horses can become accustomed to certain water tastes, so remember to bring along home water or adjust the flavor when traveling with the horse. Regular exercise is essential for maintaining horses’ optimal physical and mental health. It helps prevent stiffness and weight gain and promotes strong bones. Start with a 20-minute hand-walk and gradually increase the duration and pace to improve fitness. An experienced trainer can help develop an exercise regimen to prepare the horse for more challenging activities, such as competition. Routine care for horses includes hoof trimming every one to two months. This is important to maintain proper hoof shape and prevent diseases such as laminitis, which affects the sensitive tissues connecting the hoof to the bone. Most importantly, schedule regular veterinary checks to monitor your horse’s health. Look out for symptoms such as loss of appetite or changes in behavior or gait. Vaccinate your horse annually for diseases like West Nile virus and rabies. De-worm your horse twice a year to prevent weight loss and malnutrition. Remember regular dental care as well, including cleaning and checkups, as these can address chewing issues and bad breath. Tags and categories: Bobby George via WordPress https://ift.tt/cbOilBu November 03, 2023 at 06:12AM
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ainews · 2 years ago
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Papagoite, a 28-year-old Arabian mare, has recently been seen limping around her stable area, leading many to worry about her comfort and well-being. After extensive veterinary care and tests, it was discovered that Papagoite suffers from chronic laminitis, a hoof disease that affects the inside layers of the hooves.
Laminitis can be caused by many factors, most commonly including overfeeding of grain and high-calorie treats, exposure to wet conditions (especially when confined to a small area with limited movement) or an undetected illness. In some cases, the cause can be uncertain.
To treat the painful condition, Papagoite has been prescribed diet modifications and rest. She has also received high-grade pads to cushion and support her feet, as well as extra supplements in her diet to help support her long-term health. With the right care, she is expected to eventually make a full recovery.
It's not just Papagoite with this condition, either. Laminitis is relatively common in horses, so it is important to keep an eye on your own horse's health, diet, and exercise. Knowing the signs of laminitis (general sensitivity when touched near the hooves or difficulty walking or standing, for example) can help you catch the condition early on and prevent major issues for your own beloved equine.
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sandra-hippologic · 8 months ago
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Motivate your Horse to Move: Exercising your Horse with R+
When you want to exercise your horse, it's all about motivation... When your horse is not motivated, internally or externally, he won't move. In other words: when movement has no function (benefit) he won't spent energy on it.
When you want to exercise your horse, it’s all about motivation… When your horse is not motivated, internally or externally, he won’t move. In other words: when movement has no function (benefit) he won’t spent energy on it. Internal Motivation to Move When you learn about internal motivation you can influence your horse to move in training, too. What horses experience in their body, I refer to…
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catgrump · 4 years ago
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Im sure this comes as a major shock to you, but soniaki is my favorite ship. Would you write me something for these wonderful girls?
Sincerely, my dumb Lesbian ass
Hi Air I have an idea for u I hope u like it uwu (it took me a while to write and I am so sorry for the delay)
Non Despair AU bby!!!!
🌻🌻🌻
Chiaki sat on a metal, backless bench in the lobby, resisting the urge to pull out her phone or her Switch.
Sonia said she’d be here soon. This was just an exercise in patience.
Chiaki picked out a pretty stellar spot for their second date. Sonia took her to an arcade for their first date, since she knew it was something Chiaki would like. So now, Chiaki wanted to return the favor by picking out a place she thought Sonia would enjoy.
“Chiaki!” She perked her head up and saw Sonia bouncing toward her in an adorable all-black ensemble.
She stood up from the bench as Sonia approached, knowing Sonia was a hugger. Her heart fluttered as Sonia’s arms wrapped around her.
“I have been anticipating this surprise all week!” Sonia clasped her hands together with a sparkle in her gorgeous ocean eyes, “Please reveal it! I cannot stand the suspense any longer!”
Chiaki nervously took Sonia’s hand, feeling how soft it was. “It’s this way, I think.”
Holding hands, Chiaki led Sonia through the mall, looking for the very obvious front gate of their destination
As soon as Sonia saw where they were going, she let out a delighted gasp. “A castle!? In a mall!?”
Well, by looking at its exterior, Chiaki could tell it was just an extension of the mall with a castle-themed exterior, but she didn’t want to ruin Sonia’s excitement.
“Yeah, we’re having dinner here, and there’s a jousting show. I thought you might like it cuz it’s all Medieval Themed,” Chiaki said with a smile
“Jousting?” Sonia squeezed Chiaki’s hand a little tighter, “Are there live horses in there?”
“Yeah, that’s what the website said, I think,” Chiaki could feel the heat rising to her face, “I already got our tickets, so let’s go inside.”
Sonia dragged Chiaki to the main entrance while Chiaki took the laminated cards out of the pocket of her jacket
After waiting in line for a few moments— Sonia’s hand not letting go of Chiaki— they were greeted by two staff members in green tunics. They asked to see their table cards, and Chiaki showed them the laminated papers.
The staff member closest to them said “Ah tonight you will be cheering for the Red Knight,” as they placed red paper crowns on each of their heads
Sonia couldn’t stop smiling. As they moved forward in line, they were greeted by a new staff member in a blue blouse, red skirt, and corset. They asked to see the numbers on Chiaki’s cards, and wrote it down. “Alright, good ladies, please step this way for a royal portrait with the Queen.”
Sonia turned to Chiaki, beaming. Chiaki swore she heard Sonia squeal under her breath as they approached a taller woman dressed in burgundy and gold finery.
Sonia asked the actress countless questions about her kingdom while Chiaki smiled at her. She is so cute, She couldn’t help but think
A staff member holding a camera directed everyone to stand together, and Sonia took hold of Chiaki’s hand again, bringing her close for the photo
Afterwards, Sonia wanted to see everything. With their fingers laced together, Sonia scoured every corner of the massive lobby with Chiaki. Chiaki watched as her date’s long blonde hair sashayed across her back as she was taken to all the spots to visit
Sonia especially liked the gift shop corner. She admired all the trinkets on display, and audibly gasped when she saw one corner that was just swords. “If only I could bring one back to campus!” She sighed
Chiaki felt overwhelmed imagining Sonia wielding a sword. That’s... very hot.
Sonia expressed her sheer wonder while they waited in the lobby, and Chiaki was hanging on every word
Once it was time to go in for the show, Sonia was too distracted by the colorful arena, so Chiaki paid attention to the staff members guiding them to their seats.
They didn’t let go of their hands as they walked down stairs toward red high tables, illuminated by red stage lights. They sat in the second row toward the aisle, Sonia barely able to contain herself in her seat
After some time, a server came by and explained how the evening would work to them and the other attendants in their section. They’d be served a four-course meal (with no untensils) while they watch the knights compete in a tournament.
“Chiaki, thank you so much,” Sonia took Chiaki’s arm and leaned in close, “This is so exciting!”
Chiaki took a chance. There’s no way this could backfire. She kissed Sonia on the cheek. “It’s no problem.”
Sonia was smiling coyly when Chiaki pulled away. God, she’s so cute. The red lights above them made her look like her entire face was flushed. Reds and pinks look nice on her.
Once the show started, Chiaki had trouble paying attention. Her focus was on Sonia, who was completely absorbed in the fiction.
And Chiaki noticed every little thing Sonia did.
Her eyes sparkled when she saw the Queen and her knights on horseback
She applauded with glee every chance she got
She clutched Chiaki’s arm once again when the host of the show announced the arrival of a trained falcon, and leaned her head on Chiaki’s shoulder as the bird flew around the arena
During the games portion, whenever the Red Knight got enough points, he would be rewarded with flowers from the Queen. Sonia’s joy must have been noticeable, because at one point, the knight tossed carnations toward them. Chiaki, using her honed reflexes, made sure to catch it, and placed it behind Sonia’s ear.
She sighed as she rested her head on Chiaki again while the ‘Master of Horse’ performed various tricks
When the fighting began, Chiaki was surprised by how much passion Sonia placed in cheering. The knights had elaborate combat choreography, and Sonia was at the edge of her seat.
The Red Knight didn’t win, unfortunately. The Blue Knight was victorious instead. But that didn’t ruin Sonia’s fun.
By the time they made it on the bus to head back to campus, Sonia seemed to have worn herself out. Normally it’s Chiaki who’s falling asleep at the drop of a dime, but she held on to Sonia’s bag of souvenirs (and her hand), letting her rest on the ride back home.
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blackroseraven · 4 years ago
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Muck day today, in the muggy, humid, godawful heat.
I’m going to die come summer at this rate. This humidity is already too much for me. I had to literally take off my glasses because I was sweating so much. 
I got to feed horses this morning, at least. I also learned that poor Eli Shama got out on the grass and immediately gave himself laminitis, so he’s down in a pen now, while Biggs is in with Joe. Joe apparently absolutely loves Biggs for some reason. Teacherlady showed me a photo she took of Joe basically laying sideways all cuddled up on Biggs, and Biggs just standing there, perfectly content with it.
Weirdos.
They didn’t use any lime yesterday so the stalls reeked of mare pee because, you know, it’s also mare pee season, and again, it’s very humid and gross. But. Pushed through it all, and then I was able to grab Quattro and spend a good amount of time grooming and cleaning him. Worked on his hooves some, too: shaved a lot of gross frog off and cut some of the corner edges off his hooves, and then put peroxide on them today rather than koppertox and let them soak for a bit to really help kill the bacteria.
Then we went up to the arena. I walked him around a little, then got on him and I carefully worked on doing exercises on his back. Basically turning myself around to sit backwards on him, then back forwards. He did really, really good, and I was able to let him walk a little just using the rope on the halter to control him. He only scooted out from under me once, and I was able to get right back on and then repeat the exercise without any problem, I think he just got surprised.
He’s very vocal about how much he doesn’t like it, though. He squeaks and huffs a lot, and kind of twitches his back, but doesn’t really buck.
He’s a good boy, though. He held up really well, and I was even able to do a little bit of running around in just his halter too, even as the arena got busier. It was really nice. We only cantered a little, though: he felt pretty sore. He clearly wanted to run, but was achy.
He did a great job, though. And even if I didn’t get to do all the dumb things I wanted today, in part because of how freaking humid it is today, we worked on some really important things. Being able to trust him to stand while I move around on him - even, especially when he doesn’t like it - is really huge.
He’s looking great. 
Now we just need to keep moving forwards, and see what else he’s capable of.
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heartstopper-lover123 · 1 year ago
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Oh well that's a shame you couldn't have actual lessons. And I can't show you horses irl, but I can show you some pics of my horses
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This is Freddie. I rode his as a kid for my first lessons
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This is bond. He was about 16-17 hands. He was my cousins horse I looked after for 2 or 3 years. He then got badly injured and we had to send him to a sanctuary because the vet bills were too high and we couldn't ride him.
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This is Lademire. Also known as Laddie for short. And nicknames hay-hay (like the chicken from moana). He was my cousin and I's wild Welsh pony that we trained to be rideable. He then went to a new owner at a stable to be used for lessons
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This is fliwe. She was a horse friend of mines horse. She had laminitis so I got to walk her in an area for some exercise, but she couldn't go out to the field because her laminitis means she couldn't have grass. She was put down 2 years ago because her illness got worse.
Sorry they were quite saf. But yeah these were some of my favourite horses
What's your favourite animal
i love so many animals so let me list them for you because i can't choose favourites. i love cats, horses, jellyfish, sharks, frogs, rabbits and chameleons. can you tell i am an animal person at heart?
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naliya · 5 years ago
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i'm sorry you can't go to see your horse :( i love seeing your videos and pictures of him, i know you love him a lot. i'm sure he will be fine, but that doesn't mean it will sit easily on your mind.
I mean, according to the french sport ministry, going to do your jog in the middle of Paris is an essential task, but me going to see my horse in the middle of nowhere, in the french countryside where I see no one is totally dangerous and non-essential.
So… is the ministry going to pay my vet bills (which, for a horse, can go into thousands of euro territory) if he goes into colics or clogging or laminitis because he can’t move around enough? Or will I be asked to let him die? Not everyone are in big scructures with a lot of space, I chose a small one surrounded by forest where I’m close and can go everyday spend several hours with him at all time to insure that he is well cared for and has enough exercising / time outside
But now since I can’t go, my horse is basically going to have to survive living in a box for literal weeks (because no, it won’t be 15 days) with a 30 minutes outing a day at most, as - and as I said before - as great as the owner is with horses in usual time, there is only so much a person can do with 30 horses to care for, an entire stable to run, 24 hours in a day and only two arms.
Horses are living beings, they’re not things, if people can care for their dogs it’s absurd to ask horse owners to pretty much abandon their animal for weeks; the french sport ministry are pretty much the only ones doing this, even Italy still allow horse owners to care for their animals. Can you imagine having to let your dog be in a crate all day long, being told someone will let him out 30 minutes a day and being told to be happy with it all the while you can’t even see him? How is that not neglect?
I know I’m repeating myself but I’m pissed off, apparently it’s essential to let Amazon delivery keep happening but totally a-okay to let horses get sick or die, some things are just not logical.
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ventturabioceuticals · 4 months ago
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Laminitis in Horses and their causes, symptoms and prevention
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Causes of Laminitis
Overeating: One of the primary causes of laminitis is overeating, particularly on rich pasture or excessive consumption of grains. Horses that graze on lush spring pasture or receive a sudden increase in grain intake may be at a higher risk. The excess carbohydrates can disrupt the delicate balance within the digestive system, leading to inflammation in the hoof laminae.
Obesity and Metabolic Conditions: Overweight horses are more susceptible to laminitis, and conditions like Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) or Equine Cushing’s disease or Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) can further increase the risk. These metabolic disorders can affect insulin regulation, leading to higher levels of circulating insulin, which may contribute to laminitis development.
Concussive or Shock Forces: Prolonged work on hard surfaces or trauma to the hooves can result in laminitis. The constant impact on the hooves can disrupt the blood flow to the sensitive laminae, causing inflammation and pain.
Systemic Illnesses and Infections: Laminitis can be a secondary condition associated with systemic illnesses such as colic or severe infections. Inflammatory responses triggered by these conditions can affect blood flow to the hooves, leading to laminitic changes.
Endocrine Disorders: Horses with insulin resistance or hormonal imbalances may experience laminitis. Insulin resistance can compromise the regulation of glucose, leading to increased levels of circulating insulin, which in turn affects the blood flow to the hooves.
Excessive Weight-Bearing: If a horse is forced to bear excessive weight on one limb due to injury or lameness in another limb, it can result in laminitis in the supporting limb. The uneven distribution of weight places additional stress on the hooves.
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Symptoms of Laminitis
Lameness: Lameness is a primary indicator of laminitis. Affected horses may shift their weight from one foot to another or show reluctance to move. The degree of lameness can vary from mild to severe.
Increased Digital Pulses: A bounding or strong pulse felt in the arteries of the lower limb, known as digital pulses, is often a sign of increased blood flow associated with inflammation.
Heat in the Hooves: The affected hooves may feel warmer than usual due to increased blood flow and inflammation.
Reluctance to Walk or Stand: Horses with laminitis often adopt a characteristic “founder stance,” leaning back to relieve pressure on the front feet. This stance is an instinctive response to the pain associated with the condition.
Shifting Weight: To alleviate pain, horses may shift their weight between hooves, attempting to find a more comfortable position.
Increased Respiratory and Heart Rate: Laminitis can cause stress, leading to an elevated respiratory and heart rate in affected horses.
Prevention of Laminitis
Control Diet: Monitor and control the horse’s access to lush pasture and high-carbohydrate feeds. Implement gradual changes in diet to avoid sudden spikes in carbohydrate intake.
Regular Exercise: Provide regular, moderate exercise to maintain a healthy weight and promote good circulation. Exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity and overall metabolic health.
Manage Metabolic Conditions: If a horse has metabolic disorders like EMS or Cushing’s disease, work closely with a veterinarian to manage these conditions effectively through medication, diet, and monitoring.
Proper Hoof Care: Regular trimming and maintaining proper hoof balance are crucial to preventing laminitis. Consult with a farrier to ensure the horse’s hooves are in optimal condition.
Avoid Overworking on Hard Surfaces: Limit strenuous activities on hard or abrasive surfaces to reduce the risk of concussive forces that can contribute to laminitis.
Monitor Overall Health: Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to monitor the horse’s overall health and address any potential issues before they escalate.
Prompt Treatment of Underlying Conditions: Timely and appropriate treatment of underlying illnesses, injuries, or infections can help prevent secondary laminitis.
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To conclude, laminitis is a serious condition that requires diligent management and preventive measures. By understanding the causes, recognizing symptoms early, and implementing effective preventive strategies, horse owners can significantly reduce the risk of laminitis and promote the overall well-being of their equine companions. Regular collaboration with veterinarians, farriers, and equine nutritionists is essential for developing and maintaining a comprehensive approach to laminitis prevention.
Learn More At Venttura Bioceuticals
For more tips and updates on keeping your pet healthy and happy, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram!
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sirro85-blog · 6 years ago
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Humans are Space Orcs
Part 5
Kneeling on the floor of the shuttle beside Kovac's body Wolf ripped open the medical kit and pulled out the TPAK needles and looked at the laminate instructions. He couldn't hear Panther over the screaming in his own head. Grabbing the first of the needles he unscrewed the cap and pressed his fingers into Kovac's chest, counting ribs, pointing his finger at the appropriate site he put the needle against the skin and pushed, it punctured the skin and drove into the muscle, once it was secure he drew the needle out and made it safe, nothing happened he checked the instructions again. Tissue embolus, snatching up the syringe he drew air into it and connected it to the needle. He depressed the plunger and when he detached the syringe he was rewarded with a prolonged hiss of air. He repeated it on the other side of the ribcage.
Knickers who had been trying to ventilate Kovac looked up with relief as Kovac drew a shallow breath. He drew two shuddering breaths and his breathing again started getting shallower.
Becca stared at the shuttle as it landed, behind her susserations passed through the unit as the whisper repeated themselves. "Kovac is dead?" "Kovac is dead!" Kovac can't be dead" "Kovac isn't dead!" "Kovac is dead" "Kovac..." "The Major..." her hands shook and she fought the urge to vomit. Her mouth was dry, her eyes burned, she had a metallic taste in her mouth and the tip of her nose seemed to tingle.
The doors to the shuttle opened, Wolf stepped out, a bound and gagged Flet chained to him and Panther. Gray, Ocampo Hemming and Richards stepped out. Then came a stretcher, beside it was Petra pale and tired looking. On the other side was Knickers who was staring at the Major's face till she stepped aside to let Dana and Staff King assess him. Then she looked up till she found Becca's face in the crowd.
"Massive left sided pneumothorax with resultant lower right atelectasis, hypovolaemic, query 2 minute episode of apnoea, sats 97 on 15 litres" Petra rattled off as Frank ran alongside the trolley.
Becca could still hear Petra talking as the doors swung shut on the med-bay. Wolf appeared at her side and gently steered her away from the crowd of soldiers into the side room. She managed two more strides before her knees gave way. Wolf guided her into a chair as she opened her mouth to scream and no sound came out. Trembling violently she felt Wolf's arms wrap tightly around her.
How long she they stayed like that Becca didn't know, but eventually she looked up to see Sergeant Panther, Captains Dorman, and Gillespie sitting in the room, standing leaning against the wall were Sergeants Fluke and Webb. Becca realised she was squeezing Wolf's arm with both hands, her nails had dug deep enough to draw blood from his wrist. Her fingers ached as she unclenched them. Wordlessly Panther poured her a glass of rum and passed it across, Becca downed it in one.
The door opened and a sombre looking Dana walked in, she looked at Wolf and then Dorman before crossing to stand infront of Becca.
"He's stable, we've repaired his lung but during the surgery...His heart stopped, he was down for nearly a minute. We'll have to run some tests when, if he wakes up."
Becca nodded numbly and tried to speak, she cleared her throat and tried again. "Thank you Dana, where's Frank?"
"Draining his last bottle of Courvoisier XO, I don't think he liked the part where the Major died." Dana's tone sounded angry.
"The problem with being the sort of man that earns love and loyalty like Kovac is people get upset when you die on them." Dorman said calmly, "I keep telling him he should try being unlikable like me."
"Does that mean I'm in command as senior officer?" Asked Gillespie, he winked at Becca and then Panther, "I think I'll reinstate prima nocta."
"Alright but Panther would break you little man," Becca said with a half-smile.
The officers began to talk and laugh, Dorman sent out the sergeants to talk to the men.
"She blames herself," Wolf said looking after Panther, "he was shielding her when he took the bolt."
Two days later Staff Sergeant King was glaring at the Major as he blew into a tube, "until I discharge you I am your commanding officer, I am emperor, king, high priestess and the Lord thy God, you can charm me all you want you mangy Scotch git, you are recuperating properly and doing your exercises."
"I'd tell you to get your oral fixation examined Frank but if blowing on this tube ten times a day will make you happy I'll do it. I will not be waiting over a month to heal naturally, now give me the AHMs so I can get on with my plan or I'll convince Angie to sneak me some, you know she'll do it too, and she'll take Petra down with her."
"If you have any kidney function left when this is all over I'll be amazed. Once this is resolved, I want you to come in for physio and a full medical check up."
"Once this is done I'll even let you check my prostate," Kovac grinned again.
The following morning Kovac laid in his bed while his officers sat around the room, Kovac asked about the prisoner.
"She seems willing to listen to us, I think she believes we can be manipulated." Dorman answered.
"I get the impression she is a little startled by the effectiveness of our raid and her capture. Our success has her worried."
"A huge success if you discount the Major's little problems," said Becca with a sneer.
"Everyone makes a fuss, i got injured. Hardly a fault of the mission, overall it was a complete success." Kovac replied.
"A complete success!? You fucking died!"
"Everybody makes a fuss," Kovac responded drawing a laugh from the others, Becca scowled.
Humans have a strange tendency to react to situations at a seemingly disproportionate level, small splits to their skin or a small shock can leave them "literally dying" an example of hyperbole. Kovac needing to be resuscitated on the operating table meant he said the injuries he had sustained, weren't ones he would reccomend.
The only thing bigger than a human's flair for the dramatic is a human's ability to down play something.
Kovac entered the room where the hostage was held, she eyed him as he crossed the room and as he sat in a chair she spoke.
"Major Radovan Kovac, formerly of the United Nations Galactic Defence Force then of the Galactic Council Defence Force and now leader of the human mercenary unit known as the Dark Horses, born Glasgow, Scotland in the year..."
"Impressive, you're Lorastayil claimant to the position of heir to the throne of the Flet Imperium, current prisoner to Major Kovac and judging by the speed of your heart, terrified of me no matter how calm you pretend to be," Kovac interrupted.
"My heart rate?" Lorastayil asked.
"The clip on your nose is taking measurements for us," Kovac raised a hand to silence the Flet. "Listen Kitty, we had a plan, it was simple, we use you to get to the rest of the royals and then we take all four of you out, we slip away into the darkness and watch as the rest of the royals fall apart trying to claim the top spot on the rubble, it would work. Believe me, I know how to topple governments I've done it before and Wolf, he's done it even more than me.
You know Wolf, he's the one that makes your heart skip a beat every time he glares at you, he has that effect on people."
Lorastayil stayed silent but her eyes never left Kovac's face, "however," Kovac continued, "while I'm sure pulling our plan off correctly would have been an end to this I'm not sure we would have achieved it without some losses and I've already lost one soldier over this, I'm not prepared to have another die to keep me alive, ironically it took dying to formalize my thoughts on this."
"The Flet Imperium," began the Flet.
"Oh do be quiet, the "Imperium" is barely two systems across and the only reason you get to keep it is because nobody wants it, everytime you've gotten expansionist the GCDF has slapped you down with one hand. You're a rogue state and the royal family makes you an easy mark to the sort of units that Wolf and I used to run, if I didn't care about collateral damage I'd break your little civilisation to teach you a lesson."
The Flet glared at Kovac and the Major held her gaze, "I have a plan however, one that keeps you alive, keeps my soldiers alive and puts an end to this."
Struggling to contain her anger Lorastayil stayed quiet for a few seconds before asking, "and what is this clever plan?"
"You take me back to Venita all the way to your capitol Genetry, we walk into the Royal Palace and you give me over to the Queen as your prisoner, you earn your place as heir apparent and the royal family win public support, I'm executed and my men are left alone. Now my men won't be happy about this, but because I'll do this voluntarily it'll hopefully take the edge off enough that they don't seek revenge."
"You'd die willingly?" Lorastayil asked her tone doubtful.
"No, not willingly but I'll accept it, better me than one of my men, that's the trick of being in command, my duty is to them, my leadership is the service I give them." He gave a sigh, "do you accept?"
"I have a choice?"
"Of course, I could always torture you till you agree to my first plan and we break your civilisation, not much of a choice but a choice none the less."
Kovac couldn't have successfully moved Lorastayil onto a shuttle secretly without assistance from Wolf, it appeared that Wolf was fully informed of the plan because as Kovac boarded the Shuttle I witnessed the two pause, shake hands solemnly and then part with a nod. An interaction I had never seen between the two of them before.
Unlike the human home planet, the Flet planet of Venita had developed as almost entirely a rainforest, since industrialisation much of the planet's growth had been cut back but it still retained it's verdant appearance. Even the capitol city of Gentry had a lot of green spaces. And in the centre, shining in the sunlight was the Royal palace, it's direct translation to human would be "glass" although the building was built from quartz.
Kovac walked with his head held high, for all appearances enjoying the view of the rain wet building gleaming in the sunlight. Kovac looked out of place in the light, bright building, wearing dark military fatigues his booted feet rang loud as he walked down the hallway. Around him walked his guards, soft footed and silent, despite their height and mass being greater than the human's they seemed diminished by him, or perhaps that was only my perception.
They paused before the great door to the hall, Lorastayil suddenly intense as she stared at Kovac.
"Do you want to die human? You seem at great ease."
"No, no I don't, I wish this could have worked out another way." He looked around, "it's beautiful here," he remarked absently, "I don't want to die but none of us choose how we die, even those poor souls who take their own life do so as a symptom of a disease often as not, the only thing you get a choice over is how you face your death. I'll stand on my own two feet and look it in the eye thank you." He gestured to the door, "shall we?"
The Flet Imperium is a culture devoid of much of the trappings of power that other civilisations cultivate. Pomp and ceremony; grandiose displays of power and privilege are not seen in the Flet royal court. In brief order Lorastayil was welcomed back, Kovac introduced and sentenced to death.
Kovac grinned up at the Queen and with a sudden movement had darted past the two large Kitty's that were nominally his guards.
"You know, I have read something of your culture and your laws, something the humans have known for Millenia 'know your enemy' a concept not respected by your finer military minds." Kovac stopped several feet from the throne, his guards closed in but hesitated to restrain him.
"For example, I know that Flet instinct will always be to trust in your claws not your hand held weapons, which puts the two guarding me at a disadvantage, while they are still suppressing the urge to resort to claws, I can instinctively fight with anything, in my reach...ask me about a pineapple sometime." As if to illustrate this point Kovac moved.
He sprang to his left into the nearest guard knocking it off balance, he butted his forehead into the side of its jaw with enough force to cause rotation of the head, the Flet spilled it's weapon and stumbled back. Kovac snatched up the dropped power lance but knowing he lacked the appropriate number of limbs to fire the weapon didn't pause in his movement but instead threw it hard as he could at the second guard who was still fumbling with its own power lance. The Kitty stumbled back and Kovac followed up with a flying knee to it's sternum knocking it flat.
As suddenly as he had moved he was still again, Kovac spread his arms wide as more guards converged on him.
"You see when I say I know you, I know you, so when I say I demand trial by combat, I know you are obliged to meet my demand and decide my fate inside the 'ring' as it were."
The Queen watched Kovac and gave a silent yawn, the Flet equivalent of a smile. "You may think you know us Major, however the demand for trial by combat is only something I'm obliged to honour if you are a subject, and that little display was designed to provoke me, provoke my anger but not all Flet are slaves to their rage." She raised two arms and then with another silent yawn gestured at her guards, "kill him."
Kovac backed up quickly out of the semi-circle of approaching guards, Lorastayil was watching him as more guards entered. Kovac produced a small curved blade, seemingly from nowhere and looked at the Flet heir.
"You know I rather liked the idea of meeting death while standing, but what I think I've always known is I'm going to go out kicking and screaming and fighting all the way." He looked around at the guards who were raising their power lance and I saw his weight shift.
Shots rang out, not the muted pop of a power lance but the sharp crack of human rifles. Several of the Flet guards dropped to the ground, Kovac was already moving towards the nearest Flet when Captain Wolf led the assault on the rear of the guard unit. From my vantage point of multiple awarenesses I saw Captain Becca kneeling just inside the entrance to the hallway and taking aim at the Flet queen. Sergeant Panther flanked by Barbie and Buckets closed in on one of the heirs, rifle shots ringing out everywhere.
Kovac my have been wrong about the precise laws and customs of the Flet but he wasn't wrong about their instincts, caught by surprise many of the Kitty guards dropped their power lances, instinctively wanting to use their own claws when provoked. Those that held onto their weapons were still slow in responding with fire themselves.
Kovac had already attacked the two nearest Flet his karambit knife slashing open throats and major blood vessels as he burst through the circle.
Captain Dorman led his troop in through the side entrance and more shots echoed through the hall. Kovac grabbed Lorastayil and forced her against a wall, the larger being letting the smaller human manhandle her. Their frantic conversation lost to the gun battle.
Moments later the hall fell silent, as the last Flet fell, two humans were down but both were moving, Petra and Angie moved between them and Sergeant Webb organised a stretcher team. Captain Becca began shouting orders and Sergeant Panther led the soldiers of 2 Troop out of the great hall.
Wolf reached Kovac and looked down at the dead Lorastayil, "She declined my offer of peace," Kovac said with regret in his voice. Looking up at his captain Kovac gestured around, "I thought you understood my reasons for not doing something like this?"
Wolf pulled Kovac across the hall his men closing in around them, "Oh I did, but the idea that a man was willing to lay down his life for the protection of his soldiers, well I have this feeling that sort of man is the sort I'd like to keep alive."
In the distance explosions boomed out as Captain Gillespie's mortar unit laid down sporadic fire across the military barracks.
"Your men were in agreement when I told them what you planned, apart from Staff King, he says he's saved you enough recently and stayed behind."
They hurried onto the extraction ship and as Captain Dorman counted his men back on Kovac looked around at his soldiers, his expression unreadable.
Captain Becca approached him and the ship went silent as she reached him and then punched him in the face.
"You bastard! She screamed, I nearly lost you and the first thing you did in response was try and get yourself killed!?" She drew back her fist again but Wolf and Panther restrained her, men laughed and Kovac pinching his bleeding nose approached his officers.
The time for awkward thank yous was later, they were still in Flet space now.
"The Frell sent us pass codes they...happened to have," Dorman said to Kovac's unasked question. "Once we were inside their airspace they have almost no security."
"Major have we started another war? What will happen next?" Gillespie asked, loud enough for the soldiers to listen in.
"Maybe, but I don't think so, I think the political powers will enjoy the loss of a faction from their halls of power and I think that whoever finally claims the empty royal throne, they'll be slightly grateful to us for getting them there and if not...they'll think long and hard before they decide to fuck with the Dark Horses again."
The End.
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