BEHIND THE BARN

SAFEACT.org Launched   Our advocacy site SAFEACT.org is live!  Thanks to volunteer, Allison Walton for donating her web design to this great cause!  Liberty’s mission is based on supporting this legislation called the Save America’s Forgotten Equines Act (SAFE Act).  If passed, the SAFE Act will forever ban the export of American equines for slaughter.  Attached is a draft of the final press release explaining more.  I ask that everyone post on about SAFEAct.org on their social media.  There are no donations request. The whole point of the site is to encourage people to learn about the SAFE Act and send letters to their legislators in support.  The site features AI technology and helps to write the letters.

Volunteer Outreach           We appreciate all of your help and could use more of it. If you have friends who would like to be part of Team Liberty please have them apply to become volunteers.  We could always use more hands on deck!  www.libertysanctuary.org/volunteer 

Recognizing distress behaviors in horses can allow us to step in when veterinary attention is needed. Many times, horses can be saved from discomfort, or worse, just from early recognition of behavioral changes. This list is meant to help us recognize potential distress behaviors in horses, and take proactive steps to ensure their well-being. Since horses can’t verbally tell us when they don’t feel well, the more we can recognize their behaviors and understand what they mean, the better we can be for our beloved horses.  Here's a list of common distress behaviors in horses to be aware of:  

Medical Distress Behaviors  

1. Colic signs: Colic can be deadly! Looking at or biting at the belly or flank, pawing, or rolling, may indicate colic (gastrointestinal upset). Notify staff/vet immediately!

Colic Diagnosis  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRsiesAB_CQ

Treating Colic  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnTOi0fZzJw

2. Laminitis signs: Lameness, reluctance to move, or limping may indicate laminitis. 

3. Respiratory issues: Coughing, wheezing, or excessive sneezing, runny nose and gunky eyes may indicate respiratory or sinus issues. 

4. Neurological signs: Stumbling, staggering, falling, wobbling, walking in tight circles, walking sideways uncontrollably and excessive head shaking may indicate a medical issue.  

Physical Distress Behaviors

1. Pawing or restlessness: Excessive pawing, shifting weight, or restlessness can indicate pain and discomfort. 

2. Sweating: Profuse sweating, especially in cooler temperatures, can be a sign of stress or pain… and in warmer temperatures, heat exhaustion. 

3. Rapid breathing: Increased respiratory rate or rapid breathing can indicate stress, pain, or respiratory issues. 

4. Yawning: Excessive yawning along with disinterest in food can be a sign of gastric ulcers. 

5. Lying down: Horses that lie down and get back up excessively, or have difficulty getting up, may be experiencing pain, discomfort, or medical issues. 

6. Rolling: Excessive rolling can be a sign of colic, discomfort, or pain. 

7. Kicking or striking: Kicking or striking can indicate pain, discomfort, or frustration. 

8. Disinterest in food: This is one of the first signs a horse isn’t feeling well, and can be a sign of other things that may need veterinary attention.  

Emotional Distress Behaviors  

1. Ears pinned back: Ears laid back or pinned against the neck can indicate fear, anxiety, or stress. 

2. Wide eyes: Wide, staring eyes can be a sign of fear, anxiety, or stress. 

3. Tail swishing: Excessive tail swishing can indicate irritation, frustration, or anxiety. But if flies or other insects are excessive, this is entirely normal. 

4. Stiffness: Stiffness or tension in the horse's body can indicate anxiety, fear, or stress. 

5. Refusal to move: A horse that refuses to move, or responds sluggishly, may be experiencing pain.  

What to Do If You Notice Distress Behaviors:  LET US KNOW ASAP: If you notice any of these behaviors, let us know! We LOVE hearing from you and would rather go get our eyes on a horse again than miss something that may lead to a medical issue.  Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to a horse's health and well-being!  Debra 435 625 1100  Ashley  623 826 4853