Project: Top Questions of Horse Noobs

[xpButtercup]

I've got a little side project going and I'm asking for just a moment of your time.

Give me one or two questions that people new to horses are always asking.

Or, a question you think they should ask because they need to know the answer!

[xpButtercup]

Feel free to cross-post this to other forums ... but be sure to send me the responses!!

[horsecrazymom]

They are SO big! How come you are not scared of them?

I am sure I will think of more. Sounds like an interesting project!

[xpButtercup]

That's an angle I didn't think of!

Keep the ideas coming.

Stuff like ...

How often do their hooves need to be trimmed?
Why do some people keep their horses' tail braided/bagged?
What kind of dewormer should I used?

Right now, I am *only* looking for the questions ... not the answers! More on that when I'm a little farther along in the project!

[LLStar117]

Doesn't it hurt when I hold onto their mane?
How come the nostrils aren't the same size?
How do horses talk to eachother?
How does a horse protect itself from a predator?
What kind of shots does a horse need every year?
How much land should a horse have to feed it for a year?
What makes a horse beginner safe?
Why don't you train your horse to rear?
What kind of shelter does a horse need?
How much does a horse eat?
What kind of horse should I get?
Do all horses grey with age?

[jdocpony]

Why does their poop smoke in the winter... I am not kidding I heard that question once!

[horsecrazymom]

Why don't mares get spayed as often as cats and dogs?

[jrcdmom]

I think my biggest worry when I first got horses was... how much do they eat and how do I know what hay is good for them?? Also what kinds of fencing and where to get it? Basically the biggest questions were about basic care, what brushes, how often to do shots and feet and wormer, water troughts ( how big), buckets (what are they used for). all the basic things that we take for granted is all new to a non horse person. If I knew of a person in my area that wanted to learn more I would just invite them over and go through daily chores with them so they got a better idea, I know I bought books before actually owning a horse and they didn't help me at all.

[LLStar117]

Do horses need blankets in the winter?
What do you use for bedding?
Do horses need a companion, if so, what other animals work best if you can't have another horse?
What are miniature horses and donkeys good (used) for?

[xpButtercup]

These are all great! Just what I'm need ...

Now, I need four interested people to become my "panel of experts" and answer the top questions in easy to understand terms for newbies. (Not here, I will email details to those interested.)

The people who are chosen will receive compensation. (Exact amount not yet determined... will explain in email.)

There is no cost to apply to be one of the experts, and no cost if you are chosen.

To apply, please send me an email with:
* Your real name and location
* A good photo of you with a horse
* Number of years of horse experience
* Your answer to two "newbie" questions of your choice (so I can see a writing sample)

Send to xpbuttercup -at- gmail.com

I think this is going to be exciting!

[zyggysmom]

"How long do horses live?"
"How do you make him do that?" (whatever he is currently doing, whether sleeping or sidepassing LOL)
"Will he kick/bite on command?" (often asked of my police horse)
"Do horses like being petted?"
"Why isn't he scared of sirens/helicopters/garbage trucks/traffic etc" (another police horse thing)

Laura