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Horses/Questions Answered by Expert Lisa Lee

SubjectDate Asked
Donkeys and Barn Fires8/15/2011
  Q: I have read a lot of news stories about horses and donkeys that died in barn fires. It appears the ...
  A: the majority of animals killed in barn fires are confined in the barns with now means of free escape ...
Behavior7/15/2011
  Q: I switched my horses to another field after it got bushed hogged and gave them fresh water and they ...
  A: It sounds like there is something in the field that they are eating which is affecting them. If ...
thorobred x-race horse4/3/2011
  Q: buddy is 18 yrs... . has a companion. sweet horse, but from time to time stands and sways his head ...
  A: is it every day, every so often?.....if it is just every so often - it may be just from boredom, or ...
head tossing2/27/2011
  Q: i have a four year old arab x welsh cob she is fab in every way apart from her tossing her head ...
  A: I would look for something with her headstall/bridle that bothers her. Does she toss her head ...
horses2/7/2011
  Q: Lisa I have a horse ranch and i want to know how to tell if your horse is sick because my mustang ...
  A: If it is accompanied by any of the following I would consult a vet - loss of appetite, colored ...
treated wood1/10/2011
  Q: Lisa, I'm installing kick walls in my run-in shed. I would like to use treated lumber 2x10. Is ...
  A: I personally would not use treated lumber if I could help it. I am lucky enough to have local saw ...
Horses, Foals1/2/2011
  Q: I have a horse and when he dies i want to have his foal. But my father gelded him without my ...
  A: The closest you could come would be a sibling - full or half..... I understand the desire to ...
standoffish horse12/20/2010
  Q: I have recently bought an purebred arabian filly 2.5 yrs old ....she is some what halter broke and ...
  A: First, it sounds like you have a bit of work ahead of you. What you are going to need is time, and ...
is dry milk good for horses underweight7/25/2010
  Q: is dry milk containing creme good for horses underweight. if not then what should be given to ...
  A: I would not give a horse dry milk, I don't know if that would have any benefit. You need to increase ...
western riding horse breeds7/22/2010
  Q: I am looking to buy a new horse. In the past my family has owned Paso Finos. I know little about ...
  A: ...my trainer sells good trail horses, she is in PA though (travels to Chicago fairly regularly - ...
western riding horse breeds7/21/2010
  Q: I am looking to buy a new horse. In the past my family has owned Paso Finos. I know little about ...
  A: .....Are you just looking for a horse to ride with western tack, or do you possibly want to show ...
minis7/18/2010
  Q: I show in 4h mini trail and I had a question on training. My mini, Nevada has a hard time crossing ...
  A: ...if they are too far or even too close together it can be hard for an equine to adjust their ...
horse7/18/2010
  Q: my horse took bad 2 days ago. vet said it was colic and gave him injection. horse cant stand with ...
  A: Not being able to stand is very serious. If you haven't had the vet out since the initial 'colic', I ...
Miniature horses5/28/2010
  Q: I have nearly an acre back yard,,, would that be enough room for a single miniature horse?it's wide ...
  A: ....with 1 acre, you could have enough room for a mini - but be aware that you would have to ...
Hind end dropping4/29/2010
  Q: there are times when i am riding that the back end of my horse falls out from under her, almost like ...
  A: What I would recommend is having a vet take a look at your horse to rule out any physical or ...
shade and shelter4/19/2010
  Q: i live in northwest fl. in the summer the temp rises to 1oo or more and the humidity is very high! ...
  A: ut didn't get any email reminders and now have been sick for the past week too.... Red Maple leaves ...
shade and shelter4/18/2010
  Q: i live in northwest fl. in the summer the temp rises to 1oo or more and the humidity is very high! ...
  A: Even just a covered (roof) area would provide some shade. Do you have any trees in the pasture or ...
horse injury4/12/2010
  Q: My horse got her back leg wrapped up in some barbed wire and at first it did not look bad, but then ...
  A: Ok - GET THE VET OUT!....it sounds like there is something more going on than just the cut.....a ...
Gelding with mysterious coat loss4/11/2010
  Q: I hope you can help me figure out why my gelding's coat is falling out. It started as very flaky ...
  A: ....There are a couple of things that I would try - one is add some vegetable oil (tablespoon or ...
horse injury4/7/2010
  Q: My horse got her back leg wrapped up in some barbed wire and at first it did not look bad, but then ...
  A: (Disclaimer, I am not a vet!) Hi - you don't say how long ago this happened.....it is good that you ...
Horses and Power Stations3/13/2010
  Q: Were looking to buy a house with 2 horse paddocks, but I noticed that there is a Power Station two ...
  A: On my own Mothers' farm there are high tension power lines that run across part of the property. We ...
Is my Horse in heat?2/23/2010
  Q: The other day my horse started to go crazy she galloped all over the field non stop. I could not get ...
  A: ....some things to look for when a mare comes into heat - she will want (most likely) to be near the ...
Heart girth2/21/2010
  Q: can you explain to me about a horses'heart girth.some people will be on a horse that is 16 hands and ...
  A: A smaller boned or framed horse will look smaller with a larger rider, and a larger boned/framed ...
Endurance Racing2/18/2010
  Q: I have an Arabian who I believe will be excellent at endurance racin but the problem is is that I ...
  A: actha.us) - that is the American Competitive Trail Horse Assoc. There should be some info there that ...
acciedent2/8/2010
  Q: Lisa,i was thrown off a horse a while back and i got back on but im still afraid. But i trust my ...
  A: I answered this the other day and it didn't take..... A horse will show you its' trust by letting ...
horse racing questions12/26/2009
  Q: i'm rohit from india. can you answer any questions relating to horse racing??? ANSWER: Iy depends ...
  A: That would depend on a few things, the first being what the local laws are about riding - there may ...
New Horses.12/22/2009
  Q: We just got this new horse, he's been around other horse his whole life, and we dont have any other ...
  A: That being said, many horses do very well by themselves too. One advantage you may have right now ...
Horses Living In Backyards10/25/2009
  Q: So I am very interested in buying a horse except the board at the stables near me is very high ...
  A: Check with your local Zonong Department - they should be able to help you with that. Yes, horses ...
Horses Living In Backyards10/25/2009
  Q: So I am very interested in buying a horse except the board at the stables near me is very high ...
  A: Generally 2 acres for the first horse and 1 acre for each after is what I have seen as common ...
Trailering a Horse10/18/2009
  Q: Lisa, My neighbor just passed and he has 2 horses one 23 Ayers old and the other 33 years. Neither ...
  A: First, sorry about the loss of your neighbor. As to the horses - that is a tough one. If they have ...
Possible Hernia on Arab Mare10/1/2009
  Q: We have an Arab mare, close to 20 in age, that has a growth where the top of her left back leg meets ...
  A: that sounds more like a tumor, NOT a hernia. A hernia is protusion of an organ or the muscular wall ...
Short Stride vs. Long Stride9/15/2009
  Q: I am in the process of looking for a new hunter horse and really like this mare. However she had a ...
  A: your trainer is right. Conformation is conformation, and while there are certain aspects that you ...
gap of being pregnant8/13/2009
  Q: after which time period horse can become pregnant?
  A: but I will gove you a couple different possibilities. A horse can get pregnant as early as 2 ...
re-training a racer7/1/2009
  Q: My question invloves my 8 year old Standardbred off the track.Training was going well,riding he took ...
  A: First - I'm sorry about the delayed response...this question got lost in my email.... I would not ...
re-training a racer7/1/2009
  Q: My question invloves my 8 year old Standardbred off the track.Training was going well,riding he took ...
  A: If he was doing well, and suddenly has these issues, you need to rule out any physical problems. Is ...
horse bit6/23/2009
  Q: i have a horse that bites my 1 year colt real bad.he has a bunch of pieces taken out of his trunk.i ...
  A: sorry for the delay in answering..... If there is one horse in particular that is aggressive toward ...
bills6/20/2009
  Q: I might buy a horse that is $500 and I need to know how much are the vet bills and the boarding ...
  A: Vet and boarding bills can vary greatly depending on where you are located. A farm call for a vet ...
Horse Stamping Hoof6/19/2009
  Q: When I was down at my sister's house one of the horses would walk and stamp her hoof. What is she ...
  A: If the horse looks like it is stamping its' hoof, it could be just trying to get a fly off etc....OR ...
Pregnant Horse!!!!6/16/2009
  Q: This might sound dumb but my mom has a horse that is pregnant and i wanted to know how long after ...
  A: If the mare is in good physical shape, and has been ridden routinely throughout the pregnancy, light ...
trailers6/13/2009
  Q: I am 17 years old and getting ready to go to my very first show. (It will also be my horse's first ...
  A: That is GREAT news~! Yes, UNDERSTANDING why a horse is reacting the way it is and changing the ...
training6/10/2009
  Q: I have a 4year old quarter horse mare that I have just recently gotten. She is halter broke and I am ...
  A: ....it sounds like you do not have experience in training horses, so the best advice I can give you ...
horse pregnancy6/10/2009
  Q: my horse i think is pregnant and she has become very moody and will not let my husband around her is ...
  A: was she exposed to a stallion? If so, when? The best thing to do if you believe your horse may be ...
trailers6/3/2009
  Q: I am 17 years old and getting ready to go to my very first show. (It will also be my horse's first ...
  A: Sorry for the delay in responding- was giving this one some srious thought! Putting cotton in her ...
trailers6/2/2009
  Q: I am 17 years old and getting ready to go to my very first show. (It will also be my horse's first ...
  A: ...I can relate as I have 1 mare who used to be VERY hard to load - and have 1 mare right now (not ...
building a barn6/2/2009
  Q: I heard that douglas fir is a good type of wood to use on the inside of the stalls. do you recommend ...
  A: Well, personally I would use a hard wood for stalls - oak, or larch (Tamarak is availalbe in my ...
Are goats good for horses??5/16/2009
  Q: I have read many articles from your webstie. I still have a question... I have heard that goats ...
  A: .....I know that many people will mix animals - my horses grew up with sheep and I nbever had a ...
proud cut4/24/2009
  Q: What does proud cut mean??
  A: Here is an explanation from www.horsekeeping.com .....better than I could have explained it... Some ...
training3/25/2009
  Q: I have a 4 yaerr old appy that is green brock i i will abmit it am scard if him a little he rerd up ...
  A: the horse needs to learn RESPECT - if he doesn't learn that, he can very well become dangerous. If ...
why are mares mean?3/5/2009
  Q: why are mares more mean than geldings? from,Delaney
  A: mares do not have more of a tendancy to be mean than geldings. Each horse is an individual, and ...
hay fires11/24/2008
  Q: if hay is rained on then stacked to tight and right up to a tin roof can it cause a hay fire ...
  A: First, sorry to hear you experieced a fire....hopefully no one was injured. As fo rthe fire itself, ...
hay fires11/23/2008
  Q: if hay is rained on then stacked to tight and right up to a tin roof can it cause a hay fire
  A: there is the possibility of a fire starting. When hay ahs moisture in it, from either being baled ...
training a pony10/9/2008
  Q: We have several shetland ponies that we train to pull a cart/wagon. I would like to break one to ...
  A: you have to take into consideration the size and bone structure of the animal. From what I know ...
Insurance for horses in fire country10/4/2008
  Q: I just bought a gelding with outrageously good breeding. I also live in San Diego county, and right ...
  A: Yes, you can get insurance for specific types of loss, including fires. If you do an on line search ...
Training10/3/2008
  Q: I have got a three year old thoroughbred filly. I backed her when she was three, started riding her ...
  A: giving a young horse, especially a larger breed such as a TB time to grow up is a good thing. It ...
My 15yr old Quarter Pony9/25/2008
  Q: I had just bought a quarter pony I fell in love with her right away! The people I got her from said ...
  A: If she has not been ridden much, and is out of shape, it is quite possible that the reason for her ...
My saddle9/17/2008
  Q: Hey, I have a really nice saddle but I have no idea what brand it is. I am hoping that someone that ...
  A: Sometimes it is a medallion, other times it is actually embossed in the leather. You can also try ...
Rehabiliting neglected Horse9/14/2008
  Q: I am currently deployed with the Marine Corps in Africa instructing military training for African ...
  A: First, sorry for the delay in answering. If the horse has superficial wounds (scrapes, small cuts) ...
Horse not grazing9/6/2008
  Q: i have a 33 yr old quarter horse that always grazed but now hes not grazing. I had him checked for ...
  A: First of all - is your horse eating AT ALL? Or just not putting his head down to graze? If he is ...
clear wood finish8/26/2008
  Q: LISA, I BUILT SOME HORSE STALLS AND I AM GETTING READY TO PUT A WOOD SEALER ON THE 2 X 8 SOUTHERN ...
  A: Also, your local retailer should be able to give you pointers on what would be good to use. I have ...
clear wood finish8/26/2008
  Q: LISA, I BUILT SOME HORSE STALLS AND I AM GETTING READY TO PUT A WOOD SEALER ON THE 2 X 8 SOUTHERN ...
  A: Is the wood in an area that horses may chew on it? I did some quick research on CWF (Flood brand) ...
Crazy thoroughbred8/25/2008
  Q: Everyone told me not to get a Thoroughbred and of course I ended up with one. I have had her for ...
  A: Do you lunge her first because of her energy, or is it something you have just 'always done'? I ...
Mare in foal I think8/25/2008
  Q: I had my vet do a pregnancy blood test. It came back negative. However her vulva has extended and ...
  A: Well, it sure sounds like she is in foal! When you see the teats 'strut' or point, keep an eye out ...
Mare in foal I think8/25/2008
  Q: I had my vet do a pregnancy blood test. It came back negative. However her vulva has extended and ...
  A: I would still have the vet out again to palpate her. As for the discharge, you also want to make ...
Mare in foal I think8/25/2008
  Q: I had my vet do a pregnancy blood test. It came back negative. However her vulva has extended and ...
  A: It sounds to me like the mare is pregnant - I would have a vet out asap to do another check - ...
Feeding Horses8/22/2008
  Q: Can I give my grass clippings to my horse and/or let him graze on the back lawn safely?
  A: as long as you follow some guidelines. Make sure there are NO ornamental/poisonous plants within ...
My mare reared on her first hunt7/31/2008
  Q: ive owned my new mare for about 3 months now and she has been great apart from the odd occasion. i ...
  A: It sounds like you have a good plan with the jumping - slow and steady, letting her know it is not a ...
My mare reared on her first hunt7/31/2008
  Q: ive owned my new mare for about 3 months now and she has been great apart from the odd occasion. i ...
  A: Morning Chelsea....the further explanation helps a lot. It does sound like she reared in response ...
My mare reared on her first hunt7/30/2008
  Q: ive owned my new mare for about 3 months now and she has been great apart from the odd occasion. i ...
  A: First, what type of a rear was it? Big one, small pop up....she may have gotten spooked by something ...
weaning a filly7/25/2008
  Q: At seven months we separated our mom and baby. After three months we put them back together. It took ...
  A: Ah - ok - 3 WEEKS makes a big difference - I would keep them apart for at least 4-6 weeks (or ...
weaning a filly7/24/2008
  Q: At seven months we separated our mom and baby. After three months we put them back together. It took ...
  A: When you separated them for the first time, did you notice the udder first looking very full, then ...
haltering a foal7/18/2008
  Q: I have a 2 month old foal that I was haltering for a few days when she was first born, but now she ...
  A: What I had to do with my foal was actually squeeze him into a corner, get a lead rope around his ...
Summer grass7/14/2008
  Q: Knowing that spring grass can be detrimental to horses if grazing is not monitored, my question is ...
  A: First, I apologize for the delay in answering - Now, on to your questions - I too keep my horses ...
Older Horse Nutrition & Care7/3/2008
  Q: I have a 23 year old Tennessee Walker who is on pasture most of the time 24 hours a day and is about ...
  A: I would get the opinion of a vet if you haven't done so already. This is what I had to do with a ...
Horse barn fires6/3/2008
  Q: We have been told that it is no longer OK to store hay in the barn above horse stalls which is what ...
  A: To the best of my knowledge, there is no type of flame retardant that would fit that need. ...
pregnant maiden mare5/29/2008
  Q: I have a 7 year old maiden that was "due " the 24th of this month. She has had a bag for roughly ...
  A: Maiden mares will often go over or under their due date (they like to keep you guessing!) Are the ...
trailoring5/12/2008
  Q: I have a horse that is 10 years old and was neglected really bad so we took her into our care. when ...
  A: What I would do first is work on her trust - get her used to you and get her to trust you. I hav too ...
Cribbing4/16/2008
  Q: I found a horse I am interested in purchasing. He is a cribber and he is a little thin just a ...
  A: Personally, I would not purchase a horse that cribs. There are so many horses available right now ...
my barrelhorse has horrible feet4/4/2008
  Q: hello my name is kelli i have a 17 year old buckskin that i run barrels on and his feet are real bad ...
  A: Sorry for the delay in responding, I was away this weekend. There are many over the counter ...
Birth of Foal3/15/2008
  Q: What are enemas used for in the birthing process? I've assisted many a mare to foal and never used ...
  A: Good question! Enemas are generally given to a foal shortly after birth to help ensure that the ...
Soft hooves2/21/2008
  Q: I'm about to buy a horse and i have this Oldenburg/TB in mind. But he has to wear 4 shoes and it's ...
  A: definitely have that vet check done on him. I would definitely have his feet checked. I have known ...
Agressive Mare2/14/2008
  Q: My friend just purchase a 3 year old mare. The mare seemed nice and calm while we were checking her ...
  A: What I would do is make her start to work.....as suggested to you - I would be careful however to ...
Agressive Mare2/14/2008
  Q: My friend just purchase a 3 year old mare. The mare seemed nice and calm while we were checking her ...
  A: etc this is a gross misrepresentation. Personally if that was the case, I would return the horse. ...
help needed2/6/2008
  Q: i have a four year old Thoroughbred. he was trained for racing but was to slow to race. so i sent ...
  A: 2 months is not a long time for a horse to be 'retrained' - especially depending on how many days a ...
Horse Problems1/18/2008
  Q: my name is Jenna. I own an Arabian riding pony mare and she is an angel in the arena and the ...
  A: ....it sounds like one of two things......she has energy that she wants to use when you take her out ...
trailer loading12/5/2007
  Q: i am very frustrated and need your help bad. i purchased a QUARTER HORSE in september and he loaded ...
  A: ....I can understand your concern about going places yourself - I have that same issue, which is why ...
trailer loading12/2/2007
  Q: i am very frustrated and need your help bad. i purchased a QUARTER HORSE in september and he loaded ...
  A: First, sorry for the delayed response..... Have you tried loading him with another person closing ...
donkey11/28/2007
  Q: ANSWER: Hi - you didn't say how old the donkey is - is he young? I would work with him on ground ...
  A: From the information you have given me so far, the first thing you need to do is earn the RESPECT of ...
donkey11/28/2007
  Q: ANSWER: Hi - you didn't say how old the donkey is - is he young? I would work with him on ground ...
  A: First, I'm a bit far away (NY State) to come help - but I will try to give some assistance on line. ...
donkey11/26/2007
  Q: hello i was wondering if you do donkeys now if you do i have a donkey that has much much to learn ...
  A: get him used to anything and everything you can think of - just like with a young or inexperienced ...
sawdust11/25/2007
  Q: i am thinking about putting sawdust in my horse trailer. i have boards and then mats over them. ...
  A: What I would recommend though to to put just enough to catch any 'splashes' in the rear, and to give ...
female horse11/5/2007
  Q: When do i need a health certificate? or a SCID test done on my mare
  A: Health certificates are generally required when a horse travels from one state to another ...
Kick Walls in a Cleary Barn9/5/2007
  Q: Do you know of any reason why it would be dangerous to horses to use OFC (I think that's what it's ...
  A: I believe the planks in the barn are 6 or 8 inches wide.....I would make sure they are at least 6 ...
Kick Walls in a Cleary Barn9/4/2007
  Q: Do you know of any reason why it would be dangerous to horses to use OFC (I think that's what it's ...
  A: not suitable for use in a horse stall. There are many reasons why it is not good for horses, the ...
horse trailers8/18/2007
  Q: how many horses can traler take? do horses ride in a trialerfacing the side, the front or does it ...
  A: It all depends on the size of the trailer and what type it is. You can anything from a 1 horse up ...
Training Debate7/23/2007
  Q: My boyfriend and I are going to be getting a 4 month old Tennessee Walker. We have agreed on ...
  A: please remember that riding training will not take place for another couple of YEARS....so you do ...
Training my Western horse to ride English7/5/2007
  Q: I recently bought a 11 year old AQHA mare; she has great manners, but she was trained Western and I ...
  A: .... When you say trained Western - I take it she neck reins? What I would do is start working on ...
Horse growing up6/2/2007
  Q: I bought a small horse and i want to know how should i treat him? how can i make him love me since ...
  A: when you say 'small' do you mean young or small as in size? As for treating it - I'm not sure what ...
trailering a donkey5/16/2007
  Q: I have a 3 year old large standard donkey, she will not load on a trailer, I have tried ...
  A: you say she has not had any bad experiences getting on a trailer.....actually, from what you ...
first step4/12/2007
  Q: hi lisa thanks for taking my question what is the basic training for a racing a horse?
  A: or an already broke horse that would now be starting racing training? Also what type of ...

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Lisa Lee

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Expertise

Questions on basic training, fire safety with all types of animals, transportation questions, Fire Code requirements for buildings (NYS), basic building construction, fire safety in barns and animal facilities.

Experience

Over 20 years experience in the horse industry, from working on farms to owning and breeding my own horses. Have been involved with Code Enforcement and NFPA Standard development for the past 7 years. I am also involved in the Fire Service, both volunter and professionally, for a total of 20+ years.

Organizations
NFPA

Education/Credentials
Multiple National Certifications in the Fire Service, including Fire Service Instructor, Fire Investigator Level 1, Hazardous Materials Technician; and I am curently close to the completion of my AS in Fire Science Technology. Over 20 years experience working with horses both personally and professionally, currently owner of 3 Paso Fino horses.

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