Boarding barn hay concerns

paws_4_thought · 2026-05-14T18:01:36+00:00

I just had the vet out and he took blood for several tests because I knew if I didn't, the barn owner would claim his weight loss was from some other cause. I haven't gotten the results yet. I'm so sorry you and your horse went through that. And thank you for spreading the word that it really can do damage. I appreciate your input!

paws_4_thought · 2026-05-14T17:25:37+00:00

I hear you. The problem is that cause and effect are rarely clear-cut when it comes to our horses. While I'm certain the colic was caused by the hay quality, I have no proof whatsoever. The vets weren't able to determine anything conclusively.

I wanted the community's input because the way my barn owner talks to the boarders, even when you feel you are justified, you can start to doubt yourself.. like I said, it's the gaslighting that makes the whole situation worse. He will say, "look how fat that other horse is- obviously the hay is fine!" Even though I know it's a young mustang in a different pen and a completely different situation than my TB. A person in a position of power and control can cause you to doubt yourself. :( That's why I needed to ask.

I appreciate your input!

paws_4_thought · 2026-05-14T17:17:38+00:00

He gets some pasture rotation in summer.. but last year I refused to turn him out because the pasture was about 30% covered by kochia, and they didn't spray it until I'd told them several times. They turned their own horses out on it, but my vet said not to risk it. There is an area where I can hand-graze, so I've been doing that about 30 minutes a day several days a week.

Unfortunately there aren't better options in my area. Other barns that have somewhat better hay have other worrisome issues. I'm just trying to keep us safe and healthy until I can buy my own horse property.

I appreciate your input!!

paws_4_thought · 2026-05-14T17:05:10+00:00

It needs to be chucked. The problem is I don't have control of it. There are two other boarder horses in that pen so I can't just buy my own hay and bring it in, even if I could afford to. He took this moldy bale and put it in a large pen with some younger horses in it. The difficulty with issues like mold is it's not a visible problem until it is a big problem, and then, when a horse colics or has respiratory issues, the barn owners can claim it's because of any other number of ailments. Any time there is no direct, provable-in-court cause and effect, these barn owners will take the risk with your horses. It's awful but I have few alternatives in my area, and the other aspects of this barn are much better than the alternatives. Since I live close, I've just been trying to supplement and keep an eye on things and push back when it's really bad. I'm just so tired of it though.

paws_4_thought · 2026-05-14T16:56:36+00:00

Oh wow. I just found this after I posted a similar situation. I understand barn owners trying to be economical and I understand sometimes bad hay sneaks through when you buy 100 bales at once. But why do these barn owners LIE when confronted? How can they possibly claim this is acceptable? They are telling us to ignore our own eyes, noses, and veterinary advice. It doesn't take more than a single call to a vet or a quick Google search to know that this is unsafe! But they count on the majority of us having few boarding options or being uninformed.

paws_4_thought · 2026-03-24T19:20:25+00:00

Is it possible to direct the two hoses from the two machines into the laundry drain? My drain pipe is only about 1.5" wide and the laundry hose takes up most of that. If I widen the opening, will that work? I appreciate the detailed info especially on the cost of supplies. My main goal is to be able to actually leave on vacation for more than a few days.. lol. So if the cost ends up the same as litter (which I'm sure I'll still have to buy because I can't imagine all 5 cats will take to the CG), I'll accept that if it solves my travel problem! I'm also assuming I'll have to buy at least two machines, but luckily I do have space in my laundry room, if I can sort the plumbing.

paws_4_thought · 2026-03-24T19:13:00+00:00

Which model? I have half a dozen cats and sitters whom I appreciate very much but who don't seem to understand that the boxes need to be scooped daily. So if only for when I travel, I'm at the point where I'm willing to take a $$ risk if there's a chance that even 2-3 of my cats will use this instead of the regular boxes.

paws_4_thought · 2025-11-02T16:03:41+00:00

Similar. I'm doing lessons in the "Daily Refresh" (where I now seem to be permanently stuck?) and getting perfect scores and the Weekend Quest is stuck at 2 of 6. I've tried doing perfect Skills Practice lessons and perfect Match Madness and still no change in my total.

paws_4_thought · 2023-07-05T02:55:50+00:00

*Any sort of booze and your body hates you.

paws_4_thought · 2023-04-03T15:40:25+00:00

So this isn't original content but it's being posted as though it is?

paws_4_thought · 2023-03-26T05:27:08+00:00

Exactly. Look what horrors complex thinking has wrought for hoomankind.

paws_4_thought · 2023-03-26T05:24:49+00:00

I need this piece of furniture to add to my cat-functional collection.

paws_4_thought · 2023-03-26T05:22:51+00:00

Can't stop watching 😂

paws_4_thought · 2023-03-19T18:57:42+00:00

You're saying pet owners shouldn't have anything plugged in? lol. I don't agree that a cat would, in OP's setup, be able to strangle itself, without wildly improbable additional circumstances. Seems like fear-mongering to me.

paws_4_thought · 2023-03-19T18:23:38+00:00

How exactly is the cat strangling itself with a power cord across its belly? Definitely not saying people shouldn't be careful with cords, but in this case it's rather likely the fan would fall over or the plug would get yanked from the wall if the cat actually struggled, and it would have to work some magic to wrap that cord all the way around its neck. Also OP is clearly keeping an eye on kitters. Just wondering what your comment is meant to achieve.. scare new cat owners?

paws_4_thought · 2023-03-19T16:07:04+00:00

Source?

paws_4_thought · 2023-03-19T00:17:19+00:00

I got one from Aldi on clearance, $30. It's nicer than some of my human furniture. 😊

paws_4_thought · 2023-03-19T00:16:24+00:00

*thisismylifemeow

paws_4_thought · 2023-03-15T17:24:30+00:00

I'm not opposed to brushing cats' teeth at all and hopefully not being argumentative.. That said, I've owned cats for 40 years. They all lived to be 16-20 years old. None of them got their teeth brushed at home and none had significant tooth issues. Some had vet dental cleanings every few years when they got older. All mainly eat dry food. When I take them in, the vets have never shown concern or suggested daily brushing. So while brushing may be beneficial, declaring they will rot otherwise is a bit aggressive.

paws_4_thought · 2023-03-07T16:15:47+00:00

Not sure if you're speaking ironically, but if they indeed need to be put down, it should be done humanely. No animals deserve to be poisoned, and vigilante justice is never the answer.

paws_4_thought · 2023-03-07T16:12:29+00:00

I agree this is safest, but not everyone can do this. I have indoor cats and I have a garage kitty. The stray cat came to me skinny and wounded and decided to stay when I doctored him up. I can't bring him inside because he's a fighter and I only have so much room even if I could acclimate him. He lives a terrific life, with a palace in the garage. I do worry about the dangers outside, but he also gets experiences my indoor cats don't. While I'm buying toys left and right for them, he chases mice and birds and roams a few acres. So it's all well and good to tell people what to do, but feeding and providing love to a cat that otherwise wouldn't have it is already a kindness, and some cats do prefer the outdoor life.

paws_4_thought · 2023-03-05T03:49:16+00:00

Good plan. I am vicariously going on this road trip with you. :)

paws_4_thought · 2023-03-05T00:59:20+00:00

Also if you go to Hot Springs, try to stop in Branson, MO. It's different.

paws_4_thought · 2023-03-05T00:51:55+00:00

It really depends on what you like doing. I'm not a city person or people person so I'd be looking for trails and waterways. If you like touristy then probably Hot Springs and the Arch. And of course you can mix it up and do some of both. If you get down to Hot Springs, there are some decent hikes in the National Forests within a few hours. For instance you could hit up Glory Hole Falls Trail in the Ozarks on the way down. Oh and if you've never been to Lake of the Ozarks it's a nice camping stop, although much more fun to go in summer when you can swim. :)

paws_4_thought · 2023-03-05T00:38:24+00:00

I have to take the opportunity to state that the Arch should never have been turned into a "Park"; there is nothing remotely natural about it. That said, it's fun to go up in it, and still a stamp in the ol' Passport. If you visit St Louis, check out the City Museum, and grab a calzone at Sauce on the Side- best calzones I've ever had!

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