When your horse throws a shoe, you call the farrier. When your horse bows a tendon, you call your vet. When your feed is running low, you call the feed store. When it is time to stock up on hay for the winter, you call the hay producer. Where does Extension fit in a horse owner’s toolbox? Extension can be the Swiss Army knife for any horse owner. Extension can answer questions about ethical training practices, equine biomechanics, toxic pasture weeds, hay quality, and more. Extension is the connector between the latest research and the ones who put that information into practice. It acts as the front door to the University of Georgia and all the research-based information it contains concerning equine care.
Where do you find this mythical multi-tool? Extension has a presence in all 159 counties in Georgia. Though not all counties have agriculture and natural resources agents, they all can still connect clients with specialists or agents in other counties who can answer equine inquiries, help locate resources, and offer testing services. But when do you reach for the Extension multi-tool?
Have you ever asked a friend about water quality? Have you spent your fair share of time scrubbing scum and been happy with “clean enough”? Water is the most essential nutrient in any equine diet. Whether you rely on a household well or utilize municipal water, water troughs can breed bacterial populations and contain invisible dangers. Extension offers water testing not just for in the home but also in the barn and pasture. Water testing can illuminate pH, mineral concerns, E. coli, and more. Routine water testing can help horse owners provide the best quality care to their horses for a reasonable price. Furthermore, Extension can test ponds for potential livestock dangers including toxic algae. Do not leave the most important part of the equine diet to chance. Get it tested. Extension can help.
Once you have ensured the cleanliness of your horse’s water source, it is time to turn your sights to the area they likely spend the most time, their pasture. Start to take inventory of the pasture and all of its components. Are the fences the correct height? What type of grass is growing? Why is this section not growing as well? Is that weed toxic? Extension can help answer those questions!
Though year-round pasture and adequate grass is the dream, it is rarely a reality. When pastures slow down, hay often becomes a necessity. How do you know that specific bale of hay will meet your horse’s needs? The short answer is testing. The real answer is Extension can help pull hay samples and analyze the results compared to the nutrient requirements of your horse or herd. Agents can help decipher the testing results and deliver them in a way that is easily understood. Ensuring that results are meaningful and actionable are paramount to Extension’s mission. If that specific hay is not the right fit for the job, Extension can provide recommendations on finding forage alternatives, supplemental feeding, or trying a different hay option.
Extension agents are the bread and butter of the organization and often the first contact a client has, but the resources do not stop with one individual. Agents have access to specialists with the University of Georgia, and beyond, who are subject area experts researching everything from equine reproductive physiology and biosecurity to equine biomechanics and training. The beauty of the vast expanse of Extension is the ability to plug in and connect with someone who is deeply engaged with the specific topic requested. Never shy away from asking the seemingly off-the-wall questions; Extension likely has someone with the answer.
Extension goes beyond the barn and pasture to offer educational opportunities to both adults and youth. Many counties offer 4-H Horse Clubs and in-person or virtual continuing education classes. Though some opportunities have a small registration cost, many are free to participate. Stay connected with these local opportunities and reach out to your local Extension office by calling 1-800-ASK-UGA1. To receive timely equine articles, subscribe to the UGA Equine Insights newsletter by visiting equine.caes.uga.edu.
Beyond all of the educational opportunities and hard facts, Extension is all about connections. If you need a list of farriers in your area, if you need a local spot to purchase hay, Extension has your back and your horse’s.