Stable Management - Qp8

The correct answer is three. This means that the minimum area needed to keep one horse is three acres. This suggests that horses require a certain amount of space to roam and graze comfortably. Providing them with three acres ensures that they have enough room to move around and access sufficient food.

Roughing off is the term used to describe the process of gradually transitioning a stabled horse to living at grass. This involves gradually increasing the amount of time the horse spends outside and gradually reducing their access to concentrated feed. This allows the horse's digestive system to adjust to the change in diet and prevents any potential health issues that may arise from a sudden change in feed. Therefore, the given statement is true.

The statement suggests that it is natural for horses to be on grass when there is a large pasture available. This implies that horses are accustomed to grazing on grass and it is their natural habitat. Therefore, the correct answer is true.

The statement is true because horses have sebaceous glands in their skin that secrete an oily substance called sebum. This sebum helps to moisturize and protect the horse's skin and coat. It also helps to repel water and dirt, keeping the coat clean and healthy. Additionally, the grease secreted by the horse's skin can help to provide some level of waterproofing, especially in wild horses that are exposed to the elements.

Grooming a wet horse in the normal manner is not recommended because wet hair can be more prone to breakage and damage. It is better to allow the horse to dry first before grooming to avoid causing any harm to the horse's coat or skin.

Working off grass has several advantages. Firstly, it is the most natural system of keeping horses, especially ponies. This allows them to graze and roam freely, mimicking their natural habitat. Secondly, it saves both time and money. Since horses can graze on grass, there is no need for expensive feed or supplements. Additionally, it eliminates the need for daily ridden exercise as the horse exercises itself by moving around and grazing. This can be beneficial for owners who may not always have the time or availability to ride their horses regularly.

The gate should be sited on the top of a slope wherever possible because it provides better security and control. Placing the gate at the top of a slope makes it more difficult for intruders to access the property as they would have to climb uphill. Additionally, it allows for better visibility and surveillance of the area below, making it easier to monitor and detect any potential threats. Moreover, locating the gate at the top of a slope can also help with drainage, preventing water from accumulating near the entrance.

In winter, it is important to give the horse a second Horse Flu vaccination as the cold weather can weaken their immune system and increase the risk of flu. The horse should also be relatively free of flies as they can still be present in some areas during winter and cause irritation and discomfort. Additionally, horses in dry winter areas will need to be fed hay for bulk and concentrates for warmth and energy as the colder temperatures require more calories to maintain body heat.

The statement mentions a "manual water trough" that fills up as water is drunk from it. However, the term "manual" implies that the filling process requires human intervention or action, which contradicts the idea that the trough fills up automatically as water is consumed. Therefore, the correct answer is False.