Interesting article from Equine Ink

I just read an interesting article on the human-horse bond on. Have you ever wondered why your horse can pick up when you're stressed or scared and acts up because of it? Or you have a bad day and he knows? If you wonder about this I'm sure you'll find the article as interesting as I did.

Research Confirms that Human-Horse Bond is a Matter of the Heart

All of us lucky enough to have had the experience of bonding with our horses knew this is a real — and profound — experience.

Now, research has confirmed that a horse’s heart rate can respond to the emotional state of a nearby human.

Read more about this phenomenon at Enlightened Horsemanship Through Touch. There’s a great post today on the topic.
link below to further reading below

Horses React to Human Heart Rates, Study Finds

Create Your own Equine Emergency and First-Aide kit

If an emergency occurs with your horse it's a good idea to have already set up your own emergency kit as you can find it easily and often in an emergency situation those few seconds you spend searching for the right supplies to help your horse really could make a difference. I suggest strongly that you have one made up for your barn as well as another for in your horse trailer if you plan to trailer your horse anywhere. In addition to what's on the list I would suggest you also try to keep ice or cooling blocks in your freezer at home ready at all times.

Suggested items for an Equine first aid/ emergency kit:

Triple antibiotic ointment - 1oz. (28.4 gm) tube. Neomycin and Polymyxin B Sulfates and Bacitracin Zinc.
Sterile Saline - 12 oz. squeezer bottle' for wound or eye irrigation.
Epsom salt - 1 lb. (.45 kg) container for soaking hoof abscess/infections.
Povidone Iodine Solution - 4 ounce 'squeezer' bottle with 'flip-top' for cleaning wounds, skin infections, etc.
Artificial Tears (sterile) - 15ml. dropper bottle for eye application (screw cap for reuse).
Horse Liniment - A warm, soothing treatment for temporary muscular soreness caused by overexertion, minor injuries and/or arthritis.
Emergency Blanket
2 - clean, white, 100% cotton, hand towels.
2 - Polo Wraps
2 washable, full-size fluffy leg quilts for use with track bandages.
2 - 4" (10.2 cm.) rolls cohesive flexible bandages (4" x 5 or 6 yards(10.2 cm x 4.6 - 6 meter, self-adhesive, lightweight compression and breathable)
8 to 10 - absorbent, hospital-grade, gauze pads.
5 or six - large, non-stick, sterile, highly absorbent and hospital-grade, Telfa-type pads.
3 pair vinyl gloves ('fits all').
Scissors
Tweezers (stainless Steel)
Hoof pick with rubber coated handle
Stethoscope
Thermometer - heavy duty Veterinarian-quality
Some type of ice Gel for cooling off swelling areas
Tourniquet for Emergency Bleeding Control ONLY.
Jointed pliers/heavy wire cutter all in one (or one of each).
Flashlight with fresh batteries installed.
10 – 20 feet (3.5 – 5 meters) Rope. (A type of rope that is strong but supple and will not unravel or be abrasive on the horses skin if you need to make an emergency halter with it.)
Duck tape roll. (Good for repairing equipment or protecting bandage over hoofs but do not allow it to come in contact with horse skin as it would be extremely painful to remove)
Quick link-type snap-hook for use with the utility rope.
'Wet Ones' travel pack
Note Pad.
Pen and/or pencil.
'Horse First Aid and emergency Reference Guides(Reference/Instruction sheets on: Horse first and Dealing with Equine Emergencies)