Last Observation

For my last observation, I decided to go to Hunter Creek Farm and thank every person who helped me with my project. Without the contribution of trainers, assistants, riders and the maintenance crew I wouldn't have been able to conduct my observations and learn all the things I know about hunter jumping horseback riding.

While I was there I spent a good amount of time talking with the trainer about starting to practice Hunter jumping horseback riding; she gave an exact price for the sport and materials I will need. Then, she showed me the horse that I would ride and the days and hours I would have to be there. After we talked, I took a moment to think and I realized that even though I love horses, hunter jumping horseback riding is not the sport for me. The first reason is that I can't work because I am an international student. This means that i am living on a very short budget and this makes it impossible for me to afford this expensive activity. The second reason is that I should devote most of my time to school and this would represent a distraction.

Hunter Creek Farm is beautiful place, where you feel surrounded by nature and good people. They told me I could keep going every week to visit them and spent time with the horses. I would recommend to practice this sport in this great place and I know that someday I will have the money and the time to practice hunter jumping horseback riding.

Observation Seven

Arthritis is not just a painful condition for people, but it also affects horses. Fred, oldest horse at Hunter Creek Farm, is suffering from the earliest stage of arthritis. The good news is that eventhough he has some serios symptoms,the cartilage has not yet been damaged, this means that the veterinarian has been able to accomplish a huge advance by following a very simple treatment.

This treatment consists in allowing the animal to rest (anywhere from a few days to a few months), give the horse anti-inflammatories injected into the muscles or the affected joint, and also pursue physical therapy, such as ice or heat treatments.

This picture shows some of the medicines that are used fro joint and muscle care


Unfortunately, Fred is not the only sick horse at Hunter Creek Farm. Foxen, a beautiful white horse, suffers from asthma. His illness is usually controled, but in the summer his symptoms get worst and the veterinarian gives him a special treatment.Cyproheptadine is the antihistamine used for the treatment of Foxen's allergies and asthma.


To avoid infections caused by the flies that come with the heat of summer, Hunter Creek Farm puts fly masks to every horse.


These were the three new things I learned in my most recent visit to Hunter Creek Farm, this past friday.