Today we had another class on skin histology (which while I find it interesting, I'm sure you will not) and three classes on the equine industry and reduction of disease risk factors.  I actually really enjoyed the horse lectures, especially considering that I know next to nothing about horses.  They started with the basics (thank goodness!) and did a great job summarising the role of the horse in the UK.

Horses are measured by hands.  A horse is defined as having a height greater or equal to 14.3 hands where as a pony is 14.2 hands or shorter.

Measure to the withers as indicated

We also learned the different breeds and terminology for horses based on stage of life and reproductive capabilities.  So many different terms compared to cats and dogs.  It's kind of like a different language.

Today I booked my train tickets to go lambing.  We are taking a train through Edinburgh to Darlington on the 10th of March and will return the 25th of March.  We will start the first few days by calving the Belgian Blue cows.  These cows are double muscled and all calves need to be pulled (assisted in exiting the birth canal).  These cows can weigh more than 2500 pounds and calves can be around 100 pounds!!!!  Then we will move on to the lambing of pedigree sheep!

Big ass cow :)

And for your entertainment; a video about sheep that we vet students found hilarious: