Hrrmph... pet pals keep horses cool

BANGALORE: Did you know that Bangalore Turf Club''s high-strung thoroughbreds need a sedative? They aren''t made to pop a pill. They are kept calm with the company of other animals — goats, sheep, pedigreed dogs, even poultry.
The Bangalore Turf Club which houses about 1,000 of India''s best thoroughbreds is also home to these domestic animals and birds, sharing a sprawling 87-acre expanse in the heart of the city.
But why is it important for a horse to be calm? Equine doctor Dr S.V. Chinmulgund who has been in the profession for 25 years, says: "A calm and happy horse is a winner. A nervous and irritated horse is a loser."
He said, "Horses are moody animals and extremely sensitive. Sometimes they run well during a race and sometimes they run badly depending on their mood. Sheep help them calm down. Sheep and goats are considered safe to have with horses because the chance of cross infection is rare. A sheep or goat cannot in most cases pass on an infection to a horse. Also horses love company. In individual stables, they spend most of the time alone. In a stud farm these animals enjoy being together, and the smaller animals keep the thoroughbreds amused, or at least occupied." There are other means to keep horses calm. For example, trainers stick to routine, because these animals hate changes of exercise hours, food, or even the unfamiliar voice of a different trainer. Remember a horse cost lakhs of rupees and owners would do anything to get the maximum return on their investment.
The livestock handler''s safety manual from Colorado USA indicates: "Reducing animal stress during handling improves productivity and performance."
BTC secretary Nirmal Prasad says: "About 40 per cent of our horses are housed in the underground stables in the centre and the remaining on the periphery of the BTC."
Supervisor G. Reddy who has been with the horses here for 20 years says that the goats run off to a small grassy stretch adjoining the Sheshadri Road to graze, and he has to shepherd them back to the stables. He explains: "The horses are very friendly with these animals, allowing them to share their living space."
President of the Karnataka Horse Trainers'' Association, D. Puttanna confirms the sedative effect of these domestic animals, but says, "I have never used them in the course of my work."
Stipendiary steward Robin Corner adds: "I''ve seen trainers use goats and sheep. Yes, it has a calming effect on horses."