HORSE NATION
horsing around the worldThoroughbred Logic, Presented by Kentucky Performance Products: One More Time 20 Nov 2024, 8:15 am
“I just take the good in the middle and ride to extend the countdown on his timer and stretch the quality of ride out further with each time I swing a leg over.”
Welcome to the next installment of Thoroughbred Logic. In this weekly series, Anthropologist and trainer Aubrey Graham, of Kivu Sport Horses, offers insight and training experience when it comes to working with Thoroughbreds (although much will apply to all breeds). This week ride along as Aubrey shares her logic on horses and riders to do it right “one more time.”
One. More. Time. We all do this. We get it right — finally! We jump through the grid well, we successfully do the canter loop, or we nail the corner out cross country schooling. Then we say (or our coaches say) “OK, one more time.”
Now there is pressure. Now we have gotten it right once, so now it has to be good a second time or it has to be better. And unless we make it work that very next time through, that “one more time” becomes “one more time… again…” until we get it close to what we had right before we declared, “one more time” in the first place. It sometimes starts to look like drilling. Sometimes it just gets messy. Sometimes it unravels entirely. But of course, sometimes it works and we can breathe and call it a day. More often than not though, we should have called it quits holding that earlier version of a winning hand.
Neumann (Bubba Bob) easily hopping through the grid here at Kivu Sporthorses’s new home in Lansing, NY. Photo by Allen Graham.
I got thinking about this the other day when I brought in a new farrier to try to pick up some of my personal sales horses that my usual farrier was struggling to fit into her schedule. Horse one was tough, horse two was rocky but fine, horse three was annoying but behaved (Needles Highway, insert knowing eye roll here). I asked, “Do you want to do one more before you head out?” (Read: One More Time?). He contemplated and should have said “no.” But even though he likely didn’t have the time or the patience, he says, “Yeah, I can do one more.”
Skip through all the drama — 45-minutes later he wheeled out of my drive leaving me with a horse with the left unfinished foot (nails poking out the top) and the horse’s right shoe in my left hand. I shook my head, was grateful for the knowledge of who was incompatible with me and my horses, gave the horse some dorm gel (we should have done that far earlier in the process) waited a few minutes and then and had the shoe on and the first foot finished. (P.S. Learning to tack on shoes has been the most useful skill of the last two years, hands down.)
Photo of the eventually shod Keep It Salty. Photo by author.
Welp. The “One More Times” struck again.
I have started to think this through more in my lessons too. I usually joke that when I say, “OK, do it one more time,” I actually mean “Do it the ‘trainer version’ of one more time — meaning until you get it ‘right.'” I’m joking, obviously — I try to ensure that I don’t drill the feet off a horse or the brain off of a rider. But the concept is so omnipresent that when I say that whole “trainer one more time” thing, no one misses the joke.
That said, more and more I am aiming to try to end the exercise before the “One More Time.” And I’ll be honest, it feels strange. It feels like I’m shorting my students or not training my horses. But what really am I shorting them of? There is always tomorrow or the next lesson to attempt to meet that bar again and improve from there. And there’s a big difference in saying, “we’re going to do this exercise three or so times, but if you nail it, we’ll stop at that point” versus “Good. Now, one more time.” There’s a big difference in “I’m able to shoe three today” and “Sure, I can try to fit in one more.” One version sets expectation, the other leaves it loose and then adds more work on top of a job well done.
Artie (Reunion Tour) and Sarah Hepler took a spin at the last Thoroughbred Logic Clinic at the Ithaca Equestrian Center. One more time is a hard concept to avoid, but super critical to keep at bay in instruction — especially with talented youngsters like Artie. Photo by Anna Redmond
I’m certain there is a place for being able to replicate the good one just did and push a little further. How else do you get fitter, stronger, more consistent? But perhaps there is a better way to frame plans and expectations when dealing with horses (and humans). I’m good with “one more time” so long as the mental and physical energy is still there. I don’t expect a perfect replication of ‘good.’ But if the patience is waning or gone, “one more time” probably should not exist.
What if we normalize bringing the oxer to the top height we want in the grid and then bringing it back down to work on fitness for the last few rounds? What if we lowered our rider/trainer expectations after the peak energy has been used? That even sounds strange as I type it, but wouldn’t that work better? Wouldn’t the horses be happier? Wouldn’t the riders feel more encouraged at the end of the ride because they learn to celebrate the middle where things went so well?
Gibbs (Muntij) gets to celebrate doing all the things, even better when done well. But there’s no need for this warhorse who ran 72 times to prove himself with any “one more times”. Photo by Lily Drew.
A lot of this circles back to my ridiculous burrito metaphor that I wrote about some years back. I like burritos a lot. But I really like the middle section of the burrito when you get all the meat and cheese and jalapeños and sour cream in a perfect combination. Keep eating and you end up with burrito juice, some cheese (maybe) and the folded soggy tortilla as your last bite. It sucks ending on that, but if you know that when you take that perfect middle bite that that might be the best part, it makes noshing away until the end of the roll more OK. You already know you hit the high — you’re not trying to replicate it and becoming increasingly frustrated or disappointed with what you have. Any additional awesome bites are just a bonus at that point.
With the young Thoroughbreds (or any green horses), getting rid of the “one more time” becomes increasingly important. Learning where to stop, when to call it a day, and figuring out how to identify the high in the middle of the ride (and not needing it at the end) allows them to learn while also building the muscle they need to move into their new sporthorse lives.
Needles Highway hanging out while I lower the oxer in the grid. Photo by Pamela Graham.
Neil (Lute’s Angel) is a great example of this. I like this horse a LOT and I think he has all the talent to take someone as high as they’d like to go. So who knows? Maybe he sticks around here a while and I see what that looks like. However, Neil is fussy and has a ride timer. When his timer goes off (or his quarter is up, whatever you want to call it), he’s going to tell you that he’s mostly done. That meltdown usually is accompanied by a few vigorous head tosses, full body shake-outs, and prancing sideways.
The tantrum indicates “we have done the allotted amount for the day and shall do no more” and gives me the clear warning that the One More Time won’t work. At that point, I need to convince him that just a little more effort, a little more try with something different, simply “a little more,” is all I need. He’s not allowed to quit on the tantrum, but he’s also not expected to be as perfect as he was before he threw it.
Yeah, yeah, Neil. Your natural ability is showing. Photo by Pamela Graham.
And on some level, I appreciate that. I’m not at risk of drilling. My expectations are such that all of his try and effort is praised. What we can stretch out at the end of the ride is also valued as good and worthwhile, but it is not expected to meet the same mark. If I wanted One More Time, my rides on Neil would patently suck. But they don’t. I just take the good in the middle and ride to extend the countdown on his timer and stretch the quality of ride out further with each time I swing a leg over.
So I guess I’m grateful to the horses who know their limits. And I’m grateful for what the unfortunate “one more time” exposes in people. That said, I’d like to avoid all versions of tantrums, so time to restructure the one more time into a set of better expectations, set earlier in the ride or day and then adjust for the circumstances.
So, go ride folks — but beware the One More Time.
One more photo of Neil being ridiculous — the cavaletti is down there — just because I can. Photo by Pamela Graham.
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The Idea of Order: Work-Life-Barn Balance 20 Nov 2024, 7:38 am
I understand ‘work’ and ‘barn.’ It’s the ‘life’ and ‘balance’ parts that are throwing me…
Presented by:
Milona DG and I. Photo (c) Q2 Photography.
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Milona DG and I. Photo (c) Q2 Photography.
How Anti-Vaccine Conspiracies Threaten the Equine Industry 19 Nov 2024, 8:56 am
Vaccination is one of the most effective methods for prevention of equine infectious diseases. Vaccines help protect horses from potentially life-threatening diseases, but some owners are choosing not to vaccinate — and encouraging others to do the same.
Despite indisputable evidence that vaccines reduce the risk of severe illness and death, a rising number of horse owners are opting not to vaccinate their horses. In the wake of recent events, some owners have declared their anti-vax stance on social media. This is alarming and could threaten our industry as well as the lives of our horses.
Canva/CC
Why is it necessary to vaccinate horses?
It is necessary to vaccinate horses, especially horses that travel and compete, because vaccines are proven to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to create antibodies that fight off disease. Most vaccines contain antigens, which are markers – generally proteins or polysaccharides – that are found on the outside of bacterial cells and viruses. The immune system recognizes antigens as a threat and responds by creating antibodies to fight the perceived infection. The immune system also creates memory cells that can combat natural infections in the future. The antibodies and memory cells remain in the horse’s system for months, providing immunity against the targeted disease.
An illustration from the World Health Organization on how antibodies respond to specific antigens.
The type of vaccines needed by a particular horse depend upon several factors, including its age, exposure risk and geographic location. For example, vaccines for Influenza, Rhinopneumonitis and Strangles, often are required for horses that travel off the farm. Encephalomyelitis and West Nile, two infections that can lead to death, are transmitted by mosquitos. All horses need an annual vaccine for those diseases. All horses also should receive a yearly Rabies vaccine because it is almost always fatal and can be transmitted to humans. Additional vaccines for Rotavirus are highly recommended for pregnant mares to prevent them from aborting their foals. A veterinarian can advise on the best vaccination schedule for a particular horse.
Since 2015, the United States Equestrian Federation has required all horses entering the grounds of USEF sanctioned competitions to have documentation of Equine Influenza Virus and Equine Herpes Virus (Rhinopneumonitis) vaccinations. This rule was created in response to an Equine Herpes outbreaks that could have been prevented by vaccines. The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) also requires proof of Influenza immunization. In addition to competitive organizations, some states have legal requirements for equine vaccination. Most equine insurance companies also require horses to be vaccinated in order for coverage to apply.
An illustration from the WHO showing how a new antibody is created in response to vaccine can recognize an actual threat later.
Why are people choosing not to vaccinate their horses?
Although the efficacy of vaccines in reducing the severity of illnesses is undeniable, a growing number of horse owners are electing not to vaccinate their horses. The reasons for their refusal to vaccinate vary. Some are worried about side effects from vaccines, but many just do not believe in them.
Here are some common misconceptions about vaccines:
- Opinion: The side effects of vaccines are too risky.
- Fact: The risk posed by infectious diseases is far greater than the risk posed by vaccinations. According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), the possibility of adverse reactions exists with the administration of any vaccine. Severe reactions that require veterinary treatment are rare. Most horses experience mild, short-term reactions like soreness at the injection site, a slight fever, or temporary lethargy. To reduce the risk of adverse reactions, vaccinations should be administered by a licensed veterinarian. Precautions, such as administering vaccinations over a three-to-four-week period, rather than all at once, should be taken for animals whose immune status may be compromised due to disease or immunosuppressive medications.
- Note: Adverse events should be reported to the USDA Center for Veterinary Biologics at (1-800) 752-6255.
- Opinion: Antibodies last a lifetime so annual or bi-annual vaccination is not necessary.
- Fact: Antibodies do not last a lifetime. The protection provided by vaccines gradually declines over time. Although recent peer-reviewed studies suggest that horses can maintain protective antibody levels for up to three years after receiving vaccines for Rabies and Tetanus, these studies are not definitive. Further research is needed to determine if it is safe to increase the duration between doses of those vaccines. For now, annual vaccinations for Rabies and Tetanus and other potentially fatal diseases are still highly recommended to maintain a consistent level of immunity.
- Note: If a horse owner wants to measure the level of immunity in their horse, they can have their veterinarian draw blood for a titer test. A titer test measures the number of antibodies in a horse’s blood that fight a specific disease. The results indicate the strength of the horse’s immune response and whether the horse has been exposed to particular diseases. There are instances where titer tests will be recommended by veterinarians for making vaccination decisions. These tests often cost between $70 to $100. In cases where they are not necessary, it is more cost-effective simply to vaccinate.
Canva/CC
- Opinion: If they choose not to vaccinate their horses, it should not matter because horses that are vaccinated should be protected. The fact that horse owners with vaccinated horses are worried about their horses being unvaccinated is just proof that vaccines do not work.
- Fact: To achieve effective herd immunity in horses, a significant portion of the population needs to be vaccinated. Experts generally recommend a vaccination rate of around 70-80% to adequately protect even vaccinated horses. The exact percentage can vary depending on the specific disease and local conditions. If the vaccination rate drops, all horses — vaccinated and unvaccinated — could be at risk of contracting potentially fatal diseases.
A core vaccine chart from the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the Equine Disease Communication Center
What can we do?
The horse owners who believe that vaccinations are ineffective or toxic because of some articles or posts that they read on the internet are not likely to be persuaded by peer-reviewed, scientific evidence. So, what can we do to protect our horses?
First, we should keep immunizing our horses based on recommendations by veterinarians. Even though herd immunity is required for most vaccinations to protect populations of horses, they are still our best defense against fatal diseases.
Another possible solution would be to encourage more organizations to take the same stance as USEF and FEI. If more events require proof of vaccination, more owners might choose to vaccinate their horses. Competing and attending events are privileges that individuals choosing to put others’ animals at risk should not get to enjoy.
Finally, be sure to practice good bio-security measures when traveling with your horses:
- Do not allow nose-to-nose contact
- Don’t share water buckets, feed bins, or hay with horses that aren’t stabled with your horse
- Don’t allow public grazing
- Maintain a safe distance from other horses
- Disinfect any stalls that your horse will be using while away from home before they enter
- Remove any used bedding in stalls when away from home and replace it with clean bedding
Unfortunately, this anti-vaccine movement will mean that we will have to stay vigilant. Outbreaks of preventable diseases may become more common. We will have to readily share information about local and regional outbreaks so that we know when to keep our horses at home. You can visit the Equine Disease Communication Center for information on how to report a disease.
Let’s all be smart and do what we can to prevent disinformation from impacting the equestrian sports that we enjoy.
Sources: Equine Disease Communication Center, American Association of Equine Practitioners, Equine Disease Communication Center, Tennessee Equine Hospital, PennState Extension, World Health Organization
Tuesday Video: Season of the Witch 19 Nov 2024, 8:16 am
We swear, this is the last Halloween-related Tuesday Video for the year…
…It’s just that there are SO MANY fun and spooky horse-related videos!
These witches didn’t ride in on their brooms, they swam in on their horses! Are they taking witch applications, because this looks like a job for some of the Horse Nation staff to fill! Who wouldn’t want to do witchy activities atop their trusty steed?
Don’t be a witch (unless it’s the kind in this video) and go riding, Horse Nation!
Training in the Right Way: The Importance of In-Hand Work 18 Nov 2024, 7:24 am
Many riders think of dressage as an activity that is solely performed from the saddle. But, in truth, good dressage training often happens on the ground, and adding correct in-hand work to your training program can be a game-changer.
Dressage training is supposed to be the process of training ANY horse to be a better riding horse. The more the horse learns, in theory, the easier it is to communicate with and therefore complete more complex tasks with. Although competition dressage training often is more focused on training for the dressage test, that is not what the original intention (and original judging requirements) were for competitive dressage. Initially, it was designed to give riders and trainers a way to determine how their training measured up to the theoretical ideal of the training process. That said, it is critically important to understand the meanings and reasons for some of the terms we use to describe dressage training and what to look for when observing training and competition (and videos and photos), regardless of whether you intend to compete or just train your horse to be a better whatever you do with him. That, ultimately, is the main purpose of my articles. To provide education and knowledge for riders to understand and improve their eye and understanding of what dressage training is supposed to be. While there will always be some differences in practice and theory, good horse training is always recognizable to the educated eye. That said, it absolutely is necessary that we remember and understand that limited knowledge is limited judgment.
* * *
I’d like to write about my thoughts on what I saw at a dressage competition this weekend, but because it seems to cause a kerfuffle when I tell the truth, instead I’m going to talk about in-hand work and why it’s important.
Most riders think of dressage as an activity that is solely performed from the saddle. But, in truth, good dressage training often happens on the ground. One of my most favorite teachers often said that “dressage begins in the stall.” Simply put, how we handle the horse on the ground is the beginning of how we train him from the saddle. Correct ground work lays the foundation for correct work under saddle. These intermediary steps further the horse’s understanding of the aids so that they are better prepared to respond appropriately when ridden.
The three options are:
Longeing: When the horse moves in circle around the human, attached by one longe line that is attached to the bridle or longing cavesson.
Dio, “burning off some jet fuel” on the longe line at his first competition. Photo (c) Gwyneth McPherson
Long lining: When the horse has two long lines attached to each side of the bit and the trainer follows the horse from behind, on one side or the other.
Michael Poulin demonstrating long lining at the American Dressage Institute in Saratoga NY. Year unknown. Photo (c) Gwyneth McPherson
In-hand: When the handler stands to one side of the horse, near its head, and works the horse through movements from this position.
Gwyneth schooling Queen’s Moody Blues (Puck) in-hand in piaffe. Photo (c) Gwyneth McPherson
The simplest form of in-hand/ground work in dressage is longeing. The purpose of longing is often misunderstood. Longeing is not meant to be the manner in which we wear horses out enough to get on them, although sometimes longing does help horses burn off a little jet fuel before we ride them. Mostly longeing is meant to give the horse an opportunity to move in contact, in the walk, trot, and canter without the weight of the rider. It allows for very young horses to learn contact and wearing tack, and older, more trained horses, to become more supple and forward without a rider on their back. Longeing can be performed with or without side reins or draw reins, but it loses value without the use of these pieces of equipment due to the lack of contact.
Long-lining is a natural next step from longeing. To long line, the trainer has two long-lines that attach to each side of the bit. This type of work requires more physical fitness and better understanding of contact on the part of both horse and rider to be productive. In this technique, the trainer can perform all the movements of the Grand Prix from slightly behind and beside the horse. Again, the value is that it helps the horse learn how to perform the movements before adding the weight of the rider.
Lastly, we have “in-hand work,” where the trainer stands to the left of the head/shoulder of the horse and holds the snaffle reins in both hands along with a whip (usually held in the right hand). Most often this method is used to train piaffe, but it can also be used to train passage and canter pirouettes. Again, the value in this method is that the horse can learn how to perform the movements without the rider’s weight.
All three methods of training from the ground are most valuable in training the horse to what is expected of him without the weight of the rider interfering with the horse’s balance. Horses can learn suppleness, contact, and bend on the line. They can also learn all the exercises in the Grand Prix on the long lines, and in both instances can more easily transfer the understanding of the exercises to the aids of the rider because of the lack of rider interference. In addition, when used regularly and skillfully, in-hand work helps the horse become better balanced and more collected in the high collection work, again without the weight of the rider, and before he learns the actual aids for the exercises. This makes teaching the horse the specific movements and the corresponding aids easier as he is not struggling as much physically to perform them.
All this said, it takes a great deal of education and practice to become proficient in even one of these techniques. Generally speaking, it requires a good human instructor and often a good schoolmaster so that you can learn the appropriate timing and the correct effect of the aids you’re looking for. Sometimes sussing that out is tricky, but taking the time to find a knowledgeable instructor is well worth it and adding effective ground work to your training program could very well be a game changer in bringing your partner up the levels.
And remember: limited knowledge is limited judgment.
Gwyneth and Flair in competition at Grand Prix. (c) flatlandsfoto.
Gwyneth McPherson has over 35 years experience competing, training, and teaching dressage. She began her education in in the late 1970s, riding in her backyard on an 11 hh pony. Her first instructor introduced her to Lendon Gray (1980 and 1988 Olympian). who mentored Gwyneth for a decade during which she achieved her first National Championship in 1984, and her Team and Individual Young Rider Gold Medals in1987.
In 1990 Gwyneth began training with Carol Lavell (1992 Olympian) who further developed Gwyneth as an FEI rider and competitor. Gwyneth achieved a Team Bronze in 1991 and a Team Silver in 1992 in the North American Young Riders Championships, and trained her stallion G’Dur to do all the Grand Prix movements while riding with Carol.
In 2008, while Head Trainer at Pineland Farms, Gwyneth began training with Michael Poulin (Olympian 1992). Michael was trained by Franz Rochowansky (Chief Rider for the Spanish Riding School 1937-1955). Michael has shared much of Rochowansky’s knowledge and wisdom with Gwyneth, completing her education as a Grand Prix rider, trainer, and competitor.
Gwyneth’s teaching and training business, Forward Thinking Dressage,is based in Williston, FL. In addition to teaching riders and training, Gwyneth also loves sharing her knowledge of the sport and art of dressage as well as discussing relevant topics pertaining to the training itself and the current competitive landscape.
SmartPak Monday Morning Feed: Big Blanket Giveaway 2024 18 Nov 2024, 7:14 am
The biggest blanket giveaway of the year is back! This week, enter for your chance to win a Rambo® Supreme 1680D Turnout Blanket.
Photo courtesy of SmartPak
As the temperatures drop, the air crisps and the leaves change, it’s time for those of us who choose to blanket to pull those totes and bags out of storage and get our horses dressed for success. With my mixed herd of middle-aged horses, a full-blown senior, and a few sensitive Thoroughbreds, all who live out most of the time, it takes quite a wardrobe to keep the horses comfortable and happy all winter long.
If there’s one thing I know from being an equestrian on the internet, it’s knowing that what’s true for me is likely true for lots of readers as well! That’s why I’m excited to hear that SmartPak’s Big Blanket Giveaway is back for 2024. For three weeks, SmartPak is partnering with Shires, Horseware, and Kensington to give you multiple chances to upgrade your horse’s winter wardrobe.
Giveaways run from November 11th through December 1st, 2024 on SmartPak’s social media pages: Instagram and Facebook. You can also fill out an additional entry form here.
This week, SmartPak is giving away a Rambo Supreme w/ Vari Layer in Black w/ Thunderstorm Grey & Silver Trim.
Photo courtesy of SmartPak
Thanks, SmartPak! And go riding.
Fantasy Farm Friday: 10 Acres in the Heart of the Okanagan Valley 15 Nov 2024, 10:33 am
There’s not much NOT to like about this 10-acre private estate in British Columbia. It’s in the heart of southeastern Kelowna horse country… And for $6.2M CAD, it could be yours!
This nearly 10-acre gated and secured estate is the perfect package, combining luxury living with down-to-earth sensibilities. It includes an iconic main home, a secondary 1152 sq ft home, barn, paddocks with automatic waterers for horses and a low maintenance haskap farm.
The custom main home has a Tuscan/Californian design and is nestlted in the middle of the property, providing privacy from surrounding neighbors as well as easy access to the both the farm and its animals. The open plan provides seamless opportunities for indoor and outdoor entertaining, with soaring 20′ ceilings to the unprecedented expansiveness of the covered outdoor patio. It boasts easy living, with access to the primary bedroom, kitchen, great room, and a potential in-law suite all on the main level.
The great room and gourmet kitchen include vaulted ceilings, custom art work, a double-sided gas fireplace, hand-scraped wood plank flooring, French doors, oversized island, custom cabinetry, and premier appliances.
The bedrooms are equally as impressive with travertine tile, another gas fireplace, a soaking tub, dual vanities, walk-in closets, and nearly every amenity one can imagine.
An additional upper level flex bedroom opens onto the great room below, while the full walk-out basement offers spacious recreational settings for the family to unwind.
Plus there’s a lower level with a granite-crowned wet bar, more custom cabinetry, and plenty of entertaining options.
Outside features extensive landscaping and an oversized waterfall feature will leave you in awe as you enjoy manicured lush foliage and rock work!
Plus, there are 21 irrigation zones, a hay barn, three paddocks, one grazing paddock, automatic waterers, accessory animal shelters, and plenty of fencing.
There’s also an RV site with a separate sewer system… AND a three-bedroom, two-bath guest house. You know what that means. All your horse friends can come and stay.
Nothing to do but buy groceries and move into this immaculate lightly lived-in property that has been maintained impeccably.
Interested in this property? You can find the full listing on HorseProperties.net. All photos are from HorseProperties.net.
Horse Care in Changing Weather, Part II: By Kentucky Performance Products 15 Nov 2024, 9:39 am
Last week we kicked off part I of how to take care of your horses in changing weather. This week we’re looking at part II, which focuses on grooming, proper preparation, blanketing, and senior horse care.
Photo courtesy of SmartPak
As you continue to care for your equine companion through the seasons, it’s important to adapt your horse care approach to their ever-changing needs. Part two of this guide will delve deeper into specific strategies for managing your horse’s well-being during the transitional periods of fall and spring. From adjusting their diet to accommodating fluctuating weather patterns and maintaining stable conditions, we’ll provide actionable tips to keep your horse healthy and comfortable no matter the season.
Implement a Regular Grooming Routine
Photo courtesy of SmartPak
Regular grooming is more than just keeping your horse looking good – it’s an essential part of their health care routine, especially during weather changes.
Regularly removing dirt, debris, and loose hair affects your horse’s ability to regulate body temperature. Check for skin issues that may arise due to sweating in hot weather or dampness in cold, wet conditions. Pay attention to hooves, as changing weather can affect hoof health, too.
To support overall skin and coat
health, which can be challenged by weather fluctuations, consider supplementing your horse’s diet with Ker-A-Form
or Contribute®. Ker-A-Form is a hoof and coat supplement that promotes keratin, helping eliminate dry, flaky coats and supporting the components of healthy hooves. Contribute’s essential omega-3 fatty acids help maintain healthy inflammation levels throughout the horse’s body, promote a shiny coat, and support skin integrity, which can be particularly beneficial during seasonal coat changes or in harsh weather conditions.
Preparing for the Winter Horse Care
You can—and should—start early to help your horse adjust to seasonal weather changes. As fall approaches, it’s time to start your preparation for the winter season.
- Schedule a dental check-up to ensure your horse can chew hay efficiently during winter months and pasture or hay in the warm seasons.
- Discuss with your vet any special needs your horse might have developed, such as arthritis, tooth loss, or weight loss in a senior horse or potential weight gain in horses who will be out of regular exercise during winter.
- Plan your winter feeding strategy, considering strategies for maintaining weight in hard keepers or ways to safely increase calories for easy keepers or metabolically challenged horses.
- Assess your horse’s body condition and aim to have them at an ideal weight before winter sets in.
- Check and repair fences, shelters, and water systems to ensure they’re ready for harsh weather.
For horses that need extra support maintaining weight during the colder months, consider adding Equi-Jewel® to their diet. Equi-Jewel’s stabilized rice bran provides highly digestible, “cool” calories and supports overall body condition, which is helpful leading into the winter season. Seniors and horses who will be on a mostly or all-hay diet during the winter also can benefit from Micro-Phase, which replenishes the natural vitamin E that is drastically reduced in the move from pasture grass to dried, stored hay. It also helps horses and ponies at any age who would benefit from additional vitamins and trace minerals, which are less available in hay than in pasture grass.
Use Blankets Wisely
Photo courtesy of SmartPak
While blankets can be beneficial in certain situations, using them improperly can cause more harm than good. Provided they have adequate shelter from the hot sun, wind, and cold rain, most horses can cope well with changing weather conditions.
- Only blanket if necessary. Horses with healthy winter coats can usually regulate their temperature effectively if they also have suitable shelter from the elements.
- If you do blanket, check underneath daily for sweating or skin issues.
- Remove blankets promptly on warmer days to prevent overheating and sweating.
Horses who are clipped, aged, or stressed can require blanketing when other horses do not. So can horses who cannot reliably access shelter, such as those who are low-status in a herd. Be mindful that they might need extra warmth on chilly or windy days, and monitor them closely during changeable conditions, especially for signs like shivering or colic.
Keep your horse’s blankets and sheets—including a lightweight sun-sheet for horses who are prone to sunburn—clean and in good repair all year, not only in preparation for the winter season. That way, if there is an unexpected change in the weather, you’ll be ready to help your horse with an extra layer of protection if needed.
Monitor Senior Horses’ Condition
Sharp temperature changes or sudden weather systems can be harder on senior horses. For senior horses or those prone to weight loss, pay extra attention to their body condition and demeanor and consult with your veterinarian about potential adjustments, from providing a cooling fan in a heat wave, adding a blanket in a cool snap, or changing their diet. If dietary changes are called for, be sure to build in time in your feeding program to make those changes gradually, which will help prevent digestive stress and upset.
For horses that need extra support during feed transitions or those prone to digestive issues, consider adding Neigh-Lox® ADVANCED to their diet to support digestive tract health by maintaining proper pH and nourishing a healthy microbiome. That’s all especially beneficial when switching from pasture to hay or during times of stress caused by weather changes.
Don’t forget to go back and read Part 1 of Horse Care Tips & Tricks in Fluctuating Weather!
About Kentucky Performance Products, LLC:
Research has shown that when used in combination, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, and manganese sulfate support cartilage structure and optimal joint function. Horses with healthy joints feel better, perform to their potential, and stay sounder longer.
Joint ArmorTM is a research-proven, super affordable formula that provides your horse with the nutrients necessary to support both healthy joint cartilage and synovial fluid.
Joint Armor:
- Maintains fluid motion and flexibility in joints.
- Provides high levels of both glucosamine and chondroitin, plus 100 mg of hyaluronic acid.
- Supports normal cartilage development and reduces joint deterioration.
- Is affordable; one jar lasts up to 75 days.
The horse that matters to you matters to us®. KPPusa.com
#goriding Grams of the Week 15 Nov 2024, 8:01 am
Another week — or three! — of horse life, rounded up in your images.
Join the conversation! Follow us on Instagram at @go_riding and tag your public photos with #goriding2024. We’ll share our favorites daily on Instagram.
Reader Photo Challenge: Equestrians Who’ve Served 14 Nov 2024, 7:08 am
Enjoy this photo of one of our military readers.
This week, we wanted to take the time to recognize our readers who have also served or are serving in the United States Armed Forces. Enjoy our veteran feature this week, Katie Karpavage. Thank you for your service, Katie!
Photo by Trevor Karpavage
Keep an eye out for next week’s photo challenge! We announce challenge subjects on Monday around the end of the day on both Instagram and Facebook.
Thoroughbred Logic, Presented by Kentucky Performance Products: Loose Schedules for the Win 13 Nov 2024, 8:28 am
“Thoroughbreds (like all horses) have a good time-keeping system, and if we let them get strictly on a schedule, they know when we miss the mark.”
Welcome to the next installment of Thoroughbred Logic. In this weekly series, Anthropologist and trainer Aubrey Graham, of Kivu Sport Horses, offers insight and training experience when it comes to working with Thoroughbreds (although much will apply to all breeds). This week ride along as Aubrey shares her logic on having Thoroughbreds on a loose schedule.
I decided a number of years ago that a little gentle chaos goes a long way in the land of horses — especially Thoroughbreds. Changes to and around the farm, changes in what is happening while you ride (or where you ride) and even changes in stalls and turnout make a big difference in creating flexible, accepting horses who stay calm when things don’t go as always expected.
To this point, there has been a fantastic thread recently about all the “fun” things neighbors and husbands have gotten up to while Thoroughbred-focused trainers are trying to put rides on their young horses. Pressure washing boats, firing up the truck at ill fated moments, and even sliding roofing metal off the barn during rides have made the list. My barn is no exception to the general chaos. Building stalls, moving the skid steer, rolling the fields all while putting first and early rides on the young TBs has been more the norm than the exception.
CC (Coragescontender) wanders around unfazed while the guy who helps around the farm fired up the skid steer and began moving things around. Photo by Laura Pollock.
The great part is that for the most part the horses don’t care. As I have mentioned in probably half of these articles, these guys have seen so much at the track that my little farm operation rarely makes them so much as blink. Instead of the screaming “the wheelbarrow is in a new location!!!” and letting their tails show off their Arabian heritage, the horses practically roll their eyes and wonder unconcerned at what new ridiculousness I’ll have brewing today.
The same is true for their schedule — both in terms of riding and feeding. I think I mentioned in the Four Rides a Week article that I try to shift what order/time of day I ride each horse. Again, that just ups their ability to roll with things (and not try to buck me off in the process). But feeding is a whole other important can of worms (as an aside, where did that saying come from?!?)
A decent moon made for a decent representation of how laid back the “outside boys” are at feeding time. Photo by author.
This second half of the year has been utter madness at Kivu Sporthorses. I have moved farms with no less than a dozen Thoroughbreds not once but twice, and moved my personal residence three times. Hell, half of my art is still sitting in the first place I camped when I moved up from Georgia to New York. To say that it has been stressful and chaotic would, of course, be quite the understatement. Thankfully, the dogs, horses, and even the cats have rolled with it quite well.
The relative insanity of moving, setting up on a farm that has not had horses on it for years, and also training off-site, running a clinic series, etc., etc., etc., means that even with the best intentions, nothing happens on a regular schedule. Feeding and turnout are no exception. I feed anywhere between 5:00 AM and 9:00 AM, and feed and bring horses in anywhere between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
Neil (Lute’s Angel), Indy (Star Player) and all the inside-at-night guys don’t really care what time I get to their grain as long as they still have alfalfa to pick at. Photo by author.
This four hour window is probably more than I’d do if I had a more regular life and more regular help. However, I can tell you that, bar-none, it keeps my horses from becoming neurotic about their day-to-day schedules and needs. Also, it helps that they have hay or grass in front of them at all times, so if they’re hungry, they’re not staring down a sterile stall and empty net. Instead, I will drag the heavy barn door open at whatever time I manage to hoof it down there and they all blink up at me unconcerned: “Oh, hey human.” They’re still picking at their alfalfa, blinking at the lights and stretching from the night, whether it is 5:30 or 8:30.
And then you have some of them who are just patent weirdos, regardless of what time I show up. Good boy, Alfredo (Making Amends), but no, you can’t have my coffee. Photo by author.
I have walked in many barns where it is 6:02 PM and at least three horses are melting down because their dinner was not served exactly at 6:00. I have seen horses work themselves up into a near colic state over late food and strict schedules. Worse, I have also seen them nearly go through the fence, or run until lathered, if they weren’t brought in at exactly the predicted time.
Thoroughbreds (like all horses) have a good time-keeping system, and if we let them get strictly on a schedule, they know when we miss the mark. Hell, my parents’ Golden Retriever even is hard-wired on a 5:00 PM dinner schedule — where she’ll come find them and whine and paw until there’s food, literally beginning on the exact 5:00 PM dot.
Littles looking quite proper, but also waiting for me to hurry up and finish up in the barn so we can all go inside and eat — not because it is past five, but because it’s way late and everyone is hungry. Photo by author.
Schedules happen in barns for many reasons, but mostly because we need systems and help to run these operations and markers to normalize the chaos of horses. When I’m in charge and probably doing too much of the work myself, the equine schedules end up being flexible (and don’t ask my dogs — they eat when I do, which might be midnight). When I have more organized help on board, sometimes we err in the more orderly direction and the timelines and expectations of the horses tighten and also key up.
It’s interesting… when I was at the barn in Bath, NY, things were done relatively like clockwork on a schedule that was convenient for the folks working there. The horses would come off their feed and leave a bunch in the tubs as everyone would start shifting feet and looking to the fields as soon as the first horses went out. They didn’t do a bad job, they just did a job that made sense for the people working there and the horses were expected to figure it out.
Sailor (never registered Thoroughbred) has packed on the pounds since coming to Lansing, due in part to my strange, non-schedule schedule. Photo by Lily Drew.
Now that they’re back to flexible, less predictable schedules, they’re back to packing on the pounds, hoovering the last morsels of grain, settling in quietly to whatever semblance of a routine I have that day. The best part is that that little bit of chaos — the un-fixing of the time and the action — allows them to actually relax into the expectation that everything will happen … at some point… and it is all OK until then.
CC has taken a minute to settle off the track, but now that he’s figured it out, he fits right in on the non-schedule and with all the other odd-balls here. Photo by Sarah Hepler.
And it’s the little things like that that make Thoroughbreds who are not lunatics. It’s the kind consistency of handling, the clear boundaries, and operating through all the mess and madness that is running a barn mostly single-handedly. And so in that line, it is now 6:30 AM and I’ll head off to throw on cold weather gear and tromp out to break up ice in buckets and get these kids fed early today, knowing they don’t actually mind if its now or in two more hours.
Go ride folks, and maybe embrace the chaos and all its silver linings.
About Kentucky Performance Products, LLC:
Research has shown that when used in combination, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, and manganese sulfate support cartilage structure and optimal joint function. Horses with healthy joints feel better, perform to their potential, and stay sounder longer.
Joint ArmorTM is a research-proven, super affordable formula that provides your horse with the nutrients necessary to support both healthy joint cartilage and synovial fluid.
Joint Armor:
- Maintains fluid motion and flexibility in joints.
- Provides high levels of both glucosamine and chondroitin, plus 100 mg of hyaluronic acid.
- Supports normal cartilage development and reduces joint deterioration.
- Is affordable; one jar lasts up to 75 days.
The horse that matters to you matters to us®. KPPusa.com
The Idea of Order: Pumpkin Spice 13 Nov 2024, 6:15 am
It’s that time of year…
Presented by:
Milona DG and I. Photo (c) Q2 Photography.
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Milona DG and I. Photo (c) Q2 Photography.
Tuesday Video: Mounted Patrol Horses Endure Creepy Training 12 Nov 2024, 8:02 am
ABC News shared a glimpse of what a group of Colorado police horses saw in their Halloween-specific training!
ABC News said it best in their caption, “These police horses ain’t afraid of no ghost!” To be frank, some of these decorations would have scared the Horse Nation staff more than it scared these patrol horses! It’s the back bending, demon looking display that gave us chills, but for the horses it was just another day at the office.
Don’t spook and go riding, Horse Nation!
The Loss of a Legend: Bob Avila Passes Away 12 Nov 2024, 7:41 am
The western performance horse community mourns the loss of legend Bob Avila, who passed away on November 9th at the age of 72.
Bob Avila, who passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 9th, left a lasting impact on the western horse industry — especially in the reining and reined cow horse worlds. Over his career, he achieved a combined earnings of nearly 1.5 million in both disciplines. He amassed 37 AQHA World champion and reserve world champion titles, ranging from halter to performance horse classes. The two most coveted titles in the reined cow horse world are winning the Snaffle Bit Futurity and being crowned the World’s Greatest Horseman — Avila managed to do both.
The Snaffle Bit Futurity is a competition restricted to three-year-old horses which must compete in reining, cutting and fence work. The highest combined score between the three disciplines wins. Avila won this event three times in his career — in 1988, 1999 and in 2003, all on sons of Smart Chic Olena. Avila went on to win the Worlds Greatest Horseman twice — once in 2000 and again in 2007. Avila also is one of only two people to accomplish the feat of winning the snaffle bit futurity and the NRHA futurity.
He was inducted into the AQHA hall of fame in 2020 and was an AQHA judge for 19 years.
Bob Avila also was known as the “trainers trainer” and was an influential mentor to many big names in the reining and cow horse industries, including Todd Bergen and Duane Latimer. In his later years, he had focused on teaching — creating many great training videos and engaging in guest appearances on podcasts talking about his amazing career and training techniques. He was a wealth of knowledge and experience and was committed to making it available to the next generation of horsemen and women. He even made an appearance on Yellowstone as himself, doing what he did best — running down the fence.
Avila also partnered with Professional’s Choice for over 30 years, working to develop the “Avila Collection,” which brought his favorite tack and tools to the public.
Bob Avila dedicated his life to his craft and proclaimed himself as being addicted to Quarter Horses. He was truly a legendary horseman and his passing will leave a void in the industry for some time. Rest in peace, Bob Avila: 1952-2024.
Mythbuster Monday: You Shouldn’t Ride in a Snaffle With a One-Eared Headstall 11 Nov 2024, 8:49 am
On Mythbuster Monday, we tackle a variety of equestrian myths to either bust or confirm. Today’s discussion: You should not ride in a snaffle with a one-eared headstall.
It’s Mythbuster Monday, where Horse Nation dives into different equestrian myths and provides research-based evidence to either bust or confirm those myths. Today’s topic: Can you ride in a snaffle with a one-eared headstall? How does it affect the mechanics of the bit? What is the proper set up for a snaffle? Read further to find out!
Myth: You should not ride in a snaffle with a one-eared headstall
Myth or Fact: Fact
Photo by DeAnn Long Sloan
A snaffle is one of the most popular and well-known bits used by equestrians and horses of all levels. It’s comprised of a mouth piece with rings (O-ring, D-ring, eggbutt, etc.) on both sides and can either have a straight or broken piece in the middle. The bit communicates direct pressure from the rider’s hands to the horse’s mouth. Even though we know any bit can be harsh in the wrong hands, snaffles usually are seen as a gentler bit, making them a versatile option for many disciplines.
Canva/CC
As riders, we each have our own preferences on tack and tack styles. The same holds true when it comes to our bridles or headstalls. In the western world, different browbands and earpieces are options — including one-eared and two-eared headstalls. One-eared headstalls are types of bridle that have one ear piece rather than a browband. This means that only one of the horse’s ears is placed into the headstall rather than two in a more traditional brow band. Advantages of the one-eared headstall include enhanced communication, improved comfort, versatility, aesthetic appeal, and ease of use.
A one-eared bridle with a shank bit. Canva/CC
But, should one-eared headstalls be used with a snaffle bit?
According to Anti Gimmick Horsemanship, each headstall is designed for a specific purpose. Each holds the bit in different positions, allows for different pressure coming from the reins, and the correct setup will ensure the bridle does not slip over the ears and off while riding. Steve Kutie writes that one of the most unsafe techniques he witnesses in the warm up pen are horses riding in a snaffle bit with a headstall that does not have a throat latch and brow band. With this kind of setup, when the rider pulls on the reins, the headstall will lift off of the horse’s poll and many times slip off the ears. In contrast, if a rider uses a one-eared headstall with a leverage bit, the bit is designed to rock forward in the horse’s mouth, thereby taking the pressure off the crownpiece of the headstall.
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Weaver Equine published an article discussing a brow band versus a one ear headstall. They write that a leveraged bit will pull slightly downward on the crown of the headstall when the reins have engaged the bit. This reduces the risk of the headstall slipping off over the ears, making a one-eared headstall appropriate. However, with snaffle bits, the opposite effect happens when the rider pulls on the reins. The headstall loosens slightly making a one-eared headstall an unsafe option.
Canva/CC
Schneiders Saddlery also weighs in on the appropriateness of a snaffle and one ear headstall combination. They do not recommend a one ear headstall with a snaffle bit because of the probability it will create a malfunction where the bridle slips off the horse’s head. They warn that snaffle bits are best used with a brow band and throat latch and to save the one ear headstall for curb style bits.
After diving into the literature, a snaffle should not be combined with a one-eared headstall. It may cause the safety issue of coming free from the horse’s head. The appropriate setting is to use a one-eared headstall with a leverage style bit.
Photos by DeAnn Long Sloan
Do you have an equine myth you’d like us to tackle? If so, send it our way! Email your suggestions to deann@horsenation.com. Put Mythbuster Monday in your subject line.
Veterans Day Video: Veterans Healing With Horses 11 Nov 2024, 7:44 am
Second Chance Ranch offers a chance for veterans and military families to benefit from working with horses with their Horses for Heroes program.
On Veterans Day, we always like to take a moment to thank those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Of course, being the horse-loving and horse-focused community we are, we also want to take a look at what horses are able to do for some veterans.
Today’s video comes from KREM, a new station local to Spokane, Washington. They offered this piece on Second Chance Ranch, a 501(c)3 that provide a platform for mental health professionals to incorporate Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) into their existing treatment program. Part of their program focuses specifically on Veterans: Horses for Heroes.
Horses for Heroes offers art and fellowship for military and veterans’ families. The Second Chance Ranch website describes the program as “transformative art class and equine activities. Horses teach us about the power of second chances, the strength found in community, and the unspoken bond between humans and animals that can change lives in ways words cannot capture.”
As equestrians, we have long known the power of interacting with horses, but Second Chance Ranch lays it out as well, writing this:
The unique nature of the horse is what makes the therapy so successful. Horses reflect the behavior and emotional state of the people around them and provide us with immediate and effective feedback. The most important element of therapy is trust. There is an unspoken truth that horses don’t lie or deceive. Not because they are altruistic, but because they are incapable of deceit as an animal who cannot concoct an alternate tale of reality. As the horse builds trust, they connect deeper with the person. This quite often provides the client with a feeling of comfort and the opportunity to break down barriers and address the challenges they have been facing. Horses have a majestic and powerful presence. For people who lack confidence, being put in a position of leadership over a 1000lb animal and successfully managing that animal can build self-esteem and self-confidence. Or even those who have false overconfidence, the horse teaches humility through example as these powerful creatures live peacefully and cooperatively with us.
All of the benefits of working with and interacting with horses are offered to veterans who find this form of assistance beneficial.
Thank you for your service, Veterans.
SmartPak Monday Morning Feed: Saddle Cleaning Sunday 11 Nov 2024, 6:49 am
Okay, okay. We know this is the Monday morning feed, but…
… right now we want you to set your eyes on the upcoming weekend and think about Sunday. We know it’s a ways away, but Saddle Cleaning Sunday is a thing. Read on to learn more and join in!
By SmartPaker Kit Frey
Photo courtesy of SmartPak
What is Saddle Cleaning Sunday?
Building a community is one of the best parts of being at a boarding barn, and I am a firm believer that the small moments spent together really help reinforce the support and care that comes with that community. One of these relationship building moments at my barn is Saddle Cleaning Sunday. It’s an informal get-together for myself and my barn friends to spend some time together off of our horses, while still getting necessary chores done.
Saddle Cleaning Sunday started out as a sort of joke between all of us, because I would always end up cleaning my saddle on Sunday mornings as something to kill time while my partner taught lessons. Whenever someone came over to talk to me, I was always sponge in hand and cleaning some kind of tack! The barn owner asked me one morning what I was doing, and I came up with “Saddle Cleaning Sunday” on the spot. We both thought it was hilarious, and the name stuck!
When my close friend moved their horse to our barn in spring, it became a thing we shared together. They actually bought a saddle off of me right around the time of the move, so it seemed natural to continue cleaning the saddle on Sunday when I cleaned. Every Sunday after cleaning stalls we’d get together in the sunniest spot of the barn and clean our tack together, starting with saddles and moving to anything else that needs attention like bridles, halters, and other odds and ends. After a few weeks, the habit stuck and became an informal bonding time for us and the rest of the barn.
How does Saddle Cleaning Sunday work?
Photo courtesy of SmartPak
The essentials for a great Saddle Cleaning Sunday are dirty tack, a good leather cleaner (my favorite is SmartPak’s Leather Cleaner & Conditioner, that lavender lemon smell is too good!), some strong coffee, and good company. Usually, we have some kind of donut or breakfast pastry to enjoy while cleaning too. While my friend and I are the basis of the Saddle Cleaning Sunday crew, other boarders and lesson folks join in all the time! Not everyone is always there first thing in the morning, but all are welcome to join in the saddle cleaning festivities. Some mornings there’s a line of us cleaning saddles and equipment right down the arena rail!Saddle Cleaning Sunday is more than just getting chores done together though. It’s a time to connect with barn mates while really putting some care into the equipment that allows us to participate in the sport we love. This shared time is a great chance to talk about what is going on in our lives, and with our horses. As we move into the colder months, it’s a great chance to talk about training plans for the winter and how we’re going to tackle our showing plans next year. Plenty of big decisions have been made on Saddle Cleaning Sunday as well, everything from transitioning horses to being barefoot to buying a new car!
While Saddle Cleaning Sunday started out as a funny phrase, it has evolved into one of my favorite times of the week. I never intended it to become a regular event at the barn, but now that it is I wouldn’t have it any other way. We equestrians spend so much of our time at the barn, and spending some of that time having fun and building community amongst ourselves is absolutely worth the effort it takes to scrub saddles clean. Not to mention I’m pretty sure that the people you can count on to clean tack with you in the freezing cold will be there to support you and your horse no matter what!
You can find more SmartPaker stories and adventures like this on the SmartPak blog.
Horse Care in Changing Weather, Part I: By Kentucky Performance Products 10 Nov 2024, 6:32 am
Canva/CC
Caring for your equine partner is a year-round commitment that requires regular adjustment to their changing needs. When the weather changes—especially in fall and spring, when temperatures, rainfall, pasture growth, and other conditions can fluctuate rapidly—it can present unique challenges both for horses and for horse owners’ management programs. Fortunately, there are ways you can help your horse stay healthy and comfortable through seasonal transitions and unpredictable weather patterns.
Create a Monthly Horse Care Checklist
Start by creating a seasonal horse care checklist. Having a checklist—and posting it in the barn, where it’s easy to read through and update as needed—also will help your management program stay on schedule and be prepared during changing weather. That can contribute to better overall health for your horse and lower stress for you, too. Things to include on your checklist:
- Regular vet check-ups
- Vaccination schedules
- Parasite control measures
- Hoof care appointments
- Equine dental health appointments
- Shelter and fence maintenance
- Feed and water system checks
- Pasture assessment
- Blanket cleaning, reproofing, and repairs
Monitor Water Intake
Canva/CC
One of the most critical aspects of horse care, regardless of the season, is ensuring your horse has adequate water. Proper hydration helps maintain a healthy digestive tract and can prevent digestive issues.
In both hot and cold weather, horses may be at risk of dehydration, which can lead to serious health issues, including an increased risk of colic. It’s vital to ensure your horse has access to clean water at all times. When temperatures fluctuate, step up water checks to make sure that your horse’s water supply hasn’t unexpectedly dropped (due to evaporation or increased drinking in hot weather, for example) or frozen during a hard cold snap. During excessive rainfall or an unexpected freeze, also check footing around water sources to make sure horses can safely reach the water they need. Keep an eye on herd dynamics, too, to be sure all horses are getting ample access to water and that none is being kept away from an outdoor water source by bullying.
In hot weather, provide cool, fresh water. In cold weather, offering lukewarm water can encourage a horse to drink. Whatever the prevailing season, consider supplementing your horse’s diet with an electrolyte like Summer Games® Electrolyte to encourage drinking and support proper hydration. Summer Games helps replace electrolytes lost through sweating but also encourages a thirst response that also can be helpful if a horse is hesitant to drink in winter.
Adjust Feeding and Turnout Practices
Photo courtesy of Kentucky Performance Products
As ambient temperatures fluctuate, your horse’s nutritional needs and pasture turnout might also need adjustment.
- During cold spells, increase forage to help your horse generate body heat.
- In hot weather, consider pasture turnout during cooler parts of the day to prevent heat stress.
- Monitor grass quality as seasons change and adjust grazing time accordingly. Remember to make seasonal transitions, such as the switch from summer pasture to winter hay, gradually.
Temperature shifts and weather conditions can also affect the sugar content in grass, which can affect the best timing for your horse’s turnout on pasture. Normally, experts recommend allowing horses who are insulin-resistant or at risk of laminitis to graze no later than 10 a.m., because the sugar content in grass increases with sunlight during the day (heavy cloud cover can make that process slower, though, and might allow you to leave a horse out longer). But if the nighttime temperature sinks to 40° or lower after a warm, 60° day, pasture grass will stop growing overnight and will retain higher levels of sugar the following morning—meaning at-risk horses should stay in longer.
Weather changes also can affect the sugar level in hay, so it’s good to keep in touch with your hay provider for details about the hay your horse is eating. For example, research has shown that hay baled after a two-week period of cloudy weather is significantly lower in sugar.
Horses who are insulin-resistant, have equine metabolic syndrome, or have a history of laminitis require particularly careful management. Consult your veterinarian about supplementing with InsulinWise® powder or pellets, which can support normal metabolic function and health insulin levels.
Know Your Pasture Plants—and Check Them
Weather fluctuations can also stress pasture grass and weeds, putting your horse at risk. Both freezing temps and drought can lower grass quality. But freeze- or drought-stressed pasture grass and weeds also can be harmful. For example, plants like sorghum-sudangrass and johnsongrass can cause cyanide poisoning after a frost, and pigweed’s higher nitrogen levels after a frost can also be toxic.
Also notice plants and trees growing around the periphery that might fall or be blown into your horse’s pasture during a storm. Wilted maple, cherry, and chokecherry can be poisonous to a curious or bored horse that finds a branch blow or dropped into their paddock. Black walnut also is a deadly threat if horses eat it, drink water contaminated by it, or stand on black walnut shavings.
Make it a habit to your pasture, fence lines, water sources after storms or a quick weather change.
Provide Adequate Shelter
Photo courtesy of Kentucky Performance Products
Having a sturdy, well-sited, and safely maintained shelter will help protect your horse from almost anything Mother Nature throws at them. A run-in shed or well ventilated (but not drafty) stall that your horse can access at all times will provide shade on an unexpectedly hot day, a place to get out of the cold wind or rain from a fast-moving front, and even shelter from a sudden hailstorm. Natural shelter like a stand of trees or a hedge that serves as a windbreak can help protect from a quick shift in weather, but make sure that whatever shelter your horse has is in good repair, easy for them to access, and can keep them dry and out of the wind in inclement weather.
Remember that horses can tolerate cold better than heat and humidity, but they still need protection from extreme conditions.
Watch for Signs of Stress
Fluctuating weather can be stressful for any horse. Keep an eye out for signs of discomfort or health issues, such as
- Changes in eating or drinking habits
- Lethargy, depression, or unusual behavior
- Signs of colic or other digestive issues
- Excessive sweating or shivering
Early detection and intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming major health concerns. In case of heat-related stress, know how to cool your horse properly and quickly, as heat stress can be deadly.
About Kentucky Performance Products, LLC:
Research has shown that when used in combination, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, and manganese sulfate support cartilage structure and optimal joint function. Horses with healthy joints feel better, perform to their potential, and stay sounder longer.
Joint ArmorTM is a research-proven, super affordable formula that provides your horse with the nutrients necessary to support both healthy joint cartilage and synovial fluid.
Joint Armor:
- Maintains fluid motion and flexibility in joints.
- Provides high levels of both glucosamine and chondroitin, plus 100 mg of hyaluronic acid.
- Supports normal cartilage development and reduces joint deterioration.
- Is affordable; one jar lasts up to 75 days.
The horse that matters to you matters to us®. KPPusa.com
Friday Video: Expectation… 8 Nov 2024, 9:49 am
… versus reality.
So, this isn’t a typical TGIF video. Really, it should be an ‘Oh Crap’ Monday video, but we just couldn’t resist sharing it right away. If anything sums up farm life (or at least life with farm animals), this does. It has us rolling.
Warning: Some of the language is NSFW, so be prepared when you turn on the volume.
What trouble has your crew of animals gotten into this week?
6 Tips for Keeping Your Horse in Work Over the Winter 8 Nov 2024, 9:15 am
Between the cold, the wet, and those long dark evenings, even the most dedicated rider can feel their motivation slipping in winter. But your horse still needs exercise and attention. Here are six ways you can keep your equine pal in work during the colder months.
Between the cold, the wet, and those long dark evenings, even the most dedicated rider can feel their motivation slipping in winter. But your horse still needs exercise and attention — especially if you’re aiming to bring home some trophies and ribbons next season. You can’t afford to take your foot off the pedal — or, rather, out of the stirrups — until spring rolls around.
Now that the clocks have gone back and winter’s drawing near, Horse & Country has shthese tips for keeping your horse active through the season. That way you’ll both be ready to hit the ground running come spring.
1. Motivate yourself
If you’re lacking motivation to get out there, you’re unlikely to stick to a schedule. That’s why it’s so important to find ways to keep yourself fired up and on track — even when the weather seems determined to make you stay inside.
No one loves being cold and wet, so invest in quality winter riding gear that will keep out the elements as much as possible, such as merino base layers, cosy helmet liners, and insulated water-resistant gloves. Pocket hand warmers can be a real game-changer on those especially frosty days.
It can also be helpful to set a few clear, achievable goals. Signing up for a winter event or show gives you something concrete to work towards, helping keep your momentum. And if you feel your routine is getting stale, booking a few lessons or masterclasses can be a great way to shake things up and reignite your enthusiasm. Just keep things realistic, considering the winter weather and time frame.
Finally, why not team up with a friend? Having someone to ride with will help you both stay accountable and can make those lonely winter rides a lot more fun and sociable.
2. Assess your horse’s condition
What kind of shape is your horse in? Your first step should be a check-up with both your equine vet and trainer. They can assess your horse’s overall body condition and fitness to help determine if they’re ready to stay in full work or could benefit from a lighter workload or even a break.
Your vet and trainer can also guide you on adjusting your horse’s diet for winter, factoring in the colder weather, reduced grazing, and the extra energy needed for exercise. It can be a balancing act, but remember, it’s normal for your horse to slim down a bit before the lush spring grass arrives. In fact, many horses who are good doers will actually benefit from shedding some of that summer weight gain.
If your horse is shod it’s worth chatting with your farrier about winter-friendly shoeing options to suit the type of work your horse will be in.
3. Warming up
Warming up your horse’s muscles (and your own!) is always important — but in winter, it’s crucial. Skipping a proper warm-up not only raises the risk of injury but also means your horse won’t be performing at their best. Winter training calls for extra warm-up time, so consider adding a few more stretches or some lunging to ensure they’re fully ready. A longer warm-up also helps your horse settle into the training session, which can be especially helpful if they’re feeling fresh or spooky with that pent-up winter energy.
4. Find suitable places to train in bad weather
For many riders, winter’s biggest challenge is simply the state of the ground. Last winter’s record rainfall made finding dry routes very difficult, to the frustration of many riders across the UK.
To avoid getting caught out this year, try to find rain-proof alternatives before the weather turns. Arena riding is always a safe bet, and combining it with a few professional lessons can make it even more worthwhile. Roads and country lanes can also work, as long as conditions aren’t icy. You could also reach out to your equestrian circle for off-the-beaten-path routes — someone might know of hidden spots that stay relatively dry even in wet weather.
If you’re lucky enough to live near a secluded sandy beach, why not consider taking your horse to the coast? Not only will the ground be better, but it makes for a stunning ride that’s sure to revive your motivation, too.
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5. Adapt your training to the season
Even with the best-laid plans, it’s not always possible to get in the saddle for a strenuous training session if the weather has other ideas. But any exercise is better than none, even if it’s low intensity. Keeping things “little and often” will still help to maintain your horse’s fitness and prevent you both from slipping into a winter slump.
If cold or wet weather strikes, don’t be afraid to scale back your plans and focus on some simple in-hand conditioning work, instead. Walking in-hand, lunging and pole work are all excellent ways to exercise your horse between proper rides. Even a quick 20 minutes can make a noticeable difference if you’re consistent.
Winter is also the perfect time to work on your horse’s core and foundation strength. These exercises are ideal because they don’t require tacking up or even leaving the stables. Get into the habit of doing a few quick stretches or walking exercises between rug changes and before turnout. These little routines can really add up over time, and provide an extra moment of bonding and connection between you and your horse during the doldrums of winter.
6. Know your limits
While sticking with a winter routine is important, it’s just as essential to stay realistic. Most riders simply can’t keep up the same level of work they manage in warmer months, and that’s okay. A little downtime can actually do your horse a world of good, especially if they’ve had a busy summer in work. So, be kind to yourself and your horse and be sure to plan in some breaks throughout the season.
Also, be ready to adapt on the fly. If it’s bitterly cold, pouring with rain, or if either of you seem to need a breather, don’t hesitate to postpone a session or even take a week off. It’s far better to play it safe than to push through and risk an injury that could set you back months. Instead, use these moments to strengthen your bond in other ways, like grooming, offering treats, or just enjoying each other’s company in the yard or stable. Sometimes, a little quality time is all you both need.
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Winter brings its own set of challenges for both riders and horses, but with a positive mindset and a balanced routine that includes both work and rest, you can keep making progress even through the coldest months. Happy winter riding!
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