Top photo: Jenni Autry

Presented by:

Hawley Bennett-Awad, a four-star rider based in Temecula, California, has solidly established herself as a cornerstone of Canadian eventing. She’s proven herself by holding her own at Badminton, Burghley and FEI World Cup competitions, helping the Canadian team clinch a silver medal at the World Equestrian Games in 2010, and representing Canada at the 2004 Athens Olympics and the 2012 London Olympics.

Here she is talking about her double-clean stadium round at Rolex 2013, where she and Gin & Juice finished in 7th place:

RolexKentucky

And here’s a fun helmet cam video of the pair making short work of the Advanced course at Copper Meadows in March 2013:

Hawley Bennett

Hawley counts on Horse Quencher to keep her horses hydrated at competitions, on the road and in training.

Never before have my horses consistently drank water and have performed so well on a consistent basis, which I know is a direct reflection of using your superior product,” Hawley says of Horse Quencher. “Not only have my horses demonstrated improvement and increased durability since adding Horse Quencher, all of my clients who have made the transition are noticing great results as well. Whether it is an upper-level eventing star, a child’s pony, or a retired elder horse, I truly believe Horse Quencher can help every horse in the barn.”

Go Hawley!

Horse Quencher is a mix of grains and flavorings that, when added to water, make horses eagerly drink. You’ll find Horse Quencher especially helpful for travel, competitions, cold weather and illnesses, and also great to pair with electrolytes to aid in recovery after exercise. And, since it’s made of all-natural ingredients found in most horse feeds, you can be sure Horse Quencher is safe for competition.

 Horse Nation Tip: “Like” Horse Quencher on Facebook for all the latest product news, contests and links!

[EventionTv]

Evention is produced weekly by Jimmie and Dom Shramm of Schramm Equestrian and is filmed by Right Start Photography.

Subscribe to Evention’s YouTube Channel here for brand new tutorials and updates on other happenings in the eventing world each week!

Like Evention on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/eventiontv

Go Evention, and Go Riding!

His decree follows a high-profile doping scandal in one of his stables last month. See our previous story, In the News: FEI President Princess Haya’s husband entangled in racehorse doping scandal. Awkward!).

From The Guardian:

Describing the use of anabolic steroids on at least 22 horses at Godolphin’s Moulton Paddocks in Newmarket as “the unfortunate recent event,” Sheikh Mohammed said in a statement that he “had directed that a decree be issued making, with immediate effect, the import, sale, purchase or use of anabolic steroids in horse sports a criminal offence under the UAE penal laws”.

BBC racing correspondent Cornelius Lysaght called Godolphin “racing’s greatest ever drugs scandal.” Mahmood al-Zarooni, the trainer at Moulton Paddock, has been banned from the sport for eight years, although he has lodged an appeal.

Performance-enhancing drug regulations vary from country to country. Britain, where Godolphin is based, has a zero-tolerance policy for performance-enhancing drugs. Dubai, along with other major racing jurisdictions including Australia and the United States, had previously allowed the use of steroids provided that all traces of the drugs had left the horse’s system by the time it competed.

By criminalizing the import, sale or purchase of anabolic steroids, Dubai now has even stricter rules than Britain.

Read the full story here.

From Amanda:

In the west there lives a mustang,

as swift and wild as the wind.

With a heart so bold,

she can mend a restless spirit.

That magnificent creature is

the horse named Flicka.

In Flicka: Country Pride (2012), we’re introduced to teenager Kelly, our down and out (because her dad died tragically) yet obviously awesome equestrian protagonist, her mom Lindy, owner of Cherry Creek Farms, and the new stable manager, Toby, played by Clint Black.

Then we’re introduced to Toby’s horse, Flicka.  Watch carefully, because in the next five seconds Flicka will careen out of the trailer, lose her halter for this magnificent shot…

…and then she puts it back on.  Magic!

Judging by the dumbfounded look on Kelly’s face, and despite the fact that the animal just plowed over a ranch hand escaping the trailer, we can all tell she’s in love.  She’s “horsey blinded.”  Don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about, Horse Nation.

The plot thickens when we meet the antagonist rich girl, Stephanie Meyers (no relation to the Twilight author I presume).  Stephanie is after Kelly’s man, Briggs, and is obviously intimidated by Kelly’s mad jumping skills.  Toby says it best when he says, “she’s about as friendly as a sack of snakes.”  That’s not the only bad news.  Kelly finds out that the barn is headed towards bankruptcy and could be sold in the near future.

There’s one ray of sunshine, though.  If the barn’s eventing team places well at Regionals, the barn could attract more paying customers.  So, Kelly has an idea.  The idea’s name is Flicka.

They begin training immediately.

And just a few days later, they make the team!

Mom is amazed.  Briggs is “stoked.”  Stephanie…not so stoked or amazed.  In fact she’s downright perturbed.  At the charity dance, Stephanie pushes Kelly face first into the table of pies!  That nasty little (expletive).

Stephanie’s anger comes to a head when she knocks a rail down in a training session and then Kelly “scuffs her boot.”  We discover that the death of Kelly’s father was really hard on Stephanie.  Huh?!?  Stephanie then storms up to the team trainer, Paige, and says that it’s either Kelly or her.

Then there’s a school hallway catfight about Briggs.  Boom.  Now you done it, girlfriend.  And nothing says showdown like a XC derby.  “Loser leaves Briggs alone.”  Oh, this movie be gettin’ cray cray!

Mid-race, Stephanie (black pants) kicks Kelly (burgundy pants) in the knee, causing Kelly to lose a stirrup!

They head for the final jump!

Stephanie pulls ahead.  Oh no!  But then, Bentley balks at the creek jump and Stephanie eats dirt!  Stephanie has a tantrum because she lost (what else did you expect?) and quits the team.  And guess who else is a turn-coat?!?  Paige!  The flippin’ trainer!  Turns out her and the Meyers family were secretly building an alternate stable just waiting to rip the rug out from Kelly and her mother.

Kelly and Briggs have days to put a new team together.  First, they recruit an Argentinian girl who’s “a little wild.”  Then they find a stable boy “who can ride anything.”  Sounds like an eventing team made in heaven!  Now all they need is a trainer.  Why not a cattle drivin’, ropin’ cowboy!  Oh, Toby…

(Musical montage of training.)  Go Team!!

Will the new Cherry Creek Farms team win Regionals?  Will Kelly beat Stephanie?  Basically what I’m saying is…will GOOD destroy EVIL!?!  Hold on to your sticky britches folks, because you’ll just have to watch and see!

When I started this movie, I imagined it was going to be a classic in The Derby Stallion sense, meaning it’s a stinky movie but good for laughs.  But this little movie was surprisingly good!  Sure, the plot was predictable.  Sure, there were a lot of fake horse sound effects and mistakes that only we dedicated equestrians would notice…like I’m sorry but Flicka was most likely not a Mustang.  But the acting wasn’t half bad and the riding was not only tolerable, but pretty darn enjoyable to watch.  The Regionals show coverage even had a helmet cam!

I give Flicka: Country Pride 3 Golden Horseshoes.

Go Riding.

Take advantage of SmartPak’s Memorial Day Sale (10% off + free shipping with any order over $150) to stock up on summer essentials. Here are a few of Horse Nation’s summer must-haves.

SmartLytes

If you live in a hot, humid climate or have your horse in serious work during the summer, electrolytes are a must. Feeding a well-balanced electrolyte supplement like SmartLytes can supply the Sodium Chloride your horse needs, in addition to the other electrolyte minerals that are lost in sweat – Potassium, Calcium and Magnesium. Supplying these electrolytes will also encourage your horse to drink more water, rebalancing his fluids and helping to ensure proper digestion of feeds.

SmartLytes was carefully formulated to mimic the mineral losses in equine sweat. This cherry flavored powder is sugar free and contains Trimethylglycine (the B vitamin Betaine), to help cells maintain normal fluid levels. What a smart electrolyte!

Also available in pellets and paste.

Price: $8.95 for daily maintenance dose in SmartPak (28-day supply)

Price with Memorial Day Weekend discount: $8.05

SmartPak Classic Fly Mask

The SmartPak Classic Fly Mask is just what your horse needs to keep summer’s pests at bay at price you’ll love!

• Durable PVC mesh that holds its shape and keeps flies off your horse’s sensitive face
• Soft mesh ears provides extra protection from pests in sensitive areas
• Fleece edging ensures a comfortable fit on the horse’s face
• Wide velcro closure keeps the mask securely in place

Price: $19.95

Price after Memorial Day Weekend discount: $17.96

SmartPak Cool-Tech Show Shirt

When jackets get waived at the horse show, you better be wearing something fabulous underneath.

Made from moisture-wicking performance fabric, this sporty technical shirt will take you from schooling to showing in comfort and style. Complete with a stand-up collar, hidden snap closures and a stock tie loop.

Price: $34.95

Price after Memorial Day Weekend discount: $31.46

SmartBug-Off

Does your horse bug out when fly season rolls around? If turnout is more like torture with all the buzzing and biting, SmartBug-Off can make the pasture peaceful again by protecting your horse from the inside out. Say goodbye to stomping and swishing and say hello to a happier horse.

SmartBug-Off is perfect for all horses who are bothered by flies and other pesky pests. This comprehensive formula contains Garlic, Brewer’s Yeast and Apple Cider Vinegar to deter biting insects. It also provides Omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants and MSM to help support a normal inflammatory response and healthy skin. Lastly, SmartBug-Off includes Diatomaceous Earth to discourage insect breeding in manure. Horses love these tasty pellets!

Price: $19.95 for daily maintenance dose in SmartPak (28-day supply)

Price after Memorial Day Weekend discount: $17.69

HyperKewl Cooling VestStay cool all summer long with the HyperKewl cooling vest!

The combination of unique fabrics creates a water management system. The unique HyperKewl fabrics absorbs, stores and releases water within the multi-layered material. Water is “released” through evaporation, energy is consumed, and a chill effect is created. The HyperKewl fabric actually cools the body exactly the same way the body cools itself, through evaporation.

To activate the evaporative cooling vest, simply submerge the item in water for 1-2 minutes allowing the HyperKewl fabric to absorb the water. Gently squeeze out any excess water, wipe dry and the vest is ready to wear. The vest will remain activated for hours and can be re-hydrated by following these simple steps. The vest is meant to be worn over clothing and will feel damp to the touch.

The HyperKewl Cooling Vest has a high Mandarin collar for additional cooling relief and sun protection, front pockets and zipper closures. It has fitted front seams and a gathered waist in the back.

Vest Weight while wet is about 4 lbs.

Price: $59.95

Price after Memorial Day Weekend discount: $53.96

Cool Medics Cooling Neck Scarf

The Cool Medics Cooling Neck Scarves are constructed from a patented three-layer fabric that by combining hydrophilic fibers into a fibrous batting core and a thermally conductive lining, will provide cooling after allowing the product to soak in water for 30 seconds to one minute. (Not longer!)

The water activates the cooling process by charging the fibers with moisture and creating an environment for evaporation. When moisture in the batting evaporates, heat is removed and cools the surrounding area, transferring the cooling effect to the wearer.

Depending upon the environment this cooling could last up to 8 hours, and can be recharged again by simply immersing the product in water to restart the cooling process.

Price: $14.95

Price after Memorial Day Weekend discount: $13.46

EquiVisor

The EquiVisor® is a sun visor for riding helmets, a modern version of an old idea that was conceived by an innovative West coast rider, Kim Bronson. It’s easy to attach to any helmet and one size fits all styles. With a patented gripper system, it stays securely in place while you ride! Washable for easy care.

Price: $34.95

Price after Memorial Day Weekend discount: $31.46

Quic Shade Sun Protection

Sun damage is not pretty. From faded coats to full-blown cancer, exposure to the sun affects your horse more than you might think. Quic Shade was designed specifically for the special needs of horses. Quic Shade contains a generous amount of Vitamin E and other soothing ingredients to eliminate the sunscreen-sensitivity reactions often found with horses. Beneath this gentle nature, Quic Shade is serious protection. Quic Shade fully protects against cancer-causing rays with Octyl Methoxycinnamate & Benzophenone-3 for a human SPF equivalent of 15. 4oz.

Price: $8.95

Price after Memorial Day Weekend discount: $8.06

Bradley Knee Patch Breeches by SmartPak

Looking for some great summer breeches?

SmartPak’s exclusive Bradley Knee Patch Breeches have a traditional look with some great extras. Comfortable 82% Nylon, 12% Coolmax, 6% Lycra wicks moisture away from your skin to keep you nice and cool on those warm days, with all the flexibility you need in the saddle. No velcro at the ankles – just soft, comfortable moisture-wicking fabric! Added details include floral pattern inside the 2″ wide waistband (coordinating with the color of the breeches), euro seat and hanging SmartPak horse medallion. Synthetic knee patch. (Also available in full-seat).

Price: $104.95 (reduced from list price of $179)

Price after Memorial Day Weekend discount: $94.46

SmartPak Classic Fly Sheet

Protect your horse from poll to tail this summer with the SmartPak Classic Fly Sheet!

• Soft polyester fabric is breathable and provides a layer of physical protection to keep the bugs from bothering your horse
• UV protection in fabric protects your horse from 95% of harmful UV rays when he’s out in the summer sun
• Stainless steel hardware is designed to last
• Adjustable surcingles and double surcingle front closure with Velcro ensures your blanket fits snug around your horse
• Tail cord keeps tail flap from blowing in the wind
• Oversized tail flap provides additional coverage

Price: $79.95

Price with Memorial Day Weekend discount:$71.96

Swing Out Wash Rack Arm

Think of all the time you’re going to be spending in the wash rack this summer, and how many times you’re going to have to uncoil and recoil that hose. Not only is a hose stretched across the wash stall inconvenient, it can also be dangerous when working around horses.

The Swing Out Wash Rack Arm is a must have for any wash stall. Makes bathing a breeze! Made of steel tubing with silver powdercoat finish. Comes with 25 feet of hose, hose fittings, and spray nozzle.

Price: $129.95

Price with Memorial Day Weekend discount: $116.96

Take advantage of the Memorial Day sale by entering promo code MEM13 at checkout.

Don’t forget that USEF members also save 5% at SmartPak.

Go SmartPak, and Go Riding!

These breeches are perfect for those muggy summer days we all love to hate. They’re ultra-lightweight with a stain resistant finish, Dry-Tex Tube bottoms with gripper elastic ankles, belt loops, and unique front pockets. They also feature Syn-Tec Stretch Suede™ knee patches. Available in both Dark Grey and Neutral Beige, and in regular and long sizes.

Looking good, Sinead Halpin!

Check them out here–there’s a drop-down box with online stores that carry them.

Go Ovation, and Go Riding!

Horse Nation tip: “Like” Ovation Riding on Facebook for all the latest news, product info, rider updates and contest information!

Applying hot and/or cold treatments to our horses is an everyday occurrence, but do you know why it works? Amanda Moretz, a vet tech and equine massage therapist, explains.

From Amanda:

The act of hosing off a horse takes place on a daily basis in barns throughout the world–most commonly for horses who have just finished a workout and need to be cooled down and have all the sweat cleaned from their coats.  It is also common after multiple forms of injuries, using cold water on the area that was affected.  Or maybe the horse just had a very intense workout or show and the owner is soaking its legs in cold water after the ride.  All of these are everyday uses of water, and most of the time it is so second-nature that horse owners do not even have to think to apply water in these ways.

All those examples plus many other forms of water application actually have a very specific science behind them that has been used for thousands of years.  The application of water in all three forms (solid, liquid and vapor) to the body is called hydrotherapy.  In hydrotherapy, the environment of the body can be changed by applying water at different temperatures via different methods.  The aim of this is to normalize the amount of blood moving in a given area by effecting the circulation.

The science behind why it works can be tedious and long-winded, but in a nutshell this is why hydrotherapy works so well:  Heat is the amount of thermal energy in an object and is measured in the term calorie.  Digging back to high school we can remember that heat transfers from the object of higher temperature to the lower one, and also that water is an excellent conductor of heat.  But also remember that cold is the absence of heat.

The question becomes: How does this science lesson tie into using water treatments on horses?  By using this knowledge of how heat works and applying water we can get the results we are looking for in the horse.

Hydrotherapy includes both cold and hot water application.  Each causes its own unique reaction.  But in either case, there are three ways in which the body reacts to hydrotherapy.  The first involves local effects that occur at the area where the application of water occurs.  The second is a systemic response, meaning its effects are throughout the body.  And the third is a reflex effect that relates to the nervous system’s reaction to the treatment.

Looking back at our examples, let us see how this might play out for our horses.

Consider, for instance, the horse that has just run a tough cross country course, and the owners want to not only cool down the horse but also help keep inflammation down in the legs.  The best way to achieve this, of course, is through the use of cold water–preferably with ice in it.

Once the horse is standing in the ice water, the legs become noticeably cold and it might even be a bit uncomfortable for them.  As the temperature in their legs drop the blood circulation changes and moves into other parts of the body, leaving the legs due to the blood vessels getting smaller or constricting.  The tendons and ligaments become denser, and the muscle tone increases.  It also causes pain relief in that area.  In the whole body the blood pressure will lower, as will the heart rate.

After the horse is out of the ice water, the blood will come rushing back into the legs.  This helps raise the temperature back up to normal.  But with this rush the blood brings in fresh new oxygen, along with fresh nutrients and supplies for the cells in that area.  This also means that during the application of the ice, the toxins and old stagnant nutrients were flushed out of the cells.   And hopefully any concerns of inflammation in the structures in the legs due to any micro trauma that occurred during the exercise are decreased.

The benefits from an ice water session are numerous and affect not only the area you are treating but also, to an extent, the whole horse.  This can also be said for a heat application, which the body responds differently to than it does cold.  But with either you have a tool you can use to help your horse in a daily setting.  So the next time you rinse off your horse in this hot summer heat, remember you are using proven science to help them reach a normal body temperature through the use of hydrotherapy.

Amanda’s horse, Gracie, gets excited about hydrotherapy.

About Amanda: The obsession with horses started young for Amanda, and she has never looked back since starting to ride at age 6.  Amanda attended St. Petersburg College in FL where she completed her AS in Veterinary Technology, and then got her license to practice as a Licenced Vet Tech.  For over 12 years Amanda has worked in both small and large animal practices, and much of that time was spent in critical care/emergency, oncology, and equine internal medicine.  It was in her tech work that Amanda saw the benefits of alternative therapies, and received her certification in Equine Muscle/Massage Therapy from Mike Scott in SC.  Life now is filled with seeing her horse massage clients, attending human massage school, and riding her TB mare Gracie.  For more information or to contact Amanda please visit her website.  www.centerlineequine.com

Turn your volume up for the full experience of listening to two-year-old Sienna giggle and squeal.

Same tiny child, now cantering. OMG, I know, it’s so cute.

A four-year-old taking a lunge lesson, cantering with no stirrups and no hands.

Here’s on of my own students, Gracelyn, “jumping a triple combination” at age five. (Yes, I make music videos of my students.)

One of my all-time favorite YouTube videos, featuring an assortment of adorable pony riders.

Are you overdosed on cute yet?

Go Riding.

As seen on Barnmice.

[Lucchina75]

Go Riding.

Top photo: The surgery had to be performed on the grassy lawn outside of the Equine Recover Center.

Indio, a 16-year-old Quarter Horse stallion, had a portion of his rear leg amputated after kicking through a metal wall and severing his hoof.

Veterinarian Rick Redden performed the surgery, from which Indio is recovering very well.

“He’s the type of horse you really can do this kind of operation on because he has the will to live,” said Equine Recovery Center co-founder Steve Saltzmann.

Here’s a video:

Read the full story here.

Go Indio.

You could pose with your horse for prom pictures.

[smosh.com]

Or ask him to be your date.

[thesaturdaypost.org]

You could take him with you on Spring Break.

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Or get him involved in sports.

[totalprosports.com]

He could be your first car.

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He could be that weird first kiss.

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Or your trusty study partner.

[horsenation.com]

You two could party together.

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Or cut school together.

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And then get grounded-for-life together.

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You could invite him to graduation.

[tumblr.com]

And when it comes time to go to college…

[jehers.com]

…you could already have a friend.

[findlay.com]

Go Riding.

In the aftermath of the storm, Fleeceworks shared links to several stories and photos… but this video was my favorite.

Go Oklahoma.

“Like” Fleeceworks’ Facebook page!

Todd is recognized as a pioneer of three-day eventing in New Zealand. His most notable mount was Charisma, the 15.2 hand event horse that Todd rode to successive Olympic gold medals in 1984 and 1988. At that time they were only the second repeat winners of the Olympic three-day event.

Todd would later take part in the Barcelona 1992, Sydney 2000, Beijing 2008, and London 2012 Olympic games. In London, Todd became the second oldest New Zealand Olympian in history and he equaled the Olympic record for the longest gap between first and last Olympic medals (28 years). Other honors include being voted FEI Rider of the 20th Century, winning Badminton Horse Trials four times and the Burghley Horse Trials five times, and earning two gold medals at the World Championships.

Presented by:

[olympic]

Go Toddy.

———–

Why SpectraVET?

Reliable. Effective. Affordable.

SpectraVET is committed to providing only the highest-quality products and services to our customers, and to educating the world in the science and art of laser therapy.

We design and manufacture the broadest range of clinically-proven veterinary therapeutic laser products, which are represented and supported worldwide by our network of specialist distributors and authorized service centers.

Horse Nation Tip: Be sure to “like” SpectraVET on Facebook as well!

From McKenna:

Life. It can be a wonderful thing. It can fill you with laughter, happiness, and love. But you want to know the funniest thing about life? That you can be on such a high and all of a sudden it knocks you off your feet onto your knees. Life. It has a funny way about it. Things can change in an instant.

Life in the world of McKenna is on the move–continuously coming and going no matter if I’m ready to stop or go. Gigi is in fine form; she is continuously getting better and better each and every ride. Courtney Sendak has done a stellar job in keeping Gigi up to par and even teaching her a thing or two;) Not to mention she and Gigi have had some phenomenal runs at competitions. I am extremely excited to be able to begin to put together a competition schedule… I cannot wait to get back out there!!!! The future of our sport, aka the Defying Gravity Eventing babies are continuing to blossom also. I am extremely privileged with the fact that I am able to help Courtney out with these extremely talented horses.

Gigi and Courtney in their double clear show jump round at Morven Park

Remember how I said life has a funny way about it? Well just when I thought everything was on the up-swing, I received some very unfortunate news. As many of you may, or may not know, I have been having some extensive shoulder problems. They have been on-going for some time now, however, within the past several months I noticed that something was not right with my riding. After running through my check list, I came back to the only thing that made sense—my shoulder. To make the long story short, we have tried EVERYTHING. And nothing has worked. It is suspected (there is a chance it may be something different–they won’t know until they open me up) that I have torn my bicep muscle up by my shoulder joint which is very rare and usually only occurs in people at the age of 40 and over… there are less than three reported cases of adolescents having them. Leave it to me to get something rare.

Because of the extensive effects this injury is having on me, the only option is surgery. To make matters worse, it is a minimum of four months before you can use your arm at all and six months before you can be back in your sport again.

Yeah, I know, it sucks. It sucks A LOT. I am looking at having surgery last week in July, or first week in August. I’ve already missed the winter and spring season so why miss a whole year? This way I will be able to compete for the majority of the summer.

Like I said, life–it has a funny way about it. How can so many things go wrong with one person? Why do so many things go wrong to somebody that has big plans? And again, like I said, it sucks. A lot of my plans and goals are becoming forced to be re evaluated.

I think I said this before in one of my posts: I’m down, but not out. It throws a HUGEEE kink in my plans but whatever. I’m going to show my bicep who’s boss!

Although my summer will be cut slightly short, I am very excited that I will be working with and for Courtney. I’ve learned a ton, ridden a ton, and had a ton of fun so I can’t wait to see what else is in store! One thing for sure is you will see me sporting Kineso Tape all the time… the only thing that relieves any sort of pain!

When life gives you lemons, make some lemonade. And try as best as you can to avoid the salt and aim for the sugar.

About the Author

McKenna Oxenden is a 16-year-old junior in high school, hailing from Columbia, MD. McKenna is a training level event rider and is currently campaigning the 15.1 Trakhener Cross, “Gossip Girl” a.k.a. Gigi and previously competed 13.2 pony superstar, Dorito Cooler Ranch, through training level. She has worked for CCI4* event rider, Emily Beshear and currently trains with Courtney Sendak of Defying Gravity Eventing. She is also an active ambassador to JustWorld International. When McKenna isn’t busy writing or riding, she is taking photographs and playing in Photoshop. You can see some of her work by liking her Facebook page (Mckenna Erinn Photography).

Earlier this month we posted these photos of people water-skiing, surfing or boarding behind horses–but honestly, we didn’t know if it was a real sport or just a weird one-off.

It’s a real sport.

According to the article,

The horseboarding industry is slowly but steadily building. There are already multiple world championships, magazines and competitive teams…

Horse surfing competitions have rules. A maximum length of 250 meters for the course, four disciplines, safety procedures, video analysis, judgment criteria, etc.

A tow rope connects the water rider and the horse rider. The surfer can pull tricks, similar to those seen in kiteboarding and wakeboarding.

[telegraph.co.uk]

This unorthodox water sports activity has been around since 2005, when Daniel Fowler-Prime and Matt Smith became the first people in the world to tow a kite board behind a horse. Boom! Horse surfing was born.

Who’s ready to give it a try?

Read the full story here.

Go Horse Surfing.

Note: Amazingly, all the horses shown escaped their predicaments either unscathed or with minor injuries.

Top photo: smellshorsey.com

[annediao]

[collegehumor.com]

[epichorsefail.blogspot.com]

[JSCEB]

[getstucked.wordpress.com]

[somersetcountygazette.co.uk]

[forum.horsetopia.com]

[tumblr.com]

[horsegroomingsupplies.com]

[huffingtonpost.com.uk]

[naturalhorsetrim.com]

Go Riding.

Check it out:

Let’s review: After diving headfirst into a wooden plank, appearing for a moment afterward to be fatally wounded, this rider got BACK on and successfully jumped the jump from both directions.

Here at Horse Nation, that’s what we like to call AWESOME.

Go Riding.

From Lindsey:

Just yesterday, a working student in our barn noticed a couple of scabs embedded in the mane of a horse she was bathing. Concerned by the appearance of the lumpy, puss filled scabs, she came to me asking for advice on what they were and how to treat them. Upon further examination, we found two ticks in the horse’s mane. It’s that time of year again; the season when the grass is growing, the flowers are blooming, the horses are shedding, and the ticks are appearing.

Tick season is upon us, and with the appearance of ticks comes the concern for Lyme Disease. This disease that can so vigorously affect our horses’ well-being is also the variety that has been known to affect humans and dogs. While there is no vaccine to prevent the disease in horses, there are several precautions that can be taken to guard against its effects. Knowledge is often the best prevention and knowing the disease, its causes, symptoms, and treatment is the best defense in providing protection for our horses.

Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi (B. burgdorferi) which is carried by a species of tick most commonly known as deer ticks. These ticks are almost exclusively found in the northeastern and midatlantic states, including Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts as well as some areas of Wisconsin. Baby ticks “nymphs” are usually found beginning in May, and can sometimes be difficult to find on a horse because of their small size. The earliest cases of Lyme Disease are often diagnosed at this time of year, and new cases continue to be diagnosed into the mid to late summer, as ticks grow in size and prevalence.  In some cases, symptoms do not appear until several months after a horse has been exposed to the bacteria.

Horses that have contracted Lyme Disease often show varying symptoms, depending upon which system of the horse has been affected. Signs and symptoms often include neurologic impairments, chronic weight loss, low-grade fever, sporadic or shifting leg lameness, muscle tenderness, and arthritis. Other more non-specific symptoms may include behavioral changes, poor performance, and skin hypersensitivity. Because many of these symptoms are often shared with other conditions and diseases, Lyme Disease is sometimes very difficult to diagnose (Loving, 2013).

Diagnosis for this disease is made with a blood test, which tests for the presence of antibodies in the bloodstream, indicating that the horse has either been exposed to the disease or has been vaccinated for it. While there is currently no equine vaccine for the disease, some veterinarians are using a vaccine that has been approved for dogs. There are reportedly fewer cases diagnosed among horses that have been vaccinated with the canine vaccine; but contrarily, diagnosis of symptoms in a horse that has received this vaccine can be difficult (Hicks, 2013). No clinical research has been published regarding the use of the canine vaccine in horses.

Because there is no approved equine vaccine for Lyme Disease and the protection provided by the canine vaccine is sketchy at best, the most ideal defense against the disease is prevention. The bacterial levels that cause Lyme Disease usually accumulate to concerning levels in the horse’s bloodstream after two days of an infected tick embedding itself on the horse. Therefore, the best prevention against the disease is thoroughly grooming and going over your horse every day to assure that any embedded ticks are caught and removed early. Some horse owners rely on fly sprays that have been marketed to guard against ticks, which do probably deter these insects to some extent. However, they are no substitute for hands on care and attention to detail of your horse. Ticks will attach themselves anywhere on your horse’s body, but are most commonly found along the edge of the tail where the hair meets the skin, in the mane, under the throatlatch, around the ears, under the belly or on the underside of the neck. These are areas where your horse cannot easily rub the ticks off of himself.

Other indirect prevention measures against the disease include controlling the mice population in and around your stable, as mice carry the bacteria B. burgdorferi, which are then transmitted by ticks. Furthermore, mowing pastures to about five inches in length will deter ticks from climbing tall blades of grass and attaching themselves to your horse’s legs (Carter, 2013). In any case, it is always best to talk with your veterinarian about specific measures that you can take to provide the best prevention for your horse.

If your horse is showing symptoms of Lyme Disease, it is best to consult your veterinarian, who can perform a blood test. If your horse has been diagnosed, treatment most commonly involves a month of antibiotics (doxycycline) which come in the form of tiny pills, most easily administered in your horse’s feed. Follow up blood tests are performed after several weeks to determine the effect of the antibiotics, which have hopefully served their purpose of decreasing the bacterial population in the bloodstream.

While Lyme Disease can be bothersome and debilitating, it is not directly contagious among horses, eliminating the need for quarantine of an infected horse.  Thankfully, the disease is not usually fatal in horses and an infected horse is able to return to full work and function after successful treatment.

So when you are out enjoying the beautiful Spring weather and appreciating the fact that the flies have not yet appeared in full force, don’t forget that there are other pesky insects that can harm your horse and be sure to take steps to prevent Lyme Disease from causing problems in your barn.

Carter, B. (2013, May 3). Take steps to limit ticks near the stall. The Free Lance-Star.

Retrieved from news.fredericksburg.com

Hicks DVM, T. (2013). Lyme disease. Equine Vet Services.

Retrieved from equinevetservice.com

Loving, N. (2013, March 17). New test could detect equine lyme disease sooner. Bloodhorse.com.

Retrieved from bloodhorse.com

About the Artist

Morgane Schmidt is a 28-year-old teacher/artist/rider/show announcer who still hasn’t quite decided what she wants to be when she grows up. A native Floridian, she now lives in Reno, NV, where she’s been able to confirm her suspicion that snow is utterly worthless. Though she has run the gamut of equestrian disciplines, her favorite is dressage and her plans this year in include pursuing her USDF bronze medal. Visit her website at www.theideaoforder.com.