Weekend Update from Kentucky Performance Products

KPP sponsored rider Megan Lynn of Team Have At It loves the fall. Today, this busy young event professional updates us on her plans for the season.

From Megan via the KPP Tips & Topics Blog:

Hey everyone! I have to say, fall might be my favorite season between the beautiful changing of leaves and the mild weather. But then I step back and think about it, and I’m sad because I realize fall also means the end of another show season, shorter days, the clipping of fuzzy ponies, and last but not least… winter is for sure coming.

This time of year I usually pull Hoosier’s shoes for a month or two to let his feet grow and put him outside to let him be a horse before the start of another season. On the other hand, this time of year is the perfect time to crack down on the young ones to get good quality training in, while my focus and attention can be totally on them.

So what will I do this fall/winter as part of their training? First, I work them in the ring and get the fundamentals down. This consists of them flexing, moving off my leg, tons of ground pole work, nice smooth transitions, and lots of long and low stretching work. Then I’ll mix it up and take them on trail rides as much as I can. I believe trail riding is one of best things you can do for a horse. It gets them out seeing the world, exposes them to water, and teaches them that the only way through is forward. After I do these two important things I will start adding other things in, like small jumps and grids, and taking them to local shows to get exposed to all the activity that goes on.

With one of my young horses, “HaveAtIt Playboy” (aka Zeke), I have done all of these things with him over the past few months and we will see if it pays off next week at his first competition. All I expect of him at his first event is to stay in the dressage arena and give him confidence in the jumping phases. I know those are low expectations, but it’s better than setting high ones to possibly set yourself up for disappointment, right? Also, how can you set high expectations on a horse that’s never done it before? I try to keep it fair. Next week I’ll update you on Zeke’s lead up to the show and tell you about his “unique” personality. Let’s just say he didn’t transform into his cool self overnight. It took some hard work and time in the saddle.

Today I’m excited to head to the Kentucky Horse Park to see my first boy, Rhythm. He is competing this weekend with his new person. I can’t wait to give him a hug and some apples.  Unfortunately my excitement is overshadowed, as I just left the vet clinic where Hoosier has to spend the weekend on a nebulizer and IV antibiotics.  He has a strep infection that we are having a hard time clearing up and need to tackle aggressively before we can evaluate him for tie back surgery.  I’m pretty sure the vet thinks I’m crazy because I wanted to make sure I could come visit my boy every day.  Hoosier takes such good care of me and it is very hard to leave him there alone.

Until next time, safe rides!

Megan

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Thanks, Megan, for the update!

Megan credits Kentucky Performance Products with keeping her horse’s health in peak form. “KPP’s supplements are amazing! They keep Hoosier going and feeling good,” she says.

Let’s take a peek inside Megan’s feed room:

Ker-A-Form hoof and coat and Summer Games Electrolyte have been a part of Hoosier’s feeding program since his training began.

Ker-A-Form is a scientifically formulated coat and hoof supplement that is named after one of the tissues it was developed to nourish “keratin.” Keratin is the fibrous protein that forms the main structural component of hair and hooves. Without healthy keratin, hooves and hair grow slowly and become dull, dry, and brittle. The combination of nutrients found in Ker-A-Form support keratin as well as multiple other components that make up healthy skin, hair, and hooves.

Summer Games is a unique blend of both electrolytes and trace minerals specifically formulated to replenish critical electrolytes in the proper ratios. Summer Games supports healthy electrolyte balance so horses stay hydrated, perform at optimal levels, and recover faster after exercise or in stressful situations.

Recently, Contribute was added to Hoosier’s diet to help with allergies.

Contribute was developed to provide an easy and affordable way for you to add omega-3 fatty acids into the diet of your horses. The protective properties of omega-3 fatty acids benefit every system in your horse’s body by supporting reduced levels of damaging inflammation.

And because of his demanding training and competition schedule, Megan feeds Neigh-Lox Advanced daily to decrease the risk of ulcers and digestive upset.

Neigh-Lox Advanced provides a scientifically advanced blend of ingredients that work synergistically to maintain your horse’s digestive tract in peak condition. Horses with a healthy GI tract digest their feed more effectively so they absorb additional nutrients. They are less likely to suffer from digestive upsets. They perform better and feel great every day.

Congrats, Megan, on your top finish this weekend!

Go Kentucky Performance Products, and Go Riding!