7 More Things That Come Home With You from the Barn
Hey, what’s that in your pocket? (more…)
The Idea of Order: Bling in the Ring
Or, why “Blinded by the Light” might be a great freestyle song these days.
Las Colinas Equestrian Center Closing May 15
The Las Colinas Equestrian Center, a staple for Texas riders, is shutting its doors.
(more…)
Are You “All About That Bert”? Here’s Another Video to Make You Smile
Finn may have had a rough start in life–but he’s ready to rock in his video set to Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off.” (more…)
Out Of Shape Equestrian: Week ?… About Half Way
Amanda took some time off, but now she’s back… and she’s got a muscle.
(more…)
Equestrians Anonymous: This Week’s Top 5 from the Forums
We’ll bring you the five best conversations from our forums each week. Check out Equestrians Anonymous and let your voice be heard! (more…)
Wednesday Helmet Cam, Presented by World Equestrian Brands: Going Down the Fence
Are you lacking a good cow horse? Ride along with NRCHA Pro Jake Telford of Caldwell, Idaho as he takes a steer down the fence — you’re going to want to grab some mane for this one! (more…)
Back on Track ‘Horse Therapy’: Carissa & Harley
Each Tuesday we bring you a reader-submitted essay about a horse that has helped them get “back on track.” This week Carissa Rougeaux shares the story of Harley, who helped her heal from incredible loss.
In May 2010 one of my very best friends, teammate and leasee at the time passed away leaving a brutal trail of grief through out the barn we rode at together.
Shortly after her passing the horse we shared, Rex, became lame with out a cause. We worked tirelessly with vets all over Southern California and Central California trying to get a diagnosis or something. Meanwhile, our barn brought in a few horses for some of the other riders to look at and I was able to help school them.
Harley was one of those horses. I absolutely adored him; however, I was still trying to get answers from vets regarding Rex and wasn’t able to get another horse. Several weeks went by and eventually we discovered the cause of Rex’s lameness was a brain tumor and we made the decision to put him to sleep. I was devastated: Not only did I lose my friend, but then also the horse we both loved so much.
After losing Rex I spent my time schooling the other sale horses and loving on Harley while he waited for his new home. My mom noticed how much Harley helped me through all the devastation and her and my grandma decided to buy him for me. Harley helped me through more than the loss of Rex and my friend. He helped me move up higher and get my confidence back as Rex was a very aggressive horse over fences and caused me to be afraid at some times which stopped me from showing.
I have had Harley for almost five years now, we’ve competed successfully, he’s helped me through even more tough times through out the years and even tolerated the 12 hour move we made to Nevada. I retired him from showing this year and now he enjoys his time being loved on by the little kids around the barn and teaching new riders how to ride, including my stepdaughter. I don’t know what I would do with out my horse… he is truly my peace among the chaos.
Here at Horse Nation, we believe that the best therapists are our own horses. We love sharing the stories of special equines and the lessons horses have taught us — email yours to [email protected] to be featured in an upcoming edition of Back on Track “Horse Therapy.” Go Back on Track, and Go Riding!
Ask the Equishrink: Why Sports Psychology for Equestrians?
We’re excited to introduce a new column by Seana Adamson Ph.D, a psychologist specializing in Sport Psychology for equestrians and USDF Gold Medalist.
A Day In the Glamorous *Cough* Life of a Farrier
Jeremiah Kemp of Eagle Ridge Farrier Service walks us though a typical day’s work at the anvil.
Best of Craigslist: ‘That’s Not Even a Horse’ Edition
Featured in week’s edition of Best of Craigslist: a not-horse horse for sale, a saddle-for-sale ad that makes no sense whatsoever, a white Palomino, a sketchy “horse halling” business and much, much more!
From Kaylene: “Haha I guess this is a joke, but you never know!”
Beautiful Horse, no papers, guessing to be around 4 years old. Very sweet, very fast. When I bought her, the owners said she was broke to ride, but never rode her, no time. That’s why I am selling Buttercup. E-mail only please.
From Laine: “At least the pic got her ad some comments. Mostly ‘Can I get pix?’ ‘More pictures, please’ etc. Lol.”
From Katie:
Color: white
Breed: Palamino
?????
From Melissa: “I just can’t even…. *facepalm* Internet fail of the day!!”
From Lynn:
From Halle: “I thought I should get this one out to the people at Horse Nation, seeing as how this horse looks really thin for a 3-year-old. Maybe a reader will be able to give this poor guy a new home. And the fact that they say it is a ‘brown horse’ and in ‘excellent shape’… I’m not sure whether the weight (or lack, thereof) or the lead rope is scaring me more!”
From Amber: “Everyone needs a horse they can stand up on and canter.”
Offering for sale a nice riding sorrel mare, she walks, trots, lopes, lead changes and backs nice, she side-passes, can be shot off of, we have used her to pony other horses, trail rides nicely, drags logs . She’s in training at Circle H Bar. Price may change without notice
From Katie: OMG…
6yr old 14.5h he Is A Mustang Stallion red With black And Red Main And Tail 4 Black Socks He Leads Loads And Stands For Farrier used As A Breading stallion he Has Never Been Saddled He Is Easy To Catch And He Will Eat Out Of Your Hand He Is And Excalent Stallion To Break And Train very Fast Askin 300 obo
From Lynn: “I’d want this to go away as soon as possible too.”
I have a old beat up trailer that was used for extra garbage or hauling dirt bikes and quads. It needs some TLC but would be a great garbage or bike trailer. Asking $400 or OBO, price is very negotiable. I need this gone by Tuesday of next week. Give me a call and come look at it
Readers, if you run across an “interesting” ad in your Internet wanderings, send it our way! Email the link to [email protected]. Who knows – maybe you’ll help connect a horse with a safe, loving home. Go Riding.
Tuesday Video From Dubarry: Tristan the Wonder Horse Loves Cavaletti
The layout of these poles, which resembles a game of Pick-up Sticks, is almost as impressive as the horse himself. (more…)
A Big HN Welcome to Our Newest Sponsor, The Whinnying Horse Box!
Spoiling your steed rotten is now easier than ever before.
Nelson and Blueskin: The First Horses of the United States
In honor of President’s Day, learn more about the two horses who carried George Washington safely through the American Revolution.
Weekly Instagram Round-Up
This week: look, the snow photos are super-cute, but I think Horse Nation is ready for spring. Aren’t you? (more…)
The Best Valentine’s Day Smooch Award Goes To…
…Sarah Fowler and her adorable Valentine Applejack! To show our love, the pair will receive a great prize from our friends at Kentucky Performance Products.
‘Oh Crap’ Monday, Presented by Bimeda
Monday is the crappiest day of the week so it only makes sense that we make things official!
Monday Morning Feed from SmartPak: Sweet Sale
That’s so sweet of them!
Kentucky Performance Products Nutritional Minute
This week’s topic: Nutrition for lay-up/convalescing horses.
From the Kentucky Performance Products Tips & Topics Blog:
Whether a racehorse needs some downtime from the rigors of track life or a show jumper is on stall rest with a bowed tendon, the right nutrition can make a difference in recovery time and extent of recovery. Some horses will require less energy intake, while others with more significant injuries to overcome may require additional calories, because the immune system can be a major drain on energy reserves. Balanced nutrition is key to maintaining a healthy horse so during times of illness, injury or post-surgery, proper nutrition is that much more critical. Supplementing a balanced diet with nutrients that nourish and protect the digestive tract can also help to ensure your convalescing horse regains or maintains the ability to optimally digest and absorb needed energy and nutrients from feed and forage. It is important to communicate with your veterinarian when managing a lay-up or convalescing horse. He or she knows exactly what challenges your horse is facing and can help you design a diet that meets specific needs.
Important Nutrients
High-quality fiber and plenty of it
The foundation of any good diet is fiber. Fresh green grass is best but it isn’t always possible to provide it to a stall-bound horse. Hand grazing can limit boredom and provide much-needed nutrients. Long-stemmed hay should be available all the time. More mature hays that contain less energy can be used when counting calories. Richer alfalfa hays provide more energy, vitamins and minerals for horses that need them. Cubes and pellets are also appropriate, but some long-stemmed hay is necessary for a healthy GI tract.
GI tract support
Supporting optimal digestive tract health is imperative when horses are recovering from a trauma or illness. Research has shown that when a horse’s routine and diet are disrupted, he can develop gastric ulcers in a matter of days. The sensitive microbial population of your horse’s hindgut can be thrown out of balance in a matter of hours when feeding schedules are altered. Antibiotic therapy can disrupt the microbial population in the hindgut and NSAIDs can cause gastric irritation. While your horse is recovering, make all feed changes slowly, provide access to free-choice hay if possible, and feed frequent, small concentrate meals that are low in sugar and starch. Offering supplements that buffer excess acid and support healthy GI tract tissues will greatly reduce the risk of both gastric and colonic ulcers, and colic and laminitis that are caused by digestive tract imbalances. Overall GI tract health impacts the immune system, so a healthy gut really does equate to a healthier horse.
Fat
High-quality fats are excellent sources of energy for horses in need of increased calories without increased carbohydrates that may disrupt the hindgut. Fat is also a “cool” feed, in that the hormone spikes associated with high-starch feeds, which cause excitability, do not occur when fats are absorbed; thus, horses stay calmer during lay-up periods. Horses stalled for extended periods of time may become depressed or bored, but maintaining energy intake is vital for complete recovery. If horses become finicky or ‘back off’ feed, then ensuring they consume significant calories in a small meal may be necessary. Fat is the perfect ingredient to provide those extra calories.
Vitamin/ trace mineral supplementation
Horses that are intended to consume small amounts of feed as a result of post-operative care still must acquire their daily nutrients in order to recover fully. Therefore, providing convalescing horses a concentrated form of highly digestible vitamins and trace minerals plays a key role in recovery.
Natural vitamin E
Vitamin E also plays a significant role in the healing process. As a strong antioxidant, natural vitamin E can effectively minimize the negative effects from free radicals that are produced when horses are ill or suffer from injuries and infections. Convalescing/recovering horses are often kept in stalls to minimize movement and exercise. As a result, the majority of their forage intake should be in the form of high-quality hay. But even the highest quality hay does not have the same vitamin E content as fresh forage. Therefore, supplementing with this critical nutrient in its natural form is especially important for horses recovering from illness, surgery, or over-stressed limbs. Vitamin E also supports a strong immune system.
Omega-3 fatty acids
The omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are nutrients that aid in decreasing inflammation in horses recovering from injury, post-surgery, and illness. This supports quicker healing and may reduce lay-up time.
B vitamins and magnesium.
Stalled horses may become restless and rambunctious after extended stays in confinement. Keeping your horse settled and calm is particularly important for horses in recovery but tranquilizers can delay healing processes. Therefore, natural calming aids, such as thiamine (B1) and magnesium, may aid in de-stressing your horse and helping him maintain a calm attitude, which is the best attitude for optimal recovery.
Supplements recommended for lay-up or convalescing horses:
Multi-pronged approach that supports complete GI tract health; reduces the risk of gastric and colonic ulcers, digestive upset, and hindgut imbalances.
Supports normal stomach pH and coats sensitive tissues to reduce the risk of gastric ulcers.
All-natural, high-fat stabilized rice bran when extra calories are needed.
High-fat supplement with added natural vitamin E and digestive aids to support a healthy appetite and weight gain.
Scientifically formulated vitamin and mineral supplement for performance horses that consume an all-forage diet or those that eat plain grains or fortified concentrates at less than recommended levels.
Highly bioavailable natural vitamin E.
Highly bioavailable natural vitamin E with organic selenium.
Combination of the antioxidants natural vitamin E, vitamin D, and selenium; supports healthy muscle function.
Complete complement of omega-3 fatty acids that support lower levels of inflammation.
For lay-up/convalescing horses with special needs:
Electrolytes and trace minerals formulated to support electrolyte replacement and proper hydration during times of stress or hot weather; can also be used during colder months to promote water intake.
Coat and hoof formula designed to address brittle hooves and dry skin.
Complete joint support for horses of all ages; nourishes synovial fluid and supports cartilage regeneration.
Natural calming agent that supports good attitude in horses that are stall-bound.
When health issues arise, always seek the advice of a licensed veterinarian who can help you choose the correct course of action for your horse. Supplements are intended to maintain healthy systems and support recovery and healing. They are not intended to treat or cure illness or injury.
About Kentucky Performance Products, LLC: Since 1998, Kentucky Performance Products has simplified a horse owner’s search for research-proven nutritional horse supplements that meet the challenges facing modern horses. KPP horse supplements target specific nutritional needs and are formulated to complement today’s feeds, thus safeguarding against over-supplementation. Each product is scientifically formulated and made with high-quality ingredients at certified manufacturing facilities. Kentucky Performance Products is proud to offer a quality assurance promise backed by a money-back guarantee. Kentucky Performance Products brings you horse supplements you can count on because the horse that matters to you, matters to us.
The Five Fs of February
Or, My Anti-Ode to Winter. (more…)
Carl Hester Contemplates Valegro’s Retirement, and His Own
Nothing is set in stone, but the opportunity to retire on a high note after Rio may be approaching. (more…)
This Guy Proposes to His Girlfriend Using Her Horse
…and it’s adorable.
Happy Valentine’s Day hangover! First comes love, then comes… this time lapse video of a perfectly orchestrated horsey marriage proposal.
From the romantic lighting and red carpet leading to a (very tolerant) horse, this guy’s romantic marriage proposal is the embodiment of horse-loving perfection.
From the video’s description:
“This is a compilation of the two hours leading up to and including my proposal to my now fiancée, condensed down into a short 10 minute video. Because Megan has grown up around horses all her life, I knew she would absolutely LOVE if her own horse was involved in this special moment. Here is my proposal to her in the barn where her horse, Jackson, lives… And yes, Jackson, played a huge role in this surprise marriage proposal! Thank you to everyone that helped make this special moment possible!”
Go Riding.