rlstew2
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Raising a healthy foal starts with the foaling process. During and immediately after foaling are the two most critical points in that foals’ life. Start by considering the actual foaling process in stages. As the expected birth date closes in, start bringing the mare in at night to give her a large, clean, safe stall…
Posted in: Vol. 3 | March 2021 -
Don’t get caught trying to play catch up this year when it comes to pasture management. Think about setting your pasture up for a successful spring and summer. The best first step is the all-important soil sample. Though a large portion of agricultural operations choose to soil test in the fall, it is never too…
Posted in: Vol. 3 | March 2021 -
Check it Out Help students bring concepts to life by evaluating saddle fit with their horse and tack. Include this as a follow up activity to a group trail ride or practice. Have them find evidence of poor or proper fit by looking at sweat patterns on their horse. Discuss potential changes to make to…
Posted in: Vol. 2 | December 2020 -
The saying goes, “You’re only as old as you feel.” The same applies to our equine partners. Horses in today’s world are living longer because of the research and improvements in nutrition and care. The chronological age of a senior horse is any horse over the age of 18 years old. The horse’s physiological age…
Posted in: Vol. 2 | December 2020 -
Saddle fit… This is a subject that looms in the horse industry. Something to be so highly politicized is really very simple. A saddle that fits will make you more correct in riding and allow the horse to perform properly. There are many theories from all aspects of the industry, with gullet width being the…
Posted in: Vol. 2 | December 2020 -
Every year when the weather starts to get chilly I always get a few calls asking if and when owners should begin blanketing their horses. Horses are naturally equipped to deal with all the seasons, so the decision to blanket your horse should be based on their living environment and level of competitive activities. It…
Posted in: Vol. 2 | December 2020 -
You might not even realize you are doing it, but when you glance at your horse and start to put hands on them to get a general feel of their health, you are well on your way to determining their body condition score. Body condition score is a great way to evaluate overall health. Body…
Posted in: Vol. 2 | December 2020 -
Hooves can become dry in winter, more brittle similar to our hands and nails. It is important that hooves get sufficient exposure to moisture to retain natural water content, elasticity and function. Excessive dryness can lead to hoof splits or cracks, cast shoes or lameness issues. Being turned out regularly can provide the moisture required…
Posted in: Vol. 2 | December 2020 -
The performance of your tack is just as important as the performance of your horse. When choosing tack, consider the comfort of the horse first, then the durability, and finally the maintenance. Mohair is the natural hair fiber from the Angora Goat. It is highly sought after in the equine industry for cinches, breast collars…
Posted in: Vol. 7 | Fall 2022 -
The equine industry in Georgia produces quality horses and boasts nationally recognized facilities. The growing industry in Georgia has an annual economic impact of over $750 million dollars. This newsletter will provide information on upcoming events, relevant information for all aspects of the equine world as well as access to horse experts across the state.…
Posted in: Vol. 1 | September 2020