Vol. 2 | December 2020
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…