March 2010 Let's Talk Horses
"Got The Fever"
I'm a little late on March's blog but better late then never....I'd like to say Thank You to all the folks that have contacted us about horses they are looking for, The folks that consigned their horses with us, and of course the buyers who are buying these horses. I don't know about the rest of you but I myself am itching to get out and RIDE!!
We are entering the the muck season with ice, water and lots of MUD! So what I'd like to bring to your attention now is making sure your horses feet are properly taken care of. Regular trims and shoeing is a must for some horses but often may go a little longer due to the winter and slow growing.
Check and pick your horses feet daily to help prevent thrush from starting or excelerating out of control.
If the horses need it, call your farrier and set up a time to get them done.
To help prevent thrush and possible lamenesses try to put your horse on higher ground or in a bedded stall for awhile during the day or night. (the bedding helps wick away excess moisture to keep thrush at bay)
If you do not have access to a stall and no higher ground then you may choose to apply a water sealent to their hoof. Make sure you only apply it to the hoof and to stay away from the hairline of the horse.
Remember now that your horses feet are going to be tender in wet conditions, so keep checking them.
Water makes our fingernails super soft and bendy.....well it's the same way for your horses feet.
That's about all I have to say about their feet so Happy Riding!!
Febuary 2010 Let's Talk Horses
"Buying Your New Horse"
Love is now in the air and people are starting to look for new horses to buy for the 2010 season. I'd like to take this time to remind all the people that are looking to sell their horses that "YOU" as a seller are responsible for the necessary testing and paperwork that you will need to get them sold and across any state lines. It is WI state law that all horses have a negative current 2010 coggins test prior to selling your horse in or out of state.
Now with that being said lets talk about the process of selecting and purchasing your new horse. Where do you start? Well with the help of the internet, you are now able to search for horses for sale in your area or across the United States! There are MANY horse sites to choose from and that makes the deal hunting even better.
Lets start by following these simple and easy steps.
Before you start looking, write down on a sheet of paper what you want and all the MUST HAVES you are looking for in a horse. Level of competition you want to acheive, height, color, breed, age, what that horse can do, and BUDGET!
Once you have that established you have a couple of different options on HOW TO FIND such horse you are seeking. Word of mouth, searching the internet on horse sites, Searching local horse farms, Horse brokers, and please don't be affraid of discussing your needs with a trainer if need be. They can be a wonderful source of horses that are for sale.
As you find your prospective horses you'd like to have, make sure you remember that we live in a "buyer beware" world. Do your homework and research these horses. Ask around about them, go watch them at a show and take note of how they act and perform. When it's time for you to try them out take not if their lower lip is hanging or tail is super limp (these are signs that the horse is on calming drugs). Ride with caution and ALWAYS go with your instincts, if you don't feel something is right then pass on that horse, there sure are more of them out there.
Before any money is exchanged ask questions and lots of them....if the seller is being legit and truthful, they won't be bothered by you poking and prodding about said horse.
If you come to the dicision that you have found the horse you have to have and need then get a vet check done "before" you buy. If the horse passes the vet and drug test then it's time to buy. "NOTE: usually the vet check is at BUYERS EXPENSE" but can be well worth it in the long run.
Purchase your horse and make sure to get a bill of sale and the horses registration papers if they have one. If there are any issues with the animal be sure it is put on that bill of sale before you sign it if you need to.
Now that you have your new horse get to riding. Remember to be careful as you are new to each other and give your new friend a chance. Happy Riding!
January 2010 Let's Talk Horses
"Getting In Shape"
Well since the New Year is here, we only have a couple of months before our Riding season is apon us in full force. I'd like to take some time & talk about how important it is for us as horse owners/competitors to make sure our horses are well conditioned this coming spring for the start of the competition season.
Check over your equipment for excessive wear (saftey first)
Remember, now your horse is fat & happy, the saddle fit may have been altered a bit since they have added weight. Check your saddle for tightness & pinching.
Now that you are starting to ride please keep in mind what your horses limits are at this point. Don't overwork them & pay attention for any sudden lamenesses or extrememly fatiqued muscles/strains. Its ok to gradually bring them back to work & you will avoid potential problems that can arise.
Fighting & pulling on the bit is your horse talking to you, so please listen to them & have the vet out to check & float their teeth. Remember their mouth is your steering wheel.
If your horse is still tender & fighting you after a couple of weeks, & just seems "OFF" to you, it's time to consult with your vet about bringing out an Equine Chiropractor. Remember, that always mounting on one side from the ground is torquing your horses withers off to one side. If you can safely do so, mount from the other side, alternating each side, & when at all possible use a mounting block.
Now that we have talked about conditioning your horse, lets talk about the conditioning of the rider. We all know how the winter months, along with the Holiday season can all catch up to us, so as riders we also have to take a look at ourselves & determine what we are going to do about our own conditioning. Will you be hitting the gym, dusting off that exercise machine in the corner, or going on that dreaded diet? As jockeys, we need to be just as responsible of our own conditioning as we are of our horses. To be 100% competitive in the horse world these days, you need to be 100% at your best.
A well balanced diet, along with daily exercise is key. Eat your greens and watch your sugar intake.
Leg stregthening exercises are a must to help you stay hunkered down & in the middle of your horse. (posting a trot is one you can do)
Remember that your "Core" is what is giving you your balance, quickness to get back up over your horse, & to stay in sync with them. Crunches while used with an exercise ball will make your muscles fire for better, more affective, & quicker results.
I know sometimes life can get away from us, but as your horses partner, it isn't fair if they are doing their part & giving you their all, when we as riders didn't care enough get in shape. We can't ride to the best of our best ability because we are weak bodied & a few pounds overweight. Take the time and be ready in Mind, Body, & Soul. Happy riding!