Dealing With Hoof Cracks: Managing the Feet for Health and Strength
Pat Burton, a farrier in Texas, has developed effective ways to rehabilitate feet that suffer from cracking, using management rather than bar shoes or other types of special shoeing. “Every day, the hoof grows and changes. My philosophy is to try to encourage good hoof growth and try to minimize anything that would inhibit that growth or put pressure on the affected site,” he says.
The past year has been an exciting one at Ryan Cottingim Show Horses. In July 2019, Ryan and his fiancée, Amanda Gately, purchased their dream farm in Shelbyville, Tennessee, located an hour south of Nashville. Now, settled on 33 acres of sweeping fields and lush forest, they’re taking their successful sales, training, coaching, competition, and fledgling breeding program to a new level. Ryan Cottingim Show Horses caters to riders of all levels and ages, from youth to amateur and select. They specialize in Western-based All-Around, but with strong backgrounds in a variety of disciplines, they offer training, instruction, and the opportunity for clients to compete locally, regionally and nationally.
Continue reading …Smart Schooling – Seven Rules for Proper Schooling
July 26, 2020 Comments Off on Smart Schooling – Seven Rules for Proper Schooling
Michael Jordan once said, “Always turn a negative situation into a positive situation.” Although Jordan was not an equestrian, his words are paramount to the success of any athlete, regardless of their sport. Similar to any other top-level athlete, equestrians are continually striving to be better and to achieve the ideal performance in the show arena. However, many pieces must line up to create a winning ride. Unfortunately, it only takes one misstep to derail an otherwise winning performance.
Continue reading …The Overtraining Phenomenon – How to Peak Your Horse at Exactly the Right Time
July 24, 2020 Comments Off on The Overtraining Phenomenon – How to Peak Your Horse at Exactly the Right Time
There are an enticing array of high profile horse shows scattered across the country and the calendar. As a result, it can feel as though you must be at your absolute best for every show. Yet that can take a toll on the physical and mental well-being of both horse and rider. This overtraining phenomenon often leads to a discouraging show experience and can unwittingly spur on even more overtraining, perpetuating the cycle.
Continue reading …COVID-19 Strikes a Blow to the Horse Show Industry
July 22, 2020 Comments Off on COVID-19 Strikes a Blow to the Horse Show Industry
There’s a line in an old Alabama song that says, “You can’t keep a good man down.” If there was ever a time to apply it to the horse industry, it’s right now.
Continue reading …Show Ready Strength: A Full Body Exercise Routine for the Busy Equestrian
July 20, 2020 Comments Off on Show Ready Strength: A Full Body Exercise Routine for the Busy Equestrian
Any successful equestrian will agree that consistent practice leads to trophies and titles. In addition, any successful partnership is strengthened through time spent in the saddle. But another integral piece of the puzzle is the physical fitness of not just the horse but also the rider.
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When Barbara and Tom Gonzalez married and began to raise their kids, the thought of being a horse show family was never on their radar. “We weren’t raised around horses and didn’t know anything about horse shows,” explains Barbara. Barbara and Tom with their three daughters, Meagan, Molly, and Melissa, enjoyed taking family vacations to various parts of Colorado and New Mexico. On their vacations, riding horses was one of their favorite family activities, and they discovered their love for horses together. “One memory that stands out is when we were on vacation in Colorado and our youngest daughter, Melissa, instantly fell in love with riding when she took a ride on a pony named Pete. She was three at the time and was smiling from ear to ear. After that ride, she never stopped talking about horses and has been horse crazy ever since,” Barbara says.
Continue reading …Virtual Horse Shows Offer New Opportunities Amid Uncharted Territory
July 16, 2020 Comments Off on Virtual Horse Shows Offer New Opportunities Amid Uncharted Territory
In mid-March, amid growing concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic, the horse show community began to mourn the loss of the typical show season. Shows were postponed, left and right, and then cancelled all together. It was then that horse trainer Charlie Cole saw an opportunity to make the best of a tough situation.
Continue reading …Should You “Half Lease” Your Horse?
July 14, 2020 Comments Off on Should You “Half Lease” Your Horse?
What is a “half-lease” (sometimes called a “share board” arrangement)? Don’t ask any lawyer since the term won’t be found in law books (except for this author’s Equine Law books). These arrangements enable horse owners to continue use of their horses, though limited, while another person shares use of the horse. Horse owners sometimes consider these arrangements as a way of sharing expenses of boarding and care. The problem is, these arrangements can create problems and unintended consequences. This article discusses legal aspects of “half lease/share board” arrangements.
Continue reading …Pain Transference – Tracking Clues to Find the Source
July 12, 2020 Comments Off on Pain Transference – Tracking Clues to Find the Source
While lameness can only be definitively diagnosed by a veterinarian, your detective work can help to mitigate issues and speed recovery. Lameness is an indicator that something within a horse’s body hurts. In turn, the horse will alter his gait to control the amount of load the affected limb has to bear. Pain is the most common cause of lameness in all horses, though mechanical restrictions or neuromuscular disease can be factors.
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