Leslie Wylie
Bridging the Discipline Divide
Can’t we all just get along? Rachael Katherine reminds us that, no matter what our disciplines, at the end of the day we’re all just horse lovers.
Best of Craigslist: ‘Like Watching a Trainwreck’
Up this week: an unorthodox saddle model, a horse-for-puppy trade, a two-seated saddle, a trailer-selling rant, a (literally) bombproof horse and much, much more!
Ready, set…
From Brianna: “Goats are the new horses! This is definitely something I have never seen.”
From Jessica: “They can’t handle a horse so they would trade for a puppy instead.”
From Jaclyn: “I know this ad is not a horse specifically but I found it odd enough to share. #1 looks unsafe to be that far back over the horse’s hip. #2 I would like to see what is left of the saddle AFTER the horse decides he doesn’t want to be a part of those shenanigans. ”
WANT TO TAKE THE LITTLE ONE ALONG? HOW ABOUT THIS 2 SEATED WESTERN SADDLE ONLY $275. IN LIKE NEW CONDITION, just a few stains in seat!
From Tiffany: “Just telling it like it is:)”
If you are trying to sell your horse trailer here are a few suggestions.
1. First CLEAN IT!! no one wants to buy a dirty piece of crap. We do not want to see all your horse brushes and horse poop.
2. Understand the market. Why would anyone pay nearly five thousand dollars for a piece of crap when they can buy a BRAND NEW trailer for 5995? First trailer pictured is a Maverick 2 horse slant. Why would I not buy that instead of the dented up rust bucket trash you people are trying to pawn off?
3. Be honest with your selves. Listing a mile long list about how great your trailer is does not make it so. The visual is going to disagree with everything you are saying, as evidenced by the second picture. They claim this dented rust bucket is in Excellent condition. They need a reality slap, a big one fast.
4. Post pictures of the inside so no one has to ask for them. If you are not showing the inside one can only assume you are hiding something as evidenced by picture 3. Seems decent enough for 3,200 but they post no pictures of the inside.
5. Make sure the pictures are not gray black blurry blobs in which the trailer cannot be seen.
Picture number 4, they are asking 5,000 with a clearly damaged tack room door and fender. uhhhh good luck with that.
From Emily: “This isn’t Craigslist but it’s one of the crazier ads I’ve ever seen!! I am a member of the Facebook group Florida Horse Trader and these pictures were just posted. I have never heard of a cage for the back of a truck for hauling a horse! And the time put into making the pictures!”
From Mindy: “They look like two handsome gentlemen despite the funny pic!”
Jessica: “I guess Tank has been in the presence to cannons and “riffles”, which deem him to be bombproof–literally. His 15.5 stature makes him a unique, one of a kind mount. I know these folks are probably have good intentions for Tank, but this ad made me chuckle a little. Also, that back right leg looks a kind of funky, maybe it’s just the way he’s standing?”
That is exactly what he is, and exactly what he is use to. Tank is a 13 year old 15.5 hands gelded OTTB. He raced for numerous years on the track and now is enjoying the retire life of trail riding. Tank has been used for everything and anything. He has jumped, barrels, and has even been used in a few Civil War Reenactments where riffles were shot off of him and cannons were set off next to him. He was ridden in the mountains of Tennessee. Tank has a beautiful trot and canter. Very smooth. He has great hooves. He rides much smoother with a hackamore he will toss his head lightly if he is in a bit. Which is because they were hard on his mouth on the track. Which will be given to his new owner if they do not have one. Tank’s ONLY flaw is that when he first moves his first 3 rides he is a little buddy/barn sour. He wasn’t bad he just wanted to turn around and go back home. Then when we finally turned around to go home he took off but I just gently pulled back told him easy and he led into a walk the rest of the way. He was just excited. After the first three rides, he has never done it since. I think he was a little nervous with being moved to my farm that he was going to be moved again. Anyone who is a serious inquirer can come and go on a trail ride or a ride down the road with us to make sure he is what you want. The first picture is Tank with my 6 year old 45lb niece on him on a trail ride. The second picture is of the whole herd with Tank’s beautiful white heart on his forehead.
From L: “New tires! Especially love the duck tape on the windows.”
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.
‘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: #ROOTD
What do SmartPak employees wear to the barn? Here, SmartPakker Emily shares her #ROOTD (Riding Outfit of the Day).
From SmartPak:
Since we’re a company full of riders, it’s a common office occurrence to see someone leaving in riding attire. So we decided to ask them to show off their #ROOTD (or Riding Outfit of the Day for the hashtag averse). Today’s ROOTD is from SmartPaker Emily, who is showing off her favorite winter dressage gear.
What’s your favorite #ROOTD? Leave us a COMMENT and let us know, or LIKE the video to let us know you were here! And don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE! #haveagreatride
Check out the SmartPak YouTube channel for more #ROOTD videos and other fun content!
Go SmartPak, and Go Riding!
Kentucky Performance Products: Botulism 101
Get the facts on this rare but deadly disease.
The Athletic Rider Strength Series: Muscular Stabilization
Want to get stronger in the saddle? Personal trainer and equestrian Leah Hinnefeld explains that it starts on the ground.
Liability Insurance for the Roving Riding Instructor
Attorney Kjirsten Lee, J.D., shares some guidelines.
Just a Girl’s Wish for a Horse: Brittany’s Battle
When a mother whose horse-crazy daughter was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease posted a Craigslist ad seeking help, the equestrian community responded the way it always does: with open hearts, open arms and an incredible plan.
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.
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.
A Big HN Welcome to Our Newest Sponsor, The Whinnying Horse Box!
Spoiling your steed rotten is now easier than ever before.
‘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.
Happy Valentine’s Day from NickerDoodles!
Horse life is like a box of chocolates… or something. (more…)
43 Candy Hearts Your Horse Wants to Give You
If horses could talk, what would they say? These candy hearts do a pretty good job of covering the bases.
And…
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‘The Bachelor’ Is Coming to New Zealand, and The Promo Has Us All Hot and Bothered
Sexy bachelor galloping bareback on the beach on a Friesian that is literally kicking up rose petals from the surf? YES PLEASE.
The Horses That Carry Us
Victoria Shields takes a moment to reflect on the generosity of equine spirit.
You’re Never Too Good for a Lunge Lesson
No matter how long we’ve been riding, no matter how accomplished we are, no matter how many blue ribbons we’ve won, there’s always something to be learned from a few turns on the lunge.
SpectraVET Classic Performance of the Week
Today we salute Kim Walnes and The Gray Goose.
Best of Craigslist: ‘I’m Confused’ Edition
From upside-down stirrup leathers and ill thought-out sales photos to spelling that makes you go “hmmm,” this week’s batch of reader-submitted bad ads represents Internet horse salesmanship at its worst.
From Carrie: “Interesting way to attach the stirrups!!”
From K: “Auto correct strikes again?”
From Natalie: “I don’t know what this ad says, but THAT’S the picture they chose??”
From Melissa: “This stallion is so taimed he has to be lifted onto the trailer!”
Hello I currently have a stallion horse for sale very taimed.its good with people easy to lift on trailer and to shower him.Now in $4500 I paid 5000 so they can train him any question call me please at show contact info And look for pedro thank you.
From Jessica: “Um, yeah, because I want my son on a hose that is big, has a lot of energy and go, and he definitely needs to learn how to bridal! Along with that… maybe I will let someone who needs therapy to just come out and ride my mare. After all, you don’t need to be licensed to have a therapy horse! SMH.”
From MJO: Nice flip-flops.
This is my favorite horse Sig hes is the best manored horse i ever owned dont care much for salen him but im picken up other hobbys ANYONE can ride this horse if they have any experience at all he isnt a little horse by far hes every bit 16 or 17 hands tall he will do pretty much anything u ask of him load in any kind of trailor walk up and down stairs nothen really spooks this guy and hes is beatiful and he knows it very flashy parade horse or just all around parade horse ive gathered cattle on him but havent done any ropen on him he was raised from a baby colt from my cousin so he only had one previous owner we are in the process of getten another copy of his reg papers but they will be here soon i wont budge an inch papers or not so plz dnt try to talk me down or trade anything cash only…and yes parents this is one of the few u can trust with the kids and grand kids and that doesnt come cheap
From Tammy: You always wonder about these. It’s like, if no one buys the horse today, what then? Maybe you should have started advertising them last week, or last month.
From Gianina: “Interesting spelling!!!”
From Jane: “So the picture caught my attention but the ad is funny too!”
Another great pic from JR:
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.