Poplar Grove Stables

30/07/2024

Riders at our barn learn various skills such as confidence, responsibility and resilience while participating in our program.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/9gSHDtrydZNnNHrT/?mibextid=UalRPS

22/05/2024

17/05/2024

https://www.facebook.com/michellejohnstonequineservices/posts/pfbid0RLMQaUAUsEf13bH6eoHctUuC2vs31hPqMjLuvEhn3gAjMFkPqE1iKZaQMmVMmSEfl

While we are tucked away in an air-conditioned vehicle with comfy seats, our horses are bouncing and swaying in the back.

Unlike many may think, horses don't actually sleep or rest in the trailer. Their body is constantly moving and making adjustments to stay upright - Just like we do when we are standing in the bus or train.

Researchers from Massey University in New Zealand sought to measure how much vertical and horizontal movement horses have when in a trailer. With two horses loaded up into a two-horse, they took a 58-minute trip and here is what they found:

📍In total, horse 1 moved over 228 ft and horse 2 moved over 320 ft vertically
📍Horizontally, Horse 1 moved 745 ft and Horse 2 moved 797 ft
📍Both horses swayed over 11 inches

Next time you load up for a show, clinic, lesson, etc., give your horse a break before jumping right on.

17/05/2024

While we are tucked away in an air-conditioned vehicle with comfy seats, our horses are bouncing and swaying in the back.

Unlike many may think, horses don't actually sleep or rest in the trailer. Their body is constantly moving and making adjustments to stay upright - Just like we do when we are standing in the bus or train.

Researchers from Massey University in New Zealand sought to measure how much vertical and horizontal movement horses have when in a trailer. With two horses loaded up into a two-horse, they took a 58-minute trip and here is what they found:

📍In total, horse 1 moved over 228 ft and horse 2 moved over 320 ft vertically
📍Horizontally, Horse 1 moved 745 ft and Horse 2 moved 797 ft
📍Both horses swayed over 11 inches

Next time you load up for a show, clinic, lesson, etc., give your horse a break before jumping right on.

25/04/2024

Lately I've had several folks reach out about hauling their horses longer distances...

Here's just kinda a reference for me. Not everyone has to agree but idk much about the subject. :)

Cameras. Get them. We install them pm me if you want one. Worth every single penny. Your entire perspective will change. Wire them into your running lights, it'll act as an on/off switch and won't run batteries down. https://a.co/d/582ihv4

Horses appreciate box stalls IMHO. If you can haul as such, do it. In the same breath, some horses cant tolerate the room and get anxious. Load accordingly.

Nervous horse?
I have a loud yet small portable speaker too. Let's listen to Mozart or Beethoven! You have no idea how much it'll drown out road/trailer noise and give them something else to focus on. https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTLu1tYRd/

Never ever hard tie. Ever. I have tie blockers attached with hay string at all tie points in my trailer. There has been exactly 3 times that has really saved my ass (and spared the horses injury). I really prefer not to tie at all if I can get away with it. They need to be able to get their heads down or at least lower it some to clear their lungs or you risk shipping fever.

Stop every couple hours and rest legs. They get fatigued more than other body parts. I stop every 3 hours ish for about 20/30 minutes. I also take this time to use the bathroom, grab a snack, walk my trailer and top off fuel. I absolutely do not make unnecessary stops. I have a 100 gallon drag tank too which I really appreciate.

I bed deep, 8 inches or more long distance and 6 inches or so local hauls. Helps keep them comfy but also absorbs waste more efficiently and deeper (also a insulation to keep the road heat at bay). Take note of how much they're p**ping and if they p*e. I scoop p**p when I stop if I can safely. I've had horses that absolutely will not p*e on the trailer and that needs to be kept in mind for travel time as well. Double mats are good too! I invested in the spray floor from Texas Floor Skinz and I can tell it's also made a huge difference in the cushioning. I also don't have to pull the stupid mats out anymore and it's super easy to disinfect.

I also invested in a air hitch from https://shockerhitch.com It takes so much of the jerk and rough ride out! It's like night and day on any trailer but y'all with those heavy LQ? Order ya one, you'll thank me later. They're also commonly listed on FB Marketplace as well. I average around $550 used. I swear by this and that cushioned spray floor for legs.

I never park my trailer in the direct sun either, once it starts to warm up. If you feel like it's really heating up, buy 60/80 pounds of ice and throw on the floor. Imagine the heat coming from the road, the ice melts but it does help. Ventilation is key. Keep that trailer open.
I ordered a custom screen from this place for the window above my side ramp. Its made a huge difference while still being safe!
https://www.horsetraileraccessorystore.com/Trailer-Safety-Screens-with-Straps-CUSTOM-SEWN-New-or-Replacements_p_575.html

Don't ever unload at a truck/rest stop/questionable area. Find an arena or barn or even a quiet back road if nothing else. I try hard to not have to unload at all but I have the luxury of the nicest barns to let my passengers walk it out at (thanks you guys).

How long can I travel? That's such a loaded question. How's your horse/s traveling? Again, cameras are just such an invaluable tool. If they're drinking, comfortable, p**ping and happy I'm good going 12 hours or even more if client wants straight through, keep your breaks consistent. I feel 6/8 hours or so is a good days haul. If there's any question just stop and layover somewhere. https://www.horsemotel.com/ is a great resource and many public arenas are available as well. Give your horses 8/10 good hours of rest off trailer if you're going to layover. Make sure they drink.

I keep water in front of them long distance or if it's hot. You have to. If it's a 3 hour trip and 70° they aren't thirsty and they're just going to make a mess. Make sure you hang the bucket high enough to keep feet out but low enough to be accessible. Pay attention to what direction your clips are too. You don't want a halter getting hung up on a clip holding a water bucket in a tight area. I appreciate actual bucket straps, they'll break if they needed to.
I also use these to keep splashing to a minimum. Some horses just really don't appreciate it. They learn fast how to use them.
https://teskeys.com/products/rockin-road-lid?variant=40161967865919&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw26KxBhBDEiwAu6KXt2mu3QWkzH-BVxMn_aVC2gsSY4g79uyrPBWTXWeeGh2m8xriU0D7oxoCzlAQAvD_BwE
Keeping hay bags full is important too. Smaller the hole in slow feed hay nets the better. You don't want them to just pig out bored, you want to keep tummy acid at bay and horses content while traveling. I don't like feeding horses during travel either. Grain really weighs the gut down. Soak it really good if you do. This will help reduce colic. See my ulcergard comment below.

If they're struggling to drink, keep in mind you're filling their gut with dry hay in an already stressful situation. Then add to that you're restricting the digestive process by them standing still. There's a lot of things to help with this. I like https://www.whinnywater.com/ but you can also use Gatorade, a handful of alfalfa pellets and full bucket of water or whatever your horse likes but they really need to drink, esp in the heat. If you can start ulcergard a few days prior to, during and a few days post travel that really seems to help too.

I hate shipping boots for a lot of reasons, mostly because they trap heat in the legs and thats no bueno.

Walk. Your. Rig.
Every single time you stop. Walk. Your. Rig. Things I look for.. cracked/busted welds, door/window hinges, lug nuts, secured latches, kick the tires, quick visual of my hitch, head gates/drops (those aluminum bars can break) and whatever else is in-between. Don't forget to look under it occasionally as well! There's so much under there that can break too!
Make this second nature and you can potentially save yourself a lot of headache later.
My trailer is professionally inspected every 3 months and repairs made immediately when found needed. Stuff breaks, it happens.

There are companies that are like Triple A for horse people. US Rider absolutely sucks but I really like www.trailguard.org They have a lot of features they offer and help get horses and equipment safe. You have to be signed up 30 days before you can use their services so keep that in mind.

Know your maintenance schedule. Can't recall the last time you had your bearings/brakes/tires inspected? Then it's time. Over a year? Then it's time. Have a blow out? Then it's time. Tires over 4 years old but still have lots of tread? It's time for new ones. This heat kills tires. I buy mine at Trout Tire and they've always done me right. Same goes for your truck.

Carry two spares, that trailer aid ramp is worth every penny and so is a good impact. I can change a tire in under 8 minutes. It's invaluable in the stupid Texas heat. I recently added a tire temperature/pressure system. I'm certain those is going to amazing. https://a.co/d/euhYmgF
I also have enough spare s**t to build a space ship in my tool box. Tools, hay string, electrical tape, extra lights, fuses, zip ties, straps, bailing wire, coolant, you get the point. I also carry wraps, vet wrap, extra halters/ropes, spray and tie blockers blah blah blah. I could be a hauler or a serial killer turns out it looks the same. I have a fridge in my center console so I can safely carry drugs as well. Bought that here! It's an amazing human comfort too. Cold drinks/snacks and I don't have to make another stop! https://www.dometic.com

FIRE EXTINGUISHER and a knife. You just never know. I put out a car fire one night, it was like 11pm. Peeps were super grateful. I replaced it the next day. Have a good sharp knife close and handy too. **tyouseeasahauler

This is just me and my observations over the last 8 years of hauling. I strive to evolve into the absolute best hauler I can be and it comes from experience for sure. I really do love the horses I haul and want nothing but safe travels every time I load a horse.

Haulers and individuals all do things different and that doesn't make (most of) it wrong.

I'll add to this as I think of more :)

Like my page!
New Caney Equine Center

19/09/2023

Fun trail ride!

04/07/2023

Keep this in mind when you ride!

You need to know this👇

I have talked about discipline before and how this trumps motivation. And how motivation can be very elusive.

So today I thought I would share a little something I heard from an Olympic triathlon trainer and this was the third, third and third rule.

Basically saying that one third of your workouts will be amazing! One third we will average and the other third will be rubbish.

The key is to show up for all of them.

It is the consistency of showing up that will create the awesome workouts, it is the consistency of showing up that will create the confidence and skills. And it is the consistency of showing up that will develop you mentally and physically.

So don’t be put off by bad days.

Be grateful for the awesome workouts.

Expect the average and bad workouts and know they are all part of the journey, making you more resilient and mentally fit.

And most of all just keep showing up, even when motivation isn’t there and most importantly even after a bad ride.

04/07/2023

https://equusmagazine.com/injuries-and-first-aid/straight_talk_about_colic_121608-8325/?tum_source=EQUUSFB&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR374U8jBORZTF8i0je8Oa8p3xKm_VkTJyeEorI6GS7u9wmh7Oy4kORQXn8

Here's how to reduce your horse's risk of developing serious digestive upset and increase his chances of recovery if he does.

26/06/2023

Salmon Arm & Shuswap Lake Agricultural Association with the Salmon Arm Rotary is proud to present the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride. A Canadian tradition since 1876, a troop of 32 scarlet coated “Mounties” on majestic black horses present a 30 minute show of intricate figures and ca...

14/05/2023

VDRC Cronies practiced drill team over poles this morning

08/05/2023

VDRC Cronies during their ground work warm up

07/05/2023

A research team found that abnormal behavior doesn’t always correlate with elevated ovarian hormones.

06/04/2023

❗️Important Notice ❗️

The Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency (CPMA) has advised there will be upcoming changes to their Elimination Guidelines (EG) effective April 3, 2023. Testing according to these new guidelines will come into effect for EC sanctioned competitions on May 1, 2023.

Please ensure treatment plans are adjusted accordingly and allow adequate elimination periods to be compliant as of May 1, 2023.

Click here for the full CPMA EG Updates:
➡️ https://bit.ly/40tEG9f

Click here for the full CPMA EG Guidelines
➡️ https://bit.ly/42R51zF

❗️ Avis important ❗️

L’Agence canadienne du pari mutuel (ACPM) a annoncé des changements à venir aux Guides d’élimination, qui entreront en vigueur le 3 avril 2023. Les modifications liées au dépistage seront appliquées dans les concours sanctionnés de CE à compter du 1er mai 2023.

Veuillez vous assurer d'ajuster vos plans de traitement en conséquence et de respecter les périodes d'élimination nécessaires afin de respecter les règles en date du 1er mai 2023.

Pour consulter les changements aux Guides d'élimination de l'ACPM
➡️ https://bit.ly/3TYx0ZX

Pour consulter les Guides d'élimination de l'ACPM
➡️ https://bit.ly/40NPtLb

📸 Laurel Jarvis - RingSide Media

12/03/2023

Insulin dysregulation can coincide with high ACTH concentrations in the fall, even when an animal does not have PPID.

01/01/2023

Happy New Year!

15/12/2022

https://www.chronofhorse.com/article/part-2-dr-barry-miller-answers-more-of-your-questions-about-helmet-ratings?fbclid=IwAR0FHpzbrKGjgdbxAYKQF0T7eKQO9md4d57LNYpRAPrMFiCo0vFZ43YXm6s

Welcome to Part 2 of our interview with Dr. Barry Miller, director of outreach and business development for the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, answering some of readers' biggest questions about the Helmet Lab’s equestrian helmet ratings released last we...

07/12/2022

https://horsesport.com/magazine/business/making-sense-coaching-canada/amp/

What is the difference between a registered, licensed and certified coach, and is there an advantage to pursuing EC coach status?

04/12/2022

Kyra Kyrklund – The Young Horse & the first step… Posted on December 2, 2020 by horsemagazine Story – Chris Hector & Photos – Roz Neave There were Horse whisperers (shouters?!) seemingly at every Equitana corner, each yelling their own praises in increasingly strident tones, so it was so nic...

08/11/2022

https://www.westgatelabs.co.uk/info-zone/resistance-to-wormers/

We’ve probably all heard of the term ‘wormer resistance’ by now which describes parasites that have evolved to be no longer affected by the chosen worming treatment.

31/10/2022

Enjoying the trails today :)

21/10/2022

02/09/2022

Learn about common equine parasites not revealed by f***l tests & where they reside and/or reproduce - then take our Equine Worming Survey.

19/08/2022