Animal Fitness

01/09/2025

Excellent…..

I first became aware of barefoot loading patterns about 20 years ago from looking at the wild horse studies done by Jamie Jackson and Gene Ovniceck that showed us how mustangs develop ground contact points. This establishes a series of points and arches that suspend the horse over 3-4 ground contact points per foot. These contact points are created from miles of daily wear over varied terrain.

I quit using steel shoes years ago and since then I’ve been working on BUILDING contact points on domestic horse hooves by simulating adequate miles of wear. This isn’t just carving the feet to preconceived contact points like the “4 Point Trim” suggested. If you just don’t let dead wall, frog, and sole accumulate, the hoof capsules eventually conform to the internal structures without deviation. This establishes a fully live undeviated hoof capsule within a couple of years, no matter how much movement the horse gets.

The pillars and arches are natural structural components in every hoof. They just collapse and disappear when the hooves get overgrown and retain dead horn. If horses can wear and build their hooves on their own, given enough acreage, then that wear can be simulated by trimming that respects the individual anatomy and stage of development of each individual hoof.

When this type of trimming is done accurately over time, the result is a fully live well developed hoof capsule with the arches and points in the right places. No movement needed. That’s the part that people get hung up on. I’m not saying that horses don’t need movement. I’m saying that their biomechanics don’t require movement to build their hooves from flat to concave, and it should never be carved.

The horse’s posture improves when you take the correct amount of dead horn off in just the right places. The improved posture sets the weight bearing more accurately over the digital cushion, which thrives from use ( weight bearing ). As the horse shifts more weight back over the heels that are now supported by the DC, the weight comes off of the sole…the sole thrives on suspension. That’s how you use the horse’s weight for them instead of against them to build soft tissue and live sole and that elevation is how you improve their PA and HPA sustainably.

If you try to improve the posture by improving the angles first, there is no digital cushion to support the horse so the joints, tendons, and ligaments have to compensate. That causes irreversible damage that shows up months or years later. This is why I’m against flat trimming for angles, steel shoes, and/or wedge pads.

After almost 20 years of restoring live internal elevation to flat dead footed horses ( all ages, breeds, and sizes ), these are the common issues that I’ve noticed:

The drawing on the left shows the damage that I’ve observed on the inside of a hoof that’s been trimmed flat, steel shod and/or wedged. Horses with better conformation resist the damage better, as do horses that aren’t subjected to these practices.

- lower position of extensor process
- bone erosion commonly seen in these 3 areas ( dotted white lines )
- jammed up frog and digital cushion from dead heel buttresses ( correlating to bone erosion at the back of the palmar processes )
- withered lateral cartilages
- jammed up bars ( not shown ) ( correlating to bone erosion on the middle of the palmar processes )
- jammed up solar corium ( correlating to bone loss along the tip of P3 and the Coronary Band / Extensor process relationship )

The drawing on the right shows how the internal structures should look when the arches and points are respected and built over time.

08/19/2024

This is wonderful!!!!♥️
Thank you, Len Judd for sharing 🙏

08/12/2024

As the color green is in the middle of the color spectrum, it creates a natural balancing effect on the body. Green light therapy also promotes balance and calm in the skin while reducing redness, and it aids in bringing the organs and body systems into balance.
Isn't it time to restore your balance? Visit us at aahlight.com to learn more.

08/08/2024

Excellent !!!!

07/25/2024

The Visum Light not only benefits humans, but also works in keeping your animals healthy and improving their quality of life. It’s effective across species—not just cats and dogs. Visit us at visumlight.com to learn more.

07/15/2024

With over 40 years of scientific study, photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has been proven to provide fast pain relief and increased healing with minimal, if any, side effects. What’s more, it has been shown to be an effective treatment for animals as well as people.

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07/13/2024

07/10/2024

Yes!

What relief! Sometimes you have to take a break and take care of yourself. What better way than applying light therapy with the PBM Light.

The AAH PBM light’s overwhelming popularity is partly due to a surface area 10 times larger than the standard AAH Light, providing faster pain relief for joint pain and sp*edier wound healing. It also allows the user to cover larger areas in less time, making it more efficient and convenient as well.

Learn more about our light therapy healing tools at aahlight.com

06/17/2024

Incredible results!

The Poll Pad contains 110 LED’s, 55 Red/NIR and 55 Blue/Green. Use them alone or in any combination you like.

As with all the flex pads, these are intended to be used in more than one way or application. This pad fits most horses from pony to draft and can impact the entire head and spine.

The unique design allows the pad to be placed without touching or going over the ears. It is intended to be set on the head and allow the tab to go down the forehead and the strap to come around the brow.

Visit us at visumlight.com to learn more and to see our exciting line of flex pads.

06/16/2024

Yes!

Father's day is fast approaching. Why not give Dad something that he can really use this year... PAIN RELIEF! What better way to show your appreciation for Dad?

Visit us at aahlight.com to see the fantastic pain relieving tools that we have available and get your dad on the road to recovery.

06/15/2024

Amazing products!

Father's day is fast approaching. Why not give Dad something that he can really use this year... PAIN RELIEF! What better way to show your appreciation for Dad?

Visit us at aahlight.com to see the fantastic pain relieving tools that we have available and get your dad on the road to recovery.

04/26/2024

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. I really like www.trailguard.org They have a lot of features they offer and help get horses and equipment safe. Do this ahead of time, don't want until you have an issue.

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

04/06/2024

Amazing products!

𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝘂𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗱𝗮𝗵𝗼 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗼! We'll be there speaking and sharing all things light therapy. Visit us and get a first hand look at our products, lights, and pads.

As a special treat, Sharon Katzke will be doing two presentations on light therapy and will be joined during one of the sessions by Sarah Wolverton, DVM, Chiropractor.

Visit us at aahlight.com to learn more about light therapy and our healing tools.

04/01/2024

02/22/2024

A horse named Hondo made it necessary for Ray to change his ways.
Hondo made it clear that Ray could be broken, but he, the horse, could not.

"Everything I know now started with that horse," Ray said. "Hondo was a sticking, biting, kicking, bucking tough c**t who might have killed me. Hondo would tell me, ‘Come on and try to break me, and I’ll break in YOU again.’ And he would have. But I had all winter to work on him. He was my only horse; without him, I was afoot. It was just him and me and I tried to put myself in his place. How did he get so afraid? What could I do to make him trust me? A horse that’s had trouble can’t believe a human will quit hurting them. I felt sorry for that horse who had to hold up his defence. You can’t blame him. I worked on him some and we got so I could get near him, then get on him. I’m not saying it was all love and kisses. You better believe it. Things could get pretty physical, pretty western. I’d go to bed at night and think about that horse, dream about him, then go back to work with him the next day."

In the middle of the winter of 1960-61, Ray took Hondo to Tom Dorrance.
"He’s a little old bow-legged cowboy; he’s the brain of it all. He can fix a horse so fast you never knew what happened. And who taught Tom? He says it was the horse. As soon as Tom came around me, Hondo would act like a lamb. And as soon as he left, I’d be riding a tiger again. I couldn’t understand. Something was going on but I couldn’t find it.

See, I was too forceful. The timing was good but the mental feel of how it could be wasn’t there. I couldn’t visualize it and the yielding wasn’t there. The horse was afraid of me. I thought I had to hurt him to get him rideable. I knew it wasn’t right. And pretty soon, I learned that to get respect, I had to give respect.

Sometimes it’s hard to figure out because a horse is so big and strong, but there’s a difference between firm and forceful. And there’s a spot in there, inside the horse, an opening where there is no fear or resistance, and that’s what I began looking for."

By the end of the year Hondo was gentle, smooth, athletic, and kind to be around, a horse the grandkids could ride.

Image is of Ray and Hondo accepting a first place award and is from an article which appeared in The Western Horseman, January 1995 'Ray Hunt; Western Horseman of the Year' - http://westernhorseman.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1166&Itemid=77

Ray's quote is from an article written by Gretel Ehrlich; the article was published in the 'Shambhala Sun' July 1998 - http://www.shambhalasun.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1991

02/15/2024

Fabulous!

I’ve got a bone to pick and it might surprise you to know it is with b-l-o-o-d-y trail riders. I get quite a few trail riders coming to my clinics and so I have enough experience and ammunition to make a legitimate complaint.

Actually, I have 2 complaints. The first is easy and I can deal with it in one short paragraph, but the second deserves a rant.

Okay. First up, about half of those that mainly do trail riding describe themselves as “pleasure riders”. Stop it. We are all pleasure riders! I hope we all ride for pleasure – even professional horse people. Being a good horse person is hard and dangerous work, so if you don’t love it, the other rewards (financial, accolades, ribbons) are not sufficient enough to make it worthwhile. So trail riders should stop trying to appropriate the term “pleasure rider.”

Now the second and more important reason I am cranky at trail riders is their attitude.

Whenever I meet a new student at a clinic I ask them what do they do with their horse. I would say 4 out of 5 of the trail people say something like, “Oh not much. I just trail ride” or “I just like to potter around on the trail” or “We are not serious. We just like to ride out in the bush (forest).”

They tell me they trail ride as if they have to apologize for it. It’s as if there is some sort of shame to being a trail rider and they are the second-class citizens of the horse world.

Well, I’m going to tell you that trail riders are not second-class horse people. They are the WARRIOR CLASS of the horse world.

I have come across plenty of people who have had long and highly successful competition careers that wish they had a horse they could safely ride on a trail. They practice their exercises in the safe confines of a riding facility where the most startling and unpredictable thing that can happen is that the horse gets its tiptoes wet on the water jump or it has to cope with a judge placing a rosette on its bridle. Heaven forbid those precious gold-plated ponies with their diamante browbands would have any sort of challenge that would cause their makeup to run.

To train a good trail horse is proof of a person’s skill as a horseman or woman. Creek crossings, steep descents on slippery ground, swampy ground, branches brushing the sides, carcasses of decaying dead animals, inconsiderate car drivers and bike riders are the things of nightmares for many horses trained in other disciplines. But for a good trail horse and their rider with a spine made of tungsten they are nothing more than another point of interest on their sightseeing tour.

To be able to calm a horse that is losing its manure on a trail is a badge of honour that is worth more than any blue ribbon. When on the other side of every new turn in the trail lies in waiting a horse-eating emu, it is the experienced trail rider that will see them to safety. When behind every bush hides the shadow of the grim reaper ready to unleash mayhem and death, it is the trail rider that will slay death.

Nobody should ever apologize for being “just” a trail rider. Stand proud. Be the best you can be at what you do and you will never have to feel second-class to any other horse person. Remember you are the WARRIOR CLASS.