Long Farm

01/11/2025

Ice ice 🥶
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Here comes the mud… 😭

01/07/2025

Did you know that exercising horses in cold weather can actually damage their airways? 🌬️❄️

In a study, "Airway cooling and mucosal injury during cold weather exercise" that parallels human studies, horses were exposed to air temperatures of -5°C (23°F) and -15°C (5°F) while exercising.

The result suggests that when horses breathe in cold, dry air during intense exercise, it cools and dries out their airways, leading to irritation, inflammation, and even cell damage. 🐴 Over time, repeated exposure can cause long-term respiratory issues.

For a deeper dive into how cold-weather exercise impacts equine airways (and what we can learn from it), check out the study "Airway cooling and mucosal injury during cold weather exercise," which I’ll link in the comments.

Protect your equine athletes this winter by staying informed!

01/03/2025

Julie Chalk Bork

That's the worst nightmare... 😆
credits: Pinterest

01/03/2025

Yep, horse life is brutal... 😂
credits: Pinterest

01/03/2025

As blanket season is in full force upon us, here is a very important reminder courtesy of the horse doctors at Miamitown Equine Veterinary Services:

"When securing blankets, make sure that the snaps/clips are facing inward, toward the horse! If they are facing out, they can easily become stuck on something, like the hay net in the picture."

01/02/2025

Happy new year!

Here are some highlights of 2024 around the farm!

Unfortunately we lost Little bit this winter
- if you have any photos of the little funny goat please send them to me; I’ve added a bunch here. We all miss her as she was a part of everyone’s trip to the barn and made her presence known!

Thank you to all the boarders & leaser for an awesome year!

A huge thank you to Lily who always selflessly helps out at the farm and covering feedings and everything in between- you were a huge part of making 2024 awesome!

Lets ride 2025🤠

12/21/2024

Water is a vital resource for horses year-round, but its importance becomes even greater during the winter months. Maintaining proper hydration is essential for horses to support digestion, overall health, and especially for preventing colic, a potentially life-threatening condition.

In winter, horses may drink less water due to cold temperatures, or water sources might freeze, limiting access. Reduced water intake increases the risk of impaction colic, a condition that occurs when food material becomes lodged in the horse’s digestive tract. This is exacerbated by the dry, fibrous nature of winter forage like hay, which contains less moisture compared to fresh pasture grass. Without sufficient water, the digestive system slows and cannot properly break down this material, potentially leading to blockages.

Encouraging adequate water consumption is critical. Horses should normally drink 5-12 gallons of water daily, and ensuring the water is warm enough—between 45-65°F—can help encourage drinking. Studies show that horses are more likely to consume warm water during cold weather. Using heated water buckets or tank deicers can prevent freezing and make water more appealing.

Fun Fact: Research shows that horses drink almost 40% more water per day if given warm water (45-65 °F) instead of near-freezing water. (Kristula and McDonnell, 1994)

Electrolytes or salt supplements can also stimulate thirst, prompting horses to drink more. Offering soaked hay or adding water to feed can provide additional hydration. However, soaking hay or feed isn’t recommended in environments where these items would freeze solid before being consumed by the horse.

Preventing dehydration in winter is a proactive measure to safeguard against colic. Regularly monitoring water intake and ensuring clean, accessible, and palatable water is essential. By addressing these needs, horse owners can help maintain their horses’ health and comfort throughout the colder months.

If you have questions or concerns about your horses' winter water intake, contact your veterinarian.

12/06/2024

Thanks Rich for the Birds Eye view pics!

12/03/2024

2025 Open Show Schedule is out.

12/02/2024

12/01/2024

Go sully go! Proud of you both!

An off-track Quarter Horse who has no idea how to canter, help from a fearless cowgirl when the road got rough, & the wisdom from a clinician that this horse truly wanted to be his owner’s partner… In this exclusive story, a rider from USDF Region 1 shares how she first met a troubled Quarter Horse, & how they rebuilt both of their confidences into a flourishing partnership.

Read their story: https://yourdressage.org/2024/10/29/godzilla-nightmare-turned-dream-horse/

10/16/2024

09/21/2024

🤣

09/19/2024

Rainy week 🌧️