Baca Equine

08/03/2024

Why does your farrier require you to stay on a schedule if you stay with him? Is he just wanting more money? Is he just taking advantage of you? Absolutely not. It’s all about keeping the horse’s foot as consistent as possible. Too many people think “oh, they don’t look bad so they don’t need done.” When in reality, if they do look good inbetween cycles, and they still look good when they are due next…that’s a compliment to the job the farrier has done.

For every 1 centimeter of extra toe, it’s an added 50 kilograms of force on the tendons. If you do the conversion, that’s 110lbs of extra tension!!!!! Think about the pain a horse has with toes that are 4-5” long. Or, on a horse that’s only done once or twice a year. So, when a farrier requires or asks that their clients stay on a schedule, it’s for the benefit of the horse. It’s our job as farriers to do what we can to keep our client horses both sound and comfortable.

08/01/2024

08/01/2024

Great article and study by Doctor Sue Dyson on rider weight percentage. You’ll find that the best weight for a rider on horses is less the 16 percent, not the 20 percent I hear throughout the barns. In easier terms get off the couch and lose weight for your horses sake 👍 and remember always be working on your horsemenship.

Rider size often comes up in discussion and debate but there isn’t much conclusive research on the topic. A recent pilot study may promise future insights.

07/28/2024

Watching the cross country competition at the Olympics. Impressive horses and riders on a beautiful course. Going away views of horses shows lots of shiny metal on their feet, non are barefoot. 🤷🏻‍♂️🤙🏼

07/23/2024

Back from Chicago, I will be reaching out to everyone today about the schedule.

07/19/2024

Hey everyone, we will be in Chicago until Tuesday the 23rd. Forgive me if we don’t respond back until we are back in AZ.
Thank you

07/19/2024

💯

Let’s talk stalls.

Your stall is a representation of you. The proper amount of bedding means you care. A clean stall (including how you store your tack) shows you like to keep things neat and tidy. Full, clean water buckets and full hay nets (unless giving meds which dictate you pull these for a period of time) shows you have basic understanding of welfare. All these show you care about your image, how you present yourself, your horse, and the sport.

But a stall with no water or hay and full of manure and muck means you’re full of….well, we won’t go into details.

Not picking your stall and forcing your horse to stand in its own filth says a lot about you, your lack of respect for the sport, and most importantly your lack of respect for the horse. A properly kept stall is the most basic task every horseman should be capable of perfecting and should be done without complaint. A properly tended stall is a horseman’s sign of a horse that’s properly cared for.

📸 of a stall after 24hrs

07/14/2024

Navicular disease in horses is a chronic, degenerative condition that affects the navicular bone and its surrounding tissues within the hoof. Here's a detailed explanation:

Anatomy and Function
The Navicular Bone is a small, boat-shaped bone located in the hoof behind the coffin bone (the main bone within the hoof).

The navicular bone works with the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) and the navicular bursa, a fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between the tendon and the bone.

Causes
-Mechanical Stress: Repeated stress or overuse can lead to degeneration of the navicular bone and the surrounding structures.
Poor Conformation: Horses with certain conformation issues, like upright pasterns or small hooves relative to their body size, are more prone to developing navicular disease.
Genetics: Some breeds and individual horses are more genetically predisposed to the condition.

Symptoms
Lameness: Often intermittent and may shift between legs; usually worsens with work on hard surfaces or when the horse is worked in circles.
Heel Pain: The horse may show signs of pain when the heel area is pressed.
Gait Changes: The horse may develop a shortened stride or a tendency to land toe-first to avoid pressure on the heel.

Diagnosis
Veterinarians and Farriers will perform a lameness exam, including observing the horse's gait and applying hoof testers to identify pain points.

X-rays and MRI scans are commonly used to visualize changes in the navicular bone and surrounding soft tissues.

Treatment
Corrective shoeing can help distribute weight more evenly and reduce stress on the navicular bone.

Adjusting the horse's workload and providing rest periods can help reduce stress on the navicular structures.

In some cases, treatments like stem cell therapy, or even surgical interventions may be considered.

Navicular disease is a progressive condition, meaning it tends to worsen over time. However, with proper management, many horses can continue to lead comfortable, useful lives. Early detection and intervention are crucial for improving outcomes.

07/10/2024

Been seeing a lot of posts lately of people riding their horses in this weather.. Definitely not smart nor is it a badge of honor.. it’s just cruel.

Why Riding in the Heat is Dangerous for Horses

Riding horses in hot weather can pose serious health risks to our equine friends. Just like humans, horses can suffer from heat stress and dehydration, which can lead to severe complications. Here's why it's important to be cautious:

1.Heat Stress and Exhaustion, Horses generate a lot of heat during physical activity. In hot weather, their bodies struggle to dissipate this excess heat, leading to overheating. Symptoms of heat stress include rapid breathing, elevated heart rate, and lethargy.

2.Dehydration,Horses lose a significant amount of fluids through sweat. In the heat, they can quickly become dehydrated, which affects their overall health and performance. Dehydration can cause colic, kidney damage, and even heatstroke.

3. Electrolyte Imbalance, Sweating not only causes fluid loss but also depletes essential electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride. An imbalance can lead to muscle cramps, weakness, and further complications.

4.Risk of Heatstroke, Severe overheating can lead to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition. Signs include high body temperature, rapid pulse, unsteady gait, and collapse. Immediate veterinary attention is crucial.

5.Reduced Performance, Heat affects a horse's ability to perform. They become tired more quickly, which increases the risk of accidents and injuries. It's important to prioritize their well-being over performance goals.

**Precautions to Take:**

- Avoid Riding During Peak Heat, Schedule rides during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening.
- Provide Ample Water, Ensure your horse has access to fresh, clean water at all times.
- Offer Electrolytes,Consult with a veterinarian about supplementing electrolytes to prevent imbalances.
- Monitor Your Horse, Keep a close eye on your horse for any signs of distress, and be prepared to stop and cool them down if necessary.
- **Use Shade and Ventilation, Keep horses in shaded areas and ensure good airflow in stables and horse trailers.

Taking these precautions helps ensure the safety and well-being of your horse, allowing them to stay healthy and happy even during the hottest days. If you have any concerns or need further advice, please don't hesitate to reach out.

07/10/2024

Facts

07/08/2024

Listening to the news this morning and the weather man said we might get the hottest July Arizona has ever seen.. Be safe out there and check on your horses

07/05/2024

Hope everyone’s horses stay safe…

07/01/2024

COOLING HOT HORSES - THE STATE OF THE ART

*** PLEASE SHARE ***

Since Atlanta 1996 we have known that using continuous application of cold water without scraping is the most effective way to cool down horses that are moderately to severely hyperthermic (re**al temperature in excess of ~40°C/104°F), especially in hot or hot/humid conditions.

The sources for this evidence are:

PEER-REVIEWED PUBLISHED PAPERS
1) Williamson, L.S., White, S., Maykuth, P., Andrews, F., Sommerdahl, C. and Green, E. Comparison between two post exercise cooling methods. Equine Vet J., 27(S18), 337-340.
https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1995.tb04948.x

2) Marlin, D. J., Scott, C. M., Roberts, C. A., Casas, I., Holah, G., & Schroter, R. C. (1998). Post exercise changes in compartmental body temperature accompanying intermittent cold water cooling in the hyperthermic horse. Equine veterinary journal, 30(1), 28–34.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9458396/

3) Kohn, C.W., Hinchcliff, K.W. and McKeever, K.H. (1999) Evaluation of washing with cold water to facilitate heat dissipation in horses exercised in hot, humid conditions. American Journal of Veterinary Research, 01 Mar 1999, 60(3):299-305. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10188810/

4) Takahashi, Y., Ohmura, H., Mukai, K., Shiose, T., & Takahashi, T. (2020). A Comparison of Five Cooling Methods in Hot and Humid Environments in Thoroughbred Horses. Journal of equine veterinary science, 91, 103130.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32684268/

5) Kang, H., Zsoldos, R.R., Skinner, J.E., Gaughan, J.B. and Guitart, A.S. (2021) Comparison of post-exercise cooling methods in horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 100 (2021) 103485
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103485

DATA COLLECTED & ANALYSED AT
a) Atlanta 1995 Olympic Test Event
b) Atlanta 1996 Olympics
c) Athens 2003 Olympic Test Event
d) Athens 2004 Olympics
e) Beijing 2007 Olympic Test Event
f) Beijing 2008 Olympics
g) Tryon 2018 World Equestrian Games
h) Tokyo 2019 Olympic Test Event

Cooling hot horses with cold water DOES NOT
1) cause muscle damage
2) cause laminitis
3) induce shock
4) give horses heart attacks
5) prevent them from cooling by constriction of skin blood flow

Water left on horses DOES NOT
1) insulate and prevent heat loss
2) cause them to overheat

It is NOT MORE EFFECTIVE TO
1) start at the feet and work up
2) scrape water off whilst cooling (it causes them to warm up)
3) focus on large blood vessels
4) cover the horse with wet towels

*** PLEASE SHARE ***

06/29/2024

😂😂 there are a few things missing but pretty accurate.

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a farrier? Or maybe just how many times your farrier was p**ped on that morning before shaking your hand? Maybe you have thought to yourself “what’s that smell?” or “what is that green thing stuck to his ear?” or even “The dogs sure love them, I wonder what hoof trimmings taste like?” If 12 years of standing at the anvil have taught me anything it’s that the answer to such mysteries (at least the ones that can be answered in a few words) are: a lot of p**p; also p**p; and salted p**p…

As for what it’s like to be a farrier, let me try to explain. This job is not for the faint of heart or the mentally stable. You can’t be sane (or hope to stay that way long) if you wish to work with equestrians. You have to be insane to participate or work in a full-contact sport that lays under the line where rugby meets motor-cross and your only bit of protection is a hat made of the same material as a disposable coffee cup. Seriously, aside from crash test dummy, what other sport or job exists where someone can suffer massive blunt force trauma and is expected to get right back up and repeat whatever activity just about killed them a moment ago? “Horse or hospital!” is an expression I have heard more than once both as a horse rider and as a farrier (moving target) apprentice.

The ability to withstand impact aside, this is a job that requires the same attention to detail as an artist, the skill and steady hand of a surgeon, the patience of a saint, and the endurance/pain tolerance of a Navy Seal. For those who have never seen a farrier practice their trade and wants to walk in their shoes, try to imagine you are working in a stiflingly hot building, bent over and holding a 2×4 between your knees. On one end of the 2×4 is a small platform you are attempting to perform incredibly detailed work on. This table is incredibly valuable and the slightest mistake could cause it to explode; most of the tools you are given to work with are crude, bulky, and (like the table) also incredibly expensive considering they were invented sometime in the 14th century. While you are standing in this pizza oven from hell you will have to light a fire, which you will use to heat up your art work. Sometimes this art work will set you on fire.

Meanwhile the Hulk is tugging on the other end of that 2×4, occasionally ripping it away from you and dragging small knife blades that are sticking out of this table through your hands and legs. Side note: Friction tape will become your new best friend as it makes holding on to the rusty and poo crusted tools (which are now covered in your own blood) much easier! From time to time the Hulk might let you have the 2×4, but he is going to sit on you while you toil away on your art project. Now, as you fuss over details and panic every few moments that the speck of blood you just saw might not be yours (and are incredibly relieved when it is,) imagine there is a bucket of excrement sitting above your head, which at any moment may tip over on you without warning. Depending on the time of year, that bucket of poo may be switched for a bucket of spit. (Ah, clover…) And I mean more spit than you might think any earthly critter would have the capacity to produce. You will also sweat so much you will drink two gallons of water by the end of the day and not need to p*e once. For this reason you will never leave the house with no less than nine extra shirts and just as many towels.

To make your task even more impossible imagine that there is this invisible crazy man wildly running around your work area swinging Gallagher’s hammer. At any moment he might run up and smash you like one of Gallagher’s ill-fated watermelons. If you are unlucky enough to find yourself on his pedestal of doom that day, you are going to be faced with one of those moments when where most rational people might question your sanity. Since you can’t give up and call it a day with only three of the four 2x4s now complete (there is this very terrifying 5’4” 120lbs women who just body slammed a 1,300 pound Hanoverian into submission who would be very displeased if you did) you must trudge on despite the pain of what you are pretty sure is a broken leg and maybe a few pulverized ribs. It takes a special kind of stupid to keep working after the might of Thor’s hammer (a draft horse) knocks you through a barn wall. Fortunately you’re a farrier and you are just the kind of stupid needed to get back up and finish the job!

Now that you’re done with the first horse there are 12 more waiting…

06/26/2024

When starting a C**t right, it should look boring.

06/09/2024

Facts..

06/07/2024

👍

https://carsonjames.com

06/06/2024

Success is the best revenge 🤙🏼

06/06/2024

Don’t take criticism from somebody you wouldn’t let ride your horse.

05/27/2024

I think the Zach Brown Band said it best.

“I thank god for my life
And for the stars and stripes
May freedom forever fly, let it ring.
Salute the ones who died
The ones that give their lives so we don't have to sacrifice all the things we love “

05/21/2024

Little Filly getting her first pair of shoes.

05/19/2024

Let them shine