Black Star Stables and Arena

07/22/2024

Hey all, it's me Mila! I got to try something called a popsicle yesterday and they were so cold and refreshing, I think I'll have more in my future..
Future, that's a word I've not thought much about. You see I was born in Ohio in a large herd of horses who were neglected. My whole family and I were being terrorized by the owners bull camel. Many of my friends did not survive their horrific injuries. Occasionally we would see a human around but they never brought us the things we so desperately needed We stood hungry full of parasites, and injured having given up on life until one day we were rescued!! Piccard, Data, Sela, and Seven are just some of my family that made it out with me!
My past was so sad, but now I know I have a bright FUTURE and if you could take a second and share this post, you may be the one who helps me find my happily ever after!
Heart of Phoenix Equine Rescue, INC Appalachian Trainer Face Off

This post also talks about my past some.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/RgxE79JWjpzAYoS6/?mibextid=xfxF2i

07/22/2024

Look at this transformation of Mila! She has been here just shy of 12 weeks and continues to grow physically, emotionally and in knowledge!
Have we mentioned lately how much we 💚💚 BUCKEYE Nutrition ?

along with the rest of our barn is .

Mila has been to 3 shows now in preparation for the Appalachian Trainer Face Off and has placed at 2 of them. She stood so well tied to the trailer at the show, she also spent some time standing in the trailer quietly. She settled in nicely as well at the 2 day show and enjoyed a stall there with a different view.

Stay tuned this week for a list of everything Mila has learned. She is adoptable now!!

Mila would like to thank all of her sponsors for all the help and being able to get out and about.

Heckler Farrier Services
Gandy B Veterinary
Ridge Creek Tack
Ewing Miller
Wind Water Controls
Greer Limestone
EZ Timber Products
Vickey Henderson
Crossroads Chiropractic Care
Tractor Supply Co. of Morgantown, WV
Carly Cale

07/22/2024

What a great show day! Big gains for each horse! Mila entered 1 class, Ranch Halter and took 4th place. Betsy entered Western Halter and placed 7th, and also took a 4th in Ranch All Day.
Now a well deserved break.

07/21/2024

decided to stop in on the way home from Mountain Top Saddle Club show. at her sponsors Wind Water Controls and inquire about some air conditioning for her stall! She is all tired after a hard day of showing 1 class (Ranch Halter) and placing 4th out of 7! She stood tied quietly at the trailer like a seasoned pro.
Blazer Ringer

07/21/2024

Betsy Ross is about to head into the ring at Mountain Top Saddle Club

07/19/2024

Please check out the link below to get more information on the Appalachian Trainer Face Off Competition Event for 2024.

Information includes event location, dates, how to sponsor your favorite horse and/or trainer and more…

https://heartofphoenix.org/2024/07/17/appalachian-trainer-face-off-and-fun-show-information-2024/

hopes to see you there!!

Join us by taking part in the Appalachian Trainer Face Off as a supporter!

07/19/2024

Many of the social media horse influencers go on and on about pain in horses. It has become the go-to reason for almost every unwanted behavior in horses. Someone must have started a "I care more than you do" contest about horses and whoever can raise the issue of pain the most wins. Which is not to say that the decline in horsemanship standards, resulting from a lack of interest in horsemanship, has not increased pain in horses. But still, pain is not the cause or answer for everything.

Pain as a cause for many things including bucking is very popular today. In my experience, the most common reason for bucking is instinct. Predators attack from the top. Natural selection has instilled a brainstem instinct in horses to get living beings off their back. Therefore, the solution to not creating a bucking horse is to start or restart a horse carefully from the beginning by backing them correctly so as to remove or overcome their instinct to get rid of you on their back. Backing is a method of laying across a horse's back in stages.

Another often overlooked reason for bucking is exuberance. Smart athletic horses know when they "do it right" and they regularly celebrate with a kick out or a buck. The solution to this is to be ready and able to ride through the kick or buck. If you punish exuberance too severely, you can ruin a good horse.

*Excerpt and Photo 1 Credit: Bob Wood Horsemanship

*2nd & 3rd Picture Credit: Clip Clop Click Photography

07/19/2024

Boots and bandages - are we harming our horses as we try to protect them?

Bandaging and booting our horses is becoming more and more popular, especially with the popularity of matchy matchy sets. But are we doing more harm than good? Most people will have come across the articles in magazines and comments from vets saying they are, and yet still they become more and more popular. Why is that? Why do riders still cover their horses in thick fleece bandages or fluffy boots despite the dangers? Tradition I suppose. Wanting to fit in. Or just habit, some will feel like they haven’t finished tacking up if they haven’t put the boots on.

I know this isn’t about dentistry (for which I apologise) but I am a vet first and foremost, and as a dressage rider I am asked why I don’t use bandages all the time. I’ve written about this several times now and no one pays attention, so rather than stating facts and quoting research, I’d like to take you through my journey of discovery, please bear with me. Facts and papers are at the end.

Rewind 12 years and I was in my final year at vet school. Prior to and during vet school I had a horse and we did dressage. I had planned to ODE but this horse pulled every tendon and ligament known to vet kind. He spent more time out of work than in. Each time I would up my game with the latest boots/bandages on the market. From fluffy boots to wraps to sports fetlock boots, fleece bandages to gamgee and cotton to the half fleece/half elastic bandages. I learnt new techniques for better support, figure of 8 bandaging to cradle the fetlock etc etc. I’d been there and done it. My collection was extensive.

Right at the end of vet school I had my rotations. I chose Equine lameness as one of my options. During in this I very vividly remember a wet lab with Dr Renate Weller where she had a skinned horses leg (showing all of the tendons and ligaments) in a machine that mimicked the pressures a horse applies to their limbs. She took us through walk, trot, canter and gallop, loading this leg so we could see the inside workings of the horses leg without the skin. It was fascinating I can tell you, and I very clearly remember thinking about my horse and wondering how on earth we are suppose to support this limb when it undergoes these incredible forces! Half a ton of animal pushing down a tiny spindle of a leg held by tendons barely thicker than my thumb. Craziness!

Fast forward just a few short months and I was a fully qualified vet in the big wide world. I attended my first BEVA Congress and during the break I wandered around the stalls looking at the latest inventions and technologies companies bring to these gatherings. Here I came across a company with the Equestride Boot which caught my eye. Now if you haven’t seen this boot, it’s wonderful and I’ve since used it a few times in rehabbing very severe tendon and ligament injuries with great success. The boot is a carbon fibre boot that stops the fetlock dropping, which stops the tendons and ligaments being fully loaded while they heal. This boot is super strong. You couldn’t ride a horse in it as it is limiting the range of motion so much, but they can move about easily enough at the lower settings to rehab etc. The guy on the stand (I’m afraid I can’t remember his name) showed me their research and in the straight talking Irish way explained the stupidity of expecting a thin piece of material to support a horse. And of course it can’t! Literally no bandage or boot (short of this very expensive carbon fibre rehab boot) is capable of reducing the amount the fetlock drops. Thinking back to Dr Weller’s demonstration, I could very clearly see how ridiculous I had been to ever believe a scrap of material could do anything to reduce or support that pressure.

But the boots/bandages don’t actually cause any harm do they? Surely it’s ok to use them on the off chance they might help and if we look good in the meantime, great! Well, not long after this, research started appearing that got me very worried about my bandage collection. Heat. Anyone that uses bandages and boots will not be surprised to see sweat marks under their bandages/boots after they’ve been removed. They trap a lot of heat. The horses body and legs generate a lot of heat when working. The tendons/ligaments in the leg, along with an increased blood flow generate ALOT of heat. Fleece bandages/boots in particular, hold this heat in the horses leg. Very few boots and virtually no bandages (especially if you use a pad under) allow the legs to breath adequately. This heat is easily enough to kill tendon/ligament cells. Each tendon/ligament is made of thousands and thousands of cells all lined up end on end and side by side in long thin spindles. They stretch and return to their original shape and size like an elastic band, absorbing and redistributing the pressures applied from further up the leg and from the ground impact below. All of these cells must work together as one to do this effectively.

Just a little side step here to explain how tendons/ligaments heal. A tendon/ligament cell can not be replaced like for like. They always heal with scar tissue. This is why reinjury is so much more likely if a tendon/ligament is blown. The fibrous scar tissue doesn’t stretch, it isn’t capable of stretching or absorbing the impact of a horses movement. It will always be a weak spot. In a full blown sprain/strain the whole (or most) of the tendon has been damaged. But this heat injury might just kill a few cells at a time. Those few cells are replaced by fibrous scar tissue, then next time a few more etc etc. Like a rubber band degrading over time the tendon/ligament loses its elasticity and eventually goes snap. Then you’ve fully blown a tendon/ligament. The injury didn’t start to happen at that moment, but that was the final straw. The damage adds up over time, each time thermal necrosis (vet word for cell death) occurs.

So if using boots/bandages can not offer any sort of support, and using them generates heat that slowly damages the tendons/ligaments until they give way. Why use them? Protection. This is the only reason to use boots. To stop the horse brushing, injuring themselves catching a pole or over cross country. But for goodness sake make sure your boots are breathable! If the horse is sweaty under the boot but not above or below, the boot is not breathable enough. And don’t use fleece bandages just because you like the colour. These fleece bandages are the worst at holding heat in the leg, way above the threshold for thermal necrosis to the cells of the tendons and ligaments. If your horse doesn’t need protection, don’t use boots. I haven’t for the last 12 years and *touch wood* I haven’t had a single tendon/ligament injury in any of my horses. I will never go back to boots or especially bandages now. I don’t use them for schooling, lunging, jumping, travelling, turnout, stable, in fact I don’t use them at all. Ever. But I don’t hunt or XC.

I hope you have found my story useful and can make informed decisions on boots and bandaging going forward.

For more information on the Equestride boot and their research into support offered by boots and bandages, visit http://www.equestride.com/ and https://www.equinetendon.com/services/equestride/

The horses leg under the compression machine at the Irish Equine rehabilitation and fitness centre https://fb.watch/cmVMt6-iOJ/ (I highly recommend you watch this incredible video. It clearly shows the amount of force the leg goes through and demonstrates the real purpose of boots)

Other relevant papers-
https://equimanagement.com/.amp/articles/horse-skin-temperature-under-boots-after-exercise
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/8f15/0ea480edca142260d01f419f80d2e7e7fb29.pdf
http://www.asbweb.org/conferences/1990s/1998/59/index.html

Edit 1 - I am getting asked about stable wraps very frequently. This post is about riding, the tendons and blood flow create heat which is trapped by bandages/boots during exercise. This doesn’t occur in the stable stood still. If the horse has a strain/sprain resulting in inflammation, then there is an increase in blood flow and there is heat being created. In this situation you should not be bandaging. But if it’s cold and an old horse needs stable wraps to keep the joints warm and improve sluggish blood flow (filled legs) you can use the heat trapping to your advantage. But you need to be careful in summer.

Edit 2 - the other thing I’m being asked about is compression. Compression DOES NOT control inflammation. The inflammation still occurs, but the swelling can not escape the bandages and the increase in internal pressure reduces blood flow, causing ischemic damage. Like laminitis within the hoof. The hoof capsule prevents swelling so the inflammation expands inwards and cuts off the blood supply. This is why laminitis is so painful and difficult to treat. Compression is only useful in the case of leaky vessels, for example reduced blood pressure, reduced movement so the blood isn’t being pumped backup the legs, or osmotic imbalances eg low protein with diarrhoea. In these situations, compression of the legs can encourage blood to return to the vessels and continue circulating.

07/19/2024

wanted me to let you all know she thoroughly enjoyed listening last night to Sonny Garguilo Keystone Equine Carl Bledsoe JUST GAIT Steady Horse. We would like to say Thank You for taking time out of your busy schedules and doing The Art of Gentling Wild Horses Podcast for us Appalachian Trainer Face Off competitors who wish to learn more.

Heart of Phoenix Equine Rescue, INC

07/19/2024

Having a big support team is vital to the barn, and we are thankful for those who work behind the scenes to help out (P.S. don't kill us for this photo) Paige is one of the small but mighty helpers who keep our chaos together!

07/18/2024

If you are looking for a dressage prospect, then consider Elsie June. This 10 yr old OTTB is available through our barn.

07/18/2024

"Hmm you dont look like "Craig" are you sure "

Sing wants to know if Tinia Creamer can giver her any Uber tips. It appears this Uber may also be doubling as door dash and she isn't sure it's a safe ride!

07/17/2024

Congratulations to Katie Elder and Elsie June for being the weekend high point English Walk Trot horse at the Mountaineer Open Horse Show Series and to Hailee Hiser and Betsy Ross for the weekend high point English Beginner Walk Trot. Such a nice show put on by WVU Equine Studies.

07/17/2024

In case our followers have been wondering what has been up to..

Just being magical with his adopter Samantha Youngblood ! He sure hit the jackpot with her, this is your reminder that "senior" horses shouldn't be passed over.
Heart of Phoenix Equine Rescue, INC

07/16/2024

07/16/2024

*Long Post of Mila’s Past*

has come such a long way and survived a lifetime of neglect in her journey to the Appalachian Trainer Face Off. I’m so glad that her past is behind her… she has such a wonderful life ahead of her thanks to the support, determination, and grit of the Heart of Phoenix Equine Rescue, INC.

I learned everything I could of Mila’s past so that I could fully understand what baggage she potentially had to unpack prior to engaging in any training. For those that don’t know, I would like to share some of her past with you.

Mila, her half sister , and who we think is her dad came from a herd in Ohio where a couple of bull camels somehow got mixed in with them and were literally ripping the horses to shreds by peeling their hides off in huge chunks.

HOP came to the rescue not a moment too soon and was able to save a few of them that could have a normal life and give them what they deserved. Mila was at the ATFO in 2023 but not as a competitor, she was there to get 3 days of handling with a wonderful and very skilled trainer Nelson Detweiler. She was then taken to a very nice facility to spend a couple months growing and learning to let herself feel safe with her half sister Sela.

Fast forward 7 months and to the matching of horse and trainer for the . I was so lucky and fortunate to be paired by random draw with this kind, sweet, and very intelligent 2 year old and she has not disappointed me whatsoever. Since our pairing Mila has taken everything she has been taught to the next level. She has already placed at 1 local show and stood her ground at a second show with some very well bred AQHA show horses. She was not intimidated by them at all.

Please look at her growth in the pics below and see what a spirit that can’t be broken can do with love, support, and most importantly proper nutrition through BUCKEYE Nutrition.

Mila is so thankful to be and she told me to tell all of her other supporters that she is extremely greatful to them as well.

Heckler Farrier Services
Gandy B Veterinary
Clip Clop Click Photography
Wind Water Controls
Vickey Henderson
Hazel Shaffer
EZ Timber Products
Crossroads Chiropractic Care
Tractor Supply Co. of Morgantown, WV
Ridge Creek Tack
Greer Limestone
Ewing Miller
Carly Cale
Pat Teeter

Pic 1: Taken 9/10/2023
Pic 2: Taken 7/14/2024

07/15/2024

Saturdays A team at the Mountaineer Open Horse Show Series consisted of Hailee Hiser and Betsy, Craig Shaffer and Betsy, Katie Elder and Elsie June and Betsy Ross!

07/15/2024

Sundays A team! When you spend as many hours together as we do, you become family quick!






Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance

07/14/2024

Stay tuned for more pictures from our wonderful weekend, just as soon as we all rest some!

Sing, aka Ellie Be Dancing was adopted just over a month ago. She came into the rescue as part of our Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accreditation and she has been at Black Star Stables and Arena getting restarted off the track. This weekend her adopter went to a show with her and some other horses from Black Star. We think you'll agree with us that any color looks good with black!

07/14/2024

Mila thinks this sleazy from Vickey Henderson makes her feel like a superstar! She has been such a well behaved 2 yr old all weekend at this show!

07/13/2024

Betsy and Elsie said WVU Equine Studies Mountaineer Open Horse Show Series has fantastic prizes thanks to Cookie Lady • Equine Confectionery and Meredith Knotts

07/13/2024

That's a wrap for day 1 at the Mountaineer Open Horse Show Series! Betsy Ross, Elsie June gave Katie Elder Craig Shaffer and Hailee Hiser a run for their money Check back tomorrow to see how Sing, Betsy, and do!

07/13/2024

Our late night braiding team is on point tonight!

07/11/2024

We sure hope to see you at the Appalachian Trainer Face Off, and Mila is so hopeful to find an adopter through Heart of Phoenix Equine Rescue, INC. Craig Shaffer is also looking for a meal sponsor, you can find more info by clicking here.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfA_U_br1nnGe3C_IBXh3u-3j5XZfYQWdULwU0AbPvWxDWmoA/viewform

07/10/2024

In recognition of National Farriers Week, Black Star Stables and Arena would like to thank Aric Heckler and Heckler Farrier Services for all the hard work, short notices, and lower back problems that you put up with from us to keep our horses balanced and sound.

Our hats are off to you!!

07/09/2024

This big (16.3 hh) sweet mare will be attending her first show this weekend at Mountaineer Open Horse Show Series. She is looking for a home who wants to continue teaching her proper body carriage. She would be a great dressage prospect as well. 10 yr old OTTB mare with minor maintenance. Text 717 636 0954 for details on how to put this fantastic 🦄 in your barn!

07/08/2024

Coming to a show near you!! If you are a local follower, stop by the Mountaineer Open Horse Show Series this weekend and support us! We will be there with our team and Betsy, Elsie, Mila and Sing! We can't wait to show off our horses.

07/08/2024

SECOND REQUIRED POST
Hey all Mila here I wanted to update everyone with a little news... I received my mid-term report card and although there is room for improvement I wanted to show you my fancy moves! Don't mind the cones, I've been trying to play hopscotch in between some other secret squirrel stuff as well as placing 3rd in halter at my first ever show. If you are local, be sure to come watch me and some of my favorite barn mares at the WVU Equine Studies horse show this weekend. What should I do next?? I can't wait to meet you at the Appalachian Trainer Face Off Heart of Phoenix Equine Rescue, INC

Thanks to all my sponsors for their continued support.
Clip Clop Click Photography BUCKEYE Nutrition Heckler Farrier Services Vickey Henderson Ridge Creek Tack Gandy B Veterinary Wind Water Controls ,EZ Timber, Morgantown TSC, Hazel Shaffer Carly Cale

07/05/2024

** Need met**

Would anyone want to send Mila one of these in size medium? It will help her for her future "Field trips"

StretchX Full Zipper Slicker Hood XL Purple