Hickory Hollow Stables

09/07/2024

Sunset is my favorite time at the barn.

09/06/2024

09/06/2024

Sunday, fun day.

09/05/2024

UNDERSTANDING PROUD FLESH ✍️

Wounds on the bodies and limbs of our equine companions are exceptionally common. In particular, wounds on lower limbs can be especially difficult to manage. There is little extra skin in these areas, making large wounds difficult to close via suturing.

In addition, wounds on the lower legs are contaminated easily with bacteria since they are closer to the ground, bedding, and manure. The constant movement of an animal's legs as it walks, turns, and bears weight can also greatly impair healing, especially if the wound occurs over a joint. All of these factors can often halt the normal progression of the healing process and result in a chronic wound.

Persistent inflammation, along with infection, is a major contributor to exuberant granulation tissue (or proud flesh) formation in a wound. Proud flesh is not conducive to wound healing as it prevents the wound from epithelializing (the process of the skin cells covering the wound), and sometimes it can become so large that it appears to be a tumor, usually obliterating the original wound.

Prevention of proud flesh involves good wound management. For the best healing, wounds should be identified and treated quickly and properly — especially on the lower limbs. Consult your veterinarian about any wounds that appear deep or extensive, that lie over important structures (like joints and tendons), or that already show signs of proud flesh development. Rather than waste time and money in trials and errors that could delay your equid's healing, ask your veterinarian what products are best for your situation.

08/31/2024

I remember them in KC many years ago.

Dick Sparrow was the driver of this massive 40-horse hitch appearing at a Fourth of July parade, circa 1972.

The sight of forty horses arranged in ten rows of four large Belgians was truly remarkable at the conclusion of Milwaukee's circus parades, with Elmer R. "Dick" Sparrow at the helm of this impressive team.

Dick Sparrow, a robust individual, required every bit of his strength to manage the reins when the 40-horse hitch made its debut at the Fourth of July Schlitz Circus Parade in 1972.

Prior to bringing the 40-horse hitch to Milwaukee, Sparrow faced the challenge of logistics, as the last significant attempt at such a large circus parade unit had occurred at the turn of the previous century. Renowned in draft horse communities, Dick Sparrow, a resident of Zearing, Iowa, was approached by Chappie Fox, the founder of the circus parade, who inquired if he could undertake this endeavour.

Dick Sparrow confidently affirmed his capability. However, he noted that no teamsters experienced in driving 40-horse hitches were still living. With Fox's assistance, Sparrow meticulously examined photographs from the 1890s using a magnifying glass to understand the intricacies of the harnesses and hitching methods. He then devised a plan, assembled his team—carefully placing horses with varying temperaments in designated positions—and practiced extensively before arriving in Milwaukee.

"It was enormous. You could see the horses long before the wagon came into view," recalled Dave SaLoutos, who took on the role of circus parade director in 1989.

SaLoutos expressed admiration for Sparrow's skill, noting that in subsequent parades, Sparrow's son Paul would also demonstrate the ability to halt the team next to the parade reviewing stand and reverse them.

"It was likely our top attraction, which is significant considering the many favorites we had in those parades. We typically reserved it for the finale. People would certainly remain to witness it," SaLoutos remarked on Wednesday.

07/20/2024

Macy Patient? She was very good. I like learning new disciplines. So now i'm learning about the driving sports. Horses are always teaching you new things.

07/14/2024

Fly mask found, again hanging from a tree. Blending with the flowers in the pasture.

07/12/2024

Fireworks cause a lot of stress for horses. Some worse than others. And stress related issues, injuries. Stayed every night starting with the 3rd.

A horse’s life was cut short after the Fourth of July from overwhelming stress caused by nearby fireworks, according to the animal’s owner.

07/08/2024

Offering; Horse Boarding, full time, vacation, rehabilitation and retirement. Pony Parties. Lawson, MO

07/08/2024

Trailer Loading @ American Royal Ranch Rodeo.

07/08/2024

Wild Cow Milking @ American Royal Ranch Rodeo.

07/08/2024

A quick girls trip to the American Royal Ranch Rodeo.

07/04/2024

Evening check at the barn.

06/29/2024

06/29/2024

Sunset while a storm comes through.

06/11/2024

Sunsets at the barn are the best time of day.

06/02/2024

Why I always soak dried pellets or pulp.

05/30/2024

Memorial day weekend at Hickory Hollow.

05/12/2024

Macy, Progress made at the Driving clinic in IA.

05/08/2024

Getting plenty of rain, the ponds are full. Had to rescue the boat from the pond bank before it got was swallowed by the pond.

05/04/2024

I was today years old when I found this out 🤦‍♀️

04/14/2024

Sunday fun day at the barn.

04/02/2024

lol

🌑 Have no fear! Just in time for the total solar eclipse on April 8, Tough1 releases a limited edition of Equine Solar Eclipse Glasses, perfect to outfit your horse to watch the sun disappear! Prior to the start of the eclipse, attach the glasses to your horse’s halter with polymer zip ties. Once the eclipse is complete and the sun is back to normal, you can easily cut the zip ties to remove the glasses.

Shop direct:
https://www.jtidist.com/equine-solar-eclipse-glasses-horseconfigurable.html

03/10/2024

Up coming event at the barn.

02/18/2024