Cat's Tack & Horsey Services

03/14/2024

Schedule of Events during Mule Days at Leatherwood

Check out the Schedule of Events below so you don't miss out on any of the fun events happening at Mule Days at Leatherwood! Be sure to save a copy to your phone too!

03/03/2024

Please keep these in mind in working with our veterinarians and all professionals.

03/01/2024

Folks we have some outstanding horses coming to the Great American Ranch and Trail Horse Sale!! We have Trail Horses with extensive trail riding skills that have "been there and done that and are ready to go ride for you." We have ranch horses that are the real deal that rope and work cattle. We have Show Ranch Horses that are ready to go ride and win! Come join us! Bid live or sign up to phone bid or bid online. See our website for details. www.greatamericantrailhorsesale.com

02/29/2024

Work on new trail starting March 1st.

02/12/2024

A well run event with lots to learn and plenty of shopping.

02/05/2024

A quiz of your knowledge of laminitis, receive a freebie upon completion

https://www.americanfarriers.com/laminitis-quiz?fbclid=IwAR0yXIM5Hk2NKlkH2KxzmQ7Rr6pu29kZXV-2HLZkf4KYHyTzwjNsAiuR4EU

01/10/2024

An informative article the ECIR Group - Equine Cushings and Insulin Resistance posted regarding Thyroid supplementation.

Levothyroxine induces weight loss and reduces neck circumference in horses with EMS when animals are kept on a weight maintenance diet, but does not influence glucose dynamics or insulin sensitivity. Read pages 74-84 here:
https://trace.tennessee.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=&httpsredir=1&article=2019&context=utk_graddiss

01/10/2024

An informative article posted by the ECIR Group - Equine Cushings and Insulin Resistance regarding Thyroid supplementation.

Levothyroxine induces weight loss and reduces neck circumference in horses with EMS when animals are kept on a weight maintenance diet, but does not influence glucose dynamics or insulin sensitivity. Read pages 74-84 here:
https://trace.tennessee.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=&httpsredir=1&article=2019&context=utk_graddiss

01/08/2024

Ms. Jec Ballou shares exercises we can do to keep our horseys fit without riding them.

As the shorter, colder winter months settle in, brief but purposeful groundwork sessions become critical for a horse’s physiology. Granted, fitness-based groundwork will not keep a horse at peak performance level, but it will prevent total
erosion of neuromuscular and metabolic fitness during times of abbreviated schedules. When consistently and strategically practiced, it improves muscle tone, basic metabolic function, and neuromuscular patterns. Keep reading here: https://www.jecballou.com/trainingtips/how-to-keep-you-horse-fit-without-riding

01/07/2024

The Southern Equine Expo is a great event. See y'all there!

Southern Equine Expo Dedicated to Every Horseman

01/05/2024

Did you know there are 3 proprioception centers/areas of the body?

One is the hoof.

Working the hoof can positively or negatively effect the body. This includes trim and application of orthotics.

In the post below The Equine Documentalist shares his research and some webinars.

Did you know that there are 7 major proprioception centres responsible for posture?
3 of them hugely influenced by humans!?

Dr Gellman and Dr Shoemaker have created a course on postural rehabilitation!

You can enroll now at this link

https://ted2024.krtra.com/t/5IrsnjGKPUoQ

I have done multiple webinars with Dr Gellman about abnormal compensatory posture (camped under/canted in) which have been some of the most popular webinars we have done!

In these we have discussed 3 main proprioception areas affected by human and domestication influences on major Neuro-sensory input centres which have a profound effect on equine posture. The cervical spine, dentition and the TMJ and hoof balance.

https://equineeducationhub.thinkific.com/courses/proandpos

https://equineeducationhub.thinkific.com/courses/Dentalandperform

Since then we have both published papers on the subject. With my personal research quantifying the hoof as a Neuro-sensory organ and showing it’s effect on posture.

My paper..

https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/12/23/3275

Dr Gellman paper

https://journals.biologists.com/bio/article/11/4/bio059139/275381/Standing-horse-posture-a-longer-stance-is-more

12/12/2023

An example of our handmade water ties.

They are made by me, Cat using American leather. The hide is purchased, cut into strips, cut again to the length for the water tie, punched, and then tied on to the reins using American leather lace.

Water ties are great for many reasons. They are inexpensive to replace when needed compared to metal snaps. Any metal snap can be added for quick attachment. They are light weight.

12/06/2023

ECIR's safe feeds for horseys/donkeys/muleys with IR and/or PPID.

For best results, one should feed a custom mix of minerals balanced to your hay; in lieu of that, using one of these ready-made balancers can be a second-best option (see page 2): https://www.ecirhorse.org/assets/documents/ECIR-Group-DDTE-Safe-Feeds.pdf. Note: these are available in the US and Canada.

11/13/2023

A fantastic resource for all equid stewards. If you suspect laminitis please contact your veterinarian to ask for blood work and to plan a way forward.

Unfortunately, by the time many owners find us, their equines have already experienced laminitis. Since 80-90% of all laminitis cases are a result of the horse, donkey, or mule having uncontrolled EMS (Equine Metabolic Syndrome) and/or PPID (Equine Cushing's Disease), our goal is to help owners and equine professionals get the correct diagnosis and initiate treatment BEFORE a laminitic event. Here's what you need to know: https://www.ecirhorse.org/DDT+E-diagnosis.php
For more details, click here to view our short film: Getting the Correct Diagnosis: https://www.ecirhorse.org/video.php
Details about the Virginia Polytechnic proxies: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16677122/

10/31/2023

Have a read and look at the photos provided regarding infection of the hoof horn.

Notice how deep the infection is with regard to the crack that is seen.

This is why it is important to open the crack to get to the site of infection.

10/14/2023

I'll be attending this webinar today on hoof morphology.

Looking forward to continuing to learn about the foot.

10/08/2023

Fantastic information and things we consider when working the feet

Hoof deformities depend on horse's conformation and posture and therefore occur in specific patterns.

Recognizing those patterns not only gives us more understanding about the forces being at play and the load distribution over the hoof capsule, but also may help us decide what actions to take when it comes to addressing those deformities.

If you want to learn more about 4 hoof types, here's the link ☺️:

https://thehoofarchitect.blogspot.com/2023/09/demistifying-equine-limb-deformities_21.html?m=1

If you guys want to learn more, I'll be explaining this more in depth and also talking about trimming in the upcoming webinar with Yogi 😊

The FB event page:

https://facebook.com/events/s/new-understandings-in-hoof-mor/3564929467077786/

And here is the hub ticket booking…

https://equineeducationhub.thinkific.com/courses/understanding-hoof-morphology-1

10/03/2023

October is a big month! Soooo many great deals to be had! 😍

-New products released -Fantastic promos for current members -Brilliant promos for new members and those reactivating their membership

Wanna know more details? Comment with your fav emoji.

09/08/2023

As an owner and lover of geriatrics this is an important topic. I also have many geriatrics as clients.

It's a sensitive topic, euthanasia. This podcast will be focusing on lameness and euthanasia.

One of the hardest decisions we will ever have to make as a horse owner is choosing when to let them go. Advocating for our horse is one of our biggest responsibilities, and that includes recognizing when their quality of life is not what it should be and cannot be improved. This is especially difficult in lameness cases, since many are not old or otherwise unhealthy, so how do we best navigate this?

This topic is never easy, and it's one that is very sensitive. But working in hoof rehab, I know it's an important conversation, especially when it comes to sticking up for the voiceless ones in the equation, our equine companions.

On this week's podcast episode, Dr. Sara Cook of Black Brook Veterinary Services talks about guidelines for euthanasia especially when it comes to lameness cases, recognizing chronic pain and suffering in our horses, and the euthanasia process. The more we open up this conversation, the more we can make better choices that will serve our equines.

You can hear the entire conversation on any podcast app under "The Humble Hoof," or directly at this link: https://thehumblehoof.com/2023/09/08/equine-euthanasia/

Thank you to our amazing sponsors:

Equithrive offers supplements for everything from metabolic health to joint support – get 20% off your first order at equithrive.com with code HUMBLEHOOF

Cavallo Hoof Boots is offering 20% off a pair of Trek hoof boots at cavallo-inc.com with code HRN.

And special shout out to Grid as New, Mud Control Grids – they are a game changer for any mud issues, big or small! – mudcontrolgrids.com

09/02/2023

Did you know: The importance of hemidesomomes in the equine foot.

They have only one job, to keep the laminar attached to the basement membrane. It's only one job, boy what a significant job!

08/28/2023

How do you feed hay?

Below are the results of feeding hay 3 different ways.

https://customequinenutrition.com/blogs/forage-and-pasture/best-way-to-feed-free-choice-hay?fbclid=IwAR021msfEbyC3pRNCcgXPZbUt6yn_lsNXec0h5zb5-M5TMOAyx85kZBi2kU

This new study tested the best way to feed free choice hay to your horse: Loose, slow feed net, or automatic timed feeders. Find out the results!

08/22/2023

Ms. Brook is great work with. She'll be in the Southern Pines/Aberdeen area August 24th. Contact Scoot Boots of the Carolinas to schedule a fitting for your horsey/muley/donkey.

08/17/2023

Dr. Kellon explains the importance of ESC+starch.

https://drkhorsesense.wordpress.com/2023/08/16/monitoring-your-horses-carbs-is-not-about-nsc/?fbclid=IwAR345m3CmsmEo2RInavYbBD9_sdl1BG9hp7olfgIpZraMI-SN9bkbj-nXew

NSC, nonstructural carbohydrates, is a plant biology term. It refers to fructan, simple sugars, oligosaccharides (complex plant sugars) and starch. NSC was used to evaluate the suitability of a fee…

08/03/2023

Dr. Eleanor Kellon Vmd shares the top 3 supplements every horsey should be receiving.

Image by Philipp Kleindienst from Pixabay All equine feedstuffs are deficient in sodium and the horse has an instinctive hunger for salt A universal requirement for horses around the world is salt,…

12/13/2017

Did you know? By the time horseys show signs of PPID (Cushing's), they've had the disease for several years. Do you have a PPID horsey? How was he/she diagnosed?

03/16/2017

April 1st, click below for details

Please join us April 1st, 2017 for this great trail ride and hunter pace benefit to help extend and preserve horse trails in Howell Woods near Newton Grove, NC. Cat, thanks very much for supporting this important riding day.. Please register at www.nchorsecouncil.com.

02/23/2017

We've donated today's I AM HERD giveaway. Just comment your answer to the question on the original post.

DAY #10 - BUCKET LIST
As Mary and her family are out of range to get internet service; I am going to attempt to post something for day #10. The Jordan family is actually camping near the Steens Mountain waiting to view the wild horses this morning. As I type this entry, I think about the things we would like to experience or accomplish in this life time. Sometimes these things are on our bucket list for a very long time and sometimes they are yearnings that crop up on the spur of the moment. Maybe we don't even realize that it's something we would like to do until it smacks us in the face. Mary and her family are on one of thoses journeys right now, living the moment and breathing in every second so this experience can be shared with everyone. For me personally, my ultimate dream would be to ride the Colorado river within the Grand Canyon. It has been gnawing at my heart for many years and someday it will happen (hope I'm not too old to really enjoy it). I know from reading your posts that all seem to be very excited about Mary's endevor and have a lot to share with your comments. I want to ask everyone if they will share with us something that is on your bucket list. Something that pulls at your heart continually.

Day #10 Giveaways include a beautiful black and purple rope halter with attached lead made by the loving hands of Cat Nordan of Cat's Tack & Horsey Services, detangler spray by Espana Silk Grooming Products, and a gift certificate from our home town sponsor Hudson's Truevalue Hardware

Please remember to comment on the original post pinned to top of I AM HERD page

Thanks to our sponsors! Thanks for being patient with me, Mary will be back posting later today. LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!!!!!

02/17/2017

Rood & Riddle Equine Podiatry

Great short video on how much the hoof wall moves thankx to the while line (laminae).

Elasticity of the suspensory apparatus within the hoof capsule !

The laminae firmly attach the coffin bone to the hoof wall. The intricate anatomy of the laminae bear much of the weight of the horse. It diminish concussion of the coffin bone as they transfer weight and re-direct forces between hoof and skeleton.

(video courtesy of Dr. Scott Pleasant)

02/06/2017

Introducing leather water ties.