The Bleu Barn

01/08/2024

01/08/2024

The bottom of the wall needs to be the same shape as the growth origin at the corium. This happens in nature from miles of daily wear. Domestic horses need someone to simulate this for them. When the bottom of the wall gets flat and the outer wall makes contact with the ground, it puts pressure on the soft sensitive growth corium and the wall develops pressure rings. When the mustang roll is properly applied around the entire edge of the sole, the pressure comes off and the pressure rings grow out. If the roll is properly maintained, for at least 7 months, the rings grow all the way out, except in cases of extreme damage, then it takes longer. In my experience, diet and environment can speed up or slow down this process, but not cause it. Once I’ve established a fully live foot, on a bad diet and a wet environment the horse might be sore but the ripples don’t come back as long as I keep the outer wall from being weight bearing. I’ve also grown the rings off of horses diagnosed with metabolic issues. So I don’t believe they’re caused by diet, environment or metabolism. It takes about 2 years of frequent proper trimming to achieve a fully live hoof capsule. It’s also been my experience that this isn’t a common hoof care practice.

01/08/2024

What is the worst thing about horse care or riding in the winter, in your opinion?

01/04/2024

01/03/2024

Save the date for our 4-H State Horse Judging Contest on Saturday, March 23, 2024. Registration opens in 4-H Online on February 2. More details can be found at: https://extension.missouri.edu/programs/missouri-4-h/4-h-projects-opportunities/4-h-opportunities/state-horse-judging-contest

01/03/2024

An excerpt from horsemen Lou Reid; May our 2024 riding year be filled with good hands that strive to improve and become more 'horselingual'.

“'A horse is only as good as the hands that are holding it. You are always teaching a horse something when you hold it....good or bad. As quick as you can teach a skill, someone else can undo it'.”

Hi everyone, happy new year.

I wanted to write a post to address a running theme that seems to pop up in every post.

"Trainers, instructors, students....unable to apply a skill, groundwork or ride their horses as well as someone else seems to be able to. Everyone asks for advice on how to fix the horses problem". 🤔

I grew up in a little country town in NZ within a farming family that ran dry stock for a living. I sat on the yard rails for years as a little girl watching horses bred, mustered in and "broken in" all within the fences of this farm. As time changed so did knowledge on handling horses from one generation to the next. Here's what I was told as a child and I'm now going on 49 years old and still live by this philosophy. I teach it, I explain it, I show the reasons why we humans need the "fixing", the educating, the training, the practice, the experience.....the knowledge to do what it is exactly we are trying to do.

'A horse is only as good as the hands that are holding it. You are always teaching a horse something when you hold it....good or bad. As quick as you can teach a skill, someone else can undo it'.

It's pretty self explanatory. It doesn't matter how much or how little training a horse has had in order to do a teachable skill. It matters how much or how little knowledge to apply the teaching or aid the already trained skill to the horse, the human has.

Our knowledge capacity is not the only thing that makes us good or bad handling our horses. It's our ability or inability to be able to apply that knowledge correctly, effectively, gently, clearly, timely, consistently and easily.

For some of us coordinating all of those things comes easily and is second nature to us. We can do a lot of things without consciously applying thought to it. A correction here, a repeated signal there and all while "doing the dishes" so to speak. We can easily speak to our horses without thinking about what we're saying. We're just 'horselingual'. Unfortunately for others it's literally like learning a foreign language. They either understand the concepts of the language but can't speak it right. Or they hear a little, learn a little and apply it their own way regardless. Or they don't care for the language spoken they just expect their language to be understood either by gentle persuasion, aggression, confusion or frustration.

Not every person who tries their hand at anything to do with horses learns to be fluent no matter how hard they try. It's just not for them. It's up to those of us who are, to not only express but enforce the importance of learning how to speak Equine as fluently as possible. It is also our duty as the interpreter to protect the horses rights to be spoken to clearly and correctly so as not to create anger in them by someone else's communication barriers.

Horses don't need "fixing". Horses need correct clear communicators in their spoken language. We need to be honest and blunt with people we teach who are not understanding or they're cutting corners on how to communicate with horses or how they're applying aids for skills the horse already knows.

❤️ Photo...my granddaughter on her uncles first pony I started for him when he was 7 years old...

- Lou Reid, New Zealand Horsemen & Riding Instructor

12/21/2023

Riders:

We will use this for the horsemanship hour of un mounted skills so even if your rider is NOT going in a group lesson, please make sure to fill it out asap!

Since our "Whoopsie Daisy" hasn't corrected our equipment use issues, we will be starting a 2 days a month unmounted horsemanship lesson; this will be free , include barn managmeent and saftey, we'll learn "extras" like how to put on the training aids for rides, wrap legs, etc.

Right now the plan is to make this optional but strongly reccomended; in an ideal world students will attend both January offerings since this is a free event meant to make our barn safe.

If we cannot nip our saftey and attention-to-detail issues in the bud, it will become mandatory to attend or spend a regular paid lesson demonstrating the skills covered to register for February's lessons.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe_LIbboOjH7iHPN_dOG3zS1A6hW3_MqyeyeAJtAk8EwZMzew/viewform

12/21/2023

Water remains as important for your horse in cold weather as it is in the summer. As a matter of fact, decreased water consumption in the winter is thought to be the primary inducing factor for impaction colic — although there are other predisposing factors such as poor hay quality, lack of exercise, internal parasites and dental problems.

Impaction colic is essentially constipation and most often includes the accumulation of hard, dry f***l material in the colon. The usual signs of impending impaction colic are depression, a decreased appetite, and decreased production and dryness of manure.

Studies demonstrate that you can increase your horse's winter water consumption if you provide access to heated water, but ONLY if that is the only source of water available. As always, if you have any questions about preventing colic in your horse, your local veterinarian remains your best source of information!

12/18/2023

We subscribe to no wrinkles western and one hunt. What were you taught?

Dennis Moreland Tack wants to know – What’s your opinion on wrinkles? Do you prefer adjusting your bridle to get 1, 2 or more wrinkles at the corners of your horse’s mouth (B or C) or do you prefer no wrinkles (A) from the bit?

According to world renowned horseman Jack Brainard in his book, "If I Were To Train A Horse," “Nearly all horsemen, almost through generations of their ancestry, will tell you that you need a little wrinkle on the corners of the horse’s mouth. Some even tell you the horse should smile a little. Nothing could be farther from the truth. A wrinkle in the corner of the horse’s mouth feels no better to him than it would to his rider. Make sure when you adjust your bit, especially the snaffle, there is no wrinkle.”

As Jack Brainard says, you should become adept at bridling your horse and getting proper bit adjustment; “nothing is more important to the horse than this…you will experiment and constantly adjust watching your horse’s reaction to each new change you make in the length of the bridle cheeks. He will soon tell you where it’s most comfortable. Most often, properly adjusted bridles will solve lots of bit problems.”

On the majority of horses the bridle cheeks should be adjusted so the bits mouthpiece causes no wrinkles in the corners of the mouth but is sitting at the corners without hanging below them. It will then be at the bars where there are no teeth. It’s important when you are making adjustments in your headstall to have the ability to take it up or let it out in very small increments, never more than ¾ inch at a time. The adjustment holes in Dennis Moreland Tack cheek pieces are 5/8 inch so you can get a perfect fit. The top quality leather will prevent the holes from stretching with use so the adjustment will remain where you set it.

Always remember that if your bridle is adjusted properly and the bit fits your horse properly but your horse is uncomfortable (chews the bit, opens mouth, tosses head etc.) that it’s a very good idea to have a veterinarian check him for dental issues.

Visit Dennis Moreland Tack to see our selection of handmade bits, headstalls and bridles: www.dmtack.com or call 817-312-5305.
We’re a full-line handmade tack manufacturer and we’re here to help you.

12/16/2023

Very excited that Faith (Tis Good to Invest by Zippos Mr Good Bar) is confirmed for 2024 to Chips Hotroan Rocker, a lovely strawberry roan son of Zips Chocolate Chip. We LOVE Queenie (her 2022 Lazy Loper filly) and are excited for a 2024 baby.

Fingers crossed for a roan filly! We are putting our order in early!

He is a lovely local stallion owned by Everet & Betty Lee at Rockin Diamond Quarter Horses with a wonderful brain and excellent bone. We had an opportunity to see several mares with his foals at side and every single one was stamped with his awesome head and hip as well including the cutest little quarter pony. He’s a big fellow standing just shy of 16h and we can’t wait for a lovey baby by him.

We love Faith. She has the kindest heart and the epitome of the Good Bar jog. She does all of our walk/trot lessons and is truly momma to all around the barn taking care of colts and kids if they’re hers or not. Heart of gold with a hall of fame pedigree - can’t beat that combo!

12/15/2023

12/14/2023

The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man 💙

92-year-old Duane Van Horn Marks His 45th AQHA Win in Two Years

Update: We just heard from Duane last week at the end of November 2023, and what a rush it was! He's still showing at age 92!

Find out what he had to say, and if you didn't see his original story, you will love it. Find it all here:
http://www.equinechronicle.com/91-year-old-duane-van-horn-aims-for-the-nsba-world-championship-show/
photo by Melissa Baus Design

12/10/2023

Today graduate students from the computer science department came to visit us! They worked all semester on a randomizer for the Northwest Horsemen Association’s intercollegiate horse show association competitions and today they all took the opportunity to tool around on our beloved Dot!

12/08/2023

Breeding with pedigrees!
I am a bit tired of hearing the “you can’t breed the paper pedigree” thing - I can promise you that everything you are looking at in the horse in front of you came from somewhere in their pedigree. Pedigrees are only useful to people who know something about the horses in them & have the knowledge to assess what has come from where.
An experienced & successful breeder years ago told me, when I was starting out, that a good shorthand is to imagine you are breeding to the four grandparents of the planned foal in addition to looking at the parents (not instead of). It will give you an idea of which traits predominate & which are more or less likely to pass on. Pedigrees are a fact file for those who know enough to make use of them. This is not instead of looking at the horse in front of you but in conjunction.
We could also do with breeders who make a conscious effort not to use the same popular lines everyone else is. If your horse is good enough to breed from, there should be more than one positive option and everyone doing the same has a serious impact on gene diversity in the long term. So no, breeding is not only about the pedigree but you don’t breed classic race winners just by combining classic race winners. Genetics is more complicated than that.

Photo: Lady Wentworth with some of her mares, a lady gifted at seeing breeding potential.
Mares: Risala, Ajjam, Kibla, Riyala & Rim

12/03/2023

Awesome fox hunt today in Nodaway Co; next fall we’ll take riders to their 4 Easy / intro to Fox Hunting!

11/24/2023

As we start our December special offering JUMPING cross rails - remember that the rule of thirds is true when we are really pushing for improvement in our skills. Stay encouraged and stay focused!

11/23/2023

Happy Thanksgiving!

As a proud lifetime member of the Appaloosa Horse Club of America and the excited owner of four amazing Appaloosa horses (with one more on the way!), I'm thrilled to share some exciting information this November for Indigenous History Month.

November is recognized as Indigenous History Month, a time dedicated to honoring and celebrating the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. During this month, there is a concerted effort to raise awareness about the rich heritage and experiences of Indigenous communities across the globe. It's an opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the resilience, wisdom, and unique traditions that have been passed down through generations.

Indigenous History Month serves as a platform to educate, share stories, and dispel myths surrounding Indigenous cultures. It highlights the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous peoples while also emphasizing their significant achievements and positive impacts on various fields such as art, science, literature, and more.

Throughout November, there are often events, educational programs, and initiatives that aim to foster understanding and build bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. The month encourages everyone to reflect on the historical and contemporary issues faced by Indigenous peoples and to engage in meaningful conversations that promote respect, understanding, and reconciliation.

The Nez Perce, also known as Nimiipuu or Nee-Me-Poo, are a Native American people located in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Traditionally, their territory encompassed parts of present-day Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. The Nez Perce are known for their rich cultural heritage, deep spiritual connections to the land, and a history marked by resilience and adaptability.

Historically, the Nez Perce were skilled hunters and gatherers, relying on the abundant natural resources of the Columbia Plateau. They were known for their expertise in horsemanship and bred the Appaloosa horse, which became an integral part of their daily lives. The Nez Perce were also skilled traders and maintained relationships with neighboring tribes.

One of the most notable events in Nez Perce history is the Nez Perce War of 1877. Faced with forced removal from their ancestral lands, a faction of the Nez Perce, led by Chief Joseph, engaged in a strategic and ultimately tragic retreat, covering over 1,100 miles in an attempt to reach sanctuary in Canada. Despite their incredible journey and successful evasions of the U.S. Army, the Nez Perce were eventually forced to surrender. Chief Joseph's surrender speech, expressing the desire for peace and understanding, remains a powerful and poignant statement in American history.

The Appaloosa horse, recognized for its distinctive coat patterns, was developed by the Nez Perce tribe, specifically the Nimiipuu people of the Pacific Northwest. The Nez Perce played a crucial role in selectively breeding and developing the Appaloosa to meet their specific needs and preferences.

What makes the Appaloosa truly unique is its striking coat patterns, characterized by spots, speckles, and a variety of distinctive markings. The Nez Perce people took great care in breeding for specific traits, such as endurance, intelligence, and versatility, resulting in a horse that became highly prized not only within their own tribe but also among neighboring Indigenous communities.

The Appaloosa's distinctive appearance sets it apart from other horse breeds. Its coat patterns can range from leopard-spotted to blanket patterns, creating a visually captivating and easily recognizable horse. Beyond its aesthetics, the Appaloosa is known for its strength, agility, and adaptability, qualities that made it an ideal companion for various purposes, including hunting, transportation, and even in times of conflict.

The Nez Perce's careful breeding practices and cultural connection to the Appaloosa have contributed to the breed's enduring legacy. Today, the Appaloosa is celebrated not only for its physical beauty but also for its historical significance and the role it played in the rich tapestry of Native American cultures.

At The Bleu Barn our appaloosas are all from the great mare Who Dun Invited Her a true blue hen of broodmares:

2024 In Utero
Chocolatey X Invited to the Hunt by The Hunter

Val(kyrie) (Name Pending - Red Dun Appaloosa Mare)
The Radio Flyer X Invited to the Hunt by The Hunter

Invy (Invited to the Hunt - Red Dun Appaloosa Mare)
The Hunter X Who Dun Invited Her by Invitation Only

Atlas (All Hands Invited - Red Dun Appaloosa Gelding)
All Hands on Zip X Who Dun Invited Her by Invitation Only)
SOLD TO LAURIE

Love (Who Dun Invited Her - Red Dun Appaloosa Mare)
Invitation Only X The Sunset Glo by Ole Skip
DECEASED

The Appaloosa horse is renowned for its unique coat patterns, and these patterns are categorized into distinct types, each with its own characteristics. The Appaloosa's coat patterns and colors are a result of genetic factors, specifically the interaction between various genes that influence coat pigmentation. Here are some of the main types of Appaloosa coat patterns:

Leopard Spotting: Horses with this pattern have a white coat with dark spots scattered across their body, resembling a leopard's coat. The spots can vary in size and density.

Blanket Pattern: Horses with a blanket pattern have a solid-colored body with a distinctive, contrasting-colored area over their hips and loins. This often looks like a "blanket" and may or may not have spots within the blanket.

Few-Spot Leopard: This pattern is similar to the leopard pattern, but the spots are so large and numerous that they cover most of the horse's body, leaving only a few small, solid-colored areas.

Snowcap Blanket: This is a variation of the blanket pattern where the contrasting color covers only a small portion of the horse's body, typically over the hips and loin.

The genetics of Appaloosa coat patterns involve various genes, including the Leopard Complex (LP) gene and the Patn1 gene. These genes influence the distribution of pigments, determining whether spots, blankets, or other patterns will appear on the coat. Additionally, the presence of the Lp gene can affect other coat characteristics, such as mottled skin, striped hooves, and light-colored sclera (the white part of the eye).

A horse with the LP gene that appears solid except for mottled skin and striped hooves CAN produce the loud and beautiful coat patterns, even if they do not physically show those colors.

Apart from their distinctive coat patterns, Appaloosas are known for other characteristics:

Versatility: Appaloosas are versatile and excel in a variety of disciplines, including western riding, racing, and even as pleasure horses.

Intelligence: These horses are known for their intelligence and trainability, making them suitable for various tasks.

Strong Build: Appaloosas typically have a sturdy build, well-suited for work and endurance.

Friendly Temperament: Many Appaloosas exhibit friendly and docile temperaments, making them excellent companions.

All of the red duns in the photos are our appaloosas but we selected Creative Commons photos from google to show off the wonderful color variety since ours are primarily minimal characteristic appaloosas. If you recognize one of these horses and would like to give credit to the owner please notify me - we will gladly add a tag or addendum and do not take credit for the gorgeous horses or their photos.

11/18/2023

We have STICKERS to give away! Our page is on a “5k Giveaway” and we will be giving away a months free riding lessons when we get to 5,000 followers.
participate, like the page, share that OG post, and tag 3 friends.

In the meantime - we are giving away stickers for every 500 followers. You can pick this up at the barn OR dm your address and I will mail it to you. At 2500 followers we will have a bigger surprise!

Our first winner of this awesome Bleu Barn sticker is . . . Katy Hecker-Smith

11/18/2023

Our condolences to Allocate Ypur Assets’ connections. Dot’s big brother was a HECK of a horse. A Million Dollar Producing & Equi-Stat Leading Sire; “The Total Package” – a phrase often thrown around and attributed to many, yet not often truly attained. But in the case of Allocate Your Assets, his consistency, movement, pedigree, and outstanding disposition, has earned him the title of just that.

He has sired nearly 21,000 aqha points to date, 50 AQHA world and reserve champions, and ~350 ROMs out of ~550 foals. With multiple 2024s on the way, “Al” is sure to have winners for years to come.

Dot shares Al’s winning disposition from their sire, Protect Your Assets a wonderful Iowa stallion and superb producer.

11/17/2023

🐎 Exciting News from the Bleu Barn! 🌟 We're galloping towards 5,000 followers, and we've got an EPIC giveaway for you! 🎉🤩

🌈 What's up for grabs? A 1-Month Riding Lesson Pack with 4 FREE lessons! 🏇✨

To enter:
1️⃣ LIKE and SHARE this post
2️⃣ FOLLOW our page
3️⃣ COMMENT below tagging 3 friends who love horses, might be interested in riding, or are fans of Maryville, Missouri community updates and supporting our youth! Each comment earns you an entry into our random drawing. 🎁

👉 Pro tip: The more comments, the more chances to WIN! 🎊

At the Bleu Barn, we're not just horsing around! 🏡🐴 We host the Nodaway Co 4H horse club spin group, provide stock and hunt seat riding lessons, and proudly sponsor the Northwest Missouri State University Horsemen’s Association. 🎓🏆 Plus, we're all about inclusivity – a Safe Sport facility with a certified special education teacher as our primary instructor. 🌟 From beginners to advanced riders, everyone's welcome on this ride of a lifetime! 🌈

Remember, these rides are priceless experiences, not cash – so let's saddle up and make memories! 🌟🏇 Don't miss out on the chance to kickstart your riding adventure with us! 🚀

11/17/2023

Our horses were featured on the front page of the Northwest Missourian and helped out with tonight’s diversity lecture and lovely saddle modes!

11/17/2023

11/16/2023

1st 4H meeting to be 12/6 @ 7 pm. We’ll do goal setting, talk judging interest, hippology, & ride/show.

Get Text Updates
https://www.remind.com/join/nodaway4h

11/16/2023

We have 4 ”new rider orientation” spots left for next week!

Your very 1st riding lesson at The Bleu Barn. We will go through the orientation packet, sign waivers, meet the horses, and learn the safety procedures and how things are done at this facility. You'll ride one of our lesson horses on the lunge line!