WindWolf Farm

28/04/2025

04/03/2025

We are at the beginning of an active 36-hour time period. Rain and storms will become more widespread this evening and overnight into Wednesday AM. As the low pressure passes, backside snow showers are expected Wednesday PM!

14/01/2025

06/01/2025

During these cold winter days you may be thinking about offering bran mashes to your horse as a warm, comforting treat and also as a way to help prevent colic due to the higher fiber content of bran. This, however, is an outdated concept and nutritionists point out several potential problems associated with feeding bran mash too often—namely, an imbalance of the dietary calcium-phosphorus ratio that could lead to bone disorders, and a disruption of the healthy fermentation patterns in the horse’s intestinal tract.

The best way to help your horse stay warm this winter is by increasing forage 🌾 and providing shelter 🏠 during a cold snap. And as far as the risk of colic, your first line of defense is to provide plenty of water to keep your horse hydrated. 💦

As always, your equine veterinarian remains your best source of information; contact them to learn more about feeding mashes (they are typically not an issue if fed as the occasional treat) and colic prevention this winter.
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Brough to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee

06/01/2025

Breeding Practices - A Cautionary Tale

In the equine world, prioritizing appearance over functionality for the sake of winning has become widespread, and the judging is certainly the biggest factor that has influenced these distortions to a horse's ability to function effectively.

From the Arabian world and quarter horse world to the racing thoroughbreds and warmbloods, the motivations for breeding for horse welfare and function seem to have all but been abandoned in favor of winning at all costs.

Thoroughbred racehorses face challenges due to selective breeding for speed, which has inadvertently increased the prevalence of cardiac and musculoskeletal issues.

Halter Quarter Horses are often bred for pronounced musculature on delicate limbs, leading to soundness problems, again due to judging practices.

Should we not all be concerned that these practices not only compromise structural integrity but also raise ethical concerns regarding a horse's overall well being?

Warmbloods, commonly used in dressage and show jumping, are not immune to the pitfalls of selective breeding.

Should breeders and judges not be aware that emphasizing certain aesthetic traits can result in morphological imbalances, affecting performance and health?

Should breeders and judges be held to better standards when it comes to horse welfare aspects of conformation and performance?

What about the organizations that run these events?

What about the competitors who make a choice to do harm to their horses in order to win?

Let's hope the the overhaul that is badly needed is on the way - one where the focus shifts to protecting our horses - the evidence and research is there to guide us. We just have to join together and commit to better education, action and advocacy.

Join the evolution at www.equitopiacoursesonsale.com where you can learn more about all of these topics from some of the most respected professionals in the horse world.

31/12/2024

31/12/2024

Help Wanted - We need your help getting the word out about the upcoming My Furry Valentine adoption event taking place on January 25th & 26th at Spooky Nook Sports. We have posters and flyers available for pick-up at Cincinnati Animal CARE Monday - Friday 1p-6p and Spooky Nook Sports Champion Mill check-in desk 24/7. Success would be getting these posters and flyers plastered all around the tri-state area. Getting them up at your local Kroger, breweries, tattoo shops, coffee shops, hair salons, etc. is a great way to help us get the word out and help connect loving families with an adoptable animal (or 2 or 3).