Stone's Throw Sport Horses LLC

09/03/2025

Spring is almost here! Which means…it's time to schedule your equine companion to receive their spring vaccinations!

If you are wondering what vaccinations your equine friend should receive, the answer is — There are no “one size fits all” vaccine recommendations. A veterinarian who knows your animal and your management system is your best resource to recommend what vaccines your equine should receive and with what frequency!

While vaccination does not prevent disease in all circumstances, a good immunization protocol minimizes the risk of infection and remains an essential component of responsible ownership. A vaccination appointment is also the perfect opportunity for a yearly check-up of your equine friend and a great way to catch any health concerns early.

If you have yet to contact your veterinarian about scheduling vaccinations, we encourage you to do it soon!

26/02/2025

Be on the lookout for imposter Duravet Iver-mectin through online retailers👀 The notice we received did not indicate what online distributors may have received fraudulent product. From the sounds of it, there have not been adverse events, but it may not be effective. If you receive potentially fraudulent product, please contact Duravet to help them track down the source.

07/02/2025

Tick borne illnesses are so common now. If your pastures are in a wooded area, you still need to use a spray or drop to keep them off of your horses!

Did you know that ticks do not die in the winter? Unfortunately for us, they do not, the cold will not kill the ticks, but it will decrease their activity rate when temperatures fall below 37 degrees (F). Ticks survive the winter months by burrowing under leaf litter. When snow falls, it only insulates the dormant ticks, which are protected by the layer of debris. Their bodies also have an ‘anti-freeze’ like component that helps them survive periods of below freezing temperatures. Once the snow falls it also protects the ticks from their natural predators like birds and small mammals.
When temperatures rise and remain above 37 degrees (F) the blacklegged or deer ticks will be actively questing for a host. The adult stage is the primary stage active during the winter. It’s going to be a warm week, so once those temperatures start to rise, please be sure protect yourself and your pets!

Please visit https://www.ticklab.org/ for more information on ticks in our area.



Photo Caption: A colorful PA Tick lab chart showing the risk of exposure for ticks during the week of January 31-Februeary 7th. The background is forested with a dirt road and partially melted snow.

04/02/2025

My year end National Dressage Pony Cup ribbion earned with Wendy Parks' Bon Temps arrived! Not only is it gorgeous but it was unexpected as we only did two shows this summer, and it was our first attempt at second level! This over sized pony has been an absolute pleasure to produce, and I'm looking forward to seeing his owner take the reins this year.
Beyond Bonnets
Romitelli Riding Boots USA, Morriston Florida
Stübben NA
Stone's Throw Sport Horses LLC

02/02/2025

01/02/2025

Riv is looking snazzy in her new browband from Beyond Bonnets ! The navy beads are going to go great with her matching saddle pad and bonnet set! Thank you Lisa!

28/01/2025

20/01/2025

With these next few days of freezing 🥶temperatures here are some tips to keep your horses and donkeys snug as a bug in a rug. 🐴

To all the livestock owners we have you in our thoughts as we are aware there are no cancellations due to cold weather when you own animals. Stay warm and stay safe! 💙

If you need assistance please text or call Creek Valley Veterinary Services at 330-341-2788.

10/01/2025

Shotzie is helping me break the ice in the water this am 🔨 🛠 ⚒️ 🔨

03/01/2025

FUN FACT FRIDAY!

Are you familiar with the many adaptations that help your horse stay warm during the cold winter months?

🌾 Hindgut digestion of hay produces the most heat, acting as a small furnace inside of the horse. This is why free choice; good quality hay is so important in the winter.

💪 Horses have a huge muscle mass and muscle activity produces heat. This includes running and playing and even shivering if their body temperature starts to drop. It is important to remember that these activities also will result in a bigger caloric demand so free choice hay and in some cases, grain, is often needed.

🧥 To blanket or not to blanket is a constant debate but either way, as it starts to get cold your horse will grow a thicker coat. If you decide to leave your horse unblanketed you may notice that they look “fluffy”. This is due to a phenomenon called piloerection where the hair stands up to better trap air within. Two layers of the coat also help with warmth. The inner layer is softer and has air pockets to create an insulating layer. The outer layer is coarse and has oils that keep moisture from penetrating the insulating layer and keep the horse warm.

⚖️ Wild horses go into the winter heavier than ideal, and the fat serves as an extra layer of insulation. However, if a horse is going to be kept heavily blanketed and in a barn during the cold weather months this is unnecessary and can lead to obesity related issues.

🦵Their distal limbs (below the knees and hocks) are made of mostly bones and tendons, tissues that are resistant to the cold temperatures.

🦶The hooves have an alternative route of blood circulation through larger vessels that can be used in low temperatures. This is why horses can stand in snow without detrimental effects.

👃A horse’s nose has a robust blood supply and is rounded so that it is less susceptible to frostbite than a human’s nose.
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Courtesy of the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee

21/12/2024

Water is a vital resource for horses year-round, but its importance becomes even greater during the winter months. Maintaining proper hydration is essential for horses to support digestion, overall health, and especially for preventing colic, a potentially life-threatening condition.

In winter, horses may drink less water due to cold temperatures, or water sources might freeze, limiting access. Reduced water intake increases the risk of impaction colic, a condition that occurs when food material becomes lodged in the horse’s digestive tract. This is exacerbated by the dry, fibrous nature of winter forage like hay, which contains less moisture compared to fresh pasture grass. Without sufficient water, the digestive system slows and cannot properly break down this material, potentially leading to blockages.

Encouraging adequate water consumption is critical. Horses should normally drink 5-12 gallons of water daily, and ensuring the water is warm enough—between 45-65°F—can help encourage drinking. Studies show that horses are more likely to consume warm water during cold weather. Using heated water buckets or tank deicers can prevent freezing and make water more appealing.

Fun Fact: Research shows that horses drink almost 40% more water per day if given warm water (45-65 °F) instead of near-freezing water. (Kristula and McDonnell, 1994)

Electrolytes or salt supplements can also stimulate thirst, prompting horses to drink more. Offering soaked hay or adding water to feed can provide additional hydration. However, soaking hay or feed isn’t recommended in environments where these items would freeze solid before being consumed by the horse.

Preventing dehydration in winter is a proactive measure to safeguard against colic. Regularly monitoring water intake and ensuring clean, accessible, and palatable water is essential. By addressing these needs, horse owners can help maintain their horses’ health and comfort throughout the colder months.

If you have questions or concerns about your horses' winter water intake, contact your veterinarian.

06/12/2024

04/12/2024