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Welfare-Based Track System Boarding and Equine Nutrition Consultations

10/11/2025

Nothing to see here...
Early morning horse check. We don't tend to blanket at these temps unless it is accompanied by wet. Still, the first cold night of the season always has me second guessing.

I'm cold, so they must be cold...

The TNZ (Thermal Neutral Zone) is the temperature range in which an animal does not need to use any additional metabolic energy to regulate temperature.

In humans, the TNZ is 68-78F
In horses, the TMZ is 41-77F

Age, BCS, and general health of individuals can impact those numbers, but in general, horses are more tolerant of cold than humans. Rather than blanketing or reducing movement by stalling (which studies indicate slows gut motility and increases colic risk), we add more fuel to the furnace with extra forage. Our track system is the perfect place for horses to keep things moving as they travel to find more forage and seek out areas that create a natural barrier from the wind.

09/11/2025

Recently I feel so many little peices of information, tidbits I soaked in from different sources, have started to come together to weave a beautiful tapestry in the shape of a horse. How it all connects in the body of the equine, and how it relates to my job as a whole horse hoof care practitioner, becomes more and more clear. But, so does the sensation that I've only just scratched the surface in this journey.

Today I learned more valuable tools to help horses on the ground. I also learned that some of my own riding techniques were not ideal for my horse. I always approached riding with a minimalist mindset. I want to "stay out of their way" as much as I can. I understand now that I ride a horse that needs certain contact from a neuromuscular standpoint. He isn't "off" or in "discomfort", he's lacking support and guidance from me.

Horses don't just naturally know how to carry us on their backs. They compensate, and often in harmful ways. There is so much more to making a riding horse than wet saddle pads, and we truly owe it to them to help them learn how to protect and use their bodies properly.

I'm grateful to Debbie with Equine Self Expression for spending so much one-on-one time with Beau and I today at her Biomechanics Clinic. I truly feel empowered, and I'm anxious for more opportunities to learn from her.

23/10/2025

When Madison from MG Equine Therapy visits, everyone is happy 😌 Im way overdue for a Dreamer updated, but suffice to say he enjoyed his session and we are seeing the benefits in his body and overall comfort.

Salalah and I have been working on a little secret competition- big reveal coming - and today we took a walk to enjoy some fall colors after her PEMF session.

19/10/2025

It means so much to me to have my horses close when we travel with them. Its asking a lot, leaving the herd, riding in the tight quarters of a trailer, arriving somewhere new, not knowing for how long or what will be expected. The ability to stay close and support their needs on these trips has strengthened our relationships with our horses immensely.

This weekend we took Beau and Jabbar to AH Stephens for a little overnight adventure. We had some nice rides, but also some focused grooming and red-light sessions. The horses enjoyed the extra TLC, special hay, and larger portions at meal time.

I always get the impression from Beau that he genuinely enjoys these trips, as they are as much about his curiosity and comfort as they are about our relaxation.

30/09/2025

Sunday, we took Jabbar, Auditor and Beau for a ride off the the new horse parking at Fort Mountain State Park. It was a humid climb, but the horses were good sports and got well deserved hydration and rinse downs after.

On Monday, Beau had a visit with Brittany from Project Pegasus Equine Massage Therapy & Bodywork. Getting Beau to accept body work has been a bit of a challenge. He isn't a huge fan of unknown people touching him (fair enough) but I've learned from his PEMF sessions and my own attempts with applying The Masterson Method, that Beau has a difficult time with the release in general. We often find after PEMF he wants to go off alone to release, where he isn't being viewed.

Brittany and I quickly learned that when Beau began slinging his head and trying to bite us, it was a sure bet she was on to the right area. It was clear he had massive benefits from the 2 hour session, and he was standing more square and relaxed after.

I learned a lot about how much old injuries- ones who's history I know nothing about - are impacting him due to adhesions and scar tissue. It was good to know this is something we can work through, and Im looking forward to continuing my homework with him until our next session in two weeks.

Big thanks to Brittany for hanging in there with us and seeing past the behavior.

21/09/2025

Dreamer took an epic roll in the sand and dirt. Dirty horses are happy horses, but Im adding his name to the bath list for this weekend 😎

I'm happy to see how relaxed he has become.

13/09/2025

I'm a bit of a picky camper, but not for my sake. I can sleep happily in a tent, trailer or 5 star hotel room. I'm picky about where my horses stay overnight. Here at home, we don't stall them unnecessary, as we feel strongly about the mental and physical benefits of 24/7 movement. (No judgment for those who do stall, as I understand thats a complex subject for another post).

I am uncomfortable with the idea of trailering my horses hours from home to stand in a stall all night so I that I can trail ride - the idea of riding them, then sticking them in a stall afterward. For that reason, there are a few places off my riding list as they are just too far for a day trip, and in my opinion, lack appropriate accommodation for my horses to stay at night.

When I first discovered Lizardsniffer, I was thrilled to see they offered pasture options. This is the perfect example of what I want my horses to experience when they are away from home - a vacation! It doesn't mean they won't have to carry me around a bit, but I want their accommodations to be as enjoyable for them as mine are for me.

Beau and Jabbar had a great time with us the last few days - out on the trails, and especially in their private pasture!

01/09/2025

Dreamer had his first PEMF session today with Grace from MG Equine Therapy promptly followed by a nap.

31/08/2025

A busy week, here.

We had our fall vet visit with Dr. Rae Strobel Strobel from Allatoona Equine on Wednesday.

In addition to vaccines and bloodwork, Aspen had an ultrasound for the bump under the mane. Without a biopsy, its not possible to give a definitive answer, but based on the structural appearance, and high occurrence of melanoma in Grey horses, this seems the most likely scenario. Biopsy is unfortunately risky, and not on the table.

Dreamer had lateral xrays taken of both fronts. This is extremely helpful for me to ensure my plan and expectations are in line with science and reality. The rotation wasn't surprising, based on the collateral groove depth I was seeing. I was suspicious of sinking, which unfortunately was confirmed. The xrays don't look great, but everyone has noticed his movements have both increased and improved in the last two weeks, so I'm feeling very positive. Its a long haul recovery, but he has a resilient little spirit.

On a more positive note, Michael and I took Jabbar and Beau on a much needed ride with good company on Saturday. Sometimes its necessary to disconnect from our work lives, which seem to run 7 days a week, these days, and remember our "Why".

Finally, we gifted a shadow box of Geurtie to her favorite person, Susan. We can think of no better person to have these little treasured memories. We are still a bit melancholy over her loss, though you learn quickly from farm life that the living deserve our best selves, requiring us to take a deep breath and move forward in positive light.

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