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Franciscan Acres Welfare-Based Track System Boarding and Equine Nutrition Consultations

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!

Dreamer had his first PEMF session today with Grace from MG Equine Therapy promptly followed by a nap.
01/09/2025

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

A busy week, here. We had our fall vet visit with Dr. Rae Strobel Strobel from Allatoona Equine on Wednesday. In additio...
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.

Good morning, herd 🌄
30/08/2025

Good morning, herd 🌄

We are sad to announce the passing of our dear Geurtie. She had been spending more time resting the last week or so, but...
27/08/2025

We are sad to announce the passing of our dear Geurtie. She had been spending more time resting the last week or so, but seemed otherwise her normal happy self. Last night she followed the herd out to track 3 where she slipped into the pasture as she often does, found a soft patch of grass, and went to sleep. We were so blessed that she graced our farm for her twilight years, and we will miss her greatly. She was laid to rest next to her friend, Maverick.

Little Dreamer had a good first week with us. He's been taking his Pracend every day and so far, no sign of any impact o...
25/08/2025

Little Dreamer had a good first week with us. He's been taking his Pracend every day and so far, no sign of any impact on his overall appetite or mood as we sometimes see with the pergolide veil.

We always start new horses on a smaller dose and slowly increase to an appropriate level along. This method, along with the use of a mild adaptogen, usually works wonders to avoid any side effects.

Dreamer is still spending most of his time in cloud boots and I don't expect that to change in the immediate future. But I have been taking him on short walks barefoot within his tolerance to assess his comfort and give him a break from the boots. He's graduated to spending most of his time in the center track where he can see the other horses and feel included, but have the safety of his own enclosure. He seems to enjoy their proximity, along with Gertie the goat, who joins him for a part of the day.

Wednesday he will be getting xrays of his front feet. This will help us make informed decisions about his care.

Beau and Jabbar took us for a little ride at Stouts Park on Sunday. We even met up with some friends.
25/08/2025

Beau and Jabbar took us for a little ride at Stouts Park on Sunday. We even met up with some friends.

The Arabians would like to know where we are taking the other Arabians. Jabbar and Beau are going for a light ride this ...
24/08/2025

The Arabians would like to know where we are taking the other Arabians.

Jabbar and Beau are going for a light ride this morning!

We can read the outside of a hoof wall like the rings on a tree. Physically and emotionally stressful events leave lines...
22/08/2025

We can read the outside of a hoof wall like the rings on a tree. Physically and emotionally stressful events leave lines on the hoof called event lines.

We might most often hear the term associated with laminitis, and while many event lines are dietary in nature, some are a result of other trauma .

Something as serious as a hospitalization, or as minor (in our mind) as a new horse being introduced to an adjacent pasture, can all result in event lines.

We might learn a lot about how sensitive our horses are to the world around them by monitoring these lines and how they correlate to changes in our horses' diet, environment, social structure or general health.

19/08/2025

Beau getting his steps in.

17/08/2025

Perfect morning for a little time on the grass.

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