Franciscan Acres

23/11/2025

Dreamer update:

Dreamer arrived home in Cochran, GA before noon today. We left early to maximize his daylight settling into a new herd and new routine.

When he first walked into the lot with his new herd mates, a loud and long cry erupted from little Josie, who has been missing her old pasture mate, lost to old age last year. Suffice to say she is obsessed.

Dreamer is a little more standoffish, taking it all in, but seems to appreciate her presence. I have a suspicion they will be fast friends.

We took some time going over the feed and care plan, but decided to duck out and allow everyone - human and equine- time to process and bond. The hand over can be the hardest part.

Its a challenge not to become too attached, and if I had unlimited time and resources, I would probably have a lot more horses 😅. Still, I'll be seeing Dreamer in about 5 weeks to keep up with his feet. His overall comfort has been greatly improved these last few months, and I'm committed to see him through.

Watch our page for his future updates.

22/11/2025

I like to be proactive rather than reactive, and planning our horses' diets for overall health - including immune system function- is vital.

We feed Vermont Blend Pro by Custom Equine Nutrition, LLC because it best balances our forage to not only eliminate deficiency, but to OPTIMIZE overall function from hoof quality to immune response.

One of the key benefits of Vermont Blend is the inclusion of the top 3 limiting Amino Acids, the most limiting of which is Lysine.

Use code FranciscanAcres at checkout for 10% off your first purchase of Vermont Blend or Vermont Blend Pro

https://ker.com/equinews/can-lysine-supplementation-help-treat-equine-herpesvirus-infections/?fbclid=IwdGRjcAOOnSFjbGNrA46ctmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHrUPIhx9WHCKtsWNBs66ddoqzX2AvIGh2Ipfu3vtX9mGyBVEjwtvAQ1KIodk_aem_WUcIqQ2k95DUHR7oFJCXSg

In cats and humans, lysine supplementation has been prescribed for the treatment of herpesvirus infections, which can cause keratitis (inflammation of the cornea of the eye) or dermatitis. Equine herpesvirus-1 infections can cause severe neurologic disease, and supplemental lysine has been suggested...

19/11/2025

Its ribbon day ❤️

In October, Salalah and I participated in an online 30 day event through EquestriOn Challenges. We completed our activities, turned in our log sheets, and Salalah received her completion award!

Michael and Jabbar joined Beau and I for the fall challenge, where our team had to complete 20 activities each. Today, the boys got their ribbons, too!

Congratulations, Salalah, Beau and Jabbar!

16/11/2025

Wrapping up 2025 clinic with The Equine Documentalist, hosted by my amazing colleague Motivity Equine Track Rehab Distefano Whole Horse Hoof Care .

Everything is connected, and that's been the theme of continuity this season from all the wonderful clinicians that have taken time to share their talents and knowledge with us so that we can help more horses.

I am greatful Yogi shared his research with us, and I'm reinvigorated to double down on my own client documentation, applying what I have learned these last few days.

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.

12/10/2025

On the move!

The chickens moved into their new coop a few nights ago, and today the goats joined them in their portion of the new mini barn.
We still have to paint the exterior, but its otherwise a wrap on construction!

Dreamer spent the whole day out with the herd on the main track. I think he traversed every last inch in this cooler weather. He's asked to come into the barn area now, just before dinner - maybe in anticipation of the upcoming meal. Im so happy to see him feeling good on his feet!

09/10/2025

Salalah and I have been working on a little competition. We have to complete 10 activities by the end of the month. Because she isn't rideable, we have been doing everything on the ground.

Today we practiced stepping up on the bridge, each hoof when the direction was given, moving forward, and backing off the bridge one step at a time.

This was a good game for her brain and her proprioception skills. I can tell she still enjoys learning and working together.

Older horses need enrichment, too!

Cass provided moral support.

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.