Diamond J Equine

08/03/2023

It is super important to make sure those growth plates are closed before starting horses. Growth plates at the knees and hocks typically close at 2-3 years old. It is usually safe to start riding horses at this age as long as the growth plates have closed. It’s also important to keep in mind that the equine skeleton is not fully developed until the age of 6 and horses undergo a lot of changes in their body up until then. Riding horses before the age of 2 or before growth plates close can have serious damaging effects on their long term soundness. Studies have shown that bone adapts to stress in small amounts causing the bone to strengthen. While light exercise and stress can help the bone to remodel stronger, too much can have adverse effects on development and especially on joints. Horses skeletally mature from the bottom up— the third phalanx (coffin bone) is the first to mature and the back is last to mature. Starting horses is exciting, but it is important to make sure your horse is physically ready before doing so.

04/03/2023

Some good information on EPM

03/03/2023

I would like to give a big THANK YOU for all of your continued support and words of encouragement on my new adventure. I seriously cannot thank you all enough— to those who have believed in me from day one (and the ones who didn’t), those of you who like and share my posts, my clients, friends, family, mentors, of course the horses, and the amazing people I have met going into this next chapter of my life and career. I could not do this without you all. You are the reason that any of this is possible and I am beyond grateful for everyone who has been apart of my journey💎
—Julz

15/02/2023

I have some super exciting news that I finally get to share with you all!💎

In a few short weeks, I will be moving to Tennessee and opening a horse boarding, training, and event center. I am beyond excited and grateful for this amazing opportunity.

I cannot thank my extremely supportive family and friends, loyal clients, and everyone who has believed in me enough. You all have helped make my dreams a reality. I must say, it is bittersweet leaving— I will miss all of you and your horses very much. I could not be doing this without your continued support and I appreciate you all more than you know.

If you’d like to continue to see updates and stay in touch, contact information is listed below. I encourage you to like my new page Diamond J Ranch - Tennessee and follow Diamond J Ranch on instagram as well to see my posts. I will no longer be using this account once I relocate. You can also visit the Diamond J Ranch website at www.diamondjranchtn.com.

14/02/2023

Love this!!!

08/02/2023

I hope your trainer doesn't give you what you want.

I DO hope your trainer gives you what you need, more importantly...what your horse needs.

There will always be someone willing to do it faster and flashier. There will always be someone willing to get you into the show ring on your time line instead of your horses. There will always be someone who will tell you only the things you want to hear. For the right price, there will always be someone.

I don't want that kind of someone...not for me and not for you all either.

So, choose your someone carefully.

Choose someone who values their process enough that they can't be swayed from it by demands and dollars. They know where they've been, where they're going and all of the things they've learned between. They put your horse first and show you the value in work that is centered around what the horse needs. They are your biggest supporter while remaining honest and realistic about what it takes to achieve your goals. The only promise they make, is that your horse will get better...and you will too. You pay them but at the same time, who they are at their core can't be bought. They live their truth each day, honest and humble.

That type of someone is priceless...

- Unknown

04/02/2023

4-Hers/parents who came to my clinic last year— I have a bunch of photos I would be happy to share with you if you’d like to enter!

Calling all Gymkhana exhibitors! A gymkhana project book is in the works and we are looking for pictures of 4-Hers competing in gymkhana events to be featured in the book and as the cover! Please send high resolution photographs to [email protected] for a chance to be featured in the new project book! If the 4-H member is mounted on an equine they must be wearing a helmet to be considered for the book. Please submit photos by February 24th, 2023.

26/01/2023

As few of you know, I have made the decision not to continue with this semester and finish out my degree of Applied Equine Science with how much my business has grown in the past year. I never expected it to take off the way it has and I am beyond grateful for the overwhelming support I have received. I truly do believe that I got everything I wanted out of the experience and the classes I took, I met some amazing people, and learned so much. I wanted to shine some light on some of the awesome horses I got the opportunity to work with in my time attending OSU ATI since I’ve never posted about them but they deserve some recognition ❤️

25/01/2023

Are you familiar with the Henneke body scoring system? Here’s a great post by the AAEP to help you understand it!

: Being able to assess your equine friend's weight and body condition is a valuable skill, especially during the winter months when horses (particularly older horses) need to generate more heat to stay warm and may hide their weight loss under a fluffy coat.

The Henneke Body Condition Scoring Chart is an important tool that provides a standard scoring system by rating the horse's physical condition on visual appraisal and palpation (feel) of six key conformation points: the amount of flesh or fat covering along the neck; the withers; down the crease of the back; at the tailhead; ribs: and behind the shoulder at the girth.

A body condition score of somewhere between 4 and 6 is ideal for most horses. However, keep in mind that in some disciplines (like racing, polo and eventing) and some life stages (like pregnancy) a higher or lower body score might be more appropriate.

If you think your horse is too fat or too thin (or even if you can't quite decide), be sure to have a chat with your veterinarian to discuss the appropriate condition and feeding program for your equine friend!

17/01/2023

And I will add…

They don’t care what you look like
They don’t care what job you have
They don’t care how much money you make
They don’t care how many followers you have
They don’t care what your past is
They don’t care how many friends you have
They don’t care what your quirks are

But they do depend on you. They need you to meet their needs.

They don’t care.

That’s how I explain horses to potential new owners who inquire with me for advice. I don’t ever want to discourage someone from the adventure of owning horses. But I feel it is my responsibility as a horse woman to look out for their future horses by giving them the harsh reality.

They don’t care if you’re sick.
They don’t care if it’s 0 degrees
They don’t care if you don’t have the money this month.
They don’t care if you’re tired.
They don’t care if you had other plans.
They don’t care if it’s the holidays.
They don’t care if you’re at work.
They don’t care if it’s the middle of the night.

They depend on you. They need fed, every day multiple times a day. They need their stalls cleaned / turned out, every day. They need you to bust ice on freezing days, and bring extra water on hot ones. They need you to care for them when they’re sick, and they are FRAGILE. Seriously, they spend 75% of their life trying to die and vet bills are expensive.

But, it will be your greatest adventure. The right horse will care about you. They will care for you on days you need it most.

So, take lessons, come over and hang out with your horse friends for a day, volunteer to help them out. Make sure it’s something you want to commit to because they didn’t ask to be in your care.

Thanks for coming to my Ted talk.

- Deahanna Raynes