Kindred Spirit Equine Services

22/11/2024

Hi all! I donated a few certificates for services to For the Love of Aria’s auction to help support the mustangs.

If you’re in/near the Denver metro area and are interested in a bit/bridle assessment, saddle fit evaluation, and/or bodywork session for your horse, please check out the auction and make a bid ☺️

Silent auction 'Deck the Stalls' hosted online at 32auctions.

21/11/2024

I had such a great day today launching into the next part of my saddle fitting journey! I began taking an old saddle of mine apart under the expert instruction and supervision of , and then was privileged to shadow her on some saddle fit evaluations. We found a broken gullet plate and tree, as well as some really disgusting, questionable flocking in my old saddle (don’t worry, I never had it on a horse), so this is my reminder to you to have your saddle checked by a professional regularly, and ensure you’re purchasing QUALITY (mine was donated to me for non-riding purposes). Collaboration and sharing knowledge is SO important and much needed in the horse industry, so I’m very grateful for this opportunity to shadow and learn from Bev.

20/11/2024

I don’t watch Yellowstone, but YIKES!

DO NOT GIVE IM BANAMINE!!! AKA, do not inject your horse with Banamine in the muscle.

We love a good series as much as the next person, especially one as dramatic as Yellowstone! But let’s set the record straight about one scene that made us yell “NEIGH-way!” at the screen.

In a recent episode, a horse was given an injection of Banamine (a common anti-inflammatory drug) *in the muscle*. While it might look cool and cowboy-chic on TV, here’s the deal: 🆃🅷🅸🆂 🅸🆂 🅳🅰🅽🅶🅴🆁🅾🆄🆂🅻🆈 🅸🅽🅲🅾🆁🆁🅴🅲🆃 in real life and could land your horse in serious trouble.
What’s the Problem?
Banamine (flunixin meglumine) is a fantastic drug for reducing pain and helping colics *when used correctly*. But when injected into muscle, it can cause clostridial myositis—a rare but life-threatening infection that produces gas in the muscle tissue. This can happen fast, turning what seemed like a harmless injection into a serious emergency.
The TV Drama vs. Real-Life Care
We get it. TV needs action, and waiting for a vet to explain safe medication practices isn’t exactly prime-time material. But in the real world, Banamine should be given orally or as an intravenous (IV) injection—and the IV option is best left to a trained professional (like your friendly neighborhood veterinarian 👋).
The Takeaway
Hollywood may make ranch life look glamorous, but don’t take veterinary advice from fictional cowboys. Always consult your vet before giving any medication, and remember: the health of your animals isn’t worth risking for a shortcut that’s TV-only accurate.
💡 Got questions about horse rehab care? Drop us a message, and we’ll gallop to your rescue (without the TV drama)! 🐎✨

04/11/2024

This. 💯

I hear this phrase ALL the time and every time I do my heart breaks for the horse in question.

It is a very big misconception in the industry that pain can be ruled out in the horse.

What leads to this statement can also vary drastically from person to person.

The horse might have had a quick muscle palpation, they might have just been scoped for ulcers, or they might have had a very extensive (and expensive!) veterinary work up over days or months.

Regardless, you cannot rule out pain. You might not be able to find a source, but you cannot rule out pain.

Ask any human who has not received an immediate diagnosis for their pain or not been listened to regarding their own health concerns.

Pain does not have a blood test or a specific color or feel.

Pain can be obvious, it can be concealed, it can be complex, it can be poorly understood.

There are certain things, like gastric ulcers, that can be definitively ruled in or out as a SOURCE of pain with a gastroscopy.

But it is the horse’s behavior that says whether pain is or isn’t present. And unfortunately, very often pain in the horse is not a simple thing to diagnose and cure.

When a trainer, owner, rider, or vet says “we have ruled out pain” it is often an invitation to train the horse with harsher methods to overcome performance or behavioral problems.

If the horse refuses to do something, doesn’t cooperate, struggles with tasks, has a change in behavior, or exhibits behaviors that have been scientifically studied to indicate pain in the horse (such as the equine discomfort ethogram and ridden horse pain ethogram)….ALWAYS keep in mind that just because it can’t be located, DOES NOT mean a horse is not in pain.

03/11/2024

I had a lovely time today presenting on bits and bitting at Rusty Spur Saddle Shop. Thanks to Heidi for hosting such a fun event, and thank you to everyone who came! I want to share this excellent educational video by Cristina Wilkins - it covers some of what I covered today, and more! Please watch when you can; it’s about 30 minutes long 💚🐴💚

Some dressage horses, even Olympic champions, have blue tongues when they are ridden. Why is this happening? This video exposes some of the evidence, and sug...

31/10/2024

Nom nom nom…Ah! A monster! Happy Halloween 🎃 👻 Love, Danny 🐴

28/10/2024

Have any questions I can answer on Saturday?

What is your horse telling you about his bit and bridle? What do you want to know about choosing the right bit and bridle and providing the right fit for your horse?

Sharon Tiraschi, of Kindred Spirit Equine will be presenting and hosting a Q and A session on bits and bridle fitting this SATURDAY at 12 NOON. Get things going by throwing your questions into the hat.

What do you want to know? Let us know before Saturday for a $5 coupon.

23/10/2024

My Danny boy as we shared a peaceful moment 💕

20/10/2024

So, I was bit shopping for a client and stumbled upon this gem! What in the actual F??? I mean I see horrific bits all the time, but what strikes me is the description and marketing. Please read how this bit is described and let me know your thoughts!

19/10/2024

Exciting update! The Fall Vendor Fair has been rescheduled to a new date—November 2, 2024! Join us at 19503 E Parker Square Dr, Parker, CO 80134, for a festive day with local vendors. We look forward to seeing you there!

18/10/2024

Happy Friday friends!

Question: What do you see that’s wrong in these pictures?

17/10/2024

Important Update: Due to weather, our Fall Vendor Fair at Rusty Spur Saddle Shop has been postponed. Stay tuned for the new date and more details coming soon!

16/10/2024

Today, Mr. Malone accepted the brushing out of his forelock and mane with a mane and tail brush! No more dreadlocks for this boy 🤩 You may think that this is no big deal, but for Malone, it’s amazing! The sound of the brush and the “pull” that happens when brushing were two challenging things for him. But now? No big deal. Love this sweet boy 🥰

15/10/2024

I’ll be presenting at noon! Who’s going to join me?

🍂🎉 Rusty Spur Saddle Shop Fall Vendor Fair – A Celebration of Community! 🎉🍂

We’re excited to invite you to our Fall Vendor Fair on Saturday, October 19, 2024! This is more than just a shopping event—it’s a chance to bring together our amazing community for a day filled with fun, learning, and great local finds. Whether you're looking to shop unique products, learn something new, or enjoy delicious snacks, we've got something for everyone.
This fair is about growing and supporting our local community, connecting with fellow vendors, and having a fantastic time in the fall air. Your presence makes our community stronger, and we can't wait to see you there!

For more information or to get involved, drop a comment below. Let’s make this a day to remember!

27/09/2024

Malone made a new friend today! As he progresses on his journey, he has to learn to transfer what he learns in our lessons to other people. So, today we introduced Whitney and worked our way to two person grooming, where one person “holds” the horse and the other grooms. This was a HUGE step for him that he took in stride. I’m so proud of you Malone!!! Keep up the good work. And thanks to Whitney for joining team Malone!

23/09/2024

MYTHBUSTING MONDAY

It's the hands holding the reins that make a bit harsh.

Gah! This has to be one of my biggest pet peeves related to bits and bitting. Yes, of course the rider's hands are a massive player in how the bit affects the horse, and yes, a gentle bit can be harsh in the wrong hands. HOWEVER, I want you to consider how the bit feels in the horse's mouth BEFORE A CONTACT IS PICKED UP.

Bits in and of themselves can absolutely be harsh before the rider ever touches the reins. Think about what we're working with inside the mouth - highly sensitive structures including the tongue (with all it's papillae) the lips, the bars, and the palate. A smooth mouthpiece will be much more tolerable for the horse than a rough mouthpiece. A smooth mouthpiece will be able to slide and glide when the horse licks and chews and when rein cues are applied, whereas a rough mouthpiece will catch and drag on all those sensitive structures when the horse performs natural behaviors and when the rein cues are applied.

What would you rather have in your mouth if you were a horse?