Horse & rider 2 17

TRICKY X-RAYS: HOW YOUR VET READS THEM

WESTERN TRAINING HOW-TO ADVICE

FEBRUARY 2017

The

Senior Issue Provide The Best Care For Your Older Horse

• 5 Key Arthritis Questions • Feel-Good Work He’ll Love • Still-Active Seniors ‘Is My Mare Too Old To Breed?’

The Best Lead-Change Drill 10 Tips For Ranch Riding Logs SAYING GOODBYE TO A FAVORITE OLD HORSE

Quarter Horse gelding Design By Leaguer

*Only at participating retailers.

Š2016 Cargill, Incorporated. All Rights Reserved.

TableofContents

February 2017

On the Cover Tricky X-Rays 5 Key Arthritis Questions Feel-Good Work Still-Active Seniors Best Lead-Change Drill 10 Tips/Ranch Riding Saying Goodbye Mare Too Old to Breed?

46 19 34 60 26 54 8 12

6 From the Editor: My soft spot.

8 Your Stories: Goodbye, Johnny.

10 We Hear You: Cover praise.

12 Whole Horse Q&A: Is this senior mare too old to be bred?

YOUR HORSE YOUR LIFE 15 We’d Love to Own: 2008 APHA/ PtHA gelding Gotta Lota Good.

16 Talk: Become a WDAA judge.

17 Health: Oldsters and aerobics.

18 Solutions: Shoulder-relief cinch.

19 Horsekeeping: Minimize arthritis.

20 Style: Versatile jacket for him.

34

42

Do you provide enough exercise for your senior horse? Check these tips for work he’ll enjoy and benefit from.

By Jennifer Forsberg Meyer

A disease once known as equine Cushing’s is common among senior horses.

We answer your key questions.

By Jennifer von Geldern

Feel-Good Work

PPID Update

32

PRACTICE PEN 23 Private Lesson: Jill Newcomb and Murray Griggs on best circles.

26 Bob Avila’s Winning Insights: Top-of-the-line lead-change drill.

29 Conformation Clinic: Performance Quarter Horse mares.

32 Tack Talk: Ideal show-halter fit.

72 You Said It: ‘My favorite childhood memory involving horses.’

46

54

60

Black and white and shades of gray. Learn why your horse’s X-rays may mean different things to different people.

By Barb Crabbe, DVM

Perform better in ranch riding and ranch trail classes with our expert’s advice for practicing over logs and poles.

By Ryan Kail, With Lauren Stanley

Age is just a number, at least when it comes to these six horses, still going strong in their late teens and twenties.

By Nichole Chirico

Reading Radiographs

10 Tips for Ranch Logs

Seniors That Still Have It

On the cover: Design By Leaguer, a 24-year-old Quarter Horse gelding, is owned by the Gower family of Alberta, Canada. Now retired, ‘Bevis’ earned multiple AQHA World and Congress titles in senior and amateur trail with Highpoint Performance Horses of Pilot Point, Texas.

Photo by Mallory Beinborn February 2017 HorseandRider.com 1

Volume LVI, Number 2 Editor Jennifer Paulson Senior Editor Jennifer Forsberg Meyer Assistant Editor Nichole Chirico Contributing Editor Barb Crabbe, DVM Alana Harrison Jennifer von Geldern Art Director Adam Purvis Contributing Photographer Mallory Beinborn Editorial Inquiries (303) 253-6409 HorseandRider@aimmedia.com Subscription Inquiries/ Address Changes/Back Issues: horse&rider@emailcustomerservice.com (877) 717-8928 (U.S. and Canada) or (386) 447-6306 P.O. Box 420235, Palm Coast, FL 32142 Web Site Address HorseandRider.com Circulation Director Dana Raven Director of Retail Sales Susan A. Rose PRODUCTION Group Production Director Barb Van Sickle bvansickle@aimmedia.com Production Manager Diane Paolini HorseandRiderProduction@aimmedia.com Prepress Manager Joy Kelley Prepress Specialist Galen Nathanson Idania Mentana Horse&Rider Editorial OfďŹ ce 5720 Flatiron Parkway Boulder, CO 80301 (303) 253-6409

Executive Chairman CEO & President Executive Vice President & CFO

Efrem Zimbalist III Andrew W. Clurman Brian Sellstrom

Executive Vice President of Operations

Patricia B. Fox

Senior Vice President Digital and Data

Jonathan Dorn

Vice President, Equine Group

David Andrick

Vice President, Controller

Joseph Cohen

Vice President, Research

Kristy Kaus

Vice President, Information Technology

Nelson Saenz

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®

This Month @

HorseandRider.com Vice President/Group Publisher David Andrick dave.andrick@EquiNetwork.com Associate Group Publisher Mitch Miller (303) 644-3782 mmiller@aimmedia.com ADVERTISING Associate Publisher Rick Swan (480) 471-4671 rswan@aimmedia.com Advertising Representatives Christian Leatham (508) 461-9611 cleatham@aimmedia.com Michelle Adaway (859) 619-8263 madaway@aimmedia.com Kathy Dando (717) 303-3793 kdando@aimmedia.com Tom Brazil (805) 379-8729 tbrazil@aimmedia.com Susan Lee (540) 905-9111 slee@aimmedia.com Benjie Lemon

Master Ranch Riding Improve your ranch-riding score by learning how to successfully ride over logs on page 54. After you’ve mastered ranch logs, teach your horse how to properly lengthen his stride for extended gaits that might be called for in the class with help from Laurel Walker Denton.

(303) 625-1667 blemon@aimmedia.com Shelley L. Partridge (859) 327-7057 spartridge@aimmedia.com Keith Cunningham, Automotive/Truck Representative (248) 763-0526 kcunningham@aimmedia.com

Seniors Still Teaching

Living With PPID

Bald N Shiney has a new role as a senior horse: The important job of teaching a new generation what it takes to become a champion.

See our PPID Q&A on page 42, then head to our Web site to see how your horse can continue to live a long, productive life with PPID.

Classified Advertising Warren Wilson (760) 546-1192; fax (760) 546-1459 hr@aimclassifieds.com Advertising Information Manager Judy Howard Advertising Coordinator Alicia Smith

Foaling Questions

High-Tech Imaging

Is your mare too old to have a foal?

Learn the answer in this month’s Whole Horse Q&A, then go online for your foaling checklist.

If your horse’s foot-related lameness is still a mystery after X-rays, see how high-tech imaging options can help solve the problem.

Digital Advertising Operations Manager Ron Goldy rgoldy@aimmedia.com

To sell copies of Horse&Rider in your store, please contact Active Interest Media Customer Service, (800) 365-5548 We assume no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts

We love hearing from you! Send all high-resolution images for Conformation Clinic; Problem Solvers questions; and any feedback, ideas, photos, and letters to HorseandRider@aimmedia.com. Or mail correspondence to 5720 Flatiron Parkway, Boulder, CO 80301.

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and/or artwork, which must be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

American Horse Publications Alliance for Audited Media

Photo by Jennifer Paulson

Join the Herd!

#Youholdmyheart aqha.com/myheart

From the Editor

By Jennifer Paulson

My Soft Spot I’M NOT EXACTLY LETTING THE HORSE OUT OF the barn when I tell you my heart melts when I meet senior horses. In case you don’t read this column regularly, I have two old guys in my barn: Old Paint (my kids’ horse) and Otis (my brother’s former calf roping horse). Both are pushing 30…or have summited that milestone. (We’re not exactly sure of Paint’s age.)

With age comes wisdom, experience, patience—and a manure cart full of special concerns to keep in mind. Not to mention that ever-looming, heartbreaking question: Is it time?

The Dark Days “The time is near when I’ll see him struggle to get up or feel the ribs I could never imagine noticing before,” writes Tina Joyce in this month’s Your Stories (page 8) about her nearly 40-year-old gelding, Johnny. I empathize with Tina. In fact, I grew up with Tina and watched her and Johnny top nearly every class they entered at our open shows. Now, as Old Paint gets…older…I also share her thoughts of, “not now, but when?”

In November, Paint came up acutely lame. He didn’t want to move, and his generally happy demeanor declined. His eyes lacked sparkle. When I called the vet’s office, I tried (unsuccessfully) to hold back tears when I asked to have one of the practitioners come out to evaluate Paint’s condition. The wait seemed to take forever, allowing my mind to go to the worst-case scenario.

After a brief examination, our vet went to work on Paint’s left-front hoof, digging a path for a deep abscess. I don’t know if I’ve ever been so relieved in my life—just an abscess. The vet quickly packed Paint’s hoof and wrapped it. And just like that, we were in the clear. (After nights of soaking and poulticing, of course.)

Focus on Now

C I N C H J E A N S . C O M

Paint healed quickly. And as I write this, Johnny is still enjoying his fluffy winter coat in Virginia. But it’s not easy keeping these senior horses healthy, happy, and satisfied with life. It takes close attention to their cues to determine what they need, make their lives easier, and keep them comfortable.

Last night we saw a record-low temperature here in Colorado. I should know that the old man will stay in his stall, protected from the wind and cold, but I worried about Paint most of the night. First thing this morning, I texted my mom.

“How’s he doing? It’s really cold.” She responded, “Great! Just missing his kiddos”—meaning my sons.

Another flood of relief. Another day that my boys can learn responsibility, compassion, and horsemanship from our special guy. Another day that Old Paint, though not much of a looker, is a treasure to my family.

I want to hear about your senior horses and what you do to keep them in their best condition. Our reader surveys show that 60 percent of you own a horse over 17 years old, so send your best senior tips to the email address below.

You can reach Jennifer Paulson at jpaulson@aimmedia.com.

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HorseandRider.com February 2017

Photo by Mallory Beinborn

Photo credit: Linda Kennon/Cassady

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Your Stories

Thinking About Johnny There’s a certain kind of heartache only another horse lover can understand.

By Tina Joyce

T

here comes a time when you have to let it all out. Pour your heart out on paper, not because anyone will ever read it, but because it’s the only way your heart can mend. Mend, to repair something that is broken or damaged. We must remember, though, some things can never be repaired to their original condition.

As I write, my heart aches. I tell myself no one else can understand, can really get it. But deep within my soul, I know someone understands. Someone has felt this way. Certainly I’m not the first, nor will I be the last.

There’s a heartache that’s not like others. I’m not comparing my imminent loss to that of losing a child or a close family member. This loss is different, but also exquisitely painful. We tell ourselves—just as others who don’t get it try to reassure us—that at least it’s just a horse. Oh, but trust me: He has never been just a horse. He’s a part of my heart, my very soul that God developed into the being I am today.

and stamina, which meant plenty of work for me.

As a result of Johnny, something special happened in my teenage years.

While other girls were worried about their overhand serve or their dream guy, I had a unique confidant with whom to share the trials of adolescence and the excitement of competition.

I never logged my hours, and of course he didn’t come with an odometer, but the energy and love I poured into him during a pivotal time in life kept me in balance most of the time.

Through junior high, high school, college, boyfriends, marriage, jobs, and now children, he’s always been there.

He witnessed a lot—and heard it all, from me.

The author’s Paint gelding Johnny, at 36.

bye. The time is near when I’ll see him struggle to get up or feel the ribs I could It’s not the arena time I’ll miss. It isn’t never imagine noticing before. His even the shows, the awards, or the acco- spirit is still the same and so is the look lades in my youth that’ll leave a vacant deep in his eyes when I say, “I’m sorry. place in my heart. What I’ll miss most I’m sorry.” His body, though, after are the intangibles only another horse nearly 40 years, is simply giving out. lover can appreciate.

So how do we say goodbye? Me, The smell of his muzzle when his face I simply let the tears flow down my meets mine. The warmth of his breath cheeks while everyone else is sleeping. on winter mornings. The feel of his coat I peer out the window for another midin early fall. The rhythmic motion of his night glimpse of his beauty and know gait as we ride along with the summer one morning soon there will be one less sun on my face. bucket to fill. And when that happens, The unwavering trust we share…right there’ll be a void where he once stood, up to the end. both in the pasture and in my heart.

That last bit hurts to my core. He Speed, Finesse, Stamina trusts me so much! Through frightenTina Joyce lives in Forest, Virginia, with her My Johnny worked his way into my ing or uncertain moments of colic, husband and two teenaged children. A Cololife when I was just 13 years old. He entanglement, and long trailer hauls, he rado native, she grew up competing in Westwas one of a few horses I used to care trusted me. I could coax him through ern, English, and speed events. Johnny, now for when their owner was away on the almost any challenge, using just my 37, has remained in tow through every move show circuit. A series of circumstances voice and my touch. and life transition. Joyce is a freelance marketThat’s what happens when you spend ing consultant/writer who teaches health and led to our purchasing the young Paint 30-plus years investing, loving, and gelding, registered name Heere’s technology at a local Christian school. caring for a creature who always listens Johnny, the following year. And how and never betrays. We have a friendship to describe him? He had speed. He I cherish, but which causes an almost had talent. He had finesse. English, Have a poignant, humorous, or educaWestern, trail, speed events—he could unbearable ache inside me. At times, it tional story to share? E-mail jfmeyer@ keeps me from sleeping. do them all. He was my ultimate allaimmedia.com; 675-word maximum. round fella. Yet, he also had spunk Because I know I have to say good8 HorseandRider.com February 2017

How Do We Say Goodbye?

Photo by Dalton Joyce

We Hear You

LETTERS OF THE MONTH

December Cover Praise I was so happy to see an Appaloosa on your December 2016 cover! Thank you for the refreshing change!

PHYLLIS RENNEBERG, Minnesota

I’ve fallen in love with the idea of showing the rider on the magazine cover after receiving the December 2016 issue. Until now it didn’t faze me that the “Rider” was missing on the cover of Horse&Rider. The partnership between a horse and rider is inseparable, and what a way to convey that message. I hope this idea continues in future issues.

BOBBY OVED, Arizona E-mail your letters to HorseandRider@aimmedia.com. Or, send them to Horse&Rider, 5720 Flatiron Pkwy., Boulder, CO 80301. To be considered for publication, your submission must include your full name and your state. Published letters are subject to editing for brevity, clarity, and accuracy.

February 2-5, 2017

Your Inspiration The December 2016 issue featured “Best 2016 Quotes.” My favorite inspirational quote for better horsemanship, one that has stuck with me since the early 1980s, is from John Lyons.

“The more I know about horses, the more I know I don’t know.”

take; I can’t afford insurance to cover just anyone riding my horses.

LOUISE H. LESTER, Maine

Editor’s Note: We asked the officials of Time to Ride to address these concerns.

Here’s their response.

“Professionals taking part in Time KAREN J. LEWIS, Arizona to Ride programs must adhere to liability insurance requirements, rules, Liabilities of Taking and safety standards. Non-profesa Friend Riding sional individuals are recommended I was very surprised that you advoto look into organizations such as cated and promoted having a private state horse councils, many of which person invite someone other than a offer personal liability protection as a family member to ride their horse in member benefit at no additional cost. your September 2016 issue. (“Take It is the horse owner/rider’s responsithe Pledge,” From the Editor.) I unbility to provide a safe environment; derstand that every state has its own appropriate mount, tack, and equiprules about liability, but I’d never allow ment; and be familiar with all riders’ anyone, especially a stranger, to ride my ability level. If there is any question horse. My understanding is that even about the safety of a situation, unif the injured rider didn’t want to fi le mounted activities are a good alternasuit against you that their insurance tive that are safe, fun, educational and company could. It’s too big a chance to beginner-friendly.”

10

HorseandRider.com February 2017

Whole Horse Q&A

Should This Senior Mare Be Bred?

An owner wonders if her 19-year-old Morgan is too old to become a broodmare.

Q

My daughter and I own a 19-year-old Morgan mare we’d like to breed. She’s in excellent overall health and produced her only foal at age 7. Is 19 too old to breed? Does it matter that she’s already had one foal?

Because your mare has previously had a foal, she’s now considered a barren mare.

This status, combined with her age, does put her at greater odds of not conceiving.

When a filly is born, she has all the ova, or eggs, that she’ll ever have in her lifetime.

ALLISON RICH, Virginia As your mare has aged, so have her ova, and older ova can lead to early embryonic It’s not uncommon or unreason- death or no conception at all. That being able for horse owners to wish to said, it’s not unreasonable to attempt to breed their senior mares, espebreed your mare. cially mares that have been in work. The Start with an all-encompassing breedfact that your mare is in good overall ing-soundness examination. Have your health is encouraging. Potential brood- veterinarian perform this exam well mares should also be in good flesh (but in advance of when you wish to breed not overweight), and maintained at that your mare, to allow time to provide any weight with good nutrition. corrective treatment that may be needed.

A

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HorseandRider.com February 2017

The assessment should include an overall physical examination to detect any underlying issues, a perineal examination, and a transrectal palpation of the uterus and ovaries combined with ultrasound examination. Also needed is a speculum exam of the vagina and cervix, with digital palpation and a uterine culture and biopsy.

I’ll discuss each of these in more detail.

Examination of the perineal region of the mare (area between anus and vulva) can reveal poor conformation that might allow fecal material to enter the reproductive tract. If such conformation is noted, your vet can perform

uterine lining. The biopsy should be graded and will give you a prognosis for the mare’s ability to carry a foal to term under proper management conditions.

In conclusion, work with your vet early-on to address any correctable conditions and to come up with a plan for managing the breeding of your mare.

Check Him, Too! The fertility of the stallion you intend to use shouldn’t be overlooked as you assess the breedability of your mare. A highly fertile stallion will only increase the odds of your mare’s conceiving, so be sure to ask the stallion owner for indications of the sire’s breeding potency.

a Caslick’s procedure to partially close the vulva, creating a barrier to keep outside contamination from entering and making its way to the uterus.

Transrectal palpation and ultrasound of the mare’s entire reproductive tract, including the uterus and ovaries, reveals important information about the shape and condition of these organs. Ultrasound, in particular, can reveal problems within the uterus or ovaries that could be undetectable by palpation— even for the well-trained veterinarian.

Speculum exam and digital palpation of the vagina and cervix are necessary to ensure there are no adhesions (injuries resulting from the previous foaling) that might prevent the cervix from functioning properly. Urine pooling can also be detected via this exam.

Uterine culture can detect inflammation or infection of the uterine lining (endometritis) caused by bacteria, yeast, or fungi. A uterine biopsy can give a more in-depth look at the uterus, including evaluation of all layers of

JENNIFER H. KOZIOL, DVM, MS Diplomate, American College of Theriogenologists Assistant Professor, Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine

HorseandRider.com Find a comprehensive foaling checklist.

Send horse health and behavior questions to jfmeyer@aimmedia.com.

Include horse’s age, breed, gender.

Tired of guessing what supplement your horse needs?

Ask your vet.

No more guesswork. No more worries.

JointWise

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February 2017 HorseandRider.com 13

Cowboy Kid Saddles CashelÂŽ is proud to offer a serious youth saddle designed with the young rider in mind. All Cowboy Kid saddles are built to use with a secure seat pocket, rough out leather, and kidfriendly proportions help the young rider maintain correct position and balance. Fully adjustable, Cowboy Kid Saddles can accommodate riders who wear sizes 4-14 regular western jeans.

www.cashelcompany.com 800-333-2202

Cowboy Kid Saddles are available in Roper, Rancher, Barrel Racer, and Wade.

YourHorse YourLife WE’D LOVE TO OWN

Gotta Lota Good

Photo by Abigail Boatwright

Details: 2008 APHA and PtHA gelding by A Good Zippo and out of Miss Black Ty Too, by Black Ty Only.

Barn name: Woody.

Owned and shown by: Brenda and Taylor Meckley of Redmond, Washington.

Trained and shown by: Jeffery Gibbs of Collinsville, Texas.

Reliable ride: “He’s the same every single day, and he’s always honest in the show pen,” Gibbs shares. “No matter how fresh he is, he’ll lope and jog great for you. And you never have to worry about his neck; he always wants to carry it really level.”

On top of being one of the easier horses in the barn, Woody’s also known to be low maintenance at horse shows—not needing much longeing or riding to get ready.

Family horse: For the last few years, Taylor’s shown Woody in novice Western all-around events, but this year Taylor’s mom, Brenda, plans to take the reins and compete in novice amateur Western pleasure events with Woody.

All-around star: Woody competes in several events including showmanship, Western pleasure, trail, and horsemanship. He recently placed third at the APHA World Show with Gibbs in a tough senior trail class. “He doesn’t like to hit the poles,” Gibbs shares about Woody’s natural trail ability, “and he’s really careful with where he places his feet, which is why trail has been so easy for him.”

Bridleless champion: One of Gibbs’ favorite rides with Woody involved winning the bridleless Western pleasure at the 2016 APHA World Show. “He’s so goodminded that we didn’t have to practice riding without a bridle with him at all, we just took his bridle off as we went into the class,” Gibbs says. …Nichole Chirico

February 2017 HorseandRider.com 15

YourHorse YourLife

TALK

Learn how Western dressage is judged by attending a seminar in Denver, Colorado, this month.

GALLOP POLL

Old-Guy Challenges?

Keeping His Teeth in We asked about the most daunting Good Shape management problem you’ve had 10% with your older horse. At Keeping Him From right is a breakdown Gaining Too of the responses Much Weight we received. For 12% Keeping senior-horse care Other Him Sound tips, see features 14% and and departments Comfortable throughout this 21% issue. (To parKeeping Enough ticipate in future Weight on Him polls, “like” us at 43% our Facebook page.)

ENABLE YOUR DREAMS!

Become a WDAA Judge A Western dressage judges’ seminar will take place Feb. 8–9 in Denver, Colorado. Hosted by the Western Dressage Association of America and sanctioned by the U.S. Equestrian Federation, the seminar is the required first step in the process to obtain a USEF Western Dressage judging license. Participants will learn about a judge’s perception of gaits, impulsion, rider position, and seat in Western tack, among other objectives.

Learn more by visiting http://bit.ly/wdaaseminar.

TOMORROW’S EQUINE VETS

$75,000

Scholarship awarded to fourth-year Iowa State University veterinary student Alaina Kringle of South Dakota, by the American Association of Equine Practitioners Foundation. The scholarship is one of three sponsored by Quarter Horse breeder Penelope Knight’s Coyote Rock Ranch of Central Oregon.

16 HorseandRider.com February 2017

The contest: H&R’s Dixie Renegade Trailer Giveaway, with prizes including a brand-new two-horse Dixie Renegade livingquarters trailer, a Bulldog Velocity jack, a Tekonsha Prodigy RF brake control, and 500 pounds of Nutrena feed.

For details: Find rules and qualifications at horseandrider .com/dixie-renegade-trailer-giveaway. Entries close March 15, 2017.

Futurity First For the first time in National Reining Horse Association history, the open futurity was won by a horse shown in romal reins.

When Andrea Fappani, Scottsdale, Arizona, ran Spooky Whiz into the arena for their first sliding stop, the entire crowd took notice of the West Coast-style reins and sat up to watch. The pair, running second to last in the event, marked a 225.5 to win a guaranteed $150,000. Spooky Whiz, a gelding, is by Spooks Gotta Whiz and out of Myo Starlight.

“Become a WDAA Judge” photo courtesy of the Western Dressage Association of America; “Futurity First” photo by Jennifer Paulson

Enter to Win Trailer

HE ALTH

Fish Oil for Horses?

The lowdown: Wellpride Omega-3 for Horses provides essential fatty acids through fresh fish oil (though the product has no fishy taste or smell). Research has shown omega-3s benefit respiration, joint health, skin/coat health, energy levels, recovery after exercise, hoof integrity, digestion, and fertility.

Learn more: Visit wellpride.com or call (866) 414-0188.

Q: Can supplements

The aerobic capacity of older equine athletes is lower than that of younger horses.

Oldsters and Aerobics Thanks to a better understanding of their needs, older horses are living longer, richer lives. A recent review of published studies on how aging affects performance, however, indicates older equine athletes have lowered aerobic capacity and maximal heart rate as compared to younger ones. This means it takes less work for older horses to reach their maximal oxygen uptake level, likely the result of natural changes in their hearts and muscles. The take-home? Keep an eye on your senior equine’s response to exercise, and don’t automatically assume he can perform at the same level he once did. (For ideas on senior-friendly workouts, see the feature on page 60.)

Source: Kentucky Equine Research

help improve my horse’s fractious behavior?

ABSORBS ODORS, TOO

6"to12"

“Oldsters and Aerobics” photo by Charles Brooks

A:

Possibly. Temperament supplements come in three basic forms: nutrient-based calming formulas, herbal calming formulas, and herbal formulas designed for moody mares. Bear in mind, however, that behavioral issues may be a sign of an underlying problem, such as too much grain in the diet, lack of turnout, or ill-fitting tack. Other areas to consider in a consultation with your veterinarian include gastric upset and dental problems (smartpak.com).

YourHorse YourLife

Ideal depth of stall bedding for peat moss, a superabsorbent option commonly used outside the U.S. Because of its soft, cushiony quality, peat moss provides great support for bones and joints, making it particularly suitable for senior horses (easternhay.com).

Blanket-use caution: Never leave a blanket on your horse for days or weeks at a time without regular checking. Rubs can cause severe skin abrasions, and wintertime weight loss can go undetected.

VETSPEAK

‘Rectal tear’ A separation, rent, or tear in the rectal or anal mucosa as a result of a laceration, sometimes caused by rectal palpation. Signs may include constipation and reluctance to defecate (merckvetmanual.com).

February 2017 HorseandRider.com 17

YourHorse YourLife

SOLUTIONS Mash for Seniors Create an easy mash for your senior horse to enjoy during his meals this winter. Mix 5 cups of bran with a ½ cup of molasses. Depending on how soupy you like your mash to be, fill with hot water, then cover with a towel or feed sack and let it stand until cool. Want to change it up? You can also include some of his favorite treats, like diced carrots.

Touchscreen Gloves The problem: Taking your gloves off in cold weather to respond to a text message or answer a phone call.

The solution: Wear the Mujjo double-layered touchscreen gloves.

The details: The gloves stretch to fit snug on your hand, and the anti-slip silicon pattern lets you use your phone on your horse or in the barn without fear of dropping it. For extra-cold days, the second layer works as a liner and is made out of wool to provide extra insulation and keep your hands warm.

More info: $37.43; mujjo.com.

Does your saddle slide forward while you ride?

Try a cinch that’s designed to keep your saddle in place and improve your horse’s elbow movement.

YOUR SOLUTIONS

Shoulder-Relief Cinch If you feel your saddle slide forward onto your horse’s shoulder while you’re riding, or if your cinch limits his elbow movement, consider trying a new cinch like the Shoulder-Relief Cinch from Total Saddle Fit. The cinch’s sides are cut back to better meet with your saddle’s billets to improve saddle fit and keep your saddle in place. This allows your latigo to stay upright rather than angle forward. Another bonus: the cinch’s removable liner is easy to clean and can be swapped with neoprene, fleece, or felt liners.

More info: Starting at $139.95; totalsaddlefit.com.

Disposable baby diapers stay in my equine first-aid kit at all times. Choose a size based on your horse’s hoof size. My horses have smaller feet, so the preemie and newborn diaper sizes fit best. You can use diapers to wrap leg wounds, and they’re also great for creating pressure bandages.

Another added bonus is that they’re waterproof.

Lou Armstrong, North Carolina Send your Solutions, along with your name and home state, to HorseandRider@aimmedia.com.

Braving the cold weather for a ride? Stay warm, and keep your horse happy, during your winter training session with these tips.

Warm bits If your tack room isn’t heated, place your bit in hot water to help warm it up before you put your bridle on your horse.

Hand warmth Buy hand and feet warmers in bulk, and leave them in your tack trunk so you have them ready to use on cold days.

18 HorseandRider.com February 2017

Cooling down Did your horse work up a sweat?

Use a cooler that wicks moisture from him to help him stay warm while he dries off.

Cold feet When you bring your horse in from outside, make sure you check and clean his feet to get rid of packed snow or ice.

“Shoulder-Relief Cinch” photo by Nichole Chirico

Keep Warm in Frigid February

HORSEKEEPING

YourHorse YourLife

Q&A: Your Horse’s Arthritis Here’s what you need to know about arthritis to keep your senior horse as comfortable as possible.

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s arthritis a factor with your senior horse? Lindsey Moneta, DVM, a veterinarian with Pacific Crest Sporthorse in Oregon City, Oregon, answers key questions you may have on this topic.

Are horse and human arthritis similar?

In a general sense, yes. Arthritis is a broad term to describe joint disease. While there are many types and causes of arthritis, the most common type that horse owners encounter is osteoarthritis. This condition occurs when the cartilage normally cushioning the joint surfaces wears away. This leads to bone rubbing on bone, which can manifest as joint swelling, pain, and stiffness.

The disease process is progressive for osteoarthritis, and while there’s no cure, there are many steps you can take to minimize discomfort and improve quality of life for your horse.

How important is catching it early?

As with any disease, early detection enables you and your veterinarian to better manage your horse to help him feel and perform well. Particularly in conditions such as osteochondritis (developmental bone disease in young horses) or traumatic injuries, assessing and addressing issues affecting the joint can reduce the chances that arthritis will set in later. Many horses can continue to have athletic careers after arthritis is diagnosed—given the right management strategies and treatments.

What can my vet do to help?

Your veterinarian is essential for determining which of your horse’s joints are affected by arthritis, and to what extent.

He or she will typically employ a combination of palpation, joint-flexion tests, and diagnostic imaging such as radiographs and ultrasound. Further imaging studies such as nuclear scintigraphy (bone scan), MRI, or CT can be helpful in more complicated cases.

Photo by Jennifer Paulson

More Help in the Future?

In humans, when arthritis becomes far advanced, it can end with joint replacement (artificial implants), not currently a viable option for our equine companions.

Research is constantly looking into new ways to enable earlier diagnosis, alleviate symptoms, and modify the disease process. Emerging studies in regenerative medicine and altering bone metabolism at a molecular level may lead to some promising future treatments to help battle osteoarthritis in the equine patient.

Given the right management and treatment, your arthritic horse may be able to continue to perform in his athletic career.

After the diagnosis, your vet can advise on the best treatment regimen for your horse. Treatments often involve multiple approaches depending on the horse and the number of joints affected.

Common treatments include injections of corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid into the joint, systemic injectable therapies, pain relief via non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, and oral supplementation. Your veterinarian can help you decide which therapies will be best for your horse.

What can I do to help?

Many things! Consistent exercise tailored to your horse’s comfort and athletic level is great for keeping joints limber. Depending on the severity of your horse’s condition, exercise can range from simple pasture turnout to a regular riding schedule.

Senior horses with multiple arthritic joints often do best when they have 24/7 access to a paddock or pasture (along with adequate shelter). Be sure to maintain pastures and arenas so your horse isn’t slogging through deep or uneven footing.

Keeping your horse at an ideal weight—and especially not overweight—will reduce load bearing on painful joints. Regular skilled farrier work also helps reduce pain, particularly when arthritis affects the lower limb joints.

Finally, knowing your horse well so you can tell when he might need extra help or a visit from your vet is key to his continued comfort.

HorseandRider.com Find a guide to equine joint supplements.

February 2017 HorseandRider.com 19

YourHorse YourLife

ST YLE STYLE TIP: CHAPS Keep your chaps looking brand new by taking care of them after every ride.

Use slot-end reins to help save time at the barn when you have to swap out bits frequently.

Quick-Change Reins Swapping out reins can be a frustrating and a time-consuming task. If you frequently have to change your reins before you can ride your horse, try using reins with slot ends, like this pair from Harris Leather and Silverworks ($37; harrisleather.com). Reins that have slot ends are designed to be fed through the ring on the end of a bit shank, allowing you to quickly change out your reins. Bonus: Slot-end reins don’t flip and require detangling when riding around.

Don’t forget about him this Valentine’s Day. Get him something he can wear almost every day at the barn or around town. With its adjustable cuffs that fit around his gloves and warm lining, the Cinch print-bonded jacket is sharplooking and makes a great layering piece during the winter months.

The zippered front pocket keeps all of his items—like his phone—dry and in one place while he rides.

And once the weather warms up and the layers start to come off, this jacket’s water-resistant material helps it transition into a great springtime piece.

More info: $134.99; cinchjeans.com.

Valentine’s Day Gift The problem: Finding the perfect horse-themed Valentine’s Day gift for your favorite equestrian.

The solution: Horse-inspired, handmade jewelry. Choose a unique piece of jewelry that can be worn for almost every occasion. The Aztec Horse earrings are leather and pewter, with earring findings made of sterling silver.

The Bronco turquoise beaded bracelet is made with turquoise howlite stones and is hand-laced onto leather. And the Pistol Annie pendant necklace has a “live love ride” hand-soldered pewter pendant.

More info: starting at $35; luckyloudesigns.com.

20 HorseandRider.com February 2017

Step 2: When you hang your chaps, take the outsides of your chaps (in this case the rough leather side), and put them together, leaving the inside of the chap exposed.

This protects the outside of the chaps and prevents sun-bleaching. For ultimate protection, store them in a chaps bag or other hanging bag.

“Quick-Change Reins” photo by Nichole Chirico; “Chaps” photo by Alexander Moon

Jacket for Him

Step 1: Before you put away your chaps, wipe off any dust and dirt.

Leaving dirt on your chaps can damage them and eventually cause the color to fade.

Keep a soft-bristled grooming brush— that’s only used on your chaps—in your chap bag, and use it to brush off any dirt after every ride.

Practice Pen PRIVATE LESSON

Precise Circles Don’t discount circling as an easy maneuver that doesn’t need practice.

By Jill Newcomb and Murray Griggs, With Jennifer Paulson Photos by Jennifer Paulson

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ircling might seem like one of the most elementary exercises— really, who can’t travel a circle on their horse? The answer might surprise you. It’s one of the top things we spend time working on at our clinics and at home with our amateur and youth riders. Because most of them compete in all-around events, circling is important to each and every class they enter. Even barrel racers and reiners can benefit from this circling exercise.

For this drill, use a bit your horse responds to well, whether a snaffle or a shanked bit. Ride with two hands for the best body control. (You can advance to one-handed practice after mastering it with two.) Begin at a walk, then pick it up to a working jog once you’re comfortable.

If possible, drag your arena just before you practice, so you can get a picture of what your circles look like before and after using our tips. →

February 2017 HorseandRider.com 23

Practice Pen PRIVATE LESSON

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Jill is riding her horse at a trot in this photo to best demonstrate the exercise. It shows the overall look of her body position paired with her horse’s. Her hands control the front of her horse’s body, and her seat and legs keep the horse’s back end on track. As Jill rides along in this position, her tracks will fall on top of each other with each circle.

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Hand position is critical for this drill. Jill has her reins crossed over the horse’s neck

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and holds them in an underhand position. This lets her jiggle her inside rein to slightly tip her horse’s nose to the inside of the circle while holding her outside rein steady to support her horse’s shoulders on the path. Other hand positions can be used if this isn’t comfortable, but be sure to keep your hands gentle for the best response. You don’t want to scare your horse by jerking the reins. Also, keep your reins as close to in front of your saddle horn as possible.

Think “low and close together.”

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Jill uses outside-leg pressure to keep the horse’s hindquarters to the inside of the circle. If her horse leans to the inside of the circle, she’ll use inside leg to square him up, along with a jiggling inside rein to help lift the horse’s shoulders. Her body position allows her to adapt to whatever her horse needs: more support for the outside hip, more guide from the inside rein, squaring up from the inside leg, or pushing the outside shoulder toward the circle with the outside rein.

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With her hands too wide and high, Jill inadvertently guides her horse off the circle. Her horse’s nose is turned too far into the circle, and Jill’s hand position pushes her horse’s shoulders off the path. He’ll have to swing his hips off the circle, too, to accommodate for her overuse of her hands. That’s why the body and hand position discussed in Photo 3 is ideal for circle work.

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body on the circle. With this position, they’re set up to work perfect circles.

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You can see here that even after only a few times around the circle, Jill is making tracks that can tell her a story. If the tracks form a nice, round circle, then she and her horse are doing a good job with the drill and can try it one-handed.

If she sees that her circle is lopsided or that the footfalls don’t follow the path, then she can address whether her horse needs more support with her legs or hands to get him tracking correctly.

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Jill holds her horse’s inside shoulder up by jiggling her inside rein (her right in this case) to prevent leaning into the circle.

She supports his outside shoulder with a steady left hand. If he starts to lean outside the circle, she can use more left-hand rein pressure to stand him back up squarely. With her legs, Jill drives her horse forward with her outside leg and can push his hips into the circle if he starts to fall out there. Her inside leg supports his barrel and helps him arc his

Murray Griggs and Jill Newcomb combine their strengths as all-around trainers and experience as active judges to coach all-around riders and train their horses in San Marcos, California. They both grew up riding and competing and have earned top titles themselves in various events, as well as coaching champions.

Learn more at jillandmurrayshowhorses.com.

February 2017 HorseandRider.com 25

Practice Pen BOB AVILA’S WINNING INSIGHTS

Lead-Change Precision

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The poles serve as a guide to straightness in this exercise. I’ve loped a straight line on the right lead on the left side of the pole.

Use my best lead-change drill to sharpen your horse’s lead change or banish bad habits, such as leaning into the change.

By Bob Avila, With Jennifer Paulson Photos by Marc Laxineta, DVM

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solid lead change has nothing to do with changing direction.

It should be executed going forward on a straight line. But it’s human nature to change direction when you change leads—you’re loping to the left on the left lead, and when you want to change to the right lead, you steer your horse to the right. This mindset causes your horse to drop his shoulder into the lead change and lean in the new direction, which doesn’t make for a lasting, good lead change over a horse’s career.

That’s why my best lead-change drill is completed on a straight line in the middle of the arena. There are two prerequisites for this exercise: 1. Your horse must already have a start on changing leads. Your horse will struggle with this lesson if he hasn’t worked on flying lead changes in the past. 2. You’ll require a good amount of body control, especially moving your horse’s shoulders and hips for a two-track.

The Setup Use two trail-type poles to set the path.

You can also use garden timbers or other poles, just be sure that they’re solid, safe, and about 12 feet long.

Set the poles in the middle of your arena in a straight line with 35 to 50 feet between the poles’ ends. The distance between the poles depends on 26

HorseandRider.com February 2017

x

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right lead left lead lead change

your horse’s comfort level and the time he requires to get set for a lead change.

A more advanced horse with a solid lead change can work with less space between the poles. A novice changer will require more space.

It’s important to set the poles away from the fence. Placing them parallel to the fence only offers another crutch for straightness that you’ll have to get used to not using eventually.

The Drill In this article, I’ll describe the exercise going from the right lead to the left lead. Reverse my instructions for a left-to-right change. Be sure to work changing from both sides equally so your horse doesn’t excel at a right-toleft change and need more help in the left-to-right change, for example.

To get the feel for the timing of a change between the poles, first work at

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LEFT: In the 35- to 50-foot space between the two poles, which can be adjusted according to the horse’s skill level, I push my horse to the right in a two-track to set up the change to the left lead.

I’m careful to keep my body straight so my horse doesn’t dive into

a jog. Position your horse’s body as you would to lope on the right lead (nose and hip tipped to the right, left-leg pressure) with the pole on your left side. As you get to the spot between the poles, “clear” your horse’s right side by pushing your horse’s body to the right for a two-track in that direction. Your horse would be set up for a change to the left lead if he were loping. Jog forward and keep the second pole on your left side, with your horse’s nose and hip now tipped to the left and right-leg pressure on. Complete this at the jog a few times to get the feel of the timing, then progress to the lope.

As you can see in Photo 1, I’ve loped down the left side of the pole on the right lead. As my horse approaches the space between the two poles, I’m “clearing” his right side by picking up his shoulders, ribs, and hips and moving them to the right. This results in a couple two-track steps to the right. My

the change. RIGHT: After the lead change, I continue to lope on a straight line to maintain my horse’s alignment throughout the drill.

I can lope around the arena and come back to the poles to practice the change again, working on a left-to-right lead change.

horse is on a straight path and ready to change leads.

In Photo 2 I’m changing from the right lead to the left. You can see that my horse’s nose and hip are tipped to the left and my right leg puts pressure to cue for the lead change. Notice that my body is facing forward rather than toward the lead change. This helps my horse keep his body straight and his shoulders square instead of diving into the lead change.

Finally, in Photo 3 I lope my horse straight forward on the left lead. From here, I can lope a long straight line and then circle back to my poles to try the exercise again.

Harder Than It Looks This exercise sounds very simple— lope a straight line and change leads.

But I see riders struggle with it all the time in lessons and at clinics. If your horse drops his shoulder into the lead

change or tries to change directions in the change, he’ll either hit the pole or land on the opposite side of where he should be. The poles give you a visual for the straightness that’s necessary for a solid lead change that’ll last instead of your horse developing bad habits that turn into lead-change problems.

A multiple AQHA world champion, Avila has also won three NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurities, the NRHA Futurity, and two World’s Greatest Horseman titles.

He received the AQHA Professional Horseman of the Year honor. His Avila Training Stables, Inc., is in Temecula, California. Learn more at bobavila.net.

February 2017 HorseandRider.com 27

Can We Find A HOME FOR EVERY HORSE? 30 Trainers • 30 Rescue Horses, ages 3 to 16 • 120 Days to Train

The Rocky Mountain Horse Expo is excited to host the sixth Equine Comeback Challenge (ECC). Follow these 30 teams as they post their progress on A Home for Every Horse’s Facebook page. Plan to attend in person and cheer for YOUR favorite at the Grand Finale competition,

March 9-12, 2017 at the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo.

The horses will be available for adoption at the end of the competition.

ECC participants and new owners will be provided with supplies from sponsors Purina Mills, ElectroBraid, Tractor Supply Co., WeatherBeeta, and Zoetis [Quest Gel (moxidection) and West Nile Innovator].

Learn More at ahomeforeveryhorse.com/equine-comeback-challenge Find out more about the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo at coloradohorsecouncil.com/rmhe

Heart the Cause Today

Find out how by visiting www.ahomeforeveryhorse.com and follow us online:

In Partnership with:

A Home For Every Horse is brought to you by the Equine Network and sponsored by: ®

Practice Pen CONFORMATION CLINIC

Evaluate and place these Quarter Horse mares. Then see how your choices compare to our expert judge’s.

Karen McCuistion Karen McCuistion and her husband, Carl, train from their McCuistion Quarter Horses in Wilson, Oklahoma, and focus on roping, reining, working cow horse, and ranch riding disciplines. Karen earned her NRHA judge’s card in 1989 and has since added NRCHA, NSBA, AQHA, APHA, PHBA, USEF, and FEI reining cards. She judges at about 30 shows per year and has presided at the AQHA, APHA, and PHBA World Shows several times. She’s also judged in 22 countries on five continents.

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verall balance is the first and main thing I look for when judging conformation.

A stock-type horse needs to show both adequate muscling to be capable and strong, but also show refinement. I don’t care for overdone muscling—so much mass that it actually restricts freedom of movement. A horse should appear to be functional as a performance horse if that’s what she’s called upon to do. She should move lightly, rather than pound the ground, and cover as much ground as her structural angles allow.

Structural correctness is also important, and I watch for any defects that can affect soundness. I like a horse to show quality of movement in her way of going, and to see that she tracks straight and clean in her strides. I want to see good, solid bone structure through the legs, and some refinement through the head and neck. Beyond balance and structural correctness, a winning horse should have eye appeal, too. Good breed characteristics make a horse stand out in a crowd. → For a more detailed guide that’ll help you master Conformation Clinic, see “Decoding Conformation Clinic” at HorseandRider.com.

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Practice Pen CONFORMATION CLINIC

First: Mare A

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his attractive mare is balanced if divided into three equal segments, and her topline is shorter than her underline. Her croup is a bit higher than her withers, but not enough to be a major fault. She has the deepest heartgirth of these three mares and the best definition to her withers.

Her throatlatch could be more refined and her neck could tie into her chest a little higher, but her neck has adequate

length. Her shoulders and hips are a bit steeper than ideal, but her front pasterns show better slope. She’s clean through her knees and hocks. Her front legs show a straight line from withers through forearms and knees to the fetlocks, but she could use slightly more angle in her hocks for driving power.

Her feminine head is short from eye to muzzle, with short ears, large eyes, and a refined muzzle. Overall, she has

the best muscling in volume and definition here, but her hip muscling could tie in deeper down her leg, and her gaskin could use more volume.

throatlatch. Her neck ties into her chest the highest of these three for the best flexibility. She’s not as deep through the heartgirth as Mare A and doesn’t have as much definition in her withers. Her croup is also higher than her withers, but as with Mare A, not enough to be a major fault.

Structurally, she has more slope to her shoulders and hips than Mare A, and her shoulder and hip angles match well.

She also has clean legs and good slope to her pasterns for a smooth, comfortable stride. I’d like to see more volume and definition to her muscling.

midsection when divided into three segments, and her topline is about as long as her underline when it should be shorter. Her head is longer from eye to muzzle than the other mares’, and she’s less refined through her muzzle. Her neck is the thickest through the throatlatch, and it ties into her chest the deepest for the least flexibility. She’s also a bit steep in her shoulders, similar to Mare A, but

she’s also steep in her front pasterns, unlike Mare A, which can affect the comfort of her stride and her longterm soundness.

Second: Mare C

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his mare, when divided into three segments, is the most balanced of the three, and I would have placed her first if not for her hock angle in this photo. I believe her hind legs aren’t actually as sickle-hocked as they appear here, and that she’s standing with her hocks placed underneath her too far, but I have to judge her on the photo.

Her head is even more feminine than Mare A’s, and she’s trimmest in her

Third: Mare A

Third: Mare B

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ll three mares have good qualities and this mare has better definition and volume to her muscling than Mare C, and the longest, best angled hips of all three mares. She also exhibits the best angle through her hocks, as Mare A appears a bit straight and Mare C appears too camped-under.

Overall, though, she’s the least balanced here, and balance is what I look for first. She’s too long in her

To submit a photo of your horse to be evaluated in Conformation Clinic, send us a left-side profile photo of your horse (for digital photos: high-resolution, 300 dpi, in at least 3" x 5") to HorseandRider@aimmedia.com with your contact info and your horse’s breed, age, gender, and height. (We welcome all breeds!) Visit HorseandRider.com for additional instructions.

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He’s not the same horse he was 15 years ago.

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Practice Pen TACK TALK

Best ShowHalter Fit Adjust your show halter properly for an eye-appealing look and precise function in the competitive arena.

By Al Dunning, With Jennifer Paulson Photos by Charles Brooks

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properly fitted show halter ups the ante in your horse’s appearance and your control in both halter and showmanship classes. The horse shown here is a plain-headed cutting horse, but his halter fits perfectly, which enhances his features.

The halter’s adjustment also allows a handler to effectively perform a judge’s requests.

Every horse has a different size and shape to his head, so start with a halter in the correct size. Most show halters come in sizes for weanlings, 2-yearolds, mares, and full-size. Multiple adjustment points, including a buckle on each side and one under the jaw, help achieve a customized fit.

Here are four key fit points to check when adjusting your horse’s show halter for the most professional presentation when you compete.

Cheek length. The cheek pieces influence the fit of every other aspect of the halter, so proper adjustment is critical.

When I actively showed halter horses, I had multiple halters with different lengths through the cheeks to accommodate different head sizes.

The correct length through the cheeks allows the halter’s nosepiece to sit right above the bridge of the horse’s nose. A too-long halter looks sloppy,

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Precise halter fit enhances a horse’s features and improves your handle in a showmanship, performance halter, or halter class.

middle of the horse’s jowl, indicating a too-small halter.

Nosepiece. Many show halters have a separate adjustment around the horse’s nose. This allows a horse with a refined head to achieve a good fit without the halter looking too big around the nose. Be sure to adjust the nosepiece comfortably—well-fitted for the horse’s nose, but not irritatingly tight.

Halter Tips As a judge and past halter exhibitor, I can offer a few tips for exhibiting in showmanship and halter classes.

• A silver halter like this one looks nice and shows off a horse’s head, but it’s not required. A plain, high-quality leather halter is acceptable, too. Miss Jim 45 was one of the greatest Quarter Horse halter mares, and she was shown in a plain leather halter. Whether silver or plain leather, be sure that your halter is clean.

• Holding the shank in a loose loop around your left hand gives a tidy appearance. But never loop it tightly around your arm or hand in case your horse spooks and jerks on the shank.

• It doesn’t matter how beautiful your horse looks in his perfectly fitted halter if he lacks ground manners. Work with him at home to stand up and respect you as a handler before taking him to a show for halter or showmanship classes.

and a too-high fit makes the horse’s muzzle look long.

Crown piece. The piece of leather that goes over the horse’s poll and connects the two cheek pieces at the buckles should sit right behind his ears. Most show halters have adjustment buckles on each cheek piece, which can help with this placement. A too-long crown

will hang too far behind the horse’s ears; a too-short one will pull the entire halter up too high on the horse’s face.

Throatlatch. Look for a close fit here for a tidy appearance. This enhances a horse’s naturally clean throatlatch or helps disguise a thicker one. A loose fit in the throatlatch hangs and looks sloppy, and a tight fit climbs up into the

Shank. Most show halters have a leather shank with a chain on the end that attaches to the halter. Some breed associations have instituted rules forbidding lip chains and instead allow lip cords.

As shown on page 32, my chain is in a legal position, looped through the bottom ring of the halter and back to the shank. In this position, be sure that your chain isn’t too long, even when it’s doubled-back to your shank.

You can’t hold onto the chain, so a too-long chain affords less control than a shorter one.

Alternatively, the chain can run through the halter’s near-side lower ring, under the horse’s chin, through the off side’s lower ring, and then connect to the halter’s top ring on the off side. (Shown at left.) If the chain is too long in this position, loop it back to the off-side bottom ring to take up the extra slack.

You may also choose a leather lead shank without a chain that snaps directly to the ring at the bottom of the noseband.

Al Dunning, Scottsdale, Arizona, has produced world champion horses and riders in multiple disciplines. He’s been a professional trainer for more than 40 years, and his expertise has led him to produce books, DVDs, and his own online mentoring program, Team AD International (teamadinternational.com).

February 2017 HorseandRider.com 33

Gentle hill work is a great way to help keep your senior horse strong and happy.

FeelGood Work for your

Senior

Horse Check out these tips for exercise strategies your old guy will enjoy and beneďŹ t from.

By Jennifer Forsberg Meyer Photos by Charles Brooks February 2017 HorseandRider.com 35

You can use a round pen or longe line to begin your senior horse’s warm-up. Start at a walk for several minutes before proceeding to a trot.

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ou own an older horse and love him to pieces. You feed him right, keep him in good flesh, tend to his teeth, protect him from parasites. But do you also make sure he gets adequate exercise, apart from any turnout he may have? If you don’t, you’re denying him an essential part of a stay-healthy regimen.

Exercise is as critical to an aging equine as it is to an aging human—and we’ve all heard how working up a sweat can turn back the clock and protect us from disease. Here, we’ll share tips for types of exercise your horse will find pleasurable as he engages in it, plus will help him feel good in general as it loosens, stretches, and strengthens him.

Note: If your senior horse is out of shape, check with your veterinarian about the types of work he’s capable of plus a schedule of phased-in conditioning.

Why Extra Exercise?

Although turnout is important for your senior horse (see “Permanent Turnout,” page 40), he also needs exercise beyond just grazing and meandering around.

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Regular aerobic exercise improves his circulation, which makes it easier for digested nutrients to reach his muscles.

Muscles that are consistently wellfueled and regularly worked atrophy less as aging continues.

Consistent exercise also strengthens your oldster’s bones, tendons, and ligaments, helping maintain healthy joints and sound legs and feet. It also fends off obesity, a risk factor that can lead to endocrine problems, including metabolic syndrome.

Finally, movement increases intestinal motility and reduces stress, both of which help ward off colic—the number-one killer of horses of any age.

Before we move on to some types of exercise your older horse will enjoy, a word about warming up.

Start Right A proper warm-up maximizes the success of your older horse’s exercise program plus helps protect him from

TOP: Ground-pole work is fresh and fun, plus it improves the flexion of your horse’s limb joints to help maintain their range of motion. BOTTOM: Working a gate provides your senior horse with lateral (sideways) suppling. Other helpful lateral movements include leg-yielding and sidepassing.

TOP: A relaxing walk on a draped rein is ideal for warming up and as the foundational “long, slow distance work” of your senior horse’s exercise program. BOTTOM: Figures such as the small circles shown here—or serpentines, turns, and the like—provide stretching and suppling of your horse’s muscles; be sure to work both ways.

injury. Whether your horse is on a longe line, in the round pen, or under saddle, begin his warm-up with at least 10 to 15 minutes of easy-to-moderate walking. Start slowly and build walking speed gradually, allowing time for your horse’s breathing and heart rate to increase. If you’re riding, put him on a long rein and encourage him to relax.

As the blood flow to his muscles steps up, muscle fibers are warmed and strengthened. Meanwhile, his joints flex and tendons stretch gently, without injury, as they prepare for more vigorous exercise.

After the walking period—the end of which might include a little jogging— add time at a long trot, then easy lope, until your horse is thoroughly warmed up and can proceed to whatever else you have planned for him. Remember to cool him down after he’s done for February 2017 HorseandRider.com 37

Riding gently up and down hills will strengthen your horse’s hindquarters, tone his topline, improve his balance, and brighten his outlook.

the day, as well; this helps prevent stiffness and muscle soreness. (For more on a thorough warm-up, see the note at the end of this article.)

Stretch, Strengthen While trotting and loping build your old guy’s aerobic capacity, other activities can stretch and strengthen his muscles and provide additional rangeof-motion for his joints. These include: 38

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• Bending. Circles, turns, serpentines, spirals, figure-8s, and the like stretch your horse’s muscles along one side of his body—for example, as you circle or turn to the left, muscles along the right side of his body are stretched and made more supple. The smaller the circle or tighter the turn, the greater the stretch, so work incrementally.

Vary the figures you ride to add interest and unpredictability to your senior

horse’s workouts. And always be sure to work the same amount of time in both directions, so you stretch and supple both sides equally.

• Pole work. Walking and trotting over ground poles increases the flexion in all of your horse’s limb joints; this, in turn, helps improve and maintain the joints’ range of motion—especially important for older equines. Trotting poles, in particular, can be a lot of

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Sweet Stretching Carrot stretches are another excellent way to help your senior horse stay limber.

With a carrot piece as a lure, invite your horse to stretch gently in all directions.

Use common sense, of course, and don’t overdo it. Two to four repetitions of each stretch, ideally done both before and after workouts, is plenty. Also, give your horse time to build up to the maximum extension for each stretch—just as you wouldn’t try to get all the way down to your toes on your first or second toe-touch.

Permanent Turnout… …is nature’s way of promoting circulation, hoof health, and a basic level of fitness.

Turnout is especially useful for older horses that can get stiff and creaky when confined in a stall. Being turned out with compatible pasture-mates is the ideal, benefitting your oldster’s mental as well as physical health. Think of turnout as the perfect adjunct to—rather than as a substitute for—other forms of exercise.

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fun, too (“trot” over a few on foot and see for yourself). That means they have mental as well as physical benefits for your horse. To create trot poles, set from two to eight poles about 4 to 4½ feet apart, depending on the length of your horse’s stride. Then adjust the distances as necessary as you try the poles out.

• Lateral work. Asking your senior horse to move sideways provides a different kind of suppling as he reaches laterally underneath himself with his legs.

Leg-yields and sidepassing are excellent lateral movements. (For refreshers on how to execute these, search the terms at HorseandRider.com.) Working a gate is another good maneuver requiring lateral movement.

• Hill work. Trail riding provides horses of any age a pleasant change of pace and scenery. If you can add a little hill work into the trail mix, the benefits multiply. Going gently up and down hills will strengthen your senior horse’s hindquarters, tone his topline, and improve his balance. As with all new work, start slowly and increase it gradually to give your horse time to adapt without becoming overly sore.

Cue him to proceed deliberately both up and down hill—don’t let him plunge upward even if he wants to. Your position in the saddle going up and down should remain mostly upright. If you lean far forward going uphill, you weight your horse’s forehand; if you lean far back going downhill, you make it hard for your horse to get his hind end underneath himself to balance.

Think of maintaining your upper body roughly parallel to the trees.

Give your oldster plenty of these kinds of activities on a regular basis, and he’ll be carrying you happily well into his senior years.

The editors wish to thank Kelsey Roderique and Quarter Horse gelding LB Texas Twist for serving as models for this feature. Kelsey is the operations manager at Al Dunning’s Almosta Ranch in Scottsdale, Arizona. Texas, 23 years young, is owned by Al Dunning’s daughter, McKenzie Parkinson.

HorseandRider.com Find specifics on the best warm-up.

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Image by Rhonda Hole

PPID Update Chances are you either own a senior horse dealing with a condition known commonly as equine Cushing’s disease, or know someone who does. More accurately called pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), this disease affects many horses around the world.

Here we’ll talk with Steve Grubbs, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, the equine technical manager for Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc., to get the latest facts about PPID. H&R: What exactly is PPID, and why the name change from equine Cushing’s disease?

Dr. Grubbs: There’s Cushing’s disease in humans, in dogs, and in horses, and though there are some similarities among those, there are many key differences. When you look at the condition anatomically, it’s more precise and descriptive to call it pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction in horses since it’s the pars intermedia portion of the pituitary gland where something has gone wrong, hence the term “dysfunction.” The name equine Cushing’s disease is still commonly used, however, and may be used interchangeably.

In the veterinary community decades ago, we used to think this was a rare condition found only in older horses.

Much new information has come out within the last decade, though, and we realize we’re seeing horses with PPID much more frequently. The condition has been around forever; we’re just recognizing it better now. There’s been significant advancement in understanding it over the past five or six years, but

there’s still a lot we need to learn. We’ve gained a lot of knowledge about what’s going on with PPID horses, but don’t yet know all the answers.

As certain horses age, they experience a decrease in dopamine production. In a normal horse, dopamine inhibits the pars intermedia of the pituitary gland that controls the release of many of the horse’s hormones. However, in horses with decreased dopamine, the pars intermedia of the pituitary gland is not inhibited, or kept quiet, enough. When the pituitary gland becomes too active with the decrease in dopamine, certain hormone production isn’t kept in check, and we begin to see the clinical signs associated with PPID. H&R: Are some horses or breeds at greater risk for PPID? Dr. Grubbs: Horse owners should know that this condition isn’t exclusive to older horses. The more we look for PPID, the more we find it. Yes, it’s more prevalent in geriatric horses, but has been identified in horses as young as 5 years of age. One thing is for sure,

though: as a horse ages, his risk factor for PPID increases.

Studies underway will seek to determine if some breeds of horses are more prone to PPID. We’ve tested more than 4,000 horses with at least one clinical sign associated with PPID, plus identified more than 66 breeds and crosses that were PPID-positive. We saw the condition most often in Quarter Horses, but of course, the Quarter Horse dramatically outnumbers other breeds in the U.S., so that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re more prone to it. We’ve seen PPID in everything from ponies (which have a higher incidence) to draft horses (a lower incidence) to everything in between, including Arabians, Morgans, Thoroughbreds, and warmbloods.

H&R: What should a horse owner look for as signs of PPID? Dr. Grubbs: It’s important to stay tuned in to your horse’s overall health, as clinical signs of PPID at first may be quite subtle. Your veterinarian may see your horse only once or twice a year, but you should have daily knowledge of your horse’s routines, attitude, and appearance. If and when your veterinarian diagnoses PPID, those subtleties are extremely important for you to mention.

In the veterinary field, the clinical signs of PPID have been divided into early and advanced, but those don’t always correlate to age. Early clinical

A disease formerly known as equine Cushing’s is common among senior horses. We answer your most pressing questions here.

By Jennifer von Geldern 42

HorseandRider.com February 2017

Photo by Pam MacKenzie

Stay vigilant to your horse’s ordinary daily routines and attitudes to catch early signs of PPID. signs can be found in a 12-year-old horse or a 22-year-old horse.

One of the most commonly associated and highly recognizable signs of advanced PPID is an extremely long haircoat all over the body. This coat, which never sheds out or is very slow to shed, is known as hypertrichosis. In the early stage, though, this may appear as longer hair on just portions of the body, such as the neck and legs. It can appear as later-than-normal shedding in the early stages, too. If your horse ever seems to be shedding later than the already-slick horses around him, it may be worth having him checked for PPID. Another early sign is decreased athletic performance, and though that can be attributed to many other conditions, a PPID horse may exhibit lethargy in connection with the lack of performance. Loss of muscle mass and tone, especially across the horse’s topline, is another early clue. Muscle atrophy increases in the more advanced stages of PPID. Since the horse’s immune system is compromised, a PPID horse is less able to fight off infections, so even small sores may not heal as well.

The most concerning clinical sign, whether in the early or advanced stage, is laminitis, which has the potential to create the most detrimental issues for PPID horses. Laminitis typically appears very gradually in these horses and often goes unnoticed for a period of time, until the horse is extremely sore. Sometimes owners don’t even notice it until it gets to the point that the horse is showing obvious signs of pain.

Again, staying vigilant to your horse’s routines and attitude is critical, as this enables you to supply the bigger picture to your vet, in turn allowing him or her to piece all the signs together.

H&R: Can a horse be tested for PPID? If so, what is the procedure for that?

Dr. Grubbs: Testing for PPID has progressed to a simple blood test. If you think you see any of the early or late clinical signs of PPID, have your 44

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veterinarian examine your horse and, if needed, pull blood for testing. Pulling blood for resting ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) levels can be conducted any time of day and all year long. Thus if your horse shows any of the early or advanced signs, it’s easy to test for PPID. An older method, the dexamethasone suppression test, checks for the level of a hormone called cortisol in the blood. Requiring two blood draws on two consecutive days and less accurate during autumn, it’s less convenient than the newer test for resting ACTH levels, but is still used.

H&R: What kind of lifestyle management changes can help a PPID horse?

Dr. Grubbs: Following the diagnosis of PPID in your horse, I’d recommend discussing medical therapy with your veterinarian. Beyond that, treating the whole horse is the best approach.

That begins with a thorough veterinary exam and includes conscientious dental care, parasite control, proper nutrition, and tending to basic comforts.

Aging horses, more likely to develop PPID, also need to have their teeth floated consistently. Some PPID horses tend to carry too much weight, but often, older PPID horses tend to run too lean.

Untended teeth can complicate keeping weight on these horses, so establish a dental routine with your veterinarian.

PPID horses also tend to harbor more internal parasites than healthy horses. Have your veterinarian run a fecal count to determine type and quantities of parasites, then administer suitable dewormers on a schedule.

Proper nutrition depends greatly on the individual horse’s needs, and varies from one geographic region to another.

Learn the body-condition scale, with 1 representing the thinnest and 9 representing the most obese, so that you can communicate accurately with your veterinarian while establishing the horse’s diet. (Note: Find the standard Henneke body-condition score system at bit.ly/ bodyconditionscore.)

Monitoring insulin levels is an important part of the horse’s metabolic profile, because increased insulin puts a horse at greater risk for laminitis.

Insulin levels can be checked during the same blood draw that checks for resting ACTH levels to determine if the horse has PPID. In our study of more than 4,000 horses, 47 percent of the PPID-positive horses had increased insulin that needed to be managed to help decrease the risk of laminitis.

Some PPID horses with heavy coats will need to be kept body clipped, which helps them regulate their body temperature better. Tend to the comfort of these special horses to make the most of their lives and performance abilities, which can be maintained for many years with careful decisions about their care.

H&R: What does the future look like for managing PPID? Dr. Grubbs:There’s a huge amount of interest in the PPID horse at this time, and rightfully so. A tremendous amount of new information about the recognition, diagnosis, and management of PPID in horses has come to light in the last few years. We’re now recognizing PPID in younger age groups of horses because we’re aware of the early signs and have newer diagnostic capabilities available. The biggest challenge at this point is to get all this newer information into the hands of horse owners and veterinarians who manage these horses on a daily basis. Horse owners see their horses on a daily basis and can report any changes that might be PPID-related to their veterinarian. I think we all just want to ensure that the most accurate, up-to-date information about PPID gets to horse owners and veterinarians in a timely manner, so we can all work together to manage the PPID horse in the best possible way. It absolutely requires a team approach.

HorseandRider.com Read “Living With Cushing’s Disease” for more information about PPID.

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READING RADIOGRAPHS The images appear in black and white, but answers lie in shades of gray. Learn why your horse’s radiographs may mean different things to different people.

By Barb Crabbe, DVM

I

was recently asked to evaluate a set of radiographs for a client purchasing a (very expensive) horse.

“Everything is great,” the seller had told her.

Needless to say, she and I were both surprised to see a large bone fragment right in the middle of the horse’s hock. Was the horse OK? Maybe. Did my client want to take the risk with her hardearned cash? No way.

So why did the seller and her veterinarian think that chip was “no big deal,” yet my client and I felt differently?

Radiographic findings aren’t always 100-percent accurate or predictable, and depending on whether you’re the seller, buyer, or simply an owner trying to make a decision about your horse’s future, your perspective might be different.

In this article, I’ll explain why radiographs aren’t as black and white as they might seem. I’ll start by explaining factors that make it difficult to determine whether something we think we see on radiographs is really there, and how we can determine if it’s real. Then, I’ll detail why even something real might not be all that significant. Finally, I’ll offer real-life examples to help you understand why a finding on a radiograph might seem insignificant in one situation, and important in another.

Is It Real? Or Is It… The first thing your veterinarian asks when she sees something questionable on a radiograph is “is it real, or is it just an artifact?” An artifact is something that appears on the image, but doesn’t really correspond with the underlying anatomy. In some situations, an artifact can be something that’s really there, like a speck of dirt on your horse’s hair or

a small piece of a horseshoe nail. Depending on the location, these types of things can easily be mistaken for a bone fragment or calcified soft tissue. In others cases, an artifact is more an error in perception, such as an overlapping line that appears between two bones that could be mistaken for a fracture. Finally, artifacts can be the result of equipment malfunction—such as a “ghost image” that shows up on the screen underlying the current image.

How does your vet identify an artifact? Often, it’s a question of repeating a radiograph after brushing off the skin or repositioning the leg to see if the artifact disappears. If your vet still can’t decide, she might opt to send films to a board-certified radiologist for review. Veterinary radiologists spend years in training, and much of their time reviewing radiographs.

They’re highly skilled at reading radiographs. Even surgeons and veterinarians who specialize in lameness rely on radiologists to help decipher questionable findings. Often, a radiologist can explain what your vet is seeing or offer a suggestion to help eliminate the artifact with a unique view or exposure.

Is It the Problem?

Once your veterinarian determines that a radiographic finding is real, she next explores what’s causing a problem. We’ve all seen horses that have a chip in a hock or fetlock, yet stay completely sound for their entire career. How does that happen? Chances are the chip is buried in the soft tissues away from the joint and never causes any damage. This is especially important if that chip gets blamed for your horse’s lameness when it’s really something else, because in that case your treatment isn’t likely to be successful. For example, if your horse strains his suspensory ligament and your vet identifies a February 2017 HorseandRider.com 47

bone chip in his fetlock, surgical removal of that chip won’t solve your problem.

In some situations, subtleties in the appearance of the radiograph can help determine whether a finding is significant. For example, if your horse comes up suddenly extremely lame, a bone fragment identified in the radiograph that’s rounded and smooth is likely old and not the source of the sudden lameness. If it’s jagged and fresh-looking, however, there’s a good chance it’s the culprit. If your vet’s unsure, a radiologist’s review of images can help your vet evaluate these subtleties.

In other situations, additional diagnostic tests can help determine the significance of a radiographic abnormality, beginning with a clinical exam and diagnostic blocks. If your horse is lame, your vet probably decided what area to radiograph based on the results of an examination, and blocks can be especially helpful.

When your vet blocks your horse, she’ll inject a local anesthetic substance into nerves supplying an area, or directly into a joint or other enclosed structure. If your horse’s lameness disappears when a specific area is blocked, it helps your vet to localize the source of lameness. Let’s take the example of the fetlock chip in the horse with a ligament injury. If that horse continues to be lame after local anesthetic has been injected into his fetlock joint, chances are that chip is not the reason for the lameness. Your vet will continue to investigate. If, however, the block resolves the lameness, the chip might be worthy of more attention.

In other scenarios, the question might be whether a radiographic finding is active or quiet. A radiologist may be able to shed some light on whether something seen on radiographs appears actively inflamed. If it’s still a question, a bone scan can provide the answer. For a bone scan, your horse will have a radioactive substance injected into his bloodstream. Because active inflammation means increased blood flow, an inflamed area will accumulate radioactivity that can be detected with a special camera. For example, if your horse has radiographic evidence of arthritis in his hocks and develops a sudden hind-limb lameness, your vet might question whether the arthritis really is to blame. And because the hind suspensory ligament originates just below the hocks, results or diagnostic blocks of that area can be unclear. Add that hock injections can actually increase the risk of making a suspensory injury worse, and you see that it’s especially important to make an accurate diagnosis. A bone scan can tell you that the hock 48

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joints are quiet and unlikely to be causing the lameness. It might even show activity at the origin of the suspensory ligament, confirming that to be the more likely underlying cause of your horse’s lameness.

The take-home message here is just because there’s something on a radiograph, it doesn’t guarantee it’s causing lameness. It’s important to consider all the factors when making a diagnosis—especially if you want your treatment to be successful.

The Crystal Ball Finally comes the hardest question of all: What does an incidental finding on a radiograph mean for the horse’s future? A number of factors come into play, and so an incidental finding is likely the situation that causes the most disagreement between buyer and seller regarding significance of the issue.

As a general rule, the horse’s age and work history provide the best information you can get about the potential impact of an incidental finding on a radiograph taken of a perfectly sound horse. If you’re considering an older horse that’s in full work and has been performing his job with no unsoundness for years, there’s a good chance he’ll continue to stay sound as long as his demands don’t change. If the horse is young and hasn’t been in work for very long, however, the risks that something might cause a problem in the future will increase.

Let’s go back to our example of the chip in the horse’s fetlock joint. Assume it’s smooth and round—so obviously it’s been there for a while.

And the horse is perfectly sound. But he’s only 3 years old. So is the chip a problem? Maybe so, maybe not. The only way to know for sure is to have that chip removed, which not only allows for an accurate assessment of the health of the joint, but also eliminates the potential for the chip to cause a problem moving forward. If that horse were an older, sound performance horse, removing a chip is unlikely to be recommended. If it hasn’t caused a problem yet, there’s a good chance it’s buried in the soft tissues where it’ll never cause an issue.

Of course, a clinical examination and additional diagnostics such as ultrasound, bone scans, or MRI can also give more information about whether an incidental finding on a radiograph is likely to cause problems over time.

Real-Life Examples Let’s take a look at some radiographs worthy of debate, and see why the answers aren’t always black and white.

EXAMPLE #1

EXAMPLE #1: FETLOCK CHIP Is it real? This small chip in the horse’s fetlock joint isn’t an artifact—it’s really there.

Does it matter? The chip appears round and smooth—it’s most likely been there for a while.

If I found it on a horse that was suddenly lame, this chip is unlikely to be the cause. However, it’s in a location where it could cause joint damage over time unless it’s buried in soft tissues where it won’t impact the joint at all.

Can you find out more? Surgical removal would tell you whether the joint has been damaged and prevent the chip from causing damage over time. Most experts will agree that this is the best answer for a young horse. However, if the chip were identified in an older horse that’s completely sound, surgery might be considered risky and unnecessary. Additional radiographic views might show if there are signs of arthritis that could be problematic if they progress, and more advanced diagnostics such as an MRI would give a detailed look at the area.

What’s the true story? This chip was identified on a 2-year-old as part of a set of screening radiographs before the horse was put to work.

The chip was removed, the joint looked great, and the horse never looked back.

EXAMPLE #2: HOCK LINE Is it real? This faint line on this horse’s hock 50

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could be a hairline fracture. It’s in an unusual location, however, and could also be an artifact caused by overlap.

Does it matter? If this line is a hairline fracture, it’d significantly change the treatment recommendations for this horse. Hock injections to treat his arthritis and continued work could easily lead to a much more serious injury if the fracture blew apart. If it’s just an artifact, this horse’s hocks could be treated with minimal risk.

Can you find out more? A radiologist might be able to determine if this line is just an artifact. If the answer still isn’t clear, a bone scan of the area would show whether this line shows a lot of activity, increasing the chance that it’s a fracture.

What’s the true story? This radiograph was reviewed by several different surgeons and radiologists, and no one could agree whether the line was really significant—especially because the horse had come up suddenly lame and the area was sensitive to touch, which would be unusual for simple hock arthritis. The owner decided against additional diagnostics, and opted to play it safe. He allowed the horse to rest for three months to give time for a possible stress fracture to heal, before treating the arthritis and carefully putting his horse back to work. →

EXAMPLE #2

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EXAMPLE #3

EXAMPLE #3: FETLOCK FRAGMENT Is it real? This bone fragment isn’t an artifact— it is really there.

Does it matter? The fragment is in a location that can be problematic, where it might impact the joint or involve some of the small ligaments that attach in this area. It does appear fairly smooth, indicating it’s most likely been there for a while.

Can you find out more? The age and work history of this horse could be extremely important.

If the horse is older, sound, and has a history of

EXAMPLE #4

successfully working hard, the fragment might be less concerning. If he’s a youngster, risks for future problems would increase. Additional diagnostics such as ultrasound or MRI might offer more about the overall health of the joint and soft tissues in the area.

What’s the true story? This fragment was identified in a sound, older horse working at a very high level. It had first been identified years ago, and radiographs taken six years apart looked identical. Although there’s no guarantee it won’t cause problems in the future, the horse’s history makes it much less of a risk.

EXAMPLE #4: FIBULA FRACTURE Is it real? This line looks just like a fracture, but it’s not! It’s a normal finding that occurs when the fibula is developing.

Does it matter? No. Although it looks a bit unusual, this fracture-like line is actually completely normal.

Can you find out more? Sometimes normal variations in anatomy can be confusing, and even your veterinarian might question the significance.

A simple way to check is to take a radiograph of the opposite leg to see if it looks the same.

What’s the true story? This horse came up acutely “fracture lame” with swelling in this area of the leg, which caused the vet to question whether this line was really normal, or if the horse had been injured. In the end, the horse had a soft-tissue injury completely unrelated to this radiographic finding.

HorseandRider.com Read the feature “Image That!” for more information on imaging technology that can benefit your horse.

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Many of the ranch classes offered at shows use logs or poles in their patterns. Keep my 10 tips in mind when practicing them at home.

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10 TIPS FOR RANCH

LOGS Here are 10 hints for practicing over logs and poles to help you perform better in ranch riding and ranch trail classes.

By Ryan Kail, With Lauren Stanley Photos by Charles Brooks

P

oles (like those seen in traditional trail classes) and logs (more like natural downed trees) are present in almost all ranch riding and ranch trail patterns.

Judges can place them at a variety of heights and distances, which means February 2017 HorseandRider.com 55

Tip #1

your horse must be versatile and well-practiced to execute the obstacles correctly.

Here, I’ll offer 10 tips for practicing these obstacles at home. Traditional trail poles are fine for these exercises, but I suggest working over larger logs, too, so you’re prepared to execute them. I’ll refer to the obstacles as logs for the purpose of this article, since it focuses on the ranch patterns.

Practice going over logs on a weekly, if not daily, basis. The more time you spend practicing the obstacle, the more comfortable and capable you’ll feel when you see them drawn into your pattern. When performing these obstacles, think back to the purpose of the class: Would this horse be suitable for the ranch if he encountered this obstacle?

Tip #1: Start Slow Begin working at a walk, adding more logs as your horse becomes accustomed to stepping over them.

Your horse might be afraid of the logs, so be sure to give yourself enough time to get him accustomed to the 56

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Tip #3

obstacle. Walk and then jog in circles near the logs, letting your horse realize they’re not as scary as he might believe.

Once your horse feels comfortable with the logs, begin walking over just one log in a straight line. Build to two logs once your horse confidently covers one, and then add more at the walk as appropriate.

Tip #2: Work at Multiple Distances Distance between the logs is very important in the first stages of training.

Walk-over logs are set at an average of two feet apart; however, show managers can set various spaces between the walk-over logs, so you’ll need to practice at home for various distances and so you can adjust your horse’s stride at the show. Practice riding to place your horse’s feet in the middle of the space between the logs to prevent him from ticking or hitting a log. Hitting logs incurs a minus maneuver score, with the amount depending on the severity of the “hit” on the log (i.e., ticking a log versus kicking it forward to collide with the other logs).

Tip #3: Keep Him Round Use your legs and hands to round your horse’s back as you approach the logs.

This shape gives him the necessary impulsion to get over the logs without hitting any.

You can improve your control of your horse’s stride by using your legs and hands to pick up his back as he approaches the logs. Wrap your legs around your horse to lift his back, and lift your hand to steady his face until you feel him raise his back into your seat and soften in your hand. By rounding his back up, your horse will have a more up-and-down motion, which helps his legs go over the logs

Tip #7

instead of plowing straight through them. Work on having your horse lengthen his stride to accommodate a larger walk space, and practice a tighter stride for a smaller space.

Tip #4: Ride All the Way Through Begin preparing for the obstacle a few strides before you reach it, and continue riding over the obstacle a few strides after. Sitting down or relaxing before you’ve completed the obstacle will increase your horse’s chances of hitting the log. Always be sure your horse’s final foot has exited the obstacle before you move onto the next maneuver in the pattern.

Tip #5: Nix Rushing If you find your horse rushes through the logs instead of thinking about them, stop in the middle of the obstacle and wait until you feel him relax.

Take as much time in the middle of the logs as your horse needs. If your horse rushes up to the logs in his approach, stop and back him up before going over the obstacle. Make sure your back-up isn’t too aggressive; you don’t want him to become nervous when you approach logs. Lift your rein hand slightly before the logs to let him know that you’re about to go over them. Your horse should give to your hand and look at the logs.

Tip #6: Enhance Expression Expression over the logs is important.

Your horse shouldn’t appear numb to them as he just clods over the obstacle.

Let him slightly lower his neck while going over the logs to show that he’s a willing mount and is interested in where he’s putting his feet. If you were on a ranch, you’d want your horse to look before he stepped over a fallen tree and into a gofer hole, for example. You can sit forward as you guide your horse over the logs or maintain your regular working position. Use the position that you feel most comfortable in and gets your horse over the logs cleanly. → February 2017 HorseandRider.com 57

Tip #7: Get a Great Trot Practice a forward, lofty, two-beat trot—at a standard stride and extended—so you’re prepared for whatever the pattern requires.

Strive for a solid, two-beat trot that drives from behind before you attempt the trot-over logs. Trot logs are usually set three feet apart, but they can be spaced differently at each show, so you must have control of your horse’s trot.

Pick up your horse’s back (see Tip #3) while trotting in a circle to achieve a lofty gait to get over the logs smoothly.

Practice this at different trotting speeds so you can adjust your horse’s strides to get correct leg timing and maintain his correct body position.

Some patterns may call for an extended trot over a log. Be careful to never allow your horse to break gait into a lope due to the increased forward motion. This takes practice at home to know how far you can push the trot before your horse breaks into a lope. You may sit, post, or stand in your saddle when going over a log at the extended trot.

Tip #8: Stay Centered Approach the obstacle as close to center as possible, and take a straight path to cross all of the logs.

Trot logs both straight on and as part of the arc of a circle, always approaching the obstacle at the middle of the first log. Staying centered through the obstacle should mean that each log is equidistant, which will make it easier for your horse to stay balanced and place his feet carefully and confidently.

Tip #9: Practice the Lope-Over Guiding your horse over a log at the lope is one of the most difficult maneuvers with this obstacle; however, once mastered and performed correctly, it can be one of the most beautiful and credit-earning maneuvers. Lope logs are typically set six feet apart, but can vary depending on the show.

A lope-over requires a three-beat lope with impulsion from behind and your horse’s back lifted and round.

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Tip #8

Tip #10

the obstacle. Begin with one log, and then add more as you and your horse gain confidence.

The place your horse’s first footfall land before the first log is important at this gait. If your horse’s foot lands too close to the log or too far from it, your horse runs the risk of splitting the log (having the log go in between the horse’s front or back strides), switching leads, or breaking gait over the log.

Try to gauge the correct foot placement when you’re six to 12 feet away from the log. If you feel that your horse won’t land in the correct spot to make it over the log cleanly, then shorten or lengthen your lope stride to accommodate a proper distance. You can also stop and back your horse before he

reaches the log, to help teach him how to rate his stride at the lope (see Tip #5). With practice and your manual “rating” (lengthening and shortening of his stride), he’ll begin to see the distance himself and help you find it when approaching the log.

Tip #10: Increase the Difficulty The lope is probably the most challenging gait to travel over logs, but with practice you’ll master it for a creditearning maneuver.

Once your horse gets comfortable, challenge him by adding more lope-over logs. Space the logs approximately six feet apart, and only add one additional log at a time so

that you know your horse is capable of performing the obstacle. Keep an even stride over all of the logs to perform the maneuver cleanly and to look as effortless as possible.

Ryan Kail, Scottsdale, Arizona, is a lifelong horseman. He started Kail Quarter Horses in 2008, where he and wife Andrea train horses for the ranch and all-around classes. He holds judges’ cards with AQHA and NRHA.

HorseandRider.com Master the trot extension for ranch riding classes with tips found in “Stretch It Out.” February 2017 HorseandRider.com 59

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Photo by Jennifer Paulson

Seniors That Still Have It Age is just a number, at least when it comes to these six senior horses.

By Nichole Chirico

RETIREMENT ISN’T ALWAYS the answer for everyone. Just like people, many horses enjoy having a job and staying busy well into their golden years. Just because your horse is reaching a certain age doesn’t mean that he can’t enjoy doing the same things younger horses are asked to do. Sometimes there are a few setbacks—things change with age—but as long as your horse is happy and healthy, there’s no reason to quit spending time in the saddle with him. He might even thrive from his continued sense of purpose.

Here we’ll introduce you to six horses that are well into their golden years and share their stories of success in the show pen, becoming the perfect teachers, and the journey of returning from an injury. → February 2017 HorseandRider.com 61

Artful Investment

Barn name: Artie.

Age: 22.

Owner: Nancy Alto-Renfro of Finely, California. he name Artful Investment is well recognized in the American Quarter Horse Association show community.

After winning multiple world championships, becoming one of the highest point-earning stallions in AQHA history, and producing world-champion offspring, “Artie” now adds “favorite lesson horse” to his long list of accomplishments.

When Artie first returned to California to retire, he was given a pasture most horses would dream of. But Artie’s not like most horses and would run up and down the fence until he was completely drenched in sweat, letting his keepers know he didn’t care for pasture life. So much that they gelded him to see if it would help. Alto-Renfro quickly realized Artie enjoyed having a job.

So in the spring of 2015, Artie’s owner suggested Lindsay LaPlante give Artie a trial period as a lesson horse at Silver Spur Riding School in Del Mar, California. It turned out to be the perfect retirement for Artie.

“I’ve never seen such a happy lesson horse,” La Plante gushes. “He’s genuinely the happiest horse I’ve ever been around. And he loves being around the kids. The only time he gets mad is when it rains and he knows can’t get ridden.”

His work schedule is very light and involves a lot of walking and jogging. But Artie’s also a go-to horse for trail riding, grooming practice, and even swimming in the ocean.

“The horse I usually take to the beach happened to be lame that day, so we decided to bring Artie, not knowing if he’d ever been around water. Sure enough, he enjoyed it. His favorite part was sticking his face in the water and blowing bubbles. He might’ve had more fun than the kids, which is hard to beat,” La Plante shares.

Artie’s now a favorite at the lesson barn, and gets the opportunity to teach kids how to trust horses and learn how to ride. And while most of the kids don’t know Artie is an equine celebrity, some have gone to YouTube to watch his world-show runs and see just how talented he really is. He’s helped tons of kids learn more about horses, and has done everything from helping them learn how to steer at a walk to performing a flying lead change. He even partakes in the local fun shows, where he’s been beat by a Shetland pony in the hunter under saddle, a class he holds multiple world titles in. But according to some of the many kids who love on him every day, Artie’s biggest achievement is learning how to bow on command.

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Creepy Junior Barn name: Big Brown.

Age: 28.

Owner: Lisa Hamilton of Billings, Montana. hen Hamilton went to pick up a horse for a friend, she didn’t know she’d be coming home with a horse for herself. But the minute she pulled into the driveway and saw

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Creepy Junior Creepy Junior quietly standing outside, she knew he’d be the perfect barrel-racing horse for her, even if he was approaching 20 years old at the time.

“Big Brown” remains healthy at age 28, but owning a senior horse comes with its own set of challenges. Sometimes he struggles with keeping weight on—something many senior horses deal with. Through lots of trial and error, Top photo by Jennifer Paulson; bottom photo by Shane Rux

Hamilton has found that sweet feed and rice bran work best for him. He also gets a mix of alfalfa and grass hay, along with an assortment of supplements. Frequent exercise further builds Big Brown’s appetite.

As he gets older, it takes more time to get him ready for the next barrel-racing season. Hamilton and Big Brown start their season slowly by attending a few local jackpots to help him ease back into the competitive arena and increase his fitness. And when Big Brown isn’t at jackpots, his riding routine is constantly changing.

“He’s happiest when he’s out of the arena, so with the exception of a pole-bending exercise I like to practice with him once a week, he doesn’t spend much time in the arena,” Hamilton explains. “And if the weather’s nice, we’re trotting and loping out on the hilly trails, which also helps build his stamina.”

Getting Big Brown into the arena to run a barrel pattern turned out to be a bit of a struggle when Hamilton first started running him. But soon she was able to find a program that worked well for him. “After all these years of running barrels, he knows what he’s supposed to do when there’s a pattern set up,” Hamilton shares. “So I like to keep things fresh and new for him by doing different things outside the arena.” Five years later, going into the arena to run a pattern isn’t a problem anymore. In fact, he’s been most successful in the competition arena when he isn’t drilled at home. So much that Hamilton and Big Brown have won the all-around novice-select Western horse title at the AQHA Novice West Championships two years in a row.

As for Big Brown’s future, Hamilton says, “He’s a very honest horse to me. He’ll tell me when he’s ready to slow down.”

Dualin Command

Barn name: Dually.

Age: 17.

Owner: Julie Goodnight of Poncha Springs, Colorado. oodnight considers Dualin Command to be her go-to clinic and demonstration horse because of his versatility and temperament. He also participates in reined cow horse and versatility events. He’s always paying attention and quickly understands what his job entails. But as he’s aged, he’s had a few setbacks. After a year and a half of no riding due to complete body soreness, “Dually” is finally improving and is back to being ridden.

As Goodnight rode Dually, she noticed his performance start to diminish. She wasn’t sure what was going on, but she knew she had to help him.

“His whole body was sore, so it was hard to figure out where he actually hurt,” Goodnight shares. “You could just tell he didn’t feel good.”

Arthritis is common in older horses, and because Dually has so much arthritis, it was hard to pinpoint if he just hurt from that or if there was an underlying injury. It’s been a long diagnostic process with several ups and downs, but recently Dually has made a huge comeback thanks to the help of Goodnight’s performance and lameness specialist.

“We did X-rays and couldn’t find any devastating news,

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Dualin Command which was good to hear,” Goodnight says. “There was no laminitis or coffin-bone troubles. My lameness vet was confident we could get him back to 100-percent. We found interleukin receptor antagonist protein (IRAP) injections extremely helpful.” (To learn more about IRAP injections read “Oh My Aching Joints” on HorseandRider.com.)

During his recovery, Dually continued to have regular exercise. “I found it was beneficial for him to keep a good level of fitness,” she shares. “Letting an older horse get completely soft and then trying to bring him back is hard. When a horse loses his topline, it’s even harder to get it back.” So Dually continued to have regular turnout and was free longed or ponied for short periods of time throughout the week.

Now that Dually’s on the road to recovery and feeling better, Goodnight is back to riding him a few times a week. It’s a slow process, and she still has a long way to go to get him back to where he was. “I haven’t worked a cow with him in a long time,” Goodnight explains. “My hope is now that he’s feeling good again I’ll be able to get him fit enough to start working cattle.” → Photo by Heidi Nyland Melocco

S T O R E MAKE FITNESS YOUR GOAL THIS YEAR Fit to Ride in 9 Weeks!: Achieve Straightness, Suppleness, and Stamina in the Saddle Certified personal trainer and riding coach Heather Sansom has developed an utterly achievable 9-week plan to give every rider the straightness, suppleness, strength, and stamina she needs to ride her best. With hundreds of one-of-a-kind illustrations depicting accurate musculature on the rider’s body, and dozens of proven exercises organized in a progressive fitness program with easy-to-use schedule charts, Sansom’s book is the key to enjoying the ride, being fair to your horse, and getting into fabulous shape—in just a couple of months.

Paperback, 208 pp.

The Riding Doctor: A Prescription for Healthy, Balanced, and Beautiful Riding, Now and for Years to Come Readers will find basic rider anatomy that is easy to understand, as well as over 50 step-by-step exercises geared toward developing riding skills.

Paperback, 232 pp.

Rider Fitness: Body and Brain 180 Anytime, Anywhere Exercises to Enhance Range of Motion, Motor Control, Reaction Time, Flexibility, Balance and Muscle Memory Eckart Meyners’ exercises are easy to learn and do, so you can fit them in around your busy riding and work schedule. His unique workouts include balance exercises, stretching and muscle conditioning, both on the ground and in the saddle. Paperback, 208 pp.

Nine Pilates Essentials for the Balanced Rider A Magic Circle Workout In this DVD, popular Pilates instructor and dressage rider Janice Dulak breaks down the body into nine essential “parts” that riders often are not even aware they have, let alone actively engage and use.

By incorporating the “Magic Circle “exercise ring in a series of exercises, riders get a workout that targets and trains these specific and very important muscles and muscle groups in ways that will instantly apply to their riding. DVD, run time 57 mins.

THE EQUINE NETWORK STORE Official store for Horse & Rider Magazine

www.EquineNetworkStore.com

Credits For Heaven

Barn name: Hatch.

Age: 19.

Owners: Todd and Lisa Neiberger of Argyle, Texas. redits For Heaven is no stranger to the show arena— especially in the all-around events—and after years of showing he continues to prove that he can still compete with the young ones. On top of an already extensive list of horseshowing accomplishments—including an AQHA youth world champion title in trail—in the last two years he’s also won the amateur trail at the All American Quarter Horse Congress and was the National Snaffle Bit Association Select Trail World Champion. It’s clear the horse still has a lot left in him as he approaches age 20.

At home, “Hatch” has a fairly easy exercise routine that includes pasture turnout a few days a week and time on the walker almost every morning. Being a veteran to the show arena means he doesn’t need much rigorous schooling, so he typically only gets ridden four times a week. “Hatch lives on our property, so during the week my daughters and I keep him legged up by doing some light riding,” Lisa shares. “The only time we’ll increase his riding is if we’re getting ready for a large horse show. Before those shows our trainer, Robin Frid, will ride him for a quick tune-up.”

In the past, Hatch has been a family horse. Lisa and her daughters, Alyssa and Payton, have all taken turns piloting him in all-around events. But because of his age, Hatch’s showing routine has changed to accommodate his new life phase. He doesn’t travel nearly as much, and he’s no longer showing in the open division. “Robin has done quite well with Hatch in the past. But the open trail and Western riding classes are so competitive that we’ve decided to have Alyssa solely focus on the amateur events now that he’s older,” Lisa explains.

His love for showing and working are some of the many reasons Hatch continues competing well into his senior years.

“You can tell he’s happy when he’s at a horse show,” Lisa gushes. “A quick longe-line session and run through of the pattern is all he needs to get ready, and when he does go into the show pen he immediately perks up and he always wants to be good. If we load up the trailer to go to a show and he’s not going, he sticks his head out of his stall and starts to whinny.

You can tell he’s sad when he doesn’t get to go.”

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Credits For Heaven

Meradas Hot Tip Barn name: T-Bone.

Age: 18.

Owner: Al Dunning of Scottsdale, Arizona. eradas Hot Tip started out as a show horse where he successfully competed in several events including heeling, cutting, reining, and the working cow horse. After his show career ended, he made his way to Al Dunning’s Almosta Ranch where he holds a new role that involves helping Dunning with his lessons and clinics.

Thanks to T-Bone’s gentle personality, he’s become one of Dunning’s best clinic horses. T-Bone’s the perfect confidence

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Meradas Hot Tip Top photo by Mallory Beinborn; bottom photo by Charles Brooks

S T O R E SUCCEED IN WESTERN DRESSAGE

Your Complete Guide to Western Dressage: 12 Lessons to Take You From the Basics to Your First Show Here’s everything you need to know about the newest horse sport, Western Dressage, a unique blend of classical dressage and the spirit of the Western horse.

Top horsewoman Lynn Palm, offers step-bystep exercises to take you through your first Western Dressage test.

Paperback, 88 pp., #ZP22, $24.95

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Bald N Shiney booster for a novice rider because he’s always quiet and easy-going.

“I’ve made so many people happy by letting them ride T-Bone,” Dunning explains with a smile. “I have riders of all skill levels ride him; you never have to worry about him being bad.”

He’s also known to put in as much or as little effort that you ask of him. He’s more than happy to carry around a novice rider, but he’s more than willing to challenge an experienced rider and can work a cow just as well as any other horse that’s currently on Dunning’s property. “I tell anyone who rides him and is chasing a cow down the fence to pay attention to the cow, because T-Bone stops and turns so hard, you’ll fall off if you’re not watching,” he laughs.

The key to keeping T-Bone happy with his job as he gets older is continuing to do a variety of things with him. There are days where he’s taken on trail rides, and other days he helps gather cattle. He also spends a lot of time in the arena either helping with clinics or getting ridden by one of Dunning’s customers. When he’s

not being ridden, T-Bone splits his time between a regular stall and the pasture. He loves his pasture time, but he’s always the first one to the gate when someone comes with a halter and lead rope.

T-Bone is a horse that loves having a job, and according to Al, that’s what keeps him so healthy. “At one point, I let T-Bone sit for a little while,” Dunning recalls. “His attitude immediately changed. He didn’t have a good look in his eye, and I was extremely worried about him. As soon as we got him legged up and riding again, he blossomed and he had his old personality back. He’s a special horse, and when you have a horse like him, you have to keep him happy and comfortable for as long as you can.”

Bald N Shiney Barn name: Hank.

Age: 23.

Owner: Nelle Murphy of Weatherford, Texas. fter slowing down for a few years, multiple world champion Bald

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Photo by Jennifer Paulson

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HORSE & RIDER VOLUME LVI, NUMBER 2 (ISSN 0018-5159/USPS 523-410) COPYRIGHT 2017, CRUZ BAY PUBLISHING, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY CRUZ BAY PUBLISHING, INC., AN ACTIVE INTEREST MEDIA COMPANY. THE KNOWN OFFICE OF PUBLICATION IS AT 5720 FLATIRON PARKWAY, BOULDER, CO 80301. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT BOULDER, CO. AND AT ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. POSTMASTER: PLEASE SEND CHANGE OF ADDRESS TO HORSE & RIDER, SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE DEPT., P.O. BOX 420235, PALM COAST, FL 32142-0235. CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40612608, CANADIAN GST NUMBER 12345 2781 RT0001. CANADA RETURNS TO BE SENT TO BLEUCHIP INTERNATIONAL, P.O. BOX 25542, LONDON, ON N6C 6B2 CANADA. ONE YEAR (12 ISSUES) SUBSCRIPTION RATE: $24 UNITED STATES. THE CONTENTS OF THIS MAGAZINE MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT CONSENT OF THE COPYRIGHT OWNER. OPINIONS EXPRESSED HEREIN ARE THOSE OF THE EXPERTS CONSULTED, AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE OPINIONS OF THE EDITORS OR POLICY OF HORSE & RIDER MAGAZINE. UNSOLICITED MANUSCRIPTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS ACCOMPANIED BY RETURN POSTAGE WILL BE HANDLED WITH CARE, BUT PUBLISHER IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR SAFETY. PLEASE ALLOW 3 MONTHS FOR REPLY. REPRINTS: CONTACT WRIGHTS REPRINTS TO PURCHASE QUALITY CUSTOM REPRINTS OR E-PRINTS OF ARTICLES APPEARING IN THIS PUBLICATION AT (877)652-5295 (281/419-5725 OUTSIDE THE U.S. AND CANADA)

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You Said It!

When I Was a Horse-Crazy Kid, I… You share your favorite childhood memory of riding and horsing around.

Swam my Quarter Horse mare in the river with a bunch of my horseloving friends. We did it bareback, and were careful not to get water in our horses’ ears. So much fun!

Marie Judge, Kansas

Rode a parade horse! At the annual Lodi, California, parade 60 years ago, a kindly man hoisted me up to sit on his beautiful palomino. For that few minutes I felt the patient, easy breathing of my “first love.” Hooked ever since, I now own a cattle ranch and the excellent horses Sis Is Smart and Poco Cactus Kid. Linda Prentiss, Estralita Springs Ranch Co., California

Rode for the first time at my dad’s friend’s place in Oklahoma. The horse was an old mare that hadn’t spooked in years. That was also the first time I was thrown from a horse.

Evelyn Gilbreath, Missouri

Raced the horses through the forest with a boy from school, then rode until late at night, to the top of the mountain. Sat and looked at the stars above and the twinkling lights of the town in the valley below.

Carole Zundel, Idaho

Galloped my intrepid pony mare under a tree as I reached up and grabbed a branch, as I’d seen my TV-cowboy heroes do when they needed to dismount quickly. Then I fell and broke my arm.

Carol Matthews, Oregon

Went horse-camping in the mountains for a week with my junior-rider group. We hit a different trail every day. It was heaven.

Jo Mitchell, Washington

Rode my very first time on our neighbors’ little Paint mare, Queenie. With everyone looking up at me, I’ll never forget how tall and proud I felt. I still feel that way on a horse.

Lori J. Michaels, Wisconsin

Galloped all the way up a long hill, then jumped over an old picnic table.

Terilyn Bergson, California

Waited outside the pony-ride place at the fair for an hour before the rides started, just so I could be the first kid to go.

Elizabeth Weadick, Illinois

Arrived at the front of a pony-ride line to have my mom unexpectedly ask if I could ride the black horse. The man rearranged the horses accordingly. I was in heaven… as I was totally in love with “Fury” at the time.

Joan Bessette, Rhode Island

Relished the calmness of simply walking Blackie, a little black Quarter Pony, around the barn on extremely hot summer days. I was just 11, and those quiet moments with him made me more secure about my life.

Joley Williams, West Virginia

Join in! Tell us, in under 50 words, if your horse wears shoes or boots, or goes barefoot. Respond by Feb. 15 to jfmeyer@ aimmedia.com. Include your full name and home state, and put “You Said It/Shoes-Boots-Barefoot” in the subject line.

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Illustration by Navah Rae Adams

Meet Sugar ...

Sugar found her forever home through Equine.com and the A Home for Every Horse program after receiving 90 days of training during the 2015 Rocky Mountain Equine Comeback Challenge. Sugar met her new family with three little girls looking for a horse to take them to the next level of competition in junior rodeo. Both loving and

Heart the Cause Today Find out how by visiting www.ahomeforeveryhorse.com and follow us online:

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