They didn’t know how he did it – he did it in secret, with no witnesses. But they had seen the horse acting wild, biting, kicking at people before, and then when he led it out, it was as gentle as a lamb. Some said it was magic potions. Some said he dripped wax down the horse’s ear. Others believed it had to be witchcraft, a deal with the devil, as it was impossible for a mere mortal man to create such a change. He was a horse whisperer, the first to have the title. He took horses that had been deemed as demons and broke through to them, bringing out their gentle nature. Horses that were afraid, and horses that were violent, all found a friend in him, and changed their personality. He healed broken spirits.  The concept of a horse whisperer is popular today. From the book/movie, to the world of natural horsemanship trainers, people want to have a connection between horse and rider. But before all of this, there was one man, taming horse’s souls with his gentle touch. This man was John Solomon Rarey, legendary horseman, and the original horse whisperer.  Early Life Rarey grew up on a farm, with ready access to animals, and limited access to other children. He spent his days interacting with the animals, and discovered a special fondness for the horses. It grew into a complete understanding of the equine mind, but it was not without it’s risk. Rarey said of his early years: I have never had an accident since I became perfect in my system, and I don’t fear any. I have been among horses since I was twelve years old, and at first had a great many accidents. Every limb has been broken except my right arm, but being young when the accidents happened, the bones fortunately healed strongly. J.S. Rarey, at an exhibit in New York City His early job out of childhood involved working with wild horses in Texas, and he spent his off time training a pair of elk to pull a cart. He was extremely confident in his horse training abilities, and he wanted to be famous for them. He had already written his first book about training horses, and he would drive his elk to the country fairs to try to sell it. He decided to move to England to advance his career. It took him less than 60 days to become a household name. Demonstrating for the Queen A random American no-name moving to England for fame had a serious challenge ahead of him. Rarey started out by partnering with a Canadian horse dealer, who gave him an introduction to British officers in Canada. The officers were so impressed, they wrote to their fellow officers back home. Word got around, and Sir Richard Airey, “the best soldier on […] staff,” wanted to see him. They arranged for Rarey to work with a series of difficult horses, and one by one, Rarey gentled them.  As word spread of this feat, more were eager to see. Demonstration led to demonstration until Queen Victoria heard about this incredible horse trainer. She wanted to see for herself.  Queen Victoria and Prince Albert invited Rarey to demonstrate on several horses. As Rarey started on the first one, the royal couple had to stay away from the stall. Eventually, they were allowed to approach, and it’s said that the queen dissolved into laughter. The horse was laid down, with Rarey laying beside him, resting his head on on the horse’s hind leg, with the other leg draped over top of him. Rarey continued his demonstration by crawling over the horse’s body and through his legs, and sat on his hip and shoulder. He shook an umbrella around the horse’s head, and then had the horse stand up, and beat a drum while sitting on top of him. The horse remained passive throughout.  An Image from Rarey’s book, “The Art of Taming Horses.” Queen Victoria was extremely impressed. Rarey received an immediate tour of the castle, and a monetary gift. She invited Rarey to another demonstration, this time the night before her daughter’s wedding. There would be representatives from many other nations there to witness Rarey’s skill. She either really liked Rarey, or felt kind of awkward with how close it was to her daughter’s wedding, but she invited him to that, too.  The British aristocracy loved him. He set up a subscription service for a series of lectures on training horses, and the Queen signed up immediately, as well as two thousand others. Time spent in England so far: 57 days.  Cruiser Despite his amazing demonstrations to the noble class of England, not everyone was convinced. The common horsemen of England thought he was a fraud. After all, they still hadn’t seen what he did, and maybe it was just luck. They hadn’t witnessed it for themselves, and since photography wasn’t good enough yet, why should they believe a bunch of likely foolish aristocrats?  The racing writer for the Morning Post scoffed at Rarey, and dared him to take on a real challenge – to spend a a day at the racing track with his fancy pants aristocratic friends, and see if he could ride “Cruiser.” The horse’s owner, Lord Dorchester, thought it was a pretty good idea, too. He promised him 100 pounds if he was able.  Cruiser had once been an amazing racehorse prospect, but somewhere along the way, something went wrong. The horse was uncontrollable. He had kicked two grooms to death. He had to be restrained with a leather and iron muzzle. He went into a fury when someone approached his stall. He lived in a prison, unable to be handled by anyone, and unable to be trusted by anyone. The horse was kept alive out of a hope he’d become calm enough to be used as a breeding stud. It was suggested that the horse’s eyes be gouged out, as a kindness, so the horse could be handled. Rarey was not frightened by this killer horse, and accepted the challenge. On the big day, he approached the stall, and went in. Three hours later, he emerged, riding Cruiser. He rode the horse around the paddock, and helped Lord Dorchester into the saddle, and he rode him, too. It was the first time the horse had been ridden in three years.  Lord Dorchester was so impressed, he gifted his interests in the horse to Rarey, who purchased the remaining interest to become sole owner of Cruiser.  Cruiser would stay with Rarey throughout his travels, as a demonstration horse, and eventually moved back to Ohio with him. Although Cruiser remained docile for the remainder of his life, special care was taken to keep his life consistent, with only approved visitors and activities, to avoid relapsing back to his early-years rebellious horse ways.  Rarey’s Techniques Images from Rarey’s book on training horses. In the beginning, Rarey kept his methods a secret. He would tame client horses in secret, use this proof to  gather followers, and then teach them the secrets, swearing them to also keep the secret. He was originally interested in selling his methods in a subscription based format, where clients would purchase a series of lectures on horse training.  But he eventually opened up about his methods, and told his followers they could share it, too. He saw the benefits of spreading this knowledge to many.  Once the secrets were revealed, it turned out that none of his methods involved potions or witchcraft. The secret was understanding and empathy. In his youth, he had spent a lot of time with horses, learning to communicate with them through his body motions. He understood horses on a psychological level, and knew what triggered reactions, and what would calm a horse. He knew to look for injuries on the horse, which could trigger fearful reactions. Beyond just communication, Rarey believed that the ability for horses to use their muzzles was extremely important. Rarey emphasized that horses used their muzzles the way a human used their hands. Their muzzles would investigate objects and determine if they were safe. By allowing the horse the freedom to use their muzzle, they would be more trusting of whatever was introduced to them.  But simply being gentle didn’t work with all horses. Some horses were beyond that point. That’s when he would use his most powerful technique: laying the horse down. Yes, just like in the end of The Horse Whisperer.  Rarey would attach a strap to the horse’s leg, which then attached to a strap on the horse’s back. Then he would gentle push the horse off balance until he laid down. Rarey said it took about 10 minutes to get the horse laying down. Once the horse was down, he would stroke the horse all over, showing it that even in this incredibly vulnerable position, he was still safe. Rarey would often do this more than once, allowing the horse to stand again, and then laying the horse back down.  Rarey said that this created a bond between him and the horse, and based on their behavior, it would seem he was right.  To go more in depth about his methods, he wrote a couple of books on the topic, which are now available free.  A Traveling Clinician With Rarey now being open about his methods, he traveled the world to demonstrate. All across Europe, people would bring their horses to his clinics, and he would tame them. Cruiser also traveled with him, as a continuing example of his methods and to  demonstrate their continued bond. He did tours of Europe and North America before returning to his home back in Ohio. It had been three years since he left to pursue his dreams of becoming a famous horse trainer. Apparently being a horse whisperer was a lucrative job back then, and Rarey returned with a large fortune. He used the money to built a mansion for himself and his mother on his childhood property.  He made a home for himself and Cruiser in Ohio, but he soon became restless, wanting to travel again and host more clinics. Preparations for another world tour begin.   The Untimely End Unfortunately, Rarey was not able to travel again, as he soon suffered a stroke. Although at first he seemed to recover, he ultimately passed away from complications. He was only 38 years old. Cruiser ended up outliving Rarey by 9 years, continuing to be cared for by Rarey’s estate. When Cruiser did pass, at age 23, he was buried beside him, reunited in death. Today, the lasting link to Cruiser is the school built on Rarey’s old property, Groveport-Madison High School, which calls themselves The Cruisers.  While Rarey had a relatively short career with horses, he made a lasting impact on the industry. In a world were pain and intimidation had been accepted techniques to train horses, Rarey showed there was a different way of training horses, through kindness and understanding. These techniques would become more and more prominent in the horse world, eventually becoming the accepted methods. In today’s world, kindness and understanding is the standard in horse training, with brutality and pain frowned upon, or even illegal. It’s hard to believe that brutal methods were once accepted to train horses, but there was a time when it was. Thankfully, Rarey was a horse trainer who showed the world that kindness and understanding do more for horses, and create bonds of trust between horse and rider.  The post John Solomon Rarey, The Original Horse Whisperer appeared first on An Equestrian Life.

Zinc is a co-factor for hundreds of enzymes in the horse’s body, several of which are required for bone formation and calcification. It supports the synthesis of chondroitin sulphate which is essential for cartilage formation. Other roles include support for foetal development, growth and reproduction. It is needed for DNA synthesis and neurological function. Perhaps the most well-known areas of its importance are in the health of skin, coat and hoof, it’s role in keratin synthesis has been particularly well-researched. The benefits of zinc on skin quality are seen across many species but adding excess to feed must be avoided as the European regulations, under which we still operate, are rightly limiting excess zinc ending up in the environment, particularly waterways. Zinc supports epithelial cell reproduction, maintenance and membrane integrity. There is increasing awareness of the role zinc plays in supporting the immune system and in wound healing. Carbohydrate and lipid metabolism depend upon it. Finally Zinc is needed to support the synthesis and regulation of hormones, a major contribution from a micronutrient. Good sources include wheatfeed and brewers grains but U.K. forages do not usually contain enough to meet most horses’ requirements so supplementation is necessary. This Blog was brought to you in partnership with TopSpec.  See all their products available from Chestnut Mill Using this link TopSpec

Directors Blog – February ’24 As February draws to a close, the tempo is rising!  The tradestands are now all confirmed and include some exciting and different new ones.  The entries are coming in and it is always exciting to see in my inbox that someone has entered and wondering who it will be.  I know, from riding my own horse, that it has not been an easy time for riders getting horses fit on the wet ground but let’s look forward to some warmer and dryer days. As I write, Eric Winter and the Willis Brothers team are placing and working on the the cross-country fences in the Park and that really sends a tingle down my spine.  It has also been good to have Stuart Buntine (our Assistant Technical Delegate this year) with us over the past couple of days. Harry’s Hut is back up in the Park, awaiting his return to carry out the Site Management duties.  The grandstand building starts next Monday.  In fact, every day there is just a little more activity….. Last week was extra busy, the first two days were taken up with filming a documentary to celebrate the 75th Anniversary. Those partaking were kind enough to travel from far and wide to contribute.  The documentary will be released on Badminton TV prior to the Event and we will post details on our social media channels and the website as to when it is about to be shown. The week also included our annual Veterinary and Medical meetings.  We are incredibly lucky to have such a great team of both, who bring so many different skills and expertise.  Of course, we all hope they will not be needed but if they are horse, rider or spectator could not be in better hands.  We are very grateful to Mars Equestrian for their support of the veterinary side and it was incredibly generous of Scott Giebler, who flew over especially from America, and Terry McFarlane to give a talk on Antech and Sound diagnostics at the meeting Andrew has been busy with sponsors and we will be announcing one or two exciting new ones over the coming weeks. I wish all organisers, owners and competitors well as the eventing season opens. Our early bird ticket prices are in place until 31st March, so please head to the Box Office and take advantage before it is suddenly too late! By the time I write the March blog, the entries will have closed and we will be on the final run down to welcoming you all back to Badminton in May!!  

Aspect Details What is Bone Spavin? Osteoarthritis of the hock joint, leading to pain and lameness. Symptoms Sporadic lameness, shortened stride, reluctance to move. Diagnosis Lameness exam, radiographs, possibly advanced diagnostics like scintigraphy. Treatment Rest, NSAIDs, corticosteroid injections, possibly surgery. Management Daily exercise, proper shoeing, manage workload to reduce joint stress. Prevention Conditioning programs, balanced diet, attentive shoeing and hoof care. Prognosis Many horses return to work, may require adjustments based on activity level. Introduction to Bone Spavin: The Bane of Horse's Hocks Let's talk about something that sounds like a pirate's curse but is actually a common issue in the equestrian world - bone spavin. Now, before you start googling whether your horse needs an eye patch, let me explain. Bone spavin is a condition that affects our beloved horses' hock joints, causing pain, lameness, and in severe cases, a pirate-like limp. But fear not, for this article will guide you through understanding, diagnosing, and managing bone spavin, turning you from a worried owner into a savvy spavin specialist. First off, the hock joint is akin to the human ankle, located in a horse's hind leg. It's a complex structure that's essential for movement, but unfortunately, it's also a prime spot for osteoarthritis, known in the horse world as bone spavin. This condition is most prevalent in middle-aged and older horses, but don't let your young stallion hear that – it can affect younger horses under the right (or rather, wrong) circumstances. Understanding the Hock Joint's Highs and Lows The hock joint, a marvel of equine anatomy, consists of four smaller joints. These joints work in unison to support the mighty power and graceful movements of a horse. However, when bone spavin enters the chat, it brings along inflammation, bone spurs, and a whole lot of discomfort. Imagine trying to perform a graceful dressage routine while wearing shoes that are too tight – that's the daily reality for a horse with bone spavin. But what causes this unwelcome guest? Well, it could be a combination of factors: genetic predisposition, excessive strain on the hock joints from hard work or improper landing, and even the inevitable march of time. The resulting inflammation and bone growths (spurs) can lead to joint stiffness, reduced mobility, and if unchecked, a complete fusion of the affected joints. Symptoms: More Than Just a Bad Hock Day Identifying bone spavin can be tricky, as the initial symptoms are often subtle and easily mistaken for general stiffness or a case of the Mondays. Your horse might show sporadic hind limb lameness, a reluctance to jump or gallop, or even just a mild disinterest in activities they usually enjoy. Symptoms might improve with movement, leading some owners to write them off as nothing serious. However, as the condition progresses, symptoms like a shortened stride and noticeable lameness after rest become harder to ignore. Imagine your horse trying to tiptoe around – it's not exactly natural. In conclusion, understanding bone spavin in horses is the first step in managing this condition. With a keen eye and a proactive approach, you can help your horse navigate through this challenge. Stay tuned for more insights on diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in the next sections. Remember, a happy horse means a happy life! Diagnosis and Treatment: The Road to Recovery Now that we've covered what bone spavin is and the tell-tale signs, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of diagnosis and treatment. Think of this stage as detective work, where your vet is Sherlock Holmes, and bone spavin is the elusive culprit. The goal? To bring it to light and deal with it accordingly. Diagnosis often begins with a thorough lameness exam, which may feel a bit like taking your car in for a tune-up, only to find out you need a new transmission. Your vet might suggest radiographs (X-rays) to get a closer look at the hock joint, or in some cases, advanced techniques like scintigraphy, especially if the X-rays come back looking like a Rorschach test. Treatment options range from the equivalent of putting your horse on bed rest with NSAIDs (imagine telling a toddler to sit still) to more invasive options like joint injections or even surgery. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can offer relief, but it's like walking a tightrope with the risk of side effects such as kidney damage and gastric ulcers. Corticosteroid injections might sound as fun as getting a flu shot, but they can provide significant relief for your horse, making it worth the temporary discomfort. Exercise and Management: Keeping Your Horse Happy Managing a horse with bone spavin doesn't have to feel like a Herculean task. With the right approach, you can ensure your horse maintains a good quality of life. Think of it as adjusting the sails when the wind changes direction – it's all about finding a new way to move forward. Daily exercise is crucial, ideally with a mix of ridden or driven work that doesn't involve making your horse dance the Macarena. Uneven stress on the joint, such as what occurs during lunging, is akin to asking someone with a bad knee to run hurdles. Instead, opt for activities that encourage even movement and keep the joint lubricated without overstraining it. And when it comes to shoeing, think of it as customizing your car for performance; a good farrier can make all the difference, providing shoes that help with breakover and reduce strain on the hock. Prognosis: Looking Towards the Future While the prognosis for horses with bone spavin can vary, it's not all doom and gloom. Many horses return to work after treatment, though they might not be ready to compete in the Kentucky Derby. It's about setting realistic expectations and appreciating the smaller victories, like enjoying a peaceful trail ride or a gentle canter around the arena. Remember, every horse is unique, and with patience and proper care, most can lead happy and productive lives. Effective management involves slowing the progression of the disease, controlling pain, and maintaining mobility. It's a bit like being on a long road trip with a car that's seen better days – you'll need to make frequent stops, check the oil, and maybe take the scenic route, but with care and attention, you'll get where you're going. Prevention: A Stitch in Time Saves Nine As we gallop towards the finish line of our bone spavin saga, let's not forget the old adage: prevention is better than cure. Keeping bone spavin at bay involves a cocktail of good management practices, vigilance, and a sprinkle of luck. It's about creating a lifestyle for your horse that's as balanced as a well-mixed martini. First and foremost, focus on conditioning and training programs that build strength without overburdening your horse's joints. Imagine you're preparing for a marathon; you wouldn't run 26 miles on your first day of training, would you? Similarly, gradually increasing the intensity and duration of workouts can help prevent injuries that lead to conditions like bone spavin. Nutrition also plays a pivotal role. Just as you wouldn't fuel a Formula 1 car with regular unleaded, providing your horse with a diet rich in essential nutrients supports overall health and joint integrity. Incorporating everyday vitamins and supplements can be a game-changer in maintaining joint health and preventing degenerative diseases. Shoeing and Foot Care: The Foundation of Equine Health Don't underestimate the power of proper shoeing and foot care. It's like wearing the right pair of shoes on a hike; with the correct support, you can go miles without a blister in sight. Regular visits from a knowledgeable farrier can ensure your horse's hooves are in tip-top shape, reducing undue stress on the hock joints. Lastly, monitor your horse's activity and environment. A horse that's confined to a stall for too long is like a kite without wind; it's not fulfilling its purpose. Regular turnout and exercise are crucial, but so is paying attention to the surfaces your horse works on. Hard, unforgiving ground can be as detrimental as a poorly fitted saddle. Conclusion: Your Horse's Health in Your Hands In the quest to prevent and manage bone spavin, remember that you play the leading role in your horse's health and well-being. It's a partnership where communication doesn't rely on words but on observation, care, and sometimes, a bit of intuition. By implementing preventative measures, staying vigilant for early symptoms, and working closely with your veterinarian, you can navigate the challenges of bone spavin together. Whether your horse is a high-level athlete or a leisurely companion, their quality of life is paramount. With the right knowledge, strategies, and a little help from our friends at Just Horse Riders, your horse can enjoy a happy, active life, free from the shadows of bone spavin. So here's to healthy horses, informed owners, and the journey we share with these magnificent creatures. Happy riding! How do you treat bone spavin in horses? Treatment involves a combination of rest, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroid injections into the affected joints, and in more severe cases, surgical intervention to fuse the joints. Each horse's treatment plan should be tailored by a veterinarian based on the severity of the condition. What are symptoms of bone spavin in horses? Symptoms include sporadic and vague hind limb lameness, a shortened stride, and discomfort that seems to improve with movement. As the condition progresses, the lameness can become more consistent, and the horse may exhibit difficulty in performing tasks that were previously easy. What is the difference between bone spavin and bog spavin in horses? Bone spavin is a type of osteoarthritis affecting the lower hock joints, leading to bone growths and joint stiffness. Bog spavin, on the other hand, refers to swelling in the hock caused by excess synovial fluid accumulation, not necessarily associated with arthritis. While both affect the hock, their causes and treatments differ. Can you ride a horse with bog spavin? Yes, many horses with bog spavin can be ridden without issue. However, it's essential to manage the condition appropriately with veterinary guidance, including adjusting workload and intensity as necessary to ensure the horse remains comfortable and the condition does not worsen.

I watched the edited clips of Katie Prudent’s recent clinic, and my first thoughts were, “That doesn’t look that bad.” It looked like many of the trainers I had growing up. They were all like that, rough, tough on us, and using what I hope was hyperbole about the ways we should treat our horses. But then I remembered the second part of that – I freakin hated it. I hated the way those instructors yelled at us. I hated being belittled when I was trying my best, or because I just couldn’t hear the instructor when it feels like they are a mile away on the other side of a windy arena.  Why were instructors like this? Why did they make me feel like riding wasn’t meant to be fun, it was meant to be character building, aka painful?  Obviously I survived it, and many others did, too. But it brought up so many feelings about these types of trainers…  Let’s start with last week – I’ll explain what happened at the clinic.  The Katie Prudent Controversy Last Saturday, January 13th, 2024, Katie Prudent taught a United States Equestrian Federation clinic for 11 riders, teens and young adults. The event was broadcasted on USEF’s streaming services, and a few days later, a video of some choice clips came out. Katie’s rough teaching style was on display for the world. (see below for transcript.) The clip video is about 2 and a half minutes, compiled from a much longer session (and one would assume these are the worst parts.) In the video, she’s shown instructing students, sometimes in a completely calm, even tone, and other times louder. She is sometimes frustrated with the students, and advocates for hitting the horses with the crop as discipline, including that animal activists don’t understand, and says she’d flip a horse over that wouldn’t stop. Towards the end, there’s a confusing sequence where she seems to keep changing her mind on whether the riders should stop on a line or canter left.  I don’t know if the video will continue to stay up, so I’m including the transcript.  Transcript “Look at me when I’m talking to you – Look at me, Carly, when I’m talking to you. Carly, look at me.” “I don’t want to look over and see you being jerked like you’re a little weakling.” “Where’s Anne… so how to shorten the stirrups is another hour lesson… and I’m not doing it today because I don’t have time, but when there is time, that’s got to be addressed. No one does it right anymore.” “Release him – RELEASE HIM.” “Whoa, whoa, whoa, got to be more effective. Right now, he just wants to be left alone – but too bad for him.” ‘Now I have this thing with my stick, and I call it smack and back. Now when a horse does a disobedience, the reason we have a stick is to use it correctly. And horses need it. All this animal rights activists who know nothing about training horses, they need a good licking sometimes.” “Come on, come on, I don’t go in for circling.” “Right, don’t you dare turn that corner. You crash him into that fence rather than letting him turn.” “I personally would be flipping him over backwards. He wouldn’t dare go around that corner with me.” “You’re a little weak. Here, you’re weak here.” (with gesture to head) “Where are you going? Where are you going? Go do it again, I want you to stop on a line. I don’t want you to canter the turn” “Up, up, UP.” (as horse jumps and stops on the line) “Canter left, go left, keep going. Carly, listen to me, keep going. Tune into my voice, think.”  (Horse jumps and turns left) “Stop on a line. See this, as a group, as a group, you guys lack discipline. 20 times we’ve stopped on a line Ainsley. Come to this again.” “Was he supposed to turn left? You guys know what? Either you don’t listen or you’re bird brains. Start again. I want a left turn there.” This clip went viral, with very mixed opinions. Some where very angry at Prudent and the USEF for promoting this. They called it bullying. Many commented that the horses and riders looked stressed, and this was how to make horses hate jumping.  Others defending Prudent, saying that this is how good riders are made. This is how they learned, and riders today are soft.  Militaristic Teaching Style Once upon a time, my riding instructors were like this, too. As I said, I didn’t even think it was bad, this was the way I was taught. I wasn’t even being taught by an Olympic riding like Prudent either, I was being taught at small town, up-down, no name barns. We didn’t even go to big shows. They were rough, they were tough, and lessons were filled with sarcasm, eye rolls, and jabs at the state of our riding. But at the time, this seemed totally normal. All barns were like this. I remember when I was a working student for one such barn, and a  parent was discussing her daughter’s riding with me. She was pleased that my boss was so tough on her, because she advanced so much.  Horse show in 1925 Much of the older generation of riders learned this way. The militaristic teaching style was extremely common. You were expected to do the drills, stay disciplined, and give your complete obedience to the instructor. There’s likely a very good reason for this – from the 1900s and slowly dropping off towards 1950’s, riding was taught by cavalry men. The military refined riding styles, and then these cavalry men would go on to teach civilians. These civilians, would go on to teach how they were trained, in the militaristic style.  This style produced tons of great riders who competed in internationally. They were respected for their accomplishments, and many of them continued the cycle of hardness to produce greatness. It was normal. But now that we are a few generations removed from the cavalry, it does feel like these trainers are of a different era. Many of today’s trainers are more like the favorite teacher in school – empathic, and creative in their methods. By comparison, the old era of trainers look like dinosaurs.   The modern world of riding expects respect. Programs like Safe Sport were formed to protect vulnerable young riders. The ease of recording allows everything to be put out for everyone to see, showing the world exactly what goes on behind closed doors (including the barn doors). What might have been he said, she said, in prior times can now be factual by having a cell phone. The morality of every disagreement can be determined by the jury of the internet.  But harsh teaching methods, while they may be tough to watch, are not illegal. Some riders do thrive by being pushed. Lots of people desire to be the absolute best, and they want that kind of motivation. Many other sports, especially those that are male dominated, are well known for having tough coaches. It’s expected that football players don’t get babied. Baseball players are going to be yelled at. Isn’t it normal for coaches to be tough with their students? From the Rider’s Perspective Tons of us had these types of trainers growing up. Some people thrived under it, eager for the push, eager to learn. Others, while they might have been eager to learn, felt it was too abrasive. Riding lessons would make them cry, and they begin to dread coming to the barn. They had loved horses, but the barn was no longer a safe space. Countless riders faded away, burned by their negative experiences, possibly never to ride again.   How often have you seen a friend, colleague, or random internet stranger, asking for help because they don’t know if they should leave their barn? They feel like their trainer is either mean or disrespectful to them, but they will definitely go to Nationals, Indoors, Congress or the Quidditch World Cup if they just stick with this awful person.  What should they do? How can they feel good about their own riding again? It’s super common for trainers to be mean to their clients, and it’s an attitude that I do not understand. Now, understand that there’s always going to be people who are unhappy, and sometimes it has nothing to with any perceived slight. Sometimes people just don’t get along. Sometimes it’s just a bad services fit – the rider wants a certain kind of program that the trainer doesn’t offer. A trainer can’t continually alter their program for every single client, there has to be some consistency to what they are teaching. Not agreeing on the service level or simply not getting along does not mean there’s something wrong with a trainer. There’s always two sides to the story, and a rider might not be honest with herself about her grievance.  But there’s a difference between a mismatch of trainer and rider, including a trainer who is a bit tougher than the rider is used to, and a trainer who is just well, a bit rude. Some of these trainers got into horses because they love horses, but dislike people, and it shows.  I’ve had the feeling like I was being picked on in lessons. I’ve heard the trainer belittle my horse. I’ve heard my trainers insult other riders or horses. It’s like they never learned to keep their inside voice to themselves – or they are surrounded by so many “yes men,” that they have no issues letting their blunt opinions out into the world. There was a level of disrespect that I did not appreciate, and I showed it by walking away. I’m pretty tough and willing, and I do like to be challenged, but I draw the line at being insulting while I’m trying to learn. I’m not interested in giving these types of trainers money.  Prudent had a separate controversy of her own several years back. She was interviewed about the state of show jumping today, and it received immediate internet backlash. While she brought up interesting points, it was hard to look past her contempt for the average rider. Knowing her thought process from this interview puts her teaching at the clinic in perspective. This is completely on brand for her. It’s Your Choice I remember one of the first times I actually stopped my lesson. My trainer was getting frustrated because I wasn’t getting it, and I literally stopped my horse, and walked over to her. “I don’t get it, can you please help me understand?” I don’t think this happens very often, as my trainer was a little taken aback, but she explained it again. After that, the feeling was kind of addictive. If there was something I didn’t get, I just stopped and asked for it to be explained. She was a tough teacher, but she was still a kind person. She took riding very seriously, and I think she appreciated me trying to clarify what was going on.    It feels wrong to question your trainer, but the truth is, you actually can. You’re (likely) a grown up, you deserve respect, and you’re allowed to say, “I don’t feel comfortable,” “Why are you saying that?,” or just flat out, “No.” I’m not saying that it will end up peaches and roses and then everyone claps, but you don’t have to just accept someone being rude to you. Trainers aren’t gods, they are just people.  Prudent’s teaching might have rubbed many the wrong way, but the good news is, you don’t have to ride with a trainer like that. You can find a new one. To all the riders expressing their frustrations online about their trainers, you don’t have to stay there. It sounds overly simple, but you really can just leave. If a trainer isn’t making you happy to to come to the barn every time, eager to ride, they probably aren’t the right trainer for you. Does it matter if you’re competitive if you’re not getting fulfilment out of riding in the first place?  But it does go the other way, too. You have to respect that some people do want trainers that are tough. Many people thrive under that kind of discipline. If you want a trainer that’s going to push you to the top, maybe you do need a trainer like Prudent. We’re all allowed to have our personal preferences of what works for us. (Although I want to make it clear, I do think she’s out of line for suggesting riders use their crops to discipline their horse. I’m pretty sure the “flip him over” comment was hyperbole, to suggest that riders really need to make their horses stop, that’s a pretty basic ask. As far as I know, she’s never actually flipped a horse over.) I honestly have no personal thoughts on USEF, or Katie Prudent or even the state of show jumping in the US. It’s all so far out of the scope of what I do these days, they are more like a distant planet, and we are just all orbiting the same sun. What I care about is having amazing experiences with my horse. I care about being the best horsewoman I can possibly be. And I care about my fellow riders, the people I’m hanging out with at the barn, talking to online, and going out on hacks with. They might have big showing goals, or just want to hit the trails, but in the end, they just want to spend a great day at the barn. I want those riders to know that trainers like Katie Prudent do exist, but if you don’t want to ride with them, you don’t have to. There’s a crazy amount of riding instructors and trainers out there, you don’t have to settle for one that doesn’t match what you want to do.  Find a trainer that you mesh with. If you’re not a fan of the trainers from a different era, don’t give them money. Based on Prudent’s comments, there may not be a market for them anymore. They’ll either adapt to the new world, or they’ll go the way of the dinosaurs: extinct.  The post Horse Trainers of a Different Era appeared first on An Equestrian Life.

Copper is important for multiple functions, often as a co-enzyme, e.g. lysyl oxidase which facilitates cross-linking of elastin and collagen in connectives tissues, making them stronger and more flexible e.g. tendons, ligaments, bone and cartilage.   It is vital for the structure and function of the central nervous system and is involved in the mobilisation of iron from stores to form haemoglobin. Copper also aids the production of cellular energy in the form of ATP and supports the immune system.  The enzyme which produces melanin, called tyrosinase, is copper dependant. Melanin deepens the intensity of coat colour e.g. it can help a wishy-washy chestnut colour to become richer and deeper, and can promote the development of black dapples in bay and grey coats.  Copper is also a component of the enzyme superoxide dismutase which breaks down superoxide, reducing potential cell damage.  Soya, linseed and molasses are good sources of copper but U.K. forages do not usually contain enough copper to meet most horses’ requirements so supplementation is necessary. It is particularly important to provide pregnant mares with adequate levels of copper. A store of copper is laid down in the foetal liver, which the young foal relies on for healthy musculoskeletal development and the avoidance of DOD, as mares’ milk is low in copper.   Nutritionists need to carefully balance the ratio of copper to zinc and manganese in the diet and to be aware of any potential issues for the individual horse with high levels of iron or sulphur in his total diet. Deficiency may be seen as poor coat quality and colour, poor reproduction and DOD.  Toxicity is rarely seen.  This Blog was brought to you in partnership with TopSpec.  See all their products available from Chestnut Mill Using this link TopSpec

The Mars Badminton Horse Trials are proud to present “An Evening celebrating 75 years of Badminton Horse Trials” Tuesday April 9th 2024 @ 6pm   Join Olympic Event rider Sam Watson as he hosts an evening with Laura Collett MBE, Ginny Elliott MBE, Harry Meade, Course Designer Eric Winter, Event Director Jane Tuckwell and Team GB Technical Director & Eventing Performance Manager Richard Waygood MBE It’s set to be an evening full of fun, winning memories, nostalgia and insights into this year’s competition. A unique opportunity to share an evening celebrating 75 years of Badminton. 6-7pm Canapes and Prosecco 7-8.30pm Preview Evening Tickets for the event are £28 per person and there is limited availability – Sold Out For those who have tickets and wish to dine in the 1853 Restaurant after the event please make your reservation here Proceeds from the event will go to the British Equestrian Fund to help support Team GB on their pathway to Paris 2024 To be held at De Vere Tortworth Court, Tortworth, Wotton Under Edge, GL12 8HH  

Aspect Details Symptoms Heat, swelling, pain in the leg, particularly around the suspensory ligament Diagnosis Ultrasound and MRI to assess the ligament's condition Treatment Options Rest, Surgery (neurectomy, desmoplasty), Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) Rehabilitation Tailored exercise programs and controlled activity Prevention Manage workload, ensure balanced diet, use proper gear, routine veterinary checks Role of Equipment & Supplements Supportive legwear, specially designed riding socks, vitamins, and minerals supplements The Perplexing Puzzle of PSD in Horses If you've ever found yourself wondering why your horse might be limping, looking more dejected than a kid whose ice cream just fell off the cone, you might be dealing with something more complex than a simple bad day. Enter the world of Proximal Suspensory Desmitis (PSD), a condition that sounds like a final exam topic for vet students but is actually quite common in the equestrian athlete. PSD affects the suspensory ligament, a crucial player in your horse's ability to leap, gallop, and basically show off its athletic prowess. Imagine it as the ligament's cry for attention, occurring predominantly in the upper third of the structure. It's like the horse's version of an ankle sprain, but with a twist that it could potentially end a promising career in horse athletics. Symptoms to Watch Out For Detecting PSD can be tricky, like trying to solve a mystery without all the clues. The most obvious signs include heat, swelling, and pain in the affected leg, particularly around the suspensory ligament. It's not the kind of warmth you feel from a cosy blanket but rather an unwelcome heat indicating inflammation. Unlike a simple muscle strain that might have your horse walking off a limp in a few days, PSD symptoms can be more stubborn. Swelling often occurs on both the inside and outside of the leg, a hallmark trait that differentiates it from other injuries. And if you thought getting your horse to stand still for a vet visit was tough, imagine trying to palpate a sore, inflamed ligament. Let's just say, it's about as pleasant as stepping on a Lego barefoot. Diagnosing the Invisible Diagnosis of PSD isn't as straightforward as one might hope. It often requires a combination of ultrasound to get a visual on the ligament's condition and possibly an MRI to delve deeper into the mystery. These advanced diagnostics are crucial in not only confirming the presence of PSD but also in determining the best course of treatment. Tackling PSD Head-On: What Are Your Options? Once you've navigated the murky waters of diagnosing PSD, it's time to chart a course for treatment. And not to alarm you, but the options vary as much as opinions on whether pineapple belongs on pizza. From traditional rest and confinement to cutting-edge therapies, choosing the right treatment can feel like strategizing for an epic battle. The Old School: Rest and More Rest Traditional approaches to PSD treatment might remind you of how your grandparents would say, "Back in my day, we just gave it some rest." And they're not wrong. Extended periods of rest can be effective, albeit as exciting as watching paint dry. The key is balancing rest with gradual reintroduction to activity to prevent stiffness and maintain muscle tone. Stepping into Modernity: Surgery and Shockwaves For those looking for something a bit more... modern, there's surgery and Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT). These methods are like the difference between using a flip phone and the latest smartphone. Surgery, including neurectomy and desmoplasty, offers a more direct approach to resolving PSD, whereas ESWT uses high-energy shock waves to stimulate healing, a non-invasive option that's as cool as it sounds. Rehabilitation: The Road to Recovery Whether you choose the path of tradition or innovation, rehabilitation is the bridge back to normalcy for your horse. Tailored exercise programs and controlled activity are pivotal, ensuring that your horse regains strength without overdoing it. Think of it as personal training, but for your horse, minus the gym selfies. The Role of Equestrian Equipment in PSD Care Here's where "Just Horse Riders" gallops to the rescue. The right equipment can make a world of difference in both treatment and prevention of PSD. From supportive legwear that offers additional protection, to specially designed riding socks, ensuring your horse is outfitted for recovery isn't just wise; it's essential. Preventing the Unwanted Guest: PSD Prevention Tips Like avoiding the in-laws during holidays, preventing PSD requires strategy and a bit of luck. The key is to manage workload, ensuring your horse isn't overexerted, especially on hard or uneven ground. Think of it as not running a marathon on a sprained ankle – common-sense, right? Nutrition and Supplements: The Unsung Heroes You are what you eat, and the same goes for horses. A balanced diet supplemented with specific vitamins and minerals can be the armour your horse needs against PSD. Incorporating everyday horse vitamins and supplements into their diet can help strengthen ligaments and overall health, providing a solid foundation that's harder to shake. The Magic of Proper Gear and Routine Checks Lastly, don't underestimate the power of proper gear and routine veterinary checks. Preventive care is like the magic potion in fairy tales – it might not make headlines, but it's often what keeps the hero going. Ensuring your horse is equipped with the right boots and gloves, and undergoing regular health assessments can steer clear of PSD landmines. Wrapping It Up: Your Horse's Health in Your Hands Understanding and managing PSD is like being handed the reins in a high-stakes chariot race. It's daunting, yes, but with the right knowledge and tools, you're set to lead your horse to victory – or at the very least, a healthy, happy life. Whether it's through attentive care, appropriate treatment, or preventive measures, remember that every step you take makes a difference. So, saddle up with knowledge, gear up with "Just Horse Riders," and gallop towards a future where PSD is just another hurdle you're well-prepared to clear. Remember, in the vast fields of horse health, you're not just a rider; you're a guardian. What are symptoms of PSD in horses? Symptoms include heat, swelling, and pain in the affected leg, particularly around the suspensory ligament. These symptoms indicate inflammation and discomfort that could significantly affect the horse's mobility. What is PSD disease in horses? PSD, or Proximal Suspensory Desmitis, is a condition affecting the suspensory ligament of horses, causing inflammation and degeneration. It's particularly common in athletic horses and can significantly impact their performance and well-being. What is the surgery for a horse with PSD? Surgical options for treating PSD may include neurectomy, where a nerve is cut to relieve pain, and desmoplasty, a procedure to repair the damaged ligament. The choice of surgery depends on the severity and location of the PSD. How do you treat proximal suspensory ligament in horses? Treatment varies from rest and controlled exercise to more advanced options like Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) and surgery. Rehabilitation focuses on gradually increasing the horse's activity to return to its previous level of performance safely.

They may entertain us, touch our hearts or inspire us, but deep down, we are judging them. That’s right, I’m back again with more Disney horses to analyze!  Part 1 included Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and Frozen. But there’s just so many horses to analyze, I couldn’t put them all in one post. So here’s more!  Did I miss your favorite? Let me know who else needs looking over! Hercules Pegasus Pegasus is a mythical creature, so really he could be any form at all. Looking at Pegasus’s conformation without the wings, he looks like he is modeled after one of the baroque breeds of horses – a group of breeds that includes Andalusian, Lipizzaner, and Lusitano. This breeds are usually well muscles, with thick necks, and very noble, impressive faces. They are known to be very pretty horses, so they are often used for movies. But, they wouldn’t have existed when Hercules was around in real life. The baroque horses were developed in the 17th century.  The movie Hercules was based on legends of the mythical Hercules, hero of ancient Greece. Since they are stories, we really have no idea if he existed at all. Obviously not the magical parts, but it’s possible he was a real man, and the stories were embellished a bit. If he had existed, it would have been around 1200 BC. The baroque breeds definitely didn’t exist back then. Instead, the horses of that time period were smaller, with many pony breeds instead of large horses.  Now if we’re getting really picky, the real Pegasus myth didn’t involve Hercules at all. Pegasus had a delightful birthing story of being formed when Perseus cut off the head of Medusa. The blood mixed with the ocean, and that’s how you can make your own Pegasus at home. Pegasus then became the companion of Bellerophon, a totally different, unrelated person to Hercules.   Mosaic of Bellerophon riding Pegasus, created between 300 and 270 BC Mulan Khan Khan is the Fa’s family horse, who Mulan takes when she joins the army. Mulan is set at an unknown time in Imperial China, but seems likely to be the Han Dynasty, which is 206 BC to 220 BC. During this time, there are records of an expedition to Ferghana to obtain, “Heavenly horses.” After a long siege, they managed to acquire 30 of them, as well as 3,000 horses of lower quality.  The Ferghana horses were popular for the next 1,000 years, and it would appear that Khan is based off of them. These horses were frequently used as the models for paintings and sculptures.  Also, they apparently “sweated blood.” Would Mulan have one of these horses? Unless she was rich, probably not. The emperor had originally acquired these horses for satisfy his spiritual needs, so it seems unlikely they would just be passed out to the common people. They would be considered status symbols, and most, if not all, of them would be owned by the Emperor, or those in his circle. It seems unlikely that this type of horse would be with someone who has low rank.  Interestingly, even though many sources report these horses to be extinct, they seem to still exist, and are still considered a status symbol for the rich in China.  Porcelain horse from the Tang Dynasty By the way, if you like the story of Mulan, check out, I Rode a Horse of Milk-White Jade, which is similar but centers around horses. I loved this book when I was a kid, it was one of my favorites. Shan Yu’s Horse On the opposite side of Mulan is Shan Yu, the leader of the invading army, and seems inspired off of Attila the Hun, but much earlier than his time. They are called Huns in the movie, but the Huns were actually in a different location, located centrally between Europe and Asia. Before the Huns became official, they were actually known as the Xiongnu, who lived on the Mongolian Plateau, and did actually attack China during the Han Dynasty. Once they were defeated, they migrated to their central location, rebranded as The Huns, and that’s where bouncing baby boy Attila the Hun was born.  That’s probably way too much background, but what it comes down to is that Shan Yu’s horse would have been from Mongolia, and the movie portrays this very well. His horse would have been very typical of the horses from that age and region.  The horse he rides is fairly small, compact and coarse looking. They are pretty accurate representations of the Mongolian horse (minus those mean faces), and this breed has been basically untouched since the time of Genghis Khan. The current horses there now are the descendants of Genghis Khan’s horses. There are more than 3 million of these horses there, used for travel and farm work, as well as meat and milk. They are very tough horses. They live outside, year round, and search for their own food. At one point, some Arabians and Thoroughbreds were introduced in hopes of making the breed faster, but these breeds were too fragile to survive. Breeders are still trying to figure out an ideal ratio of outside breeds to make this work, though. I’ll check back in later and see how they are doing. Tangled Maximus Maximus is the mount of the Captain of the Corona guard, and he takes his role very seriously.  With his thick body and neck and noble looks, he’s based on an Andalusian, a type of baroque horse. Many movie and tv horses are this type as they are very appealing to see.  Tangled is very vague in when it takes place, with fashions and styles dating from all sorts of years, so it’s hard to pinpoint exactly when it takes place. However, Andalusians have been around since the 15th century, and everything points to Tangled happening after that, so they definitely would have been around. So we have the Andalusian, a Spanish breed, in what appears to be France, based on the main castle. It greatly resembles France’s famous Mont-Saint-Michel, an impressive castle town that’s located on an island. Andalusians were often gifted by Spain to other royal houses, so it wouldn’t have been strange for them to end up in France. They’ were also used for cavalry. Really, this horse was the perfect casting for Tangled. Overall, I think Disney did a pretty good job with the horses. Although some might not have been technically accurate, they still delivered a fun, entertaining, and mostly beautiful horses. And really, I think that’s what we all want to see.  Are there any other movie horses I should analyze? Let me know!  Did you miss Part 1? Check it out.  The post Real Life Versions of Animated Disney Horses -Part 2 appeared first on An Equestrian Life.

As we step into 2024, freezing temperatures are affecting horses' water intake across the UK. Cold weather can impact a horse's thirst mechanism, especially considering their increased time indoors with dry hay in winter. With horses needing 30 liters of water daily and 3 liters for every kg of dry matter consumed, winter dehydration is a significant concern. Water is a crucial nutrient for various bodily processes, constantly lost through excretion, sweating, and breathing. Inadequate water intake can result in reduced saliva production, leading to decreased appetite and weight loss. Additionally, it may contribute to conditions like impaction colic, where insufficient lubrication in the digestive system can cause feed blockages. Solutions? Whilst, it is true you can lead a horse to water, but not make it drink, you can ensure it takes on more water by adding it to its feed.  If you are struggling with your horse drinking enough during these chilly months then we have the solution for you! Meadow Mash is a high-fibre micro-pellet that soaks to form a soft, easy-to-chew mash. It is free from molasses and wholegrain cereals making it low in both sugar and starch. This makes it suitable to feed to horses that need a low starch diet such as laminitis or ulcer-prone horses. The combination of super fibres retains water to help maintain hydration and increase your horse’s fluid intake. The feed soaks in as little as 5 minutes making it quick and easy to prepare. With a combination of 7 different herbs for extra palatability Pure Meadow Mash is sure to tempt even the fussiest of horses!