Section Key Points Introduction Focus on Epiony Thermal Wand for managing muscle tremors in horses. Explores effectiveness, features, benefits, and user feedback. What is the Epiony Thermal Wand? Hand-operated device providing thermotherapy to horses. Features temperature-adjustable prongs for targeted heat therapy. How Does Thermotherapy Help? Relieves muscle tension and pain. Increases blood flow, reduces muscle spasms, and promotes relaxation. Benefits conditions like PSSM and other muscle/nerve diseases. Effectiveness for Muscle Tremors Recommended for managing symptoms of muscle tremors. Positive user feedback on forums and discussion groups. Important to diagnose underlying conditions for effective treatment. Features and Benefits Adjustable Temperature: Ensures comfortable and effective heat. Targeted Therapy: Three prongs enable focused application. Ease of Use: Hand-operated design for easy usage. Real-World Applications Pre- and Post-Exercise: Helps in warming up muscles and reducing cramping. Rehabilitation: Assists in healing and pain reduction for muscle injuries/diseases. Conclusion Effective tool for managing muscle tremors in horses. Provides targeted heat therapy and ease of use. Important to treat underlying conditions causing tremors. Further Reading and Resources Incorporating the Epiony Thermal Wand can enhance equine care. Consult with a veterinarian for best practices. Various equine care product collections available on Just Horse Riders website. Is the Epiony Thermal Wand Effective for Managing Muscle Tremors in Horses? When it comes to managing **muscle tremors** in horses, equine caregivers and owners are continually seeking effective and reliable solutions. One tool that has garnered attention in recent years is the **Epiony Thermal Wand**. But does it live up to its promises? In this blog, we will delve into the effectiveness of the Epiony Thermal Wand for managing muscle tremors in horses, exploring its features, benefits, and user feedback. What is the Epiony Thermal Wand? The **Epiony Thermal Wand** is a hand-operated device designed to provide thermotherapy to specific muscles on a horse's body. It features three temperature-adjustable prongs that can be massaged over the affected areas, providing targeted **heat therapy**. How Does Thermotherapy Help? **Thermotherapy**, or the application of heat, is a well-established method for relieving muscle tension and pain. When applied to horses, it can help increase *blood flow*, reduce *muscle spasms*, and promote *relaxation*. This is particularly beneficial for horses suffering from muscle tremors, which can be a symptom of various conditions such as **Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM)** or other muscle and nerve diseases. Effectiveness for Muscle Tremors Muscle tremors in horses can be a sign of underlying conditions such as PSSM, which is characterized by muscle cramping and tying up. The **Epiony Thermal Wand** has been recommended by some users as a tool to help manage these symptoms. Heres what some users and experts have to say: User Feedback On forums and discussion groups, some users have reported positive results from using the Epiony Thermal Wand. For instance, a discussion on the Horse and Hound Forum mentions that the wand can help alleviate muscle tremors, although it is crucial to diagnose the underlying condition accurately, such as through a hair strand test for PSSM1. Therapeutic Benefits The thermal wands ability to provide adjustable heat therapy can be particularly beneficial for horses with muscle tremors. The heat helps in relaxing the muscles, reducing spasms, and improving overall muscle health. Features and Benefits Here are some key features and benefits of the **Epiony Thermal Wand** that make it a viable option for managing muscle tremors: Adjustable Temperature The wand allows for adjustable temperature settings, which is crucial for ensuring the heat is comfortable and effective for the horse. Targeted Therapy The three prongs enable targeted application of heat to specific muscle groups, ensuring that the therapy is focused where it is most needed. Ease of Use The hand-operated design makes it easy for caregivers to use the wand without needing extensive training. Real-World Applications While the **Epiony Thermal Wand** is not a cure for underlying conditions, it can be a valuable tool in the management of symptoms. Here are a few scenarios where it might be particularly useful: Pre- and Post-Exercise Applying the thermal wand before and after exercise can help in warming up the muscles and reducing the risk of muscle cramping and tremors. Rehabilitation For horses recovering from muscle injuries or diseases, the thermal wand can be an integral part of the rehabilitation process, helping to promote healing and reduce pain. Conclusion The **Epiony Thermal Wand** is a promising tool for managing muscle tremors in horses. Its ability to provide targeted heat therapy, adjustable temperature settings, and ease of use make it a valuable addition to any equine care routine. While it is essential to diagnose and treat the underlying conditions causing muscle tremors, the Epiony Thermal Wand can be an effective complementary therapy to help alleviate symptoms and improve the overall well-being of the horse. Further Reading and Resources By incorporating the **Epiony Thermal Wand** into your horse's care regimen, you may find it to be a useful tool in managing muscle tremors and enhancing their comfort and health. Always consult with a veterinarian to ensure the best possible care for your horse. Jodhpur Collection Horse Riding Boot Collection Horse Riding Gloves Collection Horse Riding Socks Collection Horse Treats And Gifts Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements Stable Rugs Turnout Rugs Horse Fly Protection For more information on equine care products, visit the Just Horse Riders homepage.

Discover the Dublin River Boot 4: Comfort, Style, and DurabilityIf you're an equestrian enthusiast, finding the perfect riding boot is essential. Whether you're out in the fields or going for a leisurely ride, the Dublin River Boot 4 is designed to offer comfort, durability, and style. At Just Horse Riders, were excited to feature these boots as part of our collection.What Makes the Dublin River Boot 4 So Special?Aaron from Just Horse Riders sums it up perfectly: "These boots offer a luxurious feel and premium quality right from the box." With a waterproof membrane lining and a full leather upper, these boots are designed for riders who demand all-day comfort without sacrificing style.A Premium Unboxing ExperienceFrom the moment you open the box, you can tell the Dublin River Boot 4 is special. Aaron notes, "I really like the logo and the box; it gives a nice luxury feel." The packaging isn't just aesthetic it helps maintain the shape of the boots until they reach your doorstep.Available in Three Stunning ColorsThe Dublin River Boot 4 comes in three classic colors: chocolate, dark brown, and black. Aaron points out that the chocolate boots have been a best-seller for a reason: "The two-tone effect is really something I love, thanks to the Nubuck leather." So, if you're in the market for something versatile yet stylish, the Dublin River Boot 4 in chocolate might just be your new favorite!Durability Meets StyleDurability is key for any outdoor or riding boot, and the Dublin River Boot 4 delivers. According to Aaron, "These boots are fully waterproof," making them perfect for all-weather wear. The durable full leather upper combined with the waterproof lining ensures that your feet and lower legs stay dry no matter the conditions.Exceptional Grip for All TerrainOne of the most notable improvements in this version is the upgraded sole. Aaron describes it best: "The grip is a lot better this year, especially if you're doing a lot of walking." The Dublin River Boot 4 features a Tough Tec rubber outer sole that offers superior traction on difficult terrains, whether you're walking through fields or riding in the stirrups. With this kind of grip, you wont have to worry about slipping on wet or uneven surfaces.All-Day Comfort for Long Rides and WalksComfort is crucial, and this boot doesnt disappoint. "The sole feels incredible, really supportive but soft as well," Aaron explains. With RCS+ memory foam footbeds, your feet are cushioned and supported, no matter how long you're wearing the boots.A Breathable, Waterproof DesignThanks to the full-length waterproof membrane, these boots are breathable while keeping your feet dry. The breathable nylon lining works together with the moisture-wicking memory foam to make sure your feet dont overheat a must-have feature for anyone who wears boots for extended periods.Available in a Range of SizesOne of the highlights of the Dublin River Boot 4 is its inclusivity when it comes to fit. "Theyve actually added a slim calf option this year, which is great," says Aaron. Whether you have wide calves, slim calves, or need something in between, these boots are available in multiple calf widths and sizes ranging from UK size 3 to 11.Looking for More Options?If you're shopping for more riding gear, make sure to check out our Jodhpur Collection or browse through our full range of Horse Riding Boots for more choices!Easy Maintenance for LongevityCaring for your Dublin River Boots is simple, thanks to the included maintenance guide. Aaron notes, "We sometimes get people returning boots claiming theyre faulty, but the truth is they just havent looked after them." A few minutes of cleaning and conditioning can extend the life of these boots for years.Follow These Steps to Keep Your Boots in Top ShapeClean: Wipe with a damp cloth to remove debris.Dry: Allow your boots to air dry naturally avoid using direct heat or sunlight.Polish: Apply a boot polish for added shine, using a soft cloth.Condition: Use a leather conditioner to keep the material supple.By following these simple steps, your Dublin River Boot 4s will remain in excellent condition, even after heavy use. "Theyre a hardy boot," says Aaron, making them perfect for both everyday wear and longer excursions.Ready to Make a Purchase? Here's What You Need to Know!The Dublin River Boot 4s are available now at Just Horse Riders. If youre looking for a durable, comfortable, and stylish riding boot, you cant go wrong with this choice. Buy now and take advantage of our quick delivery options.Choosing the Right SizeIf you're in between sizes or plan to wear thicker socks, Aaron recommends going up a size. "If youre a size five and a half, get the size six," he suggests. These boots tend to run slightly snug, especially when paired with thicker riding socks, so its better to go a size larger for the perfect fit.Don't Forget to Watch Our Full ReviewWant to hear more about the features of the Dublin River Boot 4? Watch now to see the full product review video where Aaron from Just Horse Riders walks you through everything from the design to the fit and comfort.Need Other Accessories?Along with your Dublin River Boots, why not complete the set? Browse our Horse Riding Gloves or pick up a pair of Horse Riding Socks to enhance your riding experience.ConclusionThe Dublin River Boot 4 delivers everything you need in a riding boot from waterproof protection to all-day comfort and stylish design. Whether youre trekking through the countryside or heading out for a ride, these boots will keep your feet dry and comfortable. Ready to make the leap? Shop now and discover the perfect fit for your riding adventures.Don't forget to explore the full Dublin Boots collection to find the right pair for you!

A man from Cardiff has been banned from keeping horses for seven years after he left his pony tied up to her cart in a supermarket car park while he went to the pub.James Price admitted neglecting Coco, a two-year-old skewbald cob mare, who was found in a Co-op car park in Plympton in Devon in a poor state of health and without any food or water in August 2023.Concerned members of the public reported the situation to the police who called a vet and the RSPCA before taking Coco to a local stables. On arrival at the stables, Coco drank 25 litres of water and then consumed another 25 litres of water overnight. She was also very hungry.At Cardiff Magistrates Court, Price was charged with two offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 in a case brought by the RSPCA.Nails sticking out sideways from her feetShe had a thin neck, her coat was dull, her nose had sunburn lesions and there was a sore on the right-hand side where the noseband part of her rope headcollar had been too tight, said the vet who treated Coco.On her lower right hand chest area was an area of broken skin with a scab forming where her driving harness had rubbed.Her hooves were ragged and evidence was seen that she had been recently shod, but there were three nails remaining which were sticking out sideways from her hind feet.As well as being disqualified from keeping horses for seven years, which he cannot appeal for five years, Price also received a 24-month community order. This includes 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days for each of the two offences, to run concurrently, and he was ordered to pay a fine of 200 plus 250 costs.Id like to thank the members of the public for reporting their concerns about Coco to the local police, which allowed us then to be contacted and investigate her suffering, said RSPCA inspector Miranda Albinson.Coco was being treated in a completely inappropriate way, did not have her basic needs such as food and water provided, and at two years old, was far too young to be driving a cart and being worked.She also did not have a microchip, which is now mandatory for all horses, continued Miranda.Coco was signed over to our care by Price before the case concluded. Im pleased to say she has made a good recovery and is looking for a new home.Further readingHorses found with horrific burns after being left to fly graze on contaminated landNeglected donkeys found struggling to walk are recovering well at sanctuaryPonies rescued from being smuggled abroad are ready for rehomingHow to take care of a horseAge-appropriate training: when do horses physically mature?The post Ban for man who left two-year-old cob tied up in car park while he went to the pub appeared first on Your Horse.

The full October timetable is now available to book your lessons through our app or website. Our experienced instructors are ready to help you improve your riding skills, whether you're a beginner or looking for advanced training. Don't miss out on this opportunity to have fun, make new friends with our horses and fellow riders, and become a better rider in our supportive environment. If it's your first time joining us, don't forget to fill out our quick and easy Rider Registration Form. See you soon!

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum are the first U.S. leaders of LRK3DE going into show jumping since 2008, when Becky Holder held the lead after cross country. Photo by Tilly Berendt.At the end of April last year, Tamie Smith was on top of the world. Shed just won her first CCI5* and became the first U.S. rider to win Defender Kentucky since 2008 (Phillip Dutton) with the Ahearn familys striking black gelding, Mai Baum. She had a string of other horses ready to step up to or competing at the 4* and 5* levels of the sport. The Paris Olympics loomed large, and fresh off claiming a team silver at World Championships in 2022, the horizon was bright for the hottest pair in the U.S. and, arguably, the world.In the months since then, a series of unfortunate events transpired, leaving Tamie in their wake to navigate the infamous ups and downs that is equestrian sports.In June of 2023, Tamie Smith competed the Guariglia familys Solaguayre California at Longines Luhmhlen CCI5* in Germany. After injuring her knee while jumping through the first water complex on cross country, California was transported to a local equine hospital, where upon commencement of surgery to the injury it was discovered that the damage was far more extensive than originally thought. The difficult decision was made to euthanize the Argentinian mare.Ruth Bleys Danito was another horse Tamie had grand plans for at the top levels, slotted to be one of three strong contenders for an Olympic spot in 2024. But Danito had dealt with some niggling injuries along the way, and his return to the top levels in 2023 was abbreviated.Tamie Smith and Solaguayre California. Photo by Tilly Berendt.At the outset of 2024, Mai Baum was pegged by many as a virtual shoo-in for the U.S. Olympic team, having been meticulously prepped and bubble-wrapped as his final selection trial, the Lexington Kentucky CCI4*-S in April, approached. Just before he was to hop on a plane to join Tamie in Kentucky, Mai Baum slipped on the ground (without a rider) and tweaked himself just enough to warrant not pushing him to fly across the country and compete. Though the Olympics werent fully off the table yet, it was certainly not ideal timing with so much at stake.Then, at Tryon in May of this year, Tamie took a hard fall with Kynan on cross country and opted to withdraw her other rides that weekend. When she returned from Tryon, her goal was to focus her efforts on Mai Baum and getting him to Stable View for the upcoming Mandatory Outing for Paris. He had been cleared by vets from his tweak injury, but Tamie felt some conflict within herself.We had sent him for some advanced imagery and the team was basically like, Were ok, you need to get home and ride your horse. So Kaylawna started legging him up a couple weeks before we got home, which also happened to be the week he was getting vetted for the team. I got home and he looked like hed been sitting on the couch watching Netflix for a year. He was huge! And the team was fantastic about giving us a shot, and his team vetting went well. We planned to bring him to the Mandatory Outing.Then I woke up the next morning and they hadnt announced the team yet; I think that was coming at the end of the week, Tamie continued. And I was just like, I cant do this. I would never do this to any horse. I would never have a horse have five weeks off, be back for two weeks and then fly to a Mandatory Outing and go around an Advanced. There was just something in me that said, you would never do that.'With that, Tamies Olympic bid ended. On top of that, she was down two horses at the level, one having been lost in such a devastating manner.Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Tilly Berendt.I will say, after Tryon, I did some reflecting, Tamie said. I think all of us in eventing tend to accept that the sport is tough and youre going to get knocked down. Its not a matter of if, its a matter of when. When youre at the top of anything, there are always these ebb and flow periods, but after Tryon I finally was just like, do I need to reevaluate? Why is this happening?'Tamie decided she needed to take a step back, focus on reconnecting with her horses. While she was navigating this mental hurdle, Tamie also began to see the cumulative effects not just of her hard work, but of the support team she has built around herself over time.Thanks to the support of the Guariglia and Duda families, as well as the ongoing support of the Ahearn family and countless others, Tamie acquired a slew of up and coming horses, one of which took her breath away in a way she didnt expect.We were looking for a mare and we just hadnt been able to find the right one, Tamie recalled. [Julianne Guariglia and I] had just purchased one and were in a place where we thought worst case, she could be a resale project. Then Sara Mittleider called me and said, I know this is odd timing, but I just saw this horse and she looks exactly like [Solaguayre Calfornia] and I think you should try her.'The mare was in Germany, and when Tamie walked into the barn to try her, she topped in her tracks. She was Californias complete doppelgnger. The mare, Kareena K, went on to join Tamies string and joins a handful of others that she describes as exuding talent and rideability.[The support] was something I couldnt have ever even imagined, Tamie said. But it was really awesome. It was just all of these events that kind of came forward and the families have been so unbelievably supportive.Tamie Smith and Kareena K. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.As for Mai Baum, its all systems go for one last CCI5* hurrah at the MARS Maryland 5 Star in October. At 18 this year, Paris was always intended to be his swan song, but after those plans went off script, the Maryland 5 Star became the plan B, and an appropriate one at that, with it being Ian Starks final course ahead of his retirement. Over the last year and a half, Ians kind of been my guy, Tamie explained. And I think its just kind of really fitting that its pretty much Ians very last course. I love Ian as a designer and I think Marylands track is absolutely beautiful, and it suits [Mai Baum]; its a very open, galloping, bold track. So we thought, lets try to put Paris behind us and try to go Americas other five-star.'I knew he had another big competition in him, and he deserves to have a big send-off, Tamie said. We were really trying to get him to the Olympics, and really this year he had felt better than ever.For me, with horses you look at how easy or difficult it is for them. I dont want Lexus to compete and for there to be an obvious decline in his performance and for everyone to go, well, hes old now. I dont think any of us in this country thought that horse was a five-star horse initially, let alone to do five or six of them. He owes us absolutely nothing, and if theres a day that he comes out of his stall and says I dont want to do this, Ill pull the plug immediately.There is something to be said for retiring a horse while they are at the top of the sport, she continued. He wont fully retire, but the Ahearns and I have talked about it and maybe Alex [Ahearn, Mai Baums original rider who gave the reins over to Tamie after competing him through the now-3* level] will ride him a little, or Ive always wanted to do some hunter derbies!Alex Ahearn and Mai Baum at AECs in 2014. Photo by Sally Spickard.Truly, this is a horse that has opened many doors for his owners and for Tamie herself, and despite the fact he may have been an Olympic medalist if given the chance, both Tamie and the Ahearn family have made it their priority to always put him first and to see the bigger picture.And with Liz Halliday, who would eventually step up to an Olympic team spot after the withdrawal of Will Colemans horses, currently fighting her way back from a traumatic brain injury sustained at the AECs in August, Tamie says her friend and fellow competitor has been constantly on her mind.I really do feel things are meant to be, Tamie said. And ultimately I was just reflecting about this the other day and I went gosh, if Lexus had been fine, Liz may not have gone to [Paris], and I would trade her a million chances. God forbid, if she didnt get another chance, then that had some meaning, I hope. Then by all means, it was worth it.

The horse lived in Crockett County and was euthanized. The post Tennessee Horse Tests Positive for EEE appeared first on The Horse.

When the average person hears that I own a horse, visions of Floridian mansions and champagne bottles at the racetrack pop into their head. While Im glad that the rich and famous can help fund our sport, that lifestyle is far, far, far from the reality for most eventers. The real lifeblood of eventing is in the everyday person who pays their bills in sweat, blood, and tears. We are a community of hustlers. We are the people who get up early for one job in the morning, work a 9 to 5 during the day, and then head to the barn to muck stalls and hopefully have time to ride the horse we do all this for.My reality is working full-time running my business and then working at the barn in the evenings to get discounts on my board so I can afford to keep my $500 dollar Off the Track Thoroughbred, and occasionally refinishing and flipping furniture for some spending money. But, Ive always been curious if theres a better way to side hustle that could help me not only stay afloat, but get ahead. Who better to ask than other eventers who are side hustling just like me?We asked our amazing base of eventing fans about how they side hustle and they came through. What an amazing group of hard-working and creative eventers! Were lucky to have you as our readers.Make Horse Trials Pay for ThemselvesBesides board and vet bills, competing is probably the most expensive part of eventing. These EN readers have found ways to earn money at competitions. From working as a freelance groom to braiding and clipping horses for horse shows, there are quite a few ways you can monetize your time at events.Ive been a professional braider for 13 years. I regularly have 20-25 clients at a horse trials. Its a great way to meet new people and make friends. 10 years ago, I was braiding their ponies. Now those girls are joining their college eventing teams. And it pays for my entries! @harleycozI have a 9-5 desk job (unrelated to horses) that pays for horses, and also allows me to freelance groom at some of the biggest horse shows in the world (including the Paris 2024 Olympic Games)! @ wavrykamCurrently, Im a groom, vet tech and bartender. On the side, I clip horses, pull manes and braid manes and tails at events. I have a handful of house and farm sitting clients that squeeze in their trips when Im home from shows. I also teach a bit during camps at my barn. Lexie PriestI became a XC course designer David TaylorView this post on InstagramA post shared by Breeches.com | Online Equestrian Retail (@breechesdotcom)Turn Another Hobby Into a Side HustleHustlers learn to monetize every aspect of their personality and take their money making talents far beyond the barn. Just like Im able to sell some furniture on the side (thank you mom and dad for teaching me how), these readers are taking advantage of their other hobbies and skills and putting them to work.I work full time at Swarthmore College and The Scott Arboretum as a Garden Supervisor. My side hustle is writing articles for various online and printed publications. I also give gardening talks, floral arrangement demonstrations/classes and teach classes at other public gardens and to garden clubs. Adam GlasI started selling my art so I could afford to buy and keep a horse, but fifteen years later, its grown into my full-time job! Aradia Diane WillardTake Advantage of What The Good Lord Gave YouPlasma. Were talking about plasma here, folks. Get your heads out of the gutter. I was very curious about this one, so I did a little research. After scrolling a few different websites, it seems like most people get paid around $50 per donation, but you can earn more the more you donate. Some organizations even offer a new donor bonus. Make sure you research the pros and cons of plasma donation and consult your doctor before taking that step.Its all in the plasma! Giving people in need something potentially life saving and in return receiving funds for shows/leases/lessons (life saving for my sanity) @ kate.dhuyLook for Unique Boarding SituationsHave you heard of co-op boarding? Co-op boarding means that all the boarders share the work. Chores are split between the riders and owners, which results in reduced board.Ive always kept my horses at co-op barns. We all shared the chores in exchange for a much lower board rate. Depending on the farm the arrangement varied slightly. Sometimes I was responsible for providing my own hay, sometimes the farm supplied it. I was always responsible for providing my own hay, grain and supplements. The breakdown of chores also varied, but most commonly depending on the number of humans/horses you would be assigned a certain number of chores per week, as would everyone else. Becca OHurleyWhen I was still in uni, I worked at McDonalds to afford horse board. My horse was boarded at a co-op barn, so I was up early cleaning stalls before my classes, then worked at McDs in the evenings. I was also a working student later on, which I much preferred, as I would rather come home smelling like horses than fried food grease. I worked as a nurses aide, government clerk, copy writer/editor, and technical writer. I also worked for several years submitting pharmaceutical reports to FDA. Brandi BorkentView this post on InstagramA post shared by Breeches.com | Online Equestrian Retail (@breechesdotcom)Monetize Your Horse SkillsThere are lots of different ways to make money within the horse industry. You dont have to limit yourself to braiding or mucking stalls. These readers took advantage of their more exclusive skills and figured out different ways to turn their equine knowledge into a paying gig.I am a realtor and have recently opened my barn to be a horse hotel and have even AirBnB my walkout basement. Its pretty lucrative so far! @ allison_deveraux_murphyWhere to start? Outside of my regular full-time office job, I clip horses, teach riding lessons, perform PEMF therapy, and have just come up on the 1-year anniversary of my very own online equestrian masterclass program: Equine Academy! Michael WillhamI got trained and certified, and now teach equine health and emergency first aid classes on the weekends. I feel really good about this side hustle because it helps horse owners help their horses when they need it the most. Still have a full time job in addition, and work another side gig helping a professional trainer whenever time allows. I really enjoy volunteering at Galway Downs and try to fit that piece in also. Now to find time for riding. Whew! Equine Support Services USAMain job Chartered Accountant. Second job to pay for horse early mornings at the local race track as a stable hand. Larissa ThyneWork at Your Barn for Reduced BoardThis might be one of the most common ways to afford horses. At nearly every barn, you can find a boarder dutifully mucking stalls, emptying water troughs, and generally getting dirty. While situations like this one can be mutually beneficial for both barn owner and boarder, make sure you set boundaries and dont let yourself work when youre supposed to be off-duty.Work full time for a university, teach riding lessons in the evenings and on weekends, do the late feeding at the barn in the evenings 7 days a week, and never go on vacation (I have 2 horses in the Bay Area ) @aen.1984I feed and clean stalls at a couple local barns most days of the week, from Sep-Oct I work every weekend on the pony ring at my friends pumpkin patch, and sometimes Im even at my actual full-time office job! Paige StallardTake Advantage of Your 9 to 5 for DiscountsIf you think your vet really gets to bring home the bacon every time you have to call because your horse managed to think up a new creative way to get injured, youd sadly be wrong. On average, veterinarians still need to hustle to maintain their horse habit. However, one of the big benefits of working in the veterinary field are the discounts.Im a vet, take extra shifts wherever I can, and am forever grateful that I get a staff discount on meds when my horse needs antibiotics for pulling a shoe and stepping on the nail, or wound spray when he cut up his leg jumping into his field after breaking out of his stable, or pain killers for his hoof abscesses, or a steroid injection when he broke out in hives when stung by something at a show, or. Rebbecca BeckettProfessionally I am a veterinary technician, which allows me discounted services and medications. On the side I exercise horses, all the extra funds go to pay for my horses board and shoeing. Stephanie JonesThe Most Unique Side Hustlers areThese EN readers are really getting creative. I had no idea painting cars and selling chickens and ducks could fund a horse habit! How do you become an electrician on weekends alone? Please, I need more information here.Painting Cars! Sophie KellyI work every other weekend as an electrician to afford my horses. Holly BordeauTraining and selling horses; renting dry stalls; breeding and selling chickens, ducks and eggs; selling drag cars and car parts. Jennarose OrtmeyerThis article was sponsored by Breeches.com, your go-to store for high-quality tack at affordable prices. Im not only a hustler in how I get my money, but also in where I spend my money. Discount tack stores are the only place I shop and youll never catch me buying anything for full-price. Breeches.com has become my go-to place to shop for great deals, thanks to their amazing clearance section.View this post on InstagramA post shared by Breeches.com | Online Equestrian Retail (@breechesdotcom)

Equestrian sports are as much mental as they are physical. We can be our own demons, or our own cheerleadersand sometimes both in the same weekend. Mastering our minds might be one of the most challenging parts of our sport.Ride iQ is an innovative platform that supports riders in a variety of ways, including offering resources that focus on the psychological side of riding and competing. As a professional rider who struggles with psychological challenges, particularly in competition, I was both excited and curious to listen to the second season of Ride iQs Mastermind series, particularly because the first season was so intriguing.The first season of the Mastermind series included workshops with three top event riders: Tamie Smith, Sinead Maynard, and Jon Holling. Led by sports psychology coach Natalie Hummel, the series focused on the beliefs, challenges, and goals of these riders through several candid conversations (link to previous article).The second season of the Mastermind series features professional Grand Prix dressage riders Lauren Sprieser, Olivia LaGoy-Weltz, and Lehua Custer. This workshop reflected many of the same themes as the eventing riders workshop, including delving into the riders various experiences in competition and training, with a focus on nervous system regulation.In the first episode, Lauren, Olivia, and Lehua share their backgrounds, intentions for the Mastermind, and career goals. For instance, Laurens vision is to be known for consistently producing international-quality dressage horses and to be recognized as a top rider, not just a writer. Olivias vision involves producing more horses to a high level and overcoming the challenges of finding the right horses. The discussion goes on to cover the significance of feeling a sense of belonging, managing shame, and dealing with stress and pressure. Olivia shares her experiences with one of her top horses, who came so closeon two occasionsto representing the United States in the World Cup Finals. All three of the riders are candid about the day-to-day, month-to-month, and year-to-year, emotional challenges they face, which sets the stage for the next three episodes of reflection and growth.In the second episode, the riders discuss their recent breakthroughs and mindset shifts. Lehua shares her realization that not achieving her goalswhich is sometimes down to factors outside of her controldoesnt equate to failure. Lauren talks about forming a new syndicate to support her ambitions, and Olivia reflects on refining her business model and seeking advice from mentors. Natalie then leads an exercise to uncover and address subconscious blocks hindering the riders progress. One of my favorite moments in this episode was listening to Lehua think through the exercise, including talking about her underlying belief in her responsibility to, as she put it, always smooth the waters. Smoothing the waters seemed to be a symbol for managing chaos and pressure. The exercise helped all of the riders uncover some of their subconscious beliefs, and one of the cool things about listening to this podcast episode is that you can participate in the exercise yourself, just as the other riders are doing.What is the best way to manage competition stress? In the third episode, Natalie Hummel shares some important ways to cope with stress. Natalie addresses common misconceptions about mental strategies for peak performance. For example, although some people might believe that meditation will make them calmer and better able to compete, Natalie points out that meditation aids relaxation but does not build the flexibility needed to handle sudden stress. Instead, she suggests that somatic work, which helps increase physical and emotional resilience, is preferred for athletes. Natalie also goes into the scientific explanations for why we feel the way we feel, especially under the pressure of competition. The nervous system has three main states, she explains: ventral (a state of calm and safety), sympathetic (fight or flight mode), and dorsal shutdown (a state of withdrawal and collapse). Lehua, Olivia, and Lauren discuss their experience with their feelings in competition, including feeling overwhelmed by expectations, and they identify when and where they enter each of the three mental states. Each of them had slightly different experiences with stress in competition, and much of the discussion was centered around understanding those different experiences. A major focus of this episode was that in order to manage different mental states, riders need to understand and accept their emotions rather than running from them.In the final episode of Equestrian Mastermind Season 2, Natalie Hummel discusses the concept of embracing both positive and negative thoughts and emotions in order to fully commit to ones goals. She has the riders engage in an exercise where they rate their emotional state from 1 to 10, where 1 to 9 represents various degrees of ego, characterized by conditional feelings based on external validation, and 10 represents a state of unconditional commitment and self-belief, where the person remains centered regardless of external conditions. Each of the riders reflected on where they fell on the scale. For instance, Lauren believed that she was at a 5 with herself despite being at a 10 with her horses. Olivia felt that she was in a limbo between 1 and 9 due to many shifting goals and setbacks. What I found fascinating about this exercise was that these riders all compete in a sport (dressage) where they are subjectively judged on their riding skill and ability (in a dressage test). Thus, external validation is hard to escape, because it is by definition the measure of their success. Despite that paradox, the riders gave some deep reflections about how they could find internal strength to maintain what Natalie called an all-in mindset.I often think of my own mind in competition as being simply an annoying source of mental blocks: doubts, fears, and distractions. My mind rarely has nice things to say! Listening to this podcast series convinced me that my brain can make me a stronger competitor, but I have to listen to it, understand it, and direct it. I would encourage any rider, or even spouse or relative of a rider, to listen to this series.To catch up on Ride iQs family of podcasts, including Equestrian Mastermind, visit your favorite podcast platform.

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