Ive had these kids going on 6 years now, which is quite a long time. Although it really is true what they say, the days are slow but the years are fast. It went by at lightning speed.In the beginning, my brain was total mush from the lack of sleep, and constant, ever changing needs of the kids. It was survival mode. Now, years on, Im finally getting chances to breath and reflect. One of the things I realized is that I barely ever left the house, let alone got dressed up for anything. And frankly, I love getting dressed up. You only live once, you should look fabulous at basically any moment of your life.Its really not possible to expect to be dressed up at home, watching the kids. Its not practical to chase kids and clean up kid messes in nice clothing. They also arent the greatest audience for good outfits, they could really care less. Although my daughter sets a great example of wearing princess dresses and fancy outfits just for a casual day at home. Shes my role model.I was feeling like the years have turned me into a frumpy slug, so I decided this is going to be the year to step it up. Not just for formal occasions, but really all the time. I like looking well put together, even if Im not good at it. But I think with some practice I should be good. Gotta start somewhere!A great starting out point was this cocktail party, hosted by one of the local foxhunts. A fancy party, where everyone talks about horses is exactly the place I want to be. So I was.And heres some photographic proof, the one photo where you can see me.I only exist in this one official photo.But its better than poor DArcy, who only has the back of her head and one shoulder existing. So really I got off easy. I got a whole hand.But we did take our own photos, proof of our existence, so we do exist. Or do we? Are we just a simulation? Does anything exist? Are we even real?Simulation photo of what we would look like at a cocktail party.Just look at this scandalous behavior!This was just step one of Stepping it Up (outfit wise). I still dont leave the house all that much (except the barn), so theres not that many reasons to wear more than my slug outfit. Maybe thats also something I need to improve upon, actually leaving the house. The two go hand in hand, skipping off into the distance together.So you may be asking yourself, Whats your plan here? You know you have to actually do something to make a change?To which I would say, yes, I have a plan. Im going to wear more tailored pieces, thoughtfully curated from the rich history of fashion history, selecting classical pieces that withstand the test of time, which you might say is just a word salad, and I would agree. Im going for more feminine, tailored looked. That probably sums it up.Ill keep you updated on how that goes. This is a horse blog, so its really not front and center of what I post about, but frankly, I havent been doing much posting around here anyway, so why not? AMIRIGHT? HIGHFIVE!(Although I am planning to post here more again, I promise. I just struggle with having enough free time to blog and make videos. Please dont leave me.)P.S. In the title photo, I was experimenting to see if it looked better with opera length gloves. I dont normally wear only one glove. I decided it did not, unless I was going to a murder mystery party, in which case it looked way better, A++, highly recommend.The post New Years Resolution: Upgrade My Style appeared first on An Equestrian Life.

Common Issue Explanation Solution Lack of Sunlight Grass requires sunlight for photosynthesis, and shady lawns may not receive enough sunlight. Trim surrounding trees/bushes or replace grass with shade-tolerant plants or mulch. Compacted Soil Compacted soil restricts air and water infiltration, affecting grass growth. Use lawn aeration, overseed bare spots, and add organic matter like compost. Inadequate Watering Grass needs 1 to 1.5 inches of water weekly; both over and under-watering can harm grass. Water early in the morning, adjust schedule for drainage issues, and avoid shallow watering. Poor Soil Nutrition Soil lacking key nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen inhibits grass growth. Check soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0; use a specific fertilizer as per grass/soil requirements. Improper Mowing Techniques Mowing too short or with dull blades damages grass. Use a sharp blade, mow at correct height, remove one-third of the blade, and mulch clippings. Fungal Diseases Fungal diseases cause dead spots and unexplained growth issues. Identify/treat causes, use fungicide, seed with grass suited to the environment. Regular Maintenance A lack of maintenance can lead to various growth issues. Mow weekly, fertilize properly, check soil pH, apply weed control, and consult professionals. Why Isn't My Grass Growing? Exploring Common Issues and Practical Solutions Maintaining a lush, green lawn can be a source of pride for many homeowners, but it can also become a profound source of bafflement when the grass inexplicably refuses to grow. Several common issues could be undermining your grass growth, and deciphering these problems is the first step to effective solutions. Lack of Sunlight Among the most fundamental requirements for grass growth is sunlight. Grass accomplishes wondrous things, such as photosynthesis, by basking in the sun. Unfortunately, if your lawn is submerged in shade, it may not be receiving enough sunlight to maintain its verdant vivacity. Solution: Consider trimming trees or bushes to allow more glorious sunlight to stream in. Alternatively, you can replace areas of persistent shadow with shade-loving plants or omnipotent mulch, which are far more suited to such low-light conditions. Compacted Soil Compacted soil is a cruel villain, capable of severely impinging grass growth. When soil becomes compacted, the available space for vital air and water to penetrate is significantly reduced, much like sending invites to a party that were never meant to be opened. Slow root growth Thinning turf Off-color or yellowing lawn Emergence of weeds Puddles mysteriously appearing Solution: The mighty lawn aeration is your best ally in relieving soil compaction. This ingenious process involves using a machine to pull courageous plugs of soil up, creating space for adventurous air and water to infiltrate. Under the aegis of aeration, overseeding can fill inspired bare spots, promoting healthier growth. And remember, never underestimate the power of adding organic matter like compost to improve the soil's disposition over time. Inadequate Watering The art of proper watering is crucial for majestic grass growth. Interestingly, both under-watering and over-watering are excellent methods to induce lawn tantrums. Under-watering: Your lawn may become stunted and perpetually brown or even die if deprived for too long. Most lawns crave about 1 to 1.5 inches of water each week. Over-watering: On the upside, watering excessively can herald fungal plagues and other woes. Watering at midnight often seems convenient; alas, it can encourage fungi to throw a disco in your yard. Aim to water your lawn during the early morning hours between 5 AM and 9 AM, particularly in the unforgiving summer. Solution: Ensure your lawn gets the right amount of hydration. Detect drainage dilemmas and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Avoid shallow watering processes, and ensure the soil bathes in moisture without being drowned. Poor Soil Nutrition The nutritional health of your soil is akin to a balanced breakfast; it is essential for grass growth. Soil deprived of key nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, becomes reticent to cooperate in exuberant growth adventures. Solution: Check your lawn soil pH, ensuring it nestles between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth. Utilize a fertilizer formulated for your specific type of grass and soil. Remember that more fertilizer does not equate to more fun; excess can indeed be harmful. Professional landscaping companies excel in advising on the suitable fertilizer and application rate. Improper Mowing Techniques Mowing your lawn haphazardly could be impeding its potential. If your mowing approach includes cutting grass too short or wielding a dull blade, your lawn will be shocked, mortified, and annoyed. Solution: Always utilize a sharp blade and mow at the proper height. The rule of "remove one-third of the grass blade at a time" is worth observing. For most lawns, set the mowing height at least three inches. Consider mulching your clippings rather than bagging them, so nutrients are restored as nature intended. Fungal Diseases Unseen and crafty, fungal diseases are the bane of gardeners. These insidious conditions manifest as unexplained, expanding dead zones. Dead spots that snub explanation Unusually dead grass amidst live growth Solution: Identifying and treating the cause of fungal diseases, rather than just the symptoms, is key. What brings these woes about is often over-watering, incorrect fertilization timing, or erroneous mowing techniques. Use a fungicide to treat vexed areas and consider seeding with a type of grass more appropriate for your domain. Regular Maintenance Regular maintenance is akin to the art of dancepractice, and more practice, results in a healthy lawn. Mow your lawn weekly during the growing season, doubling frequency during rapid growth spurts. Fertilize strategically, but resist the temptation of over-fertilization. Check soil pH with zeal and adjust as necessary. Apply weed control to thwart weeds from usurping nutrient control. Periodically consult professionals for inspections to catch potential issues before they escalate. Conclusion Maintaining a vibrant, green lawn requires attention to key factors like sunlight, soil health, watering practices, mowing techniques, and nutrient supply. By identifying and addressing these vexing issues, you create an environment supportive of healthy grass growth. Regular maintenance and professional nurturing can ensure your lawn remains an envy-worthy green marvel. For detailed advice tailored to your specific lawn needs, consider consulting resources like the NRCS, lawn care experts, and landscaping professionals for solutions.```html```

On January 7, a 3-year-old Quarter Horse filly in Tuscola County, Michigan, tested positive for strangles. The filly was housed with a strangles carrier and was therefore undergoing serial strangles testing. She was determined positive when retested on January 6.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About StranglesStranglesin horses is an infection caused byStreptococcus equisubspeciesequiand spread through direct contact with other equids or contaminated surfaces. Horses that arent showing clinical signs can harbor and spread the bacteria, and recovered horses remain contagious for at least six weeks, with the potential to cause outbreaks long-term.Infected horses can exhibit a variety of clinical signs:FeverSwollen and/or abscessed lymph nodesNasal dischargeCoughing or wheezingMuscle swellingDifficulty swallowingVeterinarians diagnose horses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing with either a nasal swab, wash, or an abscess sample, and they treat most cases based on clinical signs, implementing antibiotics for severe cases. Overuse of antibiotics can prevent an infected horse from developing immunity. Most horses make a full recovery in three to four weeks.A vaccine is available but not always effective. Biosecurity measures of quarantining new horses at a facility and maintaining high standards of hygiene and disinfecting surfaces can helplower the risk of outbreakorcontain one when it occurs.

Product Marketing SpecialistLocation: RemoteType: ContractCompany: NOELLE FLOYDAbout Us:At NOELLE FLOYD, we believe in fostering a deeper connection between riders and their horses through better training, ethical care, and educational resources. Our platform, NF+, offers a community-driven experience that elevates equestrians at all levels. Were looking for a tech-savvy, detail-oriented, and self-sufficient Product Marketing Specialist to help us bring these resources to life.What You'll Do:Product Marketing ExecutionContent Upload & Management: Upload videos/podcasts, organize learning modules, and maintain high-quality content on NF+ using our content management systems.Go-To-Market Support: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to execute product launches and promotions, ensuring every campaign lands successfully.Promotional Assets: Create and manage supporting resources such as ebooks, guides, and templates to enhance product offerings.Email Drip Campaigns: Identify opportunities to engage subscribers through targeted email drip campaigns, write compelling content, and set up automations designed to drive video views and NF+ engagement.Webinars: Schedule, promote, and assist in the execution of webinars and live events that engage and grow our community.Technical OperationsCRM & Email Automation: Utilize tools like Klayvio, Notion, or equivalent platforms to segment audiences, design workflows, and manage campaigns.Platform Optimization: Troubleshoot issues with digital platforms, streamline backend processes, and identify opportunities for efficiency and improvement.Data Analysis: Monitor campaign performance, collect insights, and report on key metrics to refine future strategies.Collaboration & InnovationWork closely with marketing, community, and support teams to develop cohesive and innovative campaigns.Proactively identify potential roadblocks and devise creative solutions with minimal supervision.What We're Looking ForTech Savviness: Strong proficiency in CRM tools, email automation platforms, content management systems, and video hosting tools. Familiarity with tools like WordPress, Kajabi, Shopify, YouTube or other hosting platforms is a plus.Independent Problem Solving: A proactive approach to tackling technical challenges and process inefficiencies.Ability to manage projects independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.Marketing Expertise: Solid understanding of marketing funnels, customer journey mapping, and campaign execution.Detail-oriented and Data-driven: Exceptional attention to detail in tasks like uploading content, testing automations, and collecting/reporting metrics.Horse Knowledge: Bonus points for equestrian experience or enthusiasm, but not required.Qualifications2+ years of experience in product marketing, content marketing, or a related role.Demonstrated expertise in CRM systems and email automation (i.e. HubSpot, Salesforce).Proven ability to execute campaigns, manage multiple projects, and deliver results.Why Join Us?At NOELLE FLOYD were on a mission to improve horse and rider welfare. In support of this, youll have the opportunity to work with a passionate, mission-driven team that values creativity, innovation, and growth. We welcome applicants from all backgroundswhether you're an experienced rider or simply intrigued by the equestrian world, we encourage you to apply. Ready to join the ride? Submit your application today!

Squamous ulcers occur in the upper region of the stomach while glandular ulcers occur in the lower region. | The HorseGastric ulcers are sores in the equine stomach lining that cause distress and negatively affect performance. An estimated 60% of performance horses and 90% of racehorses have gastric ulcers. The odds of a horse developing gastric ulcers increase with stress such as exercise or life changes.Such stresses include training, trailering, and showing all things we do with our horses all the time, putting our horses at risk, said Jyme Nicols, PhD, director of nutrition for Bluebonnet and creator of the Feed Room Chemist Podcast during her presentation at the 2024 virtual EquiSummit, held Dec. 3-4.Where Do Equine Gastric Ulcers Occur?Horses have one very small (3- to 5-gallon) single-chambered stomach, which functions best when they are allowed to eat small amounts of food all day. The stomach is made up of two key areas: an upper area covered by squamous tissue and a lower covered by glandular tissue. The lower glandular region produces acidic gastric juice and mucus.It is very important to know where ulcers arethe squamous, glandular, or bothbecause location will influence treatment protocol, said Nichols. And the only way to diagnose ulcers is to have the horse scoped by a veterinarian, meaning with the use of a gastroscope.How to Score Equine Gastric UlcersIn 1999 researchers introduced the term equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) as an umbrella term for any ulcer in the horses stomach. Experts later reported that ulcers in the glandular and squamous region are very different, and the two types should be described independent of one another.For squamous ulcers, in the upper region of the stomach, veterinarians use a well-established grading system, which describes ulcers based on severity. The scale ranges from 0 (healthy with no ulcers) to 4 (extensive lesions, deep erosions). In contrast, practitioners have no universal scoring system for glandular ulcers (in the lower region of the stomach). Instead, they describe those ulcers based on their physical appearance and specific location (e.g., nodular, flat, raised, depressed, and in the antrum, pylorus, etc.).Causes and Risk Factors for Equine Gastric UlcersAs mentioned above, we ask horses to do things they arent designed to do such as training, trailering, and showing, said Nichols. They are designed to have their heads down, grazing, in a herd, yet we isolate them in stalls, travel, and hire trainers to work with them. We often feed them meals only twice a day, sometimes with large amounts of grain, and many owners dont have the luxury of turning their horse out all day.Some key risks factors for developing EGUS include:Extended periods without forage. Going six hours or more between forage meals (hay or pasture) increases a horses risk, and many horses are going beyond six hours, said Nichols. Extending feeding time and ensuring horses have forage available at all times can help decrease the risk.Insufficient water. Water serves as an excellent buffer for gastric juices, and horses that drink well and always have access to water at all times are less likely to develop gastric ulcers. In contrast, horses with restricted water access are more than two times more likely to have ulcers.Consuming high-starch meals exceeding 2 g/kg of bodyweight doubles the horses risk of developing ulcers.Medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS, e.g., phenylbutazone and flunixin meglumine) increase the risk of glandular disease especially, by damaging the gastric mucosal lining.Clinical Signs of Equine Gastric UlcersSigns of EGUS can be subtle, so you have to know your horse and what is normal in order to recognize what is abnormal, said Nichols.Subtle behavior changes, such as changes in facial expression when saddling (ear, eye, and mouth position and movements), can suggest the presence of gastric ulcers. Other signs of EGUS can include general irritability and girthiness (e.g., the horse might try to bite cross-ties or you, swish his tail) and changes in performance.Certain indicators of ulcers can become more apparent, such as dropping condition, losing topline, dull haircoat, and exhibiting signs of colic.Diagnosing and Treating Equine Gastric UlcersAlways have your veterinarian perform a gastroscopy on your horse if you think he might have gastric ulcers.Be aware that there is no link between glandular and squamous disease, said Nichols. Having one does not mean they do or do not have the other. Plus, there is no link between outward signs and the severity of ulcers.Treating ulcers mainly involves suppressing acidity in the stomach and protecting the gastric mucosal lining. The most commonly prescribed medications include omeprazole, ranitidine, and sucralfate.We also need to consider what led to ulcers in the first place, said Nichols. Align their daily lives with how they are physiologically designedlet your horse be a horse. Management changes such as increasing forage available, reducing stressors in the environment, and limiting changes in routine can help decrease your horses risk of developing gastric ulcers. Take-Home MessageBe aware that most horses are at risk of developing gastric ulcers, so pay attention to your horses behavior to appreciate early signs, Nichols said.Prevent gastric ulcers whenever possible by managing your horses diet, the environment, and his stress levels, and work closely with your veterinarian and equine nutritionist to diagnose, treat, and manage EGUS.

Ocala, FL The $62,500 Coca-Cola Beverages Florida Grand Prix Qualifier CSI3* was the highlight of Thursday mornings action in the WEC Grand Arena. Thirty-three international horse-and-rider pairs, representing nine nations, competed for top honors, but it was Richard Spooner (USA) and Molly Ohrstroms Halcon (Con Air 7 x Cardento 993) who emerged victorious. Ben Townley, an FEI Level III course designer from Great Britain,[...]Read MoreThe post Richard Spooner and Halcon Soar to the Top in the $62,500 Coca-Cola Beverages Florida Grand Prix Qualifier CSI3* appeared first on World Equestrian Center.