My Soapbox for Equestrian Writings
The horses have adapted to the snow. Like a giant ant farm, they have created their own “tunnels” or pathways to travel between the important parts of the field — to the fence line, where they meet over the fence, to the gates (although it’s practically too icy to leave the fields), and to each […]
Read MoreWe’ve had a brutally hot summer here in the Northeast with lots of humidity. If your horse is in work (and it’s a big if some days), this is the kind of weather where electrolytes might be beneficial. Keep in mind that electrolytes are mainly used to replace minerals lost from sweat and to encourage […]
Read MoreThree days of temperatures in the mid to high 90s with high humidity had people and animals alike searching for a way to cool off. Freedom spent most of his time inside. His stall is in a bank barn and although I can’t remember the last time I actually put him in his stall (he […]
Read MoreWhen I started eventing, back in the 80s, I can remember that when we came home from an event we always poulticed and wrapped our horses’ legs and fed them a bran mash for dinner. Then they were tucked into their stalls for the night. These days, when I come back from a hunt (which […]
Read MoreI got the results of the multiplex test today. Freedom is on the low end of positive — his titer is 1600 and they recommend treatment for anything above 1200. My vet recommends keeping him on Doxy for six weeks. Since he’s showing no adverse signs to it, that’s what I’m planning to do. Interestingly, […]
Read MoreI love the barn in the early morning. It’s peaceful and serene. The light shines through the trees in a magical way. And the horses are always glad to see me. Those early morning nickers are very welcoming.
Read MoreWhen I returned from my ride on Monday, Freedom was covered with hives. They were mostly around his throat latch but they spread out in diminishing intensity across his body. My first thought was, “did I miss those when I groomed him?” But no, they were pretty large and angry looking. They certainly were not […]
Read MoreJust 48 hours after I clipped Freedom . . . it snowed. This morning when I got to the barn the horses were cold and shivering. They had all been wearing sheets which had soaked through. Dry blankets and lots of hay cheered them up substantially. As for me, I’m still shaking my head about […]
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