A HORSE FOR CHRISTMAS

Courtesy of SmartPak

As any horse-crazy child can attest, the greatest Christmas gift one could ever receive is an equine friend. Several SmartPak employees share their fond memories  with Horseman’s News of getting a horse or pony for Christmas. Have you ever received a horse as a gift? 

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AQHA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW WRAP-UP

Courtesy of American Quarter Horse Association

Nearly 4,500 entries converged at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City to vie for the AQHA’s coveted golden globes and more than $2.3 million in purse and prizes.

That’s a wrap on the 2018 Lucas Oil AQHA World Championship Show! 

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BETWEEN ROPINGS

Courtesy of America’s Horse Daily

Working the log with your tie-down horse

A tie-down horse is different from a team-roping horse because he has to know how to work by himself and know what he’s doing.

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COLD WEATHER CHALLENGES FOR HORSES WITH OSTEOARTHRITIS

Courtesy of America’s Horse Daily

Make winter easy on your horse with osteoarthritis with these tips Winter brings difficulties to horse owners, but it also brings its own set of challenges to horses with osteoarthritis (OA). Plunging temperatures, deep snow and freezing rain are difficult enough for humans and horses to deal with, but did you know that even a change in barometric pressure may trigger joint discomfort?

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EPM: UNDERSTANDING THIS DEBILITATING DISEASE

Courtesy of AAEP

Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) is a master of disguise. This serious disease can be difficult to diagnose because its signs often mimic other health problems in the horse and signs can range from mild to severe.

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SPOOKING ON THE TRAIL

Courtesy of Downunder Horsemanship

From time to time, your horse is going to spook at objects on the trail. Having a fail-safe approach to handling a spook and remaining in control of the situation will make the incident a minor inconvenience rather than a ride-ruiner and will provide an opportunity to train your horse and make him a better partner.

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THE 4 KEY TRENDS HOME BUYERS AND SELLERS SHOULD WATCH IN 2019

We’re entering the home stretch of 2018, when you can actually say, “See you next year!” to someone you’ll see in just a few weeks. It’s a time to look ahead, to make new plans, to achieve new dreams.

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TREVOR BRAZILE SAYS GOODBYE TO FULL-TIME RODEO

King of the Cowboys to close the book on full-time professional rodeo

An unparalleled era of rodeo excellence ends at this year’s Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, as King of the Cowboys Trevor Brazile closes the book on full-time professional rodeo competition. Though we have not seen the last of the winningest cowboy of all time, the 23-time Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association world champion will no longer compete at an NFR-qualifying pace.

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December's Issue Is Live Now!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE ONLINE MAGAZINE!

GIFT IDEAS FOR HORSE LOVERS

Are you looking for a gift for your horsey friend? Chances are if you ask a horse person what she would like for a present, she very well may respond, “a horse!” 

You can’t afford a new horse for each of your friends? Here are some ideas that won’t break the bank.

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HORSE ENCLOSURES

With the numerous stall designs and materials available today, making a decision on which will be the safest and most effective for your equine may seem difficult. 

When it comes to making this informed decision, the best fencing to use is dependent on several factors, including size of the horses, size of the property, number of horses, and whether they are enclosed as a group or separately.

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HORSE FITNESS DURING THE WINTER

Courtesy of Southern States 

When the weather outside is frightful what is the horseback rider to do? That fire may be delightful, but we can’t just sit inside and sing let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. It’s our responsibility to maintain a fitness program for both horse and rider during the winter months. 

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EQUINE FACILITIES: STALL BARN DESIGN CONSTRUCTION

Ashley Griffin, University of Kentucky

The construction of your facility should be conducive to the safety and welfare of your clientele, employees, and animals. Several things need to be protected from horses, water, dust, and rodents in every barn. Some of these include foam insulation, stall latches, water or coil heaters, and electrical wiring. In addition, if your barn is a metal building, it is important that stalls be lined with wood or another protective covering to prevent injury from horses kicking through metal walls.

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HORSE INSURANCE 101

by Amy J. Daum, Courtesy of SmartPak

Let’s face it, insurance falls way to the bottom of the list of topics any horse owner wants to talk about. Discussing worst-case scenarios doesn’t exactly make for enjoyable barn aisle or ringside small talk.

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HOW TO DEVELOP A HORSE BARN MANAGEMENT PLAN

Courtesy of Southern States

Have you always dreamed of managing your own barn? Do you currently manage your own small horse farm or boarding facility? If so, do you have a barn management plan in place? Whether you have a barn for business or pleasure, the key to a well-run barn is a comprehensive barn management plan.

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SCHOOL ‘EM AND FOOL ‘EM

Courtesy of Downunder Horsemanship

Horses are smart enough to know when they can chump us and when they can’t. For example, more than likely, if your horse spooked at an object when you were riding him at home, you’d immediately correct him and solve the problem. 

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TAKE NOTE! THIS IS THE ONE THING YOU MUST MASTER WHEN HOUSE HUNTING

Courtesy of Realtor.com

Average home buyers look at 10 houses before they find The One. And unless you’ve lucked out with a photographic memory, remembering the details of all those homes can prove challenging. Wait, which one had that weird bathroom? What was the address of that awesome house near the lakeshore?

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SMITH-EMBRY INSURANCE ASSOCIATES, INC.

Mission Statement: SERVICE

Beginning with the Quote process, placing of your Policy and most important in settling your Claim, Smith-Embry Insurance Associates, Inc. makes the process as easy as possible. We work with our customers in a professional, friendly manner and are here to answer your questions. We want you to understand your policy and your duties in the event of a claim.

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SNODGRESS EQUIPMENT

Snodgress Equipment is your complete provider of Arena Werks™ and Hey Werks™ farm, ranch, and arena equipment. All of our products meet the highest standards for reliability and durability and are guaranteed to withstand the trials of time and patience. 

Whether you need an effective method for hauling a single or multiple bales of hay, or you need a solution to treat your arena or a full arena conditioner, Arena Werks™ and Hey Werks™ has your solution!

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BARN PROS

Think about the professionals you choose to work with. Is it simply their track records that set your expectations, or is there something more? 

Because at Barn Pros, we believe that a decision as important as a new building on your property demands a partner who places your needs and goals first—who will put their adaptability and passion to work bringing your dream to life and making sure it delivers value.

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FINISHLINE FENCING

Containing animals that are born to run can be a challenging task. 

 The options are endless and the costs associated with fencing can be overwhelming. inishline Fencing is the best option we have found to meet the criteria of horse owners who demand a fence that is not only safe, but a fence that will look great and not require the nuance of costly maintenance and repair.

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FOUR OAKS FARM SPORT HORSE REHABILITATION CENTRE AND ALL-NATURAL NO THRUSH® POWDER WANT YOU TO BE WARNED – AND ARMED – THIS FALL.

SOLUTION: NO THRUSH® is a non-caustic antibacterial powder. When you puff the powder into the heel cracks and brush it into the grooves around the frog, it attacks the bacteria, and absorbs and draws out all the breeding ground from within the deep crevices. Within a few days the soft heels and frogs will begin firming up.

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EQUINE AQUA SPA IN WHITESBORO, TEXAS

by Katie Kelch

Cold temperatures can put a damper on everyone’s training program throughout the winter months. If you have a hard time finding a dry place to continue working with your equine athlete, there are other options out there to consider. At the Equine Aqua Spa in Whitesboro, Texas, they offer a comprehensive list of conditioning services, as well as rehabilitation choices that they combine for each individual horse.

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HOW WHOLE BODY VIBRATION CAN ENHANCE YOUR HORSECARE

As more equine studies on biomechanics are completed, it is increasingly evident that, as with humans, movement is critical to the body’s ability to function properly. 

Movement stimulates the body’s various systems, as such, daily physical activity should be a priority in your horse’s routine.

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October's Issue is Live Now!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE DIGITAL MAGAZINE

ASK THE VET: COLIC

Answered by,  Amy Constantine, DVM, Antioch, Tenn.
Courtesy of AAEP

Question: Can colic be prevented and if so, how? What makes a horse more susceptible to colic and what are indicators that my horse might be colicking? 

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FOAL GROWTH

Courtesy of America’s Horse Daily

Special care and nutrition are required for your young horse.

A healthy foal will grow rapidly, gaining in height, weight and strength almost before your very eyes. From birth to age 2, a young horse can achieve 90 percent of more of its full adult size, sometimes putting on as many as three pounds per day.

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FOAL’S FIRST TRIM

Courtesy of America’s Horse Daily

There are many steps that need to be taken at foaling time and shortly there after to optimize mare and foal health, vigor and longevity. Horse owners who are raising foals should have an understanding of the importance of early hoof to optimize proper hoof and leg structure, performance and long-term soundness of their equine friend.

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IN IT TO WIN IT: LAND YOUR DREAM HOME BY AVOIDING THESE 5 MISTAKES ON YOUR OFFER

Courtesy of Realtor.com

You’ve seen every house on the market and you’ve finally found the spot you can’t wait to call home. In fact, you’ve mentally decorated it and planned your new life, down to the barbecues and block parties you’ll have with your awesome new neighbors. Sweet!

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MAKING A SALE VIDEO OF YOUR HORSE

Courtesy of America’s Horse Daily

If you are trying to sell your horse, chances are you will probably need a good-quality video to send to prospective buyers.

There is a fine line between a video that shows your horse off well and a video that annoys the viewer and doesn’t sell your horse at all.

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MILK REPLACER FOR FOALS

Courtesy of Nutrena Feed Room

A friend recently called, asking if I had bottles for foals. She explained that her mare had rejected her foal, and the said they were going to have to start feeding milk replacer.

I then asked my friend if she was aware how many times an hour a young foal can nurse, and there was a long silence on the phone.

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REACTIVE ON A GROUP TRAIL RIDE

Courtesy of Downunder Horsemanship

It’s common for horses to ride well on the trail by themselves and get excited and ignore their riders when they’re in a group. When you get two or more horses on the trail, they have a tendency to want to race one another and get reactive. 

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SHOULD YOU BUY A HORSE SIGHT UNSEEN?

By Julie I. Fershtman, Attorney at Law

People occasionally buy horses, sight unseen, based on an ad over the Internet or the recommendation of a friend. Many buyers are completely satisfied with their purchases. Unfortunately, some are not. 

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SHOULD YOUR PET BE A VEGETARIAN?

There are so many human vegetarians that some of you may have wondered if your beloved four-legged friend is able to share the same passion and cause as you. If you have ever been interested in having your pet become a vegetarian it should be helpful to know the certain nutritional needs that your pet has, in order to make the right decision regarding vegetarianism.

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THE AILING APPENDIX

What’s the difference between Appendix, Tentative and Permanent?

Few things in AQHA’s history were as confusing as the Appendix registry. Created when the American Quarter Racing and the National Quarter Horse Breeders associations merged in 1949, the Appendix registry was intended to be a catchall for horses formerly registered with those groups. 

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August's Issue Is Now Online!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ONLINE MAGAZINE!

DOES YOUR DOG HAVE POOR POTTY MANNERS?

No matter how well-behaved your pet is, chances are that your pet has inappropriately urinated at least once in its life. 

But before blaming Fido or Fluffy for bad behavior, ask yourself how often you are taking your pet outside. Inappropriate urination may just be an “accident,” especially if your pet’s potty breaks aren’t frequent.

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FIRE EXTINGUISHER TRAINING: HOW TO USE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER SO YOU DON’T GET BURNED

Courtesy of Realtor.com

Fire extinguisher training is something everyone should know, but many ignore. But let’s face it: If you have no clue how to use a fire extinguisher—or check that it’s still in good working order—it won’t be much use if a fire breaks out in your home, right?

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HOT WEATHER CARE FOR HORSES

By Hayley Donahue, DVM
Courtesy of AAEP

As summer continues, owners need to consider management practices needed to help their horses get through the hot weather. It is important to understand the normal physiology of the horse when exercised in hot or humid weather. 

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KEEP YOUR COOL: DEALING WITH CHALLENGES OF SUMMER HEAT

Courtesy of Farnam’s Stabel Talk

If your horse could vote for a favorite season, he wouldn’t pick summer. That’s because, overall, horses fare better in cooler weather. Heat and humidity present definite challenges for horses — and horse owners — but being prepared can help your horse through the worst of summer. Take steps ahead of time to prevent overheating, which, if untreated, can lead to heat exhaustion and even heat stroke, which can be life-threatening.

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PINNY-EARED HORSES

Courtesy of Downunder Horsemanship

When we see horses being worked and their ears are pinned back, we often assume the horse is cranky or upset. While that can certainly be the case, it’s not always true.

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SALT OR ELECTROLYTES?

Courtesy of SmartPak

Salt (also known as sodium chloride or NaCl) plays an important role in normal nerve and muscle function and can help encourage your horse to drink, making it critical for his well-being. Adult horses in no work need at least one ounce of salt per day, and that need goes up with exercise and warm weather. If your horse’s daily requirements for salt aren’t met, he may not be in optimal health nor able to perform at his best.

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TOO HOT FOR HOUSE HUNTERS? 5 HOME-SELLING TACTICS THAT SIZZLE DURING SUMMER

Courtesy of Realtor.com

Summer is peak season for home selling—but also for barbecues, vacations, and long, lazy beach days. In other words, there are lots of things to distract even the most diligent would-be buyers. And that’s not even counting those dog days when it’s too hot to even venture out to view homes.

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ASK THE VET: EQUINE SKIN TUMORS

Answered by, Elizabeth Carr, DVM, Ph.D., DACVIM, DACVECC, CVA, Michigan State University
Courtesy of AAEP

Question: I have a grey 5-year-old Arab/Azteca mare. She is greying pretty slowly and I am wondering if horses that grey more slowly are more or less likely to develop melanomas as they age. 

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NRCHA DERBY CHAMPIONS CROWNED IN PASO ROBLES, CALIFORNIA

Courtesy of National Reined Cow Horse Association

Humble is not a word you would expect to hear from a competitor with three horses qualified for the clean-slate finals of the Open Derby but, that is how NRCHA Professional Justin Wright described his week in Paso Robles, California.

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JULY'S ISSUE IS LIVE NOW!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE ONLINE MAGAZINE

ASK THE VET: EQUINE DENTISTRY

Answered by, Reece Myran, DVM, Pooler, GA
Courtesy of AAEP

Question: My equine dentist somewhat jokingly mentioned my mare should be flossing more. However, I understood his point that horses, as well as humans, get stuff stuck between teeth, which isn’t good. How much of a problem is this, and is there anything an owner can do to help?

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May's Digital Issue Is Now Available

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ONLINE!

SPRING PASTURE, FRUCTANS, AND FOUNDER

By Larry Lawrence, PhD, Kentucky Equine Research, and Stephanie Valberg, DVM
The University of Minnesota Extension

All horses are subject to digestive upsets associated with spring pasture. The content of highly fermentable carbohydrates in pasture can be overwhelming to the un-adapted digestive system of horses. Ponies, because of a gene that allows them to survive on limited amounts of medium quality forages, and overweight horses, because of insulin resistance and associated high levels of circulating pro-inflammatory agents, are particularly susceptible to pastures with high fructan contents (commonly found in spring).

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OBESITY

Written by Dr. Tom Lenz on behalf of AQHACourtesy of AAEP

Fat horses are at greater risk for exercise intolerance, founder, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, the formation of colic-causing lipomas (fat tumors in the abdomen), joint and bone problems, reduced reproduction efficiency and increased stress on their heart and lungs.

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HOW BIG A HOME DO YOU TRULY NEED? 5 QUESTIONS TO ASK TO FIGURE THAT OUT

Courtesy of Realtor.com

When it comes to homes, the popular credo is that bigger is better. More square feet = a larger slice of the American dream, right?

Not necessarily. For one, bigger homes obviously cost more, and oversized McMansions can be harder to sell. As such, you’ll want a home that’s neither too big nor too small. But how do you strike that balance?

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