Name: Zula
Gender: Mare
Age: 13
Discipline: Eventing
Owner: Tawn Edwards

<8915>“Zula is a superb pony who has struggled with breathing issues for the past couple of years. Even though she is only 13 years old, I had to consider an early retirement due to the severity of her respiratory troubles. This would have been a huge loss for me because she is one of my best school horses/event ponies – she has competed in the American Eventing Championships 3 times, winning in 2009, and has been pictured in Eventing Magazine more than once! As Zula’s respiratory troubles progressed, she had less energy and seemed depressed. Steroids were the only thing that gave her some relief, and I worried about their long term effects. After speaking with SmartPak and consulting with my vet, I decided to give SmartBreathe a try, even though it seemed like a long shot. I was extremely surprised at how quickly it made a difference for her! I am thrilled to say that since trying SmartBreathe, Zula is doing really well!! She is back to herself again – moving forward and happy to do her job. She is no longer receiving steroids, and I don’t have to let her go to live in retirement after all.”

“I have a 19 year old thoroughbred gelding. He is 17.3 and has just been diagnosed with arthritis and fairly severe joint deterioration. I have had a hard time finding information on the best way to treat him. I would like to keep riding him if that’s possible. I do dressage with him. How would you suggest treating him? I want to keep him out of pain as much as possible. I also am on a fairly tight budget which makes treatment even harder.” – HG

Dear HG,

I would love for you to be able keep riding your horse—in fact, daily exercise is one of the best things for him! Just make sure you limit lunging and other repetitive activities and use nice, long warm-ups and cool-downs. If you’re working at the upper levels, consider bringing him down to a level where there’s less collection, torque and hard work. Because keeping joints moving will help, try to turn him out as much as possible and avoid excessive stall time if you can. Other management tips include: keeping him at his ideal weight so he’s not carrying extra pounds and asking your farrier if special trimming or shoeing techniques, such as rocker toes for easier breakover, may be helpful.

When it comes to actually treating arthritis, there are quite a few options. They vary in price, convenience and effectiveness; often a combined approach works best. But every horse responds differently. I recommend working closely with your veterinarian to develop the best plan for your horse then keeping a journal of what you’ve tried, what it cost, and how well it worked.

I’ve lumped therapies into the following categories and provided examples of each:

Prescription products:
•Injectables: (Legend, Adequan, steroids)
•Oral: (phenylbutazone, Banamine, Equioxx)
•Topical: (Surpass)

•Oral joint products: (glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, MSM)

•Other oral products for discomfort, anti-oxidant protection, etc. (omega-3 fatty acids, cetyl myristoleate, devil’s claw, yucca, boswellia)

Other treatment choices you may want to talk to your veterinarian about include acupuncture, shock wave therapy, passive range of motion exercises and magnetic therapy. I’m confident you will find a plan that works for both you and your horse!

Every month, we tally our customer reviews from western riders like you to find our customers’ favorite products. With 71,000+ reviews, we think it’s hard to beat the insight from our own customers. Check out this month’s Top-10 Western Products to find some great picks for you and your horse.

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#1 SmartMuscle® Mass

What We Say: Lean muscle development requires the right support! SmartMuscle Mass provides 12 amino acids as the building blocks of muscle tissue. Gamma Oryzanol, Creatine, HMB, Collagen, Betaine and other targeted ingredients are also included to assist the normal muscle-building process. Strong, defined muscles start with SmartMuscle Mass!

What Western Riders Say: “I have always used Body Builder. A friend recommended I try this, I will never go back! My horse loves the taste with very little grain, and it has definitely given him more muscle definition with my conditioning program.” – rocky52

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#2 Kool Coat Airstream Detach-A-Neck

What We Say: The Kool Coat Airstream Combo provides cool summer protection against the sun and all types of insects. The strong 270g polyester fabric with mesh panels aid in cooling and airflow. UV protection is 70%.

What Western Riders Say: “Good product, fits well, is durable (an absolute necessity for my crowd). The Monogram was just icing on the cake.” – FoxEye

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#3 Wahl Chromado

What We Say: The Wahl Chromado is quiet enough for problem ears and head shy horses. Strong enough for stubborn fetlocks and bridal paths. Take the Wahl Chromado anywhere with the long lasting 90 minute cordless convenience.

What Western Riders Say: “I borrowed these clippers from a friend to clip my horse for a show. These did really well for the eyes, ears, muzzle, and jaw. They also stayed really cool even after using them for a long time. I left them plugged in for the most part but it was really nice to be able to unplug them to get the other side. They’re really quiet which is great for clipping the ears…” – jas530

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#4 Tri-Amino

What We Say: Tri-Amino contains Lysine, Methionine and Threonine. These essential amino acids must be supplied in the diet, because horses cannot make enough on their own. Lysine, Methionine and Threonine are also limiting amino acids, meaning that if not present in adequate amounts, it can limit the body’s ability to make protein. If you’re not sure your horse is getting enough, supplementing with Tri-Amino can support his health in a number of ways.

What Western Riders Say: “I started my 3 year old gelding on this product about a month ago. I’ve noticed changes in his coat and mane/tail already. His topline is improving and overall he’s looking better.” – RidingRio

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#5 Jolly Ball for Dogs

What We Say: For a jolly good time! Endless play that won’t deflate. It even floats! Durable, non-toxic polyethylene.

What Western Riders Say: “I have a German Shepard who just loves this ball…We call it her anger management tool. Whenever she wants to show how tough she is, she grabs it, bites it and shakes it…” – Dalmom2007

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#6 Crusader Fly Mask – Standard

What We Say: Crusader Fly Mask are designed for comfort with soft durable materials and fully lined seams. Three hole cap for ears and forelock provides stability. Eye darts keep mesh well away from the eyes. Crusader Fly Masks also provides UV protection for sensitive noses for horses that sunburn easily. Grey mesh with grey trim.

What Western Riders Say: “Over the past two fly seasons I have been searching for a mask that stays on my horse and doesn’t rub him after wearing it all day and had yet to find one until my recent purchase of this mask. The double velcro closure helps keep the mask in place and the fleece lining is not creating the rubs that I typically see. I also LOVE the fact that his name was embroidered for FREE on the mask, now it won’t get mixed up with the other 10 masks that look just like it!” – PaintOwner

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#7 Blocker Control Halter

What We Say: The Blocker Control Halter provides a safer, humane alternative to the stud chain. It is designed as a training tool to help you gain the respect and control of your horse using a pressure and release system.

What Western Riders Say: “After surgery I needed something to make sure my gelding wouldn’t invade my space and injure my right side. Initially, I was worried that this might be too harsh but it provides correction as needed and the chain can be used or ignored.” – Pashtunekitty

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#8 SmartBug-Off®

What We Say: SmartBug-Off is perfect for all horses who are bothered by flies and other pesky pests. This comprehensive formula contains Garlic, Brewer’s Yeast and Apple Cider Vinegar to deter biting insects. It also provides Omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants and MSM to help support a normal inflammatory response and healthy skin. Lastly, SmartBug-Off includes Diatomaceous Earth to discourage insect breeding in manure. Horses love these tasty pellets!

What Western Riders Say: “I’ve had our pony on this product going on 3 bug seasons now and I’ve found it to be the most effective product I’ve ever used on her. I usually start in the middle of February and continue dosing until late October. This product works very well.” – Empy

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#9 E-Z ON Bucket Covers

What We Say: The E-Z ON Bucket Cover will take away the worry from setting out feed the night before. The patent-pending design allows free and easy movement of the bucket handles, while securely covering and protecting the contents inside. No more flies or unwanted pests tampering with your feed buckets! Embroider horse’s names on the E-Z ON Bucket Covers to make feeding even easier and more organized.

What Western Riders Say: “I have purchased bucket covers from other suppliers but these are by far the best quality I have seen. We feed beet pulp and other additives that require soaking over night and these covers keep it clean and also keeps it clean in transporting down to the barn to feed. Good job SmartPak.” – QHmom

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#10 Portable Grooming Organizer

What We Say: Heavy denier nylon Portable Grooming Organizer with 2 hook tack rack. Adjustable shoulder strap with clip. 14″ pocket with zipper closure. Four 6″ pockets, three 8″ pockets and two bottom pockets (9″ and 2″). 16″x 34″.

What Western Riders Say: “Perfect for keeping all my grooming items close at hand and portable as well. So long grooming tote and buckets. Hangs in the barn, tack room, on the horse trailer…”
- GalGotGait

We don’t know about you, but in our opinion, one of the best parts of being a rider is getting to introduce your non-rider friends and family to the horse world. Whether it’s watching your larger-than-life dad get nervous around your first horse, or seeing your younger cousin’s face light up the first time she pats a pony’s muzzle, there’s something wonderful about spreading the love.

With that in mind, we couldn’t resist sharing this adorable report written by Mitchell, the nephew of SmartPak’s own Susan T., Director of Barn Programs.

SmartPak’s Creative Director, Sara Florin, gets
a style lesson from style guru Hannah Hassler

Like most equestrians, I put my horse’s needs first. It’s only the best for my OTTB, Carpe Diem (Diem for short). He doesn’t go a day without supplements, he gets $18 shampoo just to keep his socks sparkling, and he gets new shoes every seven weeks! Meanwhile, I’m three months overdue for a hair cut, and I’m crossing my fingers that I can get another few hundred miles out of my running sneakers.

With all the training, hard work and elbow grease I put into making Diem look top-notch, it’s only fair that a bring my ‘A’ game, too. After all, we’re in this together! I thought I was doing okay in the fashion department – after all, my “breeches drawer” is so full it won’t shut unless a few pairs are in the wash. But a quick glance through that overstuffed drawer and my bursting coat bag revealed that I was much farther away from equestrian chic than I thought.

Whether it’s putting together a winning look for all three phases of an event, or just trying to dress sharp for a lesson, I knew I couldn’t do it alone. So, I sought out the advice of SmartPak’s fashion guru Hannah Hassler (the brains behind our fashion look books).
Help! I’m a wrinkled mess.

Schooling…

Sara Florin: My typical lesson outfits consist of breeches I’ve found in discount bins paired with polo shirts that have seen dozens (make that hundreds) of washings. It’s not technically wrong, it just always feels frumpy. How can I look and feel great for a lesson?

Hannah Hassler: First of all, there is nothing wrong with discount bins. I’ve found my most prized pairs of jeans in the hodge podge aisles of Savers – you just can’t beat a bargain, and a girl’s gotta eat and pay rent, right? My trick to always looking polished, even when you’re wearing a hand-me-down, is to make sure it fits. It’s a shopping rule to live by. If something is proportioned to your body and fits snugly (not tight!), it will never look frumpy.

Second, consider a tall boot designed for looks and comfort. The fashion-forward Ariat Volant Boot elevates the entire look without sacrificing the comfort and convenience of half chaps. The stretch panels offer a custom-like fit, and you’ll be the envy of the entire barn.
Third, spruce up your bargains with nice accessories. Throwing on a funky belt or your favorite bracelet, tucking in your faded polo shirt and making sure even well-worn breeches fit properly are three great steps to looking great, and in turn feeling great, in your lesson. Sometimes just adding a touch of flare to any old outfit can and will put a little more bounce in your step.

Schooling gets cooler

Smart Shopping Lesson

By saving some green on the perfectly priced Bradley Breech, I can splurge on the funky Tailored Sportsman belt.

Pulled-together schooling look:

Gersemi Tyra Polo Shirt, SunShield Shirt by SmartPak, Bradley Breech by SmartPak, Ariat Volant Boots, Tailored Sportsman Lounge Lizard Belt

Trivia night, here I come!

…and the inevitable post-lesson trivia night.

SF: When my trainer invites me out to eat after my evening lessons, all I can think about is my helmet hair, dirty breeches and slobber-stained shirt. I can’t go home in between. What can I do to transition to the “real world”?

HH: I personally can’t pass up a good trivia night (post workout or not), so my advice for going from “not” to “hot” in a flash is make sure you always have a fully stocked styling/grooming kit for yourself (your horse shouldn’t get to have all the fun!). Essentials like face wipes, deodorant, and a hairbrush make post-ride clean-up a lot easier.

A versatile, waterproof boot can pull double-duty in the barn and on the town. They’ll save your tall boots from getting ruined in the wash rack, they clean up quickly, and they’re cute enough to start a conversation in the bar. I love the countryside style of the Dubarry Galway Boot. If you’re not ready to make a big investment, the synthetic, fully waterproof Bogs McKenna Boot has a ton of personality and goes with just about anything.

Another must for your kit is a stylish belt, hat or scarf to bring your outfit back to life. Layering with the SunShield Long Sleeve Shirt offers you another quick fix – just remove the top layer, and voila! You’re clean and ready to hit the town.

Smart Shopping Lesson:

A pair of stylish, leather-look boots mean I can have a polished look without all the..well, polishing!

Transition to trivia night:

Swap your tall boots for the Bogs McKenna Boots and throw on the Kerrits Horsin Around Hat.

Help! I’m swimming in my coat.

Showing…

SF: Eventers often get a bad rap for their turnout, and I’m out to help turn this around. I think my current look gets the job done nicely, but it’s time for me to commit to some true dressage duds, like white breeches and dress boots. I’ve also had my eye on a navy coat. Any suggestions to update my look?

HH: A special occasion is a perfect reason to add investment pieces to your wardrobe. They’re items you will have and love forever. If I were you, I would aim to add one really nice piece each season (depending on how much I had in my piggy bank!). It could be a pair of custom boots, a well-tailored show coat or a new helmet.
Many manufacturers are rethinking show coats, so now is a great time to try something new. Technical, breathable, stain-resistant fabrics are catching on quickly – and the best part is, they’re often machine washable, so you can skip a trip to the dry cleaners. Plus, you’ll stay confidently cool in fabrics that wick-moisture and move with you. The Ariat Triumph Show Coat will really shine in the dressage ring.
If you’re ready to commit to custom, the options are endless. Create a head-to-toe look that’s all your own with a Custom Samshield Helmet, Equiline Italia XCool Custom Competition and DeNiro Boots.
The white breeches are something you can always scrimp on. They get dirty so fast, and there’s truly no good way to get them white again – I would plan to buy a new pair each year or two, depending on how often you show. The Tailored Sportsman Trophy Hunter Full Seat Breech is perfectly priced and hold its shape to keep you looking great in and out of the saddle.
If you’re not ready to invest, a few fun accessories can help add the extra polish you’re looking for. A new stock tie paired with matching jeweled stock pin and spur straps add subtle sparkle in the ring.


Look out, judge!

Smart Shopping Lesson:

Soft shell show coats are the wave of the future – no more dry cleaning!

Horse Trial Style

Ariat Triumph Coat, Kentucky Iva Show Shirt with Ribbon Collar, Vintage Stock Tie, Handmade Jewel Stock Pin, Heritage Tackified Pro-Air Show Gloves, Tailored Sportsman Trophy Hunter Full Seat Breech, Ariat Classic Reversible Belt, Ariat Westchester Dress Boot, Handmade Jewel Spur Straps

…and hanging out at the end of the day!

SF: Show days can be long, longer…or never ending. I’m often too excited and exhausted at the end of the day to realize the entire front of my shirt is covered in dirt, horse hair and grass stains. But I’d love a way to end the day in style and comfort. How can I make what I’m wearing look as good as I feel about a successful show day?
HH: Just like going from the barn to trivia night, it’s always good to pack ahead for a show day. A vest is a versatile option – you’ll stay warm on a chilly morning course walk, and it keeps your overall look tidy and pulled together at the end of the day (plus it covers any slobber stains).
Always have a change of footwear for the drive home – your feet will thank you at the end of a long day! I love the look of high socks or loosely cuffed breeches with a deck shoe like the Dubarry Barbados Deck Shoe or the Dubarry Menorca Deck Shoe.
A cute hat is always great to cover up helmet head. The sporty new Kingsland Pimlico Hat is perfect for summer. For a pulled-together, preppy look, try the Kingsland Scarf. It’ll be a great conversation piece when you’re standing around waiting for scores to be posted.

Smart Shopping Lesson:

The Ariat Classic Reversible Belt goes from black (to match my tall boots) to brown (to complement my deck shoes). It’s two belts in one!

That Winning Feeling

The Kingsland Scarf and Dubarry Menorca Deck Shoe are a perfect way to end the show day on a high note.

Sprucewood Farm – Colchester, VT
Owner: Julie Spaniel
Barn Manager: Diora Kania
Trainers: Lilly Joseph and Tara Valade
Submitted by: Owner, Julie Spaniel

“Sprucewood farm is a small, family owned horse farm located just north of Burlington, Vermont. It was started in 2005 and with just a few very special Morgan horses, my lifelong dream began.

My husband Adam and I moved to Vermont in 1993 with an infant son and two budding professions. After having four children and starting two businesses, we decided it was time to move out of Burlington for more space. Our daughter Emily had shown an interest in riding as a five year old. She fell in love with her first horse, a Morgan named “Breeders Cresiendo.” Emily is in high school now and continues to ride and show her Morgan’s on both the local, and A circuit. She is the current World Champion Junior Exhibitor Hunter Pleasure, 14-17 division. Emily also shows on the Hunter/Jumper circuit, in Florida in the winter and Vermont/NY in the summers.

Thanks to our dedicated staff of trainers, instructors, and caretakers, Sprucewood Farm is able to offer a high quality equine program in a private setting. We offer riding lessons, training, boarding, and summer camps.

As the owner, I do like to feed all the horses on the farm myself, but I am not always there. My full time barn manager, Diora Kania, takes over with the feedings in my absence. She is very organized and is so happy with the simplicity of the SmartPaks. Currently we have 5 horses on SmartPaks and are encouraging the other boarders to order them. We even put our dogs on Cosequin in Canine SmartPaks!

Story of our Barn:

Before it was “Sprucewood Farm” our actual barn was known as Cedar Spring Farm in its former location in Essex, Vermont. The barn was dismantled board by board, including the rare Pacific Northwest fir trusses, and loaded on to trucks and carefully removed from its location in Essex and brought to Colchester for reassembly at Sprucewood Farm. It took us 18 months to re-assemble the 80 x 120 riding arena and 20 stalls but we were able to re-use almost all the materials from the old barn that was built in the 1960′s.

The roof and cupolas are new but all the stalls and structure were reused in some way! Today, the farm has 25 horses residing and we keep all the supplements straight because of Smartpak!

Cedro

Cedro is my daughter’s jumper. He is 11 yrs old and was imported last fall. He has a wonderful show record doing Jumpers in Europe but that activity takes its toll on any horse. My daughter Emily, has carefully chosen how he is supplemented. Cedro is on the SmartFlex IV Ultimate, SmartGut, Quiessence, and Farrier’s Formula. We love how the program is flexible. She is able to go online anytime and change his Pak. Cedro is maintained on a number of different supplements and he is traveling to shows every weekend with my daughter. It is time consuming, messy and wasteful to try to make baggies to meet his needs. SmartPak was the only reasonable answer for Cedro and Emily! We have added tubes of Perfect Prep to the SmartPak shipments, for the show season. I enjoy the no cost shipping. It is wonderful to add tack or other equipment to the auto-ship dates for additional no-cost shipping. Emily is a USEF member so she is receiving your additional 5% discount.

Stella (Jumper)

Emily and MEM Mr Boston

We appreciate the quality of SmartPak’s tack and equipment. When we are looking for stable equipment, horse supplies and equipment or rider wear, we look online at SmartPak first. We feel confident that the brands you provide will be of the highest quality and if there is ever a problem, you have been more than accommodating to accept our returns. Our barn is full of SmartPak items.

One funny story about SmartPak…A number of years ago, when my daughter was much younger, she and I were away together at her soccer tournament. The competition was in Needham, MA, very close to your store. We were on our way to one of the games when we passed your storefront. Emily yells, “Look Mom, it is the actual SmartPak store!!” Of course, horses come before soccer, so I pulled a quick U-turn and headed for the store. An hour later, we had gone through every department, from saddles to boots, and had the counter piled high with wonderful things. I was so impressed with the quality, in every area. After that trip, I was a loyal SmartPak customer. Emily did actually make the soccer game on time, with the trunk loaded from our shopping!!”

Visit Sprucewood Farm’s website at: www.sprucewoodfarm.com

Name: Al
Gender: Male
Breed: Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Age: 7
Owner: Nicki Carmello-Harper

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I began a search for quality dog food after the disastrous debacle of detecting melamine in several brands of dog foods sold in the US, including the brand we were feeding to our Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Millie and Al. We were also looking to find a prepackaged dog food that would allow Millie and Al’s sitter to feed them the proper amount of food without any guesswork involved. Never did I realize that a cup of food meant one thing to us and something totally different to someone else! With help from SmartPak, we found the right food for
Millie and Al – Wellness Super5Mix Just for Seniors.

Both dogs loved their food, and we had no problems switching them to the Super5Mix. The added convenience and peace of mind of having the PortionPaks was extremely handy when we left Millie and Al in the hands of our sitter. No more overweight dogs when we returned home from a trip! The other nice feature of the PortionPaks is that the food is always fresh and doesn’t have the broken pieces or crumbs that you find when you get to the bottom of a bag of dog food. I don’t know about Millie and Al but I know I hate to eat the last bowl of cereal from the box that is reduced to crushed flakes and unrecognizable crumbs!

Recently we discovered that Al’s coat was looking rather dull and he was losing a lot of hair. I contacted SmartPak, gave them the list of problems Al was having, and within 10 minutes a Product Specialist found a food that sounded like it might foot the bill. The LiveSmart Hearty Salmon Stew in properly proportioned packets was the choice. I was told I could return any unopened portions of the food if Al didn’t like it, or if it didn’t solve the problem with his coat and shedding. Al loves the taste of the salmon, and you can see REAL peas and pumpkin in this food. It looks like food a human could eat, although I refrain from licking the spoon! The other good thing about the LiveSmart Hearty Salmon Stew is that it only 82 calories per pack, so we know we’re not piling on tons of extra calories. This was a win-win situation, the biggest winner being Al as his coat seems to have a shine and gloss to it that had vanished prior to being put on the salmon.

Well, we are customers for life. Please keep up the good work and know you have made two dogs and their owners very happy.

In your opinion, what is the best feed combination for a race horse in racing season and during rest period? Should it be different due to the different energy demands? Is there need for supplementation? Thank you! – Edward

Dear Edward,

Absolutely a race horse should be fed differently during race season than during the off season! Racing constitutes “very heavy work” according to the NRC Nutrient Requirements of Horses and is one of the categories where hay alone cannot meet the horse’s energy, or caloric, requirements. When a horse is working hard, he needs his diet to become more calorie-dense because he needs more calories but is still volume-limited to that 2.5 maybe 3% body weight of feed intake per day. Hard-working horses can get to the point where they need more calories but simply can’t take in any more food so the food they eat needs to have more calories per pound.

With some horses, this can be accommodated by reducing hay and increasing fortified grain. Look for a grain that is specially developed for very active horses or horses in hard work and be sure not to feed more than 0.5% body weight in grain per meal (that’s 5 pounds for a 1000 pound horse). Studies have shown that more than this amount of sugar and starch given at one time overwhelms the stomach and small intestine, winds up in the hindgut, and can cause all sorts of problems like colic and even laminitis.

Be forewarned, even if you are under the 0.5% per meal limit, many horses are unable to handle such high amounts of sugars and starches from traditional grains. These horses can develop behavioral issues, exertional rhabomyolysis (tying up) or other conditions. In these cases, fat has been shown to be an excellent source of calories! Nowadays there are many choices for adding fat to the diet, whether it’s a grain with a higher percentage fat, a supplement made from rice bran or other high-fat ingredient, 100% powdered fat supplements, or oils. Just keep in mind that all fats are not created equal so try not to imbalance your horse’s omega 3 mega 6 fatty acid ratio with an oil or fat that is loaded with the pro-inflammatory omega 6s (like corn oil). Good luck (in the feed room and on the track!).

We asked our staff veterinarian, Dr. Lydia Gray, for a list of the top ten things your vet wants you to know, but doesn’t always have time to tell you.

#10 Your horse’s body condition score

Being able to follow trends in your horse’s weight is important in tracking his overall health. In his medical records, record his BCS each month on a scale of 1 (emaciated) to 9 (obese).

#9 The supplements and medications your horse receives

Having a list of everything that goes in your horse besides his hay and grain will not only help your veterinarian recommend appropriate preventative care on a wellness visit (nutrition, exercise, dental care, vaccinations, parasite control, etc) it will also lead to a more accurate diagnoses and correct treatment during a sick call.

#8 The risk factors of colic:

• Abrupt changes in diet
• Large amounts of grain
• Pastures that are excessively high in sugars, starches and fructans
• Increased stall time
• Lack of access to water
• Change in activity level
• Internal parasites
• Poor dentition

#7 And the signs of colic:

• Pawing
• Looking at, kicking or biting abdomen
• Stretching out as if to urinate
• Repeatedly lying down and getting up
• Sitting in a dog-like position or lying on the back
• Not eating or drinking
• Lack of bowel movements
• Absent or reduced gut sounds
• Elevated respiratory or heart rate
• Lip curling (Flehman response)

#6 What is an emergency in a horse:

• Colic
• Wounds and bleeding, including foreign body penetrations
• Any abnormal eye issue (squinting, tearing, cloudiness, redness, swelling)
• Sudden lameness
• Allergic reactions
• Choke
• Foaling problems

Contact your veterinarian right away if your horse displays any of these problems. Your veterinarian will be able to tell you if it’s something that needs to be seen right away, something that can wait until the end of the day, or something that can be scheduled tomorrow. Your veterinarian will also be able to advise you on how to care for your horse until he or she arrives.

#5 What your horse eats

Even if you pay for full-care at a boarding facility, it’s still important to know what and how much your horse is fed. While your barn may have a standardized regimen, the kind and amount of hay and grain (if any) he is given are things your veterinarian will want to discuss with you during annual visits. Plus, understanding your horse’s diet will help you determine whether you’re meeting his nutritional needs, or should be adding a comprehensive vitamin/mineral supplement.

#4 What should be in your barn first aid kit

<4793><1779>It’s often easier to buy a pre-made first aid kit than to try and make one yourself. There are a variety of quality kits on the market now—from kits for the whole barn, like the First Aid Complete Barn Kit (from $190.00) to small wound kits, like the Mini First Aid Kits (from $8.00)—so you should be able to find one that’s perfect for your situation. Just remember to immediately replace anything you use!

#3 How much your horse eats, drinks, urinates and defecates each day

Knowing that your horse eats six flakes of hay a day, drinks five gallons of water, urinates three times in his stall overnight and always defecates once while you’re tacking up and riding is responsible, not weird. That way, when your horse doesn’t follow these patterns, you have a head’s up that something might be amiss.

#2 How to take your horse’s vital signs

Knowing how to measure your horse’s temperature, pulse and respiration is a basic horsemanship skill every owner should have. If you’re not sure how to take these measurements, view our “how-to” on how to take your horse’s vital signs! Typical ranges for normal are T = 99.5 – 100.5°, P = 28-42 beats per minute, and R = 8-12 breaths per minute, but you should take your horse’s vital signs regularly so that you can figure out what is normal for him or her.

And the #1 thing your vet wishes you knew…

There is no such thing as a stupid question. Your veterinarian would much rather talk to you right away about any issues or concerns you have than later when the problem gets worse.

Your horse instantly picks up on your attitude and his behavior probably reflects it. Here are seven ways you can de-stress before and during a competition.

1. Plan ahead
Arrive at the show grounds early so your horse can explore the new surroundings and you don’t feel rushed. Pack your trailer and tack trunk neatly — being organized will help you stay relaxed. Lastly, think through what your show day routine will be. Are you going to put your show clothes on first thing in the morning, or change before warm up?

2. Think Positively
Focus on the results you want, not the ones you don’t. If you worry about your horse spooking at the judge’s booth or forgetting your reining pattern, it’s much more likely to happen. If you tell yourself horse shows are scary and stressful, they will be. In the weeks before your show, create positive mantras that you can recite to yourself when the nerves kick in. “I am a quiet, confident rider and my horse is supple and focused.”

<9413>3. Take a Break
Being on your feet since the wee hours of the morning will have you feeling fatigued when it comes time to ride. Along with healthy snacks and drinks to stay hydrated, pack a chair so you can sit down and relax. We love the Director’s Chairs for long days at the horse show or lounging at the barn, complete with your custom barn colors and barn name!

4. Lend a Hand
Helping a friend get her horse ready might be just enough distraction to keep you from stressing about your upcoming class (and the good karma can’t hurt, either).

5. Breathe
If you’re not breathing, your horse feels tension in your seat, legs and hands, and will become tense too. When you’re nervous, it’s easy to forget to breathe, so try singing to yourself. It may feel silly, but it helps.

6. Bring a Helper
Going to a horse show alone is doable, but not always easy (or fun). We highly recommend having someone along to hold your horse, get you a drink or run to the trailer when you realize you need spurs…

7. Laugh!
Laughing forces you to breathe and helps relax tense muscles. Plus, it’s a good reminder of why you’re at the horse show to begin with — it’s supposed to be fun!