The Right Person For The Job

You wouldn't go to your primary care physician for a toothache.

You would go to a dentist because he would have the training, equipment, and daily practice to do the best job possible.

While you should a have good working relationship a primary Veterinarian there is nothing wrong with seeking out the best care possible when it comes to your horse's health.

I trust several different people to help me treat my animals.

There is a equine hospital near by I go to for colic and severe wounds (one of 3 major hospitals in Texas with reasonable prices with vets who deal with extreme cases on a daily basis).  I see different Vet for osteopathy/ body work and holistic care.  And yet another Vet who focuses exclusively on equine dentistry.

All are the best at what I use them for.

Because they do what they are known for all the time.

They don't float teeth once a week, they float 15+ horses a day.

You would choose a specialist for yourself.  Why should your horse be any different?

Learning is a Two Way Street

I can honestly say that I learn something new about horses every single day.

I read books and magazines, follow several blogs, follow facebook, and keep an ear out for interesting conversations. 

I try to study the whole horse.  From training techniques to prehistoric findings, if it has anything to do with horses I'm interested.  

Everyday I actively seek out information to help make my horse life better.   

It is really only fair. 

How can I expect 100% and willingness to learn from my horses if I am unwilling to do the same.    

We must always remember that learning is a two way street.  

Happy Birthday Mozzie!- First Year Stats

Mozzie had a birthday last week.  He officially turned 1 year old on the 16th.

Just arrived.

11 days old

It's funny how you can remember your life through horses.

I was born in the Jet Era of my Mother's life.  She was a big bright sorrel with a star.  My mother bought her as a 2 year old and trained her from the beginning.  She was about 8 when I arrived and had my first ride on her at 3 months of age.

Well Mozzie marks the beginning of my "Having Horses with Children" Era because just 1 month and 1 day after his birth his human little sister was also born.  He joins in the Pie Era (since 2003) and barely over lapped the Charlie Era (2009-2013 (sold)).

Dec 2013

His first year has been quite an adventure to say the least.

Dec 2013

His first year stats as of 4/16/14 are:

Stands: 13.2 1/2
Weights: 750lb
Color: Chestnut
Status: Gelding (as of Feb 11)
Hauled: Over 10 times
Traveled: Over 1300 miles
Has been easily haltered: too many times to count
Has been tied up: too many times to count
Has been bathed with soap: 4 times
Has stabled away from home overnight: 8 nights
Hooves trimmed: 8 times
Has been to the vet: 3 times (for scheduled care)
Lived in: 2 different locations
Lived with: 5 different herds (horse combinations)
Clinics attended/participated in: 5
Wounds/injuries requiring care: 3
Trail rides attended: 1

And with that I must say.  Happy happy birthday to the most wonderful and handsome 4-legged son I could have ever asked for. I'm so happy that you're in my life and I so look forward to our future adventures. 

Love you Mozzie Man!

The Colic Surgery- Something Every Horse Owner Needs to Read

The Horse Side Vet Guide just posted this awesome in depth and clinical look at colic surgery.

Check it out!

Colic Surgery- What Horse Owners Should Know

QRR- The Sum of Proper Horse Training in Just Three Words

After nearly 8 years teaching and a few dozen clinics I am starting to believe the sum of proper horse training can be expressed in just three simple words.

Quit.  Relax.  Reward.

Horse training is about the rider knowing/learning how and when to quit, relax, and reward.