Body language key | Trainer uses round pen to build relationship between horse and rider
RED DEER — The most important message from Russ Krachun’s horse training clinics isn’t about hand position or leg aids — it’s love. “Everything comes from your heart,” said Krachun, one of three trainers who competed in the trainers’ challenge at the Mane Event horse expo and show in Red Deer. “If you want to […] Read moreTag Archives horses
Get the skinny before you own with pre-buy exam
Exam starts at $400 | Horse examiner determines soundness and serviceability
Buying a horse is a lot like buying a used car, says a senior clinician at the University of Saskatchewan’s Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon. “The one thing in the horse world they always talk about is buyer beware,” said Sue Ashburner of the college’s equine field service. “When people are buying horses […] Read more
Saddle fit becoming priority
A revolution is happening in the saddle fitting industry. “Horses are changing and saddles are trying catch up,” said Jonathan Field, a horse trainer, equine educator and saddle designer. Based in Abbotsford, B.C., and the James Creek Ranch near Merritt, B.C., Field spends a good part of his year travelling to horse events in North […] Read more
Vaccination programs best if individualized
Tetanus tops recommended vaccines | A drop in vaccinations for West Nile Virus increases danger of epidemic, warns expert
Spring vaccination appointments for horses are one of Dr. Ashley Whitehead’s favourite times. It’s a quiet chance to look over a horse, chat with the owner about problems and do a physical examination as part of a preventive medicine package. “We’re not dealing with fire en-gine medicine,” said Whitehead, an instructor in large animal internal […] Read more
Star stallions live in luxury at Kentucky stable
Three Chimneys Farm | Kentucky’s Clay family has built a large, diversified business
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Graceful Thoroughbreds grazing emerald green pastures behind well tended fences are a common sight in rural Kentucky. Three Chimneys Farm has been a part of that landscape for 40 years, growing from 100 acres to a 2,300 acre operation. It has housed world famous stallions, including Kentucky Derby winners, which this year […] Read more
Horses grazing in pasture must be monitored: expert
Too much of a good thing | New grass should be introduced slowly
RED DEER — Life in a pasture can be nearly ideal for a horse. Pasture is a good source of nutrients and grazing provides exercise and allows horses to exhibit normal behaviour, said equine specialist Bob Coleman from the University of Kentucky. Keeping mature horses on pasture can help them maintain their proper weight. They […] Read more
Horse enthusiasts look to revive youth interest
Numbers declining | New initiatives launched to revive interest and participation among children under 13
RED DEER — Singer Willy Nelson once crooned that his heroes were always cowboys, but that is not likely the case anymore for young people. This changing interest has had a profound impact on the equine industry because fewer people are interested in riding and owning horses. Longtime horse breeder and trainer Frank Merrill said […] Read more
Attendance doubles at this year’s Alta. horse sale
Western Horse Sale in Red Deer | Sale features a variety of horses, from elite cutters to animals suitable for children
RED DEER — Friday night at the horse sale is a good time to socialize and do some trading. Seventeen years organizing the Western Horse Sale in Red Deer has allowed Elaine Speight to watch the highs and lows of the western performance horse business. More than 300 registered buyers attended this year’s sale Sept. […] Read more
Love of horses keeps trainer going after fire
FORT MACLEOD, Alta. — Casino, Jethro, Jello, Tango, Solo and Yoyo are the welcoming committee at S.R. Horse Training. The dogs greet visitors with barks and friendly nudges in a yard that smells of fresh lumber and potted petunias. The large arena and new shelters stand where charred wreckage squatted in January after a fire […] Read more
Poor horse dental care causes weight loss, shortens life
Horses require routine dental care to maintain function and prevent painful oral diseases. When performance deteriorates, whether it is abnormal head carriage, extreme sidedness or head tossing, look for a physical cause. The mouth is a good place to start. Horse teeth erupt continually throughout their lives. They are literally long in the tooth. The […] Read more
