BarnManager is the Official Barn Management Software of US Equestrian.
If you are building a new barn or planning a remodel, one important factor to keep in mind is the importance of ventilation. Fresh, circulating air is the essential element veterinarians urge when planning barn upgrades that most affect our horse’s health and well-being. Designs and management strategies to reduce airborne dust and ammonia go hand-in-hand with prioritizing ventilation.
Minimizing injury risks and creating a suitable place for the veterinarian and other care providers to help your horse rank highly, too.
Ventilation
Even the most meticulously kept stable is loaded with tiny, respirable particles that impact our horses’ vulnerable respiratory systems. Forage is the healthiest diet foundation for most horses, but it’s also one of the biggest sources of these invisible bits of organic matter that trigger irritation and inflammation in the respiratory tract.
Photo courtesy of US Equestrian
Traditional bedding is right up there with hay as a source of organic dust. Ammonia is another inescapable element in the stable and it’s harmful — for your horse and for you.
Whatever the airborne particles consist of, ventilation keeps them moving along rather than settling in the horse’s breathing zone.
If you are building a new barn, you’ll want to maximize natural breezes by positioning the barn and the breezeways in their predominant path. Make those aisleways wide — ideally, at least 14 feet — to maximize airflow intake, and choose ceiling heights and air exits to harness the tendency of warm air to rise.
Installing more windows and/or doors is your best option in barn remodels and upgrades. The more places air can enter and exit, the better. Horses in stalls with two doors or windows, for example, benefit from living in an airflow corridor.
Continue reading on US Equestrian to learn more about how ambient temperature, fans, eliminating dust, flooring, safe spaces, and injury reduction are all important factors in barn building design.
Madeline Finley, manager at Maarten Huygens Horse Sales based out of Wellington, FL, and North Salem, NY
What are three things that are always in your ring bag and why?
I like to travel light. I try to only carry the essentials. With that being said, my ring bag is always equipped with a towel, a hole punch, and cookies for the horses. I like to keep things very simple.
What’s something you learned early in your career that has stuck with you?
I’m very big on cleanliness and organization. Some would say it’s an obsession for me. I find it very hard to work and operate out of a messy environment. I think it’s safer for the people and the horses when the barn aisle is tidy and everything is in its place.
Who inspires you the most in the industry and why?
Maarten Huygens and Madeline Finley Photo courtesy of Madeline Finley
The person who inspires me the most in this industry is without a doubt Maarten Huygens. He came to the United States at a young age, rode, groomed, worked hard, and eventually became the successful businessman he is today. It is a story similar to how so many of us started out, including myself. Working for Maarten is really special. He is one of the most genuine, down-to-earth individuals with so much knowledge and passion for the sport. I am always proud to stand by his side.
What is your best tip for staying organized during a busy show day?
Communication always! Working in a sales barn can be very chaotic at times, but as long as everyone is communicating the day will run smoothly.
What is one horse show you have never been to but would love to attend?
I have never been to a horse show in Europe. I would really like to experience that at least once in my life. If I had my pick, it would be the Dublin Horse Show!
Mares, geldings, or stallions? Why?
I love a mare with an attitude and a big heart. I like to think those two things go hand in hand. When you can form a bond with a tough mare she will do anything for you; she will be your best friend.
If you were a horse, what would you be and why?
I would like to be a western horse on the Yellowstone Ranch. That’s my favorite show, and I always wonder what it would be like to live there.
Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!
BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!
Consistent equine dental exams are important for the health of a horse’s mouth as well as the rest of their body. The goals of equine dentistry may appear straightforward, but they include a complex system of evaluations that in turn affect the entire well-being of a horse. At its core, equine dentistry encompasses the objectives of maintaining even tooth wear, treating infection or disease, allowing for proper digestion, and promoting longevity. Dr. Tyler Davis of Palm Beach Equine Clinic in Wellington, FL, believes that routine and thorough dental exams can help prevent many issues from ever becoming problems.
Why do horses require dental care?
Horses grind their food into a finely masticated bolus before swallowing. The combination of a horse’s upper jaw being larger than the lower jaw, and the fact that a horse chews by moving their jaws from side-to-side results in uneven wear of the teeth. This uneven wear may cause sharp edges to form, which hinder efficient chewing and may ulcerate or tear the cheeks and tongue. Uneven wear can also cause the horse to swallow food that isn’t properly chewed and can lead to more daunting problems such as colic.
No horse is exempt from needing their teeth cared for by a veterinarian. For sport horses, however, dental care becomes even more crucial. Much of the connection between horse and rider comes by way of the horse’s mouth, and depending on the discipline, the horse may always have pressure in their mouth. If there are problems or discomfort within the mouth, it can become evident in the horse’s performance and disposition under saddle.
According to Dr. Davis, having a horse’s teeth in perfect shape allows one to immediately rule out dental issues when trying to troubleshoot a performance problem. A “sound mouth” also allows the best condition for supple, soft, and accurate connections between horse and rider through the bridle.
Photo courtesy of Palm Beach Equine Clinic
The most common signs of dental discomfort in horses include:
Head-tilting and tossing
Difficulty chewing
Bit-chewing and tongue lolling
Tail-wringing, bucking, and other behavioral issues
Drooling and bad breath
Weight loss and spillage of grain (sometimes)
What is floating?
On a basic level, most horses require a routine float. Floating is the term for rasping or filing a horse’s teeth to ensure an even, properly aligned bite plane. While floating is the physical process, the scope of equine dentistry is much broader and examines the horse’s overall health as influenced by the mouth.
“A proper dental exam using a lightweight speculum, a very good light source, and a dental mirror allows me to see any possible problems and prevent those problems from becoming painful and affecting a horse’s performance and overall health,” said Dr. Davis.
How often should you have a veterinarian perform a routine dental exam on your horse?
Dr. Davis recommends an exam every 12 months at a minimum. For many sport horses, the demands of their competition schedule may require bi-yearly exams to prevent any problems that could sideline them from training or events. Lastly, any horse with a history of dental problems may require exams every three to four months. Without routine dental exams by a veterinarian, uneven wear can escalate to a serious health problem.
For a more in-depth explanation of equine dentistry, click HERE to read the full article from Palm Beach Equine Clinic.
NOTE: These guidelines are only suggestions, and you should always follow the specific instructions from your veterinarian.
Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!
BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!
The month of August is jam-packed with major show jumping, hunter, equitation, dressage, and eventing competitions. Continue reading to find out how to tune in to the final events of the summer.
FEI North American Youth Championships
August 8-13, 2023 – The 2023 FEI North American Youth Championships (NAYC) will take place during the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival VI at Flintfields Horse Park in Traverse City, MI. As the premier equestrian competition in North America for children, pre-junior, junior, young riders, and U25, the NAYC allows youth to compete against their peers in a format similar to that of the Olympic Games and other international senior championships. Tune in to watch young equestrians compete for team and individual FEI medals in the Olympic equestrian disciplines of show jumping and dressage.
US Equestrian (USEF) Pony Finals presented by Honor Hill Farms
August 8-13, 2023 – Catch some of the fun of the 2023 USEF Pony Finals presented by Honor Hill Farm by watching wall-to-wall coverage of the country’s best hunter, jumper, and equitation ponies competing for coveted titles. The show takes place at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. The competition will feature the Regular Pony Hunter USEF Championship, the Green Pony Hunter USEF Championship, the Marshall & Sterling/USEF Pony Medal Finals, and the USEF Pony Jumper Championship.
August 10-13, 2023 – LGCT London will take place at Royal Hospital Chelsea in London, England. The show will include two-star, five-star, and Global Champions League (GCL) show jumping competition. GCL classes will take place Saturday, August 12, and the LGCT Grand Prix of London will be the feature event on Sunday, August 13.
August 21-27, 2023 – The 2023 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions will take place at HITS Chicago at Lamplight Equestrian in Wayne, IL. The event highlights many of the nation’s top athletes and horses in 16 different divisions, including the USEF Para Dressage National Championship.
August 24-27, 2023 – The MARS Great Meadow International eventing competition is held at Great Meadow in The Plains, VA. In addition to drawing international talent, there are also several notable U.S. athletes expected to attend including Lauren Nicholson, Boyd Martin, and Will Coleman. Viewers can enjoy all three phases of the CCI4*-S, plus additional coverage from the other divisions.
August 25-27, 2023 – Major League Show Jumping (MLSJ) at Ottawa takes place at Wesley Clover Parks in Ottawa, ON. Enjoy both two-star and five-star show jumping as well as MLSJ Team Competition. Tune in on Saturday, August 26, for the CSI5* Team Competition and Sunday, August 27, for the CSI5* Grand Prix.
2023 United States Eventing Association (USEA) American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds
August 29-September 3, 2023 – The 2023 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds takes place at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. This annual championship showcases every level of eventing from Beginner Novice to Advanced.
Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!
BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!
Summer is a wonderful time to hang around at the barn. There are also lots of productive and fun jobs you can do with your friends while enjoying the warm weather. Keep reading to learn about BarnManager’s favorite activities to do at the barn during the summer.
Paint Jumps
Summer is a great time to repaint jumps. Start by gathering your standards, poles, and planks together so you can easily make a plan for the colors and patterns you want for everything. Set aside any wooden boxes or jump fill that need touching up as well. This is a great activity to do at the end of the day when everyone is done riding. You can order a pizza and make it an afternoon painting party. Also, remember to check the weather forecast so your freshly painted jumps can dry safely overnight.
Revamp Flower Boxes
Flower boxes often take a beating in the ring. Begin by checking to see if any need repairs. Wash them thoroughly by removing any flowers that can be separated from the boxes. Do your cleaning in the wash stall or outdoors so you can really scrub off dirt and footing from the larger pieces. If the boxes are wooden, it may be a good idea to repaint them. Consider purchasing some new fake flowers online or at a discount store to replace any that are getting old. It’s also a great time to replace old and worn-out green felt or turf that covers hunter poles or boxes.
Take a Group Trail Ride
Take advantage of the warm weather and plan a trail ride. This a great barn family bonding activity and a nice opportunity for the horses to enjoy time outside of the arena. You can also organize a group lunch or picnic after the trail ride back at the barn.
Plant Flowers Around the Barn
Spruce up the outside of the barn by planting some flowers. You can either purchase pots to put them in or plant them in the ground if you have a nice area in mind. If you really want to go all out, consider setting up a vegetable garden. Of course, make sure to plant a lot of carrots for the horses!
Plan a Photoshoot
Pick a nice summer afternoon to stage a photoshoot with some of your barn friends. Although hiring a professional photographer is an option, you can also take turns going behind the camera yourself. Even if you do not have professional equipment, iPhones can take great photos with proper editing.
Make Horse Popsicles
It’s always nice to have a cool popsicle waiting for you after a ride in the summer heat. This summer, try creating this treat for your horse to enjoy too. Popsicles for horses are easy to make and a great way to help them stay hydrated. Be sure all of the ingredients you use are safe for horses to eat. There are many variations of horse popsicles online with easy recipes to follow. Check out a few horse popsicle recipes HERE.
Summer always goes by too fast so make sure you are taking full advantage of the warm weather and sunshine and enjoy the time with your horse and barn friends.
Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!
BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!
Working student positions can be wonderful opportunities for young riders to get a taste of the equestrian industry. This type of job can often differ in expectations, duties, and benefits so it is necessary to understand all of the details before agreeing to the position. Continue reading for a few crucial points to understand and discuss before taking on a position as a working student.
Type of Barn
It is important to think about the type of barn you would like to work for when you start the working student job search. Farms of all levels and disciplines often offer working student opportunities. While some people may want to work for a top hunter barn that travels to shows every week, others may prefer working at a facility with a busy lesson program or pony camp. If you are unsure about what type of farm you would like to work for it may be best to talk to several to get a feel for what seems most beneficial for you.
Responsibilities and Training Opportunities
Similar to any job, it is necessary to be clear on what your job duties will be before accepting a position. Since some working student jobs require prior experience and others do not, be sure you can handle all of the tasks your employer expects you to complete.
Although working student positions often include training, you need to be honest about your level of experience. If you are talking to a trainer about a working student position and the tasks seem beyond your abilities, make sure you are upfront about what you are capable of doing. Do not agree to do jobs that you are not able to successfully complete. Employers are often open to teaching working students, but it is important to have the discussion ahead of time.
Riding Opportunities
Some working student jobs offer riding opportunities while others do not. Be sure you are clear about whether or not riding will be part of the job, especially if this is important to you.
Payment
Working student jobs are not always paid positions, and it is important to know that upfront. This is often dependent on the employer, level of experience, type of position, and length of time. Another important topic to discuss is housing if it is something you would need. The employer may provide housing if it is a longer-term situation such as a job during an entire winter circuit. Some barns may offer a small stipend and more riding opportunities as payment. This is an important factor to know ahead of time so you can plan accordingly.
Travel
If you take a job at a show barn it is necessary to ask about their travel schedule and if you will be expected to go. This is especially important to ask about if you are still in school or have other responsibilities. Make sure you will have housing and travel expenses covered if you are expected to attend horse shows.
Working student positions can give young riders a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a barn. Make sure the farm is the right fit for you so that you can get as much out of the experience as possible.
Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!
BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!
BarnManager is the Official Barn Management Software of US Equestrian.
Summer’s sultry weather can be more than uncomfortable for your horse or pony; it can be dangerous. It’s important to know the symptoms of heat stress and how to respond to them.
Horses that don’t sweat enough or who are engaged in a lot of physical exertion — like three-day eventers, polo ponies, or horses in sports that involve a fair amount of galloping — are most obviously at risk of overheating in hot, humid conditions, says Dr. Laura Werner, a surgeon at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute in Lexington, KY. Werner specializes in equine emergency services and also has worked as a Fédération Equestre Internationale Veterinary Delegate at three-day eventing competitions in the United States.
But your horse or pony doesn’t have to be an Olympic-level competitor to be at risk in summer conditions, Werner notes.
“Horses can get overheated if both heat and humidity are high, and with the physical exertion that we ask them to do, that can happen pretty easily, just as it does with people,” said Werner. “Certainly, if the heat is in the high 80s and the humidity is about the same, it’s pretty easy for horses to get overheated quickly.”
Things To Consider
One thing to consider is whether the animal is accustomed to the particular climate.
“Some horses are more acclimated to warmer temperatures or higher humidity than others,” explained Werner. “Horses that are imported from Europe, for example, might not be used to heat and high humidity straight away. Just like with a person, it might take them a little bit to acclimate.”
Did you know? Users can keep track of horses’ vital signs with BarnManager’s list feature.
Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!
BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!
Most horse owners say they take better care of their equine partners than themselves. While many maintenance treatments and products could be considered a luxury, veterinary chiropractic adjustments do not fall into that category. Palm Beach Equine Clinic’s Dr. Ryan Lukens is a certified Veterinary Medical Manipulation Practitioner from the Chi Institute in Ocala, FL, and recommends all horses can benefit from regular chiropractic adjustments.
From minis to draft horses and pasture pets to top sport mounts, the parasympathetic stimulation triggered by chiropractic adjustments improves multiple facets of health for any equine. Therefore, veterinary chiropractic adjustments improve more than just athletic performance, and for sport horses, Dr. Lukens considers them a necessity.
According to Dr. Lukens, the benefits of veterinary chiropractic adjustments include:
Relief of pain and soreness
Increase in range of motion
Reversal of muscle atrophy through increased frequency of nerve activation
Increase in speed and accuracy of athletic movement
Adjustments can help calm the “fight or flight” response
Dr. Lukens outlines the “must know” details for any sport horse owner:
Major Adjustment Points
There are 205 bones that comprise the skeleton of a horse, however, the equine chiropractor does not just adjust the skeleton. It is important to improve motion at segmented levels that involve bones and the supporting soft tissue structures and nerves. “Motion palpation” is used to test moving segments. If a segment is not moving freely in the appropriate directional planes, the equine chiropractor can perform an adjustment to correct the restriction of this movement.
Photo courtesy of Palm Beach Equine Clinic
Major adjustment points include the:
Mandible and tongue
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
Poll and cervical vertebrae
Withers and sternum
Front and hind limbs
Thoracic and lumbar vertebrae
Pelvis/sacrum
Every Horse Is Different
Veterinary chiropractic adjustments can be different for each horse and are often based on their discipline. The most common adjustments for various performance horses include:
Dressage: Balance is essential for dressage. The major points of balance affected by veterinary chiropractic work are the TMJ, hyoid, sternum, and cervical facets. Other common adjustments affected by lateral work include the shoulders, elbows, and pelvis.
Hunter/Jumper: Hunters and jumpers typically benefit from vertebral adjustments of the lumbar and upper cervical regions, ribs, sternum, front distal limbs, and the shoulders.
Eventing: Most eventing horses benefit from adjustments to the pelvis, all cervical vertebrae, TMJ, ribs, and the shoulders.
Western Disciplines: Reiners benefit from adjustments to their right shoulder, lower cervical facets, withers, and pelvis. Barrel racers benefit from shoulder, sacroiliac, and hip joint adjustments.
Tips for Before and After an Adjustment
It is important that dental and farrier work is not overdue before veterinary chiropractic adjustments. Sharp dental points can cause adjustments to hold for shorter periods of time, especially in the poll, TMJ, and cervical vertebrae. In addition, if a horse is currently not shod well or has recently pulled a shoe, the adjustments of their limbs, back, pelvis, and sacrum may not provide long-lasting benefits.
Horses can be ridden and have a normal day before an appointment. They should not be ridden for the remainder of the day after an adjustment, but they can be turned out to pasture. Horses can be ridden as normal the following day, and it is a good idea to follow up with the veterinarian about how they felt.
Solving Common Issues
Several common issues are often solved by a veterinary chiropractic adjustment. For jumpers, changes in jumping style (i.e. landing away from a front limb, only jumping off of a certain lead) and performance (hitting more rails than normal) could indicate a lack of range of motion that can often be corrected through a proper adjustment or series of adjustments.
For dressage horses, a change in balance could result in head tilting, not working through the back, lifting the lower cervical curve, or the hind limbs not following the path of the front limbs. That balance can often be reestablished with an adjustment.
In the western disciplines, a decrease in acceleration and turning can be indicative of the need for adjustments.
Choosing Your Equine Chiropractor
A veterinarian trained in chiropractic adjustments is the safest choice for the horse. A veterinarian’s extensive knowledge of anatomy and understanding of when not to adjust a horse is an important part of ensuring the horse’s safety and well-being. If done improperly, adjustments can have adverse effects.
For a more in-depth explanation of equine chiropractic adjustments, click HERE to read the full article from Palm Beach Equine Clinic.
NOTE: These guidelines are only suggestions, and you should always follow the specific instructions from your veterinarian.
Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!
BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!
Katherine Esterline, groom for Anna Marek of Marek Dressage based out of Ocala, FL
What are three things that are always in your ring bag and why?
I always have sugar cubes. Anna’s trainer Anne Gribbons likes to give a lot of rewards during her lessons. I make sure to keep a good supply in my bag for training times and warm-up at competitions. The second item is a wet rag. Lots of sugar leads to a lot of foam and a mess! I use a wet rag to wipe the horse clean of foam and sand before they go in the show ring. It’s also very handy when the reins get slippery and covered in sweat. The third thing I keep in my bag is an instant ice pack. In Wellington, FL, it can get very hot during competitions. The ice pack helps me stay cool while standing by the warm-up arena, and it keeps my rider’s water bottle cold.
What’s something you learned early in your career that has stuck with you?
I learned early on that a good curry comb is your best friend.
Photo courtesy of Katherine Esterline
Who inspires you the most in the industry and why?
My mom helped me find a passion for horses at a young age. She trained and managed a boarding farm in Michigan. She was the one who gave me my first lessons. She now manages the care of Anna’s training horses at Crownview Dressage. She works extremely hard. I never see her take a day off.
What is your best tip for staying organized during a busy show day?
I make a plan using the notes app on my phone the night before with the times my rider will mount and show. Anna tends to show two to three times a day plus additional schooling sessions. Having everything written down is essential. Setting timers for lunch and other special tasks is also very helpful.
What is one horse show you have never been to but would love to attend?
I really want to go to Aachen. I’d love to go even just as a spectator … one day!
Mares, geldings, or stallions? Why?
I love geldings, but earning the friendship of a mare is truly the best.
If you were a horse, what would you be and why?
The new foals on the farm look like they’re having the most fun playing around in the field. I’d love to be them!
Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!
BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!
