Today’s Western Horse Life SPRING 2025

Saddle Up for

SPRING! +
COLIC SURGERY STORIES
The Highs, Lows, and Lessons
from Horse Owners

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 Spring

2025
CO NT EN TS

Features

36 40 48
Techniques for the Trail Colic Surgery: Words From the Wise 6 Money Moves to Transform Your
There’s no telling what you’ll run into on the Hear from owners who said ‘yes’ to colic Horse Life
trail, but Ken McNabb’s tips for navigating surgery. Learn what helped them make the Learn six horse-related money moves to
any terrain you might come across will help decision, how it went, and whether they manage your horse life from a knowledgeable
keep you and your horse safe. would do it all again. horse- and tax-industry professional.
BY KEN MCNABB, WITH KATE BRADLEY BYARS BY BARB CRABBE, DVM BY LINDA TRENT, CPA, WITH ALEXIS BENNETT

In Every Issue HorseLife Ride&Train

2 From the Editor 8 Travel 21 Private Lesson

4 Inspired Rider RSNC World Finals. Ranch riding trot-
over logs.
6 Saddle Chat 12 Health
24 Winning Insights
56 Final Thoughts Wet-weather skin
Reining circle precision.
conditions.
26 Problem Solved
14 Solutions Finesse your neck
Springtime shedding. reining.
28 Confident Rider
16 Style Conditioning for the
Colorful looks. show pen.
18 Horsekeeping 30 Raising Riders
Protect from Understanding diagonals.
parasites. 33 Conformation
Clinic
Performance horse
mares.

COVER PHOTO BY KIRSTEN ZIEGLER

Spring 2025 / 1
 FROM the EDITOR
VOLUME LXIV, NUMBER 1

Always Be Learning NICHOLE CHIRICO

Editor

GR FARTHING Advertising Representatives

Editorial Director TOM BRAZIL
ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS about Get Inspired Horse&Rider | Cinch RSNC (805) 538-9986
this sport is that even though I’ve It’s easy to stay in your comfort zone Contributing Editors tbrazil@[Link]
ridden most of my life, there’s always and ride around the arena at home by ALEXIS BENNETT
SHELLEY L. PARTRIDGE
a new lesson to be learned every time yourself—especially if you don’t have BARB CRABBE, DVM
(859) 327-7057
JENNIFER VON GELDERN
I swing my leg over the saddle. It could a truck and trailer. (Trust me, I get it. spartridge@[Link]
MICHAELA JAYCOX
be something as simple as learning I was in that position for years!) But if JENNIFER PAULSON
MICHELLE ADAWAY
RENE E. RILEY
how to better listen to what my horse you can ride with a trainer for a day, tag (859) 619-8263
MICHELLE MILLER madaway@[Link]
is trying to tell me, or it could be learn- along with a friend to a clinic, or even
Art Director
ing how to ride a completely different just sit in the warm-up pen at a horse YVONNE LONG
Editorial Inquiries (859) 699-8620
discipline all together. show, you might find yourself feeling horseandrider@ ylong@[Link]
inspired the next time you swing your [Link]
Step Out of the Comfort Zone leg over the saddle. KAYLA LOMBARDO
Website
(704) 242-2553
Now that my horse is back to work [Link]
klombardo@[Link]
after our scary colic surgery setbacks In This Issue Production
STACEY HORNE
in 2023 (learn more about real horse In the meantime, Horse&Rider is here Production Manager
Subscription Inquiries/
Address Changes/Back Issues:
owners’ colic-surgery experiences— to help you on your horsemanship shorne@
hsrcustserv@cdsfulfi[Link]
including my own—on page 40), I’m journey. As you flip through this issue, [Link]
(877) 717-8928
starting to branch out of my comfort you’ll find top training and health ad- BRAD BURLESON (U.S. and Canada)
Prepress Manager P.O. Box 37787
zone to improve as a rider. vice from the industry’s most trusted
Editorial Office Boone, IA 50037-0787
And that means doing things professionals to help you prepare for
Equine Network LLC
that scare me. Not in a dangerous spring riding. If you’re itching to hit 7500 Alamo Road NW
I-shouldn’t-be-doing-this kind of scary. the trail, we have tips to help you nav- Albuquerque, NM 87120
But by bringing a horse I’ve started igate tricky terrain. And as you plan
TOM WINSOR
from day one completely on my own your budget for 2025, check out page Chief Executive Officer
to a well-respected trainer’s barn to get 48 to learn six horse-related money DINO THEOFANOUS
Chief Operating Officer/Chief Financial Officer
help. I was terrified of showing up and moves to help manage your horse life. CONNIE GENTRY
looking like I didn’t belong there. Be sure to visit Ride TV ([Link]) Chief Human Resources Officer/President,
Western Sports Group
But do you know what happened to check out the new masterclasses
COLIN BUNN
instead? I learned new riding tech- we’re releasing this year. Whether Chief Technology Officer
niques that were better tailored to fit you’re prepping for your first ranch MARLA BICKEL
President, Data & Content Services
my horse’s needs. A trainer encour- riding competition, getting involved JENNY HARRIS
aged me to take my leg off my horse in ranch sorting, or looking to build President, English Sports Group
in the spin so she could learn how to a strong foundation for trail riding, BILL RISS
President, Membership Services
find the answer herself. Then I was we have a video series for you. ANDREA KUPFER
reminded that my calf was still on her President, Audience Development
JOHN JOHNSON
side, even when I thought my leg was President, Team Roping Event Productions
completely off. TY YOST
That one-hour lesson set me up for President, Team Roping Events
MELISSA KITCHEN
success at home. I left with plenty of Vice President, Equine Network Foundation
homework to keep me busy until the JILLIAN SMITH
Vice President, Business Development,
next time I’m able to go out there. It Data & Content Services
gave me new ways to help my horse LORY MERRITT
build the strength she needs to com- Executive Director, Sponsorships
ANDREW CLURMAN
pete in a physically demanding event Executive Chairman
BIO PHOTO BY KIRSTEN ZIEGLER

like reining. And I felt so encouraged

We assume no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts
that by the time I pulled the trailer and/or artwork, which must be accompanied by a
into the driveway and unloaded my self-addressed, stamped envelope.

horse, I was ready to schedule my

next lesson.
Copyright © 2025 American Horse Publications
You can reach Nichole Chirico Equine Network, LLC Alliance for Audited Media

at nchirico@[Link]. PRINTED IN THE USA

2 / [Link]
Fast, free delivery
right to your barn
From feed to supplements,
supplies and more.

[Link]
 INSPIRED RIDER by Kelly Altschwager

Fit for the Ride

WITH THE INCONSISTENT WEATHER
spring brings, riding can sometimes
take a back seat if you don’t have
access to a dry or indoor riding space.
This is a great time of the year to
transition into prioritizing or fine-

PHOTO BY NICHOLE CHIRICO

tuning your own health and fitness.

Prioritize Your Health

It’s commonplace to want to get into
better shape so zipping into your
favorite chaps isn’t such a daunting
task or so daily chores are easier to
A strong corset allows you to handle more difficult maneuvers with ease. Planks are one of my
accomplish. Neither of these are bad go-to exercises to help me work toward strengthening my corset.
reasons for wanting to get more fit.
However, when we take a step back
and really look at the time and effort Hip Mobility Is Key footwork. The more you can stay in
that we put into our horses, their Next up is hip mobility. Exercises that tune with your own body and feel
health, and their training, we can force you to keep your corset engaged your own strengths and weaknesses,
clearly see where we lack in doing while simultaneously moving or the sooner you can address them to
so for ourselves. rotating your legs are the best way to ensure your horse doesn’t gain his own
While working on improving create the strength and mobility in the imbalances from them.
your body composition, strength, saddle. It’ll allow you to naturally stay There’s a saying that goes, “Work on
flexibility, and mobility are all more upright, driving from deeper in your horse, and that horse gets better.
incredibly helpful in becoming fit your seat while maintaining the ability Work on yourself and all your horses
for the ride, better understanding to cue clearly, timely, and efficiently. get better.” We owe it to every horse we
the true physical needs of riders Some exercises you can do to help swing a leg over to be the healthiest,
can make your time spent exercising with hip mobility include seated knee strongest, most competent version of
far more effective. to elbow holds, reverse plank with us to be able to bring out the very best
alternating leg sweep, end of bench in each of them. 
Strengthen Your Corset posterior chain curl, and side plank
As riders, first and foremost, we need with half circle hip rotation.
the ability to engage and stabilize If our muscles—particularly our
from our corset while staying mobile hips—are tight, it’s usually because
through our limbs. Our corset refers they’re weak. Stretching isn’t a bad
not simply to our abdominal mus- thing but overstretching an already
cles, but to our glutes through our weak muscle only creates more
erectors up each side of our spine, out physical issues. Muscles need to
to our obliques, and around to be developed, mobilized, and then
our abdominal muscles. stretched when needed to stay healthy.
This creates a strong, stable, and The goal is to build and maintain
dynamic posture so we’re always pre- plump and pliable muscles to move
pared for maneuvers at speed, snappy more effectively.
direction changes, gait changes, and Kelly Altschwager lives in Wellington,
obstacles while in the saddle. Some Mindful Movement Colorado, with her husband and two sons.
BIO PHOTO BY NICHOLE CHIRICO

of the exercises that help you create Keeping your mind on the muscles She’s an ACE-certified personal trainer,
certified nutrition coach and rider fitness
a stronger corset include adductor in motion while you work out and
and performance specialist. Kelly owns and
planks, reverse planks, side plank ride creates a level of self and spatial operates Western Workouts, a customized
with half-circle hip rotation, and awareness that allows you to better coaching service geared toward helping
end-of-bench kneeling position for support your horse. Think of how the busy horseman sustainably reach
their health, wellness, and performance
upper body exercises. attentive you are to your horse’s goals. Learn more at [Link]

4 / [Link]
You know I know I’m the
reason for your Instagram. And
your phone’s full memory.
Every horse has their own distinct personality.
Just as well as you know your horse’s, we know
how important it is to find the feed that keeps them
well. That’s why our nutritionists have created a
wide choice of purposefully formulated feeds to fit
every life stage and activity level of your horse.

Scan to find their feed or owned by Kent Nutrition Group, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries, affiliates or licensors.
Copyright © 2025 Kent Nutrition Group. All Rights Reserved. All trademarks
visit [Link]
 SADDLE CHAT
you should know / from you, the reader / [Link]

‘It’s pretty much a

dream come true
to have [Game Day
Surprise] become a
Breyer horse. He’s
always been special

PHOTO COURTESY OF HOLMES PERFORMANCE HORSES

me, but to have
Breyer acknowledge
him like this is just
incredible.’

Sorting Greatness: The Influence of Halreycious

Halreycious has made a significant impact as a sire, with progeny earnings exceed-
ing $3.9 million across multiple disciplines, including cutting, reined cow horse, rop-
ing, barrel racing, and ranch riding. His influence extends even further in the sport of
ranch sorting. Head to our website to read this story brought to you by Chewy.

Escape the Cold: GALLOP POLL

Trail Riding Destinations! How Do Your Riding Habits
­ Enjoy This Desert Diamond Change in the Winter?
California’s Joshua Tree National Park
offers spectacular trail riding through
unique desert ecosystems. 29%
57%
­ Find Warmth in Florida
…Sharee Schwartzenberger on having
Avoid the colder temperatures and
her freestyle reining horse become a
head south for the winter to stay at
limited-edition Breyer horse that
Fiddler’s Green RV Ranch.
will be available at BreyerFest.
­ Take a Trip to Tucson
Take in the beauty of the Sonoran
Desert sunrise on horseback or try 14% Mustangs Head
your hand at maneuvering cattle
through a series of obstacles and „ I give my horses the winter off ................. 14%
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into a pen. „ I grit my teeth and ride through the cold ....29%
What: Mustang Challenge 2025.
„ I ride when I can, but less in the winter........ 57% When: July 10–2, 2025.
The details: This highly anticipated
event brings together top trainers,
Hackamore Tips and Tricks skilled competitors, and passionate
Head to [Link] to watch horse enthusiasts to celebrate the
our newest video series brought to you incredible versatility, athleticism, and
by Bimeda feature Steve and Carol Met- spirit of America’s mustangs.
calf as they break down the basics of the More info:
hackamore and how to properly use one. [Link].

6 / [Link]
SADDLE CHAT
socially speaking

Join the Herd

EM AI L

PHOTO COURTESY OF BREANNAMANNING

HorseandRider@
[Link]

S NA I L MAI L

7500 Alamo Road NW #THISORTHATTUESDAY #HORSELIFEIRL

Albuquerque, NM 87120
Would you rather try reining or steer breannamanning Another cold day here in
stopping? Missouri, we've been lucky to have an agreeable
winter thus far.
S OC IAL Tag your Instagram photos #HorseLifeIRL
Reining: 79%
Steer Stopping: 21% (In Real Life) for a chance to see your post here!

[Link]/
HorseandRider

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We love hearing from you!

Send all high-resolution
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HORSES • DOGS • SPORTS
back, ideas, photos, and
letters to HorseandRider@

[Link]
[Link]. Or
mail correspondence to
7500 Alamo Road NW,
Albuquerque, NM 87120.
262-246-3500

Spring 2025 / 7
 TRAVEL / HEALTH
SOLUTIONS / STYLE
HORSEKEEPING

Cheyenne Koesters, Arlington,

Texas, was a top earning Cinch
RSNC Amateur in 2024, ending
her season at the World Finals
with $47,409 won on the year.

8 / [Link]
 T RAV E L

Fort Worth,
Texas

W H AT

Cinch RSNC
World Finals

W H EN

June 7–14, 2025

Ranch Sorting
Contestants Compete
for a True World Title
In 2025, ranch sorters will arrive
in Fort Worth from points across the
country, the continent, and the globe
to compete for a predicted $1 million
purse at the 2025 Cinch RSNC World
Finals. Since its 2007 inception, the
Cinch RSNC has introduced some
34,000 members to the sport of ranch
sorting, with nearly 8,000 teams
traveling to Fort Worth each June
for the annual World Finals. This
year’s contestants and fans can
watch everyone from youth athletes
to open competitors sort for glory on
Ride TV, the official educational video
and livestream platform of the
Cinch RSNC.

9
 $75K
The Facts
The added money offered in the Gold
Shootout classes at the 2025 Cinch
RSNC World Finals.

T RAVEL

Texas

In ranch sorting, two-

man teams (in most
cases) compete in a timed
event derived from the
ranch work that still
happens today across
America’s working cattle
ranches. The classes are
handicapped, meaning
that ranch sorters com-
pete against fellow riders
with similar sorting
caliber. At the drop of the
7
3
judge’s flag, the clock be- 6 5
8

gins, and the contestants

Morgan Flint works the gate at
work 11 head of cattle 2
the 2024 Cinch RSNC All Star 1
held in one pen, sorting Sorting Bowl in Las Vegas. 4

the cows off one at a time

according to the number
they wear. Typically, one Don’t Miss This
rider sorts the cow while Multicultural Western of the performance do.
explore.
the second rider works They say, “Everything is Heritage Museum, and horse industry. For The Cinch RSNC World Finals
the gate, preventing cows bigger in Texas,” and in 3. John Wayne: An legendary margaritas, feature action-packed days,
American Experience. pack some cash (credit but have you really been to
TOP PHOTO BY GR FARTHING; BOTTOM PHOTO BY C BAR C PHOTOGRAPHY
Fort Worth, Texas-sized
with the wrong number
family fun is easy to find. cards aren’t accepted) Fort Worth if you haven’t two-
from crossing into the If you love ranch sorting, eat. to 5. Joe T. Garcia’s stepped over to 7. Billy Bob’s
next pen. Winners are de- you’ll love Fort Worth’s Casually understood as for authentic Tex-Mex. for a night of live music? And,
world-class museums the horseman’s hangout, And for Texas-worthy if you can steal away during
termined by which team
like the 1. National the 4. Silver Fox Café is steaks, 6. H3 Ranch is the daylight hours, shopping
sorted the most cattle, in Cowgirl Museum & Hall the post-event place to as tried, true, and the 8. Fort Worth Stockyards
order, in the least amount of Fame, the 2. National be to see the who’s who tasty as the come. is a prize of its own.
of time.

Making History
The ability to sort cattle is an essential skill needed on ranches
big and small. Reasons to sort can range from needing to sepa-
rate the calves from the mama cows on branding day, separat-
ing the cows that will calve soon away from the cows that have
a few more weeks, pulling the bulls from summer pasture at
the end of their breeding season, and countless other scenarios.

10 / [Link]
Treating horses
with stubborn skin
conditions?
Consider supplementation
with Elevate® natural
vitamin E

Natural vitamin E is a powerful

antioxidant that can positively impact
the immune system. When treating
horses with stubborn skin disease
additional vitamin E can help sustain a
healthy immune response and further
support the resolution of symptoms.

Elevate® W.S. Elevate® Concentrate

when fast action is required. for long-term supplementation.
• When administered, Elevate • Delivers a highly bioavailable source of natural
W.S. will quickly increase vitamin E that is preferentially absorbed and
circulating blood levels of retained in the tissues.
vitamin E.
• Does not contain other
• Elevate W.S. vitamin E is minerals and vitamins that
readily available and might cause imbalances.
effective in crossing
• Supplies natural vitamin E in
the blood-brain barrier.
an affordable manner when
long-term supplementation
Available at veterinary suppliers. is required.
Sold only to veterinarians.

Developed by:

800-772-1988, [Link]
25-H&R_Spring
 HE ALTH

Wet-Weather
Skin Issues

Your horse’s first line of

defense against inclement
weather is his hair coat. In
wet weather, this barrier can
be compromised with water,
mud, and humidity-thriving
insects wreaking havoc on
your horse’s skin.

Soggy-Weather Skin Conditions

 When wet weather rolls in, so do a variety of skin conditions that can affect your horse’s
health and comfort. Prolonged exposure to rain, mud, and moisture can create the perfect
environment for bacterial and fungal infections, leading to issues like rain rot, pastern
dermatitis, and allergic reactions from insect bites.

Rain Rot bial soap and curry and brush to edema and infection can cause
Rain rot, also called rain scald or remove the scabs. Because the lameness. Treating scratches
dermatophilosis, is a bacterial bacteria can spread to other hors- requires addressing the infection
infection caused by the bacteria es, you’ll want to disinfect groom- with medicated ointment and
Dermatophilus congolensis. ing materials used on a horse with antibiotics, along with cleaning and
rain rot. More severe cases of rain clipping the affected area.
Cause: Typically, the bacteria are
rot may require antibiotics from Insect Bites
dormant on your horse’s skin
your vet. While seemingly straightforward,
and become activated in wet
conditions, such as during rainy, Pastern Dermatitis insect bites can cause skin chal-
Equine pastern dermatitis, also lenges for your horse, especially if
known as scratches, mud fever, they have an allergic reaction. Con-
grease heel, and even grapes, are ditions, such as sweet itch, which
universal terms used to describe causes small, itchy welts around
any dermatitis or “infection of the your horse’s mane and the top of
skin” around a horse’s lower legs his tail, and hives, or raised welts,
or pasterns. can appear in humid or wet months
when bugs are at their peak.
Cause: Unlike other skin conditions,
with pastern dermatitis, typically Cause: Sweet itch is caused by
there’s a primary concern—the an allergic reaction to Culicoides
midges, the tiny bugs that are
skin barrier is compromised—and a
prevalent in humid and wet
secondary issue, such as a bacterial
LARGE PHOTO BY MANUEL/[Link]

seasons and regions. Hives are

or fungal infection, that can cause
a result of an allergic reaction to
swelling, lesions, and scabs.
insect bites, typically mosquitoes
Environmental factors seem to be or gnats, but also to midges, and to
the common denominator for hors- stings and medications.
es that struggle with the condition,
Treatment: With sweet itch and
high-mud seasons. This causes including allergic reactions to food,
hives, the primary treatment is to
inflammation, resulting in lesions insects, grass, or prolonged time
alleviate discomfort by bathing
and scabs in your horse’s coat. spent in wet, muddy environments
with soothing shampoo or apply-
Treatment: Mild causes are or wet, unclean stalls. ing topical ointment. Your vet may
straightforward to manage. Bathe Treatment: With pastern dermatitis, also prescribe steroids and antihis-
the affected area with anti-micro- response time is important as tamines to calm the hives.

12 / [Link]
 Tried-And-True
Grooming Tools
A little elbow grease goes a long way in
spring, and these time-tested tools will
help you get this dirty job done.

S OLUTION S 1. Epona Love Wood Curry Comb

Grooming

Nothing better than a curry comb for bat-

tling shedding season, but the long, wooden
bristles on this brush make it a go-to tool for
getting the job underway when winter hair
is still thick and long. $11.99; [Link].

2. Tough1 Rubber Face Brush

This palm-sized curry is durable enough

to last for years but soft enough for gentle
BONUS: A grooming of your horse’s sensitive spots like
manufacturer around the eyes, at the base of the ears, or
warranty covers parts even in the nooks and crannies found below
for 90 days and the knees. $2.99; [Link].
the motor for
2 years. 3. Weaver Shedding Blade

Springtime Shedding
 Is there anything more satisfying than the before-and-after of a stroke of the
Rapid-Groom Professional Groomer ($635; [Link]) hose on a fuzzy, dull, As they say, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
and dusty, early spring coat? This model from Electric Cleaner Co. is equipped The shedding blade has stood the ulti-
mate test of time in the battle against
with four wheels for easy maneuverability but is compact enough and light lackluster, fuzzy coats, and should remain
enough (30 lbs.) to travel to shows, too. Plus, it features dual power settings an essential tool in your grooming box.
so you can tackle sensitive areas accordingly. $10.19; [Link].

14 / [Link]
If there’s something special you need,
Cashel probably makes it.
From the best Fly Collection in the
business to thousands of unique
products for your horse and yourself,
we’ve got you covered.

[Link] Learn More

 Blooming with Color
From bright new tack and gear
options to stylish wardrobe
updates, spring is the perfect
time to freshen up your look
and embrace the vibrancy
STY LE that comes with the season.

Springtime 1. The Perfect Spring

Colors Button-Down
This 100% cotton button-down
brings a fresh floral print to your
wardrobe with a perfect balance
of classic style and modern flair.
Fold up the cuffs to reveal a striking
purple contrast that pairs perfectly
with a rich purple wild rag for
a polished, put-together look
that turns heads in the show pen.
$169; [Link].

2. Rainy Day Boots

Step into spring with these butterfly-
patterned rain boots, designed
to bring both fashion and function
to wet-weather days. The vibrant
design adds a playful touch to any
outfit, while the durable waterproof

1
rubber construction keeps your
feet dry even if you’re stuck doing
daily barn chores in the rain or mud.
$129.95; [Link].

2 3. Ranch Show Blanket

Stand out in the arena with this
stunning turquoise and purple ranch-
patterned show blanket, designed

3
for both style and performance.
Handwoven from 100% wool, it adds
a polished look to your saddle while
providing comfort for your horse.
Whether you're in the ranch riding,
ranch sorting, or cow horse pen,
this high-quality blanket is built to
last and elevate your show-day look.

4
$109.99; [Link].

4. Trail-Ready Teal
Add a pop of color to your spring
trail rides with this vibrant teal
water bottle holder and matching
cantle bag. The bottle holder
securely grips your drink while
keeping essentials like your phone
and keys within easy reach. While
the coordinating cantle bag offers
plenty of storage for lead ropes, rain
gear, and other must-haves, all while
keeping them dry and protected.
$25.29 and $50.39; [Link].

16 / [Link]
 Protect from Parasites
Parasites are a common challenge for horse owners, and rightfully so,
HO RSE KE E PI NG if left unmanaged, parasites have the potential to wreak havoc on
your horse’s health.
Parasite Control

Managing parasites requires more than deworming under manure. Instead, spread and then wait for a cold
and checking a box. Here you’ll learn about some of the winter season to kill parasites.
common internal and external parasites and five horse- While it’s easier to rotate pastures when horses are
keeping strategies to keep them at bay. While some level together, overcrowding can increase the likelihood of
of parasite presence is inevitable, what you do and how parasitic spread, particularly if you have a horse that
you treat them can go a long way to reduce the likeli- tends to carry a higher parasitic load. If you need to
hood of infestation and health repercussions. add livestock due to space constraints, consider adding
cattle or sheep to the mix instead. Since many of the
1. Manage the Environment parasites that harm horses don’t impact these animals,
Cleanliness and environmental control are the best having them as pasture mates can help disrupt parasitic
ways to avoid having an abundance of parasites to life cycles.
manage in the first place. Since flies are a known
nuisance in most regions and settings, it’s often the 3. Keep Them Clean
first horsekeeping measure horse owners take. Regular grooming not only reduces the likelihood that
You can also use fly your horse will be a safe space for parasites to take hold,
traps and Spalding Fly but it also allows you to find them sooner so you can
Predators, which can be manage and treat anything you find quicker. For exam-
spread on manure and ple, scraping botfly eggs from your horse’s chest or legs
attack fly larvae. Apply reduces the likelihood that they’ll ingest them. Treating
sprays, and use face mites, lice, or ticks helps your horse avoid mange or Lyme
masks and body sheets to disease and keeps them from spreading it to their friends.
reduce the likelihood that
flies, including botflies, 4. Regular Deworming Programs
ticks, and other nuisanc- Along with environmental hygiene, deworming can
es have access to your help you prevent and control internal parasites. Rather
horse’s body to attach than giving the same dewormer on a regular cadence,
to or attack. year after year, veterinarians recommend taking ma-
PHOTO BY NICHOLE CHIRICO

Many parasites, such as botflies, mites, and ticks, nure samples to determine the type and level of infesta-
love to breed in overgrown grass or wet and dirty tion, administering selectively, and rotating dewormers
bedding. To avoid this, mow pastures and lawns around for best protection. (For more deworming details, find
your horse’s living area and regularly clean stalls to “Deworming Year Round” at [Link].)
reduce breeding grounds. Standing water around your
horse’s space can be problematic, too. 5. Keep Horses Healthy
Healthy horses are less likely to experience the worst
2. Mind that Manure symptoms of parasites, so aim to keep them fit and well-
Parasites, especially internal parasites, like worms, fed. Prioritize regular maintenance and care by feeding
are often spread through manure. Along with regularly high-quality feeds, providing clean water and exercise,
cleaning stalls and pens, manage manure in the pas- and keeping up with veterinary care.
ture. Scoop poop when possible and rotate grazing If you suspect that your horse is dealing with a
areas to give your horse fresh, manure-free forage. parasitic infestation, contact your vet. Symptoms can
If you live in a dry, warm climate, spread the poop with include a dull coat or sudden weight loss, poor appetite,
a harrow to help the manure break down. In humid diarrhea, colic, tail rubbing, or visible parasites in the
areas, this is less effective as parasites can still survive manure or on the skin. 

18 / [Link]
 PHOTO BY JESSICA/[Link]

By keeping your horse fit and well-fed

he is less likely to experience the worst

19
symptoms of parasites.
PRIVATE LESSON / WINNING INSIGHTS / PROBLEM SOLVED / CONFIDENT RIDER / RAISING RIDERS / CONFORMATION CLINIC

PRIVATE LESSON Ranch Riding Trot Logs

RANCH RIDING PATTERNS usually include some kind of log obstacle. It could be a sidepass, or you could be asked to walk,
trot, or lope over the logs. Today I’m going to talk specifically about trot-over logs and how you can practice at home to build
your horse’s confidence going over them.

Spring 2025 / 21
Ride&Train

PRIVATE LESSON BY BUD LYON, WITH NICHOLE CHIRICO

Ranch Riding Trot Logs

­ It’s easy to overlook carefully sidepass, walk, trot,
practicing going over logs at and lope over.
home, especially if you find When I’m first teaching a
yourself without any poles horse to go over logs, I might
to practice on. But the nice start with just one or two
part about ranch riding is logs until my horse gains
that perfectly shaped poles the confidence he needs to
aren’t a necessity. In fact, go through a series of trot-
most of the time when you overs. While the horse that
go to a horse show, you’ll I’m riding in these photos
see natural logs in their is young, he has been going
place. This means you can over logs for almost a year,
utilize any kind of downed so I’m going to up the degree
log that might be around the of difficulty by asking him to
property. Just make sure go over four logs in a row.
that they’re small enough
that your horse can safely
1
get over them. One
While we occasionally
are asked to jump a log in I always make sure to give my
ranch riding, you want to horse plenty of space to get
make sure these logs are easy straight before I ask him to
enough for your horse to go over a series of logs. If my
horse is green, I’m only setting
him up for failure if I approach
the logs at a tight angle or
don’t give him enough time
to get a steady rhythm going
in his feet. I’m going to count
one, two, one, two in my head
to help us both stay in a good
forward-moving trot, and I look
where I want to go—avoiding
looking down at the logs.
4
Bud Lyon, Whitesboro, If my eyes drift down to the
Texas, has experienced great logs, my horse is going to have when he’s rushed, rather than
success at all levels in his a better chance of hitting the rating the logs that are in front
horse-showing career, from
youth to open. Along with
log. It’s also going to cause me of him, I stop and back him up Three
training open horses, he takes
to sit unbalanced in the saddle, a few steps. He needs to learn
pride in coaching amateur as I’m looking forward and to have a little self-control and I give myself plenty of time to
BIO PHOTO BY MALLORY BEINBORN

and youth riders to achieve down and into the dirt. pay attention to what’s in front straighten my horse and then
their goals. His coaching and of him. If I find he’s rushing ask him to go over the logs. As I
communication abilities make through the logs, I will even go over them, I want my horse to
him a sought-after clinician Two stop him midway through the travel straight—not leaning one
for his areas of focus—reining
obstacle so he focuses more on way or another. I also want him
and ranch riding. Learn more
at budlyonperformance My horse starts to rush as he me and speed control, and not to allow me to make small adjust-
[Link]. gets closer to the logs. Instead just getting through the logs as ments in speed and pace, rather
of letting him go over them quickly as he possibly can. than going on autopilot.

22 / [Link]
PHOTOS BY NICHOLE CHIRICO

Visit [Link] to watch Bud Lyon’s new Ranch

See it in action… Riding Masterclass, to learn the fundamentals
you need to be successful in ranch riding events.

2 3

5 6
to stay round and collected. help him lift his belly up and his head down and stays
Because he’s flat in his body, get round. I will stay off the collected through the
Four he’s also ticking all the logs be- logs completely until I feel like obstacle. Because he’s
cause he’s not carefully placing he’s staying round and collect- collected, he’s picking
I get through the logs, stay his feet between each one. ed. When I go to my hand to up his feet and marching
straight after I leave the obsta- rate his speed, he should be through the obstacle,
cle to reinforce that straight- responsive in my cues. avoiding hitting any of
ness, and then perform a circle Five the logs as he goes
on the other side of the arena through. He’s also staying
so I can approach the logs go- I’m going to take my horse off Six straight between my hands
ing the opposite direction. This the logs completely and focus and legs, and is letting
time, I notice my horse elevates on collection. I hold him with I take him back over the me rate him through the
his head and doesn’t want my hands, and use my legs to logs, and this time he keeps obstacle. 

Spring 2025 / 23
Ride&Train

WINNING INSIGHTS BY CRYSTAL MCNUTT, WITH NICHOLE CHIRICO PHOTO BY NICHOLE CHIRICO

Reining Circle Secrets

Circles may seem like walking into the center of the
the easiest part of a pen to begin your pattern.
reining pattern, but they Before you even lope off,
make sure your eyes are up
require precision, con-
and you know where you want
trol, and strategy. Avoid your horse to go. If you’re
common mistakes with looking down, you won’t know
these expert tips. where your markers are and
won’t be able to plan accord-
­When you have a pattern ingly to ensure your circle is
that requires horses to per- even on all sides of the arena.
form physical maneuvers like When I cue for the lope, I
sliding stops and multiple take a couple of walk steps to
spins, it’s hard to believe that check in with my horse and
most non-pro riders find make sure he’s collected.
themselves in the penalty What you don’t want to
box over something as simple do is go from a standstill and
By the time you get to the first quarter of your large, fast circle, you
as large and small circles. kick your horse into full speed. should be at your max speed until it’s time to slow back down.
But the truth is, while Remember, reining is all about
circles look straightforward, finesse. Your pattern needs to tent. You should be at your steady rhythm in your seat
there’s a lot of strategy in- be pleasant to watch and isn’t max speed by the time you so he doesn’t break gait.
volved with this maneuver. just about going as fast as you reach the first quarter of your
possibly can. circle and maintain that speed
until it’s time to slow down Check In
It Starts in or change leads and go the
the Center Pick Your Speed opposite direction. Don’t forget to check in with
your horse before entering
Most of the time, you’ll find Speed kills—especially if you the show pen. Make sure that
yourself starting your circle don’t practice the speed you Slow It Down when you ask for more speed,
in the middle of the arena. want to show beforehand. your horse stays with you. You
Whether you’ve just com- Say you have a speed Some horses take a few don’t want to be a backseat
pleted a set of spins or you’re gauge that goes from zero to strides to slow down before passenger in the show pen,
10, with 10 being the fastest. If reaching the center of the and you definitely don’t want
Crystal McNutt, trains you practice at a four at home arena, while others can tran- your horse going faster than
reining horses and coaches but try to reach a six or seven sition from fast to slow in what you ask him to.
amateur riders in Scottsdale,
Arizona. She’s had especially in the show pen, things will the blink of an eye. It’s im- Test your buttons in the
notable success showing fall apart… fast. If you’re going portant to know what your warm-up pen. Does your
Arabians and Half-Arabians faster than you’re used to, horse is capable of and show horse slow down when you
in NRHA and Arabian Horse
there’s a higher probability of him accordingly. The same hum? What about when you
Association events, but she
also shows stock breeds. In your horse falling out of lead goes for you—do you need take your leg away from his
2011, she was inducted into in the hind end or struggling a few strides to prepare for side? Do your voice, hand,
the Arabian Professional and to slow down for small circles. the next maneuver, or can and leg cues mean something
Amateur Horseman’s Associ-
Instead, practice a little fast- you go from fast to slow to him, or is he distracted?
ation Working Western Train-
er Hall of Fame and named er than what you plan to show, with ease? These are all things that
the Horsewoman of the Year so you know you have control Make sure that when you will help keep you stay penalty-
for that group. Learn more at every step. slow down, your horse stays free in your circles when
[Link].
You also need to be consis- cadenced, and you keep a it comes time to show. 

24 / [Link]
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Ride&Train

PROBLEM SOLVED BY AL DUNNING, WITH JENNIFER PAULSON

Finesse Your Neck Reining

A step-by-step progres-
sion when teaching
neck-reining can lead
to success.
­When you first start a
horse or ride one that hasn’t
been well-trained to neck-
rein, his natural tendency
when the rein lies against
his neck is to turn his head
in the opposite direction of
the way you want to turn.
That rein has shortened
just enough to make him
think, “They want me to tip
my nose that way.” Mean-
while, you’re in the saddle
thinking, “How the heck am
I going to get him to connect
the dots and look to the left
when I lay the right rein on
his neck?” When teaching the neck rein, start with two hands. Lay your right rein across your horse’s neck, wait a split
There’s a natural progres- second to see how he responds, then give a slight tug on the left rein to lead him in the correct direction.
sion for training your horse
to neck-rein, and the founda- Working with two forget the rest of his body to go to the left. Keep it
tional elements are essential hands on split reins with position. Work to keep positive by rewarding the
for success. Otherwise, you’ll even contact on the his body on an arc in the slightest try.
end up with a confused horse’s mouth, lay your direction you’re reining.
horse and a frustrated rider. right rein on your horse’s In this case, to the left,
Here’s the process I use. neck. Wait a split second his body should be in a Grab Your Romals
to let him respond, and backward-C shape.
then give a slight tug on Drive your horse for- When a horse needs a
It Starts With a Pull the left rein to lead him in ward at a steady walk, neck-reining tune-up, I
the correct direction. Re- with your right leg lightly like to use romal reins,
For this article, let’s focus peat that action patiently pushing his left hip to the but I cross them under
on steering your horse to and quietly to help it sink inside of the arc. Don’t his chin, with the left rein
the left. When he’s a solid in without causing frustra- use too much leg or connected right ring of
neck-reiner, that means tion or a sharp reaction. place your leg at his belly, the bit and the right rein
you lay the right rein on because that will put him on the left ring of the
your horse’s neck, and he in a reverse arc. Lay your bit. I first saw this in the
steers to the left following Keep It on an Arc right rein on his neck, and 1960s and was curious if
his head. But that doesn’t then reiterate that cue by the trainer had done it on
come without putting in While you work on giving a slight tug on the purpose or by mistake,
a good foundation. neck-reining, don’t left rein, until he starts so I asked.

26 / [Link]
 PHOTOS BY NICHOLE CHIRICO

Head to [Link] to learn

Solve rein management issues… from Al Dunning about the different
ways to use split reins and how to
master each rein position.

The most common

issue I see riders run
into with this is lack of
patience. It takes the
horse a little bit to figure
it out. You have to be
patient and keep trying
with consistent tech-
nique. Don’t get stronger
or harsher in your cues.
Don’t start using more
leg because you’re frus-
trated. Move your legs
softly, and keep rubbing
the rein on the neck and
either tug on the inside
rein or use crossed romal
reins to help.
I always say, your
horse performs as you
repetitiously do. We
Be sure that as you work on neck-reining, you don’t forget about the rest of your horse’s body. If I’m working have to practice this
on an arc to the left, I’m going to drive my horse forward at a steady walk, with my right leg lightly pushing his repetitively and correctly
left hip to the inside of the arc. to achieve results. 

When you lay your too much outside leg

right rein on your directly in the horse’s
horse’s neck, it con- When Is Neck- belly, which puts him on
nects to the left side Reining a Problem? a reverse arc and doesn’t
of the bit, which tips set him up for neck-rein-
his nose and leads him Horses are trained in all ing success.
in the correct direction. different ways and at Remember to think
Additionally, the knots all different levels. The about where you’re laying
on the reins amplify the person who started your the rein on your horse’s
signal when you lay the horse might’ve taken neck. Too many times I
rein on the neck. shortcuts and not kept see people basically try to
Al Dunning, Scottsdale, Ar-
If your horse still him on an arc during his shoulder-rein the horse. izona, has produced world
doesn’t go in the neck-reining training, or They hold their hand so champion horses and riders
BIO PHOTO BY CHARLES BROOKS

correct direction, raise maybe the trainer didn’t low that the rein lays on in multiple disciplines. He’s
your hand higher on follow through enough the shoulder. We want it been a professional trainer
his neck. Use an in-and- times for the training to farther up the neck. This for more than 40 years, and
has produced books, DVDs,
out motion, laying the sink in. Or perhaps your also helps keep the horse
and an online mentoring
rein on his neck and horse was only taught on a correct arc instead
program, Team AD Interna-
taking it off as soon direct-reining. Another of possible pushing his tional ([Link]).
as he responds. common problem is using shoulder in on the arc.

Spring 2025 / 27
Ride&Train

CONFIDENT RIDER BY PETE AND TAMRA KYLE, WITH KATE BRADLEY BYARS

Confident in Conditioning
Preparing mentally to let them relax. We often
think we have to keep riding
and physically can
and training, but a lot of
help ensure success times, if you step away and
in the show pen. give them a little time off,
­For many years, Kyle your horse’s mind is fresher,
Performance Horses had 40 or and he’s ready to go.
50 head in the barn. But today,

PHOTO BY SHANE RUX COURTESY OF THE KYLES

we concentrate on showing
a few of our own, and focus Show Pen Focus
on conditioning and building
confidence in our horses. You’re always looking for
Instead of showing one that line of your horse being
or two classes on several tired enough to show or
horses, now we both show too tired. When we get to
one or two horses in several a show, we usually give our
classes. KR Smart Dreamer is horse a pretty good work-
one of those horses. In 2024, out. Then he doesn’t require
Pete, on KR Smart Dreamer, and Tamra often show the same horses in
he won the Stock Horse of as much prep before a class. different classes at one competition, which is why mental and physical
Texas open world champion As we warm up, we try to conditioning is extremely important in their program.
title [with Pete] then showed avoid getting on too early
at the American Quarter and not over-schooling him the arena, even if it’s just lot of rodeo participants,
Horse Association World for each event. riding up to the back gate they are preparing their
Championship show where We have a specific warm- and looking in. body for what is going on.
he won the select ranch riding up program for each event A young buck is OK, but as
[with Tamra]. While it takes a we’re going in and mentally you get more age in your
special horse to be successful let our horse know the class Mastering The amateur years, you need
with open and amateur riders, that’s coming up. It comes Mental Side to take more care of your
there are several things that down to your warmups and physical wellbeing and en-
we do to ensure he’s in top exercises at home, so you Conditioning is also for sure that you’re doing your
condition to compete. know when he feels ready. our minds. If you’re nega- part to help your horse be
Then we can go and show. tive about something, you the best that he can be in
We do try and limit how probably won’t get it done. the show pen. 
Outside The Arena much we ride him at a show If you’re positive, you’ll
if we are both competing. probably have a good result.
Horse-show preperation If we notice him napping It’s your mental thinking that Pete Kyle of Amarillo, Texas,
starts at home. We first more or feeling tired, we do makes a big difference in is an AQHA Professional
focus on a good feeding ice therapy spas if they are how you ride a show. Horseman and judge, and
formerly worked at AQHA
program that meets our available to us at the shows. Along with your horse, as the chief of shows. Before
horses’ nutritional needs for Ice really helps take out any you need to make sure that, he owned and operated
their ages and workloads. inflammation in the horse's you’re also physically fit and Kyle Performance Horses,
where he trained open-level
Then we make sure their legs. When they are not ready to go show with your
horses and coached non-pros
feet are ready for the show available to us, we will ice horse. Stretching before to world championship titles
by planning our farrier the legs ourselves, and then riding has become a big part and major NRHA victories.
schedule around our horse if we see any swelling in the of our riding routine. We Now, Pete and his wife,
Tamara, focus on their own
show schedule. legs, we always wrap his always want to be physically horses and enjoy spending
We also provide turnout legs for the night. fit so we can be our best for their free time with family.
and downtime for the horses We also try to show him our horses. If you watch a

28 / [Link]
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Ride&Train

RAISING RIDERS BY SHYANNE SMITH, WITH JENNIFER PAULSON

Rise and Fall

A foundational under- strides—1-2-3-4. They’ll learn I like to start by
standing of diagonals can to feel the rhythm of the having my young
propel your young rider footfalls without looking. riders drop their
to new levels, including stirrups and ride
They’ll notice that their hips
their horse at a
preparing them to lope move in rhythm with the walk. This helps
on the correct lead. horse’s feet. I remove the them learn the
stirrups because it helps the rhythm of the
­Even if your child never footfalls without
child ride with the rhythm of looking down
sits in an English saddle, the gait instead of against it. at the horse’s
learning diagonals early in shoulder.
their riding education sets
them up for success in so Move to a Trot
many ways. Here, I’ll explain
the step-by-step process to Have your rider pick up the
teach diagonals—without stirrups and move into a trot.
looking—and how that leads As they sit the trot, they’ll feel
to teaching the child to lope their body move in a forward/
off on the correct lead. backward motion with the
gait. Be sure they notice this,
because it’ll help them identi-
What’s a Diagonal, fy the correct diagonal.
and Why?

PHOTO BY DEVIN CONLEY

Ask your rider to rise out
of the saddle with a stride
Riding on the correct diagonal and sit back down with the
means rising and falling with next, repeating it. Then ask
the horse’s outside-front leg as if they feel like they’re going
he trots. It can make it easier to back and forth or side to side.
ride an extended trot and allow If they feel a forward/back
you to drive the horse forward motion, then they’re on the lead, they’ll feel that familiar
to extend his gait. correct diagonal. If they feel back/forth rhythm, while the
Your child might think disorganized, like they’re go- wrong lead will send their
learning their diagonals is ing sideways, it’s likely they’re hips in a circular motion simi-
tedious and boring—they might on the wrong diagonal. If it’s lar to the side-to-side one on
even wonder the point of it all. wrong, tell them to sit twice the wrong diagonal. I don’t
Explain to them that this sets and rise with the third stride, tell the child that they’re on
them up to be ready to lope and they’ll be back on the the wrong lead unless they’ve
safely and correctly. Every child correct diagonal. gone around the arena a few
wants to lope, so that’s the times. I prefer if they go four Shyanne Smith grew up
reward for learning diagonals! or five strides before I ask in the horse-show world,
daughter of Jason and
Try the Lope them if it feels funny, so they
PHOTO COURTESY OF SHYANNE SMITH

Julie Smith. She rode on the

learn to identify it and don’t equestrian team for Baylor
Start at a Walk If your child understands second-guess themselves University, and now focuses
on giving beginner riders
where the horse’s legs are at every time they lope off.
lessons in Central Texas at
Moving at a walk and with the trot, they’ll feel it at the If they’re on the wrong Shyanne Smith Stables. She
your child’s feet out of the lope, too. Ask the child to cue lead, tell them to quietly stop enjoys catering to newcom-
stirrups, body upright, chin for a lope while going down the horse, take a breath, get ers, showing and pairing
them with the perfect mount
up, and shoulders back and the rail of the arena. the horse’s body in frame, for their journey with horses.
square, ask them to count If they pick up the correct and lope off again. 

30 / [Link]
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Ride&Train

CONFORMATION CLINIC

Performance
Mares
Evaluate and place these young
performance mares. Then see
how your choices compare to
our expert judge’s.

­THIS IS A CLASS OF young perfor-

mance mares so I approach judging
them based on my perception of
how athletic they may be and how
well they’ll hold up under work.
Over many years, I’ve seen horses A
overcome flawed conformation to
perform well. However, even though
a horse may overcome conforma-
tion flaws, that horse will work much
harder for success than a horse with
better balance and structure.
I look for overall balance, structural
correctness, breed and sex charac-
teristics and muscling, according to
the rule books for the stock breeds.
Regarding overall balance, a horse
that is high in the hocks will have
an uphill battle, in every meaning
of the phrase, to succeed. A horse
with hocks higher than his knees will
struggle to lift his front end up and
reach underneath himself with his
hind legs, unlike a horse that is level B
from knees to hocks. →

Rick Baker operates Rick Baker Show

Horses in Bluff City, Tennessee, and
specializes in developing AQHA and APHA
horses for the halter division. He showed the
2020 AQHA world champion performance
halter horse, in addition to numerous other
champions at the AQHA World Champion-
ship Show and All American Quarter Horse
Congress. A judge since 1993, Baker current-
ly holds AQHA, NSBA, and WCHA cards, as
well as a halter specialty APHA card. C

Spring 2025 / 33
Ride&Train

CONFORMATION CLINIC

1st 2 nd 3 rd

Mare B Mare C Mare A

­ I look for overall balance first, and ­I am again looking for overall ­The first thing I see about this
this mare is the best balanced of balance, and though this mare mare is that she’s several inches
these three. Though she could have can’t match Mare B, she is more higher in her hind end than her
a slightly shorter back and slightly level from front to hind end than front end, and at age 3, she’s
longer croup, her topline is strong, Mare A. Her withers are adequately finished leveling out. No matter
smooth, and level with nicely defined prominent, and her length of croup how good she is, that lack of
withers. She’s appropriately deep is good, but she’s long and weak balance will always make any
through the heartgirth and has ade- between her withers and hip. job harder for her.
quate muscling throughout. Her depth of body is adequate, Though she’s built downhill,
She has a bright eye and an at- but her midsection is long, and she has a smooth topline and the
tractive head that joins with a clean she lacks muscle definition and prettiest head in the group. Her
throatlatch. Her well-shaped neck is volume throughout. neck is also the most attractive,
of good length and though it could Her head is a bit common with long, trim and tying in nicely to
ideally tie in to her chest a touch a long ear, but joins to a trim and her chest. Like Mare C, this mare
higher, her tie-in is very acceptable. functional throatlatch. Her neck is long in her middle section, and
Her good shoulder angle and good is long enough, but ties in to her her shoulder angle is steep while
hip angle match well—symmetry chest too low. Her shoulder angle her hip angle is flat. She’s also
that’s eye appealing and functional. is steep while her hip angle is flat, lightly muscled and shallow in
Her front legs form a straight each of which can limit her athlet- her heartgirth when compared
column through her knees and show icism and the mismatch detracts to her length of front leg.
a suitable amount of bone. Her front from her appearance. Her front legs appear to be
pasterns are of ideal length and Her front legs show an appro- aligned well through her knees,
match her good shoulder angle. Her priate straight column through and her front pasterns show a
hocks may be slightly straight, but her knees, and she has short but better slope than her shoulder.
should not limit her ability to per- sturdy pasterns in both front and Her hocks are adequately angled,
form. Her knees and hocks are level hind legs. Her hock angle is very but are set higher than her knees,
with front and hind cannon bones good, and with her hocks set low which goes along with her down-
matching in length, lending to her to match the level of her knees, she hill build. She will have to work
excellent overall balance. Conforma- should be able to drive well from very hard to get her hind legs
tionally, she has every chance to be behind. I can see her succeeding underneath herself to drive off
an athletic performer. at some level of performance. her hind end. 

To submit a photo of your horse to be evaluated in Conformation Clinic, send us a left-side profile photo of your horse (for digital photos: high-
resolution, 300 dpi, in at least 3" x 5") to HorseandRider@[Link] with your contact info and your horse’s breed, age, gender, and
height. (We welcome all breeds!) Visit [Link] for additional instructions.

34 / [Link]
  
   
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 BY KEN MCNABB,
WITH KATE BRADLEY BYARS

36 / [Link]
 I
n the last five to 10 years, we’ve seen a
shift back to more active trail riding.
People are getting out, both alone and
in groups, going to trail riding events,
and enjoying themselves.

TECHNIQUES
As people are reconnecting with
their horses outside of the arena, I’ve
seen nerves surface. They’re finding
trickier trail terrain to cross or are

FOR THE
taking horses that are used to arena
environments out into nature for the
first time.

TRAIL
I’ve been fortunate to trail ride across
nearly every type of terrain in the
United States and in every region. Here,
I want to share exercises to do before
THERE’S NO TELLING WHAT heading out and tips to help you stay
YOU’LL RUN INTO ON THE TRAIL, safe on the trail.
BUT KEN MCNABB’S TIPS FOR
NAVIGATING ANY TERRAIN WILL HELP OVERCOMING OBSTACLES
If my horse is scared of an obstacle,
KEEP YOU AND YOUR HORSE SAFE.
I’m going to take my time working
him through his fears. No matter the
terrain, the first thing I do is have my
horse look at the obstacle in question.
If my horse looks away, or tries to avoid
the obstacle all together, I squeeze my
legs and ask for forward momentum
immediately. I’m going to keep gently
increasing the pressure until my horse
looks where I want him to look, and as
soon as he does so, I’m going release
the pressure.
If he’s refusing to go forward because
he’s scared, it’s important to slow down
and take your time approaching the
obstacle. The harder you push him, the
more you’re going to scare him, which
is only going to elevate the intensity of
the situation.
If my horse starts to lift his head
and not pay attention to the obstacle
in question, I’m going to immediately
PHOTO BY MALLORY BEINBORN

attempt to shift his gaze back to it. This

is why it’s very important for you to be
paying attention to your horse’s expres-
sion and where he’s looking.
To do that, I’m going to once again
use my legs to ask for forward momen-
tum until my horse steps forward one

Spring 2025 / 37
step. I release after each step as a and we just keep leapfrogging.
reward, paying close attention to my That way, I am guiding my horse
timing. Eventually, we are over the and in control of his action
obstacle. and reaction.
Don’t try to rush the process. I see
people have such messes over high Keep Control
logs and downed timber because When you’re out on that trail and
they keep pushing until finally, your friends want to go into a
their horse launches in the air and faster gait, but you’d rather walk,
over the obstacle. Instead, you need having practiced controlling your
to sit back, wait, and focus on your horse’s speed is key. As the other
timing with pressure and release. horses ride off, you’ll often feel
Keep your horse’s nose locked on your horse start to ball up and feel
what’s scaring him until he finally left behind. Then, he’s going to do
accepts it, steps forward, and moves one of two things. He might start
over it on his own. jigging, or he’s going to bolt and try
to run off. I always need my horse
SPEED CONTROL under control. When I feel that
Horses are herd animals. If you starting to happen, I’m going to do
watch a pasture full of them, you’ll something to change it.
notice they bolt and run together. Because I ride in a lot of places
When you’re riding on the trail with where the trails are too narrow for
a group, your horse is naturally circles and figure eights, I do a lot
drawn along by the herd. If the herd of stopping and backing. I practice
is leaving at a faster rate of speed, this when we’re at a walk in a group
your horse’s instinct is to go with so that when my friends all go off,
it. You must have enough control my horse knows that I’m in control.
over him to keep him from follow- Horses have different levels of
ing. That control is not developed training and comfort, just like rid-
at the trot and not developed at the ers. If one rider isn’t comfortable
lope. It’s developed through practice loping, then they need to have the
before those moments arise. Ray control over their horse to walk,
Hunt put it best: If you want to stop trot, or even turn around and go
a wreck, you have to know what back to the trailhead.
happens before it happens. Whether it is because of their
ability or if they’re on a young
Ride Your Horse horse that will get highly exu-
One mistake I see trail riders do is berant, it may mean the group
not truly ride their own horse. Let doesn’t all go into a lope. Keep up
me give you an example: If the first by trotting 10 feet, then increase
horse in line spooks, what does the difficulty by doing a walk and
the third horse do? In a lot of cases, trot for 25 feet. Then try to walk
he spooks, as well—maybe even and trot for 50 feet. Finally, you
bigger. Yet the horse didn’t see what can try to walk and trot 100 feet
was really causing the fear. That’s to help build up either the rider’s
because you’re not riding your horse. or the horse’s ability to handle the
PHOTO COURTESY OF KEN M C NABB

The person on the horse in front is emotional pressure of speed.

riding your horse, and your horse is
reacting to what they do. Be a Leader and
To prevent this from happening Know Your Ability
on a trail, I’ll play a game of leapfrog What’s truly important on the trail
at home either in my arena or in a is that you have a relationship
pasture. I’ll pass one horse and then with your horse, and he under-
that person will pass three horses, stands your leadership. He needs

38 / [Link]
PHOTO BY MALLORY BEINBORN

Riding alone can cause a horse to be

nervous, much like riding in a group can
create herd mentality. A firm handle on
your horse, and being aware of your sur-
roundings, will help make it a safe ride.

to realize that it’s a herd of two when domestication is still an incredibly foot. I lead my horse so that the only
you’re riding, and that he can’t focus on capable animal. Horses are much like balance he has to worry about is his
what the other horses are doing when children; they rise to meet our level own. I’m not affecting his balance, and
you’re in the saddle. of expectation. I’m not affecting where he puts his feet.
We riders also have that herd The horse not only needs us to trust I’m just carefully leading him through
mentality. We call it peer pressure. As him, he needs us to guide him. You need what could have been a bad situation if
a rider, we think, “I don’t want to be the to guide your horse to the bottom of the I had stayed in the saddle. Taking care
one that ruins everybody else’s fun.” hill or to the top of the hill or through of yourself and your horse on the trail
I’m going to tell you something: When the river. You may offer him enough must be priority. 
we’re sitting beside the trail waiting for slack in the reins to place his feet where
a life flight helicopter, nobody’s having he wants to place them, but don’t leave
fun. Don’t pretend you’re John Wayne him in control. That would be like
and stay horseback or in a situation un- getting your car up to 35 miles per hour
til the wreck is too big to recover from. pressing cruise control, and climbing,
in the backseat. Expect him to handle a
TRAIL AWARE good, long ride. Raise your expectations,
Whether traversing flat trails or riding and don’t be afraid to ask your horse to
in the mountains, a horse and rider be there for you on the trail.
both need to be aware of their sur- Pay attention to your horse’s instinct,
roundings. Not every trail is going to and listen to your own instincts. If your
offer the chance to get off and tighten a horse is starting to get nervous on the
cinch that’s loose, or to have low-hang- trail, which is causing you to get ner-
ing branches cleared. That’s when a vous, dismount your horse. Staying on Trainer, clinician, and lifelong cowboy
BIO PHOTO BY MALLORY BEINBORN

horse’s awareness and rider’s sense of can cause a serious accident if you lack Ken McNabb hails from Lovell, Wyo-
self-preservation come into play. confidence in that situation. ming. He helps riders and horses build
I see a lot of people who do not There’s never been a time in my and enjoy partnerships working on the
ranch and riding on the trail. His show,
fully realize their horse’s capability. life when I didn’t ride rough terrain.
Discovering the Horseman Within, airs
A horse that lives in the wild does However, there have been times where weekly on RFD-TV. Learn more about
have some experiences and ability to I look at the terrain and think that I McNabb and find his clinic schedule at
read terrain more than your box-stall either need to find another path, or [Link].
horse, but your horse that’s raised in dismount and continue the trail on

Spring 2025 / 39
 Colic Surgery:
Words from
the Wise
Hear from owners who said ‘yes’ to colic surgery.

PHOTO BY CALLIPSO88/[Link]
Learn what helped them make the decision, how it went,
and whether they would do it all again.

BY BARB CRABBE, DVM

our horse is amazing, and you others return even better than before!) owners with three very different horses

Y couldn’t be happier. Every ride is

great, and every day you wonder,
How did I get so lucky.
One thing is true. Every horse’s colic
surgery experience is different, and
every owner who has been through the
who decided to proceed with surgery.
We’ll learn what factors influenced
their decision, what they experienced
Then the doubts set in. It’s hard to ordeal has a story to tell. Because no before and after surgery, and finally,
beat them back. I mean, he is a horse, colic is exactly like another, not only whether they would do it all again.
after all. What if he gets hurt? What if are the stories highly variable, there’s
he goes lame? And the worst nightmare very little consistent scientific data on Five Fast Facts About
of all, what if he needs colic surgery? colic surgery outcomes to help make Colic Surgery
You’ve heard so many stories. People things clear if you find yourself facing a Fact #1: When you need it, you need it.
say colic surgery is incredibly expen- colic surgery decision. Estimates say that while 90% or more
sive. (It is!) They warn that the recovery So how do you decide? In this article, of colic episodes resolve with medical
process is a nightmare. (Some are, some we’re going to start by looking at five treatment, approximately 10% will
aren’t—but no matter what, it’s a long, undeniable facts. These are the things require surgery to survive. If your horse
hard road.) And perhaps most frighten- you’ll need to understand and accept in has a loop of intestine that’s become
ing of all, they claim horses never come every situation should your horse need displaced, twisted around itself, or
back the same. (Some may struggle, but colic surgery. Next, we’ll talk to three somehow become trapped and strangu-

40 / [Link]
lated, his problem won’t be solved with back to work, and even longer to regain phone with my long-time veterinarian,
any kind of medical treatment. fitness. The early days of recovery will and he made the decision for me. He
When surgery is necessary, it’s require time in a stall with carefully said I don’t want to get to the point
important to realize that more pain- controlled exercise. Not an easy assign- where it’s too late. I never would have
relieving medications or a little more ment for some less cooperative types. considered euthanasia at that point.
time won’t help. That’s why it’s crucial I just wanted to do what was best for
to think about colic surgery ahead of The Bright Side: What my horse.”
time. When the time does come, you’ll Owners Have to Say Edward went to surgery that same
face a decision between surgery and eu- Is colic surgery stressful, hard, and night. Fortunately, he didn’t have
thanasia, not surgery and wait and see. expensive? Yes, it is. But if your horse to have any sections of intestine re-
experiences a surgical colic, it’s also moved, and his prognosis for recovery
Fact #2: It’s expensive. unavoidable if you want to save their was good.
There’s just no getting around the fact life. So let’s take a minute to hear from “The biggest thing in my decision
that colic surgery is expensive. Even some horse owners who have been was that I had a vet I worked with for
without complications, you’re likely through the experience. Would they do 25 years who I trusted implicitly,” she
to find yourself facing a $10,000 bill, or it all again? concludes. “He really helped me.”
even more. If you’re pretty sure that Recovery and beyond: Edward stayed
you’d say yes to a colic surgery decision, CASE #1: Hard at the hospital for eight or nine days
make sure you know where the funds The patient and the person: Edward after surgery.
are coming from and how you can is a 15-year-old warmblood gelding “It was during COVID,” Sherri re-
access them quickly—whether it’s who was 12 at the time of surgery and members. “So it was kind of weird. The
cash-on-hand or through an insurance performing in dressage at the Prix St. hospital wouldn’t let me in to see him,
policy or a savings plan. Georges level. He had never had a previ- but the surgeon was great. He would
ous colic episode and he and his owner, bring Edward outside so I could visit.”
Fact #3: Time matters. Sherri, had been to a horse show the When he finally came home, he had
While data collected about colic weekend before it happened. He was at to be locked in the stall and hand-
surgery outcomes is incredibly vari- the prime of his life. walked. “It was terrible,” Sherri says.
able, most experts agree that prompt What happened? Edward’s colic “We had to sedate him because he was
referral is one of the most important symptoms came on suddenly and unsafe to handle.”
factors for success. The sooner you get violently. Sherri was out of town at the Ultimately, Sherri was able to put
your horse to surgery, the better your time, and a friend found him painful in Edward on a walker and then reha-
chances for a positive outcome. Every his stall. Sherri recounts that the days bilitate him under saddle. “That first
minute counts. While horse owners leading up to the colic episode were 90 days was the worst part. But once
may have heard this said, few are kind of a perfect storm. he went back to work, he never had a
prepared for just how fast it happens “I left to go out of town after the problem again.”
if your horse requires surgery. Once horse show, and my trainer was out of Would you do it all again? Even
again, planning ahead is key. town for the couple of days before it though it was difficult at the time,
happened. Edward doesn’t get turned Sherri has no doubts. “I would 100% do
Fact #4: Things go wrong. out anyway because he’s unreliable in it again. He came back better than ever,
Colic surgery isn’t for the faint of heart. the field, so he had been locked inside. and I never worry about it.” Edward is
Even if your horse is young and healthy, I had also made a diet change to a new 15 years old now and is still performing
you refer right away, and the prognosis type of hay several weeks before and at a high level of competition.
at the outset looks great, things can still had noticed him being more gassy than
go wrong. Prepare yourself for unan- normal. My vet gave me a hard time CASE #2: Harder
ticipated complications, such as injury for that. I remember him saying, ‘Why The patient and the person: Tiianae
during a difficult recovery or problems did you change his food? … you idiot,’” was a 33-year-old Arabian gelding
with the surgical incision. Sherri laughs. and had been the picture of health for
How did you decide? Sherri’s deci- his entire life. His owner, Patti, is a
Fact #5: Recovery can be long … sions that night were made from an lifelong horse lover and had previously
and hard. airplane. “Even though the vet who owned a number of horses that lived
After your horse pulls through the saw Edward initially thought he would into their 30s. Tiianae’s father had lived
surgery and is discharged from the be OK, my friend who found him want- into his 40s. To Patti, her horse was
hospital, there’s still a long road ahead. ed to take him to the surgical facility 33-years-young.
It will take a minimum of three months because he was so painful,” Sherri What happened? Patti found Tiianae
to recover from surgery before going remembers. “Ultimately, I got on the down in his field with his blanket on. →

Spring 2025 / 41
She immediately recognized that he Would you do it all again? “It was gru- look good. Soon after starting surgery,
was colicking and called her vet—who eling and expensive. But if their pain the surgeon checked in with Nichole
came out right away. can be controlled, I would absolutely do multiple times to see if she wanted to
“My vet gave him a dose of Bana- it again.” continue because of the seriousness of
mine,” she recalls. “He was comfort- Patti acknowledges that some people Keira’s condition.
able immediately. Then she performed make the decision based on finances, How did you decide? Nichole knew
a rectal exam. I will never forget especially for their older horses and at the outset that if her horse ever
standing there when she said that I would never judge them for doing so. needed surgery, she would opt to do
need to leave now if I want to take him But said that she would not feel OK if it, in part because she had had such a
to surgery. My husband wanted to go she didn’t try and give her horse the positive experience with her previ-
take a shower, and my vet said no, you chance to live. ous horse. She had planned to make
need to leave now.” In Tiianae’s case, those last months sure she had the finances in place to
At surgery there was a fatty tumor of running in the pasture with his herd support her decision with both a colic
wrapped around a section of small made it all worthwhile. insurance policy and Platinum Perfor-
intestine, a common cause of colic in
older horses. Fortunately, because of CASE #3: Hardest
Patti’s quick action in getting her horse The patient and the person:
to the surgery table, the intestine itself Keira is a Quarter Horse
was not terribly compromised so it did mare who was 3 years old
not have to be removed, giving Tiianae and in training to become a
a good chance to make a full recovery. reining horse at the time of
How did you decide? Patti remembers her surgery. She had never
that Tiianae was comfortable after seen a vet for anything
the Banamine, and the surgical center other than routine care. Her
was close. This was a big factor in her owner, Nichole, has been
decision. “The biggest thing for me was around horses for her entire
that his pain was controlled. He wasn’t life and has had plenty of
in distress. It all happened so fast that experience with colic—
I never really considered any other including having surgery
choice. You really need to decide in the done on another young
moment.” horse several years before
Many might question Patti’s choice, Keira’s colic episode.
given her horse’s advanced age. “Even What happened? “I
PHOTO BY NICHOLE CHIRICO

with his age, my vet instilled confi- wasn’t at the barn when
dence that it was the right thing to do. Keira first started showing
He was in great shape. Why wouldn’t I signs,” Nichole shares.
give him the chance?” “Fortunately, one of the
She stresses that the relationship students at the barn is
with your vet is incredibly important. also a vet tech for the large
Depending on the severity of the colic surgery—and whether a
“In my case, my vet knew me really well animal hospital nearby horse needs a resection or not—some recoveries can take extra
and knew what kind of person I am. I and recognized the signs time before the horse is ready to go back to a riding routine.
trusted her completely.” of colic very quickly.”
Recovery and beyond: Tiianae’s recov- As soon as Nichole arrived, she mance’s colic coverage program.
ery was difficult. “He spent three weeks knew something was wrong. Even A close relationship with her reg-
at the hospital and then we basically with a dose of Banamine on board, her ular vet helped her make the harder
brought him home to die,” Patti recalls. horse was still extremely painful. decisions she faced throughout
“I called several times to have him “My vet started her on fluids, but the ordeal.
euthanized in the first couple of days, within 15 minutes, I made the decision “I am really lucky that my vet is a
but then he rallied.” to put her on the trailer and get her to good friend of mine,” says Nichole.
And once he recovered fully, he the surgical facility.” “When I was making the decision
spent the rest of his days running in When they arrived, Keira was down to continue with surgery, he told
the pasture with a large herd of horses. in the trailer, and it was clear she me that my mare was such a fighter
“He had a lot of moments of joy,” says needed surgery to survive. she deserved the chance to win the
Patti. “I knew he was happy—which She had a twisted colon that was battle. I agreed with him, and we
made it all worth it.” at risk of rupturing, and things didn’t made the decision to continue.” →

42 / [Link]
OSPHOS® is indicated for
the control of clinical signs
of navicular syndrome in
horses 4 years and older

Trusted

Safe
When used as directed

Important Safety Information

In some cases, death has been reported as an outcome of these adverse events. The safe use of

Concurrent use of NSAIDs

with OSPHOS may increase the risk of renal toxicity and acute renal failure.

References
 Recovery and beyond: Predictably, Ultimately, Keira had to go back for were afraid the sutures wouldn’t hold.
recovery was rough. Keira spent 15 days exploratory surgery two months later. I decided to continue on because she
in the ICU before returning home, only “When they opened her up they was already on the operating table,
to start showing signs of colic again. found her colon displaced and in pret- and I knew if anyone could survive
She was diagnosed with mild ulcers, ty bad shape. Her colon was literally this it was her.”
but treatment didn’t solve the prob- disintegrating” Nichole describes. It turns out the decision was worth
lem. Her lab work was abnormal, and “They gave her a 50% chance of it. Keira’s recovery after the second
she didn’t improve on a low-bulk diet. surviving past five days because they surgery was much better than the
first. Although a large portion
of her colon had to be removed,
OSPHOS® (clodronate injection) Bisphosphonate. she continues to do well on a hay
For use in horses only. pelleted diet.
Brief Summary (For Full Prescribing Information, see package insert)
Would you do it all again? “Yes”
CAUTION: Federal (USA) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
DESCRIPTION: Clodronate disodium is a non-amino, chloro-containing bisphosphonate. Chemically, clodronate disodium is says Nichole, without hesitation.
(dichloromethylene) diphosphonic acid disodium salt and is manufactured from the tetrahydrate form. “In a heartbeat.” While she admits
INDICATION: For the control of clinical signs associated with navicular syndrome in horses.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Horses with hypersensitivity to clodronate disodium should not receive OSPHOS. Do not use in horses with
that this colic surgery was not
impaired renal function or with a history of renal disease. for the faint of heart and hopes to
WARNINGS: Do not use in horses intended for human consumption.
never experience anything like it
HUMAN WARNINGS: Not for human use. Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children. Consult a physician in case of accidental
human exposure. ever again, her mare was a young
PRECAUTIONS: OSPHOS has been associated with renal toxicity. Concurrent administration of other potentially nephrotoxic drugs show horse with a big career head
should be approached with caution and renal function should be monitored. Use of bisphosphonates in patients with conditions or
diseases affecting renal function is not recommended. of her.
Horses should be well-hydrated prior to and after the administration of OSPHOS due to the potential for adverse renal events. Water “She’s the happiest horse,”
intake and urine output should be monitored for 3-5 days post-treatment and any changes from baseline should elicit further evaluation.
As a class, bisphosphonates may be associated with gastrointestinal and renal toxicity. Sensitivity to drug associated adverse Nichole shares. “She loves going to
reactions varies with the individual patient. Renal and gastrointestinal adverse reactions may be associated with plasma work, and she’s incredibly smart,
concentrations of the drug. Bisphosphonates are excreted by the kidney; therefore, conditions causing renal impairment may
increase plasma bisphosphonate concentrations resulting in an increased risk for adverse reactions. Concurrent administration so picking up where we left off in
of other potentially nephrotoxic drugs should be approached with caution and renal function should be monitored. Use of terms of training was nothing for
bisphosphonates in patients with conditions or diseases affecting renal function is not recommended. Administration of
bisphosphonates has been associated with abdominal pain (colic), discomfort, and agitation in horses. Clinical signs usually occur shortly her. It took about a year to get her
after drug administration and may be associated with alterations in intestinal motility. In horses treated with OSPHOS these clinical back in shape because she lost so
signs usually began within 2 hours of treatment. Horses should be monitored for at least 2 hours following administration of OSPHOS.
Bisphosphonates affect plasma concentrations of some minerals and electrolytes such as calcium,magnesium and potassium, much weight in between surger-
immediately post-treatment, with effects lasting up to several hours. Caution should be used when administering bisphosphonates to ies, but she’s officially on track to
horses with conditions affecting mineral or electrolyte homeostasis (e.g. hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, hypocalcemia, etc.).
The safe use of OSPHOS has not been evaluated in horses less than 4 years of age. The effect of bisphosphonates on the skeleton hopefully start showing this year.”
of growing horses has not been studied; however, bisphosphonates inhibit osteoclast activity which impacts bone turnover and may
affect bone growth.
Bisphosphonates should not be used in pregnant or lactating mares, or mares intended for breeding. The safe use of OSPHOS has The Final Fact
not been evaluated in breeding horses or pregnant or lactating [Link] are incorporated into the bone matrix, from There’s no doubt that making
where they are gradually released over periods of months to years. The extent of bisphosphonate incorporation into adult bone,
and hence, the amount available for release back into the systemic circulation, is directly related to the total dose and duration of the decision to put a horse
bisphosphonate use. Bisphosphonates have been shown to cause fetal developmental abnormalities in laboratory animals. The through colic surgery is compli-
uptake of bisphosphonates into fetal bone may be greater than into maternal bone creating a possible risk for skeletal or other
abnormalities in the fetus. Many drugs, including bisphosphonates, may be excreted in milk and may be absorbed by nursing animals. cated, and the road that follows
Increased bone fragility has been observed in animals treated with bisphosphonates at high doses or for long periods of time. that decision is likely to be filled
Bisphosphonates inhibit bone resorption and decrease bone turnover which may lead to an inability to repair micro damage within
the bone. In humans, atypical femur fractures have been reported in patients on long term bisphosphonate therapy; however, a with bumps and curves. The
causal relationship has not been established. owners we spoke with empha-
ADVERSE REACTIONS: The most common adverse reactions reported in the field study were clinical signs of discomfort or nervousness,
colic and/or pawing. Other signs reported were lip licking, yawning, head shaking, injection site swelling, and hives/pruritus.
sized that teamwork and a close
POST-APPROVAL EXPERIENCE (December 2018): The following adverse events are based on postapproval adverse drug experience relationship with a veterinarian
reporting. Not all adverse events are reported to FDA/CVM. It is not always possible to reliably estimate the adverse event frequency
or establish a causal relationship to product exposure using these data.
who supported their decisions
The following adverse events are listed in decreasing order of reporting frequency: renal failure, polyuria, polydipsia, abdominal pain, were what they needed most.
anorexia, lethargy, hypercalcemia, behavioral disorder, discomfort, hyperkalemia, hyperactivity, recumbency, hyperthermia, injection Even with that support, these
site reactions, muscle tremor, urticaria, hyperglycemia, and fracture. In some cases, death has been reported as an outcome of the
adverse events listed above. owners didn’t have an easy time,
INFORMATION FOR HORSE OWNERS: Owners should be advised to: yet they agreed with almost 90%
• NOT administer NSAIDs.
• Ensure horses have access to adequate water before and after administration of OSPHOS.
of owners surveyed after expe-
• Observe their horse for at least 2 hours post-treatment for signs of colic, agitation, and/or abnormal behavior. riencing colic surgery that they
• If a horse appears uncomfortable, nervous, or experiences cramping post-treatment, hand walk the horse for 15 minutes. If signs would do it all again. Colic surgery
do not resolve contact the veterinarian.
• Monitor water intake and urine output for 3-5 days post-treatment.
may be one of your greatest fears,
• Contact their veterinarian if the horse displays abnormal clinical signs such as changes in drinking and urination, appetite, and attitude. but if you must make that call at
Manufactured for: Dechra Veterinary Products least you can feel confident that
7015 College Boulevard, Suite 525
Overland Park, KS 66211 866-933-2472 many colic surgery stories do have
© 2019 Dechra Ltd. OSPHOS is a registered trademark of Dechra Ltd. All rights reserved. happy endings.
Approved by FDA under NADA # 141-427

44 / [Link]
 MONEY
MOVES
to Transform Your Horse Life
Learn six horse-related money moves to
manage your horse life from a knowledgeable
horse- and tax-industry professional.

BY LINDA TRENT, CPA, WITH ALEXIS BENNETT

H
orses and running businesses around them can get I’ve worked with horse people across disciplines and ser-
expensive. That’s not new news. But there are ways to vices for decades. Every horse person has a different financial
manage the cost of horse ownership. And not only by situation, and while my accounting advice is tailored to those
cutting corners or using tricks to stretch your dollar (hello, unique circumstances, there are a few tried-and-true horse
diluted shampoo!). While you can, and probably should be money moves that nearly every horse owner can explore to
mindful of your spending, there are other ways you can make better afford your passion. If you’re new to horses or return-
expenses work for you. It all comes down to what you do with ing after a hiatus, go to Money Move Number One before pro-
your horses and your horse-related services. Do you compete? gressing through the next steps. If you already have horses,
Do you give lessons? Do you provide therapy? Do you breed compete, or provide services—even if only casually—start at
and sell them? Money Move Number Two.

48 / [Link]
 PHOTO BY NICHOLE CHIRICO

Money Move Number One: If you’re interested in horse owner- do a disservice to your horse if you can’t
DO YOUR RESEARCH ship or are getting back into it, the first afford to care for him properly and cause
Many hobbies are expensive. The equip- horse money move you can make is to yourself unnecessary stress.
ment, gear, or travel required to craft, do your research. Find out how much And if it doesn’t make sense right
trek through the woods, or see the world it’ll cost to board, purchase hay, trim now, look for alternatives. There are
all have a price tag associated with feet, and vaccinate. Then make a budget. plenty of ways you can make your horse
them. A horse lifestyle is no different. Ask yourself, is it doable, or will it be a passion more affordable before horse
Horses are living, breathing animals financial strain? Inconsistent income, ownership. Consider a partial lease, take
and require the basics of shelter, food, high debt-to-income ratios, and bur- lessons at a facility, or ride with friends
and water. That doesn’t even include the densome cost-of-living circumstances if they have horses. Eventually, when
regular health maintenance, training, are all indicators that horse ownership you do own your horse and have an ac-
competition, or breeding-related ex- may be a “someday” versus “right now” tive horse lifestyle, you can think about
penses that occur. consideration for you. Ultimately, you how to protect your investment. →

Spring 2025 / 49
 PHOTO BY VIT/[Link]
Many daily costs associated with run-
ning your horse business are deductible,
including the gas needed to haul your
horse to the trainers or to events.

Money Move Number Two: Money Move Number Three: Money Move Number Four:
SET UP A BUSINESS INVEST IN THE BUSINESS KEEP THOROUGH RECORDS
If you spend more than 700 hours When you’re running a horse oper- Horse businesses are often more heav-
annually on your horse lifestyle, it may ation, just like any other business, ily scrutinized because so often horses
be more than a hobby. This is the magic you invest in it. You purchase a new are just a hobby. For this reason, it’s
number that separates dabbling from broodmare or stallion, build a riding essential to keep detailed records of
serious, and the rule especially applies arena, hire a trainer, attend a clinic, your profits, losses, and expenses. If
if you offer a service, such as lessons, or purchase a new therapy horse, and audited, a business would need to pro-
generate income, such as from competi- otherwise pour time, energy, and duce records between three and five
tion payouts. When both conditions are money into your horses. While these years old. It can be difficult to recall
met, you may be able to set up a small investments may feel like splurges specifics from long ago, so it’s helpful
business. This allows you to consider or personal expenses, they aren’t. to keep a journal. The documentation
all income and expenses related to your Everything you do to upskill shows doesn’t need to be lengthy paragraphs,
horses as profits and losses toward the your interest in ensuring the success but it should record information, such
business rather than personal expenses of the business. as the date, the expense or profit, the
and profit. When they’re personal, profit If you were audited, you would provider, mileage, and other important
is taxable, and expenses are not deduct- want to demonstrate that you’ve done supporting details.
ible. So, all that money comes straight everything you can to be profitable. Keep all horse-related receipts and
out of your pocket. This is especially the case if you’re write a note on the top for yourself,
Instead, you may be able to enjoy tax competing and spending money on such as fuel to go visit horse in train-
benefits from your earnings and costs. your horse and entry fees. Plus, you ing or fuel to check out a new piece of
But, once you decide to operate this likely want to improve, even if you equipment, even if you didn’t make
way, and I recommend working with a aren’t winning money or increasing a purchase. Checks and credit card
knowledgeable accountant, you must your income each year. If you’re a do- payment confirmations aren’t enough
go all in. Create and name the business it-yourself rider or horse owner, keep by themselves. Be sure to request proper
through the state, by establishing a a journal of the ways that you are in- invoices from service providers like
limited liability company (LLC), for vesting in yourself and your business. your trainers, breeders, vets, boarding
example. Open a separate business This includes research on the inter- facilities, and farriers. Keep receipts and
checking account that’s associated net, reading magazines (and articles invoices in a safe and findable place.
with the business’ employer identifica- like this one!), attending webinars, In your journal, also document your
tion number (EIN) and run all appro- shadowing other professionals in business plans and approach. This
priate horse-related expenses and your specific niche (e.g., farriers), and will help you adequately explain your
earnings through the business. re-watching competition videos. outcomes—success or failure. →

50 / [Link]
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Backed by Experience
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For each horse that’s a part of the When they understand the nuance of
business, explain what they’re used Reasonable Horse- your life, goals, and income streams,
for and when. For example, Hank the Business Expenses they’ll be able to make recommenda-
gelding with D.O.B. was used from May
through September for paid trail rides
3

Fuel to and from any horse-
related activity.
tions to manage your taxable income.
The same is true for seniors. Social
and guided packing trips. Unfortu- security income alone isn’t taxable.
nately, the horse must have a business 3
Vehicles and trailers.
However, if you have pension income
purpose to be considered. They can’t 3
Horse life insurance. and earnings from your horse busi-
just be a backyard pleasure animal to
be an asset—even though you might
3
Riding lessons and trainer fees. ness, you may be required to file.
Finally, if your horse life is also your
feel they are. 3
Entry fees or trainer entry fees. business, you’ll want an accountant
If this level of detail and documen-
tation takes the joy out of the expe-
3

Hotel, food, and travel accommo-
dations for competitions.
who is knowledgeable about horses
and the horse industry. It doesn’t
rience or if it’s too tedious, it’s best
to treat your horse adventures as a
3

Wages to minor children helping
with horses and maintenance.
matter if the experience is in a differ-
ent discipline. They need to be savvy
hobby, even if you win money. This is enough to know that trims are an
because if you were to be audited and 3

Self-improvement activities, such
as clinics, seminars, magazine
expense and that geldings cannot be
get in trouble with the IRS, you would considered breeding stock. Since you’ll
subscriptions, and more!
pay more penalties than you’d save be running a small business, you’ll
in annual income taxes by running a likely file taxes quarterly as well as
business. Instead, focus on budgeting annually. Talk to your accountant fre-
and expense management. policy at the appropriate amount. This quently, and especially if you’re having
protects your investment if something a more profitable year to ensure that
Money Move Number Five: horrible were to happen. you aren’t missing deductions.
EXPLORE DEDUCTIONS If you have kids and they help you, Finally, if you get audited, and
Many daily costs associated with run- you may be eligible for a tax deduction you may with a horse business, don’t
ning your horse business are deduct- to pay them for reasonable support. represent yourself. Even if you file
ible, from the gas needed to haul your Each child 17 and under can be paid your taxes on your own ordinarily,
horse to the trainers to the depreciation up to $13,850 each year for tasks such a knowledgeable accountant will
of your animals, facilities, and vehicles. tasks as feeding, watering, cleaning help you navigate the detailed and
That’s why it’s important to keep a sep- stalls, exercising horses, and other sometimes difficult audit process.
arate checking account and documents age-appropriate chores. So, your two- The goal of a tax professional is to
to validate those expenses. Work with year-old can’t be paid for feeding but be your advocate. 
your tax professional to determine the your 15-year-old could be paid for un-
tax deductions you qualify for. I’ll share loading and stacking hay, for example.
two that are commonly overlooked and Your kids won’t have to pay taxes on
considerations to make. this income either, making it a great
The IRS allows ordinary and neces- way to build their school fund or pay
sary costs of insurance to be written off. for a first car.
Ordinary is defined as expenses com-
mon for your industry and necessary Money Move Number Six:
costs are expenses considered helpful FIND A KNOWLEDGEABLE
and appropriate for your business. TAX PROFESSIONAL
This includes horse life insurance, and In your middle years of life, between
towing vehicle and trailer insurance. 30 and 60, you’re at your peak earning
BIO PHOTO COURTESY OF LINDA TRENT

Performance and breeding horses, and potential. As you file your taxes, and
especially those that are high-value and especially if you have more complex Linda Trent, CPA, Parma, Idaho, is an
that travel, should be insured. When considerations, such as small-busi- accounting and financial professional
with more than 30 years of experience.
you purchase insurance, be sure that ness income, which is what your horse
Her clients include world-class and
the agent understands what you do operation will be considered, it may
amateur ropers, reined cowhorse
with the horse and their asset value be worth working with an accountant. competitors, farriers, breeders, and
so that they’re insured correctly. To Look for someone who doesn’t just everything in between. Learn more
check, look at your policy. Your insured have the appropriate credentials, but at [Link].
horse or horses should be found on the who is also curious about your tax life.

52 / [Link]
PURINA BELIEVES
THERE’S ALWAYS
A WAY HOME.
That’s why Purina is the title sponsor of A Home For
Every Horse and has donated over 800 tons of feed
to help horses in need. Learn what you can do at
[Link].

©2020 Purina Animal Nutrition LLC. All rights reserved.

 A Home for Every Horse:
Transforming Lives, One Horse at a Time

A Home for Every Horse is a dedicated Programs & Initiatives • 16,000+ horses adopted into
initiative committed to supporting facilities A Home for Every Horse engages in key new homes
that rescue, rehabilitate and rehome horses activities that create a tangible difference in • 1,200+ volunteer hours contributed
in need. As part of the Equine Network the horse industry: since 2020
Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organi- • Rescue & Rehabilitation: Partnering • $30,000+ invested in facility
zation, the program makes a meaningful with reputable rescues to ensure that improvements for rescues
impact on equine welfare by assisting neglected, abused or surrendered
rescues that care for at-risk horses. Through horses receive proper veterinary care, Looking Ahead to 2025
industry partnerships, donations and nutrition and training As we expand our reach, we are introduc-
volunteer efforts, A Home for Every Horse • Adoption & Placement Services: ing new initiatives to better support
addresses the ongoing crisis of unwanted Connecting adoptable horses with re- equine welfare:
and neglected horses across the nation. sponsible owners committed to lifelong • Grants for veterinary & hoof care,
care facility improvements and training
Expanding Our Rescue • Education & Advocacy: Raising aware- through partnerships with Zoetis
Network ness about equine welfare issues and and Absorbine
In partnership with the United Horse Coali- promoting responsible horse ownership • A mental health program for rescue
tion, A Home for Every Horse has estab- • Industry Collaborations: Working with staff to address the emotional and
lished a growing network of more than 450 equine brands, veterinarians and pro- physical toll of rescue work
rescue organizations. Together, we provide fessional trainers to secure donations, • A crisis recovery fund to aid rescues in
critical resources to rescues and educate sponsorships and resources for rescued the aftermath of catastrophic events
the public on the challenges faced by at-risk horses • An expanded volunteer program
or transitioning horses. To ensure credibility to connect corporate teams with local
and excellence, participating rescues must Our Trusted Partners rescues for hands-on assistance
apply, maintain an active membership and Strong relationships with industry leaders
adhere to strict welfare guidelines, including enable A Home for Every Horse to support Our Goals
proving their 501(c)(3) status. Our network rescues nationwide. Purina Animal Nutri- Through these efforts, A Home for Every
enables sponsors and donors to confidently tion serves as the title sponsor, providing Horse remains dedicated to:
support multiple organizations at once, feed, nutrition consultations and access to • Reducing the population of
maximizing their impact. [Link], a platform where rescues can unwanted horses
list adoptable horses for free. “Awareness • Strengthening the equine
Industry Support sponsors” such as Absorbine, Weather- community
“Absorbine is committed to giving back beeta and Tractor Supply help educate • Increasing public awareness
to the horses that give so much to us. How- the public and raise awareness about the and education
ever, identifying the right organizations to importance of supporting rescues. The • Providing critical support to
support can be challenging. By partnering Anheuser-Busch Foundation has helped rescues where they need it most
with A Home for Every Horse, we ensure our us bring manpower, materials and the Bud- By championing equine welfare, A Home
contributions reach rescues, sanctuaries and weiser Clydesdales to rescues to celebrate for Every Horse is not just saving lives—it
care facilities nationwide.” — Amy Cairy, their volunteers. is shaping a future where every horse has
Vice President, Marketing at Absorbine the opportunity to thrive in a loving home.
Measurable Impact Whether through adoption, advocacy or
Our Mission Since its formation in 2011, A Home for support, we encourage everyone to play a
At its core, A Home for Every Horse strives Every Horse has made significant strides: role in making a difference.
to provide every horse with a second • 1,800 tons of Purina Senior Horse To learn more or donate, visit equine
chance at life. By supporting rescue Feed donated to rescues annually [Link] or ahomefor
organizations with resources, funding • 750+ Weatherbeeta blankets [Link]. For sponsorship inquiries,
and visibility, we help horses in need find provided to rescues and adopters email ahfeh@[Link].
safe and loving homes. Through advoca- • Countless Absorbine products
cy for responsible horse ownership and distributed to aid equine care
strategic industry partnerships, we work • $12,580 raised for hay through
toward sustainable solutions to equine the Weatherbeeta Blankets for
welfare challenges. Bales program
54 / [Link]
PROVIDED BY A HOME FOR EVERY HORSE, AN EQUINE NETWORK FOUNDATION PROJECT

Into the Arms of Love:

Buttercup’s
Story Ranger’s Legacy Equine Rescue
Our mission is to rescue, rehabili-
tate and facilitate the adoption of
BY CRYSTEL DENTON neglected and abused horses in
New Mexico and surrounding states.
We are dedicated to providing a
hen Buttercup, the palomino interaction would bring fear and she

W
safe, healthy environment for
mare, stepped off the trailer started to regain her confidence. rescued horses in the Roswell area
in April 2022, she felt a shift With each day, Buttercup sought her and beyond. We follow the AAEP
(American Association of Equine
in the air. Her hooves touched the earth caretaker’s presence, no longer out of
Practitioners) care guidelines for
gently and she paused to take in her fear but because she felt safe. Old habits Equine Rescue and Retirement
new surroundings. The world seemed lingered—she still startled sometimes— Facilities. Our goal is to rehabilitate
calmer here—peace- but the woman’s horses to be adopted to well-
ful, grounded—as gentle reassurance screened homes, where they can
serve a useful purpose.
though it had been helped her believe.
waiting for her arriv- Trust, she learned,
al. The other horses wasn’t something
nearby watched with expected but some-
quiet understand- thing earned.
PHOTO COURTESY OF RANGER'S LEGACY EQUINE RESCUE

ing and Buttercup But it wasn’t

sensed the absence just safety that
of the anxiety that Buttercup found. A Home For Every Horse
had defined her It was the small This content was provided by A
earlier life. moments—gentle Home For Every Horse, a resource for
For the first six brushing, soft whis- nonprofit horse rescues, sanctuaries,
years, Buttercup had pers and, of course, and care facilities. Rescue organiza-
been pushed hard— the peppermints. tions involved with A Home For Every
ridden constantly, With each pepper- Horse are eligible for many benefits
from program sponsors. Learn more
expected to perform. mint treat, Butter-
at [Link].
The demands grew cup’s bond with her It’s only thanks to our generous
and her riders caretaker deepened. sponsors—Purina Horse Feed,
became frustrated, Then, one day, Absorbine, WeatherBeeta, and
Buttercup at her new home.
their hands unsteady another trailer Tractor Supply Co.—that A Home
and voices sharp. ride. This time, the For Every Horse is able to provide
With every passing day, Buttercup’s journey was longer. When they arrived, necessary resources to more than
anxiety deepened. She became jumpy, another smiling woman stood waiting, 600 horse rescues per year.
startled easily by sounds or movements. holding a pocket full of peppermints.
Her world was a blur of loud noises and Buttercup recognized the scent instant-
soon, she became distant, less and less ly, a sign that kindness would follow
willing to interact. her once again. As they walked toward
Then one day, the trailer arrived again. the paddock, Buttercup noticed another
Buttercup was handed off to a stranger, horse and with quiet confidence, she
left in confusion. This new woman, followed her new caretaker, meeting the
however, was different. She didn’t rush other horse with ease.
to lead her; instead, she knelt down and In that moment, Buttercup under-
spoke softly, “It’s all going to be okay. stood: this was home. A place where she
You’re safe here.” could breathe freely, where love would
That moment marked the beginning continue to grow and where she would
of Buttercup’s new journey. It wasn’t im- always be safe.
mediate, but over time, the woman gave Her story was no longer one of mere
her space to heal. There was no urgency, survival but of renewal—a journey into
no pressure. Slowly, Buttercup began to the arms of love that would carry her
trust again. She learned that not every through the rest of her days. 
Spring 2025 / 55
 Final Thoughts

PHOTO BY NICHOLE CHIRICO

‘As the program has grown and gotten bigger, the core foundation has stayed the same. It’s about the people.
Most of my customers have been in the barn for more than 15 years. They’ve grown as riders, and as people,
and have adapted as we have evolved as a barn. It feels like we’re all part of one big family.’

—Devin Warren on the importance of building a training program that revolves around
community and helping non-pro riders grow, on The Ride, a podcast by Horse&Rider,
available to stream or download wherever you listen to podcasts.

HORSE & RIDER VOLUME LXIV, NUMBER 1 ISSN 00185159/USPS 523410 COPYRIGHT 2025, EQUINE NETWORK, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PUBLISHED FIVE TIMES PER YEAR MAR SPRING, MAY BONUS, JULY SUMMER, SEPT FALL, NOV WINTER BY EQUINE
NETWORK, LLC. THE KNOWN OFFICE OF PUBLICATION IS AT 2365 HARRODSBURG RD, STE A200, LEXINGTON, KY 40504. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT LEXINGTON, KY AND AT ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. POSTMASTER: PLEASE SEND CHANGE OF ADDRESS TO HORSE
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OWNER. OPINIONS EXPRESSED HEREIN ARE THOSE OF THE EXPERTS CONSULTED, AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE OPINIONS OF THE EDITORS OR POLICY OF HORSE & RIDER MAGAZINE. UNSOLICITED MANUSCRIPTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS ACCOMPANIED
BY RETURN POSTAGE WILL BE HANDLED WITH CARE, BUT PUBLISHER IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR SAFETY. PLEASE ALLOW 3 MONTHS FOR REPLY. REPRINTS: CONTACT WRIGHTS REPRINTS TO PURCHASE QUALITY CUSTOM REPRINTS OR EPRINTS OF ARTICLES
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56 / [Link]
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