A Couple finds help to better their relationship with horses and each other. … [Read more...]
Have You Ever Been Kicked?
Have You Ever Been Kicked? Dear Julie: This may be a very odd question, but I was curious how many times have you been kicked or caught in the crossfire in your training career? I’ve been kicked three times, but tonight I got kicked square in the pelvis by a dominant mare who was going after my mare while I was putting a halter on her. I saw it start to happen, but couldn't … [Read more...]
2016 February Blog – It’s About Time
It’s About Time Most things in life that are important, take an investment of time—an education, a career, a relationship. Mastering a skill or a sport, starting a new business, overcoming setbacks; none of this comes quickly. Horses are not the best sport for instant gratification. It takes time to set your goal then to work diligently to identify all the steps necessary to … [Read more...]
First Aid For Horses
I’ve been taking care of horses for half a century and during that time I’ve seen hundreds of injured horses, from mild scratches to cuts that need stitches to deep-tissue lacerations, punctures and impalements. As most experienced horse owners know, some horses could get hurt even if they were locked in a padded stall. Over the decades I’ve gotten pretty good at basic first … [Read more...]
The Draw Of Horses After An Accident
Horses have their own gravity. If you've loved them in the past and been pushed away because of an injury or accident, it's possible you'll be drawn right back to their beautiful, sleek, powerful sides. Gravity pulls you back even if your worries or fears make you wonder why, even when our biological responses to fear tell us not to go back to a dangerous situation. Here's a … [Read more...]
Safety Concerns: When To Do An Emergency Dismount
Question Category: Safety Concerns Question: I had an interesting question recently from one of my good Facebook friends: “If you want to stay on, at what moment does the rider decide to execute an "emergency dismount"?” Answer: This is a good question and one to which there is no definitive answer, except, “it all depends on the circumstance.” In general you are … [Read more...]
Overcoming Fear: Fear Management
Question: Hi Julie, I learned about you from a friend in the barrel racing community. I am a 42-year-old woman, a dyed in the wool horse lover and owner, someone who will never again feel fulfilled without a horse. I lost my first horse to a horrifying bout with colic, one minute he was there the next he was gone, despite the efforts of some of the best equine surgeons in … [Read more...]
Overcoming Fear: Coping With The Fear After Accidents
Question: I've had a couple horse accidents and now have some fear issues I've never had to overcome before. How do you help people through their fear of horses and riding? Answer: Some level of fear around horses is perfectly normal and to be expected. After all, they are 1,000-pound animals capable of spontaneous violent reactions at any moment. Fear is actually a good … [Read more...]
Issues From The Saddle: Reconditioning A Horse After Extended Layoff
Question Category: Issues from the Saddle Question: Hello Julie, My horse has been off all summer due to an injury and I would like suggestions as to how I can get him in shape for spring. I will work with him all winter and need help with a plan. Can you help us? Thank you, Karen Boise, Idaho Answer: Karen, When a horse has been laid off for a year or a season due to an … [Read more...]
Issues From The Ground: Handwalking Injured Horse
Question Category: Issues from the Ground Question: Hi I have just started to care for a 5 year old Irish Draught x TB - he has a tendon/tendon sheath injury and was about to be put to sleep by his previous owner, due to lack of time and money and the possibility that he may not be able to be ridden again - but as he is normally such an impeccably behaved chap I said I would … [Read more...]
Note After Hunter’s Accident
It’s been a long six weeks. After 38 days of being at the hospital all day, crying, hoping, praying, laughing, crying, being frustrated, crying, and begging, it was good to get home! Of course, he was released (last Wednesday) in the middle of a raging blizzard so we were stuck in Denver, but the next day we drove the 150 miles in 4WD to get home. As most of you know by now, … [Read more...]
