Tuesday, August 9, 2011

So far it's been ..interesting

My son Jesse decided this year he wanted to ride endurance on his petite 11h pony - so we've been working on that.
Our 1st outing of the year didn't go so well - Rock Creek 25 in May. It was wet wet wet- unfortunately my horse took a bit of a tumble, and I chose to RO at the midpoint. Sadly due to Jesse being 12, he and his supoer pony had to RO out as well.

Our 2nd outing went much better. We chose to go to the Sunset Ranch CTR held in ..you guess it, Joe Riche! Well actually a ways up the hill from Joe riche, but close enough to still count. the weather was perfect, and the trails were so nice I was tempted time and again to get down in the knee high grass and roll around in it.
Both my horse and wonderpony came through like a charm. Jesse got a haul (always great when they spoil the juniors) and I had a blast riding with him.

Last outing a few weeks back, I did the Wine Country Wrangler. !st year for this ride - and I must say.. I enjoyed it thoroughly. The second loop on the 25 was rocky rocky - and my horse finished, but was slightly footsore:/ so with an elevated pulse due to that.. never made completion. But I enjoyed it, and definitely learned for next year I'll need to make sure I put some soleguard on him.















Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Omega 3 for the Endurance Horse

 I'd like to wish everyone the best in the New Year !
May your horse be swift and sure throughout the season~

Now onto business!

Omega 3 for the Endurance Horse

I find that KER is one of the best resources available today for the endurance horse owner and rider. They do the research and we are definitely the ones that benefit. One of the more interesting studies they have been working on is the effect of Omega 3 on arthritis and inflammation in the performance horse.

After reading through the study and re-reading several others I'd perused in the past - it struck me that while Omega 3 is certainly an interesting issue, it isn't one that most of us consider overall. We should.

What is Omega 3?

Omega 3 is an essential fatty acid, it regulates the production of cholesterol, and strengthening cell walls, fortifying them against the invasion of viruses and bacteria.They improve immune functions, they alleviate arthritis symptoms and inflammation, and they lower the risk for cardiovascular disease . Omega-3 fatty oils also prevent or delay the development of cancer and related tumors and may improve bone growth. Another less common known fact is that Omega 3 helps reduce muscle soreness after strenuous activities.

So...What does that mean?
It means a lot. Here is an essential  fat that is specifically needed by the endurance horse. It also helps fight inflammation.  Immdiately bringing to recall the body sore and  issues often seen the day after a grueling ride. The most common treatment for such is to get the horse moving the day after, to work the kinks out. Sometimes that 'day after' stiffness calls for a massage and a short ride. Omega 3 gives the endurance horse owner the ability to proactively aid the horse's body in that recovery by ensuring that adequate building blocks are already at work in his dietary makeup.


 Where do I get Omega 3?

Several feed options appear to be coming more available as feed companies are getting more up to speed on the nutritional requirements of endurance horses. I've found several single serving supplements as well have become more widely accessible. A quick trip down the the feed store got me organized with a reasonably cost effective addition of Omega 3 to my horses' diets.

Friday, December 3, 2010

Arabian Silk - Horses of Endurance

Arabian Silk - Horses of Endurance
Gypsy Moth Productions.


A post a tad off the beaten path today, as I've been meaning to write about this DVD for a week or so now.  I ordered  Arabian Silk in the beginning on November. Since I have absolutely zero skills in time management and was wanting to watch it RIGHT NOW!. I ended up emailing Christine Lazzarini, the producer. I must say, I was and am still extremely impressed not only by her immediate reply - but her generosity.


Concerned that the first one may not arrive, Christine very kindly mailed me a second one, and then when I told her the first one had finally arrived, Christine insisted I keep the second one as well, in apology for the first one being delayed. Now I certainly didn't hold Christine responsible for the delay - as I'm pretty sure no one controls customs, not even customs! So a big round of applause for Christine, and her excellent customer service skills.


Onto the Show


I'll confess, I enjoyed it. Some of the parts were a little hokey, but still made me smile - such as the horse narrator. I did have a Mr. Ed giggle. Nevertheless, the entire show was quite well done.  The part I enjoyed was that is was done in a way that held interest the non-riding members of my family, and I watched it several times as well - nodding along in those certain 'yep yep' spots.


Definitely worth a watch and the price.
You can find it here:
http://www.arabiansilk.com/


Since I now have this extra copy - leave a comment- tell me why I should send it to you!