You should have a PM just in case you didn't check it yet.

Yes, I believe I know what you are referring to. The nose gets rubbed so much that a bump forms where the halter has been. It it similar to a callous that forms on your hands when you you repetitive work that rubs the skin. I haven't worked at this place so I can't be sure, but it is very unlikely that the rubs/nose deformities are from the chains. Even if they are being used incorrectly, they are not on for a long enough time to cause that type of damage. FYI, a lot of times this happens because

The chains are used as a precaution since most of the riders in a therapeutic riding program do not have the greatest balance or control. Most, if not all, therapeutic riding programs use chains on all their horses. These horses certainly do not NEED them, as they are specially chosen because of their quiet and obedient nature. However, they are horses and being so are unpredictable. It's just a precaution! The chains are no different from a regular lead rope if used correctly when being used this

I'm happy to hear someone else has had good results with Schreiner's. I always recommend it to people but it seems not to many have heard of it. I had a lot of trouble with proud flesh on a cut that Rug had about 4 years ago. Tried scrubbing, all kinds of different ointments, etc and it just kept getting bigger. Finally my farrier recommended Schreiner's and it was nearly healed within 2 weeks. I've used it for quite a few other things as well, it's great stuff!

EPM stands for Equine Protozoal Myelitis, which means obviously it is a protozoa infection that affects the central nervous system. Unfortunately the life cycle isn't understood all that well. It's believed that the protozoa can be in the feces from opossums, but also cats, birds, skunks, and raccoons could carry it. The horse eats or drinks contaminated water/feed (such as drinking from a stream that a raccoon has pooped in) and thus is infected with the protozoa. However, it's also thought that

I don't have any experience with treeless saddles, but I do know that the saddle was invented to distribute weight more evenly across the horse's back. If you are going to go without a tree then you might as well just ride bareback. I think they are mostly a shortcut for people who own horses with uncommon back shape and have difficulty finding a saddle that fits... not that I blame them, I can understand that frustration!

That's all well and good when you have a break that will heal right by itself - as in, nothing is displaced. Obviously you were lucky enough to have that. But with most bone damage you need to see a doctor so that he can determine the severity of the break, and cast it if needed so that the bone heals in the proper position. If it doesn't, you are setting yourself up for a lot of pain, restriction of movement, time in healing, and lots of bills. It isn't about just dealing with the pain on your own

See it, thanks. That's pretty ingenious, lol, now why couldn't I come up with that solution?? I used to always set up barrels and hay bales... anything I could find that was safe and didn't have to have a standard. This would've saved me a lot of lugging things around! Forgot to say I saw your show pics, you and Chance looked amazing.

Ahhhh, of course! Talk about your 'missing the obvious'. Thanks! I'm sure I'd find a way to get it stuck too. lol

How'd you lunge him over those jumps without getting the lunge line caught in the standard??? Half the time I almost get it caught on the edge of a cavaletti, and that's not even raised from the 'jump'. LOL Anyway, he looks great! Very shiney and in shape. You know I don't critique but I just love his color and him overall. You know he's on left lead in both of those pictures... is that just a fluke?