Fungus can grow and migrate very aggressively. We had a nasty fungal infection go thru a large group of horses that started at a cold, damp horse show/barn. One woman passed it on thru her horses by her spurs before she realized what was happening. Assume the fungi is on everything; halters, blankets, saddle pads, brushes, spurs, etc. Antifungal shampoo for the horse and to wash sheets and stuff like that, spray everything and use creams on wounds (think Vagisil or similar) - be vigilant. A contientious

I agree with those who said to change your way of thinking: instead of saying stalls took you forever, say: I will be more effecient cleaning stalls, I will help out to the best of my ability. I will be more assertive, etc. Fake it 'til you make it - ahaha, there is a more inspirational saying about that but can't recall it off the top of my head right now. LOL I'm a barn owner - every bit of help is appreciated so if they said you can come back this summer, realize they want and need

I have heard of people using acv for flies too - just spray or wipe it on. Some mix it with avon skin so soft. A friend of mine has fly catchers in her back yard - they are clear jars that hang from her tree. She bought them at wal-mart and they collect flies in them like crazy! I am going to buy a few of those and hang them around the barn. I also use an electric bug zapper. That seems to help. There is also fly tape, gross but seems affective. We get the small red biting sand flies here and have

You don't have to spend 3 hours every day of the week, of the year with your horse to be a responsible and caring horse owner. Many full-time+ working people own and enjoy them. So don't let anyone make you feel guilty about wanting to buy one. At least you had the good sense to open a dialogue about time management! If you can only spend a couple times a week with your horse after work then it is important to make sure that your board/care facility is top-notch. That the keeper is attentive

"paint the wall above the shower surround. I did a very little part and went to step off the stool to the edge of the tub to re-position myself" Oooh, cringing, because I stand on the lip of the tub, too; painting, changing the shower curtain - ack! Hope you heal up well. :)

LOL Yah, "Fleabiscuit" is the term of endearment I use for my horses when they are not being so endearing, Also, "donkey" is used a lot. LOL - that can be your next gallop poll "what do you call your horse?" - no cuss words allowed, obviously.

4. Bucking when least expected. A friend came to ride with me last week and everything was going very nicely. Out of the blue, right behind my horse and I, my friend's horse decided to take to bucking - the farting, grunting type of bucking normally reserved for well bred Stampede broncs. My pal caught some serious hang time after valiantly trying to stay on for half the length of the arena. We never did find out what set her off and she almost started a chain reaction but I managed to convince

Hi SH, well it's the darn broodmares that multiply so quickly! Thankfully I don't have any pregnant mares at this time. And I am seriously going to downsize. (ohmygosh how many times do horse people utter those words? lol)

Thanks everyone. Work is alright. I'm at a chiropractor's office - and NO he has not got me on his table except for acupuncture - which is awesome, btw, so if you ever get a chance to try it - do! I am also back to teaching lessons too - which I didn't want to do so I could get my ammy card back BUT the money is too hard to turn down. I still have Kitkat, Dusty, Tickin, Issy and the old mares. I acquired a HUGE TB mare and bred her to a big hunter under saddle paint stallion - and she

*Looks around* I haven't been here in awhile! LOL So what have I missed? What's new with me? Nothing, everything - have some new horses, had a foal born this spring, sold only one so that was a case of sell one/buy 3. Ack. Seperated from my husband, went back to work (aww man!), kids are getting big, have too many dogs, too and am still always running for soccer games and practice. *Waves*