I know we are all getting tired and frustrated when hearing about COVID-19 in all facets of our lives. Several horse owners who board their horses cannot even visit their horses due to barn closures. Folks usually travel to South Carolina from all over the country for the show season, which has unfortunately taken a back seat. I choose to find the golden horseshoe. We can use this unfortunate downtime in a positive manner for our horses as well as for ourselves. We can use this time to reflect, learn, and plan for the rest of our year or even our future.
Today, I will step away from a purely equine nutrition article. Let’s talk instead about some of the equine decisions that we are sometimes too busy to make and/or leave up to somebody else.
There are some great equine nutrition textbooks out there that stand the test of time. These books will give you facts, not mere opinions from your friend or neighbor. One of the best manuals you can own is Equine Clinical Nutrition by Lon D. Lewis. If you are not into reading hardcover books and prefer online, look into the leading equine nutrition research colleges and universities such as Kansas State, Texas A&M, and Montana State. You may even take an online course to further your education. Take the time for an honest look at your horse and make an educated decision on what you can do better. I do that on a weekly basis.
Let’s look at training. I’ve talked to many horse owners, professional trainers, and clinicians in the last few weeks from around the country to see how different parts of the country are getting through this crisis. Some barns that are closed are letting the owners drive up, stay in their trucks, and watch their horses being worked. Bittersweet I guess, but it gets you there. If you are locked down in your house, it may be time to subscribe to a professional equine periodical such as Eclectic Horseman or The Horse. These periodicals do not have any filler, just great training, nutrition, and wellness articles. Eclectic Horseman also has a vast collection of books and videos that can aid in all disciplines.
Many professional clinicians have podcasts. What a way to get some valuable FREE knowledge from top trainers around the world!! They might even get you interested in another discipline. Many of them will give their websites and personal phone numbers for a complimentary phone call. If you want to know about some of these podcasts, give me call, email, or text, and I will point you in the right direction.
Lastly, let’s talk about planning. Now that our entire schedule for 2020 has changed, what will we plan for? As soon as we get the “all clear,” what will be your first step? I know what mine will be, and I am ready. Please don’t wait for that all clear. Know what you want to do on day one, day two, day three, and so on. Look at your present feed program. Is it working as well as it could? Where is your hay coming from? Research different types of hay and learn which types could be more beneficial for your horse and discipline. Is your training program on the uptick? Or has it been the same for the last three years? Write down where you really want to be with your horse this year. And as I always say, be honest with yourself and your horse. Your horse depends on you.
Stay well, Be safe, and Ride on!
