BarnManager’s Favorite Equestrian Athletes on Instagram

Equestrian athletes live exciting lives so it is always fun to follow along with them on Instagram to keep up with their busy schedules. The most entertaining accounts include riders who post additional content besides competition photos such as behind-the-scenes looks at their farms, training tips, their go-to brands, and family photos. Continue reading for a list of BarnManager’s favorite equestrian athletes to follow on Instagram.

@edwinatopsalexander

Edwina Tops-Alexander

Edwina Tops-Alexander is an Australian Olympic show jumping athlete. In addition to competition highlights, her Instagram features posts about training exercises, traveling with her family, her favorite jewelry and clothing, and more.

@georginabloomberg

Georgina Bloomberg

In addition to being a top United States show jumping athlete, Georgina Bloomberg is an author, animal activist, and mother. Georgina shares a variety of posts including her world travels, special moments with her son, her rescue dogs, and fun shots from her Global Champions League team New York Empire showing on the Longines Global Champions Tour circuit.

@anna_buffini

Anna Buffini

Anna Buffini is an up-and-coming United States dressage rider. On her Instagram, Anna shares memorablemoments with her top mount FRH Davinia la Douce, her go-to fitness routines at the gym, videos of her training her horses at home, and horse show highlights.

@mrtankcook

Karl Cook

Karl Cook is a United States show jumping athlete based in California. Karl is known for his “Walking and Talking” videos, which feature him reviewing his competition rounds, sharing his opinions and insights, what he has learned throughout his career, and discussing topics related to the equestrian world.

@archiecox3

Archie Cox

Archie Cox is a respected hunter, jumper, and equitation trainer who has taught many of the nation’s top horses and riders. Archie’s Instagram features fun throwback photos of his own competition days, horsemanship and riding tips, proud trainer moments, and inspirational quotes.

@cathrinedufour

Cathrine Dufour

Cathrine Dufour is a Danish Olympic dressage rider. Cathrine shares posts from her travels, what she is working on while training at home, fun shots around the barn, and more.

@double_h_farm

Double H Farm

At Double H Farm, owned by the Harrison Family, professional rider Quentin Judge provides hunter, jumper, and equitation training. The barn’s Instagram account shares competition highlights, photos of Quentin’s kids around the barn, fun candid and team shots, throwback videos and photos of their top horses competing, and more.

@boydmartineventing

Boyd Martin

Boyd Martin is an Olympic eventing athlete for the United States. On his Instagram, Boyd shares photos of his family, competition reels, scenes from the course walk and jog at horse shows, and videos of him training at home.

@laurensprieser

Lauren Sprieser

Lauren Sprieser is a dressage rider from the United States. Her Instagram is a combination of training photos, #TipTuesday posts, and competition shots.

@jessicaspringsteen

Jessica Springsteen

Jessica Springsteen is an Olympic show jumping athlete from the United States. Jessica’s Instagram includes impressive competition highlights from horse shows around the world, cute behind-the-scenes shots at the barn, photos of the Tommy Hilfiger Equestrian line, and more.

Must-Watch Live Streams This Fall

As the end of the year approaches, there are several prestigious competitions and finals you will not want to miss seeing. Continue reading to learn where you can catch a few of the most noteworthy show jumping, hunter, equitation, dressage, and eventing shows this fall.

Dressage at Devon:

September 26-October 1, 2023 – Dressage at Devon takes place in Devon, PA. The event offers international competition at several levels including World Cup qualifiers, three-star competition, Junior and Young Rider qualifiers, and Adult Amateur competition. It is also one of the largest open-breed shows in the world.

Where to watch: Horse & Country

Capital Challenge Horse Show:

September 28-October 8, 2023 – Capital Challenge Horse Show will celebrate its 30th anniversary at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. Enjoy top equitation competition during Equitation Weekend, presented by BIGEQ.com. Hunter competition takes center stage starting on Monday, October 2, with the country’s best horse-and-rider combinations going head-to-head in World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) Challenges and Finals. The highlight event will be the $25,000 WCHR Professional Finals on Friday, October 6.

Where to watch: CapitalChallenge.org or USEF Network

CSI Greenwich:

October 5-8, 2023 – CSI Greenwich takes place at the iconic Greenwich Polo Club in Greenwich, CT. The event will feature five-star Major League Show Jumping competition on the beautiful grass field.

Where to watch: Horse & Country, MLSJ TV, and ClipMyHorse.TV

Washington International Horse Show:

October 23-29, 2023 – The 2023 Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) will take place at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. The country’s best show jumping, hunter, and equitation riders will compete at the prestigious event. Highlights include the $450,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington CSI5*-W for the President’s Cup, which is the only five-star World Cup qualifier in the U.S., and the WIHS Equitation Finals, both on Saturday, October 28.

Where to watch: USEF Network/ClipMyHorse.TV

Les 5 Étoiles de Pau:

October 26-29, 2023 – Les 5 Étoiles de Pau will take place in Domaine de Sers in Pau, France, and will feature some of the world’s top eventing riders and horses. The competition is one of the seven five-star events in the world.

Where to watch: Horse & Country

The Royal Horse Show:

November 3-12, 2023 – The 2023 Royal Horse Show will take place at Exhibition Place in Toronto, Canada, as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. The event will highlight hunter classes as well as top international show jumping competition. The main event of the week will be the $250,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto CSI5*-W on Saturday, November 11.

Where to watch: The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

Where to watch the $250,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Toronto CSI5*-W: ClipMyHorse.TV

World Equestrian Center – Ocala November Dressage CDI3*:

November 16-19, 2023 – Dressage competition will take the spotlight at World Equestrian Center – Ocala during the November Dressage CDI3* show in Ocala, FL. In addition to offering three-star dressage competition, the event will also offer USEF/USDF competition and serve as a qualifying show for the Great American/United States Dressage Federation Regional Championships.

Where to watch: ClipMyHorse.TV

Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) Prague:

November 16-19, 2023 – LGCT Prague is the final event of the Global Champions Tour circuit. The show will take place in the O2 Arena in Prague, Czech Republic. Top international show jumping athletes will compete for coveted titles with the main events being the LGCT Super Grand Prix and the Global Champions League Super Cup.

Where to watch: GCTV

Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!

BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!

BarnManager Horse Health Series: Proper Hoof Care

Proper hoof health can be difficult to achieve at any time of year, especially during the months with higher temperatures and humidity. A solid, healthy hoof is even more difficult to attain in a warmer climate due to an increase in moisture in the environment. Dr. Stephen O’Grady of Palm Beach Equine Clinic in Wellington, FL, explains how moisture contributes to a weaker hoof infrastructure and offers steps owners and managers can take to help keep moisture away and strengthen horses’ hooves.

We tend to use more water to keep horses cool when the temperatures are high, both at competitions and at home. In many areas of the country, the humidity levels also increase during this time of year, adding moisture to the air and preventing hooves from drying as quickly. What happens to a hoof with excess water is similar to what would happen to a wooden plank that’s placed in a water trough: it becomes waterlogged, then softens and becomes weaker as a result.

It is best to tackle issues that accompany moisture by going straight to the source and minimizing the amount of water that comes in contact with the hooves. This can be accomplished in several ways:

  1. Give your horse fewer baths

Photo by Jump Media

Cutting down on how many times per day a horse is hosed can be difficult with competition horses that need to stay clean and that may be exercised, ridden, or shown several times per day. Still, it is important to be strategic about using water, especially on the legs. At home, try to occasionally let your horse air dry in front of the fan if a bath isn’t entirely necessary. Body clipping will help your horse’s heat tolerance this time of year and you may not have to use the hose after every ride.

  1. Avoid standing water

If you must bathe, be sure the horse isn’t standing in excess water that rises over the hoof capsule. Try to shower off the horse in a dry area so the surface underneath the horse does not contribute to the moisture level. After being bathed, move the horse to a dry surface so their hooves can thoroughly dry.

  1. Use hoof shields to direct water away from the hoof

A good preventative tool to use while hosing is tight-fitting bell boots that cover the hoof and prevent external water from running down onto the hoof. The same effect can be accomplished with a gallon-sized plastic bag. Simply cut the bottom of the bag, place the horse’s foot inside, and seal the bag just below the fetlock to prevent excess water from sliding down the hoof.

  1. Stand the horse in sawdust

Sawdust and similar materials have a drying effect on hooves. If hooves become saturated for any reason, let the horse stand in deep sawdust to extract the moisture. Shavings would work also, but sawdust is the most effective for absorbing moisture.

  1. Use a shellac-type hoof dressing

Photo by Jump Media

This type of product can help prevent the hoof from absorbing too much water if applied before baths or turnout. Ask your farrier or veterinarian to recommend options that will do the job when used one to two times per week. Boric acid powder can also be applied to horses’ feet once or twice a week, serving as an astringent for the hoof.

  1. Avoid turning out early in the morning

When humidity is high, the grass at dawn will have a high dew level, meaning horses will be standing on wet surfaces during the first hours spent outside. Though temperatures are cooler as the sun is still rising, for overall hoof health it’s best to wait until the grass has dried.

  1. Farriery may need to be changed during warmer months

Open the lines of communication between your veterinarian and farrier. This is a crucial step to ultimate hoof care. Each professional has a reason behind their decisions, and if the two work together as a team, the horse has a much higher chance of achieving optimal hoof health.

Achieving a healthy hoof is not solely a farrier’s job; it is a whole team effort and requires dedication and attention. By implementing these recommendations into your horse care routine, you can play a role in how moisture affects your horse’s hooves. When considering the effects of excessive moisture on the hoof wall, it’s important to understand there are other factors involved, including the age of horse, breed, genetic makeup, foot conformation, and current farriery practices. With open communication and implementing these measures as a team, you are on the right track to achieving a stronger and overall healthier hoof.

For a more in-depth explanation of horse hoof health, click HERE to read the full article from Palm Beach Equine Clinic.

NOTE: These guidelines are only suggestions, and you should always follow the specific instructions from your veterinarian.

Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!

BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!

BarnManager’s Favorite Equestrian Influencers

Many equestrians use social media to stay on top of the latest news and results in the sport. In addition to keeping up with your favorite riders and horse shows, consider adding a few influencers to your follow list and enjoy the wonderful world of horses from their perspective. Continue reading for a list of BarnManager’s favorite equestrian influencers on Instagram.

@betweentwoears

Alex Calder

Make sure to follow Alex Calder’s account @betweentwoears for beautiful views of Ireland through the ears of her horse Ben. Get a glimpse at the trails and fields of Ireland with some foal and pony posts mixed in.

@evangrooms

Evan Donadt

You should definitely take a look at dressage groom Evan Donadt’s @evangrooms account if you are looking for fun. His videos featuring a lighthearted take on equine behavior and life around the barn will make just about anyone laugh out loud.

@matt_harnacke

Matt Harnacke

Matt Harnacke documents what it’s like to be a model and dressage rider. Check out @matt_harnacke to follow along with his travels, watch videos of him riding during golden hour, and get an inside look at his life as the founder of @horseworld_tv.

@this_esme

Esme Higgs

Esme Higgs shares videos and photos promoting fashion, beauty, horses, travel, and equine welfare. Esme travels to top competitions around the world and shares her experiences with her followers on @this_esme. She also hosts a podcast, Esme’s Country Life, that offers a deeper dive into her love of the countryside, animals, horses, and riding.

@theblondeandthebay_

Madelyn Houser

Follow along with Madelyn Houser’s equestrian adventures on @theblondeandthebay_. Madelyn chronicles the highs and lows of her dressage career, working with her husband’s roping horses, the funny realities of running a barn with her spouse, and more.

@myequestrianstyle

Bethany Lee

For a mix of horse training, fashion, fitness, and travel check out @myequestrianstyle. Bethany Lee shares videos and photos of recent horse shows, her favorite clothing items, her go-to fitness routine, and more. Bethany also interviews leaders from across the sport on The Equestrian Podcast.

@jack.equibody.fitness

Jack LaTorre

Equestrians aiming to improve their fitness for riding should head over to @jack.equibody.fitness where dressage rider Jack LaTorre shares videos on why cross-training is important for equestrian athletes at all levels. Followers can learn exercises that can be done at the gym or at home to improve flexibility and strength to help improve their time in the saddle.

@urbancowgirl

Brianna Noble

Brianna Noble is an inspirational urban cowgirl who is aiming to change lives. She works with youth from underprivileged communities in California and utilizes horsemanship as a tool toward a brighter future through her Humble project. Follow @urbancowgirl for motivational and fun photos plus an honest look at the equestrian industry.

@warmbloodsandwine

Taryn Young

Taryn Young posts everything from encouraging quotes to favorite equestrian products and gifts on @warmbloodsandwine. As an amateur dressage rider, Taryn also shares photos and videos of herself competing.

Must-Watch Live Streams in August

The month of August is jam-packed with major show jumping, hunter, equitation, dressage, and eventing competitions. Continue reading to find out how to tune in to the final events of the summer.

FEI North American Youth Championships

August 8-13, 2023 – The 2023 FEI North American Youth Championships (NAYC) will take place during the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival VI at Flintfields Horse Park in Traverse City, MI.  As the premier equestrian competition in North America for children, pre-junior, junior, young riders, and U25, the NAYC allows youth to compete against their peers in a format similar to that of the Olympic Games and other international senior championships. Tune in to watch young equestrians compete for team and individual FEI medals in the Olympic equestrian disciplines of show jumping and dressage.

Where to watch: USEF Network

US Equestrian (USEF) Pony Finals presented by Honor Hill Farms

August 8-13, 2023 – Catch some of the fun of the 2023 USEF Pony Finals presented by Honor Hill Farm by watching wall-to-wall coverage of the country’s best hunter, jumper, and equitation ponies competing for coveted titles. The show takes place at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. The competition will feature the Regular Pony Hunter USEF Championship, the Green Pony Hunter USEF Championship, the Marshall & Sterling/USEF Pony Medal Finals, and the USEF Pony Jumper Championship.

Where to watch: USEF Network

Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) London

August 10-13, 2023 – LGCT London will take place at Royal Hospital Chelsea in London, England. The show will include two-star, five-star, and Global Champions League (GCL) show jumping competition. GCL classes will take place Saturday, August 12, and the LGCT Grand Prix of London will be the feature event on Sunday, August 13.

Where to watch: GCTV

U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions

August 21-27, 2023 – The 2023 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions will take place at HITS Chicago at Lamplight Equestrian in Wayne, IL. The event highlights many of the nation’s top athletes and horses in 16 different divisions, including the USEF Para Dressage National Championship.

Where to watch: USEF Network

MARS Great Meadow International

August 24-27, 2023 – The MARS Great Meadow International eventing competition is held at Great Meadow in The Plains, VA. In addition to drawing international talent, there are also several notable U.S. athletes expected to attend including Lauren Nicholson, Boyd Martin, and Will Coleman. Viewers can enjoy all three phases of the CCI4*-S, plus additional coverage from the other divisions.

Where to watch: Horse & Country

Major League Show Jumping (MLSJ) at Ottawa

August 25-27, 2023 – Major League Show Jumping (MLSJ) at Ottawa takes place at Wesley Clover Parks in Ottawa, ON. Enjoy both two-star and five-star show jumping as well as MLSJ Team Competition. Tune in on Saturday, August 26, for the CSI5* Team Competition and Sunday, August 27, for the CSI5* Grand Prix.

Where to watch: Horse & Country and MLSJ TV

2023 United States Eventing Association (USEA) American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds

August 29-September 3, 2023 – The 2023 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds takes place at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. This annual championship showcases every level of eventing from Beginner Novice to Advanced.

Where to watch: Horse & Country

Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!

BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!

BarnManager’s Favorite Summer Barn Activities

Summer is a wonderful time to hang around at the barn. There are also lots of productive and fun jobs you can do with your friends while enjoying the warm weather. Keep reading to learn about BarnManager’s favorite activities to do at the barn during the summer.

Paint Jumps

Summer is a great time to repaint jumps. Start by gathering your standards, poles, and planks together so you can easily make a plan for the colors and patterns you want for everything. Set aside any wooden boxes or jump fill that need touching up as well. This is a great activity to do at the end of the day when everyone is done riding. You can order a pizza and make it an afternoon painting party. Also, remember to check the weather forecast so your freshly painted jumps can dry safely overnight.

Revamp Flower Boxes

Flower boxes often take a beating in the ring. Begin by checking to see if any need repairs. Wash them thoroughly by removing any flowers that can be separated from the boxes. Do your cleaning in the wash stall or outdoors so you can really scrub off dirt and footing from the larger pieces. If the boxes are wooden, it may be a good idea to repaint them.  Consider purchasing some new fake flowers online or at a discount store to replace any that are getting old. It’s also a great time to replace old and worn-out green felt or turf that covers hunter poles or boxes.

Take a Group Trail Ride

Take advantage of the warm weather and plan a trail ride. This a great barn family bonding activity and a nice opportunity for the horses to enjoy time outside of the arena. You can also organize a group lunch or picnic after the trail ride back at the barn.

Plant Flowers Around the Barn

Spruce up the outside of the barn by planting some flowers. You can either purchase pots to put them in or plant them in the ground if you have a nice area in mind. If you really want to go all out, consider setting up a vegetable garden. Of course, make sure to plant a lot of carrots for the horses!

Plan a Photoshoot

Pick a nice summer afternoon to stage a photoshoot with some of your barn friends. Although hiring a professional photographer is an option, you can also take turns going behind the camera yourself. Even if you do not have professional equipment, iPhones can take great photos with proper editing.

Make Horse Popsicles

It’s always nice to have a cool popsicle waiting for you after a ride in the summer heat. This summer, try creating this treat for your horse to enjoy too. Popsicles for horses are easy to make and a great way to help them stay hydrated. Be sure all of the ingredients you use are safe for horses to eat. There are many variations of horse popsicles online with easy recipes to follow. Check out a few horse popsicle recipes HERE.

Summer always goes by too fast so make sure you are taking full advantage of the warm weather and sunshine and enjoy the time with your horse and barn friends.

Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!

BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!

What To Know Before Taking a Job as a Working Student

Working student positions can be wonderful opportunities for young riders to get a taste of the equestrian industry. This type of job can often differ in expectations, duties, and benefits so it is necessary to understand all of the details before agreeing to the position. Continue reading for a few crucial points to understand and discuss before taking on a position as a working student.

Type of Barn

It is important to think about the type of barn you would like to work for when you start the working student job search. Farms of all levels and disciplines often offer working student opportunities. While some people may want to work for a top hunter barn that travels to shows every week, others may prefer working at a facility with a busy lesson program or pony camp. If you are unsure about what type of farm you would like to work for it may be best to talk to several to get a feel for what seems most beneficial for you.

Responsibilities and Training Opportunities

Similar to any job, it is necessary to be clear on what your job duties will be before accepting a position. Since some working student jobs require prior experience and others do not, be sure you can handle all of the tasks your employer expects you to complete.

Although working student positions often include training, you need to be honest about your level of experience. If you are talking to a trainer about a working student position and the tasks seem beyond your abilities, make sure you are upfront about what you are capable of doing. Do not agree to do jobs that you are not able to successfully complete. Employers are often open to teaching working students, but it is important to have the discussion ahead of time.

Riding Opportunities

Some working student jobs offer riding opportunities while others do not. Be sure you are clear about whether or not riding will be part of the job, especially if this is important to you.

Payment

Working student jobs are not always paid positions, and it is important to know that upfront. This is often dependent on the employer, level of experience, type of position, and length of time. Another important topic to discuss is housing if it is something you would need. The employer may provide housing if it is a longer-term situation such as a job during an entire winter circuit. Some barns may offer a small stipend and more riding opportunities as payment. This is an important factor to know ahead of time so you can plan accordingly.

Travel

If you take a job at a show barn it is necessary to ask about their travel schedule and if you will be expected to go. This is especially important to ask about if you are still in school or have other responsibilities. Make sure you will have housing and travel expenses covered if you are expected to attend horse shows.

Working student positions can give young riders a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a barn. Make sure the farm is the right fit for you so that you can get as much out of the experience as possible.

Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!

BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!

BarnManager Horse Health Series: Your Equine Chiropractic Questions Answered

Most horse owners say they take better care of their equine partners than themselves. While many maintenance treatments and products could be considered a luxury, veterinary chiropractic adjustments do not fall into that category. Palm Beach Equine Clinic’s Dr. Ryan Lukens is a certified Veterinary Medical Manipulation Practitioner from the Chi Institute in Ocala, FL, and recommends all horses can benefit from regular chiropractic adjustments.

From minis to draft horses and pasture pets to top sport mounts, the parasympathetic stimulation triggered by chiropractic adjustments improves multiple facets of health for any equine. Therefore, veterinary chiropractic adjustments improve more than just athletic performance, and for sport horses, Dr. Lukens considers them a necessity.

According to Dr. Lukens, the benefits of veterinary chiropractic adjustments include:

  • Relief of pain and soreness
  • Increase in range of motion
  • Reversal of muscle atrophy through increased frequency of nerve activation
  • Increase in speed and accuracy of athletic movement
  • Adjustments can help calm the “fight or flight” response

Dr. Lukens outlines the “must know” details for any sport horse owner:

  1. Major Adjustment Points

There are 205 bones that comprise the skeleton of a horse, however, the equine chiropractor does not just adjust the skeleton. It is important to improve motion at segmented levels that involve bones and the supporting soft tissue structures and nerves. “Motion palpation” is used to test moving segments. If a segment is not moving freely in the appropriate directional planes, the equine chiropractor can perform an adjustment to correct the restriction of this movement.

Photo courtesy of Palm Beach Equine Clinic

Major adjustment points include the:

  • Mandible and tongue
  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
  • Poll and cervical vertebrae
  • Withers and sternum
  • Front and hind limbs
  • Thoracic and lumbar vertebrae
  • Pelvis/sacrum
  1. Every Horse Is Different

Veterinary chiropractic adjustments can be different for each horse and are often based on their discipline. The most common adjustments for various performance horses include:

Dressage: Balance is essential for dressage. The major points of balance affected by veterinary chiropractic work are the TMJ, hyoid, sternum, and cervical facets. Other common adjustments affected by lateral work include the shoulders, elbows, and pelvis.

Hunter/Jumper: Hunters and jumpers typically benefit from vertebral adjustments of the lumbar and upper cervical regions, ribs, sternum, front distal limbs, and the shoulders.

Eventing: Most eventing horses benefit from adjustments to the pelvis, all cervical vertebrae, TMJ, ribs, and the shoulders.

Western Disciplines: Reiners benefit from adjustments to their right shoulder, lower cervical facets, withers, and pelvis. Barrel racers benefit from shoulder, sacroiliac, and hip joint adjustments.

  1. Tips for Before and After an Adjustment

It is important that dental and farrier work is not overdue before veterinary chiropractic adjustments. Sharp dental points can cause adjustments to hold for shorter periods of time, especially in the poll, TMJ, and cervical vertebrae. In addition, if a horse is currently not shod well or has recently pulled a shoe, the adjustments of their limbs, back, pelvis, and sacrum may not provide long-lasting benefits.

Horses can be ridden and have a normal day before an appointment. They should not be ridden for the remainder of the day after an adjustment, but they can be turned out to pasture. Horses can be ridden as normal the following day, and it is a good idea to follow up with the veterinarian about how they felt.

  1. Solving Common Issues

Several common issues are often solved by a veterinary chiropractic adjustment. For jumpers, changes in jumping style (i.e. landing away from a front limb, only jumping off of a certain lead) and performance (hitting more rails than normal) could indicate a lack of range of motion that can often be corrected through a proper adjustment or series of adjustments.

For dressage horses, a change in balance could result in head tilting, not working through the back, lifting the lower cervical curve, or the hind limbs not following the path of the front limbs. That balance can often be reestablished with an adjustment.

In the western disciplines, a decrease in acceleration and turning can be indicative of the need for adjustments.

  1. Choosing Your Equine Chiropractor

A veterinarian trained in chiropractic adjustments is the safest choice for the horse. A veterinarian’s extensive knowledge of anatomy and understanding of when not to adjust a horse is an important part of ensuring the horse’s safety and well-being. If done improperly, adjustments can have adverse effects.

For a more in-depth explanation of equine chiropractic adjustments, click HERE to read the full article from Palm Beach Equine Clinic.

NOTE: These guidelines are only suggestions, and you should always follow the specific instructions from your veterinarian.  

Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!

BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!

BarnManager Q&A With: Kerri Short

BarnManager Q&A With: Kerri Short

Kerri Short, manager and groom for Anna Marek of Marek Dressage based out of Ocala, FL, and Dunnellon, FL

What are three things that are always in your ring bag and why?

The first thing I always make sure I have in my ring bag is a towel for wiping off boots, horse slobber, or anything else. I also keep silver spray just in case there are any last-minute nicks or scrapes. The third thing is sugar cubes for the good ponies! There are a lot of other things that are always in my ring bag but those are my top three.

What’s something you learned early in your career that has stuck with you?

Early in my career I learned that happy, healthy, shiny horses are due to good feed, grooming, and management.

Who inspires you the most in the industry and why?

Photo courtesy of Kerri Short

I would say there is no one person in particular who inspires me. Anyone who has made the horse industry, grooming in particular, their livelihood is inspirational. It can be a tough life, so I admire a lot of professionals and grooms that continue to always do a nice job and care for their horses. The love the equine industry “lifers” have for the horses is pretty awesome.

What is your best tip for staying organized during a busy show day?

A white board! It is so important to write down all the times, schedules, and other important information about what needs to happen during the day. A white board is perfect for this because you can write down a lot of notes and easily make any changes.

What is one horse show you have never been to but would love to attend?

When I was an event groom, I always wanted to go to Badminton and Burghley Horse Trials. In the dressage world, any of the team shows, like the Olympics, Pan American Games, or World Championships, are high on my list.

Mares, geldings, or stallions? Why?

I think a good horse is a good horse!

If you were a horse, what would you be and why?

I would probably a short Cob horse. I would definitely hate flies and want all the fly gear!

Have questions about utilizing BarnManager or want to give it a try for yourself? Request a live demo here!

BarnManager is designed to be a part of your team, with the compatibility and credentials necessary to improve communication, simplify the management of horses, and get you out of the office, off the phone calls, and into the barn with the horses you care about! Click here to get a free demo and find out more!