Golden Triangle equine

02/11/2026

this week i will be on the road :

Friday i will be in Thompson falls
Thursday : greatfalls , and headed to missula , lolo .

feel free to call or message me on here
1 360 463 2094

01/28/2026

some safe trailer things to know :

In order to keep your horse sound, it is important to maintain a good warm up and cool down routine.

Warming up refers to the initial work in a session, whether at home or at a competition. It allows the horse’s body to adjust to the work by increasing heart rate and circulation, helping oxygenated blood flow into the muscles. This loosens the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, prepares the body for the demands of exercise, and helps reduce the risk of injuries such as muscle or tendon tears from sudden fast work. It also gives the rider a chance to adjust and check the horse’s responses before starting the main work.

Ideally, a warm up will consist of five to 10 minutes of walk on a long rein, followed by the same at trot, before beginning canter or more complex work.

Cooling down usually consists of five to 10 minutes of walk (sometimes beginning with trot if the session involved fast work), on a long rein. This allows the heart rate and respiration rate to slowly decrease, helps the muscles clear lactic acid produced during work, and gives the horse time to stretch and loosen after exertion.

In very hot weather — particularly after galloping cross-country — it may be more important to begin cooling the horse immediately to prevent a rise in core temperature, rather than continuing to walk for several minutes.

01/27/2026

Working on horses in the am ! Im in st. Ignatius. Let me know if you would like any worked on .
Hands on 125
Pemf 65
Both at the same time 150

Multiple horse discounts

01/26/2026

how does your horse move ? here is a look at the inside and some of the parts that make your horse preform at his best .
some things you that can help to make your horse preform at its best is get in the habit of a good warm up and cool down. you can do this with a good stretching program before your ride and after.

so here is one example of a good plan : (every horse is different get help making a plan for you and your horse . if you are not formular with this )

In order to keep your horse sound, it is important to maintain a good warm up and cool down routine.

Warming up refers to the initial work in a session, whether at home or at a competition. It allows the horse’s body to adjust to the work by increasing heart rate and circulation, helping oxygenated blood flow into the muscles. This loosens the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, prepares the body for the demands of exercise, and helps reduce the risk of injuries such as muscle or tendon tears from sudden fast work. It also gives the rider a chance to adjust and check the horse’s responses before starting the main work.

Ideally, a warm up will consist of five to 10 minutes of walk on a long rein, followed by the same at trot, before beginning canter or more complex work.

Cooling down usually consists of five to 10 minutes of walk (sometimes beginning with trot if the session involved fast work), on a long rein. This allows the heart rate and respiration rate to slowly decrease, helps the muscles clear lactic acid produced during work, and gives the horse time to stretch and loosen after exertion.

In very hot weather — particularly after galloping cross-country — it may be more important to begin cooling the horse immediately to prevent a rise in core temperature, rather than continuing to walk for several minutes.

01/26/2026

who is GOLDEN TRI-ANGLE EQUINE ?
well let me tell you about what i do and how i got here . this was wrote about me by a friend .....

Destinie Beninger is a Certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist with education in Rehabilitation. She attended MNHA (Midwest Natural Healing For Animals) with 3 months of coursework including Anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, rider biomechanics, basic saddle fit, rehabilitation, and much more.
She then attended a 4 day hands on course and met strict criteria to receive her certification. What are the benefits of massage? Well.....SO many things!
- Improves circulation
- Releases endorphins (which are natural painkillers)
- Increases excretion of toxins
- Relaxes muscle spasms and relieves tension
- Alleviates stiffness and restores mobility to injured tissues
- Prevents injuries and loss of mobility in trouble spots
- Increases range of motion
- Enhances muscle tone
- Reduces inflammation and swelling
- Lowers blood pressure
- Increases endurance
- Maintains overall physical condition
- Promotes relaxation, focus and positive disposition Every horse can benefit from massage!

01/24/2026

12 Horse Skeleton Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

The skeleton of horses has gone through major evolutionary changes in the last 55 million years. As the ancestors of horses transitioned from living in forests to open grasslands, their skeleton elongated and they lost several toes. These changes increased the horse’s stride length and speed, allowing it to run away from predators.

As in other vertebrate animals, the skeleton has three main functions in horses: protecting essential organs, supporting soft tissues, and providing a framework to the body. The bones of the skeleton are held together by ligaments, while tendons attach muscles and muscle groups to bones.

Not unlike our own, the horse’s skeleton can be divided into two major sections: the axial and appendicular skeleton. The axial skeleton comprises the skull, ribcage, and vertebral column, while the appendicular skeleton refers to the front and hind limbs.

Horses are fascinating in every way, and so is their skeleton. In this article, we reveal some amazing facts about the equine skeleton that will make you fall in love with these animals even more!

1. Most Horses Have 205 Bones
On average, horses have 205 bones in their skeleton. Interestingly, this is only one less than the number of bones we have, which is 206.

Some horse breeds, however, have fewer or more bones in their skeleton than the majority. A prime example is the Arabian Horse, which often has fewer ribs, lumbar vertebrae, and tail bones than the average horse.

Digital horse overlaid with it's skeletal structure
SciePro / Shutterstock.com
More specifically, these horses have 17 pairs of ribs instead of 18, 5 lumbar vertebrae instead of 6, and 16-17 tail bones instead of 18. These differences are the reason why Arabian Horses have a shorter torso and higher tail carriage than other horse breeds.

As a matter of fact, the number of tail bones frequently varies from horse to horse and can be between 15 and 25. The final number depends on the horse’s bloodlines and genetics.

2. A Horse’s Skeleton Makes Up Around 40% of Its Body Weight
It is estimated that a horse’s skeleton makes up nearly half of the animal’s body weight. Its absolute weight, however, depends entirely on the horse’s size.

In comparison, the skeleton of humans only constitutes around 15% of the total body weight. Talk about being big b***d!

While an average 400-kg (880-pound) horse’s bones weigh around 160 kg (352 pounds), the bones of draft horses are considerably heavier.

The world’s tallest and largest horse was a Shire gelding called Sampson from Bedfordshire, England. Also known as Mammoth, he stood at an impressive 21.25 hands and weighed over a ton and a half (3,359 pounds). This means that his skeleton alone weighed around 610 kg (1,344 pounds), which is as heavy as a smart car!

3. A Horse’s Skull Has Twice As Many Bones As A Human’s
The skull of a horse is made up of 34 different bones, whereas a human skull only has 14. Since horses have a very different head shape and size to us, it is understandable why their skull has more bones. Coincidentally, the number of major bones in the horse’s skull is also 14.

Similar to other animals, the bones of the equine skull make up the cavities that hold the brain, eyes, mouth, and nose. Most of these bones are fused together, with the only moving part being the mandible or jaw.

Horse head skeleton
Motionblur Studios / Shutterstock.com
An interesting difference between the skulls of humans and horses is the position of the orbits. In humans, the orbits are front-facing, which gives us excellent binocular vision. Meanwhile, in horses, the orbits are positioned on the side of their skull, allowing them to see almost 360 degrees around themselves.

The only blindspots a horse has are directly in front of and behind the head. To stop horses from bumping into things they can’t see, nature has given them long sensory hairs on the muzzle. Hence why it’s important to keep a horse’s whiskers on and not trim them for aesthetic purposes.

4. Male Horses Usually Have More Teeth Than Females
As it happens, the maximum number of teeth a horse can have is gender-dependent. Many, but not all, male horses have canines on either side of their upper and lower jaw, giving them a total of 40 teeth.

Since canines are absent in females, they can only have a maximum of 36 teeth. However, the teeth of both male and female horses take up more space in their skull than their brains!

Another fun fact about horses’ teeth is that they come in five different shapes and two sets (baby and permanent). They also never stop growing throughout the animal’s life, which is regular dental care is important.

You’ve probably heard before that it’s possible to estimate a horse’s age by looking at its teeth! This is not a myth, and the younger the horse is, the more accurate the estimation will be.

5. Horses Have No Collar Bones
Contrary to many vertebrate animals, horses lack a collarbone or clavicle in their skeleton. In other vertebrates like humans, collarbones attach the arms and shoulder blades to the body and provide stability to the upper torso.

Whereas, in horses, having a collarbone would limit their stride length and efficiency as a runner. They also wouldn’t be able to fold their legs up when jumping high.

Instead of a collarbone, horses have their forelimbs attached by a powerful group of muscles and tendons called the thoracic sling. This means that their front legs do not directly attach to the vertebral column like the hind legs.

The thoracic sling is made possible by the broad flat surfaces of the shoulder blade and the sternum that provide ample attachment sites for muscles. The three main thoracic sling muscles are the trapezius, serratus ventralis, and pectorals.

Horse body outline with anatomically correct skeleton overlaid
Alexonline / Shutterstock.com

6. Shoulder Angle Determines A Horse’s Athletic Ability
The angle or slope of the shoulder is often considered when assessing the conformation of riding horses. By “shoulder angle”, we mean the angle of the horse’s shoulder blade (scapula) in relation to the bone of the upper arm (humerus).

Horses with more angled shoulders have a higher potential of succeeding in disciplines that require speed and athleticism. This is because the more angled the shoulder joint is, the less concussion will be transferred to the structures of the lower limb.

Therefore, an angled or sloping shoulder is a sign of good conformation in riding horses. Horses with straighter, steeper shoulders tend to have a shorter stride length and jarring gaits. On the other hand, steep shoulders are typical in draft horses that have been bred for pulling heavy goods and machinery.

7. The Horse’s Withers Are Made Up Of Thoracic Vertebrae
The withers are the highest point of the horse’s back and are found at the junction of the neck and back. In most horse breeds, the withers are used as a starting point when measuring a horse’s height.

If we look at the equine skeleton, we will see that the withers are made up of the long and narrow structures of the thoracic vertebrae, starting from the 5th to the 9th. The main purpose of the withers is to provide attachment points for the muscles and tendons of the neck and back.

Digital horse skeleton, organs and blood vessels
decade3d – anatomy online / Shutterstock.com

8. The Horse’s Back Bones Take Up To 6 Years To Mature
Experts agree that the last structure to mature in the horse’s skeleton is the vertebral column. It takes 6 years on average for the growth plates of backbones to fuse, which is an important consideration when breaking young horses.

According to Dr. Deb Bennett, the horse’s spine takes at least 5 and a half years to fully mature, although this varies with height and gender. Male horses usually need an additional 6 months to complete development. Moreover, tall horses with long necks might not be mature until they are 8 years old.

Unfortunately, it is still common practice in the horse world to ride 2- and 3-year-olds. This is a major welfare issue, since the horse’s skeletal system is still in development at this age. As a general rule of thumb, the longer you wait with riding a young horse, the longer their working life is going to be.

9. Horses Stand On Just One Digit
Like donkeys and zebras, horses also stand on a single toe that we see as the hoof. Believe it or not, this “toe” is the equivalent of the third digit on our hands and feet!

However, horses have not always been this way. 55 million years ago, their ancestors used to have four toes on the front feet and three toes on the rear. Over time, all but the middle toes shrunk and became the vestigial remnants we see today.

Horse with a digital skeleton overlayed
SciePro / Shutterstock.com
Many equestrians are aware that the splint bones on either side of the cannon bone represent what’s left of the 2nd and 4th toes. However, anatomist Nikos Solounias and colleagues believe the ridges on the tip of splint bones are actually the remains of the ancient 1st and 5th digits.

While splint bones are no doubt fascinating, they can also cause health problems in the modern horse. A splint bone fracture or inflammation can result in painful bony protrusions or “splints” appearing on the horse’s leg.

10. What Most People Call The Horse’s “Knee” Is Equivalent To Our Wrist
In the horse world, calling the large round joint on the horse’s front legs their knee is common. However, in reality, this is called the carpus or carpal joint, which is equivalent to our wrist. It is made up of 7-8 bones arranged in two rows to form three joints.

Whereas, the “true” knee of horses is located high up on the hind limbs by the flank. Perhaps you have heard of the anatomical term “stifle” before? Stifle or femoropatellar joint is what they call the horse’s knee in medicine and science.

You can easily observe the patella of the knee protruding as the horse moves. If you watch closely, you’ll notice that the knee flexes in synchrony with the hock. This is because the two joints are connected by two tendinous muscles that make up the horse’s stay apparatus.

11. The Femur Is The Longest Bone Of The Horse Skeleton
The femur is the long and thick bone between the horse’s knee and hip. As in many vertebrates, it is proportionately the longest bone of the horse’s skeleton. Naturally, its exact length varies with the horse’s age, gender, and breed.
Bones of a horses leg
decade3d – anatomy online / Shutterstock.com
In contrast, the smallest bones of the equine skeleton are found in the inner ear. These tiny structures are called malleus, incus, and stapes, which is Latin for “stirrup”. They play an essential role in the horse’s hearing by transmitting sounds to the inner ear.

12. A Female Horse’s Pelvis Limits The Size Of Her Foal
The pelvis is the largest among the flat bones of the horse’s skeleton. Understandably, the pelvic cavity is greater in female horses than in males to allow for the passage of a foal.

To ensure the survival of both mare and foal, the size of the mare’s pelvis limits how large the foal can grow. This makes it possible for the mare to deliver the foal of a bigger stallion. However, it is still not recommended to breed a mare to an overly large stallion as complications can arise

01/24/2026

Hopefully everyone is staying warm! I have a few travel plans with some openings:

Tomsonfalls and Kalispell on Monday morning

Greatfalls ,voughn,and ulm area Thursday

Browning,cutbank ,shelby,and Conrad Friday .

As always flexible in my schedule. Let me know what you need and I'll work you in.
360 463 2094 or message me .

01/22/2026

01/13/2026

HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR FEEDING A PONY :
* THIS IS JUST ONE OPION THERE ARE ALOT, KEY THING DO YOUR RESEARCH . EVERY PONY / MINNIE ARE NOT THE SAME .

Ask a pony owner and they'll tell you, ponies are tougher, smarter, stronger, and healthier than any horse. They tend to be hardier, have few hoof problems, and are less prone to some types of colic. They run on a lot less fuel too. Rations that would starve a horse will keep a pony round and energetic. Learn what to feed your pony to keep them healthy.

Nutritional Needs
Most pony breeds developed where the pasture was very sparse, the terrain rugged, and the climate harsh. They had to work hard to find their food and so, in a short time, they have evolved to use what little food they could find very efficiently. When we pamper them, feed special preparations and lush grass, we very often do more harm than good. Overfeeding is more often a problem for ponies than underfeeding.1

Ponies need only a fraction of the feed that horses do. Hay for ponies should be good quality grass hay. Your pony probably won't need the nutrition provided by alfalfa and clovers. These fodders, which are more energy- and nutrient-dense than many grass hays, are often too rich for a pony.

Pasturing
Lush pasture is a danger zone for ponies. Ponies can quickly succumb to founder, if introduced suddenly to lush grass. If you plan to keep your pony on grass, introduce it very slowly and allow it to fill up on hay before turning it out to graze. If your pony eats too much rich pasture, or undergoes abrupt or rapid changes in the diet, this could lead to colic or founder.2 You may never be able to leave some ponies on good pasture. Ponies can become obese very quickly and that can lead to health problems like metabolic syndrome.3

Grass that grows slowly would be ideal. Or he could spend a small portion of his time on pasture and the rest in a grassless paddock. It might be necessary to keep a pony off of pasture for a portion of the day. It sometimes takes a bit of creativity to find ways to restrict the amount of feed your pony is receiving. Some people use their round pen or a paddock, where no grass grows. Another option is to use a grazing muzzle. Grazing muzzles let a pony graze, but only have access to a few blades at a time. The spaces in the muzzle also allow the pony to drink, so of course, make sure your pony has access to clean fresh water.

Extra Feeds
Ponies rarely need concentrates or grain. The exception would be a pony that is working very hard; one that is doing several lessons a week, being driven frequently, doing something like pulling competitions, or a lactating mare with a foal by her side. If your pony is losing condition, you could increase the quantity of hay, and if that isn't enough, add a concentrate that isn't too rich. A forage replacer fortified with vitamins and minerals might give your pony the nutritional energy boost it needs without adding extra pounds.

If you like to feed your pony even if it is not working hard—and for some owners, this is a very satisfying activity—look for a concentrate that is low in calories. Some manufacturers make special pony mixes. These mixes are balanced with the correct amount of supplements for a pony. Don't be tempted to top dress it with a lot of extras like molasses or beet pulp. If you are feeding good hay, the pony is getting a bit of pasture, and you have a mineral/salt block available, your pony will be getting what he needs. If you feed treats, it’s best to consider these in the context of the overall diet, so you won’t be overdoing it.

Health Maintenance
Pony mouths are small, so overgrown teeth can be a problem. Hooks and sharp edges can make chewing uncomfortable, because their mouths are comparatively more compact, and teeth, tongue, and gums can be closer together than in some horses. Don't forget to have your vet check your pony's teeth to ensure it can chew easily. You don’t want your pony losing weight because it has a sore mouth. A sore mouth can also lead to behavioral problems while carrying a bit.4 Ponies also need regular deworming to keep them in the best health.

01/07/2026

BASIC FOALING INFO:

Foaling Preparation: Prefoaling, Labor Stages, Post Foaling Instructions
By Kanab Veterinary Hospital | February 18, 2025 | 0

The big day is upon you. After 11 long months, your mare is ready to foal. Whether this is your first experience with a pregnant mare or your hundredth foaling, here’s a rundown of how to prepare.

Mare and Foal:
The average gestation length for the mare is between 338-343 days, although normal variation may be 320-380 days. Some mares will carry a foal over one year; prolonged gestation is usually not associated with a problem. If your mare has carried for over 350 days or at any time you are concerned, contact A VET for an exam. Very rarely is labor induced in the mare.

While labor and delivery are often the most exciting part of the pregnancy, the majority, thank goodness, are uneventful. You may be the most helpful to your mare as a silent observer. But be prepared; have your veterinarian’s number on hand in case of any problems or abnormalities.

Pre-Foaling: 5, 7, and 9 months of her pregnancy:
Your mare should receive the Rhinopneumonitis (Pneumabort K) vaccines in her pregnancy’s 5th, 7th, and 9th months. This vaccine helps prevent abortion caused by a Rhinovirus.

One month before foaling (10th month)
Pre-foaling vaccines: Your mare should receive booster vaccines at this time to ensure that high levels of antibodies will be present in her colostrum (first milk), which will then be transferred to the foal to protect it while its immune system develops. The vaccines to be given are Eastern and Western Encephalomyelitis, Teta**s, Influenza, and West Nile Virus.

Initial signs: The signs of impending birth vary between mares.

Filling of the udder (bagging up) should occur between 2-4 weeks before foaling. (Bagging up before this time should be noted and addressed by the veterinarian).
Distention of teats – 4-6 days before foaling
Waxing of teats – 1-4 days before foaling
Obvious dripping of milk – 24-48 hours before foaling
*** If your mare is dripping large amounts of milk before foaling contact YOUR VET. She may be losing colostrum, and we may have you try to save some in a container and freeze it so we may administer it later to the foal. ***
Softening and flattening of the muscles of the croup area.
Relaxation of the v***a and muscles around the a**s.
Mare may seem colicky, anxious, sweaty, and may lift her tail often and urinate frequently.
Preparations:
Ensure your mare has a stall with adequate room to foal and is safe. 14×14 area (by herself) with a 1-2’ “wall or rubber matting” around the bottom to ensure the foal stays in that stall. They are sometimes small enough to escape under a bottom rail.

Wear a watch… time each stage of labor. As the excitement level rises, keeping careful track of time will be essential. WRITE DOWN THE TIMING ON EACH STAGE OF LABOR. Do not rely on memory; your vet will need this information if problems arise.
Wrap the mare’s tail with a clean wrap. Do not apply too tightly; it may compromise circulation.
Wash the mare’s udders, v***a, and hindquarters with mild soap and rinse thoroughly.
Clean and disinfect the stall regularly and provide adequate bedding.
Commercial kits that measure calcium in the mare’s milk are available. These are easy to use and can be run daily to predict the time of foaling.
Stages of Labor

Stage One: Time 1-2 Hours
Mare will begin to act anxious, often will pace, look at her belly, lay down and get up. Contractions will begin….these are actually moving the foal through the cervix and positioning it in the birth canal. The fetal membrane, a white glistening sac called the allantois, may become visible at the mares v***a. When this sac breaks, it is often referred to as the breaking of the water. You will see a rush of fluid, thus the end of stage one.

Stage Two: Time is Critical!
If the foal is not delivered within 30 minutes of the water breaking, call A VET This stage is the actual expulsion of the foal. Some mares may start delivery or even just deliver standing. If your mare seems to be progressing, just sit back and quietly observe. Watch closely. The foal should be in a diving position; front feet first (hooves down), followed immediately by the nose, head, neck, shoulders and hind end. If you notice hooves up or any other abnormality in delivery, call A VET right away!

*** If you see a red, velvety looking sac around the foal coming out first, tear it open immediately then call YOUR VET! “Red bag delivery” means that the foal’s oxygen supply has been cut off and this is an extreme emergency! ***

Stage Three: The Placenta
The foal has now been delivered and this stage consists of passing of the placenta (the after birth). The placenta may not drop immediately; usually it is expelled within 1-3 hours. Never pull on the placenta – allow the mare to pass it on her own. As she stands, it is a good idea to tie the placenta in a knot or take it up with a rubber band to protect it from getting stepped on and torn. If the mare does not pass her placenta within 3 hours, contact A VET. A “retained placenta” can cause serious health problems for the mare and sometimes even death if not removed properly. Once the mare has passed the placenta, place it in a bucket of water. Your veterinarian will want to examine it to insure the complete placenta has been passed.

Hurray! Foal is out, Now What?

Allow the foal to break through the fetal membranes, ensuring the foal is breathing.
Do Not Cut the Umbilical Cord – it will break on its own when the mare or foal stands up.
Allow the mare and foal time to rest. Do not encourage them, they will get up. This is important bonding time.
The foal should be standing within 1 hour and nursing within 2 hours of being born; if not call A VET. (Attempts to stand are usually made within the first 30 minutes of being born.)
It is essential the newborn receives an adequate supply of colostrum… that is the mare’s first milk which is rich in antibodies to protect the foal from disease. The foal only has the ability to absorb these antibodies until 12 hours of age. If the foal has not, or cannot nurse, within the first 3 hours of life it is very important to contact your veterinarian so that we may medically administer some antibodies to help ensure their survival.
When the foal stands, limbs often appear “abnormal” at first. Weak limbs are not abnormal for the first 24-48 hours.
The foal should pass its meconium (first manure), black and tarry in color, within 12 hours of being born. If none has passed, discuss the administration of an e***a with your veterinarian.
You should dip the foal’s naval 2-3 times a day for the first 3 days starting hours after birth with a dilute antibacterial solution recommended by your veterinarian. SOME MAY use a 1:4 solution of nolvasan and distilled water. The umbilical stump is a direct route into the foal’s internal organs. Dipping the naval will prevent infection. not recommend using straight iodine as it cauterizes the umbilical vessels and traps bacteria inside. If you observe swelling or drainage from the umbilicus in the first few weeks, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Post-Foaling Exams

All mares and foals should be examined within 24 hours postpartum. Your veterinarian will examine the mare for any foaling injuries, etc. The foal will be examined for congenital abnormalities, and a blood test will be run to ensure adequate absorption of antibodies from the colostrum. If the foal has not received adequate antibody transfer from the mare they are at great risk of life threatening infection and disease. If everything goes as planned, contact your veterinarian to schedule a post foaling exam for at least 12 hours post foaling. The foals must be 12 hours of age to complete the blood test for the antibody levels.

As the big day grows near, being prepared and informed is the most beneficial. The wonderful world of nature usually provides a safe and easy non-assisted delivery. Keep your anxiety in check and enjoy this momentous occasion!

Congratulations and Good Luck!