Crystal Forsell Dressage

03/15/2026

There is space in this clinic at Scissortail next weekend!
Get yourself signed up!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D48AEAE22A5F5CF8-62928270-clinic

03/15/2026

We went to a show weekend and my view wasn't from C for a change!

This was Kip's first show and he handled it like a pro! He even earned a 65% at training level with a few bobbles.

Phoenix, owned by Kathy Harlan put in solid tests despite some show nerves at his second show and debut at first level, as well as Kathy's first trip down the centerline on him!

Thank you Central Texas Dressage Society and all the volunteers for another great show!

01/12/2026

Lots of continuing education happened in 2025! This is a symbol of the USDF education I participated in.

11/19/2025

Here are the questions discussed in the conversation on the live A and A: continue asking questions and we will answer throughout the day.

1. Should producers cancel this weekend?
- Answer: Yes, they should cancel.

2. How would you advise neighboring states to proceed with horse events?
- Answer: Less movement of horses will help resolve the outbreak faster.

3. Is BVH aware of cases outside of the Waco horses?
- Answer: Currently, only aware of cases in Waco, but expect potential spread.

4. Is this contagious to humans?
- Answer: No, it is not contagious to people.

5. Can someone who attended these races get a test at the clinic?
- Answer: Yes, they can screen horses and we will do trailer-side examinations.

6. How do you advise other disciplines to respond?
- Answer: Be discipline-specific, vaccinate, take temperatures, and practice good biosecurity.

7. Is there any risk that farriers could transmit this from barn to barn?
- Answer: Unlikely, as farriers are typically careful about infectious disease transmission.

8. How do people get vaccines without bringing their horse to the clinic?
- Answer: Vaccines require a veterinary exam, either at the clinic or on the farm, call and we can schedule this for you.

9. When do you suggest getting boosters?
- Answer: If the last vaccines were given more than 90 days ago, then as soon as possible to increase antibodies and slow virus spread.

10. What is your choice for disinfecting tech buckets, the barn, etc.?
- Answer: Avoid bleach, use accelerated hydrogen peroxide, phenols, or quaternary ammonia products. (rescue or companion)

11. How long will the virus last on surfaces if not disinfected?
- Answer: 2 days on dry surfaces, up to 2 weeks on wet surfaces.

12. Can horses have the virus without fever or nasal discharge?
- Answer: Yes, they can still be potentially contagious.

13. Can lysine or other products help prevent or build immunity?
- Answer: No, lysine and zinc have not been effective. Vaccines are the best prevention.

14. What is a normal horse temperature?
- Answer: 99 to 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on environmental conditions.

15. Is it okay to ride your horse at home if they were exposed but have no symptoms?
- Answer: Yes, but be smart about separating horses and avoid sharing tack.

16. If a horse had recent exposure in the last two days and is not vaccinated, should they be vaccinated now?
- Answer: Yes, vaccination can help reduce virus shedding and spread.

11/06/2025

Join me for a clinic at Scissortail Hill Equestrian in Austin on November 16!
Sign up is in the comments!

11/03/2025

I haven't been using this, but good to know!

🧴 It is Medicine Monday! And it is all yellow. That is right we are talking about Furacin or Fura-zone Ointment (Nitrofurazone). Not all wound products are created equally and may be a detriment to wound healing.

💛 Nitrofurazone is a topical water-soluble ointment with antibacterial properties for superficial wounds. And it is commonly used in combination with DMSO gel as a “sweat” for horses with cellulitis. Nitrofurazone should never be used on open wounds. Research has shown that nitrofurazone inhibits wound healing by as much as 24%.

☣️Nitrofurazone is associated with carcinogenicity, defined as the potential of a biomaterial to promote tumor formation. This has led to many horse owners throwing out their supply due to this risk.

🩺 We always recommend seeking veterinary advise and an exam when it comes to wounds. Wounds may involve important structures including bone, tendon sheaths and/or joints. It is important that wounds be thoroughly examined by your veterinarian so they can recommend appropriate diagnostics, treatment options and possible referral to an equine hospital.

❌ Now, Fura-Zone is no longer available; other nitrofurazone products are still available.

09/28/2025

A beautiful morning at C again! This time at Scissortail Hill Equestrian . Thank you to all of the competitors, and volunteers who made it a great show!

09/13/2025

Another view from C!
Judging today at the Wilco Expo Center for CTDS!
Have a great ride everyone!

06/02/2025

Phin is starting the day with posture!

04/25/2025

Scrubby scrub!
I had a little help getting ready for the workshop this weekend today!

01/16/2025

Do you problems like these?

👉Horses that won’t go energetically forward
👉Hang or lean on one or both reins
👉Inaccurate figures
👉Not picking up the correct lead
👉Canter leads that feel very different
👉Horses that brace or resist aids
👉Connection issues
👉Losing points in the show ring
👉Habitual crookedness causing asymmetrical development increasing lameness risk and saddle fit issues
👉Challenges with advanced movements due to lack of straightness and alignment
👉Unbalanced transitions

I have your answer in the Steps to Straightness 5 Day Challenge.
There are only a few days left before we get started!
Because I know that not everyone gets 5 days in a row to ride, you get access to all of the exercises for 2 weeks!
Click the link in the comments to get signed up!