Champion Braids

08/12/2013

Made my night. Sweet dreams everyone.

A horse plays around in a kiddie pool and splashes water everywhere! For more hilarious pet videos check out http://www.youtube.com/petsami Follow Petsami on...

03/20/2013

Gotta love Ruthann!

This is PROPER SHANK USAGE. The halter won't pull over into the EYE. You have very good leverage if need be, while the horse is comfortable. There is no heavy or weighted swinging of the chain, which could confuse communication. NOTE: The chain wraps over the noseband, through the ring directly on the other side and then under face to clasp on the ring at the near cheek. This way, the shank is not creating a dangerous loop, which the horse could put his foot though. If you just ran the chain over the nose and pull on it, the halter on the far side can side into the horse's eye. Not good. No need for that stress on the horse nor injury to it. Another good point is that this horse is grazing with tension on the lead. So, she won't step on it. All good practices.

Incidentally, we call those long chains stallion shanks. This is a mare. Though, she is strong and likely a bit fresh during her recovery. So, using the stallion shank is a way to keep her safe, should she become unpredictable. Horses that have been on stall rest, even if normally very quiet, can be spooky and/or explosive. The same goes with ones that are not used to traveling or showing. Being ready with a well positioned shank is not just a matter of maintaining control. If the horse bolts, he is apt to get hurt. No one wants a simple walk to turn into an injury and months of vet bills.

Our JOB is to THINK AHEAD OF THE HORSE, so we solve problems before they even happen. It is much easier to avert a problem than contend with it. Always. Be safe.
~Ruthann

Photo credit for Rachel Alexandra and story of her recovery: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=542605939112372&set=a.167965013243135.31426.106318256074478&type=1&theater

03/27/2012

03/15/2012

03/13/2012

This is so bad it's good....

03/11/2012

03/05/2012

Isa Leshko, gives elderly farm animals a sense of dignity.

Photographer Isa Leshko discusses her series entitled Elderly Animals. Learn more about Isa and her work at http://www.IsaLeshko.com. Learn more about the filmmakers at http://www.WalleyFilms.com.

03/02/2012

Happy ending!!

A horse in Geelong, Australia, survived with only minor bruising after getting trapped in quicksand-like mud.

01/20/2012

Buster watching a riding lesson

01/20/2012

Wittle