Bt Daniel H. Grove, DVM

One benefit I have seen after the COVID 19 period a few years back has been an increase in outdoor activities. I thought a little insight into the costs of ownership and some items you should have on hand as a new horse owner.

The expensive part of owning a horse starts after the purchase. While there is often time a significant upfront investment into owning a horse, it really is, usually, just a drop in the bucket. Let us look at a list of things you should budget for in your monthly expenses with horse ownership.

Bud Lyon Clinic, Schooling Show kick off WCRH 2025 offerings

From the Horsetrader sales staff

Mark your calendars for a full weekend of learning Feb. 15-16 about showing ranch horse and honing your skills in preparation for the 2025 season.

On Saturday, Bud Lyon will be teaching the West Coast Ranch Horse 2025 Season Kick Off Clinic at California Ranch Company in Temecula. Bud needs no introduction, as he is a multiple World Champion and a National Snaffle Bit Association Quarter Million Dollar Rider — among countless other achievements and accolades.

One great way for equestrians to serve communities is participation in mounted patrol units. There is a variety of groups eager to recruit and train volunteers. Not only does mounted patrol provide a service, it also promotes horses as endearing community assets to residents that may not otherwise experience them.

By Daniel H. Grove, DVM

“When do I call my veterinarian?”

That is a question many clients tend to struggle with. In my opinion, it is better to make that phone call and discuss your concerns rather than waiting too long and having a more challenging time resolving a case. I would much rather have someone call during normal business hours with questions about a mild colic rather than 10 o’clock at night with a colic that is now dire. It is hard to give a recommendation on times not to call without having an examination of the patient to make a determination. So, here are some key times when I think it is prudent to get on the phone and at least discuss the situation with your veterinarian.

By Mark Flint / courtesy of ELCR.org

Many hands make light work, and if you have a project that could benefit from many hands, a well-run volunteer program can provide a low-cost solution that has the added benefit of building community among groups of people who might not otherwise interact.

GETTING ORGANIZED

Are you considering starting an advocacy or action group? What will your first steps be?

A look back at the year’s Horsetrader highlights

From Horsetrader staff

Faster than a speeding bullet, 2024 is approaching its end. Here’s is a look back at a year’s worth of Horsetrader headlines (and some links to entire articles if you missed them the first time!)

Holiday gift-giving starts with local stores and barns!

From the Horsetrader sales staff

Horse people find the best holiday gifts not on Amazon but at your local feed and tack stores — and even your training barn!

When dealing with bad behavior, consider all possible factors

By Sheryl Lynde / Horsetrader columnist

“No-go” is a common complaint. The behavior ranges from slow walking — always lagging behind others in a group — to breaking gait once asked to transition to a trot or lope. The most extreme defiance is refusing to move forward altogether, or flying backwards once urged with leg. The more extreme refusals could culminate into rearing or bucking once coerced to move their feet.

By Daniel H. Grove, DVM

Horses are extremely good at dealing with a drop in temperature. I have driven through snow-filled states in temperatures in the teens and watched horses happily walking through the snow without a care in the world, no shivering or any other sign of a low body temperature. I have been in Southern California when it was 50° F out and I have full-grown adult mares coming into the barn to be palpated—and they were shivering like no tomorrow. What is the difference? Mostly, human management! Yes, there are certain circumstances where an individual may not be capable of proper thermoregulation without human interference, but by and large, with a little help, they can usually do it very well on their own.

WCRH celebrates Ranch Horse; 5th Annual ‘Rendezvous’ best yet

Special to the Horsetrader

TEMECULA — The Fifth Annual West Coast Ranch Horse Ranch Horse Rendezvous, held Oct. 10-13 at the California Ranch Company, was well-attended by seasoned ranch horse exhibitors and newcomers alike.

The four-day ranch horse extravaganza featured an array of clinics, futurities, maturities, weekend show, a catered dinner and live entertainment.