Boots And Wraps: When Are They Needed?

Boots And Wraps: When Are They Needed?

As horse owners, we are constantly looking for ways to keep our horses healthy and happy. One thing that many individuals may be a little confused about is the need for protective boots and wraps on the legs. Continue reading for a breakdown of popular protective legwear and footwear methods.

Splint Boots

Splint boots are a popular and cost effective method of leg protection. There are multiple different brands and types of splint boots that serve different purposes, but generally speaking, splint boots are an excellent way to prevent the horse from accidentally injuring them during a ride. Some horses have issues with cross-stepping and injuring one leg with another, while others may tend to clip a rail or two while jumping.

Polo Wraps

Polo Wraps

Polo wraps serve a very similar purpose to splint boots, though they should not be applied unless the individual is confident in their wrapping ability. Polo wraps can be extremely beneficial, but when applied incorrectly, they can cut off circulation to the leg and cause damage. They are best used during a ride or during transport, as the wrap has the potential to become unwrapped if the horse steps on them.

Bell Boots

Bell boots are an excellent option for horses who tend to clip their front hooves, which can cause damage to the shoe or hoof. They are most useful for horses that are stalled for long periods of time, or while shipping.

While these are just a few methods of protecting the legs, these are the most popular and most successful. Every horse’s situation is unique, so take a look at your horse’s situation to determine which method would be best to ensure that their legs are as protected as possible in order to prevent injury or lameness.

ENRIQUE URDANETA

Horse Photographer

+1 [561] 245-0634

Portraits/Headshots/Product imaginemediahouse.com

IG @imaginemediahouse

Equine enriqueurdaneta.com

IG: @enriqueurdaneta

How To Cope With Soreness And Stiffness Caused By Riding

How To Cope With Soreness And Stiffness Caused By Riding

It’s certainly no secret that riding is an extremely physically demanding sport. Sometimes, we walk away from a ride feeling great. Other times, we walk away feeling pretty sore or stiff. Continue reading for some tips for coping with soreness and stiffness caused by riding.

Stretching

Like with any other sport, stretching before and after a ride can cause a night and day difference in the way your body handles a good workout. Take a few moments before and after each ride to do some good stretching to help your muscles relieve tension and aid in the recovery from the workout. You’d be surprised what a massive difference just a few minutes of stretching can make!

 Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated helps decrease inflammation in the body. We all know that a good ride, especially in the summer, is more than enough to break a sweat. To compensate for the fluids you lose in sweat, make sure that you stay hydrated. Bring a large refillable water bottle with you to the barn, and make it a goal to finish at least one bottle before the time you leave.

Don’t Push Yourself

It’s good to feel the burn, but sometimes your body may be telling you to slow down. Pace yourself; when you expect to be doing more riding than usual, or if you suspect that your ride will be a little more physically challenging than usual, be sure to do some extra stretching before and after, and take it easy for the next couple rides, if possible.

Riding can be an excellent form of exercise, and there is no doubt that it keeps us and our muscles in great shape. Use the tips you learned here to cope with soreness from riding so you can continue getting right back in the saddle!

ENRIQUE URDANETA

Horse Photographer

+1 [561] 245-0634

Portraits/Headshots/Product imaginemediahouse.com

IG @imaginemediahouse

Equine enriqueurdaneta.com

IG: @enriqueurdaneta

How To Take Your Horse’s Vitals

How To Take Your Horse’s Vitals

If you are a horse owner, knowing how to recognize and take your horse’s vitals could mean a world of difference in the case of injury or illness. Continue reading for more information on how to take your horse’s vitals, so you will be better-prepared to help your horse in the case of emergency.

Temperature

Normal body temperature for horses ranges from 99-101 degrees Fahrenheit. Just like with humans, taking a horse’s temperature in an excellent first indicator of the status of the horse’s health. When taking your horse’s temperature, you have two options; a glass rectal thermometer, or a digital rectal thermometer. A digital thermometer is convenient in that it takes no more than 60 seconds to produce a reading, but it may need to be held while taking the temperature. A glass thermometer will not need to be held, but usually takes 2 to 3 minutes to produce a reading.

Pulse

The normal resting pulse rate for adult horses is 30 to 40 beats per minute. The pulse rate increases due to exercise, pain, or stress. Below are two different places and ways to take your horse’s pulse:

●      Maxillary artery: Place your fingers on the inside edge of the jaw. Count the beats for 30 seconds

●      Radial artery: Place your hands around the back of the knee. Locate the beat and count for 30 seconds.

After counting for 30 seconds, double your count to find the beats per minute (bpm).

Capillary Refill Time (CRT)

An easy way to test your horse’s capillary refill time is to press your finger against the gums for about 2 seconds. Upon release of the pressure against the gums with your finger, the gums should change from white to pink within 2 seconds. This is your horse’s capillary refill. If the refill takes longer than 3 seconds, it may be an indicator of shock.

Knowing how to take your horse’s vitals can help you better understand your horse’s body, which will allow you to help them manage their health even further. Practice taking your horse’s vitals to get in the habit of regularly monitor your horse’s health.

Enrique Urdaneta

Horse Photographer

euaphoto@gmail.com

EquusPhotography.com

Yoga Poses To Improve Equestrian Balance & Core Strength

Yoga Poses To Improve Equestrian Balance & Core Strength

As equestrians, we dedicate a considerable amount of time to working to perfect our riding skills. When it’s not possible to get in the saddle, it is still important to find ways to work on improving balance and core strength: two key elements in horseback riding, no matter the discipline. Continue reading for equestrian yoga poses that are targeted to help you work on your balance and core strength.

Poses

To work on improving your balance when not in the saddle, yoga can prove to be extremely beneficial. Yoga has been proven to improve not only balance, but focus, as well. These are two important aspects of horseback riding, and the more practice you can get, the better. Below is a brief list of equestrian yoga poses that can help equestrians fine-tune their balance and core strength.

●      Tree: Bring your right foot up and place the sole against your inner left thigh. Bring your pelvis directly centered over your left foot. Press your hands together. Hold the pose for one minute, then reverse the pose with your other foot.

●      Upward Facing Dog: Lay on your mat on your stomach. Point your toes and raise yourself up off the floor with your arms, avoiding letting your thighs touch the floor. Drop your hips towards the floor while bringing chest towards the ceiling. The tips of your feet and palms of your hands should be the only things touching the mat.

●     Chair: Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Extend your arms in front of you and lower yourself to mimic a sitting position. Hold the position as deeply as you can for a few minutes while breathing deeply.

●      Plank: Lay on your mat on your stomach. Raise yourself up with your arms. Tuck your toes beneath you and bring your head and body to form one straight line. Gaze between your hands and breathe deeply for a minute or two.

The list above features just a few yoga poses that have the potential to drastically improve your balance and core strength when riding. There are countless positions that can help you hone your riding skills. Develop a series of poses to help you stay in the best possible shape and improve your riding out of the saddle!

ENRIQUE URDANETA

Horse Photographer

+1 [561] 245-0634

Portraits/Headshots/Product imaginemediahouse.com

IG @imaginemediahouse

Equine enriqueurdaneta.com

IG: @enriqueurdaneta