Located in Parkfield, “the Cowboy Side of California,” the V6 Ranch is owned and operated by the Varian family. A world away (but just four hours from L.A. or San Francisco), this 20,000-acre working cattle ranch is balm for the modern soul and medicine for horse lovers of all ages and abilities.

Founding a Ranch

In 1958, Jack Varian had just earned a degree in animal husbandry and married his sweetheart Zera, whom he called Zee. She grew up with horses in Southern California, and they were ready to start their life together as cattle ranchers.

Their first ranch was on hardscrabble, unforgiving land. After working it for three years, by some miracle a man wanted to buy it and Jack and Zee happily sold.

Two years later, they found a ranch of about 8,000 acres in the tiny town of Parkfield, nestled in the Cholame Valley in Central California. This land was completely different from their first ranch. Rich with life, water, and beauty, they soon understood why the indigenous Tachi Yokut inhabitants had named the area Cholame (“the beautiful one”).

Jack and Zee called the place the V6 Ranch after their family of six, which included their kids Katherine, Lillian, John and Gregory. They acquired more acres over the years as they raised their family on the ranch. Then a funny thing happened.

“As all of us kids finished college and were looking to start our new lives, we all realized we wanted to come back to Parkfield,” says son John Varian.

The problem? Even though the ranch was now 20,000 acres, with the cattle operation running about 1,000 head per year, it provided income to only support Jack and Zee. The rest of the kids would need to find a different way to make a living if they wanted to live on the V6.

Welcome to Parkfield, Pop. 18

By the 1980s, the little town of Parkfield was pretty much gone. There were still a few homes and residents but no public buildings. The old bar had burned down in the 1970s. There was a one-room schoolhouse and a community hall, but the rest of the buildings were abandoned.

“I had some construction experience from doing side jobs in college, so Dad and I started rebuilding Parkfield in 1989,” says John. “We decided we needed a restaurant first, so we started by building the Parkfield Cafe. At first, it didn’t have an indoor kitchen, so we began cooking outside on the pit for guests.”

The restaurant was finished as a log cabin—“the only thing we knew how to build”—and the Parkfield Cafe started to become a destination for barbeque and hearty meals. Once the restaurant took hold, the family decided to build a lodge so people could stay overnight.

In 1991, they built the Parkfield Lodge, using lots of reclaimed and repurposed material. It has 10 unique rooms and a gathering room with a rock fireplace.

“Then we kept going and repurposed the old buildings in Parkfield,” says John. “Now the old town provides comfortable lodging for our guests.”

The original 1920s Shell Water Tower is a two-story suite. The local post office, which was dragged to its location in 1906 by a team of horses, is a two-bedroom suite. The spacious Cowboy Cabin, built by John and his ranch crew, offers privacy and rustic luxury.

Bring on the Cattle Drives

One night in 1991, Jack and Zee went to town to see the movie City Slickers.

“As the family story goes, they watched as city folk ventured out to a cattle ranch for a vacation,” John says. “Driving home, they agreed. This was the next step for the V6.”

The idea: Take what they’d started in Parkfield with the cafe and lodge and begin to expand what they offered. Why not offer the ranching work and the experiences they had every day and share it with people?

John’s wife Barb created a brochure about their new cattle drives and started spreading the word.

“People came and had a great time, and it just went from there,” says John. “Then we continued to expand on what people wanted with different rides and experiences. We also knew that people with their own horses would love to come ride out on our working cattle ranch, so we built the Horse Camp to accommodate that.”

Saddle Up

“As a working cattle ranch, we have a lot of work to do and a lot of ranch land to cover,” John explains. “We love being able to share the work we’d be doing anyway with people from all over the world.”

Today, the V6 offers a range of ways to experience ranch life during the needs of each season. All V6 Ranch experiences are open to riders aged 7 and older and all skill levels. The ranch hands and wranglers at the V6 are family or friends from local ranches, so you’re in good hands. On many of the rides, you can bring your own horse.

Here’s what awaits you at the V6:

Dude Ranch Weekends: Two and a half days of riding out on the ranch, hearty meals, a massage, lodging in one of the fun Parkfield town buildings, and a chance to unplug and unwind. These are great for families and riders who may be newer to horses.

Cowboy Academy: Five-day working ranch experience where riders can improve their horsemanship and working knowledge of cattle and ranch skills, from gathering and sorting cattle to roping, ranch obstacles courses, and beautiful trail rides.

Cowboy Academy 102: Five-day, corral-based ride focused on honing roping and cattle-sorting skills, including breakaway roping live cattle in the corral, roping a mechanical steer, learning how to read a cow, alley sorting, and more.

Wrangler Ride: With coaching from the V6 Ranch crew, explore the trails and learn a wide variety of ranch skills such as gathering, sorting, roping and negotiating ranch obstacles.

Cattle Drives: For more than 30 years, the Varian family has invited guests four times a year to help gather and move cattle throughout the vast lands of the V6 Ranch. On each day of the four-day drive, riders will spend about six hours in the saddle gathering and moving cattle and then sleep under the stars.

Pack Trip: New for 2024, join the Varian family to ride and camp out for four days on the most remote and beautiful parts of the V6.

Meet the Horses

In addition to the variety of riding and experiences, another thing that’s special about the V6 is that there is no nose-to-tail trail riding.

“Our horses are ranch horses, not dude horses, because you can’t gather cattle nose to tail,” John explains. “You’ve got to spread out and be able to direct your horse wherever you need to go, and the same when you’re in the arena sorting or at a branding.”

The horses that the guests ride are the same horses that the Varian crew uses when no guests are at the ranch. The horses are experienced, savvy and can navigate the hills, rivers, and draws of the V6 with confidence.

With Quarter Horses, Paints, and Half-Arabians in their herd, it’s the horses’ cow sense, ranch work experience and intelligence, not their specific breed, that makes them great partners.

Interesting to note is that Jack Varian’s cousin was Sheila Varian, the renowned Arabian breeder, trainer, and horsewoman. In 1961, she changed history when she became the first woman to win the Reined Cow Horse Open Championship at San Francisco’s Cow Palace, and she did so on her Arabian mare, Ronteza.

Sheila came out to the V6 quite often and brought her rock-solid Arabian ranch horses to sort, brand, and gather cattle in the roughest places on the ranch. Today, the V6 has a few Half-Arabians from Sheila’s breeding program.

Getting to the V6 Ranch

“As I like to say, Parkfield is in the middle of nowhere, but it’s four hours from everything,” says John. The V6 is reachable by several airports: San Luis Obispo (SBP; 65 miles), Fresno (FAT; 110 miles), and San Jose (SJC; 175 miles). It’s also a half-day’s drive from Los Angeles or San Francisco.

Another Place and Time

If the whisper of a simpler time and the distant echo of hoofbeats is calling to you, take a trip to the V6 Ranch. Every member of the Varian family will welcome you to relax and enjoy, and the ranch horses will eagerly join you as you discover “the beautiful one.”

For more information on visiting V6 Ranch in Parkfield, Calif., visit v6ranch.com. If a ride you’re interested in is booked, add yourself to the waitlist. Last-minute cancellations often open up.

This article about the V6 Ranch appeared in the October 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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Also known as pressure sores, pressure ulcers, paddock sores or stall sores, they are not something you want your horse to experience. Why? Because horses that develop them seem to be prone to them in the future, and once the cycle of injury begins, healing bed sores can take a long time.

What Are Bed Sores?

They are open wounds caused by friction or unrelieved pressure on the bony joints: fetlocks, knees, hocks, and even the point of the hip—anywhere there is little muscle or padding.

What Causes Them?

Pressure or friction from lying down and getting up from hard ground or bare stall mats can start the cycle of bed sores.

Why Are Some Horses More Susceptible to Bed Sores?

Horses on stall rest for illness or injury can be prone to bed sores if they lie down a lot, as well as horses stabled on dry lots that lie down on hard, compacted ground.

Older horses and those with weakened immune systems seem to be more prone to them, and to have them develop into more significant wounds.

Horses that have lost strength in their hindquarters and struggle to get up easily after lying down can be more prone to developing bed sores. Another cause is narcolepsy: sudden episodes of a horse falling asleep while standing, which collapses the horse onto his fetlocks without warning.

How Can You Prevent Them?

Preventing bed sores is key. During daily grooming, pay attention to the front of the fetlocks and knees and the outside points of the hocks. Be on the lookout for ruffled hair or hair that’s starting to rub away or looks crushed.

Now is the time to apply preventive treatments—before the skin develops a small, open wound. The time you take now may save agonizing days, and potentially weeks, of frustration in healing an open sore.

Here are a few ideas:

1. Apply boots or other protection.

Several manufacturers make a range of boot styles, from cushy and fleece-lined to more utilitarian rubber.

Some horse owners have success preventing bed sores by putting on a rubber bell boot upside down. Instead of the boot covering the coronet band and the hoof, it’s turned upward, covering the fetlock.

Whichever protective option you choose, be sure to monitor and remove it often to brush out any collected gravel, hay and other potential irritants. The goal is to keep dirt from collecting under the boot, causing even more abrasion and increasing the possibility for a sore to develop. While the boots are removed, you can monitor any potential wounds developing.

Tip: If your budget allows, buy two pairs of boots. This way, your horse can always wear a clean pair while the other is washed and allowed to air dry. See below for product options.

2. Add soft bedding.

If your horse in stabled on a dry lot, adding an area of soft bedding to lie down can go a long way in preventing bed sores. If your horse is stalled, adding deeper bedding can do the same.

Depending on the environment and your horse’s sensitivity, he may need to wear protective boots continually. That said, it’s important to remove them when possible, and especially during exercise, to allow airflow so the skin can dry. Days in a moist boot can weaken the skin.

Prevention Products Equipro Bedsore Boots These boots feature synthetic sheepskin lining and are easy to put on (yes, really!). They won’t shift when put on correctly, protecting the fetlock from sores. Promotes faster healing of existing bed sores and pressure sores while protecting against re-injury of existing sores. Shop for $41.50 at equipro.com. Click Hock Shield The low-profile design offers full coverage in the area where horses develop sores. The soft, flexible pocket in the center back of the Hock Shield provides comfort in the delicate area where the tendons pass just under the skin. This is the perfect solution for the majority of horses with hock sores. Now available in two adjustable sizes. Shop for $49.99 at hockshield.com. Silver Whinnys An alternative to bandaging and fly protection or a barrier used to protect legs while scratches, mud fever, summer sores, and wounds heal. The socks breathe, allowing air to reach the skin surface, while moisture-managing yarns keep skin tissue dry. High-performance yarn continuously protects the socks from playing host to bacteria, fungus, mold and mildew. Shop for $90.00 at soxforhorses.com. Cashel Stall Sore Boots A simple solution for horses bruising and developing pressure sores on the foreleg as a result of being down with medical conditions or stalled on hard surfaces. Helps protect existing sores from further aggravation for faster healing. Neoprene exterior, soft fleece lining, and open back for added comfort. Adjustable straps allow the boot to fit a wide range of leg sizes. Shop for $43.99 at cashelcompany.com.   Professional’s Choice Bed Sore Boots These boots help to protect the front of the fetlock joint from developing bed sores and shield existing sores from insects and debris while they heal. Made of a breathable fleece interior and a neoprene exterior with long-lasting hook and loop closures. Shop for $42.95 at profchoice.com.

How Do You Treat a Horse’s Bed Sores?

If you see a small sore developing, take aggressive action! Waiting to see if it heals on its own is risky, as the sore can quickly get bigger, deeper, and harder to heal.

In horses with compromised immunity, the sores can also become infected easily. If you live in an area with Habronema larvae, flies will deposit these nasty critters in the smallest wound and turn it from a dime-sized minor abrasion to an ugly, open sore double or triple the size in a few days. You don’t want this.

◆ Treating small sores: Dab on a bit of antibiotic ointment and cover with a nonstick sterile pad. Cover with sheet cotton and wrap the area with red gauze, then finish with Vetrap. Consult your veterinarian for proper wrapping technique, as too-tight bandaging can cause serious damage.

Once the wrap is in place, cover it with a boot. Fleece-lined boots are great at this stage, as they fit snugly and keep the wrap clean and in place for several days.

Remove the wrap in a few days and check the progress of healing. If the sore is closed and healed, you can put the clean boot back on.

Monitor frequently and carefully, as this area is now much more prone to future sores.

◆ Treating large sores: You’ll need keep up the wrapping and booting, with frequent changes of dressing, until the wound is healed.

Be on the lookout for fluid oozing through the bandage and soaking into the boot. If this happens, clean and dry the wound, then re-wrap and re-boot with a clean boot.

Key Takeaway

Bed sores can turn from tiny to gaping craters in a short time, requiring weeks of diligent care. The old adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” definitely applies here.

Here’s to a bed sore-free life for you and your horse!

This article about bed sores appeared in the June 2023 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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Your Brain: A Quick Tour

The human brain is a complex structure that can process enormous amounts of input in a split second. One of the most vital structures is the brain stem.

Take your hand and feel from the top of your head to the base of your skull. There, where the skull joins the neck, is the brain stem. This is the never-sleeping power plant that controls all the automatic processes that keep us alive: breathing, heartbeat, blood pressure, and so on.

In addition to this autonomic system, our brain has the limbic system, which is involved in our emotional and behavioral responses. Two key components of the brain’s limbic system are the hippocampus (associated with memory) and the amygdala (associated with fear). They in turn regulate the parasympathetic (rest and digest) and sympathetic (fight or flight) nervous systems.

Why Does Neuroscience Matter for Equestrians?

As riders, we just want to ride well, maybe compete successfully, stay calm under pressure, and enjoy the journey with our horse. So why should we care about brain anatomy? The answer is simple: Because it affects everything.

“Neuroscience is at the frontier of giving us the evidence and knowledge to understand what our individual brains and bodies need to be healthy and to learn, grow, adapt and change,” says Misha Bechtolsheim, a sports performance and fitness professional based in California. With over two decades of cumulative knowledge of applied neurology, athletic conditioning, injury rehabilitation, and movement anatomy, she has had the opportunity to support a wide range of clients.

The experiences we’ve had during our lifetime shape our “output”—who we are—and how we respond to situations, stimulus and threats (real or perceived).

But equally vital is the quality of inputs to our brain.

“When we can control the quality of information we provide our brain, we help it make quick, safe, reasonable decisions and allow us to continually expand what we’re capable of,” says Bechtolsheim.

On the other hand, poor quality (or unplanned, reactionary) input can decrease confidence, slow reaction times, and lead to injuries, dementia, high blood pressure, muscle stiffness, vertigo and more.

But there’s good news.

“Our brain is highly adaptable,” says Bechtolsheim. “The importance of neuroplasticity, or brain change, can’t be overstated. It means that not only is it is possible to change dysfunctional patterns of thinking and behaving, but we can develop new mindsets, skills, abilities, and emotional patterns, no matter our age or current skills.”

Your Brain: Care & Feeding

To stay healthy and sharp, our brain needs two things: fuel and activation.

Its fuel is glucose and oxygen. In the next section, you’ll learn how breathing can significantly affect your brain and how you feel, both physically and emotionally.

Activation means “use it or lose it.”

“To grow and adapt, we need to challenge our brains enough so that it’s a bit difficult,” says Bechtolsheim. “The key is to have just enough challenge, but not so much that it triggers overwhelm and fear.”

The latter just leads to the brain going into protective mode and shutting down, much like a horse that’s been pushed too far, too fast.

In addition, your brain is constantly scanning the environment for threat and always asking the question, “Is this dangerous?”

When you can answer “no” with actions and input that instill trust and engage curiosity, then your brain can become comfortable with increasing levels of challenge over time. Before you know it, you may be able to do things you never thought possible because you allowed your brain to stay safe while it was learning it could do more.

Brain Game No. 1: Breathe

Breath work should be a point of focus for everyone, regardless of your level of performance or what activity or sport you do.

“Breathing well [brings more] oxygen to the brain, which reduces the threat that the brain might be experiencing,” says Bechtolsheim.

Because the brain is always scanning for threats, when you’re breathing better, you’re in a more relaxed state.

“[When] you’re feeling more comfortable and not stressed, your nervous system can relax and you are able to perform with greater mobility, focus and ease,” she explains.

Breath work is effective because the mixture of oxygen and carbon dioxide in our bloodstream can change our state of mind.

“Different types of stress can benefit from different ‘mixtures’ to help us feel safe and calm,” adds Bechtolsheim. “For example, prolonged exhales have been shown to induce greater levels of relaxation, improve mood, lower blood pressure, and increase activity in the vagus nerve when compared to longer inhales.”

In addition, breathing affects our physical body.

“Around your diaphragm is the rib cage, which connects to your thoracic spine,” she continues. “The thoracic spine connects to your lumbar [lower back] spine as well as to your neck and shoulders and head. Your lumbar spine also connects to your pelvis, which sits on the saddle.”

Because everything is connected, tightness in your breath can constrict your shoulders, tighten your fingers on the reins, pull your pelvis out of alignment or affect your balance.

“Riding is such a nuanced skill that any small shift or place of tension could mean you’re having one conversation in your head, but your body is telling your horse something completely different,” says Bechtolsheim.

During the day, begin to practice bringing your awareness back to your breath frequently. Is it high and shallow? Deep and low?

To bring your nervous system into a calmer, more regulated state, try the breathing exercises that fit the situation you’re in or the way you’re feeling. If you know certain activities trigger anxiety, breathe consciously before you begin and continue with the breathwork (see below).

Breathwork Exercises

During the day, begin to practice bringing awareness to your breath and increase the quality of your breathing with one of these exercises. For each, repeat the cycle four or five times or for a total of five minutes at a time.

Situation: Anxiety and Nerves

• Inhale: 2 counts
• Hold: 2 counts
• Exhale: 6 counts

Situation: Performance Anxiety

• Inhale: 4 counts
• Hold: 4 counts
• Exhale: 4 counts
• Hold: 4 counts

This is known as box breathing.

Situation: Mind Racing; Getting Ready to Sleep

• Inhale: 4 counts
• Hold: 7 counts
• Exhale: 8 counts

Situation: Confrontation; Being Upset After an Argument

• Inhale deeply
• Exhale deeply with open mouth

Brain Game No. 2: Balance

“Balance is an integral part of fitness and wellness at any age, with any movement, for any sport,” says Bechtolsheim.

It’s no surprise that good balance increases your brain’s feeling of safety and expands your range of abilities into your capable zone (see “Comfort vs. Capable Zones,” pg. 49).

Poor balance, on the other hand, can lead to increased risk of falling, moving without confidence, feeling stiff or getting dizzy. All of these are compounded with riding because the added height when we’re in the saddle increases your brain’s sense of danger because it wants to protect you from falling and injury.

If you want to improve your balance, you have to challenge it—but not provide so much challenge that you can’t succeed, according to Bechtolsheim.

“For this reason, doing balance drills that are too hard and that you can’t do successfully causes stress in the brain and decreases trust in movement.”

As you explore these balance exercises, remember that brain plasticity is driven by novelty and intensity (among other things), so make sure you’re incorporating both.

Balance Exercises

To challenge your balance, stand up and start to explore different positions for your feet, head and eyes, then play with adding speed to these position changes.

Foot Position (from least to most challenging):

• Straight ahead, hip distance apart
• Spread stance, one foot in front of the other. The closer together they are, and the more in-line (like standing on a tightrope), the bigger the challenge.
• Standing on one foot

Head Movement

• Up and down
• Side to side
• Diagonal

Eyes

• Both open
• Both closed
• One eye open

Movement Speed

• Slow
• Medium
• Fast

Layering Challenge

• Put together several aspects at the same time.
• For example, stand with spread stance, close one eye, and move your head.

Remember to have fun with these exercises. Don’t judge yourself or feel that you should somehow be doing better. Just take it slow, breathe, and keep progressing.

Brain Game No. 3: Bounce

If you have a stability ball, you know it’s great for core work and maintaining the good posture you want when you ride. But did you know that bouncing on the ball is an amazing tool for your brain?

“Sitting on the ball and bouncing is great for the lymphatic system, hydrating and stimulating the fascia and providing a low-impact quad workout,” says Bechtolsheim. “It also challenges your visual system and activates your vestibular balance system.”

Start with bouncing and then add auditory and rhythmic training. The combination increases neuroplasticity exponentially.

Here are a few ideas to play with.

• First, sit on the ball and bounce up and down to establish a rhythm.
• Use your hands to tap the side of the ball, then clap them together.
• Vary the rhythm.
• Try alternating sides.
• Do a double clap.
• Time the rhythm both with and against the bounce.
• Create different rhythms and tones.

Remember, the health and brain benefits come from the act of doing the activity, not in the perfection of it.

“Let yourself make ‘mistakes,’ learn from them, grow from them, and just have fun,” says Bechtolsheim.

Not only will you get an awesome quad and cardio workout, but you’ll be creating a lot of plastic change in your brain.

Comfort vs. Capable Zone

You’ve heard of your comfort zone, bud did you know there’s also a “capable zone” and a “threatening zone”?

If you go into the threatening zone, you’re more likely to get injured and be outside your ability level. In comparison, your comfort zone is just that—comfortable.

The problem is that if you stay comfortable, you can’t change, improve or grow. Ironically, the more you stay in your comfort zone, the more threatening and unpredictable everything becomes because you’re not used to anything else.

The key to growing safely and learning is to expand into your capable zone. Here, you can challenge yourself and expand your skill set, tools and experiences. All this makes your brain feel more and more comfortable with trying new things and shifting into problem-solving mode.

Key Takeaway: Brain Power For Life

As you’ve discovered, breathing consciously, improving balance and exploring rhythm through play helps your brain learn, grow and trust in your expanding abilities.

Just a few minutes of brain games a day can help you let go of past limitations and reach higher levels in your riding—and possibly improve other areas of your life as well!

This article about equestrian brain games and neuroscience appeared in the March 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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If you’re hoping to incorporate your love for horses with your travel adventures, read on to find out our top 10 international horseback riding destinations.

The pull. The desire. The insatiable yearning to see another country, a different culture, from the back of a horse. This is the vacation so many of us horse lovers and riders seek. Maybe the time has finally come to check one or more of these treks off your bucket list.

But with an entire world of places and experiences to choose from, it’s a challenge to narrow down the options. From the fenceless steppes of Mongolia to the ancient art of Yabusame horseback archery in Japan, get ready to explore, fellow traveler.

To awaken your wanderlust, read on for our top 10 hand-picked horseback riding adventures in 10 different countries of destination, each specifically curated to expand your horizons and take you on the road less traveled.

1. Iceland

Ride the tölt of an Icelandic Horse and explore the land of fire and ice.

One of the least densely populated countries in the world, Iceland is also a land of contrasts: moss fields and mountains, black sand beaches and geysers, volcanoes and waterfalls, highlands and rivers.

What could be better to explore the beauty of Iceland than by riding a beloved native Icelandic Horse and experiencing its unique gait, the tölt?

There’s beauty to explore in every direction, and it doesn’t stop when winter comes. Bundle up for day rides through the snow. In the evenings, it’s time to gather outside and look up. Will the sky catch fire as the Northern Lights play in the inky, starry night?

Learn more at islandshestar.is.

2. Egypt

Explore the sands of time on an Arabian.

Do the epic landscapes of Wadi Rum, made famous by the Oscar-winning film “Lawrence of Arabia,” call to you? Do you dream of riding an Arabian, tail flying and neck proudly arched, as you race the ancient sands of their homeland?

In Egypt, you can experience a bit of Bedouin life and the reverence for their equine family. Let your eyes trace the detail of 2,500-year-old petroglyphs. Gaze through the inquisitive ears of your trusted Arabian from the Giza Plateau to the pyramids beyond.

Explore the Temple of Medinet Habu, the mountains of Thebes, and the banks of the fabled Nile. And finally, after a long day, ride into the Red Sea with your horse as you cool off in the clear waters.

Whether it’s a day trip or a week-long adventure, the history and beauty of Egypt will seep into your bones and stay with you long after you return home.

Learn more at rideegypt.com.

3. Mongolia

Travel the steppes and history of horse-based nomadic culture.

The vast, grassy steppes of Mongolia are joined by mountains, rivers, forests, and desert, filling this land with natural beauty—and very few people. The landscape and way of life have not changed much over the centuries.

Today, mounted nomads crisscross the huge country as they care for and move their herds and homes with the changing seasons.

To truly experience this land, its people, horses and culture, there’s no better way than on horseback. Exploring with a local horse—strong, small, fast and surefooted—lets you experience the terrain in the way it has been for generations. With few roads and fewer fences, the wide-open spaces invite you to canter freely and find the uncharted lands within you.

You may even have the chance to visit the Gobi Desert with its wild camels, Gobi bears, snow leopards and the rare wild Przewalski horses.

Learn more here (click on Mongolia).

4. Japan

Learn the ancient art of archery on horseback.

Yabusame is the ancient Japanese martial art of mounted archery, dating back to the 6th century. In ancient times, it served as both a military skill and a Shinto ritual to entertain the gods and to pray for the community’s well-being.

With archers having only a few seconds to shoot three stationary targets from their galloping horse, this art is difficult and exciting. You can watch a Yabusame competition at festivals across Japan. Often held at shrines, they are dignified events with traditional etiquette and costumes.

You can learn the art of Yabusame at a riding club in Munakata, Fukuoka, in southern Japan. After a lesson in archery and getting expert tips, you’ll make your debut as a Yabusame archer, firing arrows at your targets while riding a galloping horse.

The same club also offers beachside rides for all levels of riders along a tranquil beach.

Learn more with Rakuten.

5. Wales

Make your own adventure with a self-guided ride.

If you’re experienced in riding at all gaits over varied terrain and are confident in taking care of your horse each day, gather a friend (or a few) and head out to explore the vistas of Wales. But this ride is not the usual trail ride with people you don’t know and a guide deciding what you do and when.

Instead, you’re on your own. Each day, you mount up on your horse in the company of people you know. With a trail map tucked in your saddle bag and the day’s itinerary flexible, you can explore the rolling hills, lush landscapes, gurgling streams, and cozy towns that make Wales a perfect place for a holiday on horseback.

Get ready to create an unforgettable experience while you relax and enjoy the freedom as you choose your own adventure.

Learn more at free-rein.co.uk.

6. Kenya

Experience the magic of an African safari from horseback.

Impala. Wildebeest. Giraffe. Zebra. Lion. Antelope. Rolling savannah. Acacia woodland. Endless sky.

Experiencing the wild heart of an African safari is a bucket-list trip for many. Doing it on horseback brings you even closer to nature and the flow of each day on the savannah.

Internationally known riding instructor and author Wendy Murdoch personally hosts horseback safari adventures. Riding each day with the group, she shares her knowledge as the adventure of a lifetime unfolds.

Murdoch works with Safaris Unlimited, which keeps the true safari tradition alive with a mobile tented camp that is packed up and moved by your crew as you ride out each day to observe game. You’ll be transported back to the era of the movie “Out of Africa,” with touches of luxury and gourmet meals, yet still stay close to the land and the vast star-filled sky. 

Details for the 2025 trip will be posted on her website in the coming months.

Learn more at murdochmethod.com (click Safari).

7. France

Canter a fabled white Camargue horse through the sea of the French Mediterranean.

The Camargue region of southern France is home to a diversity of wildlife. Flamingos thrive in the marshy delta on France’s Mediterranean coast, but the beautiful and historically significant area may be better known for its native white Camargue horses. Believed to date back thousands of years, the hardy Camargues have evolved to thrive in the harsh environment of saline wetlands.

For generations, the area cowboys, known as le gardians, have worked with the silvery, salt-water-loving Camargue horses and still use them today to manage free-range herds of prized black Camargue bulls and cattle. Horses and cattle are often raised together on the same open ranches.

Riding a Camargue horse alongside a knowledgeable gardian is the best way to experience this land of salt and sea and history.

www.globetrotting.com.au/horse-riding-holidays/camargue-france

Also Read: Riding Camargue Horses in France

8. Scotland

Bring the family and relax at this horse-centric hotel.

No horse holiday wish list is complete without a ride through the vibrant green hills of the UK. But what if you want to bring the family and not worry about the little ones having fun, too?

Never fear, the Scottish Equestrian Hotel is here. As one of the UK’s largest riding centers, it offers a variety of riding programs from pony rides for the very young and a Pony Club program, plus lessons for all ages. Adults can head out for the six-day Castles Trail Ride.

It’s also a highly rated B&B that non-riders come to enjoy. With campfires, a pool, volleyball and special kids-only activities, this may be just the place for family reconnection time.

Learn more at scottishequestrianhotel.com.

9. Portugal

Explore classical dressage with lessons on the country’s treasured Lusitano.

Portugal’s connection with horses started in pre-Roman times and developed into a strong equestrian tradition that has stood the test of time. The legendary Portuguese dressage trainer Nuno Oliveira’s classical teachings continue, and the country’s beautiful and talented Lusitano breed is a Portuguese national treasure.

Many dressage schools and farms offer lessons for all levels of riders on well-trained Lusitanos. Whether you’re just starting as a dressage rider or you want to refine your abilities, a dressage riding holiday in Portugal can help bring you to the next level.

Learn more at equitours.com/europe/portugal.

10. New Zealand

Explore the magic of the “Lord of the Rings” region.

If you’ve drooled at the scenery in the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, it’s time to journey to the land of hobbits and wizards, dwarves and elves. Glenorchy, on the South Island region of Otago, New Zealand, has been the set for LOTR as well as The Hobbit, The Chronicles of Narnia and Taylor Swift’s “Out of The Woods” music video.

While you can find film set tours that take you to a few locations, why not take a journey on horseback through these magical lands? Just like Bilbo Baggins leaving the Shire astride his pony, a grand adventure awaits you.

Learn more at highcountryhorses.nz.

Planning Your International Horseback Riding Trip

When you’ve narrowed down which trip you want to go on, here are the next steps you’ll want to take.

• Check the expiration date of your passport. Renew it if needed and be sure it doesn’t expire during the trip timeframe.
• Research additional travel documents you may need, such as visas.
• Look up specific information about your destination (including travel advisories).
• Check out the U.S. Department of State’s helpful resources for international travel.

What’s Your Next Horseback Riding Destination?

Now that you’ve read your way around the world, listen quietly. With all these options, what’s calling to your adventurous soul?

Maybe it’s finding the immense quiet of an untouched land; being surrounded by indescribable natural beauty; or perhaps improving your horsemanship or getting away with your friends and family for a relaxed horse-focused holiday.

Whether you choose a single-day ride or a multi-day (or week) adventure, let this list and related ideas get your travel creativity flowing.

Here’s to exploring. To life. To seeing the world the best way: between two pointed ears and with the song of the saddle as your soundtrack.

Your adventure is waiting.

This article about the top 10 international horseback riding destinations appeared in the January/February 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Top 10 International Horseback Riding Destinations appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Keeping weight on a senior horse can be difficult any time of year, but with the challenges of cold weather right around the corner, dental issues requiring soaked feed can create twice the headache. However, with a little planning and these feeding and nutrition tips, your senior horse can sail through the winter months in good weight and glowing health.

Focus on Forage

Grass hay, cubes or pellets help maintain weight and keep your horse warm by raising his internal body temperature. This means he can use the calories to maintain (or add) weight, rather than burning calories to stay warm in cold weather.

Aim to feed at least 1.5 to 3 percent of your horse’s body weight per day in forage, or work with your veterinarian on the right amount for your senior horse.

Using a slow feeder or small-hole hay net will help prevent hay wastage as mud and snow pile up. These have the added benefit of mimicking grazing, which decreases stress and helps keep the horse’s digestive system working well.

Soaking Feed for Your Senior in the Winter

If your senior has lost teeth or has other dental issues that prevent him from eating hay (you’ll start to see wet wads of partially chewed hay near the feeder), feeding a soaked diet will provide the right nutrition and calories to keep weight on your senior through the winter. However, wet feed can freeze, making winter feeding doubly challenging. Here are a few tips.

One of the best hay replacements is unsweetened beet pulp. With a similar protein content to grass hay (8 to 12 percent), it also has a high level of digestible fiber. Many horses like it plain, or you can make it more palatable by adding hay pellets, cubes, or a quality senior feed, and soaking them along with the beet pulp.

Even if a horse can eat hay, supplementing with soaked beet pulp is a great way to increase calories and help maintain weight.

Beet pulp pellets need to be soaked for several hours before feeding, and a common ratio is using twice as much water as pellets. To keep the soaking pellets from freezing, it’s ideal to soak them in your house or other warm place. One easy way to do this is to have one bucket soaking overnight for the morning feeding, then let the evening feeding soak during the day.

An easier, quicker solution is to feed shredded beet pulp instead of pellets. Shreds need minimal soaking time, and less water depending on your horse’s preference. These are also big benefits if your horse is boarded.

NOTE: Straight beet pulp is high in calcium and low in phosphorus, so work with your veterinarian to balance the minerals. Adding a fat source, like stabilized flax meal, increases the calorie density of each meal.

Winter Feeders

Placing a feeder of soaked food on the ground will lead to freezing more quickly, so try to find a way to elevate the feeder off the ground. An easy solution is nesting a smaller feeder into a larger feeder, or building an insulated feed box that holds the bucket.

It’s also good to rotate feed buckets so frozen feed doesn’t accumulate in the feeder.

As with feeding extra hay in the winter, try to feed only the amount that your senior can eat in 30 minutes or so. Adding smaller, more frequent feedings during the day can help your senior get the calories he needs without the feed freezing before he can eat it all.

If your barn has electricity, you can try using a heated bucket for soaked feed. Like with a water heater, be sure the cord is horse-proof.

Helping your senior horse maintain a good weight during the winter can be challenging. The good news is that with some planning and simple horsekeeping and feeding tweaks, you can laugh at old man winter and your senior horse can welcome spring in good weight and maybe even a spring in his step

This article about feeding senior horses in the winter appeared in the October 2022 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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For many of us, squeezing in riding time between work, family, home and other commitments means we may have just an hour or two at a time to devote to our horse routine. And some days, we have much less. It’s frustrating, right? We want to continue to improve our horsemanship. But how do we do that with such a limited amount of time to ride? Luckily, there’s good news. By paying attention to the elements of good riding as we navigate our everyday life, we can improve our riding without spending more hours in the saddle. These can include:

◆ Balance
◆ Breathing
◆ Staying in the moment
◆ Relaxation

If you’re ready to leverage your non-riding hours to improve your horsemanship, here are a few ideas to start building daily habits that will translate to your riding.

Because our days are packed, each of these practices takes just a few minutes a day. You can do them anywhere, and all you need is a timer to get started.

Improving Balance

Balance is a key part of being a good rider. When we can balance in the saddle with our body aligned correctly, we can ride without gripping with our legs, shoving our feet forward in the stirrups, or hanging on with the reins.

Better balance means our aids—legs, hands, seat—become independent and precise, and it can help us ride with less pain, too.

Ideas to Try:

◆ Standing yoga poses. Try Mountain, Warrior, Triangle, Tree and Chair poses (visit Yoga Journal for tips).
◆ Stand on a BOSU ball or balance board for a few minutes a couple times a day.
◆ Use a saddle chair or yoga ball instead of a regular desk chair.
◆ Walk or hike on uneven ground.

Improving Breathing

The quality of our breathing impacts our everyday life and significantly affects our riding, and is a key factor to improve. When we hold our breath or our breathing is fast and shallow in our upper chest, it triggers the sympathetic nervous system and the fight or flight response. It also limits the amount of oxygen in our brain and body, which slows down decision making and reaction time.

Not only does shallow breathing create tension and stress in our body, it does the same for your horse. He may respond with tension, bracing, shying, bolting, or being fearful. When you change your breathing to deeper, slower, full breaths, you relax and your horse does, too.

Ideas to Try:

◆ Notice your breathing. Set a timer to ring every hour during the day. When it chimes, simply notice your breathing and how you’re feeling. Are you relaxed and breathing deeply? Are you tense and breathing shallowly? Don’t change anything—just bring awareness.
◆ If you discover your breathing has been shallow or quick, take a few minutes to use one of these tips to deepen your breath.
◆ Try box breathing. Inhale for five counts, hold for five counts, exhale for five counts, hold for five counts. Repeat for five cycles, then return to regular deep breathing.
◆ Try Pilates breathing. Take a long, slow inhale, expanding your lower rib cage as you inhale. Exhale slowly. Repeat three times. It can help to put your hands lightly on your lower ribs and feel the expansion.

Staying in the Moment

Our world doesn’t make it easy to stay present. With social media, games, texts, videos and music as close as our phone, it’s easy to get distracted. Horses, on the other hand, are always in this moment.

A key to good riding is staying present with our horse. If he stumbles, spooks or bucks and our mind is elsewhere—thinking about what to make for dinner, the big meeting tomorrow, our kid’s last report card—that minor blip in our ride can turn into a fall and a major injury for us or our horse. Staying in the moment during your everyday life can help you improve doing the same with your horse.

Ideas to Try:

◆ Practice doing one task a time. Set a timer for 30 minutes. Work only on that task until the timer goes off. Multitasking has been shown to greatly decrease productivity and efficiency.
◆ Take intentional tech breaks. Close email and social media or put your phone in another room for 15 minutes. Start a no-tech-at-dinner challenge.
◆ Go for an awareness walk. Set your timer for 10 minutes. During the walk, bring awareness to one thing, like the sounds you hear, the feeling of your right foot, or looking for the color yellow. When your mind wanders (and it will), come back to your focus area.
◆ Meditate. Focus on your breathing for 10 minutes. Inhale and exhale. When thoughts come up (and they will), notice them and return your focus to your breathing.

Relaxation & Softness

“Relax!” We’ve all heard this from our riding instructors, but forcing yourself to relax often has the opposite effect. Jamming your shoulders down and sitting up straight adds tension, not relaxation. Instead, bring awareness to how your body moves during your everyday to loosen habits of tension and use this to improve your riding.

Ideas to Try:

◆ Use less muscle to do a task. Let’s take driving as an example. Are you holding the steering wheel in a death grip? Are your arms locked, braced or rigid? Practice holding the steering wheel like a baby bird—using just enough pressure to be effective. Take that awareness to other tasks.
◆ Become aware of your posture. Set an hourly timer and notice how your body is positioned. Are you slouched, or are your shoulders raised up to your ears? Take a moment, stand up, move your body, and relax into better posture.
◆ Practice mental softness. Set an hourly timer and notice your inner dialogue. Is it critical, judgmental, stressed or negative, either to yourself or others? If you find this is a frequent mental habit, create a simple phrase to redirect your thoughts. Post it on your computer, bathroom mirror, car dashboard or anywhere else to remind you that you have a choice in how you respond to the day.

Your Turn to Practice in Everyday Life

Take a few minutes and think about which areas are most challenging for you. Pick one to start with and bring focus to it during the day.

Track your practice over several days. A month is even better to build new habits to improve your riding—and maybe everyday daily life!

By spending just a few minutes a day bringing awareness to the elements of good horsemanship, you can deepen your riding skills. No saddle needed.

This article about improving your riding through elements of everyday life appeared in the June 2022 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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Developing a strong core is a popular focus in fitness these days, for both horse and rider. The benefits touted are less back pain, better posture, greater mobility, and increased athleticism. Plus, who doesn’t want a whittled waist and six-pack abs?

As riders, we may also seek the Holy Grail of a strong core for other reasons. Maybe it will help us sit up straight, keep our heels down and stay magically glued to our saddle as our horse moves underneath us. For our horses, maybe it will help them carry us with ease on trail rides and perform the movements of our favorite discipline, from reining or dressage to show jumping.

And we know the drill to get there, right? Crunches, curls and planks for us humans. Belly lifts, carrot stretches and asking for collection and frequent transitions while riding our horses.

But what if becoming a better, more balanced rider and helping our horse develop athletically and stay sound was not about core strength, but rather about core stability?

Strength vs. Stability

Core strength is training the abdominal muscles to perform certain demands, like holding a static plank position for several minutes, doing hundreds of crunches or sit-ups, or keeping your abs tight throughout the day.

The next time you go for a ride, tighten your core as much as you can. Likely you’ll feel unbalanced and unable to absorb your horse’s movement. Plus, how long can you hold that deep core contraction and still breathe and cue your horse? This is riding from core strength.

“We do need a certain level of core strength for everyday living,” explains Wendy Murdoch, renowned riding coach, author, and expert in human and equine biomechanics and connection.

“However, developing six-pack abs is not needed if our goal is to be better riders. In fact, if good riding were about the sheer strength of our abdominal muscles, then little kids couldn’t ride at all, and some ride extremely well.”

Core stability, on the other hand, involves dynamic movement.

“It’s the ability of the core muscles to work in an efficient and coordinated fashion to maintain correct alignment of the spine and pelvis while the limbs are moving,” Murdoch explains.

It’s this combination of dynamic strength and movement that are key to core stability—and good riding.

Signs of Instability

Here are some signs that you and your horse are not moving with core stability.

Human:
◆ Bracing against the stirrups or forcing the heels down
◆ Pushing the stirrup leather out of a plumb vertical line
◆ Pitching forward at the hips
◆ Not being able to stay with the motion of the horse
◆ Relying on the reins to maintain balance
◆ Gripping with the legs

All these result from bracing in the core muscles and elsewhere in an attempt to maintain balance, rather than from allowing soft joints to absorb the movement of the horse.

Horse:
◆ Out of balance
◆ High-headed
◆ Rushing
◆ Falling in on circles
◆ Difficulty controlling speed
◆ Stiff
◆ Resistant
◆ Fearful

These often occur because the horse is trying to negotiate the task but doesn’t have the flexibility in his joints or stability in his torso to carry the weight of a rider.

The key to building core stability is adding the element of instability in movement.

“Our ability to stay upright and in balance while riding is the result of our large and small muscles firing at the right time, while our joints are supple to allow and follow motion from our horse,” explains Murdoch.

To help us create a solid foundation of core stability, she offers these suggestions.

Core Stability Exercises

Because human and horse anatomy is so similar, we can both benefit from similar exercises and movements. One of the best, and most fun, activities that will benefit both you and your horse is going for walks on varied terrain: up and down hills, walking over logs, negotiating rocks on the trail, and so on.

“The instability under your feet allows the large and small muscles to work and become stronger,” says Murdoch. “At the same time, you’re developing your proprioception of knowing where your body is in space.”

Here are some additional options to try. For humans and horses, the key point is to start with small, slow movement and build in dynamic movement that challenges balance and activates the small postural muscles.

For the Human:
◆ Standing on a balance board, BOSU ball, or SURE FOOT pad (sold by Wendy Murdoch)
◆ Stand-up paddleboarding
◆ Hula hooping
◆ Jumping on a trampoline
◆ Doing yoga poses that challenge balance
◆ Using the Anywhere Saddle Chair instead of a desk chair (sold by Wendy Murdoch)

For the Horse:
◆ Try non-habitual movements, such as those from Linda Tellington-Jones, whose system of circular touches allow the nervous system to learn much more quickly than through repetition of movement.
◆ SURE FOOT Equine Stability Program and pads: These challenge proprioception and balance as the horse activates different muscles and learns new ways of maintaining stability.
◆ Dynamic stretches, such as those from Activate Your Horse’s Core, the book by Hilary Clayton, BVMS, Ph.D., Dipl. ACVSMR, FRCVS.
◆ Groundwork: Explore slow, quiet ground work to become aware of how your horse is moving and his alignment. Start by walking over poles, allowing his neck to relax and lower, then try turns and more complex movements with your horse staying soft in his body. One approach is Peggy Cummings’ Connected Groundwork.

Get Set for Core Stability

Core stability is a gateway for you and your horse to learn to move freely, improve function and deepen your partnership.

“After all, the point of riding isn’t about overpowering your horse with rock-hard abs,” says Murdoch. “Rather, it’s guiding and signaling your horse as you move together in harmony, and helping your horse develop the athletic ability to carry you in dynamic movement.”

No crunches or belly lifts required.

This article about core stability for horse and rider appeared in the April 2022 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

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Riders transitioning to the double bridle for dressage or saddle seat classes can find it intimidating at first to handle two reins and two bits and to understand the reins’ actions on both the snaffle and curb.

In this article, Frances Carbonnel, a Colorado-based dressage trainer, owner of Classical Legacy Dressage, and a United States Dressage Federation (USDF) bronze, silver and gold medalist, explains the function of the double bridle, when and how to introduce it, and tips for learning to ride with double reins.

What Is a Double Bridle?

The double bridle has two bits: a thin snaffle, called a bradoon, and a curb called a Weymouth.

“Each bit has a separate function in the horse’s mouth,” explains Carbonnel.

Using a double bridle requires a certain level of training—in horse and rider—before it’s introduced.

Where Is It Used?

You see the double bridle used in certain disciplines, like saddle seat and upper levels of dressage—usually Third Level and above.

Rules for using a double bridle can vary according to breed and discipline rule books, so consult your association to be sure you’re in compliance with approved use if you’re planning to show with one.

What Is the Function of a Double Bridle?

Let’s start by reviewing the function of the snaffle bit, which is what young horses of all disciplines are normally started in.

“The snaffle is used to aid the rider in establishing a consistent and elastic contact with the horse in the forward movement,” says Carbonnel.

It’s also used to receive and channel the horse’s impulsion when generated from the hindquarters, establish lateral flexion of the neck, and bend through the horse’s body when combined with the seat and leg aids.

The double bridle adds the curb, which is a leverage bit. When combined with the bradoon, the curb functions to raise the neck and stabilize the connection with the hand.

“The curb also helps the rider to further balance the horse on his hindquarters without sacrificing thoroughness and the suppleness of the back,” adds Carbonnel.

When Is It Time to Introduce One?

As Carbonnel explains, the curb bit multiplies the strength of the rider’s hand, so it’s essential to introduce it gradually and with tact to avoid destroying the confidence the young horse has developed in his rider’s hand.

“Adding the curb bit of the double bridle is done only when the horse has mastered the various lateral movements designed to supple his body and has begun the process of loading more weight to his hindquarters,” she says.

It’s never a substitute to force a horse into a frame or a certain headset.

Many dressage trainers only use “the double” intermittently once their horses reach the higher levels to make a specific training point, then return to the single snaffle bridle whenever possible, to avoid creating tension in the horse.

How Do You Fit a Double Bridle?

“Two bits is a lot of metal in the horse’s mouth,” says Carbonnel. Riders need to be understanding that this is a big change for the horse. Fitting the bridle and transitioning slowly to the use of the curb are keys to helping the horse accept the double bridle.

First, take time to fit the horse with bits that conform to the shape of his mouth and that aren’t too thick.

“The curb port needs to fit the horse’s palate and tongue, and the bradoon should mimic the snaffle the horse has been training in,” adds Carbonnel.

The bradoon needs to hang in the mouth so that it doesn’t interfere with the curb on the tongue.

“This can be a challenge if the horse has a small mouth,” she says. “If the bradoon is adjusted too high in the mouth to avoid contact with the curb, it puts annoying and distracting pressure on the corners of the mouth and painful pressure on the poll.”

On the other hand, if the curb is placed too low in the mouth, it risks banging on the male horse’s canine teeth. (Mares generally don’t have canine teeth.)

“The horse may then try to alleviate the pain or the pressure of the bit by pulling his tongue back, or lolling it out to the side,” she explains. “Once this habit becomes ingrained, it is nearly impossible to correct.”

The curb chain also needs to be adjusted correctly. If it’s too loose, it will flop and tickle the horse’s chin, plus interfere with the bradoon when the reins are taken up. If it’s too tight—and if the pressure of the rider’s hand is too intense—any small or inadvertent mistake on the rider’s part becomes painful for the horse. Some horses also have sensitive chins, so the chain must be covered in rubber or leather to avoid pinching.

How Do You Hold Double Reins?

There are several ways to hold two reins in each hand. Here’s a common approach.

“As you sit in the saddle, pick up your snaffle rein as if you’re riding in a regular bridle, with the snaffle rein held between your ring finger and pinky finger,” says Carbonnel.

Take some slack out of the reins, but don’t apply pressure.

“Then, reach your hands down and pick up the curb rein between your middle finger and ring finger.”

For the first few rides, leave the curb rein very loose. Ride using the snaffle bit like you normally would—but remember that the bradoon is likely thinner than your regular snaffle and might cause a quicker reaction or different sensation in your horse’s mouth.

After you’re both comfortable with two reins and two bits, pick up the reins and gently spread your hands apart so that the slack is taken out of the curb rein without pulling on the rein. You’ll continue to ride primarily on the snaffle and not use a lot of curb pressure, even when you’re both comfortable riding with two reins.

Step Up to Two Reins

“The double bridle is a tool to be used for increasing the subtlety and finesse of the horse/rider connection, not to be used for bullying the horse into an artificial ’head set,’” says Carbonnel of the transition to the double bridle.

When you’re ready to step up to the double bridle, she suggests finding an experienced trainer who can help with fitting the bridle and teaching proficient use of the reins. Then take your time and enjoy learning this new journey with your horse!

The Pelham Commonly found in the world of hunter horses, the Pelham bit, which functions as a curb and a snaffle in a single bit, uses two sets of reins on different rings of one bit. The mouthpiece can be jointed like a snaffle or have a solid mouthpiece with or without a port like a curb. While the Pelham is not legal in dressage shows, it can be used in many saddle seat classes. Since it doesn’t have two separate bits, it can be more comfortable for horses with small mouths.

This article about how to use a double bridle and double reins appeared in the November/December 2020 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Demystifying the Double Bridle appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Colic surgery. It’s invasive, astronomically expensive, and there’s no guarantee it will be successful. If your horse does make it through the colic surgery, recovery is long, arduous and time-consuming. And when he’s recovered, he’ll always be prone to future colic.

Right? Maybe.

Or maybe not.

Lifting the Veil of Fear

Depending on the type of colic your horse has and how quickly it’s treated, he’ll have up to a 90 percent chance of coming through surgery and healing uneventfully.

While colic surgery is a major decision, continual advances in techniques, medications and follow-up treatment mean that colic surgery today can be a life-saving procedure with a good recovery rate and a return to full work after healing.

As with any major decision related to your horse’s care, the more knowledge you have before the stress and drama of an emergency situation, the better.

Common Types of Colic

Some forms of colic that require surgery are more favorable than others in terms of prognosis and recovery.

“These include large colon displacements, impactions and enteroliths [stones], which typically yield upwards of 90 percent success rates for hospital discharge,” says Wade Walker, DVM, Dipl. ACVS-LA. Walker is with Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center in Los Olivos, Calif., a regional equine treatment center that performs over 100 colic surgeries per year.

Colics with less favorable prognoses include those in which the blood supply to the small intestine or large colon is compromised and the surrounding tissue is damaged.

“For example, a strangulating lipoma or a large colon volvulus [twist] are more severe cases,” he explains. “These require more serious intervention, and recovery from surgery may be more complicated.”

Pre-Op for Horse Colic Surgery

When your horse arrives at the emergency clinic, testing will begin to determine the degree of compromise.

“Abdominal ultrasound, assessment of the horse’s vital signs and a physical exam begin our decision-making process,” says Walker.

“We’ll also perform several diagnostic tests, including lab work on blood to evaluate hydration status, white blood cell count, organ function, systemic infection and other criteria. Lab work can also be run on abdominal fluid, if warranted, to gather additional information,” says Shannon Murray, DVM, M.S., Dipl. ACVS, with Littleton Equine Medical Center in Littleton, Colo. The clinic, founded in 1950, is a recognized referral center for the Rocky Mountain region.

“We’re continually monitoring the horse’s pain level,” she adds. “In some cases, additional medical treatment in the clinic setting can resolve the colic without surgery. Severe pain can mean surgery is the next step.”

Based on initial prognosis and your agreement to proceed, your horse will be prepped for surgery.

“While surgery can be a big decision for the owner to make, once we open the abdominal wall, we will have a better idea of what we are dealing with,” says Murray. “Before that, all of the diagnostics help guide us in [determining] the type of colic your horse is experiencing, but surgery provides a clear picture of the situation.”

In the O.R.

“I always tell clients that there are many steps and evaluation points during surgery,” says Murray. “We keep in touch with the owner, and at any time, we can change course or stop the surgery based on what we find. The severity, prognosis and financial considerations that increase with a more complicated surgery may mean that we choose a different outcome.”

Each colic surgery is different, depending on the underlying cause and disease process.

“In general, for displacements, the abdominal contents are removed and replaced in their correct position,” says Walker. “In the case of feed impactions, the bowel is opened and the feed is surgically massaged out in order to empty the bowel.”

If the bowel has lost its blood supply, the devitalized section must be removed, and the healthy components are stitched back together as well as possible.

“In the worst cases, we see that the intestine has ruptured, causing systemic infection,” says Murray. “Sadly, this means euthanasia is needed.”

Post-Op and Recovery

When surgery is complete, a typical recovery and rehab schedule for your horse may look as follows.

◆ First week: Following surgery, the horse will remain at the clinic on stall rest, with frequent monitoring and medications administered as needed.
◆ First month: Stall rest with hand walking for 10-15 minutes, two to four times per day. Hand grazing is ideal.
◆ Second month: Stall rest with access to a small pen or paddock with daily hand walking.
◆ Third month: Stall rest with access to a larger turnout area or small pasture.
◆ Fourth month: Return to riding. For some horse owners, the rehab requirements may be a bigger decision point of colic surgery than the financial aspects.

“There is no guilt or shame in deciding against colic surgery, knowing what the after-care will require and whether you have the means to provide that, or whether your horse’s behavior is conducive to the required recovery and rehab,” says Murray.

If the owner isn’t able to provide appropriate physical rehab but has the financial means, the horse can be boarded temporarily at a rehab facility. Some vet clinics offer a reduced rate for longer-term care if the horse will be staying during the recovery period.

In general, most horses return to their normal diet following surgery. Some horses, such as older horses with tooth loss or poor chewing ability, may be changed to a wet or soaked diet.

Cost and Insurance

There’s no guarantee of success with colic surgery, but if your horse is a good candidate and the prognosis is good, your decision may come down to the financial concerns.

Colic surgery costs vary greatly based on size of the horse, the complexity of the surgery, complications and more. A general ballpark is $8,000 to $15,000.

For some horse owners, the cost is a non-issue, while for others, cost may be the deciding factor. If agreeing to colic surgery means your financial stability is threatened, think hard about the decision.

“Owners should never feel bad for the decision they need to make,” says Murray. “Know what you can afford before you’re faced with making a decision in a very stressful time.”

Several supplement companies offer free colic surgery reimbursement up to $10,000 if you use their supplements and provide your horse with several wellness protocols, including an annual physical exam plus deworming, dental care and vaccination programs.

“Colic insurance can be a blessing in these cases, and potentially remove the economic factors that affect decision-making,” says Walker.

Another option to help with expenses is the CareCredit program. If medical bills put on this credit card are paid in full within a certain amount of time, no interest is charged.

Of course, there is also traditional equine insurance, which covers mortality and high medical expenses, most commonly colic surgery. Know your coverage amount, any exclusions, whether it only pays out if surgery is attempted, and any other details before signing on for a monthly or yearly premium.

Next Steps

Facing a potential colic surgery may be one of the most stressful events a horse owner can ever experience. But you’re not alone.

“Your veterinarian is there to guide you through the process and apply as much evidence-based information as possible,” says Walker. “Efficient and informed decision-making often yields the best outcomes.”

Finally, have a plan for transporting your horse to the emergency clinic. If you don’t have your own trailer, line up friends, family, or a local transport provider you can call in an emergency.

Before you’re ever faced with a colic that may need surgery, take some time to pre-plan and consider whether colic surgery may be an option for your horse.
Remember that whatever your decision is, your veterinarian understands and is ready to support you.

This article about horse colic surgery appeared in the August 2020 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post Plan Ahead for Colic Surgery Decisions for Your Horse appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

The day may come when it’s time to retire your senior horse from riding, perhaps due to arthritis or an old injury that would prevent you from being able to exercise him like before. Or perhaps he’s developed neurological issues and can’t safely carry anyone. Or he’s developed an allergy or breathing issue that would make riding painful or stressful. But just as with human seniors, our equine golden oldies still benefit from activity and movement to maintain muscle tone and flexibility and a level of fitness. While most of us may not be up for running a marathon when we’re 75, we’ll likely benefit from walking, a little dancing, tai chi, yoga, and light weight training.

Jeanette Mero, DVM, owns a private equine practice in Mariposa, Calif., and is an accomplished endurance rider. From her experiences working with clients’ senior horses, she shares exercise options that can give your unrideable horse the benefit of exercise without being under saddle.

“In many ways, designing an exercise program for an unrideable senior horse can mimic how we work with a horse that’s too young to be ridden,” says Mero. The primary difference is that the senior has decades of life experience and usually a foundation of training.

Instead of training a lot of new concepts, you’ll focus on maintaining overall fitness, but with a caveat.“I’m not advocating working a horse that’s very arthritic, in pain or lame,” says Mero. “To me, that’s cruel. This program is for horses who are otherwise sound but can’t be ridden for some reason.”

Turnout Time

The ideal solution for an unrideable horse is what nature intended: turnout.

“Having a senior horse on full-time turnout in a pasture or large area will provide the exercise he needs,” says Mero. “It’s especially important for horses with mild arthritis.”

Being able to move around for hours a day, preferably in the company of a herd with similar temperaments, promotes gentle fitness and helps a senior horse maintain muscle tone and interest in his surroundings.

But in reality, maybe your horse is boarded at a facility where he’s in a stall or pen with a run. Or he requires a special diet that means he has to be separated from other horses. Perhaps you’ve tried keeping him on pasture with a herd, but he was pushed away from the hay or he’s being bullied by younger and more dominant herd members.

In these situations, your horse will likely do better in an individual pen and will rely on you for adequate exercise.

“For horses who live in smaller pens, I highly recommend daily turnout in a large area and preferably with a companion or two,” says Mero. “This helps them get gentle exercise and have social time with other horses.”

One solution is to work with owners of other senior horses where you board and coordinate turnout times so your horses can go out together.

In-Hand Work

There are still in-hand exercises that a retiree can do, but don’t forget to consult with your veterinarian to ensure there aren’t any health issues that could cause pain or discomfort.

“Working your horse over ground poles or cavalletti increases his neuroplasticity and proprioception—his ability to know where his body is in space,” says Mero.

Set up patterns of ground poles or 8-foot lengths of sturdy PVC pipe; elevate some of the poles so your horse will need to lift his feet higher. You can walk your horse over and around the poles, ask him to back up through two parallel poles or in an “L” pattern, or make a circle inside a frame of poles. Get creative!

Light longeing or round pen work for 15 to 20 minutes is good for cardio fitness.

“But remember the young horse approach when working on a small circle,” says Mero. “Running in a small pen or in deep sand can cause stress on the horse’s joints.”

Instead, use the session to work quietly and practice voice commands or responses to your body language.

Walking, Hiking and Ponying

“A lot of my clients with older horses go on walks and hikes together,” says Mero. “They both enjoy the scenery and each other’s company, and it keeps both horse and human fit.”

She adds that ponying your senior horse is a good alternative to hand-walking.

“Just be sure that the horse being ridden can go at a pace that’s comfortable for the senior, who may need to walk more slowly and for shorter distances than a younger horse,” she adds.

Aim for walks at least three to four times a week; a daily walk is even better.

Long-Lining or Harness Work

Working your horse from the ground in two reins can provide exercise and mental stimulation—for both of you.

“You don’t need a full harness, or even a cart,” says Mero.

Start with two long lines or a pair of driving reins, attaching each rein to the side ring of the halter, and start in a pen or arena. Walk slightly to the inside of the circle, and guide your horse as you would from the saddle. Navigate around poles or cones to give more context for turning.

“Once you’re comfortable in the enclosed area, and you can turn, change directions, and stop, head outside for a long-line walk on trails or quiet roads,” she says.

If you both really enjoy the long-lining work, think about learning how to drive. Find an experienced trainer with the equipment who can teach you.

Games and Trick Training

You actually can teach an older horse new tricks, and trick training can give you both something fun to learn. Find a book or video with simple tricks, like picking up a hat or rolling a large ball, and go from there.

Trick training provides movement as well as mental stimulation. Just be sure to not overtrain or drill, and keep it fun. And remember that some tricks, such as teaching a horse to paw or rear, may appear when you don’t necessarily want them to.

Just Be Together

“Senior horses can be a lot like older people,” says Mero. “While they may have been successful competitors or working horses, now they may prefer a life of quiet companionship with horses and their person.”

Now you can enjoy time with no agenda other than being together. Taking long walks together, going for groom-and-graze sessions where you brush him a bit as he’s grazing, or just hanging out in the pasture or turnout while your horse moseys around can bring you both happiness.

Adding Light to Golden Years

Just because your senior horse can’t be ridden, there are many ways to help keep him fit and vibrant.

There’s one more added benefit of walks, hikes, ground driving and other gentle exercises: You both stay younger and more agile, and the bond you’ve shared over the years gets even stronger.

Senior Care and Feeding When a horse is retired from riding, that doesn’t mean his care stops. “Putting a horse out to pasture can be good for his physical and mental well-being as long as there is adequate food and shelter, and he’s not being bullied by the herd,” says Jeanette Mero, dVM, who owns a private equine practice in Mariposa, calif., and is an accomplished endurance rider. “It’s vital to continue caring for your horse’s needs: hoof care, dental care, wellness checkups, deworming and vaccinations as needed. these go a very long way in helping a senior horse live well in his older years.” One of the biggest needs to keep the senior going strong is the right feeding program. “Older horses need good nutrition,” says Mero. “trying to get all the nutrition from pasture may no longer work. Find good-quality hay and a good senior feed that’s low in sugar, and feed adequate amounts to keep your horse at the right weight.” Supplements and ration builders can round out the diet. “Work with your vet on the best supplements for your area, since soils, hay nutrients and other factors differ by region,” Mero adds. if your horse is diagnosed with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), aka Cushing’s, or metabolic issues, work with your vet on the right treatment protocol. “Just as important as nutrition is paying attention to your horse’s spirit and emotional needs,” says Mero. “Visiting often so you can gauge changes in weight, personality, mobility and interest in life are crucial to the older horse’s well-being, just like frequent visits with an older family member who lives in a nursing facility.” That’s not to say quality of life will go downhill over time, however. “A horse who’s approaching 30 or beyond can still have energy, bright eyes, a shiny coat, and a joy of life if he’s cared for,” Mero says.

This article about how to exercise a senior horse appeared in the October 2020 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post The Retiree’s Workout Regimen: How to Exercise Your Senior Horse appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.