Supplements....

Supplements....

They can be daunting, expensive, powders, pellets, liquids, buckets, tubs and so much more. I personally have had a stormy past relationship with supplements. For a long time I did not use supplements at all. I would try them and they wouldn't work or my horse wouldn't eat them or they would be beyond expensive. I was lucky that I had horses that did not require supplements and maintenance. Around 2011, I had an epiphany and met my supplements soul mate: Smartpaks. Smartpaks had been around and I had heard of them but being my skeptical self, I did not buy into the idea. It was not until an acquaintance went to work for Smartpak that I became open to trying them. She convinced me to try it for 2 months and then I could make my decision. I began with a simple smartpak system of a basic coat supplement, gut supplement and joint supplement. My first shipment came and after a week, I was in love!

One of my biggest complaints about supplements had been what a pain they were. There is always that one horse with 4 supplements he needs am/pm and a liquid and the powders stick to the feed dish and it has to be cleaned and it takes 10 minutes just to feed that horse due to the measuring and little scoops getting lost and it was just a PAIN. Smartpaks literally take 2 seconds. Peel and dump it in the bucket. They are fresh, they can't get dumped, they take up less room. They send them automatically every 28 days so I don't have to run out and forget to order more or order too much or too little. They take up less room, have their own little drawers, have each horses name on them, clean and organized which makes OCD people like me smile :) Honestly, they do all the hard work for you. Oh and did I mention shipping is FREE???

I thought Smartpaks would be more expensive then bucket supplements due to the convenience. WRONG- I find them to be cheaper. Oh and shipping is FREE! Shipping on big heavy buckets of pelleted supplements can get very pricey $$$. No worries with that with Smartpak.

OH and they have the BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE ever. Seriously they go above and BEYOND. I cannot say enough good things about their customer service. Seriously give them a call and you will see what I mean.

So enough of my shameless promotion of Smartpak; I am sorry but I truly find the company to be fantastic. Oh, I forgot that they have phenomenal horse products outside of supplements. So check those out also

As for supplements themselves, I have a few favorites.  For coat supplements, I love Smartshine and Smartshine Ultra. Charlie gets Smartshine Ultra, Ella gets SmartDark & Handsome for her black coat and it has helped make her blacker then ever. For Joints, any of the SmartFlex supplements are great; Charlie gets SmartFlex II. Ella gets MSM from Smartpak; I love MSM, it is such a great simple supplement for horses in light work and it just plain works great. I am big on gut supplements as preventative for Ulcers. I use Smartgut, Neigh-Lox and U-Guard on my horses. Also, for summer I have used Smart Bug-Off and had success with it. I almost always get pelleted supplements if they are available; the horses eat them better and they are less messy. I love that Smartpak supplements are usually made for picky eaters and are very palpable. Also, Ella gets a slight cough when she is in the barn a lot, I have recently put her on Cough-Free and it seems to be helping. Outside of these, I have not had much experience with supplements but I can say that these have worked for me. I recommend talking to a Smartpak customer service rep. about supplements if you have questions. They are SO knowledgeable and helpful; they will find you something that works and if it doesn't work, they will find you something else.

So the moral of my story is:
 1. Give supplements a try. I was skeptical but I am now a huge proponent. They might not be your thing but it is worth trying.
2. Smartpak has been the supplement system of my dreams. Give it a try.
3. These horses are very expensive and very fragile. Take care of them. Their health can be improved by supplements so explore your options and do what is best for your horse.

Here is Smartpak's website: https://www.smartpakequine.com/

Check it out :) if you have any specific questions, leave a comment!

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored in any way by Smartpak. I just really like the company and have had a fantastic experience with them. This are my personal opinions and thoughts. 

Showmanship FAQ's for Young Horses

Showmanship: one of the hardest classes to master in my opinion. You have to have a true bond and harmony with your horse to make this class a success. It takes time, patience and a lot of running around in arena sand to master this event. 

Charlie and I at the Pinto World Show. 

  I am often asked for advice on teaching and working showmanship. I consider showmanship to be one of my favorite events and I honestly LOVE to practice it and show it. As a 2x World Champion in the class, I consider myself pretty good at it as well. I recently had someone ask some questions about teaching a young gelding showmanship. I have answered these questions and posted them here for everyone's benefit. These are my personal ideas/opinions from what I do with my personal show horses and young horses so they may not work for everyone or some may not agree. . I hope this provides something small that can help everyone :)

 1. My horse is 3 and tends to be pretty hyper/nippy if I do showmanship before riding. Would you suggest doing it before riding anyways or after riding?

I would defiantly do showmanship after riding for a hyper young horse. My older, lazy horses I always do before riding because otherwise they put no effort forth and make no progress in showmanship afterward. My young, less broke horses I will usually do after riding because they are usually tired and less distracted so they will focus better. Granted every horse is different; I currently have a 2yo that I can’t do showmanship with after riding because she is too lazy. She focus’s and learns better before riding when she is more energetic and alert. Also, for one that has some bad habits about being nippy and hyper in showmanship might benefit from more practice- maybe do it before and after. He needs to learn that it is not play time and he has to work at it even though you are not on his back. Granted, sometimes less is more; he may not be a horse that has a long attention span and he may just get frustrated if you do too much in one working.

2.       When first teaching a horse showmanship-how do you start out without using a chain? Currently, my horse has the hardest time with his set up-puts one foot forward, then back and again and again. He will also rest a hind foot and not put it back down, urrgh! How do you fix this?

Personally, I only work without a chain on trot offs and stops. Beyond that, maneuvers are very hard to get precise and crisp without a chain. I start off being very nice and soft with the chain, especially on the young ones. But with a chain you have just a bit more preciseness to get more precise maneuvers. As for the set ups, make sure you keep the way you ask 100% the same every time you ask. Horses are creatures of habit and they learn best by extreme repetition. I have a set way of asking for set ups (lift chain for front feet, pull down for back). I never set up unless I am facing them in the “stop” position. As for the moving feet back and forth, make sure you give a period of pause between asking while they are learning. Ask him to move one foot and then pause and let him settle it; even if it is not in the right place he needs to understand that he is to move the foot, put it down and leave it there. I also always say “Whoa” softly when a foot goes down into place so they know that is correct. When he does finally move a foot into the correct position, praise him!! Lots of pats and let him know he was a very good boy. I am a huge fan on positive reinforcement. If he is doing it as a game, you have to make it less fun; he doesn’t have a choice, he will either put the foot down and leave it there or you will keep asking and annoying him until he does it right. When he does it right, pause and praise. As for the resting a foot, when he rests pull him forward or back him up and make him stand up on it. Don’t stop and pause until he stands up on all 4 feet. Once again, when he does it right, pause and praise.

3.       Lastly, the other challenge is when we go to trot off he will sometimes think it’s play time and try to bite me. How do you discourage this?

I would make sure he is tired before starting to practice. Lunge or ride him first to get some of the energy and play out so he has better focus (addressed in first answer). When he gets playful and tries to bite, encourage him that is a really BAD idea. Don’t be afraid to discipline him for that somewhat severely. That is a big no-no in my book and my horses learn first thing it is unacceptable and they will feel the end of my lead if they try to bite. Always make sure when that showmanship chain is under their chin they know you mean business- they need to respect your space with their bodies, heads and especially their teeth!

Thank you Abby Foley for writing in with these great questions and I hope this helps :)

Good luck with those showmanship babies!! Just remember patience and repetition is key to success in this class. It will not happen overnight but once you get it right, it is truly harmony in motion.

Photo Credit: Jeff Kirkbride and myself. 

Disclaimer: These are personal opinions about what I personally do. I am not a trainer and I do not wish to emulate one. Simply listing the things I do to remedy these problems with my own horses.  

Finding Your Peace in the Barn

You know those weeks where on Friday you just want to crawl under the covers and never get out? Well that was my week; between classes, work, extracurricular activities, trying to pick a wedding venue, keeping up with my house and trying to find time to go to the barn, I was swamped. I always think of the barn as an escape but this week it felt like a chore. Trying to find time in between everything else to go out and barely have time to clean their stalls and maybe ride Charlie or Ella for 10 minutes was just another thing to check off the never ending to-do list. I had a rough night at work on Friday and I was just mentally and physically exhausted from the week. Despite my exhaustion and comfy bed, when 7:00am rolled around Saturday morning, I was off to the barn to feed horses. The barn is usually busy most of the time and full of people talking and riding and cleaning stalls with bobcats; I would not necessarily call it "quiet", not that I mind because I thrive on the hustle and bustle. This morning it was surprisingly dead quiet and almost no one was there; a very rare occasion.

Walking into the barn this morning I was tired, annoyed at being up so early and drinking coffee like it was my job. After I got the horses fed, I started cleaning stalls, something I usually do not enjoy. For some reason today the usually despised task didn't seem so bad. My mood began to improve. Just being in the stall with Charlie, no sound but his munching on hay and swishing of his tail, doing something I have done a thousand times before, getting to finally let my mind go for the first time in a while was so refreshing. I didn't have to worry or think about that Biology test or that annoying coworker or how much laundry was in my hamper or how much wedding venues cost. I got to just revel in the beauty that is my horse. Sometimes I forget just how incredible these beautiful, humble, loving creatures are and how much joy they bring to my life. The simplicity of cleaning a stall and just being in proximity to my perfect Charlie with his silly expressions as he watched me scoop his poop and him trying to take the pitch fork right out of my hand was so peacefully fulfilling. The simple act of providing my humble equine with a clean soft bed of fresh sawdust, a sparkling clean bucket of water and plenty of good smelling hay was more rewarding than anything else I had done all week. I let go of the negative I usually associate with cleaning stalls and unseats focused on why I clean those stalls: to keep my horses happy, healthy and comfortable. I pushed to make those stalls as perfect as could be and it was so satisfying to see Ella take a big roll in her deep, fresh sawdust and Charlie lay down and take a nap in his soft bedding before I left. My satisfaction with this simple task did much to improve my mood.

Charlie in his fresh clean stall

After all the horses had fresh clean stalls and were finished with their breakfasts, I decided it was time for a deep, thorough grooming. This is one of my bad habits, when in a hurry, I skimp on grooming. Making up for lost time, Charlie and Ella got curried within an inch of their life, brushed until they shone, hooves picked and conditioned, tails brushed and conditioned and whiskers clipped. Once again, I was amazed in the peaceful feeling I got from simply grooming my horses and spending time with them just silently marveling at their beauty. Every minute spent grooming them is another moment spent checking them over to make sure they have nothing wrong and making sure all is well. Also, I noticed new things like the small white spot right between Ella's front legs. I am determined to be more diligent with grooming after today. It should be an enjoyable experience and a bondig experience with my horses and I am going to make it a priority.

Charlie after his thorough grooming just shiny as could be

When it came time to ride, I was finally relaxed and at peace. I had the arena completely to myself and the lights were still off, the only light came from the open doors. No sound but the sound of our breathing and his rhythmic hoofbeats. It was one of the most peaceful rides I have ever had. I was able to simply enjoy the rides they so graciously allowed me to take without my usual negativity. I often get caught up in making sure they do their jobs and teaching them something new and working working working when I ride. I forget to just step back and enjoy riding and enjoy getting carried by my gentle giants. Riding a horse is truly borrowing freedom; it is a feeling like no other to have so much trust in and trust from an animal that could kill you if it wanted to. I am so blessed to have these amazing equines in my life and I am glad I was able to take this morning to remember that. 

Big Arena all to ourselves

It can be so easy to get caught up in the negative of life and focus on all those things that frustrate and irritate you. I am guilty of that; especially this past week. Sometimes you just have to remember your blessings and how lucky you are. I am thankful I have Charlie and Ella to silently and in their own special ways remind me of that: Charlie with his cuddles, smiles and following me around like a puppy; Ella with her nose bumps, wiggly lips and demanding way of making sure I give her plenty of attention. I left the barn today refreshed, peaceful and in a wonderful mood. Despite the frustrations of life, it’s the little things that keep you grounded and happy. My horses give me so much in life; they are humble enough to carry me upon their back, silly enough to make me laugh at their attempts to smash their jolly balls, kind enough to greet me with a soft nicker before they even take a bite of hay and majestic enough to still take my breath away with their beauty and grace.

I challenge all of you to take some time and let go of the frustrations and negatives. Forget about that essay you should be writing and that person that just grates on your nerves and beeline your way to the barn. Let your horse calm you, uplift you and find the peace and joy in the little things. Don’t skip the currying today, take that time to revel in your horse’s beauty and grace. Instead of drilling lead changes, just take a trail ride. Instead of speed cleaning the stalls, take the time to give your horse a soft clean bed of fresh sawdust, clean water bucket and leave them a treat in the feed bucket. Horses give us so much, we need to appreciate it and give back. Do not think of horses as a chore; think of then as something to be respected, enjoyed and revered. Don't deny yourself the pleasures associated. So go hug your horse; if you need to yell those frustrations, yell it into their mane. They will listen better than any human I can promise you that. Winston Churchill once said, “ There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man” (or woman!!). I could not have said it any better. I hope everyone finds some of the joy and peace I found today with the help of those amazing equines.

Happy riding everyone and hug those horsies! :)

Any Questions?

If you have any related questions you would like answered, topics you would like to see covered or a problem with a horse you would like insight into; please put them in the comments of this post! I will do my best to answer everything or cover the requested topics in blog posts. 

Bring on the questions, I look forward to answering and blogging about things my readers want to learn about :) 

Meet My Horses

I have been lucky enough to own and show many great horses in my life. Here I will introduce you to my current herd:

First is Struttin My Assets aka Charlie. He is a 2008 bay tobiano gelding by Hes Got the Assets and out of my walk-trot horse, Enhancing Strutter. Bred, born and raised on my families farm, I have owned and loved Charlie from day one. I began riding Charlie when he was 3 and it has been history ever since. He is the sweetest, kindest, most lovable horse I have ever had the privilege to work with and I love him to death. He is very silly; he loves Oreo's, puppies, little kids, fuzzy blankets and going to horse shows. He has been on the cover of Horse & Rider magazine. He very well known for his long white mane that falls nearly to his knees. Charlie has had much success winning multiple world and reserve world championships, honor roll championships, APHA Top 20 and almost 1000 APHA points. Not only do I show him, my fiancé has also found much success in the show ring with Charlie despite his being fairly new to horses; they have won a reserve world championship and multiple top 5 and top 10. Charlie is my baby and he has a home for life.

Next is Zips Sacred Slipper aka Slipper. The greatest horse I have ever shown, Slipper was my 13 and under into 14-18 show horse. She was bred, born and raised on the family farm and I began showing her when she was 3. She is the smartest horse I have ever met and also has the biggest heart; she have me her all in the show ring ever single time. Her show career included 8 world and reserve world championships, 30 congress championships, number one in the nation twice, high point at the world show, a trailer, a saddle, many buckles and more points then I can count. I retired Slipper in 2011 and since then she has had 3 foals and is pregnant with a 4th. Her first baby is currently in training.

Next up is Invited to the Ball aka Ella. My 2012 black tobiano filly is out of Slipper and sired by the great Special Invitation. From day one I have been in love with Ella's winning pedigree and stunning looks. She was bound to be special given that she was my beloved Slipper's firstborn but she has surpassed every expectation I had for her. I broke her out in January 2014 and she has just been a joy to ride and train. So much natural talent and intelligence and willingness to learn. The future is looking so bright for this filly! 

I also have a few babies at home. Charming Assets aka Kelly is Slipper's yearling filly out of He's Got the Assets. This bay tobiano filly is as sweet as pie and pretty as could be. I am looking forward to her future! 

Slipper's most recent baby is a solid bay filly by Special Invitation named Elsa. This filly may not have color but she makes up for it in personality and cuteness! 

Well that is all- my crazy bunch of adorable ponies. I am proud to say every single one was bred, born and raised here on our farm. I am lucky to be able to bred horses and bring them all the way up into the show ring. It is a very rewarding process! 

Stay tuned for my next post- little hint, it will not involve a saddle :)

Photo Credits: Myself, Impulse Photography MB, Jeff Kirkbride.

Welcome to my Blog!

Welcome to my new blog!!

I have been asked for tips and tricks a lot recently and someone planted the idea of doing a blog in my head and I thought why not! So here on this blog you will find tips and tricks about training, showing, owning horses, being an amateur exhibitor, doing things on your own, saving money and anything else that comes to my mind.

Allow me to introduce myself: My name is Brandy and I have been showing horses from a very young age. My parents were horse trainers and I grew up on the farm riding, cleaning stalls and learning about horses. I have shown continuously on the APHA and PtHA circuits my whole life and I have been blessed to be very successful. Showing multiple different horses, all bred and raised on my family farm, I have won 12 World and Reserve World Championships, 30 Congress Championships, Number One in the Nation awards, APHA Honor Roll Championships, APHA Top 20 and much more. I have also been blessed with parents who were able to to teach me not only how to ride and show but also how to train my horses myself. I do most of the training and riding of my horses by myself; my dad helps me and gives me tips but rarely rides my horses. I have been in the industry for such a long time that I have dabbled in many things from selling horses, making show clothes, selling show clothes, braiding, banding and much more. Due to my success, experience and knowledge many people ask for tips and ideas so I decided to make this a place for all things horse for the amateur riders who want to do it on their own and all the other little bits of knowledge I feel people could benefit from.

I hope I am able to provide some insight that may help you in some small way. Check back for regular updates! Thanks for looking :)

Picture credits: Impulse Photography MB, Holman Photography, Jeff Kirkbride and Impulsive Concept Designs. 

I would like to clarify: I am NOT a trainer by any means, I do not try to pretend I am a trainer. I am simply an amateur who tries to do it on my own and I train/ride my own personal horses. I want to provide information about what I do to help riders who may also want to do it on their own. This is a 100% non-profit blog; I simply do it for fun and to help people. If you want a trainer, go elsewhere.