Serenity Ridge Farm

10/07/2022

The 24 Behaviors of the Ridden Horse in Pain is a film that dares to challenge the way we look at "badly behaving" horses, and promotes the notion that lamen...

02/28/2021

The Equicore system has been a staple in our barn for years. We can’t imagine not using it in our training program!

Researchers confirmed using resistance band systems, balance pads, and dynamic mobilization can help improve spinal muscle characteristics and postural stability.

02/07/2021

Great tips....

*** TOP-TIPS FOR THE COMING SNOW ***

If the forecast is correct (IF!) then many of us are set for a fair amount of snow over the next few days from STORM DARCY. Here are some of my TOP-TIPS to keep your horses and ponies healthy!

EXERCISE - If still able to ride, allow longer to warm-up by spending twice as much time in walk and trot to avoid muscle strains. Avoid areas of uneven ground and areas which suddenly change from soft to hard as these are a high risk for injury.

FORAGE - Make sure your horses and ponies have plenty of forage (unless on restricted intake for weight management). This is how the horse keeps itself warm and healthy.

HARD-FEED - If your horse/pony is on hard-feed and cannot be turned out or ridden at all or their activity is much reduced, then reduce their hard-feed. Whilst we advise against sudden changes in diet, a reduction in hard-feed is an exception and will lower the risk of GI issues such as colic.

BRAN MASHES - There is no evidence that bran mashes reduce the risk of colic and may even increase the risk. Whilst it will feel nice to give your horse a warm bran-mash, this is not necessarily a good thing as the sudden introduction of a food your horse does not get every day will cause disturbance to the bacteria in the hindgut. If your horse gets a small bran-mash every day then that's different.

VENTILATION - Unless snow is coming into the stable, avoid closing up top-doors/windows, especially for horses and ponies with a history of respiratory problems such as equine asthma as this could trigger an exacerbation.

RUGS - Temperatures are set to dip but don't be tempted to over-rug as this could make your horse uncomfortable. Swapping to a slightly heavier-weight rug or adding a thin fleece underneath is probably all that is needed for many horses and ponies.

FEET - Snow can "ball-up" in horse's and pony's feet. This is usually worse for those who are shod. Snow and ice can become very hard and lead to tripping, bruising, soft tissue injury, joint injury, hoof cracks and lameness. This can usually be managed by putting vaseline on the frog and sole when the foot is dry (it won't stick if the foot is already wet), putting on hoof boots or by wrapping the feet with vet-wrap. Vaseline and vet-wrap are temporary measures and don't work well for all horses. A longer-term approach is to ask your farrier to put pads on but this is clearly hard to organise at short notice and may only be required for a few days. AVOID USING INDUSTRIAL GREASE/OIL (e.g. AXLE GREASE) - these products have chemicals in which are not kind to the skin/hoof and may lead to dermatitis (inflammation of the skin).

WATER - Many horses and ponies will reduce their water intake in cold weather. This can lead to an increased risk of impaction colic. You can take the chill off buckets when you are at the yard by boiling a kettle or taking a flack of hot water from home. For horses and ponies that have had a previous history of impaction colic, adding in a small amount of oil such as linseed (e.g. 1/2/ to 1 cup a day) or adding in some table salt (1/2 to 1 x 25ml scoop; 2.5 to 5 teaspoons) can help encourage drinking and ease the passage of food.

INCREASED STABLE TIME - If your horse or pony has to spend more time in the stable, consider having a radio to play some quiet and calming music. If your horse really gets stressed by being in then there are many stable toys now available and it may also be worth considering a stable mirror.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP-TIPS?

02/07/2021

Everyone is all snuggled in and ready for the coming weather this week🥶 @ Serenity Ridge Farm

12/22/2020

Anyone want to guess who “Shugar Buns the moody Buttnipper” is here at SRF? 🤣

11/20/2020

Spot and Boston taking their daily outdoor nap together 💙

11/11/2020

Thank you to our veterans for serving and protecting our country and our right to freedom. Words cannot fully express how grateful we are for your service. ❤️🤍💙

10/31/2020

Happy Halloween! Watch out for spooky plastic bags 👻

10/18/2020

Love to see one of our imports killing it with his new mom out in California!

10/03/2020

🤣

🤣🤣🤣 Good book!!

07/31/2020

She is beauty and she is grace! We are happy to welcome Majesty to the barn. She is proof that unicorns really do exist! 🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄

07/19/2020

Guilty 🤪💓

Crazy Cat Lady - Demented Dog Dame - Irrational Equine Empress. I resemble that.

07/18/2020

We would like to extend our CONGRATULATIONS to Hannah at HS Equestrian on the purchase of Viserion. We are so excited to see what the future holds for you two!

07/11/2020

So fresh so clean 💁🏻‍♀️

07/04/2020

We wish everyone a safe and happy 4th of July! Have a great day!

07/03/2020

🎀❤️

07/02/2020

🤣🤣 but true

Www.theplaidhorse.com

06/30/2020

Happy Gotcha Day baby Sq**rt! @ Serenity Ridge Farm