Big River Equine LLC

01/30/2026

I caution clients about this all the time, I know it’s easier to prep things for ourselves and for others who are caring for our animals, but it could have devastating consequences.

Did you know that Prascend (and all forms of pergolide) tablets are unstable once taken out of their special nitrogen-filled foil compartment?

Some horse owners mistakenly take them out of the packaging ahead of time for convenience, which can lead to rapid degradation. Another dilemma is when horses are supposed to get a partial tablet. What's the best practice?

The very best option for storing partial pergolide tablets is to keep them in their original nitrogen-flushed blister packs until the moment of administration to prevent rapid degradation from light and other factors.

If a tablet must be split, store the unused portion in a small, sealed, dark container with a silica gel packet.

Store in Dark/Cool Location: Keep the container away from direct sunlight and in a cool, dry place (at or below 77°F/25°C).

Time Limit: Use the partial tablet within 24 hours to ensure effectiveness.

Alternative - Foil: Some owners tightly wrap the unused, halved tablet in aluminum foil and store it in a small, sealed container.

Do not pre-cut tablets for more than one or two days in advance.

01/24/2026

🌨️☃️❄️ Winter Weather & Whatnot 😉— Scheduling Info 🌨️☃️❄️

As we head into a colder-than-average winter, here’s how I handle scheduling and weather decisions so everyone knows what to expect.

1. When a winter storm is clearly on the way:

If forecasts show dangerous conditions or guaranteed winter weather, I will contact everyone proactively 24-48 hours before the appointment to reschedule. Safety comes first.

2. When the forecast is uncertain:

If conditions are questionable, I will monitor the situation closely using MoDOT’s road condition app and updated hourly forecasts.

You will receive an update by 8:30–9:00 AM the day of the appointment confirming whether:
- The day will run as scheduled
- We will shift times to the warmest part of the day
- We need to reschedule

3. Temperature guidelines

Composite shoeing:
- Rescheduled if the “feels like” temperature is below 20°F INDOORS,
Trims:
- Will continue at 20°F+/- if we have an indoor/workable sheltered area.
- Horses kept outside or without wind protection will be likely be rescheduled.

4. About routes & cancellations

On my longer distance routes, each appointment supports the route as a whole.
When one person cancels last minute due to cold temperatures it often makes the entire route no longer feasible. I do take health concerns very seriously, so if you are ill or physically unable to be out in the cold, I will absolutely work with you. I do appreciate an early heads up as soon as you feel the upcoming temperatures may become problematic (24 hours or more is ideal) so I can reroute or reschedule the day as needed.

To keep routes active and available:
- Please plan to keep your scheduled time
OR
- Arrange for someone to stand in for you (owner, barn manager, friend, neighbor etc.) if you prefer not to be outside.
This ensures I can still service the other horses on the route and keeps everyone’s schedule intact.

5. What most clients can expect

Most appointments will still happen as planned.

More often than not, adjustments will involve:
- Slightly later times to catch warmer temps
- Rescheduling only for extreme cold, unsafe roads, or weather that prevents safe handling

Thank you for your flexibility and for helping make winter routes safe and workable for everyone. Clear communication helps me keep everyone's horses on a consistent schedule, even during Midwest winter fun! ❄️

12/25/2025

As the holiday season approaches and we reflect on the year behind us and the one ahead, I want to take a moment to say a heartfelt thank you.

To my clients — thank you for trusting me with your horses, for welcoming me into your homes and barns, and for allowing me to be part of your horse’s care team. Thank you for your openness to thoughtful collaboration, your consistency with routine maintenance, and your shared commitment to always putting the horse first.

This work is sometimes demanding and often humbling — but it is also deeply meaningful and endlessly rewarding. I’m incredibly grateful for the relationships built over the years, whether we’ve worked together for over a decade or just a few short months, and for the horses I’ve had the privilege to care for along the way — those I’m blessed to continue caring for and those I remember fondly who are no longer with us.

Wishing you and your families a peaceful and joyful holiday season, and a New Year filled with sound horses and moments that remind us why we love what we do. I’m grateful for you all and look forward to the year ahead!
~Sara

12/22/2025

🎄 BEMER Holiday Equine Savings 🎄

BEMER Holiday Horse Set Savings ARE HERE — ending January 5th!
For a limited time, BEMER is offering significant holiday savings on their equine Horse Set, a foundational tool I use daily and highly recommend to support overall equine health, performance, and longevity.

🐎 What BEMER does (and why it matters)
BEMER supports microcirculation — the movement of blood through the smallest vessels in the body. This is critical for:
- Tissue health and recovery
- Supporting muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints
- Overall resilience during training, rehab, and aging
- Complementing good hoof care by supporting circulation that feeds healthy structures & hoof growth

💡 I have some very workable, creative financing ideas if you’re curious and want to explore what might make sense for you!

⏰ Sale ends January 5th

This is a HUGE Savings on the BEMER Horse Set, and it won’t last.

📩 To take advantage of the holiday savings BEFORE January 5th:
• Message me directly on Facebook
• Or email me at [email protected]

I'm always happy to answer questions, talk through options, and help you decide if BEMER is a good fit for your horse and your program!

12/16/2025

🐴 Are Your Horses Stall Trained? 🐴

When I built the barn at Trifecta Acres, I had very specific stalls in mind for each horse, based on personality, pecking order, and yes… bathroom habits. LOL.

From the beginning, I was intentional about stall training:
• Bring them in
• Feed them
• Turn them back out
• But not give full-time, free access to the barn 24/7

The goal was to help them develop habits so they knew which stall was theirs and where to go when they came inside.

This week’s bitter, bitter cold snap made me especially grateful for that work. I left the barn open so they could get out of the wind and warm up (it stays about 20° warmer inside), and it absolutely made my day to pull up the barn camera and see each horse calmly hanging out in the stall I chose for them. 🧡

It got me thinking, I don't see stall training talked about much, but for me it makes winter management, vet/farrier visits, feeding routines, and general barn harmony so much easier. I just whistle and they come to the barn and sort themselves into their stalls.

So I’m curious 👇
• Are your horses stall trained?
• Do they naturally pick “their” stall, or does their preference change from day to day?
• What do you consider when assigning stalls — personality, hierarchy, habits?

I'm genuinely curious & bonus points if you share photos!

12/10/2025

❄️🌨️ Squarebale struggles in winter? Read this! 🌨️❄️
Putting hay out has become literally the easiest part of my day.
When I bought my small farm I was really worried about managing square bales all winter. Round bales would be my preference but it'll take a while to save up for a tractor and an appropriate storage shed.

Desperately seeking a solution, I found Gutzbusta Slow Feed Hay Nets USA Hay Stay Nets. Designed to be simi-permanent, they have been one of the BEST investments I’ve made for my track system. I currently keep five nets placed around the track, which lets me rotate where the herd eats and easily move them out of muddy areas just by choosing which nets to fill. It’s simple, efficient, and keeps my horses moving.

Here’s what makes them such a lifesaver here:
✨ Side-Loading = Fast Loading
The long side-opening makes loading effortless. I pull up with the Gator, slide in the bales, clip it closed — done.
✨ Holds TWO Full Square Bales EACH
Each net can comfortably hold two square bales, giving me plenty of flexibility in how and where I feed.
✨ Six Bales Out in 20 Minutes
Start to finish — loading the Gator, driving the track, filling all the nets — takes me around 20 minutes. It’s truly the easiest part of my day.
✨ 3 Days of Forage (Give or Take)
Six bales typically last the herd around three days, depending on weather and activity. No constant refilling.
✨ Keeps Hay Clean + Off the Ground
Everything stays elevated, dry, and edible — even in Missouri mud season.
✨ Slows Consumption (Without Frustration)
Encourages steady nibbling and keeps my horses engaged and digestive systems happy.
✨ Durability That Surprised Me
These nets have been in heavy daily use for months, and they’re still holding up incredibly well. I even have an aggressive eater, and I’ve been genuinely impressed with the quality and how tough these nets are.
✨ Massively Reduced Waste
Clean hay + slower consumption = less waste and better hay usage across the board.
These have become one of my "can't live without" tools at Trifecta Acres, especially for winter and muddy months.

💚 A Bonus for You:
GutzBusta loved the glowing review I sent them, and they offered me a discount to share with all of you.

If you decide to try any of their amazing nets, you can use code TRIFECTA for 10% off your order!

Let me know if you try them!!!