Baca Equine

Baca Equine Baca Equine provides professional farrier services, equine training and riding lessons to customers across the East Valley of Arizona.

Tim Baca has over 20 years of experience working with and training horses. Tim graduated from the Tucson Farrier school and completed his education by apprenticing with a certified farrier. Tim also specializes in c**t starting and problem horses through an intensive ground work program. Liz Baca grew up riding in Brussels, Belgium competing in hunter jumpers, however when moving to the United Sta

tes converted to barrel racing and western riding. Liz has over 25 years of competitive riding experience. Liz also has a degree in Elementary education and has combined her passion for horses and teaching into a broad riding instruction curriculum. For more information, please feel free to contact us at (505)819-8053, email us at [email protected] or send us a DM! We look forward to hearing from you!

12/22/2025

Feeding horses around the same time every day is important because horses thrive on routine—both mentally and physically.

From a digestive standpoint, a horse’s stomach produces acid continuously. When feeding times are consistent, the digestive system stays in a predictable rhythm, which helps reduce excess acid buildup and lowers the risk of gastric ulcers, colic, and digestive upset. Irregular feeding can cause long gaps without forage, allowing acid to irritate the stomach lining.

From a behavioral and stress perspective, horses are creatures of habit. Inconsistent feeding times can increase anxiety, pacing, fence walking, and aggression, especially in group or stalled environments. A predictable schedule helps horses remain calmer and more relaxed throughout the day.

Consistent feeding also supports better nutrient utilization. The horse’s metabolism adjusts to regular feeding intervals, allowing for more efficient digestion and absorption of nutrients, which helps maintain steady energy levels and body condition.

Overall, feeding at the same time each day promotes gut health, mental health, and overall stability, making it a simple but critical part of good horse management.

12/17/2025

Why it’s important to trail ride your performance horse.

From a physical standpoint, trail riding provides natural, varied conditioning that is hard to replicate in an arena. Hills help strengthen the hind end, stifles, and core, uneven terrain improves balance and proprioception, and longer straight lines encourage proper cardiovascular fitness. This kind of low-impact, forward movement helps build durable muscle and tendon strength, supporting soundness for high-level work.

Mentally, trail rides are excellent for a performance horse’s mindset and attitude. They break up routine, reduce arena sourness, and help horses stay relaxed and willing in their job. Exposure to new environments, sights, and footing improves confidence and focus, which often translates to better behavior and performance back in the show pen or competition setting.

Overall, regular trail riding helps create a happier, fitter, and more resilient athlete, supporting longevity and consistency in a performance horse’s career.

12/14/2025

Let’s talk Deep Digital Flexor Tendon (DDFT)

The DDFT runs down the back of the horse’s leg, starting from the deep digital flexor muscle high in the limb. It travels hock down the back of the cannon bone, over the navicular bone, and attaches to the bottom (solar surface) of the coffin bone inside the hoof. Its main functions are to flex the lower joints of the limb, the coffin joint, and pastern joints, and to a the fetlock. When the horse lifts the leg, the DDFT helps curl the hoof off the ground. When the foot is on the ground, the tendon helps control and support the limb under load, preventing the joints from over extending.

It also works closely with the navicular bone and bursa to help absorb concussion and smooth movement of the tendon as the hoof loads and breaks over. Because of this relationship excessive strain, poor hoof balance, or improper breakover can place stress on the DDFT, sometimes contributing to navicular pain or DDFT injuries.

For a horse the deep digital flexor tendon is essential for movement, stability, shock absorption, and proper hoof function.

12/04/2025

Good morning everyone, I have been getting a lot of questions about the suspensory ligament lately. so I figured I would explain how the ligament works/does.

The suspensory ligament in a horse is a strong, elastic structure that runs down the back of the cannon bone and branches near the fetlock to attach to the sesamoid bones and extensor tendon. Its main job is to support the fetlock joint by acting like a shock absorbing sling, preventing the fetlock from dropping too far when the horse bears weight. It also works like a spring, stretching when the hoof hits the ground and recoiling as the hoof lifts, which makes movement more efficient and reduces stress on the bones and joints. By stabilizing the lower leg during motion, it keeps everything aligned under heavy load, but because it handles so much force, it’s also prone to injury especially with hard footing, poor hoof angles, or overuse. Signs of suspensory issues can include lameness, swelling, heat, or sensitivity along the ligament.

11/25/2025

What a privilege to be tired from the work you once begged the universe for. What a privilege to feel overwhelmed by the growth you used to dream about. What a privilege to be challenged by a life you created on purpose.

Stick to the basics 👍
11/23/2025

Stick to the basics 👍

11/19/2025

🚨 IMPORTANT HEALTH ALERT FOR ARIZONA HORSE OWNERS 🚨
Desert Mountain Equine is closely monitoring reports of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) cases confirmed in Texas and linked to recent multi-state horse events. We want our clients and community to stay proactive and prepared.

Your horse’s safety is always our priority, and staying ahead of potential outbreaks makes a world of difference.
⸻

📌 What is EHV-1 and why does it matter?

EHV-1 is a contagious virus that can cause:
• Respiratory illness
• Abortion in pregnant mares
• Neurologic disease (Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy, EHM)

Neurologic cases can show: hind-end weakness, stumbling or incoordination, urine dribbling, and in severe cases, difficulty rising or inability to stand.
⸻

✅ What You Can Do Right Now to Protect Your Horses

1. Take temperatures twice daily.
A fever (101.5°F / 38.6°C or higher) is often the very first red flag.

2. Isolate any horse with fever, nasal discharge, cough, or neurologic signs.
Call Desert Mountain Equine immediately if you notice anything concerning.

3. Separate horses returning from events or travel for at least 14 days.
Extend to 21–28 days if they were potentially exposed.

4. Strengthen barn biosecurity:
• No nose-to-nose contact
• Disinfect buckets, tack, trailers, and grooming equipment
• Wash hands between horses
• Use dedicated clothing/boots around sick, new, or recently traveled horses

5. Limit hauling or unnecessary travel during periods of heightened risk.

6. Stay current on vaccinations.
While vaccines cannot prevent the neurologic form, they do help reduce viral shedding and respiratory disease.
⸻

🔍 Signs to Watch Closely For

• Fever
• Nasal discharge or cough
• Lethargy or decreased appetite
• Hind-end weakness or stumbling
• Tail tone changes or urine dribbling
• Pregnant mares aborting
⸻

📅 If You Have an Upcoming Appointment at Desert Mountain Equine

Please reach out before your visit if your horse has:
• Recently attended events
• Traveled out of state
• Been exposed to a horse with fever, respiratory signs, or confirmed EHV-1

This helps us plan safe biosecurity measures and protects every horse on the property.
⸻

Your vigilance is powerful. Our team is here 24/7 to support you with guidance, monitoring, testing, and care should concerns arise.
Stay aware, stay prepared, and as always — we’re here for you and your horses. 💙🐴

Let’s talk PadsPads are placed between the horse’s hoof and the horseshoe (or sometimes under a glue-on shoe) and can be...
10/19/2025

Let’s talk Pads

Pads are placed between the horse’s hoof and the horseshoe (or sometimes under a glue-on shoe) and can be made from materials like leather, rubber, or plastic.

1. Shock Absorption & Cushioning

Pads help reduce concussion on hard ground or during heavy work (like jumping, roping, or barrel racing). This is especially useful for horses that work on rocky or uneven terrain.

2. Protecting Sore or Thin Soles

Horses with thin soles, bruising, or sensitive feet benefit from pads because they act like a barrier between the hoof and the ground, preventing further soreness.

3. Preventing Stone Bruises

Pads help keep rocks, debris, and moisture from packing up under the shoe which reduces the risk of stone bruises or abscesses.

4. Therapeutic or Corrective Uses

For horses with issues like navicular, laminitis, or heel pain, pads can redistribute pressure and improve hoof balance. Some pads are designed to raise or support certain parts of the hoof (like wedge pads for low heels).

5. Comfort During Transitions

When a horse goes from being barefoot to shod, or from one shoeing setup to another, pads can make the adjustment smoother by providing extra comfort and protection.

10/14/2025

For a lot of people, they want it all to be fuzzy and warm and cosmic. But it’s no different with a horse than with a kid, you can’t always be the kids best friend, First you have to be the parent.

-Buck Brannaman

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Gilbert, AZ

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+15058198053

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