3F Ranch and Boarding

04/24/2025

This weeks Pod Cast 🩷🌱

Confused by all the feed choices out there? Inspired by a listener question,
Dr.Nichols explains her 8-step process for selecting the brand or line of feed to best fit your needs.

Show Notes:
Feed Selection Road Map:
• 1. Is the nutritionist qualified?
• 2. Least Cost vs Locked Formula
• 3. lonophore Stance
• 4. Feeding Rates
• 5. Trace Mineral Source (zinc methionine complex, copper lysine complex, manganese methionine complex)
• 6. Amino Acids
• 7. Bonus Round (supplement replacements)
• 8. Final Check of Basics (protein, fat, fiber, starch/sugar)

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6NYbyJ2DvsdqWt8xMHXhYM?si=80zQbcK2QeKFQOohai9PnQ

04/24/2025

Recent wildfires in various regions of the U.S. have not only caused devasting losses for those directly affected by the flames but also has caused poor air quality concerns for humans and animals.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ranks air pollution and air quality on a scale of 0 to 500. Though the ranking system is geared toward people, the classifications also apply to horses. Particulate levels begin to pose dangers to horse health when they exceed 150, especially to horses with pre-existing health concerns. At this level owners should limit riding and exercise until the smoke clears and air quality improves. An AQI value above 300 is considered hazardous.

The negative effects of smoke inhalation are not always immediately apparent and will be variable from horse to horse and the degree and type of smoke exposure. We encourage horse owners in affected areas to be diligent in monitoring the local air quality and to take extra caution with horses at higher risk of respiratory distress. Be sure to contact your veterinarian to evaluate horses showing any signs of respiratory inflammation (like coughing, respiratory distress, nasal discharge, fever).

To read more about how air quality can affect your horse’s respiratory health, please read this article courtesy of AAEP Educational Partner The Horse: https://thehorse.com/1110445/how-air-quality-impacts-horse-health/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJriohleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHnywyLhHNAkGenfxrXnrtNBefCXytYl2LuixpjrmneO_uE3IvfHBr5Y5bJyS_aem_mI2HfZllMfpf9yiqS7EXJA

04/24/2025

04/24/2025

April showers bring…

…the increased risk of your horse developing a skin condition like rain rot, a contagious bacterial skin disease (often mistaken for a fungal condition) called dermatophilosis which is caused by the bacterium "Dermatophilus congolensis.”

How does rain rot happen?
The organism responsible for rain rot lives in the outer layer of the skin; if the skin is compromised by too much moisture or cracks, or if the horse has a weaker immune system, it’s easier for the pathogen to activate and establish an infection that causes from pinpoint to large, crusty scabs (pro tip: Your horse will NOT thank you for picking at them!).

Why should you not mistake rain rot for a fungal disease?
Antifungal medications and topicals have no effect on the bacteria responsible for rain rot, therefore diagnosing the condition correctly is critical! If left untreated, the condition can even progress to a point where it opens the door for more serious, secondary skin infections. It’s also important to note that this organism is contagious and may be passed to other horses by tack, equipment or insects, therefore disinfection of equipment is vital to prevent spread.

If you suspect your horse has rain rot, be sure to consult your veterinarian on the best treatment plan. While there are a million over-the-counter products available, your horse doctor may have cause to prescribe a specific course of action based on the severity of your horse's case.

04/24/2025

I took 1 cm off the bottom of this cadaver foot and I then processed it to remove the capsule.

This was the result.

Can you see what I see?

Edited to add- the view is the sole view.

04/20/2025

Long toes only affect the navicular right?

The leg has a series of joints. The metacarpo-phalangeal joint (fetlock), the proximal interphalangeal joint and distal interphalangeal joint (Pastern and coffin). Each one of these joints is a centre of rotation and because of how the digit is not underneath the limb, but in front off, each of these joints is profoundly affected by the distance from its centre of rotation to the point at which the ground acts through the hoof. In the form of the turning force (moment).
An increased turning force must be counteracted by whatever keeps those joints from descending under the load, the tendons AND ligaments.

Hence why long toes affect ALL of the soft tissue structures on the back of the leg. Both tendons and the suspensory!

If you would like this information clarified, explained in simpler terms and would like an introductory lesson in equine digit biomechanics then join myself and The study of the equine hoof on the 3rd Oct at 7pm BST where I will be doing just that.

https://equineeducationhub.thinkific.com/courses/digit-biomechanics-101

04/20/2025

04/20/2025

🏆🌹Introducing the 2025 NRBC NON PRO L3 CHAMPIONS… Jesse Boyd and GUNNA BE FIRST!!!!
Jesse and his fancy palomino stallion sired by Arc Gunnabeabigstar started their NRHA Earnings Record at the NRBC in 2023, coming back in 2024 to win the L2 Non Pro division and just won the L3 division tonight adding $27,000 to their impressive record of 63,000+. They also finished 5th in the L4 with a score of 218! Outstanding job Jesse! We are all super proud of you! 🏆🏆🏆🌹🌹🌹

04/19/2025

LOOK!
Love our partnership with Voyage Long Term Care 🩷

Thank you Voyage for your commitment to the Seniors🌱

04/19/2025

Luke 9:23: "Then he said to them all: Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."

04/19/2025

Luke 24:6-7: "Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'"

04/19/2025

Best days!

Philippians 3:10: "I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death."

04/19/2025

Come on out! One hour left to hunt eggs lead line!