Gittins Horses

08/02/2026

THE HORSE WORLD MOURNS A LOSS…
Renowned horse trainer and author Monty Roberts, famous as the "horse whisperer" and a close advisor to Queen Elizabeth II, passed away on August 1, at the age of 91 at his farm in California. Our prayers are with family and friends.

07/20/2026

Horses are horses. Not Disney characters. Not therapy llamas. Not a four‑legged cardio subscription you “sign up for” and then get mad when it needs maintenance.

They are 1,200 pounds of “What’s that? I’mma step on it.” They are going to get cut. They are going to find the ONE rusty nail in 40 acres and fillet themselves on it. They are going to get rained on, grow weird fungus, sunburn their noses, chew on the one board you didn’t want them to chew on, and come in from turnout looking like they lost a bar fight with a pine tree.

They will slip. They will fall on their own feet. They will blow an abscess the day before your fun show and stand there like, “Idk man, foot go ouch.” They will learn new behaviors from whoever is handling them, for better or for worse. That’s not “broken” or “misrepresented,” that’s called “a prey animal with a brain and opinions.”

Stop shopping for horses like you’re buying a coin‑operated ride outside Walmart. This is livestock, not an appliance. They are expensive. They are fragile and stupid and brilliant and annoying and perfect, sometimes all in the same 24 hours. They are not waking up in the morning thinking, “How can I make safe, reasonable choices for my mommy and her pocketbook today?”

Knicks, scratches, dry skin, mystery bald spots, teeny scabs from flies – that’s not “Omg red flag,” that’s called “owns a horse.” If you can’t tolerate a scrape on a hock without starting a 37‑message investigative thread, maybe start with a houseplant. And even then, I’ve seen some of y’all kill succulents, so like… proceed with caution. ⚠️

Owning a horse means you also own: Veterycin, iodine, SWAT, fly spray, ointments that smell like war crimes, duct tape, diapers, and a permanent line of credit at the farm store. You do not just buy The Horse and then rage‑text anyone when it turns out you also have to… care for The Horse.

If you want something that never gets scratched, never has an off day, and never reflects your handling back at you, might I suggest a rocking horse. Or a Breyer. They don’t colic, they don’t abscess, and the only “behavior issue” they’ll ever have is where you wanna put the dang thing.

Signing off as,

When people say “the cheapest part of owning a horse is buying it” ….they didn’t lie to you. 😂

07/18/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1DzHWJf9bQ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Lately I've had several folks reach out about hauling their horses longer distances...

Here's just kinda a reference for me. Not everyone has to agree but idk much about the subject. :)

Cameras. Get them. We install them pm me if you want one. Worth every single penny. Your entire perspective will change. Wire them into your running lights, it'll act as an on/off switch and won't run batteries down. https://a.co/d/582ihv4

Horses appreciate box stalls IMHO. If you can haul as such, do it. In the same breath, some horses cant tolerate the room and get anxious. Load accordingly.

Nervous horse?
I have a loud yet small portable speaker too. Let's listen to Mozart or Beethoven! You have no idea how much it'll drown out road/trailer noise and give them something else to focus on. https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTLu1tYRd/

Never ever hard tie. Ever. I have tie blockers attached with hay string at all tie points in my trailer. There has been exactly 3 times that has really saved my ass (and spared the horses injury). I really prefer not to tie at all if I can get away with it. They need to be able to get their heads down or at least lower it some to clear their lungs or you risk shipping fever.

Stop every couple hours and rest legs. They get fatigued more than other body parts. I stop every 3 hours ish for about 20/30 minutes. I also take this time to use the bathroom, grab a snack, walk my trailer and top off fuel. I absolutely do not make unnecessary stops. I have a 100 gallon drag tank too which I really appreciate.

I bed deep, 8 inches or more long distance and 6 inches or so local hauls. Helps keep them comfy but also absorbs waste more efficiently and deeper (also a insulation to keep the road heat at bay). Take note of how much they're p**ping and if they p*e. I scoop p**p when I stop if I can safely. I've had horses that absolutely will not p*e on the trailer and that needs to be kept in mind for travel time as well. Double mats are good too! I invested in the spray floor from Texas Floor Skinz and I can tell it's also made a huge difference in the cushioning. I also don't have to pull the stupid mats out anymore and it's super easy to disinfect.

I also invested in a air hitch from https://shockerhitch.com It takes so much of the jerk and rough ride out! It's like night and day on any trailer but y'all with those heavy LQ? Order ya one, you'll thank me later. They're also commonly listed on FB Marketplace as well. I average around $550 used. I swear by this and that cushioned spray floor for legs.

I never park my trailer in the direct sun either, once it starts to warm up. If you feel like it's really heating up, buy 60/80 pounds of ice and throw on the floor. Imagine the heat coming from the road, the ice melts but it does help. Ventilation is key. Keep that trailer open.
I ordered a custom screen from this place for the window above my side ramp. Its made a huge difference while still being safe!
https://www.horsetraileraccessorystore.com/Trailer-Safety-Screens-with-Straps-CUSTOM-SEWN-New-or-Replacements_p_575.html

Don't ever unload at a truck/rest stop/questionable area. Find an arena or barn or even a quiet back road if nothing else. I try hard to not have to unload at all but I have the luxury of the nicest barns to let my passengers walk it out at (thanks you guys).

How long can I travel? That's such a loaded question. How's your horse/s traveling? Again, cameras are just such an invaluable tool. If they're drinking, comfortable, p**ping and happy I'm good going 12 hours or even more if client wants straight through, keep your breaks consistent. I feel 6/8 hours or so is a good days haul. If there's any question just stop and layover somewhere. https://www.horsemotel.com/ is a great resource and many public arenas are available as well. Give your horses 8/10 good hours of rest off trailer if you're going to layover. Make sure they drink.

I keep water in front of them long distance or if it's hot. You have to. If it's a 3 hour trip and 70° they aren't thirsty and they're just going to make a mess. Make sure you hang the bucket high enough to keep feet out but low enough to be accessible. Pay attention to what direction your clips are too. You don't want a halter getting hung up on a clip holding a water bucket in a tight area. I appreciate actual bucket straps, they'll break if they needed to.
I also use these to keep splashing to a minimum. Some horses just really don't appreciate it. They learn fast how to use them.
https://teskeys.com/products/rockin-road-lid?variant=40161967865919&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw26KxBhBDEiwAu6KXt2mu3QWkzH-BVxMn_aVC2gsSY4g79uyrPBWTXWeeGh2m8xriU0D7oxoCzlAQAvD_BwE
Keeping hay bags full is important too. Smaller the hole in slow feed hay nets the better. You don't want them to just pig out bored, you want to keep tummy acid at bay and horses content while traveling. I don't like feeding horses during travel either. Grain really weighs the gut down. Soak it really good if you do. This will help reduce colic. See my ulcergard comment below.

If they're struggling to drink, keep in mind you're filling their gut with dry hay in an already stressful situation. Then add to that you're restricting the digestive process by them standing still. There's a lot of things to help with this. I like https://www.whinnywater.com/ but you can also use Gatorade, a handful of alfalfa pellets and full bucket of water or whatever your horse likes but they really need to drink, esp in the heat. If you can start ulcergard a few days prior to, during and a few days post travel that really seems to help too.

I hate shipping boots for a lot of reasons, mostly because they trap heat in the legs and thats no bueno.

Walk. Your. Rig.
Every single time you stop. Walk. Your. Rig. Things I look for.. cracked/busted welds, door/window hinges, lug nuts, secured latches, kick the tires, quick visual of my hitch, head gates/drops (those aluminum bars can break) and whatever else is in-between. Don't forget to look under it occasionally as well! There's so much under there that can break too!
Make this second nature and you can potentially save yourself a lot of headache later.
My trailer is professionally inspected every 3 months and repairs made immediately when found needed. Stuff breaks, it happens.

There are companies that are like Triple A for horse people. I really like www.trailguard.org They have a lot of features they offer and help get horses and equipment safe. Do this ahead of time, don't want until you have an issue.

Know your maintenance schedule. Can't recall the last time you had your bearings/brakes/tires inspected? Then it's time. Over a year? Then it's time. Have a blow out? Then it's time. Tires over 4 years old but still have lots of tread? It's time for new ones. This heat kills tires. I buy mine at Trout Tire and they've always done me right. Same goes for your truck.

Carry two spares, that trailer aid ramp is worth every penny and so is a good impact. I can change a tire in under 8 minutes. It's invaluable in the stupid Texas heat. I recently added a tire temperature/pressure system. I'm certain those is going to amazing. https://a.co/d/euhYmgF
I also have enough spare s**t to build a space ship in my tool box. Tools, hay string, electrical tape, extra lights, fuses, zip ties, straps, bailing wire, coolant, you get the point. I also carry wraps, vet wrap, extra halters/ropes, spray and tie blockers blah blah blah. I could be a hauler or a serial killer turns out it looks the same. I have a fridge in my center console so I can safely carry drugs as well. Bought that here! It's an amazing human comfort too. Cold drinks/snacks and I don't have to make another stop! https://www.dometic.com

FIRE EXTINGUISHER and a knife. You just never know. I put out a car fire one night, it was like 11pm. Peeps were super grateful. I replaced it the next day. Have a good sharp knife close and handy too. **tyouseeasahauler

This is just me and my observations over the last 8 years of hauling. I strive to evolve into the absolute best hauler I can be and it comes from experience for sure. I really do love the horses I haul and want nothing but safe travels every time I load a horse.

Haulers and individuals all do things different and that doesn't make (most of) it wrong.

I'll add to this as I think of more :)

Like my page!
New Caney Equine Center

07/17/2026

😭🥺💔

With heavy hearts, we share our condolences to Jamie, Sunny, Ironwood Equestrian Center, Running Springs Quarter Horse & Cattle Co., and everyone connected to RS Ironclad Alibi, lovingly known as Moose.

Born and raised by Running Springs Quarter Horse & Cattle Co. in Nolensville, Tennessee, Moose was a gorgeous young stud c**t prospect by VS Code Red and out of Only Blue Couture. Though his time here was far too short, he carried the kind of presence, quality, and promise that made people dream about the future.

For Ironwood, Moose was more than a promising c**t. He was a hope, a heart horse in the making, and a special young horse whose story had only just begun.

There is a unique heartbreak in losing one so young. We grieve not only the life lived, but the milestones still ahead, the years still to come, and the legacy that might have been.

Rest easy, sweet Moose. You were loved every step of the way.

Read his obituary:
https://stallioncompare.com/obituary/rs-ironclad-alibi

**t **t

07/17/2026

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for Ivermectin Liquid for Horses to provide short-term prevention of New World screwworm (NWS) infestations in horses. The authorization allows the product to be administered within 24 hours of birth or during initial wound care to help protect horses from this devastating pest. This action supports ongoing efforts to safeguard American agriculture and animal health as officials work to prevent the spread of New World screwworm. The authorized product is for use in horses only and is not approved for use in other species.

07/16/2026

Bute vs. Banamine: What’s the Difference? 🐴💊

One of the most common questions we get is, “Should my horse get Bute or Banamine?” While both medications are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), they work a little differently and are best suited for different conditions.

🐎 Phenylbutazone (Bute) is our go-to medication for musculoskeletal pain and inflammation. It works exceptionally well for conditions involving the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Horses with arthritis, laminitis, soft tissue injuries, or general orthopedic soreness often respond better to Bute because it provides excellent pain relief for the musculoskeletal system.

🐎 Flunixin Meglumine (Banamine) is generally our first choice for visceral pain—pain originating from the internal organs. This makes it the preferred medication for horses experiencing colic, as it is very effective at controlling intestinal pain. Banamine also has strong anti-endotoxic effects, making it an important part of treating serious infections, pneumonia, pleuropneumonia, colitis, endotoxemia, and severe inflammatory conditions. It can also be helpful for certain eye conditions, such as uveitis.

While there is some overlap between these medications, we typically choose Bute for orthopedic pain and Banamine for colic, fever, and systemic inflammatory disease. They should not be given together unless specifically directed by your veterinarian, as combining NSAIDs significantly increases the risk of stomach ulcers, right dorsal colitis, and kidney injury.

Every horse and every condition is different. Choosing the right medication—and using the correct dose for the appropriate length of time—is an important part of keeping your horse safe while providing the best possible pain relief. As always, consult your veterinarian for medication guidance and instructions!

07/10/2026

This is a good friend, she is AWESOME!!! Please give her a follow and a call if your Horses need massage therapy!! 

https://www.facebook.com/share/1L3nUHSmcz/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Certified Equine Massage Therapist helping horses move and feel their best. Compassionate, professional care tailored to every horse. IAAMB Member & ABMP Insured.

07/09/2026

Barrel race competitor Arielle Phillips is demanding justice as her horse – Detail – continues to recover from stab wounds she received during the 2026 National Barrel Horse Association’s Professional’s Choice Las Vegas Super Show held at the South Point Hotel and Casino back in late May.
https://www.8newsnow.com/news/barrel-racer-speaks-out-after-horse-stabbed-during-las-vegas-competition/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_8_News_Now

07/05/2026

5 Patriotic Horse Breeds That Represent the American Spirit 🇺🇸🐴

America’s story was shaped not only by pioneers, soldiers, ranchers, and Native nations, but also by the horses that carried them. These five breeds reflect freedom, endurance, beauty, and grit.

1. Quarter Horse 🏇
The American Quarter Horse traces its roots to Colonial America, where settlers bred fast, sturdy horses for work and short-distance racing. Its name comes from its talent for sprinting a quarter mile, but its legacy grew on ranches, where cowboys prized its sp*ed, strength, and “cow sense.” Few breeds better represent the hardworking American frontier.

2. Mustang 🐎
The Mustang is perhaps the clearest symbol of American freedom. Descended from horses brought by Spanish explorers and later shaped by life on western ranges, Mustangs became icons of independence and survival.

3. Paint Horse 🎨
With bold patches of color and a strong stock-horse build, the American Paint Horse reflects both beauty and usefulness. These colorful horses were valued by Native Americans, cowboys, and ranchers across the expanding West.

4. Appaloosa 🤎
The Appaloosa’s spotted coat is famous, but its deeper significance lies with the Nez Perce, who carefully bred horses known for stamina, intelligence, and versatility.

5. Morgan ⭐
One of the earliest horse breeds developed in the United States, the Morgan is compact, strong, and versatile. Morgans served as riding horses, driving horses, and cavalry mounts during the Civil War.

From colonial roads to cattle drives, tribal homelands, battlefields, and open ranges, these horses helped carry America forward. Together, they represent the American spirit in motion. 🇺🇸🐴