The Lazy R

07/12/2025

19/11/2025

ATTN - OUT OF AN ABUNDANCE OF CAUTION,, LAYOVER ACCOMODATIONS WILL NOT RESUME BEFORE THE NEW YEAR. Thank you for understanding...

𝐄𝐇𝐕 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞

There are confirmed EHV-1 and EHV-4 exposures connected to recent events, including the WPRA Finals, the 377 Arena on November 15 and 16, and the BFA in Oklahoma. Horses returning from any of these events should enter strict quarantine for 14 to 21 days and should not travel or come in contact with other horses during this time.

EHV is a viral disease spread through nasal discharge, aerosol droplets, contaminated tack or equipment, shared stalls or trailers, and even human hands and clothing. Horses can shed the virus before showing symptoms, which is why strong quarantine is essential.

Horses infected with EHV become lifelong carriers. The virus enters a latent state deep within nerve tissue, where the immune system cannot remove it. These horses often look completely normal but can intermittently shed the virus when stressed. Hauling, competition, changes in environment, illness, and even routine training can reactivate the virus. A healthy looking horse can still spread EHV, especially after travel, which is why outbreaks at large events happen so quickly.

𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄
• Fever, nasal discharge, lethargy, enlarged lymph nodes, and respiratory signs are common early indicators. Late term abortion and foal loss can occur. Neurologic signs such as hind end weakness, stumbling, urine dribbling, or inability to stand may develop in EHM cases.
• The incubation period ranges from 2 to 10 days and horses can shed the virus during this time.
• Testing is done through PCR on nasal swabs and whole blood.
• Treatment focuses on supportive care, anti-inflammatories, antivirals for EHM cases, and rest.
• Respiratory cases usually recover in one to two weeks. Neurologic cases may take longer and may not fully resolve.

Quarantine requires complete separation from all other horses. Keep exposed horses at least 30 feet away from others, avoid nose to nose contact, use separate equipment, and change clothes or wear protective gear when handling them. Take temperatures twice daily MINIMUM and monitor closely for respiratory or neurologic signs.

Disinfect trailers, buckets, stalls, and equipment by removing organic material and using a 1 to 10 bleach solution or other approved disinfectants. Allow surfaces to dry fully before reuse.

Routine veterinary appointments should be delayed for 14 to 21 days for any horse with known exposure. Emergencies may be handled in the quarantine area on a case by case basis. Bringing exposed horses to a clinic risks widespread transmission and potential shutdowns.

Vaccination is not recommended for exposed horses. Horses with no known exposure should receive an EHV booster if they have not been vaccinated in the last three months.

Do not panic. Just be proactive. Biosecurity, quarantine, and careful monitoring protect your horse and the entire community.

04/11/2025

Welcome home Cisco...

04/11/2025

Welcome home Fred, Echo, and Jetta...

17/10/2025

50' Roundpen w/sand footing - Please do not leave your horses unattended :)

24/09/2025

A 'little' news to share!

Welcome to Tiny Tails Miniature Horses, where little horses bring big joy! What started as a love for Miniature Horses has grown into a family passion for breeding, training, showing, and sales. Don’t let their size fool you—our minis have just as much heart, personality, and sparkle as the tallest horse in the barn. From the foals we raise with care to the champions we proudly lead into the show ring, every step is filled with laughter, learning, and a whole lot of love. With a focus on quality care and personalized training, every horse we raise reflects our passion, commitment, and belief that even the smallest horses can make a huge impact.

Interested in a 'Tiny Tail' of your own? We take pride in producing Miniature Horses that are not only beautiful and well-conformed, but also well-mannered, versatile, and ready to shine in the show ring or enrich a family’s life.

Feel.free to browse our page and familiarize yourself with our fun-sized herd. Horses will be posted as they come available...so stay tuned! Special consideration given to active 4H members🍀

26/08/2025

Dr Temple Grandin is one of the best known animal scientists in the world. She grew up in America, and she is autistic, which means her brain works a little differently to most people’s. She often says she “thinks in pictures.” This helps her notice tiny details about animals that others might miss.

Most of her career has been spent improving how cattle are handled on farms, making systems calmer and safer. (Which is why many farms have safe handing pens for cattle on farms today)But her ideas are just as useful when we think about horses.

Temple reminds us that animals don’t see the world the same way humans do. A shiny puddle, a flapping jacket, or a garden chair in the wrong place might look like danger to a horse. Horses are prey animals, always on the lookout for threats. What seems silly to us can feel very real to them.

As she explains: “Horses have to see the same object from all angles. They don’t automatically transfer learning from one side of their brain to the other.” In other words, a horse that walks calmly past a wheelbarrow on the left rein may still shy at it on the right.

For coaches and riders, this matters. If a horse spooks or refuses, it isn’t “naughty”, it is reacting in the only way it knows. Our job is to slow down, let the horse look, and give it time to learn.

Temple also talks about how animals respond to pressure. A gentle aid, released at the right moment, helps the horse to understand. But rough hands, loud voices, or constant pushing only build fear. As coaches, that means showing riders how to be clear but kind, guiding, not forcing.

And this links horse welfare with rider welfare. A calm horse gives the rider confidence. A frightened horse makes the rider nervous. By putting the horse’s feelings first, we create safer, happier lessons for both.

Temple Grandin may have made her name with cattle, but her lessons about patience, clear signals for animals are pure gold for anyone who works with horses. When we see the world through the horse’s eyes, we become better kinder horsemen.

20/08/2025

19/05/2025

Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax. Kick off your boots and sit a spell...

21/04/2025

Happy Easter from The Lazy R!🐣