B4 Equine Services, LLC

07/13/2025

Water Ear Plugs…
I mean I’ve heard worse 🤷🏼‍♀️

If YOU were a Thoroughbred, what would your JC name be? My (Emily's) name would be: Margarita Training. Haha!

07/11/2025

Ever wonder why a mule’s tail was trimmed into ‘bells’? Back in the day, the Army relied heavily on mules. A green, untrained mule had its tail shaved. Once it was trained to carry a pack, a single bell-shaped notch was cut into its tail. When it learned to pull a wagon, a second bell was added. If the mule was also trained to be ridden, a third tassel was trimmed below the others. So, a ‘three-bell mule’ was fully trained and highly versatile—making it easy to spot the right animal for the job just by glancing at its tail.

07/08/2025

A little before and after of a client today! 🤩

I don’t usually do “before and afters” because in my opinion it paints a false narrative! It implies that after one session your horse is magically “fixed” when in all honesty it may take numerous sessions with me to see a marked difference or improvement. Or it may even take numerous sessions with me along with changes in other aspects of your horses life to see a change. (Saddle fit, bit fit, vet work up, nutrition, farrier care, etc)

The top photo is his before picture, note the slight roundness through his lumbar region indicating tension. The bottom photo is his after photo and has a much better slope up from thoracic to lumbar. 👌🏼

What was done between photo one and photo two? PEMF, myofascial release, red light, castration scar releases, and hind limb stretches.
Very excited to see this sweet boy improve and excel in his career! 😁

**Some things to note about both photos!!!
He is standing in front of a cinder block wall so the lines do play visual tricks on you, looking back I should have had him stand elsewhere. I tried to have him stand in the EXACT same spot but that was impossible. 🤣
He is also slightly butt high because he is a growing boy!!

07/07/2025

07/07/2025

Huge Congratulations to Weston! 🎉

We are SO proud of Weston for his Third Place finish in the Small Horse Championship at the held at the incredible – Ohio! 🏅🐴

A big shoutout to our amazing partners:
✨ – for Weston’s beautifully fitting custom bridle and bit that keep him comfortable and focused
🧵 – for the stylish and functional custom ear bonnet that adds the perfect finishing touch!

Thank you to the entire team behind the scenes—we couldn’t do it without you!

07/04/2025

✨ HAPPY 4TH OF JULY! ✨

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.
- Psalm 33:12

📸 : Kimber Christian Images

07/02/2025

Similar to last week’s post, numerous people compare PEMF to a TENS Unit or a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation.

Both are great modalities and both can be used to support the body in their own ways but how are they different….⬇️⬇️⬇️

🧲PEMF: Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy interacts with cells in your body to boost circulation, promote cellular repair, and reduce inflammation! PEMF works deeper within the body and be used on a larger scale or pinpointed to problem areas. PEMF is non-invasive and is thought to have a calming effect.

⚡️TENS: a TENS unit targets nerves with electrical stimulation. Small pads are placed on the body then electrical impulses stimulate the surrounding nerves. TENS can help to block pain signals to the brain and can provide temporary pain relief.

Have you ever used PEMF or TENS on yourself or your equine athlete? What differences did you notice?

*Always consult your trusted veterinarian to discuss options before proceeding with a treatment plan for your horse!

07/01/2025

Frustrated horse owner? Horse losing shoes? Want to switch farriers? Take a deep breath.
Weather conditions in central Virginia seem to have reached the trifecta of lost shoes/damaged hooves. Equilox is flying off the shelves for glue on shoes and hoof repairs. It's not just your farrier.
It's also the start grumpy farrier season. The workload is up, the temperature is up, and flies are atrocious. Your farrier is fighting dehydration and overheating everyday. They have been je**ed on by horses who are intolerant of flies. They are receiving texts and calls at impolite hours. They are getting sticker shock when they purchase supplies. They are physically and mentally exhausted, and their bodies are sore.
What can you do? Try to set your horse and your farrier up for success. Is your horse spending lots of time in the pond to get away from bugs and heat? Not so good for hoof quality. Fly spray is expensive, so you're using as little as possible, except when you're riding? Soggy hooves stomping on hard ground isn't a good combination. Trying to push the appointment a little longer? Not a good idea in the summer.
Do you have a fan for your farrier? Shade and breeze go a long way in keeping your farrier functional, and a strong fan has the added benefit of chasing away flies.
Do you have to lead the horses through a mud puddle to get through the gate? Bring them in early. Hosing mud off your horse as the farrier arrives isn't appreciated. Most would rather deal with dry mud than wet legs.
Apply a fly spray early. Another application may be needed during shoeing, but your farrier does not need to hold onto wet, fly spray drenched legs all day. Be mindful if your fly spray is oil based. It can make legs, hands, and tools slippery. Ask your farrier their preference. It often helps to spray a leg again once the hoof is done. The fly spray stays on the leg, not on the farrier, and the horse may stand quieter for next hoof.
Cold beverages, ice, cold water soaked towels, and dry "sweat towels" are nice.
What are your suggestions to help your horse and farrier?