Johnson Stables

02/17/2025

Good possibility lessons will be canceled Tuesday-Thursday with the severe cold weather. I’ll reach out if that’s the case!

02/15/2025

Happy horsey birthday to this big chubby fuzzy boy 🩷

02/09/2025

"Under pressure, you don't rise to the occasion, you fall to the level of your training."

02/06/2025

Your horse needs a 𝐜𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡, not just a trainer.

There’s 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 to horsemanship than just teaching cues and movements.

𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 involves getting a horse to do something 𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲—teaching movements, refining responses, and conditioning their body.

𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 is all about building 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐟. It’s about exhibiting leadership and communication to build confidence, trust and understanding.

When a horse faces an unfamiliar situation, they will feel insecure. They’ll look to you for reassurance. That’s where 𝐜𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠—not just training—makes all the difference.

It’s not just about executing the right steps.
It’s about giving them the confidence to 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 through pressure, not just react to it.

A great trainer can make a horse capable.
A great coach makes them 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭.

02/05/2025

Some fun around here lately 🩷

01/16/2025

How tie a rope

01/14/2025

01/07/2025

We are sorry for any inconvenience but all lessons are canceled today

12/31/2024

Although protein is normally listed as a nutrient, horses actually have a requirement for amino acids, the building blocks of protein, rather than for protein itself.

Protein is the least efficient energy source for your horse, so high protein does not automatically equal high energy. Carbohydrates, fats, and fiber are more readily digestible energy sources, so chances are a horse with too much energy is being fed more calories than the animal truly needs.

As always, remember that all horses have different nutritional needs based on age, stage of development, metabolism and workload. Be sure to work with your veterinarian to determine the correct protein and energy requirements for your equine friend based on your horse’s individual situation!
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Courtesy of the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee

12/23/2024

😂😂

12/19/2024

Sunny day means….. Outdoor arena!! 🩷☀️

12/19/2024

Everyone’s reason to blanket or not blanket are different for each horse. Some of my horses will have a blanket at 40 and some won’t! This is a helpful chart to get an idea. But also keep in mind the “feels like temp”

Wondering when to blanket?
It's all up to you, but this chart can be helpful for a quick check!

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12/18/2024

As the cold winter weather trudges on, Dr. Sarah Reuss, AAEP Vice President and a horse owner herself, shares the following advice to keep your horse safe during extreme weather.

1. While lots of hay is ideal for horses to eat to keep warm, now is NOT the time to introduce a round bale if they’ve never had access to one before. It may be more work, but keep throwing them their normal hay source, just more frequently.

2. Similarly, if your horse is not used to being in a stall, now is NOT the time. The stress of a major change and the decreased activity can be risk factors for colic. Be sure they have access to shelter, hay, and drinkable water but let them move around if they choose to do so.

3. Horses that are thin, older, or fully body clipped are those most at risk in extreme weather.

4. Well-fitting blankets are great but be sure that horses do not get sweaty under them, or that the blankets don’t soak through if snow or rain covered. Wet, cold and covered is worse that dry, cold and naked.

5. Some of the highest risk times are when the temperatures hover right around freezing, as that can result in sleet/freezing rain/ice that can make horses wet and therefore colder. Slippery footing is a concern, too.

6. If using electric water heaters, be sure they are functioning and not shocking horses. Take your gloves off and stick your hand in the water (briefly!!!) to double check.

7. Entice your horses to consume extra water by flavoring a bucket, adding electrolytes to their meals, or soaking their meals in warm water. If you’ve never fed beet pulp before, be sure to add LOTS of warm water. Dry beet pulp is a common source of choke.

8. The tips of your horses' ears can be at risk for frostbite. Putting on a waterproof, jumper-style ear bonnet or other waterproof ear cover can protect them from wind chills.

If you have any questions or concerns about keeping your horses safe this winter, contact your veterinarian for advice.

12/18/2024