Ken Najorka will demonstrate proper and effective Riding Position in both English and Western seats. This is a educational and safety video brought to you by the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) For more information on the largest certifying body of riding instructors and barn managers in North America, Certified Horsemanship Association, please visit www.CHA.horse.

Read more: Good Riding Position with Ken Najorka (8:07)

The old adage, “no hoof, no horse” is more than a saying. Keep stride with hoof care maintenance to help avoid hoof cracks.

What causes hoof cracks in horses?

There are several factors that can result in hoof cracks, including:

• Dry weather
• Frequent changes from wet to dry footing
• Overall poor hoof quality
• Prolonged trimming intervals, resulting in long hoof growth

“If you let your horse go without trimming for extended periods of time, their hooves become real long, split and break off. Because of this, they will have a greater potential to crack, especially if the weather is dry,” cautions John McGuire, a farrier of 27 years.

My horse has a hoof crack. What should I do?

Determine which kind of hoof crack your horse has and make either your farrier or veterinarian aware. They can work with you to reduce chances of lameness and infection.

What are the different types of hoof cracks in horses?

Vertical hoof cracks These are the most common of hoof cracks, running perpendicular to the ground. Vertical cracks that originate at the coronary band and grow downward are the most concerning.

Horizontal cracks and hoof blowouts This common crack can occur after injury to the coronary band or a direct impact to the hoof wall.

Toe cracks This is a common result of heel pain, as horses put more weight on the toe to avoid discomfort. These cracks occur with repeated pressure on the hoof’s front portion.

Grass cracks Usually superficial and thin, grass cracks are commonly experienced when horses have long, unshod hooves; environmental changes, lack of nutrition or impaired blood flow to the hoof also contribute. They often begin from the ground and move upward and are easily corrected with regular farrier work.

Quarter cracks Quarter cracks usually start at the coronary band and travel toward the ground. They are caused by trauma, conformational issues and lack of regular trimming. Landing unevenly can cause a quarter crack in the hoof.

Sand cracks Sand cracks extend downward and occur after a coronary band injury or from white line disease at the coronary band.

Bar cracks These painful cracks occur on the bars of a horse’s hooves (the area on both sides of the frog). Horses that have experienced direct impact to the bar, or have weak and unbalanced bars, are more susceptible to bar cracks.

How can I prevent hoof cracks?

Take steps to help ensure your horse has the healthiest hooves for his ultimate performance.

• Maintain regular trimming and shoeing schedules. A consistent schedule of every six to eight weeks is ideal.
• Ensure good hoof balance.
• Be mindful of shoeing, based on weather and footing conditions.
• Should a hoof problem present itself, immediately seek treatment options.
• Provide horses with excellent nutrition.
• Apply hoof moisturizers and conditioners, especially during dry weather, and anytime your horse’s hooves are brittle or cracking.
• Incorporate hoof supplements to improve overall hoof quality.

“I’m a firm believer in hoof products like Rain Maker, Hoof Flex and Horseshoer’s Secret. Using these products will help prevent hoof cracks more than anything, that along with regular trimming and maintenance on the horse. I’ve also had a lot of clients use hoof supplements. For those horses who are lacking in certain minerals that promote healthy hooves, I really think you can see a difference,” McGuire said.

Valley Vet Supply carries a number of high-quality hoof supplements. Good hoof supplements will include B-vitamins (mainly biotin), minerals essential to hoof strength (zinc, manganese and copper), and amino acids (methionine and lysine) for the proteins that provide the elasticity of the hoof. Examples would be Command Hoof, Command Coat and Hoof and Horseshoer’s Secret.

Look to trusted hoof care products and implement the preventive tips above to help ensure sound rides with your horse!

Read more: Horse Hoof Cracks 101

Owning a horse is a dream come true for many, but it's essential to understand that it involves more than just the initial purchase. In this special episode, we have two remarkable guests, Kate Hayes and Deb Reeder, experts from Care Credit, a leading provider of financing solutions for veterinary and pet care expenses. From daily upkeep, veterinary care, farrier visits, and training expenses to unexpected medical emergencies, the cost of horse ownership can quickly add up. Our guests will share valuable insights and tips on planning financially for bringing a horse into your life.

Read more: Rood & Riddle Stallside Podcast - The Cost of Horse Ownership with Kate Hayes and Deb Reeder

Equestrian activities fall under the umbrella term "equestrianism." Activities involving horses are among them. Both the rider and the horse are put through their paces in these competitions.

Dressage is often called the "ballet of equestrian sports" Precision, grace, and harmony between horse and rider are prized in the art of dressage. The "tests" take place on a level surface between the two.

Obstacle courses for horses and riders: that's show jumping. They attempt to avoid knocking down the poles by jumping over them. Quicker times are ranked higher.

Also, eventing. The equestrian triathlon, "eventing," consists of three disciplines: dressage, show jumping, and cross country. The horse's speed, stamina, and leaping ability are all put to the test in cross-country.

Long distance is the norm in endurance racing. Typically, a distance of 50–100 miles is involved. Health and stamina are more important than speed.

The equestrian team sport of polo. Goals are scored by the riders with mallets. Both the horse and rider need to be in top physical condition for this activity. Moreover, rodeos. Roping, barrel racing, bronc riding, and bull riding are all essential parts of any rodeo. Competitors show off their riding and horsemanship talents in each event.

Some have compared vaulting (acrobatics on a moving horse) to gymnastics on horseback. Strong, coordinated, and well-balanced athletes are essential for the sport of vaulting.

All across the world, these are some of the most popular forms of horseback riding.

Academic Help for Sports People

As you might guess, equestrian sports are about training and dedication. And students also face similar challenges in school. That’s why they often need help with essays and assignments. Luckily, there is EduBirdie — an essay writing service. It offers students assignment help online. Students can get help easily. EduBirdie gives students the support they need. In general, this support helps them tackle academic challenges.

Discipline, Teamwork, and Leadership Skills

Equestrian sports, often perceived simply as horse riding, are multifaceted. These sports demand a lot from participants. They're not just about controlling a horse. They encompass lessons that have long-term benefits for students.

Building Discipline Through Routine and Care

Participating in equestrian sports requires a routine. Riders must care for their horses daily. This means feeding, grooming, and training regularly. Such a routine fosters discipline. Students learn the value of consistency. They see the results of hard work and dedication. The discipline they cultivate from caring for a horse often translates to their studies. They develop better study habits. They stick to schedules more effectively.

Teamwork Beyond Human Interaction

Equestrian sports present a unique take on teamwork. Here, the team isn't made up of humans alone. It's a bond between the horse and rider. For success, they must understand each other. The horse, despite its strength, looks to the rider for direction. The rider, in turn, must recognize the horse's needs and signals. This mutual respect and understanding sharpen students' communication skills. It teaches them to be observant and responsive.

Leadership Rooted in Respect

Leading a horse is not about dominance. It's about mutual respect. Riders learn to lead with a balance of firmness and kindness. They can't be overly aggressive or too passive. They must find a middle ground. This lesson is invaluable. In life and school, effective leadership is about balance. Students learn to lead group projects or class discussions with confidence.

Equestrian Sports in the School Setting

Including equestrian sports in school programs can be beneficial. Beyond the physical activity, students gain essential life skills. These skills, such as discipline and leadership, can influence their academic performance. It can improve their interactions with peers. It equips them with tools they can use in future careers.

Read more: Equestrian Sports in Schools: Fostering Discipline, Teamwork, and Leadership Skills

Julie Goodnight will demonstrate on how to properly adjust the Rope Halter This is a educational and safety video brought to you by the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) at www.CHA.horse

Read more: Adjusting the Rope Halter with Julie Goodnight (5:34)

This Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) safety short with Master Instructor Mitzi Summers explains how to safely adjust your stirrups and girth while mounted on English tack.

Read more: How to Safely Adjust Stirrups and Girth While Mounted on English Tack with Mitzi Summers

Curious what the differences are between the types of Western saddles produced?

Whether you’re running barrels, chasing calves, trail riding or showing in an arena, there are different Western saddles made for your specific riding discipline. Learn what makes each type of Western saddle unique, with insights from our friends, Circle Y. Have more questions? Call or email our Valley Vet Supply saddle experts at saddles@valleyvet.com, and they are more than glad to help!

Trail saddles- Specifically designed for comfort and security, these saddles often have a padded, deeper seat and are lighter weight. These saddles will often have many saddle strings hanging off as well, used to tie jackets and gear to during the trail.

Show saddles and Trainer saddles - When riding any of the all-around events, such as western pleasure or horsemanship, riders will often have a show saddle equipped with tooling in the leather, silver and bling. These saddles will have a shorter horn, a low cantle, and a fairly flat seat that often times has a balance point in the center for proper riding position.

Barrel saddles- These saddles are very lightweight. They often have a skinny, tall horn to allow for easy grip and have a deep seat to keep the rider secure at high speeds. These saddles often have rough-out seats, seat jockeys, and fenders for grip and shorter skirts to avoid interference with the horse’s hip in sharp turns.

Reining saddles - These saddles have a medium-height horn, often times have cutout skirts to allow for better leg contact, and are medium to heavy in weight. These saddles have a front cinch only and may have added silver on them for show.

Cutting saddles - These saddles have a distinctive tall, narrow horn for easy gripping with the hand, and a long, flat, smooth seat allowing no rider interference to the horse. These saddles will have both a front and rear cinch and often times, rough-out fenders for better grip.

Roping saddles - Roping saddles are a heavier, sturdier saddle with a reinforced wood tree made to withstand ranch work and roping. The horn is often thick and wrapped to help it withstand the weight of a rope on a calf. These saddles almost always have both a front and rear cinch to keep the saddle from rocking forward when a calf is roped. Roping saddles also have wider, bigger stirrups.

Shop Valley Vet Supply’s wide selection of saddles and tack available, and for more information, please contact saddles@valleyvet.com.

Read more: Types of Western Saddles, Explained

By Kentucky Equine Research Staff

Every aspect of equestrianism features a language of its own. Coat color enthusiasts can define every shade and nuance; tack specialists can accurately describe a barrel full of bits using a specialized vocabulary. For nutrition aficionados, a robust wordlist is also in play. Just as forage is the foundation of a horse’s diet, let’s review some common forage-related terms that may be useful in everyday stallside conversation.

Before we begin, a word about “forage.” While some people stumble over this term, forage simply means the edible parts of plants, other than separated grain, that serves as feed for horses, or that can be harvested for feeding. Examples of forage include pasture, hay, haylage, hay pellets, and hay cubes.

“Forage quality” refers to characteristics that make forage valuable to horses as a source of nutrients, typically the combination of energy that determines its potential to fuel work in performance horses, growth in youngsters, and milk production in broodmares, and other essential nutrients such as protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Without further ado, do you know these common forage terms?

Cool-season grasses – grass species best adapted to growth during cool, moist periods of the year, commonly having temperature optimums of 59-77° F (15-25° C).

Fescue – a cool-season grass often used in forage stands for horses. Tall varieties are sometimes infected with a fungus, specifically the endophyte Acremonium coenophialum, that lives symbiotically with the plant. Exposure of horses to endophyte-infected tall fescue can elicit a toxic response, called fescue toxicity, which is especially problematic in pregnant mares and characterized by increased gestation length, lack of milk, placental abnormalities, and mare or foal death.

Fiber – a component of plant cell walls that provides strength and structure to the plant. As a plant matures, the fibrous component increases and lengthens to support the plant. Fiber is considered a structural carbohydrate. Horses are capable of digesting fiber due to microbial fermentation that occurs in the hindgut; because of this physiological feature, horses require fiber in their diets for optimal health.

Haylage – product resulting from ensiled forage with about 45% moisture in the absence of oxygen.

Legume – a large and agriculturally important family of flowering plants that produce seed pods; when produced and harvested under similar conditions, legume hays are generally higher in protein, energy, and certain minerals than grass hays.

Long-stemmed forage – this term speaks specifically to the physical length of the plant material or stems as it is presented to the horse. Long-stemmed forages include hay and some pasture plants. When forage is chopped or ground and formed into cubes or pellets, it is no longer considered long-stemmed forage.

Maturity – an arbitrary term to indicate the adult (or older) stages of plant development or its readiness to harvest. In general, mature forages, especially overmature plants, have less nutritional value than younger plants.

Overgrazing – grazing horses on a given area that, if continued to the end of the planned grazing period, will result in less than satisfactory performance (weight loss, etc.) or less than satisfactory pasture forage production; not to be confused with overstocking, which is horses on a given area that will result in overuse if continued to the end of the planned grazed period. Continued overstocking often leads to overgrazing.

Ration – perhaps not specifically related to forage, but a ration is the total amount of feed allotted to one animal for a 24-hour period.

Warm-season grass – grass species best adapted to growth during the warmer part of the year and usually dormant during cold weather or injured by it; commonly having temperature optimums of 80-95° F (27-35° C).

Read more: Know Thy Forage: Ten Forage-Related Terms That May Be New To You