This episode is episode 5 (sorry about the error on the audio, in which we identified it as episode 4) and an On the Fence segment – a show in which Jec and I discuss something that’s been on our collective and virtual desk, asking to be checked off.

Here we visit about what horses and humans need to know. By that we mean the skills and the knowledge that horse and rider need to have in order to, as we say as part of our podcast mission, feel safe and have fun.

I hope you all bear in mind that this ain’t dogma coming down from above. We could be wrong. Our work with horses is constantly evolving and we build on experience, on successes as well as mistakes. As we acknowledge, this is tip of the iceberg stuff. We hope you’ll write in to give us your tip of the iceberg stuff. Some lean towards principles while other ideas are more technical. In the best mix, they meet at a place which emphasizes SAFETY and GOOD RELATIONS with the horse. 

Some things horses should know:

• To load easily into a trailer
• To remain tied for decently long periods of time without getting overly stressed
• To pick up feet easily
• To stand when mounted and not walk off
• To yield to pressure
• To accept new stimuli without ‘losing it’

Some things riders should know:

• To take vital signs (respiration and heart rate, temperatures, and to know signs of dehydration) and to be able to do basic doctoring
• To mount from the ground
• To be fit enough to ride confidently (and to call yourself an athlete!)
• To recognize how our energy and actions impact our horses

There are many videos and pages to consider around these topics. Check out Amy Skinner's YouTube channel. 

Read about Ownership here.

We thank Pharm Aloe Equine and Lucerne Farms for their fantabulous support. Pharm Aloe offers aloe pellets and gel and other products to support horses’ GI health, immune system, and other processes. They have profiles of the quality of their products on their website.

Lucerne Farms is a forage company based in Northern Maine. Are you traveling – maybe going horse camping or heading to a competition, Lucerne bales, wrapped in plastic, are pretty much perfect for traveling. Check out their blends and distribution at lucernefarms.com  Or find Lucerne Farms at your feedstore and ask for it by name.

I sure hope this got ya thinking. Let us hear from you.

We would like to thank Kershaw Knives, Redmond Equine, Kate’s Real Food and Patagonia WorkWear for their continued support. Buy some rocks from Redmond, check out the new flavor at Kate’s and check out the WorkWear sales. Please follow these brands and buy their stuff as they support us and what we’re doing. This month, we’re giving away a Patagonia WorkWear item to two lucky listeners. Check it out here. besthorsepractices.com/podcast.

Thanks for listening y’all!

Read about the Care Continuum here.

Dr. King writes: Horses Want Fewer gifts, Better care