Share This Post:

Bugs are here it is that time of year, yuck! Here are some very helpful tips to help you and your horses stay comfortable all summer long.

Every season, I hear from folks battling mosquitoes, flies, and ticks in the barn, garden, and pasture. Over the years, I’ve found a few easy tricks that make a big difference. If you’re tired of swatting bugs during barn chores or want to keep your horses happy and itch-free, these are the solutions I use myself, and they work!

My Go To Mosquito Shield

I put TerraShield on me whenever I’m out gardening or working on horses and, I swear, everything just leaves me alone—even though I’m usually the first person the mosquitos find in a big group! Seriously, this stuff works. A little goes a long way: I just spray once on my hand and rub it over my whole arm, then do the same for the other arm and each leg. No need to go overboard.

If you’re sharing, don’t just hand someone the bottle and let them go wild—one spray per limb really does the job. Bonus: it actually smells good. I’ve even had people stop me to ask what perfume I’m wearing, and I have to laugh and tell them, “It’s bug spray!” They never believe me.

I like that I can use it around horses and dogs, too, without worrying about harsh chemicals or weird reactions. I keep a bottle in my grooming bag and in the garden shed so I’m never caught off guard. If you’re tired of being the main course for bugs, this is my favorite solution by far.

Silent Bug Traps That Actually Work

Put one of these bug traps at each end of the house and barn. It’s amazing to watch the trap fill up with mosquitoes, flies, and all sorts of little pests, without any of that obnoxious zapping noise. The best part is, it works by attracting the bugs and pulling them into a basket with a quiet fan, so you can actually enjoy being outside or in the barn without being swarmed.

These traps help break up the mosquito breeding cycle, so you’re not just getting rid of the bugs you see, you’re preventing more from hatching. They’re built tough for both indoor and outdoor use, and they just keep going all season. I even tried one out in my garden this year to keep pests away from my veggies.

The catch basket pops out with the press of a button, so cleanup is quick and easy. And the LED bulb lasts way longer than regular ones, so you’re not always replacing parts. Each trap covers up to half an acre, which is perfect for most backyards, barns, or gardens. For the best results, just make sure you set them up about three to six feet off the ground and a little ways away from where you like to relax—about 20 to 40 feet—so the bugs go to the trap instead of you.

No more waving bugs away at the dinner table or when you’re out with the horses. I love how quietly and efficiently these bug traps do their job.

The Best Fly Mask Out There

You all know by now how much I love the EquiVizor fly masks. One thing I especially appreciate: the mask doesn’t crush their eyelashes. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen other masks cause irritation, ingrown hairs, or even infections from rubbing those delicate eyelashes down. With the EquiVizor, no more worries about that.

EquiVizor masks also have the highest level of UV protection I’ve found, up to 95% for your horse’s eyes, which is a lifesaver for photosensitive horses or those who are prone to sunburn. They’re even helpful for horses that need a little extra protection on bright days.

The safety breakaway quick-release clips are an industry first, so if your horse gets caught, the mask will release safely. Plus, you don’t need to buy two separate masks, you can use this one right over the bridle for riding.

I’ve found that horses just accept wearing these much better than traditional masks, and once you’ve measured your horse and found the right fit, they’ll be comfortable and protected all summer long. I recommend using the sizing chart before you order to make sure it fits just right.

If you’ve struggled with fly masks before, give this one a try.

Natural Pest Control for Barn and Pasture

Diatomaceous earth is a must. I always use the food-grade kind, so if the chickens or dogs happen to eat any manure, there’s nothing to worry about. I also add a teaspoon right into wet horse feed every day, it helps keep those parasites away from the inside out.

For easy sprinkling, I grab an empty gallon container with a handle, like an old milk jug, and poke a few holes in it. This way I can do a little shake-shake dusting over the manure cart after every stall and on the manure I pick up, plus the wet urine spots. Any bugs that land on it or walk through it are gone within 24 hours. Layering it into the manure pile out back keeps fly larvae from hatching.

For big areas like pastures, I just put a couple pounds of diatomaceous earth in a kitchen garbage bag, poke some holes in the bottom, and walk around giving a quick shake over fresh manure piles and urine spots. If your neighbor’s flies keep visiting, try leaving your manure cart with diatomaceous earth right by the fence. It’ll attract them over and take care of them, too.

If you stick with this every day for two weeks, you’ll barely see any flies left on your horses.

Treating Ticks and Biting Flies

If your horse is out in the pasture where ticks and biting flies are a constant problem, I like to use a spot-on treatment for extra protection. My go-to is the Manna Pro Pro-Force 50 Spot-On. It’s easy to use, just apply a single dose along your horse’s back from head to tail, and you get about two weeks of coverage against flies and up to three weeks for ticks.

I’ve found it especially handy for horses that spend a lot of time in the tall grass or brush where ticks love to hide. Plus, it holds up well in the rain and with sweaty horses, so you don’t have to worry about reapplying all the time.

I always check for any skin sensitivities the first time, but overall, Pro-Force 50 is a fuss-free way to help keep your horse comfortable and bite-free during the worst of bug season.

Dealing with bugs and pests can feel never-ending, but a few simple habits make all the difference for you and your horses. With the right sprays, traps, masks, and a little daily effort, you really can keep those flies, ticks, and mosquitoes at bay. Naturally and without a lot of hassle.

If you have any questions about what’s working for me, or want help troubleshooting a pest problem at your barn, just send me an email at april@holistichorseworks.com. And if you want more quick tips and practical horse wisdom, check out my short, informative podcasts, Holistic Horseworks Talks.

Wishing you and your horses a happy, healthy, and bug-free summer!

Horse 102: Holistic Alternatives

If you want more info on natural horse care, don’t miss my Horse 102: Holistic Alternatives book. This is the essential guide every horse owner needs for those moments when sickness, injury, or emergencies pop up. I wrote this handbook to be as practical and affordable as possible, with step-by-step solutions that are easy to follow and actually work.

Inside, you’ll discover better alternatives you can put to use with simple ingredients you already have at home. I cover everything from managing bugs, to treating wounds and recognizing colic symptoms, plus lots more.

More Holistic Horse Care Education

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Share This Post:

When Dakota started acting out, Kimberley thought she had a training problem on her hands. But deep down, something didn’t feel right.

He was spooking more. Tossing his head. Resistant under saddle. The connection they once had was fading—and no amount of groundwork or retraining was helping.

That’s when she found Holistic Horseworks… and scheduled an equine distance reading with April Love.

The Surprising Truth Behind “Bad Behavior”

April’s equine distance reading didn’t just reveal tension patterns, it uncovered the emotional energy Dakota had been storing in his body.

Through intuitive scanning and energetic assessment, April pinpointed key areas where Dakota was holding past trauma and physical pain. Some of it stemmed from early halter training. Some from improper hoof angles. All of it was affecting his movement, mood, and performance.

“He wasn’t misbehaving. He was trying to communicate,” said April.

Small Shifts, Big Results

Kimberley followed the personalized bodywork routine April provided, focusing on fascia release, energetic rebalancing, and resetting key structural areas like the first rib.

Within days, she noticed a shift:

• Dakota was calmer

• More connected

• Willing to engage

• Moving with ease and confidence again

Healing for Both Horse and Human

It wasn’t just Dakota who was out of balance.

April offered a people distance reading for Kimberley too, identifying areas where her body wasn’t properly absorbing nutrients.  April also intuitively picked up on imbalances in Kimberley’s own body, especially in her digestive system.

Like many busy horse owners, Kimberley had gotten used to feeling off: bloated, tired, foggy, and not fully herself.

Through a frequency therapy session that came with her distance reading and a few key dietary adjustments, Kimberley began to feel a difference—more clarity, more energy, and fewer digestive issues.

Learn more by watching April Love’s interview with Kimbery Ley on The Backyard Horse Enthusiast.

Get a Distance Reading for Horses

Do you feel like something is “off” with your horse? During a distance reading, April has the ability to scan photos of your horse, noticing even the slightest details in alignment, muscling, posture, and more that indicate deeper issues. She can also energetically and intuitively scan your horse to uncover bacterial, vital, emotional, or mental issues that need to be addressed.

Get a Distance Reading for People

Not feeling as good as you’d like? Not sleeping well and waking refreshed? Craving food like sugar, carbs, and things you know are not good for you? Uncover the root cause behind your wellness struggles. Get an intuitive health assessment, analyzing areas of the body that require healing, nutritional deficiencies, emotional blocks, and more.

More Holistic Horse Care Education

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Share This Post:

Great weather has us getting outdoors and hauling to our favorite locations, whether it’s for showing, camping, competitive trail, endurance, or just for the day of fun! But for our horses, it often comes with a heavy load of emotional and physical stress. From the heat and unfamiliar surroundings to performance anxiety and exhaustion, it’s a lot to ask of even the most seasoned equine athletes.

Here are some key things to consider when prepping your horse for summer travel, and the strategies I’ve personally used to help mine stay healthy, limber, and ready to shine.

The Hidden Stresses of Travel

Even if your horse is a pro at trailering and showing, the body still keeps the score. Here are some common stressors to keep in mind:

• Unfamiliar water: Water that smells or tastes different (due to different minerals or treatments) can cause horses to avoid drinking. A simple solution is to use a water filter or bring your own supply.

• Heat and traffic: Long hours in a trailer during summer heat can cause dehydration, stress, and fatigue.

• Sleeping away from home: Just like us, horses don’t rest as deeply in unfamiliar places. A couple of nights of shallow rest can impact performance and recovery.

• Anticipation and anxiety : New environments, crowds, and the energy of a show can create nervous tension that tightens muscles and depletes the immune system.

These layers of stress build up fast, and if we’re not supporting the horse’s system properly, it can result in tight muscles, shortened stride, gut issues, and even mysterious lameness later on.

My Go-To Travel Support Protocol

1. NCD (Natural Cellular Defense) for Passive Detox & Immune Support

I always give my horses NCD leading up to and during events. It’s a liquid zeolite that helps pull toxins and lactic acid from the body. This is huge because:

• Tight muscles = limited joint mobility. When a horse’s muscles are tense from stress or overexertion, joints can’t move freely, which affects stride, flexibility, and increases the chance of injury.

• Lactic acid buildup from nervous energy and physical effort can cause stiffness and pain.

• Improved recovery: My endurance horse, Tiki, had dramatically better post-ride recovery when using NCD. His heart rate dropped from a typical 122–134 bpm to just 106–114 bpm during a 50-mile ride. That meant better oxygenation, cooler muscles, and more efficient hydration.

Bonus: NCD may also help reduce viral load, supporting your horse’s immune system when they’re exposed to lots of other horses at public events.

How much do I give? I just squeeze the dropper directly into the mouth 2–3 times a day, probably 10–15 drops each time. On Amazon subscription, it’s around $24/month, a small price to keep your horse feeling and performing their best.

2. Avoid Deworming or Vaccinating Within 3 Weeks of a Show

This one’s important! I’ve seen it again and again, a horse “ties up” at an event (cramping of the hindquarters requiring vet attention), and when I ask, “Did you recently worm or vaccinate?” the answer is always yes.

Injecting chemical wormers or vaccines too close to an event can overload your horse’s system, disrupt gut health, and add more internal stress when their body is already working overtime.

3. Calm the Gut with Miracle Clay

Just like us, horses can get nervous tummies before travel and events — and that internal stress can lead to poor appetite, dehydration, and overall tension. One of my go-to remedies? Dynamite Miracle Clay.

I pre-mix a batch ahead of time and always keep it on hand during show season. I give 1–2 tablespoons of the mixed clay in my horse’s feed the night before and again the morning of hauling. It helps settle the gut, reduce internal stress, and keeps them eating and drinking well on the road.

4. Keep Flies away with Diatomaceous Earth

Don’t forget to pack a bag of diatomaceous earth when you hit the road! Sprinkling it over manure piles, stall bedding, paddocks, portable pens, and surrounding areas helps keep the fly population down, making life more comfortable for both your horse and you.

It’s a simple, non-toxic way to reduce stress, irritation, and the risk of fly-borne illness during events or layovers.

Fuel Performance with Nutritional Support

With increased workload comes increased nutritional demands, and when I was actively competing, these supplements were especially helpful for keeping my horses in top physical and emotional condition.

Dynamite TNT

I highly recommend TNT from Dynamite. It’s an easy-to-feed, all-in-one formula that supports joint health, digestive balance, immune system resilience, and metabolic function.

Each dose delivers a powerful blend of Dynamite, Easy Balance, Izmine, Free & Easy, Excel, and HES  making it ideal for performance horses, senior horses, and youngsters in training.

Dynaspark Liquid Electrolytes

This was my other not-so-secret weapon. Instead of the paste electrolytes (which can burn the esophagus and are often too concentrated), I use Dynaspark liquid electrolytes in small, frequent amounts:

• Mixed into mash or sprinkled on pellets

• A splash in the water bucket to encourage picky drinkers

• Carried in a pop-top travel bottle for trail use, I’d squirt a bit into Tiki’s mouth at water stops

Most riders struggled to get paste electrolytes into their horses… Meanwhile, horses would try to eat my bottle once they smelled what I had!

Read my other blog post: Summer Heat and the Best Electrolytes for Horses →

Tricks for Trailering Your Horse

If your horse suddenly refuses to load — or arrives stressed — the problem may be with the trailer, not the horse. Here are quick fixes that make a big difference:

• Balance the tires every year. Vibration from unbalanced tires feels like an earthquake to your horse.

• Silence the noise by gluing a yoga mat or carpet to the tack wall. Constant banging from bridles = unnecessary stress.

• Add familiar scent by tossing in a bit of used stall shavings. Horses recognize their own smell and feel safer.

• Check the step height. If the step is too high and your horse’s shoulders or hips are tight, loading can physically hurt.

• Let them ride how they want. Some horses feel more balanced riding backwards—don’t fight it if they turn around loose.

Travel Well, Perform Better: Set Your Horse Up for Success

Traveling and showing can take a serious toll on your horse — physically, mentally, and emotionally. But with a little extra care and intention, you can help your horse arrive calm, limber, and ready to perform.

From filtered water and gentle electrolytes to balanced tires and quiet trailers, every small adjustment makes a difference. When your horse feels safe and supported, they’re more likely to load with ease, recover faster, and enjoy the experience right alongside you.

Another powerful way to prep your horse for travel and show season?
Equine Musculoskeletal Unwinding.

This bodywork method helps release deep patterns of tension, improve joint mobility, and restore balance throughout the entire body — especially the shoulders, hips, and poll, which are key for smooth trailering and peak performance. It’s a game-changer for horses who tend to show up stiff, spooky, or sore.

Learn how to do it yourself through our home study course or clinic offerings — your horse will thank you.

Ready to Start Helping Your Horse?

Start with April’s foundational training, Equine Musculoskeletal Unwinding, available to learn online with live 1:1 support.

This step-by-step course teaches you how to release deep patterns of imbalance and pain—so your horse can move, feel, and live better.

Includes video lessons, downloadable workbooks, and a personalized distance reading from April herself.

Rather learn in-person?
Check out our hands-on equine remedial therapy clinics, available all over the globe →

More Holistic Horse Care Education

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Share This Post:

When a horse shows signs of lameness, pinpointing the exact cause can be challenging due to compensatory mechanisms. Horses often redistribute weight and movement to avoid pain, making the actual injury difficult to locate. Here’s a practical step-by-step guide to help you identify the root cause of lameness in horses.

Step 1: Observe and Note Symptoms

Start by watching the horse closely. Look for signs like head bobbing, uneven movement, or reluctance to perform certain tasks. A bobbing head is usually a red flag for something serious since horses tend to hide their pain as much as possible. Keep in mind that where the lameness shows up might not be where the actual problem is. For example, if your horse seems lame in the left front leg, the real issue could be in the right hind leg. Pay attention to how they move and document anything that seems off. These notes will come in handy as you dig deeper.

Step 2: Consider Compensation Patterns

Horses often compensate for injuries, which can create a chain reaction of secondary problems. For example, if a horse has a high-low hoof syndrome or a misaligned first rib, other parts of the body might be working overtime to make up for it. If the horse seems lame in the left front, check the right hind leg. Compensation patterns often work diagonally. Look for areas where the horse is avoiding putting weight or where muscles seem overworked. Tracing these patterns can help you find the root cause of the problem.

Step 3: Palpate the Legs

Use your hands to feel for tightness, swelling, or sensitivity. Start with the front legs by palpating the suspensory ligament along the cannon bone and the tendon groove at the back of the leg. Compare the left and right legs to see if one feels more sensitive than the other. Then, do the same for the hind legs, focusing on the muscles in the hips and thighs. Tighter areas are often a sign of overcompensation due to an injury elsewhere. This step can give you valuable clues about where the issue might be.

Step 4: Inspect the Hooves

Hooves are often the source of lameness, so it’s essential to check them thoroughly. Run your hands over each hoof to feel for heat or unusual textures, and look for signs of bruising, abscesses, or punctures. Take a close look at the frog and sole for any discoloration or damage. You can also use a hoof tester to apply gentle pressure and see if any areas are sensitive. If you suspect an abscess or bruising, try soaking the hoof in a mix of Epsom salt, Dynamite Liquid Trace minerals, and warm water. Cleaning out debris and stones is also a good idea to rule out simple irritants. Make sure to check all four hooves to get a complete picture.

Learn even more about laminitis, foundering, and general hoof health in my other blog article →

Step 5: Check for Heat and Swelling

Heat and swelling are key indicators of injury, so don’t skip this step. Run your hands along each limb, paying close attention to the areas where muscles transition to tendons and ligaments. Compare both sides of the horse’s body—if one side feels warmer or more swollen, that’s a good place to focus your attention. Heat and swelling can help you narrow down the affected area and understand the nature of the injury.

Step 6: Use Diagnostic Aids

Sometimes, you need a little extra help to figure out what’s going on. Products like Dynamite Release can be applied to the suspected area, and they’ll foam up where there’s an issue. Bigeloil is another handy tool. Use it diluted as a spray for prevention or undiluted on problem areas. It tends to stay wet longer on injured spots, making it easier to identify trouble zones. These aids can save you time and help pinpoint subtle issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Preventative and Therapeutic Measures

Once you’ve identified the problem, it’s time to take action. Here are several specific measures to help the horse recover and prevent future issues:

• Topical Applications: Use products like Bigeloil or Dynamite Release to target sore or inflamed areas. Apply them daily to help reduce pain and improve healing. Bigeloil can be diluted in water and used as a spray for warm-ups or undiluted for direct treatment.
• Horse Yoga: Incorporate the Holistic Horseworks horse yoga exercises to improve flexibility and support the horse’s natural movement patterns. These exercises can help realign the body and reduce strain from compensatory behaviors.
• Equine Bodywork: Perform bodywork like Equine Musculoskeletal Unwinding to release tension, improve circulation, and address compensatory imbalances caused by lameness. This hands-on approach is an essential step to help the horse recover alignment and comfort.
• Hoof Soaks: For issues originating in the hooves, use a hoof soak made of Epsom salts and Dynamite Liquid Trace Minerals to draw out inflammation and promote healing. This is especially effective for bruises or abscesses. 
• Consistency and Patience: Apply treatments daily and monitor progress. The key is to address the root cause while supporting the horse’s natural healing processes.

Ready to Start Helping Your Horse?

Start with April’s foundational training, Equine Musculoskeletal Unwinding, available to learn online with live 1:1 support.

This step-by-step course teaches you how to release deep patterns of imbalance and pain—so your horse can move, feel, and live better.

Includes video lessons, downloadable workbooks, and a personalized distance reading from April herself.

Rather learn in-person?
Check out our hands-on equine remedial therapy clinics, available all over the globe →

More Holistic Horse Care Education

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Share this post:

When we contemplate the anatomy of ribs, our minds typically conjure images of their role in protecting vital organs and facilitating respiration. However, unlike humans, horses rely on their ribs for an additional function – bearing the external pressures encountered during various activities, such as riding under saddle or during training sessions like lunging with equipment.

Get the tools and skills you need from Holistic Horseworks clinics and home study courses so you can start changing the dynamics of movement of the ribs which will positively affect the entire body from head to tail!

Signs Your Horse is Experiencing Rib Discomfort

If your horse exhibits any of the following behaviors, it may indicate restricted motion and discomfort affecting one or multiple ribs:

• Inability to take a deep breath in
• Unable to get correct lead changes
• Heavy on the front end in movements
• Lack of ability to bend the entire body in lateral motions
• Behavior issues when girthing up
• Stomach ulcers or GI tract issues
• Muscle atrophy or increased tension of intercostal and spinal muscles
• Soreness of the SI joint
• Belly breathing
• Spinal misalignment

Let’s delve into a fundamental understanding of equine ribs – their functions, locations, and movements.

Rib Function, Mobility, and Mechanics

Functionally, ribs serve to safeguard the thorax and abdomen, ensuring the integrity of the delicate organs housed within. Additionally, they play asupporting role in breathing which is essential for oxygenating the blood and maintaining proper circulation throughout the horse’s body.

A horse possesses an impressive array of 18 pairs of ribs, totaling 36 to form its rib cage. The first eight ribs attach directly to the sternum, offering limited mobility due to their fixed connection. This region encapsulates the thoracic cavity, housing vital organs like the heart and lungs. It’s noteworthy to consider the significance of these ribs in supporting the weight and movements of the horse, especially when interacting with equipment such as the cinch.

Moving further down the rib cage, ribs 9-18, often termed “false” ribs, attach to costal cartilage, granting them increased flexibility. This portion encloses the abdominal cavity, where organs like the liver, stomach, and intestines are located. If these ribs lack motion, it may indicate underlying issues related to the mobility and motility of the organs they protect, underscoring the interconnectedness of rib function with internal dynamics.

Each rib, excluding the 18th, connects to two vertebrae at its head, exerting direct influence on spinal dynamics such as flexion, extension, and lateral and medial movements. External muscles, including the longissimus and abdominals, attach to the ribs, while internal connections involve essential structures like the diaphragm and intercostals, crucial for respiratory function.

During inhalation, the ribs undergo dorsal and lateral movements, resulting in extension of the thoracic spine. Conversely, exhalation entails ventral, caudal, and medial motions in the ribs, inducing spinal flexion.

As our horse inhales while bending to one side, the ribs on the same side as the bend should undergo movements of medial, ventral, and caudal directions. Simultaneously, the ribs on the opposite side should engage in motions of lateral, dorsal, and cranial directions. This synchronized movement of the ribs facilitates free and proper side bending.

Proper rib mobility is paramount for achieving balanced inspiration and expiration, facilitating optimal flexion and extension of the thoracic spine. As riders, understanding and fostering this mobility is crucial for attaining collection and facilitating smooth side-bending maneuvers. As riders, understanding and promoting this mobility is essential for ensuring the well-being and performance of our equine partners.

Ensure your horse maintains fluid movement well into its 30s, whether at work or play! Embark on this journey with us, starting with Level 1: Equine Musculoskeletal Unwinding, a comprehensive exploration of musculoskeletal unwinding and energy work. 

Rib Release Stretches and Techniques

Level 1: Equine Musculoskeletal Unwinding

Learn how to keep your horse happy, healthy, and rideable through their 30’s while saving thousands on vet bills! The reason why your horse is having so many problems is that most people you go to for advice— including vets, trainers, and many equine professionals— are only treating the symptoms, NOT the root of the issues. And that’s the way it’s been for years and years. But if “the good ole’ ways” just aren’t working anymore, now is the time to start looking at things in a whole new way.

Hands-On Horse Body Therapy Clinics

We teach in-person event all around the world including the US, Canada, UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa! Visit our clinic page to see the full schedule. Don’t see an event near you? Apply to be a host! In exchange, you’ll receive FREE admission to each event you host which adds up to over $2,000 in savings! And you’ll get free bodywork for your horses values at $300 per horse. 

About the Author

April Love
Founder of Holistic Horseworks & Horse Healers Academy

Owner of Holistic Horseworks LLC, April Love empowers horse lovers to take healing into their own hands in order to keep their horses healthy, happy, and rideable through their 30’s while saving thousands of dollars on vet care. She has created a unique IICT (International Institute for Complementary Therapists) approved methodology that she teaches through in-person, hands-on clinics as well as virtual home study courses. April has also trained and vetted many instructors who share this practice worldwide.

As a gift to you, please enjoy a FREE copy of “Horse 101: Everything You Wish You Knew Before You Bought Your First Horse” www.horseacademy101.com 

More Posts

Share This Post:

As the vibrant colors of spring emerge and the weather warms, horse owners are gearing up to provide their equine companions with the care they need for the season ahead. Here are some essential spring tune-up tips to keep your horse happy, healthy, and ready for action.

Say Ahhh! Springtime Dental Checkups

Spring is the perfect time to schedule a dental exam for your horse. Consider scheduling a thorough dental examination with a qualified equine dentist. This examination should encompass not only routine checks for signs of dental issues but also an assessment of overall dental balance.

An equine dentist can identify and address issues such as sharp points, uneven wear, or dental abnormalities that may impede proper chewing and digestion. By addressing these concerns early on, you can help prevent discomfort, performance issues, and potential complications down the line.

It’s worth noting that routine dental care goes beyond simply floating teeth. While routine floating—or filing down sharp points—is important, a comprehensive dental exam should also include checks for other dental conditions such as malocclusions, periodontal disease, and tooth fractures.

Furthermore, dental health can have a significant impact on your horse’s overall well-being. Poor dental health can lead to difficulty eating, weight loss, behavioral changes, and even systemic health issues. By investing in regular dental care for your horse, you not only ensure their comfort and performance but also contribute to their overall health and longevity.

Pro Pet Grooming Kit & Vacuum

Shape Up to Saddle Up

Your horse may have gained a few pounds over the winter, so it’s time to reassess saddle fit! One of the key elements of rider-horse harmony is the proper fit of the saddle. A poorly fitting saddle can lead to discomfort, pain, and even injury for the horse, ultimately impacting their ability to perform at their best.

To ensure optimal saddle fit, it’s essential to regularly assess both the saddle and the horse’s back. Look for signs of discomfort such as rubbing, pinching, or uneven sweat patterns under the saddle pad. Additionally, observe your horse’s behavior while saddling up, paying attention to pinned ears, swishing tail, or resistance to being mounted.

Collaborating with a knowledgeable saddle fitter or equine professional can help ensure your saddle fits your horse correctly. A professional fitting involves evaluating the saddle’s tree width, panel shape, and overall balance to ensure it distributes weight evenly and does not cause pressure points or restrict movement.

In addition to saddle fit, it’s important to consider the type of saddle pad used. A well-chosen saddle pad can provide additional cushioning and support, further enhancing your horse’s comfort. Opt for pads made from breathable, moisture-wicking materials that provide sufficient padding without adding excess bulk or heat.

And as I so often say, “You can put a straight saddle on a crooked horse!” So much about proper saddle fit relies on proper body alignment. By bringing your horse’s body back into proper form and function with horse bodywork, you can ensure a much more comfortable fit for your horse. Start with the Level 1: Equine Musculoskeletal Unwinding home study.

Bring Your Horse Back Into Balance This Spring

Noticing stiffness, saddle fit issues, or uneven movement? These can all be signs that your horse’s body is out of alignment after a long winter.

The Level 1: Equine Musculoskeletal Unwinding Home Study is your step-by-step guide to restoring your horse’s natural balance from the inside out. With gentle, intuitive techniques, you’ll learn how to unwind tension, realign the body, and support lasting wellness—right from your own barn.

Rather learn in-person?
Check out our hands-on equine remedial therapy clinics, available all over the globe →

More Holistic Horse Care Education

Sign Up for Our Newsletter