Over the past 30 years, I’ve worked as a horse trainer, a cowboy, and a farrier. Today, I’m a full-time farrier and have always been very active in our horse community. I would like to share how my perspective has changed over the years and how my experiences as cowboy, farrier, and trainer have influenced how I work today. I also want to talk about safe spaces, safe horses, and share some insight into the farrier industry and what is happening with farrier training and qualifications.

Inflammation generally gets a bad rap. With all that pain and heat and swelling and such, it is tempting to enthusiastically declare inflammation as something that should be unconditionally avoided. While persistent, uncontrolled inflammation often does contribute to a decline in health and tissue function, transient inflammation (such as that resulting from exercise) may be essential to appropriate adaptation of tissues to stress. So, before we announce a universal ban on the ouch factor, let’s take a closer look at inflammation, and explore how a nutraceutical might promote the “good” while inhibiting the “bad.”

Essentially, a gate is a transition from here to there. It’s a transition from one pasture to another, replicated in competition. Learning to work a gate can be part of your horse’s training transition into a more attentive, patient, and handy partner.

Well-meaning riders are understandably concerned about ensuring their horses are fit enough for their jobs. But in the drive for competitive results, it’s easy to over-practice and over-train horses — by simply doing too much work and not providing enough rest and recovery days in between.

Calling all young riders! It’s time for some Fit To Ride Fun! This article is for those of you who want to have fun, improve your riding, and ensure your horses are happy and comfortable.