OklahomaHorses Magazine May 2021

May/June 2021 • OklahomaHorses 19 Hoof Care Bring a hoof pick to remove stones that may become lodged in a hoof and cause soreness in your horse. If your horse is shod, you should be familiar with the process of removing shoes if one becomes loose or sprung. If you haven’t removed shoes before, make sure you ask your farrier for lessons on the next visit. The multi-purpose tool or a pair of pliers can help with shoe removal. Make sure your horse is not in need of a reset before venturing out. You may want to consider bringing slip-on horse shoes (Easyboot) in case of a lost shoe and trav- eling over rocky terrain. A sore-footed horse will result in a miserable experience for you both. Pain Relievers Many times, trail rides cover much more rigorous terrain than you and your horse may be used to. Discuss products that are safe and easy to admin- ister with your veterinarian, especially if you are on a multi-day ride. Don’t forget yourself! Most of us aren’t used to the long hours in the saddle that bigger adventures entail, and you may find it a bit creakier to get up in the morning. Rubbing Tack and Equipment You and your horse may experience some dis- comfort from skin rubbing tack and equipment. Ointment like Desitin may soothe chafed skin. Water This will probably be more of a concern for you as a rider than your horse as he or she will be able to drink from streams, lakes, etc. Be sure to check out trail maps to identify where water may be available, and plan your routes accord- ingly. For the human side of the equation, bring enough water to account for both the duration and the temperature of your ride. Dehydration can result in nausea and fatigue and can become quite serious. If you have hauled your horse a significant distance, consider giving him a day of rest before you start out. Few owners realize how much muscular work and stress may be placed on their horse during trailering. The roads you drive on and how you drive make a difference. Driving on a flat highway at a constant speed in the right lane is a bit different than stopping, starting and turning! UnexpectedWeather Packing some rain gear, and getting your horse used to you riding in it beforehand, can help if a storm comes up. Bring a flashlight in case you get caught out after dark. Bring mylar blankets for heat and waterproof matches in order to start a fire. The smoke may also lead people to your location. Should you leave your horse behind? If your horse is injured, assess the situation; can the horse make it back to the trail head safely? Can he make it if led or ponied by another horse? Ideally, do not leave the horse alone if at all possible as it may panic and exacerbate the condition. Always ride with a buddy. Catastrophic Injury While no owner wants to think about it, trail riding into wilderness or extreme environments can result in tragedies. In case a horse becomes so injured it will not be able to return, horse owners should educate themselves on the proper method to humanely euthanize their horses. Flat Tire When you discuss emergencies regarding horses, you need to think about emergencies with your vehicle as well. Changing tires on a truck and trailer along a highway with horses makes the process more difficult. Using tire ramps/chocks will make the process much easier. Supplemental tire changing tool kits, beyond what is sold with the vehicle, may speed up the process signifi- cantly. Trail riding can be a very rewarding experi- ence with some careful thought and preparation. So leave the arena behind, and head out to the hills! COMMITTED TO PHENOMENAL SERVICE JOY JONES 405.287.7702 joy_jones@radiantbenefits.com HUNTER NIXON 281.788.7896 hunter_nixon@radiantbenefits.com • Individual and Group Health Insurance • Dental and Vision • Catastrophic Event • Accidental Injury and Hospitalization Plans