Sometimes you can do everything right and still have a colic.  Just as you can catch a cold or flu bug this time of year, they can get sick too.  These weather changes are hard on the horses!  Just as we don't drink as much water nor do they.  Just as our bodies get sick and immune systems get weak from working outside in the cold so do they!  It can be hot monday, rain tuesday and freezing wednesday, then repeat on thursday in Florida.  Try to do extra things to keep your horses healthy right now.  Make sure they have access to clean water that is not FREEZING to drink.  Add some loose minerals or/and salt to feed/grain to encourage drinking.  Now that there is no grass and they eat more dry hay they can get impacted easy!  You can wet your hay, add wet bran or oil if they seem to have dry manure, wet grain for more moisture in the gut.  I like to leave out loose minerals and salts too now that there is no grass they need more minerals as well.  It's a hard time of year for them as it is for us getting sick.  Try to keep them out of the weather; wind, rain, or cold when possible, blanket under 45 if they aren't use to the cold.  Take care of them, as they can't take care of themselves the way we have domesticated them!  

In 2009, I had a couple of parents want too much from their kids and they quit the sport of barrel racing.  Kids are only kids for so long, it is a time to build their confidence, self esteem and let them find what they are passionate about and just have JOY in their life, as we all know how fast life passes by and how quickly they grow up!  

Hi Tina,

Question:  I am learning to barrel race and I often hit barrels or I go wide.  I think my horse is only doing what I ask him to do.  What tips can you offer to help me improve my cues to my horse?  Amy - Brooksville

Hey Mrs. Tina,

Haven't heard from you in awhile so I thought I'd get your opinion on
my latest project.  My horse is fairly strong, sometimes when I'm
working he gets ahead of me and I feel like dead weight in the saddle,
and it feels difficult to push him and sit down during turns and I feel
delayed to sit back up and drive him out.  This would have a lot to do
with stirrup length correct?  I adjusted them up a hole yesterday.  I
was wondering what is your opinion on the length of your stirrups, what
do you usually recommend?

Thanks,

Talia Davidson - WY

Dear Tina,

I wish I lived closer to you, I would love to send my horse to you for training.  How do I go about picking a trainer, what would you suggest?

Bev - Colorado

Dear Tina,

My horse has recently started not going in the alley and when I do get her in, she runs by first barrel and stalls.  Can you watch my most recent video and look at a couple of photos and let me know what you see? Debbie in Georgia
 

Hi Tina,

My horse is stiffer on the right side then the left, is this normal?

Jennifer-Leesburg

Dear Tina,

Time Tables! How do I know when to add speed to my horse?  Also how much practice during the week should I do fast on the barrels on my young horse getting it ready for it's first year of competition?  Emily-Ft Myers