When it comes to horse care, there's no shortage of videos and articles explaining the basics: good feed, clean water, regular hoof trims, and a safe environment. But for those of us who treat our horses like family, and sometimes better than ourselves, there's a whole other level to horse care that's worth exploring. I'm talking about the extras. The things that go above and beyond, not just for your horse's health, but for their comfort, longevity, and overall happiness.
Hi, I'm Katie Van Slyke, and today I want to talk about the additional therapies and techniques I've added to my program, from chiropractic adjustments to acupuncture, dental care, and equine massage. These are not only vital tools for the aging horses in my barn but also for our high-performance mares, foals, and everything in between.
Equine Acupuncture: More Than Just Needles
Let's start with one that's been surprisingly impactful: acupuncture. Now, if you're like me, the idea of sticking a bunch of needles into your horse might sound a little... unconventional. But after talking to multiple specialists and witnessing the results firsthand, I've become a believer.
Unlike Western medicine, acupuncture comes from a completely different school of thought, traditional Chinese medicine. When my vet demonstrated a technique called "circle the dragon," which involves needling around a wound to speed up healing, I was stunned by how fast we saw improvement. It's all about encouraging blood flow, releasing inflammation (or "heat" as it's called in Chinese medicine), and supporting muscle groups, tendons, and overall balance.
Equine Dentistry: Why a Healthy Mouth Matters
If you follow me on social media, you've probably met Bo, my 25-year-old gelding who's still full of life and sass. He recently started dropping grain from his mouth and losing weight, even though he's on the same diet and medications as always. So, we called in Jay Atwell, an equine dentist here in Tennessee, to take a deeper look.
Turns out, Bo had some serious ridge buildup and jaw lock from not being able to chew side-to-side properly. Once Jay floated his teeth and evened out the molar table, Bo's entire demeanor changed, he could eat better, move better, and was just a happier horse. His temporomandibular joint (TMJ) was finally able to release, and that made a huge difference in his comfort level and movement under saddle.
Dental care is one of the most overlooked parts of horse care, but it can impact everything from weight maintenance to saddle fit, performance, and more. And as I've learned with my mares, especially those who are currently part of our horse breeding program, proper dental alignment is key before pregnancy, during gestation, and after foaling.
Equine Massage: A Little Luxury That Goes a Long Way
Massage might sound like a spa treatment, but for horses, it's a powerful tool for reducing muscle soreness, increasing blood circulation, and helping with mobility issues, especially in older or hard-working horses.
I've started incorporating regular massage sessions for some of my more nervous or aging horses, and the results have been amazing. Horses that once flinched when touched are now more relaxed and accepting. They even seem to enjoy being groomed more. Bo, of course, thinks it's the best thing that ever happened to him, he zones out like he's living his best life during every session.
Massage has also helped improve range of motion and reduce inflammation, which is a huge win for senior horses and performance horses alike.
Bringing It All Together: Holistic Horse Care
While I know not every horse owner has the budget to do all these things, and not every horse needs them, it's important to know what tools are out there. The more educated we are about the options, the better decisions we can make for our animals.
As someone who is deeply involved in horse breeding, raising foals, and managing a full barn of horses at every stage of life, I've learned that going the extra mile in horse care isn't just about fixing problems. It's about preventing them, improving performance, and giving each horse the chance to feel their best.
So whether you're training a young performance horse, maintaining a senior companion, or raising the next generation through your own horse breeding program, remember, those "extras" can make all the difference.
From acupuncture and dentistry to a good old-fashioned massage, I hope this gives you some inspiration to try something new in your care routine. And as always, thank you for following along with me on this journey.
0 comments