https://equinebalancedsupport.com/

Equine Balanced Support, 393 Mt Eve Road, Goshen, NY (2026)

03/25/2026

Long and Low Lunging

After time away from consistent work, many horses develop tension through the topline and reduced flexibility, making stretching exercises essential early in conditioning.

Long and low lunging encourages a horse to stretch through the topline while gradually rebuilding strength and flexibility. This exercise involves lunging the horse in a relaxed frame, with the head and neck extended forward and downward, promoting engagement of the back and hindquarters without the added weight of a rider.

Horses returning from time off often carry tightness in the back and neck, which can limit movement and lead to poor posture. Long and low work helps release this tension while activating the core muscles needed for proper movement. It encourages the horse to lift through the back and step underneath itself, improving balance and coordination.

Sessions should begin with short durations — around 10–15 minutes — and gradually increase as fitness improves. Large circles are recommended to reduce strain on joints and ligaments. As strength builds, transitions between walk and trot can be introduced to enhance engagement further.

This exercise also improves proprioception, helping the horse become more aware of its body and limb placement. Over time, it improves movement quality and prepares the horse for ridden work.

03/25/2026

There are many reasons why turnout time can be different for each horse.

Factors such as age, health conditions, temperament, level of training, and even pasture dynamics can influence the “ideal” amount of time for an individual horse. Younger horses may benefit from more turnout to support growth and development, while older horses might need shorter sessions for comfort. Horses recovering from injury or with special medical needs might have more limited turnout, and some horses may simply prefer more or less time outside based on their personality.

Movement and grazing are cornerstones of a horse's existence. Whether you have horses in your backyard or international competition horses who need constant monitoring in turnout, offering opportunities to roam will make a happier, more well-rounded horse.

Progress over perfection is the name of the game.

One small first step could be adding just 10 extra minutes of turnout to your horse’s daily routine. Even a simple change like this can help you start making positive progress, without feeling overwhelmed.

At Equine Balanced Support, we believe small changes are stepping stones to greatly improving your horse's life, and we don't need to change everything all at once to see improvement for your horse.

We recognize horses are managed in almost innumerable ways, and there is not one perfect way!

If the way you manage your horse works for you, it doesn't mean someone else needs to do exactly what you are doing to be doing a great job, too.

Caring for horses is always changing, even in the same barn, as we learn more, build our skills, and adapt to each horse’s needs.

Our goal is to help horses thrive in their unique circumstances, so making that small change today is a step towards a healthier, happier future for you and your horse. Every positive decision, no matter how small, brings us closer to creating the best possible life for our equine partners.

03/24/2026

Performance Horses and Vitamin E Deficiency: Exercise‑Related Impacts

Performance horses have higher metabolic demands and increased production of reactive oxygen species during intense exercise. Vitamin E functions as a key antioxidant, helping to neutralize these free radicals and prevent oxidative cell damage. When deficient, performance horses may experience muscle stiffness, soreness after exertion, slower recovery, and reduced endurance. Without adequate antioxidant support, the integrity of cell membranes in high‑demand muscle tissue is compromised, leading to impaired performance.

Training and competitive schedules often limit turnout and pasture access, diminishing natural vitamin E intake from fresh grass and increasing reliance on stored hay or concentrate feeds that contain lower levels of the vitamin. This shift in diet can lead to suboptimal levels, especially in horses subjected to repeated, long‑duration work. In addition to muscle effects, decreased vitamin E status is associated with poorer immune function, potentially increasing the risk of infections and delaying recovery from injury or illness.

Performance horses should have their diets evaluated for vitamin E content and their blood levels checked periodically when clinical signs of fatigue or muscle discomfort arise. Appropriate natural vitamin E supplementation can improve muscle function, support immune health, and enhance overall athletic capacity.

03/23/2026

Treat Exploration and Foraging Games

Horses are natural foragers. Turning treat‑giving into a mindful exploration game, rather than simple handouts, enriches their day and strengthens your bond. Use safe, healthy treats such as carrots, apples, or commercial forage alternatives to create simple challenges. Scatter treats in secure areas of the paddock, hide them under safe obstacles, or use treat balls that release small pieces of food as horses nudge them.

Foraging games tap into instinct and reward curiosity. Your role becomes that of a facilitator rather than a dispenser, encouraging problem‑solving and patience. As your horse sniffs, nudges, and explores options to uncover rewards, they learn to associate your presence with enrichment and positive experiences.

These games also offer opportunities to observe your horse’s body language, confidence, and personality, further deepening your connection and understanding.

03/23/2026

🥳 Happy birthday to everyone celebrating this week 🎊

03/22/2026

Check out this week’s top sellers!

03/22/2026

Target Training Reinforced with Treats Improves Focus and Communication

Target training — teaching a horse to touch or follow a specific object, such as a cone or a target stick — is a powerful foundation exercise in positive reinforcement training. When paired with food rewards, target training improves focus, reduces anxiety, and facilitates more transparent communication between horse and handler.

The process typically involves presenting the target and rewarding the horse immediately for investigating or touching it. Over time, the horse learns to follow or move to the target on cue, which can then be used to direct movement for trailer loading, groundwork, liberty work, or medical procedures.

Studies in equine cognition suggest that horses respond well to target-based training, often learning faster and with less stress than through pressure-based methods. Target training encourages autonomy and problem-solving, giving the horse a sense of agency — a factor that research shows can reduce conflict behaviors and enhance welfare.

Target training can also be used to shape complex behaviors or as a distraction technique in challenging environments. It provides mental stimulation and a way to engage the horse actively during training or care routines.

As always, small, appropriate treats should be used, and sessions kept short and positive to maintain engagement.

03/21/2026

Scurf in Horses

Scurf, often referred to as dandruff in horses, is a common but generally mild skin condition characterized by the presence of dry, flaky skin, typically along the cannon bone, particularly the hind legs. While it is often benign, scurf can sometimes indicate underlying issues such as poor grooming, dietary imbalances, or the early stages of skin infections or systemic conditions like PPID.

Scurf becomes most noticeable during seasonal coat changes or when horses are not groomed regularly. It may appear as loose, white flakes within the hair, sometimes accompanied by dull coat quality. While not inherently painful or pruritic (itchy), if left unmanaged, scurf can lead to skin irritation or open the door to secondary infections, particularly if the skin becomes compromised.

Early detection and consistent grooming are key to controlling scurf. Regular brushing with appropriate grooming tools helps remove dead skin cells and stimulate natural oil production, which keeps the skin healthy. Bathing with gentle, moisturizing shampoos—such as those containing oatmeal or aloe—can be beneficial, though over-washing should be avoided to prevent skin dryness.

Nutritional support also plays a vital role. Diets lacking in essential fatty acids, vitamins (notably A and E), or trace minerals can contribute to poor skin health. Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids or ensuring a balanced ratio often improves coat condition.

Though usually cosmetic, persistent or widespread scurf warrants veterinary evaluation to rule out parasitic infestations, fungal infections, or metabolic disorders. Routine skin care and attention to underlying health help maintain a healthy, scurf-free coat.

03/20/2026

Nail Seating and Clinching

Nail seating and clinching are terms central to the shoeing process. Nail seating refers to the technique of positioning and countersinking horseshoe nails into the hoof wall so that they sit flush without protruding. Clinching is the process of bending and flattening the protruding portion of the nail against the hoof wall to secure the shoe.

Understanding these terms helps owners ask informed questions about shoe retention and hoof integrity. Proper nail seating and clinching prevent pressure points and reduce the risk of nails working loose or causing discomfort. When nails are poorly seated or inadequately clinched, the horse may show signs of gait changes or sensitivity.

Owners knowledgeable about these processes can observe and describe issues like loose nails, shifted shoes, or areas of irritation. This allows farriers to address concerns promptly and maintain shoe security and hoof comfort.

Clear communication about nail seating and clinching enhances collaboration during shoeing appointments, leading to more comfortable, consistent hoof protection and improved performance.

03/16/2026

Hoof Injuries and Hoof Abscesses

Hoof injuries — including bruises, cracks, and abscesses — are common and can be intensely painful due to the sensitive structures within the hoof. A hoof abscess is an infection trapped between the sensitive laminae and the hoof wall or sole. Signs include sudden severe lameness, obvious discomfort, and varying degrees of heat and swelling.

Veterinary and farrier collaboration often involves trimming to allow abscess drainage, followed by warm antiseptic soaks and supportive poulticing. Pain relief and anti‑inflammatory medication help manage discomfort. Once drainage begins, lameness typically improves within 24–72 hours, and complete resolution is often achieved within 7–14 days with proper care and protection.

Preventive measures include routine hoof care, clean and safe footing, and regular inspection to identify early signs of bruising or cracks that could lead to abscess formation if left unchecked. Early attention and prompt drainage are key to a quick, uncomplicated recovery.

03/16/2026

🎉 Happy birthday to everyone celebrating this week 🎊

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