LongRifle Equine Sports Therapy

10/01/2025

🍂🐴 Nutrition & Weight Management
“Hay is your horse’s heater!”
As temperatures drop, your horse burns more calories just staying warm. Forage fermentation in the hindgut produces heat from the inside out, making quality hay the foundation of winter health.
👉 Keep an eye on body condition — a fluffy winter coat can hide weight loss! Run your hands over ribs and topline regularly.
💡 Consider slow feeders to keep hay available longer, supporting both gut health and warmth.

09/29/2025

As the weather shifts, our horses’ needs shift with it. From keeping water ice-free to monitoring weight and deciding if blankets are needed, seasonal care is more than comfort — it’s prevention of colic, laminitis, and illness. What’s your go-to tip for keeping horses healthy and happy through the winter months?

09/26/2025

🐴 The Good, The Bad & The Ugly of Equine Minerals
Minerals may be tiny in the diet, but they make a huge difference in your horse’s health.

Let’s break it down:

✅ The Good
Minerals = building blocks. Strong bones, shiny coats, tough hooves, muscle recovery, hormone balance… minerals touch every system in your horse’s body.
Balanced diets prevent problems before they start. Correct calcium-to-phosphorus ratios support joints, and adequate copper + zinc prevent weak hooves and dull coats.
Smart supplementation saves money. The right product fills gaps without overloading your horse.
⚠️ The Bad
Soils vary by region. Horses in the Pacific Northwest often need selenium supplementation, while those in other areas may already get enough (or too much).
Too much of one = not enough of another. For example, excess iron (common in water and forage) blocks copper and zinc absorption.
Salt blocks don’t cut it alone. Horses rarely consume enough from licking blocks to meet mineral needs, especially in cooler months.
❌ The Ugly
Toxicity is real. Selenium poisoning, iron overload, or iodine imbalance can cause severe illness, hoof damage, or even death.
Guessing costs money & health. Randomly stacking supplements can lead to wasted dollars and a sicker horse.
Looks can be deceiving. A horse with a shiny coat can still be dangerously deficient in key minerals.

Why Research Matters
Your forage and water are unique to your area — what’s deficient in Oregon may be excessive in Texas.
Forage testing and understanding regional soil profiles help you choose the right balancer or supplement.
Correct mineral balance = better performance, fewer vet bills, and healthier horses long-term.

Bottom line: Don’t guess, test. Do your research, learn what’s common in your region, and supplement smart — your horse’s hooves, coat, and overall health depend on it.

09/24/2025

🐴 Micro-Minerals: The Tiny but Mighty Nutrients
Even in small amounts, these minerals pack a punch in your horse’s health:
Copper (Cu) - Hoof strength, coat color, connective tissue.
Zinc (Zn) - Skin, hooves, immune support. Works with copper (ideal ratio Cu:Zn ≈ 1:3–1:4).
Manganese (Mn) - Cartilage, bone, reproduction.
Iron (Fe) - Red blood cells & oxygen transport. ⚠️ Usually oversupplied in hay/water.
Selenium (Se) - Muscle function, antioxidant. ⚠️ Very narrow safety margin (too much = toxic).
Iodine (I) - Thyroid function & metabolism. Too much or too little = thyroid issues.
Cobalt (Co) - Helps gut microbes make vitamin B12.
⚠️ Deficiencies = weak hooves, dull coat, poor recovery, or fertility issues.
⚠️ Excesses (esp. Se & Fe) = toxicity or mineral imbalances.
👉 Pro tip: Trace minerals vary by region. Forage testing + a good ration balancer beats guessing with random supplements.

Please do research on your region and what minerals are naturally available to your animals.

09/22/2025

🐴 Macro-Minerals: The Big Players in Horse Health
Your horse doesn’t just need calories — minerals keep the body running smoothly. The big six are:
Calcium (Ca) - Strong bones & teeth. Needs to balance with Phosphorus (Ca:P ≈ 2:1).
Phosphorus (P) - Energy & bone support. Too much = weak bones.
Magnesium (Mg) - Muscle relaxation & calm nerves.
Sodium + Chloride (Salt) - Hydration & sweat replacement. Always offer free-choice salt!
Potassium (K) → Muscles & nerves. Forage usually covers it.
Sulfur (S) → Hooves, hair, and protein. Rarely lacking.
⚠️ Too little = weak bones, nervous horses, or electrolyte imbalances.
⚠️ Too much = wasted money, poor absorption, or even toxicity.
👉 Pro tip: Test your hay, balance the diet, and let your horse have free-choice plain salt.

09/20/2025

✨ Hey there, horse & dog lovers! ✨

I’m Morgan, an Equine Osteopath & Body Worker based in Lebanon, Oregon 🐴🐶💆‍♀️.

I help both horses and dogs move, feel, and perform their very best through:
✅ Cranial Sacral Therapy
✅ Gentle Body Manipulations
✅ Trigger Point Therapy
✅ Kinesiology Taping

I’m also furthering my expertise while working toward my Doctorate of Chiropractic 🩺📚—because animals and humans deserve the best care possible.

📍 I’m currently creating travel routes through Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and California to bring care right to you.
📩 Message me anytime and let’s get your horse or dog on the schedule! let’s get your horse on the schedule!

Call now to connect with business.

09/19/2025

Many horse owners are familiar with the basics of Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), especially their links to laminitis, obesity, and insulin resistance. But there are several lesser-known aspects of these disorders that can change how we approach management:
1. Hidden Cases in “Normal” Horses
Not all EMS horses are visibly overweight. Some may be at a healthy weight yet still have insulin resistance. Likewise, PPID doesn’t always present with the classic long hair coat — subtle signs like recurring hoof abscesses, frequent skin infections, or loss of topline muscle can be early indicators.
2. The Role of Seasonal Hormone Changes
PPID signs often worsen in the fall because of natural hormone cycles. This is when many horses show the most obvious coat or behavioral changes, making seasonal monitoring essential.
3. Exercise as Medicine
For EMS horses, exercise isn’t just about weight loss — it directly improves insulin sensitivity, even if the horse’s weight doesn’t change much. Controlled movement can be just as powerful as dietary management.
4. Compromised Immunity
Both EMS and PPID horses are more prone to infections, hoof issues, and delayed healing. Owners often notice repeated hoof abscesses, sinus infections, or even increased parasite loads, which may require adjusting vaccine and deworming protocols.
5. Monitoring is Ongoing, Not One-Time
Blood tests like insulin, glucose, and ACTH levels can fluctuate. Regular testing (often 1–2 times a year) helps track whether management strategies or medications are still effective.
6. Quality of Life vs. Longevity
Both EMS and PPID can often be managed for years with the right care. The challenge lies in balancing cost, effort, and the horse’s comfort — particularly in older horses with multiple conditions.

Equine metabolic disorders aren’t just about “fat horses with laminitis.” They are complex, evolving conditions that require vigilant monitoring, proactive management, and individualized care beyond diet and exercise alone.

I personally have seen quite the uptick in Metabolic cases since moving to Oregon, the feed is different out in fields almost daily. Many proactive owners test their hay or their fields but there are a vast number that don't and let their horses just "be horses" without intervention and wonder why their animals end up with metabolic issues. That being said not ALL horses with a metabolic issue are causes by neglect. Some horses are sensitive to life in general and love to stress out their owners- Pot meet Kettle (two of mine for personal reference have metabolic issues and we need to be careful with pasture feeding and normal every day feedings- one has mild bushings, and the other has had severe rotational laminitis and came back sound).

09/17/2025

Sorry for missing my Monday post!
Back to our regularly scheduled programming 😅

lets get into equine aging and the long term of geriatric care:

As horses are living longer due to advancements in veterinary medicine, nutrition, and management, aging and long-term care have become major concerns for horse owners. Many horses today live into their late 20s or 30s, which brings unique challenges for maintaining quality of life.
🔹 Common Health Concerns in Senior Horses
Dental Issues – Worn or missing teeth can make chewing difficult, leading to weight loss and digestive problems. Regular dental exams are critical.
Weight Management – Some older horses lose condition, while others develop metabolic disorders such as Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) or Cushing’s disease (PPID). Both require tailored feeding strategies.
Joint & Mobility Problems – Arthritis and stiffness often limit activity. Supportive therapies, joint supplements, and appropriate exercise help maintain mobility.
Immune System Changes – Older horses may be more susceptible to infections and may not respond as strongly to vaccines.
Parasite Control – Senior horses sometimes need modified deworming plans due to changes in immunity.
🔹 Management Strategies
Nutrition: Senior feeds are designed to be more digestible and provide balanced energy, protein, and fiber. Wetting or soaking feed may help with chewing difficulties.
Exercise: Light, consistent movement can reduce stiffness and help manage weight, even in retired horses.
Comfort: Safe turnout with shelter, appropriate blanketing, and regular hoof care remain important.
Routine Veterinary Care: Twice-yearly checkups, bloodwork, and dental exams are often recommended for older horses.
🔹 Emotional & Financial Considerations
Long-term care requires patience, resources, and dedication. Some owners struggle with balancing financial costs of senior care (special feed, medications, frequent vet visits) against the horse’s quality of life. Making end-of-life decisions is one of the most difficult parts of ownership but is also an act of compassion when a horse can no longer live comfortably.

Discussion Question: With horses living longer, do you think more structured programs or support systems (such as retirement facilities or financial aid for senior care) should be developed to help owners manage the challenges of aging horses?

I personally LOVE geriatric equine, they are my #1 for retirement care plans. We currently have the matriarch of our personal herd still causing mayhem (and stressing me out on a daily basis) at 32 years old. The oldies deserve the respect of having a retirement, one with dignity, some horses are still providing lessons into their 30s two of them being at a dear friends facility still providing lessons and teaching people of many ages about horses and helping them fall in love with the sport.

The geriatric of this industry are the true "masters" at teaching the next generation.

09/14/2025

Schedule for this week!

Monday- 4PM last spot salem/stayton
Tuesday- 10AM, 12PM
Wednesday- OFF
Thursday- 10AM, 12PM
Friday- 10AM, 12PM
Weekends- Flexible

Please reach out with any questions 😁

09/13/2025

Equine Behavior & Training Concerns
Horse behavior is one of the top concerns for owners because it directly impacts both safety and welfare. A horse’s behavior is shaped by genetics, handling, environment, training, and even underlying health issues. Problems can show up as spooking, bolting, bucking, rearing, biting, or resistance under saddle — all of which can put humans and horses at risk.
🔹 Common Causes of Behavior Issues
Pain or Discomfort
Lameness, saddle fit issues, gastric ulcers, or dental pain can all manifest as “bad behavior.”
For example, a horse that bucks under saddle may actually be reacting to back pain.
Training & Handling
Inconsistent cues, poor timing, or harsh methods can confuse horses and create resistance.
Horses learn best with clear, consistent, and fair training methods.
Environment & Management
Horses are herd animals with a need for movement, social contact, and grazing.
Isolation, limited turnout, or high-stress stabling environments can cause anxiety, stereotypies (cribbing, weaving, stall walking), or aggression.
🔹 Approaches to Addressing Behavior Issues
Rule out pain first. Veterinary exams, dental care, and saddle fitting should always precede behavioral training interventions.
Natural Horsemanship & Positive Reinforcement. Approaches focusing on building trust, consistency, and rewarding correct responses often yield better long-term outcomes than punishment-based methods.
Environment modification. Increasing turnout, socialization, and forage access can reduce stress-related behaviors.
Professional training. In some cases, collaboration with experienced trainers or equine behaviorists is essential.
🔹 Why It Matters
Behavioral issues are a leading cause of horses being sold, rehomed, or even sent to auction. Many of these problems are preventable or manageable if owners recognize the link between management, training, and health.

Discussion Question: Do you believe most equine behavior issues are rooted in training/handling mistakes, or do they stem more often from unmet physical and environmental needs?

Picture credit Kristina Phipps with Pioneer Equestrian 🥰

09/11/2025

I was only two years old when 9/11 happened, too young to fully understand the magnitude of that day. I grew up hearing the stories, seeing the images, and feeling the weight of what it meant for our country. Even though I didn’t live through the memories the way others did, I know it shaped the world I grew up in.

Today, I pause to honor the lives lost, the bravery of first responders, and the resilience of a nation that came together in the face of unimaginable tragedy. It’s a reminder to never take our freedoms or our loved ones for granted.

We remember. We reflect. We carry their legacy forward.

09/11/2025

Nutrition & Weight Management

Horses are designed to graze continuously, but modern management often disrupts this natural behavior. Nutrition is a top concern, whether it’s preventing obesity in easy keepers or ensuring performance horses receive enough energy. Disorders like Equine Metabolic Syndrome and insulin resistance add further complexity.

Question for discussion: Do you think equine obesity is more of a welfare issue than being underweight, or are both equally concerning?