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January 27, 2022

A Trip to the Vet & a Reminder That Horses Can’t Talk – Horses of the Ozark Hills

Hop in the truck and hitch up the trailer cause it’s time to go to the vet! I joined Penny and Rosemary on their trip to the vet recently! I enjoy going to the vet as I always learn something new and my horses get the medical care they need. Penny simply got a check up. Winter is a hard time for a horse with respiratory issues, and Penny has been coughing and filled with mucus so far this winter. It was nice to get to talk with the vet about her health and to know how she is doing. She is doing good for a horse with her health problems. As it’s winter, we increased her medicine dosage to help her breath easier in the frigid weather. I have been giving her some hay to munch on recently so she’s not bored during the day. The dry particles in the hay have not been helping her breathing, so my veterinarian recommended getting the hay wet before I give it to her. It’s important that I don’t soak the hay though as that would rid it of its nutrients. A light hosing before feeding time will do just fine!

Rosemary got her teeth floated!

Rosemary’s turn was next. I led her into the clinic, excited to watch as she got her teeth floated. I have had Rosemary for less than a year now, and she had never been to the vet before in her life! She really needed her teeth floated. While working with this Haflinger in training, she did not like her bit all that much and often “bobbed” her head in apparent displeasure. I figured that this unbroken 10 year old pony was just stubborn and not used to her bit yet. Weeks later the problem persisted. She took the bit easily and didn’t mind it in her mouth when she was stationary, but turning was a problem. During these last training sessions she would not turn to the right at all. This is a problem with team driving as Jasmine turns just fine to that side, but due to Rosemary’s defiance neither horse would turn right. Going up to examine Rosemary’s bit, I saw some blood trickle from the right side of her mouth. It was just a drop, but it was enough. I stopped our training session and scheduled a vet appointment. I had been told beforehand that Rosemary’s bit denial might have stemmed from her teeth needing floating.

My Veterinarian kindly let me take some pictures of the inside of Rosemary’s mouth so that I could see her teeth after they were floated!

As a horse eats grass, their jaw moves in a circular motion. This motion often wears down a horse’s teeth; however, the outermost part of the horse’s teeth, closest to their cheek, is too far a way to be reached by the horse’s jaw and grinded down. Instead these areas of the teeth become sharp and poke the horse in the check whenever they eat. Pastured horses do not need their teeth floated as often as grain-fed equines do. Chewing grass requires a larger range of motion for the horse’s jaw, while grain feed is easier for a horse to chew requiring a smaller range of motion and meaning that even bigger areas of the teeth are not worn down, but sharpened. Rosemary’s teeth were in this condition and the bit in her mouth was putting even more pressure against her sharp teeth causing them to rub against the inside of her cheek. Horses may not have words, but they still talk to us. This situation reminded me of a similar trip to the vet last March. I wrote these words:

“Valuable lesson: Horse’s can’t talk. When my horse is in pain he can’t just tell me what’s going on. This reminded me that as a horse owner, I must always be alert and looking for problems. Problems won’t always be there, but it’s important to notice them when they are. Which is why it’s essential for equestrians to know how their horse acts on a good day, so they can tell when something isn’t right.”

~A Trip to the Vet

Rosemary’s displeasure with her bit was her way of letting me know she was experiencing some pain. Not all of Rosemary’s turning problems were caused by her teeth, and they haven’t just disappeared. But I can train her knowing she isn’t in any pain and with a good understanding of what’s going on.

In all, our trip to the vet went well. I was remined, that as a horse owner, I have to be alert to all that my horses are telling, even though they can’t talk!

Tails & trails,

Reese

January 27, 2022

How to Effectively Groom Your Horse! – Horses of the Ozark Hills

maximios Horses

Benefits of a good brushing

A well groomed horse is a pretty sight, however; they’re many other benefits to grooming your equine. Grooming maintains skin and coat, stimulating blood flow and spreading natural oils. Because of this, it also helps to reduce risk of skin issues and scratches. As you brush your horse from top to bottom, you are forced to thoroughly look over your horse’s entire body. This is a great way to spot injuries you might have missed and it forms a clear picture of what your horse looks like so that you can tell when something is amiss.

My cousin grooming a beloved horsey friend

Grooming tools

It’s important to have the right brushes and equally important to know how to use them properly. First things first, ya need a tote, bag, or box to keep it all in. One that is sturdy and transportable. *I use a hard plastic black box with a lid & handle and a few dividers to keep things organized. But get creative and use what works for you; they’re so many cool options and ideas out there!* Now here’s the brushes you will need.

Curry comb: from metal ones to plastic and rubber, this tool excels at removing dust, grime, and loose hair from your horse’s coat.
Hard brush: AKA dandy brush or body brush, this basic body brush is stiff and used to clean off dirt.
Soft brush: this brush is used on sensitive areas such as legs and face, to remove dust.
Mane & tail brushes/combs: Coming in a variety of shapes and sizes, this handy cool is used to detangle the horse’s mane and tail.
Hoof pick: This is used to remove gravel and dirt from your equine’s hooves.
Face brush: An often tiny brush, can you guess what it’s job is? It is especially created to brush the very sensitive part of your horse.

Grooming Routine

For best results, groom your horse daily and follow this routine.

Start with the hooves. Working from heel to toe, pick the mud and manure out of your horse’s hooves.
Curry Comb the fleshy parts of the body starting with the neck and working toward the hind quarters. Moving the curry comb in a circular motion to effectively remove the dirt and grim stuck in your horse’s coat. * If you are diligently grooming your horse daily or keep them stabled or blanketed there might not be much dirt to remove.*
Next run a hard brush (body brush) over where you just curry combed, continuing to start with the neck and work across the body for both sides.
Now use a soft brush on your horse’s face, legs, and under belly. *Note some websites and/or horsemen will recommend a step between hard brush and soft brush in which you use a medium brush over the entire body. I was not taught this step and though I can see how it could be beneficial, if you are thorough enough with the hard brush, going over spots that need extra brushing, I certainly think this middle step wouldn’t be necessary. But it is for each of us to decide. Let me know in the comments if you do this step?!*
Comb out the mane and tail. You might consider using some detangler spray if necessary to help.
Apply show sheen or other coat conditioners to make your equine’s coat shine! This step is optional and not one that I do, however; it is useful for show ponies or horses in need of a coat boost!

It is important to routinely brush your horse, ideally every day, to ensure his coat and skin health. Grooming can really be a chore. It can leave you with dirty fingernails and arms. * Are your arms and fingernails dirt caked after you finish grooming your horse like mine are?!* But it really is a great time to bond with your horse and get to know his mannerisms. I enjoy grooming my horses and often hum a song as I do so. Hopefully this post showed you how to be effective in your grooming, or maybe it reminded you of a step or brush your forgetting.

Tails & trails,

Reese

Sources I used to help write this post! https://blog.smartpakequine.com/2018/03/secrets-to-an-effective-horse-grooming-routine/

Tips for an Effective Horse Grooming Routine

https://www.farnam.com/stable-talk/grooming-tools

January 27, 2022

Groundwork That Strengthens the Horse & Rider’s Relationship – Horses of the Ozark Hills

maximios Horses

“There he is right across from you, your horse. His feet beat the ground in a rhythmic pulse, his nostrils flare with his deep breathing, then suddenly there it is! He starts to hang his head low, licking his lips. Recognizing the signs of submission, you lower your eyes and take a tiny step back. Bam! His attentive gaze saw your movement…..”

I recently had the privilege of writing a guest post for the Savvy Horsewoman Equestrian Blog & Shop. You can read the rest of the post here. I hope you check it out!!

I also hope you give this type of Resistance Free training a try! If you have any questions or you give it a try I would love to here about it! You can contact me here or leave your thoughts in the comments!

Tails & trails,

Reese

January 18, 2022

Horses of the Ozark Hills

maximios Horses

By now you have probably read quite a few “2021 recaps.” It seems like everyone is posting them, and as I began to think, “What’s the big deal? I am so over this,” I realized how important and appealing it is to take the time to sit down and remember the year. One of the […]

It was almost a year ago that I began the training process with my team of haflingers. All my hard work reached its climax when I hitched my team to a buggy for the first time. After months of ground driving my team successfully, we were definitely ready when the time came to have them […]

For many people, fall is their favorite season of the year. The chilly weather begins, bringing hot drinks, warm clothes, and all things pumpkin! Not everyone enjoys sipping pumpkin spice lattes and enjoying a piece of pumpkin bread; however, there’s a good chance that your horse likes pumpkin! Orange pumpkins are a safe and healthy […]

Your a hobby equestrian with no experience training horses, until you buy a young horse who forces you to get some training experience! Or in my case, 4 horses & a pony who force you to! Some of my followers may remember that last year I lost three beloved senior equines, who spoiled me with […]

“I first heard about My Happy Lesson Binder by entering a giveaway held by Sparkles Rainbows and Unicorns. After receiving one of the prize copies of the digital binder, I became an affiliate of the program.” “My Happy Lesson Binder is a super fun, creative, and successful way to keep track of all your lessons. I have had […]

Exactly one year ago, I shared this DIY horse popsicle recipe to help you keep your equine cool & hydrated all summer long! I hope this repost will inspire you to show your horse some love this summer by making these DIY frozen treats! Horse popsicles are not only safe for your horse, but aid […]

It’s been awhile since my last update on the halfies. My newest followers may not know that I am training a team of Haflingers. Working with Rosemary & Jasmine has been a slow and steady process. We have had some rough days, and some really amazing ones. My last training session was one of those […]

Do you remember the first time you put a fly mask on your horse? I do! I just recently started using fly masks, and it was not shorty afterward that all sorts of questions regarding this new piece of tack popped into my head! I knew very little about fly masks to begin with. I […]

Have you ever heard of the Great British Equinery of Indiana? I am so glad I had the opportunity to learn about the Great British Equinery through The Backyard Horse Blog and receive their products by winning The Backyard Horse Blog’s 2021 Winter Contest! Whether this is your first exposure to this wonderful company or […]

This past week I had the exciting opportunity to share my equestrian story on Decidedly Equestrian! Decidedly Equestrian is a blog dedicated to giving their audience honest reviews of equestrian products. Run by a team of experienced equestrian women, the product reviews include a convenient scoring chart, lots of pictures, and an honest opinion, making […]

Shopping for horse tack (or anything really) can be a super fun occasion to look forward to, but it can also be a loathsome and time consuming experience. I always get excited about purchasing new horse related products! Nevertheless finding good quality products and brands can be a challenge. Which is why I’m so excited […]

The Ozarks have been blanketed in snow recently, with temperatures in the negatives some days. As I am writing this post it’s snowing! For many horse owners, myself included, winter and snowy conditions equals less riding. Lingering questions about the safety of riding in snowy weather go unanswered for many horse owners. Horseback riding in […]

The passing of an equine friend is never easy, as I know all too well. Recently, one of my oldest horses, Penny, passed away. This horse has been with me since 2010, for over ten years! She started as one of my first lesson horses at a riding stable, and later was purchased by my […]

Being only the second month of the new year, your New Years Resolutions are probably still fresh in your mind. When committing to these goals, did you give a time frame of completion? Goals are often accompanied with a completion date in mind; losing 10 pounds in five weeks or not eating sugar for a […]

Did you know that one year ago today I posted my first blog post! Looking back it’s been one wild year, filled with ups, downs, masks, and quarantines! But it has also been a wonderful year of growth for my one year old blog and for me personally as an equestrian & horse owner! In […]

Do you get your horse a Christmas gift?? I usually make my horses homemade peppermint flavored treats for Christmas. But there are numerous gift suggestions & ideas out there, like giving your horse the day off or getting them a new stable toy! This is the first Christmas I will be spending with my Haflingers […]

With the price of everything on the equestrian market, horse girls often order for their horse before they order for themselves. Which is exactly why I was riding in a pair of hand-me-down riding breeches that had too many holes to count! Knowing I needed to upgrade my riding wardrobe, I began to search the […]

“Senior horses hold a special place in a horse owner’s heart. They’re the sweetest, the kindest, and the oldest….which sometimes means that it’s even harder for them to stay warm in winter weather. The icy chill isn’t always good for our senior horses, and while we want what’s best for our horse it’s not always […]

It’s been awhile since my last update on the Haflinger’s training. If you’re following me on Instagram you are probably more up-to-date. I am proud to report that Rosemary & Jasmine can stand tied, be groomed, lunge, and wear a saddle, saddle pad, and bit! They have come such a long way from the halter […]

We all know a horse gals dream, riding into the sunset with her trusted horse, hair blowing in the wind. Her desire for a relationship, a friendship with her beloved equine; much like the horse movies she watched as a little girl. But for a country gal like me there was always another addition to […]

Your about to read my first product review! The product being reviewed is a Standard Hay Pillow Slow Feeder Bag, 1 3/4 inch mesh size. I ordered this specifically for my Haflingers, who I have been in training; therefore, they stay in a dry lot to keep them close. They consume their hay very quickly […]

This might seem like a lofty claim, and I don’t have years of experience teaching students to ride, I only just started! But I have confidence in this game of my semi-own invention. That’s right I didn’t 100% invent this activity. It’s an already well known game that my six year old riding student and […]

Meet Tatum! This little pony just joined my equine herd! Tiny and sooo very fluffy, due to his winter coat, Tatum is my cutest & tiniest equine! This sweet guy belongs to my little sister Quinn, who has been diligently visiting Tatum since he was a foal! We bought him from our neighbors, so Quinn […]

If you drive through Southern MO there is one thing you’re guaranteed to see: round bales. In the fields, barns, and feeders, round bales are used by many people across the United States and for many different livestock including horses. During the winter months many of my pastured horses can be seen munching on round […]

Autumn weather is one of the many reasons why fall is my favorite season! The cool air mixed with the warm sunshine just make me want to be outside. It makes me wish that the this is what the weather was like all year round. Then maybe I would really ride everyday like I want […]

The training of my Halflinger trio has come to a semi-halt with how busy I have been recently. I am waiting to officially began training until I can devote myself to them everyday at the same time. (Basically when volleyball season gets over, for those of you who don’t know, I am in highschool!) Meanwhile, […]

Put on your sweater and grab your pumpkin latte, cause fall is officially here! Fall is one of my favorite seasons, I love the colors, the favors, and the weather that invites me to saddle up and go for a ride. Something else I love are lists! Lists create clear goals and concrete them in […]

As much as I don’t like to admit my failure, about 28 days ago I failed to collect the eggs for a few days. We have a rooster in our coop so all our eggs have the potential of becoming chicks- IF the mamma hen does her job and sits on the eggs, keeping them […]

What is it about Cowgirl Boots that make me wonna go for a ride? Slip em on and out the door; feeling free, strong, and sassy. Through the muck, in the stirrups, and eventually down the aisle. What is it about Cowgirl Boots that make we wonna smile! So my first attempt at published poetry […]

If you’re like me, then you probably have looked out into your horse pasture, pleased to see your grazing equines, your gaze only to be met by the body of blue in your field. You give it a questioning look and wonder,“Is it okay for my horses to be around that stagnant body of water?” […]

When people ask me if I am a morning person, I want to say yes. I love seeing the sunrise & drinking coffee; plus getting started early aids in the making of a productive day. Getting out of bed early is hard, but once I am up and going I am always glad I got […]

You may know that the 3 newest additions to my horse family are unbroken. So it is up to me to train these horses. I get the responsibility of establishing a foundation for them to build upon. I have never trained a horse before and am super excited and a little nervous to take on […]

Do you love horse merch? Are you interested in a horse related prize box giveaway? In honor of posting 100 blog posts, The Backyard Horse Blog is hosting their first ever contest giveaway!! Win a horse related prize box by subscribing before August 20th! So hop on over to the Backyard Horse Blog and subscribe […]

In the process of planning a horse camp, I had to pick all the day’s activities for on and off the horse. It was honestly a super fun, yet challenging process. And even though the games and crafts I chose were for horse camp, I want to share them with you all, because I think […]

Something very exciting happened at the Morrison Farm this weekend! I hosted our farms first ever Horse Camp! Organizing a horse day camp has long been a dream of mine! This week I got to fulfill that dream and share my horses with 29 kiddo campers! I am super excited to share what hosting a […]

Flies are just part of summer. They plague our horses, buzzing around their face and biting their body. As horse owners it is our responsibility to make sure our horses live a comfortable life, thus fighting flies becomes our job in summer. Like anyone, we want to do our job as effectively and efficiently as […]

With summer comes hot weather and with hot weather comes a hot, sweaty horse! Keeping your horse hydrated and cool is important in the summer heat. There are numerous ways to accomplish this, however, horse popsicles might just be the coolest option! Let’s just face it, watching your horse lick a frozen fruity treat is […]

I have some exciting news to share- my horse family has gained three new members! They get their friendly spirit and curiosity from their Haflinger heritage, and their short stature from the tad of Welsh Pony in their blood. These three new additions are related, a mother and two daughters. I am so glad I […]

I step out the backdoor. Greeted by Zeus the dog, I carry a bucket of milk replacer to the tack house as I walk through the yard. A tractor is parked on the front lawn. A faint breeze blows past, taking in a whiff of air, I can smell I’m on a farm alright. I close […]

Do you keep your horse in your backyard? Because if you do you totally need to check out: The Backyard Horse Blog! One of the goals of this blog is not only to help all equestrians, but especially those that keep their horse at home. All five of my horse’s live on the property, so […]

1. Recognizing the wound As I was bringing Phoenix into his paddock the other morning, I noticed a piece of brown hanging on his lower leg, right above his hoof. With more inspection, I saw that he must have cut himself and that a piece of flesh was dangling on. My horse’s have definitely had […]

As horse owners, it is our job to ensure our horse’s well being and health. By performing a daily health check on our horse, we can keep our horses healthy and safe. So whether you’ve done this on your horses for years or you never have before, it is important to be refreshed on how […]

As equestrians, we know that horses and horse stuff are very expensive. So it’s important to consider the pros and cons, and ask ourselves if this is necessary before we purchase it. So when I sat down to consider if I needed to purchase a new breast collar for my horse Max, I did just […]

There I was, riding on Max down a dirt road. The sun was warm on my face and a slight breeze floated through the air. Coming to a fork in the road, I cued Max to stop. But He didn’t. Max has never really stopped when I say “woe,” but when I tighten the reins […]

If you have horses, chances are you have other animals to! Dogs, cats, maybe even a goat or donkey, and possibly you have some chickens? Or perhaps you don’t; maybe you should consider adding some chickens to your stable yard family. Not only are chickens low maintenance and provide breakfast, but it is astonishing how […]

Hay guys! The Horses of the Ozark Hills is now on Pinterest!! Now you can save your favorite posts and DIYs from Horses of the Ozark Hills as pins! Plus check out other things that inspire me and other equestrians. Like this super cool quote: There are some really great ideas & tips on Pinterest, […]

Have you never made homemade horse treats?!?! I had never baked horse treats till recently, when I wanted to try baking something new with my sisters. I wanted to make a treat for my horses, but also for my dogs! I wanted simple, yet healthy ingredients. So I kinda combined some different recipes I found […]

Did you know that there are, on average, 450 different breeds of horses and ponies?! If you are interested in a list check out this site. It lists 353 horse breeds and 100 pony breeds in alphabetical order. As I began to look over the list I realised I didn’t know as many horse breeds […]

It’s that time of year again, the grass is growing and the days are warming up, real soon the pasture will be ready for our horses. I know that my horses are ready to trade their dusty hay for the luscious grass. However, this time of year also causes me to evaluate my horse’s feeding […]

Senior equines have a special place in my heart. They are trained to serve us; they work hard their whole lives, and when they come to their end days- it’s our turn to serve them. Sometimes that means spending money on medicine or a special diet, or sometimes that means ending their suffering. A few […]

The days are getting longer and the grass greener, sure signs that spring is almost here! And what a better way to kick off spring than to have a SPRING BREAK! This is especially helpful for equestrians who have lots of preparations to make for the good weather and growing grass. Plus what a great […]

Hay! A week or so ago, my farriers told me that Chestnut’s, one of the horses in my care, neck needed to be popped and that he needed to see a horse chiropractor. *Let me say that this was really surprising because I didn’t know there was such a thing for horses* So we called […]

Not only is grooming good for your horse’s health, but it can be an enjoyable chore in which you get to know your horse better! Which is why it’s so important to know how to effectively groom your horse. Benefits of a good brushing A well groomed horse is a pretty sight, however; they’re many […]

January 18, 2022

Horses of the Ozark Hills

maximios Horses

January 18, 2022

3 Things To Do During Your Ride to Lower Stress – Horses of the Ozark Hills

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I went on a ride recently that didn’t go as planned. It was supposed to be a fun ride around the farm with my sisters and friend. The ride was fun and we all had a good time, no one got hurt, things just seemed not to go right, from the other horses getting out to having trouble tacking up. What this ride reminded me of was that every ride teaches a lesson, about me or my horse. This ride taught me *more like reminded me* that I can’t let stress overcome my ride. I began to think of how this ride was different from my other rides. And I realized I didn’t do three things I normally do during every ride. These three things work well to keep me relaxed and focused, hopefully they can be helpful to you to!

Horseback riding can be stressful, and stress only makes your ride more difficult. So if you find yourself stressed out during a ride, give these three things a try!

Point of Focus

It’s so easy to get distracted or overwhelmed by your end goal that you forget to work on the small stuff. I ride for pleasure, yet every time before I begin my ride I try to pick one or two things to work on. It can be anything between heels down to using more thigh in my posting trot. I want every ride to improve my skill, yet I don’t want to be stressed out about meeting my goal.

Picking something small to practice and focus on during each ride will pinpoint your focus and help you not sweat the big stuff. You just say to yourself, “If my horse doesn’t take this barrel tight enough that’s okay cause I am just working on keeping my heels down.” And even if you’re practicing to compete, don’t get overwhelmed by the end goal, improve the small stuff first. So no matter why you’re in the saddle, picking something small you can work on for every ride will help you to stay focused and less stressed.

Pay Attention to the Beauty Around You

During your ride it’s imperative to be aware of your surroundings. Let’s just face it, things are scary to your horse, and whether you’re riding in the same arena you always do or out on the trail, you never know when a plastic bag will fly by. But don’t get stressed out about being aware of your environment or you’ll miss the beauty all around you. Another reason we tend to miss the sun peaking through the clouds or the wind rustling the grass is because we are so focused *or stressed about* having the correct position or nailing a jump that we forget to look up and observe the nature around us. It might be the backyard you’ve ridden in for like ever, but you need to get your head up and look at the beauty all around you. This will not only brighten your day, but being outside has a way of lowering your stress and calming you down.

Me & my sis out on an evening ride

Enjoy the Ride

I think that we get so caught up in doing things right we forget to just enjoy the ride. Relaxing in the saddle has huge benefits for you and your horse. Relaxing doesn’t mean to sit back, do nothing, and completely ignore your form. It means to take a deep breath and loosen up. Stress isn’t good for you or your horse, so take a deep breath and just relax. It’s good to have an end goal, but don’t forget to just hit pause and have fun just being with your horse.

Your ride might not always go as planned and that’s stressful & disappointing, but doing these three things will help to lower stress during your ride. Sometimes we get so stressed we forget about being grateful for our horsey companions and just enjoy their company. So next time you’re in the saddle, try these three things and remember to be thankful for your horse!!

Tails & trails,

Reese

January 17, 2022

Can Your Horse Have a Best Friend? – Horses of the Ozark Hills

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As your leading your horse back to their pasture after a good ride, he whinnies at another horse in the next paddock over. So you both walk over to say “hi” and your horse touches noses with the other pony. “Aww they must be friends” you say, and you take a pic of your horse beside his “best bud.” We’ve all had a similar experience, but after posting that “horse pals forever” pic on Instagram, have you ever wondered if your horse could really have a relationship with another equine; do best horse friends (BHF) exist?

Charles & Holly

I wonder the same thing when I look into the pasture and see my mare named Holly standing next to Charles. For her standing next to another horse is a big step, you see, Holly has a bit of a temper toward other horses. I think she prefers people to other equines, with the exception of Charles, a 25+ year old Tennessee Walker gelding. Whenever they stand next to each other in the pasture, or neigh at each other as I spend some time with Holly, it makes me wonder. These two horses got me thinking if equine relationships are possible, because that seriously could be a thing: BHF’s (best horse friends)! And here’s what I discovered.

To my surprise, there wasn’t a ton of information about this on the web. And the answer isn’t a solid yes or no, it goes deeper than that. According to Line Peerstrup Ahrendt, PhD, a scientist in the department of animal science at Aarhus University in Denmark, “It’s a bit anthropomorphic to speak of ‘friends’ among horses. What we do know is that they form close relationships with the horses in their subgroups, something similar to what we see in human friendships.” Hold up! A) what’s a subgroup? B) what in the horsey universe does anthropomorphic mean?

Answer A) A “subgroup” is a smaller grouping of horses that tend to stay close together without straying too far from the whole herd. In these subgroups is where horses have their closest “friends.”

Answer B) Anthropomorphic basically means giving something in-human human characteristics. In other words, speaking of ‘friends’ among horses is making them appear human.

The second part of the quote is promising though. Horses can have a “friendship” with other horses in their “subgroup.” But what leads a horse to be “friends” with another horse; how do horses decide whose in their subgroup?

“Horses of a similar color often seem to pair up. It might remind them of their mothers, or their friends when they were young.” Says Elke Hartmann, PhD, of the Department of Animal Environment and Health at the University of Agricultural Sciences. *In my case with Holly and Charles, this is true! They are a very similar sorrel color!* Hertmann adds that personality and temperance often aid in the deciding factor. Keep in mind though that you can’t force your horse to be “friends” with another horse. “It’s like humans, it’s very individual,” Hertmann comments.

So knowing that it’s plausible (likely) that horses can form friendships, my next question was how do we identify a pair of “horsey pals?”Well, it’s all rooted in how horses communicate. Horse’s primary communication system is body language, especially ear movement. A simple swish of the tail or pinning of the ears can mean alot to other horses in the herd. “Experienced riders know to pay attention to a horse’s ears to help figure out what it’s thinking, so I’m not surprised that the ears were the most important cue.” Said Katherine Houpt, a professor of veterinary medicine at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Similarly, signs of friendship among horses include standing next to each other and mutual grooming. Standing next to each other is at the top of the list says Ahrendt. Mutual grooming is second, this is where horses nibble on each others neck, withers, and back. *I have a set of Rocky Mountain horses who are halfbrothers. And they groom each other often, I can see how this is a sign of friendship!*

The conclusion I arrived at was that equine friendship isn’t widely researched, but from the information scientists do have it is very likely that horses can and do form relationships. *Neato!* Horses that are friends will likely be a similar color, though not always, and will stand next to each other by choice. Mutual grooming is also a beacon of horse friendship! It really is possible that Holly and Charles are true BHFs (best horse friends)! I would love to hear about your horse’s equine pal in the comment section below!!!!!

If you’re looking for more information on this topic, check out these helpful websites that I used!

Tails & trails,

Reese

January 17, 2022

Tips to Keep Your Senior Equine Warm this Winter – Horses of the Ozark Hills

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“You might not be able to afford to stall board your senior, or even be able to purchase him the right winter blanket, but that does NOT mean he has to suffer the cold. Here are some practical and costless changes you can make to your horses care schedule to keep him warm….”

A big thanks to the Savvy Horsewoman Equestrian Blog & Shop for publishing my second ever guest post on their site! Be sure to read the rest of the post here! I hope you find the tips you need to keep your Senior equine (or your non-senior equine) warm & happy this winter!!!

Tails & trails,

Reese

January 17, 2022

A Friend in a Horse – Horses of the Ozark Hills

maximios Horses

I have sad news to share with you guys today. One of my horses, Holly, had a seizure and passed away. I witnessed the whole thing and I think the worst part was their was nothing I could do. I couldn’t get the vet here faster or give her the medicine I didn’t have or stop the war that was waging in her body. But I got to comfort her as she passed and got to get comforted by my family and friends.

“Don’t cry because it’s over, SMILE because it happened.”

-Dr. Seuss

And even tho I cried for the passing of my sweet horse Holly, today I am gonna SMILE at the time I did have with this horse.

I am gonna focus on the happy times. Not the time my foot got stepped on or the time everything went wrong, but the happy times, the times that brought smiles & joy. So as I look back on Holly’s life that’s what I see. The joy I felt bareback riding on her for the first time! The time my friends & I laughed hard because I hadn’t tightened the girth enough so that me & the saddle slid right off Holly. *not just something ya see in the movies.* I think about the peace that comes with riding a horse like Holly: my cowgirl who liked people better than other horses. A horse I could really trust and enjoy. Holly was my friend, she deepened my love for horses and instilled in me confidence to ride.

I know that I am not the only one who will miss her. Her prior owners, my family, & all the cousins and friends that rode this wonderful horse will too. So as I look back on Holly’s life, I feel thankful to have been gifted with such a beautiful horse friend. That’s really what horses are- a gift from God.

Tails & trails; *with love for Holly & all my horses,*

Reese

January 17, 2022

In Loving Memory – Horses of the Ozark Hills

maximios Horses

“This sorrel little pony was my second horse! She has been through a lot with me and is currently owned by my little sister. She is a gentle sweetheart, but she is one stubborn pony! She will make up her mind and stand her ground. She taught me and continues to teach me patience and persistence.”

My Horses & Dog

The pictures above feature a little me riding Penny for the first time, my sister Quinn on Penny, and my other sister Jenna petting her! My sister and I had had big hopes for keeping Penny in the Stables that is still under construction; however, she may never be able to be in the Stables physically, but her picture will be seen hanging in the tack room in loving memory of her! Her memory will live on as I continue to spread my love of horses through this blog, teaching riding lessons, and all the horsey things I do! We LOVE you Penny!

PS. Here’s a sneak peak of the Stables for those of you who have been following the blog! Hopefully the construction will be finished this spring and I can post a virtual tour on the blog!*

A sneak peak of the Stables!

Tails & trails,

Reese

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