My friends know I believe that the more I learn, the more I realize there is to learn. But, not everyone feels that way, and it’s easy to become frustrated when you overhear someone giving advice (usually very loudly) based upon an old groom’s tale that simply will not die.
It amazes me that I still hear about folks upping their horse’s grain/feed to increase his muscling and/or top line (only exercise increases muscles) or giving every vaccine under the sun even when their horse is in a low-risk environment. And some folks still turn their horses out in all-nylon halters instead of a safety/breakaway halter.
I admit that I’ve made mistakes along the way, and I know I’ve been fortunate to have worked with some top horsemen and trainers. Throughout my career, I’ve always tried to be open-minded, educate myself and research thoroughly before making a decision. Horse Journal, of course, has been a huge asset.
I’ve learned to add salt to my mare’s feed because she doesn’t lick a salt block and therefore doesn’t consume an adequate amount of salt. My nutritional program is geared to each individual horse with supplements that target their specific needs. No one-for-all feeding program here. I feed a coat supplement to the horse who constantly battles skin problems, and I add a flaxseed-biotin product for the one who has problem hooves.
Through Horse Journal’s field trials I found the right combination of ingredients to help calm my nervous horse (including an herbal I would never have chosen just off a store shelf) and a massaging curry that makes my horse sigh in appreciation. I know how to choose quality tack at a reasonable price. My stirrups, bridle and saddle pad are all choices I made directly on the opinions of our field-trial testers. It’s a pleasure not to have to guess at which product suits me best or waste my money.
But this magazine isn’t about me. It’s about you. Its purpose is to provide you with the same kind of information. So, we’d appreciate you taking a moment to visit our website (www.horse-journal.com), complete the survey found on the lower left side, and tell us what’s important to you. By providing us with some simple mouse clicks, you can help us keep this publication geared to your barn, your horse and your budget. If you have additional comments or questions, please email me at hjeditor@twcny.rr.com. Next to Horse Journal, your comments are my favorite thing to read.
