It’s not the first time we’ve said it, and it definitely won’t be the last: colic is, for the majority of horse men and women, among the greatest health concerns for their horses.

Of over 1,000 horsemen who participated in an online poll by The Horse magazine, 42.82% listed colic as their top concern. Wounds/trauma, Illness/Disease, and an all-encompassing “Other” were far behind, at less than 10% each.

Colic is not an unnecessary worry for horse owners – it’s a very real threat. Continuing research shows that colic is largely a hindgut issue that can have roots in the way we feed and care for our horses today.

Our VP of Veterinary Medicine, Frank Pellegrini, DVM, is passionate about how modern feed practices (particularly use of concentrates/grains, restricted turnout, and large mealsfed intermittently) negatively affect the hind gut. His study, published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, proved the common existence of colonic ulcers that are likely a result. Dr. Pellegrini also has some concrete theories about the relationship between colonic ulcers and re-occuring bouts of colic.

Holistic Horse Magazine published Frank’s article, Recurrent Colic: Thoughts on Cause and Prevention, in their September 2011 issue. Be sure to check out the article as well as Holistic Horse’s great compilation of information on natural, alternative care for horses.

Freedom Health President John Hall was recently featured in article in the USDF Connection on equestrian companies sponsoring professional riders. Thanks to the USDF for allowing us to re-publish the article here.

Short on support? Find the help you need for the dressage activities you want

BY SHARON BIGGS

Some lucky dressage riders seem to have it all. They train and show talented horses purchased and maintained by well-to-do owners. Their saddle pads sport the logos of corporate and other sponsors, who provide them with cash, product, or both in exchange for the marketing exposure. Their faces appear in advertisements for their sponsors’ goods and services.

You, meanwhile, may be struggling just to pay the board bill—or perhaps you can’t afford a horse at all, and nobody’s knocking at your door with offers of horses to ride and compete. Perhaps you’re an aspiring judge or instructor, daunted by the costs of those licensing or certification programs. Or maybe you belong to a dressage club with big dreams—such as hosting a US Equestrian Federation-licensed/USDF-recognized show or a clinic with a Big Name Trainer—but little capital.

Those fortunate, well-funded riders don’t all come from money. Many learned along the way that, with sufficient drive and dedication, they could obtain support in their quest to achieve their dressage goals. In truth, funding is available for talented riders of all ages, aspiring judges and trainers, and even USDF group-member organizations (GMOs). For those with something to offer a sponsor, there are companies willing to provide free product. Finally, there are individuals who like to support the sport of dressage by mounting talented riders on talented horses. In this article, we’ll explore the major funding and support avenues available to serious dressage enthusiasts and to GMOs.

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Saturday, August 20 at the 2011 NSBA World Championship Show was the big debut of the Heroes on Horses event - western pleasure classes for veterans and active-duty wounded soldiers. Five competitors participated in the inaugural event, and many spectators showed up to watch.

Courtney Ryan was on hand to cheer on the veterans and grabbed a few fun pictures for us to share with you.

This service dog ran around keeping an eye on all the competitors.

Heroes on Horses warming up for their class.

Cool loot for the Heroes on Horses winners.

Congratulations to all the Heroes on Horses riders! We were thrilled to be a part of this great event.

Thursday at the National Snaffle Bit Association World Championship Show was a very special day for the Show Stop Farm crew. Team SUCCEED member Nancy Sue Ryan was inducted into the NSBA Hall of Fame as a rider during the annual Awards Banquet last night. That was icing on the cake after another successful day of showing for the Ryans and their horses.

Courtney and her gelding Walkable (barn name Folair) won the Breeders 2 yo Non Pro Champion Hunter Under Saddle. Allukation was reserve champion with Nancy Sue Ryan in 2 yo NSBA HUS Breeders Championship and champion with owner Katie Jo Jones in the 2 yo Limited Non Pro Hunter Under Saddle.

Congratulations on another fantastic day! Here are some photos from Day 2 at the NSBA World Show.

Folair smiling for the camera after his big win

Courtney and Nancy Sue at the Awards Banquet

Visit Courtney at the Show Stop Farm stalls, learn about SUCCEED, and check out their championship awards

Our Show Stop Farm friends are off to a fantastic start after the first day of competition at the 2011 NSBA World Championship Show. Our representative Courtney Ryan and her horse Whiz Jewels won Reserve Championship in the Non Pro Showmanship yesterday morning. And her mother, Team SUCCEED member and NSBA Hall of Fame Rider Nancy Sue Ryan took home three World Championship titles – in one day!

Here are some fun photos of the Ryans and their horses at the NSBA Show on Wednesday.

Award goodies for Show Stop Farm.

Nancy Sue and Gracious N Fabulous won the 3 yo NSBA Breeders HUS & the June Warren memorial

Extra Hot Irons with Nancy Sue Aboard Won the Green Hunter Under Saddle

Gracious N Fabulous enjoying her SUCCEED after her big win

Courtney's dog Batman loves his SUCCEED too!

Congratulations on a great first day Nancy Sue and Courtney!