Less is more

kschmittendorf · Well Schooled

Less is more

prospect · Advanced

I agree too - less is better in some things. I worm our horses twice a year - we are a closed barn so I test them once a year but worm usually in december and then in may. I never worm in the summer in competition.

Also I don't shoe my horses on a set schedule of every 6 weeks - I do them when necessary - trim when necessary.

Also I do not groom my horses with a brush after riding - they get a rub down with a towel and I feel them all over with my hands - that way I can see if there is any heat, massage and stretching. This started because I had a horse that hated to be brushed after riding.

I also think the feed manufacturer's recommendations on their feed is way too much and I tend to watch my horses, adjust when necessary and feed more in heavy competition but that is easy for us because we have total control of our horses' feed.

Marlene · Advanced

I am a less is more type as well. I don't worm as much as some people. I don't shampoo very often, usually plain water washes.No soap on his private parts. I found out the hard way that the best diet for my guy is mainly lots of grassy hay, grain is bad for his feet, and alfalfa makes him nuts. He goes barefoot with daily riding on rocky trails (except in winter then he's barefoot in the snow)and has terrific feet. I think sunshine and fresh air is really important for them too so he gets 24 hour turnout, no blanket rain or hail, he hardly uses his shelter by choice. But not too much lush pasture. I might baby him more when he gets elderly, but right now he's very healthy and an easy keeper. I also ride bitless and use a treeless saddle, it seems to work pretty well for us. About the only area where "more is better" for me, is I always use a helmet. It's payed for itself already.

-- Edited by Marlene on Friday 28th of January 2011 09:32:48 AM

-- Edited by Marlene on Friday 28th of January 2011 09:35:10 AM

Nikki Salo · Grand Prix

I am in accordance here as well. It is easier to take the "less is more" route if it is a closed barn or if the barn owner of a boarding facility is really ontop of things. Like which horse comes into the facility and which horse isn't allowed into the facility, if everybody gets wormed at the same time etc. vs. a free for all. I think the key here when it comes to "less is more" re: deworming is that people actually get the fecal testing done and deworm accordingly. Targeted deworming twice a year only works if you know what you are targeting and when you need to target it.

justice · Grand Prix

Less is more here, too. Less of MY rules, with the effort to comply with more of THEIRS. Their rulebook is written by Nature, based on actions and affects, how to survive. Mine was written by human society, based on opinion and image, how to impress and why it is SOOO important.

-- Edited by justice on Saturday 29th of January 2011 06:36:07 PM

-- Edited by justice on Saturday 29th of January 2011 06:37:09 PM