tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13632600071968227032023-11-15T22:06:20.689-08:00Hoof HelpTracy's tips on natural hoof care, boot fitting, and endurance ridingTracy Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11799162517974641136noreply@blogger.comBlogger162125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363260007196822703.post-64281922121239012982010-04-27T16:02:00.000-07:002010-04-27T16:04:48.156-07:00Luigi Found a New Home<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMqBAdh1Q66OVsZOdioAW6WMSLO_PL7rgjtViMP7e1dWXeqe-TrJCuDwNmSV9PqijOvnK2Mr5gGSlhH8HRQFsmTAYOVjzN_6XwVVWD3EnUEraIZ1wTksH_Tmjc8WPptMWdspuNmoDTQl-/s1600/CIMG0622.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMqBAdh1Q66OVsZOdioAW6WMSLO_PL7rgjtViMP7e1dWXeqe-TrJCuDwNmSV9PqijOvnK2Mr5gGSlhH8HRQFsmTAYOVjzN_6XwVVWD3EnUEraIZ1wTksH_Tmjc8WPptMWdspuNmoDTQl-/s320/CIMG0622.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464956949170383538" /></a><br />Luigi is going to go home with Shelley Duffin. She is an Equine Massage Therapist from the Grass Valley area. She is so perfect for him! Shelley is quiet, focused, and confident. They will be a fantastic match! Best wishes to Shelley and Luigi! Luigi will be living with 3 other horses and will be going trail riding.Tracy Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11799162517974641136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363260007196822703.post-32011538162286106302010-04-27T15:43:00.000-07:002010-04-27T16:01:55.959-07:00Equine Dentist ComingTodd Jaynes is coming on May 16 to balance my horses teeth using the Natural Balance Dentistry method for horses started by Spencer LaFlure. To read more about this natural approach to equine dentistry, <a href="http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/hhdressage-111730-common-sense-equine-dentistry-horse-care-jerrypublished-education-ppt-powerpoint/">click here</a>. <div><br /></div><div>Advanced Whole Horse dentistry: <a href="http://www.advancedwholehorse.com">http://www.advancedwholehorse.com</a></div><div><br /></div><div>If you are interested in bringing your horse to this clinic, send me an email at <a href="mailto:tracy@hoofhelp.com">tracy@hoofhelp.com</a>. It costs $150. No power tools used (burns the enamel of the tooth) and no sedation required for your horse. </div><div><br /></div><div> Todd worked on my horses last year and did a fantastic job! I have also had his teacher, Spencer LaFlure, work on my horses too. The idea is that they balance the front incisors to create a circular eating motion for the horse, rather than an oval. This then effects the proper TMJ joint movement, and the overall balance of the horse. This isn't just a "float" that files down the pointed edges of the molars, although that will be done if there are sharp points. This is a balancing of the overall horse's mouth which leads to better body carriage.</div>Tracy Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11799162517974641136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363260007196822703.post-81990147035967621042009-11-22T12:49:00.000-08:002009-11-22T12:51:13.368-08:00Booting and Shoe Removal Clinic<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:6;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 22px;">Holding a Booting and Shoe Removal Clinic on Monday December 7 from 9 to 5 in Greenwood, CA. Cost is $175 and is a requirement for the PHCP training program. We have more space available for attendees.....</span></span><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:6;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 22px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:6;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 22px;">ALso:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:6;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 22px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; border-collapse: collapse; ">Looking for a Well Behaved Demo Horse<br /><br />For:<br /><br />-Free Shoe Removal<br />-Free Set-Up Barefoot Trim<br />-Free Boot Fitting<br /><br />I will be teaching a clinic on shoe removal and boot fitting and I<br />need a well behaved demo horse.<br /><br />Monday, December 7 around 10am - must be located on Divide or able to<br />trailer to Cool, Cronin, or Greenwood.<br /><br />This is a good opportunity to try barefoot for the winter... or forever :-)<br /><br />Please let me know if you have a good horse for this clinic!! Either<br />2 shoes or 4, doesn't matter.<br /><br />Contact Tracy Browne at <a href="mailto:tracy@hoofhelp.com" style="color: rgb(17, 65, 112); ">tracy@hoofhelp.com</a> or 530-885-5847.</span></div></div>Tracy Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11799162517974641136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363260007196822703.post-73085184934786876132009-10-05T14:54:00.000-07:002009-10-05T15:09:41.958-07:00Pea Gravel - Touch It Up for the WinterWe touched up our pea gravel this weekend. Put down about 4 more inches on top of our old gravel. The area is 48' x 6' wide and only took about 3 yards of gravel. It is located under the overhang of our barn, so the horses have to walk through it to get to water, and in the winter, they spend a lot of time in the pea gravel to get out of the wet weather.<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Why pea gravel? </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Because it is malleable, it fills in the voids in the hoof where healthy tissues would be and increases blood circulation by 90%, which in turns speeds up healing and new cell growth dramatically (study by Dr. Robert Bowker, MSU). It supports the coffin bone of the hoof and relieves peripheral loading by distributing weight over the whole hoof. Pea gravel makes great footing for areas horses spend a lot of time standing around in. It gives the horse a malleable area to stand or lay and gives the hooves a drying out time during the winter and wet season. Standing on pea gravel is like a good foot massage for the horse. It's like standing on foam pads for horses!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Interested in reading more about pea gravel, peripheral loading, and the effects it has on hooves? Read this: <a href="http://www.thehorseshoof.com/Art_Pad.html">http://www.thehorseshoof.com/Art_Pad.html</a> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;">If you have a horse with "flat soles" and would like to develop more concavity, start an area of 4-6" of pea gravel and see if that helps! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><br /></span></div>Tracy Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11799162517974641136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363260007196822703.post-844850697110606902009-09-24T13:47:00.001-07:002009-09-24T21:50:15.710-07:00Parelli Level Three Pass<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHrPLFr6zt-hThhyphenhyphen4coVLWw-YlnTZ7IZw8B9FR_2KdfB3-2p9UPLIi02YUv-5DrHVTBMtMOw_BOrLX_Ja6Nl7iDft_LND5hMiSa7u5L3OBiCMt0Cho_Mz6fFcgiOPN2WdheF9dcQlqeuPT/s1600-h/onlinejump1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 314px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHrPLFr6zt-hThhyphenhyphen4coVLWw-YlnTZ7IZw8B9FR_2KdfB3-2p9UPLIi02YUv-5DrHVTBMtMOw_BOrLX_Ja6Nl7iDft_LND5hMiSa7u5L3OBiCMt0Cho_Mz6fFcgiOPN2WdheF9dcQlqeuPT/s320/onlinejump1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385262770825992258" /></a>This year, I have been working on my horsemanship.... we put in an arena and I have been focusing on my relationship with my girls, mostly Anna and Feather, and building Luigi's confidence. I have been playing mostly with the new Parelli Patterns system. I like it because it is a blueprint - something to follow step by step everyday, and I have been getting horses that love it! They come running to me in the pasture when I call for them, they stay by my side, and they want to be the "chosen" one. They are more confident and are having fun when we are playing together. Not robotic, and they are certainly not being drilled, which was a criticism of the older Parelli system. My horses are truly happy and having fun!<div><br /></div><div>So I sent in my Level Three Audition videos for fun, just to see where I was at, and sure enough, they all came back with a Pass! So I am now an official Level Three graduate, which is quite an accomplishment and something I have been working on for three years or so with Anna.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are our videos on YouTube - they are not great, not practiced, but rather, just a session filmed of me playing with Anna:</div><div>Freestyle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE0C7qf7bpY</div><div>Liberty: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ_wzO1OxIM</div><div>Online: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1eWxFxLV-0</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Next year, Feather and I are going to spend a month at Parelli, and work towards Level 4 and also the professionals program.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, I do give lessons and will take horses in for starting and training... One of the benefits of being a hoof trimmer is that I have worked with a lot of different horse personalities and I have experience in what works for each. I really look at myself as a horse-human relationship counselor. I can see how to understand your horse more, and to make the interaction with your horse much more enjoyable and positive for all parties involved!</div><div><br /></div><div>I have experience starting wild mustangs as well as lots of trail and endurance riding experience. So if you would like any help with your horse, please don't hesitate to contact me. </div>Tracy Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11799162517974641136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363260007196822703.post-71273236941098357482009-08-08T11:38:00.000-07:002009-10-06T07:49:37.783-07:00Wanted: Demo Horse<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Wanted:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Demo Horse</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">FREE</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:2.25in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>·</span><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Shoe Removal</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:2.25in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>·</span><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Boot Fit (boots not included)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:2.25in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>·</span><span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Barefoot Set Up Trim</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Clinic for Pacific Hoof Care Professionals</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Saturday, October 31, 10:00 am</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Must be located on the Georgetown Divide, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">or trailer to Cool Olmstead Loop</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Contact Tracy Browne at 530-885-5847 </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">tracy@hoofhelp.com</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Tracy Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11799162517974641136noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363260007196822703.post-83814849239476108532009-07-10T08:53:00.001-07:002009-07-10T08:57:32.751-07:00Boot Fitting and Shoe Removal ClinicWe will be having about boot fitting and shoe removal clinic here in Greenwood on August 15 and November 7. Please let me know if you would like to attend. Cost is $175. Covers all the major hoof boots on the market, how to fit them, put them on, in what scenarios to use them, padding, modifications to the boots, fixing boots, etc. Lots of hands on with the horses. <div><br /></div><div><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">9:00 – 9:30 Introductions, coffee, breakfast, etc</p> <p class="MsoNormal">9:30 – Shoe Removal Video and showing the technique – the “Secret”</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>**Or a live horse shoe removal if I can arrange it**</p> <p class="MsoNormal">10:00 – Why boots?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In what situations? Without specific boot types yet.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">10:30 – Specific Hoof boots </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Overview</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">Show the boot</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">Pass it around </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">Advantages </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">Disadvantages</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">Which hoof shape</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">When to use it</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">What type of riding</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">How to fit it</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Boots Covered – Gloves, Edge, Epics, Bares, Boas, Renegades, Simple Boots, Old Macs Original and G2, Delta Boots, Swiss, EasySoakers, Easyboots and Soft Rides</p> <p class="MsoNormal">12:30 - 1:30 Lunch – bring your own or go out</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> 1:30 – Padding system</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in">Thick Pads, Thin Pad, Dome Pads, Comfort Pad System, Shocktamers, Equithane, Gel Pads --- How to use them, in what situations</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">2:15 – Easy Foam and Equithane info</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>When to do it, Technique</p> <p class="MsoNormal">2:45 – Horse Demo – How to put the boots on </p> <p class="MsoNormal">3:00 –<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Pull out all of the boots and put them on the horses</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Find which boot fits each horse the best</p> <p class="MsoNormal">4:00 – Wrap up and discussion</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div>Tracy Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11799162517974641136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363260007196822703.post-3434148465305929952009-05-22T14:43:00.000-07:002009-05-22T14:44:57.949-07:00Yoga for EquestriansTune up your body for riding!<br /><br />8-week course focusing on:<br />Hip openers, hamstrings, lower back, and shoulders<br />Learn to work with your horse in an energetic, yogic fashion<br />and correlate your body to that of your horse.<br /><br />The class will address:<br />Riding anxiety, muscle soreness and joint pain<br /><br />Learn:<br />Breath control exercises that will help calm any anxieties<br />and bring you into the present moment with your horse.<br />Does your horse have a stiff, tight back? Maybe you do, too -<br />this class will help you heal your own body in order to get<br />top performance out of your horse's body.<br /><br />Sign up early at The Yoga Place - class limited to 12<br />Classes: Thursdays (June 4 - July 23)<br />Time: 9:00—10:30 am<br />Fee: $88 for 8-class seriesTracy Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11799162517974641136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363260007196822703.post-15615622595813476752009-05-04T08:11:00.001-07:002009-05-04T08:12:46.307-07:00Mika's First Endurance RideSo my student, Mika, and I rode the Nevada Derby 25 together. Mika is 9 years old, and recently received her Level 1 string from Parelli. Attached is an article she wrote about her experience at the ride:<br /><br />-----<br /><br /><div style="margin: 1ex;"> <div> <p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;">Mika's Endurance Ride</span></p><p>By Mika Pitre<br /></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;">In April I did my first endurance ride. I have just passed my level 1 in Parelli Natural Horsemanship and my coach, Tracy Browne, invited me to be her junior partner in the Nevada Derby in Winnemucca Nevada. The Nevada Derby has a 50 and 25-mile ride. We chose to ride the 25 miler. I took my 25-year-old Appaloosa, Geraldine and Tracy brought her 23-year-old Spanish Arabian, Princess. I think they may have been the oldest horses there. </span><br /></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;">Before the ride I took out some horse spray my mom had packed for me and I sprayed my horse with it and when I tried to brush it out it turned her mane and tail purple, so the vet called her a purple roan instead of a blue roan. The first day we woke up to ice on our sleeping bags. I knew it was going to be a freezing cold morning. Before we were able to start out on the ride we had to go through vet check. There were four vet checks on this ride. The first check was in the mourning before we took off and two in the middle of the ride and one at the end when we came in. At each one the vets checked my horse’s pulse, digestion, muscle tone, anal tone, they checked her gums and I had to trot her out and back while they looked for soundness and attitude. An attitude check is where they are looking for how the horse leads. Is she moving lightly or pulling on the lead and are her ears forward and happy or not. At one check Tracy’s Princess got a B for her attitude because her head wasn’t up like most Arabians. Princess is a very calm left-brained Arabian. </span><br /></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;">Up on my horse my toes and fingers were numb and I had a hard time slowing my old gray mare down. Tracy and I were the only ones riding Savvy. Most of the Normal riders started out early and I think they wanted to race. On the 25-mile ride I saw rabbits, birds and my first Pronghorn Antelope. I even saw Stud Piles. Stud Piles are piles of wild horse poop where a wild stallion returns to poop and mark his territory. Nevada has a lot of wild horses and burros. Our pit crew was my Mom, Dad and little sister, Kiyana. They would come meet us at the checkpoint stops to feed us and check up on us. Back at camp Dad was camp cook while Kiyana and Mom kept the stalls clean and the horse groomed. I think if you are doing an endurance ride you should take a pit crew like I did. There were four vet checks on this ride. The first check was in the morning before we took off and two in middle of the ride and one at the end when we came in. We finished the ride towards the last of the group of riders because we were riding Savvy the whole time, but our horses were happy and not exhausted. That evening Tracy and I decided to do the 15-mile ride the next day. This is a fun ride for people and horses new to endurance riding. </span><br /></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;">On the 15 miler I mostly saw sagebrush and domesticated horses, burros and dogs. We rode by the Painted Mountains. These mountains look like they have streaks of reddish browns and orange painted across them. This shorter ride had only two vet checks. One check is in the morning and one when we came in at the end of the ride. On this last check the vet got very excited when Geraldine peed because this shows how well the horse is doing. My horse Geraldine got straight A’s on all her vet checks and I am very proud of her.</span><br /></p> <p><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;">I am very thankful that Tracy invited me on this ride and introduced me to endurance riding. Next time I would like to try the Nevada Derby 50 miler.</span></p> </div> </div>Tracy Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11799162517974641136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363260007196822703.post-21341038432020227942009-04-20T08:19:00.000-07:002009-04-20T08:21:57.474-07:00Lucy Found a New HomeTamara Cisek, my trimmer friend extraordinaire, took Lucy home with her! Their personalities are a perfect fit! Tamara is an advanced Parelli student, and Lucy and her worked wonderfully together. I am so happy that all of the foundatation work that Lucy has will be put to good work. Tamara was looking for her next all round super horse, and Lucy has that in her to be versitile and fun. Good luck Tamara and Lucy!! A happy end for the Mustang Makeover Finalist! This was the best home she could ever want.Tracy Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11799162517974641136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363260007196822703.post-3577886627292839352009-04-20T08:10:00.000-07:002009-04-20T08:18:58.420-07:00What I've Been Up TooSo Princess, my 22 year old mare, and I have done 2 limited distance rides this year - a 30 miler at the Rides of March, and a 25 miler at the Nevada Derby. I have a blast riding her. She goes so fast, I love it. Her trot is huge, she is steady, and fun to ride. At Nevada Derby I sponsored my 9 year old student on her first ride with her 25 year old horse. We had so much fun! I love the energy of younger people. So in the moment, not worried about what ifs....<br /><br /> Only problem - Princess is skinny right now and I have a hard time putting weight on her. I hope the hay bags help. I started Cocosoya Oil too and more alfalfa, beet pulp, and senior feed. What would help is to pull her out into her own pasture and free choice her there. But the problem is she really needs other horses for her mental and emotional fitness. She doesn't like being alone. So I put her in a stall for a couple hours a day, enough to get her alfalfa and bucket finished, then out she goes with the herd. Let me know if you have any suggestions. All my other horses are fat, so none of them would do well on unlimited hay....<br /><br />Boots - Rides of March I rode in Gloves, worked well, got a little gaiter rub, and then Nevada Derby rode in Renegades. Perfect, no rubbing. This horse is so sensitive that the Renegades work best and don't rub.<br /><br />Feather - she doesn't like to go fast and I don't think I'll be doing endurance any more with her. She is a mountain horse, loves to camp, eat grass, and climb rocks and all the Sierra stuff, but fast endurance rides - not her thing.<br /><br />Luigi, my 5 year old, will be a great horse. I will be riding him next year at rides, multidays and such. So you probably won't see me around much this year with endurance, but maybe next year.Tracy Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11799162517974641136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363260007196822703.post-55670572225979255272009-04-20T08:02:00.000-07:002009-04-20T08:09:28.642-07:00Hay BagsI have always wanted to "free choice" hay feed my horses, but when I open a bale of hay and set it out, the horses always lay down in it and use it as a potty. So I get a lot of waste, and a lot of hay gorging. So Tamara Cisek, trimmer extraordinaire from Southern CA, came over last week and brought with her a very fine mesh hay net. We filled it full with hay, and the horses took a long tim to eat through it because the holes were so small. No waste, no pottying, and the horses were engaged with it all day and night. They were also only getting small mouthfulls, not gorging themselves. Horses in the wild would just take small bites, chew well, and move to the next area. You can hang the hay bags low so the horse is not eating high. The mesh is so small, that hooves won't get stuck. And they are cheap - $10 a bag. You can put 3 flakes or so in each bag. You only have to fill them once a day if you have enough. I bought 6 and will put them all over my property. People say this is a good way to slow down an obese horse to take weight off, and a fast way to put on weight for a skinny horse, like Princess. So well see how it goes. Also works well for goats, which I have plenty of.<br /><br />Here is a link to a good place to buy the bags: http://www.smithbrothers.com/product.asp?pn=X3-27286Tracy Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11799162517974641136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363260007196822703.post-90960674307066841652009-02-19T17:09:00.001-08:002009-02-19T17:16:53.139-08:00EasyBoot Gloves and the Fit KitI have my fit kit for the Easyboot Gloves and my horses are ready to roll in their correctly fitted boots. Of course the trails are very slick from all of the rain, so haven't had a chance to go out yet with the new boots. The Fit Kit was so helpful. When I measured my horses' hooves, the size that I measured the hoof would fit into was too big. So I put the fit kit shells on and was able to figure out what size works best for each hoof. Interesting, and convenient, all 4 of my riding horses wear a 1.5 on their front hooves. I put a 1 on their back hooves, which looked good on everyone, but I also tried a 0.5, and that looked even better on 2 of the horses. It is so nice to have the shells to try on, and the half sizes really give you a tight, flush, correct fit to the hoof. I am anxious to ride in these more and see if the gaiters rub or not on the pasterns. From my initial test, I really liked this boot, and was blown away with the simplicity, traction, and flushness. They seem to be performing well in long distance events.Tracy Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11799162517974641136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363260007196822703.post-9125827077030740992009-01-31T07:22:00.000-08:002009-01-31T07:26:34.906-08:00Booting and Shoe Removal ClinicOn February 7 and March 15, I am holding a Booting and Shoe Removal Clinic in Greenwood, CA starting at 9:00 am. It is an introduction to booting, you will have a chance to learn how to fit each boot on the market correctly. There is a boot fitting "lab" in which you will have to correctly fit hoof boots on 4 horses.<br /><br />Also, I am looking for a live "demo" horse that would like his shoes removed for free. It is easier to teach shoe removal if we actually do it!!<br /><br />Contact me if you are interested in the clinic, open to the public, this is a very unique opportunity to learn how to correctly boot a horse.<br /><br />Cost - $175 to PHCP Members, $200 all others.Tracy Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11799162517974641136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363260007196822703.post-32134032431896633632009-01-26T08:13:00.000-08:002009-01-26T08:17:53.706-08:00Slowly Getting Back To TrimmingI am slowly starting to trim again. I am trying to stick to one or two horses a day. That seems to be comfortable for my back. I am also fitting hoof boots for non-trimming customers now. I carry all of the Easycare boots and Renegades and some of the Cavallos/Delta boots. Also I am consulting on horse's whose owners do their own trimming or if you are thinking about going barefoot but not sure.... Email me if I can help you out!Tracy Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11799162517974641136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363260007196822703.post-76119308110869002972009-01-26T08:05:00.000-08:002009-01-26T08:10:27.352-08:00Testing New Hoof BootsI have been playing with the Easyboot Gloves and love them! I truly believe this IS the hoofboot of our dreams - well - if your horse is comfortable in gaiters. Which 3 of mine aren't and out of 4 riding horses, not great odds.... gaiters still cause some rubs on the thinner skinned horses, like my Arabians. But the boot itself is so slick, easy to put on, has great traction, fits like a glove, is very flush to the hoof, and stays on (this is huge)! I can't wait to get more sizes so that I can try them on Feather, I think she'll really like them.Tracy Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11799162517974641136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363260007196822703.post-12573804148887698682008-12-02T12:44:00.000-08:002008-12-02T13:02:38.589-08:00Pt. Reyes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildjw7s3BkJIgl6shYgLeU8pfbymoaJL4PRvle0IWUfTo7Ocq6v5vEbdfKqATxZnmIzcI6FCIlRjujPpl3JlOzEAT0cLPVm4XHkjGvEriMGP5jkXDvP6AHX7Gdj5nO0uOWlpqh4l-CHMe2/s1600-h/44.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildjw7s3BkJIgl6shYgLeU8pfbymoaJL4PRvle0IWUfTo7Ocq6v5vEbdfKqATxZnmIzcI6FCIlRjujPpl3JlOzEAT0cLPVm4XHkjGvEriMGP5jkXDvP6AHX7Gdj5nO0uOWlpqh4l-CHMe2/s320/44.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275301082680482226" border="0" /></a><br />Logan and I celebrated Thanksgiving and our 9 year wedding anniversary at Pt. Reyes this past weekend. We stayed at the <a href="http://www.ptreyescountryinn.com/">Pt. Reyes Country Inn and Stables</a> with our horses. It is the cutest bed and breakfast. Great breakfast, and the horses got to stay in a good sized paddock. We took Feather and Luigi. It was Luigi's first camping trip, and he was quite the trooper. He learned all about loading and unload from the trailer, wearing a blanket, baby strollers, bikes, elk, people, ocean, waves, sand, big hills, etc. He was quite the trooper. Logan rode him all weekend. Feather was perfect as always and a very good teacher for Luigi. At night, we visited some of the nicest restaurants and ate local, Marin county grown food. One night I had butternut squash and swiss chard lasagna and the next a pizza with Pt Reyes blue cheeze and spinich. For dessert one night I had persimmon sauce on top of cornmeal pound cake and buttermilk ice cream. Yum! That is the best part of Pt. Reyes - the food!!<br /><br />On Thursday, we rode from Five Brooks to Fir Top via Greenpicker and Bolema trails. There was no one out there on Thanksgiving day.<br /><br />On Friday we rode from Bear Valley to Arch Rock and the Coast Trail then up Fire Lane to Horse Trail. Busy day - lots of people. Clear weather. This section of trail on the coast trail from Arch Rock to Coast Camp is my favorite trail in the world.<br /><br />On Saturday we rode from Pierce Point through the Elk Reserve to Tomalas Point. LOTS of people. LOTS of elk. Horses were a bit scared of the elk. More scared about going to the end of the world with the point - ocean everywhere. They felt like they were being trapped. Walked down to McClure's beach. Very pretty! Also visited the old Pierce Dairy.<br /><br />On Sunday, we rode from Bayview around to Muddy Hallow trail then up Drake's View and rode on the Ridge trail. This was a great ride! We were the only trailer in the staging area, we hardly saw anyone, got great views of the ocean, and plenty of areas to move out in! Highly recommended. There was water and plenty of grass on the trail.<br /><br />Photos are at: <a href="http://www.rosetrace.com/ptreyes08/ptreyes08.html">http://www.rosetrace.com/ptreyes08/ptreyes08.html</a>Tracy Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11799162517974641136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363260007196822703.post-19098784572323238702008-12-02T12:37:00.000-08:002008-12-02T12:41:38.884-08:00Yoga ClassesMy Yoga classes start tonight at the Yoga Place in Georgetown, CA. <a href="http://www.yogaonthedivide.com">http://www.yogaonthedivide.com</a> On TUESDAYS at 6:00 pm, I will teach an open Sivananda Class. This is suitable for people already practicing yoga. On THURSDAYS at 9:00, I teach a beginning Sivananda class. This is for people new to yoga. The Sivananda method is a synergistic, classical yoga style that incorporates medition, relaxation, breathing exercises, and chanting into each class. To learn more about Sivananda yoga, go here : <a href="http://www.sivananda.org">http://www.sivananda.org</a> .<br /><br />This Friday, December 5, I will be teaching the free community yoga class at 5:00. Come for class, then a potluck dinner at 6:30, and a talk about healing at 7:30.Tracy Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11799162517974641136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363260007196822703.post-6695142214839479952008-11-19T08:30:00.000-08:002008-11-19T08:31:15.482-08:00Doomed WIld Horses have a Possible Solution<h1><span style="font-size:100%;">A Dramatic Rescue for Doomed Wild Horses of the West</span></h1>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/17/AR2008111703680.html?hpid=artslotTracy Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11799162517974641136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363260007196822703.post-78290109957090942332008-11-19T08:22:00.001-08:002008-11-19T08:24:47.149-08:00Looking for Farm AnimalsLooking for dairy goats and 2 pet goats. The dairy goats are for me and the pet goats are for the Yoga Farm (http://www.yogafarm.org/index.html) Probably you could get a tax write-off if you donated the pet goats because they are a non-profit. I would prefer Alpines for myself, and anything for the ashram. Let me know if you have any leads....<br /><br />Also will take sheep and alpacas and I would take a milking cow as well....Tracy Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11799162517974641136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363260007196822703.post-23177452369135377242008-11-03T12:06:00.000-08:002008-11-03T12:09:24.522-08:00Yoga TrainingMy Yoga Training was amazing, I had a fantastic time and learned more than I ever fathomed. I will start teaching Classical Yoga courses soon (hopefully in Georgetown at the Yoga Place). Keep checking this blog and I will post my teaching schedule. I am available for custom, private classes, like Yoga for endurance riders and Yoga for hoof trimmers.Tracy Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11799162517974641136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363260007196822703.post-48526182749764051762008-11-03T12:04:00.001-08:002008-11-03T12:06:12.882-08:00No New ClientsI am sorry to say that I am not taking on new trimming clients at this time, and I have really cut back my clientele. For the next 3 to 6 months, I am taking a break to allow my back to heal. I am still teaching and consulting, so if you are trimming on your own and would like a check up, I would love to help.Tracy Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11799162517974641136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363260007196822703.post-84368340423650940172008-11-03T12:02:00.000-08:002008-11-03T12:04:05.458-08:00Boot Fitting And Shoe Removal ClinicA Boot Fitting and Shoe Removal clinic will be on:<br />Saturday December 6 at 9:00 am - 4:30 ish<br />at<br />3047 Irene Lane<br />Greenwood CA 95635<br /><br />Cost is $175 for PHCP students, $250 for non-PHCP students (all are<br />welcome)<br /><br />Please bring a chair, a lunch, and warm clothes. Be prepared to work<br />with horses - you will be fitting boots.<br /><br />This is a clinic aimed at beginner - intermediate boot fitters.<br />Although some advanced techniques will be discussed, the aim of this<br />clinic is to familiarize students with all of the boots on the market<br />and how to fit them correctly.<br /><br />Sunday morning from 9:00 - 12:00 will be an advanced boot fitting<br />clinic. We will demonstrate Equithane, Foaming for competition,<br />foaming for a custom fit, Heat Fitting, and Swiss Boot design. The<br />cost of this clinic is $150.<br /><br />I will need 4 people to sign up for each clinic in order to hold it.<br />The maximum number of students will be 10 to make sure that people get<br />enough hands on experience with the horses.<br /><br />Mentorship opportunities are available Friday and Monday.<br /><br />Tent camping available on site. For "better" accommodations, look in<br />Georgetown or Auburn.<br /><br />We will not have time to go out to lunch, so make sure you pack<br />something (perhaps even a potluck item to share).<br /><br />To secure your spot in the clinic, please email me at<br /><a href="http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/PHCP-Chat/post?postID=sqecuaUeYvD1LJrjx4ucmD6LcT8lbbffc3Z6I6TmgfrFE0EhKMoTayLrFnBfVO9zQb3H9dZI-lZW">tracy@...</a> and paypal money to <a href="http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/PHCP-Chat/post?postID=KtzVMvcCGJR98gkm_8_z1Hvof7vIAMMJ8Bp6lgbsIZmys4t0vtYGVDN9uRLhFRShW8Uq_6Ui2oTmW7Mq">tracy@...</a> or send a<br />check.<br /><br />For anyone staying Saturday night, a complementary "Yoga for Hoof<br />Trimmers" class will be taught at 5:30.<br /><a href="http://hoofhelp.blogspot.com/"></a>Tracy Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11799162517974641136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363260007196822703.post-61195365258302107142008-10-01T15:44:00.000-07:002008-10-01T15:46:52.244-07:00Yoga TrainingI will be gone October 4 - November 2 to the Sivananda Yoga Farm for Teacher's Training. It is in Grass Valley... I will come back a certified Yoga Instructor, and hopefully, my back will be feeling much better. Perhaps a new career? Maybe, but more importantly, a healed lower back. For more information: <a href="http://www.yogafarm.org/index.html">www.yogafarm.org</a>Tracy Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11799162517974641136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363260007196822703.post-44957890502787233812008-10-01T15:35:00.000-07:002008-10-01T21:12:56.830-07:00TRT - Big Meadow<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidectcDUHVLeZYh1TLdYUoo_caEQ7VkWXqeZxDFO9FchwI7LGG6mHjGLigQujcSR15VJRcBy60heBPln1E-2fSr4tP8wF9aZNHMm_U9we-dxxZtr5LRy8Wq_g-gaF-hOODWDY_IuPLnI8N/s1600-h/17.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidectcDUHVLeZYh1TLdYUoo_caEQ7VkWXqeZxDFO9FchwI7LGG6mHjGLigQujcSR15VJRcBy60heBPln1E-2fSr4tP8wF9aZNHMm_U9we-dxxZtr5LRy8Wq_g-gaF-hOODWDY_IuPLnI8N/s320/17.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252319997914283634" border="0" /></a>On Sunday, Logan and I loaded the dogs PacMan and Smokey Mocha in the car and headed up to Tahoe. We parked at the Big Meadow trail head on the Tahoe Rim Trail and hiked for about 10 miles to Round Lake and Dardanelle's Lake. We had a lovely afternoon mountain rain shower come in. I really hope we get a lot of rain and snow this winter. The aspen leaves were fading to gold and the bushes were brightening to red. Lots of water in the creeks still, lots of water in the lakes. Lots of people hiking on Sunday, and lots of dogs. I can't wait to ride this section of the TRT with my horse, the footing is fantastic and the trail is so well maintained with lots of lakes and plenty of grass.<br /><br />Photos: <a href="http://www.rosetrace.com/BigMeadow/BigMeadow.html">www.rosetrace.com/BigMeadow/BigMeadow.html</a>Tracy Brownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11799162517974641136noreply@blogger.com0