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Discussion on Yearlings and Showing - Supplement suggestions?
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New Member:
Jhyrick
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Posted on Tuesday, Dec 12, 2006 - 2:17 pm:
This is my first post. I've enjoyed this site since finding it while helping a friend research about Equine Gastric Ulcers.
I have 2 coming Arabian yearlings. In a month and a half, they will be making a very long journey (and their first off of the farm) from NY to Scottsdale AZ for a big show. They will be in AZ for a month (lay over time before the big show).
Please help me know what things I should be doing or ordering to benefit their coats (will be bodyclipped), lessen their system stress, etc.
The trainer thinks that Gastro-Gard may not be necessary, but suggested Succeed. I know as well along with grooming there are certain products that help add a show ring sheen to their coats.
These are my babies, and I want to do only the best for them. Any advice is appreciated.
Joni Hyrick
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Member:
Mrose
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Posted on Tuesday, Dec 12, 2006 - 6:44 pm:
Joni, you lucky dog, showing at Scottsdale!! I hope you're going to come out and watch your babies! it good your trainer is allowing lots of extra time for the yearlings to recover from their trip. They usually DrOp a little weight and sometimes looked kind of "sucked in" after such a long haul.
After they are body clipped if you can cover them in cheap mayonaise (don't laugh) and leave it in their coats for a few hours, then shampoo it out with a gentle shampoo and warm water it will soften their coats and add sheen. Your trainer probably knows other such "tricks." Be sure and have them clipped several weeks (at least) in advance, then keep them blanketed. This is especially important if either is black or dark bay.
Grooming them with a soft rubber curry (like those jelly scrubbers) for at least 10 mins. every day will bring out the "bloom" in their coats. A little rice bran, Cocasoya oil, or ground flax seed in their ration will help bring out the shine, also.
Unless they are the really nervous type, I wouldn't think they'd need Gastro-Gard. We've trailered from Calif. to KY several times with yearlings and never had a problem. Main thing while trailering is to try and keep to a regular feeding schedule, timed to match the feeding times at home; stop every 3 hrs. or so for about 15 mins. so the horses have the chance to pee; and make sure everyone keeps drinking water.
If your trainer has done much trailering/showing he or she should be up on all this stuff.
Good luck at Scottsdale and have a lot of fun!!
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Wednesday, Dec 13, 2006 - 6:53 am:
Sara gives good advice above. This is a often discussed subject so you will find more helpful advice at, » Horse Care » Horse Trailers, Trucks, & Trailering Horses.
DrO
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New Member:
Jhyrick
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Posted on Wednesday, Dec 13, 2006 - 11:42 am:
I will be in Scottsdale, but only from 2/14-2/26!
I'm going to show in my first Amateur Owner to Handle class (with yearlings, and at 51 years old with a bum knee!)
I've been investigating flax seed. Where I board, they have 60 horses. I know what they would tell me if I asked them to grind the seed
and put it on their pellets :-)
I myself went to Pritikin Longevity and learned about Flax and the lack of effectiveness if it if ground too early, or how quickly the oil can decrease in efficacy if not refrigerated properly.
I found a product named Nutra-Flax. They claim to have stabilized it and have it balanced with Calcium for the proper CA/Phos ratio. Any experience with that product from the readers?
Thank you both for your earlier prompt responses! Joni
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Member:
Sjeys
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Posted on Wednesday, Dec 13, 2006 - 12:17 pm:
I too ground flax until a couple of months ago. Try https://www.omegafields.com/
and their horseshine product. It is stabilized flaxseed and stays fresh (at least during hte cooler months, I can't vouch for our 105 degrees summer yet).
As far as the Ca/Phos ration is concerned, it all depends on what else you are feeding, doesn't it?  A lot of us who feed beet pulp add flax or rice bran to balance the Ca...not to mention what you find in your hay, etc. So, unless you want to delve really deeply into your diet, I'd feel confident giving them the pre-ground flax to help make them shinier.
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Member:
Qh4me
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Posted on Wednesday, Dec 13, 2006 - 3:20 pm:
Hi JG
Welcome!
As for hair coats, I can highly recommend feeding DAC Orange and DAC Oil. I have seen a noticeable difference in just 2 weeks and when showing against horses that have been fed the product, you certainly can tell the horses that are on it and the ones that aren't. The shine you get is absolutely remarkable. It works amazingly for their coats. Their is also another product called Nu-Image, but I have found better results with DAC Orange. All the QH halter people feed this and you wouldn't believe the shine you get. They also have some good products for stress that just helps boost their system that you might want to check out.
Check it out at www.dac.com
The company is out of Ohio, so fairly close to you in NY. The fellow who owns the company actually owns/shows Arabians I believe. I would suggest you call there and talk to him specifically. His name is Bob. Because this is a supplement, this might mess up what you are currently feeding, but they should be able to help you out if you give them a call.
I find that lots of elbow grease goes along way too. 4 brushings and vacuum twice a day helps get a good shiny coat too!
Best of luck in Scottsdale!
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