Silver Lining Equine Services

01/05/2022

The horses have really been enjoying their time under the BEMER blanket. Thanks Mandy (Equi-Health Canada Safety Training) for the time we've spent using it!

11/13/2021

Anyone else feel me???

09/20/2021

Alright folks, get out there and vote!!

You know what to do...🥧🥧

09/03/2021

THE GREAT HELMET DEBATE

Do you OR Don't you OR Only Sometimes?

So I for one will not die on this hill, however I am slowly (why so slowly?) changing my mind as to why helmets are becoming a regular part of my riding attire and are already a staple in that of my daughters.

I grew up like many farm kids; not even owning a helmet, riding barefoot, galloping across a summerfallow field at top speed. I still to this day have a slight sense of invincibility that could start hindering me as I get older (no momma, your knees won't handle that anymore). I came off many times, hitting my head amongst other things, and I was pretty darn fortunate to never receive anything more than a bit of a headache. Grace of God I imagine.

But, that being said, I still struggle with a bit of self-consciousness in this area as well! I hate the way I look in a helmet, I feel less accomplished and my ego takes a bit of a bruising. Ridiculous right?! But I'm being honest. If I wear a helmet at a clinic, will the non-helmet riders snicker under their breath? If I wear one at a jackpot, will it be thought that I'm not as capable and I don't belong with the big girls or boys? That I am fearful and inexperienced? I think the bigger question here is why do I put so much stock in the opinions of others? So much so as to put my own safety second to their "alleged" thoughts? And I say alleged because I have no proof they are thinking these things...I'm sure most of it is my own demons croaking.

I'm thinking my non-commital to wearing my helmet has a lot of it has to do with tradition; the amazing breed called cowboys are rarely to be seen donning the modern head protection, unless of course they might be climbing onto the back of a bull... and I can't argue with them. I have no desire to tell those old souls what to do. However, I'd love to start this conversation again . Are any of us immune to tradegy? Are we so talented that accidents can't happen?

My middle daughter, B, was riding her horse the other day in the arena, just cruising around having fun. The footing was great, the horse warmed up well, my daughter well seated. The helicopter mom in me has taught them to wear a helmet from a very young age, so thankfully she was wearing hers. At a lope, her horse stumbled out of the blue, landing on both front knees and then nose planting and literally eating dirt. B flew over the horse's head, hitting the side of her head hard and skidding down onto her shoulder and back. It happened so quickly I couldn't even gasp before B was already starting to get back up. We checked her all over, did a concussion test, and concluded that she would survive; thank goodness!! She determinedly hopped back on her horse after a thorough check of her as well, and finished the rest of her ride without incident. In this case, the helmet may not have saved her life, but it sure as heck saved some gravelly scratches across B's scalp and face. I'm so glad it wasn't worse, and that all we have to show for it is a scratched up piece of head gear.

As for me, I'm going to think hard and fast before scowling at and then "forgetting" my own helmet when I go for a ride now. It's really just about doing what's best for my own health and the well being of my children.

So I'd love for you to honestly ponder, what's best for you?

08/30/2021

Haha.... yes...yes we do!!

Let's see your "people with horse" photos!!

08/09/2021

*Disclaimer- if you are inexperienced, please ask your vet to show you how to do injections properly. They are the best person to teach you**

Much to our chagrin, we have a horse in need of needling. My girls have been watching me administer intramuscular injections and have asked multiple times how I do it.

So, in the name of science, we gathered up some soft apples, a grapefruit and a banana and they are practicing their technique. Even if it's years until they actually administer an injection themselves, at least they will be comfortable handling and properly disposing of meds and needles.

08/07/2021

West Nile can be debilitating when the horse starts to show symptoms. It affects the horse neurologically; causing symptoms such as, but not limited to: depression, lethargy, balance and coordination issues, muscle twitching devoid of flies, and unusual sweating patterns without exertion.

Please keep an eye on your horses' vitals, and if something in your gut tells you your horse isn't right, check them out and give your vet a phone call to discuss.

⚠️ATTENTION HORSE OWNERS⚠️

We have had a positive case of West Nile in a horse in our area.

Please share and get your horses vaccinated!

Here is a link for more information:

https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/agriculture-natural-resources-and-industry/agribusiness-farmers-and-ranchers/livestock/animal-health-and-welfare/west-nile-virus-in-horses

08/06/2021

I need a little happy this morning... let's play a game!!

08/05/2021

Fundamentals Course coming up at McIntyre Ranch by Moose Jaw on September 18th! This is a great, fast-paced clinic for those pressed for time, but still wanting to learn the basics of bandaging and Equine First Aid!

Contact myself or Todd McIntyre of McIntyre Ranch to register!

07/26/2021

Brush up on your skills, learn something new, and make new connections with others who love horses too!

Host a course or join in on one! Contact me for more information!

06/17/2021

Upcoming clinic at McIntyre Ranch in the Moose Jaw area. This will be a full day course covering all the basics of Equine First Aid. Taking proper vitals, common ailments and diseases, and bandaging techniques for a multitude of injuries.

This fun, information filled day has hands on demos with live horses and a great atmosphere to learn.

To join us, please contact me at 306-697-8792 or via "Silver Lining Equine Safety" on Facebook Messenger.

McIntyre Ranch Todd McIntyre