https://equinebalancedsupport.com/

Equine Balanced Support, 393 Mt Eve Road, Goshen, NY (2026)

03/16/2026

Hoof Injuries and Hoof Abscesses

Hoof injuries — including bruises, cracks, and abscesses — are common and can be intensely painful due to the sensitive structures within the hoof. A hoof abscess is an infection trapped between the sensitive laminae and the hoof wall or sole. Signs include sudden severe lameness, obvious discomfort, and varying degrees of heat and swelling.

Veterinary and farrier collaboration often involves trimming to allow abscess drainage, followed by warm antiseptic soaks and supportive poulticing. Pain relief and anti‑inflammatory medication help manage discomfort. Once drainage begins, lameness typically improves within 24–72 hours, and complete resolution is often achieved within 7–14 days with proper care and protection.

Preventive measures include routine hoof care, clean and safe footing, and regular inspection to identify early signs of bruising or cracks that could lead to abscess formation if left unchecked. Early attention and prompt drainage are key to a quick, uncomplicated recovery.

03/16/2026

🎉 Happy birthday to everyone celebrating this week 🎊

03/15/2026

The horse world has a comparison problem.

Not the healthy kind that pushes us to improve our riding or learn from someone more experienced. I mean the kind that quietly steals joy.

The kind where someone feels like their horse isn’t good enough because it doesn’t cost six figures. Where a rider feels small because they’re competing at a schooling show instead of a premier venue. Where someone with a trail horse feels judged by someone with a Grand Prix prospect.

Comparison sneaks into almost every corner of the horse community.

English versus Western.
Dressage versus jumpers.
Rescue horse versus imported warmblood.
Backyard barn versus elite training facility.

Somehow we’ve convinced ourselves that these differences determine value.

But horses do not care about any of that.

A horse does not care what show circuit you compete on.
A horse does not care what saddle brand you ride in.
A horse certainly does not care what the person in the next barn paid for their horse.

What horses care about is much simpler.

Consistency.
Clarity.
Kindness.
Safety.

That’s it.

The irony is that some of the most meaningful moments with horses happen far away from prestige or perfection.

It might be a quiet trail ride at sunset.
A child learning to groom a pony for the first time.
A horse that finally relaxes because someone took the time to listen.

Those moments don’t show up on social media highlight reels.

But they are the moments that actually matter.

The truth is there is no perfect way to be in the horse world.

There is only what works for you and your situation.

For some people that means competing internationally.
For others it means rehabilitating a rescue horse.
For someone else it means keeping one beloved horse at a small farm and riding on weekends.

All of these paths are valid.

The real question is not who has the best horse or the best barn.

The real question is: What value are we bringing into the world through our relationship with horses?

Are we making horses’ lives better?
Are we helping other people learn?
Are we contributing knowledge, kindness, and perspective?

Or are we simply consuming status symbols?

Horses have an incredible way of revealing our priorities.

They remind us that authenticity matters more than appearance.

That patience matters more than prestige.

And that real connection cannot be purchased.

If we stopped comparing ourselves to others in the horse world, we might rediscover something important.

Joy.

The joy of learning.
The joy of partnership.
The joy of simply spending time with an animal that does not care who you are or what you own.

Comparison might be the thief of joy.

But horses are the opposite.

If we let them be.

By Sam DenDanto

03/15/2026

Here are a few of this weeks best sellers!

03/13/2026

Want simple and effective ways to brighten your horse’s day, even when they're in the stall or paddock?

Treats aren’t just for rewards; they’re an excellent way to bond and interact with your horse. Just like with people, making the right snack and treat choices matters.

Choose healthy treats that are low in sugar and starch, and free from unnecessary fillers. Every snack should support your horse’s well-being.

We offer our clients a healthy, metabolic-safe treat they can offer again and again without worry.

Grazers are made mainly with timothy hay, brewers' yeast, electrolytes, and probiotics with no artificial colors or preservatives. Every ingredient is chosen with equine nutritionists and veterinarians to support your horse’s health.

Our treats are specially formulated to be low in starch and contain no added sugars, making them a safe choice for horses prone to metabolic conditions.

Try carrot stretches, playing hide-and-seek with the treat in the hay and letting your horse find it, treat balls, and teaching tricks as thoughtful enrichment activities to make your horse's day brighter and more engaging!

If your horse isn't as motivated by treats, there are plenty of non-food enrichment options, too. Consider offering sensory toys, like balls or hanging objects, that they can nuzzle or push. You can also introduce grooming games, such as using different brushes or massage tools to find new favorite scratching spots, or rotate safe mirrors and scented items around the stall to stimulate their senses.

These ideas give your horse variety and keep them engaged, even during stall rest or on quiet days.

For example, to play hide-and-seek with treats, tuck a few treats into different spots in a loose pile of hay and let your horse look for them. This game encourages natural foraging and gives your horse a fun challenge.

How do you like to bond with your horse in the stall? We’d love to hear your favorite ways to connect. Share your ideas so we can all help make stall days better for our horses.

03/11/2026

Elizabeth here, I went through a sad experience recently and wanted to share some thoughts about it.

Just over a week ago, I had to put one of my dogs down. He was injured in an accident at the farm. Not only was it sad, but it was traumatic for him and me.

Thankfully, it was a short trip to an emergency vet, and they were great and gave him the most peaceful end we could.

I am sharing not to tell this story, but to discuss a more general experience of loss and end-of-life decisions.

We cannot control everything - I have spent countless hours going through all the "what ifs" from that morning. But the truth is, accidents happen, and as careful and planned as our lives can be, this is a sad reality.

What we can do is put in place end-of-life plans. What procedures will or won't you do for an animal? Do you have a ready list of veterinary clinics to contact in an emergency? Do you have a list of transport options for your horse, if necessary?

Your regular veterinarian is a great resource for creating these plans. Have a discussion, what is reasonable for your animal at this point in their life? What are the local options if your veterinarian is not available?

If you have an older animal that is getting close to the end, please, please, please - have these discussions with your vet, your family, the barn owner, your trainer, everyone involved in the decision making. The more thought put into the decision, the easier it is on all involved.

Everyone has heard - better one day too early than a moment too late. I cannot stress enough how different it is to say goodbye in a quiet, planned situation than in an emergency.

I have worked with animals my entire life. I have had up to 7 dogs, 9 cats, and managed the care of over 30 horses all at the same time. I have been present for many goodbyes, my own animals and clients, friends, and family members' animals.

I have dealt with emergencies.

I have waited too long to let them go.

I have experienced some remarkably peaceful and gentle farewells.

Nothing can be done to make it less sad. Saying goodbye is heartbreaking; they each leave an empty space in our hearts when they go.

We can plan, and sometimes we can facilitate a goodbye without trauma, without unnecessary suffering, without panic. You will have more time to process, time to feed the extra treats, to give the extra pets and kisses.

Thank you in advance for the condolences.

Although I did not get the best goodbye, I am so grateful for the relationship I had with the tiny - all 6.5 lbs of him, monster dog! Pearly was truly an experience 💔

Be fully present with and enjoy your loved ones, human and animal.

03/10/2026

Clicker Training and Positive Reinforcement

Clicker training relies on positive reinforcement — marking desired behavior with a signal followed by a reward. Many horses thrive on this method, as it encourages voluntary participation and clear communication. Whether teaching your horse to touch a target, pick up their feet, or perform specific groundwork cues, clicker training fosters mental engagement and a sense of accomplishment.

The essence of clicker work lies in timing: the click marks precisely the behavior you want, and the reward reinforces that choice. Over time, horses begin to exhibit behaviors more readily because they learn that cooperation leads to predictable success. This builds trust and encourages your horse to think independently while still seeking your guidance.

Positive reinforcement sessions are typically short and fun, and horses often appear more enthusiastic and willing to participate. The shared learning process, free of pressure and focused on choice, enhances your emotional connection and encourages a joyful partnership. Clicker training also transfers easily to problem‑solving, handling, and foundation skills that benefit every interaction.

03/09/2026

Special Considerations for Young, Pregnant, or Senior Horses

Not all horses have the exact hay needs. Life stage influences both quality and quantity requirements. Growing foals need nutrient‑rich forage to support muscle and skeletal development, often supplemented with concentrate feeds designed for growth. Pregnant and lactating mares benefit from higher‑energy forage to meet increased demands, but careful balance prevents overly rapid weight gain.

Senior horses commonly face dental wear and reduced chewing efficiency. For these horses, traditional long‑stem hay can be challenging; chopped or processed hay forms may be safer and more digestible. Ensuring seniors have access to soft, manageable hay helps maintain body condition and digestive health.

In all cases, hay selection is tailored to the horse’s overall diet, health status, and digestive capacity — reinforcing that one size does not fit all when it comes to forage.

03/08/2026

Here are a few of this weeks top sellers!

03/07/2026

A few months ago 10-42 Police Horse Retirement Home connected us with Horses Without Humans Rescue Organization. We are thrilled to work with both of these groups and enjoy seeing the collaborative efforts at work!

Equine Balanced Support

03/16/2026

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