A Rare Product Review: Sport Horse Essentials Hoof Oil

When you never buy things it is hard to write any reviews of products on the blog. Plus, I don't know about you but I get real tired of reading all these fake positive reviews people post just so they can get more free samples. This product was something I bought myself, the company has no idea I even exist and I am getting nothing for writing this. Take that for what it is worth. 

Eeyore has crap feet. Which is ironic since back in 2018 I was all "I'm not going to look at OTTBs because their feet suck" Ha..hahahahaha....Hamilton has amazing feet. Ahem...moving on. Eeyore has crap feet. They flake, they crack, they lose shoes, he over reaches and pulls shoes if we don't trim him a very specific way, the shoes have to pinch in at the heel or else he pulls them, he has thin soles and ouchy feet without front pads and well....he has crap feet. He gets a reset of his custom made steel shoes and leather pads every 5 weeks and still his feet are crap.

Back during the start of his rehab I thought maybe throwing more money at him may make a difference. I saw an ad on either FB or Instagram (can't remember which) for Sport Horse Essentials Hoof Oil and thought "why not?" I had already tried numerous other concoctions over the years including keratex, wonderhoof and other assortments with absolutely no difference, but this wasn't super expensive so again...why not?

The blue bottle behind it is their fungus spray which I can't recommend because it has done nothing for my guys

Of course then his entire life style changed to stall rest in a dry fluffy stall, a hay based (instead of grass based) diet, he went back into leather pads up front and no hard impact exercise. I applied the hoof oil daily for the first month and then dropped down to the days I rode which was a 2 on 2 off schedule throughout the summer. The first time the farrier came after I started use, he remarked that Eeyore's feet looked the best they ever had and he may actually grow a decent hoof through this ordeal.

But you know...too many variables had changed for me to know which one made the biggest difference for him.

Eventually Eeyore was released back outside and we re introduced the canter and then small jumps again. I continued to use the oil 3-4 times a week and the farrier kept remarking how great his feet were doing. 

Then I stopped using it. My personal and professional belief is that you can't give an honest, unbiased assessment of a new supplement while using it. You want it to work, so you convince yourself it is. When patients ask me about xyz supplement I instruct them to take it for at least 60 days and then stop for 30 days. At the end of the 30 days take stock of how they feel. It is easier to know when off it if you feel worse than when on it, in my opinion. So...I stopped using the hoof oil for an entire 5 week cycle. 

He still had pads, he was outside 24/7, he was being ridden fully including small jumps. The only thing that changed was the discontinuation of the hoof oil. 

Farrier was out yesterday and texted me that Eeyore's feet are beginning to flake and crack again and the hoof wall isn't as strong. He asked what changed in the last 5 weeks. 

I am now back to using it 3-4 times a week and have started using it on Hamilton too as we transition him to a hopeful barefoot life (farrier thinks we have a good shot at barefoot for Hamilton). 

The hoof oil is super easy to use, takes no time at all to dry and well...my horse seems to do well with it. Since he has pads I only apply it to the outside hoof wall on his fronts, but I do apply it to the sole of his hinds. If you are in the market for a topical hoof supplement, I encourage you to check this one out. It has been the only thing that has made a visible difference in all the lotions, potions and feed throughs I have tried over the last 2 years and has earned a permanent spot in my grooming cabinet of curiosities. 

 

2020 Virtual Tevis COMPLETED!!!!!

Folks, I’m so stinking proud of my kiddo. The original event was 100 miles in 100 days though they have now extended it into January I believe. Still, I wanted to stick to the original event hoping to do it before the end of October.

Our finish line photo taken yesterday after a very misty/rainy 4.8 miles

We had gotten some good early miles in during August when the weather was behaving and school wasn't in session yet. Things got a bit trickier once school started, but we managed when we could and kept at it. 

Just over the 100 mile mark in 86 days. 

Wyatt was a trooper and logged every single mile with us. He biked about half of it and walked/hiked the other half. 

It was a really fun family activity and got us all out being more active when some days we probably would have opted for the couch instead. In fact, I'm a little bummed that the challenge is now over. There are a ton of virtual challenges out there right now though, so I am already researching others to join. Who knows - maybe one day Wyatt will have a whole collection of completion medals to look back fondly on.

Hamilton Settling In

It has been two weeks since Hamilton stepped off the trailer and walked right into all of our hearts.

He has continued to be the most easy going, sweetest horse I have ever had the pleasure of being around which was exactly what I was hoping for after two years of dealing with the Big Orange Butthead. 

A hiding Baby Moose

He is adjusting well to the semi feral life style though he isn't always the happiest about it. He is a bit of a weather wimp. During the hurricane that blew through the first weekend he was here, the other three were out in the middle of the cold rain grazing. I watched as Hamilton pinned his ears and grumbled his way over to the trees. He was not a happy camper. 

He completed his Powerpak dewormer and is half way through his GastroGuard. Dusty says he has gained close to 75 lbs already, maybe more like 100, and he is looking so much better. Nearly all his skin funk is gone with only a few remnants remaining on his hi bones and his back legs. The weather is supposed to be nice this weekend so I am hoping to sneak in a bath and get ride of the rest of the funk. I'm not thrilled with his dull coat (shiny coats are a personal pride of mine and even Eeyore shines these days) but I know it probably won't improve too much until his spring shed.

My farrier swung by and saw him last week and trimmed him up. He is better on soft ground, though lacks confidence, but is still super ouchy on any hard ground or rocks. Pathetically so, but I'm learning that he is just a big huge pathetic baby when things aren't perfect. Breaks my heart which I'm sure he knows full well and uses to his advantage. 

He has learned the routine and meets us at the gate for breakfast and dinner every day. He lowers his head to allow Wyatt to slip his halter on/off and leads like an angel for him. He is always up for social time in the pasture though he isn't as snuggly as Eeyore. He is a good middle ground between the aloof Gem and Pete duo and the obnoxious in your face Eeyore. 

My only issue with Hamilton is that he cribs, a bad habit I knew he was coming with but since Eeyore is 90% beaver I didn't really mind adding another. He cribs less violently than Eeyore but more frequently. Eeyore only cribs after meals - like a cigarette after sex. Hamilton will crib in the pasture so we tried a cribbing collar on him outside. Eeyore only wears his when left in the barn for an extended period. Well, Hamilton has very sensitive skin and quickly got a sore from it. I'm going to have to get him a fleece lined one though he is cribbing less and less outside and eating more as he has grown more comfortable in the herd. 

I have found myself staring at him longingly wanting to feel what he is like under saddle. His weight is improving but his topline is awful - something that riding long slow miles will remedy easily. Hopefully by the time I am recovered from my next surgery I will have found a saddle to fit him and can start a slow process of getting to know him under saddle.

Finding a Butt to Put in My Saddle

I'm in need of some suggestions and this is going to be highly annoying because I sorta already know the answer but I can't afford to do what I want to do so I am stuck in my own head in a very adult like mental pout. 

Mature, I know.

I need to find a temporary rider for Eeyore - probably 6 weeks and most likely around Christmas time when people's availability is low. Great timing, but not my choice. Well, sorta my choice but financially it has to happen before the end of the year. You see, I underwent a diagnostic laproscopy on Tuesday and they found a large mass in my uterus which has granted me a hysterectomy. My deductible is huge and this surgery met it, so I have to get the second one in before 2021. Plus, I want this thing out of me and I want to no longer fight the pain I've been in from it. 

Unrelated to break up text

I won't be able to ride for 6 weeks and I plan to stick to doctor's orders on that as I want everything healed and good to go once I'm cleared. I've been hurting for so long now that I don't want to do anything to prolong it at all even a single day. 

But...Eeyore will self destruct with that much time off and I'll be damned if I spent all summer rehabbing him just to have him rip his leg off in boredom and have to spend the spring rehabbing him next year. Not. Going. To. Happen. Do you hear that Universe??????

Which leads me to needing to find a butt to put in my saddle to ride him a few times a week while I recover. This is tricky because a) I am now broke and b) he lives at home so it isn't so easy as finding a barn rat to do it.

Can't be rusted for 6 weeks in the pasture

I'd love to send him to Trainer AB to put training ride son him while I am out, but that is $$$$ and I don't have $$$$ at this time. COVID killed my practice and while I'm functioning it isn't pretty and I don't have my typical cushion. I went back to work the day after the laproscopy so to avoid more time missed but I know I'll need to take 2 weeks off the next. This year has been awful. 

I plan to ask her if she might possibly be interested in having him there for lessons for those 6 weeks and that way his fat butt can work off his stay, but she doesn't really have a lesson program so I am not sure what the outcome of this will be. Fingers crossed this could work. 

If that doesn't work out...then what? I can't afford to pay someone to come out 3x/wk and ride him and I don't even know where to begin to find someone I would trust to ride him who is hungry enough for saddle time to ride him for free. 

So....hive mind...help me out. Any suggestions on what to do here? Currently surgery is scheduled for December 30, 2020 but I am hoping that can get moved up a few weeks. 

History Earned

 I'd like to formally introduce you all to the newest member of our herd.....

The cutest GOOD BOY face I have ever seen

History Earned...AKA Hamilon...had 15 starts with 1 first, 2 seconds and 1 third finish and a total of $23,000 in earnings before his lack of speed earned him a retirement from the track. 

My personal favorite was "H.E. was devoid of speed"

Hamilton has been a pleasure to have at the farm since his early, pre dawn arrival Monday morning the 5th. He stepped off the trailer after an arduous 17 hour ride and led into the barn without hesitation or concern. He was exhausted, dehydrated and needed time to relax and come out of his shell. 

He has an old man soul that speaks directly to my heart and the kindest big brown eyes I have ever seen. He needs a lot of groceries and his skin is funky but in the 5 days he has been here he is already showing a difference. It won't take long before we have another fatty on our hands. 

I adore his kind heart above all else. The third morning he was here Wyatt wanted to bring him in from the pasture. Hamilton is MASSIVE. I've been calling him Baby Bullwinkle which shows my age if you understand the reference. Anyway...Wyatt can't reach his head. Not even close. So there Wyatt is flapping around and jumping inches from Hamilton's face in the morning dark trying to get the halter over his head. My other three would have disappeared faster than you can blink, but not Hamilton. He stood there patiently staring at Wyatt and not moving an inch until Wyatt managed to get the halter on and then led quietly into the barn for breakfast. 

Slowly but surely his personality is beginning to show through as he settles in and comes to terms with his new life. He remains calm, unflappable and easy going. We have been dosing him with a dewormer in the morning and Gastrogard in the evening and let me tell you Baby Bullwinkle HATES IT. HE HATES IT. When we first got Gemmie 11 years ago (holy crap where did that time go?!?!) we ran her through a power pack and it took three of us rodeoing with her to get it in her. Little mare could rear. Hamilton could easily be even more difficult since he has a neck the size of a giraffe and god help me if he ever rears. Know how Hamilton shows his displeasure? He lowers his head so I can dose him, then gives me a look of heart wrenching betrayal that pierces my soul and hides his head in the corner of his stall. All of 30 seconds later he peaks over his shoulder and upon seeing me still there his ears perk up and he comes over for a hug. 

Learning where all the good spots are to get out of the rain

Hamilton is currently barefoot but he is sore footed. My farrier is coming out next week to look at him and make recommendations. I'd love to try to keep him bare and see if we can't get him more comfortable as his hooves adapt but I also know that no matter how and what we tried for Eeyore that guy just can not go without front pads and shoes all around so I am open to water he needs. I'm hoping to make it to the local tack store before they close today and see if they have moose sized boots. He doesn't come close to fitting in Eeyore's pair and regardless of barefoot or shod I want a pair on hand just in case. They have saved Eeyore's feet numerous times over the last 2 years. 

I need to go saddle shopping at some point for him though I have no plans to get on his back until he has gained some significant weight and his feet are comfortable. No rush.  I have no experience in saddle fitting high withered, slender horses since all mine over the years have been wide backed with no withers. It will be a learning curve but there are a few nice consignment shops I can utilize when the time comes. He is only 4 so I have no interest in investing any real money into a saddle until he is fully grown and filled out. I only need something to get us by for a while. 

My bigger need is a larger trailer. Our hopeful plan is to get Hamilton trail ready. Not sure if it would be me or the Hubby riding him versus Eeyore but the the idea is to shove Wyatt on Gem between the two chestnut geldings and have fun on the trails. We need a trailer big enough for all 3 horses to do that. No real rush on this. I want to do a lot of ground work while he builds weight and then expand to the trail making sure he won't panic or bolt while we are out there. Nothing about his current demeanor has me worried but you never know what 500lbs will do to a horse. If we can start family trail rides in the spring I will be happy. If I eventually decide to start eventing him, that would be even more amazing but baby horse has no real role here other than being kind. We will see what the future holds for him and at 4 he has all the time in the world to grow up before I ask much of him. 

I mean - he can't be any worse than this weirdo

An Open Letter To Those Who Wish Me Ill

I’d be naive to think that everyone who follows my life on this blog or on other social media platforms wish me nothing but the best. I’m well aware that many read solely to watch me crash and burn. Being aware of it and having it shoved in your face are two different things though. 

Earlier today I received a wrong number text from someone I know. While I could screen shot it and blast it here, I’m not that type of person and will keep the involved parties anonymous. They know who they are. Anyway... person A saw a post I put on FB of a new arrival at the farm and took the time out of their day to screenshot it and send it to person B. Person B then took the time to find a text I had sent them about this new addition, highlight a comment I wrote and text it with a snarky comment. Unfortunately for them, they sent it to me instead of to person A. I called them out on it and it stopped there on my end. Who knows what fun they had once the message was re sent to the intended recipient. I’m sure it was a barrel of laughs. 

Here’s the thing. I honestly don’t give a rats ass what anyone outside of my husband and my trainer think when it comes to anything horse related. Certainly not some strangers I met through a blog and whose only knowledge of me is what I choose to share on various social media platforms. And especially not those who wish me ill, want to watch me crash and burn and who have nothing productive to offer. Nobody outside of Dusty knows me entirely and nobody knows what I’ve been going through these past few months which led to a decision that apparently raised some eyebrows. A decision that effects precisely nobody outside of my immediate household. And perhaps my trainer. 

I invite everyone to follow the parts of my life I choose to be public about.  The small group who are my cheerleaders. The slightly larger group who are my vocal haters. The silent majority who follow solely to see me fail hoping my next post will prove them right and show how much of an idiot I am. Please follow along. I’m sure I’ll give each group something to hang their hat on. Understand this though: I live my life for myself, not to please you or get your approval.

Everyone gets one ride here. One moment to shine and maybe I have a different perspective since I work with the elderly all day, but damn folks. Time is short. It goes by so damn fast. Spend less of it being mean to others and more of it being kind. You’ll enjoy life way more that way. 

I’m done with this topic now and moving on. I’ve dedicated all the energy I care to on this. I’m going to return to my love/hate relationship with Eeyore, who by the way is back to jumping finally, and start my new adoration of Hamilton, the 4 year old emaciated OTTB who arrived at my farm at 6 am Monday morning after an arduous 17 hours in a trailer and has been the kindest, most gentlemanly creature I’ve ever had the pleasure of being around. Even the Hubby, who typically only puts up with the horses, has fallen head over heels for the ginormous moose of a baby TB.

More to come in a happier introductory post for the big sweetheart. Until then...please be kind to each other. You honestly don’t know what others are going through and how a single mean or kind word could effect them.