Photos by Vicky Baze. She and her husband Gary are the jockies who rode Best Judgement. Click photo for more.

2/4/07
A client called with a question about feed.  It’s Super Bowl Sunday, but I didn’t find it odd at all that there was no mention of the game.

The question concerned a problem with a yearling with a bump on its knee.  Their veterinarian had taken radiographs and found nothing, but they were concerned that it might be some form of developmental bone disease and wanted to know about changing the feed. Their thought was to cut back on Alfalfa and add dicalcium-phosphate. I’m certainly not an expert on nutrition, but I know what has worked for us over the years.

I advised them not to change feed, but to continue with the alfalfa which is high in calcium and make sure the filly was turned out 24/7.  My understanding is that the ratio of calcium : phosphorous should be 1.1:1 to as high at 6:1.  I’m not sure anyone really knows how much calcium is too much but I know you don’t want to error by giving too much phosphorous.  It will cost less and be better for the yearling to just leave it on alfalfa hay and a 14-16% protein grain. So many times we want to get fancy thinking it is better for our horses, but it’s usually best to keep it simple.

Foaling barn facelift.

1/22/07
A long overdue facelift for the foaling barn is underway. We will start with new siding and when the weather gets better and the mares get done foaling, we will replace the roof. Most importantly, we have a new foaling stall planned.  The mares should love the extra room.

1/21/06
Brewing the season’s first pot of coffee in the barn marks the official start of the foaling season. We wait with the anxious owner for his mare to foal. She has a nice filly and we are grateful for the extra muscle power when things get tight.  The mare has a history of kicking at her foal so we watch closely.  Thankfully, she is enamored with this baby and there is no sign of aggression.

Lady Beverly’s Slewdledo yearling filly.

1/1/07
The Jockey Club rules say that all Thoroughbreds are another year older today.
So, Happy Birthday  to all.

Updated: 8/16/2008