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 Don't Wanna Make This Awkward
Posts: 3106
  
Location: Texas | I don't know what everyone's idea of maintenance is but I sure do see a lot of people against it when looking for a horse.. So I'm just wondering how many people have competitive horses that meet this standard. No supplements, no previcox/bute, no injections, no special shoes, no bleeders, no horse that has to be walked in the alley, no chiro, and all the other extra stuff we do just so our horse can go make its best run..
Maybe i'm wrong about this way of thinking but what really defines maintenance? I don't think my horse is high maintenace but I don't know anyone who doesn't atleast do something for their horse..
Is it really possible to have nothing to maintain with a horse? This statement just seems to be getting quite ridiculous with what people want IMO... ok rant over |
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Expert
Posts: 1314
Location: North Central Iowa Land of white frozen grass | Most think that maintanance is only when someone else has to do it not when they have to do it to their own horse. |
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 I'm Cooler Offline
Posts: 6387
 
Location: Pacific Northwest | My current mare is "no maintenance" but not if you want to clock in the 1D. With 0 "extras" and in mediocre shape she will clock in the 2D, usually 3D. She doesn't have an actual soreness issue, but there's a noticeable difference in the way she runs when she's in top shape and kept up to date on chiro/massage and using BOT/PHT/liniments, versus good shape and me slacking on things. |
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 Chasin my Dream
Posts: 13651
Location: Alberta | Well all our horses (barrel and ranch horses) see a chiropractor when they need it and my seasoned barrel horse does need help into the arena.......I'd say our horses are very low maintenace, they don't get X Y Z supplements, just good quality hay, free choice mineral, proper grain supplement for work load, regular farrier and proper conditioning. |
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Meanest Teacher!!!
Posts: 8552
Location: sunny california | mine is at the spa... does that count? |
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Expert
Posts: 2685
| This is an awesome thread. I have been thinking here lately, is my horse this high maintenance or am I making her this way?
Before I started doing all of my stuff, she was 2D at small stuff, 3D at big stuff. We have moved up .5 seconds with all of my extras. Extras being ranitidine every 8 hours (8a,4p, 12a if I can) the day of a show, injectable joint care (IA when needed, pentosan and Adequan as needed), BOT before a run/ day of and I now rub her down with liniment every time I ride.
Do I think she would be fine without the extras? Sure. Tons of horses are and radiographically her joints look great (as of last week) so I don't think she NEEDS any of it but she sure runs better with it.
I feel like there is a difference in need and want when it comes to maintenance and everyone differs. Some might do more than what I do, some might do less.
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The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
| Everybody has different definitions of maintenance.
I won't run a horse that I have to give bute or previcoxx, as I believe if they are not sound enough to run without, I shouldn't be running them.
I sold a judge cash daughter who is used in wrangler high school rodeo in barrels, poles, and now goats, she has made nationals the two years she has owned her, and this mare needs nor gets anything.
Another I sold a grandson of FWF is knocking on the door of placing at prorodeos, is a 1d horse, the girl only gives him platimum cj for preventative care.
All my horses currently are young and just starting their career, I put them on Lubrysin as a preventative measure so I don't have to fuse hocks or inject joints, as I do believe the more prevention I can do at a younger age, the longer they will last, and less maintaince later on. |
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Sock Snob
Posts: 3021
| A lot of 3-d and 4-d horses could be faster if they had some maintance. It always scares me when people say never been injected. There are a few horses that when you run your hand down them they just quiver. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 725
| My horses require quite a bit of maintenance, Adaquain, Cortisone, special shoes, chiro, the list goes on... |
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 Owner of a ratting catting machine
Posts: 2258
| That'd be a big fat zero, Ghostrider! |
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 Money Eating Baggage Owner
Posts: 9586
Location: Phoenix | Mine requires hock injections and I am putting him on Pentosan/Adaquan soon. I chiro regardless. For 16 I'm completely fine with that and don't consider him high maintenance. |
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Rad Dork
Posts: 5218
Location: Oklahoma | No unicorns in my barn!
I honestly think that more horses would get "maintenance" (injections, chiro, supplements, etc) if more people would be willing to spend the $ and see first hand results and not just assume that it would be a waste of money.
Even my retired pasture ornament gets his hocks done. It's just what I do to make sure he's comfortable. He gets trimmed about every 8 weeks and gets a scoop of Forco every night. I consider him no maintenance compared to my other gelding. |
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 Take a Picture
Posts: 12838
| There is a girl that lives around here whose dad trains race horses. She said that they spend between $600 and $1100 at the vet each month per horse but their horses are still sound and running as 7 year olds. First of all if they were not winning they would not still be running. This should tell you something about maintenance.
You can eliminate a lot of problems by having your horse's feet trimmed no longer than every 5 weeks and getting their teeth floated at least once a year. A good farrier and equine dentist are essential. What I am saying is that good maintenance will extend the length of time your horse will be able to perform at their best. |
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Member
Posts: 49
Location: In the saddle enjoying the East Texas sky | When looking to buy a horse the only thing I consider "maintenance" is stuff I can't do myself. Such at hock or stifle injections, and maybe the treatments necessary for bleeding (if they are bleeders and depending how severe treatments are.) Do they need special supplements every day to combat that(minor), do they need lasix before a run(minor) or do I have to give lasix for every single work out (severe) I look at it this way: I eat healthy, I take vitamins and supplements. I have breathing issues so I have an inhaler (I have to use almost daily) and a respirator for emergencies. Those are things I do to keep myself at my normal. I don't think doing those things for my horses or a horse I might buy is considered maintenance. I can also do them without doctor (or vet) help. That is just my personal opinion on the definition of "maintenance". |
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 Am I really the Weirdo?
Posts: 11181
Location: Kansas | I have about the closest thing to a maintenance free barrel horse. My 22 year old, Joker, has never had shoes, never needs adjusted by the chiro, and just basically doesn't require a lot of extra stuff to keep him running. I had his hocks injected once last year, I run him on Air Power or Ventipulmin, feed him a daily joint supplement, make sure someone is around in case he decides to try me at the gate (he won't refuse at all if someone is there to walk beside him a couple steps), and if I ran him back to back days, I'd probably give him a little bute. He does run better if he gets to wear his Back on Track stuff before he runs and if I use a Flair strip but I still feel like he's spoiled me with the lack of maintenance even after 16-17 years of running. That said, he's a 2D/3D horse who has placed at a handful of rodeos in his life.
My 2 1D horses need a lot more help but they're also a lot faster. Chance has to have shoes, pads on the front, occasional coffin joint injections, a massage/bodywork treatment a couple times a year, chiro checkups a couple times a year, and Clifford is going to need some stifle maintenance (we have injected one of them once and did hocks about the same time) plus regular chiro adjustments. I also feed them both a daily joint supplement, run them on Air Power & with Flair strips if its a big pattern & a hot day, and they get to spend plenty of time with their PHT and BOT goodies. Still, none of that is overwhelming for a 1D horse in my opinion. |
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 Expert
Posts: 1612
Location: Cocoa, Florida | outrundaizy - 2015-06-22 5:19 PM
I don't know what everyone's idea of maintenance is but I sure do see a lot of people against it when looking for a horse.. So I'm just wondering how many people have competitive horses that meet this standard. No supplements, no previcox/bute, no injections, no special shoes, no bleeders, no horse that has to be walked in the alley, no chiro, and all the other extra stuff we do just so our horse can go make its best run..
Maybe i'm wrong about this way of thinking but what really defines maintenance? I don't think my horse is high maintenace but I don't know anyone who doesn't atleast do something for their horse..
Is it really possible to have nothing to maintain with a horse? This statement just seems to be getting quite ridiculous with what people want IMO... ok rant over
I just had buyers back out of a sale because my mare wears front shoes (she's flat footed and has no sole). I've tried going without them she is just to tender footed. And the fact that she needs hock injections once a year. Other then that she's sound and easy. But that was their reason!!!
Heck that's the least of my issues compared to my other horses!!!!!!
I couldn't believe it but I guess if you can't afford shoes and injections once a year then you shouldn't have a competitive barrel horse. |
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 Expert
Posts: 1304
| I think a lot of people also don't understand what specific maintenance requires, and I'm one of them! I have an idea with some maintenance requirements but I'm not the most familiar with a variety of them because I haven't had horses that have had that certain issues like needing Lasix, hock injections, etc. Some of these seem big and scary and can scare a person off just because they don't understand and predict it will get worse when it very well won't or is easily maintained! I'm trying to learn from you guys on here so I don't overestimate what may just be a minor issue in the scheme of things when it's time to buy a horse again  |
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 Hugs to You
Posts: 7550
Location: In The Land of Cotton | If someone actually posted on here that they had a horse that ran in the 1D and was in the top 25 out of over 800 riders and had no maintenance other then feed, hay, water, shoes and dental work, people on here would call them a liar. Just my opinion, |
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 Midget Lover
Location: Kentucky | What I find disturbing is the amount of horses that ARE run with no maintenance and have obvious pain issues.
I don't even like the word maintenance... it's really just upkeep. It's taking care of something that I want peak performance from. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 878
Location: "...way down south in the Everglades..." | The only maintenance free horse I own is a grade rescue gelding that is mostly a pasture ornament and occasionally a trail horse.
I don't think any competitve horse, whether barrels or other show events (jumping, cutting, reining,...), can be completely maintenance free. Just like human athletes, most people have some form of maintenance too. I figure if I'm using biofreeze, ibuprofen, a chiro, a knee brace, etc. etc....then I should be perfectly okay with the fact my horses need some help too.
However, there's a fine line between high maintenance and not fit for performing. I think when people don't understand that difference that they are scared away from sales, etc.
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 I Chore in Chucks
Posts: 2882
Location: MD | I have one. Well we are kind of having a tough time right now but he's usually pretty competitive without having to try to be.(3D-4D big races 2D on a good day) (1D-2D local races)
no shoes, no injections, no "issues" on the pattern/alley/or leaving the arena. He's bred well, has a good mind, built right, and has an amazing start too him. I spent a LOT of time riding him and doing other things away from barrels because he's just a good dude and I didn't want to ruin him by doing too much too fast.
At the same time, I do my best to make sure he feels good. equissager, regularly looked at by a vet, I keep up on things like cold hosing post riding, new exercises to keep him fresh and willing to work etc. I also don't go racing every weekend, I also only race to have fun, winning money or placing is a bonus. I enjoy it and want to do well but I want to enjoy being there with my horse first. If he needed something I would never hesitate to do so. |
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Regular
Posts: 50
| Well luckily, all my younger horses currently are maintenance free as they should be at 5 and younger. My good horse, whose 12, is getting started on Adequan, gets chiro every 4 months or so, and requires lots of leg icing to keep his tendons from swelling he has a tendency to be sensitive to heat. Other than that, nothing too special, he is on Platinum performance supplements, but I think all this is minor compared to what some people do. I think every one should consider reading the article Fallon Taylor just wrote in this month's Barrel Horse News about therapies and "maintenance". You don't have to be a Fallon Taylor fan to appreciate the points she made in the article about realizing what is actually benefiting your horse instead of trying every new gimmick, do-hickey, and contraption out there guaranteed to make your horse run their best. Whether we want to admit it or not, barrel racing is hard on a horse's body, and there won't be one out there that has been used and worked hard, regardless of all the preventative measures taken, that won't require some maintenance mid to late life. |
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 Accident Prone
Posts: 22277
Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR | RnRJack - 2015-06-23 8:30 AM outrundaizy - 2015-06-22 5:19 PM I don't know what everyone's idea of maintenance is but I sure do see a lot of people against it when looking for a horse.. So I'm just wondering how many people have competitive horses that meet this standard. No supplements, no previcox/bute, no injections, no special shoes, no bleeders, no horse that has to be walked in the alley, no chiro, and all the other extra stuff we do just so our horse can go make its best run..
Maybe i'm wrong about this way of thinking but what really defines maintenance? I don't think my horse is high maintenace but I don't know anyone who doesn't atleast do something for their horse..
Is it really possible to have nothing to maintain with a horse? This statement just seems to be getting quite ridiculous with what people want IMO... ok rant over I just had buyers back out of a sale because my mare wears front shoes (she's flat footed and has no sole ). I've tried going without them she is just to tender footed. And the fact that she needs hock injections once a year. Other then that she's sound and easy. But that was their reason!!! Heck that's the least of my issues compared to my other horses!!!!!! I couldn't believe it but I guess if you can't afford shoes and injections once a year then you shouldn't have a competitive barrel horse.
It's a blessing they backed out tho. If that was enough to scare them, they didn't need to own that horse. |
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 Expert
Posts: 2128
| All of ours. Other than shoes, good feed, worming, and dental work..we keep younger horses though. The hubs makes rope horses and usually sells them at their prime and makes another. My barrel horse is only 7 and hasnt had extensive hauling. I do expect to keep him for a long time, and I know one day we will more likely than not have to do maintenance. |
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Red Bull Agressive
Posts: 5981
Location: North Dakota | To me "maintenance" is things like injections, special shoeing, things that I have to have done to my horse regularly by someone other than myself that are outside the normal realm of dental, farrier, immunizations, etc. Putting BOT's on or giving some supplements does not qualify as maintenance in my book. I don't have a maintenance free horse. One of mine needs wedge pads in his front shoes every 6 weeks and may need injections or something in his back legs (not sure at this point, but he's dealing with some lameness issues). The other is called "My Delicate Flower" because has kissing spine, allergies, sensitive skin, crappy feet, is prone to stocking up, prone to scratches, I could go on. He gets back injections, theraplate, head-to-toe fly gear, he will be getting some BOT products, legs cold hosed after strenuous workouts and may also get liniment and standing wraps. He gets a custom blend from THE. I see it as an investment in the future and in my horse's well being. He is a GOOD horse. He's not a complainer and is rarely naughty. I love him to death and he's the envy of the barn. Kissing spine is a chronic issue that I am willing to deal with for him because he is just so awesome. I will do everything in my power to keep him comfortable so riding is fun for both of us. He's only 7 and I want him to last forever. A healthy diet and regular exercise can't be replaced and are absolutely vital to getting him to this point, but he would not be rideable without that extra help because of his condition. I've given up on buying "maintenance free" horses because in MY experience, that just means the owner is lying or ignorant. I'm sure there are some out there, but just don't think I'll ever be lucky enough to find one.
Edited by cavyrunsbarrels 2015-06-23 9:42 AM
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1034
| I have one. My kids' Shetland who never leaves a trot under saddle. Even she gets trimmed in a schedule and regular dentistry. |
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 Expert
Posts: 2013
Location: Piedmont, OK | My teenage horses all have maintenance.
My Broodies and all the babies under 5 are maintenance free.
All of our band of horses stay on Animal Element Foundation Detox and get other supplements according to need or hauling. |
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Expert
Posts: 2531
Location: WI | None! I myself am also not maintenance free, lol! I have back problems and take ibuprofen regularly and even get injections! World of difference! |
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 The Worst Seller Ever
Posts: 4138
Location: Oklahoma | I have one that can go without maintenance, but is not the easiest thing to ride. She is 12 this year.
She is a 3D at big shows, 1D in small patterns and 2-3D local in large patterns. If I don't inject her she is not fun to ride, but still places well. If i inject her she is MUCH easier to ride and places a little higher. She is also a breakaway horse and can get a little hot in the box when not injected. She is made to last, but I try to keep her feeling good so I feel like I can walk after a run. On another note, I think she has been trimmed twice in 4 years and one set of sliders put on when she was mainly roped on. I wish they were all like her.
My others all have little things like hocks and my other mare needs wedges to run in. Nothing too crazy. I do keep everything turned out so they can keep in somewhat decent shape and work their sorness out themselves.
ETA: I think you can find no maintenance in younger horses easily, but the older more seasoned horses will have a MUCH higher chance of aches and pains.
Edited by clover girl 2015-06-23 10:32 AM
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Expert
Posts: 1611
| livexlovexrodeo - 2015-06-22 6:28 PM
My current mare is "no maintenance" but not if you want to clock in the 1D. With 0 "extras" and in mediocre shape she will clock in the 2D, usually 3D. She doesn't have an actual soreness issue, but there's a noticeable difference in the way she runs when she's in top shape and kept up to date on chiro/massage and using BOT/PHT/liniments, versus good shape and me slacking on things.
^^^^^ there you go! You said it perfect you can have a no maintenance horse but your not going to be running with the big dogs!
I know ppl that have bought horses winning 350+ entry shows and they refuse to do maintenance so they now have a 2D horse that hits in the 1D once a month or so. Or they take one that was winning the show every time and go to a horse thats now hit or miss on wins because they refuse to inject.
If you wanna play this game you must get your horses out of pain. I feel so bad for horses that are running in pain and still trying their hearts out. |
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Expert
Posts: 2685
| astreakinchic - 2015-06-23 10:51 AM
livexlovexrodeo - 2015-06-22 6:28 PM
My current mare is "no maintenance" but not if you want to clock in the 1D. With 0 "extras" and in mediocre shape she will clock in the 2D, usually 3D. She doesn't have an actual soreness issue, but there's a noticeable difference in the way she runs when she's in top shape and kept up to date on chiro/massage and using BOT/PHT/liniments, versus good shape and me slacking on things.
^^^^^ there you go! You said it perfect you can have a no maintenance horse but your not going to be running with the big dogs!
I know ppl that have bought horses winning 350+ entry shows and they refuse to do maintenance so they now have a 2D horse that hits in the 1D once a month or so. Or they take one that was winning the show every time and go to a horse thats now hit or miss on wins because they refuse to inject.
If you wanna play this game you must get your horses out of pain. I feel so bad for horses that are running in pain and still trying their hearts out.
Agreed |
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 Serious Snap Trapper
Posts: 4275
Location: In The Snow, AZ | I always considered maintainance to be a horse that needed regular injections. I guess with all that is considered maintainance, all of mine require it. Lol, but that's because they get babied.My mare, who's 10 this year and my main runner, gets Chiro work every few months. She's club footed, so her feet get worked on double time. She has to have front shoes or she gets sore on the club foot. She is supplemented. Haven't injected yet, but will if I find she needs it.My 5 year old gelding is still green. He gets hauled and put thru exhibitions for exposure. He's just supplemented.Even our newest addition, a 13 hand pony for our daughter, is given beet pulp and rice bran to keep weight on. Plenty of grass and great quality alfalfa hay. We noticed she is sore on a front, so she will be getting front shoes. Its all just a part of owning them. Not maintainance. I can't expect my ponies to perform if I don't take care of them. Granted, some people jus aren't cut out to own one that needs more than hay and water. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1035
Location: TN | I have always thought of maintenance as extra things the horse has to have to do well like injections, lasix, or ulcer preventatives. Shoeing is a lot of times a necessary thing so I wouldn't consider that maintenance, while supplements and chiro work I would consider as extras that aren't really required. My one horse requires injections, but I wouldn't consider him high maintenance. Most barrel horses that have been at it a while require some type of maintenance and even if the ad says they've never been injected it makes me wonder if they might could use it anyway and it just hasn't been done. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 805
Location: Montana | I wish. My gelding got turned out for two months because at the time I couldn't afford to get maintenance done on him. He had injuried his back. So I started watching YouTube for stretches that would help him self adjust. We got my mare injected last year for the first time at age ten. We also discovered last year she was a bleeder. This mare though she may never be a 1D horse has given me 110% every run. I hadn't gotten her injected because I couldn't afford it and couldn't justify it by only going to a couple races a year, ( when I could afford to go). I think horses need the maintenance people just don't want to spend the money. My Dad is one, he is always telling me that in his day they didn't have everything they do now, and their horses worked just fine. And I tell him well with certain calming supplements you could have won Appaloosa nationals in pole bending if you could have kept her mind together by using them. |
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Expert
Posts: 1414
| astreakinchic - 2015-06-23 11:51 AM livexlovexrodeo - 2015-06-22 6:28 PM My current mare is "no maintenance" but not if you want to clock in the 1D. With 0 "extras" and in mediocre shape she will clock in the 2D, usually 3D. She doesn't have an actual soreness issue, but there's a noticeable difference in the way she runs when she's in top shape and kept up to date on chiro/massage and using BOT/PHT/liniments, versus good shape and me slacking on things. ^^^^^ there you go! You said it perfect you can have a no maintenance horse but your not going to be running with the big dogs! I know ppl that have bought horses winning 350+ entry shows and they refuse to do maintenance so they now have a 2D horse that hits in the 1D once a month or so. Or they take one that was winning the show every time and go to a horse thats now hit or miss on wins because they refuse to inject. If you wanna play this game you must get your horses out of pain. I feel so bad for horses that are running in pain and still trying their hearts out.
Where are they at, I wanna buy those horses.  |
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 Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
| cavyrunsbarrels - 2015-06-23 9:38 AM
To me "maintenance" is things like injections, special shoeing, things that I have to have done to my horse regularly by someone other than myself that are outside the normal realm of dental, farrier, immunizations, etc. Putting BOT's on or giving some supplements does not qualify as maintenance in my book. I don't have a maintenance free horse. One of mine needs wedge pads in his front shoes every 6 weeks and may need injections or something in his back legs (not sure at this point, but he's dealing with some lameness issues). The other is called "My Delicate Flower" because has kissing spine, allergies, sensitive skin, crappy feet, is prone to stocking up, prone to scratches, I could go on. He gets back injections, theraplate, head-to-toe fly gear, he will be getting some BOT products, legs cold hosed after strenuous workouts and may also get liniment and standing wraps. He gets a custom blend from THE. I see it as an investment in the future and in my horse's well being. He is a GOOD horse. He's not a complainer and is rarely naughty. I love him to death and he's the envy of the barn. Kissing spine is a chronic issue that I am willing to deal with for him because he is just so awesome. I will do everything in my power to keep him comfortable so riding is fun for both of us. He's only 7 and I want him to last forever. A healthy diet and regular exercise can't be replaced and are absolutely vital to getting him to this point, but he would not be rideable without that extra help because of his condition. I've given up on buying "maintenance free" horses because in MY experience, that just means the owner is lying or ignorant. I'm sure there are some out there, but just don't think I'll ever be lucky enough to find one.
I think you and I have the same "delicate flower." |
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 BHW Jr. Cougar of the Year
Posts: 14957
Location: Heart of Texas | I had one in the 90's. I guess she was part unicorn or something because I've never found another one like her. Solid 1D rodeo horse that was haulded all over the U.S.
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Red Bull Agressive
Posts: 5981
Location: North Dakota | Lucy's Mom - 2015-06-23 12:17 PM I wish. My gelding got turned out for two months because at the time I couldn't afford to get maintenance done on him. He had injuried his back. So I started watching YouTube for stretches that would help him self adjust. We got my mare injected last year for the first time at age ten. We also discovered last year she was a bleeder. This mare though she may never be a 1D horse has given me 110% every run. I hadn't gotten her injected because I couldn't afford it and couldn't justify it by only going to a couple races a year, ( when I could afford to go). I think horses need the maintenance people just don't want to spend the money. My Dad is one, he is always telling me that in his day they didn't have everything they do now, and their horses worked just fine. And I tell him well with certain calming supplements you could have won Appaloosa nationals in pole bending if you could have kept her mind together by using them.
My dad firmly believes that vets are con artists and EVERY equine ailment can be fixed with bute or a bullet. Drives me nuts. |
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Red Bull Agressive
Posts: 5981
Location: North Dakota | stayceem - 2015-06-23 12:45 PM
cavyrunsbarrels - 2015-06-23 9:38 AM
To me "maintenance" is things like injections, special shoeing, things that I have to have done to my horse regularly by someone other than myself that are outside the normal realm of dental, farrier, immunizations, etc. Putting BOT's on or giving some supplements does not qualify as maintenance in my book. I don't have a maintenance free horse. One of mine needs wedge pads in his front shoes every 6 weeks and may need injections or something in his back legs (not sure at this point, but he's dealing with some lameness issues). The other is called "My Delicate Flower" because has kissing spine, allergies, sensitive skin, crappy feet, is prone to stocking up, prone to scratches, I could go on. He gets back injections, theraplate, head-to-toe fly gear, he will be getting some BOT products, legs cold hosed after strenuous workouts and may also get liniment and standing wraps. He gets a custom blend from THE. I see it as an investment in the future and in my horse's well being. He is a GOOD horse. He's not a complainer and is rarely naughty. I love him to death and he's the envy of the barn. Kissing spine is a chronic issue that I am willing to deal with for him because he is just so awesome. I will do everything in my power to keep him comfortable so riding is fun for both of us. He's only 7 and I want him to last forever. A healthy diet and regular exercise can't be replaced and are absolutely vital to getting him to this point, but he would not be rideable without that extra help because of his condition. I've given up on buying "maintenance free" horses because in MY experience, that just means the owner is lying or ignorant. I'm sure there are some out there, but just don't think I'll ever be lucky enough to find one.
I think you and I have the same "delicate flower."
Lol he's SUCH a baby. I mean, he won't complain or act up but will be covered in hives, or dandruff from a reaction to MTG, or horse bites if I try turning him out with anyone, or any number of things poor baby. He's worth it though. |
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 Go For It!
Location: Texas |
There is a big difference between maintenance and ISSUES... horses, just like anything else, need to be maintained. Regular maintenance is feet, feed, dental, chiropractic, shots, worming, etc.
If you are having to inject, then that is an issue... It could be an issue created by an old injury, arthritis, etc... Shoeing problems, navicular, scar tissue, prone to colic, tying up, bleeding, respiratory problems, roaring, allergies, kissing spine. All those are issues.
So for me... I have one horse that is issue free and one horse that needs allergy shots. Since I run them barefoot and do my own trimming, I'd consider them both pretty low maintenance. :)
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Take a Picture
Posts: 12838
| Maintenance is just that. You do certain things to your truck/car to keep it running properly or make it last one nger. I have a 16 year old Dodge diesel that has had excellent maintenance through the years----bought it new. It runs like a champ. The same is true with a horse. With proper maintenance it will run like a champ. |
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 You get what you give
Posts: 13030
Location: Texas | None of ours are maintenance free. I consider them pretty low maintenance, but they all require at least one thing. |
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 Three in a Bikini
Posts: 2035
| All three of mine survive on prairie hay and water.
Would they run better with chiro/supplements/voodoo magic?
Yes!
But I personally am too lazy to take it all on. My 16yo is 2D but could be winning the 1D if I actually invested the time that is needed into him.
Maintenance is not something I took into account when I decided to become a competitor. I chose to take the easy way out. I think that is really something to consider when you have a good horse. How far are you as the owner willing to go. |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 359
Location: BETWEEN HOT FLASHES AND GERITOL | My barrel horse never was and now that i'm just roping (heeling) he" always sound. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 805
Location: Montana | cavyrunsbarrels - 2015-06-24 11:58 AM
Lucy's Mom - 2015-06-23 12:17 PM I wish. My gelding got turned out for two months because at the time I couldn't afford to get maintenance done on him. He had injuried his back. So I started watching YouTube for stretches that would help him self adjust. We got my mare injected last year for the first time at age ten. We also discovered last year she was a bleeder. This mare though she may never be a 1D horse has given me 110% every run. I hadn't gotten her injected because I couldn't afford it and couldn't justify it by only going to a couple races a year, ( when I could afford to go). I think horses need the maintenance people just don't want to spend the money. My Dad is one, he is always telling me that in his day they didn't have everything they do now, and their horses worked just fine. And I tell him well with certain calming supplements you could have won Appaloosa nationals in pole bending if you could have kept her mind together by using them.
My dad firmly believes that vets are con artists and EVERY equine ailment can be fixed with bute or a bullet. Drives me nuts.
Lol Mom talked him into taking his calf/heel horse (her barrel horse) in once to see a chiro (aka Witch Doctor) the guy staples and magnets in his ears and told him that he should get him injected ( this back when injections first got popular) I thought Dad was gonna blow a cork when he seen his horse. Lol that **** horse was a cheat anyways took one hard jerk from not wanting to stop correctly on the corner on rodeo ground. Never wanted to stop nice even having time off and being cleared by the vet. But I made him into a pretty English equitation horse for 4H.
Edited by Lucy's Mom 2015-06-23 4:59 PM
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The Resident Destroyer of Liberal Logic
Location: PNW | After injuring my own knees and still having to ride and work, I have an entirely new appreciation for "maintenance". I feel 10 billion times better when I wear my BOT wraps, take an ibuprofen after an especially taxing day, I keep special inserts in my work boots and tennis shoes, and am thankful for my cortisone shots. Could I survive without my maintenance? Yes, of course; but you sure wouldn't get the same output.
My gelding is a pretty easy keeper as far as diet goes (RG + minerals + alfalfa), he gets his hocks injected 2x a year usually (sometimes only 1x), has bar wedges on his front feet because he had some heel issues that my farrier thinks got exacerbated while on the track, and he is on routine Pentosan due to fracturing and bruising his P1/P2. Considering the phenomenal athlete that he is, I look at him as being pretty low maintenance. His wedges cost me $15 more than a normal shoeing, injections are $400 ish, and I forget what the Pentosan costs per dose. He's not crazy, he hauls well, stalls well, is sweet minded, and a talented athlete. I will sure do what I can to keep him that way. |
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 Ace Ventura Pet Detective
Posts: 2409
Location: Wisconsin | All of them thank goodness!! I had one that i ran a couple years ago, i had much maintenance on... |
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 Miss Laundry Misshap
Posts: 5271
| None of mine get injections, if that's your maintenance.
They do have PHT, get regularly chiro'd/massaged by myself, and get SmartPak joint supplement.
I guess I would say they are low maintenance. My one gelding is 21 and still running consistent 2D/3D times and he's been running those since I got him at the age of 5. |
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 Vodka for Lunch
Location: Lala Land | One without maintenance sounds like owning a unicorn at my house. |
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Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
| cavyrunsbarrels - 2015-06-23 2:00 PM
stayceem - 2015-06-23 12:45 PM
cavyrunsbarrels - 2015-06-23 9:38 AM
To me "maintenance" is things like injections, special shoeing, things that I have to have done to my horse regularly by someone other than myself that are outside the normal realm of dental, farrier, immunizations, etc. Putting BOT's on or giving some supplements does not qualify as maintenance in my book. I don't have a maintenance free horse. One of mine needs wedge pads in his front shoes every 6 weeks and may need injections or something in his back legs (not sure at this point, but he's dealing with some lameness issues). The other is called "My Delicate Flower" because has kissing spine, allergies, sensitive skin, crappy feet, is prone to stocking up, prone to scratches, I could go on. He gets back injections, theraplate, head-to-toe fly gear, he will be getting some BOT products, legs cold hosed after strenuous workouts and may also get liniment and standing wraps. He gets a custom blend from THE. I see it as an investment in the future and in my horse's well being. He is a GOOD horse. He's not a complainer and is rarely naughty. I love him to death and he's the envy of the barn. Kissing spine is a chronic issue that I am willing to deal with for him because he is just so awesome. I will do everything in my power to keep him comfortable so riding is fun for both of us. He's only 7 and I want him to last forever. A healthy diet and regular exercise can't be replaced and are absolutely vital to getting him to this point, but he would not be rideable without that extra help because of his condition. I've given up on buying "maintenance free" horses because in MY experience, that just means the owner is lying or ignorant. I'm sure there are some out there, but just don't think I'll ever be lucky enough to find one.
I think you and I have the same "delicate flower."
Lol he's SUCH a baby. I mean, he won't complain or act up but will be covered in hives, or dandruff from a reaction to MTG, or horse bites if I try turning him out with anyone, or any number of things poor baby. He's worth it though.
I am glad to hear that I am not the only one. Sometimes I think my barn owners think I am crazy or my horse is a wimp. LOL
But yes, he's well worth it. I have like 15 different anti-fungal, anti-itch, diaper rash cream, allergy relievers, etc etc ... its actually kinda funny. He also has kissing spine so he gets meso-therapy every 6 months, regular chiro, corrective shoes every 5 weeks and I keep him on forco for maintenance. |
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Expert
Posts: 2531
Location: WI | Here's the thing with my horse. Is he sound without maintenance? Yes. Does he run better with it? Yes. Mine gets monthly poly and joint injections. And yes, I'll prly give him some bute after a 6 hour trailer ride and 3 runs in a weekend. Is he high maintenance, I sure don't think so!
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 762
Location: NC | my older gelding who is 19 this year only gets adequan and a daily joint supp. Then again this all started the past couple years and hes been running the past 11 with no special anything. But hes not a 1d horse, hes a 3d/4d open and 2d/3d senior horse. Hes been adjusted once and that was this year and he really didnt need it. He has mild arthritis due to age per the vet and has never been lame. He is know shod all around but that was started last year before that was only fronts.
My young mare (7) on the other hand has been adjusted 2x gets daily joint supp, has been on noni and ulcer stuff. But when shes not out with an injury is moving thru the ranks.
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 629
| I didn't read through all the replies, but while I read through some, and read some people's description of "maintenance" I kept having the same thought. Asking a horse to run without the right shoes, the right supplements, the right pain management for their specific needs is like saying you expect your car to drive without gas and oil.
I have a mare that gets wedged aluminum shoes on the back for hock soreness. Is this "no maintenance"? I'd classify it as usual and customary. Using my car analogy, its like starting to put high mileage oil in a car with 100K plus miles on it. Would it run without it? Sure? Am I increasing its reliability and longevity by buying something more than bare minimum? Of course. It's the same with the horse.
So that being said, I would say I have two horses that are "no maintenance" and one retired gelding that is my most high maintenance.
One mare gets wedged aluminums in the back for hock soreness and just in the last few weeks have decided she's reached the point where she needs at least yearly hock injections. They all get checked by the chiro/massage a couple times/year to make sure they haven't tweaked something during a run or in the pasture that's going to give them a problem.
The other mare wears shoes only because she stomps her feet at flies so bad during the summer she gives herself abscesses. She's 9, and I think she could start needing injections in the next couple of years. She also has allergies, so she gets AniHist from Feb-August so she can breathe.
They all get 24/7 turnout, and 1-2 cups of enrich 32/day to make sure they're getting their nutrients. |
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 I"m Jealous!
Posts: 1737
Location: Benton City, WA | I would pose a question within a question on this subject: how many horses that are WINNING are maintenance free. To me, that is a unicorn.
Could I skip some of things I do for my horses to keep them feeling good? Sure, of course. But they would not perform as well. It all just depends on what your priorities are. JMO |
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 Jr. Detective
Location: Beggs, OK | This goes back to the old saying..."Just because you CAN, doesn't mean you SHOULD."
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Veteran
Posts: 174
Location: Wisconsin | My daughter used to run a gelding that I considered low maintenance. He is 29 years old now and retired but she ran him until he was 24 years old. We shoed him, gave him previcox and weekly glucosomine injections. No special feed. No magnets or special blankets. He has never had a joint injected and we never took him to the chiropractor. He was a competive Jr High/ High School Horse. Qualified for the Jr High Nationals every year but I wouldn't take him to Gallup. It would have been too hard on the old guy. He would try so hard. That is why he was so good--he wanted to work hard and was so tough. Wish I had another one like him. He looks fat and healthy and looks like he could still run but he has earned his retirement. Relaxing and eating the tall grass is his main job now. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1066
| We have one three year old who is maintenance free... But he will get chiro/massage etc when we feel he needs it. 10 year old barrel horse gets hock/SI injections, 13 year old calf horse gets hock/pastern injections, and they're both on Recovery EQ. |
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 Expert
Posts: 1482
Location: on my horse | clover girl - 2015-06-23 9:28 AM
I have one that can go without maintenance, but is not the easiest thing to ride. She is 12 this year.
She is a 3D at big shows, 1D in small patterns and 2-3D local in large patterns. If I don't inject her she is not fun to ride, but still places well. If i inject her she is MUCH easier to ride and places a little higher. She is also a breakaway horse and can get a little hot in the box when not injected. She is made to last, but I try to keep her feeling good so I feel like I can walk after a run. On another note, I think she has been trimmed twice in 4 years and one set of sliders put on when she was mainly roped on. I wish they were all like her.
My others all have little things like hocks and my other mare needs wedges to run in. Nothing too crazy. I do keep everything turned out so they can keep in somewhat decent shape and work their sorness out themselves.
ETA: I think you can find no maintenance in younger horses easily, but the older more seasoned horses will have a MUCH higher chance of aches and pains.
Wait so you've only had her feet done twice in four years?! |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 371
| cheryl makofka - 2015-06-22 7:18 PM
Everybody has different definitions of maintenance.
I won't run a horse that I have to give bute or previcoxx, as I believe if they are not sound enough to run without, I shouldn't be running them.
I sold a judge cash daughter who is used in wrangler high school rodeo in barrels, poles, and now goats, she has made nationals the two years she has owned her, and this mare needs nor gets anything.
Another I sold a grandson of FWF is knocking on the door of placing at prorodeos, is a 1d horse, the girl only gives him platimum cj for preventative care.
All my horses currently are young and just starting their career, I put them on Lubrysin as a preventative measure so I don't have to fuse hocks or inject joints, as I do believe the more prevention I can do at a younger age, the longer they will last, and less maintaince later on.
Can you explain how the Lubrysin helps prevent joint injections please? |
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The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
| abdittmer1154 - 2015-06-25 5:38 PM
cheryl makofka - 2015-06-22 7:18 PM
Everybody has different definitions of maintenance.
I won't run a horse that I have to give bute or previcoxx, as I believe if they are not sound enough to run without, I shouldn't be running them.
I sold a judge cash daughter who is used in wrangler high school rodeo in barrels, poles, and now goats, she has made nationals the two years she has owned her, and this mare needs nor gets anything.
Another I sold a grandson of FWF is knocking on the door of placing at prorodeos, is a 1d horse, the girl only gives him platimum cj for preventative care.
All my horses currently are young and just starting their career, I put them on Lubrysin as a preventative measure so I don't have to fuse hocks or inject joints, as I do believe the more prevention I can do at a younger age, the longer they will last, and less maintaince later on.
Can you explain how the Lubrysin helps prevent joint injections please?
Lubrysin is an oral form of hylauronic acid which is found throughout the body especially in high motion joints.
The company claims Lubrysin is absorbed into the blood stream via mucus membranes before it gets to the stomach, as HA will be destroyed by the a is in the stomach. So as soon as the horse eats it, it is being absorbed in the mouth, and in the esophagus.
Hylauronic acid is a prostaglandin inhibitor. Prostaglandin is a hormone/chemical that is secreted by damaged cells to trigger the inflammatory response, therefore inhibiting the chemical to trigger, you are preventing inflammation.
Inflammation long term will cause arthritis, this is why windpuffs are not a good thing to see as this is a warning sign that the joint is inflamed. If left untreated the horse will develop arthritis. The protein in the inflammatory cells will erode cartilage, and also destroy what HA the horse already has in the joint. Yes horses are continually producing HA but cannot produce enough when inflammation is present.
I use Lubrysin as a preventative measure, it is not a substitute for injections, but with two of my horses I do believe it has prolonged/prevented (will only know as time passes) at getting hocks injected or fused. I am anal when it comes to my horse, so I look for the subtle things such as shifting weight in the hind end, swishing their tail, their behaviour. How they are turning, how they are walking, etc, after a week on Lubrysin, they had no symptoms of hock pain.
My other horses had the initial signs of windpuffs, not obvious but I could feel the puffs, after a week their legs were tight, no wind puffs, and very clean.
The con to Lubrysin is you cannot miss a day as it doesn't build up in the system, it is excreted the same day.
Mine are on it during performance season, and when they are kicked out for winter, they no longer get it
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Expert
Posts: 1611
| roanrider - 2015-06-23 1:41 PM
astreakinchic - 2015-06-23 11:51 AM livexlovexrodeo - 2015-06-22 6:28 PM My current mare is "no maintenance" but not if you want to clock in the 1D. With 0 "extras" and in mediocre shape she will clock in the 2D, usually 3D. She doesn't have an actual soreness issue, but there's a noticeable difference in the way she runs when she's in top shape and kept up to date on chiro/massage and using BOT/PHT/liniments, versus good shape and me slacking on things. ^^^^^ there you go! You said it perfect you can have a no maintenance horse but your not going to be running with the big dogs! I know ppl that have bought horses winning 350+ entry shows and they refuse to do maintenance so they now have a 2D horse that hits in the 1D once a month or so. Or they take one that was winning the show every time and go to a horse thats now hit or miss on wins because they refuse to inject. If you wanna play this game you must get your horses out of pain. I feel so bad for horses that are running in pain and still trying their hearts out.
Where are they at, I wanna buy those horses.
They still ain't cheap.... |
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 Veteran
Posts: 232
Location: Wisconsin | knock on wood, i have been so lucky with my mare being so low maintenance. shes been seen by a chiro and he said she was in great shape, never has shown signs of ulcers, does not need injections, not a bleeder, etc. I do, however, take some preventive measures. they are by no means necessary but i just like to make sure my horse lasts as long as possible. My mare is dry lotted and on a round bale so she gets SmartPaks Smart breath. She gets aloe vera juice, lubrisyn, and forco! I keep her shod all the way around as well. None of this is necessary, though, i could definitely get away with her just being a horse! but i also want her to last as long as possible. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 371
| Thanks for explaining. Where do you get it? How much do u give? Do you have to get it from the vet? |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 378
Location: Saskatchewan | IMO, you get out what you put in.
My mare probably doesn't need to be wrapped up to trailer or cold hosed after a hard ride or done up with a little but of sore no more or mineral ice but she tries really hard for me and im gonna try really hard for her.
My colts on the other hand are lucky to get sprayed down after a ride lol |
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How many of your horses are "maintenance free"