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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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