Dear Martha:
I have an 8 year old registered quarter horse mare that I have run for four years. She has always been very willing and has a great disposition. She has always had a sore back in the arena where the skirt of the saddle hits, right along the spine. I own and ride a round skirt saddle and use a round Navajo fleece pad. This combination seems to fit her well (she has average withers, not too high or low), but she still gets this sore back. Can you suggest a good pad that will also stay in place when I run? I also was wondering whether you ever had a problem with a mare’s ovaries. My mare gets cysts and they affect her when she runs barrels. I think she gets sore and then she refuses to enter the arena. I’ve talked to a few vets about this; everyone has a different opinion. My mare is such a pleasure to be around and work with but this ovary problem is changing her whole personality.
Beth Grossman

Dear Beth,
That must be a real frustrating problem for you. As far as the soreness in the back, you should have your horse checked by a good veterinarian. I would want to find out if the cysts were causing the soreness. In other word, if there is something wrong with the mare inside that is causing the pad to make her back sore, we would need to fix that problem. If there is nothing internally that is causing her to be sore, then you will need to experiment with pads until you find one that works.

In any case, there are several good pads and pad combinations that would work well for most horses. One is the felt lined Navajo pad next to their back and the acrylic pad underneath. Another option is a rubber pad between the Navajo pad and the saddle. As far as the ovaries, again, check with you local vet to try to isolate the problem. I have not had this problem before, myself, but I would sure try to get a complete physical examination for this horse to try to correct the problem. I hope you can get this worked out. It sounds like you really get along well with this mare. Remember there are vets that specialize in mare care.

Dear Martha:
I have a very high strung quarter horse off the track that's nine years old. I have patterned him and seasoned him, which has calmed him down a lot. I want a faster first barrel, and a faster approach. He’s smooth and running consistently to his pocket, but he’s just not putting out 100 % without being pushed. What little hints could you give me to improve his will to run without getting him too high and a “runaway”?
Denise

Dear Denise:
Maybe your horse just needs to know that you want him to run hard to the first barrel, I would scoot the barrel down the arena farther so that you have more room to get up more speed when you work him around the barrels. Sometimes having that extra space will get the horse to wanting to drive harder toward the first barrel. Remember, too, you can make a horse set by sitting down on him. Get up forward on him as you go toward the first barrel to help him know that you want him to hurry. Don’t shift your weight down until you are ready to set for the barrel. I hope you can get this worked out. It sounds like you are getting really close to winning runs.

Dear Martha:
I am having problems picking out a pocket on the first barrel from the alleyway. Could you please explain how to pick out a pocket from any alleyway. Could you give the number of steps or feet from the first barrel you would use for a pocket?
Jessie

Dear Jessie:
That first barrel is so important. You are right to want to get just the right pocket. Pocket size depends on different horses and their type of turns. If you have a horse that needs more bend, go wider so the horse can get some of the turn going into the pocket area. Experiment in practice to find out just how much room your horse needs to turn. Remember to use a pocket that gives the horse enough room to turn, yet keeps him collected. Once I figure out how big a pocket my horse needs, I find a place on the ground. Take your horse to that spot before you begin the turn. You’ll want to know where to ride your horse to. Some people pick a spot on the fence that lines up with their pocket to look at to help keep themselves straight on where they are going. The main thing is to decide how much room your horse needs to turn so he goes in with plenty of room and comes out real close to the barrel. Then you know how much room you will need to consistently ride your horse into the pocket. My book, Running To Win, has some great examples to study.

Dear Martha:
I have a horse that is getting a bad eye injury. I don’t know how it happened but it’s getting a lot of discharge. Please let me know what to do.
Pam

Dear Pam:
Eyes are so important and can be over looked. Get your horse to a good equine vet. I know one of the most important things is to keep him out of the light even if your horses wears a fly mask. There are several good solutions to put into the eye. If you use a medication and it gets worse BEWARE and get more help!

Dear Martha:
I am riding a mare that stocks up and gets swelling in her legs at night. What can I do?
Katie

Dear Katie:
Try turning your horse out in a area where she can get her own exercise. A little extra exercise can take out the swelling. Also try using ice for swelling. This is a great method to get rid of swelling. There is a ice boot on the market that really makes icing easy. Here is more information about it. www.prokold.com

My other suggestion is to wrap after you ice. Here is more information on wrapping. If you’ve tried all these and your are still getting swelling you should consult with a good equine vet.

Dear Martha:
I have a 18 year old gelding that is still doing great. Do you have any suggestions for a senior feeding program.
Ben

Dear Ben:
Yes, Purina has an exceptional feed for older horses. It’s called Equine Senior.
Equine Senior® Horse Feed
Equine Senior was formulated to provide owners with a complete feed that furnishes optimum nutrition for the older horses’ less efficient metabolic systems, to insure a lengthy and contented life. The feed, which was developed at Purina Mills’ Equine Research Center, is made up of pre-processed alfalfa and grain products that are high in nutrients and more easily digested by older horses than whole grain feeds, loose hay or pasture. Visit www.purinamills.com for more information.