DT Equine

To focus on my MSc and my own program, I’ll be stepping back from taking on outside training horses for the time being.

I’m grateful for the horses and owners I’ve had the chance to work with. Thank you for your support!

I’ll continue sharing updates on my own horses and program.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝?
Last year I watched ropings, sorting, working cow horse, rodeo, jumping, reining, and ranch trail, and loved every minute! Excited to see the lineup this year.
I’d love to hear from you! Which events do you never miss?

𝑲𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒔𝒆’𝒔 𝒗𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒔🌡️🩺
Knowing your horse’s baseline vital signs can help you recognize illness or distress early.

Normal ranges for an adult horse
(𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘷𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘦, 𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘦, 𝘢𝘨𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘥)

• Heart rate: 26–44 beats per minute
• Respiratory rate: 8–24 breaths per minute
• Temperature: 36.6–38.3°C (98–101°F)
• Gut sounds: active gurgling on both sides of the abdomen
• Capillary refill time: less than 2 seconds (press the gum and watch how fast color returns)
Every horse is a little different, so it’s a good idea to check your horse when they are healthy and relaxed so you know what’s normal for them.
Quick checks like these can help you catch problems early and give your vet better information if something seems off.

Reference:https://vetmed.tennessee.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/UTCVM_HowToTakeHorseVitalSigns.pdf

𝑭𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑭𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒂𝒚: 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒓 𝑳𝒐𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈
Many horses struggle with loading, but this is a skill every horse should have for their safety and yours.
A few tips to build confidence with trailer loading:
• Practice regularly, not just when you need to leave
• Break the process into small, calm steps
• Reward forward movement and curiosity
• Stay patient and avoid rushing or forcing
• End on a positive note, even if progress is small
Low stress practice turns trailer loading into a routine experience.

𝐈’𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐩𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲! 🎧
Some of my favorites:
Straight from the Horse Dr’s Mouth
Ask an Expert
The Business of Horses with Solo Select

Listening to these helps me stay on top of training techniques, horse care, and running a successful training program, all things I bring to every horse I work with.
What are your favorite equestrian podcasts? I’m always looking for new episodes to listen to at or away from the barn!

soloselecthorses
springhillequine rideiqofficial

𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑺𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 & 𝑺𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒓 2026! Scroll through the services to find the right fit for you and your horse.
📍 Prince George, BC
Travel available within ~20 km.
Limited spots available. Message to discuss your horse and goals.

𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬
Many young or green horses need consistent miles to become confident, reliable partners. Some signs your horse may need more time in work:
• Struggles with confidence under saddle
• Gets tense or rushes on trails
• Loses focus quickly during rides
• Inconsistent transitions or responsiveness
• Spooky or hesitant in new environments
Consistent, purposeful work builds strength, confidence, and rideability, creating the foundation of a solid horse.

𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲: 𝐓𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠
With spring coming up, now is the perfect time to get your tack cleaned and ready for the season ahead. Here’s a simple routine:
1. Wipe off dust, sweat, and hair using a warm, damp cloth.
2. Clean the leather with a non-sudsy saddle soap using a soft cloth.
3. Apply a leather conditioner to restore moisture and prevent cracking.
4. Wipe down metal hardware (buckles, bits, D-rings, and stirrups) to remove dirt and prevent rust.
Check your tack for any damage or weak stitching and repair as needed before using. Regular tack care keeps your equipment safe, comfortable for your horse, and ready for busy riding days ahead.

Absolutely loving this custom hair clip from my friend red_roan_leather 🤍 She nailed my logo and the craftsmanship is amazing. So fun having a piece of my brand I can wear every day!

𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞’𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲 ❤️
Showing your horse love isn’t just about treats. Here’s how to show your horse you care:
🤍 Be consistent: Keep routines predictable, including ground rules, feeding times, and handling to help your horse feel safe and confident.
🤍 Don’t show love through food: Treats are fine in moderation, but your horse’s health matters most. Aim for a body condition score of 5–6, keeping them fit, healthy, and ready for work.
🤍 Meet their basic needs: Provide food, shelter, and clean, fresh water every day.
🤍 Spend quality time: Grooming, groundwork, and training sessions strengthen your relationship.
🤍 Give them room to learn: Allow your horse to make mistakes and learn from them, rather than rushing to correct them.
🤍 Work on yourself: Improving as a rider and handler helps your horse feel more confident and secure.
🤍 Routine care with professionals: Build strong relationships with your vet and farrier so your horse receives regular check-ups, vaccinations, and hoof care.
Love your horse the way they need it most ❤️