April 2026 Issue

April 2026 | EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN 41 Curious? To learn more about our advertisers’ services + products use the QR code to go to our site, click on their ad and go directly to theirs! Go ahead... Ask da Mare Dear Mal… I’m a new horse owner, and am looking forward to Spring and the warm weather. Also looking forward to taking my horse on the trails near the barn where he lives. But it am kind of a worrier, and right now I’m consumed with the thoughts of all the terrible things that could happen to my horse! Will he get enough grass in the pas- ture? Or too much? Are there diseases that are just waiting for him? It’s not as if I didn’t do a lot of research before buying a horse, but looking at articles is a lot different than looking into the trusting eyes of this beautiful horse. Can you helpme feel less fearful? Nervous in Bucks County Dear Nervous… Congratulations on your new horse! It’s almost a fact of horse life that people who love horses and bring them into their lives spend a lot of time research- ing—but in the end, it never seems to be enough time. You’re not the first horse owner who has been bedeviled by the “did I think this through carefully enough?” litany of wor- ries. We have had a pretty rough winter here in the eastern part of Pennsylvania, and that could lead to challenges in the pastures. To help you feel more confident, you should talk to the person who manages the barn about turnout as the pasture grass comes back. There are sometimes issues when horses eat too much new grass, with its high sugar con- tent. Depending on how lush the grass is, the barn manager may adjust turnout times for the horses. Other issues related to your horse’s basic health include routine shots, foot care, etc. Talk to your veterinarian to make sure your horse has all the important immuniza- tions. And check the barn manager to see if there’s a farrier that takes care of the horses. If not, the barn manager and your veterinarian may knowof some farriers to recommend. As they often say, “no foot, no horse.” You want to make sure your horse’s feet are trimmed, shoes are tight and there are no signs of trou- ble. As spring turns into summer, there are other challenges, like ticks and flies. Egad! You should take a look at all the sprays and repellents available and choose the remedies that are best suited to your horse, the place where he lives and the conditions of the pas- ture and surrounding areas. And don’t forget the fly mask! It’s essential gear to keep pesky flies out of your horse’s eyes. Happiest of trails to you and your horse! Dear Mal… My horse lives at a pret- ty busy barn. It’s a great place, with a huge indoor so weather is rarely a factor when it comes to riding. I’ve been riding for most of my life, and love taking my horse out on the trails. It’s my favorite way to unwind and get close to what matters most tome. Most of the people I see there are pretty nice, but there are some “experts” who seem to enjoy making my life miserable. One person came up tome one day at the wash stall. She said something to the effect that she almost never sees young men riding. Then she pointed at my feet and said, “are those riding boots?” I kind of ig- nored the question and just smiled. But then she came up to me later and said that there are some basic, unwritten rules for equestri- ans. “You should get yourself some proper gear.” Another one of these experts told me that my horse’s saddle was not a good fit for him. “Your horse is going to go lame from a sore back,” he said. I don’t want to cause any trouble, but I also don’t want nosy people to spoil the joy and fun I get from riding. Do you have any ideas about how I can deal with these people? Frustrated Dear Frustrated… It amazes me how people seem to think that the “victims” of their advice are too shy to ask them what they think. The world is full of people who, for whatever reason, can’t stop themselves from pestering people with their advice. It’s very adult of you to look for ways to avoid trouble, so let’s figure out the motivations of these people. I’ve known people at barns who are simply trying to make themselves seem important. They do this by picking on people they think are easy targets. They don’t set out to be mean. They only want to fill some gap in their own self-esteem. Ignoring or evading them is not going to stop them from pester- ing you. Take some time to observe how these people interact with other riders at the barn. It’s likely you’re not the sole target. What’s the best way to respond to all this advice without creating drama? Humor. Genuine interest. To the person who said your horse’s saddle was not a good fit, ask this: “what makes you say that? I’ve been using the same saddle for several years, andmy horse is pretty sound. Is there something you see that I have missed?” Engage with them, make them tell you what’s really on their minds. By inviting them to talk to you, you’re giving them something they obviously need: an opportunity to have a conversation. Maybe they do have some good advice; and maybe they could learn something from you as well. This may not be the solution to the “barn pests,” but it’s a step you should take to ensure that your kindness is what they see. 717-866-6581 BlueChipStructures.com