Baca Equine

Sometimes the jumpers need support too 🤙🏼

 Quality over Quantity 

Wild that us farriers can tell a client “hey your horses need to be on a 6 week cycle, 7 and 8 are too long it’s doing more harm then good” the client ignores it for over a year then a Vet Tech comes along says the exact same thing and boom they are the lord and savior.. SMH

Switching to Summer schedule early please be prepared for 6 A.M. appointments

Why your weight matters for your horse.

Horses are strong animals, but their bodies are not built to carry unlimited weight. Matching the rider, tack, and workload appropriately is an important part of keeping horses comfortable and sound.

Excess rider weight can affect a horse by,

🔹 Increased strain on the back, joints, and soft tissues
🔹 Reduced balance and freedom of movement
🔹 Faster muscle fatigue and soreness
🔹 Higher risk of long-term soundness and lameness issues
🔹 Added cardiovascular stress, even during light work

General Weight Ratio Guidelines:
A widely accepted guideline is that a horse should carry no more than 15–20% of their body weight, including:
• Rider
• Saddle
• Tack

For example:
• A 1,000 lb horse = 150–200 lb total load
• A 1,200 lb horse = 180–240 lb total load

It’s important to remember that conformation, fitness level, age, conditioning, discipline, and duration of work all play a role. Not every horse can safely carry the same percentage.

This is not about judgment or body shaming it’s about biomechanics, horse welfare, and responsible horsemanship.

Keeping rider weight within a horse’s safe carrying capacity supports comfort, performance, and long-term soundness.

Understanding Metabolic Founder (Laminitis) in Horses

Not all founder is caused by grain. One of the most common types is metabolic founder, which is linked to hormone and insulin imbalance rather than a single feeding mistake.

What leads to metabolic founder?
• Equine Metabolic Syndrome (insulin resistance)
• PPID / Cushing’s disease
• High sugar intake from grass or hay

Some horses are sensitive enough to develop laminitis from pasture alone, especially during spring and fall grass changes.

What’s happening inside the hoof?
When insulin levels stay elevated, the structures that hold the coffin bone in place weaken. This can cause inflammation, pain, and in more serious cases, rotation or sinking of the coffin bone.

Signs owners may notice:
• Short or stiff stride
• Reluctance to move, especially on hard ground
• Shifting weight or standing camped under
• Strong digital pulses or warm hooves
• Changes in hoof growth rings over time

How metabolic founder is managed
• Low-sugar (low-NSC) forage
• Careful pasture access
• Maintaining a healthy body condition
• Consistent, correct hoof care
• Veterinary testing and support when needed

Metabolic founder is a management based condition. With early recognition and proper care, many horses can stay comfortable and sound long term.

Education and prevention are key understanding your horse’s risk factors can make a big difference.

Pressures a privilege, if there is no pressure on you are you really that relevant.

A great new year resolution can be get in shape for my horses sake. 👍

Hello Everyone,

I want to sincerely apologize to all of my clients for the inconvenience. I’ve been sick over the last few days and, unfortunately, need to reschedule some horses to make sure I’m able to do the best job possible. I truly appreciate your patience and understanding, and I will be reaching out to each of you to get everyone rescheduled as quickly as I can. Thank you again for your support.