OK, well, Hubby took me away for this holiday weekend. Usually, I am able to write all of my blogs ahead of time and just schedule them to post while I am gone. But, this mini-vacation, I ran out of time and knew that I would need to write this blog for you to read on Monday.

Well, that sounds pretty easy, right?  Wrong.  I mean, normally it would be fun and easy to write the blog… but not today.

I had planned on writing about carousel horses.  I have a massive files of photos and a bunch of information all ready to go.  But, sadly, the internet service in this hotel is not too pleased with the size of my files or basically, just having to provide me any internet service at all.  I’m not sure if it is the photos that the internet service feels is objectionable or if it the service is just too tired to put the effort into uploading.

Dunno.

All I do know is that the hotel, which will remain nameless, in San Luis Obispo sure lacks in QUALITY INNternet.

I’m just sayin’… So, this morning, after pulling out all of my hairs, I’ve decided to switch gears and write about something less photo demanding…  The carousel horses will come later this week for sure.

FREE WEBINAR – TONIGHT!

I love these free webinars from Kam Animal Services (equine nutritionists/vets).  I have attended all three so far and will attend this one tonight.  FREE. All you have to do is sign up here.

The topic for tonight’s webinar is:

Oh, those sweet calories…….Understanding EMS/IR

Here is the description:

Many horses have problems in the way they metabolize carbohydrates and sugars. When these horses exhibit clinical signs, they may be diagnosed as Insulin Resistant (IR) or having Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). It is important to know that the various sources of energy from feeds are digested and metabolized differently. The three main sources of energy for horses are carbohydrates (starch), fats, and proteins. There are many commercially prepared high fat, low starch diets now available for these horses. Managing pasture turn out and grazing is also of vital importance. Grazing muzzles can save these horses lives! ??A way to identify horses with possible metabolic problems is to evaluate their overall appearance. Most of these horses will have abnormal fatty deposits along their neck (cresty) and at the base of the tail. Many geldings will also have increased fat deposits around their sheath. A long hair coat, low energy levels, recurring muscle, tendon, and/or ligament injuries, abscesses and laminitis are other good indicators of metabolic disorders. Blood tests are indicated to determine which disorder(s) is present. Research indicates that an overweight horse is more likely to become insulin resistant. ??Implementing a weight loss program through calorie and carbohydrate restriction, controlled exercise, and appropriate nutritional supplements may be all that is necessary to get insulin/glucose levels under control. Horses suffering from Insulin Resistance or Equine Metabolic Syndrome can greatly benefit from a nutrient specific supplemental program. ??Title: Oh, those sweet calories…….Understanding EMS/IR ??Date: Monday, February 21, 2011 ??Time: 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM CST

So, I suggest you sign up and go as I’ve loved every webinar so far.  Here is the sign up link, click here.

SPEAKING OF THE HEALTHY KIND OF EQUINE TREATS…

Last week I ordered the Skode’s Sale Cookies which are advertised on the right side of the website (www.horseandman.com).  If you get this via email, you don’t see the ad so I will tell you that you get 66 – 70, home-made, certified low sugar/starch Carrot Snip cookies from Skode’s for a really great price!  Here is the link.

I’m telling you this not only because the Kam webinar is about exactly this topic – the right kind of sugar and carb for your horse – but because my package arrived and I wanted you to see what I got!

First, the package from Skode’s arrived very quickly which I love!  Nothing like fresh cookies!  However, I know my horses will eat stale cookies so it doesn’t really matter to them.  But, I LIKE fresh cookies!

I ripped open the package and lo and behold, there was a surprise inside!  Yup, I got a bonus packet of equine brownies!  I was thrilled!  I love grab bags and surprises!   Also, I’ve gotta say, it is a great marketing decision to send a sample of something other than what your customer ordered.  That gets me every time…

Alright so now it is time to taste test with my wet (It has been really raining hard here the last few days…) and a bit cranky fuzzies.  I thought a nice treat would really help the mood out there.

First, as I was heading to the barn, Gwen stopped me and did her, “WHAT DO YOU HAVE IN YOUR HAND THAT I CAN SEE AND I WANT THAT NOW!” stance.

Of course, I gave in and went straight to her with the opened bag of brownies.  I gave her one and her eyes popped out of her little Morgan head.  “MORE!!!!!”.  You know that look…  So, I gave her another.

Then, I went into the barn and met with Norma who is still residing there because worried mother (me) cannot face putting her back outside even though she is basically fine after her bout of laminitis.  The AntiFlam is working wonders.  (linked here, no affiliation.)

So, since these cookies are the right kind of low sugar and starch, I knew I could give one to Norma.  Norma is very polite and doesn’t really ‘ask’ except to wave her huge ears around and gently inquire as to what I might have under my arm and could she potentially taste test that for me.

I agreed.  I gave a brownie to Norma and turned to go into the feed room.  Well, to my surprise, sweet Norma followed me in there!  “Ummm, excuse me, could I have another one of those tender morsels?”  Of course!

At that point, I switched to the bag of cookies and distributed them around the farm with glee!  Everyone had smiles on their faces and the whole place was skipping and frolicking.  Even Nomar, my mastiff, was curling his lips in delight – he eats the cookies, too!

ADVISE FOR TODAY

I highly recommend that you attend the webinar tonight and check out the future topics.  I think you will be very happy that you listened.  (You can re-listen if you miss the date but go to the website to find out how…).

And, buy some fabulous ‘good for your horse’ SALE cookies!  Click on the photo on the website or click here.

But whatever you do, don’t come to San Luis Obispo and think you can write your blog and put in high res photos without checking out the QUALITY of the INNternet…   (Wishing there was a Starbucks nearby…).    ;)

HORSE AND MAN is a blog in growth… if you like this, please pass it around!