Blue Apple Ranch

Summer Kid’s Camp at Blue Apple

Blue Apple Ranch — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 23:56:39 +0000

See all the fun we had at Blue Apple Ranch Kid’s Camp this summer.

Special thanks to Monique Feil Photography for her excellent work capturing all the fun and excitement.

Pre-Ride Stretches from Dr. Moore

Blue Apple Ranch — Tue, 10 May 2011 22:00:19 +0000

Download a printable stretch guide (PDF 460KB). Read the full list of stretches after the jump.

Carrot Stretches

Side to Side. Stretch head/neck pass midline
Up and Down. Reaching as high as you can go. Then between their legs for a bow.

Fetlock Release

Support Sesamoid bones and bringing the hoof through a full range of motion.
Cannon Rotations
With your elbow locked into theirs, life the hoof to 90 degrees and rotated counter clockwise 3 times
With elbow still into theirs rotated cannon clockwise 3 times

Front Leg Stretches

Pull front leg forward. Supporting under horses “Knee”. Allow 10 to 12 seconds for the horse to truly “Give” You their leg.
Rotated leg counter clockwise. Watch the scapula movement up on the wither. REMEMBER TO USE YOUR LEGS. NO MATTER WHAT LET THE HORSE WIN IF THEY PULL BACK OR AWAY.
Rotate leg clockwise. Watch the scapula movement up on the withers. REMEMBER TO USE YOUR LEGS. NO MATTER WHAT LET THE HORSE WIN IF THEY PULL BACK OR AWAY.
Pull front leg back. It stimulates “Running”. Hold for 10 to 12 seconds.

Hind Legs

Rear Fetlocks. There is a suspensory ligament that supports the hoof. So extend the leg down and let the hoof drop and Support Sesamoid bones and bringing the hoof through a full range of motion.
Extend leg back and let it relax. REMEMBER TO USE YOUR LEGS. NO MATTER WHAT LET THE HORSE WIN IF THEY PULL BACK OR AWAY.
Pull the leg forward. Stretching the hind side of the horse back leg. REMEMBER TO USE YOUR LEGS. NO MATTER WHAT LET THE HORSE WIN IF THEY PULL BACK OR AWAY.

Tail Pull

Only twice a month

Belly Scratches to arch the back up. Please be careful for kicking legs. Some horses are irritated by this stretch/scratch but helpful in keeping a supple topline.

How Blue Apple Ranch Got Its Name

Blue Apple Ranch — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 01:28:00 +0000

In our efforts to continue helping people, and to save as many horses as we can, Toby Wells Foundation set out on a focused mission, rooted in traditional values. With a steadfast aim to celebrate the positivity that surrounds horses and equestrian living, it was essential that the name for this initiative captured the hearts and minds of wider audiences. Read more on our FAQ page.

Horse Care Guidelines

Blue Apple Ranch — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 23:12:24 +0000

Owning a horse is a big responsibility which takes time, commitment and plenty of funds. Horses depend upon their owners to take care of all their basic needs such as food, shelter, medical care, physical and emotional well being. Horses do not have to be ridden, but they do need a significant amount of time spent with them to maintain their basic needs. Keeping your horse healthy will make ownership significantly more pleasurable in the long run.

Be responsible and reap the rewards. Find out more at the Humane Society’s Horse Care Guidelines.

Health and Wellness

Blue Apple Ranch — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 23:08:39 +0000

The health and wellness of our equine companions is important to not only the horses, but also to us as equine owners and equine lovers. Maintaining a healthy horse will keep them comfortable throughout their lives, and help them to live longer more productive lives. The key to keeping your horse healthy and in the best possible shape is preventative medicine and good nutrition. These include regular vaccinations, regular dentals, and a good quality diet. Many of the problems horses have later in life can be traced back to a lack of good preventative care as young horses. Addressing these issues early can
also save you money later on. Diseases that could have easily been prevented with a $40 vaccination.