Racehorses break down for several reasons. Here are the most common ones: Usually not sudden: Catastrophic injuries are often the final stage of stress injuries that built up over weeks or months before race day. Main drivers: Pre-existing stress injuries, insufficient recovery time, hard or inconsistent track surfaces, and conformational vulnerabilities that concentrate force on …
A few years back, I noticed that even with plenty of good-quality hay, some of my horses didn’t have the energy or condition I expected. Wanting to help them feel and look better, I took a deep dive into horse nutrition and learned the importance of ration balancers. With 25 years as a racehorse owner …
The night before a big race, my Thoroughbred Ashton refused his feed. Watching a horse turn away from a meal he normally cleaned up reminded me of something every trainer eventually learns: racehorse nutrition isn’t just about formulas—it’s about understanding the individual horse. After more than 30 years managing Thoroughbreds, I’ve found that feeding mistakes …
📘 Advanced Care & Performance Disclosure The strategies shared in this guide are based on over three decades of professional experience with performance horses and are intended for educational purposes only. Advanced nutrition, intensive training regimens, and emergency protocols carry inherent risks. I am not a veterinarian, and these techniques should not replace the individualized …
Managing a horse every day is about more than feeding and turnout—it’s about creating steady routines, keeping the environment safe, and learning the small patterns that tell you your horse is healthy and comfortable. Recognizing what “normal” looks like for your horse sets the foundation for practical care and helps you notice changes early, before …
The Chisos No. 2 is a $595 cowboy boot made in León, Mexico, with retired dairy cow leather, Goodyear welt construction, and an 11mm gel insole. I bought a pair in brushed brown and wore them for daily errands, casual wear, time on concrete floors, and long days on my feet. Here’s what I found. …
If you’ve seen horses in the paddock before a race — being saddled, paraded, or led to the track — you might notice that while many horses wear common gear like blinkers, shadow rolls, or leg wraps, the exact combination often varies from horse to horse. Every piece of equipment is chosen for a reason: …
Have you ever dreamed of owning a horse but worried about the costs involved? Growing up around horses on my family’s ranch in Louisiana and spending over 25 years in the horse racing industry, I’ve experienced the joys of horse ownership—and the hidden expenses that come with it. From emergency vet bills to tack and …
How do you promote strong and healthy hooves in horses? This question has guided me throughout my years as a lifelong horseman and racehorse owner. Having cared for horses of various breeds and disciplines, I’ve seen how proper hoof care—and specifically, promoting optimal hoof growth—can dramatically impact a horse’s health, performance, and longevity. Strong hooves …
For more than 30 years, I’ve managed horses both ways—barefoot Quarter Horses working cattle on my grandfather’s Louisiana ranch and shod Thoroughbred racehorses competing at Fair Grounds. The choice between barefoot and shod isn’t about which is “better”; it’s about what actually works for your individual horse. I’m Miles Henry (William Bradley, Louisiana Racing Commission …
