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Good Equine Health Care Part of Equation for Racetrack Success

For American Quarter Horse breeder, racing enthusiast and barrel racer Christina Zehender of Fort Jennings, Ohio, the proof is in the racetrack payout. But the cash might have remained on the table had it not been for her willingness to give a promising 4-year-old one more chance.

NRCHA Competitor Shawn Hays On Setting the Groundwork

With the number of trophies, saddles, cinch down vests, buckles, plaques and romal reins Tammy Jo and Shawn Hays, Nocona, Texas, have won over the years in reined cow horse events, they could open their own shop. Competing on such talented stock as Shine Smartly (Shining Spark x Smartly Dressed), Hes Pretty Smart (Haidas Little Pep x Brilliant Little Lena) and Moonstruck Nic (Nic It In The Bud x Moonstruck Cat), just to name a few, the trainer and his wife have been in the winner’s circle often enough to cause one to wonder – what’s the secret to their success?

Setting the Stage for Success in the Ring

Competitive riders will use nearly any and all tools available to calm those pesky horse show nerves. Like most seasoned athletes, they are prepared, excited and passionate about competing, but their nerves can and do, sometimes, get the best of them.

Because they are human, riders have the opportunity to experiment with various methods of relaxation to relieve the stress of competition. But what about their equine partners?

Arabian Horse Owner Named Stay on Guard Spokesperson

Arabian horse owner Kari Kemper Hickam of Blue Springs, Mo., has always gone the extra mile to ensure her horses are well cared for and healthy. She’s slept in the barn with mares due to foal. She’s hand-walked injured horses for hours to expedite recovery from surgery. She’s in the barn every day to feed, water and clean stalls—before and after her eight-hour day in the marketing department of a bank. Because Kari has always gone to great lengths to keep her horses healthy, she was surprised when one of her show geldings was diagnosed with stomach ulcers.

New Stay on Guard Spokesperson Passionate about Horse Care

Caring for and learning about horses has been Amie Allen’s passion since she was old enough to ride. “Growing up riding horses of all disciplines, I would seek out as much information as I could to improve both my horses and myself,” she says.

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Photography by David R. Stoecklein