kentucky-lifestyle

Brief overview for understanding terminology used in Wills and Trusts.

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 15:25:00 GMT

Explaining terminology used in Wills and Trusts

Explaining the meaning of certain legal terminology involving the transferring of properties after someone’s death.

Disclaimer:

At Kentucky Lifestyle Properties we do not claim to be real estate attorneys. But we are involved in many real estate transactions. This is a brief overview of some of the wordage that can be confusing for some people.

Please consult an attorney who is well versed in real estate law when planning the distribution of your property and assets.

Real estate terminology can be difficult for many to understand who are not directly associated with the real estate industry on a day-to-day basis.

When someone dies, what happens to their property and assets?

Who gets what depends on if there were any prior arrangements or documentation filed by the owner or owners to ensure a smooth transition of ownership to the surviving family members.

This could be a very trying and confusing time if steps were not taken to ensure a smooth transition of ownership.

What happens if someone dies without a recorded Will or anything stating who will inherit their assets?

When this happens, the court will take over through a process called probate .

The court will oversee the process of the distribution of assets to the deceased person’s heirs or beneficiaries. If a person dies without a will or the will is unclear , probate ensures the assets are handled and distributed according to state laws.

But here is where some of the terminology can be confusing for most people.

Administrator vs Executor

An administrator and an executor both manage the estate of a deceased person, but they are appointed differently. An executor is named in the will and is responsible for carrying out the testators wishes. An administrator is appointed by the probate court when someone dies without a will (intestate) or if named executor is unable or unwilling to serve .

What does testate mean? This is where a person died leaving a valid will.

What does intestate mean? This means the person died without a will. A testate estate is distributed according to the will’s instructions, while an intestate estate is distributed according to state laws of intestacy.

There are other ways to ensure a smooth transition of property ownership through the creation of a Trust .

There are two main types of trusts that are commonly used.

Revocable and Irrevocable .

You can choose to create a revocable living trust , which can change or revoke at any time, or an irrevocable trust which is more permanent.

Here in Kentucky, a living trust is a legal document that allows you to manage your assets during your lifetime and distribute them to beneficiaries after your death, all while passing the probate process. You create a trust while you are alive, and the assets you in it are managed by a trustee who can be you or someone else according to the terms of the trust.

A Successor Trustee is someone you will name to take over managing the trust and distributing assets after your death.

Creation of the trust: You as the settler, create the trust and place your assets like real estate, bank accounts or investments into it.

Many people are under the impression that a last will and testament is still all that is needed when it comes to estate planning. Unfortunately, however, a will by itself sometimes isn’t enough. Instead, most people require a plan that consists of several estate planning documents.

As stated earlier, it is always advisable to contact an Attorney when creating a will or a trust.

Managing your horses care in the Spring in Kentucky

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 21:05:19 GMT

Here's a few ideas on taking care of your horse this Spring

Springtime in Kentucky is an exciting time for horse owners as it marks the beginning of the show season, but it's also a critical time for horse care. With warmer temperatures, longer days, and an abundance of lush grass, spring presents unique challenges for horse owners. In this blog, we'll take a look at some essential tips for horse care in the spring in Kentucky.

Check for Parasites: Spring is a prime time for parasites such as worms and bots, which can cause serious health issues in horses. Make sure to schedule a fecal egg count with your veterinarian to determine your horse's parasite load. Your vet may recommend deworming your horse with an appropriate product to help reduce the risk of infection.
Monitor Weight: Spring grass can be high in sugar and calories, causing horses to gain weight rapidly. Be sure to monitor your horse's weight regularly and adjust their diet accordingly. Consider limiting their access to lush pasture, providing hay instead, and reducing the amount of grain they receive.
Vaccinations: Spring is a great time to ensure your horse is up-to-date on their vaccinations. Speak with your vet to determine what vaccinations are appropriate for your horse and their lifestyle. Some common vaccinations include tetanus, rabies, and influenza.
Grooming: Spring is a time of shedding, so make sure to groom your horse regularly to help remove their winter coat. Not only does grooming help keep your horse looking great, but it also helps promote skin and coat health.
Hoof Care: Spring also brings wetter weather, which can create a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi in your horse's hooves. Keep your horse's hooves clean and dry and schedule regular visits with your farrier to ensure proper trimming and shoeing.
Exercise: With warmer temperatures, spring is a great time to start getting your horse back into a regular exercise routine. Start slowly and build up gradually to avoid injury, and consider incorporating some variety into your horse's exercise routine with trail rides or arena work.

In conclusion, spring is an exciting time for horse owners in Kentucky, but it also requires careful attention to your horse's health and well-being. By following these essential tips for horse care in the spring, you can help keep your horse healthy and happy as you prepare for the show season ahead. Remember, if you have any concerns about your horse's health, don't hesitate to consult with your veterinarian.

Drone & Airports. What is controlled air space and how do I know if I am in it?

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 14:44:06 GMT

Knowing the FAA rules on flying within airport controlled air space can save a lot of money and time.

What is controlled air space and how do I tell if I'm in it?

The reason this question is very important is that in order to operate UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) in controlled airspace, both commercial and recreational UAS operators need prior authorization to operate. You need permission before you begin your operation in controlled air space.

Airspace within the United States is divided into multiple classes. Class A, B, C, D, and E airspaces are considered controlled., while G is considered uncontrolled. G is basically the air space that exist that is not controlled by any ATC Air traffic Control.

Where the confusion comes in for a lot of the part 107 FAA Pilots is not knowing where it is legal for them to fly. The class E air space has several different E classifications. Type E4, E3, and E2. E2 is the most common and the most misunderstood. If you are in this airspace and have a 107 certification you must apply for a Air Space Authorization or waiver.

If you are a land owner and are thinking of selling your farm or even home on a lot in town that is near an airport, you need to let your drone pilot know weeks in advance so they can get the proper authorization. If they don't and they get caught it could cost them tens of thousands of dollars.

I am a FAA Certified Drone Pilot. I take all the aerial photos and videos for Kentucky Lifestyle Properties. I have to double check myself from time to time on the rules.

Just today someone called me and ask if I could take the drone shots for "A Night To Shine" here in Somerset KY. at the Center for Rural Development. A Tim Tebow Foundation event. For some reason their other drone pilot dropped out at the last minute. I did not have time to get the authorization, it was in a Class E2 zone within rock throwing distance of the Lake Cumberland Regional Airport. it would take me a minimum of two weeks for it to process.

When planning events that may involve a drone pilot, check the rules.

Interested in Purchasing a Kentucky Horse farm?

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 17:52:43 GMT

Things to consider when buying an Equine property in Kentucky

Operating a horse farm in Kentucky is a dream for many equine enthusiasts. With its rolling bluegrass pastures and rich horse culture, Kentucky offers an ideal setting for hobby farmers looking to venture into equine care. Whether your goal is boarding horses, raising them for pleasure riding, or dabbling in breeding, managing a small horse farm requires passion, planning, and practicality. When purchasing your new horse farm, working with a knowledgeable Real Estate professional with an equine property ownership background is highly recommended.

Before your first horse steps onto the property, ensure your farm’s infrastructure is safe and functional. Start by evaluating your land and pastures. Horses thrive with ample space to graze and move, and a general guideline is 1-2 acres per horse. Proper fencing is critical; Kentucky horse farms often use four-board wooden fences for their sturdiness and safety, or woven wire with a board on top to keep predators out. Avoid barbed wire, as it can cause serious injuries. Additionally, while horses love the outdoors, they need proper shelter to protect them from harsh weather. A well-maintained barn or run-in sheds are essential for their comfort and safety.

Investing in quality pasture management is also key. Kentucky’s rich soil is ideal for growing nutritious grasses like bluegrass and clover, but maintaining healthy pastures requires regular mowing, reseeding, and soil testing. Clear pastures of toxic plants such as buttercup and hemlock to ensure your horses remain healthy. Wild Cherry trees can also cause problems if not managed correctly. Having a reliable water source, such as automatic waterers or clean troughs, is another necessity, as horses need constant access to fresh water. Keep in mind with Kentucky’s winters, heated waterers are a must during cold months. Locating a reliable hay source for your horses’ winter feed supplement is as important as a well maintained dry place to store it.

Managing a horse farm also means mastering the art of equine care. From daily feeding routines to grooming and hoof care, each aspect contributes to the health and happiness of your horses. Regular veterinary visits, vaccinations, and deworming schedules are non-negotiable for their wellbeing. Additionally, building a strong relationship with a trusted farrier is crucial for hoof maintenance and overall health.

Owning a horse farm in Kentucky offers numerous benefits for the average buyer, combining the practical advantages of the state’s equestrian heritage with the enjoyment of a rural lifestyle. Kentucky’s fertile soil and temperate climate provide ideal conditions for raising and caring for horses, making it a top location for equine enthusiasts. The state’s long-standing reputation as the "Horse Capital of the World" ensures access to a wealth of resources, including world-class veterinarians, farriers, trainers, and feed suppliers, as well as proximity to equestrian events, breeding facilities, and horse auctions. For recreational riders, Kentucky’s scenic landscapes and abundance of riding trails enhance the overall experience of horse ownership.

Should you get a home inspection?

Mon, 06 May 2024 21:19:10 GMT

Should a home buyer have a home inspection done before buying their home. Why having a Home Inspection is a good idea.

Should you or should you not have a home inspection before purchasing a home?

Being in the construction business for over 30 years and most of that as an electrical contractor in the Central Kentucky area, I have seen some pretty scary things while working on remodels or upgrades of homes. Many that were not easily detected without looking very carefully.

If you decide that you do want a home inspection and the seller is adamant about not wanting their home inspected, you may want to walk away. For there is a reason, more than likely numerous reasons the sellers are not wanting their home inspected.

Some buyers are willing not to have any inspections, which is perfectly ok if as the buyer you have looked everything over carefully. Some buyers are handymen or women themselves and are capable of doing any repairs that need to be done to the home saving them time as well as money.

Some sellers inform buyers upfront that they are not doing any repairs that the home is being sold as is. This being said, some buyers will still have a home inspection just to get an idea if there may be any major structural damage that could be a possible dangerous situation.

Having a home inspection is a good idea whether the seller agrees to fix anything or not. For its best to spend money on an inspection which is just a fraction of what a major home repair could possibly be!

It’s better to spend several hundred dollars up front to find major damage than it is to find major damage after closing that could potentially cost you tens of thousands of dollars.

Don’t be scared when you get your Home Inspectors report. There will be numerous things on that report. Dozens of things in some cases. But that is the Home Inspectors job. You have hired them to find out everything that can possibly be wrong with your potential new home. Finding small things which do not mean too much to major things which could be very costly.

Most sellers will work with you to get the problems that are found resolved. If not, it can be a good bargaining tool when negotiating the final price.

A home inspection is money well spent in my opinion. Have your realtor give you the name of several reliable and trusted home inspectors that are used regularly in their area.

Remember the cheapest is not always the best. Always get referrals.

Happy house hunting.

Equine Safety & Yellow Buttercups in Kentucky pastures.

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 15:13:02 GMT

Horses need plenty of fresh water and salt as well as shade in extreme hot weather conditions.

According to the current USDA PLANTS database, nearly 30 different species of Ranunculus, or buttercups, are found in Kentucky. Leaves, flowers and stems of buttercup have a sharp, pungent taste and the plants are generally avoided by grazing livestock.

Some Ranunculus species contain ranunculin, a compound hydrolyzed to protoanemonin when the plants are damaged – for example, when they are chewed. Protoanemonin is a vesicant, meaning it causes blistering of the skin, mouth and digestive system.

Ranunculus species with the highest ranunculin concentrations are the most toxic. Damage to plant cells also occurs when buttercups are cut and dried in hay. Hydrolysis of ranunculin to protoanemonin likely occurs as the plants dry. Protoanemonin then forms anemonin, which is not a vesicant. Dried Ranunculus plants are therefore expected to lose toxic potential fairly rapidly, although specific research has not been published to confirm this. The risk posed by Ranunculus species in Kentucky is minimal if there are plenty of other forages present – animals avoid grazing the unpalatable fresh plants, and the dried plants appear to be much less toxic.

Buttercups can cause mouth pain and blisters, drooling, oral and gastric ulcers, colic and diarrhea. Horses are probably the most sensitive species to the gastrointestinal effects of Ranunculus species. These effects can be severe if buttercups are ingested in large quantities, but their acrid taste usually deters further grazing. Clinical signs are typically seen only in animals forced to consume buttercups when they have nothing else to eat.

A few anecdotal reports have suggested an association between the presence of Ranunculus species in the pastures and abortions in cattle and horses; these reports are unconfirmed, and attempts to reproduce the disease have been unsuccessful. Bur buttercup (Ceratocephalus testiculatus) can cause significant illness, but this plant occurs primarily in the Western U.S. and is not a true buttercup, as it belongs to a different genus.

A review of UKVDL records over the last 13 years found no cases of livestock deaths attributable to Ranunculus. It is possible, however, that cases of colic or diarrhea have unknowingly been caused by ingestion of Ranunculus species and were never attributed to the plant. Buttercup toxicosis poses the greatest risk to starving animals with nothing else to eat; it can be easily prevented by providing animals with adequate forage. Because animals avoid grazing Ranunculus, it proliferates in overgrazed pastures. Overgrazing can be prevented by maintaining appropriate stocking rates.

According to the UK publication, “Broadleaf Weeds of KY Pastures, AGR-207,” (http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/AGR/AGR207/AGR207.pdf) Late February or March is the time of the year to spray for buttercup control. Maintaining good grass cover prevents many weeds, including buttercup, from germinating in fall or winter. Resting pastures and not overgrazing are key to improving pasture health. Thin stands with bare areas or that contain summer annual grasses like crabgrass can be overseeded with a pasture mix in September. Be sure to soil test every two to three years and apply amendments based on soil test recommendations. In most horse pastures, nitrogen is most beneficial in the fall to improve root density and thicken stands.

For more information, check out our publications Establishing Horse Pastures or Soil Sampling and Nutrient Management of Horse Pastures.

( https://forages.ca.uky.edu/files/establishing_horse_pastures.pdf ) Additional information on buttercup in pastures and control methods can be found in here. https://kyforagenews.com/2018/01/31/buttercups-in-grazed-pastures/

Why use a Realtor v/s Sales Agent

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 16:24:24 GMT

Why Use a REALTOR®

Working with a REALTOR®

All real estate licensees are not the same. Only real estate licensees who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® are properly called REALTORS®. They proudly display the REALTOR® "®" logo on the business card or other marketing and sales literature. REALTORS® are committed to treat all parties to a transaction honestly. REALTORS® subscribe to a strict Code of Ethics and are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge of the process of buying and selling real estate. An independent survey reports that 84% of home buyers would use the same REALTOR® again.

Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime. Transactions today usually exceed $100,000. If you had a $100,000 income tax problem, would you attempt to deal with it without the help of a CPA? If you had a $100,000 legal question, would you deal with it without the help of an attorney? Considering the small upside cost and the large downside risk, it would be foolish to consider a deal in real estate without the professional assistance of a REALTOR®.

But if you're still not convinced of the value of a REALTOR®, here are several more reasons to use one:

Your REALTOR® can help you determine your buying power — that is, your financial reserves plus your borrowing capacity. If you give a REALTOR® some basic information about your available savings, income and current debt, he or she can refer you to lenders best qualified to help you. Most lenders — banks and mortgage companies — offer limited choices.

Your REALTOR® can assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each property. Agents who are REALTORS® have access to a variety of informational resources. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning. schools, etc. There are two things you'll want to know. First, will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?

Your REALTOR® can help you negotiate. There are myriad negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings or equipment. The purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.

Your REALTOR® provides due diligence during the evaluation of the property. Depending on the area and property, this could include inspections for termites, dry rot, asbestos, faulty structure, roof condition, septic tank and well tests, just to name a few. Your REALTOR® can assist you in finding qualified responsible professionals to do most of these investigations and provide you with written reports.

Your REALTOR® can help you in understanding different financing options and in identifying qualified lenders.

Your REALTOR® can guide you through the closing process and make sure everything flows together smoothly.

When selling your home, your REALTOR® can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace and the price, financing, terms and condition of competing properties. These are key factors in getting your property sold at the best price, quickly and with minimum hassle.

Your REALTOR® markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. Often, your REALTOR® can recommend repairs or cosmetic work that will significantly enhance the salability of your property. Your REALTOR® markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. In many markets across the country, over 50% of real estate sales are cooperative sales; that is, a real estate agent other than yours brings in the buyer. Your REALTOR® acts as the marketing coordinator, disbursing information about your property to other real estate agents through a Multiple Listing Service or other cooperative marketing networks, open houses for agents, etc. The REALTOR® CODE OF ETHICS requires REALTORS® to utilize these cooperative relationships when they benefit their clients.

Your REALTOR® will know when, where and how to advertise your property. There is a misconception that advertising sells real estate. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® studies show that 82% of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, family and personal contacts. When a property is marketed with the help of your REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.

Your REALTOR® can help you objectively evaluate every buyer's proposal without compromising your marketing position. This initial agreement is only the beginning of a process of appraisals, inspections and financing — a lot of possible pitfalls. Your REALTOR® can help you write a legally binding, win-win agreement that will be more likely to make it through the process.

Your REALTOR® can help close the sale of your home. Between the initial sales agreement and closing (or settlement), questions may arise. For example, unexpected repairs are required to obtain financing or a cloud in the title is discovered. The required paperwork alone is overwhelming for most sellers. Your REALTOR® is the best person to objectively help you resolve these issues and move the transaction to closing (or settlement).

-Source: National Association of REALTORS® ( www.nar.realtor )

Keep those pesky flies off of your horse this summer

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 14:51:06 GMT

Here's a few ideas on taking care of your horse this summer and keeping flies away!

Protect your horse this summer with these popular fly control methods. No one like seeing their horse suffer from swarms of biting flies, and it's also not pleasant for you and anyone else that is around your horses as well!

Fly Masks:

You will know when to put a fly mask on a horse because you will see flies swarming your horse at an unusually frequent rate. Most horse owners can anticipate this by putting preventative fly masks on their horses as the seasons change, and the weather grows hotter. Flies tend to come out more in the summer months, so have a fly mask at the ready come June-July so that your horse does not spend too many days unprotected. Fly masks are also good ideas in the summertime, not just to protect your horse from bothersome insects, but to provide facial protection from harsh UV rays.

Fly Sprays:

When used as directed, fly sprays can be effective in reducing irritation and the risk of diseases transmitted by flies, and should be considered as a component of horse owners' fly control regiment. A few casual spritzes of fly spray over your horse's topline isn't going to do much to keep bugs away. Most manufacturers recommend apply 2 to 3 ounces of product, which can be as much as 40 sprays of the bottle. Apply the product everywhere—especially down the legs and under the belly where flies congregate. All fly sprays are not created equal. Some fly sprays contain multiple active ingredients for a quick knockdown and repellency, providing a barrier that prevents flies from attacking horses before they land. Others contain natural ingredients, skin conditioners or sweat-resistance properties. Before using a fly repellent, always read the label to find the one that works best for your needs. At our farm we personally use Endure Fly Spray for our horses. Endure Sweat-Resistant Fly Repellent Spray stays active and keeps working even in wet conditions. Provides up to 14 days fly control. Protects against stable flies, horse flies, deer flies, house flies, face flies, horn flies, gnats, mosquitoes, ticks, deer ticks and lice. Endure is the only fly repellent spray with RepeLock, an exclusive conditioner that binds to the hair shaft, locking in the fly repellency of Endure fly spray. This unique formula stays active even when your horse sweats or in wet conditions. Endure Fly Spray contains 0.15% cypermethrin, 0.20% pyrethrins and 1.60% piperonyl butoxide.

Feed through Fly Control:

Early prevention is key. One of the biggest obstacles in fly population management is manure – because that's where flies lay their eggs. Feed through fly control can help prevent the growth of stable flies in your horse's manure. Waste evacuated from the horse as manure contains the effective fly control directly in it. The result? No more flies! Effective feed through fly control options work by breaking the life cycle of the fly in treated manure. These supplements, including additives are created to be safe, palatable, and eagerly eaten by horses.

Professional photos and videos are a must

Fri, 06 May 2022 20:59:15 GMT

Having quality photos and videos are must in selling homes and land in todays highly visual based markets.

Being in the Real Estate industry as Realtor, I get to see a lot of photos of the outside and inside of homes that have been listed to sell while searching for properties for clients.

Being a Professional Photographer and Certified FAA Drone Pilot for United Country Real Estate Kentucky Lifestyle Properties in Somerset KY, I tend to pay attention more to the quality of the photos and how the properties are being presented online.

To a homeowner who is looking to sell their home, how your home compares to others online photo wise is a big deal. The photos of your home are generally the first thing they see.

If a potential buyer sees two similar homes online that they like, or if an agent is searching for properties for a client and sees two homes which meet the criteria of their buyer, the right photos will make all the difference in whether the client wants to set up a viewing appointment of either property.

For example. The first home is very neat, inside, and outside, everything super clean, and in its place, potential buyers can see that the owners of this home have taken extremely good care of it. The second home is cluttered, clothes and toys scattered everywhere, dirty dishes in the kitchen sink, stains on the carpet, holes, or crayon marks on the walls, half the lightbulbs in a chandelier not working or the bulbs are different colors, trash in the yard, gutters hanging from the roof, yard hasn’t been mowed in weeks, are you getting the picture?

Which house would you think they will tend to lean towards making an offer on?

As a homeowner if you are thinking of listing your home, contact a Real Estate Office. Most quality agencies have either a photographer on staff or a Real Estate Photography Company they use to get the best possible photos for that listing.

Set up a meeting with the Real Estate Office and their photographer, let them view your home or property and see if there may be anything that needs to be done that will improve the quality of your photos or videos.

A lot of what I have mentioned is really very simple!

To sell your home for the highest dollar amount, it needs to be in the best photography and showing condition possible.

As my wife says, you must show it to sell it.

Buyers have to want to come see your home, so give them the very best first impression you can which is generally your online photos.

Horses and extreme hot weather temperatures in Kentucky

Sat, 05 Feb 2022 15:05:38 GMT

Horses need plenty of fresh water and salt as well as shade in extreme hot weather conditions.

The season for extreme hot days is upon us here in the Central to South Central Kentucky areas.

Keeping animals cool and hydrated are a very important part of keeping them healthy during extremely hot temperatures.

As horse farm owners for more than 25 years, my wife Kathleen and I know the importance of keeping horses well hydrated and safe in extreme hot temperature seasons.

Average horses will drink around 1 gallon of water per 100 pounds of body weight daily. So a 1,000 pound horse will drink on average around 10 to 12 gallons of water a day. During extreme high temperature days this can go up to as much as 15 gallons of water a day.

A mare that is with foal can consume up to 20 to 30 gallons of water a day depending on the size of the mare.

A suckling foal can consume as much as 20 to 30 pounds of milk in a 24 hour period, so this takes a lot of water for the mare to produce this much milk.

Its very important for the water to be fresh and as cool as possible. If water has been sitting in a metal or rubber stock tank in the open sun and has not been changed, the water temperature can become very hot. This leads to horses drinking less water than they need too.

If you do not have an automatic waterier, it is best to keep the stock tanks in a shady area as much as possible to reduce water becoming hot and undrinkable.

Salt is also a very important part of horses hydration during hot weather. Horses need on average 1 to 3 ounces of salt a day. During extremely hot weather where they sweat a lot, they need up to 6 ounces a day.

Salt is the most crucial mineral that horses require.

Loose salt is easier for horses to consume but we prefer the larger salt blocks.

Salt blocks are easier to use and there is normally not a lot of wasted salt.

Salt not only helps replace the electrolyte's which are lost through sweating but it also helps with the horses digestive system.

Salt/sodium is very important for the horses muscles as well.

Our horses are our family too. We want to keep them as safe as possible.

Remember! Fresh cool water, salt, shade. As well as a good quality hay.

Have a blessed day. And enjoy your horses.

Colder temperatures mean 2 things for horse owners

Sun, 21 Nov 2021 14:55:48 GMT

What to do once you get frost in your pasture

If it frosted enough that your field has a heavy coating of frost, then it is time to treat your horses with a boticide dewormer. (If you have bots in your area) Bot worms, are red grub like worms that colonize the stomach lining, and are present wherever bot flies lay their yellow eggs on horses in late summer. Over years they can build up to large numbers in the stomach if the animals do not receive a “boticide” de-wormer after the first frost each year. The most common boticides are Ivermectin and Moxidectin.

If you have a chubby horse or a previously foundered horse you need to keep them off of it for 5-7 days. After a hard frost the growing season will be over for grass and it will not have much sugar until it is close to spring.

This type of a frost causes the grass to be full of the dangerous types of sugar. Once you have had a couple of frosts that kill the grass back, you should be fine until the grass begins to grow again in the Spring.

Spring time grass can be dangerous for some horses

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 20:30:26 GMT

How to be vigilant in caring for your horses once the grass starts to grow in the Spring

When the spring season is here, it brings the opportunity for horses to enjoy fresh pasture. While pasture affords a nutritious and economical way to provide forage for your horses, there are some general concerns that need to be kept in mind to assure the health and safety of your equine friends. The greatest danger of laminitis occurs with cool season pasture grasses, like fescue, orchard grass, timothy, etc., as they are the forages with the highest concentrations of fructans. Fructans are sugars that are not digested in the small intestine, but are fermented in the large intestine to produce lactic acid and increase the risk of colic and laminitis.

While many horse owners don’t have enough pasture for the number of horses they own, others may have too much. A mature horse on good pasture of two to three acres or more can easily consume more calories than it needs to meet and maintain daily energy requirements and can become obese.

I would recommend introducing horses gradually to pasture in the spring, only allowing 30 minutes to one hour grazing the first day for sensitive horses and slowly increasing the time by an hour per day until a full day of pasture grazing is allowed. A grazing muzzle to limit intake on a newly introduced pasture or to reduce intake continuously for an easy keeper on an abundant pasture is a good management tool to utilize to reduce intake. Sometimes it is necessary to even dry lot an easy keeper until the sugar content has decreased as we go into the summer season.