The Wrangler Horse and Rodeo News

14 • The WRANGLER • October, 2024 Caring Caring Is there really any difference in how you care for your horses while traveling up and down the road when competing, or in the day-to-day maintenance of being at home? Some would argue absolutely, while others would believe, not so much. From one professional to the next, feed and care programs may look quite a bit different. However, one thing does remain the same. That is the ultimate well-being of the horse. Across the equine industry, no matter the disciplines, choices in products and tools abound. Some people prefer the use of multiple supplements to aid in equine nutrition requirements, yet some try to keep the horse's gut health as neutral as possible, leaving them alone entirely. With thousands of options on the market for every little detail you can dream of, horse owners can be overwhelmed with what they should do. Although most folks and their horses don't spend the same number of hours on the road, or weeks at shows as top professionals, they can choose to mimic some of their care programs and routines. This effort could assist owners in ensuring that their equine partners look, feel, and compete at their best. We caught up with WPRA Professional Barrel Racer, Carlee Otero from Perrin, Texas. For her and her husband, PRCA Calf Roper, Michael Otero, the routine on the road resembles as much of life at home as it can. Carlee prioritizes creating an environment that is, "as natural as possible," for their equine athletes. Although this may not include lush green pastures to roam in, it does include time lounging in large portable pens at the rodeos. Their horses have free access to all the water they can consume utilizing automatic waterers in their trailer, feed bags filled with alfalfa hay to ensure they eat plenty, and air ride suspension for added cushioning and relief to alleviate as much wear and tear on their joints and muscles as possible. In just a year's time, the Otero's will accumulate about seven months of travel time away from home. The stresses that can be put on a horse can add up fast if you're not tuned in to their every need. That is why their care and maintenance become the highest priority for Carlee and Michael. Without the horse feeling its best, it can become hard to ask them to give you their very best day in and day out. Carlee shared that they feed Purina brand senior horse feed, alfalfa hay, and Equinety supplements. This closely mirrors their feed program at home as well. The intent is to not disturb their diets when putting on miles between rodeos. Nutrition while traveling becomes as natural for them as frolicking in the pastures at home. Feed consistency isn't the only tool in the shed for the couple. They travel with actual "horse tools" for therapy and recovery from competition, like Beamer blankets to aid in vascular circulation, hot laser therapy for injury and recovery, and Back on Track boots for enhancing their performance potential. At every turn, they do as much preventative maintenance as possible. Post-performance care can include a dose of electrolyte pastes to replenish minerals and electrolytes lost during sweating and physical excursion and recover cell function as quickly as possible. Carlee is fortunate to have people in her corner helping to keep her horses running in tip-top shape. Her mother, Danita Walker, owns and operates Winners Rehab, and is a key factor in their success. Walker is highly sought after by many of the industry's top professionals when helping their horses feel their best. The physical demands of top-end performance horses can require a highly thought-out, routine plan. How do they keep their horse in shape and ready for competition at the highest level? The recipe can be as simple as, sometimes less is more. "My horses don't see the barrels unless they give me a reason to go to the practice pen," Carlee stated. "Don't overdo it!" While traveling longer distances, she may stop approximately every 5-6 hours and let them out of the trailer to move around. This aids in preventing her horses from getting sore and tied up. The stalls in the Otero's trailer are extra wide, providing plenty of space for horses to move and better support themselves while riding down the road. "We didn't know it was a thing until we had the extra space in the stalls. Now we won't ever, not have that," shared Carlee. Is the routine of a top professional in barrel racing any different than professionals competing at the top end of another equine discipline, like the reined cowhorse for example? Perhaps, not so much. Although turning barrels can be unlike going down the fence, the maintenance of the horse still takes priority. Show horses may spend several days in one place, requiring them to be stalled over time. This itself can require a different approach and maintenance routine entirely. Across the country, large-scale equine events take place weekly. From the World Series of Team Roping Championships in Las Vegas to the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity in Fort Worth, contestants have options when preparing horse stalls. Long-term stays on concrete or asphalt may not be an ideal experience for every horse By Reba Talbott for your for your Horses Horses on the on the Road Road

• Cover