Feed Program
My horses get fed Total Equine and Lubrisyn every morning. That keeps their bodies in top shape, and it keeps their joints going. I think it’s helped T-Boy have the length of career that he’s had because I put him on it at a young age, and I haven’t stopped.
When I really need an older horse like T-Boy to have an extra boost, I do give him RedCell. That can really add some fire back into one, and that’s so important in breaking fast.
[SHOP: Crawford’s Feed Program]
Exercise
I’m a big believer in exercise throughout the week, but I like to give them a few days off, too. I might rope on them one to two times a week. T-Boy will get roped on twice each week and roped on over the weekend.
We have a track in one of our pastures, and we take them three to four laps around that. I want them long-trotted, and I want to stretch all of their muscles out on that. I want them to be warm and break a light sweat before I rope on each of them.
Warm-Up
I’m a big believer on warming my horses up before I rope. I want full flexion and full range of motion while they’re warming up, so I don’t put any splint boots on while I’m warming up. I only put boots on when I’m going to rope, and those boots will hold the structures of the leg tightly while performing.
Cool Off
I hose the horses off every day, and there will be times I find a liniment wash if I feel they’re body sore. I’ll rub it on their joints or legs if they really need it. A couple of years ago, Draw It Out gave away bottles at the WPRA Finals, and I liked it. So I buy that and use it after exercise or competition.
When Hauling
If my horses are getting hauled a lot, I paint their legs with drawing mud. And if it’s hot, I use Draw It Out on their legs. If it’s cold, I’ll put Back On Track boots on them as well as a magnet blanket to keep the blood circulating through their bodies so they feel good when they get where they’re going. Of course, I also always haul in Soft Rides everywhere we go that’s any sort of distance. Also, I keep full feed in front of everything I’m hauling at all times. That helps keeps their stomachs happier and healthier. BRJ