The Balanced Equine, LLC

The Balanced Equine, LLC Raising Standards in Equine Wellness and Barn Management with a focus in OTTB Transitions and Horse Ownership Education

06/17/2026

Answer time: what do you see and how does this relate to saddle fit?

In this case, the horse has a stress line along the flank. While this can result from many causes in both ridden and non-ridden horses, this particular horse had a saddle that put pressure on the withers and spinal column. Constant, uncomfortable pressure causes the muscles to contract repeatedly, producing a defined line through the muscling in the horse’s flank. This is similar to when the horse repeatedly twitches away flies as a reflex, which is part of why you might see a stress line in a non-ridden horse. If you see a stress line in a horse that is ridden, be sure to investigate your saddle fit and determine if that could be the root of the problem. Your horse’s health, welfare, comfort and performance all depend on proper fit!

Let us know - did you guess correctly?

Baby G reminded me of something this week:Not every OTTB transition looks the same.Some walk off the trailer and act lik...
06/12/2026

Baby G reminded me of something this week:

Not every OTTB transition looks the same.

Some walk off the trailer and act like they’ve lived there forever.

Others need time to figure out their new routine, new friends, and new life.

Neither is wrong.

Sometimes the best thing we can do is stop asking them to settle faster and start giving them the space to settle well and find their confidence.

You asked a question in a group page and got 150 comments… Half of them contradict each other. Some are confident, some ...
06/10/2026

You asked a question in a group page and got 150 comments…

Half of them contradict each other. Some are confident, some are scary. None of them know YOUR horse.

Now you’re more confused than when you started!

This is exactly what my Clarity Sessions are for. I’ll evaluate your situation with you, determine what’s actually going on, what details matter, and what to do next.

No overwhelm. No opinions. Just a clear path forward for you and your horse.

Let’s chat!!

Q❔: What is the most expensive mistake horse owners make?A❕: Noticing the problem when it’s a crisis instead of when it’...
06/09/2026

Q❔: What is the most expensive mistake horse owners make?
A❕: Noticing the problem when it’s a crisis instead of when it’s a clue.

A horse doesn’t wake up one morning and suddenly become “sick.”

Most of the time, there were whispers before there was a scream.

❗️The horse that suddenly colics may have been quieter at breakfast.
❗️The horse that comes up lame may have been moving differently for days.
❗️The horse that drops weight may have slowly changed their habits weeks ago.

One of the most valuable skills you can develop as a horse owner isn’t riding or even training.

It’s knowing what’s normal for YOUR horse. Their baseline.

When you know their baseline, you notice the tiny changes and you can problem solve before it becomes a crisis.

⁉️ My question for you: What’s the first subtle sign your horse gives when something isn’t right?

Not Every “Behavior Problem” Is a Training Problem… (you just have to find the root cause)🚩 Before you call your horse:❌...
06/04/2026

Not Every “Behavior Problem” Is a Training Problem… (you just have to find the root cause)

🚩 Before you call your horse:

❌ Lazy
❌ Stubborn
❌ Spooky
❌ Grumpy
❌ Disrespectful

👉 Think about the answers to these questions:

❓ Has their feed changed?
❓ Are they getting enough turnout?
❓ Does their tack fit properly?
❓ Have they been checked for pain or discomfort?
❓ Has anything changed in their routine recently?

Many behavior changes are actually stemming from your horse trying to communicate to you that something isn’t right.

Don’t just correct behavior, investigate it. Find the root cause!

🩷

Right now it’s 60 degrees, but overnight it will be 40 and pouring. Fluctuating temperatures, off and on rain, then sun,...
05/31/2026

Right now it’s 60 degrees, but overnight it will be 40 and pouring. Fluctuating temperatures, off and on rain, then sun, then rain and a 20 degree dive.

Navigating which blanket to use and when is the most stress I have as a horse owner I think!

🐎 Maybe it’s a New England thing… where are you from and do you have blanket qualms also??

05/31/2026

A great educational moment here! Take a moment to watch if you own a horse.

I have dealt with choke a handful of times and knowing what to do ahead of time to stay calm and keep them calm is key!

We hope everyone was able to take a moment to remember the fallen this weekend. 🇺🇸
05/27/2026

We hope everyone was able to take a moment to remember the fallen this weekend. 🇺🇸

The girls got an upgrade last weekend! 🐎We installed a round pen for working and riding this summer! They’ve each been o...
05/20/2026

The girls got an upgrade last weekend! 🐎

We installed a round pen for working and riding this summer! They’ve each been out of work for quite a while.

Right now, it’s prime grazing space 🤣

Summer Goals:
Build Eclipse’s topline
Improve overall muscle tone
Get Marigold W/T under saddle
Attend a schooling show and/or clinic with Marigold

What are your goals with your horse for this summer?

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Tilton, NH
03276

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