Equine Dentistry
The Gift Horse
2011 The Gift Horse Equine Dentistry.
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The daughter of a farrier, I grew up surrounded by horses. At
the age of 4, I was being led around on my first pony, King. By
age 7, I could ride on my own, and by the time I was 12, I had
started my first colt under saddle. I had caught the "fever" you
might say.
Always interested in anything that had to do with horses, I
thrilled at getting the chance to go to work with my dad. A
precision farrier, he shod pacers and trotters and had a
blacksmith's shop at the Aiken Mile Track in Aiken, South
Carolina. The smell of the tack, the sound of newly shod feet,
the energy on race day---all of these things are precious
memories from a childhood rich in equine activities.
From an early age, I rode both English and Western, took
riding lessons, and like most little girls, really enjoyed galloping
my pony bareback. Trail riding was a favorite pastime, but
after starting my first colt, Warrior, I was hooked on training.
the age of 4, I was being led around on my first pony, King. By
age 7, I could ride on my own, and by the time I was 12, I had
started my first colt under saddle. I had caught the "fever" you
might say.
Always interested in anything that had to do with horses, I
thrilled at getting the chance to go to work with my dad. A
precision farrier, he shod pacers and trotters and had a
blacksmith's shop at the Aiken Mile Track in Aiken, South
Carolina. The smell of the tack, the sound of newly shod feet,
the energy on race day---all of these things are precious
memories from a childhood rich in equine activities.
From an early age, I rode both English and Western, took
riding lessons, and like most little girls, really enjoyed galloping
my pony bareback. Trail riding was a favorite pastime, but
after starting my first colt, Warrior, I was hooked on training.
| Several years ago, I discovered something that instantly helped my effectiveness as a trainer. What was it? Performance Dentistry. Like many people who consider themselves good caretakers of their horses, I had always been diligent about checking my horses for wolf teeth (and knew how to detect these myself). I even occasionally had their teeth floated--if they were dropping pounds of feed or slinging their heads at the canter. There was no need in having them checked unless there was a serious problem, right? Oh how ignorant I was! I was sure that since I was a good rider with soft hands, my horses' mouths could not possibly need routine care. |
| It was not until I had a certified dentist do my horses' teeth that I realized just how essential good routine dentistry is. Upon examination, my favorite horse at the time had lacerations down the inside of his cheeks on both sides of his mouth. These lacerations were from the sharp edges on his top cheek teeth---the teeth that I didn't think needed attention! Plus he was packing feed and showing the early signs of periodontal disease. I nearly fell over when I saw this. This same dentist took the time to explain to me the effectiveness of proper bit seats, the importance of a balanced mouth, and the definition of good occlusion. After having a certified dentist do my horses' teeth, I was convinced this was the only way to go! I was intrigued by how much better these horses rode, and how much easier my job was as their trainer. I began reading and researching proper dentistry. What an interesting topic! I wanted to learn more and more about equine dentistry and how it greatly complements good training. |
| My thirst for knowledge on the subject of equine dentistry could not be quenched, and in the spring of 2010, I applied to The Academy of Equine Dentistry in Glenns Ferry, Idaho. Thankfully, I was accepted, and began my education in the summer of that year. Anatomy and physiology are strongly emphasized at The Academy, and my first days at the school were spent in a lab with a cadaver. The Academy takes the subject of equine dentistry very serious, which is why they are pioneers in the industry. With students from all over the world in attendance, The Academy of Equine Dentistry is the leader in this specialized field. More about my training. |
After high school, I went to Clemson University to
study pre-Veterinary Medicine, and later had jobs
as a vet tech and as an Extension Agent. Over the
years, training continued to become more and
more important to me in conjunction with polished
riding, soft hands, and proper techniques. I later
worked for trainers in several different disciplines,
though hunters continued to be my main focus.
Today I own and operate Spring Buckle Farm.
We raise, train, and sell sport horses and ponies.
As a trainer, I am always looking for better or
more effective ways of doing things. I read
anything I can get my hands on, watch videos,
attend clinics, and I ask a lot of questions!
study pre-Veterinary Medicine, and later had jobs
as a vet tech and as an Extension Agent. Over the
years, training continued to become more and
more important to me in conjunction with polished
riding, soft hands, and proper techniques. I later
worked for trainers in several different disciplines,
though hunters continued to be my main focus.
Today I own and operate Spring Buckle Farm.
We raise, train, and sell sport horses and ponies.
As a trainer, I am always looking for better or
more effective ways of doing things. I read
anything I can get my hands on, watch videos,
attend clinics, and I ask a lot of questions!
