For two months in the summer, I was parked on the eastern slopes of the Rockies. What was I doing there? Aside from avoiding contact with potential virus carriers, I was observing wild/feral horses.

Then what? My travels took me to Manitoba, where I did a barrel-racing clinic and some coaching before heading a bit further east. In Winnipeg I did a seminar at Assiniboia Downs and some private evaluations for a couple of trainers.

I am very pleased to see the positive effects on horses (barrel racers, rodeo pick up horses, ropers, ranch horses and racehorses) because their owners or trainers looked at them from a functional perspective and followed my advice regarding exercises, stretches and/or saddle fit.

Why am I pleased? Because the horses are better able to compensate and more comfortable doing their jobs now. Here’s what one trainer had to say: “Hi Judy,  I was at the presentation you gave at the racetrack last Saturday. First I would like to thank you for coming out and sharing your insights into functional conformation. You have a special ability. One of the horses you evaluated at my barn was in and ran after only a couple days of treatment you recommended. She was nearly her old self and ran better than she has all season… Thanks again. Brent.”

I am also thrilled to see the results of a client’s breeding program over the last 9 or 10 years. She is leading breeder in her area again even though she primarily breeds her own mares and 10 would be a very large crop for the stallion prospect we selected for her in January of 2012 ($1800 US). The stallion (likely leading regional sire) is definitely stamping his offspring in a very positive manner. Most are successful at two and some (from his first crop) were still successful at seven. And I suspect that a couple of the seven-year-olds will be back to race next season.

What next? Assuming I can cross into the USA, I will be attending the Keeneland Breeding Stock Sale (Nov 9 – 19). In part the sale will be educational due to the variety of horses, which is why some clients will be joining me to improve their ‘eye’ for functional conformation analysis. And in part I will be shopping for clients.

What about clinics? I have some to-be-confirmed dates in Texas, Arizona and California. Some will be barrel racing specific, some will be all-breed and all-discipline and one will be eventing specific.

And coaching? I will be doing some coaching in Texas, Arizona and California as well.