McCormick Equestrian

05/31/2025

🌟 Did you know that a horse’s digestive system is designed for constant grazing? 🌟

Horses have one of the most unique and sensitive digestive systems in the animal world. Built to handle small amounts of forage all day long, their guts are a delicate balance of biology, bacteria, and movement.

So how does a horse’s digestive system work?

1. Designed for Grazing
Horses are non-ruminant herbivores, meaning they have a single-chambered stomach (unlike cows) and are built to eat small amounts continuously. In the wild, they graze for 16–18 hours a day!

2. Small Stomach, Big Job
A horse’s stomach makes up only about 10% of its total digestive tract. That means it can hold just a few quarts of food at a time, and it starts emptying whether digestion is finished or not. This is why long periods without food can lead to ulcers.

3. Hindgut Fermenters
Most digestion happens in the hindgut (cecum and colon), where billions of microbes break down fiber. This microbial fermentation is key to extracting nutrients from hay and pasture. But sudden changes in feed can upset this balance and cause colic or other ailments.

4. No Vomiting Reflex
Horses can’t vomit due to the structure of their digestive tract and strong lower esophageal sphincter. This makes them especially vulnerable to digestive issues, so what goes in must pass all the way through.

5. Constant Movement = Healthy Gut
Horses need movement to keep their gut functioning properly. Regular turnout and exercise help reduce the risk of colic, which can occur if the gut slows down or becomes blocked.

05/24/2025

🌟 Did you know that foals can stand and walk within just a few hours of birth? 🌟

Unlike many animals, horses are born ready to move. As prey animals, their survival depends on how quickly they can get up, follow their mothers, and escape danger. Nature equips them with some incredible instincts from the moment they're born!

So what happens when a foal is born?

1. Quick First Breath
Within seconds of birth, a healthy foal will take its first breath. Most stand within 30 minutes to an hour, and many attempt to rise even sooner. Their early movements may look clumsy, but every wobble builds strength!

2. Standing and Nursing
Most foals are standing within 1–2 hours and nursing shortly after. Nursing quickly is vital, not just for nutrition but to absorb colostrum, the antibody-rich first milk that kickstarts their immune system.

3. Walking Within Hours
By 2–4 hours after birth, foals are typically walking and exploring, staying close to their dam. Their long legs give them a leggy, awkward look, but also allow them to keep up with the herd almost immediately.

4. Built to Flee
Because horses are prey animals, foals are born neurologically mature, known as precocial development. They need to move fast to survive in the wild, so Mother Nature designed them to rise, nurse, and run all in the first day of life.

5. Critical Time Frame
The first 24 hours are crucial for a foal’s health. Vets often refer to this as the “golden window” for observation, ensuring they nurse, pass meconium (their first manure), and bond properly with their dam.

05/20/2025

It's been awhile since we've introduced the horses, and with so much new engagement we figured it was time to introduce them again! Everyone, meet Mozzi!

Mozzi might be young, but he’s already stealing hearts and turning heads. This coming three-year-old c**t is a striking Andalusian/Canadian Horse cross, standing around 15.1 hands with presence far beyond his age. Curious, charming, and endlessly personable, Mozzi isn’t just part of the herd, he’s part of the family.

Mozzi is currently working on groundwork and has just started learning to carry a saddle, taking each new challenge with a calm, can-do attitude. This winter, he’ll begin his journey under saddle, and we couldn’t be more excited to see where it takes him. Our hope? That Mozzi grows into a versatile, all-around athlete, ready to shine in dressage, showjumping, working equitation, and dabble in some timed rodeo events.

But Mozzi isn’t just about potential—he’s about personality. He’s deeply “in your pocket,” always eager to greet you at the gate, and would much rather spend his time with people than other horses. Whether he’s gently mouthing the lead rope or trying to “help” with chores, Mozzi makes it clear: he loves being part of the action.

There’s something special about watching a young horse grow into himself, and with Mozzi, every step of that journey is filled with promise, playfulness, and heart.

05/17/2025

🌟 Did you know that some studies suggest horses may have a sense of humor? 🌟

Your horse’s playful nip, sneaky halter grab, or “prank” behavior might not just be mischief… it could be their way of joking around! Scientists and trainers are beginning to recognize that horses might engage in playful or even teasing behaviors with intent.

So how do horses show their sense of humor?

1. Playful Behaviors
Horses (especially young ones) regularly engage in play with each other. This includes mock fights, chasing games, and exaggerated movements. These playful interactions often include clear “start” and “stop” signals, much like human joking!

2. Teasing and Trickery
Some horses have been observed intentionally untying knots, grabbing brushes, or sneaking treats out of pockets and then watching for a reaction. These behaviors are repeated not just for reward, but seemingly for the fun of it, especially if they get a laugh or surprised response.

3. Laughter Recognition
Studies have shown horses can distinguish human facial expressions and tones, including laughter. Some researchers believe horses enjoy causing a positive reaction, especially when interacting with familiar humans.

4. Social Intelligence
Horses are highly social animals with complex herds and pecking orders. To thrive, they rely on communication, empathy, and sometimes...a little bit of sass. Humor, like play, may serve to strengthen social bonds, just as it does in humans.

5. Anecdotal Evidence from Trainers
Many horse owners and trainers report repeated “pranks” from their horses, like tossing feed buckets or pretending to spook. While it's easy to label these behaviors as disobedience, they often come with relaxed ears, soft eyes, and playful body language.

05/13/2025

It's been awhile since we've introduced the horses, and with so much new engagement we figured it was time to introduce them again! Everyone, meet Foxy!

Foxy may be in her late twenties, but don't let her age fool you—this little mare still has plenty of life left to live and lessons left to teach. Standing at 14.3 hands, Foxy is believed to be a mix of Quarter Horse, Morgan, and a few other breeds, making her as unique as her story. Prior to joining our team, she spent her whole life living on an island outside of Homer, where she developed a sassy, resilient attitude that makes her a blast to work with.

These days, Foxy is half-retired and serves as a dependable, beginner-friendly mount. She may not be as fast as she once was, but she’s as reliable as they come. When it comes to teaching the basics of horsemanship, she excels in helping students build confidence—and she loves making them work hard to grasp steering! While Foxy can be a bit of a challenge to guide at times (small horse, HUGE personality), that’s exactly what makes her such a valuable teacher. She ensures riders learn to communicate clearly and develop the coordination needed for proper control.

Whether it’s guiding a student through their first ride or patiently standing while they practice grooming, Foxy is a steady, trusting presence. She has a knack for turning even the most challenging moments into rewarding learning experiences, and there’s no greater reward for her than seeing a student’s face light up when they’ve mastered a new skill.

Foxy is far from finished—she’s still full of energy and ready to take on new challenges. With her patient demeanor and natural teaching ability, she loves helping riders work hard to improve their skills. Foxy’s ability to make students focus is what makes her such a valuable teacher, always pushing riders to become more coordinated and confident in their abilities. She's the perfect mount for anyone eager to learn, grow, and overcome challenges in the saddle.

05/11/2025

We’re so grateful for all of the moms who keep the world spinning! Book a riding lesson with your mom before 5/31 to receive 10% off!

05/10/2025

🌟 Did you know that the tradition of handling horses from the left side actually aligns with how horses see the world? 🌟

For centuries, horse handlers have approached, mounted, and led horses from the left, but there’s more to it than just tradition. It may actually feel more natural to many horses because of how their vision and brain work! Note: it is very important to desensitize your horse to interactions/handling from both sides.

So why do we primarily work horses from the left?

1. Historical Roots
This practice began with mounted soldiers. Most were right-handed and carried swords on their left hips, so mounting from the left prevented their weapons from getting in the way. Over time, this became a deeply rooted tradition in horsemanship.

2. Left Eye Dominance
Studies show that many horses are left-eye dominant. This means they process more information through their left eye, which is connected to the right side of the brain, which is the side better at evaluating new or emotional situations. Approaching from the left may help horses feel more secure, especially in unfamiliar contexts.

3. Monocular Vision
Horses mostly use monocular vision (each eye seeing a separate field), and their left and right eyes process different information. When approached from the left, a left-eye dominant horse may be better able to recognize you and assess your intentions.

4. Routine Reduces Anxiety
Horses are creatures of habit. Since most handling, tacking, and leading are done from the left, they become more comfortable with human interaction on that side. Sudden changes in routine, like switching sides, can cause confusion or anxiety if not introduced gradually.

5. Balance and Muscle Memory
Over time, horses also build muscle memory and balance for handling and mounting from the left. Some even respond more predictably to cues from that side, which is why consistent handling matters in training.

05/08/2025

Learn to Ride Horses with Confidence!

📍 Anchorage, AK
📞 907-947-5377
📧 [email protected]

05/06/2025

It's been awhile since we've introduced the horses, and with so much new engagement we figured it was time to introduce them again! Everyone, meet Flicka!

Flicka is the kind of horse that commands attention from the moment she steps into the arena. With her sleek black coat, distinct star and snip on her face, and the white coronet bands on her hind legs, she’s a beauty both inside and out. But it’s not just her striking appearance that turns heads—it's the way she carries herself with grace, energy, and a natural, forward movement that makes her truly unforgettable. Elegant, and full of presence, Flicka is a mare who knows her job and loves to do it well.

At 8 years old and standing 15.3 hands, Flicka is a cross between the Tennessee Walking Horse and the Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse. This unique mix gives her both elegance and power—she’s as smooth and surefooted as she is athletic and responsive. Flicka works beautifully with confident beginners ready for more independence, and she truly thrives under intermediate to advanced riders who want to develop their skills in dressage or take on a jumping course with precision and style.

Flicka is eager to please and always game for a new challenge. She’ll give 110% to a rider who gives her clear, kind direction. Her gaits are smooth, her canter is like gliding over clouds, and her expression lights up when she knows she’s nailed something right.

Off the clock, Flicka is a total sweetheart. She loves eating and a good scratch under the mane, and perks her ears whenever she sees someone approaching. But don’t let her calm demeanor in the crossties fool you; this mare has heart, energy, and a real love for her work.

05/05/2025

Happy Cinco de Mayo from the mares! 🎉

05/03/2025

🌟 Did you know that horses use a variety of sounds to communicate with each other and with us? 🌟

From friendly greetings to distress calls, horse vocalizations play a key role in their social behavior. Each sound carries meaning depending on the tone, volume, and context.

1. Neigh or Whinny
This is the most recognized horse sound. A whinny often signals a desire for companionship. Horses may whinny when separated from a herd or to call out to familiar horses. It’s a mix of greeting, anxiety, and location-checking.

2. Nicker
A soft, low sound that usually signals affection or anticipation. Mares nicker to their foals, and horses may nicker to humans they trust, especially if you’re bringing food! It’s the “happy to see you” sound.

3. Snort
A quick burst of air through the nostrils that often signals alertness or mild curiosity. Horses snort to clear their nasal passages, but also to communicate awareness without alarm, kind of like saying, “What’s that?”

4. Blow
This is a longer, louder exhale than a snort, often indicating caution or mild alarm. A horse may blow when it senses something unfamiliar but not yet threatening. It’s a “stay sharp” signal to others.

5. Squeal
Usually a high-pitched, sharp sound that indicates displeasure or setting boundaries, commonly heard during introductions or when one horse invades another’s personal space. It can also occur during play or mating behavior.

6. Groan or Grunt
Often heard during effort, discomfort, or relaxation, like when lying down, rolling, or even during a stretch. Context matters: a content groan is very different from one signaling pain.

03/31/2025