Meet Morgan.  She is a 10 year old Mare, Morgan/Quarter mix.  Her owner is Robin Shen of Enlightened Horsemanship Training.  Together they do miles of trail riding on adventurous landscape and training clinics weekly.  They are a very busy team as both travel up and down California showing off their skills and teaching people the techniques of Natural Horsemanship.  This past year Morgan’s trail riding miles increased, so naturally Robin began feeding her more nutrient rich foods in larger amounts to keep up with the energy she was expending.  Robin became very concerned because he noticed Morgan was not keeping on weight.  He started feeding her larger amounts of roughage and grain while decreasing her work level, but nothing changed and he didn’t know what else to do.

A friend of his recommended including Royal Champion in Morgan’s diet as the supplements would give her all the vitamins and minerals she needs, along with glucosamine, biotin, coenzyme Q10, and much more.   With all the essential ingredients, Royal Champion’s supplement could help with Morgan’s overall nutrition, performance, muscle tone, and give her extra joint and hoof support.   His friend suggested that Morgan was “missing some of those key things and needed Royal Champion supplements to help fill in the gaps.”   Often, a horse simply isn’t getting the nutrients they require from their diet and supplements can provide the missing nutrients and help to prevent deficiencies (along with numerous other health benefits).  Royal Champion is not a weight gaining supplement, but it is stocked full with all the vital nutrients to benefit the whole horse.  In many cases, healthy weight gain will occur by simply adding a complete nutritional supplement like Royal Champion to a horse’s diet.  Robin took his friend’s advice, and in just one month’s time he saw a dramatic improvement in Morgan’s weight and overall health.

It looks like we have another successful Royal Champion story!

Before Royal Champion:

After 1 Month on Royal Champion:

Are You Prepared For Mother Nature?

In light of recent events like Hurricane Irene and the earthquake, it has come to my attention that many people do NOT have a disaster plan!  What are we waiting for?  It seems like we all want to do it, but we always have an excuse as to why it hasn’t gotten done yet.

Disaster ALWAYS seems to strikes when we are almost out of hay, grain, bedding, etc.  It’s always said that you should plan escape routes in your house for disaster… well this holds true even for our four-legged, equine friends. In the event of a hurricane, flood, tornado or fires, (like the ones currently in Texas), I want to help make sure you’re prepared.

Start thinking about your own disaster plans with help from the points explained below.

Here are 15 tips to help you prepare and protect your horse from such disasters as fire, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes and tornadoes.

It seems that no area in the United States is safe from catastrophic events. Whether it be hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, or winter storms, most areas are subject to at least one, if not all types of disasters. Of course, the peril of fire exists in all areas.

1. Keep debris clear of barns and from under trees. Debris can include manure and bedding that you may have used for mulch. Proper trimming and pruning of trees can make a difference. Do not let branches touch or hang over buildings.
2. Keep fire-fighting equipment and supplies in working order. Make sure that fire extinguishers are in each dwelling and outbuilding, and are fully charged. Extinguishers should be checked every 12 months for proper charge.
3. Inspect all electrical systems every three months for the following:

• Service boxes should be kept dry and dust free. They should be mounted at least five feet off the ground on fire-resistant materials.
• Electrical fixtures should be free of dust, dirt, cobwebs, hay, and other combustible materials.
• Never use an extension cord as an electrical line on a permanent basis. Additional lines should be installed by a licensed electrician and conform to local and/or state electrical codes.

4.   Water mains, pipes and/or contamination of water could occur. Have an emergency supply. Plan enough water for 72 hours: 5 gallons per each horse, 1 gallon per person. Advance notice for hurricane and floods allows you to prepare. Keep large, 60-gallon containers for storage of water. Fill them up with fresh water during warnings and keep in a secure place. Have water purification tablets on hand.

5. Most disasters can cause all electrical supply to be cut off for days. Consider a generator for refrigeration, cooling, heating and lights.

• It is best to store fuel for the generator away from outbuildings and dwellings.
• Keep a supply of flashlight batteries.

6. Keep two first-aid kits stocked, one for humans and one for horses. Ask your veterinarian what is needed for an equine first-aid kit.

7. Have a current list of the horses on the farm. Identify the following:

• What paddock and stall they are in;
• Who are the owners, who are the agents/contact person;
• Written procedures on what is to be said to the owners/agents in a disaster;
  • List regular veterinarians for horses with potential back-up. Make sure you have phone reminders where you can reach them
  • Create a script and follow it during a disaster.

8.     During a disaster, it is not unusual for horses to be unwilling to leave their stalls or corrals. If fire or smoke is a danger to them, they must be led out and placed in a secured area. Be able to lead your horses out to a paddock during a fire emergency. Stay as calm as possible. Place them as far away from the fire as possible. Plan an emergency evacuation and practice it.

9.     Emergencies do occur at night. Practice an evacuation drill at night with your horses. Use flashlights so your horses will become used to them. Remain calm as horses will react to panic and fear. Practice moving your horse to a safe area, simulating a fire drill.

10.  Keep an inventory of your horse equipment:halters, saddles, bridles, etc. Take pictures and keep them in a secure place other than the barn where they are kept.

11.  Arrange in advance a safe location for your horses to be boarded if your property becomes unsafe after a disaster strikes. Know ahead of time arrangements for your horses to be transported.

12.  If a warning is posted (hurricane, tornado, winter storm), make sure all horses are secured in an outbuilding and are identified with halters, neck straps, or names spray-painted on the horses’ left side.

13.  A change in normal feed cycle and material can make your horse sick, particularly in stressful situations. That is why it is important to keep an adequate supply of feed and SUPPLEMENTS on hand for emergencies. Keep at least 72 hours’ worth.

14.  Keep a closet stocked with supplies for your family. Supplies should include flashlights, batteries, toiletries, paper plates, napkins, wipes, plastic utensils, and food supply for one week. Consider mainly canned goods that do not require cooking, Gatorade or bottled juices. Rotate goods every six months, or as needed.

15.  Fire is the largest cause of loss for horse farms. Arrange a fire inspection by your local fire department. Most fire departments would be pleased to come out to your farm before a fire occurs. Suggestions they make will result in a safer farm and may justify a reduction in your insurance premiums.

Always make sure you have a plan! Take a disaster planning class and PRACTICE YOUR PLAN MONTHLY!!

This could save you and your horse’s life some day.

*For the full story, please visit Janna’s website at jannal.royalchampion.com/

It was a beautiful day on Saturday, August 13th, 2011 at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park.  11 horse and rider combinations competed in the $25,000 Blenheim Summer Classic I Grand Prix making it a small, yet highly competitive show to watch.  Course designer, Jack Robson built a straightforward track with just enough questions to challenge the riders, narrowing down the jump-off round to four couples. 25-year-old Australian Lane Clarke rode three different horses during the Grand Prix and won three out of the four jump offs.   Great job!

Cam (short for Camel Point) is an off the track horse who was rescued by the TROTT organization.  He was quite the find as his bloodlines run back to the famous Secretariat, making him a promising racing prospect.  Most racehorses’ careers end around age five, so naturally Cam was retired early after only a few starts on the track.  Unfortunately, he ran into the same problem that many retired racehorses do; his racing career was over and there was nowhere for him to go.  Racehorses need training after the track to normalize them back into society.  This makes it harder to find them good homes leaving many to be shipped off to auction or slaughter.  Thanks to TROTT, Cam was rescued and brought back to their beautiful facility in San Marco, CA.

Perfect timing…

Royal Champion’s Sales Director, Megan Cavan had been looking for the perfect partner to ride in the Hunter/Jumper circuit.  She had heard about this organization called TROTT and decided to take a look.  TROTT has a great Facebook page with pictures and videos of available horses, so Megan was able to browse through the horses prior to visiting the facility.  Within minutes she found a short video of a Thoroughbred named Camel Point who looked perfect.  She soon scheduled a date to come out and meet Cam and his trainers.  It was a match made in heaven!

“When I learned about the TROTT organization and how many of their horses in care found a special home, it made me realize that I was ready to take on loving and caring for another TB again.  That’s when I started watching videos and went out to ride Camel Point. I fell in love and could see that he had so much heart and potential for a new discipline.  He’s a one of kind horse and I cannot wait to see him grow and succeed.  TROTT gives these off the track racehorses new homes and better lives and I am truly thankful to be a part of this wonderful organization.” – Megan

Thanks to Megan Cavan and Royal Champion, Cam now resides at Sycamore Trails Stables in San Juan Capistrano, CA .  He will be going through weekly training sessions with Megan and her trainer.  Below is a video of the TODAY SHOW featuring TROTT and Megan’s new horse Cam!  Take a look!  http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/44088243#44088243

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Royal Champion Supplements was pleased to present Gonzalo Azcarraga and his horse Richard Cimble with the first place prize. This Grand Prix took place on an impressive 1.50M track set by Canadian Michel Vallaincourt, and included 34 horse and rider combinations.  It was a family occasion as Gonzalo‘s father, Jaime Azcarraga, came in second place to his son.  Below are a few pictures from the event.  You can visit our FACEBOOK page to view more photos!

*Congratulations to Royal Champion rider, Michelle Spadone on placing in the Grand Prix!

At the event, visitors rotated through 4 different stations that were designed to help them recognize and learn how to handle emergencies like trauma, colic, laminitis, and eye injuries.

The Royal Champion team enjoyed meeting local horse enthusiasts and gave out free hats to help keep the sun out of everyone’s eyes, along with vitamin water and Gatorade.  One lucky person also took home a free one month supply of our Premium Plus horse supplements!

Below are some pictures from the Lecture.  To see more, visit our Facebook Page by clicking HERE

Keep grain secured – Overeating can upset a horse’s digestive tract.  Be sure to secure all grain in tightly sealed buckets to prevent your horse from overeating.

Make feed changes slowly – Horses thrive on consistent diets.  Be sure to introduce new feed or supplements slowly as to not upset their stomachs.

Feed frequent small meals throughout the day – A horse’s digestive tract is designed to be at work all day.  Horses should be eating small amounts throughout the day.

Keep your horse well hydrated – It is very important to keep your horse hydrated.  A dehydrated horse can get impaction colic as well as slow gut movement.  Contact your vet immediately before giving your horse more feed if you notice he is not drinking.

Load up on roughage – A horse that is getting a high amount of hay and grass is less likely to colic.  Usually horses that are able to graze all day are more likely to have a balanced digestive system. It is more likely that a horse will feed for a longer period of time if they’re eating grass or hay.  Grain on the other hand is consumed faster and is much more nutrient-dense making it more likely to upset the chemical balances in your horses’ digestive tract.

Limit sand intake – If you have sandy ground around where your horse feeds it would be wise to feed from low racks or on ground mats.  If a horse intakes too much sand it can settle in the horse’s large colon, irritating the bowel and even creating blockage.   Feeding a complete vitamin and mineral supplement can help with this as well.  It is common for horses that are not receiving sufficient levels of vitamins and mineral to search the ground for more food, which can result in the intake of dirt and sand.

Provide your horse with plenty of exercise – Studies show that active horses are less likely to get colic.

Bee pollen contains whole food antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and can help your horse build muscle, improve condition, and maintain a healthy blood count.  It is a natural energizer without producing a “hot” horse.  It is well known for its detoxifying properties and is a great natural antioxidant.

Next time you buy a complete supplement look for this unique and beneficial ingredient!  http://royalchampion.com/specialingredients.aspx#Bee%20Pollen

Electrolytes are inorganic mineral salts which when dissolved in water or bodily liquids they form electrically positive and negatively charged ions. In simpler terms, they are essential for a horse to function properly due to the electrolyte losses that occur during heaving sweating.  Horses in competition, under high physical stress or living in hot and humid climates tend to need it the most.

Electrolytes are chemical substances which, when lost in sweat loss, miss the electrically charged particles or ions. These ions are necessary for cellular metabolism, for intra- and extra-cellular chemical balance, and for assisting in the neuro-metabolic expenditure of caloric energy.  Many compare the importance of Electrolytes to a human drinking water when working out.  Normal body functions and work performance are severely compromised if adequate levels of electrolytes are missing, especially in the heat and/or when exercise goes beyond the two-hour mark.

Horsemen are sometimes unsure when electrolyte supplementation is appropriate. Supplementation is important any time the horse experiences prolonged sweating or repeated sweating day after day.  While sweating is most frequently linked to exercise, electrolyte depletion can be the result of other, seemingly less stressful activities like being hauled or relocated.

We advise paying close attention to the ingredients that are in the electrolyte formulas out there.  Many are filled with over 15% sugar.  Of course horses seem to like those better, but it’s not giving the horse adequate amounts of electrolytes.  Royal Champion’s supplements contain ingredients with a purpose.  There are no fillers and there is no sugar in them.

Royal Champion’s supplements contain the following electrolytes and NO sugar – sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium.