Welcome to Best Horse Practices with Jec Ballou. My name is Maddy Butcher. I produce this podcast and I would love to know what you think of our intro: Our show is a space for riders and horse owners of all disciplines to learn best practices and to discover ways to better connect with their horses. Plus, we like to feel safe and have fun. Fitness, of mind and body, the ability to think critically about our horse work as well as embracing a beginner’s mind, are all parts of this lucky equine equation that Jec and I hold dear.  So, yes, let me know what you think. We offer these shows for free. If you think it’s worthy of a small contribution, we sure would appreciate it. This is Episode 25 of Season 3 and in it, Jec and I have an On the Fence discussion around a number of topics, including a great question sent in by a listener. We talk about breed bias and the stories we tell ourselves, we talk about best practices within a barn’s lesson program, and more. As always, reach out if you would like a question answered or to give us feedback. A few notes from sponsors: We welcome Bobo’s Bars to the show. Bobo’s are oat bars, made here in Colorado. They are gluten free and use non-GMO ingredients. My fav is peach, but consider stashing peanut butter chocolate chip or cranberry orange in your saddle bag or glove compartment. Use “BESTHORSEVIP” for 20 percent off your order at EatBobos. Speaking of good items for your saddle bag or glove compartment, Jec and I will be reviewing products from Zealios soon. Zealios makes sunscreen, recovery, anti-chafe, and shower products, especially for athletes. They have zinc sunscreen without the white, chalky mess. Check them out at TeamZealios and use the code ‘besthorsepractices’ for 20 percent off.  Our title sponsor is Lucerne Farms, producers of quality forage feeds.  Forage is chopped, packaged hay. Sometimes it’s alfalfa, sometimes timothy, sometimes blended, and sometimes with a touch of molasses. Always scrumptious. After hay and grass, it’s pretty much the best alternative and a great way to supplement feed for your hard keeper. Here's the Washington Post op-ed.  An important point that Jec has brought up is exercise and how, really, that should be prescribed more than drugs or injections or whatever. If you need more convincing, check out her books here. I have several books, too, and you can find them here.  Big thanks to Redmond Equine and Pharm Aloe – for generously sponsoring our podcast. Check out Pharm Aloe’s aloe pellets and Redmond’s Rock on a Rope. We think you’ll love ‘em. Also thanks to Patagonia WorkWear for their continued support. Check out the vest or the ranch jacket – two great tops for this time of year. Both are made of hemp which is soft and already broken in while also being super tough. Barbed wire resisant! Give us feedback, suggest a topic or guest, or make a donation and you’ll be automatically entered to win one of two free Patagonia WorkWear items that we give away every month. Don’t forget that Redmond Equine is sending a complimentary syringe of Daily Gold Stress Relief to everyone who drops a tip in our donation jar. Pretty cool and a $15 value. If you get something of value from our podcast, please consider making a donation. We sure would appreciate it.  That’s it. Another episode in the can and out of the barn. Thanks for listening, y’all!