Hello Everyone & Happy 2026!

I have decided to start blogging because I realized that the podcasts give people tons of common-sense, relatable & logical information but not the in-depth education on performance issues & problems owners, trainers, farriers, AND veterinarians are dealing with day in and day out. I can do this here, where I can go down the rabbit hole and not have time restrictions or scheduling arrangements by doing the podcasts. Plus, it is just me downloading my brain into words for people to learn and understand the approach and mindset that I take to solve undiagnosed and unrecognized performance issues that I see daily in my patient population. The most important fact is, all sports medicine veterinarians are seeing the same performance issues that I am. There will not be filtering, just results-based facts of what I have learned from my patients. Dr. Choi (later discussion of who she is to me) told me in her Korean accent that “your patients have all the answers…you just need to watch & listen to them because words get in the way.” Her words and voice remind me daily to never compromise on this simple truth.

2026 is the year of the Fire Horse in the Chinese zodiac calendar. Google AI states that “the Fire Horse is known for its passionate energy, independence, and drive for progress—qualities that often inspire bold moves and significant shifts in society. Expect to see trailblazers emerging across various fields, challenging conventions and leading the way toward a brighter future. This is a year to harness the fiery spirit of the Horse, boldly pursue change, and champion education as the foundation for growth and transformation.”

The Fire Horse is the most important point for me. Why? I have to give credit to my baby sister Becky for this fact (and yes, I still call her my baby sister): the last time there was a Fire Horse year was in 1966. This year, 2026, is the Year of the Fire Horse, and 2086 will be the next time. I was born in 1966. 60 years later, this year is another Fire Horse year. I will not be alive for the next Fire Horse year in 60 years. Which means I have a lot to do this year!

Want to know the personality of a Fire Horse? Here you go from Google AI:
“Intelligent, passionate, stylish, charismatic, stubborn. Fire Horses are destined for an exciting and eventful life, as they love action and excitement. They have a very strong personality; they are intelligent, confident, and enthusiastic, and they always put in their all”.

I can say honestly that it pretty much sums up who I am and my life except for being stubborn. As I look back at my life, I have never considered myself stubborn about many things, though the words “extremely determined,” “patient,” and “gritty” really are the best words to describe me, along with being direct and straightforward.

I am not going to talk “doctor-talk,” because that is not who I am. I am not a veterinarian, even though I am a licensed veterinarian! This last sentence means that what I do every day for a living is practice veterinary medicine as a licensed veterinarian; it is my job that I do. But WHO I AM as a person is not a veterinarian! I do not fit as an individual into the veterinary world or profession, and I am perfectly ok with that fact. I am still a blue-collar worker out working in the trenches, simply doing my job, knowing my stuff, and solving problems that come up on the job. If there is a hiccup or problem I can’t solve, I read the manual or look at a schematic (i.e., research) and give it a go again. Not solving or fixing the problem is not an option in my brain as a blue collar worker. This is not as easy in veterinary medicine with a living, breathing horse or any animal. You can’t just replace a part, and away you go, free of lameness or performance issues. I wish it were that simple, but it is not. Too many variables that affect the system called the horse.

My goal for this blog is to educate you through how my mind works and thinks, but most importantly, through cases that I have and see every day to help you with the problems you are having with your horses, whether you are a trainer, owner, or farrier. We are starting in kindergarten on the basics of how I approach a horse, including learning through cases. I am here to help you and through you to help more horses.

Fire Horse, this is my birth year again, 60 years later. It all seems to fit in my mind, soul, and consciousness that this is my purpose…to always put “The Horse First.”

Giddy up and hang on if you can, because 2026 is going to be a great Fire Horse ride!

AJD