Archive for the ‘Horse Products’ Category
Teaching Responsibility
For years my daughter has been begging me for horseback riding lessons. I finally gave in this year after a serious discussion about responsibility. I explained to her that learning to ride also entails learning to care for horses. I told her that most barns would expect her to shovel stalls, feed and care for horses.
At the beginning of her first lesson, her riding instructor explained the same things to her. In fact, before she was even allowed on a horse, she had to learn proper grooming techniques, like how to use a curry comb and how to pick a hoof. Only after she proved that she was taking her responsibilities seriously was she allowed to ride.
Western and English Saddles
Most equestrians think of saddles as falling into two main categories, English and Western. Western saddles are distinctive because of a horn and high fork on the front of the saddle, and a deeper seat. The western saddle also has wide and long stirrups and fenders. The English saddle has a flatter seat, and no noticeable fork and horn.
Regardless of which style you decide on, you should make sure that the saddle fits your horse. If your horse appears uncomfortable, examine the horse’s back to see if there are any sores due to chafing or rubbing, this indicates an incorrectly fitted western saddle.
Grooming a Horse for Competition
When it comes to competition, looking the part is important. The rider has a specific uniform to wear and will give special attention to all the details from the color of their riding gloves to the buttons on their jacket. Attention to your horse’s grooming is also vitally important.Start the horse grooming process with a good bath with lanolin soap. The lanolin will remove dirt while keeping moisture intact; however, if your horse’s skin tends to dry out, there are products on the market to help. Following bathing, comb, pull, and braid the tail and mane according to the competition requirements. Hooves also need to be cleaned, trimmed, and oiled. Finally, use a spray conditioner just before entering the ring to give your horse’s coat a nice sheen.
Horse Blankets with Style
You will definitely be seen using a horse blanket like this… and your horse will be comfortable.
Help your horse take a walk on the wild side on the trails or at events. There are many different types and colors of fashion for your horse. But picture riding your horse with the great flashy colors coming out around the saddle.
Some saddle pads on the market create over cinching due to the poor fit of saddle pads. With so many colors and styles to choose from, you will find one that both you and your horse like. Another style is a pre-formed square pad that you can find in a variety of styles and colors as well. Find one that suits you and your horse and everyone wins.
Feeding a Horse in Stall
What is the best way to feed horses when they’re in a stall? One theory is to place the grain and hay on the ground to promote a more natural approach to feeding. While I can understand the desire to make feeding natural, in a stall a horse is likely to eat where it has relieved itself. This is unsanitary.
Floor feeders are another alternative, but I’m not fond of these because there is a danger of a horse getting a leg or hoof trapped. Swing out horse feeders are my main preference. They are mounted to the stall wall so there is little danger of a horse defecating in its food or getting its legs caught. With the , an owner can fill the device with hay and grain while standing outside the stall, then simply swing it inside the stall when it’s time for the horses to feed.
Proper Hoof Care
Horses can go without daily brushing, but ignoring hoof care can generate a lot of problems that can lead to short and long- term problems. First off, a horse’s hooves need to be trimmed every four to ten weeks. If the hooves grow too long it can cause a horse extreme discomfort.
In addition to being trimmed, hooves also have to be cleaned. This process is known as “picking” or “picking out” the feet. Hooves can pick up mud, manure, rocks, and other debris. Hoof picks are used to remove the dirt and debris from the soles of the hooves. Hoof liquid may also be applied to improve moisture content and prevent cracks, lost shoes, and tender feet.
Warm your horse with a quarter sheet
Though larger animals do produce more body heat than humans, they are still susceptible to the cold. When caring for our equine friends it’s important to keep this detail in mind when selecting the proper saddle blanket. In fact, if your horse is going to be standing outdoors in the cold for long periods of time, you may want to consider purchasing a quarter sheet.
Quarter sheets are similar to horse saddle blankets. Horse saddle blankets, also known as saddle pads or saddle cloths, usually cover the area under and around where a saddle is placed. A quarter sheet is also placed under the saddle, but it covers the horse from shoulder to hip. Trainers will have their race horses wear quarter sheets to keep the horses’ leg muscles loose and warm before a race, as cold muscles work more slowly and are more susceptible to tears.
Pet Friends
Do you have that someone special that you need to buy a present for this Christmas? I know I do. As time goes buy I never fail to remember the precious friends of mine. You know the ones. They love you unconditionally, they forgive you when you get mad, or get them a different kind of food, forget to bring their snack. In the past my horse family members have received new halters, leads and blankets. My dog family members have received new coats, collars, and toys.
No matter what color I give them they don’t seem to mind. There is no such thing as re-gifting. They are appreciative of all that is done for them. Can you believe that they even liked the polka dot horse halter and matching lead as well as the purple heart covered dog collar and leash? Well, I have to admit that the color choice was more for my pleasure. 
Dog and Horse Halloween Costumes
I had the pleasure of being sent the pictures of some dog and horses in costume this year. What a wonderful sight to see. I also saw so many taking their dogs out for halloween in costume.
I hope all your pets enjoyed the holiday as well. Remember no chocolate allowed! I stood outside this year and made sure to have buscuits available for the puppies and candy for the children. Everyone laughed when I brought a biscuit out of my pocket after giving the children their treat. Smiles all around.
Jack actually won First Place for his costume. You go Jack!!
![Jack_pet_costume_contest_30Oct10[1]](http://www.pawsnhoovescafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Jack_pet_costume_contest_30Oct101-150x150.jpg "Jack_pet_costume_contest_30Oct10[1]")
Horse Blankets
Whether you are trail riding or competition riding you always need to make sure that you are using the proper saddle blanket or pad for your horse. There are so many choices that it can be a bit of a chore researching the various types. It will also depend on the type of saddle you are using.
There are so many different shapes, sizes and materials to choose from. Now there is the technology of the gel pad or that will provide cushion between the saddle and the horse or the neoprene type that allows the material to breathe. Choosing some types of saddle pads is also going to make it a little heavier and more expensive than the traditional saddle pad or blanket.
I choose to opt for the traditional blanket as it is easy to clean, can be replaced without being costly and they come in various sizes to suit the needs of your horse and height of the withers as well as the size and shape of your saddle.
Saddle blankets come in so many varying colors and styles I am sure you will find one that will do the work and be stylish at the same time.