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July 01, 2014
June 10, 2014
May 06, 2014
Ahh, spring cleaning. It feels good, doesn’t it? Opening the windows in the house! Leaving the barn doors open all night! I just can’t get enough of the fresh, spring air.
However, there is one daunting spring task all horse owners dread… Cleaning those winter blankets! They smell like pee, they are stained beyond recognition, they are covered with hair, and likely a strap or two is broken. Sometimes, it might be easier to toss it and get a new one. But, most of us can’t afford a new blanket each year, so we resort to getting them clean and even some jerry-rigging to fix holes and broken straps (don’t pretend you haven’t used duct tape as patch repair and bailing twine for a strap).
Now, for me, I traditionally yank off the heavyweight, toss it in a garbage bag, and put it in the trunk of my car. Unfortunately, I forget about it. Until we are in the heat of summer, and I keep asking myself “what is that smell?” I do it every year, so you think I would learn… just wash it right away. But here we are, a few weeks into spring, and guess where my horse’s blanket is? That’s right… in my trunk, waiting until darkness when I can head to the laundromat to ignore the “DO NOT WASH HORSE BLANKET” signs, and toss them in (you all do it too, so don’t look down upon me).
But over the years, I have learned that a quick wash doesn’t always do the trick. And, in fact, the last time I left it up to my husband to wash the blanket, somehow he melted the straps (not pleased, and the blanket was a total loss).
Sometimes you have to get resourceful. Sometimes your blanket needs a good hose-down before it even faces the washing machine. Sometimes it needs the care of a laundry service. Whatever condition your blanket made it through this winter in, it needs some TLC this spring.
I want to get the life out of my horse’s blanket (they aren’t cheap), so here are my thoughts and advice. If you let those dirty blankets lay around through the summer season, you might find weird mold growing on the inside, or even worse, find that the urine stains have pretty much eaten their way through the fabric. You don’t want that!
And, when you have exhausted all efforts, and maintaining that blanket any further is a burden, toss it. It is time for a new one. Lucky for you, many tack stores have sales on winter blankets during the spring. My final tip is to snag one up while they are on sale!
Happy SPRING, everyone!
April 11, 2014
March 07, 2014
February 04, 2014
Western Pennsylvania is no stranger to the seasons. Actually, it’s one of the perks of living here. We have winter, spring, summer and fall. But for those of us who are equestrians, two of these seasons can be brutal - super hot or super cold.
This winter, however, has been awful. Snow, ice, bitter cold – and I mean BITTER! Between the horses and the riders, we are crawling out of our skins just looking for a glimmer of consistency in our routine. Barn work is nearly unbearable – breaking buckets and scooping frozen turds is really getting old.
Riders have had to get resourceful, as we all know the consequences to hopping on a “fresh” horse who has been cooped up for days in this weather.
Spring can’t come soon enough. Really… 50s, 60s, gosh even 40s at this point sound amazing. But let’s be honest, winter riding, especially for those of us up north, gives us time to work on the basics. We may not be jumping full courses on a daily basis, and we clearly aren’t out galloping cross country, but we can keep at it.
Winter trail riding is one of my favorite things to do. It’s good for your mind and that of your equine friend. Getting out and doing more than ring work is often a welcome change. It doesn’t have to be long. A hack through the field or a walking ride through the woods can give us our ‘fix,’ even if it is just for a little bit.
For those privileged enough to have indoor arenas, why not take it back to the basics? We hear it time and time again, “you can always improve on your flat work.” Take this time to do it! It will absolutely help you come spring. Work some ground poles and cavalettis into the mix.
And trust me, there have been nights where it seems even too cold to tack up! I don’t even want to take my hands out of my gloves to tighten a girth – are you kidding? But a bareback ride can absolutely be worth it. The horse keeps you warm, and heck, even throw a cooler over the two of you. Furthermore, bareback riding gives you the opportunity to work on YOURSELF. Your position. Your strength. No one rides bareback enough. Test your skills.
Also, a nice, easy lunge can make all the difference and be a helpful change in your horse’s routine. Using side reins or a balancing system can be a challenge, and a good workout, even for the most seasoned horse.
Even though that Phil told us six more weeks of winter, I certainly hope that doesn’t mean six more weeks of misery. Hang in there pony friends, there is a light at the end of this wintery tunnel!
December 31, 2013 2 Comments
I’ve never been one for New Year’s Resolutions. I think about it… eat healthier, exercise more, volunteer frequently, but it always seems like life gets in the way – and the next thing I know, it’s December 31, and I surely haven’t “resolved” anything.
But looking to 2014 – The Year of the Horse, I thought to myself, “there are certainly things I can do to better myself as a ‘horse person,’” as even trips to the barn have become rushed or pushed off.
This year I will:
And although this looks wonderful on paper at the moment, I really hope I can stick to this list – it is, after all, the Year of the Horse!
November 08, 2013
So since we had a Top Winter Must Haves Rider Edition last month, here is the Horse Edition! These products help keep that special horse in your life warm and happy this winter. Whether you use one or all, your horse is sure to love you.
1. Weatherbeeta Freestyle 1200D Detach A Neck Medium Turnout
1200D Triple Weave outer shell is tough and long lasting
*Waterproof and Breathable fabric keeps your horse dry and comfortable all winter long
*220g polyfill medium weight
*Detach-a-Neck style connects easily with touch-tape
*Freestyle Gusset is forwardly placed to allow the horse's front legs to move freely
*Freestyle Shoulder Dart cups the shoulder perfectly to stop blanket rubs
*Freestyle Tail Flap is darted on the sides so the horse's tail is free to move. Extra large cut protects from wind and rain
*New Snug Fit fleece collar fully seals off the Detach-a-Neck from windy, wet weather
*Comfort Cuff offers padding and warmth in the neck area
*Wither Relief Pad lifts the blanket off the horse's wither and mane
*Quick Clip Front Closure offers 10 fit options for a custom fit and easy on/off
*Rust Resistant Fittings handle winter weather with ease
*Reflective Panels to easily spot your horse at night
*Removable web/elastic leg straps keep everything in place, and stretch and move with your horse
Colors: Blue/Gray Plaid(add$10), Black/Blue, Denim/Navy/White
Sizes: 66-87(66 only available in Denim/Navy/White)
2. Horze Ricky Fleece Rug
Breathable, super soft functional fleece. Great fit with high neck, 2 chest buckles and 2 surcingles. Embroidered Z on front left shoulder.
Sizes: 66", 69", 72"
3. Dura Tech Cashmelon Contour Cooler
Very soft, 100% acrylic waffle knit cooler is wonderful in any season. Material wicks away moisture quickly for drying after baths or cooling out safely after workouts. Contour shaped for great fit. Detachable tail cord, low surcingle. Velcro tabs from throat to chest. Color: Navy / Light Blue Plaid. Sizes: Medium (fits 70-76) or Large (76-80), X-Large (82-86).
4. Ultraflex Lycra Tail Bag
Smooth, stretchy lycra tail bag to protect your clean, braided tail. Self-ties hold bag in place. Washable. 24" long. Colors: Black, Navy, Burgundy, Purple, or Green.
5. Horze Sheepskin Halter Tubing Kit
Sheepskin covers for halters add an extra style and comfort. Perfect for horses with sensitive skin. Sold in sets of 4: 1 noseband, 1 crown piece, 2 cheek pieces. Colors: Brown or White.
6. Horze Advanced ProTec Boot Set
The Horze® ProTec Horse Boot Set offers effective leg protection that increases performance levels. This complete set comes with front tendon boots and hind fetlock boots!
These boots are specially designed for increased freedom with soft padded lining and a low cut on the top. Velcro closures. Brown or White.
7. Uncle Jimmys Hangin Balls
A treat for all classes of horses. Horses standing in stalls can suffer from stall boredom with symptoms such as stall walking, weaving, cribbing, kicking and chewing. This ball can help eliminate these problems. Your horse will spend hours trying to lick and grab great tasting treat. Not only is it great tasting, but it is also packed with vitamins and minerals essential for a horse's everyday needs. One ball can last from a week to a month, depending on the aggressiveness of the horse and how you hang the ball.
Flavors: Apple, Carrot, Peppermint, and Molasses.
8. UltraFlex Full Body Lycra Slicker With Full Zipper
Made of durable 8 oz lycra
High quality full separating zipper for easy on/off from muzzle to base of chest
Lycra sheet attachment features a bellyband, detachable elastic leg straps
Great as a blanket liner, show prep sheet on hot days
Colors: Black, Navy
Sizes: Small (64-70), Medium (70-74), Large (76-80), X-Large (80-86)
9. Premier Saratoga Padded Leather Halter
A beautiful new handmade stable halter crafted of 1" durable, brown bridle leather with attractive soft black padding for added comfort on nose, cheeks and crown. Double adjustable crown, snap at throat and adjustable curb. Brass hardware. Sizes: Cob, Full Size, Thoroughbred
10. Brittanys Bran Mash
Besides being so deliciously beautiful, this bran mash for horses is all natural and made with the freshest ingredients. Each bag is hand packaged in a clean and sterile operating facility to ensure quality and freshness.
Feeding a horse warm bran mash is an equestrian tradition that has been passed down for generations. Not only is bran mash a comfort food, but it is a great way to help hydrate, hide medicines, supplements and vegetable oil or mineral oil from a picky horse. Making a warm and delicious bran mash is so rewarding. Your horse will smile.
3 Delicious Flavors! Absolutely Apple, Crazy Carrot, or Peppermint Pucker
For more information on these products go to www.carouselhorsetack.com
October 22, 2013
October 01, 2013
May 30, 2013 1 Comment
This is a sugary sweet treat that your horses will love!
Ingredients:
As many apples as you have horses
1 carrot
As many strawberries as you have horses
As many peppermints as you have horses
Corn Syrup
Oats
Directions:
Cut off top of apple just below where the stem ends (don't throw away).
Cut out the inside, including seeds and basically make an apple "bowl".
Fill the apple with one cut up strawberry, cut up pieces of carrot, one peppermint, a drizzle of corn syrup, and pinch of oats.
Put the top of the apple back on and present to your favorite equines!
They will find a sweet surprise inside!
May 23, 2013
One of the recent foxtrotters rescued:
A former rescue in her new home: