Do You Show Your Horse Love In The Winter?
Written on 2008-03-04
In Horse Blankets
Let us say winter is here and you're warm and cozy by the fireplace, drinking the hot chocolate and reading a good book. Maybe you are enjoying some soothing music while ensconced in your favorite pajamas; all wrapped up comfortably in your soft blanket while the snow falls lightly outside.
What about your horse? Is your horse in a clean, warm stall in the barn, with fresh hay and clean water... Read more...
Let us say winter is here and you're warm and cozy by the fireplace, drinking the hot chocolate and reading a good book. Maybe you are enjoying some soothing music while ensconced in your favorite pajamas; all wrapped up comfortably in your soft blanket while the snow falls lightly outside.
What about your horse? Is your horse in a clean, warm stall in the barn, with fresh hay and clean water... Read more...
Ponies Are Adorable
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Why Leg Wraps And Horse Blankets Are Handy
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Most horse owners have started out the same way... loving and caring for ponies. Former pony owners look back on their pony owning years and a distant far away expression comes over their faces. It is nearly impossible for a horse owner not to have a pony story, some good some not so good.
For the most parts ponies are tough. They seldom seem to be struck low by the illnesses and maladies that... Read more...
Horse saddles and horse blankets are something people usually associate together when the horse comes to mind. If you plan to ride your horse, you'll need both. Even if you don't have to use the horse blanket with the horse saddle, you'll still want a horse blanket for other times. You'll want one when your horse is kept in a drafty stall, when your horse is waiting out in the cold weather for ... Read more...
For someone unfamiliar with horses and anything associated with horses, the word dressage might conjure up a few other images besides that of its true meaning. One might wonder if it means clothing. How absurd to think of a horse wearing clothing! In a sense, horses do wear what you might consider horse clothing. I suppose you could say its horse blanket is its clothing. Although it could see... Read more...
STANTON, Del. -- Having endured a heartbreaking second-place finish by Hard Spun in the Kentucky Derby, trainer Larry Jones is heading into the Preakness with no regrets.
"I wouldn't take anything back that we've done," Jones said Tuesday upon returning to Hard Spun's home stable at Delaware Park.
Given his horse's love for speed, and the fact that jockey Mario Pino calls Maryland home, Jone... Read more...
Dermatophilosis is a condition that horses can contract. Dermatophilosis is a condition commonly referred to as rain rot, rain scald, and streptothricosis. Dermatophilosis that appears on the horses lower leg is often called dew poisoning. Although Dermatophilosis can be seen throughout the country it is most common in the southeastern portion of the United States where the weather condition is fr... Read more...
Equine Canada, the Provincial Equestrian Federations and Official Spokesperson, 2006 World Equestrian Games Silver Medalist Team member Lance Griffin would like to remind everyone that Horse Week 2007 is taking place June 2-10.
If you have an event taking place, and would like to register it to be an official part of Horse Week 2007, please note that events must be registered by May 15, 2007 in... Read more...
The horse blanket has been around for many years. As long as cowboys and Indians have existed, so has the use of the horse blanket. A welcome addition to any true-blue western cowboy's stock of horse paraphernalia, the horse blanket can be useful and pleasing to the eye as well.
Most story books about horses and cowboys or Indians will include a reference to or a picture of a horse blanket. ... Read more...
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Do You Show Your Horse Love In The Winter?
Let us say winter is here and you're warm and cozy by the fireplace, drinking the hot chocolate and reading a good book. Maybe you are enjoying some soothing music while ensconced in your favorite pajamas; all wrapped up comfortably in your soft blanket while the snow falls lightly outside. What about your horse? Is your horse in a clean, warm stall in the barn, with fresh hay and clean water, protected from the elements? Did you remember his horse blanket? It's not as though he can waltz over to his little closet and take it out of the drawer! Your precious investment is depending on you to remember the particulars of his care. A cold horse in winter is a pitiful thing indeed. If you decide to buy a horse, even if it is just for the sake of saying you own one, please take the time to provide proper care and housing, medical attention, and the right equipment. Part of that equipment and proper care involves the horse blanket. A horse blanket is particularly needed in the cold, hard elements of the winter season. The horse has no way of actually saying, "Hey, could you hand me that blanket, please?" It is a living, breathing creation and is counting on the master of the estate to give it what it needs to survive. The horse blankets need not be elaborate, expensive pieces of valuable art. They simply need to be functional for the animal. The function here is to hold in the animal's body heat in the winter. Of course, they are also used as cushioning underneath the saddles among other things. Which, by the way, is also needed in the winter and the blanket helps the horse stay warmer while being ridden outside. Miniature horses have their own furry horse blankets in the winter. Even though all horses have thicker hair in the winter, the minis look woolly! They sometimes enjoy running in the snow just for fun! One type of miniature horse is the Falabella, which are said to be survivors of the Ice Age. They must have been an extremely tough breed of animal to survive the harsh winters from that period of time. Maybe you are wondering if the horses of the Ice Age needed blankets. While I'm sure plenty survived without them, horses being gentled and tamed by mankind have also been bred somewhat spoiled or weakened, if you will. I suppose you could compare it to a dog that has been kept inside with the central heat since a pup. If you put the dog outside in the yard in the harsh winter, it will struggle against the cold. Besides, just because a horse survived the Ice Age doesn't mean he should be forced to endure the winter without a horse blanket now. Humans survived living in caves with no electricity or modern amenities, but now we've spoiled and pampered ourselves and most would have a hard time surviving harsh conditions of nature. So, care for your horse with the love and tenderness that is deserved. ... Read more...
Ponies Are Adorable
Almost any baby is adorable. Okay, there are some that only a mother could love, but then beauty is in the eye of the beholder. How could anyone not fall in love with ponies? They have such a charm, children are attracted to them, children's books are written about them, and horse blankets are made for them. Yes, that's right. There are horse blankets made for ponies! Some ponies do live in the wild and are without the luxury of a warm blanket for the winter. It is unfortunate, for only the strong survive, whereas struggling weaklings in captivity are given a chance to become stronger. These do tend to get pampered and loved and have their warm blankets to help them through their shaky developmental stages. The National Park Service helps to protect the wild ponies. There is a small island near Virginia where the wild ponies are herded across the waters to another island once a year. This is a popular event, and the island is called Chincoteague (pronounced CHIN-ko-teeg). An hour after they are born, ponies have the ability to walk. They may stumble and struggle at first, but they learn fast. The baby is called a foal and isn't considered full-grown until age 5 or 6. Most people who have horses will try to have the mare give birth in their barn, in a stall, and a warm horse blanket is provided for them after the birth. If the mother has trouble with the birth, it is easier to monitor and provide care in a barn. Many people, who think it will be a good idea to give their child a pony, do not realize the special care a horse needs as it grows and develops. It is always good to sit down with your child and make a list of all the things any animal new to the family will need before purchasing. Horses especially will need plenty of room to graze and grow and will need their exercise and good medical care if a problem were to develop. You may want to start with a small horse, such as a mini, if you do not plan to have your child ride a horse. The mini horse comes in a child-sized package! Don't forget the accessories that come with owning the minis. There are horse blankets made just for this size horse. Miniature Horses were created from breeding small horses that were used for work in coal mines to the small Shetland Ponies. The babies were then bred to make even smaller horses. The miniature breed is not actually considered ponies just because of their size. Ponies are 14 hands high, compared to the 8 hand size of a mini. But the baby minis are called ponies until they are grown, just as other horse babies. You shouldn't need as much horse tack for these mini horses because they are not used in the same ways as what is considered normal sized horses. There are places that sell tack just for the smaller breeds. ... Read more...
Why Leg Wraps And Horse Blankets Are Handy
Many items are needed to care for horses. Let's explore two such items now. Suppose your horse needed added warmth? Would you just let it shiver and risk illness? No, you'd provide it with something called a horse blanket. Horse blankets are quite handy and can be used in many different ways, to benefit both you and your horse. Some people collect horse blankets to use as decorations around their home, office, or restaurant. Museums have collections of horse blankets, which date back centuries. A true horseman respects the use of the horse blanket and has discovered much value in owning several. The old West was not complete without horse blankets. They kept the horse comfortable by providing padding underneath the saddle, kept the horse warm and even at times provided warmth or a pillow for the rider. They were valuable to use for trade in areas where they were not readily available. Now let's discuss the leg wrap. If you prefer, you can find a leg wrap to match the color of your horse blanket. This might be an issue is you are entering a parade or showing your horse or if you just prefer such attention to detail. There are many colors available in leg wraps. Horses do get injuries and require leg wraps as part of your medical supplies. A conscientious horse owner would keep a few on hand for emergencies. They are sold at veterinary supply offices. Use your leg wraps wisely so as to enhance and not hinder the healing process of your wounded animal. Magnetic leg wraps are sold for aid to circulation problems and to enhance cellular activity for quicker healing. This might benefit problems with joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. There are elastic bandage leg wraps, also used by some people for their own injuries, sold in four by five yard rolls, which stick to themselves. Should you want your youngster to feel important while caring for your wounded pet, you could use animal print leg wraps. This would make learning about horse care more appealing for the child. If color isn't an issue, there is your basic black leg wrap, made of neoprene. Or you could buy a fancy satin white leg wrap. Quilted leg wraps can be washed in your washer and thrown into your dryer, providing longer lasting use. If you are out rounding up livestock far away from the home and maybe are unable to get back quickly, suppose your horse develops cuts on his legs and you have nothing suitable to use as a bandage or leg protection before heading into rougher territory. Once more, we bring leg wraps and horse blankets together. What's more important, the blanket, or your animal's welfare? Cut off a piece of the horse blanket and use it as a temporary leg wrap. Always consider consulting your local veterinarian for your horse's injuries. A leg wrap may not be necessary and if not used properly could inhibit the results. ... Read more...
Caring For A Pony During The Winter
Most horse owners have started out the same way... loving and caring for ponies. Former pony owners look back on their pony owning years and a distant far away expression comes over their faces. It is nearly impossible for a horse owner not to have a pony story, some good some not so good. For the most parts ponies are tough. They seldom seem to be struck low by the illnesses and maladies that seem to strike their larger equine counterparts. Their toughness is one of the reasons that ponies are so often a good match for children. Pony owners who live in northern climates that keep their ponies outside during the frosty winter months have to do a few things to make sure their ponies stay sound and healthy. Snow can be dangerous. Each time a pony takes a step on the the snow they start to gather snow in the bottom of their hooves. Each time the pony takes a step the snow becomes harder pack until the pony is forced to walk on rounded balls of ice. Not only is walking treacherous on the ice balls, if the pony missteps or slips they can strain or twist their legs, either on of the injuries could create a lameness that can plaque the pony for months. Smearing petroleum jelly on the bottoms of the ponies hooves every couple of days can prevent the snow from gathering on the ponies hooves. Regular dental work is as important to ponies and horses as it is to their human caretakers. If you notice that your pony is suddenly loosing a great deal of weight have your veterinarian take a look at their teeth. If your veterinarian notices any sharp edges on your ponies teeth make sure the teeth are floated. Going into the winter months it is especially important to make sure that your ponies teeth are in good shape. Make sure your pony has plenty of access to good fresh water. If you don't have water heater for your buckets plan on breaking the ice several times a day. Ponies who are kept outside must have access to shelter. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, a simple three sided lean-to facing away from the wind is enough. The most dangerous condition is if the weather is both wet and cold. Although many people tend to take the cold blustery winter months off, preferring to stay inside to riding. That doesn't mean that there is anything wrong with riding during the winter, riding through snowdrifts can be almost as good for conditioning as riding in a deep sand arena. If you choose to work your pony it is important to make sure its dry and free of sweat before you put it out in the field. A heavy dense winter coat can sometimes make this difficult. Some pony owners opt to body clip (remove all the long winter hair). Ponies that have been body clipped can not be turned loose in the elements without some form of protection. Pony owners who decide to keep a body clipped pony outside should use a warm turnout rug to protect the pony from the elements. If you are a pony owner who uses a turnout blanket make sure the blanket is well fitted and clean. Check underneath the blanket for rubbing and chaffing on a daily basis. ... Read more...
About Horse Saddles And Horse Blankets
Horse saddles and horse blankets are something people usually associate together when the horse comes to mind. If you plan to ride your horse, you'll need both. Even if you don't have to use the horse blanket with the horse saddle, you'll still want a horse blanket for other times. You'll want one when your horse is kept in a drafty stall, when your horse is waiting out in the cold weather for a show, when your horse is waiting in a holding pen for vet's attention and it is cold outside. When you think of buying a new horse saddle, consider the trial period in case you'll want to return it for a better fit. Surely you didn't think it would be as easy as just buying a universal saddle fit for any horse or rider? No, my unsuspecting horse friend, it is, unfortunately more involved than that. Oh, but the journey for the proper saddle and blanket is well worth the efforts both for you and your equine partner. Buying a horse saddle that doesn't fit the horse, rider, or the occasion will only cause regrets and soreness that could be avoided by a thoughtful purchase. Ask any horse enthusiast and you'll find that buying the proper gear is a welcome investment! You'll want to consider what type of riding you'll do. Saddles are basically wood or fiberglass in frame that is covered with leather. Although, you'll find technical advances have allowed for the more modern synthetic material in lieu of the leather covering. Regardless of what your saddle is constructed of, the quality and purpose and fit are most important. You'll want your money's worth. There are several different choices to make before purchasing a blanket as well. You must have a blanket under a western saddle for the horse and rider to be comfortable during the ride. Blankets are made for performance, for miniature horses, and for show. Although the Navajo horse blanket is a popular choice is the western style is a consideration, there are others available. There are quilted blankets, foal blankets, antisweat sheets, and cooling blankets. For your added comfort, there are softee seats, suede seats, and even shock absorbers, which might be welcomed after a lengthy time away from riding because of medical reasons. Whatever type of horse saddle or horse blanket you'll require be certain both will best benefit you and your horse. The saddle must fit not only the size of the horse, but the size and shape of the rider as well. A poor fit can cause sure muscles, blisters, and bruising for you both. Not only should you consider this for yourself, but for children riders. The child will continue to grow, but the saddle should fit them at their current size. Saddles used for other than pleasure riding include those bought for endurance, show, roping, barrel races, and ponies. There are many different brands of all these types of saddles. It's a matter of choice, price, and availability. Happy hunting! ... Read more...
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