Tips for Winter Horse Grooming

11:30 am

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3 responses on “Tips for Winter Horse Grooming”

Do you have a fuzzy horse in your barn this winter? Will you be blanketing as covered in my earlier post, https://equinefacilitydesign.com/equine-care/horse-winter-blanket.htm? Long coats call for special grooming strategies. A long winter coat is perfect for beating the winter wind and snow off your horse’s back, but it calls for extra attention when you’re exercising and training during the cold months. Long coats can hide dander, dried sweat, and dirt — which can make your horse itchy and uncomfortable. You’ll […]

Preparing Mares and Stallions for Breeding Season

10:00 am

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Equine Care

Preparing-Mares-and-Stallions-for-Breeding-Season

North America, it’s time to prep your mares and stallions for breeding season. Are you ready for spring?

Although the calendar says it’s still fall, and the first snowfalls are only just appearing on weather maps across the country, the spring breeding season begins early for many horsemen. With breeding sheds opening in February, the time to make sure horses are in optimal shape and hormonal balance for breeding season is already upon us.

Physical Fitness: Just getting a mare to ovulate and conceive requires an excellent body condition. Thin or overweight mares are […]

Alternative Mice Control

9:00 am

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Misc., Products

Mice Control

Recently, TheHorse.com ran the results of their pest control poll. The question, what do barn owners use to control mice and vermin around their barn, was tilted largely in favor of cats. Barn cats still do the heavy lifting when it comes to mouse patrol, and it’s no wonder: they don’t pose a health risk like poison, and they’re nice to look at when they’re not busy destroying tiny barn invaders.

There were some other interesting entries, though, including black snakes (how does one invite a black snake to their barn […]

Five Winter Horse Care and Riding Tips

9:25 am

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Equine Care, Products

Top 5 Winter Horse Care and Riding Tips

Snowflakes are already flying around the country! It’s hard to believe, but winter is going to be here sooner rather than later. We’ve compiled some of our favorite winter horse care and riding tips, to help you have a warm, happy winter at the barn.

Warm Hands, Warm Heart: You want to maintain a soft feel with your horse’s mouth, but you also want to keep your fingers frostbite-free. Riding gloves are nice, but after a little while out in the freezing cold, even […]

Horse Adoption 101

12:30 pm

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Misc.

Your Guide to Horse Adoption 101

Thinking of adding on to your equine family? Adopting a horse can be a wonderful opportunity to give a rescue or foster horse a much-needed permanent home. Whether you’re looking for a youngster to bring up through the levels as a show horse, or an older horse to serve as a companion or just mow the grass for you, there is probably an adoptable horse out there who meets your needs and then some.

There are so many equine rescues and rehoming organizations, in fact, that prospective adopters would do […]

Winter Feeding Tips

6:13 am

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Equine Care

Essential Tips for Feeding Horses in Winter

The winter season can make serious changes to the way your horse lives and exercises. This, in turn, changes your horse’s nutritional requirements. From the type of feed you’re providing, to the nutrients found within, let’s take a look at winter feeding for horses.

Less Exercise. The horse who is used to daily workouts or spending most of his time outside might suddenly find himself stalled for days on end during bad weather. Many horsemen will automatically cut back on grain. After all, the stalled horse […]

Does My Horse Need a Winter Blanket?

3:06 am

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Equine Care

One response on “Does My Horse Need a Winter Blanket?”

Here comes winter! Well, it’s starting to feel like fall in many parts of the country, and that means shaggy horses. If you’re clipping winter coats, you’re probably starting to go through your blanket inventory. If you’re leaving your horses fuzzy this winter, you might be wondering if your horse needs a winter blanket.

Well, he might not need a winter wardrobe at all. A healthy horse with a winter coat, a good diet with plenty of calories, and a windbreak with shelter probably […]

5 Horse Toys for Your Bored Horse

8:22 pm

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Equine Care, Products

5 Fun Toys to Keep Your Horse Entertained

Is your horse stall-bound? Or does he get turned out alone, and spend his days walking the fence, whinnying, and generally being a pain? Some horses need more entertainment than a pile of hay or a swath of green grass. Luckily, modern horses can alleviate their boredom with horse toys. Here are five horse toys to liven up your bored horse’s life!

The Jolly Ball. It’s been around for decades, and the Jolly Ball (www.horsemenspride.com/products/) is still making a certain […]