Three Helpful Apps for Tech-Savvy Horse Trainers

9:05 pm
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Ready to get a little more work out of your phone? It’s good for more than Facebook and Instagram. With apps to help you organize your business, memorize your dressage tests, and even pack your trailer before a show, your smartphone can step up from fun device to functional helper — even in the most traditional of barns.

Recordkeeping: Keeping records straight around the barn can be challenging. A stable full of horses with different needs can require a constant whirlwind of visits from doctors, dentists, farriers, masseuses… you get the idea. Broodmares need their own set of […]

Stable Relationships: Dogs and Horses

8:58 pm
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Dogs and horses just go together — at least, it seems like they should. Art over the centuries has certainly romanticized the dog/horse/human companionship as the epitome of the sporting or outdoor life. But do dogs really belong in the barn (or in the pastures, or on the trails, or in your arena?)

The answer depends, of course, on the dog and on the horse. If you’re considering introducing your dog to your horse, here are a few steps to help ensure the meeting goes well.

Obedience: Before you take your newest pound puppy to the […]

Tips for Winter Horse Grooming

11:30 am
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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 need the right tools for the job if you want […]

Preparing Mares and Stallions for Breeding Season

10:00 am
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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 poor candidates […]

Alternative Mice Control

9:00 am
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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?) and raptors such as […]

Five Winter Horse Care and Riding Tips

9:25 am
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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 insulated gloves can let the cold in. Keep your fingers […]

Horse Adoption 101

12:30 pm
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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 well to take a step back and investigate […]

Winter Feeding Tips

6:13 am
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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 doesn’t need the same energy level provided by […]

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