Caring For Your Horse During the Winter - Winter Horse Care

You pull back your curtains to reveal old man winter's masterpiece. The ground is shimmering in the sunlight. Before you or your family dares to venture out into this extraordinary white world, you bundle up in your best gear; snow boots, gloves, scarves, carry hand warmers, eat a good breakfast, and brew hot chocolate upon your return.

You might bring a water bottle with you if a snowball fight is on your mind, or a shovel to clear the driveway. The point is that if we do these things for our family, why not for our horses too? There are many problems that can occur for a horse due to winter's harsh conditions. With proper care and a bit of extra effort these problems can be easily avoided.

Cover Up!

Most horses adapt well to cold weather so stabling is not necessary. What is necessary is somewhere they can get away from the elements. A small lean-to or timberline works well for this. Many horse owners, whose horses spend the majority of time inside, invest in a horse blanket. Horses that spend more time outside, develop thick winter coats and will be more comfortable without a blanket. Horse blankets vary greatly from thickness to materials used. It is important to find a blanket that suits your horse's needs and your budget.

Rubber VS. Plastic

One of the hardest tasks winter brings is water trough maintenance. If you live in an area that frequently dips below freezing, a soccer ball floating in the trough will prevent the water from becoming a giant ice cube. Stores also carry water trough heaters for areas prone to extreme thick ice. While rubber buckets cost more than plastic ones, it's well worth your money to invest in a rubber trough. Ice can easily be removed from rubber troughs by turning the bucket upside down. Plastic troughs will freeze and crack open. Clean, available water is essential.

Feeding Time

A winter feeding program should be established before winter's first snow. Just like any other animal, a horse needs time to adjust to changes in food. One thought to consider is during the last summer months weaning your horse off pasture grass, which will be covered during the winter months, and slowly introduce more fodder into their diet. Feeding your companion more fodder during the winter months will help them to maintain a healthy body temperature. As horses digest, heat is produced. This heat produced by the digestive system is what keeps the horse warm.

Hoof Care

Proper hoof care is crucial! If a horse's hoofs are allowed to grow the chances of them cracking or chipping increases greatly. Keeping them trim will prevent any damage and give the horse better traction. Another less obvious step in hoof care is to check your horse regularly for packed ice within the hoof. When ice builds up under the hoof it is a gateway to sole bruises, which can develop into abscesses. Ice build up can be prevented by Vaseline, cooking spray or pads on the bottom of the hoof installed by your farrier.

Pasture Safety

Remove any obstacles, fix gates and fences, fill holes, and take away manure. Make sure your gates are high enough to allow them to easily pass over any snow that might build up. It is also nice to have a firm area for yourself to stand while grooming or working your horse. Winter can be brutal but with the proper horse care any horse can be safe and stay healthy throughout even the coldest of winter months.

Randall Holman, site owner of Front Range Frenzy and horse enthusiast, is the author of the above article. You will find other easy and practical basic horse care information on his website: http://www.FrontRangeFrenzy.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Randall_Holman

To Rug Or Not To Rug

I hate to mention it but the days will soon start shortening, as we'll all start to want to keep warmer, and that includes our horses and ponies. We might reach for a sweater but they'll want to be rugged up, but even this simple action has some guidelines that should be observed.

The range of rugs available is getting quite mind boggling. They are becoming the horse fashion accessory of choice these days. But before you rush out and get one or more, let's see if they really need rugging up.

Native cobs and ponies for example, naturally grow very thick coats, intended to protect them in the severest weather. Providing they are able to take shelter from strong winds and excessive rains they will normally cope well.

When do they normally need to be rugged up
If they are old infirm or injured
If they are underweight or in poor condition
If they have previously suffered from rain rash
If they have been fully or partly clipped
If they are normally stabled overnight and only spend a short time out during the day
If they are thin skinned and prone to the cold
If they are kept in a very confined paddock

Once they are rugged up they shouldn't be ignored, you should check them at least once a day to make certain that the rug hasn't slipped, been torn or damaged
Remove the rug if it gets warm, but replace when it gets chilly again
Remove the rug frequently to check that they have no injuries underneath or that its chaffing or rubbing their coat and could cause a skin infection
Make sure that a spare rug is available if you have to remove the one they are wearing for any period of time

So if you have to get a rug, what should you consider
Buy a rug fit for the purpose it is required for, not as a fashion accessory. Consider any 'special needs' such as a tendency to rub at the shoulders. Some rugs are specially designed for such problems and the fabrics more resilient
When other protective clothing is used e.g. hood, bibs etc, make sure that they complement and fit with the rug, otherwise they may cause an accident that harms the horse
Measure the horse before making the purchase
Before trying on the rug make sure that the horse is very clean, and put a clean sheet over him before trying the new rug on him, this will keep it clean in case you need to change the rug
Horses change shape and grow, their rugs will need to be changed to make sure that they always fit properly
Check the type of fabric that the rug is made of. Some fabrics need to be fully wetted to allow the fibres to swell, so that it is fully waterproof. It will then need to dry off slowly before the horse can start wearing it
At the end of the season the rug will need cleaning and repairing. They are best stored being laid across a rail or thick piece of rope. It is not advisable to store them folded as the fabric may crack along the fold line and such cracks will let water in.

I hope this helps. Buying a rug can be an expensive business and you don't want to get it wrong. Once you have them they will last for years if you look after them properly.

Source: Free Articles

How To Tack Up Your Horse

Correctly Fitting Your Horse Riding Saddle

One of the most important things you can do to ensure the health and comfort of you and your horse is not only to select the right horse riding saddle, but properly fitting that saddle to your horse. Having a bad fit can not only create back ache and muscle pain for the rider, but it also very uncomfortable for the horse. There are companies that will measure you and your horse and suggest a correct saddle size. I highly recommend this service to begin with.

Once you have purchased the correct sized horse saddle, it is also important to remember that the position of the saddle on the horse's back is very important in making sure that the horse is comfortable while being ridden. There are basically three main muscles in the horse's back which can be negatively affected by bad saddle placement. Please familiarize yourself with these muscles and their location on your horse before you attempt to position the saddle on the horses' back.

The first thing you want to do is place the horse riding saddle on the back of the horse forward of the wither. Once you have done this, slide it backward down the horse until it cannot go any further. Do not force it. You should see now that the lowest part of the saddle should correspond to the lowest part of the horse's back. In order to verify that you positioned saddle correctly, the saddle tree should not press on the scapula or shoulder of the horse. It should lie in the groove behind it. This is a common mistake when positioning a saddle. People have a tendency to place the saddle too far up and put pressure on the scapula of the horse. This can hamper the movement of the horse as well as create saddle sores.

Properly fitting your horse saddle to your horse will come easier after the first couple times you do it. It is worth taking the time to learn the correct way to do this in order for your horse to remain happy and healthy.

Brian has been providing online content now for over 5 years. Please visit his latest website at http://www.candlemakingexpert.com to sign up for a free e course on candle making and learn the latest techniques about Candle Making Molds

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_Wisz

Horse Riding Through The Years

Horse Riding Clothing - The #1 Most Important Piece of Clothing is a Helmet

Some people find that horse riding clothing is rather chic! In fact, millions of dollars are spent each year in this industry. However, there is one piece of clothing that you cannot do without: a helmet. It matters not how chic you look if you incur a brain injury that leaves you debilitated or worse.

There is an inherent risk of injury when riding horses, just as exists in other sports. Any time you place yourself in the position to possibly sustain a head injury (by falling off) you MUST take the necessary precaution to wear a helmet. If football players find it necessary in their sport, it is certainly a requirement on the back of a horse.

The basic structure of a helmet, regardless of the exterior appearance, is a plastic shell that will spread the shock of an impact if you fall and hit your head. There is also a foam liner that works to do the same. These are the critical elements of your helmet that serve to protect you from a head injury.

Just because you have this helmet on your head, however, does not mean that it offers you any protection unless you have it properly fastened. Helmets come with a retention harness that must be connected each and every time you ride. No cheating! If your helmet flies off as you take a spill, it does you no good at all. Adjust the straps so that it keeps the helmet properly in place.

So, when is a helmet properly in place on your head? The helmet should be tight enough that once in place and fastened, your scalp moves with the helmet when you move the helmet back and forth. Wear the helmet so that it sits no more than one inch above your eyebrows, covering your forehead. If it slips forward over your eyes, it is too loose. Try on several brands until you find one that suits you best. It is vital to your health that you get this right!

Although they may look bulky, they are in fact much lighter in weight than you may think. They also have headliners, a fabric located inside the helmet with the foam liner, that is designed to keep your head dry and cool. In addition, most helmets have air vents that help keep you cool and reduce the weight somewhat.

Do NOT use a bicycle riding helmet for horseback riding! They are designed differently and do not offer the same protection as horse riding helmets. In fact, it is highly recommended that you use helmets approved by the American Society for Testing and Materials. You will see an "ASTM/SEI certified" label on the helmet which insures that the helmet has been appropriately tested for safety.

Years ago, we often did not ride our horses with helmets, nor did we wear them when on bicycles, scooters, roller skates or the like! We had horse riding clothing that usually included a good pair of boots, but helmets were not considered a necessity. Since those days, we have learned a lot about head injuries and how to protect ourselves and our children from what we may have luckily escaped.

Horse activities carry an inherent danger that requires we be constantly vigilant to abide by safe practices and habits. Whether you are leading a horse, mucking out a stall, or in the cross ties, always keep in mind the safest ways to behave to stay out of harms way. One of the easiest ways to avoid injury is wearing a helmet each and every time you ride your horse. Then and only then, go out and buy all the horse riding clothing your heart desires!

For more information about helmets and horse riding clothing and other gear please visit http://www.HorseRidingBootsGuide.com and http://www.EquestrianRiderGuide.com.

Lisa B. Blackstone has been involved in the Arabian horse business all of her life. She is a practicing attorney in the Atlanta, Georgia area. Recently, Lisa launched two websites designed to teach the novice rider about horses and horsemanship. You can visit them at http://www.HorseAndRiderClub.com and http://www.AmericanHorseAssociation.com. She is the host of The Horse and Rider Radio Show at Radio Sandy Springs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Blackstone

Practical Horse Care and Riding

Learn many aspects of practical horse care and riding with practicallyhorse. In this blog I hope to not only expand the knowledge of others involved with practical horse care and riding but to expand my own knowledge also.
The blog will be regularly updated to feature many aspects of practical horse care and horse riding.
This is for those of us wanting practical help and guidance with our hoeses, their care and our riding.

Professional Demonstration of Horse Grooming

Grooming Your Way Into Your Horses Good Books

Grooming is something you should try to do with your horse every day it is an an act that reinforces the bond between you and your horse. Lets face it we don't need any encouragement to be around our horses, it ensures that if our four hoofed friend has any nicks or rubs we can do something to treat them and get them back up to top condition. Be structured in your approach when grooming so that no parts of horsie are missed. If you work from the nose down to the tail and back up the otherside you wont be far wrong (try not to start in different places as a piece of grit missed under say, the saddle wont be very comfortable for your horse if your sat on top of it).

When grooming ensure that you have a way out if horsie gets a little bit frisky, ive seen my horse put her foot through one of the stable doors when I used a curry come a little to quickly to far underneath! Make sure you place the brushes and hoof pick you are going to use, in a bucket so you know where everything is (curry comb in a muck pile springs to mind)

You will need:

· A rubber curry comb (I get all of my gear from hill brush co. ltd check out there website)

· A reasonable stiff bristled body brush (depends on the horses coat and skin sensitivity)

· A tail and mane comb.

Moving slowly and calmly towards your horses neck work along the horses body and legs in a circular motion with the rubber curry comb when you get to areas that are quite sensitive go gently, aim for a sigh of contentment rather than a snort of disgust. Work the dirt up to the surface of the coat using circular sweeps all over the horse's body. If the ears go back and the horse jumps about your more than likely brushing a little to briskly, so go easy until you know what you can get away with, with that specific horse.

Now that you have all of the dirt loose and out from the base of the hairs come in with the body brush and bring out the shin of the coat. Use long strokes that follow the direction of the horses hair to pull out the last of the dirt and have your horse looking fantastic (I find this really therapeutic after the quicker curry combing) With the body brush, whisk out the dirt brought to the surface by the curry comb. Once again start at the neck and work your way to the bottom of the horse back up to the neck on the other side (when your moving around the horses rump ensure you maintain contact and talk to the horse in a calm reassuring voice) I normally wash down any dirt on the legs and finish them off with the body brush (my favourite are the leather body brushes they have a better feel and mold more to the hand with time)

When doing the mane and tail it is worth, using a simple plastic comb to get the best results. I find that if you use the curry comb it can make the hair matt up so I would stick to the comb. You can use products to make the hair shinier.

But I wouldn't really recommend this as it can make things a bit slick which might feel nice when your grooming but when your riding it can make things a bit to slippy.

A finishing brush will have shorter softer bristles and may be used on your horse's or pony's face if you don't have a special brush. Gently whisk away dust from the broader areas on your horse's face, ears and throat. With sweeping strokes whisk away any dust missed by the body brush. The finer bristles help smooth out the body hair and leave your horse looking more finished. Grooming sprays can provide sun protection, and add shine to your horse's coat but they aren't necessary. If you plan to ride however, be aware that some products may make the hair slippery and could cause your saddle to shift. Try to avoid application to the saddle area.

Throughout all of this keep a fair weather eye out for scratches, and areas that might be a bit chaffed and look at how these might have been caused and remedy them. Ensure the hooves are cleaned out with a hoof pick and put a bit of hoof oil round if their looking a bit dry.

Most importantly the more you look after your four hoofed friend the more inclined they will be to look after you. Enjoy!!!

You can find lots of horse brushes information at hill brush UK or Grooming brushes for those in the USA.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sean_Cravenplan