Archive for the ‘Horses’ Category:
Written on May 25th, 2010 by Nick Morganno shouts
There are several types of horse rugs, each with different, specific uses. There are rugs for indoor use, outdoor use, rugs for use when the horse is being ridden, rugs for use when the horse is not working, lightweight rugs and heavyweight rugs. The material used, weight, thickness, size and other properties of the rug is determined by its use.
Although most horse rugs are meant to be worn when a horse is at rest, there are several which may be used when the horse is being ridden or worked. Saddle blankets prevent chafing from a saddle and provide some heat. A longer quarter sheet which extends to the horse’s rump provides even more warmth if needed.
For outdoor use, there are several different types of horse rug available. Which is used depends on the weather, the temperature and other potential threats to the horse, like flies or dust.
The summer blanket is a most lightweight of the outdoor horse rugs and keeps a horse clean and pest-free during the warmer months.
The slightly heavier, but still relatively light, turnout blanket is suitable for a pastured horse during the spring and early autumn, offering a little protection against the slightly cooler evenings and mornings. Some are waterproof or water resistant, if needed. They can also be used throughout the summer months as fly protection.
Turnout rugs are heavier and thicker. Often manufactured from breathable, waterproof or water resistant fabrics, they provide warmth and protection for horses turned out in colder weather. Many come with different pieces so it can be specifically adapted to the horse’s needs according to the conditions. The New Zealand turnout rug is still in use and is a simple cover made from a thick, heavy waxed canvas.
Fly sheets provide a barrier against flies and other attacking pests, useful where this is a specific problem for the horse. They may have a mask or hood which protects the neck and head of the horse as well as covering more of the body than most other rugs.
When being kept indoors a stable rug can be worn. Some are thicker and warmer for the winter whilst a light stable rug can protect from flies and pests when the horse is stabled.
Horse rugs can be designed with a very precise purpose or have a more general use. A fleece rug or blanket can have many uses: it can be used in place of a cooler rug, a travel rug, a stable rug or as an extra layer under a turnout rug. A mantle or cooler rug is specifically made to be used as a cover allowing a wet or sweaty horse to dry out more slowly while not letting it to cool too quickly.
When being transported, horses are liable to slight knocks and bumps and may be bother by flies, pests, dust and dirt. A specifically designed travel rug may be used, although sometimes a fleece rug, a cooler or a light blanket may substitute.
A horse owner should ensure they have all the different rugs they need to protect their horse in different circumstances and conditions, maintaining a healthy, safe and happy horse.
Horse rugs serve several different purposes such as warmth, coat protection and decoration. Horse wear is the best method to have an attractive and functional covering for your horse.
Written on May 20th, 2010 by Adriana Notonno shouts
If you have a dirt floor in your horses stall you’ll know that it has it’s disadvantages . Cold and easily waterlogged in wet and cold weather and high maintenance when it comes to keeping it clean, especially when used in conjunction with a deep straw or wood shavings bed. So the question is. What are the alternatives to a dirt floor in horse stalls?
When considering alternatives there are a number of issues you need to bear in mind. Cost, ease of cleaning, benefits to the horse and benefits to you are some things you need to think about when you are considering making any changes to your horses stall.
One of the most cost effective and best alternatives is rubber matting. An increasing number of horse owners are switching to this alternative. The main drawback is the initial outlay for the rubber matting. Although it may seem like a lot of money to pay out, it will pay itself back!
Rubber matting lasts for a long time, if you look after it and keep it free of the ammonia from horses urine then it can last for years. If you add up how much you would spend on straw or wood shavings in that time then you can see that in the long run it can be economically viable.
The benefits to your horse are multiple. Rubber matting is great if your horse has allergies or respiratory problems as it is dust free and can be used alone, with no need to add any dust filled bedding. This makes it far more comfortable and healthy for your horse, and means that you will be able to ride more often as your horses health improves, not to mention the savings you will make on veterinary bills.
It is also ideal if your horse is the kind that will eat anything, including it’s bedding. Many horses become ill because they eat their straw or even wood shavings. This can lead to ill health and weight problems, neither of which are good for you or your horse.
Rubber flooring is also comfortable for your horse to lie on and surprisingly warm in the winter. Some people add a thin layer of wood shavings, straw or shredded paper to eliminate any chills and make their horses even more comfortable in the winter.
Possibly the biggest advantage to having rubber flooring often referred to as horse mats is the ease of cleaning. Gone are the days of getting up 2 hours early on a freezing cold winters morning to go and clean out your horses filthy stable with a pitch fork and a wheel barrow. Gone are the cold hands and sore backs that go hand in hand with deep beds in stalls that need cleaning out!
All you need to clean your rubber horse stall mats is a hose pipe. You sweep out any bedding that you have put on the rubber matting and then clean the matting with water and a mild cleaning agent to ensure your matting does not get damaged by urine laying on it. Make sure you rinse the cleaning agent thoroughly to avoid adverse effects for your horse.
Although a dirt floor and straw or wood shavings bed is perfectly adequate and comfortable for your horse there are certainly advantages to having rubber matting which you might want to think about looking into.
A reliable source of high-quality rubber mats is a great investment to make. Stall flooring can not only help your horses’ health, but rubber mats are also more convenient in terms of maintenance.
Written on May 19th, 2010 by Jim Miltonno shouts
We all worry about staying safe around our horses, but it’s also important to make sure we keep them safe, too.
Below are some ways to make certain your equine friend suffers no harm as you learn how to ride a horse.
1. Tying the Horse:
Tying a horse is so often done in a manner endangering the horse, that it needs to be addressed here.
Please avoid tying a horse up to any solid structure, always! You should always use a segment of cut cord or something similar to round it over, then twist the lead rope into it. If your horse gets spooked, the cord will break apart and let the horse escape without any injury or damage to the object by which he was tied.
This applies to the trailer ties as well.
When tying the horse, be certain that the rope does not hang below his shoulder so that he will not get his foot tangled in it. And you must ensure that there is enough slack so that he will not feel excessively restricted.
Please never tie your horse by the reins: if he panics and pulls away the bit will rip his mouth – and you’ll also have broken reins.
Ensure that haynets do dangle loosely when empty. You need to tie them sufficiently high so that the horse can reach, but such that they do not create a danger.
2. Stirrups:
Be careful to keep stirrups run up when you’re not riding. They can hit your horse’s sides while you’re leading him, or catch on something and cause him to panic.
3. Safety Round the Barn
Be wary whenever you are walking through the barn. Should you notice a pitch fork somewhere that a horse or person could step on it, pick it up and put it away. Wheelbarrows can be a danger should a horse become stuck between the handles and then panic.
Our horses deserve the safest living conditions we can offer to them. While you acquire greater experience with your equestrian confidant, you will find more and more new ways to keep him safer.
Check Jim Milton’s horse riding video blog for additional articles and tips on horse riding. Jim is a professional horse rider and instructor. Benefit from checking his website and horse riding lessons and daily tweets.
Written on May 15th, 2010 by Hubert Milesno shouts
Looking for a rustic private getaway in the mountains or maybe you want to live the mountain lifestyle every day. RedTail Mountain is a rustic mountain community nestled in the Appalachian Mountains that provides many amenities.
The community is located about twenty miles northwest of Boone North Carolina in Mountain City Tennessee and features custom single family homes, town homes, and cottages. Residents and visitors alike enjoy an abundance of shopping, festivals, theaters and museums.
RedTail Mountain has over 720 acres of beautiful wooded mountains and a local semi-private golf club. The community has a spectacular par 72, 18 hole golf course managed by Troon Golf(R). The course has elevation changes of over 400 feet with majestic mountain views surrounding the course.
Sam Adam’s Golf academy provides golf instruction personalized for you. They have entry level classes that teach skills for both the short and long game. Members enjoy the benefits of an 18,000 square foot clubhouse that includes a lounge, fully stocked pro shop, and a restaurant that is perfect for formal dinners and receptions.
The planned tennis center, equestrian center, and a state of the art fitness center offer residents the enjoyment of an active lifestyle. The newly planned tennis center offers tennis courts suitable for daytime and nighttime play. The equestrian center offers stables and stalls with miles of riding trails. The fitness center will feature a deck overlooking the valley, an outdoor fireplace which making for a perfect gathering place, a heated pool, spa treatment rooms, an outdoor amphitheater, and an outdoor gathering area complete with a summer kitchen and a playground.
Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain are considered prime snow skiing spots in North Carolina and located only a short drive away. If you love the water, then Watauga Lake is located just 12 miles from the community. Active adults can also enjoy the miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails.
RedTail Mountain has the homes available for purchase that make great rental properties and single family homes. Land is also available for purchase that has beautiful mountain views and woodlands providing lots of privacy.
Hubert Miles is the founder of Gated Communities USA which features the best Gated Communities in the USA and Internationally. Find information on Communities in Tennessee.
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Written on May 11th, 2010 by Jim Miltonno shouts
So, you have decided that you want to take horseback riding lessons, but you have no idea how to get started. Luckily, there are endless resources available and you should have no problem getting started.
The first thing that you should do is to find a horse back riding instructor. There are many resources that you can access to find the perfect instructor for you needs. You can start by looking in your local phone directory, going to a horse show, or by word of mouth (do you have a friend or know someone taking lessons). You can also contact national, regional, or local horse clubs, the United States Equestrian Federation, or breed associations (AQHA, APHA, Appaloosa horse breeders…). You could also stop by a local stable and ask if they have an instructor that gives lessons, and even if they do not give lessons, they will probably know of someone who does.
When you are looking for an instructor, do not be afraid to ask question. After all, you want to get the best possible instruction for your money. The first thing you should ask is if the instructor has any certifications or accreditations. You should also ask how long they have owned and ridden horses, how long have they been teaching, what is their specialty (you want to make sure that they teach the discipline that you want to learn), how many students do they currently have, and do they offer private lessons? Once you have found an instructor, it is also important to evaluate the stables that they teach at.
When you are visiting the stables it is important to make sure that the stables are clean, the horses look healthy, and that the stables main priority is safety for everyone. Here are some specific things that you can look for when you are visiting a stable. Is the riding area free from clutter, are the students wearing riding helmets and horse back riding boots, are the lesson groups to big, do the students appear to be on the same level, are the horses healthy, and finally does everyone appear to be happy and having fun learning?
You have found a good horse riding stables and a good instructor, now it is time to find all the proper equipment. Many times your instructor will have all of the equipment you will need for your lesson and you will not need to purchase any of your own equipment at first. After you have progressed in your lessons, you may want to have your own equipment. There are many ways to find good quality equipment with out spending a fortune. Your best bet is to ask your instructor or other students at the stable if they, or someone they know, have any equipment for sale, or you can check your local paper or tack shop. When shopping for equipment you want to make sure that nothing is torn or cracked and you want to make sure that all of the leather equipment (saddles and bridles) have been properly oiled and conditioned to prevent the leather from cracking.
You should now have the basic knowledge to find everything that you need to become a great horse back rider in no time.
Want to learn horseback riding from your home? Jim Milton has a great online course that will help you achieve that in no time and without paying for expensive classes. Visit Milton’s horse riding lessons and start learning today.
Written on May 6th, 2010 by Amber Shipplenno shouts
Wood buildings are classic. There are just some things that ought to be made of wood and wood alone. However, there are also some things which can be done without using wood. An example would be buildings, especially horse barns. There is no rule that says you cannot make horse barns as metal buildings.
You can always convert your horse barn or any other barn for that matter from wood that could go rickety into metal buildings which could stand harsh weather. In fact, there are more and more people with barns who have been switching from wooden barns to metal buildings.
The fact is there is no real negative to having a metal horse barn. You may say that the expense of wooden horse barns being turned into metal buildings would be high. If you take an honest look, you will find that metal buildings are comparable in price, and last longer. So in the long run, you will actually save money by having a metal building for your barn.
Everybody knows how powerful horses can be. This is one of the responses to the question why horse barns needs to be turned into metal buildings rather than wood. It takes only a kick from a horse that can put a hole in your wooded horse barn. A metal building would easily withstand that type of abuse.
Another reason why horse barns should be turned into metal buildings is for the obvious fact that metal can survive almost any weather climate, but wood is damaged easier and more quickly. In the long run, such a valuable animal like a horse should be kept in the safest and sturdiest environment.
You don’t have to worry about the look, color, or design of metal horse barns, as there are many shapes and sizes to choose from. There are plenty of styles and colors accessible as well. With the abundant growth of the metal building industry, you will be sure to find what it is you are looking for.
You may be thinking of changing your wooden horse barns to a metal structure. Begin the steps now to put your plan into action. It is good if you plan first hand so you can see the bigger picture better. It only takes a little effort to get a lot out of your plans.
We are now living in the 21st century. No matter how wood can be classic sometimes, it is always better to challenge the scenario right now in the modern world. Do not be left out. Go ahead and convert your horse barn.
Metal buildings can be perfect horse barns. Some people still think that wooden barns are the only things to keep horses in, but these days, big metal buildings do the job even better than wooden buildings.
Written on May 6th, 2010 by Jim Miltonno shouts
Whether or not you and your loved ones have ever taken horseback riding lessons, you should consider incorporating this fun activity into your next family trip by booking a horseback riding adventure for novice or beginning riders.
Destinations
It is possible to plan a horseback riding adventure in the United States, or to branch out and discover new countries astride horses. Holiday spots include:
Africa
Asia
Europe
Central and South America
Australia and New Zealand
Bundles that include horseback riding:
Given that so many types of horseback riding holidays are available, it will not be difficult to identify the very best one for your family’s style and comfort level with horses.
Itinerary items include:
1. Lodging at a ranch (guest or working) and learning the Western style of horseback riding
2. Joining a wagon train
3. Riding courses traveling from one accommodation to the next
4. Horseback riding lessons and workshops
5. Riding English and Western Trails
6. Take lessons on gaited horses, like the Peruvian Paso, the Icelandic Horse, or the Tennessee Walking Horse.
7. Take pack trips, which is riding a horse next to pack animals in a barren land and camping out in the evenings.
You should be able to locate affordable group rates, and you will probably get a horse assigned to you for the entire time you are there.
Many horseback holiday operators have instituted weight limitations for participants, thus it is important to verify any applicable policies prior to making any reservations if there is any risk of a member of the party not being able to fall under the limits.
Finding Your Ideal Vacation:
Start your search with these two user-friendly sites.
http://www.hiddentrails.com and http://www.ridingtours.com are both easy to navigate and offer a huge selection of riding holidays in the US and abroad. At www.ridingtours.com you’ll also find online videos of their vacation packages.
The Horseback Skill Level of Your Family:
Here are definitions of the terms beginner and novice rider, to help you decide where your family’s riding expertise lies when you search for your best vacation match.
A beginner is a rider with a low level of experience who has not mastered cantering or posting to trot.
A novice can get on and off the horse on his/her own, can make the horse walk in a controlled manner, can make the horse trot for quite awhile, and can make the horse canter for short distances.
No matter which horseback riding adventure you select, your loved ones are going to enjoy being together in a fun, interactive way that involves horses.
Quickly, easily and safely learn the basics of horseback riding with Jim Milton by visiting his how to horse ride website now. Horseback riding beginners will feel comfortable and confident around horses.
Written on May 5th, 2010 by Jim Miltonno shouts
Good horse riding lessons are essential for the new horseback rider to succeed, and to insure success a good instructor is essential. This is how to find the horseback riding trainer that is right for you.
In the first place, develop a short list of riding schools. For assistance in doing this, read The 7 Step Guide to Finding the Perfect Barn for Horseback Riding Beginners.
Next, observe a lesson, or a few lessons if possible, which is taught by your potential riding instructor, and pay attention for the following four qualities.
Courtesy is a main quality.
Does the trainer treat all the students with patience and respect? Is each student given the necessary help, and are all questions answered politely?
Is the riding coach’s full attention on his class of new riders or is he chatting on the cell phone and onlookers? Does it seem as if any of the students feel small in front of the others?
Competence
Does the instructor communicate instructions clearly and in a fashion which everyone in the class can comprehend?
Do the students obtain the expected results when his directions are followed? That is, is proper information being disseminated?
Research the trainer’s background as to his status as an active competitor and if he does compete, how successful is he? Having good horse riding skills will generally ensure that one is a good trainer.
Commitment
Does the instructor display professionalism and take the students seriously? Does he seem to be concerned with the progress made by every student during the horse riding lessons?
Interview the students to see how long they have been participating in the class to determine if they are being helped by the instructor to become more proficient riders.
Speak with the teacher at the end of the lessons and you can obtain a good indication as to whether he can assist in the achievement of your riding goals.
Compatibility
Throughout the lesson you must ask yourself questions like, how will I feel having this trainer instruct me? Do you approve of his or her methods? Will you be comfortable with his or her teaching abilities?
Price
The cost of lessons will increase as the professionalism and success of the rider increases. Look for someone who is not overly advanced in relation to your riding ability as you do not need a high level dressage rider to help you get ready, for example, for trail riding.
If you follow these guidelines you will have no trouble finding an instructor who is ideal for you.
Learn more about horse riding by checking Jim Milton’s horse riding video website. Jim is an experienced horse rider and instructor who will teach you horse riding and the basic horse riding skills needed without paying for expensive horse riding classes.
Written on May 3rd, 2010 by Jeffrey Jacksonno shouts
Making improvements to your home is always a good idea. It will increase the value of your home, and make it nicer to live in. There are many different ways to accomplish this.
When you are considering ways to upgrade your home consider how long you will be staying there. Will the new upgrade increase the value of your home? If you have plans to sell your home will the investment be a good selling point?
If you are considering moving think about improvements for your home that will be good selling points later on. For example, consider installing another bathroom in your home if there is only one. Or consider adding a wall to make a new room for a guest room or study.
When you begin making improvements you don’t have to start with something big. You can start with something small, such as repainting a room. Or you can add new items of furniture to your rooms to make them look nicer. You can also improve your home in more drastic ways. You may want to completely remodel a part of your room. This may mean tearing down walls, changing room sizes, adding new floors, and new cabinets.
You can also do something big. Perhaps you want to completely remodel a part of your home. You can tear down walls and change sizes of rooms, or tear out old cabinets and add new ones to remodel your kitchen.
The type of home improvement that you decide to do depends on your budget, and time schedule. It also depends on whether the improvement would be a good investment for what you are planning to use the room for. For example, if you never use your kitchen other than popping popcorn a complete remodel would probably not be the best investment for you. However, for people who spend a lot of time cooking or entertaining guests at dinner parties, a kitchen remodel would be a great investment for them.
If you want to upgrade your furnace contact your local West valley cooling and air company for advice. West valley cooling and air companies should be able to give you great advice and help you invest in the best upgrade for your price range. West valley cooling and air companies should also be able to offer you heating repairs, as well as upgrading any cooling options for your home with air conditioners and HVAC systems.
Improvements to your home do not have to be limited to the inside of your home. Consider external improvements that may be needed as well. You may consider fixing your roof or adding new landscaping options to improve the look of your home.
Since 1952, AA Callister has been proud to feature some of the finest western wear, clothing, western tack, boots , and horse and rodeo equipment made. Come live part of the American West today!
Written on May 1st, 2010 by Jeffrey Jacksonno shouts
1. Cowboy western wear attire started out of a necessity to protect cowboys from their environment. Now western wear attire not only fits a practical purpose, but a designer purpose as well. Here are the most popular western wear items currently on the market.
2. Jeans: Denim jeans are a favorite pick for cowboys. They provide protection because of their sturdiness, but are comfortable to wear. Most cowboy jeans need to be close-fitted to protect thighs or knees from blistering when riding on horses.
2.) Chaps: Chaps are still used a lot today. Chaps protect your legs even more than denim jeans do if you are working in a harsher riding condition. If you are going to be riding through bushes or working with a lot of livestock chaps can really help.
c.) Cowboy Hat: This is the most popular choice for western wear items. Cowboy hats are a stylish choice because they come in a variety of styles and colors. It is easy to choose one that fits your taste.
d.) Gloves: When working with a horse or livestock, gloves are a very good choice. Choose gloves that are flexible and made out of soft material to allow you a firm grip. Leather gloves are the best choice.
e.) Cowboy Boots: Cowboy boots work well with any style of clothing. They are still made to help aid cowboys that ride on horses. They also bring a lot of style to your wardrobe if you do not.
f.) Bandanna: A Bandanna was used for practical purposes when it first became a cowboy accessory. Cowboys used it to protect themselves from the elements. Now, most bandannas work well to accessorize and pull together an outfit.
All of these choices can really work well together. You can find all of these items at Western stores. Shop around and find one that fits your style and tastes. You can still look fashionable in practical clothing.
Since 1952, AA Callister has been proud to feature some of the finest western wear, clothing, western tack, boots , and horse and rodeo equipment made. Come live part of the American West today!
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