With the weather getting nicer, it seems the perfect time for a trail ride. But sometimes it’s hard to get everyone to the barn at the same time. At some point, almost any rider will have to ride alone. Riding alone can be a wonderful way to connect with your horse and enjoy some solitude, but there’s also an element of danger to mounting up when you’re the only one on the property. Before you ride solo, think about putting some or all of these safety tips to use.
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Have you thought about boarding horses on your own property? Whether you have been around horses your entire life or you are brand new to horses, building and operating a boarding facility is a big responsibility. There is a long list of questions and decisions you will have to make along the way but if you have the right location, materials and manpower owning a boarding facility may be the perfect fit for you. Here are just a few cost considerations when it comes to boarding.
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Whether you are building your barn for your own personal use or as a business for boarding, training or breeding, you need to know what your liability risk is and how to best insure yourself and your assets from lawsuits. While this blog is based on a seminar by Oregon equine attorney Kathryn A. Hall, the information is not to be construed as legal advice – it is strongly recommended that you meet with your own lawyer and insurance agent who specialize in equine businesses.
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Trail riding is a great activity, but if you’re hesitant to hit the trail because your horse might miss out on schooling, that doesn’t have to be the case. There are plenty of training exercises that can be used during a trail ride so that your horse can train while you enjoy the change of scenery. Here are a few exercises to get you started.
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While we’re firm believers in the fact that you can never have too many horses, keeping multiple horses fit all at the same time can sometimes be a challenge. We’ve come up with some great tips to help you save time while keeping your horses conditioned and exercised.
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Covid seemed to put a damper on all things "social". But depending on where you live, it may be time to start thinking about show season again. To get you and your horse in shape for the discipline you choose, consider going to a clinic this year. Clinics are great ways to learn for under skilled trainers and riders, but riding in your first clinic can be a bit intimidating. Planning ahead of time can ensure that you and your horse are ready to go on the day of the clinic.
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Spring is finally here! For riders, spring means many things – some of them good, some of them not so great. Here are some of the things that we love – and hate – about spring!
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There are typically three parts to what’s under your barn – the foundation, the footings and the flooring. Foundation and footings are what hold your barn up, keep it from shifting in cold and heat, and provide the stability to keep it from moving in high winds. Those decisions are best left to the professionals. An Extension Service engineer can take a look at your proposed building, the site and the soils and advise you on the proper footing depth and wall sizes. You may want to hire a professional to pour the concrete walls or floors, especially when working with floors with drains or plumbing.
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One of your toughest (but most fun) decisions when building your barn will be choosing your barn style. There are many to choose from and each style will have modifications. Things to consider are the style’s suitability to your climate, the function or “flow” of your horse work and, of course, your budget. The amount of time you can wait for a new barn is also a factor. A modular barn can be erected in a few days, while a pole barn can take months.
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