Spring is finally here (or at least almost 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!
One of the best ways to succeed jumping at a show is to get your horse as familiar as possible with a variety of jumps in the safety of your own arena. Most jumps at shows are fairly straightforward - vertical and oxer. What so often scares horses are the bright colors, flags, flowers and other design elements.
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With the Irish celebration of St. Patrick's Day just a few days from now, here is one of the many Celtic legends that include the horse. Thank to "Symbolic Horse Education Resources" for the information.
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Whether you are building a new barn or renovating an old one, the best way to get the barn you want is to remember the old adage, “form follows function.” There are so many options for both the outside and the inside of your dream barn that you'll have little trouble putting together the barn that's right for you and your horses. But before you start planning your barn, think about the following things:
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One of your toughest decisions - but many people feel the most fun - you'll make when building your barn is the style. There are many to choose from and each style can 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 building can take months.
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You’ve probably noticed that some horses wear boots or bandages on their lower legs when ridden. Although they can provide some minimal support to the horse’s tendons and ligaments, boots and bandages are primarily used for protection of the horse from himself. If you want to use something on your horse's legs, it can be confusing to figure out what to use and when.
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Having a safe and functional wash bay is an essential element of any barn It can be outside or inside, though of course most would prefer inside. Here are some ideas to consider when building or upgrading your wash area.
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If you’re ready for a vacation, especially one that includes a road trip and has great horse-stuff shopping, consider visiting one of these iconic horses show destinations. Don't forget your camera and autograph book - you never know what famous rider (or horse) you'll be able to see compete!
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Bad weather and busy schedules can sometimes prevent you from getting out to exercise your horse or even having him turned out. This can sometimes cause high levels of stress for horses. Stress can cause issues such as ulcers, but it can also create an unhappy horse. If you want to minimize the boredom and resulting stress in your horse’s life, consider the following ideas:
Buy Stalls with Open Front Designs
When building your barn, choosing stalls with open front designs over fully enclosed stalls can allow your horses to interact more with each other and their surroundings. Horses will be free to put their heads out into the aisle, giving them more entertainment and creating a more natural, less confined feel in your barn.
Design Stalls with Windows for Entertainment
In addition to using an open stall front design, make sure that you include a window in each stall for entertainment. Barn windows looking outside can help to reduce boredom in your horse, leading to reduced stress.
Use Privacy Panels in Stall Partitions
If your stall panels have grill work, then consider including privacy panels to reduce your horses’ stress. Privacy panels allow you to put a wood fill in about a third of the top grill work. By positioning the privacy panel in the area where your horse eats, your horse can eat without being disturbed by a horse in a neighboring stall. Privacy panels can keep your horses calmer, particularly when they’re eating.
Maximize Turnout Time
Turning your horse out gives him a chance to relax and be a horse. The more time that your horse can spend in his pasture, the better. While your horse is turned out, he is free to move about, play, graze, and interact with other horses. Additionally, turning a horse out helps to prevent boredom. Providing your horse with maximum turnout time can go a long ways in reducing his stress.
Use iFeed to Provide Small Meals Throughout the Day
Horses are grazers by nature, but the grazing approach to eating often doesn't work with our schedules. The iFeed can change all of that. When you install the iFeed in your horse’s stall or pasture, you can break down his two or three large meals into smaller meals which are fed more frequently throughout the day. Best of all, you don’t have to be present for the feedings – simply program and load the iFeed and it will take care of the rest. Small, frequent meals help to prevent boredom and stress in your horse.
There are many ways that you can minimize your horse's stress and relieve boredom. If you would like to discuss how Classic Equine Equipment can change both your life and your horse’s life, please visit our web site.
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With the recent Presidents' Day holiday and the popularity of "Hamilton", we thought it was time that the horse(s) of these historical heroes were honored as well.
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