Horse Grooming and Bathing: Items For A Better Grooming Kit

Let's face it we all like to keep a organized and clean grooming tote on hand, especially for those who board or keep their horse at different locations other than home. Remember also to keep the brushes and combs clean and free of sweat and dirt build up, it doesn't do much good if the brushes you use for removing dirt are filled with dust and dirt to begin with. A good tote or box to consider is one that was originally designed for tool boxes, but are great for this purpose too, they have lids to close them up if needed and offer a step stool as well. Another one is the open box type that come in a variety of colors and sizes. It seems a couple of them would be a good idea,just make sure you keep your basic supplies in the one you carry along when you travel to go on trail rides.

First you want three basic types of brushes:

A stiff bristle type for removing the tough dirt and debris collected in your horses hair.
A body brush which is an all purpose type brush to whisk away the finer particles of dirt.
A finishing brush is one of soft bristles for the face and to add shine to the horses coat by bringing the natural oils to the surface of the coat.

I would like to create a list for the rest of the items to consider, keep in mind there is a huge selection of grooming supplies on the market. Try to decide what fits the purpose or function of what you will need.

Curry Combs: Plastic, Metal, or Rubber these are great for removing the excess shedding hair off your horse

Tail Brushes: A wide toothed brush to help detangle the horses mane and tail without a lot of breakage to the hair

Hoof Pic: These come in a variety of designs one to consider is the one with a brush included they are relatively inexpensive so keep a couple on hand

Soft Cloths: Keep a terry cloth towel on hand for general clean up and to use as a rub rag for removing the fine particles of dirt from your horse

Bathing Supplies:
Keep a good cleansing shampoo on hand as well as one that offers anti-fungal ingredients in case of any bacteria growing in your horses coat, also a brightening shampoo for show ring ready coats. A detangling spray or lotion is great for smoothing out those tough hair knots.

Sweat Scraper: always include one of these to get the excess of water and sweat off of your horse.

Fly Spray: In the spring and summer months keep a good quality fly spray with you to help your horse combat those annoying biting flies.

Together with this list of items remember to keep the currying items clean rinse them out when needed and allow them to dry. Try diluting a bleach solution in a bucket to remove any bacteria from your brushes or combs, especially if you own more that one horse and use the same brushes. The same idea goes again for your saddle pads keep them clean and free of dirt and sweat by using a mild soap to wash them in. You will have a better and more useful grooming kit when applying some of the tips I have listed above. Have a healthy, happy, and clean horse.

My Saddle Pad Equestrian Friend

The posts I have written about so far have been written on information I have collected and wanted to share with others. This one however is introducing the Quarter horse that I have owned and loved for the last eight years. I wanted to make this post about Scarlett, a now twenty six year old quarter horse mare and one of the most gentle and kind horses that I have ever owned. I admit she has some age on her but her background in cutting or roping speaks for itself. She could spin and turn on a dime, although she can't be ridden that way anymore Scarlett is a great influence on my younger Tennessee Walking horse, and her calmness sometimes amazes me in certain situations.

Her color looks more like a buckskin in the summer months and a gruela in winter months. I remember taking her out on trails when she could keep up with almost any gaited horse that she was with, her walk was always a quick stepping one. The saddle and pad I use for her is western style however, she has done well with an English saddle just for trail riding, not in any competing equestrian classes.

In the mornings she whinny's at the gate demanding her feeding, I always say she is a very verbal horse she loves to talk, and it is amusing to hear her when we take a trip to the veterinarian clinic. I really appreciate the fact that she is a people horse and Scarlett enjoys being around children, there have been several led around while sitting on her back. I like to brag on her a bit when she loads onto the horse trailer all you have to do is stand her at the rear doors where she needs to load and she steps up into the trailer by herself. Someone spent a lot of hours and days working and teaching this horse properly and I benefit from it every day.

I use a wool and felt type of saddle pad whenever we go for a short trail ride, it helps with the cushioning and moisture functions that you require from a good saddle pad. The saddle is another important factor, you must have proper fit to ensure the comfort of your horse.

What is a Saddle Pad or Blanket

The saddle pad originally was made from animal hides, animal hair, crude felts, linens and woven blankets. Originally the saddle blanket was the only piece
equipment placed on the horses back and was held by a strap or rope, mainly to protect the rider. In older days the felt, hair and blankets were mostly used, and if a saddle didn't fit or the horse became sore they just added another layer and tightened the cinch. The cattle ranchers of that day didn't think about fit for the horse, it wasn't a primary concern, because they were able to changed horses often in the course of a day. It has been about forty to fifty years years ago that the saddle pad or blanket became a bigger issue to help aid in the fit of the saddle, remember that a pad or blanket is not to replace the proper fit of a saddle. The idea of a special designed saddle blanket or pad usually made of wool, cotton, or a synthetic fabric is to compensate for minimum saddle fit problems.

When deciding what kind of blanket or pad to use consider two most important factors compression protection and cooling, and most of the time it is through costly trial and error that you find out which pad meets your expectations of what you are looking for. When a saddle fits correctly on the back of your horse you will ask yourself how can cooling take place with such close contact? That is where the proper saddle pad comes into play you want one that will wick away the sweat which is where the heat builds from.

Consider a couple of things when deciding on a saddle pad, ask the question would I wear plastic or foam for undergarments? No, so you don't want to place these types of materials on your horse which can only cause rubbing and friction when they become sticky and or slick from the sweat. The best materials to stay with are those of wool or cotton, wool being the best because it will wick the moisture away from the horses back and offer compression protection.

Things To Think About:

1. Wool type pads clean up easily
2. All pads will contract germs and diseases if not cleaned properly if infection
exist.
3. Buy for function first then for looks.
4. Adding more padding doesn't help the fit of a unfitting saddle.

Last of points to consider is when you have invested a large sum of money in buying your horse and your saddle, why would you skimp on the quality of your saddle pad. Do the research and then decide what will work best for your horse, think about the comfort of your four legged friend.

Horse Breeds and Markings

Have you ever looked at a horse or pony and wondered exactly what breed that particular horse might be. If you break it into three categories the first would be from purist lines like the Arab, Barb, and Thoroughbred known as "hotbloods", the second are European heavy horses called "coldbloods", and the third are "warmbloods" which are a combination of the first two.

There are a couple of breeds I would like to mention and describe their background and uses. The reason I select the following breeds is based on what I have owned or ridden in the past and present. Also, some of the saddle pad choices I buy are for western pleasure, but I still have my English tack from earlier riding days.

The Quarter Horse

This horse has a muscular physique especially in the hindquarters and has a good conformation. A wide chest, short back, and a short and wide head are more of the characteristics in this horse. The many uses of the quarter horse range from barrel racing, steer roping, cattle cutting, trail and pleasure riding and has been used for showjumping and eventing especially when crossed with the Thoroughbred. The Quarter horse was first breed to develop in the Americas dated back to 1611. The early settlers adopted the these horses for the hobby of racing in the distance of a quarter mile, therefore the name Quarter horse was named.

The Thoroughbred Horse

The Thoroughbred has a fine-lined physique the legs and back are lengthy along with the neck. They have well formed knees and hocks, to be able to withstand pressure at top speed. This horse may take a little longer to mature and generally have a nervous and excitable nature they do not tolerate extreme climates and probably would not survive in the wild. The Thoroughbred is courageous and bold they enjoy galloping and jump very well, also this horse is always of solid colors. The primary use of this horse is flat racing and brings quite a bit of revenue if you are fortunate to have the right horse bases on bloodlines and the "heart" of the horse.

Markings of Horses

Colors and markings list of a bay (light, bright, dappled or dark), brown, black, grey (light, dark, dappled, flea-bitten, or iron gray), chestnut (liver, bright, sorrel), roan (strawberry, red, blue), also cream, dun, palomino, piebald (black and white), and skewbald (any other color and white) or spotted. These cover most of the names but there are more, the markings referred to on the face and or the feet would be a star, stripe, snip, blaze, and white face. The markings are usually white hair in specific places on the horse and are commonly on the feet as well known as stocking, sock, or partial sock.

This article describes only two of the many breeds that are known today, I chose these because I have had the pleasure of riding and owning these specific horses and they have brought me a lot of fun and joy riding them both. There are books that are available if you want to find out more about them be sure to check them out it is very interesting and informative reading.

Happy Riding!

Horse Nutrition: Which One Describes Your Horse

There are many articles discussing the wide range of fundamentals on horse nutrition. It almost becomes a scientific process when trying to decide on what feed type to go with for your horse. Before going through a trial and error process you may want to consult a veterinarian first. The good intentions you have to help your horse may not be enough, I know my intentions haven't solved the problems that I have experienced with my own horse, and you end up investing more money than you originally intended to.

There are about five categories that your horse may be described:

1. Maintenance or Easy Keeper - Those are the ones that primarily graze out in a pasture and maintain a healthy weight if you don't allow them to overeat, which they will do if left to eat all they want. They require the type of diet that is complete control rather than calorie intake. Supplying good nutrition combined with hay should satisfy their hunger

2. Hard Keeper - Unlike the Easy Keeper this horse can eat and eat but not gain the needed weight. Sometimes age and problems with their teeth are the issues, whichever the case may be have a veterinarian check the horse. A high fat and protein feed is recommended along with hay and a grazing pasture. There are a number of quality feeds to choose from be sure to ask and read the labels for protein, vitamins and fat content.

3. Light Performance - A horse that is ridden 3 or 4 times a week, for one to two hours a day. Their workout may consist of light trotting, cantering or some jumping while on the trails. Some trails may be used to condition them for showing or just keeping them in good physical and mental condition.

4. Medium Performance - A horse that is ridden 4 to 5 times a week, and last at least two hours a day. They are being used for distance riding, light jumping, barrel racing, or lessons in a ring. Whichever the event you want the best sources of protein, fats, minerals, and vitamins to aid in their support.

5. Heavy Performance - A horse that is ridden 6 to 7 times a week for two hours or more. They are usually used for endurance, 3-day eventing, show jumping, or racing, and require highly concentrated feeds when performing at this level.

Last but not least of all keep clean fresh water on hand for your horse and feed at regular times twice a day. Store the feed in a dry well ventilated area away from insects or rodents, some people use the large plastic containers with lids to store and protect the feed. Research and find the best nutritional products for your horses needs and maintain a well balanced healthy, happy horse.

Finding The Right Horse: 5 Things To Consider

When you consider buying a horse for the first time or getting an additional horse there are a few things to keep in mind. A person should take a little time to ask some questions to keep from buying a horse that just doesn't fit their needs. Some people with the best intentions can steer you wrong, although there are times when you still find a horse that has some negative behavior or bad habits. Those things usually show up after you have had the horse a few days or even a week, speaking from a personal experience. I would like to list some suggestions to ask yourself when shopping around for the right horse to fit your needs.

Type Of Horse:

A riding horse can be categorized from a heavy pulling type to a strong light weight performance or pleasure horse. Decide what type of riding you do, and how experienced you are in that field. Some horses to consider are the Quarter horse, Thoroughbred, Tennessee Walking, Appaloosa, Missouri Foxtrotter, and Welsh Pony.

Age of Horse:

A first time rider should probably stay away from a 2-5 year old horse, unless the horse has been well trained. For a horse over the age of 14 may have a lot more years left, but it may be a good idea to have a veterinarian take a look at him or her. An older horse will usually have more experience if the owners have been riding and working with him on a regular basis. Try to get as much history on the horse as you can.

Temperament of Horse:

A horse that comes off energetic may tend to be nervous and excitable, whereas a quiet one could be lazy or sluggish. Look for a horse that has a kind temperament, look for large eyes, up-right ears, honest expression, and a friendly approach. One that tends to shy away is a bit more of a challenge to gain their trust and confidence.

Soundness of Horse:

Find out if the horse has had any injuries, lameness, or sickness. Check to see if there are any physical defects on the horse that could lead to bone or joint problems. Ask if the horse is easy to shoe and travels well in a trailer, also try your saddle and saddle pad, if you own one, to check the fit on this particular horse.


Vices of Horse:

Most horses have some vices no matter how well trained and quiet they are. For some it's crib biting and wind sucking, others it may be a reluctance to be caught or lay their ears back. Some like my own give trouble when putting the bridle on, whichever the case may be you want to stay away from those that kick, rear up, or buck, that could lead to serious injuries for the rider.


I hope the suggestions listed can help you in your search for the right horse. Remember to ask specific questions and try the horse out for a few days or a week before purchasing. most owners should welcome the idea if the horse is what they say it is. Plus it will give you a chance to try out your saddle and saddle pad to see if you need to make adjustments in fit.

Trail Riding Experiences: Some Helpful Tips on using the Proper Saddle Pad and Tack

I grew up being around horses since I was eight or nine years old, you will excuse me if I don't reveal my age let's just say it has been a few decades, and now I have really enjoyed having them on my own property rather than boarding them. My dreams of taking caring of them at my home have come true, I am blessed. With that said I have been able to bond with my horse now more than ever.

I remember one day in early spring a friend and myself loaded the horses and took off to our state park, it was a good day for riding. We discussed the colors we would coordinate with the saddle pads and bridles but most important the correct type to use on the horses. Speaking of the type of bridles, often times your horse will already be trained with a certain bit, but be sure to check with an experienced horseman or horsewoman to provide your horse with the correct one. We got our horses and tack unloaded, sprayed them down with a good fly spray, which I think is a good idea, bees and fly's are usually out this time of year in the southeast. We saddled up and away we went, both of our saddles were western pleasure and the pads were of fleece materials and of course matched our shirt colors, I think mine was a lime green saddle pad and you could spot me quite easily. This is a good idea from a safety stand point if you are riding beside a main road or crossing one. Keep in mind the right saddle pad doesn't always come in bright colors so be sure to put the health and comfort for your horse first. Always choose one that offers the best fit for your horse and saddle.

We stopped and spoke to some other riders, this is good for your horse too, he or she will learn to stand still, although this does take time for some horses to learn. In the two hours that we rode, we were able to ride the horses across a bridge, through some creeks and mud, mine really hates walking through mud, but with time and a some coaxing she finally trusted what I asked her to do. I have heard people say putting miles on a horse is one of the best training tools for your horse, and a confidence builder to the rider, my horse is proof that it works.

This is just one of the many trail rides that my horse and I have experienced plus they have been good for creating a better relationship between the both of us. With the time and effort you spend working with your horse you will find that challenges become a little easier for the horse when introduced to different surroundings. Consistency definitely plays a major role in any form of riding, especially when your horse begins to trust what you are asking him or her to do. Always remember to ride safely using common sense and good judgment. Happy Trails.






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

Ads by Google
Buy 2 Get 2 Free Garlic
Save 50% Horse Bug Off Garlic Safely Repel Flies Ticks Mosquitoes
Springtimeinc.com
Rent Horse Training DVDs
Western & Dressage Videos From The Top Trainers Starting at Under $10!
www.giddyupflix.com
Round Pens - $764 and Up
Shipping Included Most Locations Heavy Duty Cattle Strong Horse Safe
www.bairdgate.com
Horse Training That WORKS
Solve The Tough Training Problems Take Control & Enjoy Your Horse NOW
HorseTrainingResources.com
Western Tack Clearance
Horse Tack and much more Free Shipping call (800)967-2335
www.SaddleOnline.com
Horse Videos
Get Ready For All Horse Videos Free Video From National Geographic
NationalGeographic.com