Friday, July 17, 2009
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.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, July 13, 2009
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
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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
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