Two of our grandchildren compete in a weekly barrel racing competition. There’s always an award ceremony at the season’s end, and the kids come out riding decorated horses. This year we decided to paint theirs, but first, we needed to find safe animal paint. Many different types of paint can be used on horses. However, …
Horses frequently have their tails wrapped or tucked in a bag before a competition. However, when my friend accompanied me to watch her first horse show, she was surprised to see horses’ tails covered and wondered why people did this. Owners primarily use tail bags to keep their horse’s tails clean and dry. The bags …
Miles’ Quick Answer: What Is a Bowed Tendon? What It Is: Plain English: An injury to the rope-like tendon running down the back of your horse’s leg. The “Bow”: Swelling creates a visible outward curve. Most Common: Front legs, mid-cannon region. Why It Happens: Extreme Stress: Over-extension at high speeds or over jumps. Bad Bandaging: …
Whether for competition, trail rides, or doctoring, your horse will need to go somewhere. So make sure you know how to haul them safely and understand the risks of shipping fever so that they return home healthy. When hauling horses, ensure you have the appropriate truck and trailer combination. Perform a pre-trip safety check of …
Polo wraps are essential leg protection we keep in our tack room and horse trailer. If you are unsure what a polo wrap is, it’s basically like an Ace bandage but specifically designed for horses’ legs. It’s used primarily when the horse needs extra support or protection for its leg. Polo wraps should be comfortable …
Every morning, my day begins in the barn, feeding our horses and ensuring they have access to clean, fresh water. The ritual for our pasture horses involves diligently checking the troughs’ water levels and topping them off as needed. It might seem routine, but it’s an essential task. Through years of experience, I’ve learned that …
Have you ever wondered how important daily hoof care is for your horse’s health and performance? A horse’s hooves are its foundation—without healthy hooves, even the strongest, most athletic horse can suffer. Regular cleaning and inspections help prevent up to 80% of hoof-related issues horses face during their lifetime. I’ve experienced this firsthand with a …
Miles’ Quick Answer: Use cooling sheets when temps hit 80°F or higher, or after baths to speed drying. Anti-sweat sheets (open-weave mesh or lightweight knit) are best for summer racing or intense work because they wick moisture directly away from the skin. Save fleece coolers for winter drying or shoulder seasons when you need both …
I love soaking my sore feet in a tub of warm water with Epsom salt, and I do the same for my horses when their feet are sore or injured. But instead of putting their hooves in a tub, I use soaking boots. There are many types available; however, some work better than others. Horse …
As a horse owner, my neighbor recently asked me if he should be feeding his horses supplements. I explained that while supplements may seem like a good idea to keep your horse well-nourished or prevent health problems, they may not actually need them. Most horses don’t need supplements. However, they serve an integral role for …