By
Administrator on July 26th, 2011
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
_Valuable info from MyHorse.com:
Fencing comes in a variety of materials and forms. Translating the options can help you decide what’s best for you.
Types of Horse Fences:
There is a variety of fence materials are available to enclose horses:
Electric – these fences are available in a number of styles, such as tape, braid, ropes or coated wire. Like flexible rail, these fences can be installed with rails of pressure-treated Southern Yellow Pine, solid vinyl or metal T-post with a plastic sleeve.
Flexible Rail – rails are constructed of high tensile wire encased in polyethylene to form rails of differing widths. Posts should be set in concrete and can be pressure-treated Southern Yellow Pine, solid vinyl or metal T-post with a plastic sleeve.
Vinyl – posts and rails are constructed of vinyl, which never needs to be painted. Color choices include white, tan or gray; consult a fence contractor for additional color choices.
Wood – posts and rails are constructed of wood like pressure-treated Southern Yellow Pine or cedar. Fence can be painted or stained to match homes or barns.
Woven Wire – a mesh fence strung on pressure-treated wood end, gate or corner posts, with metal T-posts, fiberglass or plastic used for line posts.
Proper Planning
Proper planning is the crucial first step in choosing a fence. Centaur HTP in Muscle Shoals, AL, has developed BASIC©, a useful planning tool for those considering horse fencing, according to Business Manager John Saylor.
“If horse owners follow the BASIC rules, which are Budget, Appearance, Safety, Installation and Containment, they should be rewarded with a good fence that meets their needs,” Saylor said. “Containment, which is the top priority for horse owners, should be considered first. The fence should help horse owners keep the horse in a certain area, as well as fulfill insurance requirements.”
The second priority, safety, goes hand-in-hand with containment. “By containing a horse, the owner is already increasing its safety. Other things to keep in mind are keeping the horse safe from sharp edges, pinch points and loose wires,” Saylor explained.
The third step is to consider the budget for the project. And finally, installation and maintenance is the fourth step. “The owner should determine how much maintenance a fence will require and how much time and money it will take to maintain. Maintenance costs can significantly impact the value of fence materials,” Saylor said.
________________________________________
Installation
Before having the fence installed, Dave Bryson of Electrobraid in Halifax, Nova Scotia, advises, “Leave a 12-foot lane-way between paddocks, and larger paddocks are safer for horses because they are not so confined.”
A properly installed fence will last a long time. When installing horse fence, consider the following tips from Debbie Disbrow of RAMMfence Systems in Swanton, OH:
• Any tensioned fence (flexible rail or electric) should be braced, and corner, end and gateposts should be set in concrete.
• Flexible rail and electric fence posts should be set at a minimum of 8′ or a maximum of 12′, depending on the size of the paddock.
• Be sure to use adequate ground rods with electric fence. A minimum of three 6′ ground rods are recommended for a large paddock.
• Use a charger with an electric fence.
• Vinyl fence posts must be installed on 8′ centers, as rails are 16′ long. Posts should be reinforced with concrete. Use snap on locking caps instead of glued caps.
• Use an electrified wire in conjunction with vinyl fence to keep horses from running into the fence, as vinyl may break.
• Wood fences should have a minimum of three rails to ensure horse containment. Use screws instead of nails.
• To prevent cribbing on wooden fences or posts, try adding an electric wire to the top of the fence, using a crib strap or applying special sprays or paints designed to inhibit cribbing.
• Woven wire fences should be braced and stretched taut when installed to avoid sagging.
• Avoid sharp edges on a woven wire fence by crimping spliced areas.
A wood, electric or flexible rail or may be added to the top of a woven wire fence to prevent horses from leaning on it and causing a “scalloped” effect. Bryson adds that the highest strand of electric fencing should be at 48″ – 52″ tall, while the lowest at 24″ – 28″ inches. He further recommends grounding the second strand from the top.
_______________________________________
Maintenance
Each type of fence requires some maintenance to ensure its longevity. “All fences should be periodically checked for signs of high traffic or areas that need to be repaired,” revealed Disbrow.”Flexible rail fencing should not require retensioning, if the fence is braced properly during installation,” she said.
The only exception is if a large branch or tree falls on the fence. Then some tension may need to be applied. Disbrow also cautions that a proper number of rails be installed to accommodate the number of horses that will be contained by the fence.
Bryson says the number one way to maintain an electrified fence is to make sure the electricity is always on. “Don’t turn off your fence energizer to save money. The cost of electricity for an electric fence is only about a dollar a month—the same as a 100-watt bulb.”
Not maintaining a charged fence at all times can confuse the horse and keep him from respecting the fence. “With hand-tensioned fences like many electric fences, horse owners should be sure to check fence lines to make sure they are maintaining tension. Lines may need to be retensioned periodically,” Disbrow said.
Like flexible rail fencing, vinyl fencing requires little maintenance. A periodic check to make sure posts are straight is about the only maintenance required, according to Disbrow. “Horse owners should check spliced and termination areas of woven wire fences to prevent sharp edges by crimping. Keeping a woven wire fence taut is also a priority,” she explained.
Wood fencing requires the most amount of maintenance. The fence should be checked periodically for any hardware, like nails, that might be sticking out. Stray nails can be avoided by using screws or batons over rails that join at a post, said Disbrow. “Other routine wood fence maintenance includes painting or staining and replacing warped or cracked boards.”
Please visit us at www.savvysportsaddle.com for a look at our Bob Marshall treeless saddles, as well as a wealth of other products for horse riders, horse owners, and horse lovers of all disciplines! Great equestrian products at great prices!
By
Administrator on June 7th, 2011
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Pfizer Animal Health Encourages Veterinarian Advice in the Wake of EHM Outbreaks
Madison, NJ (May 19, 2011) – The neurological disease Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalophy (EHM) caused by Equine Herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) has been in the news recently, with horses and farms affected across the United States and Canada. The outbreak appears related to initial cases at a cutting horse show in Ogden, Utah, which was held April 29 – May 8. While the true extent of the outbreak is unclear at this time, there is an elevated risk of EHM cases in horses that were at the show or in contact with horses that were at the show. Pfizer Animal Health is encouraging anyone with questions or concerns about the disease to contact their local veterinarian.
EHV-1 (Rhinopneumonitis) also causes upper respiratory infections in horses and abortions in pregnant mares. However, the neurological disease EHM, affects the horse’s brain and spinal cord and may result in paralysis and death. Neurological symptoms include incoordination that can progress to the inability to stand, lower leg swelling, the inability to urinate or pass manure, urine dribble and reduced tail tone. Some of the symptoms of EHM can be confused with other neurological diseases such as rabies, Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) and West Nile virus infections, so it is important for animals showing any clinical symptoms to be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
EHM is the most infrequent but potentially devastating form of EHV-1 infections and is difficult to treat once neurological symptoms are observed.
“It’s important for horse owners to understand the facts about the disease,” said Tom Lenz, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACT and Senior Director, Equine Veterinary Services for Pfizer Animal Health. “EHV is extremely contagious and many horses may become latently infected – infecting other horses but may never display symptoms themselves. Working with a local veterinarian to develop a comprehensive disease prevention program including good barn hygiene is the best defense horse owners can provide their animals.”
The EHV-1 virus is transmitted through both direct and indirect contact with infected horses, and can spread via water buckets, feed tubs, tack, grooming equipment and even the hands and feet of people caring for affected animals. Proper biosecurity measures should be followed to ensure the best protection against an outbreak. For example, isolate all infected horses, and limit movement of horses on and off the premises. The incubation period of EHV-1 infections is typically 1-2 days, with clinical signs and fever then occurring over the following 10 days. The neurological form of the disease typically occurs 8-12 days after the primary infection. Horses can shed the virus up to 21 days after they stop showing clinical signs. Disinfect all areas where the disease may have spread including halters, lip chains and feed buckets.
Please report any cases or suspect cases to your state/provincial animal health department as soon as possible.
Visit http://www.aaep.org/ehv_resources.htm for frequently asked questions, resource information from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), USDA, state and provincial animal health departments, and other related information regarding this outbreak, and the disease. Also, remember your local veterinarian is the best resource on the risk of an outbreak in your region.
About Pfizer Animal Health
Pfizer Animal Health, a business unit of Pfizer Inc, is a world leader in the discovery, development and manufacture of innovative animal health vaccines, medicines, and diagnostic products. Pfizer Animal Health invests more in research and development than any other animal health company. We work to assure a safe, sustainable global food supply from healthy beef and dairy cattle, swine, poultry and fish while helping dogs, cats and horses live healthier longer lives. We strive to be the animal health company that provides full healthcare solutions to veterinarians, livestock producers, and pet owners. To learn more, visit www.us.animalhealth.pfizer.com
Media Contact: Rebecca Pitcher
Equine Resources International, LLC
610-444-7554
Rebecca@equineresources.com
Please visit us at www.savvysportsaddle.com for a look at our Bob Marshall treeless saddles, as well as a wealth of other products for horse riders, horse owners, and horse lovers of all disciplines! Great equestrian products at great prices!
By
Administrator on May 18th, 2011
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Three Steps to Properly Adjust Your Helmet Retention System
Fitting your helmet correctly is as important as wearing one. Fortunately, fitting your helmet can be done in three easy steps.
STEP 1: FIND THE CORRECT SIZE
Using a fitting chart, narrow down which helmets to try (you can use your hat size as a guide, if you know it, or measure around your head to get a size in inches or centimeters) and then just start sampling helmets to see how they feel.
To be effective, the helmet must fit firmly but comfortably. A helmet that is too loose may shift position as you ride, possibly reducing the helmet’s protective potential, and one that fits too tightly may cause discomfort.
The helmet should sit level on your head, with the front edge just above your eyebrows. (See illustration)
The helmet should not easily roll forward or backward. When you do move the helmet, it should move the skin around your eyebrows. If the skin doesn’t move, the helmet is likely too large. The helmet should feel snug around the entire head without pressure points.
If you feel gaps between your head and the side of the helmet, remove the helmet and engage the Flip-Fold™ pads in the areas that have gaps by folding the pads under to connect with the hook and loop fasteners on the inside of the helmet. Smooth the helmet liner with your hand, and try the helmet on again. If the helmet still feels too loose, consider a smaller size.
Buy the helmet size you need now–don’t plan to grow into your helmet. When you think you have the right size, bow deeply with the retention system unbuckled. If the helmet feels like it may fall off, you may need a smaller size.
STEP 2: ADJUST THE FIT
After the helmet fits the crown of the head snuggly, it is time to adjust the retention system. Proper adjustment of the fit pads and retention system should be checked each time you wear the helmet to be sure your adjustments have not changed, but generally, once the retention system is adjusted properly, you won’t have to adjust it much more.
All Troxel helmets have a retention system made of webbing and quick-release buckles, and most also have a GPS™ (Gripper Positioning System) stabilizing system. The retention system wraps through the helmet and around your chin to keep the impact absorbing part of the helmet properly fastened on your head in case of an accident. In contrast, a GPS™ simply holds the helmet comfortably in place while in use. The retention system is essential to the protective function of your helmet. This retention system works independently of the GPS™ system. The GPS™ is not part of the safety of your helmet, nor is it part of the ASTM testing of your Troxel helmet.
Fasten the chinstrap buckle. Adjust each slide glide so that it sits directly below the ear.
Next, adjust the webbing next to the male end of the buckle until there is no slack in the strap and fits snugly under your jaw without causing discomfort. You should only be able to fit two fingers between the strap and under the chin. If you yawn, you should feel the retention straps pull the helmet down on the top your head more.
Once the straps are the correct length, pass the loose ends through both of the two rubber o-rings and move the outside o-ring to the end of the strap.
Please note that the ends of the straps may be of different lengths due to the individual adjustment of the slide guides.
If there is a GPS system in your helmet, this is the time to adjust it until you feel it snug against the back of the head. Turn the dial of your GPS II up to three clicks or pinch the black buttons on the back of your GPS III to reduce the space between the GPS system and your neck. Note: for the GPS III, taking the helmet off and using both hands can make adjustment easier. Place both of your thumbs on the arch of the GPS III and apply gentle, even pressure as you adjust the two buttons toward the center. Excessive force can cause the GPS III to disconnect from the helmet, as it is designed to do in the case of an accident.
STEP 3: CHECK YOUR WORK
A proper-fitting helmet will feel firmly-connected to the crown of your head with evenly-distributed snugness in the retention system. There should not be any pressure points. With the chinstrap still securely fastened, the helmet should not move significantly if you tried to roll it off your head. If you can, the helmet is too big. Troxel stresses the importance of snugly adjusting and buckling the retention system for every ride. Troxel helmets utilize a simple, quick release buckle retention system that, once adjusted, can be buckled and unbuckled without changing the adjustment.
Three Steps to Properly Adjust Your Helmet Retention System
Fitting your helmet correctly is as important as wearing one. Fortunately, fitting your helmet can be done in three easy steps.
STEP 1: FIND THE CORRECT SIZE
Using a fitting chart, narrow down which helmets to try (you can use your hat size as a guide, if you know it, or measure around your head to get a size in inches or centimeters) and then just start sampling helmets to see how they feel.
To be effective, the helmet must fit firmly but comfortably. A helmet that is too loose may shift position as you ride, possibly reducing the helmet’s protective potential, and one that fits too tightly may cause discomfort.
The helmet should sit level on your head, with the front edge just above your eyebrows. (See illustration)
The helmet should not easily roll forward or backward. When you do move the helmet, it should move the skin around your eyebrows. If the skin doesn’t move, the helmet is likely too large. The helmet should feel snug around the entire head without pressure points.
If you feel gaps between your head and the side of the helmet, remove the helmet and engage the Flip-Fold™ pads in the areas that have gaps by folding the pads under to connect with the hook and loop fasteners on the inside of the helmet. Smooth the helmet liner with your hand, and try the helmet on again. If the helmet still feels too loose, consider a smaller size.
Buy the helmet size you need now–don’t plan to grow into your helmet. When you think you have the right size, bow deeply with the retention system unbuckled. If the helmet feels like it may fall off, you may need a smaller size.
STEP 2: ADJUST THE FIT
After the helmet fits the crown of the head snuggly, it is time to adjust the retention system. Proper adjustment of the fit pads and retention system should be checked each time you wear the helmet to be sure your adjustments have not changed, but generally, once the retention system is adjusted properly, you won’t have to adjust it much more.
All Troxel helmets have a retention system made of webbing and quick-release buckles, and most also have a GPS™ (Gripper Positioning System) stabilizing system. The retention system wraps through the helmet and around your chin to keep the impact absorbing part of the helmet properly fastened on your head in case of an accident. In contrast, a GPS™ simply holds the helmet comfortably in place while in use. The retention system is essential to the protective function of your helmet. This retention system works independently of the GPS™ system. The GPS™ is not part of the safety of your helmet, nor is it part of the ASTM testing of your Troxel helmet.
Fasten the chinstrap buckle. Adjust each slide glide so that it sits directly below the ear, as in the illustration below.
Next, adjust the webbing next to the male end of the buckle until there is no slack in the strap and fits snugly under your jaw without causing discomfort. You should only be able to fit two fingers between the strap and under the chin. If you yawn, you should feel the retention straps pull the helmet down on the top your head more.
Once the straps are the correct length, pass the loose ends through both of the two rubber o-rings and move the outside o-ring to the end of the strap.
Please note that the ends of the straps may be of different lengths due to the individual adjustment of the slide guides.
If there is a GPS system in your helmet, this is the time to adjust it until you feel it snug against the back of the head. Turn the dial of your GPS II up to three clicks or pinch the black buttons on the back of your GPS III to reduce the space between the GPS system and your neck. Note: for the GPS III, taking the helmet off and using both hands can make adjustment easier. Place both of your thumbs on the arch of the GPS III and apply gentle, even pressure as you adjust the two buttons toward the center. Excessive force can cause the GPS III to disconnect from the helmet, as it is designed to do in the case of an accident.
STEP 3: CHECK YOUR WORK
A proper-fitting helmet will feel firmly-connected to the crown of your head with evenly-distributed snugness in the retention system. There should not be any pressure points. With the chinstrap still securely fastened, the helmet should not move significantly if you tried to roll it off your head. If you can, the helmet is too big. Troxel stresses the importance of snugly adjusting and buckling the retention system for every ride. Troxel helmets utilize a simple, quick release buckle retention system that, once adjusted, can be buckled and unbuckled without changing the adjustment.
Please visit us at www.savvysportsaddle.com for a look at our TROXEL helmets, Bob Marshall treeless saddles, as well as a wealth of other products for horse riders, horse owners, and horse lovers of all disciplines! Great equestrian products at great prices.
By
Administrator on March 31st, 2011
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Great article from MyHorse.com:
Everyone has an excuse for not wearing a helmet when they ride: “I’m not going to jump; I’m just going for a trail ride; my horse is perfectly safe; I’m only going to let my horse stretch his legs for a few minutes; I’m not going to do anything dangerous.”
Now think back to the last time you came off your horse. Were you jumping a high fence on a strange horse after an hour of hard work? Probably not. You were more likely doing an activity you do every day with your horse and the unexpected occurred, something you never could have anticipated.
That’s why it’s a good idea to wear a helmet every time you climb on a horse. You never know when and how an accident will occur. We work with our horses to minimize spooking, runaways and other dangerous situations. But we can’t anticipate everything. And if we’re challenging ourselves and our horses athletically, eventually we’re likely to attempt something that will cause a fall.
Fortunately, helmet manufacturers have been working to design better and safer helmets. So if you wear one and do fall, you’re much more likely to avoid a head injury than ever before. That’s important because, according to the American Medical Equine Association/Safe Riders Foundation, head injuries account for 20% of all equestrian injuries and 60% of fatalities occur from head injuries.
The danger to your head in a fall isn’t just the possibility of cracking your skull or sustaining a gash if your horse’s hoof hits your head. A lot of head injuries are actually injuries to the brain. When you are moving and your head meets a solid object (usually the ground), your brain doesn’t immediately stop its motion. It continues forward, often hitting the opposite side of your skull from where the impact occurred.
Many of today’s helmets conform to ASTM/SEI safety standards, meaning they have passed tests by the Safety Equipment Institute based on standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials. These tests are designed to emulate impacts that can occur in a fall from a horse. The helmets meeting these thresholds have an outside shell built to resist impact coupled with cushioning material inside the helmet to protect your skull and brain.
These helmets also have sturdy straps bolted into the helmet so that once you secure the strap under your chin, they are unlikely to come off. It is important to wear the harness strap properly latched every time. If your helmet goes flying off your head before you hit the ground, it won’t do you any good.
Proper fit will also allow the helmet to do its job. Not only do you need to find the correct size, everyone’s head has a different shape. The brand of helmet that fits your friend’s head may not be right for you. The helmet should sit comfortably on your head, and when you hold your head still and rock the helmet, your scalp should move with it. If your head is in between sizes, you can replace the pads inside the helmet with the thicker or thinner pads that the manufacturer often provides. Be sure that the harness strap fits under your chin snugly yet comfortably. If you have long hair, fasten it at the nape of the neck instead of trying to put the hair up under the helmet.
Many equestrian organizations and some states now have rules or laws in place that require wearing helmets when riding, especially for children. Groups such as the U.S. Equestrian Federation and many states’ 4-H organizations will prohibit a rider from competing in events where a helmet is required unless the rider has one that meets or exceeds ASTM/SEI standards.
In an effort to encourage equestrians to use a helmet, the Washington State University Cooperative Extension and Washington State 4-H Foundation have produced a 20-minute video narrated by William Shatner called “Every Time…Every Ride.” It blends interviews with video of horses in many sports, showing the benefits of wearing a proper helmet and the consequences of riding without one. The video notes that it’s the height that puts a rider at risk, and points out that an unprotected head can receive more than 1,000 g’s of force in any fall at any speed.
So strap on that helmet no matter what activity you plan with your horse today. It only takes a minute, and it could save your life.
Please visit us at www.savvysportsaddle.com for a look at our Bob Marshall treeless saddles, as well as a wealth of other products for horse riders, horse owners, and horse lovers of all disciplines! Great equestrian products at great prices! And check out our Troxel helmets!
By
Administrator on March 12th, 2011
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Performers, clinicians, experts and vendors gather for equine all-star event i Denver, Colorado!
It’s horse-a-palooza!!
That’s the best way to describe the range of talent, expertise and all things equine that will make up this year’s Rocky Mountain Horse Expo March 11-13 at the National Western Complex.
Whether you’re have a horse or not, you’ll find something to enjoy at the Expo.
“We truly do have something for everyone,” said Bill Scebbi, executive director of the Colorado Horse Council, the event’s parent organization. “We’ve got world-famous clinicians, a packed tradeshow floor and a lineup of fantastic entertainment for our Mane Event.”
The Mane Event – Friday and Saturday evening performances – featuresbreeds and performers ranging from medieval re-enactments to Guy McLean’s amazing performance to beautifiul dancing Andalusians . “We’re really pleased to have such a great variety of acts in the Mane Event this year,” Scebbi said. “We’ve got so many different breeds, so many disciplines, so many ways to appreciate these beautiful animals, I know everyone who comes out is going to have a great time.”
Daytime events include clinics and presentations on riding, holistic horse fair, driving, horsemanship, equine health and more. More than 200 vendors will fill the tradeshow floor. Artists will display their works in Equine Art in the Park. A miniature horse show will run throughout the weekend, as will a holistic horse health fair. Daytime entry is $7; the Mane Event is $10.
For more information, visit the event’s website, YouTube Channel and Facebook page .
Please visit us at www.savvysportsaddle.com for a look at our Bob Marshall treeless saddles, as well as a wealth of other products for horse riders, horse owners, and horse lovers of all disciplines! Great equestrian products at great prices!
By
Administrator on March 8th, 2011
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
I’m so excited ! Just received a new shipment of Troxel helmets! Come and check out the western Sierra, and all the fun colors of the Spirit helmets. I have all the new colors and carry size medium (which can be snugged up to fit a smaller head). Call with any questions, and order yours today! Most importantly, never ride without a helmet! A proven fact—they DO save lives!
Please visit us at www.savvysportsaddle.com for a look at our Bob Marshall treeless saddles, as well as a wealth of other products for horse riders, horse owners, and horse lovers of all disciplines! Great equestrian products at great prices!
By
Administrator on March 7th, 2011
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
INVITATION TO
Fundraiser for Harmony HorseWorks
at Center Stage in Evergreen, CO
Box Office Opens at 6:30 and
Showtime at 7:30 PM
March 17, 2011
The Women of Lockerbie
by Deborah Brevoort
Directed by Kathleen Davis and Michele Wright
The play will run from
March 18 to April 10, 2011
Center Stage, Evergreen CO
www.evergreenplayers.org
This award-winning play is loosely based on a true story and describes a mother’s search for her son’s remains that were lost in the terrorist bombing of Pan Am Flight 103. Roaming the hills of Lockerbie, Scotland, she meets the women of Lockerbie. They are determined to convert an act of hatred into an act of love.
Join us for this fundraiser on the evening of March 17, 2011 at Center Stage in Evergreen, CO. Tickets are:
$18 for adults
$14.00 for students/seniors
$8.00 for youth (12 and under)
Ticket fees will be donated by Evergreen Players to Harmony HorseWorks, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. The money goes to keeping our sanctuary horses fed and supporting our horse/human interactive programs. We thank Center Stage and Evergreen Players for making this fundraiser possible. For directions to Center Stage, go to the Evergreen Players web site at www.evergreenplayers.org.
Raffle items include a stained glass piece by Stacey Symington and a ready-to-hang mounted canvas print of Barbara Wright’s painting “Giverny” (Homage to Claude Monet). The painting is shown below and is part of the “A Horse IN Art” series of paintings featuring Vic, the Harmony HorseWorks spokeshorse in famous paintings of the ages.
Please visit us at www.savvysportsaddle.com for a look at our Bob Marshall treeless saddles, as well as a wealth of other products for horse riders, horse owners, and horse lovers of all disciplines! Great equestrian products at great prices!
By
Administrator on January 28th, 2011
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
During winter your horse may be more susceptible to dehydration and other ailments. Freezing temperatures turns the water in your horse’s bucket to ice, reducing the amount of readily available water. A horse’s body is made up of 60% water, with sweat glands located throughout most of its body. The evaporation of sweat is the horse’s primary way to regulate their body temperature, yet dehydration prevents these natural processes. Severe dehydration can lead to a multitude of health issues, including colic and kidney damage.
Is Your Horse Dehydrated?
Explore the snow in your horse’s pasture. Dehydrated horses’ urine leaves an orange-reddish hue, due to body conserving excess fluids. Another sign of dehydration is capillary refill time. Try pressing one to two fingers on your horse’s gum. Remove your fingers, and see how long the area remains pale. If it takes more than one to four seconds for blood to return to the area, your horse is likely dehydrated.
Combat dehydration in winter by investing in heated water buckets. Even in freezing temperatures, the heated water bucket will prevent your horse’s water from turning to ice. Your horse will appreciate these measures, and you’ll appreciate a healthy horse come spring.
Please visit us at www.savvysportsaddle.com for a look at our Bob Marshall treeless saddles, as well as a wealth of other products for horse riders, horse owners, and horse lovers of all disciplines! Great equestrian products at great prices!
By
Administrator on January 24th, 2011
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
February 3-6, 2011, at Fairplex in Pomona, CA
Equine Affaire—the nation’s premiere equine exposition and equestrian gathering—returns to Pomona this February with a power-packed lineup of clinicians; an unparalleled program of clinics, seminars, and demos; a high-quality horse-related trade show; Breed and Trail Riding Pavilions; and Craig Cameron’s Extreme Cowboy Race. The expo will provide a wonderful introduction to horses for those who are new to horses and will be a place for seasoned riders to hone their skills, share their passion for horses, and explore new disciplines and training philosophies.
________________________________________
The Roster of Outstanding Presenters at the 2011 Equine Affaire includes:
Chris Cox
General Training & Horsemanship Craig Cameron
General Training & Horsemanship
Julie Goodnight
Classic Skills for a Natural Ride Richard Winters
Reined Cow Horse & General Horsemanship
Lynn Palm
Palm Partnership Training Jonathan Field
Horsemanship Inspired by Horses
Axel Steiner
Dressage Linda Tellington-Jones
TTEAM Training
Jeff Cook
Hunters/Jumpers Matt Mills
Reining
Andy Marcoux
Driving Brenda Imus
Easy Gaited Horses
Deborah Johnson
Hunter & Western Pleasure for Gaited Breeds
Becky Hart
Endurance & Competitive Trail
Linda Laird
Mules
An Impressive Program of Clinics, Seminars, and Demonstrations…
Throughout the four days of Equine Affaire, clinics on general and discipline-specific topics will be conducted in the Pfizer Arena and outdoor arena. A non-stop schedule of demos and seminars will also be presented by leading industry experts on a wide range of horse training, horse management, and equestrian topics.
Please visit us at www.savvysportsaddle.com for a look at our Bob Marshall treeless saddles, as well as a wealth of other products for horse riders, horse owners, and horse lovers of all disciplines! Great equestrian products at great prices!
By
Administrator on January 2nd, 2011
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
New Rules for AQHA in 2011
More Horses – Previously, only two horses could be shown per exhibitor in classes that are worked individually. Beginning January 1, exhibitors can show three horses in individually worked classes.
“If the open classes are combined into an all-ages class at a weekend show, then it goes back to four horses total,” according to Charlie Hemphill, AQHA senior director of shows and new events.
In grouped classes, such as horsemanship, Select exhibitors can show one horse in the amateur class and a different horse in the Select.
All-Around Events – Cotton or ear plugs in horses’ ears will be legal as well as the use of slip-on easy-care boots. In the past, this decision was left up to the discretion of the judges.
Novice youth are now eligible to show any horse without filling out a novice permit. The novice and the horse’s owner can show the horse at the same event, as long as it’s not in that same youth class.
Members can get the Official Handbook of Rules and Regulations online at www.aqha.com in January.
Please visit us at www.savvysportsaddle.com for a look at our Bob Marshall treeless saddles, as well as a wealth of other products for horse riders, horse owners, and horse lovers of all disciplines! Great equestrian products at great prices!