Horse Record

Living through the financial crisis is difficult enough, but add horses and ponies which depend on you for food, protection and medical care, every little bit helps.

It’s a shame that many horses and ponies are abandoned or given up every week, as horse lovers fight to cope with the current economic climate.

This is exceptionally thorny for horse charities and Sara Tuppen from the Horse Refuge in Wittersham Kent is an expert about looking after horses when money is limited, living off on donations to keep over 40 saved horses in good health. 

She lists below a few points which could help make owning a pony on a tight budget more manageable:

 1.      Many horses can exist quite happily outside for most of the year, as long as there’s food, water and protection to harsh elements available. Could this be an option for your horse, it could reduce the cost of stabling considerably.

2.      Removing shoes is an easy way to keep costs down. If not ridden regularly, or on rocky ground, most horses will not need shoes.

3.      Sharing your horse is a great way to reduce (even divide in two!) costs, and provides a cheaper introduction to horse ownership for someone else.

4.      Frequently you can get free stabling and sometimes hay and bedding in return for doing jobs. Mucking out, grooming, maintenance etc. are all tasks which could save you cash for a  little hard work!

5.      Vets bills are an unknown factor but must be considered. If money’s a little difficult, you may find a lot of Vets will consider spreading the costs, and pay in instalments.

6.      Most people can make lifestyle changes! It’s not all about finding ways to keep your horse more cheaply, see if you can do it for yourself!

7. What about your other pets, you may have put animals in boarding, what about a pet sitter? The pet may prefer it and the pet sitters often do other things.

8.      Is it possible that you can club together to buy feed and bedding in bulk, reducing the total price and passing on savings to all.

9.      I hope it does not come to it, you can look into getting your horse a foster home, even as a companion.

  If you’re in a position to loan, or even buy a horse or pony, there are many horses and ponies that are for sale, try a good directory such as the Horse and Pony Directory.

Shetland ponies, one the UK’s native horse breeds, are those gorgeous tiny horses you see in pantomimes like Cinderella. They provide rides to children on farms and in zoos, and with their shaggy faces and stocky legs, are an ideal animal for children to share their first interaction with the equine world. In fact, a Shetland pony is perfect for children as they are usually kind-natured and brave – behaviour required when dealing with youngsters. Care needs to be taken, though, that the pony is not spoiled either by the children or their parents. As with many animals, it’s the human input that shapes a pony’s behaviour, and care needs to be taken with how a pony is treated. Also, as with many animals that are thought to be ‘intelligent’, this can be construed as being ’stubborn’. And a Shetland pony is considered ‘intelligent’. Facts to bear in mind when combining a Shetland and children; they appear to have a lot in common!

Believed to originate from the Shetland Islands off the coast of Scotland (although this is debated) the Shetland pony has to be smaller than 10.2 hands at the withers. Don’t let the height bother you – the Shetland pony is the most powerful for its size of all the horse and pony breeds. This makes it ideal for pulling loads, as it can lug an incredible two times its own body weight, compared to a draught horse, which can only pull half its weight. A Shetland is also great for (as mentioned above) children’s rides, and as a pet. It has been used on settlements on the Shetland Islands to plough fields and haul loads.

The Shetland pony was the first pony with its own organisation (the Shetland Pony Stud Book Society), formed in 1890, to encourage a strong breeding line. The first mention in writing of the pony was in 1603, although it is thought their origins go back as far as 8000BC when Scandinavia was connected to the islands. The environment of the Shetland Islands shaped the personality and appearance of the pony – hardy and hardworking, compact, muscled and thick-furred (Shetlands have a double coat for winter). Shetlands are usually black, different variations of brown or grey but rarely ‘Appaloosa’.

Interestingly, miniature Shetlands are used as guide horses, in the same way that guide dogs aid vision-impaired people. Their intuitive nature and intelligence makes for an ideal helping animal.

Shetlands have a multitude of uses, from children’s pony to show pony and work pony. Their bright personality and intellect means they are adaptable – but whatever their job, it’s guaranteed that they’ll bring more to your life than you can give them.

A lot of kids love horses.  Unless you already have a horse, lessons and horseback riding can be a very expensive hobby.  Here are ways to get your children involved with horses without emptying your 401k.

1. Horseback Riding Lessons - Call around.  The difference in cost is big depending on the stables that you are planning to let your kids take horse back riding lessons.

2. Kids Horse Camp - Find a kids horse camp in the summer.  This is usually a day camp where your kids can learn to ride a horse and care for horses.  While more expensive than one week  of lessons, it is much more affordable than a full summer of lessons.

3. Trail Riding - If you have a bit of experience, you may have some local places to go trail riding in your area.

4. Look for horse shows in your area and take your kid to see it.

5. Ask about price breaks for horseback riding lessons.  Many of the places that offer lessons will let some people work off part or all of their lessons.  Taking care of horses is a lot of work.

6. Start a horse blog and encourage your horse lover to write about horses and build a website or blog about them.  This helps them with their interest in horses and will also improve their writing and research skills.

7. Let your kids start a neighborhood horse club.  They can get groups of kids together for parties, watching horse movies, playing horse games, read horse books and such.

8. You can also do all kinds of horse crafts and activities for younger kids, although if they are getting older that might not interest them so much anymore.

These are just some of the ways you can help your kids get involved with horses without actually going out and buying one.

The simplest way to form a relationship with your horse is by spending as much time as you can with it. These animals are really smart and they can show plenty of love and even make a bond. In the animal kingdom there are 2 significant animals that are truly faithful to men : horses and dogs. Many legends and stories that have been told across the ages obviously support this claim.

If you want to practice horse care you must make sure your animal is healthy both physically and mentally. as your horse is experimenting well being you are caring for your horse in the right way. Horses are beautiful animals that may leave anyone with their jaws on the floor thanks to their unique properties. Ages gone when horses were wild they groomed for themselves and were very healthy. Today the domesticated horse is extraordinarily conditional on the human for its looks and general well being.

It’s imperative that owner looks out for his horse by feeding, grooming, and exercising it with horse training techniques. All this may be done on a day basis. It all boils down to how much cherish and care the owner expresses for their horse when they take a horse ride. Horses are actually sensitive to expressions of love and love by their master.

You should have a well provided stable for your horse, here is where you will sponge, clean and comb it frequently. Horses seek for the interaction with their master extremely much like the dog does. Spending time with your horse is an absolute must if you like to form a bond with it. Horse boarding stables may be a good option if you don’t have the time.

When you leave a horse alone for too much time it may become actually aggressive and short tempered. You may want to talk to it slowly and lovingly if this is the case, they can reply to this impulse straight away. In brief horses need human love for their well being.

Ariat riding boots are made for individuals who are riding professionals. They make a wide variety of diverse boot styles so as to suit the needs of the various kinds of jobs out there where people ride for their livelihood or for recreation. You don’t need to be a professional to purchase Ariat footwear, however, you just need to desire to have the finest possible riding footwear.

Ariat riding boots are divided into a few distinctive categories. The key categories are English, Western, Work, Motor, and Casuals. Within some of these categories you can additionally narrow down your options in order to make it easier to locate the precise boot for you. For English riding boots, you can choose from paddock boots, tall boots, endurance boots, and kids boots. In the Western category, you can choose from professional boots, exotic leathers, crepe sole, tie up, traditional western, roper boots, fashion western, endurance, and kids boots. Inside the work footwear category there are options for 6 inch lace up, 8 inch lace up, homestead and ranch, work western, hiking, waterproof, non steel toe, and steel toe boots. There are Motor boots, while there aren’t a lot of choices presented in this group. Relaxed footwear includes Ariat clogs, sandals, mules, and boots.

The options for Ariat riding footwear really do consist of something for everyone if you decide that you are willing to pay for quality and comfort. If you frequently have to ride in terrible weather conditions, such as when it is wintry or wet, the climate control boots would be the ideal choice. The selections in this category give you alternatives for insulated and/or waterproof shoes that ought to work for any weather condition you may come across. They have shoes for men and women and children who are employed on farms and ranches, and they possess boots for those who are working cowboys and those that participate in riding contests.

Get Ariats, Ed Hardy shoes and other brands at various online stores…The bulk of the Ariat riding boots are produced with extra features and support to guarantee the most well-built and comfortable boots possible. They construct their boots out of exceptional materials as well, and use advanced technology so that you get the finest possible footwear.

If you appreciate watching people ride horses, you are probably the type of person who wants to try it for yourself.  If this is the case, you’ll be somewhat surprised to find out that is a pleasurable and fulfilling way to spend some time.  Horseback riding, will teach you to experience what beautiful animals horses are, as well as help you learn a skill which very few people have been able to accomplish.  Seeing differnt breeds of horses, as well as having the opportunity to ride them, is an opportunity that really can’t compare to many different ones put there.  When you are ready to begin your riding hobby, you need to start by taking a few simple steps.

Horse Rding - The First Step

As with most tasks, you must first find out about the basics before taking up horse riding lessons.  You need to do your home work as well as perform your due diligence to learn what will be required, prior to signing up for any type of horseback lesson program.  The first consideration is whether you truly are interested in horseback, or just like watching these beautiful creatures.  For example, horse riding is not an activity for the timid and there is some risk involved.

Riding Camp vs. Private Lessons

As a novice, your best two choices are to begin with group lessons at a horseback riding camp, or taking individual lessons.  Each option has its advantages as well as disadvantages.  Riding Camp is generally less expensive, but you will not get as much instruction as in a private lesson.  Private lessons almost always cost more, but you will be able to learn much more, especially with a qualified instructor.  You could even be better off attempting both riding camp as well as private lessons to find out what works best for you.

Research

You can use the web to do your homework, and just learn the different tricks to horse riding and of course always remember the different safety precautions that you will take when horseback riding.

Horse riding is a wonderful activity that everyone should attempt at least one time, and if you have kids this is something that you are will want to consider getting them into.

Whichever path you pick, please remember that you are taking up riding to enjoy yourself, not as a job.

To find out more about horse riding lessons as well as learn more about horse riding, please visit our horse riding site, where you will find information, tips, and products.

An expensive horse deserves to be in a healthy environment…always…even in transport.Health of your horse depends not on pounds of weight but overall resistance to disease.Even when the owner keeps an animal up to date on vaccinations and preventitive medicine, when in transportation, horses are subject to acauiring an infection or a disease. 

Cleaning a horse trailer after transportation to and from horse shows, rodeos, or training events can pose interesting problems for the horse owner.  Even when a horse is healthy, the interior of the trailer should be as clean and disinfected as possible to prevent diseases and pathogens from being transported from an arena stall back to the farm.Even when carefully cleaned and disinfected, urine and feces collect and build up in the closed environment of a trailer.You can make a difference.  Just as one would keep the truck clean and odorless, they keep the horse trailer free from odors, free from urine/fecal buildup, by choosing a safe, reliable product that deodorizes and disinfects simply and easily after every trailer use.  Nok-Out, (http://www.nokout.com)  is such a product.Nok-Out is a true deodorizer that is safe to use on any hard or porous surface. It is EPA Registered to destroy pathogens of importance, but it totally harmless to you and your pets. Nok-Ou is biodegradable.  Nok-Out is a safe, non-toxic product, EPA Registered to destroy odors, and disinfect on contact when it is sprayed on the source of the contamination.  Nok-Out is fragrance free, non-cationic (doesn’t react to other metals, plastics or hard surfaces).Nok-Out is a true deodorizer that is safe to use on any hard or porous surface. It is EPA Registered to destroy pathogens of importance, but it totally harmless to you and your pets. Nok-Ou is biodegradable.Application of Nok-Out is very easy.Spray and walk away? Nahyyy. Really? That easy!Scientific data, replicated and proven demonstrates that bacteria, mold, mildew and viruses are eliminated when applied as directed.  The result?  A clean trailer.Healthy horses.  Safer transportation…immediately.

Your horses have excellent health.  They are fully protected by regular vaccinations, and preventitive injections.  You feed them with the best products available.  At over 1000 pounds each, one might think that your horse can fend off bacteria, viruses mold and fungus infestation.   And generally, this is a truism of good animal health.  But, during transportation, a very important issue for maintaining the good health of your expensive animal is the cleanliness of the Horse Trailer.  During transport, a build up of urine and feces, along with poor air circulation in the trailer, provides a perfect source for bacteria and viruses to grow and expand.  Below are some thoughts regarding this issue.

Cleaning a horse trailer after transportation to and from horse shows, rodeos, or training events can pose interesting problems for the horse owner.  Even when a horse is healthy, the interior of the trailer should be as clean and disinfected as possible to prevent diseases and pathogens from being transported from an arena stall back to the farm.  When not carefully cleaned and treated/disinfected, odors and pathogens of significance collect and build up in the closed environment of a trailer, even on short trips.  Smart horse owners recognize that intense urine odor is uncomfortable for their animals, and, over time can affect the health and well being of their expensive horses. Just as one would keep their truck clean and odor-free, a person will also keep the horse trailer free of odors, free from urine/fecal buildup, by choosing a safe, reliable product that deodorizes and disinfects simply and easily after every trailer use.  Nok-Out, is such a product. It will do this job, and has no lethal side effects as do many chemical cleaners. Nok-Out is a safe, non-toxic product, EPA Registered to destroy odors, and disinfect on contact.  Nok-Out is fragrance free, non-cationic (doesn’t react to other metals, plastics or hard surfaces).  It poses no harm when sprayed around humans and animals.  Nok-Out is easy to apply.  Simply Spray and walk away.  Bacteria, mold, mildew, viruses are eliminated when applied as directed. The result is  good news for the horse and owner;  a clean trailer and healthy horses.  This is what you will have when you apply Nok-Out; immediate, safe transportation for animals.  Your horses will thank you too.  Find Nok-Out online at http://www.nokout.com. 

Often people buying a used horse trailer make a decision based on looks alone. This is probably the worst way to shop for a used horse trailer. When purchasing a used horse trailer you should try and see it from the horse’s point of view. You want to find the right horse trailer to ensure that your horse will not have a difficult time during transport.

Having the right horse trailer will help keep your horse healthy during travel. When a horse is not properly transported it will not be able to give its best performance at a show or other competition. The overall well being and happiness of your horse also needs to be a consideration. First you will need to think about how much room your horse will have to move around in the trailer. Most horses will be around 15 to 16.5 hands.

You want a trailer that gives your horse at least 10 feet of long foot space. The space also needs to be wide enough so that the horse can move around during travel. There are many different types of horse trailers for sale. They differ in terms of the way the horse is positioned in the trailer.

The stock trailer is the least expensive type of horst trailer available. Stock trailers are usually comfortable for horses that are not too large. If you have a large horse you should consider buying a straight horse trailer where horses go in straight. Small horses often do well in a slant horse trailer where the horse are at an angle. It is important that horses get enough ventilation during transport. You want a trailer with ventilation slats at the horses eye level.You also need enough lights in the trailer to prevent the horse from panicking. You will want to make a thorough inspection of the floor of the horse trailers and make sure it is not worn out. It is a good idea to check the ramp for wear as well. Examine the trailer to see if there are any sharp pieces which could injure the horse.

The Cheltenham National Festival is one of the most prestigious events in the UK and each year thousands of people flock to the tiny town to witness one of the most sort after horse racing events the world has ever seen.

So, what are the best reasons to head over to the Cheltenham Festival this year? One great reason is Cheltenham Festival Hospitality which does come at a price. However, it is completely worth every penny. The hospitality at Cheltenham Festival is absolutely brilliant and you are pampered like a true VIP from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave. You will be served exquisite wine and food and have your every need catered for.

The roar of the crowd as the tapes rise for the first race of the Cheltenham Festival each year tells you everything you need to know – 12 months of waiting for this festival are over and people are more than eager to see their bets win them back some money. Total prize money for the racers in Cheltenham Festival for this year is an astonishing £3.67M.

Another fantastic reason to come over to the Cheltenham Festival is the scenery. The Needham & Needham structure at the Cheltenham Festival is located in the small town between Keith Prowse facility and the glass fronted boxes. It truly is a unique place to visit and immerse yourself in the astounding atmosphere. There really is nothing as better as this tremendous festival.

If you can you should try and get a private box for yourself. This is another great reason to go to the Cheltenham Festival. Each box at the Cheltenham Festival has amazing sliding glass doors which open onto a communal balcony overlooking the magnificent course. This is a great way to entertain executive guests or simply just to have a good day out.