Posts Tagged ‘Horse Tack’

I have lots of leather horse tack equipment I ended up with. It had been sitting in an old barn for a long time. I know nothing about horses and horse tack. Its full of caked on dust and who knows what. I would like to clean it up and sell it. I am hoping for a method that involves putting it all in a 55gallon barrel of soap and then taking it out and maybe putting some kind of oil on it. Whatever is the fastest easiest way to get it sellable. Thank you!

You have decided you want a horse. Great! Given the current state of the horse market there are many horses who need homes. The price of buying a horse has never been cheaper. But – what must be considered before you buy that pretty purple halter and look for a pony face to put it on?

1. The purchase price of a horse is the cheapest part. We won’t even worry about how much to pay for a horse. Expenses simply begin to add up as soon as you take ownership.

2. Where are you going to keep your horse? To pasture a horse and rely on grass as the main source of feed, you’ll need between five and fifty acres depending on where you live. More horses, more acres.

3. Let’s assume you have sufficient pastureland. To maintain good pasture you have to mow, weed kill and fertilize as required or you’ll end up with a dry lot full of manure and weeds.

4. Whether you keep your horse in a pasture or dirt corral, you will need to provide a suitable shelter from rain, cold, snow or sun. Have you included a horse house in your budget? If your horse’s shelter isn’t sturdy and safe, I promise you will be calling the vet to stitch or patch injuries caused by screws, nails, wire, loose boards or sharp metal edges.

5. Horses eat a lot. Have you ever heard the saying, “He eats like a horse?” Hay, pelleted feed and oats are very expensive. You could easily spend $5 – $10 per day on feed alone. Providing clean, high quality feed is important. If you skimp in consistent quantity or quality, you’ll need to get out the phone and call the vet again when your horse colics.

6. Do you have basic tack and equipment? Saddle, bridle, halters, leads, buckets, boots (for both you and the horse), curry and brushes, hoof pick, longe line, longe whip, clippers? The list is endless; just take a walk through one of the horse tack and equipment catalogs.

7. Do you need lessons? Horses are wonderful animals; they will give you the most honest feedback possible on earth. One of you is always certain to learn leadership skills. If you’re not sure how to be a good leader, be sure to budget for lessons with a reputable trainer.

8. Make sure you know what you want to do with your new horse. Do you want to spend weekends riding in the country, win a world championship at a breed show, work cattle, rope, barrel race or jump? All horses can do most things, though not equally well. The higher your goals, the more specific you need to be when selecting your equine partner. Be certain the horse you select already knows how to do what you have in mind. Unless you are an experienced trainer, test ride the horse in the event of your choice before you buy; do not buy a ‘prospect.’

9. How much time have you budgeted for your horse? I always tell prospective owners, “You can have a horse or you can have a life. You can’t have both.” This isn’t just a piece of property you’re thinking about. Horses are herd animals in need of leadership, companionship and relationship. If you just want a pasture ornament, great. But, buy at least two. Don’t keep a horse alone unless you are prepared to spend hours with it every day.

10. Have we talked yet about veterinarians and farriers? The amount of routine and preventative care needed to properly maintain your horse is significant. In most areas of the country your horse will need to be shod every six weeks. If you live where there are no rocks you can get by with just a trim. Still, you may expect to pay between $35 and $125 every six weeks just for manicures. Horses need annual vaccinations, worming from four to eight times each year, dental check-ups for sharp teeth annually and yearly Coggins tests (by law.) Expect to budget another $500 to $1000 yearly for basic healthcare. Depending on your area this amount could be significantly more. Unforeseen problems? Get out the checkbook.

Okay, add up the numbers. Consider the time commitment. I know it seems almost too much. But, not if you have the time and place in your heart for one of the most rewarding relationships ever offered a human being. If you’re still reading, you’re still interested.

Nothing compares to the connection possible between human and horse. There are few experiences as magical as those moments when the two of you fly across the landscape as one, or simply spend a warm summer evening, lazing together under a shady tree sharing each other’s thoughts.

Lynn Baber is a Christian writer, business woman and retired equine professional. She shares the lessons learned in thirty-five years at the business table and round pen with her clients and readers. Highly credentialed in issues of leadership, customer relations and most things equine, Lynn has a unique perspective not found elsewhere. Whether the topic is customer service or training stallions, Lynn brings years of experience to presentations and articles. Her latest book based on our amazing relationships with horses is previewed at http://AmazingGrays.us

For more insights, visit Lynn’s blog at http://LynnBaber.net

Author: Lynn Baber
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Electric Pressure Cooker

What kind of things make horse tack leather more supple and less cracked? Is there any specific oils that would help? I just bought a saddle and the leather is really stiff. Is there anything I can do about it?

I’m having a eBay Store designed for horse tack and need a dependable dropshipper. Please help!

I’m picking out my first horse in two weeks. I’ve ridden before with other friends horse but all we do is ride around the pasture. And my mom said if i have my own horse i could do dressage and hunter/jumping.

Horse tack is the term used to describe all the items used to make a horse ready to be ridden. For most of us (who use the English style of riding), the tack consists of a saddle blanket, a saddle, a bridle and a girth. If you are just starting out, learning how to tack a horse is one of the most important lessons that you can learn (behind how to ride a horse).

Before you tack your horse up, you need to take a few precautions. The most important one is to tie your horse up. When you tie a horse up always use a quick release not or quick release snaps. We always say at the stables that it is better to have to catch a healthy horse than to take a trapped horse to the vet. Another basic safety point is to always wear a helmet and body protector when around your horse.

Now that you have the horse tied up then it’s time to start tacking your horse. Talk to your horse and brush it down. Doing this not only calms your horse but lets you check your horse over for any lumps or bumps that it might have picked up.

Once your horse is checked over, tied and you are already to begin. Take the reins and the top of the bridle in the same hand and put them over your right shoulder. Make sure that nothing is dangling on the ground that your horse can trod on.

Put the saddle together. If you haven’t done this already it is always best to get someone experienced to help (and of course read our guide to how to saddle a horse).

Once you have your saddle ready then it’s time to put your saddle pad onto your horse.

Now depending on the type of riding you are planning on doing the the saddle pad varies. For show hunting then the saddle pad is shaped like the saddle and just shows under the saddle. The white is outlined. For schooling you can use pretty much whatever pad you like. Square pads are very popular. Finally for dressage the saddle pad is square, the front of the pad fits the shape of the horses shoulders.

Once you have put the saddle on the horse in the correct manner, put the reins over the horses nech, remove the halter and slip it over the horses neck.

Put the bit back in the horses mouth after you have unbuckled the nose band of the bridal first.

Guide the bit into the horses mouth, making sure that you take care not to hit the horses teeth (or loose a couple of digits). If the horse resists opening their mouth then a cheeky trick is to slide a finger into the area on the gums that the bit rests on. If it is cold, remember to warm the bit before.

Slide the crown piece over the horses ears.

Nearly finished…

Attach the throat latch loosely as if it’s too tight then it can cut off the horses air supply. Like most things when tacking the horse, if you can’t slide few fingers between it then it is far too tight.

Attach the nose band in a snug fashion, again make sure you slide one finger between the band and the horses nose.

Now it’s time to get the right length for the stirrups. We always say before you jump on then make sure the stirrup loops come up to your armpit.

Buckle your helmet and it’s finally time to mount the horse.

If you are looking for great horses for sale, want to find out more about your favorite breed of horse or simply just want to look at pictures of horses (my favorite are the miniature horses) then Horse Searchers is the right website for you.

Updated daily with the latest horses of all breeds, shapes and sizes; it’s not hard to see why Horse Searchers is one of the fastest growing horse classifieds websites on the net.

Author: Paul William Faulkner
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Awe Inspiring Pictures

Horses are deeply sensitive animals, therefore it is imperative that they have undivided care and attention. It’s not enough to only provide the bare necessities like food, shelter and whatever healthcare your horse insurance policy will cover. Just like humans, they appreciate those little extras to make them feel content.

Horses are herd animals and will enjoy the company of other equines. You should be also seen as part of their herd, ideally as the herd leader. Your horse may give you signs – such as chewing or licking – that he sumbits to your leadership. Only quality time spent with your horse can ensure that the trust and emotional bond between you can develop. When you have created this important bond it will have an overall positive effect on the horse.

Always keep your horse’s stable or stall clean – horses are natuarlly clean animals – with warm deep bedding provided. A deep bed will ease the strain on their legs and joints, and of course, if they wish to lie down, they can in comfort, ensuring that they feel safe and secure.

Mealtimes are important to a horse. You must ensure that you feed them little and often, as they will also graze outside all day. All appropriate foods can be incorporated into your horse’s diet to provide a healthy balance. Grass, hay, and fibre in general is important for your horse’s digestive system. Grain is also superb, but not too much as it can upset the stomach. Ensure a supply of fresh water is available. Wate will help prevent the horse storing hard solid food in it’s gut by allowing fermentation to take place. Regularity of feeding times is important for horses, as they do best when in a routine. Always feed your horse at the same time each day.

Grooming your horse daily will show the horse that they are loved – they will enjoy extra attention from you which grooming brings. Your horse will love you to give him a nice rub, a good brushing and a scratch here and there. You should both enjoy this special part of the day. Grooming your horse will not only keep his coat glossy and smooth, but can also help to keep pests and parasites at bay. Not forgetting the feet – you’ll need to pick your horse’s hooves every daily. They must feel comfortable on their hooves or they will become grumpy, not to mention that failing to take care of your horse’s feet will put him at risk of injury or infection which could cost you a claim on your equine insurance.

The happiness of your horse relies a great deal on the quality and quantity of exercise he is given. Daily exercise is essential for your horse. Exercise should be varied and should include some jumping and cross-country work, for example. Play time is important for horses too. Turn your horse out so he can run free for a while in the paddock. Your horse can then play, either alone or with other equines, and have some quiet time too. You need to ensure that your horse is given sufficient time to relax too – they can demonstrate erratic behaviour if simply put to task all the time.

There are many more tips and advice which can be imparted to ensure the physical and psychological well-being of your horse; here we have covered just five of the most important. For more information and to become part of a horse-lovers’ community on the world-wide web, please visit AFI Horse Insurance where you can read and contribute to our brand-new equine blog.

Horses are incredibly sensitive and it is important that they get the care and attention they deserve. It’s not enough to only provide the bare necessities like food, shelter and whatever healthcare your horse insurance policy will cover. Like humans, it is those little extras that they need to be truly at peace with their place in the world.

It’s best to keep your horse among other ponies or horses, as they are herd animals in nature and will need to have company. Your horse should see you, as his owner, as part of the herd, and preferably as herd leader. By chewing or licking the horse will show his affection as well as his submission to your leadership. To ensure the development of trust and an emotional bond between you, it is vital to spend quality time with your horse. When you have created this important bond it will have an overall positive effect on the horse.

Always keep your horse’s stable or stall clean – horses are natuarlly clean animals – with warm deep bedding provided. Providing deep bedding will help to protect your horse’s joints and legs as well as giving them a comfy and secure place to lie down.

Feeding is particularly important to horses. Be sure to feed little and often, as they will also be grazing throughout the day outside. It’s best to incorporate all appropriate foods, to keep a healthy balance. Horses need lots of fibre, so make sure that there is fresh hay or grass. Another great source of fibre is grain, although too much of this could cause stomach upsets. Make sure your horse has access to fresh water. Water allows the food to ferment so it doesn’t become solid and hard in the horse’s rear gut. Horses do better when in a routine, so the timing between feeds is important. Always feed them at the same time every day.

You should groom your horse every day – not only to keep him in excellent condition but also because he will enjoy the attention you give him and will feel loved and secure. Make sure you do lots of rubbing, scratching and brushing. This is a quality part of the day which you should both enjoy. It will also maintain their essential coat, keeping it free from any pests and making it glossy and smooth. Do not forget about your horse’s feet; hooves should be picked daily. They must feel comfortable on their hooves or they will become grumpy, not to mention that failing to take care of your horse’s feet will put him at risk of injury or infection which could cost you a claim on your equine insurance.

Exercise is vital for a horse’s happiness. Horses need plenty of daily exercise. This should also be varied, include jumps and cross country as well as your standard routines. Your horse needs play time as well. Turn them out so they can be free in their paddock. Your horse can then play, either alone or with other equines, and have some quiet time too. You need to ensure that your horse is given sufficient time to relax too – they can demonstrate erratic behaviour if simply put to task all the time.

The above tips are just a few pieces of advice which can help you look after the physical and pscychological needs of your horse. For more information and to become part of a horse-lovers’ community on the world-wide web, please visit AFI Horse Insurance where you can read and contribute to our brand-new equine blog.