A few years ago, Tucker started developing fetlock and hock sores from laying down on harder surfaces. They only became a real issue when he moved to a dirt lot without any softer areas to lay down. Instead of using the classic upside down bell boot, I wanted to see if there was something out there that was more comfortable and lightweight since he would be wearing it 24/7 for the foreseeable future. And let's be real - Tucker would hate wearing a bell boot all the time!
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What’s in My Grooming Tote?
As every horse girl has, I've tried an endless amount of products on my horses over the years. In the last few years, I've had the honor of speaking with the owners of many smaller companies about products they have developed, as well as developers of products used by larger companies. I like to think I can have a scientific approach to things thanks to my BS degree from college, but since then I've been shaped by a career in business so I have a soft spot for small businesses. Everything in this post is from my direct experience, and daily use of these products!
SaddleRight: Custom Orthopedic Saddle Pads & My Horses
Saddle pads have always been a big question mark for me. There are so many options, all of them claiming they do kind of the same things. How do you know which one will actually be the best choice for your horse? [Update at the end of the post!]
Omega Field’s HorseShine Supplement to Provide Omega 3’s
The well-being of my horses is the most important responsibility of my life. Well, perhaps it is among the most important, but sometimes the stress of figuring out what to feed them can make it seem that way! I am so thankful that I've again solved their need for forage (updated blog on forage here), and so grateful that I have been confident in their nutrition while figuring that out thanks to Horseshine. (2022 update + coupon at the bottom!)
Trying Hay Nets as Slow Feeders
At my previous location, I had the horses set up with their own slow-feeders and it was a perfect system! I loved the feeders for the ease of filling, and how they kept hay off the ground. At our current location, however, the noise they made by kicking the feeders as they ate caused a problem. So, we switched to a hay net!
No Thrush and Dust On! Review
I was sent some No Thrush and Dust On! to try last year, but not paid for this review! I quickly learned that the products are absolute essentials to keep around. My favorite parts about these products are that they do not cause any damage or irritation to healthy tissue. The powder is also a cleaner substance to use than oily creams or gels, since the powder can be brushed off clothes or fur without fuss. And, they work very well.
What I’ve Learned About Treat Rewards for Horses
Using treats when training horses is often frowned upon. People especially associate clicker training type methods that use treats as rewards with greedy, pushy horses that people might label as aggressive. If the aggression is the symptom, what is the cause?
Benefits of Slow-Feeders for Horses
Horses are grazing creatures - in their natural environment, they would be eating small amounts of feed almost constantly. Their feed would consist of grasses and other plants that they would seek out, then bite and pull from the ground. So what happens when we feed our horses large amounts of hay twice a day?
Beach Days with the Horses
About a week ago, the horses and I had an incredible experience. We met up with some photographers/cinematographers at the beach and ended up getting so many beautiful shots! We've never been around so many people taking our picture all at once. The horses LOVED all the attention. I was usually doing things with one horse while the other stood with the girl who helps me take care of them. She didn't even have to hold on; the horse that was off-camera was always happy to stand for other photographers to take their pictures! So they were both constantly in front of someone's lens 🙂
Cavallo Horse Boots: The best horse hoof boot
I've never had a particular desire to "shoe" my horse. Tucker was barefoot when I met him and I had every intention of keeping him that way! I tried some horse hoof boots once, and loved them for the one ride before they broke. The only negative things were that they were super difficult to put on...and that they broke after a couple uses. Fast forward several years, and I am presented with a semi-crippled Trubee!