When It Clicks

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!

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!

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?

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, and so grateful that I have been confident in their nutrition while figuring that out thanks to Horseshine.

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!

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.

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? 

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!