Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 01:08PM MAINTENANCE AND GOOD HEALTH: DO NOT feed cattle feed to horses –Rumensin a chemical that contains monensin, found in cattle feeds helps aid in the digestion for bovine. Rumensin is fine for cattle; it's TOXIC and FATAL TO HORSES. It damages their heart muscles, and horses that eat feed containing Rumensin will die from heart failure - or will be permanently and badly damaged.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 01:06PM GROOMING TIPS: A power washer is a great tool for the barn. It will not only clean the stalls and barn, but also works great to clean blankets and pads. Place your riding pad against a solid object and power spray from top to bottom, leave to dry in the sun. This works great for all type and makes of pads, with the exception of full wool fleece. Full wool fleece should be brushed and fluffed.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 01:06PM LEATHER CLEANING: Proper cleaning is perhaps the most neglected horseman duty. Extend the life of your saddle with a little care and time. Bring an old saddle back to life!! Set a side 30 minutes once a year depending on frequency of use. Look for cracks in the bridle leather around the bit attachments and on the rein, these areas will be most affected by the saliva.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 01:05PM HOOF CARE: Horses require a farrier year round not just in the summer when you are riding – the hoof grows year round. Do not trim your horse’s feet with a cattle hoof trimmer – their feet are different and grow differently than cattle. Make sure the hoof is evenly balanced on all four feet. Have a professional farrier trim your horse’s feet. – No hoof, No horse. Take one of the weekend farrier courses, often advertised in the Horse Country. These weekends course are a great idea, it will give you an idea on how complex the hoof is, and how much you will appreciate your farrier...
Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 01:04PM BASIC FIRST AID KIT: Betadine scrub – for cleaning wounds