The most important features of stall bedding are absorbency, comfort, non-toxicity, availability and affordability. Here are a few to consider:
Straw
Pro: Offers cushioningCons: Can be dusty or moldy; can be palatable, especially oat straw; not absorbent of moisture or odors
Pelleted...
I’d been a horse owner for four years before I actually learned a system for cleaning a stall. As a horse-crazy 15-year-old, of course, I thought I knew everything from the day my first horse came home with me....
It’s a beautiful day and you’re ready to take your horse for a ride. As you enter the paddock with halter in hand, you see a steady stream of blood dripping down his lower leg. Where did that come...
There’s nothing more frustrating than standing in the paddock, halter in hand as you watch your horse run away from you. What’s meant to be a relaxing time with your horse turns into minutes or hours trying to catch...
I’ve lived the backyarder’s dream. For much of my life, the space behind my house contained a barn rather than a swimming pool.It wasn’t the typical Southern California lifestyle, but I reveled in it. Each morning when I...
Have you contemplated transitioning from backyarder to boarder? Are you moving your horse to a new barn? If so, here are five suggestions:
1. Don’t be a Complainer
If you carefully inspected the boarding barn—which in my book includes snooping beyond...
Horse flies. Stable flies. House flies. Deer flies. Toss mosquitoes, gnats and ticks into the mix, and you have the bane of every horse’s (and horse owner’s) existence as you work to protect your horse from flies. As much...
Trail riders living on expansive acreage, close to public lands, or next to accommodating neighbors are the fortunate few. Most of us have to haul out when we want to enjoy a ride in the great outdoors.It’s hard...
Here are 10 tips about how to safely load your horse into a trailer:Be safe: Wear gloves, boots,
and helmet.
Protect your horse’s legs during training with standing wraps or shipping boots. Use a head bumper if your...
Q: Could you review the components of a typical pre-purchase exam? Which parts do you see as vital for any buyer? Which parts might you consider optional?A: A pre-purchase examination (PPE) in a horse is a "snapshot” of the...
