Muzzle Tips for Horses

Posted on March 15, 2018 by blogeditor

Muzzle tips are here to help your overgrazing horse. Horses love to graze freely. Horses are happier when they are not cooped up in a stables all day. However, some horses when left unsupervised will over feed.

If your horse is at risk for laminitis, Cushing’s disease, or is insulin resistant, then binging on grass while grazing can make matters much worse. Consider using a muzzle to manage how much your horse is eating. Here are a few muzzle tips to remember when using caring for your horse.

Muzzle Tips for Horses

The Right Muzzle
There are different types of muzzles in the materials they are made of and how they are made. Some models have a breakaway headstall, while others might attach to the halter. You should experiment and find out which one works best with your horse.
Muzzle Placement
Muzzle’s don’t always fit perfectly, and your job as an owner is to make sure you get one that does. With any new muzzles, keep an eye on it during the first few days and make strap adjustments when necessary.
Drinking
Your horse should still be able to drink water with its muzzle on, so make sure that your horse is getting enough water when it comes to a new muzzle.
Exposure
Though muzzles help with over feeding, make sure that your horse gets some free time away from the muzzle as well. Consider a schedule in which the muzzle is removed at certain times of their grazing periods.
Keep Watch
Just because your horse has a muzzle on doesn’t mean that your animal doesn’t need to be watched. If a horse it at risk for a disease that grass binging will affect negatively, then keep a watch and make sure the muzzle do not come off while grazing.

Grooming Your Horse

Posted on March 14, 2018 by blogeditor

Grooming your horse is very important when it comes to their well being.

Grooming your horse regularly can be very time consuming. Depending on the type of equestrian property that you own, and the state of the weather of course, your horse can wander back to the stables after feeding very dirty. Colorado Horse Property advises horse owners to spot clean your animal with a towel so that when it comes time to give your horse its regular cleaning you can finish quicker. As a horse owner, we know what your time is important, but your horse shouldn’t have to suffer when it comes to hygiene. Cleaning with a towel when spots or stains occur, it quick and easy. The moist heat and rubbing action of the towel will help lift the stain out. The quick evaporation of the water will keep the horse from becoming soaked or chilled. Here’s how to do it.

Gather Materials—You should use a clean bucket, an electric teakettle for heating water, and rubber gloves. Make sure you have a lot of towels on hand as well.
Hot Water—You will need to pour boiling water from the kettle with water in your bucket. You will know that it’s hot enough when you can just stand to put your gloved hand into it.
Soak Towel—Now you have to get your towel wet for cleaning your horse. Dunk the entire clean towel into the hot water. You don’t want your towel dripping water all over your animal, so wring the towel thoroughly to remove as much of the excess water that you can.
Rub It—Quickly rub the stain or spot on your horse and don’t stop until the towel stops steaming.
Repeat—Repeat steps 2-4 until the stain has been thoroughly wash out.

5 Trail Riding Rules

Posted on March 2, 2018 by blogeditor

Horseback riding is a fun activity that the entire family can enjoy. There are many places that you can go riding in Colorado, but don’t forget that you are still on someone’s land and should treat it properly. Here are some trail riding rules you can go by to make sure that you are doing everything you can to respect the trails that you are using.

Trail Riding Rules

Stay On The Path—As Thoreau described, you may be beating to the sound of your own drum, but in order to insure that your horse will not be tearing up any fresh grass or trampling plants/flowers you should steer your horse on the path only. Eroding the land is one of the biggest ways you will wear out your welcome with the land owner.
Spacial Awareness—Getting to know the land you will be riding on beforehand is always a great idea. Knowing the trail you will be taking will help you stay on track. If you plan on traversing private land, you should always contact the owner before proceeding. Many owners do not mind horseback traffic on their land, but they may specify areas they don’t want you to go.
Litterbugs Beware—The point of going horseback riding, other than connecting with the animal, is enjoying the outdoors. If there is litter on the trail, you will not be able to fully immerse yourself in your surroundings. If you are riding with a group, make sure they pick up any waste they produce.
Taking A Break—It is important to take breaks during long rides, for you and your horse. Make sure you pick a spot that is well-traveled for your rest stop. You don’t want to trample any vegetation and upset land owners. If your horse produces any manure during the ride, be sure to scatter it to reduce the mess.
Group Mentality—If you are riding with a group, whether it is with people you know or friends, make sure that you stay together. If you are a great rider and can ride like the wind, but the rest of the group is inexperienced then slow down and stick with them. It is easier to help those in need if an accident occurs when everyone is together.